Moxie Salon
After one look at our tired tresses, bubbly owner Kerry Zirpolo proposed an action plan (permanent dye, low-maintenance lob) that made us feel understood, not pushed. She even gave us a nook to peck away at our laptop while waiting for the color to kick in. We left refreshed, renewed, and feeling like we'd just met a new friend. Even better? Weeks later, our hair still held its style, and our chestnut-brown touchup looked bold, not brassy. 691 Belmont St., Belmont, MA 2478, moxiebelmont.com.
Fresh
There's skin care, and then there's skin-care shtick. Thankfully, lab coats and "cosmeceuticals" have no place at Fresh, which keeps our lips pucker-ready and our skin smooth and smelling divine. With products that get rave reviews and staffers who never resort to let-me-rub-this-on-you pushiness, this place fulfills all our pampering needs, beautifully. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, fresh.com.
Rinaldi's Park Square
One of the best things about Boston is its walkability. The downside, however, is our oft-abused footwear. So when the insoles of our beloved boots begin to wear and the heel caps of our oxfords start to disintegrate, we lug them to this small shop in the Park Square building, where they're consistently refurbished to good as new—just in time to hit the pavement again. 31 St. James Ave., Boston, MA .
Wishbasket
We're not typically the nesting types, but thanks to Wishbasket, our pied-à-terre has been looking practically hibernation-ready. Once inside the French country shop, we find ourselves stocking up on rustic dinnerware, super-soft throws, current cookbooks, and specialty sea salts. Once, we even walked out with bath soaps labeled 'bonjour' and 'bonne nuit.' Our purchases have changed our minds about quiet evenings at home. Or at least evenings spent quietly admiring our new home accessories. 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, .
Jeanne Salon
We brought our feet to Jeanne Lee's no-frills salon after a long winter of neglect. Without a drop of judgment, Lee whipped our rough nails into sandal shape and smoothed our calloused heels, leaving us with soft, polished tootsies too pretty to confine to boots. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, jeannesalon.com.
The Art Store
Muses nonwithstanding, the Art Store sells everything your magnum opus needs, and at prices that won't leave the artist in you starving. Forget rummaging through piles of 200 pre-stretched canvases to find the size you want; it's all neatly ordered against the wall. Every shade of paint—oil, acrylic, watercolor, you name it—is represented, and the paper selection runs from handmade, violet-embedded sheets to plain foam core. Like to sit while you sketch? There's furniture here too, plus easels and mesh file boxes. Come to think of it, the large, open, and neatly arranged space may just inspire you after all—to organize your studio. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA .
Wally's Café
Nowhere else in this town are you more apt to find pink Izods and gangsta colors in such proximity. This joint, nestled between the gentrified South End and Roxbury and opened in 1947 by Joseph "Wally" Walcott, is a classic treasure. And nowhere else in New England will you find finer jazz in a venue with more soul. Bands gather in the corner of the bar each night—from national acts to aspiring stars still studying at Berklee. The music is played loud enough that you can hear every seductive note, but not too loud for conversation. Don't like jazz? Check out an Afro-Cuban band. If you don't find yourself tapping your foot, it's time to check your pulse. 427 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA wallycafe.com.
East Coast Grill
To endorphin addicts, East Coast is the place to go for a dose of intensely spiced, pan-tropical dinners, but brunch fanatics know it offers something more: It's also home to a truly spectacular Sunday brunch. Be sure to eat light the night before: You'll want to save room for the soul-satisfying fresh fish tacos, avocado and black bean omelets, and (in case you need it) hangover hash. The bloody mary bar lets you make up your own glass, preferably loaded with fresh lime. Tabasco, fresh tomato juice, Absolut, and a zap of Worcestershire sauce. The rest is simple. Kick back to the room's low buzz in your spacious booth with a friend or two, and dig into plates of grilled fresh pineapple wedges and smooth-as-custard grits. It just doesn't get any better. 1271 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA eastcoastgrill.net.
Audio Replay
They'll get your stereo to play again. 171 Amory St., Brookline, MA .
Hamlet & Kenn
Primarily a caterer, their cookies and petits fours are unrivaled. 123 Appleton St., Boston, MA .
Newbury Tailoring Company
When the tower of too-big thrift-store finds and too-long jeans in our closet threatens to topple, we head straight to Flavio Antonio Rivas and his affable team, who nip and tuck our pants and pencil skirts to perfection, taking the time to answer our questions about fit and fabrics. Add to that the host of modern conveniences offered (They're open past 5 o'clock and on Saturday! They take credit cards!), and Newbury Tailoring Company has this category all stitched up. 116 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Gold's Gym
This clean, bright, well-equipped gym is as big as your lats will be. 71 Landsdowne Street, Boston, MA .
The White Heat Orchestra
Swinging at the Roxy. It's the perfect music for your dirty dancing.
Dover Sea Grille
Chef Greg Williams has given the city another great fish house. 1223 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .