June 10, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
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W2GW: Across America

Thank God it wasn't nearly as HOT yesterday as it was on Monday. I actually could've gone to the stables, but I didn't. 
I'm heading there with Cosette today, and hopefully the experience won't be anything like it was last week! 

We've also gotta get our bags packed for the super fun getaway to San Francisco for weekend! 
It's funny, but I guess it makes sense that the smaller the trip, the longer I wait to pack! LOL

And then by Monday I'm gonna need to get crackin' on the packin' for the bigger/longer combo trip!
That is definitely gonna be a chore and a half!

Look what I finally ordered! Others on the way!!

I'll be packing for the Eastern Europe Trip, the MLB ALL-STAR Road Trip, the Cousins Niagara & Toronto Road Trip, and the Road Trip that includes New Hampshire down to Virginia and then back to New York!

THAT'S A WHOLE LOT OF PACKING!

Plus, I'll not only be packing my own bags, but doing most of the packing for Dominic, Cosette, and Dave as well!! 
Like I said - it's gonna be a chore and a half!

So as you know I like to keep active... 
And being that it's W2GW I thought that I'd share a few upcoming events that I'll be participating in. Just in case you're interested, you still have time to sign up too!
My next event is the Gladiator Rock 'n Run in San Jose. 
I luv obstacle courses and this should be an INSANE BLAST! 

2014 Gladiator

The great thing about this event is that it gets hosted in a variety of cities Nationwide! 
Here is a sample list of the upcoming locations:
    ORANGE COUNTY, CA
ROSEBOWL (CA)
    FORTHWORTH / DALLAS
PITTSBURGH
    SAN DIEGO
MICHIGAN 
    ALBANY (NY)
If you are ready to get into BEAST MODE then sign up today!
*Just remember to stay hydrated and bring your own water...Read about my 2014 Rosebowl Gladiator experience HERE

Then a few days after returning from my trip to Puerto Rico & the Southern Caribbean Islands I'll be riding in the 8th Annual San Diego Bike the Bay Community Ride!

2013 Bike the Bay

Another one that we'll be doing is the Long Beach Marathon, which takes place the day after we get back from our Hawaii Vacation!

2013 LB Marathon Bike Ride

And now for the more current events that I've narrowed down for 
W2GW (Where to Go Wednesday):

The San Diego County Fair just started on June 5th and runs until July 5th  

The San Diego County Fair presents - 
A Fair to Remember: a Celebration of World's Fairs and Balboa Park.
Commemorating the centennial anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park, and the great traditions and inventions arising from fairs. (Did you know the bicycle, telephone, ice cream cone, Ferris Wheel, and air conditioning were all introduced at a World's Fair?)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

The Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is running now through September 7th.

More than 30 native North American butterfly species and an array of plants take up residence every summer for our much-anticipated living habitat, the Butterfly Pavilion. Wander through a unique changing ecosystem, witness free-flying creatures interacting with plant life, and emerge with a better understanding of the environment needed for the survival of these spectacular animals.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

As reported earlier the Supercute Friendship Festival is happening this weekend in Los Angeles 
(coming soon to a city near you!)

See your Sanrio friends live on stage in supercute performances! There's so much to explore between the performances -- experience Sanrio's unique world! Dress for the Fest! Get creative, dress up and showcase your favorite Sanrio-inspired outfit. And find exclusive festival merchandise at the Sanrio Supercute Shop!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

And for all of my paesane back east in New York - you know if I were there that I'd be going to this one: 
Dancing of the Giglio & The Feast of Saint Anthony

Belmont is bringing Italian tradition back to the Bronx with the “Dancing of the Giglio” in conjunction with the Feast of St. Anthony. The ancient tradition of the giglio originated in Nola, Italy in 409 A.D. and is still celebrated today. Belmont’s Feast of St. Anthony will be held nightly from Wednesday, June 10 through Sunday, June 14, and will feature live music, carnival games, rides, and of course some of the best Italian food. The giglio is a custom, hand-made wooden structure, measuring 50 feet high and weighing several tons. It takes over 100 lifters, or paranza In Italian, to hoist this enormous structure up on their shoulders as they carry it through the streets while performing various ritual maneuvers. The “Dancing of the Giglio” will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on the corner of East 187th Street and Belmont Avenue on Saturday, June 13 at approximately 2pm.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

And that my friends is about it for today!
I'll send you off with a few pictures of these cutie pies, and see you back here for some TBT fun! 

Ciao 4 Now,
-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
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Next Trip Departs In: 15 Days

W2GW: June in NYC

Hello My Peeps AND Happy Wednesday!

This week has been a combination of GREAT and NOT SO GREAT. But, in spite of it, I'm in such a great mood today.

The Great First...
You know how I totally love the sunny weather!  Well, we have been blessed here on Long Island with the most gorgeous, sunny, breezy days!

Today is yet another one that arrived with sunshine and comfortable temperatures.  

This week also brought some great progress with a new project I've been working on!!  Along with my friends Lisa and John, we are working on a fun and innovative new product concept in the Party Goods area, for which we now have several patents pending!!  

After putting together an initial strategic plan for the marketing of this item, I was THRILLED (to say the least!) that after reaching out to several business contacts that I've known for years, that they are very receptive to meeting and viewing our presentation!  I will be scheduling an appointment to do so next week.

And don't worry - I'll be sharing this wonderful new product invention with you shortly!!!

NOW, The NOT SO GREAT...
So, as you may remember, last Fall I had a family of raccoons living in my house.  They were literally throughout the house as we heard them overhead in the ceiling in both the second floor bedrooms as well as my office on the first floor.

Well, the good news is that we did evict them with the help of my friend Phyllis and her pet control prowess.  I really thought the ordeal was behind me until it was time to turn on the central air a few weeks ago. 

While the entire house was getting nice and cool, my daughter, Rebecca's room was still hot as can be.  So, we called our central air company to come and take a look figuring that maybe it was a simple repair.  NOT!!!  

What they found was that an entire section of the central air ducts in my attic had been completely destroyed by these little home invaders!

I've been dealing with working out the remediation, repair, insurance claims, etc.  That has taken away from other things I need to get done.  IN the scheme of life, it could be worse, so I'm not complaining too much!

The Destruction in my Attic left by the Raccoons

Welcome to another W2GW (Where to Go Wednesay)!

It's June in New York City - lots of fun stuff happening around town.  I'd like share a few with you!!  

> Frida Kahlo: Art. Garden. Life.
Where: The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10458-5126
When: May 16 - November 1
Exhibit Time: 10Am to 6PM
Cost: $20
www.nybg.org
Twelve of Frida Kahlo's original paintings as well as lesser-known still lifes that exhibit the influence that  plants and wildlife had on the artists' work.

Photograph: © 2014 Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust Frida Kahlo, Small Life (II), c. 1928

> Shakespeare in the Park
Where: Delacort Theatre, Central Park
When: May 27 - August 23
Time: 8pm
Cost: Free
http://shakespeareinthepark.org
Shakespeare in the Park has been a 53 year tradition in The Big Apple and this year, there will be two productions - The Temptest with Sam Waterson and Cymbeline with Hamish Linklater

> Jazz Age Lawn Party
Where: Governor's Island
When: June 13 & 14 and August 15 & 16
Time: 11:00 AM
Cost: $55
jazzagelawnparty.com
If you are a fan of the 1920's Era of Hemingway and Fitzgerald, this event is for you. You can step back in time as Governor's Island is transformed into a Prohibition Era partying event, which includes a Charleston contest, cocktails and music.

Jazz Age Lawn Party (credit: TimeOut)

> New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park
Where: Great Lawn, Central Park
When: June 17 & 18
Time: 8PM
Cost: Free
nyphil.org
A great way to spend an evening is relaxing on the lawn and taking in some wonderful music by the New York Philharmonic.  

New York Philharmonic - Concerts in the Park (credit: nyphil.org)

For more information about what's happening around NYC, check out TimeOut New York.  I love this site, as they don't miss a beat with the hottest events!

Well, my dear friends, I'm heading out to get my many, many errands completed today!!

Have a great one!!
-E
xoxo