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January, 2015 – Preparing for 2015

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January, 2015 – Preparing for 2015

Legal IntelligenceBlancaAndNadia

Reflecting on 2014, while Preparing and Embracing for 2015

By Blanca Greenstein, Esq., & Nadia Hoosien, Esq. with Greenstein & Associates

It is that time of year again. Time we enjoy spending with our family and loved ones, and time to celebrate the holiday season. With Thanksgiving having passed almost a month ago, it comes as no surprise that the month of December usually comes and goes within a blink of an eye. The year has almost come to an end, and while many will spend the last few weeks only reflecting on 2014, it is also imperative to start planning and preparing for the New Year. This article will highlight and discuss the importance of reflecting on the year that has passed, as well as embracing the New Year, with an emphasis on balancing family, spirituality, work, and your financial goals.

Planning for the New Year can be a daunting experience, especially living in a world constantly changing that offers daily challenges. While 2015 will differ from 2014 for each of us, there are important lessons and experiences we can take away from 2014 in preparation for the New Year. Start off by breaking your life into the below categories, and consider the following questions for each of them.

Family

The common saying we are all too familiar with is that “Family comes first”. The relationships we have with our families can affect our work and business life, our health and spirituality, and our overall happiness. It is therefore so important to remember that each member of our family plays a crucial role, and that each relationship requires its own unique attentiveness and nurturing. Reflect on the time you have spent with your family either on vacation or spending some other quality time with them. What would you change in the New Year? Discuss with your children and spouse improving family quality time, and how feasible it will be in the New Year to plan vacations. How as a whole family can you plan to save more money for instance, or what projects can you accomplish, whether that be within the community or as individuals. Take some time and reflect on your families overall health and eating habits. What would you like to improve and how will it impact your family and finances. Perhaps planning more homemade meals, incorporating healthier recipes, or being more physically active can be a small step towards a healthier New Year for your whole family.

Work and Business

The time we spend at work or our business usually demands most of our time. Therefore, it is important for you to reflect on this past year’s accomplishments and goals, and ask yourself what new achievements you would like to accomplish in the New Year or what other goals you would like to set for yourself. Perhaps you could get more involved within your company, work on the relationships with your co-workers, or strive for a promotion. Work and business affects us all, whether you have a stressful or physically demanding job. But it is important to remind ourselves that the key to overall happiness is finding the right balance between our work and personal life. The New Year should inspire us to do better, to achieve more, and to challenge ourselves. Reflect on those unmet goals from the past year, embrace 2015, and all its challenges ahead of you.

Finances

While money cannot buy happiness, it usually has an enormous impact on it. Take the time this season to take a closer look at your finances and review them with great detail. Accountants can be a great tool in helping you understand and organize your finances, and there are many free web engines that you can help get you started. Review your monthly bills and expenses, whether that requires you to specifically list them out as weekly or quarterly. Organization will ensure that you get a deeper understanding of your overall expenses and will allow you to consider saving options, whether that means finding more affordable health or car insurance, or deciding to forfeit a night of eating out. Make sure to review your credit report and commit to paying down some of your credit cards. Contemplate whether the New Year will be the start of your commitment to a savings plan, or whether it is time for you to discuss your retirement portfolio. There are many tools that can help you get your finances in order, and those decisions can have a lifelong impact on your future spending.

And finally, wrap up 2014 by reflecting on everything you have learned in the past year, and question yourself how you would handle the same circumstances and situations in 2015. Reflect on the overall areas of your life and ask yourself where you would like to see the most improvements. Consider which of the above areas you have given the most priority in 2014, and whether any shifting of those priorities are necessary for your overall happiness in 2015. What events have you gone too that will benefit you in the future, and which relationships would you like to work on more? Lastly, take into account what realistic new goals and commitments you are willing to make in the New Year, and how those goals and commitments will affect not only you, but also those around you. Embrace the New Year and inspire yourself to commit to a better “you”.

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to provide legal information or advice. All data and information provided on this column is for informational purposes only as well as to give general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. By reading this column you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the publisher. This column should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

January, 2015 – Keep on Kvetching

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January, 2015 – Keep on Kvetching

Cantankerously YoursWendell Abern - Cantankerously Yours

I Gotta Keep on Kvetching

By Wendell Abern

Dear Readers,

One of the problems with writing a column featuring my grumpiness is that when I’m not complaining, people think there’s something wrong with me.

Last Saturday, I was enjoying my first cup of morning coffee, and looking forward to a bridge game after a few hours at the pool with my morning cigar.  As a perennial night owl, I was in a surprisingly great mood.  I reached down to pet my cat, Murray.  He barked.  Murray thinks he’s a Golden Retriever.

I decided to call my kids in Chicago, starting with my daughter, Amy.

“Hi, dad,” she said.  “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.  Just thought I’d call and see how you’re doing.”

“What? Nothing’s wrong? Dad, are you sick?”

“No. I just wanted to say hello.”

“Are you taking your meds?”

“Look. All is well. I’m feeling great.  I promise.”

“I’m calling Joel,” she said.

Joel is my son.  He called two minutes later.

“Dad, Amy just called.  She said something’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong!  I feel great!”

“Dad, you can tell me.  Amy doesn’t have to know.”

It took five more minutes to convince him all was well.

I went to the pool, smoked my cigar, read the paper and headed to the bridge game, still wallowing in mellowness.

After we’d played seven or eight hands, my partner Harriet said, “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. Why?”

“You’ve been so nice to everyone today.”

“Hey, I can be nice once in a while.”

“Well, I find it scary.”

“Okay, okay. Her Obnoxiousness is coming to our table next.  If it makes you feel better, I’ll deck her before she sits down.”

“Thank you.”

I did not deck Her Obnoxiousness. But I didn’t play very well, either.

After the game, I went to go shopping before dinner. A glorious Florida day.  No air conditioning needed. Opened all the windows, and pulled up to a stop light between an old woman on my left who apparently was not bothered in the least by the young guy to my right: he was blasting some form of music at 20,000 decibels. I consider that a declaration of war. I had on Beethoven. I turned it up to 21,000 decibels.

The old woman turned and looked at me.

“He started it!” I yelled.

“A quarter after four,” she yelled back, and then made her left turn.  I headed for Publix.

I strolled in, picked up a basket and sauntered over to the deli counter. No one there. Two guys behind the meat counter, serving customers.

“Is the deli counter contaminated?” I yelled.

“Someone’ll be there in a minute,” one of them yelled back.

I waited. I looked over the cheeses in the display case. And waited. I counted four different kinds of salamis. And waited.

I’d had enough. I looked around to see if my nemesis, Tiffany, was working. Publix has a policy of using beautiful women to mollify disgruntled male customers. Stunning Tiffany looks like a runway model. They always sic her on me.

No Tiffany.  “Help!” I yelled. “Need help in the deli department! Cheese is turning rancid as I speak!”

A young man ran out from in back and stood behind the deli counter. A very young man. “Can I help you, sir?” he said.

“You?  You’re the one who’s going to make me a sub?”

“Yessir.”

“I’m not giving you my order ‘til you get bar mitzvah’d.”

“Sir, what is it you want?”

I gave him my order, paid and left.

After dinner, I went to my computer to check my e-mails. Instead of going to my site, Google fed me pop-ups. Then the pop-ups gave birth to more pop-ups. I slammed my fist on the desk, scaring Murray, who barked at me.

I called Google. No customer service on week-ends. I barked at Murray. He ran out of the room, terrified.

It was time to prepare for the ball game I wanted to watch. I went to the kitchen, hauled out a large box of potato chips, a large bag of Cheetos, a large can of pistachio nuts and a pound of cheese. I set them neatly on the table next to my viewing chair and settled in, emotionally prepared to berate and scream at every ballplayer on both sides. Then I heard a crack of thunder. Then it started to rain. Then DirecTV lost its connection to the satellite and my screen went blank.

Seething, I called my daughter.

“Dad,” she said.  “I’m so glad you called!  Is everything okay?”

“No!  Everything is not okay!  I had a lousy bridge game; a young guy had his car radio on so loud they were complaining about it in the next area code; the only one who waited on me at Publix is a kid still in eighth grade; I’m getting nothing but pop-ups on my computer, and the storm that’s raging right now shut off my TV in the middle of a football game.  So no!  Everything is not okay!”

“Oh, good,” she said. “I’m so relieved.  I’ll call Joel and tell him.”

I better keep on kvetching. I’m the opposite of the kid who cried, “Wolf.”  The only way someone’s going to come to me in an emergency is if I tell them everything is all right.

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@gmail.com.

WalkAboutWellington

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January, 2015 – All Hail the Crockpot

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January, 2015 – All Hail the Crockpot

The Florida FoodieSaucy Sarah

Dining In: All Hail the Crockpot

By Saucy Sarah

Invented in 1971 and mass produced by the Rival Company under the name “Crock*Pot” the humble slow cooker has been a staple wedding gift and dust collector of the American cannon. A beautifully simple notion; dump a bunch of stuff in a pot, turn it on, go to work, come home to a hot meal. A perfect example of the American dream. Yes, Virginia, you can have it all.

CrockPot

Sadly, the slow cooking method nearly died out in the 80’s and 90’s with our rush for everything to be instantaneous, including our meals. We simply did not have the time to throw everything into the pot before dashing out into our busy lives. But, alas, we have entered a renaissance and the somewhat clunky, tortoise-like cooker has had a resurgence as America returns to a “slow food” movement. We have a hole we are longing to fill with stews, braised meats, and 8-hour chili. Crockpot cookery is not merely convenience or “slow food”, it is soul food. It is about the melding of flavors over a good long cook. It is about the aromas that welcome you home when you come through the door. The crockpot is the king of comfort foods and as we enter winter there is nothing we crave more than a meal that sticks to the ribs, sooths our weary, holiday zapped bones better than a hearty, steaming bowl of something hot and delicious.

Crockpots have come a long way from their origins. Today, you can buy one in a variety of sizes and serving a myriad of functions. There are styles that sear right in the pot. There are digital panels or more classic knob models. Some even will cook your meal then keep it at a nice warm temperature till you arrive home. I own four different crockpots and just received a new “buffet” crockpot which hold three different dishes at once. They are great for parties and tailgating as well, keeping food perfectly warm for hours at a time. The new cookbook I just bought even teaches you how to bake bread in the thing! As a devout follower of the Alton Brown Philosophy that no kitchen tool shall be a uni-tasker (having one use) the crockpot is a cook’s dream.

So this January, I encourage you to dig yours out (you know you have one buried somewhere in your house) and dust the thing off and put it to use. Rediscover the greatness that is the Crockpot this winter and feed your soul with a warm hearty dish.

Here is my favorite Crockpot recipe: Simplified French Beef Stew

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs Chuck steak, cubed into 2 inch cubes
  • ½ package Bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 1 bottle of good red wine
  • 2 yellow onions, quartered
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • A bunch of fresh thyme
  • 5 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 bag frozen pearl onions
  • 1 package fresh button mushrooms, small
  • Cornstarch

Method:

  1. Brown bacon in a hot pan. Remove bacon when cooked, add to Crockpot. Reserve bacon fat in pan for browning meat.
  2. Brown chuck steak cubes in a hot pan till each side is nicely browned. Do not crowd the pan. Brown in batches and remove cubes to the crock pot.
  3. Add to Crockpot: browned meat, cooked bacon, quartered onions, canned tomatoes, garlic, wine, and thyme.
  4. Cook in Crockpot on low setting for 6-7 hours.
  5. Remove the meat from liquid. Strain liquid and discard all of the vegetables and herbs.
  6. Add meat back to strained liquid.
  7. In a pan, brown pearl onions and mushrooms in a bit of olive oil. Add to the meat and wine cooking liquid.
  8. Re-heat stew. Add cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tbls of cornstarch with a 1/2c of chicken stock or wine, make sure it is cool liquid).
  9. Serve over egg noodles, white rice, or, my favorite, mashed potatoes.

***

In her previous life, Sarah, a Palm Beach County Native, spent ten years working in various high-end eating establishments around South Florida. She is currently a fiction thesis candidate in the MFA program at Florida International University where she also teaches creative writing and rhetoric. If that is not enough, Sarah is also the owner of Cakes by Sarah, a local custom cake shop. Sarah lives in Lake Worth with her husband and two beautiful boys. “Food, fiction, and family are my life.”

 

January, 2015 – Where to Stay Around the World

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January, 2015 – Where to Stay Around the World

Travel with TerriTerriM2015

Traveling and Sleeping: Where to Stay Around the World

By Terri Marshall

As you might imagine, a good portion of my year is spent traveling to domestic and international destinations.  With all the sights on my must see list, I don’t have a lot of time for sleeping.  But when I do sleep, the accommodations assume a role in my adventures.  Some are luxurious, some cozy and some non-descript.  Others are an adventure – like the cabin in the Jaguar Preserve deep in the jungle of Belize where I fought off insects, lay awake listening to the roar of unidentifiable creatures and where I had an unfortunate encounter with a compost toilet.

While the Jaguar Preserve was definitely memorable, I’m fairly certain most of you would not venture down that road.  So here’s a round-up of some of my favorite accommodations from 2014 that you might enjoy.

Gecko Bungalow, Ladyville, Belize

GeckoBungalow

Last Spring I embarked on a two week road trip to get to know the heart and soul of Belize with my friend, Vanessa.  Gecko Bungalow proprietor, Michelle Lyons, met us at the airport with frozen libations making us instantly feel at home.  Scott and Michelle Lyons moved to Belize from Idaho. They turned a former storage building into an adorable two bedroom bungalow with a Gecko theme because – well, Geckos live in Belize and you might as well embrace them.  The fun colorful décor was delightful as were our hosts.  Scott and Michelle love showing their guests around the area or giving “insider” tips for exploring like a local.  Michelle even took us to a crocodile sanctuary where we fed chickens to the reptiles.   www.geckobungalow.com

Pooks Hill Lodge, Cayo District, Belize

PooksHill

Deep in the Belizean rainforest shaded by ancient towering hardwoods and surrounded by a wealth of birds and wildlife, Pooks Hill Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring the Cayo District.  Built in commune with its natural surroundings, this beautiful eco-lodge has comfortable, air-conditioned adobe cabanas.  Sumptuous meals prepared by talented local chefs are served family style in the main lodge.  The Bar at Pook’s Hill offers Belikin Beer (brewed in Belize), Stout, an assortment of wines and local and imported spirits.  We helped ourselves to drinks using the bar’s honor system to keep track…a clipboard.  After almost two weeks of road-tripping through Belize that included a myriad of insect bites, near misses with sheep and assorted other mishaps – including the aforementioned Jaguar Preserve – this place was a very welcome sight.  www.pookshilllodge.com

Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah

GrandAmericaPool
Hot Tub & Pool at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City

In July I spent a week traveling by convertible through Utah’s National Parks with my BFF, Nancy.  Our days were filled with dusty drives through stunning landscapes and hikes into canyons in the scorching midday temperatures.  At night we looked for roadside motels with hot tubs to soak our weary hiking muscles.  All were practical and basic so you can imagine our delight when we checked into our final accommodations – the five-star Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

The elegant 24 story white stone building stands in the shadow of the surrounding mountain ranges.  Italian marble punctuated by gold leaf accents and crystal chandeliers fill the lobby and guest rooms.  The hotel surrounds an inner courtyard with impeccably manicured gardens.  The full service spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a hot tub far more elegant than those of our roadside motor lodges added to our luxurious road trip finale.

If you visit, don’t miss JouJou.  This fantastic boutique features handcrafted toys for toddlers through teens.  There are classic games and books, experimental play centers and vintage-inspired candies.  JouJou is guaranteed to lure in kids from 1 to 99 and beyond. www.grandamerica.com

The Inn at Westwynd Farm, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Tucked away on a lovely 32 acre equestrian farm just minutes from Hershey attractions, The Inn at Westwynd Farm offers a luxurious escape.  Accented by beautiful antiques, the rooms are inviting and romantic.  My boyfriend accompanied me on this trip so we kicked the romance up a notch with a cozy fireplace and in-room Jacuzzi.   In the morning – after a delicious gourmet breakfast – we visited the barn to meet the furry residents.  There were goats, alpacas, dogs and a friendly barn cat on hand.  I made friends with a horse named Sassy.  www.westwyndfarminn.com

Barnwell Inn, Cooperstown, New York

BarnwellInnBreakfast
Breakfast at The Barnwell Inn in Cooperstown

As home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown is the very definition of Americana.  It is also a charming village filled with culture beyond baseball.  I visited in autumn when the leaves were dressed in brilliant shades of red, gold and orange and the crowds from baseball season were gone.  My hosts were as charming as the village itself.   Southern born Mark and Tara Barnwell moved to Cooperstown and transformed a lovely Victorian home into a charming bed and breakfast.  The Barnwell Inn is perfectly situated in a residential neighborhood within easy walking distance of the village center.

At the Barnwell Inn breakfast is an event you don’t want to miss.  Mark’s culinary delights provide a delicious start to the day.  Don’t skip the breakfasts desserts…fruit cobblers, bread puddings and more. Mark served a southern favorite while I was there – slow cooked grits.  I was raised on grits and Mark’s were the best I’ve ever tasted.  That’s high praise from a Southern girl.  www.barnwellinn.com

Hotel Maya, Long Beach, California

HotelMayaLobby

Sometimes a hotel completely surprises me.  The Hotel Maya is such a place.  This stunning waterfront property located across the harbor from Downtown Long Beach feels more like an exotic Caribbean resort than an urban hotel.   There are beachside bars, fire pits, a hookah lounge and a pool filled with floating chaises.  All of this with views of the city skyline and the historic Queen Mary.

Floating chaises at the Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
Floating chaises at the Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA

The hotel is filled with an authentic collection of artifacts and artwork blending the styles of California and Latin America.  The lobby has a working dumbwaiter that delivers drinks from an upstairs bar.  Long Beach prides itself on being a “beach with benefits” and one of those benefits is the Hotel Maya. www.hotelmayalongbeach.com

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

Historic, haunted Hotel Monteleone located on Royal Street is the perfect spot for French Quarter explorations.  Just a block off the ever rowdy Bourbon Street, Hotel Monteleone offers an escape when you’re partying is done.  Oh but don’t stop the party until you take a spin or three at the hotel’s Carousel Bar.  The only revolving bar in New Orleans, the Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge was installed in 1949.  The 25 seat circular bar rotates at a rate of one revolution every 15 minutes.  Legend has it the original bar stools had no backs.  The ladies would sit on the bar stools while gentlemen took their seats at the surrounding tables to ogle the ladies perched on the backless bar stools as they rotated on the carousel.  As my lovely tour guide, Mary, so eloquently stated, “It was a Lazy Susan of sex.”  www.hotelmonteleone.com

Westcord Hotel Delft, The Netherlands

IKEA designed bedroom at Hotel Delft
IKEA designed bedroom at Hotel Delft

When a hotel is located across the parking lot from the world’s IKEAConceptCenter it is not surprising to find a touch of IKEA style incorporated into the décor.  But at Hotel Delft, it’s more than a touch.  The entire interior of the hotel is designed by the furniture giant.  The hotel lobby is a super-sized IKEA showroom filled with bright colors and funky light fixtures.  The rooms are equally bright with perhaps the best use of space I’ve ever encountered in a hotel – hooks and storage everywhere.   It was like sleeping in an IKEA bedroom display.  This utterly cool hotel doesn’t quite match the cobblestone streets and romantic canals of the historic city center of Delft but that is part of its charm.   And if you’re craving those IKEA Swedish meatballs, they’re just a parking lot away.  www.westcordhotels.com/sea/Hotel-Delft

De L’Europe, Amsterdam

Hotel De L'Europe - Amsterdam
Hotel De L’Europe – Amsterdam

The moment I entered my room at Amsterdam’s landmark Hotel De L’Europe, I knew I was in trouble.  I had a full itinerary waiting for me and all I wanted to do was stay…forever.  The room was decorated in soothing shades of blue, a terrace overlooked the canals of Amsterdam, and a floor to ceiling marble bathroom with a claw foot tub beckoned.  I was overwhelmed with the urge to sit down at the desk in the perfect little nook overlooking the city and start writing all those articles I needed to finish. But alas, I had to explore Amsterdam’s beer and dining scene.  Yes, I do suffer.

De L’Europe is an iconic five star luxury property in the heart of the city.   On site award winning Freddy’s Bar is frequently named as Amsterdam’s best hotel bar and was my final stop on my beer exploration quest, or so I thought.   I returned to my room to find soft cozy slippers by my bed and a bucket of Heineken on ice.  Now that’s turndown service.  http://www.leurope.nl

Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland

Recently the boyfriend and I needed a weekend away.  We drove from New York to the NationalHarbor in Maryland for a couple of nights at the Gaylord National Resort.  We checked in on Saturday and didn’t leave the property until Monday except to take a quick spin on the towering Capital Wheel – a 180-foot observation Ferris wheel on the Potomac River.

We didn’t need to leave, the resort had everything.  We spent the afternoon at the spa, checked out the Fountain Shows in the 19-story atrium where water leaped 60 feet into the air, worked out at the comprehensive fitness center and took a dip in the Junior-Olympic-size pool.

The Old Hickory Steakhouse – one of three full-service restaurants on property – provided exceptional culinary options including an unforgettable cheese sampling guided by the Maitre d’Fromage. Sometimes the hotel is the destination.   http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/          

Wherever your travels take you in 2015, I wish you sweet dreams.  Happy New Year!

***

Terri is a New York City based writer who is happiest when she’s globetrotting.  She is the Special Projects Editor for TravelSquire.com, the National Chocolate Examiner, the Globetrotting Grandmom for TravelingMom.com and a contributor to several other publications.  Tough life, right? You can find more of Terri’s work along with tales of her adventures on the NYC subway on her website:  www.trippingwithterri.com  Follow her on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/TrippingwithTerri  and on Twitter @terrimarshall60

January, 2015 – Let’s Be Honest Here…

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January, 2015 – Let’s Be Honest Here…

Cultural Corner

Let’s Be Honest Here…

(The emperor is stark naked!)

By

Lori Hope Baumel

Emp New Clothes Stamp

German Stamp: The Emperor’s New Clothes by H.C. Anderson                         Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a short tale by Hans Christian Andersen about two weavers who promise an Emperor a new suit of clothes that is invisible to those unfit for their positions, stupid, or incompetent. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his new clothes, a child cries out, “But he isn’t wearing anything at all!”

– Wikipedia: “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

As we embark upon the new year, it is important to recognize that we must be selective when it comes to how we spend our free time. Spare time does not come easily these days. Obligations to our workplace, family and our own personal well being require most of our waking hours. When we choose to enjoy a particular form of entertainment, hopefully it is worth the time and/or money spent on the activity.

For example, last November, my husband and I traveled to New York City. In most cases I rely on reviews and word of mouth regarding show tickets I purchase in advance. I am usually pleased with the result. This time I did not abide by my traditional formula. Prior to the trip, I purchased two rather expensive tickets to see A Delicate Balance while still in previews on Broadway. My reasoning was “What could be bad? It’s a revival of a Pulitzer Prize winning play. The cast includes Glen Close, John Lithgow, Bob Balaban, Lindsay Duncan and Martha Plimpton… how can we go wrong?” Well WRONG I was! The show was stilted, poorly directed and tiring. Yes, I can still say that I saw a spectacular cast. But, that statement was not worth the price of those tickets. In retrospect, I should have waited for the reviews. Luckily, I saw a few more excellent Broadway shows that week as well.

Another great disappointment was the recent broadcast of “Peter Pan Live!” on NBC. I have fond memories of watching the 1965 broadcast (and re-broadcast) starring the late Mary Martin. In addition, my children repeatedly watched a tape of it when they were tykes. Over time, we all memorized every aspect of the musical. In truth, Mary Martin performed it hundreds of times in front of a live audience prior to the ’65 broadcast. Therefore, she was comfortable with the show and it seemed second nature to her. Unfortunately, the modern broadcast’s lead players, Allison Williams and Christopher Walken, who are known for stellar performances in both pre-recorded television and film, appeared awkward, stiff and unprepared. The lack of a studio audience further muted their act. The only lead talent that seemed comfortable with the concept of the live broadcast was stage veterans Kelli O’Hara and Christian Borle (as Mr. and Mrs. Darling). This, as in A Delicate Balance, does not in any way reflect the capabilities of the lead performers in other media platforms. I’m a staunch Christopher Walken fan and Allison Williams is terrific in the HBO series Girls.

In other words, the emperor was stark naked. So let’s say it… both A Delicate Balance and Peter Pan were simply bad! In conclusion, as part of your New Year’s resolution, I urge you to be honest with yourself. Be selective with how you spend your hours (and in many cases – your money)! Most of my adult life I have advocated for the enjoyment of the arts. Therefore, I suggest that you read qualified reviews, talk to your friends who have similar taste and do your research. Whether it be live theater, television or film – be discretionary. It is an investment of your time that is well worth the effort.

Still, I urge you to…

Live… Go… Do!

 

Top Five – January 2015

(Based on top-notch reviewers and resources)

 

1) Film:

Oscar season rolls around next month. I would highly recommend the following films prior to viewing the broadcast:

Into The Woods

The Theory of Everything

Boyhood

 

For more information see The American Film Institute’s (AFI) nominees for the top films of 2014 at:

http://blog.afi.com/and-the-honorees-are/

 

2) Television:

 

After you take down the Christmas lights and settle back into the 2015 TV season, be sure to catch up on past episodes of outstanding shows. Some of the 2014 honorees deemed by AFI’s jury to be culturally and artistically representative of the year’s most significant achievements are:

 

The Knick
Mad Men
Orange is the New Black
Silicon Valley

Transparent

 

For a more in-depth list go to:

http://blog.afi.com/and-the-honorees-are/

 

3) Radio:

 

National Public Radio has been as staple in my adult life as long as I can remember. Fortunately for us, the best of their weekly broadcasts are now available as free podcasts. I would highly recommend you try out a podcast of any of the following shows:

 

Fresh Air (with Terri Gross)

This American Life

Says You

“Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me”

A Prairie Home Companion

 

For more information and shows go to:

www.npr.org

Scroll down the list of programs. You’re sure to find a topic of interest.

 

 

4) Music:

 

NPR announced its list of the Top Ten Breakout Artists of 2014. You are sure to find some extraordinary talent amongst them. The artists’ videos are wonderful! Also included are stories and podcasts about each artist. There’s bound to be something on this site that will open up your mind to new music and expand your horizons.

 

Sample some of this exciting new (and not necessarily mainstream pop) music at:

http://www.npr.org/2014/12/15/370178575/public-radios-10-breakout-artists-of-2014

 

5) Books:

 

As you all know by now, I’m an avid fan of Audible.com. But, if it’s a good old-fashioned book with actual paper pages or an e-book you’re in the mood for then check the New York Times bestseller list at:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/overview.html

***

Lori Hope Baumel and her husband Eric live in Wellington and have three children.

Lori Baumel

Their eldest, Sam, 27, is a media producer and conceptual artist who currently resides in (extremely hipster) Brooklyn, NY. Her younger children, Evan and Rachel, wrote the Around Wellington “Teen Talk” column in previous years. Rachel, 24, lives and works in Boston, MA and Evan, 21, is a senior at American University in Washington DC. Eric has practiced radiology in Wellington since 1991. His many talents include artist, cook, photographer and, recently, medical app developer. You can learn more about Lori at www.loribaumel.com or read her blog:www.grownupcamp.tumblr.com

January, 2015 – New Year, New Me

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January, 2015 – New Year, New Me

Teen TalkGabi Harris

New Year, New Me (just kidding) 

By Gabi Harris

Happy 2015! The new year is among us! Which marks new beginnings and gym memberships that won’t last past February. New Year’s resolutions are probably one of the most let-down things that a person can make. But here I am, still finding myself making them and actually following through with them. I wanted to eat healthier (which I did), get better grades (which I also did), and stay positive (which I also did!) for the entirety of 2014. Now that 2015 is among us, also are new resolutions that I’m going to attempt to keep up with.

1.      Look for the positivity in negative situations 

Life can have many, many bumps along the way; everyone is absolutely sure of this. But, dreading these things that are uncontrollable is not worth your time or energy. Try to find the good out of bad situations and try to keep a smile on your face even when you want to frown.

2.      Explore & Travel as much as possible

As cheesy as it sounds, exploring and traveling both come with the package deal of life. (2015 is also the year I graduate, hooray to that!) As the end of your senior year comes to a close, also does the beginning of the rest of your life!  I know . . . that sounds like some card you’d find at a Hallmark store, but it’s true.

3.      Exercise More

Now if there was an award for the number one most-used New Year’s resolutions, this would be it. This one is basically self-explanatory. Run, walk, bike, swim more, do what you have to do to consecutively keep up with it!

4.      See a Mountain (literally)

This isn’t metaphoric in anyway. I mean, literally, see an actual, real-life mountain. Living in the flat state of Florida, seeing a mountain is not only rare but impossible and in all of my years of life I have seen absolutely zero mountains. In 2015, I hope to actually see and possibly even climb a real mountain.

5.      Stay True 

This one probably remains the most cliché of resolutions, but in 2015 I want to stay true to myself and not change a single thing. With the New Year people usually say “new year, new me” or that they’re totally going to change for the New Year. I think that idea, I apologize, is completely crazy. Unless you need a complete personality adjustment, I think that being yourself is really what matters. I want to stay myself and not change for anyone or anything.

Gabrielle Harris is a senior at Wellington High School. She is involved in the Quidditch team, Key Club, and is the social media and news editor for the WHS Wave school newspaper. She hopes to study mass communications in college and aspires to someday tell her travel stories to the world. 

January, 2015 – Take Small Steps for a Greener Life

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January, 2015 – Take Small Steps for a Greener Life

Living GreenJathyGarcia3

Take Small Steps for a Greener Life for 2015

By Jathynia Garcia

Are you looking for a simple way to make your life a little more eco-friendly? What better time than to incorporate a few new habits into your life. These small steps can you help you live your life a little greener, one day at a time.  Being green can be easy after all! Browse through this list of simple solutions designed to save energy and reduce carbon emissions for the planet, and at the same time save you money.

10 Tips to Save Energy (and Money) in Your Home

A whopping 46 percent of home energy use is, umm, energy loss! In other words, no productive energy use at all! Here are simple ways of reversing this, mostly by changes of habit.
1. For the cold winter months keep in mind each degree you turn down the heat saves 3 percent of heating costs, while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner saves 3-4 percent of cooling costs. By changing the temperature by 2 degrees all year, you can save about 2,000 pounds of C02 a year. What an eye opener right?

2. Cook with a slow cooker or a toaster oven to reduce electrical use from kitchen appliances. For a meal that requires one hour to cook in an electric oven, and which uses 2.7 pounds of C02, a crockpot uses 0.9 pounds of C02 for seven hours, a toaster oven takes 1.3 pounds of C02 for 50 minutes, and a microwave only 0.5 pounds of C02 for 15 minutes of cooking. A solar cooker requires NO C02!

3. Switch to a laptop instead of using a desktop computer and cut three-quarters off your electrical use. Turn off the laptop at the end of the day. Now you have a valid excuse to get that new laptop or tablet that you’ve always wanted, it’s green for the environment.

4. Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year. Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.

5. Plug anything that can be powered by a remote control or that has a power cube transformer (little black box) into a power strip, and turn it off, and/or unplug, when not in use. (Power cubes are 60-80 percent inefficient.)

6. Turn off the lights when you aren’t using them and reduce your direct lighting energy use by 45 percent. Stop using heat-producing halogen lamps (they can also be fire hazards). Install occupancy or motion sensors on outdoor lights.

7. Switch to compact fluorescent from regular incandescent bulbs and use 60 percent less energy per bulb and save 300 pounds of C02 a year.

8. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket and save 1,000 pounds of C02 a year. Insulate your hot water pipes.

9. Use public transportation whenever possible, carpool, shop locally, and ideally switch to a hybrid or energy-efficient car (if you haven’t already).

10. Keep your tires inflated to improve gas mileage by 3 percent. Every gallon you save also saves 20 pounds of C02 emissions.

Thanks to climatecrisis.net and The Home Energy Diet (New Society Publishers, 2005), for many of the carbon savings figures.

Hi-Tech Plumbing is considered the expert in green plumbing solutions & emergency service. They are a licensed and insured plumbing service that has been serving residential and commercial customers throughout Palm Beach County since 2000. They understand the needs of their customers and because of that, offer same day service, 24/7 emergency service with up front pricing and they guarantee your satisfaction. Hi-Tech Plumbing works hard to earn your business and goes the extra mile.

January, 2015 – New Menu at CPK in Wellington

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January, 2015 – New Menu at CPK in Wellington

Health & FitnessSherri Mraz

New Menu at CPK in Wellington

By Sherri Mraz

I was invited to a New Menu Tasting at California Pizza Kitchen earlier this month. I had no idea what I was in store for, because I have to admit, I assumed it was another chain pizza joint. I naively dragged a friend and from the moment we arrived we were treated like VIP’s! It was our lucky night!

I am all about organic and fresh so I was so happy to find out that in an effort to stay relevant and refresh their brand CPK is using fresh, seasonal ingredients locally sourced whenever possible. They are also furnishing their restaurants with sustainable wood tables and many other eco-friendly touches. This was right up my alley!

Our first sampling was a California Flatbread with Roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, creamy goat cheese, Romano and cracked black pepper. Great combo of textures and flavors, we were already happy…then they brought cocktails…bonus! I am not much of a drinker but I must say they had the mixes down to resemble and taste like artwork.  From the organic Agave Nectar, candied ginger, fruit on a skewer, subtle avocado mix and rimmed with infused salt, it was amazing. Enter the Bianco Flatbread with whipped truffle cream, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and a fresh sage leaf, lightly fried, on top. Rich and tangy with a nice crunch. The aromatic sage leaf sealed the deal…delish!

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We were already feeling pretty satisfied when they brought out the brick oven Sunny Side Up Bacon + Potato pizza. It was gorgeous with shaved fingerling potatoes, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, caramelized leeks, Parmesan, Mozzarella and cracked black pepper topped with two sunny side up eggs. The presentation was perfect and then…they pierced the eggs. The luscious golden egg yolk added a new dimension to this innovative yet earthy pizza.

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The next course was as if the “Cookin’ Yogi” came up with it herself, a Harvest Kale Salad made with local baby kale, toasted farro, roasted butternut squash, Napa cabbage, shaved pear, marinated cranberries, spiced pecans and goat cheese lightly tossed with a citrus vinaigrette.

Hearth Roasted Halibut, wild caught, roasted on a cedar plank with butternut squash, farro, baby kale and asparagus which was perfectly cooked and served with a white corn and spinach succotash topped with Feta. I love fish and eat beef rather sparingly, but let me tell you when you visit CPK do yourself a favor and order the Fire-Grilled Ribeye. Served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a lemon-garlic arugula salad. What they do with the Pinot Noir sea salt will change your life!

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Did I practice my 80/20 rule and go for dessert? Yup, you have to treat yourself to the warm, rich, homey Butter Cake with fresh whipped cream. The menu says “Trust us. Just try it.” I couldn’t agree more. The next two heavenly desserts were served in apothecary jars, Salted Caramel Pudding with black cocoa cookie crumbs, fresh whipped cream, caramel sauce and natural flaked sea salt. Their take on S’Mores was SO good…kettle cooked Belgian chocolate pudding, dark chocolate chunks, double graham cracker and toasted marshmallows…OMG!

Our Wellington California Pizza Kitchen is one of only twelve nationwide to offer this new menu…Taste the Next Chapter. The first store opened in Beverly Hills in 1985, perhaps the name is a bit misleading…this is no pizza chain, people! Date night, family night, girls night…it’s the perfect relief from the same old-same old. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Tell the manager Shawn Mears that Sherri Mraz, The Cookin’ Yogi sent you from AroundWellington.com. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, big smiles and exceptional service!

***

Sherri Mraz is also known as the Cookin’ Yogi. She works with clients privately and in groups to improve their health. She teaches healthy cooking classes, yoga and is a public speaker. Sherri has trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC and is certified through Teachers College Columbia University and by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). She is also registered with the Yoga Alliance at the advanced teacher level, a member of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and studied at The Hippocrates Health Institute. She studied ancient nutritional wisdom, and the latest diet and healthy lifestyle trends with renowned experts such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Walter Willet, Dr. Anne Marie Colbin, and Dr. Neal Bernard. Sherri is the author of  the Cookbook “The Cookin’ Yogi’s, More Energy, Less Waist”  and the “3 Day Bliss Detox” She is located at Keystone Chiropractic in Royal Palm Beach. Please contact her at Sherri@CookinYogi.com or visit her website at www.CookinYogi.com

You can order a signed copy directly from Sherri’s website at www.Cookinyogi.com/cookbook which also comes with a complimentary call to help you get started or you can order directly from Amazon. 

January, 2015 – They are What They Eat, Part 2

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January, 2015 – They are What They Eat, Part 2

Paws-itive PressMarkPlanco

They are What They Eat – Part 2

By Mark Planco of Planco Veterinary Care

This is part 2 of the two-part newsletter on what to feed, and what not to feed your pet. If you missed part one on what not to feed, check the archives for the December, 2014 article titled “They Are What They Eat.”

I realize that most pet owners want to treat their pets by feeding them special things either from their food during a meal or something specifically prepared for their pet. That is the reason part 1 focused on what to avoid.

I would prefer if dog and cat owners ONLY fed their pets commercially made dry dog or cat food and fresh water. The problem is that there are so many choices. There are many stores that sell food for pets and a wide range in quality. Grocery stores and superstores all have a wide variety and lower prices. Some of the food they carry are of reasonable quality, most aren’t. The major pet stores also carry an array of foods. These are usually better quality but not all of them. Veterinarians also sell food. Some clinics sell maintenance foods where some clinics, like ours, only sell food needed to treat specific problems.

Now that we’ve covered where you can get food, how do you decide what to buy for your pet? The decision is made according to several factors: Quality, availability and price. Obviously the family with one small dog or cat can probably afford to get the best food made. If you have several large dogs, pet food can exceed what you spend for people in the family. There is a misconception in dog food I want to address. Higher prices don’t mean better quality. “You get what you pay for” doesn’t always apply to dog food. Several less-quality brands charge high prices, so they are perceived to be quality when they’re not.

Whether bought from a veterinary clinic or pet store, food costs are out of control. In my opinion the three best foods are Royal Canin, Eukanuba, and Hill’s Science Diet. These three companies use research and science as well as high quality ingredients to formulate their diets. There are also diets that are made with all organic ingredients and don’t have preservatives like most food. They can be obtained locally and are priced similar to the other quality foods.

If quality food from pet stores or veterinarians doesn’t fit your budget, grocery stores have dog and cat food that is adequate. The top grocery store diet is Iams.

There is no perfect food for every pet. Finding the best food for your pet and your budget is sometimes challenging, but there’s always a diet for everyone.

Dr. Mark Planco’s compassion for animals has been a lifelong labor of love. He earned both his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Florida. Dr. Planco has treated small and large animals since 1991, and has been in Palm Beach County since 1994. Dr. Planco is a member of the Palm Beach Veterinary Society, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.  Visit PlancoVetCare.com for further information or call 561-795-9507.

***

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to provide information on which you should use to diagnose or treat a medical condition or delay seeking medical attention. This column is of no value with respect to any medical condition that needs prompt attention. If you have a question that needs an immediate answer, you should call your own veterinarian or emergency animal hospital, especially if you are confronting a medical emergency!

Furthermore, we urge you to always seek the advice of your own veterinarian, and you should not disregard, discount, or delay seeking the advice of your veterinarian because of any response posted in this column.

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