Category: Lifestyle
5 Ways to Save on Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner
We’re about two weeks away from the big day! If you’re hosting this year you’re probably getting your final headcount, making a menu and cleaning for visitors. Hosting a holiday can certainly be expensive but here are ten ways you can save this year.
1 – Ask your guests to bring something. Don’t try and do it all yourself. If you supply the turkey then ask your guests to bring the sides and dessert. This will save you both time and money.
2 – Want a fancy table? Head to your local Dollar Store for some decor. You can find cloth napkins, greenery, LED candles and more that will help your table look beautiful on a budget.
3 – Limit your drink menu. Don’t try to personalize your bar menu by having something specific for each person on your list. Instead stick to two beverage options and water.
4 – Wait for local deals before buying your turkey. A lot of grocery stores will have sales on turkeys before the big day. Check out your local paper for inserts that announce the sales.
5 – Having guests stay over for the weekend? Don’t go crazy trying to prepare a fancy guestroom. Add some travel toiletries in a basket in your bathroom. This will let your guests feel welcome and right at home.
5 Spooky Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
We love Salem, Massachusetts this time of year! There are lots of Haunted Happenings all month long and with Halloween being only 4 days away now is the best time to pay a visit! We’ve done our research and asked our residents at Princeton Crossing and come up with a list of the best Halloween attractions to visit in Salem this year.
2 – Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours
3 – Mahi Mahi Halloween Cruises
5 – Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
10 Ways To Get Into the Halloween Spirit
Halloween is just about 3 weeks away and it’s time to get into the spooky spirit (if you haven’t already). Here are ten ways you can feel festive and celebrate the upcoming holiday.
1 – Pick out some pumpkins and carve them. Put battery-operated candles in them to make them last even longer. Display your pumpkins on your porch, patio or balcony.
2 – Have a scary movie marathon. Whether you like the horror movies like A Nightmare on Elm Street or the silly cult classics like Hocus Pocus, carve out (see what we did there) some time this weekend to watch your favorites!
3 – Watch a Halloween-inspired baking show (like Halloween Baking Championship on Food Network) and test your novice skills baking a Halloween dish!
4 – Head down to your local costume shop and pick out a costume. Even if you aren’t attending a party this year, it’s fun to dress up to hand out candy to trick or treaters.
5 – Speaking of trick or treaters, get in the spirit early by picking up some fun-sized treats to hand out at your door. Feeling really crafty? Try putting together some fun mini gift bags for your neighbors who will be visiting.
6 – Throw an impromptu costume party! Invite a few friends over and get dressed up in your spooky-best. Hand out awards for the scariest, most creative and silliest costumes.
7 – Listen to some spooky music. Streaming stations like Pandora and Spotify have stations and playlists filled with Halloween-themed music. Listen along while you decorate your home for Halloween.
8 – If you live at or near Princeton Westford (and you’re brave), check out Witches Woods for a fun and spooky night of Halloween fun.
9 – Have a pet? Help them get festive by getting them a Halloween costume this year.
10 – Last but certainly not least, take a trip to Salem, MA! You will certainly feel in the Halloween spirit by visiting the Salem Witch Museum or attending Salem Horror Fest. While you’re in town, visit our friends at Princeton Crossing and say hi!
A Lot to Love About Maine – Casco Bay Lines
There’s a lot to love about Maine in the summer time. If you haven’t spent a weekend visiting Maine’s islands you should make plans before summer is over! Maine’s islands include Peaks Island, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island and Cliff Island. Getting to the islands is a quick and enjoyable ferry-ride away. Our residents at Foreside Estates and Princeton on Back Cove love jumping on Casco Bay Lines for a ride.
Whether you are visiting for a day, staying for vacation, or enjoying one of their scenic or music cruises – Casco Bay Lines is your fun and safe connection to the islands of Maine! The regularly-scheduled ferry operates 365 days a year. There are also lots of fun specialty cruises including a sunset and moonlight run. Learn more about the ferry and boat rides you can enjoy at Cascobaylines.com.
There’s Something for Everyone at Encore Boston Harbor
Glitz and glamour has arrived on a grand scale to the Mystic riverfront! The Encore Casino Boston Harbor officially opened it’s doors last month and it is an experience unlike any other. Only 1.5 miles away from our very own luxury apartment community, The Graphic, our residents are very excited about everything this grand new casino has to offer the area!
Whether you have a love for gambling. relaxation or delicious food, there is something for you to enjoy at Encore. Entering the casino you will find state-of-the-art slot machines, table games, poker tables, private gambling salons, high-limit gaming rooms, and a spectacular view of the action below. Dine in one of ten delicious restaurants and enjoy a night cap at one of their luxurious lounges.
Interested in staying the night? At Encore Boston Harbor, there are plenty of rooms and suites designed for a serene and stylish retreat. Awake in the morning and visit the spa for a relaxing treatment and finish your visit by browsing in the high-end shops.
Learn more about Encore Boston Harbor by visiting www.encorebostonharbor.com.
View photos and floorplans of The Graphic apartments in Charlestown, MA here.
A Lot to Love About Lowell – Lowell Summer Music Series
It’s summer time and there’s a lot to love about Lowell! Our residents in Lowell, MA love everything that the mill city has to offer this time of year – especially the Lowell Summer Music Series.
5 Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List
Tomorrow is the official start of summer! Get ready for longer, sunnier days ahead. If you haven’t created a summer bucket list yet, consider adding one (or all) of these great ideas.
1 – Learn something new. Keep your mind fresh this summer by learning a new skill! Always wanted to try a cooking class or learn to sew? Now is the time.
2 – Unplug from technology. Take a full day (or more if you’re able) away from your cell phone and social media. Have your family drop their cell phones in a basket and leave them there for 24 hours. Get outside, connect with each other and enjoy the company.
3 – Take an unplanned day trip. Get in the car with friends and drive. Stop along the way at any new shops, sites or restaurants you’ve never been to. It’s a great chance to find gems and places you may want to revisit again.
4 – Create a summer scrapbook. Start printing your iPhone photos and put them in a scrapbook you can look at years down the road.
5 – Read! If you haven’t found time lately in your schedule to dive into a good book, now is the time. Make it your goal to read at least one book before summer is over.
5 Recipes for Mother’s Day Brunch
Hosting a brunch for Mom this weekend? Try one of these delicious casserole recipes that you can make ahead so you can spend more time with Mom on Sunday…
2 – Everything Bagel Casserole
4 – Chocolate Chip Pancake Casserole
DIY Easter Bunny Pancakes
Surprise your kids on Easter morning with these adorable bunny pancakes! They are easy to make and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. Watch the video below to learn more.
DIY Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
There’s snow in the forecast for this weekend! Try cuddling up and staying warm with this easy and delicious DIY project!