January Newsletter: A Little Bit of Everything: Spring Inspiration, Local Happenings & Wellness Around Wellesley
Life in Wellesley and the surrounding MetroWest towns is shaped as much by everyday rituals and local experiences as it is by homes and neighborhoods. This monthly roundup brings together what’s been inspiring us lately — from books and design reads to family-friendly activities, wellness finds, and notable local updates worth knowing.
A Thought We’re Carrying Into Spring
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” — Simone Weil
A simple reminder as schedules fill up and spring energy starts to return.
Books We’ve Been Reading (and Loving)
Steve
Your Table Is Ready – Tales of a New York City Maître D’
A great behind-the-scenes look at the New York City restaurant scene, told through short, entertaining stories from a maître d’ at some of the city’s most iconic spots. The bite-sized chapters make it easy to read alongside longer books, and it’s a low-commitment, highly entertaining page-turner.
Nicole
Three recent favorites — loved all of them:
The Correspondent
A beautifully written novel about connection, longing, and the things we choose to say — and not say.
All the Beauty in the World
A thoughtful reflection on art, grief, and everyday beauty, inspired by the author’s time as a museum guard at the Met.
Garlic and Sapphires
Smart, funny, and endlessly entertaining, this memoir follows Ruth Reichl’s adventures reviewing restaurants in disguise — loved it from start to finish.
Design & Lifestyle Inspiration
Timeless interiors over trends — A House & Garden piece explores why restraint and longevity create calmer, more livable spaces. Less “new,” more “right.”
Homes that feel lived-in, not staged — A thoughtful essay argues that the most memorable spaces aren’t perfect; they’re personal. Decorating to impress often means forgetting what you actually like.
Valentine’s ideas worth saving — Sweet, kid-friendly tabletop and celebration inspiration that feels fun without being overdone.
Must-do food experiences in Italy — Perfect for travel daydreaming (or planning ahead).
Tiny travel hacks that make a big difference — Practical tips we’ll absolutely use next time we pack.
What We’re Cooking (or Ordering…)
A few recent favorites:
Apple & Cheddar Crisp Salad — sweet, sharp, and winter-perfect
Fig & Pistachio Salad with Balsamic Dressing — great for entertaining
Roasted Root Vegetables with Fennel & Pistachio Yogurt — cozy and elevated
Chocolate-covered goat milk caramels — dangerously good (and giftable)
A thoughtful perspective on eating simply and consistently
Local Happenings & Highlights
Wellesley, Weston, Needham & Nearby
Pizza + Pottery Night for Kids (Needham) — A drop-off pottery class for kids in grades 1–7 (pizza included).
Little Sprouts at Mass Hort (February Break) — A nature-based program with garden walks, story time, and hands-on crafts.
Cooking classes at Joyful Kitchen — New sessions are up and filling quickly.
Land’s Sake Farm Winter Workshops — Adult workshops at the Weston Rec Center, plus the annual Sugaring Off Festival in March.
Outdoor skating rink at Hunnewell Field — Wellesley is bringing back a winter rink, expected to be open for at least four weeks, weather permitting.
Weston restaurant news — The Woods at the historic Josiah Smith Tavern is moving forward with an anticipated 2026 opening, led by the former owner of Boston Chops.
Kids & Family Activities
New Kids Yoga at Stepping Stone Studio
Stepping Stone Studio is launching new kids yoga classes designed to help children move, focus, and have fun in a supportive, playful environment:
Ages 3–6: Tuesdays, 3:00–3:45 PM
Ages 7–11: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM
Starting January 27 | 6-week series
Health & Wellness: Small Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Winter can feel long, so we’re always looking for small rituals that make daily routines more restorative.
Winter wellness find: A eucalyptus shower spray has been a favorite — a few sprays instantly make your shower feel spa-like and are especially refreshing during cold season.
Local wellness spotlight: Kelo Spa in Newton offers sauna and cold-plunge experiences designed to support circulation, recovery, and overall well-being.
A wellness challenge we’re enjoying: Happier with Gretchen Rubin’s Move 26 in ’26 — moving for 26 minutes every day in 2026. All movement counts, and there’s even a winter bingo card for motivation.
🏗️ New Construction in Wellesley & Weston
A snapshot of notable new construction homes currently available or nearing completion in Wellesley and Weston — offering modern layouts, thoughtful design, and prime locations.
📍 345 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
4 🛏 | 3 Full, 1 Half 🛁 | 4,200 SF | 0.27 Acres
$2,695,000
📍 222 Grove Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
6 🛏 | 5 Full, 2 Half 🛁 | ~7,800 SF | 1.23 Acres
$7,995,000
📍 16 Scotch Pine Road, Weston, MA 02493
6 🛏 | 5+ 🛁 | 9,000 SF | 1.74 Acres
$9,995,000
📍 16 Rockland Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
5 🛏 | 4 Full, 1 Half 🛁 | ~5,000 SF
$2,995,000
📍 18 Rockland Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
5 🛏 | 4 Full, 1 Half 🛁 | ~5,000 SF
$3,195,000
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