Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors Opens Commack Office

By
etweekmedia
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Long Island Laparoscopic Doctorssm Opens Commack Office
Our Third Location Offers Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Balloon and Medical Weight Loss Services to Residents
of Suffolk and Nassau Counties

One of the leading centers for both surgical and non-surgical bariatric weight loss on Long Island is pleased to announce the expansion of their practice with the opening of its third office in Commack. This expansion will bring more options to consumers who are struggling to find long-term, sustainable weight loss solutions, says Dr. Hesham Atwa, founder, and clinical director of Long Island Laparoscopic Doctorssm.

Located at 500 Commack Road, Commack, the new facility can be conveniently found within the Stony Brook Community Medicine Complex, just north of the Northern State Parkway. Providing the most advanced, evidence-based medical and surgical weight loss treatments, Dr. Atwa and his team have helped hundreds of patients achieve a better quality of life. Their team includes board-certified bariatric and general surgeons, registered dietitians, and support staff, all of whom specialize in the treatment of obesity. The practice has two additional offices in East Setauket & Riverhead and accepts virtual telehealth consultations for new and existing patients.

“Though some may not admit it, the New Year resolution of getting healthy and loosing excess weight frequently ends up falling short of reality. We starve, deprive, and even legitimately attempt to change our eating habits. For a while it may even seem to work but, in the end only about 10-15 % of people are able to keep significant weight off long term. As a result, people give up, and regain what they lost and then some.” says Dr. Atwa. For those that have significant weight to lose, there is a solution. Bariatric surgery has led hundreds of thousands of people to realize that they can lead healthy and successful lives, without regaining the weight.

At Long Island Laparoscopic Doctorssm, their philosophy is that obesity is a disease that can be treated in the same manner that we treat any other, by employing the most effective interventions available. Though weight loss surgery has become more common, many still view it as a last resort. In fact, it is a proven intervention that can end obesity and improve or resolve a host of serious illnesses associated with excess weight gain. “The most common feedback we get from patients is that their only regret is that they did not have the surgery sooner,” says Dr. Atwa.  After getting the procedure, patients see improvements in type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, lower blood pressure, and fatty liver disease. Most of all, the patients’ quality of life improves dramatically.

Helping patients achieve long-term weight loss through the most advanced bariatric surgery procedures, has enabled Dr. Atwa and his team to achieve high levels of success, while also establishing one of the safest and most comprehensive bariatric programs on Long Island.

For more information about bariatric surgery, visit www.journeytothenewyou.com or call 631-430-4635 ext. 2.

Big Game Eats

By
Art Department
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by Katherine Andrianas

 

 

While there isn’t much tailgating this year, we still have the big game to look forward to. No matter what team it is you’re rooting for, we’ve found local establishments with outstanding football specials. So, let’s celebrate with great food, drinks and (a small group) of our best company!

Changing Times American Sports Bar & Grille 
Bayshore, East Northport, Farmingdale­
With TV’s hanging on every wall, there’s not a bad spot in the house! Although famous for their wings and burgers, the family friendly pub also
has 20 plus beers on tap at any time, an expanded craft beer, wine and cocktail menu, along with light bites and an ever-evolving specials menu.

Hurricane Grill & Wings 
Multiple Locations (see website)
www.hurricanewings.com
Featuring over thirty different flavors of chicken wings: honey BBQ, garlic parmesan, teriyaki, fire & ice, sweet red chili, Jamaican jerk, etc., here you’ll find all your game day favorites and more. A few other signature picks from their menu include the fried pickles with cyclone sauce for dipping, firecracker shrimp, crispy chicken sandwich and delicious half-pound 100% angus steak burgers.

Legends Bar and Grill 
34 Indian Head Rd., Kings Park
Come Sunday, Monday or Thursday to this neighborhood gastropub for legendary football food and drink specials. During game time only, they’ll have things like: $11 classic wings, $10 nachos, $8 pretzels, $4 Miller Lites, $5 Jameson shots, $10 Titos doubles, $20 domestic buckets, $25 import buckets and more.

Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub
Bayshore, Northport and Smithtown
Featuring a full football menu which includes touchdown burgers, quarterback sandwiches and wraps, extra point fries, kickoff wings, field goal nachos and more, you won’t want to miss out. But, it doesn’t end there. They’ll also have outstanding drink specials like $15 Bud Light buckets and $20 import buckets.

The Nutty Irishman
323 Main St., Farmingdale
Thursday nights and Sundays during football games, this is the place to be, especially if you’re looking to enjoy Miller Lite pitchers and a dozen wings, for $18. Known for having some of the best burgers and wings on Long Island, you can pair it with one of their 26 beers on tap (from national and local breweries). Just reserve your table ahead of time to enjoy, “Cold beer, good music and a great time!”

*All prices & specials subject to change.

Decorating on a Budget 2021

By
Natalie Weinstein
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Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID, IDS, is an accredited designer, acknowledged business leader, entrepreneur, author, media personality and motivational speaker. Her interior design firm, Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, has been creating lifestyle changes in homes and public spaces, decorating for countless clients since 1973. In 2001, the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club was launched to guide “do-it-yourselfers” with a little help from a pro. Uniquely Natalie, a quality furniture and accessory consignment boutique was opened in 2014 to give every shopper an opportunity to create a beautiful home no matter what the budget. For questions, please call 631.862.6198.

Budgets are necessary in decorating, for the same reason they are necessary in life. To have enough money to complete the project, you need to know the cost of each item before you begin, including construction and renovation. Often, that part of the project expends much more than anticipated, and too few funds are left for interior decorating. If you know in advance that you have exceeded your budget, it gives you an opportunity to make other choices as to either balance or expand your spending, or wait to complete your project.
By making a list of the functional necessities as well as a wish list, you can prioritize and realistically analyze your long and short-term needs. For example, if you are living in a rental apartment or home, or plan to reside where you are for less than five years, costly wall to wall carpeting, wall coverings and custom built-ins should not be a priority. Be sure to select major items that are classic, whether modern or traditional, which will stand the test of time, wherever you are.
Fads, or whatever is “in” will soon be “out”. Don’t compromise quality. If you can’t afford to buy everything at once, think about buying less and adding more later, rather than settling for uncomfortable furniture or poor workmanship that won’t wear well. If you know that the funds you allotted must complete the entire project, leave some monies for accessories so that your home will look “finished”.
Set up a ledger sheet listing all the items you want and need, including that budget line for art and accessories. Start comparison shopping. Most large stores and specialty shops have sale times and many have outlet stores with great “mark down” items, however, look carefully for damages or mismatches.
Don’t forget to add labor costs to your ledger sheet. Upholstery labor costs are usually separate from the fabrics you select for window treatments and seating. Wallpaper hanging and painting are separate from the actual cost of the wallpaper. Installation is separate from tile selection. Ask about delivery charges and other shipping fees. Don’t forget to include tax.
If you own your home, condo or co-op, improvements to permanent areas such as kitchens and baths can mean better resale value, as well as better living for you while you are there. Renovation or construction additions appreciate the value of your home, while making it feasible to remain there rather than move to larger quarters and still have to decorate. If you don’t wish to relocate, change schools, churches, neighbors, etc., this is a viable and often cost effective option, and may be funded by home improvement loans or second mortgages.
If you have very little resources, paint instead of wallpaper and plan on doing it yourself or with the help of willing and knowledgeable friends or family. Clean up and organize. Get rid of the mess or clutter and see what a difference that makes. Look for bargains that are legitimate, such as end-of-the-year white sales, clearance center specials, wallpaper outlets, rug remnants, tag and garage sales, etc. If you are handy, go to fabric outlets and make your own slipcovers or curtains. Do-it-yourself kits are also available for refinishing old furniture.
In addition, ready-made sheeting and matching ensembles save money and create “decorator bedrooms” for a fraction of the cost of custom. Accessorize with items you already own: books, plants, collectibles. You can also buy posters or prints and frame them professionally, but inexpensively. Don’t however, change the floor plan. Compromising function is not necessary, and in the long run, is the least cost-effective method.
So – your home decorating projects are calling. Make a plan, count your dollars, roll up your sleeves and get started!

Veggie Stromboli

By
Lisa Basini
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Lisa Basini Recipe Developer, Food Stylist and Owner of the Baking Coach, Inc. The Baking Coach® is a baking instruction company located in Huntington, NY. We teach to people of all ages and abilities! Phone (631) 543-8608 www.bakingcoach.com

Prep time: 1 hour; Baking Time: 30 minute; Servings: 6

Here Is What You Need:
1 ¼ cups warm water – about 100 degrees
1 tablespoon dry active yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
2 cups mozzarella cheese
2 cups chopped vegetables (see filling ideas)

Here Is How You Do It:
In a large mixing bowl, add warm water, sugar, and yeast;
gently stir.  Let yeast mixture sit for 5 minutes. You will see the yeast start to foam slightly. Add in 3 cups flour, salt,
and 3 tablespoons of oil. Stir, then mix with hands until it forms a dough. Sprinkle in remaining flour as needed if the dough is too sticky. The dough should be slightly tacky, but not sticking to your hands. Use extra flour and coat dough.
Cover the dough in the bowl loosely with damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow to rise and triple in size, for approximately 30 minutes.

Filling Ideas:
Frozen chopped spinach (drained well)
Cooked chopped broccoli
Chopped artichoke hearts (drained well)
Sliced saluted onions and peppers
Chopped roasted peppers
Chopped sundried tomatoes
Cauliflower cooked and chopped

Fill and Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper gently-greased, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of chopped vegetables and 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine and set aside.
3. Coat dough with flour and roll out dough to a large rectangle, about 24 inches long and 18 inches wide.
4. Add filling, except leave a 2-inch boarder (without filling) on the bottom and sides.
5. At the top, leave a 6-inch boarder also without filling.
6. Starting at the bottom, roll up the Stromboli, and place (seam side down) on baking sheet. Shape into a log by folding under each end, or create a circle and attach the two ends to form one large ring. Using the tip of a knife, cut 2 slits in the top of each. Brush with remaining oil.
Bake until golden, or for 30 to 45 minutes. Serve Stromboli with 1 cup marinara for dipping.

ENJOY… Big Game Sunday with Crispy Fried Pickles!

By
Denise Gianatasio
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Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident, freelance writer and licensed
agent at Signature Premier Properties in Northport. Please feel free to contact her
for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

 

It is here … that Sunday all you football fans have waited for, so kick it off with tasty bites for game watching! Whether you are staying at home and hosting Game Day, or contributing to a get together, these mouth-watering pickles are a must try! Super simple to prepare and worth the bit of effort. Fried pickles got their start in the South as a snack food and have become a popular favorite across the U.S., appearing on restaurant menus everywhere.  This crowd pleasing finger food is sure to score a touchdown every time. The crispy breaded outside gives way to the tangy pickle, creating a combination that is simply savory. You can fry them, but I like to keep the recipe a bit healthier with this oven baking alternative, which yields the same crispy results. I also make a very easy dipping sauce that you can serve alongside your pickles as a delicious complement. The only real problem you may encounter with an appetizer like this—getting them into the living room as they usually get gobbled up faster than you can make them. So, go ahead and make yourself the Winner at this Game and become the MVP of the party! Trust me, your whole team will thank you! Enjoy the taste and the Big Game! It’s a Win-Win for you! Xoxo Denise

You will need:
1 cup of kosher pickles cut into 1/4 inch slices and patted dry with paper towel
½ cup flour
2 eggs beaten well with 2 T olive oil
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Fresh black pepper
1/8th teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more if you like hot)
3 seperate bowls for the flour, the beaten eggs, and the bread crumbs with pepper
1 flat baking sheet (gently greased with a little bit of oil)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice your pickles, patting a bit of the moisture off with paper towel. Lay pickles on a flat dish. Then, one slice at a time, add flour to both sides. Dip into egg mixture and then into breadcrumb mixture. Place on baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Dipping Sauce: ­
(Mix these ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until needed.)
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons of ketchup
¼ t garlic powder
½ teaspoon of fresh black pepper

 

Best of Brunch

By
Joanna Adduci Reed
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Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a Marketing & Social Media Specialist. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John’s University and is active within her community as a writer and mentor. She enjoys cooking, traveling and singing in her Long Island-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by email at LISAVORYEATS@gmail.com.

There is nothing greater than waking up on the weekend and going to brunch. I’ve held this sentiment close to my heart since college, and luckily that hasn’t changed in 10+ years. Although the current restaurant landscape is a bit different than we’re used to, we can still dine out (if taking proper precautions) and enjoy a good meal.

My favorite brunch spots are individually categorized by mood – am I looking to sit down and enjoy a long morning with my fiancé? Am I on-the-go and needing a solid breakfast fix? Or, maybe I want to stay local and shamelessly enjoy wearing a pair of jeans and a baseball hat. There is something for everyone here.

Let’s start with on-the-go. My absolute favorite breakfast sandwich is from Southdown Coffee in Huntington. The “Famous Egg Sandwich”: two eggs on a roll, with bacon, cheddar, arugula, pickled onions, and tomato butter. It is truly the perfect egg sandwich, and pairs nicely with one of their coffee offerings. (Pro-tip: their breakfast tacos and burrito are also noteworthy. Give them a try!) If I’m not at Southdown, then I’m at Kerber’s Farm (also in Huntington). I adore their egg sandwich on the in-house buttermilk biscuit. It’s build-your-own, so I generally opt for sautéed onions, tomato, bacon, and cheddar. (Pro-tip: order some baked goods to go, they’re incredibly delicious.)

If I have some time to sit down, but still want to keep it casual, I choose Maureen’s Kitchen (Smithtown), Tim’s Shipwreck Diner (Northport), or Toast Coffeehouse (Port Jefferson). These places are near and dear to my heart because they offer a small-town feel, combined with no-frills food and great beverage options. I’ve been going to Maureen’s since high school. I always order the same thing: eggs, sausage, pancakes. Tim’s Shipwreck Diner is walking distance from my house, and it’s my absolute favorite breakfast burrito anywhere. Toast in Port Jefferson has an all-around great menu, and we love their cold brew coffee! (Pro-tip: go next door, and grab some donuts from East Main & Main on your way home.)

Now, if I’m trying to stray from my usual casual wear (which is rare these days), and maybe enjoy a bubbly beverage while eating my eggs, I’ll opt for The Shed (Huntington), Tullulah’s (Bay Shore), Verde Kitchen & Cocktails (Bay Shore), Rustic Root (Woodbury), or Salted. On The  Harbor (Northport). These hot spots are trendy with unique menu offerings and delicious cocktails. If I’m at The Shed, I get the breakfast bowl, complete with 2 poached eggs, avocado, home fries, spinach, onion, corn, jalapeño, and chipotle hollandaise. While enjoying the scene at Tullulah’s, I’ll get the avocado toast with pork belly, or Bahn Mi – house-smoked crispy pork belly, pickled vegetables, herb aioli on French bread. Across the street at Verde Kitchen & Cocktails, we love the Chilaquiles – sunny side farm eggs, corn chips, salsa verde, queso fresco, and onion. (Pro-tip: add carnitas, and ask for extra salsas on the side!)

On the North Shore, Rustic Root is one of my all-time favorites. We go family-style here and order the deviled eggs, crispy brussel sprouts, honey roasted wings, egg sandwich (with truffle and chive), and the grass-fed burger with French raclette cheese. (Pro-tip, add a side of the smoked slab bacon! And, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t fret – they have a wonderful assortment of options.) Last but not least, the local newcomer, Salted. On The Harbor – pumpkin pancakes, chicken & waffles, lobster benedict, and brioche French toast. (Plus the friendliest staff!) Need I say more?

Whether you’re dining in, taking out, carnivore, vegan, gluten-free, looking for a breakfast cocktail, bundling up for outdoor dining, etc. – these local establishments have something for everyone. Times may look a little different recently, but there’s nothing like a solid brunch to lift your spirits and bring some cheer.

 

All About the Eyes

By
Jennifer McNicholl
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Jennifer is an Account Manager at a beauty public relations agency in New York City, from Long Island. She has a bachelor of arts in communications and marketing from SUNY Cortland and is interested in all things travel and beauty. Jen can be reached by email at jennifer.mcnicholl5@gmail.com!

If someone told me a year ago that wearing a face mask would become the norm in 2020, I’m honestly not sure I would have believed them. No matter where we’ve been going, adding a face covering as an accessory to our outfits is part of a daily routine that will no doubt continue well into, if not, the end of this year. Just because half of our faces are continuing to be covered, doesn’t mean that we should completely give up on our skincare and makeup routines. It’s still necessary to take care of our eyes and ensure they make a statement whether we’re taking a trip to the store, on a zoom call, going to a socially distant gathering, etc.

Mask-friendly eye makeup has become the trend, and will be for a while, so if you haven’t already, now’s the time to start perfecting it. If you’re not sure where to start (or like to discover new products) keep reading for a step-by-step process on how to create a great eye look using some of my favorite products!

Step 1: Eye Moisturizer
To prep the skin around your eye, consider using the Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb ($48, belifusa.com). It’s lightweight, refreshing silky-textured eye cream floods fine lines, boosts elasticity and increases resilience of skin for flawless makeup application.

Step 2: Concealer & Lid Primer
To even out the color of your skin, use your fingers to pat the Cle de Peau Concealer SPF 25 ($73, cledepeaubeaute.com) under your eyes. I love that this concealer has SPF in it to add more protection around the eyes.

Step 3: Eyeshadow
I’ve recently discovered the brand Lime Crime, and have become obsessed with their Venus XL 2 Eyeshadow Palette ($58, limecrime.com). This earthy shadow palette includes 18 shades in a buttery-smooth formula with 6 different finishes. Note, the secret to eyeshadow lasting longer is priming your eyelids beforehand.

Step 4: Eyeliner 
You can never go wrong with a drugstore brand like Maybelline. Their Eyestudio Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner ($8.99, maybelline.com) is a great liquid eyeliner that delivers the smoothest glide and lasts up to 24 hours. (If I’m going for a casual daytime look, I’ll sometimes skip this step.)

Step 5: Mascara
I’m extremely particular about my mascara and I’ve been using the Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara ($23, stilacosmetics.com) for years! You can get major volume, length, and curl with an intense black color.

Keeping Track of Your Fitness Resolutions

By
webpublisherpro
-


Sheila Wenz is a native of LI who
lived in Los Angeles working in the
entertainment business. She is a
comedian, comedy writer and
comedy instructor website
www.standupstudios.com

…be gentle with yourself and take a few small steps that can change your outlook and set you in the right direction for the coming year.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. How many people do you know who set a resolution and actually keep it? Rather than making grand resolutions to get in shape or lose weight, be gentle with yourself and take a few small steps that can change your outlook and set you in the right direction for the coming year.

There are plenty of free apps to download on your phone that can help. Simply put in your age, height and weight and they will estimate how many calories you need each day to maintain or lose weight. Some of the most popular ones are Lose It! and MyFitnessPal. Try tracking your food intake for just one week. You’ll get a good idea of your habits and where you might need to make some adjustments. You would be surprised to see how many calories are in certain foods, for example, we New Yorkers love our bagels with a schmear, but you’re looking at almost 500 calories!

Another step to take – literally – is to use the fitness app on your phone or get an inexpensive wrist tracker that tells you how many steps you take in a day and how many calories you’re burning. It can be fun to set a goal for a certain number of daily steps and reach it. If you compare your activity with your food intake, you’ll get an even clearer picture of where changes need to be made to reach your goals in a healthy and consistent way.

As far as activity goes, your gym may be closed but there are still plenty of wonderful options to get you moving. Walking is one of the best ways to start; it’s free, easy and lets you be socially distant. Long Island has a wealth of beautiful places to walk, whether you prefer beaches or hiking trails. If it’s cold outside you can still bundle up and take a stroll—it’s refreshing, clears your mind and exciting to watch those steps add up.

YouTube is also an excellent resource for exercise. There are work outs of every kind, for all fitness levels, that target any area of the body. Some videos are as short as eight minutes and will teach you how to do specific exercises safely in the privacy of your own home.             Now is the perfect time to find an activity you enjoy and will stick with a few days a week. Just keep it simple, be gentle and remain aware. Try making these few easy lifestyle changes and you will be on the road to reaching your fitness goals for 2021 and beyond.

 

Dipping Our Toes into Travel Again… are we ready?

By
Claudia Fenner
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Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast from Dix Hills. Have any travel questions you would like answered? Email her at
travelingclaudia@gmail.com.
Happy Travels!

“Adventure is calling, but I can’t come to the phone right now” and “The only nation I’m visiting this year is imagination,” were our travel battle cries for the past 9 months.
None of us know what the year ahead holds as far as traveling, but if you are anxious to get away, plan a trip you will feel comfortable taking.
Our first family foray back into travel was in early July, when we took a week-long driving trip into upstate New York.  I chose to stay in New York State so I would not have to worry about any quarantine regulations upon entering another state or returning back to New York.  It was a lovely and memorable trip…so wonderful to be away again, but also laced with a little trepidation as we had been accustomed to being home for so long. We enjoyed all that Buffalo had to offer, which is a lot considering many places up there were still closed at that time.  After our “city portion” of the vacation, we hit the “country portion” and stopped for a night in scenic, Lake Cazanovia,   (just outside of Syracuse).  It was a perfect first getaway, post COVID.  We were in our own car, which made us feel in control. Hotel breakfasts had changed, and gone were the days of coffee in the lobby along with self-service buffets.  Luckily, more things were the same rather than different which made it feel good to be on the road again.
I packed a “to-go bag” of paper towels, antibacterial spray, liquid soap, wipes, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.  It came in handy to have that all in one place.
Then, in September we spent a few days in Newport RI and that was lovely too.  A short 4 hour drive, delicious seafood and grand mansions… what’s not to like?  Our daughter and her fiancé continued onto Maine after that, where it seemed like most of the East Coast had decided to vacation this summer.  Another daughter rented a house in the Catskills and spent a week relaxing. That too, was a popular choice for people, since houses can easily be rented through the Airbnb and VRBO websites.
Now, it seems that people might be ready to travel again by plane. I think I’m ready… with a few planning tips in mind before we depart.
First and foremost, whether you fly or drive, check the current travel/testing/quarantine restrictions of where you are visiting and upon your return back to New York State.  The rules change frequently.  View the current status for NYS at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
Most airlines and hotel chains have incredibly lenient cancellation policies.  Do check your specific carrier and hotel about this, but if you change your mind about going, you probably won’t be liable for steep cancellation fees.
Airlines are working very hard to make travelers feel comfortable again, with attention to strict mask enforcement, blocking of middle seats, capped flight capacity, improved boarding procedures and passenger health screening.  Research online the airline you are thinking of booking, to see exactly what safety procedures and cancellation rules they have in place.
If you do travel this winter…take a deep breath, enjoy the adventure and be sure to wash your hands often.
Happy (and safe) Travels!

Holiday Trends 2020

By
webpublisherpro
-


Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in small businesses and nonprofit organization. She has more than 20 years of experience as a writer, and is a speaker on women’s empowerment issues and philanthropy in America. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, parenting, and other lifestyle topics.

The holidays are upon us, and like everything else in 2020, they will surely be unlike anything we’ve seen before. More than half the nation plans to stay home for Thanksgiving, Christmas and  Chanukah, while even more are planning to pass on spending the night out for New Year’s Eve. If the holidays will be spent at your own dining room table or in your favorite spot on your couch, the question of what to wear comes up.
Fashion and retail are among the casualties of COVID-19. The shopping habits of people all over the world have changed, therefore, so have the plans of buyers for retail stores. If you plan to head out to a small party or restaurant for any of the holidays, you will find fewer fad or one-year trend styles. Retailers have shifted to basics and colors that tend to be timeless. Instead of extra sparkle in your outfit, try an all-red sleeveless jumpsuit that will highlight your toned arms and shoulders from all of your at-home workouts. Add a little pow with dazzling eye shadow or a  statement jewelry piece. A flowy, wide-legged pair of pants with a fitted top will be both elegant and comfortable for your night out. Keep dress selections to one color (red, green, metallic silver or gold) for simple elegance that still pertains to the season.
For the at-home crowd, comfort is key. Whether you plan to dress up, enjoy lounge clothes, or spend the holiday in your pajamas, you can easily remain festive with the right clothing choices. Loungewear has seen a new renaissance, with outfits and separates in everything from cotton to fleece to cashmere. Choose something soft, yet stylish that will become a favorite over the winter months ahead. Or, if you’d rather skip daywear altogether, you may prefer matching pajamas or holiday themed PJ’s that let your inner child come out to play.
Craving something with a bit more polish? Try a pair of velvet pants with a silk camisole or a favorite pair of mom jeans with a lace or organza blouse. Solid or minimalist patterned sweaters are expected to be more popular, especially  as comfort and fashion collide more than ever before. This is expected for men, women, and children alike.
If you are heading out for the holidays, remember your mask is the newest fashion must-have. You can match it to your outfit, or have it stand out as your touch of panache. For example, if your outfit is a monochrome one, and you’re looking to add a certain something, how about a mask trimmed in rhinestones? Perhaps a mask with snowflakes or a small snowman will bring a smile? Also, consider Tartan plaids, particularly the Dress Stewart,  which you can sport if a dress or shirt feels like too much.
This season, whatever your plans, wherever you’ll be, let’s make memories, share laughter, be fashionable, and make sure to be comfortable

Finding The Sacred In The Ordinary

By
Maria DiGiorgio
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Maria DiGiorgio is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. Visit her Etsy shop: LaPetiteFleurbyMaria, for beautiful, one-of-a-kind, hand embellished floral picture frames.

 

 

There is certainly nothing ordinary about the past nine months! It has marked a time in our world, of great fear and uncertainty.  As human beings, we are naturally hardwired to be resilient, and as Americans, we always look for the silver lining in life.  This upcoming holiday season will be unlike any other, as it will mark the first (and hopefully last) time we will be celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah, in a world which is still reeling from this pandemic.  Traditions and experiences will have to be modified, but they can still hold a special place in our hearts and in our homes!
More than ever, the importance of decorating and preparing our homes for celebration, is paramount.  It affords us the opportunity to take the focus off the negative and place it squarely on the positive.  Holidays enable us to create new, special memories and to celebrate cherished ones of old.  We become stronger in our bonds with family, faith and friends.  We have an opportunity to express ourselves through home décor, meal preparation and in the way we adorn our tables.
Although our guest list may look quite different from last year, we can and should put as much effort into making the people we share this time with feel as significant as ever.  Using your good china or special occasion dishes, is a fun and easy way to elevate the mood.  Preparing a special main dish or dessert that you and guests can look forward to each year – with great anticipation, is another wonderful opportunity to spotlight the holidays.  Incorporating soft candlelight and fresh flowers, fruit or greenery as a centerpiece (or as individual place setting accents), will make a festive and welcoming addition to your holiday table.
Adding some holiday décor to your front door, front window or outside porch and garden area, is another way to infuse holiday cheer.  It reminds us and others, that we are taking this time to celebrate the importance of our beliefs and traditions.  Involve your family members in this process and even change things up a bit from your previous year’s look.  Perhaps, add some fresh garland around your entryway or mailbox.  Purchase or make a new wreath for your front door.  Add festive lighting to your bushes, and create a small display on your front lawn or in a picture window, for all to see and enjoy.  Happiness is catching, and sharing it with others can add to the joy we recieve in creating such displays.
Keeping our focus on the true meaning of our holiday and the essence of what it means, everyday in our lives, is the best way we can celebrate all the blessings we have.  The most important accessory you can sport is a genuine smile!  Letting others see and feel the warm glow of love and gratitude in our hearts, will bring the brightest light and most treasured gift of all, this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Guide… His. Hers. Them.

By
Art Department
-



by Katherine Andrianas

 

 

While we might be celebrating the holidays differently this year— more online shopping, smaller family gatherings, less travel, etc., there is still so much to look forward to. After all, tis’ the season for lights and decorations, baked holiday goodies, snow, and beautifully wrapped gifts.  Whether you’ll be seeing your loved ones in-person or virtually, we’ve made the gift of giving easy. Even for those who might normally struggle, we’ve found the best gifts for everyone on your list.

Combining style with function, he’ll love the Bose Audio Bluetooth Sunglasses which are the most innovative and wearable device yet. Put these on and immediately feel like you’re undercover – able to answer phone calls and listen to music or a podcast without anyone realizing. Price: starting at $199.95.

You can never go wrong with a nice smelling fragrance. A popular favorite is the luxurious Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme with top notes of juniper, bergamot, frozen grapefruit and Sicilian mandarin. Gift set contains: two Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette’s (125 ml and 40 ml) which feature scents that imitate the sea and sensuality of the Mediterranean. Price: $98.

Does he like to grill and go places? Uncommongoods.com has a Smokeless Portable Fire Pit and Grill that’s great for enjoying a fire without the smoke. Just fill it with standard logs and a reachable power pack (which lasts up to 24 hours) to enjoy the warmth of a traditional fire. If you’re hungry, toss in some charcoal, pop on the included grill grate and get to cooking. Price: $250.

If he tends to always lose his stuff: wallet, keys, etc., then the Tile Pro might be something he’s missing. It just clips to his valuables and through his smartphone, he can track it all, whether nearby or far away. This year, they have a number of holiday limited editions which come in an assortment of unique patterns and colors. Price: starting at $36.99. Thetileapp.com

The Hard Day’s Work Kit is something every hardworking man needs. Like vacation in a bag, inside the all-natural grooming kit, you’ll find charcoal soap, evergreen hand and body cream, nontoxic evergreen deodorant, creamy pomade to tame his frizz, moisturizing lip balm, a shampoo bar and bath soak to relax his sore muscles. Price: $49. Uncommongoods.com

Harryanddavid.com has great gift packages that satisfy all palates (whether he prefers sweet or savory). But, if the boys are always over for football sunday, the Hometeam Snack Box is something he’ll enjoy. Although there won’t be much tailgating this year, the box makes for a great football party spread. Included is: an all-beef, football shaped sausage, gourmet popcorn (classic caramel), two different dips (black bean and dos quesos), snack mix, crackers and sharp white cheddar. Price: $49.99.

Rewind to the 70’s with the Polaroid Now i-Type Instant Camera, which makes photography effortless. With just one simple point and shoot, she gets to treasure everyday moments forever. Between the self-timer and autofocus 2-lens system, she’ll have sharper images and beautiful portraits in no time. And, with its built-in double exposure, photos are given an added dreamy and artistic effect. Available in seven different colors, you can purchase a starter kit, $144.99 (three packs of film included) or by itself, $99.99. Target.com, Bestbuy.com

If you’re not sure what to get her, Subscription Boxes do a good job of covering all the bases. They have options suitable for every budget, plus most are customizable, so she can pamper herself with all the things she loves in beauty, home, wellness, fashion, fitness, food, etc. A few favorites include: FabFitFun, BeautyFIX, Ipsy, Popsugar Must Haves, and HelloFresh.

For the women into beauty, the Bejewelled Chest of Beauty Treasures: Twelve full/travel sized makeup and skincare marvels in one bejeweled treasure trove, is a must! Contents contain Charlotte’s skincare and complexion icons including Travel Size: Goddess Skin Clay Mask, Serum, Magic Cream, Wonderglow, Supermodel Body, and Setting Spray. Also, Charlotte’s stunning color cosmetics: Limited Edition Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil, Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner, Pillow Talk Push-up Mascara, Lip Cheat Lip Liner, and best-selling Pillow Talk Matte Revolution Lipstick. Price: $200. Sephora.com

This year, Diptyque Paris and artist Ugo Gattoni have imagined a winter’s fairy tale with their Limited-Edition Scented Candles. Available in Floral Majesty (notes of spicy rose), Amber Feather (spicy, soft and warm amber accord), and Moonlit Fir (aromatic woody notes), each offers unique creations of the season. Buy them separate $40 (70g), $78 (190g) or purchase all three 70g candles in an illustrated gift box for $120.

Whether as a morning or nighttime routine, what female doesn’t enjoy doing skin masks? Sephora’s Holy Sheet Collection, satisfies her at-home spa needs with this amazing, all-in-one skincare set. Featuring 20 different treatments, the set includes: Face, Eye, Hand Foot and Hair Masks, Nose Strips, Mini Wipes Solid Cleaners and more. Price: $48.  Sephora.com. Also, Sephora’s Pink Mini Skincare Fridge (Price: $60) is a great accessory for storing her sheet masks, skincare, and facial rollers.

Part smart phone, part vase, the Bedside Smartphone Vase lets her charge her phone while it sits pretty amongst a bouquet of flowers. Whether she fills it with fresh-cut flowers or lovely dried blooms, the smart vase is bound to brighten up her bedside table. Handmade from cork and stoneware clay, it comes in colors mint or white. Price: $32. Uncommongoods.com

The Craft Cocktail Infusion Kit makes at-home mixology simple and swift. For just $30, the sampler pack comes with six different flavors: cinnamon, citrus, chili, chocolate, floral, mint, and smoky. Just add your favorite booze of choice – or refer to the kits suggested liquor pairings – and within a few hours, you have yourself delicious, top-notch cocktails. Uncommongoods.com

A cooking class is always a great idea for a couple, no matter what age. If you know they’re both into baking, bakingcoach.com offers great workshops for cake decorating and cookie making. You can also accompany a cooking class with Foodie Dice which has 186,000 possible meal combinations that all inspire creativity in the kitchen. Amazon.com. Price: $24.

For the couple obsessed with their dog, the Furbo Dog Camera is a perfect gift. This interactive dog cam lets you see, talk, and give treats to your dog while you’re away. You can even spoil your fur baby by throwing them treats throughout the day, or talking to them through the microphone. Shopus.furbo.com. Price: $199.

A Personalized Couple’s Portrait might be a cute and fun idea. Prettytimely.com illustrates unique and memorable keepsakes which feature customized artwork of you or loved ones. Just state their hair color, hairstyle, skin tone, any desired text, size of artwork, etc., and you’ll have a spot on illustration of them.

Unsolved Case Files provides a great form of entertainment for game or date night. With numerous cases to choose from, each allows you to become a cold case detective in solving a murder mystery. So, can you prove who’s innocent and figure out the real killer? Price: starting at $29.99. Unsolvedcasefiles.com

Bring the spa experience home by getting them Matching Classic White Embroidered Spa Robes. Whether you prefer putting their single initial, monogram or full name, they can be embroidered in multiple colors and fonts, creating a must-have bath piece for him and her. Personalizationmall.com Price of set: $ 69.99.

 

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