(Long Island, N.Y.) Sure, gizmos and gadgets make great holiday gifts—but I’m suggesting you think outside the box this season. My top picks for all the members of your family: Great Get-Aways. That’s right; the gift that keeps on giving is something truly spectacular to look forward to in 2010. I’ve got a few great gift-certificate ideas up my sleeve for 1. him and her, 2. the kiddos, and 3. the entire family. Today I’ll share the first one:

1. For your husband or wife: Steal away for a blissful overnighter at the Water Club in Atlantic City

How to package it: I love an element of surprise, so you can buy some really snoring gift, like a package of socks or a toaster—and slip the real-deal gift envelope inside– to really catch them off guard.

Why: I’ll first address the guys: I’ve been writing professionally for years. And as much as I’ve tried, I still can’t find the words to describe the “FOUR HANDS” massage I recently had at Immersion–a two-story spa located on the 32nd floor of the Water Club at Borgata. No words can describe it—really. Here’s their description:

Immersion Four Hand Massage: A rhythmic flow of four hands simultaneously massaging your body will create the ultimate feeling of euphoria. The choreographed movement envelops your mind, body and spirit, leaving you completely and decadently relaxed.

The only word I can add to that: Chills. That’s right, one of the massage therapists asked if I was cold several times. I wasn’t at all—it was just so euphoric, I kept getting goose-bumps. It was—hands down—one of the most amazing treatments I’ve ever experienced. If you bought her a gift-certificate for this massage– it will blow.her.away.

Now ladies, pre-planning a weekend in AC for your hubby is a win, win. You get to head to the spa and get all spoiled and pampered, he can hit the casino and double down (or whatever he does at the BlackJack table)–then you both can rekindle with a fantastic dinner and a romantic night in a swanky hotel room. If you’ve never been to The Water Club, it’s luxury all the way. Here’s the deal:

The Water Club at Borgata – Atlantic City’s first boutique-lifestyle hotel combines elements of Borgata, while delivering a unique personality of its own. The 43-story, $400 million hotel features 800 guestrooms and suites; Immersion, a two-story spa on the 32nd floor, 18,000 square-feet of meeting and event space; three Residences modeled after chic, urban lofts; five heated pools – indoor and outdoor, each offering a distinct experience; and six retail shops including La Perla, Hugo Boss, Just Cavali and Hearts on Fire, while offering direct access to and from Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.
The Water Club at Borgata
Immersion Spa Pool, Courtesy: The Water Club at Borgata

If you’re sold on the idea, they’ve got some great packages to pick from. The couple’s massages sound amazing. For instance, the His & Hers Heavenly Immersion:

Float weightlessly side by side in this ultimate relaxation experience. She will be painted in high quality oils and moisturizing cream while moor mud packs will target the aching muscles of his body. Emerge from these rejuvenating cocoons and slip into a relaxing soaking tub built for two. This pampering treatment concludes with side-by-side massages to truly put the body at ease.

• Reconnection Package (from $609 per night) Make being together truly spectacular. Includes an overnight stay in a Club Room, your choice of any Couple’s Experience (yowza—a side-by-side massage!) and access to Immersion’s lap pool and fitness center.

• Serenity Package (from $299 per night) Pure spa indulgence. Includes an overnight stay in a Club Room, your choice of a personalized facial or any 80 minute massage (excluding Four Hand) and access to Immersion’s lap pool and fitness center. Add a second 80 minute spa experience and receive a $50 discount.

To book these packages, you can call: 800-800-8817

Psst: If you want this gift from your hubby or wife, copy the article link and email it to them with the subject line: Hint, Hint.

(Long Island, N.Y.) One thing I’m thankful for this year: Facebook. I’ve been able to find long lost friends and stay in touch with my family–all good things, for sure. But the ability to re-connect in a click has presented a tiny little friendship problem for me. In fact, the whole “friending” phenomenon had opened up a can of worm for lots of people these day. So I took my awkward Facebook friend issue to the expert and thought I’d share her response, since many of us are scratching our heads about tricky facebook relationships.

I reached out to Irene S. Levine, PhD–a psychologist, journalist, and professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. She blogs as “The Friendship Doctor” on The Huffington Post and on PsychologyToday.com. She is the author of Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup with Your Best Friend (Overlook Press, 2009) and provides advice about female friendship on TheFriendshipBlog.com

Dear Irene:

My BFF from high school and I were so tight–even beyond our school years. We never had a falling out or a fight, just suddenly stopped talking a few years ago. I friended her on Facebook recently. She friended me back…and then, total silence on both our parts for many, many months.

It’s awkward. I still do care about her dearly. So strange to look at her life without me in it in any way. She feels like a stranger. Was it wrong to request her friendship on Facebook before clearing the air? Should I let more time pass? Make the first move? Any advice you can share about a failed friendship and Facebook would be very helpful!

Janene

Dr. Levine’s response:

During the high school and college years, women (and men) change tremendously as they begin to mature and pursue their life goals, both personal and professional. Because so much change taking place, it’s common for friendships, even very close ones, to fall apart as lives and interests diverge.

Since you friended your BFF on Facebook and she responded, there must still be some warm feelings between you. But they may be based on shared history alone rather that the on the two people you have become.

She has become somewhat of a stranger to you now as you are to her. Why don’t you send her an email or private message on Facebook and tell her a little bit about your life since you last knew each other? You can mention that you think of her dearly. See if she responds.

But please don’t think of the friendship you had as one that failed. It worked for that period of time. And don’t have unrealistic expectations of picking it up where you left it. It may or may not work now.

In any case, you have little to lose by reaching out and trying.

Best,
Irene

—————————————————————————————–

I’m going to act on Dr. Levine’s advice by reaching out to her and suggesting we meet up for coffee when I’m in town. And just maybe (if I find the guts), I’ll send her the book, with a little note inside suggesting we talk things out. Yikes…wish me luck!

(Long Island, N.Y.) Hey ladies, how good are you at keeping that beautiful body of yours healthy and happy? Grab a piece of paper and pencil and count up the “checks” by giving yourself points for the statements that ring true. (Be honest!)

• 2 points for always
• 1 point for sometimes
• 0 points for never

1. I eat a healthy breakfast.
2. I make it a priority to take some time each day—just for myself.
3. I’m always all fibered up by eating plenty of fruits and veggies.
4. I get some exercise in at least a few times a week
5. I get annual physicals from my MD
6. I try to go easy on the sodium
7. I eat healthy, nutritious meals
8. I love what I do for a living
9. I examine my breasts regularly
10. I drink plenty of water and I’m keen on staying hydrated
11. I’m diligent about oral health: brushing/ flossing/dentist visits
12. I get a good night’s sleep (6-8 hours a night)
13. I laugh a lot
14. I see my ob/gyn and get a pap smear every year
15. I wear sunscreen
16. When I’m super-stressed, I find ways to relax

Add ‘em up!

32-25 Bravo! Hey there, Miss Healthy—you are in check! Your body isn’t begging for some TLC. You’ve got it all going on—in a good way! If by reading any of the above statements you just realized you’re slacking (just a touch) in any area, just let it be a reminder to get an A++ on your self heath test, next time. By all means, keep doing what you’re doing! FYI: Since you scored so supreme, go (re)treat yourself to a girls-only get-away at a blissful sanctuary: Check out Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Lifestyle Spa in South Florida. Go on, you deserve it!

24-14 Not too shabby! So maybe you need a little help in the health department. You’re probably on top of things—just not all things. Our treatment plan: take baby steps towards the right direction. Anything you’re doing just sometimes, you can do all the time so long as you put your mind to it and keep your eyes on the prize: a happy and healthy you! FYI: You can zero in on some things you must do to boost your health right now by visiting EverydayHealth.com

13-0 Yikes! This is the one test you don’t want to fail! But if you did score low–no worries. Pick up the phone and start making those (much needed) medical appointments and get on track to getting your body beaming with health and wellness. The great news is you can start right now and make some healthier choices. FYI: If getting fit (and to the gym) seems too overwhelming, get thee to iTRAIN.com for downloadable fitness workouts onto your MP3 player… like having a personal trainer in your pocket!

(Long Island, N.Y.) The Current Events, the national newspaper for kids, announced today that it is launching an online edition to expand access to its educational news reports. In addition, The Current Events is unveiling a complete redesign of its Web site, featuring significant improvements to content, resources, tools and navigation.

“Our redesign marks an important milestone for The Current Events, which for the past ten years has grown into an increasingly essential part of educational curricula at schools around the country,” said Suri Roth, executive editor and founder of The Current Events, in a prepared statement. “We are very excited to provide a new option for subscribers to receive the newspaper electronically via our Web site, an expansion into the online arena that will greatly improve access to our powerful educational content in the classroom and at home.” This alternative, in addition to the use of recycled paper for the print version, is another step in The Current Events’ effort to lean green.

As a devoted supporter of literacy programs at the state and national level, The Current Events is simultaneously rolling out a national sales and marketing campaign in order to provide the newspaper to students in schools across the country.

The Current Events publishes weekly to report the latest current national and world events for kids in grades 2-8. Available in three reading levels (primary, intermediate and advanced), The Current Events newspaper keeps children informed while preparing them for academic achievement and real-world success. Used by over 45,000 students nationwide, the newspaper serves children, teachers and parents in private, public, home, and parochial schools by empowering children with a framework to understand current world events.

Extra, Extra

I recently caught up with Suri to learn what prompted her to create a newspaper for kids. As a young mom and former teacher, Suri knows firsthand that reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing are the building blocks for learning and for instilling academic confidence in kids.

For most children, a large part of their everyday life is school. Connecting the world to what they learn about in school is a powerful combination. In 1999, Suri left the classroom to start The Current Events – a sort of “living textbook” if you will. Based in Brooklyn, the paper reports the latest national and world events to over 45,000 students in grades 2-8 every week.

As an educator, Suri recognized that children’s natural curiosity about the world turned everyday news events into powerful learning experiences. To improve her students’ reading comprehension, she created a “newspaper” with four articles and printed the first issue off her desktop computer, making photocopies for other teachers in the school.

“Every teacher knows the best way to hook children is to make something real and alive to them,” says Suri. “If I’m going to teach children about, say, government, the best way is to introduce a topic or a concept that adults in their life are discussing.” She says that’s the best way to reinforce content learning–be it social studies, science, or literacy.

What do the kids think about having a newspaper designed just for them? Suri says children are excited about it because it’s just like a newspaper like mom and dad reads.

“They feel so empowered”, says Suri. “They like to read information that’s real. We can tell by the questions and the letters we get that the kids are comprehending–what’s going on with the pirates in Somalia–they want to know and they want a follow up. The feedback we are getting is tremendous.”

Suri says children are eager to know more about real events and issues in our world. They want to know what’s happening in Iraq. They can detect when you trust them, empower them, and speak to their intelligence.

Not only can our kids handle the truth, clearly–they want it.

With the redesign, The Current Events offers many new features on its Web site, www.thecurrentevents.com. Educators, parents and children will find more exclusive article content, educational tools and games designed to boost students’ literacy and foster the development of critical thinking skills. The redesigned site also includes sections that spotlight student artwork and stories, chosen by The Current Events editors to promote and encourage the intellectual creativity of students around the nation.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Oh dear. I just got my first Christmas catalog in the mail and immediately began to stress out. Here it comes…the most wonderful time of the year and the most expensive!

I asked Long Island-based clinical psychologist Dr. Deborah Serani to shed some light on how not to lose your footing when it comes to finances. A little pre-holiday prep work–for your wallet.

“Simply stated, make saving money easier,” says Serani. “Money offers great security, but only if you have it. So the focus should be on saving, not spending.”

She offers these sanity-saving tips:

1. Limit Temptation

Though technology is a great thing, it makes spending money easy and fast. Consider retiring your credit cards save for one in your wallet. Cash is a great way of keeping yourself on-budget and limiting your spending. Using cash eliminates the surprise of a bill that comes later in the mail, so your stress level is unlikely to surge.

On the computer, delete your “favorited” or bookmarked shopping or financial sites – and make sure to “clear” your cache, credit card numbers and account numbers that may already be saved on websites.

Leave yourself a post-it note on your computer reminding you not to spend. On mine I wrote, “It’s not about what I want or need, It’s about what I already have.”

Consider getting a cell phone plan that rolls minutes from month to month, or has a prepaid plan. Again, minimizing the unforeseen bill at the end of the month will reduce anxiety and stress about money.

Other simple, yet effective things to help with money are these: Brown bag lunch. Keep your car in peak performance shape. Throw out all the “Gadget” and “Cool Stuff” catalogues that come to your home or office as soon as you get them out of the mailbox. Same goes for new credit card applications. All that wooing has to stop!

2. Adjust Your Style

Working in the financial world can bankrupt your own emotional bank account. So consider revamping your work schedule. Tend to “must do” tasks, not “should do” ones. And more importantly, don’t do too much overtime in the office. Focus on refueling your mind, body and soul outside of work in this stressful time.

Check your brain at the door, so to speak. Remember to exercise, eat healthy, involve yourself in social activities and get down time in the bedroom. Sex is a healthy stress reliever. If you find yourself tired and exhausted, give yourself the rest you need. Listen to your body. Listen to your mind. Give yourself what you need.

3. Get Zen About It

The happiest people are often those who balance a certain simplicity in their life Too much of anything overwhelms our senses. Consider these two things to simplify your life.
1. Identify what it important to you.
2. Eliminate everything else.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Keeping up my series of momtrepreneurs, I’m shining the light on moms who make things happen.

“Help thy neighbor”. Sure, we’ve all heard it before, but never has it been more important to support local Long Island businesses. In order for them to thrive in such a chilly economic climate, we’ve got to band together. I recently discovered a great home-grown business right here on Long Island: Good Earth Beauty.

Karen Ostrach, founder of Good Earth Beauty says she wanted to create a site that people could shop with a clear conscience. All of the products the company carries are natural and/or organic, and all products are not tested on animals

What part of Long Island are you from?

I actually grew up in Brooklyn, NY but I have been living in Jericho for almost 15 years.

When did you launch your site?

The site has been a work in progress for about 6 months, and was officially launched July 1 of this year!

What type of work experience do you have?

I have a Business/Marketing Degree from Adelphi. I went into commercial banking after college, but switched to creating home based businesses once my son was born. I have run a vintage toy website for over 5 years, and my desire to start Good Earth came from my overall interest in health, nutrition and animal rights.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Ever since my son was born (in 1996) I have worked from home in some capacity. It is very important to me to be home with my family, and working for myself has always allowed me to balance my work and family life. I started a vintage toy website (www.karenstoys.com) about 5 years ago, and decided this year to expand into another web based business!

What’s the hardest part about getting it off the ground?

The hardest part is spreading the word! I think the concept of the site is very timely as so many people are concerned with the chemicals we are putting into our bodies and the possible effects on our health.

And more and more people have realized that animal testing in this market is completely unnecessary and want to support the companies that don’t participate in this practice. But now I have to try to introduce people to Good Earth Beauty, and inspire them to take a look at the site!

What made you decide to focus on products that don’t test on animals?

I won’t go into details, but the tests that are being done on animals relating to beauty products were cruel, barbaric and ironically, completely unnecessary. I am a huge animal lover, and this website gives me a chance to support companies that respect animal rights.

Many lines I offer carry PETA and other organization’s cruelty free certifications. With our support, animal testing in this industry can be rendered obsolete.

What distinguishes your website from other beauty sites?

What makes my site unique is that all products are natural and organic, and no products are tested on animals. But I have taken it a step further by analyzing ingredients in the product lines I carry. I offer mineral make up with no nanoparticles, which many lines contain. I have a large vegan shop.

I look for as many paraben and SLS free lines as possible. And I personally test as many products as I possibly can! (that’s the fun part). I also offer top notch personal service, a liberal return policy, and low postage!

What are some of the more interesting products or product lines that you carry?

Scrubz natural sugar body scrub with essential oils– one of my favorites – I carry 2 custom scents that Scrubz made just for my company – they are featured on the home page of the site. Also, I currently have 2 kinds of natural nail polishes – Priti and Honeybee Gardens – both lines are wonderful.

And just to mention 3 other very unique brands – Makeup Junky mineral makeup, Color Aromas aromatherapy and Medicine Flower’s essential oils and Sacred Sage line!

Does the company support any charitable causes?

Yes, I am presently a corporate sponsor of Farm Sanctuary, a wonderful organization that rehabilitates abused and neglected farm animals whose original fate was generally to be slaughtered for food. I am also looking into many other organizations at this time.

Can I find you on any social networking sites?

Good Earth is on Twitter. I try to provide some good health or beauty tips on most days, or just share links to or quotes from interesting articles that pertain to beauty, health or nutrition. http://twitter.com/Goodearthbeauty

Do you carry natural products for pets and children?

I do – I want to provide natural products for the whole family. If you shop by product type on the website you can see each one has it’s own category! There are many lines of natural and organic bath and body products for children and babies.

I also have many doggie soaps and shampoos and some calming essential oils for pets. I am looking to expand and carry organic cat products in the near future!

Super-sized fun in the sun:

(Long Island, N.Y.) Last week, we packed up the car and headed east for the ultimate playmate: My two kids, three of their best friends, and four days of chillaxing on a private beach at the Hampton Ocean Resort. Really, what else can you ask for? This family fun vacation was our last summer hurrah—I’ve been packing/unpacking suitcases since June and I’m so glad we picked a really great place for our grand finale.

For me to feel good about recommending a vacation spot (especially a pricey one) it needs to be a place I would send my sister and her family, or my mom and dad. Well, our second day there, I got on the phone and convinced my parents to take the drive from New Jersey to spend the day with us. Grandma and grandpa soon joined our sandy soiree.

Honestly, if you’re on the hunt for a great getaway, the Hampton Ocean Resort is a sure thing: It’s got all the swank and star treatment you’d expect from the Hamptons—but none of the snobbery. The vibe is upscale, yet laid back and friendly.

They offer a full beach setup: lounges, tents, chairs, so besides beach toys for the kids and sunscreen, everything you’ll need for some fun in the sun is taken care of. You don’t have to lift a finger except point in the direction you want to set up camp for the day. No carrying or cleaning up—sweet.

So here’s the scoop on this not-so-secret east end Shangri-La

About the accommodations

The property is small: 17 guest rooms all together–3 two-bedroom cottages, 2 penthouse suites and the rest are one-bedroom suites—all have a pull-out sofa and have been fully renovated.

We stayed in one of the private cottages. It was roomy, relaxing, and everything looked brand-spanking new. Our cottage had a large patio, three flat screen TV’s, a full kitchen, and yep, all the goodies can come along with a full-service resort. The other family we vacationed with stayed in the 2-bedroom penthouse overlooking the bay and absolutely loved it. The rooms are extremely comfortable—and simple. I wasn’t constantly worried the kids would break something, although the white couch covers and linen duvets had me crossing my fingers there’d be no major kid-spillage. Everything looks so neat and pretty and I’m happy to say, it stayed that way—thanks to some great housekeeping.

Was it clean?

Immaculate. Living with a clean freak (my hubby) has its good and bad sides, but when we go away on vacation it’s often a downer because he just notices everything. So if he calls a place spotless—and he did–you’ve got to believe it’s pristine. (Trust me on this one.)

What I loved

It’s the ultimate “ask and you shall receive” kind of place. And many times, you didn’t even have to ask: It’s there for you already. Either the owners hired a staff of mind readers or they were very well trained to cater to a guest’s every need. The celebrity-like star treatment starts as soon as you arrive. Immediately, there’s someone to help you with your bags and get you settled.

At one point, I was sitting on a lounge chair outside our cottage watching the kids play and started to feel thirsty. Before I even got up from the chair, a staff member walking by with a handful of beach towels asked if he could grab me water. Why sure!

That’s the great thing about staying in a place with a small amount of rooms: It’s all about special attention and boy do you get it. While you will pay top dollar to stay there for a few days (hey, it’s the Hamptons!), you’re not going to be digging in your wallet every two seconds with an extra charge for this or that. There are no last-second surprises after you check-in.

It is somewhat secluded. There are no stores or restaurants in walking distance so a lot of the burden of taking care of the basic needs of the guests, falls on the staff. It’s a 10-minute drive to town, so if there’s something you forgot, be sure to speak up. Either they have it for you or can help you get it.

What I didn’t really like

There are a few things the resort doesn’t have (yet) that I normally enjoy on vacation, such as a pool, spa and a gym on site. When I mentioned to my husband I wished there was an exercise room, he nearly choked on his apple with laughter. “When was the last time you used a hotel gym. Ever???” Ok, he got me there. But I like to know it’s there if I need it.

My husband, who does always uses hotel gyms, was perfectly happy going for a jog on the beach. And I think he quite liked the fact that there was no spa—where I usually drop an extra $280 on a facial and a hot stone massage. Since this vacation was all about the kids having fun, it was a splurge I didn’t miss. And the absence of a pool was not an issue, considering the ocean is so spectacular. That’s the real draw: the resort is a stone’s throw away from sandy beach.

What blew me away

It started to downpour at about 9:30 at night and my mom noticed someone running to our cottage, then running back to the lobby. I took a quick peek around and couldn’t figure out why he ran to our door. Once it was time to go to sleep, my dad forgot one of his bags in the car and asked if I had an umbrella. Yikes—that’s the one thing I did forget.

My dad opened the door and decided to make a run for it. Well, he didn’t have to get soaked because the young man that ran to my cottage in the pouring rain, left an oversized brand new umbrella beside the door. I took a quick peek around and every door had umbrella waiting beside it, just in case you needed it. The management seems to have sprinkled “nice touches” all over the place. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that truly impress.

The family-friendly factor

We were a rather large group: four adults and five kids—all under the age of seven so I was a bit worried just how family-friendly it would be. For the most part, we were able to keep the kids pretty calm while hanging around the grounds of the resort and let them loose where their giggles (and meltdowns) were muffled by the ocean waves.

I never got the feeling at any time that the kids were being shushed or were an annoyance to the staff. They really engaged the kids and interacted with them. I loved the fact that there’s lots of activities for kids like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, kayaking, and volleyball.

It seems as though the ownership honed in on what makes a stay truly comfortable—from a parent’s perspective. Since you’re on the beach, you don’t have to peel the swimsuits off the kids, load them in the car and go look for breakfast or lunch. There’s a continental breakfast served in the lobby until 10:30 and they start firing up the grill at noon. My kids took the all-you-can eat grill cheese, chips and juice boxes offer to an embarrassing level!

At 9pm, there’s a beach bonfire (often with live music) and it was so cool to kick back and chat with the other guests by the fire while the kids snacked on S’mores, frolicked on the cool sand and counted the stars. We met a lovely couple from San Diego—even a family from Paris. (My daughter was playing with her for a while and asked why she was so quiet. No wonder—she only speaks French!)

What the kids loved

The star treatment. My kids aren’t really used to anyone waiting on them but me, so when they asked at 9:00 at night for popcorn; I said I forgot to bring some. Moments later, a staff member was firing up the barbecue with Jiffy Pop. The day before they brought ice cream bars to the kid’s on the beach. My kids were in sandy heaven.
For the most part, I was approached by a staff member for permission before they started handing goodies out to the kids. I really liked the fact that I was discreetly asked if they could have ice cream before the Dove Bars went flying.

They chummed around with the other kids staying at the resort but the fact that we vacationed with their best friends was double their pleasure. I must admit there was a total meltdown while we were checking out. They pleaded for one more night. Well, unless you want to cash in one of those birthday bonds you got from grandma—sorry, kiddos, the party is over.

What to do when it rains

Since the focal point of a beach resort is well, the beach, it’s always a bummer if there’s bad weather. One of the three days we visited was rainy and chilly. Instead of exploring, all the kids wanted to play on the beach and build sand castles even while it drizzled. They could care less that it was a less than stellar day.

There’s also a game room where the older kids can play video games and there’s a giganto selection of movies; you can just grab a DVD and bring back to your suite—implementing the good old fashioned honor system. I was actually surprised when my son headed up the stairs to return “Ice Age”. He never does that at home! You mean you really are capable of putting a DVD back in its case and returning it where it belongs? Shocking.

What you need to bring

Bug spray and itch cream is a must so don’t forget to pack it. So much of your time is spent outdoors (even eating meals on the patio) and while they do their best to keep the bugs at bay—they can be brutal at night. Even if you stay during the summer, remember to pack some sweatshirts and jackets for the kids in case it gets chilly in the evening.

Also, the BBQ lunch is great but it can get old so I’m glad we hit the grocery store beforehand and bought some fresh veggies to pick on, bread and cold cuts for sandwiches. They did tell me there are plans to include lighter fare for lunch like grilled chicken and salads, but for now, there’s hot dogs, hamburgers,and veggie burgers with all the fixin’s.

What you don’t need to bring

I think I over-packed. In fact, the young man who helped us bring our carload to the room even said, “Wow. You brought a lot of stuff. Guess you didn’t realize we have all this here for you already.” Totally true. Just going by their website, it’s hard to tell what you’ll need for a couple of days at a cottage. So I bought paper towels, lots of drinks, food, snacks, towels for the beach, coffee, milk, cereal, etc, etc. None of that was necessary.
When you arrive, your fridge is stocked with waters, sodas, granola bars and goodies for the kids. I was told that they are all complimentary (woo-hoo!) and to let them know when our stash needed replenishing. There were big beach towels waiting for us as soon as we hit the sand and staff members even bring down ice-filled coolers stuffed with all the beverages you’ll need.

But I did pat myself on the back for thinking of bring a blender and some Pina Colada mix. There’s no bar or alcohol available so if you want to indulge in a frozen daiquiri or a glass of wine—it’s bring your own.

What else you might need to know

The place is brand new so it looks like they are still ironing out some kinks and adding more activities and amenities as time goes on. But even as is, we all thought the accommodations were impressive. It wasn’t until the very end of our stay did I learn that July 4th was their kick-off weekend.

I think guests can easily forget (or be unaware) of all the amenities, activities the resort has to offer.It would be great if there’s a pamphlet in the room reminding you of all the things you can take advantage of. I later learned you can get a massage (a therapist will come on-site) and had no idea the free Wi-Fi offered at the resort reaches all the way to the beach. There’s lots of pleasant little surprises and extras not found on their website. We hauled a huge watermelon, knife and cutting board—only to find an endless supply of fresh fruit in the lobby at all times.

Would we go back?

Yes, yes, yes and yes! In fact, I was so excited to learn they are planning on staying open through the fall and I might take advantage of wine-tasting tours with some local vineyards. Great idea for a group of girlfriends to head out there for a weekend. You can call to find out about the fall activities even for the family: corn mazes, pumpkin picking.

Area Attractions

Our last night, we dined at Dockers Waterside Restaurant & Marina, a local hotspot, about a five-minute drive down Dune road. The kids enjoyed the New England Clam Chowder so much, we ordered a second bowl. (Shhh, we tell them it’s chicken!) Food, service, and view were all terrific.

There’s plenty other great things do and see in the area: Explore the Hampton villages, shop at the outlets, visit Splish Slash water park (a must-not-miss!) or Long Island Aquarium. The front desk is more than happy to make reservations or point you in the proper direction.

Final thought

It’s not the Hampton “how-many-can-you-pile-in-a-beach- house” type of place. If you’re looking for the party scene—keep looking. But it is an ideal place for a family vacation, a business retreat, a girlfriend get-away or a romantic long weekend. Sans the social scene, you can’t help but feel like a celebrity with all the personal attention.You can get to the Hampton Ocean Resort by Jitney, the LIRR (the train runs right into Hampton Bays) or just jump in the car and take a joy ride, like we did.

FYI: There still might be time to book a stay for the upcoming holiday weekend. Totally worth it.

For more info, call (631) 653-3600 or visit www.hamptonoceanresort.com

Added 09/23/10: This article was written in August of 2009. To date, several visitors to this establishment have taken the time to write in to Long Island Exchange Inc with their ‘no-so-great’ experiences and comments about this particular resort. Although this resort may not have to lived up to each and every single persons expectations, I’d like to make the point that I genuinely hope and must believe that the majority of patrons experience a pleasant and accommodating vacation as did I while visiting. Nonetheless, I stand by my review and ask that you to please visit my personal review policy.

Got Kids, Must Travel: The Hampton Ocean Resort

Super-sized fun in the sun:

Last week, we packed up the car and headed east for the ultimate playmate: My two kids, three of their best friends, and four days of chillaxing on a private beach at the Hampton Ocean Resort. Really, what else can you ask for? This family fun vacation was our last summer hurrah—I’ve been packing/unpacking suitcases since June and I’m so glad we picked a really great place for our grand finale.

For me to feel good about recommending a vacation spot (especially a pricey one) it needs to be a place I would send my sister and her family, or my mom and dad. Well, our second day there, I got on the phone and convinced my parents to take the drive from New Jersey to spend the day with us. Grandma and grandpa soon joined our sandy soiree.

Honestly, if you’re on the hunt for a great getaway, the Hampton Ocean Resort is a sure thing: It’s got all the swank and star treatment you’d expect from the Hamptons—but none of the snobbery. The vibe is upscale, yet laid back and friendly.

They offer a full beach setup: lounges, tents, chairs, so besides beach toys for the kids and sunscreen, everything you’ll need for some fun in the sun is taken care of. You don’t have to lift a finger except point in the direction you want to set up camp for the day. No carrying or cleaning up—sweet.

So here’s the scoop on this not-so-secret east end Shangri-La

About the accommodations

The property is small: 17 guest rooms all together–3 two-bedroom cottages, 2 penthouse suites and the rest are one-bedroom suites—all have a pull-out sofa and have been fully renovated.

We stayed in one of the private cottages. It was roomy, relaxing, and everything looked brand-spanking new. Our cottage had a large patio, three flat screen TV’s, a full kitchen, and yep, all the goodies can come along with a full-service resort. The other family we vacationed with stayed in the 2-bedroom penthouse overlooking the bay and absolutely loved it. The rooms are extremely comfortable—and simple. I wasn’t constantly worried the kids would break something, although the white couch covers and linen duvets had me crossing my fingers there’d be no major kid-spillage. Everything looks so neat and pretty and I’m happy to say, it stayed that way—thanks to some great housekeeping.

Was it clean?

Immaculate. Living with a clean freak (my hubby) has its good and bad sides, but when we go away on vacation it’s often a downer because he just notices everything. So if he calls a place spotless—and he did–you’ve got to believe it’s pristine. (Trust me on this one.)

What I loved

It’s the ultimate “ask and you shall receive” kind of place. And many times, you didn’t even have to ask: It’s there for you already. Either the owners hired a staff of mind readers or they were very well trained to cater to a guest’s every need. The celebrity-like star treatment starts as soon as you arrive. Immediately, there’s someone to help you with your bags and get you settled.

At one point, I was sitting on a lounge chair outside our cottage watching the kids play and started to feel thirsty. Before I even got up from the chair, a staff member walking by with a handful of beach towels asked if he could grab me water. Why sure!

That’s the great thing about staying in a place with a small amount of rooms: It’s all about special attention and boy do you get it. While you will pay top dollar to stay there for a few days (hey, it’s the Hamptons!), you’re not going to be digging in your wallet every two seconds with an extra charge for this or that. There are no last-second surprises after you check-in.

It is somewhat secluded. There are no stores or restaurants in walking distance so a lot of the burden of taking care of the basic needs of the guests, falls on the staff. It’s a 10-minute drive to town, so if there’s something you forgot, be sure to speak up. Either they have it for you or can help you get it.

What I didn’t really like

There are a few things the resort doesn’t have (yet) that I normally enjoy on vacation, such as a pool, spa and a gym on site. When I mentioned to my husband I wished there was an exercise room, he nearly choked on his apple with laughter. “When was the last time you used a hotel gym. Ever???” Ok, he got me there. But I like to know it’s there if I need it.

My husband, who does always uses hotel gyms, was perfectly happy going for a jog on the beach. And I think he quite liked the fact that there was no spa—where I usually drop an extra $280 on a facial and a hot stone massage. Since this vacation was all about the kids having fun, it was a splurge I didn’t miss. And the absence of a pool was not an issue, considering the ocean is so spectacular. That’s the real draw: the resort is a stone’s throw away from sandy beach.

What blew me away

It started to downpour at about 9:30 at night and my mom noticed someone running to our cottage, then running back to the lobby. I took a quick peek around and couldn’t figure out why he ran to our door. Once it was time to go to sleep, my dad forgot one of his bags in the car and asked if I had an umbrella. Yikes—that’s the one thing I did forget.

My dad opened the door and decided to make a run for it. Well, he didn’t have to get soaked because the young man that ran to my cottage in the pouring rain, left an oversized brand new umbrella beside the door. I took a quick peek around and every door had umbrella waiting beside it, just in case you needed it. The management seems to have sprinkled “nice touches” all over the place. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that truly impress.

The family-friendly factor

We were a rather large group: four adults and five kids—all under the age of seven so I was a bit worried just how family-friendly it would be. For the most part, we were able to keep the kids pretty calm while hanging around the grounds of the resort and let them loose where their giggles (and meltdowns) were muffled by the ocean waves.

I never got the feeling at any time that the kids were being shushed or were an annoyance to the staff. They really engaged the kids and interacted with them. I loved the fact that there’s lots of activities for kids like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, kayaking, and volleyball.

It seems as though the ownership honed in on what makes a stay truly comfortable—from a parent’s perspective. Since you’re on the beach, you don’t have to peel the swimsuits off the kids, load them in the car and go look for breakfast or lunch. There’s a continental breakfast served in the lobby until 10:30 and they start firing up the grill at noon. My kids took the all-you-can eat grill cheese, chips and juice boxes offer to an embarrassing level!

At 9pm, there’s a beach bonfire (often with live music) and it was so cool to kick back and chat with the other guests by the fire while the kids snacked on S’mores, frolicked on the cool sand and counted the stars. We met a lovely couple from San Diego—even a family from Paris. (My daughter was playing with her for a while and asked why she was so quiet. No wonder—she only speaks French!)

What the kids loved

The star treatment. My kids aren’t really used to anyone waiting on them but me, so when they asked at 9:00 at night for popcorn; I said I forgot to bring some. Moments later, a staff member was firing up the barbecue with Jiffy Pop. The day before they brought ice cream bars to the kid’s on the beach. My kids were in sandy heaven.
For the most part, I was approached by a staff member for permission before they started handing goodies out to the kids. I really liked the fact that I was discreetly asked if they could have ice cream before the Dove Bars went flying.

They chummed around with the other kids staying at the resort but the fact that we vacationed with their best friends was double their pleasure. I must admit there was a total meltdown while we were checking out. They pleaded for one more night. Well, unless you want to cash in one of those birthday bonds you got from grandma—sorry, kiddos, the party is over.

What to do when it rains

Since the focal point of a beach resort is well, the beach, it’s always a bummer if there’s bad weather. One of the three days we visited was rainy and chilly. Instead of exploring, all the kids wanted to play on the beach and build sand castles even while it drizzled. They could care less that it was a less than stellar day.

There’s also a game room where the older kids can play video games and there’s a giganto selection of movies; you can just grab a DVD and bring back to your suite—implementing the good old fashioned honor system. I was actually surprised when my son headed up the stairs to return “Ice Age”. He never does that at home! You mean you really are capable of putting a DVD back in its case and returning it where it belongs? Shocking.

What you need to bring

Bug spray and itch cream is a must so don’t forget to pack it. So much of your time is spent outdoors (even eating meals on the patio) and while they do their best to keep the bugs at bay—they can be brutal at night. Even if you stay during the summer, remember to pack some sweatshirts and jackets for the kids in case it gets chilly in the evening.

Also, the BBQ lunch is great but it can get old so I’m glad we hit the grocery store beforehand and bought some fresh veggies to pick on, bread and cold cuts for sandwiches. They did tell me there are plans to include lighter fare for lunch like grilled chicken and salads, but for now, there’s hot dogs, hamburgers,and veggie burgers with all the fixin’s.

What you don’t need to bring

I think I over-packed. In fact, the young man who helped us bring our carload to the room even said, “Wow. You brought a lot of stuff. Guess you didn’t realize we have all this here for you already.” Totally true. Just going by their website, it’s hard to tell what you’ll need for a couple of days at a cottage. So I bought paper towels, lots of drinks, food, snacks, towels for the beach, coffee, milk, cereal, etc, etc. None of that was necessary.
When you arrive, your fridge is stocked with waters, sodas, granola bars and goodies for the kids. I was told that they are all complimentary (woo-hoo!) and to let them know when our stash needed replenishing. There were big beach towels waiting for us as soon as we hit the sand and staff members even bring down ice-filled coolers stuffed with all the beverages you’ll need.

But I did pat myself on the back for thinking of bring a blender and some Pina Colada mix. There’s no bar or alcohol available so if you want to indulge in a frozen daiquiri or a glass of wine—it’s bring your own.

What else you might need to know

The place is brand new so it looks like they are still ironing out some kinks and adding more activities and amenities as time goes on. But even as is, we all thought the accommodations were impressive. It wasn’t until the very end of our stay did I learn that July 4th was their kick-off weekend.

I think guests can easily forget (or be unaware) of all the amenities, activities the resort has to offer.It would be great if there’s a pamphlet in the room reminding you of all the things you can take advantage of. I later learned you can get a massage (a therapist will come on-site) and had no idea the free Wi-Fi offered at the resort reaches all the way to the beach. There’s lots of pleasant little surprises and extras not found on their website. We hauled a huge watermelon, knife and cutting board—only to find an endless supply of fresh fruit in the lobby at all times.

Would we go back?

Yes, yes, yes and yes! In fact, I was so excited to learn they are planning on staying open through the fall and I might take advantage of wine-tasting tours with some local vineyards. Great idea for a group of girlfriends to head out there for a weekend. You can call to find out about the fall activities even for the family: corn mazes, pumpkin picking.

Area Attractions

Our last night, we dined at Dockers Waterside Restaurant & Marina, a local hotspot, about a five-minute drive down Dune road. The kids enjoyed the New England Clam Chowder so much, we ordered a second bowl. (Shhh, we tell them it’s chicken!) Food, service, and view were all terrific.

There’s plenty other great things do and see in the area: Explore the Hampton villages, shop at the outlets, visit Splish Slash water park (a must-not-miss!) or Atlantis Marine World aquarium. The front desk is more than happy to make reservations or point you in the proper direction.

Final thought

It’s not the Hampton “how-many-can-you-pile-in-a-beach- house” type of place. If you’re looking for the party scene—keep looking. But it is an ideal place for a family vacation, a business retreat, a girlfriend get-away or a romantic long weekend. Sans the social scene, you can’t help but feel like a celebrity with all the personal attention.You can get to the Hampton Ocean Resort by Jitney, the LIRR (the train runs right into Hampton Bays) or just jump in the car and take a joy ride, like we did.

FYI: There still might be time to book a stay for the upcoming holiday weekend. Totally worth it.

For more info, call (631) 653-3600 or visit www.hamptonoceanresort.com

Added 09/23/10: This article was written in August of 2009. To date, several visitors to this establishment have taken the time to write in to Long Island Exchange Inc with their ‘no-so-great’ experiences and comments about this particular resort. Although this resort may not have to lived up to each and every single persons expectations, I’d like to make the point that I genuinely hope and must believe that the majority of patrons experience a pleasant and accommodating vacation as did I while visiting. Nonetheless, I stand by my review and ask that you to please visit my personal review policy.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Bug off, already! There’s nothing I love more than a summer barbecue. Fresh corn, burgers with all the fixin’s, S’mores once the sun goes down….oh wait, there is no sun. Yep, if you haven’t noticed it sure is raining a whole lot here on Long Island. And not only is it a summer bummer for the kids, all this rain is bringing on the mosquitoes.

If by some chance the sun does manage to shine long enough to head outside for some family fun, here are some tips from Hicks Nurseries (in Westbury) on how to repel mosquitoes by using these organic methods.

First, prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Get rid of sources of standing water such as tins cans, plastic containers and old tires. Change bird bath water at least twice a week. If you have a pond, stock it with fish that eat mosquitoes and keep the edges clear of vegetation and debris.

Mosquitoes don’t like wind.

Set up a fan, set at a low to medium speed, to gently blow across outdoor picnic, dining and sitting areas. This does a great job of keeping annoying insect pests like mosquitoes, flies and yellow jackets away. Many of these pests can’t fly when it’s too breezy!

Try herbal remedies

Mosquitoes hate garlic. Try garlic sprays, powders and plantings to help keep away these insects. There is an oil in catnip that may be more effective at repelling pests than Deet, the chemical used in most commercial repellents. Try breaking off a branch of rosemary and rub it over exposed areas of your skin.

Use mosquito repellant products

There are several remedies in the market that are excellent for mosquito control. One that contains natural oils like cedar oil, citronella oil, geranium oil and lemongrass oil as well as garlic is available in dry granule form or as a liquid hose-end applied can be applied to lawn and garden areas as well as for places mosquitoes congregate.

Another remedy is an organic biological control for mosquito larvae that is applied to standing water and yet another uses baking soda and vinegar to emit carbon dioxide, heat and moisture to safely lure and trap mosquitoes. Even a monthly spraying of lawn and garden areas with safe organic pest controls like insecticidal soap, Neem or horticultural oil will significantly reduce mosquitoes and other annoying pests like fleas and ticks.

Hicks Nurseries, Long Island’s oldest garden nursery (established by the Hicks family in 1853), is located at 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury; 516-334-0066; www.hicksnurseries.com. The nursery is handicap accessible throughout.

So, Do You Think You Can Ace The Interview?

Do you have what it takes to snag your dream job? Well, that’s what they want to know, too. The competition these days…steep. If you’ve been out of work for a while (hi, moms!) you just might be a bit rusty on your interviewing skills. Take this quiz to see how cool you’ll be—sitting in the hot seat.

You showed up for the interview:

[A] A little early. I called ahead to confirm the meeting, got detailed directions and gave myself plenty of wiggle room for things to go wrong. (They always do!)
[B] On the dot. Phew. Thank GOD I didn’t stop for Starbucks.
[C] Just a few minutes late. My online driving directions were a little off and I just wasn’t sure what floor to go to.

What did you take with you?

[A] A polished portfolio, neatly packed with my resume, visual examples of my past work—even some personal and professional references.
[B] Just my resume. In a nice folder, of course.
[C] They didn’t ask me to bring anything. I emailed my resume already—that’s why they called.

Wait, let’s back up a little. How much do you know about the company before sitting down with one of its executives?

[A] Boy, did I do my homework. I know (and can articulate if they ask): what they do, why they’re so good at it, who their completion is, target customer, and why I’m the perfect candidate for this job. (The info wasn’t really that hard to find. Thanks Google!)
[B] I did my share of clicking on their website. And made sure I focused on their “about us” section.
[C] Not so much—only that I would LOVE to be on their payroll one day.

During the interview, the hiring manager starts explaining potential job duties and you’re totally confused! (Is she speaking English??) You:

[A] Ask a bunch of questions and listen intently. You figure it shows you’re eager to learn and naturally inquisitive.
[B] Ask one, two questions tops. You think it might hurt your chances if you speak up.
[C] Smile and nod. You’re baffled to bits but don’t want to look like a dumb dumb.

Your interviewer asks if you’re a “team player”. You cleverly respond by

[A] Showing her you’re not all about personal glory and know it takes some strong interpersonal skills for a team to thrive. In fact, you give her an example of a team-based project you completed in the past and highlighted your (small but significant) contribution to its success.
[B] explain how with any job—you know it’s not all about me, me, me and you’re willing to go the extra mile to help out a co-worker if need be.
[C] Rattling off the names of your past softball, lacrosse and dance teams. You mention you did make nationals!

OK–interview’s over! What do you do before leaving?

[A] You ask to be briefly filled in about what generally happens next in their hiring process. A sincere thank you for her time and consideration and you’re out the door.
[B] You decide not to bother her with questions. After saying thank you, you gather your things and rush out.
[C] You ask a ton of questions: When will you make your decision? How did I do? How many others are interviewing for this job? (Cringe) What’s your vacation time like?

SCORING

Mostly A’s: Aces High. You aced it alright! In fact, you probably impressed the pants off of them. Wow. You’re one fierce, detail orientated chic that’s YES–savvy enough to snag her dream job. Oh, and about that polished portfolio you put together: Be sure to leave it behind. Might have to make a few trips to Kinko’s—but it’s worth it! The candidate before you showed up six minutes late, clutching a single paper-protected resume and a lukewarm latte. You’ll. Be. Golden.

Mostly B’s: Winged it. You just might be great at winging things but it’s a jungle out there and you need to step it up if you want to blow away the competition. Details, details, details—pay attention to them and don’t be afraid to really go the extra mile. FYI: As much as possible show don’t tell and as for questions—ask away. Some hiring managers say they’ll throw in some confusing concepts—on purpose—to see if the candidate is on her toes, curious and courageous enough to speak up.

Mostly C’s. Flub-a-dub-dub. Ouchy. So, you’re not-so-sharp when it comes to gaining that competitive edge. Well, no worries. First, read all the A/aces answers in this quiz and just realize if you want the job bad enough—you better act like it. The next candidate will be sitting in that same seat an hour later and if she’s got a stuffed binder in her hand with her game face on, you might as well kiss the job goodbye.