SPRING AWAKENING: THE APRIL BLOOM EDITION

I hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration full of hope and fresh starts. As winter ends and spring brings bright colors and a bit of warmth, our communities in Bristol and Plymouth Counties are witnessing a rebirth in the natural world, a bustling real estate market, and a diverse array of local happenings. This period of change brings with it exciting opportunities for homeowners, potential buyers, and those of us eager to deepen our roots in this thriving community.

Real Estate Market Update

As the new season begins, there's a lot of activity in the real estate market, with good news for people looking to buy or sell homes:

• In Bristol County, there's a lot of interest in homes as the average selling price has risen to $463K, which is 5.5% more than last year. Homes are selling faster, too, usually in about 26 days. This February, 266 homes were sold, showing just how many people want to live here!
• Plymouth County is also doing really well, with the average home price increasing to $539K, an 8.3% increase from last year. Homes here are selling in about 32 days on average, and 265 homes were sold in February alone, showing it's a great place to live.

Upcoming Community Events

Spring breathes new life into our community calendar, blooming with events that bring joy, development, and togetherness:

• Community Paint Night (April 5): Step into a world of color and creativity at 76 Church Green, Taunton. Each participant will find a canvas ready for them, providing an evening filled with painting, laughter, and forming connections within the community.

Time: 06:30 pm - 08:30 pm

Location: 76 Church Green, 76 Church Green, Taunton, United States

• Networking After Work (April 10): A perfect setting for cultivating new connections, located at 65 Main Street, Taunton, MA. An invaluable opportunity for professional growth and personal interactions.

Time: 05:30 pm - 07:30 pm

Location: 65 Main Street, Taunton, MA, United States, Massachusetts 02780

• Patriots Day (April 15): A moment to reflect on our shared heritage and the values that define us, commemorated with pride and reverence.

• Herring Run Festival (April 15 and 16)

Time: 11 am - 4 pm 

Location: Oliver Mill Park (at Route 44 and Nemasket Street), Middleborough, MA

• Plymouth Herring Run Festival (April 20)

Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Plimoth Grist Mill

And let’s not overlook my event, “From Stuck to Sold: Navigating the Home Selling & Buying Journey for Established Homeowners”, on April 24. We will guide you through the process of aligning your living situation with your personal goals and values, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey toward rightsizing your life.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Embrace the season’s spirit of renewal with simple yet impactful home care:

• Brighten your windows and repair screens to welcome the spring light
• Gear up your garden tools for a season of growth
• Conduct a thorough check of your home’s exterior for any signs of winter's impact
• Replenish and update your emergency preparedness for peace of mind
• Refresh your living space with a thorough clean and seasonal decor swap

Spring Bucket List Ideas

Capture the essence of spring with activities designed to enrich your body, mind, and spirit:

• Revel in the artistry of live performances at the Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
• Savor the fresh bounty of local produce at Farmer's Outlet, East Taunton, MA
• Immerse yourself in nature with a hike and picnic at Boyden Park, Taunton, MA
• Experience the serene beauty of a New Blossom Stroll at Massasoit State Park, Taunton, MA

Bold & Beautiful: Spring Decor Trends to Refresh Your Home

As we welcome spring, the interior design scene is set to blossom with fresh trends that promise to rejuvenate our living spaces. This season, it's all about breaking from the monotony of neutral palettes and infusing our homes with bursts of color and personality. Designers are particularly excited about vibrant transformations, suggesting we embrace bold hues, playful patterns, and textured wallpapers to express our individuality. Accessories such as weathered planters add an antique charm perfect for housing spring blooms, both indoors and out.

Reflective surfaces are making a comeback, brightening rooms with glossy finishes and lacquered accessories that capture the light of longer days. Novelty doesn't stop at decor; even hardware gets a whimsical update with colorful knobs and artistic pulls. Consider lining bookshelves with striking wallpapers or framing vintage scarves as unique art pieces for a more personalized touch. These trends invite creativity and encourage a deeper engagement with our personal spaces, promising a spring filled with inspiration and renewal.

Culinary Creativity: A Rule-Breaking Lasagna Verde Recipe

In this time of growth and awakening, why not capture the essence of spring by updating our recipes to reflect the season's freshness and revival?

Revolutionize your weeknight dinners with this quick, rule-breaking lasagna verde inspired by the innovative flavors of Rolo’s in Queens, New York. Start by sautéing hot Italian sausage, onion, and garlic, then blend frozen spinach with hot milk, lemon zest, and cheese for a rich, green sauce. Swap the traditional deep dish for a baking sheet to get more of those crispy edges and cut down baking time; perfect for busy evenings. Layer store-bought fresh lasagna sheets with the sausage mix and spinach sauce on the sheet, topping it off with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375° for 25-35 minutes until golden. This method delivers restaurant-quality lasagna with minimal effort, making any dinner feel special.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, 2 finely chopped, 4 whole
• 1-lb. bag frozen spinach
• 1 lemon
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 8 oz. low-moisture mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
• 8 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb. fresh lasagna sheets

Wrapping up our exploration of this month,  we are poised to dive into two additional seminars next month, each promising to unfold new perspectives and spark transformative discussions. So, stay tuned and mark your calendars—our commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual community continues, with more insightful gatherings just around the corner. Keep an eye on our updates, for the realm of knowledge is ever-expanding, and we are just starting this exciting journey together.

As we welcome this time of growth and new beginnings, let's take advantage of the chance to come together, celebrate, and make the most of living in our beautiful communities in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Wishing everyone a spring filled with renewal, joyful experiences, and the comforting embrace of home and togetherness.