Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Talking Turkey

Did you know you can call Butterball and ask any question you have pertaining to your Holiday feasts?
Give them a call at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8382) or email them at talkline@butterball.com throughout November and December.
Available-weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time)

Over the years, the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line experts have solved some puzzling turkey situations, like which pan to use, what to do when the turkey is on fire, and when to start roasting the turkey so it’s ready by halftime. They also have a page of their FAQ's.

Some Interesting Facts
  • When the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line opened twenty-nine years ago, six home economists responded to 11,000 phone calls in the first year alone.
  • These days, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line employs more than 50 professionally trained, college-educated home economists and nutritionists, who respond to more than 100,000 questions each November and December.
  • They’ve answered calls regarding how to cook for a whole firehouse, how to impress the in-laws, and how to serve international students their first American Thanksgiving dinner.
You can also get a bunch of great Holiday Recipe Ideas!

So Have a Great Thanksgiving and cook the perfect Turkey!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Shop Lexington First

There's nothing worse than knowing what you want, but shopping too late to find it. Start your shopping now and see the largest selection and have the most choices. You'll come across some great offers in places you won't expect.
For a list of participating vendors please visit: http://www.shoplexingtonfirst.com/start-your-shopping-early.html



Come watch as Santa rides a fire truck into Depot Square to turn on Lexington Center's holiday lights

Rudolph the Reindeer at Eagle Bank 5pm-6pm
Singing and refreshments in Emery Park 6pm
Santa arrives at 6:30pm



Still have items on that list? Lexington's merchants and restuarants have just the thing to reduce your stress. Our doors are open for evening shopping. We're rolling out the red carpet with snacks and treats and special offers. Local singers and musicians, on the streets and in our businesses, will put you in the holiday mood. Visit your favorite stores and take a moment to discover new ones.


Whether you are ready to finish your shopping,just beginning or looking for a night to escape the frenzy of the season, this is the night to Shop Lexington. Check out the great promotions and the Midnight Madness being offered. There's great dining for the perfect shopping break, and special offers left and right.



Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The History of Veterans Day


World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."




Friday, November 6, 2015

Create A Spa Out Of Your Lexington Bathroom!

Lexington Real Estate
With winter fast approaching, how nice does a warm bubble bath in a spa-like atmosphere sound? As your Lexington real estate agent, I’m not talking about going to an expensive spa in the area and spending big bucks. I’m talking about creating a spa in your very own Lexington home!

This could mean completing a full renovation on one of your bathrooms, or it could mean making small changes to create a spa-like ambiance. Not only will you stay cozy and comfortable this winter, but you will also increase the value of your Lexington home. Upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms, especially the master bath, create increases in value and more interest from Lexington homebuyers.

So, what changes can you make to your bathroom to create the peaceful atmosphere of a spa? Here are some recent suggestions from the Realtor Magazine blog:
  • Paint. Painting the walls in your home is one of the most inexpensive ways to spruce it up and add value, and this rings true in the bathroom as well. If you think about the color scheme of most spas, they are usually neutral and relaxing. Some great options include soft gray, rich brown or cucumber green. Always choose a washed-out, subtle version instead of a bright, stimulating tone, as the blog post suggests.
  • Scents. Every relaxing spa features relaxing scents that you notice as soon as you walk in the door! Recreate this in your bathroom by adding a candle, some dried lavender in a sachet or an essential oil diffuser with your favorite scents. Lavender is known for helping you to relax, so mix some in with Epsom salts next time you take a warm bath. You’ll feel truly at ease!
  • Lighting. Soft lighting is key for relaxation in a spa-like atmosphere. There is nothing peaceful about harsh fluorescent lights. However, you want bright lights for putting on makeup and checking your outfit, so the key here is options. Have one switch for soft lighting, and another for bright lighting over the mirror. If that isn’t an option, just light candles and turn off the lights when trying to relax.
  • Fixtures. The experts recommend either upgrading your out-of-date fixtures for an improved style and increased home value, or improve the looks of your current fixtures with spray paint. Textured paint can give your bathroom a whole new look and feel. If you do upgrade the features, start with a modern showerhead with numerous water features. You won’t be sorry!
  • Coordination. Organization and cohesion are also aspects of most spas. So if everything in your bathroom is mismatched, invest in some new towels, washcloths and a bath mat. Opt for soft and fluffy options, so you feel like you’re at the spa every time you get out of the shower or bath. Choose colors that match your paint scheme and shower curtain so that the whole room comes together.
Enjoy relaxing in your bathroom this winter! When ready to sell your Lexington home, or when ready to buy a Lexington home, contact me. As your Lexington real estate agent, I am here to help you accomplish your real estate goals year-round!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Your Lexington Fall Checklist

Fall is a good time to take care of big home repair projects before shorter days (and in Lexington MA, ice and snow) make outdoor work too difficult.  Take some time this fall to boost energy efficiency throughout your home, and prevent damage from winter storms with proper tree care (we spoke with an expert to find out what you need to do). Tick these 15 items off your list this season, and you can rest easy knowing that your home and yard are buttoned up and ready for winter.

1. Care for trees and shrubs. If you have trees on your property, consider hiring an arborist to care for them — these pros can spot signs of poor health early on to prevent tree loss, and know how to prune properly to avoid falling limbs in winter storms.

“The most important maintenance for a homeowner to do in the fall would be trimming [the] dead out of trees,” says Bryan Gilles, owner and arborist at Arbor Doctor in Calabasas, California. “Trees are going dormant at this time, and are less likely to get a disease.” Because trees are slowing growth in the fall, it’s not an ideal time to plant a new tree, as the roots may have trouble getting established. For treatments, Gilles recommends fungicide injections in the fall to prevent diseases such as diplodia, which can affect pine trees.

It’s also a good idea to observe your trees throughout the fall, keeping an eye out for signs that signal a need for intervention. “Early change in leaf color, pines looking thin and/or needles turning brown, and dead branches are all signs of diseases,” Gilles says. “Ash trees spotting yellow sporadically around this time of the year is a bad sign of a disease called ash yellows, since ash trees are one of the latest to turn.”

2. Rake leaves. Leaves look beautiful blanketing the ground, but leaving too many leaves on a lawn over winter in a snowy area can inhibit spring growth. To make the job easier, choose a lightweight rake, wear gloves to protect your hands and use handheld “leaf scoops” to bag leaves quickly.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts. Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean out gutters and downspouts (hire a helper if you are not comfortable on a ladder). Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding.

4. Make exterior repairs. Take a walk around your property, looking for signs of damage to the roof, siding and foundation. If you spot anything that needs repair, schedule it before winter weather hits.

5. Seal gaps where critters could enter. Mice need only a tiny gap to be able to sneak into your house and raid your pantry — and with colder weather coming, all of the little critters out there will be looking for warm places to make a home. Fill small holes and cover any larger gaps securely with heavy-duty hardware cloth to keep the wildlife outdoors.

6. Check walkways, railings, stairs and the driveway for winter safety. When the landscape is covered in ice and snow, just walking from the driveway to the front door can be quite a challenge.

Make navigating around your home safer by checking that all stairs are in good shape and have sturdy railings, and that the driveway is in good repair to make for easier shoveling.

7. Stock up on winter supplies. If you live in a region with cold, snowy winters, fall is the time to prepare.

Check the condition of snow shovels and ice scrapers; replace as needed
Pick up a bag of pet- and plant-safe ice melt, if needed
Restock emergency kits for car and home
If you use a snow blower, have it serviced and purchase fuel

8. Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses. Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets before the weather dips below freezing. Drain hoses and store them indoors.