Health & Wellness: Choose Health, Choose Love
The best gift that you can give to yourself is self-care. When you are loving to yourself, you can be your best self and you can give back to others. Investing in yourself and your health is actually self-less, not selfish.
One of the best ways to show up for yourself is with healthy choices. Ask yourself, ‘What does health mean for me?’ I know that people are confused more than ever trying to understand what healthy means. And believe it or not, eating healthy or being healthy is subjective. As you age, your wellness needs change too.
With all of this confusion about being healthy – where can we start? A good place to start is to tune in with what feels good for you. It’s the kind of feeling that embodies wholesome goodness. The kind of good that in years to come, you know you’ve invested in your health. It is the opposite of immediate gratification so beware of that and understand the difference.
What makes this confusing is the spectacular way our society markets holidays in an unhealthy way. Here we are facing another holiday that should be celebrating pure love yet the materialistic component is shoved in our faces causing more stress. The sugar chocolate companies make a fortune on their heart-shaped boxes filled with cancer and diabetes causing ingredients. Gas, bloating and chronic illness is not romantic. Buying toxins for loved ones is not what you want to do. What gets us off course is the way that we have been duped into believing that it is all about the ‘things’ that we buy for loved ones that shows how much we love them. What’s worse is that these chemical treats and stress about affording lavish gifts are damaging not loving.
Healthy is the new sexy. Getting to understand what your body needs may require professional evaluation. Maybe you feel sluggish and fatigued, but you still don’t know why after trying everything possible. Perhaps it’s gut health, thyroid functioning, or chronic inflammation. You may be able to aid your healing by eliminating dairy, maybe taking sugar out of your diet helps or getting on a treadmill reduced that ache in your leg. It can get overwhelming – I get it. Understanding what your body needs now is crucial. It may be different than five or ten years ago. Or maybe you’re suffering in the same way you have been for a decade but you just accept that is how you are meant to feel. Humans are meant to thrive. Just look at the blue zones where people gracefully age beyond 100 years old without chronic illness that is so rampant here in America. We deserve to age well too.
Start somewhere. Feel empowered if your body is telling you that you need to tune into your health needs. Common sense goes a long way too. I know a lot of people reading this are well aware of what they could change. The first step is recognizing it. The next step is taking action for healthy change. If you need help – ask for it. If you are seeking a natural approach consider seeking out a Naturopathic Doctor who understands root cause medicine. Health plans that cover all aspects of wellness include Nutrition, Healthy habits, and Nutraceuticals. Small changes towards health make a big difference. You’ll be grateful you did and that attitude of gratitude is a huge hug for the heart which is love in one of its purest forms.
In Good Health,
Dr. Dawn Siglain ND, LAc
Valentine Gift Guide for 2025
By Jaclyn Holzmaier
Love is in the air, and so are the perfect gifts! Whether you’re celebrating your first Valentine’s together or your 25th, there’s something extra special about finding a gift that makes your heart skip a beat. In this 2025 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, we’ve curated the sweetest surprises for both him and her—because nothing says “I love you” like a thoughtful, unforgettable present. From thoughtful surprises to timeless keepsakes, let’s make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.
Whether it’s a personal keepsake, an adventure, or a cozy gift, the key to the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is thoughtfulness. Each of these handpicked ideas is designed to make your Valentine’s Day 2025 extra special, filled with love and joy. Happy gifting!
Ready to swoon? Let’s dive in!
FOR HER
CUSTOM STAR MAP
Capture the magic of a special date in the stars with a custom star map. You can choose the date of your first date, engagement, or any significant moment in your relationship. Starts at $69.00. www.thenightsky.com.
BOOK OF THE MONTH SUBSCRIPTION BOX
For the book lover in your life, a subscription box with curated books will keep her entertained all year long. Starts at $59. www.bookofthemonth.com.
FITBIT LUXE FITNESS & WELLNESS TRACKER
For the health-conscious woman, the Fitbit Luxe is the perfect mix of fitness tracker and stylish jewelry. It tracks activity, heart rate, and sleep while doubling as a sleek accessory, helping her stay motivated and stylish at the same time. Price: $149.95. www.fitbit.com.
TIFFANY & CO. RETURN TO TIFFANY HEART TAG BRACELET
Timeless elegance for the woman who appreciates luxury, this Tiffany & Co. bracelet features the signature heart tag, symbolizing a love that’s as precious as the jewelry itself. It’s the perfect accessory to elevate her style and remind her of your everlasting love. Price: $275.00 and up. www.tiffany.com.
ROSES AND GIFTS FROM GABRIELLA’S NURSERY OF NORTHPORT
Nothing says “I love you” like a bouquet of roses or fresh flowers. Whether you choose classic red roses or a vibrant mixed arrangement, flowers are the perfect way to express your feelings this Valentine’s Day. Chocolates, Chot skis and thoughtful gift items are also sold. One Dozen Premium Red Roses Starting at $65.00. www.gabriellasnursery.com
DYSON AIRWRAP MULTI-STYLER
For the woman who loves beautiful hair every day, the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler is a game-changer. With multiple attachments for curling, smoothing, and volumizing, it lets her style her hair with ease while reducing heat damage—perfect for effortless glam. Price: $599.99. www.dyson.com.
A UNIQUE GIFT FROM RX EXPRESS
This Valentine’s Day, make your gifts extra special with unique finds from RX Express Pharmacy of Commack’s gift shop. From personalized treasures and heartfelt greeting cards to home décor, wine-related gifts, jewelry and more, you’ll find something perfect for every loved one. With gifts at every price point, you’re sure to spread love and joy this season. Visit www.rxexpresspharmacy.com or stop in!
FOR HIM
ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE GIFT
For the thrill-seeker, why not give the gift of an experience? You could opt for skydiving, a hot air balloon ride, or a wine tasting experience to make memories that last a lifetime. www.virginexperiencegifts.com.
PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
For the music lover, this Bose Bluetooth speaker lets him bring the party anywhere. Waterproof and durable, it’s perfect for camping, beach trips, or backyard BBQs. Price: $119.00. www.bose.com.
WHISKEY TASTING SET
For the whiskey connoisseur, a whiskey tasting set complete with premium whiskey and tasting glasses is a perfect Valentine’s gift. Price $114.93. www.homewetbar.com.
APPLE AIRPODS PRO (2nd Generation)
Perfect for the man on-the-go, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation offers crystal-clear sound, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Whether he’s working, exercising, or simply relaxing, these AirPods are the perfect tech upgrade. Price: $249.99 www.apple.com/airpods-pro.
YETI RAMBLER 36 OZ BOTTLE
For the man who enjoys outdoor adventures or staying hydrated at the office, the Yeti Rambler Bottle is the ultimate companion. Its durable, insulated design keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, making it perfect for both everyday use and outdoor exploration. Price: $49.99 and up. www.yeti.com.
AMAZON ECHO STUDIO
Enhance his space with the Amazon Echo Studio, a smart speaker that brings powerful, room-filling sound and features Alexa, the voice assistant. It’s perfect for music lovers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates seamless integration of technology in their daily life. Price: $199.99 www.amazon.com.
HERSCHEL LITTLE AMERICA BACKPACK
For the modern man who needs both practicality and style, the Herschel Little America Backpack offers ample storage space, a sleek design, and durable materials. Ideal for work, travel, or casual outings, it’s a versatile gift that will fit right into his everyday routine. Price: $99.99 and up. www.herschel.com.
Whether it’s a personal keepsake, an adventure, or a cozy gift, the key to the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is thoughtfulness. Each of these handpicked ideas is designed to make your Valentine’s Day 2025 extra special, filled with love and joy. Happy gifting!
Travel: A Man, A Plan, A Canal… Panama
Whether you are reading that right to left or left to right cruising the Panama Canal is one of the greatest travel wonders of the world. In December we flew to Panama City to board a ship that sailed thru the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic and then up the coast of Central America. COPA which is the national airline of Panama flies 4 nonstops a day from JFK to Panama City.
Arriving in Panama City 2 days before the cruise departed we had time to explore this fascinating city. Hotel prices and meals were very reasonable and the weather was gorgeous. Panama has only 2 seasons. The dry season which runs from mid-December to mid-April and the rainy season which lasts from late April until late November.
Panama City is home to a very large and thriving Jewish community and we took a wonderful Jewish tour filled with history as well as current sights. We also booked a city tour which took us to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center where they have a fascinating IMAX movie about the construction of the canal.
Two days later we boarded our ship and settled in for 9 days of sunshine and warmth in contrast to the chilly December weather in New York. Our first day on the cruise was spent transiting the canal which takes anywhere between 8 – 10 hours.
Built by the United States between 1904 and 1914, the 51 mile long canal connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. It cuts across the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama. Locks at each end lift and then lower ships to and from Gatun Lake, an artificial fresh water lake 85 feet above sea level. The locks were built to reduce the amount of digging required for the canal’s construction.
Ships pay a toll to transit the canal based on size. A personal boat under 50 feet is about $800. A large cruise ship could be $500,000. It depends on the number of beds on the ship.
Many cruise lines have Panama Canal itineraries. The best months to sail are in the winter as it’s the dry season and you can enjoy the sunshine as well as a respite from the cold weather.
So whether you sail east to west or west to east it’s a journey you will never forget!
Career Development: Isn’t It Time to Land the Job of Your Dreams?
Happy New Year!
Of the many resolutions people make at the beginning of a new year, a common one is to change jobs. Oftentimes, a new year acts as a catalyst to seek a new job and the benefits of a better boss, an improved quality of work life, or a nice increase in one’s compensation. If you are seeking a new gig, this should help.
Craft A Killer Resume
Getting contacted about job opportunities is all about the quality of your resume and cover letter. How you look on paper can literally change your life! Crafting a resume that gets hiring managers to begin envisioning you in the job is no easy feat. If you are not an expert in understanding what hiring managers are looking for, which today is a moving target your resume will fall on the “do not contact” pile. Enlist the help of someone who knows how to write your cover letter and resume so that you are seen as a strongly viable candidate for the roles you would love to have.
Know What Your “Must Haves” Are
Looking for a job sucks! There, I said it. Oftentimes, we become emotionally exhausted in our search efforts. And if you are out of work, you are also feeling stressed. Add to it other factors, such as being an older person, and it is easy to say yes when it would have been better to say no to an offer. With fingers crossed, we hope that the vibes we picked up such as your potential boss having some personality quirks, or that a considerable portion of the job is boring, were misreads on our parts. Trust your intuition and sixth sense. The euphoria you felt from being hired will not last very long if the things that made you apprehensive to begin with become real. Then you will be right back where you started.
Buyer Beware
Great interviewers are persuasive. They know how to present and discuss the less than satisfying aspects of a job in ways that do not make them sound that onerous. A “challenging work environment” might be a less than forthright way of describing a frenetic one that has so many balls in the air that you will end your workday exhausted from juggling them. Comments like, “there is a strong emphasis on productivity” might be a subtle way of saying that your actual workload might be larger than the compensation for the role.
Be super inquisitive. Intellectual curiosity is an asset that almost every employer values. So, show off yours!
I have seen far too many people stay far too long at their jobs. Perhaps it is time for you to land the job of your dreams.
For a complimentary evaluation of your resume and a copy of, Strategies for a Job and Career Change, you can contact me at donaldbenenson@yahoo.com
ET Recipe of the Month: The Perfect Pancake for Your Valentine
Red Velvet Pancakes
Servings: 8-10
Finding something unique and special to do on Valentine’s Day for your significant other can be a challenge. Every year, the day to celebrate love rolls around and every year it may seem like you’re out of ideas. Many people feel the same way.
However, with just a couple bowls, a cookie cutter and a skillet, your Valentine’s Day could start off a lot sweeter.
Try these Red Velvet Heart Pancakes, which are one of a kind and a delicious way to spend your morning with your loved one. Celebrating the day of love has never been easier.
YOU WILL NEED :
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for garnish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 30-40 drops red food coloring
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Syrup, powdered sugar, raspberries, for garnish
HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :
- In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; whisk until combined.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Spray heart-shaped cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray and place in skillet. Add enough batter to fill heart. Cook 2 minutes. Remove heart cutter. Flip pancake and cook 1 minute.
- Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries.
Note: If mixture is too thick, add water until desired consistency is reached.Find more breakfast recipes and sweet treat ideas at www.culinary.net.
Fashion & Beauty: What to Wear for Valentine’s Day!
There are a lot of origins for Valentine’s Day, starting with the martyrdom of a saint and ending with Esther A. Howland and her 1840s greeting cards. Today, Valentine’s Day is an annual excuse to spend the evening showering love and affection on someone special. Part of the festivities usually involves going out, painting the town red so to speak. This year, don’t waste time ripping your hair out trying to find the perfect outfit. Use this guide to cut down on trying on this and that, so that you have more time on your date.
All the basics of dressing up for Valentine’s Day are as follows: wear red or pink, or, if you’re without, black. Flowers and hearts are the king of patterns. Air on the side of flirty, however that may look when translated to your personal style.
Never underestimate the power of a cute sweater. If you don’t want to buy a new outfit, turn to your trusty sweater, the one that always falls just right and is the most flattering shade against your skin. Depending on where you’re going or what you’re doing, pair this with a mini skirt and tights or a pair of trousers. Add on the finishing touches with your accessories and you’re set! Temperatures have been brutal lately and you don’t have to shiver to look your best.
If you find yourself going on a classic dinner date this Valentine’s Day, a sleek-cut dress is the way to go. A simple black dress has been the date night staple since forever, but for Valentine’s, you might want to jazz up the look. Mesh overlays have seen more love recently, so if you’re interested in trying out a subtle pattern, this is the perfect entry-way. A dress with a smattering of large, red flowers or sequins woven into the mesh will be eye-catching, but elegant. Likewise, longer hemlines have been in vogue lately. Pair your dress with heels rather than boots for a more symmetrical look.
Ruffles have seen a recent come-back, especially with evening wear. A monochromatic look can have a lot of dimension with the help of ruffles. Some dresses feature ruffles only at the bust, while others make patterns with strategically placed stripes of ruffle.
If you’re spending this Valentine’s Day with a long-time partner, there are little things you can incorporate into your outfit to make them feel seen and appreciated. Wearing the jewelry they’ve gotten you, or a dress they’ve complimented previously is a way to make the evening more intimate and romantic.
Valentine’s Day is all about love. Whether you’re spending it with a partner or a dear friend, it’s a great excuse to dress up and go out. Wear what makes you feel best, and dazzle whoever sees you!
Upclose: Cafaro Insurance Agency: A Legacy of Trust and Services
Frank Cafaro, founder of Cafaro Insurance Agency
738 Smithtown Bypass, Suite 110, Smithtown, NY
Phone : 631-321-6165 / Toll Free: 888-335-4233
cafaroins.com
In the world of insurance, finding a name you can trust is paramount—and for clients across Long Island and beyond, that name is Frank Cafaro. The founder of Cafaro Insurance Agency, Frank’s journey from a seasoned insurance agent to a leader in the industry spans more than three decades. Since launching the agency in 1991, Frank has built a reputation for reliability, dedication, and personalized service.
As the owner and heart of Cafaro Insurance, Frank specializes in a wide range of insurance services, including life insurance, commercial group health insurance, group disability, group dental, group vision and even specialized offerings like Buy-Sell and Key-Man life insurance. With accounts spread across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida, his reach is vast—but his service remains deeply personal.
Frank’s deep roots in the insurance industry trace back to the late 1980s when he first started training other agents. He quickly became a familiar name across communities in Smithtown, Huntington, Hauppauge, Melville, and Farmingdale. From his earliest days in the business, Frank’s focus has always been on providing thoughtful, clear, and accessible guidance to clients, making the complicated world of insurance easier to navigate. He is known for his dedication to helping businesses and individuals find the right insurance coverage that not only fits their needs but also their budget.
What sets Cafaro Insurance Agency apart is Frank’s commitment to blending old-fashioned customer service with modern technology. While many businesses have embraced the convenience of automation and digital tools, Frank and his team at Cafaro Insurance understand that relationships and trust are still the cornerstone of success. With an impressive 95% client retention rate, Frank’s approach clearly resonates with clients who know they can rely on his expertise and personal attention to detail.
In fact, Frank’s first client, whom he still services today, is a testament to the enduring nature of the relationships he fosters. “It feels like I’ve known you forever,” is a sentiment shared by many of Frank’s clients, who not only value his knowledge but also his unwavering support.
For businesses, Cafaro Insurance Agency offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits, including group medical insurance, group disability, group life, dental, and more. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, Cafaro Insurance provides tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of your employees while simplifying the administrative process. On the individual side, Frank’s team helps clients navigate the often complex world of life insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, and other personal coverage options that provide peace of mind for individuals and families.
Cafaro Insurance Agency’s success isn’t just measured by its longevity or its broad client base. It’s the trust that clients place in Frank and his team, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have someone in their corner—someone who understands their unique needs and is committed to finding the right solution.
In a world where so much feels impersonal, Cafaro Insurance remains a true example of the power of one-on-one, client-first service. With Frank Cafaro at the helm, the agency continues to evolve, always staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry while staying true to its core values of trust, transparency, and dedication to customer satisfaction.
For anyone seeking insurance solutions that go beyond policies and forms, Cafaro Insurance Agency is the name you can count on—today and for many years to come.
Jaclyn Holzmaier
Fashion & Beauty: Winter Fashion
Some may find January cold and dreary, but that doesn’t mean your outfits have to be. It’s a new year and time to put your best foot forward to set the tone for the next twelve months!
Dressing for the winter months can be laborious. Layering to stay warm leaves you overheating, and bundling yourself in clothes leaves you looking bulky.
It’s important to have a few staple pieces that are practical and trendy to carry you through the winter season.
A pair of faux leather pants or leggings. Switching from jeans to a pair or faux leather pants upgrades the simplest of outfits. They can be paired with a simple sweater, or a blouse; or it can be worn with heels or dressed down with sneakers. Either way, a pair of these is a must.
Sherpa overcoats are another must this winter season. It’s important to pick a Sherpa overcoat that lays flat. Many create a rather bulky look, especially with sweaters and scarfs. Be sure to try before you buy. However Sherpa overcoats are E V E R Y T H I N G this year! Throw it on over your workout outfit for the gym, or over your jeans and booties for lunch. They can fit any occasion as long as they are accessorized right.
Another leading item this year is a black scarf. Be sure to find one that is interesting through texture or pattern. On those bitter windy days, nothing keeps you toasty like a scarf. But be sure it’s not too loud in color, something simple and classy to wear with any ensemble; it should however have some appeal to be unique.
Last but not least! RED! Cherry red is in! Especially in leather. Perhaps a red leather bomber jacket, or an adorable red leather clutch to hold your red lipstick! Either way, red is THE color this season. Be sure to not overdo it, pops of red in an ensemble is perfect.
Stay warm this winter season, and stay stylin!
Health & Wellness: Keeping up with a Healthy Focus All Year
When it comes to a new year, there is naturally a feeling of a fresh start. It feels like a clean slate. However, it really is a time for growth and building on our prior experiences. Everything we do follows us, for better or for worse.
So, what can you learn from when it comes to your health?
Ask yourself what worked for you in the past?
And on the flip side: what did not work for you previously?
There are common patterns I see which include an extreme health kick or a yo-yo diet. When motivation sets in, a diet occurs and oftentimes a strict exercise regimen takes place. But then inevitably something happens, throws them off course, and they are back in old routines which land them in poor health.
The only way to get out of the cycles that lead to nowhere is mindset. Committing to a healthy lifestyle is making daily choices that are in your health’s best interest based on the options available to you. You have to be able to ebb and flow with life. Don’t get down on yourself if you go off course, just start again the next day or the next week. Healing is not linear. There are ups and downs. You just have to forge ahead. The key is not going back to old patterns for a long period of time. There may be setbacks, but don’t fall way off. Catching yourself before you get too deep is the best way to go. Being kind to yourself with the changes that you want for yourself is essential.
We don’t learn from being perfect. We learn from experience. Sometimes that includes making mistakes. When it comes to our health, sometimes we need the physical symptoms of a bad food choice to point us in the direction of better nutrition options. The more you make better food choices for yourself, then that gives the body the ability to respond to a poor food choice. However, if you are constantly choosing poor food choices then your body won’t be able to sense how good you can feel. Constant poor food choices just leave your body feeling less than optimal and you won’t get the alerts clearly that poor food is bad for you. Poor food just leaves you in a constant state of poor health.
The only option is to add in the good as often as you can. Naturally your taste buds will crave the good food. Your microbiome will change. Physical and mental changes will occur when positive changes in diet and mindset take place. When you shift your focus to eating clean food full of antioxidants, fiber and phytonutrients you shift your health. Cravings melt away naturally. Fake food will not consume your daily living. You have to make a choice to rise above the chemically laden so-called ‘food’ that steals your wellness. The only answer is nutritious food and we all know deep down good from bad. Try your best this year – cheers to 2025!
In Good Health,
Dr. Dawn Siglain ND, LAc
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