Tanya's Daily Scoop
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Elisa's Daily Scoop
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TRAVELIN' COUSINS BLOG HAS BEEN RANKED #7 IN
BRAND BALLOT'S TOP 100 MOM BLOGS FOR 2018!!
BRAND BALLOT'S TOP 100 MOM BLOGS FOR 2018!!
Happy Halloween
Hello my dears! HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you (in a very fun and not so spooky sort of way...I'm definitely not into scary and/or spooky!)
I've got quite a FULL schedule of running around today which includes all of the errands and chores of the day PLUS all of what became left over from yesterday. UGH When I looked at my calendar today 2 things hit me - 1. OMG how on Earth is tomorrow already November?!!! 2. WOW I have a lot more to do this week then I realized! My year has been on a bit of fast forward with all of the scheduled travel, last minute travel and as many of the at home/local events and general routine that I like to somewhat keep. I've traveled so many miles that I honestly can't even tell you.. I can only guess... Can you guess? If you have a guess (think high) let me know. I'll post my guesstimate tomorrow! I've gone so many places, have had so many experiences and have made so many new and wonderful memories. I certainly have no regrets. Just gotta keep up with myself and keep moving forward. 
I was planning on sharing trip photos with you guys today, but I have sooooo many photos to sort through and so much more to do today than I had originally thought, that I need to postpone the photo gallery until this weekend. Sorry about that. Good news is that since today is Halloween and you know how we love to dress up and parade the neighborhood - I'll be getting tons more pictures tonight to post in tomorrows Daily Scoop! On that note, I really thought that I screwed up... Ya see, I had found a costume online weeks ago. One that I really liked. But with my hectic (CRAZY) schedule, all the running around and travel - I knew that I had to order all of our Halloween costumes no later than when we left Las Vegas. And thankfully I managed to order the kids their costumes. Mine however was secondary and I hadn't placed the order in time. Then I was off to Europe. I had pretty awful wifi while traveling and my mind was so far from Halloween costumes that there was just no chance I was getting what I wanted. So what was I to do? Well once back on the home front, I could shop around and see what was out there and already rummaged through (on the day before Halloween - yikes). Or opt to not dress up this year...I wouldn't do this because it would disappoint all of the kids. Or wear a costume from a previous year - heaven knows that I have a bunch! LOL As we all know - I am not one to give in that easy. Off we went to a couple of Halloween stores. One that was certainly the epitome of unorganized and rummaged through - I took one step into that store, did an about face and walked right on out of that mess! And then followed up with going to a store that was suggested to me by both my mom and Brigitte. It's a store that I was familiar with, but yet not a big fan of. I decided to go anyhow. The store was clean, well stocked and pretty darn well organized. I searched the racks upon racks of costumes trying to come up with an alternate. Then lo and behold Dave Y. spotted the EXACT costume that I have found online. Great news! But now the only thing was - did they have ALL of the accessories that I needed to go along with the costume??? Holy Crappolies they did!!!! I got the exact costume that I wanted and I can't wait to dress up tonight and have some good wholesome Halloween fun. Okay I've been typing away and need to get my butt in gear. I'll see you guys back here for much more tomorrow. Have fun and be safe out there, -Travelin' Tanya |
6 Spooky Destinations Around the World to celebrate Halloween
Happy Halloween!!
Here on Long Island we are having a really horrible day, weather-wise. Gray, wet and windy! But that didn't stop my kids from being the Halloween holiday spirit! Gianna went off dressed as "Damien" from Mean Girls and Kelsey and her friends decided to be the children's TV-characters, the TeleTubbies, with Kelsey as Dipsy. 
Kelsey as Dipsy from The Teletubbies (c) travelincousins.com
Halloween season certainly brings out the frightening and scary decor wherever you go, but there are some places around the globe that have a real spooky vibe all year round.
If eery and ghostly is your thing, then you are sure to enjoy these destinations which are full of the macabre. 6 Spooky Destinations Around the World to celebrate Halloween 
Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania (photo credit: brancastle.com)
1. Dracula's Castle, Romania:
Bran Castle outside Romania is commonly known as Dracula's Castle, which is often referred to as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker's Dracula. The fictitious character is associated with a real bloodthirsty ruler from the 1400’s, Vlad Tepes, more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula, whose former dwelling is Bran Castle. Like any amazing castle, secret passageways tunnel through the property, and it feels as if Dracula could be right around the corner. You can choose to venture the rooms, hallways and creepy nooks alone, or via guided tour. Regular events take place on the property as well, from simple musical performances to one heck of a Halloween bash. 
Salem Witch Museum (photo credit: salem.org)
2. Salem, Massachusetts
Famous for the witch trials of 1692, Salem, Massachusetts is home to the Salem Witch Museum and cemeteries which are both historical and creepy yet pretty. The entire town is full of the overall theme and even the police cars have witch logos on them, and the high school’s mascot is the Witches. Two key landmarks in the city are a bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery aka Samantha from Bewitched, and there are several Hocus Pocus filming locations, such as Max and Dani's house and Allison's house. 
Ross Castle in County Meath, Ireland (photo credit: wikipedia.org)
3. Ireland
Though absolutely beautiful and full of scenic locations, Ireland is also full of centuries-old castles that hold lots of fascinating, and spooky, secrets. Those who have been brave enough to stay in these have had some way scary experiences. Consider Ross Castle in County Meath. Built in 1536, this stone tower-style structure is now run as a B&B where guests frequently wake up at night hearing voices and doors banging shut on their own. If sleeping in a haunted castle frightens you, take a quick tour instead. Malahide Castle, for example reportedly home to at least five ghosts, including a 16th-century caretaker known as Puck and Leap Castle near the picturesque town of Birr, is considered one of the most haunted in all of Europe, once the scene of many dreadful deeds and now famous for its eerie apparitions. 
Sleepy Hollow, NY (photo credit: getawaymavens.com)
4. Sleepy Hollow, NY
Thanks to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving's short story about the Headless Horseman, the town of Sleepy Hollow is said to be haunted! There are plenty of spooky spots and events for Halloween-lovers to enjoy, including historic homes and a church, as well as cemetery tours, a haunted hayride and Horseman's Hollow, where a manor gets turns into a scary area and where the Horseman himself can be seen! 
Rose Hall Great House Jamaica (photo credit: Island Routes)
5. Rose Hall Great House, Jamaica
According to the legend, the spirit of "Annie Palmer" haunts the grounds of Rose Hall, Montego Bay. Raised in Haiti. Annie was adopted by a nanny who taught her witchcraft after her parents died and years later after moving to Jamaica, she married the owner of Rose Hall Plantation, John Palmer. Annie murdered not only Palmer, but two subsequent husbands and numerous male plantation slaves, only to be murdered herself by a slave named "Takoo." It currently hosts a tour and museum that showcase Rose Hall's slave history and the legend of the "White Witch" of Rose Hall. 
Lalaurie House in New Orleans (photo credit: photonshouse.com)
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of those cities that is just filled with iconic "haunted" spots, making it an ideal place to visit during Halloween season! With its many voodoo shops and even the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum for visitors to enjoy, the fun continues with numerous haunted tours that include Lalaurie Mansion, amazing cemeteries that feature above-ground vaults from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the resting places of people like Marie Laveau and Delphine LaLaurie. And if you are interested in learning more about Halloween, check out our 18 Fun Facts you NEVER knew about Halloween (read more) Here's to a Spooktacula Day!! -Travelin' Elisa xoxo |
