April 29, 2017 - Shopping Day at Tanger Outlets and M.S. Charity Walk

Elisa's Daily Scoop
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Sunny, Shopping and Stoked

Hello, Hello!

Was awakened by my little Punkin today at the crack of dawn and boy, was it pouring, thundering and lightening!

I was dreading having to drive out east for Kelsey to ride (Gianna's back is not 100% yet, so no riding yet for her).  However, I went back to sleep for about an hour and when I awoke, the rain had stopped and it there was a glimmer of the prospect of sunshine in the sky.

After picking up a quick drink for the road for both of us, and filling up the gas tank, we headed out on our usual route - Southern State Parkway to Sunrise Highway (27) to Dream Come True Farm.

Kelsey was super stoked to be back to the barn and reunite with the two horses she rides, Tigger and Ace and to see her friends.  I guess technology is a good thing, since, even though she has not been at the barn for several weeks, she "sees" the girlfriends she rides with daily on FaceTime.  Makes you wonder about the idea that technology takes away from socializing - because these kids are in constant contact more than us baby boomers were ever able to be!

Seated in the car, I didn't snap fast enough and Kelsey is blocked from by the fence - but, trust me, the view was adorable from where I sat as she walked towards the barn entrance!! (c) travelincousins.com

Today is another event-filled day - morning riding, back to Nassau, pick up Gianna and head to Queens for the birthday party of one of the girls' friends.

I used the morning time while Kelsey was riding to swing over to Tanger Outlets.  I had a return to take care of, and wanted to pick up a present for the little birthday girl ("Maya" - one of the girls' good friends).

I actually found the cutest "mini" back pack in Steve Madden!  Shiny and pink, I spotted it as soon as I walked in. Kelsey had given me specific instructions to get some thing "pink" if I found it.

Well, I did!  And I even bought a pair of cute pink socks, as part of the gift!

Steve Madden store (c) travelincousins.com

I purchased the center pink mini back pack for the girls' friend for her birthday. (c) travelincousins.com

Unfortunately, I was unable to do my return since I had purchased it online from the "regular" retail line and it could not be returned to the "outlet" store.  Oh well.

I headed over to the seating area, where, at 10AM, was so empty and open with plenty of choices of where to sit.  I sat in my favorite area - by the fireplace, next to the Food Court, on the big, comfy chairs.

By this time, the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and I was happy as a clam, writing my blog in a most relaxed surrounding.

Relaxing in the sunshine at Tanger Outlets writing my blog this morning (c) travelincousins.com

The water fountains are working again!! (c) travelincousins.com

Love sitting by the outdoor fireplace! (c) travelincousins.com

Actually, after 25 minutes or so, it got very hot to sit out in the sun and I had to relocate to the shade under an umbrella'd table.

I managed to get myself a DEE-LISH smoothie - Muscle Builder (strawberry, banana, peanut butter and frozen yogurt) from Green Leaf Cafe.

Well, well, well, - last night was a blast!! We went to see Gianna's school production of Alice in Wonderland!  In a word - ADORABLE!!

The young, dedicated teachers worked on this show surely did a fantastic job.  It was fast-paced, well choreographed, funny and completely enjoyable!

As always, I was so proud of my girl - not only did she have a blast being part of drama these past several months, but she also did her own make-up, as well as the other girls that were part of her "scene" playing the "Flowers" that Alice encounters when she shrinks to 3" tall.

All ready to head to the school, Gianna did her own make-up! (c) travelincousins.com

With her other "flowers" on stage (c) travelincousins.com

With the full cast on stage (c) travelincousins.com

Not a terribly exciting day today - I have so much laundry to take care of later this evening and plan on spending some quiet time catching up on some travel research that I've been meaning to do. 

I really want to read more about some of the places we are visiting on our Chicago Road Trip and give some more thought to Ireland, for which Tanya has invited me to join her, in March 2018!

Dublin is clearly on the itinerary over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, but I want to see what other interesting places I want to visit, in the days that precede arrival in Dublin.  More on that on Tuesday!!

​Today, my dear cuz is headed to the the M.S. Walk in Long Beach, CA at El Dorado Park where Cosette and Dominick will be participating in the opening event performance.  M.S. is an illness that affects many - Tanya has detailed more information about this debilitating disease and it's so wonderful to hear how devoted The International Peace Choir is to helping to raise awareness. Catch up on her Scoop.

Hope it's a great weekend for you!!  Here's to a relaxing and fun Saturday!!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 3 DAYS

Raising MS Awareness

Hiya!

It's a very windy Saturday here in Anaheim Hills. And there is dust everywhere to prove it. Ugh

We are about to head out to the MS Walk out in Long Beach at El Dorado Park for the kids  performance opening the event.

MS is something that a few members of our organization hold near and dear to their hearts. 

What Is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

The MS Walk is the Multiple sclerosis Society’s largest pledge-based fundraiser.
The Walk began in 1991 and in 2008, it raised over $12 million. Money raised through the MS Walk fund much needed research and services those living with MS. ​

Last year the MS Walk had taken place on Chaplin's birthday and we weren't able to stay after the performance. So we are hoping to get out there and at least do a lap or two in support.  This shouldn't be an issue since it falls the day before her birthday this year.

Speaking of her birthday, we have got a very excited young lady celebrating her birthday weekend!

Although we all live together we actually ran into each other at Loving Hut last night.

Jackfruit Salad (c)travelincousins.com

Grilled Noodles (c)travelincousins.com

Dave's Pad Thai - his favorite dish! (c)travelincousins.com

Udon Soup (c)travelincousins.com

I don't think any of us had plans of eating out last night - but being that our kitchen is completely turned upside down - do to a HUGE plumbing issue - it was rather impossible to expect to cook dinner at home.

After that we had to make a Target run and you'll never believe it, but we ran into Jet, Andrew, and Chaplin AGAIN!

Too darn funny! 

Dave had a few things to pick up, Dominic checked getting Chaplin a birthday gift off of his list, and of course I picked up a few things.
How can you go into Target and not pick up more than you originally planned?! 

We ran out of time and weren't able to make it to the mall, so we have that on our list of things to do today. I've got a few returns to make and Dave still needs to find the perfect birthday gift for the little birthday princess.

​​Being that our tomorrow is going to be centered around the birthday princess, that means that I've got to finish up all of our packing TODAY!

Relieved, I could share with you that I did manage to do a lot of unpacking from our London trip yesterday and even managed to do a great deal of my packing - but I am still no where near finished.

One big reason that I am not finished is simply because yesterday was tough - there I said it. I literally was beat from the extreme hectic energy that surround just about everything.

And here's what I'm blaming it on: The stars!   

Mercury was in Retrograde and Astrologers had warned that there could be chaotic times ahead...

And YES there was!

Astrologers believe that when Mercury is in retrograde, it can affect communication between people causing havoc with relationships.

They say that the closest planet to the sun rules all kind of communication and when it is in a resting state, chaos can ensue.

Credit: thesun.co.uk

For people who take the star alignments seriously, at this time they will put off making big decisions, travel or confronting people about their problems.

While it hasn't stopped me from traveling and hasn't caused me ANY other issues, yesterday it kind of slammed me and those around me!

FYI: Starting on April 9, the planet Mercury will be in retrograde until May 3.

BEWARE - it will retrograde again on August 13 and stay there until September 5.
And once more  just before Christmas on December 3 to December 23.

I for one will keep it in mind just in case I have any more days similar to yesterday - because luckily those are few and far between.

Well folks, I'm gonna sign off here. Lots to get done today and tomorrow, and the next day. But then I'll be saying ALOHA!!

Catch ya tomorrow,
​-T