Home Tips of the Month from Bonny Lamb

 

Turns out that the healthiest squash—chock full of vitamins—is yellow/summer squash, according to On Health a publication by Consumer Reports. And if you like pumpkin seeds, also good for you, bake the seeds of acorn squash and other types of squash that have larger seeds.

 
 

The commercial spray cans of Pam, Canola oil, etc., all contain silicone. To avoid the chemical, add your oil of choice to one of the many styles of spray containers available for purchase.

 
 

Google says the batteries on Black & Decker dust busters can be replaced;  but I had no success finding a replacement. Hoover has a much more versatile product in a sleeker, more practical style, at a higher price, of course ($139.99 plus tax at Target)—don’t know if the battery is replaceable. With a 3-year warranty, the One PWR “dust chaser” has small attachments and promises to have twice the suction power of the usual dust buster. It takes up less space, even with the little attachments.

 
 

Approximately 90% of street noise gets into your house through the windows, let alone all of the cold air that gets into the house through windows, too. Check the insulation around the glazing; have better hardware installed. Storm windows are powerful insulators and often better than new double-glazed. Your interior will be more peaceful, especially if you live on a busier street, and you’ll be warmer during these frigid winter months.

 
 

Another reminder about English ivy, an invasive species that strangles and kills trees, like this one in West Cambridge. It’s our local kudzu, all too evident in Cambridge, Belmont and Somerville, taking over gardens and climbing trees. At the beginning of the climb, the roots can be pulled from the trees; once securely attached to the tree or wedged within the interstices of the trunk, the thick stem at the bottom of the tree needs to be sawed to destroy the vines.

 

61 Dudley Street, Medford 02155

This captivating 1890 Victorian beauty with storybook curb appeal will win your hearts. Oversized windows, high ceilings with medallions, light-flooded interior and generously sized rooms lend themselves to a living standard that encompasses both elegance and homey relaxation. The open living room and dining room are splendid. The expansive eat-in-kitchen with tri-level island and bar and windows overlooking the enchanting yard is spectacular, featuring a Thermador 6-burner gas cooktop and vented hood, Sub-Zero refrigerator, larger double ovens, dw, disposal and mudroom off the kitchen. A family room/library, office and full bath complete the 1st floor. 2d floor: a dreamy main bedroom; 2 bedrooms, a playroom and a 4-piece spa-like bathroom with radiant heat. 3d floor has an office, guest room, attic. The fenced yard serves as your own private resort for “kids” of all ages; the clubhouse has a sleeping loft. Full basement; well-maintained; side-by-side pkg. Logan Park around the block..

345 Harvard Street, Unit 4A, Cambridge 02138

Harvard Square: Enjoy long, open views with lots of privacy from this upper floor, corner condominium. The light-flooded interior, facing south and west, has generously sized living/dining room, with an oversized balcony with tree-top views, providing a serene environment. Both bathrooms are renovated and creatively designed. The balcony off the 2d bedroom is especially suited for roommates; bedrooms are separated by the living/dining room. White quartz counters; SS stove, dw, disposal and refrigerator complement the handsome, efficient kitchen with abundant cabinetry. Special benefits: covered deeded parking closest to the building; the A condominiums are the only south-facing; the A’s are the only units on the interior of the building vs the outer walkways; laundry and storage are on the ground/walk-out level. Superbly located near Harvard Square for the pleasure of owner occupant/s or as a rental property. Near T & Mass. Ave. amenities, Harvard, MIT, Kendall Sq. accessibility.

32 Fresh Pond Place, Unit 32, Cambridge 02138

Delightful, carefree living in this end-unit townhouse, set back from Huron Ave on the prettiest lane in the complex. The dramatically designed townhouse feels like a single-family home. Bookshelves line the end of the living room, adding that Cambridge touch, with a formal dining room off it. Light and bright eat-in kitchen with SS Bosch appliances has long counters to make cooking easy; plentiful cabinetry; and a deck with quality soil in planters to grow your vegetables/herbs. You will be impressed by abundant windows with private views; generously sized rooms; oversized closets–and the fab open family room with desk alcove. The full-size washer & dryer has its own room. Enjoy the outdoors from your 2 private decks, as well as the public, socially-distanced amenities of the Tip O’Neill Golf Course across the street for golf or winter sports; tennis courts; and the Fresh Pond Reservation. Good extra storage; 2-car garage with overhead door; heated indoor assn pool. 75 bus to Harvard Sq.

40 Sagamore Avenue, Medford 02155

West Medford/Brooks Estate. Elegant and handsome Colonial with curb appeal and privacy, sited on perhaps the grandest street. This house delights, from the built-in settles on the front porch and stained glass windows in the paneled vestibule and welcoming foyer. Through broad openings, enter the oversized living room with fireplace, built-ins, window seat and access to the wraparound porch or the beautifully paneled oak dining room with china cabinet, window seat, and bay. Chef’s kitchen, with island, Viking range and vented hood, SS appliances, has great light. Renovated powder room completes the 1st floor. On the 2d floor, 2 rooms were opened to create the main bedroom with adjoining sunroom and porch, plus 2 more generously sized bedrooms, a lovely bathroom and built-ins on the spacious landing. 2 bedrooms, a flex room and 3d bath on the 3d floor. Fenced yard is a relaxing haven, with hot tub and inground salt-water pool. Oversized garage fits 2 cars. Near commuter rail & Center.