Exotic Flowers in Boston

The holidays are over, the decorations have been put away for another year and while some find relief in this fact, others can’t help to feel a little blue once January rolls around.  If you’re living in New England, you are well aware of the frigid temperatures, which can be troubling to handle as well.  It’s darker, snowier and most of us are still buffing back our bank accounts from December’s season of spending so it’s no wonder why some of us might struggle through this month.  I know that I was certainly one of them, that is, before I changed my outlook with a few tips and tricks.  This is what worked for me but don’t hesitate to add your own ideas that will lift your spirits and get you back on the happy trails once again!

New Years Resolutions

                                    photo credit: Huffington Post

New Year’s resolutions can actually cheer a person up believe it or not if the goal works to strengthen your serotonin uptake.  Now you may feel the aim has to shoot for the moon but the simpler the better.  Erect a resolution that focuses on positivity such as stopping yourself when trouble arises and utilize problem solving skills instead of giving up or inhibiting a depressed emotion.  Easy change ups in our reactions from positive to negative can do a world of good in alleviating constant non-preferable feelings. Every year, my family and I write our resolutions down and send it out to sea as a message in a bottle.

Movement

                                     photo credit: readersdigest.com.au

It’s a proven fact that physical activity disperses anxiety and depression so if you’ve been hesitant about exercise, now’s the time to get up and moving!  For some people, joining a gym might be the answer but it doesn’t have to be that expensive.  Although Boston has a tendency to be icy which may dissuade from outdoor activity, take a trip to the mall and walk the circuit before stores open.  Another approach could be to watch exercise TV shows, which are prevalent on both local access and On Demand viewing.  Completing a few stretches and leg lifts can even help to get the blood flowing and you’ll be amazed just how bright your outlook begins to escalate!

 Surround Yourself With People

          Sometimes we become down and not realize that the real reason is lack of human contact.  It’s easy to bunker down in our homes when the sky is gloomy and the weather is not ideal.  What we don’t see is that our levels of communication and sense of touch deplete, shutting down the part of the brain that craves social processing.  Without this, the body looks for other ways to satisfy this need such as binge eating and drinking; things that we all know are bad.  Instead, look in your local paper and attend craft shows, bingo games, and community get-togethers or just call a friend up for a warm cup of coffee and the new café in town.  Pretty soon you’ll find your spunk again and be ready for when the spring arrives!

Brr, it’s cold out there but we still love our flowers!   During the chilly month of January, the blues might set in and a beautiful bouquet is just the thing to cheer us up.  Although there is a plethora of choices that Boston florists can offer you, there are certain blooms that are more appropriate for this time of year.  Reasons might include durability, availability and color shades which makes them popular and a wise selection when browsing window case coolers.  I realize we all have our favorites (mine is the chocolate cosmos, virtually impossible to find in January) but trust me, now isn’t the time to be stubborn.  Opting for flowers that are not seasonal can often lead to high costs and a premature lifespan of the plants.  Don’t worry, I’m sure one of these blossoming beauties will satisfy all of you Bostonians until the warmer temperatures roll around again. 

Paper Whites

Paper Whites are a delicate variety related to the daffodil family.  Its simple but elegant appearance makes them a flexible fit for any décor or room style.  Paper Whites are gifted with the characteristic of a strong smell that is sweet and aromatic for your living space.  The stems are often sold in bulb form either already potted or organized in bags for their owner to maintain.  These are a great pick after the holidays because they are long lasting and affordable for every flower budget.  

Roses

You can never go wrong with roses for a couple of reasons.   For one, they come in a variety of colors that most florists carry daily within their shops.  Number two, roses come from a multitude of states and countries around the world, so they’re pretty accessible which is a good thing because low inventory means a higher price.  Another pro is that they are universal in appeal and if fresh, they can withstand a fair amount of time in a vase.  Places that are ideal for roses to be grown from are Holland, Ecuador and California.  That is until your own garden roses begin to bloom again!

 Tulips

You might think that tulips are boring but in all honesty, they are remarkable in breed, size, color and affordability.  Available the most during the colder months (they hate the heat), tulips are carried by an extensive list of retailers because they are pre-sleeved and already set for merchandising.  This factor allows pricing to be relatively low, usually costing anywhere from $6.00 to $15.00 for 10 stems depending on the location of the store.  Their packaging makes them a great grab-on-the-go item and another bonus is that they are easy to care.  Something to keep in mind is that tulips stretch in length so if they are put in oasis, you might have to double trim their stems to keep the desired height of the centerpiece.

 Suzie & Ryan Canale, Newbury Street, Boston 2014

The turkey was unbelievable, the mashed potatoes were scrumptious and the red velvet cake was out of this world but there’s one problem, how are we ever going to button our pants again?  Don’t get me wrong, holiday fare is something that should be experienced with gusto and celebrated with glee amongst family and friends. So what do we do when it’s time to get back into shape?  We’re not going to make yet another New Year’s resolution to get fit and forget about it after a couple of weeks, right?  Let’s pull of f the pounds by tweaking just a little portion of our menus and gently up some of our physical activity instead of crash dieting and grueling exercise programs.  These are a few ideas I’ve used to adjust the holiday waddle in my walk.  Give it a try and lift off the weight from December. 

New memberships to expensive gyms-don’t do it!  You are almost guaranteed to be tempted with a January deal promising an initial low rate but these are just ploys to get your money hoping that you’ll stop working out within a month.  Do you know that fitness facilities have their highest sign up frequencies during the New Year’s resolution period and only 25% percent of new members actually continue to use the facility after two months.  There are cheaper and less manipulative means to get results such as walking a mall that is conveniently stretched in design to resemble a track.  Another great way to get your exercise is to bundle up and head for the outdoors!  I know that it’s cold here in Boston during the winter season but I promise you’ll feel better and get the fresh breadth that your body needs.

                               photo credit: simplyrecipes.com

 Bulk up your fish consumption to get a punch of lean protein and nutritious oils.  Fish has far less fat content than steak, pork or chicken and can be prepared quickly.  Not only does this food increase the body’s metabolic rate but also does wonders for your hair, nails and skin.  Grossed out by the notion of eating these ocean swimmers?  Try salmon for your first attempt and dowse 1 entire lemon over the top and a healthy shaking of Old Bay herb rub.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees and you’ll be amazed at the taste and incredible weight loss results you will see!

We are all told that fruit should be the number #1 go-to snack but how many of us really do it?  One way to increase the probability of eating these healthy picks is to pre-cut produce such as watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe immediately after bringing it home from the supermarket.  It will be easier for you to grab on the run, therefore easier to opt for when in a hurry.  If you make a cup for breakfast, add a handful of raspberries and blueberries.  They’re simple to prepare and loaded with anti oxidants!

 Suzie and Rick Canale, Westwood, Mass. Christmas 2014

Suzie can be found at her home in Westwood making amazing healthy meals year round.

It’s the beginning of a new year and by the reading of the stars, it’s going to be a big one!  January possesses two astrological signs; the Capricorn and Aquarius, where birthdays fall from December 22 through January 20^th and January 21^st through February 19^th.  While Capricorns (the goat) are considered the darkest sign of the zodiac, people who fall within this segment are also thought of as the hardest working often utilizing a business like approach to life in general.  The Aquarius (the water bearer) on the other hand, is fueled by a passion for humanitarian efforts, philanthropy and a desire to make the world a better place.  Although these two signs might seem polar opposites, they fuse together to make some amazing personalities, movie star personalities to be exact.  According to the overall horoscope prediction for January in the year 2015, “seers” are predicting big things!  This being the year of the ram, it is predicted that this is the time for “breakthrough” moments of life.  Big changes are to be expected with a stress on taking extra care of your health, particularly in the first ten days of the month.  Other aspects include being extra vigilant about business transactions with a stress on entrepreneurial endeavors and reality transactions.   Take a look at some of the specific aspects and the “who’s who” of the January zodiac!

                                                ink by Stefan Stenudd

Horoscope for Capricorns 2015

Capricorns should listen to their inner voices during the first half of the year and allow some ”deep” and “serious” space to be alone.  The winter is an excellent time to retreat or plan a vacation because for the last two years, you’ve been working extra hard on building that career of yours.  You’ve been learning the ins and outs of your work but its time for a break.  You’ll need it because the latter part of the year promises massive changes within your home and family life.  Relatives are almost guaranteed to be difficult, particularly in-laws both current and past.  Be on the lookout for generous gifts, too, although remember to show gratitude or these acts of kindness will turn into trouble. 

                                           ink by Stefan Stenudd

Horoscope for Aquarians 2015

Easy and steady should be your motto for 2015.  Rushing into new business partnerships is a big “no-no” as well, so be careful of those looking to take advantage of you or your finances.  Relationships are stronger now since you’ve most likely been on a two-year hiatus-it’s time to start the fires burning in the kitchen again!  Your psychological side will also come into focus as family and friends may be expressing a wide range of emotions that you are not negatively effected, yet you are intrigued by.  Travel is also calling your name with the urge to take any and all opportunities to fly, boat or drive to new locations.  Inspiration is the key word for you in 2015, so go for it!

Hollywood Stars with Birthdays in January

January Jones                       Age 36                                    January 5th

Bradley Cooper                     Age 39                                    January 5th

Nicolas Cage                        Age 50                                    January 7^th

David Bowie                          Age 67                                    January 8th  

Rod Stewart                          Age 69                                    January 10th

Jimmy Page                          Age 70                                    January 9th

 Suzie Canale

Suzie checks her horoscope often and is an Aries.

The holidays are over and the tinsel and wreathes have been put away for another year.  Everything seems back in it’s old place accept for one thing, your savings accounts.  December festivities can cost a lot due to exorbitant food bills, gift buying and decorations making finances a little sparse once January rolls around.  Turning to credit cards can only make things worse but I’ve found that there are several ways to add penny-by-penny back into those nest eggs.   You don’t have to worry that severe cutbacks are just not doable.  These are simple tricks that won’t interfere drastically with your lifestyle but will be effective towards assuring that your Christmas spending money will be right back in place for next year.   Utilize one or all of these suggestions and start saving today.

                                   photo credit: mashable.com

Coupon clipping can be a great way to shave a few bucks off of your grocery bill each week and conveniently, almost every food store in Massachusetts accepts them.  Select products that you already use or can be easily substituted for a brand that is habitually bought.  Be on the watch for double coupon days and offers where competitors will match and beat another store’s prices.  Oh, and be sure to stock up on holiday coupons that are distributed in December, they will be good for another month!

                               photo credit: lifebyjeanie.com

Rolling Coins sounds small but really, those nickels, dimes, quarters and pennies add up fast!  Set aside a jar and empty your wallets and purses of change every day.  Once the jar begins to rise, dump out the contents and start rolling.  Most banks will give you paper rollers if you request them so do not buy them from stationary companies such as Staples, you’ll lose more money than you will collect.  Deposit your earnings in your account and you’ll be amazed as to how fast those numbers increase.  I once paid for an entire summer vacation with money rolled from change!

I think that many of us forget the spectacular services that Massachusetts’s towns and cities provide for their residents.  Many times, we are quick to entertain our families with expensive outings to entertainment facilities without first checking out what we can get for free!  Libraries are excellent destinations where we can borrow books, movies and passes to Boston’s museums, aquariums and zoos.  Patrons can save hundreds of dollars a year just by taking a closer look at what our public locals of our communities have to offer. 

 Suzie Canale, Westwood Public Library, October 2014

If you need any library assistance, visit Suzie in the children's department at the Westwood Public Library.

It's that time of year again when we count our blessings and get ready to make a few changes for New Years!  Resolutions have been a traditional gesture for many to seize the opportunity towards improving ourselves within physical, financial or emotional areas.   The most common resolutions are to lose a few pounds, increase our lucrative value and to expand social circles.  While these are certainly appropriate goals that pertain to a wide demographic, how about making things a bit simpler?  We don’t necessary have to be skinnier, worth more or popular to be happier in the New Year.  Resolutions can be better attained if we choose to diverge into activities and opportunities that already exist in our daily lives.  Joining a gym or scanning the want ads may not lead to a healthier and happier 2015.   Melioration can be achieved by taking smaller steps.  Here are my top resolutions that can be utilized everyday throughout the changing of the year. 

We don’t necessary have to make the resolution to drop twenty pounds in order to like ourselves more and we certainly don’t have to succumb to outrageous and even sometimes, dangerous diets to fit into a pair of skinny jeans.  Even if we do decide to spend our Christmas bonuses on fancy memberships, lets face it, most people stop using them by the end of January.  It’s a waste of time and resources and there are easier ways towards achieving a loser belt strap and a youthful glow.  Try swapping one meal a day with a plate of fruit and vegetables.  Chopped watermelon, cantaloupe and mixed berries contain a satisfying taste while bumping up your antioxidant immunity and lesser calorie value.   Vegetable soups such as cream of broccoli (made with a low fat dairy), salads and sautéed root vegetables are also excellent substitutions for sandwiches, pasta and other common dinner/lunch entrees.  You will be amazed how fast your body adapts and how quickly you’ll see results without having to bow down to inflated gym costs and grocery bills.

                                                   photo credit: hellogiggles.com

Having goals of finding riches in the future is a standard resolution but most find disappointment when at the end of the year, they haven’t found their pot of gold.  How about using a simple savings plan to create volume in your bank accounts without falling for “get rich quick” schemes that almost promise failure.  Instead, try using a coin jar where you can put pennies, quarters, dimes and nickels.  Whether it’s from buying a coffee, toys furniture or anything, insert the change and watch the levels of finances grow!  You might think that the amount will be low but I’ve tried this before and managed to pay for entire vacations with the money collected within one year.

                              Lance, Rick, Ryan & Suzie Canale -Rehoboth Beach, DE August 2014

We all want family, friends and loved ones but somehow believe that by making a New Years resolution to be popular, things will instantly change. It just doesn’t work that way.  Expanding social circles takes effort on our part and requires us to make the initiative to engage with others.  If you have high social anxiety, attempt to participate in low stress events where it is easy to strike up a conversation.  Coffee shops, restaurants and grocery stores are excellent places to start.  Again, take simple steps like offering to shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk after the next snowstorm or signup at your local library for paint classes where you can mingle within your community.  Figure out what your interests are and search for local and free opportunities to partake in these activities where you can meet others who enjoy the same things that you do!  Remember, the key to living a long and happy life is still up for debate but most agree that having a loving surrounding of people is definitely a big part of the recipe!

- my best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA 

New Years Eve dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year where dishes are slaved over to ensure a tasty feast for all who sit at their holiday table.   Including delicious sides of mashed potatoes, squash, green beans and more, guests look forward to the eclectic presentation of food served for this celebration.  Although cuisine varies from plate to plate, the main course usually includes a roast that can be prepared in several different ways depending on the host prefers.  While different seasonings, glazes and even oven temperatures will vary, there is a simple recipe for those who new to cooking their very first New Years Eve dinner.  While we might be anxious about the pressure to perform perfection, I assure you there’s an easy way to make sure your roast will turn out scrumptiously.  Follow these steps and you too will have a New Years Eve dinner with a main course fit for a king! 

Ingredients

Roast

1 Garlic Clove

Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 Yellow Onion                                                        

2 Stalks of Celery Baby Carrots

Red Potatoes (Quartered)

Ken’s Italian Dressing

2 Leaves of Sage

Rosemary

Parsley

Salt                                                                                              photo credit: Seriouseats.com

White Pepper

Preheat oven at 325 degrees and place the roast face up in a roasting pan.  With a knife, slice 1inch slits on the surface of the meat making sure to spread the cuts at least 1 ½ inches apart from one another.   On a cutting board, thinly slice the garlic clove to produce at least 7 separate pieces.  Insert one garlic slice into each whole pressing the seasoning down deep.  Lightly dust the surface with salt, pepper and parsley, afterwards spreading the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the roast, which will sink into the meat and create a wonderful taste while cooking.  Then slice the yellow onion into ringlets and place over the glazed mixture.  Place the two sprigs of Sage delicately across the top, which will not only add to the unbelievable flavor but will also enhance the presentation of the dish.  On the bottom of the dish at the top and bottom of the roast, add the baby carrots and quartered red potatoes.  Sprinkle the veggies with a dash of salt, pepper and rosemary herbs and drizzle the Italian dressing on top.  Toss the vegetables together making sure that all of the ingredients are fully covered with the marinade.  Place the celery stalks on each side of the roast now completing a box around the meat.  Place in the oven for 2 hours and you have yourself a dynamite meal to serve  for New Years Eve dinner!

 and what could be better on New Years Day than a pot roast patty melt ? 

photo credit: cassiecraves.blogspot.com

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA

Suzie's New Year's tradition is writing her and her family resolutions and sending themm out to sea as a message in a bottle.

We had a lovely time over December, hosting parties, serving delicious cuisine and opening up presents underneath the Christmas tree.  It was magical, right?  But how on earth do we even begin to cleanup the mess that’s accrued in our house during the holiday season?  Honestly, it can be a tad bit overwhelming as to where to begin such a process!  There’s the lights, ornaments, special dishware, linens, Santa Claus figurines, Nutcrackers, stockings, garland, wreathes and last but not least the tree to remove so how do we get it done?  Don’t feel overwhelmed, there is an organized system for Christmas cleanups that will swiftly and safely get your home looking the way that it did pre-holiday season. So take a deep breadth, roll up your sleeves and get cracking!

The first thing that you should do is carefully remove the stand and all of the ornaments from the tree.  Decide which can be stored and which should be disposed of if perishable (example: children’s cookie cutter ornaments or fruit based ornaments).  Carefully wrap those that are delicate or highly breakable to avoid shattering and then place in a clearly marked box, “Tree Decorations”.  Remove the lights off all branches and either throw away or wrap tightly for next year.  Whether you are planning to toss the arbor into the forest or bag it for the town to collect, lights are non-biodegradable and need to be removed in a responsible manner.  Boston Public Works will be collecting trees for composting from December 29, 2014 to January 9, 2015.  If you leave it on the curb on your recycling day without placing it in a bag, they will handle it for you. 

                                         Photo credit:www.containerstore.com

Once the tree is taken care of, it’s a piece of cake.  Get your broom out and do a preliminary sweep of the area to get the bulk of the needles and then do the final pick up with a vacuum cleaner.  It will cut down exploding bags full of pine and brooms are an energy efficient  “green” method of cleaning.  Next, pack away the left over Christmas nick-knacks in containers that have labels, you wont want to be blindly searching in the attic next December.  Remove all other greenery including wreathes and garland by placing in an environmentally suitable location (again, with no non-biodegradable items attached) or contact the City of Boston for suggested trash sites.  Once this has been accomplished, find all tablecloths, hand towels, napkins, table runners, Christmas dishware and any other washable fabric thematic after the holidays and do a thorough cleaning.  After they are sparkling, store with the other decorations or in a moisture-free space where they can be used again for years to come.  Last but not least, give yourself a pat on the back for a Christmas Cleanup well done!

  Rick and Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA Christmas 2014

Suzie is incredibly organized and always has her Christmas down before the New Year.

Take out of pizza and most popularly, Chinese food is found on many tables the night before Christmas but there is one special festivity that promises a more interesting appeal than cheesy dough and fried rice.  The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a time honored tradition celebrated by millions of families the eve before Santa arrives and is celebrated the most by Roman Catholics, Southern Italians and Italian American families.  Translated originally as, “La Vigilia” the custom calls for the eating of seven different fish dishes although sometimes expanding to nine.  The fish is often cooked and fried in oil and has a surrounding of several different possible reasons why this came to pass.  One theory says that the number #7 is the most repeated number in the bible while other philosophers claim that it represents the seven hills, which circle Rome.  The importance of the dish made from fish is tied to both the Catholics placing importance to eliminating meat and dairy on the eve of any holiday.  The significance of participating in this festivity is both correlated to the religious aspect as well as the belief that all those who engage in the Feast of the Seven Fishes will have good health and fortune for the year to come. 

                                   photo credit:http://blog.turners-seafood.com/ 

Generations of recipes for this custom can include any type of fish but most commonly includes cod, specifically the serving, baccala (salted cod) and smelt.  Other popular platters serve delicacies of lobster, clams, eel, mussels, squid, scallops and shrimp.  Often there are helpings of vegetables and pasta but there is a strict restriction from beef, chicken and eggs.  Kale preparations are also seen quite often amongst the sides.  Variations are abundant, so don’t be afraid to substitute the cod for something you favor more.  Salmon, tuna, swordfish and sardines are perfectly acceptable replacements that might be more pleasing to your guest’s palettes.  Another terrific bonus for celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes is that homemade wine is a strong part of this tradition, although any wine is acceptable.

                                 photo credit: elizabethstreet.com

If you’re looking to start this wonderful custom on Christmas Eve, try Lemon Garlic Marinated Shrimp, which is both quick and healthy.  Grill or sauté 1½ pounds of shrimp however you usually prepare the shellfish.  Heat a skillet and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic.  Add a ½ cup of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper and a ½ cup of fresh chopped parsley.  Mixed together well and pour over the cooked shrimp.  Place in refrigerator to chill until its time to serve. 

           Suzie Canale, Union Oyster House in Boston, 2014

Suzie can be found on Christmas Eve at her home in Westwood wrapping presents.  

Many of you may not know this, but stuffing the perfect children’s Christmas stocking is really quite an art!  Though Santa Claus is truly the expert on this craft, sometimes he can get quite busy during yuletide season and may need some help from a few volunteer elves.   It is important to take this task seriously because stockings mark the magical charm of Saint Nick’s visit, as they are the first place  that many children check to see if he has arrived on Christmas Day.  One must be sure that if called upon to assist in this preparation, that they are ready to fill the stocking with precisely the right amount and the right variety of holiday goodies.   While candy canes, batteries and snow globes are traditionally the staples, there are other small gifts that can make the experience of your child opening their stocking a cherished memory that they will never forget. 

Toys and Trinkets

The beauty of a great Christmas stocking is not the amount of money spent on what’s inside, but the enchantment that is felt when a little hand pulls out a treat made especially for them.  Don’t be afraid to go with simplicity with items such as bookmarks, yo-yo’s and playing cards.   Matchbox cars, small stuffed animals and stickers are great fillers also that are easily bought to suit the child’s interests as well as inexpensive for our holiday budgets.  The objective is to facilitate a magical moment for the child by using simple and small presents that reflect who the child is and what their hobbies are.  Keep in mind local artisans who are usually stocked with handmade trinkets that are sure to envelope a child’s attention.

Candies

Let’s face it, candy canes are a must for Christmas.  Whether you are hanging them as ornaments on a tree or being snuck into the stocking (Santa recommends hanging the arch of the cane on the stocking for presentation value) they are an invaluable accessory due to their iatrical patterns of swirl and longevity for shelf life.  I have also found that jellybeans are a fun stocking stuffer because they are produced in cheerful colors of the rainbow as well as the fact that there is a general majority of appreciation for their sweetness.  Another suggestion is to stuff the stocking with Tic Tac boxes, which believe it or not, have made a triumphant come back in popularity.   The delicious mints are manufactured in a variety of flavors and are approved by most members of the NDA (National Dentists Association) for aiding in breadth freshness at a low calorie count. 

A Little Sprinkle of Love

Some of the most special gifts tucked inside a stocking are the ones that give a child something to look forward to.  Ticket stubs are a wonderful idea and can consist from anything to music concerts, museum passes and amusement parks to train rides, boat shows and plane boarding passes.  Other neat ways to approach this theme are brochures for a family weekend getaway at a near by hotel or gift cards to favorite restaurants or stores.  You can even make your own book of coupons that would allow a child to use them for a visit to the zoo, a bowling outing or even a free 1 night pass to get out of washing the dishes.  Whatever you select, make sure that the gesture is personalized to the particular child and watch him or her enjoy the magic of a tailored Christmas stocking stuffed just especially for them. Maybe even a short stem rose or narcissus bulb for the young gardener too.

 Suzie can be found at ther home in Westwood, MA on Christmas Eve filling stockings for her two boys awaiting Santa Claus.

Suzie Canale

Fenway Park, 2014