kathryn acciari: Celtic 5K and St. Patrick's Day Parade in Worcester, MA - March 13, 2011
- 03/09/11 12:27 AM
Celtic 5K and St. Patrick's Day Parade in Worcester, MA - March 13, 2011
Whether you run, march, or crawl, it's time for the wearin' o' the green in Worcester, MA. On Sunday, March 13, 2011, the city will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with two fine events.
First is the Guinness Celtic 5K road race at 11 AM. This race is an out-and-back loop course that starts at Elm Park. The entry fee is $35.
Following the Celtic 5K will be the annual St. Patrick's Day parade at noon, starting at the corner of Park Avenue and Mill Street. All the … (4 comments)
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kathryn acciari: Sturbridge Spring Market is Heating Up: Now is the Time to List Your Home
- 03/06/11 01:52 AM
Sturbridge Spring Market is Heating Up: Now is the Time to List Your Home
What's happening in Sturbridge, MA, real estate? Well the inventory is down. There are currently 61 single family homes on the market, and 10 with sales pending. This is remarkable, given the fact that in 2010 there were consistently 100 homes on the market at any given time.
The buyers are out there circulating, waiting, and watching for more properties to come on the market. If you are thinking of selling a home in Sturbridge this year, I recommend that you get that home on the market … (4 comments)
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kathryn acciari: Big Hit Closing Gifts
- 03/02/11 12:34 PM
Big Hit Closing Gifts
When I am able to successfully close a sale for my clients, I want to thank them for being a part of my business. This is a people business, and by the time the transaction is over I have usually come to know my clients fairly well.
For a time, I agonized over the selection of just the right closing gift. But through the years, I have come down to the following list, which I choose from depending on the clients' lifestyle, situation, and their personalities. Ready? Here are my Big Hit Closing Gifts:
I always give:
… (21 comments)
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kathryn acciari: Scouts are Learning What Every American Should Learn
- 02/15/11 02:12 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance: Day 14 - Valentine's Day
- 02/14/11 11:54 AM
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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 13: Sweet Nothings
- 02/13/11 11:58 AM
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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 12: Love Letters at Stageloft Repertory Theater in Sturbridge MA
- 02/12/11 09:36 AM
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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 11: Chocolates from Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe - Sturbridge, MA
- 02/11/11 06:09 AM
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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 9: Valentine's Day Dinner Out in Central MA - Going Big
- 02/09/11 01:49 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 8: Send a Little Spring
- 02/09/11 03:11 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 6: Chocolate Volcano Cake
- 02/06/11 11:59 AM
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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 5: Say It with a Sexy Accent
- 02/05/11 01:09 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 4: Stay-at-Home "Dinner Dates"
- 02/04/11 01:38 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 3: A Valentine from Loveland
- 02/03/11 02:17 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 2: Dinner for Two at the Whistling Swan, Sturbridge Massachusetts
- 02/02/11 01:50 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)
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kathryn acciari: Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 1: Romantic Spa Escape in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
- 02/01/11 12:26 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)
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kathryn acciari: If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself?
- 02/01/11 11:36 AM
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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kathryn acciari: Tunnel of Snow in Sturbridge MA
- 01/27/11 01:46 PM
Tunnel of Snow in Sturbridge MA
January 27, 2011: The weather outside has been frightful, and some folks are starting to complain. But, personally, I love the big snow that we have had this month. Ten to 20 inches of snow in one storm makes for some interesting driving and positively gorgeous scenery.
This quick video shows just what it is like to drive down one of the country roads in Sturbridge following a snow storm. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
… (8 comments)
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kathryn acciari: Online Resources for Runners in Central Massachusetts
- 01/24/11 02:04 PM
Online Resources for Runners in Central Massachusetts
With spring around the corner, it is a great time to consider a new exercise program. What better way to get in shape than to get outdoors and run or bike? There are numerous resources for athletes (or athletes-in-the-making) in central MA, and here are a few that stand out. They include events calendars, training tips, and all kinds of ideas to make your experience the best possible. Enjoy!
Competitor.com - the online companion site to Competitor magazine. Offers tips for experienced as well as beginner runners, cyclists, and triathletes.
Central Mass Striders - … (0 comments)
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kathryn acciari: I Want to Buy a House: When Do I Put Down My Deposit?
- 01/19/11 01:43 AM
I Want to Buy a House: When Do I Put Down My Deposit?
This is an important question for buyers and will have a different answer across state lines. In Massachusetts, you are generally expected to put down monies at three different times during the transaction process. All of these monies will add up to make your complete deposit.
Here are the times that you will need to have funds ready to put down toward your home purchase:
1. When you make the Offer. In Massachusetts, an offer is not binding without some money to back it up. So a small deposit … (6 comments)
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Celtic 5K and St. Patrick's Day Parade in Worcester, MA - March 13, 2011
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