Category: Very inexpensive or FREE!

  • Dog Friendly Places from the Trustees of Resevations

    Looking for a place to go for a great walk with your dog? Click over to this page on the Trustees of Reservations site. Choose "Dog walking" as your activity and select the other options that are right for you. The result will be a list of very special places that welcome responsible dog folks and well-mannered pups.

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    From our files of wonderful memories, here are four of my favorite males heading into Halibut Point Reservation back in 2008. We had a wonderful day there and it's good to look back at the photos and remember a fine dog with a big heart.

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    Westies love climbing on rocks!

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    Here's a piece they prepared on Tail Wagging Destinations.

    Dog-friendly places alone are a reason for Sunday Dog readers to head straight for The Trustees site to join or renew their memberships. We did and now will not only have all these places to visit, but also will be the first to know about the events at the Boston Public Market that are managed by this same group. 

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2008 Penny Cherubino 

  • Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library for 2016

    Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concert in the Courtyard series for 2016 began this week and will continue through August 31st.

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    Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season.

    "Boston Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard series returns June 1 and runs through August 31, featuring a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour. Wednesday concerts are presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music."

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    June Schedule:

    • Rodolfo Arteaga, Wednesday, June 1 6 p.m. Rodolfo Arteaga is a singer-songwriter and cellist from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela.
    • Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, June 3 12:30 p.m. Cocek! Brass Band’s original music is based on the sounds of Eastern European brass bands and blends dance music with improvisation and inspiring melodies.
    • Samuel Batista, Wednesday, June 8 6 p.m. Samuel Batista is an alto saxophone player from Panama City, Panama.
    • Moody Street Sound, Friday, June 10 12:30 p.m. Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Moody Street Sound is a sextet specializing in jazz, soul, and the blues.
    • Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, June 15 6 p.m. Harshitha Krishnan is a vocalist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria.
    • Duo Esplanade, Friday, June 17 12:30 p.m. Duo Esplanade explores the flexible sounds of flute and clarinet, both as solo instruments and as part of different instrumental combinations in the various styles of standard classical repertoire, new music, and original arrangements.
    • Eduardo Mercuri, Wednesday, June 22 6 p.m. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, guitar player Eduardo Mercuri has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, and the 2013 Latin Grammys. 
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 24 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a jazz combo made up of five members with an average age of 18.
    • Kristin Corpuz, Wednesday, June 29 6 p.m. Kristin Corpuz is a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer from Tampa, Florida, who currently attends Berklee College of Music as a 2013 Presidential Scholar.

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    July Schedule 

    • Phil Berman, Friday, July 1 12:30 p.m.
    • luhx., Wednesday, July 6 6 p.m.
    • Castle of our Skins, Friday, July 8 12:30 p.m.
    • MIXCLA, Wednesday, July 13 6 p.m.
    •  Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 15 12:30 p.m.
    • Dear June, Wednesday, July 20 6 p.m.
    • Isabel Stover and Molly Flannery, Friday, July 22 12:30 p.m.
    • Shirhan Agabeyli, Wednesday, July 27 6 p.m.
    • Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 29 12:30 p.m.

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    August Schedule 

    • Kyle Thornton & The Company, Wednesday, August 3 6 p.m.
    • Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 5 12:30 p.m.
    • Njoki Karu, Wednesday, August 10 6 p.m.
    • Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 12 12:30 p.m.
    • James Fernando, Wednesday, August 17 6 p.m.
    • Yi David Yang, Friday, August 19 12:30 p.m.
    • Honeysuckle, Wednesday, August 24 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 26 12:30 p.m.
    • Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, August 31 6 p.m.

    Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by the Library Programs Fund at the Boston Public Library Foundation. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. 

     

    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!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library for 2016

    Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concert in the Courtyard series for 2016 began this week and will continue through August 31st.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c791e447970b-800wi

    Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season.

    "Boston Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard series returns June 1 and runs through August 31, featuring a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour. Wednesday concerts are presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music."

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73df9e8f1970d-800wi

    June Schedule:

    • Rodolfo Arteaga, Wednesday, June 1 6 p.m. Rodolfo Arteaga is a singer-songwriter and cellist from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela.
    • Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, June 3 12:30 p.m. Cocek! Brass Band’s original music is based on the sounds of Eastern European brass bands and blends dance music with improvisation and inspiring melodies.
    • Samuel Batista, Wednesday, June 8 6 p.m. Samuel Batista is an alto saxophone player from Panama City, Panama.
    • Moody Street Sound, Friday, June 10 12:30 p.m. Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Moody Street Sound is a sextet specializing in jazz, soul, and the blues.
    • Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, June 15 6 p.m. Harshitha Krishnan is a vocalist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria.
    • Duo Esplanade, Friday, June 17 12:30 p.m. Duo Esplanade explores the flexible sounds of flute and clarinet, both as solo instruments and as part of different instrumental combinations in the various styles of standard classical repertoire, new music, and original arrangements.
    • Eduardo Mercuri, Wednesday, June 22 6 p.m. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, guitar player Eduardo Mercuri has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, and the 2013 Latin Grammys. 
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 24 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a jazz combo made up of five members with an average age of 18.
    • Kristin Corpuz, Wednesday, June 29 6 p.m. Kristin Corpuz is a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer from Tampa, Florida, who currently attends Berklee College of Music as a 2013 Presidential Scholar.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019104fc4104970c-800wi

    July Schedule 

    • Phil Berman, Friday, July 1 12:30 p.m.
    • luhx., Wednesday, July 6 6 p.m.
    • Castle of our Skins, Friday, July 8 12:30 p.m.
    • MIXCLA, Wednesday, July 13 6 p.m.
    •  Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 15 12:30 p.m.
    • Dear June, Wednesday, July 20 6 p.m.
    • Isabel Stover and Molly Flannery, Friday, July 22 12:30 p.m.
    • Shirhan Agabeyli, Wednesday, July 27 6 p.m.
    • Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 29 12:30 p.m.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acc5503c970d-800wi

    August Schedule 

    • Kyle Thornton & The Company, Wednesday, August 3 6 p.m.
    • Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 5 12:30 p.m.
    • Njoki Karu, Wednesday, August 10 6 p.m.
    • Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 12 12:30 p.m.
    • James Fernando, Wednesday, August 17 6 p.m.
    • Yi David Yang, Friday, August 19 12:30 p.m.
    • Honeysuckle, Wednesday, August 24 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 26 12:30 p.m.
    • Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, August 31 6 p.m.

    Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by the Library Programs Fund at the Boston Public Library Foundation. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. 

     

    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!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Don’t Die of Embrassment Alone in a Restroom: Avoid Steakhouse Syndrome

    Today's "Friday Link" is to an article on Next Avenue, "A Dangerous Health Problem No One Talks About," that really made us think and that we've been talking about with friends.

    Screen Shot 2016-05-07 at Saturday, May 7, 20163.37.45 PM

    Few of us want to make a spectacle of ourselves in public, but there are times when taking your problem out of sight could cost your life. If you have food caught in your throat, are feeling unwell, light-headed, or experiencing sudden pain, don't go off alone. While this post may be specifically about choking, that's not the only medical emergency that might result in sudden death if you are by yourself.

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    You don't want to be found dead in a restaurant restroom. If you are tempted to leave a public space, take someone with you who might be able to call 9-1-1 and perform abdominal thrusts (aka, the Heimlich maneuver). (Directions for that are here.)

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    Yes it is possible to do a Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Here are complete directions from the National Institutes of Health.

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    So, if you are in trouble, use the universal signal for choking and ask for the help that could save your life. 

     

    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!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Don’t Die of Embrassment Alone in a Restroom: Avoid Steakhouse Syndrome

    Today's "Friday Link" is to an article on Next Avenue, "A Dangerous Health Problem No One Talks About," that really made us think and that we've been talking about with friends.

    Screen Shot 2016-05-07 at Saturday, May 7, 20163.37.45 PM

    Few of us want to make a spectacle of ourselves in public, but there are times when taking your problem out of sight could cost your life. If you have food caught in your throat, are feeling unwell, light-headed, or experiencing sudden pain, don't go off alone. While this post may be specifically about choking, that's not the only medical emergency that might result in sudden death if you are by yourself.

    IStock_000089133693_small

    You don't want to be found dead in a restaurant restroom. If you are tempted to leave a public space, take someone with you who might be able to call 9-1-1 and perform abdominal thrusts (aka, the Heimlich maneuver). (Directions for that are here.)

    23222

    Yes it is possible to do a Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Here are complete directions from the National Institutes of Health.

    17107

    So, if you are in trouble, use the universal signal for choking and ask for the help that could save your life. 

     

    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!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Time in Natural Settings: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

    Dogs give us an excuse to seek out natural spaces. Walk the Esplanade early in the morning and you’ll see individuals and groups of friends walking their dogs in this closer-to-nature setting. 

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    We ran into our pal Ainsley on the Esplanade.

    In an 1896 letter to the Boston Metropolitan Park Commission, Charles Eliot, landscape architect and champion of this park along the Charles River wrote, “Reservations of scenery are the cathedrals of the modern world.” While the beautiful, bucolic settings that were the original purpose of our parks have been sacrificed over the years, you can still find a few spots where you can feel the healthful effects of nature.

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    Learn from Your Dog

    Watch your dog the next time the two of you visit a beautiful, leafy spot. Notice how he takes in the scene. Follow her lead as she explores the trees, listens to the sounds, and uses all her senses to fully experience the space.

    I’m not suggesting you get down and sniff the ground, but rather that you try to pay attention to the sensory setting the way your dog does. Try to find a quiet place in the park, away from modern day distractions, and imagine our city’s natural spaces as they were when created by men like Frederick Law Olmsted, Charles Eliot, or Arthur Shurcliff. 

    What does the sun feel like on your back? What does the wind in the trees sound like? Try to pick up the slight difference in scent as you near a body of water. These were meant to be places where the city population could escape the crowded city and enjoy the benefits of nature. 

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    Science Confirms 

    Today, study after study has proven that these men were wise in their instinct to provide spaces where dogs can take their people back to nature.

    The University of Rochester reported this conclusion after reviewing a series of studies on the topic including one by Professor Richard Ryan who reported, “… people are more caring and generous when exposed to nature.”  And, "The findings were particularly robust, being outside in nature for just 20 minutes in a day was enough to significantly boost vitality levels.” 

    “We have a natural connection with living things," said Ryan. "Nature is something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built environments."

    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 & Ed Cherubino adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.
    Photos: ©2011-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Grease Can Covers – Free, Money Saving Offer from Boston Water and Sewer

    You can save money for your home, building, and the city by not pouring grease and oil down the drain and properly disposing of them in the trash. Boston Water and Sewer is offering a free, reusable lid that will fit a variety of cans to help you with safe disposal.

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    All the reasons that the city has for not wanting grease and oils in the city sewer system also apply to your home and your building. Here's a page full of reasons for jumping on the no grease or oil down the drain bandwagon. Anyone who has suffered a sewer back up into their home can tell you that they never want it to happen again. 

    If you are someone who prefers watching a video to reading, the FOG Prevention team has also prepared this video.

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    Penny heard about the program, went to this link on the Boston Water and Sewer website, and soon found the items above in our mailbox.

    These covers are perfect for grease that will solidify. In the case of oils that will remain liquid, we save a jam or pickle glass jar and use that to hold liquids. And, while we avoid using paper towels for most purposes, Penny will wipe out a greasy pan with one and toss that in the trash before cleaning it in the sink. 

    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!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino and artwork courtesy of Boston Water and Sewer Commission.

  • Edible Boston Spring 2016 Issue Is Here

    The arrival of a new preview issue of Edible Boston in my mailbox always makes me smile. It means a new season of food is here and a new opportunity to see which businesses support fresh and local food in our community.

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    It's good to see a whole fish in photographer Michael Piazza's cover shot. Fish, like meat, takes on better flavor when it's cooked on the bone. Inside you'll find a few fish tales. Having grown up in a fishing family, I adored Sarah Blackburn's article, Edible Basics: Red Fish, Blue Fish, Flat Fish, Whole Fish. It's a must read and includes a chart of when local fish are in season provided by Red's Best, one of my favorite, trusted suppliers of seafood.

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    Pages of step-by-step recipes for whole fish follow. (My own favorite preparation is to stuff a large fish with a traditional bread stuffing and roast it in the oven. It's a meal on a sheet pan.

    Asparagus 

    When the season arrives, you will be ready with the asparagus primer on page 52. You'll find preparations from five chefs from around the area.

    InsideTheOven

    Other Topics

    Bread, snack bars, cider, ice cream, pizza, and the very important topic of wasted food are also covered in this issue. Plus the always supportive team at Edible Boston shines its profile spotlight on a few local businesses. 

    As I alluded to in my first paragraph, this is one publication where I always read the ads. They are a source of new ideas and new resources for me. And I respect those who put their advertising dollars where they reach people like me who think that local food matters.

    Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team

    First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and, in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Covershot & Photos :photographer Michael Piazza Courtesy of Edible Boston ( If you love great photography always pick up an Edible Boston issue!)

  • Edible Boston Spring 2016 Issue Is Here

    The arrival of a new preview issue of Edible Boston in my mailbox always makes me smile. It means a new season of food is here and a new opportunity to see which businesses support fresh and local food in our community.

    CoverEBOSspr16

    It's good to see a whole fish in photographer Michael Piazza's cover shot. Fish, like meat, takes on better flavor when it's cooked on the bone. Inside you'll find a few fish tales. Having grown up in a fishing family, I adored Sarah Blackburn's article, Edible Basics: Red Fish, Blue Fish, Flat Fish, Whole Fish. It's a must read and includes a chart of when local fish are in season provided by Red's Best, one of my favorite, trusted suppliers of seafood.

    BasicsRedFishBlue

    Pages of step-by-step recipes for whole fish follow. (My own favorite preparation is to stuff a large fish with a traditional bread stuffing and roast it in the oven. It's a meal on a sheet pan.

    Asparagus 

    When the season arrives, you will be ready with the asparagus primer on page 52. You'll find preparations from five chefs from around the area.

    InsideTheOven

    Other Topics

    Bread, snack bars, cider, ice cream, pizza, and the very important topic of wasted food are also covered in this issue. Plus the always supportive team at Edible Boston shines its profile spotlight on a few local businesses. 

    As I alluded to in my first paragraph, this is one publication where I always read the ads. They are a source of new ideas and new resources for me. And I respect those who put their advertising dollars where they reach people like me who think that local food matters.

    Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team

    First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and, in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Covershot & Photos :photographer Michael Piazza Courtesy of Edible Boston ( If you love great photography always pick up an Edible Boston issue!)

  • Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

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    Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2016.

    The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:

    The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.

    To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?” 

    Mobile Phone Alert System

    The Boston Athletic Association has set up the AT&T Athlete Alert program. It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!

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    Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?

    For a rough idea of where the race leaders are in relation to your viewing position, you can always watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.

    For favorites, you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.

    Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some are from past years and we'll be updating them between now and Marathon Monday.

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

    What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2016

    Work Out on a Public Parcourse along the Charles River

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

    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!

     

    Details:
    Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website     
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino