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Timely and Timeless Travel Tips!


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!

     Fall is upon us and I have updated my list of favorite travel tips and ideas to make your next trip more organized, easier to plan and maybe even more fun!
      Did you know that when you buy your airline tickets online you have 24 hours to change your mind without penalty? Or if the price happens to drop the day after you buy your tickets (doesn’t that always seem to happen?) you can cancel them and re-buy them at the lower price? 
     We always begin and end our vacation at The Parking Spot.  With locations at JFK and LGA this company takes the stress out of airport parking.  You can go to www.theparkingspot.com and make your reservations online for no charge.  Be sure to sign up for their free loyalty club because you earn points with every park.  The points add up and then you can use them for free parking on a future vacation.  They even have printable discount coupons on their website for you to bring with you and use when you pay.  Your AAA card provides a good discount as well. They even give weary travelers (that’s you!) bottled water and coffee on your way out.
     Sign up for an Ebates account at www.ebates.com.  If you use their link for many hotel chains and rental car companies, you earn a percentage back on your purchase ranging anywhere from 2 – 6 percent on average.  It doesn’t sound like a lot but it adds up quickly and it’s truly found money.
     Unexpected events and illnesses can upset your travel plans and it’s certainly nice if you can get refunded for part or all of your vacation costs even if you didn’t purchase extra travel insurance beforehand.  Check the credit card that you plan to charge your trip on and see if it has built in travel insurance.   Two that do are the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Citi Prestige Card.  They have hefty annual fees, but they both provide generous benefits besides the travel cancellation insurance such as trip delay benefits, lost baggage protection, admission into select airport lounges and an annual air travel credit.  Check the specifics on line before you apply and see if the card would be worth it for you.
A few oldies but goodies:
    Write down your prescription medicines with dosages on a card and keep it in your wallet when you travel. 
    Bring a stack of singles with you for tips.  Even in another country it works in a pinch.
    Check out local supermarkets, especially abroad, for tasty, fun and inexpensive gifts for friends and family.
    Drink a glass of water for each hour you are on a flight to counteract dehydration.  
    Wear a larger ring than usual..  hands always seem to swell on vacation.
    Bring a small magnifying mirror with suction cups to stick on window.  Lighting in hotel bathrooms is usually horrible.
    Got any great travel tips that you would like to share?  Email me at travelingclaudia@gmail.com and I will try to include them in a future article.  Thanks!

I stayed in a really old hotel last night. They sent me a wake-up letter. – Steven Wright

 

Savory Eats: 7 Long Island Vineyards To Visit


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.

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
2114 Sound Ave, Calverton

Recap:  Vineyard and Horse Rescue, Baiting Hollow offers visitors countryside charm in Calverton, a short drive from Riverhead.  Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard features a selection of wines, which are dedicated to their rescue horses. 100% of the profits are contributed by BHF Horse Rescue to support the horse rescue effort.  
Personal In-house Favorites: Merlot Rose, Reserve Merlot, and Red Velvet

Mattebella Vineyard
46005 NY-25, Southold

Recap: Lovely outdoor space, with unforgettable wines and bites alike. One of my favorite vineyards on the island, I sincerely appreciate the small details such as the rustic outdoor area, glass varieties and dog-friendly atmosphere. The tasting cottage is surrounded by rose and fig trees and is an ideal place to spend a crisp fall day with family or friends.
Personal In-house Favorites: Old World Blend, Steel Chardonnay, and Rose

The Lenz Winery
38355 Rt 25, Peconic

Recap:  An outdoor oasis nestled in Peconic, perfect for an afternoon tasting. Complete with Adirondack chairs, outdoor tables and a quaint, casual tasting room, this winery is a must-visit.
Personal In-house Favorites: Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Blanc De Noir, Malbec

Lieb Cellars
13050 Oregon Rd, Cutchogue

Recap: Modern, rustic chic. My go-to “Saturday Spot”, I adore their selection of reds, and indoor & outdoor spaces complete with couches, fire-pits (outside) and draperies. Their snack selection is outstanding, with cheese boards and delectable cured meats. On occasion, you’ll even find smoked trout. (Yum.) Check their site for the live music schedule, for a bit of additional local charm.
Personal In-house Favorites: Cabernet Franc, Reserve Merlot, and Sparkling Rose

The Winemaker Studio
2885 Peconic Ln, Peconic

Recap: Quaint and charming, to say the least. Small production finds and a pleasant, antiquated atmosphere make this a must-visit. Adjacent to the tasting room is “Provisions & Ingredients” their sister shop with a diversified menu – including tapas, cheese plates, and pressed sandwiches. 
Personal In-house Favorites: Riesling Ice Wine, Bordo Cabernet Franc, 2013 Tredici

Channing Daughters
1927 Scuttle Hole Rd, Bridgehampton

Recap:  A breath of fresh air amongst the Long Island vineyards, Channing Daughters feels like a home away from home – complete with lush, inspired grounds, a modest tasting room and superb collection of incredible wines. Their labels are also a sight to see, as they are unique, and extraordinarily imaginative.
Personal In-house Favorites: Blaufrankisch, Due Uve and Petit Verdot

Bedell Cellars
36225 Main Rd, Cutchogue

Recap: A favorite amongst my “foodie” friends, Bedell is consistently high quality and provides an impressive, cozy atmosphere with quality product, time and time again. Family owned, excellent service and first-rate cheeses. (Especially the Goat Cheese Trio, yum!)
Personal In-house Favorites: Taste Red, Blanc De Blancs, and First Crush Red

 

Vacation Fashions


Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients.  In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

Summer is not only my favorite season, it is also the biggest travel season of the year. With schools closed and beach destinations beckoning, people are preparing for long planned travels and last-minute getaways alike.  What to bring is, no doubt on the minds of soon-to-be travelers. Though it is easy to toss items into a bag, it is wiser to be a bit more planful.  

Baggage fees can add up quickly. Packing artfully can mean real savings when suitcases go on the scale. Packing is certainly not a scientific happening, but there is an art to making the most of space available to ensure the best fashion options for your vacation days. Read on for some tips on how to look and feel your best when living out of a suitcase.

To begin, lay out what you intend to wear on vacation. This will keep you from mentally allocating the same piece to multiple outfits. It will also allow you to see which shoes work with several ensembles. Shoes weigh the most, so choose pairs that multi-task. Now that you’ve laid out everything you need, let’s get them properly packed.

Don’t you hate rumpled clothes when you unpack? Try this method to reduce wrinkles: Lay out items that cannot be folded onto the bottom (button down shirts and jackets, etc.). Allow sleeves to drape over the sides. Dresses, shirts and slacks go in waist first with the legs/shirttails draped over the side. Now place clothes you can fold into the suitcase – tops, shorts, underwear, swimwear, lingerie, etc. Next flip items draped over the sides up and over the center piles so they rest on top. In doing so, you will eliminate most of the travel-caused wrinkles. And… everything is held in place, even with jostling your suitcase about. I once saw a travel agent give a demonstration and decided to give this method a try. I was shocked at how well it worked and have packed this way ever since.

As far as what to pack: pack for comfort, the weather and what your activities include. You will likely want to do a little pre-vacation shopping. Try one of this season’s trend report favorites. Consider a shoulder cut-out blouse or a soft, billowy (think white or buttery yellow and gauzy) dress. Items from your favorite line’s traveler collection – clothes less inclined to wrinkle, offered in basic, neutral colors, and wearable in a multitude of ways – are a great choice. They’re sure to work with a great deal in your closet when you return from your trip. A new pair of strappy sandals or a beachy tote will add pop to an old favorite.  From your wardrobe, choose items in a common color pallet to limit what you need in accessories and cosmetics. Soft colors and fabrics with a touch of glitz will keep you cool and looking like a million bucks.

Wherever you land, pack for a wonderful time. Safe travels!

 

Dishin’ With Denise… Summer Frutti di Mare


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.

Simple and “sumptuously summer”, this pasta dish is full of flavorful fresh seafood, tomatoes and a variety of fresh herbs. A truly attractive, colorful seasonal meal. “Frutti di mare” in Italian means the fruit of the sea. For anyone who loves both seafood and Italian cuisine this classic pasta dish is a real treat. Choose your favorite seafood (clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, crab etc.) prepared with a garlicky fresh tomato sauté ~ you will want to eat outdoors~ A seaside restaurant in your own backyard! Toast a baguette for some crusty bread for dipping up all that tasty juice, a sprinkle of fresh grated cheese, a side salad and of course a chilled glass of wine.  To the sweet taste of Summer!   xo Denise

Ingredients: Serves 6

8 ~ 10 Cloves fresh chopped garlic
½ lb. shrimp
½ lb. sea scallops
1 ½ lb. mussels
2 qts chopped fresh clams
1 cup dry white wine
1 bottle clam juice
1 bottle lobster juice
2 pints cherry tomatoes chopped in ¼ pieces
2 handfuls fresh parsley coarsely chopped
2 t fresh oregano
1 handful fresh basil coarsely chopped
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 T butter
1 ½ lbs.  Linguine
Fresh grated locatelli cheese
Fresh black pepper and sea salt

In a sauté pan heat oil and butter, red pepper flakes and sauté garlic on low heat for 2 minutes. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes and all the fresh herbs, sauté for 4 minutes. Add fresh fish and sauté for 3 minutes, add tomatoes, wine, and seafood juice. Cook for 3 more minutes. Boil water with salt for pasta, cook al dente, drain and toss with fish sauce. I chopped my seafood up as my kiddies were eating over ~ but whole mussels and shrimp look quite appetizing. 

 

7 Habits Of Highly Effective Students


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.

Most parents want their children to be good students. What makes a good student? Why are some students better than others? What can we do to make our children better students?  As an educator and success coach working with students I get asked these questions by parents all the time. My answers and advice have to do with organization and study habits.  

The “best” or most effective students I see simply have better habits. There’s really no mystery or magic formula to being a better student. Better students seem to put more effort into their study habits. What do we mean by study habits and how can our children put more effort into them? These are the important questions parents need to ask.  

After working with all types and ages of students for many years here are what I believe are the 7 habits students need to master to be highly effective.

• Organization – Simply put students need to be more organized. Parents should supply them with the tools students need to be organized. Folders, binders with dividers and pockets, notepads, calendars, pens, pencils, a book bag. These are all tools that students should have to help them do their job. 
• Study space – Students need a really good study space. They need to have a well lighted space with room to spread their books and papers out. They need a comfortable chair. They need to be in an area free from distractions. The kitchen table is not an ideal study space for most students. There are distractions, noises, people talking and walking by. Students need a quiet space to do their work.
• Time management – Students need to be able to organize and manage their time. Assignments should always be entered into their calendar. Sometimes students are given assignments for the same day, but this is not always the case. Students may have longer term assignments that are due in a week, a month, two months. If these assignments are not written into the calendar it’s very easy for students to forget and not be prepared.  Additionally time management involves the way students spend time during each day. Schedules help to allot time for study, time for recreation, time for eating and sleeping. Parents should help students set up a schedule that works for both of them.
• Rest – It’s important for students to be rested. Adolescents generally require at least 9 hours sleep a night. If they get less than that they are really not functioning at their full potential. Sleep is important to help the body recharge. Studies have shown that when students are well rested they focus better in school, they absorb more, they retain more information, their mood is better and their ability to learn is increased. 
• Nutrition – Healthy eating is another habit of highly effective students. The better the diet the better students function. More nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables and a balance of protein and healthy carbs help students to maintain higher energy levels and think more clearly. Sugars and unhealthy carbs make students lethargic and unable to focus on their work.
• Recreation and relaxation – Students need balance in their lives between their studies and fun, relaxing activities. Sports, music, yoga, recreational reading, hobbies, time with friends and family are all excellent recreational activities. Sports and physical activity help students to stay healthy. A healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand.
• Last but not least is encouragement, support, and confidence building from parents and teachers. Students function better when they are encouraged in a positive way. Negativity only breeds more negativity. Self-esteem and confidence are so important for students. When they believe they are doing well they try harder. I’ve seen this so many times. Students can become frustrated easily. Frustration leads to anxiety, stress, and failure. It’s important to praise students when they do well and encourage them to always do better. Remember if at first they don’t succeed, try again. Be patient! 

 

Beach Party


Michelle Pierre is a freelance writer and Registered Dietitian. Michelle writes comedic essays from a mother’s point of view at www.betweenthecushions.com. She has been designing crafts and party planning for many years. Some of her creations can be seen on her Facebook site, Lucia Grace Bowtique. She can be reached at 
designsbymichellepierre@gmail.com
     To many people the warm weather translates into sand, surf, and sunshine. A beach themed party is the perfect way to ease into the laid back summer months. For my fun loving daughter’s seventh birthday she requested “a cool beach party with beach balls, surf boards, flamingos and sharks.” In that order. 
     Since I love when party decorations are purposeful I took her ideas and strategically placed boogie boards and beach balls throughout the party. A lei adorned number 7 cut from sturdy cardboard made a fabulous tropical decoration. Whatever your party theme the birthday person’s age decorated with coordinating novelties is always a good call and has become a tradition in our family. All you need is a bit of hot glue. 
     Drink umbrellas, Hawaiian leis and shells are easy inexpensive ways to dress up the area. You can also use food as a decoration. Serve snacks in beach buckets. Carve out a watermelon to use as an edible centerpiece. To make a shark begin by outlining a sideways V where the mouth will be. Slice through the watermelon with a sharp knife, scoop out the middle using a melon baller and cut out little triangles for the top and bottom teeth.The mouth piece will then be cut into a triangle large enough for the fin and adhered to the back with a kebob stick. A blackberry stuck to the top side of the watermelon will make a fierce shark’s eye. Fill the mouth with the melon balls and assorted fruits.  A simpler option which still adds to the tropical flair of the party is to carve out a watermelon and use as a punch bowl.  Another item to include to your display is a couple of jazzed up pineapples. Brightly painted leaves dressed up with cute sunglasses make for a cool pineapple display.
     Ice pops are synonymous with summer so it’s sort of a necessity at a beach or pool party. Kids adore ice pops but moms don’t love the high fructose corn syrup and dyes. Serve your own fruit juice ices. Include pieces of cut up fruit, drinkable yogurt and a touch of vegetable juice to make a healthy and natural frozen treat. If your child runs from the slightest morsel of a healthy food, entice them by throwing a few gummy sharks into the mix. Finally frozen banana bites dipped in chocolate and covered in bits of strawberries, shredded coconut or sprinkles are enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The only thing left to do is to crank up the Beach Boys while the kids swim and dance under the limbo stick. 

 

Rainy Day Activities


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

With the first day of school fast approaching, it's crunch time for families to make the most out of their remaining summer days, rain or shine. Of course we'd all rather relax by the pool or head to the beach as long as the sun is shining, but when the clouds roll in, there are still so many great activities for you and your family to enjoy on Long Island. 

For your little adventure seekers, there are plenty of thrilling activities that can be done indoors. For starters, head to The Gravity Vault in Suffolk County, or Island Rock in Nassau County for some indoor rock climbing. Another popular activity that your kids may enjoy is indoor trampolining, which you'll find in Syosset at Bounce. Your kids can even participate in basketball and dodge ball there. Some other activities you may want to consider are indoor go karting and laser tag. Both can be found in Ronkonkoma. There is also indoor mini golf in Deer Park, or bowling in so many Long Island towns. To get a real break from the heat, try ice-skating in Kings Park or Dix Hills. For your older kids, paint ball may be a good option.

If your kids want to enjoy the rainy day from the comfort of their own home, you can see where their imaginations take them and build a fort together. You can make your way to your local library to see what kind of activities they have on their agenda, pick up a few books, or even a movie for a popcorn-filled day. 

Maybe you have yet to go back to school shopping, so grab those supply lists and head to Target or Wal-Mart to get your kids excited for the upcoming school year. Engage them in the hunt for their favorite color folders. You can head to the mall or Tanger Outlets for new school clothes, too. To ease back into school mode, possibly schedule a trip to the Long Island Children’s Museum, where your kids can explore the ir minds through fun, interactive exhibits. 

Do you have an aspiring baker or chef? Take them to What's Cooking in Oyster Bay, or Kitchen Time's Party Place in Massapequa, for a baking class or workshop. There are also plenty of pottery stores on Long Island for children to express themselves and paint.

There are loads of things to do in case of inclement weather on Long Island, but be sure to seek your children’s suggestions on ways they may want to spend their rainy day, too!

 

Summer Fashion Trends

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!

Nothing beats the summer, especially when it comes to fashion. Bathing suits, cover-ups, sandals, and sundresses should be constants in every wardrobe. Here are some of this summer’s hottest trends that every woman should have mixed in her closet before it’s too late .
    Wide-brim hats are a must.  Whether you’re lounging with a book on the beach or enjoying the sun over drinks with fr iends, a wide-brim hat can tie any look together while providing great coverage from the sun. 
    The “cold shoulder” look is another popular trend right now.  Off the shoulder tops are my favorite this season. These tops are fun, feminine, and lightweight, which is perfect for the lingering summer heat. Off the shoulder tops are flattering for all body types because they show off your collarbone and when paired with a statement necklace they really can wow. 
    Usually bikinis are the popular bathing suit choice, but this summer one-piece bathing suits are all the rage. One-piece bathing suits are making a comeback because of their flattering shape. I love the high leg cut of one-pieces because it is flattering for any body type and elongates your legs. 

    Swing dresses are another fashion staple this summer, they are flattering on everyone and cool on hot summer days. You can dress them up with wedges and jewelry or opt for a more casual look with sandals and sunglasses. 
    Bralettes have been on the rise the past year and now they’ve become a summer necessity. Bralettes are softer bras that are meant to be seen when paired with certain styles of tops and dresses. A bralette worn with a loose T-shirt and denim shorts is the perfect look for any summer event. Bralettes are available in many cuts and colors to create a variety of outfit choices.  
    White dresses never go out of style. White sundresses are one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces because they can be worn to summer events, like graduations, or used as a casual cover up over a bathing suit. White jeans are also a classic wardrobe staple, they come in various shapes, lengths and cuts.  They can be dressed up for a Saturday night party or a more casual look. You can never go wrong wearing white (plus it helps to show off that summer glow).
    This summer’s fashion trends feature some classic wardrobe pieces that can easily transition into fall. You can find all these looks at affordable stores so you don’t have to break the bank while keeping up with the latest trends.

 

Wise Grilling

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.

It’s Summer time and if you plan your meals wisely~ they will be quick, easy and delicious! Grill pans are a definite essential to cooking meals outdoors on your grill. Chicken breasts seared on a hot grill pan gives them the bold succulent flavor you’d expect from skin~ on chicken with a lot less calories. Charred romaine salad takes on a whole new flavor as well when grilled on a pan. So simplify your life and keep the cooking outdoors. A fresh, sweet, delicate salsa vinaigrette with some chopped almonds and fresh mint perks up and finishes the flavorful dish.  Simply easy and relaxed from pan to table~ Let the sun go down on your day enjoying every moment wisely! A chilled glass of wine~ enjoy! 
XO Denise
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons of roasted almonds
2 nectarines 
2 ripened tomatoes
¼ t red pepper flakes (optional)
1 Romaine Lettuce
1 lemon 
Fresh mint 
Olive oil  
Fresh black pepper and salt

    For the salsa vinaigrette: In a small bowl stir 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, some lemon rind, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Chop up 3 tablespoons of fresh mint. Add to your diced tomatoes and nectarine’s and toss well.
    On a hot grill, warm 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in your grill pan. Add chicken that has been salted and peppered. Cook until browned (approx. 5-7 minutes per side).         Transfer to plate, to the same pan place your washed and dried romaine that you have cut lengthwise. 1 teaspoon oil, heat until hot but not smoking, turn vegetables once or twice till lightly charred. (approx. 5 minutes) Can add some quartered radishes as well.  Serve immediately.

 

Re-Discovering Montauk…Navy Beach

Marc Piperno, Publisher

ET Week Media Group

I've been fortunate to spend the summer months out on the East End. It's amazing and refreshing to see how many people I run into that are rediscovering this beautiful place.
    The beaches, shops and quaintness of this rich, yet unpretentious community, once  home of the Native American Montaukett Indians, has become incredibly popular by a diverse demographic. 
    After a full day of outdoor activities, visitors look forward to their evenings, searching for a spot to dine. Though I've been coming to Montauk for years, I recently went to Navy Beach, that in my estimation defines everything that Montauk is. 
    A casual beachfront restaurant that brings together sophisticated cuisine in a casual setting with sunsets unmatched anywhere else on Long Island. Plenty of indoor seating, but why bother? It’s all about the view!
    As you enter the rear porch, you will be calmed by the welcoming beach that surrounds with outdoor lounges  and picnic type dining tables. Not the kind that you find in a state park, but picnic style all the same. In a setting like this, even a bologna sandwich would be exquisite! Skip the school lunch and match the ambience with mega yachts basking in the anchorage and Navy Beach’s bill of fare. 
    The menu is New American with emphasis on local seafood and farm to table produce. During a recent visit, I took my family, allowing me the opportunity of tasting a wide variety of dishes. After reading this article, it will give  cause to make the trip.
    For starters try their Crispy Calamari Salad; beautifully presented with Endive and Frisée, drizzled with a Thai Chili-Garlic dressing. “Simply Addictive”. With this share the Beet & Arugula Salad; prepared with Golden Raisins, Pistachio, Candy Cane Beets and Goat Cheese. With any of their salad options, you can add the following and make a meal out of it: Grilled Scallops, Grilled Shrimp or Blackened Tuna Tatartar. Some other appetizers to consider: 

The Navy Beach Edamame is unique; served warm with Sea Salt in a Miso-Yuzu Butter dressing. Also delicious is The Grilled Artichoke; Sea Salt, drizzled with Caesar Aioli and a touch of Lemon. Sriracha Soy Salmon Tartare; Cucumber, Avocado, Green Olives and Wasabi. The Crème Fraîche gives it a silky delicate touch.”sensational!”Finally the Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is one of their more popular starters; prepared with Pickled Corn Succotash, Daikon Sprouts with Korean BBQ Aioli.
    For the Mains: Soy-Glazed Hake; a cod like fish presented atop Sushi Rice, Wakame, Coconut Red Curry Sauce, and Sesame gives this dish an Asian flare. It seemed as if every other table was ordering the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, so we couldn’t help but to try. Coated well and crispy, then finished with a Spicy Honey Drizzle, served with a Cheddar-Jalapeño Cornbread square and house made slaw,  elevates this traditional southern favorite.
    You’ve got to figure, any cool place like Navy Beach that has a burger on the menu, has got to be good, and it is! The Navy Burger is at least 8 oz, dressed with Bacon-Onion Marmalade, a generous layer of Cabot Cheddar atop, with house pickles and hand-cut fries. Juicy, Beefy, Delish!
    Other entrees that come highly recommended include: Fire Roasted Sea Scallops; presented with a  Cauliflower Puree, Grapefruit, Fennel and Bagna Cauda. Also the Atlantic Salmon; over Soba Noodles, Daikon, Baby Bok Choy and Mushroom Dashi.
    Great Sides to accompany any entree include: Roasted Cauliflower; Topped with Pistachio Breadcrumbs and Orange Aiol. The Truffled Mac has a crispy layer of Swiss-Gruyere-Cheddar with Panko breadcrumbs, Scallion, with “the mac” laced in Truffle Oil. “Rich and Flavorful”
    Since we were celebrating a birthday, we ordered a couple of their signature Brownie Cake Sundaes. What's not to like? With a Cappuccino, you can't miss. 
    Though dining alfresco is the allure, the inside dining room and bar maintain the look and feel of a beautiful seaside experience that you are certain to fall in love with.

 

3 Best Health & Wellness Podcasts

Amanda is an accomplished professional B2C and B2B freelance writer, editor and content manager. Let her team take care of your digital content and marketing needs (e.g., press releases, company newsletters, blogging, social media management, website design and development, etc.). Get started today by emailing amanda@freelancemediasolutions.net and visiting freelancemediasolutions.net. 

Have you tried listening to a health and wellness podcast? These podcasts are motivating and informative. They cover topics like nutrition and fitness and answer questions you’re likely to have about your body and health. Because podcasts are usually available as a series, once you find one you like, you’ll have several episodes to enjoy. Here are three health and wellness podcasts that are informative and inspiring. 

1. Dishing Up
Topic: Nutrition
Hosted by the licensed dietitians and nutrition experts at Weight and Wellness, a large clinical nutrition practice in Minnesota, this podcast focuses on helping you make the connection between what you eat and how you feel. Lively conversations take place when the hosts are joined by experts in various nutrition-related fields. Listen along as they answer questions from listeners. To start, try the episode entitled The Happiness Diet. 

Topics covered on the various episodes of this podcast include:
    •    Food and anxiety
    •    Food and medical conditions
    •    Benefits of particular foods

2. Katy Says
Topic: Fitness
In this podcast, experts Dani Hemmat and Katy Bowman team up to teach you how to eliminate your aches and pains through natural body movement. Dani focuses on helping you to realign your body and exercise through natural movement. Katy is the author of Move Your DNA, a book that explains the science behind our need for movement. This podcast provides helpful solutions for all ages. To start, listen to the episode entitled We Got Your Back.

With over 80 episodes, topics covered include:
    •    Moving better with age
    •    Benefits of sitting on the floor
    •    Medical conditions and movement

3. The One You Feed
Topic: Spiritual/Mental/Emotional Health
This podcast made the Best of 2014 iTunes list. The title refers to a Buddhist parable about wolves. The story talks about two wolves that compete within the human spirit. One represents negativity and the other represents positivity. The wolf you feed is the wolf that lives. Episodes on this podcast talk about habits, meditation, mental health, psychology and motivation. Terrific speakers are one of the best features of this podcast. They include CEOS and spiritualists. For your first episode, listen to The One You Feed.

Topics covered across the more than 100 episodes include:
    •    Willpower
    •    Getting back back on track
    •    Dealing with negative emotions

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Podcasts offer a refreshing and educational break from music. Structured like a radio talk show, podcasts are an affordable way to gain access to expert advice. Many podcasts are free. Though, some charge you per episode or ask you to subscribe. As a digital audio file, podcasts are downloaded to your device from iTunes. Start with these 3 podcasts, they are free to download and are worth a listen.

 

Designing Kids Rooms And Why

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

    I am often called in to design for young people with kids who have just bought a new home.  They're usually taxed, both financially and emotionally, and now have big decisions to make, sometimes with little or no remaining budget.  Prioritizing expenditures is hard when there is not enough money to do everything you'd like, but I always advise focusing on kids' rooms first.   
    Moving to a new environment, changing schools and leaving friends and familiar places, can often be traumatic to children.  Even a new larger, lovely space can be a hard adjustment for a youngster that is not good with change.  Since your child didn't get to choose to move, try to create a sense of pride and ownership of his or her new personal space by involving them in the process of creating it.  This can be done with kids as young as three by simply asking what colors they like and letting them help select their own bedding or room theme.  
    As always, start with a plan and then make a plan – the floor plan or furniture arrangement.  The first can be accomplished by having a family pow-wow with the child and perhaps other siblings, as well.  Talk about their space and list the items needed such as furniture, flooring, wall and window treatments, bedding, closet organizers, accessories, etc.  Then actually measure the room with your child and put it on graph paper.  Decide where to best place everything on the "needs" list.  There might also be a "wish" list if there is room and money left over.  Remember the space plan doesn't change whether the budget is large or small.  
    Next, establish budget parameters.  The good news is if grandma or grandpa respond true to form, you may be looking at some sweet subsidies.  So, start with the basics – crib that might become a bed, changing table that transforms to a dresser, rocker, bookcase and lots of room for toys, games and stuffed animals.  If the child is older and has advanced past "conversion" furniture, think about purchases that can carry on into adulthood.  If the room is large enough, regular size bedroom furniture, including a queen size bed may be in order.  Kids grow up faster than you imagine and their childhood room can become their guest room years later.  By painting and changing carpet and bedding, you can utilize your well purchased furniture through many stages of family life. 
    When shopping for furniture, make sure you take your floor plan along as well as photos of the room.  This will give a visual to the professionals who will be helping you.  Check all measurements for the things you will be selecting, keeping in mind soffits, low windows, baseboard heat, door swings and location of light switches on walls.   
    A while back, I wrote a children's book about decorating and its effect on children entitled
"Katrina's New Room". My beautiful granddaughter Katrina is now 18 and ready to go off to college.  This past week, she autographed some of the books that bear her name and her story with some young St. Jamesers at our last St. James Summer Night (that was a trip for yours truly). 
    With the start of a new school year not far away, a well-planned and organized room helps keep kids focused and better able to concentrate.  Clutter and disarray breed very early in life if parents allow it.  This does not mean you are the maid!  Remember the story of the fisherman?  Teach your child to "fish" and it will be a wonderful and helpful trait all their lives.  But if the rest of your house doesn't' follow the same rules of organization, cleanliness and parting with unnecessary stuff, take your own advice first and set the example.  You'll both feel better about your home and your parenting. 
    P.S. – Visit Uniquely Natalie to purchase a copy of Katrina's New Room. 176 Second Street, St. James, NY 11780, 631-686-5644.