DailyCandy Boston

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

What the Gizzard?

2009-11-06T08:30:00Z

Thanksgiving Cooking Class with Terence Janericco

Your contribution to last year’s Thanksgiving dinner was a box of Stove Top that looked (and tasted) like raw cement.

Not this year, little pilgrim. Raise the stakes (and get it right) with a private Thanksgiving cooking class from Terence Janericco.

The chef/caterer/teacher has the patience of a preschool teacher and can do everything from crispy lattice atop a blueberry pie to wheat-free stuffing to turkey the way Grammy used to make it. Janericco does all the shopping and planning. You just invite a few friends (if you feel like sharing the knowledge).

Feeling ambitious? He’ll help you master an entire menu — giblets to gingerbread.

Just think outside of the box.

Terence Janericco Cooking Classes, 42 Fayette Street, Downtown (617-426-7458 or terencejanericcocookingclasses.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Jupiter Images

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Feed your mind and the rest will follow.

EAT
Eat Your Heart Out 2009
What: Area chefs and homegrown musicians unveil a potent one-two punch of food and tunes benefiting Boston nonprofits.
Why: Listen to your gut.
When: Sun., 6-11 p.m.
Where: Church, 69 Kilmarnock St., Fenway. Info at 857-350-3434.

Locke-Ober Lunch Menu Returns
What: The granddaddy of three-martini repasts returns with old-timey entrees (Cobb salad, filet mignon and baked stuffed shrimp) available prix fixe and a la carte.
Why: You’re a working lady (who lunches).
When: Thurs. & Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: 3 Winter Pl., Downtown (617-542-1340).

PRIMP (and GIVE)
James Joseph Salon Cut-a-Thon
What: Groom flyaways with a $50 cut and style (normally $65 and up). One hundred percent of proceeds benefits local kitty rescue organization Animal Umbrella.
Why: You’re one cool cat.
When: Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 30 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-266-7222). Mention Animal Umbrella when making appointment. Cash only.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothes and accessories from editors’ favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

GO
Provincetown Restaurant Week Gallery Stroll
What: Showrooms dole out pre-dinner culture and wine to inaugurate the foodie event.
Why: Art before liquor.
When: Sat., 5-8 p.m.
Where: Commercial St., Provincetown. Info at 508-487-3298.

DRINK
Beer Summit Harvest Fest
What: Sample autumnal and off-the-beaten-path suds from more than 45 small and regional brewers.
Why: You’re smarter than the average beer.
When: Sat., 12:30-4 p.m. & 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Park Plaza Castle, 130 Columbus Ave., Back Bay. Info at 888-945-2337.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Animal House

2009-11-04T08:30:00Z

Tamar Mogendorff Home Accessories

You’ve been known to sleep with a plush buddy every once in a while. Of course, Sir Snugglepuss gets tossed under the bed when you have a real flesh-and-blood caller to cuddle with.

For grown-up stuffed animals you’ll be proud to show off, check out Tamar Mogendorff’s luxe yet crafty creations.

She hand-stitches every critter in her menagerie from new and vintage fabrics. Special touches like antique buttons and perfectly placed embroidery (note the shimmering sequins on her latest collection) make each puppy one of a kind.

But she creates way more than dogs. Her elaborate designs include a peacock with stringy lashes and a full fan of organza feathers, a cage of pretty birds, and a dopey deer with a heart-shaped nose.

Let your love shine.

Available at Flock, 274 Shawmut Avenue, South End (617-391-0222 or flockboston.com). To see styles, go to tmogy.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Tamar Mogendorff

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Down at Our Rendezvous

2009-11-03T08:30:00Z

The Regal Beagle Opens

No matter how you try, you can’t pull off pigtails and knee socks to impress Jack like Chrissy could. (Sadly, you’re more of a Janet.)

Perk up at The Regal Beagle, opening today in Coolidge Corner.

The little resto has a bistro vibe — burgundy velvet wallpaper, antique bronze lights, wooden bench seating. There’s a cozy lounge in the back and a bar serving nearly twenty beers and cocktails like The Dizzy Blonde and The Ladies Man (Larry!).

Opened by the fellas behind Church, The Beagle’s menu brims with comfort food by chef Laura Henry-Zoubir. Dig into steak with pan-seared potato cakes, grilled asparagus, and salsa verde or the Regal burger with bread-and-butter pickles, Vermont cheddar, and fries. If you’re just looking for a snack, the bar menu includes crab rangoon empanadas and lobster roll sliders.

Swing by anytime.

No need to knock on the door.

The Regal Beagle, 308 Harvard Street, Coolidge Corner (617-739-5151).

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

On the Good Ship

2009-11-02T08:30:00Z

Lollipop Tree Gourmet Bread Mixes

Last time, you spent three hours watching a Say Yes to the Dress marathon and eating a roll of raw cookie dough. By yourself.

Best get Lollipop Tree bread mixes baked instead.

Making the certified organic, artisanal buns barely requires brain cells: Just add melted butter, water, and eggs. Flavors include cranberry with crystallized ginger, cinnamon raisin swirl, and pumpkin, as well as savory selections like Asiago tomato and rosemary garlic.

Want the really good stuff? Try the Monkey Bread, a roll-up loaf laced with sugary goodness like banana chocolate chips or wild blueberries that’s meant to be pulled apart for casual snacking.

All in all, the perfect munchie.

Available at Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, 46 Charles Street (617-227-4646 or blackstonesbeaconhill.com); online at lollipoptree.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lollipop Tree

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Finger Food

2009-10-30T07:30:00Z

Shy Brothers Farm Hannahbell Cheese

It’s always good to have a little cheese in your diet (Zac Efron, sequined leggings, Dancing with the Stars).

For seriously irresistible fromage, try Hannahbell cheese from Westport-based Shy Brothers Farm. Each gooey bit is about the size of a thimble and weighs in at the perfect-for-snacking size of a quarter of an ounce. It takes about five days to make and delivers oozing, triple-cream richness.

Totally pasteurized (eat up, pregnant ladies), the dairy goodness is free of antibiotics and hormones. Available flavors include classic French (our fave) and herb-infused selections with shallot, rosemary, and lavender bud.

Incidentally, the four brothers named the sweet little morsels after their mama, Hannah.

Cheesy. And kinda cute.

Available online at shybrothersfarm.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Shy Brothers Farm

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T07:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Gourd times are ahead.

SHOP
Vince Opens
What: Our favorite source for cashmere-chic wardrobe staples unveils its first retail outlet in the Baystate.
Why: Fulfilling you softly.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 100 Huntington Ave., Copley Place (617-236-5535).

Gretta Luxe Sale
What: Afternoon shopping bash with skin consultations, snacks, and 20 percent off everything in the store.
Why: Love the sale you’re in.
When: Today, 4-8 p.m.
Where: 10 Huntington Ave., Copley Place (617-536-1959).

INDULGE
Pumpkin Month at The Spa at the Mount Auburn Club
What: Veggie-specific treatments — pumpkin pedi, body glow, and enzyme facial — at up to 15 percent off.
Why: Trick and treat yourself.
When: Thru Nov. 30.
Where: 57 Coolidge Ave., Watertown (617-924-9495).

DO
Coiffure du Costume at SalonCapri
What: Top off your Joan Holloway ensemble with an era-perfect bouffant. (Free cider and candy are just timeless.)
Why: Bride of Frankenstein wasn’t known for her fashion sense.
When: Sat., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 31 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands (617-969-1970). Call for an appointment.

DRINK
Sip & Shop with LUPEC Boston
What: Lasses serve up Fright Night-themed cocktails complete with eyeball-shaped ice cubes; best costumed shopper wins a free ticket to the upcoming Tiki Bash.
Why: Time to boos it up.
When: Sat., 2-6 p.m.
Where: Grand, 374 Somerville Ave., Union Square (617-623-2429).

Photo: Courtesy of Vince

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images