The Bra Book

  

LINGERIE MAKE OVER: MUST-HAVE BRAS FOR EVERY WOMAN THIS VALENTINE’S DAY!

Foundation Tips from Author of  The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra, Jene Luciani

 

‘Tis the season to clean out those lingerie drawers and make sure all of your bras fit and support. How to make the most of your bra wardrobe? Jene Luciani, author of the recently released expert guide to bras,  The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra, suggests the following five styles as “bra must-haves”:

 

1.      T-SHIRT BRA – A seamless, moulded cup makes this bra invisible under sweaters, tanks and tees.  “This style is truly indispensible,” Luciani says. “It gives a smooth silhouette under clingy tops and can also work as a great everyday bra. A nude color is a great choice, as it will disappear under a crisp white blouse.”

 

2.      MULTI-WAY BRA – “Go for versatility!” Luciani suggests. “A multi-way bra is a must-have because the straps can be adjusted to work for halter tops, criss-cross backs, and more. The ‘Zara’ style from Panache works well because the plunging front makes it a perfect choice not only for tops with tricky straps but also for lower-cut necklines.”

 

3.      PLUNGE BRA – “A good plunge bra supports, lifts the bust and is perfect to wear under v-shaped tops and dresses,” says Luciani.

 

4.      STRAPLESS BRA – “A strapless bra should be both supportive and comfortable. The Panache ‘Evie’ gives a natural but lifted look, and the firm cup means you won’t be hiking up your bra all night!” Luciani says.

 

5.      SEXY LACE BRA – “Perfect for a night out or to make you feel extra sexy any day of the week, a lace bra is a necessity for women of all shapes and sizes,” Luciani recommends.  “Nothing is sexier, and it can make you feel powerful when you’re wearing it under your clothes.”

 

 

SHOWN ABOVE, ALL BY PANACHE: “Porcelain” T-shirt bra ($56), “Zara” multi-way bra ($56), “Tango” plunge bra ($52), “Evie” strapless bra ($58), “Eliza” balconette bra ($68), available at  BareNecessities.com

Classic New Orleans Picks

Are you thinking about going to New Orleans? Of course you are.  With the Saints winning the Superbowl and Mardi Gras happening next week, don't tell me you haven't thought about it.

Last week I was away on a cruise on the Sea Dream Yacht Club, where I met The McDonald's.  They were from New Orleans.  We got to talking about one of my favorite topics...food.  I asked them  about all the restaurants in New Orleans  and the of course told me.  Did I mention we were on a cruise which meant I might have had a drink or two.  Thankfully, Chavanne wrote out the entire list  including what to order where so I can share it with you.

Clancy's Uptown- Amunciation Street-fried oysters with brie

Commander's Palace-Washington Ave-turtle soup, pecan crusted gulf fish, shrimp henican

Irene's -Chartres St-Soft shell crabs, lamb, oyster appetizer

Port Of Call-Esplande Ave-hamburgers, monsoon drinks, great for lunch

Restaurant August or Cochon -both won the James Beard award-the oscar of the food world

Pascale Manale-Napoleon Ave-BBQ Shrimp

Galatoires-Bourbon St-oysters en brochette, pompano,trout or soft shell crab Meunière Amandine or ponchatrain, oysters rockefeller, shrimps remoulade
Casamentos-Magazine St- raw oysters!!!
Central Grocery-French Quarter on Decatur- Muffelettas


Bars- Carousel Bar at Monteleone Hotel, The Columns Hotel, Dos Jefes Cigar Bar,Hermes Bar at Antoines Restaurant, Pat O'Briens

Hot Tips For Valentine’s Day

 

From Rachel Greenwald author  of

Step #1: The night itself

Next Sunday night, February 14^th, I want you to make a date with yourself to find new love prospects right from home. Your date begins at 7:00pm—be sure to look good, so you feel good about yourself, even though you're home alone. Make a list of six friends to call between 7:00pm and 8:00pm: singles, marrieds, male, female, old high school friends, anyone you haven't spoken to in awhile. Some won't be home, but if you dial six, you'll likely end up speaking with 2 or 3. Catch up with them on their lives, and then directly ask if they know anyone to fix you up with. Tell them that "love is in the air tonight" and would they please play cupid for you?

Next, from 8:00pm to 9:00pm, plant yourself in front of your computer and do the same thing with email and Facebook: reach out to six or more friends and wish them "happy valentines day" and ask them to play cupid for you.

Your goal is to snag 2 fix-ups by the end of the night. This evening may feel a tad embarrassing, but your friends don't perceive it that way, I promise! They truly want to help you find love. This is a proactive "date" to turn lemons on Valentines Day into strawberry lemonade by the following week!

Step #2: Right now!

With a week left before Valentines Day, don't sit around and feel glum: there's something very productive you can do! I want you to send a Valentines card to everyone you know (at least 100 people)! Think of this like a "direct mail campaign." This love holiday is the perfect opportunity to communicate with your "best customers" (i.e., friends, family, and acquaintances) and remind them that you'd love to meet someone wonderful. Here's how to make it work:

1) Find your best photo and make 100 copies to include in your cards (the photo copies should only cost about $30 total). If you don't have an existing photo you love, simply ask a friend to take one with a digital camera. Make it a fun photo in an active setting: hiking, biking, or painting. Your photo conveys that you're enjoying your life, but I'd love to have someone to share it with.

2) Insert the photo in your card and send it out to absolutely everyone you know, including not only all your friends, colleagues, and neighbors, but your dentist, doctor, realtor, and high school math teacher. You want everyone to see how great you look, so they'll feel good about fixing you up.

3) Spend the time to hand-write a personal note on each card. Perhaps set a goal of writing 14 cards each night over the next 7 days. Include a brief note customized to the recipient, and then most importantly, include this line at the end: "P.S. In honor of Valentines Day, I have decided this is the year that I am going to find someone wonderful with whom to spend my life. Do you know anyone to fix me up with?"

So make Valentines Day count this year: be proactive not only on the night of February 14^th, but throughout this coming week leading up to it. By next year at this time, I know you'll have a romantic dinner for two on your calendar!

 

5 Valentine’s Day Solution from D’Errico Jewelers

 

Soon the most loveable—and dangerous—holiday in the calendar will be upon us.

Everyone wants to show they care—but it’s important to choose the right item to demonstrate your affection for your beloved—or for yourself, for that matter.

To help people make their choices, D’Errico Jewelers at 159 East Main Street is offering a special selection of varied and attractive items.

For the collector, nothing’s better than opening Pandora’s box. D’Errico provides a full selection of items from Pandora Jewelry, from bracelets to beads. Prices cover a wide range as well, from $30 to $250 and up. If your loved one is a collector, you can’t go wrong with Pandora.

Material from local artists is frequently beautiful and always unique. D’Errico’s has made a real commitment to Mount Kisco and the surrounding communities, and part of that includes displaying work from people who

live here and nearby. These iolite earrings by Iris Martell would look good on anyone.

 

For the mid-range buyer, few items demonstrate caring more dramatically than this magnificent 18kt gold, ruby and plique-a-jour enamel pin/pendant from Masriera of Barcelona, Spain for just $2,640.

 

  
  Many men are uncomfortable with jewelry, but everyone loves a good watch.
D'Errico carries a superb selection of antique and modern pieces like this
classic Gruen.

If you want to show your love in a truly magnificent way, go for this rare
and awesome 2.58 carat canary yellow diamond. Price: an unquestionably
memorable $66,000.

Which Kindle Is Right For You

The one thing I felt I was missing on vacation was a Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6.  Everyone else seemed to have one.  Just think you can adjust the font.  No more glasses, not that I need them , I am way to young.   No more losing your place.  Plus you can read magazines and newspapers as well.   Plus its light and since I am the worlds worst packer, it doesn’t add weight to your luggage.

 

 

Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more

Flip Flops With Swarovski Crystals

I took these on vacation and wore them everyday.

Your Favorite Flip Flops Done With Swarovski Crystal

Fabulous Swarovski Crystal Flip-Flops

 

$50.... less than anyone else on the internet!!! Full sizes 5 - 10... All custom so you can also choose your color combos... 

 

Inexpensive Dating Ideas

Recession Busters

Inexpensive Dating Ideas

Who says dating has to break the bank. While a byob restaurant is always a great option, getting creative with non-traditional days/evenings out is a fun way to save money and try something new!
Historic Places/Buildings and Museums: It seems the only time people go looking at the historic landmarks near where they live is when visitors come from out of town. Many of these historic or culturally significant spots have no or small entrance fees and make a great place to go on a date. You also get to learn more about the area you live.
Memory Album: Take your camera or purchase an inexpensive disposable camera and make a day of taking photos together. Make a theme for the day if you want or just take any crazy photo that comes to mind. Once finished, get the photos 1 hour processed and create a memory album together for the day that will live on forever.

College Events: If you live near a college or university, utilize their resources for your dates. Guest lectures, music recitals, art exhibitions and plays are common and are often free of charge. The quality can be excellent and the variety enormous. Learn A New Skill: Spend a few hours teaching your loved one a new skill. It could be a card game, learning how to knit (yes, men can knit) or changing a tire (not everyone's favorite date idea, but an important skill for all to have!). Any skill you have always wanted to try can make a fun and interesting date.
Local Thrift Shop Date: Plan a date someplace where there are a lot of people. Before going, head down to the local thrift shop together. Once there, specify a small amount of money to purchase clothing or accessories for the other and both head off in different directions. The goal is to find items the other has to wear for the rest of the day/evening within the price specified. The entertainment is seeing the reaction from all the people who see your new outfit as you wander the crowded area.
Follow Them Date: As the two of you meet, you look around and pick somebody out on the street. The date is to follow that person where ever he or she goes. Once that person has stopped or you can no longer follow them, pick another person to follow. You're bound to have loads of laughs as you attempt to stay with your designated guide. (Please avoid any behavior resembling stalking.)
Scavenger Hunt Date: When your date arrives, have him or her make a list of what he or she considers to be 20 unusual items. Once the list is made, the date will be to try and find as many of those items as possible, indoors and out. (A flask with your favorite adult beverage makes this date fun even when it's 5 degrees)

Bag Of Dates: Put each of the dates I just mentioned, plus any others that you come up with, onto a separate little piece of paper and place them in a bag. When your date comes to the door, have him or her reach inside and choose one to be that's days date.
(Some ideas courtesy of BeatTheRecession.com)

 

Botox, Restalyne or Great DNA

What the secret to looking good after 30. Botox, Restalyne or great DNA. Here in Westchester NY, we are blessed with a NYC caliber dermatologist.

Meet THE BOTOX KING- Dr. David Bank .

His is the name most frequently whispered by women of a certain age—too young for plastic surgery, yet mature enough to have acquired a few fine lines and age spots.
Dr. Bank is well educated—he received his Bachelor’s degree with honors from Yale University and his medical degree from Columbia University. He in-terned in internal medicine at Montefiore Hospital and did his dermatological training at Columbia Presbyterian. But the real secret to his popularity is his artistry with Botox. He was one of the first to jump on the Botox bandwagon back in 1993. His boyish good looks are the best advertisement—he readily owns up to using it himself. “Everyone who gets Botox from Dr. Bank, walks out looking natural,” swears Dee Croce, his admittedly biased office manager. And that is the point.


Get your skin ready for spring. Try BOTOX® to smooth out deep expression lines or Restylane® to fill in lines around the nose and mouth and plump up lips.



Where:The Center for Dermatology 359 Main Street Mt Kisco, NY 10549
What: Winter Can't Last Forever!

RSVP: Make the call!
Call 914 241 3003 and mention“Stacyknows"

Related articles by Zemanta

• Restylane as a Novel Way to Get Rid of Wrinkles (articlesbase.com)

Ask Your Mom at Route 22 in Armonk

Ask Your Mom this weekend!

Saturday February 6, 2010

9:00 to 12:00

Route 22 Restaurant & Bar
55 Old Route 22
Armonk, NY 10504
914.765.0022

MORE INFO & DIRECTIONS: Route 22 website
Please Note: given the winter weather and
our typical gig conditions,
we recommend you make dinner reservations and
get to Route 22 well before we start at 9:00.

Super Savings From Holistic Med Spa and Laser

Call Now for an appointment!
914 242-8844 #2

Save 10%  When Puchased by Feb. 25th 2010

Win Luxury Escape: W Hotel & Bliss Spa

 Win Luxury Escape: W Hotel & Bliss spa!

We’re Giving Away A Luxury Escape!

Win a 2-night stay at a W Hotel of your choice, and $100 to Bliss spa.

• Follow @ShopItToMe
• Tweet: “Follow @ShopItToMe. Win W Hotel luxury escape!http://bit.ly/6fHujY”
• Tweet once each day between Feb 1st and Feb 5th for an extra entry each time!

Want even more entries?

Tell friends! Each friend that signs up for Shop It To Me before February 5th counts as another entry to win.

Important Notes:

• You must be a Shop It To Me member to win (if you’re not a member yet,sign up now!)
• U.S. residents only, age 18+
• For more info, see official contest rules

 

Ask Your Mom at Route 22 Saturday February 6

 

Ask Your Mom at Route 22 Saturday February 6 

Rue La La

I just found Rue La La, the destination for 2-day-only Boutiques, filled with the designers we love at private sale prices. It's free, fabulous, and invitation-only. Here's your invitation!
http://www.ruelala.com/invite/sgeisinger01
Rue La La Is...
Rue La La is... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Our focus is a well-edited collection of sought-after offerings from the best brand names in the world - combined with helpful service.
Membership is free. It's also invitation-only. Members shape the community by inviting new Members - and getting a $10 Rue La La Credit when each new friend places their first order.
The discovery of something unexpected, something that imbues the day-to-day with a little magic - these are the "ooh la la moments" we long for. And you'll find them here.

Tasteful Treats & Treasures Gift Baskets

 Maybe Jewelry isn’t your thing.   Valentine’s Day is one of those days where you can enjoy chocolate.  My father always got me one of those sampler boxes.

My friend Rose has a fabulous company called Tasteful Treats & Treasures Gift Baskets.  She has baskets for every occasion and sentiment. 

Tasteful Treats & Treasures Gift Baskets represents the quintessential gift basket company with a showcase of gifts, delectable goodies, gourmet delights and collectible treasures from around the world.

 Valentine's Day is only  days away! Give your sweetie one of our custom gift baskets... I promise you'll get a kiss in return!

  

The Ultimate Chocolate Accessories for Valentine’s Day – enter code STACY to receive 10% OFF Valentine’s Day Gifts & Baskets

Desires By Mikolay Valentine's Day Special

Say what you want , but there is no other present like jewelry.

15% off all in stock items. Valentine's day is all about celebrating love and passion! Flowers die but jewelry lasts forever. Come in to browse Mikolay’s wide selection of gift range jewelry. Gift giving is a breeze with their in store registry.
If Shopping online , use coupon code: heart10

Valentine's Day Customer Appreciation

15% off jewelry

 

$25 Gift card with Every $150 Spent on Pandora Until Valentines Day Pandora and Flowers all at D'Errico

 

$25 gift card with every $150 spent on Pandora until Valentines Day

HASE:
RECEIVE A $25 GIFT CARDGIFT WITH PURCHASE FROM
1-800-FLOWERS.COM WITH EVERY
PURCHASE OF $150 PANDORA FROM
JANUARY 1ST - FEBRUARY 14TH
*GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Visit D'Errico Jewelry Online

 

 

Divorce Your Jewels

 

Divorce Your Jewels

Flipside

Back in Northern Westchester
                  "FLIPSIDE"
Yes, friends after a long break from the area Flipside has been   invited back to the perform at the New Hot Spot in Mt. Kisco N.Y.
                        French American Bistro
                                       FAB
                             222 East Main Street
                                Mt. Kisco, N.Y.

914 864-1661

They will be playing songs from our recent CD, great cover tunes
and a lot of new tunes that we have been working on.
Please come down and join us for a good time.
Great bar and great menu. Make reservations for dinner.
                        Hope to see you all.
Thursday night, Feb. 4, 9:00 to 12:00

Crispy Crunchy Kale Chips «

I have been trying to get more kale, well maybe not more kale,but kale into my diet.  So when my friend@gooddirt tweeted about that she was making kale chips i immediately tweeted her for the recipe.  Tomorrow, I am going to try this.

Crispy Crunchy Kale Chips

April 23, 2009 by Meghan Telpner

Yes. In case you were wondering, I did use the word ‘woodier’ in my video. So I a make up words on the fly. Who doesn’t?
Denise Huxtable isn’t the only one who loves kale. I do too! And I have quite a bit left over post cleanse, so I have done what I love to do with kale. Make chips.  Kale chips are usually the first thing I plunk down on the table for the guests of my Healthy Meal Prep Workshop (psst- next one is May 10th). I do this because they are amazingly healthy and surprisingly delicious- even to people that are not kale lovers like Denise and I.
I had better not need to get into the health benefits of green vegetables at this point. Seriously. I better not. Buuuuuut, what you might be interested in is my little video from Everdale farm on how kale grows- from seed to harvest to market to my kitchen.
Ready. Set. Simple recipe and pretty kale chip pictures.

Kale Chips
1 bunch of kale
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp salt

• Preheat oven to 200
• Wash kale thoroughly and let dry
• Tear kale away from stem. Each kale leaf should be torn into about 6 or eight pieces
• Place kale, salt, olive oil and lemon into a bowl and mix together with your hands, gently massaging the kale with the oil, lemon and salt
• Lay kale out on a cookie sheet or pizza pan
• Place in over and set timer for 30 minutes
• At 30 minutes, remove from oven and gently unstuck kale from pan if it has stuck and replace for another 10-15 minutes until kale is dry and crispy
• Allow to cool. Can store in fridge for up to a week

Crispy Crunchy Kale Chips « Making Love In The Kitchen

Dear Old Love

Whether your Valentine's plans include dating and relating, wining and dining, or curling up with a romantic read, find gift books at prices that'll make your heart sing.

The Dinner Game- Complimentary Wine Tasting and VIP Film Screening

What: A complimentary French Wine tasting and Screening of the French Comedy Le Dîner de Cons. (The Dinner Game).


Plot summary: Each week, Parisian publisher Pierre and his circle of elite friends compete to see who can bring the nerdiest, most idiotic guest to dinner- the catch being, of course, that the dunce must have no clue why he's been invited. Pierre is in for a huge surprise, however, when he endures an evening with bug-eyed tax collector Monsieur Pignon, a world-class blunderer who only wants to help "fix" his new friend's messy marital life.

Where: Avon Theatre Film Center

272 Bedford St.
Stamford, CT

When: Tuesday Feb. 9th, 2010

6-7pm Wine tasting, Movie begins at 7:30pm

Entrance fee is complimentary to all those who sign up for our monthly site newsletters
at the theatre.
Why: Girls Guide to Paris.com and Best Movies by Farr.com have planned this evening to raise awareness about their websites and encourage women with a love of French culture to come together and enjoy a Girl’s night out at the beautiful historic Avon Theatre.

Who: This is a Ladies Night Out and all women (and their men) who love Paris, French film or wine are encouraged to attend. John Farr of bestmoviesbyfarr.com, a film advocate and co-founder of the
Avon, will introduce the film. RSVP to info@girlsguidetoparis.com

Why Can't I Lose Weight

Your Host: Eve, Gayle and Elyce


 If you are truly exhausted from dieting, the time has arrived to try something different. Learn why you have not been successful in the past. Learn a new way of approaching your eating so you finally get the results you want. If you are a teacher, practitioner or if you know someone who would benefit from this, please send it on to them.

What: Why Can't I Lose Weight!?!

Where: Armonk, NY

When: February 1st, 2010, 11:30am - 1:30pm

More info: Now is the time to stop obsessing and start living.



You've asked for it and here it is! More inspiration, information and support from the FriendsforHealth Dine Your Mind Series. We have identified the pitfalls to losing weight and are excited to get you back on track for success.

Light, healthy, organic lunch will be prepared by Whole Foods Chef and Caterer, Elyce Jacobson, of In Good Taste Catering.

As Health Counselors, we believe that our circle of friends enriches and illuminates our lives and absolutely improves our health. With that in mind, we created "Friends For Health" to inspire people to learn how to nourish their lives and the lives of those they love.

The cost for the lunch & presentation is $30. To pay click on the "Confirm Now" button where it says CONTRIBUTE above right to ensure your spot and allow us to prepare your materials in advance. Current Friends for Health Group participants pay $25 Space is limited. We look forward to seeing you there!



Your Friends For Health,



Eve and Gayle

Certified Health and Wellness Counselors

“feel great in and about your body”



Location: 10 Ridgeview Circle, Armonk, NY 10504
Now is the time to stop obsessing and start living.

You've asked for it and here it is! More inspiration, information and support from the  Friends For Health Dine Your Mind Series.

If you are truly exhausted from dieting, the time has arrived to try something different. Learn why you have not been successful in the past. Learn a new way of approaching your eating so you finally get the results you want. If you are a teacher, practitioner or if you know someone who would benefit from this, please send it on to them.

February 1st, 2010, 11:30am - 1:30pm

Armonk, NY

Blonde Ambition at Gavi

             Last performance for Blonde Ambition in our area

              Come down to Armonk on Jan. 29 Friday night.

                              Blonde Ambition

wil be playing at Gavi Restaurant  & Bar, 15 Old Rt. 22 Armonk.

The band has been playing all around Westchester for numerous

charity events. They will not be back in the area until May.

         Come down and get your dancin shoe's on.

                       Music starts at 9:PM

                    Call for reservations 273-6900

What We Are Loving This Valentine’s Day

What We Are Loving This Valentine's Day!
Spread the love... give special people on your list mouth watering, custom baked goods. Tied up with a personalized ribbon.
The most delicious part? The company gifts the charity of your choice a percentage of the profits.
Roses are red, the best gifts are pink... choose the perfect gift for your family, friends and office workers. The company sends a contribution to Breast Cancer Research.
Light a fire... votive candles, tapers  and flowers set the mood. Have a single room or your whole house decorated for an intimate dinner or an annual holiday party with friends.
Romancing the stone... a hot stone couples massage or a hot Rolling Stone musical tribute montage for the one you love. A night to remember. Years of entertainment.
Let it snow... and have a picnic in your living room with your own personal chef.  Heat up the season with a sushi chef and learn how to make your own delicious Valentine's rolls at home.
The possibilities are endless! Let us help you celebrate! jo rosenfeld major occasions
www.jorosenfeld.com jo@jorosenfeld.com    914 - 419 - 2368   jo rosenfeld major occasions on FB

 

Haiti- ShelterBox USA Fundraiser

 

 

Sample Sale Productions –Exotic Skin Bags

---

Always 30 - 70% Off Retail
www.SampleSaleProductions.com

This week we bring to you the finest in
Authentic Python and Crocodile
All are one of a kind so hurry while supplies last
The Perfect Gift For Valentines Day

Exotic Skin Bags Are The Ultimate In Luxury
Regular Price $2100
Our Price $1300
Click to see more styles

Functionality Meets Creativity With this Pyton and Leather Tote. Available in 2 colors! These bags are works of art.
Regular Price $2400
Our Price $1400
Click To See This Bag In Brown

Sample Sale Productions  instantly fell in love with these bags! This is the PERFECT Crocodile Handbag and it is also available in Ostrich
Regular Price $2100
Our Price $1300
This bag and more

Crafted from the finest skins, all produced by the finest craftsmen.

Regular Price $2600

Our Price $1450

Available in 3 colors

More Styles Available at www.SampleSaleProductions.com
prices start at $375

Over the last four years we have  staged the largest "go to" events on the East Coast, filling ballrooms with 1000's of couture and designer handbags, clothing, and accessories.   Now that "ultimate shopping experience" can be had in our new e-commerce store. Please see our entire selection at www.SampleSaleProductions.com

Why I Go To Pour in Mt Kisco

Why should you to come to Pour?



To find a welcome respite from Westchester's staid bar scene.

To mingle with smart, interesting people who appreciate great food, wine, and boutique spirits.

To participate in any number of unique events, tastings, parties, and game nights.

And to meet local bartenders and proprietors who are friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely care for their patrons.

pourmtkisco.com

facebook.com/pourmtkisco

twitter.com/PourMtKisco

Mention Stacyknows and save  15%

Tiger Lily Boutique

Tiger Lily Boutique 

“On My Own Again”

Clothing Jewelry Accessories

Just like it used to be….

Happy New Year

             & the best of

        New beginnings to All

139 Main St.

Mt. Kisco  244 4201

 

Help Haiti Rise

Hey Everyone a message from my friends at B East in Amagansett NY.
I wanted to pass word along about a shirt a friend of mine just designed and printed, called HELP HAITI RISE.  They are donating 100% of the profits to a hard-working NGO in Haiti called Partners in Health.  The shirts are printed on super-soft American Apparel Tri-blend coffee-colored tees.  They're being sold by friends at Merchline, who have donated free storefront space and FREE SHIPPING.  Anyway, check out the shirt.  The goal is to sell out of the tees, raise over $1000 for the organization, and encourage solidarity around the relief efforts and Haiti's recovery.  They will also be selling a limited run of screen printed posters of the design, printed by their friends at Dog & Pony Prints, which will be posted online sometime this week.  The hope is that the demand and interest will lead them to print another run, and raise more funds.
- FRETTO PRINTS (http://www.hellofretto.com)/ is the screen printing business that is owned by my friends.   
- You can buy the t-shirt here: http://www.merchline.com/frettoprints  or you CAN STOP BY B EAST to buy your shirt!
- The organization they are fundraising for is called Partners in Health: http://www.pih.org/
- You can follow the updates by following Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/frettoprints

More Tips To Lose More Weight

These are tips I saw on the Bonnie Hunt Show given by JJ Virgin

1
. Stop the Snacking - every time you are eating that 100 calorie snack pack you are raising blood sugar and insulin and stopping fat burning. Why would your body need to burn stored fat for fuel if you just ATE???
2. Add some nut butters - dieters who ate a tbsp of PB a day lost more weight
3. Add vinegar to your meals - it acts to sensitive insulin receptors like the diabetic drug metformin, this means that it can help you control appetite and blood sugar better
4. Lose the artificial sweeteners - eat sweet, crave sweet AND they cause calorie dysregulation...which means you can no longer correlate the degree of sweetness with the amount of calories causing you to overeat
5. Treat yourself - give yourself PERMISSION to have 3 bites of a treat-ideally dark chocolate with berries to keep those cravings under control
6. Stop starving - if you cut your calories too much you will get irrational and cranky and overeat, be sure to eat enough of clean lean protein, healthy fats, high fiber carbs and non starchy veggies at each meal to be able to go 4-6 hours without getting hungry
7. Eat a big breakie - research shows dieters who get up to half their calories at breakfast lose more weight than those who spread those same cals throughout the day. Go for 400-600 cals at breakfast - show some good FAST ideas here (and be sure to eat within an hour of waking up)
8. Start your day with a meal replacement shake-research shows people who replace a meal with a shake lose more weight and KEEP it off, plus it is EASY FAST and you can throw in some great nutrition into it as well.
9. Do a Dairy Free/Gluten Free trial - I am finding that roughly 50% of my clients are Dairy sensitive and 30% are gluten sensitive which causes gas and bloating, cravings and "false fat". Test yourself by yanking these
10. Avoid the High Fructose Corn Syrup - this is the worst of the sugars out there - it can cause leptin and insulin resistance which means it makes you hungrier AND a better fat storer. IF you eat it after exercise it can block fat burning. Don't be fooled by fructose - save it for your fruit!
11. Make friends with fat - coconut milk and oil can help you burn more fat AND crush your hunger by raising cholescystikin that signals your brain that you are full
12. Limit your fluid intake at meals to 4-8 ounces to avoid making as STEW of your stomach acid and impairing protein digestion
Read more: http://www.bonniehunt.com/blog/jj_virgin.php?adid=jj_virgin_sphere_bonnie#ixzz0d3hlZGsC

Kids home on college break: Homo studentus universitatus season is winding to a close

   Barbara Brotman

 

For nature lovers, this season has brought the appearance of a special species, homo studentus universitatus, a.k.a. the college student on break.
This highly social creature, which travels in packs and leaves a trail of unwashed dishes, is apparently drawn to return every winter to its parental nest. Researchers speculate that it is attracted to large-screen TVs, down comforters and a ready supply of food.
The initial arrival of homo studentus in late December is heralded by the appearance of a large pile of dirty laundry. This is followed by other piles of shoes and clothes, as the denim-rumped primate marks its territory by covering all flat surfaces with its possessions. Within days, the floor of its den is nearly impassable, though interestingly, the creature itself seems not to notice.
It generally remains in its winter habitat through mid-January, displaying the characteristics that make it a particularly intriguing form of wildlife.
A nocturnal animal, homo studentus is rarely glimpsed before mid-afternoon. Observers are warned: Do not attempt to disturb it before it awakens, as it can become hostile.
Once it begins to stir, it generally moves slowly to the vicinity of a television and a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Again, do not approach it; at this point the creature appears to be unable to engage in conversation or even to hear sounds such as requests to walk the dog.
By late afternoon, however, homo studentus becomes fully conscious and begins to interact with other members of its species.
Homo studentus communicates largely by using its opposable thumbs for texting. The species' social structure is complex and communal. Individuals gather in collectives, similar to hives, with different individuals fulfilling specific roles. One may buy the beer; another may surf YouTube for funny videos of animals.
They will often congregate on sofas in family rooms, burrowing underneath fleece throws and blankets. The pack can grow so large and dense that it may be difficult to discern which feet belong to which body. Observers trying to track the populations are advised to count heads.
Homo studentus is an extremely intelligent species, judging by the creatures' GPAs, their verbal interactions and their speed with answers to "Jeopardy!" However, scientists are puzzled by their inability to fold blankets or put dishes into a dishwasher. It may be that their brains have evolved to specialize in such tasks as remembering lines from movies and applying to graduate school, to the detriment of those parts of the brain that are involved in such tasks as hanging clothes in a closet.
They appear to be cold-blooded, judging by the levels at which they set the thermostat. On the other hand, their preference for indoor heat may be a function of not paying for utilities.
Those who hope to observe this species closely can attract them by providing the right environment. Set out feeders, e.g. pizzas. Scatter indoor areas with pillows. Provide premium cable channels and potato chips. Stay out of sight and don't touch the remote.
You may not always see the creatures themselves, particularly if you sleep at night. Some people have gone days without seeing the examples of homo studentus that have taken up residence in their homes. Be patient, and look for signs: A profusion of hair-care products in your bathroom, perhaps, or tire tracks in the snow on your front lawn. Eventually, even the most elusive of the creatures will show themselves, if only to ask you to buy more Honey Nut Cheerios.
The rewards of the species' visit are substantial -- a window into a complex society, happy noise in a quiet house, an impressive library of funny animal videos and the way your credit card feels so vibrantly alive. Indeed, many wildlife watchers are reluctant to see the creatures depart, and abandon their roles as observers to hug and kiss the creatures.
But the homo studentus season is brief. No matter how much the creatures have enjoyed the family nest and the use of their own bathrooms, they will soon return to college. Nature lovers must put away their binoculars, turn down the thermostat and bide their time until spring migration.
bbrotman@tribune.com

Kids home on college break: Homo studentus universitatus season is winding to a close - chicagotribune.com

Nu Skin helps consumers turn the clock back on their skin with the brand NEW age:LOC future serum!

2010 not only marks the start of a new decade, but the beginning of an anti-aging revolution. The beauty and grooming industry is filled to the brim with zillions of lotions, creams, washes and assorted serums all claiming to delay the common physical signs of aging. Everything from crow’s feet and laugh lines to 11’s between your eyebrows, however out of all of these products how many of them actually deliver on their “fountain of youth” claims?
Nu Skin has always prided itself on utilizing superior research and development to provide their customers with the most effective products available, which is clearly evident in their new ageLOC ™ science. What makes the ageLOC ™ series of products from Nu Skin different from the majority is that they not only target the signs of aging, but also the sources of aging by identifying groups of genes known as “youth gene clusters” which regulate how we look as we age. The ageLOC ™ products support resetting these gene clusters to their youthful patterns of activity, going far and beyond the status quo.
Brand new for 2010 is the ageLOC™ Future Serum, the latest Nu Skin product to utilize this revolutionary “turn back the clock” technology. This powerful, clinically tested anti-aging treatment product preserves the look of youth and reduces the appearance of aging in eight key ways:
1.      Youthful skin structure: patent-pending ingredient technology stimulates collagen production three times greater than normal and provides a 60 percent decrease in harmful MMP production
2.      Smooth skin texture: contains ingredients proven to stimulate youthful cell renewal for noticeably smoother and softer skin
3.      Even skin tone: reduces the appearance of blotchy, dull and uneven skin
4.      Reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles: a powerful anti-aging blend reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for more visually youthful skin
5.      Radiant skin: includes skin brightening technology
6.      Reduced appearance of pore size: reduces the appearance of pore size through youthful cell turnover
7.      Reduced skin discoloration: skin brightening technology interrupts unwanted melanin production in the skin for a reduction in spots of discoloration
8.      Hydrated skin: increases hydration by stimulating hyaluronic acid production, a moisturizing compound found naturally in the skin
The ageLOC™ Future Serum successfully addresses more signs of aging than any other Nu Skin product and is gently formulated, providing powerful ingredients in a mild formula that is neither drying nor irritating to the skin. As if this was not enough, this top-notch product is also paraben free and starts to show results in as few as seven days!

The ageLOC™ Future Serum is priced at $157.00 for a 30-day supply on automatic delivery and is available through your local Nu Skin distributor, which I am call 1-914 673 -3386 or visit www.nuskin.com .
I would love the opportunity to work with you to review this breakthrough new anti-aging product. You too will see that the proof is in the serum. I am positive that your readers will tune in to learn how to get their skin looking and feeling younger in “8 ways in just 7 days!”
Please let me know if you would like additional information or product photos. I hope that we can work together on a product review. If you are interested, please provide me with your mailing address so I can get the product mailed out to you and you can test it first-hand.

 

Northern Westchester Reaches Out to Haiti

Northern Westchester Reaches Out to Haiti

Posted on January 14, 2010 by katonahgreen
I was feeling a bit frantic about my life on Tuesday, until I heard about the earthquakes in Haiti and everything immediately snapped into perspective. I’m lucky. Very lucky to have a home and a healthy child and friends and food and water and even the means to write this note to you! Since then I’ve had reports from so many people about what they are doing to get help to Haitians, and wanted to share suggestions from local people, and from my Twitter and Facebook friends. There is so much we can do. Stop whatever you are doing and donate to one of these action organizations now. Then post this article to your Facebook page, Tweet it, and email it to friends. Make it easy for people to donate. If you have more suggestions, post them in the comments.
Shelter Box USA
Shelter Box USA is sending containers with emergency relief supply boxes equipped with tents, cooking stoves, sleeping mats and blankets, water purification kits and tools. Donate to Shelter Box here. Recommended by 3 local Twitterers: @pourMtKisco @Cornell140 @WestchesterMag
******Come talk with Shelter Box USA volunteers at Gossett’s Nursery, Saturday, January 23rd from 10-12. They will show the emergency supply boxes and supplies they send to disaster areas, and explain how they work, and talk about the people working on the ground in Haiti as well as other areas of the world******.
Food For the Poor
Stephanie Crispinelli, a Katonah resident was on a college trip in Haiti working on infrastructure for Food for the Poor when the quake hit. Donate to Food for the Poor here. This organization has workers on the scene and infrastructure in place to quickly and efficiently get food to Haiti and distributed. (Stephanie has been located)
_____________________
Diocese of Norwich Haitian Ministries
The head of the Katonah Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Cook wrote this appeal on her Facebook page, which was the first local connection I had heard about, “My niece is Jillian Thorp, the Acting Director of a Mission in Haiti that was ‘pulled out of the rubble’ in Haiti by her husband, Frank. It’s on all the news stories. She was trapped for 10 hours under a fallen roof. Jill and Frank are…maybe 24 years old? They are both safe, but thousands of others need our help.Please send prayers and money to this devastated country.” To donate through the Diocese of Norwich Haitian Ministries log on to http://www.haitianministries.org/or call 860-638-1018 or 860-848-2237 ext. 206.
_________________
Salvation Army
Grab your cell phone, text the word “HAITI” to 52000 and make a $10 donation to The Salvation Army Haiti Relief Effort! Recommended by Jim Long, on Twitter @newmediajim
OXFAM International
Oxfam has units in the region and are mobilizing food, water and shelter to Haiti. Go to this video, click on ‘more info’ on the right and you’ll find a donations link. Or click here to donate directly.
Red Cross International
Westchester Assemblywoman Amy Paulin recommended donations to the Red Cross on Twitter. Donate here.
Save the Children
Our family friend Adam is the director of Save the Children, headquartered in Westport CT. Go to their site to watch video reports from Haiti, ongoing reports, and to donate. Save the Children is providing immediate lifesaving assistance, such as food, water, shelter and child-friendly spaces. Save the Children has worked in Haiti for twenty-five years with about 100 staff on the ground, primarily in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and the Central Plateau region, providing vulnerable children with health, education, protection and food security programs. Check their emergency response blog: http://savethechildren.typepad.com/
______________________
American Jewish World Service
Bedford Hills resident Joy Perlow recommends American Jewish World Service who is mobilizing food, shelter and medical relief through the people and programs it already has in place in Haiti since 1999. Donate here.
_______________________
American Friends Service Committee
AFSC is dedicated to strengthening local capacity to rebuild, recover and heal after times of crisis and devastation. They have organizers in the region who will be working closely with Haitians to empower them in the rebuilding. Donate here. I personally recommend them as I trust this organization to act in the best interests of the citizens of Haiti in a manner that will help them to build their own infrastructure. I suggest donating to them in the future as their work will continue there long after the crisis is no longer news headlines.
____________________
NOTES
Sarah Hodgson a Katonah author posted a link on her Facebook page about Search and Rescue dog teams headed to Haiti with link to more relief organizations.View here.
South Salem resident and well-known eco photographer Henry J Fair suggested on Twitter “Haiti leads hemisphere in deforestation, causing mudslides, flooding, erosion, which heighten quake devastation.”
_____________

Northern Westchester Reaches Out to Haiti « Katonahgreen's Blog

Grilled Romaine Lettuce Salad

Last night I went to Terra Sole Cheese WineBar Ristorante  in Ridgefield Connecticut.  They had my grilled romaine salad on the menu. Of course, my version is better and it is soooo easy to make.   My dinner companions insisted that I repost my recipe as they lamented over misssing the Food Network on cable.

My friend Ilyse shared this recipe with me. She is right. It is absolutely delicious and so easy to make.

Cut whole romaine heart in half.

Rinse off but keep in tack.

Drizzle some olive oil or a vinaigrette dressing of choice on top with some Italian seasoning ground on top

Spay grill with grilling spray (PAM) so that lettuce does not stick to grill

Grill for 2 minutes on each side.

It will burn if you do not stay with it.

Use a peeler to peel long slices of fresh Parmesan cheese.

Put on top of the lettuce on plate

.Each person should get a whole half, therefore 1 heart is for 2 people.

I find that I can easily eat the whole heart myself.

Absolutely delicious!!!!!

What Would You Take

If you had 60 seconds what would you take?  It's a question that seems to come up again and again.

This marks the 11th year anniversary of my house burning down.  Yes, my entire house burned to the ground.  I lost every material thing I had ever known.     I remember in college taking a psychology class, where we asked what would take and everyone said photos.  It isn't as easy as it sounds.   My favorite photos, the ones I had  put in frames,   they truly disintergrated in the fire.  Interestingly enough, the ones I had in albums ,were either badly singed or were soaked in an effort to extinguish the fire.  After going through the rubble, I decided to only keep the album  with my sons baby pictures in it.  Eleven years later that photo album still reeks of smoke.
 Oddly enough, I can still conjure up in my memory what those  discarded pictures were.     Now I am diligent at putting all my pictures online on photo  sites such as flicker, or snapfish. 
Its constant  reminder that material things are replaceable.    At the end of the day, what really matters are your memories.  Everythig else is just stuff.  It is all replaceable.

Of course, you should be prepared.  I can't over emphasize enough how important proper insurance is.

When I walked out of my house 11 years ago, it never occurred to me that my entire house would  burn to the ground. I didn't even think to take my engagement ring with me.  I thought I would lose a room or two.  It never  crossed my mind to take anything but my family.  As long as I had them, everything else is replaceable.  Even more poignant, you begin  to realize what do I really need. 

In the early days following the fire, as I was back in the gathering stages of life yet again, I had a lofty ideal that I will simplify my life.   I would never have an overstuffed closet again.   I vowed to myself to buy clothing in only black , white and beige. Everything I would  work together.   One of my first purchases was a black pants suit.  It replaced one I had recently purchased before the fire.  Getting ready to go out all of a sudden became easy.   I was wearing the black pants suit.  It sounded great on paper.   That theme lasted about a nano second.  How could I ever live without my beloved pink and orange?

Even if I was prepared for something as catastrophic as a fire, there is no guarantees that me possessions would have been in a place that I could get to.  Think about it, even if you had a plan, who is to say the place you stored all your important items in would be accessible at that very moment.
As the environmental educator Steve van Matre saw it, "The key to a good life is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."

Living with less (or not desiring more) can be the route to a simpler and happier life. And it sure makes it easier to decide what to take with you, when the carpet is suddenly pulled from beneath your life as you knew it.

Mission Possible at The Saw Mill Club

Your mission should you choose to accept it is: Mission Possible, a new small group training program:
Maximize your experience and learn how to live skillfully
Explore all that Saw Mill Club has to offer
Put your membership to effective action
Be supported and held accountable to reach your healthy way of life
Feel healthy and fit
Learn from our expert trainers and professional staff

This effective 6-week program is set to launch
Monday, January 18, 2010

Each week, you will receive your assignment via email, a four part mission to accomplish.

The mission will be filled with valuable tips and strategies designed by our professional staff which will include:
Fitness
Nutrition
Personal coaching
Skillful Living Tips
With our help, your fitness mission is possible! We’ve designed this affordable and fun program to help you attain your fitness goals. Gain valuable knowledge and training by taking advantage of all Saw Mill Club has to offer.
Contact Mervyn Tugendhaft to register for Mission Possible:
Phone: (914) 241-0797 extension 3167
Email: mtugendhaft@sawmillclub.com
Be sure to attend our Pre-Launch Opening at Willy Nick’s Café, where you’ll meet the Mission Possible crew and meet other new members willing to experience the journey.
For further information about this program and the Mission Possible crew,
please contact Andrew Guida:
Phone: (914) 241-0797 extension 3029
Email: aguida@sawmillclub.com

 

Resolution Skinny

 

Have You Heard About

Resolution:

SKINNY?

Now is the time to lose those extra few pounds!!!!!!!

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Life, Health and Wellness coach Lisa Samet to discuss weight loss, detox programs, nutritional supplements, or just how to eat right and stay healthy

Park Avenue Medical Spa

Call now (914) 730-3333

 

FELA Discount Offer

   
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith
present
The Most Original New Musical on Broadway

FELA!
Eugene O’ Neill Theatre
230 W. 49^th St.
www.felaonbroadway.com
"THIS DECADE'S MOST EXHILARATING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL!"
– Elyse Gardener, USA TODAY
“THERE SHOULD BE DANCING IN THE STREETS! 
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANYTHING ON BROADWAY LIKE THIS PRODUCTION!”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times
BEST OF 2009!
- The New York Times, Time Out New York,
New York Magazine, USA Today, Time
Enter the extravagant, decadent, rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.  His Passion Ignited a Generation.  His Music Fueled a Revolution.  His Legacy Inspires The World. 
Based on the life of groundbreaking African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, FELA! is the critically acclaimed Broadway musical that uses Afrobeat music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies) to explore Fela Kuti’s life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.  Watch the video (linked to: http://www.felaonbroadway.com/hhcpartner.php).
Directed and choreographed by Tony^® Award winner Bill T. Jones, with arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, FELA! is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theatre. Come for the music. Come for the dancing. Come electrify your soul.
DISCOUNT OFFER:
$52 (Reg. $99) for Wed matinees starting January 6^th
$67 (Reg. price: $112 - $122) for all other performances
HOW TO ORDER:
1. VISIT www.BroadwayOffers.com and use code FEHHC0818
2. CALL Telecharge at (212) 947-8844 and mention code FEHHC0818
3.  BRING a printout of this discount to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre at 230 West 49^th Street.
RESTRICTIONS:
All prices include a $2 facility fee. This offer is valid through 2/28/10. Not valid for Saturday night performances. Other blackout dates may apply. Each order is limited to a maximum of 8 tickets for this promotion.

LaBlanc Brothers Band at Fab Bistro This Thursday

Please come and see the La Blanc Brothers Band at the new and excellent restaurant Fab Bistro on Thursday, January 14th from 9pm until whenever...
Make reservations to have dinner prior...let's start 2010 off on  a  positive note.   Hope to see you then.
p.s. The Brothers will be playing some new tunes off their original CD which came out this month in Europe and here...here's the single... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qACZAcyq0pI

Also, Brian is working on a new project..a Neil Diamond tribute band..check out his video...he's as good as the real thing...maybe he'll do some Neil...

 

Amazon DVD 2010 Deals Event

 Amazon Movies & TV is pleased to announce our first 2010 Deals Event which will run through January 24, 2010, while supplies last. This event will feature DVDs and Blu-ray discs with savings of up to 50% off, including:
- Over 200 Fitness DVDs including yoga, pregnancy, and dance workouts, and featuring celebrity trainers such as Jillian Michaels and Denise Austin
- Hundreds of hit movies including some the biggest new releases from Q4, 2009
- Over 400 indie and art house films including Oscar® winners Juno, Milk, and Lost in Translation
-Over 450 TV shows including HBO favorites, NBC comedy, and more 
 
 

101 Glam Girls Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle

What a fabulous find! Some really great tips for everyday life to make you a little more glamorous and to feel confident doing it too! Tip#101 is my fav! I bought the book for myself but this will make a great gift for my girlfriends too!
Every girl dreams of living a glamorous jet-set lifestyle, weather in the lap of luxury or on a tight budget. Dawn Del Russo Author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle: A Cheeky Book with Tidbits of Advice for a Glamorous Lifestyle  provides quick cheeky tips to living that swank life. Put together simply each one-liner is illustrated by Barbara Ann Scarrillo with charming, fashionable sketches sure to delight. Indulge in this fabulous quick read. Dawn Del Russo, high profile fashion stylist has been featured in print like US Weekly, Life and Style, InStyle, Glamour, People StyleWatch and on Fox 5 NY for her style advice. Del Russo is also a contributing writer for RunningwithHeels.com  and ChicGalleria.com. She has a keen sense of style and trends and is dedicated to helping women find their inner beauty, and confidence starting from the style on the outside. 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle: A Cheeky Book with Tidbits of Advice for a Glamorous Lifestyle  is every women's secret guide to breezing through life glamorously.

 

I guess Dawn Del Russo beat me to the publisher.  I have been saying these tips in one way or another my whole life. 

Reservations About Why We Make Reservations: Why do we run from our own dream homes?

Reservations About Why We Make Reservations: Why do we run from our own dream homes?
Kitchen couture with state of the art everything. Windows dressed top to bottom with as much care as are runway models. Paver stone pathways winding to front doors which scream "curbside appeal" to the passing cars. Wall to wall labors of love, our houses to homes, and STILL we race out, every chance we get, on Saturday night, to sit in the midst of a venue which is someone else's idea of decorating nirvana. Why? Why not live in the houses which we have transformed into homes?

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: Enjoy your home and share it with those with whom you enjoy spending a Saturday night (or any other night of the week)!

-Plan an intimate wine tasting for you, your significant other and another couple. Hire a wine expert to come into your den. Be treated to a once in a lifetime celebration. Valentine's Day beginning with a celebratory red and ending with a dessert port. Birthday bubblies over chilled and aged to perfection. The possibilities are endless and the budget is yours to determine.

- Host a spa night with the girls. Throw a party for your best friend's --th birthday . Coordinate a mother-daughter retreat. Call up your camp friends and invite them to sleep over 25 years later. Hire a make up artist, hair stylist, masseuse or Reiki instructor. Have your guests leave the leftovers behind and go home with custom keepsakes.

- Dinner and the movies in the home theater which you once designed. A montage for a milestone anniversary. Stay connected with your "clique" each month and bring in dinner 'n a great flick. Junk food optional.

- Invite your friends and family over for a birthday brunch. Hire a musician or vocalist to entertain the crowd with a handpicked play list . Capture the moments with the help of a low key, top notch photographer. Relive their youth and your own. Have a decor artist spruce up your home for the occasion and have the party aura linger after everyone has left.

2010 has arrived. The air is chilly. The economy is still a bit chilly. Let us do the legwork, turn up the heat and light a fire. You can dance in the privacy of your own dream home!

http://www.jorosenfeld.com/ or joro1811@aol.com 

EXERCISING - Hey Scarsdale: Get your Soul Cycle on

 

EXERCISING - Hey Scarsdale: Get your Soul Cycle on!

Okay, it’s official, dear Westchester suburbanites, our county has officially hit its stride.
In 2009 Tarry Lodge, which is Mario Batali’s Italian Eatery in Portchester for those who still don’t know, opened it’s doors. (His pizza with guanciale, black truffles and sunny side up egg has officially changed my life.)

Next, was Yogaworks in Irvington, a hip California based yoga studio that blends the old and new, and fit just perfectly in our lil NYC ‘burb.

Then, Citibabes—the Manhattan-based family membership gym arrived above the train station in Scarsdale to the delight of parents and tykes alike.
And NOW … drum roll please … SoulCycle has arrived in Scarsdale, too. For anyone who isn’t familiar with this zen chic spinning gym, let me shed a little candlelight. SoulCycle is an indoor cycling workout that combines inspirational coaching with great music and a full body workout on a spinning bike. Cyclists ride in candlelight with a life size black and white mural of an open road behind them. "It's spiritual cardio therapy," New York Magazine states,  "you New Yorkers wont need their shrinks anymore".  Ahem? Don’t they know that we, Westchester suburbanites, have already traded in our shrinks for a labradoodle puppy? Soft, sweet and excellent listeners. But I digress. Upon my visit today I was pleasantly surprised to see that the studio looked and felt just like the signature New York City studios. I know this because I was at one of their city locations just a few months back at the recommendation of my dear friend Jess. At that time I couldn’t muster up the fortitude to try the class as I am a runner and cycling, well, that's my kryptonite   But not this time! If they build it, I will come (and try) and that is exactly what I did today (at 9:30am to be exact). Wow-eee, I get it. Everything about the experience was soulful. From the amazing scent that the candles in the room give off to the tunes they play to the graciousness of the people who work there, the place has soul. But what about the cycling you ask? Well lets just say that it may take me awhile to get up to speed but I'll get a good sweat while trying and so should you!  

Where is it you ask? The Scarsdale studio is located just above the Scarsdale train station inside the new Citibabes space. You don’t have to be a member to use SoulCycle but if you are, there is a BIG bonus in that you can drop your child off for “childminding” while you work out— that’s Citibabe talk for “babysitting.” Their website has this awesome (and easy) online reservation system so there is no need to rush the little one’s off to school at drop off time.
 

 

Community Markets | Winter: Mt Kisco Indoor Farmers' Market

WESTCHESTER FARMERS' MARKETS
Winter: Mt Kisco Indoor Farmers' Market
Founded 2010 | Sponsored by
the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester
9:00 AM-1:00PM - RAIN OR SHINE    JANUARY 9 -MAY 22






- Baked Goods
- Cheese
- Dairy Products
- Fruit
- Herbs
- Meat
- Mushrooms
- Prepared Foods
- Specialty Foods
- Wine

Your farmers are extending the season! This winter you'll find greens, roots and fruits, crusty breads, pastry, honey, preserves, pickles, cider and much more!




Adair Vineyard (Revolving Vendor)
New Paltz, NY
Wine
Bombay Emerald Chutney Co (Revolving Vendor)
Yorktown Heights, NY
Chutney
Dines Farm
Oak Hill, NY
Meat, Pork, Poultry, Rabbit, Sausage
Fingerlakes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Trumansburg, NY
Cheese
Gajeski Produce
Riverhead, NY
Cut Flowers, Herbs, Vegetables
Guyank Brand (Revolving Vendor)
Woodhaven, NY
Specialty Foods
Horman's Best Pickles
Glen Cove, NY
Pickles
John Boy's Farm
Pound Ridge, NY
Meat, Poultry
Kiernan Farm
Gardiner, NY
Beef, Honey, Maple Products, Sausage
Meredith's Bread
Kingston, NY
Baked Goods, Pastry, Quiche
Migliorelli Farm
Tivoli, NY
Fruit, Meat, Vegetables
Newgate Farm
East Granby, CT
Baked Goods, Fruit, Plants, Vegetables
Orwasher's Bakery
New York, NY
Baked Goods
Pika's Quiche
Big Indian, NY
Prepared Foods, Salsa, Soup
Tierra Farm
Valatie, NY
Specialty Foods
Trotta's Pasta
Thornwood, NY
Prepared Foods, Specialty Foods

Community Markets | Winter: Mt Kisco Indoor Farmers' Market

FAB: Who Said There Is Nowhere To Go In The Burbs

Have you checked out FAB.   FAB stands for French American Bistro. 

FAB "French American Bistro"

914-864-1661 

FAB, a French American Bistro, is located at 222 East Main Street in Mount Kisco, New York 10549.

The word is: Fantastic salads.

EN TERTAINMENT
Wednesday January 6
8 - 10 pm
Kevin Haden - acoustic guitar with bongo accompaniment

Thursday January 7
9:30pm-midnight
Third Stone - Blues, Soul and Rock Review

Monday, January 11
6 - 9 pm
Dennis Collins

Thursday, January 14
9 - midnight
The LaBlanc Brothers

Monday, January 18
6 - 9 pm
Dennis Collins

Thursday, January 21
9 - midnight
Randy Herman -Local cantor

Monday, January 25
6 - 9 pm
Dennis Collins

Wednesday January 27
7 - 9 pm
Cristina Fontanelli - Award Winning International Crossover Singer!! From Broadway to the Classics. Has performed for former Presidents Clinton & Bush. Check out her website @ cristinafontanelli.com

Thursday January 28
9:30pm-midnight
Ten Feet Deep

Ski For Z Day

 

HIT THE SLOPES & SHRED IT UP FOR

THE SECOND ANNUAL

“SKI FOR Z” DAY

JANUARY 16, 2010

THUNDER RIDGE SKI AREA

PATTERSON, NY

(BORDER OF SHERMAN, CT)

DISCOUNTED PASS* GOOD ALL DAY, 9 TO 5!!

PLUS RAFFLES, GIFTS, MUSIC, AND MORE!!

FOR DETAILS VISIT:

www.planetpjz.org

*you must download coupon on web site to get discount!!

ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE

THE PJZ FOUNDATION

The PJZ Foundation has been set up to raise awareness and funds for environmental and education programs, in memory of Brookfield (CT) High School science teacher Peter J. Zguzenski.

COME OFF THE SLOPES, THE VERY COOL MATT RAE TRIO WILL PLAY FROM 4 TO 7 PM JUST AFTER THE RAFFLE WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED AT 3 PM. AND YOU’VE NEVER SEEN RAFFLE PRIZES LIKE THIS!! MORE INFO ON THE WEB SITE. SHOULD BE A GREAT FAMILY DAY AND FOR A GOOD CAUSE, SUPPORTING THE PJ ZGUZENSKI MEMORIAL FUND.

Chicken Marbella Silver Palate Cookbook Recipe

When I first was married 20 years ago I would use the Silver Palate Cookbook 25th Anniversary Edition as my bible.  I lost that book in the fire.  That another story.  Over this past vacation I found myself dining at my friends the Berman’s .  My girlfriend Angie is a fantastic cook and an even better golfer.  That mid-western  hospitality is hard to compete with. This is the meal she made us our first night of the trip.   Now that I am home from vacation and my son is still in from college, it is what I am making for dinner tonight.
Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

4 chickens, 2 1/2 pounds each, quartered
1 head of garlic, peeled and finely pureed
1/4 cup dried oregano
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup pitted prunes
1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives
1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice
6 bay leaves
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white wine
1/4 cup Italian parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl combine chicken quarters, garlic, oregano, pepper and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight.
Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow baking pans and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour white wine around them.
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when thigh pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice.
With a slotted spoon transfer chicken, prunes, olives and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro. Pass remaining pan juices in a sauceboat.
To serve Chicken Marbella cold, cool to room temperature in cooking juices before transferring to a serving platter. If chicken has been covered and refrigerated, allow it to return to room temperature before serving. Spoon some of the reserved juices over chicken.
Chicken Marbella Silver Palate Cookbook Recipe at Epicurious.com

Ivey's roasted dinner

 
Ivey's roasted dinner
Ivey's is in the Connecticut Style kitchen preparing a delicious meal perfect for entertaining.
Classic Roasted Chicken
This one is a slam dunk, comes out perfect every time. If you don't have a roasting rack, put carrots, onion and celery on the bottom of the pan and place the bird on top. Roasted veggies always make a great side dish too.
1 Whole Chicken
1 Lemon, cut in half
3 Tbs. Magic Oil (sub w/ veggie oil or pure olive - not extra virgin)
Sprinkle Kosher Salt (approx. ¼ tsp.)
Sprinkle Sticks & Buds (approx. 1 tsp.) (sub w/Rosemary & Thyme)
Sprinkle Rub All Over (approx. ¼ tsp.) (sub w/garlic powder & paprika)
Preheat oven to 420-degrees. Rinse the bird and pat dry with paper towels. Place chicken on a roasting rack or over vegetables in a shallow baking pan. Squeeze the lemon all over the chicken. Pick out the pits. Drizzle the chicken with Magic Oil. Sprinkle with Kosher Salt, Sticks & Buds and Rub All Over. Roast for one hour. Let the bird rest under heavy-duty tin foil for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Racka Racka Lamb
Roasting at a high temperature will render this rack of lamb so juicy that you'll be licking your fingers! When buying your rack, look for one that is heavy for its size and has a generous layer of fat across the front. If you are buying from a butcher or the supermarket ask them to "French" the rack for you. That is to remove the meat between the bones at the top. It looks nice and makes the individual chops easier to pick up with your fingers. I realize that for the more polite of heart, eating with your hands is a big no-no but as far as I'm concerned, the only true way to enjoy lamb chops at home is to pick them up by the bones and really gnaw on them. Hey, I said I was a cook, I never said I was a lady. One rack will serve two people if you have generous side dishes. If you are really hearty eaters, I recommend preparing two. Also, pull out your digital probe meat thermometer for this one. I know a lot of you don't have one, get one. The perfect rack of lamb is cooked to perfection - in my opinion - at medium rare (an internal temperature of 145 degrees).
1 Rack of lamb
1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
2 Tbs. Magic Oil (sub w/ veggie oil or pure olive - not extra virgin)
1 Tbs. Sticks & Buds (sub Rosemary & Thyme)
1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary
Preheat oven to 420-degrees. Rinse rack and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of fat in a diagonal criss-cross pattern. Lightly coat the entire rack with the Magic Oil. Sprinkle the front of the rack with Kosher Salt. Sprinkle the front of the rack with Sticks & Buds. Weave the fresh Rosemary sprig throughout the tops of the bones. Place lamb, fat side up in a shallow baking dish on top of a selection of your favorite veggies. Insert the meat thermometer dead center, making sure not to touch any of the bones or the bottom of the pan. Set it for 145º. Bake until the thermometer beeps, approximately 25 minutes. Set aside and cover loosely with heavy duty tin foil for 10 minutes. Carve into chops and serve with mint jelly.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
2 Pints Fresh Brussel Sprouts - rinsed and picked over
¼ Cup Magic Oil (sub veggie oil or pure olive - not extra virgin)
½ tsp. Kosher Salt
Preheat oven to 420-degrees. Place veggies in a mixing bowl or large zip baggie. Drizzle with Magic Oil, sprinkle with Kosher Salt. Toss gently to coat and dump into a shallow baking pan. Put veggies in 420° oven and check after 30 minutes.
Brussel Sprouts should be dark brown around the edges. If they are not well done enough for you, turn the oven up to 475º and roast for another 15 minutes. They're done when the edges are brown and veggies are easy to pierce with a fork. For variety, you may sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese on top.
For a free sample of Ivey's seasonings, please visit http://www.iveysinmykitchen.com/

An Evening with Martin Short and Paul Shaffer

The White Plains Performing Arts Center is a jewel in the center of town.  There are only 410 seats and not a bad one to be had.  Parking is easy.  This is an event not to be missed.

For reservations call reservation  914-242-7460

Train Yourself To Be In The Mood You Want

 Train Yourself To Be In The Mood You Want

• 
  I read a great Blog Post on Rockyourday.com  about how to take control of your moods. Its a great post. No one can MAKE you feel anything. You decide how you interpret the stimuli. Here’s the bullet points:

First Up: Using A Framework to Escape From Paralyzing Emotions
A: AGREE With Yourself That You Don’t Want To Be In This Mood Right Now.
C: CLARIFY The Mood or Emotion You Want To Move Towards
T: TAKE Responsibility For Taking Immediate Action.
F: “What Would I Need To FOCUS On To Feel this Way?”
A: “What Would I Need To ACT On To Feel The Way I Want To?”
S: “What Would I Need To SURROUND Myself With To Feel The Way I Want To?”
T: “What Would I Need To TELL Myself To Feel The Way I Want To?”
Yeah, This Takes Some Work, But What The Hell Else Are You Doing?
-If you ask yourself, “Why me?” or “What can I possibly do?” you‘re going to be paralyzed.
-If you ask yourself “What can I do next, from where I am, with what I have,” you’re going to put yourself in a position of strength.
-Ask better questions. Train yourself to be the sculptor of your moods, rather than being tossed about by urgency and externalities you can’t control.
Click for the full Article at Rockyourworld.com which is a great website.

Billion Dollar Babes -

  Welcome to Billion Dollar Babes, a cutting-edge fashion club that’s been around since 2001. We serve up top designers on a silver platter to a lucky few – at ridiculously discounted prices.
But we’re so much more than your average online sample sale.
Founded in Hollywood in 2001, we pioneered the multi-designer sample sale with our now-legendary “real world” shopping events in major cities worldwide. What started as an “insiders” event at LA's House of Blues has, over the years, grown into a fashion phenomenon complete with flowing cocktails, beauty bars and swag bags. These sophisticated, “A-list affairs” (thanks, NY Times) have been regularly held in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago, London and Dublin with participating designers ranging from the international powerhouses of Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Chloe, to American contemporaries like Diane von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino and James Perse.
Of course, sometimes even the most fabu fashionistas like to shop in their skivvies (at 3am…in Dubai), so in 2009 we went Web. At billiondollarbabes.com, we hold three high-end designer sales per week, each lasting 48 hours and featuring discounts of up to 85%.
Join up now…and we promise we won’t tell anyone how much you paid for tHAt  Fendi

There Is Always Time For A Cup Of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24
hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2
cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if
the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively, filling the empty
space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor, as the laugh subsided, “I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life.”
The golf balls are the important things your family, your children,
your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything
else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house
and your car.
The sand is everything else—the small stuff.”If you put the sand into
the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the
golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy
on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are
important to you.
“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with
your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out
to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house
and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really
matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there’s always room for a cup of coffee with a friend.”

Pauolo’s Atelier Brazilian Blowout Special Just For Stacyknows Readers

PAULO'S ATELIER WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!

The BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT for Stacyknows Readers  just $275.00

(usually $350.00)

For the entire month of January

The BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT is the most innovative and effective professional smoothing treatment in the WORLD!

Through the use of proprietary based Keratin formulation, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle.

The end result is smooth, healthy,

frizz-free hair with radiant shine!

Entire treatment completed in just 90 minutes.

No down time!

Dogs In Party Hats

 

“Dogs in Party Hats” Contest Winners Announced for 2010

  – Twelve winners have been selected in the First Annual “Dogs in Party Hats” Contest, with all entry proceeds going to the benefit of the internationally accredited nonprofit guide dog school Guiding Eyes for the Blind, headquartered in Yorktown Heights.  A “Wall of Honor” displaying photographs of the winning dogs in their party attire will be unveiled on January 10th at 4 PM at Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria, the Mount Kisco, NY based originator and sponsor of the competition. 

Dog owners across the country were challenged to “unleash your imagination” by conjuring a flavor name of gelato (Italy’s celebrated version of ice cream) suggested by the appearance and personality of their canine friend when attired in a party hat or other fun doggie garb.  Scores of contest entrants submitted their dog’s “flavor name”, an uploaded photograph of their dog in costume, and a $20 entry donation to www.dogsinpartyhats.com.  Each of the twelve winning entrants – with flavor names like “Labradoodlicious Swirl”, “Tutti Frutti Cutie” and “Santa Claws Puppermint” – will serve as inspiration for a featured flavor-of-the-month gelato at Via Vanti! in 2010.

Although most entries originated from the Greater New York area, the winners hailed from as far west as Washington state and as far south as Florida.  Costumes and headgear ranged from a pirate’s getup (“Yum Rum Raisin”) to a Carmen Miranda style headdress (“Lime in the Coconut”) to a simple lampshade (“Life of the Party”).  The winning breeds were equally diverse, in all colorations and sizes.

Each winning canine will receive a lavish gift pack from just dogs! gourmet in Mount Kisco, NY.  Each proud owner will be entitled to a “Year of Gelato” – one pint per month throughout 2010 – at Via Vanti!

A handful of other entrants were also selected for special recognition.  These included a “Beautiful Spirit” award to a dog who, despite her loss of vision from progressive retinal atrophy, “tries so hard & makes us so happy.”  Another, for “Lifetime Achievement” went to a lab (“Touchdown Tangerine”) whose breeding career, so far, has resulted in 126 pups, 36 of which have become guide dogs and 3 of which are now breeders as well.  “He is full of zest for life and his work,” remarks his owner.

“Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a serious enterprise, one that’s about bringing greater hope and freedom to the lives of blind and visually impaired people.  But all dogs – whether they be service dogs or pets – bring much joy to their owners, so we see this upbeat initiative as a wonderful fit,” says Lisa Deutsch, Vice President, Marketing and Development at Guiding Eyes.

The “Dogs in Party Hats” contest and fundraiser was conceived by Carla Gambescia, founder and owner of the acclaimed Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria in the historic Mount Kisco, NY train station.  “This contest is all about creativity, community and fun.  We’re thrilled with the enthusiasm and great entries generated by this year’s event, which we see as just a beginning,” says Ms Gambescia.  Ms. Gambescia plans to continue fundraising by selling t-shirts and tote bags featuring the 2010 Dogs in Party Hats Flavors of the Month with profits going to Guiding Eyes. 

Guiding Eyes for the Blind was founded in 1954 to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and expanded horizons of opportunity. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,000 guide dog teams. It provides superbly bred Guiding Eyes dogs, professional training and follow-up support services to students at no cost to them, and depends on contributions to fulfill its mission. The comprehensive cost of breeding, raising, preparing, training, and supporting a Guiding Eyes team is $45,000.

Shane's Tree Services

 Trim your hair....trim whatever you need to....but don't forget to trim your trees and  bushes to make your property beautiful for all four seasons. Need somebody dependable and reliable to do the job?


Shane’s Tree Service is a full-service tree service company locally owned and operated in Westchester, NY. Fully licensed and insured, they provide outstanding service, prompt response and professionalism on every job. Feel free to contact them to arrange for a complimentary estimate. They look forward to meeting your needs efficiently and economically wherever you are located in the  Westchester area.

Shane's Tree Services include:

Tree Removal and Pruning

Stump Grinding

Storm Damage and Clean up

Woodchips and Firewood



call 914-243-4279 or visit shanestree.com  for more information or to set up an appointment.

New Year's Resolution 2010 - Stop time...Rewrite history...Enjoy life's simple pleasures!

Note to Yourself :

New Year's Resolution 2010 - Stop time...Rewrite history...Enjoy life's simple pleasures!

In the 1980s we were overextended.

In the 1990s we were overconnected.

In the early 2000s we were overly innundated by the after effects of the stressed out world which we had created.


Note to Yourself:

New Year's Resolution 2010 - Stop time...Rewrite history...Enjoy life's simple pleasures!

Take a deep cleansing breath . Yes, the breath you learned to take in any of the six different yoga studios you ran between back in the day! Clear your mind of the old saying, "You get what you pay for. " New mantra for the New Year. "Less is more." In simpler terms, "Joro."

2010 is going to be your year! You can breathe a deep sigh of relief as there is one person who understands what it is like to take on anything from a family reunion to a destination Sweet Sixteen. There is one person

who can listen with an open mind and clear yours of endless texts, cell messages with friendly advice and googled articles which have been thrown your way in the name of "help."

Jo Rosenfeld, of Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions, can  show  you how to throw any event, small or large, and have it be a major occasion without being a major stress producer. A simple conversation with Joro will free you up to enjoy the process of leading up to the big day. She will pour over the details while you clear your mind and calendar in order to get everything else you need done. You need not pay over the top prices for top drawer services. You can save your time and money for more of life's simple pleasures. You need not lose days, weeks and months searching for, and meeting with , every vendor under the sun. You need not share your wish list , countless times, and lose time repeating yourself. Joro will listen to you, consider who can make your vision a beautiful reality and arrange for it all to come together.



Hiring Joro is hiring peace of mind. You need only buy insurance that the party is on. Now that's an investment which can stand up to the present economy!

So, now it's time to enjoy a New Year. Sit down. Relax. Contact Jo Rosenfeld and rewrite history worth celebrating!

Jo Rosenfeld 914 - 419 - 2368 joro1811@aol.com

Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions on Facebook

http://www.jorosenfeld.com/

10 easy steps to clean up your 2010…

I was recently introduced to all of you on StacyKnows via Seth Leitman’s blog - 'The Green Living Guy'.

I am a classically trained chef, caterer and cooking coach. I have become fascinated with the holistic view of food and how healthy eating can be delicious as well as nutritious.  This passion for healthy cooking has lead me to transform my health as well as that of my family and clients.   My mission is to share my knowledge and experience, showing people how easy it can be to clean up their diets and ultimately improve their health. 

What better time for this than a post-holiday food binge? 

O.K. everyone, so let’s not dwell on the past few weeks…

Time to move forward…

If we tune into our bodies’ innate responses to the winter solstice or if we are feeling heavy and lethargic from that last piece of fruit cake, the time has come, once again, to clean-up our acts.

Incorporate some, or all, of these 10 easy steps to clean up your 2010…

1) Stop making excuses.  Start replacing some of your regular fruits and vegetables with local and organic choices.  They are readily available at most of the local grocery stores, as well as Mrs. Greens and Whole Foods. They are slightly more expensive, but here’s an idea: skip 1 or 2 of your caramel macchiato at Starbucks & spend that money on better quality produce. These fruits and vegetables not only are free of the pesticides and preservatives used on conventional produce, but they also contain more absorbable vitamins and minerals for your body.

2) Keep fresh fruits and vegetables easily accessible.  Throw an apple in your handbag and some fresh fruit or cut up veggies in your car. There are advantages to the cold weather.  These snacks can stay in your car all day and they will stay fresh and crisp.  If you are pressed for time, carve out a bit of time on Sundays and prep a large amount of fruit and veggies for the week. Keep your fridge stocked with these natural snacks and keep them in the front.

3) Give up sugar and 'diet' beverages.  If you need to sweeten a drink try using STEVIA.  It is a natural, calorie-free sweetener which is derived from a plant.  It comes in both liquid and powdered form and can be purchased at local health food stores (also can buy online).  Getting your body off sugar will help curb many food cravings, not only cravings for sweets.   You will notice a significant reduction in your desire for processed carbohydrates as well.

4) Move away from bags and boxes.  Speaking of processed food, try to eat foods that are as close to nature intended.  I truly believe that the majority of our diet should be made up of foods that exist simply in nature.  Anything that grows in the ground, on a vine or on a tree is perfect fuel for our bodies.  Lean animal protein is great fuel as well.  I prefer grass-fed, pasture raised poultry, beef and wild caught fish.

5) Warm your insides as the weather grows colder.  Warm beverages and liquid is more gentle for your body than cold and it aid in digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients.  Our digestive tract functions much more efficiently when it is warm.  Green tea is a great addition to your diet. It contains a substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate.  This substance (EGCG) has been proven to lower high blood pressure, lessens the risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke and certain cancers. It is also considered an appetite suppressant. The longer you steep the tea, the more antioxidants are released for consumption.

6) Incorporate shakes into your daily diet.  The vitamins and minerals that are contained in fruits and vegetables are made much more readily available for your body to utilize when they are consumed in liquid form.  Pureeing these ingredients is preferred over using a juicer, because the juicer removes all the valuable fiber from which our bodies can benefit.  I recommend using frozen berries, banana (for a creamy texture), almond/soy/rice/ or real milk, some vanilla or almond extract, cinnamon (great for circulation), and a green - such as kale.  Kale is packed with essential nutrients such as calcium, folate, potassium, fiber, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.  Kale also contains sulforaphane which promotes healthy blood vessels and has been shown to prevent cancer and boost the immune system.

7) Don’t cry, eat lots of onions.  Cooked onions add tons of flavor to everyday foods and they are a wonderful tool for warding off influenza and respiratory infections. The sulfur compounds are what make you cry when you cut onions, but they are also what make the onion such a valuable addition to your diet.  They have anti-inflammatory properties that relieve cold & flu symptoms as well as congestion. Red onions are not only sweeter, but they have been shown to contain more pigment flavanols than their yellow siblings.  A flavonoid named quercetin works with vitamin C to help strengthen the body’s defense system against cold & flu causing germs.

8) Soups are another great addition to your winter diet.  Soups have many of the same benefits stated above in #5 with respect to warming the digestive tract.  They are also a wonderfully tasty way to incorporate many nutrient rich vegetables into your body.  Don’t be afraid to make home-made soup.  It is incredibly simple.  Use this simple recipe as a base and then add whatever tempts your appetite.  Simply sauté equal amounts of chopped onions, carrots & celery in a heavy stock pot with some good quality olive oil.  Once the vegetables have become soft and the onions are transparent, add other vegetables &/or cooked beans and then add stock to cover all ingredients.  Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for as long as you have time. The longer the soup simmers, the thicker and more intense the flavor.  Feel free to add fresh or dried herbs to taste.

9) Keep some healthy grains pre-cooked in the fridge.  Quinoa is a really good grain to add to your repertoire.  It has recently been said to be the world’s most nutritious whole grain.  It has almost twice the protein of other grains, fewer carbohydrates and a bit of heart healthy fat.  It is a complete protein meaning that it contains all eight essential amino acids in addition to being full of antioxidants.  It is also a gluten free-bonus for our celiac friends. It’s also incredibly easy to make.  Just add one cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to a pot with a lid.  Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.

10) Last, but not least – eat chocolate!!!!!!  I wouldn’t forgive myself or be able to follow my own advice if I didn’t include some sort of indulgence.  I highly recommend allowing yourself a bit of dark chocolate when the need arises.  If you are craving something sweet, indulge in a square or two of good quality dark chocolate.  The darker the better - it should be at least 70% cocoa.  The higher the percentage of cocoa, the lower the sugar content and the less risk of triggering additional cravings.  The purer the cocoa source the better the chocolate is for you.  The milk in “milk chocolate” reduces its antioxidant content.  The procyanidins and epicatechins, the main flavonols in cocoa, have been shown to improve heart health by reducing both blood pressure and cholesterol.  It has also been said that these compounds can improve your mood.  So, go ahead & indulge…in moderation of course.

Elyce Jacobson

In Good Taste

Ejj1028@mac.com

(914) 589-5856

 

Got Resolutions Challenge

 

New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. And that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective.

Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making New Year's Resolutions.

- What is so different about the Got Resolutions

The Got Resolutions Challenge is a 30-day personal leadership program that provides people with a step-by-step system for setting and achieving their New Year's Resolutions.

Planning and knowledge are important antidotes to uncertainty and the fear that uncertainty can bring. Setting goals and personal strategies for your entry into the New Year can help reduce the uncertainty and thus the fear.

In the Got Resolutions Challenge, Gary Ryan Blair will show people not only how to make proper resolutions, but he will provide them with a plan for actually sticking to them for the entire year!

- 30-days to super charge the New Year!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got  Resolutions Challenge

Green Living Guy Meets The Sexy Eco Chef

 

Sexy eco chef that's organic and raw. Now..that's hot!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:41PM

Who doesn't love a sexy eco chef that's cool, fun and likes rap??  It's true.  Elyce likes Neyo, JayZ, 50 cent (especially the song In Da Club), cooks great vitamin rich foods for hedge funds, amazing parties in amazing homes and parties like a rock star!!

Elyce tells me her biggest passion is to get schools, health clubs and businesses to serve Real healthy foods.  That's a goal.  This means talking about health at the source.  That's silly right.  I mean trying to solve health care at the root.  What we eat!  Elyce means business when she is talking about and eating healthy.
Where Does Elyce Get Her Food?

She shops at Mrs. Greens which is a really great health food store that I eat at and get water from regularly. She gets her meats sent to her that are fed organic grass feed foods. We’ll soon see though if her cooking is good or not?!  Elyce is particular about the poultry and meat she purchases.  All livestock are humanely treated and are hormone-free, free-range and grass-fed..  The farm she purchases from is Dines Farm in New York.

I have to admit though there has been a lot of talk of late regarding how we deliver our food to our plates and I do want to hear what she has to say.  I mean movies like Food, Inc. and I have spoken to dieticians and trainers like Jay Salvati that have helped me to lose a lot of weight recently.  It’s starting to really make sense.

What is fun and exciting is that Elyce and I believes that if the food that is delivered to these places that she wants we would be much healthier and I can’t disagree with that! Heads up though, she wants to bring healthy food everywhere!!  We are talking students in schools and their cafeterias, office complexes should have healthy food choices too.  It’s a shame that health clubs can serve bad foods or gyms and stadiums.  So Elyce and I got into the fact that the whole 9 yards needs to change and we mean all of it to provide people foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins!!

The great part is the It's more than just a statement of fact or what she does as a job or a great chef.  It's the drive.

Bring On The Cooking!
So, then Elyce and I get into a discussion about what is she going to cook for me.  We agree on spicy and non spicy tuna for my wife and I.  I say, bring it on!  I love it since it's my favorite type sushi so I had to ask myself: Who doesn't love someone cooking their favorite meal?
I'll let you know if this meal is good or not.
Video interview to come and podcasts to follow.

Green Living Guy - Seth Leitman is Series Editor for the Green Guru Guides with McGraw Hill. Seth Leitman blogs about green living.

4 Reasons you are "fake hungry"

Our appetites can be quite the pranksters.  It often fools us to think we are hungry, when often, we may be suffering from something completely different.  Distinguishing between false hunger and true hunger will help you know when your body really needs food and when it needs something else.

1. Hunger Due to Eating the Wrong Food: Symptoms include craving high sugar foods or feeling “hungry” soon after eating a meal.  If you just had a big meal that is high in simple carbohydrates and did not contain fiber, protein or healthy fat, all of which help provide a sense of satiety, you may have experienced a drop in blood sugar. In this case, have a healthy snack, such as a piece of fresh fruit and nuts, or cottage cheese or celery and peanut butter or 1/2 of a sandwich on whole grain bread).
2. Emotional Hunger: Sometimes, our appetites can go haywire when we are experiencing boredom, fear, anxiety, stress or loneliness. Try taking a walk, journaling, listening to some favorite music, calling a friend or chewing a piece of mint gum instead. Read a book, go to a “safe place” like a library or museum or park where you will not be tempted to overeat or distracted by food. Take a bath, meditate, or think about what REALLY would satisfy you, vs. eating to stuff down emotions you do not want to confront.
3. Hunger Due to Sleepiness: Experts at http://www.webmd.com/ state that two major hormones, leptin and ghrelin, affect and control sensations of hunger and fullness. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, while leptin, made in fat cells, alerts the brain that you have had enough to eat. Lack of sleep causes a significant drop in leptin levels as well as an increase in ghrelin levels, a so called double whammy for appetite control and feelings of satiety.  Daytime fatigue may lead people to overeat (often, high sugar, nutrient poor foods) in an attempt to get an extra surge of energy. This is equivalent to placing a Band-Aid on the true problem. It provides only temporary relief, which is soon followed by a crash in energy levels and a resurgence of “hunger” leading to more snacking, increased sugar cravings, etc….a vicious cycle.  If you are feeling mid-afternoon hunger pains, try: a brisk 10 min walk around the block (fresh air helps, as does exercise, to boost alertness and increase circulation), a cup of green tea (high in antioxidants and low in caffeine relative to coffee), a 1/4 cup of almonds and a small apple (high in protein, healthy fat and carbohydrates, low in sugar, and a good source of magnesium and fiber). Even taking a few deep breaths can help curb fatigue!
4. Hunger Due to Thirst: We often mistake thirst for hunger. Try drinking a glass or two of water to identify whether you are truly hungry or just slightly dehydrated, in which case water is the perfect antidote!

When you are really experiencing true hunger, however, it is pretty clear to identify.  For instance, a growling stomach will cause us to be cranky and unfocused…until we get some food, that is! If it has been four hours since your last meal or snack, you may well be truly hungry. Don’t ignore true hunger…doing so may exacerbate it and cause you to overeat to compensate for the missed calories. It is important to eat regularly and consistently to keep energy levels elevated and avoid dips in blood sugar. Try to include fruits and vegetables at each meal and snack, along with some protein (cheese, beans, lean meat/poultry/fish) and some healthy fat (avocado, olives, nuts, oil). This whole foods approach will help keep you at a healthy weight and lessen the likelihood for emotional hunger to rear its head!

Written by Brooke Joanna Benlifer, RD (www.brookejoannanutrition.com) for Sheer Balance

 

4 Reasons you are "fake hungry" - Healthy Living on Shine

Still Haven't Found The Perfect Gift

Find the Perfect Present with the Endless.com 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: You've made your lists and checked them twice. Now find the perfect present for everyone on them. Order by December 23, 2009, 8:00 p.m., to receive your order by Christmas Day.

Five Reasons To Call Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions This Holiday Season

* Your first call to Joro might very well be your last one! Put her to work and put yourself ahead of your
friends on line for the NM Last Call event!

* An email to Joro is an invitation for you to , finally, be a guest at your own party! Let her be the point person and let yourself be the center of attention!

* 24/7 can be 25/7 ! Have her burn the midnight oil satisfying every single item on your punch list!
You can party until the sun comes up !

* A meeting to plan an event with Joro is good for your health! Her m.o. is fat free but never skimpy,
low carb but high quality and sugar free but in good taste. No black box warnings. With Joro, what you see is what you get!

* Joro is flexible . Give her full control or ask her to follow your lead! Experience a stress - free
holiday. Sleep in the next morning and eliminate the need to race to the gym , as the doors open, in order to decompress from the night before!

Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions (914) 419 - 2368 http://www.jorosenfeld.com/

joro1811@aol.com   Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions on FB

Best Dating Advice Ever... | Michelle Obama, Relationships | Sex, Lies and Dating in the City

Best Dating Advice Ever...

More from my friend Simone Grant  checkout her blog Sex, Lies and dating in the City

With an opening like that, how could I not read the article?  Turns out the post, Best Dating Advice Ever From Michelle Obama, in YourTango was a really great one and I did think her advice was pretty damn awesome:

"Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, Who are you as a person? That's the advice I would give to women: Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women. How he acts with children he doesn't know. And, more important, how does he treat you? When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. You should never feel less than. You should never doubt yourself. You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole. And if you're in that relationship and you're dating, then my advice is, don't get married. [original source: Glamour]

What I found particularly intriguing about this post was that they put this in historical perspective, also quoting several other first ladies.  Here were the last two on the list:

Jackie Kennedy Onassis' Advice: "The first time you marry for love, the second for money, and the third for companionship."

Abigail Adams's Advice: "However brilliant a woman's talents may be, she ought never shine at the expense of her Husband."

Wow, huh?  Talk about how times have changed.

Or have they? Maybe our expectations, as women/people, are changing.  But the realities of (most) relationships aren't.  Maybe the reason so many of us (a signficant minority) choose to stay single for as long as we do, and maybe even forever, is because we want to meet a man/person (I'd guess that Michelle Obama's advice can work just as well for men in terms of what they should look for in a woman) who can live up to the Obama standard of marriage and all we find is someone who wants us to settle for the Adams's standard.  Hmm

Best Dating Advice Ever... | poll, Michelle Obama, Relationships | Sex, Lies and Dating in the City

I Hate Packing

I hate to pack. I dread it. I tend to always over pack, If I am going away for a weekend I have enough for a week. If, I am going for 1 week I have enough for a month. I am the girl at the airport moving things from one bag to the other as the baggage handler is threatening to mark my bag with a heavy tag and charge me an additional $25. The minute I get to my destination it is all wrong. There is a cold snap in Florida or a heatwave in Utah. You get my drift. I ran across this article on another blog called Shop It To Me. Hopefully, you are reading this before you pack, If not save it for next time.

1. Pack in outfits! Think about your travel plans. What will the weather be like? What will you need for every occasion, every day? Plan out everything from shoes to underwear to accessories for each outfit, and pack only those items.
2. Bring extra necessities. Socks and underwear take up little space in your suitcase, and running out of them is highly unpleasant. Pack extra just in case.
3. Go easy on the shoes. It hurts me to say this - you have to pare down on shoes when traveling. Pick pairs that are relatively compact and that will match with multiple outfits. Deciding whether to pair the knee-high boots or the spiky pumps with that dress? Pick the pumps. They take up way less space, and you’ll still look hot.
4. Wear the bulky stuff to the airport. Put on your heaviest coat and boots on the day you’re traveling (as long as they’re comfy enough for the airport.) It saves space in your luggage for other things.
5. Pack an extra bag in your suitcase. If you expect to come back with far more than you left with, packing an extra bag is the way to go. But beware - many airlines charge $25 for every checked bag, so the extra space isn’t free.
6. Cut down on the toiletries. Do you really need the hair gel, mousse, body lotion, face lotion and shave gel during your stay? There are probably some items you could do without or purchase when you get there. And remember - 3.4 ounces is the max for liquids in your carry on.
7. Pack light, but bring warm accessories. If your final destination is cold, you can still ditch the bulky sweatshirts and sweaters as long as you bring a warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf.
8. Pack socks inside your shoes. Put items in every crevice of your suitcase. Put socks in your shoes and pack your underthings last. You can squeeze them into the wasted space between clothes.
9. Pack toiletries in a plastic bag. It’s not pretty when your liquids leak. Make sure any liquids are stored in a plastic bag - regardless of whether they’re in your carry on or checked bag.
10. Utilize the resources at your destination. If you’re going to your hotel, friend’s, or parents’ house for the holidays, chances are you don’t need to bring many toiletries. Think about the items that will already be available at your final destination and don’t waste space packing them.