User Lists in Boston, MA Metro

What would a birthday be without diving face-first into frosting? A real party starts with a great cake--one that balances a spongy crumb with a drape of sweet icing and has tiers layered with silky smooth buttercream. Whether it's a ready-to-eat delight or a specially ordered bespoke dessert, a stellar birthday cake becomes the centerpiece of a celebration. Blow out the candles! Cut the cake, already!

(Photo: Courtesy of Finale)

Hair removal is the bane of most women's existence--a necessary but often unpleasant beauty ritual that has none of the fun found at the makeup counter or the hair salon. We're happy to report that when it comes to eyebrow maintenance, at least, there is a better way: threading. Less painful and tedious than waxing, with almost no skin irritation, threading simply and effectively employs a twisted thread to pluck unwanted hairs. If you're cocking an unkempt eyebrow with curiosity, read on for our favorite threading specialists in Boston.

Even if iTunes killed the radio star, there's no doubt among music lovers that the classics sound better on vinyl. Sure, the music industry has seen lots of changes over the years--with gravestones for eight-tracks, cassettes and CDs left in the wake--but through it all, the LP has retained its cult following. At five of Boston's most awesomely quirky record stores, dive through bins filled with vinyl one-hit wonders and long-lost gems. As they say, one man's discarded Olivia Newton John album is another man's treasure!

Orange you glad that pumpkin is back on the menu? There are, of course, the seasonal classics like soup, pie and ice cream, but the festive gourd also pops up in unexpected dishes like pumpkin potato chips and pumpkin curry. Check out Boston's array of traditional and unusual pumpkin-themed plates--they're so tasty, you'll soon be grinning like a jack-o'-lantern.

(Photo: Sweet's pumpkin cupcakes by Jenn Rubin)

It takes a village to primp and preen the well-groomed, and Boston's beauty industry rises up to the challenge. Who styles hair with the deftest finesse? Who massages the stress from your shoulders? Who saves your color catastrophes? From Oct. 22 to Nov. 10, it's your job to nominate Boston's Best of Citysearch for spas, salons and beauty. To get you started, check out my list of preferred primpers.

(Photo: I Soci Salon by Christine Liu)

Downtown Crossing's commercial district has its fair share of easy-to-find restaurants--five-star Brahmin extravagances and unmemorable worker-bee joints, that is--but where to go for something truly crave-able? We're happy to share our favorite under-the-radar eateries for a cozy tuck-in before a show or a nosh between shopping sprees. Whether steak tips or squash soup, don't go hungry in downtown Boston at these diamonds in the rough.

(Photo: Kingston Station by Christine Liu)

"Waiter, there's an olive in my dessert!" And it's no mistake: The fruity, fleshy Mediterranean ingredient has been popping up in sweet treats all over town. Whether in the form of olive pieces or olive oil, the humble ingredient offers its nutty nuances to local desserts. For olive-loving trendsetters, is creamy chocolate the new tapenade?

(Photo: Sportello's olive oil tart by Christine Liu)

Playing DJ on the jukebox in your favorite Boston bar never gets old (even if it seems like a dusty old dinosaur compared to an iPod). Besides, it's a treat to pop in a quarter or two and wig out to your favorite guilty pleasure. You probably won't miss these old-school music machines until they're gone, so don't take any chances: Put on your dance pants and support your local jukebox joint.

What's more delicious than a plateful of greasy eggs after a rumble-tumble night? Absolutely nothing, my friends. Recover the morning after (pretty much anything) at one of our favorite, local, lovably rough-around-the-edges diners. Serving up everything from overstuffed omelets to an Irish fry-up, these Boston havens of short-order plates hold nothing back when delivering the grease, the goods and the glory.

(Photo: Christine Liu)

There's Boston on one side of the bridge, and then there's ... South Boston. Sure, this traditionally Irish-American enclave has gone through rough times, but like any fashionable diva, there's always a comeback on the horizon. The recent proliferation of luxe spots to shop and nosh have made many a Southie's blue collar pop. Ladies and gents, the South has risen again.

(Photo: Courtesy of Shag)