JJJ Tree & Lawn
631.896.9849
Ball moss cleaning, roof clearance. lifting, removals, stump grinder and demossing.
DORM Décor
Due to COVID-19, classes of college students will be moving into dorms for the first time this fall. For new dormers, it is crucial to set up an environment you will feel comfortable in. Space is limited, and the bare bones of your room may often feel drab, but a few tricks can spruce up your dorm in no time!
When you first get to your dorm, be prepared to clean! The room will be dusty after having been vacant. Bleach wipes, Windex, and Swiffer will scrub the space and let you start fresh.
Your bed is going to be the single most important piece of your dorm. Mattresses are often old and worn out, but a mattress pad will cushion and protect your back. Fill the area under your bed with organizer bins. Collapsible, fabric bins are inexpensive, easily transportable, and perfect for storage. Door hooks are another essential! Hooks will afford you extra closet space, as you’ll have designated space to hang towels, bathrobes, coats, and book bags. Space is scarce in these rooms, so it is up to you to make the most of what you have.
If college means moving someplace with nasty winters, consider a rug. Dorm floors are unforgiving in the cold months, but a fluffy rug will protect your feet in the mornings. Rugs come in a variety of bright colors, and in woven, intricate patterns that will liven up your room.
Rough mornings are made worse by a lack of caffeine. Invest in a single-cup Keurig or electric kettle to save you from that dreaded 8 am class.
To open up your space, mirrors and lights will create an illusion of depth. Most dorms do not have any significant mirrors; bringing a full-length mirror will allow you to check your outfit. Fairy, LED, and string lights have long been popular in college dorms. They add an aesthetic value for a low cost. Lining the edges of your ceiling will open the room up and add a literal glow.
Ugly walls are an unfortunate reality of college dorms. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to combat hideous plaster and cinderblock. Amazon and Etsy are well-stocked with gorgeous and inexpensive tapestries. Posters of your favorite movies and bands go on easy with Command Strips (a dorm essential!). Rather than taking up precious desk space, display beloved photos on the walls. Pinterest has countless photo-wall patterns to take inspiration from.
Due to fire hazards, most colleges do not allow candles or incense in dorms. Even worse, dorm rooms get stale and stuffy fast. For a quick fix, room spray will freshen any space up. Bath and Body Works sells small bottles for cheap, and the aromatherapy scents are perfect for stressful midterm and finals weeks. For long-term solutions, diffuser sticks last seemingly forever and are readily available on Amazon and Sephora!
Moving into a dorm for the first time can be daunting, but the most important thing to remember is: make the space yours, rather than trendy. Seek out comfort and functionality with a sprinkle of pizazz!
A Fruity Sprinkle Surprise
To kids, birthday parties are a big deal and only happen once a year. You want everything to be perfect and fall in line with expectations, especially when it comes to the food and treats served to everyone that day. At the next party you’re hosting, try this delightful Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie that fits the theme for nearly any colorful birthday bash. Find more fun celebration recipes at Culinary.net
Servings: 4
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen mango
1 1/2 cups milk
1 carton (6 ounces) vanilla yogurt
whipped cream
sprinkles
In blender, blend blueberries, strawberries, mango, milk and yogurt until combined.
Pour smoothie into four glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles.
#15603 Source: Culinary.net Family Features
Pro Tips For Perfecting Pasta
Consider these pasta cooking tips from Rouxbe, an online culinary school training people of all abilities to become better, more confident cooks. • Use a large, straight-sided pot with 6 quarts of water for every 1 pound of pasta. Bring to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt for each quart of water and stir to dissolve. • Wait for rapidly boiling water before adding pre-made pasta then cook according to package instructions for al dente, which means the pasta offers a slight resistance. For stuffed or fresh pasta, aim for a gentle boil and cook 1-5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for use in sauces then drain (never rinse) your pasta. • Add pasta to your sauce; never the other way around. Pair thin pastas like angel hair with lighter sauces, seafoods, basil and light oils. Fettucine, penne and rigatoni complement spicy sausage, heavy creams and chunky ragu. When in doubt, spaghetti offers a versatile option. For more information, visit rouxbe.com.
Pappardelle with Garden Vegetables
Total time: 1 hour Servings: 3-4
Salted water
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons shallots or white onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
1 cup white wine
2 cups pappardelle noodles
3/4 cup vegetable stock
3 tablespoons capers (optional)
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced in wedges
1 handful baby kale
1 fresh lemon, juice only
2 tablespoons butter (optional)
sea salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 handful fresh basil, torn
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. In fry pan on medium-high heat, add olive oil and onions; saute 2 minutes. Lower heat slightly and add garlic and chile flakes. Saute on medium heat 2-3 minutes. Add white wine and deglaze pan. Cook 3 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to add freshly cooked pasta.
In pot of boiling water, add pappardelle. Cook according to package instructions then drain.
Place fry pan back on medium heat. Add drained pasta; vegetable stock; capers, if desired; tomatoes; baby kale; and lemon juice. Add butter, if desired, and toss well. Cook 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, and season with salt and pepper, to taste, and fresh basil. Toss again, remove from heat and serve.
Homemade Potato Gnocchi
Total time: 2 hours Servings: 2-4
2 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
3/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided
2 teaspoons water
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided,
plus additional, for surface
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
2 large egg yolks
Preheat oven to 400° F. Place potatoes on sheet of foil, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and water; wrap. Bake 40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Peel potatoes while hot. Cut and rice potatoes. Let potatoes cool completely.
To make dough, sprinkle potatoes with flour. Aerate with bench scraper then add remaining salt, nutmeg and white pepper.
Break up egg yolks and pour over potatoes. Cover surface with flour. Continue cutting and gently lifting dough.
Test dough by squeezing gently; it shouldn’t stick. Add flour, if needed.
Shape dough into rectangle and fold several times, using fingertips to bring together. Flatten dough out until it reaches finger thickness. Sprinkle with flour and let rest 5-10 minutes.
Cut finger-width strips of dough and sprinkle strips with flour. Roll out each strip and cut ropes into 3/4-inch pieces. Separate slightly and flour well.
Fresh gnocchi can sit at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
To freeze: Place gnocchi on tray, making sure they aren’t touching. Once frozen, transfer to plastic freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months. Cook gnocchi from frozen and serve with desired sauce.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images #15683 Source: Rouxbe Family Features
6 Long Island Coffee Shops To Visit This Summer
Southdown Coffee
- 210-B Wall Street, Huntington
- 49 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
- 149 Glen Street, Glen Cove
- 72 Main Street, Northport
southdowncoffee.com : Southdown grants their customers the hometown feel – quaint, warm, simple, and to the point. Quality coffee, delicious bites, and quite possibly the best egg sandwich on Long Island. Personal In-house Favorites: Iced Coffee, Maple Latte, Flat White, Cortado
Druther’s
- 1113 North Country Road, Building 5, Stony Brook
Druthers.coffee : The friendliest baristas around. And did I mention their coffee? It’s otherwordly. Try their seasonal specials, or opt for something classic like a latte. They also have an impressive menu with paleo & gluten-free options. Yum. Personal In-house Favorites: Iced Latte, Hot Chocolate, Breakfast Sandwich
Sweetie Pies on Main
- 181 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
Sweetiepiesonmain.com : My fiance and I love this spot. Their outdoor seating area is worth visiting – supremely tranquil, with floral aromas, and readily available seating. I also genuinely appreciate the fact that they use cold brew to make their ice cubes. Personal In-house Favorites: Iced Coffee, Gluten-Free Pound Cake, Egg and Bagel Bombs
Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Company
- 41 East Main Street, Patchogue
Roast.coffee : Cozy, urban feel. Customers rave about the lattes, and the comfortable, serene ambiance. Personal In-house Favorites: Iced Coconut Latte, Cold Brew
Crazy Beans
- 2 Front Street, Greenport
- 97 Main Street, Stony Brook
- 159-14 Route 25A, Miller Place
crazybeansrestaurant.com : This quirky coffee shop has an eccentric menu in an accessible location. This place is for the adventurer, but has something for everyone. [Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly] Personal In-house Favorites: Rainbow Cookie Latte, Toasted Marshmallow Latte
Babylon Bean
- 17 Fire Island Ave, Babylon
Thebabylonbean.com : Whether you prefer your coffee simple or sweet, there’s something for you at Babylon Bean. The atmosphere is alternative, yet refreshing. Art covers the walls (available for purchase), and the clientele is friendly and talkative. Personal In-house Favorites: Funky Monkey Mocha, Red Eye, Toasted Almond Coffee
A Taste of The Hamptons
SUNSET FRIDAYS
Wolffer Estate Vineyard – 139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack – Until Oct. 1
Enjoy wines and cider by the glass or bottle on Wolffer’s outdoor patio (mix of lounge and lawn seating). Note: Food items will be available off the bar menu and come served in take-out containers to bring back to your seat.
MUSIC LINEUP:
- 8/6 – Lynn Blue Band
- 8/13 – Jon Divello’s Band
- 8/20 – Lynn Blue Band
- 8/27 – HooDoo Loungers
- 9/3 – Lynn Blue Band
- MARKET ART & DESIGN
The Bridgehampton Museum – 2368 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton
Opening Evening: Thursday, August 12 – 5:00PM-9:00PM Exclusive Entry for Fair Pass Holders & Select VIP’s
Public Hours: Friday, August 13 to Saturday, August 14 – 11:00AM-7:00PM Sunday, August 15 – 11:00AM-5:00PM
The East End’s premier art fair returns to The Bridgehampton Museum for their eleventh edition. It will feature 80 top galleries who present the best in modern and contemporary art and design. Tickets available for purchase online at artmarkethamptons.com.
GRILLHAMPTON
Nova’s Ark Project Inc. – 60 Millstone Rd., Water Mill
Thursday, August 19 to Friday, August 20 – 7:00PM-9:30PM
Four East End chefs compete against four Manhattan chefs in this one-of-a-kind cooking competition and tasting event. Guests get to indulge in delicious grilled fare, beer and specialty cocktails while enjoying live music. They then become part of the action by voting for the finest food!
TASTE OF TWO FORKS
Nova’s Ark Project Inc. 60 Millstone Rd., Water Mill
Saturday, August 21 – 7:00PM-9:30PM Sunday, August 22 – 6:00PM-8:30PM
Don’t miss out on the 10th annual, popular summer event which celebrates the best of the East End’s restaurants and wineries – both North and South Forks. All tickets include food and drinks (your choice of beer, wine, and spirits). The event will take place rain or shine, outdoors on the grass and all attendees must be 21 + older.
DAN’S CLAMBAKE
Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina 32 Star Island Rd., Montauk
Saturday, August 28 – 12:00PM-4:00PM
This seaside soiree will feature chefs from Montauk and the East End who demonstrate their version of a clambake. They will be serving up some of the best surf, turf and more! The event will take place indoors, rain or shine and all guests must be 21 + older.
Crop Spotlight: SWEET POTATOES
If you’ve been enjoying the growth of standard summer crops this year, you may have a hankering to try something a little different next season. Sweet potatoes are much-loved but can be a finicky crop to grow at home, especially in cooler growing regions like Long Island. Here are some of my best tips and tricks from years of trial and error. Let my mistakes serve as your what-not-to-do guide!
Trellising: While not a conventional trellised crop, keeping sweet potato vines on a trellis, garden border fence, or even in a hanging pot can save space on these notorious space-hogs. Trellising makes the resulting tubers larger when there is a shorter growing season. By not setting down as many roots, those that do establish, produce larger potatoes in a shorter timeframe. The vines themselves are aesthetically pleasing, with pretty purple and white flowers, so they are decorative as well.
Use grow pots: Nurseries have realized that many people want to grow sweet potatoes at home, but few have acres to dedicate to a single crop, and home gardeners enjoy growing various vegetables. The result has been the development of pot-friendly varieties of sweet potatoes, and grow pots are the perfect vessel. Because the plant isn’t able to set down new tubers, pots encourage the plant to concentrate its growing energy. The openings on the side of the grow pots let you check on growth and harvest as-needed. This allows the plant to keep producing post-harvest, instead of pulling up the whole vine at once. The biggest bonus is that the pots eliminate hours of back-breaking harvesting.
Watch the weather: Here on Long Island, we love to talk about the weather because it can be unpredictable, particularly during spring and early fall. It’s also really important when it comes to vegetable gardens. It is critical to pull all sweet potatoes before the first frost. While they typically go deep, any near the surface (typically the oldest and largest) will get frostbite.
Be careful at harvest time: Sweet potatoes like to grow deep, sometimes more than 6 inches below the soil surface. Be sure to dig up the entire planting area to make sure you don’t miss any. Use a gentle hand when harvesting. Even garden gloves with grip support may tear the skin until the potatoes have cured. Don’t use any tool, otherwise you’re likely to lose a lot of your harvest to damage. For curing, place in a single layer, not touching, in a paper bag. Let them sit at least a few days for enhanced sweetness; otherwise, they can be eaten right away!
Summer SELF-CARE
Just because the pace of life is now speeding up, doesn’t mean that self-care should be put on the back burner.
Self-care is kind of a buzz word today. It gained a lot of popularity in 2020 when we were all faced with less to do and more time to do it. Many of us realized, maybe for the first time, just how little attention we gave to our own wellbeing, and took some steps to begin to nurture ourselves physically, emotionally and even spiritually.
Just because the pace of life is now speeding up, doesn’t mean that self-care should be put on the back burner. More than just facial masks and getting more exercise, self-care comes in a variety of ways. For National Wellness Month, try including some of these fun, free activities into your routine just because they feel good; the beauty is that they may be things you can do with other’s or if you prefer, by yourself.
Really enjoy a sunset. We’re fortunate on Long Island to have so many lovely vistas to catch a glorious summer sunset. Make a night of it and grab a blanket, some snacks and head to a park, harbor or any West-facing beach. Seeing the sky change colors, feeling the breeze and waiting for that special moment when the sun hits the horizon, are all better than any television show. Spend it with friends, family or even by yourself, and stay late to look up at the stars.
Stop by a nursery greenhouse and take time to smell the flowers. Nurseries and greenhouses are along almost every road you go down, but did you ever think to stop at one and just stroll through? Enjoy the warmth, varieties, scents, colors and butterflies. Gift yourself with an exotic flowering plant for your home or garden.
Send an old friend a hand written card or letter (email and Facebook messages don’t count), just to say you’re thinking of them. You know how great it feels to get a birthday card or an actual letter in the snail mail? Do that for someone else and the by-product will have you feeling great. It’s a wonderful way to reignite an old friendship and open the door for better communication.
Try not complaining for one whole week. Okay, that’s tough. How about one whole day? For just one day, try not to complain about anything! It’s harder than you think, but a funny thing happens. First, you’ll become aware of how often you do complain, then you’ll start to notice how much you actually have to be grateful for. That is self-care at its best.
You can still pamper yourself with massages, manicures and meditation, but try some of these refreshing activities this summer and see how much better you will feel!
S’MORE Cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes – Servings: 12 cupcakes
Here’s What You Need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cold coffee or water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup (4 oz) container sour cream
Here’s How You Do It:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line one 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners; set aside. Combine all dry ingredients in large bowl; mix well. Add cold coffee, oil, and eggs; mix until combined. Beat at medium speed for two minutes. Stir in sour cream. Pour into prepared cupcake pans. Bake 22-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Marshmallow Frosting
Prep time: 10 minutes
Here’s What You Need:
-
1 stick unsalted or salted butter
-
1 small jar Marshmallow Fluff® – 7 ½ ounces
-
1 pound confectionary sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
-
1 teaspoon vanilla
-
1 rectangle graham cracker cookie (to garnish)
-
¼ cup chocolate chip (optional garnish)
Here’s How You Do It:
Mix together butter and Marshmallow Fluff® until well blended – slowly add confectionary sugar, alternating with water until combined. Add vanilla at high speed until fluffy. Divide icing evenly between the 12 cupcakes and garnish with chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces.
Tip: Use a pastry bag or the corner of a freezer bag to make a large swirl on top of each cupcake.
The Sweet Life
It’s summer so keep your dessert simple and sweet! There’s truly nothing as easy and delicious as grilled peaches and cream. I just returned from a visit to South Carolina where the peach stands were abundant and the peaches were heavy, ripe and oh-so-sweet!
Upon returning back to N.Y., I purchased a container to tuck away freshly picked peaches into my suitcase; I flew home with that sweet summer fragrance bursting through my bag. The airline attendants simply smiled as the aroma breezed by them. I just love that sweet southern hospitality … it’s entirely “peachy”.
Whether at home or visiting, summer means easy living, cooking and grilling along with dining outdoors with friends and family. Diversify your grilling and experiment with fresh fruits as they make for the perfect dessert or side dish. The heat of the grill intensifies the natural sugars in most fruit, softening its peachy flesh and caramelizing it into sheer sweetness.
The creamy mascarpone (soft Italian cream cheese but sweeter) topping, is used instead of whipped cream, providing a rich and creamy indulgent element. Combine the welcomed crunch of toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey, served with fresh mint from your own garden and it’s tantalizing! Grill em’ before they’re GONE! As you can tell, I’m “keen” on peaches. xoxo, Denise
-
4 medium – large ripe peaches (halved and pitted)
- 2/3 cup walnuts
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese beaten with a fork adding 3T of ½ & ½
- ¼ cup honey
- 8 fresh mint sprigs
- 2T butter, melted with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grill. Mix the mascarpone cheese in a bowl and fork beat with the ½ & ½ until smooth. In frying pan, add a touch of butter and toast the walnuts; then break into pieces. Brush each peach halve with melted butter and sugar mixture, then grill peaches cut side down for 4-5 minutes. Flip with tongs and grill for 2 more minutes or until peaches are tender. Place onto a platter. Fill with cream mixture and drizzle with toasted walnuts, honey and garnish with fresh mint. ENJOY!
Returning Back To The Office Attire
Some may already be back to the daily grind, while others are still awaiting for the return back to the office. Parting ways with sweatpants after over a year of WFH (working from home), for some folks, is one of the most difficult parts (at least for me). Starting this fall, we’re going to start seeing more and more businesses requiring employees to return to the office, either full-time or with a new hybrid/in-person policy. We all knew the 30 second commute to a desk in the other room was limited, but it’s nice to know life as we knew it is back and we’re finally reverting to our pre-Covid routines.
After months spent hibernating at home it’s almost hard to remember how to dress up every day, not to mention all of our work wardrobes could use a revamp from the early 2020 fashion trends. Although, there’s just something about getting dressed up to physically go into the office that makes the day feel more complete. Not to mention, we’ll also be returning back to our regular social lives—getting to chat with co-workers in person or grabbing a drink or dinner after work with friends.
I started a new job during Covid-19 so seeing co-workers only through a computer screen has been the norm. I never thought I’d say this, but it’ll be strange to put bodies to faces once we all officially meet back up in person. I can almost imagine that most in person conversations will start with talking about everyone’s height. If we’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s to appreciate the little things that we might have taken for granted beforehand.
For some returning back to the office attire ideas, here are some cute options for assembling a suitable outfit that will ensure tons of compliments. A timeless crew-neck t-shirt is perfect to throw on with a pair of jeans or dress pants when you’re running late! Bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com has all your basics and more, in a variety of different colors.
Pleated, wide leg, high waisted pants are just what you need for a comfortable bottom in exchange for your quarantine sweatpants. Shop.mango.com has some great options to choose from. Prettylittlething.us is another site worth checking out, especially since they allow you to shop by figure shape. One dress in particular that might be good for heading back to the office is the White Polka Dot Pleated Sleeveless Midi Dress. This dress can either be dressed up with some heels and jewelry or dressed down with a pair of cute sandals and cardigan for the chillier months ahead.
Everyone needs a soft sweater in their wardrobe for casual Fridays. Shop lulus.com for their Crushing on Casual Beige Waffle Knit Balloon Sleeve Top. This trendy sweater has balloon sleeves with lightly gathered shoulders and extra-long fitted cuffs…perfect for the office.
Empire Cuts Barber Shop
Empire Cuts Barbershop
192 Laurel Road, East Northport NY., 11731
631.651.5999
The most unique and cutting-edge barber shop on Long Island!
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.