Chicken Soup and Self-Kindness: Tonics For Healing

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November 12, 2017

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life
Center in Huntington. Her work
has appeared in The Long Islander,
Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue
Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry.
Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services
(kahorowitz@gmail.com)
www.kathyhorowitz.com.

A dear and longtime friend of mine had two major surgeries this past summer. When visiting her the other day, we discussed the healing process. We came up with these very important factors in maintaining and gaining health and wellness during recuperation after illness or surgery:

• First and foremost, do not be afraid to ask for help. For those of you who may have a control issue, now is the time to let family and friends pick up the slack during your recuperation. Let them make you a meal, clean up or straighten the home, be your companion on days when you may still feel blue and overwhelmed. And if you have young children, don’t be afraid to ask others to help with carpooling or school projects. You may make new friends during the process.

• The flipside of #1 is to let yourself be pampered. Can’t get the kids off to school, cook dinner, and run errands? Do not feel guilty about giving yourself the time you need to heal. There is no statute of limitations on the process. Let intuition be your guide.

• Eat a well-balanced diet and don’t forget to hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, women should drink 11.5 cups of liquids (2.7 liters) a day while men should drink 15.5 cups (3.7 liters).

• Don’t be afraid to hold off well-meaning visitors until you are ready to sit up and have a conversation with them. It’s not fair if you are not yet up to the task of entertaining by merely having a conversation. Wait a few days or weeks. You be the judge.

• Get up and move around as soon as you are able. Of course I’m not suggesting you begin a full workout regimen right away. Listen to your doctor and move slowly and comfortably when you have the stamina. At your first and second check-ups remember to ask how and when you will be able to ease back into your regular routine. Listen to your doctor’s advice, but to your body as well. Remember, no one knows your body better than you and there’s nothing better for the body, mind, and spirit than honoring it.

A homemade pot of chicken soup is an elixir of sorts. When friends, neighbors, or loved ones offer to make you one, say yes and let the savory soup energize and heal your mind, body, and soul. Here’s to your good health!

Thanksgiving Ideas, Around The Table

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November 12, 2017

Cristiana is a young writer who
actively contributes to a Canadian travel blog, www.fareconnectblog.com, and writes creatively in hopes of
authoring a novel one day. As a
curious student living in France,
Cristiana has developed a passion for discovering new people and places. You can contact Cristiana at
cdcricri8@gmail.com

Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, families prepare to give thanks around a table heaped with delicious dishes. The hours spent digesting copious amounts of food grant a fantastic opportunity for family entertainment. When guests walk in, you can hand out a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt list with items such as a picture of the turkey cooking in the oven, and a count of how many times the gravy runs out on the table. Before moving onto dessert, place bets on who gives into the tryptophan-induced turkey coma first! If you’d like to bring out everyone’s inner artist, have adults draw, and the kids color, a turkey (the losing adult has to help clean the dishes).
In order to revive the Thanksgiving spirit, ask everyone around the table what they’re thankful for, and lastly, get creative by playing Thanksgiving Would You Rather, with questions like “would you rather wash your hair with mashed potatoes for a week or take a bath in gravy for a week?”
Despite the extensive amounts of preparation required to pull off a fun and delicious Thanksgiving. Sometimes there is just too much food resulting in the aftermath of holiday leftovers. It is quite possible that you would rather toss your leftovers than give them a second life, but luckily, there are simple ways to spice up your Thanksgiving leftovers! Starting with the bird, you can make turkey chili with quinoa and black beans, turkey potpie, turkey sloppy joes, creamy turkey and noodle casserole, or a turkey wild rice soup. Puree your leftover vegetables together, like beans, pumpkin, and potatoes, to make a nutritious soup. You can also add turkey to a sandwich by making turkey pesto paninis, turkey cranberry and almond salad, or turkey Cobb sandwiches. For your leftover potatoes, try a mashed potato pizza, adding some bacon and cheese to make it a loaded pizza. You can also try making a Thanksgiving pizza by adding the leftovers of your choosing, or combine turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegetables to make a shepherd’s pie. If you have any left over sweet potatoes, consider sweet potato fries (add some gravy to make it poutine), sweet potato mash, or loaded sweet potato skins. Add eggs to your left over stuffing for a delicious breakfast frittata, or, if you’re into sweet breakfasts, add cranberry sauce to your yogurt or oatmeal. You can also bake a cranberry pie. If, for any strange reason, you have leftover apple pie, make a sweet milkshake!

Look Up

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November 12, 2017

Bill Lauto is an Environmental Scientist and Energy Consultant who has been teaching how we can save our money, energy, environment, and health, since 1982. Mr. Lauto operates GoingTrueGreen.com and his work has been published in magazines such as: Consumer Report, Kiplinger's Financial and Business Ethics.

Have you “looked up” lately at the lights in your place of work, corner coffee shop, favorite store, or even you own home? Lights are changing over to LED lights that saved money, energy, and earth.

Today, several questions are circulating more and more about LED four foot tubes that can replace four foot Fluorescents. More so now than before because of the lower prices and the recent popularity of standard LED light bulbs.

First I will list and answer the most common questions, followed by some specific queries:

• Yes, LEDs are dimmable but confirm on package text.
• Yes, LED tubes can fit into current fluorescent fixtures.
• Yes, LED tubes have a longer life span than fluorescents.
• Yes, LED tubes consume less energy, thus securing lower electric bills.
• Yes, like LED bulbs, the four foot tubes come in different color ranges of light.
• Yes, there is a far lower impact on our environment compared to fluorescents.
• Yes, energy efficiency is increasing on LEDs and lower electric bills will abound.

With replacing four foot fluorescent tubes with LEDs you now have several options:

A Hybrid LED tube is now available and that works WITH and then WITHOUT the ballast (transformer) in your old fluorescent fixture. Just install your new 4 foot LED light tube and the lamp will work with your old ballast. When the ballast stops working or fails, the LED tube will run off of the line current directly.

A standard LED tube will cost less than a Hybrid and will be a more efficient way to operate. The reason is because you will be operating off the line current directly and there is no need for a ballast. Operating without the old energy consuming ballast will save more in electricity and money per fixture. However, when disconnecting just one or a few ballasts in a small shop or your home, it will be cheaper to buy the Hybrid tubes than to pay a licensed electrician to disconnect a ballast or two. On average, paybacks are less than one year when you put in new LED tubes.

So next time you are sitting in your office, store, or even your own play room down in the basement with fluorescent fixtures, Look Up! If you do not see LEDs, tell your boss, your doctor or dentist, store owner, and yourself to change over to LEDs. Only then, we the people can make a significant difference while saving money, energy, health, and our environment for our grandchildren.

Giving Thanks

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November 12, 2017

Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, is a Licensed and Board Certified Clinical Mental Health counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, clinical practice. She’s in private practice at her home office in Fort Salonga, specializing in relationships. A sub specialty is in integrating holistic methods with traditional ones. She is founding president of Happi Act for autism www.happiact.org a non- profit organization. She can be
reached at drgold6@optimum.net

Thanksgiving. Giving Gratitude for Our Spouse or “Favorable Life Partner.” (If there is no such person in your life presently, try applying these tips to another meaningful person, such as a relative or dear friend.)

During my marriage to Paul, I of course referred to him as “my husband.” After he passed-on, when I began seeing Steven, he needed a different designation. I don’t like “Significant Other” whereas introducing my then 49 year old man as “my boyfriend” sounded silly. One of my spiritual mentors suggests “Favorable Life Partner” (FLP) which I like, so I adopted that for Steve. You might like to use it also if applicable. (Steven and I married in 2015, thus he too became “husband.” Still, we strive to remain mutually favorable life partners as well).

Dr. Greg Smalley tells how to give gratitude.

EXPRESS THANKS
This Thanksgiving is a perfect time to show your spouse or FLP gratitude. Dr. Smalley writes “The words ‘Thank You’ are two of the most powerful words you can say to your partner. For thankfulness to be effective, it must be specific and it must be verbalized.”
My comment: Try “Thank you for helping me grocery shop this week.” Or “Thank you for picking up the kids at school.”

EXPRESS AFFIRMATION
Dr. Smalley writes “Gratitude is about recognizing what your spouse does. Affirmation is about appreciating what your spouse is “pick one trait and tell him/her why this is important to you.”
My comment: “I appreciate how considerate you are,” or “Your honesty is so important to me because I need that in order to trust.”

CHERISH
   Dr. Smalley suggests making a written list of things that you cherish in your partner and giving it to him/ her on Thanksgiving.
   My Comment: Steve and I did that years back, each writing a list of traits we like about each other, such as, sense of humor…honesty…fun to be with…attractive…courageous.
    You might like to do that as well. (Steve and I will update ours this Thanksgiving.)

   Finally, remember in a past column that I suggested not blowing difficulties out of proportion, and presented the 20%-80% rule. That in the best of relationships 20% is difficult and $80% easy. Don’t necessarily write off your relationship because it’s difficult at times. Difficulties are an opportunity to grow.
   Often in relationships, as soon as one thing goes wrong, everything falls apart. NO! As soon as one thing goes wrong, work to fix it. (If possible)
   If you’d like support with any relationship issues, I highly recommend some couple or others counseling sessions. It can be invaluable in getting you from here to there. Above all, express gratitude!

Well Organized Students Have Less Stress

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November 12, 2017

Dr. Paulette Nadel, Ed.D. is a professional academic counselor with a private
practice specializing in school stress and test anxiety. You can visit her website at www.TestStressHelp.com or reach her at DrPaulette@aol.com or 516-445-2104.

At this point in the school year, it’s a good idea for parents to take a look at their student’s organization skills before things get out of hand and overwhelming. Lack of organization leads to stress. As parents we should be able to help our students with organization to try to avoid or reduce stress.

Here are some useful tips to help students get and stay organized:

• Make sure students have a planner or calendar. Encourage them to use the planner daily for assignments but also to look ahead to see when future assignments or projects are due.

• Have a “Go” box near the front door. Everything your child needs to bring to school the following day should be in the “Go” box. This eliminates frantic mornings searching the entire house for lost folders, musical instruments, projects, etc. A separate “Go” box for each child is recommended.

• Multi-compartment backpacks will help students stay organized. Two to three compartments for books, notebooks, and personal items is best. Smaller school supplies should be in zippered pockets to keep them from getting lost.

• Set a weekly backpack cleaning day. Generally Fridays work well for this. Clean out old papers, leftover snacks, etc. Refill any school supplies as needed. I’ve seen students come to my office with their backpacks overflowing with loose papers from the last three months. This makes it difficult for them to locate current papers.

• Organizing notebooks, folders, and papers by color can be very helpful. Sticky notes in red for most important, yellow for moderate importance, and green for completed work is something I’ve found works very well with students.

Teaching and building organizational skills works with all age students and all grade levels from elementary through college. It’s never too early or too late to start. When these skills are reinforced periodically they will most definitely help to reduce stress in students. Students today have so many things in their lives that can create stress. If we can help to reduce or eliminate stress with organizational skills then why not do it. These are skills students will carry with them for life!

Barcelona Bliss

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November 12, 2017

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!

“There is no night life in Spain. They stay up late but they get up late. That is not night life. That is delaying the day.” – Ernest Hemingway

Barcelona is a truly year round European destination that has something for everyone. We recently visited there in the summer and it was in the 80’s and gorgeous every day. While other European cities are cold and damp in December their winters are sunny and in the 60s.

Barcelona is an easy and relatively close European city to visit. Delta and American offer year round nonstops from JFK to this sunny Mediterranean spot. Flying time averages 7 hours going and close to 8 hours coming home. Once you land at BCN there is a very inexpensive and easy airport bus into the center of town. Leaving every 10 minutes and costing only 6 Euros, it takes about 30 minutes to travel to Placa Catalunya, which is the center of the city. From there you can walk to many well-located hotels, which makes your trip to and from the airport easy and inexpensive. For more information on the airport bus, click on www.aerobusbcn.com.

A fantastic hotel to try that is only a few minutes walk from Placa Catalunya, is the Hotel Roger de Lluria. The hotel has family rooms that accommodate up to 4 people, which is difficult to find in Europe. Double start under $200. Click on www.rogerdelluria.com for rates and reservations.

Barcelona is a wonderful walking city and the best place to start is on their famous tree lined street named “La Rambla.” Stretching ¾ of a mile from Placa Catalunya to the Columbus statue at the sea it’s a microcosm of all the wonders that Barcelona offers. Halfway down is the “La Boqueria” which is an amazing outdoor covered market that sells a dizzying assortment of fresh fruit, seafood, the famous Jamon Iberico as well as many other local specialties. From full service restaurants to walk away treats the Boqueria has it all.

The city’s most iconic buildings were designed by the brilliant Catalan modernist architect Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1926) His magnum opus is the still unfinished La Sagrada Familia Church. Look at www.sagradafamilia.org/en for tours and ticket information. Rounding out Gaudi’s famous landmarks in Barcelona are the Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, La Pedrera and Park Guell. The fanciful architecture is so different than anything you have ever seen and it truly takes your breath away.

Spend a day at Parc de la Ciutadella – the City Park. Laid out in the mid 1800’s, it’s a glorious green space in the middle of the city. You can rent rowboats and bicycles as well as visit one of the most terrific zoos we have ever been to. The animals are so close up.. it’s a real wow! For tickets and info on the zoo look at www.zoobarcelona.cat/en/home.

If you want architecture, history, fine dining, great shopping, and even the beach.. say sí to a trip to Barcelona!

3 Tips For A Successful Job Search

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October 29, 2017

Don Benenson, SPHR, is the owner of MVP Resumes. He has over 30+ years of corporate HR experience and happily helps clients with resume preparation and interviewing skills. He can be reached at
631-428-5877 or at
donaldbenenson@yahoo.com

Ask most people where they’d rank looking for a job and most would liken it to getting a root canal without the Novocain!

As a professional resume writer, career coach and teacher of techniques to ace interviews, I have oceans of empathy and compassion for all job seekers-especially recent college grads and the 45-55 year old crowd. Both groups are facing a variety of challenges in finding jobs that energize their passions and really use their talents and skills.

What follows are some tips that will get you noticed.

Be Crystal Clear About Your Job Search Strategy
Job searches have moments of delusions, illusions and insights. Your first priority is to get as clear as possible about what type of job you want to land and equally important, why. 90% of job seekers don’t do this well resulting in a “spray and pray” job search. Sending out countless resume is ineffective and the lack of responses becomes demoralizing.

This Piece of Paper Can Literally Change Your Life
Your cover letter and resume is the first thing that potentially lands you your dream job and puts you on the career ladder of success that matches your ambitions. The competition is fierce and while you can definitely draft a good cover letter and resume, you don’t write them all day long. Yes, you might have some inclination about what needs to be stated to get your phone ringing, but are you 100% sure?

Use a professional service! The best investment you can make is in yourself and if your cover letter and resume doesn’t impress the hiring manager within 15 seconds, you’re heading to the “do not call” pile. Realize that recruiters and hiring managers read countless resumes a day. This was part of what I did and I can assure you that it was a mind numbing experience. It’s all about selling yourself on paper and few job seekers know the nuances to make this happen.

Sidestep Emotional Landmines
Buckle up-job searches are emotional rollercoasters. I make myself available to my clients to help them manage the “killer B’s” of any job search: the blahs, the blues and the big bummers like getting rejected after you’ve made it all the way to the final interview and left feeling that you’d be getting an offer. Manage your emotions by accepting that all you can control is creating a smart job search plan and then executing it to the best of your ability.

So, chins up to all and best wishes for a successful search. No one ever regrets trying their best!

Dishin’ With Denise… Threads Of Gold

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October 29, 2017

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport
Village resident and freelance writer. She
is a licenced agent at Signature Premier
Properties, Gold 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.

Here is the makings of one of my favorite Sicilian recipes. See how farm fresh cauliflower takes on a whole new color and flavor using saffron. This dish is also made with anchovies or sardines (trust me they melt and disappear) adding incredible flavor. Tis the season for cauliflower ~ they are large, full and robust. Saffron (threads of Gold) is a flowering crocus plant used widely as a culinary spice. Saffron is a bit expensive but a little goes a long way. The medicinal benefits are amazing as it steps up the oxygen content in the blood promoting overall good health and wellbeing. These threads of gold add more than color and flavor to your food ~ it proudly boasts a 3000 year history of medicinal uses. Served with a sprinkling of toasted bread crumbs, really adds that extra delicious texture to this already fabulous dish. Enjoy! xo Denise

1 large head of fresh cauliflower (remove tough core and stems, break into bite sized florets)
1 small can of anchovies (or sardines)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 t or pinch of saffron threads
1 large vidalia onion diced
½ cup or more pignoli nuts (toasted)
1 lb. Ronzoni perciatelli pasta
1/3 cup of golden raisins
¾ cup of toasted bread crumbs (use a small skillet with 2 T olive oil and slowly toast crumbs)
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Sea salt
Fresh black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes

In a large pot boil cauliflower in salted water until tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl. In a large sauté pan heat oil and sauté onions until soft and transparent. Add pignoli nuts stirring to toast up a bit. Add 1 can of anchovies and stir until melted. Add raisins, saffron and spices. Stir for 5 minutes. Boil pasta in salted boiling water until al’dente (approx. 8-9minutes) reserve 1 cup of boiling water to add to cauliflower mixture. Drain pasta and mix with the cauliflower mixture and the cup of pasta water. Heat through for a couple of minutes and top with toasted bread crumbs.

Fall Skincare

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October 29, 2017

Jessica Baumgartner is the creator and author of a blog for parents that includes humorous tales, travel information and product reviews www.woutanet.com. Jessica can be reached at momonthego@woutanet.com

   As the leaves fall off the trees and the seasons change so does your skin. Mira-skin has developed innovative products two of which cannot be missed!! Mira-Skin offers a new way to reduce wrinkles, improve skin moisture, improve elasticity and reap the benefits of ultrasound technology while still enjoying your favorite skin care products.
   Mira-Skin Ultrasound expands the skin’s transport pathways and aides your skin in the ability to absorb the active ingredients of your skincare deep into the layers of your skin. Mira-Skin uses phonophoresis, a process that uses ultrasound to push ingredients into the skin. This results in maximum effects, improves blood circulation, increases oxygen/nutrient supply and stimulates collagen synthesis which improves your skin’s ability to regenerate. The anti-aging technology adds moisture and plumpness that has been scientifically measured.
   The process of using the ultrasound is simple and quick. The treatment takes 5 to 10 minutes and is done 2-3 times a week, preferably in the evening. The device is simply glided your forehead, cheekbones, nose, outer cheek areas, mouth, chin and finally from the top of your neck downward. After the treatment is completed for about half an hour your skin is prepped to absorb your preferred skincare, including masks, cream, gel and serums.
   Mira-Skin offers a 30-day money back guarantee with the $299 Mira-Skin Ultrasound Starter Kit. The kit contains the ultrasound device, the ultrasound gel and the Hyaluronic serum (made in Germany).
   The Hyaluronic Serum included in the kit can be used with the ultrasound device or on its own. The serum reduces fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates your skin and absorbs deep into layers. The serum boasts nine vital substances including collagen, vitamin E and Q10 while avoiding perfumes, dyes, parabens and chemicals. The Hyaluronic acid contained in the serum has the ability to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water to provide your skin with intense moisture. The short-chain hyaluronic acid in the serum makes your cells think that the long chains are broken so your skin will start to create long chains and repair the skin long term. If you choose to buy the serum alone a 0.5 ounce bottle is sold for $69.00. The Mira-Skin website offers a free sample to get you hooked. Free shipping and returns on all paid orders is also included in any purchase.
   Why not give Mira-Skin a try and treat yourself to an indulgent and beneficial vacation for your skin during the cold days of fall!

Salt Caves

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October 29, 2017

Yvonne Bonasera holds a Bachelors degree in International Business from LIU and JCU in Rome, Italy. She is a travel consultant, blogger and teaches Italian, and has visited over 26 countries across 5 continents. Yvonne can be reached at ymbtravel@gmail.com.

Have you been wondering about salt caves spas?! They are trending now as the newest health and wellness regimen boasting a long list of benefits. So, what is all the hype about? I set out to Salt Haven Inc. in Bayport to experience a salt cave/salt spa treatment for myself.

Things to Know Before You Go
Salt is naturally anti-microbial, antibacterial and used as a disinfectant. It is recommended to wear comfy clothing, with maximum amount of skin exposure (tank top and shorts). A reservation includes a 25 minute spot in the public “salt cave.” The walls and floor are made of salt and can hold 10-12 people. Complete silence is required… sit back, relax and breathe in the benefits of the air dispensed with the heated and finely ground salt particles.

If you prefer a private treatment, you can book a salt booth session instead. Similar to a tanning bed, however with no UV light, it lasts for 12 minutes due to the heavier concentration of the salt that’s used.

Benefits
What are the benefits of salt treatments? Salt therapy has been around in Eastern Europe for hundreds of years. Himalayan sea salt is considered to be the most nutrient dense of all the salts, which is commonly (and proudly) used in a majority of salt spas. While these treatments are new to America, salt has been a long time remedy for a host of ailments. The negatively charged ions that salt possesses “increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy,” says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owner’s Manual for the Brain. A single treatment alone will produce the same benefits as spending a few days oceanside.

Salt therapy can be used to treat skin conditions such as dry skin acne and eczema, as well as respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, snoring and COPD to name a few. Headaches, stress, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms and prevention, high blood pressure can be alleviated thanks to halotherapy.

Something for everyone
The top of the line facilities host family days or "kid spa days." There is a salt room for children, which looks like a sandbox, but is filled with salt crystals! It is safe for children and can help boost immunity. Not only is it a great, fun, sensory activity, it can be used to soothe coughs, ear infections or skin conditions.

Good for the soul
A salt cave offers similar benefits as many other spa treatments, the relaxing ambience leaves patrons feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, with an increased mood and a natural energy boost.

Additionally, the anti-aging, overall restorative and protective qualities of adding halotherapy to the body is a great addition to any beauty routine. The skin is left feeling smooth and soft; there is a fine residue of salt left over the body and hair. The best part is- it’s natural, safe and there are no known side effects! Add salt therapy to your monthly (or weekly) health & wellness regimen!

Start From The Floor Up

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October 29, 2017

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

   Here’s an easy way to make your decorating plan fun and foolproof. Start from the floor up. My clients too often wonder why their first outing with me is to my favorite carpet showroom, Peykar Oriental Rugs, in Syosset. No furniture or paint colors have been decided, but they generally become believers.
   This is the thinking. An area rug whether traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between, defines pattern, color and size of seating areas. It doesn’t necessarily dictate style because it’s great to mix casual and formal looks with many types of furniture. We usually sit on a pile of rugs with my floor plan designs in hand and select the furniture layout that works best for a space. Sometimes choices are combinations of the various plans presented, but once we’re all comfortable with the general layout and the size of rugs needed, we’re ready for the fun and learning experience of seeing hundreds of styles, patterns and colors.
   That’s when I usually announce, “Let the games begin”, and watch the panic set in. First timers never know how they will be able to make a choice, but quickly it becomes clear that while there may be a rug for everyone – not every rug is to their personal liking or suits the needs of their room. We start with the choices in the size we need and “run the piles” to see what draws our eye.
   Carpets are usually piled on top of each other and there is no easy way to get to the bottom of the pile. Rolling back the rugs by hand, one by one, gives me a chance to explain the country of origin, style and color possibilities, and allows us to eliminate many. Going backward to actually get possible choices out onto the floor for comparison, gives everyone a chance to see what we missed, or negate some from the first round. Rugs on vertical racks need to be put on the floor for viewing as well. Remember, if rugs are woven on a loom, color and shading can look very different from one side to the other (look carefully at the light and dark side before you choose). By process of elimination, we then make a selection.
   So, we’re getting down to the wire. Easy, done- ready to move on? Not quite. Next, the trick is to find the “go withs” or “friends“ for adjacent areas. Another panic attack, especially when I say using the same rug in a different size is a “no, no”. But, we’ve narrowed the field by color and style from the first choice. Since I start the selection process with the largest or oddest size rug needed and then work to the size with the most available choices, often some already selected possibilities will be chosen in the proper size, or the correct size pile will yield a good co-ordinate. Remember, area rugs can be used in conjunction with broadloom, as well.
   Why should rugs in the public spaces of your home work together? Look at the layout of your rooms. Generally, entry, living room, dining room and den are open to each other, some with common walls. While we don’t want to repeat ourselves from room to room, drawing out the same color palette can help the flow and be more pleasing to the eye. Choosing paint color now becomes simpler. Find the color family that goes best with your rug selections and your personal preference. Begin there and add your accent colors (taken from the rugs) for drama and interest and you will be a do-it-yourself designer.

Exploring The Cote De Bordeaux

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October 29, 2017

Linda Delmonico Prussen is a 10-time award-winning journalist whose passion is wine. Her other forms of generating
income including acting in TV and film, playwriting and coaching gymnastics. When not working she enjoys spending time with her three beautiful daughters, her husband, her friends and her best friend, her Maltipoo Powder. She can be reached at lprussen@optonline.net

Recently, I was a guest of the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux for an educational journey through this breathtaking wine region. I was overwhelmed with heavenly scenery, stunning wines and scrumptious farm to table foods, including of course, cheeses. But even more than that, I was overcome by the warmth and sense of community among the winemakers in the area.
Most wine drinkers are familiar with Bordeaux wines, but might wonder, what is the Côtes de Bordeaux? One way to think of the Côtes de Bordeaux is to first compare New York State to the larger region of Bordeaux. Long Island is a smaller region of New York State, and the Côtes de Bordeaux is a smaller region in Bordeaux. Within Long Island we have many towns; all with their own unique characteristics. And within the Côtes de Bordeaux there are five distinct regions: Blaye, Sainte-Foy, Castillon, Cadillac and Francs.

Getting there
After flying to Paris France’s Charles de Gaulle airport, CDG, you can take a short flight, about an hour and a half, to the city of Bordeaux or, for approximately a third of the price, just over $100, you can take the train.
If you prefer to arrange for a tour rather than driving you can checkout this website: www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/chateaux-et-terroirs-on-the-bordeaux-wine-road/OP031AQU033V500EFA

Where to stay
I stayed in Chateaux Pitray, which more than being just castle-like, is owned and hosted by Count and Countess de Boigne. Their warmth and kind-hearted hospitality radiates throughout the chateaux. The family has been on the land for 600 years. www.chateau-pitray.com/en/the-entrance-hall
Two other intriguing options for lodging I visited while in the region are Château Carbonneau and Chateau Hostens-Picant.
Château Carbonneau is owned by a multinational family. Rates are per night, for two people and include breakfast. www.chateau-carbonneau.com/copie-de-chambre-du-telephone-1

Chateau Hostens-Picant
Owned by husband and wife Nadine and Yves Hostens-Picant the rooms here are modern and luxurious. You can reach Château Hostens-Picant at their phone number here: 0557463811

Community
The story that touched my heart most was told during a delicious lunch at Chateau Nardou, the home of winemaker Florent Dubard and his lovely wife Florence. Next door neighbor Sophie Holzberg, of Chateau Franc-Cardinal, had joined us. She told the heartbreaking story of losing her husband Philip in a tragic car accident in 2010, right before Christmas. Left alone to raise two young children and to care for the vineyard, she wasn’t sure what to do. But, she said, with the help of neighbors, like Florent and Florence, she carried on. And more than just surviving the life-changing tragedy, the vineyard persevered. And she proudly announced, thanks to those that rallied around her, that the vineyard is now in the process of receiving its organic certification.

Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

ET Week Media Group

Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

Chicken Soup and Self-Kindness: Tonics For Healing

Thanksgiving Ideas, Around The Table

Look Up

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3 Tips For A Successful Job Search

Dishin’ With Denise… Threads Of Gold

Fall Skincare

Salt Caves

Start From The Floor Up

Exploring The Cote De Bordeaux

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