May 19 2013

The Merry Month of May

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

May is a month filled with food and fun. It is National Barbecue Month, Hamburger Month, Salad and Salsa Month. Celebrate with your favorites during Restaurant Week in New Hampshire (May 17-24). Lunches and dinners at a wide variety of restaurants in the state are offered at prices ranging from $10-$35. It’s a great time to try something new!

Looking for something to do? Have you visited the Nashua Public Library? Library cards are free for anyone who lives or works in the city. Besides books, music, and DVDs, the library offers passes to many museums: the Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts and New England Aquarium in Boston. Passes are available for the Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord and many others. Call the library at 603-589-4600 for more information.

Memorial Day will soon be here (the unofficial start of summer). This holiday honors Americans who gave their lives for their country in any war while serving the United States. Please take a minute to remember these brave men and women.

Farmer's Market

By Jenilee Provencal | | (0) Comments

null Spring is in full swing! One of the best parts for me is the farmers markets starting to pop up. There are quite a few close by. For a full list visit www.getrealmaine.com.

The Psychology of Color

By Casey Swan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Marketing, Environmental, Lifestyle, Casey Swan, | (0) Comments

colors affect our attitudes, our moods, our interpretation of time, and our impressions of each other When I was in fifth grade, I was called to a meeting with the school Principal, Mr. Murphy. I don't recall the reason for the meeting, but I clearly remember asking him, "why is your office pink?" To me, pink was girly and I was astounded that a full-grown man would want to spend an entire day surrounded by that color. Mr. Murphy's answer to my query was to explain that, psychologically, pink was a calming color and it helped to alleviate anxiety in students who had been called to his office.

Did you know that there is an entire branch of the psychology field called Color Psychology, which focuses on how color affects human behavior? This study is certainly fascinating, although it can be influenced by many factors, such as culture, region, context, and personal experience. However, the collective subconscious of society often means that certain colors are related to particular attributes.

One of the earliest theories about what later became Color Psychology came from poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1810. While based on his intuitive perception of the impact of color on mood, Goethe's insights have been substantiated by modern scientific research. Carl Jung became a pioneer of Color Psychology when he suggested that art could be used as psychotherapy. Even Winston Churchill recognized the effect of color on mood when he stated, "I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours, I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns."

Colors can be used to manipulate our purchasing habits, our sense of time, our health, and even the color of the automobile we drive suggests characteristics of our personality. The following list relates the common properties and symbols associated with various colors:

Pink
As I mentioned previously, pink is a tranquilizing color that is representative of understanding and love. The color inspires nurturing, comfort, sincerity, and friendliness.

Red
Red is the most intense color and is usually associated with passion and excitement. Red is also attention seeking, which may be why thieves and police officers target red vehicles more frequently. Red is a stimulating color, and researchers have discovered that people's reaction times are quicker under red light, as well as that sports teams wearing red jerseys have a higher chance of winning. However, red may be overwhelming for people whose nature is more relaxed and the color may trigger confrontations.

Orange
Orange is an uplifting, motivational, and warm color. On one hand, it stimulates independence, spontaneity and adventure, but at its extreme, orange may invite assertiveness and competition.

Yellow
Yellow is closely related to the intellect. Research suggests that the color enhances concentration, communication, and metabolism. Although it is associated with happiness and joy, yellow is the most difficult color for the eye to take in. As a result, researchers have discovered that tempers flare and babies cry more frequently when in yellow rooms.

Green
Green is an emotional color and is closely related to renewal, balance and peace. It is the easiest color for the eye to perceive and generally has a calming effect, which is why guests on television shows relax in the "green room" before their appearances and why formal Colonial gatherings were held in rooms with green walls. Green inspires harmony, but an overload may lead to complacency, boredom, and even hypochondria.

Blue
Blue offers tranquility, safety, and reservation. It is frequently presented as a conservative color. Witnesses at trials may be instructed to wear blue, as it lends a feeling of reliability. Blue is emotionally sedating, which is why many hospital recovery rooms may be blue. In 2000, Glasgow installed blue street lights in some of its tougher neighborhoods and subsequently saw a reduction in the crime rates. On the negative side, blue may also be cold and depressing. It is also an appetite suppressant, as naturally blue foods are frequently toxic. Therefore, if you're dieting, install a blue light in your refrigerator or eat from blue plates.

Purple
An inspiring color, purple stimulates creativity, individuality, and spirituality. Traditionally, purple was associated with royalty, so the color also connotes wealth and sophistication. In the negative, purple may be seen as impractical, immature, insincere, or overindulgent.

Brown
Brown is reliable and down-to-earth. It suggests authenticity, honesty, and responsibility. However, brown may evoke dullness and it can enhance maudlin feelings.

Gray
The most unemotional color, gray is pragmatic and isolating. It feels "corporate" and promotes indifference.

White
White is unquestionably the ultimate symbol of purity and innocence. It may also suggest a sterile, fastidious, hands-off personality; think Martha Stewart and her perfectly crisp white button-down shirts.

Black
This is a color with very complex associations. In one aspect, black is powerful, authoritarian, elegant, and sophisticated. It can also be serious, intimidating and may elicit fear. Another interpretation is that black is a color of aloofness and submission, like a priest wearing black in submission to God or a widow wearing black in mourning.

What can we learn from this? One way Color Psychology can be used is as an introspective device; what does your favorite color imply about you? Is it correct? Is it the message you want to send? I hope it also makes you aware of how color may be subtly used to manipulate the masses. For instance, be aware of the packaging on products you purchase, political signs, the colors of certain rooms... subliminally, someone may be trying to sell you something, but there's also the possibility that there's something from which they're trying to distract you.

Sources I used:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/08/17/goethe-theory-of-colours/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_psychology
http://www.holyorderofmans.org/Color%20Philosophy/ColorPhilosophy/philosophy_of_color.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0932396.html
http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/meaning-of-colors.html

Tick Season Has Arrived - Protect yourself and your pets

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, | (0) Comments

Lyme Disease & Tick Bites
Ticks can transmit Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Symptoms vary by disease, including fever, chills, and fatigue.
The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food offers free tick identification to New Hampshire residents. The intent is to monitor the distribution of tick species in NH. Complete the Tick Submission Form and mail the tick and form as described. Ticks submitted will not be tested for disease-causing pathogens.
Avoiding Tick Bites
o Stay on trails outdoors; avoid areas of overgrown brush and tall grasses.
o Wear light-colored clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
o Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants tucked into boots or socks.
o Check yourself often for ticks.
o Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin (follow directions).
o Arboviral & Tick Prevention for Kids
o Avoid Mosquito & Tick Bites
o Protect Yourself from Ticks Where You Work (Lyme Disease and
Outdoor Workers)
o Tick/Mosquito Poster
Is It A Tick Bite?
o Spider Bite – Several fluid-filled bumps appear at the site of the bite.
o Tick Bite – The bite is hard, itchy, and forms into lumps. A red, rash-like halo surrounds the bite and then slowly spreads outwards.
Removing An Attached Tick
1. Remove the tick promptly. The sooner you remove it, the less chance of infection.
2. Use tweezers to grasp the tick's mouthparts at the surface of the skin.
3. With a steady motion, gently pull the tick straight out.
4. Wipe the bite area with an antiseptic, or wash with soap and water.
5. Be alert for symptoms of illness over the next 7-10 days.
o Do not squeeze the tick.
o Do not rub petroleum jelly on the tick.
o Do not use a hot match or cigarette.
o Do not pour kerosene or nail polish on

C'mon - Get Happy!

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

happiest It's finally that time of year when all we want to do is be outside. Since pretty much everyone is either working, in school, or just plain busy for most of their waking hours, though, it's not always a guarantee that we'll get to spend much, if any, quality time out in the fresh air. This can make us a little resentful...which leads to crankiness...which will probably only end up leading nowhere good. But instead of letting your inner monster come out when you're replying to the next annoying email or sitting through yet another hour-long conference call, why not try a couple of tricks from our friends over at Yahoo! Shine? If there's even a small chance that certain movements alone can make you feel a little happier, what have you got to lose?

Paperbacks vs. iPad; keeping score

By Liz Roloff | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

stack of books I’m a die-hard paperback book lover. About a year ago I received an iPad as a gift (I know, very generous!) and started little by little building a library of books. After a year, I’ve compared the pros and cons of paper vs. electronic and this is what I’ve come up with.
Electronic books let you carry your entire collection of books with you, it’s easy to mark your page, if you don’t like what you’re reading, click, click and you have another book open. And, you don’t have to design every room in your house around how many bookshelves you can squeeze in.
But then,
Paperbacks are easy to tuck in a pocketbook, they don’t weigh anything, and they are a must-have for a beach vacation (you know the real juicy kind of story…murder mysteries set on Cape Cod. Oh…what kind did you think I meant?), grains of sand caught in the spine. And how would we press flowers without paperbacks?
Last night I started a score sheet; Paperback vs iPad. Picture this; you’re lying in bed, holding your book/iPad on your chest two inches from your face, then you doze off. What happens to the paperback? It slips lightly to your face and your significant-other finds you under it snoring gently. What happens to the iPad? It comes crashing down on top of your face, you bolt up, grabbing your nose checking for blood! Paperback = 1 iPad=0.

Can you spare any change?

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Change.

It's a word we all know and most of us do not like. Some people fear change. Some resist it. Others embrace it and all of the excitement that it offers. I am probably a "middle of the road" person when it comes to change. For a long time I did not like change or do well when it came to change. But what I have learned is that change IS good. It is necessary. And even though in invokes fear and anxiety, it ultimately takes us to where we need to go next. I have been through enough "change" to know that no matter how scary it seems, what is on the other side is worth it. This could be for anything. For me, it started with my weight loss journey 3.5 years ago. After losing 97lbs, I experienced so much change that I wasn't sure I could handle it all.

Baby steps. Focus. Perspective.

It could be any part of your life where you are experiencing any kind of change - change of job, change of homes, change of relationships, change of health...anything. The key is to always remember that no matter what changes and/or how it changes, it is happening for a reason and the best thing to do is embrace it and allow things to fall into place. I am a true believer in that everything happens for a reason - whether things are in our control or not. It is up to us to accept the change and make things work the best you can.

So. Are you afraid of change? Do you embrace change? Are you willing to change? These are questions to ponder.

Whether we like it or not, change happens. We are constantly changing and evolving as humans. Again, I say change is good, especially when it feels bad. It's entirely up to you to decide if you are going to resist or embrace it. But just remember, change will happen even when you are resisting it! So I say, smile and embrace it, because only good things can happen from it!

Keep an open mind and a positive attitude and you will create great things for yourself!

Click on the link below for some great ideas to start making small changes....

http://worldobserveronline.com/2012/04/25/15-things-you-should-give-up-to-be-happy/

Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

PINEAPPLE GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN
Printed from COOKS.COM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs. pork tenderloin
1 (8 1/2 oz.) can sliced pineapple
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. cornstarch

Drain pineapple and keep the juice. Keep pineapple rings for garnish. Trim excess fat from pork. Place pork on a rack in a baking pan. Mix 1/3 cup juice, mustard, ginger, paprika, brown sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch in a small pan. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened. Brush pork loin with part of the glaze. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until meat is tender. Brush meat with glaze several times during baking. Turn meat over and brush both sides. Arrange pineapple rings and serve. Slice meat across grain.

Dinner Time!

By kbrownlie | | (0) Comments

null We have all been there…… Its late, we worked all day, we’re tired, kids screaming, and then get asked the biggest question of the day “What’s for dinner?” Our brains scramble to come up with something nutritional and something they will actually eat- which is the hardest part. Well here’s a quick recipe to satisfy everyone, from hungry kids to hungry husbands.
Sweet and Sour Kielbasa (4 servings)
Ingredients: 2 kielbasa links-sliced, 3 cups of ketchup, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 1 can of pineapple chunks. Optional ingredients can include: 1 jar of cherries, 1 green pepper - sliced, and 1 small white onion- sliced.
Directions: In skillet add sliced kielbasa, ketchup, sugar, and pineapple. (Also add in any optional ingredients you choose at this point) Stir together. Simmer for 15 minutes, with occasionally stirring. Then serve!
This is the perfect quick dish for anyone on the go or any last minute party planners!

I love Cake!

By Caitlyn Irving | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Mocha Tiramasu Cake

In light of my birthday coming up this weekend, I am going to make myself a cake. My favorite kind of cake is Pistachio with Pistachio Frosting and I have it every year for my birthday. This year I feel like being a little ambitious and ready to take on Mocha Tiramasu Cake. I am pretty confident in my baking abilities and up for the challenge. I came across this recipe and it just too good not to share!

Ingredients: 1 pkg. Duncan Hines® Butter Golden Cake Mix, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 2/3 cup water, ¾ cup espresso or very strong coffee, cooled 1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur or dark rum, 2 cans Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter, 2 packets Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Mocha Flavor Mix, 4 oz. mascarpone cheese, 23 ladyfingers 2 oz. chocolate shaved

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8" round cake pans.
2. Prepare cake batter as directed on package.
3. Pour cake batter into prepared pans and bake 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cakes comes out clean.
4. Let cakes cool completely and turn out of pans.
5. In small bowl, combine espresso and coffee liqueur.
6. Poke holes in cooled cakes with a skewer. Generously brush tops of both cakes with espresso mixture, using up to 1/2 cup. Set aside the remaining ¼ cup.
7. Pour 1 packet of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Mocha Flavor Mix into 1 can of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter. Stir until evenly blended. Repeat with second packet and can.
8. Transfer 1/2 cup of the Mocha frosting you just created to a piping bag.
9. Transfer another 1/2 cup of the Mocha frosting to a small bowl and combine it with the mascarpone cheese. This will be your cake filling.
10. With the piping bag, pipe a circle or “dam” of the Mocha frosting around outer edge of bottom cake layer.
11. Fill center circle with mocha/mascarpone filling. Top with second layer of cake.
12. Frost sides and top of layer cake with remaining Mocha frosting.
13. Dip or brush flat side of ladyfinger cookies with remaining espresso mixture and adhere to sides of cake.
14. Chill 20 minutes. Garnish top edge of cake with shaved chocolate before serving.

Pack a Picnic

By Heather Libby | | (0) Comments

There are so many great places to travel in New England during this time of the year and eating out or grabbing food on the go can be costly. Before you head on out to the parks, beaches, and lakes you’ll want to pack up that cooler too so here are a few easy picnic items to bring on your trips.
Warps or sandwiches are always easy and ready to eat. Try something classic like your favorite cold cut with cheese or chicken and tuna salad. Try using large pieces of roman lettuce and tooth picks instead of bread to avoid sogginess.
Chicken or steak skewers are an easy to eat and pack and a yummy alternative to those everyday sandwiches. Marinate in your favorite dressing for about two hours grill up and let cool and wrap in tin foil. You can even add peppers, onions and mushrooms to get your veggies in too!
Don’t forget the salad! Pasta, potato and tortellini salad are wonderful picnic items and make great side dishes to almost any lunch on a nice day.
Here’s a list of a couple of easy snack to pack for the between time:
• Carrots , celery, cherry tomatoes and dip
• Pretzels or chips
• Hard boiled eggs
• Cubed cheese and crackers
• Berries or cut fruit

Be sure to bring plenty of water and drinks to keep hydrated.
Now grab the Coppertone and your stylish shades and enjoy the next couple seasons in New England!

Get Out!

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

blooms Let's be honest for a second: we all hate Massachusetts in the winter. Ok, so maybe skiers and snow bunnies and kids and happy people don't hate it. But a lot of us can't deal with the frigid temps, the digging through snow to get to our cars, the short days, the darkness, the snow, the cold. Alright, so I hate Massachusetts in the winter, whether you're with me or not. Fortunately for everyone, though, winter's over. It's sunnier, it's warming up, and people actually want to be outside again. So what are we supposed to do? Turns out, we have lots of options in this great state of ours! And they're all mapped out in an excellently organized list at MassVacation.com. Whether you want to stroll through a state park, search the beach for sea glass, get out on a golf course, or anything else, chances are it's either pretty close to your own backyard or just a short drive away. Check the list out for yourself and start planning your daytrip or weekend adventure today!

Signs of Spring!

By Shannon Earley | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Travel, | (0) Comments

null Signs of Spring!

I love spring. I love how the season warms everyone up. I love how you can start wearing no coat, then no sweater, then just long sleeves, and I am happiest when it is jeans and t-shirt weather!

But the best signs of spring are the flowers! It starts with the crocuses, which I love to see pop up, usually in spite of the snow that is still to be found. Then come the daffodils, which are my favorite flowers by far! Then the tulips! And don’t even let me get started on the hyacinths, which somehow I can never seem to grow. I love that you plant the bulbs in the fall and forget about them and then are pleasantly surprised by flowers in the spring. And as one kind of flower follows another, they bring us into warm weather.

That is how I track the changing of the season. Not by the dates on a calendar, but by the blooming of the spring flowers!

New Ideas for Decorating This Season!

By msides | | (0) Comments

As some of you may know, I have recently moved to Maine from Florida. It is common to see a more tropical themed décor in most Floridians homes. Ya know the palm trees, the dolphins, and the beach scenes. I had not participated in this form of decorating as I was never really into my apartment looking like the ocean. What I have seen more and more as the warmer months approach is Maine’s version of the coastal décor, and I LOVE IT! It’s a more nautical themed style which makes you feel more like you live near the ocean and not under it. I really like the oversized anchors, oars, and mermaids!

I have become so obsessed with the cute items available that I have decided to do a complete make-over of our bedroom and bath. What’s even better is that the boyfriend is on board (pun intended). I have started looking everywhere for fun, cool ways to bring the beauty of Maine’s coastal life into our Falmouth home. (By the way, we reside at Princeton’s Foreside Estates in Falmouth, and love our apartment!) I wanted to share my findings with everyone, just in case you are in love with this décor as much as I am. The location with the best accessories I have found so far is Pottery Barn. They are on the pricier end but with the special offers they have and the high quality of their products your money is well spent.

I’ve grown especially fond of the more weather worn and rustic looking pieces. Like this wooden carved whale.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/carved-wood-whale-wall-art/?pkey=cart&

And looking on Pottery Barns website, you can see they have everything from throw pillows to picture frames to display shelves.

Now that I have you hooked (more puns!) on this style, you can also find similar pieces at bargain prices at TJMaxx, Home Goods, and Marshalls. If you are looking for more unique items, I strongly suggest checking out your local consignment shops. You never know what you may find there, and you’re supporting your local businesses.

And of course, any ideas or places you know of or find, please don’t hesitate to share with me! Happy shopping!

It's time to spruce up your patio!

By Angela Lavespere | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null As the weather is finally starting to warm up, I’ve turned my attention outdoors… in particular, to my patio. While daydreaming about the changes I could make, I came across an article loaded with inspiring patio and balcony photos: http://www.shelterness.com/25-cozy-balcony-decorating-ideas/
Check it out! I promise you'll get the itch to remake your outdoor space, no matter the size!

I’m resisting the urge to spend a fortune and entirely remake my patio. A potted plant with bright flowers, a fun pillow to add to a tired patio set, a small outdoor rug… it doesn’t need to be something big to add a bit of happy to an outdoor space!

Our weather here in Nashua is forecasting temperatures in the upper 60s for at least the next 10 days, so get outside and start decorating!

Creativity Corner Presents....DIY Sharpie Mugs!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Food, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

Watch the video below for instructions on how to make quick and easy personalized coffee mugs!

Amazing images on line

By Shannon Earley | New Hampshire, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null There is beauty in the most unlikely of places sometimes. Following a random link on a weather site, I came across this photographer’s online gallery and there is something wonderful, peaceful and enchanting in his pictures of deserted French chalets and castles. Check them out at: http://www.thomasjorion.com/category/ilots-intemporels-thomas-jorion/italie These images make me want to buy a ticket to France just so I can go exploring in these abandoned places of beauty. The juxtaposition of man-made beauty and encroaching nature is entrancing. They make me feel like a little girl in a fairy castle!

These incredible pictures sent me on a treasure hunt of other images of beautiful, abandoned places. And in my search I came across the blog of Francesco Mugnai. http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2013/01/30-of-the-most-beautiful-abandoned-places-and-modern-ruins-ive-ever-seen/ It seems as if I am not the only one who finds these images awe-inspiring. He has collections of abandoned spaces and separate ones of castles from all over the world.

This picture is actually of a ruin in the woods of our dear own New Hampshire! Even though I know some are photo-shopped they still bring light and wonder to my day. So whenever you feel like life is too ordinary, go on an image treasure hunt. You will be amazed at that you may find!

We Are Boston...

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null What can I say that hasn’t already been said? We are Boston, we are strong. Our people are fighters, always have been. Bostonians are known for being a little rough around the edges, a little heavy on the language, and a little pushy and crass. We love our sports, we love our chowdah, but over all, we love our city.

The events that happened this Boston Marathon Monday shook us to the core. But we are Boston. We rocked a little, but it only made us stronger. As I sit here and wait to hear the President talk about our steadfast hometown, I know I will be moved to tears. I have seen an out pouring of love and support from those all around the country.

Text messages, emails, phone calls, and Facebook messages flooded my life on Monday afternoon, friends from far and wide checking on me and my family. My brother sent out a family text message, making sure we were all safe. Everyone knows someone who was there, who was affected, who was going to go, who walked those streets the day before, like my mother and my sister did.

I have seen pictures of those runners, spectators who ripped off their shirts and held them against those who were injured… Store owners in the area who pulled people in from the streets to safety and used brand new clothing off their shelves to cover those in need… Police, military, fire fighters, hospital staff, off duty workers, and common every day people, running towards the explosion and helping to carry people to safety.

My heart has been broken, touched, moved, over and over again. Now we need to heal. We need to help all of those that were there that day. All those who were injured, witnessed the horror, helped those in need, ran for their lives, watched from their homes, they need our help now. To those runners who were diverted, stranded, finished, involved… I tip my hat to you and we are proud of you. Your day was over shadowed by a black cloud created by cowards. Your hard work will not be forgotten.

My words can not do much at all. They can’t bring back lives, they can’t heal bodies, they can’t help nightmares of that day be pushed away. What they can do is be there and remind us not to forget. They can remind us all in a month, six months, a year, why we all became “Boston.” I hope this blog serves as a reminder, despite whatever we find out in the next few days, to stay strong, to stay connected, to pray, to be kind, to love.

We are strong, Boston strong. All of America has become Boston. To those who are hurting and scared, we love you and we will help you heal. To those who are loving us right now, Thank You, we need your support more than ever. I am proud to be from this town. I am proud to call this place my home. I am proud to be Boston.

Bucks for Bauman

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Community, | (1) Comments

Our beloved city of Boston is going through heartbreak after the horrific incidents that occurred on Patriot's Day. A classmate of mine I've known for over 20 years was one of the victims who was critically injured in Monday's attack. I ask that all of you keep Jeff Bauman, the courageous victim from my hometown of Chelmsford, MA in your thoughts as he recovers from losing both of his lower limbs. If anyone is interested in giving back and helping Jeff and his family, a fundraiser called "Bucks for Bauman" has been set up by his close friends. Below are two links where donations are being accepted (the second link doesn't require Paypal)!

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Y8FDWV553VW8N

http://www.gofundme.com/BucksforBauman

Favorite Movies and Books

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

In continuing with my favorite movies and books theme, the movie Pretty in Pink is another favorite.

As in The Outsiders, the story is told of teens divided by social status, trying to become friends with each other, without losing their current circle.

Pretty in Pink was released February 28, 1986, written by John Hughes and included such stars as Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Annie Potts, James Spader and Andrew McCarthy. Under John Hughes some of these actors became household names in the 80’s as the “Brat Pack” took hold.

Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) had really cool fashion sense, inspiring many an outfit among me and my friends. The soundtrack had songs like, “Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs and “If You Leave” by Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark. Cool clothes, great music and a timeless storyline about friends trying to find their place amongst each other… makes for a great movie that I still watch today when it comes on TV.

Spring Cleaning Time

By kbrownlie | | (0) Comments

null It’s that time of year again…..time to attack those dust bunnies and wipe down furniture. So as we begin the ritual tossing of unwanted items into donation bins, here are a few tips to help make the process a little less painful.
Tip #1 Dryer sheets aren’t just for making clothes soft, they are also great for wiping up dust from tables, bookcases, ceiling fans, and getting pet hair off the couch.
Tip #2 Newspapers. If they are just sitting around taking up space, use them to clean your kitchen sink. Just crumble some of the dry newspaper and rub it against
the stainless steel basin and it will soon sparkle like new.
Tip #3 Get containers! Plastic or cardboard containers are easy to stack, label, and create an organization system that will benefit the whole family.
Tip #4 Year rule! If you haven’t used it, opened it, worn it, or moved it in a year’s time, it’s time to get rid of it!
Don’t forget - one man’s trash is another man’s treasure- so donate all that unwanted stuff!

Soup's On - Now Recycle the Can!

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

cans Earth Day 2013 is April 22nd - and it's quickly creeping up on us. If there's something that we're almost all guilty of, it's having more canned goods stashed in the pantry than we know what to do with. Cream of Mushroom soup for that green bean casserole we make twice a year. Tomato Soup to go with the grilled cheese sandwiches we eat when we don't want to "really" cook. Chicken Noodle Soup for when we're feeling yucky. The list goes on and on (and yes, there's a tie back to Earth Day and I'm getting to the point). Most of us are probably pretty good about recycling all the empties once we're done with them (and if you're not...get on that!), but who knew we can actually get a little creative with those cans?! Check out All Souped Up! 7 Ways to Recycle Old Tin Cans over at Yahoo! Shine for some adorable ideas that'll make you wonder why you didn't come up with them yourself! Got any other cool ways to acknowledge Earth Day this year? Share them with us!

Wedding Fever!

By Kristen Aquaros | | (2) Comments

When I was little, my friends and I would make pretend our weddings. I used to imagine my wedding to be the picture perfect Cinderella story. I would be announced in riding on a horse and carriage, wearing a huge puffy dress (glass slippers and all!), and there would be a castle full of people waiting to see me and prince charming being married. I dreamed that I would marry the love of my life and have a whole bunch of children. Now that I am older, I realize how unrealistic that is, not to mention my idea of the perfect wedding has changed…. A lot! Im still searching for “Mr. Right”, and when he shows up I already have it planned out! Call me crazy but law of attraction has got to kick in sooner or later! During my weekly daydreaming session of what I would want my wedding to be like, I decided to look up what others have done for their big day. I found out that June the biggest wedding month, hence the reason of this blog seeing that June is just around the corner. I’ve used a few different websites that I searched on google to come up with a list of some of the “top tens” for planning a wedding

Top 5 Places in the US to be married:

1. The Inn and Spa at Loretto- Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. The Plaza – New York
3. The Hawks Cay Resort- Duck Key, Florida Keys
4. Paris, Las Vegas – Nevada
5. Grand Wailea- Hawaii

Top 10 first dance songs:

1. "Alison" (Elvis Costello)
2. "All I Want Is You" (U2)
3. "As" (Stevie Wonder)
4. "Blood Of Eden" (Peter Gabriel)
5. "Crash" (Dave Matthews Band)
6. "Everything I Do" (Brandy)
7. "Forever in My Life" (Prince)
8. "Heroes" (David Bowie)
9. "Ice Cream" (Sarah MacLachlan)
10. "If I Was Your Girlfriend" (Prince)

Top 10 Guest Complaints:

1. An inconvenient date.
2. Invitation confusion
3. Seating Snafus
4. Cash bars
5. Climate Crisis
6. Inedible Food
7. Never ending toasts/ Photo montages
8. Dj Please stop the music
9. Ungracious hosts

Top Wedding Themes

1. Medival
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Seaside
4. 1920s
5.1940s
6. Arabian Nights
7. Japanese
8. Las Vegas
9. Butterflies
10. Football

Top cake flavors

1. Red Velvet + Cream Cheese Frosting
2. Devil's Food Cake + Chocolate Ganache
3. Lemon Cake + Lemon Buttercream + Lemon Curd
4. Pink Champagne Cake + Raspberry Mousse + Vanilla Buttercream
5. Apple Spice Cake + Caramel Buttercream + Brown-Sugar Mousse
6. Chocolate and Vanilla Cakes + Chocolate Buttercream + Mocha Mousse
7. Sponge Cake + Vanilla Buttercream Topped with Coconut + Bavarian Cream with Fruit

Get crafty this spring

By Virginia Partridge | | (0) Comments

I wanted to share this fun, easy, inexpensive, pretty and eco-friendly craft that is PERFECT for spring! It's a teacup bird feeder I'm planning on making this after we build our front porch this summer, and hanging it next to some windchimes

Here's how:
First, you simply find an old teacup and saucer - there are plenty to choose from at any yard sale, local thrift store, antique store, or even HomeGoods!
Next, stock up on some E6000 craft adhesive. You can easily find it at Michaels, AC Moore or Joann Fabrics. A little will go a looong way.
Tip the cup on it's side, glue to the saucer and leave overnight. Hang the bird feeder from a shepard's hook, or suspend it from your porch ceiling with decorative fabric.
Lastly, fill the cup and saucer with bird seed and ENJOY!

It's Salem Willows Time!!

By Beth Devoe | | (1) Comments

Popcorn I was born and raised in Salem, MA but never appreciated what a great city I lived in until I moved away. Now that I am working here again I am reminded of all of my favorite places to visit. One of my favorite places was and still is the Salem Willows. I used to ride my bike there when I was younger and would stay there for hours with my friends. Playing skeeball, arcade games, riding the carousel, having a tender steak with cheese (YUM!!) and eating Hobbs popcorn (YUMMMMMM!). Now that spring is upon us (well sort of) the Willows is starting to open up which means nice weather should be following soon! I've already had my first box of Hobbs popcorn and am looking forward to going there multiple times this summer. My daughter has been there a few times and now I am excited to bring my son. It's a piece of Salem that I truly miss having at my fingertips!

Creative Apartment Decorating

By Jenilee Provencal | | (0) Comments

null Hang your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. This gives smaller windows the illusion of height and makes the room look larger

If you can’t paint your apartment paint your furniture. It is an easy way to add color without a lot of cost. Another great way to bring character to your beige apartment is area rugs. They add a pop of color plus they save the carpets when it’s time for your security deposit.

Use multi function furniture. Add a long table in your living room.; it can function as a work space and when entertaining it can double as a bar or buffet.

If your apartment lacks an official entry space create one using a bookcase and chair. Remove the top shelves and add hooks for hanging. Adding decorative baskets to the bottom shelves keeps clutter out of site.

Hosting Easter Dinner

By Jackie Tirado | | (0) Comments

null Easter crept up on us early this year. Every year my family takes turns hosting holiday dinners at each other's homes. My place was chosen for Easter. My family gets together every Sunday to share a meal. We look forward to it all week so when we get together for a holiday we make it even more special by preparing something we don't eat often. On the menu for Easter is roasted pork shoulder. It is a traditional meal for special occasions. My grandmother will be seasoning it and it is served with yellow rice , chick peas and macaroni or potato salad. Roasting the pork takes 4 hours. Seasoning it is done the night before and my grandmother puts it in the oven around 10am. We eat dinner early in my culture so everyone arrives by 3pm to feast. Hosting dinners at my place always stresses me out. I'm usually in charge of drinks and desert but this year my uncles asked for lasagna. I have a large family of big eaters so I will have to make 3 lasagnas. Cooking is second nature to me and I enjoy doing it very much. While I look forward to eating this mouth watering meal, I don't look forward to all the dishes I end up with. I absolutely love the fact that my family is as close as we are and every Sunday dinner or holiday spent with them warms my heart. When I start a family of own someday I plan on continuing this wonderful tradition. I'd like to wish everyone a very happy Easter!

Easy no-sew curtains that will save you big bucks!

By Angela Lavespere | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

If you’re like me, you’ve browsed Pinterest and drooled over all the gorgeous designer rooms, only to be frustrated by the price tags that accompany most of the items that make the rooms shine! One of the easiest changes you can make in your apartment that has the biggest impact is your curtains. But curtains are expensive, easily running you $50-200 per window!

An easy solution to this is to make your own. Ok I know a lot of you just tuned out as soon as the picture of a needle and thread popped into your head, but don’t worry, there’s no sewing involved!

I recently made curtains for my living room and including fabric purchased from http://www.fabric.com stitc,hery-witchery (aka hem tape) and curtain clips from Joann Fabrics, my grand total came in under $45!

…and up close:

Not bad, right?

Here’s a great example of how much money this can save you: I LOVE these curtains from Crate & Barrel: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/teramo-curtain-panels/f43025

….but the $89 price tag PER PANEL?? Not something I’m willing to commit to! Head on over to my favorite site, http://www.fabric.com and w,hat do you find there? This lovely fabric for only $7.48 per yard:

To make standard 8 ft panels, you’ll need roughly 5 yards of fabric, bringing your curtain total to just $37.40! (You can get it even lower than that… always check online for coupons before making your purchase… I got 15% off!)

My favorite no-sew curtain tutorial can be found here:

http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/02/nursery-progress-getting-the-hang-of-it/

(Feel free to get addicted to their blog while you’re at it… you won’t regret it!)

You can do this! I promise the hardest part will be narrowing it down to just one fabric.

Happy Curtain Making!

How to Make Your Own All Natural/Organic Household Products for Pennies!

By Heather Libby | New Hampshire, Apartment Living, Environmental, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

Over the last few years there has been a boom of these extreme couponers. Television networks like TLC created TV shows for these people calling themselves “coupon queens” and other crazy things. I’d never heard of this before or knew anyone who did. It fascinated me, I was instantly hooked. I could imagine the rush these people would get watching the $700 register totals come down to under $20. They showcased these people’s “stock piles” of a year’s worth of laundry detergent, deodorant, hand soap, dish soap, tooth paste, cleaners ect., that only cost them pennies. I started to think of how I could do this and how huge it would be to save thousands of dollars every year on my grocery budget. So I watched and took notes.
I was about a week into my mini obsession with TLC’s Extreme Couponing only to be let down by my lack of storage space. I didn’t have a spare closet in my little apartment let alone a bedroom to keep a year’s worth of household cleaners. I did some more research over the next few weeks because I was determined to find a way I too could save this kind of money on the items I use regularly.
Then it dawned on me, I would make my own. I started with all purpose cleaner and it was great, I even used it on my windows and mirrors and it sparkled without streaks. It works so well I find myself using less and saving more.
Making my own household cleaning products has almost become part of my weekly “to do” list along with laundry and grocery shopping. I’m constantly thinking of new things I can make and how I can save money for me and my family. The best part about this is that it works better than the Tide, Cascade, and Greenworks I’d been spending hundreds on every year and I can make it organic! It’s so simple and inexpensive I wish I had thought to do this sooner.

Follow my blogs for new “How to make your own…” all natural/organic household cleaning products

How to Make Your Own All Natural All Purpose Cleaner:
Fill an empty Windex bottle (or whatever product you currently use) with white vinegar, then add the peals of 1 or 2 oranges, lemons, or limes (be sure to eat the fruit for a healthy snack!).
A gallon bottle of all natural white vinegar is about $3 and a couple organic oranges, lemon, or limes are about $2 at your local grocery store. Making about 5 bottles of all natural all purpose cleaner for about $1 each.

Spring Fashion Trends 2013

By Caitlyn Irving | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Travel, Corporate Furnished, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

SPRING 2013 FASHION TRENDS

It is time to get ready to put away our winter coats and sweaters and bring out the spring and summer clothes. Every season I like to go through my closet and get rid of clothing that I know I am just never going to wear again. If you question it, just get rid of it! The best part of getting rid of the old is making room for the new! I like to follow the new trends and am always curious what the hottest fashion trends are. I like to be in the know. In doing a little research and following some of the big magazines like Vogue, Elle and Cosmo, these are some of the trends that we want to watch out for this spring. Ok, we want to start adding more Pastels into our wardrobes. You want to be head to toe in Pastel . If you are going to wear Pastels, go for it. Another color to watch out for this spring is Gray. Gray was all over the runway recently. Floral patterns are very hot right now, I especially have been seeing many floral dresses everywhere that are super cute! Stripes are making their way back on the hot trend list too! They can be vertical, horizontal, thick or skinny. I am not much of a stripe person, but I will try it out to see if it would work on me. Another hot trend is Lace. I absolutely love this! Lace dresses and tops were very big on the runway as well. I recently was at the Gap Outlet and found a white lace dress. I can’t wait to wear it this spring. I think I try it on at least once a week! Now this one is my favorite of them all, Leather is very hot in fashion right now. Not going to lie, I have always wanted a pair of leather pants and now I know that it will be ok for me to get a pair and wear them in public. I am definitely going to try this one out! Fashion is so much fun, and it is very fun trying new things, especially when you have some friends with you. Even if you just include a couple pieces to your wardrobe, like a floral, pastel or stripped top you will be styling wherever you go.

Creativity Corner Presents....DIY Wine Cork Magnets!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

Watch the video below for instructions on how to make quick and easy wine cork magnets for your fridge!

Hanging with my Peeps

By Tracy Hilker | | (1) Comments

null Easter is right around the corner, and while most people opt for the traditional candies such as jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, and Cadbury Eggs, I hold a special place in my heart for Peeps bunnies and chicks.

I don’t know what it is about these little sugar covered beauties, but I just love them. But not right out of the package mind you. OH NO. I’m a different kind of Peep enjoyer. I like to open the package along the box, and let them sit for a minimum of three days. Yes, it’s true, I love stale Peeps. I then eat their little eyes off, and if they are chicks, their heads go next, bunnies, so long ears!

I started to do some research about Peeps… Where they came from… Flavors… Forget those things. I found WAY better stuff. Get prepared, this blog is about to get awesome and I shall call this next section:

Amazing Peep Stuff:
1. Peep Jousting. Yes, there are even tournaments and brackets people set up for this. You get some Peeps, two colors if not more. Mark them with a Sharpie and give them a number (or name). Ready them with a tooth pick, their jousting stick. Put two on a plate, facing each other. Turn on your microwave. The Peep who wins is the one who stabs the other one first, causing his opponent to pop. Yeah, I’m totally doing this.
2. Peep food. From everything to Peepza, pizza with Peeps on it and yes they DO melt on there in big colored sugar globs, to Peepshi, sushi made from Peeps, fruit roll ups, and rice Krispie treats, to even dipping the bunny peeps in chocolate and making them some chocolate bowties (fancy bunnies!) to using a Peep as the marshmallow in a traditional smores and fondue, Peeps have taken the culinary world over!
3. Peep decorating: Why spend a ton of money buying Easter flowers when you can make a wreath of multi colored Peep bunnies, or string a garland of Peeps chicks? Still want some flowers? Get a large clear vase; fill the bottom with jelly beans and a layer of peeps on the top.
4. Peeping pictures. Google, Peeps Funny Pictures. Do it. I dare you.

My question to you… what do you do with your Peeps?

Spring Cleaning

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Each year, it seems as though we feel we're never going to make it through the winter - no matter how much or little it snows, how cold or mild it may be, or how long and dark the days always feel. But then, before we know it, spring is upon us. And what do we do? We start obsessing over the fact that it's now time to clean like we've never cleaned before. (We're humans - we have to have something to obsess over, don't we?) Getting started can take a while; maybe this article from Yahoo! Shine can help point you in the right direction. It may seem crazy to have a game plan for cleaning or to even worry about the spring cleaning phenomenon in the first place, but it's all worth it in the long run. You may "just" be renting right now, but you might as well get right into the habit of keeping a sparkling-clean home - and what better time is there than springtime?!

Spring cleaning - do you do it? Love it? Hate it? Avoid it? Look forward to it? I'm a crazy cleaner, myself ... and I love it. Don't judge.

Things to do for FREE!

By Tammy Jackson | | (0) Comments

null Today, I was challenged with the question “What is there to do around here that doesn’t cost money?” My initial thought was to volunteer; I thought about it some more, though, and realized I really wanted to know what else you could do for free. Apparently, there’s a lot!

Volunteering: This is a great way to fill a few hours and fill your heart at the same time. I found that there are many places that welcome volunteers! It can help if your company or affiliation can coordinate volunteer time with organizations in your community. Organizations such as your community hospital may allow for volunteering, whether it be delivering wheelchairs to areas of the hospital for patients, reading or playing games with kids that are terminally ill, or even playing the part of a “patient” so the students can “diagnose “your symptoms. Many other organizations would welcome your help, too: your local Y, food banks, shelters, churches, museums, and libraries.

I also found that there are many places that offer free admission, free gifts, and free classes; you just have to be a little savvy.

Museums: You may find museums in your area that offer free admission on a certain day or at a certain time. The Worcester Art Museum offers free admission on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm. Want more options? Check out this great find from the Smithsonian to see the many museums, galleries, and parks that offer free admission: https://affiliations.si.edu/mainpage.asp
If you agree to join some mailing lists of area museums, you will often receive free tickets for admission or free gifts.

Libraries: They’re more than books and research! Our Library offers free movies, story-time, puppet shows, craft classes, and musical performances. When you get your free library card, they’ll tell you about all the upcoming events and opportunities. The Worcester Library even offers discounted passes to museums, theaters, and many other area attractions.

Colleges: They’re not just offering education with a large tuition bill! They also offer things for free. The College of The Holy Cross offers free movie viewings; just last week, they screened ARGO! Other area colleges offer free courses, book signings, and even brown-bag luncheons with a speaker or concerts.

Theaters and Music Halls: Mechanics Hall in Worcester offers Brown Bag Concerts and, of course, they’re free! Check out the schedule at http://www.mechanicshall.org I also found that many historic locations in your area will offer free tours of the buildings; what a nice history lesson!

Senior Centers/The Y: Free CPR classes are often available, as well as dance, computer, and many art lessons.

Crafts/Home Projects: Places like Michael’s and Home Depot are good for Saturday “How-to” projects! You just have to keep an eye out for the FREE ones.

If all of this wasn’t enough, consider joining a club/group, such as a book club, men’s and women’s clubs, mom groups, etc. If you are an enthusiast of some sort, there’s a free club/group for you somewhere. There are also plenty of outdoor things to do for free as well; I found an Ultimate Frisbee group and a softball league looking for players. Don’t forget the many trails and areas to walk, hike, and bike ride.

One last thing that I found was that if you become a AAA or AARP member or sign up to receive newsletters from places like Barnes and Nobel, the Zoo, etc., you will often receive discounts, free gifts, and more.

Your FREE time can truly be FREE!

How I Will Save $1000 On Groceries This Year

By Claire Collins | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Food, Lifestyle, Claire Collins, | (0) Comments

null I hate to pay more than I have to for anything, and that starts with what I purchase every week: groceries. It doesn’t take clipping coupons in massive quantities or setting up shelving for a year’s supply of food like the fanatics on the TLC Network show Extreme Couponing. By doing a little planning and research, I’ve managed to reduce my grocery spending by about 20%. Here’s how:

1. First and most important: know how much the items that you purchase regularly cost. This helps you recognize when a special is actually a good deal. How much is a box of your favorite brand of cereal? Toothpaste? Pasta? When the price is low, buy two or more.

2. Make a list, and stick to it. Impulse purchases will negate any savings. Only grocery shop once a week, because the more time you spend at the store, the more money you’ll spend.

3. My mother’s rule: never shop with an empty stomach. As she says, "When canned spaghetti starts to look good, you need to leave the store before you buy things you shouldn't!"

4. Use coupons for items that you buy regularly. If you don't subscribe to the newspaper, pick one up on Sunday for the coupons. Printable coupons are available online at coupons.com, save.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, and Target.com. Resist the urge to buy things that you don’t need ($1 off Sarah Lee pastry!) or that you haven’t tried just because you have a coupon. 75 cents off a new brand of shampoo that you find you hate isn’t a bargain if you end up throwing it out.

5. Make Target your first stop for groceries and household items. Though the prices on produce, meat, and dairy are higher at Target, many of their grocery items, frozen foods, and cleaning products are priced lower than the grocery stores. Target often offers gift cards for multiple purchases; last week I got a $5 gift card for buying five boxes of my son’s favorite NutriGrain cereal bars. Extra bonus for you and the environment: buy Target reusable shopping bags, and get 5 cents off for each one you use.

6. Get a Target Red Card Debit card. This takes 5% off everything you buy in the store. Your receipt shows your annual Red Card savings, and it adds up!

7. Get friendly with store brand products. Though some are inferior quality (the grocery store brand saltines – yuck!) many are the same, if not virtually identical to name brand products and cost 50 cents to $1 less than name brands.

8. Like Jill Cataldo’s Super-Couponing on Facebook and check out her website, supercouponing.com. She shares sensible savings strategies and great coupons. I learned a lot of what is on this list from her.

Liquid Gold!

By Shannon Earley | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Travel, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null It’s Maple Syrup Season!

One of my favorite parts about living in New England is Maple Sugar Season! I know that this is a confusing time of year, it’s warm, it’s cold, it’s raining, it’s snowing; but the confusing weather is what makes it work: warm days and cool nights.

So go out and hit your local sugar shack! There is nothing better than eating hot maple syrup on a snow cone, with snow scooped fresh from the ground and syrup just boiled down! I love the smell of burnt sugar and the magic of making something so unique from sap. And remember, squelching through the mud is half the fun!

If you are driving through New Hampshire keep your eyes open for a sugar shack on the side of the road. If you want to make sure to find an active one, check out http://www.nhmapleproducers.com/ where you can search by county. I highly recommend Parker’s Maple Sugar Barn in Mason NH, but there are tons of other places to get the liquid gold of the season.

Enjoy!

The Renter's Guide to Saving Money: Part 1

By msides | | (1) Comments

Recently I have seen a new commercial for Glad Force-Flex garbage bags discussing the environmental benefits of using fewer trash bags. The idea is to wait until your trash is completely full before taking it out, thus using fewer trash bags and reducing the amount of plastic added to landfills each year.

If you’re anything like me then you already wait until the bag is practically overflowing. Does that mean there are people out there that are throwing their trash out before the bag is full? To those people guilty of such a heinous and frivolous habit, I say, “Stop it!"

Anyway, this commercial got me thinking. I’m already doing my part to save plastic, what other ways can I cut back on my carbon footprint, and even save a little money in doing so.
Now, I know what you’re thinking; yet another frugal nature lover with a list of tips to “help” save money and energy. But give me a chance and maybe these tips are ones you haven’t heard before that may really make a difference.
1.) Phantom Power: Not everyone is aware of the small amount of power used by electronics and appliances when they are not in use. Radios, televisions, DVD players, and computers all use a small wattage amount, around 3 watts, to remain receptive to any remotes or start ups. This small amount of energy may not seem like a big deal to one person, but if every home in America is using small amounts, it adds up to a very large amount each year. The tip: plug your devices and electronics into a surge protector or power strip. Then when you aren’t watching tv and using that awesome surround sound, turn on the strip with one switch. This will save you a few dollars on each bill, which adds up over the year.
2.) Displaced Water in the Toilet Tank: This tip I hadn’t heard of before and it sounds like a good idea to me. Growing up in the woods spending time at my grandparent’s house, we were taught the “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” rule. Using less water was a good idea then since we were limited being so far from a city water system. I think a lot of us living with a seemingly endless supply of water that comes to us at a somewhat low price; we tend to take advantage of our fresh water supply. The tip: fill a small plastic bottle with sand or rocks (anything to weigh it down that won’t leak out) and drop it in your toilet tank. This will cause less water to reach the fill line in the tank, thus saving a little bit of water with each flush.
3.) Keep Your Freezer Full: It takes more energy to cool an empty freezer than a full one. So if you’re freezer is ever not completely full, try your best to keep it that way. Even packing it with more ice can help. Again, this will help with just a little bit of energy use, but in the long run it will save money on your utility bill.
In case I haven’t supplied you with a sufficient supply of energy saving tips, feel free to visit the following link for more ideas to help you save money in other ways.
http://artofmanliness.com/2011/04/27/money-saving-tips/

Stay tuned for Part 2 for more fun ways to save money and Mother Earth!

Easy DIY Wall Art

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

Have you ever spent a long time searching for a piece of art work to match your decor? I sadly face this dilemma all the time! I've had an empty space above my nightstand in my bedroom that has been begging for art work. A few months ago I paid $20 for a beach scene print that matched nicely but it was an awkward size and when I went to the store to have it framed they told me the custom frame would cost $450!!

$450?? I nearly passed out on the floor!!

I decided that I needed to make this into a DIY project so I headed to the local craft store. I walked up and down the scrapbook paper aisle and found a beautiful piece of 79 cent scrapbook paper that had greenery on it....a perfect match for my bedroom decor! Next, I headed to the photo frame aisle and found a frame that was 50% off! Perfect.

I went home and placed my green scrapbook paper inside the frame and VOILA....a new piece of artwork for my bedroom that was inexpensive and a perfect match!

Have you tried creating your own art work??

"It takes a village to raise a child"

By Kristen Aquaros | | (2) Comments

null I’ve been stumped on what to write about for a couple of weeks now, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I am going to write about what I do best the best way I know how. My life…. I am a single working mom of 2 Children and I wanted to give a few words of wisdom to all of the single parents doing it alone. I’ve been asked on more than one occasion “How do you manage? I could never handle what you do”, and to be quite frank, half the time I don’t know how I’ve been managing all along. Would I say I am the best parent in the world, absolutely not, but I Smile, I love, and give 100% effort all of the time when I have the energy. Having virtually no time for anything, and continually playing catch up on everything it can be challenging at times. Starting with laundry at home to staying late at work to catch up on files. I found myself being overly consumed in life so much that I’ve forgotten to how appreciate the little things. Yes I am a firm believer that time management has a huge role in being successful at anything you do, but at the end of the day unless you are a single parent, I feel its hard to understand the idea that no matter how many “to-do” lists I make things happen. I spend most of my time “winging it” facing life as it comes along. Just recently a friend of the family offered to watch my 2 kids once or twice a week so I can take time out for myself, we started this 2 weeks ago and so far it’s already been an enormous help, leaving me with plenty of time to think about why I am so “on the go” constantly. Sure as a single mom I face an entirely different set of issues than the married mom, however I feel even stay at home moms would appreciate any tips on how to manage. I have come to find that the best way to manage is to have balance in your life. Being balanced between work, kids, and me time is huge! Take a second and question is what your doing necessary at the very moment. No one likes the feeling of being rushed, nor feeling behind all of the time. I’ve resorted to the KISS approach, acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid. The idea is this; Life should be simple if it’s difficult or stressful you’re doing something wrong. Often times I have to take a step back, breathe and continue on with life. Stress can get the best of us at times, but only if you let it. Work will always be work, kids will continue to be kids, and chores will always be chores. Point is no matter what life throws at you, the way you approach it, makes all the difference. Plan for what you can and if you miss the mark its okay, pick up and carry on. I recently came across and article on how to be a strong single parent that quoted…

“Through all the hardships of raising kids as a single mom, there are moments of utter bliss. But often mothers suffer feelings of hopelessness and aloneness. In the end, a mother hopes only for the best for her children. The ultimate goal is their success in life as human beings and their attainment of happiness. If a mother can achieve this, she is successful…”

Read more: How to be a Strong Single Mom | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2269891_be-great-mom.html#ixzz2MxzLMTN8

Very good article worth a peek! Keep smiling no matter how crazy your life is!!

Letting Jack out of the Box

By Casey Swan | | (0) Comments

Jack Kerouac, handsome man with pipe Is there anyone more evocative of Lowell, MA than Jack Kerouac?

As a twenty-plus year enthusiast of Kerouac's writing and a four-year resident of Lowell, I have witnessed firsthand that while the citizens of this city disdain Kerouac for his behavior and vices and how they played into his role as an international representative of Lowell, Jack Kerouac truly loved his hometown.

I was first introduced to Kerouac by a mentor during my Sophomore year of high school. At that time, we were studying poetry and "My Gang" was on the syllabus. Never before had I read a poem that wasn't straightforward, a poem that created nonsensical language, a poem that played with words and sounds as if they were skat:

In the mighty mu Missouri lame image
of time and again the bride and groom,
bloom and again the bridal blood, oo,
too-too and rumble o mumble thunder
bow, ole Salvey is my alley

Ole Salvey's my alley I'll lay it on me
I'll shoot fourteen farthings for Father Machree
and if ole Hotsatots don't footsie
down here bring my gruel, I'll
be cruel, I'll be cruel

It wasn't until I was in my early twenties that I began to read Kerouac's books and each one left me breathless. "On the Road" is frenetic. It was written on a single scroll of paper and it deserves to be read as rapidly as possible, without breaks, otherwise the reader doesn't experience the full, outrageous pace of this episode of Kerouac's life. "The Dharma Bums" contrasts Kerouac's hectic city life with the laid-back, open-minded simplicity of the country. And "Dr. Sax" is Kerouac's true love story to Lowell, vividly describing the neighborhoods and people, memorializing the might of the Merrimack River, projecting his awe at even mundane day-to-day activities, and eventually recognizing and accepting that all life, all the world, in fact, is connected.

As an author, Kerouac received little critical acclaim during his lifetime, although he was dubbed "the voice of a generation." I would argue that his voice was not only the voice of a single generation, but that his words are timeless and as relevant today as when he originally penned them. Kerouac's collected works portray a lifestyle of freedom and travel that few of us have the opportunity to experience. He struggled to balance his ingrained religious beliefs with a changing world. Many moments in his books are introspective, portraying Kerouac as an outsider looking in on and trying to belong to a society about which he was uncertain.

March 12 would have been Jack Kerouac's 91st birthday. " It was in Centralville I was born, in Pawtucketville... [a]cross the wide basin to the hill--on Lupine Road, March 1922, at five o’clock in the afternoon of a red-all-over suppertime..." This year, Lowell has a Jack Kerouac Birthday Celebration to memorialize its native son. See the programmed events at http://www.lowellcelebrateskerouac.org/festival. For me, March 12 has always been a day of contemplation, a time to dig into the author's word and to let him speak to me. In fact, if you search late in the evening, you may find me graveside in Edson Cemetery communing with the essence of the man who has fascinated me and nourished my spirit for well over twenty years.

Snowstorms in March

By Liz Roloff | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

"The weather channel predicted snow over night, it hadn't started by the time you went to bed. Morning comes, you lay there with your eyes closed for a minute. That rumble outside, is that a plow? You jump out of bed with the question in your mind "what did we get?" Throw open the curtains and look out on a world of white. Everything is covered with snow. "I wonder how much we got? I wonder how much Keene got?" (the next town over and your travel destination for work this morning). Waking up to an overnight snow storm is like getting a Christmas present you don't have to unwrap, and after you admire your gift, you call your friends to see what their gift was, is it as wonderful as yours?" Ok, so that would be how it plays out in December, January, maybe even in February. But March? Look out the window at a snow covered March morning and think "Rats."

Favorite Books and Movies

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

The Outsiders, one of my all-time favorite novels which I have read many times and passed down to both my boys to read, was made in to a movie and released 30 years ago this month. March 25, 1983, the world got to see Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally, and Cherry up on the big screen.

The cast of The Outsiders included many famous names such as Tom Cruise, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio and others who went on to have very successful careers . What an amazing cast fit to an incredible story that after re-reading so many times I still find relevant.

The novel was written by S.E. Hinton and published in 1967. S.E. Hinton was only 18 years old when the book was published but had done most of the writing when she was just 16 and a junior in high school. The book follows two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs (short for Socials), who are divided by their social status in society.

What brilliance on the part of S.E. Hinton to write about this timeless topic, in such a way to reach so many people and to have such an impact on so many readers. At such a young age herself, to be able to write something to which so many people can relate, is incredible.

Other movies of my generation come to mind, The Breakfast Club or Pretty in Pink, again, movies about teens divided by social status.

Check out The Outsiders, the book or the movie….and remember, “Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold.”

Steals and Deals!

By Virginia Partridge | | (0) Comments

Have you ever heard of the blog Hip2Save? I believe they are sponsored by the TODAY show, and have loads awesome savings on this site! The blog was started by a mom and has expanded rapidly since she started it ni 2008. Typically, the site has at least 3-4 pages of deal postings per day. Furthermore, they have guides to begin your couponing journey.

Every Wednesday they also feature Jill's Steals and Deals segment from the TODAY show, and will link you to all of the offers. Another sweet reward is the "comment fairy" who will grant small gifts for those participants who have especially helpful additions to the posts. You can even sign up for their daily newsletter to get all the newest savings info, and automatically be entered into their weekly $50 amazon.com gift card sweepstakes

The posting subjects range from books to grocery items to jewelry, clothing and so much more! You can sort by freebies, coupons, stores and even by reward clubs. I'm only disappointed I didn't stumble upon this earlier - it's more addictive than Pintrest!

Get better produce with a CSA!

By Tim Richard | | (0) Comments

Even though March has only just arrived, the first thoughts of spring are starting to creep in. As spring approaches I start to think about warm days out at the Farmers Market on a sunny Saturday morning and seeing our friends at Maple Springs Farms. Jena and I have, for the last couple of years, have been getting fresh fruits, vegetables and more from Mark Hiedmann, the owner and farmer at Maple Springs farm as part of a CSA that we purchase each yeah.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and is program that one can participate in by prepaying at the beginning of the season in order to get discounted produce though out the growing season. For example, one could provide a $300 payment at this time of year to the grower of your choice and when their crops are ready that $300 will become credit that you may use at that grower in exchange for produce. Farmers get money early in the season in order to get their crops up and running and then the supporters get the same dollar amount in amazing fresh produce. Usually, there is also an additional discount for CSA share holders as well, so that $300 will go even further that it would if you just came to the Farmer’s Market with cash. It’s terrific to be able to just go to the market and grab what you need without opening your wallet.

This is a great program that allows growers and consumers to meet and interact, so that each learns from the other about the product, how it’s grown and ways it is best used. You can pick up a lot of ideas from just a short conversation with a farmer.

Check out the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association website at the link below for more info about CSA’s and finding a grower near you!

http://www.mofga.net/Directories/CommunitySupportedAgricultureinMaine/tabid/268/Default.aspx

Moving Costs

By Jackie Tirado | | (1) Comments

null Earlier this week during one of our marketing meetings I was asked to do a market study of how much it costs to move these days. After the meeting I did some light research on it and quickly realized what a big decision it is to move. I put myself in the shoes of a person that is relocating and started doing the math on how much it would cost if I wanted to move. As a leasing consultant we only go over the rental costs with our perspective residents we don't factor in all other costs. Not only do you have to come up with a security deposit and first month's rent but you must purchase boxes, protective wrapping for your fragile items, rent a u-haul and find friends or relatives willing to do some manual labor if that's an option. It all quickly adds up to a few thousand dollars. I got a price quote from a moving company and for a 2.5 mile in town move they quoted me $1,649.00 I can't even imagine an out of state move. Transferring cable service from Comcast will cost $50. National Grid does not charge for a transfer of service. This market study was a big eye opener and it gave me a different perspective on my role as a Leasing Consultant. Before this study I thought of moving as new and exciting though I still feel this way about it I now realize not everyone sees it for all it's positive changes. For some people a simple move may take them months to recover from financially on top of adjusting to their new surroundings. As much as I value my new move ins this made me want to be even more compassionate towards them for making such a big decision.

Think Spring!

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

march Today is the last day of February! That means tomorrow is March 1. I know what you are thinking, "Wow, Sheri, you're pretty observant!"

Well, here's the thing. It's been a long, cold and snowy winter and I am ready for spring! And, in my mind, once the calendar changes over to March, it is purely just a matter of time before the trees start budding, the mercury on the thermometer starts going up (and staying up!), the birds start chirping and the winter clothes start finding their way back into the closet!

In March we spring ahead one hour (yay!) and for all of you college basketball fans, March means only one thing - it's bracket time for March Madness!

This year, March is chock-full of days to mark on the calendar! http://www.wincalendar.com/March-Calendar/March-2013-Calendar.html

So as you "March forward", think spring! Sunny days are a'coming, people! Hang in there!

Books, books & More Books!

By Shannon Earley | | (0) Comments

null Do you love to read? I do! Personally, I love the library, but sometime you just have to buy the book. And then slowly, your home is covered in books and you have more coming in!

Here is a great way to clean house, save money and get new books all at the same time: PaperBackSwap.com! This is a website you can join for free. Each book you swap earns you a credit towards getting a new book that someone else has listed to swap. As one of their users said, “Send your previous loved books in exchange for new books that you will now love. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!” They also have sister sites for CD swapping and DVD swapping as well.

So check it out! What could be better, clean home and new books! Enjoy!

Road Trip

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null We love traveling and we normally end up in Disney, our favorite vacation spot. But for our spring trip we are planning something different, our first ever road trip! My husband and I have taken a few small road trips to places like Vermont and Baltimore, but never as far as we plan to this time. Our final destination: Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

Planning has begun, and I am very interested in finding all the strange and bizarre stops along the way. We started a www.roadtripamerica.com profile, which sets you up a map with dining, attractions, events, lodging, and many other categories along the way. It is a great resource and I have found some interesting things that we are planning to check out.

We definitely want to stop at Niagara Falls. I’ve been to the Canada side, but never the American side. Can’t wait for a second visit to Chicago, we just love the windy city! The Jelly Belly factory tour is a MUST. But those are just the tip of the iceberg.

I’m looking for the strange, the unique. Such as Circus World, 64 acres of circus facilities, exhibits and performance halls. And then there is Wizard Quest, an interactive role-playing fantasy game in a little town in Wisconsin. Not doing it for you? How about the world’s largest six pack, filled with actual beer? Or the SPAM museum? But the one I’m really looking forward to is the Corn Palace. I saw it on a TV show years ago, and have wanted to visit ever since. I do not know why, but I’m excited about it! Artists create murals using locally grown corn. Yeah, I know… Get psyched!

There are many other historical places, monuments, and museums we also want to check out, but I’m still researching those. We will be documenting this trip with pictures, video and knowing us, probably a Facebook page too. Have you gone on a road trip? Any tips?

How To Lower Your Moving Costs!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

Moving is a stressful process and sometimes it comes with unexpected and unwanted costs that we all forget about. Packing supplies, storage units, UHauls, movers...it all adds up leaving us wishing we just stayed put!

Here are some tips to limit your costs and save you an unwanted headache before moving into your apartment!

Time it right- A mid-month move will save you some money! Movers are busiest during the beginning and end of the month as leases turn over so they tend to increase their prices.

Save on boxes- You can purchase recycled boxes and pack small items up yourself to decrease the amount of time the movers will have to spend. You can then even sell your boxes back to the store you purchased them from!

Plan ahead- Label your boxes well and if you think of it, snap pictures of your next home and draw on them to show the movers in advance where each item goes. You'll reduce the moving time quite a bit that way!

Snag a tax break- If you're moving because of a job change, you may be able to deduct certain moving expenses, such as transportation and storage costs for household goods!

Shake off the cold during Restaurant Week

By Tim Richard | | (0) Comments

null Winter in New England can be tough. Frigid temperatures, brutal snow storms, biting winds and shorter days leads many folks to hunker down and spend most of the season in the comfort of their homes. Every once in a while something comes along that helps pull people out of the funk of winter and brings them out and about again. One of those events, at least for me, is Maine Restaurant Week. This year Restaurant Week has expanded and will run from March 1st to March 10th, increasing the great opportunity to get some terrific bargains at some of the finest restaurants on Maine.

As some of you are sure to know, Restaurant Week started in 2009 as way for local business, from suppliers to purveyors, to get a much needed economic boost during the difficult winter season. This year there are 86 restaurants participating in Restaurant Week! During the week participating restaurants will feature set 3 course prix fixe (fixed price) menus, either $22, $32 or $42 depending on the restaurant. Most include a couple of appetizer choices, two or three entrée choices and desert, though some provide more options, all for the price that would usually only buy an entrée. This is a great way to eat at some of the higher end restaurants without breaking the bank!

The week begins and ends with a special event designed to provide a platform for local chefs to display their amazing wares. This years opening event is The Incredible Breakfast Cook-Off, where The Good Table will be defending its crown against all comers with its “Crème Brulee French Toast”. The week is capped off by the Maine Restaurant Week Signature Event, where local mixologists and pastry chefs with provide over two dozen samples of great original cocktails and deserts.

Even though it’s cold outside, there are still exciting places and tastes out there for everyone. Maine Restaurant Week is one of my favorite ways to break the winter doldrums and warm up for the spring that surely comes. Make it one of yours!

Dreaming of Puerto Rico

By Jackie Tirado | | (0) Comments

Dreaming of Puerto Rico
My vacation cannot get here soon enough! Every year I take a trip to the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico where both my parents were born and raised. This year I am going in April with my mom and little sister. My mother likes to check out houses each time we go. Her dream is to move back to the island some day. Though we go every year, no vacation is ever like the other. Last year we visited El Morro where the Spanish-American war took place my mother loves history and will take any opportunity to spark our interest. It was my first time there and the views were breath taking. When we pulled up to the landmark there were tons of brightly colored kites being flown on the front lawn. We explored every inch of it and took tons of pictures. What I always look forward to when we go is the food. I'm very afraid of gaining weight during my trip because of how large my appetite grows while I'm there. One can't help but indulge in all the different dishes they have to offer. There are food stands literally in every corner and the smell alone is intoxicating. As you may know Puerto Rico is a U.S territory so the island is for the most part bi-lingual. They have all of the same American brands and stores. I always plan ahead and save up a good amount of shopping money because though it's the same brand the styles are a lot different. Waking up at 8am to 80 degree weather is my absolute favorite. Almost every day is a great beach day. I always stay in San Juan (the capital of the island). It's where most tourists stay. The diversity of the people we meet is fascinating. Though we are Puerto Rican the locals always spot us out of a crowd and I frequently get asked what nationality I am. It leaves me wondering what makes us stick out if we look just like them? Nonetheless I am very excited for my upcoming trip where all I plan on doing for the week is shopping, some unhealthy eating and taking in the beautiful sites the island has to offer.

How to Hang Pictures...The Easy Way!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Apartment Living, | (0) Comments

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a hard time hanging photos and art on my walls. I always pull out my tape measure, my level and my hammer but somehow end up hammering 2 holes where only one should be because my measurements are off! Also, nothing is more frustrating than hanging a collage of photos only to step back and realize that one picture is about 3 inches higher than it should be, throwing off your whole design!

I've found a system that is easy and fool proof for tackling both of these tasks!

First, cut some scrap paper to the size of the frame (or frames) and mark the nail location on the paper. Using painter's tape, move the paper templates around the wall until satisfied. Once you have your frames exactly where you want them, hammer the nails through the marks you've drawn on the paper. Finally, remove the tape and paper and hang your artwork! It may take a little longer this way but you'll be much happier in the long run when your frames are level and beautiful on your wall!

Storage Space

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null After "Sex and the City" premiered in film form a few years ago, it seemed like the entire female population was yearning for the same thing: "A really big closet." After perusing my favorite site for quirky & interesting stories - Yahoo! - I found out that the desire for such a large storage space hasn't abated; it's actually getting worse. Case in point: the article titled "The $100,000 Closet". Let me get this straight - people are willing to shell out $100k to build a room the size of their living rooms and with seemingly more features than your average hotel...just so they have somewhere to store all their stuff?! There's so much about this idea that makes me crazy. First of all, who has an extra 1/10th of a million dollars to shell out on a room? Second, who has enough stuff to warrant having such a room?! There have got to be more frugal (and "frugal" is putting it lightly) ways to create extra storage space. If you're on a budget - and who isn't these days? - start your quest for organization by stocking up on baskets. Places like The Container Store sell more varieties than you can imagine...though I'd have to recommend using this store strictly for inspiration simply because their prices can usually be beat. Roam the aisles and then head to HomeGoods, Christmas Tree Shops, or Michael's and find more affordable versions of what you need to get started. The great thing about the baskets is that they come in a variety of sizes and you can place them anywhere - in a closet, under the bed, on shelves - so they help to keep all your stuff corralled nicely. Worried about how your extensive wardrobe is going to fit in that too-small closet in your apartment? Skip the thick, plastic hangers and opt for the thinner wire ones that take up less space (relax - you can get them with protective material over the wire so you don't end up with weird indentations jumping out of your shoulders). Not sure where your precious shoe collection's going to fit? They make wonderful stacking shoe racks that can be placed right at the bottom of your closet; they take up very little space and they make it easier to see your selection. Have your own sneaky storage suggestions that you swear by? Share them here! And remember - you don't need a lot of money to get yourself organized!

Water Bottles

By Nathan Strange | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Travel, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

With the busy and sometimes chaotic pace of life these days, have you noticed how many people are carrying around a water bottle? Well, I am one of them. I always have my 18/8 stainless steel Kleen Kanteen water bottle by my side. While mine is complete overkill at a whopping 64 ounces, you can purchase a variety of sizes to fit your lifestyle and help you stay hydrated.

I am a big fan of Kleen Kanteen because they sell “The Original” BPA-Free stainless steel bottle. The sizes and prices range from $18.95 for a 18 oz all the way up to $32.95 for a 64 oz. They sell a variety of sizes and colors with many types of caps to match your needs. The traditional loop, flip D ring, and sport top bottle are all options at the checkout process.

Visit http://www.kleankanteen.com/ for more information. Stay hydrated my friends.

Bathroom Closet Organization

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

When living in an apartment or townhouse we're limited with space. We don't always have basements, extra closets or garages to store all of our "stuff." I recently opened my linen closet in my bathroom and was SHOCKED at how messy and crowded it had gotten. I spent Saturday doing an early "spring cleaning" and put on my thinking cap to figure out how to best organize the small space. Using decorative baskets in your lined closet is a great way to store all of those small items like medicines, toothpastes and soaps....they also look really nice! I bought mine at Michael's craft store for $8 a piece! Taking an hour out of your day to throw away old, unused items and get your products in order will make a huge difference in your storage space allowing for a lot more room!

To See or Not To See

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

...that is the question.

Tomorrow is February 2 - known to many as "Groundhog Day". This is a day that we all suspend our sense of reality and depend solely on a groundhog to determine whether or not we are going to see winter come to a quicker close. I have to laugh because, as ridiculous as this is, I am always interested in knowing whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow. Whether it's legit or not, it's something fun to help break up the monotony of winter! The good news is that we are that much closer to Spring!

Check out the history of groundhog day.

http://www.groundhog.org/groundhog-day/history/

During the cold days of winter, let's not take the simplicities of life for granted

By Virginia Partridge | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Community, | (0) Comments

In light of the new year, and in light of the recent Newtown, CT tragedy, Mary McElroy and I have decided to focus more on the needs of other. In her "free time," Mary is actually involved with the Horizons for Homeless Children organization. Did you know that one in every 45 children in the U.S. is homeless each year? Futhermore, family homelessness is the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population. Homeless children are three times as likely to have emotional and/or behavioral problems.

Inspired to do more, we visited RandomActsOfKindness.org for some ideas - coincidentally, RAK week is coming up February 11th-17th! So, Mary and I will be handing out carepacks to the homeless as a kick-off to our year of selflessness. See below for more details about this idea we found on the RAK website:

"There are so many everyday accessories and toiletries we take for granted - toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant. Imagine how you would feel if you didn't have access to these small things. Well, many people in your community can't afford these things. By donating even the smallest items to those who don't have them, you'll be providing someone with a greater sense of self-worth. Simple accessories you may take for granted could be greatly appreciated by those who are less fortunate. Maybe your support will open a door that will give that person a change to get a job or give them a fresh start to a new life.Pack toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, snacks, gloves and warm socks in backpacks and hand them out to the homeless in your city."

Or, keep it simple and look up your local homeless shelter to donate toiletry items.

Start Smart today!

By Nicole Paulino | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Start smart today!
Now you can even start your car with your smart phone! I was shocked to learn this was possible, so this is for everyone who has not heard of this cool technology yet! How handy will this come in on those frigid cold mornings when you can't bare the thought of getting out of bed?! Now you can start your car while still in bed!
Check it out @
http://www.viper.com/smartstart/

Consignment shopping!!

By Jen D'Apice | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

null Have you ever considered selling your unwanted clothes or goods? Have you ever considered buying slightly used goods from a shop? Currently I have been enjoying shopping in consignment shops because you can fine great deals!!! Here are two good reasons:1) It’s good for you because it keeps your closets and cupboards filled with only the things you actually love and use. It simplifies your life and saves you time otherwise spent maintaining under-appreciated possessions. Best of all, it turns your cluttered closets into cash.
2) Recycling is good for you, your family, and your wallet.
Keep your closets clean. Why waste time organizing things you don't use and love? It's a snap to get everyone dressed in the morning—or the party table set—if you love every choice you own
I found a great website http://www.howtoconsign.com describing benefits of shopping or selling to consignment shops that I would like to share.

Do you have a favorite consignment shop?

Pets! Pets! Pets!

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

It’s amazing how many people in the U.S. have pets. I don’t think people realize how good it is to have a pet. Not only is it good for your health in reducing stress levels, but it can increase your social life! One of our vendors (http://www.ForRent.com) posted a great article on the top apartment friendly pets and why they are good to have. Click below to read the article and see if your pet made the top list!

http://www.forrent.com/tips/tips-for-pets/pet-friendly-apartments/best-worst-pets-for-apartment-living

Superbowl 2013

By Caitlyn Irving | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

The Superbowl is right around the corner and I can’t wait. Even though my Giants are not playing I still love watching the game. I love all the hype, the commercials and of course get excited for the halftime show. I am hosting the Superbowl this year and really looking forward to it. I want to wow everyone with decorations and of course the food. I usually make the same dips and recipes but for this I am going to mix it up a bit. Here is my menu:

Zucchini Fries: These crispy veggies are half the calories of regular french fries.
Ingredients: Zucchinis, eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs. Preparation: preheat oven to 425°. Cut zucchini into 3-inch sticks. Whisk an egg white in a small bowl, and add milk. Preparation: combine Parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dip zucchini sticks into egg mixture, and then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, and place zucchini on sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Lemon Drop Chicken Wings: Are different take on wings, lots of sweet lemony flavor.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vodka, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 1/2 pounds chicken wings, tips trimmed off . Preparation: in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine vodka, lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Add the chicken wings and mix to coat. Cover bowl or seal bag and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Preheat oven to 400°. Line a 9- by 13-in. baking pan with two layers of foil. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the pan, and pour the marinade evenly over all. Bake until meat is well browned and pulling away from the bone, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Serve hot or warm.

Southwestern Layered Bean Dip: this is always a hit and one of my favorites. Be sure to have lots of baked tortilla chips on hand when you serve it!
Ingredients: 1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably “spicy”, 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed, 4 scallions, sliced, 1/2 cup prepared salsa, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream, 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 medium tomato, chopped, 1 medium avocado, chopped, 1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional). Preparation: combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using).

Curry Dip: there are many ways to make this one, here is my families take on it. Can serve with your choice of veggies!
Ingredients: 1 cup Mayo, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons curry powder.
Preparation: in a medium sized mix together all ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Whatever you do for the Superbowl have fun and Go San Francisco!!!!!

Just in time for game day!

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

Chicken Artichoke Bacon Dip

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 50 Minutes

Servings: 8

"Blending bacon, chicken, artichoke hearts, and spinach with an assortment of cheeses produces a creamy, flavorful dip."

Ingredients:

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, rinsed

and drained

1 (3 ounce) package cooked chicken

breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

4 strips cooked bacon, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 ounces Neufchatel cheese, cut into

cubes

2 tablespoons milk, or more to taste

1 clove garlic, minced

2 slices Swiss cheese, cut into strips

ground black pepper to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

(optional)

Directions:

1.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.

Blend artichoke hearts, chicken breast, spinach, bacon, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Neufchatel cheese, milk, garlic, Swiss cheese, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a blender or food processor; spread into a baking dish.

3.

Bake until browned and bubbling on top, 30 to 40 minutes.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2013 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 1/18/2013

Getting Fresh

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Development, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null Well, we're halfway into a new month in a new year. Everyone's got lists going of things they want to do to improve themselves and their lives in the next twelve months. Some goals - like eating healthier (for some people; obviously not for you!) - can prove to be tough to stick to for more than a couple of weeks. What we should try to keep in mind, though, is that our New Year's resolutions don't necessarily have to be life-altering, crazy-difficult, or super-expensive! If you're looking for a little change, why not start at home? The kitchen might be too daunting a project to tackle, so maybe start with the room that should be your escape: your bedroom. You might want your first step to be clearing out any clutter that you've got stashed in there. And let's face it - we've all got junk stuffed into drawers, under the bed, and in the closet that really just doesn't need to be there. In fact, if it's covered in dust or dated sometime in the '90s, it probably doesn't need to be in any room at all! Sell what you can, donate if you're feeling generous, or just throw it away. Once you've done that, you'll probably feel like bigger changes are more doable. If you live in a community that allows you to paint in your apartment (and be sure to find out if it's ok before you do anything), find a color you love and paint the walls! Make it bright, make it soothing, make it whatever you want; you'll be shocked at how dramatic a new color can be in a room.

Whether you're able to paint or not, you can always make big changes with furniture and accessories! One of my absolute favorite go-to places for that stuff is HomeGoods. They've got unique items at very affordable prices - and their inventory is different every time you go (which is actually kind of dangerous, so maybe try to come up with a budget before you go). My other favorite source of budget-friendly home accents is Target. Target doesn't even need to be justified; you know how good it is. Between these two stores, you can find new bedding, funky throw pillows, pretty slipper chairs (I really don't know why they're called "slipper" chairs - I only know they're called that because I shop at these two places so frequently. Sigh.), unique art & decorations, mirrors, end tables - everything! Replace all of your old stuff or just update a few items; either way, you'll be feeling fresher and ready to tackle the rest of the year in no time! Need some inspiration? Check out these ten incredible bedrooms that were recently featured on Yahoo! Homes...and get to it!

Spend and Save All Year Long

By Tammy Jackson | Multifamily, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

null Spend and Save All Year Long
Have you been in the market for a car? Have you been told all the “secrets” on when to buy? Like, “Buy it at the end of the month! The sales people are hungry to meet goals and will give you a better deal!” Or, “Buy in August! The new model stuff is arriving on the lot and they need to make room!” Well, believe it or not, there are studies on when to not only buy a car, but to also buy furniture, electronics, seasonal items, and more.

Here are some great examples from some of those studies:

Jan. – Linens and bedding (white sales are everywhere this month)
Winter clothing (most is already on clearance)
Feb. – Fitness equipment (resolutions are well under way)
Indoor furniture (just in time for spring)
Mar. - Winter sports gear (skis, skates, hockey stuff, etc.)
Electronics (cameras, TVs)
Apr. - Spring clothing (yup, by then, summer is out and spring is on clearance)
Computers (school is almost out – no one’s thinking computers!)
May - Camping and outdoor gear (watch the sales- they can get pretty good)
Snow blowers and winter equipment (end-of-season clearance)
Jun. - Swimwear (start of summer for consumers, back to school for retail)
Carpeting and flooring (could be a good vacation project)
Jul. - Office supplies (early bird back-to-school sales!)
Outdoor furniture (making room for fall and back to school)
Aug. - Air conditioners (end of season in most places or close to sold out)
School clothes and backpacks (summer is officially over)
Sept. – Bikes (still a few months to ride, but retail is preparing for the holidays)
Gas grills (steaks for us until the snow flies!)
Oct. - Lawn mowers (retail is making room for snow blowers)
Winter coats (some places offer great sales to get you in the door)
Nov. – Baby products (not sure why, but okay)
Toys (watch those Black Friday deals!)
Dec. – Small appliances (not too many people buying big before the holidays)
Holiday décor and gift wrap (from Dec 26th – January 3rd, 50-90% off!)

There are some popular items that are available at great pricing during multiple months of the year, such as TVs and computers – so watch those flyers and save, save, save!

Sweet ipad apps

By Jenilee Provencal | | (0) Comments

null There are apps out there that claim to make life easier but honestly they take more time than they save. I’m sure we have all done it, downloaded an app for our iphone or ipad thinking it will organize some part of our crazy lives but come to find out we have to spend more time entering data than we actually get out of it. Well here is a run down of some apps that I have found to be helpful without feeling like they are extra work.

Grocery IQ; I don’t know about you but when I grocery shop I have to have a list. I also have to create a meal plan for the week, otherwise there goes $100 and we have nothing to eat. With this app you can create as many lists as you like. One for the grocery store, one for Target, anything you need. Adding items is super easy you can type them in or scan the bar code if you already have the package. Once the item is entered you can specify the quantity and price. That way while you are shopping you add the item to your cart and it keeps track of your total. The other cool thing is if you have an ipad and an iphone the app will sync your lists. So for instance you can create the list while on your ipad browsing for recipes, then sync it to your phone for when you actually go to the store. It also keeps track of your history so you can easily add items you shop for every week.

My Fitness Pal; This handy app allows you to enter in your daily food and exercise diary. You start with your allotted calories for the day and as you enter in what you ate they go down but when you enter in what you have done for exercise they go up! It’s a really cool way to keep track of what you are really eating. The database of foods is vast so you are bound to find exactly what you ate and exactly how many calories it was. Plus you can find friends who also have the app and send them encouraging notes.

Dash Magazine; This monthly magazine is full of awesome recipes and handy kitchen tips and tricks. It pulls information from Bon Appétit, Parade, Gourmet, and other great food resources. There are interactive videos and extra recipes imbedded in the pages.

PS Express; Otherwise known as Photoshop Express. With this handy app you can easily edit your photos without having to buy the full version of Photoshop. It comes with some pretty great effects you can add as well. Once you have doctored up your picture you can share it via Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, or regular old email.

The best thing about all of these apps is that they are both great for your iphone or ipad. And even better they are all free!

The Year of the Dream

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null My husband and his best friend have decided to call 2013, "The Year of the Dream." At first when they text me on New Year's Eve and said, "Year of the Dream begins soon," I replied with, "Is that a new movie?" Yeah. Sometimes I can be a bit slower than the rest. This year they have taken it upon themselves to work on a project they have had in their minds since the day they met. My husband and I are continuing to work on our health by starting a Facebook page to support others along thier journey. I also have some other special dreams that I hope can one day come true, and maybe this year!

So what is your dream? Have you thought about it? Let's see if we all can take it on, and empower "The Year of the Dream" and maybe, just maybe, our dreams will come true!

New Year's Resolutions?

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Development, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

What is a New Year’s resolution you can keep?

It seems so many people make New Year’s resolutions that sound great, you share them with everyone you know, you start off full steam ahead but then eventually the commitment wears off and the resolution fizzles out. You’re left feeling like a failure and every time someone asks you, “How’s it going?” you have to explain you gave up!

How about just making a slight change that fits in to your lifestyle already?

If you already work out, make an effort to try a new style of class. If you already volunteer, try a new place for awhile.

Give yourself a chance to adjust and embrace the newness then move on to adding another change. Change is good and can be very refreshing, breathing new life and new challenges into something you may not have even realized was stale.

Enjoy your success no matter how small.

Here’s an article from WebMD that illustrates this theory. I like the quote from, Elizabeth Zelvin, LCSW, that says "'One day at a time' is the antithesis of making New Year's resolutions," she says. "It's not saying, 'I'm going to do this and keep it up all year,' it's saying, 'What can I do today?'"

http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/new-years-resolutions-in-one-year-out-other

Get them out of the House!

By Shannon Earley | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

It’s winter time in New England. A time when we all hunker down and wait for spring to return, but if you have kids, hibernating is out of the question! Instead of turning on a move you have seen a hundred times before, head out for some cultural fun. Here are some great indoor (but not in your home!) activities to try with the kids:

• The New England Aquarium – You can’t beat watching the penguins. It’s even better than watching Happy Feet! Head to your local library and see if they have passes. They will get you discounted tickets.
• The Boston Museum of Science – Dinosaurs! And shipwrecks! And stairs that make music! Again – go to the library. They have passes they get 4 people in for $7/person, rather than the $20+ it will cost you!
• The Boston Children’s Museum – two words – library passes!

Want something closer to home?

• The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester has a lot of family activities, week days and weekends: Storytime in the Gallery is the 4th Monday of Every month, where there are stories, special works of art and make your own art in the studio all organized for you! There are Family Saturdays as well on the second Saturday of every month!
• Or try the SEE Science Center in Manchester – they have been voted the Best Place to Take your Kids by the Hippo – 5 years in a ROW! It has great hands on stuff for kids of all ages to enjoy!

So bundle the kids up and head on out – you will love it as much as they do!

How to Lower Your Grocery Bill

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Food, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

When the new year comes we all try and improve different aspects of our lives. One common thing a lot of people do in the new year is save money. A good percentage of our income goes toward what we eat so it’s important to stay on a budget when shopping at the grocery store!
I recently came across an article that gave 4 tips for lowering a grocery bill and I wanted to share with you all.

1. Choose items you can do without – Do you buy orange juice every week but usually end up pouring half of it down the drain? Juices can be expensive and we can get the same vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Don’t be a brand snob – I immediately thought of my husband when reading this one. He is VERY brand loyal and insists on buying the pickles with the silly bird on the label. Opt for the store brand instead to save!
3. Cook from scratch – pre-packaged items certainly save us some time but baking items (like sweets) from scratch is a way to get more bang for your buck.
4. Keep a price list – Check other local markets and find out who has the best price on items you buy regularly. You might find that a different store offers your usual items for less!

butterfly

By shotgunflat | | (0) Comments

Butterfly Upload: Success!

Just in time for New Year's Eve! Garlic Prime Rib!

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

Garlic Prime Rib
Rated:
Submitted By: Chef Mike
Photo By: SISSYZEKE
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Servings: 15

"Quick and easy marinade and so tasty, I was trusted with this recipe but I can't keep it to myself!"
INGREDIENTS:
1 (10 pound) prime rib roast
10 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place the roast in a roasting pan with the fatty side up. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Spread the mixture over the fatty layer of the roast, and let the roast sit out until it is at room temperature, no longer than 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
3. Bake the roast for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C), and continue roasting for an additional 60 to 75 minutes. The internal temperature of the roast should be at 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) for medium rare.
4. Allow the roast to rest for 10 or 15 minutes before carving so the meat can retain its juices.

Boxing

By Jackie Tirado | | (1) Comments

I got into boxing a year ago and I must say after a few training sessions I wondered why I hadn't tried it sooner. Those who know me best would never picture me in the ring but I've gotten very good at it and it's my favorite thing to do in my spare time. Boxing is a very intense but amazing full body work out. At first it was the most intimidating feeling walking into class being the only woman there. I knew it was a rough contact sport and that I would have to endure some hard hits but I refused to give up. I still struggle with it, the training sessions are always a series of different exercises from jumping rope to dropping down for mountain climbers followed by burpies and that's just the warm up. After that you glove up and get ready to work on combos such as upper cut, hook 1,2 it's all very fast pace moves while concentrating on form and good body mechanics . My coach incorporates a lot of self defense into my sessions as well which thankfully I've never had to use. The most challenging thing I ran into was proper body mechanics I injured myself numerous times for not having the right form before attempting a move. I now boldly take on any of the boys that want to spar with my bright pink gloves and matching mouth guard. It keeps me in shape and very conscious of what I eat, I've developed strength I never thought I'd have! I really wish more women would join the group. I go to Combat Sports Club in North Chelmsford. The owner is so great to train with and teaches a lot of the classes himself. I really encourage anyone who's interested to try it out.

How much electricity do you use?

By Nathan Strange | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Did you know that an unused appliance that is left plugged into an outlet can use electricity even if it is turned off? Yup that’s right! Your cell phone charger, microwave oven, and TV all draw electricity when not in use that can add up and cost you money!

No Fear, there is a device called P3 Kill A Watt that can help you save money. When you plug Kill A Watt into the wall outlet then plug an appliance into Kill A Watt you can see how much electricity the device draws when in use and when turned off.

By taking a couple minutes and testing out appliances you can see which ones draw the most electricity when off and unplug them to save yourself money.

Check out the brochure at: http://www.p3international.com/brochures/P4400.pdf

You can purchase Kill A Watt and most electronic store or online. Full price is around $50.

Winter Season Must! Frog Pond Ice Skating!

By Kristen Aquaros | | (0) Comments

null Since 2007, I have been taking friends and family ice skating at The Boston Common Frog Pond rink around the holidays. Growing up in the Boston area we were always looking for new things to do near down town at the holiday season. I figured I would share this information with you. If you are looking for something different to do this New Years Eve, Frog Pond will be hosting the First Night skating spectacular at 6:00pm. Students from The Skating Club of Boston Skating Academy will be putting on a show open to the public. Season competitor’s national and local champions will be performing. Whether you are a fan of the art of Ice Skating or not, it’s a great idea for an outing. If you don’t get a chance to watch the show New Years Eve, Frog Pond is open for public use until March for Ice skating. In the past years, I’ve always parked in Malden and taken the orange line to downtown, this year we decided to find parking close to downtown, and come to find out there is a parking garage right on the common. I would recommend if you can handle the craziness of city drivers, parking in the garage near the commons was fairly inexpensive and much easier with little ones. They also have a mini cafe right on the rink, offering hot/cold refreshments and food. If you get a chance, it makes for a day trip not to mention it is right in downtown close to all the stores for shopping. I highly recommend looking into it! Happy Skating!

Eating Healthy During the Holidays

By Heather Libby | | (0) Comments

Enjoying all the typical holiday foods and drinks is one of the best parts of the season and for many one of the hardest. Getting through the holidays without gaining that extra 5 lbs is easier than you think just be realistic and honest with yourself. Here’s a couple ways to cut down those holiday LB’s

Bring your favorite healthy dish to your upcoming get together. This way you’ll have a dish you know you’ll like and won’t feel guilty eat.

Cook from scratch! Whenever possible it is always best to make your dishes from scratch. This cuts out all the added fats, sodium, sugar and other unnecessary ingredients that can add to your scale.

Choose veggies instead when deciding from one of the many yummy appetizers and finger foods often available at your holiday events. This doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid those delicious pigs in a blanket but instead of two or three take one and substitute the others for a more healthy choice like carrot sticks. Avoid those creamy dips!

Try leaner meats like roasted turkey. A small portion of white meat without the skin is your best choice for your holiday meat. If you like to enjoy stuffing with your turkey cook it separate in a casserole dish to keep the added fat from the turkey soaking into it.

Water! As we all know one of the best parts of the holidays is the many different beverages like eggnog, cider, beer, wine and other cocktails and juice. It’s okay to enjoy a glass of wine or some eggnog while decorating your tree or during your meal or get together but in between these occasions drink water and lots of it. Drinking water is one of the best ways to avoid weight gain and to even lose weight.

As always continue to exercise daily, get plenty of rest, and make sure you are eating three well balanced meals per day. Good luck and happy holidays!

Clever Closets

By Jenilee Provencal | | (0) Comments

null Easy ways to make your closet more user friendly. I know we all have those moments where we say we have nothing to wear then start going through the closet one by one to find a shirt we totally forgot we had.

The easiest way to organize your closet is in clusters. A clothing cluster is 5-8 pieces that work well together in a variety of outfits. For example you can have a blazer with tones of red, navy and camel. Then add in a navy skirt, white blouse, red t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Then using one of the hanging shelf organizers pick a cubby and add in coordinating accessories like scarves and bags. Using just that cluster you can have at least 4 different outfits. Dress it up with the skirt, blouse and blazer. For a more casual look layer the t-shirt under the blazer with the jeans. Or skip the blazer all together and layer the t-shirt under the blouse and pair it with the skirt and a scarf.

Not sure where to start? Start with a piece of clothing that you think will only go with one other thing you own, then weed through your closet and match it up with something else. The main idea is coordinating colors not season or style. You never know what you can come up with unless you try it out.

Accessibility is the key you can’t wear something if you can’t find it. If you are short on space there are several things you can do, hang an additional handing rod below the current one for another whole row of clothes. A towel bar on the back of a door easily holds scarves, and using shower curtain hooks you can hang bags too.

Not a Victim but a Victor

By Casey Swan | | (0) Comments

Just one touch can change a life Attitudes at this time of year are tell-tale; the holidays are not always cheerful. Some people may be facing the first Christmas without a beloved family member. Others may be afraid that the dark memories of last year will poison this year's celebration. Many people are alone or isolated. Still more are just stressed, tired, and financially overextended from the expectation of living up to Martha Stewart -esque festivities.

But then we see the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT replayed and analyzed on television or filling up our Facebook feeds and it seems like there is no sense in the world, only evilness.

However, I can't help but try to see a silver lining in this horror. In the fallout of Friday's crisis, people are pulling closer to their loved ones, reaching out to help those whose lives were forever affected, taking a moment to slow down and be a little kinder than necessary, and cherishing the minute details of life.

And aren't those things that bring us happiness in the long run? Isn't a feeling of support and togetherness what the season is all about? Unquestionably, a mass shooting is horrible and distressing, but please don't let this incident make you bitter; let it make you better. Let it give you the opportunity to reach out, to share, to mourn, to pray, to connect, to contribute, and most of all, to show love.

Bright Nights at Forest Park

By Liz Roloff | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Travel, Corporate Furnished, | (1) Comments

There really is no place like home for the holidays, and even though I’ve lived in New Hampshire for thirty one years (!), Springfield Mass is still “home”. My very favorite thing to do around the holidays is to visit Forest Park in Springfield for their famous “Bright Nights at Forest Park”.

This 735 acre park has been a landmark in Springfield since the late 1800’s and is worth a trip any time of year. But for THE BEST lights display, head to the park between 11/21 and 1/1/13. For a small fee, you can pack your car with as many people as will fit and drive through a 2.6 mile route lined all around with lighted displays. Some are actually cleverly timed so they look alive (my favorite is the deer leaping across the road, or maybe it’s the frog jumping into the pond, but I do love the kids sledding down the hill…hmm can’t pick).

Add to the atmosphere by tuning in your radio to a special station that plays Christmas music (the station is listed as you enter the park) then stop at the snack area for a hot chocolate and salted pretzel (sweet and salt – is there a better combination?).

My last recommendation for the perfect outing is to have your dinner at Red Rose Pizzeria on Main Street in Springfield – great food, fun atmosphere, and another Springfield landmark.
Here are the links; check them out, get directions, pack your car, head to Springfield, and have a really great time!

http://brightnights.org
http://www.redrosepizzeria.com

Great Deals at Vineyard Vines' Whalehouse Sale

By Claire Collins | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Lifestyle, Claire Collins, | (1) Comments

Whale Of A Sale I’d heard that Vineyard Vines held an annual warehouse sale at a temporary location in one of the mill buildings in Lawrence, MA, and wondered why I’d never heard about it ahead of time. This year, if not for a small ad on the right side column of Facebook, I would have missed it. The sale isn’t promoted on Vineyard Vines’ website or its Facebook page, and even a search of Facebook came up with nothing.

I love Vineyard Vines’ clothes, though rarely can bring myself to pay full price for them. So, with a meeting at Princeton at Mount Vernon in Lawrence, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity check out the sale while I was in town.

There’s a big banner on the side of the building, and from there it’s a bit like following clues to get to the sale. Find the right entrance, up the elevator, through two doors, and down a loooooong hall. The sale is well organized by size, with neat piles of preppiness on long tables, helpful associates, and no dressing rooms.

I ended up with an armload of items for everyone in our house, and paid $153 for a stack of clothes that originally retailed for over $400. Best find: a tunic from last summer’s line that I coveted, but would never have paid $165 for. I got it for $42. Score! Bonus: the friendly cashier gave me a card for 25% off my next purchase at the Vineyard Vines Outlet store in the Merrimack Premium Outlets.

The Vineyard Vines “Whalehouse” Sale is running through December 23, with new items arriving daily, I was told. It’s located in Everett Mills, 15 Union Street, Lawrence, MA.

Portland Harbor Hotel Ice Bar

By Caitlyn Irving | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Looking for something fun to do after the Holidays? Or having a hard time with finding the perfect gift? Check out the Portland Harbor Hotel Ice Bar. This year the Ice Bar is happening January 26th to the 28th. Tickets are fairly inexpensive and each ticket comes with a free drink token. The Portland Harbor Hotel has a beautiful terrace area where they set up two ice sculpted bars. The terrace is all lit up and all around are these amazing ice sculptures. As a Christmas present last year, my mom got my sister and I tickets, we had such a blast! It all starts at 5:00 and goes trough till 9:00 each night. We sipped on our Hot Buttered Rum cocktails, looked at all the sculptures and had fun mingling. You will want to dress warm that’s for sure! Inside the hotel they have complimentary hors d’oeuvres from various restaurants that are in the Old Port. There is also live entertainment as well. We had so much fun and it was just nice to do something different! Cheers to the Portland Harbor Hotel!

Take a quick peek at a video of the Ice Bar!

http://www.portlandharborhotel.com/video-icebar.php

12/12/12

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Travel, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a superstitious freak. I read a lot into numbers, signs and messages. For the past 2 years I was on a bus in Disney when the clock turned to 10:10am on 10/10/10 and 11:11am and pm on 11/11/11. So I'm a little disappointed that I am sitting at my desk typing this on 12/12/12 - I completely missed 12:12pm this afternoon. What does that mean? Probably nothing more than I just wish I was in Disney to witness it for the final time. Check out some interesting facts about today's date!

http://glo.msn.com/relationships/the-power-of-12-12-12-8819.gallery?gt1=49006

Holiday Gift Guide, $20 or less

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

Here's an awesome gift guide from http://blog.effortless-style.com/ .

No.1: I don’t know about you, but every time I’m in the city I’m either tempted by eating a street hot dog or pretzel or let’s face it sometimes I want both. In ode to my love for NYC street vendor food I adore this pretzel key ring. It’s a unique yet practical gift.

No.2: A cozy throw is always a winner during our Yankee Swaps. Pick out a neutral shade or go bold! These are a steal at $19. If faux fur is more your style this option is amazing at $15!

No.3: I try to use canvas tote every time I head out to the market, library or local shops. I think a chic canvas tote would be a great score. There are many options to choose from on etsy. This one is my favorite!

No.4: Everyone entertains, but not everyone has appetizer or dessert plates so help them out by picking up a set. This appetizer set from Target is only $20 and has 8 plates. Target has a great variety of appetizer/dessert plates for less than $20.

No.5: Books can be hard to buy when you don’t know who you are shopping for, but I think cookbooks are always welcomed and perhaps something you wouldn't buy for yourself. I love supporting bloggers turned authors so I would need to pick Dinner: A love story by Jenny.

No.6: I love this classic yet rustic yet modern take on oil and vinegar set.I think most everyone eats salad or uses oil when cooking that they would get used by anyone.

No.7: Ah bread. I love it. I love nothing more than dipping it in oil. I've never had a special tray for this purpose, but I found this board and I sorta love it. I think I’ll buy it and then pick my own gift.

No.8: As you could probably tell by now I’m sitting dieting and clearly I’m hungry! I love s’mores. I even had a s’mores bar at my baby shower.So a contraption that lets me have real s’mores indoors without the help of a microwave is amazing.

No.9: I don’t like giving $$$ for a Yankee Swap, because that just feels like cheating, but if you are in a jam and uninspired I think a fun gift is lotto scratch offs. The receiver of this may win big, little or not at all, but it’s all in fun.

No.10: I love a good piece of flare for my desk area. These cute Jonathan Adler giant erasers are a must buy. I have an elephant one already (Gifted to me by a super sweet client. Thanks Julia!)and I love it. Plus at $10 you can pick up a whole menagerie if you like.

No.11: Who doesn't love a little Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit? I would pick something classic by Frank,but really it’s up to you.

No.12: It’s must be the Southern belle in me, but I love this mason jar dispenser.Only $20 and it holds 2 gallons. It would be perfect for a small get together or just everyday use.

What are your creative gifting ideas this year?

Christmas Décor on a Dime

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null The holidays are fully upon us. And this time of year calls for our attention from all angles - but perhaps from none more than our wallets. We're buying gifts for friends and loved ones, raiding the grocery store for parties we're throwing, thinking of thoughtful hostess gifts for other crazy people who decide to throw parties...and let's not forget all those decorations that make the season so bright. But all that can add up pretty quickly and, if we're not careful, can cause us to lose sight of our other financial responsibilities. You know, like the rent/mortgage, electric bill, and other such evil necessities. Fret not, though, because Reader's Digest has provided us with an impressive list of 32 Budget-Friendly Christmas Decorating Ideas. Some of it may not work for you but, rest assured, some of this stuff will have you muttering "Why didn't I think of that?!" to yourself as you scroll through. It just goes to show that you really don't have to spend a fortune to have your home looking the a winter wonderland this season! Got any other great ideas for inexpensive decorating? Share them below!

'Tis the Season for Holiday Cookies!

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (1) Comments

HOLIDAY EGGNOG COOKIES
Printed from COOKS.COM
________________________________________
1 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. rum extract
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. nutmeg (fresh if available)
1/4 tsp. salt
Powdered sugar
Cream butter, gradually adding sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla and rum extracts. Sift together flour, nutmeg and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to cream mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls or put mixture through a cookie press. Place on cookie sheet (ungreased) and bake in a preheated oven (350 degrees) for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from sheet and sprinkle with powdered sugar. A family tradition! Makes 2 dozen.

Finding Christmas

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null There is a song by Faith Hill, “Where are you Christmas?” that starts off with that question, and wondering why Christmas has gone away? They go on to question if they can’t feel Christmas because their world is changing and does that mean Christmas changes too? Later on in the song they realize that “If there is love in your heart and your mind you will feel Christmas all the time.”

This year more than ever my husband and I have felt very blessed in our lives and have decided that we don’t need or want for anything this Christmas. Instead of buying gifts for each other, we have decided this year that we want to give back to others. The gift of giving is one of the best ones you will ever receive. Think of all you are blessed with, and then start to think of others and see if there is anyone you can help instead of wanting that new electronic, or those diamond earrings you have been eyeing.

Is there a family that you know who may have fallen on hard times? Maybe a family member became ill, or lost a job. Maybe there was a new member added to the household and money is tight. Maybe a family member or coworker is all alone this Christmas season and a nice meal and a little gift may go a long way. How can you give back? Can you pay a bill for someone, or send a box of food for a Christmas dinner? Can you buy some clothes for a child in need, or grant a special Christmas wish?

As much as I love presents and gifts, I realized I’m pretty spoiled, or blessed if you want to think of it that way. I have fallen on hard times and have had friends and family pick me up and help me unexpectedly. How do I repay them? I pay it forward.

If you have never given of your time or resources during the holiday season, try it this year. I guarantee that you WILL find Christmas in the gift of giving!

Candy Tree Centerpieces

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Food, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

I was visiting my mother in law last night and she was explaining how she was in charge of the holiday decorations at a fundraising event she was working this weekend. She's normally someone who has a hard time being inspired by crafty projects but she came across the instructions for "candy trees" and thought she'd give it a try!

Here's what you need to create some "candy trees" of your own....

1. Styrofoam cones (can be bought at a craft store)
2. Your favorite holiday candies
3. A hot glue gun

You can glue the candies on the cones however you'd like and they look beautiful as centerpieces (especially if you create a few in different sizes and colors). I was surprised how easy these were and how great they looked when she was finished!

How do you decorate during the holidays?

Looking for a tasty holiday drink to go with your meal?

By Jackie Tirado | | (1) Comments

Our family holiday tradition is to serve Coquito, a creamy, tropical, coconut eggnog that is made with spices (and the optional white rum!) Holidays aren’t complete without this drink at the table and is a special request at Spanish holiday gatherings. My family serves it with our homemade yellow rice with pigeon peas and roast pork shoulder. It is delicious and I recommend you try it with your family this year. I guarantee it will be a big hit!

2egg yolks, beaten

1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup water

1/4 tea spoon ground cloves

1/2 tea spoon ground cinnamon

1 tea spoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup of white rum (optional)

Directions:

1. In the top of a double boiler, combine egg yolks and evaporated milk. Stirring constantly, cook over lightly simmering water until mixture reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

2. Transfer mixture to a blender, and add cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum, water, cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. Blend for about 30 seconds. Pour into glass bottles, and chill overnight.

(Please drink responsibly)

Here's a Tip!

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null A lot of people do a lot of things for us over the course of the year - and the holidays are the perfect time to thank those people in one way or another. It's hard to know how to thank someone, though! Do we send a nice card as a written thank-you? Should we slip a little cash into an envelope and leave it as a surprise? What about an actual gift? CNBC has shared their Holiday Tipping Guide 2012 to help eliminate the guesswork involved with this sort of thing. Some of the suggestions may not apply to you and some of them might need a little tweaking to fit your personal situation (for example, as a leasing professional at an apartment community, I speak for everyone who works on the property when I say there's no way we'd ever accept a tip of any kind - so skip suggestion number 1!), but there seems to be something for everyone here. Got any people or tip ideas you'd like to add? Leave them here as a comment on this post - and happy holidays!

To Shop or Not To Shop...

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

There was a time in my life where I said, "I don't get out of bed for NOBODY at 4:00am,especially to shop!" when asked to participate in Black Friday shopping.

The thought of getting out of bed to stand in line and shop at that hour was ABSURD to me.

Then the stores started opening earlier and earlier...so I started to join an already-established tradition with my in-laws, but it involved standing outside in line all night. So I actually stood by my word that I wouldn't get out of bed at 4am to shop...now I just don't go to bed on Thanksgiving. Crazy...I know. But there is something to be said about the thrill of the chase. The challenge of making sure we all divide and conquer to secure that most coveted "door-buster"! It's very hard to explain, but it is actually like a game. Who can outwit, outplay and outlast all of the other shoppers while ending up with - pardon the expression - the most toys!

Last year a lot of stores advertised that they would open at midnight, but due to Massachusetts blue laws, they couldn't open until 1:00am - unbeknownst to all of us standing in line. 2 years ago we got in line at Toys R Us at 10pm - they were opening at midnight - the line of people was already wrapped around the store, down the end of the driveway and along the neighboring sidewalk. Luckily, the store opened at 12:01 (which they can no longer do) - however -we never set foot into the store until 1:30am! That's how long it took us to get through the line! We grabbed our 2 purchases and then had to wait in line in the EXTREMELY small and crowded electronics department for an hour! I was literally sitting on the floor - miserable! We finally got to the register, picked up the iPod touch that came with a free $50 Toys R Us gift card, checked out and were back in the car at 2:45am! Seriously?! Then we moved on to Target - they opened at 5:00am - we stood in line there for 2 hours! We maneuvered our way through the crowd and manage to get everything we needed before a line at the registers even formed! Victory! (The year prior to that we waited in the check out line at Target for 50 minutes! and ps - I am a cranky shopper to begin with, so it wasn't pretty!)

Regardless, after a full 12 hours of shopping and door busting, it always seems worth it because there is always a new story or two to share, lots of laughs and always happy squeals of joy when that present that they "just gotta have" is opened!

This year, there is a lot of controversy over stores now opening up on Thanksgiving night. I have to say, I refuse to give up my Thanksgiving to shop. All I can do is hope that the $179 40" LCD tv is still available when I get there - most likely at midnight. If you are planning on door-busting, make sure you know when your stores are opening. Blue Laws still exist in MA, ME and RI.

Check out this great article in the NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/us/blue-laws-curb-consumerism-where-pilgrims-gave-thanks.html?pagewanted=1

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!!

Those in Need

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

With the holiday season on the brink of being in full swing, many people are busy cooking, travelling, shopping, and wrapping up last minute things at work preparing to be with family and friends.

Many people are looking to give back to the community by volunteering at soup kitchens, food pantries and putting together food baskets to deliver to those in need, or by contributing to charity.

A place to consider donating needed items to might also be your local Animal Refuge League. Many cats, dogs, and other animals awaiting families to adopt them need help too.

The local Animal Refuge League here in Portland has a website with their Wish-List posted right on the website. Their List does note that there are some items they cannot accept and also advises to call the League ahead of time if you have an item you’d like to donate but is not listed on their list.

http://www.arlgp.org/donations/wish-list/

An Animal Refuge League in your area might need some help through the winter and it might be a nice idea to check out their website for their Wish List. A little may go a long way in brightening an animal’s day!

Etsy the New eBay?

By Ashley Anger | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Georgia, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

Etsy
Most of us by now have heard of Etsy. But did you know you could buy almost anything on Etsy? Etsy is known as a site where you can find the most handmade and vintage items for sale on the web. As I was looking for bridesmaids gifts, I found everything from wedding dresses (and pretty cheap, too!) to Louis Vuitton bedazzled pacifiers. What’s the advantage to shopping Etsy instead of eBay? There is no bidding and everything is very inexpensive! Another great thing about their site is that it’s also a social site. They have everything from blogs to wedding registries. If you haven’t started shopping on Etsy yet, I suggest you do. I’ve already purchased a few items from the site and was very pleased with how easy it was. Hello Etsy, good-bye eBay!

Buy Online and Look Devine on a Dime

By Casey Swan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, Community, Casey Swan, | (2) Comments

shopping online may mean big savings Let's get this out in the open, once and for all. I am a woman that hates shopping. Yes, I know that sounds like a lion claiming to be a vegetarian, but I have my reasons: crowds of people; bored, rude, or oblivious sales staff; racks full of clothing stuffed with everything but your size; or my number one complaint, exorbitant prices. That's why I am all about shopping online and today I'm going to share a few of my go-to websites.

For me, one of the most distressing things about online shopping is making a return... There are two websites that make this bothersome possibility almost obsolete. First, Target.com gives you access to merchandise that isn't necessarily carried in the store. Other benefits include regular internet specials, such as "buy 3 get one free " or free shipping on select merchandise or on orders over a particular amount. In addition to clothing, Target.com carries all the goodies you'd expect to find in the department store, such as shoes, housewares, and electronics. Best of all, if you need to make a return, there's likely a Target just down the road so you won't pay return shipping.

One of my other favorite sites for easy returns is Modcloth. This company appeals to a clientele who appreciates retro and vintage-inspired pieces (think Zooey Deschanel). One function I love about Modcloth is that the article description specifies the fit of the piece, whether it is true to size or if it runs small or large. New stock is added every day, so that cool little shift that appears today may be in the sale section within a couple of weeks. In addition to clothing, Modcloth carries shoes, jewelry, hosiery, and homegoods. Plus, if the sizing is not what you expected, you can print a return postage form, drop the parcel at the post office and pay nothing for return shipping.

I confess, I'm also addicted to Forever21, mainly because their inventory is so extensive. They carry Women's, Men's, Girl's, and Plus sizes, as well as accessories and shoes. This company is trendy and fun and you never know what you'll find - maybe that perfect party dress for a night out on the town, the boyfriend blazer for next weekend's date, or a basic pencil skirt for work. Forever21's sale section is enormous and often heavily discounted. Today's sale page for skirts featured prices ranging between $4.99 and $15.99. What a deal! In addition to the traditional sales, Forever21 offers daily "Flash Deals" that are 21% off select new merchandise.

My beloved new discovery is Zulily. Yes, you must sign up to be a member (free of charge), but this allows you access to designer merchandise at greatly reduced prices. I recommend you use this website only if you are a bold shopper because there are several caveats to doing business with Zulily. First, Zulily does not carry inventory; they get their stock directly from the designers, so in addition to sizes and quantities being limited, returns are not accepted. Also, because they deal with such a variety of clothiers, sizing may be inconsistent. Finally, because items are not "in stock," it may take up to two weeks before your order is shipped. That being said, the price is The Important Thing. I recently scored a stylish, python-print dress with black piping for just $16.00, a piece similar to one my supervisor swore she had recently seen in a fashion magazine.

I am not a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination, but over the years I've learned what I like and what is flattering on me. I'm certain that there are other amazing online shops and I'd love to hear where you score your deals, so please be sure to leave me your secrets in a comment below!

Health Benefits of Having Pets!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Health, | (0) Comments

According to an article written on Care2.com, there are several health benefits related to the ownership of pets. Want to know how our furry friends can help boost our well-being? Keep reading!

Pets can help us to heal emotionally, physically, and mentally, but scientists are also discovering that cats and dogs can help fight disease and assist us in coping with chronic conditions. They can have a biochemical impact on their owners’ body chemistry. Numerous medical experts have provided the results of scientific studies that support this biological basis for what we’ve felt intuitively. Here are some of the ways in which pets can have a positive effect on our health.

1. Pets Lessen the Risk of Allergies & Asthma
2. Pets Reduce Stress
4. Cats Lower Risk of Fatal Heart Attack
3. Dogs Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
5. Pets Can Help People with Serious Illness
6. Dogs Help with Weight Loss

At Princeton Properties, your furry friends are welcome! We proudly offer pet-friendly apartment homes. Check out our pet guidelines for more information!

Mount Everest

By Jayne Bassett | Corporate Office, Health, Travel, | (0) Comments

I don’t often admit this publicly, but I have a strange fascination…(okay…an obsession)…with Mt. Everest. I’ve read the book “Into Thin Air” by John Krakauer from cover to cover seven times. I know how it begins and how it ends…but it’s the elements of passion and fearlessness that compels me to want to relive the story over and over in my mind. Anytime there is an article, news story or movie about someone who has climbed Mt. Everest…you can’t tear me away. In the back of my mind, I’ve always thought I would climb it one day. It’s on my bucket list…but it’s one of those once-in- a-lifetime adventures that I may have to realize through others. Recently I read an article in one of my Human Resources trade magazines about a successful Wall Street executive, Alison Levine, who climbed Mt. Everest. She compares the lessoned learned in her climb to the highest peak in the world to the business world. Her comparisons resonate for me…in and outside of the office. Whether the task is raising my son, fitness goals, or life in general…here is how Alison used each journey – whether it ended in success or failure - to improve her next attempt at anything.

1. Going backwards is NOT the critical mistake; not moving is. Fear is okay as a normal human emotion; complacency is what will kill you. You can’t afford to stand still when the environment around you is shifting and changing.
2. No matter how prepared or skilled you are, things can go wrong. There are always risks in business and in life. Mitigate risks by studying the success stories and missteps of those who have preceded you.
3. Failure can be a valuable learning experience. Alison’s first attempt to climb Mt. Everest in 2002 failed. She claims that the only reason she made it to the peak in 2010 when others turned around was because she had failed in 2002. By giving yourself and others room to fail, you encourage people to take educated risks, which can lead to epic payoffs.
Alison summed up her feat by saying…”You need to be able to weather the storms if you are ever going to have the opportunity to enjoy this kind of view.”

I agree. I think I’m going to read “Into Thin Air” again this weekend!

Some tips for adopting a pet

By Lindsey Munoz | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Adopting a Shelter Animal
Back in August, I brought home a wonderful little cat who I named “Tali.” She is an orange and white long haired cat with some health issues, including tear ducts which are too small and cause her to sneeze on everything! (You know you love a cat when you don’t mind if they sneeze on you.)

When I was thinking about getting a cat, there was no doubt in my mind that I would adopt one from a shelter or a foster situation. I also decided almost immediately that I would adopt an older cat and not a kitten. There were several reasons for this decision and I hope that if you are considering welcoming a furry friend into your home that you will follow my logic and adopt a pet instead of buying one from a breeder.

Shelter animals often come from bad situations; situations where they are abused or perhaps neglected or even where they were simply let out on the street to fend for themselves. They need love perhaps more than any other creature on the planet.

Take care in selecting your pet. I suggest several visits to the shelter or foster home to make sure that the animal is a good fit for you. Also, most shelters or foster programs require that all members of the household be present when meeting the animal. I highly recommend this, including having each person spend time alone with the prospective new addition to your family, so that the animal can get comfortable with everyone.

Another factor, of course, is the cost. Breeder fees are usually much, much higher than adoption fees, so if you are looking to get a new furry friend, adoption will cut down on costs. Keep in mind, that the cost of getting a pet is usually higher than just the adoption or breeder fees simply because of things like food and toys (and litter and box for a cat, leash for a dog, etc) as well as spaying or neutering. In this respect, it might also be better to consider giving home to an older animal. Kitten and puppy adoption costs are often double the cost to adopt a cat or dog who is only a few years old. To keep in mind also, the older and longer a cat or dog stays in a shelter, the less likely it is they will be adopted, but they often have great personalities and require less work than puppies and kittens!

By adopting, instead of purchasing, a furry friend, you are helping to curb the overpopulation problem of cats and dogs, which is a problem in many areas. These stray animals often wreak havoc on the ecosystem around them, so adoption is good for the environment as well. Please also remember to get your new pet spayed or neutered, though yet another benefit of adoption is the fact that many shelter pets are already spayed and/or neutered.

I adopted Tali from the Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton, MA. They were absolutely wonderful people to work with and very friendly with a good facility. If you are in Massachusetts and considering adoption, please consider working with Baypath. Broken Tail Rescue is a good foster program, if that is more your preference.

Make sure to do your research and read reviews. Petfinder.com is a great resource. Baypath was up-front with me about Tali’s potential medical problems and would absolutely not let me take her home until they were sure she was healthy. They were honest about what kind of problems she might face, but I am lucky to see that she is a very healthy little ball of fluff!

Jingle All the Way

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Hard to believe the holidays are just about here, but they are. This joyous time of year is filled with family gatherings, office parties, cookie swaps...and stress. Lots of stress. And I'm not talking the agita you feel when your grandparents ask why you haven't given them great-grandchildren yet. I'm talking about the stress you feel when you think of all the money you have to spend on gifts, decorations, food, gifts, outfits, and more gifts. Oh, and all the bills you somehow have to continue making payments on during the season. It can be overwhelming. But we've got to take a step back here. We don't have to spend all that money and fall behind on our bills and throw ourselves into debt every year. The holidays have somehow morphed into a cruel, commercialized joke on us. What happened to just getting together and enjoying each other's company and being thankful for what/who we have and making memories that'll last way longer than the iPhone 5 or whatever outrageous gift someone spent a fortune on? Sure, if you can afford to shower everyone you know with a thoughtful and/or extravagant gift, have at it. But if you're strapped for cash and you're stressing about making ends meet, don't lose sight of what's important. Pay your rent so you can keep a roof over your head, your electric bill so you've got lights & heat, and your car loan so you're able to get to all those fabulous parties and have a little fun. This time of year should be cause for celebration, not collection calls.

This isn't an anti-gift post, though! As much as I believe gifts aren't necessarily a necessity, I do enjoy giving them. So here's a great post from last year that offers helpful tips for holiday budgeting and great ideas for gift-giving. Check it out and see if you can't put some of it to use... just don't forget what the holidays are really all about. Enjoy the aseason!

Vacation Time!

By Tracy Hilker | | (2) Comments

null Well it’s that time, I’m off for vacation next week. And for some reason, the week before it seems like everything goes nuts. The weather, work, me… you know, the usual. Here are my vacation tips that I always try to follow. Sometimes I may fail a little at one or the other, but at least I try!

1. Pack early and light. Most resorts have laundry facilities on site. They are normally located near the pools. It’s quick and easy to do, especially when spending time floating around the pool or lounging in the resort for some downtime. Also, if you don’t pack as much, that means you will have more room for goodies to take home! I have been known to throw away shoes and clothes before checking my luggage cause it was over the weight limit… I’ve also learned at many resorts, you can actually send items home to yourself or others instead of having to take home fragile or heavy items.
2. CHARGE! Ok, when I say that I mean make sure you have all the plugs for your electronics, and extra batteries. When we travel, we do not travel light in the electronics department. We normally both take our iPads, iPhones, laptop, camera, and two cpap machines. I like to put all our chargers into a plastic bag in one piece of luggage, so we have everything all together.
3. Split your clothes. When my husband and I travel, I pack half of his items in my bag with half of mine, and the other way around. If one of our luggage becomes lost, we will at least have some clothes. (Disclaimer: First time I tried this was on our honeymoon. Both pieces of luggage were lost. This did NOT work that time. We were out of luck)
4. For the ladies: did you know you can bring a carry on AND your purse? So… I am always sure to take my biggest purse that I can possibly bring. Even if its not full, I know it will be on the way home. If you don’t carry a purse, throw a tote in your luggage to use later.
5. Flip flops, Crocs, and sneakers. We all know how time consuming it can be going through airport security. My husband and I will always wear flip flops, slip ons, or Crocs to the airport, and pack a pair of socks and sneakers in our carry on. That way, we don’t have to worry about wasting time putting our shoes back on after we go through the check point.
6. Extras, Extras, read all about it! In your carry on, be sure to pack at least an extra pair of undergarments, a t-shirt, bathing suit (weather permitted), and socks. This way if you do have an unfortunate event such as late luggage or missing luggage, at least you have a few essentials.

Most important, try to relax and get some rest before you go. Ok, that last line made me laugh!

Ps... Guess where I am going??

It's almost time for Ice Fishing

By Nathan Strange | | (0) Comments

So, Halloween is over and things are slowing down. What’s next, Thanksgiving then snow? There are other things to look forward to! If you are looking for a fun alternative to the traditional New England winter sports, skiing/snowboarding, check out Ice Fishing!

It is around this time of year that I am actually excited to see the temp dip below the freezing mark. Once the lakes and ponds have had time to freeze, usually by New Years Day, many outdoor enthusiasts head out on these frozen playgrounds to ice fish.

Ice fishing is very basic in theory. With a machine powered auger you drill 8-10” holes in the ice and set up a fishing traps called tip ups. A tip up is a wooden structure that has a basic reel with line attached to a hook. The hook is used to hold the live bait which swims around at various depths below the ice trap. Once the bait is taken by a predator then it triggers the tip up trap, which releases a flag alerting you that something is on the line!

The rules and regulations vary depending on body of water. Most allow 2-5 traps for use with live and artificial bait. There are also rules about how many and which types of fish you can keep. There are many opinions on which type of trap, type of bait, location, and time of day are best, but if you are sitting on the couch you are not going to catch anything!

We are usually awake by 3:30 and on the ice drilling holes before sunrise. One of the best parts about ice fishing is setting up a shelter (permanent or temporary), keeping it warm with a wood stove or heater, and cooking a ton of great food. It is a great time to hang out with friends and family and reminisce about past years of fishing.

Ice fishing is a fairly cheap winter sport in comparison to skiing and snowboarding, it also gets you outside and active. Give it a try!

8 Tips to be your best at Work!

By Carla Jacobson | | (0) Comments

Let us all take time to reflect on our work ethic, habits, weaknesses, and strengths! Here are some do's and don't's that may be effecting your advancements in your work field!

1.Not Promoting Ones Work. Plain and simple, be proud of what you do, and showcase it! You know your fantastic, so why not let your management, co-worker's, and even yourself appreciate your creativity, dedication, and hard work you put in on your eight hour work day!

2.Getting Defensive: Someone who is defensive typically will be less likely to get any feedback at all from their co-worker's. If someone feels their interaction with you has no meaning, and you are "set in your ways", the likely will not share with you their input! Your relationships and progess at work may suffer from the lack of open communication. So take all that constructive critisism and use it as a tool! We can't be perfect always!

3. Make Rash Decisions: Think it all through! Jumping the gun on any decision making without really weighing all your options can prove to be risky business.

4. Not Being Assertive: Speak Up! When you find their should be a change, a raise, or you have discovered your boss has no idea what shes talking about, do not be too shy to make a comment. Be sure to watch your tone, you wouldn't want them to be cornered into the defensive catagory!

5. Being too Negative: No complaining! No one wants to hear whining and complaining, the day is hard enough at work! You likely will be creating an unpleasant enviornment for all of those around you!

6. Lying: -Enough said

7. Being Chronically Disorganized: People always pay attention to whether you do what you say your going to do, by when you say you're going to do it. If the do, the may feel they have more confidence in you and you are a reliable person.

8. Not learning Technology: (My personal Biggest Down Fall): Don't fight it, just go with it! Technology is ever changing, and we need to be sure to keep up to date with it so we may provide everyone with the appropriate information to the best of our ability! Don't resist it because it will always come back to haunt you!

Fall Photo Contest Winners Announced!

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, Sarah Greenough, | (1) Comments

Three winners of our Fall Photo Contest were announced this week. We're thrilled to congratulate the winners for their fantastic photo entries on our Facebook page.

1st Place: Corey M. with 528 votes
2nd Place: Mahi B. with 514 votes
3rd Place: Elyssa B. with 471 votes

It was a close competition, congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone for participating. Be on the look out for more fun Princeton Properties Facebook contests.

Adrenaline Seekers

By Jackie Tirado | | (0) Comments

null For the past 4 years, my fellow leasing agent Kristen and I go Zip lining. We go during the spring and summer months to a place in the white mountains called Alpine Adventures. We started this little tradition one summer for Kristen's birthday. After one trip, we were instantly hooked. The tour starts with an off roading ride to the top of the mountain. Once you get off, there are 4-5 tour guides that strap you up and secure all of your gear. The tour guides are always a great bunch of guys that not only ensure your safety but crack you up the entire tour with playful humor. It's a bit of a hike to the first ledge and not many volunteer to go first. Once someone brave enough volunteers, we all get to watch as they zip across through the trees. Depending on the tour you take you go through 6-8 zips that range through all different heights. I can't even describe the mixture of excitement and fear that comes over me every time I jump off a ledge. I am always one of the loudest screamers. Even though we go every year the, thrill doesn't fade. They book tours year round and the prices range from $90-120 depending on which tour you choose. If you're looking for a rush I recommend you give it a try.

Are You Ready For The Zombie Apocalypse?

By Jenilee Provencal | | (1) Comments

race This summer the Zombie 5K is coming to New England. This race is part obstacle course, part running from zombies, part muddy mess. The race starts with health flags attached to your belt. As you make your way to the finish line you have to climb over mountains of hay bales, crawl through a river of mud, all while trying to avoid the zombies who want to steal your health. If you make it to the finish line with at least one health flag you have survived the zombie run.

A friend of mine ran the race in LA about a month ago and said that almost 9000 people turned up to see if they could survive. At the end only 2500 made it to the end with any health flags. Visit their website for more details if you want to run. http://www.runforyourlives.com/

What a great excuse to get in shape for the summer!

Why do we celebrate Halloween?

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, Sarah Greenough, | (0) Comments

JoJo Zombie As we dawn our scariest costumes and unwrap our favorite Halloween candies does it ever cross your mind - why? Why do we celebrate Halloween? October 31st, straddling the line between fall and winter, Halloween appears at a time of transition from plenty and paucity, is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as "trick-or-treating". In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.

The American Halloween tradition of "trick-or-treating" probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives. The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, which was referred to as "going a-souling" was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money.

The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. Hundreds of years ago, winter was an uncertain and frightening time. Food supplies often ran low and, for the many people afraid of the dark, the short days of winter were full of constant worry. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. On Halloween, to keep ghosts away from their houses, people would place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter.

Happy Halloween everyone - note the "Princeton Zombie" pictured in this post! Have fun and be safe.

Life Changing Ways to Use Everyday Objects

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

A couple days ago I came across an article titled “35 Life Changing Ways To Use Everyday Objects” and was quickly intrigued. I wanted to share a few that made me stop and say “why didn’t I think of that?”

1. You know those pesky plastic packages that are hard to open and sometimes scissors won’t even do the trick? Use a can opener instead!

2. Use non-stick cooking spray to keep candle wax from ruining your votives!

3. Use mayonnaise to erase water stains from wooden furniture!

If you are intrigued by this as much as I was, you can read the full article here… 35 Life Changing Ways to use Everyday Objects

Healthy Pasta Bake

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

This was surprisingly good and my daughter had me make it twice in one week. I used Broccolli instead of Zucchini and I am sure other veggies would work well.

Prep Time:
15 Min
Cook Time:
25 Min
Ready In:
45 Min

Original Recipe Yield 6 servings
Ingredients
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chopped zucchini
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 pinch dried celery flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta, cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a blender or food processor, thoroughly mix the Parmesan cheese and crackers.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the onion in the skillet, and cook and stir until tender. Mix in the zucchini, tomato, and garlic, and season with oregano, basil, celery, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir until the zucchini is tender.
4. In the prepared casserole dish, mix the pasta with the vegetable mixture and mozzarella cheese. Top evenly with the Parmesan cheese mixture.
5. Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the topping is lightly browned. Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 271 | Total Fat: 7.9g | Cholesterol: 15mgPowered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Looking for something new to bake?

By Beth Devoe | | (0) Comments

If you are looking for a new cake recipe to try I recommend this Hawaiian Cake recipe that a family member shared with me. It was very good!

Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter (softened)
2 eggs well beaten
1 20oz can crushed pineapple

Cake Steps
1 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease & flour a 9x13 inch pan
2 - Combine flour, sugar, baking soda & salt
3 - Cut up butter into small pieces, add to mix with eggs & pineapple. Mix well with a mixer and pour into pan.
4 - Bake 35-45 minutes - check with a toothpick and if it's clean then the cake is done!
5 - Cool completely before frosting

Frosting Ingredients
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of lemon extract
2 cups of powdered sugar

Frosting Steps
1 - Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla & lemon extract until well mixed. Gradually add sugar, mixing in between.
2 - Frost & Enjoy!

You can also sprinkle toasted coconut on top. Make sure to refrigerate the left overs. It's not a diet-friendly cake, but it's something different to try for the holidays! Enjoy!!

Furry Friends

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Apartment hunting can be tough for pet owners; it's hard to find two communities that have the same policy when it comes to owning pets. Luckily, however, lots of places do allow cats. (If you're a "dog person" and you're reading this post, I'm sorry to exclude you!) Having a cat in an apartment may mean that you're forced to keep it indoors - which, to some people, may feel almost cruel. Do they have enough room to run around? Do they feel cooped up? Are they sad looking out the window and not being able to run free? These questions may sound crazy to some but, to cat owners, they're real concerns. With a little help from Google search, I was able to find a great source of tips for indoor-cat owners courtesy of - who else - mspca angell. Check out the link - and feel free to leave more tips as a comment on this post. Meow!

What in the World is that?

By Sonja Kreh | | (0) Comments

PALEO diet what in the world does that mean? Maybe you’ve heard of the caveman’s diet. Eating all natural, organic food, shopping from only the outside isle’s of the grocery store. Eating only food that comes from the earth. I used to think organic, “that is just a sticker they put on produce to make it more expensive.” Well I have been known to be wrong before and it seems like I was wrong again.
I started an all natural-organic, no sugar, no gluten diet about 6 weeks ago. The first thing I noticed was my stomach shrinking…in about 7 days I could feel the difference. I believe this was the effects of all the toxins and sugar leaving my body. I am not going to lie to you the first couple days were the most difficult. First you have to be organized, fridge and freezer stocked, you need to be prepared to EAT and cook a lot.
I changed from eating 3 meals a day to eating 6 smaller meals a day with ¾ of it being from organic-grass-fed meat, Omega-3 eggs with carbohydrates and fat to follow. Plus I try to drink a gallon of water a day! I can see and feel the pounds melting off. I have also been logging my food and exercise on www.myfitnesspal.com. There are a ton of other free sites you can use to log your food. It is amazing how logging your food affects what you put in your mouth. The other advice I have is weigh yourself once a week, this will keep you honest. I suggest weighing in on Monday’s so you are accountable for your food/drink intake on the weekends.
You can find all kinds of recipes online, you can also find suggestions for how much protein, carbohydrates and fat you should consume. The difference from this diet and others is that once you have get through the first 72 hours your hunger will diminish, you will have more energy, less headaches and overall feel great. Good Luck and Happy Health

What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

You've all heard that saying before...you all know what it means....but did you ever wonder where it originated from? We did too.

Yesterday, I was asking Andrea what she thought I should blog about this week and sarcastically she replied, "Why don't you blog about the price of tea in China!" We both laughed. Then we stopped and asked, where did that saying come from anyway? And what about a Catch-22? We know what it means, but what exactly does it mean? So I started to do a little research about these little phrases known as idioms. These are the little sayings you hear all the time - "I've got an axe to grind", "We're going to paint the town red", "Don't let the cat out of the bag".

The more I researched these, the more I am convinced that my mother speaks only in idiomatic phrases! There are so many of them! And she USES so many of them!

The funnest part about researching them was thinking that I could actually figure out the origin before finding it on the page. For example- "Mind your Ps and Qs" was something my fourth grade teacher, Sister Antonita, would always yell at us if she caught us looking at our classmate's paper. The origin is this: Comes from the early pub days when beer and ale was served in pint and quart containers. The tab was kept on a chalkboard used to count the pints and quarts consumed. To watch your Ps and Qs is to control your alcoholic intake and behavior. - Very interesting coming from a nun!!

But my favorite so far is "Saved by the bell"! You would think this was an easy one - saved by the school bell, perhaps? Or maybe it has to do with the ringing of the bell in a boxing match, possibly. But this is the origin I found and I was completely surprised:

There was a strange disease in the 1500's that would slow one's heartbeat and breathing enough that upon inspection, the afflicted person would indeed seem quite dead. When England began to run out of room to bury recently deceased people, they dug up the coffins of people who had long been deceased, removing their bones from the coffins and placing them in a bone house and re-using the gravesite. When opening the coffins of long ago buried bodies, they noticed that 1 out of every 25 coffins had scratch marks on the inside. The town folks had been burying people while they were still alive. To avoid anymore people being buried alive, a string would be tied to the wrist of each corpse, threaded through the coffin,up through the ground, and tied to a bell.
Someone would have to sit in the graveyard all night and listen for the bell to ring, just in case the corpse was not really a corpse. Hence the phrases: Saved by the bell, Dead ringer and Graveyard shift.

Anyway, I found this to not only be fun, but very informative and I can't wait to start throwing origins at my mother when she starts throwing the idioms my way! (which may be as early as this evening!)

Here are a couple of links to see some other fun idioms! Enjoy!

http://www.bachelorsdegree.org/2011/01/30/30-common-english-idioms-and-the-history-behind-them/

http://www.pride-unlimited.com/probono/idioms1.html#a

World famous maze in Worcesters backyard!

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Community, Dan Harvey, | (0) Comments

Fall in New England isn't complete without a visit to the Mega Maze at Davis Farmland. Davis Farmland is located in Sterling MA is only 20 minutes from Worcester. The Davis' Mega Maze was actually drafted in England by Adrian Fisher, the world's leading maze designer. Mr. Fisher has designed hundreds of mazes for castles, palaces, and visitor attractions around the globe and holds 7 Guinness World Records. Since designing the world's first cornfield maze, Adrian has created a number of "Signature Series" maize-mazes each year. These creations include the finest field maze in the United States at Davis' Mega Maze.

For more information visit https://www.davisfarmland.com

Re-Use Your Pumpkin!

By Caitlyn Irving | | (0) Comments

What do you do with your pumpkin after Halloween? The past few years I have tried not to just throw it away. I try to use the pumpkin in a new recipe that I want to try. I came across this recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Soup and I am going to try it out. It looks pretty easy and has gotten very good reviews!

INGREDIENTS
• 1 (4-pound) sugar baby pumpkin, cut in half and seeds removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup small-dice bacon (about 3 slices)
• 1/2 cup small-dice shallots (about 2 medium)
• 1/4 cup dry (fino) sherry
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Parsley Croutons, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Rub the cut halves of the pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of the oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, cut side up, and roast until fragrant, tender when pierced with a fork, and golden brown, about 70 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet until cool enough to handle, about 20 minutes.
2. Using a large spoon, scoop out the flesh, place it in a medium bowl (you should have about 3 cups), and set it aside.
3. Place the bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook until crispy and the fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a small paper-towel-lined plate; reserve for garnish.
4. Add shallots to the bacon fat, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add sherry and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, water, thyme, and reserved pumpkin and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until flavors have melded, about 10 minutes.
5. Using a blender, purée the soup in batches until smooth, removing the small cap from the blender lid (the pour lid) and covering the space with a kitchen towel (this allows steam from the hot soup to escape and prevents the blender lid from popping off). Place the blended soup in a clean saucepan. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with the reserved bacon and croutons, if using.
I don’t want to wish Hallowween away but I really want to try this recipe out! It is the perfect day today for some Roasted Pumpkin Soup!

Ten Foods That Can Make You Grumpy

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

null Came across a very interesting article the other day on-line posted by 7 News about the Top Ten Foods that can actually be affecting your mood! Items we eat almost daily and never even know about! I was shocked to see foods on this list that I eat that could be contributing to a low mood or a sugar rush crash!

According to the article number 1 is ham...I love ham and had no idea that this was a mood killer but apparently it is due to being packages with high amounts of preservatives that trigger low moods.

Number 2 is something most people use as a substitute for butter since what we know of butter is that it isn't the best for you but I guess now I know neither is margarine which holds high levels of omega 6 fatty acids which tend to tamper with our moods.

Number 3 is peanuts that include high salt levels and MSG .

Number 4 is pumpkin and I'm stunned by this and the amount of pumpkin I have been enjoying this fall season! Apparently pumpkin seeds are coated in preservatives which block iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid which is a big part in depression.

Number 5 is a big staple in holiday cooking...shortening! Used a lot in baking this item increases omega 6 fatty acids which we know is not good for us!

Number 6 is something most people drink on a daily basis...soda but as we know soda is pure sugar and turns to fat once inside the body sending moods plummeting after that initial sugar rush.

Number 7 is another holiday staple in most households..sweet potatoes which when packaged they tend to be packages with excess sugar that cause a crash and burn affect.

Number 8 is agave nectar which may seem healthy and in most grocery stores is sold in the organic food section but it is actually made with high fructose which is definitely not a healthy item.

Number 9 is another popular breakfast item...a bagel.. and yes, we all know they are high carbs so that in itself is a bad thing but they are made with refined cards that cause us to have a quick pick me up in the morning but by lunch time we tend to crash and send our mood with it.

And lastly number 10 is a huge american favorite especially during football season but potato chips are fried in oils laden with omega 6 fatty acids that block out mood enhancing. Some of these might be a shock to you but some of course may not but was still an interesting article to read about foods we might be ingesting on a daily basis and weren't aware they could be affecting our over all mood!

Let’s Celebrate Halloween!

By Debbie Melino | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Everyone is a kid on Halloween. You can play dress up, stage pranks, decorate, party, and eat all kinds of fun treats!
The Disney family website always has some great ideas. http://family.go.com/holidays

I’m going to make the Mickey mummy cupcakes and pumpkin whoopie pies for our neighborhood trick or treat night!

Wicked Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Recipe- http://www.squidoo.com/utility/print_module/162356029

Mickey Mummy Cupcakes- http://family.go.com/food/recipe-924031-mickey-mummy-cupcakes-t

Happy Halloween!

Connors Farm

By Jen D'Apice | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Travel, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Every September and October, Connors Farm in Danvers, has an amazing corn maze. This year’s theme is Old Salem’s Village. Admission is only $12.95 per person and this includes unlimited access to the maze, hayrides, cow train, grain train, jumping pillow, bouncy houses, pedal carts, duck races, pumpkin teatherball, cornball, mini hay bale maze, hay jump, barnyard animals, sand box, corn box, pig races, spider web. There is even special activities as well: corn cannon, pumpkin blaster, sling shots, pick your own apples, pumpkins raspberries.

For additional information, please check out their web page www.connorsfarm.com

Take Me Away

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

null It's hard to believe, but the holidays are approaching and life is about to get a little bit busier. Don't get me wrong - it's a fun time of year and it's nice to spend even more time with family & friends...but it also kind of makes me daydream about getting away. I've never been very interested in "typical" vacations (you know the ones: an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, a Caribbean cruise, and the like), but I've always loved the idea of going to historical sites or far-out places. When I saw the Yahoo! headline that read Ten Trips of a Lifetime, I had to check it out! From Bora Bora to Turkey and all the way to China, they've listed some trips that they claim could actually be life-changing. With rent and other bills dictating where my money's going, these places are all probably going to remain daydreams for me (for now, anyway) - but it's fun to imagine the day I book my flight. Check them out for yourself...and feel free to suggest other places I should add to my must-see list!

The Mayonnaise Jar Lesson

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Health, Lifestyle, Sarah Greenough, | (0) Comments

Mayonnaise Jar Lesson The Mayonnaise Jar.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favourite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you...” he told them.

“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

These Ideas are Spook-tacular!

By Kim Miller | | (0) Comments

1) Don't delay: Leaving costume selection until the last minute is never a great idea, especially if you have a specific costume in mind. Deciding on a costume now will give you enough to plan accordingly.

2) Get groupy: Coordinating costumes with a partner or group of people very popular. Some examples are the Flintstones, the Jetsons and Saturday Night Live's Spartan Cheerleaders.

3) Vintage is in: Costumes inspired by '80s-era and earlier shows are gaining popularity. Offerings include Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony and Smurf costumes, with many available in adult and child sizes.

4) Think big screen: Many of the newest costumes on the market are based on movies that were blockbuster hits this past summer For instance, there are costumes inspired by this summer's “The Dark Knight Rises", “Ted”, and for the kids “Brave”, and " The Avengers,"

5) Accessorize, accessorize: For maximum impact, don't stop with just a costume. Accessories like wigs and colored contact lenses can really take a costume to the next level, There are thousands of wigs available through Halloween costume retailers – Check out iparty.com and costumecraze.com for some great ideas.

Remember have fun and be safe!
Happy Halloween!!!

Winter Preparations

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

I’ve been working really hard over the past few weekends to get my house ready for winter. Bringing in fire wood, closing storm windows, raking leaves and things like that. I’ve also been cleaning the bedrooms (bags for trash, bags for Goodwill) dusting behind furniture, washing winter blankets & curtains and organizing. I wanted to have my house ready ahead of time this year for the onset of cold weather and for the holiday season.

The funny thing is while I have been doing all this, and going in and out of the house a lot, I have seen this little chipmunk almost every time. The chipmunk has been scurrying in and out of the wood pile in my garage when my garage door is open, running across my yard, peeking at me from under my car.

The chipmunk is doing the same thing I am! Preparing his home for the winter. I hope he’s got plenty of supplies stashed in his burrow for his winter hibernation. Otherwise I might see him and his brother trying to sneak in to my prepared house on a branch of my Christmas tree! And that would not be funny...

Curbside Pickup

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null One of the things I look forward to LEAST after a long day at work is grocery shopping. I hate the busy parking lot, the long lines at the deli counter and fumbling through my coupons once I reach the register. As I was complaining about this to my sister Brittney last month she asked “Why don’t you use Stop & Shop’s Curbside Pickup?” Brittney has an 18 month old son who refuses to sit still in a grocery cart so she’s been using this service for months – I had never heard of this before but was quickly intrigued!

Now some may call me crazy for using curbside pickup when I am fully capable of walking through the grocery store but curbside pickup has its benefits for me too! I am able to login to their website, see the specials, choose the items with the best prices this week and everything is bagged and waiting for me at my chosen “pick up time.” Also, shoppers aren’t allowed to tip when they pick up their groceries so there is no added cost! I simply pull up, pop my trunk, hand over my coupons and payment and the Stop & Shop team fills my car with groceries.

There's something to be said for choosing your own produce and meat at the store, but the next time you have had a long day and don’t feel like fighting the crowds at the grocery store, give Stop & Shop Curbside pickup a try!

It's that time of year again in Salem!

By Beth Devoe | | (0) Comments

Pumpkin Starting on October 4, 2012 at 6:30pm Salem will be kicking off Halloween with their Annual Haunted Happenings Grand Opening Parade! I grew up in Salem so I know what an exciting time October is for not only residents but for visitors from all over. The parade happens rain or shine so let's hope that tomorrow will be a sunny bright day!

To get a complete list of street blockings go to www.salem.com.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Apple Crisp

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

APPLE CRISP
Printed from COOKS.COM
________________________________________
4 cups apple slices, peeled
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oats, rolled (raw)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup butter
Put apples in shell baking dish and sprinkle with lemon juice. Combine dry ingredients, add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle crumb mixture over apples. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Makes six servings.

What's Cooking This Fall?

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

null Okay so I know in past posts I have mentioned many great things this time of year has to offer and right there at the top of my list is beef stew! There is no better comfort food on a cold night and yet, it can be something really simple to make! C'mon you 9 to 5 people, I know you know how tough it is to get home after a long day at the office and have to think about preparing dinner and be stuck eating at a late hour but with a crock pot its wake up, throw the ingredients in and you are good to head off to work and know that when you get home dinner is done and ready for you to eat! It's definitely a great lil time savor that cooks just about anything! Beef stew, soups, chili etc...i could go on and on and what better than a steaming bowl of chili while huddled around the tv this Sunday for a football game!? So many websites out there offer amazing easy recipes for crock pots so don't worry about that you are going to cook tonight after a long hard day when all you want to do is go home and put on sweats and sit on the couch in front of the tv and enjoy some home cooking that was cooking all day and ready for you as soon as you need it! Enjoy all the fall goodness with simple recipes and a crock pot! What a time savor!!

Fabulous Fall Fun!

By Debbie Melino | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Apartment Living, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

There’s simply so much to see and do in the fall! This is my favorite time of year to take a drive and enjoy living in New England. Don’t you just love the fall foliage? Well, as the Massachusetts slogan states… “It’s all here.” This site has some great fall foliage driving route suggestions, and places to visit, http://www.massvacation.com/blog/2012/09/create-your-own-fall-adventure .

I love the Berkshires, and I found this wonderful bed and breakfast, The Birchwood Inn, http://www.birchwood-inn.com . Their blog boasts of Governor Patrick’s favorite cider doughnuts and the “Top 10 Things to do in the Berkshires. “ One of the Birchwood Inn’s recipes is included in “Virtual Cities’ Internet Cookbook with more than 6,000 recipes” from Innkeepers, Chefs, Culinary Professionals and Gourmet Lovers. http://www.virtualcities.com/ons/recipe.htm What a great resource! Website combines great locations, activities, and recipes. Enjoy!

Technology Took Over...

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null I have an iPad, iPhone, computer, Google TV, Apple TV, Comcast, Netflix... I get stuck in a YouTube loop, you know the ones, you go on looking for ONE thing and end up spending an hour drifting off into the land of side videos and find out you just watched your 24th video about talking animals... Yeah, that YouTube loop. We exercise on our Wii Fit. I text my husband and family. I also text and email clients for job number two all the time! Facebook is where I keep in touch. I find interest in Pinterest. I even met my husband on line, no not a dating site! A Boston chat room through Yahoo, remember those? I made fun of his screen name.

Technology is an amazing thing, but I miss the little things. Here are some that I really miss, and I try to keep alive, and why they are so important.

1. The hand written letter or card. There is nothing better than checking your mail and finding a card or letter from a long lost friend. I am a membef of a couple of birthday card clubs, yeah dorky, but it's great. Around my birthday I recieved cards from all over the US and even places further. There is just something about someone taking time out of thier day to sit down and write to YOU. If you miss someone, instead of sending them an email, try a card or letter. It does the soul good.

2. Hanging out with someone while they are disconnected. How many times have you been out with a friend and it takes all you can to get them to look up from thier phone as they text or tweet or update thier status. I know that I have been guilty of this. It's hard to break away. Shut off your phone if you can, or keep it in your pocket.

3. A hug. Yes, that little thing! A virtual hug is one thing, but there is nothing like a big squeeze!!!

4. Photo Album. Like a real live one that you can hold onto. Or a picture in a picture frame. In our bedroom we have an electronic picture frame. It's nice, but nothing like a picture you can hold in your hands or put in your pocket.

5. A real conversation. I love messaging my friends around the world, but there is nothing like hearing a voice!

What do you miss?

Time for the Topfield Fair

By Cathy Vilardi | | (0) Comments

Time for the Topsfield Fair!
Summer has come and gone and autumn is officially here… That means football season is in full swing, the leaves have begun to change color and yes… the Topsfield Fair is just days away. America’s oldest agricultural fair opens on September 28th and run through October 8th and promises to provide enjoyment and entertainment to everyone regardless of age.
This year the Topsfield Fair will feature a brand new Ferris Wheel designed with spectacular LED lighting. In addition to the Ferris Wheel, the fair will also have 3 new rides including Wizards Wands, a fun 2 story maze, Toy Barn, an exciting new fun house and Swamp Gator a kiddie coaster that winds through the swamp. Other crowd favorites from last year are Vertigo...riders will ascend 90 feet into the air and twirl around until their head spins and the Big Splash water raft ride that gives riders the feeling like they are going over Niagara Falls!
In addition to the fun rides, the fair brings many agricultural exhibits, first class entertainment and exciting events. You must stop to see the famous Robinson’s Racing Pigs. The Marine Corp Band will be performing week 1 at the fair and Disney Channel star and Hollywood Records recording artist Bridgit Mendler and pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae will be performing on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Go hungry because the food is great…From burgers to corn dogs, to sausage & peppers to Gobbler sandwiches, there is quite a selection to choose from. My personal favorites are German fries and funnel cake!
Topsfield Fairgrounds is located at 207 Boston St., Route 1, Topsfield MA. Admission tickets on the weekends, holidays and Oct. 5th are $15 per person. Weekday tickets, Sept. 28th and Oct. 1st to 4th are $11 and children under 8 accompanied by an adult are free at all times. Parking is $10.

The Big E

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Nothing says Fall in New England quite like The Big E in West Springfield! Begun more than 90 years ago, the Eastern States Exposition was intended to provide a way to develop and showcase the declining farming culture of the region; today, it does that and more. Over the course of 17 days each September, "more than one million people attend the ... autumn extravaganza of entertainment, exhibits, and agriculture" (see their website for the full history). Some have been going for generations and some are inevitably first-timers but, somehow, everyone in attendance is having the best day ever - probably because there really is something for everyone! There's a huge carnival set up on the grounds with lots of rides and games for kids and adults - but, to get to it, you have to make your way through all the concessions. You want fried food? You can get just about anything you want in fried form at the Big E: dough, pickles, butter and Kool-Aid (yes, you read that right). There's a lot more than just food & rides, though. The New England states are all represented, too, with the best they have to offer (from Vermont maple syrup to the Maine baked potato). On the agricultural side of it, you can see cows, llamas, sheep, goats, piglets, chicks, alpacas, horses, and - if you can believe it - more. There are giant pumpkins, pepper flowers (what?!), mums...the list goes on and on. Needless to say, it's easy to lose track of time and literally spend an entire day roaming around! The fair is running through September 30th, so you still have time to make it out there. Check out TheBigE.com for all the info you need... and just GO!

www.warbyparker.com

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (0) Comments

Everyday eyeglass wearers understand how important choosing the right frame and style is. Glasses have a huge impact on your appearance, state of mind and how others perceive you. A study by the UK’s College of Optometrists finds that people who wear glasses even do better in job interviews. Traditionally my experience buying glasses is that they are expensive, on average $300 per pair making owning multiple pairs/styles cost prohibitive. The worst part is selecting the frames, trying on pair after pair while huddled in front of a tiny mirror at the eye doctors. I always feel rushed and make this important decision in just a few minutes when you really should get to test drive them for a little bit. That was the old way to buy eyeglasses thanks to www.warbyparker.com , which has made the process of glasses shopping so unbelievably easy.

Here’s how Warby Parker does it:

First visit www.warbyparker.com. Then select 5 frames to try on at home for FREE. That’s right totally free. My trial frames arrived 3 days after ordering them. Once the 5 day trial is up simply use the enclosed UPS shipping slip and send them back.

Now it’s time to buy some glasses; simply log in to warbyparker.com select your frames and upload or email your prescription. I was able to take a pic of my script via iPhone and emailed it to them. Super easy!

My new glasses arrived 5 days later, they are perfect - I love them. All Warby Parker frames are just $95, so having multiple styles is totally doable.

There’s more to love about Warby Parker; they donate a free pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair of glasses that they sell.

Great people, awesome company – check them out.

Fall Fashion

By Jenilee Provencal | | (0) Comments

As the summer shifts into fall the weather can be very unpredictable especially here in New England. This can make dressing appropriately a little tricky. The mornings still have the cold snap in the air but by afternoon the temps can reach into the high 70’s.

The key to dressing for this time of year is layers! It is very easy to transition your summer pieces into the fall by adding a cardigan, or blazer over your summer maxi dresses. Or a mid-weight scarf over your favorite summer tees.

These top five pieces will help transition your wardrobe into the fall and keep you within budget.

A mid-weight cardigan in a neutral color such as camel. This will pair well over your summer dresses and as the weather gets colder will look great with skinny jeans and riding boots. Remember if you choose a less form fitting sweater a skinny belt over it will help define your shape. I have found that Old Navy and Kohls have a good selection and price point.
Colored tights are a great way to keep your legs warm and because they are so budget friendly you can have a few colors. Think about wearing them under your summer dresses for the unexpected pop of color .

The classic black blazer is a wardrobe staple. To make it work for fall layer it over a dressy summer tank and pair it with skinny jeans. When choosing a blazer make sure that it does not extend past your hips, and it should be only two buttons. Also look for one that has darts sewn in so it doesn’t look so boxy. H & M has the best selection and fit, plus they are usually under 40.00. If you already own a black blazer try spicing things up with a brown tweed or a charcoal gray.
A good selection of lightweight scarves will last right through the winter too. They add the perfect amount of color while adding some warmth. Target has a great selection, and they are all around 12.00.

Lastly a good pair of riding boots in either black or brown. These are something that you should spend a little more on and they will last you a few years. Riding boots go perfectly over skinny jeans, leggings, and pair well with a skirt or dress.

Hopefully these tips will keep you looking stylish and within budget.

Fall Favorites

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

They are back! With the crisp cooler weather comes the release of many great things example...football is back which I'm sure most of you are excited about, fall tv shows return finally letting us catch up where we left off all summer! Halloween candy is released, horror movies are all over tv for those scary movie nights Fall fashion is in full swing which is of course my favorite part of the season...yes fall fashion week is a major highlight but with that and all the fall scented candles and the smell of wood-burning stoves, the beautiful colors of the leaves comes something else I could not be happier about...yes, Starbucks Pumpkin Latte has returned with all its delicious goodness bringing smiles to many faces as they sip this fall flavored drink! Released on September 4th this year I was there bright and early before work to swing by and pick up my hot cup of happiness! If you are a pumpkin lover like me and try anything pumpkin and haven't already fallen in love with this drink you need to stop over and try one! And yes, I know the price is a bit more than Dunkins but the taste is bolder and better! My wallet has taken a small hit from this seasonal drink but hey, its only here for a limited time so relax...and enjoy a delicious pumpkin latte...you will be happy you did!

A Fall Inspired Breakfast

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Food, | (0) Comments

null In the spirit of the season I thought I’d share a recipe that will add a little “fall” to breakfast in your house. I love anything pumpkin flavored and so does my husband. This breakfast is both easy and inexpensive to make!

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Ingredients
• 14 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp homemade pumpkin pie spice
• Butter and syrup for serving

Directions
• Set out the bread for dipping.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin and pie spice until smooth.
• Dip each side of the bread and cook on a hot, greased griddle or skillet. Flip after 1 – 2 minutes.
• Once all are cooked, serve with butter and maple syrup.

What's for Supper?

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null When I was little, the last thing I'd ask my mother before I left for school was always "What's for supper?" My mum's an awesome cook and I always wanted to know what dish I could look forward to at the end of a long & grueling day of 3rd grade. As I got older, I tried to get her to teach me her tricks in the kitchen; sadly, however, I could never really catch on (her lack of patience with my learning curve didn't help too much, either - but that's another post on a completely different blog). Fast-forward to today and I'm useless in the kitchen - unless you count clean-up, which most hungry people don't. I keep wanting to take a stab at making something but the recipes always feel like a science project to me. I need something easy! I need encouragement! I... may have found what I'm looking for.

Shine from Yahoo! is quickly becoming one of my go-to sites (you may recall this post). I've just discovered they have a Supper Club, which is a little forum where they give you food themes & challenges; once you've attempted their challenge, you go back to the forum and discuss your experiences with everyone else who tried it. It's sort of like a support group for people who fear the kitchen - whether it's because they don't know how to throw a dish together or because they're bored with the ones they've been making. It's a really great feature on the site and I think it'll really help people like feel a little more at home in their own kitchen. Whether you're a beginner like me or you're some sort of master chef, if you're up for a challenge - give it a try!

Apple Stuffed Chicken

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup chopped apple
2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions
1. Combine apple, cheese, and bread crumbs. Set aside.
2. Flatten chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper to 1/4 inch thickness. Divide apple mixture between chicken breasts, and roll up each breast. Secure with toothpicks.
3. Melt butter or margarine in a 7 inch skillet over medium heat. Brown stuffed chicken breasts. Add wine and 1/4 cup water. Cover. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
4. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Combine 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch; stir into juices in pan. Cook and stir until thickened. Pour gravy over chicken, and garnish with parsley. Serve.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 139 | Total Fat: 5.1g | Cholesterol: 46mg

TRICK OR TREAT!!!!

By Caitlyn Irving | Maine, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

My favorite holiday is just around the corner. Halloween is the best, what more can you ask for; awesome decorations for outside and inside your home, ridiculous costumes, and an excuse to eat your favorite candy. I love driving home this time of year and seeing the houses in the Halloween Spirit. Front doors decorated and Jack-O-Lanterns out on the steps, the spookier the better!

I have been seriously slacking in the scary decoration department the last couple years. I feel like Halloween is not done up the way I remember it being as a kid. I remember my very first Halloween trick or treating with my family, I was a Ballerina. The first house that we went to was a monstrous Victorian house. It was all dark and there were candles in the windows. My sisters and I held onto each other as we tiptoed up to the door, looking all around in case something were to jump out at us, and the only noises you could hear was howling sounds and the scary music playing in the background. It was always an issue of which one of us going to ring the doorbell, and of course I was always chosen because I am the youngest. We could hear each others chests pounding as we waited for that door to open and have no idea what to expect or what was going to answer it. And when it did Trick or Treat!!! We were going to get candy! And as we walked across the lawn on to the next house we weren’t as scared as we were before. I miss those days and being able to trick or treat, why did I ever stop?

Lets all get into the Halloween Spirit this year and make this one better than the last. Whether you dress up and go to a Halloween Party, or hand out candy or even stay in and watch a scary movie, have a fun with it. That is what this holiday is all about!!!

Outdoor Movie Night Event

By Tammy Jackson | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, Community, | (0) Comments

null Outdoor Movie Night Event

Do you miss the experience of the drive-in movie? Some of you can remember the days of the outdoor movie experience; others may have no idea what they have missed. It is unfortunate that drive-in movies are few and far between; however with today’s technology, you can create your own similar experience.

Princeton Place Apartments recently hosted an Outdoor Movie Night for the residents. You didn’t have to pack as many people as you could into one car for $8, you could just walk out your apartment door. No speaker attached to the side of the car, or tuning into a select radio station, this was surround sound. It was the modern day version of the outdoor movie. Blankets and lawn chairs covered the parking spaces, popcorn, cotton candy, burgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks were available for all residents to enjoy.

The average outdoor movie night would cost about $1200 to host with the food and snacks included, however we were able to do it for a fraction of the cost.

Here are some tips so you can plan your budget friendly event for your residents, as well!

*Find Sponsors – We had two sponsors for the event. Charter Communications was the large sponsor, covering the expense of FunFlicks Outdoor Movies. Central Mass Party Rentals donated the use of the grill, popcorn and cotton candy machines, we just paid for the supplies used.

*Get a licensed copy of the movie you are viewing – Even though you may not be advertising to the outside public or charging money for the event, you are required to pay licensing fees for viewing of movies by large groups. We used Swank, but Criterion is another source.

*Make movie passes that can be sent to each apartment as their invitation. There are templates available online.

*May, June, and September are considered the better months, because the sun sets earlier.

*Select a movie that is fun for kids of all ages and that your adult residents will enjoy as well. We showed “The Goonies”.

*Have plenty of bug spray on hand!!

Enjoy your show!

Outdoor Movie Night Event

By Tammy Jackson | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, Community, | (0) Comments

Another DIY Tip

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

Okay so last week a posted a creative way to store excess jewelry and today I'm going to share another way to store excess ties, belts or scarves. So yesterday I decided to pull out all my scarves since its about that time to start wearing them again, and yes, I am pretty excited about that cause I absolutely love scarves! If you don't already know I tend to shop ALOT and scarves happens to be one of those items i tend to purchase in excess and I snatch up anytime I see one I like so as you can probably guess when I pulled out my collection I was shocked by its size and tried to downsize but I loved each one too much so i got to thinking of what to do to display yet conserve space in my closet and thats when this idea came up and yes, its a very simple DIY task. All you need to complete this is a durable hanger of some sort ( don't recommend the plastic ones cause they bend with the weight) I like the idea of the wood ones or the felt ones in different colors. I personally decided on the colored ones available at Home Goods at a great price and then all you need after the hanger is some simple plastic shower rings and yes, you can grab those in different colors if you like too After those two items are selected you are ready to hook the shower rings onto the bottom part of the hanger, then drape your scarves in the rings and taadahh! Complete! Simple enough right? Then hang where desired and now you have them neat and organized and easy to get to while conserving space in your closet. Just another simple idea I thought I'd share for any of those excess item people who are always looking to save space

Surviving the Engagement

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Travel, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

engagement
As many of you know, I just recently got engaged this week! We are so excited but overwhelmed at the same time. There is so much that goes into planning a wedding and trying to keep the stress levels down. Here are some great pointers that I’ve already put to great use.

-Budget for everything! Sticking to a budget might be the hardest thing to do when you want a lavish wedding. But once everything is said and done, you won’t be stressing over wedding debt.
-Plan a longer engagement. We are planning for a 2014 wedding which gives us plenty of time to explore our options and do a lot of DIY to cut costs.
-It’s all about who you know. If you want to cut costs, hire a friend or family member that specializes in photography or a DJ.

Remember that in the end you love each other and this day is about love not stress!

Salem has a lot to offer!

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Community, Sarah Greenough, | (0) Comments

Salem MA The Boston Globe recently published an article about Salem, MA. It was titled "Salem without its masks, Night and day, city offers sights, scenes, arts, history, and food." We often think of visiting Salem in October given the amount of Autumn festivities and Halloween events offered in the "Witch City". But the Globe correspondent, Steve Holt points out the many attractions offered in Salem year round! There are even a number of self guided walking tours throughout the city, available for download here: Salem Walking Tours

Top 10 Highlights from the Boston Globe article:

1. Strolling For Snacks - check out Mike and Honey Green Grocer at 32 Church Street, a local favorite!
2. Secondhand Salem - stop into Witch City Consignment and Thrift at 301 Essex Street, known to many locals as "Jerry's Army-Navy Store".
3. Kids' Corner - Enjoy toys and games at Mud Puddle Toys at 221 Essex Street for kids of all ages.
4. Treat Yourself - Beverage break! Enjoy coffee or a pint of craft beer at The Gulu Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex Street.
5. Dinner time - In the mood for dark wood and plush chairs? Check out the warm and cozy Tavern on the Green at 18 Washington Square for a historic and tasty meal.
6. Stay the Night - Sleep over at the family-owned Salem Inn, 7 Summer Street originally built in 1834.
7. Revolutionary Brunch - On the outside, it's a late-18th century coffeehouse, on the inside it's Red's Sandwich Shop, 15 Central Street.
8. Cultural Shop - Salem's cultural and artistic jewel, the Peabody Essex Museum is a must see located at East India Square.
9. Still Hungry? - Enjoy your second brunch at the Scratch Kitchen, 245 Derby Street for a casual and fun atmosphere, frisbee-sized pancakes or a North Shore beer.
10. Historic Endings - Before you head home, take the time to walk down Derby Street which showcases the Custom House, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, House of Seven Gables and many more of the city's first homes.

Enjoy your visit to fun and historic Salem, MA!!

Old friend, How I've missed you...

By Virginia Partridge | Massachusetts, Food, | (0) Comments

Although it's not officially fall, it is September, so I've already started celebrating! Other than countless fall activities (like apple picking, pumpkin picking, the Topsfield Fair, hay mazes etc.), my favorite fall things are actually food - SURPRISE SURPRISE

As for a beverage, it's a toss up between DD's pumpkin spice coffee and Shipyard's Pumpkin Ale. The Shipyard Pumpkin Ale tastes amazing on its own, but lends itself to countless possibilities. You could add vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, spiced rum, or even Southern Comfort. The Shipyard website actually posts all of these recipes!

For food, I LOVE fall comfort dishes - baked mac n' cheese, butternut squash soup, apple cider doughnuts....
My next recipe to try, a Fall Salad seen below, comes from pintrest (of course!)

Ingredients
Candied pecans:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raw pecans

Maple-balsamic dressing:
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 head endive, separated leaves
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 tbsp crasins
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan

Directions
To make the candied pecans, set a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the butter and sugar and once it has melted toss in the pecans and continue to toss to coat and cook evenly, about 1 minute. Transfer to a sheet tray lined with waxed paper (use 2 forks to separate pecans) while you prepare the salad.

Make the dressing by combining the diced onion, Dijon and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while you whisk to emulsify. Add the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Assemble salad by tossing greens, crasins and apple slices in a large mixing bowl with maple-balsamic dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan and candied pecans.

The Wayside Country Store

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Marketing, Health, Travel, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null We're pretty fortunate to live in an area like New England; it seems like every corner you turn will put you in a place that's rich in history. Princeton Green Apartments is located in Marlborough, MA, and is no exception to that unwritten rule. Just a 5-minute drive on Route 20 East (also known as Boston Post Road) is the Wayside Country Store. The store opened in Sudbury center in 1790 and was moved to Marlborough in 1929 when Henry Ford (yes, that Henry Ford) purchased it and moved it to its current location. Entering the store makes you instantly feel like you're time-travelling! Once inside, though, you're jolted back to the present with an impressive selection of unique gifts to choose from. Whether you're looking for a historical map of the town you grew up in or a beautifully hand-carved walking stick, they've got something for everyone and it's easy to get lost in the merchandise. Once you've made your selections in the Country Store, you can head over to the Olde Tyme Candy Store - and I challenge you to leave this store without making a purchase! Any kind of candy you can think of, they've got fully stocked and deliciously displayed - and there's always someone to personally assist you with your selections. You just don't find service like that anymore, I tell you.

Whether it's a planned outing or you just happen to be driving by, it's absolutely worth it to stop into the Wayside Country Store complex. From the history to the candy, the gifts, the baked goods, and beyond, there really is something for everyone. Check them out!

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

Ingredients
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
• 6 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) jar pesto sauce
• 1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened; set aside.
2.Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
3.Meanwhile, combine the chicken in a bowl with the Italian cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and milk. Stir in the pasta once done, and scoop into the prepared baking dish. Top with the bread crumb mixture.
4.Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, 40 to 45 minutes.

Falling For It

By shotgunflat | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

pumpkins and apples Today is August 31, 2012....really?

Are we really on the cusp of another fall season?

I absolutely LOVE the fall, it is my favorite time of year. The mornings are crisp, the night air is perfect for sleeping, schools are back in session, the fall colors start to emerge, Football Season begins, there's apple picking and haunted hayrides, Hockey Season begins, Halloween happens, we survive all of that eating on Thanksgiving and then, in my family, we work it all off with standing in lines at 10pm that night for Black Friday doorbusters! (AND my birthday falls between Halloween and Thanksgiving! :-p) What is not to love?

Fall to me has always represented new beginnings, even though it is really the end of a cycle. I feel like the fall has so much more to offer than all of the other seasons. There is color and life even as the leaves are technically dying. Pumpkins, scarecrows, harvest. The smells of fall. Oh, man, if you close your eyes and think of a cool Sunday afternoon with an apple pie or apple crisp baking in the oven. Or something slow-cooking all day in the crockpot. The aromas touch our senses and remind us of the comforts of home. Warm baked bread to go with mom's slow-cooked beef stew. And while it's sad that now we have to go back to the supermarket for our "fresh" vegetables, our tastes turn to things with a little more substance, like mashed potatoes and gravy, pot roast, meatloaf and turkey dinners with all of the fixings! Mmmmmm.

I love to curl up when it is just cool enough to need a blanket and grab a hot cup of tea and maybe a freshly baked muffin or coffee cake made with the apples we picked from the orchard (I'm starting to notice a pattern here about food! haha). The bottom line is that the fall holds so many special memories for me that I can't help but just submerge myself in it! Seriously, if there was a giant pile of leaves in front of me right now, I would run and jump in it!

There aren't many times of the year that I get this excited for. What can I say? I'm a sucker for fall. I just fall for it every time....

Picture Perfect Organization

By Audra Kelloway | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, | (0) Comments

Okay so cold weather will be approaching soon and on those long dark days you need creative things to do and what better than to get creative with projects around the house! I know, you are probaly thinking I'm crazy but I personally get motivated to clean and get organized when fun projects are involved! Was trying to organize the clutter in my house the other day and was wondering what would be a creative way to store jewlery other than piled in a box or getting tangled hanging from a hanger in the closet and I happened to run across a really creative idea on Pinterest that I couldn't wait to try! The project seemed perfect! it was neat and organized and would add to the room and could be designed to match the color theme you needed not to mention it was simple looking to design and build and overall the materials needed didn't seem that expensive. So the next day I was out the door with my supplies list ready to go! I bought a few picture frames at Homegoods, a few yards of material at JOANNs Fabric ( you can choose any pattern or color of your choice) Then headed to Home Depot where I got cork board for backing and pretty cystal knobs to hang the jewlery from and it didn't hurt my wallet.

After the shopping was done I was home to spray paint the frames the color of my choice and of course I chose classic white but you can do any color your heart desires! I saw a few pictures online of green ones, pink ones, etc but I decided to stick with simple white. Stapled the material around the cork and stuck in the frame, then added knobs and hooks and done! Hung on the wall and organized my jewlery and was relieved to have the clutter gone, my room look pretty and actually be able to find what I was looking for a whole lot easier! This was just one project I resently did but I have built other ideas to organize and store many things in my house and you too can get creative and enjoy doing a project to help elimanate any excess clutter and give you a simple project to do on a dreary weekend. Hope my idea gets you thinking of ways to store anything you need to and definatly check out online for other great storage ideas!

It's almost September!

By Debbie Melino | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Wow, this summer has gone by fast. I looked at my calendar and realized, yikes, I have not been to Gloucester this summer! I still have a chance to enjoy ‘The Gloucester Schooner Festival.’ It’s this weekend, August 31- September 2, 2012. http://www.capeannvacations.com/schooner

Don’t you just love Cape Ann? Do you have any favorite places to go? I do! Here are a few of my favorites!

-Halibut Point State Park http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/halb.htm

- Latitude 43 http://latfortythree.com

-Sugar Magnolia’s http://www.northshoredish.com/category/restaurant/sugar-magnolias

-Rockport music anyone? Shalin Liu Performance Center http://www.rcmf.org/newperformance.html

Enjoy!!!

Lots of Logos

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Marketing, Development, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Like so many others before me, I finally gave in and got an iPhone this year - and it's been just as lifechanging as everyone told me it would be. I'm obsessed. One of the first things I did was download all the popular apps my friends were always talking about so I could get in on the fun; one of those apps was the Logos Quiz. This addicting little game is quite simple: it shows you a series of logos and you have to identify the company to which it belongs. Think you know 'em all? Think again. They're pulling some of these out of what seems like nowhere. But fear not! It's pretty much understood that everyone who plays this game uses a cheat-sheet to advance (be careful, though; Lance Armstrong was, apparently, a cheater - and look how well that worked out). I bring all this up because I stumbled upon an interesting link thanks to Yahoo! They showed the first and latest logos of 20 of the top companies...and it was pretty fascinating to see how much some of them have changed. Check them out for yourself by clicking here. You never know - one of them could be the one you need to get ahead in your Logos Quiz game.

A little bit of heaven!

By Tim Richard | | (0) Comments

Fresh doughnuts at The Holy Donut When people think of Maine food, what comes to mind first? Lobster? Blueberries? Whoopie pies? How about the Maine Potato Donut? No? I hadn’t heard of it either, until Leigh Kellis opened her shop The Holy Donut on Park Avenue earlier this year and opened my eyes to whole new realms of what the traditional fried ring can be.

The Holy Donut exemplifies current trend of taking something that has been considered mundane and elevating it to brilliant new heights by using fresh, locally sourced, seasonal and unique ingredients. These delicious little circles are made with fresh potato from a farm in Freyburg, local eggs, local dairy, all natural fruits and sweeteners which Kellis combines into a secret yeast donut recipe. Once fried in 100% canola oil the crispy fluffy treats are ready for a coating of flavorful glazes or just to be eaten plain. These bad boys have a crunchy, yet yielding exterior that lacks the overly oily taste that many doughnuts have and a soft, tender interior that really satisfies. If you didn’t know that they contained potato, you wouldn’t suspect it. While these donuts are priced a little higher than you average doughnut shop, they are fully worth the extra cost.

Kellis has put together a wide ranging line up of flavors that is ever evolving, with a stable of standards that are always on and specials that you might have to get there early for or you might miss out. Some of the stand outs, for me at least, are the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt, the Fresh Lemon Glazed, the Allen’s Coffee Brandy Glazed, the Mojito Glazed (this one’s a special) and the Bacon and Cheddar Filled (!) Donut. All are amazing, but the Bacon and Cheddar is insane and totally addictive.

When you are looking for that sweet treat to go with you morning coffee, get to The Holy Donut for a little ring of heaven!

Easy Cocktail Meatballs

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

Ingredients
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons minced onion
•
• 1 (8 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
• 3/4 cup chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, water, bread crumbs, and minced onion. Roll into small meatballs.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.
4. In a slow cooker or large saucepan over low heat, blend the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Add meatballs, and simmer for 1 hour before serving.

Farm Fresh Fun!!

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

As the mornings get a little bit colder and stores start releasing Halloween candy and autumn scented candles it gets me excited about fall which is near approaching and all the great things the crisp season has to offer. I know alot of you are sad to see the close to another gorgeous summer but every year at this time I try to think of all the good things this season has to offer that summer just can't like the smell of wood burning stoves, candles, Halloween candy, fall fashion, cool autumn breezes and I could go on and on! Of course tho, my favorite thing to do as the cooler weather approaches is visit Brookdales Farm in Hollis NH. Growing up it was a yearly thing and as soon as they opened for the short season I was there anxious to pick my own fruit, grab icecream, feed the barn animals and go apple picking! Those are just a few great fall activities that summer weather just can't offer! Not sure how many people have ever been there, have heard of it or even live in new hampshire to check it out but it is well worth the trip! So one weekend this fall head over to brookdales farm and enjoy fresh apple cider, a candy apple and pick up a pumpkin for your porch!

http://www.brookdalefarms.com/

My Bucket List

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null I was thinking today about things that I would like to do in my life that I have not done as of yet, you know, the good ol' Bucket List. I said, great blog material, let's do it! As I was searching for a Bucket List picture to add, I came across a few interesting lists that others have started.

Some had seperated thier lists in catagories such as personal, professional, creative, fashion, even strange foods. I found such items as: say hello in 10 languages, eat lambs tongue, leave 100% tip for a server, ride a bike across Canada, hand out 250 pairs of socks to the homeless, marry someone swell (yes those are the words they used!), and convert my entire apartment into a blanket fort.

Now here goes the big question, what is on your bucket list? I haven't started one of my own, but I know some things that I would add onto mine, in no particular order. And no judging!

1. Start a bucket list
2. Own two basset hounds, Toby and Sebastian
3. Visit every Disney Park around the world
4. Get my driver's license
5. Visit a nudist colony
6. Eat a beef Wellington, preferably made by Chef Gordon Ramsey
7. Visit Anne Frank's house
8. Be in a play on Broadway (yeah, I'm not kidding!)
9. Write a letter to the president and get a personal response
10. Own a home of my own
11. Learn the Tango
12. Go on a whale watch
13. Sleep in Cinderella's Castle (it could happen... I said no judging!)
14. Go see the hanging coffins in Echo Valley
15. Have a baby
16. Swim with a dolphin, again... Preferably Jaques who I met on my honeymoon, he was handsome!
17. Help someone anonymously, by giving money, items, or something.
18. Go see the stone heads of Easter Island
19. Talk with someone over 100 years old
20. Learn ten new things about each person in my immediate family

Ok... so there we go.. now... your turn... and go!!!

A Local & Tasty Treat

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null A hot & humid summer can only be tolerable with at least one of a few crucial things: a refreshing swimming pool, a frosty air conditioner, little to no exertion, and - last but in no way least - a delicious ice cream cone. Here at Princeton Green Apartments in Marlborough, we're extremely lucky to have a wonderful little place down the road called Trombetta's Farm. They've got a gorgeous garden center, a fun mini golf facility, and some of the most incredible homemade ice cream I've had in a long time. You'll find all the usual favorites (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, & more), plus great seasonal selections (peach in the summer, pumpkin in the fall) that will keep you coming back for more. If you're in the Marlborough area, be sure to check them out! You can grab a seat at one of their bistro tables next to the ice cream window or wander across the parking lot to the wooden bench swings under the trees. No matter where you end up after you order, you'll definitely be happy you stopped by!

Clean your home the ECOFRIENDLY way

By Christiana Pulice | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, | (0) Comments

enviro Harsh chemicals are in everything these days, and using products daily made with these chemicals is harmful to our bodies and home. The products we use to clean our homes are a perfect example of this. But there is a solution, called Norwex EnviroProducts, that vows to "Clean without chemicals." Using just water and their special microfiber cloths you can get your apartment spotless and sparkling.

Here are a few quick facts about Norwex.
1. The benefits? Improve your health, Save time and money & Preserve the environment
2. Is it expensive? A starter pack of cloths costs $53.00. They last at least 2 years each AND you'll never have to buy cleaning products for your countertops, tables, windows, etc again!
3. What exactly do they offer? Microfiber cloths, Microfiber mops, kitchen cleaning, bath & body, and many more!

If you're interested in learning more about Norwex, friend Carin CleanGreen on Facebook! And view the entire Norwex Catalog here!

On the Road to Fall

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Autumn Road I was at the grocery store over the weekend and surprisingly enough, what was out in the aisles but Halloween candy?! It was August 11th and the orange and black bags of treats were lining the shelves. The stock person was opening up more boxes as I walked by. Wow. Summer isn’t even close to being over and we’re selling October 31st merchandise now. I can’t imagine asking my son today, “So what do you think you want to be for Halloween?” But I suppose some people are planning their costumes already and maybe even have been since November 1st of last year. But would you really buy the candy now? You know as well as I do that candy will not stay packaged up and un-eaten until Halloween!

But I will say the thought of cooler temperatures, less humidity (better for my hair!), apple picking and maybe a fire in the fire place on a cold evening as it gets darker earlier was not a bad thought. Break out the sweaters, fall colors, and boots. Pull out the scarves, heavier jackets, and gloves. It is football season after all…my son has been practicing with his team for two weeks now.

So, who’s with me? Let’s make some apple crisp, light a fire in the fire place, curl up with a book, and watch some pre-season football!

Wait…it’s 95 degrees and 95 percent humidity outside. The beach calls my name! Oh well, the pleasures of fall will have to wait, as they will be here soon enough and we will have plenty of cool evenings, foliage, leaf raking and Halloween candy to go around!

Unique Towel Storage For your Bathroom!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

null Last week I decided I needed to change things up in my upstairs bathroom so I headed to Lowe's and got to work! After painting the walls a beautiful "olive martini" green and updating the mirror and light fixtures I started thinking....there had to be a unique way to store all of my brand new, white towels I received as wedding gifts! As usual, I headed straight to Pinterest for inspiration and I found a lot of interesting ideas that I wanted to share with you all. I love how these alternatives add a crafty touch to the bathroom! Do you have a linen closet for your towels or do you store them in an interesting way? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Does Every Day Feel Like Monday?

By Casey Swan | | (0) Comments

An effect of social jetlag? If so, you may be suffering from a condition that has been dubbed "social jet lag."

German researcher Till Roenneberg from the University of Munich coined the term to describe a disconnect between the body's natural circadian rhythms and our unnatural social calendars. The most common culprit for this discrepancy? Having a much different sleep schedule during the work week opposed to the weekend. For instance, someone who awakens at 6 am and is in bed by 10 pm during the week, but sleeps in on the weekend and stays out late with friends would likely experience social jet lag.

In his paper in Current Biology, Roenneberg likens the effect of inconsistent sleep to jet lag because the disruption to one's schedule is as if one traveled from Paris to New York on Friday evening, and made the return flight on Monday. However, social jet lag is often chronic because most people have made the behavior routine and the variation in sunlight that would help reset the circadian clock during travel jet lag doesn't happen when someone is stationary. These individuals "have to live a life almost in a different time zone in comparison to their biological clock," says Roenneberg.

The study also finds that people who are chronically sleep deprived tend to drink more alcohol, consume more caffeine, and smoke more cigarettes. The most alarming hypothesis of the study is that social jet lag can contribute to obesity. According to Ronneberg, the risk of becoming overweight increases approximately 33 percent for every hour of social jetlag. In a related study, Assistant Professor Orfeu Buxton from Harvard Medical School discovered that people who sleep on disrupted schedules, such as shift workers or new mothers, burn fewer calories while at rest. This change in their metabolism could result in an increase of 10 to 12 pounds in just one year.

So, what can we to do to fight social jet lag and those pesky extra pounds? Pay attention to your internal clock! Remember that exposure to natural light can help to balance biological rhythms; try to see as much sunlight as possible during the day and make an effort to keep more regular sleep hours throughout the week.

See stories at NPR
and Web MD for more information.

The Most Inspiring Olympic Athlete?

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Aly Raisman. Michael Phelps. Hope Solo. Usain Bolt. Andy Murray. Ashton Eaton. As we near the end of the 2012 Summer Olympics, these are all names we've become pretty familiar with - and rightfully so; they're all gold medalists! Thanks to countless hours of practicing, training, working, and improving, these athletes are capable of incredible things. As talented and impressive as these folks might be, though, there's another athlete I'm just starting to learn a little more about. Maybe there's already been lots of chatter about him or maybe he's just been under the radar, but I think 25-year-old Oscar Pistorius is my new favorite person. Both of his legs were amputated below the knee shortly after birth, due to the fact that he'd been born without a fibula ("long, slender bone running along the outside of the leg from below the knee joint and down to the ankle") in either of his legs. He grew up to become an athlete, anyway, and ended up at the Olympics (for more on his story, check out his website). No big deal, right? Ohmygosh. Seriously?! He may not be a gold medalist yet, but I can't stop watching videos of him competing. The next time I feel tired after work and don't want to get up and move, I'm going to think of Oscar and I'm going to get inspired. "You are not disabled by the disabilities you have," Oscar says. "You are able by the abilities you have." Unreal.

Tell me - have I been living in a bubble the last two weeks? Does everyone but me already know about this guy? Is it strange that I'm so moved by what he's accomplished (not that I care if you think it is - just asking)?

Whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River

By Nathan Strange | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Travel, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

(Picture courtesy of http://www.prlog.org) Whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River!

A couple of weeks ago I was part of an 8 person group who rafted the Kennebec River. Our rafting guide was Northern Outdoors( http://www.northernoutdoors.com/), based out of The Forks, Maine.

Our day started at 8 AM for training and instructions, and then we proceed to load onto busses and make the 30 minute drive to the start of the river. Right off the bat there are a couple of class III and IV rapids, let’s just say that will wake you up!

We proceeded down the river for about 3 hours, and then stopped for lunch prepared on a private beach by our guides. The offerings: Sirloin steak, teriyaki chicken breast, or grilled salmon accompanied by fried rice, pasta salad, ice tea and a cookie! Not too shabby considering we were half way down a river on a rafting trip.

The second half of the river calms down, so you can actually jump into the river and just float down wearing a life jacket. The second half of the trip is filled with class I and II rapids not to mention a bunch of horse play among friends.

Once you arrive at the end of the river you load up the gear and make the short trip back to camp, and relax in front of a big screen and watch a slide show of the days rafting.

This is a great time for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful sights of Maine while adding in some thrill.

Check out http://www.northernoutdoors.com/ for more information.

Delicious Summer BBQ!

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

null This past Saturday at Princeton Commons we held our summer cookout for residents and it was a huge success! People from the community showed up on a hot summer day to enjoy delicious food, great music and mingle with neighbors. Residents and Princeton team members enjoyed small talk around the pool and in the clubhouse while eating bbq provided by TEX BBQ and it was a huge hit! Cheeseburgers, veggieburgers, hotdogs, potato salad and macaroni salad where just a few items laid out for all to try as well as delicious dessert options such as gooey fudge brownies! Thanks to TEX BBQ, everyone left the party with full bellies and smiles on their faces. If you ever have an event that needs catering, consider TEX BBQ and enjoy an array of food options without the hassel of having to cook yourself!

http://www.texsbbqexpress.com/

Single Stream Recycling has come to Princeton Place!

By Dan Harvey | | (0) Comments

Single stream recycling comes to Princeton Place:

Residents have asked and we have listened! While Princeton Place Apartments has offered recycling at the community for years the process wasn’t as convenient as it could be. The recycling program offered toter bins that required residents to sort recyclables into categories like paper, glass, plastic and cans. All of this sorting in an apartment home isn’t always easy and the bins would quickly overfill since we are lucky to have so many environmentally conscious residents. Working with our partners at Allied Waste we were able to find a solution to make recycling convenient while increasing the yield at which our community can now recycle.

Residents will now be able to recycle cans, glass and plastic as well as paper products all in one large container.

Acceptable single steam items are:

Plastic Bottles and containers numbered #1-7
Soda, juice and water bottles both glass and plastic
Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles
Food containers (yogurt containers, margarine bowls)
Glass bottles and jars, any color
Aluminum trays or foil
Metal cans; tin, steel, bi-metal or aluminum
Newspapers with inserts
Magazines / Catalogs
Junk mail
Phone books
Chipboard – cereal boxes, cracker boxes, etc.
Corrugated cardboard

Happy Recycling!

Cape Cod Fun!

By Jen D'Apice | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Travel, | (0) Comments

null Recently my family and I stayed at the Red Jacket Inn on the Cape. It is located in South Yarmouth and is located right on the beach. What a fabulous place for families! Being able to walk right onto the beach from your hotel room is such a treat and they supply towels, chairs and umbrellas. When you are all done with them, you can just leave them right on their private beach. There is also an large indoor pool and two pools outside (adult pool and a wading pool). The kids had so much fun because they also have so much to do for children. My nephews and niece made a kite, played soccer, dodge ball and also made a T-Shirt. This is great for parents so you can relax while they are playing with other children.
If you are looking for a family friendly stay, take a look at the website http://www.redjacketresorts.com/destinations/cape-cod-resorts.php
Has anyone ever been to their other locations?

A salad that will make you wish that summer could last forever

By Claire Collins | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Food, Lifestyle, Claire Collins, | (0) Comments

null I found this fabulous recipe on The Proud Italian Cook’s blog, and have now made it twice with a few variations. It’s the perfect way to take advantage of everything that’s good and fresh at the farm stand or farmer’s market right now. It's quick, delicious, and makes two generous servings.

Summer Salad

1 ear of corn
A few handfuls of mixed greens or baby spinach
1 zucchini or summer squash, peeled, white part made into ribbons with a vegetable peeler
¼ red onion, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
10 – 12 heirloom cherry tomatoes quartered, or grape tomatoes
¼ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Italian dressing

Cook the corn in the microwave for 3 minutes, then grill to char over a gas burner, or under the broiler. Cut the kernels off the cob and let cool.

Toss all ingredients and enjoy!

Fall Fun at New Hampshire's County Fairs!

By Lisa Bettencourt | | (0) Comments

null Last night, listening to the booms of the Cheshire Fair (Swanzey, NH) fireworks marking the opening night of the fair, I thought about the agricultural flavor of New Hampshire and how a county fair can make you feel like a kid again. These fairs have been around for generations! On the directory of fairs website, (http://www.directorynh.com/NHFairs-Events/NHCountyFairs.html) the Lancaster Fair (August 29-September 3rd) has been around the longest at 142 years old!

Spend the day at a fair, scream on the rides, eat fried dough and snow cones, cheer for your favorite 4-Her as they compete with their livestock and homemade goods. Block your ears at a demolish derby and thrill with the magnificent power of the horses as they pull the stone boats to winning lengths! There is a fair running somewhere in New Hampshire every weekend in September. Fall is the season, New Hampshire is the place. Take a trip back to our roots, revisit your youth, or introduce your own kids to the pure fun of a county fair!

2nd Annual Summer eReader Sweepstakes Winners!

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, Sarah Greenough, | (0) Comments

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s “Summer e-Reader Sweepstakes”. Congratulations to the three individuals who are now the proud owners of the newest Kindle Fire! In addition to reading your favorite books poolside on this vibrant color touchscreen devise, your new e-Reader gives you access to movies, apps, games, music, reading and much more! There is even cloud-accelerated web browsing. Yippee!

Drum roll please……congratulations to:

Mohan S. of Keene, NH
Ryan A. of Lowell, MA
Bridgette C. of Norcross, GA

We hope the three lucky winners enjoy their new Kindle Fires. Thank you all who participated, Princeton Properties certainly enjoyed hosting the sweepstakes. Be on the look out for more fun Princeton Facebook contests.

Read Any Good Books Lately?

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Development, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null I'm always telling myself I need to make an effort to read more; the problem, though, is that I don't listen to myself as often as I probably should. There's always something I need to watch on TV or a game I have to play on my iPhone (Scramble with Friends, anyone?!), so I end up letting my books collect dust. I've thought about joining a book club - but I get nervous that it's going to feel like homework. Shine from Yahoo! may have a solution for me, though! I was losing myself in internet clicks the other day when I discovered that they've created an online book club that gives you a new book to read each month. Once the four weeks are up, you can check back to the site for a discussion with a "notable female author" (the same one who makes the book selection) and other members of the club. No meetings to rush to. No participating in the discussion if you don't want to (lurkers, I'd imagine, are more than welcome). A new & interesting book every month. Sounds good to me- check it out for yourself!

2012 Summer Olympic London Games

By Maggie Ledgard | | (0) Comments

With the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London beginning tonight I wanted to share a few fun facts regarding the highly anticipated event.

1. Because of World Wars, there were no Olympic Games held in the years 1916, 1940, or 1944.
2. Three continents – Africa, South America, and Antarctica – have never hosted an Olympics, though Brazil in South America will host the 2016 Olympic Games.
3. With London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, they have become the first city to host the Summer Olympic Games three times.
4. The USA have hosted the Summer Games four times, the most of any country: 1904, 1932, 1984 and 1996. (http://www.topendsports.com)

Also, here is a link to a list of all participating Olympic athletes from Massachusetts, some athletes are close to some of our properties...does anyone know any Olympians?!

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/9077839/ns/sports-winter_olympics/

Easy Chicken Recipe!

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

This recipe is so easy and great for entertaining! It will look like you spent a lot of time preparing for your guests and it only takes a few minutes to put it together!

Ingredients:

Bread Crumbs
1 Package of Spinach
1 Package of sliced mushrooms
6 Boneless Chicken Breasts
6 Slices of Deli Swiss Cheese
Garlic Powder
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup Melted Butter
1/2 cup White Wine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a large baking dish (I use a lasagna pan) with non-stick spray and then layer the bottom of the pan with bread crumbs. Next, layer with the bag of spinach, mushrooms, chicken and swiss cheese. Sprinkle garlic powder over the cheese. Then, generously sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. Pour the butter and wine over all of the chicken. (I find I use more butter and wine then what the recipe calls for so there is sauce to serve over noodles.) The layers will be piled higher than the edge of the pan but it reduces down as it bakes.

Bake for about 40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

I serve this over fettucini noodles but it can be served on its own with various side dishes. Serves 6. Enjoy!

10 Simple Things

By Debbie Melino | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Development, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

I came across this article that just made me smile. I love the title, ‘10 Simple Things To Make You Happier At Home.’ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-things-that-will-make-you-happier-at-home-174151?utm_campaign=topblock&utm_medium=web&utm_source=main-entry
I love number 4. It’s not new, and Oprah refers to it as “the magic of gratitude.” Check it out. Which one speaks to you?

Did you make your bed today? http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/make-your-bed-it-just-might-make-you-productive-profitable-and-peaceful-173046

Benefits to a Good Night Sleep

By Carla Jacobson | | (0) Comments

Sleeping I know that we all have very busy lives, and so much to take care of, and with limited hours in the day to accomplish everything, we sometimes deprive our bodies of much needed sleep! Our bodies rely on sleep to help with our over all health, and getting a minimum of 8 hours is a must! Here are the health benefits to getting a well rested night!

1. During your sleep, your body is actually working on its memory! It subconciously is recapping your day, and all you learned, while strengthening its retention of all the information fluttering around in our brains!
2. Too much or too little sleep is associated with a shorter lifespan. it’s not clear if it’s a cause or effect.
3. People who have less then 6 hours of sleep a night typically have higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins than those who get more then 7 hours. This inflammation may lead to other serious health risks, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and premature aging.-Scary, and who knew!
4. Are you currently on a diet? Researchers found in a study that those who are dieting and are well rested actually lost 50% more weight! Those who were more sleep deprived had more loss of muscle mass!
5. Our cardiovascular health is not only effected by strees, but also sleep deprivation!

So instead of trying to cram everything in at the end of the night, or staying up to watch a late night tv show, reconsider the benefits to just say "No", rest your head, and head to bed!

Beach Reads

By Audra Kelloway | | (0) Comments

null Summertime is the perfect time to spend relaxing on the beach a cold drink and a good read and if not at the beach, anywhere from a park bench to front porch swing is the perfect place to kick back and relax with a enjoyable novel. Reading is the perfect summer past time and I know when I'm laying out whether it be at the lakehouse or the beach a book is a must! Beach books should be simple reading, a page turning that is both entertaining and captivating allowing you to complete and enjoy before your sunscreen wears off There are a number of great summer reads out there whether on paperback or for us tech geeks our ereader, great beach books are available right at your fingertips! After much research I found a number of top ten lists for summer reading but thought I'd list a few books being released this month by best selling authors that are called great beach reads.
1. The next best thing by Jennifer Weiner available 7/3/12
2. Shadows of night by Deborah Harkness available 7/10/12
3. The sand castle girls by Chris Bohjalian available 7/17/12
4. Broken Harbor by Tana French available 7/24/12
Those titles are just a few options to throw in your beach bag or right on your ereader or ipad before you head out to the beach, the lake, or even on vacation. If you love reading as much as I do check out a few of these ideas or the number of great reads lists on-line for great book ideas! happy reading everyone and have a beautiful, enjoyable summer!

Green Cleaning Supplies

By Jenilee Provencal | | (0) Comments

null Gone are the days of chemical household cleaning. We are all shifting towards a greener way of life. However you may have noticed that the so called green cleaners you can buy at the store are a bit pricy and some are made by the larger chemical companies which makes me wonder how green they really are. The United States does not do anything to monitor terms like “biodegradable” or “natural,” so the only way you can find out if the natural cleaning products you are considering are truly natural is to check the label and be able to read between the lines.

Here are some great cleaning tips using basic items that cost pennies compared to the cleaners out there.

For an overall kitchen counter cleaner take a squirt of a degreasing dish soap like Dawn and add it to warm water. Put in a small spray bottle and give a little shake. It’s perfect for after dinner cleaning.

Forget the disinfecting wipes in a can. Not only are they quite pricy but just think of the trash they accumulate. A simple solution of rubbing alcohol and hot water. Add a few drops of lemon juice for a fresh scent and extra cleaning power.

The old fashion trick of vinegar and water makes your windows really sparkle. If you want you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil so it smells pretty. Just add two cups of water and a ¼ cup of vinegar to a spray bottle.

Plain baking soda sprinkled on carpets and vacuumed up will deodorize any room without that overly perfumed smell of regular carpet deodorizers.

Funky smell in your garbage disposal? Freeze vinegar and lemon slices in ice cube trays and pop into your disposal to clean out.

Just be sure to properly label the bottles you have. Since you are being green why not cut down on the paper towels used in cleaning. Old t-shirts make great rags and newspaper is perfect for cleaning windows. Happy Cleaning!

Top 10 iTunes Podcasts.

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (0) Comments

Top 10 iTunes Podcasts.

If you find yourself spending a long time in the car or need a brake from books on tape podcasts are a great way to keep yourself entertained, and you might even learn a thing or two. There are tons of amazing podcasts on itunes and they are free so you can download with abandon.

Here are the top 10 on iTunes:

1. This American Life – Captivating stories from around the world.
Chicago Public Media

2. WNYC's Radiolab
Jad Abumrad & Robert Krulwich

3. NPR Programs: Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Podcast – Fun current events game show.
NPR

4. Ice Age 4: “Sid Shuffle”
20th Century Fox

5. Stuff You Should Know – Learn about everything from how bubble gum is made to how the human heart works.
HowStuffWorks.com

6. Freakonomics Radio – Endlessly entertaining.
Stephen J. Dubner

7. 99% Invisible
Roman Mars

8. NPR Programs: Fresh Air Podcast – Latest in music.
NPR

9. NPR: Planet Money Podcast
NPR

10. The Moth Podcast – Amazing true stories told by the people who experience them.
The Moth

Download at: http://www.apple.com/euro/itunes/charts/podcasts/top10podcasts.html

Interior Decorating Tips for Couples

By Tammy Jackson | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

null Interior Decorating Tips for Couples:

Recently, my husband and I sat down to discuss making over our bedroom from floor to ceiling. Like every woman, the wheels start turning on what colors, fabrics, and shiny new things we can get. I can already see the room coming together when he wakes me from my daydream and starts telling me his ideas. OH NO! I am slowly envisioning this man cave with sports memorabilia and other manly things throughout the room. This can’t happen! It will be horrible! I won’t be able to sleep! What will I do?!

I started to think about the simple things that we could most likely agree on easily and asked for his input. “So, what color were you thinking for the walls?” His quick reply was like music to my ears: “Oh, something neutral. What do you think would be a good color?” I mentioned gray and he seemed to be intrigued, so we looked at a few gray samples, one of which we both agreed would work- so on the walls it went.

Now for accent colors, which I originally dreamt would be teal, yellow, or both. So again I asked what he thought about those colors. I did get a little resistance, so I waited and then slowly introduced a few teal accents to the room. He didn’t like them, so I took them back to the store and purchased something yellow. I couldn’t wait for him to decide on a color he would prefer, so I figured I would give him some visuals of my idea. That worked like a charm, so now we have gray walls with yellow accents… and a little teal!

The bigger challenge was going to be incorporating his taste in bedroom furniture with mine. So off to the furniture stores we went – and those trips were painful! What he liked, I didn’t, and what I liked was too expensive. I started to do a little searching on line and, as I found things, I would print them out. I tried to print things that were a hint of what he liked and more affordable so he could see I was paying attention to his ideas and concerns. Once we were able to bring those photos of furniture into the room, it made it a bit easier to decide on the style and color that would be best.

I pretty much ended up with exactly what I envisioned for the room, without him ever feeling like I pushed it on him and he had no say.

So here are some tools I used to do it:

1. Have a specific budget
2. Ask for input and ideas
3. Be open to the suggestions
4. Have specific/clear ideas to share
5. Find or ask for alternatives to ideas you aren’t keen on
6. Introduce items of your choice into the room to offer a visual
7. Figure out which design elements you can easily allow the other to make decisions on.

Unique & Delicious Sangria Recipe

By Kim Kojak | Food, | (0) Comments

null Rum Sangria
I love all the exotic cocktails that can be enjoyed throughout the summer and think this unique Champagne and rum based Sangria is one of the best! This light and refreshing recipe will keep you hydrated and help make any summertime gathering extra special! You can cut this recipe in half- but why would you want to?!

1 bottle of Mango Rum
2 bottles of Champagne
1 Bottle of Sprite
1 bottle of white Cranberry and Peach juice
1 bottle of Club Soda

Add sliced fruits such as peaches, oranges and strawberries- enjoy!

Be Good

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null I know this blog is typically a carefree and fun place to check in but, in light of what happened Friday in Colorado, it just seems appropriate to take a giant step back for a minute. After the actions of one selfish coward, there are twelve people who won’t get to see the end of the summer. Twelve families trying to cope with immeasurable loss. Dozens of injured people trying to comprehend how close they came and how lucky they are. A nation that’s realizing that what happened in Colorado could have happened anywhere. The world is a crazy place – and we should be thankful for each moment we’re in it and the people we’re fortunate enough to go through it with. Above all else, though, we should be good to each other. We should at least be able to do that.

Maui, Fiji, Thailand..... Where would you go???

By Kristen Aquaros | | (0) Comments

Someone recently sent me an article listing the top ten vacations on forbes and it got me into thinking. If I could chose a destination for my next vacation, where would I go. First thing that popped into mind was somewhere with sun, beaches, and palm trees of course. As I started going through which countries had the best of all three put together, I decided on Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Not only is Santo Domingo filled with History, its also well known for the night life, food, and of course the most beautiful beaches in the world. Being somewhat familiar with the Dominican Culture, Festivals are the best way to really feel the pulse of the way of life on the island. Whether its the Carnival in February or the Merengue Festival in July I've been told it's a guaranteed good time. Santo Domingo is a lively, thriving big city, the capital of the Dominican Republic and the largest city in the Caribbean by population. It's so much more than just a big city, whether it be the sounds of merengue, bachata and salsa coming from a Malecón nightclub or the smells of conch gratinée coming from a café in Zona Colonial it would make for an amazing vacation destination. Ive also come to find out that the city is home to the first church (Catedral Primada de América), the first stronghold (Fortaleza Ozama) and the oldest street (Calle Las Damas) in the Americas. After gawking over all of the amazing pictures posted up on the internet of Dominican Republics beaches and reading up on the history and everything the island has to offer , I can only hope that one day I get to visit and experience all this amazing country has to offer.

After going researching about the country I came across some Fun facts about Dominican Republic:

1.The longest baseball game in the Caribbean Baseball Series had 18 innings. The game was 6 hours and 13 minutes long. Played at the Roberto Clemente stadium in Puerto Rico February 2, 2007. The Aguilas Cibaeñas of Dominican Republic won 4 to 3 over the Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela

2. Dominicans are famous for their "nose talk". A little twitch here and a little wrinkle there. The nose knows!

3. Did you know that the town of Nagua has its own slogan? "A Nagua tu entras si quieres, y sales si puedes" (translated, Enter Nagua if you want, leave if you can). Make sure to visit Nagua and you just may understand.

4.Dominican Republic is credited with creating and developing the Merengue style of music, which is fast-paced, rhythmic dance music.

5.The country is known as the breadbasket of the Caribbean because it grows, farms and catches almost everything that’s served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

6. Mamajuana is a special DR drink that contains a combination of rum, red wine, honey, herbs and tree bark. The taste is similar to port wine and is recognized as an aphrodisiac

7.The PGA TOUR Cap Cana Championship is held each year at the Punta Espada Golf Club, which is located on the DR’s East Coast. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course features eight magnificent holes directly located on the ocean.

You tell me.... Where would you go for a vacation??

Just a Little Afternoon Pick-Me-Up!

By Caitlyn Irving | | (0) Comments

I don’t know about you but most days I need an afternoon pick-me-up! It could be something sweet or salty, I prefer sweet. I shouldn’t have one every day for obvious reasons but once in a while. My afternoon pick-me-ups usually are chocolate, ice cream (with jimmies of course) and sometimes a piece of cake. I came across this recipe for a Lemon-Blackberry Cheesecake. As I am sitting at my desk my mouth is watering and I am trying to figure out how I can get a piece of this cake delivered right to my desk! I would love this afternoon pick-me-up today!
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
softened 1 cup sour cream
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 pounds cream cheese
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 pints blackberries
3/4 cup milk
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
4 eggs

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350˚. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium bowl. Press onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan.
In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer to combine the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Blend in the milk, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Mix in the sour cream, flour, and vanilla until smooth. Divide the mixture between two bowls.
In a food processor or blender, purée 1 pint of the blackberries with the lemon zest and juice. Pour the purée into one bowl of the cheese mixture along with the remaining 1⁄2 pint of whole blackberries and mix well.
Pour the blackberry filling on top of the prepared crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and pour the remaining filling over the top. Return to the oven to bake for 1 hour, until the topping is set. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
I can’t wait to try this recipe out, and mix it up a little with different fruits.

Perfect Summer Dessert

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Food, | (0) Comments

kabobs
Looking for a new summer dessert? Try this scrumptious and easy to make dessert! Click the link below and follow the simple step by step instructions. Perfect for a hot day!

http://theinspiredcollection.blogspot.com/2011/10/dessert-kabobs.html

A Coffee Debate: Bold Vs. Light Roast

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Travel, Food, | (0) Comments

null I recently took an amazing vacation in Hawaii. Amidst kayaking through waterfalls, hiking volcanoes and lying on the beach, my husband and I toured a Hawaiian coffee company called the Hilo Coffee Mill on the Big Island. There were lots of different flavors to sample including my personal favorite, pineapple iced coffee! As we tasted a variety of freshly brewed coffees, the tour guide gave us a piece of information that shocked me…..

”the bolder the coffee the less caffeine” he said.

I had no idea! Maybe I’m the only one who thought that extra bold and dark roast coffees were giving me an extra jolt of caffeine! It turns out that Light roasts have the most caffeine. Similar to regular cooking the longer coffee is roasted, the more caffeine (and other elements, CO2) are cooked out of it.

So next time you are in need of a boost….opt for the light roast coffee. From now on I will! What roast do you typically choose when having your morning cup?

Irish Cottage Dining

By Audra Kelloway | Massachusetts, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

null Not just a pub! Ok, first off, you don't need to be Irish to enjoy this restaurant experience! I travel up to Bristol, New Hampshire frequently in the summer months to enjoy weekends up at Newfound Lake and during one of my visits there a year or so ago I discovered this quaint Irish pub in the center of a small, friendly town. Inside you will find sweet, friendly staff and the owner Kathleen who makes sure each and every dining experience is a great one!

Inside is a cozy setting complete with homemade spice bread as an appetizer and a menu that is filled with home cooked items all prepared on the premise with only the finest ingredients making sure to stay true to the traditional Irish fare. Everything I've ever ordered has been absolutely delicious and I highly recommend stopping in for either lunch or dinner if you are ever up in the Bristol, New Hampshire area, trust me it will be worth the trip and you'll enjoy both the Irish atmosphere and the tasty home cooked meal this pub/restaurant has to offer!

Oh and if you are ever able to pop over on a Friday night they have live music and different bands playing throughout the month as well as traditional Irish music, so if you are ever traveling up to the lakes region this summer defiantly stop on over to Kathleen's Cottage, have a pint, eat some great food and enjoy some live music and oh, if anyone out there loves a good ole Irish beef stew as much as I do you have to try the one on this menu, trust me, you will not be disappointed, in fact, that dish alone is what has kept me going back again and again

Creative Repurposing!

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Sarah Greenough, | (0) Comments

Creative Repurposing The formal definition of Repurpose is: to use or convert for use in another format or product. What item have you found another use for recently? I have stumbled upon many creative "new uses" as of late, thought I would share them for inspiration!

This blogger, during an organizational frenzy, had the genius idea to use an old magazine holder to organize cans in the pantry! She grabbed a magazine holder that was previously used for cookbooks, tilted it on its back and packed it full of canned corn. Fun!

I love when designers are able to use old found objects to make something new. Looking for new kitchen lights recently on Etsy.com, I stumbled upon these handmade pendant lights made from very old chicken feeders. They have a cool industrial look with galvanized metal and original paint. Really unique.

And for all you wine lovers out there....here is a wine cork bath mat! Wow. This bath mat requires just three materials: shelf liner, hot glue, and 175 wine corks. Most of the fun will come in gathering the necessary 175 wine corks!

What have you creatively repurposed lately? Seems like there is an alternative use for just about anything!

Old School Mixtapes

By Tracy Hilker | | (2) Comments

null I was a 90's teen. You remember us... We were awesome. Ok, we were kinda lame cause we couldn't figure out our place in the world after the big hair of the 80's had just trampled everything, leaving us in a haze of Aqua Net and bobbie pins. We went the opposite... Some who wanted to embrace all cultures went over to wearing cross colors and flip up glasses, others went the moody, grungy, Kurt Cobain loving, "I only shop in second hand stores" look. I was the later.

Ok, so calm down, it's not like I had thread wraps in my hair, or hemp necklaces, or book bags with patches and song lyrics written all over them... Never mind the corderoy pants I didn't have that were held together on the seam with a million bead decorated safty pins. Wait...OK, so I had all those things, but I thought I was cool! Where are those pants they were amazing...

Anyway, so what's the point of this blog? Oh yeah. One of my FAVORITE things from being a 90's teenager, was mixtapes. OH did I love my mixtapes!!! Do you remember making them? You would sit by the radio for HOURS waiting for that one song to come on, the one you have been dying to hear, that you MUST record, because buying the entire cassette tape was WAY to expensive and you didn't like the other songs on there anyway. Sometimes me and my brother would request the songs on the radio, so we knew when they were coming on, so we would actually record a little of the LAST song, and not miss a second of our precious gem!

I was always highly disappointed when you were recording the beautiful lyrics from Smashing Pumpkins or Toad the Wet Sprocket and the tape would end in the middle of the song, leaving you crushed... with eye liner (any REM fans?)

But my absolute favorite thing about mixtapes was the gift of a mixtape. Oh nothing made my heart pitter patter louder than when a boy at school would make me a mixtape! You made sure to look for meaning in every single song. And I loved when you were given a mixtape as a gift, and the person wrote out ever song on the little sleeve that tenderly held that little box with all those beautiful songs on it. I even had a pen pal who used to send them to me all the time and really school me in music! I think his mixtapes were the best ever.

As yes... I miss the good old days of working to save your passion! Technology has made us pretty lazy with that. Here are some of the songs that bring me right back to my mixtape days: Disarm by Smashing Pumpkins, Tell Her by Delamitri, Ironic by Alanis Morrisette, and You Say by Lisa Lobe. How about you? Do you remember?

Great treasuers for apartment decorating at the Brimfield Flea Market!

By Liz Roloff | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

The place to go for, well, anything you can think of, is the Brimfield Flea Market in Brimfield Massachusetts!

This tiny town, tucked in the foothills of the Berkshires, hosts the country’s largest and most famous outdoor antique show three times each year; May, July, and September. The show is held along the town’s ½ mile main road, reaching back 500’ from both sides of the street, accommodating thousands of dealers. Vendors offering delicious food and cold drinks, convenient and clean facilities, and a relaxed friendly atmosphere make this a great place to spend a day (or two!).

On my most recent trip, I spent 7 hours and a modest $40 (which included two great “finds” and lunch!) strolling through the show. This year's July dates are the 10th through the 15th, in September the show will be back from the 4th through the 9th.

Prepare to pay for parking $5-$10, depending on the lot, and the treasures to be found range from $1 bargains to thousand-dollar antiques.

http://www.brimfieldshow.com/about_the_show.htm

It's Grilling Season!

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (0) Comments

Easy Baby Back Ribs!

It’s grilling season…time to make the ribs! Here is an easy recipe you will love!

Ingredients:
One rack of baby back ribs
One can of beer
One Vidalia onion
Celery Salt

Directions:
Cut as much of the membrane off of the ribs as possible.
Fill a large pot with enough water to cover one rack of ribs (cut in half). Add one can of beer (any kind), one Vidalia onion cut up or sliced, and celery salt (to taste).
Boil for at least one hour until meat starts to fall off the bone.
Carefully remove the ribs from the pot and transfer to a strainer to rinse.
Once the ribs have cooled, transfer them to a zip lock bag to marinate in a sauce of your choice.
When ready to cook, simply heat them up on the grill.

Notes: I buy the baby back ribs at a wholesale club and they come in packages of two racks. So I have two pots going and double the recipe. I use BBQ sauce for one rack and Ah So sauce for the other rack. These freeze very well once you have added the marinating sauce to your freezer bag. Enjoy!

How Do You Handle Stress?

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

If you’re like me, you are a worrier - someone who can relate to just about any stressful situation. I am not proud of this, nor am I bragging about it. It’s just a fact. It’s who I am. I take pride in my work and in my personal accomplishments, as well. It is important for me, not just to get the job done, but to be the best at it!

This is the time of year, in our business, where we are so busy that we sometimes forget about what’s good for us. Yes, the job must get done and yes, expectations are high. But the bottom line is this…if you can’t control your level of stress, you can’t control anything. And for me, as a control freak, that is the worst! If you are not doing what is good for you, you are good for no one….not even yourself.

Keeping life balance is important. While most of us put all things before ourselves, we must remind ourselves to keep things in check. Managing stress is a critical part to being able to perform optimally, personally and professionally. So while it seems like there is no time for lunch or no time to take a quick break, you must find small ways of doing it! It doesn’t have to be anything more than just taking a quick walk away from your desk or the office. Sometimes what I like to do is offer to go pick up coffee or ice cream for everyone in the office, just to mentally take a quick break.

You need it. Do it.

It is so important to maintain focus and balance to be able to function day to day. Our world moves at the speed of lightning now and most days I feel like I simply can’t keep up! Emails have become equivalent to snail mail. Facebook and texts have replaced face to face conversations and have given us the illusion that we are in touch without actually being “in touch”. It’s crazy! But it works. It’s all I have time for these days, it seems. Our attention spans keep getting shorter and shorter….

Faster and faster. Technology is moving us to a level of frenzy that is almost unbelievable.

I think back on the days of my childhood. Riding bikes – miles - across town. No means of communication except to ring someone’s door bell or call from your house phone or maybe a payphone, in an emergency. Playing – actually playing outside until the streetlights came on – then it was time to go home. My parents didn’t drive me places – I got to where I wanted to go on my bike, by bus or by foot! No checking in/ No tracking devices. We just figured stuff out on our own. Wow.

I think I just proved my point about maintaining focus. I was interrupted 3 times while typing this and look where my train of thought ended up! I started out talking about stress and ended up in one of those “back in my day..” rants. Hmmmm. It says a lot.

Keep it simple. Keep lists so you don’t forget. Smile. Laugh. Work Hard. Have fun. Be kind. Be good to yourself. Practice random acts of kindness. These small things all make a difference.

In the meantime, here are some ideas to help reduce stress:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/reducing-stress-tips

And I’m sure you all know that “stressed” is “desserts” spelled backwards. So on that note, I’m going to go grab some lunch!

Have a great day and keep smiling!!

FitBit

By Sonja Kreh | | (0) Comments

null I was unsure of what to write about for my blog, food or working out? One of my favorite things and the other one of my least favorite but also one of the most needed aspects of a healthy person’s life. I decided to conquer working out, one of my least favorite, most dreaded things…until I found the FitBit.
I started using my FitBit in February and it really helped me get started and stay motivated. You may have heard of them or seen them on someone’s belt buckle a FitBit counts all the calories you burn. It counts how far you’ve walked or run and it counts how many stairs you have taken and it calculates all the calories you burned that day.
The upside of it is that it really motivates you, or did motivate me. Every day, if you continue to stay active a little flower grows on the screen. It also sends you email updates on your daily or weekly progress. Believe it or not making that little flower grow to a big mature one motivated me. If I had only done 8 sets of stairs that day I will literally make myself do 2 more to reach the daily minimum. The numbers the FitBit gives you is based on your current weight verses your goal weight. You create an account on www.fitbit .com and put your information in and it downloads to your FitBit. You can also log your food on the same website. It is very easy and fun to see your progress.
The down side of the little FitBit, is that it calculates burned calories even when you are sleeping and I have never counted sleeping as an activity, now I can…cool huh? It then gives you your total calories burned which in turn can actually make you feel like you can eat more. Not the desired effect that FitBit is looking for. The other down fall is that the FitBit is technology and as we all know technology doesn’t always work. In March my FitBit stopped communicating with my Mac, I gained 5 pounds. 
I started boot camp the beginning of June and wow my FitBit is going crazy. I burned 700 calories my first day! Talk about keeping you motiviated. I am hoping to be down 10lbs by August 26th, wish me luck.

55 Style rules that every man should know.

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (0) Comments

55 Style rules that every man should know.
Men’sHealth magazine is awesome for many reasons. Whether it’s recipes, new work outs or travel destinations I’m always able to find the latest information and expert opinions. You can learn the kind of things you can’t really learn anywhere else. For instance it’s not often the men sit around and talk about what kind of shoes are in season and what they should wear to look thinner.
Thanks to Men’sHealth Magazine guys have 55 timeless style rules to keep us on the right track. Agree with some of them or all of them, there is some wisdom here for everyone. I’m not going to go through all 55, for that click the link and read on, until then here are a few of my favorites.
Rule 5 By the time you realize you need a haircut, everyone else has, too.

Figure out how long you should go between haircuts. (Hint: This interval will shorten as you grow older. Just ask Gary Busey.) Schedule them in advance—every 6 weeks, or whatever works for your hair. If you wait until you need one, then you're walking around looking like you need one. And masculine style is about looking like you don't need anything.

Rule 6 A man wears a watch.

Men used to wear pocket watches, round clunky things. A pocket watch was great for a guy, except when he was trying to discreetly measure the time between two job interviews or the time he had to finish up with the Dowager McMurtry and come a-calling on the Widow Jones. Then came the invention of the wrist-watch, and now a man could juggle employers and women with just a casual flip of the wrist. Sadly, this ingenious tactic is under siege: These days, many of us tell time not by wristwatch but by our cellphones. Great devices, unless you're, well, trying to be discreet while digging one out of your pants. So we're back to square one. Be a man. Wear a watch.

Rule 22 Prosperous men don't wear wrinkled clothes. Until you make it, fake it.

1. Set up shop: Fill your iron with distilled water. Mist the shirt with a spray bottle.

2. Go easy on the collar: Always iron the back of the collar, never the front, and avoid ironing the tips, to keep them from fraying.

3. Hit the shoulders and sleeves: Place each shoulder around the rounded edge of the board, and iron. Undo the sleeve button and spread out the cuff. Iron the inside here, too. Straighten each sleeve, smooth out any creases, and iron both sides.

Rule 46 Your pants are too short if you can see your socks as you walk.

Trousers should meet the tops of your shoes with just a little break at your ankles. The exception: denim. Roll up the legs of your jeans if you want to—but only a couple of times, unless you want ankles that look like they have halos. And don't be too neat about it. A bit of dishevelment makes it look as though you've been around.

Rule 55 Clear out the clutter.

We all have items we won't wear again. Tossing or donating them costs you 3 minutes of nostalgia. Then you'll never think of them again. As actor Sam Worthington notes in the Men's Health Guide to Style, men move around a lot. When you're considering buying anything, from a TV to a new suit, think about where you'll be in a few years. Do you want to lug this with you? There's your answer.

Read more at Men's Health: http://www.menshealth.com/style/style-rules#ixzz20FSVbdfc

Let Out Your Wild Side- On Vacation!

By Ashley Anger | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Travel, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

trapeze
Now is the time to utilize that vacation time you have been storing. The latest trend? Adrenaline based vacations! Crazy, right?! In reading Shape Magazine, I came across the 5 most adrenaline pumping vacation hot spots that I just had to share. If any of you have done this, please share! We’d love to hear all about it. Here is the link to where Shape Magazine claims are the best vacation spots for all of you junkies out there.

http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/fit-getaways/5-vacations-will-get-your-adrenaline-pumping

Beating the Heat

By Casey Cheskey | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null If you're like me, you spend all winter craving the summer heat and then all summer trying to find ways to cool off! So now that the heat and humidity are officially upon us, I'm definitely feeling the need to escape some of the swelter. Here are some tried-and-true ways I've found to get through the dog days:

Make it shady indoors: If you know it's going to be record-setting day for heat, start it off by pulling your shades. Your home will start out cooler and won't get as hot by the end of the day. This will also help your AC to not work as hard. On super-hot days, remember that sunlight is not your friend.

Slow down: Put off those strenuous tasks for another day. Laundry, unless it's in your cool basement, can wait. And forget about cooking. Make a salad or eat something cold. Ice cream always works!

Stay out of the sun: Pretty obvious, right? But you'd be surprised how many people don't follow this rule. If your deck or patio gets full sun, move your favorite chair on the grass under your shadiest tree. Enjoy! And if you're lucky enough to have a hammock, you know that's where you should be, right?!

Stay wet: After showering, forget about drying your hair. Now is the time to go au naturel and let your hair curl or put it up. A wet head can work wonders in cooling you down. Drink lots of water throughout the day. And spritz yourself with water occasionally--it'll feel great and provide some relief for a while as it evaporates off your skin. If you can, hang out by the pool or lake, or escape to the beach. And if you can't get away, a sprinkler or kiddie pool can do the trick too.

I know I'll be following my own rules this summer. In fact, I think, with a high of 92 degrees in the weather forecast today, it's time to hit the pool!

Jumping Despite My Fears

By Casey Swan | | (0) Comments

Dare to Jump Have you ever wondered why, once you take notice of a particular make and model of a vehicle, from then on all you see are those vehicles? I don't know if this happens because suddenly our attention has been drawn to them or if by thinking about them we are attracting more into our lives.

Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a consistent message in the ether meant just for me. Everything I read, every conversation I overhear, every photo I see on Pinterest, and every Facebook post from my Disc Jockey friend point to the same thing... It's time to face your fears.

I am led to remember a conversation I had with my acquaintance, Darla (her name has been changed), last year. Darla is originally from New York, but she has lived everywhere, landing in Massachusetts for the last 10 years. Darla's perception of New Englanders is (and I paraphrase) that they are the most scared group of people she has ever come across in her travels. She says that they are scared of living and that they are incredibly jealous of those people who don't let their fears overcome them.

Now, realize that as an only child, I have always been fairly independent. I moved to Lowell from Maine, having no friends or family to fall back on. The idea of living in a city this size was overwhelming. However, I have made deliberate attempts to assure that the lack of support won't keep me from participating in things I want to do. The list of places that I go alone is staggering to some: I eat out, I go to clubs, I go to concerts, I visit museums, I take the commuter rail to Boston. Oh, yeah, did I mention that I'm a pretty good dancer and I've been known to get up and boogie in front of a room full of strangers? Meanwhile, I have a friend that won't even go shopping by herself.

Despite my outward confidence, clearly the Universe thinks I still have barriers that I need to overcome. So the fears that are preventing me from moving forward, from getting beyond my wounds, are why I came across the quote from Julia Sore that states, "If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances." This is why my pastor said, "if what you're being called to do is a scary thing, it's a God thing." It is why a recent blog onto which I stumbled included the advice to "Stop avoiding your fear":

"Run from what's comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. ~Rumi
Fear is an obnoxious thing - it slows you down from finding a career you love, a romantic relationship, and pursuing your dreams. Do something that makes you uncomfortable every day, in small steps, and it will dramatically alter the course of your life."

Is there any one among us that doesn't carry some kind of fear... What will they think of me if I say that? What if I'm rejected? What if I put my already tenuous family situation into peril by following this dream? What if I fail? What if they don't like me? Recognize that "what-if-ing" is a trap, a prison created in our own minds.

So, what's a girl who is fairly play-it-safe to do? Jump of course! There's so much in life that I don't want to miss out on and I know if I let my fears restrain me, then I won't grow and I will never reach the full potential of who I am supposed to be. Mistakes and refusals are both learning experiences and I'll be honest that it hasn't always worked out as I had hoped. I've faced pain, but I've also tasted the exhilaration of success. What I've learned is if I don't ask, the answer will always be no, or as Wayne Gretzky so wisely said, "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Easy Summer Cake

By Andrea Donahue | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Easy Summer Cake Here’s another easy summer recipe to bring along to a holiday celebration or birthday party. If you are going to a 4th of July celebration this weekend, take this light, easy, cool summer cake along. It is sure to be a hit and everyone will ask you how you made it!

So easy. You’ll need a box of white cake mix, a box of Jell-O, and a tub of whipped topping. I usually use a raspberry flavored Jell-O, it seems to have the best flavor with the white cake mix. I also get the light whipped topping to cut back on the calories.

Bake the cake according to the directions on the package. A 9 x 13 pan is most commonly used for this cake but you can get creative and make layer cakes or a Bundt. After baking, cool the cake completely. Once cooled & while still in pan, poke holes all over the top of the entire cake with a fork. Mix up the Jell-O according to the directions on the package then pour the Jell-O liquid evenly over the top of the entire cake. Cover with foil and refrigerate over night. When ready to serve, frost cake with whipped topping. You can add fresh strawberries as a garnish, if you like, but this cake is delicious all on its own.

Enjoy!

Sweet Summertime

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null Another year flying by and another summer suddenly upon us. Every year, we tend to assume the same thing: we're going to have an enjoyable summer and we're not going to let it slip by having spent most of our days in the office & our nights in front of the TV; by the time Labor Day rolls around, though, most of us end up scratching our heads, wondering where it went. I think it's time we made a to-do list for the summer - a bucket list, of sorts - that we can check off as we go. Here are a few things I'm hoping to do within the next two months (sure, some of them seem pretty obvious... but I just want to make sure I really do them!):

- Hit the Beach Whether you're a North Shore, Cape, or South Shore kind of person, there's a beach within reasonable driving distance to pretty much everyone in this area - so pack up a cooler full of treats and get going!
- See the Fireworks I understand that we only have a small window of time in which to do this, but don't miss it. If Boston's Esplanade seems too overwhelming, check out this link to find the city/town closest to you that's putting on their own show.
- Stop the Ice Cream Truck Even if there's not a kid in sight, run after the truck and get a little something for yourself - it'll be worth it for the nostalgia and the deliciousness.
- See an Outdoor Concert Check out the lineup at the Comcast Center or - my personal favorite - the Bank of America Pavilion. There's just something awesome about live music outside on a warm night.
- Explore New England This area is crazy-rich in both history and beauty; it's a shame to take that for granted and always think you have to travel far & wide to see great stuff. Go check out the gorgeous art galleries & quirky shops in Provincetown or head up the coast of Maine to see the more than 50 lighthouses that decorate the shoreline. Whichever direction you head in, you can usually accomplish a lot in a little day-trip.
- Dine al Fresco Sitting outside on the patio of a great restaurant is one of those things that will always make you wish the nights were just a little bit longer. If you've never done it, plan on it; if you know what I'm talking about, do it more. You'll regret it come September if you don't.

Let the festivities begin!

By Kristen Aquaros | | (1) Comments

null Starting today in Faneuil Hall is the 31st Annual Boston Harborfest. Celebrating Americas Birthday from June 28th until July 4th this year. Harborfest events include Revolutionary re-enactments, walking tours, visits from U.S. naval ships, free concerts, cruises, museum exhibits, and much more for people of all ages. Many of the events are free, or are very reasonably priced. Ive listed below the main events for the week:
Thursday, June 28: Opening Ceremony

Friday, June 29: Children's Day

Saturday, June 30: Party on the Plaza

Sunday, July 1: Chowderfest

Wednesday, July 4, Fireworks starting at 9:30pm

As one of the nation’s largest patriotic celebration, Boston Harborfest attracts more than 2.5 million visitors to Boston from across the country and around the globe for the week, so I suggest you get there early!

Meet you at the Pub!

By Debbie Melino | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Apartment Living, Travel, Corporate Furnished, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

Have you been to a British Beer Company yet? They just opened one in Manchester, NH! I’ve been to the one in Westford many times, and it’s wonderful. They have live entertainment, TV’s, and great pub food. A fun menu with Guinness Steak Pie, Bangers & Mash, Bubble & Squeak Potatoes, The Mahi Burger, and Bourbon & Stout Ribs. How can you go wrong cooking with Guinness and Jim Beam? Like an English pub, it’s a great place to meet friends, watch the game, and relax. It’s pub life in America.
I’ll be going to the Cape this summer, and will be meeting friends at the Falmouth location.
Check out their website http://www.britishbeer.com/local/falmouth/

Lunch Summer Concert Series on the Worcester Common

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Food, Community, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

If you're in or around Worcester on Fridays this is a great way to spend your lunch break. I'm happy to see that city officials are making a continual effort to revitalize the downtown area offering weekly events like farmers markets and the "Lunch Summer Concert Series." Why sit in your office when you can enjoy lunch on the common and take in some free local tunes? The band line up is impressive, there is a lot of talent hitting the stage this summer.

Here is the schedule and you can learn more by visiting, http://www.worcesterma.gov/announcements/city-of-worcester-announces-lineup-for-2012-out-to-lunch-summer-concert-series-on-the-common .

See you there!

June 29: Linda Dagnello Jazz Quintet
Led by the hip, mainstream vocals of Linda Dagnello, the quintet brings its jazz experience to the Worcester Common. Well-known for their appealing recreations of jazz standards, the series is happy to have the quintet for what is sure to be a sublime afternoon in the sun.

July 6: Dom
Dom has recently ascended to become one of the best indie rock bands in the nation. Having won Song of the Year at the 2010 Boston Music Awards, and having since opened for acts like Jane's Addiction and Ratatat, Dom brings a renowned, popular and sunny rhythm to the City of Worcester.

July 13: Twangbusters
Boogie on down on this date to hear American roots music from a super group of well-known local musicians, including Paula Bradley, Dr. Z, and "Wild Bill" Nadeau who have played with luminaries Junior Brown and Tony Trischka. With drums, guitar, piano and even a ukulele, the Twangbusters are sure to rock the Common with their unique blend of music.

July 20: Delta Generators
This band, nominated for a Boston Music Award in 2011 for their contributions to the blues scene, creates a fun and unique atmosphere for their listeners. Employing musical devices from rock & roll, soul, funk and a smattering of country, the Delta Generators are sure to get the Common moving and swinging.

July 27: Dale LePage and the Manhattans
With all of the hits from the "Mad Men" generation, Dale LePage and the Manhattans are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Sounds from Sinatra and Elvis will radiate across the Common, bringing people back to well-loved and memorable pieces of music across a few decades. Dale LePage lends his vocal talents to a band that "swings with soul," whenever they're in town.

August 3: Stone Clovers
Bringing Irish Folk Rock to the masses by fusing it to their musical interests in jazz, reggae, rock and funk, the Stone Clovers, all from Worcester, have honed their skills playing all over New England to reach their current prowess. Punching out music inspired by the emigrant to America's experience, the Stone Clovers are an impressive bunch you won't want to miss.

August 10: Boogaloo Swamis
Boston Blues News called them "the best New Orleans music you'll find outside the bayous." Their infectious rhythm and song choice will have you on your feet in no time, grooving and clapping to the beat. Combining influences from Cajun zydeco and Americana strands, the Boogaloo Swamis bring a rarely seen rhythm and style to the Northeast.

August 17: Grupo Fantasia
Sounds of the Caribbean will ring out when Grupo Fantasia comes to the Common. After having netted the 2009 New England Urban Music Award for Best Latin Band, the band continues to produce and play live music. The group's leader, Angel Wagner, began touring with a musical group at age eleven, and has even played at Madison Square Garden. With so many years of experience, their honed talents and large repertoire are sure to impress all who come to listen.

August 24: Dis-N-Dat
Reggae has come a long way since the days of Bob Marley, and Dis-N-Dat is here to prove just how far it's come. With a four-time Grammy nominated band member in Rangotan, Dis-N-Dat brings its neo-reggae style to the Common for an afternoon fusing musical influences from dancehall, reggae and roots music. Known for their energetic performances, be sure to save the date for this band.

August 31: SPF-4
Kicking out the jams on one of the final days of the summer, SPF-4 is a surf band with great rock riffs and amazing instrumental talent. Delivering each measure with tremendous purity and tonal quality, the band is on the breaking lip of the new wave of surf music here in the United States. Don't miss out.

Would you get a vibrating tattoo?

By Kristen Aquaros | | (4) Comments

null Believe it or not It could be an option in the future! Not only will your tattoo vibrate, but it activates when your cell phone rings or you recieve a text message.
While I was researching fun facts for a blog, I came across an article on omg-facts.com that it was reported by the Wall Street Journal that Nokia has applied for a patent to design tattoo ink that would vibrate when your cell phone rings. The patent describes 'a material attachable to skin, which is capable of detecting a magnetic field and transferring a perceivable stimulus to the skin.' The practical use of this, is a removable vibrating tattoo.

While the technology isn't specific and could be used in many different ways, the patent makes it clear that embedding the material is the main use. It talks about using 'ink enriched by ferromagnetic or paramagnetic compounds.The patent application was first discovered by the blog Unwired View's Vlad Bobleanta, who said, "The tattoo would be applied using ferromagnetic inks. The ink material would first be exposed to high temperatures to demagnetize it. Then the tattoo would be applied. You'll apparently be able to choose the actual image you want as the tattoo. The procedure is identical to that of getting a 'normal' tattoo—only the ink is special."

So you tell me.....would you get a vibrating tattoo?

How's Your Commute?

By Kristen Donovan | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Corporate Furnished, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

null I met a recent college graduate who spends two hours commuting to and from work each day. That's four hours a day. In the car. Just trying to get somewhere! Ok, I'll admit he's pretty lucky to be fresh out of school and already employed. And yeah, he is looking for an apartment closer to work. But I couldn't stop obsessing over all that time spent in the car!

And then repressed memories about my own previous commutes flew back into my consciousness: Two days after graduating college, I began working quite close to downtown Boston; to get there, I got a ride to the commuter rail station, jumped on the train, switched to the subway, dragged myself onto a bus, then walked 5 minutes down the street. Later, after buying a car of my own and moving to an even more suburban area, I eventually spent an hour or more in gridlock traffic - each way! - on the Pike. No matter how often I tried to remind myself that there were real problems in the world and people whose suffering was far greater than mine, I still found myself a cranky, whining beast. After chatting with this four-hour-a-day warrior and reminiscing about my own experiences, I realized that commuting is something most people are affected by and almost everybody wants to talk about. It's plastered all over my friends' Facebook pages, Tweeted about at lightning speed, and discussed ad nauseum almost any time a group of people comes together. So if it makes us so miserable, why do we do it?

I started researching commuting/traffic, even though I sort of assumed nothing would come up... and was slightly shocked to find article after article about why people commute (apparently we prefer a large house and a yard in a suburb to a cramped studio apartment down the street from the office in the city) and just what it does to us ("It correlates with an increased risk of obesity, divorce, neck pain, stress, worry, and sleeplessness. It makes us eat worse and exercise less." - according to this interesting article). This article from The New Yorker is pretty long at seven pages but is absolutely worth the time it'll take you to get through.

So what's your story? Are you one of the lucky/smart ones that made it a point to find a home as close to work as possible? Do you have to sit in stopped traffic for an ungodly amount of time each day? Do you look at your commute as precious time to yourself or do you find your blood pressure rising with every passing minute? (In case you're wondering what my deal is, I now commute 17 minutes each way and get stuck in almost no traffic... and my life is noticeably happier each morning and evening. Just sayin'.)

Lobster and Grilled Fennel Salad

By Nathan Strange | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Food, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

Well it looks like summer arrived right on schedule this week. Looking for a fun alternative to a traditional summer slaw or salad? Try this:

Lobster and Grilled Fennel Salad

1 Fennel Bulb, grilled, cut into ¼ julienne cut
½ cup Dried Cranberries
1 T Sugar
4 T Rice Wine Vinegar
¼ Sweet Onion, cut into 1/8” julienne cut
1 ½ cup Picked Lobster Meat, chopped
2 T Basil (Chiffonade cut)
Salt
Pepper

Remove stalk of Fennel, cut bulb in half the long way, add a touch of salt, pepper and oil and grill over high heat until fennel is charred but not burnt. Remove from grill and let stand until cool. Once cooled, cut the fennel bulb against the grain to create julienne strips about ¼” wide.
Mix fennel, dried cranberries, sugar, rice wine vinegar, onion, basil, salt, and pepper together until uniform. Gently fold in lobster meat, chill for 30 minutes, serve cold.
Enjoy!

Swimming Is Slimming

By Ashley Anger | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Summer is officially here and that mean all pools are open! As you are splashing away, you are actually burning calories. In fact, swimming is one of the best ways to workout. Here is a great article with some helpful workouts to do while you’re hanging in the pool this summer.

http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/swim-your-way-slim

House Hunters Hoax!

By Maggie Ledgard | | (3) Comments

null My cousin and I are HGTV junkies who enjoy spending our free time following individual’s in their house hunting and remodeling ventures. Last night she offered up some information that she had recently heard through a friend which proved to be upsetting to both of us. House Hunters, one of our favorite shows, isn’t what it appears to be to viewers. The participants on the show are already in escrow with one of the three homes shown. I must be naïve considering after performing a quick internet search I discovered Hooked on Houses, http://hookedonhouses.net/ a hou,sing blog, which had a link to a newspaper article where the show explained the truth behind choosing participants who are already multiple steps into the process of purchasing a particular home.

According to Hooked on Houses the home that is chosen by the participants of the show is almost always empty during the filming, while the other two are furnished. See if you notice next time you watch House Hunters. This tactic does make sense whereas the participants are guaranteed to choose a house at the end of the show, however it takes all the fun out of it for the viewers who are trying to guess which house the buyers will choose!

The secret is out!

Lowell Spinners

By Cathy Vilardi | | (1) Comments

If you’re a Boston sports fan who is frustrated and disheartened by the lack luster performance of the Red Sox this season, fear not… This week The Lowell Spinners, Class “ A” minor league Red Sox affiliate kick off their 2012 season. With the cost of attending a Sox game at Fenway Park going through the roof, you can entertain your entire family at a Spinners game at a fraction of the cost. On average, Fenway Park is the most expensive park experience in the country with an average ticket cost of $53 per person. In contrast you can buy a ticket to see a Spinners game at LeLacheur Park for only $10.
The Spinners opened their season at home on Monday against the Connecticut Tigers, the Detroit Tigers Minor League affiliate. While the Spinner’s roster isn't finalized just yet, you can expect to see a mix of players that the Red Sox just drafted last week as well as players who are already part of the organization. It’s very exciting to watch the stars of tomorrow play ball today. Top Major Leaguers Kevin Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon and Jacoby Ellsbury are all former Lowell Spinners players.
The Spinners have sold out every single home baseball game for the past eight seasons so get your tickets today and enjoy a family day or evening at the ballpark.

Border Café….So Good and Cheap!

By Victoria Senft | | (1) Comments

null I was in the mood for fajitas so I decided to try Border Café on Rt. 1 in Saugus, MA. Well I am so glad that I did! They were so good and super cheap! It can’t get any better that that, right?
I drive by there all the time and they are always packed. Well I now know why. Not only were the fajitas awesome, they came out sizzling and the chicken was flavored amazingly. The margarita that I had with them was fabulous too.
Before you order they bring out homemade chips and salsa…… the only thing I would suggest is waiting a few minutes to order and enjoy the chips because the food came out super fast.
If you are ever in the area you need to try this place! Visit their website at bordercafe.com

Helpful tips for your dog during hot weather

By Kristen Wellington | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

Helpful tips for your dog during hot weather

Dogs do not sweat except through the pads of their feet and their noses. To cool themselves, they pant. It’s important to first recognize when your dog is experiencing heat stress, and how to prevent it during hot weather. Some symptoms are vigorous panting, red gums, and dizziness. Should you find your dog showing some or all of these symptoms, remove her immediately from heat and sunlight. Place cold washcloths on the ears, neck, chest and feet pads. This will slowly assist your pet to an acceptable body temperature. It’s important to always offer fresh, cool water throughout the day. Should they be outdoors for the day, some dogs enjoy a shallow pool or if indoors, especially for older dogs, a cooling bed can offer some comfort.

Please remember to never leave a dog inside a car at anytime during hot weather. All it takes is just a few minutes for the car to reach extreme temperatures. This is life threatening and/or will gravely affect your pets’ health.

Something Cool For Dinner

By Claire Collins | | (0) Comments

On really hot days when I ask my husband what he wants for dinner, his answer is “Something cool.” Of all the things I’ve thrown together to satisfy that request, this is the favorite. It’s quick, cool, and leftovers are great for lunch the next day.

Tuna Nicoise Pasta Salad

Thin spaghetti – a bundle about an inch in diameter
2 handfulls of frozen thin green beans, broken into smaller pieces
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 can tuna, drained
Garlic salt
Black pepper
1/2 cup Good Seasons Italian dressing prepared with olive oil, according to lighter version directions

Optional:
1 teaspoon capers
1 tomato, seeded and chopped

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, adding green beans in the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain, and toss with a few ice cubes to cool.

Combine tuna, dressing, and seasonings. Add spaghetti and shredded Parmesan, toss. Add more dressing if desired, and top with additional Parmesan cheese.

INSANITY! The name says it all!

By Tammy Jackson | | (2) Comments

false Eight weeks ago, the karate studio down the street from my house sent out an email offering the INSANITY workout in a class atmosphere. My initial reaction was, “this is exactly what I need to do”… and I signed up. Prior to the 1st class, I started talking to people about it and kept getting the same response: “That is really hard, you know!” Were they telling me this because it is hard if you are overweight and out of shape or just simply because it is hard for everyone?

You may have seen the infomercials on P90X and INSANITY – the ones with all these fit men and women telling you, “You can look like this!” And you chuckle and say back to the TV, “Sure I can.” It is hard to believe that in 60 days, you can go from couch-potato abs to six-pack abs - or even half a six pack, for that matter. Watching this, I wanted to cancel my enrollment and find something easier. How will I ever do this? I am 40 lbs overweight and haven’t attempted any form of exercise in about 20 years, but if I even want a chance to look close to that, hard is exactly what I need. So off to class I go…

I have one week left of INSANITY and let me tell you, it has lived up to its name for sure! The program offers cardio, plyo-metrics, circuit training, and abdominal & core strengthening and conditioning, all combined to give your body a chance at looking good. The nice thing is that you can go at your own pace and modify certain exercises until you get stronger. When I first started, I couldn’t do a single push up - not even the “girly” one. Now I can do them and other push up-inspired exercises. As for measureable results, I took measurements and weighed myself before the class started; I am, however, waiting until the final class to see my true results. People say they can see a difference, but the true test will be when I get on the scale.

Now that I have done this, I will continue to work hard with the next class offered - or even do this program again.

If you have thought about doing it – DO IT!!! It may be insane, but your body will thank you!

Merrimack Premium Outlets Are Open!

By Kathy Sutherland | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

After nearly eight years in the making, the Merrimack Premium Outlets are finally open! The doors opened last Thursday with festivities running through Sunday evening. The 560,000 square foot complex consists of 12 buildings with plenty of parking and beautiful views! There is a future phase planned that will consist of four more buildings and potentially a hotel and future restaurants. Shoppers walked away last weekend with great deals and lots of “freebies”. The mall has many of the stores you would expect such as Jones New York, Coach, Ann Taylor Loft, Bloomingdales, Aeropostle, Hanes, Yankee Candle, The Cosmetic Factory, etc. There is even a food court! The mall is conveniently located off of the Everett Turnpike at exit 10.

Moules Frites - Not Just Belgium's Obsession!

By Sarah Greenough | | (1) Comments

Getting a bite to eat at Deep Ellum in Allston this weekend, I stumbled upon what may be my new favorite food. Moules Frites!!!

To start, I must admit that Deep Ellum's large selection of Belgium and Farmhouse beers was the original attraction for me but wow, the food turned out to be fantastic and so complimentary to the craft beers. What is a Moules Frites you might be asking right about now......it is a big bowl of steaming hot mussels and crisp fries. Evidently in Belgium, steamed mussels and fried potatoes go together as naturally as fish and chips in England, and burgers and fries in the States. The combination was marinating in a broth of shallots, garlic and white wine then drizzled with a lemon garlic aioli sauce. Yum! Mussels and fries are a fantastic food pairings that I never would have imagined. The juicy, sweet mussels play off perfectly with the starchy earthiness of the fries. Want to try something new?? Add Moules Frites to your must sample list!

BBQ Championship

By Daniel Leger | New Hampshire, Food, Community, | (0) Comments

null If you think you've got what it takes to win a BBQ cook off or just like to eat, Rock'n Ribfest is the place to be June 15th,16th and 17th. It will be located at the Anheuser-Busch Facility on Rt. 3 in Merrimack NH with a $7 admission at the gate. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners of the four grilling categories. If you're not the chef you think you are there will be activities and rides for all ages as well as a whoopie Pie Eating Contest! If you're feeling free as a bird, there will be Hot Air Balloon Rides for your enjoyment for a small price. Live entertainment will also be preforming at the festival on all three days! So get out of the house and enjoy this great opportunity to have an awesome time with a face full of BBQ sauce!

For the Hot Dog Lovers!!

By Jen D'Apice | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Food, | (1) Comments

null Beverly has a great hot dog stand located right on Rantoul St. The stand is called The Scotty Dog and I am in love with their Vienna Beef dogs! My personal favorite is the Scotty Chicago Dog which includes toppings of mustard, onion, homemade relish, tomato, sport peppers, pickle spear and celery salt. This hot dog requires two hands to eat! A side of fries goes great with it. The fries here are delicious as well, seasoned with just the right mix of salt and pepper. If you are still hungry after your delicious dog, they serve Richie’s Italian Ice for desert!

When visiting, one can take advantage of the 10 spot car hop or outdoor seating is available. This is a must place visit if you are ever out in Beverly!!
Check out their website at www.thescottydog.com

Oh the places I will....eat!

By Beth Devoe | Massachusetts, Food, | (1) Comments

I have worked in Lowell for almost 9 years now and have been very spoiled by all the great restaurants within walking distance or a short drive of my office. I will be transferring out of Lowell in a few weeks and have decided that I absolutely have to eat at all my favorite places before I go! They are places that aren't chains so they are unique in their own right. I am definitely going to miss having all these great places around me.

1 - Mambo Grill on Merrimack Street has the best burritos and yam fries that I have ever had! I have gone there for lunch numerous times and tell my husband about their burritos. I always get the rice and bean burrito and have them add in guacamole. I have yet to find another restaurant where the burritos are that good!

2 - Olympia Restaurant on Market Street has a stuffed cabbage lunch plate that they serve with rice and potato. It has a lemon cream sauce that is so good!

3 - Courthouse Deli on Middlesex Street is a place I just discovered. I had "The Magistrate" which is a panini sandwich and it was like nothing I had ever had before. Smoked turkey breast, roasted sweet red pepper, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil pesto and spring mix on Ciabatta. Soooooooooo yummy!

4 - Ward 8 has the best grilled cheese sandwiches! I know what you are thinking - grilled cheese? They don't serve just the run of the mill grilled cheese's though! I had "the white lightning" which has mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, pesto and balsamic drizzles over the top. The bread was toasted and was delicious!

5 - Mr. Jalepeno is on Merrimack Street and I love their Azteca soup! It's a mexican chicken soup with crispy tortilla strips, salsa, pico de gallo, avocado and jack cheese. I might have to buy a bunch of pints of this soup and freeze it in my freezer!

These are just a few of the restaurants that I love and have taken for granted while working in Lowell. If I don't get a chance to eat at all these places before I leave I will have to make a special trip because each place has something unique that I love and may not find anywhere else. Even if I do find another restaurant that makes these items I will always compare them!

A Must Try Salad

By Carla Jacobson | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, | (3) Comments

Celia's Salad Are you trying to come up with that "Must Have" recipe for your next BBQ? Would you really like to "Wow" your family and friends with a must have treat? Well my Aunt Celia's Wicked Good Salad is a Must try! Have fun with the dish, and get creative by adding your own ingredients and creating your "Own Wicked Good Salad"! It's quick and easy to throw together, and light and refreshing to go with those chicken and burgers! Enjoy!

Aunt Celia's Wicked Good Salad!

1 1/2 bags of mixed greens
1 large sweet onion chopped
2 Kirby cucumbers sliced, then cut in quarters
1/2 bag of dried cranberries
1/4 cup of walnuts chopped
4 bacon strips crumbled
1 basket of cherry tomatoes cut in half
4 oz. goat cheese
Top it off with chinese noodles

Dressing:

1 bottle of Kraft Italian Dressing

Use the same bottle and add:
1/2 bottle of balsamic dressing
1/2 bottle of olive oil

Quick Pillow Pick-me-up

By Casey Cheskey | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

null Looking for a quick summer pick-me-up to brighten up your home? One of the best ways I know of is to bring in some pattern and color with pillows. You've heard the phrase "Clothes make the man"? Well, the decorating corollary is "Pillows make the sofa."

You can head out to Target, Home Goods, or Pier 1 for inexpensive options. When you bring them home you'll be amazed at how they'll change your room's look in minutes flat. All for about the cost of movie night or a mani/pedi. It's an easy-as-pie update and an affordable treat. Happy shopping, and happy new look for summer!

100 Bottles of Wine on the Wall

By Daniel Leger | | (3) Comments

One hundred wines by the glass? Yes that’s right! Napa East Wine Lounge and Shop is a new uprising restaurant here in Nashua, NH. Very unique venue and is a must see! The food is amazing and the wine list is extensive with various options for all wine and non wine enthusiasts alike. The list varies from Robert Mondavi to Opus One. Every wine “on tap” is hooked to a machine known as Napa Technology with each refrigeration unit hooked up to an argon gas system. The gas is then pumped into each bottle in the cooler making the oxidation processes of the wine near imposable allowing their 100 glass wine selection.

Summer Skin Care

By Jenilee Provencal | | (2) Comments

null As the summer weather heats up so does your beauty routine. Here are a few simple summer beauty tricks to keep you looking your best.

Summer is a time to pamper your skin, since it tends to be on display a bit more. There are a few super easy homemade scrubs that work just as well as something from a tub. A favorite of mine is made with lemon and brown sugar. Take ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup grape-seed oil (olive oil or almond oil works just as well, you can add more if the mixture isn’t smooth enough), and the zest from 1 lemon. Stir together and apply in the shower in a circular motion. Plus exfoliating your skin improves your circulation, and removes toxins.

Be sure to thoroughly wash your face every day. It is super important to remove all the junk that piles up on your skin throughout the day. Also a few times a week you should exfoliate to remove all the dead skin, this will help your face look young and fresh. I like to use Clinique’s 7 Day Scrub. It is gentle enough to use everyday.

When it comes to moisturizing your skin, skip the heavy creams and opt for a tinted moisturizer. It’s a two in one for the summer, moisturizer and foundation.

Spending all day at the beach can give you a sun kissed glow, it can also dry out your hair. Before leaving for the day at the beach wet hair and slather on conditioner. It prevents your hair from soaking up the salt in the water and air, at home you can rinse it out for super soft hair.

And always remember to put sunscreen on every day! Even though you aren’t lying at the beach your skin is still subject to the harsh rays of the sun.

DecorSteals.com ~ A New GREAT way to decorate your apartment home!

By Jessica Costanzo | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (3) Comments

Hey all of you shoppers out there! I have a new website that I would like to share with you! We have all seen the daily boutiques where you can buy designer clothing at fabulously low prices. WELL…I have stumbled onto one that offers beautiful vintage home décor! DecorSteals.com is possibly the EASIEST way to decorate your apartment home!! Each day you will receive an email (at 10am;) that will have the deal of the day. And each day it is something new and exciting! Now, not only do you have that great deal tempting you, but it also lists the “extended deals” of the day. These are other beautiful pieces that they have extra of and want to sell. All it takes is the quick click of a button and you have purchased a FABULOUS, UNIQUE piece for your home! Best of all, it gets delivered RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR!! All for a low low price of $5 shipping…on EVERYTHING! It really doesn’t get much easier than that! I have bought some really beautiful, very cool pieces for my home that I have never seen in any stores. You will see anything from beautiful baskets for storage, to 4 foot wooden angel wings! (which of course I had to have!)
Your home should be your happy place and reflect who you are. Many of you go on to pinterest and see all of these fabulous ideas and wonder how to do that in your own home. Lots of those things you see are available on Décor Steals! So check out DécorSteals.com and get excited about decorating your home!

Guilt Free Delicious Dip!!!

By Caitlyn Irving | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Tzatziki is one of my all time favorite dips. I love making it because of how quick it is to throw together for any occasion! It is a crowd pleaser because of its healthy refreshing taste. Not to mention it requires very few ingredients making it very inexpensive to make.

Tzatziki Sauce
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1 cup diced seedless cucumber
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Stir until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Always best to chill before stirring! (I usually do 1-2 days)
Makes about 3 cups
Tzatziki goes beautifully with fresh vegetables, pita bread, crackers, falafel, meat/fish, or gyros. I love pairing the tzatziki with homemade pita chips or tortilla chips. The next time you have a party or cook-out to go to bring this homemade tzatziki with you. It will most definitely be a hit and a cheap one at that!!

Smartphones are taking over!

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Marketing, Lifestyle, Sarah Greenough, | (0) Comments

Mobile Last year, the number of smartphones sold exceeded the number of personal computer's (PC's) sold! WOW. Mobile is here to stay. Currently there are two giants in the smartphone sales war - Apple and Android. Which one do you have? Personally I'm an Apple Fangirl. Some of the reasons for mobile's success is that you can do just about everything on your smartphone that you can do on your PC - and be mobile while doing it!

Smartphone users seem to do everything on their phone from retail shopping, listening to Pandora music, checking in on Facebook as well as playing games. Draw Something anyone? This is one of my favorite iPad/iPhone game apps. Speaking of Draw Something and Apple apps, the use of apps continues to grow exponentially. In fact, to put it in context - it took AOL 9 years to get 1 million users, it took Facebook 9 months and it took Draw Something 9 days to reach the 1 millon user mark!!!

Global Internet users will double in the next few years and most will be mobile. There is a mobile revolution. For more interesting statistics on Smartphone use and mobile growth, check out Business Insiders recent presentation on "The Future of Mobile" Now back to my most recent Draw Something game!

Parks & Rec

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Environmental, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

If you haven't seen the NBC comedy Parks and Rec, check it out. It's a great show and reminds me of our own department of parks & rec and how awesome it is. In Massachusetts we call it the DCR ,Department of Conservation and Recreation which oversees the protection and operation of over 450,000 acres of forests, parks, greenways, historic sites and landscapes, seashores, lakes, and ponds.

Here are a few of my favorite DCR spots in MA to clear my head and let the dog run free:

Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle MA

Chosen by Yankee Magazine's Travel Guide to New England as Editor's Pick 2000, Great Brook Farm State Park stands as a jewel in northern Massachusetts! Agriculture has been part of Great Brook's history for centuries. Holsteins have been kept here for over 60 years and current farmer Mark Duffy continues the tradition with his black & white ladies. Native Americans used sections of Great Brook Farm as sacred sites. Seventeenth century cellar holes comprise "the city" where early English settlers worked one of numerous mill sites on the 1,000 acre park.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/gbfm.htm

Ashland State Park, Ashland MA

Ashland State Park has 470 acres including the 157 acre Ashland Reservoir. The park is operated seasonally and provides opportunities for swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, bicycling and hiking. Beach improvements at the park include facilities for wheelchair access to the boathouse and by ramp into the pond.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/ashl.htm

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton MA

Rising above the surrounding forest to a height of 2006 feet, Mount Wachusett stands as a unique landmark within the central New England landscape. From the summit, a clear day reveals views of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east. The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation surrounds the summit and offers a wealth of natural and recreational resources.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm

What are some of your favorite spots?

Brownies – The Little Black Dress of Desserts

By Shannon Earley | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

Brownies are my go to dessert. I love them. I always have a box in the house for when a chocolate craving hits and you just need something good. But brownies can be more than just chocolate in a pan. They allow you a lot of creativity and you can dress them up in any number of ways. They are the little black dress of desserts. You can dress it up, or dress it down or wear it to three different weddings, just change the accessories!

Here are some great brownies variations that you can simply add to your basic brownie mix, either in the last 10 minutes of cooking or immediately after you pull them out of the oven, and you have a whole new dessert!

•Andes Mints! Break them up and sprinkle them across the top of the brownies 2-3 minutes, before, or immediately after you pull them out of the oven. They make great swirls and then you have chocolate mint brownies
•Peanut Butter! Add a dollop or eight to the top of your brownies before you throw them in the oven. It cooks right in and tastes fabulous!
•Jam! Pick your favorite flavor – personally, I love raspberry. Again, add spoonfuls to the top of your brownies. If you want it to stand out more, add it later in the cooking process.
•Candy! Add mini marshmallows, or chocolate chips, or M&M’s. Or Rolos, or cherries, or Heath bars or coconut. Sprinkle them on top near the end of the cooking time, press them in to the batter and you will have some fancy looking brownies. Or get really creative and add graham cracker chunks and marshmallows for a brownie S’more!

So remember, get creative and have fun because it is practically impossible to mess up brownies. I hope you enjoy!

Museum Passes, and More, Available Now at Your Public Library!

By Kim Kojak | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

null Add some culture or history to your summer! Spend an afternoon with friends or family at Canterbury Shaker Village, Stawbery Banke, the Children’s Museum of Boston, McCauliff-Shepard Discovery Center or the MFA Boston among many others for FREE or deeply discounted rates by simply picking up a museum pass!

Libraries offering these passes include Nashua Public Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell and Worcester Public Library. The passes accommodate an average of four people and most passes can be used by members up to four times a month!

For a day at the beach, borrow a Kindle or NookColor from participating libraries. If you have your own, check out the many free downloads available. Of course, libraries are your best source for books, book lists and recommendations! Many larger libraries, like Worcester Public Library, have a cafe located inside, offering coffee and internet access- a great place to escape the summer heat!

Graffiti.. Art or Vandalism?

By Kristen Aquaros | Travel, Community, | (1) Comments

This past weekend I was visiting the Big Apple and amongst other things this great city has to offer, I took notice to all of the Graffiti painted every where. As I was taking pictures of all of the grafiti on the side of buildings, subways, street signs I couldnt help but wonder why the city and business owners haven't painted over any of the grafiti. I always thought of the art form as vandalism, promoting local gangs marking their territory. After talking with some local New Yorkers It opened my eyes to a whole new view of the art of Grafiti. It did orginate in the United States back in the 60s as a way for gangs to mark their territory, as young artist started catching on it eventually turned into an art of self expression. Artists started tagging their nicknames around the city, it became an underground battle between writers to become what the graffiti world calls graffiti "masters". In the early 70s to become known as a master, it was all about quantity which eventually turned in to quality. Ultimaley writers were creating masterpieces of art all over the city. Hugo Martinez, a sociology major at City College, realized the legitimacy that these street artists could achieve. Hugo later founded the UGA, the United Graffiti Artists, which was the first effort to get graffiti into art galleries. Hugo represented some of NYC’s greatest graffiti artists; names like Phase2, Flint 707, and Snake found their way into legit art galleries all over the world. City officials are not so pleased with the art and still to this day have created laws and policies trying to rid graffiti. There will never be enough policy to completely get rid of graffiti entirely. As cities come up with newer and better ways to combat graffiti, writers are finding ways of getting around it. After talking with a few store owners in during my trip to New York, I found out that more and more store owners are actually paying graffiti writers to paint their buildings. I can say some of the pieces that I came across while I was visiting were extremly detailed and very expressive. I now recognize graffiti in an art sense rather than an act of vandalism. Although not all New Yorkers condone the graffiti, It gives the city character.

Mix it up! Move it around! Rearranging furniture made easy!

By Liz Roloff | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Don’t you love moving your furniture around to change the look of your room? My daughter always knew when I had a day off from work – she’d come home and the furniture would be rearranged! So, if you have the same obsession as I do, I want to share the greatest idea since the pizza&beer party (created to talk your friends into helping move the one-ton sofa you just had to have) – EZ Moves Furniture Moving System™ (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=18312662). I thought the sliders you put under the furniture’s legs were great, now they have a device to help you lift the one-ton sofa making it so easy to slide the disks underneath! So, take a day off and move your furniture around, it’s easy and a great outlet for your artistic flair, and it keeps your loved-ones guessing!

That Afternoon Craving...

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Food, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

So it’s 2:30p.m. and your stomach starts to rumble. Chips sound good right about then. Candy sounds even better. What to do? How about a snack that is both filling and less than 150 calories? Sounds good right? Check out these easy and healthy snacks to fulfill those afternoon (or midnight) cravings.
http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2011/05/15-healthy-snacks-under-150-calories#slide=1

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Corporate Furnished, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

high heel cup cakes Years ago I had lost touch with my friend, Kelly. We hadn't seen each other or spoken since our freshman year in college. I had tried to find her, but couldn't. Then, one morning I was watching the news and there she was!! Promoting her bakery "Cakes For Occasions"! I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes - I couldn't believe she was on my tv! Totally cool!

But what's even cooler than that is this little bakery that she opened for herself in Danvers, MA. They do the most amazing artwork on a cake I have ever seen! Whatever you want on it, they can do it! My best friend, Peter, is a huge Betty White fan and so for his 40th birthday, I had a Betty White cake made for him.. It was awesome! And outside the artwork, the cake is delicious - but that's usually secondary in these cases.

They have just expanded their store and Kelly has recently been promoting her "cake pops" on HSN which means she has gone beyond local, she's gone national! The creativity and attention to detail on all of their products is amazing! They go way beyond birthdays and standard occasions.

If you have a special occasion that you need a cake for you MUST check them out. Even if you don't, you really need to check out their website and their facebook site just to look at their photo galleries (see links listed below). I am not promoting this because she is my friend (because we really haven't reconnected as adults), I am promoting this because I think their work is fabulous and you shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to have a special cake for whatever occasion.

http://www.cakes4occasions.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cakesforoccasions

Need a Pick-Me-Up?

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Development, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (4) Comments

null You've got to click this link and read about Brendan Haas. It's not too long and it won't take up too much of your time. In a world where everyone around you seems to have their face buried in a smartphone and is oblivious to the fact that there are other actual people around them, this story made me smile like a fool - and I think we could all learn a little something from it. We might not all be able to send a family on a dream vacation... but we can do little things for each other. Hold the door. Let the person with one item cut in front of you at the grocery store checkout. Say please - and thank you. There's so much more, but you get the idea. Brendan Haas started early, but it's never too late to start putting others before yourself.

Are You Logged In?

By Tracy Hilker | | (3) Comments

null Are you addicted to the Internet? Yeah, I know I am... I always have been, ever since we got our first computer, you know, dial up, back in the stone age, the 90's. It was nuts. Us kids got maybe an hour on it a day, couldn't use the phone when someone was on the Internet. Do you remember when you would be on the Internet and someone would pick up the phone and ruin your connection, which would case a fit because you just lost the 47 instant messages you had going on? I had many "virtual" pen pals from around the world. I even met my husband on a random Yahoo Boston chat room. (remember those??) Oh... I guess there was a reason my brother used to call me Miss Clickity Clack and her Imaginary Friends...

When I was a teen, I always had pen pals. Yes, we wrote old fashion snail mail letters, send packages, and every now and then would call each other. I adored all of my pen pals. Once the Internet came along, the anticipation of waiting for a snail mail letter, or receiving a package to come that you weren't expecting, dwindled. Makes me a little sad. I have joined a few groups on Facebook (mainly Disney ones of course) and we have tried to bring new life to snail mail! We do monthly birthday cards, and also have a few gift exchanges throughout the year. And let me tell you, there is still NOTHING like getting a hand written card in the mail. Well, for me that is.

I try to catch myself though. I'll say I'm going to bed to read. Next thing I know I'm on my iPad checking my Facebook messages, or on my phone checking in to some random app, saying Hey, I'm here! Or showing someone a quick video. I mean, here I am right now, blog!

My husband is a computer gamer, so sometimes I tell him I loose him to that, but there I am, sitting there chatting with someone on my iPad.

Where am I going with this blog? I'm not to sure. I don't know that I really want the Facebooking, blog, pinning, tweeting, googleing to stop. I guess I'm just here to say, "Hi, my name is Miss Clickity Clack... and I'm an Internet addict."

Petrillos Restaurant = Yummy

By Victoria Senft | Food, | (1) Comments

null So I have lived in Peabody now for about 6 years and I drive past this lovely little place every day. Well I decided to finally stop in for dinner. I am so glad I did! It was great. I got the shrimp fra diavolo. The homemade fettuccine in this dish was scrumptious and perfectly cooked. I paired it with a glass of chianti that was qually delicious. If you are ever in Peabody, MA you need to stop in at this lovely little gem. You can visit their website at petrillosrestaurant.com

Camping Safety Tips...

By Kathy Sutherland | New Hampshire, Travel, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

Camping is a great way to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends. It is an activity that my family and I really enjoy! If anyone is new to camping, there are many things that you may not think of pertaining to safety. This article will ensure you are well prepared for your trip as it offers many health and safety tips.
First and foremost, you want to be sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Recommended vaccines are tetanus, pertussis, meningitis, and/or hepatitis A. The list is dependent on your medical history and destination.

Next, be sure to prepare and safely pack your food. Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers and keep them in an insulated cooler. Wash hands and surfaces often and use hand sanitizer if water is not available. Separate raw foods from uncooked foods. Cook foods to proper temperature and chill foods promptly.

If you build a campfire, be sure to do so safely. Build or use a campfire pit away from overhanging tree branches. Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure it is completely extinguished before you leave.
Protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use fuel-burning equipment such as gas stoves, heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter.

Avoid touching, feeding, or getting near wild animals as they can carry diseases. Keep foods stored in sealed containers and out of reach. Make sure the family pets are vaccinated and watch them closely to keep them away from wild animals. Also check your pets for ticks and be sure they have plenty of water, food, and shelter.

To help fight against bug bites, be sure to apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin. Apply the insect repellent permethrin to clothes to help keep ticks from attaching to them. Check for ticks daily and remove them promptly. Wear long sleeves, pants and other light-colored clothing to help prevent and spot ticks more easily

Protect yourself from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest and cover up with clothing, a wide- brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Avoid water-related illness and injury. Never swim alone. If you plan to ride in a boat, canoe, or other water vehicle, be sure to wear a life jacket . Avoid alcohol when taking part in water related activities.

Be prepared! Always expect the unexpected. Check the weather report, learn about the security of your camp location and tell family and friends of your plans. Be sure to bring along a supply kit that includes a first aid kit, compass or GPS, map, flashlight, blankets, batteries and medications.

For more helpful information, go to www.cdc.gov/family/camping

Caprese Salad for the Summer

By Andrea Donahue | Health, Food, | (2) Comments

Here’s an idea for a quick and easy summer dinner or a dish to bring to a cook-out this Memorial Day weekend….Caprese Salad!! Can you say, YUM??? So light, so easy and so refreshing! This won’t fill you up or make you feel heavy, just satisfied in a healthy, delicious way.

This dish can be used as a main dish with fresh bread, a side dish with beef, or as an appetizer, any way you serve it, it is delicious.

What’s better is you can grow half of the ingredients right in your own back yard this summer or pick up the tomatoes and basil at your local farmer’s market. The key to this dish is fresh, fresh, fresh and in season. Fresh red & juicy local tomatoes (not too soft), fragrant green basil, moist fresh mozzarella cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. That simple.

Layer alternating slices of the tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter, placing a basil leaf between each layer or cut up the basil and sprinkle over the top. Drizzle olive oil on top of the salad. You can use salt and pepper to taste, if you would like, but you may find you don’t need it at all.

It’s so fresh, so simple, and so flavorful. Enjoy!!

Fun in the Summertime!

By Jen D'Apice | Massachusetts, Travel, | (0) Comments

null Now that summer is right around the corner, I wanted to share one of my favorite beaches, Wingaersheek. It is located in the western part of Gloucester on Atlantic Street off Rte. 133 and Concord Street, this beautiful beach is along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. Wingaersheek Beach has white sands, crystal clear waters, and huge rocks in the water that you can climb around at low tide. As a child, we would have so much fun jumping off of these rocks into the water once the tide came in.

The beach goes on forever at low tide and the water stays shallow for a long time. The tide pool formations are perfect places for kids to get up-close-and-personal with snails, tiny fish & shrimp, hermit crabs, and other creatures. There are no real waves to speak of, so it's great for little kids. No boogie boards are allowed.

With tide pools to explore and lots of rock formations for climbing, Wingaersheek is a favorite for families with children.

Where is your favorite beach?

Contests...Contests... Contests...

By Cheryl Popp | Corporate Office, Marketing, | (0) Comments

Who doesn't like contests? I was recently using LinkedIn trying to make some connections and realized that one of the groups that I belong to was giving incentives for posting articles, liking posts and commenting on them. I thought, what a great way for our Princeton Blog to get a little more exciting and get more people to post. I think if we all knew that there was a contest or prize on the line we would be more apt to post or check the posts that are put on it and be a little more apprehensive of the blog and what it is all about..

Here is a copy of the link where this woman's network is awarding people by being active participants...http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Announcing-Highlights-from-Week-Three-4409416.S.117609890

Make sure to participate for your chance to win!

Skin Care for Summer

By Carla Jacobson | Massachusetts, Health, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null Summer is here, and we are all preparing for the gorgeous beach weather that is right around the corner! As usual, everyone is looking for the best diet plan to join, exercise routines, and the hottest trends to get that "bod" everyone hopes for. Getting fit, feeling good, and enjoying the sun is always on our summer agenda, but do we ever consider the possible damage we are doing to our bodies exposing our skin to such strong UVA and UVB rays? So what is the best way to get that great summer glow before the season arrives, while protecting it in the summer light? Here are some easy to do tips on ways to assure your skin to reflect the best you while assuring it is protected!
-Choosing Sunscreen: Always be sure to use 15 SPF(Sun Protection Factor). Waterproof is always recommended. Sunscreen does not only protect you from a sun burn, but slows the aging process down of your skin, and prevents other skin damages such as skin cancer from growing.
-Application Tips: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to any exposed skin a half hour prior to sun exposure. To assure maximum protection, be sure to be generous in your application! Re-apply every 2 hours; more frequently if exposed to water.
-Lip Balm: Many forget about their lips and the potential for them to also suffer from the sun exposure. Be sure to apply lip balm with at least an SPF of 15 or higher. This will also prevent burning and chapping.
-Seek Cover: It is also a good idea to have protective clothing with you as well, and to seek shade as much as possible. The less exposure, the better!
-Environmental Factors: Mid day hours,typically 12-3, are considered to be the most dangerous times for sun exposure! Higher and lower altitudes could also effect the amount of damage one may experience with out the proper protection.

Did You Know!?- Sunscreen VS. Sunblock: Biggest difference? Sunscreen absorbs UV rays before they damage your skin, where as Sunblock physically blocks UV rays from ever reaching your skin!

FB!

By Maggie Ledgard | Massachusetts, Marketing, | (2) Comments

As a younger employee for Princeton Properties I may have grown up in a different generation than my co-workers. A major difference that I have noticed is the amount of technology I was exposed to at a young age. In elementary school I had computer lessons, middle school was full of late night AIM chat conversations and Myspace was all the rage in high school. Then there was college, where Facebook and Twitter became popular and I actually took a Social Networking class.

Being in the Rental Industry social networking is a great source of communication and outreach in order to bring awareness to our communities. This week Facebook went through a big change when it became an IPO, initial public stock offering, early this morning. Yesterday Facebook priced its stock at $38/share, a large offering which makes sense considering the internet phenomenon company held off from going public in 2009 for a much lower price.

Too bad we all didn’t know Mark Zuckerberg during his time spent at Harvard Univeristy where he created the dynamic website and we could have invested money into Facebook like venture capitalist Peter Thiel. “Thiel, who sits on Facebook's board of directors, invested $500,000 in the company in 2004. He's selling nearly 17 million of his shares in the IPO, which means he'll get some $640 million. He will hold on to about 28 million shares, worth $1.06 billion.” (Ortutay)….our investments on a lower scale of course.

Check out the Nasdaq Stock Market if you’re interested in investing in the online social networking company that our industry so heavily relies on, ticker symbol FB!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbVKr7ByZMMdfGGNn_VVhNrZ1LXg?docId=a8e59de6ce6e4810b2646adec1083c2b

Portland Trails– explore Portland!

By Nathan Strange | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Health, Travel, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

Portland Trails– explore Portland!

So, everyone knows about the 3.6 mile walking/running loop around Portland’s Back Cove, but did you know Portland has over 50 miles of networked trails?

That’s right! Portland Trails has 31 trails to run, cycle, hike, mountain bike, walk, snow shoe, and cross country ski on. Some of the trails lead to fishing, swimming, and picnic destinations that are stroller and/or wheelchair accessible

“Portland Trails is a nonprofit land trust that preserves green space for public access and connects people with places. Since our founding in 1991, Portland Trails has been dedicated to creating a network of trails in greater Portland, Maine that is available to everyone free of charge”. (http://trails.org/)

Want to bring poochie for a walk? Portland has 28 trails that are dog friendly! Don’t forget to stop by the Quarry Run Dog Park, its pretty much an amusement park for dogs.

Visit the Portland Trails website at: http://trails.org/ for more info. You can join to become a member and or donate at: http://trails.org/join-or-donate/ and volunteers are always welcome at http://trails.org/volunteer/ .

Get out there and explore Portland!

Photo by David Hanauer

The Lobster Shanty…Delish!!

By Victoria Senft | | (1) Comments

So everyone has probably gathered that since my blogs are mostly about different restaurants that I like to go out to eat!
Well I went to the Lobster Shanty yesterday and got the Lobster Mac & Cheese…OMG it was so amazing. They use big spiral macaroni and HUGE pieces of fresh lobster meat. Now I should have paired it with their Lobstertini which is Absolut vodka mixed with lobster essence served with a twist & garnished with a chilled lobster claw the Shantastic version of a dirty martini but I decided to save that for another day!
Visit their website at www.lobstershantysalem.com

This Little Piggy went to Market...

By Tim Richard | Maine, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

null It seems like spring took forever to reach us here in Maine. Now that is has, everything is growing and blooming at a terrific pace. One of the great things here in Portland that also reappears in the spring is our Farmers Market. As people become more aware of what they are eating in order to be healthier and greener, they become more interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it got there. The Farmers Market is the essential place to get the freshest, locally produced, natural, organic produce and meat, and also place to get to know the farmer’s that bring their goods to market. Farmers are an unending source for knowledge about the food that you eat, from what’s ripe and ready, to how best to use the item you are interested in, and when other thing that are growing right now will be ready and available for you.

The Portland Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 12 noon at Deering Oaks Park and on Wednesdays between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Monument Square in Downtown Portland. Cash is always accepted at the market, but there is also a “Market Money” system for folks who only brought a debit or credit card or for those who have a SNAP card (food stamps). At the “Market Money” kiosk you simply purchase as many small wooden coins with either a $1 or $5 denominations as you need with your debit/credit card or SNAP card. You then take the coins to any participating vendor (about 90% of growers participate) and purchase your produce with the coins. Just bring any left over coins with you to make purchases next time.

Portland’s Farmers Market was recently recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as being one of the Top Ten Farmers Market’s in the country (check the article out at the link below). With over 35 growers gathering twice a week, Portlander’s get to experience the best seasonal items that the area has to offer. At the moment my favorite items they have, which you need to get there early to procure before they run out, are ramps (garlic scape) and fiddleheads. These great vegetables can only be found by foraging in areas that meet the particular needs of the plants. Ramps have a great fresh smell, a bright, but not overwhelming, garlic flavor and have a broad leaf that is delicious when lightly sauteed. Fiddleheads are the young heads of a specific fern that are crunchy with a taste somewhat like a slightly bitter asparagus. Ramps and fiddleheads are here now, but will be completely unavailable within a month, so we try to get all we can while they are available. Another item I can’t get enough of are the hot and sour garlic pickles that are sold at Uncle’s Farm Stand. These are the most flavorful pickle I’ve ever run across, with a great garlic bite and a moderate spiciness that is brilliantly offset by the tartness of the vinegar they use to pickle these sweet like cucumbers. Jena, my wife, usually ends up buying several jars to store (which they do very well) over the winter so I can get my hot and sour garlic fix even in the darkest of months.

Whether you come to Portland to experience our Farmers Market or you find one near you, everyone should take it upon themselves to get out and get to know your local farmers and the amazing products they have to offer.

http://www.portlandmainefarmersmarket.org/
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-farmers-markets/1

Can't wait for the iPhone 5?

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (2) Comments

For those of us that simply can't wait for the release of the iphone 5 the rumors are abound. Here are a few of the latest iphone 5 rumors.

According to Macworld, The iphone 5 could be release as early as September. We can expect to see a larger screen and several sources are reporting that the dock connector will be different. Hopefully the come out with an adapter too!
http://www.macworld.com.au/features/iphone-5-rounding-up-the-latest-rumours-53512/

There's another informative rumor round up from Cnet that does corroborate most of the chatter surrounding the iphone 5.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20073431-233/iphone-5-rumor-roundup/?tag=rb_content;contentBody

And if you still want to know more check out the posts at http://www.iphone5release.net/ The.re is a ton of interesting details here and mentions of a new liquid metal body which is really cool.

The take away from all of this is that whatever Apple decides to do with the iphone 5, it will be amazing.

The 1-2-3 Mug Cake!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Food, | (2) Comments

null I’m someone who really loves sweets….brownies, cookies, cake…you name it! Unfortunately my fiancé is not a sweet-eater and believe it or not, he HATES chocolate. Sometimes I wonder why a woman couldn’t have been born with his taste buds! Since it seems wasteful to bake goodies just for myself, I came up with the perfect solution (thanks to Pinterest of course)….the 1-2-3 Mug Cake! It is quick to make, low in fat and calories and best of all, can be made in 1 serving!

What You’ll Need:
1 box Angel Food Cake mix
1 box Devil's Food mix
unsweetened apple sauce
A few chocolate chips
Take the two cakes mixes & combine them in a large container. Make sure it has an airtight lid! Now you're ready to make the cake!

The measurements:
3 Tablespoons of the Angel Food/Devil's Food mixture
1 Tablespoon of Unsweetened Applesauce
1 Tablespoon of water
A few chocolate chips

The assembly:
Mix everything together except the chocolate chips.
After you mix, place the chocolate chips on top so they will slowly sink into the cake as it cooks.
Put it in the microwave for 45-60 seconds
Let cool for a couple of minutes and top with a little whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Spring Cleaning Tips

By Lisa Bettencourt | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Yes, it’s that time for spring cleaning. When discussing spring cleaning, there are a few things that come to mind that we all easily forget. Each of these chores can easily be completed in less than 15 minutes.
1. Clean or replace those drip pans on your stove. Pull out the bottom drawer and clean underneath as well.
2. Clean out your refrigerator and freezer. Make room for freeze pops, ice creams and those summer treats you love.
3. Wipe down any small appliances you may have (unplug all appliances first). If the microwave smells, boil lemon juice.
4. Clean out your car. Take out that ice scraper and winter survival kit and replace it with an umbrella and picnic blanket.
What are some of your spring cleaning tips we can add?

Bully, no more!

By Tracy Hilker | | (1) Comments

null This morning I was all set on blogging about a new restaurant that my husband I recently tried out, but after a discussion that I had with my bus driver, which turned into a post as my Facebook status, which turned into a rather large discussion under that post. So as much as I would love to share with you the tastey bites I had at the quant little place in Gloucester, I'm gonna save it for another time...The new subject is more important.

Bully. How many of you, at some point in time in your life, have come across the path of a bully? I know that I sure have. When I was talking to my bus driver today, he was mentioning a group of band kids that take the bus every Monday. There is one teen that was being picked on by 3 other teens. My bus driver told them to knock it off, and now has the one teen stay up the front of the bus with him, where he can keep an eye on him and the others, and he can also talk with him, as this boy seems to not have a friend in the world. He is struggling with the fact that his father is very ill and in the hospital, and then he has to go to school and deal with these kids picking on him? And their reason for picking on him? His brain. He is a very inteligent kid, and I guess they feel better about themselves by doing this.

I went on line and mentioned some of my stories of being bullied as a teen regarding my weight. I was a size 12/14, you know, the size of the beautiful Marilyn Monroe... I had developed earlier than many of the other girls, and was bullied, made fun of, picked on, because of this. One such story... I just got these beautiful new shoes. Pointy toe velvet heels. I was so excited about these. I wore them to school, and on the first day I had them on, one of the boys asked me if I was afraid that my heels would snap under the pressure of all my weight... It didn't stop there. I was constantly bullied by the same group of boys, who, when each boy was alone, they were sweet as pie to me, but when they were together, they were toxic. Another time I was told by one of my "friends" that they would take me to their school's prom if I lost weight...

It was a rough few years, and I struggled with my self worth for a long time. Funny, I shared these stories on my Facebook today and was told by a few people that I was the person in school they WANTED to be friends with! That they never knew this about me, because I was always so kind and happy. I guess I put on a good face in the cloud of the circumstance. I always tried to make others feel comfortable, safe, and wanted. Am I perfect? Absolutely not.

My conversation on line brought out many friends and family telling their stories of how they, or someone they know was bullied. One friend told me that he was tortured by kids because they took his last name and twisted it to make fun of his sexuality. Another who said her child was told by another child they were going to beat him until he was dead. And yet another said her daughter was made fun of because of the color of her skin, and she is only about 6 or 7 years old..

Sadly, it is not just children who bully other children. It starts when adults bully children, they learn it somewhere. And it can spill over into adulthood. There are things about ourselves we can not change. And even if we can change some of them, that is something WE must make the choice to do. One of my favorite quotes in all the world comes from one of the most unique, excentric people of all time, drag-queen Ru Paul. She says, "What other people think of you is NONE of your business." And it's true! But it does hurt sometimes when they put you face to face with their own hurts and angers.

So let's take those steps to stop bullying. Stick up for those who other wise can't or won't do it for themselves. Be-friend the underdog. Listen. And most importantly, watch what you say. You may think you are saying something in good fun, while the person you are saying it to is struggling.

And to those who bullied me, I forgive you. If not, your hatred would eat me up as it has eaten you.

Get Out There!

By Ashley Anger | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Health, Travel, Environmental, | (1) Comments

kayaking

Now that it’s starting to get warmer and stay lighter, longer it’s the perfect time to get out and get active! Yankee Magazine is my favorite magazine to read, especially in the summer. In reading through it this month I came across their list for the best outdoor activities to do in Massachusetts. I couldn’t help but share with everyone. Click this link to check out more!
http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2012-05/travel/best-massachusetts-2012/ma-outdoor-activities-2012

Awesome Drink and Tasty Snack To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

By Janet Leazer | | (3) Comments

null Kim Kojak’s
BEER RITA’S

1 8oz. Can Frozen Limeade or to taste
1 Can 7-up or fill empty can of limeade
1 Corona Beer
Tequila – Fill empty can of limeade
Salt
Ice

Add frozen limeade, 7-up, Corona, and Tequila into a large pitcher and mix thoroughly until well blended. Serve over ice. These are soooo good Thanks Kim!

*************************************************************************
Simple Guacamole

This simple and delicious recipe for guacamole will liven up any burrito and also makes a zesty appetizer. This guacamole recipe will serve a party of 8-10.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
• 4 avocado
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup onion, peeled and diced
• 1 serrano chile, seeded and diced (you can reduce this or eliminate it to adjust the heat level)
• 1/4 cup crema (or sour cream)
• 1/8 cup cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoons lime juice
• salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Mash 2 of the avocado with the back of a fork or other mashing utensil. Add in the serrano, onion and cilantro. Fold in crema and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Dice the remaining avocado into 1/4 - 1/2 inch cubes. Fold the diced avocado and tomato into the mashed avocado mixture. Serve immediately.

Dare to Share

By Casey Swan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, Community, Casey Swan, | (1) Comments

I recently read an article on The Daily Good about the dirty little secret that one woman carried with her for years. Although she was altogether accomplished in many areas from hoola-hooping to reading Latin, she could not ride a bike. Once she revealed this confidence to a friend, she discovered that he was as mystified by her ability to bake cupcakes from scratch as she was about his ability to balance on two wheels. These two friends swapped a bike riding lesson for a cake baking lesson. The exercise brought them closer together, helped them value each other more, and solidified their own appreciation for the aptitudes they already had.

My friend Shelley sews beautiful quilts. I look at the finished products and marvel at her dexterity with a sewing machine. I grew up at the elbows of both my mother and my grandmother as they sewed clothing, household items, and all of my childhood Halloween costumes. I dream of making a polished looking skirt or reupholstering the pillows in the camper, but despite owning a machine of my own, my handiwork hasn't matured over the years.

I can't help but wonder why this activity comes so naturally to Shelley when the hours I have put in with my foot on the pedal haven't paid off. And then I remember that there are things Shelley envies about me, like my ability to plan and serve a meal whose centerpiece is not Hamburger Helper. And I recall how good I feel when I know I am nourishing my friends not only with food, but with that little piece of myself that I've instilled in the meal; call it kindness or love or soul.

The moral of the story is that everyone has strengths and talents, some that we recognize and some that we take for granted. Much has been said about generosity, but I think the best form is to share of oneself. Share your interests with a friend and you open the door for reciprocity, to learn a new skill yourself.

Technology has even advanced so you can benefit from the collective knowledge in your area right from your computer. SkillShare.com offers free online courses curated and taught by your peers. The aim of this enterprise is to create a collaborative environment in which every community is a campus and every citizen is both student and teacher. Upcoming courses offered for the Boston area include the art of conversation, how to empathize with others, and an introduction to belly dancing.

On this note, there is a fantastic, free event going on in Lowell this weekend. On Sunday, May 6, the Mill City Skill Share will host dozens of workshops around downtown Lowell to spread knowledge and to connect community members. Workshops span diverse interests from cooking to social networking, grant writing to moped maintenance. Registration begins at 9:30 am at the Mogan Cultural Center on French Street and workshops run between 10 am and 6 pm. Visit http://millcityskillshare2012.wordpress.com/workshop-schedule/ for an overview of everything you can experience this weekend, then think about what you know that other people could benefit from during next year's event!

Maine Summer Activities

By Jenilee Provencal | Maine, Travel, Community, | (1) Comments

null Maine has some of the best outdoor summer activities in all of New England. Since the summer is so short we pack each weekend full of awesomely fun stuff. However given the state of the economy we can’t always spend a lot of money. It’s a good thing fun doesn’t always have to cost a bundle. Here are a few things to do this summer that are free or nearly free.

Acadia National Park is located in Bar Harbor Maine. There you can hike granite mountains, bike through some amazing trails and take in the natural beauty of Maine’s rocky coast. Plan a weekend getaway for almost nothing. There is a nominal park entrance fee of $20.00 and a camp site is only $20.00 per night. Plus nearly 80% of all fees go directly to maintaining the park. While you are there you can participate in a Ranger-led walk and learn about the local ecosystem, drive the 20 mile loop for supurb views of the coast, bike some of the 45 miles of carriage roads, or hike through over 120 miles of historic trails. Check out their website for details. http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/index.htm

One of the most fun group adventures I have taken is a canoe trip down the Saco River. It’s almost like a real life lazy river. With the bright July sun shining down, a slow moving current taking you down stream, and precarious looking rope swings, it’s Maine’s original water park. Kids are splashing in the shallow waters along the shore, and strangers stopping to have lunch on the same beach become quick friends. There are a few canoe rental places but the one we always go with is Saco River Canoe and Kayak. You start your morning by parking at the end location, they pick you up and bring to the start of your trip load your canoes into the water and wish you luck. There are several trips you can choose from based on how long you want to paddle. And at about 45.00 for a rental it is certainly cheaper than a water park. For details check them out http://www.sacorivercanoe.com

Perhaps an adventure filled weekend isn’t really your thing, maybe you like to relax on the beach with an umbrella drink in hand. Not to worry Maine can help you out with that too. You can enjoy some beautiful sand sculptures at the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest in Old Orchard Beach. This usually happens July 4th weekend and there are some very cool sculptures to see, plus it is totally free. Then you can walk the beach to the Brunswick and enjoy a drink on their outdoor patio while listening to a great local band.

One totally free thing you can do is walk or bike the Eastern Trail. The Eastern Trail Alliance is part of the East Coast Greenway that goes from Calais Maine to Key West Florida. On any given day rain or shine you will find people running, biking, or just casually strolling along the paths. For a list of trails and activities visit here, http://www.easterntrail.org.

Any way you choose to spend your precious few sun filled weekends is up to you. Just make sure that you have a great time because won’t last forever!

Would you spend $1,200.00 to "timeshare" a 15-carat diamond necklace?

By Debbie Melino | Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Well, thirteen women did just that! They are co-owners of a diamond necklace which they nicknamed Jewelia, in honor of the late chef Julia Child. My book group read their book, “The Necklace” by Patti Channer. The book tells the story of how wearing the necklace changed their lives, and inspired them to give the “gift” of Jewlia to raise money to support the community.

The book was written in 2009, and these women are continuing to support and inspire fundraising activities all over the world. http://www.womenofjewelia.com/past_events.html

I’d love to meet these wonderful women!

Mother’s Day is approaching!

By Jen D'Apice | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null For all the moms out there today, I wish you a very warm and thoughtful day full of the love and appreciation from your daughters and sons. I’m eternally thankful for my mom and try and let her know throughout the year of my appreciation. Because, after all, you don’t need a special day once a year to let your mother know how much you care about them. While you don’t need to let them know every day, just remembering to let them know from time to time is all that’s needed. People just need to know — and hear — they are loved and appreciated.

What special token will you have planned for your mother on this wonderful day?

April is national WHAT Month?!?

By Virginia Partridge | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Travel, Development, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (5) Comments

I was perusing BostonGlobe.com this past weekend, and saw an article all about Grilled Cheese. I LOVE cheese, so naturally I had to follow the link. Come to find out, April is National Grilled Cheese Month. I thought to myself, "wait a second, I thought it was National Organ Donation month - no wait, I think I saw that it was Earth Month?" Turns out, April wears a lot of different hats. Below is a ABC list of what people all across the national celebrate in April. See if you can fill in the blanks!

A – American Cancer Society Month
C – Celebrate Diversity Month
D – Donate Life Month
F – Frog Month
G – Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month
H – Humor Month
I – International Guitar Month
J – Jazz Appreciation Month
K – Keep America Beautiful Month
L – Lawn and Garden Month
M – Math Awareness Month
O – Older Americans Month
P – Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month
R – Rosacea Awareness Month
S – Stress Awareness Month
V – Volunteer Month
W – Women’s Health Care Month

Calling All Poets! Open Mic every Wednesday for all...

By Kristen Aquaros | | (2) Comments

Whether your a poet, a poet enthusiast, or someone who is looking for live entertainment, I would like to introduce you to a local bar and grille in Cambridge that has Open Mic night every Wednesday at 8pm. I recently came across a link on facebook that invited me to come check out Cantab Lounge (http://www.cantab-lounge.com/) for an Open Mic night Poetry Slam. Being a big fan of local poets I had to check it out. After looking into this place, I realized it was awarded the Best of Boston in 2008 for nightlife and I also noticed that a good deal of known poets started off performing here at th Open Mic night. I would reccomend getting there around 6:30pm for the 8:00pm show, It fills up extremly fast. They do serve drinks and have a Middle Eastern food menu upstairs.Not only does Cantab host Bostons biggest poetry slam night, but they also do all kinds of events and shows definitely work looking into to!

For those who are not familiar with the Spoken Word also known as Slam Poetry,heres a quick background on what it is and where it all started from slampapi.com. In 1985 a construction worker and poet named Marc Smith (slampapi) started a poetry reading series at a Chicago jazz club looking for a way to breathe life into the open mic poetry format. The series' emphasis on performance laid the groundwork for a style poetry and performance which would eventually be spread across the world. In 1986 Smith approached Dave Jemilo, the owner of the Green Mill (a Chicago jazz club and former haunt of Al Capone), with a plan to host a weekly poetry cabaret on the club's slow Sunday nights. Jemilo welcomed him, and on July 25, the Uptown Poetry Slam was born. Smith drew on baseball and bridge terminology for the name, and instituted the show’s basic structure of an open mic, guest performers, and a competition. The Green Mill evolved into the Mecca for performance poets, and the Uptown Poetry Slam still continues 27 years after its inception.

Enjoy!!

It's So Nice, You'll Wish it Wasn't Temporary!

By Cheryl Popp | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, | (1) Comments

Princeton Park in Lowell, MA offers spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes available as either a conventional unfurnished residence or fully appointed corporate suite for those staying just a short time. Residents enjoy the community's comfortable suburban ambiance and easy access to area conveniences, services and shopping in downtown Lowell, MA.
Amenities include, on-site laundry center, playground, spacious closets, bi-weekly housekeeping, ample free parking and all your utilities are included.

Please take a look at our video to start your story with us!

April is Donate Life Month!

By Tim Richard | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

April is almost through, but I wanted to take a minute to recognize that April is Donate Life Month, a cause that is particularly close to my heart.

April is designated as a month to help educate and inform people about the great need for organ and tissue donation and living donation. Over one hundred thousand people in the United States alone are currently on waiting lists in need of critical tissue or organs. These folks are in terrible need of kidneys, lung tissue, liver tissue and other tissue types that will help transform, if not outright save, their lives. In the past year over twenty eight thousand organ transplant surgeries were preformed, saving the lives of so many and impacting the lives of many times more. A little more that half number, about fourteen thousand, living donors provided the necessary viable organs to those in dire need.

April is also the time to celebrate the lives saved through transplant and those who make the decision to donate. The act of donation is a visceral sacrifice that positively transforms both donor and recipient, a true gift of life. Although there are some risks with donation, as with any surgery, most donors experience no change in life expectance and go on to live normal, happy and healthy lives.

As a living donor I can attest to the positive effects of donation. I know that actions can change lives at the very core and that everyone of us has it within ourselves to reach out to someone in need, be it a relative, friend or complete stranger, and change their life for the better.

Whether you have selected to be an organ donor on your driver’s license, donated blood, been tested for organ donation compatibility or just helped support a donor or recipient with kind thoughts and words, I would like to thank you! Please take the time to visit www.donatelife.net for more information about donation and to find out what you can to help save lives!

Cheers! I'll Drink To That

By Maggie Ledgard | Health, Food, | (5) Comments

null During a recent coffee break it occurred to me what the benefits of the 3pm pick me up really are… or if they’re even considered beneficial at all. Growing up I was always told that drinking coffee would stunt my growth, and for some reason my desire to be tall at a young age kept me away from the beverage until high school. During high school and college it was more of a necessity rather than a refreshing drink of choice. I also worked as a barista in college which led to many shaky afternoons after a long morning shift.

Everything in moderation is the word these days, however while reading an article on CNN.com it appears that 6 cups of coffee a day for women can be quite healthy. More than half of the adults in the U.S are habitual coffee drinkers, according to Health.com and over 146 billion cups are consumed in the country each year. While coffee if often linked with insomnia and dehydration it also has many perks.

1. Men who are regular coffee consumers have a lower risk of advanced or lethal prostate cancer.
2. Middle-aged people who drink between 3-5 cups of coffee a day had the lowest risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease late in life, compared to less frequent drinkers.
3. Coffee contains antioxidants, and even though it contains less than fruits and vegetables, in a 2005 study at the University of Scranton coffee was found to be the #1 source of antioxidants in the U.S.
4. The aroma of roasted coffee beans triggers a relaxation response, helping to ease your stress level.

Loads of studies have been conducted regarding the effects and benefits that coffee has on the body. Something to keep in mind however is that “there’s no perfect study out there because they can’t control all the variables. The problem with a human study is everybody’s different.” (Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D.)

While the Doctor may not necessarily order you to consume 6 cups of coffee a day, studies show that it can’t hurt and may even benefit your lifestyle…drink up!

Do you Groupon

By Tammy Jackson | | (2) Comments

null Do you Groupon???

If you don’t, you are really missing out on some inexpensive ways to explore new places, save on purchases, and even take a vacation!

I have been purchasing Groupon coupons for over a year, with a total savings of over 70% - that is just amazing to me. This has been a great way for me to purchase some things I would have otherwise paid full price for and some things I wouldn’t spend the money on… but the service and discount were so attractive, I couldn’t resist.

Recently, I had such a great Groupon experience that I had to share and encourage others to sign up and try out some area businesses!

Can you believe this deal? A 60-minute facial; 60-minute, full-body massage; and a spa therapy mani/pedi, for $89. That’s right – what should have cost almost $200, I had done for more than 50% off. I hadn’t heard of this salon but was willing to try it, so I bought the Groupon – one for me and one for a friend. When I called Teree Salon, the receptionist Nancy was very helpful. I was trying to coordinate a full spa day for my friend and me to celebrate our birthdays (which are 4 days apart) and Nancy worked with the owner to coordinate a team to basically pamper us for over 4 hours. Everyone was professional and very friendly – this was a Groupon success!!

I have made some other great purchases as well:
*Car washes – buy one, get two free
*Car starter installed for $127 - 60% off area retailers.
*Bowling – 2 free strings and shoe rentals for 4, with the purchase of 2 strings.
*Kickboxing – 3 months of unlimited classes for $39.95

I can understand being skeptical about what you are buying and what the service may be like. Truth is, I would rather be disappointed after getting a 50%-90% discount than to be disappointed after paying full price. I have had one negative experience out of the dozen or so Groupons purchased, and that cost me $17 for services that should have cost $75. And now that I think of it, so what if the nails weren’t filed evenly and the polish barely lasted 24 hours – I still had an hour to soak my feet and hands, which has to be worth at least $17.

It is easy to register with Groupon for your daily deals. Visit www.groupon.com to register for deals on local cuisine, spas and salons, and other businesses offering savings. There is even an App for that!

Go Green and Save Money

By Jocelyn Gill | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null In honor of Earth Day this coming Sunday, April 22, 2012, I wanted to share this really cool article that I read today from LearnVest.com, which talks about how one woman saved over $20,000 a year by "Going Green."

Now, if you've never heard of LearnVest.com, it's this fantastic site that lets you sign up for budget boot camps, and will send you daily tips, action items, and interesting articles on how to save money for those of you who are interested. And this one particular article that they sent me was about how a woman named Maria Pesantez saved an amazing amount of money by learning how to cut back on her global footprint.

One of her methods was trading disposable grocery bags for reusable grocery bags, and another idea that I'd like to implement in my own life is to break up with bottled water! Not only does it save the toxic chemicals that live in the plastic from entering my life and contaminating our rivers, but it can save over $600 a year!

Check out her article here: http://www.learnvest.com/2012/04/money-mic-being-green-saves-me-over-21000-a-year/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=lvdaily&utm_campaign=read-on

To learn more about LearnVest, check them out at: http://www.learnvest.com/

The Pan Mass Challenge

By Terry Flahive | Corporate Office, Health, Community, | (2) Comments

null Last night after work I jumped on my bike for the first time this spring and began pedaling.

My goal is to be ready to ride my 4th Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) this August 4th & 5th. The PMC started 32 years ago with 36 riders going from Springfield, MA to Provincetown. They raised $10,200 and donated it to the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In August, I will be one of 5,500 riders going from Sturbridge to Provincetown (192 miles) with a goal of raising $36,000,000. All of which 100% goes to Dana Farber. Our goal is to help find more cures for cancer and to have more people live longer and better lives. Click on www.pmc.org for more information about this incredible event.

My Azorean Experience

By Victoria Senft | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Food, | (1) Comments

null So I recently went out to dinner in Gloucester to a restaurant named the Azorean. I have never been there before and it was amazing! I got the Azorean steak tips, portuguese fries and asparagus. I was with a group of people to we decided to get pitchers of their sangria as well (red and white) I would suggest the red! If you are ever in the Gloucester area I would definitely check this restaurant out! You can visit their website at www.azoreanrestaurant.com

test

By shotgunflat | | (0) Comments

test

Earth Day; Our Planet, Our Home

By Sarah Greenough | | (2) Comments

Earth Day is right around the corner - Sunday, April 22nd! What are you doing to commemorate the day? There are a number of ways you can celebrate Earth Day and demonstrate your committment to addressing environmental issues. This annual event in April is the time to mobilize the planet from the ground up to send a message that the Earth won't wait - we need to act! Here are a few things you can do to celebrate the day:

~ Small actions can have great consequences! Pick up litter, recycle, turn off the water when you brush your teeth, switch to online bill payments, use public transportation, turn down your water heater, install energy efficient lights.

~ Get informed! Here are 7 Documentaries to watch on Earth Day 2012.

~ Plant a tree. The Arbor Day Foundation offers affordable options and inspiration to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

~ Earth Day is a day for action! Attend an event. Find an Earth Day celebration near you.

Even Little Acts have Meaningful Impacts so get out there and enjoy the day.

Here Comes The Bride…There Goes Your Money?

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Travel, Lifestyle, | (3) Comments

wedding
That time of the year has arrived: wedding season. June is the most popular month out of the year to get married. What does that mean for the rest of us? Spending money that we can’t afford? Not exactly! Here are some ways to save on those June weddings without breaking the bank.

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/work-money/how-to-save-money-during-wedding-season

Time for Spring Cleaning! Are you Organized?

By Jocelyn Gill | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

It's that time of year again! That time of year when you go through your winter clothes, pack them up, and bring up your summer clothes! Time to put away all of your winter decorations and make room for spring and summer! But that requires work and organizational skills...and sometimes, I just don't feel up to the task. So today I was browsing in Better Homes and Gardens looking for some inspiration and motivation-and I certainly found it! Check out their storage personality quiz at bhg.com/storagepersonality! Once you take it, they spit out an organizational checklist to help keep you on task and feeling creative! Turns out I'm their definition of a "Party Planner" meaning that I'm a collector, I'm easily side tracked, and that I'm always striving to enjoy life! I think that was their nice way of calling me unorganized! Try it! What storage personality are you?

The Importance of Networking

By Cheryl Popp | | (1) Comments

It’s more than schmoozing…
There are many different ideas when it comes to Networking. Many people have found new jobs while at a neighborhood event, playing golf or attending a child’s sporting event. Just by chatting with the person that you are with can equate into something positive. Some people hear of networking and think of just passing out your business cards or going to a job fair. It really doesn’t have to be that formal. Have a couple of initial questions that you can ask anyone and then tailor them to what that person or group does for work. Who doesn’t like to talk about the company that they work for?
Here are a couple tips to keep in mind when you are networking with others..
• Keep emails short and to the point
• You don’t need to know the most people, just the right people
• Go beyond your industry
• Ask if people want to be connected
• Make it a point to follow up
• Develop the habit of introducing people
• Don’t have any expectations
• Use social sites like LinkedIn or Facebook
It is that easy.. now get out there and talk it up.. The more people that know about Princeton Properties and what we have to offer, the more profitable we will all be!

Not For The Faint Of Heart

By Sheri Apprille | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

sheri cup 2

16 wins is all it takes.

16 wins to achieve the National Hockey League's most coveted award - the Stanley Cup! The Stanley Cup is an exceptional trophy in that every player, coach and training staff member gets his name engraved on it when they win.

There is only 1 Stanley Cup.

When a team is presented the Stanley Cup, it is THE Stanley Cup, the same one that all of the players who have won it in the past have hoisted over their heads and drank champagne from! It's an amazing tradition.

Now, I know what you are thinking, "Just 16 wins? Is that all? How hard can that be?"

It is the most difficult trophy to achieve in all of sports. It is the most grueling. It is the most demanding. And it is by far, the most emotionally draining - not only for the players and coaches but for the fans, as well.

Let's break this all down for a minute so those of you who may not follow the sport can truly appreciate what these players go through.

Every NHL team plays 82 regular season games over a period of 7 months. Then the top 16 teams (8 in each conference) are seeded by their record and the number 1 seed team plays the number 8 seed, number 2 plays number 7, number 3 plays number 6 and numbers 4 and 5 play each other in the best of 7 series. Best of 7 means the team that wins 4 games in the series moves on to the next round and the loser goes home. Keep in mind that each series could potentially last 2 weeks. 2 weeks and 7 potential games with the same opponent.

Round 1 - The Conference Quarter-Finals (best of 7 series) - the winners of this round move on and the losers go home. 8 teams remain.

Round 2 - The Conference Semi-Finals (best of 7 series) the winners of this round move on and the losers go home. 4 teams remain.

Round 3 - (my heart is beating faster just thinking about all of this!) The Conference Finals (best of 7 series) - the winners of this round move on to play each other for the Stanley Cup and the losers go home. 2 teams remain. 1 cup. 1 dream.

Round 4 - The Stanley Cup Finals - (best of 7 series) - winner takes all!

This entire process takes 2 months. 2 months! 2 months of intense, grueling, physically and emotionally draining, gut-wrenching, heart-pounding hockey that produces some of the greatest rivalries and highlights in all of sports history.

Another factor in all of this is that if a game is tied at the end of regulation, they will play until the next goal is scored. A period of hockey is 20 minutes. So if it goes into overtime, they play as many 20 minute overtime periods as it takes until a goal is scored. Sudden death overtime. It is the most nerve-wracking, intense and exciting thing to watch. A team could win on a wicked slapshot from the point or on a finesse-type breakaway or in most cases, a fluky goal.

Anything can happen.

And the longer the game goes on, the higher the chances are someone will make a mistake due to fatigue that will cost his team the game. You simply cannot sit back and relax and watch a playoff hockey game that is in overtime. I have seen a game that lasted 5 overtime periods. That is almost TWO additional hockey games played in addition to the first 3 periods of regulation. How do these guys do this?!

This is the time of year where the players lay it all out on the line. They play hurt, they play tired, they are battered, bruised and bloody. They travel (as far as 3,000 miles) 3 times per series, if the series goes 7 games. The highs are so high and the lows are beyond low. It is truly an emotional roller coaster. The stakes are so much higher than the regular season. It's like watching an entirely different type of sport.

In 2011, my beloved Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup! A feat I have waited my entire life for (I was too young in '72 which was the last time they had won prior to). The first round vs. the Montreal Canadiens, went 7 games AND game 7 was decided in overtime (3 of those games were won in overtime) . The second round they swept the Philadelphia Flyers in 4 games (1 was won in overtime). The third round vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning went 7 games and game 7 was decided by a score of 1-0. The Stanley Cup Finals vs. the number 1 overall team in the league, Vancouver Canucks, also went 7 games before the Bruins decided to let me breathe a little easier during the game 7, 4-0 win to capture the Stanley Cup!

This year, they are back at it again. Round 1 - they are playing the Washington Capitals and won the first game 1-0 in overtime. They lost the second game 2-1 in double overtime. Game 3 is tonight. Anything can happen. It's a long road to the Cup and this is just the beginning. Hopefully in June, the streets of Boston will be flooded with fans and lined with Duck Boats full of Bruins again for another fabulous Stanley Cup celebration!

Playoff hockey. There is nothing else like it.

read up on the tradition of the Stanley Cup - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Cup

Apartment Parties: Yay or Nay?

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

false At some point in almost every social butterfly's life, we're going to want to invite people into our home for food, drink, and fun. When that home is an apartment, however, lots of questions come up. Am I allowed to have a group of people in my apartment? Will people want to actually come and hang out in my little space? Do I even have enough space for a party? How loud can the music be? Is this really a good idea? With a little creativity and a lot of consideration for your neighbors, you can probably pull off a lovely apartment party - so read on for some tips to make it marvelous!

- First, don't go overboard and invite anyone & everyone. Keep the guest list small and keep your small space in mind!
- Next, check in with your management office. Let them know what you're planning and find out if it's actually ok. You don't really want to risk that phone call from them the next day, do you? You know the one: "Good morning, Miss Party Pants. I'm calling because I received several complaints from your neighbors about an apparent ruckus in your apartment last night..."
- Speaking of your neighbors, you should also check in with them, too - all of them. The ones across the hall, to your left, to your right, above, and/or below you. And don't spring it on them the day of your gathering; give them a couple of days' notice! Tell them you're having guests and ask them to come directly to you if they're being bothered. Wouldn't you rather see neighbor Mary in her nightgown at your door than Officer Killjoy? Yep, you would.
- Don't forget about your neighbors after you've told them about the party. Keep the music at a reasonable volume and gently remind guests not to scream like banshees.
- Use your space wisely! Keep the food and beverages in an area where there's enough room for people to move about easily and make sure there's plenty of seating so people don't feel on top of each other.
- Don't skimp on the food options! Having more food than you need and getting stuck with leftovers is better than your guests needing to stop for fast food on the way home.
- More bodies in your apartment means it's going to get a little warm in there...but if you open the windows, you could freeze everyone out. Be aware of how hot or cold it is and watch for shivering or melting party guests.
- Have some music playing in the background, just in case you run into the dreaded awkward silence (which you won't, because your friends are awesome - right?). Just in case.
- Did we mention that you should be conscious of your neighbors?

Sounds like a lot of work, but it's all absolutely worth it and can make for a wonderful night in!

Dick and June’s Ice Cream

By Jen D'Apice | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Food, | (2) Comments

null As the weather is starting to improve, I am so excited to see my favorite ice cream shop now open for the season. For the past 3 years, my husband and I will treat ourselves to this delicious homemade ice cream. Dick and June’s are located on Elliott St in Beverly and serve many different flavors as well as frozen yogurt. While there are only a few picnic tables available, the majority of people enjoy standing and socializing as they have their tasty summertime treat. My personal favorite is mint chocolate chip while my husband loves the butter toffee flavor. If you are ever in the Beverly area I certainly suggest stopping by!
What is your favorite flavor? I bet they serve it at Dick and June’s!

Comfort in the Big Apple

By Terry Flahive | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Travel, Corporate Furnished, | (1) Comments

null Last weekend my wife and I joined my daughter in New York. She was there with her husband for a month on an extended business assignment and had rented a corporate apartment in midtown. For years I have been promoting the benefits of staying in a furnished apartment for extended stay, but have not actually stayed in one myself for quite some time. Now was my chance.

Well, it was great. The apartment was comfortable and had everything. We made coffee in the morning and on Friday night ate in. It was very helpful having a kitchen, although we did manage to go to an outstanding Italian restaurant in the East Village, Lavagna (lavagnanyc.com). After a long day of walking around NY from Times Square to Central Park, we collapsed back in the living room with a beer to watch the Masters.

My advice, if you are going to New York, or for that matter anywhere, for an extended period, try to stay in a corporate furnished apartment.

Borrowed Time

By Tracy Hilker | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null I hope this blog doesn't bum anyone out, that is definately not my intention in writing it. I am writing about this subject to remind everyone just exactly how precious life is, and that each day is absolutely a gift and not a given right.
Just yesterday one of my parent's best friends passed away. He had a very long and hard fight with cancer. In fact, he was diagnosed almost 7 years ago with pancreatic cancer. It was stage four. And yes, this cancer is one of the stronger forms that normally ends a life with in months. He was so much stronger than that, and was on what some would say "borrowed time" for the past 7 years. I say he was blessed and a fighter. Of course we are going to miss him very much, but we are so happy that he is no longer in pain.
Times like these always make you think about those important to you and those around you. I think instead of sad things happening to make you truely value life, we should try to live every day as though it was your last, and to realize every day is a gift and not everyone gets one.
Here are some ways that I am going to try to enjoy the "present" of today:
Smile more, it takes too much work to frown and it isn't very pretty.
Pay it forward. This doesn't mean you have to spend money, but it can be in the little things... donating clothes, paying for a strangers coffee at Dunkins, help someone with thier groceries, bring in extra left overs for you and your co-workers to share, pick someone flowers!
If you love someone or many people, tell them. Don't wait. Why wait?
Stop and smell the roses. SLOW DOWN. we are always running here, doing this.. just slow down.
Enjoy life. Quit thinking of the things you don't have or wish you had, and enjoy the people and things in your life.
I know that "D", my parent's friend, definately lived his life to the absolute fullest. Enjoyed his friends, family, and his church. Surrounded himself with an amazing support system and he truely did shine. Even at his lowest point, he still smiled, paid it forward, loved, slowed down, and enjoyed life.
Remember to embrace today, it is called the "present" because it is just that, a present.

How To Get Started On Your Apartment Garden.

By Kathy Sutherland | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, | (1) Comments

Looking for a new hobby? Apartment gardening is a great way to spend time and decorate your home. A yard is not required for growing some great plants, flowers or herbs. All you need are some containers with drainage holes on the bottom and you are open to many options for growing a variety of plants.

Location is the first consideration. A balcony or patio is the obvious choice, however, putting plants by a window or selecting shade tolerant varieties also works well.

The size of the container is also something to consider. Small containers will restrict the root system and negatively impact the plant’s growth. They also retain less water so your garden will require frequent watering. Adding pebbles or mulch will help to keep in the moisture.

Container gardening is practical for small spaces and also allows for a lot of experimentation without a lot of investment. You can easily move your plants around to see what looks best and which plants thrive in the shade. Most types of plants can grow in containers, however, some will thrive better than others. Annuals are a good choice. Herbs are great for small containers and can be kept in the kitchen.

A trellis or hanging pole is a great way to add depth to your garden without taking up a lot of space. These are great for food plants like beans, peas and tomatoes which can be stalked to grow vertically.

Most gardening websites have information on container gardening and are a great place to start when considering starting your apartment garden.

For more information, go to http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/gardening.html

Making the most of your outdoor space

By Virginia Partridge | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, | (3) Comments

Living without a yard can have its drawbacks. However, even apartment dwellers can make their patio or balcony into an outdoor oasis. Target is selling “small spaces” patio sets which are functional, comfortable, and cute! Plus, you could invest in a decorative space heater – it’s like sitting beside a fire pit on those breezy summer nights. To spruce up the area, plant some annuals like daisies and evergreen in bright colored pots. If you like to entertain, you can pick up some sturdy wicker cubes that can be tucked under your patio chairs, used for storage, and topped with a pillow for extra seating. Bring out portable speakers for your iPod, wrap some twinkle lights around your banisters, and you’ve got all of the makings for a relaxing summer afternoon!

Salad on a Stick

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Food, | (7) Comments

Capresesalad During a recent visit to a friend's house, I stumbled upon a simple, easy and more importantly, yummy appetizer. I am a huge fan of caprese salad and anything dipped in balsamic vinegar so this recipe was just perfect! Let me introduce the caprese salad skewer. Salads are near impossible to serve as a party appetizer, but salad on a stick?! That is genius! Using skewers was super fun and really easy to clean-up. I was such a fan of this appetizer that I recreated it over the Easter holiday, the caprese skewers were the hit of the party, a simple and colorful appetizer. Try it!

Ingredients:
Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (small, roughly the same size as the Cherry Tomatoes)
Olive Oil (we used blood orange olive oil, but any style will due)
Fresh Basil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
Pitted Black Olives
Skewers or Long Toothpicks

1. Drizzle serving plate with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

2. Chop/Tear up the Basil into bite sized pieces

3. Skewer tomato, mozzarella, olive and piece of basil. Repeat

4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

Voila, Caprese Skewers!

Your Destiny is in Your Own Hands

By Casey Swan | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, Casey Swan, | (2) Comments

In her 1973 Journal of a Solitude, May Sarton declares, "We write toward what we will become from where we are." Sarton acknowledges in this simple sentence that writing is essential to both dreaming and doing.

The act of writing is a powerful tool; the need to slow down our thoughts while committing them to paper helps us to focus on what we truly feel, to make a contract with ourselves about what we want, and to celebrate our achievements. Writing can prompt moments of inspiration or it can reveal a hidden desire.

Our ancestors relied on the cycles of the Moon for their agricultural endeavors, and indeed, the New Moon promoted growth and strong beginnings. Jan Spiller, author of New Moon Astrology, maintains that the 48 hours following the New Moon are especially potent for planting the seeds of what we would like to obtain in our lives. And when the New Moon is combined with the Spring Equinox, a traditional time of new beginnings, the power to creatively visualize out hopes and dreams is especially strong.

Spiller recommends creating a collage or "Treasure Map" using images and words cut from magazines and newspapers that represent our goals and dreams. The mapping should take place within 48 hours of April's New Moon, which occurs this year at 2:20 a.m. on April 21.

Whether or not you believe the New Moon holds any mystical influence, the act of putting your aspirations into writing, or graphically representing them in a collage, helps to focus and clarify these dreams. Brain researchers believe that writing down our goals trains the brain like exercise trains muscles. In this way, by visually recording our wishes, we create an agreement with ourselves that, subconsciously, we are engaged to fulfill. As Tal Ben-Shahar notes in his book, Happier, "[s]etting a goal is about making a commitment in words, and words have the power to create a better future."

This spring, experiment with something new; identify your dreams and take steps toward making them a reality!

Looking for the Best Thai food in the Portland area… Well it’s a bit to the north.

By Nathan Strange | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null Looking for the Best Thai food in the Portland area… Well it’s a bit to the north?

When you are done shopping the outlets in Freeport, Maine stop by Thai Garden located at 491 US Route 1 Freeport, ME 04032.

The family owned restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, fun bustling energy, and quick take-out. The main draw for me is the authentic family recipes passed down from generations. Thai Garden has the best sweet and sour, dumpling, and satay peanut sauce I have ever tasted. I have tried to make my own sauces, even with my extensive culinary background, and can not even come close. 5 stars in my book!

My favorite picks are: Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls -$5.95- served with sweet and sour sauce, Tempura Vegetables - $5.75- (usually consisting of carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, acorn squash, summer squash, green bean, red and green peppers, and a huge onion ring) –served with sweet and sour sauce, Kanom Keap-$5.50- (pork and chicken mixed with green peas and water chestnuts wrapped in a wonton skin and steamed) - served with a ginger sauce, and Chicken Satay -$6.75- (chicken marinated in Thai herbs and spices with coconut milk) served with a creamy peanut sauce, Pad Thai with Vegetables -$9.25, Paad Pik-King - $9.25 – stir fried string bean, carrot, and lime leaves in a hot pik-king coconut sauce, and Lemongrass Roasted Duck -$16.95 – thinly sliced fresh lemongrass, onion, red and green peppers, and mushrooms in a spicy lemongrass sauce over roasted duck.

More of a Chinese food fan but tired of the MSG hangover?...Try the Chicken Lo Mein -$10.50 , Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice -$1195 , and Crab Rangoons - $6.50.

After completing 8 years of sampling I have concluded that Thai Garden is hands down the best Thai food in the area. They combine fresh ingredients, extensive authentic menu choices, and reasonable prices. Open Monday-Saturday 11:00Am to 9:00pm, and Sunday 4:00PM – 9:00PM, 207-865-6005 Check them out!

Corporate Furnished Apartment Homes for All!

By Tammy Jackson | Corporate Furnished, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, | (1) Comments

null Corporate housing or Temporary housing, Furnished apartments or Serviced apartments. No matter how you refer to it, the concept is the same: provide an apartment that has furniture, linens, kitchen accessories, electronics, and all the utilities to someone in need of a stay of 30 days or longer.

Though the concept may be the same, the guest has changed. Corporate housing, considered the alternative to hotel living for the corporate traveler, has an ever-changing face these days. No longer are we solely providing corporate housing to the business traveler; we are seeing a trend of homeowners, divorcees, vacationers, etc.

As a Corporate Sales person for Princeton Properties Management Inc, I often find that the average person inquiring about corporate housing isn’t familiar with all that’s offered with a furnished apartment home. The short-term lease itself is what is initially inquired about, and then they’re wowed with the furnishings and utilities to be included at one competitive price. This is a concept that makes so much sense for so many but, ironically, not enough people know it even exists.

Employees inquiring about corporate housing generally have assistance from someone in their office (an HR representative or someone in a corporate travel department, for example) to help them choose accommodations that are both comfortable for the employee and budget-friendly for the company. But how do you inform everyone else? How do the many other departments of companies find out about this great benefit?

It’s time to make corporate housing as well-known a concept as hotels!

With all that’s included – including convenience – wouldn’t you want to know more?

A Not So Secret Recipe

By Claire Collins | Corporate Office, Food, | (2) Comments

Though cafeteria food isn’t anyone’s idea of high cuisine, Piccadilly Cafeterias throughout the south are the go-to place for great comfort food. One of Picadilly’s signature items, the infamous carrot soufflé, is loved even by people who wouldn’t eat a carrot stick to save themselves. (This describes most of my family.) It’s lightly sweet, golden brown, powdered sugar-dusted deliciousness. Everyone goes back for seconds of this casserole. (This also describes most of my family!)

My mom is acquainted a member of the family that founded Piccadilly in Baton Rouge in 1944. When the topic of the carrot soufflé recipe has come up, the lady has insisted that the original recipe is a secret. That may be the case, but this recipe is very, very close. If you’re looking for something new to serve with ham for Easter, give it a try!

Carrot Souffle

1 1/2 pounds peeled carrots (about 9 medium)
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until very soft, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash.

To the warm carrots add melted butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract and eggs, beating with an electric mixer until smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a buttered 2 quart casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour or until top is light golden brown. Sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Draw Something is Drawsome!

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Marketing, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

null It’s official: The world is obsessed with Draw Something…myself included!

The game, which asks you to sketch objects and pop culture references on your smartphone or tablet for your friends to guess, has become a dominating force on the social graph. It has earned the number-one best seller slot in many countries, in both the iOS App Store and Android Market. It has sold 37 million times worldwide and is completely addicting!

The app is basically a smartphone or tablet version of Pictionary. I’m no Picasso but so far I have managed to put my art skills to the test and have created great replicas of pop culture references such as “The Jersey Shore”, “President Obama” and “Lady Gaga.” If you haven’t downloaded this app yet I suggest you do!

Be careful though – you will get addicted!

QR Codes in Action

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Marketing, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

A QR code or “Quick Response code” is a matrix barcode similar to UPC codes scanned by cash registers. These codes are designed to provide immediate access for any type of data the designer chooses. While some see QR codes as a marketing fad I think that they have a practical place in our lives. We crave instant information and as long as QR codes meet that need I think they will be around for while.

Here are a few QR placements in action:

1. Rock the vote. In the 2010 presidential election about 91 million American’s voted out of a total 217,342,419 eligible voters,
while around 122 million voted for the next American Idol. Until we can text in our votes for president, Rock the vote
volunteers have outfitted themselves with t-shirts featuring a QR code. People interested in voting simply scan the shirt and
are brought to a site where they can register, adding a little life to a process that can seem like drudgery to the gen-y crowd.
http://www.psfk.com/2012/03/t-shirt-voter-registration.html

2. The Home Depot has started using QR codes in a practical way. They have started placing QR codes on items that are
commonly purchased in large quantities by commercial customers. Maintenance technicians can download the app and
scan everything from shower heads to tubes of caulking. Once scanned these items are placed in their online shopping cart
taking the time out of managing inventory and ordering.
http://hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/home

3. QR codes just can be just for fun. There is a team at Facebook that is working to paint huge QR codes on the roofs of
buildings around the US. There is nothing practical about this, just good old nerdy fun.
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/facebook-paints-giant-useless-qr-code- roof-headquarters-139202

4. A Portuguese artist Nuno Serrao is using QR codes to accompany pieces of art. People coming to view these works can
scan the code to access a soundscape that accompanies the piece, creating a unique experience for gallery visitors.
http://mashable.com/2012/02/25/qr-codes-art-music/

5. Soon Princeton Place Apartments in Worcester MA will be placing QR codes throughout corporate furnished apartments.
These codes once scanned will bring guests to a tutorial video for the item they scanned. You’ll find them on thermostats,
TV remote, appliance, anything that residents might need a little help using.

Where have you seen noteworthy QR code placement recently?

Calling all Beauty Junkies...

By Virginia Partridge | Massachusetts, Health, Lifestyle, | (4) Comments

As a hobby esthetician I LOVE trying out tons of new skincare, bodycare and makeup, but I always find myself going back to my tried and true products. Although everyone's skin is different, and everyone's makeup preferences are different, I have this nagging need to share my favorite products so that someone else with dry, sensitive skin and zero free time might stubble upon this and fall in love with "my" products too. So, without further ado, here it is:

• Fresh Soy Face Wash - so gentle, but gets everything off!
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle – fruit enzymes and a scrub in one step…
• Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream (the ONLY one that keeps my eyes smooth)
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
• Guerlain Terra Cotta bronzer
• Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick highlighter
• Bare Minerals eye shadows – the widest array of colors, can be used dry or wet, last forever and are all natural...
• Dior Diorshow Blackout mascara
• Aveda Hand Relief - smells amazing, stays on through hand washing, but doesn't feel greasy!
• Korres Guava Body Cream
• Fresh Sugar Lip Balm (keeps chapped lips at bay)

There are a couple of items I’m still up in the air about, as far as claiming them as my all-time favorites. Serums and Moisturizers tend to be a big problem for me. Currently I’m digging Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum and Aveda Green Science Firming Face Cream. What are your favorite products? Any suggestions??

Are You Bathing Suit Ready?

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Health, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

weight loss

Alot of people made resolutions this New Years. One of the most popular resolutions is to lose weight. Most of us by now have given up or forgotten all about it. But with summer around the corner, are you ready to be seen in that bathing suit just yet? In reading Cosmo magazine this month, they had an amazing article on how to burn fat with foods that we all thought were bad for us. Click the link below to find out how that cookie you had for breakfast was actually good for you!

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/health/surprising-weight-loss-tricks#slide-1

Great place at the Pickering Wharf!

By Victoria Senft | Massachusetts, Food, | (2) Comments

So I have lived in Salem for 5 years and have eaten at Finz many times……Well the other day I came across the most fabulous appetizer ever! It is the “Far East” shrimp! Paired with one of their signature martinis like the “Seafoam” makes it even better. You have to try this restaurant and their scrumptious appetizers.

You can visit their website at www.hipfinz.com

Survival Tips for Busy Moms...

By Kristen Aquaros | | (1) Comments

null Being a single working mom is a tough job. Whether it be running out the door in the morning to make it to work on time or rushing to daycare in the evening to pick up my son on time, Im always on the go. Thanks to my busy schedule im constantly looking for tips on how to manage the little time I do have when Im not working and still have time with my son. I recently came across an article on ivillage.com that had some great tips on how to manage a hectic work schedule and parenthood.

1. Get Organized! Spend a weekend getting your things organized. Think about how often you waste time looking for your keys in the morning, picking out clothes, or looking for shoes. Prepare things the night before, set yourself up for a smooth morning.

2. Find Your Timewasters. Keep track for one week of all the ways you waste time. Do you spend 10 minutes finding your keys? If so, make a key hook by your door, and use it. Do you forget "that one item" when you go to the store? Keep a list on your refrigerator and, each time you empty something, add it to the list.

3. Write Things Down. Always, keep a small notepad on hand. When you think of something you need to do, jot down a reminder. This will save you endless minutes recalling just what you were supposed to do.

4. Get An Engagement Calendar. Get a calendar to write down all your engagements, addresses and phone numbers. By keeping all the information in one place, you won't have to dig for it later.

5. Keep A Notepad By Your Phone. How many times have you written a note on a loose piece of paper, never to see it again? Record those notes on a pad of paper to keep them from walking away.

6. Designate Days. Choose a day or night to do your grocery shopping and errand running each week. Choose a day to clean your home. Stick to your schedule and forget about these responsibilities the rest of the week.

7. Do Things In Bulk. When possible, buy groceries and drugstore items in bulk to save a trip to the store. This can apply to dinners as well, I make extra and freeze it. That way on nights when Im exhausted I already have a meal prepared.

8. Teach Your Child. I dont see anything wrong with teaching your child how to prepare a drink mix, do laundry, empty the dishwasher and clean his room. An extra set of hands goes a long way.

9. Finish What Your Start. When you start a project, see it through to the end. Leaving many unfinished projects causes anxiety about finishing each, and soon you'll be spinning your wheels.

10. Maximize Your Trips. On your way to work, are there errands you can run so you don't have to do them at night or on the weekends?

11. Make A File System. Buy a cardboard file box and folders. Make folders for bills, insurance, letters, bank statements and anything else you may need at hand.

What would you do with $540 MILLION?

By Jessica Costanzo | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

$540 MILLION AND RISING!!! That is what the jackpot is up to right now!! Can you imagine?? People all over the country are waiting in line today to get a chance to win one of the largest jackpots ever. What numbers would you play? There are some strategies out there that you can follow to better your chances. ( So they say) Pick your own numbers instead of letting the computer pick them for you. Also, do your research. Find out what numbers have come up in the past and what numbers have not. Playing those numbers that haven’t come up in a while may be your best bet.
Now…what would you do with a half a billion dollars?? That’s the question!! Would you continue working? Would you go on a massive shopping spree? Travel around the world? Donate to charity? Its nearly impossible to even imagine! But get out there and buy your tickets!! Remember, you can’t win if you don’t play!! GOOD LUCK!

Duathlon – Just “Du” it!

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Health, Lifestyle, Sarah Greenough, | (3) Comments

null I recently participated in my first Duathlon in Central Park, New York City. What is a Duathlon? It is a competition that is composed of running and biking. The usual format for a duathlon is run-bike-run, meaning you start with a run, then transition to the bike, then transition back to running again. My race was: 2 mile run - 12 mile bike - 2 mile run. Duathlon ‘s are suited to anyone who enjoys biking and running and, much like a triathlon, caters for all age groups. It is the perfect endurance sport for those who are less inclined to swim, as a form of cross training. I decided to challenge myself to this task in hopes of “getting in shape” but I took away much more than just fitness. It was both a physical and mental challenge. I'm sharing my experience in hopes of encouraging you to set your own challenges!

When starting to train, consider your strengths and weaknesses in running and biking. Then focus on your needs. For me, I was not a runner so I spend most of my training time focused on the run. Just a few short month's ago I could not run 1 mile without taking a break, now I am able to run 2 miles without issue. Remember to not train at a high intensity all the time; it's equally important to have adequate recovery time build into your schedule. Your body will tell you how much you should train and how much you must rest. Listen to it. There are many duathlons in our area, check out the Trifind website for more info!

24-hour countdown to race day (If your race begins at noon, this is what the preceding 24 hours should look like):
24 hours to go
If you can, travel to the race venue the day before to avoid any surprises. Make sure your bike is in good working order.
18 hours to go
Dinner the night before the race. There's no need to try to eat your body weight in carbohydrates.
If you already eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, stick to what you are comfortable with. Try to avoid food that may take a long time to digest, such as large portions of red meat or too much fiber. Be sure you drink plenty of fluids (not beer) to stay hydrated.
3 hours to go
Time for breakfast, a nutritious carbohydrate breakfast is a prerequisite, (i.e. bagel, granola bar, muesli, toast and peanut butter, bananas.) Avoid fatty foods or lots of fiber.
1 hour to go
Arrive at transition, find your spot and sort out your kit. Check your bike is in an appropriate gear for leaving transition and starting the ride. Check that the tires are properly inflated and make sure you stay hydrated. You can also have an energy bar or similar to take in those last few preferred calories. Now is also a good time to go for a 10-min jog to warm up.
20 mins to go
Avoid further carbohydrates, as you will not be able to digest them prior to the run start.
1 min to go
Get ready, get steady... and you're off! This is the moment you've trained for. Enjoy it! I certainly did.

Tuesday Tip: Be Thrifty

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Marketing, Development, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null If you've avoided flea markets, it's time to take another look. As evidence, check out these tips from Casey at Princeton Green Apartments, who also writes the interior design blog Loft & Cottage.

If budgets are tight and you don't mind a little hands-on work to freshen up your discoveries, there are some great finds to be had at salvage shops, flea markets, antique stores, and thrift shops.

Find Furniture
There are not many problems that paint cannot solve. Give an old piece of furniture a fresh look and feel with a few coats. Try wallpapering the drawer fronts and adding new hardware too.

Find Lighting
Look twice at thrift store lighting. Spray paint and a new shade may be all it needs.

Find Art
Old postcards in new store-bought frames make for interesting, inexpensive art. Think wide mats and skinny frames for an updated look. Rene from Cottage & Vine created a gorgeous art wall with Goodwill plates and some spray paint. Check her out and for more Tuesday Tips, check out Casey's blog Loft & Cottage.

Oh Those Dreaded Allergies!

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, Health, Environmental, | (1) Comments

allergy
Tis the season for allergies to begin for most of us. According to reports, because we had a mild Winter (not that we are complaining) it wasn’t cold enough to completely kill all of the mold. Scientist say that this may be one of the worst seasons for allergies.

Check out this link for some great tips to help alleviate common allergy symptoms!
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/10-home-remedies-for-allergies.htm

Colorful Spring Flower Plantings

By Andrea Donahue | Maine, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Box Planters When warm weather slowly starts to re-appear, a 70-degree day here, a 65-degree day there, the snow is all but gone and the sun begins to really feel warm on your face, it’s a great time to start thinking about some spring flower plantings.

Flower boxes are an easy, vibrant way to brighten up windows, a front porch railing or place a planter near an entry way. I have two flower boxes that hang over my front porch railings, two flower boxes outside my kitchen windows and always have a planter decorating my front porch.

Since filling a small space such as a flower box or an urn is inexpensive and doesn’t require too many plants, you can really get creative. Mix in colors, flowers that will cascade over the edge, and fillers with tons of green. Go with pastels or deep colors, mix them all in together or stay with one shade. Take colors from opposite ends of the spectrum by pairing up yellow with purple or blue with orange to really have some contrast. Whatever appeals to your eye, you really can’t go wrong. Just be sure you are choosing flowers that can withstand sun or need shade, depending on where you plan to have your display.

With regular care and maintenance your flowers will fill in beautifully and some plants may even last all summer. Be sure to wait to plant until there is no chance of frost at night, water regularly, remove dead blooms and feed with plant food as needed.

Enjoy your creativity and the fruits of your labor each time you arrive home!

Don't Take Cupcakes, Make Some Cake Balls

By Claire Collins | Corporate Office, Food, | (1) Comments

The first time I attempted this recipe it was a disaster and I was swearing at Paula Deen for making it sound so easy. I was eager to hop on this new food trend, and red velvet cake balls coated in white chocolate seemed like such a good idea for the teachers for Valentine’s Day. It was an absolute mess. It took me a year to consider trying again, and this time with a few changes the results were fantastic! With the addition of some mint extract and green food coloring, my shamrock cake balls were a big hit for St.Patrick's Day at my son's school.

Here’s how to achieve the just about perfect cake ball and impress your friends the next time you need to bring a dessert to a party.

CAKE BALLS
1 cake mix, and ingredients required for preparation
4 ½ cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons shortening
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, or other flavoring
2 bags candy coating wafers DO NOT substitute chocolate chips. Trust me on this.
Optional: sprinkles, colored sugar, chopped nuts for topping

Prepare the cake according to the package directions, reducing the oil by half. When baked, and it’s better to over-bake a bit, allow the cake to cool completely.

Make frosting by combining the powdered sugar, shortening, butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, beating with an electric mixer until smooth. You may see recipes that call for canned frosting. DON’T do it! That stuff tastes like the container it comes in and makes the dough difficult to work with.

Shred the cake into the frosting, and beat until it becomes a smooth mixture. Refrigerate the dough for an hour or longer.

Form the dough into balls approximately the size of a walnut, then refrigerate for another hour.

For best results, melt the candy coating in a double boiler. It can also be melted in the microwave, though this often results in it getting too hot and clumping, or burning. Yes, I had that problem the first time too!

Using a toothpick, spear the cake balls and dip them in the melted candy coating. Place them on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. There will be a small hole from the toothpick. Take a bit of coating on the back of a spoon and swirl on the top to cover it. Sprinkle with topping before the coating sets, and cool in the refrigerator.

7 Unconventional Stain Remedies: New Uses for Household Items!

By Kara Silva | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (3) Comments

null These unexpected stain fighters are items that nearly everyone already has in their home. Read on to learn about double-duty household items and how to use them!

1) For sweat stains, use a dash of White Vinegar and a sprinkle of Meat Tenderizer. Soak stains in white vinegar and then wash in hot water. If the stain remains sprinkle it with a little meat tenderizer, let it sit for 30 minutes and then wash again.

2) Got deodorant on your shirt? Baby Wipes are an easy fix to lift those hard to remove marks!

3) Lipstick and Ink Stains are tough, but a little Hair Spray can change that! If the fabric is machine washable, saturate the stain with hair spray, let it sit for 10 minutes, then dab with a damp cloth or sponge. Clean as usual to wash away any residual stain and spray.

4) Not just for fingernails anymore, use an Emory Board to remove small stains on suede items! Gently rub an Emory board across the stain a few times to get rid of the blemish and refresh the nap of the suede.

5) Spill red wine on your new blouse? Shake some Salt on it! On washable fabric, immediately blot and then pour cold water over the stain. Next, cover the stain with salt, then stretch the fabric over a bowl and carefully pour boiling water over it, from a height of 6 - 8 inches. If the stain doesn't come out after following the steps above, soak the item in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. Once the stain lightens, launder the item as usual.

6) To keep your kicks lookin’ fresh, spray Starch on sneakers to help repel dirt and grime!

7) WD-40 has yet another use, removing crayon marks! Place the garment stain-side down on a stack of paper towels. Spray with WD-40 and let sit for 5 minutes. Flip garment over and spray again. Rinse well. Rub liquid dish soap into the stain and rinse again. If any stain remains, apply a stick or spray stain remover and machine wash as usual.

Great Local courses to play golf or mini golf!

By Cheryl Popp | Corporate Office, Health, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

Is it time for golf yet?? Now that the first day of spring has passed and we are in 80 degree weather..Should we break out our golf clubs? I say, "Yes".. it is never too early to get a couple of practice sessions in before the season officially begins. I have been an avid golfer for 15 years and love it. The game is great for so many reasons: exercise, going out with the family, meeting and making new friends, competition and even to use for business deals..

New England is known for many of their golf courses but I am just going to mention a few that you may want to try out. Even if you don't have clubs, many of these facilities will rent them to you... Now there are no excuses!

~Green Meadow Golf Club, Hudson, NH.- This is a public course that boasts 2- 18 hole golf courses. There is also a golf shop, driving range and golf instruction.
~Tyngsboro Country Club, Tyngsboro, MA.- This is also a public course and great for beginners or new players.
~Long Meadow CC, Mt. Pleasant CC and also Vesper CC are all private courses in the Lowell area and are well worth the money for golfing at anytime with no tee times and tons of amenities...great for families too!
On the other hand,
If you prefer the more leisurely round of golf, try Max's Golf in Tyngsboro, Ma. for mini golf, batting cages and ice cream
OR
My all time favorite place... Kimball's Farm in Westford, where you can enjoy mini golf, a driving range, a short par 3 course, ice cream and great food!
Any way you look at golf you can have fun with the family and get some exercise!
So dust off the clubs and get out there!!

CHPA: A Harbinger of Economic Recovery

By Terry Flahive | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Development, | (1) Comments

null Sixteen years ago, Tim Dugan and Gavan James, formerly of Oakwood Corporate Housing, now CEO of Nomad, had a crazy idea. Why not start a professional trade association to support corporate housing providers. With a handful of furnished housing providers (I am proud to say Princeton was one of the early members), they founded the Association of Temporary Housing Providers (ATHP) and several years later renamed it to the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA).

Two weeks ago in Miami, CHPA had its largest conference in history with over 480 attendees from around the world. The mood was upbeat and very positive. With increasing corporate relocations and special consulting projects, the need for short term furnished apartments is growing. The common theme from every session was that demand for corporate housing will be strong for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps, the increase in furnished housing is a harbinger of an overall national economic recovery.

For more information on CHPA click on www.chpaonline.org.

Cell Phone Protection and Security Tips

By Tammy Jackson | | (4) Comments

null I am sure many have experienced losing a cell phone or, as in my case, having a cell phone stolen. While away on a business trip, I left my phone to charge in a room being used by the organization. I did leave the phone unattended, which brings me to rule #1 – DO NOT leave phone unattended! Yes, by the time I returned… someone had decided they needed my phone more than I did.

My life was gone. My contacts, my emails, my Facebook, my photos – gone. Panic set in, and the thought of some stranger accessing all my information bring me to rule #2 – create a password for your phone so strangers can’t access it! But another thought crossed my mind: It’s a smart phone, so couldn’t I just use the GPS to find out if it’s still in the hotel? No! According to my service provider, apparently they can’t risk you being the crazy ex trying to track down the one that wronged you.

In my state of shock, I kept asking, “Of what use is my phone to anyone other than me?” I would get answers like, “Well, it’s an easy way for them to make long-distance calls on your dime,” “The SD cards are worth $40-$50,” “Some carriers will activate your phone – because they don’t care where it came from – and they’re just happy to have a new service contract.” Interesting. So, if I lock my phone and remove the SD card, I may be able to eliminate two situations… but I’m still without a phone! I guess having the SD card may be a benefit.

Is there anything to deter a “would-be” phone thief? I suppose the answer is no, but with a few quick changes, you may prevent one from wreaking havoc on your phone, your email, Facebook, etc.

I started looking to the internet for answers on how to prevent this from happening and, if it should happen, steps you should take immediately. There were some helpful tips, but nothing available all at one location. So this is my gift to you.

I hope you find this of no use… because I hope you never have your phone stolen.

Prevention tips:
Never leave your phone unattended.
Create a secure code to lock the phone when not in use.
Activate a Gmail account.
Remove SD card while charging.
Register your phone with your network operator

If your phone is stolen:
Contact the local authorities to file a report (this is helpful should there be excessive charges to the phone during the time it was still active).
Contact your provider to have the phone disabled, not the account.

There are also many anti-theft programs to look into, so one may be right for you.
Some of the many I found were Gadget Trak, Theft Aware, Mobile Me, and Phone Guardian. I have no experience with any of these, so I would recommend researching further. Good luck!

Got Beer? The origin of St. Patrick's Day.

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Food, Lifestyle, Sarah Greenough, | (1) Comments

Green Beer on St. Patrick's Day St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and this Irish girl is excited! Time to dust off my best green, orange & white clothing and it is also time to drink a green beer! We all know that St. Patty’s day is a fun annual event but what is the origin of this festive day? Saint Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on the 17th of March. It commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognized of the patron Saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early seventeenth century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general. The day is generally characterized by wearing green attire, eating traditional Irish fair such as corn beef and cabbage, drinking a few pints of beer and perhaps attending a church service. Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as the United States, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Today, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated Saint's day in the world. So go put on your finest Irish duds and raise your Guinness glass! Sláinte!!

Warm Winter Weather vs Ticks.

By Kathy Sutherland | New Hampshire, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, | (2) Comments

This year’s mild winter comes with the price of ticks making an early arrival. The winter weather usually brings the benefit of keeping ticks away. But the relatively warm winter we have enjoyed this year means the Lyme disease-carrying pests could be arriving earlier than usual this year.

Ticks bring with them the risk of Lyme disease for both pets and humans. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, skin rash, and muscle and/or joint pain that can last for weeks.

According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, younger ticks are active in the spring and summer months while the older ticks are more active in the fall. The younger ones are more likely to bring the threat of infecting a person with Lyme disease. It is important to wear protective clothing and use insect repellents containing DEET to help prevent the ticks from biting and spreading the disease.

It is also important for pet owners to protect their pets with the proper medications to ward of these pests. It is best to consult a Veterinarian and start a monthly treatment plan. Most over the counter remedies have been around so long that ticks have become resistant to them.

(Information taken from an article published in the Union Leader on March 9, 2012.

Pinterest Addiction

By Virginia Partridge | Massachusetts, Marketing, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

null
Who isn't addicted to Pinterest by now? Whenever someone asks me what the heck this new-fangled website is, I describe it this way: take an entire wall in your bedroom and put up as many cork or pin-boards as you have "categories" of ideas floating around in your head, then every time you have an idea (see a picture you like, think of a recipe you want to remember, want to add a book to your reading list) you put it on your massive wall of pin-boards - Pinterest is like that, but nice and compactly, cleanly online! I literally feel like I am organizing my brain when I log on and pin away. It's the next best thing since Facebook (c'mon, Google+ was fooling themselves...)! So, if you haven't already, consider taking a peek at Pinterest. If you want an invitation to join I'd be MORE than glad to send you one - if only so I don't feel like the only wacko spending Friday and Saturday nights "pinning" pictures and links...
Happy Pinning!

St. Patrick's Day Traditions

By Heather Libby | New Hampshire, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

null St Patrick’s Day is an Irish American holiday that comes every year on March 17th. Many people mostly Irish and Irish-American see it as a day to wear green, watch parades, decorate with three leaf clovers better known as shamrocks, look for leprechaun’s and drink green beer. So what significance do any of these things have to St. Patrick or being Irish?

Green is the color to wear on St. Patrick’s Day, but it wasn’t always green. A long time ago blue was the color used to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. However the Irish soldiers thought that by wearing green they would stand out more and be recognized easier so they wore green. Green was also the color of clovers which in Ireland are known to be lucky.

Three leaf clovers as known as Shamrocks are another symbol of St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland. Three leaf clovers were known to bring luck to the Irish. This is because when there was no snow or frost the clovers will harvest well along with all the other crops. This is now a St. Patrick’s Day traditional symbol because Patrick used them in evangelism to explain the Christian holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Other traditional St. Patrick Day things like drinking green beer, looking to catch a leprechaun, watching your local cities parade, and even experiencing your cities river turned green are all just fun American traditions. So if you are Irish, Irish American or just a French man looking for an excuse to green drink beer St Patrick’s Day is the day to celebrate and enjoy!

When NOT to be Frugal

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

null Times are tough, and we're all looking for ways to save money. We're couponing in ways so extreme that a reality show was created about it. We sign up to receive email deals from our favorite clothing stores and practically give ourselves carpal tunnel syndrome from logging in so many times a day to check for new deals. And sometimes we even figure out the BJ's sampling schedule and make it a point to only shop when there's a sample station at the end of every aisle so we don't need to worry about dinner (or is that just me? I cannot be the only one who does this!). Whatever lengths you go to, you really can save a few bucks if you put a little thought and effort into your shopping. That being said, there are times when you should, at all costs, avoid a so-called deal. Yahoo! Finance posted 8 Things You Should Never Buy Used, a list that's definitely worth checking out. Below are two big ones to keep in mind - especially if you live in an apartment community!

- Mattresses - I once saw someone leave a mattress by the side of the road and, only five minutes later, saw someone pick it up as though they'd just struck gold. What?! How could someone just pluck it from the side of the road, having no idea how old it is or where it came from or if there were ever any monkeys jumping on it (just making sure you're reading)? In all seriousness, any time you buy - or take - a used mattress, you're running the risk of bringing those dreaded bedbugs into your home. And if you live in an apartment home, you're not the only one at stake; those little critters will happily hop into your neighbors' apartments and nibble on them for a while, too. I know mattresses aren't exactly cheap, but it's also not like they're something you have to buy often. When you spend $300-$700 (a price range I got from the Jordan's Furniture website) on a mattress, it's not just going to last you a few years - it's going to be a nightly reassurance that you're the only one who's ever crawled into it.

- Couches and Upholstered Furniture - The same logic that applies to mattresses applies to your living room and accent furniture. As the Yahoo! article cutely says, "They'd change the name [of bedbugs], but 'upholstered furniture bugs' just doesn't have the same ring to it." So while it can be a good idea to poke around on Craigslist for a gently-used dining room set or an antique mirror, it's a decidedly bad idea to try to find a big comfy couch... that someone else's entire family has been spending years flopping down into. And spilling who-knows-what on. And grooming the dog on. And... ok, you get the point. Upholstered furniture sees a lot of action and can just as easily become home to bedbugs. Go to Bob's Discount Furniture and buy your own living room set. And while you're there, ask who Kathy is and why she's in all the commercials, please.

Organizing Your Work Space

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null With spring time comes spring cleaning. Everyone makes plans to organize and clean their homes but why not clean your office and desk while you’re at it? Now is the perfect time to start sorting that paperwork that has been piling up and get your desk drawers in tip top shape! Here are some tips on how to clean up your office so you can become more organized and productive at work…

1. Get Rid of Old Papers
When you are sorting through stacks of papers, begin asking yourself: Do I need this? Why? Where will I look for it when I need it? Then, create a filing system that best fits your needs.

2. Keep Usernames & Password in One Location
It’s easy to forget all of the different usernames and passwords you use while doing your job. Keep it all in one place by creating an Excel sheet. Each time you update or change your password, take the time to revisit your sheet and save your updates. This will save you time in the future!

3. Keep Supplies and Often-Used Items Out
Daily-use items that you’ll likely need throughout the course of a day like pens, planner, and Post-It Notes, all deserve a spot on your desk. Other items, such as tape, stapler, paper clips, and envelopes, should be neatly stored inside your desk.

4. Organize Your Computer
When your favorite desktop background starts getting covered with icons, it’s time to clean it up! File away documents that you’ll need again, then send everything else on your desktop to the recycle bin.

5. Keep it Clean & Stick to It!
One of the biggest pitfalls to organization is getting lazy. Once you’ve established a system that works for you, stick to it! Spending a few seconds to return items to a designated spot will help you save lots of time in the long run.

Play An Instrument In Your Apartment? Sound Proofing Tips

By Janet Leazer | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, | (0) Comments

Everyone loves music, but not everyone loves living near a musician. You may think your wailing solos sound great, but those who live near you may not agree. In an apartment, sound proofing your space can be vital if you don’t want to win your building’s “Most Hated Neighbor” award.

Apartment sound proofing can run into some money, and since you don’t own your home, you won’t want to make a major investment in it. However, there are easy ways to cut down on the amount of noise your neighbors hear.
First, make one room your practice room, and concentrate your apartment sound proofing efforts on it. This will be much easier than tackling the whole apartment. Choose a small room (or even a walk-in closet) that is as far from your neighbors as you can get. Then try these apartment sound proofing tips.

Walls - Egg-crate foam panels are a good form of apartment sound proofing. Cut sheets of inexpensive wallboard to fit your walls. Attach the smooth side of the foam to the boards with a staple gun or adhesive. Tack the wallboard to the walls. For extra sound dampening, cover the panels with heavy fabric, tapestries, or curtains. Foam panels may be used on the ceiling as well.

Floor - A heavy rug will help with apartment sound proofing. For best results, it should cover the entire floor. Use a thick foam underpad to help reduce noise transmission.
Door. Don’t forget that a lot of sound can leak through a door. For inexpensive apartment sound proofing, use weather-stripping foam tape on the top and sides of the doorway and install a sweep on the bottom edge. For additional noise reduction, hang a heavy curtain over the door.
The success of apartment sound proofing may be limited, so always be considerate of your neighbors. Find out if they are away from home at regular times, and try to practice then. Explore ways to reduce the sound your instrument makes. Mutes are available for many stringed and wind instruments. You can get electric keyboards, guitars, even drums and use headphones when you practice.

If apartment sound proofing simply doesn’t work, it may be time to pack up your instrument!

St. Patrick’s Day Inspired Cupcakes!

By Kara Silva | Massachusetts, Food, | (3) Comments

When people think St. Patrick’s Day foods they think of Corned Beef and Cabbage, but what about the most part of any meal…Dessert?! Satisfy your St. Patrick’s Day sweet tooth with Mudslide Cupcakes topped with Irish Cream Frosting!

Mudslide Cupcake Recipe (Makes 12 cupcakes)
• 2/3 C sugar
• 2 C flour
• 1 1/2 t baking powder
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 3 T ground coffee
• 3/4 C unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 C melted vanilla ice cream (coffee or mocha ice cream work too!)
• 1/4 C Coffee Liqueur (i.e. Kahlua)
• 1/4 C Irish Cream Liqueur (i.e. Bailey’s)

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and coffee in a bowl.
2. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
3. Beat eggs, ice cream, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur into the butter/sugar mixture until blended.
4. Fold in flour mixture.
5. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
6. Bake at 350 F for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the cupcake clean.

Irish Whipped Cream Frosting (*Note: If you like lots of frosting, double the recipe!)
• 2 C heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 C sugar
• 2 T Irish Cream liqueur

1. Whip heavy whipping cream until it looks like whipped cream.
2. Mix in sugar and Irish Cream until just combined.

Optional - Top off with Chocolate Sprinkles or Chocolate Syrup (or BOTH!)
Insert Pirouette Cookies as decorative "straws"

SLÁINTE!

There's always something happening in Salem!

By Jen D'Apice | Massachusetts, Travel, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null Working and residing next to Salem can always be such a treat! The excitement doesn’t just end in October, there’s always something going on. For instance, The Peabody Essex Museum has an exhibit that is causing quite a stir around town. It is called, Ripple Effect, The Art of H2O and is on display through July 8, 2012. The Ripple Effect is described as highlighting water as a medium for an artistic expression and hands-on exploration. Visitors will encounter water in all its different states - solid, liquid and gas - as they investigate artworks inspired by rivers, geysers, snowflakes, fog and more.
Salem State Theater Presents, The Shadow Box this month as well. This drama is about three families dealing with terminal cancer and how their lives intertwine. From reading the reviews, the students have been putting on a remarkable show.

Shapeshifting, one of the largest Native American Art exhibitions to open in North America in more than 30 years is also on view at The Peabody Essex Museum. Nearly 80 works from public and private collections worldwide offer a far-reaching exploration of Native American art as historic and contemporary.
The following website has the calendar of events for Salem that I found useful and would like to share with you. Does anyone else have a suggestion of an event they went to at Salem?

http://www.salem.org/cgi-bin/calendar/calendar.pl

Day light savings time! Turn your clocks forward!

By Carrie Agusto | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Travel, Environmental, Community, | (2) Comments

Spring ahead: 2012 Daylight Saving Time means time to turn the clocks forward

Warm weather across the New England area is a reminder that Spring is right around the corner. With nicer weather also brings longer days.

Daylight Saving Time is quickly coming for 2012.

Since 2007, Daylight Saving Time, or DST for short, begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

For 2012, that means it is time to 'spring ahead' this weekend.

This Saturday night, It is time to change our clocks. March 11 is the second Sunday in March this year, so at 2:00 Sunday morning, you will turn your clocks ahead one hour, marking the return to Daylight Saving Time.

As the old expression goes, "spring ahead, fall back," meaning before bed on Saturday night, set your clock AHEAD one hour. You'll also be 'losing' one hour of time (the same hour you "gained" last Fall).

The 26 Happiest Animals In The World

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

The internet is an invaluable tool with countless ways to improve our daily lives. Arguably one of the best uses of the internet is the ability to view cute animal pictures.

Check out the 26 happiest animals posted by BuzzFeed @ http://www.buzzfeed.com/animals/happiest-animals-in-the-world

Number 10 is my favorite, what is yours?

Enjoy!

Passing Our Goal

By Tracy Hilker | Massachusetts, Community, | (0) Comments

null I found this year that fundraising was not easy. Normally when I run Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, we can reach our goal fairly quickly with time to spare. This year was a bit different.. Maybe it is because times are tough, maybe because our goal was higher.

At first I was starting to get discouraged. It is not an easy thing asking people for money even if it is going to such a great cause as finding a cure for cancer. Once again I am always touched at repeat supporters, and also the many residents that we have at River Place that donate whenever and whatever they can. And I love hearing thier stories, about cancer survivors in thier lives or about those that they donate in memory of.

The support of my peers and co-workers has been awesome! I actually opened up the donating to friends and family on my personal Facebook page, and was pleasantly touched when some people I have not actually met in person, but are Facebook friends, (mostly from my Disney family) sent in money to help us reach our goal!

We set a goal of $1500, and passed it by reaching $1660. I am proud to be a part of this cause, and to help where I can. I am thankful for all those who did help and support me in this year after year. The one thing I always find after doing a fundraiser, people will say, "I would have done it, but you never asked me!" So this year, I asked... and I asked everyone. If you are doing any kind of fundraiser, that is my advice to you, Just Ask.. You never know who has been touched by what you are standing behind and you never know if they want to help or not.

Bring on the Fluffy White Stuff!!

By Jessica Costanzo | Massachusetts, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (0) Comments

So here we are, February 29th and I can’t believe my eyes!! What is that fluffy white stuff falling from the sky?? Could it actually be accumulating SNOW? Hard to believe this is only our SECOND snowstorm of the year. This winter has been THE most mild winter I can remember! I mean, we hit almost 60 degrees this month!! Now I know that most people here in New England are LOVING the mild weather and lack of snow we have received this year. Riding bikes and enjoying afternoon walks have replaced iceskating and sledding. Me, I prefer to see the beautiful snow falling! As a snow lover, it is such a magical feeling to see that first snow of the season. To go out and make snowangels and build snowmen! That’s what winter is all about here in the Northeast! Mother Nature has decided to spare us from all that fun this year…until today that is! Up to 10 inches is expected through tomorrow. So all of you fellow snow lovers, get on out there and enjoy it!

Easy Ways to Spruce up for Spring

By Jenilee Provencal | Maine, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Tulips Even though snow is in the forecast for this week, spring is really only two weeks away. There are some very easy things you can do to spruce up your home for spring.

Take down your heavy winter curtains and put up some sheer panels. They are wonderfully breezy and let in lots of sunlight.

Incorporate some fresh flowers inside. Trader Joe’s has some beautiful inexpensive bunches that can really brighten up your kitchen table or even your nightstand. It’s a treat to wake up to fresh flowers.

Change out some of your wall artwork easily and inexpensively. If you are crafty you can take a blank canvas and paint a unique design in bright colors. Or take the same canvas and cover it with a fresh spring fabric.

There can be lots of inspiration at the grocery store as well. Lemons and limes are some of the brightest, longest lasting fruit you can find. Pile them into a large glass vase and display on your coffee table. Plus they smell great too!

Bring in fresh white accents. White really brightens a space and can draw your eye. Strategically place white accent pieces around the room to keep your eyes moving throughout the space. The easiest way to do this is by using white pots for your houseplants, or white frames with black and white photos in them.

Any way you decide to bring a little spring into your home I guarantee it will make you smile. Now let's bring on summer!!!

We live in L'Andover!

By Debbie Melino | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

Where is L’Andover? If you’re from “The Valley” then you’re already in the know! For all others, let me explain…..L’Andover is the lovingly coined identifier for that sweet spot known as the “Mt. Vernon Neighborhood”. Although we do not know the origin for the term, we can make the assumption that this nickname grew out of the location’s close proximity to the Andover town line. L’Andover, just steps away from Andover, has so many wonderful things to offer such as public transportation, easy access to major highways, and a 25 minute commute to Boston, the seacoast, New Hampshire’s mountain region, as well as fine dining and great shopping. L’Andover is the place to be, offering quality living without the price.

Over the years, the Merrimack Valley, better know as “The Valley” has experienced many changes in its cities and towns, which stretch from Manchester, New Hampshire to Lowell Massachusetts. In particular, the City of Lawrence once known for its industry and ingenuity had attracted thousands of immigrants from countries all over the world. The evolution of Lawrence has once again opened the door to many newcomers, once abandoned mill buildings have been refurbished and are now the home to many restaurants and businesses. Though years of economic highs and lows have changed the landscape of this once booming city, one thing still remains, and that is that the heart of Lawrence remains in its history and its people.

Spring into Retro 2012 Trends!

By Carla Jacobson | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

null Like fashion, Spring has arrived earlier then ever this year! It is time to put away our wool coats and mittens and invite the Spring to New England! As we all know, it proves to be difficult looking at magazines and celebraties for "realistic" advice as to what is "in" this season. Although we would all like to be able to afford the latest Gucci or Armoni, the reality of purchasing a single pair of slacks for $500 is unrealistic for the average consumer. But not to worry, there are many alternatives to dressing the part of a Trend Setter! Ann Taylor, WhiteHouse/Black Market, and even TJMAXX and Marshell's all provide us with trend setting appareal to fullfill everyone's unique personalities and needs. With the recession hitting on everyone's pocket, the higher end retail stores such as Ann Taylor and White House/Black Market have resorted to daily promotions to keep up their clientele; while department stores are slashing their prices and broadening their selections!

So what to look for when you are browsing amoungst the goods? In 2012, Bold Print, dramatic seam work, and Color, Color, Color are piled up high on the shelves! Graphic, Bold Missoni is being brought back in full force from the 70's in all widths, shapes, colors, and sizes. Jazz inspired drop-waist dresses with a-line neckline allows for a cool, sleek look and maximum comfort. For the cooler weather, Tuxedo, wide leg trouser's pair nicely with any casual or formal attire. Draping in tonal blue-grey florals allows for a dramatic and moody feel and is easily paired with bold, vibrant oranges or soft hue pastels; the color pallet for 2012. And, as always, it is classic to have the boyfriend cut jacket as a part of you wardrobe along with a classic pencil skirt, kitten heeled shoes, and your favorite trench raincoat. As for accessories, not much has changed. We still are finding the large, dramatic chunky jewels as our "go to pieces" to complete the total package as well as our oversized, belt purses are must haves.

So, what is the biggest fad of 2012? Off the shoulder, in every form! Dresses, shirts, and even jackets are coming with one or two bare shoulders. But realistically, as we can all see, anything now a day goes! Pair almost any of these fads together and call it your own! Yes, you too can become "That Girl" or "That Guy" who has it together and the total package by obiding by these fashion guidelines! And thanks to Great promotions and reasonable retailer's, everyone can become their own trend setter this year!

Just Do it... Yourself!

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

null Whether you rent, own, or are just squatting on a friend's couch for a few months, there's nothing like having beautiful things to look at when you're at home. The harsh truth, though, is that not everyone's adept at the whole home-decor thing; in fact, it can cause a bit of panic for some for lots of reasons. Does this odd metal wall "sculpture" really speak to who I am - or is it just appealing because it's on sale at HomeGoods? Do I like this weird painting just because it's $650 and looks like "real" art? Does this random frame with a quote in it really represent me or am I only getting it because quotes are "in" right now? It doesn't need to be so difficult! You can make your place look beautiful - and like you - using things you already have, whether they're actual things or just inspiration from something you have or love.

I realized this when I was frantically searching for something to hang on the wall above my couch. I was agonizing over it for weeks, wondering if I should splurge on the vintage prints I found online because they looked cool or if I should buy a cheap canvas set I saw on some artsy website. The stuff I was considering would have been ok for me, but I decided that I really prefer to have art that means something, not just a random, mass-produced something-or-other. So I drove to the three most meaningful places that my husband and I share (aww) and took some photos. (Ok, you want details? I went to the three restaurants located at each of the meaningful places we share. We love to eat - what can I say?! You can choose any photo(s) you want, I promise!) Anyway, I took a bunch of pictures, picked my favorites, uploaded them to a photo website (I use Kodak Gallery, but any site will do), ordered prints, found some inexpensive frames at Target, and am impatiently waiting for the prints to be delivered so I can complete my project. I'm getting giddy just writing about it! I never felt this way after looking at the framed "Live. Laugh. Love." poster, let me tell you.

So my advice to you is this: If you can't find art/decor/anything that makes you crazy-happy when you look at it, get creative and make it yourself! Take some photos, have your kids work on some drawings, frame the menu from your favorite restaurant (see my theme here? Sorry!), cut a piece of your favorite fabric and put it in a frame, frame your most cherished greeting card... the list is endless if you really take the time to think about it!

Already tried your hand at creating your own artwork? Share your project(s) with us!

Frozurt Craze!

By Maggie Ledgard | Massachusetts, Health, Food, Community, | (2) Comments

null When I was visiting my older brother in Long Island this summer he took me to a place that I have repeatedly dreamed about revisiting. It is a frozen yogurt shop called “16 Handles” where there are 16 ever-changing flavors and toppings to choose from. The shop is set up self-serve style where you choose your cup size, yogurt flavors, and toppings before paying for your treat by the ounce. If you’re craving a simple chocolate and vanilla mix with sprinkles, have at it. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous go ahead and add a little bit of red velvet yogurt, a hint of mango yogurt, a sprinkle of coconut yogurt, and top it all off with fresh pineapple and Oreos.

Slowly but surely we’re hopping on the band wagon here in Lowell. As I was leaving the gym the other night and headed to the ATM on Rte. 110 I couldn’t help but notice a glowing sign that read “FROZURT” and was begging for me to go and see what it was all about. Nothing like a little treat after the gym, right?

When I walked inside I started talking to the owner, Odom Eang, who said he opened up the shop a few months ago and was already starting to see success even through the colder months. There was a younger worker there to offer samples of the 6 flavors of the week that are available and walk you through the process if you have any questions.

They offer a variety of over 40 toppings ranging from fresh fruits including blackberries, strawberries, kiwi and pineapple, to all kinds of candy bars including butterfingers, heath bars, snickers, and even raw cookie dough. For the health conscious “frogurter” there are nuts and granola as well.

Once you’ve completed your masterpiece you head to the register where you’re charged by weight, $0.42/oz, I find a typical serving size (not FDA approved that is) to cost around $4-5.00 a cup. They only take CASH, but are conveniently located next door to a Bank of America. They’re open 7 days a week 12pm-10pm and are located at 724 Chelmsford Street in Lowell. I highly suggest checking this place out. I returned for my second time Thursday night at 8pm and the place was packed, there weren’t any seats available and a line to start filling your cup…everyone must agree with me that it’s always fun to feel good about eating frozen yogurt and then loading it up with chocolate candy bars!

Wish you had more space?

By Virginia Partridge | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

As new parents living in a two bedroom apartment, my fiancé and I have found our quarters getting a bit cramped as of late. Although the space was more than enough when it was just the two of us, a baby takes up a surprising amount of room – we found ourselves wondering: Where would we put guests? Where would the desk go? What about all of those Christmas decorations? Where will the dog sleep?
After running into, and stubbing my toes on, multiple boxes, toys, pieces of furniture, etc. I decided something needed to be done! I turned to Google (as with most problems I have…), and searched for “small space solutions.” The results were a lifesaver. So, below is a list of some decorating tips I found extremely helpful to turn our space back into an organized home.

1. Turn your closet into a work space.
2. Practice smart storage by investing in city-sized multi-use furniture like sofa beds, storage ottomans, under-bed drawers, or even using window ledges as shelves for pictures, plants and lighting.
3. Use wall space, vertically and horizontally – for example, why not hang your pots and pans from a wall mounted pot rack? And, “hello!” wall mounted shelving!
4. If you haven’t used something for the past three months, throw it out!!
5. Practice the major design rules for small spaces: light! Create a larger feeling by using mirrors, light colors and a neutral palette with pops of color.

Drowning in Junk Mail

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null This morning I was talking with some of the lovely ladies in the corporate office about mail. We all get it and we all seem to hate it! Unwanted junk mail and bills make for clutter in our kitchens, home offices and dining room tables. I don’t know about you but in my house we need to find a fix for our serious mail pile problem! I have a file cabinet and a paper shredder in my home office but they don’t seem to be doing the trick. I need a space to organize my mail in the kitchen so it can stay off my countertops!

I did some research on some blogs and on Pinterest recently and have come up with some pretty crafty solutions! You can check out the DIY steps for one of my favorite options here http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/05/mail-organizer-tutorial.html.

If you are like me you hate getting mail from mortgage, credit card and insurance companies soliciting special deals and promotions. Save your kitchen countertops and some trees by registering your name on these lists… http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/junkmail.htm

How do YOU organize your mail? Feel free to share your tips on organization with all of us!

Champagne with the Oscars

By Kristen Wellington | | (1) Comments

The Oscars will be airing on Sunday, February 26, 2012 and to celebrate, I plan on sharing a wonderful seafood recipe with the very best of company. But, one cannot forget pairing it with an equally delicious bottle of wine or champagne (the latter is my personal choice with seafood). Yet, while standing in the grocery isle, I blankly stare at the Champagne selection and find myself asking, “Which one did I love before? Was it Brut? Extra Dry?” And what does it all mean, anyway? Well, here are some basic tips so you’re better prepared when shopping for your next bottle of bubbly.

First, for a wine to be called Champagne, it must come from that particular region of France that is located 90 miles east of Paris in the rolling hills near the towns of Epernay, Reims, and Sézanne. Anyone in the world can make a sparkling wine in the méthode champenoise, but only the Champenoise can make Champagne. And you’re asking, “Now I have to learn French?” Well, no. But, I felt its origin was important enough to include here.

Based on your personal taste, Champagne is tiered according to sweetness (or lack thereof). They are as follows:

(Sweet)
•Doux
•Demi Sec
•Sec
•Extra Dry
•Brut
•Extra Brut
(Driest)

Once you’ve found your favorite, you no longer have to worry about the blank stare of confusion! Even if you wish to try something different, you’ll at least be better informed in your decision.

To all that will be watching the stars this Sunday, be sure to include that special star in your eyes and toast to your favorite nominee. Just like Napoleon says, "In victory you deserve it, in defeat you need it." So even if your favorite nominee doesn’t take home an Oscar, you still have … Champagne! Cheers!

A Special Day, a Special Man

By Terry Flahive | Corporate Office, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

null Last Friday I met an old friend at Crotched Mountain in Francestown, NH to ski and with him was Fran Lathrop. We all jumped on the lift, went to the top and started down. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Fran skiing fast and strong. When we stopped, for some reason, I blurted out “how old are you?” With a firm voice he said “90!”

I started thinking about a wonderful book about the 10th Mountain Division and its heroic role in the Second World War. I said, “You wouldn’t have been in WWII by any chance?” Of course the answer was yes, and Fran was one of the original soldiers of this division. Fran graduated from Williams College, joined the Army and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. He trained in Colorado under the most brutal mountain conditions fighting on skis and snowshoes and living in a snow hut. In 1944 the Division was shipped to Italy for the push north to Berlin and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

And here I was, skiing on a beautiful New Hampshire day with a true hero.

Bintliffs 2011 Best Brunch Portland Maine

By Caitlyn Irving | Maine, Health, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null I have always been such a huge brunch fan. My favorite brunch restaurant in Portland Maine is Bintliff’s. Bintliff’s has been in business in Portland for 18 years and is located on Portland St. Joe Catoggio has been the owner of Bintliff’s in Portland since December 2002. Nicole Neal has been the Head Chef since April of 2010. They have created a wonderful and delicious dining experience that anyone of all ages will enjoy!

Bintliff’s has a cozy, eclectic yet elegant style. The atmosphere is very warm and the employees are very friendly. The building itself is two stories, there are some tables on the first floor, but the majority of the tables and booths are on the second floor. When the weather gets warmer they open up their deck and patio. Just imagine, eating an absolutely scrumptious meal and sitting on the patio, on a beautiful summer day!

Bintliff’s is open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Whenever I have gone I try to get there early, right when they open because it gets very busy, very quickly. But even if you have to wait, it definitely is worth every minute and is not too long!

The menu features breakfast and lunch items including wide variety of French toast, waffles, pancakes, egg dishes, soup, sandwiches, wraps, salads and many more creative entrees. Working with local farms and businesses, Bintliff's has created fun dishes on a superbly delicious menu. Bintliff’s is proud serving their patrons lighter fare and grilled meats, fresh local seafood, and vegetarian delights. Bintliff’s serves local produce, seafood, 100% pure Maine maple syrup, locally made wines and Portland’s own Coffee By Design.

Some of the Local Purveyors Include:

Bartlett Maine Estate Winery
Coffee by Design Portland, ME
Crown O'Maine Organic Coop, ME
Grandy Oats, Brownfield, ME
Harbor Fish Market Portland, ME
Native Maine Produce Portland, ME
Strawberry Hills Farm Skowhegan, ME

Bintliffs is a true Maine Gem of a restaurant. It was voted BEST BRUNCH from 2002-2009 and then again in 2011 by the Portland Phoenix. The location is ideal, after a nice big brunch, take a walk through Deering Oaks Park, or walk around the Bay. You could even make a day of it, enjoy a yummy meal at Bintliffs and check out a Pirates or a Sea Dogs Game!

Is your mouth watering yet? Go check it out and maybe you will see me there too!!!

www.bintliffscafe.com

Give your furniture a FABULOUS makeover~Introducing Annie Sloan Chalkpaint!

By Jessica Costanzo | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Ok all of you decorators out there..I am going to introduce to you the most amazing product that I have found. I myself LOVE to decorate and repurpose junk furniture or furniture I already have at home. However, I DESPISE sanding and priming all the messy preparation! Well, hold on to your seats, there is a paint out there that doesn’t require ANY of that! It is called…drumroll please….ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT! It is quite possibly the best paint EVER!! This paint can go on nearly ANY surface at all with no sanding, no priming, no prep work at all! It was designed for furniture specifically but can be used on floors, walls, metals and even glass! It also comes in 24 of the most GORGEOUS colors! Now, there are many different looks you can achieve using the paint and it is worth checking out her website www.anniesloan.com to view her different techniques. She also has a blogspot called “Paints & Colour” that you can follow. I painted my VERY DARK dining room set just a few weeks ago with this paint in Pure White. I will admit that I was extremely skeptical. BUT, after 2 coats and just a little bit of sanding to give it that distressed look I was going for, I was totally impressed! It was so easy! What a beautiful new set I have after just 2 days and the cost of 1 quart of paint! This paint is meant to give character to any piece. The only catch is that Miss Annie Sloan is from England and it can be a little pricey to order the paint online and have it shipped. However, there a few places here in Massachusetts that have begun to sell it. Counting Sheep in Clinton MA and A Vintage Chic in Newburyport MA are 2 places that I know of that currently sell the paint. I highly recommend giving it a whirl yourself. It was fun to work with and a super easy way to take an old piece of furniture and give it a fabulous, QUICK, makeover!

Unique Home Remedies For A Cold

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Health, Lifestyle, Sarah Greenough, | (3) Comments

null It seems like the head cold is really making its rounds these days…whether I’m at the gym, at work or at home I can hear sniffling and sneezing (myself included). The nasal congestion finally made its way to my nose this week so I started to research home remedies, optimistically hoping to clear up my sniffles at a rapid pace without the help of DayQuil. I came across many homeopathic remedies; here are two that intrigued me the most. I’m sure to give them a try.

What are some of your favorite home remedies?

Tomato Tea Recipe:
• Add 1 cup tomato juice,
• 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic,
• 1/2 tsp of hot sauce,
• 1 tsp lemon juice,
• and a pinch or two of celery salt for flavor

Heat ingredients and drink hot. After drinking this recipe, your sinus congestion will disappear quickly. All of these ingredients not only work on the immediate symptoms, but add plenty of vitamin C to fight a cold, and garlic to fight infection.

Gin-Soaked Golden Raisins Recipe:

• Add 1/2 cup gin,
• 1 handful golden raisins

Put golden raisins in a shallow bowl and barely cover with gin. Soak for a minimum of one hour. Allow the gin to evaporate; then eat approximately nine raisins. After evaporation, nine raisins contain about one drop of alcohol. Gin soaked golden raisins is an old natural home remedy for head congestion. It is very effective and works quickly. Chew the raisins and the natural aroma of the raisins with gin will open your airways and relieve head congestion. Just eat in moderation!

Airport Traveling Tips During School Vacation

By Heather Libby | New Hampshire, Lifestyle, | (0) Comments

null School vacation is here and for many lucky families this means warm, sunny destinations, quick get-a-ways and airports. With gas prices so high, some cities still close to $4 a gallon, flying for most families is the best money saving way to travel. Here are a few tips when it comes to traveling in airports over school vacation.

Plan ahead.
Are you a list maker or one who throws everything in a bag and buys what you need or forget when you get to your destination? Either way it’s best to pack a day or more before your flight to avoid the last minute run around of “where did I put this and where’s that?” To make things even easier many airlines offer the convenience of checking in to your flight 24 hours in advance. You can even printing your tickets from home if you have a printer. This will save lots of time at the airport of waiting in long lines just to get your boarding passes.

Don’t forget your doctor’s notes and always remember 3-1-1
Airports in the last 10 years have cracked down on what can and cannot be brought on an airplane especially liquids. 3-1-1 is the best way to remember what is allowed in your carry on so you’re no throwing away that brand new bottle of Pantene you bought for the trip. All liquids must be 3oz containers or less. These containers must be in 1 quart sized clear zip lock bag and taken out of your carry on luggage and placed on the security belt. Each passenger is allowed only 1 zip lock bag. Some exceptions can be made if you are traveling with infants or have a doctor’s note requiring other wise so be sure you have that on hand with your ID and boarding pass at security.

Safe money on those high airport parking fees!
Although many large airports like Boston Logan Airport are offering huge savings on long term parking over February vacation you have other choices! Why spend and extra $200 on parking when you could spend it on the parks!? Ask a friend or relative that might not be going away on vacation if they would be willing to bring you. I usually offer to let them use my car (and my full tank of gas) for the week in exchange. If this option is not available take a bus or an airport service shuttle. Many of the airport shuttles are free for kids under the age of 12 and can still save hundreds.

Arrive an hour to two before your flight is due to board.
The last thing you’ll want to do is miss your flight so plan to arrive early for any and all those unexpected delays that airports bring. Checking luggage can easily be done at the curb rather than wait in a long line inside but make sure you have the $2 per bag to tip to ensure you’re luggage arrives at the right place and on time. Be ready when you get up to security with your ID, boarding passes, and any doctors notes that you would need. Wear not only comfortable shoes but something that will be easy to slip on and off easily as security will make you remove shoes, belts, and anything in your pockets. (I always bring an extra pair of socks to change into after my once clean socks become dirty from walk on the airport floor).

Bring a book or your homework for the plane or delays.
Arriving early for your flight is the safe bet but some times this can leave you with a lot of down time. You’ll want something to keep you and the kids occupied while waiting and on the plane ride to make it go by faster so if you enjoy reading or crosswords this is the place to do it! When I was younger my parents always had me bring my homework. Many children, once they’ve reach middle school will have homework over vacation this is the time to get it done. It might be a struggle at first but they will thank you later when they can just enjoy vacation.

Lastly, you’re on vacation, enjoy your time off don’t bring the office or stresses of home with you.

Etsy.com ~The World's Handmade Marketplace!

By Jessica Costanzo | Massachusetts, Marketing, Lifestyle, | (3) Comments

How many of you have been onto Etsy.com? If not, I want to introduce you to one of the most FABULOUS websites to visit! Etsy is a site that focuses on handmade and vintage items as well as arts & craft supplies. It is truly the world’s most AMAZING handmade marketplace! You can find anything from unique jewelry to handmade clothing to repurposed furniture! It is really quite an experience! On Etsy you have the ability to contact the sellers with questions and leave feedback after you have received your purchase. It’s like a creative cross between Amazon and Ebay. You have the option to pay by credit card or through paypal as well, making it super easy to make your purchases! You can search amongst the 800,000 amazingly creative sellers and find just about anything and everything you can imagine. What I love about Etsy is that there are so many unique items to purchase! If any of you have been on pinterest, A LOT of those pieces you see are available on Etsy. You can’t imagine the things you will find! It is such an addictive site so I must warn you, once you visit Etsy it is VERY hard to leave!! Happy Shopping!!

Worcester hospitality, Niche style.

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Food, Dan Harvey, | (2) Comments

Worcester, Massachusetts has many charms and none are more appreciated than the collection of unique restaurants and eateries. Foodies come from near and far to enjoy the offerings of these culinary hot spots. One restaurant group stands out among the rest, Niche Hospitality Group has 5 restaurants throughout Worcester each catering to specific taste. I could go on and on about all of the different locations but for now we’ll talk Mexican food.

When I’m craving the perfect margarita and Mexican food this is the place to go. They have an impressive cocktail menu but I recommend the house margarita, upgrade to 1800 tequila and you won’t be disappointed. Next I go for the guacamole flight, three types of guac feature fruit, corn nuts and the original. Did I mention it is made fresh and served traditionally in a molcajete? As for the main meal you can’t go wrong. Most recently I enjoyed the Salmon Vera Cruz, perfectly cooked salmon simmered with bell pepper and served with mint tomato salsa, simply amazing!

Mezcal Tequila Cantina- 166 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. http://www.nichehospitality.com/

Tips For Sleeping Better

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Apartment Living, Health, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

sleep

Did you know that just about two-thirds of Americans do not get enough sleep? Seems true enough since everyone I practically know lives off of coffee. In reading the January issue of Shape Magazine they have some fantastic tips to getting a better sleep.

Gym Time- Go to the gym in the morning instead of evening. Working out can increase your core temperature, making it hard to doze off.

Cool It Down- Sleeping in a cool room helps your body stay comfortable without freezing or sweating.

Unplug It- Turn off all of your electronics. Although it’s tempting to stay on Pinterest and Facebook all night, turning off your devices will help your anxiety level, making it easy to relax.

Caffeine- Although a lot of people “live” off of caffeine, you may want to rethink that afternoon cup. Did you know that caffeine can stay in your system for up to 12 hours? That means if you turn to that afternoon pick me up, it can keep you awake into the wee hours of the morning.

No Alcohol- Some people rely on a glass of wine or a strong cocktail after work to help unwind. Make sure if you do treat yourself to some wine, it is only one glass and at least three hours before you turn in for the night.

Are You Getting Enough?

By Sheri Apprille | Maine, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Food, Lifestyle, | (3) Comments

Water, that is. drinking water

You know where to find it. It's everywhere. It's the most accessible beverage on the planet. So why is it that most Americans are not getting enough? I hear people say, "Water is so boring. I can't just drink plain water." Yes you can and you should! Our bodies are in constant need of water replenishment. They depend on it to function properly. I found the following article online to be very informative. I would encourage you to click on it and seriously think about your own "water habits".

http://www.shapefit.com/water-benefits.html

If you are not drinking water regularly everyday, you need to start. Bring a large water bottle with you to work - 20 oz or larger. Set a goal for the time that you are going to finish it by. Then refill it and set another time goal. It will be difficult in the beginning and you will feel like there is no way you can get through all of that water. But if you stick to it every day, you will be amazed and won't even realize how much you are drinking anymore. It will become habit. Your body will adapt to it. Yes, you will find yourself heading to the restroom a little more frequently, but it is good for your body to get up and move throughout the day, which can be difficult when you work behind a desk all day. So welcome the chance to move and stretch your body.

My water bottle is 32 oz. I drink a minimum of 3 of these every day. Do the math. That's 96 oz or more everyday. That does not include the water I drink during my workouts. I try to have the first round done by 11am, the 2nd round done by 2pm and the 3rd round done - or close to being done by the end of the work day. There are some days where I never even have to think about it and then there are others where I am really busy and realize that I haven't been drinking enough water that day. So it's good to have a schedule to stay on track with.

I'm not saying you have to drink 96oz of water everyday like me. But you should be drinking at least 8 - 8oz glasses every day. The other thing to remember is that is should be spread out during the day. Your body needs the constant replenishment. So don't try to get it all in at the same time. You will see in no time you will be drinking water without even thinking about it. Then, you will start craving it! Imagine that!!

So I challenge you today....if you are not drinking enough water - start right now!

Adventure is out there

By Tracy Hilker | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, | (3) Comments

null I'm a Disney freak. I love everything Disney, especially Pixar. One of my all time favorite love stories is UP. (even though Carl and Ellie are only in it together for about ten minutes into the movie) The main point of the movie is adventure, and going on adventures while you can enjoy them in life, not waiting until it is too late.

Here is my latest adventure. We are going on vacation in a few weeks, (18 days to be exact, but who is counting...) to, you guessed it, Disney World, YES, again... I told you I love Disney. Anyway, while we are there, we are celebrating a late Valentine's Day and early anniversary, by going to Queen Victoria's Room at The Grand Floridian Resort. This is a very exclusive and expensive, once in my life time experience. It is an elegant 4 hour event with a 10 course meal, your own butler, and many foreign foods... Well, foreign to me. (such as quail, elk, sweetbreads, caviar) Here is something you may not know. I am a wicked picky eater. I am one of a few New Englanders who HATE seafood. I love all vegetables and fruits, but when it comes to meat, if it's not chicken or beef, i cringe and have a VERY hard time trying anything different. In fact, I tried lamb for the first time a couple weeks ago. Even though it was tasty, I could not get into the whole "mind over matter" and it took everything I had not to spit it out. I know, awful right?

I was talking to a friend regarding this dinner, and how I am actually a bit nervous, as I really do want to try different things, but I don't know how to train my brain so to speak, to let me enjoy them. She could not comprehend this as she would try pretty much any kind of food. I told her that I just want to be able to try things with out getting the urge to get it out of my mouth because of what it is, not on how it tastes. She showed me an article in a magazine talking about self control and how to try new things. This article said to open doors, brush your teeth, drink, with the opposite hand that you use on a daily basis. After you can do that comfortably and get over those small hurdles, jumping the hills won't seem so bad.

This may sound so silly to some of you... (you can stop laughing now...) but it's huge to me. So, adventure is out there, and I am ready to find it! Or taste it...I want to be sure to fill up my adventure book with new sights, new sounds, new tastes, and new memories!

Positivity Is Contagious!

By Nicole Paulino | Health, Development, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

null Positivity is Contagious!

We all know how to be positive, but actually following through with this action all of the time is a different story. I have been lucky enough to attend several housing seminars & expos with phenomenal motivational speakers. I am truly grateful because this has inspired me to spread positivity to others. Every person has the power to gain control of any difficult situation and turn it around. If a negative situation occurs, the end result is all how you choose to perceive it. If you learn and train yourself to only see the positive side of things, your life will be a happier and more successful place.

One of my favorite motivational speakers is life coach Connie Pedesta. She has made such a huge impact on me and I would like to share my story of why. While on a break during A Fall Expo sitting in Starbucks, Connie approached me and a few other lovely Princeton employees. This was following her presentation as she was exiting the building to catch a flight with luggage in hand. She simply walked over and sat down asking us if there is anything at all she can advise us on in our life right now? I was really taken back that such a successful woman would take the time to speak with complete strangers out of no where. She genuinely wanted to help us, and guide us as best she could. Connie truly inspired me beyond belief, and I have been a huge fan ever since. This goes to show how one person can make a difference! I recommend her website @ http://conniepodesta.com/
You can also find her, and like her page on Facebook by searching Connie Pedesta Presents, or use this link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/Connie.Speaks

Here is a link to an article which will give you a refresher on positive thinking, and how it can benefit not only you, but everyone you come in contact with. A positive attitude goes a long way in the world today!

http://www.successconsciousness.com/index_000009.htm

"A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties" -Harry Truman

Colors in Your Home and What They Mean

By Stacey Rocheville | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null Colors in your home and what they mean…

I am always looking to find little things that turn ordinary space into the feeling of being home…I came across an article that I have enjoyed and thought to share it with all of you!

According to Benjamin Moore & Co., “Color affects our moods whether it is our living and working environments or the clothing we wear. We feel energized and uplifted by some colors, calmed and quieted by others.”

RED stimulates the appetite, raises blood pressure, attracts attention, creates excitement and takes control. It is forceful, bold, extreme, aggressive, impulsive, and energetic. Red suggests physical strength, rejuvenation, self confidence, love, passion, sensuousness, danger, courage, vitality. It is the first color the eyes see upon awakening.

ORANGE is friendly, cheerful, happy, associated with the thirst and refreshment, an energy color associated with movement. It creates a sense of order and equality without power and control. Orange is an antidepressant, conferring respiratory and intestinal health. It is bold, decreases hostility and irritability, with a social, gregarious, active, extroverted side.

YELLOW stimulates memory, mental clarity, with uplifting feelings of optimism, warmth, cheerfulness, wisdom and brightness. It aids digestion and stimulates circulation. Yellow is the most difficult color for the eye to process and see.

GREEN confers a sense of relaxation and comfort, represents health and prosperity, and refreshes the spirit. It is most well liked color and easiest color for the eye to see. It suggests balance, harmony, replenishment, heart health, growth, wealth, refreshment, compassion, rejuvenation, balance, moderation, concentration, security.

BLUE is non-threatening, and is symbol of trust and longevity. It is refreshing, soothing, calm, dependable, anti inflammatory, and insomnia and headache relief. It slows metabolism, lowers blood pressure, decreases heartburn and indigestion, and is associated with authority and strength. Blue is the most popular color in the United States.

PURPLE contains element of surprise and magic. It is philosophical and represents loyalty. It suggests romance, imagination, passion. It suppresses appetite and fosters love, wisdom, reverence, inspiration, spirituality, an enlightened feeling and quietness. Purple eases the mind and overactive glands, conveying elegance and artistic creativity.

BLACK suggests sophistication, elegance, dignity, power, worldliness, aloofness and mystery.

WHITE indicates purity, innocence, cleanliness, youth and naïveté.

Get Up & Get Moving!

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Marketing, Health, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (3) Comments

null It's February. New Year resolutions are all but forgotten, it's cold outside, getting out of bed early is practically impossible, and it's way more tempting to go straight home after work and curl up under a blanket on the couch in front of the TV than it is to do anything else. Don't get me wrong - it feels incredible to hit the snooze button for 45 minutes straight and to be in your pajamas 30 seconds after you walk in the door at the end of the day (you can't really disagree with me on this, come on). But what good is any of that? Your days turn into nothing more than a pretty lazy sequence of events: you get up out of bed after sleeping 8 hours (ok, more like 5 or 6 for most people, I bet), you sit in your car and drive to work, you sit at your desk and do your work, you sit in your car on the way home from work, and you sit on the couch after work until you go to bed and sleep for several more hours before you get up and repeat the same cycle the very next day. Hello, inactivity! When you look at things that way, don't you think it's time to get up & get moving?

A year ago, after seeing how sedentary my life had become, I decided to get up and just do something. Don't get me wrong - I'm no gym rat by any standards; I don't even have a gym membership! For me, the answer was walking. Walking seemed like a no-brainer because it's pretty easy and the price - free - is definitely right. I started off with a turtle's-pace, 3-mile stroll around my neighborhood and, before I knew it, I worked my way up to 5-mile power walks several times a week. For me, it's just what I need to erase the sluggish feeling of body and mind that comes with inactivity.

What works for one person, however, may not cut it for another. I've talked to plenty of people who tell me there's no way they could feel they've had a workout just by walking; they need to run or lift weights or play a sport to feel they've accomplished something. So I did a little digging to see what kind of programs and options are out there for fitness buffs in the Metro West area. Turns out - there's a lot you could do! Check out the links below and tell me: What do YOU like to do besides channel surf the nights away?

- Breathe Wellness is on Cook Lane in Marlborough. I pass by it when I'm out for my walks and the parking lot is always full, so they must be doing something right! Yoga's on my to-try list for this year - any words of advice?

- New Life Health & Wellness is in the Courtyard Marriott on Felton Street in Marlborough. They offer personal training, corporate fitness, and group classes - including Zumba, my other to-try for this year. Everyone else seems to love it; do you?

- Wayside Raquet & Swim Club is on Broadmeadow Street in Marlborough (right around the corner from Princeton Green Apartments!). Their offerings include raquetball & tennis, aquatics, and lots of youth programs to help get your kids away from their game consoles. What a novel idea!

Cool things to do while visiting Worcester!

By Carrie Agusto | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Corporate Furnished, | (2) Comments

These are just some of the fun things to do while your visiting the Worcester area. Most of these can be reached on just one tank of gas!

• Ecotarium - Lots of educational material and some live animals. It is right here in Worcester
• Discovery Museums - Located in Acton, MA (about one half an hour from Worcester, MA). The Science Discovery Museum offers more hands-on science than
it would seem possible to fit into the building - a fun time for the little scientist.
• New England Aquarium - Located in Boston, MA (about one hour from Worcester, MA).
• Museum of Science - Located in Boston, MA (about one hour from Worcester, MA).
• Science Centers on Nessie - The New England Space Science Initiative in Education provides an index by area to science centers.

For the animal lovers here are the area Zoos and Animal Farms:
• Barnyard Farm at Green Hill Park in Worcester - the easy way to see animals in the City.
• Overlook Farm - an educational farm in Rutland, MA (20 minutes from Saint George Church).
• Davis' Farmland - Petting zoo and recreation area in Sterling, MA (about 20 minutes from Worcester, MA).
• Southwick's Zoo - Located in Mendon, MA (about 35 minutes from Worcester, MA).
• Franklin Park Zoo - Located in Boston, MA (about one hour from Worcester, MA).
• Roger Williams Park Zoo - Located in Providence, RI (about one hour from Worcester, MA), this is the biggest and best zoo this close to Worcester.
Amusement Parks

Here are a few theme parks that are just a short ride away:

• Canobie Lake Park - Located in Salem, NH (about one hour from Worcester, MA).
• Six Flags New England - Located in Springfield, MA (just under one hour from Worcester, MA).

You can check out more by visiting http://www.pack91.info/See_and_Do.htm

Tweeting for Love (And a Good Cause)

By Shannon Rooks | Corporate Office, Marketing, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null Does everyone remember Ted Williams?

No, not the Red Sox star. I’m talking about the former homeless man with the “golden voice” that had YouTube fame back in early 2011. Well he’s back for a Twitter-based Valentine’s Day campaign for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

From February 12 to the 14th, Williams will shoot 100 videos for Kraft’s “Golden Voice of Love” campaign. The videos will feature Williams himself reading select tweets using the hashtag #VoiceOfLove. The winners will then be able to send the video of their Tweet being read by Williams to their special someone. Who wouldn’t want a unique Valentine’s Day message spoken by the man with the “golden voice?” Kraft will tweet messages to the winners to notify them.

As an added bonus, there is a philanthropic component to this contest! Each tweet will trigger a donation of 100 food boxes to Feeding America, a homeless advocacy group. So let’s all jump on the bandwagon and support Ted Williams as well as America’s hungry this Valentine’s Day! Are you with me?

Be Prepared and Protect Your Pet From the Cold Weather!

By Kathy Sutherland | New Hampshire, Apartment Living, Health, | (1) Comments

Protecting pets from the cold weather should be on the mind's of all pet owners during the winter months. This information was taken from an article written by Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM

All pet owners should have a basic supply list of items that will last a few days in the event the weather could prevent local travel. This list includes items such as pet food, litter, fresh water supply, soft warm bedding and any medications your pet may take regularly.

All pets should have adequate shelter and should not be left outside for long periods of time in freezing temperatures. Animals can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. If the pet is to be sheltered outside, it is not a good idea to use heating devices such as space heaters as these are a burn and fire hazard. Some pet supply stores sell heated mats that would be more appropriate to keep your pet warm. They also provide heated bowls which will prevent your pet's water supply from freezing and allow your pet to have fresh water at all times.

Foot care is important for your pet also. A dogs' hair should be clipped between their pads to prevent ice balls from forming which can cause difficulty walking. Salt and chemical de-icers cause dry, chapped and painful paws. This could result in a dog licking their paws and ingesting chemicals which can cause gastrointestinal problems. So be sure to wash your pet's paws after being outside.

Anti-freeze is also a danger to pets. Only a few licks can be fatal so be sure to lock up such chemicals, especially if your pet sleeps in the garage.

For more helpful information for you and your pet, go to http://vetmedecine.about.com

The Challenge of Furnishing Smaller Spaces

By Jocelyn Gill | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

null Apartment living can be challenging for those who have lots of “stuff” that they’ve collected over the years. Many times, even the most fabulous apartment with gorgeous features just doesn’t have the room for a huge overstuffed sectional, and every last hat, scarf, magazine, book, blanket, CD, DVD, and every other little thing that you may have collected over the years. Not to mention how expensive finding perfect new furniture can be as well.

Facing this exact challenge, I began a Google search for “affordable apartment sized furniture with storage,” or some other variation of those words with the same idea. After scouring through the various links that came up in my search, I stumbled upon this amazing company called “Home Reserve.”

I am so impressed with Home Reserve that I don’t even know where to start. Not only do they have the space conscious furniture with storage that I was looking for, but they pride themselves on how affordable they are too. They have everything from ottomans to sectionals, 8 different collections, over 100 fabrics to choose from, including leather and pet friendly fabrics, and their sofas start at only $299!

I know what you’re thinking though-“If the prices are this low, then they must be poorly made, or there’s some other catch.” But the quality is outstanding, and the “catch” is that yes, you do have to put the furniture together. However, the instructions were the easiest instructions I’ve ever laid eyes on, they have multiple videos on their website to help you if you need further instruction, and the finished product is AMAZING.

My husband and I bought their “Tux” sofa and ottoman and I can’t tell you how many compliments we get on them. They are incredibly comfortable, we regularly take naps on them, and since they don’t have any sharp corners, we don’t even have to worry about our little one hurting himself as he learns how to walk. But the real marriage saver is the STORAGE! Now our winter accessories have a home, our blankets can be hidden away when we aren’t using them, and we have somewhere to store all of our DVDs and CDs that we don’t want to see cluttering up our small living room anymore.

So if you are facing the trial of finding stylish, quality furniture that will fit the smaller spaces that we sometimes find in apartment living, and you need more space to store your personal belongings as well, look no further! Check out Home Reserve! They make the challenge of furnishing a small space EASY!

http://www.homereserve.com/

Might as well face it I'm addicted to love!

By Tracy Hilker | | (0) Comments

null I'm a total sucker... When it comes to dealings of the heart! As a teen going to a VERY small school where you grew up with the same kids you car pooled with as grade school chums, and graduating in a class of only nine people, it was hard to find a date. We all hung out together for EVERYTHING, so all the boys were like brothers to me, and after being with the same kids for 14 years, ya kinda get sick of each other.
So when I met my husband, and he came into my life and like a true knight in shining armor WOULD treat a princess, and swept me off my feet, I fell completely head over heels. (most of you who know me know I truly do fall, walk into walls, or slip on ice, so this was easy for me to do.)

Then came our first Valentine's day. My first Valentine's day with a boyfriend. I was nervous because like most singles who loathe a day when we see everyone act all lovey and gushy and we are just sitting there bitter and mopey (not saying I EVER did that... ), I had no idea what to expect. We had only been dating about a month, but he went over and above, and had me meet him in Boston where we took a bus to New York City, my first NYC trip ever! It was an awesome day! We did all the normal touristy stuff, and decided right then and there we would go back the next year and make it a tradition.

So here comes Valentine's Day number two. This year, he had something up his sleeve, literally. We decided to let my sister and my friend tag along with us for a weekend trip to NYC. This year was different. I'm pretty sure it was the year of the bear, cause that is what I was acting like. I was out of control, in a horrible mood, and just a mean person, hey, we all have our bad days (or weeks) right?

Let me set the scene for you... It was well below zero, we had 834 pieces of luggage, we had just gotten off the bus, after being on there for 4 hours, with Gabby McGabberson who talked on her phone in our ears from 6am-10am, cause who has other people up at that time of day that they can talk to??? Anyway... I was tired, didn't sleep, didn't eat, had to use the ladies room, wicked cold, blah blah blah... yeah it was that kind of day!

We got to the bus station at Times Square and Jeff asked me if I wanted to go across the street and have my friend stay on the other side and take some pictures. I gave him a very evil list of every single reason why I did not want to do that, and how it was stupid that our friend was going to take pictures with a video camera. (This was back in 2004 when technology was just not at it's finest...) I gave in, and we went across the street.

He looks over at my friend, gives him the thumbs up for him to start video taping, and gets down on one knee to ask me if I would be his wife...
Well... didn't I feel like a real jerk! I said yes of course! and had an amazing weekend from that moment on. I was happy, nothing was wrong in the world, I had a diamond on my finger, and a great man by my side!

Later on the stories came out, about how he called his mom and told her he didn't know what to do cause I was trying to ruin everything and was being mean... and that the night before we left my mum said many a prayer because she figured I was going to continue to be mean and ruin this special day... He even wrote in our photo book, we ordered one every Valentine's trip, "I hope you always remember this day, as I will always remember how you treated me that week..." HA! Whatever, I was having a bad one.

Anyway, I know some people get all, "I hate Valentine's Day, its SOOO commercial!" and "Valentine's day is stupid" but I just love it! I call it engagement day. Actually, when we were picking a wedding date, my husband suggested we pick August 14th... That way, every Valentine's Day is the 6 month mark to our anniversary. Sorry ladies, he's taken!

So that's the story of my favorite Valentine's Day... What about you?

Facebook Timeline now MANDATORY~Are you ready??

By Jessica Costanzo | Corporate Office, Corporate Furnished, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

So all of you Facebook users out there, have you switched over to the new timeline yet? If not, get ready! According to a Facebook blog post, in the next few weeks it will become mandatory for ALL Facebook users!! Now, what the new timeline does is list all of your Facebook activities by date. Your home page will have a whole new look! You will have the chance to add Life Events or for some, CLEAN UP PAST EVENTS! With this new timeline, all of your past activity will be out there for people to see. So those past posts that you thought were not visible any longer, well WATCH OUT! They will be there FOR ALL TO SEE! You will be given 7 days to add or clean up your Facebook activities before it goes live. This doesn’t seem like much time to rewrite your life does it?? Just another change that Facebook is rolling out! And it seems that there are A LOT of people out there that are not happy about it!! According to Forbes magazine a surprising 70% of people said they didn’t like timeline. What do you think?? Now, I have switched to the timeline but boy do I miss the old Facebook. No tickers, no timelines…just a nice break from your day to check in on what everyone else is doing!;)

Feeling Stressed? Take a Walk on the Beach!

By Andrea Donahue | Maine, Health, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null In our nice little city of Portland, Maine, there are many things to do and see. There are local artist’s works to view, excellent restaurants to enjoy, unique shops to peruse and many historical sites to see.

One of my favorite things to do, though, is simple, free and exhilarating. It’s a way to de-stress, free my mind and in this day and age of fast-paced living, a way to take some quiet time just for myself. A nice, long walk on the beach, winter, spring, summer or fall is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.

Luckily, given the area in which I live, I have many options of places to do this. My favorite place, however, is Pine Point Beach in Scarborough, Maine. A short drive from Portland, I am at the beach in less than 30 minutes. I drive there and when I come up over the hill on Pine Point Road, my first sight of the glimmering Atlantic immediately puts my mind at ease.

In the winter, the beach is empty, usually just a few hearty souls walking their dogs. In spring there are more locals, some jogging, some sitting enjoying the view but still bundled up to stay warm. In summer, the beach is packed with people, colorful beach umbrellas abound, beach blankets, chairs and tourists everywhere. In the fall, there are still people walking or sitting in groups talking, trying to soak up the last few days of warmth.

My favorite time to go is when the beach is empty, either in the winter or late in the afternoon in the summer when most people have gone home for dinner. I can walk and just watch the ocean shimmer, alive with motion, while the waves break in rhythmic time. Pine Point offers miles of beach to do this, for as long or as short of a time as one would like. Walk, run, collect shells or just sit lost in thought.

Check out more at http://pinepointbeach.com/

Home Remedies My Mother Told Me…..

By Tammy Jackson | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Health, Lifestyle, | (2) Comments

null So, in case the Tales weren’t enough. How about some fun remedies from mom, as she says, “passed down from generations”?

Do you remember coming home with a bee sting and being told to put mud on it? What about drinking hot lemon drink if you have a sore throat? There are so many I can remember, so I thought I would share a few.

Here is a few that I still laugh about:

1. Have a pimple = put a dab of toothpaste on it.
2. Have a hickey = rub it with the bottom of a spoon
3. Have an earache = dip cotton ball in warm cooking oil and put in your ear
4. Baby teething = rub gums with whiskey

I can’t say I have ever tried these, nor do I recommend them, but if you feel the need….

Here are a few good ones that work:

1. Sunburn = dab milk soaked sponge or cloth on it.
2. Stain on clothing or upholstery = spot clean with luke warm water and baking soda, then pat dry.
3. Puffy eyes = dab with hemorrhoid cream (Okay, so using hemorrhoid cream on your face sounds funny, but it really works).

When you think of all the things you experienced as a kid and how many times you heard “try this”, there had to be some truth to these “Home Remedies”, because they always seemed to work.

I am sure everyone has experienced a few home remedies, passed down from mom. Do you have any tried and true of your own?

Do you Check In?

By Sarah Greenough | Corporate Office, Massachusetts, Marketing, Lifestyle, Community, Sarah Greenough, | (4) Comments

CheckIn Have you noticed "Check-In" requests at some of your favorite stores recently? I've been noticing signs similar to the one in this post more and more. I was vacationing in Saratoga Springs this weekend, when I went to the register to pay for my merchandise I noticed a "Please Check-In" sign that offered to give me 5% off my purchase. Pretty cool! I was motivated by the potential discount so I checked in on Facebook. This simple and fun act rewarded me with a discount and the establishment received some very valuable and free advertising!
If you think about it, most of us have 100's of people on our Facebook pages. When you check in somewhere, these friends see the name of the establishment pop up on their news feed with your "stamp of approval". This is a fun and creative way to get the word out about a place you enjoy. Next time you're out shopping, look around, there may be an opportunity to check in and save! If not, ask the establishment to start the program. Free advertising for Free merchandise! Its a win win!

The Power of the Pen

By Janet Leazer | Health, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

How daily writing enhances lives and relationships…….

Writing down your thoughts is a good way to maintain emotional and physical health, according to numerous studies on the benefits of therapeutic writing. People who write daily about their experiences “go to the doctor less and are psychologically healthier,” says James Pennebaker, author of Writing to Heal. For his tips on how to improve your life thorough the written word, visit www.americanprofile.com/writing

So-called Cures for the Common Cold

By Kristen Donovan | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Health, Environmental, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

null It's that wonderfully gross time of year when everyone you know seems to be roaming around with tissues sticking out of their sleeves and cough drops in their pockets: Cold season. Sadly, I'm one of those people right now; everyone that hears my nasally voice slowly backs away from me and asks if I'm ok (read: contagious). In the grand scheme of things, I'm fine; colds are just annoying. That being said, I'm always on the hunt for a new way to nurse myself to better health as soon as possible, so I decided to ask some residents what their go-to "cures" are for the common cold. Some of these I may try... others I'm more than a little wary of (sorry guys!):

- Luzia: Add lemon and honey to a hot cup of tea and drink it all before it cools down. Repeat every 90 minutes. This sounds like it involves me getting off the couch more often than I want to, but I bet it would soothe my sore throat!

- Jay: Boil water on the stove. Stand over stove, drape a towel over your head, and breathe in deeply for several minutes. The steam is supposed to clear the sinuses, which sounds great. Maybe I'm just accident-prone, but I'm pretty sure I'd set myself on fire if I did this. Try at your own risk!

- Andrea: Put Vik's Vapor Rub under your nose instead of just on your chest. If you can handle the intensity of the smell being directly under your nostrils, than give this a whirl and you could be better by tomorrow, according to this resident!

- Kleyton: Gargle several times a day with salt water. He says his mother made him do it when he got sick and, to this day, it always makes him feel better. Hmm.

I tend to drink plenty of hot tea all day, every day, when I'm sick. I take DayQuil when I'm feeling really crummy, though I do try to avoid loading up on medicine during the day because nothing helps me sleep better with a cold than my always-trusted NyQuil at night! What are some of your favorite home remedies?

The power of Green Tea

By Kristen Wellington | New Hampshire, Health, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

Tis the season for the common cold and different strains of flu to emerge, and what I’ve found works well for me personally, is regularly drinking Green Tea. Here are some fun facts to hopefully encourage you to better health!

Green Tea originates from China, and it possesses antioxidents called catechins. Catechins scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. Grapes and berries, red wine, and dark chocolate also have potent antioxidants. And isn’t this great news for that Valentine you’re planning on spoiling?

The health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green Tea is the best food source of the catechins group. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming Green Tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder. This evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health," says Diane McKay, PhD, a Tufts University scientist who studies antioxidants.

So, cheers to good health! And don’t forget to stock up on your Green Tea!

Things I would Rather Do...

By Tracy Hilker | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, | (4) Comments

I know I am going to get slack for this... But, I do not care about the Super Bowl this weekend. There... I said it! But it's true. I'm just not into sports, and as much as I have tried, I just can't stand watching them.

However, I will watch the Super Bowl this weekend with my husband, because I love him and he loves football and the Patriots and it is something he enjoys... (plus he will be using the good tv so... my options get small at that point.) And trust me, he will go to musicals and plays with me, so I suppose I should return the favor.

Here is a list of things I would rather do than watch the Super Bowl:

1. Reorganize my tupperware drawer
2. Take a long nap
3. Go out to dinner, I bet I wouldn't have to make a reservation!
4. Find all the matches to my missing socks... (last count I had 67 single socks, how does that even happen? )
5. Pinch my arm till it turns purple... over and over and over again
6. Untangle a ball of yarn
7. Play 52 pick up
8. Enter work orders into AMSI
9. Go to the movies, I can sit in the best seat in the house!! Middle of theater, middle row, middle seat. Just saying..
10. Have a baby. Oh wait... thats just Beth here in the office... So I guess I cant use THAT excuse...

Well, I hope you die hard fans have a great time watching! I'll be looking around my apartment dreaming of things I'd rather do and listening to my husband hoot, hollar and cheer.

Pack Like A Pro

By Ashley Anger | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Travel, | (2) Comments

suitcase

‘Tis the season for traveling and going away to warmer weather. Packing is probably the worst part about traveling, no matter the trip. Here are a few great tips that will make packing the easiest part of it all.

Jewelry- Wear your most valuable jewelry on the day you leave. For your costume bling, wrap them up individually in small Ziploc bags to avoid tangling.

Clothing- Roll your clothing instead of folding. This will maximize the amount of space in your suitcase!

Cosmetics/Toiletries- Pack liquid products into clear refillable bottles. It will make it easier when you go through airport security. Make sure to put them in an exterior pocket for easier access.

Wrinkle Free Care- For crease-prone garments, lay them on a few sheets of tissue paper and fold them up. You want to make sure to pack these on top of the rest of your clothing.

The bulk of it- For larger, bulkier items, pack them first and at the bottom of your suitcase. That way you can pack clothes between the odd nooks.

With these simple tips, you're going to want to do more traveling. And you no longer have to dread the packing process. Happy traveling!

Superbowl 2012, by the numbers

By Dan Harvey | | (2) Comments

Superbowl by the numbers...

Even for a non football fan like me the pull of the superbowl is inescapable. I too with the other 151 million people will watch the game, or parts of it. It's interesting to dissect this world wide phenomenon we call the Superbowl.

46: Don’t let those pesky Roman numerals trick you. This is Super Bowl 46.

1.25 billion: Of course, with that many chicken wings expected to get consumed on Sunday, it may serve a napkin advertiser well to get some ad time.

68,000: Seats inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the home of the NFL’s Colts and host of the Super Bowl. Of those tickets, 17.5% were given to each team to sell to their fans.

$4,000: The average price that Super Bowl tickets are hovering around, if you missed out on the $800 to $1,200 face value price in the initial offering.

19: Hours of live Super Bowl coverage you can subject yourself to, if you dare.

$25,000: Cost of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, given to the Super Bowl winners, made by Tiffany & Co. of New York.

13,000: Hotel rooms in Indianapolis. All are booked for the weekend and some at a 1,700% higher price than the conventional fee.

2,000: Tuesday’s media day was a standing-room-only event, with 2,000 media credentials granted and another 7,000 tickets sold to fans wanting to watch the circus.

150: Super Bowl rings the NFL pays for, at $5,000 each, for the winning team to hand out to players and staff.

$3.5 million to $4 million: That average price tag for a 30-second Super Bowl commercial time slot during NBC’s telecast of the game didn’t dissuade potential advertisers, since the majority of the slots have been sold out since November. But can they wow audiences and generate lasting buzz? That’s the $3.5 million bet.

87 percent: Increase in the price of a 30-second commercial slot in the last 40 years.

111 million: Anticipated television viewers tuning in for the game, meaning that advertisers don’t have any qualms about dropping $3.5 million on the chance to get their product/service in front of that many eyes for 30 seconds. And with two teams from two large markets, don’t expect a drop in total viewers this year.

48: Minutes of commercials during last year’s Super Bowl on FOX. You can expect something similar this year.

1: Times Indianapolis has hosted the Super Bowl. Yeah, the Midwest city will make its first Super Bowl impression on Sunday. Will it fare better than last year’s iced-in, ticket-fiasco-marred Dallas Super Bowl?

17-14: Winning score for the Giants when they defeated the then-unbeaten Patriots in the 2008 Super Bowl in Phoenix.

$11 billion: Amount consumers are expected to spend on the Super Bowl (hey, those chicken wings aren’t free, people) each year.

3: Songs Madonna is expected to perform during her set at halftime of the game.

6:30(ish) p.m. Eastern: The actual game (and good commercials) don’t happen for all 19 hours. Expect kickoff to come just a couple of minutes after 6:30 p.m. Eastern and then last well into the evening. You may want to cook up some more wings.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/02/02/the-2012-super-bowl-by-the-numbers/#ixzz1lKqtIuUZ

Bow Wow Trivia!

By Leeann Stella | Massachusetts, Multifamily, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Community, | (2) Comments

For all you dog lovers looking to make a difference, check this out. Get your daily dose of trivia and feed a shelter dog while you’re at it with just a click. At Freekibble.com, it’s that easy! Guess the daily trivia question and 10 pieces of kibble are donated to feed shelter dogs. You don't have to be a doggie expert to make a difference. Right or wrong, your answer counts. Every dog deserves a good daily meal while they wait for their forever homes. Don't worry cat lovers, there is kitty trivia too.

This concept was developed in 2008 by Mimi Ausland. She was 11 years old at the time. Since the launch of Freekibble.com, they have gained Halo, Purely for Pets (Ellen Degeneres is a co-owner) as a kibble sponsor. Together Mimi, sponsors and everyone out in cyber land that play their daily Bow Wow Trivia, have contributed more than 698,002,300 pieces of kibble that have been enjoyed by shelter cats and dogs all over the US (including Boston cats and dogs).

Mimi’s story and mission made it on the Nightly News with Brian Williams. This story sheds light on the growing foreclosure epidemic in America and the efforts to help the pets that have been affected.

http://www.freekibble.com/press-nightly-news.asp

http://freekibble.com/default.asp

Join me in playing Bow Wow Trivia and lets help give these down on their luck dogs a good meal.

Gas Buddy~ THIS APP IS A MUST!!

By Jessica Costanzo | Massachusetts, Travel, Lifestyle, | (1) Comments

OK everyone….I’ve got a great app for you to download! It’s called Gas Buddy and it is SO COOL! If you are anything like me and drive your car until you are running on fumes because you HATE to stop for gas, this app is a MUST! Once you’ve downloaded the app, you will need to put in your information…nothing too personal! Then you can start your search for not only the nearest gas station, but it actually gives you all the gas prices too!! How great is that!! You can even search for a particular gas station! Me personally, I like to fill up at Irving to save on my lift tickets. Once you’ve chosen a particular gas station, you click on it and it tells you everything they have there, including atm, restroom, and restaurant! I mean it doesn’t get any easier than that! How convenient when you are unfamiliar to an area, to have all of that information…right at your fingertips!! So go ahead and make your life just a little bit easier!! Check out Gas Buddy and then come back and tell me what you thought!

Importance of Voting

By Lisa Bettencourt | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Community, | (1) Comments

vote How many of us have at one time or another said something like, “I

May 19 2013

The Merry Month of May

Tags:

May 16 2013

Farmer's Market

Tags:

May 15 2013

The Psychology of Color

Tags:

May 12 2013

Tick Season Has Arrived - Protect yourself and your pets

Tags:

May 11 2013

C'mon - Get Happy!

Tags:

May 09 2013

Paperbacks vs. iPad; keeping score

Tags:

May 07 2013

Can you spare any change?

Tags:

May 05 2013

Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

Tags:

May 02 2013

Dinner Time!

Tags:

May 02 2013

I love Cake!

Tags:

April 30 2013

Pack a Picnic

Tags:

April 29 2013

Get Out!

Tags:

April 29 2013

Signs of Spring!

Tags:

April 27 2013

New Ideas for Decorating This Season!

Tags:

April 25 2013

It's time to spruce up your patio!

Tags:

April 24 2013

Creativity Corner Presents....DIY Sharpie Mugs!

Tags:

April 22 2013

Amazing images on line

Tags:

April 18 2013

We Are Boston...

Tags:

April 17 2013

Bucks for Bauman

Tags:

April 12 2013

Favorite Movies and Books

Tags:

April 11 2013

Spring Cleaning Time

Tags:

April 09 2013

Soup's On - Now Recycle the Can!

Tags:

April 09 2013

Wedding Fever!

Tags:

April 06 2013

Get crafty this spring

Tags:

April 04 2013

It's Salem Willows Time!!

Tags:

April 03 2013

Creative Apartment Decorating

Tags:

April 01 2013

Hosting Easter Dinner