PASSPORT TO DISCOVHER PARTICIPANTS

We dare you to find a better smoothie in Newton than the ones Binka Shishmanova whips up at her shop, 11:11 Health Bar in Newton Centre. Everything on the menu uses clean, nutrient-dense ingredients that fill us up without weighing us down. So while 11:11’s smoothies and açaí bowls taste like an indulgence, they’re good for us, delivering a variety of health benefits. And while we have our personal faves, Binka is always experimenting, concocting new smoothies, each one somehow better than the one before. “Peanut Butter Bliss” is her newest creation, made with: homemade almond milk, banana, raw cacao powder, raw unsweetened cacao nibs, dates, roasted peanuts, Silky Pure Peanut Butter, and Celtic salt. According to Binka, it’s designed to boost energy, support muscle recovery, and enhance one’s mood. Visit 11:11 Health Bar this month to discovHER your new favorite smoothie and get a stamp on your Passport. Located at 87 Union Street. Hours: Daily, 9 AM-4PM.

There’s a new pediatric dentist in Newton, and Dr. Mahdieh Beheshti brings so much skill and joy to her new practice, it’s no wonder her young patients love visiting. Bee Happy Pediatric Dentistry is a reflection of Dr. Beheshti’s values. By treating every pediatric patient (ages 1-25) like family, she creates an environment where top quality dental care, comfort, and trust are paramount. And for patients requiring anesthesia, Dr. Beheshti, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, uses cutting edge technology, which works instantly, is pretty much painless, and doesn’t numb the tongue or cheeks so patients can return to school, eat immediately, and enjoy the rest of their day. And seriously, for dental visits, what could be better? Stop in to discovHER Bee Happy in March and get a passport stamp during these hours: Mondays: 12 PM – 6 PM; Wednesdays: 10 AM – 6 PM; and Saturday, the 29th: 8 AM – 2 PM. You’ll probably want to bring your kids with you because Dr. Beheshti has fun gifts for kids with every stamped passport, and her staff is happy to give visitors behind-the-scene’s tours. 29 Crafts Street, Suite 250. Please note, Bee Happy will be unable to offer behind the scenes tours on March 15 & 22.

Located in the Upper Falls historic district, there’s nothing cookie-cutter about Bettina's Bakery. Run by two professional pastry chefs (Bettina is from Germany and Naun is from Honduras), this one-of-a-kind eatery seamlessly blends together multicultural flavors with American tastes. Here you’ll find diners sitting down for breakfast and lunch enjoying conchas, cubanos, horchata, streuselkuchen, and schnitzel along with their turkey sandwiches and salads. Featured on Chronicle and in the Globe, Bettina’s turns out some of the best seasonal pies, muffins, scones, and custom cakes in the city, and offers catering for corporate events or parties at home. DiscovHER Bettina’s at 295 Elliot Street and get a Passport stamp. Hours: 7:30-3 Monday-Friday and 8-3 on Saturday. Closed Sundays.

A different kind of jewelry store is now open in Newton Centre, and it’s offering a 10% discount for the entire month of March as part of the DISCOVHER Passport promotion. CARLA SHAW Sustainable Fashion specializes in botanical jewelry made from real plants preserved in 18K gold (or silver and rhodium). Carla was born in Brazil - one of the most beautiful tropical countries in the world and home to rich, lush and exotic flora. With her jewelry line, Carla brings together her love of nature, a keen eye for fashion, and her support of the environment as each piece of jewelry is sustainably sourced and produced with minimal environmental impact. She launched her business in 2021 (online) and, after sharing a storefront in Wellesley last year, Carla is now located at 79 Union Street. Her winter hours (through March) are: Tuesday-Thursday: 11AM - 6PM; Friday: 11 AM - 7 PM; Saturday: 11 AM - 5 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Newton’s CERI Boutique first opened its doors in 1982, and is still going strong. This third generation women’s clothing shop on Langley Road has built a faithful following in the greater Boston area by carrying small designers, artisan collections, and hard-to-find-anywhere-else accessories. A shopping destination which also offers one-on-one styling appointments, wardrobe building, and in-store fashion events, CERI is located at 386 Langley Road, just outside of Newton Centre near Route 9. Visit in person in March, and collect a stamp on your DISCOVHER Passport. Like what you see? Make sure to ask about their popular personalized “Look Boxes” that are dropped off at your door, and follow CERI on social media for fun daily updates on new arrivals, fashion trends and in store events! Hours: 10-3 Monday-Friday, with weekends and additional hours by appointment.

Some spas come and go, but Christine's Day Spa & Electrolysis has been a trusted retreat in Newton Centre for over 32 years, earning a reputation as the local go-to spot for much-needed pampering. This woman-owned and operated small business is known for its facials, massages, electrolysis, and laser hair removal, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests relax and rejuvenate under the care of an experienced and compassionate team. Christine's is not just a spa, with its launch of an in-house Boutique, it’s also one of Newton Centre’s newest shopping destinations. Featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of calming candles, fashion accessories, and gifts, a whopping 20% of the Boutique’s proceeds are donated to local charities. DiscovHER Christine’s Day Spa & Electrolysis in March when the spa offers 20% off any facial with Samantha or Braelyn. 1280 Centre Street. Hours: Tuesday- Thursday: 9AM-8PM; Friday: 9AM-4PM; Saturday: 9AM-5PM; Sunday: 10AM-5 PM. Closed Monday.

There’s a new general dentist in town, and her approach to treatment is one sure to appeal to lots of new patients. Dr. Sharon Gupta recently opened her practice, Comm Ave Dentistry, on Commonwealth Avenue, across from Blacker’s Bakeshop. A general dentist, Dr. Gupta takes a conservative approach to dentistry, preserving the natural structure of teeth as much as possible. This approach individualizes care for each patient, delivering a gentler dental experience, and focusing on the connection between oral health and overall wellness. Services include cleanings, clear aligners, dental implants, fillings, veneers, dentures, and extractions. With a newly renovated office filled with cutting edge dental equipment, Dr. Gupta welcomes the community to tour her recently renovated office. Stop in for a stamp on your DISCOVHER Passport while exploring other women-owned businesses around Newton Centre! 558 Commonwealth Ave., Newton Centre. Hours: 8-5 Tuesday & Friday; 8-6 Wednesday; and the last Saturday of every month from 9-2.

Who doesn’t need a local go-to clothing shop, with merchandise that fits our lifestyle and budget? And if the shop is independently owned and welcoming, even better. Dear Duchess in Newton Centre is that kind of shop. Whether we want to elevate our style for work, look polished at our kids’ events, an evening out with friends, or date night, owner Rachel Sciaba curates her boutique with pieces that are on-trend but relatable. Rachel handpicks jeans, slacks, tops, skirts, dresses, and an array of fashion accessories. The result? A small and charming shop full of unique finds that are just what we’re looking for. Stop in and discovher Dear Duchess this month, and get a Passport stamp. Oh and be sure to follow the shop on instagram for daily posts that highlight new merchandise and styling tips. 49 Union Street. Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10-5; Saturday: 10-4: Closed Sunday & Monday.

It’s easy to see why patients select Dr. Renée Moran Medical Aesthetics for med spa services. A double board-certified DO, Dr. Moran leads a professional practice where every member of her team is a licensed esthetician. Treatments like Botox, Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, Facials, and Microneedling are done by professionals in a welcoming and relaxed environment. There’s even a separate area for men—“The Men’s Den”—catering to their aesthetic needs. DiscovHER Dr. Renée Moran Medical Aesthetics, get your Passport stamped, and learn about the practice’s services including this month’s special on VIPeel 3 series. Regularly $900, the package of three chemical peels is $100 off in March. The practice is located at 97 Union Street in Newton Centre, right across from the T. Hours: 10-6 Monday-Friday and 10-3 on Saturday.

Derby Farm Flowers is like a secret garden tucked away in Piccadilly Square, and if you haven’t yet dropped in, March is a perfect time to visit. Offering gorgeous bespoke floral arrangements, botanical themed gifts, garden décor, and inspired-by-nature home accessories, Derby Farm Flowers is unlike any other shop in Newton. Their flower arrangements--which recently made it onto the pages of Vogue—are always in demand for their European styling and casual elegance. Stop in to get your DISCOVHER passport stamped, and take advantage of their special March discount on products from women makers like Miche Scott Handmade floral soaps and East End Press paper garlands. Tues- Sat: 10-5; Closed Sunday & Monday.

We only know of one women-owned wine and spirits store in Newton and that’s Dion’s Wine on Watertown St. in Nonantum. With a huge selection of craft beer, fine wines at a variety of price points, and long aisles filled with spirits, it’s hard to imagine Dion’s doesn’t have exactly what we need to keep our bar stocked and wine rack full. And it doesn’t stop there. This shop also has a serious selection of specialty foods for creating impressive charcuterie boards and even local faves like New City ice cream, Fiorella’s pasta sauces, cookies from Bisousweet—and that’s just for starters. Owners and sisters Leah and Sarah grew up in Newton and are excited about stamping passports as part of the DiscovHER event.

There are a handful of iconic restaurants in Newton and Dunn Gaherin’s sits at the top of the list. It’s one of those places that does everything well—no wonder it was just visited by the Phantom Gourmet and given lots of kudos. In warmer weather the restaurant features a bustling outdoor patio (with a summertime trailer that dishes out ice cream), while inside feels like a pub in Ireland with a huge central bar and lots of seating. The menu is a crowd-pleasing mix of traditional pub fare (fish and chips, burgers, wings), along with trendier offerings like eggplant fries, and hand-crafted corn beef ravioli sauteed in a Dijon cream sauce. And there’s a kid’s menu, too, making this a real family-oriented spot. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, March is a perfect time to discovHER Dunn Gaherin’s. 344 Elliot Street. Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 3:30PM-10:00PM; Thursday-Saturday: 11:30 AM-11PM. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Shopping at Fulfilled Goods is a completely different experience from shopping anyplace else in Newton, and with your DISCOVHER Passport, its even better with 20% off purchases, and a free Swedish dishcloth for just stopping in! As the city’s only refillery, Fulfilled Goods customers can bring in their own containers, fill them up with top quality products, and pay for the product not the container. And the savings can be astounding. There’s a huge variety of refillable items like pantry goods and baking items (pasta, nuts, dried fruits, chocolates, spices, grains, beans, oils, vinegars and flours); personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, soap) and household products (laundry detergent, dish soap). Their freshly ground nut butters are customer favorites. Not everything in the store is a “refillable.” There are plenty of sustainable kitchen items (like reusable sponges and silicone baking mats), everyday essentials (lip balms, toilet paper, and safety razors) and locally-made gifts. Located at 612 Washington Street in Newtonville (across from Whole Foods.) Hours: 12-6 Wednesday & Thursday; 11-5 Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

There’s a reason Greentail Table is a greater Boston destination for home accents and gifts. Owner Linda de Valpine, with her long history as a veteran buyer and retail merchant, fills her shop with goods that reflect her keen sense of style, interest in sustainability, and love of nature. The result is a shop filled with contemporary housewares and accents for creating joyful spaces and thoughtful gifts for all occasions. With the shop’s focus on home entertaining, its merchandise changes frequently, reflecting the shifting needs of customers during different seasons. The result? There’s always something new and gorgeous waiting to be discovered at Greentail Table. Bring your Passport to Greentail Table in March, and in honor of International Women’s Day, Linda will be offering 15% off all products from women-owned companies! Located at 343 Watertown Street in Nonantum. Hours: 10-6 Monday-Friday and 10-5 on Saturday.

Hustlestop, a professional salon located at 400 Homer Street (across city hall, down the block from the main library), takes a different approach to selfcare. Designed for those with busy schedules and unwilling to compromise on quality, the Hustlestop team is small, with only experienced pros, and all about making your experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Easy (and free) parking, speedy online booking and appointment management, contactless payments where everything is handled via credit card (including gratuity), getting nails and hair done at the same time, even a pantry of free snacks if we haven’t had a chance to grab a meal—their attention to detail and recognition that we don’t have a lot of time to spend on selfcare is obvious. Not to mention their focus on using healthier products, because ingredients matter. Book a free 30-minute consultation with their master stylist/master colorist to find the haircut or color that works best for you and your lifestyle (and discuss all your hair concerns). Stop into Hustlestop this month for a DiscovHER Passport stamp. Open Thursday to Sunday.

Who doesn’t love Indulge!, the candy store in Newton Highlands? Stocked with candy of virtually every variety, it’s where we head when we’re celebrating a holiday or birthday, sending care packages, need party favors, a sweet little gift, or a middle-of-the-day pick me up. From bins of Jelly Belly jelly beans sorted by flavor, to chocolate truffles, trendy Swedish candies, and our fave retro candies, Indulge! has it all. Stop in to get a stamp on your DISCOVHER Passport, and indulge in one of your “favHERits.” 16 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands. Hours: 10-5, Tuesday-Saturday. website: https://www.indulgesomeone.com/our-sweet-store

DiscovHER Lara B. Designs, where designer Lara handcrafts distinctive leather handbags and accessories right in her working studio at The Mall at Echo Bridge in Newton Upper Falls! Featured in NBC Boston The Hub, British Vogue & Elle, her stylish creations are available in-store and at select boutiques across the U.S. Want a hands-on experience? Join one of Lara’s Designer Handbag Workshops and craft your own unique leather bag! Stop by this month to shop, get your DISCOVHER Passport stamped, and enjoy 15% off all purchases—including workshops. Visit Thursday-Saturday, 12-4, and find your next favorite bag!

Newtonville Books is always a center of activity—with owner Mary Cotton holding one crowd-pleasing community event after another. Author readings, book group meetings, children’s story hours, game days, scavenger hunts—you name it, it’s happening at this book store in Newton Centre. The shelves here are stocked with titles of all genres, and if they don’t happen to have what you’re looking for, they’ll order it. The shop also has games, cards, stationery, and an eclectic gift section. DiscovHER Newtonville Books this month and collect a stamp on your Passport. 10 Langley Road. Hours: Monday-Saturday : 10AM-8PM; Sunday: 11AM-7PM.

Newton Medical Aesthetics is a new professional med spa using leading edge technology to help us turn back time and put our best face forward. Whether we’re looking for an immediate refresh with a one hour Glo2Facial; get a quick laser treatment to eliminate unsightly and pesky veins; improve the texture of our skin through microneedlng or a skin peel; or perfect out appearance with injectables—Newton Medical Aesthetics is here to help. Owned and operated by two women physicians, this med spa specializes in helping us achieve our personal aesthetic goals in a relaxed and welcoming setting. DiscovHER this spa in March, take a tour of their facility, and advantage of their Lunchtime Laser package of three easy 30 minute sessions with no downtime. Treatments lift and remove sun damage and age spots and remove the dull dry external layer of skin, smoothing lines and improving texture. Located at 233 Needham Street, with easy access to 128.

With the surge in popularity of mid-century modern furniture and home accents, Newton’s Nina Rachele Decor is one of Newton’s “it places” for interior designers and home owners hunting for home furnishings with a distinct vintage modern vibe. Demand is so high that the shop has even expanded into a second space at the Echo Bridge Mall. And if mid-century modern isn’t your sweet spot, Nina carries traditional pieces as well as antiques. Stocked with furniture, lamps, objets d’art, collectibles, and fun, kitschy items, a visit to Nina’s takes you back in time—but not too far back—with lots of vintage items at reasonable prices. And while the shop is stocked with larger home furnishings, there are plenty of smaller finds, too, like vintage barware, glassware, jewelry, pots and planters at a range of price-points. 381 Elliot Street. Open Friday & Saturday 12-5.

As if we needed another reason to visit Pon de Joy… Newton Centre’s Pon de Joy is really the only mochi donut game in town, with a rotating mix of colorful, creative, I-can’t-believe-they’re-this-good donuts. In March, Pon de Joy is upping it’s game with its newest, trendiest flavor yet: a Dubai Bar mochi donut. Yep, Pon de Joy is jumping on the Dubai Bar wagon, and we can’t wait. Stop in and discovHER Pon de Joy’s this month, check out all of this bakery’s offerings, and get your Passport stamped. 212 Sumner Street. Hours: Monday: 12-6 PM; Tuesday-Friday: 8:30AM-6PM; Saturday & Sunday: 9AM-6PM

Rêve Salon distinguishes itself from typical beauty salons by specializing exclusively in hair care. There are no facials, manicures, or waxing here—just expert cutting, coloring, and styling. Owners Kristina and Janna, both master stylists and colorists, use advanced techniques to create flawless, customized looks. With only three chairs, Rêve ensures a truly personalized experience for every client. Their mission? To exceed expectations with every visit and deliver a unique, tailored experience. Kristina and Janna combine cutting-edge methods like dry cutting and “airtouch” coloring with traditional services, resulting in styles that are more precise and longer-lasting. New clients can enjoy a 10% discount on their first visit. Stop by Rêve Salon in Newton Centre, get your DISCOVHER passport stamped, and meet the talented duo. Rêve is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, with Monday and Tuesday appointments available upon request. Visit at 80 Langley Road, Suite 5.

Sweet Tomatoes pizza first opened its doors in Newton Centre in 1998, with gourmet Neapolitan-style pizza, a proprietary “wow-this-is-amazing” tomato sauce, and creative toppings. Since then, owner Hedy Jarras has expanded to four locations (including one in West Newton), added new options like gluten-free and vegan pizzas, and offers a full catering menu that goes beyond pizza. (They’re even equipped to pull in and grill pizzas on site!) In addition to whole pies, Sweet Tomatoes has pizzas by the slice—choose from cheese, pepperoni, or their creative slices of the day. And there are freshly made salads, sides, sandwiches, and desserts, too. DiscovHER Sweet Tomatoes in March and get your Passport stamped at either Newton location. Open daily from 11:30-9. Two Newton locations: 47 Langley Road, Newton Centre & 1279 Washington Street, West Newton.

Talori is a jewelry store in Newton Center that does it all. Located on Newton’s “fashion row”—aka Union Street—its cases are filled with fine jewelry, and has earned a reputation for its huge selection of diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. While owner Ani Panossian showcases an extensive collection of jewelry from carefully curated designers, a large part of her business is creating custom jewelry for clients. Some pieces are crafted from scratch, while others involve transforming clients’ existing jewelry into new designs. Ani always takes a personalized approach, getting to know clients’ tastes, and collaborating with them so the end result surpasses expectations. Talori also does jewelry repair, cleaning, appraisals, and changes watch batteries. Meet Ani and DiscovHER Talori at 51 Union Street. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-6. Closed Sundays.

Sabina Brailovskaya, the owner of Newton Centre’s Unique Boutique-Your Day of Beauty, has a dedicated following of clients who swear her customized skin care treatments have helped them achieve the clear, healthy skin of their dreams. Sabina and her team of professional estheticians offer a range of non-invasive treatments like popular HydraFacials, body sculpting, laser therapy, microneedling, lymphatic drainage, and more—all individualized based on clients’ needs and esthetic goals. Located at 1349 Centre Street, Unique Boutique is an environment where we can step away from hectic schedules to relax and rejuvenate. This month, stop in to meet Sabina, get a stamp on your Passport, and discovHER this woman-owned business. Conveniently open Monday-Sunday from 8AM-8PM.

The number of specialty salons and med spas in Newton keeps growing, but Whole Beauty Salon in Newton Centre is a rarity—offering traditional salon services— like hair, nails, and eyelash extensions, AND med spa services—like non-invasive facelifts, Botox, fillers, micro-needling, and body contouring--in one location. You may have already heard of Whole Beauty Salon & Day Spa. Owner Olga Kwasniewski made news during the early days of the pandemic by offering free haircuts and facials to weary first responders. Her feeling was we’re all in this together so let’s do what we can to help each other out. Originally from Uzbekistan, Olga strives to offer leading edge, European-style services that combine innovative technologies with a whole body approach. Her goal is to offer the most effective, safe, and least invasive treatments to improve the quality and appearance of clients’ skin, nails and body. This approach resonates with a diverse clientele—including transplanted Europeans, teenagers clearing up acne without accutane, and men who will only have facials at Whole Beauty. DiscovHER Whole Beauty Salon at 74 Langley Road, across from Union Street, and next to Rêve Salon, another DiscovHER participant. Whole Beauty is open 10-7 Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.