Tag: information

MGH Advice and Resources on How to Maintain Good Brain Health

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is more than just our choice for healthcare when we aren't feeling well. It has become our resource for information and programs to stay healthy. A recent article on what you can do to maintain good brain health was important enough for us to share as our Friday Link, this week.

Most of you who take the time to read a site like BostonZest are already doing a lot of things suggested here. Many of the tips have to do with leading a healthy lifestyle. But we want to make you aware of this research center, the Institute for Brain Health, at MGH should you fall into one of the groups that are the focus of their work.

They describe the Institute for Brain Health as,

"An initiative conceived by experts from across the neurosciences, the Institute for Brain Health serves two groups of patients: those at high risk for brain disease and those who are highly motivated to preserve brain function. Our patients gain access to all of the clinical neurosciences at Mass General, as well as our therapists, nutritionists and clinicians from the Benson Henry Institute.

Should you, or someone you care about, need these services, we can attest to the great care and programs provided by the experts at MGH.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 18, 2017
Organize Your Furry Family Members

It’s amazing how much stuff a dog or cat requires. Food, treats, leashes, collars, halters, medications, shampoos, toys, travel crates, and other equipment can take over a good part of a small city home.

Whether you have an older dog or a young pup, organizing their stuff will make everyone’s life easier.

The Right Place

A neighbor noticed the hook on our front door that holds our Poppy’s halter and leash. Not only does this spot put these tethers where we use them on a routine basis, but they are also exactly where we would want them in an emergency.

A friend with cats once had to do a fast exit when an alarm sounded. That required finding her cat carriers and getting the cats into them. That experience made her rethink where she stored the bags between trips to the vet.

We have a travel toiletry kit that holds everything we need for routine dog care or first aid. It also holds Poppy’s heartworm and flea medications and a few items we like to have along when we travel. That bag goes with us when we hit the road.

At home, dog toys live within Poppy's reach in the bottom basket of a three-tier storage stand near Ed’s desk. The upper levels hold a supply of pick up bags and bottles of water that we grab to go on walks.

Nearby, a covered wicker basket holds a supply of oversized towels for when we arrive home with a wet dog or to put down to protect our furniture and rugs when Poppy enjoys a chew treat.

Food Storage

When you live in an urban setting, rodent control is a factor in many decisions. In city homes, consider storing dry dog and cat food in secure, rodent-proof containers. Most of our dog’s food is kept in our freezer, but treats and some freeze-dried food like her Dr Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl is kept in glass mason jars.

Paperwork

Our puppy paperwork is in two places. Paper copies of important documents are in a notebook we can take to a veterinary emergency hospital at a moment’s notice. A second set of documents and complete records of all her medical care is scanned and stored in the cloud so we can access it from our phones. This can be of great value if you ever have to visit a veterinary hospital other than the one that already has your records.

Take a look around and see if you're happy with the organization of your dog or cat supplies, food, and information. And, if you have a great idea on this topic you'd like to share, you can add it to the comments below or send it to us @BostonZest on Twitter.

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: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

July 23, 2017
Organize Your Furry Family Members

It’s amazing how much stuff a dog or cat requires. Food, treats, leashes, collars, halters, medications, shampoos, toys, travel crates, and other equipment can take over a good part of a small city home.

Whether you have an older dog or a young pup, organizing their stuff will make everyone’s life easier.

The Right Place

A neighbor noticed the hook on our front door that holds our Poppy’s halter and leash. Not only does this spot put these tethers where we use them on a routine basis, but they are also exactly where we would want them in an emergency.

A friend with cats once had to do a fast exit when an alarm sounded. That required finding her cat carriers and getting the cats into them. That experience made her rethink where she stored the bags between trips to the vet.

We have a travel toiletry kit that holds everything we need for routine dog care or first aid. It also holds Poppy’s heartworm and flea medications and a few items we like to have along when we travel. That bag goes with us when we hit the road.

At home, dog toys live within Poppy's reach in the bottom basket of a three-tier storage stand near Ed’s desk. The upper levels hold a supply of pick up bags and bottles of water that we grab to go on walks.

Nearby, a covered wicker basket holds a supply of oversized towels for when we arrive home with a wet dog or to put down to protect our furniture and rugs when Poppy enjoys a chew treat.

Food Storage

When you live in an urban setting, rodent control is a factor in many decisions. In city homes, consider storing dry dog and cat food in secure, rodent-proof containers. Most of our dog’s food is kept in our freezer, but treats and some freeze-dried food like her Dr Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl is kept in glass mason jars.

Paperwork

Our puppy paperwork is in two places. Paper copies of important documents are in a notebook we can take to a veterinary emergency hospital at a moment’s notice. A second set of documents and complete records of all her medical care is scanned and stored in the cloud so we can access it from our phones. This can be of great value if you ever have to visit a veterinary hospital other than the one that already has your records.

Take a look around and see if you're happy with the organization of your dog or cat supplies, food, and information. And, if you have a great idea on this topic you'd like to share, you can add it to the comments below or send it to us @BostonZest on Twitter.

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: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

July 23, 2017
Winter 2017 Edible Boston – Time to Pick Up a Copy While You Shop Their Supporters

This edition of Edible Boston is another gem. It's full of the people, places, flavors, recipes, and products that you will want to add to your shopping list or make for dinner.

In her Letter from the Editor, managing editor Sarah Blackburn encourages us not only to "Eat Local," but also to join the Edible team and use the hashtag #EatLocalMA in the new year.

Read with Shopping List in Hand

As much as I think I may know about the local food scene, I have already dogeared my preview copy to return to articles and advertisements for local food suppliers. I've learned to read this publication with my shopping list in hand.

The article about Celeste Croxton-Tate of Lyndigo Spice has me craving her chutneys.

Read and Learn

Would you like to know why Drumlin Farms is not washing the root vegetables they are putting in storage for the winter?

Are you looking for some new Brussels sprouts recipes without bacon?

Are you already a fan of Matt Jennings or David Epstein and would like to know more about these two local talents?

Want a new cocktail recipe and a few words of wisdom from Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli?

Pick up this issue and your holiday wishes will be granted!

Support the Talented Edible Boston 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: Courtesy of Edible Boston

Related articles

Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

December 16, 2016
Winter 2017 Edible Boston – Time to Pick Up a Copy While You Shop Their Supporters

This edition of Edible Boston is another gem. It's full of the people, places, flavors, recipes, and products that you will want to add to your shopping list or make for dinner.

In her Letter from the Editor, managing editor Sarah Blackburn encourages us not only to "Eat Local," but also to join the Edible team and use the hashtag #EatLocalMA in the new year.

Read with Shopping List in Hand

As much as I think I may know about the local food scene, I have already dogeared my preview copy to return to articles and advertisements for local food suppliers. I've learned to read this publication with my shopping list in hand.

The article about Celeste Croxton-Tate of Lyndigo Spice has me craving her chutneys.

Read and Learn

Would you like to know why Drumlin Farms is not washing the root vegetables they are putting in storage for the winter?

Are you looking for some new Brussels sprouts recipes without bacon?

Are you already a fan of Matt Jennings or David Epstein and would like to know more about these two local talents?

Want a new cocktail recipe and a few words of wisdom from Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli?

Pick up this issue and your holiday wishes will be granted!

Support the Talented Edible Boston 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: Courtesy of Edible Boston

Related articles

Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

December 16, 2016
Pick Up Your Fall 2016 Edible Boston and the New To Market Publication

My preview copy of Edible Boston's fall 2016 issue arrived with a copy of the brand new publication from the Edible team, To Market.

I recommend that you pick up both of these great sources of information and intelligent writing on the local food scene.

Publisher Ilene Bezahler explained the scope of her new venture in a press release. "To Market will take a regional approach to local food but with the added impact of tackling policy issues, exploring trends across state lines and how the New England states interact to form a vibrant regional food economy."

One great example in the current issue is the article, Craft Cider Is the Next Craft Beer. Who knew there were 72 cideries in New England? And, as one who does love craft cider, it was a pleasure to learn more about its history and clip the page to keep the list of a few local ciders that I should try.

Ilene indicated that Edible Boston would continue to focus on seasonal, local food but will be able to shift more towards foods grown, prepared, and preserved in Boston area homes.

In the fall issue, Andrea Pyenson's article, Soup course with Governor Michael Dukakis, shows us the food and nurturing side of a man we admire for so many non-food reasons.

Edible Boston is a local business, too.

And they can also use your support. Here's what I always say about that.

How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

Here's where you can pick up a copy.

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!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston Photos by the extremely talented Michael Piazza

October 12, 2016
Pick Up Your Fall 2016 Edible Boston and the New To Market Publication

My preview copy of Edible Boston's fall 2016 issue arrived with a copy of the brand new publication from the Edible team, To Market.

I recommend that you pick up both of these great sources of information and intelligent writing on the local food scene.

Publisher Ilene Bezahler explained the scope of her new venture in a press release. "To Market will take a regional approach to local food but with the added impact of tackling policy issues, exploring trends across state lines and how the New England states interact to form a vibrant regional food economy."

One great example in the current issue is the article, Craft Cider Is the Next Craft Beer. Who knew there were 72 cideries in New England? And, as one who does love craft cider, it was a pleasure to learn more about its history and clip the page to keep the list of a few local ciders that I should try.

Ilene indicated that Edible Boston would continue to focus on seasonal, local food but will be able to shift more towards foods grown, prepared, and preserved in Boston area homes.

In the fall issue, Andrea Pyenson's article, Soup course with Governor Michael Dukakis, shows us the food and nurturing side of a man we admire for so many non-food reasons.

Edible Boston is a local business, too.

And they can also use your support. Here's what I always say about that.

How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

Here's where you can pick up a copy.

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!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston Photos by the extremely talented Michael Piazza

October 12, 2016
What’s Happening Around Boston in Summer 2015 (July & August)

July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.

As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.

Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists

Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.

Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!

Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Events and Holidays in July and August

This year, July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website, this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.

Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Conventions

There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.

July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)

July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)

August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)

Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:

Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:

The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:

Summer Food Traditions

Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.

We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.

What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?

Related Posts

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in Summer 2015 (July & August)

July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.

As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.

Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists

Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.

Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!

Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Events and Holidays in July and August

This year, July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website, this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.

Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Conventions

There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.

July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)

July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)

August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)

Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:

Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:

The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:

Summer Food Traditions

Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.

We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.

What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?

Related Posts

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2015
Tips and Links for Dealing with Allergy Season
Everything is coming into bloom all at once and the experts are saying that this means a rough time for those of us with allergies. Here are some of our coping mechanisms and links to help you find more advice.

Set Your Goals

As you visit the various links we provide below, you'll find that setting a few allergy battle goals may help you follow through on tips and think of a few new ways to stay ahead of the issue.
- Know the Enemy: If you suffer, then you should have a basic idea of how allergies work and how you can lessen your misery. This can mean choosing the time of day when you exercise or simply knowing which allergens impact your life and tracking when they are out and about.
- Keep Them Out: There are lots of things you can do to filter, remove, or leave outside your home the particles that make you suffer.
- Treat the Symptoms: Talk to your doctor about your best approach to treating allergies. Depending on the severity of your reaction, you may need to premedicate to stay ahead of the problem. However, those with milder cases may be able to just treat the symptom or symptoms that bother them most.
Know the Enemy

The Mayo clinic is one site we turn to for medical advice. They have published: Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud for those who just want a light version of allergy information. For a deeper look at the issue, we recommend the National Institutes of Health information on Allergic Rhinitis.

Keep the Allergens Out

We do a lot of simple things to avoid bringing the particles that bother us into our home. We use Ultra Allergen Reduction Filters in our heat pump. We use a vacuum with HEPA filtration to clean our home. Our outdoor shoes stay in our entry area and this time of year we may change clothes or at least wipe down ourselves and our dog when we come back from a walk in the pollen laden air.

Treat the Symptoms

We both fall on the take-as-little-medication-as-possible side of the treatment spectrum. If rinsing with a neti pot will help, we'd rather do that than take any medication that may have side effects.

Links to More Tips

Boston-based writer Jacqueline Church has a great post on this topic. With some serious allergy issues of her own, Jackie is someone we depend on for expert advice on this topic and on food allergies.

Top Ten Tips to Ease Allergy Symptoms During Pollen Season – AKA Spring

We addressed the issue of allergies, when both you and your dog suffer, in our post:

Allergy Season Tips for Dog Lovers

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology has great tips on their site:

Cleaning Tips for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

From the Atlantic's City Lab comes a post that includes what a city can do to help with this problem.

The Complete Guide to Fighting Seasonal Allergies Where You Live

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: © 2011-2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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What's Happening Around Boston in April 2015

SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

Doin' the Pothole Dance!
April 23, 2015