Gretta Monahan

1 month ago | bostonherald.com | Gretta Monahan

Boston’s in full bloom, and what better inspiration to create a garden of your own. Whether it’s in a suburban or city backyard, some pots on a small back deck or lined up on a windowsill, the payoff in beauty is well worth the effort. Mental health experts say that both spending time with nature and the feeling of productivity that comes with growing things does worlds of good for our sense of well-being. Need more incentive? How about some cute and clever gardening gear?

1 month ago | bostonherald.com | Gretta Monahan

With the warm weather here, it’s time to make the switch to toe-baring footwear. There are options aplenty. Soft ballet flats are back, for starters. As are wedges. Easygoing afternoons won’t be wasted either, thanks to all the sporty designs out there, and nights out are in your future, too, with glitzy numbers answering their siren call. The Ines Slide ($258 on toryburch.com) is a particularly sassy little number that will take you from late May all the way through September.

1 month ago | bostonherald.com | Gretta Monahan

The Met Gala outdid itself on Monday, with far more fanfare, more hoopla, and far more money raised than ever before. The Gala brought in a record $31 million this year for the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the theme (“Tailored for You,”) was inspired by the museum’s new exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” opening May 10, which is a celebration of 300 years of Black fashion, culture, and history.

1 month ago | bostonherald.com | Gretta Monahan

This is the year you aren’t going to wait until the last minute to buy your mom a Mother’s Day gift. To help make this happen, we have great ideas – from experiences to share or something special for her alone. Take her out for an amazing mealThere’s a slew of fabulous Mother’s Day meals around town. For instance, the three-course prix-fixe Mother’s Day dinner menu at Bambara Kitchen.

2 months ago | bostonherald.com | Gretta Monahan

If your Boston Marathon fever hasn’t come down yet, it may be a sign to do a bit of running yourself. Maybe not a 26.2-mile race, but a mile or so will boost mind and body. (A brisk walk is also excellent.)Whatever your speed, just get outside now that the weather’s delightful. And take the opportunity to grab some new exercise duds. Sneakers are the clear choice for runners and fast walkers alike, and Asics Unisex Superblast 2 ($199.95 on marathonsports.com) are a spot-on choice.