Commons Ground: Indoor Green Thumb, Made Easy

Plants offer an inviting, friendly touch to any apartment home. While maintaining healthy green plants may sound like a pain, many plants thrive indoors—and are easy to sustain. Check out some vegetation that will add vibrant and natural warmth to your home with a minimum of fuss.

Peperomia, a.k.a. the “Radiator Plant”

Any plant that is described as “easy care” is a great place to start your apartment home ‘garden.’ That starts with Peperomia, a small houseplant defined by waxy, textured leaves. This species adds a pop of color to any room but better still, grows with a minimum of light exposure and tolerates temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees. As for watering, the plant requires just one wetting per week. There is only one caveat about Peperomia – the plant is poisonous for cats and dogs, if eaten, so they must be kept out of reach from curious pets.

Scented Geraniums

Thanks to scented geraniums, residents don’t need aerosol spray or air fresheners to enjoy a fragrant smelling home. These beauties can be found in a variety of delicious scents like apple and chocolate mint. They are great to look at as well, as the geraniums grow small, vibrantly colored flowers. Scented Geraniums come in different sizes, so be sure to ask for one that fits on a countertop or windowsill. These plants do need four hours of sun on average, but only need to be watered two times per week.

Fiddleleaf Fig

Saying fiddleleaf fig five times fast is a real feat but making a green statement to brighten up a room is easy-peasy with this tall, leafy plant. The “ficus lyrata,” know for a twisted trunk, is a popular houseplant because it tolerates low levels of light and requires minimal watering (every third day.) The only challenge is the plant’s size, which requires occasional pruning.

African Violet

The African Violet is a gorgeous plant that is easy to maintain. The plant blooms and thrives in filtered sunlight as much as bright light, so any window sill will do. When it comes to water, touch the soil and if it is moist, there’s no need to water. Usually watering every other day does the trick.  

 Garlic Greens

How to grow garlic in five easy steps. 1) Buy garlic bulbs from the local grocery store. 2) Buy small plant pot with drainage holes and small bag of potting soil. 3) Fill pot with soil until it’s almost full. 4) Peel bulbs into cloves and push into dirt until pointy end sits just above the soil line. 5) Place in sunny spot and water every other day. One note: cloves will sprout in short order, but harvesting new cloves requires patience, up to six months … plenty of time to find a great recipe for spring harvest!

All of these plants and many more require occasional maintenance beyond sun and water such as fertilization and pruning. For more info, check out the links below.

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/

http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plant-care-tips.html

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/houseplants.html

Commons Ground: Three Ways to Frame

There is no better way to spruce up a bland, empty wall than with photos of friends and loved ones. Taking the first steps toward making an eye catching wall of art can, however, be intimidating. Between choosing the right frames, photos and their arrangement, there is so much that goes into making a beautiful display of memories and art. Luckily, crafty people on the internet have done all the leg work for you! Here are three different ways to frame and arrange art on you wall to take your apartment home’s décor to the next level.

1. 3x3

This classic 3x3 arrangement has a clean, elegant feel that would look wonderful displayed along the walls of a hallway. Talia from Pieces of Me explains how she bought inexpensive IKEA frames, printed photos at home and hung them in this square shape to create a vibrant, fresh display. Get details on this arrangement here.

2. Asymmetrical Magazine Art

Just about everyone has a stack of old magazines lying around, collecting dust. Here is an easy and creative way to repurpose some of the images from those magazines. Flip through the pages and pull out any art-worthy images, run them through a scanner and frame. Then, scatter the scanned and framed images amongst some of your own photos and arrange in an asymmetrical, playful display. Visit the Baby Center blog for details on how to create this whimsical photo arrangement.

3. Picture-less Frames

Pictures aren’t the only things that can say 1000 words. This trendy display made up of antique frames found at tag sales is a stunningly cool way to display some of your vintage treasures. Hang similarly colored frames with varied shapes and sizes in an asymmetrical design to create a unique arrangement and a definite conversation starter. Design stand-by, Martha Stewart has the scoop on how to achieve this look.

Get Up & Go! Mini Golf & Ice Cream

Mini golf and ice cream are two staples of summer. Those living in Massachusetts are lucky enough to be able to combine these pastimes–it is hard to find a mini golf course without a location for a tempting frozen treat nearby. But if you are not searching for a hole-in-one before your dessert, there are plenty of locations worth visiting for the ice cream alone.

Get out and enjoy what’s left of the beautiful summer nights, whether that involves perfecting a putting stance or trying not to drip from a two-scoop sugar cone. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Facebook and Instagram! Use the guide below to discover some of the best mini golf and ice cream joints in your area.

Mini Golf

• Pinemeadow, 1431 Main St., South Weymouth – All you have to do is ask, and before or after your round of mini golf, Pinemeadow will treat you to a complimentary ice cream – so don’t forget to speak up!
• Starland Sports & Fun Park, 645 Washington St., Hanover – Starland has lots to do to keep your family busy for the day – mini golf, batting cages, arcade, laser tag and a new rock climbing wall!

• Kilroy’s Mini Golf, 739 Washington St., Quincy – Kilroy’s is located at one of Quincy’s historical landmarks, the USS Salem CA-139.  Play a round of mini golf and then enjoy a guided tour of the USS Salem!

Ice Cream

• Peaceful Meadows, 170 Water St., Plymouth – Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream?!  Made in Peaceful Meadow’s Whitman location, they are loaded with delicious flavors – and even serve a good ole fashioned lime rickey!
• Nona’s, 19 Main St., Hingham – Tucked away in Hingham center, Nona’s is located among great little shops and sets up for a great harbor walk with your cold treat!  Don’t leave without trying a waffle cone!
• Farfar’s Danish Ice Cream, 272 St. George St, Duxbury -- Farfar’s prides itself on using the same recipes and flavors since it opened its doors over thirty years ago. The fresh, made-on-site treats have received Best of Boston awards for several years running.

Take a swing and then cool off with ice cream!

@Common Cooks: Nut-free and Sesame-free Summer Recipes

Millions of Americans suffer food allergies. Peanut and tree nut allergies are among the most common allergies and sesame seed allergies is one of the fastest-growing.  Thanks to ingenious chefs and the internet, folks with these and other common food allergies can enjoy homemade summer recipes that are nut-and-sesame free and delish! This weeks’ Pesto and Hummus recipes provide the perfect example, delivering of the flavor without health-consequences. These recipes require minimal shopping and an even smaller amount of prep time–let your food processor and/or blender do the work!  Ingredients are in-season and available via local harvests, which is even more delicious! 

As always, be sure to read in our Grocery Guru section, listed below, for nearby options to buy fresh, local spinach, garlic and basil!

Nut-Free Pesto

Prep time: 2 minutes

Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients

·         4 cups spinach

·         2 cups basil

·         2 cloves garlic

·         1 tablespoon lemon juice

·         1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1/2 teaspoon black pepper

·         1/3 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon

Required equipment

·         Food processor or blender

·         Mason jar (for storage)

Directions

1.  Place spinach, basil, garlic, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into food processor or blender.
2. Pulse for 10 seconds, then turn up to high speed and slowly stream in the olive oil while the machine is running. Process for 40-50 seconds, or until smooth. Add more olive oil for less concentrated pesto.

Serve pesto mixed with pasta (cold or hot.)  Also can be used as a topping for baked veggies, chicken and seafood, or as a spread for bruschetta. Store remaining pesto in a jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (the pesto also freezes well.) Note: for a thinner pesto , add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

* Recipe credit: Two Peas & Their Pod.com

Sesame-Free Hummus

Prep time: 2 minutes

Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1 can garbanzo beans or chickpeas (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
• ¼    cup water
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Paprika, for garnish

Required equipment

• Food processor or blender

Directions

1. Place garbanzo beans, water, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and oil into food processor or blender
2. Turn on food processor or blender at high speed for 2 full minutes, until mixture is smooth and creamy
3. Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with dash of paprika

Serve with Pita bread, chips or vegetables.

* Recipe credit: Livingwithout.com

Grocery Guru Advice

Supermarket: Roche Brothers, 101 Falls Blvd

Local Farm: Quincy Farmer’s Market, 43 Dennis Ryan Parkway (Fridays)

Commons Ground: Tech Ideas for your Apartment Home

Technology doesn’t have to stop at your desktop. Indeed, techie smarts can enhance your apartment home in ways large and small. As the world waits for the futuristic landscape of the Jetsons to take hold, check out the following technologies, available now at your nearest internet-based retailer! 

The WeMo Switch

Home automation has never been easier thanks to Belkin’s WeMo Switch, which lets any0ne control appliances remotely. No more worrying about whether you forgot to turn off the coffee maker or curling ironing before leaving for work. Simply turn it off from your smartphone, tablet, or any device that’s connected to the Internet.

(image via blessthisstuff.com)

From lamps to crockpots, plug any appliance you’d like into the Belkin WeMo Switch to control it remotely. PC Mag has all the details on this neat home lighting system.

Hue Light Bulbs

Mood lighting always should match the occasion. With Philips Hue Light Bulbs, setting the stage for a romantic dinner is as easy as setting the lights to concentrate on work or study. Just open the app and use the color wheel to select match tint with temperament.

(image via hisconsumption.com)

The Hue Light Bulbs are energy efficient (they use 80% less power than traditional light bulbs) and work with most existing light sockets. Read more about the light bulbs here.

Waterproof Shower Speakers

Singing in the shower sounds better with some background accompaniment. Thanks to the Abco Tech Waterproof Shower Speaker, your private concert will air in stereo. The Abco system uses suction cups attached to shower walls and allows for seamless streaming of music from any Bluetooth enabled phone or media player. The system even pairs automatically when it’s in range of a device.

(image via the-gadgeteer.com)

The Abco system works in every wet condition – from the pool to the beach to the Jacuzzi. Learn more at The Gadgeteer.

Picopix Portable Projector

Say that three times fast! The Picopix Portable Projector, a Phillips product, is small enough to fit in a pocket but powerful enough to project images and videos up to 1o feet in height! Weighing in at less than one pound, the Picopix projector can be paired with a mini spider tripod to project movies, games, streaming videos and other media onto any wall surface in your home. The Philips Projector offers an incredibly sharp image with vibrant colors and high contrast. Check out Tech Radar for details on specifications and performance.

(Image via amazon.com)

Get Up & Go!: Beach Day Bonanza!

In Massachusetts, day trips to the beach are a summertime tradition. That’s because our state is incredibly blessed to have dozens of seaside beaches along more than 1,500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline, not to mention countless freshwater beach options at local lakes and ponds.

With just a bit of advance planning, beach outings are easy fun. Make lunch the night before,  chill your favorite beverage in the refrigerator, pack up the beach towels and sunscreen, then set the alarm early enough to get a jump on traffic. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free adventure filled with blue skies and smooth sand.

Of course, leave the destination to us. This week’s “Get Up & Go!” gives you plenty of beach selections that are close to home, less than 30 minutes away or if you’re up for a longer trip, roughly an hour from the Commons.

Ah, summertime at the beach – it’s a breeze!  

Weymouth Beaches, North Weymouth

Weymouth beaches are lesser known than some in other towns but the small, sandy George Lane Beach and Wessagusset Beach in in North Weymouth have a lot to offer. Lane Beach features a large parking lot for town residents, a public boat ramp and is a great place to kayak. Both beaches offer lifeguards and bathroom amenities. Lane Beach has outdoor showers.  Beach parking passes from the town are available for all residents. Both beaches are less than 20 minutes from The Commons.

Wollaston Beach, Quincy

The largest public beach around (2 ½ miles long!), visitors to this Quincy landmark enjoy free parking, plenty of lifeguards and public restrooms. The beach also hosts an amazing amount of events (volleyball tournaments, kite and car festivals, art days and more), so check online calendar listings here before  heading out. If you’re in the mood for a real local delicacy, check out the famed seaside seafood stops – Tony’s Clam Shop and The Clam Box. Wollaston beach is roughly 30 minutes from The Commons.

Carson Beach, Boston

The locals say Carson Beach is the best in Boston because it has soft natural sand, a picnic area with stunning views of the Harbor, and a great bath house equipped with restrooms and showers. They also have nice walkways to check out the view, pretty landscaping and athletic courts to work up a sweat. Parking is free and the beach is accessible via the Red Line and JFK/UMass station. Plan on a 30 minute drive from The Commons.

Nantasket Beach, Hull

Yet another South Shore gem, historic Nantasket Beach on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, is a haven for sunbathers and swimmers, plus sailing and kayaking enthusiasts. While 100-foot tall ‘Giant Coaster’ was relocated to Six Flags Amusement Park more than 20 years ago, families can still enjoy the historic Paragon Carousel, which has been around since 1928. The weekly Sunday concert series at the Bernie King Pavilion features concerts every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. . Parking is $10, $35 with MassParks pass. Plan on a 30 minute drive from The Commons.

Boston Harbor Islands, Boston

The Boston Harbor islands are a unique local treasure, offering a one-of-a-kind beach experience. Part of the federal government’s National Parks system, visitors must take a ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf ($15 for adults. $9 for children, see schedule here: http://bit.ly/1qP1EAn.) Ferry travel is very convenient, with boats running every half hour during the summertime. Check out Spectacle Island and Lovells Island, which feature sandy beaches and majestic cityscape and ocean views. Spectacle Island has a snack shack, a visitor’s center, restrooms and scenic walking trails. Lovells Island, best known as the site of legendary shipwrecks, is more rustic and does not offer full bathhouse facilities.

For other nearby day trip options, follow these links for more information on Duxbury Beach, Plymouth Long Beach, and Sunset  Lake (just a 10 minute drive!)

Commons Get Up & Go! Summer Adventures in Hiking

Exercise and fresh air are just part of the fun!

Overcast days in the summertime sure can be a bore. They are too cool for the beach or pool. A movie might work, but maybe you’re saving that for a date or a special occasion. And if you’re well ahead on your summer reading schedule … well, what is there to do? The answer: Hiking Adventures. Thanks to the rustic beauty of Massachusetts and smart policies on preservation and conservation of open space, there are plenty of nearby adventures minutes from your door.

Before we tell you where to go, be sure to remember these important family hiking safety and ‘adventure’ tips:

• Research trails. Always make sure the trail you select isn’t too long, or too strenuous  
• Pick trails that are associated with a destination or view, such as a peak, ocean, or countryside. This helps keep your kids' interest intact and is an important part of the adventure factor!
• Wear appropriate shoes!  DO NOT WEAR FLIP FLOPS, SANDALS, BOAT SHOES, MOCCASINS, DRESS SHOES, LOAFERS OR SNEAKERS WITH NO TREAD. Boots are best, but sneakers with treads or walking shoes with treads are OK for most trails.
• Always pack a backpack! Must-have items include wipes/tissues, sunscreen, bug spray, sweater/sweatshirt, a cell phone and plenty of water and snacks. Also consider bringing lip balm, binoculars, a camera and a first aid kit
• Pack ‘safety’ whistles for every hiker. These will come in handy if somebody becomes separated from the group!
• Dress in layers on cool days and bring layers on warm days. When climbing higher elevations, you may be surprised by the cool temps up top. 
• Research a field guide before you go. This will help you point out interesting trees, birds, animals, even insects!
• Stay together! One tip is to have the slowest hiker lead the way, creating a safe pace for the group.  
• Stay on marked trails. Pay attention and stay on course!
• Don't litter! Mother Nature gets cranky when things are left behind – and State Forest officers issue hefty fines!

When you go, be sure to take plenty of pictures of your adventures and share them on our Facebook page!  If you have a favorite local hiking spot, please feel free to share those details with your neighbors as well!

Happy trails!

20 Minutes From The Commons (or less)

• Ponkapoag Pond, Canton

A well-known part of the Blue Hills Reservation, the Ponkapoag features a 4-mile loop trail that is great for young children – mostly flat with well-marked, groomed trails.  And the beautiful pond views are amazing! Note: Be careful when walking near the golf course that abuts the trail.

• Middlesex Fells Reservation, Malden/Melrose/Medfield

Locals know this park as ‘The Fells,’ which offers varying levels of trails for different skill sets. The Skyline Trail is a challenging 7-mile path that follows the outer perimeter of the massive outdoor space. The trail features lots of forest but note: a few rocky peaks provide the adventure – and the reward of amazing views of Boston and the scenery. 

• World's End, Hingham

There are few opportunities to feel so close, but so far from Boston and World’s End Park is one of them. The park includes a 4-mile trail loop which is pet-friendly (on a leash).  Keep your camera handy, as you will pass through open fields, wooded areas, and the ocean and city skyline.  NOTE: Though there is a $6 entry fee, this park is beautifully maintained and worth the price!