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Why is “Anti-Freeze” In Our Food?

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. 

    Propylene Glycol (PG) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound commonly found in anti-freeze.  It is also commonly found in ice cream, cake mix, flavored ice teas, soft drinks, icings, salad dressings, processed foods, food flavorings, cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, baby wipes, dog food and more.  PG is used at different strength levels in different products and is in part used in food to help prolong shelf life.  It is also used in food to maintain flavor, moisture and texture.  In that PG is widely considered to be a toxin, it is generally banned from use in food in the European Union.  In the United States however, the omniscient FDA says it is safe.
    The FDA maintains that it is safe for the American people to ingest PG at the "low" levels used in our food.  The FDA also says it is safe in dog food, despite several class action law suits claiming that PG has caused illness or death in thousands of dogs.  Ironically, the FDA has declared PG to be unsafe in cat food and has actually prohibited the use of PG in cat food.  Apparently PG in cat food was found to result in a disorder called Heinz body formation.  Heinz body formation was found where small protein clumps developed in red blood cells, with long term cellular damage.         In humans the side effects of PG may include conjunctivitis, rash, irritation, burning, and possible organ and central nervous system damage.  Notwithstanding, the FDA maintains that the low levels of PG in our food, in and of itself, does not pose a significant threat to our health.  That's almost tantamount to saying that eating a little bit of poison won't kill you.  One thing is for sure, eating a small amount of poison or something that is toxic is certainly not good for you.  
    Even if we accept the premise that the levels of toxicity of PG in our food are too low in and of itself to cause any real harm, what about everything else?  Almost all of us are exposed daily to some level of toxicity from the food we eat, the water and other beverages we drink, the mattress we sleep on, the soap and detergents we use, the clothes we wear, the home we live in, to the air we breathe.  After all, it is the cumulative effect of all our toxic exposure that leads to poor health.  
    Many of these things are unavoidable and beyond our control in today's modern world.  In consideration of that fact, perhaps the FDA should take a page out of the European Union's book and focus on what we can control.  We can and should control what we allow to be in our food and not sacrifice the health of the American people in the name of profits derived from longer shelf life.  The old computer maxim remains true to this day, in that if you put garbage in you will get garbage out.

 

Mother’s Day.. Your Guide to Buying That Special Gift for Mom

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.

    There are few words that can say ‘love’ quite the way ‘Mom’ does. Being a Mom is not a job you have until your child turns 18; it is a labor of love for a lifetime. Moms hug their children when they are scared, cheer them on at every success, kiss fingers when they are hurt, and put their children ahead of themselves all of the time. In honor of mom and their tireless efforts, the second Sunday of each May is set aside for celebration.  Buying the right gift can be a daunting task.  Fear not, read on for ideas and suggestions for the right gift that will make her smile.
    Think of what your Mom likes. Gift giving is about the recipient, not the giver. If your Mom loves floral patterns and you prefer contemporary, remember the gift is going to her. Always choose a gift with the recipient’s taste in mind. That is the beauty of wedding and baby gift registries. The recipient is taking the guess work out of it for you by showing you what things they like.  For Mom, set a budget with which you are comfortable and set out for something she will find thoughtful. 
    Consider a personalized Mom-styled piece of jewelry? More and more options are now available for necklaces, bracelets and rings, featuring the birthstones of each of her children. Styles range in price and are available in gold, silver, stainless steel and other materials to meet every budget. Having her children (or grandchildren) close to her heart makes for a very meaningful gift.
    Perhaps mom is a true traditionalist, loving chocolates and flowers. Consider a twist on this with a classic orchid or a mini lavender tree paired with a gift basket of her favorite sweets. If she loves to garden, you could bring her flowers for planting.  She will have all spring and summer to enjoy your flowers throughout the season with you in mind. Indoor or outdoor plants are another longer-lived option. Remember, if Mom has pets in the house, be sure to check on the safety of certain plants and flowers for her four-legged babies.
    A new fragrance for her is a great idea. From Hanae Mori to FlowerBomb to Black Orchid, there are literally hundreds of scents from which to choose. Before walking in to the store, try to have an idea of whether she prefers vanillas, florals, etc. What about a basket of scented bath products, including bath bombs, shower gels, lotions and sprays. She will have fun working her way through all of the items in the basket.  If she loves hot tea with her robe and slippers while reading a good book, you can create a customized tea basket at almost any price point that will simply delight her as she unpacks each item. If putting a gift basket together is not your forte, no worries.  There are plenty of local professionals who offer this service  that can help. For those who know that she  would love getting a package in the mail each month, consider a subscription to Birchbox in her name. Each month her little package of hair, makeup and skin essential samples will arrive. Every woman I know with a subscription considers it a favorite day of the month. At $10 per month, it is economical and a long lasting gift.
    Is the mom in your life a techie or modern professional woman? Consider some technical or business options. Tablets are still one of the best-selling gift items on the market, with iPads, Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy topping the list. From cases to keyboards to headphones, there is an array of accessories also to consider. 
    For the mom that has it all, treat her to a wonderful experience for her to remember. How about tickets for a local playhouse with dinner, a spa day, a night at a wine and cheese or wine and chocolate pairing, a game featuring her favorite team, a package of yoga classes, dance classes, tickets to a ladies night featuring wine and painting, appetizers and a concert and many more.  What is the activity she would most like to do? That’s the certificate she should find when she opens the box.
    Handmade cards and gifts from my children are simply the best. Take a moment and write a letter to Mom and tell her what she means to you.  Include that note with the gift of your choice, and you are sure to give her a Mother’s Day to remember. But, remember, she is your mom….call her often, tell her you love her always, and make sure she knows how special she is 365 days per year. 

 

 

 

Quick Weekend Away or Fun Summer Roadtrip Hersheypark

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

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?

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

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

 

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

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!

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…

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

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.

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…