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Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely |
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T’was the start of December and all was in place OR T’was the start of December and oh, worry’s me |
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A Holiday State Of Mind
The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
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Maria DiGiorgio is a lifelong New Yorker, who currently resides in Commack, with her family. She is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. Maria is active in her community, as a PTA mom and Girl Scout leader. She has a passion for interior decorating and loves to garden. She is an avid reader, and enjoys writing about life experiences and parenthood, as well as her personal observations about the world around us.
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| Greek philosopher, Socrates, is attributed with this thought-provoking quote. Although it was first uttered thousands of years ago, it still bears repeating, and more importantly, reflecting upon. There’s something exhilarating about trying new things, in life. It can be little things we engage in, to shake things up a bit, like new foods, a new hairdo, or a new style of dress. It can be more significant, like a new career path, a new location to live or a new relationship to embark upon. Although there is much possibility for growth, happiness and adventure, we can still find ourselves feeling frightened by these new prospects. Change is scary; even change for the better. We become somewhat complacent in our lives and in our outlook on life, and when there is an opportunity to challenge that complacency, we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, cautious and even resistant to the possibilities that may lie before us. We can count on the expected, but we somehow fear the unknown. Change is fraught with “the unknown.” Even though we may be feeling unfulfilled in our lives, in our careers, in our relationships, we seem to convince ourselves that this state of mediocrity is acceptable. We buy into the notion that we do not have a right to seek something more or something different for ourselves. Perhaps, there is a part of us that has just become a little lazy. After all, complacency is certainly nothing, if not an exaggerated feeling of laziness. Change requires effort, sometimes, Herculean in nature. We don’t always feel “up to the challenge.” Here is where we need to be fully honest and open with ourselves, and meet our fears head on, but in an intelligent, responsible and realistic way. In order to make changes in our lives, whether it be little or big, we need to assume the role of “coordinator.” By this, I mean, we need to think through all of our goals and design a plan of action that will bring us closer to our desired destination, while still safeguarding the security we’ve built for ourselves, up to this point. Simply voicing our desires, our needs, our very dreams (be it on paper, or out loud to others) is the first step in making positive and lasting change. It helps us crystallize our notions, which aids in mitigating the fear that comes with loss of boundaries. We then need to decide how we might approach some subtle changes that will ultimately lead us in the direction we wish to go. “Slow and steady wins the race” is never more apt a philosophy, than when applied to change. We want to feel proactive, but not be moved to procrastination, as a result of taking on too much, too soon. Talking over our plans with significant others in our lives is also critical in providing us with perspective, motivation and support. When we share our feelings and experiences with the people who are important to us, we can gain much needed insight into our motives for change, and sound advice in achieving our goals. Here, again, we help mitigate fear, which can escalate when we take an active role in procuring change. With the proper supports in place, realistic expectations and a generous helping of patience (from within and from others), we can achieve great satisfaction, meaning and excitement in our lives. Nothing could be more fulfilling than that! |
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Home Shopping for the Holidays
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Jill McDowell is Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty in Smithtown and Former News 12 Reporter/Anchor Jill Conway. Jill is a member of the LI Board of Realtors and the NYS Association of Realtors. Contact Jill with real estate questions at Jillmcdowell@danielgale.com or 516.316.2000. #JUSTaskJILL |
| It’s here! That crazy time of year when many of us shop ‘til we drop buying up goodies for friends and family. And many home buyers are busy decking the halls and burning up the internet looking to make an offer before the new year. Many people think the holidays are not a great time to put their home on the market because there aren’t many buyers out looking. Well, I’ve got news for you, many buyers that are house hunting right now are eager, pre-approved and ready to find the home of their dreams. Some folks have been looking for months, been to a hundred open houses and know exactly what they are looking for. Typically, buyers want to pay the least amount they can for a home and sellers want to get the most money they can. It’s always a tug of war. What makes this time extra special for buyers? Homes are often decorated beautifully for the holidays and buyers can get a warm, fuzzy feeling when they step inside the home. There are also less homes on the market, so the ones that are on the market and listed at the right price point are seeing an uptick in traffic and offers. Around the holidays, family and friends who visit from out of town with thoughts of moving into the area could fall in love with a home that’s on the market now. There’s less competition for buyers this time of year too. That means buyers may be less likely to be out bid by other buyers. In the spring, the real estate market gets busy and buyers are out in force. But during the holiday time, serious buyers are looking and often want to move in as soon as they can and don’t want to wait until spring or summer. Buyers can also find it easier to book appts with realtors, mortgage brokers, home inspectors and moving companies. Although it may be stressful to buy gifts for everyone on your list, it’s not as overwhelming to house hunt this time of year. Buying or selling a home can often be quite emotional. The holiday season can be a nostalgic time for many, and if buyers can see themselves celebrating the holidays in your home… they could be more inclined to make an offer. Buyers are also taking time off from work around the holidays and may have extra time to house hunt and look at all the homes on the market. So, if you are thinking about putting your home on the market or starting your search, you are not alone. There’s never a bad time to start the process and meet with your realtor to discuss what will work best for you. Happy Holidays and Happy House Hunting! |
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Lively and Lovely Lisbon
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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. |
| Oh what a mistake I made thinking that Lisbon was just a four day city. So much to see, eat and do that it warranted way more than those measly four days that I had allotted. As one of the closest places in Europe, our flight was a quick 5.5 hours. Delta offers nonstop service from JFK almost daily. Lisbon’s airport (LIS) is only 15-minute drive from downtown and a cab costs around 20 Euros. There are good bus and subway connections as well if you don’t have a lot of luggage. We chose to stay at the lovely and modern Doubletree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park. It was a good location and the staff was incredibly sweet and helpful. Everything we ate in Lisbon was AWESOME! Our first meal was at the famous Cervejaria Ramiro, a seafood institution in the city. We feasted on prawns the size of my hand, shrimp in butter and garlic sauce, and finished our meal with their famous steak sandwich. It was one of our top ten meals of any vacation ever. A great way to begin your visit is to ride the hop on hop off buses that you see all over town. It’s relaxing and you get a bit of history as well as an overview of the city. We chose the Grayline 48 hour pass and then used the buses the next day for transportation to sights we wanted to revisit. If you want to take a day trip out of the city, Sintra is a good choice. You can book a half or full day tour or travel there on your own on the train from Rossio Station. Home to a magical almost Disney-like palace, Sintra was where the last Portuguese Royal family lived. It’s sort of the Versailles of Lisbon. The most famous pastry in Portugal is the “Pastel De Nata.” This cream custard tart, which is found all over the city, dates back to the 17th century. Warm and creamy center surrounded by a crispy puff pastry shell, you will want one at least three times a day! Cod, sardines and roasted chicken are all Portuguese specialties as well. We had a fantastic al fresco piri-piri chicken meal at the unassuming Bonjardim restaurant. Another great place to try local cuisine is at the Time Out Market, which is sort of like a high-class food court. Sweet port, named for the city of Porto, along with local wine from the Douro region are universally delicious. Besides the food, Lisbon is a fascinating city full of history, beautiful tilework, gorgeous squares, towering monuments, quaint trams to navigate the narrow streets, magnificent churches, reasonable prices and best of all, the friendliest people. There is truly so much to love about Lisbon! |
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Let’s Get Creative!
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Marie Torio is a NY based |
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Hello friends!! Today I am going to talk to you about the do-it-yourself topic. I’m sure many of you will agree with me when I say that it’s a trend that has inspired many to become more creative and it’s here to stay. There’s something gratifying about having a vision, getting the materials needed and creating what you have researched and put your mind to. That being said, I’m not a very hands-on crafty person. However, I do admire the amount of D-I-Y projects that are out there and how they’re easily presented, whether it be with a tutorial or class. First, I would like to highlight that these classes are so appealing to me because of its laid back environment. Grab a couple of friends and a bottle of wine to make it a nice Friday night out while creating something you can take back home. Win, win and win. As you walk in you pick your spot and the supplies are perfectly laid out for you. The wooden crate for the jars to be displayed, four mason jars, sand paper, chalk paint, wood stain and faux flowers are all ready for you upon arrival. What more can you ask for? The hassle of having to go out and purchase all these supplies is out the window. Bonus for me! |
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Perfect Outfits for Everyone’s Thanksgiving PLans
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Anna is currently a student |
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Undoubtedly, the best part of the autumn season is the fashion! Scarves, boots, cozy sweaters, and trendy jackets are just a few of the many wardrobe pieces we have to work with during this time of year. As the leaves change and the temperature drops, we can’t wait to add these fall necessities to our wardrobe. The best event to dress for is Thanksgiving. Even though comfort is key for this food-filled holiday, it doesn’t mean you can’t dress fashionably too! Here are some wardrobe ideas that are perfect ensembles for this Thanksgiving. • A Cozy Sweater and Trendy To achieve an effortlessly comfortable and cute Thanksgiving outfit, wear your favorite oversized fall sweater with over-the-knee boots. Regardless of how you’re celebrating the holiday, you’ll be dressed perfectly for your plans in this outfit! • A Dress Paired with a For those of you who don’t want to be burdened with pants this Thanksgiving, a sweater dress paired with a long cardigan or vest is an adorable option! Then you can dress the holiday outfit up or down with some heels or boots. • A Turtleneck Under a Fall is all about stylish layering and your Thanksgiving outfit should be no different! If you’re unsure of how to dress, wear a slim-fitting turtleneck sweater under a cozy teddy coat if your holiday plans involve stopping at multiple parties. You’ll definitely look cute and put together regardless of what the plans are.
• A Blouse Tucked into a If your plans are more formal this Thanksgiving, a blouse tucked into a wrap skirt with heels or ankle boots is the perfect outfit. Wrap skirts look put together and feminine while still leaving you comfortable enough to go for a second slice of pumpkin pie! • A Sleek Velvet Dress Another formal option for your holiday outfit is a velvet dress with heels. It is perfect because autumn and winter are the only times we can wear velvet, so make the most of it this season! • A Knit Sweater and A knit sweater tucked into a tweed skirt is a classically elegant option for this Thanksgiving celebration. You’ll receive so many compliments in your flattering tweed skirt with your favorite pair of heels! |
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Thanksgiving (Giving Thanks for the memories!)
As I begin to prepare for the Thanksgiving feast, I always include the quintessential casserole; a creamy mushroom soup that surrounds frozen green peas(or green string beans), topped with frozen onion rings and French’s crispy onions. Mixing this up in 3 minutes flat always make me smile as I remember my mother in her apron preparing this dish after she put “Tom” into the oven somewhere around 6 am. It was the early 60’s when she was hooked by this easy Campbell’s recipe found on the can of the cream of mushroom soup. Although she never made anything from a can, especially vegetables, she became influenced by the Betty Crocker movement and the easy to prepare recipes. 1 casserole dish In casserole dish, combine the soup cans, milk, fresh black pepper, frozen peas (or string beans). Mix thoroughly and top with French’s crispy onions and frozen onion rings. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly and onion rings are golden brown. |
Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier |
The Art of Thanks and Giving
 November 22nd this year marks Thanksgiving Day, a time for family and friends to gather and feast on turkey, stuffing, and all the comfort side dishes. And let’s not forget about football! However, with all the prep and travel for the day, many people forget the reason why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what the holiday is truly about. Perhaps this year we can make a conscious effort to give back and give thanks and gratitude to appreciate what we have and provide for others who are less fortunate. Here are 5 tips to master the Art of Thanks and Giving: 1. Gratitude Gratitude meditation is a great way to start the day and focus your mind on why we celebrate thanksgiving and what you are thankful for. It also provides time for you to reflect on what you have accomplished or look to achieve. Headspace and Insight Timer are handy smart phone apps that take you through guided meditations right on your phone. 2. Being with family Start a new tradition that involves the whole family. Before your feast, enjoy the final days of fall foliage with a nature hike. Or, simply be in the moment and spend time cooking and preparing the meal together. 3. Service to others Get involved in the community by serving at a soup kitchen, donating to a food bank, or a church. It’s also a great example to set for the kids. 4. Sharing Family Some people may be away from their family on Thanksgiving because of travel or work obligations. Inviting someone into your home to have dinner is so simple but can mean so much to that person. 5. Giving Thanks Have your family and guests take turns around the table to express what they are thankful for. Make sure you let them know ahead of time so they can prepare. It’s important to share with others your appreciation for them. You can also listen to how you’re appreciated in their lives as well. All of these practices are healthy for your interpersonal relationships and your own self-care. You will feel so good about giving back and reflecting on your good fortunes. All of the stressful things in life will seem so small when you think about the bigger picture. Let’s put the Thanks and Giving back into Thanksgiving! |
Kimberly H. Korn is a Registered Nurse and is passionate about teaching people about wellness, mental health, and self-care. She currently has a weekly podcast called Beauty and the Nurse, which can be found on various platforms. Kimberly is now enrolled in a MSN program at Adelphi University to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is also planning her wedding with her fiancee, James, who is also a nurse. Follow Kimberly on Instagram @beautyandthenurse for more. |
It’s Thanksgiving Let’s Eat!
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Katherine Andrianas |
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As the holidays approach, we look forward to all the delicious food. Long hours are spent cooking in the kitchen, preparing for our guests. For most, the days involve last minute running around and tiresome cleanups. This Thanksgiving, why not take the day off from cooking and spend the holiday at one of these fine local establishments. Make it a stress free day by dining out and enjoying some of the best homemade turkey and sides. Whether you prefer something upscale or more casual, there are numerous neighborhood eateries to choose from. Bivio
Blackstone
Cinque Terre La Piazza
One North
Palmer’s
Rare650
Trento
Villa Olivetti
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Fall Gardening/Mulching
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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 |
| Many of next season’s problems can be avoided by careful fall cleanup. Although we all live in specific zoned areas, no one can exactly pinpoint when frost and snow will come. Many gardens survive just fine with no attention at all. Be very cautious when pruning in the fall, especially trees. UNLESS you have dead branches or there are branches that may become a hazard in the winter, it is probably best to wait to prune until next spring. Your trees are better off putting energy into their roots during the colder seasons. Any cuts from pruning may not heal in time and open cuts can leave your tree vulnerable during the harsh winter months.Your trees will thank you by being healthy in the spring. It may be tempting to cut back the whole flower garden in the fall, but it can be helpful to leave some perennials standing throughout the winter. However, there are some perennials that don’t handle winter weather very well. Here is a list of some Perennials that can benefit from a Fall Clean-up: Anemone, Baptisia, Beebalm (Monarda), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia), Brunnera, Catmint (Nepeta), Columbine, Crocosmia (Crocosmia), Daylily (Hemerocallis), Clematis, Hollyhock Mallow, Iris, Ligularia, Marguerite Daisies, Meadow Rue, Painted Daisy, Penstemon, Peony, Perennial Sunflower, Phlox, Perennial Salvia, Veronica/Spike Speedwell and Yarrow. (To name a few) Any spent plants, leaves or pruning clippings should be removed, especially if they had bugs or were diseased in any way. Make sure to weed the garden one last time to prevent any leftovers from maturing and producing seeds that will grow into the next year. The holes left behind from weeding and removing spent plants are perfect spots to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Now is a great time to make a note or put markers down of what plants were grown where. Doing this in perennial beds and veggie gardens is extremely helpful for spring gardening. It also prevents removing plants that may be mistaken for weeds. Fall is a great time to get your soil tested. Van Bourgondien Nursery does free soil testing, just bring us a sample. It is never a bad idea to add a soil amendment. However, we recommend Bumper Crop so it will have time to break down and be available to your plants next spring. It is also a very good idea to use Bumper Crop and an Organic Starter Fertilizer when planting spring flowering bulbs. Bumper Crop Organic Soil Amendment is a soil building blend of manure and high organic nutrient content of shellfish compost, dark, rich earthworm castings (adds minerals and biology), kelp, peat, aged bark, and lobster – inoculated with endo and ecto michorrizal fungi to improve root function. Bumper Crop is suitable for use with vegetables, trees, shrubs, flower gardens, and even lawns. Bumper Crop Starter Food is a blend of select natural ingredients formulated for use throughout the garden to help newly transplanted plants develop strong roots and sturdy growth. Bumper Crop Starter Food is suitable for use with vegetables, trees, shrubs, flower gardens, and even lawns. It is also an important part of fall cleanup to apply mulch. There will be plenty of room and mulch will help your garden to conserve moisture in the winter. Mulching also helps protect the roots and crowns from cold damage. It is also a perfect time to check and clean the gutters of any leaves and debris that may have accumulated. Taking the time to do a few last fall chores will help prepare the garden for winter and make it ready for next spring. As always, any questions you may have about fall gardening we are always here to help! |
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The Real Story of Thanksgiving
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Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, Licensed and Board Certified Clinical MentalHealth Counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, is in private practice at her home office in Fort Salonga, specializing in relationships and integrating traditional methods with holistic ones. She works with all type problems. She is a Life Coach, Workshop Leader, Lecturer, and published Author. Please contact her at |
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Susan Bates, in an article about history of Thanksgiving, stated: EXPRESS THANKS: |
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Getting Wild on the East End
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Victoria is an accomplished animal educator and journalist who's been recognized by Dowling College and awarded by Congress for her work. Victoria also teaches in schools and libraries where she shares firsthand her knowledge and experiences in a series of educational programs that she’s developed. |
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Virginia (Ginnie) Frati, is the Executive Director and founder of the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. In 1991, Ginnie was on her way home from work when she saw a woodchuck that was hit by a car. Wanting to help the injured animal, she contacted a local vet, only to find out there was no place that could provide the needed care. That’s when she got the idea to open a Wildlife Rescue Center. Determined to get things going, she worked hard, did lots of research, took classes, got licensed and finally opened the doors in the year 2000. The holidays are a great time to make a much-needed donation. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.