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Things To Do With Dad On Father’s Day


Daniella Machado-Belmonte,
ET Week Media Group

Father's Day is a day to honor all the men who play a special part in your lives: Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers or any man important to you. We've got suggestions for how to plan a memorable Father's Day to show your appreciation for all they do each and every day.

Brooklyn Barclays Center
620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 
1-800-745-3000
NBA Draft 2016 – presented by State Farm will be held in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Thursday, June 23. Barclays Center, the home of the  Brooklyn Nets, will host the draft for the fourth consecutive year.

Tickets starting at $20 are available through nbatickets.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Fans can also purchase tickets at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. By virtue of winning NBA Draft Lottery 2016 presented by State Farm, the Philadelphia 76ers earned the right to select first overall at NBA Draft 2016 presented by State Farm.

WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – Thurman vs. Porter  Date: June 25, 2016 An action-packed primetime doubleheader of world title fights, headlined by the explosive clash between welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and former champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter, will come to Barclays Center on Saturday, June 25. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions telecast will begin with a featherweight battle between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares. Joining the action, popular local contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Adam Kownacki will return to Barclays Center to put their undefeated records on the line. Jarrett Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) will face Oscar Molina (13-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest and David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) squares off against Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Also joining the card will be Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) and Jonathan Alonso (8-0, 4 KOs) fighting in separate bouts. Tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com by calling 800-745-3000 or by visiting the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Bethpage Polo At The Park
Bethpage State Park  516.514.POLO (7656)
Families can come and enjoy a fun-filled day at Polo at the Park, with raffle prizes, pony rides for kids and contests, and can enjoy grandstand seating or setup a picnic or tailgate setup. General admission tickets are $5/adult, children are free.  They also have the option of purchasing VIP tent Tickets, which include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  To purchase tickets or for more infortmation, Call or go to www.BethpagePolo.com. 

Long Island Ducks: Bethpage Ballpark
3 Court House Dr, Central Islip, NY
(631) 940-TIXX   www.liducks.com
The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks will be celebrating Father’s Day at Bethpage Ballpark on Sunday, June 19 when they host the Lancaster Barnstormers at 1:35 p.m. The day will feature  an opportunity to enjoy an all-you-can-eat pre-game barbecue and have a catch on the field prior to game time. Prior to the game, the Ducks will be hosting a Father’s Day Barbecue in the Picnic Area. Fans will be able to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, roasted corn, tossed salad, Pepsi beverages, cookies, potato chips, snacks, watermelon, potato, and macaroni salad. The picnic will begin two hours before first pitch at 11:35 a.m. and will last through the start of the game. Fans can choose between two packages that will make the perfect Father’s Day gift – package prices start at $30. Go to www.liducks.com or contact the Ducks Sales Department at 631-940-3825 or Ducks ticket office at 631-940-TIXX.

Schedule a Tee-Time
Do not want to travel long distance?  Schedule a tee-time for you and Dad.  Longislandgolfnews.com is a great site to scope all the golf courses on Long Island.  Check it out!  The site has price ranges and ratings for the golf courses, so you can book a tee-time at a great course without breaking the bank. What golf loving Dad wouldn’t want to do this on their special day?  After all, Father’s Day is about showing your appreciation for them and what better way to do that with a gift they can appreciate?

Schedule a Beer or Wine Tour…

If your dad is a fan of fine wine or brew, schedule a tour out east.  Tapped Enterprises and LI BEER BUS offers many different tours throughout the island suitable for your dad’s tastes.  Book a Beer and BBQ tour, Beer and Fishing cruise, Craft Cruise or customize your own tour!  Tapped Enterprises and LI BEER BUS  put together a great day of tasting and fun.  Make your gift memorable and book a tour.  For more information on tours and pricing, contact 631.913.3817 or go to libeerbus.com.   

Last but not least…
Have a BBQ for the man of the house! Not sure if dad wants anything for Father’s Day? Or on a budget?  Show Dad how much you care by throwing a family BBQ.  After all, Father’s Day is about family so why not enjoy it at home!  Sometimes the best time is to stay in and create your own fun rather than go out to look for fun.  Get some ribs, steak or anything that can be grilled and get that BBQ started up.

 

 

Summer Skincare

Collette is fashion forward and 
design orientated.  Practicing a 
healthy lifestyle, she is a stylist & wardrobe consultant. A Bachelors in communications and marketing, years of experience in the garment district, she celebrates everyday with 
enthusiasm for fashion and beauty while helping other women achieve their personal best.
Collettep24@yahoo.com     

We welcome the summer season as the sun kisses our face and body.  Can we have a summer glow and keep our skin as safe as possible?  YES we can.  With the assistance of a few skin regimen steps everyday, we can have the best of both worlds.
     On a daily basis we know how important it is to exfoliate when we wash.  But equally as important and often over looked is the cleanser.  Twice a day am & pm cleansing refreshes skin, hydrates, removes dirt, make–up and harsh surfactants that can dehydrate, or strip the skin of moisture. “Sustainable  Youth” has made our lives beautiful and affordable. Introducing us to an “ultra creamy cleanser“ featuring alasta, which is a patented scientific discovery of the most potent immunostimulatory ingredient derived from the inside of the Aloe Vera leaf.  All ingredients collectively provide deep hydration to even out skin tone.  This cleanser provides your skin with a running start to a luxurious supple complexion.  “Sustainable Youth” has made the next step in rejuvenating and preserving your beautiful skin a breeze.  With this weightless, anti-aging serum, skin will be revitalized and glowing.  “ Firming & revitalizing serum with alasta “ is applied on face and neck with one or two pumps of serum onto fingertips.  Clinically proven to improve elasticity and firmness up to 72% in just 8 weeks.  “Sustaniable Youth” can also provide you with a “ Anytime lift eye treatment.”  If you have any needs around the eye.   A “ Super Boost Nigh Serum “ for a potent overnight approach.  This complete skin care system is a soothing, calming and affordable approach to anti-aging skin. 
     Another huge step ladies.  The jewel on the ring, the clutch in hand, you can’t leave home without it—Sunscreen!  Always be sure to give yourself the proper love and coverage.  Without it…we have no chance at glamour.  So do what is best for that subtle dewy complexion.  Always be sure to give yourself the proper coverage of SPF even on a cloudy day.  Harmful rays have a way of wreaking havoc on our skin without notice.  They are quiet and they are fierce.  So for all you mommies with young children, lets get those little ones protected too.  Especially essential to provide optimal protection during first exposure to sun for the little ones (6 months and up) Mustela makes it easy and has taken ALL precautions to keep skin protected.  A convenient and easy to use stick, ideal for travel or touch ups.  Or a broad-spectrum lotion that is Para-ben free, fragrance free, PABA free, hypoallergenic, water resistant, and has been awarded the melanoma international foundations seal of approval.
     We need to be mindful and practice a safe, healthy skin regimen all year long.  Lots of extra attention during the hot summer season when our skin and bodies need extra hydration.  We want to look our best, feel our best and enjoy the beautiful summer months with a youthful glow and healthy radiant skin.

 

Dishin’ With Denise… Spice It Up For Dad


Denise Gianatasio is a Northport 
Village resident and freelance writer. 
She is a licensed agent at Signature 
Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600 ext. 577. 
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.

Jerk up some chicken on the grill this Father’s Day! Hot or mild the Caribbean flavors will make your Dad feel like he’s away on vacation. Add that spice to his life, bring him on an Island tour…in his or your own backyard! He will be truly content spending special time together, relaxing, and shooting the breeze with you and family. Here’s an easy flavorful way to prepare chicken with a bit of kick. So tell Dad its ok~ sit back, don’t worry, and be happy. You can mix up your own spices or simply buy the jerk seasoning already prepared. You can prepare the mixture days in advance, but the chicken should be marinated for at least 4 hours or better yet, overnight.  Jerking is a term for poking holes in chicken or meat and allowing the tasty spices to marinate and permeate throughout for a very flavorful bite! Give that special Dad in your life…A day full of happy, a smile full of bright, a heart full of light and a meal full of spice! Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s everywhere! Xoxo Dishin’ with Denise 

Ingredients:
Olive or canola oil to brush chicken
2 lbs. of chicken breasts, thighs, legs and wings, skin on and bone in.

for rub:
(make more or less to amount of chicken your preparing)
3 T ground coriander
3 T ground ginger
3 T light brown sugar
2 T onion powder 
2 T garlic powder
2 T kosher salt
2 T habanero powder
1 T dry thyme
2 t coarse black pepper
2 t ground allspice
2 t ground cloves 

Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl, poke some fork holes in chicken parts, brush chicken with oil and press each side into spices. Marinate in refrigerator overnight and grill on medium heat grill.  Sides that go well are potato salad, cold slaw, bean and rice, fried plantains if you’re feeling the “the Jamaican” love! 

 

Memories of Father’s Day in New Hampshire’s White Mountains

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 as long as I can remember, our family would load up into the car— an old Plymouth Valiant—and make our annual pilgrimage to the White Mountains of New Hampshire (www.visitwhitemountains.com).  Riding in the back seat with my sister, we’d play the license plate game to see how many different states we could find.  Nature is my solace and for me there is no more beautiful place than New Hampshire with its granite mountains (remember the “Old Man of the Mountain,” Great Stone Face, which collapsed in May of 2003 in Franconia Notch) and its many rivers and rivulets:  the Pemigewasset (called “Pemi” by the locals), the Gale.
    My parents used to rent a small bungalow along the Ammonoosuc River in Bethlehem in the shadows of Mount Washington, highest peak in the northeast (6,289’).  As young children, my father would take us fishing—I don’t remember ever catching anything remotely resembling a fish—but it was the fact that we were together away from the craziness of his Manhattan workplace and our home on Long Island taking respite in nature’s bounty.  We’d hike along the river and often swim at the falls by the Swift Water covered bridge.  We’d scramble over the moss-laden rocks, have a leisurely lunch along its waters, and soak it all in.
    During the day we’d drive south to Lincoln to Clark’s Trading Post where trained black bears gave daily shows and then head over to Loon Mountain where we’d ride the gondola for breathtaking views.  Or we’d drive further north to Story Land in Glen (touted as best kids amusement park) and Six Gun City in Jefferson.  Other days we’d drive into North Conway (shopping outlets) in Washington Valley to ride the Conway Scenic Railroad and then drive back at dusk along the one-laned Kancamagus Highway to look for moose along the river.
    After dinner we’d head to the town of Bath for homemade ice cream and walk through the historic Bath covered bridge.  Back at the bungalow, he’d build a fire in the tiny fireplace—oftentimes smoking us out—and we’d go outside to catch fireflies in mason jars and later let them go like stars into the night.  
    However you choose to honor your dad this Father’s Day, it’s always nice to reminisce about back-in-the-day memories and, if you’re fortunate enough, take Dad to revisit his favorite family vacation spot.  Happy Father’s Day to you, Dad, and all the dads who make vacation days a little bit more adventurous than most.

 

A Father’s Love


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.

    A father’s love is strong and abiding.  It gives us wings to fly and a foundation on which to build lifelong relationships, with ourselves and with others.  A father’s love is unwavering – always there to provide wisdom, comfort and protection from the storms of living.  It feeds our spirit in untold ways, anchoring us in our beliefs and traditions, while enabling us to reach far beyond our emotional thresholds.  

    A father’s love teaches us right from wrong.  It teaches us the value of loyalty and the price of devotion.  It is steadfast in all things.  The power of a father’s love is the example we are given, through day-to-day care, concern and selfless sacrifice.   A father’s love provides us with security, through hard work, tireless commitment and boundless determination.  It teaches us about responsibility, accountability and pride in a job well done. 
   
    A father’s love is fierce, in its ability to defend, inspire and enlighten.  It is most tender, in its kindness, empathy and forgiveness. A father’s love seeks to understand and to validate. It enables us to find the places deep within ourselves, where we can be kind, loving and forgiving, of ourselves and of others. It grows more deeply, through the passage of time and the seasons of life.  It is a gift that is continually given and received.

    A father’s love gives us courage to grow, to step outside of our comfort zones and to embark upon new and unchartered territory.  His love provides us with self-empowerment. We learn to treat ourselves with respect, compassion and greater acceptance, as we come to witness ourselves through the eyes of this loving and totally devoted parent. We are able to glimpse the pure beauty and true essence of who we are, through our father’s love.

    Like his warm and enveloping embrace, we forever seek to wrap ourselves up in the heavenliness of this unique relationship, always knowing we are safe and sound, in the precious, priceless gift that is a father’s love!

 

Greenlawn Plaza Family Fun Day


Marc Piperno
President, ET Week Media
    The Shopping Center, that’s been dormant without a resident supermarket for quite some time, has a lot to celebrate. Most recently, the all new Greenlawn Farms, located in Greenlawn Plaza opened its doors to a crowd of anxious customers. For the local businesses that line the shopping center, they are certainly grateful. To show their appreciation, the group of business owners got together an organized a day filled with lots of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
    Come one, come all this coming Sunday June 12th between 11am and 3pm and spend a few hours and see all of the exciting things that will be going on. Kiddie Academy will have crafts for the kids to keep them occupied or how about some face painting over at Greenlawn Vision. No kid can resist. Curves is going to have a variety of fitness activities with classes running throughout the event. The folks over at Chris Gates Tae Kwon Do is going to be offering free instruction in the martial arts. Now that’s pretty cool. I think I’ll head off for that one. Get this, there is even going to be a dog show! Bring the kids over to the bounce house to exert all of that energy inside too. Raffles, car washes, free spinal screenings offered by Buckley Chiropractic and so much more awaits you at this fun filled event.
    Ah yes, there is going to be plenty of snacks too at Greenlawn Farms. Save the date, rain or shine and lets all celebrate the revitalization of the Greenlawn Plaza Shopping Center.

 

ZaZa Japan


Marc Piperno, President
ET Week Media Group

    ZaZa is Celebrating Their One Year Anniversary!

    With a plethora of Asian restaurants cropping up, where do you turn first you ask? ZAZA Japan, brings us back to the roots of Japanese cooking with the added feature of Hibachi. Located next to Barnes and Nobles in East Northport, ZAZA Japans’ ambience is cool and sophisticated with a Manhattan vibe, quickly making them the new intrigue of our area. What makes ZAZA Japans’ hibachi unique, is that they have installed units that are smokeless. So…if you are into indulging your senses with great sushi, you don’t have to worry about being subjected to the smoke of nearby Hibachi tables. From what I am told, ZAZA is the only restaurant on Long Island to have these new state of the art tables, adding greater comfort to its’ patrons.
    Though the selection of Asian offerings are vast, its’ not overwhelming. A menu well thought out, allowing you to navigate through it effortlessly, without having a mental breakdown. For starters, try the “Mango Soft Shell Crab Salad”. Tender pieces of crab meat folded with avocado, yellow mango, tomatoes and shallots in an olive oil, cilantro and lime juice dressing.  Light and refreshing. The ZAZA Salad prepared with sliced tuna, salmon and avocado accompanied with chunked tuna, salmon crab, seaweed salad and eel is also excellent as a starter.
    For the Sushi enthusiast, browse the Specialty Rolls. Two in particular are recommended: “Out of Control Roll” Crunchy lobster salad, avocado with tuna, salmon and yellow tail atop drizzled with a chefs’ special sauce. “American Dream Roll” Shrimp tempura within, topped with lobster, kani, crab and then drizzled in a spicy cream sauce. Add into the mix, three tuna sushi and you are good to go!
    Dining by way of the Hibachi you say? Dinner choices will not disappoint. You’ll find a selection of 30 entrees, many of which offer combos of seafood and meats. Each dinner selection comes with soup, salad, shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables and rice. Incredible amount of food for the price makes ZAZAs’ hibachi a great value. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.
    For more information or making reservations call 631-499-3900.

 

 

Savory Eats: Honig Grill

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 at joanna.adduci10@gmail.com or you can visit her personal blog
https://foodiefreelancer.wordpress.com/

    Honig Grill of Woodbury presents an audacious menu, impressive wine list, noteworthy service and an intimate atmosphere. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed with the service. Excellent wine pairings, suggestions and friendly conversation. Our waitress, Cindy, suggested the Burrata and Basil – a delicate combination of Burrata, Tomatoes, Basil and Mesclun. Paired with Cabernet, it was nothing short of delicious. 
    For our entrees, my guest and I sampled the Rack of Lamb and various sushi rolls. The Rack of Lamb was cooked perfectly, paired with a Mint Chutney. The lamb was complemented by Herb Roasted Potatoes and Sautéed Broccoli Rabe. The sushi rolls;  The Mango (Spicy tuna, salmon, avocado roll with tuna topped with mango) & The Rutherford (Shrimp tempura & spicy tuna roll with tuna, salmon, avocado & crunch) were fresh, flavorful and showcased bold combinations of fish, fruit and various toppings. 
    I strongly recommend you peruse the sushi menu at Honig Grill, and opt for something you wouldn't normally order. On my next visit, I am looking forward to tasting The California Heaven (Crab & avocado roll topped with kani salad, potato flour crunch & special sauce) and The Seared Tuna, consisting of Ahi tuna, thai glaze, and sautéed baby bok choy.
    The atmosphere at Honig Grill is intimate, warm and comfortable. Ideal for date night or a family outing, the dining room is spacious and contains numerous personalized, authentic details that make patrons feel right at home. Everything from the lighting fixtures to the rustic brick wall in the back dining area are noticed and appreciated. 
    Honig Grill describes their eatery as embodying "a taste of Napa Valley" – a description I now understand and appreciate. Their menu consists of: appetizers, raw bar, sushi, salads, entrees, steaks & chops, and side dishes.  Their wine list is impressive and is organized effectively. My guest and I opted for the house-recommended Cabernet and Pinot Noir. If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, you will genuinely enjoy the selection that Honig Grill offers. 
    Our meal ended with Flourless Chocolate Cake and Bread Pudding. The dessert menu at Honig Grill is extremely impressive and personally recommended. Presented in a photo-worthy manner, the desserts were truly nothing short of memorable. We indulged in an aperitif with our sweet treats, and ended the night supremely satisfied.
    Honig Grill has succeeded by creating an intimate, chic ambiance and a menu that thoroughly satisfies customers with savory cuisine, a diversified wine menu, hearty portions and eccentric presentation. The eatery prides itself on being "simple, relaxed and sophisticated" and they invite you to "enjoy imaginative wine and flavorful cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere" during your next visit.

 

America’s Favorite Fish – Largemouth Bass


Jan Christopher Porinchak is a middle school art teacher, Scientific Illustrator, and Cornell Cooperative Certified Master Naturalist. He holds level 1 archery coaching certification through USA Archery. Contact Jan for archery instruction, illustration work, and for educational natural history hikes for your youth group at NatureWorks, Jan’s work can be viewed at: natureworks-illustration.com he can be reached at beachtowel1@optimum.net.

    The Largemouth Bass is likely the most popular fish that anglers pursue. Its predatory habits, large size, fighting ability, and aggressive nature make this species an exciting game fish to hook.
    Long Island has a healthy population of Large Mouth Bass, and many locations to fish for them. I’ll offer a few tips to those who would like to try their hand at connecting with this aquatic predator.
    The most commonly used reels are either spinning or baitcasting reels. Spinning reels are easier to master. Baitcasting reels require practice to use, and are very often used for expert fisherman because they offer greater casting accuracy. This can be important since bass are frequently found near cover.
    Because these fish tend to station themselves near logs, branches, and other cover, you should use fairly heavy line to avoid break offs. I would suggest 8lb test or greater.
    Largemouth Bass will try to eat anything they can fit in their, well, large mouth! There are a dizzying array of lures available to choose from for enticing bass to strike. Let’s look at some favorites.
    “Rubber” worms are a great option. They are realistically molded to resemble a worm, and are often flavored to enhance their attractiveness to fish. They can be attached to the hook in many ways, but “wacky style” is easy and effective. Simply impale the worm thru the center, leaving the point exposed, and cast. Often bass will strike as the plastic lure descends through the water. If not, twitch the rod tip a few times to animate the “worm” and draw a strike.
    “Popper” style lures are an exciting lure to fish for bass with. These lures float on the surface. Cast them out, and 
retrieve with short tugs to cause the popper to “pop” on the surface enticingly. Fish will hit the lure on the surface with gusto. You’re sure to get addicted to this kind of action.
    “Stick baits” are torpedo shaped hard plastic lures which mimic minnows. These are very effective in waters with few weeds. Cast them out and retrieve at various speeds until the bass react. Stick baits come in styles which swim at different depths when reeled in. So, have a selection on hand to try depending on whether the bass are active towards the surface or deeper.
    “Jigs” are a type of lure which can be used in any fishing situation, whether in clear or weedy water. The jig is constructed of a metal “head” and the hook is dressed with material such as hair or synthetic fibers to give the lure a pulsating action when drawn through water. Often jigs have metal blades attached that flash in the light to give additional allure to predatory bass. Finally, there are specially prepared pork rind strips which you can attach to the hook of this type of lure to create a devastating “jig and pig” combo!
    Bass feed throughout the day, but most consistent action will be during the morning and dusk. They are often found close to shoreline cover, such as stumps, docks, weeds, and branches. So cast adjacent to these structures and you’ll increase your odds of hooking a bruiser!
    Be sure to check your local regulations before heading out, and consider releasing your catch to fight another day. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water!

 

Dishin’ With Denise…Greens…Egg…and Ham

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport 
Village resident and freelance writer. 
She is a licensed agent at Signature 
Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600 ext. 577. 
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.

by Denise Gianatasio

Here’s a variation on egg saladgreen salad with a cooked egg on top. My very busy Dr. son made this for us on our last trip to Texas. I must admit I was a tad bit reluctant,  with just one bite~ I was sold. Delicious, healthy and quick this is what dinner looks like some late nights for this busy son of mine. Easy to prepare… I’d say egg salad at its best. These ingredients, soft, nutty, warm, smokey, crisp and cool nicely combine breakfast with lunch or dinner. It’s great to think outside “the egg carton” for a new and satisfying meal idea. Try this green salad with eggs and ham (bacon) and I’m sure you’ll like them here or there…or anywhere!       Try Them! Try Them! and you’ll agree… I do I do like greens, eggs and ham.  

1 bag of spring mix lettuce  (washed and dried)
Cherry tomatoes cut in slices
1 avocado peeled and diced
6 strips of crispy bacon (cut into pieces)
4 fried eggs (cooked exactly as you like, runny or cooked)
Drizzled with a really good balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste!

 

This Memorial Day and Every Day: Never Forget The Power of “I Am”


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). 

For me, as well as many others, two of the most powerful words in the English language are “I am.”  Spell it out in capital letters and the power seems to grow:  “I AM.”  Then begin to say the words out loud:  “I AM healthy,”  “I AM prosperous,” or “I AM loved” and then repeat them louder until you begin to feel the power of the words flow through your body.  It is energizing and uplifting.  You begin to feel lighter, more confident and open up to limitless possibilities of connection to yourself and to others.

As we honor those who have served our country this Memorial Day, let us also remember to honor ourselves in a positive way.  How often have you given up on an idea, hope, or dream with a negative phrase like “I can’t” or “it won’t work” or “it’s useless”?  Buddha said, “The mind is everything; what you think, you become.”  Norman Vincent Peale wrote the book and coined the phrase, “The Power of Positive Thinking.”  Joel Osteen writes in his bestseller “The Power of I AM”:  “Whatever follows the ‘I am’ will eventually find you.”

I find that during transitional moments in life such as loss, illness, death, or divorce, inner thoughts and words turn to the negative:  “I was rejected;” “I didn’t get to say I love you;” “I didn’t protect well enough.”  Oftentimes the mind generates this negativity to the point of what Buddhists call “monkey mind.”  If, instead of saying “I was” or “I didn’t,” you say “I am” or “I did” or “I can,” you begin to change your mindset and the monkey mind pattern begins to lessen.  With enough practice saying positive affirmations, your situation will begin to change to one of optimism and possibility.

Use these “I Am” phrases like a mantra or post them on your mirror. Or say them out loud.  Begin in the morning to set your day on a positive track:  I am worthy; I am making a difference.

Osteen also says, “Pay attention to what you’re inviting into your life.”  Are you sending out positive thoughts and messages or are you ambushing your words with the blunt force of the negative?  Remember, you have a choice.  Always seek and speak the positive.  

This Memorial Day remember to honor your fellow veterans:  I Am grateful for your service.  And remember to repeat positive words daily; it will bring richness into your life. Of this I am sure. I AM. 

 

Facial Oils, A Summer Alternative to Moisturizer

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

If you are like me, just the thought of putting oil on your face as a moisturizer is enough to make me break out.  When I first heard about facial oils I was extremely skeptical and thought they must be for people with dry skin, not oily/combination skin like mine. I was sure that this was not a solution for me.
    I had been hearing great things on the news and reading about different brands and types of oils to use.  On a morning news show, they were discussing the oils and in the segment suggested that using facial oils on oily skin can actually help your skin produce less oil and balance it out. I wasn’t convinced, but I was intrigued since my skin is dry in some areas and oily and prone to breakouts in others.
    I decided to try one of the oils that was featured on the news program, though there are many to choose from in all price ranges. One of the featured products was Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil made by the UK based company, Boots.  I generally gravitate toward more natural and organic products so I decided to try it as it is conveniently sold at my favorite store, Target.
    The ingredients are 100% organic and it contains Sweet Almond Oil, Bergamot (Citrus) Oil, and Lemon Peel Oil. This oil also contains Rosehip which is an Omega oil that is used to improve the texture of your skin.  The bottle comes with a dropper so you can place 3 drops in your hand and gently apply to freshly washed skin to lock in the moisture.  I do this each morning and right before bed, and may I say, this oil smells so amazing.
    The oil is very light and feels great on your skin so in the warmer months I just use the oil.  In winter if I want a bit more moisture to calm my dry skin, I mix the oil with my normal moisturizer and it works perfectly.  Oh! I almost forgot the best part, at Target this oil is only $8.99/bottle!
    I tried a few other brands and felt that some were too heavy for me, the fragrance didn’t appeal to me, or they were a bit pricier.  You really need to try a few and see what works best for your skin and what you like,  but I cannot say enough about how well these oils work.  Trust me you will also be hooked and facial oil will become a part of your daily routine.  As with anything new that you use on your skin, I recommend trying on a small area first as some may have sensitivities to these natural products.