- Good food, good company, good advice from Grandma

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If you are looking to travel anywhere in New York, you have to visit Long Island. Here is a list of fun things to do on Long Island – at night, during the day, and in between.

7 Fun Things To Do On Long Island

Long Island, New York is a peninsula just east of New York City. Since it is so close to the ocean, there are lots of things to do that offer ocean views. This is a really fun place to spend a vacation. Let’s look at all the things you can do on Long Island.

Let’s look at the 3 top things to do at night and 4 fun things to do during the day.

Fun Things To Do On Long Island At Night

Long Island has a huge nightlife, full of drinks and dancing and shows! I’ll share just a few of my favorite things to do at night.

Take A Cruise

Take it from me, a dinner cruise is the most romantic way to spend an evening with someone you love. If you are in the area, you need to take a cruise with views of the Statue of Liberty. That is why I recommend Lady Liberty Cruises. They offer a 4-hour cruise that takes you right up to the beautiful statue. It starts at the Manhasset Bay Marina at 10 Matinecock Avenue in Port Washington

Enjoy A Romantic Dinner

If you prefer to spend a quiet meal on solid ground, there are a lot of beautiful and flavorful places to eat on Long Island. Since it is so close to the Atlantic Ocean, you should enjoy the fresh seafood.

If you love seafood but not everyone in your group enjoys it as much, then The Jolly Fisherman and Steakhouse is the perfect choice. It’s been family run for 55 years, and the food is the best on the island.

If you want the best fresh lobster that the locals rave about, then Louie’s Grill & Liquors is for you. It started as a shellfish bar on the barge in 1905. Today, it is known for scrumptious seafood that you can’t get anywhere else.

Watch A Show

There are plenty of places to catch on show on Long Island.

If you want a family-friendly show, definitely see what’s going on at the Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell. The Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell is a “free and family-friendly entertainment destination right on the 2-mile stretch of boardwalk along Long Island’s beautiful Jones Beach State Park, the Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell offers live entertainment all summer long from the region’s top performers and entertainers.”

While you are at Jones Beach, check out a show at the largest outdoor theaters in Long Island, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. It has a capacity of 5,000 people – so shows here feature acts like Joan Jett, Foo Fighters, and Little Big Town.

What To Do On Long Island During the Day

Yes, I kind of wrote this backwards. But now that we know what to do at night, let’s look at all the fun you can have during the day on Long Island.

Hiking

Long Island is full of parks and places to hike. One must-see is the Sands Point Preserve on the original Guggenheim Estate. This is the place that inspired the Great Gatsby. It is a 216-acre park with mansions and opulent grounds.

If you enjoy bird watching, (especially waterfowl) then visit Oyster Bay. It’s home to a lot of winter waterfowl, including a wide variety of ducks.

Historic Tour

Literary and history nerds alike will enjoy touring the birthplace of American poet Walt Whitman. There are tours, programs and other events constantly held on these historic grounds.

Spend Day At An Amusement Park

Adventureland is the most popular amusement park on Long Island. It has something for everyone. There are thrill rides and rides for the not-so-adventurous. Plus, plenty of games and food!

Relax On the Beach

Finally, your trip to Long Island isn’t complete without day at the beach! What are the best beaches on Long Island? Trip Savvy created the best list of beaches you’ll want to visit on your trip. No matter which list you read, every single one will lost two beaches: Coopers Beach and Jones Beach State Park. Put both of them on your itinerary.

Put these stops on your next Long Island trip itinerary. Pin this post to your travel board and make Long Island your next vacation spot.

5 Things To Do With Your Grandkids in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Located conveniently on the east coast, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a super family-friendly town. So, what is there to do in Lancaster with your Grandkids? I have 5 things you should try!

Fun Things To Do in Lancaster

The 5 things to do in Lancaster with your grandkids include Dutch Wonderland, dinner theater, and children’s museums. You can plan an entire weekend of fun with your family just from this post alone.

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is a kids amusement park in Lancaster, PA. Everything here is created with kids in mind! Plus, the price for admission is so affordable that you will want to spend a few days returning to the park.

Hands-on House Children’s Museum

Your grandkids won’t even know they are learning when they spend a day at the Hands-On House Children’s Museum. It is created for children ages 1-10. There are self-directed play and learn areas, where the child will learn so much more if the adults join in. So if you are looking for an indoor activity that will create memories with your grandkids, this is the place!

Dutch Apple Dinner Theater

The next fun thing to do with your grandkids in Lancaster is enjoy a meal and show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. They serve a buffet dinner (which makes almost everyone happy!) and their shows are exquisitely produced. If you really want to experience everything the Dutch Apple has to offer, take your family on a Thursday evening for a served dinner.

Amish Farm & House

If you think of Pennsylvania Dutch or the Amish when you hear “Lancaster,” you are not alone. This is why Adolph Neuber bought an Amish farm and opened the Amish Farm & House as a popular tourist destination. When you visit, you and your grandkids will learn all about the Amish, their way of life, and the history of their settlements in Pennsylvania.

Lancaster Science Factory

The Lancaster Science Factory isn’t just a children’s museum, it is a ton of fun for kids, tweens and even teens. When the weather is acting up, you can enjoy some geeky science fun indoors – and there really is enough there for all ages to enjoy.

Take a trip to scenic Lancaster, Pennsylvania with your family. There is so much to do – and lots of it is educational and entertaining. I hope these ideas help you plan your next family trip. Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

5 Things Your Child Needs to Know About Money

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You have probably been teaching your child about money since he or she was young, but the teen years are a time to get serious about making sure your child has adequate financial knowledge before becoming an adult. The more your child knows and understands about money, the more likely he or she will make wise decisions in the future. Read on for five things your child needs to know about money.

Savings and Investing

If your child does not already have a savings account, now is a great time to open one. Your child needs to understand the importance of savings from an early age. Begin showing your child how to create a budget and how to always put a percentage of his or her earnings into a savings account. Go over bank statements with your child so that he or she can see how interest makes money grow.

You can also begin to teach your child about investing. If your child is not ready to put actual money into stocks, there are many simulation games online to teach your child how the stock market works.

Debt and Credit Cards

Once your child turns 18, he or she may be tempted to open a credit account. In order to avoid accruing debt, your child needs to understand how credit cards work and see how much he or she will be paying back in interest. Look over credit card charts with your child so that he or she can see exactly how much interest rates make you pay back.

Student Loans

As your child is nearing time to enter college, you will likely be thinking about how to pay tuition. Now is the time to begin looking at student loans with your child and finding the one that will work best for your family. Make sure your child understands that a student loan is something they will be paying back for many years and getting the right loan and interest rate is essential.

Car Loans

Sometime in the next several years, your child will likely be taking out a car loan. Make sure your child understands the types of car loans and how interest rates vary based on the length of the loan. Look at charts so that your child can see that while a longer lending period yields a lower monthly note, it also leads to higher interest and more money paid overall.

Mortgage Loans

Just as with purchasing a car, your child needs to learn about the different types of mortgage options he or she will have when getting ready to purchase a home. You may want to begin with a discussion of how a home is an investment and look at the difference between buying and renting. You can then look at mortgages and interest rates. Discuss finding a balance between interest rates, monthly payments and payoff periods.

With time and instruction, your child can have the he or she needs to move into adulthood and make financial decisions with confidence. Give your child chances to experiment with money and learn how finances work and he or she will be ready to make educated decisions.

4 Things To Do In New York City If You Only Have Two Days

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Back in 1986, I was a Girl Scout Leader in Douglasville, Georgia. Our troop had about fourteen girl members, and four adults. We decided to work towards going on a trip to Washing, D.C., Boston, MA., and New York City. We did all kinds of things to earn the money to go, and finally got started on the trip. We had two days planned in New York, but we had a million things we wanted to do. Here are the things we did manage to do while we were in town for two days and one night.

The Statue of Liberty.

No trip to New York City would be complete with a visit to Lady Liberty. We boarded a ferry out to Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was amazing to see her up close, in person. It was one of the most interesting points of interest we saw in New York. To find out more about when the park is open, fees, and more, see the National Park Service Statue of Liberty page.

Grayline Tours

The week we went to New York was during the hottest heat wave of the 1980’s. We were all miserable. We had planned to do a lot of walking to see some of the sites in the city, but once we got there, it didn’t take us long to change our minds. As the leader of the group, I made the decision to buy tickets to a Grayline Tour. The tour took us around Central Park, Chinatown, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, and more. When we saw the statue of Victory Leading Sherman, one of the girls on the bus said “Isn’t that like a Yankee to make a lady walk?” The tour was worth every penny it cost, and was on an air conditioned bus. We really enjoyed it.

The Empire State Building

The tour we were on was supposed to take us to the Empire State Building, but there was a fire in the building that day so we did not get to go inside. It wasn’t until 2015 that I was able to go back to New York and see it. That time, I went at night. The view of New York City, all lit up with thousands of lights, was so awesome. There is a fee, and lines were long for my night tour, but if you are in New York you really have to go see The Empire State Building at night.

Hardrock Cafe

Yes, we were there with 12 teenage girls. They wanted to go to the Hardrock Cafe. We went, got the T-shirts and guitar shaped pens. Ate dinner. It was fun. You might want to try a New York Slice, or go for a New York Cheesecake, or go to Katz’s Deli.

There are thousands of things to see in New York City. You can’t possibly see it all in two days. The places we were able to get to in our short time there made memories that have lasted a lifetime. If you have only a short time to visit, make a plan, pick four or five of the most important places for you to see, and get out there. New York is so fun, 24-7.

Fogo De ChÃO New Summer Salads

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The good folks over at Fogo De ChÃo invited me and a guest to come try out their new summer salads on the Market Bar. My son, Seth, and I went and we are so glad we did.

If you are like me, and have a really hard time deciding on which cut of meat to order when you go out to a steak house, then you are going to LOVE Fogo De ChÃO. The Brazilian restaurant where they serve fire roasted meats off of huge skewers brought to your table, in the Churrasco style, is one of the most unique places I have dined.

They have two locations in Atlanta–one on Piedmont Rd in Buckhead, which is where my son and I went; and the other in Dunwoody on Ashford Dunwoody Rd. You can check their website to see if there is one in your area.

As soon as we arrived, the manager, Carlos, came over to our table to welcome us. He had a delicious shrimp cocktail brought out, too. It was almost too pretty to eat, but eat it we did. Six huge shrimps over ice, served with cocktail sauce. Carlos also treated us to a couple of cocktails from the bar. For my son, he presented a Honey & Smoke, which had Monkey Shoulder Whisky, gingered honey, Peaty Glenmorangie Original, Luxardo Cherry. For me, a pink confection with Guava that was made with Belvedere Vodka, guava, lemon, La Marca Prosecco. Both were really good. Carlos said they were the two most popular cocktails from the bar.

Next, I went to the Market Table. The Market Table at Fogo De ChÃo is a huge assortment of salads, fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and more. The new items were Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad, and a Watermelon Feta Salad. Both were beautifully displayed, and tasted great. Next time I’ll try the artichoke hearts, and some of the scrumptious looking olives.

Most everything at Fogo De ChÃo is gluten free, even the table bread made from a Brazilian recipe. Other side dishes brought to table include fried plaintain, garlic mashed potatoes, polenta, and an assortment of sauces to accompany the star of the show, the fire roasted meats. When I say that there is a big assortment of meats from which to choose, I am not kidding. On this night, Seth and I tried all of these:

Picanha, which is the prime cut of sirloin seasoned with sea salt or garlic to bring out the natural flavor.

Beef Ancho, the most prime part of the rib eye, oh, so tenderQ!

Lamb Chops, my personal favorite.

Costela De Porco, tender pork ribs slow roasted for remarkable flavor and tenderness.

Filet Mignon, get it seasoned in the gaucho tradition and fire roasted, or wrapped in bacon.

Frango, unique cuts of chicken including legs, and bacon wrapped chicken breast.

Linguica, pork sausages.

Seth and tried all of those items. There were more things to choose from but we just did not have room to try them all. Everything we tasted was so good. I would go back to Fogo De ChÃo as often as I can.

We also tried two of the desserts. There was the Tres Leches Cake, with whipped cream and strawberries; and papaya cream topped with black currant liquer.

The full Churrasco Experience, which includes the Market Table and the Fire Roasted Meats served at table, and sides, at the Atlanta locations, is $53.95 for dinner, but well worth it. You can sign up at the Fogo E-Club to get a promotional emails and other info from Fogo De ChÃo.

The manger, Carlos, with one of the Gaucho servers with a skewer of Picahna.

4 Common Heating and Cooling Issues Found in Older Homes

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Since the housing market crash in 2008, homeowners have been leery of selling their homes to buy newer models and are staying with houses built in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. While there are some benefits to living in an older home, especially one that is paid off, problems with a home’s heating and cooling can crop up as the system ages. If your home is more than 15 years old, there are some common HVAC issues you may want to watch for.

1. Rising Heating and Cooling Bills

If you are noticing a steady rise in your utility bills, your aging HVAC system may be to blame. Over time, the unit might begin to operate with less efficiency. Older thermostat controls that do not allow you to program when and how your system runs can also lead to wasted heating and cooling, as well as a rise in your energy bills. If you notice a change in what you pay for electricity, you might want to have your HVAC system inspected and upgraded.

2. A Lack of Insulation

Technology and advances in the construction sector have resulted in homes that are well insulated from the start. While you might have some insulation in your attic or behind a few interior walls, it may not be enough to allow your heating and cooling system to run efficiently. As a result, treated air might be escaping all over your house. If you notice increased draftiness on cold or windy days, this can mean your furnace can no longer compensate for the lack of insulation and that the issue needs to be addressed soon.

If you believe your home requires more insulation, it can be a surprisingly quick fix. Caulking, foam, and fiberglass insulation are all relatively affordable and can be simple to install.

3. Uneven Heating or Cooling

Your home’s size in relation to your furnace can affect how evenly rooms are cooled or heated. From furnace filter size to the unit’s power output, more than one factor can cause uneven temperatures inside your home. If your furnace is the same age as your older home, it is a good idea to have it inspected, maintained and, if necessary, completely replaced. Rooms that are furthest from your HVAC unit are likely to be affected the most, especially if your old furnace must labor to move air into them.

4. Reduced Air Quality

As your older home ages, so does its air duct system. Over time, the ducts may separate where you cannot see it happen or become clogged with dirt, hair, and other debris that has entered the ducts over time. While your system’s filters work to catch much of the contaminants and pollen that enters your home, the air quality may drop as well. Techs from an experienced HVAC company, such as Wagner Heating and Cooling, can inspect and clean your older home’s ductwork and improve the quality of the air you breathe.

Older homes can have a great deal of charm, personality, and family history to them. However, their age might affect how efficiently their heating cooling works, so if you own an older home, it is wise to have your system checked soon to ensure it is working its best and keeping your family comfortable.

Pangong Tso – Interesting Facts To Know

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Known as the Pangong Lake, Pangong Tso is an endorheic Lake in the Himalayas which is located at a height of 14,270 feet. This sublime lake has been attracting thousands of visitors every year. Picturesque and serene, Pangong Lake is often featured in movies, like Three Idiots and many more. With a wondeful reflection of the barren mountains and clear blue sky, the lake has also been featured in an English movie: ‘The Fall’. Shahrukh Khan, an Indian film actor, producer and television personality, starred in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ which was filmed extensively in Ladakh, with few scenes at Pangong Lake. It has been observed that the filmmakers are using many Indian locations as a backdrop for their movies and Pangong Tso is among them. You can buy discounted Ladakh packages to visit Pangong Tso and other nearby areas for a great vacation.

There are many other facts about this lake which you did you not know:

Border Dispute: Pangong Lake extends to Tibet with only 40% of its area in India. Due to which, a long Border dispute happened. The Line of Actual Control passes through the lake, and thus, boating is prohibited on the lake. During Sino-Indian war in October 1962, this lake area witnessed the heavy military action because it is known as a disputed territory. Visitors get an Inner Line Permit to visit the lake, but they are only allowed to enter after a complete security check.
Flora and Fauna: Despite being saline, the water of Pangong Tso lake freezes in winter. One of the brackish water lakes, it has low micro-vegetation and has no aquatic life. However, there are some perennial herb and shrub species which grow in the marshes that are formed around the lake. The lake attracts many migratory birds, and wildlife including seagulls, Brahmanu ducks and cranes. This is a great destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Lake: Since the area receives very little rain, it is interesting to not that the lake filled by the many streams that flow from Tibet. There is a 5 meter thick layer of laminated sand and mud in the bottom of the lake which clearly suggests that it has shrunken in the recent past.
Ice Skating: Good news for all the adventure seekers! Pangong Lake freezes during the winter and is excellent for ice skating. Owing to this, an ice skating festival takes place and has massive participation by ice skaters from all across the globe.
Global Recognition: Owing to the beauty and such interesting trivia, Pangong Lake in Ladakh, under the Ramsar Convention, is in the process of being declared as a wetland of international importance. If this happens, Pangong Lake will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia.

With all there is to see and do in the area, I am sure you are just as eager to visit Pangong Lake and see it with your own eyes. So, just pack your bags, buy a Ladakh package and go! You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Sleepovers With The Grandkids: How To Make Yours A Success

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The grandkids are scheduled to come over your house for a weekend. You’re really excited to have them over. Though you’re a veteran at handling a group of children in the home, it’s been a while since your own were this small. Times have changed and so have the kids, and keeping them safe, comfortable, and entertained is going to require a little more work than you may be used to. Below, are some tips to help make your slumber party with the grandkids a successful one.

Sarah spending the night with me back in 2007

Get Some Rest

Think a house filled with young children isn’t going to tucker you out? From toddlers to teens kids are very active and will run you ragged if you’re not prepared for it. So, before the grandkids arrive, it’s probably best to take a nap or at least relax.

Plan Activities

Children get restless easy. When they’re bored, you can rest assured that you’ll be in for a night of sibling fights, unnecessary whining, temper tantrums, and mischief. If you want to reduce the likelihood of this happening at your house, you need to have an arsenal of activities for your grandchildren to participate in. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, however, there are a lot of age-appropriate activities you can engage in with the kids. Some ideas might include:

Cooking meals or baking together
Gardening
Watching movies or family-friendly TV
Playing video games
Doing arts and crafts
Outside play (a park or the backyard)
Day trips to local museums, festivals, or fairs

Have Extra Clothes

Though your grandchildren may have come with a large duffle or book bag, you’ll soon learn that what they’ve packed is never enough. A bedwetting experience soiled clothes from arts and crafts or even tattered and torn clothing from rough-housing around could happen while they spend time with you. Having extra clothes on hand, especially for toddlers and younger kids, is recommended. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. You can shop online for brands like SmartKnitKIDS for comfortable clothing for children ages 1-8. Instead of sending them back with their parents, simply wash the clothes and keep them stored at your house for those just in case moments.

Keep Some Structure

Your grandkids love coming to your house. Grandparents tend to be a bit more laid back than mom and dad are, and there is always some fun to be had. When they come over to stay the night, however, you still want to maintain some sense of structure. Find out from your children what schedule is used in their home. Even if you don’t follow it exactly, you can determine when is a good time for meals, snacks, nap, and bedtime.

Pointer: Keeping your grandkids on a schedule maintains the structure which eliminates a lot of idle time and the frustrations that can come from it. It also makes it easier on your children when you bring the grandkids back home as it is easier for them to stay on task throughout the week.

Don’t Forget Health and Safety

As excited as you are for your grandkids to show up at your house for a sleepover, their health and safety need to be a top priority. Make sure that you speak with your children about any health issues your grandkids might have. Find out if there are any special instructions like taking medications or avoiding certain foods to ensure that they are well taken care of while sleeping at your place.

Having a sleepover with the grandkids can be a lot of fun. If you want the occasion to go off without a hitch, you need to do some pre-planning. Make sure that you’re well rested and that you’ve created a schedule that keeps them structured and entertained. Lastly, make sure that you’ve covered the unexpected (like spare clothes), and talked with their parents about their health. Other than that, pull out the cameras or smartphones and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.