Elisa's Daily ScoopBusy Day AheadYes, it's Monday again folks!!! But, I'm actually very happy! I've got a terrific week ahead, not to mention, an amazing month, filled with lots of activities and outings! AND before I go any further - I hope you are keeping up on Tanya's amazing trip this week to Moab and Southwest National Parks!!! Her photographs are truly breathtaking! Today, I'm happy to say, I will be getting rid of yet more "stuff" that I cleaned out of my basement. Giving away several bins full of toys to a family friend. I do, however, have a whole lot more toys and stuff, which I'll be adding to my ever-growing pile for my yard sale at Denise's at the end of this month. So what's going on this week? Well, today is not terribly exciting, but I have to take a ride out to the school uniform store to get Gianna and Kelsey new Summer uniforms as they have outgrown them since last wearing them in the Fall. Tomorrow is a bit more fun, as I'll be meeting my friend Marta to go see Bethany Frankel do a cookbook signing at a local library. Ms. Frankel founded Skinnygirl Cocktails, authored four self-help books and hosted the talk show, Bethenny. Frankel has appeared on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, The Real Housewives of New York City and was the subject of the reality television series Bethenny Ever After. I think Denise may be joining us as well - I'm looking forward to both of these friends meeting - I think they will hit it off! I also have a Brownie Meeting this week. Wednesday, my little girls will be earning their "Snacks" Badge by making cookie bars! Later this week, I have some excitement - Denise's birthday celebration. I'm in charge of planning out a fun night out in the city Saturday night. I've got some great things in mind - going to firm it all up this week! More to come on that, however, I will say it's going to be a evening on the town in New York City with dinner and a rooftop bar. Ok, so let me do a little weekend wrap - up. I did manage to get almost everything on my "to do" list completed yesterday. Made it to Denise's - assessed her rental apartment, which by the way, needs to be completely cleared out and have some minor construction finalized before we can paint - sorry Denise! Then we can get moving with the painting and carpeting. So, it will probably be a number of weeks off before we can undertake our decorative efforts. My girls stayed at her house taking care of Madison and Mia while I ran to the Nursery with Denise and stocked up on my herbs and veggies for my garden. I nabbed some yummy stuff: Basil, Italian Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Beets (new for this year!), Baby Kale, Lettuce and Arugula. From the nursery, I dropped everything off at home, then headed over to Costco for household items for me, as well as some necessities for my bestie, Maria for her daughter Isabel's upcoming Graduation party. Next stop was Fairway for my week's food shopping, then a quick ride to Maria's to drop off party goods and then finally home to put all this "stuff" away! I ended the day at Denise's to pick up the kids. And that my friends, is a wrap!! Just a preview for tomorrow, Travelin' Tuesday -- I will be chatting about Tanya and Elisa's Milestone Birthday trip to Eastern Europe. I'm also going to get on the schtick with starting the planning of next year's trip to Portugal with Denise and her family. Till then, I hope you have a fun day ahead! -E xoxo | Tanya's Daily ScoopAdventure Awaits!!!Greetings from Moab, Utah!! We're here visiting this hub for outdoor recreation enthusiasts! And you betcha we're gonna be getting down and dirty right along with them! Due to the extensive network of trails in and around this town it has a become very popular base for mountain bikers, and adventurists alike! In fact, mountain biking experts claim it has some of the best trails in the world. With two national parks located in the Moab area: Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. This small town attracts people from all over the world with its gorgeous setting amongst the red rocks, it truly is tough to be beat! This trip is situated around much of the Grand Circle...covering portions of five states – Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Nevada – the Grand Circle contains America’s largest concentration of National Parks and monuments! Dramatic scenery awaiting at every turn. It's definitely the type of place you have to experience for yourself, because as lovely as the pictures might be... They can never do justice for the wondrous majestic ancient beauty that captures both the heart and soul. As far as how yesterday went... What a great day! And with no mishaps to mention. We did the 17 mile scenic drive within Monument Valley and spent a lovely day marveling at the Giants! Mesas, Buttes, and Spires galore. From the famous East and West Mitten Buttes to The Rain God Mesa and each one in between. We were in awe, as this is the most visually striking area on the Colorado Plateau. A short stroll around Cly Butte and to the North Window Overlook we stood, gazed, and listened to the birds chirping, and the crow soaring overhead. But no sooner had we spotted dark clouds in the distance and then watched as a thunder storm came rolling in. The roaring of the gods had rumbled and clapped in the not so far distance. For it was almost time for our visit there to come to an end. The picture perfect lighting had all gone away and the white puffy clouds were now replaced with dark gray rain clouds above. We retreated to the truck and bounced and bobbled our way back on the primitive dirt road as the rain drops had fallen upon us, and the mineral rich red sand had turned to a deep clay. Heading out of town and then to Moab! Although I've already been on many similar trips, Dave is a first timer to much of this scenery. And it was his choice to lengthen our stay touring the famous valley and postpone our first day of mountain biking (to be doubled up on another day). He is the mountain biking dude (and just for the record I hate the word "dude")! As far as today goes, after returning to Eklecticafe for a lovely breakfast (we ate there several times on last years visit to Moab). We are gonna hit the trails! Heading out to Dead Horse Point, we'll pedal around the Big Chief Loop and the Great Pyramid Loop on the Intrepid Trails! I can't wait...so therefore I won't - I'm gonna say toodles and tell you all about my day in tomorrows SCOOP! See ya back here for Travelin' Tuesday, -T |