November Seasons 2025 - Edition Seven

These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect

Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

Welcome to this spacious 8 room, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath colonial offering comfort, style, and plenty of room to entertain. A welcoming entry foyer leads to a large eat-in kitchen featuring granite countertops, a center island, and a walk-in pantry. The home features a formal dining room, living room, and a huge family room with a woodburning fireplace and built-in bookshelves—perfect for gatherings. Quality craftsmanship is evident with hardwood floors, custom moldings, solid wood raised panels, Andersen windows, LED hi-hats, and fresh paint throughout. The primary suite provides a relaxing retreat with an ensuite bath and two closets. Modern updates include a new Peerless cast iron boiler and water heater (2022), central air conditioning, 200-amp electric service, and an in-ground sprinkler system. Outdoor living is exceptional, featuring an open bluestone front porch, Cambridge paver rear patio, heated saltwater inground pool with a 4-ton waterfall, pavilion, gazebo, and beautifully landscaped, vinyl-fenced grounds—all set on a charming, sidewalk-lined street. Located within the highly regarded National Blue Ribbon Award–Winning Sayville School District, this home truly offers an ideal setting inside and out.

ELLIOTT

The holiday season has arrived! With Thanksgiving just around the corner—and Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve not far behind—it’s time to celebrate and savor the spirit of the season. As we gather and enjoy festive meals, it’s easy to indulge a little more than usual, so we’ve featured some healthy holiday recipe swaps. Plus, don’t miss our local editorial featuring can’tmiss holiday events happening nearby!

December 5 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm

December 6 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm December 7 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm

$20/person (under 2 years old free) • Discount for military

Enjoy a walk-through experience across

Light Displays and Winter Decorations

Outdoor Movies

Holiday Activities and Music

Storybook Readings

Hot Chocolate and Treats

Festival of Trees and Lights

Equine Themed Winter Village

Visitors from the North Pole

Family Photo Opportunities

Livestock interactions

Healthy Holiday Recipe Swaps

Althoughpresents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also play a prominent role this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.

No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart

food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities—dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.

• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select whitefleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.

• Use broths instead of

creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.

• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry can also be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.

• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many are also high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well.

• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making health-conscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.

• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150- to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.

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Learn To Decorate Like A Holiday Pro

Thesights and sounds of the holiday season help to make this a special time of year that people look forward to. With its magical moments and opportunities to gather with family and friends, the holiday season is a period to celebrate and, of course, decorate. According to an informal poll from the decorating, culture, and travel experts at Veranda, 65 percent of respondents said that the time to decorate for Christmas is right after Thanksgiving or the first week of December. Many stores now display holiday decorations and other wares concurrently with Halloween and fall items, so people can plan their decorating early if they expect to be adding to their holiday collections.

These tips can help with decorating and make anyone deck the halls like a professional.

• Choose your theme and color palette. Consider a specific style of decorating, whether it’s traditional, minimalist, country, or even winter wonderland. Then select a few coordinating colors to complement the theme and existing items in your home. Pick up these items as they become available in stores, as holiday merchandise often goes quickly.

• Focus on a few key areas. While it’s tempting to decorate an entire home, pros know to focus on key areas like tables, doorways, and mantels to create the most visual interest. This also makes decorating more manageable.

• Rely on the rule of thirds. Create balanced and visually pleasing arrangements by dividing the space visually into nine equal parts, symbolically drawing two equally spaced horizontal and two equally spaced vertical lines. Designers often place important elements along these lines or at their intersections to create a more visually balanced and appealing composition. When grouping decorative items on shelves and tables, threes often look best.

• Remove clutter. It’s important to declutter a space prior to introducing holiday elements in order to create a clean and organized look. Store additional decorations and knick-knacks until after the holiday season.

• Start with lights. It’s often easier to decorate by beginning with lights first, and then weaving additional decorations into the mix. Build on lights with garlands and accent items.

• Less is often more. Keep the decorating simple. A few elements here and there can have a much more effective impact than

several things that draw attention away from one another. When taking out holiday decorations this year, use it as an opportunity to assess and cull the collection, which will make things easier next year.

Homeowners can decorate their spaces for the holidays effectively with some guidelines professional designers often use.

Mastering Black Friday Shopping

BlackFriday is one of the busiest and most profitable shopping days of the entire year. According to DemandSage and National Public Radio, American consumers spent a record $10.8 billion on online Black Friday shopping in 2024. Around $61 billion in total sales (both online and in-person) were made over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Consumers can land great deals on the day after Thanksgiving, which means individuals who hone their Black Friday shopping skills can reap considerable rewards. The following tips can help shoppers master Black Friday.

• Set a budget. Even though Black Friday may feature some hard-to-beat deals, it’s wise to determine how much you can afford to spend before you begin shopping. Shopping beyond your means, even if the prices are low, can exact a financial toll.

• Make a list of recipients.

Make a list of the people for whom you will be shopping and some ideas of what to give each individual. This will enable you to look out for particular deals on these items.

• Compare prices ahead of time. It’s important to know how much items cost across different retailers before Black Friday arrives to understand their true value. This will enable you to determine if a Black Friday sale really is a bargain or if it’s possible to get a better price at a different time. Smartphone apps like BuyVia, Shopkick and Shopular let you scan barcodes to compare prices and more.

• Shop online early. NPR says there has been a shift from traditional in-store shopping to online platforms for Black Friday. Many deals now begin on Thanksgiving or even earlier and fall under the Black Friday promotion. Start shopping at home to avoid large crowds and

they do in stores.

• Be wary of sneaky sales tactics. Some stores will offer “doorbuster” exclusions that highlight slashed prices and utilize marketing tactics like countdown timers to encourage shoppers to purchase items without doing their research. This is when knowing the true value of items can help you spot a deal or inflated prices that were then marked down.

• Limit your stores. If you choose to shop in person on Black Friday, start early in the day and don’t run yourself ragged. If you’re tired, you may not make the best decisions and could end up spending more than your budget allows.

secure limited time deals. In recent years, many retailers have offered more of the same promotions online as

Shopping smart on Black Friday comes down to employing some savvy financial strategies.

What is Plaid Friday?

Consumers are urged to shop locally as much as possible, as local merchants provide distinctive benefits over larger retailers, such as specialized products and superior customer service. Plaid Friday is one such day when communities strongly encourage residents to patronize local businesses. Plaid Friday occurs on the day after Thanksgiving. Many people recognize it as Black Friday, but Plaid Friday focuses on a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience that emphasizes community and the creativity of local businesses as opposed to the hectic pace of traditional Black Friday shopping. Plaid Friday originated in Oakland in 2009, when it was presented as an alternative to the frenzy of Black Friday. The “plaid” in the name symbolizes the weaving together of small businesses and individuals to form an interconnected community fabric.

Experience Home For The Holidays At Planting Fields

Planting Fields, a former Gold Coast estate that is preserved today as a celebration of art, architecture, landscape, and the people who resided on its land, will be holding its annual Home for the Holidays event next month. A heartwarming tradition that makes the spirit of the season come to life in one of Long Island’s most enchanting settings, Home for the Holidays is a one-of-a-kind festival.

Experience true holiday magic as you step inside the historic Main House, beautifully adorned in full holiday splendor with festive décor crafted from natural materials sourced right on its grounds – a signature Planting Fields touch you won’t find anywhere else. Attendees can also sip on hot cocoa, listen to the sounds of holiday music filling the halls, and craft their own seasonal keepsake. Plus, this year Santa Claus is joining in on the fun! Children of all ages can share their wishes, take photos, and soak in the joy of the season as Santa spreads cheer throughout the day.

Home for the Holidays

Dates & Times: Friday, December 12 5 – 8 PM Saturday, December 13, 10 AM – 1 PM & 1 – 4 PM Sunday, December 14, 10 AM – 1 PM, 1 – 4 PM & 4 – 8 PM

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at www.plantingfields. org or at the door.

Adults: $20; Children: $15; Kids under 3 are free. Reservations are recommended.

The Perfect Treat To Indulge In This Holiday Season

There’smuch to look forward to come the holiday season. Celebrations with family and friends, awe-inspiring lighting displays and opportunities to see loved ones’ eyes light up after opening the perfect gift are just some of the many things that excite holiday celebrants. Foodies also have much to look forward to come the end of the year. Beginning on Thanksgiving and continuing through the new year, food figures prominently in holiday season celebrations. Indeed, everything from tasty appetizers to main courses to dessert excites holiday celebrants. Dessert is particularly appealing come the holiday season, when many people relax their dietary restrictions and indulge in some treats they tend to avoid during the rest of the year. Holiday hosts who want to ensure guests get as much indulgence as they can handle can try this recipe for “Chocolate Crumble Pie” courtesy of “Chocolate” (Love Food) by the editors at Parragon Books Ltd.

Chocolate Crumble Pie

Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie

Pie Dough

Scant 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1⁄4 cup superfine sugar

1 egg yolk

1 to 2 teaspoons cold water

Filling

2⁄3 cup heavy cream

2⁄3 cup milk

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

2 eggs

Crumble Topping

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar

3⁄4 cup toasted pecans

4 ounces semisweet chocolate

3 ounces amaretti cookies

1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa

Directions:

To make the pie dough, sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, rub in the butter, and stir in the sugar, then add the egg and a little water to bring the dough together. Turn the dough out, and knead briefly. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Roll out the pie dough and use to line a 9-inch loose-button tart pan. Prick the pastry shell with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or baking beans. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and take out the paper and beans. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F.

To make the filling, bring the cream and milk to a boil in a saucepan, immediately remove from the heat, and add the chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Beat the eggs and add to the chocolate mixture, mix thoroughly and pour into the shell. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, and let rest for 1 hour.

When you are ready to serve the pie, place the topping ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop. (If you do not have a processor, place the sugar in a large bowl, chop the nuts and chocolate with a large knife, and crush the cookies, then add to the bowl with the cocoa and mix well.) Sprinkle over the pie, then serve it in slices.

It's not uncommon to encounter eggnog at some point during the holiday season. A popular holiday beverage that typically contains milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and rum, brandy or bourbon, eggnog tends to be high in calories, fat, saturated fat, and sugar. Anyone looking to indulge in a little holiday cheer without consuming so many calories may want to consider vegan eggnog. According to Consumer Reports, vegan eggnog tends to be lower in calories than its more traditional alternative. CR also reports that many vegan eggnogs it examined were lower in added sugars than those made with dairy.

The Many Reasons To Support Small Business Saturday

Small business is big business across much of North America. According to a 2024 report from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, nearly 98 percent of all businesses in Canada are small businesses, which the Government of Canada defines as firms with one to 99 paid employees. Small businesses boast an equally notable presence in the United States, where the Small Business Administration reports such establishments account for 99 percent of the nation’s firms.

With such a profound presence in both Canada and the United States, it’s no wonder small businesses are championed at a point in time when shopping takes center stage. Small Business Saturday occurs each year on the Saturday after American Thanksgiving, making it part of a weekend that is often characterized as the start of the holiday shopping season. With small businesses set to take their well-earned turn in the spotlight, consumers can ponder the many reasons to support Small Business Saturday this year.

• Small businesses are significant employers. The term “small business” can be misleading, particularly in terms of job creation. While small businesses are generally described as firms with fewer than 500 employees, recent data from the SBA indicated

small companies accounted for two-thirds of employment growth across the U.S. over the last quarter-century, ultimately generating around 13 million jobs during that time period. Small businesses are also big-time employers in Canada, where the ISEDC notes such firms employed 46.5 percent of the nation’s total private labor force in 2023. Those jobs are filled by consumers’ family members, friends, and neighbors, and supporting these employers ensures that those individuals can keep earning.

• Small businesses help to fund vital local

services. Another notable reason to support small businesses is their role in creating strong local tax bases. The revenue generated by successful, local small businesses strengthens communities because it translates into tax income for local towns, which benefits schools, community organizations, and public safety.

• Small business spending is more likely to stay in the local community. Another way supporting small businesses benefits communities relates to where consumers’ dollars go once they’re spent.

Data from the American Independent Business Alliance indicates that

48 percent of each purchase at a local independent business was recirculated locally. By comparison, just 14 percent of purchases at chain stores were recirculated locally. That means more than three times as much money is staying in communities when consumers buy from locally owned businesses compared to chain retailers.

There’s no shortage of reasons to support Small Business Saturday. This year, consumers can do their part and give local small businesses and the communities they call home their unwavering support by shopping local on Small Business Saturday.

Magic Of Lights® Returns To Dazzle Long Island This Holiday Season

Themost wonderful time of the year gets even brighter with the triumphant return of Magic of Lights. Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, will once again be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland featuring a spectacular drive-through light display and the enchanting Toyota Holiday Village. This beloved holiday tradition opens November 21 and continues through January 3.

Presented by Family Entertainment Live and Live Nation, Magic of Lights makes its highly anticipated return to Jones Beach State Park, Presented by Flagstar and PNC Bank Arts Center for the eighth consecutive year. This year Magic of Lights features the return of the Toyota Holiday Village, The longest light tunnel in Long Island and New Jersey, mesmerizing light displays, holiday favorites including, all-new Prehistoric Christmas scenes featuring dinosaurs celebrating the season, Holiday Barbie, photos with

Santa, special nightly events and more.

"Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Tri-State area,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live. “We’re proud to return to both Jones Beach State Park and PNC Bank Arts Center and continue spreading the joy, wonder, and togetherness that make this season so special in our community.”

“The Magic of Lights Show continues to be an annual holiday tradition that exceeds attendee’s expectations," said George Gorman, JR-Regional Director-NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “ From the first light display through to the holiday village, the joys of the season come to life.

Experience the wonder of Magic of Lights' most treasured holiday scenes from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle, including the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas, enchanting

Winter Wonderland, the classic 12 Days of Christmas, delightful Toyland, playful festive Elves, and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Journey through the awe-inspiring 400foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights alongside additional captivating illuminated tunnels that will transport you into a world of holiday splendor.

The spectacular showcase features show-stopping attractions including the towering 32-foot animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie®, an extraordinary Prehistoric Christmas scene complete with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the holidays, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck display. With more than two million twinkling lights illuminating the night, Magic of Lights delivers a heartwarming and festive experience that creates cherished family memories.

Don't miss the magical Toyota Holiday Village, where families can step out of their vehicles and explore a wonderland of walk-through attractions featuring photos with Santa, holiday treats, merchandise, backdrops to take your magical selfies and an array of delightful holiday activities.

QUICK FACTSMAGIC OF LIGHTS

• 2+ million lights illuminate each Magic of Lights experience

• 12.6 miles of light cord power every Magic of Lights event

• 3,750 dedicated staff hours required to construct each magical display

• Steel frameworks are precision-designed, cut, bent and welded into approximately 800 individual frames, combined in various configurations to create massive holiday scenes. Every frame is engineered using cutting-edge CAD technology and handcrafted in-house following detailed 15-page design specifications.

• Each Magic of Lights installation utilizes roughly 10 miles of steel framework and 10 miles of LED lighting woven throughout the displays, incorporating 10 distinct colors of LED bulbs.

• Magnificent scenes, including the animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie, soar up to 32 feet tall and stretch several hundred feet in length.

Magic of Lights illuminates the night from 5 PM to 10 PM Sun-Thur and 5 PM to 11 PM Fri-Sat running from November 21 date through January 3. Tickets for this extraordinary holiday celebration are available for purchase starting September 25 with convenient pervehicle pricing.

For complete schedules and ticket purchases, visit MagicOfLights.com

A Recipe To Make Sweet Potatoes

Even Sweeter

Sweet potatoes are available at grocery stores yearround, but they tend to garner more attention come Thanksgiving. Indeed, a 2024 Economist/YouGov poll found that 39 percent of Thanksgiving celebrants intended to eat sweet potatoes on Turkey Day. Sweet potatoes pack a powerful and nutritious punch and they’re also able to be prepared in myriad ways. Those who want to make their sweet potatoes a little more sweet this holiday season can try this recipe for “Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin

Makes 4 servings

1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon

1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1⁄2 cup orange juice

5 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1⁄8-inch- thick slices

2

Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1⁄8-inch- thick slices

1 1⁄2 cups mini marshmallows, divided 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and orange juice in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine potatoes. Pour orange juice mixture over the potatoes; toss to coat well.

2. Spritz an 8” x 8” baking dish with cooking spray. Place potatoes, a handful at a time, in the dish and spread them so that the orange and white slices are evenly distributed. Sprinkle 10 to 12 mini-marshmallows on top of this layer. Repeat process, creating five layers, until you almost reach the top of the baking dish.

3. Cover dish with aluminum foil and seal tightly to hold in moisture; bake for 1 hour.

4. Top with remaining marshmallows and brown sugar.

5. Re-cover with foil and bake 30 more minutes. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Kid-Crafted Holiday Decor Ideas

There are plenty of handmade holiday crafts to keep little ones happily occupied. Here are some ideas to spark imagination and hours of creative fun.

Easy snow globes

A visit to the craft store will uncover various items that can be turned into snow globes. Look for a plastic cookie jarlike container with a lid that screws on tightly; otherwise,

choose glass mason jars. Use a general ratio of one cup of water, three teaspoons of glycerine or an oil like baby oil or mineral oil, and a few teaspoons of glitter. Glue a plastic Christmas tree or snowman figurine to the underside of the lid of the jar with a rubberized adhesive or another glue that will hold up to wet conditions. When dry, replace the lid, invert the jar and watch the snow fall.

Salt dough ornaments

Salt dough is a modeling dough made from two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and about 3⁄4 cup of water. Mix the ingredients together and knead until the dough is smooth and easy to work with. Add more flour if it’s too sticky; more water if it’s too dry. Kids can use cookie

cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough, or sculpt freehand. Remember to poke a hole through the top of the ornament to thread through string or ribbon later on. While the dough can be dried out by air in about a week, a faster method is to bake in an oven at 250 F for 11⁄2 to two hours, or until the dough is dry and hard. Kids can then paint the dried creations.

Paper gingerbread figures

Children may delight in making life-sized gingerbread girls and boys they can decorate and then hang up on the wall. A roll of brown postal paper will work, as will other embellishments like markers, paints, crayons, or ribbon. Kids take turns being traced while lying down on a piece of rolled-out paper. Then the

Charitable Giving Spreads Joy

Charitable giving increases significantly in the months surrounding the holidays. Approximately one-third of annual giving happens in December, and 10 percent of all giving occurs in the last three days of the year, according to Charities Aid Foundation America. The surge in donations typically occurs with people’s desire to spread holiday cheer, enjoy tax advantages and help people in the community,

says Nonprofit Source.

Some people are compelled to donate in the name of another person. Here are some ideas for charitable holiday gifts that benefit many.

Donate in someone’s name

To honor a loved one who may be living or deceased, or who fought an illness and won, you can donate to a nonprofit in the name of that loved one. Many charities offer printable or physical cards to let the recipient know a donation has been made in his or her name.

Giving back through gifts

Certain products purchased feature proceeds that go toward a charitable cause. For example, every purchase of TOMS® shoes helps fund mental health access and community development,

general shape is cut out and decorated. Children can raise their arms, bend their legs, or vary their positions to give life to the gingerbread figures.

Winter wonderland

It can be fun to create a diorama or small winter landscape that can be set out with other decorations. Craft stores will likely sell small, plastic evergreen trees this time of year, or they may be available in the model train aisle of a local hobby shop. Trees can be given snowy boughs with a little acrylic paint. Include figures of bunnies, deer and whatever else kids can dream up. A strand of LED, batteryoperated lights can add some illumination to the scene. Secure items to cardboard or foam board.

while the body care products from Thistle Farms are made by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Other products may help feed the hungry or support cancer patients.

Supporting animals

A symbolic animal adoption can support conservation efforts around the world. Making a donation to the World Wildlife Fund in someone’s name, for example, enables you to get a plushie, certificate and information on the animal the contribution will be helping.

Fair trade gifts

Making a purchase of fair trade items means you’re often buying handmade and ethically sourced goods. These gifts support artisans in developing countries and help

fund community projects. Gift recipients can feel pride in ownership of an item that was designed and purchased with the greater good in mind.

Charity gift cards

Charitable gift cards, like those available from TisBest Charity and CharityChoice, let the gift recipient choose which nonprofit will receive the funds.

Support special businesses

Offer gift cards or take people to dine or shop at businesses that support those with special needs. For example, No Limits Cafe in New Jersey is a full-service restaurant that trains and employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Dining there will help to continue to support these important efforts to give every employee a sense of pride and purpose.

Congratulations Natalie Affenita: Top 40 Under 40

Natalie was recently Honored in a special edition of the Long Island Real Producers Magazine as being one of the Top 40 Under 40 Licensed Real Estate Agents

Natalie Affenita has never been one to follow a straight path. In fact, she’s taken more detours than most-including captaining a collegiate dance team, traveling the world, working as a travel agent in Florence, and selling stone in a mason’s yard before realizing that real estate was where she was meant to be.

Her journey into the industry was anything but conventional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was working with her father in construction when a customer walked in, looking for materials. Natalie didn’t just sell him a piece of stone-she sold him on her talent. So much so that he took her to lunch the next day, not to discuss masonry but to convince her to get into real estate. After a few conversations and some paperwork, she was officially in the business, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Real estate has tested her in ways she never expected, especially when health complications forced her to undergo surgery to insert a cardiac monitor, which Natalie still has today. But slowing down? Not an option. Even during recovery, Natalie found a way to keep her deals moving, show properties, and stay present for her clients-thanks to an incredible support system of family, colleagues, and sheer determination. “Real estate doesn’t pause, and neither do I,” she says with a laugh.

Now, with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, She’s laser-focused on breaking into the luxury market, expanding her network, and making a difference through her extensive charity work. And if her track record proves anything, it’s that no matter what life throws at her, Natalie will always find a way to turn it into an opportunity.