One way I pack lighter is to add some protection to my travel clothes. I just seem to attract spots and stains. At home, I use a chef's jacket both when I'm cooking and when I'm eating with family and close friends.
When we travel, I have an old, black Chefwear® jacket that I tuck into our ready-to-go suitcase. You can see it drying (in the photo above) after it was given a spot cleaning on a recent trip.
If you don't have a chef's jacket, you might pack an old, flannel shirt or at least an apron. If you're making coffee in your room or dining on room service at a hotel or cooking in a rental kitchen, you can keep your travel clothes cleaner with a sacrificial spot-catcher.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those add a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Elevators are a part of city life. We have updated and are featuring this article for those of you who have moved to an elevator building as a part of the big Boston September move in.
Duchess Poppy loves to run up and down the stairs in our building. It’s good exercise for both of us. But, sometimes we take the elevator, so she's had to learn that elevators have rules.
Side-by-Side
Everyone has been sending me links to a scary video of a dog almost strangled by a leash caught in an elevator door. The current version is one of many horror stories that have circulated through the years.
Ed and I address this issue by insisting that Poppy enter the elevator on a shortened leash, by our side, with a person between her and the sliding door. That way she can’t be hit by the door, end up alone in the elevator, outside of it, and cannot have her leash caught in the mechanism. On her own, she has mastered hopping over the space between the floor and the elevator car.
Basic Etiquette
Unfortunately, every community has fools who think rules don’t apply to them. Our building requires that all dogs be on leash in the common areas. Yet, an elevator door will open and a dog will bound out to greet us.
Most of the time, this is a minor annoyance. Poppy's friendly and won’t react badly to a dog near her. But, what about a person who is afraid of dogs or someone who has a reactive pup?
Unless a fellow elevator passenger has already shown a fondness for dogs, we ask, “Do you mind riding with a dog?” Any flicker of doubt in a person’s expression or reply means we wait for the next car.
I remember the relief in the eyes of a young woman, who had always kept her distance from our dog, when we asked that question one day. She quickly admitted she was terrified of dogs and was stressed at the thought of having even a small one in the elevator with her.
Once in an elevator, keep your leash shortened. If possible, place your dog in a corner or against a wall, and have him sit until you give the okay to heel next to you and exit.
If you are riding with another dog, don’t encourage greetings or play inside this confined space. Either animal could become territorial or react in an unusual way because of the unnatural setting. Here again, we often wait for the next car rather than overcrowd the pups.
If you have an emergency ride because your pup indicates he has to relieve himself, take clean up materials with you. Puppy training pads are great to have for these occasions. Should there be an accident, do a complete clean up with an enzymatic product and notify your building’s cleaning service. Other dogs will be tempted to cover the scent left behind.
When it comes to escalators, I say you have three choices: carry your dog, take the stairs, or the elevator. In a press release, the MSPCA wrote, “Every year veterinarians at Angell see on average two to three dogs whose legs and feet have been mangled by escalators—and in most cases emergency surgery is necessary for the animal to recover.”
Like most etiquette and safety matters, this is all common sense. Think before you act. Don’t let down your guard. Protect the ones you love and be a good neighbor.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
Elevators are a part of city life. We have updated and are featuring this article for those of you who have moved to an elevator building as a part of the big Boston September move in.
Duchess Poppy loves to run up and down the stairs in our building. It’s good exercise for both of us. But, sometimes we take the elevator, so she's had to learn that elevators have rules.
Side-by-Side
Everyone has been sending me links to a scary video of a dog almost strangled by a leash caught in an elevator door. The current version is one of many horror stories that have circulated through the years.
Ed and I address this issue by insisting that Poppy enter the elevator on a shortened leash, by our side, with a person between her and the sliding door. That way she can’t be hit by the door, end up alone in the elevator, outside of it, and cannot have her leash caught in the mechanism. On her own, she has mastered hopping over the space between the floor and the elevator car.
Basic Etiquette
Unfortunately, every community has fools who think rules don’t apply to them. Our building requires that all dogs be on leash in the common areas. Yet, an elevator door will open and a dog will bound out to greet us.
Most of the time, this is a minor annoyance. Poppy's friendly and won’t react badly to a dog near her. But, what about a person who is afraid of dogs or someone who has a reactive pup?
Unless a fellow elevator passenger has already shown a fondness for dogs, we ask, “Do you mind riding with a dog?” Any flicker of doubt in a person’s expression or reply means we wait for the next car.
I remember the relief in the eyes of a young woman, who had always kept her distance from our dog, when we asked that question one day. She quickly admitted she was terrified of dogs and was stressed at the thought of having even a small one in the elevator with her.
Once in an elevator, keep your leash shortened. If possible, place your dog in a corner or against a wall, and have him sit until you give the okay to heel next to you and exit.
If you are riding with another dog, don’t encourage greetings or play inside this confined space. Either animal could become territorial or react in an unusual way because of the unnatural setting. Here again, we often wait for the next car rather than overcrowd the pups.
If you have an emergency ride because your pup indicates he has to relieve himself, take clean up materials with you. Puppy training pads are great to have for these occasions. Should there be an accident, do a complete clean up with an enzymatic product and notify your building’s cleaning service. Other dogs will be tempted to cover the scent left behind.
When it comes to escalators, I say you have three choices: carry your dog, take the stairs, or the elevator. In a press release, the MSPCA wrote, “Every year veterinarians at Angell see on average two to three dogs whose legs and feet have been mangled by escalators—and in most cases emergency surgery is necessary for the animal to recover.”
Like most etiquette and safety matters, this is all common sense. Think before you act. Don’t let down your guard. Protect the ones you love and be a good neighbor.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
We had our first roof deck outing this week and discovered that the good, old, dependable chive plants had survived even this nasty winter and were offering up fresh green goodness for our meals. I picked a few stalks and look forward to adding a few chive flowers later this week.
I enjoy keeping a bouquet of fresh herbs on my kitchen counter, right in front of my favorite work space. It’s like having a palette of color, aroma, and flavor. And, I love all the great covers, lids, and accessories that creative inventors are marketing for mason jars.
We bought a few at one of our favorite shops, Utilities, when we were in Provincetown. This one is also available on Amazon.
The flower frog cover is metal (it’s not actually rusty but rather painted) and comes in a couple of colors. I think it is going to be my favorite herb vase in the months ahead.
We had our first roof deck outing this week and discovered that the good, old, dependable chive plants had survived even this nasty winter and were offering up fresh green goodness for our meals. I picked a few stalks and look forward to adding a few chive flowers later this week.
I enjoy keeping a bouquet of fresh herbs on my kitchen counter, right in front of my favorite work space. It’s like having a palette of color, aroma, and flavor. And, I love all the great covers, lids, and accessories that creative inventors are marketing for mason jars.
We bought a few at one of our favorite shops, Utilities, when we were in Provincetown. This one is also available on Amazon.
The flower frog cover is metal (it’s not actually rusty but rather painted) and comes in a couple of colors. I think it is going to be my favorite herb vase in the months ahead.
During the next couple of weeks, we will see more of the area's public safety dogs in action. We'd like to dedicate this week's Sunday Dog feature to all of these canines and their human partners.
This beauty is one of the officers of the Massachusetts State Police Force in a photo from their Facebook Page. While at ease in this photo, these dogs are very serious when they are on the job.
Tips for Interacting with Public Safety Dogs
First and foremost, understand that this is not a pet and that the dog and the handler may have important tasks to perform. Even if it looks like they are just standing around, don’t distract them.
Should the handler acknowledge you, don’t approach without specific permission.
Never approach a K-9 team from the rear. Make a wide circle around them, stay calm and relaxed, and don’t make any quick movements. These dogs are protective of their partners.
You should not touch or offer a treat to a working K-9 without specific permission from his or her teammate.
Always follow the handler’s instructions. These teams are there to protect you and others and to keep the situation under control. They may have information that you lack, so show respect and do as the officer asks.
These teams will be on duty trying to keep Boston safe during this busy spring event season. Let's hope no one makes more work for them.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
Details: Words: Penny Cherubino Photography: Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police
During the next couple of weeks, we will see more of the area's public safety dogs in action. We'd like to dedicate this week's Sunday Dog feature to all of these canines and their human partners.
This beauty is one of the officers of the Massachusetts State Police Force in a photo from their Facebook Page. While at ease in this photo, these dogs are very serious when they are on the job.
Tips for Interacting with Public Safety Dogs
First and foremost, understand that this is not a pet and that the dog and the handler may have important tasks to perform. Even if it looks like they are just standing around, don’t distract them.
Should the handler acknowledge you, don’t approach without specific permission.
Never approach a K-9 team from the rear. Make a wide circle around them, stay calm and relaxed, and don’t make any quick movements. These dogs are protective of their partners.
You should not touch or offer a treat to a working K-9 without specific permission from his or her teammate.
Always follow the handler’s instructions. These teams are there to protect you and others and to keep the situation under control. They may have information that you lack, so show respect and do as the officer asks.
These teams will be on duty trying to keep Boston safe during this busy spring event season. Let's hope no one makes more work for them.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
Details: Words: Penny Cherubino Photography: Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police
During the next couple of weeks, we will see more of the area's public safety dogs in action. We'd like to dedicate this week's Sunday Dog feature to all of these canines and their human partners.
This beauty is one of the officers of the Massachusetts State Police Force in a photo from their Facebook Page. While at ease in this photo, these dogs are very serious when they are on the job.
Tips for Interacting with Public Safety Dogs
First and foremost, understand that this is not a pet and that the dog and the handler may have important tasks to perform. Even if it looks like they are just standing around, don’t distract them.
Should the handler acknowledge you, don’t approach without specific permission.
Never approach a K-9 team from the rear. Make a wide circle around them, stay calm and relaxed, and don’t make any quick movements. These dogs are protective of their partners.
You should not touch or offer a treat to a working K-9 without specific permission from his or her teammate.
Always follow the handler’s instructions. These teams are there to protect you and others and to keep the situation under control. They may have information that you lack, so show respect and do as the officer asks.
These teams will be on duty trying to keep Boston safe during this busy spring event season. Let's hope no one makes more work for them.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
Details: Words: Penny Cherubino Photography: Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police
Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2014 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for a vacation or business trip.
Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!
I remember my first Boston Marathon, as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.
As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.
Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.
Charles River Run
If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.
From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head West from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.
Morning Run Along the Esplanade
Parks in the Heart of the City
For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.
Inside tip: Local-isms
Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2014 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for a vacation or business trip.
Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!
I remember my first Boston Marathon, as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.
As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.
Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.
Charles River Run
If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.
From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head West from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.
Morning Run Along the Esplanade
Parks in the Heart of the City
For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.
Inside tip: Local-isms
Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.
? I do and it’s perfect for a handful of chives.