Savory Eats: Munday’s

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December 11, 2016

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.

   Munday’s in Huntington is an oasis for foodies and holiday enthusiasts alike. Munday’s is known as a “throwback diner with old-time soda fountain dishes, classic comfort food & popular weekend brunch”. Be aware, there is always a line out the door, whether you come early or late, and yes – it’s worth the wait. Whether you’re a breakfast aficionado or a burger devotee, Munday’s is a great local option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
   The breakfast menu is broken down into Omelettes, Egg Platters, Egg Sandwiches, Griddle, Side Orders and Specials. While I prefer the “Create Your Own” Omelette, the Mushroom & Cheese is a great option as well. Their Challah French Toast is famous with locals and food buffs, though I opt for the sweet potato or pumpkin “short stacks”. Specials range from Granola to Eggs Benedict to adventurous takes on Challah French Toast including Nutella & Banana or Cinnamon Raisin. The best part of their breakfast menu? The food is fresh, and not heavy. Also, it’s very reasonably priced. Most entrees are less than $10 – a rarity in the “diner” world these days.
   I generally go to Munday’s a few times a month for lunch or dinner. The reason? Their burgers. USDA Choice hand patties served simple with lettuce and tomato. I always opt for the Pattie Melt – a glorious take on a grilled cheeseburger, served with sautéed onions and melted American cheese. Sides include French fries, sweet potato fries and onion rings. If burgers aren’t your thing, they have a pretty extensive lunch (& dinner) menu. Specialty Sandwiches, Burgers, Simple Sandwiches (Tuna, Chicken Salad, Egg Salad or BLT), “On The Lite Side” (an assortment of salads), Deli Sandwiches (Turkey, Corned Beef, Pastrami, Tuna Melt, and more) and Homemade Soups.
   While the food is always delicious and consistent, the atmosphere is equally as important. Charming, and decorated in an indescribably ornate manner – it’s something you have to see for yourself. At Munday’s, they take the holidays very seriously. Guests are immersed in décor, and offered various holiday-centric specials – providing an eccentric, cozy dining environment. I would strongly suggest visiting Munday’s for brunch or lunch, especially during the holiday season.
   Staff is extremely accommodating and service is impeccable. Lastly, be sure to try one of their renowned fountain drinks – egg creams, floats, ice cream sodas, malts and shakes. As a throwback diner, they’re known for their soda fountain drinks, and let me tell you – they’re worth the calories. Located on Main Street in Huntington, parking is readily available on the street or in the centrally located public lot. They do not take reservations, so get there early and be ready to wait a while. As previously mentioned, it’s worth the wait.

Homemade Holiday Crafts

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December 11, 2016

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

Salt Dough Ornaments:
Kids will love to make and decorate their own ornaments. You can use the recipe below to make ornaments, personalized gift tags or your children's keepsake handprint ornament. Make holiday shapes using cookie cutters or design your own creation. The recipe is as simple as it gets. Mix 1 cup plain flour, 1 cup salt, 1/2 cup water. Mix and knead the dough well. Roll out with a rolling pin and cut out shapes. You can either poke holes in the ornaments with a straw before you bake them or hot glue a ribbon to the back once you have finished decorating them. Place in a 100-degree oven for 3 hours. Once they are out of the oven you can decorate with acrylic paints, glitter, pom poms, rhinestones, etc, and finish with a shiny decoupage sealant.

Popcorn Garland:
My kids adore stringing popcorn every year. I am in charge of the needle and thread and their jobs are to push the popcorn through to the end of the thread. Add dried cranberries or other dried fruits such as oranges or apples throughout for a nature-inspired look. Hang on the Christmas tree or anywhere throughout the house.

Decorate a Gingerbread House:
For those ambitious moms, you can make your own gingerbread. If you're strapped for time and just want to get to the fun part of decorating, then you'll be thrilled to learn that you can now buy a gingerbread house already assembled. Start with a piece of foam board covered with tin foil and place the house on there. Decorate with festive candy, gumdrops, square pretzels for windows, marshmallows for a lawn snowman and upside down ice cream cones for trees.

Mason Jar Gifts:
Mason jars are so popular right now. It provides a nostalgic feel to anything you use it for. The kids can participate in decorating the jar and filling it with colorful candy like candy canes, holiday m&ms or ribbon candy. Tie a ribbon around it and maybe a homemade salt dough ornament to make a personalized Teacher’s gift from your child. Another option is to fill with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and some crushed candy canes.

Make Reindeer Food:
Lets not forget the most important of all. Oats and glitter make for a delicious reindeer snack. My kids will make little bags for their friends to sprinkle on their own lawn also. After all, if you don’t leave reindeer food out on your lawn on Christmas Eve how will those sweet reindeer have the energy to fly all over the world?

Savory Eats: Toast Coffeehouse

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November 27, 2016

Joanna Adduci is a Kings Park 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 piano teacher. She enjoys cooking, traveling and performing with her dad in their LI-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by email at joanna.adduci10@gmail.com or you can visit her personal blog
https://foodiefreelancer.wordpress.com/

   Upon first glance, Toast is your typical neighborhood coffee shop. It is only after you walk inside and witness the hoards of people waiting for a table, that you realize there must be something distinctively special about this place. Instead of waiting an hour for a table, I opted for a seat at the bar. A fan of community-like seating, I was more than happy to join some of the locals and observe their breakfast choices whilst browsing the menu.
   The breakfast menu is organized in a seamlessly logical manner, with sections including: Omelets, Breakfast Burritos, Scrambles, French Toast, Pancakes and Waffles. Gluten-free options come in surplus, and 100% real maple syrup is available for a mere $2 up-charge.
   Some items that stood out to me included the Sweet Potato Pancakes with Honey Butter and the house-recommended Avocado BLT Omelet. While I opted for something simpler, I will be trying these on my next few visits to Toast. (They also offer a lunch menu, as Toast is open until 3:00-3:30 which includes lite bites, salads, burgers, wraps, and house specialties.)
   After ten minutes of indecisive mental banter, I ordered the Early Riser “Eggs Any Style” choosing two organic farm-fresh poached eggs, bacon, sausage and home fries. If you’re trying to watch your waist, or have certain dietary restrictions, they offer multiple substitutions including fruit, egg whites, multi-grain toast, and gluten-free variations of their crowd-pleasing favorites such as the pancakes, French toast and waffles.
   While I waited for my breakfast, I perused the drinks menu. And let me tell you, the drinks here deserve their own menu. Cold beverages, coffee drinks, smoothies, and mimosas – the list seems never-ending, with something for everyone. I ordered a vanilla cappuccino, made with almond milk. To say this cappuccino was good would be iniquitous. (I would consider this the best cappuccino I have tried to date and that’s saying a lot.) Served piping hot, in a quirky mug, it was love at first sip. They offer regular milk, soymilk and almond milk – just to name a few. All of their mugs are uniquely chosen (no two alike), and this small, but important, detail resonated with me as something that would keep me coming back. The non-commercial nature of Toast is one of their greatest assets in my opinion.
   When my food arrived, quality was noteworthy and the home fries were excellent. Cooked just right, seasoned perfectly – these are a must-try if you’re visiting Toast for breakfast. As I enjoyed my breakfast, I studied the atmosphere and patrons who seemed to be truly enjoying their experience. The décor is charming and there was a lengthy wait for most of the early afternoon.
   Whether I’m working on my next review, craving a first-rate cup of coffee or simply in the mood for some authentic breakfast food, I will be back at Toast soon. I highly recommend you visit them at their Port Jefferson or Patchogue location for an authentic, sincerely gratifying dining experience.

Easy and Elegant Holiday Appetizers

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November 27, 2016

Meghan Parisi is a Kings Park resident and freelance writer. She is the Managing Editor for a design publication that covers homes in NYC, the Hamptons, San Francisco and Connecticut. Meghan loves to cook and entertain as much as possible and loves sharing her kitchen tips and tricks on her blog: Whiskey + Aprons. Contact Meghan with any questions at meghan.parisi@gmail.com.

The holidays are my favorite time of year. Family and friends come together and everyone shares in the joyous spirit of the season. One of my favorite ways to share in all of the excitement is to spend time in the kitchen with a nice glass of red and a new cookbook. Nothing is more satisfying and giving than filling the bellies of your loved ones with food cooked from the heart. My husband and I split our time between our families during the holidays, which typically means deciding on what to contribute to holiday dinners each year. We recently bought a home with a dining room that offers lots of space for entertaining; it truly is our favorite pastime.

Our get-togethers usually include wine and cheese and signature cocktails paired with delicious hor d'oeuvres. Friends and family love gathering at our home and we enjoy sharing time with them over tasty eats and drinks. My favorite appetizer to bring to gatherings is my signature baked Brie. It starts to make its appearance around Thanksgiving and then straight into the holidays. It’s a great dish to display on your cheery table scape and have guest gather around while catching up and diving into. It’s a staple in our family and every year I am requested to make it. What I love most is that you can add anything you like to it. From sweet fruit preserves and hardy nuts to more savory ingredients like caramelized onions and fresh herbs. Here is what you will need to prepare your baked Brie.

Preheat your oven on bake to 350 degrees. Take 1 large wheel of soft Brie cheese and place on top of two rolled out sheets of Pilsbury crescent dough. I like using the crescent dough because its already pre greased for you. Evenly spread ½ cup of apricot preserve onto the top of your cheese. Then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and for some added bite I like to add 1/8 cup of slivered almonds. Fold all four sides of your dough to meet at the top and softly pinch together to mend shut. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Feel free to get creative by using any extra dough to create decorative leaves or designs to bake into the top of your Brie. Lightly brush with melted butter and bake for 7-10 minutes or until the top of your dough is golden and your cheese begins to ooze from the bottom of your baking sheet. I like to place my baked Brie on a decorative serving platter for some added décor. Serve with your favorite sliced fruits, crackers or sliced baguette.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and share it with your guests this holiday season. Until next time!

Dishin With Denise… Black Bean Chicken Soup With a Kick!

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November 27, 2016

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.

I just made a hot one… for a cold, chilly night! Satisfying and surprising your palate will sense it’s a “Super Soup”…This is my concoction, or rather a unique infusion of our beloved, classic, chicken soup. When combined with a black bean soup it becomes quite the bowl of flavor. Including fresh herbs, fresh veggies, chicken and black beans. It is also easy on the budget and hard to deny on a cold night! A truly delicious way to support your immune system during the extra busy shopping season.

Make it in the morning and ladle up for dinner. I use my traditional chicken soup recipe and combine with this easy to prepare black bean soup. This is where I share my improvising skills, taste sensations, and creativity talents to assist the real life busy chef…you!!! This amazing unique blend will have your family asking for 2nd ladle refills of this fuel. Add this bean packed twist together with the “comfort classical” to your recipe arsenals… and be ready to strike when the cold wind blows!

1 Roasted Rotisserie Chicken (remove skin, carcass and all bones) chop up or shred
2 Vidalia onions diced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cans (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes or 4 ripe fresh tomatoes diced
3 cups of diced carrots
3 cups diced celery
1 small head of escarole (washed, drained and chopped)
2T fresh chopped parsley
1t fresh chopped chives
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste
64 ounces plus ~of College Inn Chicken Broth
1 t of Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce ~ careful…taste for desired heat
5-6 cans (15.5 Oz’s) of Black Beans (I use Goya or Trader Joe’s organic black beans, whole and plump. Rinse and drain.

Sautee onion in olive oil (until soft and transparent) in a large pot. Add vegetables and fresh spices and sauté for an additional 3 minutes or until vegetables soften a bit. Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add beans and cook for 5 more minutes. Add broth and cook for 25 more minutes. Add spices and pepper sauce. Suggestions for toppings (jalapeno pepper slices, sliced fresh scallions, cilantro, oyster crackers, Chinese crunchies, or extra hot sauce. A chilled glass of wine, some crusty baguette and get that fireplace… Blazing!

The Paramount

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November 27, 2016

Holiday Lights – Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

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November 27, 2016

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. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

A family favorite in our house at holiday season is loading up the kids in the car for a trip to see the Holiday Light Show produced by Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. Seeing the awe and smiles on everyone’s faces makes the visit worthwhile. This year, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone have announced that Girl Scouts’ Holiday Light Show has moved to a new home at Smith Point County Park, in Shirley, NY. Now in its 13th year, the drive-through light show will have even more lights and more displays. I cannot wait to see the smiles from the new displays and the old fan-favorites!
   Nearly everyone can visit the Holiday Light Show with the magic running from December 1st through the 23rd. The show is open nightly from 5pm and is one of the few things a group can do together for a reasonable cost at $20 per car. Tickets will be sold at the gate only-no cash, no presales. Wind through the campgrounds of this lovely south shore beach in your car to view the beautiful light displays that will warm your heart through the cold weather as you take in the peace and joy of the season. In our family, old favorites are sure to bring a smile and we are all looking forward to seeing what is in store with new displays and a new trail to peruse.
   Proceeds from the Holiday Light Show directly benefit children and families. Funds raised from the show each year go directly to benefit Girl Scouts’ programs and services. There are programs for troops, scholarships for needy girls to attend summer camp, partnerships with school districts in STEM and Arts education, learning opportunities with other agencies, and programs for children and families in underserved communities. What could be better – visiting the Holiday Light Show [in its new home] while supporting girls and young women through Girl Scout programming?
   Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is the largest youth-serving agency on Long Island. It serves more than 40,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 17, with the dedicated support of more than 7,000 volunteers. For more information on the Holiday Light Show or Girl Scouts, visit www.holidaylightshow.org or www.gssc.us or call (631) 543-6622.
   Wishing you and yours peace, good health and happiness during the holiday season and all year long.

Dressing a Table for the Island Harvest Food Bank Gratitude Event

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November 27, 2016

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

Recently, I was asked by a truly worthwhile organization, Island Harvest Food Bank, to dress a table at the Harbor Club in Huntington for their “gratitude” event honoring the individuals and companies who support this amazing organization that helps feed Long Island’s hungry. Honored by this invite, I started thinking about what “home” and the Thanksgiving holiday means as so many people sit down to a festive holiday meal. So here was the way my staff and I created the table setting you see pictured in this article.
To simulate the actual table, we set our own table in the design firm with the white cloth and white china that was to be given to us. I stopped by my local Pier 1 and discovered they had many beautiful accessories that could enhance our table (which they were kind enough to donate to Island Harvest – great source!) Since we wanted the table to be meaningful to those attending, we decided on the theme of the sunflower – the beautiful fall flower that represents the sun – life giving force for light, warmth and food (you can choose a theme which has meaning to your family.)

• We then enlisted the aid of Debbie Powers from Hither Brook Floral and Gift Boutique to create a seasonal floral centerpiece incorporating sunflowers, which she did so beautifully in a real carved pumpkin sprayed white and gold.

• Next Florie Robinson of Florie’s Finales provided the ultimate sunflower and pumpkin cookie and other goodies that not only dressed the table, but tasted so delicious.

• Finally Arline Goldstein, Uniquely Natalie’s amazing artist in residence created and embellished the chair back covers with our sunflower theme and the words – giving, caring, sharing, loving, appreciating, acknowledging, remembering and belonging.

   We set our make believe table, added, subtracted and tweaked until we were all satisfied with the results and then carefully packed up for the big day. Dress rehearsal over – show time!
   The event was a success – the tables looked lovely and we were proud to be a part of this special evening. So – say it with flowers, accessories and great goodies. Create your own theme that is meaningful and fun for your family and as you gather together this Thanksgiving, remember that everyone is not as fortunate as we.
   From now until the first of the year Natalie Weinstein Design Associates and Uniquely Natalie are drop off locations for all non-perishables and donations for the Island Harvest Food Bank. Won’t you stop by with your gift to help make someone’s holiday a happy one? Thank you and here’s hoping your holiday home is filled with family, friends and lots of love.

P.S. – If your home needs some new furnishings or accessories and you want to be sure you will have it in time, visit Uniquely Natalie, our beautiful quality consignment shop right in St. James for immediate delivery and a great new look for your home with amazing prices. If you have items that others might enjoy and which you no longer consider part of your treasured possessions, consign them with us and give it a good home with someone else for the holidays.

How To Be Emotionally Empowered

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November 27, 2016

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

Life is rough. In one moment we are living, loving and laughing. In the very next moment an unexpected and unwanted problem may have arisen. In a blink of an eye, our sugary sweet world has become polluted with looming darkness. During this time of turmoil we may get nervous, anxious and depressed. The message we begin to beat into our head becomes. Why me? What did I do to deserve this? These negative thoughts have become the soundtrack of our life. Have you ever noticed that during these trying times, you may begin to eat a little more, beat yourself up a little more and close yourself off a little more. Injustice has been brought upon you and instead of working harder, faster and smarter to solve this situation you lose hope. By losing hope you are simply saying I am not worthy of being happy so why bother. I am sure your family and friends will understand. I think not. How do we find the courage to move forward. It's as simple as understanding that the situation you are in is temporary only if you want it to be. However, if you give up on yourself the pain will last forever. Have you noticed that when you are upset in one area of your life, all the other areas begin to fall apart as well. This isn’t a coincidence by any means. What is happening is you are subconsciously sabotaging ourselves. If you are filled with overwhelming sadness how can you be happy? The answer is you can’t. You are not allowing space for it. When you feel sad you exude negativity. We have all heard the phrase what you give is what you get. It makes sense then that if we are giving off negative vibes we are attracting them back into our lives. What a destructive cycle. The good news is, if you can allow yourself to feel sadness you can certainly allow yourself to feel happiness. You just have to choose it. Now, don’t get me wrong moving forward can be scary. However nothing is scarier than being unhappy. Waking up everyday blaming yourself, hiding from the world while filling your head and your heart with negative thoughts is not only draining it’s destructive. We are all faced with challenges in life. It is up to us to decide who we want to be during and after the dust settles. After all the dust will settle. Decide now that you will be the source of inspiration for not only yourself but for those around you. You have the power. Now use it.

Gift Giving Guide Holiday 2016

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November 27, 2016

Rachael Severino is a 10th grade student in Sachem School District. This aspiring writer has a knack for the written
word. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work.

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. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles.

  Let’s begin with the youngest crowd. Fisher Price is again standing tall with learning toys that are fun to play with. Their Bright Beats Learnin' Lights Dance Mat is expected to be a big hit, as is the Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar. Both are fun for little boys and girls. As they get a little bigger, consider some of the Little People (a fan favorite when the kids were little in our house) or Imaginext toys. Both lines will provide hours of fun as they inspire creative play.
   Younger, school-aged children are bound to be interested in some of the movie-related toys and games that are seemingly everywhere. Whether it’s Trolls, Moana, Star Wars or Dr. Strange, you will easily find plenty of items from which to choose. Hatchimals are an ‘it’ toy this year, as are Project MC2, Paw Patrol and Disney’s Tsum Tsums. Many annual favorites are still extremely popular, including Legos, Crayola sets, Barbie sets and Nerf toys. Electronic toys grow stronger each year as tech-savvy kiddos ask for the latest tech trends.
   For your teen, you might want to consider clothes and one or two wow items. For clothing, choose by his or her personal style. Head to their favorite shops and get them something up to date that fits with that personal style. Think about what they typically wear or pieces they have distinctly said they liked. For those wow pieces, consider a nice pair of shoes or a new electronic item. Jordan, UnderArmour, and Nike are always a hit with boys who love shoes. If your budget will allow it, the latest phone, computer or gaming system is always welcome. If your budget is a bit tighter, consider the accessories that go with the ones they currently have.
   Every book lover lives for the holiday season as it is the best time to get a flood of books. If you want to find a way to get several books, there are multiple stores that sell high quality books for cheap. Thrift Books is a popular website to order from and Half Priced Books is another helpful option. Mugs and gift cards are always well received.
   The artistic people in your life deserve gifts with as much creativity as them. If they happen to be younger, art kits are a favorite. The Kiwi Kit has an array of art tools so your little artist can find which best suits them. For teens, professional forms of their favorite tool and new sketch books will be well received.
  Movie Buffs – regardless of age – are fairly easy to shop for. Favorite films for home viewing, box sets or director’s cuts are a thoughtful gift to unwrap at holiday time. Posters of films they’ve talked about a thousand times or clothing with film quotes screened on make a good gift. For those with a higher budget, popcorn makers or movie passes are a good idea.
   For the man on your holiday list, show him how much you appreciate him with a gift that says you care. Consider a subscription gift like Dollar a Day Shave club or BirchBox Men. If Comic Con is his favorite day out, consider NerdBlock, a monthly subscription with all their favorite superheroes and characters. If he is a techie, the new Amazon Fire Stick, FitBit and Apple TV are popular choices. If he prefers his drink shaken, not stirred, the Hyper Chiller might be just the thing. It will keep his scotch cold as well as ice his coffee. Drones, cars and helicopters are still extraordinarily popular – for men and boys of all ages – and are available at many price points. If he is more about the experience than the item, try a gift certificate or tickets for his favorite activity golf lesson, massage, dinner, sporting event.
   The lady in your life works hard at home, or in the community. Remember her at holiday time with a gift that speaks to her personal interests. If she is a fashionista, try a new outfit in her favorite color. Accessories from her favorite designer are always appreciated and will be used all year long. Not sure what she would select? Go with a gift card to her favorite store or boutique. Subscription services will provide monthly make up, fragrance or skin care treats. If she loves to sport the latest electronics, consider a new piece of tech for work, reading or simply playing her favorite brain candy game. If she prefers low-tech, try a gift of journals, pens and candles for some quiet moments of reflection. If she is truly sentimental, try a personalized item – engraved necklace, personalized blanket, etc. – that reflects how you feel about her or includes her favorite quote.
   Don’t forget Fido and Fluffy at holiday time. Pet shops have a wide variety of holiday gifts for every pet. From catnip toys to bones to treats, you can find their favorite plaything in holiday colors and designs. Your pet will enjoy a favorite toy or treat just for him/her while the family bipeds unwrap their holiday bounty.
   The biggest rule of thumb in your shopping outing is to pick a gift that the recipient would choose if they could. Steer clear of gifts that may result in a “You shouldn’t have” response. Most of the time that means….you really shouldn’t have. Try selecting an item – large or small – that elicits a gasp of delight. Make it a truly personal selection and they will remember you all year long.

Happy Shopping!

Making Memories in NYC!

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November 27, 2016

Jessica Baumgartner is the creator and author of a blog for parents that includes
humorous tales, travel information and product reviews www.woutanet.com.
Jessica can be reached at momonthego@woutanet.com

As fall descends upon us so do the rare family moments full of holiday bliss and memory making excitement. New York City offers an abundance of fun activities that will please the entire family.
   On Your Feet! Continues to thrill audiences. The show follows the life and career of Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio. The soundtrack for the show features Gloria’s top hits like ‘Get on Your Feet’ and ‘Rhythm is Gonna Get You’ as well as some new tracks. Currently the show is offering matinee and evening performances at the Marquis Theatre on 46th Street between Broadway and 8th with a run time of two hours and fifteen minutes including one intermission. On Your Feet! Is generally suitable for all audiences, children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
   On an average day Madame Tussauds located at 234 W. 42nd Street offers jaw dropping realistic wax figures that cause your eyes to blur and your mind to wonder, but their Ghostbusters experience will blow you away. The Ghostbusters Experience is a multi-layered sensory environment that drops visitors right in the Ghostbuster film. The experience includes NYC subway tracks, the haunted mansion, the Ghostbusters Headquarters and even a ride on the Ecto-2. Ghostbusters Dimensions lets visitors blast their way through an incredibly realistic set with their own proton packs. The tickets can be bought as a package with the general admission tickets or in combination with other packages. Packages range from $29-$55. Madame Tussauds as a whole takes about 90 minutes and the Ghostbusters Experience and Ghostbusters Dimensions runs 20 minutes each. The Ghostbusters exhibits have a height requirement of 48” and children under 18 must have a guardian.
   While buzzing around the city remember to take some time to pop into the Lego Store located at 620 5th Avenue at 50th Street. The store has something for every Lego lover and will give the family some time to shop and play.
   NYC offers so many festive ideas for your family during the holidays. Spend some time doing your research for what works best. Walking down Fifth Avenue to see all the window displays, skating at Rockefeller Center after the obligatory photo op by “The Tree”. Or head to Bryant Park, NYC’s only free skating rink surrounded by a winter village of shops. The possibilities are endless.
   During all the excitement of your family adventure be sure to stop and take a selfie with a ghost, a famous wax actor or a Lego minifigure to capture the moment!

Seven Quarts Tavern

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November 13, 2016

Marc Piperno, President
ET Week Media Group

Inspired by what once was, land owned by Chief Ashroken of the Matinecock Indian tribe, the owners of the all new and unique Seven Quarts Tavern of Northport is quickly becoming the new go to place for foodies. As expressed by the owners, “we wanted to create an ambience that is super hip with a laid back vibe. No doubt that this upscale gastropub is “spot on” with the vision of its founders. Seven Quarts Tavern has the sophistication of New York City with the warmth that you would expect from a neighborhood restaurant.
   Golds with rustic reds, coupled with eclectic lighting and fixtures, set amongst cozy booths and cool nooks, draws its patrons in to this new and intriguing eatery. Yes, it’s the feel of the place that is the allure, but it’s the culinary chops of their chef that keeps them coming back for more. The menu is diverse enough without the complexity of menus that want to cover all the bases, elevating my indecision of what to select.
   Appetizers are presented in small plates and shared sized portions. For the latter, the Mediterranean Plate is an excellent choice, prepared with house made Hummus, Eggplant Caponata, Feta Cheese and Olives, served with warm pitas. From what I’ve been hearing, the Black and Bleu Shrimp is becoming quite popular. A Cajun styled Gulf Coast Shrimp, garnished with scallions, carrots, celery and gorgonzola.
   Entrees cross over all boundaries, without overwhelming you. Coming to mind is their “Snake River Farms Short Ribs”. Cabernet braised, fall off the bone short ribs, served with creamy mashed potatoes, accompanied by crispy roasted Brussel sprouts. Another excellent choice is the “Scottish Salmon”. A generous cut of a pan seared wild salmon, brought together with Roasted Cauliflower, Sultana Raisins, Fennel and Toasted Almonds. Ah yes, let’s not forget that these guys got a mouthwatering burger that they call the “1656”. A crazy concoction of Kobe, Brisket, Angus Rib Cap, Boneless Short Rib, topped off with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and Pomme Frittes. OMG. Of course there are an array of sides, drawing you in to ordering more than you need. They sound that good!
Check out their menu at www.sevenquartstavern.com and see why this place is becoming all the rave!

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ET Week Media Group

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