Safari #6: An Eclectic Mix

Diversity - in all its forms - is a good thing.  For your next safari, visit one of Boston's most diverse neighborhoods, Jamaica Plain (JP).

JP has a homegrown, grassroots vibe all of its own, and this beat is contagious.  Artists, musicians, independent thinkers, hipsters, rockers, and everyone in between are the residents of this vibrant area - and no fancy degrees are required to participate in the community that has been built here.

To feel the vibe that is JP, head out on safari and visit these popular haunts on Centre Street:

• Centre Street Cafe - why not stroll while sipping a beverage?
• Boomerangs - THE place to shop; practically every JP'er has perused this store, and so should you.
• JP Licks - even if you don't like ice cream, get some anyway. This is a neighborhood staple and JP original.  And no, it's not the same as getting ice cream from the one on Newbury street.  This is the flagship.
• If you don't have a stomach ache from drinking coffee and eating ice cream, pick any restaurant for a meal.  Japanese?  Mexican?  Indian? Pub Food?  You name it, Centre Street has it.  You can't go wrong with locallly owned restaurants.

While there are other locations in JP that are also worth visiting (such as the Arnold Arboretum (perfect for picnicking and grass slumbering), Jamaica Pond (with rental boats and bike paths), or the Sam Adams Brewery), get a real feel for this neighborhood and go where the people are.

Your sensibilities and creative spirit will be grateful.

Safari #5: In Search of Sunshine

Where can city dwellers go to embrace the sun that is both nearby and T-accessible? Enter Carson Beach in South Boston, located about 1/2 mile from the JFK/UMASS stop on the Red Line. This beach boasts sand volleyball courts, a bocce court, restrooms (with a shower located outside for rinsing off) and food vendors. It's fairly bare bones as far as beaches go, but it should do if all you're really looking for is a chance to sizzle. The sand isn't fantastic, but it's acceptable and relatively stick, stone, and (thankfully) garbage free.

Some tips before you head to Carson:
-Bring soap. If you like washing your hands using soap *and* water, Carson's bathrooms will disappoint you. Thankfully, I had a small bottle in my beach bag.
-Bring a beach chair or extra towels. It's nice to lay on the sand, but considering some of the "debris", I'd suggest a beach chair if possible. If you're going to bring a towel, pack more than just one for some extra cushion.
-Sunscreen. I didn't forget mine but still managed to get a little sunburn.

What's next? The fridge for some cool aloe vera gel. Later this week, a trip to a new salon.

Safari Tip#2: A 'Reasonable' Excuse

You've been standing in the doorway waiting for that final nudge to get you out of the house, and there's only one thing holding you back: lack of play money. If my latest postings haven't done it, here's a nudge and a 'reasonable' excuse for you to hit the town.

Visit LivingSocial.com, a site that offers the best deals in shopping, entertainment, and dining in cities across the country. Sign up to receive daily emails for deals in and around Boston. For example, today's special offers $60 in food and drink from Lobby Bar and Kitchen (131 Broad Street) for only $30. Sounds like a pretty reasonable excuse to get out and explore the Financial District.

Grab the coupon, a girlfriend, and head to Lobby (or any other restaurant featured on LivingSocial), for after work food and drinks.

What are you waiting for? I already bought mine.

Safari #4: A Bit of Bread

In anticipation of summer picnics and entertaining, my latest urban safari brought me (and my nose) to the doorstep of Clear Flour Bakery, a European style bakery tucked quietly between Allston and Brookline.

Located on Thorndike Street, Clear Flour offers a range of rustic, European-style, baked goods from traditional breads (like French baguettes) to pastries (ranging from cookies and cakes to hot buns and scones). Rather than heading to your local grocery, consider visiting Clear Flour instead, where you can buy hand-shaped freshness made from organic, unprocessed ingredients - all for about the same price.

For your first summer party, consider one of Clear Flour's rustic fruit tarts. Be sure to check their special listing to ensure first pick of the best treats. Avoid long lines on the weekend by arriving early - and certainly before noon if you're craving hot buns.

Maybe I'll see you in line this weekend.

Safari #3: A Walk-On Adventure

It's true, the city is great, but sometimes it's nice to get away and smell the flowers. If you get the itch for a nearby, yet somewhat out of town trip that embraces the outdoors, consider a trip to your nearest L.L. Bean.

L.L. Bean offers Walk On Adventures for $20 where you can explore an outdoor sport of your choosing. Over the Memorial Day weekend, I opted to try kayaking at the L.L. Bean location in Dedham, MA, (which is commuter rail accessible). For those of you who have never been kayaking before, this is a good way to learn how to do it inexpensively as well as have access to trained and experienced professionals. Each L.L. Bean location offers a different selection of adventures, so be sure to check out the website to find the right activity for you. If you are willing to travel up to Freeport, Maine, the location of the flagship store, you will have more adventures than you can possibly imagine - and it may be worth a long weekend.

If you decide to kayak, here's a few tips I can offer you in terms of preparation:
--Bring a bottle of water
--Wear clothes that can get wet - in other words, don't try to look cute. You will sweat and smell like pond scum when you're finished.
--Sunscreen
--Sunglasses
--A light snack to enjoy afterwards (or while on the water). My well-prepared roommate brought trail mix for the group, and it was *perfect*.

What's next for me? A trip to a local bakery. Stay tuned.

Safari Style #1: Training Wheels

Do fashion training wheels really exist?

I can't tell you how many times I've wished for these - especially after moving to Boston. And while it's true that you'll see many sports jerseys and flip flops, there are an equal number of well-dressed people walking around too. Dressing the part can be very difficult if (a) you don't know what you're doing (shamefully raising my hand) and (b) would rather not spend all of your extra money on clothes. Here are some ideas to help you make training wheels of your own.

FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
There's plenty to look at in Boston. People watching will always yield ideas, so the next time you're grabbing a latte, sit back and just watch. I can't tell you how many ideas I've gotten just by taking a look around me. Just be sure you're wearing a dark pair of sunglasses to remain inconspicuous.

READ AND FLIP
Read and flip through publications that can help you identify styles and trends. Don't buy or subscribe to any of these. Just hit your favorite bookstore one afternoon, grab a latte, and peruse the following:
--The Improper Bostonian (www.improper.com) - Get information on the latest fashion trends around town (and local places to shop).
--Real Simple (www.realsimple.com) - RS always has a fashion section displaying complete outfits (from head to toe) with details of where to buy. Most often, the items listed are pricey, so I use them as the foundation for ideas to buy something similar and cheaper at a different location.
--Elle (www.elle.com) or Allure (www.allure.com) Magazine - both contain incredible styles guides with options for all budgets.

WHERE TO SHOP
Ultimately, this is up to you. Some of my favorites:

Second Time Around (www.secondtimearound.net/).
Upon hearing the words "vintage" or "consignment", those of us with little or no experience are reminded of thrift stores where you can buy a pound of mothball scented clothes for $1. Here, I'm referring to the "gently" used clothing market, where clothes are selected for sale. Many clothes are name brand, in excellent condition, and sold for a mere fraction of the original cost. Visit the 3 locations on Newbury Street or the one in Harvard Square.

H&M
I'd never thought I'd say this, but I love H&M. I shop here specifically for evening wear and accessories. Staples like jeans, t-shirts and the like are generally better bought somewhere else. Plus this is an inexpensive way to embrace trends or look for styles based off of something you saw in a magazine.

Ann Taylor Loft
When you need to look polished during the day, you can't beat Ann Taylor Loft (www.anntaylorloft.com). The clothes have more structure and refinement than ever, especially since they've redesigned their line. If you see something you like and don't want to pay full price, wait three weeks. Your item will be on sale before you know it.

Boden
If you like bold colors and interesting patterns for dresses and tops, visit Boden (www.bodenusa.com). Considering that this online and catalog retailer is located in the UK, you're not likely to bump into someone wearing the same outfit. Buy once from them, and you'll start receiving emails about discounts, which can add up over time.

That's enough for now. More on Accessories in an upcoming post.

Safari Tip#1: A Free Pee

You're out on safari and all of a sudden a warm, tingly sensation comes over you. Are you reminiscing over time recently spent with your significant other? Eh, no not exactly. It's actually your bladder signaling you that it's time for a pit stop.

Enter the question dreaded by all safari-travelers, "Where can I pee?" aka "Where can I pee - for free?"

Here's a list of places where you can comfortably use the restroom without feeling obligated to spend a dime:
-Faneuil Hall - enter the middle of the three Quincy Markets. Pass through the food court and look for the restroom signs.
-Copley Place or the Prudential Center. Both contain public restrooms.
-The Boston Public Library - lower level. If asked, you're looking for a book! ;)
-The Charles River Esplanade (near the sailing school)
-Back Bay Subway station (Orange Line) - you'll want to squat at this station. Seriously, I'm not kidding.
-South Sation (Red Line) - located just off of the main food court.

Problem solved.