Month: December 2020

6

Five on Friday {It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!}

Posted on by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com
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Hello December and hello holiday season! It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I took last Friday off from posting and relaxed over the four day Thanksgiving weekend. I hope everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving. This year, instead of celebrating in Maryland at my sister’s house (or like last year on a cruise ship!), we celebrated with just the four of us.  It was a quiet but delicious day. Here are eight (added extra for missing a week!) from the past two weeks: (follow me on Instagram to see more of what we are up to!)

1. Thanksgiving – Our small Thanksgiving dinner included a Tofurkey, homemade cornbread, vegan green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and a roasted delicata squash salad. This was our first time having a Tofurkey. It wasn’t actually bad. However, I love all the sides so much more!

2. Christmas Card – We ordered our cards from Snapfish and have them stuffed and labeled.  I hope to have them mailed out this weekend!

Dawson's Creek (Season 1)-Winter-Spring 1998-Photofest-H 2016
Photo Credit: Warner Bros./Photofest

2. Watching – This week I started watching Dawson’s Creek on Netflix.  I watched this show in college, where even then I thought they had an overly sophisticated vocabulary for “teens.” It brings back memories of college, where I was when the show first debuted. I also started watching a couple episodes of “The Pack” on Amazon.  This reminds me of the Amazing Race with dogs.

3. Braces Off – After two years, my daughter got her braces off last week!  She was so excited, as this is a huge event in a teenager’s life! ……..and then in about six months, my son gets to get his braces put on.

4. Eating – Macarons from Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe in Arlington.

Pho from Saigon Pho in Poughkeepsie.

The Portobello Burger from Shake Shack.

Jalapeño cheddar bagels from JV Hot Bagel.

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5.Reading –  I am currently reading two books. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson is a YA book that I borrowed from the library for my daughter but decided to read.  I also just started reading an ARC of The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth.  I’ve enjoyed all of her books and am excited for this one.

6. Westchester’s  Winter Wonderland – last Saturday we had a hosted visit to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland.  This year due to COVID it was a drive-thru experience.  It was so colorful, festive and fun.

7. Hiking – Last Friday we went hiking at Black Creek Preserve in Esopus.  There is this cool suspension bridge at the very beginning of the hike and then beautiful Hudson River views at the end.

8. Cooking – these Butternut Squash Tacos with Crispy Brussels Sprouts was one of our favorite dinners this week.  Unfortunately, tacos don’t photograph well. But these were so tasty!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I shared our Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide.

Wednesday I shared my Westchester Weekly post.

Sharing with Friday Favorites!  Have a great weekend!

You may also enjoy:

Hudson Valley Holiday Events Guide

Westchester Weekly {December 2}

Posted on by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week:

Eat/Drink:

Longford’s Ice Cream: (Rye & Larchmont) Get festive and enjoy a scoop (or two!) of seasonal Peppermint Stick Ice Cream or buy an ice cream Yule log for the holidays.

Peekskill Coffee House: (Peekskill) Try the new Rainbow Cookie Latte (Raspberry, almond and chocolate flavored latte) at the Peekskill Coffee House.

Wing Things: A Takeout Pop-up at The Parlor: (Dobbs Ferry) On December 7th, The Parlor is having its first takeout pop-up featuring chicken wings. There will be six different flavors of wings by Chef Sanchez Salazar. Online pre-ordering and pickup only. Check the website for the menu.

Shop:

Coffee Lab Roasters: (Tarrytown) All month long they are offering 10% off all coffee and merchandise purchased on their website (code: DECEMBER)

Katonah Museum of Art Jewelry Show: (Katonah) This year’s show will be virtual, where you can purchase, “a diverse array of contemporary jewelry from a curated selection of artisans.” (December 1-4)

Peekskill Clay Studios Holiday Market: (Peekskill) December 5th & 6th at the Hat Factory, 11 AM – 4 PM. Shop for pottery, jewelry and other gifts at this holiday market.

White Plains Holiday Market: (White Plains) This holiday pop up market will feature over 40 vendors in individual open-air booths. (December 3 – 13) Thursday – Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM, Sunday – Wednesday: 11 AM – 7 PM

Play:

Booze & Boughs at the Bedford Playhouse: (Bedford) Saturday, December 5th, 4 PM. Enjoy holiday themed cocktails while you participate in a wreath making class lead by designers from the Bedford Village Flower Shoppe. $150/ticket

Virtual Chamber Music Festival: (online) Saturday, December 5th at 7 PM, enjoy a screening Watch Party on YouTube of The Purchase College Conservatory of Music’s student performances. Students in the Classical Chamber Music program have recorded a series of duos over the semester for your listening enjoyment.

Virtual Video Holiday Party: (online/Peekskill) Every Wednesday in December at 7 PM enjoy a Virtual Video Holiday Party with Cap’n Goodtimes Entertainment and Gleason’s. Order themed cocktails and food and snacks and you will get a link for the movie with your order.
Movies include:
December 2 – Home Alone
December 9 – Scrooged
December 16 – Gremlins
December 23 – Classic TV Specials (Rudolph, The Grinch and more)
December 30 – Trading Places

Westchester Winter Wonderland: (Valhalla) This year’s Winter Wonderland will be a 1.2 mile drive-thru experience featuring lights and music. (November 27 – January 3)

Check out our Hudson Valley Holiday Events Guide.





Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide {2020 Edition}

Posted on by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet….it’s time. Living in the Hudson Valley, there are some unique gifts that you can give and receive. Our Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide will help you find something for everyone on your list!

Magazine Subscriptions: If you want to give a gift that will last all year, give a magazine subscription to either Hudson Valley Magazine or Westchester Magazine. Both, owned by Today Media, highlight the best of the Hudson Valley and Westchester County, respectively. At just $18.97, this is an affordable gift that the recipient will enjoy all year long.

Park Passes:

On my list this year again, is a New York State Empire Pass. This pass costs $80 for the year and enables unlimited day-use vehicle entry into most of the NYS parks. Some favorite area state parks include Bear Mountain, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Minnewaska State Park. However, I see some New York state exploring in our future and think we’ll get a lot of use out of this pass in the upcoming year.

You can also gift/receive a Westchester County Park pass. If you enjoy staying closer to home, but enjoy the great outdoors, then the Westchester Park pass is a great gift option. For $180, the Family Park Pass is valid for three years from the date of issuance. The pass gives discounted admission to all pools, beaches and parking. The pass allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. Plus, you get discounts for camping, golf and more.

Restaurant Gift Certificates – Now more than ever, restaurants need our business. Even though many of us may not feel comfortable dining inside, many restaurants offer takeout. Gift or ask for a certificate to your favorite restaurant.

Memberships: For another gift that recipients can enjoy all year, think about gifting a membership to one of their favorite attractions. In past years we’ve asked for and received family memberships to the Bronx Zoo, the NYBG and the Historic Hudson Valley.

Individuals and/or couples may enjoy a membership to their favorite museum or art or music institution. Memberships are available at the Hudson River Museum, Caramoor, Katonah Museum of Art and more.

Experience Gifts: If you know the interests and hobbies of your gift recipient, give them an experience gift. Because most of these experiences now require a reserved time, you may opt to give a gift card or get input from the gift receiver prior to purchasing. Below are just a few examples of experiences that can be gifted.

Boundless Adventures – For adventure seekers, give the gift of an aerial park experience. This was a fun family experience (read more here)! They sell Gift Tickets.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area – Have skiers or snow boarders on your list? They may enjoy a season pass or gift card to Thunder Ridge Ski Area.

Grand Prix New York – This attraction in Mount Kisco has go-karts, bowling, a GPX ninja course and an arcade. Gift cards are available so receivers can enjoy a visit whenever they feel comfortable going.

Homemade Gift Baskets – The Hudson Valley is filled with tons of small businesses that make everything from sweets, sauces, coffee and soaps to jewelry and tie-dyed or handknit goods. Purchase some of your favorites and create your own custom gift basket to give.

You may also enjoy:

Hudson Valley Holiday Events Guide