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April is National Decorating Month: Little Changes Beyond Spring Cleaning

For designers like myself, every month is a decorating month! April, with the scent of early spring, has always been a good time to do “spring cleaning”. With the holidays of Easter and Passover welcoming friends and family into your home, it’s not the best time to begin a huge project, but it is however, the best time to declutter, divest and organize for easier living and entertaining.

So let’s take a walk through your home and see what visitors see that you don’t because it’s become part of the “house DNA”. Is it the overflowing paperwork on your kitchen desk or the bookcases crammed with things that just found their way there? Does your dining room table have a week’s worth of mail on it or someone’s computer as a workstation? How about the hall steps with things on them to go “up” and others to go “down”?

No, I haven’t snuck in to your home while you were asleep – but I do know how busy most people are and our homes, unfortunately become neglected. Deadlines, however, impel us all to get things done and that’s when the stress levels mount. So here are some quick tips to get your house in order before you have to worry about – “what’s for dinner”?

Quickly assess what’s worn, torn or broken. If it’s your sofa, look for colorful throws and pillows to cover the worst offenders. Throw out the rest of the offenders. If you have a sentimental attachment, take a selfie with it!

• Take down any overly heavy draperies and leave the sheers up to let in the light.

• If you can squeeze in a quick paint job – it can make a world of difference in a room.

• Look for some early spring flowers and greenery to place in a basket for a centerpiece or vase.

• Brighten up your guest bath and powder room with new guest towels, rugs, shower curtain, soaps, etc.

• Transform a bedroom with a new blanket and shams along with an area rug (yes, even over solid wall to wall carpet as long there is a non-skid pad between them).

Basically – put away (“a place for everything and everything in its place”), pare down, lighten up and give your house the freedom of coming out of the long winter doldrums because if you do – you will too. 

Holiday Appetizers Made Easy: Simple Macaroons and Spinach Bites

Simple Macaroons

These Simple Macaroons are crisp, dipped in decedent chocolate and a completely scrumptious option for celebrating Passover. Simple to make and easy to eat, this sweet dessert is a crowd favorite. With a fresh kick of lemon zest and crunch of shredded coconut, they are a bite-sized, delicious way to end your meal. They take little to no time to make, only baking 10-12 minutes for a tray full of tasty dessert bites ready to devour. With sweet honey and vanilla, the flavors come together to create something sweet but not overpowering. It’s a small, crumbly bite that’s perfect for sharing during Passover. Find more sweet treat recipes for any holiday at  www.culinary.net

Yield: 15 macaroons


YOU WILL NEED :

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 1/4 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded coconut
  • 5 ounces dark chocolate, melted

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :


  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.  In bowl, whisk egg. Add honey, vanilla, lemon zest and salt; whisk. Stir in coconut until completely coated with egg mixture. 
  2. Using 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, make 15 balls, transferring each to parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake macaroons 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until coconut starts to brown on edges. 
  4. Transfer sheet to wire rack and let cool. Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate or dip bottom sides of macaroons in melted chocolate to cover bases. Refrigerate 15 minutes to set.
  5. Family Features #15603 Source: Culinary.net

Spinach Bites

(Family Features) If you’ll be hosting friends and family for Easter this year, creating the perfect spread doesn’t have to be hard. Make your gathering as simple as it is delicious by serving dishes that can be made ahead of time then easily put together on the big day. This Spinach Bites recipe can be halved or doubled to fit your needs. 

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Yield: 24 spinach bites


YOU WILL NEED :


  • 1  package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2  cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1  cup thawed frozen spinach
  • 1/2  cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2  cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1  package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1  teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2  teaspoons onion powder
  • salt, to taste 
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1  package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :


  1. With hand mixer, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper, to taste.
  2. Heat oven to 400 F.
  3. Thaw and roll out puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 12 squares. Place each puff pastry square into hole
    in muffin pan then spoon spinach mixture into each square and pinch corners together. Bake 15 minutes and serve warm.Notes: Spinach mixture can be made in advance and kept in refrigerator up to 5 days before using. Recipe can be halved or doubled depending on needs.

Long Island: Places to go for your staycation without breaking the bank

The Long Island “Staycation” is an excellent way to enjoy more “vacation time” with family and friends. Easy and affordable, with scenic landscapes, and rich history, Long Island is an excellent place to explore even for those who call it home. You are just a drive away from a weekend getaway, a beach retreat, or a cultural excursion. Here a few things to keep in mind…

Timing is everything!  Plan Around Traffic.

Long Island’s highways can be congested, especially on summer weekends. If you’re heading east to the Hamptons or North Fork, try leaving early in the morning or traveling on a weekday. For beach trips, arriving before 10 AM or after 3 PM and avoid the crowds.

Explore More Than Just the Beaches
While Long Island is known for its stunning beaches, there are many other places worth visiting:

• Caumsett State Park (Lloyd Harbor): Ideal for hiking, biking,
and birdwatching.

• Sands Point Preserve (Port Washington): Features beautiful walking trails and historic mansions.

Take Advantage of Off-Season Perks
The Hamptons and Montauk, are far less crowded in the fall and winter. Visiting wineries, hiking scenic trails, or dining at top-tier restaurants is much more enjoyable without the summer rush. The winter months also bring seasonal festivals and cozy indoor attractions, such as museums and historic estates.

Savor Local Food & Drinks
From cozy cafés to steakhouses and international cuisine, the island offers a vast and diverse restaurant scene to satisfy every craving. Stretching from Glen Cove to Montauk, there are over 50 boutique breweries that serve up quality craft beer. While the North Fork boasts excellent wineries.  

Discover Local History
Long Island is rich in history, and many sites are worth a visit:

• Sagamore Hill (Oyster Bay): The former home of President Theodore Roosevelt.

• Old Westbury Gardens: A Gilded Age estate with beautifully maintained gardens.

• The Vanderbilt Museum (Centerport): A mansion and planetarium.

Try These Lesser-known Beach Destinations:

• Cupsogue Beach (Westhampton): Less crowded and great for sunset views.

• Hither Hills (Montauk): Features scenic dunes and campgrounds.

• Cedar Beach (Mount Sinai): quieter with a relaxed vibe.

Hop on a Ferry!
Long Island’s ferry options provide a unique way to explore:

• Fire Island Ferries: Connects to many charming communities like Ocean Beach.

• Port Jefferson Ferry: Offers an easy trip to Connecticut.

• Shelter Island Ferry: A short ride to a quiet, charming retreat.

Enjoy Free & Low-Cost Activities
There’s plenty to do on Long Island without breaking the bank:

• Hiking Trails: Explore the Pine Barrens, Connetquot River State Park, or Bethpage State Park.

• Stargazing: The Custer Observatory in Southold hosts public viewing nights.

• Outdoor Concerts: Many parks offer free summer music events.

Consider a Weekend Getaway Without Leaving Long Island.
Boutique hotels in the Hamptons, Montauk and the North Fork offer relaxing stays. Even a short escape can feel like a vacation when you’re exploring a new part of the island.

With so much to see and do, Long Island offers endless opportunities for locals to explore. Whether you’re revisiting favorite spots or discovering new ones, enjoy experiencing the best of Long Island.

Saying No Without Guilt: How to Set Boundaries Like a Queen

Saying yes to something when you secretly want to say no is one of the biggest ways you are not loving yourself. I know—it sounds weird because you’ve been led to believe that the more you give of yourself to others, the more you’ll be rewarded OR, even worse, appreciated.

But guess what? Unfortunately, neither of those things actually happens.

So you keep giving and giving until you feel depleted, resentful, and just plain confused about why things aren’t working out for you… BUT you still keep saying yes.

Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Actually, it’s not a secret, but I’ll tell you—most people don’t realize this:

Saying yes when you want to say no is NOT aligned energy in your body. Newsflash: It doesn’t make you feel good, and you will end up feeling annoyed and resentful.

Now, if you’re new to me and my philosophy, let me tell you the ONE thing I preach at nauseam—the absolute root of living a happy life:

You have to practice self-love and make yourself the priority.

When you say yes to something you really don’t want to do, you instantly feel annoyed, right? And how does that affect your mood and attitude? It’s not good.

So, when you say yes (even though you don’t want to) and that annoyed energy trickles into other parts of your day and life, is that setting you up for happiness and success? Definitely not.

So What’s the Solution? Start Saying No (Without Feeling Bad About It!)

Now, let’s be real—you’re not going to suddenly start saying no to everything in a rude or abrupt way. That wouldn’t feel right either.

Instead, you’re going to slowly become busy with other things… or have other “obligations” (like yourself—LOL ), so you’ll need to politely decline.

For example…

 Maybe you love your grandchild, but somehow, you’ve become the default babysitter, even though you never actually signed up for that role.

Maybe you have that one friend who always complains and vents, even though you’ve given her great advice (that she conveniently forgets).

Maybe you joined the PTA or a group that used to be beneficial, but now, with all the school politics, it just feels like a burden.

Maybe you were once part of a support group that helped you, but now, it’s just keeping you stuck in the past instead of helping you move forward.

Maybe you feel obligated to go to Sunday dinner at your in-laws. You love them, but honestly, sometimes you’d rather just stay home and recharge.

Whatever it is, I want you to start viewing saying no as choosing YOU—it’s your way of telling the universe (or God, or whatever you believe in) that you are finally making yourself the priority.

And guess what? That’s the first step to truly loving your life AND the people around you.

Baby Steps—It’s Okay to Start Small

Listen, are you going to go completely off the rails and start saying no to everything overnight? Of course not.

You’ve been saying yes for so long that you’ll need to practice saying no. And that’s totally okay! The point is, you’re starting.

So, when you finally pull off your first no (without guilt!), don’t announce it to the world. Instead, secretly give yourself a big pat on the back and be PROUD of yourself.

Because at the end of the day, there’s only one person guaranteed to be with you forever—YOU.

And choosing yourself? That’s the ultimate way to Start Loving Life®.

YAYYYY!!!

Curtain Avenue: Customized Window Treatments and Customer service for Your Style and Budget

470 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station
631-223-7784
www.curtainavenue.com

Have you ever felt the urge to update and enhance your home décor with New Window Treatments, but feel the lack of time and fresh ideas are holding you back? Well, at Curtain Avenue, where everything is custom made, we are ready to help you! Specializing in Custom Window Treatments such as Curtains, Blinds and Shades, Top Treatments like Valances and Cornices, we work with your unique Style and Budget.

Curtain Avenue is a Family-Owned Business. Daman and Jas have been doing window treatments for many years. As Jas explains, “Most of our Business comes from word-of-mouth. Customer Satisfaction is our top priority. We go the extra mile to make sure that our customers are happy and satisfied with the products and service.” At Curtain Avenue, we have over 7,000 fabrics which are displayed based on colors. This makes it very simple for the customer to find exactly what they are looking for. We also have different styles of window treatments displayed so you can visually relate to them.

Do you often think, why buy Custom Window Treatments if you can cover the bare windows with basic window treatments off-the-shelf? Custom Window Treatments are designed based on your unique style and requirements. They are custom-made to fit your windows, matching your style and the existing elements in your space, unlike off-the-shelf products that require adjustments. You can have complete control over the style, fabric, color and hardware of your window treatments, allowing you to achieve a truly unique and personalized look. This ensures a seamless and professional look, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.

We have solutions to all kinds of window treatments challenges you might be facing. Whether you are struggling with odd-shaped and hard-to-reach windows or concerned about factors like Privacy, Light Control, and Energy Efficiency, we can take care of all of those. We make your shopping experience very easy and smooth. Our full-service team handles everything from taking accurate Measurements and Designing the best Style for your home to ensuring that your beautiful new window treatments are installed perfectly. We are passionate about our work and always aim to satisfy our customers 100 percent.

Our clients love us and we really appreciate their kind words and support. Our reviews say it all!

Curtain Avenue provided professional assistance with recommendations for the selection, design and materials for the shades I needed. My items were fabricated and ready for installation in a very reasonable time frame. -Ken

I couldn’t be happier with my recent custom curtains purchase. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless and enjoyable. -Nicole

So, to really Wow guests when they visit your home, let Curtain Avenue provide you with that Beautiful and Unique new look you have been thinking about. We are happy to assist you with every step of the process. To schedule Free In-Home Consultation with their team of experts, get in touch!

Tap And Tapas: An Old-World Tradition of Spain in Northport

487 Main Street, Northport
631-239-2488
www.tapandtapas.net

Tapas is an old-world tradition of Spain where patrons enjoy small plates of food, served in bars alongside drinks, often with an emphasis on the sharing of food while socializing with friends. It is so embedded into the culture of Spain that as you stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets of Seville, you’ll find one tapas bar after another. I’ve eaten in Spanish restaurants dozens of times. Upon learning of a restaurant in Northport that has immersed itself into just serving small plates, I couldn’t wait to go and check it out. 

Tap & Tapas of Northport is the brainchild of Chef and owner Ramón Martinez. After being in the restaurant biz for over 20 years, Ramón decided to take a leap of faith and follow his dream and is ready to share his dining concept with you. As Mr. Martinez explains, “Our staff and I are committed to ensure that every customer has a fantastic experience. In addition, we refuse to compromise quality by using only the freshest ingredients.”

With its warm lighting and rustic motif, Tap & Tapas displays a cool and casual vibe, offering the perfect setting for social gathering while enjoying delicious small bites with refreshing drinks. Over the years I’ve tried every Tapas dish imaginable. With that, I would like to share with you some of the highlights that I enjoyed at my recent visit to Tap & Tapas of Northport. 

To start, I recommend a refreshing Sangria, six in all to choose from. The Peach Sangria is my favorite. There is, of course, a generous selection of imported wines, beers, and crafted cocktails, all designed to elevate your Tapas experience. 

 By far, one of the most popular small plates is the Patatas Bravas – Crispy morsels of home fries, Pimentón de la Vera (spicy/smoky red pepper powder served with a garlic aioli for dipping. They are addictive. 

Chorizo Salteado – Savory morsels of a cured Spanish sausage sautéed with onions served with toast. With its unique salty and smokey characteristic, goes hand and hand with my sangria. Ensalada de Calabacín – Arugula, shaved green squash, pickled yellow squash, craisins, candied Marcona almonds and Galmesano cheese in a dill-labneh vinaigrette was artfully presented. Light and fresh, it was the perfect palate cleanser for what was to come.

Camaron Ajo – Plump Shrimp, slivers of garlic and infused olive oil. For those that prefer vegetarian options try Salteado de Otoño – Warm delicate squash, Brussel Sprouts, Marcona almonds, kale, miso, ñora pepper-honey. Love the crispiness of the sprouts and crunch of the almonds. Wonderful textures and flavors with a hint of heat.

 Opening only six months ago, the level of response from the Northport area and surrounding communities has been nothing short of amazing. Just go to their website and see all the 5-star reviews (4.9 average) and you’ll understand why they have become an overnight sensation. The perfect spot for the mid-week date night with a group of friends and family. Experience the old world feel and taste of a culture that dates back centuries at the all new Tap & Tapas, where you will find expertly crafted tapas and small plates, made with love and passion. 

The Ritz Cafe: From Classic Comfort Food to Unique Flavors, They Have Something for Everyone

42 Woodbine Ave., Northport
631-754-6348
www.ritzcafenorthport.com

The Ritz Cafe of Northport is a neighborhood restaurant whose appeal is grounded by a friendly staff that is proud of its town while serving food that is of the freshest of quality with a symphony of textures and flavors.

Led by resident Chef John Hatem, the menu offers a plethora of options that will satisfy the craving of even the fussiest of food enthusiasts. Saying that The Ritz menu is vast is an understatement. You could go to this place every week for a year and still not hit everything on the menu. From classic comfort food like their well-known bountiful burgers and Chicken Parmigiana, to their Crispy Peking Duck and Blackened Ribeye Steak, there is something for everyone.

When we sat down to eat, our server was proud to tell us that the Lobster Bisque was an award-winning soup and that it was the best in town. Chunks of lobster and crab bathing in a savory creamy texture was nothing short of luxurious. Following suit was the Maryland Crab Cake, served over a bed of greens with three different kinds of aioli drizzle. Crispy on the outside and delicate within, it was minimally seasoned, allowing the fresh taste of this seafood classic to shine through.

Well-known for their burgers, I ordered mine medium rare with sautéed onions and mushrooms. It had to be at least 1/2 pound, beautifully cooked to temp. You know it’s good when you take that bite and a little bit of juice from the burger runs down your chin. Umm, comfort food status! My associate had the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli in garlic and oil. Far more delicate than spaghetti, the angel hair pasta was tossed with sautéed shrimp and steamed broccoli with just enough garlic to make the dish fresh and light.

The Ritz has a wonderful lunch special offered Monday through Friday. For only $18 you get a choice of soup or salad with over a dozen entrees to select. Plenty of burgers, club sandwiches and wraps too, all served with French Fries. In these times, when dining out has become expensive, it’s a great value worth exploring.

For a good time, enjoy some live entertainment every Wednesday from 6-9pm. Reservations are recommended as it can get crowded. The Ritz Cafe has been a staple in Northport Village since 1986, which should reveal to you that once you step through the door, you’ll want to come back for more.

Baking Coach: Delicious Hamburger Cupcakes and French Fry Cookies

French Fry Cookies

Prep Time: 20 min Servings: approximately 2 dozen


YOU WILL NEED :


  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

*Additional granulated sugar is needed for garnish


HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :


  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract mix with a rubber spatula until combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well-blended.
  3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap . Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or place in the freezer for 20 minutes until the dough is firm enough to handle.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the cookie dough out into a large rectangle keeping the dough 1/4th inch thick.
  6. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into strips to look like French fries and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the bottoms are lightly browned.
  8. Remove the cookies from the sheet and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, glaze the tops of the strips with the sugar glaze, then immediately sprinkle with additional granulated sugar for a slightly salted effect.

For the Glaze:
(Reserve 2 tablespoons for topping your hamburger buns with sprinkles)

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons water (to reach a honey consistency) 

Mix together until smooth.


Hamburger Cupcakes


YOU WILL NEED :


  • 1 can vanilla frosting
  • 1 vanilla cake mix
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Green and red food dye
  • Freezer-grade storage bag or a pastry bag
  • 2 tablespoons sugar glaze
  • 2 tablespoons white sprinkles or granulated sugar.

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :


  1. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the cupcakes, making 16 vanilla cupcakes by filling the cupcake liner ½ way with batter. reserving the remaining batter.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the remaining batter. If the batter is too thick, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water to thin it out.
  3. Pour the chocolate batter into the remaining 8 cupcake liners.You will need half of a chocolate cupcake for each vanilla cupcake.
  4. Fill 2 pastry bags(freezer grade plastic bag) one with green and the other with red frosting. 
  5. Slice a vanilla cupcake in half to make a bun, then slice a chocolate cupcake for the patty. Starting with the vanilla cupcake bottom, squeeze a small amount of green frosting
    on top, then top the green frosting with a slice of the chocolate cupcake. Top that with a squeeze of red butter cream and then place the top of the vanilla cupcake on top to make the Hamburger. Finish it off by cover the top of the Hamburger with a tiny amount of sugar glaze and white sprinkles or granulated sugar. 

Watch the video for assembly instructions:



Thermography: Save Your Cells with Radiation-Free Testing

Toxins are a major health crisis that are on the rise.  Where are these toxins lurking?  I try my best to understand and provide awareness about toxic exposure.  They are tricky as most of them are invisible toxins.  Either they are invisible to the naked eye or they are mixed into our food, water or environment which includes radiation exposure.  Toxins are terrible and detrimental to our health.

Let’s discuss options we use for screening our body and electronics we use in daily life that may have harmful radiation.  There are two different forms of radiation:  ionizing and non-ionizing.  Ionizing radiation can damage DNA, cause cellular mutations and is considered dangerous to living organisms.  Ionizing radiation is high energy radiation that can ionize matter and knock electrons out of atoms.  Non-ionizing radiation has lower energy, only causes atoms to vibrate or rotate and can heat up substances.  Ionizing radiation includes x-rays while non-ionizing radiation includes visible light, radiowaves, cellphones, and microwaves.

Mammograms use x-ray beams which are a form of ionizing radiation.  Good news though -there is another option for radiation-free imaging of your breast and your entire body.  Avoid exposure to an invisible toxin in the first place with THERMOGRAPHY.

Thermography is a non-invasive body screening method that uses a medical infrared camera which detects and analyzes all of the thermal patterns in one’s body.  It is 100% safe, radiation free and painless.  Ultrasound and mammography test anatomy to detect structure while thermography tests physiology.  Thermography is FDA cleared as an adjunctive screening method to aid in breast cancer.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, preventative care is key.  Thermography is a safe way to screen for areas of inflammation, early detection of pathologies and monitor abnormal physiology.  It is safe for all ages, pregnant women and males too.  By capturing the infrared heat emitted by the body’s surface, thermography shows abnormal heat patterns which is a crucial piece of early detection.  With this knowledge, patients can seek early intervention for various health conditions such as cancer risk factors, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, neuropathy, digestive issues, vascular disorders, and much more.

Testing allows us to know where the body needs support.  Natural treatments are effective when used as indicated.  Zero in on supporting your detox pathways including the liver, kidney and skin.  Lymphatic drainage may be indicated which supports your immune and cardiovascular systems.  Castor oil can be therapeutic by helping specific tissues with moving and strengthening.  Maybe you need a new bra with non-toxic material.  The information with proper testing is invaluable.

Remember that long standing inflammation is the root cause for most chronic diseases – including cancer.  Thermography is that option to help you identify inflammation at the cellular level in your tissues.  Take action naturally to give your body what your body needs.  You will get specific answers about your health.  Get a handle on your wellness years before illness travels deeper and may show up on labs.

Take a pro-active approach to your wellness with thermography.  Gain deeper insights into your body’s physiology and stay ahead of potential health concerns.  If you are interested in scheduling your appointment for thermography, it is offered at my clinic, Wellness Matters.  More information and booking is available at www.wellnessmatters.care

In Good Health,
Dr. Dawn Siglain ND, LAc