Friday, December 27, 2019

Fun Things to Do Over Holiday Break

The kids in Lexington will be off for the next several days from school. Even if they received all sorts of new toys they will eventually say  "I'm bored". What to do? Here are some ideas to keep them busy. Put your own personal twist on these basic ideas to make them your own.





Wednesday, December 18, 2019

5 Tips to Simplify the Holidays



On top of all of life’s normal responsibilities, obligations, and must-dos, life throws a whole new pile of awesome right on top in December. Parties, volunteering, traveling, shopping, planning, cooking, wrapping … just thinking about it can send you into a tailspin.
All the to-dos, events, and balls to juggle begin to be too much!
And every year you probably think - this year it will be different. Keep it simple! Spend time at home sipping hot chocolate and basking in the tree light glow!
But that just doesn’t happen, because as much as you want to keep things simple, you also want to dive into the magic of this season with both feet, right?
It’s a time to celebrate with friends. Buy the most awesome, meaningful gifts and wrap them in the most beautiful paper. Serve at the local charities. Bake cookies and read stories by candlelight each night with your kids, and literally do every holiday thing that is presented to you.
Why? Because it is all wonderful. After all it is the most wonderful time of the year.
Here are a few things that can help you navigate the holiday overwhelm and make it through unscathed, and maybe even more thankful when December 31 rolls around.
1. Recognize that December is going to be more intense.
Unless you lock yourself in a padded room, some of the holiday madness is unavoidable. More traffic, more email ads in your inbox, more time with your crazy aunt, more holiday sweets, just more of everything.
If you can go into it with a full awareness of the reality of the holidays, it won’t throw you off as easily. When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, stop and take a deep breath. Remember what you are thankful for, and press on.
2. Extend some grace.
With that in mind, now is not the time of year to get crazy about personal development and goal setting. Save that goodness for January. Right now, your goals are: stay sane, appreciate what really matters, and have fun.
Have you had a few too many Snickerdoodles this week? It’s okay- you get a pass. Did you forget to order that special gift for 60% off before the sale ended? No biggie. This goes for everyone around you too. We are all in this together.
3. Fast forward to January.
I know, I know. Who wants to do that now? But if we can look just a little past the holidays, and picture ourselves sitting at home on New Year’s Day, we can get a little perspective on how this month should go.
When you have arrived at a new year, and you are able to look back on how you spent your time this month, what do you want to remember? Do those things.
4. Filter, filter, filter.
When it comes to information and opportunities during the holidays, we get more thrown at us than ever before. If we aren’t careful, we are over extending ourselves.
So this month, recognize that good is the enemy of great. Choose what matters to you and relentlessly stick to it. Delete and decline what doesn’t truly make you happy.
5. Cultivate peace.
No matter how many amazing gifts you get, or how awesome the party was, or how on point the green bean casserole was, the one thing you (and your family) are going to remember is the emotional undercurrent of the season.
Guard and protect it like a hawk. If something is stressing everyone out, just say no. It’s not worth it. Embrace rituals and traditions that work for you and give you a sense of joy and peace.
At the end of the season, I hope we can all look back and say with confidence that it was meaningful, memorable, and spent in good health with ones we love the most. Is there anything more important, when it all comes down to it?

Happy Holiday's 




Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Christmas City 2019


Join us at Christmas City 2019!  

You'll find everything you need to enjoy a happy holiday season!

Seasons Four, 1265 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 

Saturday, December 14th 
Petting Zoo: 9 am - 5 pm
Face Painting: 12 noon - 3 pm
Balloon Expressionist: 12 noon - 3 pm
Lexington Chamber Orchestra: 2 pm - 4 pm
Santa: 12 noon - 5 pm
...and Elmo to visit!

Sunday, December 15th
Petting Zoo: 9 am - 5 pm
Face Painting: 12 noon - 3 pm
Balloon Expressionist: 12 noon - 3 pm
Lexington Madrigal Singers: 2 pm - 4 pm
Santa: 12 noon - 5 pm
...and Elmo to visit!

Saturday, December 21st
Petting Zoo: 9 am - 5 pm
Face Painting: 12 noon - 3 pm
Balloon Expressionist: 12 noon - 3 pm
Santa: 12 noon - 5 pm
...and Elmo to visit!

Sunday, December 22nd
Petting Zoo: 9 am - 5 pm
Face Painting: 12 noon - 3 pm
Balloon Expressionist: 12 noon - 3 pm
Santa: 12 noon - 5 pm
...and Elmo to visit!

EACH DAY ALSO ENJOY
Live Christmas Trees
Artificial Trees, Ornaments and Lights
Wreaths and Garlands
Fresh Cut Greens
Firewood and Firestarters
Ribbons and Bows
Indoor and Outdoor Decorations

Ample Parking Available.



Monday, December 9, 2019

Sell or Buy in Lexington MA This Holiday Season

Accomplishing your Lexington MA real estate market goals might sound like the last thing you want to do during the holiday season. However, as your Lexington MA real estate agent, I am here to share with you one of the biggest perks of buying and/or selling during the holidays: LESS COMPETITION!

As a seller, inventory is usually at its lowest during the holidays, so if you want a fast sale, now might be your best bet! Only serious buyers will be looking, and you’ll have more interest in your home when there are fewer homes for buyers to look at.

For a buyer, there is also less competition from other buyers. You might have more negotiating power with serious sellers looking for a fast sale, and fewer bidding wars with other buyers. With less activity, you can also schedule with mortgage lenders, real estate agents, home inspectors, etc. faster.

Ready to make your Lexington MA real estate goals a reality? Give yourself the best holiday gift you can and contact me, your Lexington MA real estate agent, today!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Lexington Tea Burning


Sunday, December 8, 11 AM - 4 PM, at Buckman Tavern


Lexington Historical Society and the Lexington Minute Men invite all to the Lexington Tea Burning, an all-day event free and open to the public.

This year's annual reenactment will begin at 11 AM with musket drills, interpretive programming, and music by the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps, and culminate with the burning of the tea at 1:30 PM.

Historic Buckman Tavern - decorated for the holidays - will be open for complimentary tours that day. Take a tour and learn more about tasty alternatives to tea that were available to patriots during the war in an interactive drop-in program from 11 AM -12 PM and 2-3 PM. Plus, take advantage of the free admission to view the #Alarmed! exhibit on its final day before closing.

Visit: https://www.lexingtonhistory.org/events.html for all upcoming events!



Wednesday, November 20, 2019

2019 LFM FEASTival


2019 LFM Thanksgiving FEASTival
Tuesday, November 26th
12 – 4 PM
Seasons Four, 1265 Massachusetts Ave
Lexington, MA
Delicious, local food from your favorite LFM farmers and vendors for your Thanksgiving Table



2019 FEASTival Farmers & Vendors
Busa Farms (accepts HIP)
C&C Lobsters and Fish**
Copicut Farms (pre-order only)**
Crazy S Cookies (gluten-free)
D’Amici’s Bakery (holiday pies!)
The HERB FARMacy (Certified Organic)
**Accepts Pre-Orders

Place your PRE-ORDERS for the FEASTival to ensure our vendors have what you need!

Boston Smoked Fish
Special holiday orders for whole Simply Smoked Salmon sides (roughly 2.5 lbs, $30/lb) can be pre-ordered by emailing contact@bostonsmokedfish.com before November 21.

C&C Lobster and Fish
Pre-order your live lobsters and fresh fish, scallops, and shrimp by emailing Carolyn Manning at topnotchhull@comcast.net.

Chase Hill Farm
Pre-order vacuum sealed cheese pieces or wheels. Email chasehillfarm@gmail.com for wheel pricing and to pre-order.


Copicut Farms
Pre-order your Thanksgiving Turkey, Smoked Holiday Ham, or a Fall Bulk Order of Chicken or Pork. Due to space constraints, Copicut will only be delivering pre-orders at the market: holiday and bulk orders can all be reserved through their website.

Del Sur
Pre-order frozen packages of empanadas or any order from their catering menu by calling 781-691-9900 or emailing hello@delsurnatural.com.

Fork on a Road
Pre-order seasonal meal-kits, spices, and chutneys (pear & peppercorn, crimson cranberry, sultan’s apple, eternal peach, and chai spiced apple sauce) by emailing forkonaroad@gmail.com. Contact for products available.

River Rock Farm
Place beef pre-orders by emailing charlie@riverrockfarm.com by Nov 20. Specify fresh or frozen and quantity/weight desired.

Signal Rock Farm
Individual lamb cuts, whole or half lamb, wool blankets, and other wool products can be ordered by visiting their website. Note: wool blankets, wool filled comforters, and wool filled pillows must be pre-ordered.

Sweet Tahini
All Mediterranean-inspired goods can be pre-ordered by emailing 33hila@gmail.com by Nov 22. Gift boxes for pre-order only include:
Option 1: 1 loaf of tahini bread, 2 spreads and 1 package of tahini chocolate fudge – $44.00
Option 2: 1 tahini spread, 2 date snacks and 1 package of tahini chocolate fudge – $34.00

The Roasted Granola
Pre-order any of ther products by going to their website and emailing them through their contact page.

Valicenti Pasta Farm
Farmstead pasta sauce, gourmet ravioli, and unique fresh pasta can be pre-ordered through their website.


Keep a look out as additional pre-order information with farmers and vendors will be added as the FEASTival draws near.





Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Cary Library Annual Fall Book Sale


Friends of Cary Memorial Library
Annual Fall Gently Used Book Sale


Friday, November 15 —Sunday, November 17, 2019
Cary Memorial Library, Large Meeting Room, Lower Level
1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington



Member Hours: Friday, November 15, 1-5 pm; Saturday, November 16, 9-10am (Join at the door.)
General Hours: Saturday, November 16, 10am-5pm; Sunday, November 17, 1-5pm
Large selection of children's books, teen's books, adult books of all genres, CDs and DVDs. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

Proceeds benefit Cary Library.

Ongoing Book Sale
The Friends Book Store (Main Level) and Children's Book Sale Cart (Children's Room) are regularly stocked and accessible during regular library hours.




Friday, November 8, 2019

Winter Perks for Lexington MA Homebuyers

Lexington MA Winter Homebuyers
If you'd like to buy a Lexington MA home, don't be weary of buying during winter. As your Lexington real estate agent, I’m here to name a few winter home-buying advantages:

1.  You can get a feel for the home in winter. Any home can look beautiful during the summer, but winter is another story. Is it warm or drafty, bright or dreary? Notice what the thermostat is set to for it to feel cozy, and feel for any obvious drafts or leaks.
2.  There’s more to notice outside. If there’s snow on the ground, how long before the plows arrive? Are there any obvious puddle areas or drainage issues? How are the roof and gutters holding up?
3.  It’s not as crowded. There will be fewer buyers out in the colder months, so you may have less competition, and the closing process may run faster.

The truth is, it’s smarter to shop in the Lexington real estate market during the winter, as you can spot issues with the home that might not be obvious in the summer. When ready to begin your home search, contact me, your Lexington real estate agent!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Fall Cleanup Checklist for Your Lexington Home


Fall is the perfect time to get your house in order. You are no longer running around to summer events, vacations, and just plain enjoying the nice weather in Lexington. While the fall foliage is beautiful, it’s time to air out the house and clean it thoroughly before winter.
Once winter arrives, we tend to hibernate a bit and that is much more fun with a clean home! Also, by doing some extra deep cleaning now, holiday preparations will be easier.

I would suggest you start with the outside first as it can get cold quickly in Lexington MA.


  • Check the caulking and weather seals around doors and windows
  • Check the dryer exhaust pipe
  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Clean and store outside toys and furniture
  • Clear any yard debris
  • Clean the BBQ grill, refill propane or stock up on charcoal
  • Clean off light fixtures, replace bulbs if needed
  • Drain and store water hoses
  • Pressure wash the house
  • Touch up any areas that need painting
  • Wash outside of windows
  • Check steps for any repairs needed
  • Replace the air filter, clean the cover
  • Dust and clean the computer, keyboard, printer, and other electronics
  • Sweep out and vacuum the fireplace
  • Have the chimney professionally cleaned
  • Clean behind and under the washer, dryer, and other large appliances
  • Wash interior windows
  • Schedule a furnace inspection
  • Stock up on candles and matches/lighters
  • Stock up on extra batteries and flashlights
  • Stock up on sidewalk salt
  • Test smoke detectors and monoxide detectors, replace batteries


BONUS
Replace batteries in smart thermostat, home surveillance camera, door lock management device, portable chargers or home security systems.

Once the outside is complete, it is time to move inside

Bedrooms
  • Launder all pillows, bedding, and mattress pads
  • Rotate/Flip mattress (if needed)
  • De-clutter closets, switch out summer clothing for fall/winter clothing
  • Wipe down windowsills
  • Clean window drapery/mini-blinds


Bathrooms
  • Wash shower curtain & liner
  • Scrub shower
  • Deep clean shower head
  • Check tile grout, touch up if needed
  • Replace toothbrushes
  • Clean lint out of the hair dryer
  • Clean hairbrushes/combs/etc
  • Re-stock toiletries


Kitchen
  • Clean the oven
  • Clean the vent hood
  • Clean out refrigerator
  • Defrost, clean freezer
  • Dust and clean refrigerator coils
  • Move refrigerator to clean underneath
  • Toss expired foods from the pantry
  • Check spices, especially baking needs, for freshness
  • Run cut lemons and ice through the garbage disposal


Living Room/Family Room/Dining Room
  • Clean ceiling fan
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Clear cobwebs
  • Wipe down all switches and doorknobs
  • Move couches, chairs to clean underneath
  • Dust/wipe down shelves
  • Wipe down windowsills
  • Clean window drapery/mini-blinds
  • Wash all blankets




Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Halloween Do's and Don'ts


Trick-or-treating can be fun for kids of all ages, as long as they know how to stay safe. While Lexington offers safe business trick or treating, many still like to go on their own. Review this list with your kids before canvassing for candy on the 31st:

1. Give your kids a map of their trick-or-treat route so they can find their way home. Mark the homes of nearby friends and relatives in case they need assistance on their journey. Younger children should be chaperoned by an adult.
2. Instruct children to walk on the sidewalk not the street and watch out for motorists!
3. Prepare for the dark with lighter colored clothing and reflective surfaces. What better way to decorate a sword or a cape, than with magical glowing tape?
4. Avoid any type of flame by substituting candles with glow sticks. Wigs and costumes are highly flammable and glow sticks are perfect for illuminating Jack-o-lanterns.
5. Remind your kids to stick with groups of at least four or five
6. Tell them to only visit residences with a porch light on and not to enter a stranger’s home. Politely accept candy and promptly leave.
7. Costumes are meant to embellish not to hide. Keep hems short to avoid tripping and don’t let masks block the eyes.
8. Whether you have one eye, two eyes, three eyes or four, always look both ways before crossing the street.
9. Both mystical creatures and children need to let parents check their candy before eating to remove any potential hazards.
10. A flashlight is akin to a protective light saber of sorts and makes nighttime travelling safer (it also helps you spot a ghost or goblin trying to plan a surprise attack!).
With these tips, kids will enjoy the spooky evening of haunting in Lexington.




Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Make Your Home Accessible As Lexington MA Seller

Lexington MA Selling Tips
When it comes time for you to sell your Lexington MA home, accessibility plays a key role in getting it seen by potential homebuyers and getting it sold quickly! As your Lexington real estate agent, I am here to help ensure that buyers see your home.

There are different ‘levels’ of accessibility, and you choose which you’re most comfortable with. You can request 48-hour notice before a showing, or allow just a phone call’s notice. You can be home to let the agent in, or give the agent a key. You can request showings be only between certain hours or on certain days, or leave it open-ended.

The choice is yours, but the more available your Lexington MA home is for buyers to see, the easier it will be to get it sold. The more flexible you are with your schedule, the better!

When ready to sell and/or buy in the Lexington MA real estate market, contact me, your Lexington MA real estate agent! I am here to help!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Lexington Fire Department Open House


OPEN HOUSE

October 19
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Lexington Fire Department Headquarters
173 Bedford St


Come join us on Saturday and learn about your Fire Department. There's something for everyone in the family at this fun event!

  • See our fire engines!
  • Get information or have questions answered by members of the Fire Department
  • Learn about cooking safety
  • Find out about fire and carbon monoxide detector use & placement
  • Kids can dress up in fire gear (we won’t stop adults who really want to try it on as well!)
  • Use a hose to squirt water at our now famous fire target house

There will be a special demonstration at about 2:00 PM

See how our firefighters use extrication tools and special equipment to get into a car after an accident.
We look forward to meeting visitors at Fire Headquarters, and encourage you to come down, even if you only have a few minutes.



 

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Munroe Center for the Arts Fall Events



October Happenings

11 - ArtSpan's Wine & Pottery Night with Donna Pioli - 6:30pm/Friday
12 Creativity Lab!  (gr. K-5) with Joanne Stowell - 10am/Saturday

8 thru 22 Lexington ArtWalk artwork on display along Mass. Ave.
18 ArtWalk reception, guided tour, dance band - 6pm @ Brookline Bank and Emery Park
19 - Saturday Pottery with Carmela Fratus - 10:30am
19​ - Learn Basic Acrylics with Jill Pottle - 9:30am/Saturday
20 Yoga & Art workshop with Anna Maria & Marina Strauss & 9:30am/Sunday
26 - Saturday Pottery with Carmela Fratus - 10:30am

November Happenings
Creativity Lab!  (gr. K-5) with Joanne Stowell - 10am/Saturday
9 - MSN:  Cherokee Word for Water (film) - 7:30pm
11 - 15 - TriNethra:  Third Eye Festival of Dance

15 - ArtSpan's Wine & Pottery Night with Donna Pioli - 6:30pm/Friday
16 - Clay as Canvas workshop with Peg Kane - 10:30am/Saturday
16 - Gelli Printing Cards & Stationary with Marina Strauss - 4pm/Saturday


December Happenings
6 - Dance Inn's Holiday Show @ The Regent, 7pm
7 - Dance Inn's Holiday Show @ The Regent, 10am
7 - 
MSN Holiday Show:  "Fretless​" (a cappella)
11 - Holiday Party for MCA Volunteers, Staff, and Tenants
14 Creativity Lab!  (gr. K-5) with Joanne Stowell - 10am/Saturday



Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Verrill Farm October Events




Our most popular Fall event benefits the Emerson Hospital's Pediatric Unit! Join us as the fields surrounding the farm stand are transformed into an old-fashioned fairground. This fun event for all ages features activities & games, raffles, Lil Folk Farm petting zoo, pick your own pumpkins, food & live music by the Sandy Ridge Boys! Proceeds from activity, game & raffle tickets, as well as food purchases, go to Emerson Hospital's Pediatric Intervention Team to provide Coping Kits for children at the hospital. The kits contain items & activities that are used to help children & caregivers cope successfully with the hospital experience.
Join us in our heated & decorated greenhouse as the Verrill Farm chefs prepare a dinner inspired by our abundant fall crops. Event features a cash bar offering wine & beer, live piano by Jeremy Silver! Cost to attend: $55 per person (plus tax). Reservations required. Please call 978.369.4494.

Sugar Cookies: Learn to make these versatile cookies - cut in a variety of shapes they are perfect for decorating & personalizing for holidays & special occasions. You'll work with royal icing & be baking like a pro by the end of class! Cost: $50 per student (plus tax).


Fore more information about Verrill Farm Events, please visit their website.


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

10th Annual Hastings Harvest 5k Run/Walk



The 5k race and 1.5 mile walk start simultaneously at the Hayden Lower Field at 11:10 am. Runners will be at the front (closest to starting line). Walkers will be in back. Strollers are welcome!

​This USA Track and Field sanctioned event will be chip-timed by RaceWire. The race begins at the Hayden lower field on Worthen Road. Both runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic, yet challenging route through the local community. The 5k race ends where it began at the Hayden Lower Field. Walkers will complete a shorter 1.5 mile loop. Young children are encouraged to run, walk or ride in a stroller! Just get out there!

The post-race celebration begins immediately following the race. We will have food, music and activities for children of all ages. Grab your friends, challenge your co-workers and encourage your kids to “Get Up and Get Moving!”

FEES
​Day of Race Entry
$30 per person cash or check to Hastings PTO

Pre-Race Entry
​for 5k and 1.5 Mile Loop
$28.20 per person
($25+$3.20 Racewire Fee)

Deadline - Friday, October 4th, 5pm    ​​

Check-in and Race Day Registration:  9:30-10:30 am
5K race begins at 11:10am

  • 1.5 mile walk starts simultaneously with the 5K, with walkers started behind the runners. 
  • Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult during the 5k race or 1.5 mile walk. 
  • All event inquiries should be sent to hastingsharvest@gmail.com.

In recent years, the Hastings Harvest Run has had 500+ registrants participating in the run and/or walk and more than 600 people in attendance for the post race party. Be a part of the Maria Hastings Elementary School’s ongoing commitment to keeping health and fitness in the forefront for their students and staff. All proceeds benefit the Maria Hastings Elementary School.

Hey HHR runners and walkers! Share your tips, stories and pictures from past runs at #hastingsharvestrun.
The twitter handle is @HastingsRun. ​You can also find us on facebook at: ​https://www.facebook.com/HastingsRun/

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: http://www.hastingsharvestrun.com/home.html







Wednesday, September 18, 2019

LexFarm Harvest Festival



Spend some time down on the farm this FALL. We are in full harvest mode and the farm looks FARMTASTIC!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 10AM-1PM at Lexington Community Farm, 52 Lowell St, Lexington, MA

LIVE MUSIC with the AcousticTandem Band - Collaboration with Munroe Center of the Arts

  • BREAKFAST PASTRIES & COFFEE / THE FULLER CUP / PARFAIT ICE CREAM
  • FACE PAINTING
  • VEGGIE RACE
  • KINDNESS ROCK PAINTING
  • FLOWER BRACELETS with Farmer Momoko
  • SILK FIELDS FARM TOUR
  • BRITE HARVEST FARM TOUR- Hydroponic Farm
  • PUMPKIN DECORATING
  • SUNFLOWER FARM ART


Our Farm Stand will be open to purchase all your fall veggies, fruit, flowers and extras.
Pay at the door $10 member family / $15 non-member family.

Unfortunately we cannot allow dogs on the farm, so it’s best to leave your four-legged friends at home.

ABOUT THE FARM
Lexington Community Farm is a non-profit working farm connecting the community to locally grown food and sustainable farming practices while preserving historic farmland. We are located at 52 Lowell Street in Lexington, Massachusetts. More about us.