Remember our Children on November 3rd - Help Get the Right candidates into Islip Town Hall

Islip, NY - A few years back, I remember the emotions of being SHOCKED and Saddened when I read that Islip's Town Goverment was allowing TOXIC Dumping at one of our Town Parks.  When all was said and done officials figured out that about 50,000 tons of waste had penetrated our beautiful park, which led to six people being charged with illegal dumping.
My daughter has enjoyed so many of the parks throughout Suffolk County. We've lived in a cramped apartments  - and our parks have given her a chance to run and play in the fresh air.
Since then, I believe it's crucial that we elect new representatives to serve on our Town Board.

I recently learned that Supervisor-candidate Tom Licari and Council-candidate Chris Pulitano will have a press conference on the steps of Islip Town Hall that will ban anyone who earns a contract from the town for $25,000 or more from contributing to a candidates campaign.
Let's get down there and show the current administration that we need change - and change will start with the Licari Reform Team!

Be there : The Steps of Islip Town Hall, 655 Main Street Islip at noon on Thursday October 22nd.

Licari to Propose ‘Pay to Play’ Ban in Islip Town

Supervisor Candidate will ban contributions from major town contractors if elected.

Tom Licari, Democratic Candidate for Islip Town Supervisor and Chris Pulitano, Democratic Candidate for Islip Town Council will unveil a proposal to end Islip’s Culture of Corruption by banning anyone who received a contract from the town for $25,000 or more from contributing to town candidates.

This proposal was modeled after a 2007 law passed in the Town of Greenburgh in Westchester County. Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner has endorsed Licari’s proposal, and can be made available to the press following the event.

The following events are open to the press and the public:

Who: Tom Licari, Chris Pulitano, members of the community

What: Press Conference calling for enactment of ‘Pay to Play’ regulations in Islip

When: Thursday, October 22^nd, 2015, 12pm

Where: Steps of Islip Town Hall,  665 Main St, Islip, NY

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My favorite makeup blogger attempts this:Mosaic Halloween Body Paint Challenge! | KristenLeanneStyle

A look at a video with my favorite makeup blogger

PRODUCT REVIEW: Lather

Los Angeles, CA - I recently won a competition on Ipsy.com. And I NEVER WIN ANYTHING - so I'm really very excited.
Ipsy is like Birchbox - it's a subscription-based makeup mailorder company that sends you samples of makeup each month for only $10.

In my August bag I really enjoyed the Ultra Mild Facewash by Lather. And guess what?!? I WON a $200 giftbag with a bunch of brand new Lather products.

I've decided to review the prize because I love Lather! I will do this in two installments. Today is the first: 

Ultra Mild Face Wash - this is
perhaps my favorite wash of all time. It smells like its two main ingredients: Lavendar and Aloe. It's also paraben and sulfate-free. I noticed after using this for a week that my skin seemed less bumpy and overall more clean. 

Ultra Light Face Lotion - This face lotion is very light - not greasy. It smells like rose and the scent doesn't dissipate right away so it's actually very relaxing on your face as you're falling asleep or getting ready in the morning. 

Bamboo Silk Foaming Face Scrub with Lemongrass - I w
as most excited to use this product when I got the box in the mail. I love exfoliants and this one really takes the prize. Sometimes scrubs can be extra gritty (think apricot scrub). The texture of grittier scrubs can damage your skin. This scrub is made with very small round beads that do their job of making you fell like you're exfoliating, yet they aren't gritty-enough to rip your face apart. I would call this exfoliant a gentle exfoliant. It also smells amazing (this one of Lemongrass). After I used this my skin TRULY felt softer and I noticed a glow that extended until the next morning. I usually only exfoliate once or twice a week but I think this could be used on a nightly basis. 

Cucumber and Ginseng Facial Mist - This mist feels like a liquid lotion. After one spritz I fell in love with the smell of cucumber and ginseng which calmed my psyche down. The bottle says this spray can be used ALL DAY or as a toner with a cotton ball. I've chosen to use this as a daily pick-me-up. 

You should use these products in this order: 

1) Wash face with Mild Wash

2) Scrub face with a pea-size amount of Bamboo Face Scrub

3) Spray face with Mist (then dab excess with cotton ball)

4) Finish up with the Lotion

I would use all four at night and all accept the scrub in the am

katherineklahn.blogspot.com

Love Sunshine Belle: "Mommy is Home"

Love Sunshine Belle: "Mommy is Home": Bayport, NY - Because I'm a working mother, I accept the fact that my daughter wants me home with her when I can't be. I have to mak...

"Mommy is Home"

Bayport, NY - Because I'm a working mother, I accept the fact that my daughter wants me home with her when I can't be. I have to make money and the only way to do that is to work at a job.

When I come home I want Annabella to know that I'm all hers, so this is what I do.

1) Put on my "Mommy Clothes" - my mom used to call them her "Mommy Clothes". These are clothes that I change into every day after I get home from work.  These clothes are more relaxing than the jeans or suits that people wear to work. "Mommy Clothes" are sweatpants or a house dress for example (dress down time). "Mommy Clothes" signal to Annabella that I'm home to stay. I'm not leaving for the night. 

2) Give her the rundown on how you will spend your night. If you're a mom like me, you're schedule might only allow a chance for you to have dinner together on the weekends. So during the week, let her know that you'll be playing for the next hour, Then maybe a 15 minute tv show and a snack. Then it's time for reading. Then prayers. And then bed! Give her that itinerary to make sure she knows she can count on your established routine. 

3) Bring home a "special" once a week. A "special" is something that Annabella earns for good behavior. I purchase it once a week when I get my paycheck. It's either something that she points out on tv or a game or craft that we can do together. Once Annabella gets her "Special" she knows that we will be exploring it together and mom is home to stay.

4) MOST IMPORTANTLY - stop all electronics for those few precious hours that you're together. No answering texts or e-mails! It's time for Annabella to know that mommy is home for good and that she is now the center of attention. 

Stop Nighttime Cravings: Suggestions, Solutions, Remedies TO BE CONTINUED

NY, NY - Help me Please! Like many people, I eat well ALL day and then at night a crazy Tasmanian Devil takes over my mind and body and causes me to ravenously eat everything in sight. It's like sleepwalking - but it's eating (not walking) and I'm awake...hmmm.  

Stop the Cravings

Is there a way to stop craving food at night? A miracle cure? A tried-and-true ritual passed down by your skinny Audrey Hepburn-esque granny - like baby oil after a shower or lemon in luke warm water when you first wake up?

I just want something to CUT my CRAVING to EAT. I crave sweets, salt, mama's cooking. And I crave it at the WORST TIME - at NIGHT. 

Any suggestions yet? 

I feel that I'm doing everything else perfectly - but then when the clock strikes 11 pm and I've put my daughter to bed it's mommy's time to pig out. 

I've also noticed another interesting point: the reasons that I eat are kind of screwed up. 

I eat because:

• I'm bored
• I like the taste
• It's time to eat

In reality, you're supposed to eat because you're hungry - period. end. stop. You're supposed to consume healthy foods because they're good for you - but in order for that to work you have to be hungry in the first place. 

Being HUNGRY is the ONLY reason we should eat. Not because kids are starving in Somalia (though it is terrible and sad). Not because you paid $17.99 for Shrimp Marinara that kind of sucks and you don't want to waste it. Not because M&Ms are being passed around and you like the taste. No! Only because you are hungry. 

So, now I'm on a healthy road to figuring out why I'm eating this way and how on earth I can stop this 32-year-long bad habit.

Solutions 

Please help me! Send your suggestions. If you want to commiserate, my ears and heart are always open to you. Until then, lets find a Supplement that Cures Cravings and see how it works. 

To get in touch with me, email KathKlahn@gmail.com. 

Or write me at PO Box 804 Bayport NY 11705 

If you have a product that helped you with cravings, please let me know what it is and I'll be sure to at least give it a good try. 

Thank you! XOXOXOXOX Stay Fit and Healthy.

Aromatherapy is the New Perfume

Bayport, NY - I'm very excited! My friend Kally and I are in the VERY early stages of developing a line of mists, lotions and soaps made with real, natural products. 

It seems that until recently - real, natural products haven't been sold in America. I've come from more of the "Irish Spring" Generation of the 1980's when everyone was "Zestfully Clean". 

Me and Kally are makeup girls - we love playing around with scents and seeing what we get. Beyond our desire to create natural products, Kally and I are both perfume junkies. I'm not afraid to admit it - I love perfume. I've always had a love affair with scents. Chanel, Prada, Tokyo Milk, Burberry, Estee Lauder, Yves San Laurent - you name it. 

Too much money on Low Quality Products 

But so many of the perfumes we buy NAME BRAND for TOP DOLLAR and expect TOP QUALITY along with it. Nowadays - this isn't always so. 

In the book Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas who is a famous fashion reporter in Paris, France digs deep into the big fashion houses and how they cut corners with fabric, factories, labor and even the OILS, Flowers and scents for perfume. 

But, how could this be? According to Thomas Chanel is one of the last fashion houses to buy top-end flowers for their perfumes. They buy from GRASSE, FRANCE

Grasse, France

When I was in my early 20s I went to visit my best friend Ian White in London, England. He took me on a two day excursion to Grasse, France. I knew nothing about Grasse or even the perfume world at the time. 

Grasse is considered the Capital of Perfume for the World -  to me, that's a heavy hat to hold. The specially selected Grasse employees who are trained to live and work in Grasse as "noses" can distinguish between more than 2,000 different kinds of scent.Once they have apprenticed, they will begin developing fragrances for Grasse and for International Fragrances and Flavors (IFF).

Also important facts about Grasse

• Grasse produces over two-thirds of France's natural aromas - that will flavor food and scent.
• The perfume industry earns a highly debated amount of money per year. Some say more than 600 million euros a year.
• Grasse's warm climate and proximity inland and away from the sea air make it a perfect are for the flower farming industry. 

Now Grasse, France is selling to Aromatherapy Companies who Recognize the Need to be authentic

Aromatherapy Takes Over 

Aromatherapy has seemed to take over where perfume once was and there are so many places to choose from: Do Terra, Aura Cacia, Young Living- just to name a few. Some small companies even bottle the oils themselves but I'm told this isn't always the best method because then we can't tell if the product can be used on our bodies or not. 

60,000 roses to produce 1 ounce of oil

My favorite of all the aromatherapy scents is rose...and yet, I've probably never smelled a real rose because it would be far to expensive. My goal is to afford a small bottle and create great perfumes with Rose one day. Until then, here is this fact. 

1. According to Aura Cacia, a leader in essential oils "It takes about 60,000 roses to produce just 1 ounce of oil, and ten thousand pounds of rose blossoms to produce 1 pound of oil. The extraction of rose absolute with chemical solvents is more efficient than the steam distillation of the essential oil."

Ignite Sexual Desire with Ancient Incan Superfood: Maca

Andes Mountains, Peru 

Maca Root is known as a "superfood" because it has a host of benefits. The most interesting and alluring of these benefits is that Peruvian Maca enhances the libido and creates sexual desire and energy to those who take the correct dosage. 

Maca was discovered by the Ancient Incans and is packed with amino acids, vitamins and minerals - making it a truly "super-food".  It's good for you in so many different ways. 

After consuming Maca (Check back later this week for my "Vanilla and Maca Lust Smoothie") you will immediately feel another of it's benefits - Energy. Your Mood, Energy and Stamina will be effected just the way you feel a buzz from a glass of wine or a cup of coffee - except its all natural and without side effects such as a hangover or depressed mood. 

Mood Enhancer
In fact, one of the reasons I began taking Maca was because it is a proven MOOD ENHANCER. Though, dosage matters. The first time I took Maca I took 2 TABLESPOONS and it didn't agree with my body. Then, I took a smaller amount - only 1 TEASPOON. The effects were amazing. I immediately felt the positive effects and each time I've made my Maca Super-Smoothie I feel that same lovely WOOSH of delight.  

Skin Brighter 
Also, the biggest change I've seen in Maca-use for me has been in my skin. Since using Maca, my skin is Brighter, my cheeks are more flush and red (naturally - without makeup) and my pimples and wrinkles have smoothed out into a nearly clear complexion. 

Creativity
With all of the blood-flowing in your mind with new energy and a surge of stamina - you may experience a true surge in Creativity. 

So what should you expect when you taste, touch, smell Maca?
Maca Root is from the raddish family and is normally consumed as a powder that you can put into foods, smoothies and shakes. This adds a level of nutritional value  your're not going to drink a Maca Smoothie with NOTHING ELSE IN It. Trust me, it wouldn't taste too good. The root is grown in the Andes Mountains in Peru - which I love because it's stayed so close to it's roots. 

Check back for my recipe and I can't wait to hear about your SURGING LIBIDOS!!!

The All Natural LOVE, LUST, STAMINA  DRUG

How to do a cleansing Moon bath for your CRYSTALS with the FULL MOON Sept 28 - Moon Cycle Begins TONIGHT

Bayport Beach, NY - September 28 is a Full Moon and a lunar eclipse, which is a great time to bring out all of your CRYSTALS and GEMSTONES and give them a good recharge. During the New Moon cycyle tonight we can figure out the Best Ways to approach cleansing our Stones for a Full Moon Bath. There are many different ways to do this - some people just suggest to put the Stones outside during a Full Moon and they will refresh themselves by the time you wake up.

I have a more detailed formula for cleansing my Stones during a Full Moon and I'm going to list for you what I do, but first I want to let you know the benefit of doing things this way. 

I have found that cleansing or recharging my Stones in this way has led to a better connection between me and my stones (as crazy as that sounds) AND a better connection between the Stones and their ancient purpose. 

1) Choose a GREAT LOCATION - First of all, I will be traveling to Bayport Beach to perform my Moon Bath. This is because the beach is a calming place for me and because the beach has a full sky that will allow my Stones direct access to the Moon. Some say that this is not necessary. People say that the Moon doesn't need to beat directly on the Stones - but I prefer for my Stones to soak up that energy and for me to see it.

2) WRITE OUT an intention and RECITE IT - Come up with a little prayer to say to your Stones and then Recite it after you've set the Stones out. My Intention will sound something like this, "Magic Healing Crystals Soak up the Healing Energy of the Moon and Magnetize yourself back to ME"

3) Put the Stones in a Bath with Herbs - Some say to SMUDGE Sage (which is to burn Sage - it clears and cleans the area). I agree with this. I like to Smudge Sage while I am setting my intention AND also put out another herb (usually Rosemary. To make an Herb Bath for the Moon Bath I will take out a small bowl and fill it with luke warm water. Put the Stones in the Herb Bath and allow them to Truly Soak in a MOON BATH! 

4) Lastly, make sure you are in a positive Spirit; make sure the people with you (if you'be invited anyone) have good, positive Light. Because I'll be at the beach I'll bring a blanket with me. Relax and Feel Positive Energy the next day. 

GET YOUR GREENS: A Recipe for INSTANT ENERGY

KatherineKlahn.blogspot.com

NY, NY - If you're feeling sluggish there's nothing I would suggest more than to a salad - 4 to 6 times a day. If that seems unrealistic or boring you CAN get your veggies in ONE PLACE. Greens are being made by a bunch of companies nowadays. I happen to LOVE Phountain's Green Phactor which takes all of the best vegetables and puts them in one place so that you can actually drink it and get ALL of the energy that you would eating 4 to 6 salads a day. Blue Bonnet (the vitamin company) also makes a good one - it has kale, spinach and all of the vitamins to go along with it. 

I happen to LIKE the taste of greens (people warned me it would happen; its like wine, its an acquired taste) - However, I've also made a recipe that will make it so that y'all who haven't acquired the taste can drink this stuff instead of coffee (that's right) WITHOUT HOLDING YOUR NOSE!

Not to mention - this combination is a super METABOLISM booster. I'm so happy because loosing the weight that I've lost so far has been like lifting concrete blocks from my shoulders - there's so much more that I can do as far as excersize, yoga - literally things I couldn't do in High School like carwheels. I LOVE this stuff. 

So these are three ingredients - get yourself some greens, macha root and cinnamon. Combine a table spoon of macha and greens (again, I suggest Phountain's Green Phactor) and a teaspoon of cinnamon and shake it up with alkaline water (this you need from Phountain) and ENJOY weight loss, more energy and the HAPPINESS of having both. 

Easy Ways to get assertive

NY, NY -Assertiveness is literally finding a way to effectively communicate what we as humans need. When people do this correctly and effectively they are assertive.
On the other hand, when people are flawed and inaccurate at asking for what they want - they are "pushovers." Don't be a pushover! Here's how:
1) Eye contact - Look you mark in the eye. When you want to voice your opinion and be heard your EYES can actually do much of the talking. Practice sincerity, delight and seriousness in the mirror and on the other hand, know what creepy eye contact looks like.
2) Tonality - the tone of your voice will convey your seriousness. Be firm but kind - you can also do this by changing the words you use with the tone of your voice. For example, don't ask for direction - let the other person know the deal and then ask if they've accepted your terms.
3) Your posture has alot to do with how assertive others perceive you as. Perk up! Take a yoga class. Sit up straight and at attention.
4) Make a quick decision. Most things don't need hours of thought to decide. When you get an e-mail write back quickly. Answer people directly and in THAT moment. People love to take orders from people who know EXACTLY what to do. Practice quick decision making by going through a fashion magazine, pretend that you can get one thing on EVERY page sent to you in the mail. Rapid fire decide what thing you want on each page. Decision making will become easier when you familiarize yourself with EXACTLY what you want.
5) Stick with your decision. Don't look wishy-washy by constantly changing your mind, changing your career path, changing your spouse, changing your cloths ten times a day. Instead stick with the decisions you've made and get to understand them.
6) Know when to bail on your decision. This seems quite opposite of the entry above but in addition to understanding when you need to make a quick decision and stick with it, you should also know when its time to move forward with your career, dump a spouse, change your dirty cloths.
7) Assess the situation. Take a moment to figure whats going. You may think you need to react immediately but that may only make you look less assertive. The more you practice rapid fire decision making the easier it will get to asses the situation in a timely manner. If you take a moment to breath everything in you will actually look alot like your dad when he was deciding what the hell he was going to yell at you for first: all the D's on your report card or the In School Suspension slip in your mailbox. Did you want to screw with dad when he looked like that? Didn't think so.

Super ENERGY Drink GET TONS of ENERGY and STAMINA

Bayport, NY - This is a Super DUPER Energy Drink. In fact, I've found that its as potent as coffee. That's why me, a lifelong coffee drinker and caffeine addict, has switched to this Super Energy Drink formula.
Find these ingredients in health food stores. Zip up this drink in your nutribullet for an early morning pick me up in lieu of coffee and breakfast (because this shake is full of nutrients).
Much of this is based of the Phountain Lifestyle, which has brought products like Alkaline Water to the mainstream.

In a blender mix the following ingredients:

• Alkaline Water - fill water in after all the other ingredients are in the cup 
• 1 scoop Superfactor (Superfactor can be bought at Phountain.  Superfactor is packed with vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, K, C and B12 - that are great for you. Just read the back list and you'll be amazed - plus it tastes great)
• 1 frozen banana - full of potassium. Putting it in the freezer will make this beverage COLD and YUMMY; chop it up before freezing so its easier to blend. it acts as ice cubes in the drink.
• 1 teaspoon Maca Powder. MORE ON MACA to FOLLOW SOON Some say to use moreMaca Powder - some say less is more effective. I happen to believe that less is better when it comes to Maca - the Incan super food that brings energy and vitality to all who drink it. Its a product of the radish family so it has a rather interesting flavor that takes some getting used to.
• A drizzle of coconut oil - so good for the inside and outside of the body,Plus it tastes so YUMMY - it makes everything into YUM! 
• 1 scoop dry peanut butter - peanut butter makes everything better. But this peanut butter has tons of less fat because most of the fat was removed when it was freeze dried. Delish too!
• Lastly a sprinkle of cinnamon and a sprinkle of salt.

There you have it! Enjoy your super power drink and let me know what you think. More recipes to follow!

Stop Buying ALL THAT CRAP

Anywhere, USA - On my new path to becoming a better me in 45 days, I've discovered that perhaps the BIGGEST roadblock on my path to success is my excessive spending.
Most of the money I spend is on things I don't want.
The pros at CVS, Walgreens and even go-old Marshall's call this "impulse buying" - which is an entire concept where stores strategically place, strategically priced items.
If I want NICE things (not 13 different bottles of lotion: gardenia, sweet pea, jojoba, jojoba with lavender...etc), I'm going to have to curb my spending and SAVE - after that comes investment and BIG, purposeful purchasing.
The experts have a bunch of theories...here are a few I'm following, coupled with my own observation and ideas. Let's see how it goes.

1) Don't go to Stores
I work in a shopping center with dozens of retail shops and a gym - I  have a gym membership to the (that's where I'll be going)

2) Ask yourself questions
Is this product worth the money? Will I use it in a month, a day? Questions stop you in your tracks - impulse buying lacks thought (ITS ALL IMPULSE)

3) Don't buy because of "a deal" 
The same marketing geniuses that brought you "impulse buying" also brought you "Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Deals" "For a limited Time only" etc.

4) Don't buy because it's cheap 
You're going to take it home and hate it (Jojoba lotion with lavender)

5) Never Buy when your sad
Just like comfort eating, there's comfort buying and there are lots-o-people guilty of it

6) Take an inventory of what you do have 
Ahhhh this is what I'm doing tonight...Look at what you do have (8 different underarm deodorants, 3 shampoos, 2 conditioners, 3 DEEP conditioners, about 3-billion pens, a bunch of wall decorations, 4 flashlights). Make a list of what you absolutely DONT NEED and carry the list around with you. Also, unload at least half of your impulse buys on a friend who needs them or at the church (if its unopened) or somewhere where people could use the stuff that you likely won't ever.

My Scarab

NY, NY - I'm not Cleopatra, however I've always had a little thing for her...and anyone else from Ancient Egypt like the Sun God Ra, King Tut and Nefertiti and Ramses to name a few.
My love for everything-Egypt doesn't stop there, of course. I'm in LOVE with "artifacts" as well...for example
1) papyrus paper - I got my first "real" piece of papyrus from a store when I was in 5th grade - papyrus is a thin paper-like material made from the pith of a papyrus plant that ancient Egyptians used to write on
2) Hieroglyphics - I love this alphabet of amazing characters that can be used as letters or in some cases a Hieroglyphic will stand for an entire word.  Its very cool.
3) Scarabs! These are actually beetles but Ancient Egyptians would create ornate figurines of Scarabs using colorful jewels and they would walk around with these Scarabs as amulets around their neck. Also, the dead were buried with their Scarab amulets (and everything else).

On May 1st of 2010, my dad took me and my sister and mother to see an Ancient Egyptian exhibit in the heart of Times Square. The tickets promised the view of a "real mummy" - but I don't actually think there was one.  Either way I still remember the look of the ancient jewels, gold and pottery in the cases...it was amazing, beautiful, and left an image in my mind of a scarab that I've never been able to shake.
Anyway, of course what happened that day is Faisal Shahzad stuck a bomb in one of the trash cans around the block from the exhibit I was at with my family. Thank God the bomb did not go off and it was diffused by police immediately, Shahzad was arrested and is in prison. I still tell my story of the two suspicious men parked that day in front of the Ann Taylor in Times Square - so suspicious that BEFORE I knew anything about Shahzad and his evil plan I said to my mom "these guys are up to no good."

Anyway, while Faisal Shahzad was planting a bomb in Times Square there were hundreds of people enjoying a beautiful morning in NYC learning about Ancient Egypt up close - first hand. And I COULD NOT get the image of the Scarab out of my head.

As unbelievable as it is, I finally got a tattoo of a scarab 5 years nearly TO THE DAY after first falling in love with this marvelous jewel. I consider the scarab to be the most beautiful of all the Ancient Egyptian jewel designs and I'm proud to wear one on my wrist permanently. Thanks to Sam at Inkpulsive!

Is it the Prepared Bird that Catches the Worm?

K. Klahn Reporter/Sales

Bayport, NY - If an early bird isn't prepared, they can't expect to catch any worms.  It's true - you can be 15 minutes early to a meeting but forgot the Power Point Presentation at home!

I've recently been reminded of the importance of "prepping" for an interview in my job as a freelance reporter and recognized that it's something I can apply to my 9 to 5 job as a Sales Person as well.

As a Sales Person I am often contacting the same person; at this point the person has become my perspective client and I have written a series of notes on them that I've cataloged (when they are at work/lunch; what products they use; what their husband's name is depending on how well you've gotten to know them it can be very special information).  In a sense, this is a person that I am repeatedly trying to interview (if only they would always come to the phone).

In reporting, there is an Absolute importance placed on "Being Prepared" for interviews; this is not just "knowing what you are going to say". Prepping also entails knowing exactly Who you are talking to and Why you are talking to them. Also, the reporter needs to coordinate When they will be speaking and How that interaction will be taking place (via the phone, in person or through e-mail). A reporter will always Read Up on their Interviewee and find out what that person has been up to - this will also give the article Fresh Perspective. 

"Prepping" is as important as our interview because reporters are often dealing with Very Busy People with Very Busy Schedules. Wasting time is not an option; being unprepared will make the reporter, editor and Paper look silly - which is not ok.

Well if I've learned anything in my past year and a half in sales its that EVERY SECOND we have on the phone with a perspective client needs to be spent diligently.  This means that homework needs to be done the same Fresh Perspective needs to be sought on perspective clients. Also, recognizing that in sales our clients are Very Busy People with Very Busy Schedules may give us insight into scheduling phone or interface time with them.

Knowing that much more about our prospects can make a big difference and the only way to do that is by doing the "Prep Work"

Macaroons in Paris and NYC

Lauduree Soho

Paris, France - Paris is remarkable on so many levels.  I love the "River that Runs Through It" - the River Seine, which divides the city up into little arrondissements each so different: artsy, quirky, posh, fashionable - and yet all of the arrondissements are delightfully French.
Twas nearly a decade ago that my college BFF Mary and I wandered around an arrondissement somewhere near the Champ Elysee and found "Lauduree".  We walked in and plopped down onto our individual purple velvet chairs, we were probably tired from an afternoon of walking on Paris's old cobble streets - its very hard on your feet.
We were told by the waiter that "Lauduree" is the most famous maker of the French Macaroon and while they have other foods to eat, we MUST try at least one macaroon.
The theory Mary and I had for ordering food in Paris: "Let us Eat Cake." We really stocked up on sweets and ignored the country's other culinary possibilities.
We had a couple of cups of tea, cafe au lait and warm croissants brought to the table. I'd never had a macaroon and neither had Mary so we ordered an entire garden of fresh French macaroons of every color, flavor and smell.
Just like the scene in Alice and Wonderland when Alice goes for one of those delightful looking cookies that say, "Eat Me", I dove in for a pink macaroon and felt the same sweet mouth watering anticipation that Alice had felt before she became bigger than a house.

Lauduree, Soho

"Delish," I thought.  It was a Rose-flavored macaroon. "Rose," I thought. "That's a flower?" But there, in Paris sitting on that purple velvet chair I learned that flowers are often used as flavoring in sweet treats as well as teas.
For me, the experience at "Lauduree" was transcending and resulted in love for floral-flavored foods. I picked up a purple macaroon, which was flavored with Lilac. Then an orange, which was orange blossom. Wow!
I was hooked.  But there was no where for me to get my fix.  The American palate wasn't ready to hear that flowers could be flavoring. Our Country had barely grown a taste for Nutella (and that's chocolate hazelnut), At the time, it was only sold in specialty stores or smuggled in by college students studying abroad in Italy.
So, I learned to live without it. Savoring the rarities when a tea house would serve "rose-flavored" tea or the time when I bought Orange Blossom scented cologne.  Of course, there were the trips back to Europe where I'd order lavender iced cream and jasmine cookies.
Then I found out that a "Lauduree" opened in NYC. I hadn't had an opportunity to visit until this past weekend.  The "Lauduree" in NYC became a popular place and it looks exactly like the one in Paris.
Its funny how NYC can be like tofu and take on the taste of other cities so easily (because all of the ingredients for NYC are International).
Little Italy, China Town and now Lauduree in Soho and up near Central Park.
It is not the River Seine that splits NYC into its different flavors - we are surrounded by water instead.  Its all of the cultures themselves that make  NYC into what it is - delightfully New York.

Abercrombie, of Brains and Braun

NY, NY - Abercrombie and Fitch has finally decided to show that the company has both looks and the substance to make them more than just "another pretty face".
Under new leadership the company announced that it would change its decades-old job description from "model" to the more appropriate
"brandrepresentative".
Ahhhh - the Abercrombie store "model" brings memories of my middle school years, feeling too fat and unpretty to ever go inside the dimly-lit store. Quite honestly I'm not sure how the "model" plan ever worked for the company; not only would there be flawless-scantily clad sales people inside the store but outside also a teenage boy without a shirt and a teenage girl outside (both without acne).
They would act as guards (Atleast in my mind) and scare off the unworthy with a welcoming smile.
Maybe teens now are feeling the sentiment I did because sales have gone down 39% over the past 12 months. The company's leaders see the downfall of the 123-year-old company and are making major changes in addition to "letting employees dress in a more individualistic way" according to the Wall Street  Journal.
On my grandfather's deathbed, he told me the story of the one time he and his father traveled into nyc. His father bought him a jacket, from Abercrombie and Fitch. Back then there weren't sexy hot girls in bathing suits selling jackets and yet they sold and my grandfather bought one.
Abercrombie since 1892...rely more on your history and experience and quit being a teenage girl.

Get Organized with Priority Shapes

Priority Shapes

Bayport, NY - We all have priorities in life.  Priorities are what provide us with direction and the determination and motivation to achieve our goals.
For me, when I'm at my busiest, I lose focus on my life's priorities. I become small minded; focused on the task at hand - the day or moment I'm in; and the big picture just becomes scrambled eggs.
I have a good friend that is also super, super busy right now.
Yet, when I spoke with this friend recently, she had a calmness about her.
In the midst of her Buzz she had called ME; She had just come from grocery shopping for her organic,health foods; She had closed a few major deals that she had been working on.
In other words, she had not lost focus of her life's priorities. She made sure to be in contact with close friends; her health had remained important; and she was focused enough at work to close deals and meet her sales targets.
For some reason, I always believed that a "TO DO" list would bring me success.  I thought, "all I have to do is check off a couple of things I've done for today (my homework, clean my room, pay a bill) and eventually I will arrive at my goal."
Though, the structure of a "To Do" actually makes you feel like crap if you don't get something done. (Picture allllllll those boxes that still aren't checked off.)
PLUS, where does a "TO DO" list lead? What is it's Goal? Getting the day's work done! And that's great because we all need to go grocery shopping and do our laundry and make sure to sign our children up for swimming lessons. But we also need a map (not a list of the bigger picture.)

Whenever I find myself Soooooo busy that I have literally no time to Sleep (we've ALL been there, c'mon), I have to take a look at my Priority Shapes and see what I know is important to me; what isn't; what I see for myself and my child in the future and what I know is toxic for me.

So what are Priority Shapes? As I explained before,they are the coping mechanism I created to stay on target when my life was out of control. I was moving in every direction but Forward.

How it works is each shape represents a priority or non-priority in your life.

You can get out a piece of paper and literally draw the shapes on the same page or each on a separate page - Just make sure that the finished product is something you can look at every day or whenever you need it.

In my example I drew a BIG HEART in the center of the page.

HEART: These are absolute priorities. They take precedence over ANYTHING else; our Heart comes first. Think of our Heart as the literal heart beating in our body - make sure you are checking up on these priorities and make sure they are constantly moving forward. For me, Heart Priorities include: Annabella; being a mom; my family; my close friends; my spirituality; my job - selling goals; my blog - expanding writing ideas; yoga, health; my book (Eggbert).

CIRCLE: The circle represents the people that are most important to us. For me, my daughter is the CENTER of the circle. I know who is in the circle - Its a small, positive group: My family; My BEST friends. I also choose to honor family who have passed in this group and I think of people I look up to. These are the only people that can take up space in my mind and these are the people that I have personally required myself to make an effort to see.


SQUARE: These are Back Burner items. Second to your priorities yet STILL important. I tend to want to get involved in everything but guess what?  You can't!  You need to Prioritize. Put your future projects in the square. The square also holds some of the other groups and people that you would like to get involved with if you had more time.

DIAMOND: The Diamond is all that we Aspire to be and to have. In the diamond, put the names of people who inspire you. The Diamond also serves as a place for us to store our Long Term Goals (the goals that seem so unattainable that we've currently labeled them  hopeless). The Diamond gives us a Flawless, Clear look into the Future and what we want it to be.  Our future is a Clean slate

STOP SIGN (Octogon): Stay Away! Stop - Heed!  Don't Go There because you know it Always leads to misery; That's what the Stop Sign represents: The People, Places, Things, Attitudes and Ideas that HOLD us back from victory.  Having Trouble? These are the people going nowhere in life, yet we still choose to hang out with. These are the websites and magazines that make us angry, they always scare us into thinking we're dying that the "world will end". Are you saving up for a home or something else big? Put the following items in the Stop Sign: Night Clubs, Tiki Bars, scratch off tickets, internet shopping and shoe shopping.  It may sting - but remove these things from your life and your Goals can be reached.

Rectangle: Perhaps the most important shape is the Rectangle.  This is our actual "To Do" list.  These are the things that we cannot forget to do. These are our daily MUSTS and they are different for everyone. So go ahead and list yours.  Make sure you are doing them everyday and you will reach your goals that much faster. They could be the laundry, showering, bathing your children, makeup,  putting your children to bed, your morning and evening commute to work , reading the news, staying in touch with your parent or visiting a loved one in a nursing home or another facility.

Me and the Center of My HEART and
CIRCLE, Annabella. 

I hope I've helped someone.  I know this helps me.  It's important to know that ALL of these shapes are connected.  The Circle, Heart, Rectangle and Stop Sign are NOW. The Diamond and Square are our future - but two very different types of future.

Good luck and please provide feedback if this helps.
Kat xoxoxoxo

 

ThrowBackThursday: Clare Rose Playhouse 25th Anniversary

Clare Rose Playhouse Celebrates 25th Anniversary | Patchogue, NY Patch

ThrowBackThursday: My Friend Michael Launched a Line of Skin Care Products

Bayport Resident Launches Line of Natural Skincare Products | Sayville-Bayport, NY Patch

Rubik's Cube Competition Held in Patchogue | Patchogue, NY Patch

Rubik's Cube Competition Held in Patchogue | Patchogue, NY Patch

A Fashionable Commute in the Rain

The Kamik Jennifer

Islandia, NY - Fickle New York weather - the rain, the mist - those watery days -YUCK! Driving in it is ANNOYING....A Pain.  Walking, Riding a Bike, Taking a bus in inclement weather  - is nothing short of torture!
I've given up on arriving to work with soggy, smelly shoes on rainy days.  Procedure for Rain-soaked shoes is exhausting.  I have to take the soaking wet shoes off, put them near the heater and try to get them dry in time to leave work with dry shoes in my satchel, which NEVER happens. Its embarrassing and inappropriate. Why inappropriate? Because I walk around my office barefoot, quickly galloping from desk to heater hoping not to be seen - but those who gallop are ALWAYS seen.
It takes shoes any type of shoes a LONG time to dry. SO something in shoes holds liquid. I once wore a pair of Sperrys in the rain...they were water-logged for almost a month -TRUE STORY.

One of my favorite quotes from Forest Gump, when Gump and Bubba meet Lieutenant Dan, the Lieutenant explains "There's one item of GI gear that can be the difference between a live grunt and a dead grunt - socks....I want you boys to remember to change your socks whenever we stop."
So, keeping your FEET dry (shoes, socks and all) seems to be pretty important.  Live or death, even.

Fashionable online pic

So I've had enough of that. As a Suburban BusRider Commuter, I've finally made the decision to invest in a GOOD pair of rain boots.
Well, that took some twisting of the Arm...I originally wanted a pair of $16.99 Jelly-booties that would barely do the job, but my boss convinced me that spending an extra $20 might bring me more comfort and YEARS of more use.  She introduced me to ZAPPOS (free shipping free returns)


What's even more appealing about the shoes on Zappos is that they each come with a video, detailing what the boot looks like on and some of the features of the boot.  Its a REAL TREAT.  Check it out.

Pic found online more summer pics to come

Well, I found the boot that I think is PERFECT for me.  It meets several requirements: being purple, a tall boot, and chic.  I'm really in LOVE actually and they're expected for delivery in just a couple of days.  I spent an extra $20 on top of the $20 my boss suggested bringing the total to around $68.95.

The name of the boot is the Kamik Jennifer.  Its pictured above. I'll let you know how it turns out in a few days.
More importantly, I'll need to let you know what Suburban Commuting Fashion in the Rain with chic Kamik Jennifer Rain boots looks like as well. So stay posted.  Xoxoxoxo

Big Shot Big Shoes

Patchogue, NY - I remember the first time I saw the Billy Joel cover band "Big Shot". It was almost a decade ago and it was at Mulcahy's in Selden or Centereach - I can't really remember.  What I do remember is how popular the band was and how DRUNK and ROWDY the Entire crowd was.

Also, I couldn't stop thinking about how much the band's lead singer, Mike Del Guidice sounded like Billy Joel.

So, last night my friend Tara invited me to come out to go see Big Shot - how could I say no?

Things for both Billy and Big Shot have changed since then.  In the past year or two Billy Joel has agreed to play at Madison Square Garden once a month until the public no longer wants him (until he stops selling tickets). Currently, members of Joel's past and present band periodically play with Big Shot.

Even more fascinating, now Mike DelGuidice is a part of the band.  Can you believe that?  Mike DelGuidice really is a Big Shot!

Krystie's Shower - Simple Keys to the PERFECT English Tea Party Event

Bayport, NY - My sister, Krystie had the PERFECT English Tea Party Wedding Shower this weekend, complete with facinators and white gloves for all.  

First, it needs to be said that the party would not have been as amazing as it was Da-ling, if it weren't for my mother, Cindy and a group of my sister's best friends (The Ladies) who have been planning this event with crucial detail for months: Megan, Kathleen and Bridget. I give you girls (and Mummy) an English Curtsy - you are wonderful and without you this event would not have had the sophistication and class worthy of a Kate Middleton-stamp of approval. 

The event was held at Grey Horse Tavern with a basic buffet-style brunch/lunch.  Our party took up the entire restaurant because we actually held a "Bro-Shower"for my brother-in-law in another room of the restaurant.

It was AMAZING to see how many AMAZING people, both FAMILY and FRIENDS that my sister has in her life. My cousin Anthony and his wife Debbie traveled in from Greenwood Lake, NY; Roberta and Kirsten came in from NYC; and the Wilfong's came in from Maine. But that's not all...it's our neighbors who show up time after time that really remind ME who true friends.   

The Cake was gorgeous and designed by my father's friend.  She did a beautiful white cake, flavored with coconut and pineapple. It was topped with a fondant tea cup - that was as gorgeous and delicate as the real thing.

Over the past few months Mummy has been visiting Country Junque, picking out gorgeous, delicate, flowery, or simple tea cups to give out as shower gifts. Mummy and the Ladies wrapped the tea cups in white tulle, to look like a vail and attached a quote by Mother Theresa. Guests also took home packages of "Thank you cards" made by Grandma Klahn. 

Guests were delighted by three-tiers of cookies including coconut macaroons, Napoleons and black and white cookies - but that's not all. It was the presentation of the cookies that really counted.  Bridget and her mom, Mary were amazing at paying attention to every detail. For the three-tiers of cookies they came up with the idea of using Marie Antoinette-Style decor, which gave the tea party a very decadent element. 

What I learned is, to pull off the PERFECT English Tea Party you MUST have:

1) Fascinators

2) Dainty Tea Cups

3) Cookies/Crumpets or Scones 

4) An Element of Decadence (for example: Marie Antoinette) 

5) Family, Friends and People who would like to be there

6) Etiquette (after all, this is a TRUE British Tea Party)

7) Tea (of Course) 

Be the View Now; Don't Find it 10 Years Later

I’ve been budgeting my time poorly this week – tisk, tisk, tisk on me! I have a huge event coming up this week and I want to do EVERYTHING.  Yet……it ALL can’t happen. 

What I’m looking forward to most at this event is spending some time with my grandmother and I plan on sitting right next to her and probably somewhere near my friend, Sue. 

Sue is my friend and my writing partner, she came over Wednesday for our weekly writing/editing session. However, we spent the ENTIRE time cutting and pasting for MY personal project.

We worked for two hours and chatted; she also told me a story that made us both cry.  The story involves the ways in which we choose to remember our loved ones: spritzing perfume, saving socks or a shirt, saving a voice mail. Some people like to pull out a photo.

But some photos come in very special cases. Does anybody remember the cone shaped key chains that magnify photos? They were big in the 60's 70's and 80's. You could find them at Splish Splash or any amusement park and especially on cruise ships.  They are square (four sides) with a glass hole for the picture in the middle.  They have a tab on outer side with a hole for a beaded tab - that's what allows you to use these "photo viewers" as key chains.

My friend Sue found out they are called photo viewers and even shared two photos with me. The first is a plain photo of the basic blue photo viewer. The second is of her Grandparents IN the photo viewer.  

Sue told me that when she misses her loved one, she takes out her viewfinder and looks and sees them there and it’s almost like they’re standing next to her. 

When I was a kid my Grandma would vacation on some sun-soaked island and bring back a bag full of stuff for my sister and I to keep: shampoos, conditioners, lotions and sprays - extras from luxury hotels but mostly printed with the words, “Hilton”; colorful necklaces with seashells or parrots, screen-printed tee-shirts, maybe a magnet or a keychain.  We EACH got one of those swag bags.

What we were forced to “split” was the “viewfinder”. Lots of “It’s my turn” could be heard on the car ride back from Franklin Square as tiny fingers grabbed.  The little head would dart in “this” and “that” direction as blinking lashes hit the eyehole, trying to get as close as possible to the image. 

Before Sue came for our session, I was on a mission which ended up being a complete waste…but not completely.

I strolled into one of Sayville’s Spiritual healing shops and I decide that I need a to breath in the patchouli-laden air. I walked through a sea of crystals of every color including two of my favorites moonstone, tiger’s eye. There were beautiful rosequartz shaped hearts, raw jagged amethyst, chunks of garnet and lapis lazuli.

 Then I neared a garden of little white-painted budha.  I thought of giving one to my grandma on Saturday because she LOVES BUDHA.   I picked him up and saw the price - $16.95 which is I believe is not what I wanted to spend on that item. 

I saw a necklace hanging it was red with an orange/yellow tint. I forget the name of the stone but I know that it’s a stone of protection.  It had two charms on it, a little white elephant and a silver knot. Aside from the main color scheme there are also a few  white then a foursome of multi-colored beads – I’m told those are all for protection and strength.

I plan to give this little gift to my grandma when I see her on Saturday.  Since I don’t have any more of my “viewfinders” I’m going to ask my grandmother for a couple of them. 

I’ve thought about it, when you are shutting your eyes and your mind and concentrating on just that little tiny photo in front of you I’ll bet that it feels like the person inside that viewfinder is right next to you.

Once again I’m reminded that I am very lucky that I don’t need a viewfinder to feel like my grandmother is here.  I plan to give her the necklace and have a great day.  The necklace will give her protection and strength for when she gets home. 

Easter Bunny Fun

This Was the first year Annabella was able to really appreciate who the Easter Bunny is and what gifts he/she comes with.  She was really excited (I think pre-school was hyping her up).  My mom ordered about a dozen books about Easter two weeks before Easter Sunday and we read a book whenever we got a chance.  Annabella pretty much likes a unique story from Mommy to go to sleep to every night so we would read an Easter book and then its back to Mommy's story about "cupcakes" and "Abby".
I wanted to give everyone a look at Annabella's Easter Basket and the process of doing the eggs.  We just bought the little packets from the store.  Lots of fun!!

Detroit Man who walks 8-hours draws comparisons to LIers who face similar transportation issues

This morning I was struck by the story of James Robertson – a 56-year-old Detroit man who walks nearly eight hours a day to get to his job at a factory 23 miles from home.  Mr Robertson has been without a car for nearly decade, making his dedication as admirable as his stamina.  He only accepts a ride when the weather is bad.

But what happens to people like Mr Robertson when the bad weather has cleared and all that remains are piles and piles of snow covered in ice? The same exact thing that happens to Long Islanders without vehicles: they are forced to climb mountains and dodge bullets.

Not literally – but still just as dramatic.

To understand what I mean, check out your neighborhood after a storm (we just had one so you have plenty of material to work with right now). Look at the sidewalks on major roadways and the sidewalks on residential blocks and don’t forget the sidewalks that lead to elementary, middle and high schools. (After all, our school-aged children account for a big chunk of the Island’s car-less).

What do these pathways have in common? They no longer exist.  These pathways are now covered in snow and ice. 

Now imagine navigating through that mess of un-shoveled sidewalks. You look ahead at the snow beneath you and it’s marked with the deep footprints of the people before you who walked from sidewalk to street to sidewalk again in an effort to find the least dangerous route. You choose to take a path of your own and your feet sink into the snow so you raise your knees to your gut with each step. Pair that confusion with speeding cars and the knowledge that at any minute one of those cars could lose control on a patch of black ice and ram right into you and there’s no car to protect you from the hit.

Many people, including Mr Robertson rely on their feet as well as public transportation to get where they need to go. So for that matter, take a look at our bus stops.  The few bus stops that have been paved of snow are also boxed in by snow, forcing riders to maneuver over hills that are often a foot or two high in order to get inside of the bus once it has stopped. For an able-bodied person this can be done rather easily, albeit with annoyance.  But how do the elderly make their way over these hills?  Or people with disabilities? In truth, it’s really not safe for anyone.

There are many Long Islanders like Mr Robertson who will find any way to get where they need to go. We need to make that journey safer for them.

If people shovel the walkways in front of their homes a lot of the issues with navigation can be solved.  The same goes for un-shoveled businesses. Municipalities who aren’t doing their share of the shoveling need to get with the program because there are too many people who rely on you – you need to take that seriously. 

We can work together to make Long Island a better place for everyone.