 |
|
|
For many families, some of the most anticipated summertime activities happen around the pool. But before you dive into the fun, be sure you and your family know the many ways to practice pool safety. Sun Safety Don't forget the sunscreen! Water Safety Don't assume "salt water" pools are better or easier Tips for keeping water balanced Here's how to test:
Swim Safety 3 facts about "salt water" pools (Family Features) |
|
 |
 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. |
| I recently made a trip to my dermatologist, to discuss some of my skincare concerns. She explained that things shift and become somewhat altered on our bodies, over time. Thankfully, all is well – just the “natural progression of aging”. I showed her a small mark, on what used to be my hip. She called it a “mark of wisdom”, a “barnacle of life”, as it were. She said there was even a brochure about it. I asked if they offered something stiff to drink, while reading it. Whatever happened to “ignorance is bliss”? We laughed, but we agreed, the alternative was worse, undoubtedly. It feels like after the age of twenty-one, things start declining at rapid speed. All of a sudden, it would seem, we begin to notice little changes in our bodies, from appearance to performance. We tend to brush it off, thinking: “How can this be? After all, I’m still so young!” Then, one morning, we wake to find we’re feeling just a little stiff. When we arrive at the bathroom mirror, we see someone who looks likes us, but bears a striking resemblance to an older relation (insert whomever we tend to favor, physically). Twenty to thirty years, hence, we just may be viewing their reflection in our mirror! Not long ago, I remember marveling at the contortionists we saw at the circus. I kept thinking: “How can they do that? They are so nimble and flexible!” I can barely sit “Indian Style” on the carpet, for a board game with my daughter. Something is definitely wrong with this picture! All things considered, aging is a fact of life. You need to be living long enough to start to experience it. One can either embrace it and “age gracefully”, or go “kicking and screaming” (as best you can), but make no mistake, you’re going! I vacillate, depending on the day, the circumstance and the lighting in the room. Vanity is a fragile thing. All the logic in the world can’t explain away our feelings of dismay, disbelief and genuine sorrow over losing (even just a little) of what we always felt, believed or imagined to be true for ourselves. The cruel irony, is that just when we get to an age whereupon we begin to appreciate the unique qualities we (physically) posses, they begin to diminish, ever so subtly, but noticeably, still. The lesson to be learned is to celebrate oneself, at all ages. The essence of who we are will always remain. We need to be wise enough to know that. While youth may indeed, be wasted on the young, the wisdom we obtain as we age, must be cherished. The people we become through our life experiences, can pave the way for a healthier, happier and more fulfilling future, for ourselves and for generations, to come. |
|
 |
 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 |
| I’ll never forget my first college dorm experience. I had read the brochure. I was smart. I was organized. I was ready to take my first-born to the nether-land of higher learning in style. Was I ever clueless! Today, I look back and chuckle. But no one, absolutely no one, designer included, can imagine how small a dorm room shared by two students, two beds, two desks, one infinitesimal closet, a refrigerator, a microwave (if allowed), mounds of books, luggage, computer equipment and sundry other clothing and necessities can be. Maybe you can when you realize how unbelievably small they are with nothing in them! So here are some tips (from someone who’s been there) to help the “getting ready and setting up a viable dorm room” stage of life for you and your college bound student. If you can, try to get the size of the assigned room in advance. If by some good fortune you can get information on the size of the bed or other provided furniture, as well as closet space, you’re ahead of the game. Lay out the room on graph paper and think vertically. A clever arrangement we devised for David and later, Jason was to raise the bed (or mattress) above the dresser drawers and storage area to maximize floor space. Next, find inexpensive but workable organizers to utilize every area of closet space, including the back of the door. Choose clothes carefully and make sure your college student gets a lesson in doing laundry as well as judiciously organizing drawer and hanging space. Desk and study areas are most important. If sharing a room, back to back desks may provide more space for both students to work and allow for wall shelving for textbooks and other materials, while being a natural room divider. Before buying bed linens, remember to ask if the dorm mattress is “extra-long”. You will need to buy sheets to fit. Consider buying a “husband”-not the kind you marry, but the kind you lean back against on the floor or in bed for reading or studying. Find a great toiletry organizer for your student to carry back and forth to their designated shower area, and if they are inclined, shower slippers, as well. When you arrive in town, locate the nearest hardware store for incidentals. You may need to hang a fixture, buy a window treatment, or make repairs in a hurry. Then kiss your grown-up college kids goodbye and wait for the dirty laundry to come home at first break. Here’s the good news. You won’t have to see what their dorm room became twenty-four hours after you headed home to clean up the room they left behind! |
|
 |
 John has a master’s degree in exercise science/human performance and doctoral studies in applied physiology. He’s formerly certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Rehabilitative Program Director and Health Fitness Director. He’s authored a college level text for fitness, wellness and conditioning classes. He’s a former baseball coach and all conference collegiate player. He can be reached jrutig@att.net |
|
Summer time – a great way to enjoy the outdoors and be active. Of course with the arrival of heat and humidity it’s very important to keep your body hydrated. If you are skipping your water intake these days, it only takes a 1-2 percent change in your typical hydration levels for you to begin noticing a decrease in your energy level. Get a hold of the water bottle and continue to drink, drink, and drink. |
|
 |
 Paul A. Lauto, Esq. received his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1990. In 2002 Mr. Lauto established Paul A. Lauto, PLLC (Now located at 565 Route 25A, Suite 207, Miller Place, NY 11764; (631) 928-1430; www.liattorney.com), with a primary concentration on personal injury, all types of accident cases and more. |
| The high cost of buying organic food is well documented and many people simply can't afford the higher prices. So when you do buy organic, wouldn't you at least like to know that you are getting what you paid for and that you are not being overcharged? I recently visited two major food store chains to see if consumers are getting what they pay for when purchasing organic apples. The results indicate that it holds true more than ever, that the buyer must be aware. While at the first store, which is well known for its organic abundance, I found organic red delicious apples on sale for $1.99 per pound. Several of these apples were selected and placed in a provided bag for purchase. After checking out and leaving the store, I discovered that I was incorrectly charged $2.99 per pound, as the apples were mistakenly rung up as organic gala apples. It wasn't until one week later that I returned to the store with the receipt and one of the stickers from the apples, to bring the overcharged item to the attention of customer service. Appropriately, the store representative quickly apologized for the charging error and promptly refunded the full purchase price. My second visit was to a more conventional food store with a significant organic selection. I looked to purchase 3 pound pre-bagged organic apples which were labelled $6.99 per bag and found two brands to choose from at that price and weight. Upon selecting a bag of apples, it appeared to be somewhat light for a 3 pound bag, so I decided to weigh multiple bags of each brand on the weight scale in the store. What I found was that the "3 pound" bags of organic apples varied in weight between a low of 2.3 pounds to a high of 3.1 pounds. Admittedly it is very difficult to pre-bag apples to come out to exactly the 3 pounds stated on the bag, just like it is difficult for every foot long hero to measure exactly 12 inches in length. But if for example you pay for 3 pounds of organic apples and only receive 2.3 pounds, you are receiving only approximately 76% of what you paid for. Accordingly, instead of paying $2.33 per pound for organic apples, you are effectively paying over $3.00 per pound. While that may only add up to a couple of dollars in overpayment for an individual, the total store windfall over the course of a few short weeks could potentially reach into thousands of dollars! How do you like them apples? In that mechanical and human error is virtually inevitable, especially when purchasing fruits and vegetables (conventional or organic) which are not always readily identifiable, it is incumbent upon the consumer to pay close attention when checking out. The consumer cannot just assume that the underpaid and overworked cashier who rings up perhaps thousands of items per shift, is infallible. Scrutinize every purchase and receipt and make sure you don't end up receiving only 76% of what your hard earned money paid for. |
|
 |
|
|
We are full into the summer swing of things, which means most of us are enjoying the longer days, fun filled weekends, sun, sand, pools and the ocean. Years of UV damage awareness have made skin protection with a decent SPF second nature. But what about our hair? Just like the sun can damage our skin, sun and summer elements can wreak havoc on our lovely locks, not to mention the heat and humidity as well. What can you do to take care of your hair and protect it through the summer months? Here are six helpful tips to keep your hair nothing short of fabulous for summer. 1. Use a leave in conditioner with thermal and UV protectants. Just like they help protect your hair and color from heat styling, they can protect it from the sun as well. Our Summer "go to" product is UNITE's 7SECONDS leave in conditioning spray. It seals the cuticles and strands thereby protecting against oxidation and dryness. When spending the day outside, or hitting the beach or pool, be sure to leave one in your bag at all times so you don't forget it. 2. On those unbearably hot days, get your "Beach Waves" without actually hitting the beach. By using a sea salt texturizing spray you can rock those beachy waves we all love without having to bake on the beach for hours. Two huge sellers we carry are UNITE's "BEACH Day" and EVO's "Salty Dog." 3. Rock a hat when going outside. Hats have become a huge part of summer and beach wardrobes. While they are stylish, they also pull double duty by protecting your hair from sun exposure. 4. If you are opting to put your hair up or in a braid instead, make sure to spray your hair with a UV protectant (mentioned above) first before you style it. Once you're done you can spritz a top coat one more time and go. Messy top knots, braids and ponytails are huge for summer, and by protecting your hair first you can not only be stylish, but you can also be confident that your hair is fully sun protected. 5. For those of us who don't have curly hair, yet battle with frizz from humidity, we recommend a Keratin treatment. A Keratin treatment seals and smooths the hair cuticle and shaft preventing the pesky humidity from causing us to look like a giant ball of frizz. It can also cut your styling time down, further alleviating the heat exposure to your color and hair. One thing to note though, if you go the Keratin route, do not use a sea salt spray. It will undo everything a Keratin does. 6. Embrace your natural waves or curls. Knowing that your hair is already going to be battling the outside elements, let your hair go au naturale. Just be sure to put a curling balm in while your hair is still damp such as EVO's "Liquid Rollers," and work it work through your hair before letting it dry naturally, or hit it minimally with a diffuser and you are good to go. Just because you have wavy or curly hair should not mean you are destined for a Summer of ponytails…as cute as they are. Have any questions about summer hair care, or would like to purchase one of the above mentioned products? Just call JD Thomas of Commack at 631-486-4443, we will be more than happy to help you out to ensure your hair is at its summer best! |
|
 |
 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. |
|
Thankfully it is still summer and for sure your grill has been cranking~ I’d like to propose an alternative…A night of a soupy sort… Italian style! A fresh Swiss chard soup~ is one of my absolute childhood favorites. It’s time to break from the meat and salads. Fresh vegetables at your local Farm stands are bursting with color, seasonal freshness and many delicious options for summer meal planning. Here’s where all those fresh herbs you planted earlier are ready for clipping and adding wonderful flavors to your soup creations. Although we usually think of soups during the cold winter months, they are just as delightful in the summer. Making a summer soup enables you to bring all of the garden and farm’s fresh bounty into your kitchen.. The options are endless from minestrones, corn chowders to even a cold gazpacho. Did you ever hear that when you’re really overheated you should take a hot shower ~ rather than a cold one to really cool the body down. The same is true for soup~When you eat hot soupy meals your body’s receptors take notice~ they then relay to your brain and the brain signals to cool you down (after a bit of sweating …that is!) Swiss Chard is known as one of the world’s healthiest foods (only 2nd to spinach). This succulent leafy vegetable with it’s origin in Europe has become quite popular in the U.S. culinary world with it’s magnificent long green and red stems A bountiful fresh soup packed full of goodness, taste and nutrition… every spoonful will bring you a taste of Summertime. So keep in mind …a hot soup for a cool summer! 2 large fresh bunches of Swiss chard, washed and chopped into 2-3 inch pieces Rinse chard well under cold running water, cut off tough bottom stem and remove any stems or leaves that have browned or are slimy. Using a large soup pot, add oil, onions, scallions or leeks, herbs, and cook until soft and translucent. Add tomatoes, and continue to cook for 25 minutes on medium heat. Now add Swiss chard and cook for an additional 20 minutes until wilted and soft. Add chicken broth, taste for additional spices. Ladle into bowls with more fresh herbs and grated cheese. A loaf of crusty and pair this with a glass of wine~ sit outside by your garden and smell the fragrance of Summertime! |
|
 |
 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 |
| Yup. It’s that hot steamy time of year. Well, at least we don’t have to shovel anything! We do however have to deal with the heat and humidity, as well as abrupt changes in temperature when entering air-conditioned places. A hat, an umbrella, and a wrap are good things to have on hand. A hat will protect your face (and hair) from the sun, and an umbrella for unanticipated downpours. I usually wear makeup with sun-block built-in. The other items I mentioned are small, light and easy to carry. A light scarf or wrap can be tucked into your bag or around your waist for air-conditioned places. So how do we dress this season? The colors this season are blues, reds, and beige, and of course white. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen always work, now we are seeing lots of prints and textures. I usually recommend a few nice tops and tees, a skirt or light slacks or a summer dress. Shorts are always in vogue during the summer. Where are you going? The beach? Shopping? The movies? A tote filled with essentials should be on hand. If you are part of the bikini set, well, go for it. You are only young once! In that case have a beach towel or two on hand and lots of sunscreen. Regardless of the forecast, dressing in layers is always a good idea. During the summer, things are less regimented, and being prepared is always a good thing, but think fun. If you have a formal event to attend, remember the air-conditioning issue. Often, the ceremony or cocktail hour is outside and the rest of the festivities are inside. I usually recommend a lined dress or ensemble for formal events. Light breezy styles are fine if you can wear them well. Keep the colors light, bright and your accessories should work with the season. Save your black pieces for the chillier months. Summer markdowns are everywhere, any "basics" out there; such as jackets, shorts, lightweight slacks, skirts, tees, and cardigans in colors you usually like to wear, are a good bet to stock up on. I would stay away from the trendy stuff, as almost all trendy items change constantly. Stick with neutral colors, and clothing you generally wear according to your body type and wardrobe staples. Always look for designer labels when shopping for things on sale. Stay away from dresses, as they tend to fall into the "Trendy" category unless it's a "Little Black Dress". When you pay attention to the colors and silhouettes of the season as well as the location, come prepared, have fun! Summer is oh so short. Oh and one more tip: if you are shopping EVERYTHING is on sale. |
|
 |
|
|
Who needs to spend a copious amount of time traveling long distance just to get away? Fire Island is the perfect place to escape this summer. Gather your family, significant other or group of friends and make the best of this beautiful Island close to home. This quaint island offers all you need and more for the perfect place to chill. Enjoy a little R&R at a bed and breakfast, hotel or rent a home, visit the beautiful Great South Bay or Atlantic Ocean, walk to the local restaurants with live entertainment or hop over to Cherry Grove for an entertaining show. Each community on the island has different activities held each day and night so be sure to pick up the local paper to get all you need to know. If you are a day tripper, take a ferry and spend the day to experience all that Fire Island has to offer. Chances are you’ll find yourself booking your next vacation to stay there. How to get there? Bayshore Ferry Where to Stay? • Fire Island Hotel and Resort Things To Do • Surf’s Out • The Island Mermaid • Ice Palace Bar & Nightclub |
|
 |
 Arianna graduated from Dowling College with a Bachelors in English Creative Writing and now works for a restaurant group as a Training Manager. She loves to cook, entertain and experience life through food. Arianna can be reached at arianna.ruth.johnson@gmail.com |
| Now that the fourth of July has passed and everyone has had their gatherings around the barbeque, it may be time to put away the paper plates and Solo cups. Let’s put some sparkle and shine into a summer cocktail party! Think Jay Gatsby, but without the epic proportion. First, you should pick the beverages, it wouldn’t be a cocktail party without cocktails. Personally, I like to go with seasonally inspired fresh fruit. I recently found a new respect for a well thought-out cocktail. I work for a well-known restaurant group and, I may be biased, but our beverage and cocktail programs are amazing, thanks to some great bartenders, sommeliers and a top-notch beverage director. Something I have been introduced to through my work is cucumber-infused spirits. I recently had a cucumber-jalapeno margarita that was delicious; it had a nice balance between spicy and thirst quenching. Speaking of margaritas, another spirit that I have discovered and acquired a taste for is mezcal. Mezcal is similar to tequila but it has a smokier flavor. I had a version of a margarita and they put all sorts of bitters and flavorings that I cannot recall, but it was delicious. You can make champagne-based cocktails, not ordinary mimosas or bellinis. Some of the best ones I’ve tried have some kind of infused vermouth or liquor, such as lillet, with a twist of citrus. They not only have a kick, the flavor is also lovely. The idea is to pick a signature cocktail and serve that as an option, along with maybe beer or wine. This way you are not going crazy trying to please everyone and it keeps your party within a budget. Now that the drinks are taken care of, you need some scrumptious finger foods. One of my favorites this year is watermelon and feta salad. You can cut the watermelon and feta into cubes and stick a toothpick in the center with a small mint leaf. I also have been making baked brie lately. You just take a wheel of brie, cut off the top rind, add your favorite fruit jam (my preference is raspberry), wrap it in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. Little sliders of either beef or turkey are sure to be a hit, as well as caprese salad on a stick with cherry tomatoes and bocconcini. Even if you don’t have a backyard, or if you have a balcony, like me, you can still have a smashing soiree with these cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! |
|
 |
 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. |
|
Summertime, Summertime~Lemon time. It’s not very often I get excited about sweets or desserts~ as creative cooking is my talent and true passion. Baking requires measurements, perfect timing, exact amounts, no improvising and real directions to ensure it turns out right. No room for error. With every good meal though this chef knows finishing off with a sweet or treat seems to delight. Remember it’s the encore to your meal and lingers on in memory. I try to keep it real simple, especially during Summertime. My favorite ending is usually a refreshing classic Italian lemon ice with a mint sprig for a clean cool desert. Although dessert is the last course of your meal~lemon ice is a traditional palate cleanser by nature, customarily served in the middle of the meal to remove flavors from the palate so that the next course can be most enjoyed. I find it is just as refreshing at the end of the meal and may actually aide in digestion. I often make this from scratch and lots of fresh lemons… (But that’s another recipe~ I will share someday.) To simplify: Ralph’s Ice is really delicious. Served with the perfect accompaniment are my homemade~ lemon walnut biscotti~ just bursting with lemon flavor. To really impress serve the Italian lemon ice in a martini glass with the cookie a fresh grate of lemon rind and that clean bright summer mint sprig. No one ever leaves unhappy. And usually I’m begged to send a couple home with my guests to enjoy again with morning coffee! Ingredients Whisk flour, salt, baking powder and soda in bowl. |
|
 |
|
|
Enjoy summer favorites from classics of the past. Summer is the season when many of the best childhood memories are made. That's why introducing future generations to treasured pastimes is an ideal way to ensure classic summer moments live on for years to come. Nearby Neighborhood Fun Refreshing Summer Snacks A Tradition of Cool Summer Fun (Family Features) |
|
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.
Winners will be chosen starting December 8th.
You will be contacted via phone if you are a winner!
