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Gina Rodriguez makes a high school student’s dreams come true!

Gina Rodriguez makes a high school student’s dreams come true!

Gina Rodriguez, the star of “Jane the Virgin”, is making a high school student`s prom dream come true. Jessica Casanova is a high school teen who dreamt of wearing her idol`s Golden Globes dress to prom. Gina Rodriquez saw her tweet and made her dreams come true.

“Rodriguez’s good gestures didn’t end there, as she paid for some alterations to the dress and even sent along a personal video, according to the Associated Press. In it she tells Casanova, “I love you, I’m so proud of you. I’m so excited for you. Dance like no one’s watching, have the time of your life. Enjoy every single moment. Make smart decisions and let loose, girl. You look beautiful.” After seeing this, many fans also got in on this action and started the trend, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Golden Globes Dress.” Gina plans on passing her dress along to other teens attending their prom.

This amazing gesture made by Gina Rodriguez is something that you can also participate in. DoSomething.org, OperationProm.org and BeccasCloset.org are just a few. Instead of having your dresses hanging in the closet, you can make someone`s prom dreams come true.

Get the inside scoop on Disney dining!

Get the inside scoop on Disney dining!

 

The only thing that can make a Disney vacation more magical is the perfect Disney dining. From character dining to quick service to even snacks. I am going to tell you my top favorites from Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida.

Meeting the characters is always one of my favorite parts of any Disney trip. And what makes it even better is dining with the characters. My absolute favorite character dining is the Best Friends Breakfast at O`hana, in the Polynesian Village Resort. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel like you are on a Hawaiian roller coaster ride with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto. This delicious breakfast is served family style and is loads of fun. My second favorite character dining is the 1900 Park Fare located at the Grand Floridian. The dining time depends on what characters will be there.  During the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, you’ll be joined by Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh. This all you care to enjoy buffet is filled with scrumptious treats such as fluffy pancakes, Mickey waffles, fruit, omelets and so much more. The dinner here is even more decadent as you dine like royalty. You will join Cinderella and Prince Charming as their guest of honor. Their royal friends are also sure to be in attendance. My third favorite character dining experience is the Crystal Palace located in the Magic Kingdom. You’ll feel like you are in the Hundred Acre Woods with Pooh and his friends. All of the food is fantastic but I must say, the mac and cheese is the best. There are so many other dining experiences that Disney World has to offer. It`s hard to choose which ones to pick for your visit.

            Next up is the quick service. These are perfect for an action packed day that leaves little room for a full sit down meal. The one quick service that I always make sure to do is at, Be Our Guest. This is my favorite quick service location in Magic Kingdom. The main dining room is absolutely gorgeous and it looks like the exact one from Beauty and the Beast. The meal that I always get is the Croque Monsieur. And you can`t forget to try the “grey” stuff because it`s delicious. No matter how many times I go there, I always leave singing Be Our Guest from the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack for the rest of the day. My second favorite quick service is also in the Magic Kingdom and that is, Casey’s Corner. This old fashioned hot dog joint is the perfect stop before catching the Festival of Fantasy parade. My favorite hotdog from there is the barbeque slaw dog. My third favorite quick service location is basically anywhere in the World Showcase in Epcot. But the Tangierine Café is definitely number one for me. The best dish there is the Shawarma Chicken and Lamb Platter.

 

Now on to the snacks! Everything is better Mickey shaped and at Walt Disney World you’ll find a lot of that. My all-time favorite snack is the classic Mickey shaped ice cream. Other amazing mickey shaped snacks are, the giant Mickey chocolate chip cookie, a Mickey pretzel and Mickey lollipops. Some other classic snacks include Dole Whip and turkey legs. With all of this amazing food at Walt Disney World, there is no way that you will ever be hungry.

 

 

 

 

Bath and Body Works is throwing it back to the 90`s!

Bath and Body Works is throwing it back to the 90`s!

Bath and Body Works is about to throw it all the way back to the 90`s. The popular body care store is re-releasing scents and products that were customer favorites in the 90`s. This is all for their #FlashBackFragrance campaign which will leave you feeling nostalgic.

The eight scents that will be re-released include Peony, Country Apple, Cucumber Melon, Freesia, Brown Sugar & Fig, Mango Mandarin, Cotton Blossom, Sun-Ripened Raspberry. Talk about a throwback with all of these amazing scents! There are also four different ways in which you can buy these scents. The first one is the fragrance mist which will be $14. The second will be the ultra shea body cream for $13. The shea & Vitamin E body lotion will be $12.50. And lastly the shea & Vitamin E shower gel for $12.50. With so many options, what will you choose? I definitely plan to stock up on the Sun-Ripened Raspberry.

Find out fun ways to celebrate Mother`s Day!

Find out fun ways to celebrate Mother`s Day!

 

Are you ready for Mother`s Day this Sunday? If not, then we have a list of fun activities to do! Aside from the usually brunch or dinner, we have come up with a list of different ways to celebrate this weekend! This list ranges from free things to wine tasting. There are so many ways to celebrate.

Several fun places around Long Island are offering free services for mothers. Some of these establishments include:

Another idea to do this weekend is a spa day. A soothing spa day is a great way to say “thank you” for all of that hard work she does. A spa day can be going to a local salon or spa or even enjoying a homemade spa day. She will be sure to enjoy a day full of relaxation.

Vacations don’t always have to be extravagant and far from home. There are so many weekend getaways right here on Long Island. If you choose to plan a weekend getaway for your mom, it’s a good idea to provide a variety of hotel choices, this way she won’t feel obligated to follow your exact plans. Some destination ideas include Montauk, New York City or the many nature trails that Long Island has to offer.

The weather is warming up, and wine tasting is an awesome springtime activity. Long Island Vineyards are calling your name this Mother’s Day! Be sure to keep an eye out for our favorite Long Island wines, while you’re out East. Pindar Vineyards of Peconic will be hosting a Mother’s Day event from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. this year. Live music by Larry Liso and complementary souvenir Pindar logo wine glasses will be provided.

With so many activities to do just on Long Island alone, what will you choose to do this weekend?

 

DIY Home Projects for Cold Winter Days

DIY Home Projects for Cold Winter Days

How have you been spending your winter days? Maybe you’re spending them curled up on the couch reading a book, or watching your favorite TV program? Having a lazy day once in awhile isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re stuck indoors because of the cold, why not turn your lazy day into a “go day”?

Here are some home DIY projects to tackle during these cold winter days:

Do some painting. Cold weather is ideal for drying paint. Redo the color scheme of your bathroom, or add dimension to your living room or bedroom. If you are feeling creative, grab some painter’s tape and create a pattern on your walls.

Change your light bulbs. It can be a bit of an investment, however, going around your home and swapping your old light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs will save you money! Energy Star qualified light bulbs will save you more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime.

Install a backsplash to your kitchen’s countertop. A backsplash is a perfect way to spice up the look of your kitchen. If your kitchen is in need of color and life, a flashy or textured tile can spice up a plain scheme. For a more chic look, go with a neutral colored tile.

Give your closet a makeover. If organization is on your list for 2016, start by tackling your closet. There are so many ways to personalize your closet for your needs. Install shelves or purchase an over the door shoe rack to help cut down on clutter. Go through your clothes and donate the items that you no longer wear. This is an excellent way to help others in need while achieving a personal goal.

Do a Home Inventory. Prepare a written list of all your valuable belongings. In the event of a homeowners claim or loss, this list will be at your fingertips and will help expedite the claim process. Aside from preparing a written list, be sure to take detailed pictures of all your items listed in your inventory.

For more information on home inventories, visit: http://www.rmiia.org/homeowners/Walking_Through_Your_Policy/Home_Inventory.asp

These are just a few ideas to help you focus on the inside of your home while the weather is cold. Once spring time rolls around, you can focus your time on the outside!

For more inspirational DIY home projects, visit: http://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/expert-advice/g997/diy-weekend-home-decor-projects/?slide=1

Written by: Amanda Haase

Things To Consider Before You Choose a Summer Camp

Things To Consider Before You Choose a Summer Camp

The weather is finally getting warmer and thoughts of sunny summer days are upon us. School will be ending soon and summer camp may be in the picture. Finding the right summer camp for your child’s particular needs may not be as simple as you may think. Start early to ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for. Here are some tips to get you started whether your looking for a day camp or a sleepaway camp.

Staff –A good staff can make all the difference! Are the staff members skilled in engaging a shy student that may have a difficult 3-summer-camps-for-kids-with-celiac-diseasetime coming out of there shell? How long have the staff members been working with the camp? Are they trained in emergency procedures and CPR? Are background checks done on every employee? What is the counselor to camper ratio? In the case of a sleepaway camp, how do they handle homesickness? A good facility will be eager to answer your questions.

What is a camp day like? If early enough, can visitation be arranged? A good, well-rounded camp day should have varied activities to meet the needs of all campers unless you opt for a specialized camp such as for sports, music or dance. Is food provided or supplied by the family?

Ask to see schedules and inquiry how closely they are adhered to. If it is a specialized camp, make sure the kids have the opportunity for downtime and to take part in activities that are not geared toward their specialty. In the case of a sleepaway camp, what are the daily menus like, what kind of activities do they offer in the evening and what is the counselor to camper ratio at this time? Are there family visiting days?

Goals-A good camp should be dedicated to making sure they provide campers with good, safe fun! Parents should look for a camp that is looking to foster relationships. Since summer camp is a seasonal activity, it should be a goal of the camp to provide the best possible experience to the campers so that they want to return the following year. Friendships among campers and comradery with staffers would be a sure way of making that happen. Making memories will ensure for a positive camp experience and the likelihood of a camper begging to return and make choosing a camp easier in the coming years.

Now that we discussed some of the criteria for choosing a summer camp, the rest is up to you and the camper. Make a list of camps to be considered, what you expect of the program and get out and find the one that is best suited for you and your child.

Don’t forget to check with your insurance agent if you decide on a sleep-away camp.  Make sure you have off-premises theft coverage to cover your child’s belongings while they are away.

Have a wonderful summer and may your days be filled with Happy Campers!

For more information on Home, Auto, Business, Life, and Flood Insurance contact our office at 516-249-5200.

Written by: Denise Visco

Sandra’s Travel Adventures, March 26, 2015

Sandra’s Travel Adventures, March 26, 2015

Sandra’s Travel Adventures Week #2  Soccer game

Today is my second day in Sevilla, Spain. We started off the day with breakfast at this local cafe. I got a croissant and coffee. The coffee is amazing here. We then went souvenir shopping, we came across so many shops. I got a few souvenirs and before we knew it, it was time to get ready for the soccer game. Sevilla was playing against Elche. It was a close game but Sevilla won. After the game we went to a local cafe for coffee and gelato. It’s been another fun day in Sevilla!Sandra friends at game

By: Sandra Costanzo

Get The Inside Scoop On American Girl’s Release of Their New 2015 Doll!

Get The Inside Scoop On American Girl’s Release of Their New 2015 Doll!

American girl Grace ThomasIt`s a new year and time for a new Girl of the Year! Every year American Girl Doll releases a new doll and this year it`s time for Grace Thomas to shine! Grace Thomas is an enthusiastic girl who enjoys baking with her best friends and also loves to create her own recipes. Aside from baking she loves spending time with her French Bulldog, named Bonbon. Grace`s inspiring trip to Paris, encouraged her to take new risks and test her limits. This all began when she stepped into her aunt and uncle’s pâtisserie. This resulted in her opening her own business. She started off with a pastry cart that was personally built for her by her family. Everyday is an adventure for Grace Thomas, as she figures out new ways to run a successful business.

With the release of Grace Thomas, American Girl is teaming up with the organization No Kid Hungry. No Kid Hungry is an organization that strives to eliminate childhood hunger in America. The way that American Girl is contributing is by hosting a bake sale fundraiser which is called For Goodness Bake. The idea behind this campaign is to raise money for the charity through local bake sales. All the proceeds that each child raises will benefit the organization and contribute to eliminating childhood hunger. There are also many prize, including your own Grace Thomas doll. With this campaign you can both make and bake a difference just like Grace Thomas does.

Written by: Denise Visco