Author: Mia

  • J Briggs & Co. and a Once Upon a Fine Jewelry Story

    J Briggs & Co. and a Once Upon a Fine Jewelry Story

    There has been a lot of publicity directed toward women in business and why it’s important for women to support each other and work together to make a difference. We all desire to do the best by our families and at the same time be happy and true to ourselves. Not an easy feat, but I know one woman working very hard to accomplish it all!

    Jennifer Briggs Jenkins, jewelry designer extraordinaire, mother of two, and owner of J Briggs & Co.  Jen is an accomplished artist who harnesses her passion, spirit and design talents to create beyond beautiful fine jewelry. Just look at these stunning pieces:

    Jen’s pieces are unique, timeless and made with a quality and attention to detail you cannot find in most jewelry stores.  Her designs are all original, versatile and crafted to make the women who wear them sparkle.

    What makes J Briggs & Co unique and the best place to find something special?

    I asked Jen, with so many options to buy jewelry. “To me, my work is much more than creating and selling jewelry.  Jewelry represents our personal style and the pieces we wear can remind us of important moments and people in our lives. When I design a piece, I am emotionally invested and know what I am creating will mean something extra special to the person who wears it.”

    Jen takes tremendous pride in all her designs.  “When someone entrusts me to create a special piece, I take that responsibility very seriously.”

    She tells me, “It is imperative my clients have complete confidence and trust that we will deliver that heirloom piece they have been envisioning.  Our mission is to try to always exceed their expectations.

    The Ability to Customize Each Piece of Jewelry

    Is this really true?  Jen answers, “Yes, each piece is made to order to each customer’s specifications. You can choose the metal alloy (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, etc), gemstone combination & engraving, allowing you to personalize your jewelry in many ways.  I also work with clients to make other modifications or create completely custom pieces.”  Jen listens to each customer ~ considers their vision, ideas, stories and lifestyle to create amazing jewelry.

    Check out her custom gallery online.  This is one of my favorite custom rings she designed for a client incorporating an heirloom diamond that was in a setting not suited for the new wearer. When the customer first put the new ring on her finger, she said “I feel like the queen of England!”. These are the reactions Jen lives for.

    After working in many jewelry store settings, Jen discovered she could offer something better for those people seeking fine jewelry they could not find in a traditional jewelry store. What she learned was that there were sales associates, managers and craftsmen offering to sell something special- but not a designer or artist to create the vision.

    Jen believes jewelry making is an art and the key to creating exceptional pieces is combining traditional craftsmanship and technology with the vision of an artist.  She does not shy away from designs that may take extra time and attention to finish. She utilizes leading technology like CAD & CAM software (computer aided design and manufacturing), master craftsmen and hand engravers.  The raised letters on the backs of these pendants are an example of a process Jen incorporates into her designs most jewelers do not offer clients.

    J Briggs & Co is the perfect find right before Mother’s Day!!  I am compiling my wish list now and have already ordered something special for my mom.

    Check out Jen’s website and her special Mother’s Day Promotion.   Support this growing mom owned business with beyond beautiful jewelry!

     

  • Tapas in Brookline: Newly Expanded Taberna de Haro

    Tapas in Brookline: Newly Expanded Taberna de Haro

     

    Our favorite Spanish Tapas bar is newly expanded. They took over the space next door and now there is a bar and much more seating. They also have the outside patio which will be welcome when the weather turns nice.

     

    What is so great about Tapas is that it’s family friendly. We brought kids and these are the dishes that everyone enjoyed.

    Taberna de Haro Has New Bar and More Seating!

    Taverna de Haro, tapas in Brookline, newly expanded Tapas restaurant Brookline,

    Gambas al ajillo (Shrimp with garlic and olive oil)

    The shrimp is juicy and redolent of garlic. It comes out sizzling in a hot cast iron pan and it’s impossible not to dig in even though you’ll burn your tongue!

    photo-2

     

    Patatas bravas (Feisty potatoes – fried, with a spicy sauce)

    Can potatoes be feisty? These are deliciously spicy and crispy. Think French Fry but bathed in spicy goodness instead of ketchup.

    Taverna de Haro, tapas in Brookline, newly expanded Tapas restaurant Brookline,

    Grilled Sardines

    This was a special that night. The freshest sardines grilled to perfection. Watch for small bones though! 
     
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    Chorizo a la sidra (Chorizo braised in hard cider)

    I’m not sure why their Chorizo is so much better than anything I can buy but it is.

    photo-4

    Steamed clams are not on the menu at the moment. Too bad. They were delicious.

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    The menu is always changing with specials and seasonal items.

  • Take the Boxygen Challenge!

    Take the Boxygen Challenge!

    What is Boxygen™ at the Nonantum Boxing Club?

    High intensity anaerobic boxing circuit training.

    Where: 1st floor of Nonantum Boxing Club

    When: Classes begin Saturday, May 4th

    Boxygen™ Challenge Date: June 1st

    boxing for kids, boxing for boys, boxing in Newton, Newton Boxing Club, boxing lessons for kids, Nonantum Boxing Club, Newton and boxing

    If you are interested in taking the Boxygen challenge, please email Eric Busa at ebusa22@comcast.net for details and information.

    Only the first 20 applicants will be accepted so “punch” quickly”!!

    boxing class, boxing classes, Newton, boxing class for kids, boxing for women

  • Still Snow at Killington! GIVEAWAY

    Still Snow at Killington! GIVEAWAY

    Killington has extended their hours in honor of Spring’s arrival. This year the new season brings big fun in the way of soft snow, later sunsets, and events like the NOR’BEASTER, which includes activities for the whole family on and off the snow! There will be competitions, live music, BBQs, and so much more in store, so grab a piece of the action now through the very last day of the season!

    I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY for 4 family sets of lift tickets.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    Killington, VT, ski passes, giveaway

    • EXTENDED LIFT HOURS

      • STARTING SATURDAY, MARCH 30:
        • – Saturday, March 30: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
        • – Saturday, April 6: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
        • – Saturday, April 13: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
      • STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 15:
        • – Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
        • – Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
    • TRAILS & CONDITIONS

      Despite warmer weather approaching, over 60% of Killington’s trails and lifts remain open for mountain lovers! For daily trail reports and ride conditions, click here.

    The fine print:

    Once the winners have been chosen they will need to know the name and phone number of each winner(s), number of tickets needed (one ticket per family member), plus the ages of all attending. Tickets will be held at will-call for the remainder of the 2012-2013 winter/spring ski season.

  • Healthy Habits Kitchen FREE Events

    Healthy Habits Kitchen FREE Events

    Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley has a couple of great and totally FREE events coming up.

    To celebrate 5 years of business, Healthy Habits Kitchen is hosting an anniversary party with the Urban Grape at their facility on April 24th from 5:30 – 8 pm.

    Healthy Habits

    Attendees will enjoy 5 food and wine pairings, special 1-night only savings and much more! See here for more details.

     

    chocolate therapy

    On May 2nd from 5 – 8 pm, HHK has joined forces with Chocolate Therapy, a new store in Needham, to host a Happy Hour.

    CT_Cure Truffle

    They’ll be sampling their Black Bean Chocolate Chili together with The Cure truffle as well as viewing a truffle-making demonstration.

    black-bean-chili2

  • Whole Food’s Grilled Cheese Thrown Down!

    Whole Food’s Grilled Cheese Thrown Down!

    Join Whole Foods in Newton off Walnut for a Grilled Cheese Throw Down and vote for your favorite grilled cheese! The fun begins Friday, April 12th from 11 am to 1 pm.

    grilled cheese throwdown, Whole Foods Newton

  • Newton Family Singers’ Spring Concert!

    Newton Family Singers’ Spring Concert!

    Dive into the warm weather with the Newton Family Singers’ spring concert!

    Go with the flow and join us for a program of tender, poignant and rocking water-inspired songs by an eclectic mix of artists, including the Beatles, Lyle Lovett, Blondie, the Grateful Dead and the Indigo Girls.

    We are also singing strikingly beautiful songs by local favorites, award winning singer-songwriter-naturalist, Oen Kennedy, and our own Andy Rogovin.

    This show will have something for everyone. Bring your family and prepare to sing along with us!

    This concert, we will be thanking our Facebook fans with a ukulele giveaway!  In order to be eligible to win, please like us on Facebook!

    We will also be giving away a few other prizes to a few lucky concert-goers.

     

    Newton Family Singers, Family concert Newton MA

     

     

    When: Sunday, May 5th at 4 pm

    Where: Memorial Spaulding Auditorium, 250 Brookline St. in Newton

    Tickets: Purchase here

     

    Here are the Newton Family Singers for the This Land is Your Land project on PBS. 

  • Newton’s Own The Folklorist Needs Your Help to Win Telly Award

    NewTV’s Original Program, The Folklorist, is competing for The People’s Telly Award this year, but they need your help to win.

    Please go to  link and click on the “thumbs up” icon to vote before April 19th.

    Thank you for your support for the show and let’s bring home a Telly Award!

  • Things to Do During April Vacation Week

    Things to Do During April Vacation Week

    If you need ideas for a staycation in Massachusetts for kids and families, here are some deals and programs going on across the Commonwealth.

    Newton Sewing Camp

    April Vacation Camp

    Tuesday April 16th-Friday April 19th

    April Vacation camp is just around the corner, so come and join HipStitch and make some things for summer!
    Make a beach bag, summer skirts and shorts or a swim bag! You can sign up for 1/2 day, full day or all four days!
    Morning Sign Up
    Afternoon Sign Up
    Full Day Sign Up

    Newton Boys Soccer Camp

    To all NYS families with boys in the Grade 2-8 IM or U9-U14 Travel Programs:
    Newton Youth Soccer is offering a 4-day clinic over April break!  The sessions will be run by former Newton North coach Brian Rooney and current Newton North coach Roy Dow.
    Dates:             Tuesday, April 16 – Friday, April 19
    Time:               9am – 12am
    Location:         Newton Field (most likely Weeks Field)
    Cost:                 $175
    Click here to register. Email Brian Rooney, bmrooney95@aol.com with any questions.
    Newton Youth Soccer, soccer camps Newton April vacation

    Watertown Arts Camp

    The Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown offers April Vacation Art Workshops from April 16 – 19 for 5 & 6 year olds and for 7-10 year olds. In Witches & Wizards, students will use the characters and places made famous by “Harry Potter” as inspiration. Younger students will create Magical Animals and work with Fables & Fantasy; the older group will focus on Myths & Mystery  as well as Fantasy Figures. Full or half-day options available. Morning classes run from 9:30AM – Noon. Afternoon classes run from 12:30 – 3PM. Supervised Lunch and Extended Day options are available.
    Classes are held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, with free parking and access to public transportation. Scholarships and Membership discounts are available. For class descriptions, visit www.arsenalarts.org. To register, call 617-923-0100, ext. 309.
    Arsenal Center for the Arts, april vacation programs for kids

    Soccer Camp in Brookline

    April soccer camp

    Greater Boston

    Awesome Animal Adaptations at the Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester
    The Franklin Park Zoo combines animal encounters, arts and crafts, behind-the-scenes tours, games, and other activities in this vacation-long program! Pre-registration is required. zoonewengland.org

    Normandy Farms, Foxboro
    New England’s finest camping resort has a whole week of special family programs planned, ranging from games and crafts to food, movies, and much more! normandyfarms.com

    Underground Railway Theater Camp, Cambridge
    During “Science on Stage!“ young thespians spend the week with Underground Railroad Theatre Teaching Artists and Central Square Theatre professionals, exploring the science of “paying attention”. There will be guest-led workshops and a field trip to the MIT Museum. centralsquaretheater.org

     

    North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley

    Plumfield Fun Week at the Orchard House, Concord
    Spend each day living the life of a different character from Louisa May Alcott’s stories! Trained staff will help children act, write, make a craft, and draw just like Alcott and her sisters. Pre-registration is required. louisamayalcott.org

    Cooking Classes at Verrill Farm, Concord
    Verrill Farm’s cooking classes have become favorites for adults and children alike. During vacation week, they will have two special classes geared toward 1st through 3rd graders and 4th through 6th graders. Future chefs will get to take home and share what they’ve made! Registration is required. verrillfarm.com

     

    South of Boston

    John Carver Inn Family Vacation Package, Plymouth
    The John Carver Inn is providing a special for families during vacation week that includes a meal allowance and admission to the Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool, equipped with water slides, saunas, a fitness room, and spa. johncarverinn.com

    Battleship Cove, Fall River
    Explore and learn about historic naval ships, and during school vacation week, kids can go on a scavenger hunt for adorable stuffed rats and enter to win a special prize. There will be additional activities and entertainment, and even the chance to sleep overnight in a WWII battleship! battleshipcove.org

    Children’s Museum, Easton
    Get Pumped! Inspiring kids and adults to get physically fit, this week will feature ways to get everyone more aware of how movement and food are vital to health and longevity. Throughout the week, you’ll be able to try out a variety of sports, games, dances, and fun activities. childrensmuseumineaston.org

    Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth
    Make your own history during this week of special family programming, including guided tours, demonstrations, 17th century games, arts and crafts, and more! Most activities are free with admission. plimouth.org

     

    Cape Cod and the Islands

    Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis
    The Family Vacation Package is perfect for a family that’s looking to escape for a few days. The deal includes a meal allowance and admission to the indoor wave pool with water slides, whirlpool, saunas, a full spa, and a heated outdoor pool. capecodderresort.com

    Hyannis Whale Watcher, Hyannis
    Whale watch earlier in the season than ever as Hyannis Whale Watcher opens on April 14 for school vacation week. Massachusetts is one of the top ten whale watching locations in the world, and April is a great time to see whales returning from their winter migration. whales.net

     

    Central Massachusetts

    Earth Week at the EcoTarium, Worcester
    At this unique indoor-outdoor museum, visitors can meet wildlife, explore nature trails, and enjoy hands-on, family-friendly exhibits. During April vacation and Earth week, the EcoTarium will be concentrating on space exploration, culminating in Earth Day on April 19th, which will feature half-price admission and many special vendors and exhibits. ecotarium.org

    Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
    The Old Sturbridge Village will be hosting a wide range of activities for the week, such as crafts, meeting baby animals, watching musket demonstrations, and many other games and exhibitions. osv.org

     

    Western Massachusetts

    Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
    Over the months of April and May, many new baby animals will be born at the Hancock Shaker Farm. Come welcome and learn about them! Children 12 and under are free for the baby animals program. hancockshakervillage.org

    Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
    For the school vacation week, the museum will be holding a special program, free with admission, on the Wonder of Wordless Picture Books. Learn more about the art and even create your own picture book in hands-on workshops. nrm.org

    Statewide
    If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the weather while learning more about local flora and fauna, the Mass Audubon Society will be holding exciting vacation week programs at many of their wildlife sanctuaries across the state. massaudubon.org
  • Newton Tweens: Enter Your Video!

    Newton Tweens: Enter Your Video!

    The New Art Center is looking for submissions for a Video Showcase on Saturday, April 26th!

    New Art Center, Video competition, Newton MA

    Teens and young adults, ages 12 to 21, investigating city life in video under 5 minutes, are invited to submit work to be considered for this showcase.

    E-mail your video link to citytoworld@gmail.com by Monday, April 22nd, 11:59pm.

    Watch this video for more information:

    Any questions? Please email Kathleen Smith, Exhibitions Director, at Kathleen@newartcenter.org or call 617-964-3424.

    DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 22, 11:59 PM

    Looking forward to your submissions!!