Lawrence Farms Orchards, Newburgh NY

If you live in New York you are lucky enough to get all four seasons. Fall happens to be my favorite, the crisp air, the fall foliage and the smell of hot apple cider. When October comes around you know it's time to go apple & pumpkin picking. We recently visited Lawrence Farm Orchards in Newburgh, NY.  As soon as you pull in you can smell the hot apple cider and warm apple cider donuts. Since it was an early spring, the apple trees bloomed early which caused and early crop so we could not pick the apples off the trees this year. Over all we all had a great time.

Lake George, NY

After weeks of thinking about a small mini vacation to go on on without using all of my vacation time at work, my fiancé and I decided on Lake George, NY. I remember growing up, my grandparents would take me every summer, and at that age the 3 hour drive seemed like 6. I loved being in such a small town, staying in a hotel with an indoor pool, and morning visits to the pancake house for the best breakfast.  When you think Lake George you think the Minne Ha Ha. Lake George Steamboat Company has been a staple there for as long as I can remember, you cannot visit and not take a ride on one of the 3 famous steamboats. One of my best breakfast places ever is The Silo Restaurant and Country Store. Anything you can think of they have, I chose the Belgium waffles with maple syrup. We had the most amazing waitress that made us feel like family. She asked us if we knew where we were eating dinner tonight, being that she was a local we asked for her recommendation, she said Georges the best steak house in the area.  We took her up on her offer and went to the early bird special of prime rib and it was out of this world, it is a must visit. After dinner we wanted ice cream and I remember seeing a neon sign for ice cream with a rooster on top, you really could not miss it. Martha's Dandee Creme, had an amazing list of flavors, it has also been a Lake George landmark for more then 5o years! It was an amazing trip that I can not wait to do again!

{Minne Ha Ha}

{The Silo Restaurant & Country Store}

{ Yummy breakfast @ The Silo}

{ Martha's Dandee Creme- the best ice cream}

Cheers & love

Gigi's Birthday, The Big 23!

 

 

{ The Birthday Girl Gigi & her boyfriend Corey }

Gigi turns 23 !!! Anyone who knows Gina knows she's always wanted a surprise party, and  it's almost impossible to surprise her. But her great boyfriend pulled one over on her and planed an intimate dinner of friends and family to celebrate. Gina, Kaitlyn & I all work together, so it was extremely hard not to slip and tell her. If anyone deserves to have this party it's Gina, she is an amazing friend who would drop anything to be by your side, and always is there when you need to vent. I feel so honored to have such a great person in my life.  Love you G!

{ Kaitlyn & Gigi}

{ Rick, Gigi, Nicole & Kaitlyn @ the surprise birthday dinner}

{ famous homemade pickles on the table}

Hudson Valley Rib Fest 2012

The hudson valley is packed full of festivals over the summer, and Rib fest is a must. This is the largest barbecue food event in the region. Each year it gets better and better, more contestants  for the best ribs, brisket, and chicken. It is so hard to just choose one. If you choose to attend Rib Fest next year, come hungry, there are so many choices and you can sample a little from each.

Dutchess County Fair

 

Every year I look forward to going to the Dutchess County Fair. Where I grew up they always had a big fair but it was a cheap version of a fair. When I was in college in Poughkeepsie, my fiancé ( boyfriend at the time lol) took me to their fair. I was blown away. It was super clean, a ton of rides, and amazing food. The main attraction was the 4H milkshakes, you could wait up to 25 min for a milkshake and trust me they are so worth it. I happened to forget my camera the day we went so I just have a few shots to share from my phone. If you are ever in the hudson valley at the end of the summer do not miss this great fair.

Homemade ice cream sandwich

On a hot summer day, there is nothing more perfect then an ice cream sandwich. Even in the early fall I crave one last summer treat before it gets too cold. Normally, you would drive to the nearest gas station, or if you are lucky your neighborhood still gets an ice cream truck to get your ice cream sandwich fix. I personally like to make mine home made. I tend to cheat by buying tollhouse cookie dough already made, and pop them in the oven. After, they are baked let them cool on a wire rack. After they are slightly cooled off, grab your favorite ice cream flavor and take a great big scoop  and plop it right on one of the cookies. Place another cookie right on top and there you have it!  Your own homemade ice cream sandwich.

Cheers & Love