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55 State Rd. (Rt. 206)
Princeton NJ 08540
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12/19/2018: The Gift Card Conundrum - it's NOT Lazy IF it's LOCAL

We totally support the giving and getting of gift cards. But if you're concerned that it will make it look like you didn't give thought to what to give your gift recipient, we are here to tell you that it's okay to give gift cards - especially when they're local! Well, that's what the Princeton Insider is going with . . .

Here are some local suggestions for gift cards ( great stocking stuffers) that are sure to bring smiles from everyone on your list. 

Update: We updated this list with some new options since this first went live in 2016. 

Kids - who wants tears on Christmas day?

jaZams - what child would not want to enter the holy grail of local toys - slam dunk

Princeton Playspace - 10 session Open Play Pass will go a long way on snowy/rainy days

Labyrinth Books - such a wonderful feeling to buy your own books with your own money

NJ State Museum -  Give a family the gift of a museum membership. Only $75 for 4 tickets. 

 

 

Teens - yuck yuck yuck - so hard to please but this list will ease the pain

Hoagie Haven - duh

Halo Pub - sweets always trump socks

Arlee's Raw Blends - for those who know better

Small World Coffee - not old enough for the Tap Room, but they still want to socialize

Princeton Record Exchange - what teen would not want to enter the holy grail of tuneage - slam dunk

Princeton Garden Theatre - introduce your teen to the BIG screen and possibly old school date night

Rouge -  give the girl a taste of what she has to look forward to

AMC Theaters at MarketFair Mall - Gotta love the recliner seating! Add in there a gift card to one of the restaurants in the mall, and you're golden. 


 

Significant Others - When he or she says they don't need anything, that means you still need to get them something. Here are some unique ideas to consider. 

Zoe - chicest store in town = happy lady

Mayflower Cleaners - If your SO is spending a pretty penny on dry cleaning, pick up the tab for a few visits. 

Hamilton Jewelers - when the last few gifts have been clunkers

Smith's Ace Hardware - The DIYer on your list will LOVE another reason to go tot he hardware store 

Princeton Center for Yoga & Health - give the gift of peace of mind - much needed and long overdue

elements  - yep, go big for the person who makes dinner every night for you

Lace Silhouettes Lingerie - for her but really for you

4 Elements Wellness Center - We tried the Himalayan Salt Room and highly recommend it! Another popular service is the Cryotherapy chamber (very popular among athletes)
 

 

Anyone who is NOT a Significant Other - these peeps are just happy to be remembered

Public Wine & Liquor - beer or bubbly - slam dunk for those who drink

Brick Farm Market - gourmet goods for those who don't

Vibernum - the perfect gift for those who don't like to spend money on flowers

Olsson's Fine Foods - the perfect gift for those who don't like to spend money on nice cheeses and olives

Kelsey Theatre - Gift the gift of the theater and let them pick the show

Unionville Vineyards - Get the gift card and then plan a tasting together!

 

 

Final thoughts: At the end of the eggnog infused, overly stuffed, and feeling like you have not a dollar to your name day - it's always better to GIVE than to receive.

Happy Holidaze!

 

 

 

 

 


01/24/2017: Princeton Baby Lab

Want to make $10 and entertain your toddler for an hour? Then this is a must-read for you. We did it and had a total blast!

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Princeton Baby Lab is a Princeton University-run research center that focuses on understanding how children develop. Ava, Max and I have heard wonderful things about the Lab and decided to give it a try for ourselves. They continuously run new studies on different learning patterns and abilities of children, ages birth to 12. There were no studies available in Max’s age group (18 months), but they had a really cool one, perfect for Ava (age 3).

The Baby Lab is located on the Princeton University Campus just off Washington Road. The research assistant, Eva greeted us at the car and escorted us into the building. I had explained to Ava that she was going “to work” and she could barely contain her excitement for the new job. Once inside their beautiful facility, we got comfortable by playing with their great selection of toys and getting to know our new friends.

Click here to read more. 

 

 


09/30/2016: 20 Benefits of Adding Yoga to Your Life

In honor of Princeton Center for Yoga & Health celebrating their 20th anniversary, we have a guest post by director Deborah Metzger on the benefits of practicing yoga. Learn more about their 20th Anniversary raflle at http://princetonyoga.com/giveaways/

princeton center yoga and health skillman

Western science is demonstrating what the ancients knew – yoga practiced mindfully improves health, relieves aches and pains, bolsters immune function and enhances cognitive function. While there are indeed many physiological benefits of the practice, the purpose of yoga is to promote strength, flexibility, awareness and presence in both the body and the mind.  Yoga encourages overall wellness. From studies at Harvard, NIH, to endorsement by organizations like the American Osteopathic Association, there is ample new evidence of yoga’s many benefits.

I hesitate to list specific physical benefits, since yoga teachers are by and large not medical practitioners nor diagnosticians. Here are some widely demonstrated benefits of a regular and mindful yoga practice.

  • Increased flexibility.
  • Increased muscle strength and tone.
  • Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
  • Maintaining a balanced metabolism.
  • Weight reduction.
  • Cardio and circulatory health.
  • Improved athletic performance.
  • Protection from injury.
  • Betters bone health
  • Maintains a supple spine
  • Supports healthy blood and lymphatic flow
  • Boosts immunity
  • Supports glandular function
  • Improves balance
  • Promotes improved lung function
  • Supports stress reduction
  • Improves mental clarity and sharpens concentration
  • Promotes resilience in meeting life’s challenges
  • Encourages self-awareness to make better lifestyle choices
  • Makes you happier

Yet, as I’ve written in the past, all of these ‘benefits’ are merely side effects of practicing yoga with mindfulness, a sense of humor and compassion.

To register for your first (or next) class, visit princetonyoga.com. Princeton Center for Yoga & Health is located on Orchard Road in Skillman, NJ. 


06/14/2016: Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to the Class of 2016 graduates from area independent schools.

Congrats to the Class of 2016! Most of the Princeton area independent schools have already completed the school year with graduations for their senior and 8th grade classes. Keep reading below for links to photo albums from our Back to School clients.  We'll update this page as more photos become available. 


05/26/2016: Mercer County Area Memorial Day Parades
If you're staying local or visiting the Mercer County area for the Memorial Day Holiday, we've rounded up the local parades taking place this weekend.

Who doesn't love a good parade! If you're staying local or visiting the Mercer County area for the Memorial Day Holiday, we've rounded up the local parades taking place this weekend. 

Spirit of Princeton Memorial Day Parade

Saturday May 28, 2016 

Hillsborough
May 28, 10:30
?https://www.facebook.com/events/1734749073407666/
Starts at corner of New Amwell and Auten Road and ends at Municipal Building. Followed by The Garden of Honor ceremony. 

 

Lawrence Township
10 am
alpost414nj.org
Starts at Lawrence High School and ends Post 414 Veterans Park

 

Spirit of Princeton Parade
10:00 AM 
http://www.spiritofprinceton.org
Starts at the corner of Princeton Ave and Nassau Street and goes to Princeton Monument Hall (1 Monument Drive or 45 Stockton Street, Princeton).  Ceremony at Princeton Monument Hall at 11am.  Veterans are encouraged to be in the parade.

 

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Hopewell 
1:00 PM 
http://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/community/community-events/
Downtown Hopewell, Broad Street

 

Monday, May 30, 2016

Hamilton Township
8am
hamiltonnj.com
Begins at Nottingham Way & Shady Ln and Ends at Nottingham Fire Company

 

Pennington
Memorial Day Parade, Kids Bike Brigade & Concert
11 am
penningtonboro.org
Begins at the HVRSD Administration Building and ends at The Pennington School tennis courts. The day concludes with a concert starting at 5:30 pm .

 

West Windsor Township 
11 am
westwindsornj.org/notices/memorial-day-parade-ceremony
Starts at West Windsor High School, South and ends with a ceremony at the West Windsor Municipal Complex at noon.

 

Cranbury
1 pm
cranbury.org
Parade runs down Main Street. 

 

Image: Spirit of Princeton on Facebook 

 


02/02/2016: 13 Ways to do Valentine's Day on the Cheap in the Princeton Area

Tick, tock, tick. Valentin'es Day is around the corner. Do you have plans? At PrincetonOnline, we're here to tell you that it's okay to watch your budget on this holiday. Just don't show up on Valentine’s Day with NOTHING. Not even a card to show her or him you care. For the most part, people just want Valentine's Day acknowledged. We get though---you don’t have a lot to spend. That’s okay! Love don’t cost a thing, right? You don’t need any grandiose displays of affection (although…a flash mob with some friends is free!) You just need to show some effort and make the day special. If you need some ideas, we put together a list of 13 local events and things to do, which means you don't really need to worry about paying for gas either! 

  1. Grab a $5 Friday bouquet at Monday Morning Flowers and pick up some chocolate and jewelry while you’re there too!
  2. Follow @willswine (Will Rodriguez, Beverage Director at Witherspoon Grill) on Instagram for some wine ideas to celebrate at home
  3. Room service at a hotel is nice, but Room Service, the comedy, is way more fun and only $18 a person at Kelsey Theater. It's running Valentine's Weekend and the following weekend too. Click here to order your tickets. 
  4. Make dinner with a recipe from one of our local chefs
  5. Go for a tasting at Hopewell Valley Vineyards or attend their special Valentine's Day Brunch for only $29 a person
  6. Dinner & a movie at MarketFair's new AMC Dine-In Theater
  7. If you have a love that’s out of this world, take in a show at the NJ State Museum Planetarium. They offer show times on both Saturdays and Sundays at only $7 a person. 
  8. Have a good laugh with your love at Catch a Rising Star Princeton’s Special Valentine’s Day Weekend performance. Tickets start at $20.87 for Friday night and $26.75 on Saturday. 
  9. Who doesn’t love a romantic carriage ride? Howell Living History Farm is offering ones for free on February 13th at 10am. 
  10. If you’re both runners, spread the love at Cupid’s Chase, Community Options' 5k race to beneft individuals with disabilities, on February 13th at 10am at the Princeton Shopping Center. Registration is $30-50. Details: www.comop.org
  11. Dinner and dancing doesn’t just have to be something you see in the movies. The Princeton Elks is having a Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance on February 13th from 6-9:30pm to benefit the lodge's special children's fund and the ladies auxiliary. Cash bar. Register by E-mail to glengarylead@yahoo.com. $35 to $40.
  12. Words cannot describe your love.. only music can. Experience love according to the great American songbook at Princeton Public Library at 3pm. Features singer Katie Welsh and pianist Emily Whitaker, Princeton University graduates, performing favorite love songs. Refreshments.
  13. Put some extra money into dinner after attending the FREE performance of Spring Cabaret by Westminster Choir College at Rider University, 7:30 pm.  

 


12/08/2015: The Five Rules of Crispy Golden Latkes

This Hanukkah marks the tenth anniversary of my latke class. I taught my first one in 2005 at Whole Foods Market Princeton, and since then I’ve been teaching a Hanukkah latke class somewhere every year.

Soon I realized that people came to it not so much to learn as to schmooze and compare notes. As the sayings go, “two Jews, three opinions,” and “two cooks, three opinions.” So imagine what happens when Jews who cook come together!

I think I’ve received more advice than I’ve given, and I’ve tested all the tricks and tips. After ten years of crowdsourcing, I’ve come up with these rules for diving into latke cooking:

 

Use two kinds of potatoes: russet for the texture and Yukon for the flavor

Grate by hand. Don't try to fight this rule; it's a big one. Use a grater with large holes and grate the potatoes from their narrow side. This creates long strands of potatoes that fry to perfection. Trust me, I’ve tried every other method, and this one wins.

Grate the potatoes as you go. Instead of grating first and then frying, grate a couple and start cooking. Grate the rest as the previous batch cooks. This will prevent the potatoes from releasing too much liquid and from turning brown.

Squeeze the liquid out of the grated potatoes. Even if you grate them as you go, potatoes will release a lot of it. So squish them with a spoon against the walls of the bowl before you fry to rid of excess water.

Don’t skimp on oil. It should reach at least half of the level of the latke.

 

And now, the recipe:

Latkes–Master Recipe

4 (2 each) medium russet and Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated

1 egg

One tablespoon flour

One medium onion, grated

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper

Canola oil for frying

 

Fill an 8-to-10-inch skillet with ¼-inch deep oil. Heat on medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.

In the meantime, combine the potatoes, egg, flour, onion, salt, and pepper. Place a tablespoon of the mixture in the hot oil. Flatten it with the spoon. The oil should reach about half the height of the center of the latke and the edges of the latke should be submerged. Leave a half-inch gap between the latkes.

Cook the latkes until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until golden brown. Transfer to a flat plate lined with paper towels.

Note: If making latkes ahead of time, cool completely and keep them in a tightly covered container in the fridge. Separate the layers with paper towels. To heat them up, place them in one layer on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven until warm and crisp.

Please connect with me on my blog or on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram

 


08/21/2015: Garden State of Mind

As summer winds down to a close, be sure to enjoy the best of the Garden State with these fresh and local farms!

Terhune Orchards is the best place for a family outing in the last days of summer, and into the autumn. Until October, you can pick your own fruits and vegetables at the farm, such as apples, peppers, summer squash and tomatoes. Don't miss their fresh apple cider and delicious donuts!

donuts

Just outside of Princeton is Cherry Grove Farms, home to pasture-raised meats and award-winning cheeses. Learn how to make their delicious mozzarella and ricotta cheeses at home by taking their cheese-making classes, held one weekend per month throughout the autumn and winter.

For some of the best vegetables of the season, check out Kerr's Kornstand in Pennington. Famous for their delicious corn at $6.50 a dozen, Kerr's offers fresh crops year round; be sure to grab their tomatoes before summer ends!

Griggstown Farm, located at 484 Bunker Hill Road, is the go-to place for poultry and game; their USDA- certified kitchen churns out delicious savory pies and chicken sausages every day. Don't miss their famous homemade chicken pot pies!

Conveniently located downtown in Hinds Plaza, the Princeton Farmers' Market is held every Thursday until November 19th. With over twenty local vendors, the Princeton Farmers' Market is the best place to buy all your culinary necessities, from fruits and vegetables to baked goods and salads.  


04/14/2015: Wine and Cheese Anyone?
We love our wine – red, white, rose, blends, sparkling. New reports show that Americans are drinking more wine than ever. Surprising? Not to us. Whether you are purchasing a bottle or a case, the only question becomes, where and how is it stored until you are able to enjoy it.

We love our wine – red, white, rose, blends, sparkling. New reports show that Americans are drinking more wine than ever.  Surprising? Not to us. Whether you are purchasing a bottle or a case, the only question becomes, where and how is it stored until you are able to enjoy it.

            The trend in kitchen design has been to install an under counter beverage system in your kitchen.  If your kitchen has the space, I highly recommend it.  For those who need more storage capabilities, the Subzero #427, houses plenty of wine, regulates temperatures and has superior presence. Experts say keep your red cool, light reds under (55 degrees), deep reds (59-66 degrees). Rose, Blush and dry whites (46-57degrees), sparkling and Champagne (43-47 degrees) and don’t forget to watch the humidity level and light levels.  On a side note, I once visited a winery on Long Island (who knew there were over 40!) and the owners said, “there are no wrong ways to drink wine. If YOU like your red cold, drink it cold. It’s your wine, drink it how you like it.”

            This spring, I encourage you to look at your wine and storage systems.  I’m creating fabulous niches in the smallest of spaces for wine.  With a Vintageview Wine Storage System, you can create a beautifully organized room with racks to display your carefully purchased selections. It’s a beautiful display in any room in your house. The racks either mount directly to the wall or to the ceiling and floor. They have racks that hold as few as 4 bottles up to 36 bottles. They also have racks that hold magnum bottles for those of us with large family gatherings. Combine multiple racks and make any empty wall your new wine storage.

            Our trend at Blue Lotus is taking that spare space in your home, which is rarely used (maybe it’s your exercise room), and we are transforming it into a wine room- a place to socialize and enjoy your time with family and friends! So, grab your plate of cheese and baguette and begin to appreciate your wine and time in a new space!


05/08/2014: A Different Way to Think About Decorating a Childs Bedroom

 

Kids rooms…um… hate ‘em, love the kid’s; hate decorating their rooms.   They grow out of them quickly, their tastes change, and they clutter them with all the things they actually like not the painstakingly selected things that we chose for them. They actually develop an opinion.  Wait, what you hate Thomas The Tank Engine – since when?

 

I have a friend with amazing taste and decorating sense who was a little ashamed by the lack of decoration in her children’s rooms.  Her children’s rooms were very basic in color and concept.  Color: warm and neutral, concept:  comfy bedding, simple drapery, soft rug, and in each room was a desk, dresser, bed, bedside side table and lighting.  She spent her budget on quality products for each of the rooms. The rest of the story, she determined would be up to the child as the year’s progressed.  Not shameful at all: BRILLIANT!!

 

No jungle mural, no car bed…instead wonderful, peaceful children’s rooms with the creative expression of each child.  I wish I had thought of this this before I fell in love with the very pricey equestrian themed fabric I used as inspiration for my pony crazed daughter. Amazing what creativity comes from the simplicity of a space.  I don’t deny the appeal of a beautifully decorated children’s room.  Wonderful fantasy color combinations, children’s books, cartoons and characters can come life in a well-crafted child’s bedroom.

 

I am suggesting an alternative to the themed children’s room.  This alternative-decorating concept starts with simplicity and develops over the years as the child grows and changes.  Think about it.  Our children are growing and changing all the time they may appreciate a comfortable bedroom that grows as changes with them.

 

"The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation."  Ray Wilbur

 

 

 

 


03/17/2014: Keep the Noise Down!

 

I loved when my house was for sale.  I purged everything.  It took the time to get rid of the all noise in my house.  I have always had the tendency to over decorate.  Please don’t misunderstand the phrase over decorate I have never had the desire or the means to coordinate every single element in a room.  My over decorating is much more haphazard than that. What I mean is, the balance between one beautifully displayed teapot and a teapot store.  When you get rid of all the noise, that one beautiful teapot has its time to get noticed.  When I paired down, the result was an amazing transformation. I could see the beautiful details of the rooms themselves.  I noticed lighting, molding, ceilings and paint color; it was the best version of my home. 

 So this brings me to my point:

 Pay attention to the details of the rooms in your home.  Consider wall covering, floor covering, and cabinetry as essential to the decor instead of merely a place to display decorative items.  My recommendation: show restraint with decorative items and Invest in high quality flooring, wall covering, millwork or cabinetry.  Find the beauty in the structure of the room instead of the items it contains.  When choosing items in which to decorate a room choose objects that are useful, purposeful, and interesting.  Make sure their “noise” does not distract from the beauty and feeling of the room.  Enjoy the feeling of a room that has beautiful detail without the noise of decorative items.........at least......for a little while.


09/16/2013: Helping Fido.com
http://www.helpingfido.com/affiliate-products.htm


06/02/2013: The Power of Three

The Power of Three!

 

One in eight children in Princeton Public Schools are inadequately nourished, or in other words – going hungry. That translates to hundreds of children in our community; right here, in our town.

 

Let that sink in for a minute. Now here is some good news. There is something that you can do about it. There is a new initiative in Princeton called SEND HUNGER PACKING to feed hungry children in our community so that they can thrive in all areas of their lives. Each Friday afternoon during the school year a backpack full of kid-friendly and nutritionally sound food is sent home to ensure that these children have enough to eat on the weekends. And you can help make this program work by buying a ticket to the first fund raising event featuring the acclaimed documentary film A Place at the Table. This film, a 2012 Sundance Grand Jury Prize contender, stars Jeff Bridges and Tom Colocchio and examines the issues of hunger in America. The film will be shown this Sunday June 9th 4pm at The Garden Theater, Princeton.

 

So what is the math on this back pack program really? Simple. $3 can feed a child for a weekend. $160 can feed them for the full school year. $160 and you can send a child home with nutritious food every Friday for a whole school year. Next time you leave the supermarket, think about that. And then go to the link below and either pick up a ticket to the fundraiser or make a donation. Some acts are simple, easy to do, and their impact is great. Step up. Help fill those back packs.

 

 

 

Scooped at:

Send Hunger Packing

The Garden Theater, Princeton

Sunday June 9th, 4pm

 

 

www.sendhungerpacking.ticketleap.com

 

With thanks to Leah


04/16/2013: From HiTOPS with love

From HiTOPS, with Love

 

This Friday night the Princeton airport will be transformed into a sophisticated club atmosphere that captures the spirit and style of Bond, James Bond.  With exotic and vintage Bond cars, a helicopter, cigar bar, photo ops and specialty drinks and food – all with that special ‘shaken, not stirred’ quality, this HiTOPS 25th anniversary event is one not to be missed.

Our favorite agent’s missions took him to Italy, the Middle East and Asia and this spectacular evening will do the same, with three separate areas under the tent to visit that capture the essence of those exotic ports of call. That, my friends, is what we call an event with panache.

With a red carpet and valet to greet you, don your best Bond attire and go! For 25 years HiTOPS has provided our local youth the resources they need to live healthy, responsible and empowered lives. This evening will honor those that helped make this possible.  The best news? You can still pick up a ticket and show your appreciation for all they have done.

Scooped at:

HiTOPS 25th Anniversary Event

Princeton Airport

Airpark Road, Princeton NJ 08542

Friday April 19th

7:00-9:30 pm

http://hitops.org/about-us/fromhitopswithlove/

 


04/11/2013: Mud Season For Movies
April showers bring may flowers but only a handful of movies, including Admission

Robert Frost's "Two Tramps in Mud Time" pays homage to that liminal time between winter and spring, of frost heaves and the mudslides of Vermont.  He must have had the same feeling I have about movies in between the holidays, the Oscars, and summer blockbusters.

So where does that leave springtime movies? Somewhere in between, which gave me the opportunity to see Admission twice.

The trailer for Admission doesn't give it the credit it deserves, so forget everything you may have seen in the trailer and just go see the movie (or rent/buy it). If you have kids who have yet to go through the college admissions process, the movie may give you a little agina, but it's like medicine - it may taste a little bitter at first but in the long run it's good for you.

Based on the novel by Princeton resident Jean Korelitz, Admission the movie takes a lot of liberties with the book, some quite unexpected, and some very appreciated. My favorite "liberty" (having read the book) is the character of Portia Nathan (Tina Fey)'s  mom, played hilariously by Lily Tomlin. I can't recall the last movie i saw with Lily Tomlin, but her wacky performance is worth the price of Admission.

Paul Rudd, Wallace Shawn, Michael Sheen and Gloria Rubin anchor a delightful cast (the Lily Tomlin professor lust-interest is spot on), and it's fun to spot the walk-ons from town and gown.

Korelitz has noted that it was wonderful to be a part of a movie anchored by actors who are also writers - and I would echo that sentiment regarding the screenplay. The script is fast-paced and while sometimes nonsensical (New Hampshire a short drive from Princeton?) keeps one connected to the story and the characters.

Finally, as someone who has worked at the University and is familiar with the admissions process both as a mother of a college kid and an administrator, I would say, while the plot to Admission is farfetched, the adage, "Just be yourself," rings true. There is a college out there for everyone - and aah for the good old days (when I applied to college) when you only applied to a couple of schools, you wrote a couple of essays and you took the SAT with no help from Kaplan.

Maybe we will have a "Back to the Future" experience with college admissions: Just say no (to resume building) and be yourself.

 

 


03/28/2013: Collaboration and Choice
Featuring Calavena Stone

 A word about choice:  I have been featuring products we like at Blue Lotus Kitchen and Bath because it is important to know and explore your choices.  In a redesign or renovation the choices seem limitless but there has to come a point when you must choose something.

 

This is when you need to choose to trust your designer.  Choose to follow their lead.  Chances are they know what they are talking about and are familiar with a wide variety of products and have experience with the wonderful benefits of the products they like:  this is the essence of collaboration

 

Just throwing it out there to consider, HA!

 

So here is a product to consider choosing:  Calavena Stone.  This product is designed to make bathroom renovations easy, with a very glamorous result.  The stone comes in large sections and is intended to clad showers  & walls. 

 

This stone product comes in six colors; the installation is simple and grout less.  The end product has a very seamless look.  The panels have accompanying accessories: basins, shelving & seating for the interior of the shower.

 

I like the clean lines and sophisticated look of the projects and their website.  The stone gives a very formal, polished feel.

 

Visit the website, it has nice photographs of the stone choices and completed projects.

 

http://calavenastone.com/about-2/

 

Choose and choose well! 


11/26/2012: Crying and Colic

All infants will cry, some more than others.  In fact, infants will cry more during the first three months of their lives than at any other time.  It is normal for crying to total nearly 2 hours a day in the first six weeks and to slowly decrease to approximately 70 minutes a day by twelve weeks.  Most crying is distressing for families, and even more so when the crying is felt to be excessive or due to colic.

 

Colic has many definitions and is often used to describe a baby’s fussy period when the level of crying escalates and the baby cannot be comforted.  Colic has come to be a diagnosis of exclusion and should used when other more serious causes of excessive or prolonged crying have been ruled out. 

 

Colicky behaviors generally begin around the third week of life and resolve around 3 to 4 months.  Approximately one fifth of all infants will be diagnosed with colic.  It will occur equally in boys and girls, breast and bottle-fed infants, full term and preterm babies, and first and second children.

 

Although there is no strict definition for colic, many health care providers define it with a “rule of three;” the crying lasts for more than three hours a day, occurs more than three days in a week, and lasts for more than three weeks.  The colicky episodes often have an identifiable beginning and end, typically between 6 and 10pm.  The crying of a colicky infant is often different from a normal crying episode, as it is usually louder and higher in pitch.  The infants often become flushed and tense.  They can either pull their legs up towards their belly or straighten them out with arching of the back.  The belly may be full and the baby may pass gas.  In general, a colicky baby will be either difficult or impossible to console, no matter what a parent or other caregiver does.

 

When attempting to treat colic, it is important to remember that no single treatment will work for every infant. 

 

Changing the baby’s diet and method of feeding is one calming technique.  If the baby is bottle fed, feeding in an upright position with a curved bottle or bottle with a drop-in may be helpful.  Some colicky babies will improve when they are switched to a soy or hypoallergenic formula.   If an infant is breast fed, mothers can try a hypoallergenic diet for themselves, eliminating milk, eggs, nuts, and wheat.  There is also some evidence to say that allowing the baby to fully drain one breast rather than feeding from both breasts may alleviate symptoms.

 

Changing the baby’s environment and limiting external stimulation may also help to soothe.  Offering a pacifier, riding in the car, using a swing or vibrating seat, warm baths, and belly massages have all been shown to reduce colic symptoms.  Using some type of white noise can also provide comfort.  This can be done with a white noise machine, a fan, a simulated heartbeat, or by placing the infant in a car seat near a running clothes dryer.  There may also be some benefit when the baby is carried in the parents’ arms, a sling, or carrier.  Swaddling can help those infants that seem hypersensitive to body stimulation and touch, especially if they are younger than two months old.

 

Two well-done medical studies have shown the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to be helpful in the treatment of colic, mainly with a decrease in the total amount of crying in the day.  Herbal remedies such as chamomile, fennel, and balm-mint may also provide some relief from colic.  Gripe water, which often contains dill, may also be helpful.  Always consult a physician before starting any herbal remedy, as some of these preparations have been found to contain dangerous ingredients including alcohol. 

 

Remember that babies cry and an inconsolable infant can be extremely anxiety provoking.  It is normal to feel tired, angry, sad, and stressed out.  When you feel this way, it is important to take a break, even for a short time.  Ask a friend or family member to watch after the baby.  If you are alone, put the baby in a safe place like the crib.  Crying for a short time without you there will not harm the baby, as long as he or she is safe.  Always reach out to your pediatrician if you feel overwhelmed or if you are concerned about the health of your baby.

 


06/01/2012: An Important Announcement Regarding RiverStone Kitchen and Bath Design
Name Change - Same Excellant Design

 After six years of partnership, RiverStone Kitchen and Bath has divided and expanded into Martin Builders & Renovators, a full service construction company and Blue Lotus Kitchen and Bath Design.

Blue Lotus Kitchen and Bath Design will continue specializing in creating distinctive kitchens and baths.  We will continue with our full service design studio located in Pennington, NJ.

Our name has changed, but our commitment to the design of beautiful and functional home spaces is the same.

Please stop by the Blue Lotus Kitchen and Bath Design studio or visit our social media pages: FaceBook, Houzz, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 


01/30/2012: Injury: It’s More Than Just Physical

You are at the top of your game. You are having the best season of you athletic career. Your team is in the hunt of a championship run. All of the hard work you put in day in and day out on the practice field, in the gym, in the weight room, season after season has finally paid off. And then it happens… you collide with another opponent or stretch too far to make a play. Sharp, stabbing pain radiates through your body as you fall to the ground. In an instant, all of you good feelings of health, accomplishment, opportunity and livelihood vanish.
Unfortunately, injury is a part of the game. An estimated 17 million sports injuries occur each year in the United States (Murphy, 2005). As a health care provider, helping athletes recover from injury and return to play is more complex than just addressing the physical components.
Injured athletes often go through a series of common emotional responses.
  1. Denial
“No…I am fine!I can go back in.”
  1. Anger
You punch the ground or throw a piece of equipment.
  1. Bargaining
“Just let me finish the game! I’ll go to the doctor after the game!”
  1. Depression
You isolate yourself from the athletic trainer, your teammates, and/or your coach.
  1. Acceptance
You begin a rational discussion about your treatment options and take the first steps down the road to recovery.
For some athletes, this series occurs in a matter of minutes. For others, it takes days or even weeks. Regardless of when, why, or how this emotional response occurs, it is important to recognize the stage you are in and begin to cope appropriately.
Tips for Coping:
There are multiple strategies for coping with your injury. There is no right or wrong way to cope. As you go through your injury process, you will develop your own strategies. Listed below, are a few tips to help get you started.
  1. Seek Social Support/Team Approach
Speak with teammates, friends and family members who have had similar injuries and learn about their recovery experience.
Stay involved with your team – just because you are sidelined, doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the guidance and support to your teammates.
Seek an appropriate orthopedic health care team. This should include physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers. Performance Spine and Sports Medicine offers this team within the same facility to save you time and frustration!
  1. Set attainable goals
Write down goals for yourself. Goal setting will enable you tract your improvement and creates an individual competition. These goals may include:
  • Timeline for recovery. Determine your current baseline and establish a ladder of small-step goals that will lead up to full recovery
  • How you will use time off from competition as an opportunity to address aspects of life that have been neglected.
Be sure to inform your social support team of your goals so they can help you reach them!
  1. Imagery and Relaxation
  • Mentally rehearsing rehabilitation exercises, performance on the field, etc. will help you keep your mind in the game
  • Use healing imagery to aid in your recovery
  • Relaxing helps manage pain and stress. When stressed, your endocrine system changes which can make you more susceptible to illness and/or slowing down the healing process.
I hope this helps you mentally manage your injury. Remember, PSSM is always here to help you through your injury and to get you back into the game!


: Focus ON - Health
Broadcast notice

For a spotlight on the different skin cancer types, symptoms, and treatments, watch my interview with Lew Goldstein of Focus ON.

The show will air on WZBN Wednesday, July 25th and August 1st at 7:00pm (FiOS Mercer County Ch 28, Cablevision Hamilton Ch 25) and Sunday, July 29th and August 5th at 7:30pm (FiOS Mercer County Ch 28, Cablevision Hamilton Ch 25, and Comcast Ewing, Lawrence, Trenton Ch 19).




 
 
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