What to Cook for Dinner During Lenten Season

The season of Lent is upon us. If you celebrate Lent (or even if you don’t) you may be looking for some meatless dish inspiration or just something new to throw into rotation around your dinner table.  I’ve collected some traditional Italian recipes as well as some fresh new dishes that may come in handy over the next few weeks.

Pasta E Fagioli

Pasta E Fagioli translates to “soup and beans.” It doesn’t sound particularly exciting but is actually a hearty, healthy and irresistible stew. This recipe from Cookie & Kate can be ready in about an hour and you most likely already have all of the ingredients on hand!

Seafood Salad

Seafood salad is fresh, colorful and can be a side dish or the main attraction. This recipe from Simple Joy comes together in only 10 minutes! It calls for imitation crab meat but real lump crab meat is way better!

Linguini with Clam Sauce

Pasta with Clam Sauce is a classic comforting meal, a nice alternative to shrimp scampi. This recipe from the Food Network is simple, flavorful and makes a great weeknight dinner.

Baked Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

Everything is better with Zoodles! This bright one pan meal from Taste of Home is super healthy and sure to please. Tilapia is a very mild white fish that even your non seafood lovers will probably enjoy.

Salmon with Braised French Lentils

You can’t make a list of meatless recipes and not include Salmon. Salmon is loaded with healthy Omega 3 fat and is a very versatile fish. If it’s warm enough to fire up your grill and throw the salmon on, even better. This recipe from Feasting at Home is simple, delicious and full of protein, fiber and healthy fat. Serve alongside your favorite green veggie for a well rounded meal. Happy Cooking!

Some great local spots for fresh seafood:

Fearless Fish Market - in Providence, open for walk-up, pick-up and delivery.

Dave’s Market - 10 stores across RI all have “seafood shacks” with good options. Look for the “Caught in the Ocean State Tags.”

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

5 Tips to Ready Your Home for Spring Sale

If you are considering putting your house on the market in the near future now is the perfect time to start thinking about cleaning up and clearing out to make way for your fresh start. We are stuck inside more than ever these days with the cold and snowy weather so why not take advantage of all that time? You might feel overwhelmed when thinking about all of the tasks that need to be done but I encourage you to make a list of your priorities, start small and see where your momentum takes you! Below is a list that should be relevant for any home seller that you can use as a jumping off point.

1. Declutter

One of the most impactful things you can do when selling your home is to clear out all of the clutter and “stuff” that might be crowding your spaces and covering up the beautiful selling points of your home.  Papers, clothes, books, shoes…where to start? Pick one category and go through all of it in your house, making a pile to keep, a pile to toss (recycle or shred) and a pile to donate.  Stuffing things away in a closet wont work as potential buyers will want to look in your closets to see what the space is like. The emptier they are, the bigger they will seem. When it comes to clothes, anything you haven’t worn in a season or that doesn’t fit anymore should be donated (or recycled/ thrown away if no longer wearable.) If you don’t use it/ wear it/ love it.. let it go!! If you have clothing you feel sentimental about (baby clothes, etc.), purchase a large plastic bin (label it!) and store all of your special items in one spot.  If you have a great deal of items to keep and not enough storage space you might consider renting a small storage unit to temporarily keep those things safe and out of the way. 

2. Organize

Once you have removed all of the extra clutter, start putting things back in a more organized way. Kitchen drawers, cabinets, closets, bookshelves…try to look at all your spaces with a fresh eye (as a potential buyer!) and see how to make the most of each space so that your belongings are organized and also aesthetically pleasing. If you have a large bookcase one fun idea is to organize your books by spine color. Organizing by color also works great for the clothes hanging in your closet.

3. Clean

You know cleaning was going to be on this list somewhere! Hopefully the most heavily used areas of your home are cleaned regularly but take a look at the places you might overlook on a daily basis. Baseboards, ceiling fans and blinds almost always need a good wipe. Use a damp cleaning rag, not a dry duster, otherwise you are just brushing the dirt into the air. Doorways, walls, kitchen cabinet doors are often grimy and benefit from a scrub. If you have scuff marks, crayon, or fingerprints that don’t want to easily come off a surface, try using a magic eraser…they really are magic and work almost every time! Be careful as they can sometime remove paint so test in an inconspicuous spot first. As winter starts winding down your windows will definitely want a good cleaning. Also think about the soft surfaces in your home that often get overlooked; many curtains can be easily machine washed and hung to dry (check the tag first as some will be dry clean only). Throw pillows and blankets should be washed every few months if possible. Rugs and couches can be steam cleaned, either professionally or with your own steam cleaner.

4. Paint

A fantastic indoor project that makes a huge difference is fresh paint! If you have any rooms with very dark or unusual paint choices now is the time to lighten up. Choose a neutral palette that will be appealing to most people. Whites, creams, light grays. Pale blues and greens are great for the bathroom or bedroom. Even if you already have neutral hues in your home consider giving your most highly trafficked rooms a fresh coat. Before you paint, take the time to repair and patch any holes or cracks in your walls. Don’t forget about the trim and molding. Doorways and baseboards get more abuse than the paint on your walls so if you don’t have the time or energy to tackle repainting an entire room consider just going over the trim. Fresh white trim will make everything else feel cleaner.

5. Décor

A rule of thumb when selling your home is to put away all of your personal mementos so that potential buyers can really see themselves living in your spaces. This means all photos, awards, religious items and very personal art. Keep on display your beautiful and neutral décor and art. Plants work well for this (as long as they are not too large and or/ blocking precious natural light.) Try to keep your surfaces as clean and clear as possible. A single vase or a small grouping of decorative objects on your dresser instead of the surface being covered with knickknacks. Also consider investing in some fresh linens for your bathroom and bedroom. Of course you will take these with you when you move but having snowy white towels hanging in your bathroom and a crisp new duvet on your bed are very visually appealing. The goal is to make your home feel spacious, bright, clean, airy and inviting.

If you are looking for ideas of what to do with all of the clutter you have cleared out:

 Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI- Will take clothing, books, toys, household goods, and furniture. They will even come and pick up your donations if you call and schedule an appointment.

 Salvation Army- Will take clothing, books, toys, household goods and furniture. They will also come pick up your donations.

 Animal Shelters (Providence Animal Rescue League)- Will take old towels and blankets.

Once Upon a Child-  Consignment for children’s cloths, toys, books, baby gear, furniture. Will give you cash or trade. Due to COVID, call to make an appointment first.

Best Buy- Will take your old Electronics and some Appliances.

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Thinking about selling your home? Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

5 Cozy Winter Recipes

Anyone else craving the comfort of a hot bowl of soup lately? Or a cheesy pan of Enchiladas? There is just something about a big pot of something delicious simmering away on the stove on a cold snowy afternoon. Or coming home to a crockpot full of wonderful after a long dreary day. I’ve put together a few favorite winter recipes in case you are hungry and in the mood.

1. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is such a classic comfort food dish, you really cant go wrong. This recipe from Simply Recipes takes a bit of time but the end result is so worth it. In a pinch you can also make your dumplings using Bisquick mix but there really is no comparison to made from scratch dumplings, fights have been known to break out over the last one!

2. Lentil Soup

Lentils are a part of the legume family and are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a great substitute for meat! This particular crock pot recipe from Well Plated by Erin is vegetarian but you can easily add bacon or ham if that suits you. It will smell delicious as it cooks away in crockpot!

3.Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken, melty cheese, warm tortillas…are you hungry yet? If you’ve never tried your hand at Enchiladas before, do not be daunted, this recipe from Kitchn is simple and truly delicious. Tip: throw in some frozen corn to add a little sweetness and serve with fresh avocado and sour cream. To make dinner time easier this can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to pop it in the oven. This one pan meal is sure to please young and old alike (including picky kids!)

4. Roasted Cauliflower

Whether you need an easy side dish or a warm and healthy lunch option; this Roasted Cauliflower Recipe from Orangette fits the bill. Its a meatless option but the cheese and onion make it feel decadent and it really only takes minutes to prepare. To make it more filling, serve with a fried egg on top!

5. Beef Stew

Another crock pot recipe, but this one is for the meat lovers. This hearty beef stew from Butter with a Side of Bread will make enough to satisfy your entire family, especially after they have been smelling it simmering away for hours!

All of these recipes make enough to serve a large family and/ or have leftovers for lunch. Don’t forget that most soups and stews have an even richer, more complex flavor after sitting for a day or so. Lastly, here’s an easy crusty French bread recipe from Life as a Strawberry because everything is better with fresh bread!!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

5 Houseplants to Warm Up Your New England Winter

There is no denying it, New Englanders are smack dab in the middle of that very cold, very grey time of the year when we are all desperate for some sweet sunshine. The grass is brown and crunchy, the trees are bare and it still a bit too early to start working on your summer garden plans. It is right about now when I most fully appreciate the living, green things around me, in my own home. Some people claim to not be able to keep a houseplant alive but whether you have a “green thumb” or not there is most certainly a plant out there for you.  House plants have so many benefits.  Of course they add a wonderful aesthetic to just about any space but many of them also do wonderful things like help keep our air clean. Some, like Rosemary and Lavender are edible as well as fragrant. Below is a list of 5 of the best houseplants to help you on your journey to creating a more peaceful, beautiful and healthy home.

1. Philodendron

Philodendron’s are very easy care plants. They don’t need much light and are not picky about watering or fertilizing. These beauties are very hard to kill and will also filter unwanted toxins from your air.  There are several different varieties.  One of the most popular is the heart shaped Philodendron which is a trailing or climbing plant.  If you hang it in a basket it will eventually reach the floor.  If you give it something to climb; a trellis or a wall, it will create a beautiful piece of living art!

2. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Figs have been very trendy for several years due to their large unique leaves and the interesting statement they can add to your space. They can be a bit finicky in terms of light (too much and they will crisp up and die, not enough and they will wilt and become stunted.) A large, established Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree can also be pricey so don’t invest unless you have the right spot in your space and feel confident in your plant care abilities.

3. Fern

Ferns have been a popular houseplant since the Victorian Era, and for good reason. They are elegant, graceful and lush. There are many different varieties but the most recognizable is probably the Boston Fern. They look majestic hanging from a porch or perched on a stool. Ferns prefer warm temperatures and bright, indirect light as well as moisture in the air. Misting your fern with a spray bottle is a good idea, hanging one in your steamy bathroom is even better!

4. Succulent

Succulents are another super easy plant variety to care for. There are many to choose from; Jade, Cactus and Aloe to name a few. They don’t need much water at all and should be potted in a container with good drainage. Most of them enjoy direct sun but should be rotated frequently so they don’t lean over towards the light. The almighty Aloe in particular is beautiful and highly practical. It is a well known fact that Aloe directly from the source (cut one of the leaves and squeeze out the gel) is one of the best natural treatments for burns. It accelerates wound healing and has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is a smart idea to keep an aloe plant in your home to treat small wounds and burns.

5. Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is another popular house plant that does double duty filtering toxins out of the air. They are seen as a symbol of peace and hope and are often given as gifts. Peace Lilies are very easy to care for as they will grow happily in medium to low light and also prefer underwatering. You may even wait until your Peace Lily is looking droopy before giving it a drink. They have the unique characteristic of growing white flower like stalks… flowers all year, what could be better?

Some general plant care tips; a pot with at least one drainage hole is always the way to go as it will ensure that the roots of your plant do not get soggy and moldy. You can set the pot in a large plastic or ceramic dish to catch run off water and protect the surface underneath.  For most indoor plants underwatering is better than overwatering. A good rule of thumb is to check once a week by touching the soil; if it feels dry, water your plant. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you bring home a new plant and it doesn’t seem to be doing well in a certain location, try putting it elsewhere. There is no room in the house that doesn’t benefit from the addition of living plants; kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.

Hoping to pick out some new house plants and support a local business? Jordan’s Jungle in Pawtucket is a great place to spend an afternoon!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat at Home

Getting to the gym is never the easiest thing to do, but this past year it has been harder than ever. Between concerns about cleanliness and ventilation and hesitation about huffing and puffing with a mask on, many of us have been forgoing it altogether. Now is not the time to let your health and fitness slide though! It is more important than ever, both for your physical and mental well being, to get your body moving. What options do we have? Getting fresh air outside on a run, jog, or walk is a great option anytime of year.  Of course in the dead of winter you will need to bundle up and it may still be dark outside when you’re ready to go before or after work. Solution: turn a corner (or room) of your home into your own personal fitness spot!  It may feel daunting but this can be as simple as a quiet corner with a yoga mat, exercise ball and some weights.  If you have the space and resources, there are endless options of cardio and weight equipment you can outfit your fitness room with.  Below are some local home gyms to get you inspired.

As the rooms above all show, having at least one large mirror is a great idea. A mirror is both functional (providing helpful feedback and motivation while working out) as well as aesthetic (brightening and enlarging your space).

The home above in Narragansett has it all! Space for a Gym as well as an indoor Basketball Court…it doesn’t get much better than that! You may not have the room for your own BBall court but one important thing to take away from these spaces is their great natural light. If you have the room near a window or two to set up your workout area, it will be that much more pleasant and you will be motivated to use it more often.

While we’re dreaming who wouldn’t love their own personal sauna to relax and unwind in after a solid workout? Home gym goals! This one is at 455 Stonington Rd, Stonington CT.

What about after you have your space ready to go but you’re looking for some direction? A few free and fun sites to check out:

Fitness Blender is run by husband and wife team Kelli and Daniel, with tons of varied workouts for all abilities, including Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Yoga, Pilates and more!

Sweaty Betty

Yoga with Adrienne

However it works for you, the important thing is to get moving and do something that makes your body, mind, and soul feel good!

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To view these and other homes please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Keeping it Fresh for the Kids

One of the more fun rooms to design and decorate in any home is undoubtedly a space for the kiddos. Whether you are dreaming of a sweet nursery for your brand new bundle or need to mix it up for your tween or teen who probably has their own design ideas, it is an excuse to let loose a bit. There are no hard and fast rules except the space should be fun and welcoming, and don’t be afraid of a little (or a lot) of color!

Below, this adorable nursery (for three) on the East side of Providence keeps it light and fresh and fully functional. Whimsical art and brightly colored curtains balance out the modern furniture and soothing wall tone.

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The home below in North Kingstown has bold and fun youth rooms where the ceilings match the rugs! A comfy and cool place to hang out, like a hammock or a hanging chair, is always a win.

The next two rooms are sweet retreats for a teen. Hardwood floors keeps the space fresh and clean while fluffy rugs and bedding make sure it feels warm and cozy. Displaying treasured awards, ribbons and photos as well as personal Monograms make the rooms home.

If you are lucky enough to have the space and flexibility for a separate playroom for your younger ones, the sky’s the limit! Create a permanent playhouse in your playroom, like an elevated version of the forts we used to build with sheets and chairs on a rainy Saturday in the living room. Play Teepee’s have been very popular for several years and have the added bonus of being easy to move around and take down when you need more floor space for games or dancing.

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To view these and other homes please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry

Who’s ready for some festive food and drinks? This time of year there are always tried and true meals that we look forward to. From family recipes handed down through the generations to traditional meals that evoke memories of years and loved ones past. It is also a great time to experiment with new recipes and flavors. Cocktails are a fun and relatively easy way to try your hand at something different so let’s start there!

Yuletide Moon Cocktail

The Yuletide Moon Cocktail, from cottercrunch , is a red wine (Merlot) and bourbon holiday cocktail in an old fashioned glass. Made with cherries, spices, and a bit of maple on the rocks.

INGREDIENTS

4 cherries, pitted (fresh or in jar)

1.5 ounces merlot wine

1 oz bourbon – gluten free bourbon list in notes.

2–3 tbsp fresh orange or clementine juice (more if desired)

1–2 tsp maple syrup

ice

dash of cinnamon or nutmeg

lemon zest/peel

INSTRUCTIONS

Juice the orange and remove pits from cherries.

Place cherries is a tall glass then muddle the cherries (if no pitter, just remove pits after muddling). This is basically just pressing the cherries with a spoon or a tool called a muddler to extract the juice. Keep the cherries once muddled.

Add your orange juice, maple syrup, merlot, bourbon and mix again. Pour into an old fashion glass with handful of ice. Stir then tip with lemon peel and dash of with grated nutmeg or cinnamon.

Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an old Italian tradition started back in the late 1800s by Southern Italian Immigrants in New York City’s Little Italy. The long tradition of eating Seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. There are endless combinations of fishes and ways to prepare them. Some typical fishes usually included are: Baccala (salt cod), Clams casino, Calamari, Scallops, Shrimp cocktail, Linguini with Anchovy, Oysters, Mussels, and Lobster. One drawback is that it can obviously be a lot of work to make seven separate dishes. There are some options to keep it simple but still stick to tradition. Click the image below for a one pot recipe from Homemade Italian Cooking that covers all of the bases.

Maybe you you need a break from all of the cooking? I think we could all probably use a break at this point. There are some fantastic local options for Holiday takeout/ delivery so you can indulge in the safety and comfort of your own home. Chapel Grille in Cranston is offering Christmas Dinner To Go. You can make your reservations anytime between now and December 20th to pick up on December 24th. Another delicious option for Italian style dining and takeout/ delivery is Bacaro in Providence.

However you decide to indulge this season, I hope it is both delicious and relaxing.

Home for the Holidays

Twinkling lights, chilly noses and endless shopping lists…the Holiday season is officially here! With all of us hunkering down at home so much this season it just feels right to take the time to make your space feel extra cozy and festive. Below are a few Holiday decorating staples to help bring some comfort and light to these gray days and long winter nights.

Wreaths

You cant go wrong with a classic, fresh wreath. It will feel at home on your front door, your fence gate, your kitchen wall and everywhere in between. If you are feeling a little unconventional try hanging it horizontally from a chandelier or go for a minimalist metal option.

Mantles

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace to curl up by, nothing says cozy winter Holiday better than a roaring fire and a gorgeous mantle. Try incorporating fresh greenery, garland and twinkling lights or create a little village with illuminated houses to add some fun. Stockings are of course a classic touch if it suits your traditions.

Candles and Firelight

The warm glow of flickering candles can bring you peace when life tries to get in the way. Not only are they beautiful and calming but candles also help us keep our faith traditions, like the light of a glowing menorah. Candles will always add flair to a holiday table and beautiful soft, light to the windows in your home.

Trees and Fresh Greenery

If you are celebrating Christmas then a tree is probably one of your Holiday décor staples. Whether artificial or freshly cut, brushing the ceiling or perching atop a side table; a twinkling Christmas Tree evokes warm memories and wonder in most of us, young and old. Some folks like to stick to a single color scheme or theme on their tree and others prefer a mix of handmade and keepsake ornaments. Do whatever brings you the most happiness this year and then sit back and enjoy it as much as you can! If you aren’t celebrating Christmas, consider bringing in some seasonal blooms and fresh greenery. Fragrant Rosemary bushes, Poinsettias, Amaryllis and Succulents (Christmas Cactus are showing off this time of year) do well indoors and will add some life and color to your winter sanctuary.

Whatever you are celebrating this season, I hope you are able to find some peace and comfort in your own space with the ones you love.

The Staycation of Your Dreams: Luxury Home Rentals

We are all looking for a little break these days but actually getting away is more difficult than ever. Health and safety concerns may have you hesitant to book a flight or plan a road trip. Consider a luxury rental here in your own little state. We have some truly gorgeous options that will make your time away feel completely relaxing, luxurious and safe! Below is a collection of local luxury vacation rentals. Make this Holiday a special one while close to home or start planning something to look forward to next summer.

This home at 19-23 Ocean View Highway, in Watch Hill, is a breathtaking escape with 9 Bedrooms and 10.5 Bathrooms. It sits on 10 elevated acres of landscaped grounds with unparalleled ocean views and expansive white sand beaches. A private boardwalk across the dunes leads to 900 linear feet of pristine ocean beach offering a unique and private paradise.

2 separate homes, the Manor House and the Tennis Cottage offer the perfect set up for a family Holiday where everyone can have their own space while still being together. All the amenities you might need to relax and unwind are at your fingertips; Pool, Outdoor Kitchen, State-of-the-art Gym, Billiard Room, Media Room, Firepit, Hot Tub. A true oasis close to home.

This home above at 10 Sequan Road, in Watch Hill, has 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths. It is available for longer term rentals; getaway for weeks and weekends or simply come live in Watch Hill full-time for 2020-2021 and enjoy off-season life at the beach. Easy walk to the shops of Bay Street, the harbor, and Watch Hill’s many beaches. Gorgeous views from private porch and balconies.

The above rental home at 63 Green Hill Ocean Drive in South Kingstown has 5 Bedrooms and 4.5 Baths. It sits on 3.5 acres directly across the street from the ocean with a walkway to the beach. Beautiful ocean and pond views with abundant privacy.

Summer rentals are booking up very quickly so please be in touch today for more information about these or other local luxury rental options: Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

The Charm of a Cape

The Cape Cod style house is one of the most recognized and beloved architectural designs in America. When British colonists traveled to the "New World," they brought a housing style so practical that it endured through the ages. The modern day Cape houses you see in nearly every part of North America are modeled after the rugged architecture of colonial New England. Cape’s usually have a warm and cozy feel and make a perfect home for any stage of life.

Today I am featuring a debut Cape home just listed at 2781 Harkney Hill Road in Coventry. Rustic Country Charm best describes this waterfront, classic New England Cape Cod surrounded by 29 acres of preserved privacy, fresh air, and outdoor magic. As you wind down the private driveway through the gates you will come upon this impeccably maintained family homestead of nearly 4,000 sq. ft. complete with 4 bed/5 baths, and a separate in-law suite perfect for multigenerational living.

This homey gem is flooded with natural light beaming in through the kitchen and dining room and the open floor plan on the main level opens onto an oversized deck for more indoor/outdoor entertaining and star-gazing. It provides the live-work-learn-play balance you are seeking with only 30 minutes to Providence, 1 hour to Boston, and 3 hours to New York City.

The home sits majestically over its backyard oasis, complete with a tennis/basketball court and your own path to one of RI’s cleanest ponds. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, bass fishing, swimming and sailing, gardening, nearby golf or just an old fashioned backyard barbeque on the oversized patio complete with tiki bar and outside audio speakers. Jump on the 12-mile bike trail or canoe over to the local YMCA camp for more summer fun. Your private oasis awaits!

For more information or to view this home please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505