Niche
Does your windowsill already resemble a jungle, but you still need one more hedgehog aloe? Is your sun porch incomplete without twin philodendrons flanking the entrance? Then you just might be the kind of urban gardener Niche caters to. Its two retail locations are all-in-one stops for plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, tools, and, yes, more plants, letting you indulge your green thumb without sacrificing your prime city real estate. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA nicheplantshop.com.
C-Zone Entertainment
The DJs at C-Zone Entertainment have spun records for Clint Eastwood, Lady Gaga, and the Red Sox, and they’ll drop the bass at your wedding, too. Armed with your curated “play” and “do not play” lists, these music mixers will seamlessly transition from your favorite soulful ballads to Grandma-approved party hits (and maybe a few Cardi B songs in between). And with a number of skilled DJs to choose from, you can be sure that you’ll find someone in tune with your musical taste. czonemusic.com.
Marching and Chowder
We wish we had thought of this—a take-home-dinner kiosk in the middle of South Station. You can peruse the daily updated online menu (marchingandchowder.com) from the comfort of your office, then pick up your meal on your way to catch the train. This year-old business offers soups, salads, gourmet-style comfort foods, low-fat and vegetarian options—even sushi. We think you'll like it; if you don't, they'll give you back your money. South Station, Boston, MA .
Todd Lipman, Bistro du Midi
Not to diminish the importance of knowing your Rhône from your Rheingau, but technical expertise is but a fraction of the wine steward’s craft. What separates wonky savant from sommelier superstar is, quite simply, knowing how to read your audience. Next time you dine upstairs, perk up your ears as Todd Lipman morphs seamlessly from patient Sancerre 101 ambassador to wily investment strategist, saving the whale at Table 8 a cool hundo with some lesser-known (but better-drinking) Bordeaux. 272 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, bistrodumidi.com.
Outdoor Voices
No matter if you’re hosting a Zoom meeting or clicking over to a virtual lunchtime yoga session, you won’t want to hide Outdoor Voices’ (pictured) bold, eye-catching leggings and ultra-soft sweats. The company’s sustainably sourced activewear, after all, was designed for “doing things,” whether those things are running for miles or running your business (and your life) from your kitchen counter. 31 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, outdoorvoices.com.
West Medford Spa
You can't really improve the crummy lottery odds by changing your ticket source—the Lottery Commission takes care to spread the winners around town—but if your misery loves company, you should take your transaction to this high-volume newsstand. It sells more total lottery ticket,—winners and losers—than any other outlet. West Medford, MA
Louis Boston
Hey, you—in the cargo pants and Chucks. Casualwear is fine for casual moments, but your big client meeting, your anniversary dinner, and for-the-love-of-Christ your best friend's wedding call for something far spiffier. At Louis Boston (go on, it's not as scary as it looks), made-to-measure and ready-to-wear suits from Brioni, Kiton, and Dries Van Noten make dressing up a cinch. Even easier-going ensembles by such names as Neil Barrett and Annapuna put postcollege khakis to shame. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Giuliano Hair Design and Day Spa
When the week has left you flagging, buck up your spirits and your body with a total rejuvenation—roots to toes—at Giuliano, where they're at your service seven days a week. Robert Nazzaro does great color, the waxing and manicure services are first-rate, and a massage and reflexology treatment with Karen will get you back in shape to soldier into Monday. Soon to come: expanded facilities with a hydrotherapy tub. 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Maxime Salon
Nothing disappoints like a colorist who listens to your needs, then executes an entirely different shade. Swear off such nasty surprises by enlisting Ronit Enos to help your hair. Her expert team does an exhaustive preprocess consultation with every client before creating intricate highlights and lustrous glazes. The only surprise here is a pleasant one: how natural your hair looks afterward. 124 Washington St., Norwell, MA maximesalon.com.
Jody Adams
If she's good enough for the James Beard Foundation, she's good enough for us. Some people complain about the through-the-roof prices—they're just whiners. Not only is the food inspired, fresh, and beautifully presented, your waiter is also professional and friendly (without crouching by your table to become your new best friend). Ritalo, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA .
Guerda Massage & Skin Care
Whether you’re sore from training for a marathon or sitting at your laptop, Guerda Paul’s expert strokes, hot stones, steamy towels, and bonus foot exfoliation will make you feel like you left your old body on the table when you walk out of her studio. The Grettacole and Bella Santé alum has a knack for finding those tight spots in your back while making you feel completely, utterly at ease in the process. 47 River St., Wellesley, MA 02481, guerdamassagetherapy.com.
Jenny Luu Hair + Makeup
Trust Jenny Luu with your bridal makeup, and she’ll do so much more than expertly blend your foundation and apply false lashes. Weeks before you walk down the aisle, Luu (a self-proclaimed “skinthusiast”) will equip you with a personalized skin-care routine to ensure that your face remains blemish-free. Then, on the big day, the Boston-based artist will use products from Charlotte Tilbury and Dior, among others, to create a look that not only highlights your natural beauty, but also outlasts the after-party (seriously). 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, jcluu.com.
Bliss
Some pedicures are utilitarian—file, buff, polish, and out the door in 30 minutes or less. Bliss’s glam foot treatments are anything but. Want to watch your favorite show (headphones provided) while a technician buffs your calluses? Zone out with a fashion mag during your calf massage? Or just polish off a few mini brownies as your polish is applied? Done, done, and done. The spa’s heavenly scented scrubs and lotions, meanwhile, make pedicures here a delightfully sensory—and, yes, positively blissful—experience. 100 Stuart St., Boston, MA 2116, blissworld.com/spa/locations/massachusetts/bliss-boston.
Bambini Design
Sure, you can find a crib or changing table at any old baby-furniture warehouse, but here's what you'll be missing: design staffers who will come to your home, interview your child (who may or may not answer back), and determine the best furniture match for her budding personality. Meanwhile, they'll scope out the rest of your pad to ensure the nursery jibes with your carefully chosen décor. Expect high-end contemporary pieces by the likes of Oeuf and Monte, streamlined beauties that are still comfortable enough to take the edge off those 3 a.m. feedings. 82 Boylston St. (Rte. 9), Brookline, MA 2445, bellabambinidesign.com.
Suburban Appliance Servicenter
Bring your tired coffeemakers, your weary blenders, and just about any other small appliance; this repair shop will make them work like new at prices that will probably leave you with enough change in your pocket to pick up one of their factory seconds. 271 Moody St., Waltham, MA .