Staten Island, NY March 2024

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Happy Homemaking!

We are thrilled to present the latest issue of Staten Island City Lifestyle's Home Edition, where we delve into the essence of creating a vibrant and stylish home that resonates with the unique charm of Staten Island living.

In this edition, we explore the trendiest colors that can transform your living space into a haven of contemporary elegance. Whether you're drawn to calming blues, earthy greens, or bold statement hues, our guide will help you discover the perfect palette to express your personal style.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, turn to our feature on the benefits of a lavender scrub. Indulge in the soothing aroma of lavender as you pamper yourself with this luxurious and natural skincare ritual. It's not just about selfcare; it's about bringing the calming essence of Staten Island's natural beauty into your daily routine.

In our commitment to sustainability, we bring you a special section on DIY cleaning products. Explore simple yet effective recipes using household ingredients to create eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Not only will you contribute to a healthier environment, but you'll also save money while maintaining a spotless home.

This edition is more than just a guide – it's an invitation to celebrate the unique lifestyle of Staten Island. From the shores of the Staten Island Ferry to the vibrant neighborhoods, our city has a character that deserves to be reflected in every corner of your home.

Join us as we embark on this exciting journey of home transformation. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just starting to nest, there's something for everyone in Staten Island City Lifestyle's Home Edition. Make your home a true reflection of the beauty and vibrancy that defines Staten Island living.

Happy reading and happy homemaking!

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Brigitte McLaughlin | Brigitte.Mclaughlin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Valerie Bianculli | valerie.bianculli@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

A Palette for Every Personality

Home Colors

In the ever-evolving landscape of home design, choosing the perfect colors for your home in 2024 extends beyond aesthetic appeal. It has transformed into an artful blend of timeless classics and contemporary trends, creating a harmonious and comfortable living space that resonates with the individuality of its inhabitants. This personalized touch is a testament to the evolving nature of home decor, where each color choice becomes a brushstroke in the canvas of personal expression.

The resurgence of earthy tones in 2024, including muted terracotta, sandy beige, and olive green, reflects a deeper desire for

tranquility and a connection to nature. These colors serve as a soothing backdrop and contribute to a timeless aesthetic, emphasizing the enduring appeal of grounding elements in our living spaces. The choice of these earthy hues becomes a deliberate step towards creating a serene atmosphere that stands the test of time.

The spotlight on deep blues and greens for accent walls adds a layer of sophistication and depth to interior spaces. Beyond their visual impact, these darker tones create a canvas for personal expression, allowing homeowners to showcase artwork or make bold statements

with furniture choices. The emphasis on creating a cozy atmosphere aligns seamlessly with the contemporary focus on comfort and relaxation in key living areas. It is a celebration of individuality through the carefully curated color palette that shapes our living spaces. Contrast takes center stage in contemporary color schemes, creating a dynamic interplay between light and dark shades that enhances visual interest and depth. Envision a crisp white kitchen adorned with navy blue cabinets or a neutral living room enlivened by bold, jewel-toned accessories. This delicate balance creates a visually appealing environment where each element shines while contributing to an overall sense of cohesion. It’s a thoughtful orchestration of colors that elevate the space beyond mere functionality.

CONTINUED >

UNDERSTANDING COLOR PSYCHOLO THAT RE SONATE WITHTHE DESIRED

BECOM E S IMPERATIVEIN CRAFTING

The infusion of muted pastels in kitchen design introduces a touch of nostalgia and playfulness. Soft pinks, blues, and greens paired with natural materials like wood and marble create an inviting space, perfect for culinary endeavors and family gatherings. This trend reflects a societal shift towards creating warm and comforting environments within the heart of the home. The pastels not only evoke a sense of playfulness but also contribute to a soothing and inviting ambiance.

Monochromatic color schemes take center stage for the bold homeowner, offering a cohesive and sophisticated look. Whether envisioning an all-black bathroom exuding modern elegance or a predominantly red dining room making a vibrant statement, these designs allow specific elements to

shine while maintaining a sense of unity throughout the space. It’s a bold and deliberate choice, reflecting a confidence in personal style and a commitment to a cohesive aesthetic.

The emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable practices extends to home decor in 2024. Natural, organic colors derived from plant-based dyes gain popularity, reflecting homeowners’ commitment to environmentally conscious values. Soft yellows, muted greens, and earthy browns not only contribute to sustainable living but also bring a sense of serenity to the home. It’s a harmonious integration of lifestyle values into the very fabric of our living spaces.

The fusion of technology and design is evident in the rise of futuristic color choices. Metallics like chrome, brass, and copper add a touch of glamour to interiors, creating reflective surfaces that exude luxury and sophistication. Paired with neutral or monochromatic backgrounds, these metallic accents become focal points that elevate the overall aesthetic of the space, seamlessly blending modernity with timeless elegance.

Understanding color psychology becomes imperative in crafting spaces that resonate with the desired mood and behavior. In bedrooms, calming tones like lavender, soft blues, and muted grays promote relaxation and foster restful sleep. Home offices benefit from energizing colors such as shades of green or invigorating yellows, enhancing focus and productivity in these essential spaces. The choice of colors becomes a strategic tool in shaping the atmosphere of each room to fulfill its intended purpose.

OSPACES GY

MOOD.

The color trends for homes in 2024 are not just about following the latest fads; they represent a dynamic and versatile exploration of personal style. Whether drawn to the timeless elegance of neutrals, the boldness of monochromatic schemes, or the eco-consciousness of natural tones, there exists a palette for every taste. Embrace the opportunity to personalize your living space with colors that resonate with your unique personality, creating a home that is not only stylish but a true reflection of your individuality.

Clean and Green

THE TRANSFORMATIVE BENEFITS OF DIY HOME CLEANING PRODUCTS

Crafting your own cleaning products offers substantial cost savings.

In a world dominated by commercial cleaning products with lengthy ingredient lists and potentially harmful chemicals, the trend of making your own home cleaning products is gaining popularity. Beyond the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, there are numerous benefits to embracing the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to cleaning.

COST SAVINGS:

Crafting your own cleaning products offers substantial cost savings. Everyday items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be used to create effective cleaning solutions at a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives, allowing you to maintain a clean home without breaking the bank.

REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

By making your own cleaning solutions, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Reusable containers, minimal packaging, and eco-friendly ingredients contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious cleaning routine.

HEALTHIER LIVING SPACES:

DIY cleaning solutions often rely on natural ingredients, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful toxins found in

commercial products. This is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies, sensitivities, or respiratory conditions, promoting a healthier and safer living environment.

CUSTOMIZATION FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS:

Making your own cleaning products provides the flexibility to customize solutions based on your specific requirements. Whether you need a gentle cleaner for delicate surfaces or a powerful disinfectant for high-traffic areas, DIY recipes can be tailored to suit your home’s individual needs.

EMPOWERMENT AND CREATIVITY:

Engaging in the process of making your own cleaning products can be empowering and satisfying. It allows you to take control of what goes into the products you use daily and fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. Additionally, experimenting with different recipes and scents can turn the chore of cleaning into a more enjoyable and personalized experience.

As more people seek sustainable and health-conscious alternatives in their daily lives, the benefits of making your own home-cleaning products continue to grow. The DIY approach to cleaning contributes to a cleaner, greener, and more mindful home environment.

CREATING YOUR HOME

The art of styling your home.

Home styling is more than space planning and staging - the most important part of the discovery is you. It’s personal. It’s about learning what brings you joy, sourcing and coordinating the things you love, and arranging them in a way that functions beautifully, looks stylish, and, most importantly, feels like home.

When it comes to styling your home, Sandy Mahoney from Create Home, a curated home store, encourages you to keep in mind these three simple things:

FAVORITES

“Some people don’t recognize their own favorites,” says Sandy. “We have a job to find what favorites work.” She understands that people know what they like generally but can struggle to pull those things into their home. Incorporating a client’s favorite aspects into a design, even small things like an antique clock, a gift from a family member, or a piece of art that they love, are what turns a space into a home.

COLLABORATION

More than knowledge of home decoration, architecture, and style, a big part of an interior designer is simply pushing people out of their comfort zones. “Stylists get people to think about something they haven’t thought about before,” Sandy explains. “Crafting ideas between the expertise of the designer and preferences of the client produce better ideas than any single party could come up with on their own.”

STYLING

Sandy laughs when pressed about styling. “I mean, we don’t cut our own hair,” she remarks. Her point here is that home stylists, like hair stylists, have a specific area of expertise. They enhance the function of space, solve challenges, and have a wealth of experience to draw from. They know how to build rooms around clients’ preferences while still creating an aesthetic space they know the client will love.

PRO-TIP:

When using a neutral palette combine texture and contrast to create a softer look that feels like home.

Weaving some of everyone’s favorite things into the design process creates a connection to the space and your home.

An important aspect of designing a home for the whole family is getting input from everyone. “If each person is involved, even in a small way, it creates a different connection to your home,” says Sandy. She adds that there are a lot of ways to involve every member of the family, from letting them add to specific rooms to simply including some of their favorites around the house. “We’ve had kids come paint part of the walls in their room with their favorite color to let them feel like they’re part of the process.” However, Sandy ensures that everything comes together in the end. “Don’t worry, we always re-paint.”

Sandra Mahoney, founder of Create Home in Excelsior, MN, has been sought out by clients and followers for her artful, eclectic design and keen ability to create home collections. As a real estate broker, interior designer, and home builder, Sandy loves helping people. For years, she has helped many find and design their homes.

Three UltraUnique Getaways for Families

A TRIO OF FUN-FILLED ESCAPES THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR FAMILY BEGGING FOR MORE

Introducing Vermejo...

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.”

Bienvenidos to Raton, New Mexico, home to Vermejo Ted Turner Reserves. Flaunting over 550,000 acres of picturesque terrain, Vermejo will welcome your family to a crown jewel of natural beauty.

This destination invites you to custom plan a swoon-worthy experience; choose between kid-friendly fishing expeditions, hiking tours, horseback rides, archery, and more. Indulge in your choice of luxe accommodations and take your taste pallet on a culinary adventure thanks to delectable dining options.

Notably, the property values conservation efforts including the protection of wildlife like bison and wolves.

Rates inclusive of meals and two daily activities.

Introducing Glenwood Springs...

“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.”

Happy memories await in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Known for its hot springs, the Rocky Mountain resort city is rich with wildlife and sheer beauty. Offering an array of family-friendly activities, the area is home to the esteemed Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, a must-do with amusement rides and subterranean caverns—a magical geological excursion.

Surely, you’ll want to take a dip in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Invigorating and rejuvenating for adults and super fun for kids, there’s a vast splash zone, water slide, diving board, and lap lanes.

Glenwood Springs is primed with pristine river spots; the white water is mild and ideal for guided rafting adventures. You can also rent duckies (inflatable kayaks) or paddleboards.

If you’re going to check one hike off your list, opt for the Doc Holliday memorial, and for older kids, explore mountain biking paths for every skill on the paved Rio Grande Trail. In addition, Bair Ranch, located in Glenwood Canyon, offers several activities like horseback riding, ATV & Jeep tours, and sport clay shooting.

Family accommodations include Hotel Glenwood Springs, located at the Glenwood Gondola base that goes to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The property also flaunts a small indoor water facility. For included admission to the hot springs pool, families can also book the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. The exciting city has over 80 restaurant choices as well.

Introducing Snow Mountain Ranch...

“Never underestimate the importance of having fun.”

Consider Snow Mountain Ranch a fun hub for families; a camp-like atmosphere for those seeking a genuine back-tothe-basics escape. Located in Grand Country Colorado, the YMCA of the Rockies destination is what vacation is meant to be... packed with frivolous play. Awake to breathtaking mountain views and the sound of songbirds, and after an actionpacked day, witness a dreamy sunset from your personal porch.

Accommodations vary; choose between private cabins, spacious lodge rooms, scenic campgrounds, or yurts. Cabins can sleep up to 12, and are equipped with full kitchens, a fireplace, and a deck. You’ll likely spot some deer outside your front door.

Included in all stays: roller skating, swimming, mini-golf, sports, hiking/biking trails, nature walks, and more. But

what makes Snow Mountain extra special are the entertaining “extras.” To make the most out of your stay, partake in archery, axe throwing, horseback riding, arts/crafting, knot-tying, geocaching, and beyond. Plus, there are tons of educational programs that teach guests about local wildlife like bears and wolves. And here’s a tip; if you’re craving some adult-only time, choose to register your child (ages 3+) for summer day camp. Grown-ups can do some adventuring of their own while the kids get a taste of what summer’s supposed to be. And as for food, there’s an array of on-site dining options available.

Everyone will feel like a kid at Snow Mountain Ranch, and the secret’s out; cabins book far in advance, so be sure to secure your spot well ahead of time.

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

“GET YOUR HANDS ON A PLANT-BASED COOKBOOK, PICK A DOZEN RECIPES, AND COOK THOSE WITH YOUR FAMILY ON SUNDAYS.”

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.

“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says.

“Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”

“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the longterm,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.

MARCH 2024

events

MARCH 1ST

KC & The Sunshine Band

St. George Theatre | 8:00 PM

KC and the Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene 50 years ago. Harry Wayne Casey—KC for short—developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove, giving us an impressive string of hits like “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It)” and “Shake Your Booty.” With sales of over 100 million records.

MARCH 2ND

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

St. George Theatre | 8:00 PM

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is touring North America again this year! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs. Robinson,’ ‘Cecilia,’ ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more.

MARCH 8TH

Titanic - Oscar Night Pre-Party

St. George Theatre | 7:00 PM

Join us for an Oscar Night Pre-Party featuring a screening of the 1997 film “Titanic” as part of our 2024 “Better on the Big Screen” Classic Movie Series sponsored by Williams Eye Works and  Richmond University Medical Center

MARCH 9TH

Diana Krall

St. George Theatre | 8:00 PM

Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered two GRAMMY® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have earned nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum albums.

MARCH 15TH

Ed Lover & Friends Comedy Show

St. George Theatre | 8:00 PM

K Woods Foundation & Doco Entertainment present  Ed Lover & Friends Comedy Show. Get ready for an evening of non-stop laughter with a lineup of some of the hottest comedic talents in the industry including Ed Lover, Rob Stapleton,  Talent Da Comedian, Rodney Perry, and Shawn Harvey.

MARCH 16TH

Masters of Illusion

St. George Theatre | 7:00 PM

Starring the world’s greatest award-winning magicians, this 21st-century magic show is unlike anything you have seen before – filled with modern illusions and arts of deception, performed live on stage. Watch closely as you experience things that just can’t be done……or can they?

MARCH 17TH

Blippi: The Wonderful Word Tour

St. George Theatre | 4:00 PM

Blippi is coming to your city for the ultimate curiosity adventure in  Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brandnew musical party!

MARCH 30TH

Celebrating Meat Loaf: With The Neverland

Express + Caleb Johnson

St. George Theatre | 8:00 PM

Celebrate the legendary Meat Loaf and experience his hit songs performed brilliantly by  The Neverland Express plus  American Idol winner, Caleb Johnson

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.