With Halloween just 6 days away we decided it wasn't too late to grab up a few pumpkins over at Schmitt's Farm for carving or even better, for pies. My boys and I were accompanied by great friends and spent a beautiful Indian summer day out in Melville, N.Y. There's plenty to do and you're guaranteed to have a great time.
In the pic above that was only half of our group and the farm was already filled with excited pumpkin pickers by 11am. We hopped on the Free hayride, which brings you to the pumpkin patch and the corn maize maze{$8}! If you plan to pick pumpkins we would suggest bringing your own sacks, tote bags or wagon for carrying them in. As you leave the field with pumpkins in tow, they are weighed by the pound to figure out the cost.
Teamwork gets the job done!
The troupes had been rallied up and bets had been made to see when we"ll make it to the end.
I would advise bringing snacks in case you are in the maze longer than planned because you can't eat the corn, although a few of the hubbies and kids tried. Thank goodness for smart wives/mommies!
The paper on your left is what the farm gives you, that box in the corner is a map of the maze. The large print out on the right of the screen is the enlarged map we printed out, a big time saver and much clearer to see. Every year the maze design changes, this year it was of Lady Liberty and the check points were of famous New York landmarks such as The Guggenheim, The Empire state building and Radio City Music Hall.
We made it out of the maze in about 1 1/2 hours which meant we are all pretty hungry and ready to crash.
The boys enjoyed picking pumpkins and playing in the large pumpkin shaped bouncy house and there are great opportunities for silly photos.
The inflatable slide was definitely a must do but please keep in mind that these bonus activities (pony rides, petting animals etc.) are additional costs, but well worth those smiles.
We had an awesome time but unfortunately we didn't get the chance to check out their haunted house but from the slide show it looks like a fun way to get spooked and celebrate Halloween! I hope you guys get a chance to spend the day there, it's a great farm to visit.
Found these homemade caramel and candied apples here!
The hubby and I take the boys to street fairs all the time and I'm always drooling over the candied apples and strawberries. There's nothing like the deliciously sweet taste of these yummy treats all year long . I love that you can decorate them in so many different coatings: sprinkles, candy corn, chocolate chips (I'm going to try some with pop rocks and white chocolate!) In the October 17th issue of Family Circle magazine they did a a feature on the treat and showed readers how to create them at home with a handful of ingredients and microwaving shortcuts! thought these creations would be a great idea for me to try for Tristan's 1st birthday, Halloween or just because we're craving sweets. If you'd like to learn how to make quick simple Cookies & Cream, PB & Toffee or Spicy Cinnamon candied apples get your candies out, your apron on and follow these recipes
There's nothing worse than a house full of sick people on sunny Saturday morning! It's just my luck everyone's sniffling, sneezing and scratching their throats. The computer was even sick last night so I couldn't post this early. I guess it couldnt have come at a better time sinceTristan's first birthday party is a week from today, so here's hoping we get this over quickly! I'm leaving it up to YOU my readers to go out and explore the city for us and share what you did. I hope this doesn't find you too late! Happy Weekend All!
KEY TO EVENTS:{E} for everyone {D} for a date {C} for the Chicas {K} for the kiddies {F} for the Fellas {P} for the pets
Weekends in October ~ Boo at the Zoo @ the Bronx Zoo ~ (Events go on throughout the day) {E}For discounted ticket prices order online
Celebrate a New York Halloween tradition! October weekends are packed with activities, including hay mazes and hayrides, costume parades, musical theater, magic shows, and live music. Embark on a Haunted Safari to explore their B.O.O. Labs where Dr. D. Zaster is putting the final touches on Expedition Earth–his top secret experiment. Best of all, come visit with their bats, cats, and creepiest critters.This weekend, don't miss your chance to meet cast members from the Broadway musical Wicked And don't forget, kids in costume get in free!* Location: Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road, Bronx, NY
For more event information: http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/boo-at-the-zoo.aspx
Weekends in October ~ NYC A-scarium @ the Aquarium ~
(check site for schedule of event times){E} For ticket prices check here
At the Aquarium’s annual Halloween celebration, meet all our sea monsters, and enjoy magic shows, live music, storytelling, and crafts activities. Don’t miss their special Halloween 4-D feature, The Curse of Skull Rock, showing in the theater outside the aquarium entrance. Collect treats at their treat stations, and venture into our creepy Shipwreck. Kids in costume get in FREE! Location: Surf Ave at 8th street
Saturday Oct. 22nd - Oct. 31st ~ The Haunted Pumpkin Garden ~ (Various Times) {E}Adults: $20 Students/Seniors: $18 Children 2–12: $8 Children under 2: Free
Members: Free
Pumpkin sculptures of spooky scarecrows, frightening spiders, sneaky snakes, and more designed by artist Michael Natiello await discovery at every turn in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Youngsters play inside a ''gourd-geous'' Pumpkin House, put on a scary show at the Pumpkin Puppet Theater, have a ''hoot'' finding out what owls eat by dissecting pellets, and look for wiggly worms under a rotting log. Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear scary costumes for daily parades through the Adventure Garden. This weekend The Haunted Pumpkin Garden gets scary after dark. Brave kids (with flashlights in hand) navigate around the eerie sculptures and go trick-or-treating along the garden paths. After exploring, decorate a pumpkin to take home Location: The New York Botanical Gardens 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx NY 10458
For more event information: http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/haunted-pumpkin-garden/index.php
Saturday Oct.22nd & Sunday Oct.23 ~ Fall Festival @ Dekalb Market ~
(check site for times ){E} FREE food and merchandise for purchase
During this two day event enjoy checking out the newest addition of vendors to this unique market place.
Children can enjoy face painting before joining in the Halloween parade, make crafts and trick or treat! There won't be treats just for the kids, the grown folks can enjoy German draft beer and seasonal treats from http://mrsdorseyskitchen.com/ and http://www.buildingonbond.com/. On Sunday in addition to the face painting, crafts and treats, there will be a special family movie shown to celebrate Halloween. Location: Dekalb Market 138 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, at the intersection of Flatbush ave extension and Willoughby.
For more event information: http://dekalbmarket.com/
Saturday Oct.22nd & Sunday Oct.23rd ~ BEING ELMO ~
(Check site for show times/ Meet Kevin Clash and Elmo @12:35, 2:25 and 4:15 this weekend) {E}
Image from IFC site
Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. But few people know his creator, Kevin Clash. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson, on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of the Muppets. Tickets: Adults $13, Kids and Senioes$9 and members $8 Location: IFC THEATER 323 SIXTH Ave at West 3rd street
For more event information: http://www.ifccenter.com/films/being-elmo/
Saturday Oct. 22nd ~ VH1'S Save the Music Family Day ~
( 10am-4pm) {E} FREE Throughout the Day Children of All Ages Can:Explore playing instruments at the Instrument Discovery Zone, experience Musical Workshops & Activities, Sing Along Story Time, a live Drum Circle, attend a Tribute to the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, enjoy a Getting To Know Rodgers & Hammerstein Interactive and meet SpongeBob Squarepants! Location: PS 334, The Anderson School, at 100 West 77th Street in New York City For more event information: http://vh1savethemusic.com/familyday
Saturday Oct. 22nd ~ The 21st Annual Tompkin Square Park ~
(12pm-3pm) {P}FREE
Over 3,000 spectators will gather in Tompkins Square Park to watch hundreds of masquerading dogs in the country’s largest Halloween Dog Parade. Area merchants are invited to participate in this exciting community renewal fundraiser. All proceeds go to the N.Y.C. Department of Parks & Recreation for the upkeep of the newly restored Tompkins Square Dog Run.
Location: Tompkin Square park dog run on 9th street between Ave A and B
Sunday Oct. 22nd ~ Meet the cast of Broadway show The Addams Family @ Books of Wonder ~ (12pm-1pm) {K/3-8} FREE Join cast members for a very special storytime featuring books from our Books of Wonder & The Addams Family Halloween book table. The cast members will sign autographs, take pictures with fans and the storytime will wrap up with one lucky family winning a free pair of tickets to see The Addams Family on Broadway.
Looking for other great things to do this weekend? Check out Time out New york and Time Out Kids online and in news stands. One of my absolute favorite go to sources for things to do around NYC!! ~ Dellah's Jubilation is only suggesting events that are thought to be fun and interesting based on opinion. Dellah's Jubilation is not responsible for cancelled events or any other event changes (time, location etc.) due to mother nature or those running the event. Please double check all links to event for updates and changes. Dellahs Jubilation is not affiliated with Time out New York or Time Out Kids New York or any other magazine. I just love their magazine and site when on the hunt for things to do. Dellah's Jubilation always intends to give proper attribution if a credit was foreseen, it was purely accidental and credit will be given where it's due. Most importantly hit the streets and have fun
Flipping through the pages of my October issue of Glamour, I thought their What to Wear article "Crushing on Prints" was right on point. Although I am by far not one of those people, there are many who shy away from prints because they aren't sure they can make them work well for them. When all they need are these key suggested pointers that will help them embrace it with confidence. What's not to love about fabulous print it's so much fun.
This is just a smidgen of the print in my closet. After snapping this pic
I realized my print pieces outnumbered the solid colors. All I can say is
Prints make me happy!
Erin Beatty co-creator of the fashion label Suno gave her three rules for mixing patterns and i thought I'd share:
When in doubt go with similar hues: Yellows, golds, tans and beige's, purples and blues or she even advised focusing on one main color and combining it with white.
Mix geometric shapes with floral prints and play with the size of your prints.
If you still aren't quite sure if prints are your newest fall staple, she suggested trying it in small doses accessorize with a great scarf or what about a pair of ballet flats (leopards an easy choice)?
Here's a clip of Suno's Spring 2012 showing for fashion week, do you like their incorporation of prints?
Blogger Ashlee of Capernaum Home doubted that this collaboration was a DO
but this ultra feminine blouse combined with a bold striped sweater is a big Y-E-S!
Mixing print is uncharted territory for me, but these combination of colors ,texture and prints are simply chic! Love it! I may have to try it! Are you already trending with your use of print on print or does the thought of it make you hesitant?
Tacha, Venesa, Marta (The Birthday Girl) & me Dec.2010
Last December my girlfriends and I played tourist in the East Village of NYC to celebrate our girl Marta's B-day. We enjoyed having brunch at the cozy Paprika, poking in and out of the several cutesie boutiques and then made our way to the cupcake paradise confection-ately known as Butter Lane. First off I need you to keep in mind that if you live here in New York or you are planning to visit, you should click on this not to be missed out on GROUPON link for their Cupcakes 101 Icing Class including cupcakes to take home, by the time this is posted they will have sold over 1,500 of this deal and it's only been up 2 days!!
Butter Lane is devoted to making the perfect cupcake. The staff's main focus is on the use of pure ingredients like real vanilla beans, pure cocoa and dark chocolate and they offer both French and American buttercream icing. Butter Lane has been featured on the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate , the Martha Stewart show and in InStyle Magazine for their phenomenal sweet treats! I love that you can pick your own combinations of icing and cake so that you can sample a bunch and maybe share one or two! Another reason you must check out Butter Lane is for it's baking classes that are great for celebrating birthdays or even a date. Throw on an apron and have fun, great for those who love to be in the kitchen and for those like myself who don't even know how to work a stand mixer.
Visit BUTTER LANE @
East Village
123 E 7th St.
Manhattan, New York 10009
(212) 677-2880
240 Seventh Ave between 4th and 5th Streets, Park Slope, Brooklyn (p) 718-369-0466
Another rainy, cloudy day in NYC. Currently I am in walking, talking, blogging Zombie mode. My eyes are open but truly I'm sleeping.Yesterday was a long day of keeping up with my Tristan a soon to be 1 year old who tried to eat my science home work experiment, and managed to climb up and into his bouncer all on his own, (which is now newly added to his repertoire), and catching up on the dreaded school work. I thought in honor of my lack of sleep the last few days we could celebrate Sleepovers, an event in which sleeping is the very last thing you'd actually want to do. I'm hoping by the time Tristan's second nap time rolls around this afternoon, I can curl up in a blanket with one eye watching dvr'd Rachel Zoe episodes, one eye in a magazine and the other closed to the silence of dreamland.. um wait, that's one eye too many .
This past weekend my boys and I got to sleepover at The D'Annas house with Mike, Rach and lil miss Emily (who is utterly adored by Tristan). It was like a mini vacation, we didn't have to cook or clean or swat mosquitoess and simply enjoyed our time with friends and some much needed relaxation! I'm also obsessed with their Keurig coffee maker and i'm trying to justify buying it for the guests at Tristan's birthday party. It also gave us grown-ups an opportunity to reminisce about what we loved most about Sleepovers.
Sleepovers were always a bunch of fun growing up. Gathering up all your besties to adorn their cutest pj's and character slippers to see who was going to stay up the latest. It was the one time your parents didn't hassle you too much about going to bed!as long as you kept your voices down. You'd stay up all night watching t.v and scary movies, gossipping about boys. One of my favorite sleepovers was with my bestie Liza, we didn't go to our Junior High School prom so she stayed over at my house. We pigged out on junk food, played Sega video games, I braided her hair and we had a dance party while watching MTV videos till the sun came up.
Who can forget the games we played to pass the time, everything from the Ouija board ( I'm sure I'm not the only one who moved that pointy arrow thing to different letters and pretended it was really a ghost), to twister.
How can we forget those silly teenage games that glorified a young girls addiction to boys, talking on the telephone and spending all of our time aimlessly wandering the mall with no money (mall madness)
Halloween is only 2 weeks away and I'm having a difficult time juggling my focus between Tristan's 1st birthday party and all the fun stuff of Halloween for CJ who has yet to decide what he wants to be for Halloween. He either wants to be a character from Star Wars or from Dragon Ball Z. Have you guys bought your costumes and the ones for the kiddies? or have you decided to get the glue guns out, the felt, the pom poms and glitter and get creative this year?
This Lego costume is really fun and easy to do. The great part about it is family and friends can make similar costumes and just choose a different color!!
I'm a big Sushi lover so these are just the cutest!! I love that they come in varied types. I'm sure my readers could recreate this at home. Unfortunately this item already sold on Etsy and the shop isn't taking anymore custom orders until after Halloween but I thought I'd share!
This Mary Poppins Costume was found on one of my fave blogs Keiko Lynn
We were out at Madison Square Park this weekend and saw the cutest little girl dressed up as a bunch of grapes in a purple leotard covered in purple balloons for the Time Out New York Kids Fall festival. The idea was so simple, so frugal minded and absolutely adorable! When I think of homemade costumes I think back to my childhood get-ups that my mommy made me. The first one that comes to mind that always makes me cringe was the infamous "Tree". A huge brown paper bag collage of leaves, twigs, and those brown string bean looking things were glued on and two little eyes were cut out. All I can remember was thanking the stars that I wasn't at home in our neighborhood that year and that we were trick-or-treating on the Lower East side with my grandmother where nobody really knew me.
There was also the time I was a fat black cat with living room pillows stuffed into my leotard and the years I wore a ninja costume and a Casper the ghost costume. Despite how much I may have initially dreaded wearing those costumes I always had a great time and more importantly ended up with bags full of treats. Looking back I really appreciate my mom taking the time out to create them for me.
I hope you enjoyed some of these homemade costumes I found searching through Pinterest in hopes of a bit of last minute inspiration.
