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After Summer Skin
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| The long steamy sun kissed days of summer and red-hot sunsets have simmered down. The sun may have left an impression not only on our vacation but also on our skin. Post summer is a great time to lighten age spots, soften and exfoliate rough skin, and to reverse any sun damage that the skin endured. Whether we covered up or not, spots and freckles just seem to muscle their way onto our skin. They may appear on the face, the neck, the décolleté, arms and legs. The best defense to irradiate these spots is a professional strength glycolic acid. You can find professional strength without a prescription in creams or lotions that will help treat discoloration. Be sure to use the right product based on your skin type. A trip to the cosmetic counter is worth an evaluation of your skin type. Exfoliate! Skin is always going to get some dryness and dullness after the summer heat. When your skin surface is covered with dry dead cells it needs more than a deep hydrating formula moisturizer to make skin feel soft again. It’s so important to exfoliate with a soft salux cloth or a buff puff in order to let the moisturizer absorb into porous skin. Moisturizers should always include a non-irritating uva protection. A high concentration of vitamin C can also help support skin healing and lighten hyperpigmentation. Eating matters. While the summer creates seasonal indulgences at bbq’s, frosty drinks, and icy/frozen deserts, its time to start adding more water, water, water and more water! Add lots of veggies, whole foods, and fiber and try to minimize sugar intake. So much of our outside appearance is a byproduct of our systemic health and of course genetics play a role. However we can do our part to give ourselves the best chance to look and feel great. The more we maintain our daily diligence and role with the changing seasons; we can make a difference and see great improvements in our skin. VENeffect has an incredible firming neck & décolleté cream that will be sure to make a firm difference. The goal of the “venus effect” is to reverse lost elasticity while using 100% natural plant based phytoestrogens to safely and effectively preserve and restore the youthful glow of healthy vibrant skin. www.veneffect.com has a wealth of beauty tips and solutions to enlighten women with knowledge. Easing out of summer and preparing for the cooler weather ahead doesn’t have to be a dreadful task, resulting in half used creams and lotions piled under the sink never to be used again. |
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Dishin with Denise… Rock On Back To School With Lasagna Rolls
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 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. |
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It’s hard to believe it’s “Back to School” time already! How did it fly by so quickly? You gaze at your children, and see that healthy, golden, sun glow kiss on their skin, they look a bit taller, and just a tad older and perhaps more mature. Using this summer season as a measurement of growth that occurred in less than 10 weeks~ you’ll know~ they will be all grown in the blink of an eye. Like me, then you will see all the younger parents running around school shopping, buying clothes, new sneakers, supplies, getting haircuts, etc! You will stop, feel a pull at your heartstring and reminisce… WOW~ just how quickly those years rushed by. Of course we learn these things through hindsight sometimes rather than during the times of busy~ ness! Trust me, show the passion through your action. What you do speaks loud. Let your children know through you, that it was truly wonderful to have those lazy family filled days of summer. Then prepare them emotionally for the new challenges of going back to begin a new school year. I bring you back into the kitchen. Prepare this meal over a few days, if time is scarce. One day make your marinara, (or use a good jar sauce~ this 1 time only) Make your béchamel sauce and refrigerate till ready. Then the day before school, make your filling, roll your lasagna rolls and get ready to share a meal fit for a King or Queen! An easy and delicious meal, to roll them on back into their ABC’s. Béchamel sauce 12-15 dry Lasagna noodles (I use Barilla brand) Add noodles to a large boiling pot of salted water add 2 T of olive oil to water. Boil for 8-10 minutes, rinse with cold water, drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a bowl mix together Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch microwaveable dish. Pour béchamel sauce on bottom of pan. Place approx 3 T of mixture on lasagna sheet and roll each noodle like a jellyroll. Lay rolls on top of béchamel sauce, cover with your marinara sauce. Sprinkle with a bit more grated cheese, parsley and basil. Cover with a glass top or saran wrap. Can refrigerate for a day. When ready microwave for 5~6 minutes, until bubbling hot. Now I bring you back outdoors while the air still say’s Summer! Serve a fresh salad, some crispy bread and watch their smiling faces look happy and distracted for just that enjoyable mealtime~ with no regard about how they need to set their alarm clocks again! Good job by you~ Great job ahead for them! Happy Back to School! XO Denise |
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Back To School & Work With Intention
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 Kristin has been working in the natural products industry for over fifteen years as an expert in holistic beauty products, nutrition and supplements. Also a fitness instructor, she is passionate about the mental and physical benefits of fitness and encourages people to reach their goals while having fun. She just completed her first book, a memoir. Follow her on Twitter @kristinjoylavin or visit her website: www.kristinjoylavin.com |
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The words “back to school” stir up varied emotions; excitement, anxiety, nervousness, relief and even dread. No matter what your outlook on it is, setting an intention can bring desired results and lessen anxiety. For adults going back to work, summer’s end can bring up similar feelings. Children and adults can benefit from the power of intention or as it is frequently called manifestation. It is the fulfillment of our desires and intentions coming to fruition. This can be scholastic, nutrition, health, mental and social desires from a parent’s or kid’s point of view. Of course, just wishing isn’t enough, we need actions behind the intention. It makes them all the more powerful. Overcome the social anxiety of returning to school or work. Intention: I will eat delicious foods that are good for my body and my brain. Nutritional support can help. Setting intentions with your kids is a great way to open a conversation about concerns and issues while addressing them with positivity and solutions. The connection to positive thoughts will have outlasting effects for both adults and kids and can be applied to all aspects of life. |
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Take Down Post Its
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 Bill Lauto is an Environmental Scientist and Energy Consultant who has been teaching how we can save our money, energy, environment, and health, since 1982. Mr. Lauto operates GoingTrueGreen.com and his work has been published in magazines such as: Consumer Report, Kiplinger's Financial and Business Ethics. |
| Look around, do you see some piece of paper with a note to others or one self as a reminder. They mostly get posted all over the kitchen, class room, dorm room, workshop, phone, or desk, and they cost us big time in Money and Trees. Why do we spend so much money and waste so much paper all in the name of facilitating "note leaving" endeavors by each one of us? Never fear, the money and environmental saving way is here! You will never need to buy post up notes again or use a single tree for some scrap paper. The cost savings for you can be done by just realizing how many packs are purchased each year. For the average family of four, a $10.00 five pack will last around four months. If you buy the Pop-Up style, you only get three pads for that price and if you like assorted colors you'll be paying almost $20.00 for six pads. Multiply how many packs are used per year and you'll probably save at least enough to see a movie with snacks for two. So the "other way" that can eliminate note paper, is by using various sized and functional chalk boards. Remember that chalk today is dust-less and different sized blackboards have backs that are stick-on, mounting, hanging, or magnetized to stick on the refrigerator door. They also come in beautiful frames, decorative mounts, and in a small easel stand that is perfect for counter tops. In addition, if your work place has those marker boards where jobs are planned out and notes are posted, ask the following questions: Are chemical markers mostly used and if so, what kind of ink or chemicals are in those markers? Does your marker boards or white board wash away cleanly or does the marker residue slowly build up changing your white board into a "not so white" board that now has post it notes all over the board? You won't have any of the above problems when using dustless chalk and a good quality blackboard of various sizes around the office and home. Along with your Reminder app on your cell phone, Evernote app on iOS devices, the "stickies" or "sticky notes" on your computer, you can eliminate the need to use chemical markers or post its notes, thus saving money for ourselves and our environment for our grandchildren. When you stop to think about our note leaving endeavors, you realize what post up notes gave us… One of the largest waste of paper and ink world wide. Did we really "need" this product to accomplish our note leaving tasks or were we told that we "wanted" this product? This is just another example of the public being sold a "bill of goods" that hurts our environment, wastes our money, and uses up more energy. So recycle those chemical markers, take down your post up notes or scrap paper with tape, and put up a good old blackboard. You see, living a more sustainable life is easy while saving money, energy, and earth. |
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Ways To Reduce Stress As The School Year Approaches
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 Dr. Paulette Nadel, Ed.D. is a professional academic counselor with a private practice specializing in school stress and test anxiety. You can visit her website at www.TestStressHelp.com or reach her at DrPaulette@aol.com or 516-445-2104. |
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While we are still enjoying summer, back to school time will be here before we know it. The start of the new school year brings excitement but it can also bring anxiety. Anxiety and school stress are something that parents should be aware of and look for as the new school year begins. Students may experience anxiety at transition times. For example, kindergarteners starting school for the first time may feel anxious and nervous. They may complain of stomach aches, bad dreams, or cry or just say they don’t want to go to school. This is quite common. Students transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school may actually feel the same anxiety and complain of the same symptoms. What can parents do to help their children through this period? Actually there are several things parents can do. Most of time when students are anxious they fear the unknown. They don’t know what the new situation will be like. Parents can ease this by preparing their children. Make several visits, if possible, to the new school prior to the first day. Try to visit the classroom and take a tour of the building. For kindergarteners there are books about the first day of school that can be very helpful. A visit to the library or the bookstore is worthwhile. If the student has older siblings or cousins that can sit and discuss their experiences and what to expect in a calm relaxed manner, this can be very valuable as well. Emphasize the positive. Pointing out to students how exciting it will be to make new friends, experience fun new situations, and learn exciting new things, will all help to alleviate the stress and anxiety. Additionally, letting students know how proud you are and how proud they will be of themselves can be very rewarding and motivating. Talking with children is important. If they have fears let them tell you what they are afraid of. Your reassurance, love and support are very important. Patience and communication are necessities. |
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School Days
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 You can see John Salustri’s furniture designs at harborwoodfurniture.com. You can also email him at john@harborwoodfurniture.com |
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Those of us with a bit more snow on the roof (translation: senior citizens) might remember an old video of Bing Crosby (OK, a VERY old video) singing White Christmas against a snowy backdrop (Bing Crosby video fun fact: In those pre-environmental days, the snow they were using was asbestos). I bring this up only because that iconic seasonal song was recorded in the summer. So here I am in shorts and sandals in the middle of July writing a back-to-school column. But this is not about kids or what to wear or handling peer pressure or how much your precious young’un should tip the limo driver (This is the north shore of Long Island, after all). Nope. I’d like to address the above-mentioned older folks if I could. It’s time for you too to go back to school. I am a huge proponent of continuing adult education and for a variety of reasons. Take out your notepads as I write them on the board (and remember I have eyes in the back of my head): 1: Taking adult classes takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges your brain. Be honest now, even the most challenging of jobs has a bit of rote and regularity built into it. We define ourselves as accountants or writers or doctors or bus drivers. But these narrow descriptions are not the sum total of our capabilities or interests. 2: Taking adult classes takes you out of your rut. One of the toughest things to do is come home from work, have dinner and then get up to attend a new two-hour class. But it’s another form of exercise, and just like your exercise routine, once you break through that first wall of resistance, you will actually begin to look forward to it. 3: Taking adult classes puts you in touch with a passion you might have for something other than your full-time job. Want to hone your skills as a cook? Looking for a place to share your thoughts on a new book? How about a creative writing course? 4: Taking adult classes exposes you to other adults who share similar interests, a much-needed social interaction in this always-plugged-in, rarely-in-touch culture of ours. I’ve said this before, but there is nothing social about social media. Communication, companionship, friendship. None of these reaches full flower via text. Go out and experience someone else. 5: All of the above combine to refresh your spirit for the work and stresses and responsibilities of whatever else absorbs your time and energy. It’s counter-instinctive to believe that adding yet another thing to our overcrowded daily calendar could have a positive effect. News flash: It does. And yes, this is a teacher who not only teaches but does. Over the years I have taken advantage of a variety of adult courses, from how to run a bed-and-breakfast to voice-over training (and have a fairly active sideline as the result of this latter experience). The possibilities are truly endless and it takes just a bit of research on your part, and maybe a minimal cost, to set the wheels in motion. The best place to start is your local library. When was the last time you even walked into one? They put out regular calendars of courses that kids and adults can take, and the variety is pretty wide. BOCES as well has a list that you can tap into and, for a few more dollars, scout out the offerings of local colleges. You can also start with a web search. Define your interests and get going. You’ll be well rewarded. Then the only question that will remain is what to tip the limo driver. |
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End of Summer Getaways
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 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. |
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As the clock ticks down on August, families everywhere are enjoying outdoor activities, soaking up moment at the beach or in the backyard, and preparing for the first day of school. The warm days of summer are numbered and, for many, one last getaway is in order. The question becomes, “Where should we go?” Here are some options for a weekend of fun: Coco Key, Waterbury, CT – Waterparks are a big hit with families, especially during the warmer months. Coco Key is an indoor waterpark destination, an easy drive away to Connecticut, with the ability to entertain your family all year around. The 50,000 sq. foot water park area provides seemingly endless fun. There is a special area for little ones, an adventure river and an array of water rides to entertain young and old alike. Washington DC – Our nation’s capital sets the scene for a vacation to inspire those with a flair for history and a sense of patriotism. Meander around the city to see the White House, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, among the great sites. The Smithsonian Museums include eleven museums featuring art, sculpture and U.S. artifacts and memorabilia, along with the National Zoo. Choose one or choose several to learn about American history. Accommodations in Washington DC include everything from economy lodges to boutique hotels and luxury locations. Choose one that is right for your budget and near where you plan to explore. Traffic in DC is difficult, so plan to do a lot of walking in comfortable shoes. Cape May, NJ – If your family is longing for a quiet stay in a historic city, with pristine beaches and water activities (boating, water skiing, etc.), Cape May is a great choice. With bed & breakfasts, small hotels or house rentals from which to choose, this charming Landmark Historic city offers a warm welcome to its visitors – families, friends and couples. Stop in to see the Cape May Lighthouse, hop on a day charter to see dolphins or whales, or take the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour. If your vacation itinerary includes a lot less, take a yoga class and enjoy a walk along the beautiful shoreline, before enjoying a great meal. Smugglers’ Notch, VT – Though a bit further away, Smugglers’ Notch is a family getaway that offers activities through all four seasons. In the summertime, families have an array of activities to try. Feeling adventurous? Why not try zip lining, mountain biking or fly boarding. There is also a great water park, arts & craft activities, hiking, canoeing, fishing and more. There are teen programs as well as child care for the youngest vacationers. These locations are only a few among the many options within driving distance for Long Islanders to grab a quick escape. Check websites for special deals and read reviews to see what families like yours have had to say. Make the most of these special days before school begins and everyone is back to work. Family time is special time. Enjoy every minute! |
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Help Kids Handle Bullying
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(NAPSI)—There’s good news, bad news and better news when it comes to children being bullied. The good news is that the incidence of bullying among teens is at an all-time low. The bad news is that one in five kids still experiences bullying. The better news is that there are steps that parents, teachers and others can take to prevent the problem. What To Do About Bullying 1. Spend at least 15 minutes a day talking with your child. Research shows this can build the foundation for a strong relationship, boost your children’s confidence and build effective strategies for facing bullying—whether children are being bullied, engaging in bullying or witnessing bullying. 2. Know what’s going on at school, who their friends are and any challenges they face. Read class newsletters and school flyers. Check the school website, go to school events, meet teachers and counselors at “Back to School” night. Know how to reach the parents of classmates. 3. Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they are feeling unsafe or are bullied, or see others being bullied. The adult can give comfort, support and advice, even if he or she can’t solve the problem directly. Sharing concerns and fears with a safe and caring adult can bring about meaningful solutions. 4. Talk about how to stand up to kids who bully. Give tips, including using humor and saying “stop” directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, such as walking away or seeking help from an adult. 5. Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or groups of other kids. 6. Urge kids to help others who are bullied by showing kindness or getting assistance from an adult. 7. Model treating others with kindness and respect. Kids learn by observing adults. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, kids watch how adults manage stress and conflict, as well as how they treat their friends, colleagues and families. By treating others with kindness and respect, adults demonstrate healthy communication and behavior. 8. Have your kids take part in activities, interests and hobbies in and outside of school. This will give them a chance to have fun and meet others with the same interests, building confidence and friendships. 9. Get help from the mobile app KnowBullying. Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that deals with substance abuse and mental illness. Learn More: |
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Back To School Fashions 2015
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 Rachael Severino is an incoming 9th grade school student at Sachem North High School in the Sachem School District. Though still quite young, this aspiring writer has a knack for the written word. She has penned several short stories and poems, and is working on her first novel. |
| As August draws to a close and September begins, children will be heading back to school. Aside from school supplies, students are shopping for new outfits. 2015 is incorporating some old trends and creating new ones. For younger children (kindergarten to the start of middle school), it’s about bright colors and elaborate patterns. Surprisingly, the main color for this year is mustard. It’s quite the contrast to brightly colored clothing. Layered clothing is a popular style for this year. It will be seen more when temperatures drop, giving boys and girls a comfortable, warm, trendy look. Backpacks for children have wild patterns and bright colors, mimicking clothing trends. For little ones, expect to see beloved characters like Captain America, Minions, Disney Princesses and My Little Pony on backpacks, supplies and tees. For teenage boys, you will see neutrals with peeks of colors. Basics for boys’ this year include the ever popular denim, in regular or dark wash and colorful colors. Hoodies have long been a must for most teenage boys. They’re comfortable and often have patterns or designs. This year, the new style features pockets and the inside of the hood in bright colors, with the rest of the sweatshirt in a dark color. Graphic t-shirts have been, and continue to be, a steady trend for boys. They usually have designs from cartoons, TV shows, or movies. They may feature a favorite band. Graphic tees enable guys to show some of their interests and could help strike up a conversation. The shoes boys are buying are Jordan’s, LeBron’s or Nike. For a slightly less mainstream look, there is Converse. Teenage girls also have earth tones readily available, with little pops of purple, pink and blue. A long standing fashion staple has been leggings. They’re comfortable and go with everything. Graphic tees are also a big trend for girls. They have band members, characters, and witty sayings that will likely earn her some compliments. For a softer look, skirts are being shown in all different colors and patterns. They can be worn with tights or thigh high socks during the winter. Lace is still quite popular and comes in several colors or tradition white. Skinny jeans or jeans, in general, are a common bottom shown in stores everywhere that can be worn with just about anything. Flannels are both extremely comfortable and fashionable. They can be worn many ways to match multiple types of personalities. Footwear shown includes high boots and Converse sneakers. Both are comfortable choices and add some fashion flare. Be sure to decorate your locker this time of year as well. With trendy shelves, mirrors, mini chandeliers, organizers and more, you can create a space at school that is both functional and fashionable. Locker décor is available where you buy school supplies, some party stores, and, of course, online. With all these trends in mind, don’t forget to wear what makes you happy. Dress to impress yourself, no one else. |
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Hershey Park… Make The Most Out of Your Summer Vacation
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| The beach or an amusement park? Have you struggled between these two destinations while you are planning your vacation? If you have ever visited Hershey, PA you know that both are available in the same location at Hersheypark, the 120- acre theme park that boasts 70 rides and attractions and includes The Boardwalk at Hersheypark in the one-price admission. With thirteen exhilarating roller coasters, 14 refreshing water rides, daily live entertainment, fun family games, select retail shops and scrumptious food and beverages, Hersheypark has it all. Since we are in those “dog days” of August, Hersheypark is the perfect family destination. The Boardwalk was built in 2007 to celebrate the Park’s Centennial and, at that time, was the single largest investment in the Park’s history. Since many Park guests visit the beaches of the Northeast, The Boardwalk pays tribute to Ocean City, MD; Atlantic City, NJ; Coney Island, NY and Rehoboth Beach, DE. In 2009 an addition brought more water and new attractions for guests. Today there are 14 unique water attractions that offer something for all ages. Sandcastle Cove and Shoreline Sprayground are designed for the younger guests and provide opportunities to discover the fun of water play. • East Coast Water Works, the centerpiece of The Boardwalk, offers a wide variety of unique elements, including more than 225 feet of bridges, seven slides, two crawl tunnels, and nearly 200 interactive water toys. This zero-depth entry attraction is perfect for the whole family to experience together. • If you are looking for action and thrills, choose from one of six action-packed water slides that take you from the top of the ride platform into a 3 ½ foot deep splash pool in mere seconds! • When it’s time to relax, families can enjoy Intercoastal Waterway, a 2 ½ foot deep lazy river with 24,000 square feet of water area perfect for laying back on the larger inner tubes and just floating away the day. • It really does take a full day to enjoy all the water play and then another day to tackle the “dry” Park. • All the action seems to bring out the appetite and Hersheypark offers a wide array of food and beverage choices from ice cream to pizza to burgers and fries. New this year are Moe’s Southwest Grill, the first location inside an amusement park and Makin’ Whoopie Pies, where you can create-your-own whoopie pie from a selection of cake and filling flavors and have it made right in front of you. Food allergies seem to be on the rise so also new this year is The Outpost offering guests with food allergies and their families a great place to eat together. • Additional information on the Park and the town of Hershey, which is a year-round destination, can be found on HersheyPA.com. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.