Tag: Boston

  • A Cool Meditation

    CHE_1796 - Version 22013-02-13cool-buddah-meditation-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Buddha sits serenely meditating under his blanket of snow.

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Lions Will Dance in Chinatown!

    It has been a few years since we've attended a Lion Dance Celebration in Boston's Chinatown. It's on our schedule for this year. This year's event will be held on Sunday, February 17th, 2013 from 10AM to 5PM. 

    Update: 02/17/13 from @BostonChinatown: "Event is still going We are delaying about an hour so 11:30am stage will be moved to Beach and harrison ave. http://bit.ly/WQi4fC "

     5443824968_d25f60a4a8

    Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license be sure to check his photography blog.

    This is a wonderful time to explore the neighborhood and a real opportunity to stretch your photography skills with some colorful subject matter. 

    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: Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license. Be sure to check his photography blog.

    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.

  • Lions Will Dance in Chinatown!

    It has been a few years since we've attended a Lion Dance Celebration in Boston's Chinatown. It's on our schedule for this year. This year's event will be held on Sunday, February 17th, 2013 from 10AM to 5PM. 

    Update: 02/17/13 from @BostonChinatown: "Event is still going We are delaying about an hour so 11:30am stage will be moved to Beach and harrison ave. http://bit.ly/WQi4fC "

     5443824968_d25f60a4a8

    Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license be sure to check his photography blog.

    This is a wonderful time to explore the neighborhood and a real opportunity to stretch your photography skills with some colorful subject matter. 

    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: Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license. Be sure to check his photography blog.

    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.

  • Lions Will Dance in Chinatown!

    It has been a few years since we've attended a Lion Dance Celebration in Boston's Chinatown. It's on our schedule for this year. This year's event will be held on Sunday, February 17th, 2013 from 10AM to 5PM. 

    Update: 02/17/13 from @BostonChinatown: "Event is still going We are delaying about an hour so 11:30am stage will be moved to Beach and harrison ave. http://bit.ly/WQi4fC "

     5443824968_d25f60a4a8

    Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license be sure to check his photography blog.

    This is a wonderful time to explore the neighborhood and a real opportunity to stretch your photography skills with some colorful subject matter. 

    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: Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license. Be sure to check his photography blog.

    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.

  • Snow Show: Back Bay Scene

    Here are a few shots from this morning in the Back Bay. And, here's a link to our resource page on What You Need to Know in A Boston Snow Emergency. We have been updating that page as we recieve new information.

    DSC_2106 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The wind freed most of the trees of their snow cover, but this little group was wearing the white.

    DSC_2036 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Massachusetts Avenue looking south towards Commonwealth Avenue.

    DSC_2040 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Massachusetts Avenue looking north to the Harvard (Mass Ave.) Bridge. 

    DSC_2044 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This car is ready to go…until the next plow passes. 

    DSC_2085 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, lots of other cars are waiting to be freed.

      DSC_2081 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This type of scene greeted many homeowners this mornng.

    DSC_2072 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A rare evergreen in a Back Bay yard. 

    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: © 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Snow Show: Back Bay Scene

    Here are a few shots from this morning in the Back Bay. And, here's a link to our resource page on What You Need to Know in A Boston Snow Emergency. We have been updating that page as we recieve new information.

    DSC_2106 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The wind freed most of the trees of their snow cover, but this little group was wearing the white.

    DSC_2036 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Massachusetts Avenue looking south towards Commonwealth Avenue.

    DSC_2040 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Massachusetts Avenue looking north to the Harvard (Mass Ave.) Bridge. 

    DSC_2044 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This car is ready to go…until the next plow passes. 

    DSC_2085 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, lots of other cars are waiting to be freed.

      DSC_2081 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This type of scene greeted many homeowners this mornng.

    DSC_2072 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A rare evergreen in a Back Bay yard. 

    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: © 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Snow Show: Back Bay Scene

    Here are a few shots from this morning in the Back Bay. And, here's a link to our resource page on What You Need to Know in A Boston Snow Emergency. We have been updating that page as we recieve new information.

    DSC_2106 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The wind freed most of the trees of their snow cover, but this little group was wearing the white.

    DSC_2036 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Massachusetts Avenue looking south towards Commonwealth Avenue.

    DSC_2040 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Massachusetts Avenue looking north to the Harvard (Mass Ave.) Bridge. 

    DSC_2044 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This car is ready to go…until the next plow passes. 

    DSC_2085 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, lots of other cars are waiting to be freed.

      DSC_2081 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This type of scene greeted many homeowners this mornng.

    DSC_2072 - Version 22013-02-09-snow-blilzzard-2013-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A rare evergreen in a Back Bay yard. 

    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: © 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • 10 Decluttering Tips from “The Clutter Queen,” Rhea Becker

    I recently learned that blogger Rhea Becker is The Clutter Queen. She can help you conquer your clutter issues and clean up your life! Over a recent lunch, she agreed to share some decluttering tips with BostonZest readers.

    CHE_1600 - Version 22013-02-01-rhea-becker-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I've been following Rhea for years. We meet up every so often to let our dogs play together or have lunch and brainstorm about blogging, how to achieve world peace, and solve the rest of the planet's problems. 

    It's funny when you know a person from one aspect of their life and suddenly learn they have another skill set you knew nothing about. During our meal, we talked about her decluttering consulting business, and she agreed to share some tips.

    10 Great Tips for DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING from Rhea's website, My Clutter Queen

    Start small

    You know that little drawer in your kitchen where all the takeout menus, rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic cutlery go to die? It's time to dump out that drawer, toss the things you don't need, and put back what's left – neatly. There! You've started decluttering.

    Start really small

    Declutter for 15 minutes per day. Set the timer on your smartphone or stove. Choose a small project. It could even be as small as a fruit and vegetable drawer in your refrigerator, or one corner of the countertop, the top of the fridge, or the spice rack.

    Go to the corner

    When beginning to declutter a room, choose a corner and move clockwise until you've completed that room. This could take hours or even days. Keep at it!

    Love your thrift shop

    Become familiar with your local thrift shop. It will be your greatest ally in keeping your home clutter free. Keep a box or large bag in a convenient place. Put items into it that you are ready to part with. As soon as the box or bag is filled, take it to the local thrift shop. By the way, if youʼre an animal lover, remember that animal shelters often seek used towels and bedding.

    Bedtime storage

    Use the space under your bed for storage.

    Wear it or ditch it

    If you haven't worn it in a year, it doesn't fit, or needs mending, take it to the thrift shop. 

    Will you really get that fixed?!

    If you have stuff around the house that is broken, torn, or missing a part, get rid of it. Most people never get around to fixing things they swear they will.

    Closets, one day at a time

    It may be overwhelming to tackle an entire closet, so start with one category. How about shoes? Pair up all your shoes, then purge the ones that need repair, are worn out, not in style, or that you are simply tired of. Take them to the thrift shop. Then start on a new category, say: belts, scarves, pants, or dresses.

    Junk the mail

    Open your mail each day, and do it over a wastebasket or recycling bin. Immediately ditch what you don't want or need.

    Need a helping hand?

    If dealing with your clutter gives you a feeling of paralysis, this is not unusual. You may want to consult with a professional organizer like The Clutter Queen (Boston, MA).

    Gift certificate:
    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 Cherubino with tips by Rhea Becker
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino with thanks to KitchenWitch in Jamaica Plain for letting me take Rhea's photo in their shop!

    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
  • 10 Decluttering Tips from “The Clutter Queen,” Rhea Becker

    I recently learned that blogger Rhea Becker is The Clutter Queen. She can help you conquer your clutter issues and clean up your life! Over a recent lunch, she agreed to share some decluttering tips with BostonZest readers.

    CHE_1600 - Version 22013-02-01-rhea-becker-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I've been following Rhea for years. We meet up every so often to let our dogs play together or have lunch and brainstorm about blogging, how to achieve world peace, and solve the rest of the planet's problems. 

    It's funny when you know a person from one aspect of their life and suddenly learn they have another skill set you knew nothing about. During our meal, we talked about her decluttering consulting business, and she agreed to share some tips.

    10 Great Tips for DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING from Rhea's website, My Clutter Queen

    Start small

    You know that little drawer in your kitchen where all the takeout menus, rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic cutlery go to die? It's time to dump out that drawer, toss the things you don't need, and put back what's left – neatly. There! You've started decluttering.

    Start really small

    Declutter for 15 minutes per day. Set the timer on your smartphone or stove. Choose a small project. It could even be as small as a fruit and vegetable drawer in your refrigerator, or one corner of the countertop, the top of the fridge, or the spice rack.

    Go to the corner

    When beginning to declutter a room, choose a corner and move clockwise until you've completed that room. This could take hours or even days. Keep at it!

    Love your thrift shop

    Become familiar with your local thrift shop. It will be your greatest ally in keeping your home clutter free. Keep a box or large bag in a convenient place. Put items into it that you are ready to part with. As soon as the box or bag is filled, take it to the local thrift shop. By the way, if youʼre an animal lover, remember that animal shelters often seek used towels and bedding.

    Bedtime storage

    Use the space under your bed for storage.

    Wear it or ditch it

    If you haven't worn it in a year, it doesn't fit, or needs mending, take it to the thrift shop. 

    Will you really get that fixed?!

    If you have stuff around the house that is broken, torn, or missing a part, get rid of it. Most people never get around to fixing things they swear they will.

    Closets, one day at a time

    It may be overwhelming to tackle an entire closet, so start with one category. How about shoes? Pair up all your shoes, then purge the ones that need repair, are worn out, not in style, or that you are simply tired of. Take them to the thrift shop. Then start on a new category, say: belts, scarves, pants, or dresses.

    Junk the mail

    Open your mail each day, and do it over a wastebasket or recycling bin. Immediately ditch what you don't want or need.

    Need a helping hand?

    If dealing with your clutter gives you a feeling of paralysis, this is not unusual. You may want to consult with a professional organizer like The Clutter Queen (Boston, MA).

    Gift certificate:
    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 Cherubino with tips by Rhea Becker
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino with thanks to KitchenWitch in Jamaica Plain for letting me take Rhea's photo in their shop!

    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
  • 10 Decluttering Tips from “The Clutter Queen,” Rhea Becker

    I recently learned that blogger Rhea Becker is The Clutter Queen. She can help you conquer your clutter issues and clean up your life! Over a recent lunch, she agreed to share some decluttering tips with BostonZest readers.

    CHE_1600 - Version 22013-02-01-rhea-becker-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I've been following Rhea for years. We meet up every so often to let our dogs play together or have lunch and brainstorm about blogging, how to achieve world peace, and solve the rest of the planet's problems. 

    It's funny when you know a person from one aspect of their life and suddenly learn they have another skill set you knew nothing about. During our meal, we talked about her decluttering consulting business, and she agreed to share some tips.

    10 Great Tips for DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING from Rhea's website, My Clutter Queen

    Start small

    You know that little drawer in your kitchen where all the takeout menus, rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic cutlery go to die? It's time to dump out that drawer, toss the things you don't need, and put back what's left – neatly. There! You've started decluttering.

    Start really small

    Declutter for 15 minutes per day. Set the timer on your smartphone or stove. Choose a small project. It could even be as small as a fruit and vegetable drawer in your refrigerator, or one corner of the countertop, the top of the fridge, or the spice rack.

    Go to the corner

    When beginning to declutter a room, choose a corner and move clockwise until you've completed that room. This could take hours or even days. Keep at it!

    Love your thrift shop

    Become familiar with your local thrift shop. It will be your greatest ally in keeping your home clutter free. Keep a box or large bag in a convenient place. Put items into it that you are ready to part with. As soon as the box or bag is filled, take it to the local thrift shop. By the way, if youʼre an animal lover, remember that animal shelters often seek used towels and bedding.

    Bedtime storage

    Use the space under your bed for storage.

    Wear it or ditch it

    If you haven't worn it in a year, it doesn't fit, or needs mending, take it to the thrift shop. 

    Will you really get that fixed?!

    If you have stuff around the house that is broken, torn, or missing a part, get rid of it. Most people never get around to fixing things they swear they will.

    Closets, one day at a time

    It may be overwhelming to tackle an entire closet, so start with one category. How about shoes? Pair up all your shoes, then purge the ones that need repair, are worn out, not in style, or that you are simply tired of. Take them to the thrift shop. Then start on a new category, say: belts, scarves, pants, or dresses.

    Junk the mail

    Open your mail each day, and do it over a wastebasket or recycling bin. Immediately ditch what you don't want or need.

    Need a helping hand?

    If dealing with your clutter gives you a feeling of paralysis, this is not unusual. You may want to consult with a professional organizer like The Clutter Queen (Boston, MA).

    Gift certificate:
    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 Cherubino with tips by Rhea Becker
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino with thanks to KitchenWitch in Jamaica Plain for letting me take Rhea's photo in their shop!

    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