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Vacation Fashions To Warm The Heart
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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| I am a big fan of visits to warm climates with beautiful ocean views, tropical breezes hanging on the edge of palm fronds, and beautiful sunsets rich with purples, reds and oranges. The only thing that feels quite as good as the soft powdery sand under my feet I the light, billowy resort wear flowing during a casual walk along the beach. So, as I write this article and a quick glance to the window reminds me of the cold, white stuff falling from the sky, I will take comfort in thinking about what my favorite designers are showing for the lucky ones bound for sunnier spaces this winter season. Trends this year are quite varied, so there is bound to be something to catch your eye, no matter what your taste. Soft pink is the biggest color of the season, with red, white and blue (patterns, ensembles, etc.) running a close second. Black and white polka dots are popular this year with several designers so anticipate seeing them in stores everywhere. Flowers, logos and stripes are the pattern trends available with your favorite designer. Big flowers and small, signs and symbols, stripes in every direction – you are sure to find fun and flare with your selection. Tiers are quite popular with all of the designers, so expect to see maxi dresses that seem to flow from layer to layer…to layer. Bell sleeves are a hot trend, as are flared, cropped bottoms. Wide pants – almost to the extreme made their way along the runway and are expected to be a trend throughout the spring. Buckles embellish many a frock, jacket or belt to give your look a little punch. Bomber jackets have been given a make-over, short and cropped – perfect to go over your favorite evening outfit. Lace is a staple for this time of year and 2017 is no exception. Pair with another piece – perhaps a bomber jacket or striped pant and you will have a great ensemble for your adventures. Don’t forget to pack a new swimsuit for your trip. This season look for tassel tops, crop tops, and halters, as well as styles that lace up the sides or come in one shoulder styles. Your two-piece is still coming with teeny tiny bottoms or long line, high-waisted variations harkening back to the 1940s. Though an array of colors and patterns are being shown, the clear winners this season are nude tones, yellows, florals and animal print designs. Don’t forget to pick up a few things for your guy – board shorts for the pool, along with linen shirts, shorts or slacks will do the trick. Logo shirts abound as do soft cotton pullovers. Winter can be harsh, but a trip to a warm, sunny locale can soften the season’s sharpest edges. If you have a getaway planned this winter, enjoy picking out a few new items before you go. Then head on out and have a great trip. |
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Dishin With Denise… Potting.. To Perfection
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 Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com. |
| There’s a pot and there is a “potting” roast. Try to be patient as this process is slow and long. That makes it a great Sunday to stay home, prepare your dinner by potting early and let it cook throughout the day. There’s nothing quick about preparing this truly tender, delicious pot roast classic. Expect approximately 7~8 hours of prep, and cook time to assemble this amazing one “POT” meal (Serves 6 happy and hungry loved ones) Begin your potting experience with a trip to your butcher or favorite meat dept. Select a prime perfect pot roast 5-6 lbs (I prefer to use a bottom round for potting method.) Start early in the day and cook away. Remember good things come to those that wait… Trust me, this meal is always a winner if you’re open to “POTTABILITIES!” Wash and pat dry your roast. Let stand until room temperature. Rub roast with fresh ground pepper and salt. You will need a big pot for potting (it should fit a small tree.) Add 3T of olive oil, heat till hot and sear roast on all sides to crusty outside. Be careful of the spitting and splatting oil. Remove roast and set on platter. In large pot, add 1½ large Vidalia onion chopped, 1 large leek diced, 1 fennel bulb (including fronds) diced in small chunks. 3-4 sundried tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves minced, add 2 more T of olive oil and sauté ingredients until softened. Add meat to pot, 1 or 2 large cans of low sodium beef broth to cover meat. Add 1 large can (28 oz.) hand smashed San’ Marzano whole tomatoes, or 3 small cans (14.5 oz.) of diced tomatoes. Add 1 cup of red wine, pour 1 glass for you while you prep, heat until a slight boil, reduce heat, add 3 whole dried bay leaves, 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 10 whole peppercorns, and 1 t of herbs de Provence. Cover for 6~7 hours on low heat. Remove roast to a platter. Add to pot ~12 carrots peeled and sliced thick, 12 celery stalks sliced thick, 8 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks, 1 cup fresh chopped parsley, add 1 lb. cleaned sliced mushrooms, cook until vegetables are soft. Remove all vegetables with a slotted spoon and place into a large bowl. Add to the potting liquid~ ½ cup water mixed smooth with 3~4 T of flour, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce and heat on medium heat for 15 minutes or until gravy thickens. Slice meat and plate with vegetables and ladle with plenty of hot potting gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley, salt and pepper. Serve immediately with broad buttered noodles. May your potting produce satisfied tummies! Have fun just putting ~oops I mean potting around the house. Potting love and joy to you! xoxo Denise |
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Savory Eats: “That Brunch Spot”
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 Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a writer. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community working as a blogger and musician. She enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking and performing with her dad in their LI-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by e-mail at: joanna.adduci10@gmail.com. |
| “That Brunch Spot” a pop-up engineered by Executive Chef Joe Kaye, appeared at Park Lounge in Kings Park during the last few weeks. While brunch options in Long Island are far and few in between, Kaye is whipping up inventive, exciting dishes featured only on select, admired menus throughout the country. Nothing about Kaye’s menu is generic. Entrees include The Colorado: Chili Verde, Panko Encrusted Polenta Cake, Two Fried Eggs, Refried Beans and Tortillas. Next up is The Louisiana: Yellow Grits, Aged Cheddar, Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, topped with a Sunny Egg. Bananas Foster French Toast: Thick Cut Country Bread, Bananas, Brown Sugar, Dark Rum, Cinnamon, topped with Whipped Cream. If you’re searching for something a bit more unique, perhaps the Croque Monsieur French Toast would suit your tastes – a rich, but not overpowering blend of Country Bread, Ham, Aged Cheddar, topped with Béchamel. Chef Joe Kaye offers the classics, labeled “The Old Stand By’s” such as Pancakes, Eggs, Belgian Waffles and French Toast. On the lunch side of things, he offers Sliders, Sandwiches, Soups and Sides. Sliders include Chorizo: Chorizo, Mexican Frying Cheese, Black Bean Spread and Pico De Gallo. The Pulled Pork is topped with Mango Chipotle BBQ and House Made Slaw, while the Pastrami is loaded up with Swiss, Kraut and Mustard. Sandwiches include the beloved Cuban (Pulled Pork, Ham, Swiss, House Made Pickles and Mustard) and Grilled Chicken (Brioche, Grilled Chicken, Roasted Red Pepper, Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto). Sides range from your typical “bacon” and “home fries” to the rarely appreciated Scotch Egg (a hardboiled egg wrapped in chorizo and deep fried), Biscuits and Gravy or Pastrami Hash. Perhaps the most mentionable aspect of Kaye’s menu is the use of quality, hand-selected ingredients. Each ingredient, each sauce – is carefully selected and crafted to order. You can taste the genuine appreciation and passion Kaye has for his food, and perhaps experience the backstory behind each creation – such as the southern roots in the Shrimp and Grits, or the hearty, rich Croque Monsieur. If anything, it is certainly refreshing to come across a Béchamel on a Long Island brunch menu. Although Kaye's prior experience is in the catering field, his creative, cultured menu and skill-set make him a prime candidate for this pop-up. His experiences and worldly travels have certainly influenced and molded many menu additions, and this is special, to say the least. When I asked him what to order he replied, “Everything is on the menu for a reason, they all have a significance”. That stuck with me. Instead of merely endorsing one or two best-selling entrees, he placed value on each and every menu item – ensuring his passion and belief in his food. Passion and belief I was surely convinced of by the end of my meal. Next time you’re searching for something different, or looking to spice up your brunch repertoire, visit their Facebook or website to see where they’ll be appearing next. |
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Winter Blues or Happier News?
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 Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, is a Licensed and Board Certified Clinical Mental Health counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, clinical practice. She’s in private practice at her home office in Fort Salonga, specializing in relationships. A sub specialty is in integrating holistic methods with traditional ones. She is founding president of Happi Act for autism www.happiact.org www.happiact.org a non- profit organization. She can be reached drgold6@optimum.net |
| January is known to be the saddest month with the highest rate of depression, and February doesn’t fall far behind. Bills from holiday credit card spending are evident. Tax days loom ahead. The sparkling lights and décor of the winter holidays seem to have vanished too soon. The days here on L.I look gray; there is often the added chore of clearing snow off of our cars, driveways and walks before we can go anywhere. And slippery road commutes to work and back. Yes, winter can be tough. But my intent is not to depress you further, because there are things that we can do to compensate, to make these winter days and nights not only more tolerable, but pleasurable. This can be an excellent time to organize and to clear out no longer wanted items. Having developed the habit of donating to others through charities who conveniently pick up the items at our front door at an appointed time, makes me overcome procrastination in getting it done You can make your home more cheerful. Whether one lives in a mansion, in one room or anywhere in between, painting a room can be a budget project yet a huge mood lifter. Hanging a cheerful painting inside your entrance can lift one’s spirits as well. This is a good time to chat it up or get better acquainted with a friend or family member. Some of my happiest moments have been when sitting in a coffee house with a friend while watching a light snow fall outside. Now’s a perfect season to read that book you’ve wanted to read, and to watch that DVD. Exercise, healthy eating, and nutritional supplements can be most helpful in lifting the winter blahs and in helping to get weight back on track. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) depression can be real for many. Those who suffer from winter depression should attempt to get some sun every day, if not outside then from one of those lamps created for that purpose. Depression in teens can be seriously high these months. Some signs to watch for are: Changes in sleep patterns ~ Loss of interest~ Loss of appetite ~ Decreased participation~ Changes in mood. These signs if present should not be ignored. Regarding all those New Year resolutions sincerely intended but already fading, here’s a simple one to keep; add one thing to your life that you enjoy, and eliminate one thing from your life that you don’t. Something to remember; depending on each of our ages, we’ve each lived through this season before and we made it through every time. We will again! |
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The Winter Doldrums and Yearning For Spring
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 Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, a quality consignment boutique. Enjoy Natalie’s Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631.862.6198 |
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You may want spring to be just around the corner, but we’re not quite there yet. Where we have been, sometimes more than many of us would like, is in our homes. For some, it is a warm and welcoming place for our family, friends and ourselves. For others, it’s the “work in progress” or “getting to it” reminder of the things we need to do to really enjoy the place we call “home”. In the month of January, (clutter control month) I held weekend seminars on organization at Uniquely Natalie to help folks start the new year right. They began as seminars and became therapy sessions where people shared issues from hoarding to collecting to being space challenged, but everyone seemed to have problems organizing papers. What do we keep, how long do we keep it, where to keep it, how to manage it? To get a copy of Linda’s book, visit her website at: You can also get a copy at |
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Ghost In The Attic
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 Bill Lauto is an Environmental Scientist and Energy Consultant who has been teaching how we can save our money, energy, environment, and health, since 1982. Mr. Lauto operates GoingTrueGreen.com and his work has been published in magazines such as: Consumer Report, Kiplinger's Financial and Business Ethics. |
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While some people may claim a ghost is in the attic, it is most likely the corrupt spirit of a living person trying to steal extra money out of an unsuspecting client. I was called to conduct an energy audit on a fairly large house and as usual I started in the basement and worked up toward the attic. After some two plus hours of checking every possibility to save money and energy, the home owner informed me that the master bedroom was always freezing. A “Ghost-Like” freezing, he described. I started my hunt for all the contributing reasons. I noticed newly installed Recessed Ceiling light fixtures in the bedroom's ceiling. The homeowner told me that he received a great deal on the labor, since he was friends with the electrician. Yet, this did not solve the issue with why the bedroom was so cold. The main reason was lurking above us in the attic. I slowly pulled down the steps to the attic and went up with some silly trepidation. Once my eyes cleared the hatch entrance, my portable light came upon the astonishing answer. I froze, not from the cold attic, but because of the great incompetence of some "so-called professionals." As I slowly backed down the steps and turned to look down at the homeowner, he knew from the look on my face, that something was seriously wrong. "How well do you know this electrician friend of yours?" I asked cautiously. "Very well, I know him for years. Since school. Why?" "Is he a licensed electrician?" "I think so. Why?" "You can use my light and go up to look for yourself, but to install your new light fixtures in the ceiling, your friend moved all your insulation and stacked it up in a pile on one side. They never put the insulation back into the Bays between the wooden beams." The homeowner took my light went up, looked around, and came down cursing while making a few angry claims. We reviewed the solutions to his cold bedroom that included placing the current insulation back with the vapor barrier facing the attic floor. Also adding additional Un-Faced insulation on top (insulation without a vapor barrier) and the importance of always having a licensed electrician. One final note, always check on the work done yourself. Alas… a ghost was not part of the reasons for the cold bedroom or for moving the insulation into a stack on the side. |
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Motivation To Exercise
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 Gina Fata helps replace the strict diet and exercise mentality approach with a more realistic & manageable healthy lifestyle. She has been working in the health & fitness industry since 2003, with a Masters in Exercise Physiology from Columbia University. Gina believes that healthy is an outfit that looks different on everybody. gina@ginafatacoaching.com |
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Welcome to 2017. If you’ve been waiting to begin something, now is the time. A new year brings new mindsets, new ideas, and change. As a health and fitness professional, I often get approached for advice and wisdom about how to get motivated. So many times during my day I will be asked this question: "I want to workout, but I just don't have the MOTIVATION. How can I get motivated to EXERCISE?" The answer to this question is not a quick solution, but a LIFETIME journey! Motivation truly comes from within. Figuring out what is important to YOU will be the first step towards finding the motivation to exercise. Asking yourself what you "do it for", and how you want to FEEL is another helpful tool in getting you motivated. Here are six tips that will help you get motivated to exercise: 1. PLAN a time at least 3 days per week that you will COMMIT to exercising for at least 20 minutes. 2. Find an ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER that you can trust to keep you accountable for exercising. Set aside 5 minutes at the end of the week to talk on the phone with this person, or even just a text message to check in with each other. 3. REWARD YOURSELF with something that you enjoy at the end of the week for staying committed to your exercise goals. Keep this reward inexpensive, and not food related. Some examples are: a bubble bath, going to a movie, getting a manicure, buying a new outfit, etc. 4. Set SPECIFIC goals, whether it be weight-loss, muscle toning, or improving your posture. Write out WHY these goals are important to you, so you remember why you are doing this! 5. Figure out how you want to FEEL after your workout. If you remember how good it feels AFTER you are done exercising, you will be more likely to be motivated to do it again. If you don't like how you feel after your workout, try something new that makes you feel a sense of accomplishment once you have finished it. If I were to be asked the most important one of these six tips on getting motivated, I would say its figuring out how you want to feel after exercising. Our mind-body connection has gotten so lost in our world today. We have to remember our bodies will give us the information we need if we just listen. Listening to that perfectly imperfect body of yours is the key to staying motivated. Your body knows the way. Trust yourself. Trust the process. |
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The College Search Starts With Self-Discovery
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 Tony Moschella spent 32 years as a School Psychologist, and started University College Advisors to polish student profiles through college interest and major assessment, essay and interview prep, college list building, financial aid review and college admissions guidance. Cell: 516-443-5192. www.UniversityCollegeAdvisors.com UniversityCollegeAdvisors@gmail.com |
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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are presently over 3,000 4-year colleges in the U.S. With such a large volume of schools to choose from, how can a prospective college student begin to distill the monumental amount of information related to these offerings? One solution is drawn not from a focus on schools and their particular merits, but rather on a clear and honest personal assessment of a student’s motivations, aspirations, personality and preferences. In essence, the college search is less school-centered and more student-oriented with regard to finding the proper fit. Establishing a compass that relies on a laser-sharp student profile acts as the most effective guide to uncovering a personalized college list. • What am I interested in? Which academic subjects have I enjoyed and excelled in? To add a systematic approach, a formal interest inventory can highlight preferences and their connection to college majors and professional careers. Formal interest inventories, such as The Strong Interest Inventory, have an extensive history of connecting-the-dots with respect to pointing students towards a college major and course of study that correlates to their preferences. Given that college students are apt to change their major, some multiple times, it works to their advantage to identify the link between their personal preferences and those of students who have already pursued and fulfilled requirements within specific college majors. Taking this vital step removes some of the trial-and-error that occurs on college campuses as students try to navigate academic disciplines in search of a desirable major. Equally important is the information gained that helps target specific colleges and rule out others based on program availability. Resource: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2016) |
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Minneapolis.. Land of Lakes and Mary Richards
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 Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast who is a stay home mom of three in Dix Hills. She loves to plan her family’s vacations and helping her friends and relatives with their vacation ideas. |
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Lou Grant “You got spunk. I hate spunk.“ The passing of Mary Tyler Moore in January made me think of how much I loved the TV show when I was growing up and also about how much I enjoyed our family trip to Minneapolis a few years ago. |
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Shaving Heads For A Good Cause
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| JD Thomas & Co. Salon of Commack has agreed to be the barbers for the Miller’s Ale House of Commack 2017 St. Baldrick’s fundraising event. St. Baldrick’s is an organization that raises awareness and funds to support kids and families battling childhood Cancers. “Shavees” volunteer to raise money for the cause and shave their head in support of it. It seemed like a perfect fit for the team at JD Thomas who are already participating in their own cancer care program. “When we were asked if we would be interested in being the barbers for this event, we automatically jumped at the chance,” said John Multer, Co-Owner of JDT. “JD Thomas is currently running our Mondays at JD Thomas program, which is a once a month event where we close the salon to regular business and volunteer our services to those recently diagnosed with Cancer and about to begin treatment, or those currently in treatment. It is an amazing opportunity for us to be able to give back to those who need and deserve it. Participating in a St. Baldrick’s event seemed only natural for us. We love helping out any way we can.” The event will be held at Miller’s Ale House in Commack on Sunday March 12th, 2017 from Noon until 6:00pm and the JDT family is looking forward to having this be the first of many years participating in the event. The Mondays at JD Thomas program takes place the first Monday of every month at JD Thomas & Co Salon 6168A Jericho Tpke, Commack NY 11730. Hours are from 10:00am until 1:00pm. Please call the salon at 631-486-4443 for more information. |
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The Amazing Lash Studio
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| In case you haven’t noticed, the synthetic eye lash industry has taken the beauty world by storm. Leading the field nationally at an incredible pace is The Amazing Lash Studio. Elyse Pedersen, owner of the Commack location is no newbie to the beauty biz. Over the last decade, Elyse successfully launched three unique franchised businesses and has become directly involved in their development throughout the tristate area. Amazing Lash Studio eyelash extensions are semi-permanent, synthetic Mink single lash extensions. Your own personal sylist will consult with you to help you choose the look and length that is best for your personal style. There are four signature styles, Cute, Natural, Sexy and Gorgeous. The Cute lashes use longer lash extensions at the center of your eye that makes your eyes appear longer. The Natural Lashes use longer eyelash extensions tapered to follow your existing lash line and enhance the natural shape of your eyes. Sexy lashes, are lash extensions that are longer on the outside edge of the eyes and longer on the outside corner of your eye. Gorgeous Lashes are longer and thicker eyelash extensions along the entire lash line, they have longer, fuller lashes all over. Amazing Lash understands the unknown can be intimidating. But have no fear — it’s a relaxing, enjoyable experience. In fact, since your eyes are closed for the duration of the appointment, many of their customers simply drift off for a nap (How often do you get one or two hours of peace and quiet?). Next, your stylist will escort you to a private room, where you’ll lay on a comfortable, cushioned massage table, draped under a cozy velour blanket. Your stylist will then conduct a lash health evaluation, answer any questions you have, guide you in choosing the perfect lash style, and begin applying your eyelash extensions. When you awaken, you’ll find the longer, thicker and more voluminous eyelashes you’ve been dreaming of. As Elyse states, “We will never compromise your natural lashes. Our unique method ensures that your natural lashes will continue to grow and get stronger. Once you experience the amazing impact lash extensions have on the way you look, the way you feel, and the time you'll save on your morning routine, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.