East Northport March 2023
Dix Hills March 2023
Commack March 2023
Best Features To Highlight When Selling Your Home
Selling a home is a big decision, and you want to make sure that you showcase its best features to potential buyers. A well-presented home can increase its value and help you sell it faster. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best features that you should highlight when listing your home.
1. LOCATION : Location is one of the most important factors for potential buyers. A home’s location can impact its value, safety, and accessibility to amenities such as shops, restaurants, and schools. Highlight the advantages of your home’s location and the reasons why it’s a great place to live.
2. SPACE : The amount of space a home has is another important factor for potential buyers. Emphasize the size of the rooms, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the storage space available. Also, highlight any unique or flexible spaces, such as a finished basement or an open floor plan, that make the home feel spacious and comfortable.
3. NATURAL LIGHT : Natural light can greatly enhance the look and feel of a home. Highlight the large windows, skylights, and other sources of natural light in your home to show how bright and airy it is.
4. KITCHEN : The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and it’s one of the most important rooms for potential buyers. Highlight any upgrades you’ve made to the kitchen, such as new appliances, countertops, and cabinets, to show that it’s both functional and stylish.
5. OUTDOOR SPACE : Outdoor space is becoming increasingly important for potential buyers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. If your home has a backyard, patio, or deck, make sure to highlight these areas and show how they can be used for entertaining, relaxing, or gardening.
6. ENERGY EFFICIENT : Energy efficiency is a growing concern for homeowners, and it can also add value to your home. Highlight any upgrades you’ve made to increase the energy efficiency of your home, such as new windows, insulation, and appliances.
7. CHARACTER & CHARM : Older homes often have unique character and charm that can be difficult to find in newer homes. If your home has original details, such as hardwood floors, molding, or fireplaces, make sure to highlight these features to show the history and personality of your home.
In conclusion, when listing your home, it’s important to highlight its best features to attract potential buyers. From location and space to natural light and energy efficiency, these are some of the key factors that can increase the value and appeal of your home. By presenting your home in the best possible light, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.
A service provided by The Galluzzo Team at Compass is Compass Concierge. Compass Concierge is a comprehensive service offered by Compass that provides homeowners with everything they need to sell their home quickly and for the best possible price. With Compass Concierge, homeowners receive expert assistance with preparing their home for sale, including staging, cleaning, and minor repairs. The service also covers the cost of these upgrades, making it easy for homeowners to get their home in top shape without having to worry about the expenses involved. Additionally, Compass Concierge offers a number of marketing and advertising opportunities to help get your home in front of the right buyers. These opportunities include professional photography and virtual tours, targeted online advertising, and exposure to Compass’s extensive network of agents and potential buyers. Overall, Compass Concierge provides homeowners with a simple and effective solution for selling their home, and takes the stress out of the process.
St. Patrick’s Day Fare
SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
Prep time: 10 minutes ~ Cook time: 8 hours ~ Servings: 12
(Family Features) #12548 Source: McCormick & Company, Inc.
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8 small red potatoes
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2 cups baby carrots
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1 small onion, quartered
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1 corned beef brisket (4 pounds), rinsed and trimmed
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2 tablespoons McCormick Mixed Pickling Spice
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1 teaspoon McCormick Minced Garlic
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1/2 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
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8 (app.) cups of water
Place potatoes, carrots and onion in slow cooker. Place corned beef brisket over vegetables. Sprinkle with pickling spice and minced garlic. Add enough water (about 8 cups) to just cover meat. Cover. Cook 7 hours on high. Add cabbage. Cover. Cook 1–2 hours on high or until cabbage is tender-crisp.
Remove corned beef brisket to serving platter. Slice thinly across grain. Serve with vegetables.
TIP : For best results, do not remove cover while cooking in slow cooker.
LUCKY MINT BROWNIES
Servings: 9-12
(Family Features) #15603 ~ Source: Culinary.net
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
FILLING:
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 5 drops green food color
TOPPING :
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1/2 cup whipping cream
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1 bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
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1/2 cup butter
Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
TO MAKE FILLING : In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
TO MAKE TOPPING : In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.
Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.
TIPS : Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.
Minty Green Chocolate Chip Cookies
MINTY GREEN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Yield: 18 to 20 cookies – Prep time: 20 minutes
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED :
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon table salt
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1 stick unsalted butter or margarine, softened
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup white sugar
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1 large egg, at room temperature
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1/2 teaspoon mint extract or emulsion
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3 – 6 drops green food dye or gel (or, until you reach your desired shade of green)
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
HERE IS HOW YOU DO IT :
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line two cookie sheet pans with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth; add both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then add egg, extract and food dye, until incorporated. Slowly, add the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a sticky dough is formed.
Fold in chocolate chips. Drop a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough on to the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for approximately 12 -14 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow cookies to set on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before removing to a flat surface or wire rack until cool.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Irish Soda Bread
Butter a loaf pan or use an 8 inch round cast iron pan (my favorite).
In a small bowl, combine and blend :
- 2 cups buttermilk (see below for substitutions)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
In a large bowl, combine and mix :
- 3 cups flour (put aside an additional ½ cup for kneading and flouring the counter)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 single apricot (optional)
Don’t have buttermilk? Try these substitutes :
- 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes
- 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes
- 2 cups milk + 3.5 teaspoons cream of tartar, let sit for 5 minutes
- 2 cups plain Keiffir
- 2 cups sour cream or 2 cups plain yogurt
Slowly add the small bowl contents into the large bowl contents and mix until blended.
Lightly flour a surface for kneading the dough; place the dough on it (it will be sticky). Lightly flour the dough and begin kneading for 25 times, sprinkle with additional flour if the dough is too sticky to knead. Get some youngsters involved, they will love the tactical nature of kneading…caution…be prepared for a fun mess!
Shape the dough roughly into a ball. Place onto a buttered cast iron pan, cut an X on top and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees. Fun variations would be to switch out raisins and use craisins instead. My friend also sprinkled sunflower seeds on top…most delicious. Any way you bake it, you’ll love the end result!
The bread will be golden brown when done. When you tap the top with a spoon, it should sound hollow inside.
Why cut the X? The extra surface area helps to let the steam escape, allowing the bread to bake evenly, but you can tell your kids lots of fun stories, like every leprechaun marks an X and hides some gold inside. Mix in a single apricot for the leprechaun’s gold. Whoever finds the gold wins!
On a side note, this recipe is a slight variation of great, great grandma Westburg’s recipe. Visit cheryltaborsky.com for Grandma’s original Irish soda bread recipe.
FUN ST. PATRICK’S DAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
- Make a leprechaun trap, of course the leprechaun never gets caught, but maybe he leaves behind some gold!
- Turn toilet water green
- Make green milk
- While your kids are sleeping, make a trail of 4 leaf clovers to a pile of gold.
Design and the Rebirth
Spring is rapidly approaching and it’s a busy time for designers. Since the beginning of 2023, I have added five new clients to my workload; a new move in, and the remaining four—renovations and redecorating. As always, my clients and I face the challenge of the “rebirth.” Rebirth, of course, means to be born again. The rebirth of a home, whether an existing home or one that is new to my clients, has all the elements of the growth and birth of a child – conception, gestation and finally, the big event.
The conception period is a partnership between the client and designer. It is the process of sharing wonderful ideas, the wants and needs of the client, and building the relationship between designer and client that will, months later, rebirth the home they have dreamed about and planned for. It often surprises them when the big event arrives.
The gestation period is, for me, that wonderful time when, after the plans are conceived and approved, growth occurs through the selection of furnishings, fabrics, finishes and more. The life of a home is present and felt in its early and hopeful stages.
Soon after comes that final 9th month – sometimes agonizing, uncomfortable (maybe costly and a little over budget, perhaps), and definitely anticipatory, hopeful that this baby will be healthy and beautiful.
And then…then…the big event – that day when it all comes together after the finishing touches. The result of a beautiful dream and hard labor, for decorating isn’t easy, but after 50 years of doing it professionally, the reward is still a special high like no other.
Spring, the season of rebirth, is shortly upon us. Think of your home as the yet unborn child, or individual in need of a makeover. Think of the beauty you can create in your world with such a rebirth. I promise the joy, pride and comfort you will create in your new surroundings will give you the years of pleasure one hopes will come with the birth of every child.
Some results of “healthy children” I have helped create :
“I am so happy we connected after 30 years! My house looks awesome! Thank you so much.” -Tommie M.
“Natalie’s coming into my life shortly after my husband’s sudden passing, nurtured and renewed my spirit for life like nothing else could have. Forever grateful.” -Eileen M.
“Thanks for all of the work you did in our home. As I look around the house at all of the rooms you designed, I am overwhelmed with happiness. You and your staff are great at what you do.” -Laura & Bob
“Natalie is absolutely fabulous and I loved her ideas. She’s extremely talented and innovative. I can honestly say she was never at a loss. I received extremely great value in all the work that was done.” -Miriam
“Natalie promotes livability in your home and has more knowledge than anyone in any one of the stores. She has the respect as soon as she walks in the door. You get what you like and she works around the clock.” -Gina
Highlighting Women Entrepreneurs : A Look at Local Women-Owned Businesses
In Honor of National Women’s History Month…
Local women-owned businesses play a vital role in the economy, creating jobs and driving innovation in their communities. They provide unique products and services that reflect the diversity and creativity of their owners. However, women-owned businesses often face greater challenges in securing funding and building visibility than their male-owned counterparts. Shop local and support these women-owned businesses in Long Island.
Flawless Beauty Bar
346 Route 25a, Suite 60, Rocky Point, NY
Not only will you walk out with the most flawless hair, but the experience is unlike any other. The welcoming and upbeat staff and the luxurious ambiance is unforgettable.
Harpermade
If you are pet obsessed, you need to check out Harpermade. Custom crewnecks, t-shirts, sweatshirts, glass mugs and more. Be on the lookout for her monthly drops!
Red Barn Boutique
146 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY
Home decor, clothing, custom signs and furniture! And to make it even better, they host shopping parties for you and all your gals.
Simply Fresh Aesthetics
791 Route 25A, Miller Place, NY
Specializing in all of your skincare needs from microneedling, peels, waxing, microblading, lash lifts, botox and more!
The Barkgata Luxury Pet Hotel, Daycare and Spa
99A Lake Ave S, Nesconset, NY
They offer the highest level of cage-free dog boarding, grooming and daycare. What better way to show love to your four-legged best friend than with a blueberry facial and an oatmeal bath?
Wellness Matters – Dr. Dawn
315 Walt Whitman Rd Unit 210, Huntington Station, NY
Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist and Reiki Practitioner, Dr. Dawn is there to help people restore their health because Wellness Matters!
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions
♣ St. Patrick’s Day ♣ has always been one of my favorite holidays. I’m not sure if it’s because I grew up with a cheerful Irish mom, or the fact that I enjoy a nice pint with friends – but for me, it’s certainly one of the most festive days in spring. If I’m not going into Manhattan or driving out to Montauk, I generally try to stay close to home and find a good pub. Enjoy some traditional grub with family and friends, a pint of Guinness and hopefully listen tosome quality live music.
As a Northport Village resident, I’m partial to Main Street Café. There’s something aboutthe ambiance that reminds me of time spent in Dublin, and driving through southernIreland. It’s quaint, old school and filled with locals – all things I appreciate in a respectable bar.. Another plus? The bartenders have been there for years, and they remember your name. The owner Darin is darling, and always welcomes us with open arms and a smile. In addition to a good pour, they also offer a full menu. And let me tell you, the food is good. Really good. If I’m not ordering the special of the day, I’m usually ordering a burger or a salad. (I’m not a fan of salads normally, but the salads at this neighborhood joint are incredible!) If it’s your first time going, ask about the bar special or special of the day. You won’t be disappointed.
For something a bit more rowdy, I opt for Changing Times in East Northport. They keep it simple, which I appreciate. Beer, food, no frills. This spot is generally pretty busy, and filled with local patrons who are diligently enjoying baskets of wings and cold brews. They also have a long bar with plenty of seats, a full bar menu and plenty of TVs.
Some other great spots that may be worth checking out for St. Patrick’s
Day are Jackie Reilly’s in
Bethpage, Paddy’s Loft in Rockville Centre and Reeses 1900 Pub in Patchogue. Most have local, live music and pint specials. If I’m going to Reeses, I’m ordering a burger or classic entrée – fish, shepherd’s pie or fish and chips. If I’m going to Jackie Reilly’s, I’m ordering the soup, and wings. (I’ve also heard great things about the shepherd’s pie, all of their sandwiches and bangers n’ mash.)
At Paddy’s Loft, I opt for the Irish soda bread, soup, and/or pot pie.
Whether you plan on staying local, or adventuring to a new spot, I hope you enjoy this ♣ St. Patrick’s Day ♣ with friends and/or family, over a traditional meal and a perfectly poured pint.
Winter to Spring Fashion: It’s All About Layers
While we are still in the middle of winter, there will be days where temperatures hop up a bit higher, making a heavy coat and sweater too much to handle from morning until night. That being said, the cold still bites early in the day and again after the sun goes down. How do you toggle your outfit to stay comfortable with the ups and downs of the thermostat? The answer is layers.
Winter coats are, arguably, among the best fashion components. Using them to layer your outfit will allow you to bend and flex to the time and temp of day. Trenchcoats are a great choice to keep you fashionable and prepared for the weather. If you have a coat with a warm winter lining, start the day with that over your ensemble – whether jeans and a cozy turtleneck for a day out or a pair of this season’s wide leg slacks and a great top for the office. As the day warms up, unzip and remove the lining to keep your sense of style without overheating. If the day warms up further, you can remove the coat.
Blazers can work similarly, particularly with office or evening attire. Simply start [and likely end] the day with the blazer on, but un-layer when the day is at its warmest. For a more casual look, the hot item of the winter – the shacket — will have that same versatility. Other outerwear (think, leather jacket) or even big cardigans can help you show your excitement that spring is coming by keeping you warm enough but not too warm.
If you’re like most, your sweaters will range from big and chunky to lighter and thinner fabrics. As we move toward the end of winter, part of your transitional look may include shifting from heavier to lighter fabrics. You may even look to add a pop of color into your ensemble, particularly a color thats lighter and brighter for springtime. Try adding a touch of bright pink, greyish blue, or a true green: the ‘it’ colors for spring ’23. Donning a floral accessory paired with your winter outfit will soften it up and hint at the upcoming springtime fare.
Don’t forget your footwear, an essential part of transitional dressing. Boots are a great asset in helping you through in-between the seasons. Shorter or lighter dresses and skirts, paired with a high boot will give a blended look of winter meets spring. Both high boots and little booties in suede or rich leather work well with pants or leggings paired with a light, flowy top. The heaviness of the boot, paired with lighter spring fabrics will give you just the right look.
The key is to remember both function and style. Ensure you have enough warmth in the outfit to deal with temperatures that are teasing you that spring is on its way. At the same time, mix touches of spring’s softness and winter’s cozy, yet bulkier fabrics to reflect the movement of one season to the next.
The ‘in-between’ is not a long period, but it does allow you a fond farewell to your winter clothing while welcoming the new season and the lovely fashions it brings with it. Enjoy the eclectic blending of the two seasons and create a style that is fun and fabulous!
Filetto’s Ristorante (Pizza – Pasta – Bar – Brick Oven) of East Northport
There’s pizza and then again, there is pizza that makes me wanna break dance! This unpretentious pizzeria restaurant in the heart of East Northport is knocking it out of the park with their deep dish (double baked) Sicilian and Neapolitan pies. The latter definitively is good, but the Sicilian is on a whole other level. The double baking of the pies is something I have never heard of before.
Filetto’s Master Pie maker explains that they bake the dough twice. Once without any topping and then after all your sauces, cheeses and meats are added. The two step process gives the pie crust a chance to rise, giving it more height with an even crispier texture. It may sound like an effortless process, but as simple as it may be, nobody else I know is doing it. Available only at Filetto’s, East Northport.
Upon entering Filetto’s, you will be immediately pulled into their display of freshly made gourmet pies, like their thin crust focaccia pizza; first baked in garlic and oil, then topped with homemade fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and roasted peppers, then finished with a pesto drizzle. (Oh, my goodness!) Though their gourmet pie selection is vast, what makes Filetto’s unique to East Northport and surrounding area is the brick oven pizzas. For me, nothing beats the taste of wood burning fire on a pie that delivers a crispier and richer flavor.
For over 20 years, Filetto’s of East Northport has been serving up a diverse menu of southern Italian fare that is reasonably priced and worth visiting. Especially during these times, it is nice to go out to dinner with the family without busting the budget.
I have eaten at Filetto’s several times and would like for you to consider trying some of these on your next trip out. For starters: stuffed baked clams (four oversized clams with freshly chopped clams, onions, peppers, topped with a light scampi sauce), just lightly breaded, you can taste the freshness come through. Also, on the menu: the artichoke francese, (baby artichoke hearts battered and sautéed in a white wine lemon sauce) were delicate and full of flavor.
For the mains, we chose the Shrimp Oreganata, but asked if they could lay the shrimp over a bed of spinach. (I love when a server says, “no problem”.) The shrimp were plump and succulent. And, what I loved most…they pulled those annoying shrimp tails off– that was a first. My wife, being a vegetarian, went for the Eggplant Rollatini. When I think Rollatini, I imagine little rolled up logs of eggplant. Not Today! Filetto’s delivers a bountiful portion of three oversized pieces of eggplant – stuffed in the creamiest, seasoned ricotta with melted mozzarella, then topped with a ladle of pomodoro sauce. Excellent choice!
The dessert selection at Filetto’s is plentiful, but one that that caught my attention is their Peach Melba Pie. Rarely, have I seen this on restaurant menus, so I thought I’d give it a try. A delicate balance of peach pie, served up warm with a scoop of vanilla, whipped cream with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Umm!! Filetto’s Ristorante is a neighborhood haunt that is definitely worth exploring. Don’t forget, the restaurant features live music on Friday and Saturday nights, making it the perfect spot for a night out. And, if you spend $50.00 you will receive a complimentary bottle of wine to pair with your delicious meal. Bravo to Filettos for offering a fantastic dining experience!
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.