Table & Tulip
Owner Andrea Halliday and her team create pieces ranging from fragrant, fresh strung garlands to mossy terrariums with carefully perched succulents. Simple and modern or baroque and traditional, Table & Tulip's arrangements come packaged in a range of beautiful vessels—or you can bring in one of your own for an even more personal touch. 461 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tableandtulip.com.
Anh Hong
This Dorchester destination offers up traditional home-style dishes for those daring to venture beyond bowls of pho or bánh mì. Hungry? Pair ca kho to (caramelized clay-pot fish) with an order of canh chua (sour soup) and a side of white rice, or spring for the seven-course beef, bò 7 món. 291 Adams St., Dorchester, MA 02122, .
The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
Housed in an 1872 mansion, the NCAAA is one of the region's largest depositories of art from the African diaspora. The biggest draw is the replica burial chamber of the sixth-century B.C. Nubian King Aspelta, rescued from a Sudanese dam project. 300 Walnut Ave., Boston, MA 02119, ncaaa.org.
Siemasko + Verbridge
Thad Siemasko and Jean Verbridge lead a skilled team of organized, disciplined architects whose greatest talents come from knowing what makes a house a home, as seen in such recent projects as a cozy mountain retreat built into a quiet urban hideaway. Beverly, MA svdesign.com.
Barry's Bootcamp
True Yankees maintain a healthy skepticism of anything dreamt up in La-La Land, but this Hollywood-spawned fitness empire has won us over. Claim your spot early, then reward yourself with a smoothie from the Fuel Bar. 30 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 02111, barrysbootcamp.com.
Ritual Arts
You don't have to be a high priestess to shop here. With an intriguing array of crystals, incense, jewelry, and d̩cor, Ritual Arts is welcoming to anyone who appreciates a good Nag Champa. For extra good vibes, end your visit with head scratches for LoveBomb the cat. 153 Harvard Ave., Boston, MA 02134, .
Snip-Its
With games, prizes, and lollipops, getting trimmed becomes less an errand than an adventure. Each Snip-Its stylist is specially trained to work with children, and can even give parents a photo certificate along with those precious clippings upon your kiddo's first haircut. The Street, 25 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, snipits.com.
Jeanne Lee
Kick back, relax, and indulge in the lost art of a good conversation while Jeanne Lee treats your digits to a detail-oriented manicure ($32) and spa pedicure ($85) that leaves no nook, cranny, or hangnail neglected. The finishing touch? A positively blissful massage. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, jeannesalon.com.
Drybar
Choose from one of nine signature blowouts ($45), then hand yourself over to a professional who will wash, dry, and style your locks into bouncy, shiny submission in just 45 minutes. What's more, you get to do it with a magazine in one hand and a beverage in the other. 234 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116, thedrybar.com.
Rugg Road Paper Company
This charming shop offers a jaw-dropping array of card stocks and designs for every occasion, from receptions to rehearsal dinners. You'll also find photo albums, rubber stamps, and embossing tools for scrapbooking—all of which will preserve the memories of your big day beautifully. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, ruggroadpaper.com.
Drew Bledsoe
He has a running back who blew out his knee, an owner who likes to vamp it up in front of the fans, a head coach with the personality of a suburban recreation director, and a personnel director who lost four starts to free agency and came a cropper in the college draft. You think you've got problems?
SalonCapri
This white, bright Newton Highlands spot combines the look and feel of a sophisticated city salon with the soul of a warm, family-owned business. Owner and lead stylist Nicholas Penna Jr. will work quickly and methodically to create a hairstyle that frames your face in all the right places. 31 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 2461, saloncapri.com.
Newbury Tailoring Company
They're not cheap, but the Rivas brothers can always be trusted to shorten a pair of jeans (miraculously keeping the original hem), nip in a slightly saggy couture gown, or overhaul a three-piece suit with surgical precision. The service is completely no-nonsense; the turnaround time, minimal. As for the results, your impeccably fitted wardrobe will speak for itself. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Dolittle's Pet Grooming
Oftentimes, active dogs (and lazy cats) need a little help in the hygiene department. The animal-loving folks at Dolittle's are trained in the ways of the bath and the blow dry, and manage to lather-rinse-repeat even the most petulant pet. Your furballs might not appreciate it, but they'll come back to you looking good and smelling sweet. 7 Green St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .
Cal Dellaria
Why not get the same treatment as the models she styles for photo shoots? Cal can transform you for the big event, whether it's a graceful style for flowing hair or an elegant short cut. She can make thin hair look voluminous, tame thick tresses, and do your up-do with artistic flair.