Trends In The Home Industry Today

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July 26, 2015

Natalie Weinstein is President of
Natalie Weinstein Design Associates,
The Natalie Weinstein Home
Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie,
a quality consignment outlet. Hear
Natalie’s design tips on WALK 97.5 FM, enjoy her Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631.862.6198

Long Island building and rebuilding is on the rise. Homeowners are now, more than ever, inclined to purchase “fixer-uppers” for less money and undergo renovations, especially kitchens and baths, with the help of certified designers, architects, and contractors to improve the value of their investment and get exactly what they want. Homeowners are finding their style on the internet before shopping or seeking design advice. Homeowners have become more inclined to go “green” because green product costs have gone down.
   Because there are so many more over “55 communities”, seniors are staying on Long Island and downsizing as well as buying smaller homes. Many are giving or “selling” their homes to children who couldn’t really afford to live here. (Now seniors are babysitting their young grandchildren so both parents can work to afford a better Long Island lifestyle.) Seniors are also renovating their homes to accommodate returning adult children (and their families) who are not able to purchase a home yet, allowing them to save for one.
   As a new high end furniture consignment store owner, I see young people as well as older people buying good quality previously owned furniture, online and at the premises, to meet their budgets rather than buying new poorly made cheap furniture. But younger homeowners are not interested in keeping the “collectibles” of crystal, china, Lladros, etc. that their parents and grandparents amassed. The value of these items, therefore, has gone down and those who have become collectors are buying these items for a fraction of their original value.
   Unfortunately, there is a trend, today, towards “disposability” – the notion that nothing needs to last. “We buy cheap, have the kids wreck it, and then throw it out and get something else.” Some big box stores promote the savings, but there are no savings because there is no value. Instead it promotes a generation that doesn’t appreciate quality and its worth, and doesn’t care for or take pride in their homes. The role of the professionals in the design world, more than ever, should be to educate the public – to help them know the differences in what they are buying and opt for quality as well as value, understanding the true worth of their homes as a way to empower and nurture all who live there. The good news is – we’re making progress!

Three Steps To Great Sports Photos

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July 26, 2015

Larry Kelly has been taking photos for many years. He refined his skills as an amateur photographer and went digital in 2006. A retired environmental law enforcement officer, he enjoys photography, writing, and coaching others. He can be contacted at lwkelly113@gmail.com.

The big game’s coming up, you’re pumped but don’t want to drop the ball. Here’s your game plan for taking great sports photos.

1. Know Your Camera: Spend time before the big game with your camera’s manual, or exploring the menus. Many cameras have a “sports” or “action” mode setting. This setting can give good results with a minimum of tech knowledge. Don’t leave the camera on full “Auto.”

Find out how to set continuous shooting, or “burst mode, ” and continuous focusing. The camera will track focus on a moving person when the shutter button is held down half way, and then take a number of shots as the button is pushed and held. That’s how to catch action.

If you do have some camera knowledge and know how to make adjustments, set a fast shutter speed (1/640 sec is a good start). An aperture of f/4 to f/5.6 will blur the background but also keep action sharp, like a pro.

2. Know Your Game: You don’t need to be an expert, but the more you know about the game the better able you will be to catch those ‘’decisive moments” and great plays. Watch practice sessions, or even catch the sport on TV.

Bring your camera to team practices to also practice your skills. Game time is not the time to fumble around with settings and tactics.

Knowing your game also means knowing where you can stand to get the best shots. Usually, positioning behind or near a goal can give you great shots.

3. Know Your Playbook: A) Have the sun behind you, if at all possible; B) Follow the action, then shoot just before the height of the play begins; C) Aim your focus point at the face, head, or chest of the player and keep shooting; D) Position your athlete in the frame so that it looks like they are moving towards open space in the frame. For example, if they are running left to right, position your player in the left part of the frame; E) Don’t stop shooting after a score, get the high-fives too; F) Cheerleaders, crowd reactions, and team mascot antics make good pictures too; G) Take lots of pictures and be sure to have a spare battery and memory card.

I hear the opening whistle! Go get ‘em, Champ!

Take The Waters

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July 26, 2015

Sandy Alcide is a cosmetic chemist, Licensed Esthetician and the CEO of Motion Medica Botanical Skin Care. Sandy has been a skin care consultant for fitness models for over 10 years. She is soon to be the only Certified Oncology Skincare Esthetician on Long Island. Sandy is a resident of Nesconset and she can be reached via her website.
www.MotionMedica.com

The word spa comes from the Latin phrase salus per aquam, "health via water." Hydrotherapy is the basis of European kurs, mineral water-based treatments that incorporate hot and cold soaks, steam, baths, showers and the drinking of mineral water to help aid specific ailments. You can create this experience in your own bath to tap into the health-promoting benefits of water.

1. Take a five-minute shower to soften your skin. Turn off the shower, and using a handful of sugar scrub, gently rub it over your skin, beginning at neck (avoid your face!). Work down to your feet. Rinse off the sugar with warm water, then slowly decrease the temperature and stand in cool water for about two minutes to prepare you for a hot soak. Pat yourself dry.

2. For centuries, Europeans have "taken the waters", soaking in and drinking mineral water from local hot springs for their curative benefits. Even the water in a home bath can offer great benefits. Simply fill a tub high enough to immerse your body completely. Add 1/2 cup of mineral bath salts to the water and mix them until dissolved. Ease into the tub, lie back, close your eyes, and simply rest for at least 20 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply. Inhale deeply through your nose to fill your belly. Exhale slowly through your mouth.

3. During this ritual, you may perspire, it's important to keep the body well hydrated. Pour yourself a glass of cool mineral water prior to entering the tub, and drink often as you soak. After you finish your bath, dry yourself off and put a warm robe on as you prepare for your at-home body wrap. Refill your water glass and keep it nearby. You'll want to continue drinking lots of water after the treatment.

4. Your resting wrap. A rest period is the most important step of a bathing ritual. During this time your parasympathetic nervous system works to restore your body. Spread two or three heavy blankets on a bed or over a chaise. Use a soft blanket on your skin. Remove your robe and lie on the blankets, wrapping them comfortably around your body. With eyes closed, rest for 20 – 30 minutes.

AROMATHERAPY IMMERSION BATH

In Germany, entire spa programs have been developed to incorporate the power of essential oils into treatment, including immersion baths, which infuse baths with active beneficial agents such as herbal extracts and essential oils. To enhance your bathing ritual, try an infusion. Add four drops each of Ylang-Ylang, geranium and rose essential oils to your bath. Ylang Ylang is euphoric, geranium helps balance emotions, and rose is sensual and calming.

Inflammation In The Body

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July 26, 2015

Kristin has been working in the natural products industry for over fifteen years as an expert in holistic beauty products, nutrition and supplements. Also a fitness instructor, she is passionate about the mental and physical benefits of fitness and encourages people to reach their goals while having fun. She just completed her first book, a memoir. Follow her on Twitter @kristinjoylavin or visit her website: www.kristinjoylavin.com

A minimal amount of inflammation can be a good thing because it protects us from foreign invaders such as germs and can aid in the healing process when we are cut, scraped or burned. Our bodies also protect us through inflammation when we have allergic reactions from pollen, pets or food. It’s the other types of inflammation that are of concern to us, the more moderate to severe types that lead to disease over time.

Types of Inflammation
Moderate to severe inflammation can be categorized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain and loss of function. This is common in arthritis and more severe in the autoimmune diseases such as IBS, Colitis, Crohn’s, MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In these diseases we see and/or feel the inflammation, especially over time as it progresses.

Prevention | Support
There are many measures that can help in prevention or support and modulate an already diagnosed disease.

Quit smoking – Smoking ups your risk and makes symptoms worse.

Diet – Avoid/reduce sugar, night shade veggies, trans-fats, caffeine, soda, dairy.

Exercise – 4-5 days per week with some enjoyable, off the couch and away from the computer, exercise will be highly beneficial in prevention and support.

Control your weight – Inflammation is prevalent in over weight people.

Reduce stress – Since eliminating stress is nearly impossible try to manage it effectively with yoga, exercise, meditation, tai chi or prayer. Vacations are said to reduce stress and anxiety as well. Book a trip or enjoy a staycation!

Up your vitamin D levels – Test your blood and aim for a result of 50-70 blood level. Supplementing is essential. Since we use sunscreen and have long winters it is hard to produce vitamin D from the sun especially in the Northeast. Low vitamin D is linked to MS and RA among other diseases.

Acupuncture – can help with pain and help with the flow of Chi in your body, the universal life force of energy. A blocked flow leads to pain and illness.

Therapeutic support
There are many foods and supplements that can help support inflammation.

Tart cherry – Either in juice form or supplement form has amazing anti-inflammation effects stemming from the skin of tart cherries. Also great for post exercise too.

Turmeric – Supplement form can be taken daily or try adding the powder (in the spice section or supplement section of grocery store) to your stir-fry, eggs, soups and marinades.

Ginger – Teas, supplements, fresh pressed juices or add fresh ginger to your recipes

Resveratrol – Available in supplement form or in red wine ingested in moderation.

Quercetin – Available in supplement form (great for seasonal allergies too!)

Fish oils – Effective in joint inflammation as well as coronary disease. Try Carlson Labs.

The most deadly form of inflammation is the silent one that can be asymptomatic as it progresses and that is cancer and heart disease. We all know that a collective effort, like above, works best in prevention or healing.

Note: Be cautious of using anti-inflammation drugs. They can have powerful side effects and long terms negative effects. Always consult your doctor and consider visiting a holistic doctor for a cohesive approach to treating your disease.

Taking The Pain Out Of Your Job Search

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July 26, 2015

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
mvpresumes@yahoo.com

It’s like having root canal done minus the Novocain.

That’s how the majority of my clients feel about the entire job search process. Finding a good job has become quite difficult and hopefully some of the tips that follow will help alleviate the pain.

Less is Actually More

It’s better to apply to two jobs a day that you feel well qualified for than to apply to ten that are a stretch for you. You need to be honest in evaluating what you bring to the table that would result in a hiring manager having an interest in speaking with you. In fact, “take 5”.

Take 5 means writing out in very specific and concise language five statements that describe what makes you special at what you do. As you look at any job posting that catches your eye, do a comparison of the key qualifications with your Take 5 list. The more matches, the greater the possibility that you’ll make it to the hiring manager’s short list.

One of the primary causes of pain in the job search process is not hearing back at all when you submit your resume as well as being rejected. Read the position description carefully and don’t apply for jobs based on the premise of “getting lucky”.

You Got 15-20 Seconds

When I worked in corporate HR this was the typical timeframe an applicant had to interest me based on their cover letter or resume. A resume where the first entries matched with the key qualifications of the position got the thumbs up. I’d read on hoping that the story kept getting better. The resumes that didn’t hook me got put in the pile that no job seeker wants to be in.

Success is Found in Your Sweet Spot

One on my clients spent 15 years in banking and seemingly woke up one day and said enough is enough. After some time thinking about what she wanted to do, being a college admissions counselor seemed to strike her fancy. She was not in a position to take a pay cut.

If your job search plans involve a significant career transition, then you better be willing to work your way up from a lower level role. The reality is that after about ten years of doing whatever it is you do in whatever industry you’re in, your pretty much pigeon holed. Of course, certain occupational skills like sales and customer service are highly transferrable. But if you’re an accountant who has grown tired on crunching numbers all day who now wants to have fun and be an event planner for a Fortune 500 hotel chain, it’s just not going to happen.

I would encourage all of you to answer the question, “what is my occupational sweet spot?” and keep that in mind as you consider your job search options.

Analyze, Analyze, Analyze!

Keep detailed records of the jobs you’ve applied to and the outcomes. If your phone isn’t ringing you have a resume problem. If it rings and you don’t pass the telephone pre-screen, then you have an interview problem. Same goes for going on a face-to-face interview only to get the gut wrenching thumbs down decision.

While it’s certainly more comforting to blame your lack of results on the collective stupidity of hiring managers, it’s better to take an honest look at what’s going on and take action to fix the obstacles that are hindering your success.

Ready For A Road Trip

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July 12, 2015

(Family Features)

If your upcoming travel plans include a road trip, the last thing you want is unexpected car trouble to leave you stranded at the side of the road. A pre-trip vehicle check is the best way to ensure that your car is ready to get you to your destination.

"Taking steps to have auto repairs performed before long distance driving will not only give you peace of mind, but will also help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down when you're miles from home," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.

Protect your vehicle and your own safety by following these recommendations from the Car Care Council and complete a thorough pre-trip checklist before hitting the road:

• Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

• Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.

• Check hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle's fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

• Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

You can also make sure your vehicle is road-trip-ready by taking better care of your vehicle throughout the year using tools such as the Car Care Council's free personalized schedule and email reminder service, which can help you drive smart, save money and make informed decisions about your car.

To access this convenient service, or to order a copy of the council's Car Care Guide, which is available electronically or as a booklet you can store in your glove box, visit www.carcare.org.

#12445 Source: Car Care Council

The Paramount

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July 12, 2015

Dishin with Denise… Growing Up “Rich” On Escarole!

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July 12, 2015

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport
Village resident and freelance writer.
She is a licensed agent at Signature
Premier Properties, 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 a child I grew up eating escarole just about each and every day of the week. Back then, I didn’t quite understand or appreciate how incredibly valuable this delicious green was. I am sure, if tested my DNA would include escarole in its molecular breakdown. My mother and grandmother always had some ready, washed and wrapped in paper towels in the refrigerator just waiting to be thrown or slipped into something they were cooking. Smart ladies!
   A wonderful nutritious green plant belonging to the endive family with a broader paler and less bitter taste. High in folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A and K, it’s packed full of flavor.
   As a child escarole or “scarol” showed up everywhere~ in almost every meal at my house. It appeared in chicken broth with baby meatballs as salad on grilled steak sandwiches, it was there with rice and beans, it floated in the chicken and beef soups, had it’s origins in minestrone ~and oh yes even lentil soup revealed traces of this green stuff! She was seen sautéing it in garlic and olive oil, stuffing it etc, etc.
   Having 4 hungry children she knew this inexpensive vegetable made right was a frugal way to ensure healthy eating … with a truly “rich return”, just everyday… Italian.
   As a young mother this was probably the first blended vegetable I prepared for my babies. …My boys and my grandchildren have a real love for escarole. Growing up in the 60’s I was afraid my friends would think we were an… odd family…as they were usually not familiar with this green stuff served on their plate when invited to eat over. I’d ask my Mom “why can’t you just serve ordinary vegetables, like carrots?” Ha! She’d just smile…she knew what she was doing.
    Today if my Mother were here she’d have to agree …grilling escarole is a favorite way to prepare this vegetable. Especially…now during the summertime with our local farm stands. We recently grilled it with salmon ~ yum! Also try it alongside grilled Italian sausage, a piece of grilled crusty bread, a glass of wine and of course eat outside for increased flavor and special effects! Embrace these beautiful warm summer days with good meals, good friends, and family all outdoors till dusk takes you into the night! La Vita e’ Bella! xo Denise
   Wash 1 large whole head of escarole (cut lengthwise in half) in a colander, carefully making sure in between leaves are rinsed well. Let drain, use paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush with olive oil, salt and fresh black pepper. On a low flame carefully (try not to burn) grilling and turning frequently for approx 10-15 minutes or desired crunch. Can sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of oil. Enjoy!

Summer Sun Fashions

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July 12, 2015

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. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

Be comfortable, look great!
   Summer is the season of flowing fabrics and soft colors. It is the time of year where clothes have an ethereal quality that makes you think you could drift off with a gentle breeze. This summer, the styles and colors will have you feeling like there is just not enough shopping to be done.
   In the world of color, summer whites still reign supreme. Solid whites made more modern with asymmetrical designs, were being shown by many designers as their lines went down the runway. You will find it in mesh, longer length skirts, maxi dresses and more. But solid white is not alone. Black and white is simply everywhere this season, whether in florals, geometric designs, or bold lines.
   Alongside white, you will find many pastels from which to choose. Soft pinks, mint greens, light peaches, and buttery yellows have all made their way to department stores and boutiques alike for your summer party finest. I'm reluctant to suggest tanning considering the long-term consequences, but with a soft bronzer or spray-on tanner, these gentle hues will complement your faux tan and give you that summer sun look you may crave after the long, hard winter.
   I realize that not everyone can go a full season without some razzle dazzle. Top designers realize this too. For those needing some fashion 'pow', iridescent fabrics are available on everything from dresses to evening bags. The colors are softer than typical jewel tones, but have just enough 'kick' to satisfy a need for fashion flair.
   In keeping with feeling soft and flowing for summer, maxi dresses are being offered at every price point. For those who prefer separates, fear not. Designers are showing extra long, voluminous skirts in nearly every fabric, from denim to gauze. This style, paired with a short fitted top, offers a lady-like look with a more modern twist. For a sportier summer feel, tennis-inspired dresses are available to show off your athletic side. And, of course, you can find them in tennis white, as well as an array of pastels.
   Florals will not be forgotten this summer, and can be found on dresses (both long and short), blouses, skirts, and every kind of accessory. From black and white to colors galore, floral designs are a great choice for a summer look that's sure to bring a smile.
   Taking your beach look for day to evening is as easy as a summer cloud. Adding some metallic trim, either with jewelry, shoes, or a glam little purse, will give you a more dramatic evening look. Take your summer sandals from flats to heels and bring your handbag from large tote to sleek little purse. Adding a small amount of sparkle to make-up will also enhance the look. Choose only one feature, eyes, lips or cheeks, and highlight with a touch of shimmery gold, silver or bronze.
   Summer is the season for slowing down, relaxing and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. Choose fashions that help you enjoy the season and how you look sailing through it.

Yoga For Wellness

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July 12, 2015

Nancy Kelly is a yoga teacher and personal trainer who teaches hatha, vinyasa, prenatal, restorative and children’s yoga. She encourages her students to use their yoga practice as a method to improve their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. She can be contacted at nkelly1127@gmail.com.

The health benefits of yoga have long been reported by practitioners and are now being confirmed by scientific research. These benefits are not limited to the body but they are the most common and why many people come to a yoga class. A regular practice of yoga, however, can affect all four dimensions of wellness which are the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health.
True wellness means more than “absence of disease.” It is determined by how we live our lives and by choosing to live with vitality and purpose. Yoga is a practical philosophy that involves every aspect of our being. It encourages us to move our bodies, quiet our minds, focus on positive emotions and to find inner peace. Here are the four dimensions of wellness and the yoga benefits of each:

Physical
• Increases strength (yoga poses use every muscle in the body)
• Improves flexibility (poses move through the entire range of motion)
• Improves posture (poses focus on proper alignment of the spine)
• Improves respiratory function (deep breathing expands lung capacity)
• Promotes healing (gentle poses with deep breathing can reduce pain)

Mental
• Increases concentration (calms the mind and reduces mental clutter)
• Improves memory (may prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
• Promotes mindfulness (keeps our attention on what we are doing and feeling)
• Keeps us present (being in the moment, not thinking of past or future)
• Stimulates creativity (proper breathing increases oxygen to the brain)

Emotional
• Promotes balance (creates feelings of harmony and being centered)
• Reduces negative emotions (may relieve symptoms of depression)
• Focus is on letting go (of competition, judgments and expectations)
• Opens the heart and mind to positive emotions (gratitude, love, joy)
• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (source of relaxation)

Spiritual
• Focuses on inner awareness (to find and connect with our true selves)
• Directs us to learn our true nature and find our purpose in life (our dharma)
• Promotes connection (between all beings, the earth and the universe)
• Teaches behavior that creates a peaceful life (non-violence, non-greed)
• Encourages contentment (with ourselves and with our lives right now)

Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for many years, it is beneficial to understand its affects on our overall health and well-being. There is a reason why this ancient discipline is practiced throughout the world and continues to grow in popularity – it makes us feel good! So be sure to practice often (daily, if possible) and let yoga be your path to optimal health and wellness.

Having a Heat Wave?

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July 12, 2015

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.

If you need a new air conditioner, you will also need this Secret Formula…

Using the W.H.I.L.E. Formula will help you when buying a new window or through the wall AC unit. This formula tells you the BTU size you will need to cool your room efficiently, because sometimes salespeople at stores use a formula that only helps to sell inventory. So it is best for you to calculate your BTU size before you even leave your house. The W. H. I. L. E. Formula divided by 60 equals the BTU size needed:

W = Width of your room

H = Height of your room

I = Insulation value in the walls
~ Plug in the value of 10 for "I" when you have well insulated walls with R-13 or higher insulation value.
~ Plug in the value of 18 for "I" when you have poorly insulated walls with R-11 or less.

L = Length of your room

E = Exposure
   ~ Take the longest wall in the room that is exposed to the outside and see which direction that wall faces:
   ~ Plug in the value of 16 if that wall is facing North
   ~ Plug in the value of 17 if that wall is facing East
   ~ Plug in the value of 18 if that wall is facing South
   ~ Plug in the value of 20 if that wall is facing West

Then multiply W x H x I x L x E divided by 60 to equal the BTU size you need

The WHILE formula DOES NOT calculate factors such as:
• Body heat adds up, but I don't think you are having a party all weekend long, every weekend.
• Window exposure, are they facing south or west or both? If yes, use shades or close your curtains!
• Large openings into another room. If yes, close the doors to that room.
• An Upstairs room with a poorly insulated Attic floor above. Insulate only the floor of your attic with R-30 and vapor barrier facing the attic floor.
If you are adding more insulation in the attic to what is already there, DO NOT add additional vapor barriers!
• Uninsulated Basement ceiling that is below the room being cooled. Insulate the ceiling of a non-heated basement with R-19, vapor barrier
facing up to the ceiling of the basement.

Once you know your BTU size you can go shopping and LOOK for the Energy Guide Label on the floor models. You want to find a model in the BTU size you need that has the best Energy Efficient Rating. Even if the AC unit has the Energy Star Label that DOES NOT necessarily mean you are buying the most energy efficient model made. You have to use the Energy Guide to know and compare.

Also don't worry about the most efficient model costing $75 or $125 dollars more, you will save that difference on the electric bill within the first full season of use. For more details visit EnergyHotwire.com or GoingTrueGreen.com anytime.

A Family Vacation… Only a Car Ride Away

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June 28, 2015

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. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

Rachael Severino is an incoming 8th grade middle school student at Samoset Middle School in Sachem School District. Though still quite young, this aspiring writer has a knack for the written word. She has penned
several short stories and is working on her first novel.

Summertime typically equals family vacation time. Vacations provide time to reconnect and relax together, but can be a major undertaking. Sometimes, planning a vacation an airplane ride away is more than a family can manage (logistically and financially). We found several locales you can drive to that offer great options for families.
   Ocean City, Maryland is located on a barrier island off the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for its wild ponies (a definite plus for us). Ocean City is, in most parts, a mere ten miles long and less than a half mile wide. That small space, however, packs a lot of vacation punch for families. There are beaches, a renowned Boardwalk, amusement parks, family friendly restaurants, concerts on the beach and more. Ocean City offers the definitive beach vacation, whether as active or lazy as your family desires.
   A fairly quick ride into Connecticut will bring you to Mystic. This seaside village offers what many consider the ultimate historic vacation. Mystic caters to families without sacrificing its true historic character. One of New England’s most popular sites is Mystic Seaport. Once upon a time, Mystic was the region’s center for shipbuilding, dating back to days of the colonists. During the Revolutionary War and World War I, Mystic became the hub for American shipbuilding with over 600 ships calling Mystic their birthplace. Enjoy boutique hotels, bed & breakfasts, shopping, restaurants and Mystic Aquarium. Take in the architecture, historic drawbridge at the town’s center and incredible charm.
   The Berkshire Mountains, in Western Massachusetts, provides a picturesque setting complete with gorges, rivers, and brilliant greenery. The area was developed over 100 years ago by artists and those needing an escape from the city. Summer cottages sprung up as famous authors, artists and others ventured north of New York for a taste of nature. Though there are many festivals that speak to those with an artistic flair, the area has much to offer families looking for a getaway. Museums abound for those preferring the indoors and canoeing, hiking and horseback riding for outdoorsy types.
   The Poconos, Pennsylvania’s well known vacation region offers a great family getaway. From themed hotels to house rentals, there is something for everyone. There are waterparks, a wild animal park (we’ve been there…it’s a lot of fun), boating, horseback riding, mountain biking or taking in the scenery.
   Wherever you choose, remember to leave some unscheduled time to just be with each other. This is the part of the year where time stops, obligations are on hold, and stress stays at arm’s length. Make memories that will last all year long.

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

Trends In The Home Industry Today

Three Steps To Great Sports Photos

Take The Waters

Inflammation In The Body

Taking The Pain Out Of Your Job Search

Ready For A Road Trip

The Paramount

Dishin with Denise… Growing Up “Rich” On Escarole!

Summer Sun Fashions

Yoga For Wellness

Having a Heat Wave?

A Family Vacation… Only a Car Ride Away

About ET Week

ET Week Media Group