February 1, 2017 - W2GW for Valentine's Day in NYC & SoCal

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 72 DAYS

New Month, New Paradigm

I can hardly believe it's February already! We are  one  month into 2017.

How has the first month been for you?

For me, it's been wonderful.  I embarked on a life changing 12-week success and positivity program back in late November, and I'm proud to say, I just completed it!

It was one of the best things I ever did.  I had fallen a bit into a negative place, what with my separation and divorce action still not finalized and then dealing with all the changes in the last year, for me and my girls.

So, after taking a quick quiz about whether I was sabotaging my own happiness and success, I was introduced to the Ultimate Success Masterclass with Natalie Ledwell.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO TAKE THE LITTLE QUIZ THAT GOT ME HOOKED!! (credit: mindmovies.com)

Boy, did I learn about the law of attraction, setting intentions and manifesting those desires.  A great deal of the program is based on having gratitude, positive affirmations and increasing your energy vibration with positivity and letting go of the negativity and visualization of what your life looks like.

Over the course of 12-weeks, with daily rituals, videos, mental exercises and the help of some of the world's most renown manifesting mastery experts, you gradually gain better clarity and control of moving towards turning your goals into a reality.

I can honestly say, I have never been more at peace and more happy. In fact, among so many wonderful things that have transpired for me over the past 12 weeks, one includes that I stopped cursing and using foul language.  Now, my dear Cuz has been a curse-free individual all her life, but I had a bit of a potty mouth and wanted to stop it once and for all.

If you have an interest in learning about this program, go to www.mindmovies.com.

Yesterday, we had some strange weather. It was sunny and clear in the morning and then it got very gray out towards about 11am, and then it started to snow pretty hard.  There wasn't much accumulation, but it was the kind of day that made me want to cook!

So after hitting the supermarket at 8am and then  dropping Gianna off at school (ugh - forgot to mention, Kelsey was home YET again due to having a bad stomach ache in the morning) and going to the butcher...and to get a dee-lish fruit smoothie...
I began a small cooking fest!

Meatball Vegetable Soup (c) travelincousins.com

I started with Gianna's favorite soup - "Meatball Soup."  This is basically a light vegetable soup with mini chicken meatballs. This was for last night's dinner.  

Chicken Bolognese Tomato Sauce (c)travelincousins.com

I decided to get a jump on tonight's dinner, and made a hearty Chicken Bolognese Tomato Sauce. This will be served with Cavatellli pasta - cannot wait!!

Lastly, I made a nice large salad for Gianna to munch on after school.  Romaine Lettuce, carrots, celery, chick peas and peanuts with an Asian dressing.

Of course, with Kelsey home, I was making toast and cutting up melon for her all day.  It was really a day spent almost exclusively in the kitchen!!

​

(credit: oldsoulcharm.com)

February is  the month of Valentine's Day and all things love, romance, flowers and chocolate!

With less than two weeks until Valentine's Day (FEBRUARY 14TH), it's never to early to plan something fun.

Whether you are with your special honey or you are just looking to plan some fun stuff with your favorite gang, Tanya and I have assembled a list of possibilities whether you live in New York City or SoCal. 

10 Things to Do in New York to Celebrate Valentine's Day

​1. Valentine’s Day Jazz: Freddy Cole: Songs for Lovers
February 9 - 12, 2017 (7:30 9:30 p.m.) ($30 - $45)
Lincoln Center
Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
Broadway and 60th Street
5th Floor
Freddy Cole Quartet, featuring the brother of Nat King Cole, performs Songs for Lovers at Lincoln Center, along with bassist Elias Bailey, drummer Quentin Baxter, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, and guitarist Kris Kaiser.
According to the New York Times: 
“Freddy has an impeccable sense of swing…the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive.”

(credit: eventbrite.com)

​2. Wine & chocolate tasting: Ripple Effect Artists Chocolate & Wine Gala
February 10, 2017 (6 to 8 p.m.) ($25-$75)
People's United Bank
250 Park Avenue
New York, NY 
This fundraiser to raise awareness of the growing epidemic of sex trafficking, promises great wine, chocolate, entertainment, food for sale, and a silent auction.  
There will even be the NY Photobus just outside to enjoy taking pictures with your gang!
​

(credit: churchofhalloween.com)

​3. Valentine’s haunted house: Blood Manor
February 10 - 12, 2017 ($30)
163 Varick Street
New York, NY 
Blood Manor is New York's premiere haunted house and this year it opens its doors for a horrifying Bloody Valentine’s Weekend evenings.

​

4. Ice Sculptures & Music: Central Park Conservancy Ice Festival
February 11, 2017 (3 to 7 p.m.) (Free)
Naumburg Bandshell
Central Park (mid-park from 66th to 72nd Streets)
New York, NY 
This is a totally fun thing to do if you are looking for something outdoors!
On the weekend before Valentine’s Day, the sixth annual Ice Festival in Central Park features ice-carving artists from Okamoto Studio will transform more than 6,000 pounds of ice into a glistening replica of one of the Park’s most beloved statues using electric chain saws, chisels, and picks.  
At 5pm, the Mall becomes a vibrant silent disco with live DJs and colored lights to celebrate Central Park Conservancy's preservation efforts.  

​5. Music in a Mansion: Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum 
February 11, 2017 (1 to 3 p.m.) ($35-$40)
895 Shore Road  
Pelham Bay Park    
Bronx, New York 
Sip a mimosa, enjoy some light fare, and hear a quintet from Colombia play a wide range of music at Music and Mimosas.  

The performance is in the parlors of the only grand 19th-century country house still in existence on Pelham Bay.  Featured musicians are part of the renowned woodwind ensemble Quintet of the Americas, with flutist Karla Moe, oboist Matt Sullivan, clarinetist Paul Won Jin Cho, hornist Barbara Oldham, and bassoonist Gina Cuffari. 

(credit: spiritcruise.com)

​6. Valentine’s brunch cruise: Spirit Cruises
February 12, 2017 (board at noon) ($59.90 - $99.90)
353 West Street, Pier 40
New York, NY
Enjoy a brunch buffet, champagne toast, and views on the Valentine’s Day Brunch Cruise by Spirit Cruises.
Book by February 5th and enjoy 20% discount - 
Click Here for more information.

​

​7. Valentine’s Day restaurants - Open Table Valentines Listing
February 14, 2017
NYC locations
Most people love to go out to eat on Valentine's Day and there are tons of options in and around NYC and Long Island. Check out the many special menus for this day.
 

(credit: katonahmuseum.org)

​8. Valentine’s Art Tour: The Museum of Modern Art
February 14, 2017 (7 and 9 p.m.) ($215-$225 per couple
11 West 53rd Street
​New York, NY
 
Valentine Tours begin with a candlelit reception, including a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres (7 p.m.) or dessert (9 p.m.), followed by a special group tour after closing time. 
​

​9. Valentine’s Day in Times Square: Love in the Square
February 14, 2017 (Free)
Times Square
New York, NY

Why not declare your love right in the heart of Times Square -  the Crossroads of the World.
The annual Vow Renewal Ceremony allows couples of all ages and backgrounds  to say "I do" all over again on Duffy Square's Red Steps.

All you have to do is register to renew your marriage vows at Love in Times Square on the red glass steps, or take a photo together in front of the heart sculpture at W. 46th Street & Broadway.

​ 

10. ​Valentine’s Day under the stars: Romance Under the Stars at the Hayden Planetarium
February 14, 2017 (6 & 9:30 p.m.)
 
This even begins with a cocktail hour in the Cullman Hall of the Universe, complete with open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and chocolates, accompanied by the music of the Josh Rutner Quartet. Then it's off to   the Hayden Planetarium with Lydia Maria Petrosino and Ted Williams for an unforgettable view of the night sky and some stellar romance stories from the ancient past.​


There's so much to choose from - let us know if you attend any of the above events as we'd love to hear your thoughts!!


Hey tomorrow is Ground Hog's Day - stop by for some fun info on the blog tomorrow and let's see what that little old ground hog has to report!!

I've got errands and more packing to do for my next pick up from the Veterans Association as I continue purging and getting rid of stuff!

Wishing you a beautiful month!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 5 DAYS

Good day everyone and Happy February 1st!

I am thrilled to update you on the fact that I've pretty much finished the first stage of packing for Cosette and Dominic - already completed this stage for Dave on Sunday. Yes there are more stages to go - I'm not sure how many - but definitely more!
And of course I still have to tackle my own wardrobe - which is usually by far the most time consuming!!!

Oh and let me tell you, yesterday while packing for Dominic I drove myself a tad crazy when I couldn't find a certain new sweater that he received for Christmas that I planned on taking.
I seriously have no clue where the thing vanished to?!
The funny thing is that he has already worn this sweater and yet he doesn't even remember owning it or what it looks like!! Really?! UGH

*Don't judge - yes I pack for all of them.
I'm very particular about what gets packed and what doesn't get packed - so in order for me to be happy on the trip with the wardrobe selections - I have to do all of the packing. 

Have you had the chance to peak over at my dear cuz Elisa's column?

Elisa just completed a 12-week success and positivity course.  
Throughout the course I have noticed so much personal growth and blossoming in her and the fact that it has really made quite a substantial difference  her outlook and attitude.

I really am beyond happy for her and so proud of who she is becoming (cursing or not...LOL).

Way to go cuz!! 

February is  the month of Valentine's Day and all things love, romance, flowers and chocolate!

With Valentine's Day only 2 weeks away love and romance is in the air. Unless of course you are single and planning on celebrating Single's Awareness Day - been there, done that and I've also done several absolutely unromantic Valentine's Days as well going solo to several romantic locations completely un-attached while amongst lovey dovey couples.

So I'd say that I am pretty well rounded when it comes to how to spend Valentine's or anytine's day in a "Romantic" setting. And if you are single, then so be it and there is no reason why not to romance yourself and treat yourself to these gorgeous locations and/or lovely events...

TOURific Escapes Chocolate Indulgence Tour
Whether you have a Valentine or not, all you have to be is a CHOCOLATE LOVER!
​Food means love, and love often means chocolate! TOURific Escapes will offer their chocolate Indulgence Tour of some of LA's most decadent chocolate shops the weekend before Valentine's Day. If the chocolate tour is full, they also offer a Hollywood Sites and Bites Tour on multiple dates.
When: Feb 11, 2017, 3 - 6 pm
Cost: $65
Info: ​  http://www.tourificescapes.com/tours/chocolate-indulgence-tour/

Valentine's Day Art Walk in Downtown LA
The February Downtown LA Art Walk takes place just before Valentine's Day on February 9, 2017, so you're sure to find lots of heart-themed jewelry and other romantic gifts among the original works of art and handcrafts on display through the Downtown LA Gallery District.
For more information, visit downtownartwalk.org

Valentine Tea and Tunes at the Banning Museum
As you already know, I am a big fan of tea time! The Banning Museum will host its annual Valentine's afternoon tea with sandwiches and sweets served on antique tea sets, live music and house tours, with the special exhibit “Seven Layers of Modesty” that will display Victorian era lingerie. The Banning Museum is the 23-room 1864 Greek Revival residence of Phineas Banning, who was instrumental in building the Port of Los Angeles.
When: Feb 11, 2017, 1-3 pm
Where: The Banning Museum, 401 East M Street, Wilmington, CA 90744
Cost: $75, $65 for museum members
Parking: on M Street or North Banning Blvd.
Info: thebanningmuseum.org

"Toast to Ghost" Valentines Day Date Night at Clay on First
Couples will do their best Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze impression with a two hour pottery class complete with snack, beer, wine and passion! The Valentine’s Day "Toast to Ghost" Date Night is the perfect combination of creativity and romance to really “WOW” your sweetie. 

During the 2-hour sessions, couples will straddle up and recreate the infamous pottery love scene from the classic 1990 film, Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Couples will learn their way around a pottery wheel and around each other’s arms. Each session will include beer and wine and snacks from a local Long Beach eatery. Once they’ve grasped the basics they'll get some private time with the lights turned down and “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers turned up.​
When: Feb 11, 12 & 14, 2017 Fri - Sat 5:30-7:30 pm, Sun 3:00-5:00 pm, 5:30-7:30 pm, Tues 5:30-7:30 & 8-10 pm
Where: Clay on First, 406 E. 1st Street, Unit B. Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost:  $125 per couple. Includes alcohol and snacks.
Parking: Metered Parking until 6 pm, free after 6
Metro: Blue line, 1st Street Station
Age Limit: 21+
Info: clayonfirst.com/valentines-day,  (562) 495-4362

Tell It To My Heart Valentine Burlesque Supper Club on the Queen Mary
Enjoy a set four course dinner, vintage cocktails and a jazz burlesque show in the glamorous Art Deco Grand Salon aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. The burlesque show will be followed by a performance by 80s-90s pop singer, Taylor Dayne.
When: Sunday, Feb 14, 2017, seatings at 5:30 and 8:30 pm
Where: Queen Mary Grand Salon, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: 1st seating $159 per couple, 2nd seating $199 per couple plus service charge. 
Parking: $8 with validation
Info: queenmary.com/events/valentines-day/

Relive that famous spaghetti kiss
It’s famous for that spaghetti kiss—a legendary scene that Walt Disney almost cut out. But Lady and the Tramp has many other charming moments: the script evolved out of years of personal pet stories shared by the studio's animal-loving writers and executives. A true labor of love. See it at El Capitan around Valentine's Day and you'll be treated to a candlelit dinner before the movie, catered by Miceli’s (sold separately; call 818-845-3110).
Where: El Capitan, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles  
When: Friday February 10 2017 - Sunday February 19 2017
Info & Tickets: elcapitantheatre.com


​
Here are a couple more "date ideas" or just things to do in SoCal in honor of Valentine's Day...

Go on a Gondola ride.
While I'll be in Venice - home to the original Gondola rides in only a few short weeks, there are numerous places to take a romantic gondola ride right here in Southern California.
​In Orange County, you can take a gondola cruise with Sunset Gondola through Huntington Harbor in Huntington Beach or from Gondola Company of Newport Beach or Gondola Adventures in Newport Beach. Check for Gondola tickets in Newport Beach.

Take a Sunset Cruise.
Are you looking for a different experience this year? This Valentine’s Day, a unique and romantic special cruise is being offered from Dana Wharf where you’ll get to watch whales aboard the largest ship in Orange County, the Dana Pride. The 2 hour cruise out of Dana Point sets sail and will offer a Valentine’s Day sunset cruise where you’ll be able to spot dolphins, whales and other marine life. The cruise includes chocolate treats, bottomless champagne and about as romantic of an experience as you can get. Or, opt for the Valentine’s Day Sparkling Wine Tasting Cruise from 5:30pm to 7pm (21 and over) where you’ll join a harbor cruise on the luxurious catamaran OCean Adventures. Four organic sparkling wine tastes and a chocolate bar are included for $52 per person.

​Now how about some destinations???

T+L just published The Most Romantic Destination in Every State and this is what they have listed for California:

Griffith Observatory
Relive old Hollywood glamour in your romance by holing up at Griffith Observatory. Since playing host to that iconic scene from Rebel Without a Cause, the Los Angeles observatory has become a symbol for SoCal love. It was even featured in the city’s latest romantic film La La Land. For those that are more into the outdoors than the cinema, the hike up to the observatory provides fantastic views of Los Angeles.

There are actually quite a few lovely destinations that they have listed! Here are a couple more that caught my eye...
​

​Maine — Isle au Haut
For couples who want to spend time with each other and only each other, escape to one of Maine’s most secluded islands. Isle au Haut has a total population of 73 people and requires visitors to ferry over on a mailboat. About half the island is national park while the other half belongs to the community, complete with some quite charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Oregon — Thor’s Well 
Proclaim your love at one of the most epic landscapes on the west coast. Thor’s Well appears to be an impressive and powerful sinkhole in the ocean—it’s sometimes referred to as “the drainpipe of the Pacific.” In actuality, the landmark is just an optical illusion. It’s really just a hole in a rock that creates the appearance of a bottomless pit. We’re sure there’s a beautiful way to tie the phrase “bottomless pit” into a marriage proposal.

Oh my gosh - what a hoot!
For anyone interested, I can tell you that I certainly wouldn't appreciate having that phase in a marriage proposal! HA

So anyhow, I've got to get on with my day. Lots to do...shopping, packing, cooking, and Dominic's fencing class - ya know - the norm!

Hope you have a FabuLous Day,
​-T