Embracing Efficiency: Ways to Automate Household Chores

In today’s fast-paced world, the last thing we want is to be bogged down by endless household chores. Fortunately, there are various automation tools that can help lighten the burden and make our lives more convenient. From robotic vacuums to smart home systems, automation has revolutionized the way we manage household tasks. In this article, we will explore easy ways to automate household chores and free up more time for the things that truly matter.

Smart Home Technology: The cornerstone of home automation lies in embracing smart home technology. Start by investing in a reliable smart home hub or controller that serves as the central point for managing all connected devices. From there, you can expand your smart ecosystem by incorporating smart bulbs, plugs, thermostats, and security systems. With smart bulbs and plugs, you can remotely control lights and appliances, optimizing energy usage and creating the illusion of an occupied home when you’re away. Smart thermostats, on the other hand, learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, promoting energy efficiency and comfort. Meanwhile, smart security systems enhance home safety with features like remote monitoring and automated alerts.
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner: Bid farewell to the days of manually pushing a vacuum cleaner around the house. Robotic vacuum cleaners are intelligent devices designed to autonomously clean your floors while you focus on other tasks. These nifty gadgets navigate through your home, avoiding obstacles and adjusting their cleaning patterns based on the floor type. Some models even offer mopping capabilities to keep your hard floors shiny and spotless.
Automated Lawn Care: Maintaining a pristine lawn can be time-consuming, but automation can come to the rescue. Robotic lawnmowers are designed to trim your grass regularly without any intervention. They operate on a set schedule or can be activated remotely through a smartphone app. With robotic lawn mowers, you’ll enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn without breaking a sweat.
Automated Kitchen Appliances: The kitchen is often a hotbed of household chores, but automation can streamline the cooking and cleaning process. Consider investing in appliances like smart ovens, which allow you to control cooking settings remotely. Additionally, dishwasher models with smart features can be programmed to run during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower, saving you money and time.
Home Automation Routines: Most smart home systems offer the functionality to create custom automation routines. These routines can be triggered by specific events or schedules, making it easy to automate several tasks simultaneously. For example, you can set up a “Good Morning” routine that turns on the lights, adjusts the thermostat, and starts brewing your coffee at your preferred time. Similarly, a “Good Night” routine can lock doors, turn off lights, and arm the security system before you head to bed. Like a home care aide, these automated routines can be very helpful for the elderly.
Explore Voice Assistants: Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can be your virtual helpers in automating household chores. They allow you to control smart devices using voice commands, eliminating the need for manual interactions with various apps and interfaces. With just a few words, you can dim the lights, turn up the music, or check if the doors are locked.

Apart from the common household chores mentioned earlier, you can also automate various other chores to simplify your daily life. Here are some more examples:

Automated Laundry Systems: Laundry can be time-consuming, but some advanced washing machines and dryers offer automation features. These appliances can be programmed to start and finish cycles at specific times, allowing you to take advantage of off-peak energy hours or ensuring your laundry is ready when you need it. But if you really want to save more time and energy, subscribe to a laundry delivery service. They’ll do your laundry perfectly according to your requirements and you’ll also look your best.
Automated Prescription Refills: Many pharmacies now offer services that allow you to automate the refilling of your prescription medications. You can set up automatic prescription refills, where your community pharmacy will proactively refill your medications when they are due. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of essential medications. Furthermore, some pharmacies have online stores where you can buy home healthcare products, personal care and even household products and deliver to you as well.
Medication Dispensing Devices: Some advanced medication organizing and dispensing systems can automate the process of organizing and dispensing pills. These devices sort and dispense medications according to your schedule, often with built-in alarms and alerts to remind you to take your medication.
Online Vitamin Subscriptions: Many vitamin and supplement companies offer online subscription services. By setting up a subscription for your preferred vitamins and supplements, you can ensure that you receive a fresh supply regularly without the need to reorder every time you run out.
Automated Bill Payment: Setting up automatic bill payment through your bank’s online platform can save you time and help avoid late fees. Many utility companies and service providers offer the option to set up recurring payments, allowing you to pay your bills without manual intervention.
Automated propane delivery: If you use propane for heating, cooking, etc. for your home, sign up for automatic propane delivery. With automatic delivery, the supplier knows when to deliver propane to you without you having to call them. You’ll never run out of fuel because you forgot to check or to call. Isn’t that a life saver?
Automated Pet Feeders: If you have pets, automated pet feeders can be a lifesaver. These devices dispense pre-measured food at scheduled times, ensuring your furry friends are fed even when you’re not at home.
Automated Plant Watering: For those with indoor plants or a garden, automated watering systems can keep your plants healthy and hydrated without requiring daily attention. These systems can be set on timers or triggered by moisture sensors.
Automated Grocery Delivery: Many grocery stores now offer online ordering and home delivery services. By setting up recurring grocery orders or using grocery subscription services, you can automate grocery shopping and have essentials delivered regularly.
Automated Calendar and Reminders: Use digital calendars and task management apps to automate reminders for appointments, birthdays, and other important events. These apps can send you notifications to ensure you never miss a crucial date.
Automated Garbage and Recycling Systems: Some cities have started implementing automated garbage and recycling collection systems, where special bins are equipped with electronic sensors that notify waste management companies when they need to be emptied.

Embracing automation in various aspects of your life can be a game-changer in terms of time management and convenience. By automating household chores, bill payments, prescriptions, and other routine tasks, you’ll free up valuable time to focus on activities that bring joy and fulfillment, leading to a more balanced and stress-free lifestyle. Take advantage of the technological advancements available today and explore ways to automate tasks to optimize your daily routine.

Summer Fun in Newton

It’s official. We are now in summer. Whether you live in Newton or surrounding towns, or you are a visitor from afar, there are a lot of fun activities that you can do in Newton during the summer. Here are some ideas:

Visit Newton’s Parks and Conservation Areas: Explore Cold Spring Park, Hemlock Gorge Reservation, and Crystal Lake. Take a walk, have a picnic, or enjoy the nature trails and playgrounds. Remember to use sunscreens and insect repellents available from community pharmacies like Keyes Drug in Auburndale.
Attend Free Summer Concerts: The Newton Centre Bowl comes alive with music and dancing for six weeks this summer in the open space adjacent to the playground and just down the hill from the Tyler Terrace hut. With free open-air seating, there is plenty of room for families, friends. Bring along a blanket, a chair, a picnic dinner, and enjoy diverse musical styles in these summer performances in the park.
Explore the Newton Free Library: The Newton Free Library offers more than just books. Visit the library and take advantage of its free programs, workshops, and events for all ages, including lectures, author talks, and children’s activities.
Discover Newton’s Farmer’s Markets: Visit the various farmer’s markets in Newton, such as the Newton Centre Farmer’s Market or the Newton Farmers Market at Cold Spring Park. Stroll through the market, browse local produce, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Enjoy the Newton Centre Green: Spend some time in Newton Centre Green, a small park in the heart of Newton Centre. Relax on the grass, have a picnic or simply people-watch in this lively neighborhood gathering spot. Bring your elderly parent or ask his or her home care companion to accompany him or her to this favorite spot to enjoy the warm weather outdoors.
Take a Bike Ride: Enjoy a bike ride along the scenic bike trails in and around Newton. The Upper Charles River Trail and the Charles River Bike Path are popular options for cycling enthusiasts, offering beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Visit Local Farms: Newton is located in a region with several farms and orchards. Some of these farms offer free admission and allow visitors to explore and enjoy the surroundings. Check out farms like the Newton Community Farm or nearby places for a unique agricultural experience.
Explore Historic Sites: Newton has a rich history, and there are a few historic sites to explore. Visit places like the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, the Jackson Homestead and Museum, or the Eliot Church to learn more about the city’s past.
Attend Community Parks and Recreation Programs: Newton’s Parks and Recreation Department often offers free or low-cost programs during the summer, such as fitness classes, nature walks, or sports activities. Check their website or community bulletin boards for the latest schedule of events.
Shopping and Dining: Newton offers a range of shopping and dining options. The city has several commercial areas, such as Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, and Newtonville, with a mix of local businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and larger retail centers like The Street at Chestnut Hill and the Chestnut Hill Mall.

Remember to check for any specific schedules, restrictions, or updated information related to these activities before visiting. Enjoy your summer in Newton!

Image credit: © alepdaru, 123RF Free Images

Things to do on Mother’s Day in Boston

Spring has sprung in Boston. As flowers bloom and birds tweet, we know that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. How can we honor and show appreciation for the mothers in our lives, women who work tirelessly day in day out and make significant sacrifices to ensure that their children are healthy, happy, and successful? Here are some ideas:

Go shopping

Is that a surprise? Women love shopping. So instead of laundry, cooking and cleaning, take a load off mom. Get laundry delivery service from your local Boston dry cleaner and eat out so that you can take mom on a shopping spree and help her find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Take a stroll in the Boston Public Garden

Mothers with young children frequently take their children to the local park playground to play and teach them social skills. A stroll in the park will let your mother enjoy it for herself. The Boston Public Garden is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend some time with your mother. You can take a leisurely walk around the park, admire the flowers, and enjoy the scenery. If your mom already has a home care companion who takes her to walks, then you can take her to a museum.

Visit a museum

If your mother is an art lover, the Museum of Fine Arts is the perfect place to spend the day. You can check out the latest exhibits, admire the works of famous artists, and even take a guided tour. How about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum? This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. The museum has a vast collection of art, including works by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Raphael. Besides art and culture, Boston has a variety of other museums that can be of interest to mom. Take her pick!

Take a cooking class together

Many cooking schools in Boston offer classes where you can learn to make a delicious meal with your mother. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend some quality time together and learn some new culinary skills. Well, if your mother loves food but not cooking, then you can simply treat her to a special Mother’s Day brunch and enjoy some quality time together.

Take a day trip

Mother probably stays home a lot and spends most of her time in the neighborhood. How about taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard? It’s just a short ferry ride from Boston. Spend the day exploring the island’s quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes. Or take a Boston Harbor cruise. Enjoy the beautiful Boston skyline and the scenic harbor with a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner cruise.

Enjoy a show or concert

If your mother loves Broadway shows or live music, dance and theatre performances, treat her to a night out and enjoy a Boston Pops concert, Boston Ballet, comedy club or jazz performance.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank mothers for their hard work, dedication, and unconditional love. It is also a chance to celebrate the special bond that exists between a mother and her children. By taking the time to show our gratitude and appreciation for our mothers, we can strengthen our relationships and create meaningful memories.

Protecting the Environment on Earth Day and Beyond

Earth Day is right around the corner and if you want to start getting more involved in environmental protection efforts, there are several easy ways you can do your part to protect the Earth. When everyone makes small changes, eco-friendly attitudes catch on and the world slowly becomes a safer, healthier place.

Consider these eco-friendly ideas if you want to make an impact on Earth Day and beyond.

Reuse

Using fewer plastic bags during your shopping trips is one effective way that you, as a customer, can help protect the environment. Plenty of stores sell resilient, reusable shopping bags that can easily be folded up and stored in your car.

Additionally, if you use laundry services in Boston, ask about reusable laundry bags. Some designs allow you to use them as an all-in-one reusable laundry/duffel/garment bag. At home, the bag serves as a hamper. You can use it as a duffel bag to take your laundry to the cleaners, and at pick-up, it transforms into a side-zippered, breathable, water-repellent, hanging garment bag that protects your cleaned clothing.

Recycle

Recycling protects the environment by preventing the depletion of the earth’s limited resources. If you have unused medications, take them to your local pharmacy for safe, proper disposal. Return unused hangers to the dry cleaner you frequent.

If you do happen to receive groceries in plastic bags, return the empty bags to the depository that many supermarkets now have for bag recycling.

Use Clean Energy/Green Technology

Plenty of companies offer clean or green products you can use in lieu of those that damage the environment. For example, you might want to consider using propane or solar energy to cut down on your energy consumption when cooking, heating your home, and using appliances.

Green dish and laundry detergents also exist, and they’re just as effective as standard store-brand products. These items may be a little more expensive, but they don’t pollute groundwater.

Buy from Green Companies

When you make active choices to shop at green stores and subscribe to eco-friendly companies, you’re doing far more than making a move to protect the environment. You’re also influencing your friends and family to follow your example, and you’re incentivizing other businesses to adopt greener practices.

Try visiting eco-friendly dry cleaners, landscapers that practice environmentally-conscious work, and low-waste grocery stores.

Celebrate Earth Day with Your Family

Earth Day provides families with a reason to go outside and have fun, but the day also serves to present parents and children with teachable moments. On Earth Day, educate your children about the environment and give them easy tips and activities they can try out if they want to live a greener lifestyle.

If you have senior loved ones living with you (or you visit them frequently), encourage them to participate in a few low-impact gardening activities with the rest of the family. Not only is gardening a great way to pursue sustainability but this sort of activity can be shared by everyone in your household. You may also be able to hire a home caregiver that can help your senior with gardening or other earth-friendly activities.

Earth Day focuses on protecting the planet on which we live, but it’s not the only time people should care about the environment. Use the activities you adopt during Earth Day to take your eco-friendly efforts beyond the holiday. See what sort of difference your changes make if you keep them going throughout the year.

Everyone’s Irish on St Patrick’s Day in Boston

Boston has a little something for everyone when it comes to celebrations and holidays, but none tops St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time resident looking for new experiences, St. Paddy’s has it all– even if you don’t like to drink.

Why Boston?

For those uninitiated, Boston has a massive Irish population (about 23% of its citizens identify as Irish!). Originally emigrating from persecution in the colonial era, Boston’s had a long-standing history of Irish origin. Immigrants escaping the potato famine in the 19th century further built the Irish population, and Boston quickly became a hub for Irish Americans.

Things To Do on St. Patrick’s Day

So, what can you do on St. Patrick’s Day in Boston? We’ve got 5 great ideas for you to get the most out of our rich Irish culture.

The Southie Parade and Road Race

Whether or not you are Irish, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race are great ways to celebrate Irish heritage and enjoy the area. This is a fun activity, away from the familiarity of the slides and swings at the playground, that children will enjoy. This year, the parade and the road race take place on Sunday, March 19th. The parade starts at 1 pm, and the road race starts at noon.

Both events are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to grab yourself a good spot by getting there early! While you are there, be a good neighbor and shop local. Visit the local drug store, gift shop, bakery or book store and buy a little souvenir or whatever.

If you want to run in the race, we recommend registering early. All proceeds from the Southie St. Patrick’s Day Road Race go towards the Boston Boys and Girls Club.

Enjoy Irish Culture

If you’re not too keen on parades and would rather enjoy some more traditional Irish celebration, why not check out some traditional Irish dance and enjoy some Celtic music? Enjoy some music, food, and drink any day of the week during Lansdowne Pub’s St. Patrick’s Week, or catch some traditional Irish music at The Burren. If you’re looking for dance, Ned Devine’s hosts step dancers at 1 pm. Be sure to wear green — some Boston dry cleaners in the North End may offer special discounts for dry cleaning or alterations for your green costume.

Get Some Traditional Irish Food

It’s not Paddy’s without some good Irish food and a Guinness! Boston’s extensive selection of traditional Irish pubs offers some of the best Irish food you can get in the States, and enjoying a pint with a good meal is essential on St. Patrick’s Day! Alongside great entertainment, sit and relax with some great food and beer from Lansdowne Pub, The Black Rose, The Kinsale, or J.J. Foley’s Cafe. Alternatively, you can organize a cookout in the backyard, weather permitting. A propane heater might be needed.

Explore Heritage Trails

For a calmer daytime experience, Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail celebrates the city’s rich Irish history and provides a beautiful scenic experience bound to enchant anyone looking for a relaxing stroll through time. Visit Irish monuments, buildings, and other historic locations on a guided tour, or walk the city yourself to peruse each location at your own pace. It’s perfect for those with senior loved ones — rather than hiring home care services, you can take your elderly loved one to a walk down memory lane. Tours cost roughly $15 for adults and $12 for students, children, and seniors.

Stop by a Celtics Game

Of course, it wouldn’t be Paddy’s in Boston without celebrating our local basketball team– the Celtics! While St. Patrick’s Day games are usually sold out, feel free to enjoy a game any time of the year to show off your inner Celtic spirit. Just make sure you wear plenty of green!

Fun Activities for the Family on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a fun and festive time to celebrate love. While Valentine’s Day is commonly used to celebrate romantic relationships, it can also be a good day to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the love you share for each other. If you’re wondering how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones, here are some family-friendly fun activities for you to consider.

Decorate Your Home

Decorating your home in pink and red is a great way to start. Make decorating an enjoyable activity by putting on some light music and having kids help with hanging up the decorations. You can even make Valentine’s Day crafts with your kids, friends and relatives who share your knack in making heart tassel charms, sequin pins, tissue paper wreaths, air-dry clay hearts and the like. Another sweet way to decorate is to get some colorful post-its from your neighborhood drugstore and write kind loving notes to each other. You can use these to decorate by sticking them on the wall, the fridge, the kitchen table, or just keep them for a bad day.

Spread Love Through Gifts

Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, candy hearts, and cards are inexpensive gifts that can make a big impact on Valentine’s Day. You can also often find fun toys, salty snacks, and other small Valentines-themed items throughout the first two weeks of February. These are cute gifts to give to kids or other family members to spread love. Your local drugstore is a great place to find festive gifts for your family members, even at the last minute. Shop local helps spread love to your local community too!

Spend Time with Family

Valentine’s Day is a good day to spend time with family looking back on the memories you share. With elderly parents, you can look back on old photo albums from weddings, births, and other family milestones. If you’re unable to spend time with a parent, share albums with another relative or pass albums along to home care aides who offer companionship to your elderly loved one.

If you have kids who are old enough, you can also reminisce on old memories with a Valentine’s Day theme, looking back on old home videos or baby books with some heart-shaped snacks.

We all remember fun times in the kitchen at home. How about making Valentine’s Day cupcakes or candy together? Be sure to prepare plenty of coloring, frosting, powdered sugar, and other fun ingredients!

Dress Festively

Wear pink and red at home or work and take pictures to celebrate Valentine’s Day! You could even buy fun accessories like feather boas or bead necklaces and do a family photoshoot. If you enjoy throwing parties, have a pink and red themed party. Valentine’s Day parties are a great way to put your festive decorations and pink and red attire to good use.

If you’re throwing or attending a party where you plan to wear pink or red, some Boston dry cleaners offer Valentine’s Day discounts for pink or red garments and household items. Get your garments and table linens cleaned before your party to look your best!

Enjoy Valentine’s Day with plenty of fun, laughter, good food, music and dancing, and don’t forget to show your love. Take advantage of local stores and discounts to get in the community’s Valentine’s Day spirit too!

Keeping Your Home Safe for Elderly Parents

Boston has a lot of baby boomers who live by themselves or with their children in the area. If you have an elderly parent or parents who are aging in place at home, it is important to know what precautions to take to keep their living environment in safe and healthy condition.

Ensure The Home Is Free From Odor

As we age, our senses become less sharp. It can be difficult for elderly people to detect odor or temperature changes at home. As a result, should there be mold, lots of dust or a gas leak, they are not likely to detect it. This is not a problem if your parents live with you, but if your parents live alone, it is a good idea to hire in home care aides a few hours a week to check in the general well being of your parents.

Home care aides are able to identify strange smells, leaks, or other things that seem odd in your parents’ home, as well as take action on these problems. For example, they may notice a smell that indicates a propane leak, which can quickly become a safety issue if not addressed by a propane provider. They can also help to ensure the home is clean and clear of dust, which can worsen health and breathing problems common in elderly people. While prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can help manage these problems, keeping their space free of allergens is also an important part of addressing potential allergic reactions.

Prevent Slips and Falls

It is common for elderly people to have trouble walking and be prone to slips and falls. Falls can have serious consequences for elderly people. A study published in The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, found that older adults were three times as likely to die following a low-level fall compared to individuals younger than 70.

Even if your parents live with you, there are times when they will be on their own, like in their rooms, in the bathroom, and when you may not be at home. Therefore, it is important to remove potential fall hazards. For example, avoid using extension cords or long electrical cords that could be tripped over, invest in storage systems to reduce the amount of clutter on the floor, and ensure that loose dirty laundry is contained in hampers and washed regularly. A few simple baskets could help tremendously in preventing your parents from slipping on cords, laundry, or sheets.

Install Safety Equipment

Seemingly easy tasks like showering or using the restroom can be a struggle for elderly people. Equipment like shower grab bars, raised toilet seats, and shower seats can help people continue to complete basic hygiene tasks independently as they age by preventing slips and falls and making it easier to perform each step of the process. Whether your elderly parents are living alone or with you, they’re likely still going to be in the bathroom alone. Extra precautions can keep tasks like showering safe and accessible for elderly people.

Safe and Accessible Homes

Elderly people prefer to age at home, the place that they are familiar with and love. However, we need to ensure that it is safe for them to do so. These precautions help to ensure that home is safe and accessible for your elderly parents, and they can live independently while avoiding any accidents.

Home and Family blog provides tips for family fun and home improvement ideas in Boston. Check it out for family activity ideas and more tips for maintaining your home.

Do You Have the Holiday Blues?

Despite the joyous festivities and celebrations surrounding us during the winter season, some of us may feel the holiday blues. Perhaps it’s due to lack of sleep and stress from the extra activity, overeating and drinking, stress from overspending or not being able to afford gifts for friends and family, social isolation, and so on. So how do you cope with these bouts of depression?

Spend time with loved ones

While most of us have lots of parties and gatherings both at work and at home during the holidays, the elderly are often more socially isolated. Schedule some time with your senior loved ones. You will both have a good time. If that is not possible, try companion care by home caregivers.

Avoid overscheduling

You may be inundated with party invitations, or busy with preparing your own celebrations, turn down some of these activities and save some down time for yourself to rest, and get plenty of sleep. If necessary, get sleeping aids from your trusted local pharmacy.

Get a work out

Exercise will get your heart rate up and release mood-boosting endorphins to chase out the holiday blues. Working out in the outdoors with outdoor fitness equipment or playing a basketball game will bring wonderful physical, mental and social benefits. A quick 10 minute walk in the neighborhood can do the trick, too, especially when you feel overwhelmed and just need to take a break to relax.

Avoid overeating and drinking

We often eat and drink too much at parties. This can affect your mood and overall well-being. To avoid overeating, fill up on vegetables before going to a party. And if you still end up eating too much, get relief from digestive medicines — make sure you have those stocked up at home.

Be organized

Holiday preparations can be overwhelming. Make a to-do list. Keep everything simple. Set reasonable expectations for activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, sending holiday cards and gifts, going to parties, etc., and set aside specific days for them. You can save time by shopping online. Don’t forget time saving services such as house-cleaning and laundry delivery service.

Set a budget

It’s easy to overextend yourself financially for presents and parties. Don’t try to buy happiness with gifts. This will bring a lot of stress and anxiety. Instead set a budget and stick to it. Try giving homemade gifts, or donate to a charity in someone’s name.

Volunteer

Helping others can also be very helpful for you, too. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities during the holidays. For example, you might try

working at a soup kitchen
organizing or helping out with a gift drive
helping your neighbor with a yard or house task.

Relax

Take a break when you feel stressed. Listen to some music at home. Go to the park and read a book on a park bench.

If you can’t shake out the blues, you might wish to see a doctor and get some prescribed medication or other treatment, especially if your sadness stays even after the holidays are over.

Are you ready for holiday parties?

It’s that time of year again. Holiday parties are just around the corner in the Boston area, so if you’re planning on hosting or attending a party, take a moment to make sure you and your family are ready for such an event.

Follow the tips listed below to not only make the most of your holiday party, but to also help the people you love to make the most of their own events. It’s the season of giving, after all. So do your best to give, both to yourself and your loved ones.

Look Your Best

A big part of holiday prep before a party goes into looking good before the event starts. Start getting ready early so that you can take your time. Dry clean your holiday outfits and if you plan to host parties at home, make sure you take your tablecloth and linens to the cleaners, too. With so much cleaning to do, it is best to simply schedule a laundry pickup to save time.

While you’re working on looking your best, take a bit of time to make sure your home looks great too. If you’re hosting a holiday party at your home, have cleaners pay your residence a visit so that they can professionally clean your upholstery.

Stay Healthy

You will always look your best when you also feel your best. Taking care of yourself is an important part of your life no matter what time it is, but if you want to look great for holiday parties and not miss any fun due to illnesses, focus on staying healthy. Get a flu shot and take your medications (and make sure you have enough on hand so that you’re not rushing to your local pharmacy at the last minute). To prepare yourself early for all the holiday food you’re going to enjoy, stock up on digestive aids.

Too Busy Preparing for Holidays?

The thought of preparing for a holiday party can be overwhelming for plenty of people, especially those with extremely busy schedules.

If the thought of getting a party prepared sounds daunting to you, consider the family members who are hosting this year. It’s probably as difficult to prepare a party for your aging parents as it is for you. Think about sending help their way by hiring an experienced home health aide that can take some of the load off of them, and offer meaningful companionship should your loved one get the holiday blues.

Stay Warm

The holiday season can be bitterly cold in Boston and the surrounding areas, so do your best to stay warm. Check your home’s heating system and make sure everything is working the way it should. If you use propane, make sure you’re working with a fast, responsive propane provider that will be available to fill your tanks whenever you need. This way, you’re unlikely to experience any sudden emergencies that’ll occur if your propane runs out at an inconvenient time.

Consider getting some propane lamps and firepits to add a little warmth to your outdoor spaces during your upcoming holiday party.

Happy holidays from us to you. Remember that no matter what you celebrate, we sincerely hope you have a great holiday season. Enjoy safe, memorable holiday parties with the people who mean the most to you.

4 Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Boston

If you feel like you haven’t spent enough time enjoying this fantastic season yet this year, don’t worry. We have just four simple and enjoyable ways to help you get outside and in that amazing New England fall foliage!

1. Take Your Exercise Outdoors

We all know how important it is to exercise our bodies — especially those of us who have jobs requiring us to sit down and stare at a computer all day. But, more often than not, motivating ourselves to get out, go to the gym, and do a workout is not nearly as enjoyable as we’d like it to be.

Luckily, there is an easy solution that allows you to both exercise and enjoy the fall weather simultaneously! You can try walking or biking on one of Massachusetts’ rail trails if you tend to enjoy walking, running, biking, or other more aerobic activities.

If, on the other hand, you’re more of a gym-equipment type, you could still take advantage of the beautiful fall season by going to a park with outdoor fitness equipment such as cardio walkers, sit-up benches and vertical ladders. Many communities in Boston offer outdoor gyms where you can easily mesh your workout time with some much-needed outdoor time. Find one in your neighborhood here. Exercising keeps you healthy and saves the time and costs of doctor’s visits and medicines from your neighborhood pharmacy, not to mention the pains of illness.

2. Take A Trip to the Park with Your Kids

Maybe bringing your exercise routine outside doesn’t sound great to you, or perhaps you simply would rather make your outdoor time family time. If you’ve got kids (who probably can’t get enough of being outside in the fall), a nice family trip to the park might be an excellent option for you. There are parks all over the city — from smaller parks in residential neighborhoods to larger, more public parks — and you can be sure to find one that is just right for you and your family.

Your children can enjoy the slides, swings, climbers, play structures, and when they are hungry, you can serve healthy sandwiches in a picnic shelter or on the lawn.

3. Go on a Walk with Your Parents

Speaking of family, don’t forget about your parents! A quick visit to your parent’s home can not only make their entire week but also help them enjoy the beautiful weather outside. As we age, it can get more challenging (or less desirable) for us to go out and walk around, but it is still crucial for our bodies to get movement.

So, stop by your parents and get them to go out on a little walk with you to enjoy the fall foliage. If you are genuinely too busy, you can also hire an in-home caregiver to do this, so they can still get out and move around before it gets too cold.

4. Go Camping

If you’re a camping fan or have an RV, you can completely immerse yourself in the stunning New England fall foliage by heading to a campground. Even if you’ve never tried it before, you can find a perfect leaf-peeping campground that will have you enjoying the fall season in no time!

Make sure you bring a propane tank for heating and cooking while you’re there so you can enjoy some lovely warm beverages and delicious camp cooking!

The fall season is arguably the most beautiful season in Boston. With the colorful and vibrant fall foliage, crisp weather, and delicious warm treats and beverages, most of us look forward to this time of the year. But, it can be all too easy to miss out on the glorious season if we’re busy with work and classes or even distracted by our screens. So, take advantage of the four activities listed above, and don’t miss out on this beautiful season!