National America Recycles Day 2016

National America Recycles Day 2016

November 15th is National America Recycles Day. Today is a day dedicated to encourage Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. The America Recycles movement was started in 1997 and since then has helped people everywhere learn the importance of recycling. In honor of today, here are some helpful tips to follow when going green and helping the environment.

Save energy to save money:

 

  • Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
  • Unplug appliances when you are not using them. Even if they are plugged in and not in use, energy is still being drawn to them.

Save water to save money:

 

  • Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will also lower your water and heating bills.
  • Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. 85% of energy used to machine wash clothes goes to heating your water.

Less Gas = more money:

 

  • If you are traveling a short distance, consider walking or riding your bike instead of driving. Not only will this help the environment but it is better for your health also.

Recycle all plastic/glass bottles and papers:

 

  • It may be a pain but be sure to recycle all of your used bottles and newspapers. Set up a separate recycle can outside by your garbage pails to help make sorting your trash easier.

Help make the earth a better place to live in today! Don’t forget to reduce, reuse and recycle.

 

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting 2016

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting 2016

Although the Empire State building is one of New York’s most iconic sites, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is right up there with it. This year`s tree comes from Oneonta, New York. This gigantic Norway spruce will be chopped down on November 10th and will arrive in New York City on November 12th. Then on November 30th, is the event that we’ve been waiting for. That is the tree lighting ceremony! You will be able to watch this live along with musical performances on NBC.

This year’s fabulous tree will be decorated with 50,000 LED lights and of course topped with a Swarovski star. The best part is that you are able to enjoy the tree from November 30th all the way till January 7th. So you have no excuse not to catch a bit of this Christmas magic. And while you are there, you can even skate below the tree at the Rink at Rockefeller plaza. This is a Christmas tradition that you don’t want to pass you by!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 90th Anniversary

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 90th Anniversary

Halloween is behind us and we are already on to the next holiday. And that’s Thanksgiving, of course! I don’t know about you but one of the first things I think of (besides all the food) is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. This year is even more special because it`s the 90th anniversary!

You only turn 90 once, so Macy`s is planning on kicking it up this year to celebrate nine decades of this holiday tradition. From Felix (the first giant balloon in 1927) to Snoopy (the character with the most balloons), there is so much to look forward to this year! One of the throwback classics that they are featuring this year is Felix. “DreamWorks Animation’s Felix the Cat, whose likeness was the first balloon featured in a Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in 1927, will return in throwback form, designed and built in the same methods utilized in the 1920s. Unlike his fellow balloons such as Charlie Brown and Ronald McDonald, Felix will process carried on sticks, also mimicking his original appearance.” Another fun act that you can’t miss is two sets of the Muppets. Kermit and his crew will be kicking off the parade with a musical number and Big Bird and the “Sesame Street” team will be appearing later in the parade. This year is guaranteed to be the perfect combination of classic and current favorites. The parade airs at 9 a.m. on NBC and you don’t want to miss it!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Snickers Candy

Snickers Candy

Snickers are hands down one of the most popular candy in the world. This candy can bring in an annual profits grossing around $2 billion. One thing we can agree on is that Snickers are pure edible joy. Besides knowing that they are absolutely delicious, I am going to share with you 6 fun facts that you might of not known.

1. Snickers got their name from a favorite horse of the Mars family.

2. Each regular Snickers bar has around 16 peanuts in each one.

3. When Snickers was released in 1930, the cost was just 5 cents.

4. Over 15 million Snickers are manufactured every day.

5. While they’re the most popular candy in the world, Snickers are not the top selling candy in America. The number one selling candy in America is M&Ms.

6. In the U.K., the Isle of Man, and Ireland, Snickers were sold

Now you know a little bit more about this scrumptious treat! Just like the slogan goes, “You’re not you when you’re hungry”! Comment below which kind of Snickers is your favorite! Ours is the Snickers peanut butter squared!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Candy Corn Fun Facts!

Candy Corn Fun Facts!

Although everyone might seem pumpkin spice crazy at the moment, there is always one Halloween classic treat that will never be forgotten. And that is, candy corn. This sweet treat is a Halloween staple and often overlooked. We are going to give you some Halloween fun facts that you might not have known. And after reading our facts, let us know your favorite! And don’t forget to enjoy this classic treat on October 30th because that is National Candy Corn day!

• The original name for candy corn was “Chick Feed” and was marketed toward farmers.

• Candy corn has been around for over 130 years when George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderlee Candy Company, stumbled upon the perfect mixture of corn syrup, sugar and marshmallow flavoring, which invented the tri-color candy in 1880.

• Americans have debated on the style of how the kernels should be consumed. According to a survey, 46.8% of people think that the whole kernel should be eaten at once, compared to 42.7% that start at the white, narrow end. While the remaining 10.6% of people start at the wider yellow end.

• A recent CNN Facebook survey found that older people tend to like candy corn more than younger ones do. The study also found that 86% of females love candy corn compared to 14% of males.

• According to Google Insights, candy corn is the most searched for candy term in Google. Alabama has the highest about of candy corn searches out of all 50 states. The only thing sweeter than “Sweet Home Alabama” is the candy corn itself.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

The Lion King – Live-Action Remake

The Lion King – Live-Action Remake

There is very exciting news that was officially released from Disney studios. Disney and director Jon Favreau are working on a live-action remake of one of the studio’s most popular animated films, The Lion King!

Disney has amazed us with their recent live-action remakes. Some of these include, The Jungle Book, Maleficent, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, which is coming out in 2017. What makes the Lion King even more unique is that it will feature the original soundtrack. So now you can sing along to these classic tunes the same way you remembered them.

“We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of the Lion King on the fast track to production. The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide,” the company said in a press release.

The original Lion King debuted in 1994. This was one of the biggest animated films of all time. Which included many awards and nominations. It grossed at $968.8 million, including $422.8 million domestically, according to Disney. Now we have to see if this re-make will be even more successful, we sure hope it is. Although there is no exact release date, the debut is anticipated for early 2017. Is this something you are looking forward to, because just like Simba, we can’t wait!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness month. We live in a world that is more connected than ever before. The Internet touches almost all aspects of everybody’s lives. In fact, most of us depend on it for everyday living.

Whether it is online shopping, paying bills, or even just browsing the web, your personal information is out there. That’s why every year NCSAM strives to educate the public and raise awareness about cybersecurity.

Here are some helpful tips to follow when it comes to protecting yourself online:

• Don’t ever say “It won’t happen to me”. Every time you log into the internet you are an attractive target for hackers.

• When setting up passwords, make sure to use a strong mix of characters, numbers and symbols.

• Never share your passwords with others.

• Never leave your devices unattended. If you need to leave your computer, phone or tablet, be sure to set up a lock for the device until you return.

• Be careful when clicking on attachments or links in email. These links can be spam.

• Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should only be done on a device that belongs to you, on a network that you trust. If you are doing any of these on a friend’s computer, public computer or a restaurants free WiFi, your data could be copied and stolen.

• Be sure that your devices are protected with anti-virus software.

• Watch what you share on social networks. Criminals can befriend you and easily gain access to a shocking amount of personal information.

• Always monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. As soon as you see something strange, it could be a sign that you may have been hacked.

Stay safe while surfing the web. You never know when you could be the next target for a hacker.

 

Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island

Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island

Fall is here and it`s time for pumpkin picking, festivals and so much more! Luckily on Long Island there is always something to do, especially in the Fall. Whether you are looking for a family fun day or a day out with friends, there is always something to do. Below I will list the top 6 activities to do this season.

1. Why not pick fresh apples! Lewins Farms in Wading River is the perfect place pick your own apples. Then you can either enjoy a fresh apple or even make an apple pie.

2. You can pumpkin pick! There are so many pumpkin farms on Long island including Schmitts Farm in Melville and Stakey`s Pumpkin Farm in Aquebogue.

3. The Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens, presented throughout October, showcases the amazing work of dozens of local artists. Spend an hour walking through the trail and see more than 5,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns light up the night.

4. Southampton embraces fall with a full weekend of art, music, food, entertainment, and history near the end of September. The aptly named Southampton Septemberfest allows residents and visitors to explore Southampton’s rich cultural heritage and its close connection to agriculture and the sea. Adding to the entertainment are volunteers dressed in traditional outfits who sell locally grown produce, teach traditional crafts like basket weaving, and even hold class in a one-room schoolhouse.

5. Celebrate Long Island’s rich history and traditions at the Hallockville Museum Farm’s Fall Festival and Craft Show, which includes demos on basket weaving, yarn spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing, and more, plus more than 50 craft vendors. See livestock displays, farm machinery and tractor exhibits, and even a model railroad display.

6. Grande Festa Italiana, held annually in early September at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, is both the largest and oldest Italian feast on Long Island. Along with the rides, fireworks, and live music, kids can enjoy sampling a variety of Italian foods and watching cooking demonstrations.

With so much to do, it`s easy to say that Long Island is the place to be during the Fall. What activity is your favorite?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

iPhone 7 Plus Release

iPhone 7 Plus Release

Apple lovers are jumping for joy now that Apple has officially released the new iPhone 7 Plus. One of the first exciting features of the new device is the dual lens system. The phone is also now available in the new color option of blue! Along with these changes there has been a change in the way you’ll be using your headphones. “The new device will indeed not have a headphone jack and may be even equipped for wireless charging – the “docking” magnets on the back look similar to the ones on the Watch.”

Many consumers have mixed feelings about the “missing” headphone jack. Some love it, and some are not very fond of the idea just yet.

Will you be upgrading your phone for the new iPhone 7 Plus?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo