Get lost in the vivid pages of Boston’s newest guide that zooms in on the women that make the city a metropolitan paradise. Crave Boston: The Urban Girl’s Manifesto, a publication of Crave Company based in Seattle, is a carefully crafted city companion from a women’s point of view and our pick to serve as reminder that there is life with children. The featured “entreprenesses” are the queens of savvy in a specific niche or market from cupcakes to photography and their accomplishments will inspire you to pursue big or small “escapes.” After your done with the book, move onto the Web site that …

It's officailly the last weekend of spring, so time to celebrate.  I suggest starting the weekend by visiting Boca Bar & Restaurant, a tasty joint that turns into a nightclub a night. Stuff your face Costa Rican food  food and then work it off with those dance moves on the floor. Be prepared to sweat, just not on your dance partner.  If that does not float your boat, you could spend your Sunday doing something far more leisurely — going to an exercise facility. The Waltham YMCA has a litany of activities. You can swim laps in the pool, play basketball on the court or take any type of fitness …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier.  I don't know about you, but I have a horrible case of cabin fever. So, I need to bust out of the house this spring and I'm going to start with a trip to Gore Place on Gore Road. It's a great way to immerse yourself in another world and…

Afternoon free time is the ideal moment to escape the house for a walk through Prospect Hill.  It is the perfect time to clip on the snow shoes and iPod and enjoy the outdoors to the sound of soothing music.    Walk the front area of the park as an adjacent path and enjoy the natural elements of the season. In the spring, summer and fall months, you can bike up into the paths through the back gate, but beware, it is a challenge. When you reach the top, you can see the beautiful scenic view. It is a golden treasure in the city! Afterward, shoot down to Cafe On The Common for some lunch, where …

One of my favorite escapes in Watertown is to take a nice brisk walk, or snow shoe along the new bike path in the morning. It was exciting to watch as they planted new shrubs, installed benches, and posed new signs last fall. It is also a great way to get in and out of the mall when I need to pick up a few things. I love to add some fun to my walk and take a turn over to 71 Arlington St. to Lilly’s for a nice cup of coffee and pastry. They have such an amazing selection! My family’s favorites are the red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and the mouth-watering cream puffs. They take …

After a long day at work, you're feet likely hurt or have callosuses. Great Escape has the solution.  Head down to Happy Feet Reflexology and for $35, receive a 60 minute foot massage. It's a pretty cool process which involves dipping your feet in warm Chinese herb solution and massages to other body parts. You will feel like a million bucks afterward.  After your body relaxes, walk up the street to Tempo, a fancy American bistro, where they offer $7 appetizers before 7 p.m. and after 9 p.m. The romantically lit atmosphere and ambience will help ease your mind and refresh you for the next …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. Today's center's around the Academy Awards on Feb. 27. One of the most enjoyable and glamorous events will be here before you know it —  Oscar Night! Why not take an evening and catch up on some of the Best Film nominations? Embassy …