The Benefits of Calling the Commons Home

Are you quietly celebrating as your friends and family members complain about the snow they have to shovel, snow-blow, or scrape off of their driveways and sidewalks?  Are you enjoying the warm air from your neighbor’s walls, floors and ceilings? No chilly drafts here!  And how convenient to have a fitness center that does not require scraping off your car and commuting in the snow?!

Yes, we have it good but for many other reasons.  Here are some additional benefits to consider when comparing apartment living to home ownership:

• Career flexibility.  The shorter contract involved in renting an apartment versus owning a home allows you more flexibility when applying for new jobs or working towards a transfer within your company

•          The elements.  Home owners have to stress about heavy rains causing basement leaks, snowstorms causing ice dams and roof repair, the sunlight and heat affecting their siding and roofing, landscaping and lawn-care…the list goes on.  In an apartment, your only concern is paying rent – let us worry about the rest.

•          The commitment.  Whether are you a young, single professional, a married couple, or a family, apartment living gives you the freedom to move at the end of your contract – without the stress of selling your home, and finding that ‘perfect’ timing to move out and move in!

•          The amenities.  No matter what home you rent, or buy, you will likely not have any, and certainly not all of the amenities that our properties offer.  Very few homes have luxuries such as a fitness center, swimming pool(s), community rooms, tennis courts and laundry centers.

•          Neighbors.  Whether you are looking for friendship, safety in familiar faces, someone to borrow eggs and sugar from or someone to feed your fish when you’re away – we have a lot of neighbors for you to meet.  Not just to the left and right of your house!

•          The upgrades.  Most new homeowners spend their first years (and dollars) upgrading their home.  That’s done for you here.  Our residents love our luxury appliances.  Dishwasher and garbage disposal, already here.  Cable-ready, check.  Air conditioning, check.  Live with us and the upgrades are done before you move-in.

•          Don’t sweat the repairs.  If it’s broken, call us, or better yet use Resident’s Corner to make a maintenance request.  There is no worrying about pilot lights, hot water heaters, broken air conditioning units and malfunctioning dishwashers.  You don’t have to stress about hiring the right person to fix it.

•          The price!  Factoring in all of the monthly expenses related to home vs. apartment ownership, an apartment lessee generally spends much less each month. 

•          Time.  Since all of the outdoor work, and most of the indoor repairs and maintenance are handled by us – you are given the amazing gift of TIME.  Homeowners spend most of their free-time caring for their property – not our residents

Yes – we obviously think that you are pretty smart for choosing to live with us – but after reading this, you must feel pretty smart too!

Spring Cleaning - It’s Time!

Although it doesn't look it, feel like it or smell like it – spring is less than 30 days away! Getting your “spring cleaning” started early might be a great idea, so you have nothing holding you back from the warm air and sun as soon as it arrives!  Check out our Spring Cleaning To-Do list with tips and hints below to help get you started.

• Start on the outside of your rooms and work your way in.  Begin with your walls and baseboards. Some say the best way to tackle this project is to start by vacuuming both your baseboards and walls with a brush attachment.  Then wipe down your baseboards working from the top to bottom using a damp microfiber rag that had been dipped and rung out in warm soapy water.  Wipe the baseboards clean with a dry cloth and then to repel future dust and dirt wipe the clean, dry baseboards with a dryer sheet. 
• Clean your carpets and furniture.  Let’s do our best to keep our cleaning green – keeping chemicals off of your furniture and rugs benefits all.  Make a homemade spot cleaning solution –mix ¼ cup salt, ¼ cup borax and ¼ cup white vinegar.  Apply this paste to any stains or highly soiled areas and leave it for a couple of hours until dry.  Vacuum and then steam clean simply using hot water.  If you feel your carpets need more, steam clean again using 1 cup white vinegar to 2.5 gallons of water (according to apartmentherapy.com) but spend twice as much time using the machine to pull the moisture out of your rugs.
• Wash or wipe down your window treatments.  A lot of fabric treatments can be machine washed or dry cleaned, be sure to check labels.  Wooden, metal and vinyl blinds can all be wiped down with a damp cloth.
• Go through your closets as well as your children’s toys.  Create a donation pile and a dumpster pile – no maybe piles!  Drop those donations off immediately!  Once you have sorted through it all – organize it.
• Defrost the freezer.
• Clean the oven.
• If you have a ceiling fan in your residence or even box or oscillating fans – now is the time to wipe them down.  Get rid of all the dust!  Can this be messy and painstaking? Yes – but you will be glad you did!
• Dust your books and shelves.
• Rotate all of your mattresses – flip them if they are not pillow-top.
• Wash your pillows.  Yes – you can wash them!  According to Good Housekeeping it is best to wash two pillows at a time.  Wash with warm water on the gentle cycle – add an extra cold water rinse and spin.  Tumble dry on low heat but fluff and turn them often throughout the cycle.
• If you want to take Spring Cleaning to the extreme – clean out your computer!  Delete old files and pictures – do the same with your tablet and smartphone.
• While there is all this white stuff on the ground it is a great time to kick off your spring cleaning!  Keep at it and by the time the flowers are sprouting you will feel liberated knowing your home is clean and efficient!  

Making the Most of the Oscars!

Last year, 40.3 million people tuned into the Academy Awards telecast.  Some viewers tune in for the fashion, some are true fans of cinema, some attend viewing parties and others are forced to watch with their spouse!  No matter what category you fall under, we have a solution to make this year’s Academy Awards a bit more enjoyable:  Watch the Movies!  You will have a lot more interest in the winners and losers if you have actually seen the nominated films!

On March 2^nd Ellen DeGeneres will host the 86^th Academy Awards, this gives you a little less than a month to get out and see some of the nominated films!  The cold weather and approaching snowstorms makes it a perfect time to take refuge in your local theater.  To help you better decide which movies to see, and which ones to skip, below is a list of the films nominated for best picture as well as a brief plot description:

American Hustle – an all-star cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Christian Bale and Jeremy Renner worked close to home - filming most of this film in Boston!  With multiple nominations this 1970’s-set story of a conman forced to work with the FBI explores the world of powerbrokers and the mafia.  This film is rated R. This film is sure to surprise you and make you laugh - Jennifer Lawrence does not disappoint.  Rated R.

Captain Phillips – Tom Hanks plays the lead role of Alabama commanding officer, Captain Phillips.  This movie is based on the true-story of Captain Richard Phillips and the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.  This must-see film focuses on the relationship between Captain Phillips and the Somalian Pirate Captain that holds him hostage.  Captain Phillips is rated PG-13.

Dallas Buyers Club – actors Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto transformed themselves for their roles in this movie about the untold world of Americans living with AIDS.  Inspired by true events, the film focuses on the story of a Ron Woodroof, an electrician and rodeo cowboy living a care-free life that is blindsided with an HIV positive diagnosis and 30 days to live.  When he finds the lack of approved treatments in the US, Ron Woodroof crosses the border to Mexico with the help of his unlikely friend, he begins smuggling drugs into the US for HIV patients.  Both McConaughey and Leto have received multiple awards for their roles.  This movie is rated R.

Gravity – This is a great movie to see in an IMAX theater or in 3D.  Sandra Bullock and George Clooney prove it takes just two actors to make a great movie.  Their story of an astronaut and medical engineer stranded together in space is captivating.  Clooney and Bullock are tethered to nothing but each other in space.  We had our doubts about this movie, but it is worth seeing.  Rated PG-13.

Her – This we had to see out of curiosity, as it is a movie about a lonely, heartbroken man that meets and develops a relationship with ‘Samantha’ – a computerized friend.  Joaquin Phoenix delivers an award-winning performance in this film.  Her is rated R.

12 Years a Slave – A movie that barely has to mention that Brad Pitt is part of the film – it must be good.  This movie is based on the true story of Solomon Northrup, a free-man, sold into slavery.  The film follows his struggle to stay alive while maintaining his dignity, and his chance encounter with a Canadian abolitionist.  Rated R.

The Wolf of Wall Street – This movie is not for everyone – it has a strong R-rating.  It is long, and not shy on profanities or graphic scenes.  If you are okay with those elements – then go see this movie! Although it is long – the movie does not stop entertaining.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill give great performances portraying the rise of a wealthy stockbroker living the dream and then his falling; involving crime, corruption and the federal government.  This Martin Scorsese film is loosely based on a true story.

Nebraska – Hollywood veteran Bruce Dern stars in this story following a journey of an estranged father and son making a road trip from Montana to Nebraska to claim a “million dollar” sweepstakes prize.  This award winning film has a great sense of humor and was shot entirely in black and white.  It is rated R. 

Philomena – Dame Judi Dench stars in the story of a mother who had her son taken away when she was a teenage, inmate at a Catholic Convent.  In the movie, a journalist arranges a magazine assignment to follow the woman’s story.  It is a great story of two unlikely companions on this search to find her son.  Philomena is rated PG-13.

It is remarkable how many of 2013’s top films were based on true stories!  Pick one or two that sounds good to you and get out to the theaters!  After watching a few of these movies you may be inspired to host your neighbors for an Oscar party this year!

A Good Night's Sleep

There's arguments for both sides on what the cold winter nights do to our nighttime sleep patterns - some embrace the dark sky, tucked under their down-comforters while others complain that lack of sunlight and outdoor time leave them restless. If you're a tosser and turner, here are some tips that will naturally improve your night of rest:

- Exercise - Work a fitness routine into your daily schedule. Use this outlet to burn off any extra energy, aggravation or stress! According to the Sleep Foundation, the best time to exercise if you want it to directly affect your sleep, is 6 hours before bedtime

- Fresh Air - Its cold, we know - layer up and get out there! Take a walk around Faxon Commons - soak up any sun rays you can and get moving, you will warm up fast - promise!

-Tea Time - Prepare yourself a mug of warm Chamomile tea. Chamomile is an herbal remedy said to be a safe and mild sleep aid. Lemon balm tea is also believed to help improve a night's rest.

- Don't Doze - Avoid napping, save your Zzzz's for the night!

- Switch to Decaf - Avoid all caffeinated drinks 4 to 6 hours before your bedtime

- Go Dark - Avoid blaringly bright alarm clocks and consider room darkening blinds. 

- Quiet Down - People swear by white noise machines to block out distracting sounds and outdoor noises - but with today's technology its even simpler, download an app on your tablet for a fan or white noise machine - they work wonders! We like the 'Sleep Fan' app for the iPad.

- Unplug - Put your phone somewhere far enough away from your bed that you won't be tempted to       rollover and check your email or social sites one last time.

- Leave Your Problems in Another Room - What so many people complain about is not being able to turn off their mind as they lie in bed attempting sleep. You know it is coming - so create a routine for yourself.   Whether you turn off your television and sit in your quiet living room before turning in, or take a hot shower,   or spend some time writing in a journal - get it out of your head!  

- Clean Your Suite - It is hard to relax, let alone sleep if your bedroom is messy and full of clutter! Use         calming colors - crisp, clean sheets and make it a serene space. 

Wishing you a peaceful night's rest! 

Hidden Gems of the Quincy Area!

It is easy to get caught up with a daily routine that lacks unique experiences. This doesn't need to be the case though while living at Faxon Commons! You are close to so many cool paces as well as neighboring towns that have great activities to offer. Check out these fun experiences that help you branch out of your comfort zone and give you the best experience while living with us at Faxon Commons.

The Urban Art Bar

Unlike many nightlife hotspots, The Urban Art Bar does not feature dimmed lights and loud music. Instead, overhead fluorescents provide ample light to see by and soft music fills the background to create an atmosphere for painting, and maybe a little drinking. A professional leads each gathering in a step-by-step re-creation of a particular painting that ranges from a view of a city brownstone, dogs watching fireworks, a lighthouse overlooking the sea, or even a re-creation of a famous painting. All necessary materials including paint, brushes, canvases, and smocks are all included with the price of admission. There currently is a Groupon deal going on for a discounted price for either one or two people. Make a night of it with friends and bring back a nice piece of art to hang up in your apartment home!

Boston Children's Museum

This year the Boston Children's Museum in Quincy is celebrating it's 100th anniversary! It is designed for children and their families and features exhibits on science, culture, environmental awareness, health & fitness, and the arts. The innovative, engaging and interactive experiences create a fun, learning environment for a day trip with the family, especially on Science Saturdays. The museum offers a variety of discounts and deals that can be found on their official website.

Shea Memorial Rink

If you have children or are looking to channel your inner Bobby Orr you should check out the Shea Memorial Skating Rink in Quincy. Ice skating is the perfect winter activity so if you are looking for something to do on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday the rink offers complimentary ice skating. You can view the schedule here for times. The rink is also available for party rentals for either kid's parties or even an afternoon out with friends and family!