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Limon’ Love! Homemade Lemon Pound Cake

By
Marc Piperno
-

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier
Properties, Platinum Circle of Excellence, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

Limón is Spanish for yellow, juicy, citrus lemon! Its snappy flavor makes it the perfect summertime ingredient for desserts. There is nothing as fresh, clean and pure as a lemon cake made from scratch! I spent a day out in Hampton Bays with my dear friend, Dee Hutton, and she sure did bake to impress. She showed up with her winning “zest for life and lemon zest pound cake!” Truly loved by all, this is the only lemon pound cake you’ll ever desire thereafter. With its moist texture and rich citrus flavor, trust me, you too will be hooked upon tasting. Feel free to pair with some fresh raspberries or blackberries. It’s pure culinary magic! The fresh lemon zest gives this dessert a refreshing tang. Make it soon…you’re a bite away to fresh love and a happy day with friends! xoxo Denise

Cake:
6 Eggs
1 cup butter softened
3 cups granulated sugar
5 T lemon juice
1 T (or more) grated lemon peel
1 t lemon extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ t baking soda
¼ t salt 
1 ¼ cups sour cream

Icing:
¼ cup sour cream
2 T butter softened
2 ½ cups confectioners sugar
3 T lemon juice
2 t (or more) lemon peel

Cake: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, lemon peel and lemon extract. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream until combined. Pour into greased and floured 10” tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Icing: In a small bowl, beat sour cream and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beat in lemon juice and peel. Drizzle over cake and decorate the cake plate with fresh mint leaves and real candy lemon drops. Add additional zest. Enjoy! Thanks Dee!

 

Try Other Cultures

By
Marc Piperno
-

Marie Torio is a NY based
photographer specializing in food, restaurant, interior and editorial. Her website where she can be reached
www.photosbymarietorio.com and her Instagram photosbymarietorio 
    The beauty about preparing food from other countries is that we can somewhat immerse ourselves into this particular part of the world without buying a plane ticket. Today I will share with you a few recipes I tried out and enjoyed preparing. Looking back, I appreciate exploring the different varieties of seasoning and ingredients used to compose a dish and of course photographing them.
    Latin: I made a pastelon (sweet plantain lasagna). At first thought, you might not know what to make of the combination amongst sweet plantain, savory chopped meat mixture and cheese but let me assure you, it is fantastic. This  dish is a Puerto Rican specialty and perfect for a well rounded casserole option. The key is the sweet plantain and the way you achieve the sweetest pastelon is by picking the spotty or almost black plantains. The bold latin flavors come through in the meat mix because it is seasoned with adobo, cumin, salt, pepper and mixed with onions, chopped peppers, raisins, olives and simmered with bay leaves and a bit of tomato sauce. The flavor profile is smokey because of the cumin, sweet because of the raisin and the umami is hidden with the bits of olives. Delicious dish! 
    Thai: I stumbled upon a tofu pad thai recipe and was curious of how it would turn out or if it would hold up being that I usually prefer chicken pad thai.  I’m happy I attempted to make this and was pleased with the results.  I like that this is a vegetarian option and the tofu is seared so it gets a nice, golden crust on the outside, soft on the inside and takes on the flavor of the noodles. The combination of tamari, sesame oil seasoning for the noodles mixed with carrots, cilantro, chopped peanuts and a splash of lime was comforting and zesty. Each bite was packed with flavor and texture. Love this recipe! 
    Mediterrenean: Chicken shawarma quinoa platter. This is another dish that is packed with flavor. The chicken is cooked with turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper.  That being said, the rest of the plate is really simple so the pairing of the robust seasoned chicken, simple quinoa, cut cucumbers and tomatoes alongside the lemony tzatziki sauce is a delightful bite! It is well rounded and healthy and makes you feel connected to the mediterrenean culture. 
    I am super proud with the results of each of these recipes. The dishes were absolutely delicious and something I would prepare again. Hope this will encourage you to try something different when it comes to your cooking and take advantage to photograph them as well.  Have fun cooking and styling them on the plate.  Happy cooking and happy shooting!!

 

A Smart Tech Home

By
Marc Piperno
-

Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, a quality consignment
boutique. Enjoy Natalie’s Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631-862-6198.
What “Techie” isn’t excited about new gadgets – anywhere, especially in the home – and some are actually useful and should be considered when planning to upgrade or renovate.
    Last year, House Beautiful researcher, Lauren Smith, compiled a series of some of the most interesting and useful tech devices for the home that I thought worth sharing.  They are all available on Amazon.com.
    •  Nest Hello Doorbell has a built in HD Video Camera and speaker so you ­can check your phone to see who’s there and speak to them even if you’re not at home.
    •  A curved TV screen from Samsung allows viewing from any angle and it minimizes glare.
    •  Amazon sells an Echo which is a hands-free speaker that plays music, makes calls, sends and receives texts, gives you the weather, and more.
    •  Lutron makes a light kit which allows you to control lights from anywhere in your home with both an in-wall dimmer and remote.  (If you own the Amazon Echo, it can be controlled by your voice!)
    •  A Smartpot will dispense water and nutrients to a plant for an entire month with no maintenance which is great for travelers and people like me with “brown thumbs”. 
    •  For home protection, the Nest Cam sends phone alerts and emails with photos if there is activity outside your home.  It also has a built-in speaker.
    •  Petcube streams video to your tablet or smart phone when you’re not home so you can see how your pet is behaving.
    •  The Drop Scale weighs your food so once you choose a recipe and you decide how much you want to make, it calibrates everything you’ll need.
    •  The motion sensor garbage bin is touchless.  You lift the lid with a wave of your hand.
    •  There is a Samsung oven that turns into a double oven if you want to cook two dishes at once and it connects to WIFI so you can adjust the temperature from your smart phone.
    •  The Drift Light acts like a normal bulb, but by flipping the switch twice, it fades off in 37 minutes to lull you to sleep while the warm light tone induces melatonin production.
    •  The Archer VibrAcoustic Bath acts as a Bluetooth.  Fill it up and the music waves ripple through the water using your own music library or their programmed one.
    •  The Thermasol Micro Touch System uses intuitive-screen technology to adjust heat or steam preference and lets you pick preferred settings as well.
    •  The Worx robot uses a shock sensor system to mow your lawn, even around obstacles, and returns to base to recharge or if it rains.
    •  A wireless garage door sensor operates from your smart phone when linked to your switch or ceiling motor, controlling it from anywhere using WIFI or cell.
    So – whenever you plan to upgrade or redecorate, check out the new advances in making your home “smarter”, and your life easier.

 

“Can We Talk?”

By
Marc Piperno
-

Maria DiGiorgio is a lifelong New Yorker, who currently resides in Commack, with her family.  She is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer.  She has a passion for interior decorating and loves to garden. She is an avid reader, and enjoys writing about life experiences and parenthood, as well as her personal observations about the world around us.
    The incomparable Joan Rivers was famous for uttering this line in her comedy routines.  She wanted to shed light on topics that didn’t always get discussed, and share her personal views on the very same.  In today’s world, it would seem very little goes unsaid in the social media epidemic we find ourselves in. Everyone has an opinion and a sense of entitlement, with regard to sharing it.  People from all walks of life feel compelled to offer us their unfiltered opinions, beliefs and practices, in a seemingly endless deluge of technological pontification.  Nary a subject is wont for dissection and dissemination on social media.  It doesn’t seem to matter if people are uninformed about the subject matter, nor if they openly offend others with their pre-fabricated rhetoric.  As long as they get their point of view across, they seem personally satisfied.
     Unfortunately, things like respect, humility, tolerance and kindness are all too often overlooked in the process.  We forget, or perhaps we never truly learned in the first place, to be sensitive to others, while expressing differing views or opinions.  This is a very serious and widespread problem for adults and youngsters, alike.  With all the school-based programs aimed at informing children how to avoid such pitfalls, we see repeatedly, these very offenses committed in the public forum, by those, who should absolutely know and do better.  Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, talk radio, newspaper and news channel programs all serve as bully pulpits (in the literal sense of the word).  This must stop!
     People in positions of power and influence – parents, teachers, lawmakers, leaders, politicians, celebrities and all those in the public eye, must lead by example.  Discussions about proper decorum, moral integrity, as well as social, ethical and legal responsibility, should and have to be openly explored.  It would serve everyone well to have these conversations not only in schools, but also in homes, workplaces and wherever the opportunity presents itself to enlighten and inform others.
     We owe it to ourselves, to our children and to the generations that will come hereafter, whereupon even more technological advancements will abound.  In bringing this issue into the spotlight and working together, as a society of intelligent, caring and evolved human beings, I believe a very powerful and positive change can be had.  I mean . . . can we talk?

 

Ready.. Set.. BUMP!

By
Marc Piperno
-

Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast from Dix Hills. She loves to plan her family’s vacations as well as help her relatives and friends with theirs. Have any travel questions you would like answered? Email her at travelingclaudia@gmail.com. Happy Travels!

    Some travelers view the prospect of being bumped off of an overbooked flight as their worst vacation nightmare. For our family, it’s an opportunity that we are thrilled to take advantage of.  To us, an overbooked flight translates into the airline giving out free travel “money” to anyone that is savvy enough to be flexible about their travel plans.
    Airlines are anxious to fill every seat on their flights. To ensure that the plane will pull away from the gate with as few empty seats as possible, airlines routinely overbook their flights accommodating for last minute no shows. Last year almost 700,000 passengers were denied seats on their flights out of the almost 600 million passengers that booked tickets. Most of these travelers gave up their seats voluntarily and received compensation such as a future travel, or meal and hotel vouchers for the inconvenience. Usually an airline offers anywhere from $250-$800 per passenger if you volunteer to give up your seat. How much they offer depends on a few factors including how overbooked the flight is and how soon they will be able to get you to your destination. If you are game, it’s a win/win situation for everyone involved.
    You can increase your odds of being bumped and earn free travel by following a few simple guidelines.
• Before you leave home, look up on line how crowded your flight is.  You can get a rough idea by going on the airline’s website to see how many seats are left on your flight.  If there are plenty of seats left then don’t count on being bumped.
• The gate agents show up at your gate usually around an hour before the flight is supposed to leave.  Be first on line and ask in a friendly tone if the flight is overbooked.  If they say yes, then advise them that you might be willing to give up your seat.   The gate agent usually will jot down your name and tell you to wait and see if they will need you.
• Before your seats are given away, they will tell you when and how they can get you to your destination. Sometimes it’s just a few hours later on a connecting flight.  Sometimes y­­ou will have to wait until the next day although they will provide hotel accommodations and meal vouchers.
• If you do decide to give up your seat, you will hand over your boarding passes and then wait until the flight has left the gate to get your new boarding passes and transportation vouchers for future travel. Sometimes they will be able to off load your luggage.. sometimes not.  If they are not able to, your luggage should be waiting for you in the luggage office at your final destination.
• Do your best to keep your patience and most of all sense of humor intact. We once gave up our seats on a nonstop flight from LGA to New Orleans. There was a Giants/Saints game and all of the flights going into New Orleans the next day were fully booked as well, so our airline flew us on a connecting flight the following morning from LGA to Gulfport LA (which is 70 miles away). Then, they paid for our $250 cab ride from Gulfport to New Orleans.  We arrived a half a day late but certainly with a funny travel story to tell. 
•  In the end.. if you are flexible and willing to start your vacation a few hours, or a day later then expected, you might have just paid for your next vacation and that will have you laughing all the way to the travel bank!

Happy Travels!

 

Valentine’s Day Outfit Guide

By
Marc Piperno
-

Rachael Severino is an incoming high school senior at Sachem North High School in Sachem School District. This aspiring writer has a knack for the written word. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work. 
A day created to celebrate and express love, Valentine’s Day is an accumulation of all the soft and sweet feelings felt for your partner. An outward display of love is the essential aspect of this holiday, as it was originally a day for secret marriages to be performed. 
    Dressing up for this holiday can be one of the best parts. Dolled up for your partner or yourself, either way, it is a gratifying experience. 
    One way or another, cherry reds or blushing pinks are the iconic colors of Valentine’s Day. How you choose to wear them hardly matters; a flirty dress or sharp tie will look excellent in any shade of red. 
    Your make-up can aid you in amping up any outfit, whether it’s a sleek eyeliner, warm eyeshadow, glowing highlight, or false eyelashes. 
    Shoes have long been said to be a girl’s best friend, and they are. However, they can please both women and men when gearing up to put on a show stopper. Strappy heels are a flirty look, Chelsea boots are more elegant, kitten heels are soft and sweet, oxfords are classic and charming, while leather loafers are simple and clean. 
    Surprising and thrilling your lover with a fancy outfit can be great fun. A romantic dinner is the perfect time to break out a long slip dress, patterned with roses or in a single hue. Chunky heels and a cross body chain purse will match beautifully. 
    A sharp suit in simple black or charcoal will also go with a romantic dinner. Glossy oxfords or matt loafers and a tie with an elegant rose pattern or bright shade of red will finish your outfit off perfectly. 
    For a flirtier look, consider a short slip in a dusty rose silk. Strappy kitten heels and dainty silver jewelry will accentuate the darling aesthetic. 
    A printed jumpsuit tailored to your body with a keyhole top will give you a sophisticated, sexy air. Thick heels or Chelsea boots to match your suit will guarantee you stand out. This is an excellent outfit if you plan to spend the night on the go, traveling from place to place with your date or group of friends. 
    Should your style be classic, a long sleeve ruffle dress with a belt and boots is the look. Big waves and simple make-up with a cat eye will get you far. 
    A knitted but tailored turtleneck in jewel tones or deep greys with fitted slacks and neat loafers will also promise a chic and classic appearance. 
    Outerwear for Valentine’s Day should always be tasteful and timeless, such as a trench coat. A chain cross body or leather wallet is the best way to tote around the essentials: lip balm, lipstick, cash, and keys. 
    Dress up, dress down. Valentine’s Day is the day to express your love, make sure you are having a great time and are comfortable with how you look! 

 

Valentine’s Dinner

By
Marc Piperno
-

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. 
I’m a romantic. I enjoy a good romantic comedy, and you’ll often find me cooking dinner to the dreamy melody of La Vie En Rose, or just about any French jazz-inspired playlist. I love Valentine’s Day. Even when I was single, there was always something wistful about this holiday – though seldomly admitted due to the fear of seeming cliché. As I get older, I care less about appearing cliché, and more about enjoying the simplicities in life – such as a good meal shared with love ones, and/or slow dancing in the kitchen with my guy.
    When I think Valentine’s Day – I think low lighting and Tuscan red wine. I think one-of-a-kind tasting menus and long stem flowers. What can I say? I told you I’m a romantic. Last year, my guy and I dined in. Homemade pasta dressed in sautéed spinach, mushrooms and goat cheese. Taper candles, roses, a great bottle of Chianti, it was dreamily low-key. This year, he surprised me with reservations at eatMOSAIC – a cozy café with a renowned tasting menu, located in St. James. (Oh, and don’t forget the wine pairings!) I’ve been following their menus for quite some time and can’t wait to see what’s in store for Cupid’s favorite holiday.
    With February 14th just around the corner, it’s time to make reservations. Whether you’re treating your significant other to a romantic tasting menu or spending the evening with the girls – the Long Island restaurant scene offers something for everyone. 
    Some of my past favorites include: Verde Kitchen & Cocktails (seated in the greenhouse), Lake House, PRIME, Mill Pond House, Waterzooi, The Wine Cellar on Main, Swallow, Bella Verde Wine Bar & Restaurant, City Cellar and Teller’s. These spots are great for couples, friends, big and small groups. 
    If you’re looking for something more low-key, try Verde Kitchen & Cocktails or Waterzooi. Someplace sultry? The Wine Cellar on Main, Swallow or Bella Verde. Going with a group, or looking for an open setting? I recommend City Cellar or Teller’s. Trying to impress a date, or looking to go “all out”? Lake House, PRIME or Mill Pond House. These spots are on my “special occasion” list and never seem to disappoint. All of these recommendations have a solid diversified menu, great wine/cocktail lists and a fun, romantic ambiance.
    As 2019 begins, I also consult my personal bucket list for future date night escapades and that includes: OHK, Joanina, The Trattoria, Orto, Kyma, Jewel and Scarpetta Beach. All highly recommended!
    This February, embrace your inner romantic. If it’s with your significant other, that’s wonderful. If it’s with a group of your girlfriends, that’s perfect too. Make a reservation (or plan a home-cooked meal), turn on the “cheesy” music, and don’t be afraid to “appear cliché”. Life’s too short… try slow dancing in the kitchen – I promise, you won’t regret it.

 

Dreaming of Cupids

By
Marc Piperno
-

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier
Properties, Platinum Circle of Excellence, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

Valentine's Day is practically here! Another reason to celebrate, eat and share your love. As I consider Valentine's Day, I decided what recipe to share with you in my next culinary article. I dream that the days and evenings are long, light and warm. It brings me back to the days where many hours were spent on my front porch listening to the sounds of AI Martino and Jerry Vale, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying a delicious dish of pasta with my husband Richard. There is nothing quite like these moments for me, and nothing tastes better than pasta.
    I have decided to give you my quick and easy Pasta al Pesto with Gemelli recipe. I do think it will be a little bit longer until you begin to dine outdoors (just open up your windows!), but the real truth of all this daydreaming is that I am using this recipe due to popular demand. I hosted a Broker Open House and had over fifty hungry and curious agents arrive to preview the property. It was during lunch hours, therefore I served my Pasta al Pesto to the masses; the reviews were amazing for the dish (as well as the property). I promised all of those that requested the recipe that I would write my next ET Week article to include this dish. I made three pounds of pasta (I provide the recipe for just one and it serves 3-4 people). I always advise you to make more while you’re at it, because they make great leftovers for lunch or dinner. Don't forget on February 14th to set a fancy table, light some candles, get fresh flowers and make the pasta. I guarantee you a romantic Valentine's Day meal, that will surely please your sweetheart! 

Pasta al Pesto with Gemelli 

1 lb (1 Box) Barilla Gemelli
1 large container (approx 11 oz.) and 1 small container (approx 7oz.) of Buitoni all natural Pesto with Basil 
   (found in fresh pasta refrigeration section at Stop & Shop)
Extra virgin olive oil (as desired)
1 ½ cups grated Locatelli cheese (or to taste)
Fresh ground pepper
Salt to taste
Red pepper flakes, pinch
Fresh basil, chopped
3 – 4 small jars of sliced pimentos, drained
6 small cans ripe black olives, drained and sliced
1 bag frozen petite green peas or early harvest young tender peas
1 ½ cups pignoli nuts (pine nuts), toasted in a frying pan with small amount of oil
    *Note: Be sure to watch them carefully as they toast up quick and you don’t want them too dark

Boil and drain pasta. Add pesto sauce while hot, as this aids in allowing the sauce to melt evenly. Add olive oil to desired moisture, and toss in remaining ingredients. Toss and serve warm or cold.

From my heart, my home and my family, I do hope you and yours enjoy my passion for the fine art of eating well. “Buon Appetito.”  
–Your friend “Dishin’ with Denise.”

 

Valentine’s Choco-Coco Hug Cookies

By
Marc Piperno
-

Tiffany Cohen has been cooking since she was 12 years old. Everything she does revolves around family, friends, food and fun. She has a blog called Whatcha Cooking Good Looking, which showcases her love for food and creating great memories with family and friends. When not working at her corporate job, she’s enjoying life with her husband and two little boys. Contact her at whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com.

    Being the only girl in a houseful of boys, I try to fit anything pink into my life as much as I can. When Valentine’s Day rolls around, it’s definitely my excuse to decorate the house and bake all things pink! These Valentine’s Choco-Coco Hug Cookies are no exception. They remind me of those Dutch chocolate cookies with the crunchy sugar crystals, but soft and coconutty too! I’m warning you: they’re addicting!
    Is there anything more romantic than chocolate and coconut?  Probably…but that’s not the point!  These Valentine’s cookies are so pretty to look at and even more delicious to eat.  The crystal sugar outside adds a slight crunch to the soft-centered cookie.  The soft melted Hershey’s Hug and Valentine’s M&M in the middle make these cookies so cute and perfect for the holiday of love.

Valentine’s Choco-Coco Hug Cookies (makes approx. 24 cookies)

    1 1/4 cups flour
    1/2 cup cocoa powder
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    10 tablespoons of salted butter at room temperature
    1/2 cup sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for rolling
    1/2 cup light brown sugar
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon coconut extract  
    1 egg
    An overflowing 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
    2 tablespoons Hot Pink Decorating Sugar (found in baking aisle) 
    24 Hershey’s Hugs, unwrapped Valentine’s M&Ms

    1.  Preheat the oven to 350.  In a large bowl, using a whisk stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.
    2.  Beat the butter, sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth.  Add the eggs, vanilla, and coconut extract.  Continue mixing until just combined.  
    3.  Gradually add the flour mixture.  Continue mixing and adding the dry ingredients starting on low and gradually increase to medium speed after each addition.
    4.  When the mixing is done, add the mini chocolate chips and give another quick mix.
    5.  In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar and hot pink decorating sugar.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.  Roll the ball around in the sugar until fully coated.  Place on the cookie sheet and using your thumb make an indent in each cookie.  Continue with the remaining dough and don’t overcrowd the pan.  These cookies will spread.
    6.  Bake for 6 minutes.  Remove from the oven and immediately add a Hershey’s Hug to the center thumbprint of each cookie.  Return the tray to the oven and bake for 2-3 more minutes.  The Hug should be soft but not melted.  Remove the tray from the oven and immediately place an M&M, logo side down, in the center of each Hug, giving a small tap to flatten the Hug.  Let cool completely.  Enjoy!
  
For more food and cocktail recipes, visit my blog Whatcha Cooking Good Looking? at www.whatchacookinggoodlooking.com. 
 
 

 

Social Isolation

By
Marc Piperno
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Lawrence Keating LCSW CASC Psychotherapist Family Therapist
Transitions Counseling Services (631) 360-2223. I graduated from South Oaks hospital counselor training program, and am currently certified as an addictions specialist by the State of New York. Graduated cumme laude from Adelphi University with a BA in social science. Finished graduate school in social work as a Social Worker, and currently am licensed and certified by the State of New York. I am the owner and psychotherapist of Transitions Counseling Service, located at 22 Lawrence Ave. Suite 211 Smithtown, NY 11787 (631) 360-2223  – transitionscounselingservice22@gmail.com
    This time of year can be difficult for many who find themselves socially isolated. Social isolation presents itself in many different forms. Many feel isolated due to the fact they have social anxieties; others in the midst of many, feel lonely, isolated, and not included. Evidence suggests society as a whole has the highest level of depression. It causes isolation, and can lead to increased depression, thus creating a viscious cycle. 
    The answer is for one to transform negative thoughts and feelings about themselves to the positive. This can be accomplished by gratitude. First, try to bring to consciousness the the thoughts they feel are normal and can be improved– mostly negative in origin. If they can recognize the thoughts as negative, they have won half the battle. The transition to positive will be learned behavior. 
    So, when a person has negative thoughts, they attract negative people who support their thinking. This leads to loneliness and isolation. To prevent that, it is necessary to  not allow negativity. Conversely, those who adapt positive thinking attract true friends and acquaintances who think and feel positive as well.
    If you find that at this time of year you are isolated and alone, try to work on yourself. First, get out and meet people, and do things for others with no alternative motives. A random act of kindness will affect the giver, receiver, and all who witness it. This will bring positive people into your life. The act of giving will allow you to receive, and the isolation and loneliness will leave. 

 

2019 Valentine’s Gift Guide

By
Marc Piperno
-
 

On Valentine’s Day it’s not only about the flowers, chocolates and jewelry but the many ways to show appreciation for the ones you love. Whether you’re newlyweds, longtime sweethearts or just dating, get creative in planning out your day and evening. Not sure of what to do? We’ve come up with some ideas to help make this Valentine’s Day special!

Couples Yoga Class or Massage…
When it comes to scheduling a massage, some men are too shy. But, what’s better than enjoying the company of your loved one as you treat yourselves to a relaxing massage? Side by side in a special couple’s room sounds like a lovely idea this Valentine’s Day. With so many places to choose from, book your next appointment and make your spa experience a memorable one.

Book a Brewery or Wine Tour…
If your Valentine likes beer and wine, make sure to save the date for February 17th. At just $160 per couple, tickets include round trip transportation along with tastings at the Riverhead Cider House and Long Ireland Beer Company. As you enjoy the picturesque North Fork of Long Island, indulge in gourmet chocolates and cheeses or get a good photo of you with your significant other. While tickets sell out quickly, it’s important to book your reservation now at, Tappedenterprises.com.

Get Creative Together…
Celebrate creatively with your significant other by attending a paint night this Valentine’s Day. Without traveling far, there are numerous places on Long Island including Muse Paintbar, Pinot’s Palette or Wine and Design. What’s better than painting your own masterpiece while sipping on your favorite beer or wine? With local artists guiding you in an easy to follow way, you’ll be impressed by your artwork whether you’re an advanced painter or a newbie!

Enhancing beauty…
Pamper your girl on Valentine’s Day with some of the most dreamy beauty products. Although there are many lines to choose from, the popular beauty brand, Fresh, offers a rose face mask that every female will love. Infused with real rose petals and rosewater, it’s intended to hydrate, tone, brighten and clear up any dry areas. The mask smells like fresh cut roses and leaves the skin feeling great after just one use. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom and on their website at, www.fresh.com, it comes in a 1oz bottle for $25 or 3.3oz for $62.

If your significant other prefers her lipsticks, then get the Lips Don’t Lie Set by Fresh. For just $25, this limited edition lip kit is all the rave this season. Whether she likes wearing a subtle look, bold hot pink, or something more neutral, any of the three mini lip treatments will complement her Valentine’s Day outfit nicely. Now, she can protect, smoothen and paint her lips in a pretty pink all because of you!

Jewelry…
The Fun In Love Gift Set by Pandora is beautiful in every way. For just $199 the bright sterling silver bracelet is accented by two fun and eye catching path clips. With soft blush hues from the RoseTM heart clasp and a Labyrinth Double Heart Dangle Charm which on the reverse says “Follow Your Heart,” there’s nothing not to love. The bracelet even comes presented in a Valentine’s Day exclusive jewelry case which makes it a gift every girl will always remember.

Cologne… 
You can never go wrong by getting your man cologne. Think about which scent it is that embodies your partner. Is it floral, woody or fresh that he likes? Whatever it may be, there are so many good brands to choose from. A few of the popular picks for men this 2019 include Sauvage by Dior, Bleu de Chanel, and Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf.

For The Active Man…
If you haven’t already heard of Qalo rings, they’re perfect for the man who either travels a lot, loves the water or enjoys going to the gym. Since they’re made out of silicon as opposed to metal, he won’t ever have to worry about where he wears it. For the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, you can customize your Qalo ring so that it’s one of a kind. Whether it be your wedding date, kids’ initials or spouses name, engrave any message you’d like! To view the many Qalo collections and colors or to purchase a ring, visit www.qalo.com.

 

 

Roses of Many Colors!

By
Marc Piperno
-

In the last 43 years VanBourgondien Nursery has expanded into a year-round full service Garden Center. We sell a full and unique range of Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, soils, pottery, urns, gift-ware, statuary, bird feed and supplies and water gardening supplies. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality plants to ensure your gardening success
vanbnursery@gmail.com

What do the different colors mean? 

Red Roses: Love, Respect, Courage, Passion
White Roses: Purity, Innocence, Reverence, Worthiness
Pink Roses: Happiness, Elegance, Romance, Admiration, Sweetness
Light pink roses: Gentleness and Admiration
Yellow Roses: Friendship, Caring, Welcome, Joy
Orange Roses: Desire, Enthusiasm, Pride
Coral Roses: Desire, Enthusiasm, Happiness
Peach Roses: Appreciation, Sincerity, Gratitude, Modesty
Purple or Lavender Roses: Love at first sight, Enchantment
Yellow with Red Tips: Falling in love with you
Multi-colored: A combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and happiness. Red and white roses symbolizes unity. Orange and yellow means enthusiasm, desire and passionate thoughts. Finally, White and Coral mean, “you are heavenly and I desire you.”  

Rose Count Also Has Meaning!
  1 Rose: Engagement, Love at first sight, (or years later) – you are still the one.
  2 Roses: Mutual love, affection, gratitude.
  3 Roses: The traditional three-month anniversary gift.
  6 Roses: Infatuation
  9 Roses: Eternal love
10 Roses: A perfect 10 – You are perfection
12 Roses: Be Mine
13 Roses: Secret Admirer
15 Roses: I'm sorry, remorse
20 Roses: Sincerity
21 Roses: Dedicated to you
24 Roses: I'm yours
25 Roses: Congratulations
36 Roses: Head over heels in love
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