Sunday, April 27, 2025
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Dishin With Denise… Here’s a Pizzzza My Mind!

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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.
LOOK! “A pie in the sky” We flew 1,253.1 miles to find a slice of heaven. Yes, real Italian pizza right along the coast in beautiful Ft, Meyers Beach, Florida. Finding a good pizza in Italy~easy!  A real quest in Florida and this” Italian snooty” aficionado is tough to please. The crust be “Roman style” thin and crispy to perfection (not soft, thick, bready) the sauce must be homemade, (NO Ragu) fresh tomatoes vine ripe, the cheese’s high quality, imported Italian, mozzarella fresh and homemade, a good EVOO, the right hint of herbs, and the basil picked right off the plant. HOT out of the oven. I want it all. This is why I usually make my own, with no complaints. Like most of us that like to travel, we leave the cooking to others. My mouth waters when I get that craving for pizza~If it’s not authentic Italian made ~ I’d rather go get a hot dog. WE FOUND IT! “Ray’s Pizza” voted “Best Pizza on the Beach” Ft.Meyers Beach, Southwest Florida. Took our chances and entered the cutest little pizza joint, beach nautical bright and clean. Waiting to greet us were the friendliest, sweetest, hardworking, wanting to please owners, Ray and Paula. They absolutely “wowed” the flip flops right off our New York feet with their own culinary~pizza delight. They presented us with an aromatic, fresh, hot, delicious pizza made to absolute perfection. So…I say to myself ~ I can go over a thousand miles away from my own kitchen. They certainly have ”Dishin’ with Denise’s” Rave Review’s. The Best Pizza on any beach, truly the best slice for your dice. Ray has spent a quarter of a century in the pizza making business. He brought his own “secret “pizza sauce recipe with him from the New York~New Jersey area where he and Paula moved from. He prides himself on making his sauce fresh each day and he will happily deliver it to your very own white sandy beach~for free. Ray’s offers so many varieties of toppings to choose from~ you can build your own pizza in the sand.  As Ray would say “If It AIN’T RAY’S, FAAA ~Geta Bout it!” We New Yorker’s are… craving your pizza, we’ll be back again and again! Thank you, Ray and Paula. Until we break crust again, XOXO Denise

 

Savory Eats: Chris’s Restaurant

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Joe is a graduate of Northport High School and the University at Albany, he currently lives in Brooklyn and is pursuing his Masters Degree from George Washington University. If you're interested in more of Joe's food musings, check out his blog at: basicjoeeats.com. 
    When you move away from home, one of the first things you are drawn to do when you arrive is find things that remind you of where you came from. For me, naturally, it was a food establishment. Save the fact that I live above a ravioli store for another piece, one of the best things about moving to Brooklyn is the plethora of food options available. 
    From my apartment,  a ten minute walk will bring me to a lineup of food options spanning the globe: Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Georgian, Russian, Ukrainian, Mexican, Greek and Vietnamese restaurants all in a row. Granted, they are punctuated by your standard Dunkin Donuts and Subway, but as far as a food paradise goes for those who like options, you would be hard pressed to find a better lineup. I thought that very same thing, until one day when I stumbled across a very unassuming place completely by accident and simultaneously completed my quest for the one thing that had eluded me my entire life: Polish takeout.
    Chris’s Restaurant (1866 86th Street, Brooklyn) offers a variety of Polish classics in a contemporary setting. With a small bar in the rear, this quaint spot epitomizes what it means to be a “neighborhood place”. A warm, cozy atmosphere creates the perfect environment to enjoy some of the Polish classics I was raised on in my youth (I know, some of you are trying to reconcile that with a name like Alicata, I am Polish, but stranger things have happened so buckle in). A few weeks back, after a number of failed attempts at online dating, I decided I was taking myself on a date, and shoved off to Chris’s for a night out on my own. 
    For starters, I grabbed the red borscht with dumplings, perfect for a cold night. I went with mushroom dumplings, but there are options if you are not inclined to mushrooms. I have sampled my share of borscht’s in my travels, but this particular borscht was seasoned perfectly and had a rich, full flavor, which is a unique and attractive quality for a clear soup. The dumplings are a nice touch and are a flavorful, earthy compliment to the soup. 
    As I scanned the menu for my dinner, I came across so many things that I wanted to try. But, since I have not hit that level of self-loathing yet, I cannot bring myself to order eight separate dishes to my table when eating alone. We may cross that bridge someday, but today is not that day. As I pondered how to tackle this quandary, I came across the perfect menu item to solve my problem: the Polish platter. All of the good stuff in one place: three pierogis, one piece of kielbasa, stuffed cabbage (gouvalki for those who are familiar) and sauerkraut. Chris’s makes their pierogis on site, and it is noticeable. Boiled, they are soft and flavorful without being mushy and dull. The kielbasa is cooked perfectly, crisp on the outside with a good “snap” when you bite into it, and the stuffed cabbage may actually be the most perfectly rolled stuffed cabbage I have ever seen. Stuffed with chopped meat and rice and steamed, the cabbage is the perfect way to cap off the platter and send you home happy. 
    So if you are ever in the area, or have a serious late night desire for a long car ride and some serious Polish soul food, check out Chris’s on 86th in Brooklyn. 

 

Positive Wellness in 2017

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Kristin has been working in the natural products industry for over fifteen years as an expert in holistic beauty products, nutrition and supplements. Also a fitness instructor, she is passionate about the mental and physical benefits of fitness and encourages people to reach their goals while having fun. She just completed her first book, a memoir. Follow her on Twitter @kristinjoylavin or visit her website: www.kristinjoylavin.com

Outlook on life is an important part of being healthy and happy. Research shows a positive outlook is beneficial. That combined with healthy choices can have a positive impact on your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The New Year can be an inspirational time to make changes. As the calendar year starts anew review some of these positive changes you can make for 2017.

Change your thoughts – As a negative or fearful thought arises, flip it to a more positive one. For example, “I hate to fly, I’m afraid the plane will crash” can be a crippling thought. Replace that with, “air travel is among the safest ways to travel. I am so lucky to be able to have the opportunity to fly and see…”

Be less critical of others – “Wow, she put on a lot of weight” is a negative thought about another person and puts bad energy into the world. Instead think positively and offer a compliment, “Wow that blue sweater is really beautiful on you.” 

Stop gossiping – Gossip can be malicious and full of lies. Just skip it and talk about the latest movie, recipe or what’s going on in the world, a truly important conversation.

Legitimize your news – 24/7 news can be stressful. Much of it is opinion based arguments about a topic to fill time instead of just facts. Small doses from reliable sources like newspapers, apps or the half hour nightly news is all you need to stay informed.
Limit time with negative people –A negative co-worker, friend or family can be a challenge to totally avoid so spend time in small doses. Connect with people who are positive and uplifting.

Practice meditation and yoga – Both can teach patience and tolerance. What you learn “on the mat” can lead to what you do and how you handle stress “off the mat.”

Exercise – Burning off steam and toning your body for every stage in life is beneficial in and out. Cardio and weight lifting 3-4 times per week has health benefits both physically and mentally. 

Drink tea daily – A daily tea ritual can bring comfort and health benefits. Both green and black teas have lower caffeine than most coffees plus loads of antioxidants. Green tea contains L-theanine which calms the mind and improves cognition.

Avoid high sugar – High sugar intake is related to inflammation which can be the precursor to many diseases. Sugar can be addictive so enjoy in moderation.

Choose food wisely – Avoid preservatives, colorings and high fructose corn syrup. Choose local organic produce which are not sprayed with pesticides, linked to carcinogens. Check out the top ten most sprayed – www.EWG.org. Avoid factory raised meats and dairy. Everyone is entitled to a happy life, including animals.

Take the right supplements – While eating healthy provides the best fuel and nutrients for your body, supplementing can be helpful with the right choices. Omega-3 fish oil, vitamin D and probiotics are among my daily favorites.

Happy New Year!

 

Reach Your Resolutions

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Despite most New Year's resolutions centering on physical health-related goals, dreams and desires, there are many other ways to better yourself in 2017. By focusing on different parts of your life, you can become a more well-rounded person thanks to a few simple tips, tricks and products. 
    Incorporate more than just health goals into your 2017 plans by spending time and resources to improve your organization, balance your budget, invigorate your mind, increase time with loved ones and, yes, boost your body's well-being. 
    To help accomplish these goals and more, you can add to your repertoire creative planners and pens, budgeting apps, digital tools, simple games and kitchen equipment, among other products.
    For more ideas and inspiration to better your life in the New Year, visit eLivingToday.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images #13548
Source: Family Features

Fun Family Time

While so many New Year's resolutions are centered around individual goals, there are ways to better both yourself and those most important to you – family members. One way to increase family time with fun, engaging activity is with classic board games, card games or jigsaw puzzles that can serve as the main event for a designated weekly night together. With varying options for different age groups and interests, there's a board game or puzzle out there for every family.

Add to Your Arsenal

For many people looking to better their health in the coming year, the thought is much easier than the action. Prepare yourself for all of the fruits and vegetables you plan to add to your diet with the right tools to turn ingredients into delicious recipes, such as a blender. A versatile kitchen tool to have on hand, a blender can give you the ability to turn an ordinary breakfast into a standout smoothie or make it easier to opt for a healthier frozen fruit drink rather than a soda.

Get Organized with Flair

If getting organized is on your to-do list, you might as well have fun doing it. Creative planners add flair to everything from calendars and lists to thank-you notes and files with colorful gel pens. Gel Bee pens use only the highest quality inks and tips for a bold, smooth and luxurious writing experience, and are available in Classic, Glitter, Pastel and Neon. Find more colorful options to optimize your organization at gel-bee.com.

Better Budgeting

Paying off debt and saving money in 2017 is easier with a budget that is simple to create and follow. EveryDollar, a free budget tool that syncs across devices such as your computer, iPhone or Android, helps you stay up-to-date on your finances by viewing what's planned, spent and remaining, any time, any place. Your first budget takes an average of just 10 minutes to create, so it's easy to get started. Find more information at EveryDollar.com.

Yearn to Learn

With all the attention paid to physical health goals around the New Year, don't forget about your mental health. By investing in an e-reader or tablet, you'll give yourself a tool to stay up-to-date on current events plus a handy device that allows you to keep many of your favorite books right at your fingertips. With their variety of functions and abilities, tablets and e-readers can help you combine learning with entertainment.

 

Adding Some Pizzaz To Your Wine Glasses

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Michelle Pierre is a freelance writer and 
Registered Dietitian. Michelle writes comedic essays from a mother’s point of view at www.betweenthecushions.com. She has been designing crafts and party planning for many years. Some of her creations can be seen on her Facebook site, Lucia Grace Bowtique. 
She can be reached at 
designsbymichellepierre@gmail.com

Fun, festive, elegant or silly. Wine glasses are a terrific gift idea for that special friend, as a hostess gift or just for show.  All of these glasses were pretty easy to make. Unless of course you are working outside and a gust of wind comes around and knocks the magenta glitter onto your freshly painted wine glasses. Then you must declare a do-over. 
     If you are doing this craft for the first time purchase some inexpensive wine glasses. Better yet, hunt for some glasses at yard sales or thrift stores. There are so many ways you can decorate wine glasses. Here are a just a few ideas but feel free to let your creative juices flow.
     Before you begin, be sure to clean glasses with alcohol wipes to remove any fingerprints. You can use multi-surface paint but glass specific or enamel paint will adhere better. All glasses should be hand washed only.  

1. Beach Themed:  A cute summer theme can make you feel relaxed before you even add any wine to your glass. Make two and give with a bottle of wine when you attend a summer barbecue. It's a perfect hostess gift. 
– Start by applying painter's tape around the middle of the glass. 
– Apply one coat of a sea glass blue color paint.
– Take extra fine white glitter and sprinkle on the entire painted area. 
– Wait until the paint is entirely dry and hot glue a thin piece of burlap ribbon around the top of the painted section. Then hot glue a tiny starfish or shell in the middle. 
– Another option is to wrap a piece of lace around the glass and then a thin piece of burlap on top of the lace to add contrast and interest.

2. Chalkboard: You can make a set of these to use at your next cocktail party. There are now an array of colors of chalkboard paint. I used green but a nice bright pink or turquoise would add some excitement to a set of glasses too. No more sipping someone else's wine by mistake. 
– Apply painter's tape around the base of the wine glass stem. Apply 2 coats of chalkboard paint , letting it dry thoroughly between coats. 
– Remove tape, get your chalk out and have fun. 

3. Lettering and Glitter:
– Type up a name, initial, or a favorite saying using your desired font and print it out. You can also find some free clip art online.  I chose "50 and Fabulous" for a birthday gift. 
– Place the paper inside the glass and trace with a sharpie or with an enamel based paint. An oil based sharpie will stay on better but a regular one will work too. 
– If working with sharpies place the glass in a cold oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. This will seal the design. 
– For the stem apply a coat of decoupage medium such as Mod Podge. Sprinkle extra fine glitter in a coordinating color on the area. Let dry for a few minutes then apply a second coat of decoupage medium and glitter. Let dry and finish off with a spray sealant.  I decorated 20 glasses in blue glitter, wrapped in cellophane and handed out as a birthday favor for my brother's 50th birthday party. The guests loved it!

So the next time you need ideas for a gift try picking up a wine glass and personalizing it. Cheers!

 

Has Phil Jackson Done Enough? Will He Stay Past 2017?

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Anthony Caraturo is in his second year at Suffolk County Community College. It is his passion to write about sports and share his thoughts with people who enjoy reading. He would love to one day realize his dream as a sports writer acaraturo@gmail.com. 
    Phil Jackson is possibly the greatest coach in NBA history. He has 11 championship rings as a coach and two as a player. Jackson coached 20 seasons in the NBA and had a winning record in every one of them. Jackson also has the highest winning percentage amongst Hall of Fame coaches with a percentage of .704. 
    On March 18th of 2014, Phil Jackson signed a five year contract worth $60 million and became the President of Basketball Operations with the New York Knicks.
    The Knicks finished with a record of 17-65 and won their final two games of the season which jeopardized their chances of picking higher. The Knicks took the best player available at fourth overall, 7 foot 3 Latvian Kristaps Porzingis. Jackson took heat from select media and fans but stuck to his guns and assured Knicks fans everywhere that this was a guy that was too good to pass up. Jackson said, “I think our fans are going to like him.” 
    Porzingis quickly flourished in New York and has become a fan favorite in just his second season under the Garden’s bright lights. Porzingis has showed the physical, as well as mental toughness to deal with much scrutiny that New York brings. Porzingis is off to another great start this season averaging about 20 points per game. Jackson made the right move, and he was right, Knicks fans do love him.
    On June 22, 2016, Jackson went out and acquired former MVP Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls. This trade was worth it to get a former MVP like Rose. It was also believed that the Knicks could use Rose and superstar Carmelo Anthony as recruiters for free agents. 
    2016 free agency rolled around and Jackson was unable to grab a meeting with star forward Kevin Durant. Instead, Jackson had to settle for two tier-two free agents in Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee. Jackson spent $120 million combined on both. The big fish was Durant and Jackson failed in that aspect.
With an opt-out in Jackson’s contract set for July 1, 2017, will Jackson choose to stay and help build the Knicks back up or will he choose the door? Many have speculated that he would go back to the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise in which he has won five titles as head coach. He has a connection to the legendary Buss family for the Lakers. It is also believed by many that he will stay with the Knicks as he has a plan and has already taken steps to improve the franchise. 
    It will be an interesting next five months for sure.

 

Check Up On Study Skills For The New Year

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Dr. Paulette Nadel, Ed.D. is a professional academic counselor with a private 
practice specializing in school stress and test anxiety. You can visit her website at www.TestStressHelp.com or reach her at DrPaulette@aol.com or 516-445-2104.
    The new calendar year is generally a good time to check up on your child’s study skills. It’s a good time to get organized, re-establish routines, and reinforce skills that may be getting sloppy at this point in the school year.
    Middle school, high school, and college students may need reminders to reinforce good study habits. Students always have a better chance of succeeding when organization and study skills are used effectively.  Parents can be helpful in keeping students on track. 
    While some teachers may teach study skills, students often need more assistance than they get in the classroom alone. Middle school students in particular may have more homework than they’ve had previously and it may start to become more difficult for them. Study skills developed and practiced now will be used in high school and college as well. 
Here are some tips for helping your child with study skills and organization:
    Set up a study place.  A study place is very important. It can be a desk or a table. It should be well lighted and free from distractions. Students should have enough room to spread out their books and papers. A good comfortable yet sturdy chair is also important.
    Using a planner. Students should get in the habit of using a planner. They should carry it with them to class so that they can write down all assignments. Short term homework assignments should always be written down and referred to when students get home to do their work. Long term assignments need to be written down as well. If a project or report is due in several weeks students can use their planner to set up short term work segments during the weeks before. This will help them to stay organized. This also works with tests and exams. When students write down test dates ahead of time they can be more prepared and less pressured and stressed to cram the night before.
    Organize notebooks and folders. This is a good time of year to take a look at notebooks and folders. Random papers can take up room and look sloppy. Students may have a way of collecting papers that they no longer need. Parents should take time to go through notebooks and folders with their students to bring things up to date and keep them organized. 
Good study skills can help reduce anxiety and stress. If your student seems stressed talk to him about it. It may be helpful to seek the help of a professional coach. When parents stay involved and maintain communication and routines, students seem to be more successful. This will help to reduce stress in parents and in their students. 

 

Incredible, Inspiring Iceland

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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.
    Iceland seems to be the new darling of frequent travelers.  We quickly planned a short three-day trip there to see what all the fuss was about and it truly lived up to the hype.  Reykjavik (airport code KEF) is only 2500 miles from New York. It’s about the same distance as flying to Las Vegas. Icelandic Air runs daily flights year round while Delta offers seasonal nonstop service.  
     Flying time is less than five hours and the time difference is a mere four hours. Inexpensive and well-organized bus service from KEF to Reykjavik can be booked in advance at www.re.is/flybus or you can just buy your ticket when you arrive outside of baggage claim.
     We chose the brand new Canopy by Hilton hotel for our whirlwind stay.  It was modern, hip and beautifully appointed.  The breakfast buffet, which is included with everyone’s room rate, was outstanding. The super friendly staff went out of their way to be enthusiastic and helpful. For rates and reservations go to www.canopy3.hilton.com.
     We booked 2 fantastic full day tours with Sterna Travel, a local tour company.  Most of the main sights can be seen on their Golden Circle and South Coast tours.  We enjoyed two solid days of breathtaking waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, glaciers, caves, and lava fields.  We saw where the North American plate is pulling away from the Eurasian plate.  We marveled at rainbows around every corner. We sat back, relaxed and let Sterna do the driving. For information on their array of tours click on www.sternatravel.com.
     No trip to Iceland would be complete without a soothing soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is a large, man made, 100 degree, outdoor pool that is rich in silica, which creates its distinctive light blue color.  The heated water is run off from a nearby geothermal power plant.  You must book your tickets in advance, as it’s incredibly popular and busy. For reservations and tickets visit www.bluelagoon.com.  If you want to combine your tickets with bus transportation, Grayline operates hourly tours that include your admission and round trip bus service. 
     Dining in Reykjavik is rather pricey but there are some reasonable choices to be had.  We enjoyed an outstanding fish dinner at Sægreifinn, -The Sea Baron. You choose your fish kabob at the counter, take a seat and they serve it to you perfectly grilled a few minutes later.
     If you visit between September and April the Northern Lights are usually visible on clear nights.  We actually stood on the roof of our hotel and saw them.
     Two things not to miss, hotdogs, which are slathered with 2 sauces and crunchy fried onions. For dessert the Icelandic chocolate bars filled with soft black licorice.  Both amazing!  
     Our Iceland adventure was short yet very, very sweet.  Do put it at the top of your “to visit” list and be sure to pack warm clothes.  Happy Travels!

 

Savory Eats: Vauxhall

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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.
    Anyone who knows me knows that on any given weekend, you can find me at Vauxhall in Huntington Village.
Although I’m not supposed to play favorites, it’s hard to ignore the quality ingredients, outstanding service and feeling of genuine comradery amongst staff and customers. The rare assurance that when I order a burger, I know it will be medium rare and that my cocktail will be exactly as promised. These things are important to me, and ensure an enjoyable, undisturbed dining experience. 
    Vauxhall’s menu is unpretentious and to the point. Starters such as “Free Range Chicken Wings” and “Craft Beer Steamed Mussels” appear as mundane appetizers, but upon first bite, your taste buds are startlingly overwhelmed with exotic flavors and familiar favorites. The integration of duck sausage and red gypsy ale into the mussels is nothing short of tantalizing. They offer a variety of “Poutine”, available with duck sausage or beef short rib. Also available in a vegan rendition, this starter is unapologetically gratifying. 
    Now listen, I’d be lying if I said I come to Vauxhall for the starters alone. They’re worthy of a visit, but it’d be a sin to leave without trying one of their half-pound custom blend burgers.  I dream about this burger menu.  No seriously, it’s magical.  Who doesn’t love a properly cooked meat patty, decorated with ornate toppings like tomato jam, pickled red onions, sunny side eggs or roast wild mushrooms. The list goes on and on, from spicy ghost pepper marmalade to crumbled BBQ chips, there is something for every food enthusiast. If you’re a vegan by some stroke of misfortune, you wont miss out on all of the fun. Vauxhall offers a “Black Bean Sweet Potato Burger” and a “Chick Pea Edamame Burger”, both complete with their own sumptuous toppers.
    On their “Not Burgers” menu, they offer a multitude of notable delectable bites.  Think “Chicken and Egg BLT”, “Chicken and Waffle Sandwich”, “Grilled Cheese” available with short rib, and more. Their “Double Duck Dog” is one of my favorite late-night snacks – a flavorful combination of duck sausage and onion mustard seed relish on a pretzel roll. Lastly, don’t forget to peruse their cocktail list, beer menu and selection of desserts. They are top of the line and extremely inventive. (Oh, and delicious.)
    Chef Michael Meehan, named one of the region’s “super chefs” by The New York Times, is well known amongst Long Islanders for his time as chef at Mill River Inn in Oyster Bay and Tupelo Honey in Sea Cliff. His menu at Vauxhall is wildly imaginative and markedly audacious. On any given weekend, you’ll find me seated at the bar, chatting with friends, enjoying a meal, daydreaming of Meehan’s “Burger of the Week”. I urge you to join me in discovering some of the best food on Long Island, at my neighborhood retreat, Vauxhall. 

 

New Year

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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 outlet. Hear Natalie’s design tips on WALK 97.5 FM, enjoy her Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631.862.6198
    We are now at the start of a new year, with a soon to be new president, a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, and a chance to start again to make things better.  We have choices.  We can worry about what we can’t change or we can begin to change what is in our control.  The two most often made New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight and clean up our clutter. These generally go by the wayside before the month is out.  Perhaps that’s because both messes took a long time to get into and we’re all looking for the quick fix to get out of them.  Also most of us are suffering from post-holiday and winter blues – not a very good time to undertake a major life change.  Well, we could move New Years to March or April or we could make a plan that helps us change, even if we falter.  
    For over 40 years, our firm has been helping folks change by creating home environments that empower and liberate.  Decorating is clearly not just about putting pretty things together.  It’s also not a race to spend the most money.  So what is it about and what should we do to our homes to help us create a better 2017 for ourselves and our family?
    Let’s start with clutter control – a topic most people prefer to avoid whether you’re The “Felix” or The “Oscar” in your family. Your stuff is sacred and you don’t want anyone messing with it.  But mess is the operative word.  I often chuckle when people defend their mess.  “I know where everything is,” folks will say or “I may be messy, but my house is clean”.   One might wonder if these guys are delusional or just very forgiving of themselves.  I know better, because I have dealt with the problem many times.  It’s deep seated and difficult – but not impossible.  
    The most important obstacle is to get people to admit there’s a better way to live and to be willing to change, with or without help.  Professional organizers are great teachers as well as doers.  They not only come in to your environment and work hands on with you, but leave you with new habits and strategies.  Interior designers do the same on a broader scale.  Many people committed to change can do it themselves, as well, with a few tips:
    • Start with a plan.
    • Leave time to execute your goal.
    • Set small goals – i.e. one drawer, one shelf in your pantry, a pile of clothing, etc.  Add a new accomplishment every day and reward yourself when you do (but not with fattening food or you’ll have broken your other New Year’s resolution!).
    • Establish a system: keep, throw away, give away, can’t decide (don’t make the last one your biggest pile).
    • Accomplishing one space (i.e. bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) will spur you to go on to other areas in the house. 
    • Create a new organization habit, i.e. set out clothes the night before, establish a place for keys, glasses, etc. and only put them there.  (You’d be surprised how much time you’ll save).
    • Ask for help if you need it.
    These starter tips can mean a world of difference in the look, feel, and smell of your home with virtually no cost.  If you have a budget set aside for a new look in the New Year, it’s a great time to find bargains in furniture and accessory stores.  It’s also the best time to plan for a spring kitchen and bath redo or other renovation.  Planning ahead saves time and money and ensures a positive result.  In January and February there are always Home Shows displaying products of interest and knowledgeable trades people to answer questions (even me!).  A consultation, by the way, from an architect or designer is a great way to start.  It pays for itself in information learned.
    Even if you don’t have a lot of funds, try being your own labor force. The winter is long, so take your time and see if you might have been a painter, upholsterer or cabinetmaker in another life.  The trick is to follow the same plan.
    So what’s in store for us in the New Year? They say “Time will tell.”  I say, take the time to make the plan and create the change.  Hang on to your resolutions past January, even if there are some potholes in the road ahead.  Come next year we’ll be able to look back with pride in our accomplishments big and small. 

 

Happiness In The New Year

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Lauren Zitowsky is a Certified Teen Life Coach. In her practice at Teen Life Coach Inc., she arms your teens with the tools needed to overcome issues such as bullying, body image, divorce, school, relationships, heartache and peer pressure. Lauren can be reached at teenlifecoachlauren@gmail.com
    Our stomachs are full from the delectable delicacies we ate during the holidays. Our throats are sore from all the Happy New Year toasts we have cheers to.  
    Now, how many of us can say our hearts are truly happy?  If you weren't happy in 2016 chances are you won't be happy in 2017.   Why would you be? A New Year is not a clean slate that will wipe away your problems.  It is simply a new set of numbers. In life, you don't get what you don't work for and this includes happiness.  
    The real question now becomes: How can we make ourselves Happy in this New Year?
     Now, it doesn't matter how old your child is or what situation they are in. They and they alone can either choose to be happy or unhappy. This is a fact.  As parents, you can tell your child what to do and how to do it.  However, you can't tell them how to feel just like no one can tell you how to feel. Stop doing this!  Our goal is to be smarter in the New Year.  Being smarter holds the key to happiness.  
    If your child is sad allow them to feel sad.  It doesn't matter what they are going through.  All that matters is that they are going through something.  You have to let your child know you will be there for them in whatever way they need you.  Think about it.  When you are sad do you like it when you are barraged with questions such as; what's the matter, why aren't you acting like yourself.  This can get very frustrating and often exacerbates the situation. Why would you do that to your child?  Sometimes children, like adults need time to work things out.  Allow your child to solve their own problems if they are able to.  Let them know you are there if they need someone to talk to but don't meddle.  Has meddling ever worked for you before?  I didn't think so.  
    Your child will now come to you for the following reasons.  You respected them by giving them the space and time they needed.  You also treated them like an adult.  If you treat a child like an adult they will grow into that role much more quickly than if you don't.  After your child is done expressing their feelings let them know that you understand how they are feeling.  Even if you don't.  This is so important. If you undermine your child’s emotions you are undermining them.  You are telling them in so many words that their feelings are wrong. Your child is opening up to you because they want to be happy.  They want to change their current situation.  Let them choose happiness in the New Year and always. After all happiness is a choice.  It’s their choice. 

 

Into The Lion’s Den

By
webpublisherpro
-

Victoria is an accomplished animal educator and journalist who's been recognized by Dowling College and awarded by Congress for her work. Victoria also teaches in schools and libraries where she shares firsthand her knowledge and experiences in a series of educational programs that she’s developed.
VictoriasAmazingWorld@yahoo.com

Recently I sat down for a one-on-one interview with New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein at Harbor Books in Sag Harbor to discuses her first children’s book, Into the Lions Den. Linda is best known as the author of the Alex Cooper mystery series for adults. Linda worked at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office as the head of the Special Victims Unit (SVU) from 1976 to 2002. Linda first dreamed of becoming a writer in the sixth grade and drew a lot of her inspiration from the Nancy Drew series as a kid. 

In Into the Lions Den, twelve-year old Devlin Quick and her friend Liza are at the New York Public Library when they witness something strange: a blade falling to the floor of the rare (and expensive) books room, a book left behind with a page meticulously torn out, and a man in a serious hurry to get out of there. Devlin Quick knows she has to bring this man to justice. But who is he? What did he steal from the library – and why. And what could the page – an old map -possibly lead to? These are all questions Devlin will have to face. So along with her friends and with a little help from New York’s City’s finest, she will piece together the clues to uncover a mystery that’s bigger than anyone expected. 

Linda said that as a young girl her father told her she couldn’t be a writer because she would have nothing to write about. So she went to law school and began a career.  She told me that although she “loved” her job as a prosecutor, she never let go of her dream of becoming a writer – and eventually her work in the District Attorney’s office gave her the inspiration for the many mystery novels she’s written.

I particularly love this book because of its great storyline. It took a really fun and exciting mystery and wrapped it around some very interesting facts about the NYC and Brooklyn public libraries.  I also loved that Devlin’s dog, a spaniel terrier mix, was rescued from a shelter – Animal adoption is so important! 

Victoria’s Fun Facts and Tips:

• The hit TV show “Law and Order: SVU” is based on Linda’s 30 year career as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

• Linda lives in NYC where the Devlin Quick series takes place.
 
• The NY Public library serves more than 17 million patrons a year and holds more than 51 million items – from books to renowned research collections used by scholars from around the world.

• You can follow Linda on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and www.LindaFairstein.com

• Linda’s publisher, Penguin Young Readers, donated many copies of Into The Lion’s Den, that I will be delivering to middle schools for their libraries.

• You can watch my full interview with Linda on my YouTube channel, Victoria’s Amazing World.

This book makes a GREAT gift for the holidays!

 

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