the begining of a new year and we hope you're feeling refreshed and rested. We're excited to announce that we will now be publishing South Bay's Seasons® Magazine every month in 2025! We look forward to bringing you seasonal features, local news and happenings, along with ads from your favorite merchants. Looking to advertise? Contact us today at 631.226.2636 or via email at info@longislandmediagroup.com. We thank you for your loyal readership!
Thedawn of a new year marks a great time to turn over a new leaf. Many people begin a new year by making resolutions, and aspiring to eat healthier is annually among the most popular pledges healthconscious individuals make. A recent Statista survey of hundreds of people across the globe found that eating healthier was the second most popular New Year’s resolution. In fact, 50 percent of respondents indicated they set goals to eat healthier in the year ahead. Though each year is different, it’s fair to assume a similarly large percentage of resolutionminded individuals will aspire to eat healthier this year. As people begin their journeys to a healthier lifestyle, they can consider these strategies to stay the course with a new diet.
• Do not eat too close to bedtime. A study published
sparks feelings of misery will prove harder to commit to than one that allows for the occasional indulgence. Moderation is the name of the game, and that should be a rule of thumb for both healthy foods and indulgences. Don’t make indulgences part of your daily routine, even if you eat them in moderation. Rather, save treats for special occasions, and even then only eat them in moderation.
in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that eating more of a day’s total energy intake in the evening is associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating more of the day’s energy intake at midday can lower the risk of being overweight or obese. Individuals are more likely to stay the course when they see positive results, so try to eat dinner several hours before bedtime and resist the urge to snack after dinnertime.
• Treat yourself, but only periodically. It’s unreasonable and potentially counterproductive to completely avoid foods seen as treats. Cutting out indulgent foods may seem appropriate, but such an approach could make you miserable, and a diet that
• Consider eating less, but more frequently. Data is conflicting in regard to eating smaller but more frequent meals. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that individuals who had six or more eating occasions in 24 hours had a lower mean body mass
index than people who had four or fewer eating occasions in 24 hours. The researchers behind the study concluded that eating a larger number of small meals throughout the day may be associated with improved diet quality and lower BMI. This approach is commonly referred to as “grazing,” and some research has indicated it has no metabolic advantage over other approaches to eating. So what to make of the mixed results? Dieters can decide for themselves and eat more frequent but smaller, healthier meals to combat hunger pangs that can arise when switching to a new diet. If hunger is no longer posing a threat that can derail your diet, then this approach might increase the chances you stay committed to eating right.
Makes 4 servings
1⁄2 stick unsalted butter
1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dry white wine
3⁄4 pound linguine
1 1⁄2 cups chopped (1⁄2-inch) razor clam meat
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano Red pepper flakes (up to 1 tablespoon)
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Warm and hearty dishes tend to be most sought-after in cold weather. Stews and soups might be go-to meals to warm us up in winter, but a rich dish of pasta featuring a savory, slightly spicy sauce and fresh clams can add a touch of heat that warms from within. This recipe for “Razor Clam Linguine” from “Edible Seattle: The Cookbook” (Sterling Epicure) by Jill Lightner is sure to please this winter. While linguine is the pasta of choice in the recipe, spaghetti can be a suitable substitute. For a decorative touch, consider placing a few steamed clams on top of the plated pasta for instant impact if hosting guests.
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the onions and garlic, season to taste with salt and black pepper and cook until almost tender, about 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Adjust the heat to medium-low, add the wine, and simmer until the liquid reduces by about two-thirds, about 10 minutes. When you add the wine, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Add the clams, parsley, oregano, and red pepper to taste to the reduced sauce; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat the clams through. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and black pepper if needed.
4. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and parmesan cheese and toss until well mixed. Serve immediately, topped with more cheese, if desired.
Cleaning tip: Drop clams into boiling water for a few seconds until their shells pop open. Snip off the tough, skinny neck; slice them lengthwise and cut out all the dark, digestive bits, leaving the white meat. Give them a final rinse to remove any last bits of sand.
Thoughpeople attempting to lose weight may love a quick fix or magic pill that could shed excess pounds, successful efforts that produce long-term weight loss generally take considerable time and effort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who lose weight at a gradual, steady pace tend to keep the weight off. The CDC advises individuals to aspire to lose one to two pounds each week
Working in concert with a doctor or a registered dietician is one of the ways to ensure that the weight loss experience is successful and healthy. In addition to following the advice of a professional, these tips can help.
• Think of it as a lifestyle change. Managing weight is a lifelong commitment. That means that following a short-term diet may not prove a successful way to lose weight and keep it off in the long run. It’s important to put strategies in place that will help change habits that may be contributing to weight gain.
• Set short-term goals. Certainly the overall goal may be to lose a set number of pounds. But having that goal in the distance may make it seem less achievable. Rather, set small goals throughout a weight loss journey. This can be something like a plan to replace sugary drinks with water, or to exercise three days a week instead of being sedentary most of the time.
• Be sure the time is right. Some people jump in at the start of the new year, even if they are not mentally ready to commit or lack the time to make the overhaul necessary to affect change. Begin a weight-loss journey when you have
a strong desire to change habits and are not distracted by other pressures.
• Tame stress as much as possible. High levels of stress can derail weight-loss plans. Many people turn to foods, beverages and other unhealthy habits as a means to coping with stress. The Cleveland Clinic says stress raises cortisol levels, which increases insulin production. The resulting low blood sugar makes people crave sugary, fatty foods. The Mayo Clinic suggests speaking with a health care professional if you need help taking charge of stress.
• Change your perceptions. Focus on what you can eat rather than what you can’t eat. Healthy weight loss means finding balance and enjoying the foods you love, but not going overboard. Restricting any one food or food group could lead you on a path to feeling resentful or even binging on unhealthy items.
• Don’t skip meals. Seriously restricting food intake is not healthy at all and could lead to fluctuations in weight. An eating pattern that includes a cycle of weight loss and weight gain can contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, says Better Health, a resource of the Australian Department of Health. Plan meals to meet your daily calorie count, being sure to avoid skipping any during the day.
Healthy weight loss takes time and requires changing habits over the long haul.
couples make plenty of decisions when planning their weddings, and some may be more significant than others. Choosing a wedding reception venue is among the most important decisions couples will make.
The reception venue is where couples and guests will spend the majority of the day, and no two venues are the same. As couples begin shopping for a place to host their reception, they can ask themselves and venue representatives a multitude of questions to narrow down their options and ultimately make the best decision for them.
What are we looking for in a venue?
Some couples may know precisely what they want their receptions to be like, while others may not have the slightest idea. Of course, some couples may be somewhere in the middle. Prior to beginning the process of choosing a venue, couples can identify what they're looking for. Is a venue with outdoor entertaining space a priority? Do you want to hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue? How many guests will the venue need to accommodate? Answering these questions and others can help couples narrow down their search.
How much can we afford?
Budget is a significant variable when shopping for a wedding venue. Some venues offer multiple spaces that can accommodate couples with a wide range of budgets, while others are singular spaces suited to receptions within a specified size. Itemizing a budget and determining how much can be alloted to a reception venue can serve as a guideline when couples begin searching for sites.
Is our date available?
Once couples know what they want and what they can afford, they can prepare a number of questions that are worth asking at every venue they visit. Perhaps the most important, at least for those couples who have already chosen a wedding date, is the availability of the site on that date. If couples have not yet chosen a date, they can ask for a list of available dates at each venue they visit and perhaps use that knowledge to pick a day, particularly if they prefer a given venue.
Who will cater the meal?
Some venues do their own catering, while others may have working relationships with outside caterers. And some venues rent only the spaces and require couples to hire their own caterers and arrange all the details on their own. If a venue caters the meal, ask if they accommodate people with various restrictions, such as food allergies and gluten intolerances.
How many hours are included in the rental agreement?
It's important that couples know what they're getting, including how much time they get in each space they consider. The online wedding resource The Knot notes a standard wedding reception is five hours, the first of which is generally designated as cocktail hour.
What is the payment structure?
Identifying the payment structure, include down payment due date and when the final payment must be made, is important as well. This knowledge can allow couples to map out their expenses, the most significant of which is typically the reception venue.
These are just some of the questions couples can ask as they plan their wedding receptions.
mark a turning point from one stage in life to another. The significance of that transition is perhaps one reason why couples and their guests dress so nicely for a wedding ceremony and reception. Formal garb is a wedding tradition, and guests anxiously await seeing which type of gown a bride will wear. In western cultures, white wedding gowns have been the standard since the nineteenth century and are believed to symbolize purity and grace. In eastern cultures, wedding gowns often have been elaborate, colorful creations that have their own symbolic meanings unique to various areas of the world.
Shopping for a wedding gown can spark mixed emotions. While it is exciting to try on some remarkable garments, there also is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this couture creation. Narrowing down wedding gown prospects can take vision, time and patience. The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops.
Make an appointment
Many bridal shops operate by appointment only. That's because the staff wants to devote complete attention to a client, and having people simply walk in from the street can draw their attention away and/or lead to long wait times. Identify the stores you want to visit, and then call to secure your time slot.
Narrow down styles
Think about what your personal style might be and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you're not sure about the vocabulary surrounding dress silhouettes, visit Pinterest or Instagram and save images of dresses that you love. Then you can show the sales staff what you are thinking instead of going in empty-handed.
Keep an open mind
Try on a few different styles even if you have a particular dress in mind. You never know if something might be a better fit for your body type or the scope and style of your wedding unless you give it a go.
Start the process early
Unlike off-the-rack clothing, most wedding shops will have to order your dress and have it shipped. Then comes a few weeks for alterations. KWH Bridal notes eight to 12 months before a wedding is a good time to choose and order a dress. Brides magazine says most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create. There also are three separate fittings to ensure the gown will fit like a glove.
Invite a handful of confidantes
It's best not to arrive at the shopping appointment with an entire entourage. Pick, at the most, four people whose opinions you trust; otherwise, it could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen. As a bride-to-be you'll already be anxious, and you'll want soothing, supportive people with you.
Plan your budget
Know well in advance what you can afford to spend. According to data from The Knot, wedding attire accounts for 7 percent of the average couple's budget. Most wedding gowns are in the range of $2,000. Don't forget about additional costs, such as veil, shoes, alterations, undergarments, and any add-ons.
Theorieson the origins of the tuxedo vary significantly. Some believe that this formal garment was created by wealthy aristocrats attending an autumn ball in Tuxedo Park, New York. However, the Wall Street Journal has reported that the tuxedo might be a British invention, spearheaded by the fashion-conscious King of Wales Edward VII in 1865. No matter where the tuxedo originated, it has become standard attire for formal occasions, including weddings. It may seem as though every tuxedo is the same, but that’s not the case. Tuxes come in different styles, so those tying the knot or attending other formal functions can choose an option that fits their personality and physique. Here’s a look at what sets tuxedos apart and some noteworthy tux trends.
Suits versus tuxedos
Some may wonder what sets a tuxedo apart from a suit. One of the more notable differences is that tuxedo lapels are designed with silk, satin or textured grosgrain to provide that signature V-look, says Brides magazine. Suit lapels are made from the same fabric as the suit jacket. Tuxedos traditionally are held up with suspenders, while suit pants have belt loops for use with a belt. Suits are styled with a dress shirt while tuxedos are worn with a particular tuxedo shirt that likely has a spread collar, bib, decorative studs, and French cuffs fastened with cufflinks.
Men who want to set themselves apart can opt for what The Knot calls the most popular styles of tuxedo lapels. Notch lapels are the most common and feature two lateral points. Shawl collars feature a smooth, sleek looped lapel without notches or peaks. Peak lapels have the lower point of the lapel peak above the upper. Trying on the different jackets can give individuals an idea of which lapel look is best.
A traditional tuxedo will be black, although navy tuxedos have gained a following. But individuals can find a tuxedo in any color. Those who want to add some extra flair to their weddings may opt for a tuxedo in a color that coordinates to the season or aligns with what the rest of the bridal party is wearing.
Tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.
Reading is a beloved pastime that can positively affect cognitive health and even help to reduce stress. Though those benefits are largely associated with adults, reading can be equally beneficial to children, even those who have yet to learn how to read. According to the Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, infants pick up on language earlier than researchers once realized, and hearing language is important as their brains prepare them to speak. Reading also supports word learning and preliteracy skills in older children. The ECLKC notes that when adults read to children, they typically speak words they would not otherwise use in typical discourse. That helps children expand their vocabularies, even before they learn to read on their own.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the Long Island State Park Region will host its 30th annual Winter Run Series, which began this month.
The first series was Sunday, January 12th at Heckscher State Park with an 80’s theme. Additional runs will be held January 19th at Robert Moses State Park with an oldies theme, January 26th at Sunken Meadow State Park with a 90’s theme, and February 2nd at Jones Beach State Park, where you can come dressed as your favorite band or artist. All races are 5K in length and will start at 11 a.m.
Registration is open for both full series signups and individual runs. Registration is online only, there will be no in-person registration. The entry fee for full series registration is $50.00 and day-of-race registration is $20.00 per race. Full series registration will close when the maximum amount of 1,100 registrants is reached. Day-of-race registration is available online, beginning the Monday prior to each race, and accepted until 9 a.m. the day of the race.
Register online at: https://events.elitefeats. com/25nyswinter
Sponsors supporting the series include: Natural Heritage Trust, Connoisseur Media Long Island, Runners Edge, Newsday, and New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. For additional information, please call the Regional Recreation Department at (631) 321-3510, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
People tend to think of sipping ice cream floats in the middle of summer when temperatures are soaring. Ice cream floating in a bubbling base of cola or root beer can be a welcome treat on a hot day. However, floats can be just as delicious when the weather chills, particularly when ice cream enhances rich and decadent hot chocolate. For this “Hot Chocolate Float” from “Chocolate: Over 100 Temptingly-Tasty Dishes” (Love Food) by the Love Food editors, coconut- and chocolate-flavored scoops of ice cream bob and melt in creamy hot chocolate. Feel free to use your favorite flavors of ice cream to make this recipe your own, and you can even make this drink a boozy version with the inclusion of a shot of flavored vodka.
Hot Chocolate Float Serves 4
Directions:
Whipped cream, to decorate
Pour the milk into a saucepan. Break the chocolate into pieces and add to the saucepan with the sugar. Stir over low heat until the chocolate has melted, the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat.
Put 1 scoop of coconut ice cream into each of 4 heatproof glasses, top with a scoop of chocolate ice cream, then repeat the layers.
Pour the chocolate flavored milk into the glasses, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately.
Now - March 2, 2025 • See times at bryantpark.org Bryant Park • 6th Ave., between 40th & 42nd St., NY
Visit the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan! The 17,000 square foot rink features free-admission ice skating, high quality rental skates, free skating shows, and events.
Now - April 27, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Spirit of Huntington Art Center • 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station
The Huntington Winter Farmers Market is back and ready to bring local goods to you! Running every Sunday through April 27, 2025, the market offers a cozy indoor experience at the Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Come browse an impressive selection of produce, jams, honey and more.
January 18, 2025 • 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Baja Boathouse • 31 Baker Place, Patchogue
This 10 Mile Brewery Run in Memory of Ric DiVeglio boasts a scenic, flat USATF certified course. Participants will race and then enjoy a variety of complimentary Blue Point beer, food, and live music. This event is 21+ only, $75/person.
January 18, 2025 - January 19, 2025 • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Port Jeff Village • Main Street & W Broadway, Port Jeff
Bring your family and friends to this fun festival, where you can enjoy interactive photo opportunities, marshmallow roasting, horse and carriage rides, live music, an ice-skating demonstration, raffles, and of course, ice sculptures. Not all offerings are free of charge.
January 19, 2025 • 7:00 PM
Port Jeff Bowl • 31 Cherub Lane, Port Jeff Station
Enjoy a fun night of painting with the talented Samantha Bonacorsa-Mayer! No painting experience necessary - Samantha will guide you step by step in creating your own masterpiece while you sip on delicious drinks. All participants submit their pet’s photo ahead of time. For teens and up. $55/person. Register at paintnite.com.
February 8, 2025 • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Bayard Cutting Arboretum • 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River
Join a certified forest therapy guide on a walk to slow down, wander, and notice the beauty of nature. This will be a lengthy walk, so please wear comfortable, study shoes and warm clothing. $45/person.
