Author: Alicia Pensarosa

Interests: advocating for animals, volunteerism, sewing, vegan cooking, motorcyles, spin, and spending time on the ocean. Assistant Director, Ocean Alliance M.S. Animals and Public Policy, Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine Former Advertising professional

Restaurant Week-Windward Grille

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Last night, due to lack of grocery shopping, we decided to celebrate restaurant week and try a restaurant we haven’t yet tried. We decided on the Windward Grille in Essex.

The service was great, they have a very friendly staff, they had a lot of options on the restaurant week menu as well as their regular menu, and the portions where incredible.  I came home with lots of leftovers and had to put on elastic waist sweatpants.

Today is the last day for restaurant week, but some restaurants may be extending it. The Windward Grille is  extending their Restaurant Week menu for an additional week.  If you know of any others doing the same post it in the comments.

Here’s my lovely camera phone shots of stuffed mushrooms and Filet with Stuffed shrimp (half eaten of course).

After you go apple picking…

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

After you go apple picking at Russell Orchards this weekend, stop by Wolf Hollow for an educational experience.

It’s  a lot of fun and a great learning experience for children and adults alike.

Here are some of the stars…

Rip Currents: What to Know

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

We have had some very sad tragedies lately and I thought it would be good for everyone to have a little knowledge on rip currents.  As we all already know the ocean is an unpredictable and incredible force.  I hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.

Rip Current information taken from NOAA:

Look for differences in the water-color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for these clues as one, all or none may be visible:

  • Channel of churning, choppy water
  • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
  • Area having a notable difference in water-color
  • Break in the incoming wave pattern

They have a lot of images on their site and more detailed information here

How to Escape a Rip Current:

If caught in a rip current…

  • Remain calm. You will not be pulled under the surface of the water.
  • Only swim parallel to the shore to escape the current. As soon as you are out of the current, only then swim toward the beach.
  • Another option is to just float. Eventually you will reach the end of the current. Then …
    • Swim parallel to the shore to get out of the path of the rip current and once you do so, only then swim toward the beach


If you see someone in trouble…

  • Throw the rip current victim something that floats–a lifevest, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
  • Get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, call 9-1-1.
  • Yell instructions on how to escape the rip current. Tell them which way to swim.

WOLFSTOCK- This weekend

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

WOLFSTOCK REGGAE CONCERT
featuring JAH SPIRIT
to Benefit Wolf Hollow in Ipswich

http://www.jahspirit.com

Raymond Fields, Essex Road, Ipswich, MA

Saturday, August 28, 2010 – Gates Open at 3:00 PM

Admission – $10.00 per person, 5 & under – free

Food & Drink by: Barbecue by the Farm of Essex, Organic Garden, and Mercury Brewing Mobile Tap

I have yet to check out Wolf Hollow, but it’s definitely on my to do list, for more information visit their site…

http://www.wolfhollowipswich.org

Surfing at Good Harbor

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

I’ve been taking a break from posting recently because I was on my Gloucester vacation and totally took advantage of it by disconnecting myself from the world. It was wonderful!

Here are some surf pics. I still need a lot of practice but getting the hang of it. Look how beautiful that water is!

Missing Black Lab

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Everyone be on the look out for a Black Lab in Gloucester…

Dear Friends,

We are missing a black Labrador retriever since noon on Sunday 7/11/2010. She left our yard on Commonwealth Ave and has not been seen since. She (Lois Lane) does not have her collar on. She is quite friendly and loves food.

Please call the house or cell phones if you hear of anyone who may have taken in a lost dog recently.

Update-

Lois Lane Has been Found- Alive

Joey – Lois Lane has been found – it’s a LONG story which we would hope you could help us with recognizing the individuals who helped us find her. If I can, I’ll send you the incredible story of how she was found and the young boy who made it happen. Hopefully include a picture of the two of them once Lois recovers from her injuries.

John

Haute Affaire Handbag Rentals

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Note from Carolyn Sanchez at Haute Affaire in Magnolia:

Handbag Rentals:

Available Monday July 5th!

Christian Dior Purse, Unknown Designer Vintage Leather Handbag, Michael Kors Totes

Rent from 1 – 4 weeks, with the option to renew

Prices ranging from $28 – $35 per week

More handbags will be added to our collection soon!

Haute Affaire

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

New boutique/consignment shop on Lexington Ave. in Magnolia. Haute Affaire has been open since April. They have items in all price ranges from $1 t-shirts to designer dresses and jeans. They also carry Jeans from Boston Jean Company and have their own line of resort wear.

Coming soon, they will start to offer designer handbag rentals. Now you can test drive them without shelling out hundreds of dollars!

They have great hours too:
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Sun 11am-4pm

http://www.HauteAffaire.com