Female friendships deserve to be celebrated, and February 13th is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Over the past few years, this date has become known as Galentine's Day. Celebrating is easy: Grab your girlfriends, dress up, and go out for a nice brunch together, perhaps with a few drinks. Our real estate agents can recommend some great spots to celebrate Galentine's Day on Long Island. 

• Rustic Root: 7927 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
  Rustic Root is a chic, tavern-style restaurant that serves an incredible, hearty brunch on the weekends. There's truly something for everyone on the menu. If any of your gals are vegetarian, the Roasted Beets are an excellent choice. They come topped with candied pistachios, feta cheese, and mandarin oranges. You can't go wrong with the Lox and Everything Pizza either.

During winter, outdoor dining is now an option on Long Island, with some of the best local restaurants adding heated igloos that allow you to dine outdoors during any season. This dining trend has quickly become very popular, with outdoor igloos/greenhouses becoming some of the hottest tables at your favorite dining destinations. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on 6 of the best places to have dinner in an igloo on Long Island.

• Vista Sky Lounge – 27-05 39th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101
  For a view from above in your own personal igloo near Long Island City homes for sale, try a trip to Vista Sky Lounge. A classic rooftop bar, Vista Sky Lounge offers unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline with a menu of fine dining and craft cocktails to match. It's a great place to start or cap off your next night on the town.

Have you ever looked at a beautiful painting and wished you could create something similar? While some people do have a natural knack for painting, it is a skill that can be learned and practiced. A great way to get started with painting is to take a class or two at a local studio. Our real estate agents recommend these great art schools and teaching studios offering painting classes on Long Island.

• The Teaching Studios of Art: 98 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay, NY 11771
  If you're looking at Oyster Bay homes for sale, this magnificent art school is just minutes away.  The Teaching Studios of Art opened in 2009, and they take a classical approach, offering classes for kids, teens, and adults.

Home garages are not what they used to be. Homebuyers expect the garage to have adequate space for parking one or two cars, storing tools and household items, building home projects, and pursuing hobbies. According to our real estate agents, buyers expect the garage to be a livable space in the home that serves multiple purposes.

In most newer home developments, the garage is attached to the house. This provides easy access to the house and added safety when parking the car, especially at night. The garage has become an important home feature that prompts home buyers to ask a lot of questions before making an offer on a property.