Category: Very inexpensive or FREE!

  • Fall 2013 Boston Hazardous Waste Collection, E Waste, and Shredding

    The City of Boston has announced the 2013 Fall Household Hazardous Waste collection dates with September 7th and November 23rd next on the list.

    And, on Saturday September 7th, you will also be able to drop off e-waste for Electronics recycing and shred paper at the Bayside Expo Center. So, dump those old files, checks, and such into a big box and take them along.

    It's time to clean out under sinks, storage areas, and garages and remove all those unwanted hazards from your home.


    Fall hazardous waste

    Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

    University of Massachusetts-Boston Harbor Campus, Parking lot D, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (Map)

    With Electronics Recycling and paper shredding at Bayside Expo

    Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

    West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury (Map)

    Here are highlights of the city's published guidelines from their Hazardous Waste page:

    For a complete list of acceptable materials, download the flyer here.

    For Boston residents only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Proof of residency required. The City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information call 617-635-4500.

    TVs & Computer Monitors

    The City says, "… call 617-635-4500 to schedule curbside pickup of TVs and computer monitors or place an online service request."

    Latex Paint & Acrylic Paint

    The city advises, "Latex/Acrylic Paint Is Not Hazardous. Latex and Acrylic Paint can be disposed of with regular trash."  "… must make sure any paint left in the paint can is [be] completely dried before putting out with trash."

    Get rid of the junk, and then don't bring more of it back into your home.

    Clean out under your sink, your cleaning closet, gardening shed, garage, and storage areas. Once your home is free from toxic, flammable, and other dangerous materials, learn how to avoid bringing more of this stuff back into your life.

    Here are three great books to help you change your hazardous ways.

    And, remember, when you start any of your Amazon shopping from here, you support BostonZest and keep information like this flowing your way. 


    Details:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Screenshot: From City of Boston website

  • Fall 2013 Boston Hazardous Waste Collection, E Waste, and Shredding

    The City of Boston has announced the 2013 Fall Household Hazardous Waste collection dates with September 7th and November 23rd next on the list.

    And, on Saturday September 7th, you will also be able to drop off e-waste for Electronics recycing and shred paper at the Bayside Expo Center. So, dump those old files, checks, and such into a big box and take them along.

    It's time to clean out under sinks, storage areas, and garages and remove all those unwanted hazards from your home.


    Fall hazardous waste

    Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

    University of Massachusetts-Boston Harbor Campus, Parking lot D, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (Map)

    With Electronics Recycling and paper shredding at Bayside Expo

    Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

    West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury (Map)

    Here are highlights of the city's published guidelines from their Hazardous Waste page:

    For a complete list of acceptable materials, download the flyer here.

    For Boston residents only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Proof of residency required. The City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information call 617-635-4500.

    TVs & Computer Monitors

    The City says, "… call 617-635-4500 to schedule curbside pickup of TVs and computer monitors or place an online service request."

    Latex Paint & Acrylic Paint

    The city advises, "Latex/Acrylic Paint Is Not Hazardous. Latex and Acrylic Paint can be disposed of with regular trash."  "… must make sure any paint left in the paint can is [be] completely dried before putting out with trash."

    Get rid of the junk, and then don't bring more of it back into your home.

    Clean out under your sink, your cleaning closet, gardening shed, garage, and storage areas. Once your home is free from toxic, flammable, and other dangerous materials, learn how to avoid bringing more of this stuff back into your life.

    Here are three great books to help you change your hazardous ways.

    And, remember, when you start any of your Amazon shopping from here, you support BostonZest and keep information like this flowing your way. 


    Details:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Screenshot: From City of Boston website

  • Dig Safe Says, “Be Carefu” or Is It, “Be Careful?”

    IMG_6664 - Version 22013-07-23-boston-street-dig-safe-sign-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Spotted near the corner of Newbury and Exeter Streets, this message from Dig Safe. Yes, they should be careful about how they write messages on the sidewalk. But, better marked than not.

    Did you know that, "… State Law requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs." I didn't. But, when you think about it, it makes sense. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    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.

  • Dig Safe Says, “Be Carefu” or Is It, “Be Careful?”

    IMG_6664 - Version 22013-07-23-boston-street-dig-safe-sign-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Spotted near the corner of Newbury and Exeter Streets, this message from Dig Safe. Yes, they should be careful about how they write messages on the sidewalk. But, better marked than not.

    Did you know that, "… State Law requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs." I didn't. But, when you think about it, it makes sense. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    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.

  • Dig Safe Says, “Be Carefu” or Is It, “Be Careful?”

    IMG_6664 - Version 22013-07-23-boston-street-dig-safe-sign-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Spotted near the corner of Newbury and Exeter Streets, this message from Dig Safe. Yes, they should be careful about how they write messages on the sidewalk. But, better marked than not.

    Did you know that, "… State Law requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs." I didn't. But, when you think about it, it makes sense. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    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.

  • Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Drive: Then and Now

    DSC_5555 - Version 22013-06-20-tony's-clam-shop-boston-skyline-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Reservation are a perfect destination when you want to grab a Zipcar and spend an hour or two at the shore. We like to go on weekdays when the crowds are moderate and we can relax and enjoy the views back to Boston and out to sea.

    2381765290_5dc3b2598d

    Just like in days of old, we pull into one of the angled spaces that line the beachside. (This postcard is from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

    The state undertook the creation of this park in 1899 and opened it to the public on May 30, 1908. It was part of the historic Metropolitan Parks System designed to preserve open and natural spaces for Boston area residents. 

    A Quick Beach Escape

    We sit on the seawall and "people watch." (We are not allowed on the beach in summer because we take our dog with us.) We join the constant stream of locals walking the wide 2.3 mile seaside walkway.

    And, we have lunch at one of the seasonal beach restaurants across from the beach. The photo above is from Tony's Clam Shop. If the wait for a table on the patio is long, we'll order our meal to go and take it back to the seawall or if we're lucky, dine on a shaded bench.

    8548766887_920bebabf7

    Here's another postcard view of the Squantum and Wollaston Yacht clubs. 

    While it is very busy in summer, you'll find people drawn to this place all year long in good weather and on downright nasty days when surf pounds the seawall.

    It's just 8.5 miles from downtown Boston. Without a traffic jam, you can be there in 20 minutes. And, if you are willing to walk a bit, it is only a mile from the Wollaston station on the MBTA Red line. 

     
    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  with postcards from the Boston Public Library and a private collection.

    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.

  • Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Drive: Then and Now

    DSC_5555 - Version 22013-06-20-tony's-clam-shop-boston-skyline-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Reservation are a perfect destination when you want to grab a Zipcar and spend an hour or two at the shore. We like to go on weekdays when the crowds are moderate and we can relax and enjoy the views back to Boston and out to sea.

    2381765290_5dc3b2598d

    Just like in days of old, we pull into one of the angled spaces that line the beachside. (This postcard is from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

    The state undertook the creation of this park in 1899 and opened it to the public on May 30, 1908. It was part of the historic Metropolitan Parks System designed to preserve open and natural spaces for Boston area residents. 

    A Quick Beach Escape

    We sit on the seawall and "people watch." (We are not allowed on the beach in summer because we take our dog with us.) We join the constant stream of locals walking the wide 2.3 mile seaside walkway.

    And, we have lunch at one of the seasonal beach restaurants across from the beach. The photo above is from Tony's Clam Shop. If the wait for a table on the patio is long, we'll order our meal to go and take it back to the seawall or if we're lucky, dine on a shaded bench.

    8548766887_920bebabf7

    Here's another postcard view of the Squantum and Wollaston Yacht clubs. 

    While it is very busy in summer, you'll find people drawn to this place all year long in good weather and on downright nasty days when surf pounds the seawall.

    It's just 8.5 miles from downtown Boston. Without a traffic jam, you can be there in 20 minutes. And, if you are willing to walk a bit, it is only a mile from the Wollaston station on the MBTA Red line. 

     
    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  with postcards from the Boston Public Library and a private collection.

    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.

  • Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Drive: Then and Now

    DSC_5555 - Version 22013-06-20-tony's-clam-shop-boston-skyline-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Reservation are a perfect destination when you want to grab a Zipcar and spend an hour or two at the shore. We like to go on weekdays when the crowds are moderate and we can relax and enjoy the views back to Boston and out to sea.

    2381765290_5dc3b2598d

    Just like in days of old, we pull into one of the angled spaces that line the beachside. (This postcard is from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

    The state undertook the creation of this park in 1899 and opened it to the public on May 30, 1908. It was part of the historic Metropolitan Parks System designed to preserve open and natural spaces for Boston area residents. 

    A Quick Beach Escape

    We sit on the seawall and "people watch." (We are not allowed on the beach in summer because we take our dog with us.) We join the constant stream of locals walking the wide 2.3 mile seaside walkway.

    And, we have lunch at one of the seasonal beach restaurants across from the beach. The photo above is from Tony's Clam Shop. If the wait for a table on the patio is long, we'll order our meal to go and take it back to the seawall or if we're lucky, dine on a shaded bench.

    8548766887_920bebabf7

    Here's another postcard view of the Squantum and Wollaston Yacht clubs. 

    While it is very busy in summer, you'll find people drawn to this place all year long in good weather and on downright nasty days when surf pounds the seawall.

    It's just 8.5 miles from downtown Boston. Without a traffic jam, you can be there in 20 minutes. And, if you are willing to walk a bit, it is only a mile from the Wollaston station on the MBTA Red line. 

     
    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  with postcards from the Boston Public Library and a private collection.

    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.

  • A Rainy Day Lamentation of Swans…

    IMG_1247 - Version 22013-06-07-swan-boats-rain-june-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It has been a rainy month and the swans are lamenting too many days off. Did you know a group of swans is called a lamentation

    As the Swan Boat site says, "The Swan Boats are open seven days per week, weather permitting. We cannot operate on rainy, windy, or extremely hot days." That means these lovelies have had a few days off this June.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    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.

  • A Rainy Day Lamentation of Swans…

    IMG_1247 - Version 22013-06-07-swan-boats-rain-june-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It has been a rainy month and the swans are lamenting too many days off. Did you know a group of swans is called a lamentation

    As the Swan Boat site says, "The Swan Boats are open seven days per week, weather permitting. We cannot operate on rainy, windy, or extremely hot days." That means these lovelies have had a few days off this June.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    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.