Painting to Relax with Muse Paintbar

Last night, I picked up a couple of friends, hit the road to Muse Paintbar at Assembly Row Somerville, MA and painted a snowy love themed scene. It was hip, there was wine and I was able to get my husband something for Valentine's Day that wasn't a gift certificate to a craft beer store or Steam (think video games). I won't lie, I have been to similar experiences before and left with similar results (a fun night out with friends and a painting I created myself) but maybe it was the location, the fact that I had space to work (high top table FTW), the swoonworthy instructor (he had great shoes and chatted Mandy Moore OK?!) and a pretty decent selection of drinks that helped make Muse different from the rest.

The session was collaborative, everyone was super complimentary of one another and the music was super spot on for the crowd! They have locations all over the Northeast from Maine all the way to New York so if you're up where it's cold and snowy, there's likely an event to keep you busy for the next few months... while we wait for the weather to become more reasonable, obviously! Check out the events calendar at a location near you. Plus, if you're looking for something to do with your honey this weekend? I hear that they have some cool couple's events going on at the MA locations. Here's the deets:

Muse Paintbar is hosting Couples’ Nights from February 12-14th in honor of Valentine's Day and making for a fun, interactive date.Couples create their own paintings with step-by-step instruction from a local artist all while enjoying a menu of wine, beer, and small bites. Each person receives a canvas to paint, and upon completion of their painting, their canvas will form a larger piece of art when positioned next to their date’s.

WHEN: Muse Paintbar is offering Couples’ Nights from Friday February 12 through Sunday February 14, 2016. Muse offers multiple sessions throughout the day and evening. All evening sessions on Saturday, February 13^th include a glass of Prosecco. COST: $35-$55; www.musepaintbar.com. WHERE: Muse Paintbar's has four Massachusetts locations: a newly opened location at Assembly Row (461 Artisan Way, Somerville), a newly opened location at MarketStreet Lynnfield (600 Market St, Lynnfield),  Hingham Shipyard (15 Shipyard Dr 1C, Hingham),and Patriot Place (217 Patriot Pl, Foxborough)

*My friends and I were able to paint for free but these opinions? Yep, they are still 100% my own.

A few nights ago, I kissed the baby and man goodbye and went on my own, to a Girls Night Out with Alice's Table. I had only very vaguely explored the art of flower arranging (like trimming store bought flower and plopping them in a vase like "so") so when the opportunity arose to do some legitimate flower arranging in the fine city of Boston, well, I didn't hesitate. It was held on Newbury St at the Met Bar Back Bay and you know what? Even though I was by my lonesome, I had a great time and talked to a lot of new ladies and drank some fancy adult lady drinks. It was very enjoyable so I can just imagine how much fun I would have had with some of my gal pals.

When you head to an event, it's about one thing: having fun learning to do something that is of value to any crafty/fun/creative/flower loving lady... Oh, and also? There's cocktails (be still my heart) and they show you how to make them. Oh, and they give you the recipes for both the cocktail and your arrangements to take home. The gals at Alice's Table just want you to have fun, maybe learn something and then if you're so inspired, do some creating at home. There were definitely some things I learned in my gin haze (yes, I treated myself to TWO G+T's) that I can use when I grab a bouquet from my local farm stand or even grocery store but even if you're having too much fun to catch everything, the gals have you covered with their recaps. Want to check out my event, Thanksgiving Harvest, click here.

Cabbage Flowers, artichokes, sunflowers, seeded eucalyptus, magnolia leaves and more filled a tiny container of love that I built fueled by a yummy rum drink (recipe to come next week just in time for the holiday) and a night away from responsibility. I managed to get it home in one piece and the arrangement looked amazing on our dining room table in the morning light, I just had to snap a shot. I would most definitely sign up for another event from the team at Alice's table. They seem to love what they are doing and want to expand by bringing on ambassadors. I urge you to check them out if this kind of fun night out it something that piques your creative, cocktail loving interests.