Poinsettias are the signature plant of the holiday season, adding instant cheer with their red, pink, or white bracts. To keep them looking festive, Down to Earth Living in Pomona offers simple care tips.

Light: Place poinsettias near a sunny window for about six hours of bright, indirect light each day.
Water: When the soil surface feels dry, water thoroughly and drain any excess. Avoid soggy roots.
Temperature: Keep them comfortable—between 65°F and 75°F—and away from drafts or heating vents.
Fertilizer: If you plan to keep your plant beyond the holidays, feed monthly with balanced fertilizer starting in late winter.

Common mistakes include overwatering, exposing plants to cold (below 50°F), and neglecting humidity, which can dull leaves or cause drop.

This season, Down to Earth Living features rare varieties such as Holly Points, Blush and Glitter, and Ice Punch—each offering unique color and texture.

While often rumored to be toxic, poinsettias are generally safe, according to Poison.org. Ingestion may cause only mild irritation. Still, the store recommends keeping them out of reach of children and pets.

Down to Earth Living, located on 12.5 acres in Pomona, draws customers from across Rockland and surrounding counties. Open 9 AM–5 PM daily, with extended hours until 7 PM starting November 19.
More at www.dteliving.com.

Pomona, N.Y. — November 2025 — Rockland County entrepreneurs Lloyd and Sue Ecker have secured a $100,000 investment on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank for their innovative anti-snoring pillow, the Snorinator.

The couple, who live in Pomona, New York, appeared on a recent episode of the show to pitch their product, which is designed to help users sleep comfortably while sitting upright — reducing snoring and improving airflow during rest.

After a tense round of negotiations, several sharks initially passed on the idea. But investors Lori Greiner and Michael Strahan saw potential in the concept after testing the Snorinator themselves. The pair teamed up to offer $100,000 for a 25% stake in the Eckers’ company.

The Snorinator, which the couple developed to address common sleep and snoring problems, has already gained attention from frequent travelers and people who struggle to get restful sleep due to snoring or sleep apnea.

The Eckers, longtime inventors and entrepreneurs, said they were thrilled to find partners who believed in their mission to improve sleep health.

“Lori and Michael understood right away what we were trying to do,” said co-founder Lloyd Ecker after the episode aired. “They tested the Snorinator themselves and got it — this is about helping people rest better and breathe easier.”

The investment marks another success story for the Hudson Valley’s growing community of small business innovators who have appeared on Shark Tank in recent years.