Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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Pass The Pretty Peas…

By
Marc Piperno
-

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.

  This truly deIicious family favorite was always a staple in my childhood. I grew up with an Italian mom, who never used canned vegetables, except for these peas. (Yes, in the can.) It’s the way she prepared them that made us come to love them so much. Of course, I made them for my kids and today, my grandkids. Anybody who tastes them becomes a big fan. 
  A point worth mentioning…   peas have an impressive beneficial profile! They are extremely high in fiber, nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, research shows they may help protect against certain chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer. What better reason to start passing the peas around the table?  
  These tender and sweet, pretty peas are delicious when combined with soft, sautéed caramelized Vidalia onions. They make a great and simple addition to any meal, especially holiday meals with that marvelous green color and taste. I guarantee you will soon hear, “pass the peas please!”

Ingredients
1 ½ Large Vidalia onions diced
1/3 Cup extra virgin olive oil
3  15 ounce can of peas (Le Sueur brand) Ground fresh pepper (to taste)
Ground fresh sea salt (to taste)
Sprinkle of nutmeg (optional)

Sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat; stirring until soft, transparent and beginning to turn golden. Add drained peas to the onions; stir to warm, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy! xoxo Denise

    

 

Snickerdoodles

By
Marc Piperno
-

Tiffany Cohen has been cooking since she was 12 years old, and has a blog called Whatcha Cooking Good Looking, which showcases her love for food and creating great memories with family and friends. Contact her at whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com.

    Can there really be anything wrong with cookies rolled in cinnamon and sugar?  I think not. Now that the holidays are here, I think you could use a new cookie recipe in your life to shake up traditions.  What do you think?
    If you have ever made Snickerdoodles before, I guarantee that you haven’t made them like this. It is the BEST Snickerdoodle recipe. This recipe has no shortening AND stays soft for days. (Leave your old, hard-as-a-rock, shortening filled cookie recipe at the door.) These cookies are not only deliciously soft and chewy, but they’re pretty too! 

Ingredients
    • 2 1/4 cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • A sprinkling of salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 sticks of salted butter (I never use unsalted butter in baking), at room temperature (important!)
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed and a little overflowing
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 overflowing teaspoon vanilla (I pour it into the measuring spoon and then keep going slowly until it overflows slightly)
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon (for rolling)
    • Reynolds Parchment Baking Sheets (pre-cut for your baking pleasure)

Instructions
    Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.  Set aside.
    Using a stand mixer (with the paddle attachment) or a handheld mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and sugar on low/medium until combined, smooth, and creamy.
    When the butter and sugars are combined and creamy, add the eggs one at a time. Then add the vanilla.  
    With the mixer running on low, slowly add the dry ingredients in batches so that it can properly incorporate into the wet ingredients. Continue until you have added all the dry ingredients.  
    In a small bowl, mix together the remaining cinnamon and sugar. Mix well. Take out 2 cookie sheets and lay the parchment baking sheets on them. Using an ice cream scoop, take a scoop of dough, put it into your hand and form it into a ball. Roll the dough into the cinnamon sugar mix until it’s completely covered and place onto the cookie sheet.
    Place the tray in the oven and set the timer for 9 minutes. If they don’t look done at all, let them cook for another minute. (They cook fast so watch them!) The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and still look slightly uncooked in the middle. Don’t worry.  They will finish cooking when they come out of the oven on the sheet.  Let them sit on the pan for at least 4-5 minutes.  You can slide the entire sheet off the pan with the cookies on it. Place another sheet on the pan and finish up the dough. This recipe should make 2 1/2 dozen cookies.  Enjoy!
    For more delicious recipes and cooking tips from Tiffany, head on over to www.whatchacookinggoodlooking.com.  

 

Don’t Let the Holiday Season Leave You Spent

By
Marc Piperno
-

Maria Faller is a certified wellness coach and the founder of Be A Better You Fitness and Be Better Kids. She is the creator of the Transform and Tell program and author of the newly released book “BABY STEPS: A realistic guide to Being a Better You.”  To contact her, visit BeABetterYouFitness.com or follow her on: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @BeABetterYouFit.
The momentum of the holiday season begins sometime in late October, when the stores become alive with festive lights, the radio croons familiar tunes and the television begins playing those wonderfully nostalgic shows.  Through the years, the retail and media partnerships have grown so extravagant that it can make remembering the true spirit of this season a bit challenging. 
    The four biggest pressures during this season are: decorating, buying, attending and indulging. While these activities can certainly add to the holiday joy, they can also be terribly depleting in many ways. In these circumstances, depletion is not a good thing, not for your health or your  wallet. By overextending, overbuying and overindulging yourself, you are sure to  cause added stress and exhaustion. 
    With the pressure to decorate, you may find yourself in a friendly neighborhood competition, or you may believe that brighter is better. After all, everywhere you look there seems to be bigger and more enhanced displays to strive for! While this is fun and festive, it can get pretty pricey. The lights, outdoor blow ups, indoor décor and the electric bill will all add up to a hefty expense. Keeping it simple will save you money, time and worry.  
    Buying gifts is another pressure that will hit your wallet hard. The pressure to buy the best gifts for everyone–even a gift card with an amount attached to it–will entice you to spend way more than you should. There’s something to be said about homemade gifts, personally chosen books, and even Secret Santa’s among the office or a large group of friends.  Remember, tis’ the season of giving, not draining. Running up your credit cards and spending all your money on gifts will only cause you strain and aggravation.    
    While it can be a great time attending holiday parties, it can also take a toll on your health. If you are burning yourself out trying to make all the invites (the tree lighting ceremonies and the winter wonderlands) you may find yourself with a cold or even worse. The holiday season is prime time for people to land in the emergency room. Whether it is stress induced from a decorating accident or from a nasty virus, you can be proactive and avoid this by practicing self-care. Get proper rest, stay hydrated and do your best to dodge stressful and dangerous situations. Pick and choose your events, say no when you need to, and do not feel guilty about choosing to put your health first. 
    While we are on the subject of parties, another big pressure we feel during the holidays is to indulge! During the celebrations, the pies, cookies, honey-balls, specialty martinis, turkey, and meatballs–whatever your traditions may be–make it easy to overindulge and leave your reservations at the door. Overeating and drinking too much will not only make you feel unpleasant, but will also add inches to your waistline. When you­ are overdoing it from Halloween to New Year’s Day, your body is sure to go through some unwanted changes. Choose your treats wisely; add water in between your alcoholic beverages, and fill your plate with lots of greens. Also, be sure to aim for 30 minutes of fitness at least three times a week. Practicing healthier habits will keep your immune system strong and your belt on the same notch.  
    The true spirit of the holiday season is to be kind, grateful, helpful and most of all, be joyful. When you focus on putting these tips into practice, the pressure driven aspects of the season lose their appeal and you will find yourself smiling, stress free and truly enjoying the magic of the season.

 

Holiday Gift Guide : HIS (Page 1)

By
Marc Piperno
-

by Tammy Severino

If he’s a guy who loves his tunes and longs for  summer days, Tiki Tunes, wireless speakers may be the perfect gift. These Bluetooth speakers look like tiki torches and will add music and a beach vibe to next summer’s backyard moments. Limitlessinnovations.com

Perhaps the man on your list is someone who truly appreciates a glass of fine, 12 year-old  scotch. A bottle of Macallan or Johnny Walker Black Label will make for a much appreciated gift. Variations at every price point make it possible for you to pick the one that fits your budget. If he prefers bourbon over scotch, Legent Bourbon, a collaborative brainchild of Jim Beam’s Fred Noe and Shinji Fukuyo, the chief blender of Suntory’s 
Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, is just what the bartender ordered.

Uncommon Goods carries an array of reasonably priced gift items for all kinds of interests. If you’re shopping for a foodie, try a 15 flavor oil dipping set. He can dabble with a fresh loaf of bread to find ­­his favorite. UncommonGoods.com

Lush Cosmetics is a company you likely would consider for women. However, their ever-growing line of all natural men’s products has them quickly becoming a fan favorite among guys who want to look and smell their best. From massage oils and soaps to shaving products and skin care, they carry a remarkably large selection of products to meet men’s grooming needs. Lush.com

For the traveling man on your list, let him record his thoughts and impressions in a Leather Etched Map Journal available at The Grommet. TheGrommet.com

For a gift that lasts three, six or even twelve months long, try a monthly subscription club. You can find offerings on everything from whiskey to shaving needs to socks. Fanchest and SprezzaBox are two of the most highly rated with varying price points to suit any budget. 

You can never go wrong with gifting a luxurious fragrance. K by Dolce&Gabbana embodies a charismatic and generous spirit. Instantly conjuring the Mediterranean Italian countryside, its warm enveloping embrace evokes the fresh earthy scent of wooded Tuscan hills. The luxury fragrance set includes the Eau de Toilette and After Shave Balm.  Price: $94

 

Holiday Gift Guide : HERS (Page 2)

By
Marc Piperno
-

by Tammy Severino

­­If she loves the latest and greatest in beauty, Jill Stuart Beauty Royal & Urban Princess Collection Set launched in November 2019. The limited-edition collection features products for eyes, lips and face, and will have her feeling beautiful and glamorous. Jillstuartbeautyusa.com

Jane Iredale’s Limited Edition Honeycomb Bag is a great little travel bag that benefits a good cause. A portion of all proceeds from this item will benefit HoneyLove Urban Beekeepers. She’ll thank you… and so will the bees! Janeiredale.com

If she loves to be cozy and warm, the UGG Scuffette II Slipper is a great gift to keep her toes toasty on chilly mornings. Pick her favorite color and watch her smile as she steps into them. 

A thoughtful choice for a hardworking woman (and what women isn’t) is a room oil diffuser. There is a wide array of choices to fit your budget and her style. It’s a great alternative to candles, fills the room with fragrance and, with aromatherapy oils, she can melt away the stress of her day. bedbathandbeyond.com

My younger kids were looking for a great gift for their big sister last year. They settled on getting a fragrance. The issue – which one to get her. As a young woman finding her style, she had not yet found her scent. They chose Sephora’s Holiday Sampler, a collection of 13 mini perfumes from top brands and a voucher for her to get a full bottle of her favorite scent. Sephora.com

Throw pillows and blankets are fun, festive gifts that add a little pop to a room and comfort to the person who gets to enjoy them. Pier 1 is one of my favorite places to peruse for soft, beautiful options. I do need to point out that a warm, cozy blanket is a great choice for a woman, man or couple…this gift covers ALL the bases. Pier1.com

Nearly every woman enjoys soaking in a scented bath. Bath bombs and soaks can come in a gift set or individually for use as stocking stuffers. Etsy shops have a whole host of sets from which to choose. Etsy.com

These are only a few of the many options abound this season. Remember, be thoughtful about the recipient(s) taste, be true to your budget, and enjoy the experience – in store or online. (Also, don’t forget to shop local!) Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season 
and happy shopping. 

 

Holiday Gift Guide : THEIRS (& Stocking Stuffers – PAGE 3)

By
Marc Piperno
-

by Tammy Severino

Buying for two is often the hardest. Look for things that they both enjoy, want to  do together and share, or that are truly designed for two. 

In addition to offering great gifts for the kitchen, Sur La Table offers an array of date night cooking classes. Consider a gift certificate for two to attend a Saturday evening cooking class together. If you prefer to buy them something, a great choice is a Bodum Copper French Press. Add a pair of coffee mugs, freshly ground coffee and a­­ mix for homemade biscuits or muffins. Surlatable.com

If they’re a stay-in-all-day-Sunday kind of pair, matching plush robes is a great way to keep them cozy. Robes come in an assortment of colors and are often found in the housewares department with the plush bath towels. Macys.com

For the pair on your list who know EVERY Star Wars reference, Etsy has the perfect gift. A wall framed, “I Love You…I Know”  between Lego Princess Leia and Han Solo, is something you can personalize without breaking the bank. Etsy.com/NabootiqueChic

Love them or hate them, Amazon has lots of great gifts to fit any budget, especially for a couple. From lovely sheets to a fondue set for special evenings at home, the options abound. Cuisinart’s Fondue Set is a great choice, with all of the accessories needed for a chocolate or cheese feast (food not included). Amazon.com

If you’re shopping for the couple that never gets time for themselves, try creating a gift for a simple evening out. Tickets for two to the local movie theatre and a gift certificate for a pizza date night can make for a much needed date night without costing a fortune. Also, don’t forget a homemade gift certificate to take care of the babysitting 
(value – priceless!).

 

STOCKING STUFFERS

Catrice Mistletoe Kisses ($15.99, CatriceCosmetics.com) 4 Generation Plump & Shine glosses.

Nugg Beauty Winter Fix Ornament ($3.99 each, nuggbeauty.com) Intense moisture boost. Available in three options.

Diptyque Hand Care Set ($88, diptyqueparis.com) The comforting wash solution gently cleanses the hands while the velvet emulsion envelops them with a light & velvety veil.

Aglow Holiday Duo ($48, lilahbeauty.com) A pair of the brand’s lavender-oil-infused hydrating mist, enriched with beneficial botanicals to set, refresh, & hydrate.

Whiskey Stones Double ($22, UncommonGoods.com) Simply freeze. Drop in your drink and enjoy within 5 minutes.

­­Trio of Travel-Sized Hot Sauce ($15, UncommonGoods.com) 2oz. bottles, with a medley of Jalapeno, Tequila & Lime (Medium), Scotch Bonnet & Ginger (Hot), and Red Habanero & Black Coffee (Hot).

Ethique Hair Sampler  ($15.99, Amazon.com) Hair Sampler, featuring five samples, Frizz Wrangler, Heali Kiwi, Wonderbar, Saint Clements & The Guardian.

 

A Treasured Tradition

By
Marc Piperno
-

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.
    The holidays are a time for celebration! Sharing faith, food and tradition with family and friends is the earmark of the season.  This special time of year affords us an opportunity to reflect upon our personal, religious and communal convictions. We seek to be united with those we know and love, as well as with those we know are in need of love, care and generosity. Our hearts,  homes, and tables overflow with an abundance of all things representative of love.  It is a singularly unique occasion to marry the secular and the spiritual, through beautiful decorations, cherished family recipes, as well as traditions and practices reserved for this very wonderful time of year.
     The holidays provide us with an extended period of time in which to showcase our personal sense of style, our culinary prowess and our ability to incorporate the old with the new.  Decorating at this time of year is not for the faint of heart, although you can enjoy the over-the-top adornments of others, while maintaining a more minimalist approach for yourself, if preferred. Stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Pier 1 Imports, local florists and gift shops have a veritable treasure trove of beautiful and festive tableware, lighting, home décor and seasonal accents, all designed to enhance your home and holiday experience.  
     One way to make your table extra special, is to break out your finest china and  serving pieces of personal significance to your family (for example, Grandma’s casserole dish or Mom’s soup tureen).  It doesn’t matter if they compliment each other aesthetically; the importance of blending meaning and memories is the object of desire, here.  Fresh flowers or greenery, candles and holiday potpourri add additional beauty and flare. Here, too, you may wish to display these items in family heirloom vases, candlesticks or other vessels.  Spending time selecting and executing favorite family recipes, as well as choosing objects of religious importance to display on your table, sideboard or anywhere else in your home, make the atmosphere more personal and meaningful.
      Home is where the heart is, and it may be more evident than ever during the holidays.  Our homes are an extension of ourselves. They reflect the sentiments we embody and furnish us with a haven of love, honor and tradition, in which to commemorate the old and celebrate the new.  This is the very essence of the holiday season, and in doing so, we pave the way for future generations to come.  
Happy Holidays!

 

Positive Parenting Solutions: The BEST GIFT you can give your child this Holiday Season!

By
Marc Piperno
-

Connie Henriquez H.H.C. is a Teen Life Coach who teaches kids & teens how to overcome anxiety, self-doubt and improve  their self-esteem. For more information, call (516) 340-0378 or check out her website at startlovinglife.com. 
    December is here and it came quick! It makes you realize how quickly life goes by if we aren’t paying attention. Many parents go through days, weeks and months consumed with routine (or rat race of life), they neglect to actually enjoy life!
    I see this often when working with kids and speaking with their parents. The parent wants what’s best for their child, but most of the time they do it at their own expense. They end up getting bogged down and exhausted along the way because it becomes impossible to keep up. You as the parent weren’t meant to keep up, you were meant to love life! And I am going to show you how…
    The first thing you must do is give yourself a break! As Long Island’s Teen Life Coach, I am constantly on the phone with parents who are concerned about their children. Whether it be anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings or lack of self-esteem, these concerns are very common and usually the result of plain-old childhood pressures. However, when speaking with parents, there is often a tone of guilt in their voice as if they did something wrong to cause their child’s concerns. It breaks my heart when I hear this, because it isn’t true. AND, even if it was, it doesn’t even matter. 
    Without a doubt, every child has the ability to be happy and confident regardless of their surroundings, and that includes you, the parent. In fact, that’s what I teach the kids in my program.  Happiness is an inside job and kids should never depend on anyone, including their parents, in order to feel good. This is important because parents are HUMAN. Parents aren’t perfect, nor were they ever meant to be. So, stop putting undue pressure on yourself to be the perfect parent– it doesn’t exist. More importantly, you don’t want your child to think that it does. By doing so, you are doing a disservice to you and to them.
    Above all, raise an independent free-thinking child who knows that their happiness is JUST as important as yours. Happiness is an inside job for you (the parent) too, and shouldn’t be dictated by your child’s behavior. Yes, we know that the kids of today tend to be temperamental, but do your best to stay true to you. Appreciate yourself and know you are doing the best you can, AND that is enough! Because as a parent, the best example for your child, is finding your own happiness and teaching them to do the same!

 

Long Island Holiday Festivities

By
Marc Piperno
-
 

Celebrate 
the holidays close to 
home this season by 
checking out what’s 
happening right here 
on Long Island!

November 29th Bayville Winter Wonderland
8 Bayville Avenue
(Open until January 1st)    
It’s that time of year again, when the Bayville Adventure Park turns into a magical winter wonderland. For under $25 dollars, there are tons of activities to enjoy, 
including holiday miniature golf, ice skating, storytelling and a chance to visit Santa’s workshop at the North Pole.  They will even have holiday character meet and greets, a holiday express train, along with tons of arts and crafts for the kids. Plus, if you’re looking for somewhere fun and exciting to ring in the New Year, here’s the place.

 

December 8th

KIDS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Hilton Long Island/Huntington         598 Broadhollow Rd, Melville 
10:00AM-4:00PM    
Get your kids ready for a good time! Here they’ll have live music, bouncy house rides, face painting, gingerbread decorating, arts and crafts tables, magic shows and much more. For parents, it’s a great opportunity to capture pictures of their little ones in the toddler soft play area or during the princess guest appearance. So, buy tickets in advance for $5, or purchase them at the door for $10. Also, make sure to enter in raffles for a chance to win special prizes. www.2019kidsholidayfestival.eventbrite.com

 

December 15th 

Santa Brunch
Long Island Aquarium,                431 East Main Street, Riverhead            
Seating Times: 10:00AM, 12:00PM & 2:00PM    
Attending a Santa Brunch is always high on the list of things to do during 
the holiday season. Just pick a seating time that works best, and come enjoy a delicious buffet brunch in the ­waterfront Sea Star Ballroom of the LI Aquarium. Not only do the kids get to make a special take-home holiday keepsake, but you get to enjoy the aquarium attractions as it is included in your brunch fee! P.S., don’t forget to take along a camera to capture a family photo with Santa. Reservations required – call 631.208.9200, ext. 426.

December 20th- 22nd, 27th-29th

 

Candle Light Evenings
Old Bethpage Village Restoration                1303 Round Swamp Rd, Old Bethpage 
5:00PM-9:30PM
What’s better than enjoying the holidays in a place where the clocks are always turned back to the 19th century? Beginning at 5:00PM, the evening village walk-through will feature Civil War era Christmas songs, contra-dancing, holiday storytelling, an 1866 decorated Christmas tree and a traditional bonfire. Guests will also have a chance to sip on hot apple cider while they enjoy a guest appearance by Frozen’s Olaf and new this year—an illuminated path to Santa’s workshop.

 

December 27th& 28th 

Twilight Tours of Decorated Vanderbilt Museum
180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
5:30PM-9:00PM
Every year since 1999, spectators are able to view the luxurious living quarters of the Vanderbilt family mansion on a guided, nighttime tour. Outfitted in holiday adornments; decorated by local 
designers and garden club members, each room of the Spanish-revival home is more enchanting than the next. Between the lighted trees, ornaments, wreaths, ribbons and beautifully-wrapped artificial gifts, you’re given a nice blend of the homes original historic charm plus the magic of the holiday season. Available online only. Members; Free | Adults; $12 | Children Under 12; $6 | Seniors/Students; $10

December 29th

Hanukkah Party
Wood Kingdom West
120 Milbar Blvd, Farmingdale
2:00PM-4:30PM        
Joining Wood Kingdom for their first annual Hanukkah party will be the Melville Chabad. To kick it off, they’ll have playtime for the kids followed by donuts, a Hanukkah story and game of “find the treasure chest of gelt.” Complimentary coffee and tea will also be available for adults and at 4:30PM, a Menorah lighting will take place. So, reserve your ticket online now because space is limited! www.swingsetnow.com/collections/events/products/hanukkah-party

December 31st

­­Fishes & Wishes 
New Year’s Eve Party
Long Island Aquarium
6:30PM-11:00PM    
Join the LI Aquarium for their annual 
New Year’s Eve Celebration.  There will 
be plenty of great food and fun on top 
of entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, 
DJ, lots of dancing, a penguin meet and greet along with a buffet dinner, which 
includes beer and wine. Following that, guests can fill up on sweets at the 
dessert and ice cream bar, then 
“cheers it” with a mock midnight 
champage and sparkling cider toast. 
For reservations and ticket pricing, 
call 631.208.9200 ext. 426 
or book online today.

 

 

 

Pet Age – A Caring Port of Call

By
Marc Piperno
-
 

A caring port of call
With an unusual start, PetPort has 
a clear future in benefiting pets.

 

Pet Age recently spoke with Holly Levis to learn more about her decision to open PetPort, a pet store in Northport, New York.

        What inspired you to open
        PetPort?
    When I was music director at WCBS-    FM, New York, I had just adopted two Jack Russell litter mates. When the boy, Dave, was almost 2 years of age, he was misdiagnosed with lymphoma, and I was told he only had weeks to live. I fell in love with this puppy, and decided I was going to do everything I could to help him. At the time, I was programming the radio station on one computer and researching my dog’s disease on another simultaneously.
    After two years of chemotherapy,   we learned that Dave didn’t have cancer. He probably had some strain of Lyme’s disease that was unknown back then and in time it resolved with multiple courses of antibiotics. At that point, I was very interested in going to DVM school, but that’s a tough road. I had a successful career in New York City radio, on-air, for many years at WCBS-FM, WBLS, WKTU and Lite-FM. Going back to grad school at that point was not a reality for me. So, after much thought, I decided to open an all-natural pet supply boutique in my hometown of Northport, New York. It was a side project at the time. I had learned so much studying about pet diseases and nutrition as Dave got better. I really wanted to provide a haven for pet parents to visit, get sound advice and veterinarian referrals—and PetPort was born.
    I created the PetPort brand as if I was programming a radio station. We “played” the top hits. In other words, I started with the top brands in the natural pet food category. First it was top five, then 10 and we started to blossom. Now going into our 10th successful year, we target our local community and it’s really paid off! Dave lived until he was 14 years old.

        What has been the secret
        to your success?
    I think the “secret” to our success is     passion and hard work. I grew up with an adage that my father used to say (it was an old, Earl Nightingale quote): “Successful people do what unsuccessful people don’t want to do.” That phrase speaks volumes on many levels, and has always resonated with me.
    My husband Tom helped me launch PetPort. We worked seven days a week to make PetPort happen. And if there is one
word to describe our brand, it would be trust. Our customers trust that we will always give advice or sell products that will be the best solution for their pets. I want to give people the right products—products that will be the best choice/solution for their dog or cat.

        What made you decide to
        add grooming services?
    It just made sense that we should         offer grooming services after a couple of years in business. Customers kept asking for it. However, I am not a groomer. It was difficult at first, because I wanted to be educated about the profession if I was going to manage it. I started going to all the grooming trade shows. I took bather/fluffer certificate courses, first aid, breed-specific technique courses and then became an AKC-certified groomer.

        Are you planning anything
        special to celebrate your
10-year anniversary in December?
    We want to host a series of charity         events to give back to the community. I’m hoping to do a “Twelve Days of Christmas” promotion through the holidays to raise money for local shelters and rescue groups, complete with “Yappy Hours” for pet parents and their furry family members.

 

As seen in Pet Age. Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

 

Holiday Travel Tips

By
Marc Piperno
-

Yvonne Bonasera holds a Bachelors degree in International Business from LIU and JCU in Rome, Italy. In addition to being the Director of Operations at LICC, she is a travel consultant/ blogger and teaches Italian. Yvonne has visited over 30 countries across 5 continents. She can be reached at ymbtravel.com.

Traveling is always a great adventure! 
It’s also a great way to get the 
family together and make 
memories this holiday season!

Travel is one of the greatest gifts to give. Experiences and memories outlast the things we stow away in jewelry boxes or the attic. The gift of a memorable experience truly keeps on giving. Spending time with one another is a treat for everyone. Here are some ways to make it happen!

Book in Bundles
From now until early February, there are a lot of last minute deals on websites such as Expedia and Priceline. Bundling can often result in a free hotel stay as opposed to booking separately.

Be Flexible
Convenience is key. Tweak the holiday to fit what works best for your family. What would happen if you celebrated with your in-laws on the 23rd and then jetted off to an island with your loved ones? You’d have a great time, that’s what! Don’t confine yourself to specific dates, it’s the holiday season for a reason! Some of the best flight deals can be found on Christmas Eve, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.

On the Road
Google Trips predicts travel times based on anticipated traffic. Pack plenty of snacks & games for your little ones! An EZ Pass coupled with a before dawn or after 8 PM departure are best to avoid traffic slowdowns. Don’t forget about public transportation. It’s often quicker, but not necessarily cost effective when traveling with multiple people.

Flying
Pack light; carry-on bags only. Don’t risk losing your luggage. Go minimalist to travel with ease. Many airlines now charge for checked luggage, but don’t waste the money. Travel internationally during popular American holidays. Yes, booking that trip to Paris can actually be CHEAPER than heading to Florida, especially Disney. Skip Epcot, see the real thing instead!

Expert Tip: booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than booking round trip flights.

Go Where Everyone Isn’t
Typically the warmer the weather, the higher the fares. Escape NY weather by going for mild climate destinations. You’ll miss the crowds and score some great deals. Cozy up by the fire pit, bundle up and have a beach vacation. Winter is an ideal time for the east end if traveling off Long Island isn’t an option. You’ll enjoy low nightly rates, less crowded restaurants and vineyards.

 

Ready, Set, Fall

By
Marc Piperno
-

Collette is fashion forward and a design orientated stylist & wardrobe consultant.
A Bachelors in communications and 
marketing, years of experience in the garment district, she celebrates everyday with enthusiasm for fashion and beauty 
while helping other women achieve their personal best. Collettep24@yahoo.com
    Ladies, it’s officially time to put the beach bags away! The runways are brimming with something for every fashionista this fall. Whether you stay close to the classics, are a playful risk-taker, or suited professional, there are updates and must-have pieces that should be incorporated into your wardrobe this season. A fresh modern edge is the mindset for fall.
    While last year off shoulder tops had their moment, this year, it's all about the asymmetrical neckline. A slanted, one-shoulder top perfectly highlights the collarbone and shoulders without showing it all. This minor neckline tweak is all you need to elevate your look to fresh chic for fall. For those mighty risk takers, here's the perfect place to layer in cheetah. The  asymmetrical top is so on trend, but in a beloved animal print, heads will be turning. 
    This season, Cheetah will be spotted every-where, but be careful not to dress head to toe in this edgy trend – less is more here. Pair cheetah with your revered denim jeans or if you’re heading out on the town, kick it up a notch with pants or a pencil skirt. 
    Slip into another fall front runner: leather pants. Think about rocking a color like rich burgundy or warm brandy; hybridize hues to be on point with this look. Never ever worry my black beauties…you are always on trend. Black leather, coupled with cheetah or a bold colored top, is guaranteed to update your fall look. 
     A soft, buttery leather can also be utilized as suiting for an updated look in the  workplace. Try swapping out your black blazer with a form-fitted leather jacket. Or, to keep up the edge, aim to incoporate blazers with sharp shoulders or outside belting. A belt on the outside of a jacket is a sneaky way to show a smaller waist and illuminate your chic. Last but not least, don’t forget to work with patterns like heritage tweed or checks. 
    Wearing a matching two-piece suit has fallen out of favor the last two years. If you’re not ready to step out of your traditional suit, simply start by adding in texture like animal print or satin underneath your suit jacket. You will be the envy at the office–the look they’ll want to copy. 
    We can't dismiss the icing on the cake. Designers are loving capes this season. From couture runway to PTA meeting, a cape is arguably luxe and the silhouette compliments all body types – a win-win. With textures such as velvet, tweed and lush cashmere, a cape is the ultimate go-to for an updated look this fall. A chic woman who is not convinced by the cape and doesn't want to hang up her beloved trench or denim jacket–have no fear. Simply throw your prized denim, motto or trench jacket over your shoulders for a modernistic cape look. Mimick the cape without spending a dime. 
     Enjoy the bountiful colors this fall while embracing the lively new trends and twists to your existing wardrobe. Ladies, you’re in charge of your wardrobe and you’re your own stylist. Don’t hesitate to add your own unique flare this fall season!

 

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