Category: Very inexpensive or FREE!

  • A Little Shade, a Little Sun, a Little Peace & Quiet

    PMC_6369 - Version 22012-09-14-eaplanade- otis grove-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This woman and her dog took a break under the birch trees in Otis Grove on the Charles River Esplanade.

    “The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.” Frederick Law Olmsted 

    Occasionally, you find a little bit of time when the park is peaceful and quiet without organized activity, when people can just enjoy relaxing in the natural setting. 

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn’t cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What’s on your fall shopping list? Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & 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.

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  • Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season

    Flu shot2003-12-08-cdc-flu shot -

     

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

     

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for this season's vaccination.

    Update 5.24.13 – Health Department officials report "… flu activity in Massachusetts remains low …"

    Update 5.23.13 – Google shows flu activity in MA is Low.

    Update 1.9.13 – Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

    And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that the vaccine for the 2012-2013 flu season "will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus."

    You'll find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities– including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below…

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season

    Flu shot2003-12-08-cdc-flu shot -

     

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

     

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for this season's vaccination.

    Update 5.24.13 – Health Department officials report "… flu activity in Massachusetts remains low …"

    Update 5.23.13 – Google shows flu activity in MA is Low.

    Update 1.9.13 – Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

    And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that the vaccine for the 2012-2013 flu season "will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus."

    You'll find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities– including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below…

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season

    Flu shot2003-12-08-cdc-flu shot -

     

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

     

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for this season's vaccination.

    Update 5.24.13 – Health Department officials report "… flu activity in Massachusetts remains low …"

    Update 5.23.13 – Google shows flu activity in MA is Low.

    Update 1.9.13 – Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

    And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that the vaccine for the 2012-2013 flu season "will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus."

    You'll find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities– including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below…

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Free Fridays from the Highland Street Foundation

    Free fridays

    Fridays are special around Greater Boston because of the Free Fun Fridays admissions to museums and other cultural attractions made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

    They say, "Free Fun Fridays invites Massachusetts residents and tourists to visit designated cultural attractions every Friday this summer with free admission. No registration or tickets required. Visit and enjoy!"

    We Say, "Thanks, that sounds like a Free Fun Friday Link to us! 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Free Fridays from the Highland Street Foundation

    Free fridays

    Fridays are special around Greater Boston because of the Free Fun Fridays admissions to museums and other cultural attractions made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

    They say, "Free Fun Fridays invites Massachusetts residents and tourists to visit designated cultural attractions every Friday this summer with free admission. No registration or tickets required. Visit and enjoy!"

    We Say, "Thanks, that sounds like a Free Fun Friday Link to us! 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Special Saturday Concerts July 28th in the Library Courtyard

    PMC_5005 - Version 22012-06-29-library-couryard-copley square- boston-massachusetts-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Boston Public Library Courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy some fine music. Tomorrow, there will be three, one hour-long concerts for you. We're making this series our Friday Link and turning over the keyboard to the concert organizers for details.

    "Saturday, July 28, 11:00 am. – Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble
    Since its inception in 2000, the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble has presented diverse programs from the chamber music repertoire for wind and string instruments. Each member of the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble brings a high level of musical artistry to the group, and they are quickly becoming known throughout the Boston area as outstanding musicians.

    Saturday, July 28, 12:30 p.m. – The Brant Grieshaber Trio
    A consummate band leader, soloist, and sideman, Brant Grieshaber performs all over New England, from the Maine Music Society to the Beantown Swing Orchestra, and from the Beehive to Johnny D's. He's shared the stage with jazz giants such as Grammy nominee Bill Frisell, James Carter, and Charlie Hunter.

    Saturday, July 28, 2:00 p.m.  – Annie Sharkey
    Annie Sharkey began her career in musical theater in New York City. She has been a vocalist in the Boston area for over 25 years in various venues, including Broadway, cabaret, top forty, original rock, an oldies show band, and as a vocalist for the Winiker Orchestras.

    The Boston Public Library’s regular Friday afternoon concert series features music that ranges from jazz to classical and from folk to funk at 12:30 p.m., each week, through August 31. For more information, visit www.bpl.org/concerts."

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    Details:


    Boston Public Library, Copley Square (map)

    700 Boylston Street
    Boston, MA 02116
    (617) 536-5400

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • Special Saturday Concerts July 28th in the Library Courtyard

    PMC_5005 - Version 22012-06-29-library-couryard-copley square- boston-massachusetts-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Boston Public Library Courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy some fine music. Tomorrow, there will be three, one hour-long concerts for you. We're making this series our Friday Link and turning over the keyboard to the concert organizers for details.

    "Saturday, July 28, 11:00 am. – Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble
    Since its inception in 2000, the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble has presented diverse programs from the chamber music repertoire for wind and string instruments. Each member of the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble brings a high level of musical artistry to the group, and they are quickly becoming known throughout the Boston area as outstanding musicians.

    Saturday, July 28, 12:30 p.m. – The Brant Grieshaber Trio
    A consummate band leader, soloist, and sideman, Brant Grieshaber performs all over New England, from the Maine Music Society to the Beantown Swing Orchestra, and from the Beehive to Johnny D's. He's shared the stage with jazz giants such as Grammy nominee Bill Frisell, James Carter, and Charlie Hunter.

    Saturday, July 28, 2:00 p.m.  – Annie Sharkey
    Annie Sharkey began her career in musical theater in New York City. She has been a vocalist in the Boston area for over 25 years in various venues, including Broadway, cabaret, top forty, original rock, an oldies show band, and as a vocalist for the Winiker Orchestras.

    The Boston Public Library’s regular Friday afternoon concert series features music that ranges from jazz to classical and from folk to funk at 12:30 p.m., each week, through August 31. For more information, visit www.bpl.org/concerts."

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    Details:


    Boston Public Library, Copley Square (map)

    700 Boylston Street
    Boston, MA 02116
    (617) 536-5400

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

    This season’s run of Shakesphere on the Common opens tonight and continues through August 12th. The food selection around the Boston Common has improved over the past couple of years. 

    208157632_10c9cd88aa_z

    This lovely photo from a past performance is by Katherine Hala, here is her photostream.

    Here are a few places where you can pick up a delicious supper to enjoy while you watch Coriolanus.

    Clover Food Truck

    A Clover Food Lab truck is now stationed at the restored Brewer Plaza. Ed loves their Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich and those rosemary fries are a must! See who else likes Clover here!

    20101028IMG_0446%20-%20Version%202

    Clover’s Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich (Photo by Penny Cherubino)

    Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

    On St. James Avenue near Arlington is Bacco’s Wine and Cheese– a great stop for a picnic supper. They have prepared sandwiches; their famous bento boxes containing an enticing selection of cheese, salumi, bread, and olives; or you can always choose what catches your eye on the counter.

    PMC_4579 - Version 22012-06-15-picnic-bacco-boston-massachusetts-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A recent picnic from Bacco’s. Photo: Penny Cherubino

    Falafel King

    In Downtown Crossing, right across from the Park Street MBTA station, you’ll find the small, ethnic food court where Falafel King reigns supreme. We usually order the combo plate, but all the items we’ve tried have been great. 

    The Thinking Cup

    The Thinking Cup coffee shop across from the Common on Tremont Street is known for their great coffee but they also have a fine selection of sandwiches and pastries.

     

     

    208157701_8a7ddbea9f_z

    Another shot by Katherine Hala.

     

     

     

    Savenor’s 

    If you are coming from Beacon Hill, consider a stop at Savenor’s on Charles Street. Manager Diana Tovar says they have added a “Grab and Go” sandwich selection to their shop. It’s also the perfect place to walk around and gather all the elements for a delicious picnic– fruit, cheese, desserts, and a few special treats.

    Elsewhere on Charles Street, you could order take-out from Café Vanille, the Paramount, or Panificio. All three have great sandwiches and salads.

    What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photography: Katherine Hala, here is her photostream. Used under this creative commons license.


    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

    This season’s run of Shakesphere on the Common opens tonight and continues through August 12th. The food selection around the Boston Common has improved over the past couple of years. 

    208157632_10c9cd88aa_z

    This lovely photo from a past performance is by Katherine Hala, here is her photostream.

    Here are a few places where you can pick up a delicious supper to enjoy while you watch Coriolanus.

    Clover Food Truck

    A Clover Food Lab truck is now stationed at the restored Brewer Plaza. Ed loves their Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich and those rosemary fries are a must! See who else likes Clover here!

    20101028IMG_0446%20-%20Version%202

    Clover’s Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich (Photo by Penny Cherubino)

    Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

    On St. James Avenue near Arlington is Bacco’s Wine and Cheese– a great stop for a picnic supper. They have prepared sandwiches; their famous bento boxes containing an enticing selection of cheese, salumi, bread, and olives; or you can always choose what catches your eye on the counter.

    PMC_4579 - Version 22012-06-15-picnic-bacco-boston-massachusetts-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A recent picnic from Bacco’s. Photo: Penny Cherubino

    Falafel King

    In Downtown Crossing, right across from the Park Street MBTA station, you’ll find the small, ethnic food court where Falafel King reigns supreme. We usually order the combo plate, but all the items we’ve tried have been great. 

    The Thinking Cup

    The Thinking Cup coffee shop across from the Common on Tremont Street is known for their great coffee but they also have a fine selection of sandwiches and pastries.

     

     

    208157701_8a7ddbea9f_z

    Another shot by Katherine Hala.

     

     

     

    Savenor’s 

    If you are coming from Beacon Hill, consider a stop at Savenor’s on Charles Street. Manager Diana Tovar says they have added a “Grab and Go” sandwich selection to their shop. It’s also the perfect place to walk around and gather all the elements for a delicious picnic– fruit, cheese, desserts, and a few special treats.

    Elsewhere on Charles Street, you could order take-out from Café Vanille, the Paramount, or Panificio. All three have great sandwiches and salads.

    What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photography: Katherine Hala, here is her photostream. Used under this creative commons license.


    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta