Bouclé Salon & Spa
On the second floor of a restored gray-shingled Edgartown Colonial lies an unlikely retreat. Bouclé may not be posh, but it has a gracious staff and ample charm in creaky floorboards, not to mention an extensive list of fairly priced services. Expect relaxing deep facials and cosmopolitan haircuts, as well as long-lasting manicures from the new nail care cottage in the backyard. Bumble and Bumble take-home treatments and flirty silk hair accessories for sale make leaving Bouclé with a shopping bag or two under the arm almost as much fun as walking in. 12 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 2539, bouclespa.com.
The Liberty Hotel
Photograph by Jesse Burke Scenesters flocked to the soaring lobby of this former prison seven years ago when it was transformed into a sleek hotel. While most assumed the jail-themed venue wouldn’t have staying power after the novelty wore off, strategic event programming—art, music, fashion, and so on—has continued to lure a coterie of on-the-pulse twenty- and thirtysomethings looking to eat, drink, and mingle, securing the Liberty’s status as the go-to gathering place for young professionals. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, libertyhotel.com.
The Maids Home Services
A lack of hassle is one major thing to look for in a cleaning service; the other, sparkling results. The Maids are the sole local pros in the tidying-up business who nail both every time. Armed with a serious stash of cleaning products, the uniformed crews deploy from their sunny yellow vehicles with a speed-oriented, no-fooling-around plan that leaves every corner of the target home immaculate. And unlike some experiences we've had with other, larger services, the Maids have yet to mix up our keys with another client's, or let our indoor cat outside. 179 Boylston St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .
Paper Source
E-mail, e-vites, e-cards—you've been there, e-done that. Lend your correspondence some off-line heft with a pilgrimage to this epistolary shrine, with its formidable collection of paper, cards, and craft supplies. Initially you may feel overwhelmed, so take advantage of the design-savvy staffers (many of them art school students), the nifty DIY invitation and letter-writing kits, and personal stationery consults—all of which can help give your every missive a signature style. 1361 Beacon St., Brookline, Boston, Cambridge, Wellesley, MA 2446, paper-source.com.
Sekali
Sekali's spicy lamb and potato biryani at a pop-up at Bone Up Brewing in Everett. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal You have to act fast to catch Sekali: The immensely popular pop-up tends to sell out quickly, thanks to its flavor-packed lineup of Malaysian cuisine, a rarity in Boston. The menu’s always changing, but watch for dishes like pulut panggang (glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf, grilled, and stuffed with savory mixes such as rendang, pork floss, and braised anchovies) and jars of sweet kaya jam, courtesy of chef Derrick Teh, a Pagu and Momi Nonmi alum who hails from Borneo. sekali.boston.
The Maids
Amid a flurry of cleaning services catering to on-the-go urbanites, the Jamaica Plain outpost of this national operation shows an unbeatable blend of polish and professionalism. After setting the appointment and sending an e-mail confirmation, your cleaning team will arrive armed with grime-busting equipment and a dozen sprays, as well as a rigorous 22-step plan for restoring your home's sparkle. The Maids will even pick up and drop off your keys at work—another excellent reason to fork over the $159 fee, which is lowered if you book monthly follow-ups. 179 Boylston St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .