Quick Weekend Away or Fun Summer Roadtrip Hersheypark

May 3, 2015

Jennifer Schenberg is a marketing and
public relations expert and CEO of Long Island-based PenVine.Jennifer founded PenVine 12 years ago to support innovation and growth for companies and people in the technology, mobile, entertainment, energy and clean/green industries. Visit PenVine at www.penvine.com or on Twitter @PenVine, or reach Jennifer at jennifer@penvine.com or 917-445-4454.

To those families who enjoy road trips – especially those of you who are “in the know” about the Great Wolf Lodge, Rocking Horse Ranch, and Dutch Wonderland — this one’s for you.

This Summer, you can once again “one-up” your annual July or August road trip vacation by trying out an oldie but a goodie: Hersheypark. And this year, it’ll be more than just fresh, delicious chocolate, rides and a water park. As if that wasn’t enough.

Hersheypark is unveiling the first indoor, spinning glow-coaster in the US Opening Memorial Day Weekend

Laff Trakk will be the 13th roller coaster at Hersheypark, a 21st century Fun House that offers a new experience with every trip as riders enjoy the sensation of floating along the coaster track. Built within a family friendly house of laughs, Laff Trakk spins riders through an eye-popping adventure of sights and sounds, complete with glimpses of colorful characters including classics like Laffing Sal, plus an engaging hall of mirrors and house of cards.

Part dark ride, part family coaster, Laff Trakk will deliver a different sensory experience with each trip. According to Hersheypark, the number and size of riders affects the rotation of the cars giving riders a different view of the bright, colorful elements and playful surroundings providing endless amounts of fun.

The new attraction will be located within a 130’ long X 75’ high red, white and blue building along Midway America between the Whip and Midway Tent. Laff Trakk will feature a four-seat ride vehicle with two seats in two rows, back-to-back. The design of the coaster car allows for a 360-degree free spinning rotation. Reaching a maximum speed of approximately 40 miles per hour, Laff Trakk takes its riders along 1,400 feet of track which includes an Immelman turn (riders enter a half loop and then go through a half twist and curve out in the opposite direction in which they came), multiple high-banked curves (85 degrees maximum), and Camelback air time hills.

With seven ride vehicles, the ride will accomodate approximately 850 rides per hour and the number of cars available will help minimize the wait time for riders who will enjoy a fun-filled 70-second adventure. The ride system utilizes a combination of the most modern magnetic and pinch braking systems to give everyone the smoothest and safest ride possible.

For more information or to take a “virtual” ride on Laff Trakk, you can visit www.Hersheypark.com, Facebook at https://facebook.com/Hersheypark and Twitter #Hersheypark

A Mother’s Love

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May 3, 2015

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 mother’s love is a priceless gift we each receive, as we enter this world. It is the first love we know, and one that sustains us our whole lives through. A mother’s love is singularly unique, incomparable in its many qualities. It is borne out of supreme sacrifice, complete selflessness, extreme devotion, unbridled enthusiasm, and a deep and abiding need to give, without ever asking to receive, in return.
   A mother’s love is unconditional, overlooking our shortcomings and finding, instead, the flawless beauty inside each one of us. It is all knowing, all encompassing and always, life-affirming. A mother’s love teaches, builds confidence, informs and enlightens. It lifts us up when we are down, and always helps us find the “silver lining” in the oft-encountered “gray clouds” of life. A mother’s love is ferocious, as it serves to protect and defend, at all costs. It is also the most gentle, in its ability to be compassionate, empathetic, understanding and forgiving.
   No matter where we go in life, how old we become or what we achieve, the love of a mother is a treasured part of our living and learning experiences. It shapes the very essence of who we are, and who we strive to be. A mother’s love is the closest thing to Heaven on earth, and a gift to be cherished each and every day. Truly, there is nothing quite as magnificent and glorious, or special and beautiful, as the love a mother gives!

Shopping Around For That ‘Right’ Mother’s Day Gift?

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May 3, 2015

Anthony has over 20 years in the
IT field. He was worked for many Long Island companies and serves as an IT advisor for several organizations. Anthony enjoys being able to assist companies as well as the community with
computer issues and show them that technology is not a ‘scary’ word. anthonypatanejr@gmail.com

Moms are pretty much bound to say that they're happy with whatever you get them, but don't settle for flowers or chocolate. Here are a few cool presents that are definitely going to be appreciated.

With summer right around the corner, moms are looking to be both fit and stylish. Fitbit www.fitbit.com is the maker of stylish electronic wristbands that track activities like walking, running, and monitors your sleep. You can sync up the data from your fitbit with your smartphone to track progress.
$50 – $349

You are mom’s best gift. But for those times when can’t be by her side an iPhone case with your photo will suffice. Shutterfly www.shutterfly.com creates any image on a cellphone case in many different designs. $10 – $30.

It’s coming up Roses!…Click and Grow www.clickandgrow.com is a fast and easy way to grow an indoor garden that uses sensors and software to help grow herbs, fruits and vegetables inside you home. Just add water.
$80-$130

Does Mom enjoy reading? The new Kindle Paperwhite by Amazon retails for $119. The Kindle is a small (paperback) sized device used for reading books. It’s thin as a pencil, lightweight and has many uses for Mom including a web browser with Wi-Fi and can store hundreds of e-books.

Mothers-to-be? We got you covered too. Ritmo ritmopregnancy.com makes a wearable and washable belt that allows you play music or any audio from your smartphone to your baby in the womb. They offer two models from $80 or $140

Instawatch. Create a custom watch for Mom that includes any picture from Instagram or Facebook as the face. You pick the band colors, case, and buckle. Then just link your account from Facebook or Instagram and put the picture of choice on the face of the watch. Cost is about $44.

Give mom the gift of music. Stream music from up to 50 feet away with a wireless Bluetooth speaker. Most Bluetooth speakers produce a high quality of sound and have a rechargeable battery and cost anywhere from $20 – $200 and produce high quality sound from up to 50 feet away from your smartphone. Google Bluetooth speakers and choose something within your price range. JBL, Logitech make some really good products.

Maybe mom is into movies and TV Shows? Is there a series she’d like to get into or catch up? Maybe she has a list of movies she’d like to see. Apple TV will access to all of that, along with live sports, music, phots, videos and more. Enjoy, Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO or watch ESPN. Even connect your iPhone or iPad wirelessly. $99 at the Apple store.

Mother’s Day Home & Garden

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May 3, 2015

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

Mother’s Day is the one designated day a year that folks are really thinking about “Mom”. The perfect gift selection seems to elude a good portion of the population. Then, many men feel only their mothers deserve acknowledgement, not their wives (what a missed opportunity to make brownie points with the gal they made a mom).
So here goes – suggestions for celebrating her special day from one humble interior designer:

• Insert an IOU in her Mother’s Day card with any number of choices from planting that flower garden in the back yard or those colorful flowers on the front porch, to a garage, basement, or closet clean out that’s been long overdue. You might need the smelling salts, but when she recovers, you’ll definitely be on her good side.

• In a survey of all the moms in my office, I discovered that most wanted the family to join together in starting and finishing a special home project (painting a room, building or installing a closet or cabinet, setting up a mud room, packing up basement toys to give away, etc.)

• I also discovered that they wanted the family to be home – that’s right, HOME in one room together, no cell phones, no texting, no TV, no big restaurant event, just talking or playing a family game – in a room that was neat, clean, and organized (I know this one sounds impossible).

• Another great gift that I have given and received is a gallery of family pictures framed and ready to go up on an appropriate wall. Instead of decorating with the big box stores’ version of “art”, family memories can be celebrated and revisited by all who enter and truly personalize a home.

• “Mom” pillows and throws with her personal interest or sayings can bring a smile and also brighten a room at an affordable price.

• Are you up for giving Mom family brunch or dinner where everyone helps to prepare and clean up after?

• What about taking on simple chores like cleaning your room, making your bed, doing your own laundry, emptying the dishwasher, clearing the table, taking out the trash (Ok – maybe they’re simple but not easy for your family – but giving Mom this breather for a short while might actually turn into really good habits all the time!)

• And what about starting a family tree project? With all the great websites available and a little help from Mom, the gift of your own family history assembled and displayed in a lovely book can be a great gift for everyone and a treasured addition to your home.

• If Mom and Grandma live out of your area, scheduled chat or skype times (not just on Mother’s Day) are always appreciated.

• And last but not least – bring out that book filled with IOUs from past Mother’s Days. Maybe this year you’ll really surprise her and pay up!

So treasure your mom and theirs. Appreciate the home they have made for you and their influence on the home you have or will create for your own family. That’s something we all take with us for the rest of our lives. Happy Mother’s Day!

A Perfect Mother’s Day

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May 3, 2015

Mother’s Day is the ultimate day to show mom how much you appreciate her and everything she has done for you. It’s not always about spending money on gifts or flowers, it’s about showing your appreciation for her just through planning a well thought out day. If you really want to show how much you care, make the day memorable for her. Plan an itinerary, filled with places and/or events to visit throughout our beautiful Island. Here are a few ideas to plan for a perfect Mother’s Day.

Woodbury Country Club:
884 Jericho Tpke, Woodbury
516.692.6200
Surprise your mom with a visit to the lovely Woodbury Country club for brunch. Enjoy a full serviced buffet for $55 per person, children (5-10) $25, children under 4 free. If the weather permits, take a walk around the premise and take in their beautiful outdoor area. For more information, go to www.woodburycc.com. Call today to reserve!

Three Village Inn:
150 Main Street, Stonybrook
631.751.0555
Enjoy the small quaint historical village of Stony Brook at Three Village Inn for brunch. Treat your mom, $49 for adults, children age 10 and under are ½ price. Enjoy their grand buffet—seating times available from 11-6pm. Reservations are recommended. After brunch, take a walk around the town, browse the shops, visit the beautiful picturesque lake and take in all that Stony Brook village has to offer. For more information, go to www.threevillageinn.com.

Sparkling Pointe:
39750 County Rd. 48, Southold
631.765.0200
Celebrate Mother’s Day for the whole weekend at Sparkling Pointe. Saturday and Sunday, May 9th & 10th from 11-6pm, they will be hosting a great event in honor of Mother’s Day. It’s $25 per person ($20 for wine club members)—includes a glass of Sparkling Pink Rose and a sampling of NY State Artisanal Sweet Treats. This would make a great gift for moms who love to indulge in chocolate and wine. Call today to make a reservation. For more information go to www.sparklingpointe.com.

The Secret Garden:
225 Main Street, Port Jefferson
631.476.8327
This is the perfect place for any mom who appreciates and loves tea or a tea party theme. Enjoy a three-tiered food service, a pot of tea or a beverage of your choice while spending quality time with mom. Seating times are Saturday 11am or 1pm and Sunday 11am or 2pm. Reservations are required. Call now to book. For more information go to www.thesecretgardenandtearoom.com

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center:
431 East Main Street, Riverhead
631.208.9200 ext. 426
Book a brunch at the spectacular Sea Star Ballroom at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center. Seating’s are available for brunch at 10am, 12pm & 2pm with a large diverse menu. After brunch tour the aquarium and exhibits while making treasurable memories with mom. For more information, go to www.longislandaquarium.com.

8th Annual Craft & Gift Show:
Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Turnpike,
East Meadow
What better way to spend quality time with mom on her day? Shopping is a great activity to present to mom. Especially, spending time with her outdoors with a leisurely walk is a nice thing to do with mom. Eisenhower Park will be hosting the craft and gift show both Saturday and Sunday, May 8th & 9th at Field 8 from 10-6pm. There will be vendors with unique handcrafted and handpicked items, price ranges from $5-500. Pick a unique piece for her on your travels without breaking the bank. For more information, go to www.nassaucountycraftshows.com

Gifts for Mom to Inpsire Wellness

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May 3, 2015

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

Our mothers are special. They’ve inspired us, taught us and loved us. This Mother’s Day give mom the gift of wellness. Showing her your love by creating health and happiness, a gift that lasts more than just one day. Below are some gifts to inspire wellness and also sustainability by reducing carbon footprints. Using local businesses and resources serve our community and neighbors.

Massage
A relaxing and rejuvenating massage is a great present. A gift card to a local day spa, massage clinic or therapist is something mom can look forward to and schedule at her leisure. The benefits of massage are long lasting. Massage reduces stress, promotes circulation, relieves muscle and joint aches and raises mental wellbeing. Massages range from $60 an hour to $100+ depending on where you go and what type of massage you get. Most popular is deep tissue or Swedish but an extra special touch is a hot stone massage.

Facial
I get facials on a regular basis and it’s one of the treatments I swear by. Facials are relaxing but also have so many benefits for the skin. The professional aesthetician will help promote collagen production, exfoliate dead skin cells, extract clogged pores, help with circulation and apply products to heal and balance mom’s skin. She deserves to look and feel her best and glowing skin will help her do that. I recommend facials using natural and organic products. Teresa Ochoa of Natural Faces in Huntington is wonderful. 631-220-6408

Flowers
Simple in their beauty, flowers have the ability to make mom smile. Her favorite florist can make a beautiful bouquet that will outlast Mother’s Day. Even better, if mom gardens why not buy her a plant or bush she can add to her own garden. She will have it for years to come. One that attracts bees (they need our help), butterflies or hummingbirds is extra special.

Fruit Basket
An edible basket that is healthy too is always a plus. Fruit is the most natural sugar you can have with the added benefit of fiber. Some even come with chocolate covered fruit, a treat mom will love. Edible Arrangements and Stew Leonards online deliver.

Tickets to a Show
Making a memory together is priceless. This year I am taking my mom to a Broadway show. Tickets to an on or off Broadway show in the city has top-notch talent and right in our backyard. Closer still is The Paramount, Jones Beach or John W. Engman Theater that have great plays, music and comedy all year long.

Lunch or Dinner Out
Enjoying a beautiful brunch, lunch or dinner out is always a treat. No one cooks or cleans and you have time to focus on your time together. Life is going so fast these days, our time together is more important than ever. Ditch the cell phones and computers for the day and have a great time with mom who, let’s face it, just wants time with us. It’s a gift that is always on her wish list.

It’s Time for Tea!

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May 3, 2015

Arianna Johnson has A Bachelors Degree in English/Creative Writing from Dowling College. She is very passionate about writing and cooking and her goal is to become a food writer and cookbook author. Arianna can be reached at arianna.ruth.johnson@gmail.com

  The weather is nicer, the flowers are blooming, Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Why not think outside the box and try something different this year?
   A while back I saw an article on local places that serve high tea. I thought high tea was lost in time, only observed in England or five-star hotels in Manhattan. When I was younger, my grandmother would take me to her friends house, who happened to be English. She would serve afternoon tea almost every day. I would really only go for the sweeties, but I always thought the idea was nice. Besides the fact that I have a slight, odd obsession with Alice in Wonderland, I think bringing back teatime is a great idea. What better time for a tea party than Mother’s Day?
   First you need to pick out the perfect tea. You can order online or buy tea in the specialty aisle of the grocery store. There are also tea shops that can help you out. If you really want to get fancy, you can purchase a few different loose teas that you think will compliment each other and make your own blend. If you don’t want to go the traditional route of making hot tea, you can make a few different iced teas. There are some great ideas online using different kinds of simple syrups and fun garnishes. I love mint in green tea or putting rose petals and raspberries into white tea.
   Typically the offerings that accompany tea are small finger foods and may even be in pastry form. If you are trying to make a meal out this tea party, you will want a variety of sweet and savory foods. I think cucumber sandwiches are a must because they are light and refreshing, as well as lox sandwiches with dill crème fraiche on pumpernickel bread. You can also break tradition and make a nice, light salad with maybe some strawberries, goat cheese and candied walnuts or prepare a flatbread and cut into smaller pieces than you normally would; my favorite is caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and melted Gruyere garnished with thyme.
   You can’t forget about the sweet treats at the end. You can make your life easy and just go to your local bakery to pick up an array of goodies, such as cookies, scones and brownie bites. Or you can make a quick, simple dessert like one my mom makes, which is just squares of puff pastry with chocolate chips, chopped hazelnuts and shredded coconut wrapped up into a little pouch and baked until golden brown; they are especially yummy right out of the oven since they are hot and gooey.
   So, this Mother’s Day have all the moms in your life over for a tea party and “let them eat cake!”

Dishin with Denise… Mother’s Day… The GIft…

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May 3, 2015

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. 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.

  The story was always the same…I’d ask my Mother “what she would like as a gift for Mother’s Day?
Her answer was always the same “You” she just relished in spending time with her children. She would come over to my house with glee and anticipation hoping we would eat outdoors and talk the day away. Although she lived only 5 minutes away, she arrived as though she had reached her favorite vacation destination. Those memories of my mother and the endless days spent talking, laughing, and sharing meals were precious hours that set the foundation for my life in many ways.
   I now too want the same gift…first and foremost love of my family and the absolute joy that comes with time spent together, lessons learned from my Mother about the “gift”.
   She was thrilled if I made her favorite Sicilian dish. “Pasta con allecchi” a long honored, cultural family favorite.
   Tossed together from staples, this dish pays homage to tasty and thrifty Sicilian cuisine ~ just divine with that glass of wine.
   We would start out with some schnicky~schnacks (as my Mother would refer to the picking, i.e.: cheese, olives, dried sausage). The great part about Mother’s Day, it’s the beginning of our beautiful warm weather. Her eyes sparkled and her face glowed as she looked around and felt truly content to just be together. Celebrate the sunshine, with your Mom or any special Mom, and watch her embrace “the gift”.
   Focus on the meaningful essentials, and you’ll never go wrong. When the day was done she carried her gifts, cards, and flowers to the car and then hugged me so tight. Her belly was full and her heart content. The Gift! Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I miss you and the gift we shared!

Serving 3~4
1LB Perciatelli Pasta (long fatter strands of straight pasta with a hollow center running lengthwise to capture all the flavors)
1 Can San Marzano tomato blended
1 Small can tomato paste (to thicken)
1 Large Vidalia onion chopped
2 Cloves garlic (diced fine)
½ Cup of extra virgin olive oil plus extra
for drizzling when plated
1 Can of Anchovies
2/3 Cup of toasted bread crumbs
1 T or less of red pepper flakes
Fresh ground black pepper
Sea salt to taste
½ Cup toasted pignolis (optional)
½ Cup chopped fresh parsley
½ Cup fresh chopped basil
1 T butter

In a saucepan add chopped onions to olive oil and sauté until soft and caramelized, add diced garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovies until melted. (2 minutes) Add blended tomatoes and small can of paste. Cook on low for 30 minutes. Put on pot with salted water for boiling to aldente. Drain when done, reserve some pasta water. In fry pan add a drop of oil, butter, pignoli nuts and breadcrumbs over low flame toast to golden (careful not to burn.) Set aside. Mix pasta and sauce together on a low flame, mix breadcrumbs (reserve some for top. Add fresh basil and parsley, salt and pepper. Drizzle with extra olive oil. Done! Now Enjoy!

Summer Camp Programs with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

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April 19, 2015

	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.
The World at Your Fingertips: Summer Camp Programs with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County How many of you reading this have enjoyed summer camp over the years? Swimming, fishing, hiking, crafts, and more are all part of the experience, as is the forging of lifelong friendships. The camps at Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s (GSSC) two scenic locations offer more than just a basic camp experience, they offer an opportunity to, with a little imagination, see the world! This past year, GSSC proudly launched its state-of-the-art Discover World STEM Center, providing a place for young girls (and boys during camp season) to come explore, learn and embrace math and the sciences. Located at Camp Sobago, in Yaphank, NY, the STEM Center is a first-rate, hands-on approach to exploring the world of STEM through experiments and demonstrations, special guest presentations and field trips. Participating in camp or school year programs at the STEM Center can be a virtual tour of the world. It gives participants the opportunity to learn about physics – and, perhaps, develop a passion that will take them to Switzerland to see the CERN Supercollider. Maybe one camper, hungry to learn about math or science will, in her travels, plan a visit to Greece to see the birthplace of modern science and mathematics. Italy could be the top choice for a visit for any young student who finds Leonardo Da Vinci, the ultimate Renaissance man, a hero beyond any other. Attending STEM Camp at Camp Sobago also includes local field trips, providing campers with an opportunity to see and experience venues all throughout Long Island. GSSC’s girls-only Camp Edey offers campers two opportunities – Journey to Adventure for girls in grades 1-6 and Teen-Ventures for those in grades 7-9. In Journey to Adventure, campers participate in activities around a different theme each week. Campers learn about an array of topics, each of which is designed to teach, inspire and create an experience that feels like a journey to another part of the world. What could be more exciting than a camp experience that awakens a desire to see the world and all it has to offer – from the Amazon to the Artic? Teen-Ventures takes girls on trips all around the region and into NYC. Sparking a ‘travel bug’ by opening their eyes to a sampling of what the Long Island and NYC have to offer, Teen-Ventures brings emerging adolescents on day trips throughout Nassau, Suffolk and NYC! GSSC campers enjoy all we have come to know about attending camp – fishing, paddle boating, swimming, mini golf, sports, nature and STEM activities, and games. Yet, GSSC goes beyond the typical to create a spark in girls and young women. Participants learn they can become scientists, mathematicians, or engineers. Further, they learn that there is much to see in this world, both on Long Island and far beyond. Today’s campers might be tomorrow’s world travelers or scientific researchers…and it can all begin at camp with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.

Top 10 secrets to being a NEW Thought Business Owner that succeeds BIG, regardless of the economy.

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April 19, 2015

Connie D. Henriquez is the fun, upbeat Health & Life Coach Expert and CEO of the premier lifestyle brand "Start Loving Life® ”; the most sought after, ridiculously simple, cutting edge life coaching philosophy of the personal development industry. For more information on how YOU can start living an AMAZING life, please visit: Users/Connie Henriquez/Desktop/Blog/startlovinglife.com startlovinglife.com or call (631) 730-6434 to schedule your appointment today!

Long gone are the days of overbearing fear-based management. Yeah it still exists, but know that if you’re that type of leader your team secretly despises you and counts the days until your demise…which is usually inevitable. A tad harsh I know, but if you want to stop being the boss that everyone cannot stand I recommend you adopt some “New Thought” start loving life ways fast…Here goes…

• Be consistent. So many people in leadership roles are bi-polar. They are sweet as pie when biz is good, but watch out when biz gets tough. You can go from winner to loser real quick. You never know what the day will bring. #Managerfail. Consistency is HUGE. As a leader you set the tone for everything. BE the BELIEVER in the success always and your teams will follow through great biz or crap biz. Believe long enough and success follows it always does…

• Focus on your people’s strength only. Don’t try to turn operational Sally Sue into a social salesperson. It’s not her strength. And I can guarantee you she will be miserable for trying. Instead keep “Social Sara” selling and have “Operational Sally Sue” type up the orders. Problem solved. Always, always focus on what they are good at and if they want to learn something new they will let you know.

• Be open to questions. Any questions. No question is dumb and if you think so, you’re dumb. A leader thrives on their team learning. Being open to questions allows your team to feel comfortable and safe without the fear of judgment. It also allows for projects to be completed more thoroughly because when in doubt they don’t just do, they ask.
• Be freakin happy. Set the tone. Bring the party. Don’t be a dud of a leader. You want your team to thrive off your energy and use that as the benchmark for attitude.

• Don’t take life seriously. Seriously. Life is supposed to fun, work is supposed to be fun, make it ALL fun. When you view the world in a fun way, the solutions to all of your problems appear much quicker. Making a BIG hairy deal about problems prevents the solution from coming. Nothing serious is ever going on. Ever.

• Be Nice. It takes more courage to be nice than to freak out or fly off the handle. This pertains to everything. Everything is always working out for you, so stop trying to control everything and everyone.

• Laugh. Find any and EVERY reason to laugh. Laughing makes the soul sing.

• Be honest. If you are in a position you have to carry out something you totally don’t agree with. Be honest. They’ll appreciate knowing it wasn’t your idea and give the ridiculousness credit to the person who deserves it.

• Trust and respect is huge. Respect your team enough to give them the benefit of the doubt always. Everyone is doing the best they can so don’t assume the worst. Instead, have a conversation about whatever it is with the intention of moving on from it quickly.

• LOVE, LOVE and LOVE. LOVE your team for all they are now AND for all that they are becoming. Be open to loving them, encouraging them and be the ONE to believe in them even before they are able to believe in themselves.

Remember: People work for people,
not companies…
LOVE your people and success will
surely follow…

Sad Grads: 5 Steps to Getting a Great Job Once You Have Your Sheepskin

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April 19, 2015

Don Benenson, SPHR, is the owner of MVP Resumes. He has over 30+ years of corporate HR experience and happily helps clients with resume
preparation and interviewing skills. He can be reached at 631. 428. 5877 or at mvpresumes@yahoo.com

More on my doorstep than ever before. As a professional resume writer and job coach, I’ve witnessed a significant increase in the amount of college graduates coming to me for help. As I work with college grads, as well as college students looking for internships, here are some of the topics on our hit list.

Write a Compelling Resume
By day’s end, most HR recruiters and hiring professionals are popping Advil’s like M&M’s. Who wouldn’t after hours of reading such scintillating entries as, “responsible for customer service” or “maintained customer database”? You can just see them yawning at their desks.

You don’t get hired based on what you did or do. You get hired based on how you made wherever you worked a more successful company. Show the reader diamonds…not duds. Here are a couple of illustrative examples.

• Provided exemplary customer service leading to high customer retention and high levels of customer referrals.
• Improved office efficiency by meticulous record keeping and high levels of accuracy in maintaining the customer database.

Network to Learn and Maybe a Job Might
Surface
When I worked in the corporate world, I’d get calls from a variety of individuals looking for jobs. I’d also got calls from college grads that were interested in learning about my field, the skills needed for success, the type of entry-level jobs that were good springboards for their next career move, etc. I was much more willing to talk to them. Several were so impressive regarding their inquiries, their knowledge of my employer, the industry, and the profession, that they left me no choice but to ask them to submit their resume. So, get on the phones boys and girls and ask for mentoring and guidance and not a job. You’ll be amazed how many positive responses you’ll get.

Be a Big Fish in a Small Pond
Don’t just think about working for large firms and poo-poo the incredible benefits of starting off your career with companies with employee populations between 100 to 2,000 employees. If you get hired, you’ll have a lot on your plate with most likely diverse duties and more importantly, significant responsibility. In working for the “little guys”, you go from being the microscopic spec you’d be at a big employer to a very noticeable “player” in terms of visibility to upper management. And, that’s huge! Finally, this is where the action is. Smaller employers have more of the “Google-like vibe” than the big companies. In the end, the more things you can say you’ve done, the more options you’ll have regarding your next career move. Small companies provide greater opportunities to have “skin in the game”.

Never Turn Down an Interview and Read
Everything You Can About How to Ace Them
I conduct interview coaching with all levels of individuals. Coming across as a rock star in an interview is part science and part gift. Of course you need to be prepared for all potential questions, but don’t give short shrift to the quality of questions you’ll have the opportunity to ask at the end. I always looked to hire employees who were “intellectually curious” and the biggest test was the quality of questions they asked when it was their turn. This is not a quantity issue; its quality.

Study the Industry, the Competition and
Where Things Are Going. Be “In the Know”
You’re up against fierce competition so even though you are out of school, “go to school”. Whether it’s during the phone or in person interview, show off that you’ve done more than just visit the company’s website. You really want to work here? Then tell me where we rank in the industry, or what the press says about us, or how we go to market! If you want a career at my company then sound the part!

I am confident that these steps will help college grads and those seeking internships to get in the door and then close it in their favor once in. Happy job hunting!

Spring… What To Wear?

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April 19, 2015

Beth Drucker is a Published Fashion Designer and Illustrator. She is an Adjunct Professor of Fashion Design at Nassau CC, and has taught at F.I.T., Parsons The New School for Design, and LIHSA. Beth also currently teaches at The Art League of L.I., and Gallery North. www.arielcreations.com

Everyone knows, the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Is it raining, windy, sunny and dry……we never know, as Spring is a time of transition. So: what to wear?
   The best way to dress is in layers right now. This way you can add or remove pieces as needed. While it is still cool out, it’s wise to have a lightweight coat, jacket or cardigan on hand. Scarves are always great way to add warmth or color any time of year. Just switch to fabric or lightweight choices.
   One thing you can be pretty sure of in Spring is rain. A few key items you may want to to keep on hand as wardrobe staples are rain slickers or trench coats. Rain boots can be a good idea, however be careful to buy rain boots with a rugged sole to keep from slipping! You can always throw a pair of flats or pumps in your bag, when you get inside. Fun baseball caps come in handy for rain and wind as well, but If you don’t want “Hat hair” purchase spring coats or trenches equipped with hoods, so you are ready for the weather. Rain ponchos that can be folded into small bags are available now, as well as disposable ponchos. Nobody knows what mother nature has in mind in Spring, and of course umbrellas are always handy!
   You will also want to brighten your color scheme. I think most of us are tired of dark winter colors and heavy fabrics. You can easily do this by adding colorful, lighter tops, bottoms and accessories to your black basics. Start thinking about re-introducing lighter weight tops and bottoms to your wardrobe, but keep your tights or leggings on hand. When it comes to pants, you may wish to introduce capri length slacks or jeans to lighten your look. Canvas sneakers, running shoes or simple pumps work too, depending on what you are dressing for. Sandals and shorts are usually a month or two away. The key colors this spring are Blues, greens, red, and peach. Of course neutrals work all year long. Gray is this season’s neutral color. I usually take a cue from the prints I like, to decide which solid colors to add. You can never have too many tee shirts, so buy or add what you like to offset the darker colors of winter. I think 3/4 sleeves are perfect for spring!
   This year Shirtwaist and Wrap dresses are important, along with tunics with lightweight leggings or flouncy skirts with colorful socks as an accent. Keep your jeans skinny. Your pants or capris can be wider depending on your own personal style. People usually like to lighten their make-up as well. Light, bright colored eye shadow (especially blue) are all the rage, and lipsticks are on the pink or peachy side. Hairstyles are simple, and have a carefree look and feel. Remember, Spring has a lighter “feel” all the way around.

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