Michael Porter bringing sexy back
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Bringing Sexy Back
I have heard it a few times in passing but I never really stopped to question "sexy" as a business adjective until Michael Porter, yes from Porter's 5 Forces, described an industry as "sexy". It's come up in business classes ever so rarely: "sexy" companies, "sexy" strategies but what does it really mean? In context, professors usually pull out "sexy" when they are describing a business that is successful, innovative, and attractive to investors. Here "sexy" makes sense: "sexy" = attractive. But do we need to take it that far? Attractive is really an influential enough word to describe a business. My professors must really just love, or lust, after these businesses. I mean maybe my relationship with Case studies would develop that much too if I talked about them to 150 students, every semester. Someday, hopefully soon, I will find "sexy" as a multiple choice answer on my test and then maybe highlighted in a textbook but until then, I'll watch the Porter's Five Forces video one more time to hear Mr. Porter say "sexy" with a straight face.
Michael Porter bringing sexy back
Michael Porter bringing sexy back
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Mark'It: Sold Out of Sweets!
I finally broke down and went to grab some Swedish Fish from the CampusCo. in the GSU on BU's campus...they were out.
Sold out? Out of Stock? Never carried them? I didn't stick around to find out.
Dear Swedish Fish,
Next time you go plastering those delicious fish candies all over my campus-- KEEP THEM IN STOCK! My craving hit and there was nothing to satisfy it!
Marketing Campaign: DEAD...or should I say, All fish AFLOAT
Sincerely,
Craving-some candies customer
Sold out? Out of Stock? Never carried them? I didn't stick around to find out.
Dear Swedish Fish,
Next time you go plastering those delicious fish candies all over my campus-- KEEP THEM IN STOCK! My craving hit and there was nothing to satisfy it!
Marketing Campaign: DEAD...or should I say, All fish AFLOAT
Sincerely,
Craving-some candies customer
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Mark'it: Swedish Fish
Fish are spawning their way up Comm Ave and on to dozens of bus stops. It all started with one fish on the sidewalk outside of the Kenmore Classroom Building.
Now we've got fish on Kenmore Square's Homelessman's suitcase...
Park Drive bus stop
and Mass Ave bus stop.
Where are they all going? Who is posting fish all over the city? What's the message? I'm surely intrigued...here are some hypotheses:
Someone at Cadbury knows my occasional weakness for Swedish fish so they put them outside of Campus Convenience stores to increase impulse purchasing. But that only explains some of the locations...so that's out.
Another fish-fan start-up business is trying co-promoting their business with Swedish fish. Possible, but they are only promoting the fish at this point.
Someone really doesn't like Swedish Fish. I only say this because on Park Drive, the fish is dead.
Cadbury is revamping their Swedish Fish product to become a more talked about brand.
This seems to be a trend in advertising that I first witnessed in Paris. Company put up a "first round" of posters with a "hook", usually an attention getting picture or phrase, then a week or so later, they put up the "second round" of the campaign that explains the meaning of the first. It really peaks interest and it was all anyone could talk about for days after, "I figured out what that poster meant...". And since these ads seemed to be heavily displayed on bus routes and campus sidewalks, do they want the elusive (18-24 year olds) to become Fish Fans?
Check out their website: http://www.swedishfish.com/
Now we've got fish on Kenmore Square's Homelessman's suitcase...
Park Drive bus stop
and Mass Ave bus stop.
Where are they all going? Who is posting fish all over the city? What's the message? I'm surely intrigued...here are some hypotheses:
Someone at Cadbury knows my occasional weakness for Swedish fish so they put them outside of Campus Convenience stores to increase impulse purchasing. But that only explains some of the locations...so that's out.
Another fish-fan start-up business is trying co-promoting their business with Swedish fish. Possible, but they are only promoting the fish at this point.
Someone really doesn't like Swedish Fish. I only say this because on Park Drive, the fish is dead.
Cadbury is revamping their Swedish Fish product to become a more talked about brand.
This seems to be a trend in advertising that I first witnessed in Paris. Company put up a "first round" of posters with a "hook", usually an attention getting picture or phrase, then a week or so later, they put up the "second round" of the campaign that explains the meaning of the first. It really peaks interest and it was all anyone could talk about for days after, "I figured out what that poster meant...". And since these ads seemed to be heavily displayed on bus routes and campus sidewalks, do they want the elusive (18-24 year olds) to become Fish Fans?
Check out their website: http://www.swedishfish.com/
What did I eat for lunch? The Finest Foodies gather at Fenway
I'm becoming a Food Festival fanatic! Maybe its sunny days and unseasonably warm weather, but I am loving being outside and enjoying food. This weekend I wrnt to the Phantom Gourmet Food Festival around Fenway Park. We got there early this time to assure ourselves adequate elbow room and food samples-- we were prepared for another Dessert Disaster (See Dessert Showcase post).
We were gathered at the top of Lansdowne St with hundreds of Foodies; dressed in purple costumes, with purple boas, or purple wigs. I was well equip with a water bottle. The blue tented stands lined one side of the street and open bars and restaurants lined the other. We funneled down the middle, stopping at almost every stand to grab, taste, swap, and grab some more. There was no real rhyme or coherence to the progression of food so we just tasted tacos, meatballs, and chocolate cake in three bites. It was amazingly well managed chaos. These vendors were well prepared with tons of food, tiny samples, plastic forks, dishes, and napkins. The whole experience was one of gluttony and glory.
Some of my stand outs were: New England clam chowder (voted best in New England), meatballs, pulled pork (i had been craving it), and a Fluffer Nutter cupcake. But here is my issue-- I couldn't tell you ANY of the businesses that made these. None of the brands stuck out in my mind and I don't have a business card or photo to match up. At the entrance, they give you a list of vendors/businesses that will be there. Some (but very few) are local Boston names that are impossible to miss, but most are small mom'n'pop shops in the suburbs that really make great food. So how do they get their brand/restaurant name to stick in my head long after I leave the festival?? How do they assure that I come back or order from them next time?? These businesses know food-- but they don't know how to market themselves.
First technique: one business put the piece of chocolate on a business card and offered 15% off
(in store) with the card. This way, I've got the name, location, website, and an incentive to keep the card. But out of 50 booths-- one did this.
Second\ technique: I had to sign a mailing list to get a free sample bottle of Pineapple hot sauce. Perfect-- they have my email, but how many people want to wait in line to get a sample? And NO ONE I was with put down their real email, myself included. I didn't even get to taste the product so there is no way I'm getting spammed by them.
Third technique: napkins with logos on them. About 1/4 of the booths had this and as soon as I ate the sample and wiped my mouth, I threw away the napkin, whoops!
Fourth technique: business card on the table to grab along with your sample. Yeah right, I'm focused on the food and only the food.
Fifth technique: signage! One pizza place (Flatbreads, see Bowling post) brought a fake brick oven and parked it next to the stand. Attention getting-- but maybe not memorable.
Most didn't even try. Their signs were hidden on the bottom or back of the booth (no visibility). Some might say that if the food is good enough, you'll remember the name but honestly 50 samples in 2 hours. I am amazed that I could remember how to get out of there. SO, assuming these restaurants want to be remembered as the 'best of the best' around Boston, they need to stand out in our minds!!
My suggestions: I think that along with the list of businesses, Phantom Gourmet should each write a quick blurb about what they are serving and one differentiating factor. For example, one stand had cupcakes-- with ice cream filing and over 10 flavors. Now if that was attached to the business name, I would definitely be able to connect the two. Also, I think that each stand should have someone handing out business cards after people get their food. Most people eat it right in front of the stand, so after they toss the plate-- hand them a card before they move on.
In the interest of being green-- maybe everyone could get a platter or silver ware at the start of the festival (included in the $50 ticket price, of course). Stands could serve cafeteria style or on napkins for quick grabbing.
One brand that I did remember was Sugar, the makers of the Fluffer Nutter Cupcake. We talked to the woman in the booth and then I ran into two young kids in baker's uniforms working the crowds with some cookies. They proudly announced that they worked for Sugar. Sugar is located where?? I have no idea but I researched it later to find out. That's the power of a really good cupcake.
Sugar Bakery
1884 Centre Street
West Roxbury, MA 02132
www.sugarbakery.net
We were gathered at the top of Lansdowne St with hundreds of Foodies; dressed in purple costumes, with purple boas, or purple wigs. I was well equip with a water bottle. The blue tented stands lined one side of the street and open bars and restaurants lined the other. We funneled down the middle, stopping at almost every stand to grab, taste, swap, and grab some more. There was no real rhyme or coherence to the progression of food so we just tasted tacos, meatballs, and chocolate cake in three bites. It was amazingly well managed chaos. These vendors were well prepared with tons of food, tiny samples, plastic forks, dishes, and napkins. The whole experience was one of gluttony and glory.
Some of my stand outs were: New England clam chowder (voted best in New England), meatballs, pulled pork (i had been craving it), and a Fluffer Nutter cupcake. But here is my issue-- I couldn't tell you ANY of the businesses that made these. None of the brands stuck out in my mind and I don't have a business card or photo to match up. At the entrance, they give you a list of vendors/businesses that will be there. Some (but very few) are local Boston names that are impossible to miss, but most are small mom'n'pop shops in the suburbs that really make great food. So how do they get their brand/restaurant name to stick in my head long after I leave the festival?? How do they assure that I come back or order from them next time?? These businesses know food-- but they don't know how to market themselves.
First technique: one business put the piece of chocolate on a business card and offered 15% off
(in store) with the card. This way, I've got the name, location, website, and an incentive to keep the card. But out of 50 booths-- one did this.
Second\ technique: I had to sign a mailing list to get a free sample bottle of Pineapple hot sauce. Perfect-- they have my email, but how many people want to wait in line to get a sample? And NO ONE I was with put down their real email, myself included. I didn't even get to taste the product so there is no way I'm getting spammed by them.
Third technique: napkins with logos on them. About 1/4 of the booths had this and as soon as I ate the sample and wiped my mouth, I threw away the napkin, whoops!
Fourth technique: business card on the table to grab along with your sample. Yeah right, I'm focused on the food and only the food.
Fifth technique: signage! One pizza place (Flatbreads, see Bowling post) brought a fake brick oven and parked it next to the stand. Attention getting-- but maybe not memorable.
Most didn't even try. Their signs were hidden on the bottom or back of the booth (no visibility). Some might say that if the food is good enough, you'll remember the name but honestly 50 samples in 2 hours. I am amazed that I could remember how to get out of there. SO, assuming these restaurants want to be remembered as the 'best of the best' around Boston, they need to stand out in our minds!!
My suggestions: I think that along with the list of businesses, Phantom Gourmet should each write a quick blurb about what they are serving and one differentiating factor. For example, one stand had cupcakes-- with ice cream filing and over 10 flavors. Now if that was attached to the business name, I would definitely be able to connect the two. Also, I think that each stand should have someone handing out business cards after people get their food. Most people eat it right in front of the stand, so after they toss the plate-- hand them a card before they move on.
In the interest of being green-- maybe everyone could get a platter or silver ware at the start of the festival (included in the $50 ticket price, of course). Stands could serve cafeteria style or on napkins for quick grabbing.
One brand that I did remember was Sugar, the makers of the Fluffer Nutter Cupcake. We talked to the woman in the booth and then I ran into two young kids in baker's uniforms working the crowds with some cookies. They proudly announced that they worked for Sugar. Sugar is located where?? I have no idea but I researched it later to find out. That's the power of a really good cupcake.
Sugar Bakery
1884 Centre Street
West Roxbury, MA 02132
www.sugarbakery.net
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Running with Charles
Boston is definitely a runners city. Not only do we have the Boston Marathon, but there are plenty of hidden running paths where you are more likely to run into a duck than a car or see a sailboat rather than stop-and-go traffic. My favorite run is the one around the Charles River. I start on campus and make my way into Cambridge, loop around the Museum of Science, and head back through the lush Esplanade. I catch glimpses of the North End Bridge, State House, and finally the Citgo sign, which means that I am almost home. Running around the paths (dirt or paved) is simple to follow and it's never too crowded like Newbury Street. The view is what keeps me trucking along my 5.4 mile route...
There is one catch...the wind. I've discovered that whichever way that you run, the wind is always in your face. Some days its a struggle to get moving! But I like to try and chase the sailboats or crew boats in the morning. For me, it's a motivator to keep going forward because I know that if I turn back...it'll just hit me from the other side.
There is one catch...the wind. I've discovered that whichever way that you run, the wind is always in your face. Some days its a struggle to get moving! But I like to try and chase the sailboats or crew boats in the morning. For me, it's a motivator to keep going forward because I know that if I turn back...it'll just hit me from the other side.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dessert Showcase and Groupon
I've visited the Chocolate Buffet in Boston, countless Paris chocolate shops, Belgium for Easter, and Geneva, Switzerland (highest consumption of chocolate per person in Europe), so it should come as no surprise that I jumped at the chance to go to the New England Dessert Showcase in Boston. I had tentative plans to go but I solidified my decision when I received a Groupon for Showcase tickets at 50% off! I rallied the troups (5 of my foodie friends) and we bought up a bunch of passes. 
It ran from 12-5 on a Saturday at the Westin in Copley so we wandered from campus to Copley around 1pm. As we headed in the building, we were met by a guard that informed us that the entrance was being closed for 2 hours due to high traffic and the line was being broken up. WHAT!? We wouldn't get our dose of dessert until 3pm-- no, we decided to wait. Well the line started at the hotel, looped through the mall into another hotel, out the hotel, around the block, back into the 2nd hotel, back through the mall, and in front of the Westin again. INSANE! We decided that the only way to get in was to wait-- or pull a college-move and cute the line. We waited until most of the people had dispersed or stormed off in aggravation before we made our move to the front of the line.
Our tactics worked and we made it into the glorious room of dessert tables and samples. It was a smorgasbord of cakes, cupcakes, chocolate mousse, candy, ice cream, pie, cookies, biscotti, chocolates, pound cake, croissants...I could continue but I'll leave it up to your imagination.
Highlight:
Chart House's Molten Lava Cake (mini muffin size) with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and heath bar crunch (15 minute wait)
World's Largest Boston Cream Pie
Chocolate Ginger Mousse with Mango (I don't like mango or ginger but others said it was good)
Bakery Cafe Chocolate Cupcake
Tre Corsi Anise Biscotti or Lemon Biscotti
Spiced Nuts--which I used as topping for a creamy chocolate ice cream
The Brewster's Cow Beer Infused Ice Cream (Sam Adams + Coffee...terrible but some of the other flavors were better)
So after this lovely sugar high-- how could anyone be mad about a little wait at the door??! right? NO WAY! People were pissed so naturally I assumed the blame would fall on NE Dessert Showcase or the Westin, but I received an apology (and optional refend, which I declined) from a different source the following Monday...
Groupon. Since most of the customers were storming around on Saturday with print-out coupons from either Groupon or LivingSocial, I guess they received some hefty hate-mails. But honestly, it isn't their responsibility! It's not! Read the fine print, dear. Technically the venue gives Groupon the right to sell tickets online and should receive a total number of vouchers sold at the close of the online sale day. So even if, they oversold their capacity, they should have known before. I talked to a vendor and she said they were expecting 5,000 people. 10,000 probably showed up. Another vendor said that it was absolutely insane and that he had never seen this many people here before. The NEDS was usually an industry event. So obviously dropping the ticket price by 50% increased demand by quite a bit. And posting it on LivingSocial (in July) and Groupon (in September) was a little over kill. This is apparently a really big issue with small businesses using Groupon as a Marketing tool. They often don't have the capacity to handle the increase in short-term demand-- the rush.
I still stand firm in believing that it is the responsibility of the venue to weigh the economic costs of deciding the advertise on Groupon. Businesses should be more knowledgeable about what they are signing up for-- and maybe THAT aspect is on Groupon to convey.
It ran from 12-5 on a Saturday at the Westin in Copley so we wandered from campus to Copley around 1pm. As we headed in the building, we were met by a guard that informed us that the entrance was being closed for 2 hours due to high traffic and the line was being broken up. WHAT!? We wouldn't get our dose of dessert until 3pm-- no, we decided to wait. Well the line started at the hotel, looped through the mall into another hotel, out the hotel, around the block, back into the 2nd hotel, back through the mall, and in front of the Westin again. INSANE! We decided that the only way to get in was to wait-- or pull a college-move and cute the line. We waited until most of the people had dispersed or stormed off in aggravation before we made our move to the front of the line.
Our tactics worked and we made it into the glorious room of dessert tables and samples. It was a smorgasbord of cakes, cupcakes, chocolate mousse, candy, ice cream, pie, cookies, biscotti, chocolates, pound cake, croissants...I could continue but I'll leave it up to your imagination.
Highlight:
Chart House's Molten Lava Cake (mini muffin size) with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and heath bar crunch (15 minute wait)
World's Largest Boston Cream Pie
Chocolate Ginger Mousse with Mango (I don't like mango or ginger but others said it was good)
Bakery Cafe Chocolate Cupcake
Tre Corsi Anise Biscotti or Lemon Biscotti
Spiced Nuts--which I used as topping for a creamy chocolate ice cream
The Brewster's Cow Beer Infused Ice Cream (Sam Adams + Coffee...terrible but some of the other flavors were better)
So after this lovely sugar high-- how could anyone be mad about a little wait at the door??! right? NO WAY! People were pissed so naturally I assumed the blame would fall on NE Dessert Showcase or the Westin, but I received an apology (and optional refend, which I declined) from a different source the following Monday...
Groupon. Since most of the customers were storming around on Saturday with print-out coupons from either Groupon or LivingSocial, I guess they received some hefty hate-mails. But honestly, it isn't their responsibility! It's not! Read the fine print, dear. Technically the venue gives Groupon the right to sell tickets online and should receive a total number of vouchers sold at the close of the online sale day. So even if, they oversold their capacity, they should have known before. I talked to a vendor and she said they were expecting 5,000 people. 10,000 probably showed up. Another vendor said that it was absolutely insane and that he had never seen this many people here before. The NEDS was usually an industry event. So obviously dropping the ticket price by 50% increased demand by quite a bit. And posting it on LivingSocial (in July) and Groupon (in September) was a little over kill. This is apparently a really big issue with small businesses using Groupon as a Marketing tool. They often don't have the capacity to handle the increase in short-term demand-- the rush.
I still stand firm in believing that it is the responsibility of the venue to weigh the economic costs of deciding the advertise on Groupon. Businesses should be more knowledgeable about what they are signing up for-- and maybe THAT aspect is on Groupon to convey.
Friday, September 17, 2010
A New Self-Check Out for an Old Tradition
As an avid reader, it is slightly shocking that I have made it three years without stepping inside the Boston Public Library. It's literally in the middle of a hub of activity-- next to Newbury, across from Copley, and beside Boylston! Not anymore, my friend! I am now a BPL library card holder.
The library is giant (4 floors) and the architecture is impressive. All I needed was a school ID and a proof of address and I had access to 1.2 million books in Boston. The best feature is the self-check out, like at the grocery store but for books! You scan your card, your book, drop it on the slot so that it can be "measured" (?), and then carry it out. A tech-savvy library?! Is this their way to keep up with the digital age? Offer new tech-gadgets with the old traditional smell of books or offer a new way to self-check out a self-help book.
Boston Public Library
Copley Square
Boston, MA
www.bpl.org
The library is giant (4 floors) and the architecture is impressive. All I needed was a school ID and a proof of address and I had access to 1.2 million books in Boston. The best feature is the self-check out, like at the grocery store but for books! You scan your card, your book, drop it on the slot so that it can be "measured" (?), and then carry it out. A tech-savvy library?! Is this their way to keep up with the digital age? Offer new tech-gadgets with the old traditional smell of books or offer a new way to self-check out a self-help book.
Boston Public Library
Copley Square
Boston, MA
www.bpl.org
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Mark'it: Touchdown or throw down; Can men and women watch the game from the same couch?
I ran into a football player today, fully suited up and ready to tackle people in the middle of Copley square. Most people looked surprised that he was standing in a brown uniform with "Dove" written across his chest. I felt some mixed messages as well. Unmistakeably, he was from Dove chocolates but what was he doing in a football uniform? As he dropped a peanut butter Promise into my hand, he said "Just reminding women to take a break this football season too." Football & chocolate? Well, at least they are both brown but otherwise I don't see the connection. Football is about beer and wings and manly men things. Maybe women felt left out, maybe they wanted to be included on game day instead of an annoying distraction. Maybe Dove knows that women everywhere secretly love football but don't have a snack that fills their party bowl. Does the snack table really have room for a glass of red wine and a bowl of chocolates?
Here's the new Dove campaign: http://popsop.com/38482
Side note: Is it a sign that you eat too much chocolate when you get the same Dove message multiple times? Here's what Dove has to say:
"Too much of a good thing is wonderful."
Here's the new Dove campaign: http://popsop.com/38482
Side note: Is it a sign that you eat too much chocolate when you get the same Dove message multiple times? Here's what Dove has to say:
"Too much of a good thing is wonderful."
Mark'it: A Market for Me
Along with my discoveries of around Boston, I want to highlight certain experiences from my perspective as a Marketing student. Marketing, advertising, social media are rapidly changing the way that businesses are communicating with consumers. Since I am studying Marketing in this hub of activity, I wanted to point out some of the greatest and/or worst tactics to grab college students, professionals, and Bostonian's attention.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Red Carpet Premieres and Giveaways
Boston isn't exactly Hollywood but it might as well be when it comes to being a college student. My roommate and I went to Collegefest at the Hynes Convention Center. All you need is a few bucks (or a free ticket!) and a college ID and you are throw into a world of free giveaways, pushy company reps, and total chaos. It's a two day event but we were lined up when it opened to secure our "free t-shirt" loot. They go the fastest, so you'd better get there early!
We visited tons of booths from local start-ups to national chains. Each wanted to fill our bags with flyers, coupons, and freebies all in exchange for one thing: our email. Booths have gotten smarter about the fake emails and started using...FACEBOOK! You have to "Like" the page via cell phone, text message, or on their computers. So basically-- I'm spamming myself and telling my facebook friends that I think it's cool. But out of all of the spam, I got 2 free t-shirts, tons of free drinks (healthy energy drinks), free candy, free pens, and free movie passes to see "The Social Network" for that evening. Oh, and I signed up to win 5 iPads!
The best was the pass to the free screening of the "The Social Network", in theaters Oct. 1st. The storyline follows the creator of Facebook from one night in his dorm at Harvard to the monstrous business that it is now. The movie had a ton of Boston landmarks, a few snide comments about BU, and a lot of local charm. It was amazing to see the inner working of Harvard students, they really recruit some genius students. After the film there was a Q&A with the screen writer, Aaron Sorkin and actor, Armie Hammer. Aaron said that the story was un-embellished but a collection of 4 versions of the story. Marc Zuckerberg was/is involved in 2 major lawsuits about Facebook, so this film taps into all of the sides. The film was really interesting and amazing to see Facebook from the other side of the screen. It was a little freaky though-- and I didn't sign on for about a day after (which in college time is really long). I'd definitely recommend it, but don't believe the BU diss-- we're wonderful.AMC Boston Commons
175 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02111
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Ladies that Brunch
My Parisian pals and I took a trip to the South End (now known as Restaurant Row) for brunch at a French bistro to celebrate a friend coming to town. Walkable from Park or Copley T stations, it was my first time venturing in the South End of Boston. It has been drastically vamped up with brownstone renovations and a restaurant strip. It is truly a beautiful area, the SOHO of Boston, with streets lined with red-brick brownstones.
We brunched at Aquitaine on exquisite omelets, scones, potatoes, and bottomless cups of grapefruit juice and coffee. The omelets were stuffed with fresh veggies and French cheeses and we walked out stuffed, as well. The big brunch concept is surely not French, but the prix-fixe surely is ($9.95).
Aquitaine French Bistro
569 Tremont Street, South End
http://www.aquitaineboston.com/index.php
We then T'ed in over to Harvard Square and stopped in a bunch of boutiques and silly shops. My favorite being:
Cardullo's
Gourmet International Food Shop
6 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA
www.cardullos.com
This shop carried all of the products that we fell in love with in Europe. Turkish tea, nehaus chocolats (with speccaloos), Cadbury chocolate, London biscuits, Italian sauces...It's amazing that in Europe we searched for peanut butter, cake mix, and wheat thins , and now we're drooling over imported cheeses, chocolates, and teas!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Cannolis and Couture
First of all, I stole that title from the New York Times article, 36 Hours in Boston. But my friend and I decided to take a step back from the Italian pastries and pasta in Boston's North End and try boutique window shopping instead. We started with the bling...
Filthy Rich of Boston
236 Hanover Street, North End
filthyrichofboston.com
*It's a inexpensive jewelry store that make replicas of celebrity jewelry for you and me! Think everyone from Jackie O to Beyonce. It's SOOOO cute and reasonably priced!
We picked up a shopping guide and popped in a bunch of boutiques, stopped at a street fair, and read menus of the most delicious Italian food in Boston. We also fell in LOVE with Salem Street!! Best Boutiques, restaurants, and a cupcake shop! Head over from Hanover...
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Venetian palace in the middle of the Fens!
"You haven't been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum!?!" seemed to be the reaction for my friend and I as we talked to locals and tourists alike. Only a short walk from our apartment, the ISGM is situated in an ugly little building next to an ugly little park. Not exactly top of my list-- but she was an art collector and international traveler with incredible decorating skills.
We walked in and the ground floors immediately opens up to her Venetian courtyard filled with green, lush plants and a beautiful tile centerpiece. Obviously inspired by her trips to Venice, Cambodia, and many more European and Asian countries. It was the perfect tranquil getaway from cold, wildy Boston.
The rest of the three floors contain furniture, pictures, and objects of art from across the world. Its beautiful to see the difference in art from countries spanning from Asia to Northern and Central Europe.
My friend informed me that in her will she specified that nothing could be moved from where she originally displayed it in her home. She did have great taste and it really gave the museum flow and personality. It worked out great until the museum was raided of 13 artworks. Nothing has been put up to replace them but the FBI is still trying to get them back, with a $5 million reward for information. I'll keep my eyes peeled for old museum work hidden in some college student's apartment!
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
280 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 566-1401
*If your name is Isabella, you get in for free
We walked in and the ground floors immediately opens up to her Venetian courtyard filled with green, lush plants and a beautiful tile centerpiece. Obviously inspired by her trips to Venice, Cambodia, and many more European and Asian countries. It was the perfect tranquil getaway from cold, wildy Boston.
The rest of the three floors contain furniture, pictures, and objects of art from across the world. Its beautiful to see the difference in art from countries spanning from Asia to Northern and Central Europe.
My friend informed me that in her will she specified that nothing could be moved from where she originally displayed it in her home. She did have great taste and it really gave the museum flow and personality. It worked out great until the museum was raided of 13 artworks. Nothing has been put up to replace them but the FBI is still trying to get them back, with a $5 million reward for information. I'll keep my eyes peeled for old museum work hidden in some college student's apartment!
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
280 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 566-1401
*If your name is Isabella, you get in for free
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
"Make Life Sweeter...Eat Dessert First"
These are the wise words of the famous Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston. My friend and I headed down to the water front to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). We walked the long way from South Station, passing the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
The ICA is weird, grey, ugly building with a kick ass view of the waterfront. Neither of us are particularly into contemporary art so we just kind of observed the strange art and stared out the giant glass window at the boats. This isn't my first time to the museum. I visited with my mom a year ago and it really does open your mind. This exhibition was all tiny replicas of clothing and toys that were supposed to represent a loss on innocence while growing up or the reality of the working world. Because everything was so small, it was supposed to change your perspective on things. Oh-- yes, Mom the Sugar Cube & Oil video was still there!!
We needed some serious sugar after that experience so we walked over to Flour Bakery & Cafe. They line the entrance with a giant chalkboard listing of killer sandwiches and baked goods. The display cases are even better. I'm talking about brick-sized brownies! We opted for cookies; lemony-cornbread, milk chocolate-hazelnut, and loaded (chocolate chunks, nuts, coconut, and like 10 more delicious things). We managed to save them for our roommates, but just barely!
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 478-3100
Public transit: South Station
12 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA 02210-1224
(617) 338-4333
Public transit: South Station
The ICA is weird, grey, ugly building with a kick ass view of the waterfront. Neither of us are particularly into contemporary art so we just kind of observed the strange art and stared out the giant glass window at the boats. This isn't my first time to the museum. I visited with my mom a year ago and it really does open your mind. This exhibition was all tiny replicas of clothing and toys that were supposed to represent a loss on innocence while growing up or the reality of the working world. Because everything was so small, it was supposed to change your perspective on things. Oh-- yes, Mom the Sugar Cube & Oil video was still there!!
We needed some serious sugar after that experience so we walked over to Flour Bakery & Cafe. They line the entrance with a giant chalkboard listing of killer sandwiches and baked goods. The display cases are even better. I'm talking about brick-sized brownies! We opted for cookies; lemony-cornbread, milk chocolate-hazelnut, and loaded (chocolate chunks, nuts, coconut, and like 10 more delicious things). We managed to save them for our roommates, but just barely!
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 478-3100
Public transit: South Station
12 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA 02210-1224
(617) 338-4333
Public transit: South Station
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