When family and friends gather this season, a beautifully styled charcuterie board is one of the easiest, most elegant ways to serve — and make your home feel warm, festive and ready to share. With just a few ingredients and some creative touches, you can put together a spread that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours of work. Based on inspiration from a holiday-style board by Kristy New England.
1. Choose Your “Canvas”
Start with a large board, platter or even a wooden cutting board. It becomes the foundation for your visual layout. The board featured by Kristy used a monogrammed wooden board to add a personal, festive feel.
2. Layer in Greenery and Texture
Before placing food items, add visual interest by using herbs like rosemary, pine sprigs or other greenery and arrange them in a “garland-like” design. Kristy sprinkled powdered sugar over her rosemary to mimic freshly fallen snow.
3. Pick a Variety of Cheeses & Breads ...

Whether you’re adding privacy, keeping pets safe, or simply enhancing your home’s curb appeal, a fence can be a great investment — but before you start digging, there are a few important steps to take. Installing a fence in Onondaga County, NY involves more than just picking your favorite style. From permits to property lines, here’s everything homeowners should know to make the process smooth, legal, and stress-free.

1. Check Your Property Lines
Before installing any fence, it’s crucial to confirm where your property begins and ends. Even a few inches over the line can cause major issues with your neighbors — or require you to remove the fence later.

Review your property survey or deed map (often included with your closing documents).
If you can’t locate it, request a copy from your town or village assessor’s office or hire a licensed surveyor to mark your lot boundaries.
Avoid assuming based on old fences or tree lines &mdash ...

The holiday season is a time for warmth, generosity, and community — and this year, our neighbors need us more than ever. BELL Home Team is proud to support PEACE Inc.’s Give-A-Holiday Program, which helps local families enjoy a brighter season through food, gifts, and essential household items.
With ongoing uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits and other vital assistance programs, and rising costs for food, housing and healthcare, many Central New York families are facing difficult choices this winter. Your donations can make a real difference — helping ensure that no family goes without a holiday meal or a few special gifts under the tree.
 
How You Can Help
We’re collecting donations for the Give-A-Holiday drive right here at our office in Cicero!
You’re welcome to drop off new, unwrapped items such as:
·         SNAP-Exempt Essentials: toiletries (deodorants, shampoos, soaps, etc.), diapers ...

As autumn winds down and the first snowflakes start to tease Central New York, now’s your last chance to squeeze in a few quick exterior upgrades before winter hits. Whether you’re planning to list your home or just want it to look its best for the holidays, these easy, high-impact improvements can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal — even on a chilly Syracuse afternoon.

1. Power Up with a Pressure Wash

Nothing says “well cared for” like a clean exterior. Over time, siding, porches, and driveways collect grime, pollen, and mildew. A quick pressure wash can instantly brighten your home, remove buildup, and bring paint colors back to life.
Tip: Focus on high-visibility areas — the front steps, porch railings, walkway, and siding around your entryway. It’s one of the simplest and most dramatic ways to refresh your home before the snow flies.

2. Give Your Front Door a Fresh Face

Your front door sets the tone for y ...

Looking for a magical, hands-on activity to enjoy this fall? Baltimore Woods Nature Center is hosting Forest Clay Creations, a beautifully creative and nature-inspired art event set to take place on October 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at their Marcellus location.

When:          Friday, October 10th, 2025
Time:           10AM to 12PM
Where:        Baltimore Woods Nature Center
4007 Bishop Hill Road
Marcellus, NY 13108-0133

Sculpting Tree Spirits & Embracing Imagination
During this workshop, participants are invited to sculpt tree spirits using natural clay and materials found in the forest. Drawn from myth, literature, and your own sense of whimsy, you’ll work your hands to reveal hidden faces and forms in trees. It’s not just about clay—it’s about forging a personal connection to nature through creative exploration.
The wal ...