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Winter 2020 Skin Care

By
Marc Piperno
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Jennifer is an Account Manager at a beauty public relations agency in New York City, from Long Island. She has a bachelor of arts in communications and marketing from SUNY Cortland and is interested in all things travel and beauty. Jen can be reached by email at jennifer.mcnicholl5@gmail.com!
 
     With the seasons changing, temperatures dropping and shorter daylight hours, most of us don’t think twice when stowing away the sunscreen along with the rest of our summer wardrobe. To be honest, I think we’re all more concerned about staying warm rather than planning a winter skin routine. Am I right?
     I’ll be the first to admit that I tend to ease up on sun protection during the colder months, but dermatologists will tell you that protecting your skin from UV rays is a year-round commitment.
     Even though we might not spend as much time outside in the winter, the skin is still being exposed to UV rays during that 3-minute walk outside to grab the mail, or even the 5-minute walk into work. 
     I know what you might be thinking… who would want to apply sunscreen and smell like they’re about to go to the beach, when you need to dig your way out of your front door? Believe it or not, there are sunscreens that smell so good you’ll actually look forward to the application process every day. 
 Now that you know the process can be more enjoyable, we can make it seamless by eliminating a step in your regimen! You can also get your daily dose of SPF by using makeup or a moisturizer that incorporates SPF into the product as a 2-in-1. Or, if you prefer using a clear sunblock, that is perfectly fine too!
     If adding an SPF into your skin care routine is a little too much of a drastic change, at least make sure that you’re taking those baby steps to protect your skin. Exposing skin to the dry air and brisk winds in the winter can actually strip the moisture, making it necessary to have a handy moisturizer ready to go. When sleigh riding, skiing/snowboarding, shoveling the driveway, or even cleaning off the car, make sure you’re using a good amount of both a sunscreen and moisturizer. 
     If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend some of my favorite cold-weather SPF products such as: the Glo Skin Beauty Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ (Gloskinbeauty.com, $44), La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer With SPF (Laroche-posay.us, $19.99), and TATCHA Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 (Tatcha.com, $65). 
    So, to kill two birds with one stone, think of applying at least an SPF 30 into your skincare routine to decrease chances of skin cancer, wrinkles, sun spots, dry skin and the list goes on.  
 

 

Imparting Love and Lineage…Banana Style!

By
Marc Piperno
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Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident, freelance writer and licensed agent at Signature Premier Properties in Northport. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

     Preparing and sharing a favored recipe your mother made for you as a child is the greatest gift you can give to your children. Making it for your grandchildren is…Priceless. My dear friend, Carol, has three beautiful grandchildren and recently spent some time with them at their ski house in Vermont. She is bravely battling cancer, and lately, does not have much of an appetite, yet, she wanted to surprise her family with these tasty Banana Fritters–imparting a sweet dose of love and nostalgia. Her own mother, passed down this recipe. Carol (a.k.a. “Ma”), proudly and joyfully made these fritters with love and brought to life all those wonderful memories. She also shared with me that this recipe has more than one hidden secret: the perfectly picked banana, the perfect batter, the perfect comfort, and health benefits galore. It makes a delicious breakfast or anytime treat!  
    Looking on the bright yellow side of the banana, it’s an amazing energy boost, loaded with potassium, and has the power of delivering oxygen to the brain to reduce strokes and prevent muscle cramps. A banana a day can aid in lifting your spirits with tryptophan, also rich in iron, low in fat and calories and full of plenty of fiber and water to help improve your mood.  Yes, the banana is hailed to be one of the healthiest foods known for humans. Warm sweets for your sweethearts!  xoxo Denise

Ingredients
6 ripe bananas
¼ cup milk
2 eggs- beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
3T vegetable oil

    In a large bowl, mash bananas. Mix in milk and eggs until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients and combine with banana mixture thoroughly. (The batter should be a bit thinner than pancake batter.) Using a wooden spoon, drop batter in by spoonful’s into hot oil (medium heat), turning once until done (approximately 5 minutes).
    Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with drizzled maple syrup (or honey), sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon. If desired, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. Sure to satisfy and delight those senses and memory cravings!  xoxo Thanks, Carol!
    Tips: The oil needs to be hot. When frying the fritters, the edges should look firm until they turn a golden brown color (not too light, not too dark). 

 

Your Health and Wellness in 2020

By
Marc Piperno
-

Kathy Horowitz co-facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services.
(kahorowitz@gmail.com) • www.kathyhorowitz.com.  

     Now that the celebrations are complete and the holidays are behind us, it is time again to take stock of 2019 while making goals for the New Year. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, it’s a good idea to set small goals rather than one big goal.         
    For example, are you planning to reorganize a particular room now that the holiday ornaments have been taken down and put away? Clearing or cleaning out a particular space can  clear the mind for new thoughts and ideas, and allows us to be thankful. Last week, when I walked into my home from the cold, I was struck by the sudden warmth inside and thought how blessed I was to have a roof over my head and heat to keep me warm. Too many individuals and families do not have that luxury.

    Perhaps you want to resume an old hobby like crocheting, woodworking, or coin collecting or learn a new one. While doing so, you can take full stock of all that you are grateful for while immersing yourself in these hobbies.  As you perform a quiet hobby while sitting by a fire, drinking a cup of tea or cocoa, you can allow your mind to have the freedom to process all that you are grateful for. Even the simple act of looking someone in the eye and thanking him or her for something they did for you, acknowledges them. By doing so, you may even make someone’s day.

    The sage Mister Rogers once said, “I believe it’s a fact of life that what we have is less important than what we make out of what we have.” Why not include a loved one in one of your goals for 2020? Take a friend or relative with you to a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. Volunteer your time at a wildlife sanctuary or help clean up the street-side garbage that collects in or around your neighborhood. Make donations of warm clothing that no longer fit your size or your wardrobe.  

    Libraries also collect food and clothing for those families in need. Just because the holidays have ended, doesn’t mean that the gift of giving has to stop.  Always be mindful of opportunities for kindness as they help not only others, but yourself as well.
    In this New Year, please remember to think of others. Kindness and acknowledgment toward others are the most heartfelt gifts you can give. Happy, Healthy, and Blessed New Year to one and all.

 

Little Miracles & The Power Of One

By
Marc Piperno
-

Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, a quality consignment boutique. For inquiries call: 631-862-6198.
     It’s over-the holidays-and you can breathe a sigh of relief. You survived the stress, the in-laws, and the indigestion. Now it’s time to take down the Christmas tree and put away the holiday decorations until summer, when Hallmark channels remind you that it’s almost Christmas again!
    So what’s next in the cold and dark January days of New Year’s resolutions? A new exercise, diet or home organization plan? Sadly, by January’s end the plans are still in place but the actions, not so much. How will you keep it going when comfort food is what you’re craving, it’s too cold to exercise, and the Christmas decorations are in boxes on the dining room floor? Little miracles just might be the answer. What does that mean, you ask? One definition of a miracle is a “Highly improbable event, development or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences.”
    From my 40 plus years as a decorating diva, I’ve learned how overwhelmed people can become when a design project is on the horizon. As designers, we have the experience and do everything in our arsenal to explain, demystify, and simplify how and what will happen throughout the process, to put our clients at ease. We are their little miracle! But, you can be your own little miracle if you only remember yourself, the power of one.
    In my seminars on clutter control and organization, I always conclude by giving my attendees an assignment. I tell them to pick one location – a drawer, small cabinet, or surface (not too big) ­– to organize. Take everything out, but don’t put it back unless it belongs there or you really need it. One – just one spot. Invariably, I will receive text messages or calls from clients that tell me how satisfied they feel and couldn’t stop once they started.  We all know, “Success breeds success,” and when something feels good, we want to keep doing it. It is said that if you do something for 30 days in a row, it becomes a habit. That one drawer, which turns into another and another, gives you the impetus to tackle bigger things (e.g., the scary hall closet, the no carb diet, or the gym)! The power of one – it’s truly a little miracle. 
    January begins the year 2020, and if good intentions don’t overwhelm, we can turn the power of one into a 2020 vision for our homes and ourselves, and start this New Year with a little miracle.

 

The Benefits of Houseplants

By
Marc Piperno
-

 

 

 

Jim attended SUNY Farmingdale School of Horticulture. He worked for a prestigious firm on the east coast with the World’s Greatest Landscape Architects on some of the most influential Gardens of our time. After close to a decade, his experience enabled him to blaze on his own path and build a successful business.

featured editorial brought to you by Acers.

    It should be made official; January is houseplant month. There’s a feeling of emptiness in the post Christmas season after the Christmas tree comes down.  The home immediately misses that big beautiful, lush green tree that took center stage in so much celebration. A home’s interior can feel as stark as the winter scenery looks outside.
    The easy way to chase away these winter blues is to add some green back into the scene.  Nothing adds visual beauty to an environment faster than houseplants. They’re an inexpensive way to add texture and drama to a room by creating a living space that’s relaxing to be in with a low to moderate investment of money and time.
    It’s easy and fun to make your own private sanctuary; and whether you have a green thumb or black one, there’s a plant to match your skill level at growing things. It is wonderfully therapeutic to care for another living thing, especially one that only gives you rewards. Caring for a houseplant is a natural antidepressant. It’s a reminder to tune into your environment and is an exercise in hope.  In an age, when everyone is plugged into a life among electronic gadgets, seeing greenery helps us feel calmer and more relaxed. There are practical benefits to houseplants as well. 
    Houseplants are good for your health. They refresh the air we breathe by releasing oxygen. They also filter out harmful toxins given off by the furnishings and carpets we live with. Increased levels of oxygen means improved levels of concentration, productivity, and creativity.
    Houseplants add to our overall happiness and longevity. Without plants we wouldn’t exist at all; yet many of us take them for granted. However, there is no denying their importance to our well being; so, the more you add to your interior spaces the better.

 

Big Game Eats

By
Marc Piperno
-

by Katherine Andrianas

Who’s ready for the big game? No matter what team it is you’re rooting for, we’ve found some of the best restaurants and bars where everyone will feel welcome. So, get ready for a day filled with great food, drinks and good company!

Changing Times – American Sports Bar & Grille
Bay Shore, East Northport, Farmingdale
The Changing Times Pub welcomes you for their tailgate party. The day will feature things like: great wing specials, pitchers for under $15, 24 oz. stadium chuggers, bucket specials (5 for $25 White Claws, Heineken, Corona, etc.) and much more. 

Croxley’s Ale House
Smithtown, Farmingdale, Rockville Centre, Franklin Square, Brooklyn
If you’re looking for a gastro-pub style sports bar and restaurant with legendary wings, here’s the place. They have nearly 50 beers on tap, daily specials and a menu that covers it all. Plus, with their large number of TV’s, you won’t have to worry about missng a play. 

Miller’s Ale House
See Website for Locations – www.millersalehouse.com
Come support your number one team at one of the many Miller’s Ale House locations. Boasting wall to wall flat screen TV’S, it’s one of the best places for viewing the big game. Here, you can pair your favorite beer with wings, a yummy burger or any of their other delicious menu items. 

Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub
Northport, Smithtown, Bay Shore
$9 pitchers and $5 pints, what’s better than that on the day of the big game? But, that’s not all. They’ll also have outstanding food specials like their kick off nachos, Buffalo chicken flatbread, steak sandwich and half-rack smoked BBQ ribs.

The Main Event
Plainview & Farmingdale
This cozy sports-themed restaurant has TV’s in every which direction, a fully stocked bar and some of the most delicious home cooked meals. On the day of the big game, they’ll be offering outstanding drink specials along with halftime giveaways and prizes you won’t want to miss!

The Rust & Gold
Huntington
Rust & Gold is not your average sports bar. They have their own coins for arcade games and table-style games like Jenga and Shuffleboard. Between their large selection of local and craft beers along with one of a kind mixed drinks, it’s the perfect spot to watch the big game.

 

Raising The Bar To An Even Higher Authority

By
Marc Piperno
-

by Marc Piperno
    Most chefs that I have interviewed can best be described as those that have developed a curiosity and passion for cooking. For Colin McKaharay, executive Chef at Blackstone’s, it was more for the pursuit of perfection. Mr. McKaharay graduated from the New England Culinary Institute, then attended Tulane University to complete his education and received his B.S. in hospitality management.
    “My objective has always been to elevate our patron’s dining experience and continue to distinguish Blackstone as a first-class steakhouse,” says Chef Colin. Once again, McKaharay has raised the bar at Blackstone, by becoming one of two restaurants on the entire eastern seaboard that have the rights to carry and serve authentic and certified Kobe beef. Over the last 5 years, the beef industry was turned on its head when a handful of cattle farmers in Japan all got together and began filing lawsuits against restaurants that were making false claims of carrying Kobe beef, when they were, in fact, not. Over the years, the word Kobe has become loosely used as a means of associating high quality beef and flavor profile. As Chef McKaharay explained to me, there is Wagyu beef and then there is Wagyu, that comes from Kobe Japan. It’s like sparkling wine and champagne; real champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France. As Chef Colin puts it, “Though there are many fine cuts of beef on the market, Kobe beef carries notable and distinct flavor qualities, not found anywhere else.”
    After some investigation, Chef Colin discovered that there were only a select few restaurants in the entire country that bestowed the honor of carrying Kobe beef. As the tenacious professional that Colin is, he began to research and learn what it would take for Blackstone Steakhouse to carry the Kobe certification. Once contacting the Kobe Association in Japan, it was found that attaining the certification was possible, but not easy to attain. Since there is limited production of this exclusive Wagyu beef, the Kobe Association holds very high standards for select restaurants only. 
    Upon submitting his professional resume, an in-depth profile of Blackstone’s patron reviews, along with photos of the restaurant, reputation and integrity as a classic American Steakhouse, the association, after three plus years, finally awarded Blackstone the rights to supply its patrons the quality and flavor that has given Kobe Beef it’s stellar reputation. 
    Blackstone Steakhouse proudly displays their Kobe Statue of Authenticity at the restaurants entrance, so you know that you are getting the real deal. With the help of Executive Chef Colin, Blackstone Steakhouse will continue to enhance your dining experience that will take you on a journey through many regions and cultures, for many years to come.

 

How To Throw An Awesome Football Party

By
Marc Piperno
-

Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, 
currently working as a Marketing & Social Media Specialist. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community as a writer and mentor. Joanna can be reached by email at 
LISAVORYEATS@gmail.com. 
    There is nothing I enjoy more than hosting a party at my house. I love preparing cheese and charcuterie boards, cooking a surplus of main dishes and sides, and decorating the space with fun Pinterest finds. One of my favorite days to host is Superbowl. It’s casual, lively, and encourages a table filled with appetizers and dips.
    Let’s talk food. For Superbowl, I usually prepare a long table (buffet-style) and present fun, interactive finger foods such as nachos, homemade pretzel bites, deviled eggs, sliders, and of course, wings. I prefer to make a variety of wings, such as buffalo, lemon and parsley, and lemon pepper. As a rule of thumb, I’ll have some meat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and keto options for those still upholding their new year resolutions. Pretzel bites may come with a dairy free mustard dipping sauce. Nachos, I will use corn chips, instead of flour. And wings will be pre-marinaded, grilled and finished in the oven. As a fan of deviled eggs, I usually have these on hand for those looking for a higher protein snack, free of gluten. Look at your guest list, ask for allergies & preferences, and go from there.
    Lastly, no party would be complete without a charcuterie board, and cheese board. I have invested each year in an assortment of beautiful olive wood boards, some engraved, all perfect for hosting at the house. Generally, I’ll look to experienced food stylists and Pinterest boards for inspiration. Get creative! I usually add dried fruits, fresh fruits, olives, sweet and spicy peppers, honeycomb – the list goes on and on. Also, incorporate your event into the board – use one of your semisoft cheeses to create a football, or think of fun tailgate ideas to replicate! 
    Party main dishes can be easy, if you opt to use your favorite cooking vessels such as the crockpot, Instant Pot, and/or broiler. For me personally, I use 2-3 crock pots and prepare a pulled pork or chicken, and a pasta dish. Pulled meats pair with a taco station, and pasta pairs with a salad station. Easy clean up, fun delivery, and buffet style. Once again, get creative – and work with your guests’ preferences.
Super Bowl is a perfect time to gather family and friends and spend time together – regardless of your sports knowledge. Get creative with the menu, décor, and presentation. Remember to ask your guests if they have any allergies or preferences in advance and look to experienced food stylists and bloggers for inspiration. (Pinterest is a great place to start!) Most important of all – have fun! Have questions? Feel free to email me directly for more tips and tricks.

 

Dressing for the Holidays

By
Marc Piperno
-


Collette is fashion forward and a design orientated stylist & wardrobe consultant.
A Bachelors in communications and 
marketing, years of experience in the garment district, she celebrates everyday with enthusiasm for fashion and beauty 
while helping other women achieve their personal best. Collettep24@yahoo.com

 
  As we stroll into our favorite shopping spots, the window displays are aglow and we are greeted with evidence of the holiday season. Ready or not, the season is nipping at our nose and stilettos. The holidays are the perfect time to get glammed up and celebrate the end of the year. From satin and sequined cocktail dresses to bright and bold jumpsuits, the options are endless when deciding to party the holidays away. 
  The festive party circuit this merry time of year allows us to go all out with fun and flirty looks. The satin dress is gifting us many silhouettes and undoubtedly one of this seasons key buys. One in particular, is the Spencer Slip Tie dress. It’s a classic take on the slip dress with a side-tie bow as a beautiful embellishment. This style is perfect for an office and holiday party, or a night out with friends. For the daring fashionista, the satin V-neck slip dress is calling your name. Whether you prefer a plunging neck line or a classic V-neck, both offer a flirtatious yet eloquent look; ideal for a romantic date or holiday dinner in the city. 
  Of course, the midi dress with flutter sleeves is an all around go-to for any occasion–­holiday dinner or party.  There is simply no wrong way to wear this trend. The flattering slit short sleeves frames the arm and draws the eye to the beautiful décolleté. This style compliments all body types. 
  If your ready to turn up your style, a bold jumpsuit is THE trendiest way to update your look this holiday season. A jumpsuit couldn’t be more comfortable; they look glamorous and little effort is needed to put the outfit together. The easeness of this look is almost too good to be true; daring us to party in sparkles, sequins, flare leg, halter top, tuxedo or bandeau style. The possibilities are endless. If you want to add to your jumpsuit, feel free to layer with a sharp blazer and style it with a velvet clutch. The jumpsuit is a gift no woman should be without this season. 
  While we look back at the past year and ring in the new one, there is always something to be thankful for. Set new goals and perhaps let go of old habits. One thing we know for sure, as we anxiously await the next beauty and fashion trends, styles will evolve. In the end, always be true to yourself and pave the way with your very own trail of style!

 

Pass The Pretty Peas…

By
Marc Piperno
-

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident, freelance writer and licensed agent at Signature Premier Properties in Northport. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

  This truly deIicious family favorite was always a staple in my childhood. I grew up with an Italian mom, who never used canned vegetables, except for these peas. (Yes, in the can.) It’s the way she prepared them that made us come to love them so much. Of course, I made them for my kids and today, my grandkids. Anybody who tastes them becomes a big fan. 
  A point worth mentioning…   peas have an impressive beneficial profile! They are extremely high in fiber, nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, research shows they may help protect against certain chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer. What better reason to start passing the peas around the table?  
  These tender and sweet, pretty peas are delicious when combined with soft, sautéed caramelized Vidalia onions. They make a great and simple addition to any meal, especially holiday meals with that marvelous green color and taste. I guarantee you will soon hear, “pass the peas please!”

Ingredients
1 ½ Large Vidalia onions diced
1/3 Cup extra virgin olive oil
3  15 ounce can of peas (Le Sueur brand) Ground fresh pepper (to taste)
Ground fresh sea salt (to taste)
Sprinkle of nutmeg (optional)

Sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat; stirring until soft, transparent and beginning to turn golden. Add drained peas to the onions; stir to warm, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy! xoxo Denise

    

 

Snickerdoodles

By
Marc Piperno
-

Tiffany Cohen has been cooking since she was 12 years old, and has a blog called Whatcha Cooking Good Looking, which showcases her love for food and creating great memories with family and friends. Contact her at whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com.

    Can there really be anything wrong with cookies rolled in cinnamon and sugar?  I think not. Now that the holidays are here, I think you could use a new cookie recipe in your life to shake up traditions.  What do you think?
    If you have ever made Snickerdoodles before, I guarantee that you haven’t made them like this. It is the BEST Snickerdoodle recipe. This recipe has no shortening AND stays soft for days. (Leave your old, hard-as-a-rock, shortening filled cookie recipe at the door.) These cookies are not only deliciously soft and chewy, but they’re pretty too! 

Ingredients
    • 2 1/4 cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • A sprinkling of salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 sticks of salted butter (I never use unsalted butter in baking), at room temperature (important!)
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed and a little overflowing
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 overflowing teaspoon vanilla (I pour it into the measuring spoon and then keep going slowly until it overflows slightly)
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon (for rolling)
    • Reynolds Parchment Baking Sheets (pre-cut for your baking pleasure)

Instructions
    Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.  Set aside.
    Using a stand mixer (with the paddle attachment) or a handheld mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and sugar on low/medium until combined, smooth, and creamy.
    When the butter and sugars are combined and creamy, add the eggs one at a time. Then add the vanilla.  
    With the mixer running on low, slowly add the dry ingredients in batches so that it can properly incorporate into the wet ingredients. Continue until you have added all the dry ingredients.  
    In a small bowl, mix together the remaining cinnamon and sugar. Mix well. Take out 2 cookie sheets and lay the parchment baking sheets on them. Using an ice cream scoop, take a scoop of dough, put it into your hand and form it into a ball. Roll the dough into the cinnamon sugar mix until it’s completely covered and place onto the cookie sheet.
    Place the tray in the oven and set the timer for 9 minutes. If they don’t look done at all, let them cook for another minute. (They cook fast so watch them!) The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and still look slightly uncooked in the middle. Don’t worry.  They will finish cooking when they come out of the oven on the sheet.  Let them sit on the pan for at least 4-5 minutes.  You can slide the entire sheet off the pan with the cookies on it. Place another sheet on the pan and finish up the dough. This recipe should make 2 1/2 dozen cookies.  Enjoy!
    For more delicious recipes and cooking tips from Tiffany, head on over to www.whatchacookinggoodlooking.com.  

 

Don’t Let the Holiday Season Leave You Spent

By
Marc Piperno
-

Maria Faller is a certified wellness coach and the founder of Be A Better You Fitness and Be Better Kids. She is the creator of the Transform and Tell program and author of the newly released book “BABY STEPS: A realistic guide to Being a Better You.”  To contact her, visit BeABetterYouFitness.com or follow her on: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @BeABetterYouFit.
The momentum of the holiday season begins sometime in late October, when the stores become alive with festive lights, the radio croons familiar tunes and the television begins playing those wonderfully nostalgic shows.  Through the years, the retail and media partnerships have grown so extravagant that it can make remembering the true spirit of this season a bit challenging. 
    The four biggest pressures during this season are: decorating, buying, attending and indulging. While these activities can certainly add to the holiday joy, they can also be terribly depleting in many ways. In these circumstances, depletion is not a good thing, not for your health or your  wallet. By overextending, overbuying and overindulging yourself, you are sure to  cause added stress and exhaustion. 
    With the pressure to decorate, you may find yourself in a friendly neighborhood competition, or you may believe that brighter is better. After all, everywhere you look there seems to be bigger and more enhanced displays to strive for! While this is fun and festive, it can get pretty pricey. The lights, outdoor blow ups, indoor décor and the electric bill will all add up to a hefty expense. Keeping it simple will save you money, time and worry.  
    Buying gifts is another pressure that will hit your wallet hard. The pressure to buy the best gifts for everyone–even a gift card with an amount attached to it–will entice you to spend way more than you should. There’s something to be said about homemade gifts, personally chosen books, and even Secret Santa’s among the office or a large group of friends.  Remember, tis’ the season of giving, not draining. Running up your credit cards and spending all your money on gifts will only cause you strain and aggravation.    
    While it can be a great time attending holiday parties, it can also take a toll on your health. If you are burning yourself out trying to make all the invites (the tree lighting ceremonies and the winter wonderlands) you may find yourself with a cold or even worse. The holiday season is prime time for people to land in the emergency room. Whether it is stress induced from a decorating accident or from a nasty virus, you can be proactive and avoid this by practicing self-care. Get proper rest, stay hydrated and do your best to dodge stressful and dangerous situations. Pick and choose your events, say no when you need to, and do not feel guilty about choosing to put your health first. 
    While we are on the subject of parties, another big pressure we feel during the holidays is to indulge! During the celebrations, the pies, cookies, honey-balls, specialty martinis, turkey, and meatballs–whatever your traditions may be–make it easy to overindulge and leave your reservations at the door. Overeating and drinking too much will not only make you feel unpleasant, but will also add inches to your waistline. When you­ are overdoing it from Halloween to New Year’s Day, your body is sure to go through some unwanted changes. Choose your treats wisely; add water in between your alcoholic beverages, and fill your plate with lots of greens. Also, be sure to aim for 30 minutes of fitness at least three times a week. Practicing healthier habits will keep your immune system strong and your belt on the same notch.  
    The true spirit of the holiday season is to be kind, grateful, helpful and most of all, be joyful. When you focus on putting these tips into practice, the pressure driven aspects of the season lose their appeal and you will find yourself smiling, stress free and truly enjoying the magic of the season.

 

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