Monday, April 28, 2025
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Yin & Restorative Yoga

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Nancy Kelly is a yoga teacher and personal trainer who teaches hatha, vinyasa, prenatal, restorative and children’s yoga. She
encourages her students to use their yoga practice as a method
to improve their mental, physical,
emotional and spiritual health.
She can be contacted at nkelly1127@gmail.com.
It wasn’t long ago that yoga was fairly uncommon and hard to find. It seems that in the past few years there has been enormous growth in the number of yoga classes offered at gyms, health centers and yoga studios. In addition, there are now many different styles available to meet the needs of a wide range of students. This is good news for anyone looking to begin or expand their yoga practice.  Many people come to yoga classes because of the physical benefits of the practice which include increased strength and flexibility.  However, there are other styles of yoga that focus more on stillness, relaxation and meditation, two of which are Yin and Restorative yoga. 
    These types of classes can benefit all populations but are especially helpful to anyone with physical limitations, health concerns or those looking to reduce stress in their daily lives.  If you have ever taken a yoga class, you might be familiar with a restorative pose called savasana that is held for several minutes at the end of class. Many students look forward to that time and enjoy the sense of peace that they feel when they leave. Yin and Restorative yoga offer an opportunity to experience that type of relaxation but on a deeper level. Both practices focus on body awareness and breathing techniques, however, they differ in purpose and intention.  
    YIN CLASSES: A series of floor postures held for several minutes to strengthen and nourish joints and connective tissues. Poses may feel challenging and students are asked to breathe through any discomfort. Props such as bolsters, blankets and blocks can be used but are not required. Benefits of this practice are increased strength and mobility in the pelvis, hips and spine, as well as a sense of relaxation.
    RESTORATIVE CLASSES: Floor poses held longer with the purpose of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, or relaxation response.  Props are used to support and nurture the body both underneath for comfort and on top for a sense of grounding. Teachers offer hands on assists and essential oils to promote a complete relaxation experience. Benefits of this practice are muscle and joint rejuvenation, mental clarity and an overall sense of well-being. I would encourage anyone to try either of these styles of yoga as a way to begin or expand your yoga practice.

 

Easy Summer Floral Arrangements

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Kim Montenero is a freelance writer and craft designer. Her work has been featured in many publications including Reloved Magazine, Parade.com and The Huffington Post. She blogs at www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com where she encourages individuals to feather their nests with super easy and elegant DIY and craft projects regardless of their skill level. She can be contacted through her website. 
Summertime is party time! Graduations, showers, weddings and seasonal celebrations abound and there's no better way to decorate than with flowers.  Unfortunately, professional arrangements can be pricey, so I always make my own. Now I know that arranging flowers without the help of a florist is not a new idea. It's just that when I mention DIY bouquets to friends, I generally hear skeptical groans and comments like, "They never look the same." I tend to disagree.
    Today’s floral designs are much more relaxed, they are very easy and very forgiving to make. With a little thought and a few grocery store blooms, you can make your tables sparkle, even if you have no artistic or DIY skills of any kind.  I promise! 
    Here are a few tips: Purchase your flowers at the food store, look for the bonus bouquets or buy one get one sales. Mix those with posies from your yard to pump up the volume and interest of each arrangement and to keep your cost down.  Choose one type of flower and include it in every vase to unify your look and remember, you don't need a ton of flowers to pack a punch. Just a few gathered together in the proper sized vase make quite a statement.  Mason jars, old bottles, pitchers and watering cans are great containers for casual settings. Mixing vase styles, for a collected look, will add to the relaxed feel of your celebration, think outside the box. 
    If your party is more formal, crystal is an excellent choice. You can pick up some neat options at the thrift store for next to nothing.  To give your arrangements a more finished look, wrap a hydrangea leaf inside glass vases, to conceal the stems and add a ribbon or some twine to the outside. Baby's breath, wildflowers and grasses make excellent fillers. Anything and everything goes, don't be afraid to add a random branch with leaves or frankly, without…a bare twig can add loads of interest to your table. One of the most creative centerpieces I have ever seen contained a few delicate flowers and an actual goldfish! Unexpected and unforgettable.  
    So I say raid your garden, get creative and play with flowers. You’ll end up with fabulous party decor. And I guarantee you, it won't cost $150 per table.

 

How Distracted Are You?

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Lisa Navarra M.A. Special Education 
offers Workshops, Professional Development and Support Groups teaching how to manage challenging behaviors in school and at home. With over 20 years of experience, Lisa is the Founder/President of Child Behavior 
Consulting, LLC. For more information, log onto www.childbehaviorconsulting.com, email Lisa@ChildBehaviorConsulting.com, or Verizon Fios Push Pause LI Parenting: Setting Limits.

 

Have you ever tried speaking to someone who seemed too busy to really listen?  Someone who doesn’t seem to really care? They may have been looking at the phone, distracted by their surroundings or lost in their own thoughts and only mustered up a darting glance and a passing comment. A darting glance that was just enough to keep you talking and continuing to make your point. Maybe they said the "uh-huh's," "really," and "I can't believe that" at just the right time during the conversation but in actuality their attention was anywhere, but paying attention to what you were really saying.

When it's all over, you may not want to admit to yourself, but you don't really feel heard. As a mater of fact you may feel insulted, alone and your day just got even worse! Well, not only do many people not realize that when "listening" to someone else they may not be listening at all. The typical listener slips into thinking about what he/she wants to say in response to what is being said to them. In contrast, a good listener will focus his/her attention onto what you are trying to say, your feelings, your perception and your overall message. Being that there seems to be few times that people will give of themselves and be all about the other person is rare. Now compound that with many people being distracted, busy and overwhelmed with the demands of life and work and you're sure to get an "Uh-huh", or "I can't believe that!" from time to time.
What inspired me to write this article was being told by too many people that they just shared something so personal with me by saying, "I've never told anyone that before" and "It's so easy to talk to you." It's become clear to me that so many people are unfamiliar with feeling heard. By feeling heard I mean, understood and feeling valued. I also saw how happy people became when they felt heard. It would appear that the general consensus is that people have someone to talk to, but not on a very real, true and personal level. Think about it. Can you relate?

Four easy tips for the listener to make the speaker feel heard and important:

1. Establish eye contact.
2. Ask a few questions.
3. Avoid shifting the conversation onto yourself.
4. Be aware if you're thinking of your own feelings instead of the person speaking.

Five easy tips for the speaker to engage the listener:

1. Look at who you are speaking with.
2. As you are telling your story, ask engaging questions.
3. Be aware if you're not giving the other person a chance to respond.
4. Consider any input with a flare of gratitude (time is valuable).
5 .Know when it is not a good time for the other person and ask if you can talk to him/her later.

I hope this helps you become a little more aware and above all important and valued!

 

Tell Your KIds: Go OUT and PLAY

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    (NAPSI)—The next time you tell your children to stop playing and hit the books, you may want to think again. The Genius of Play, a movement to bring more play into kids’ lives, wants you to know that playtime is critical to healthy child development. Through play, kids build physical skills, improve cognitive abilities, learn communication and social skills, process and express emotions, and increase creativity.
    Parenting expert and author Meredith Sinclair, M.Ed., offers four fun tips to help parents encourage more playtime every day.

• Look for opportunities to make chores or activities you already do with your kids more playful. For example, grocery shopping can be a great chance to play “I Spy,” or you can make flash card drawings of items you want your child to help you find. When you’re doing the laundry, have your child roll the socks and make it a basketball _challenge.

• Create a simple “Pops of Playfulness” jar for those moments when there’s “nothing to do.” Fill a mason jar with slips of paper that say such things as “tell us your best joke,” “pillow fight!” or “five-minute puppet show.” Whenever you need a spontaneous spark of playfulness, simply pull one from the jar and jump in.

• Make a time for a playdate. Whether it’s playing with friends or family, playdates are an important part of childhood-a time when your children can learn to resolve problems and hone their social skills.

• Check out nearby parks and playgrounds. They can be great places for your kids to make new friends and learn about other cultures. Don’t worry about language barriers. The language of play is universal.

Research shows that play is essential for kids to reach developmental milestones and learn. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children spend 60 minutes daily engaged in open-ended, unstructured play.

Here are three amazing facts about play:

1. Play enhances the progress of early development from 33 percent to 67 percent by improving language and reducing social and emotional problems.

2. Children with access to a variety of toys were found to reach higher levels of intellectual achievement, regardless of the children’s sex, race or social class.

3. Research points to a direct correlation between play and stress reduction.

It’s Child’s Play: Great Ideas and Resources for Parents

Parents and other caretakers can get expert advice, play tips and ideas based on their children’s ages and developmental stages from www.thegeniusofplay.org. Created with the mission to help raise happier, healthier and more successful generations through the power of play, the Genius of Play website and social media channels show how to help kids build confidence, creativity, critical thinking and other skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

 

Cause Cafe Inspiring Change One Cup At A Time

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Marc Piperno. President

ET Week Media

In all my years of working with local businesses, I have never come across one that has put others before themselves. Owner Stacey Wohl, mom of two children with Autism was inspired to start a non-profit organization and a business that serves the public incredible roasted coffees and great food, while also giving those with disabilities the opportunity to become productive people in society. 
    The Cause Café team is made up several young adults with a variety of cognitive disabilities, including Stacey’s children Brittney and Logan. As Stacey Wohl explains, “we hire young adults with disabilities for jobs that they normally wouldn’t get the opportunity of working. We give them responsibilities that help our company function, such as packaging our premium coffee and delivering it too! Our organic coffee makes its way to our customers from the hard working hands of our dedicated and special needs employees.”
    "By purchasing our coffee, you will be giving young adults with disabilities an opportunity for gainful employment and to make a positive contribution to society," says Stacey.  A percentage of profits raised by Cause Café are donated to "Our Own Place," a 501 C3 charity for Autism (Our Own Place Charity). and to other charities who work with the disabled. Go to their website at ourcoffeewithacause.net to learn more about this amazing foundation.
    Cause Cafe has a wide variety of flavored roasted coffees, fresh espresso coffee beans, and multi-flavors of K-Cups coffee. If you go on line to their site, you can sign up for your own coffee subscription that allows you to choose from roasted coffee flavors and accessories monthly. With every order you place on line, you’re helping to support their cause. 
    Cause Café is also a full service restaurant, offering Breakfast and Lunch all day. Their menu selection is filled with an irresistible line up of original breakfast fare, like “The Parisian Sandwich” A sumptuous sandwich on a grain croissant with ham, gruyere cheese and egg. How about their “Omelette Du Jour” prepared with fromage, herb de provence potatoes, toast, and baby greens. For lunch,  several salads, sandwiches, with a variety of smoothies, latte’s and cappuccinos are all there for your indulgence. For a complete menu, go to causecafe.net.

1014 Fort Salonga Rd. • Northport • 631-651-8667

www.causecafe.net          www.ourcoffeewithacause.net

 

Parabens: What Are They?

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Julie Lievre; is the Technical Support Manager-Americas for a global medical device company.  She has an  MBA from St. Joseph’s College and has been writing for several years. Her passions include cooking, writing, reading, and working out.  Her  goal is to become a full-time writer, and she is working on her first novel. She can be reached at radjl@optonline.net

So by now I am sure you have heard of Parabens, but do you know what they are? I had no idea what they were either but based on every product I saw in the hair and make-up product aisle, I did not want them in my products.  There are tons of products that proclaim “Paraben Free” on their labels which made me wonder what they were, and why I wouldn’t want them in my products so I decided to do a little research to find out.

Parabens are one of the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetic and haircare products.  You may recognize some of them if you saw them on your labels, though you may not be able to pronounce them.  Some of the most common parabens you will see are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, and often you will see a combination of these along with other preservatives as well. These parabens or combinations of them are used to keep your products free from microbes, otherwise known as germs.  They help to keep the product safe to use so that bacteria doesn’t grow in these products.

Parabens are found in all types of makeup, moisturizer, haircare products, and shaving products to name just a few but can also be found in food and drugs as well. The reason that you see many products proclaiming “Paraben Free” on their labels is that there have been studies that suggest that parabens may be cancer causing, and can act like estrogens in the body. This is significant because substances that act as estrogens in the body have been linked to breast, and other types of cancer.  If you are interested in learning more about these studies and how they were conducted a great resource is the FDA website, http://www.fda.gov.  

So what is a girl to do? Well, there are many products that are available now that are paraben free, and  will state that it is a paraben free product on the label but be sure to read your labels carefully to ensure that the product really is paraben free.  Any ingredient ending in paraben on the label does contain this preservative.  I really like brands such as Shea Moisture, Burt’s Bees, and Origins as these are paraben free brands that I feel confident using.  Just keep in mind that products without a lot of preservatives should be used by the date indicated.

 

10 Fun-Paired Local Summer Adventures

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Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington.  Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and 
energyofnewlight.com.  She recently self-published her first collection of poems available at Huntington’s Book Revue.  Kathy offers freelance editing, writing, and proofreading (kahorowitz@gmail.com)
www.kathyhorowitz.com

    For those who cannot take that big summer vacation, we present a list of 10 local forays from Montauk to the Bronx (www.iloveny.com).  Look for on-line promotions and coupons before planning your visit. Bring bicycles, picnic lunch, bathing suits, sunscreen, bug spray, and let the fun begin:

    • Montauk Point Lighthouse and Montauk and Camp Hero State Parks for hiking and picnicking.  For a beautiful sunset view, dinner outdoors at Gosman’s Dock is fabulous.
    • Shelter Island’s Mashomack Preserve and Sylvester Manor Educational Farm. The Preserve is edged by 10 miles of coastline and boasts 200 bird species as well as deer, fox, turtle, butterflies.  The 8,000-acre Manor includes an arts and educational center and organic farm.
    • Splish Splash Waterpark and Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead. Keep cool at the Waterpark.  The Aquarium hosts the Lost Temple of Atlantis and Poseidon’s Treasure Room exhibits. Check www.longislandaquarium.com for upcoming events including moonlight cruises on the Peconic River.
    • Sweetbriar Nature Center and Vivarium (butterfly house) and Blydenburgh Park, Smithtown.   Sweetbriar is a 54-acre educational preserve home to injured fox, hawk, owls, pigs, bird, waterfowl and more. Hike the Chipmunk, Upper and Lower River trails. Blydenburgh offers hiking, freshwater fishing, rowboat rentals, bridle paths, and more. 
    • Heckscher State Park and Fire Island Lighthouse. Heckscher covers 1,657 acres on the Great South Bay’s shore.  There are 4 miles of paved trails for biking and walking.  The Lighthouse is accessible by foot on the east end of Robert Moses.
    • Old Westbury Gardens and Cradle of Aviation Museum. Westbury Gardens is home to an historic mansion and 200 acres of lush grounds of flora. Daily tours are available.  The Garden City Museum includes a Planetarium and Dome Theatre Shows.
    • Planting Fields Arboretum and Japanese Stroll Garden. The Oyster Bay Arboretum covers 400 acres and is home to the Coe Hall Historic House.  The Mill Neck Stroll Garden spans 4 acres and includes a Tea House. A quiet and perfect getaway for two!
    • Boardwalk and Beach, Long Beach. 2 ¼ miles long, great sunset views! Check www.longbeachny.gov for calendar of events for concerts, flea markets, movie nights, and more. 
    • Flushing Meadows Corona Park and New York Hall of Science. Walk and bike the 1964-65 World’s Fair Grounds.  Visit the Queens Museum of Art, New York Hall of Science, and Citi Field!
    • Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden.  It is the largest Metropolitan zoo and the 250-acre Garden supports over 1 million living plants.  Check www.nybg.org for exhibitions and events.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer!

 

Kids Themed Parties On A Budget

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webpublisherpro
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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
Growing up my birthday parties consisted of cake, ice cream, and pin the tail on the donkey. Things have certainly changed. Themed birthday parties are popular now but can also be costly.  However, there are some ways that you can still give your child a fantasy birthday party that is special and unique without breaking the bank.  If you start your planning early, think outside the box and provide some do it yourself items the results will be better than expected and will surely put a smile on your child's face. It just takes a bit of time and some creative thinking. Put the focus on details and as many personal touches as possible to create a mood. If your child has a character in mind then use those colors or pick two or three colors and run with it. 
      If she loves ponies how about a western themed party with pink cowboy hats and bandanas? You can purchase a square dancing caller CD to have the kids up and dancing. Make fun labels using cardstock and scrapbook paper in a western theme. Label the lemonade dispenser with a fun name like "Sarsaparilla Juice". Even if they don't know what that means the name will invoke some giggles.  Put bails of hay at the entrance with a painted wooden sign that says "Welcome to Sarah's Hoedown". 
     I painted a sign on a wooden cutting board I found at the dollar store for a fairy themed party I gave my daughter. I had a blast planning this party. Just think lots and lots of glitter, with rustic elements to get that garden fairy theme.  I used twigs and pieces of tree branches to display cards.  You can't get any less expensive than twigs and glitter. I bought fairy wings in bulk, tied a piece of tulle and a flower around the middle, then hung them with some sparkly clothespins on a "clothesline" from two trees in my backyard. 
    Perhaps you are the mother of one of the most indecisive four-year-olds on the planet and she can't decide on just one princess for her birthday party theme.  Make cookies in a variety of princess themes and give out as favors. You can use traditional princess cookie cutters to make a tiara or a castle cookie but you can also think outside the box here and make an apple shaped cookie for Snow White, snowflakes for Elsa and Anna, and a frog for Tiana. Cookie cutters are not just for cookies. Use them for cutout sandwiches or as stencils for decorations.   
     Let your imagination run wild when planning the next birthday. Get your child involved in the process, have fun and make memories. 

 

The Situation Room

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webpublisherpro
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Maria DiGiorgio is a lifelong New Yorker, who currently resides in Commack, with her family.  She is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. Maria
is active in her community, as a PTA mom and Girl Scout leader.  She has a passion for interior decorating and loves to garden. She is an avid reader, and enjoys writing about life experiences and parenthood, as well as her personal observations about the world around us.
     For the first time, since I was her age, my daughter has sparked a renewed interest and palpable energy in me, surrounding the political frontier.  She is at an age, whereupon she is highly curious, deeply motivated and endlessly entertained by the antics that, unfortunately for her, will not result in casting a ballot for one side or the other (as she is not yet eligible to vote).  However, this little point of contention has not dampened, in the least, my daughter’s enthusiasm for all things politics!  She presents my husband and me with daily updates on the candidates:  where they stand on issues, who may be endorsing them (or refusing to do so), where they will be campaigning next, and all the up to the minute news that comes with her genuine interest and her accessibility to an I-Phone.  Fox News and CNN have nothing on her!
     At times, our family discussions veer from:  “How was your day?” and “What’s for dinner?” to “Have you seen the latest polls?”  My initial response is to respond and move on, but somehow, my husband always takes the path to seemingly endless debate.  Instead of a quiet dinner at home, with my family, I am all of a sudden dining with Megyn Kelly and Wolf Blitzer!
     In all sincerity, I must commend my daughter’s avid interest and deep concern for what will be her world, inherited through choices and decisions she is not yet able to make, for herself.  Her quest to listen, to learn, to ponder and to decide has led me to do the same, in a more thoughtful and pointed way, than perhaps ever before. As an educator, I am always keenly aware of the ability to learn from my students, as they learn from me.  Here is a perfect example of how my young daughter has been instrumental in teaching us a thing or two about this entire process, while we’ve been able to enlighten her to various aspects, along the way. I am thinking, now, not just of my own intended outcomes, but considering hers, as well.  It is exciting to think of all the possibilities.

 

The Situation Room

By
webpublisherpro
-

Maria DiGiorgio is a lifelong New Yorker, who currently resides in Commack, with her family.  She is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. Maria
is active in her community, as a PTA mom and Girl Scout leader.  She has a passion for interior decorating and loves to garden. She is an avid reader, and enjoys writing about life experiences and parenthood, as well as her personal observations about the world around us.
     For the first time, since I was her age, my daughter has sparked a renewed interest and palpable energy in me, surrounding the political frontier.  She is at an age, whereupon she is highly curious, deeply motivated and endlessly entertained by the antics that, unfortunately for her, will not result in casting a ballot for one side or the other (as she is not yet eligible to vote).  However, this little point of contention has not dampened, in the least, my daughter’s enthusiasm for all things politics!  She presents my husband and me with daily updates on the candidates:  where they stand on issues, who may be endorsing them (or refusing to do so), where they will be campaigning next, and all the up to the minute news that comes with her genuine interest and her accessibility to an I-Phone.  Fox News and CNN have nothing on her!
     At times, our family discussions veer from:  “How was your day?” and “What’s for dinner?” to “Have you seen the latest polls?”  My initial response is to respond and move on, but somehow, my husband always takes the path to seemingly endless debate.  Instead of a quiet dinner at home, with my family, I am all of a sudden dining with Megyn Kelly and Wolf Blitzer!
     In all sincerity, I must commend my daughter’s avid interest and deep concern for what will be her world, inherited through choices and decisions she is not yet able to make, for herself.  Her quest to listen, to learn, to ponder and to decide has led me to do the same, in a more thoughtful and pointed way, than perhaps ever before. As an educator, I am always keenly aware of the ability to learn from my students, as they learn from me.  Here is a perfect example of how my young daughter has been instrumental in teaching us a thing or two about this entire process, while we’ve been able to enlighten her to various aspects, along the way. I am thinking, now, not just of my own intended outcomes, but considering hers, as well.  It is exciting to think of all the possibilities.

 

Baseball Moms and Dads

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John has a master’s degree in exercise 
science/human performance and doctoral studies in applied physiology.  He’s formerly certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Rehabilitative Program Director and Health Fitness Director.  He’s authored a college level text for fitness, wellness and conditioning classes.  He’s a former baseball coach and all conference collegiate player.  He can be reached jrutig@att.net
    The rocket ship blasts off and everyone is excited and thrilled as it moves through space. Suddenly the bone chilling message is heard- NASA WE HAVE A PROBLEM!
    Little League, Select Teams (travel baseball), High School Baseball and Pro Baseball – we have a problem. The enjoyment of watching your young child take the mound and pitch with aspirations to compete in High School and perhaps further in College or professionally, is in jeopardy. 
    In a 2015 report – 56.8% of ALL Tommy John surgeries (UCL-Ulnar Collateral Ligament surgery with a tendon graft) were perfomed on teenagers.
    So you have the bad news. Teenagers blowing out their arms and having surgical repair- now what should you be doing?  “Doctors believe almost every UCL tear is an accumulation injury ­– a ligament worn down over time that finally relents”. (Passan 2016) Unfortunately, ligaments cannot be strengthened by an exercise strengthening program. 
    In a review of the available information and data to answer the simple question – What should we be doing to prevent arm injury due to throwing?  I’ve learned an answer and probable solution to this problem is complex. “Doctors, trainers, managers, and coaches must agree that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the arm and shift towards individualized programs…” (Passan 2016). Every person’s body is different and every arm is different.
    So here are some common sense recommendations to avoid pitching injuries:
    • Check for signs of overall and arm fatigue. Regularly pitching while fatigued left kids 36 times more susceptible to arm injuries.
    • Children/Youths who throw more than 100 innings per year are 3.5 times more likely to get hurt.
    • Dr. James Andrews (famed and well noted Orthopedist M.D.) says “Don’t throw a curveball until you shave.”
    • Understand the concept – the biggest risk factor for injury is previous injury. (Be cognitive for prevention)
    Now, let’s get back to reality. I spent Saturday watching my nephew Jeremy play and he pitched two innings. It was an elimination game of a tournament.  When he arrived to the mound Mom took a deep breath and was flush and Dad started to pace. Both their adrenaline was flowing as Jeremy was warming up. Batter-up. Some cheers from the teams fans (moms and dads) – throw strikes, throw hard, no walks- heard some Dads say- “we can win this’. MY THOUGHTS – he’s 9 years old, loves to play and plays a lot. Let’s keep that left arm healthy, avoid overuse injuries and hopefully, maybe one day I’ll hear NOW PITCHING FOR THE METS….

 

Man Cave

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webpublisherpro
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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

Question:
    What is a “man cave” and how do I make one as a surprise for my husband for his birthday?

Answer:
    Please don’t think that a “man cave” should look like it sounds!  It’s not a dark hole filled with “guy stuff” where he can hibernate.  Well, at least it should not look like a dark hole.  I can best describe it as the modern version of a 1950’s, “Father Knows Best”, dad retiring to his own den wearing a smoking jacket with his pipe and slippers. (Did anyone actually do that?)  Today, it’s really a place where he can go to escape the daily responsibilities of work and family – read, watch TV and be surrounded by the things he loves that help nurture and recharge him.  It doesn’t have to be large.  A spare bedroom or small place in the attic or basement can become this retreat.  It should start with a really comfortable chair (not necessarily one you would like) and a door he can close to shut out the rest of the world for a little while.  If he’s a fisherman or other sports enthusiast, this is the room where his collectibles should go, artfully placed and hung for his viewing enjoyment.  He may not want a desk, but certainly create a space for his laptop or computer.  You might also find a wall unit that incorporates storage and shelving for family pictures and his favorite books.  A cozy area rug can add a warm inviting feeling, as well.  Larger man cave areas can accommodate a bar, card or billiard table, a video game area and even a wine room which can be shared with friends and family.
    The most important thing is that you have recognized that your husband needs a get-a-way in his own home whether for fun or relaxation.  If space is lacking, perhaps the guest bedroom for company that comes infrequently is a location you can redesign to do double duty.  A sleeper sofa can free up space for his chair and if your company doesn’t root for the team on the wall, so be it.  Making good use of any space to show how much he’s loved and valued is the best birthday present.
    There are also many man cave gifts that you can order on line which will be personalized for him such as mugs, desk organizers, clocks, plaques, photos, family history memorabilia, etc.  If you’ve got a bigger budget and he loves the feel of brick or wood paneled walls, call in the contractor if there’s time before his birthday.
    And – would you believe, there is a man cave web site called mancavesite.org and they sponsor an annual contest for the best man cave?  They even publish a cave dweller magazine.  You can sign him up to be a member of this auspicious group, but I warn you, we both might be creating a monster!  Well back to the cave – and wish him a Happy Birthday from me.

(Photo Above) This ultimate billiard room/library complete with mahogany walls, coffered ceiling and library ladder is a perfect "man cave" for the billiard enthusiast.

 

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