December 17, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 22 DAYS

Throwback Thursday Fun

Welcome Back!
It's another lovely day to be alive and it's ONLY one week until Christmas Eve!!!

I'm so glad that we had an appliance repair guy come out yesterday and take a look at our oven - a crucial need especially around the holidays!

It appears that our ignitor is bad and the part needed to be ordered. The earliest it might arrive is Friday, otherwise we are looking at not having the oven repaired until early next week!
But then I can finally start baking lots of Christmas Cookies!!!

Yesterday while I was attempting to put the finishing touches on a Photo Book Christmas gift that I was creating online, there were certain pictures that I needed that I just couldn't find!

When I tell ya that I searched all day long - I mean that I SEARCHED ALL DAY LONG!
Looking through photo album after photo album, flipping through tons of photo filled envelopes, searching SD cards and CDs...and then finally when I had no time left but to leave (otherwise Dominic would be late for his class) I FINALLY found what I was looking for! WHEW (insert relief)

But of course while flipping through so many pics, I came across some fun ones for TBT (Throwback Thursday)!

LET'S TAKE A LOOK:

Lake Tahoe (2007)

Washington DC (2007)

NY (2007)

NY (2007)

Aside from that, yesterday we went to the stables again, and Cosette did an amazing job Horseback riding, receiving much praise; Dominic also did awesome is his class.  What did I feed these kids?!

And today, aside from the never ending errand/chore list, I've got to work on the Christmas Food list, and I'll continue to work on future travel plans - I'm piecing together the schedule and flights for the Aug/Sept/Oct 2016 trips, and then finally taking Dominic to his classes.

I urge you to take a looksie at Elisa's column, and check out the list of 15 Holiday Light Shows Around the World!

While I've traveled to 9 out of the 15 locations, and know what great vacations that I've had at each of them; I have not been to any of them (aside from NY of course) around Christmastime.
I'm sure they are each lovely, and perhaps one day, I'll even plan to check some of them out.
​But boy oh boy is NY calling me...New York City around the holidays is my very favorite!

Well it's time for me to get my booty into action...See ya back here tomorrow,
-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 1 DAY

Amazing Christmas Light Shows Around the World

I'M BACK!
So sorry that I was MIA yesterday.  I had some personal business to take care of and never thought I would be delayed past the time of our Daily Scoop posting.  

No internet either where I was.  Ugh!!

Here's what happened...I began writing an interesting blog for W2GW first thing in the morning.  I was so excited to tell you about the Top 15 Light Shows around the world.  Got half-way through my feature and had to boogie.

I had to make an emergency call to Tanya to take down my incomplete blog.  

So, folks, guess what I'm featuring today!!!!!  I know it's not W2GW, but hey, I'm the boss of my blog and so I'll post what I like! lol.

​However, before I do, I want to tell you how excited I am that I leave for Florida tomorrow!!  I need a vacation so badly and being with my Mommy & Daddy is much needed. (haha, c'mon, it doesn't matter how old we get, we all feel that way!)

Me and Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop (circa 1992)

THROWBACK THURSDAY...
With Christmas just around the corner, I am reminded of my days in the toy business years ago.
​
Back in the day, when I worked as director of product development for a small toy company, I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of working with one of the great talents of our time - Shari Lewis.  

We were, at the time, the official plush toy licensee for Lamb Chop(r) and what fun it was developing our line of products!  Today, Lamb Chop is made by another great plush toy manufacturer, Aurora.

Lighting of Medellin, Colombia

  15 Holiday Light Shows
       Around the World
They are so festive and ignite a feeling of holiday spirit all around the world.  Here are some of the best Holiday light shows around the world:

1. Amsterdam
It’s dark in the Netherlands in the winter months, but the Amsterdam Light Festival brightens up the city with a variety of multi-colored illumination by a variety of Dutch and international artists.
One of the best ways to take it all in is by taking a special canal cruise or walking tour.

2. Atlanta
Who says a light show has to be enjoyed all bundled up...Atlanta’s mild winter temperatures make it enjoyable to view the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown. With more than two million energy-efficient lights illuminate the sprawling grounds filled with Southern magnolias, Chihuly sculptures, and a wide variety of orchids.

In little more than five years since launching this event, it attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually. 
​
3. Brussels, Belgium
Each year from November 28 to January 4, the heart of Brussels is transformed into a holiday wonderland. During Plaisirs d'Hiver (Winter Wonders) Grand Place is transformed into a traditional Christmas Market, filled with more than a mile of shops, street activities, a skating rink, and an illuminated Ferris wheel.

Buildings are extraordinarily lit up, choirs are singing and artists abound the streets!
 
4. Hong Kong
At Christmastime, skyscrapers on both sides of Victoria Harbour are all aglow in holiday-themed LED light displays. Although this 15-minute light show is wonderful year round, it's more spectacular this time of year!  

If you watch from the Tsim Sha Tsui side, near the Avenue of Stars, the iconic Central skyline of Hong Kong Island is a sight to behold.

The nearby Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Clock Tower features Pulse 3D Light Show, which is a brilliant outdoor projection experience.
​
5. London, England
London lights up at Christmas – literally! Beginning in early November, the west end of the city, near Oxford Street and Regent Street is filled with a plethora of beautiful lights. For its 56th year, the shopping street is decorated with hundreds of new glowing gold baubles mingled with shimmering silver globes. The snowflake-like blanket of baubles and energy-efficient lights stretches the length of the shopping hub, creating a twinkling festive atmosphere. 
 
6. Medellín, Colombia
Beginning on or about December 7, the Day of the Little Candles and the "Lighting of Medellin" is an incredible celebration in Colombia 
 
For close to 50 years now, the city has hung millions of lights for the holiday season, particularly on and around the Medellín River.
Giant 3D figures dance along the river and tree canopies drip with oversized, glowing ornaments while vendors sell such beloved delights as cotton candy and street performers entertain the crowds.
From Barefeet Park, along the river, there are also occasional fireworks displays.   
​
7. New York City
Where do I start (literally) when talking about Light Shows in New York City...they just get bigger and better each year.

Starting in Manhattan...the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see year after year! Lit up by over 30,000 LED lights. Don't forget about a stroll down Fifth Avenue to take in the brightly lit retail stores like Cartier and the charming window holiday displays.
 
Off to Brooklyn, fuhgettaboudit! The Italian-American neighborhood of Dyker Heights is known for its elaborate decorations from late November through early January. From glowing nativity scenes to animatronic toys and ginormous toy soldiers, to motorized displays, the displays are overwhelming.

For a fun experience, consider A Slice of Brooklyn's Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour which features, none other than cannolis and hot chocolates from an authentic Brooklyn pastry shop!

A short drive to Long Island and you will find the Holiday Light Spectacular at Jones Beach.
From November 20th through January 3rd you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with over 2.5 miles of holiday scenery that makes this the most wonderful time of the year.

With over 150 light displays, Holiday Lights Spectacular creates a magical winter wonderland on Long Island. The Chrysler Holiday Village is a heated area where there is picture taking with Santa, a make your own s ‘mores station, holiday themed refreshments and snacks, performances from local school choirs on select nights, holiday music, holiday movies and NEW for 2015, Ice Skating!

8. Paris
Festive decorations light up most streets around town as Paris is Illuminated. The main show is along the Champs Elysées. Spectacular displays illuminate the world's most beautiful avenue, with the Arc de Triomphe at one end, and the seasonal Ferris Wheel at the other.

9. Philadelphia
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens features more than 500,000 twinkling lights, colorful fountains, and magnificently adorned trees. It's free to visit on Christmas, but reservations are required.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree is one of the biggest Christmas attractions. Since 1995, Brazil's largest insurance company has set up the tree in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and has made sure it remains among the largest Christmas trees in the world.  

Its unveiling features fireworks and a performance of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," among other entertainments.  
​
11. Saint Augustine, Florida
Saint Augustine's "Nights of Lights" traditionally begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
The celebration has its roots in the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the holidays. Today, the whole city glows with holiday magic, with over two million tiny white lights covering the Spanish-style buildings from the ground to the rooftops. You can catch it this year from November 22 through January 31.
​
12. Sydney, Australia
The city of Sydney is filled with charm and cheer  aglow with lights and decorations.  Martin Place features an interactive Christmas tree and in the Pitt Street Mall you will find a lovely light and sound show.

Recognized as one of the best shows, is located at Sydney's Town Hall. Filled with spectacular light demonstrations that are projected onto the building's sandstone surface. The digital animations are accompanied by special performances by Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) ambassadors and local artists.
​
13. Tokyo
Each year, the 400m of Keyakizaka behind Roppongi Hills is illuminated with brilliant blue LEDs decorating the trees and Tokyo Tower providing the perfect backdrop.

This year, something new is in the works. At two ‘secret’* locations the lights will change from their “snow and blue” theme to a “candle and red” colour.  

The Roppongi Hills illumination also has a Christmas market with hot chocolate, mulled wine, German grilled sausages, and handmade ornaments (daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the month preceding Christmas); the same goes for Hibiya Park (daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the two weeks leading up to Christmas). 

14. Vancouver
The 14th Annual Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival, is taking place on blocks 2400 through 2900. This annual residential light show has become so popular, visitors are encouraged to walk instead of drive to minimize road traffic. The bright displays of multi-colored lights and other Christmas decor, such as giant snowmen and candy canes, are inviting and entertaining for all.

15. Vienna, Austria
The Christmas season brings the illumination of 
thousands of Christmas lights throughout Vienna. Beginning with the Graben in the inner city, lights shine throughout the streets and over thoroughfares. Shops are decorated meticulously.  
One of the most impressive sights of illumination is on the street leading to St. Stephen's Cathedral, where giant chandeliers hang overhead.  

Boy, do I wish I could take a plane and hit every light show this Christmas season!!!

Please click on the links above to read more about these events.  You never know where you will find yourself on Christmas in the years to come.

For those of you, here in the New York area, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the local light shows to fill your season with cheer!!

That's it for me folks!!

A few last minute errands and I'm ready for getting on my way tomorrow.  

Have a festive day!!

-E
​xoxo