It may be cool and rainy today but the temps will warm up again and our pools are opening at all of our properties! Swimming isn’t only fun and refreshing, there are also many health benefits! Read on to learn how you can improve your health by taking a dip in your pool this summer.

1. The pool provides an ideal place to work stiff muscles and sore joints. If you are someone who suffers from arthritis, using the pool is very beneficial!

2. Looking to tone up? Swimming is a great way to increase muscular strength and muscle tone.

3. Yoga isn’t the only thing that can make your body more flexible. Swimming puts the body through a broad range of motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible.

4. Since swimming is considered an aerobic exercise, it’s a fun way to get your cardio in and also work the body’s most important muscle…the heart!

5. Jumping into a refreshing pool can allow our bodies to release endorphins which make us happy and ultimately reduces stress!

Step aside burgers and hot dogs….pizzas are now getting grilled too!
If you like your pizza crispy and like cooking it at home, throwing it on the grill gives it a great restaurant flavor that the oven can’t provide. Here are the steps to take to make your very own grilled pie!

1. Stretch out and shape your dough. Then put it on a floured pizza peel or pan (make sure it’s floured well enough so that it doesn’t stick.)

2. Oil your grill grates and reduce your heat to medium. Put the shaped dough right on the grates. Close the lid and cook until the bottom of the dough is browned (about 2 minutes.)

3. Brush the non-cooked side of the dough with olive oil then flip using your pizza peel (or a giant spatula if you have one!) Now brush some olive oil on the side of the pizza that is facing up.

4. Top the pizza with sauce, cheese and your favorite toppings. Close the lid and cook on medium heat until the cheese has melted (about another 2-4 minutes.)

5. Using your pizza peel or grill spatula, remove the pizza to a cooling rack and let it cool a bit before slicing it up to eat!

Heading away for the long weekend? Sometimes when we get prepared for a short weekend trip it’s hard to decipher what we WANT to bring and what we NEED to bring! Before you load up the car for Memorial Day, read our tips below for packing light for a weekend getaway!

<strong>1. Make a list</strong> – Instead of going into packing blindly, sit first and jot down a list of essentials. This will help you refrain from throwing lots of extras into your bag.

<strong>2. Check the forecast</strong> – Don’t pack for every season! Check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring one light jacket or sweatshirt in case of cooler weather.

<strong>3. Buy some things when you get there</strong>- Save space in your car by purchasing food and beverages once you get to your destination. Without having to pack big coolers your trunk will have much more space.

<strong>4. Think before you pack it</strong> – If you don’t use it at home, chances are you’re not going to use it on vacation (think gadgets, toys, etc.)

<strong>5. Call and see what’s included</strong>- Instead of packing your hairdryer and coffee maker, call the hotel or homeowner and see what’s already included in your accommodations.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!

Some might think that just because they live in an apartment home or a home that doesn’t have a yard that they can’t plant a garden. WRONG! Did you know that there are lots of vegetables that you can grow indoors? Here’s a list of some items you can start growing in the comfort of your apartment.

<strong>1. Beans</strong> – French beans are one type of bean that you can grow in a pot right in your kitchen. Not only will they produce food, their climbing leaves are a beautiful addition to the decor on your windowsill!

<strong>2. Radishes</strong> – these root veggies don’t particularly need a deep pot to grow. A normal indoor pot will do just fine and they will grow from just a few seeds.

<strong>3. Tomatoes</strong> – Many varieties of tomatoes grow well indoors especially if they are planted in hanging baskets in your kitchen.

<strong>4. Mushrooms</strong> – Mushrooms are an ideal indoor crop for any time of year which makes them a great option for your indoor garden.

<strong>5. Green Onions</strong> – These might be the easiest of them all! The next time you buy green onions at the supermarket, place the last one inch of them in a jar of water. Just trim as needed and add water when it gets low.

The bedroom should be a place in the home that calms you. Here are five ways you can add feng shui to your bedroom to make it more relaxing and give it good energy.

1. Remove distracting electronics. No need for a TV or computer in your bedroom. By removing these items you’ll feel calmer in your sleeping space.

2. Buy an air purifier to clean the air. Every once in a while when the weather is nice, open the windows in your bedroom too to invite in a calming breeze.

3. Invest in dimmed lighting. Try three-way switch bulbs in your lamps or get a floor lamp with a dimmer. Having the low light will help relax your mind.

4. Place your bed correctly. According to feng shui guidelines, your bed should be easily approachable on both sides. Not pushed up against one wall.

5. Choose calming colors. By decorating with light blues and soft greens and whites, your room will feel quiet and soothing instead of loud and bright.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and if you’re having trouble thinking of a unique gift for your mom – look no further! We have put together a list of 10 great ideas for gifts to show your mother how much you appreciate her this Sunday!

1. Wine & chocolates
2. A hanging basket for her garden
3. A gift certificate to a spa (think massage, facial or a manicure/pedicure!)
4. A tree for her yard. Bring it over and plant it for her!
5. Gift certificate for dinner and a movie
6. A e-reader
7. New pajamas and slippers
8. Tickets to the theater
9. An Alex & Ani bracelet (they have some varieties specifically for moms!)
10. A bouquet of fresh flowers

1. Just because you’re not living in a single family home doesn’t mean you can’t entertain! Pick a night and invite your friends over for a dinner party.

2. Ask everyone to bring something. Sometimes it’s easier to have all of your guests bring their favorite dish so you aren’t stuck slaving in your apartment kitchen all day preparing!

3. Rearrange your furniture! Don’t worry too much about how the layout looks style-wise. You’ll want to rearrange your furniture for the night so your guests don’t feel crowded and so that everyone has a place to sit.

4. Extend the party outdoors! Does your apartment have a balcony or patio? Try serving some appetizers on the patio first before moving inside for the meal to switch up the scenery.

5. Remember to be mindful of your neighbors! Make sure the party doesn’t last too late into the night. If it’s getting late and you don’t want the party to end, move it to a local establishment for a drink or dessert before your guests head home.

It’s (finally) time to put away the winter scarves! Watch the video below to learn an easy way to hang and organize your scarves!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEa2BbCp2N8&w=560&h=315]

Despite the unusually cool spring weather here in New England, the Princeton team isn’t letting that stop them from getting outside and cleaning up one of the area’s many delightful parks.

Members of the Princeton team from the Corporate office, Princeton Park and River Place Towers spent the afternoon raking, spreading mulch, and making Kittredge Park in Lowell MA look great, just in time for the warmer weather. Located in Lowell’s historic Belvidere neighborhood, Kittredge Park is one of the most beautiful public parks in Lowell. The park has a playground for kids, benches to sit on, a picturesque gazebo often used in wedding photographs and plenty of room to relax in the sun.

Local Lowell residents recall how former Senator Paul Tsongas could often be found in the park planting, watering and tending to the gardens. Princeton Properties is happy to continue the tradition!

Earth Day is now behind us but it’s still important to bring “green living” into our every day lives! When it comes to cleaning, here are some great tips for keeping your home clean the all natural way!

<strong>1. Mirrors & Glass</strong> – Most glass cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals like ammonia. In order to clean them the “green” way try mixing 4 tablespoons lemon juice mixed with a half gallon of water.

<strong>2. Furniture</strong> – Instead of using furniture polish and sprays, try mixing 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice and apply it to your furniture using a soft cloth. The combination gives your wood furniture a nice smell and a sparkling shine.

<strong>3. Copper or Brass</strong> – If you brass or copper antiques in your home, clean them using lemon slices dipped in salt. Rub your copper or brass item with the salted lemon. Afterward, rinse and dry thoroughly.

<strong>4. Antibacterial Soap</strong> – Skip using this soap which is filled with chemicals and instead make your own natural soap using liquid castile soap and filtered water.

<strong>5. Cleaning Wipes</strong> – Not only are store-bought wipes expensive, they can be full of harsh chemicals! You can get your home surfaces clean using your own a roll of paper towels. white vinegar and water (1 1/2 cups of each.)