Blog

  • Seagull Philosophy: “Why Steal One When You Can Steal…”

    "Why steal one piece when you can steal the whole box? They even bagged it for me." 

    Here's how the story unfolded.

    CHE_3899 - Version 22014-07-24-nantasket-beach-hull-ma-thief-seagull-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "Hmmmm! What do we have here by this deserted beach blanket?"

    CHE_3900 - Version 22014-07-24-nantasket-beach-hull-ma-thief-seagull-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "Wow, I'm gonna tweet 'P-A-R-T-Y' to the gang as soon as I get this away from here!"

    CHE_3901 - Version 22014-07-24-nantasket-beach-hull-ma-thief-seagull-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "Tight grip and PULL!"

    CHE_3913 - Version 22014-07-24-seagull-thief-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "Slow work. I hope whatever's in here is worth it."

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • Sunday Dog – Watching Natty Grow!

    CHE_3957 - Version 22014-07-26Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Sunday Dog Natty is a happy, energetic puppy who’s already 7 months old. It’s been a lot of fun watching Natty grow from that lanky little guy we first met a few months ago to looking more like the full grown Tibetan Terrier he’ll soon become.

    PC2_3405 - Version 22014-05-07Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Named after the Natty Bumppo character in author James Fenimore Cooper’s, Leatherstocking Tales, our Natty certainly looks as if he could blaze a trail with the best of them.

     

    CHE_3948 - Version 22014-07-26Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    While we’re not exactly certain what this rascal was whispering in Poppy’s ear (sweet nothings come to mind), she does seem to be playing hard-to-get. Perhaps Natty is attracted to older women.  

     

    CHE_3972 - Version 22014-07-26Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    What we do know is that this sweet, fun-loving, pooch loves to play and is always ready for a pat or two. You are definitely irresistible, Natty. See ya soon!

     

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: © 2014 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.

  • Sunday Dog – Watching Natty Grow!

    CHE_3957 - Version 22014-07-26Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Sunday Dog Natty is a happy, energetic puppy who’s already 7 months old. It’s been a lot of fun watching Natty grow from that lanky little guy we first met a few months ago to looking more like the full grown Tibetan Terrier he’ll soon become.

    PC2_3405 - Version 22014-05-07Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Named after the Natty Bumppo character in author James Fenimore Cooper’s, Leatherstocking Tales, our Natty certainly looks as if he could blaze a trail with the best of them.

     

    CHE_3948 - Version 22014-07-26Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    While we’re not exactly certain what this rascal was whispering in Poppy’s ear (sweet nothings come to mind), she does seem to be playing hard-to-get. Perhaps Natty is attracted to older women.  

     

    CHE_3972 - Version 22014-07-26Tibetian-terrier-Natty-Bumppo-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-ma© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    What we do know is that this sweet, fun-loving, pooch loves to play and is always ready for a pat or two. You are definitely irresistible, Natty. See ya soon!

     

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: © 2014 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.

  • Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

    When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine. 

    DSC_2905 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

    DSC_2876 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

    Mumm Napa says, 

    “If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

    DSC_2908 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

    This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea. 

    You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here:  Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

    DSC_2917 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price. 

    And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

    Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

    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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

    When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine. 

    DSC_2905 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

    DSC_2876 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

    Mumm Napa says, 

    “If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

    DSC_2908 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

    This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea. 

    You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here:  Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

    DSC_2917 - Version 22014-06-14- California-sparkling-wine-mumm-napa-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price. 

    And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

    Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

    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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar. 

    1-A.ThomasWalshCMYK

    "Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

    Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

    1-WilliamThomasSerpDressTable

    Dressing Table by William Thomas

    You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style. 

    1-BradWolcott_Adagio
    Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

    QUICK FACTS:

    Title:  Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Dates:  Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

    Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

    Exhibit Hours:  10am to 7pm daily

    Admission:  Free

    Opening reception:  Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

    Handicap access: No

    Parking:  Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

    Nearest T stops:  Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

    Website:     http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

    View book:  http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

    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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
    Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

  • Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar. 

    1-A.ThomasWalshCMYK

    "Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

    Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

    1-WilliamThomasSerpDressTable

    Dressing Table by William Thomas

    You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style. 

    1-BradWolcott_Adagio
    Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

    QUICK FACTS:

    Title:  Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Dates:  Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

    Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

    Exhibit Hours:  10am to 7pm daily

    Admission:  Free

    Opening reception:  Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

    Handicap access: No

    Parking:  Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

    Nearest T stops:  Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

    Website:     http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

    View book:  http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

    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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
    Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

  • Robiola di Capra Incavolata: Goat Cheese Wrapped in Cabbage

    Robiola-incavolata

    What is aging to perfection inside this intriguing cabbage wrapper? A wonderful goat cheese called Robiola di Capra Incavolata from the Italian Piedmont region.

    IMG_7553 - Version 22014-07-19-robiola-Incavolata-cheese-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    On a recent visit to South End Formaggio, I asked the cheesemonger what was really special in the case that day and he was quick to point out a fully ripened half wheel of this beauty. Formaggio says this cheese is really special when it's ripe. In their cheese notes they say:

    "As it ages, the cheese starts to mellow and through contact with the leaves, it develops an vegetal strength in its aroma and flavor. At its ripest, it oozes out through the leaves.  If you're lucky enough to get one at this stage, serve it up on a sloped plate to catch all the gooey goodness."

    The cabbage was no longer green and the cheese inside was runny and full flavored. We spread it on the our favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers and savored each bite. 

    IMG_7544 - Version 22014-07-19-robiola-Incavolata-cheese-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The label from Formaggio said it was a mixture of goat and cow, but most of what we've found about this cheese says it is goat. No matter, it is delicious and it has introduced us to a full range of Robiola cheese variations that we will now explore. 

    Here is a great article about this cheese from Janet Fletcher at SFGate. We are big fans of her cheese coverage. Cabbage leaf a nice cheese-wrapping resource.

    And, here are other posts from our Cheese Collection!

    What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Top photo photo courtesy of Formaggio Kitchen.

  • Robiola di Capra Incavolata: Goat Cheese Wrapped in Cabbage

    Robiola-incavolata

    What is aging to perfection inside this intriguing cabbage wrapper? A wonderful goat cheese called Robiola di Capra Incavolata from the Italian Piedmont region.

    IMG_7553 - Version 22014-07-19-robiola-Incavolata-cheese-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    On a recent visit to South End Formaggio, I asked the cheesemonger what was really special in the case that day and he was quick to point out a fully ripened half wheel of this beauty. Formaggio says this cheese is really special when it's ripe. In their cheese notes they say:

    "As it ages, the cheese starts to mellow and through contact with the leaves, it develops an vegetal strength in its aroma and flavor. At its ripest, it oozes out through the leaves.  If you're lucky enough to get one at this stage, serve it up on a sloped plate to catch all the gooey goodness."

    The cabbage was no longer green and the cheese inside was runny and full flavored. We spread it on the our favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers and savored each bite. 

    IMG_7544 - Version 22014-07-19-robiola-Incavolata-cheese-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The label from Formaggio said it was a mixture of goat and cow, but most of what we've found about this cheese says it is goat. No matter, it is delicious and it has introduced us to a full range of Robiola cheese variations that we will now explore. 

    Here is a great article about this cheese from Janet Fletcher at SFGate. We are big fans of her cheese coverage. Cabbage leaf a nice cheese-wrapping resource.

    And, here are other posts from our Cheese Collection!

    What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Top photo photo courtesy of Formaggio Kitchen.

  • Advent Artist on Beacon Hill

    -painer-church-advent-beacon-hill-PMC_8484-painter-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    “Every picture shows a spot with which the artist has fallen in love.” Alfred Sisley (Impressionist landscape painter 1839-1899) 

    From a quiet spot across Mount Vernon Street, this artist created her impression of the Church of the Advent in Beacon Hill.

    What's on your Artistic shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2014 Penny Cherubino