Thursday, March 27, 2014

How to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

Living at Parkside Commons has many perks including our fitness center, seasonal swimming pools, and our eco-friendly buildings. One amenity that is often taken for granted is the kitchen 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 tips on how to save money while grocery shopping!

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 $100’s 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 Parkside Commons in New England!


Here is a list of local grocery stores 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! 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Favorite Crock Pot Recipe for Parkside Commons

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 sounds too tasty to be true. This recipe for Bacon Wrapped Apple Barbecue Chicken may take a little longer to cook but just listing the flavors can make your mouth water.



Here is what you need:
3-4 chicken breasts
½ cup barbecue sauce
1-2 apples, peeled and grated
Juice of 1 lemon
6-8 slices of bacon
Here is how you make it:

Step1: In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, grated apple, and lemon juice.
Step 2: Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry. Wrap 2 pieces of bacon around each chicken breast half.
Step 3: Place wrapped chicken in a greased 4-5 quart slow cooker and top with BBQ sauce mixture.
Step 4: Set to low and cook for 8 hours.


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

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Let's Hit the Road!

Hey Parkside Commons residents! Whether you’re a mechanic, a driver, or just a fan of cars, here’s one event you can’t miss out on. The World of Wheels Auto Show is sure to re-ignite your love for the Auto Industry.  The event features auto heavy hitters such as super mechanic Gene Winfield, who is known for his legendary customizing skills, who will be working his magic live during the show all weekend.



The show also features Moto-Rama, featuring some of the most traditional car parts such as rods, customs and bobbers. The show also has Craig Dolan’s classic 1954 Chevy 3100 pickup on display, cleverly named “Rustardo.” The event’s biggest guest appearances include: WWE Wrestler Sheamus, Wrestling superstar Shawn Michaels, and Kate and Dale, co-hosts of History Channel’s American Restorations. The event even features a pin-up girl contest!


The World of Wheels Auto Show is March 28th-31st at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. Student career day is Friday with a $10 discounted admission for students ($15 w/ lunch included) from 3pm – 10pm. Regular admission for adults is $18 ($5 for children age 6-12), and the event is begins at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. So if you’re looking to see some of the hottest cars in New England to enjoy your weekend, check out the World of Wheels auto show! 

Meet the Staff, Property Manager Jessica!

We hope you've noticed our efforts in bringing more events and good times to The Commons! One person has spearheaded these efforts along with the rest of the Parkside staff, and we’re so happy to say that Jessica, your property manager – is the first of the Commons crew to be featured in our new “Meet the Staff” blog series!

How long have you been working at The Commons Highlight
I have been working at Parkside Commons for 10 months. I have been with Corcoran Management for almost 4 years.

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property? Highlight
My favorite part of working at a Corcoran community is the opportunity to meet new people every day.

Best thing a resident or coworker has ever brought into the office? Highlight
Arancini

Favorite Movie Highlight
My favorite movie is The Notebook.

Favorite thing to do when not at work? Highlight
Favorite thing to do when I'm not at work is spending time with my dog Bentley, fiancé, family and friends.

What three words best describe you? Highlight

Caring, fun, spontaneous

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

Get a Taste of Spring at the Boston Flower & Garden Show

Spring is in the air…or at least a taste of it. Typical of New England, warm weather comes and goes—leaving us wanting more warmth and sunshine. Early signs of spring include buds sprouting on the trees, snow piles melting and runners training for the marathon. 

With spring on the way, why not get out and literally smell the flowers? The annual Boston Flower & Garden Show, at the Seaport World Trade Center from March 12th-16th features a great theme, Romance in the Garden.

Heimlich Nurseries 2013 Display, (Courtesy Boston Flower & Garden Show)

This event is ideal for those who have an appreciation for, or want to develop an understanding about, beautiful floral designs. This event inspires you and gives you ideas to make your apartment, home, and where applicable, outdoor space, lush and colorful.  You will be amazed by the way nurseries, horticulturists and amateur gardening enthusiasts transform the Trade Center.

The Garden Show is much more than flower arrangements, you will see everything from a Garden of Cakes—where a Sweet Tooth meets a Green Thumb; freestanding gardens inspired by a romantic novel, movie or song; an exhibit using bicycles as floral containers; as well as amateur competitions in a variety of divisions.  

Garden of Cakes, (Courtesy of Boston Flower & Garden Show)

Aside from inspiring and impressing, the Flower & Garden Show will give you a chance to learn. There is a full program of daily lectures, how-to demos, and hands-on workshops!  For a full listing of subjects and times visit the Boston Flower & Garden Show website.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, $17 for seniors and can be purchased online or at the event.


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

St. Patrick’s Day in the Greater Boston Area


As a resident of Massachusetts, you’re likely preparing for one of the most celebrated holidays in our state. With a population of over 23% Irish residents, St. Patrick’s Day is a day full of celebration, great food and fun! We want to help our Parkside Commons residents find the best way to celebrate so we’ve compiled a list of festive activities!

Dropkick Murphy’s at the House of Blues
The Dropkick Murphy’s are returning home to Boston after a year-long World Tour this St. Patrick’s Day. They will invade the Lansdowne locations for five shows in just four days from Thursday March 13th to Sunday March 16th. If you don’t have tickets yet you can still try to get them online or at Stubhub. You can also visit McGreevy’s on Boylston St. before or after the shows, a bar that the Dropkick Murphy’s featured in their song “Tessie” and visit frequently. Either way your weekend can be filled with anything and everything Irish if you find yourself at one of these shows!


2014 St. Patrick’s Day Road Race presented by the South Boston Boys and Girls Club
The South Boston Boys and Girls Club is hosting a 5K road race on Sunday March 16th, 2014. The race will start at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. The race benefits the South Boston Club’s Keystone Teen Leadership Program which keeps teens off the streets. By running this race you can contribute to you’re the Massachusetts community and not feel guilty about all the fish and chips you will consume the next day! Register Now Here!




South End Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
If you have never been to the South End St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston you are missing out, and if you go every year then convince your neighbor to experience it with you this year! With the MBTA Commuter Rail just a few minutes away you can take a day trip into Boston to enjoy the Irish culture and celebrations. The parade starts at 1 PM and the parade route can be found here. The South End is also filled with cool Irish bars where you can continue the celebration after the parade!