User Lists in Boston, MA Metro

Don't be left in the dark, dear home decorator. Instead, get glowing with lamps that work magic in function and form--all available at Boston's best lighting shops. Whether your goal is to combat New England-style seasonal affective disorder or to create a mood that's more sophisticated than bare bulbs on a wire, shopping for lights is one of the easiest ways to brighten your day--and night.

(Photo: Neena's by Christine Liu)

In the hair war against frizz and lackluster shine, keratin treatments are the weapon of choice. The protein-based keratin conditions and strengthens hair--combating any unruly mane. Whether you desire pin-straight locks or frizz-free waves, seek salvation in these Boston salons and spas that employ keratin-trained and -certified stylists. The treatments (about $300-$400, depending on the stylist and your own hair) are worth every penny, and you're also sent home with complimentary keratin-specific, sulfate-free, full-size shampoo and conditioner. Bad hair days don't stand a chance.

Waffle. It's a perfect word for a perfect food. Perfect, that is, for its simplicity: dough cooked into flawless three-dimensional geometry, ideal for soaking up syrup. But despite the waffle's permanent place at breakfast joints everywhere, it's more than just a morning food. It's a canvas for flavor, a delicious medium that begs for experimentation. Go forth and sample a few of Boston's best waffle concoctions--though with so many good choices, it may be a challenge to decide where to start. Waffle, indeed.

(Photo: UpStairs on the Square by David Levin)

In these liberated times, sex shops have become more mainstream--and the good ones are a long way from the shady spots of yesteryear. These Boston pleasure boutiques offer much more than XXX adult videos, with goods designed to spice up the bedroom activities for even the most adventurous canoodlers. At the very least, you'll find something to make you blush.

(Photo: Sweet & Nasty by Christine Liu)

For whatever reason you choose not to drink--health-related, religious, just not feeling the sauce--it's absolutely inexcusable to relegate your acute sense of taste to the wearily routine club soda and lime. These Boston bars illustrate the possibilities for alcohol-free drinks when they retain the precision and quality of ingredients that go into any first-rate cocktail. Faced with the caliber of these excellent beverages, you'll soon be belting "Like a Virgin" with renewed vigor.

(Photo: L'Espalier by Christine Liu)

It just feels more virtuous to pay for goods created with painstaking handmade effort, rather than items manufactured by some faceless corporation. Plus, the probability of creative adorableness is way higher. Pass on the good karma and shop handmade at these local Boston shops, and you might even be inspired to get a little crafty yourself.

(Photo: Grand by Christine Price Hamilton)

Grab your best buddies and choose a night. We have the ultimate guide for a rockin' guys night out in Boston. Whether you want sports, drinks or good food, we've got a Boston restaurant or bar for that. We've also got a salon for those of you looking for some TLC and grooming before a night on the town. Even though it's a guys night, you never know who you'll meet along the way. (Photo: BosGuy)

Nightlife stalwart Central Square has a most wonderful knack of quaffing any possible thirst. Whether you prefer a 1989 Cotes de Francs Bordeaux, a gorgeously frothed pisco sour, or a microbrewed IPA on tap, these precious blocks of Cambridge deliver. Read on for a quick rundown of 10 wonderful bars--there's plenty more, mind you--but it's your fun task to scour them all. Go on, crawl like you mean it.

(Photo: Middlesex by Jose Cuadra)

We think dining well--and the democratic process--is a beautiful thing. Now's the time to make your voice heard and vote for your go-to eateries for Boston's Best of Citysearch. Sing the praises of your steadfast bakery, sushi joint, taco spot ... you get our drift. Just go and vote for your favorites before polls close on October 21 midnight. May the best bites win! Here were some of my local nominations.

(Photo: UpStairs on the Square)

Revel in the wine, music and accent-agued hijinks of France's independence day (without packing your bags for Europe) with Bastille Day in Boston. The parties will have you murmuring ooh-la-las between bites of crepes and sips of Champagne. N'est-ce pas fantastique, mes cheries?

(Photo: Courtesy of the Harvard Square Business Association)