Be Ready for Summer with No Hassle

Here's what I keep in the tote, ready to go when the moment strikes:

• Beach towel
• Plastic tablecloth or shower liner (to sit on a damp or muddy ground)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (sunscreen has a shelf life of about 6 months)
• Baby wipes or hand sanitizers
• Microfiber cloth or rags or paper towels
• Mini first aid kit (anti-itch spray, bandages, antibiotic ointment)
• Water bottle and snacks
• Camera or your cell phone with you when you go
• Small bag with spending money
• Hat & sunglasses
• Baby powder and soft-bristle paintbrush (removes sand or dried mud easily)
• Hair ties 
• Long sleeve shirt
• Bag for treasures
• Garbage/recycling bag (not every place has a trash nearby)
• Taking Fido? Grab water bowl & leash
• Radio or MP3
• A watch you can hang from the handle
• Of course a book to read or maybe your Kindle

Voila you're now ready at a moments notice to go enjoy the sun alone or with family and you don't have to search for anything.

What is your favorite summer thing to do?

 

 

 

Things to Do This Weekend...

Wintersowing Workshop on Saturday, January 29
Visit Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown and learn how to start hardy seeds outdoors during winter in mini-greenhouses made from recycled materials. (Registration & fee required.)

 Junior Detective: Whose toes are those? on Sunday, January 30
 Nature sleuths (age 5-6) will love learning about a variety of their favorite animals as well as the tracks they make. Every special agent completes their own Animal Passport to take home. (Registration & fee required.)

Nature Detective: Whose toes are those? on Sunday, January 30
Youngsters age 7-10 are invited to become a Nature Detective! We'll learn to identify various animal tracks and make a cast of your favorite track to take home. Complete your very own Animal Case File too. (Registration & fee required.)

Neck, Shoulders, Hands & Feet Massage on Saturday, January 29
 Learn how to massage the tensed part of the neck and shoulder areas, as well as the soothing and relaxing places such as hands and feet. (Registration & fee required.)

 Comfort Foods on Monday, January 31

From homemade chicken soup to potato pancakes to macaroni and cheese and more, you'll find "comfort" in these traditional favorites. Class is participatory. (Registration & fee required.)

 

To learn more about the Park System or any of its programs, please visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com

Simplify and Savor the Holidays

Simplify and Savor the Holidays

This is the time every year that I start using my Holiday Handbook on a daily basis to keep my thoughts, lists and paperwork organized.

I've set up my handbook in a three ring binder. My dividers are notes/lists, christmas, recipes,thanksgiving, recipes and storage.

This is the perfect place to make a few quick notes. I make a note what went right and what you'd like to repeat (and not repeat) next Thanksgiving, Christmas.

Did I have enough food? Too much food? What did I forget? What recipes were a hit? Which should never be made again? How did the turkey turn out? How did I set the table? How was the traffic? Did I time things well? I also take photos of the table setting jsut to remember.

And most importantly I make notes about what and where I stored items I willl need again a year from now; because I am forever putting stuff away and then forget where I put it. Especially items that I only uses for the holidays I store in the attic and the attic trolls hide away on me. 

I hope this can help you for your holiday planning year afeter year.

Just as an aside, I also have a separate looseleaf that holds all my holiday recipes. Those I made and loved and then a separate section of those I would like to try. these usually are magazine cut outs that I find I want to try. So when I feel the urge to try something I go into this binder.

Old World Christmas Charm In New York City

You don't have to travel to Vienna, Austria or Germany to experience the Christkindlmarkt.

Now in its 16th year the Union Square Holiday Market is modeled after the European style markets. Union Square market seems to be filled with local artisans and crafts people.

There are other markets as well for those who prefer the Upper West Side by central park and a stroll away from Lincoln Center. This market is in it's 7th year and it features original handmade, recycled and organic gifts and decorations.

My favorite market is Holiday Shops at Bryant Park and I can't wait for it to get cold and go there, window shop, look at the skaters and drink some mulled  wine.

Below are the markets and the times that they start as well as the website if they have one.

Union Square Holiday Market
South end of Union Square at West 14th Street
November 19–December 24
Open daily 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
(Closed Thanksgiving Day)

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Southwest entrance to Central Park
December 1–December 24
Open daily 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets
212/768-4242
bryantpark.org

Grand Central Holiday Terminal
Grand Central Terminal, Lexington Avenue at 42nd Street
212/340-2345
grandcentralterminal.com

Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholemew’s
325 Park Avenue
212/378-0222
stbarts.org

Waterfront Dining in Sea Bright

Ross's Dockside
1400 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright NJ 07760
732-933-9400
www.RossDockside.com

The owner of this restaurant used to be the former chef to I believe was the Fromagerie. He now owns Brennans Deli in Oakhurst and now Ross's Dockside.

We've eaten plenty of times at this place and it has not disappointed us both in food and the scenic sunsets, whether summer, fall, winter or spring the sunsets are spectacular.

On certain weekends there is even music where you can somewhat dance to.

When you come down to the Jersey Shore make this one of your watering holes while visiting.

Great French Restaurant

Before going to see Wintuk, we planned to see the Tree at the Rock and then go to dinner. Not going into New York often we stumbled upon this great restaurant.

Rene Pujol
321 West51st Street
NY NY 10019
212.246.3023
www.renepujol.com

The most interesting part about this restaurant other than the food was fantastic. I highly recommend the rack of lamb and if they have the carrot ginger soup as appetizer do not pass it up. I am not a soup eater however this was very tasty and I can't forget their saucisson en croute, it brought me back to my days in Paris at tea time with my grandmother.

Any way this is a cooperative restaurant. Every worker int he restaurant is an owner, from the dishwasher to the chef they have an equal stake in the business. What a great idea this way everyone is responsible for a job done well or NOT.

I give this a 5 thumbs up!

Long Branch FREE SUMMER Events Jersey ShoreCast

June 21 to August 30 Thursdays by the sea at Pier Village see earlier post

June 23 Harley Davidosn Motorcycle Cruise Night from 6pm to 10pm. The finest, the wildest hogs in the state can be seen  at Uptown broadway with musice presented by a disc jockey.

June 24 through August 26 Jazz at the beach on Sundays form 7pm to 8:30 pm held at West End at Bright Avenue will include local bands.

July 4 Ocean fest at the boardwalk. Vendors, bands, exhibits galore. All day and into the evening with fireworks and concert at the beach.

July 14 West End Cruise Night from 6pm to 10pm wildly popular classic car show and entertainement with the Cherubs and featuring the Duprees.

July 17, 24, 31 Uptown Tuesday nights 7p three great concerts in the parking lot of St. Lukes church.

Sandy Hook Beach Concert Series

From June 20 to August 29 2007 every Wednesday at 6pm weatehr permitting at Beach Area E on Sandy Hook Top performers will draw thousands for musical entertainment in this beautiful setting. In the past each week over 2,000 people came to listen, dance, relax and enjoy the live music while eating picnic dinners broght from home. For those who want to purchase their food there is a near by snack bar and restrooms. The concerts end promptly at 8:15pm

For weather releated cancellations call 732-291-7733 after 2pm the day of concert or go to

www.sandyhookfoundationnj.org

June 20 Philadelphia Funk Authority ( funk/ dance)

June 27 Silver Starlight Orchestra (WWII big Band)

JUly 4 Next Generation Soul (rhythm and blues)

Julyy 11 Cherubs (classic rock)

July 18 Beth Ann Clayton Band (country rock)

July 25 Jobonanno, The Godson of Soul (rock and roll)

August 1 Tim McCloone and th Shirleys (rock/Americana)

August 8 Pat Guadano and the Candle Brothers (folk rock)

August 15 The Robert Murdock Band (British Invasion/60')

August 22 TBD Rain Date

August 29 Jazz Lobsters Big Band (swing)

Enhancing The 3 Main Rooms In The Home

Enhancing The 3 Main Rooms In The Home

1.     Kitchen

Light and airy kitchens set the tone for the rest of the home. Thoroughly clean the windows, floors and counters. Then replace with necessary items such as greenery, pottery and linens. Open the curtains turn on the lights and set the table with your best china! If your kitchen appears small, take out extra chairs and tables leaves. Also, try re-positioning your table for a better effect visually.

Your best investments are: A new tablecloth, place mats, area rug, valances, plants and fresh flowers.

2.     Bathroom:

What’s your best investment in this room? A new shower curtain, coordinating towels and bathroom rug. Simply, they make the biggest impact because they cover the most space visually. Clear off un-used items on the vanity and replace with just a few attractive soaps, magazines and towels.

3.     Master Bedroom:

Remove any clutter. Any pieces that are overcrowding the room. Soften the harsh lines with fabrics and plants and, make sure it’s light, airy and comfortable. Re-arrange furniture when necessary, to appear spacious.

Your best investment: An attractive comforter, throw pillows and matching valances. A few well placed pictures (hung at eye level)