Excitement on the Esplanade with the Boston Pops

We couldn't let you go into 4th of July weekend without giving you an update on the Boston Pops performance! The fireworks spectacular and concert on the Esplanade is Beantown's most famous patriotic celebration. This year, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops will be joined by singers Melissa Etheridge, Andy Grammer, and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., who promised that fans of the hip-hop musical would not be disappointed with the show!

If you want to avoid the largest crowds, you can also see the musical acts sans fireworks at the Pops rehearsal show on Monday night from 8PM to 10PM If you’re set on getting a spot on the Esplanade for the 4th, get there early. Gates open at 9AM, and the lawn fills up throughout the day. The traditional fighter jet military flyover in coordination with the “Star Spangled Banner,” will open the evening’s Boston Pops program, and a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show designed by Grucci Fireworks, and accompanied by the music of the Boston Pops and other popular music of the past and present, will bring the celebration to an end.

Alix Steel, co-anchor of “Bloomberg Daybreak Americas” on Bloomberg Television and Carol Massar, co-anchor of “Bloomberg Markets” on Bloomberg Radio, will co-host the 2017 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, with additional reporting by Matt Miller, co-anchor “Bloomberg Markets: European Open” on Bloomberg Television. The celebration schedule of events is as follows:

MONDAY, JULY 3
Official Rehearsal of the July 4 Show. Includes all guest artists. No fireworks.
GATES OPEN AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM
8:00PM: Concert begins
10:00PM: Concert ends

TUESDAY, JULY 4
Concert & Fireworks
GATES OPEN AT 9AM
8:00PM: Concert begins
10:30PM: Fireworks begin
11:00PM: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is free and open to the public and is held at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade located at 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108. For more information on this famous event, visit the Boston Pops website. Go 'fourth' (yes, that's a pun), and devour the details of Independence Day along the Esplanade with the best celebration around!

Celebrate the 4th with Dessert

Today we're brining you four of our favorite 4th of July dessert ideas. These are easy and inexpensive recipes sure to impress your guests. (We promise you they won't be Pinterest fails!) Check out these festive desserts and celebrate Independence Day all weekend long!

Patriotic Popcorn

This recipe is for your guests that prefer salty and sweet desserts. Get your 4th of July snacks poppin' with this patriotic chocolate covered popcorn!

Star Spangled Ice Cream Sandwiches

Stay cool in the summer heat with this sweet treat as you celebrate Independence Day! Check out the recipe here.

All American Mini-Cheesecakes

These picture perfect desserts will have your guests pledging allegiance to the cheesecake for sure this 4th of July! Learn how to make them here.

Red, White and Blue Poke Cake

A Red, White and Beautiful dessert, this cake definitely deserves an Instagram post! Get the recipe here.

Devour the details of the long weekend and celebrate the 4th of July the best way we know how...with dessert!

Wedding Wednesdays: Tech Savvy versus Traditional

Weddings date back to ancient times where it was more of a commodity to marry than it was for love. In fact, it's one of our culture's oldest traditions. But that doesn't mean weddings can't benefit from a little modern technology! Fast forward your wedding to the 21st century and incorporate some of these tech tools that are not only useful, but that might also make your day more fun and stress-free!

Video Invitations

Videos sent via email and social media are nothing new, but now there's a way to send videos alongside physical, paper invitations via Engaging Invites. Seriously, check these interactive messages out! Each 5- by 8-inch invitation includes traditional printed copy designed by the bride and groom on the left side plus a seven-inch LCD video display and built-in speaker on the right. How amazing is that? When the invitation is opened, the custom video, lasting from 30 seconds to three minutes, automatically plays. Engaging Invites start at $38 each for 500 or more. Assistance with design and video production is available for an additional fee. Incredible!

Live-Streaming

Live-streaming can be a great option for family and friends who can’t attend a wedding—particularly a destination one—due to physical or financial limitations. For a casual, DIY live-stream approach, options include Skype for as many as 10 viewers or Facebook Live. Not a bad way to do it, especially if you're a budget conscious bride. But for a more professional look, companies such as My Streaming Wedding provide an experienced videographer with equipment, a dedicated portable Internet uplink, no viewer limits, and the option for a live chat so viewers can leave comments for the bride and groom. Either way, your family and friends back at home will greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness to include them!

Burner Connections

The Burner mobile app allows users to create a temporary phone numbers. While the initial buzz around disposable numbers may have you thinking of scandalous uses (especially if you watched the PLL series finale last night like we did), Burner has created Burner Connections to make its app handy for all sorts of everyday applications. Couples can use their Burner number to collect RSVPs by asking guests to text the number with either “accept” or “decline,” and the responses automatically will be added to a Google spreadsheet. For photo collection, guests can text their pics to a Burner number and the Dropbox Burner Connection will collect them in one folder. The Burner number also can gather audio greetings from guests to collect in a private SoundCloud playlist. Finally, the Evernote Burner Connection can serve as an information hotline similar to a chatbot: Burner will reply to guests’ text questions using information loaded into Evernote. This takes a lot off your plate. Less time texting and more time enjoying your wedding day!

N.F.C. Wristbands

Wristbands embedded with near field communication (N.F.C.) tags have become common at festivals, conferences, and other large events, and they can be used in similar ways at weddings. Definitely an interesting way to add a tech element! Guests would receive the wristband ahead of time or upon arrival and are asked to link it to their email or social media accounts (similar to the new Disney magic bands). Then the band can be used for things like access control and to manage consumption at an open bar, with hosts preloading each band with a set number of drinks and guests taping their bands at the bar each time they order. How amazing is that? N.F.C. wristbands are also useful for photo sharing. Photo booths and roaming photographers can be equipped with N.F.C. readers so guests can simply swipe to have images sent directly to their linked email or social media accounts. We would love to see a bride we know try this out!

Don't get stuck being just traditional—consider adding a tech element and devour the details of your big day!

Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival

When you think of sand castles, you might reminisce about your younger years spent by the beach digging holes and building little ones with shaped buckets. The competitive world of sand castles and sand sculpting however is a far cry from those attempts you made as a toddler! It's a true art that's appreciated across the globe. One renowned festival in particular pretty much takes place in our backyard. Back again this year at Revere Beach in Revere, MA, July 21-23, is the International Sand Sculpting Festival. Artists from around the world compete for bragging rights (and cash prizes) at this well-known event with nothing but sand and water. It's incredible! Take a look for yourselves.

The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival has grown into one of the largest sand sculpting festivals in the country. Each day, sand sculptors build amazing structures based on themes such as dinosaurs, fairy tales or more current topics like climate change for a chance to win this coveted title. You’ll be blown away by the sheer size and complexity of each design! Every year the event features a People’s Choice competition where visitors get the opportunity to vote for their favorite masterpiece.

(Video from 2016 competition)

When completed, the sand sculptures are sprayed with a solution of glue and water to protect them from the elements. This allows them to remain standing for weeks creating a free sand art exhibition which is also illuminated at night. Without a doubt, the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is certainly a world class competition that should be on your bucket list. The Festival also features a full line-up of live entertainment, amusement rides, fireworks, food trucks and much more!

We hope the kid in you is just as excited as the kid in us to attend this summer showdown! Check out the Revere Beach Partnership website and Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival Facebook page for the schedule of events. Don't miss your chance to celebrate summer at Revere Beach and devour the details of some serious sand sculpting!

Monday Mashups: Get Inked at the W

Tattooing is a true art. It takes skill and incredible patience. It's a grand form of expression. One can appreciate the masterpieces displayed on people's skin across the globe. You may wonder, how much of an influence does tattooing really have all over the world? Well, one hotel brand has taken on the challenge to figure that out.

The W Hotels of New York are asking guests to be bold this summer when you book with them by including an eclectic offer to join their "Tattoo crew". What exactly does this mean? Well, W guests who join will experience true insider access by having the opportunity to skip the line with world renowned tattoo artists that carry a one – four year waitlist. W Hotels of New York will spread the series across all W locations of unique In-House Tattoo Artists who will bring the essence and expertise of their practice into the Extreme Wow Suites of each property. Incredible!

The W launched the first of four week-long in-house tattoo studios on May 28 with tattoo artist Tuki Carter taking over the Times Square property’s Extreme Wow Suite, which was redesigned to embody Carter’s aesthetic. At the series kickoff party on May 31, a wall of bamboo, flowers, and paper planes behind the bar was designed by Sa’Diyya Dunkley of Hermosa Design House. The colorful backdrop was a nod to the cover of Carter's hip-hop album, Flowers and Planes.

The other artists tattooing as part of this series include Chris Garver, Jack Rudy, and Sara Fabel. Espolòn Tequila is a sponsor and will be creating signature cocktails unique to the ethos of each individual tattoo artist. These signature cocktails (served with temporary tattoos designed by each artist) will be poured in The Living Room and in the tattoo studios at all W Hotels of New York. To book tattoos, please e-mail wtattoos@lalcomm.com with your name, contact e-mail, phone number, and artist you are inquiring about.

It is unclear if the well-known hotel brand will do this again in the future so be sure to inquire about your reservation today. Get inked at the W and devour the details of your next masterpiece by one of these undeniably talented tattoo artists!

Don't You Just Love a Bargain?

Don't you just love a bargain? A jingle most New Englanders know from the legendary Christmas Tree Shop commercials. You may find lots of great deals at places like this well-known store but if you want to get outdoors this summer and truly hunt for a bargain--we've got just the thing for you. Check out the best flea markets across Massachusetts to visit this summer!

Derby Square Flea Salvage Art

This monthly vintage market features vendors of consignment and up-cycled furniture and fashion; collectibles, antiques, salvage, as well as jewelry, art and handmade goods by local artisans. Derby Flea takes place on the third Saturday of the month from May through September from 10am-5pm in Derby Square located in the heart of Historic Salem, MA. There is no admission fee. This market is a collaboration between Derby Square Flea Salvage Art and the City of Salem.

Wellfleet Flea Market

Every summer, many spend their nights watching movies under the stars at Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre. But there’s another reason why thousands visit Cape Cod over the summer and that is the Wellfleet Flea Market. The biggest flea market down the Cape features over 200 vendors selling a wide variety of goods from food and new items to memorabilia and antiques. Make sure you stop by on your way home from the beach!

Douglas Flea Market

Located in the historic Dutch Hoop Bosma Barn, the Douglas Flea has been serving the community for more than 30 years. Bargain hunters will surely be delighted to navigate the market filled with antiques, vintage items, memorabilia, collectibles and so much more. The market is open every weekend, all year round and admission is free. You can't go wrong spending a day at this beautiful barn!

Dudley Do Right Flea Market

Dudley Do Right is one of the most popular flea markets in New England. With tons of antiques and collectibles in their front room and general flea market goods in the back, there’s always something for everyone. The market also hosts special events throughout spring and summer like antique and classic car shows, motorcycle and bike swap meets, Sci-Fi conventions and a lot more. Don't miss out on all Dudley Do Right Flea has to offer!

Grafton Flea Market

For over 40 years shoppers have been flocking to Grafton Flea. It is considered to be one of the oldest and best flea markets in New England. This outdoor and indoor flea market is open every Sunday from April to December. Every item, whether antique or gently used, is affordable and they truly have something for everyone at this incredible market!

Do we need to say it again: don't you just love a bargain?! We hope your new summer mission will be to devour the details of the best deals and steals at these amazing Massachusetts flea markets. Happy hunting!

Wedding Wednesdays: All That Glitters and Sparkles

Are you a princess bride? Do you dream of a fairytale wedding with all that glitters and sparkles? Don't be ashamed of incorporating what some consider a childhood art supply into your décor. From escort card displays to grand exits, there are so many ways this DIY essential can shine on your wedding!

Accent Petals

Having petals dropped down the aisle by your flower girl? Consider adding some sparkle with glitter spray paint. An elegant touch sure to shine!

Cocktail Accessories

As if a tray full of cocktails wasn't eye-catching enough, add a bit of glitter with some decorative drink accessories to really impress your guests!

Edible Dust

Top off your sweet treats with some edible glitter dust! Your dessert table is sure to shine (in more ways than one)!

Picture Perfect

Create the most amazing photo opp with a glitter toss for some perfect wedding pictures with your whole crew!

Illuminated Linens

The way the light hits these beautiful linens, they are sure to illuminate your reception space! Consider using these glittery drapes for your sweetheart table.

Bridesmaid Dresses

Let your bridesmaids shine with these stunning and sparkly dresses! The glow from the gowns are the perfect compliment next to every bride!

Mesmerizing Manicure

Getting a sparkly manicure really enhances your beautiful wedding ring. Shine bright like a diamond on your big day with these fabulous glitter nails!

Sensational Shoes

Sparkle from your head to your toes on your wedding day with some sensational shoes! Who says that all things that glitter are not gold?

Devour the details of all that glitters and sparkles with these fabulous elements sure to make you shine on your wedding day!

Sunrise Yoga at the Colonnade Hotel

Namaste in bed? No, not this summer! Sunrise yoga atop the Colonnade Hotel—overlooking the Boston skyline and the hotel’s rooftop pool—has returned for the fourth summer in a row. Get ready for some work-week positivity!

The Back Bay stay is bringing back Boston yogi and mindfulness expert Rebecca Pacheco every Wednesday morning beginning June 28. Pacheco will lead the moderate-level, vinyasa-style yoga classes, good for both beginners and regulars, from 6:45AM to 7:45AM. Classes are $20 and include a sweet smoothie afterward. For a total of $40, you can buy a ticket to the class and admission to the pool for the day (which usually costs $45 alone). Or if you'd prefer a work-week getaway, both the class and pool access are free to hotel guests.

Pacheco, who has been teaching yoga for 17 years, said that the scenery is one of the most important parts of the class. She often instructs her yogis to look around as they’re exercising and take in the skyline. The surreal "on top of the world" feeling at this out-of-the-ordinary oasis is the perfect way to start your day! Don't believe us? Check it out for yourselves!

You can preregister for the class on Eventbrite, but it’s not required. The Colonnade will have mats available for those who don’t bring their own. We can't wait to try it ourselves! Find your morning flow with the help of Rebecca Pacheco and devour the details of a soulful summer.

Monday Mashups: Our Favorite Frosés

As you may know, the Rosé craze is still alive and well! Especially now that summer has hit, this vino is flying off the shelves. It's definitely one of our favorites...especially when it's frozen! (Do we own a pair of slip-ons that express how we feel about the pink drink? Yes, yes we do.)

So today on this fine Monday Mashup, we bring you a few recipes that will enhance your beachside sippin' by taking Rosé to Frosé in no time. (Caution: a brain freeze or two may ensue since you won't be able to put these perfect pink drinks down!)

Rosé Sorbet

Ingredients:
1 750mL bottle dry Rosé wine
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Fresh mint for garnish

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is boiling, then remove it from the heat. Let the liquid cool completely, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, add the mixture to your ice cream make and churn according to directions (for about 25 minutes). Once churned, add the sorbet to a freezer safe container and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours.

Serve with a garnish of fresh mint if eating alone, or drop in glasses of champagne or wine. Perfect way to cool down poolside!

Watermelon Frosé

Ingredients:
1 bottle of your favorite rose wine
1 cup of watermelon, cubed
Handful of ice cubes

Directions:
Pour your wine into a large container, one that will allow you to easily pour it out once it partially freezes. Do not keep it in the wine bottle because it is too hard to remove it from the bottle once it starts to harden.

Freeze for 6 hours or more until it's mostly frozen. It won't 100% freeze due to the alcohol content. Add all items, wine, watermelon and ice cubes, to a blender and crush.

Place in freezer to harden more if you like, or serve immediately. The refreshing bursts of watermelon make this the perfect frozen treat on a hot day!

Pink Lemonade Frosé

Ingredients:
1 750 ml bottle dry rosé
3 oz simple syrup
3 oz fresh lemon juice
4 lemon twists, to garnish
Vergano Americano Chinato (you can substitute in Campari if you can’t find it)
Directions:
Freeze the rosé into cubes overnight.

Blend rosé cubes with simple syrup and lemon juice just until smooth.

Pour into glasses, garnish with lemon twists, splash the chinato over the top and serve. Your gal pals will love this one!

Keep cool this summer and devour the details of a perfect Frosé with the help of these fabulous frozen recipes!

Shippin' Up to Boston

If you're from New England, you know this anthem...

Get ready to play the legendary tune all weekend long. Why you ask? Because the tall ships are sailing into the city this Saturday, June 17 for the first time in 17 years!

For their only visit to the United States this year, more than 50 majestic ships from all over the world will sail into Boston Harbor Saturday morning in what is known as the Grand Parade of Sail, and millions (yes, millions) are expected to attend. Visitors will also be able to board the ships on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday, though security will be tighter than it is on the Esplanade on the 4th of July. Beyond Saturday and Sunday, the ships will be in Boston until June 22. For a full list of events, check out the Sail Boston website!

Sail away with us and devour the details of a weekend well spent shippin' up to Boston!

Wedding Wednesdays: *Trend Alert* Colored Smoke

Happy Wedding Wednesday! Today we're sharing a new trend making its way into wedding photos across the globe. Dubbed "smoke bombs", these billowing clouds of color will only enhance the sweet moments captured by your photographer. Check out these amazing shots and consider adding this creative element to your wedding photos!

The smoke can consume you, just like your love for one another.

Make it a celebratory moment with your bridal party!

Let love surround you on your special day.

Change up the landscape with a cloud of color smoke.

Your future together is colored brightly!

Seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.

Absolutely stunning! And don't worry brides, the colored clouds will not damage your gown! Get inspired and devour the details of a colorful photo shoot on your wedding day with the help of these smoke bombs!

A Slice Under the Sun

Do you love pizza? And when the summer months hit, do you also love firing up the grill? We know we do. That's why today, we're bringing you some recipes that combine our love for both! Check out these five fantastic grilled pizzas you can enjoy a slice of under the sun.

Roasted Corn Pizza

Sweet summer corn and salty prosciutto top this flavorful charred pizza. Drizzle the top with a zesty cilantro-lime sauce and serve more on the side for dipping. This will become your summer favorite!

Watermelon Pizza With Herb Pistachio Pesto, Mozzarella and Honey

Pizza doesn’t need to have a doughy crust to be delicious. This grilled watermelon pizza is topped with pesto, fresh mozzarella and honey, making it a perfect summer appetizer or snack. A refreshing take on pizza!

Avocado-Barbecue Chicken Naan Pizza

Naan bread is a great choice for grilling because it’s already cooked. That means you don’t have to worry about struggling with flimsy dough, and you can worry more about the scrumptious barbecue chicken you’re going to put on top. We can't forget about the avocado! Once grilled, it melts in your mouth, adding the perfect amount of creaminess to this pizza.

Apple and Blue Cheese Flatbread With Arugula Pesto

This pizza is packed with mouthwatering flavors! With ingredients like spicy arugula pesto, blue cheese and Granny Smith apples, this pizza is worthy of any bistro menu. Serve with your favorite glass of Chardonnay and a simple side salad to highlight all the different flavors.

Easy Spicy Italian Sausage Flatbread Pizza

If traditional Italian pizza flavors are what you’re after, this one is for you. It’s topped with Italian sausage, salami and olives, transporting you straight to the Amalfi Coast. A nice slice of Italy. Yum!

Find your favorite or try all five this summer and devour the details of a slice of pizza pie under the sun!