So...let's review...

Well, the year is coming to an end and so are the first four months of my blog!
Thank you for those who looked at my reviews on my blog and on yelp.com and followed me on twitter.
We've been all over New England and even took a trip over to San Francisco!

I hope the hotel reviews from New Hampshire and Maine will help you in the future, I know that as soon as it gets closer to the date of the Big Lake Half Marathon along Lake Winnie I'll be making my reservation at Sandy Point Beach Resort.  And as for Maine and Bar Harbor, don't forget to take a drive over to the Jordan Pond House or some popovers.

As the new year rolls in don't forget that there are a number of budget friendly activities you can par take in.  For one, a lot of libraries a low their members to get tickets to museums for a very low price: 5-$8 for the Science Museum and Aquarium admissions!  You should also check out the Improper Bostonian and Lola for upcoming events and activities around town, you never know what might catch your eye.
I wish you all a very happy new year!

Until the next review!

PF Yuck Chang's. Dedham, MA

My first negative review...I guess it was only time until that happened.

I had been to a PF Chang's a few years back in Boston and thought it had been pretty damn good.  Then one opened in the new Legacy Place in Dedham.  The first time I went the was after a god-bye party with a couple of people from work and my boss.  We got there at 8:45 and by 9:45 not even the girl who had ordered soup had eaten.  We had seen our waiter maybe two times.

My boss being the man he is decided to complain to the manager who questioned us and asked if we had "really" been waiting that long.  A few minutes later our food miraculously appeared and everyone's meals were sub par.   The one good thing?  We didn't have to wait for our entrees which we waited an hour for.

A few weeks later we went back and this time the service was better but I was the last one to get my food, this time I was the one who had ordered soup.  There seems to be something off about that order.  Once again, the one god thing? We got some free crab rangoon's which were phenomenal!

So...let's review...
1. Seems to me like the servers keep messing up and then always have to give handout which for someone on unemployment is fantastic.
2. Don't feel bad about complaining, seems like management is not happy about it because a lot of people must do it.
3. Moral of the story: if you are in a rush and are looking for a great meal, don't head to PF Chang's in Dedham.

Until the next review, and enjoy the snow!

Are YOU a Maxxinista? Newton Lower Falls, MA

For those of us on a budget this Christmas, TJMaxx is a great destination for Christmas gifts, especially if you've stepped foot in the new Newton Lower Falls store.  It's right off of Needham Street and across from the Marshalls and Fresh City.  I knew it was set to open sometime in November but hadn't had a chance to get over there yet.  This past Monday, after sitting at the Panera in Watertown of course, I hopped in my car and headed towards the beacon.

I walked in and fashion was all around me.  Now, this isn't my first time at a TJMaxx and I definitelly know by now which store to go to if I'm looking for certain items...Homegoods: head to Bedford, Shoes: go to Marshalls in Lexington, if you are in a mood for scavenger hunting and messy racks: head over to the Dedham store.

This new store did not feel claustrophobic, it was clean, well organized and had all of the key elements.  Granted the shoe section could have been bigger but now I know that if one day I find a fancy job or win the lotto, this will be the store I head to for my designer goods. 

So...let's review...
1. They're not showing all those "fashionista-maxxinista" ads on tv for nothing, I love this store!
2. If you have $300 burning a hole in your pocket, perhaps you should consider spending it at the Newton Lower Falls TJMaxx.
3. Never doubt a good cup of coffee at Panera.

Until the next review!

Losing Sleep Over Fashion. Liberty Hotel, Boston, MA.

I had heard about the Fashionably Late Thursdays at the Liberty Hotel but also knew I have class on those days.  As I was sitting in Panera this morning, my home away from home, I saw that there was a special style section in the New York Times about Tom Ford.  As I was reading about his new endeavors I decided I couldn't miss my chance at seeing a Betsey Johnson fashion show tonight.

I skipped out of class a little early and began circling Charles Street looking for parking, I lucked out and found a spot a block up from the hotel.

I walked in and the hotel was more or less packed, as expected, but thankfully there was no line out the door quite yet. The inside was decorated for the holidays with upside down Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling.  I grabbed a drink and found a seat in a great comfy white leather chair.  There was another event going on on the top floors but the models were to walk above us and then up the escalator.

The show began a little after 10pm to a Michael Jackson tune.  The dresses were fantastic, pink with glitter!  What girl wouldn't love a cocktail dress like that?

I watched the models do their thing while everyone else snapped pictures, probably for the local magazines, and then slipped out.

This was a great experience to see the latest dresses from a well known and hip designer.  I can't wait for the next fashion show but more importantly for cocktails at Clink tomorrow!

So...let's review...
1. Yes, I might be in love with the Liberty Hotel and their events, but who doesn't like complimentary fashion shows and cocktails during this down market?
2. Keep a look out for other recession proof events through yelp.com, or lola magazine and other free magazines around town.
3. Looking for other great events at the Liberty Hotel? Go to their hotel affairs page.

Until the next review!

(And, you can follow me on twitter for more up to date event details.)