1. Head outside (just bundle up first). Fresh-air workouts are still an option, you’ll just have to spend a little extra time getting ready. Bundle up in weather-appropriate, reflective gear before you head out, like these top-rated items. Don’t forget sweat-wicking pants and layered tops in synthetic or wool materials, a warm hat, and gloves, and sunscreen!
2. Stay hydrated. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you don't need to stay hydrated. In fact, dehydration is harder to notice when it's colder out. Be sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after your workout, even if you're not particularly sweaty or thirsty.
3. Try online workouts. Online fitness routines are having a real moment right now, and for good reason. With everyone staying at home more, virtual workouts provide a convenient alternative to in-person sweat sessions. Pay a monthly fee to access a large library of workout videos, like BeachBody On Demand, or see if any of your local fitness studios are streaming classes. YouTube also has lots of options for free.
4. Get into at-home cycling. By now, you’ve probably heard of Peloton and its pricey in-home spin bikes. But did you know that you don’t need to splurge on one in order to access its library of pre-recorded and live-streaming classes? Snag one of these more affordable spin bikes and then subscribe to Peloton’s classes ($39/month) for a full-fledged fitness studio at home.

The post How to Get the Most Out of Your Winter Workouts appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

What people love about Intelligentsia’s coffee is the smooth, rich flavors that are unparalleled by many other coffee shops. It’s not rushed, it’s perfectly brewed every single time. For a true taste of the beans try a single-origin espresso or a drip coffee. They also have specialty beverages like macchiatos, lattes, all the staples you know and love. One thing patrons mention is it is a little pricey, but so worth the splurge, so go on a day that you feel like treating yourself!

The post Sip Coffee Crafted From Ethically Sourced Beans at Intelligentsia Coffee Watertown Coffeebar appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

Nut lovers are sure to rejoice, then, when they learn of Fastachi, an artisanal roasted nut shop that’s expanded from its Boston roots to right here in Watertown. At Fastachi, you can dream up new takes on your favorite varieties of nuts, surrounded by dried, roasted, or mixed nuts of all shapes and sizes. Replicate a beloved family recipe or dream up an entirely new dish—you’ll find your nuttiest, more nutrient-packed ingredients right here. 

Whether you’re putting together the perfect almond truffle, DIY-ing a creamy nut butter, or crafting a crunchy brittle to keep the holiday spirit going a little while longer, Fastachi has got you covered. Here, you’ll find folks you know, appreciate, and even love nuts, and all they can do, as much as you do. 

The post Now Open Near Watertown Mews: Fastachi, an Artisanal Nut Shop appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

1. Stow spices on a turntable. Turntable, Lazy Susan, whatever you call it, these contraptions make it simple to quickly locate the spice you’re looking for! You can also use them for go-to baking supplies like flour and sugar. A mini turntable should fit neatly and easily into any spare cabinet.
2. Quickly boost your storage space. There’s probably some spare space in your cabinets that you don’t even realize is there! That’s the dead air above your canned goods and spices. Double your storage space instantly by adding wire shelving, which sits right on top of your permanent shelves. Similarly, small drawers under the sink or in other underused spots can work wonders.
3. Stash your cookie sheets differently. Instead of keeping your cookie sheets in a haphazard pile, use tension rods to get them in order. Line up tension rods from one side of a cabinet to the other and store your cookie sheets vertically.
4. Use the back of your kitchen cabinets. Did you know that parchment paper tubes are super easy to hack? Stick a wooden dowel through the hole in the center of the tube, and you can hang it instead of trying to stuff it in a drawer alongside cling wrap and aluminum foil. Just affix two temporary hooks to the back of a cabinet door, thread the dowel through them, and voila! Parchment paper at your fingertips.

The 52 Best Kitchen Cabinet Organization Ideas of All Time [Apartment Therapy]
The 35 Most Brilliant Organizing Ideas of All Time [The Kitchn]
22 Smart Storage Tricks for a Small Kitchen [Good Housekeeping]

The post Set Yourself Up for Holiday Cookie Success With These Kitchen Organizing Tips appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

Porcini’s is currently offering limited indoor and patio seating Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Try to visit while the weather is still in your favor to sit outside, or place a big order to keep your refrigerator well-stocked with all of your favorites. Porcini’s has been a part of the neighborhood in Watertown for over 20 years. Do your part to keep the business going with an order today!

The post Authentic Italian Fare Is on the Menu at Porcini’s in Watertown appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

Tune into an FM radio station so you can enjoy the sounds of the season while you drive under lighted arches. Follow one mile of the sparkling road, where you’ll see more than one million LED lights right away. Expect tunnels of glittering lights and a festive spirit. You might even see a few reindeer games! Glowing animatronic scenes are a highlight of this festival, so be on the lookout for a few moving puppets.

The light show opens every day at 5 p.m. until January 3, and it’s just a 10 minute drive from Watertown Mews. There’s even a chance to support a good cause! Bring a new and unwrapped toy with you, and you can donate it to the Salvation Army at the entrance of the light show.

The post Experience Holiday Cheer at the Greater Boston Celebration of Lights appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

Gingery Sweet Potato Pie [Country Living]
The distinct addition of ginger lends a rich, complex flavor to this otherwise traditional sweet potato pie. You can make your own pie crust or buy one pre-made to cut back on prep time. Then bake about four small sweet potatoes and mash them with milk, eggs, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and, of course, sugar. Fill the pie crust with the sweet mixture, bake it, and top with homemade (or storebought) whipped cream.

Pumpkin Crisp [Delish]
Sure, pumpkin pie is delicious, but pumpkin crisp in a cast-iron skillet? You really can’t beat that. This recipe guides you in mixing together pumpkin puree, eggs pumpkin pie spice, heavy cream, and vanilla with ample amounts of sugar. Next, you’ll craft a crumbly topping using flour, brown sugar, salt, butter, and pecans. Pour the creamy mixture into a greased cast-iron skillet, sprinkle the buttery crumbs on top, and bake for about 45 minutes—then enjoy a slice a la mode.

Apple Dumpling Bake [Taste of Home]
This recipe is much easier than apple pie, and it features one unexpected ingredient: Mountain Dew. Apple slices wrapped in crescent rolls simmer in the sweet, bubbly beverage with sugar, butter, and cinnamon for about 35 minutes. The result? Flaky, golden-brown rolls bearing the perfect balance of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet soda and sugar. For an extra-delicious dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The post Fall Sweets to Bake in November appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

In order to keep customers safe and comfortable in these unusual times, Bessie Blue is doing business both online and in-store. If you want to shop in person, wear a mask and follow social-distancing guidelines at all times. If you prefer to shop online, you can choose to have your items shipped or opt for curbside pickup at the store. Regardless of how you choose to browse, you’ll have access to a large collection of cozy fall sweaters, trendy jeans, and warm accessories like hats and scarves.

The post Shop Affordably Priced Fashions at Bessie Blue in Belmont appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

That’s due, in part, to the stellar customer service—but the upscale American food doesn’t hurt, either. It’s served tapas-style so you can try a few different dishes over the course of your evening. The steak tartare, lamb meatballs, and chickpea Panisse all come highly recommended, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Sip on a cocktail as you savor the unique cuisine at Thistle and Leek.

The post Expect American-Style Tapas at Thistle and Leek appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.

Crayon Drip Pumpkins [Good Housekeeping]
This customizable craft gives you tons of artistic license over your pumpkin. You can leave the pumpkin in its natural orange state or paint it white, black, or really any color. Just make sure the color of the pumpkin canvas goes well with whatever crayons you have on hand! After the paint dries, unwrap the crayons (leftover stubs work, too) and situate one near the stem of the pumpkin. Use a hairdryer to melt it and send the wax drips artfully cascading down the pumpkin. Repeat with as many crayons/colors as you want!

Yarn-Wrapped Pumpkins [Two Shades of Pink]
Here’s a fun way to put extra yarn or twine to good use: wrap your pumpkins in it. This tutorial showcases a few different ways that you can swathe pumpkins or gourds in any shade of yard. Simply loop the yarn around the pumpkin horizontally, continuing to stack up layers until you reach the stem, or twist the yarn vertically and weave it back and forth from bottom to top. Then wrap the stems in some string of a different color as the final flourish.

Gingham Painted Pumpkins [Kelly in the City]
If you love the sweet, classic look of gingham, this might be the DIY for you. In true farmhouse-chic fashion, the tutorial creates checkered pumpkins that are much more stylish than a jack-o’-lantern. Start by painting the entire pumpkin white. Once the white base dries, add vertical stripes in the hue of your choice. Choose a darker shade of the same color to create vertical stripes and achieve that cute gingham effect.

The post The Best Ways to Decorate a Pumpkin, No Carving Knife Necessary appeared first on Watertown Mews Blog.