Posts categorized as Holiday

Season two of Mindhunter* was released in August on Netflix and I binge-watched it. The show is centered around the new-at-the-time Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI, formed in the late 1970s. The main characters interview imprisoned serial killers to understand what makes them tick, in the hopes of solving contemporary cases. The show is so good. After I disposed of that series, Netflix recommended Criminal Minds – 10 seasons of brutal serial murder cases. It’s similar to Mindhunter, as it’s about the same Behavioral Science FBI Unit, but based […]

I went to school on Long Island and it was mostly Italian and Irish Catholic kids. There were a few Jewish and Indian children but to be frank, I wasn’t very aware of our differences, in particular with respect to religious beliefs. Of course, we read the Old Testament in CCD, but it didn’t click. I was very aware, though, that we got a bunch of days off from school because of Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah being one of them. And they say the school districts on Long Island are […]

  Todd’s Dad’s’ Christmas Cactus Last week I wrote about the iconic poinsettia many give to family and friends over the holidays. This week, I’m discussing the other seasonally appropriate gift-plant: the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera). Like it’s holiday competitor the poinsettia, you can buy a Christmas Cactus  just about anywhere and since the holidays have passed — they’re on sale now! The plant is called a Christmas cactus because a drop in temperature is needed to produce blooms, therefore it’s most showy in December. It’s a welcome surprise to see […]

How many poinsettias do you have in your living room right now? It’s custom to gift these lovely plants to friends and family during the holidays. You can find poinsettias just about anywhere this time of year – the supermarket, CVS, the hardware store, etc. Most of us throw them out when they start to lose leaves and look leggy. With some effort, you can learn how to care for this plant properly and enjoy it year round! I’ll share some tips and care instructions with you, but first, some […]

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays we all love: it’s all about sharing with one another and remembering all that we are thankful for. And food. If you’re unsure what to make for your vegetarian guests this Thanksgiving or you’re interested in trying something unconventional this year, I have the recipe for you! This autumn-inspired taco is delicious, beautiful in color and you can prepare it in advance. And who doesn’t love a taco station! There are several steps for each component  which I will outline for you. It seems like a lot but […]

I dropped a barrage of obscenities hanging up my outside Christmas lights. Every year I have fuses blow, bulbs that break and bows that blow off my porch, never to be seen again. How come my decorating experience isn’t like the ones I see on the Hallmark Christmas movies that I love and binge-watch? Getting frustrated and cursing at inanimate objects is not what Christmas is about. I took a few minutes (and a glass of wine) to calm myself before I finished the last string of lights. Since then, […]

Rockaway native, Jager James telling Santa his wishes for Christmas! Photo Credit: Beth Perkins Meet Santa and his elves this Saturday through December at the following locations! Bungalow Bar – Saturday Dec 2 – 11:30AM-3:30PM RBCA Tree Lighting in Front 0f the Library – Saturday Dec 9 – 2PM-3PM Rockaway Wish at Belle Harbor Yacht Club – Sunday Dec 10 – 1PM-4PM (There Usually Are Free Fun Things To Do For Kids At This Event) Shots with Santa at Seawolf (Brooklyn) – Saturday Dec. 16 – Time TBD Christmas Pop […]

Previously published in The Wave. I walked in Zingara Vintage the other day and my eye was drawn to a sparkling multicolored sequined blouse from the 80’s. The wide sleeves were shaped like the wings of a butterfly. An image of my Grandmother Pauline flashed in my head and I had a comforting feeling. Many items at Zingara Vintage remind me of my Grandma’s closet, filled with all its treasures. She had a wonderfully impactful, eclectic style– gold costume jewelry, lace shawls, retro sunglasses, big brimmed hats, long beautiful dresses.  […]

About two months ago I received my Mother’s blessing – I was allowed to have Easter. This is now my official holiday. Christmas Eve is actually my favorite celebration. I start listening to Christmas music in October, and I don’t take down the tree until mid-February. Unfortunately, my older sisters, have already been awarded the Christmas festivities. Don’t get me wrong, I’m honored to host the holiest of Christian holidays, but I can’t get dressed up in a gold-glittered jumper and dance to the hymn, Were You There When They […]

Previously published in The Wave. It’s Lent, the season of fasting, sin-repenting, and worldly-pleasure-abstaining. For forty days beginning on Ash Wednesday, Christians around the globe participate in this abstinence in preparation of Holy Week. The Greek Orthodox call this time  “The Season of Bright Sadness.” Heavy. Our Jewish neighbors call it “March”. So what type of sacrifices do we engage in? The question came up at a post-parade gathering last week. Turns out there are many different abstaining categories. The first, and most common, is what I call the “Self-Serve […]