Thursday, March 27, 2014

Looking for Last Minute Deals?

Do you wait until the last minute to make plans? This blog entry is for you. Thanks to online deals, it pays off to be spontaneous. While many people won't do anything without planning first, spontaneous decisions for nights out, trips and outings can make for incredibly fun experiences. Here are a few examples:

Last Minute Tickets:
  • BostTix – Whether planning a quick date, entertaining a client or looking to surprise the family, BosTix is a great place for last minute and ½ price theater, music, dance and comedy tickets.  For example, tickets to the Boston Ballet’s Cinderella performance are available for $38 on BosTix, compared with the $73 full price.
  • Score Big – This site allows you to bid on tickets for professional sporting events, as well music and theater for below box office prices. Be sure to factor in service fees to determine whether or not you are getting a good deal.
  • Craigslist – It's important to always take caution when using this site, but it is where most ticket-holders unload their seats at the last minute, and generally for a discounted price. 


Last Minute Travel:
  • Hotel Tonight – This is a must-have app on your smartphone for anybody who falls into the ‘spontaneous’ category.  Hotels promote unsold rooms and display the best values in the area you are searching.  Rooms can be securely booked using the app without any hassles.
  • Last Minute Travel – Visit this website for everything from hotels, flights, cruises, car rentals and vacation homes. 
  • For last minute airfare deals visit Travel Zoo or Fare Compare, or call the airline you are interested in flying directly.


Whether your work schedule does not allow for advanced planning, you like to whisk away for the weekend, or out for just a night—try some of these sites and apps to get great deals on your last minute plans!


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Favorite Crock Pot Recipe

Despite it being the first day of spring last Thursday, it looks like the New England is going to be hit with another snow storm today. It’s okay though! This storm will give you a chance to experiment with some warm, yummy dishes in your crock pot! Here is a recipe that is different than your typical meaty dish made in a crock pot. This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a light bite that you can make as an appetizer before dinner or even for a snowed in party. You could even bring it down to the clubroom and share it with other residents!



Here is what you need:
2-12oz packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained
1 small onion
1 bunch green onions, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2-8oz packages cream cheese
2-14oz cans artichoke hearts
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon horseradish
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup sliced canned jalapenos, drained (optional)
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Here is how to make it:
Step 1:  Add spinach, onion, green onions, and garlic to bowl of a 12 cup food processor.  Cover and pulse until well blended.

Step 2:  Add cream cheese, artichoke hearts, and spices to spinach mixture.  Cover and pulse again until well blended.

Step 3:  Add parmesan cheese, jalapenos, and mozzarella cheese.  Cover and pulse again until well blended.

Step 4:  Transfer mixture to crockpot.  Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once or twice, then keep warm.  Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or baguette slices.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 4 hour(s)


Find more of our favorite crock pot recipes at 
http://www.livingwellspendingless.com.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

Living at Shrewsbury Commons has many perks including our fitness center, seasonal swimming pools, and WiFi library. One amenity that is often taken for granted is the fully appliance kitchens right inside your apartment. With your own kitchen there is no need to spend extra money going out to eat. Instead you can cook home-made gourmet meals in the comfort of your home. Cooking at home can save you large amounts of money, especially if done properly. Here are some of our favorite tips for saving money at the grocery store!

Start couponing.
Couponing can seem like a daunting or pointless task sometimes but what is better than saving money just by cutting paper? You can find coupons in your weekly Sunday paper and can save them up for one big trip a month or cut them out each week based on what you need.  By cutting and saving coupons you can save upwards to hundreds of dollars. So when you receive this week’s Sunday paper don’t recycle the coupons. Instead see if there are any coupons for food you need for upcoming meals or weeks and start saving!

Make a list.
The reason most people end up over spending when they go grocery shopping is because they roam the grocery store aisle by aisle and discover items they don’t need. These impulsive purchases can add up though. Therefore before leaving for the grocery store make a quick list of the items you really need for this week’s meals. This will also help you effectively grocery shop. If you come across an item you forgot on your list don’t worry, but with a list at least you can leave the store and won’t get home to realize you forgot to pick up milk.

Buy bulk when it makes sense.
There are certain items in every household that are consumed almost every day. Whether its pasta, soup or even snacks for some reason these items can’t stay in your pantry. When these items are on sale this is your time to bulk up. You never know when the next sale will be and this is a chance to save money on an item you know you will eat. This is especially important with non-perishable items or paper products. Make sure you always consider the amount of space in your apartment though because you don’t want to be living in a grocery store of your own.

Purchase in season fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, they are expensive in general, especially in off seasons. Therefore, in order to save money purchase fruits and vegetables based on the best seasons for production. For example, strawberries have the best flavor during the spring and summer. In result, they are more expensive and aren’t as flavorful in the winter months. By purchasing your produce during the peak seasons you will not only save money but also experience the most tasty fruits and vegetables.

Time your trip wisely.
If you are trying to save money while food shopping, you should avoid shopping during a meal time or even worse on an empty stomach. Shopping for food can result in impulse buys and will distract you from what you really came to buy. Shopping around 10 a.m. is a perfect time because you’ve probably already eaten a meal and beat the afternoon crowds promising for a less expensive and stressful grocery trip. If you ever have the urge to shop on an empty stomach try to stop yourself because it will likely end in your spending extra money and indulging on the food you just bought when you get home.

Grocery shopping can be an expensive part of life, but with these tips and tricks you can help manage your money and maybe even save up for a weekend getaway from Shrewsbury Commons in New England!

Here is a list of local grocery stores and markets to check out in the area! From specialty stores to supermarkets, you will definitely want to check out all the stores have to offer. Don't limit yourself to just one store- find your best deals and where the best places to splurge actually are. With that, it's time to get shopping! 

1. Super Stop and Shop 
539 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

2. Price Chopper 
731 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

3. Trader Joe's 
77 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

4. Shaw's Supermarket 
50 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

5. Regatta Deli Whole Foods 
6 Hartford Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

6. Horton's Supermarket 
117 Clinton St, Shrewsbury, MA

7. Desi Market 
1000 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

8. Go Supermarket 
114 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA

9. Weepin' Willies 

160 Boston Tpke,Shrewsbury, MA

Friday, March 14, 2014

This St. Patrick’s Day, Savor The Luck of the Irish—One Tasty Treat At A Time

Who needs traditional corned beef and cabbage with a side of soda bread this St. Patrick’s Day? It’s easy to have bring a little Irish fun into the kitchen. Whether throwing a St. Paddy’s themed bash or making fun treats with the kids over the weekend, here are a few recipes that will put a smile in your Irish eyes!


BREAKFAST

Forget green eggs and ham! Start off your St. Paddy’s day morning with bright green pancakes. This recipe is gluten-free, but any instant pancake mix can be used.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Bisquick Gluten Free mix (or mix of your choice)
  • 1 cup rice milk (or other milk of your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • green gel food coloring until you get the desired green color
Directions:
  1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375°F. Grease griddle or skillet with oil or butter.
  2. In large bowl, stir all ingredients until well blended.
  3. For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until bubbles form on top and edges are dry. Flip and cook until golden brown.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of TwentyOne No Gluten)

SNACK

Give this simple snack a sweet Irish twist with a drizzle of a brown sugar mixture and a few drops of green food dye. This is a great recipe if you need something to bring to a party or, cut the recipe in half if you want a festive bowl of popcorn to share with your family.

Ingredients:
  • 4 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter
  • 8-10 drops green food coloring
Directions:
  1. Place popcorn in a large roasting pan; keep warm in a 250° oven. Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugars, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 260° (hard-ball stage).
  2. Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Stir in food coloring. Drizzle over warm popcorn and toss to coat. Cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Home)

DESSERT

These cupcakes are certainly more fun than rum-raisin rice pudding—and take less than an hour to prepare and bake!

Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups oil
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon green food coloring
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:
  1. Combine eggs, sugar, oil and vinegar in bowl.
  2. Mix well.
  3. Sift flour and baking soda together.
  4. Add to egg mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Blend in vanilla and food coloring.
  6. Pour into 3 greased and floured 8 " cake pans.
  7. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
  8. Cool
  9. Frost with a frosting if your choice—and for some extra luck—top with edible gold dust

(Recipe courtesy of Food.com)

DRINK

For some, March means McDonald’s has brought back the popular Shamrock Shake. You can make this minty concoction in your kitchen. All you need is a blender! (For lactose-free shakes, substitute milk and ice cream with soy or rice products.)

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1 ¼ cups 2% low-fat milk
  • ¼ teaspoon mint extract
  • 8 drops green food coloring
Directions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
  2. Stop blender to stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend ice cream.
  3. Pour into 12-ounce cups and serve each with a straw
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Operation: Closet Cleanout

Spring cleaning starts with washing the baseboards and windows, dry cleaning the curtains and wiping down the blinds…but eventually, it is time to get serious about that closet of yours. Yes, we’re talking about making room for shorts, bathing suits, and tank tops. To get there, we must complete the dreaded task of emptying drawers and arranging hangers. Since all of us have to do this, we might as well make a difference by donating all of our unneeded items to charity!

It’s wise to decide which charity or homeless shelter you will donate your items before digging into the closet. This eases the tough process of whether that sweater you wear once a year or your significant other’s tweedy jacket is a ‘keeper’ or goes into the ‘donate’ pile.

To help get you started, we have compiled a list of local charities in the Shrewsbury area that accept donated items, including some that will arrange for pickup of items at the Commons. (See the list at the end of this post.)

OK, so what’s the best way to make the tough closet calls? Here are a few simple questions to help you decide.

  • Ask yourself, “How often do wear I wear this?” and “When was the last time I wore this?” If the answers are “once in a blue moon” and “two years ago?”, the item is perfect for donation. Keep in mind the 2-year rule: Haven’t worn it in 2 years = Get rid of it!
  • Ask yourself, “Do I like the way I look in this?”
  •  Ask yourself, “Is this item too worn to be useful?” When the answer is yes, be sure to dispose of it. Charities need useable wardrobe items, not rags.

Once these questions are done, it’s time to finish the job. Set up donation pick-ups immediately so that you don’t have second thoughts that send you diving into your neatly organized donation pile the next day.
Once your closet is clear of clutter, it’s time to organize. Start by splurging on hangers.  Your closet will never look neat and organized if you rely on a mishmash of dry cleaner and department store hangers.  Padded hangers or wooden hangers are durable, better for clothing and best for organizing. Be sure to arrange by silhouette, color and most importantly, items (i.e., keep your pants together, skirts together, work shirts together).

Remember: making your closets clean and accessible makes for smoother mornings – and provides an added bonus of helping others. That’s a win-win we all can appreciate!

Shrewsbury area charities:
·         Big Brother Big Sister Foundation – Collects all gently used clothing and small house-ware items.  Call (800) 483-5503 to schedule a pick-up.
·         Andy’s Attic – The local charity is seeking gently used clothing for teenagers.  Email info@andysattic.org to arrange a time for drop-off.
·         Epilepsy Foundation – This organization collects gently used clothing, small furniture and household items.  Call (888) 322-8209 to schedule a pick-up.
·         St. Anne’s Human Services – this thrift shop is located in the basement of St. Anne’s Church on Boston Turnkpike Rd in Shrewsbury.  It is open Wednesday – Saturday.

*Charities expect your donated items to be free of stains, holes, pilling and overall signs of wear.  They also ask that they be clean and ready to be worn by the next person.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Staff Profile - Ed Sullivan

As we get ready for spring and more people moving into The Commons, we thought it would be a great opportunity for all our residents at The Commons to learn more about our staff! First up? Our stellar Property Manager, Ed Sullivan. You’ve likely heard him cracking jokes or following up on your maintenance request, this rock star Corcoran team member can do it all. We applaud him for earning his Certified Property Manager designation last year, so he can better serve you!

Ed started his career with Corcoran Management Company way back in April of 1999 and has worked and managed some of Corcoran's largest properties over his 15-year career.

“Not only do I manage the 384 apartments at Shrewsbury Commons I also manage two condominium properties. I earned my Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation in 2013. I have been recognized by my peers by being nominated and receiving Corcoran Managements Meet the Mission Award which is given to employees whose superior performance demonstrates the qualities required to meet or exceed the goals outlined in our company Mission Statement.”

How long have you been working at The Commons
I have been working at Shrewsbury Commons for the last 2 1/2 years. I have been with Corcoran Management Company for almost 15 years.

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property?
You get to meet a lot of new people.

Tell us your favorite coworker/resident story
A coworker's friend prank called him and had him go through his spiel. At the end of the conversation he asked if there was a place to park his helicopter.

Favorite Movie
This is a tough one but I'm going to have to go with Braveheart.

Favorite Band / Musician
I don't have a favorite band or musician but I do enjoy all types of music.

Favorite thing to do when not at work?
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family.

What three words best describe you?

Honest, fair and witty.