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Category: General

Giving Back….

At the beginning of the Pandemic, I promised my readers that I would use any proceeds that I received from my affiliate programs to help those in need during this health crisis. Over the past 12 weeks, I have been able to donate to so many organizations, thanks to the loyalty and support of my many readers. From the Maryknoll Sisters community, which has been devastated by the Coronavirus, to essential workers from New York, Westchester, Connecticut, and Boston, and a handful of other worthy organizations. We have been able to HELP and MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As always, I so appreciate all of you and you will never know how much all of your kind words, emails, texts, and feedback has helped me get through this very difficult time. We really are stronger together!!!

Following is the list of organizations that we were able to contribute to during the Covid 19 crisis…

Maryknoll Sisters

Love Rye

All In Challenge

South Shore Hospital Health Foundation

Let Love Grow Thank You Westchester Essential Workers

Samaritans Purse

Kids Helping Kids

St Vincent’s Hospital Westchester Nurse Appreciation

Thrift & Tell Covid 19 Charity Giving

NYC Restaurants Hospital Workers Food Fund

Private Donations to help NS Lifestyle Reader’s Families in need via Facebook

Fully Dipped Cookies

A year ago we received the most wonderful package from my daughter’s friend, a box of the most delicious chocolate-covered Oreos with the Georgetown University logo on them. I had to get to know a little more about the company that makes them, Fully Dipped. Debbie, the owner, who creates all of the amazing cookies will personalize the Oreos for you. She will make a fabulous box for Father’s Day or a special group with a college logo for your favorite graduate. She also makes Birthday cookies Get Well, “Thinking Of You” cookies or ones with many designs that you can choose from. For more information or to create your own box, contact Debbie, by filling out this FORM.

They Made It!!!!! Graduation Gifts for All

I have received many requests for graduation gift ideas!! It got me thinking about all the gifts over the years that I have given and seen my friends give and receive. I love the final round-up that I have below. There are so many gifts in all categories…something for every grad on your list!!!

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A personalized notebook is a fabulous gift for a grad about to start a new career. You cannot go wrong with a great pair of gold or silver hoop earrings either a large or small size. After this pandemic, a new pair of pajamas is another perfect gift, as well as the chic leopard sleep set. And a new duffle is always a welcome gift!! Everyone loves Patagonia!

Keepsake games are a great choice as well as a pretty photo frame or a chic speaker. Everyone also loves and can use wireless earphones, especially if they are commuting or like to work out. Palm Beach Sandals are another great option and they come in so many colors and styles.

All the girls are wearing the side initial necklaces, available in both gold and silver. The college beaded bracelets are adorable in person, my daughter has a Georgetown one. And the glitter capsules contain a pair of sparkly crystal “diamond” studs, which I am sure any girl would LOVE to receive….sooo fun!!! Happy Graduation to All!!!!!

Also, be sure to check out Susan Hanover designs for some of her great gift ideas…I am in LOVE with the butterflies!!!!

Car Health Tips and Safety Hacks

As a driver, your car is a huge asset and provides many positives for your life, and this means you need to maintain it properly. There are a lot of things you are going to need to do to make sure you do to look after your car as much as possible. This post will help you focus on trying to get the best outcome for your vehicle, as well as protecting your car and yourself in the process.

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It is important to follow some health and safety hacks on a regular basis. Try to do as much as possible to take care of the vehicle over time. This is something that will help you throughout the life of the vehicle and is going to keep the car on the road and fully operational for as long as possible. 

Correct Storage

One of the best ways of taking care of your vehicle is by making sure you have the correct storage for your vehicle. There are many different options available when it comes to storing your car safely and effectively. And also make sure to service your vehicle on a regular basis to assure that it will run smoothly on a day to day basis.

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Take Action After an Accident

Unfortunately, many of us will have some form of car accident in our lifetime, and the important thing is to take action right after the fact. You need to look after your vehicle as well as yourself and make sure you deal with the fall out from the crash in the best way you can. One of the main things you’ll want to do is to get in touch with an accident claim lawyer, but you’ll also need to contact your insurance company and tell them about the accident so you can get your vehicle tended to. 

Get the Right Insurance

You are going to need to make sure you have the right insurance for your car. . You are going to have to do as much research as you possibly can to assess what is available for you right now. Trying to find the best way of protecting your family with more affordable car insurance is a good start. This link is an excellent way of being able to find the best insurance packages that are going to protect and preserve your vehicle.

If you can use these ideas, you will be well-placed to be able to improve the health and safety of your car and ensure the longevity of the vehicle. There are so many things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to improving the process of owning and maintaining a car, and this is one of the key things that will improve and benefit your life.

Mother’s Day DIY with Starbucks

With Starbucks re-opening just a few days ago..I started looking for a fun option for Mother’s Day, from their stores How great are these DIY decorated re-useable cups from Starbucks? You can decorate them with sharpie pens and the cups are easily purchased at any Starbucks location. Bring mom her coffee in bed with her own beautifully decorated cup that she can use many mornings after.

Staying Stylish During Quarantine!!

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More people are communicating via zoom these days. Whether it be with your friends, family, work commitments, or online appointments. Here is some retail therapy for while you are staying home. Or as I like to call them, the MVPs of quarantine. Please click the links for more information. Or feel free to EMAIL me with any questions or your own suggestions.

A great new colorful or printed blouse or sweater will really elevate your zoom game!

A new pair of statement earrings are a must since they really pop during a zoom call.

If you do stay in your pajamas all day (no judgment here!!!!). They should at least be Glam Pajamas!!!!!!!

I found these industrial paper towels …GAME CHANGER in a pandemic for sure.. it has been over a month and I have gone through only one roll so far. I would have gone through 8 + rolls of bounty!!!

Here is the new Alexa flex. With her new prices point and the ease of simply plugging her in any outlet, you can easily have her in any room of your house. The games we play are Jeopardy and Song Quiz (this is the version that plays the actual song verses to guess). And check out the EVERYTHING ALEXA page for all new features.

HERE and HERE (readers and non magnifying) are the blue light blocking glasses I use, since there is even more time spent on screens these days!!!!

Simply Scrumptious baked goods are incredible. Most items are low or non-fat and way under 100 calories. They make indulging have much fewer consequences and guilt!!!!

Who says you cannot have that skin kissed glow during quarantine….

Or, just go for the straight sunshine in a bottle!!!!!

Nails seem to be a huge problem for everyone…I just tried these really incredible nail color strips that give you a salon quality manicure that lasts for up to 10 days!!!!

Who does not LOVE a DIY..but most of use are not that crafty..never fear..I have 2 really easy yet really impressive ones for you!!

DIY Carabiner Layering Necklaces:

Cut the necklace to where you want to add the carabiner and screw it on. Depending on how fancy you want your necklace you can add one or 2 carabiners (a larger and a smaller or a different shaped or stone version) . You can be as creative as you want when layering…

And here are all the Carabiners!!

DIY Party Pajamas

 I found THESE pajamas and many different colored BOAS. I used a GLUE GUN to attach the feathers to each of the sleeves and each pant leg. One boa was enough to do one pair of pajamas. I have seen people wear the top with jeans or the pants with a dressy flared sleeve blacktop or the top and bottoms together with cute heels to a wedding or Holiday party. When our quarantine is over, I am going to send mine out to have the feathers sewn on (but I’m sure a lot of you can do it yourself)!!! I just love this look!!!!!

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Here are some tips for elevating your Zoom background or “scene” as I like to call it!!!

Set up your computer in front of the window so your face gets natural light, which is the most flattering type of light.”

You can improve your appearance and look airbrushed. Just click the “enhance my appearance” button under video options.

Use laptops/computers over phone/tablets. It allows for better control of viewing and accessing chat features.

Mute mics and only unmute when you are speaking; it eliminates some of the screen jumping that is triggered by sound/noise.

​​Surround yourself with things that inspire you: a decorative piece, a Himalayan salt lamp, or burn a candle.

 Place Lamps At Both Sides Of Your Desk, if you are seated at a desk.

Clean your space. Do not show clutter. Think about your background. A nice piece of artwork or your fireplace and mantle would work nicely. Basically something interesting to look at.

Add a decorative object to the background, like a vase of flowers.

A book shelf makes for an interesting and eye catching backdrop.

Have nice accessories, a pretty mug (my friend, Melissa, used these recently) or glass. Use a decorative pen or notebook, if you need one during the meeting.