The New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Mason Selkowitz Marketing have paired up to create a new iPhone application.  NY Wine & Food Pairings helps consumers pair foods with New York wines.  Pick a varietal such as Cabernet, Riesling, Merlot to find the best-fitting food, or pick a food category such as pasta, cheese or beef and match it with the right New York wine.  Search “NY Wine” at the app store-it is free.

Tips to follow to strike a balance in your life when dealing through a job layoff and searching for a new job

1. Resurrect a routine: some of the structure you had when you were working can be applied to your search.  You may find that setting the alarm and daily objectives will provide a positive outlook on the day.  Finishing search activities by 3 pm will leave you time to pursue free time activities like working out, going to a movie, etc.
2. “Systemize” your job search: the real measure is not the amount but the quality and productivity of the time dedicated to search for a new job.  Turn your attention to networking with people who might know someone or something that could lead to your next job.  Focus your efforts by creating a resume that connects with employers you have thoroughly researched and prepare a succinct and enthusiastic introduction of yourself-”sell” yourself as the candidate who should get the job!
3. Act on your “to do” list:  to avoid becoming a frazzled job seeker, incorporate personal activities that enrich other aspects of your life.  Dedicate some of your time to your own personal and professional development-from day trips you’ve always wanted to take, to the friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with, to the certification you’ve intended to get………

January                 Garnet

February               Amethyst

March                     Aquamarine

April                        Diamond

May                          Emerald

June                         Pearl

July                          Ruby

August                     Peridot

September             Sapphire

October                   Opal

November              Citrine

December               Blue Topaz

Rumor has it that maple petiole borers may be the culprits making leaves of sugar maple trees to fall and drop too early.  The borer is an invasive sawfly or non-stinging wasp that emerges from the soil as leaves expand in the spring.  Eggs laid at that time soon hatch and the resulting larva mines petioles of maples, especially sugar maples for about a month.  The mined petiole weakens and breaks, sending a green leaf blade with a blackened petiole stub to the ground.

The petiole remaining on the tree also drops a week or so later.  In that portion of the petiole is a larva that exits and burrows into the ground to pupate and become an adult the following year. 

Typically, infestations are low, however, authorities are saying that this year about 25% of leave are dropping on some trees.  This is increase from less than 10% of leaves dropping in prior years.  While green leaves on the ground is causing concern, the actual number of leaves involved is not worth loosing sleep over.  If you want more information on horticulture, call the garden helpline located in Rochester NY at (585) 473-5335 from 9AM – NOON (EST) Monday through Friday.

Making your home green and energy-efficient can be easier than you thought.  Here are some tips:

• Do go on a power strip.  Power strips aren’t just for computer gear.  Use them for appliances, televisions, any thing that uses electricity when not in use.  Turn them off with on quick click of the switch.
• Do add insulation to your windows.  Up to 50% of a home’s heating and colling energy is lost through the windows.  High-insulating shades can more than double the energy efficiency of a window and reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Do maintain your mechanical systems.  Service and clean your gas or oil furnace at least once a year.  Keep your heating and air conditioner filters clean and replace your fiber-glass filters with reusable, washable ones.  Invest in a programmable thermostat that lets you set temperatures for different times of the day.  In summer set your thermostat as high as possible without sacrificing comfort.  The less difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Do watch air conditioning units.  Remove air-conditioning units in the fall because they invite drafts.  Or, use an insulated jacket on the exterior.  An air conditioning unit in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. 
• Don’t place lamps or TV sets near a thermostat.   The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Don’t try to speed up heating or cooling by raising the thermostat beyond the desired temperature.   In winter, the popular notion that the higher you set the thermostat, the faster your home will warm up.  In reality, it takes the same amount of time for the temperature to reach 70 degrees whether the thermostat is set at 70 or 90 degrees.  Setting the thermostat all the way up only increases your heating costs.  The same is true for summer, setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when yo turn on the air conditioner will not cool your home any faster.  According to the Department of Energy, it could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.