Farewell, Fickle February - 02/28/11 09:33 PM
Farewell, Fickle February
For a month with only 28 days, February 2011 has sure seemed to stretch on and on.  Too much snow too late in the winter and in too little a time span has me feeling like February has overstayed its welcome.  I'm not one to let the weather get me down; however, I am looking forward to longer days and a little more sunshine.  I would like to trade my parka for a trench coat and switch my snow brush out with an umbrella.
Farewell, fickle February.  And welcome windy March.
… (8 comments)

Meet Paul Raffa, Business Development Manager, Southbridge Credit Union - 02/23/11 08:35 PM
Meet Paul Raffa, Business Development Manager, Southbridge Credit Union


Paul Raffa is the Business Development Manager at Southbridge Credit Union, in Southbridge, MA. His specialties include business development, public relations, corporate marketing, and commercial lending. Holding a marketing degree from Framingham State College, Raffa has worked in field marketing for Coldwell Banker and is about halfway through his MBA at Nichols College.
Raffa is also active in community endeavors. He is a member of the Central Mass South Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the networking committee. Raffa serves as marketing chair on the board for SouthbridgeFEST. And he … (2 comments)

Surviving Your Serengeti: Building 7 Great Strengths - 02/20/11 06:56 PM
Surviving Your Serengeti:  Building 7 Great Strengths

Having just downloaded and read the two preview chapters of Surviving Your Serengeti by Stefan Swanepoel, I will say that this is a creative way to identify seven survival skills for life and business.
Swanepoel has gleaned seven essential traits and tied them to seven animalsthat exist in the Serengeti.  He tells the story of a troubled energy executive, Sean, who visits the Serengeti with his wife.  Early on in the tirp, Sean reconnects with a wise college roommate, Zachariah, who serves as the sage for the story.
The first animal that Zachariah describes is the wildebeast, an enduring … (16 comments)

Cancer-Causing Ingredients Found in Soda: Is Anyone Really Surprised? (Big Rant from a Small Woman) - 02/18/11 08:27 AM
Cancer-Causing Ingredients Found in Soda:  Is Anyone Really Surprised?
Earlier this week, I heard on the radio that a caramel-coloring agent used in sodas has been found to be a possible cancer-causing substance.  Lab studies on animals have now revealed that the caramel color can cause leukemia as well as liver, lung, and thyroid cancers.  This was based on an article submitted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest on February 16, 2011.
I have long held that the major health problems in our country - heart disease, cancer, stroke - are primarily caused by the foods we consume.  … (10 comments)

Scouts are Learning What Every American Should Learn - 02/15/11 10:12 PM
Scouts are Learning What Every American Should Learn
Just a quick train of thought for today...
My son is a Boy Scout.  He has every intention of making Eagle Scout in the coming years, and has begun to chip away at the many requirements to do so.  He is working on two important badges right now:  Personal Fitness and Personal Management.
The Personal Fitness badge is exactly what you might imagine.  He has to study the different aspects of fitness - physical, mental, social, spiritual - and keep track of his exercise habits on a physical fitness chart. 
For the Personal Management … (8 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance: Day 14 - Valentine's Day - 02/14/11 07:54 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance:  Day 14 - Valentine's Day
 

I find Valentine's Day to be a welcome break to the dreary winter months.  Suddenly, red and pink surround us.  There is chocolate on everyone lips.  Champagne sparkles on its second-favorite day of the year. 
If you've not made plans for your Valentine's Day, this is it.  I could write another list of ideas, but really I have only one suggestion to make:  For Valentine's Day this year, take the day off with your Valentine.  Cancel all appointments and hide away together.  Look through your photo collection and laugh about good times; then … (5 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 13: Sweet Nothings - 02/13/11 07:58 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 13:  Sweet Nothings
 

 
The big day of love is upon us.  If you are still looking for some ideas to woo your Valentine, consider that the best Valentine is one that comes from the heart.  You'll win with these sweet ideas.
Write a Love Poem
One of my favorite poetry forms is Haiku.  This Japanese style of writing is simple and to the point.  No verses of flowery stuff that go on forever and ever.  Just three quick lines to describe your feelings and thoughts.  Simply write what you notice about him/her.  For … (4 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 12: Love Letters at Stageloft Repertory Theater in Sturbridge MA - 02/12/11 05:36 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 12:  Love Letters at Stageloft Repertory Theater in Sturbridge MA
 
 
Just for Valentine's Day weekend, Stageloft Repertory Theater in Sturbridge, MA, presents A. R. Gurney's Love Letters.  Enjoy the journey of two people bound in love as they write their history in love letters.  You may gain some inspiration to write your own.
Love Letters plays on February 11, 12, and 13, 2011.  The Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 pm; the Sunday show is at 2 pm.  Call asap to reserve your tickets:  (508) 347-9005.
Stageloft Repertory Theater450A Main StreetSturbridge  MA(508) 347-9005
UPCOMING … (5 comments)

I Want to Buy a House. Where are the Lot Lines? - 02/11/11 05:22 PM
I Want to Buy a House.  Where are the Lot Lines?


 
This is a natural question to ask.  If you are purchasing a property, you certainly want to know where the lot's boundaries lie.  As a buyer, you should know that it is up to you to order an official survey to find out the boundaries of a lot.  A seller is not required to supply an official survey in the state of Massachusetts.
Sometimes when you go to view a home, the listing agent or seller may have a copy of the plot plan available for you … (4 comments)

I Want to Buy a House: Will I be Able to Put up a Fence? - 02/11/11 03:21 PM
I Want to Buy a House:  Will I be Able to Put up a Fence?


 
This is a question I hear quite frequently.  Most towns have restrictions on the location and size of a fence on a residential property.  In addition, a a specific neighborhood may impose its own limitations.  There are basically two resources for finding out these types of restrictions:
1.  Home Owners' Association (HOA).  When you are thinking of buying a home in a particular neighborhood, ask if there is a Home Owners' Association.  This is typically an organization created to put formal standards in place that … (4 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 11: Chocolates from Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe - Sturbridge, MA - 02/11/11 02:09 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 11:  Chocolates from Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe - Sturbridge, MA
 

 
Time is truly running out!  Only 3 more days to finalize your plans for your Valentine.  If you live in Central Massachusetts, I highly suggest that you make a trip out to Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe.
This delightful candy store puts together an array of chocolates that no Valentine can resist.  Their hand-picked boxes of candy, available in classic or heart-shaped boxes, includes creams, caramels, mints, truffles - you name it.  The folks at Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe will also happily arrange … (1 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 9: Valentine's Day Dinner Out in Central MA - Going Big - 02/09/11 09:49 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 9:  Valentine's Day Dinner Out - Going Big
Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  If you've not yet solidified your plans, and you want to enjoy a truly special night out, I recommend dinner at one of the restaurants below.  Each has a special Valentine's menu in addition to its regular menu - and they are all scrumptious.  Enjoy!

 Restaurants Serving Valentine's Day Dinner in Central Massachusetts (2011)
Ceres Bistro - Worcester
Mezcal Cantina - Worcester
Northworks Bar & Grille - Worcester
Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge
Rovezzi's - Sturbridge
Salem Cross Inn - West … (6 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 8: Send a Little Spring - 02/09/11 11:11 AM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 8:  Send a Little Spring
 
One of the most common Valentine's Day traditions is that of sending flowers, particularly red roses.  If you live in an area that has been under the siege of snowstorms, a bouquet of flowers will provide your Valentine with a breath of spring. 
Another option may be to send a colorful, edible arrangement of fruit.  Chocolate-covered strawberries come to mind, but a collection of fruit in any flavor is a welcome refreshment.
Here are some online resources for ordering flowers and fresh fruit.  Better order today - delivery times are … (0 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 7: Kisses All Day - 02/07/11 08:29 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 7:  Kisses All Day


Here is a sweet idea that is perfect for that special someone who enjoys surprises.
Go out and buy a bag of Hershey's Kisses or other favorite bite-sized treat.  Also get some small goody bags or boxes and a note pad. 
Divide the Kisses into groups of three, then bundle each group with a short love note.  Place the bundles in strategic places that your Valentine will find throughout the day.  Here are some ideas:
Hang from your honey's towel rack in the bathroom Drop one next to his/her toothbrush … (14 comments)

Great Half-Time Show at Super Bowl this Year - 02/06/11 08:41 PM
Great Half-Time Show at Super Bowl this Year
After several years of lackluster half-time shows, the Super Bowl 45 has delivered!
The Black Eyed Peas took center stage by storm, surrounded by troops of dancers in light-up suits.  It was creatively choreographed and energetic - a truly entertaining show.  It was exactly what we should expect to see at such an enormous national event.  Thank you, Super Bowl gods!
 
… (3 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 6: Chocolate Volcano Cake - 02/06/11 07:59 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 6:  Chocolate Volcano Cake
 
For a romantic dessert, try this cake.  It is the ultimate chocolate cake:  rich, moist, but not oily.  The secret lies in the combination of vinegar and baking soda as rising agents for the cake.  (Think about your science volcano projects in school. But no, the cake does not actually erupt.)
You can serve this cake as-is, powder it with confectioners' sugar, or top it with your favorite chocolate icing or glaze.  Whatever you choose, it is certain to please your Valentine.
 
Chocolate Volcano Cake 

2 cups flour1 1/2 cups … (6 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 5: Say It with a Sexy Accent - 02/05/11 09:09 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 5:  Say It with a Sexy Accent
 

Wouldn't you love to hear someone whisper "I Love You" to you in another language?  There is something so sexy and romantic about these words when spoken with an accent.  Luckily, we now have Google Translate at our fingertips to help us practice in time for Valentine's Day.
Here are some examples to get you started.  If you are not sure how to pronounce them, Google Translate has a Listen feature to help you out.
In French:  Je t'aime
In Spanish:  Te quiero
In German:  Ich liebe dich
In … (7 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 4: Stay-at-Home "Dinner Dates" - 02/04/11 09:38 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance:  Day 4 - Stay at Home "Dinner Dates"
 
While we're at it, let's consider a romantic evening at home.  Cooking.  Together. 
The best thing about this particular romantic encounter is that it has a handbook: Dinner Dates by Martha Cotton is a genius cookbook for couples.   Containing a dozen menus, Dinner Dates provides step-by-step instructions for cooking together.
Choose a menu, and decide who makes the grocery run.  Then decide which person will serve as Chef Numero Uno and which will serve as Chef Numero Due.  Each chef will have assigned tasks.  For example, Chef Numero Uno … (7 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 3: A Valentine from Loveland - 02/03/11 10:17 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 3:  A Valentine from Loveland
With a name like Loveland, how can you resist being a part of Valentine's Day?
The postmaster in Loveland, Colorado, has generously offered to re-mail valentines marked with the Loveland Valentine postmark, artwork and love verse.  All you have to do is mail your honey's Valentine's Day card to the address below, and the postmaster will take it from there.   
Here's what to do:  Pre-address and pre-stamp your baby's Valentine card as if you were sending it directly to him/her.  Then mail it to Loveland in a large, stamped envelope to:
PostmasterValentine Re-mailing446 … (4 comments)

I Want to Buy a House: How do I Write an Offer? - 02/03/11 09:29 PM
I Want to Buy a House:  How do I Write an Offer?

So you have looked a several homes, have made sure you can afford to make a purchase, and have identified a home that is just right for you.  How do you make an offer?
First of all, I recommend that you have a buyer's agent helping you with the entire process.  If you do not yet have your own agent, go get one. 
With a buyer's agent on your side, you will have a guide to help you navigate the very important offer-writing step.  There are numerous elements … (7 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 2: Dinner for Two at the Whistling Swan, Sturbridge Massachusetts - 02/02/11 09:50 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 2:  Dinner for Two at the Whistling Swan, Sturbridge Massachusetts


People celebrate Valentine's Day in many ways.  Some stay home and cook, others simply exchange cards, and of course others celebrate by going out on the town.  A wonderful option in Sturbridge is Valentine's Day dinner at the elegant Whistling Swan.
The Whistling Swan will offer a special Valentine's Day menu that includes New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Beef Wellington, Lobster Ravioli, and a variety of romantic pastries for dessert.  Their usual full menu will also be available for Valentine's Day diners.
Reservations are recommended … (4 comments)

Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 1: Romantic Spa Escape in Sturbridge, Massachusetts - 02/01/11 08:26 PM
Fourteen Days of Romance from Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Today is February 1, 2011.  That means that, including today, we have 14 days to plan and prepare for Valentine's Day.  So for the next 14 days, I am going to write about places to go with your sweetheart, unusual romatic ideas that you might enjoy, and of course some fantastic chocolate encounters.  Many of these will be in and around the quaint town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, but some will be from other places or simply activities you can try at home.
Day #1:  Romantic Escape at Simple Indulgence Day Spa - Sturbridge, MA
Simple Indulgence Day … (5 comments)

If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself? - 02/01/11 07:36 PM
If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself?

 
Ken Rosengren's post about reading the book, The 4-Hour Work Week  inspired me to write this post. In his blog, Ken says that one of the exercises the book suggests is to think about going back in time and coming up with two things you would advise yourself to do.
Well, I can think of more than two things I'd advise myself to do, given the chance.  But there are two major pieces of advice that I would give to young Kathryn:
1.  Go to college immediately after high … (11 comments)

 
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Sturbridge MA Real Estate Kathryn Acciari - REALTOR - CDPE, CIAS

Sturbridge, MA

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RE/MAX Professional Associates, Sturbridge

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