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Natural Immune Support


Naturopathic Medicine is a wonderful world of healing by meeting people at their own unique comfort level.  As a Naturopathic Doctor, I get to understand my patients and their individual needs.  Specializing in Autoimmunity, I thoroughly assess my patients’ immune systems to understand what kind of immune support would suit them best.

Some Naturopathic therapeutics include nutrition advice, meal planning, mineral & vitamin therapy, botanical herbs, homeopathy, plus so much more!  Discussing proper healthy lifestyle habits is a favorite modality I use for patient support.  Daily habits really do affect one’s health – for better or for worse.  So choose wisely for optimal wellness!

Two of my favorite healthy lifestyle habits when supporting one’s immune system are the Wet Sock Treatment and Dry Brushing.  Everyone can do these at home without spending a dime!  When it comes to illness, a person can present with an acute or chronic condition.

The Wet Sock Treatment aka ‘Magic Socks’ for the kids, is fantastic for acute symptoms at the first sign of a cold.  It increases blood circulation within your body to promote healing.  It pulls energy down, so it decreases congestion in your head, throat, and upper respiratory tract.  It is perfect for stomach bugs with loss of appetite, which can make it difficult to ingest supplements.  It is a type of hydrotherapy treatment which means it uses specific temperatures of water for healing.  Before bedtime, clean your feet and soak them in warm water to encourage blood flow.  Soak ankle high cotton socks in cold water, wring them out and then place on dry feet.  Put thick, longer and dry socks on over the wet socks and go to bed.  Your feet will be dry by the morning and you will feel a boost in your immune system.  Repeat up to three nights.      

Dry Brushing can benefit someone with acute and chronic illness by encouraging lymphatic drainage.  Supporting your lymphatic system is crucial for proper immune and cardiovascular support.  This simple technique is performed daily before bathing.  Use a dry brush or abrasive washcloth.  The key is using circular motions beginning from the extremities (tips of fingers & toes) towards your heart.      

Daily exercise moves our lymphatic system via muscle movement.  However, when you are sick, the last thing you should do is intense exercise because it can push the sickness deeper into your organs and further weaken your immune system.  You always want to keep an infection at an exterior level according to Chinese Medicine.  I love combining both western and eastern medicine!

Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe

Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe, located at 75 Woodbine Ave. in Northport, is one of Long Island’s most underrated, hidden treasures. Upon entering this waterside, international-inspired oasis, you’re greeted by smiling faces and delightful aromas of freshly baked breads and pastries alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, light lunch or quick snack – this bakery (and cafe) has something for you – all at a reasonable price.

On my routine Sunday morning visit, I stick to the Copenhagen omelette or an egg sandwich. Their breakfast menu consists of fan-favorites such as waffles, pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, omelettes and crepes. Everything is sensibly priced under $10, excluding the large omelettes and “Copenhagen Signatures” which are around $13.

Apart from quality ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere, I visit Copenhagen weekly for their bread. That’s right, the bread. Their piping hot, sweet (and sometimes savory), hearty crusted, notably flavorful, assortment of bread. Whether I order Country French, Cranberry Walnut, Sunflower or Sweet Potato – I have never been let down. They have loaves and rolls; I generally opt for my egg sandwich on a sweet potato roll. (To say it’s good is an understatement.)

Their lunch menu is simple and to the point. Their “Veggie Burger” is a black bean burger with red onion, avocado, tomato salsa, and romaine lettuce. If meat is what you seek, their “Barbecue Pulled Pork Wrap” is out of this world – served with cheddar cheese, creamy jalapeno, dill dressing, cucumber salad, coleslaw, and homemade potato chips. The “San Francisco BLT” is a classic, while “The Dutchman” is a more adventurous mix  – roast beef, caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheddar, and Copenhagen dressing on a French baguette. Lastly, the “Monte Cristo,” an audacious combination of ham, Gruyere cheese, and honey mustard aioli. You also can’t go wrong with their in-house “Grilled Cheese,” a savory, oozing blend of cheddar, American and Gruyere. All lunch items are under $13 and come served with sweet potato chips, homemade potato chips, coleslaw, or cucumber salad.

Since 1998, Copenhagen Bakery and Café has been providing quality goods, while paying special attention to their roots – showcased through their in-house Scandinavian specialties. Customer favorites include their Almond Bear Claw, Almond Horn and Danishes.

Everything they make is “prepared without preservatives and baked fresh every day; [even the] whipped cream is 100% dairy and the breads are always made the morning of and never sold the next day.” This attention to detail and quality assurance sets them apart from every bakery in a relevant vicinity.

They are open daily – nestled on the water, in Northport Village. If you haven’t already been there, I  wholeheartedly recommend Copenhagen Bakery and Café, and urge you to visit them for your next meal!

Prepping Your Garden for Winter

As the last of the summer light and warmth fade into fall, I hope you enjoyed the bounty of your garden this summer. Ideally, you’re inspired and encouraged to continue next year, so here are some suggestions on how to winterize your space and prep it for when spring first awakens:

Make sure to pull the last of your harvest before the first frost. Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucamelons may continue to produce past Labor Day, but keep a close eye on the weather. Use these final garden goodies in hearty autumn soups, stews, and chilis or freeze them for use over the winter. Once your harvest is over, turn the plants right back into the ground, either by hand or using a rototiller. If the plants are large, cut them into pieces first. Be sure to bury the plants underneath existing soil to promote breakdown; before the ground freezes for the winter and when it begins to thaw in the spring. The earliest spring crops, such as peas, can be planted as soon as the ground is workable, so you’ll want a nice bed of nutrients ready to go.

If you’ve been composting, save fallen leaves when you do your autumn cleanup, and add unused pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales, and other organic décor to your compost pile once the festive season is over. You can also add your spent annual flower plants. Remember to remove any plant parts that could contain seeds, because those seeds may sprout in the spring (unless you’re ok with that). Use caution if composting plants that spread by runners, such as mint. These are extremely hardy, and you may unintentionally end up transplanting such plants into unwanted areas via your compost. Keeping organic matter out of landfills and in your compost pile returns essential nutrients to the soil, and will promote healthy plant growth next year.

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If you were underwhelmed by the success of this year’s garden, or if you want to check on the success of your composting program, get your soil tested either now or in the spring. Many agricultural extension offices and universities with agriculture programs offer soil testing for pH and essential nutrients at no cost; there are also home testing kits available for purchase online. Local nurseries often offer testing, usually at low or no cost.

Happy Fall!

Falling For… Chile Relleno Casserole


  There’s a chill in the air, which makes me think about preparing warm and satisfying meals that embrace the new season of colors, textures, and flavors. Surrounded and privy to the seasonal abundance of color and fresh produce, it excites and inspires me throughout the year—especially as a food enthusiast.
Those beautiful green, long skinny peppers are making their debut boldly at the local farm stands and in your nearby groceries. Publano Peppers are robust and delicious; relatively mild with a warm spice of flavor. They provide a great source of antioxidants and are rich in vitamins. They also contain other compounds that have amazing anti-inflammatory health benefits.
The Chile Relleno Casserole mellows the warmth of the pepper when it’s incorporated by layers of gooey cheeses and enveloped in a puffy egg mixture. It’s a sure tummy pleaser for breakfast, lunch or dinner and a simpler version of the classic, Chile Relleno which makes it a great after school meal idea.
Think green earthy tones, while the bright light still penetrates our lush overgrown trees, embracing autumn’s arrival. A gentle nod to the still warm days, yes, a warm meal is calling!


Ingredients:
5 Eggs
2 cups half & half
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Fresh ground salt and pepper to taste
3 cups shredded 5 Mexican cheeses
Salsa and sour cream optional for serving
1.5 Lbs. Publano peppers pre-roasted on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes @ 350. (Note: when cool clean out center seeds.)
½ teaspoon each of paprika, chili pepper, cayenne pepper

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 3-4 quart casserole dish with a non-stick spray. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half & half, flour, baking powder and seasonings. Layer casserole dish with peppers, egg mixture and cheeses. Repeat. Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until edges are golden. Let stand 5-10 minutes, slice and enjoy!
xoxo Denise

Cutting Edge Hair Design

Cutting Edge Hair Design
6065 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725
631.864.4300
Home – The Cutting Edge Hair Design (cuttingedgecommack.com)

Owner Marie Marsilio’s mission is to provide friendly and professional service in an inviting environment. The Cutting Edge offers hair cuts, single process color, highlights, balayage, ombre, glazes, corrective color, keratin straightening, relaxers, hair extensions, and deep conditioning treatment. They use Aloxxi Professional color and styling products and receive extensive training in cutting and color.

Void Smoke Shop

Void Smoke Shop
568a Larkfield Rd, East Northport, NY 11731
631.486.3800

Void Smoke Shop is known for their New Age Smoke, Glass & Art. Having just celebrated their grand opening, they take next generation smoking to a whole new level with their intricate bongs, bowls, and beautifully crafted glassworks.

Curtain Avenue

Curtain Avenue
470 Walt Whitman Road,
Huntington Station NY 11746
631-364-0360
Custom Window Treatments Long Island | Custom Curtains Long Island (curtainavenue.com)

Established in 2018, Curtain Avenue is a great place for bespoke made-to-measure custom window treatments on Long Island. They offer everything from Custom Window Treatments such as Custom Curtains, Custom Roman Shades, Custom Valances, Custom Pillows and Upholstery Fabrics.

Wayback Burgers

Wayback Burgers
1964 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport, NY 11731
631.864.5555

Known for serving delicious and fresh, hand-made burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and delicious sides. Aside from hamburgers they serve your traditional restaurant foods: hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and salads along with a variety of regional selections.

Plan Ahead for This Year’s Holiday Vacation

Photo courtesy of Getty Images


(Family Features) Whether your family counts a holiday vacation among your treasured traditions or you’re anticipating a holiday getaway for the first time, getting an early start on your planning can help ensure your trip is filled with good tidings and joy.

Know what you want to spend. If you’re planning to open your wallet a little wider for this trip than you have in the past, you’re not alone. A survey by American Express Travel found more than 60% of travelers are planning to spend more on trips in 2021 since they missed out on travel in 2020. Setting your budget now can help you make choices about things like accommodations and activities while giving you some extra time to save. Working off a budget from the start can also help you take advantage of book now, pay later options that may give you added savings or incentives.

Be conscious of high-demand destinations. Popular travel spots tend to fill up fast, so if you’re considering visiting a high-demand location, be aware of how crowds might affect your plans for everything from wait times at attractions to rental cars and more. According to vacation rental company Vrbo, prime warm-weather destinations where families can spend the holidays together are already facing lower availability for homes, including Florida and Hawaii beaches. Similarly, Maui, Hawaii, has less than 20% of homes available during Christmas week. Ski spots also see a large share of holiday travel, so be prepared if you’re planning on a holiday hot spot.

Manage against the unexpected. Despite all the advantages of planning ahead, it’s impossible to predict unknown variables like the weather when you make travel arrangements months ahead of time. Travel insurance can help protect the majority your investment if you have to cancel your trip. Some policies offer coverage for cancellation for any reason, so you’ll want to research exactly what your policy allows, including weather and pandemic-related cancellations.

Book lodging early. With travel volume up and availability for accommodations already trending downward for the holiday season, consider making reservations sooner than later.

“We typically see December bookings peak in October and November, but families are locking in their holiday vacation plans much earlier than usual,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert. “Vacation homes have been quickly scooped up during every popular travel season this year, so it’s no surprise families are planning ahead to ensure they have a great place to spend the holidays together.”

Look into local events. In this pandemic age, many attractions and activities have new guidelines, including altered operating schedules, occupancy limits and reservation systems. You can typically find the latest information on websites or by calling ahead. Take these measures into consideration as you’re creating your trip itinerary and organizing advanced reservations.

Consider how the holidays will affect your packing. Traveling during the holidays may mean a different approach to your typical vacation packing. Especially if you’re traveling with children, you’ll need to make space for beloved holiday traditions such as gifts or a visit from a certain jolly old elf.

For more inspiration for your holiday getaway, visit Vrbo.com.

#15635
Source: Vrbo

Printed Magazines Continue To Influence

Business owners are finally coming to terms with the reality that social media is not the “end all, be all” answer to building a brand in local markets.

Contemplating consumer reach and acquisition begins with; who is the targeted customer and demographic, what kinds of media does the ideal customer like and how can businesses best position their branded message.

What I have learned over my 3 decades of working with small business is that maximizing sales opportunities matters. Google ads, social media, television, print, and others are there for the choosing.

Interestingly enough, while traditional print media is sometimes overlooked, the fact remains, that it continues to elevate brand recognition and can be far more engaging by comparison to its digital counterparts. Since social media gets most of the attention from small business, we will focus this article on the impacts of it, as compared to traditional print.

Living in a world of diversity, age and gender with a myriad of interests and habits, means that businesses must consider casting a wide net across 2-3 marketing channels. Studies show that a large percentage of digital usage occurs through mobile devices. Outbound/Inbound calling, texting, emails, ping and push notifications all add to the challenge of keeping consumers focused on ad messaging. I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “my phone has been blowing up all day and I just can’t take it anymore!” For me, it has become a daily occurrence.

We are so interconnected with our mobile devices that at times, it can be stressful. As a result, social media advertisers are challenged to keep the attention of its audiences beyond the documented 1.7 seconds.

As index fingers swiftly scroll from one feed to the next, its no argument that attention spans are limited. Consuming feeds through social media is like trying to read advertising billboards on a train, as it screams by you at 100 miles per hour.

No doubt, most local businesses want to reach local consumers. To capture the attention of consumers within the core 3-5 square mile radius of businesses, social media does not seem to measure up.

Examining social media connections, reveals that friends live near and far. While advertisers are sending out posts through their feed to consumers that may live up to 20-25 mile away, the reality is, they will never become core customers. In addition, people posting about a business to their friends are reaching a network that more than likely live further (outside the 3-5 mile radius) from the establishment. Posts sent out to an audience that is fragmented across several towns, counties, even states is not an effective way to reach local consumers. This explains why social media only penetrates a fraction of the local market (generally 2-3% at best).

Yes, people are on their phones all of the time. The big question is…what are they doing with them? Certainly, social media does have some impact locally, but the fact remains that its reach is fragmented. Agreed, businesses should use social media, but if they want to reach more consumers, other options must be thrown on the table.

Direct mail printed magazines provide local market saturation. A magazine that provides value driven content has a much better chance of connecting with audiences.  People that read an attractive magazine are in a different state of mind; less fragmented and more singular. As a result, consumers spend a greater duration of time looking at advertisements, more than doubling those of social media.

In the end, the big benefit to the business owner is that they can saturate local markets with traditional print media to engage its audience in the advertisers core market.

As business owners challenge themselves to reach consumers that remain entwined in a multitude of digital outlets, it is certainly not the only solution. Direct mail magazines provide brand awareness, drives consumers to websites and amplifies local businesses across all media outlets.

Printed magazines have endured its 500 year modern history and will continue to influence as it remains a vital part of the marketing mix.

 

Mini Pumpkin Pie Tarts with Crumb Topping

Prep Time: 1 hr.  Servings: 18


Time: 40 minutes
Here’s What You Need: Double-layer pie crust
2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra flour for rolling
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup cold butter or cold vegetable shortening (or a blend of both)
6 – 8 tablespoons ice-cold water or orange juice (maybe up to 8 depending on weather)
2 – 12 cup standard size cupcake pans
2 – Cookie sheets lined with foil or parchment for easy clean up (optional, but recommended)

Here is How You Do It:
Using your fingertips, rub the first four ingredients together until the mixture is crumbly and still has some larger chunks of butter/vegetable shortening Add to this approximately 6 tablespoons of ice water or orange juice. Gently mix with both hands the water into flour/butter mixture until a dough is formed, adding an additional tablespoon of water if dough feels dry.
Divide dough in half, roll it into 2 balls, flatten into two disks, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Pumpkin Filling
Here is what you need:
15 ounces solid pumpkin
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice OR 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt

For the Crumb Topping: ¾ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ stick butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Place all ingredients in a bowl and, with your fingertips, mix together until it is combined and forms crumbs. Do not over-mix.

Here is How You Do It:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Remove one pie dough disk from the fridge and divide disk into 9 equal portions. Coat portion of dough in flour. Roll out each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle. Repeat this process 18 times. Then line each 6-inch round circle of dough into the cavity of a cupcake pan to create 18 individual tarts. Using a fork, pierce each bottom 1 or twice to create vent holes. Set cupcake pans on top of cookie sheets lined with parchment or foil aside.

Filling: Whisk together pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt in a bowl until fully- combined. Pour ingredients into the pie shell and bake on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Turn oven temperature down to 350 degrees and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, then pull pie out of oven top with streusel topping return back to oven to bake; be careful, pie is hot. Continue to bake for 15 minutes, then remove pie from oven to cool.

Storage: Set in fridge uncovered until pies reach below 41 degrees, then cover and enjoy within 5 days. Too much to do in one day? The dough could be prepared the day before and can be kept in the refrigerator up to 1 week or frozen for 1 month. Pie must be kept refrigerated.

 

Home Cleaning Hacks for Fall

(Family Features) Cooler fall temperatures mean you’re likely to spend more time indoors. Taking time to spruce up inside and out can make you more comfortable and give you peace of mind that your home is tidy, clean and prepared to weather the months ahead.

Tidy Outdoor Spaces
Before stashing your lawn care equipment, give your home and landscape some end-of-season attention. Use a power washer to clean lawn furniture and store it away from the elements or use covers to protect it. Clean out gutters and remove debris from flower beds to encourage proper drainage.

Check for Repair Projects
Give your home a thorough inspection to identify any problems that need attention before cold weather sets in. Look for concerns like loose shutters or siding, cracked or loose shingles, cracks and gaps around doors and windows that may allow moisture or cold air to creep in. Severe weather and cycles of freezing and thawing can exacerbate these problems, so it’s best to make repairs before they result in major damage.

Eliminate Dirt and Dust
Moving indoors, take time to remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated. Wash textiles like curtains and rugs. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces with an antibacterial solution. Dust other parts of the house, including blinds, windowsills, baseboards and other hard-to-reach places.

When it comes to vacuuming, make sure to keep floors clean and free of outside dirt all season long with an all-around cleaner that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, like the DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI. It provides convenient, efficient, hands-free cleaning you can control via smart home devices. With a built-in HD camera, the AI-powered robot identifies common household obstacles and intelligently determines how to clean around them, while also providing on-demand home monitoring. Complete with laser mapping and navigation technology to scan and map your floors for faster cleaning and fewer missed spots, it is also compatible with an optional, automatic emptying station that allows for up to 30 days of fully maintenance-free cleaning.

Promote Air Quality
In addition to keeping floors clean and allergens under control, there are other steps you can take to promote better air quality while you’re spending more time indoors. Scheduling service for your furnace can help ensure it’s in good condition before cold weather hits. This is also a good time to replace your air filter and consider a duct cleaning. Take time to clean ceiling fans and reverse the blades so the air circulates but fans don’t create a chilling effect.

Swap Seasonal Essentials
A new season brings change, whether it’s simply swapping out your wardrobe or gearing up for a busy season of school activities and sports. Make time to put away out-of-season clothes and other necessities to make room for the things you’ll need for the autumn months. Keep only the things you need and store the rest to help keep clutter under control.

Find more tips for efficient fall home maintenance and cleaning at ecovacs.com.

#15875; Source: Ecovacs