Saturday, October 1, 2016


It is not what you are flapping about but what is coming from your heart that truly matters




Thursday, June 25, 2015

SUMMER TIME COCKTAILS



Nothing says summer like sipping an ice cold, fruity cocktail out by the pool (or, fine, on the unfinished cement rooftop of your apartment building), a sensation DavidsTea seems to know intuitively, having launched cocktail teas that coincide with the start of summer.  (Photo:  David's Tea)  For more information, visit www.davidstea.com

A super-simple tea cocktail recipe:
1. Brew up a glass or pitcher of your tea of choice and let come to room temperature or refrigerate.
2. When cool, pour it into pretty glass with ice until its 3/4 full, and add a small shot of your spirit of choice, such as vodka, tequila, or rum.
3. Add fresh fruit and herbs like mint or basil (if your fridge complies and you feel like getting decorative), and stir.
3. And voila, you have a cocktail that’s likely healthier (not to mention fancier) than your average sugar-packed mojito.
We tried the raspberry mojito mixed with rum, raspberries, and muddled mint, and it was refreshing, fruity, and flavorful, without being at all saccharine.
So you can enjoy it on a hot night—and tell your guests that while it might give you a buzz, it’s not coming from the sugar. Amy Marturana WellnGood 

Friday, December 5, 2014

6 TRENDS DRIVING NEW-HOME DESIGNS


By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine
What is luring home buyers to new homes? Technology, the outdoors, and “super kitchens” are among what Nick Lehnert, executive director at KTGY, and Mollie Carmichael, principal at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, recently shared with BUILDER Online on some of the design drivers in the new-home market.
Here are some of the trends they point to:
1. Super kitchens: The kitchen is not just a hub for cooking but has become a center of the home for entertainment and conversations. Builders have been opening the kitchen to other rooms and the kitchen island is becoming key to separating the spaces. The island adds more seating along with extra prep space. As kitchens become more open, pantries are getting bigger to accommodate the need for storage.
2. Outdoor/indoors merged: The interiors are feeling stretched by carving out spaces that seamlessly allow home owners to walk into outdoor retreats. But buyers want those outdoor spaces to be private, a stray from the once traditionally “public” backyard. As such, more builders are taking note and carefully positioning the architecture of the home to make sure the outdoor space offers more privacy.
3. Bigger garage spaces: Builders are taking note of buyers’ preferences for more space in the garage, and not just for squeezing in their cars. The garage can be a workspace, hobby haven, and place for added extra storage.
4. Office space: The office/den is in demand as more people work from home, but the best location for it is to still in question. Traditionally, the home office has been located off the main entry of the home. But now builders are rethinking the location as buyers show preferences to have the office closer to the “living” area, particularly near the kitchen hub and family room.
5. Tech-spot: More home owners are constantly plugged into their technology, and the growth of connected homes likely will lead to even more need for tech hubs in the house. Some builders are designing small “server” rooms as smart technology enters more homes.
6. Dual homes: More people are squeezing under one roof as young adults stay with their parents longer, aging parents move in, and cultural preferences further the trend. Builders are taking a keen interest in multigenerational living arrangements. For example, Lennar has launched a NextGen brand of floorplans geared to multigenerational living, which include separate main entrances and options like a 500-square-foot attached suite for a private residence. 

Thursday, March 6, 2014

BLUE OCEAN MINERALS



There really is no one size fits all for every human in terms of supplementation.  But there is one fact, the human needs water and minerals from an outside source.  There are hundreds of supplement mineral sources available. Unfortunately, due to the depleted soil, gone are the days the human can get the FULL spectrum of minerals from our food.

The human's body and blood chemistry matches the ocean chemistry.  We have the same mineral and trace element matrix that sustains life in the ocean.  A superior choice of mineral supplementation are the Blue Ocean Minerals.  These minerals contain all the minerals and trace elements known and UNKNOWN that create and sustain life in the Great Barrier Reef, one of our planets great wonders.

The majesty in nature is far superior to what our current human mind can declare as 100% truth.  What we think we find in the laboratory curating a mineral supplement as complete "full spectrum minerals" could be lacking in the "unknown" elements that exists in nature.

As with all things, we must be our own teacher and decision maker.  I encourage you to try these minerals and see how your physiology, mental and emotional health respond.  

Begin with a half or one teaspoon in about 5-6 ounces of water and gradually work up to 2 tsp. a day.  The minerals will quickly alkalize your physiology and relieve your nerves.  If you experience detox, simply cut back a little and work your way up.  Dosage is individual so it is up to you to discern.  

For more details, search Blue Ocean Minerals on You Tube to see President Malcolm McDonald support your questions.

To order look under the product section of Spirit Repair

In beautiful health!  Susie Sondag


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

4th QUARTER MANHATTAN SALES REPORT

The Manhattan sales market for the final quarter of 2013 saw a number of records set for sales, inventory and prices. What was thought to be a moderately active year turned out to be one of the busiest in years. Pent-up demand, record setting rents and concerns about rising mortgage rates pulled many buyers into the market. Although challenges remain, the New York City economy continues to improve and we anticipate further housing market gains in early 2014.  I am here to answer any questions and certainly would be honored to assist you in finding your new home.  
Susan.Sondag@Elliman.com
1995 Broadway
New York, NY 10023




Monday, March 25, 2013

A Talented Designer, Ron Marvin



Traditional Home magazine recently named Ron one of their Top 20 New Traditionals, showcasing him in the launch of their new online magazine Trad Home. Ron’s work has also been featured in Lonny Magazine, as a part of the premiere issue. A makeover project was published in The New York Times. His New York home has been shown in Metropolitan Home magazine, and on the HGTV show “Small Space Big Style”. After being featured on the show, Ron was asked to join the show as an on-air expert.

 - Ron Marvin is not just a talented man, but a sincere breath of fresh air.  Ron is a long time college freind of my sister's and a fellow Iowan. If you are born and raised in Iowa, a blueprint is embedded within you of grounded integrity and gentleness that even New York City cannot dilute.  I can't seem to get to a high enough mountain top to sing prasies for not only Ron's talent, but for the contagious happy spirit that is Ron Marvin.  He is animnated, overflows with creative vision and energy, and truly LOVES his work. 

Ron Marvin Design
119 West 23rd Street
Suite 409
New York, NY 10011
info@RonMarvin.com

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I Wish You Enough

A mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughter's departure had been announced. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said:

"I love you and I wish you enough."

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed and the daughter left.

The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry.

I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?"

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more.

"When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following, reciting it from memory,

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye."


-Author unknown