Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Our Favorite Cold Weather Crock-Pot Recipe

Unfortunately, the cold weather continues to linger a little longer than we all would like. As we anticipate a possible snow storm today/tonight – we’re sharing our favorite warm, Crock Pot recipe. There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day at work and a delicious dinner is already waiting for you. Here is one of our favorite yummy recipes to warm you up during this cold week.

White Turkey Chili
Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of chili with some sour cream on a cold night?



Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
What you'll need
·         1 lb. ground turkey
·         2 cans cannellini beans, (drained)
·         1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
·         1 small onion, chopped
·         1 small green pepper, chopped
·         1 small bunch green onions
·         4 tablespoons oil, divided
·         1 teaspoon dried oregano
·         1 teaspoon ground cumin
·         1 teaspoon salt
·         1/2 teaspoon white pepper
·         1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
·         sour cream for garnish
Notes:
Serves 4-6
How to make it:
  1. Cook ground turkey, onion and green pepper in 2 tablespoons oil until turkey is no longer pink and vegetables begin to soften -- about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Stir in green chilies, beans, and seasonings until well blended.
  3. Pour into a slow cooker and lid tightly. Cook on LOW setting for 4 hours.
  4. Slice green onions thinly (white and green parts) and cook in remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until crisp and just beginning to brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and spread on paper towel to drain.
  5. Serve chili topped with sour cream and fried green onions.



Let us know how it turns out! For more great recipes- visit Spoonful.com one of our favorite food blogs!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Let's Hit the Road!

Hey Lynnfield Commons residents! Whether you’re a mechanic, a driver, or just a fan of cars, here’s one event you can’t miss out on. The World of Wheels Auto Show is sure to re-ignite your love for the Auto Industry.  The event features auto heavy hitters such as super mechanic Gene Winfield, who is known for his legendary customizing skills, who will be working his magic live during the show all weekend.


The show also features Moto-Rama, featuring some of the most traditional car parts such as rods, customs and bobbers. The show also has Craig Dolan’s classic 1954 Chevy 3100 pickup on display, cleverly named “Rustardo.” The event’s biggest guest appearances include: WWE Wrestler Sheamus, Wrestling superstar Shawn Michaels, and Kate and Dale, co-hosts of History Channel’s American Restorations. The event even features a pin-up girl contest!

The World of Wheels Auto Show is March 28th-31st at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center. Student career day is Friday with a $10 discounted admission for students ($15 w/ lunch included) from 3pm – 10pm. Regular admission for adults is $18 ($5 for children age 6-12), and the event is begins at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. So if you’re looking to see some of the hottest cars in New England to enjoy your weekend, check out the World of Wheels auto show! 

Meet the Staff - Our Property Manager Sara Pouladian!

Despite all this cold weather, there’s one person who has a smile that warms up our community. You’ve likely seen her setting up an event in our clubhouse, or asked her to unlock your door after leaving your keys inside – but we like to call her one of Corcoran’s best property managers. As spring slowly starts to arrive, she can’t wait to see more of our neighbors at The Commons out and about, so without further ado… meet your property manager Sara!




How long have you been working at The Commons?
5 1/2 years

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property? 
I love working with my staff and meeting new people.

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

Favorite Movie 
To many to list. I love movies!!!

Favorite Band / Musician 
I listen to a lot of 80's, classic rock and R&B.

Favorite thing to do when not at work? 
Enjoy my time off with my family.

Favorite resident story?
All of them, we hear something new every day, what aren't my favorites is a better question!

Friday, March 14, 2014

This St. Patrick’s Day, Savor The Luck of the Irish—One Tasty Treat At A Time

Who needs traditional corned beef and cabbage with a side of soda bread this St. Patrick’s Day? It’s easy to have bring a little Irish fun into the kitchen. Whether throwing a St. Paddy’s themed bash or making fun treats with the kids over the weekend, here are a few recipes that will put a smile in your Irish eyes!


BREAKFAST

Forget green eggs and ham! Start off your St. Paddy’s day morning with bright green pancakes. This recipe is gluten-free, but any instant pancake mix can be used.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Bisquick Gluten Free mix (or mix of your choice)
  • 1 cup rice milk (or other milk of your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • green gel food coloring until you get the desired green color
Directions:
  1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375°F. Grease griddle or skillet with oil or butter.
  2. In large bowl, stir all ingredients until well blended.
  3. For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until bubbles form on top and edges are dry. Flip and cook until golden brown.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of TwentyOne No Gluten)

SNACK

Give this simple snack a sweet Irish twist with a drizzle of a brown sugar mixture and a few drops of green food dye. This is a great recipe if you need something to bring to a party or, cut the recipe in half if you want a festive bowl of popcorn to share with your family.

Ingredients:
  • 4 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter
  • 8-10 drops green food coloring
Directions:
  1. Place popcorn in a large roasting pan; keep warm in a 250° oven. Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugars, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 260° (hard-ball stage).
  2. Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Stir in food coloring. Drizzle over warm popcorn and toss to coat. Cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Home)

DESSERT

These cupcakes are certainly more fun than rum-raisin rice pudding—and take less than an hour to prepare and bake!

Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups oil
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon green food coloring
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:
  1. Combine eggs, sugar, oil and vinegar in bowl.
  2. Mix well.
  3. Sift flour and baking soda together.
  4. Add to egg mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Blend in vanilla and food coloring.
  6. Pour into 3 greased and floured 8 " cake pans.
  7. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
  8. Cool
  9. Frost with a frosting if your choice—and for some extra luck—top with edible gold dust

(Recipe courtesy of Food.com)

DRINK

For some, March means McDonald’s has brought back the popular Shamrock Shake. You can make this minty concoction in your kitchen. All you need is a blender! (For lactose-free shakes, substitute milk and ice cream with soy or rice products.)

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1 ¼ cups 2% low-fat milk
  • ¼ teaspoon mint extract
  • 8 drops green food coloring
Directions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
  2. Stop blender to stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend ice cream.
  3. Pour into 12-ounce cups and serve each with a straw
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Looking for Last Minute Deals?

Do you wait until the last minute to make plans? This blog entry is for you. Thanks to online deals, it pays off to be spontaneous. While many people won't do anything without planning first, spontaneous decisions for nights out, trips and outings can make for incredibly fun experiences. Here are a few examples:

Last Minute Tickets:
  • BostTix – Whether planning a quick date, entertaining a client or looking to surprise the family, BosTix is a great place for last minute and ½ price theater, music, dance and comedy tickets.  For example, tickets to the Boston Ballet’s Cinderella performance are available for $38 on BosTix, compared with the $73 full price.
  • Score Big – This site allows you to bid on tickets for professional sporting events, as well music and theater for below box office prices. Be sure to factor in service fees to determine whether or not you are getting a good deal.
  • Craigslist – It's important to always take caution when using this site, but it is where most ticket-holders unload their seats at the last minute, and generally for a discounted price.  

Last Minute Travel:

  • Hotel Tonight – This is a must-have app on your smartphone for anybody who falls into the ‘spontaneous’ category.  Hotels promote unsold rooms and display the best values in the area you are searching.  Rooms can be securely booked using the app without any hassles.
  • Last Minute Travel – Visit this website for everything from hotels, flights, cruises, car rentals and vacation homes. 
  • For last minute airfare deals visit Travel Zoo or Fare Compare, or call the airline you are interested in flying directly.

Whether your work schedule does not allow for advanced planning, you like to whisk away for the weekend, or out for just a night—try some of these sites and apps to get great deals on your last minute plans!



Friday, March 7, 2014

Amenities at Lynnfield Commons



When you live at Lynnfield Commons the perks don’t end at being conveniently fifteen minutes North of Boston. At Lynnfield Commons our residents are provided with amenities that offer all you need to maintain a healthy, relaxing, and active lifestyle. With these convenient and beneficial features you will be sure to enjoy your time at Lynnfield Commons. Here are some of our favorite features of this property:

Pet Friendly Community
Pets are a part of life that brings most people pure joy. Coming home to a cat or dog at your door is something that we want to provide you with here at Lynnfield Commons. For $25/month you can have a cat to cuddle with when you come home and for $50/month you can have a dog to walk around the property and play with. The affect an animal can have on your mood is something we feel every resident should be able to experience here at Lynnfield Commons.

24- Hour Fitness Center
At Lynnfield Commons we want to promote a healthy and active lifestyle all within the comfort of the property. Therefore we have provided our residents with a fitness area including stretching areas, strength training equipment, cardio equipment and individual TVs. At Lynnfield Commons you can save the money you would have to spend on a gym membership and maybe even put it towards having a pet!

Outdoor pool and sun deck
Even though pool season seems like a faraway concept in the middle of this snow-filled winter a pool is necessary when it comes to summer in New England. The outdoor pool will allow you to get some fresh air during the summer months without dying of heat and, if it gets to be too hot outside you can always escape into your air conditioned apartment.

24- Hour emergency maintenance service
When you live in a house every pluming issue or broken fixture is your responsibility to fix or repair. That is not the case a Lynnfield Commons though. By living here you are ensured 24 hour repair service. This is a small service we offer to ensure there is never an issue with your apartment that affects your lifestyle here at The Commons.

Mailboxes inside each building
This might seem like a small perk of living at Lynnfield Commons but with the rough New England winters it can be hard to find the motivation to venture outside. By having mailboxes within each building you will never need to set foot outside your building to receive mail or a package. This is a simple thing in life that Lynnfield Commons provides to improve your time here.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

How to celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day


As a resident of Massachusetts, you’re likely preparing for one of the most celebrated holidays in our state. With a population of over 23% Irish residents, St. Patrick’s Day is a day full of celebration, great food and fun! We want to help our Lynnfield Commons residents find the best way to celebrate so we’ve compiled a list of festive activities!

Whole Foods Beer Tasting
Make the usual chore of grocery shopping less of a hassle by making it a shopping/beer tasting trip at your local Whole Foods! For $10 you get a Whole Foods Market beer glass and access to beer tasting central with various vendors in the container room. Part of proceeds will go to Whole Planet Foundation. Check out more about the event here: http://bo.st/1i53dWx



St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner & Gift Party
Come and join the Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner and Gift Party
sponsored by Tontoquon Chapter No. 100, Order of the Eastern Star. This event is
open to the entire community and held at the Wakefield Masonic Hall.
Advance reservations are required. Contact Lisa at lflashenburg@LegalEdgeRE.com 
Check out the event here: http://bo.st/1eSFzxy



St. Patrick’s Day Recovery 5K
What better way to celebrate the end of St. Patrick’s Day than with a 5k! The 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Recovery 5K is on March 25th at 11am at the Hibernian Hall. Join fellow runners and walkers for a fun, family-friendly 5K with one of the best post-race parties around featuring homemade goodies, live Irish music and more!
Come celebrate! http://bit.ly/1eSGfmx