December 21, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 18 DAYS
​

4 more days until Christmas!

It's the last Monday before Christmas!!!
Can you tell that I'm counting down? **insert lots of excitement**

So like I said yesterday and probably for at least a few days now, we are filled with busy busy busy and go go go days until the 25th.

Yesterday was the kids second to last performance of the year, and it was at Pretend City, the super cool Children's Museum that I could stay and play in all day long (when it's not busy of course).

Yesterday however the museum was quite busy and the International Peace Choir was welcomed by a huge crowd of enthusiastic children (typically the audience is made up of mainly adults).

The silly Reindeer Dance! lol

But before even heading out to the performance, momma (me) had to go get her nails did ;) 
​And get my Christmas color on!

The performance was lovely and even my mom was there in the crowd to support the kids..
​
After the performance we headed to Seabirds Kitchen to chow down on some grub.

I see you!

And although we were already more than half was through the day, our day had barely just begun. We had so much more to still go and do...

Since the kids were eager to get home and finally take a much needed break, it was gonna be just DB and me making the rounds.

On the way home to drop off the kids, we had stopped at one of the nicest and finest gift shoppes in Southern California (Deckers Fine Gifts & Collectibles in Tustin, Ca).
Dave (being the last minute shopper that he is) still had a few people of his list to buy gifts for, and knowing that we've had luck at this lovely store in the past we decided to go try our luck. And as luck would have it we found some beautiful items and a couple of Decoritive Holiday Lampposts for ourselves while we were at it! Double SCORE!!

Then home we went with the kiddos, and off Dave and I went to hit Michaels, the mall (crazy I know), get a special Frozen Hot Cocoa treat from Dark 180 and then Downtown Disney!!

We had tons of success shopping, but we still weren't done...
It was time to go to Mother's Market and then go home to cook a late tho very delicious dinner *that we actually ate on the couch - which we NEVER do - it is a household and family tradition/rule to eat at the table.

But since this was a special occasion...
I bent the rules (for the night) and 9 of us (my mom, Jet, Andrew, Chaplin, Dominic, Cosette, DC, DB, and myself) all sat together watched Home Alone!

Today we have lots more on the agenda with friends gathering at the stables, to the IPC Christmas Party and everything in between, before and after...I'll fill ya in on all the SCOOP in tomorrows Daily!

See ya then,
​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN
​BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 

Shopping Monday....

GOOD DAY AND HAPPY MONDAY FROM SUNNY FLORIDA!!

What a GLORIOUS day!!

Actually I woke up at around 6AM to pouring rain outside my balcony doors.  Boy, was it coming down!

By the time I got up and dressed, the sun was brightly shining and there was a refreshingly, delightful breeze in the air.  Wow, how nice!

One of the things I love about coming down to Boca is the early mornings and spending time with my Dad since he too, is an early riser.

We went to breakfast together, chatting away and laughing. These moments are so priceless.

By the time we got back to the house, everyone else was up. We sat outside by the pool and savored our breakfast.

Beautiful Pool in Mom & Dad's Boca Raton yard

Lovely plantings

Every time I come down here - which is often, I always think to myself...Why do I live in New York? I know that the summers are pretty hot down here, but there is air conditioning and cars, so what's the difference?

The homes down here are so new and open and conduce to informal living.  I just get so down living in New York where the pace is constantly racing and the stress level is much higher.

Don't get me wrong!  I LOVE New York and as a native New Yorker, there are so many reasons to love everything about the Empire State, Long Island and The Big Apple.  There is never a reason to be bored.

But, as I get older, I just see the value of living in a less stressful place, where the weather is mild, the sun is always shining and the cost of living is much less.  Oh well, someday.

The girls are happy as pie, curling up on the couch, watching the videos of themselves riding and jumping at the barn, with their new little friend Mikey as part of the trio!!

As for me, I'll be heading over to the mall today to catch up on a little Christmas shopping.  I find the shopping experience down here in Florida so enjoyable.  The stores are much more neat and organized and the malls are just so welcoming, brightly lit and welcoming.

The other day, i had to run over to pick up, yet another charger.  Everything was decorated for the holidays. What I loved was the cohesive contrast between the warm, tropical atmosphere and the festive, Christmas, wintery decor!

Boca Town Center Mall

Speaking of Christmas Shopping - I found a totally intriguing list of the Top 100 Most Unique Christmas Gifts for 2015.  While I cannot list all 100, I've decided to link the article (CLICK HERE) and tell you my Top 10 Favorites from this list compiled by Dodoburd.com.

1. Make Your Own Macarons Kit
Macarons have really hit the scene in the past few years, here in the States! Last winter, your's truly participated in the Macaron Run in NYC. What a great gift for the baker in your life!!  $40

2. Nerf 2-in-1 Demolisher
As a family of Nerf Gun lovers (my nephew Julian has quite a selection!)  - the "Demolisher" looks like a sure hit!! Safe, foam "bullets" will not hurt your most worthy opponent!  $39.95

3. 3D Printing Pen
I immediately though of my Kelsey, who loves to draw, with this item! This pen emits a sort of gel that hardens on the spot so you can draw vertically and have your drawing stand straight up while you’re still working on it.
$100

3-D Painting Pen

4. George Foreman Quesadilla Maker
Is there anyone who doesn't or did not have a George Foreman grill?  Well, here is the newest in the line - the quesadilla maker is gearing up as the next hot item. Perfect for anyone that loves Mexican food, as it makes quesadilla making so easy, and they come out just right each time you use it.  $27.81

5. SoundTrue Headphones
Lots of music lovers out there, so you can't go wrong with these headphones that come from Bose, a name that is synonymous with quality audio gear. They are supposed to make your music sound better, and the feedback from those that have tried it supports that claim. Give them the gift of better sound with these headphones. $150

6. Tea from Around the World Set
Take them around the world without having to leave the house. These teas have been gathered from some of the best tea producing places in the world. They can sit and savor the flavor without having to renew their passport.  $55

7. Paper Towel Hub With USB PortsI think this is so cool!! Why have a regular paper towel holder when you can have one that has USB ports on it and can serve as the charging station for everyone’s phone and tablets!! Who would have thought!!  $90

8. Beard PackMy Dad has had a beard for many years and this beard pack caught my eye!! It features everything needed to keep it soft and snuggly.  $40

9. 1000 Ultimate Adventures
This item brings together activities and challenges to captivate and inspire gung-ho adventurers and armchair travellers alike. From the epic to the local, on land, sea or even in mid air, the offerings here will encourage you to dream, plan and set off on your own adventure. Explore the world! $17.41

10. Flexible Tablet Floor Stand
Get the best viewing angle without having to hold it your tablet up with a hand, or prop it up against a leg or lap. Great for bedside use, or on the couch to look things up while watching TV.  $100

Well, folks, I'm off to do my shopping!

Hope it's a great day for you!!!

See ya back here tomorrow!!

-E
xoxo