Keeping the Kids Busy on a Rainy Day

Keeping the Kids Busy on a Rainy Day

Rain, Rain, Go Away; We Want Our Kids Outside to Play…..With Spring in New England being predictably unpredictable, we need to be prepared for anything.  When the parks and beaches aren’t an option, here are some new ideas to keep your little ones entertained and busy without the television, tablet or video games:

• Treasure Hunts – Occupying your kids with the incentive of a treasure at the end is a no-fail activity!  If your kids can’t read, this is still an option – toddlers can follow picture clues throughout your home – surprise them with muffins or cookies at the end! 

• T-Shirt Decorating – having permission to write on a white t-shirt is a thrill in itself for young kids!  Pick up some fabric markers at the craft or big box store and a 3-pack of white tees.  Don’t forget to put a book or piece of cardboard inside the shirt so that the ink doesn’t bleed through.  If you are okay with messes – consider puffy paint or glue and glitter to add some extra fun for the kids!

• Combine work with play – take all the cushions off your couches for a vacuum and deep clean – and then surprise your kids with the ultimate fort.  With a few flat sheets, kitchen chairs and a flashlight, your kids may be entertained long enough for you to put your laundry away!

• Fruit Loop Rainbows – This is a great sensory activity. It is time consuming and tasty!  All you need is a paper plate, Elmer’s glue and a box of Fruit Loops cereal. Have your kids draw a line of glue around the edge of the plate and line red Fruit Loops around the plate – and have them do circles of color following the rainbow pattern – this is great for color identification and fine motor skills, and they can snack while they craft!

• Shaving Cream crafts – who knew that daddy’s drawer in the bathroom could be so useful!  There are loads of fun crafts and kids’ activities to try with shaving cream – visit www.crayonfreckles.com for a great list of ideas.  One of the simplest uses is pretend snow!  Use a tray or baking sheet, let your kids squirt shaving cream all over it and drive their toy cars and trucks around the snowy scene!  If you keep a bowl of water close by, they may get creative and decide to open a nearby carwash!

• Tissue paper Window Art – Give your kids the freedom of cutting or ripping colored tissue paper into little bits and pieces.  Lay out a clear piece of contact paper (in whatever shape suits you – we usually do leaf or heart shapes) and lay it sticky side up – have your kids fill the sticky sheet with tissue paper, and then attach another piece of clear contact paper on it, sticky side down, use a spoon to smooth it out and remove all bubbles, and you will have a work of art to hang in the window or gift to a relative!

• Clean – kids love to dump out their bins of toys – what better way to sort through your toys and get rid of all those broken pieces and happy meal toys!  Get them involved – make piles of like-toys or toys they no longer use!

The key to keeping your kids entertains seems to be the element of surprise – or allowing them to do things they may not normally be allowed to do!  Glue, stickers, poster-board and a pile of toilet paper and paper towel rolls are a great foundation to get you through a long rainy day at home with the kids!  In the meantime, let’s all just hope for sun!

Weekly Recipe: Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

Beach season is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable bathing suit diet. Watching what you eat and controlling portions is normal, but you shouldn't have to sacrifice taste to do it! The summer is also a great opportunity to head over to the local farmer's market and pick up some produce. Use those fresh ingredients for this easy and nutritious summer salad recipe. It will leave you feeling healthy and satisfied.

If you make this week's recipe, make sure to share it with us through Facebook and Instagram!

Ingredients
For the dressing:

• 1 1/2 cups packed fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the salad:

• 4 ears corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
• 1 1/2 pounds grape tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, diced
• 2 medium avocados, diced

Directions
Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender, using 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste; process until smooth. Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Let sit at least 15 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

For more recipes like this one, head over to Food Network's website.

Pool Safety and Reminders from The Commons!

“Safety first” is a phrase we've all been hearing for as long as we can remember. Pool safety, more specifically, is always a hot topic during the summer months. With summer fast approaching, it’s easy to be excited for our pool to re-open this Memorial Day weekend-especially after this year’s brutal winter! In the midst of all this excitement, however, it’s always important to remember our pool rules and safety tips before you dive in.

Between the operating hours of 10am and 8pm, all freshly showered residents may enter (with pool pass in hand of course!) and enjoy what our facility has to offer. No one should swim alone, and persons sixteen years of age and younger are required to have a guardian present while swimming.

Those age sixteen and younger must also take a swim test. Upon passing, they will be permitted to utilize the entire pool area. Those who don’t pass will be required to have a guardian in the pool, within an arm’s length while swimming. Guardians should use their discretion while supervising and ensure a safe water depth. Likewise, non-proficient swimmers should use their discretion, and remain within a shallow area of the pool.

                

Proper swimwear is another necessity. We ask that swimmers dress appropriately, and that they don’t dress in the recreation room or in the clubhouse. To ensure the safety of all pool guests, the top things to avoid in the pool area include: horseplay, running, and any games that may put any person in danger. Along the same lines, alcohol, smoking, and glass containers are prohibited in the pool area. Should you be ill, we ask that you refrain from using the pool, to avoid contamination. The pool will be closed upon sight of thunder, lightning, rainfall, or some other unforeseen malfunction. Who wants to swim in a thunderstorm anyway?

                

While many of these rules and tips may seem obvious or implied, we believe it’s important to keep all residents informed in order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. It’s our job to make you as comfortable and pleased as possible with our facility. Enjoy!

               

Weekly Recipe: Grilled Caprese Naan Pizza

Grilled Caprese Naan Pizza

Some nights it’s really easy to skip the kitchen and order a yummy, greasy pizza from your favorite neighborhood spot. Whether you keep it simple with extra cheese or your family piles on the topics, we can all agree that pizza just hits the spot. For this week’s recipe, we’re sharing a more gourmet ‘za recipe, so stop by the grocery store, grab some fresh ingredients, and save some for us!

If you make this week’s recipe, be sure to share it with us on Instagram and Facebook!

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 naan
• olive oil mister or cooking spray
• a handful or two of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• a handful or two of small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
• 1/4 c. fresh basil ribbons
• salt + pepper to taste

Instructions
Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until syrupy and reduced to about a tablespoon, 8-10 minutes.

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Spray both sides of one naan with olive oil and place it in the pan, pressing down on the top of it with a spatula to sear. Cook on each side until just beginning to char, about 2-3 minutes. Repeat with second naan.

Top each naan with tomatoes, cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Cut into wedges and serve.

Notes
If you can't find ciliegine at your grocery store, you can buy a bigger size and uses slices of it on the pizza instead.

Weekly Recipe: Meatless Monday, Grilled Potato Salad

Since we’re super trendy and the weather is absolutely gorgeous, this week’s recipe celebrates “Meatless Monday” and features grilled items. So, after you head to the grocery store for some fresh ingredients, fire up the grill and enjoy this delicious meal. (We won’t tell if you do pair it with a big steak or some chicken!) If you make this recipe, please snap a photo and share it with us on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #MakeItMonday

Grilled Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large Yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons grill seasoning blend, 2 palm full (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick Grill Mates)
• 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves, 3 sprigs, stripped and chopped
• 2 navel oranges, peeled and chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 -5 cups arugula, chopped, 2 bunches
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

Place potatoes in large bowl and toss with about 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons grill seasoning and rosemary. Grill potatoes 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

While the potatoes are cooking, combine oranges and red onion and dress with red wine vinegar and some extra-virgin olive oil.

Remove the potatoes from the grill to the dressed oranges and onions, toss to coat. When you grill potatoes they will be slightly drier than when you use other methods of cooking. By adding the potatoes to the dressing while they are hot, they really will soak in the dressing.

When ready to serve, add the arugula to the potatoes and toss to distribute.

Love this recipe? Check out others from our friends at the Food Network!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/grilled-potato-salad-recipe.html

Workout this Weekend with The Commons

Whether you are dozing off at work or taking a break in between TV shows, a workout is a great way to liven up your day. A few exercises in the middle of the normal activities, or added to a special day in the middle of the week, provide a valuable break from your regular routine. The easiest way to keep your mind charged up for the rest of the day or week is by stimulating it, however briefly, through a quick and easy workout routine.  It’s also perfect for anyone looking to get in shape for bathing suit season.  So get off the couch and on your feet for this tone- up which targets your abs, obliques and hips!

Standing, lift left leg out to side, toes pointing forward, and place left hand on hip; 

extend right arm diagonally up.

Balancing on right leg, slowly bring left knee and right elbow together in front of chest.

Reverse motion without touching left foot on floor and repeat.

 Do 10 reps, switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.

MAKE IT EASIER: Tap foot on floor between reps.

Weekly Recipe - Pinto Bean Salsa Salad

Keeping in theme with Cinco de Mayo, our weekly recipe is a little spicy but definitely delicious! Thank you to our friends at the Food Network for this delicious, recipe for Pinto Bean Salsa Salad – if you make this week’s recipe, be sure to share it with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #MakeitMexican and #LifeattheCommons

Ingredients

Dressing:

• 1 small clove garlic
• 1 1/2 limes, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/3 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
• 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small Hass avocado, halved, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, leaves and stems

Directions

Make the dressing: Smash the garlic clove, sprinkle with a pinch of the salt, and, with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Whisk the garlic paste, lime juice, remaining salt and chili powder together in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream.

For the salad: Toss together the beans, corn, bell pepper, and onions. Add the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Gently fold in the tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

Summer Concerts in Boston

Warm weather is coming…it’s time to open your windows and get out!  Boston’s music scene comes alive in the summer – offering top artists, indie artists, old favorites and more.  Whether you want to see a small, intimate show, enjoy the outdoors and listen to live music or bring your niece to her first concert.  Here is a list of some of the shows coming to Boston this summer!

• Ray Lamontagne – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (formerly Bank of America Pavilion) May 30^th and 31^st 7:30 p.m.  Lamontagne performs his fifth album, SUPERNOVA along with his popular hits including ‘Trouble.’  Order tickets here.

• Luscious Jackson – Paradise Rock Club June 7^th 7:00 p.m.  This event is 18 and over.  Fans continue to follow this alternative rock band, popular in the 90’s.  Check them out if you like to dance!   Order tickets here.

• Dave Matthews Band – Xfinity Center (formerly Comcast Center, formerly Great Woods) June 7^th 7:00 p.m.  DMB will perform a jam session of both acoustic and electric versions of their fans’ favorite hits.  Order tickets here.

• Daryl Hall & John Oates – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 12^th 8:00 p.m.  Best known as Hall & Oates, the American duo is back on the road playing their hits popular in the late 70’s to mid-80’s including “Rich Girl,” “Private Eyes” and “Maneater.”  Order tickets here.

• Willie Nelson & Alison Krauss – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 17^th 7:00 p.m.  These country favorites are co-headlining for the first time for their summer tour.  Both will bring their full band, Willie Nelson & Family, and Alison Krauss & Union Station.  Order tickets here.

• Styx & Foreigner – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 19^th 6:30 p.m.  Foreigner, Styx: The Soundtrack of Summer Tour with guest Don Felder.  Order tickets here.

• Buffalo Tom – Paradise Rock Club June 21^st 8:00 p.m.  This event is ages 18 and over.  Hometown favorites, Buffalo Tom is an alternative rock band formed in the late 80’s.  Check out fan favorites such as “Sodajerk” and “I’m Allowed.”   Order tickets here. 

• Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow & Gloriana – Xfinity Center June 21^st 7:30 p.m.  Rascal Flatts are teaming up with Sheryl Crow for their 2014 Rewind Tour.  Country music fans will also get to hear Gloriana open up for the show.  Order tickets here. 

• One Republic & The Script – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion June 24th and 25^th 7:00 p.m.  One Republic is bringing The Script along for their Native Summer Tour.  Enjoy the American pop rock music in the city’s outdoor music pavilion.  Order tickets here.

• Andy Grammer – House of Blues June 25^th 7:00 p.m.  Andy Grammer, a singer/songwriter came onto the scene in 2011, best known for “Gotta Keep Your Head Up.”  Order tickets here.

• Billy Joel –Fenway Park June 26^th A chance to see the Piano Man legend like you’ve never seen him before.  These tickets will go fast!  Order here.

• Lady Gaga – TD Garden June 30^th at 7:30 p.m.  One of the top global touring acts of our time, Lady Gaga is hitting the road in support of her new album ARTPOP.  Order tickets here. 

• Jay Z & Beyonce – Gillette Stadium July 1^st time is TBD.  For the first time, superstars Jay Z and Beyonce will tour together.  Their “On the Run” tour will be the show of the summer.  Order tickets here.

• Phish – Xfinity Center July 1^st 7:00 p.m.  Be there as Phish kicks off their 2014 Summer Tour in Mansfield!  Pack your coolers and lawn chairs and make a day out of your Phish experience!  Order tickets here.

• Bruno Mars – TD Garden July 2^nd at 8:00 p.m.  Renowned singer/songwriter/producer/musician Bruno Mars will perform his blockbuster ‘Moonshine Jungle World Tour.’  Order tickets here.

• Boston Pops Orchestra Independence Day Concert - Hatch Shell July 3^rd and 4^th.  Wrist bands available on the 3^rd at 4 pm, 1812 Overture played at 9:30 p.m.  Wrist bands available on the 4^th at 9:00 a.m., show begins at 8:00 p.m.

• O.A.R. & Phillip Phillips – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion July 10^th 7:00 p.m.  Rockers O.A.R. and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips are co-headlining their summer tour.  Tickets are available here. 

• Aerosmith & Slash – Xfinity Center July 16^th 7:30 p.m.  These timeless rockers join forces for the “Let Rock Rule” tour.  These longtime friends have performed together over the years, but are taking over a select list of cities this summer.  Order tickets here. 
• Jimmy Buffet & the Coral Reefer Band – Xfinity Center July 19^th 8:00 p.m.  A man that needs no introductions – dust off your Hawaiian shirts and be ready to party!  Order tickets here. 

• Justin Timberlake –TD Garden July 19^th at 8:00 p.m. The Justin Timberlake 20/20 Experience World Tour – this is a make-up date, so tickets will be limited.  Order tickets here.

• Sarah McLachlan – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion July 19^th at 8:00 p.m.  Sarah McLachlan will perform her new music as well as her classics …this is sure to be a tranquil evening.  Perfect date night!  Order tickets here. 

• Queen + Adam Lambert – July 22^nd at 7:30 p.m.  Brian May, Roger Taylor & Adam Lambert will play at the TD Garden.  Order tickets here.

• Keith Urban, Jerrod Niemann & Brett Eldredge – Xfinity Center July 26^th.  Come listen to these male country stars.  Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up Tour” sells out fast – so order your tickets soon! 

• Katy Perry –TD Garden August 1st and 2^nd 7:30 p.m. Watch Perry perform her highly anticipated Prismatic World Tour.  Order tickets here.

• One Direction – Gillette Stadium August 7^th – 9^th at 7:00 p.m.  Make your daughter, son, niece, or granddaughter’s summer complete with a ticket to a One Direction show!  Earplugs may be needed to hide noise from screaming fans!  Order tickets here.

• Luke Bryan, Lee Brice & Cole Swindell – Gillette Stadium August 10^th 6:00 p.m. American Country Music ‘Entertainer of the Year” brings his “That’s My Kind of Night” tour to Foxboro along with country stars Lee Brice & Cole Swindell.  Order tickets here. 

• Chicago & REO Speedwagon – Blue Hills Pavilion August 20^th time is TBD. Listen to the sounds of two of the best classic rock bands.  REO Speedwagon and Chicago have joined forces to co-headline their August tour.  Sing along to “Can’t Fight this Feeling Anymore” and “If You Leave Me Now.”  Order tickets here. 

• Darius Rucker & Cassadee Pope – Blue Hills Pavilion on September 12^th at 7:00 p.m.  Check out the CMA and ACA nominated singer of “Wagon Wheel,” and The Voice winner Cassadee Pope in one of the last outdoor concerts of the season! Order tickets here. 

And these are just SOME of the shows coming to our fine city! 

Get your tickets before they sell out :)