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Soup Season…Is Here!

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.

As we move into the cooler weather… it’s the perfect time to think soup.  For that warm Italian comfort try a delicious bowl of Italian Wedding Soup (Minestra Maritata).  The phrase  has nothing to do with a wedding~ but refers rather to the marriage or union of meat and vegetables in broth. Minestra (broth and vegetables) Maritata (marriage or union). A classic peasant dish studded with tasty bite sized meatballs.  Traditionally served as a first course for special occasions or holidays.  A real favorite of mine. I have such fond memories of this soup being served as the first course at Christmas Eve gatherings. As kids we were perfectly happy with this being the first course and the last ~ so satisfying~ you will be too. Intend this nutritional satisfying soup as your main meal..add a salad, warm crusty bread and that glass of wine. Warm up your soul and stove with this easy to prepare comfort soup and serve your Love by the Ladle.  Make a vow to make this soup…and live happily ever after!

1 large Vidalia onion diced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 carrots minced
2 celery stalks minced
1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
Fresh ground pepper 
2 large cans chicken broth (96 ounces)
1 lb. ground beef
2 sweet Italian sausage links (decased)
1 small head of escarole 
    (washed and chopped)
½ cup bread crumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup grated Locatelli Romano cheese 
    (extra for topping)
1 box (16 ounces) of Ancini Di Pepe pasta 

    In a soup pot sauté onion in olive oil until onions are soft and translucent, remove from the pot ¼ cup of onions for meatball mixture. Add carrots and celery to soup pot and continue to sauté until soft. Add escarole, until wilted and soft.  Add broth and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer. Boil your pasta in separate pot using salt in water, drain at 8 minutes and add to soup before serving.  Remove from heat and prepare meatballs.
    Mix meat with ¼ cup sautéed onion, add fresh parsley, bread crumbs, black pepper, cheese and egg. Mix well and form into 1 “diameter 
meatballs. Place onto cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Remove and add the meatballs to your soup pot.
Top with extra grated cheese and serve. 
Bon Appetit! xo Denise

 

The Butterfly Effect: Helping Others in Times of Need

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.

I consider myself to be more spiritual than religious, and when disaster or difficult times come calling, I turn to positive thoughts and prayers, because I believe we all have the power to make a difference. As hurricane Irma approached Florida, my partner sought to encourage others to join him in an effort to lessen the hurricane’s damage by having them focus their thoughts, prayers, and energies on the storm.  Many joined the effort and gradually Irma was downgraded from a category 5 to a 2. Some may think this was wishful thinking, but was it actually the butterfly effect in action?  
    Whatever the answer, the truth is is that no matter how small or large the effort, helping others creates a tremendous outflow of healing energy that cannot be measured, but can be felt. Whether you are a first responder to an event, call a loved one who is fearful for their well-being, make a monetary donation or purchase vital necessities for those in need, you are creating change! You are positively altering the course of events.
    In what is known as “chaos theory,” the butterfly effect is “a property of chaotic systems (such as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system” (Merriam-Webster). If we look to the heroes and heroines of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, it is obvious that the many first responders, neighbors, and volunteers who risked their lives to help maintain the safety of others made a difference.  We often feel helpless when we cannot physically be at the scene to help, but with efforts like prayer, donations, reaching out to loved ones and neighbors, we uplift others, and ourselves, helping us to accept and realize we are all connected.
    I will never forget when “Superstorm” Sandy hit Long Island in 2012 how a friend and her husband took me and my family in for nearly a week, nurturing us while we were waiting for our electricity to be restored. Dozens of trees were downed in our yard and on our block and neighbors came out with their gas-powered saws to help clear paths to safety.  Just last night actors, singers, and comedians came together to promote an hour-long TV special, “Hand-in-Hand,” for hurricane relief for recent victims. No matter how large or small your effort or donation, know that you are making a difference in someone’s life. Always remember to acknowledge yourself for that.

 

Finishing Touches – Art and Accessories

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

Whether a large budget or small, fine furniture or not, accessories give a room personality.   Often, people don’t consider the cost for these finishing touches in their overall budget plan or think they are of minor importance, but nothing can be further from the truth. They must be chosen with great care, for they will surely make the difference in your design project.
    There are many elements of good design that go into choosing the appropriate accessory-style, color, size, proximity to other accessories and a sense of balance – are all needed.
    Accessories generally fall into the category of functional and decorative. Functional accessories are objects that not only look good while complimenting chairs, tables and other furniture, but are also filling a need. Such functional accessories are lighting fixtures, fireplace equipment, clocks, mirrors, decorative hardware, vases, books and pillows. When well selected, they lend a personal touch and appear to blend well with their environment. When ill-chosen, they will either fail to create the needed compliment to a completed whole or worse, attract your eye as a negative force.
    Decorative accessories are provided more for appearance than functional need. They often fill other more psychological needs. Plants and art, (paintings and sculpture) fall into this category. The nesting instinct and the “desire to acquire” are fulfilled, making your home a reflection of your own personal good taste, as well as a place to live and hang your hat.
    Collectables also make wonderful accessories and personalize a space. Showcasing collections is the challenging part and should be made to compliment the rest of the décor while not overshadowing it.
    The world of art is a vast and beautiful one to explore as you accessorize. Whether your interest is paintings (traditional to contemporary in oils, watercolors or other media) or sculpture (bronzes to woods to three-dimensional objects made from garden tools). Whether the collection is worthy of being displayed in a museum or not, art is generally selected more for personal taste than investment. Although people enjoy the quest as well as the result, such accessories lend a special touch to a home.
    Art does not have to “match” the décor.  In truth, such accessories seem to lose their artistic value rather than enhance the space when they “match”. For example, a fine collection of contemporary art does not look out of place in a traditional home.
    In hanging artwork, the rule of thumb has been to hang it at eye level when standing, but many designers and professionals prefer to place them slightly above eye level when seated. Generally, this is no more than 8”–10” above sofas or low units such as consoles, credenzas or tables. This not only enables the art to be viewed more effectively, but creates a cohesive arrangement with the furnishings surrounding it.

 

“Where’s The Peace?”

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.

For anyone who might recall the wildly popular advertising slogan of the 1980’s:  “Where’s the beef?” I propose a newer, more suitable phrase, to address the chaos of today’s world:  “Where’s the peace?”  It seems like at every feasible location (from restaurants, to shopping malls, in airports and above city streets), there’s a giant screen television just waiting to bombard us with the world’s most sinister and disastrous events.
      Wherever I go, hoping to relax and unwind, conducting my personal affairs, or spending time with family and friends, I have found myself sitting under a flat-screen T.V., that by virtue of its very positioning, commands my attention. As such, I receive all the news of the day:  good, bad and ugly, regardless of whether or not I wish to be informed, at those moments, in those settings. Gone are the days when graphic images were reserved for late night or serious news programs.  Today, anything goes, and because people are habitually holding their phones, they are primed to film even the most horrific of scenes.  Desensitization has never been higher!  At my gym, no less than four big screens surround me, each with its own sad story to tell.  If I do not get scared out of my wits by the news channels, then I can feel my blood boil, with the stupidity and insanity of the latest “reality” shows, depicting self-indulged, amoral human beings, collecting giant paychecks for letting “us” in on their “interesting” lives.  Let me not forget to mention the myriad commercials for every known (and often unknown) ailment, which could befall anyone of us, at any given moment.  It’s all I have to do to escape an anxiety attack, all in the name of health and wellness.
     It would appear there is a constant need to be shocked, over-stimulated and irritated.  What of the pleasures of peace and quiet, of scintillating conversation, of simply taking in the world around us, without surround sound?  Why is it necessary to always be “on”?  Do we really need to focus on the latest sporting event, political forum or world disaster while we’re out and about, living our lives?  Isn’t there something to be said for “unplugging” and reconnecting to the world and one another, without means of electronics?  With the advent of today’s technology, it would appear superfluous to introduce even more, when people can access any and all information they desire, with the touch of a finger.
     I advocate for a return to things that reflect a simpler time: for responsibility, decency, and sensibility, as well as sensitivity.  Restaurants should be for eating and conversing, gyms, for exercise, airports and city streets, for sights and sounds of the world around us, and no one should have to fear imagery that would be scarring to themselves or to their loved ones, haphazardly dropped in their field of vision. Less is so much more, and the peace we acquire, simply priceless!

 

Holly’s Pet Trends

Holly Levis is a radio show host and an award winning journalist.  She also owns and operates "Petport Pet Food and Supply Company in Northport."
Questions or comments welcome: holly@petport.com. This article reviewed by Dr. Diane Levitan, VMD.

As the colorful autumn sky cascades across Long Island, it's the perfect time of year to take advantage of the nice weather with our canine companions.  It's also a good time to tune into the overall health and well-being of our furry family members.  
    When pet nutrition and fitness become priorities, everyone can lead a happier and healthier existence.  Exercising the mind becomes as important as exercising the body.  It's wellness from the inside out, as we explore some of the latest trends in PET care. 
    Many of us are being more mindful of what we feed our pets.  Good nutrition requires more than putting food in a bowl, as the trend shifts from picking up inexpensive corn-based kibble at the grocery store to feeding the best natural foods on the market. 
    Premium pet foods with boneless meats as the first ingredient are a first choice  for many of our customers. You may notice an important slogan on many premium pet foods: "NO poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy." These ingredients can trigger food allergies in hyper-sensitive pets, too. All natural foods are the trend. Fillers and by-products, are OUT.
    Petport owner/operator Holly Levis shares, "Healthy skin and coat comes from the inside out. Proper nutrition is key. Add omega oils to the diet.  It helps with dry, itchy skin." Regular grooming keeps your pet's coat looking and feeling its best. The latest trends in shampoos are all natural, chemical and sulfate-free products that contain colloidal oatmeal, aloe, shea butter and coconut oils.
    Since pet obesity is a major health threat, keeping pets in shape is vital. A good dog is a tired dog.  Petport owner Holly also adds that "Getting enough exercise not only helps weight control, it can solve many behavior problems. From barking, to destructive chewing and displaced aggression, exercise relaxes your dog."  
    The training trend is behavior modification and positive reinforcement. The use of  punishment is no longer accepted. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has denounced the use of chokers, prongs-collars and shock collars as inhumane and dangerous to the health of your pet. Such tactics may also trigger aggressive behaviors. Positive, consistent communication is key.
    As we celebrate Halloween, it can be a scary time of year for pets. Petport consultant Dr. Diane Levitan, Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialist at Peace, Love and Pets Veterinary Care in Commack, reminds us to take these precautions:

1. KEEP your pets away from doors. It's stressful when many different people come to the house. It's easy for them to escape when trick-or-treaters arrive.  Be sure that your pets have proper ID.

2. Chocolate, raisins and sugar free candies containing xylitol are poisonous to pets. Should ingestion occur, seek emergency attention right away.

3. Make sure your pet is comfortable in its costume and that it's not restrictive. It's important to be sure the material is not flammable. Pets can be curious about lanterns, candles and pumpkins – you cannot be too careful," says Dr. Diane Levitan, VMD.

 

Halloween on Long Island


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.

Halloween on Long Island is one of the most exciting times for all ages! Your local restaurants will be boasting pumpkin spice martinis and beer, paired with pumpkin ravioli, butternut squash soup or other hearty, fall favorites. The great news is you don't have to head all the way to the East End for these fall festivities. If you're looking to get into the Halloween spirit, here are some ideas! 

Suffolk 
    The drive alone along the hilly North Shore is lined with the most gorgeous fall foliage and is a treat in and of itself. Grab a pumpkin spiced latte and enjoy the scenic route! 
    Visit a local farm stand for the freshest produce to bake an apple or pumpkin pie while sipping some cider! Some of the best pumpkin picking can be found at the Schmitt Family Farm (Dix Hills) and also hosts a free-to-attend fall festival! 
    On Halloween, view the contestants of the scarecrow competition at the festival in Stony Brook Village. Safe trick or treating is offered in the shops! 

For the Adults 
    Kids aren't the only ones who get to enjoy the fun of Halloween! Some of these places will give you a good scare!

Nassau
    Although, it's approved for all ages- the Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens is a must no matter what age! Bring the family or cozy up to your loved one as you walk the paths lined with 5,000 of the most intricate Jack O’Lanterns anywhere!
    The Witches Brew (Hempstead) – open year round this 100 year old house turned coffee shop comes to life around Halloween. Every tea & coffee imaginable with some favorites such as “Midnight” and “Voodoo,” it's a perfect, spooky, pit stop to unwind. 
    The Bayville Scream Park is a staple for the ultimate Halloween experience, designed for those who want a bone chilling scare, they also offer a “not so scary” session for the kids on weekends from 11-6pm.

Suffolk 
    Take a drive down Mount Misery Road and neighboring Sweet Hollow Road in Melville. Legend has it, it's haunted by a patient of the asylum that was built in 1700!  After, have a drink at Katie's' (Smithtown), notoriously haunted by a ghost named Charlie, this bar was featured on “Ghost Adventures.” 
    Borella’s Farm Stand (Smithtown) hosts an annual Fall festival on weekends in October with hayrides, fall activities and games for the kids…. but for the grown ups, it's adjacent to a vineyard! Visit Whisper Vineyards for some wine and spirits!
    Gather up a group of friends and put your survival skills to the test at an Escape Room. There are sites sprinkled all over LI, including Patchogue (Escaperoomsli.com). While in town, see the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Patchogue Theatre. 

 

Fall Fashion Must Haves


Anna is currently a student at Fairfield University. She doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life yet because her possibilities are endless. Anna loves reading, the beach, and iced peach green tea lemonades!
    When September rolls around and the days slowly become shorter, we know autumn is here. Autumn brings so many great things like pumpkin spiced everything, beautiful changing leaves, fall scented candles, and amazing fashion trends. Every woman knows that oversized sweaters and knee high boots are staples, be sure to include these trends into your wardrobe.
    Believe it or not, floral patterns are still very popular. Dark, muted floral patterns rather than bright, summery ones. Floral patterned wrap dresses and blouses are perfect for nights out, formal dinners, and Thanksgiving. If you’re looking to add floral patterns to your wardrobe, check out Anthropologie or Nordstrom.
    Similar to this past summer’s obsession with off the shoulder tops, one shoulder blouses and dresses are still on point. Sweaters, blouses, and dresses with one sleeve are great because they can be dressed up with a statement necklace or dressed down with jeans and ankle boots. The one shoulder versatility makes it a perfect addition to every woman’s closet. Stores like J. Crew and Banana Republic have a great selection of one shoulder blouses.
    Knee high boots are still on trend, but this fall be sure to add some ankle boots to your shoe collection. Ankle boots in fall colors like black, brown, and gray can tie any look together this season. Ankle boots are perfect for women who want their legs to appear longer and leaner. These boots look especially great with dark wash jeans. Find your perfect pair of ankle boots at a local shoe store like DSW or Famous Footwear without breaking the bank.
    My favorite trend this fall are jumpsuits. Jumpsuits are perfect for any occasion because these wonderful one-pieces come in a variety of styles. Whether you’re going out for a girls night or looking for a quick outfit to throw on, jumpsuits are your answer. They’re also great because, like ankle boots, they're a perfect way to elongate your legs. Lulus and H&M are great stores to check out for the perfect jumpsuit.    
    Denim jackets are a timeless classic that never go out of style. This fall, invest in a denim jacket to wear with any look during this brisk weather months! These jackets are the perfect layering piece because they work with dresses, blouses, and sweaters. Stores like Eddie Bauer and the Gap have great quality denim jackets to get you through this season. 

 

Savory Eats – Football Season


Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a writer. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community working as a blogger and musician. She enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking and performing with her dad in their LI-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by e-mail at: joanna.adduci10@gmail.com.
    Now that fall is fast approaching, we’re all looking for places to watch the game. While we have our generic contenders, it’s always nice to find a unique, hidden oasis with a solid beer list, food menu and reputable TV count. As a previous resident of Manhattan, it’s not always easy to find variety on the island. However, it’s possible. Yes, that’s right, it’s possible. If you head to Huntington, Patchogue, Babylon, or any of the island’s happenin’ towns, there’s always a turnout for the sports events. Some of my go-tos include Rust & Gold in Huntington, Changing Times in East Northport, Napper Tandy’s in Northport and Croxley’s Ale House.
    What makes for a good sports bar? I hear this question often. In my opinion, it’s a combination of elements. Solid staff, memorable bar food, drink specials and a comfortable atmosphere. Whether I’m with friends and family, or solo, it’s important to me that my experience is a positive one. 
    Rust & Gold in Huntington Village is groovy. Seriously, the vibes are reminiscent of my time in Williamsburg and the people are equally as memorable. Good drink list, beer list (the El Sully is my go-to), snacks and games. Although my personal preference is the Buffalo Chicken Dip with a side of Jenga, they truly offer something for everyone. Wings, Burgers, Apps – the list is endless. Did I mention their projector screen and DJ’d weekend nights? Seriously, go check them out. 
    Changing Times in East Northport is classic. Everything from the menu to the staff to the crowd – it’s all old school. There’s something so comforting about the atmosphere that I always seem to end up here on football Sundays. Their wings are awesome, and so is most of their bar food. They have stellar specials and an eye-opening number of TVs, making this spot perfect for watching the game.
    Napper Tandy’s is another classic go-to. Close to my apartment, consistent, and filled with fun locals – this place is a good time. Surprisingly food forward, this place offers a number of unique, unexpected appetizers and entrees. I personally stick to the wings and drink specials, however my friends prefer to try the wacky menu additions. 
    Last but not least, Croxley’s Ale House. Most of you are familiar with this place. Although my personal preference is the Franklin Square location, Long Islander’s have their neighborhood favorite. Reliable, relaxed – Croxley’s never disappoints. Order some drinks, apps (try their specials!) and enjoy the game with friends.
    Whether you prefer your neighborhood spot or trying something new, there are options for everyone this football season. Chat with friends, peruse reviews, choose a spot and enjoy the game!

 

Dishin’ With Denise… Long Island Corn Chowder


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.

With the cooler season nipping at summers heels~ enjoy this fall foodie! Corn is one of summers end most popular picks~ look for fresh bright moist cut ends and heavy plump husks. The Long Island farm stands are bursting with sweet corn as they pluck away at the season’s harvest. Time to give the grill a break and warm up with this sweet hearty chowder loaded with farm fresh produce and its bold bacon flavor. My seasonal trip out east provided us with such sweet fragrance~ the clean fresh sea air and sweet roasting corn. Something amazing happens when you roast your corn ~ you’ll see. 

8 ears of farm fresh corn (husks, and silks removed)
Place corn on pre heated (medium high) grill for 6-8 minutes~ turning as needed to lightly brown on all sides.
Remove, cool and with a sharp knife remove all kernels.
6 slices of bacon (cut into 1 “pieces)
1 large Vidalia onion chopped
2 stalks celery (finely diced)
4-5 medium red potatoes diced (skin on)
Fresh thyme
Chopped fresh chives
1 bay leaf
6 cups of chicken broth
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 cup of ½ and ½

In a large soup pot cook bacon over medium heat stirring until brown and crispy. Pour out all but 2 T of fat. Add onion, celery and cook until softened. Add potatoes, fresh herbs and spices and stir. Add potatoes and corn. Pour in broth and bring to a boil, then reduce for 30 minutes. Add ½ and ½ and top with fresh herb garnish. Happy Sweet Fall.   XO Denise

 

When A Friendship Dies, Let Them Go


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 energyofnewlight.com.  She recently self-published her first collection of poems available at Huntington’s Book Revue.  Kathy offers freelance editing, writing, and proofreading
(kahorowitz@gmail.com). 

During my lifetime, friends have come and gone, and those that remain are the anchors in my life.  This is not a unique phenomenon.  Friendship, much like a marriage or a relationship, is a partnership of give and take, good and bad.  When I am down, they will lift me up and I will do the same for them.  That is the natural reciprocity of a strong, healthy relationship.

Sometimes, however, we bear a greater percentage of the responsibility of the day-to-day incidences, and sometimes they do.  An authentic and honest friendship ebbs and flows, as does a loving relationship.  Here are sage, comforting words from the poet, Kahlil Gibran:  “And let your best be for your friend./ If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also./ For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?/ Seek him always with hours to live.”

After a decade-long friendship with a close friend, they recently let the reins of our friendship go.  One might ask, what did I do wrong?  Why won’t they return my efforts?  Ruminating over the whys and how comes only leads to days and nights of monkey mind.  Sometimes, and too often, we have to remind ourselves that this person came into our lives for a particular reason.  T. D. Jakes says it beautifully, expounding on Biblical text: “People leave you because they are not joined to you.  And if they are not joined to you, you can’t make them stay.  Let them go.  And it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over.”

These maxims should make one feel better, right?  But, unfortunately, that’s not usually the case.  Miguel Ruiz says in his treatise “The Four Agreements”:   “2. Don’t take anything personally.  Nothing others do is because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.”

How to remain positive after losing a friend is no easy task.  Such a loss is akin to the death of a loved one, and when the grieving process kicks in, time and patience are the only balm in the healing.  Knowing that you did your best, helps too (Ruiz).  And learning that life is full of transitions such as these, and that you are not alone, eases the pain of loss.  We can only wish them the best and fondly remember the good times that were shared when we needed them most.  Make that a daily mantra and remember that you are loved by many.

 

Wipe Your Mouth


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.

    When I was young I heard that request many times, after all, I was in a rush to get back “outside” and play. If I was playing inside, that meant rain was falling or night had arrived and I was busy inventing a board game or making a motor driven jeep from my Erector Set for G. I. Joe. But I digress…
    As an individual and as a family what Napkin is more beneficial to use, ​Paper or Cloth?
    To present all the different analysis done over the years that worked to determine what is best to use when eating, a Paper Napkin or Cloth Napkin, will be mostly dull reading. So many considerations, such as materials used in production, consumption of natural resources, added costs with color prints on paper napkins, the cleaning impact for reuse (wash and dry), or discarding in the trash.
    The number of paper napkins used in America per year is mind spinning and reusing cloth napkins consumes everything from water to energy. However, if used with a few guide lines, cloth napkins are the most sustainable by saving us the most Money, Energy, Health, and our Environment.
    So here are the guidelines I recommend so your change over to cloth napkins will save all around:
• Buy in bulk and buy around twelve cloth napkins for each member of the family. This will provide enough cloth napkins when company comes over to eat and will avoid running out of cloth napkins in case nobody was able to do the wash on time.
• Buy plain White cloth napkins (Not whiten by a bleach process)
• Buy Linen napkins, not cotton
• Always wash with other clothes
• Wash in COLD water
• Use a more environmental friendly detergent
• Use a clothes line to dry and visit my
EnergyHotwire.com Appliances page to learn more on How to SAVE the most with Clothes Dryers
• When the Linen napkins are worn out, wash and then Compost them!

    So for all my young followers reading this, when you are done eating, please do the following: 
    Wipe your mouth, ask for permission to leave the table, place your dish in the sink, and place your cloth napkin in the dirty clothes bin. Then have fun playing Outside!

 

Fall Fun On The Island


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

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower,” said Albert Camus, a famous French writer and philosopher.

School begins, the mornings crisp, leaves fall to the ground, and pumpkins appear on stoops. The arrival of Fall invites us to look for local outdoor events before the cold settles in, and you can be sure that Long Island has plenty to offer.
    Towns all across Long Island will host Fall festivals where families can pick pumpkins, participate in crafts, buy apple cider, or pet farm animals. A classic place to find these activities is at F&W Schmitt Family Farm in Melville, where you can go on a hayride and get lost in a corn maze. You can also visit Hicks Nurseries in Westbury for similar activities.
    On Sunday, September 17th, head to Hofstra University for their 25th Annual Italian Festival. During this weekend, you can attend the 11th Annual Long Island Family Festival in Copiague at Tanner Park, where there will be a pizza eating contest, carnival rides, and plenty of other goodies for you and your family to enjoy.
    Both the Caleb Smith Preserve and the Wildwood State Park will be hosting their Fall Festivals the last weekend of September. 
    Strap on your lederhosen, grab a pint glass, and head on over to the Pine Grove Inn in East Patchogue for their 1st Annual Oktoberfest on September 30th. Alternatively, you can check out St. Luke’s 47th Annual Oktoberfest in Farmingdale on the same day.
    If you are looking for a nature excursion, the North Fork of Long Island offers plenty of places for apple picking. Try out the 15-acre Harbes Orchard in Riverhead, which will be open every weekend in September and October, Woodside Orchards in Aquebogue. If you’re looking for a more central location, Richters Orchard in Northport, for delicious apples.
    On Sunday, October 1st, there will be a Fall Festival at the Sagtikos Manor, as well as the 6th Annual Plainview-Old Bethpage Fall Festival. On October 8th, Riverhead will be hosting its Country Fair. The following week is the 11th Annual Malverne Fall Festival and Classic Car Show. Right before Halloween, on October 22nd, you can attend the Halloween Fun Fest in Rockville Center for face painting, mask creating, contests, music, magic shows, and more. Also, don’t forget to vote for your favorite scarecrow all throughout the month of October at the Stony Brook Village Center during their Scarecrow Competition!
    Although you can’t stop and smell the roses in the Fall, you can have plenty of fun by jumping in crunchy leaf piles all over Long Island!