Philadelphia, Photography, Travel

Wine Ferraris and Photos

So this weekend I was looking for something different to do that got us close to Delaware border.. I wanted to do some tax free shopping. So I found the Penn Woods Winery Festival.  It was for a good cause The Little Rock Foundation, benefiting children who are blind or visually impaired.  The main reason I thought my husband might like it was because of the Ferrari’s Club of Penn and Jersey was attending 20 cars displayed.  It was fun for the kids to see.  The Jazz music really added the the atmosphere.

My favorite think I saw in the Ferraris was a needle pointed tissue cozy.   It just made me giggle a $200,000 car with a cozy.

They also had Ferrari peddle cars for adults with disk breaks.. I did not ask how  much.. because we have no place to drive it..

The other thing that I thought was the twist to box wines .. a paint can from Paradox wines. really cool

For me I was happy because it was a photo opportunity for me to use my Nikon 3100.   The had the cars the wine and a great old barn back drop.  Loved it.

So that is what I did this past weekend?

Parenting, Travel

Scientist for the Day: Review OceanQuest

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Recently we returned from a lovely vacation in Cape Cod Massachusetts where we discovered OceanQuest Cruise located in Woods Hole as great thing to do with kids.  While in Cape Cod,  I wanted to do a very special experience with my kids and different OceanQuest fit the bill perfect.

OceanQuest is an oceanography cruise that teaches you about the science of the sea. Woods Hole Ma cape cod which is a fishing village and also know as a leading a major center of marine science education area in the world.  In the town is the oldest National Aquarium in the country and  it is located blocks away from the OceanQuest docks, so you can make a full day of the visit.

We arrive at the cruise with my 2 kids, my niece and nephew ages ages from 10-6.  The cruise is broken into 3 parts lasting about 1 ½ total boat time.  Cost about $25 adults $20 for kids reservations are recommended.   Our group was lead by Fox. He has been with Ocean Quest for 11 years and has a great knowledge of the sea, (Fox has even fished in Alaska. which my son was in awe of. ) Once arriving we split into small groups of about 8 people.

As you pull out of the dock,  you learn about Woods Hole some of the history of the area, How cape cod was formed from glaciers, and the arctic shelf.  Our guide Fox did a great job teaching us.  We learned why Cape Cod is great fishing area.   Th also taught us about water testing.  Which we then got to try for ourselves 2 different methods, the kids loved the hands on experience.   My niece got to record our findings.

Next, we moved to live animal tank in the stern.  This was great the kids loved it they got to touch and learn about all the marine life.  Fox taught us the difference between male and female horse shoe crabs. Also that there is more plankton in the world then any other species even bugs.  All of the kids got to touch starfish, lobsters, craps, and more.  My daughter and nephew got to pull in a lobster trap and see what was inside.  So cool for all.

Final of the OceanQuest  tour was learning about how the ocean water effects the earth.  We did the same test oceanographers do to  water testing for ph levels.  They measuring alkaline levels. All the kids took part in the test, and were happy to do so .  Recording there findings.  Once we arrive back at the dock Fox was great with answering all my sons additional questions.

I have to say the Staff on the OceanQuest hands on discovery cruise were extreme knowledgeable and fun.  Fox spoke so the kids understood  and the adults we engaged also. The scenery was amazing  the water the view of the harbor be sure to bring a camera.   Both kids and adults loved learning about the animals and the water.

Upon return from our vacation on the cape.  My kids were asked what was their favorite part of vacation,   both said the OceanQuest Trip hands down. It was unique and fun trip for the whole family.   If you get up to the cape I can highly recommend the Oceanquest Tour and visiting Woods Hole Ma.

To see with your eyes look at our video. If you would like to learn more about our trip to Cape Cod  Mass. check out my full itinerary of Woods Hole  and our visit.

Disclosure: We did receive pass to attend the OceanQuest but all the opinions in this post are of my own

 

LIfe, Marriage, Psoriasis

Kim Kardashian & My Husband

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Kim Kardashian and her Psoriasis diagnosis.  I am glad that Kim has shared openly about her recent psoriasis diagnoses. I hope that Kim finds some relief  from her psoriasis symptoms. Her concern is really because how she makes her living her looks which is a fine way to make a living and she has the right to do so.  Her Mother has the condition, she understands the affects of the psoriasis and how it can affect her life.   I do have some understanding of her discomfort, because the love of my life has Psoriasis.

Last week,  Sherri Shepherd from the talk show “The View” said openly she does not get what the big deal is psoriasis  is like dandruff.  I don’t normally comment on what is said by celebs.  But Sherri Shepherd,  you truly are ignorant on this subject and should have kept your mouth shut.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease .   It is a disease that can be  debilitating –  psoriatic arthritis, is a disease that comes from Psoriasis along many other serious health conditions.

I have had the misfortune to see what the flake skin disease can do to a family. My husband has 90% coverage of Psoriasis and is inflicted with Psoriatic arthritis.  We have heard many, many treatments over the years.

So Sherri here is your education on effect of this simple skin issue aka  Psoriasis:

  • When my husband could not move for 6 months-  Sure it was a like dandruff.
  • When my husband could not limb the stairs to come to bed and slept in recliner- Yea the white flakes were annoying
  • When they gave a Handicap pass to a 38 year old man and he walked with a cane- A good loofah will scrub that away.
  • When you take cancer medications and expose yourself to treatments that can give you skin cancer- Have you rubbed the diaper from a new born baby on the spots? (really)
  • When I drag my husband off the toilet because he did not have the strength – Vaseline will clear that right up.
  • When you husband asks you not to leave him alone with the kids because if something go wrong he might not be able to move to help. We changed our diet.
  • When he lost 50lb in 5 months because it hurt to eat because of the pain- Have you drank the urine from a English donkey?
  • When we got to the end of all experimental drugs and had an allergic reaction to the last one- Soak in vinegar then wrap in plastic wrap?
  • When the drug to treat it cost $20,000 a month-  Have you tried Lestoil cleaner on the spots I hear it helps cost $1.89?
  • When I cried every day because I was not sure if I wanted to spend the rest of my life caring for an invalint at the age of 36-Calamine lotion take me away.
  • When my son asked my husband when they can go camping or fish again..then he just stopped asking- Yea the mayonnaise is a great moisturizer.
  • When you wake up with blood all over the sheets because he scratched himself raw in the middle of the night- Neutrogena t-gel with coal tar can help?
  • When you think at the age of 21 that you should have a vasectomy so you do not want to pass the disease on to your future children- Have you tried fish oil?
  • When my children wondered why Daddy could not hug them because he cant handle a squeeze-   Just don’t wear black clothing people won’t notice.
  • When you think you family will be better off without you when you are at your sickest- Because Head and Shoulders can fix it.

Believe it or not my husband has tried many of the suggestion above (I will leave you guessing)  because when there is no cure, you do get desperate and what else are you going to do but laugh.

So I ask people to understand Psoriasis is Not contagious. There is no need to get out of the pool when some one with spots gets in.

Psoriasis is a disease that affects 7.5 million Americans of that  30% get psoriatic arthritis (2.5 million Americans)  ,  there is no cure, just treatment, and affects my family.

My response to Sherri Shepherd:

So NO Psoriasis is not just dandruff.

To get more Information about Psoriasis  check out the National Psoriasis Foundation

Parenting, Photography

The Walk

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kids walking

 

I am just playing with my camera and effects, when I captured this moment.  My son was holding her hand for most of the shots they where walking about 20 ft in front of us.  I love watching my son this summer, he takes such care with his sister making sure she is safe. He is turning in to a remarkable young man who I love being around.  He is so honest, sincerity and genuine I love this age the most so far but I say it about all ages. I am excited to see him grow but also I worry I miss the past because they are growing so quickly.   So for now I will cherish this moment.

Travel

The Amish Village: a glimpse in a diffrent world

 

I went to Lancaster County Pa, I was fortunate to learn alot about the Amish. The place where I learned it was the Amish village, when I first arrive I was not sure what to think,  but after listening I learns  many things  I never knew about the Amish. Which is the point of the Amish village,  to educate us “the English” about the ways of the Amish. I learned the Amish do not have churches they take turn worshiping in each others homes ever 2 weeks. Also you can identify an Amish home because they always have green pull down shades.

The tour starts with the house and then you can walk through the Amish life. After the house your are fee to do a self guide tour of   the school, black smith, and barns. They also had animals like pigs, miniature ponies, and more. We really enjoyed learning about all the random facts which make us the same yet different from each other.

My daughter love the schoolhouse she wanted to stay and play teacher all day.  My son thought the barns and smoke house where cool he cant imagine living with no electric.

The Amish village was started by the grandmother of the current owner. She want to teach people about the Amish. I was told the Amish like the idea because it keeps people from exploring on there property. The Amish People are private and keep to themselves.
Take a look at The Amish Village if you get out to the Lancaster area. For me since I love simplicity of the Amish Life style it was a glimpse of a simpler life.

Travel

Choo Choo Barn Fun for the whole family

 

During our Trip to Lancaster we got to Visit the Choo Choo Barn. Located near other trains in Lancaster county is a fun stop to see model trains. My children love seeing all the light and train special effects.  They have 22 model trains in the layout. It takes you back to the day when your dad set up a great work in the basement with trains.

The Choo Choo Barn started 50 years ago as a hobby Groff home on Franklin Street in Strasburg.   Mr. Groff use to have the local school kids come to visit the train layout.  Then it became a Lancaster attraction. I enjoyed talking with all the people who have been part of the history of the model. You can enjoy finding all the Lancaster landmarks. We I loved the level of detail in the display. Like the  Turkey Hill Gas Station has the current price of gas in lights.   I was told it takes over 70+ different connections to make gas sign light up. WOW the Train display is a true labor of love.  My son entranced by the lights and said a big thank you when we left.. so it pleased my 10 year old.

The Choo Choo Barn is a fun stop along your Lancaster travels it will take about an hour to walk through slowly with the kids.

Check out the other place I stopped during our weekend in Lancaster. The Dbl Tree Hotel and Stasburg Rail Road

Disclosure:  We did receive these tickets from the Choo Choo Barn but the opinions in this post are completely mine and those of my family.

Travel

Double Tree Resort Lancaster- U can Win a Stay too

 

So recently we went on a trip to Lancaster we stayed at the Double Tree Resort Lancaster by Hilton.   When you enter the hotel you are greeted by a friendly staff with cookies.  After a long day in Lancaster and  the Double Tree was a welcome place to rest out tired feet. This hotel location so close to Philadelphia (about 1 hour) and it is a prefect place to stay when in beautiful Lancaster.

The room we choose was a suite which had everything you would come to enjoy from a Hilton hotel:

  • 1 king bed- modern and comfy
  • 1 queen bed- did I have to get up in the morning
  • 2 separate rooms-  with a door so we could close the door and watch Tv without the kids
  • 2 flat screens
  • pillow menu
  • coffee pot
  • hair dryer
  • iron
  • refrigerator

The resort has a lovely atrium on the middle of the hotel which many of the inside rooms faced in feel like they are outside. The lobby is spacious but makes you feel invited in to the area. My daughter kept saying hotel was grand and made her feel like a princess.  The ground of the hotel are just as special as the inside of the hotel, with a connecting golf course complete with willow trees.  Walking around the property is very relaxing.

The Double Tree  caters to a families.  With StarFish Cove an arts and craft area for the kids.  My son made me a bracelet and my daughter made ceramic bank such a fun stop.  They have different crafts all week long like tie pillows and tee shirt all for a small fee $3-5.  The ladies who run the Star Fish cove are wonderfully really engaging to the kids.  I had to drag mine out of there they would have talked to them all night.  The hotel  also has scavenger hunts and hay rides for all the family to enjoy.

The Double Tree Pool area is second to none in the Lancaster area.  The pool is exceptional clean and well maintained. They have plenty of chairs to sit and watch the children.  There is a large slides for older kids and a little slide for little kids.  They also have a more traditional pool area with a large pool and lap pool.   It was amazing my kids did not want to leave, and we were told, once we check out we could enjoy the pool the rest of the day,  which we did.  Then we took advantage of  the pool showers to clean prior to going home.  The  1st question my kids asked was when can we come back.

I highly recommend The Double Tree Lancaster it is about 1 hour outside of Philadelphia  and close to many of the Lancaster attraction.. So an easy getaway the whole family will love.

So now it is your turn,  win a a stay at the resort Double Tree Lancaster Win a Vacation

Be sure to check out my review of things to do in Lancaster. Strasburg Rail Road

 

Disclosure:  My family and I were guest of the Double Tree during our visit, the opinions stated in this post are all of my own opinion.

 

 

LIfe, Marriage, Parenting

Sleep? When I’m dead

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bear bed

Sleep is a sacred thing to me. I don’t like to be woken up and I am not a morning person any one who know me knows that I don’t really function until after 9:30am and I 2 cups of coffee.  I think sleep is not a relaxing thing for me.  I feel all the time as a Mom someone is hanging or needs something. During the days it is kids, husband, or clients.  At night the kids want to snuggle which is good and bad because I tend to fall as asleep.   But lets talk sleep.

I get in bed and I am a one foot out of the cover temperature control.  I am a Belly  sleeper . In comes my husband  he is a side sleep one hand draped over.  I  like nothing on me beside the sheets you think after 19 years I would get use to the arm.. nope.  Do not disturb the sleeping giant.. (me).  It takes me a long time to fall asleep some days when I am processing the days events others it is a quick process.  If my husband is not in bed  he wakes me when he gets in.  He does not turn o n the lights he does not disturb the bed .. but he wakes me.  Me since I love sleep awake from my 10 min slumber grouchy.

Kid and sleep  so my kids .. So when my son was young and he use to sneak in our bed. every night he was a nursing baby till the age of 15monthn and walked t 10 months so he would come and sleep with us because he could get up and come to our bed.  Once we moved to Philly we put a stop to the visits.  So instead he would simply Yell from his bed “SNUGGLE” (image a blood cursing screen) every night.. so I can honestly say for the first 3  years of his life I never slept.

Then I was pregnant with my daughter she was a preemie.   I lived at the hospital 1 months before and 2 months after her birth.  Then she wore a heart monitor for 6 months .. so no sleep there.

She on the other hand is all business she will only snuggle for about 5 minutes Then says “ok mommy you need to leave so I can sleep”.  But her trick is she comes in our room at stares at you while you sleep..  in the middle of the night… it is 7:00 am but still creepy.

So my husband have instructed the door closed rule .. if it is close you are not allowed in.   But now is my husband who wakes me…So on the rare days I take a nap every 6 months I can hear my husband , or my son telling the others to be quite  because I am taking a nap there for keeping me up.

no peace for me.. I guess I will sleep when I am dead