Love My Stainless Steel Water Bottle!

Whether it’s for the health of the environment, the health of your body or the health of your wallet switching from plastic disposable water bottles to re-usable stainless steel bottles is the way to go.

At first I thought I was going to have a problem replacing the convenience of little .5 liter bottles of water sold in 24 packs. They were portable with a nice screw on top to prevent leaks and fit nicely in a cooler. It always nagged me a little thinking about how many of these bottles my family of 4 went through in a week so I got a few plastic re-usable bottles. I filled them with ice and water. They leaked and sweat so much that I had to wrap the bottles in paper towels to absorb the moisture that they sweat out or I would have a puddle on my desk! We only used them occasionally and stuck with the disposable ones until the State of New York decided to add a five cent bottle deposit to all water bottles under a gallon. Well now, Albany already sees enough of my hard earned cash and I was in no rush to give them more. So I began to search in earnest for the perfect water bottle.

What I found was a company called Pure-Hydration (pure-hydration.com). They make insulated stainless steel water bottles. They claim that the bottles will not leak, even if upside down, and will not sweat. After much emailing between myself and a company representative, I decided to give it a try. I bought 4-25oz bottles and used them as stocking stuffers at $27.99 a piece. They also have a 17oz bottle for $24.99 and a 12oz for $17.99 (prices quoted from Amazon.com).

Here’s what I found:

• Double wall construction for MAXIMUM temperature retention.
• Stainless Steel Interior & Exterior.
• Polypropylene Spout, made from BPA free material, that is non-leaching and non-toxic.
• Wide mouth accommodates even the largest ice cubes, and is easy to clean.
• 2 internal screens. One to reduce blockage created by ice, and the other to strain loose and herbal tea.
• Outside of bottle remains at room temperature despite the temperature of its contents.
• No inner liner, so water tastes like water.
• Ergonomic shape makes bottle easy to hold.
• Convenient carrying handle.
• Reusable, recyclable, reduces landfill waste. 

Most importantly for me was the bottles did not leak and did not sweat. Being insulated was an added bonus and one that I’ve come to appreciate. Living in the Hudson Valley means terribly hot and humid summers. I can spend the day running errands leaving the bottle in the hot car and have a nice cool drink every time I got back in. No need to buy a cold drink at every other stop.

Don’t even bother buying a cheaper bottle. You will be unhappy and will end up buying one of these anyway!

Something Very Special Happened Last Night…

SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL HAPPENED LAST NIGHT…..I FELT GREAT, as I bundled up about to depart the Hot Nyack Yoga studio….Was it an aberration? A momentary phenomenon?  No…could it be the cumulative effect of about five or six weeks of visiting the hot yoga studio,,,, maybe?  And not every night mind you, perhaps a few times a week. I’ve experienced their various types of yoga (Hatha, Bikram, Vinyasa and Forrest) with little or no expectations but with an open mind and a strong willingness to try my best.  In the very beginning, I went through the motions (poses) at times feeling lost, few times as a pretzel want-to-be and other times, as teetering idiot, yet, there were no times when I felt any of the instructors (followers, believers, amazing people, I’ll call them) sharing my embarrassment or guilt, as an underachiever you see, -it isn’t about that at all.  I’m reminded of having gone to an awesome restaurant and having an exceptional dinner, only to be served by a less than compassionate waiter – the dining experience loses a lot.

Here at Hot Yoga of Nyack the opposite happens.  This IS an exceptional staff, not only because of their individual expertise but because their enthusiasm and support, bridges the gap between the “experience” and “getting it”…get it?  It is a practice that perhaps never gets truly mastered, however, these instructors never make you feel less than a ‘trying master’.  The teachers that I have experienced thus far seem to me to be exceptional, yet with some subtle differences and emphasis in the blending of the spiritual with the physical.  For this writing, I would be remiss if I didn’t in particular point out one such instructor, that being Erica Mather (Director of Forrest Yoga).  Last night, as every night, she is the epitome of that perfect blend of mind, body and spirit and done so, withperfect grace, no exception.  Yes, I think they are all great, but it was in her class that I departed last night with that certain extra special feeling of well being.  I realize it is a cumulative effect of all my yoga visits but I do think she adds that unique mystique that is quite captivating – so thanks to her (et al) and thanks to yoga, that I still feel great this morning…..

Meet Erica at:  ericamather.com  or at: www.hotyogaofnyack.com

Editor Note: Every few weeks we will ask a novice yoga “pupil” to comment on their perception of the class they take.

EVER GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING?

Yikes, especially when it comes to car servicing. Usually, you bring your car in to your favorite garage, or favorite dealer I guess) with a list of stuff to do. The favorite garage goes through the list and yes, often makes suggestions of additional needed items. It seems to me in the dealership world, there is a slightly different focus, nothing gets repaired… just replaced…and “they” live to replace….

I drove 29 feet in my Mercedes the other day and suddenly my dashboard was glowing like Xmas lights, yellow as they were, ABS, BAS and another. Some people call them idiot lights. While a surprise, it wasn’t a shock, as it happened once before in the past and my remedy was simple. I stopped, turned the ignition off, then back on and PRESTO, lights went off. This time, NO presto, even with the ignition off, I heard a loud noise, a cross between a vacuum cleaner and a fan that kept me cool last summer in the work shed. How is this possible with the ignition off (??) and the noise never ceasing. Concerned, I drive back the 29 feet, parked in lot, turned key OFF, then ON, then OFF then ON then OFF… the noise never stopped. I opened the hood and peeked in; an attempt to impress my wife….I noticed nothing…heard the noise emanating from underneath, lower left….but couldn’t see a thing….I did however, feel some heat, lots of heat……was wondering if my faithful Mercedes was going to blow up. I scanned the lot; did I park away from everything??

My dear mechanic and “favorite” garage, Palisades Car Care (Route 303, Blauvelt, NY) was closed this week, “On Vacation”. Why is it I only have trouble when either the mechanic is away or the doctor is out?? Anyway, wanting to stave off a potential parking lot explosion, I drove to a Mercedes dealer (notice, no name or address) for their input. Of course the first telephone conversation was about “you can bring the car in any time, no appointment needed……but we are so busy that we can’t look at it for a day or two and there are no loaners available.” Now this is Mercedes Benz, not the nearest Rambler dealer. I’m thinking, hmmmm, I’ll bring it there anyway, let it blow up in their lot, not mine, assuming I make it that far.

Wife and I each drove our Mercedes’ to the dealer, I in the sick one she in the healthier one. We left it there in the hands of their service advisor. In general, my experience has taught me that the Service Advisor is synonymous with a “work finder”  …Nowadays, at the dealership; it isn’t about fixing (remember that word??? Or repairing??) it is now all about “replacing”. If “we” suspect something is wrong, replace it – even if we have to replace every part and computer in the car, replace, replace, replace…..much more efficient than fix. I’m getting off the subject.

 In this case, I was finally called and summarily told that the car needed a new ABS pump (and make no bones about it) and while it is there, it also needed a new brake light switch…? That is like telling a cancer patient that is likely to expire very soon , that he also needs to have some work done to his bunion (please pardon the analogy).

Refusing to submit, then and there, to a $3600 estimate, we chose to pick up the car and wait the few days until Dave and Brian get back from vacation. We went back to Mercedes, picked up our car and guess what, the noise was stopped (or had stopped), the lights were still on, less of a bigger deal……??

The following Monday morning, dark and cold as it was, my car was on the doorstep of Palisades Car Care – in their hands. So a few days of their having the car in and out of their crowed bays and checking different related things, it all boiled down to a relay fuse that has some connection to the ABS pump. Violas……relay IN, noise gone, lights OUT!

Ok, so back to my initial point….Ever get something for nothing?….so at Palisades the oil was changed and NYS inspection performed….replaced wiper blades, all things I had asked to do, in addition to the mysterious diagnosis of the yellow warning ABS lights, which was repaired with the relay fuse, and not having to replace that $3600 ABS pump and guess what, now something was actually fixed NOT on my list……both outside rear view mirrors were swinging in the breeze as the little button that controls the swing, needed some TLC……

Ps: ok, I know what you are thinking, that somewhere in the mix of all the other services performed, I must somehow be also paying for the mirror repair…maybe…but guess what, if I was at the dealer, maybe they would want to replace the mirrors all together….or the car??  I have known Dave & Brian for well over 20 years….when it comes to fairness and competence, I know of none better….when it comes to expertise, be it a Mercedes, Jaguar or Chevrolet…to a Ferrari or Hyundai, I still cant! 

 

Palisades Car Care

596 Route 303

Blauvelt, NY 10913-1123

(845) 398-2009

Palisades Indoor Farmers Market

Looking for a farmers market in the middle of the winter can be tough. Never fear! The Rockland indoor farmers market will open Saturday, February 6^th from 9am until 1pm. The market will be open every Saturday from the 6^th until May 15^th 2010. The market is located at 675 Oak Tree Road Palisades, NY at the Palisades Community Center. The market will offer seasonal vegetables and fruits, along with meat, chicken, eggs, baked goods, wine, cheese, nuts, jam, bread, coffee and much more! All of the food will be supplied by regional farmers and vendors.

For more information please email community.center@palisadesny.com or visit www.palisadesny.com and go to the events page.

New Years Eve 2010 in NYC and Rockland

As the new year approaches, New York City gets ready for its annual NYE Times Square celebration. The famous ball drop atop One Times Square has been a tradition dating back to 1906. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people descend upon Times Square to experience this free and memorable event! If you are planning to join the festivities, get there early and be prepared – you’ll be corralled into barricaded areas where you’ll have to stay for the duration. After the ball drop in Times Square, celebrate some more at one of the hot, popular New Year’s Eve parties in NYC!

 

Not In the mood to go out in the cold to watch the ball drop? There are plenty more ways to celebrate the New Year in Rockland County! Whether you want to dance and go out or cuddle at home by the fire with a bottle of champagne, Rockland has a range of things to do from Nightclubs to television shows to watch.

 

If you’re in the mood to go out but don’t want to stand in the cold to bring in 2010, Liquid Ice Night Club in Nanuet is celebrating in style by bringing Miami Beach to NY. Liquid Ice is the tri-states #1 New Years Eve Party Hosted by DJ Select of the World Famous Club Deep South Beach Spinning the hottest Party Classics, Dance, Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Rock and Latin. Many Special Celebrity Invites. VIP Tables Include Bottle Service.  $55 per ticket includes a hot/cold buffet, souvenir t-shirts, light up glasses, and bottle of champagne!

 

Not in the mood to go out? Classically called “Dick Clarking it” is one of the best ways to bring in the new year. Sitting with loved one’s watching the ball drop with a bottle of champagne and a blanket near the fire is always my favorite way to celebrate. The ball will be dropping on numerous channels so tune in and watch!

THE STYLE NETWORK’S CLEAN HOUSE SHOW IS LOOKING FOR CLUTTERED HOUSES!!

Do you need help ridding your home of clutter? Are you having a hard time letting go of stuff you don’t need but just can’t seem to part with? Is your house in dire need of a makeover? If AT LEAST 3 ROOMS IN YOUR HOUSE ARE MESSY, then you need CLEAN HOUSE!!! 

If you OWN a SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE (sorry, no apartments, condos, or townhouses) and at least 2 adults live in your home, then please email the following info to us and we’ll be in touch with more details:

1. Names & relationships of EVERYONE living in the house. (You must OWN the house)

2. Address & phone number.

3. Photos or video of all your cluttered rooms.

4. Tell us about yourself and why you and your family need CLEAN HOUSE!!!

5. Do you own or rent your house?

For prompt attention, please answer ALL of the above questions!!

Email us at Cleanhouse@StyleNetwork.com

OR visit our website to apply: MyStyle.com

We look forward to hosting your yard sale!!

Blue Carpet Costume Bash & Halloween Safety Tips!

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31st -  The Black Bear Saloon will be throwing a Hallween Costume Bash sponsored by Metromix. There will be a full bar and admission is free! Dress up in the best costume and show it off while you walk down the Blue Carpet! Don’t forget to say trick-or treat! There will be plenty of candy to give away and a sweet prize for the winner of the contest. If you have Halloween spirit and a great costume idea, be sure to stop by the Black Bear Saloon in Nyack on Main Street! Who said you’re too old to trick-or-treat on Halloween?!

Halloween Safety Tips:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity

Café Portofino – Sure to please everyone!!

If you like Italian food and restaurant ambiance, Cafe Portofino is the place for you! With an extensive menu and pleasing choices for everyone in the family, you cant go wrong when choosing this restaurant.

The beautiful interior brilliantly reflects the delicious taste of the food. Don’t be fooled by the luxuriously posh interior, you wont spend more than $19.00 on a huge dinner! The portions are priced extremely fair! Just read the ZAGAT survey and you’ll see, Cafe Portofino is a hot spot for family dining!!

“Well-prepared Italian standards and fresh seafood are sure to please every family member at this intimate riverside jewel in the heart of downtown Piermont. Weekends, there’s often a wait for a table in the cozy dining room, but once you’re seated, you’ll never feel rushed by the knowledgeable and efficient staff, all told, the only disappointment was the lack of a view.” – ZAGAT SURVEY

Cristina Biaggi’s Woodspeak: Creating Form

Wood is the medium Cristina Biaggi has used to create the art in her latest exhibition, Woodspeak: Creating Form, on view at The OUTSIDE IN Piermont from November 5th to December 6th. The public is invited to meet the artist at a reception on Sunday, November 8th, 2-5 pm.  The gallery is located at 249 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont, New York.
 
Highlights of the exhibition include Dr. Biaggi’s Rebirth of Gaia, Medusa, and several winged Nike figures.

In the yard behind the gallery, Dr. Biaggi will be creating a Human Nest of vines that takes inspiration from the incredible architectural structures that birds build.
 
In addition to being an accomplished sculptor in wood, Dr. Biaggi works in bronze and clay. As a painter and collage artist, her works reflect her intense commitment to political, environmental and international human rights issues. She is a scholar, lecturer, writer and editor on the subjects of prehistoric cultures, the Great Goddess, and the history and impact of patriarchy. Her books include Habitations of the Great Goddess, In the Footsteps of the Goddess, and The Rule of Mars. For more information, visit www.cristinabiaggi.com.
 
The OUTSIDE IN Piermont showcases a broad spectrum of eclectic works, from fine art and furniture to works in clay, stone, wood, and bamboo handcrafted by local artists and artisans.

Don’t Miss Grace Knowlton’s Opening Reception!

RENOWNED ARTIST GRACE KNOWLTON EXHIBITS MIXED MEDIA WORKS AT THE OUTSIDE IN PIERMONT. “Mixed Messages:  Directions In New Media“ features digitally and hand altered Giclee prints of original photographs revealing objects such as corners, bones, and sawhorses.

Piermont, NY – September 8, 2009:  The OUTSIDE IN Piermont will exhibit mixed media works by internationally recognized artist, Grace Knowlton. “Mixed Messages:  Directions in New Media” will run from September 17th through November 1st 2009 with an opening reception scheduled for Sunday, September 20th from 2-5pm.  The show will present Knowlton’s works in a context of ”New Media”.

Film or time may not have been as influential in the development of early Cubism as was a different understanding of space or a hyperspace.  This space is alive today in digital systems and on the Internet, dissolving boundaries and revolutionizing media.  Innovative, “New Media”, of increasing mix and variety, are reinventing our relations and perceptions to the world and redefining history.  Grace Knowlton’s new works in mixed media are hand and digitally altered Giclee prints of original photographs she has taken of common objects – corners, sawhorses, fence posts, seeds and bones.   Abstracted in her signature gestural style with pastel, chalk and washes of water and ink. A landscape of reiterated bones, become mesas or tsunamis, articulating architectural fractals inviting play, change and chance.  Sawhorses are abstracted from their spaces becoming anthropomorphic, tumbling, mounting and climbing.   Wicker coils cast striking shadows into the adjacent space.  It’s difficult to tell what is altered.  Grace Knowlton is known for going freely from painting to sculpture to photography.  She mixes media, naturally.

Grace Knowlton received her MFA from Columbia University and has taught at the Art Students League among other teaching posts.  Nationally known, Ms. Knowlton has been widely exhibited and is represented in many public collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Storm King Art Center, the Newark Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England and others.

10% of sales from works purchased on 9/20 will be donated to help fund the effort in locating the elusive “panther” presumed to be roaming the Palisades area.

If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Bill Walsh at (845)/398-0706 or e-mail him at evyl@verizon.net.

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