Best Blogs: Squash Recipes, A Visit From The Senator, Winter Pics

Long Island is not only known for its cultural diversity, but its diversity of opinions. That fact is proven every week on Patch as we host community voices in our blog space. Here’s a look at some of the latest blogs posted on our sites across Long Island. Click on the headlines to read the blogs in their entirety.

Organizationally Challenged

Inside Garden City submits this week’s blog in an effort to help you get more organized in your life. From closets to attics and garages, Inside Garden City taps the wisdom of Mary Carlomagno, author and professional organizer to help field questions and offer advice. Click the headline to find out more.

What To Do When Your Hot Water Isn’t Consistent

One way to battle this awful string of frigid weather: hot showers! But what if you’re experience a lack of consistently hot water in your home? Pat Dolan Plumbing’s blog offers some great advice on how to troubleshoot and find some consistent relief for that problem.

Mommacon - North Shore parenting Event

Joanne Nelson blogs about a special event from Macaroni Kids of Glen Cove set to take place on March 23. Click on the headline to read all about this great kids event and how participating also lends a hand to a worthy cause.

All About Vegan Slow Cooking With 2 Simple Recipes

Debby Sunshine, of Vegan American Princess, explores the advantages and virtues of using a slow cooker (or Crockpot) when preparing vegan meals such as soups and stews. Most people associate slow cookers with meat dishes, but slow cooking vegetables can be just as delicious. Click on the headline to read some more advantages to breaking out the slow cooker.

Assemblyman Graf Responds to Cuomo ‘State of the State’

New York State Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) contributes to his weekly blog with a scathing review of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “State of the State” address, criticizing what he sees as the governor’s lack of leadership on energy, taxes and education. “The Long Island delegation might as well have not been there,” Graf states, asserting that Gov. Cuomo focuses on statewide initiatives, and only pays attention to Long Island when he needs the tax revenue. Click on the headline to read more of Graf’s response.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Visits The Y

The YMCA of Long Island recapped its recent visit from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who spoke to an audience at the Y about her proposed FAMILY Act, which would create paid family and medical leave for those who need to take time off work to care for a loved one. The blog brings to light Sen. Gillibrand’s concern that the burden of looking after newborn babies rests almost solely on women, who make up 48% of the workforce. Read this blog to find out more of Sen. Gillibrand’s plan to offer 12 weeks of paid family leave at 66% of the recipient’s salary.

Kabocha Squash

Irma Gurman contributes to this Healthy Eating blog with a post about a new gourd that has hit the farm stands: Kabocha squash. Also known as a Japanese pumpkin, this squash has diverse nutritional properties and can be baked as french fries, mashed like sweet potato, or used in stews and soups. Click the headline for some simple recipes courtesy of Gurman’s blog contribution.

Winter On The Long Island Sound

Mario Facinel captured these stunning photographs of the Long Island Sound in Northport after this most recent storm. The photos were uploaded to our open blog “Snapshots,” which is available in every Patch town and open to all users. Click the headline to check out these beautiful pictures.

It’s Flu Time, Watch Out!

What’s not so beautiful about this winter is the season of the Flu, and Eric Robert Santiago submits this timely blog to let us know about “Triple Flu Defense” a homeopathic remedy that attacks the flu virus in a different way each year as different strains adapt and develop. Check out this blog if you’re looking for a natural way to fight off the flu this year.