MyBoston
BWINTER MAGIC
BOSTON CAN BE BRUTAL in the winter. Slippery cobblestones, windy intersections and slushy sidewalks make us long for warm walks through the public garden and more hours of daylight.
But there’s magic to be found in the stillness on Charles Street and the smoke steadily puffing from historic chimneys on Marlborough Street.
As we set goals for the new year, start fitness challenges and imagine our best 2025 selves, so too Boston reimagines herself under the cover of winter. And when the snow melts and the heavy boots no longer scuff her sidewalks, the city is brighter and better than before.
Perhaps we should take a page from that book, embrace that stillness, follow nature’s lead and rest and mend in the winter months.
In our wellness issue, the spirit of fresh starts is strong. For our cover story, Stacy Coen boldly envisions a new kind of optometry experience. The Hummus Shop opens a new chapter with its first brick-andmortar shop and Glowbar owner Rachel Liverman returns to her hometown.
The city may be sleeping, but don’t mistake that for complacency. The same
energy, intelligence and enthusiasm that founded this city on a hill continue to run through its veins.
After more than a decade living in Boston, my relationship with winter is ever changing (particularly depending on what coat’s in style that year). But as winters become less wintry, it feels more urgent than ever to appreciate the season.
I’ve been reporting in Boston for ten years as the arts and culture editor at The Bay State Banner and a freelancer for Eater, BrooklineHub, The Boston Calendar, TravelGirl Magazine and many others.
I’m honored to explore this and every season of Boston with you as the editor of MyBoston. I hope this publication will be a source of pride and community for two of the city’s most storied neighborhoods.
Celina Colby Editor, MyBoston
www.mybostonmag.com editor@mybostonmag.com
Publisher Renata Coker Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com
Editor Celina Colby editor@mybostonmag.com
Contributing Writers
Leigh Harrington
Cindy Sullivan
Creative Director Kijoo Kim
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
VP, Director of Digital Media Nigel Edelshain
Art Director
Rosemary O´Connell
Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director Catherine Rosario
Production Designer Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Circulation Manager Kathy Wenzler
Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA GATTO
Learn with passion. Act with courage. Change the World.
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Community CALENDAR
Start the new year with musical performances, dynamic exhibitions and MLK Day celebrations going on in Back Bay and Beacon Hill this month.
EVENTS
Jan. 10-Feb. 2
Crumbs from the Table of Joy Lyric Stage Boston presents its production of this Lynn Nottage play set in 1950s Brooklyn, which touches upon faith, family and race. 140 Clarendon St., 617-585-5678.
Jan. 14, 11 a.m.
English for Speakers of Other Languages Chorus
The ESOL Chorus is an opportunity for community members to learn English through song while connecting with others. Attendees will learn basic singing skills and songs in English. Free. Boston Public Library Central Branch, 700 Boylston St.
Jan. 17 & 19
Crossing the Deep
Handel & Haydn Society presents its 2023 sold-out program that pairs Handel’s sacred music with enslaved Africans’ Negro spirituals. These two types of music were written during the same period and based on the same texts from the Bible. NEC’s Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St.
Jan. 22, 8 p.m.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Under the leadership of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, these classic American musicians perform jazz standards, Marsalis originals and more. $75. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-482-6661.
Jan. 25, 8 p.m.
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan presents Hito No Chikara—The Power of Human Strength
This dynamic performance group presents its new high-energy show studded with taiko tradition and more than 40 drums. $38-$68. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave.
Left: Wynton Marsalis plays the trumpet with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Photograph by Frank Stewart
Below: Countertenor and co-creator Reginald Mobley will perform at Handel & Haydn’s “Crossing the Deep” concert.
Photograph by Liz Linder
Jan. 1-31
Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lights
Brighten up the winter dreariness by strolling along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and enjoying the festive winter lights that come on at dusk every evening. For decades, these lights have kept the avenue festive during the darkest part of the year. Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Jan. 1-Mar. 15
Processing Place: How Computers and Cartographers Redrew Our World
This exhibition at the Leventhal Map & Education Center explores how maps and mapmaking technology have evolved with the dawn of computers. Boston Public Library Central Branch, 700 Boylston St.
ALL MONTH LONG
Jan. 1-31
Ice Skating at the Boston Common Frog Pond
All winter, you can practice your Michelle Kwan skills on the Boston Common Frog Pond ice skating rink. Skates are available for rental. $10+. Boston Common Frog Pond, 139 Tremont St.
Jan. 1-31
Wednesdays-Sundays
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition
Receive a replica boarding pass and explore the Titanic in this immersive exhibition featuring a full-scale recreation of the famous ship. $39.50. The Castle at Park Plaza, 130 Columbus Ave., 800-943-4327.
Above: TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition recreates the elaborate interiors of that fated ship.
Photograph courtesy of TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition
Right: Bostonians enjoy ice skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond..
Photograph by Celina Colby
CELEBRATE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Celebrate this prominent figure of the Civil Rights movement across town on January 20, 2025.
7 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Embrace & The 1965 Freedom Plaza
Honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by visiting the Hank Willis Thomas sculpture dedicated to MLK and Coretta Scott King. The moving art piece depicts the couple embracing. Free. Boston Common, 139 Tremont St.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
MFA Boston MLK Day Open House
Admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is free to celebrate MLK Day. In addition to scoping out the exhibitions, enjoy live performances, gallery talks and art-making activities. Free. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Ave.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gardner Museum MLK Jr. Day of Service
Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for free on MLK Day and honor the leader’s legacy with panel discussions, live performances and interactive activities. Free. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way.
1 p.m.
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra MLK Jr. Tribute Concert
In collaboration with the Museum of African American History, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform a tribute concert of classical and spiritual pieces. Local leaders will also speak and perform spoken word. Free. Faneuil Hall, 4 South Mkt.
4 p.m.
Boston Children’s Chorus Road to Freedom MLK Jr. Tribute Concert
This beloved children’s chorus will sing songs of freedom and community as a tribute to the civil rights legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave.
BOOK CLUBS
Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Boston Athenaeum World War I Discussion Group
Genre: History Hybrid 617-720-7604, membership@ bostonathenaeum.org
Jan. 14, 2-4 p.m.
Neighborhood Association of Back Bay Mystery Book Group
Genre: Mysteries Virtual 617-247-3961, mysterybook@ nabbonline.org
Jan. 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
Boston Athenaeum Ancient Greco-Roman Classical
Literature Reading Group
Genre: Classics Hybrid 617-720-7604, membership@ bostonathenaeum.org
The MFA MLK Day Open House features performances and art making. Photograph by Tony Rinaldo Photography
Kelly Russo, Windsong, acrylic on canvas
Margaret Farrell Bruno, Chandlers’ Bog, oil
David Dickinson, Winter Destination #2, acrylic
SPREAD THE LOVE
The Hummus Shop brings healthy, casual eats to Beacon Hill—and fosters bonding over a shareable staple.
BY CELINA COLBY
The shop serves hummus-based salads, bowls and pita sandwiches.
Photographs by Giuliana DePergola
COLIN DALY BEGAN making hummus out of his apartment in 2017 using just a blender and a passion for the chickpea. That humble legume has grown into a much larger enterprise— first a food truck and now a brick-and-mortar fast-casual restaurant on Charles Street called The Hummus Shop.
Tucked behind a dry cleaner, the cozy restaurant serves bowls, salads and pita sandwiches starring the housemade hummus. Daly’s team makes large batches of hummus every week at their production space in Medford. Some of it is packed and sold at farmers’ markets or wholesale to local shops and Whole Foods; the rest goes to the restaurant to fuel hungry diners.
Though Daly’s team has grown from one (himself) to 13, the hummus is still made the same way. Lemons are individually juiced, chickpeas are soaked to naturally soften them and most ingredients are sourced from small farms and local purveyors.
Daly was inspired by his time teaching English in the Bedouin city of Rahat in Israel. Vendors sold simple but delicious hummus, and it was a staple food during his time abroad.
“We created a unique set of food menu items that are obviously Middle Eastern, but also Americanized,” says Daly. “We’re doing our scoops of hummus, tahini, olive oil. We’re doing Israeli salad—you wouldn’t necessarily see that in the Middle East.”
Whereas the plates Daly experienced in Israel generally included hummus and pita, these bowls have a more diverse array of offerings. The result is an elevated version of a Sweetgreen-style fastcasual bowl, using natural ingredients and catering to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Beyond its physical health benefits, Daly feels this style of cuisine encourages bonding and socialization over a meal.
“There’s not many foods that are
like, ‘Hey, we can share this,’” says Daly. “There’s a nice relationship that people can have sharing a bowl of hummus.”
The restaurant offers six seats for in-house dining and plenty of capacity for to-go orders. Beacon Hill locals have also been charmed by the custom mural by local artist Ben Jundanian, who has also adorned many of Boston’s Trader Joe’s outposts. Jundanian’s signature black-and-white style shows a whimsical depiction of Beacon Hill.
While waiting for their orders, diners can locate Charles Street, the Massachusetts State House and other landmarks. Though the mural isn’t an exact replica of the neighborhood, Daly says regulars have fun trying to locate their homes in the mural. The same art is used on the shop’s custom to-go boxes.
The Hummus Shop brings a fresh concept to Beacon Hill (and not just from that hand-squeezed citrus). In a neighborhood of high-end restaurants and old favorites, the shop blends convenience, quality and a hyperlocal approach to nourishing food.
“The feedback we’ve gotten from residents has been great, really welcoming,” says Daly. “When I see people come into the shop and they’re trying to support us, I want [to serve] the best for them.”
Celina Colby has been covering the food and beverage scene in Boston for over a decade with bylines in Eater Boston and The Bay State Banner, among others. She is the editor of MyBoston.
Left: An employee gives out free falafel samples on Charles Street. Right: The Hummus Shop on Charles Street
Photographs by Celina Colby
The custom sandwich boxes feature original art by local artist Ben Jundanian.
Photographs by Giuliana DePergola
SPA
Treatments
Start 2025 off right with unique treatments designed to promote sleep, reduce inflammation and moderate stress.
BY CELINA COLBY
JANUARY IS THE MONTH of fresh starts. But in the wake of the holiday chaos, taking time for relaxation and wellness can set you up for success in the new year. These five spa treatments around Back Bay and Beacon Hill serve a diverse spectrum of needs, from encouraging more restful sleep and treating inflammation and stress to creating a safe, nourishing environment for cancer survivors.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL SPA - DREAM CATCHER SPA TREATMENT
Sleep may be the most sought-after luxury of the modern age. The Mandarin Oriental Spa is leaning into our desire for quality rest with the Dream Catcher Spa Treatment, a massage designed to promote deep sleep with lavender herbs and heat-focused treatments to lull you into a deep state of relaxation, plus a lavender cocktail at the end of the session.
Top: Restful sleep is the focus of the Dream Catcher Spa Treatment at the Mandarin Oriental.
Photographs by Adrian Mueller
Bottom: The Embracing Ritual is designed for the needs and comfort of guests with cancer.
Photographs courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
Guests at the hotel can continue their sleep journey by selecting from a custom pillow menu and utilizing a bath butler service before bed.
RELEASE WELL-BEING CENTER - REST AND RECOVER CBD WRAP
CBD has become an increasingly popular tool for relieving stress, inflammation and muscle tension.
Release Well-Being Center on Arlington Street is channeling those restorative properties in the Rest and Recover CBD Wrap. The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation followed by the application of CBD infused products. Then guests are wrapped in a comforting weighted blanket while a soothing scalp massage is administered.
The effect is the world’s most comforting nap, and you wake up with hydrated skin and relaxed muscles.
G20 SPA + SALON - SALT CAVE HALOTHERAPY
Spa treatments can be as much about mental wellbeing as they are about physical nourishment. At the G20 Spa + Salon, guests can experience Salt Cave Halotherapy, a hands-off treatment in the relaxing environment of their on-site salt cave. The walls of the space are coated in Himalayan salt stones. A precisely orchestrated
Bottom: The
Photographs courtesy of Release Well-Being Center
environment controlling humidity, air flow and temperature creates a negative ion space with relaxation effects similar to being natural settings like the base of a soothing waterfall.
THE WELLNESS FLOOR AT ONE DALTONTHE EMBRACING RITUAL
In partnership with GROUND Wellbeing, the spa at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street has developed a treatment specifically designed for guests living with cancer or who have a history of cancer. The 80-minute ritual addresses common skin conditions encountered by cancer patients and administers immune system-supporting treatments that are intended to increase range of motion, encourage deeper sleep and reduce pain and inflammation. Therapists
are trained to be sensitive to the specific needs and privacy concerns of patients for an experience that’s comforting and restful.
VIYADA THAI SPA - THAI MASSAGE
The signature Thai Massage treatments at Viyada Thai Spa blend the best of Eastern and Western massage practices for a total-body experience. The practiced therapists use acupressure and stretching techniques to treat pressure and energy points on the body, releasing tension and energy blockages. The result relieves muscle tension, reduces stress and encourages blood circulation. For folks that shy away from the intimacy of other massage treatments, this one is performed with loose clothing on and without oils.
Celina Colby has been covering arts, lifestyle and food in Boston for ten years. She is the editor of MyBoston.
Top: This salt cave inside of G20 Spa + Salon encourages relaxation similar to many natural environments. Photographs courtesy of G20 Spa + Salon
Release Well-Being Center uses CBD to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.
The best of Eastern and Western massage treatments merge in Thai massage. Photographs courtesy of Viyada Thai Spa
Eyes Wide Open
Stacy Coen, OD, brings technology, style and kindness to her innovative optometry practice.
BY CELINA COLBY
TTHE FIRST THING PATIENTS
notice about Stacy Coen, OD, is her infectious enthusiasm. The second is her fabulous pair of eyeglasses. Coen has spent decades working as an optometrist in Back Bay, but since opening her own practice, BLINK, on Newbury Street in 2023, she’s come into her own in a new way.
“It was getting to the point where I was seeing 20 patients a day,” says Coen of her work with larger companies. “It was just really, really busy, and I wanted to slow down and concentrate on other things— not just medical but just also aesthetics.”
Aesthetics certainly take a front-and-center role in the BLINK office. Patients step into a bright, chic space featuring a zen garden in the center of the room and rows of stylish, artisanal eyeglass frames on neat shelves.
On the walls, mirrors are housed in gold 19th century frames that Coen’s father restores as a hobby. When they arrive, patients might be offered a seltzer or a glass of prosecco to sip as they browse. The effect is more like a spa visit than a doctor’s appointment, which is exactly what Coen was going for.
“People are often stressed when
they’re going into an examination,” says Coen. “We want to create an environment that you can just relax into.”
The eyewear available represents a range of styles from handcrafted frames by Masunaga Optical, a Japanese brand that’s been in operation for over a century, to avant-garde 3D laser-printed titanium glasses from Hoet. Coen says that about 30 percent of her clients wear multiple pairs of glasses, swapping them out for different styles depending on the day. The rest have one go-to pair that’s their signature look.
HIGH-TECH TOOLS
Though Coen is very visually driven (pun intended) and she can wax poetic about the way each eyeglass frame is hand-molded into its unique shape, it’s technology that really excites her. BLINK is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment for
procedures ranging from routine exams to pre- and post-op care for cataract and LASIK surgery.
“I love those tricky prescriptions,” she says, beaming at the thought of a new challenge. “I really do love a crazy multifocal prescription— somebody with an unusual astigmatism, and maybe a prism in the lenses.”
BLINK has the first OptosAdvance imaging system in New England, according to Coen. That allows both her and the patient to see a hyper-detailed image of the eye—a more intricate rendering than with traditional technology.
Eye exams have come a long way from puff-of-air and dilation treatments, Coen says. At BLINK she uses a VR headset for visual field testing with vulnerable patients or those who have experienced a stroke—a process that provides a more all-encompassing sense of a person’s vision than just looking
through a series of lenses.
A similar headset process is used to get accurate perspectives for progressive lenses. Patients put on the headset and watch something while the technology tracks their visual patterns.
“The technology measures how much of a gaze the person prefers to have versus when they like to turn their head,” says Coen. “And so it maps out exactly a progressive lens’ [specifications], similar to a topography mapping, as well your sweet spots and how you like to look. Then it actually gives you your own individualized lens.”
As working from home has expanded, Coen has noticed how important it is to cater prescriptions to daily activities, including how close you sit to your computer and how your eye scans the screen.
Some of the technology at BLINK is as much wellness-focused as it is medical. Coen uses a radio frequency treatment to stimulate collagen in the skin. This procedure is commonly used in medical spas to tighten skin, but it also treats dry eye. Patients get the benefit of optic relief with the side bonus of a more youthful appearance.
A PERSONAL TOUCH
Opening her own practice has allowed Coen not only to play with fun and innovative technologies but also to build more personal relationships with her clients. Larger corporations prioritized seeing many patients, but at BLINK, Coen can take her time with her clients and make sure they’re getting the care and comfort they need.
“I love medical technology, but I also love seeing patients one on one,” she says. “And I like to go and be in that
neighborhood, where I have repeat clients, repeating patients, so I can build and see them grow, and change and evolve with them. I think that’s so special.”
Opening BLINK has been something of a homecoming for Coen. She completed her medical training at New England College of Optometry on Beacon Street and has been in love with the neighborhood ever since.
“I knew I wanted to build my own establishment and make something special,” she says. “And I couldn’t leave Newbury Street. I couldn’t leave Back Bay; I love it here.”
Celina Colby is the editor of MyBoston. She has been writing about culture, fashion, business, and art in Boston for a decade.
Stacy Coen, OD, relies on technology and experience to make eyeglass prescriptions as personalized as possible. Photographs by Mia Andreoli, Stay Gold Images
Move More, Feel Better
Six sneaky ways to work significant fitness into your day without ever going to the gym
BY CINDY SULLIVAN
SSTAYING ACTIVE IN WINTER can be a challenge, especially with packed schedules and cold, shorter days. But movement doesn’t need to mean long workouts or jaunts to the gym. Even short bursts of activity can really add up to make a big difference.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, or around 20 to 30 minutes a day. You can break this up into small, manageable movements throughout the day.
Here are six practical ways to keep moving, boost your energy and improve your well-being, all without setting foot in the gym!
1
EMBRACE FITNESS SNACKING
“Fitness snacking” refers to those short bursts of exercise sprinkled throughout your day. Studies show that breaking 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity into five minutes here, 10 minutes there, can be just as effective as a single, longer workout. Every bit of movement counts, whether it’s bringing your knees
Author Cindy Sullivan (right) works with a client to build strength and flexibility.
Photographs By Marianne Selzer
to your chest before you get out of bed or doing a few squats while brushing your teeth. These mini-moves add up, so keep snacking on fitness whenever you can.
2 MOVE WHILE WAITING
Instead of scrolling or standing still during those everyday moments of waiting, use the time to get a quick movement boost. If you’re cooling your heels while coffee brews or water boils, try a set of counter push-ups, hip hinges or some gentle stretches like neck rolls. Waiting for a meeting to start? Stand up, stretch your arms overhead and take a few deep breaths. Even one or two minutes of movement can wake up your muscles and give you an instant energy lift.
3 EXIT A CAR FROM AFAR
Parking or getting dropped off a bit farther away from your destination (even on chilly days) adds steps to your day without much effort. Whether heading to the grocery store, going to an appointment or grabbing coffee, parking a block or two away can quickly tally up. The extra walk also warms you up and offers a mini mental break, making it easier to tackle the rest of your errands. Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for joint health, especially in midlife and beyond, so embrace the extra steps.
BEAUTIFUL PARKS FOR WINTER WALKS
Boston abounds with pleasing places to move outdoors. Here’s a handy distance guide to some of the best.
• The Boston Common: 1.06 miles
• Boston Public Garden: 0.7 miles
• Charles River Esplanade: 3 miles
• Commonwealth Avenue Mall: 0.9 miles
• Back Bay Fens: 1.6 miles
• Rose Kennedy Greenway: 1.5 miles
4
MAKE THE BEST OF BOSTON
Winter can be a surprisingly perfect time to get moving. Boston’s parks, paths and seasonal activities offer plenty of opportunities to stay active and make the most of the season. For a brisk walk, head to the Public Garden, Boston Common or the Charles River Esplanade. If you prefer an indoor option, walking steps in your building can make a great workout; just a few flights a day makes a difference. Set small goals like spending five minutes on stairs or hitting 1,000 steps before dinner. Bundling up for movement can be a great winter energy booster, with positive mental health benefits as well.
5
INTERRUPT YOUR PROGRAM
Catching up on favorite shows? Try to stand up and move during every commercial break or every 20 minutes if you’re streaming. A few squats, arm circles or walking in place can keep your blood flowing and prevent that sluggish feeling that can come from hours on the couch. These mini-moves add a bit of energy to your day, making a big difference in how you feel at the end of it.
6 SET REALISTIC GOALS
It’s tempting to set ambitious resolutions in January, but consistency and small goals make the biggest impact. This winter, try adding a few thousand steps a day, standing up every hour or doing some fitness snacking three times a day. Programming simple reminders into your phone or setting a timer can help make this part of your routine. For an extra boost, grab a friend to set a winter movement goal together. Whether it’s walking a certain distance each week or doing a quick exercise each morning, having a partner in your fitness goals keeps you both accountable and motivated.
Studies show that even short, frequent movement breaks can help reduce blood pressure, improve mood and increase energy. Remember that even two minutes of stretching, walking, or a few squats can make a difference toward a healthier, happier you.
Cindy Sullivan, CPT, GFI, SFS, FAFS, is a Boston-based midlife and senior fitness specialist dedicated to helping clients build strength, balance and confidence at any age through live and virtual classes, personal training and community events.
Beauty ON A BUSY SCHEDULE
Glowbar owner Rachel Liverman draws on a family heritage in the beauty business to offer fast, affordable skincare.
BY CELINA COLBY
Above: Boston native Rachel Liverman founded Glowbar after growing up in a family of beauty entrepreneurs.
Photograph courtesy of Glowbar
Right: Glowbar opened in Back Bay in August 2024.
Photograph by Michael Blanchard
THERE’S A NEW BEAUTY kid on the block.
Glowbar opened in Back Bay at the end of August 2024 with a mission of serving up convenient, affordably priced facials to the neighborhood. The chain also has a location in Chestnut Hill, and is known for 30-minute facials that maximize results and efficiency. Costs are standardized, and memberships provide a discounted rate.
MyBoston chatted with Glowbar founder Rachel Liverman, a Boston native with a family background in female entrepreneurship and beauty.
What spurred you to launch Glowbar?
Glowbar was inspired by my lifelong connection to skincare and my family’s legacy in the industry. My grandmother, Catherine Hinds, founded the first fully-accredited aesthetics school in the U.S., located in Woburn, and I grew up immersed in this world. Despite that, when I got older I struggled to find facial treatments that were trustworthy, affordable and effective. So I set out to change that.
There seems to be quite a beauty and entrepreneurship legacy among women in your family. How has that affected your journey?
Skincare is truly in my DNA, and I’ve used my family’s three generations of skincare knowledge to create the one solution that works for everyone in Glowbar. My grandmother was a trailblazer in this industry and championed regular skin maintenance long before it was mainstream. Growing up in this environment, surrounded by entrepreneurs, showed me what it takes to run a business, especially in the beauty industry. It’s incredibly rewarding to carry on my family’s legacy, building on our six decades of impact in skincare and pushing the industry forward for the next generation.
What makes Glowbar different from other treatments?
Traditional spa treatments are so long and expensive, and facials at a dermatologist’s office are really meant to address medical concerns. Our approach is unique because we eliminate all the unnecessary frills. Clients cleanse their own faces at our wash bar before their treatment, so our expert aestheticians can dive right into the work that really matters, whether
that’s dermaplaning, chemical peels, LED, microcurrent or extractions. And while other facial studios upcharge for these types of treatments, they’re included in your Glowbar facial for no added cost.
Consistency is key, and that’s why being a Glowbar member and getting regular facials is the most effective way to maintain glowing, healthy skin.
Why did you choose to standardize 30-minute appointments?
The 30-minute appointment was intentional because we wanted to make professional skincare accessible and practical for people with busy lives. We know that in fast-paced cities like Boston, time is of the essence and most people don’t have the time or money to spend hours getting a facial. Glowbar facials fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, like before work or even during your lunch break.
How do you hope clients feel after leaving Glowbar?
We hope every client leaves feeling empowered and confident in their skin. Beyond skin improvement, we want clients to feel great about themselves. When you look good and feel good, you do good.
for 10 years.
Glowbar promises a high-quality facial in just 30 minutes. Photographs courtesy of Glowbar
Celina Colby is the editor of MyBoston and has been covering art, food, business and travel in Boston
NOVEMBER HOME SALES
BACK BAY AND BEACON HILL
152 Beacon Street
When Isabella Stewart Gardner sold her longtime home, she made sure no one else could ever live at her address.
BY MyBOSTON STAFF
DISCREETLY HUNG ON the iron gate outside a gorgeous condo building on Beacon Street is a plaque about the address’s famous former resident.
Isabella Stewart Gardner, of the eponymous art museum in Fenway, lived at 152 Beacon Street with her husband, Jack Gardner, for most of her life. As the plaque outside the property describes, one of her conditions for the sale of the property was that no one else could ever live at her address. As a result, the building there now is 150 Beacon Street. It says a lot about Gardner’s social standing and power that one of Boston’s most famous streets would be renumbered at her request. Or perhaps demand.
Eben Draper purchased the brownstone from Gardner and razed it in 1904 to build the stone mansion we see there today. The lavish property was designed by Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow Jr., nephew of famed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. After Draper’s ownership, which ended with his death in 1914, a succession of other owners occupied the property for short stints.
From there the building underwent a dramatic shift in identity, changing from a sprawling single-family home to a shaper of young minds. Between 1966 and 1999 the building served as dorms and dining facilities for Emerson College, which was then located on Beacon Street. Now it houses six condos.
Though Gardner was just one of the occupants of that slice of Beacon Street, her legacy is felt every time a visitor counts the brownstones and finds there will never be another 152.
Top left: 152 Beacon Street, Boston: Home of John Lowell and Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1900.
Photograph by Thomas E. Marr, courtesy of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Top right: Drawing room, 152 Beacon Street, Boston, 1900.
Photograph by Thomas E. Marr, courtesy of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Above: 150 Beacon Street, the mansion that replaced Isabella Stewart Gardner’s former home.
Photograph by Celina Colby
Right: Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1888.
Painting by John Singer Sargent, courtesy of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Women’s Lunch Place and the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay raise funds for unhoused Bostonians.
WOMEN’S LUNCH PLACE (WLP) and the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) held the annual Harvest Festival and Auction at the Newbury Street WLP space in November. Thanks to generous sponsors, auction winners and event participants, a new fundraising record was achieved.
Funds will support WLP, a day shelter and advocacy center for women experiencing hunger, homelessness and poverty. WLP helps more than 2,200 women annually with healthy nutrition; housing placement and stabilization; healthcare; addiction recovery; legal aid; career readiness; and more.
Proceeds will also support NABB’s Homelessness Task Force, a committee established in 2019 to increase understanding of homelessness in Boston and promote effective interventions through public education and advocacy.
Harvest Festival attendees enjoyed harvest-themed bites, watched live entertainment and shopped for unique, local items during a silent auction.
Left and above: Photographs by ReprezentU. All other photographs by Derek Kouyoumijan
Words for Well-Being
Thoughtful reads for an intentional, healthful 2025
BY CELINA COLBY
THE NEW YEAR ENCOURAGES a flurry of goals and a focus on self-improvement and self-care. These books reflect thoughtfully on the state of the human experience and encourage slightly more profound changes than switching up your morning routine or asking ChatGBT to plan your productivity calendar.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE: BUILDING DEEP COMMUNITY IN A LONELY WORLD
By Jennie Allen
Despite constant Facebook alerts and text messages, many folks feel more isolated than ever in the United States. Jennie Allen leans into science, history and personal stories to discover how we can get back to supportive, tight-knit communities.
LAUGHTER
YOGA: DAILY PRACTICES FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
By Madan Kataria, MD
Laughter feels like an endangered resource amid rage-bait media and everincreasing political and social tensions. This joy-centric title focuses on exercises that combine yoga and laughter to reduce stress, heighten immunity and relieve pain.
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SUCCESSFUL
AGING: A NEUROSCIENTIST EXPLORES THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF OUR LIVES
By Daniel J. Levitin
Levitin debunks frightening myths about the aging process, shattering the oftenheld cultural outlook that elders decline in memory, ability and positivity as they age. He examines how outlook and health practices can impact aging, especially as the average lifespan continues to climb.
HOW TO DO NOTHING
By Jenny Odell
High productivity is often praised as paramount in our go-go-go society. Jenny Odell reflects on how the attention economy has eroded our ability to be still and listen to each other and ourselves.
By Johann Hari
Celina Colby is a Bostonbased writer and book lover, and the editor of MyBoston.
Photographs courtesy of Penguin Random House
In this startling and fascinating nonfiction piece, Hari explores how technology and social media intentionally erode our attention spans, which makes it more difficult for us to problem-solve and have meaningful connections with each other. During an off-the-grid summer in Provincetown, he re-learns how to think deeply.
STOLEN FOCUS: WHY YOU CAN’T PAY ATTENTION–AND HOW TO THINK DEEPLY AGAIN
MY SUNDAY
KATE WEISER
The Beacon Hill resident walks us through her typical Sunday in the neighborhood.
WELCOME TO MY IDYLLIC SUNDAY in the neighborhood. Teddy, my fiancé, and I will start our day with a walk through the Boston Common to George Howell for one of our favorite cups of coffee in the city. We’ll grab a to-go almond milk latté (for me) and cold brew black (for Teddy), and hop in line at Café Bonjour, where we’re regulars for its Mediterranean omelet.
From breakfast, we’ll continue our morning stroll through the Boston Public Garden. It’s tradition for us to walk around the pond, stopping at the corner where we got engaged last October.
After an obligatory visit to the Make Way for Ducklings statue, we’ll head down Charles Street for a visit to Beacon Hill Books & Café. I always love starting on the top floor and working my way down all four stories to the café.
If it’s nice out, we’ll grab Bluebikes by the Longfellow Bridge and do our
go-to Esplanade loop down to the Mass Ave Bridge and back (of course, with a stop for some skyline views). After that, we’ll head to The Hummus Shop for a sabich sandwich and a falafel hummus bowl—Teddy and I have been loving this new local spot.
After lunch, we’ll bop around some local shops like Covet (consignment), Upstairs Downstairs Home (antiques) and the Nut Factory. We always want to set ourselves up for the week ahead by grabbing some groceries at DeLuca’s Market.
After a full day, we’ll head home to prepare a homemade dinner together. A perfect Sunday!
Kate Weiser is the creative force behind Bucket List Boston (@bucketlistboston). She guides her audience on a visual journey through Boston’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems, each post numbering the next must-see destination.
Kate Weiser enjoying a coffee.
Top: Beacon Hill Books & Café provides a charming oasis from the winter chill.
Middle: Coffee at George Howell is an essential first step for a perfect day.
Bottom: The Boston Public Garden where Kate and her fiancé got engaged.
Photographs by Kate Weiser
“The Embrace” by Hank Willis Thomas
ONE OF THE NEWEST ART PIECES in the historic Boston Common, “The Embrace” by sculptor Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, depicts Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Inspired by a photograph of the two embracing after he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, the bronze sculpture shows their arms wrapped around each other on a massive scale. The area around the sculpture has been developed into the 1965 Freedom Plaza honoring civil rights leaders and activists here in Boston. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated January 20.
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“The Embrace,” a sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas on the Boston Common, pays homage to MLK.
Photograph by Celina Colby
