Every parent and guardian knows that technology can be your best friend. It can also be a real pain. One of the essentials of any trip which involves travelling with a baby or small children is the appropriate power: an endless supply of batteries, charger cords, car adapters, their favorite music CDs or movies, etc. This depends on the preferences of the children and the adults’ tolerance for the non-stop jingles of kids’ entertainment. Prepare for boredom and frustration, and the trip can only provide pleasant surprises. (Preparing your vehicle falls under this rule, too.)

Just as importantly, remember that (more…)

For those who are wondering how to pack light but still get all of the things that you need, there is a very simple way that you can do this. The first thing that you are going to want to avoid packing a lot of is heavy items like jeans, sweat pants, and sweat shirts. If you are only going somewhere for a couple days, or even a few days then odds are that you can live off of one or (more…)

Just within the I95 beltway of Boston is the city known as Newton. Centrally located from almost anything “Boston”, Newton is a great place to live if you are looking to have the best of both worlds. It’s close proximity to Boston, makes it an ideal location for anyone looking to work in the city but live in the suburbs, allowing for minimal driving time getting to and from work.

While in area, stop by and visit the Newton History Museum which is in the Jackson homestead (more…)

When you’re in Newton you are only a short eight miles (about 20 minutes) from the lovely town of Cambridge. Although named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, the town is also affectionately known as the City of Squares.No, not because of the type of people that live there, but because most of its commercial districts are major street intersections known as “squares;” with each square acting as a type of neighborhood center.The squares of Cambridge are:Kendall Square is where most of the city’s large office towers are located and a large influx of biotech industry is located.Central Square is best known for its vast array of ethnic restaurants and has recently witnessed (more…)

It’s Harvest Fair time in Newton this Saturday and Sunday (October 16^th and 17^th) sponsored by the First Commons Bank, and this year there’s a ton-o-fun on tap starting with scarecrow decorating contests on Saturday (10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:00) and the pumpkin decorating contest on Sunday courtesy of Trader Joe’s.Sunday will also feature live entertainment and the Circle of Caring at Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s “Big Feat” Memorial Walk. It’s going to be held at the Newton Centre Green (Langley and Centre Street) and the weather is expected to be sublime with a high of (more…)

School’s out and it’s time to play. Newton’s summer calendar is filled with fun events the whole family can enjoy. Every Sunday, Newton Civic Pride hosts live music performances at the Heritage Festivals. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets as you enjoy the music talent of guests such as Veronica Robles and Mariachi Quartet, Hankus Netsky Klezmer Night, Tom LaMark Orchestra, and Rumbafrica. Newton also offers free children’s performances at various locations throughout the summer including Ware’s Cove on Thursdays at 1pm, and Newton Centre Playground on Tuesdays at 1pm. If you have young children ages 18 months to 4 years old, try enrolling in Time for Partners, a fun program that channels your child’s creative abilities in art and music. (more…)

The city of Newton has a lot to offer-both inside and out. The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is home to a multitude of fun activities, a great assortment of parks and lakes, as well as many different programs that will appeal to any age group. Here’s a look as some of the great outdoor activities The Garden City has to offer:SportsIf you like to stay active and want your kids to do the same, enroll them in one of the many recreational sports activities the city has to offer. There are swim programs that include lessons, lifeguard training, and swim teams, tennis courts that offer lessons and registered matches, Rec leagues for baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming, and volleyball, and appropriate courses for golfing and hiking. The Parks & Rec center also offers a variety of camps that include many of these fun sporting activities plus a variety of other services. (more…)

In 2004, Newton, Massachusetts was named ‘The Safest City in America’. Since then, the city has remained safe but has lost its number one spot. Of course, the safety of your home and family are much more important than a ranking on a list. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of your loved ones (and loved possessions) be sure you are taking all necessary safety precautions. If you don’t have a home security system in place, we HIGHLY recommend you install one. Locks and bolts may keep stray visitors from waltzing in, but they do relatively nothing when up against an armed and determined burglar. There are many affordable options for home security on the market today. We recommend looking into ADT-America’s number 1 security provider. ADT home security systems come with a digital keypad with one-touch access, a keychain for remote access, infrared interior motion detectors, a high decibel alarm siren, battery backup, ADT yard signs and decals (if a criminal knows you’re protected they’re less likely to break in), and best of all, professional installation. Home security systems ensure your home is protected both while you’re in it and away. (more…)