Meet the Staff – Dan Breda!

We know you loved our first “Meet the Staff” blog – so we’re bringing it back and introducing you to someone you have likely already met here at The Commons. You’ve probably seen him showing off an apartment or planning the next Arts and Crafts event for all our residents to enjoy, please say hello to Dan Breda! Dan lives in Pembroke with his wife and two boxers. You can likely catch him cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams or playing hockey!

How long have you been working at The Commons?Highlight

5 years

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property? Highlight

Meeting new people every day!

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

We had someone come into the office with an Iguana draped around her neck, pretty cool!

Favorite Movie? Highlight

The Goonies

Favorite Band / Musician?Highlight

The Lumineers

Favorite thing to do when not at work? Highlight

Hanging out with Friends

What three words best describe you? Highlight

Easy going, fun, short

How to Save Money When Grocery Shopping

Living at Faxon Commons has many perks including our walk-in closets, dishwashers, and balconies. 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 Faxon 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! 

1. Hannaford Supermarket 

475 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02171

2. Roche Bros 

101 Falls Blvd, Quincy, MA 02169

3. Middle Eastern Grocery and Halal

690 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02170

4. Stop and Shop Supermarket 

1385 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169

AND 495 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA 02169

5. Adams Shore Super Market 

494 Sea St, Quincy, MA 02169

6. Kam Man Food 

221 Quincy Ave, Quincy, MA 02169

Our Favorite Crock-Pot Recipe

With the weather still pretty chilly, now is the perfect time to chef it up in the kitchen while everyone still wants to be indoors hiding from the upcoming snow storm! There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day at work and a delicious dinner is already waiting for you. We’re kind of obsessed with the new trend in “Crock Potting!” Here is one of our favorite yummy recipes to keep you warm while this cold weather pushes off spring.

White Wine and Garlic Chicken

This elegant dish is perfect for having a night with friends and wine!

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 8 or 4 hours

What you'll need:

·         4 chicken breasts, skinless

·         1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

·         1/4 teaspoon black pepper

·         1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

·         1 small onion, peeled and diced

·         4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

·         1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

·         1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

·         1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

·         1 cup white wine

·         3/4 cup chicken broth

·         1/3 cup all-purpose flour

·         salt and pepper to taste

Notes:

Serves 4

How to make it:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes a side or until lightly golden.
2. Place the onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano in the bottom of a slow-cooker. Add the seared chicken breasts on top of the onion, garlic, and herbs. 
3. In a bowl combine the white wine, chicken broth, and flour. Stir until the flour dissolves. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Serve with rice, pasta, or couscous.

Let us know how it turns out! Share your photo of what's for dinner on Instagram or Twitter by using the hashtag #LifeAtTheCommons. For more great recipes- visit Spoonful.com one of our favorite food blogs!

We're counting down until the World of Wheels Auto Show in Boston!

Hey Faxon 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 28^th-31^st 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 - Our Property Manager Keith Driscoll

As new neighbors prep to start moving in this spring, we thought it would be a great time for all our friends here at Faxon Commons to meet the property manager who makes this process possible. You’ve probably seen him around showing off an apartment or helping work out a maintenance need. Meet your property manager, Keith Driscoll!

He lives in Pembroke with his wife and two kids, a boy(9) and a girl(7). They also have an adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Langdon

How long have you been working at The Commons Highlight

3+ years, 13+ years for CMC

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property? Highlight

Helping  our residents!

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

A Rene Rancourt Christmas ornament brought in as a gift from a co-worker

Favorite Movie Highlight

The Thing

Favorite thing to do when not at work? Highlight

Spend time with my family

What three words best describe you? Highlight

Friendly, dedicated and loyal

Be sure to give Keith a high-five the next time you see him around The Commons!

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? With these fun recipes, it’s easy to 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 dishes that will put a smile in your Irish eyes!

BREAKFAST

Shamrock Pancakes

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

St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn

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

Green Velvet Cupcakes

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

Shamrock Shake

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! 

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 12^th-16^th 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.

Things to Do This Week

With spring quickly approaching, many of us are scrambling to make last minute plans! There is so much to do right here in New England. This year, save some money and check out some of these events going on in Boston!

Sunday, March 9

•          Frog Pond Skating – Check out the Boston Common Frog Pond and get in some ice skating before it closes for the season.

•         Think Pink – The Museum of Fine Arts is holding an exhibition about men and women’s fashion in the 17^th and 18^th century and it’s all pink!

Monday, March 10

•         54^th National Wine Week at Smith and Wollensky – For the 21 and over crowd, head on over to Atlantic Wharf where you can sample ten different wines for $20 with a purchase of a lunch entrée (Goes till March 14)

Tuesday, March 11

•         Historic Pub Crawl – Join the Freedom Trail Foundation and take a tour through Boston’s history as you visit four of Boston’s oldest pubs and sample different Sam Adams beer.

•         Mamma Mia! – The Hanover Theatre is presenting the Broadway musical Mamma Mia! in Worcester.

Wednesday, March 12

•          Flashdance-The Musical – Come over to the Citi Emerson Colonial Theatre to watch the show as Flashdance celebrates its 30^th anniversary (Goes till March 23).

•          Celtics Vs. Knicks – Watch Boston take on New York at the TD Garden at 7:30pm.

Thursday, March 13

•          St. Patrick’s Day at the Boston Harbor Hotel – Join the American Ireland Fund to celebrate with live music, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction.

•          Dropkick Murphy’s at House of Blues – Watch Boston’s own Dropkick Murphy’s come back for a 4 day string of St. Patrick’s Day concerts (Goes till March 16).

•          Bruins Vs. Coyotes – Watch Boston take on Phoenix at the TD Garden at 7pm. 

Friday, March 14

•        Celtics Vs. Suns – Watch Boston take on Phoenix at the TD Garden at 7:30pm.

Saturday, March 15

•       Bruins Vs. Hurricanes – Watch Boston take on Caroline at the TD Garden at 1pm.

•    Irish Heritage Trails Guided Walk – The Boston Irish Heritage is offering 90 minute guided   tours of Boston’s Irish heritage and history (Goes till March 17).

Do you know our Parking Policies?

Hey Residents! Here are a few reminders about out parking policies to help you and your guests. Unfortunately, we have to begin towing again, because of parking issues so it’s important to follow these few parking policies.

•          Residents with cars must have a Corcoran Sticker on their car.
•          Visitors MUST park in the visitors section.
•          No one should park in front of any building.
•          If you are not handicapped, do not park in a handicapped spot.
•          If you are handicapped, be sure to have your handicapped decal visible.
•          Company and retail cars must display stickers as well, or be parked in Visitor’s Parking.
•          Motorcycles, Campers, RV’s, commercial trucks or vans are unfortunately prohibited.

Please understand that if your vehicle is towed, it is your responsibility to get it back. It is not the responsibility of Faxon commons. If you have any questions please call the office at          617-472-6766.

Thanks Team!