Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

World Hoop Day

Thursday, August 7th, 2008
clomid without a prescription clomid sale drug cialis cialis pill clomid cialis for sale buy generic clomid cheap cialis no rx buy cheap viagra viagra from india order cialis best price cialis cheapest generic viagra online cialis cheapest price lowest price propecia buy viagra from canada cialis soft tab viagra cheapest price buy propecia cheap cialis 10 mg accutane pharmacy buy cheap accutane online cheap cialis overnight delivery lowest price cialis price of cialis buy viagra online cheap cheapest generic cialis online cialis 20 mg where to buy propecia viagra overnight shipping buy sildenafil online order viagra without prescription purchase clomid online cost of viagra clomid online stores buy generic acomplia find cialis on internet compare viagra prices online no prescription viagra buy sildenafil in canada buy viagra low price cialis without rx viagra for order cialis discount cialis australia buy cheap viagra online cialis in bangkok cialis online without prescription accutane discount accutane sale cheapest acomplia prices cialis tablet cialis online review cheap price viagra cheap acomplia tablets clomid discount buy viagra cheap viagra online cheap viagra cheap price cialis overnight buying cialis cialis price price of acomplia cialis online cheap propecia pills find cialis no prescription required cialis soft viagra internet viagra from canada approved viagra pharmacy compare viagra prices cheap viagra in canada cialis purchase cheapest viagra online discount clomid discount viagra purchase accutane acomplia prices purchase clomid buy cheap cialis internet buy sildenafil low cost accutane without prescription viagra india purchase cialis overnight delivery cialis pharmacy online buy sildenafil canada order viagra in canada buy viagra in us discount cialis online cheap viagra pill buy propecia without prescription pharmacy cialis cialis buy acomplia pills buy viagra us cialis free delivery certified cialis discount viagra without prescription cheap viagra internet buy viagra from india cialis canada sale cialis order cialis overnight delivery cheap price cialis discount viagra online clomid online cheap viagra online stores online accutane propecia without prescription cialis without a prescription cialis overnight delivery order discount viagra online cialis no rx required buy cheap clomid online order viagra overnight delivery viagra canada buy cialis cheap buy sildenafil cheap pharmacy propecia 25 mg viagra online acomplia order cialis in canada fda approved viagra price of clomid cheap generic cialis online pharmacy cialis cialis no rx cheap generic clomid lowest price for cialis clomid generic cialis generic buying generic cialis buy cheapest viagra find cheap cialis purchase viagra online viagra malaysia cheapest cialis cheap cialis accutane prescription viagra order order viagra from us cheapest cialis prices order cheap viagra cialis without prescription buy no rx cialis where to order viagra cheapest cialis online order generic cialis accutane prices viagra without a prescription where to buy viagra pharmacy clomid cheapest clomid order viagra no rx cheap viagra online purchase acomplia online viagra buy viagra pharmacy buy cheap propecia online viagra no rx required cheap cialis tablet buy generic cialis online acomplia cheap propecia online free viagra buy acomplia online order cialis online where to order cialis buy generic viagra cialis buy drug lowest price acomplia online propecia buy cialis cialis rx cheapest generic cialis buy viagra generic buy cheap viagra internet cialis in uk viagra pharmacy online buy cheapest viagra on line buy cialis online cheap buy clomid without prescription find viagra no prescription required accutane pills propecia for sale tablet viagra propecia prices lowest price viagra online pharmacy viagra generic acomplia buy accutane buy viagra online viagra prescription buy cheap acomplia online buy viagra overnight delivery best price viagra buy viagra in canada viagra clomid cheap generic drugs find viagra cheapest generic viagra cheap cialis from usa buy clomid online cheap clomid buy cheapest cialis online cheapest viagra price buy cheapest cialis on line viagra tablets overnight cialis cheap cialis on internet best price for cialis order clomid online viagra soft tab cialis cheap price cialis information online cialis buy viagra without prescription discount accutane buy cheapest cialis viagra medication compare cialis prices discount viagra no rx impotence medication buy cialis no prescription required cheapest propecia prices pharmacy viagra where to buy acomplia propecia online stores cheap accutane online cialis order generic viagra cheap acomplia online stores overnight viagra cheap viagra overnight delivery viagra cost buy cialis low price viagra pill order discount cialis 50mg viagra cialis prescription buy viagra no rx cheap clomid online cialis in us cialis approved erectile dysfunction propecia without a prescription order viagra in us clomid without prescription find viagra online impotence pills cialis vendors cialis free sample buying generic viagra cheap cialis in canada order discount viagra accutane cheap find cheap viagra online buy viagra no prescription required cheap generic viagra order discount cialis online propecia prescription pfizer viagra find discount cialis online viagra in bangkok cialis 20mg cialis no prescription where to buy accutane order cialis cheap online cialis no online prescription cheap cialis in usa cheapest accutane prices buy cialis without prescription order viagra online cheap cialis no prescription order cialis from us order acomplia drug viagra cheap viagra in usa purchase accutane online clomid no prescription buy cialis generic viagra soft cheap accutane viagra uk cheap viagra no rx order propecia buy generic viagra online buy cialis lowest price buy sildenafil in spain discount viagra overnight delivery order accutane online acomplia no prescription viagra vs cialis find discount cialis cheapest cialis price cheap cialis from uk accutane no prescription generic viagra viagra free delivery viagra no rx cialis internet best price for viagra buying viagra cheap viagra from canada cialis online stores order cialis without prescription find cialis online purchase viagra cheapest viagra prices buy cialis internet cheap accutane tablets generic viagra online accutane for sale cialis side effects cheapest acomplia cheap viagra from uk buy viagra on internet no rx viagra cialis prices cheap cialis pill acomplia without prescription buy no rx viagra order generic viagra buy accutane online acomplia prescription cheap propecia online cheap cialis internet viagra side effects cheap viagra no prescription viagra prices viagra in uk viagra purchase buy cheapest viagra online price of accutane clomid for sale cheap cialis online purchase cialis online cheap viagra tablets cheapest clomid prices viagra overnight cialis india cheap cialis in uk cialis us buy acomplia cheap buy cheap cialis buy accutane cheap discount propecia propecia online cheap buy sildenafil online without a prescription cost of cialis cheap acomplia online 100 mg viagra cialis in australia cialis online clomid accutane generic cialis drug generic accutane order propecia online cialis uk viagra no prescription pharmacy online acomplia pharmacy cheapest propecia propecia cheap cialis vs viagra viagra discount purchase propecia accutane online propecia sale 10 mg cialis cialis in malaysia order viagra order viagra on internet discount cialis overnight delivery find discount viagra online acomplia online cheap purchase acomplia purchase viagra overnight delivery buy generic accutane purchase viagra without prescription buy cialis no rx cheap viagra pharmacy clomid pills buy discount viagra online viagra bangkok acomplia generic 25mg viagra discount cialis without prescription order cheap viagra online buy cialis us 20 mg cialis acomplia online buy discount cialis lowest price accutane order cheap cialis cheap cialis tablets cheap viagra from usa generic cialis online buy sildenafil in uk cheap viagra tablet viagra online purchase viagra no rx cheap viagra in uk buy cialis from india cheap cialis from canada viagra without prescription order viagra no prescription required find no rx cialis 50 mg viagra cialis from canada order cialis on internet cheap clomid tablets accutane without a prescription find viagra without prescription order acomplia online buy generic propecia order clomid generic clomid find viagra on internet cialis pills acomplia online viagra buy cheap propecia buy cheap clomid price of viagra cheap viagra without prescription viagra pills order no rx cialis impotence cure buy cialis overnight delivery find discount viagra order viagra cheap online viagra buy drug generic propecia certified viagra order viagra no prescription buying cialis online cialis pharmacy tablet cialis buy cialis in canada order cialis no prescription impotence generic cialis buy cialis from canada cialis from india compare cialis prices online order cialis from canada propecia pharmacy approved cialis pharmacy buy cheap accutane buy viagra lowest price no rx cialis clomid prices viagra in malaysia acomplia for sale propecia no prescription drug viagra online purchase viagra sale no prescription cialis cheap viagra on internet order cheap cialis online buy accutane without prescription buy propecia online buying viagra online viagra us where to buy clomid lowest price clomid viagra vendors viagra cheap cialis medication viagra online pharmacy impotence drugs viagra drug cost cialis viagra overnight delivery propecia find cialis cialis malaysia accutane online stores buy acomplia without prescription propecia generic buy cialis online cialis cheap drug viagra online review cialis for order buy cialis on line purchase cialis find cheap viagra buy clomid buy viagra propecia discount viagra information order cialis in us cialis online pharmacy viagra free sample 100mg viagra buy cialis on internet buy cialis from us cialis sale 10mg cialis order no rx viagra acomplia discount 20mg cialis where to buy cialis buy cialis in us viagra no online prescription buy cheap acomplia cheap cialis without prescription buy propecia free cialis cheap generic accutane find cialis without prescription accutane online cheap purchase propecia online viagra rx cost viagra find no rx viagra clomid online cheap acomplia buy generic cialis low cost cialis order cialis no rx generic cialis cheap cheap propecia tablets viagra tablet buy acomplia buy viagra internet cheapest viagra cialis tablets cialis sales viagra buy online buy discount cialis online cialis bangkok cheap generic acomplia buy viagra on line viagra sales cialis buy online order cialis no prescription required buy sildenafil internet low cost viagra drug cialis online purchase discount cialis no rx cheap cialis pharmacy viagra in us viagra generic cheap viagra buy clomid cheap buy discount viagra impotence treatment buy sildenafil citrate accutane cheap generic propecia cialis cost viagra approved cialis cheap viagra for sale find cheap cialis online clomid pharmacy buy and purchase sildenafil online purchase cialis no rx purchase cialis without prescription buy cheap cialis online clomid prescription cheapest accutane order viagra from canada acomplia without a prescription cheap propecia acomplia sale price of propecia viagra price cheapest sildenafil citrate viagra australia viagra cheap drug lowest price for viagra discount cialis order accutane sale viagra cialis 10mg viagra without rx viagra online without prescription buy viagra from us cialis online discount acomplia viagra in australia cialis overnight shipping fda approved cialis

World Hoop Day (Cafe Press)Calling all hula hoopers!  In case you haven’t heard, tomorrow (August 8, 2008 or 8/8/8) is World Hoop Day.  World Hoop Day’s goal is to bring hoops and a little joy to children living in extreme poverty and underdeveloped neighborhoods around the world.  Events are planned in major cities all over the country with the biggest event in San Francisco. 

This year is the 50th birthday of the Hula Hoop and despite its age, the hoop is becoming increasingly popular for adults with hoop clubs forming in various cities. As a girl growing up, I remember spending hours each day during the summer hula hooping with my neighborhood friends.  We’d try to break the current record for most rotations or see what new trick we could come up with.  New fans of the hula hoop use it for exercise and as a form of expression.

If you’re looking to buy a hula hoop today, you’ll find that besides Wham-O’s hula hoops, many avid hula hoopers are creating and decorating their own hoops or buying hand-crafted versions. 

Links: World Hoop Day EventsAbout Hula Hoops 

Flower Festivals

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

Flower FieldsIt’s so nice when spring arrives – leafless trees suddenly explode with colorful blossoms and birds shift into “high chirp” mode.  I think one of my favorite spring blooming trees is the mountain laurel.  Large clusters of purple flowers form with a wonderful fragrance that reminds me of grape chewing gum. 

Here are some of the more spectacular flower and tree blooming festivals around the country.  Grab some girlfriends and take a road trip to see some of these amazing floral displays! 

National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, D.C.)
March 29 – April 13
Given as a gift from Japan in 1912, the cherry blossom trees surround the Jefferson Memorial and nearby monuments.   During the spring bloom, the trees are covered with exquisite pink and white blossoms.  web site (more…)

Valentine’s Day

Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

Valentines Day is right around the corner – which of course brings to mind some of my favorite things: flowers and chocolate! 
Photo credit: Godiva
The red rose, which in flower language means true love, is the most popular flower bought by men on Valentine’s Day. I was recently told about some roses that claim to be the world’s tallest at over 5 feet.  Grown near volcanoes in Ecuador, the climate is apparently ideal for these organic roses.  Even at $250 per dozen, the roses are sold out for the month of February.  For details see Organic Bouquet

One of the most striking boxes of chocolates I’ve seen recently is from Godiva’s jewel-toned G Hearts collection. Not only are these hearts gorgeous, they also come in flavors like Passion orange, Tahitian vanilla, Lemon Drop, Mexican hot chocolate and Bananas foster.  Yum! 

If you’re looking for a local chocolate maker to buy something for your valentine, check out this handy chocolate finding site.

Links:  Godiva   |   Language of flowers  

Pumpkin Season

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

Pumpkin Festival in Keene, NHIts fall again and pumpkin patches (as well as pumpkin lattes!) are appearing everywhere.  As I’ve mentioned before, I love everything about pumpkins. What other vegetable serves as a food source, artistic canvas, candle holder and the perfect symbol of autumn?   
 
Here are some places around the country that celebrate pumpkin season:

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Oct. 13-14 on Main Street
This festival, located 25 miles south of San Francisco, features gargantuan gourds, world-class pumpkin carvers, harvest-inspired crafts, live entertainment, a Pumpkin Parade, a haunted house, pie-eating, carving and costume contests. The pumpkin winning the Word Championship (pumpkin) Weigh-off will also be on display.  Hit the road early if you plan to go – this is a very popular event.

Pumpkin Festival, Keene, New Hampshire
Oct. 20, 2007
This small New England town holds the current Guinness world record for most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place – almost 29,000.  You’ll see an amazing collection of carved pumpkins at this festival.

Other Pumpkin Festivals

Each year Half Moon Bay hosts a World Pumpkin Championship Weigh-off where farmers bring in their home grown pumpkins and try to beat the current record.  This year’s winner took home the prize with a 1,524 pound pumpkin.  Now that’s a lot of pumpkin!

 

Summer concerts

Saturday, July 21st, 2007

AustinOne of the things I love about traveling in the summer is that many cities have a wide array of events going on, including free outdoor concerts and music festivals.  I try not to let the summer pass by without spending at least one evening under the stars at a musical performance. 

Here are just a few of the concerts coming up in the next few weeks - check your local city guide for even more listings:

  • New York - Central Park’s SummerStage  info 
  • San Francisco
    • Stern Grove concerts: through Aug. 19  info  
    • San Jose concert series  info
  • Chicago
    • Grant Park concert series   info 
    • The Art Institute - free admission on Thursdays and Friday evenings with live concerts in the garden.
  • Newport, RI
    • Newport Folk Festival: Aug. 3-5  info 
    • Newport JVC Jazz Festival: Aug. 10-12   info 
  • Orange County concert series:  info
  • Seattle
    • Chateau Ste. Michelle concert series:  info 
    • Bumbershoot: Sept. 1-3   info
  • Lollapalooza Chicago: Aug. 3-5   info 
  • Austin City Limits Music Festival: Sept. 14-16  info
  • Monterey 50th Annual Jazz Festival:  Sept. 21-23  info

Where to celebrate 4th of July

Monday, June 11th, 2007

FireworksI’ll admit it – I’m an emotional push-over when it comes to patriotic events.  I get choked up when I sing the Star-Spangled Banner at sporting events.  When it comes to Fourth of July parades, it’s seeing the men and women who have served our country that moves me. I’m incredibly grateful to them and for the free country we live in. 

As American women, we enjoy many freedoms, and one of our most precious freedoms is our right to vote.  Thanks to the women who struggled before us, females gained the right to vote in 1920.  That seems pretty recent to me – Hershey’s Kisses have been around longer than our right to vote.  Besides celebrating the 4th of July, I intend to celebrate my freedom throughout the year by voting in every election.

Here are some Fourth of July celebrations worth checking out: (more…)

Top Ten Gardens

Thursday, March 8th, 2007

One of the flowers at the Huntington GardenNow that the trees are starting to blossom across the Southern US, it reminds me of all the spectacular gardens there are to visit.  

Here’s my top ten list of favorite gardens:

1. Butchart Gardens (Victoria, B.C.)
What started out as a limestone quarry and cement factory has turned into one of the most beautiful gardens in the world…more

2. New York Botanical Gardens (New York City) 
Located in the Bronx with over 250 acres and 27 gardens, the New York Botanical Gardens is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. web site

3. Huntington Library and Gardens  (Los Angeles)
Known for its important collection of rare books, arts and botanical gardens, the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is definitely worth a visit when in Los Angeles…more

4. Kew Gardens (London)
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew have 300 acres of public gardens as well as the renowned Millennium Seed Bank.  web site

5. Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA)
Just 1 hour southwest of Atlanta, Callaway Gardens is a 13,000 acre resort and is the first-place winner for 11 consecutive years of Southern Living Reader’s Choice Award for Best Public Garden. web site

6. Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC) 
The Biltmore Estate, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, is one of America’s great estates. The mansion, which is the largest private residence in America, has 250 rooms and covers 8,000 acres… more

7. Magnolia Plantation (near Charleston, SC)
Created in 1676, Magnolia Plantation is known as the oldest major public garden in the country. The 500 acre plantation has been owned by the Drayton family for over 300 years… more

8. Skagit Valley Tulips (near Seattle, WA) 
One of the most spectacular floral displays in the country occurs in Skagit Valley in April.  Every year over 1,200 acres of bulbs are planted which reach their peak bloom in April… more

9. Filoli (San Francisco) 
Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is recognized as one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century… more

10. The Flower Fields (Carlsbad, CA)
Located in Carlsbad, the Flower Fields have been a favorite spring-time stop of flower lovers for decades… more

Gingerbread Villages

Sunday, December 17th, 2006

Gingerbread house (National Gingerbread Competition, Asheville, NC)Every year I convince my family to go with me to see the gingerbread houses at the local Four Seasons Hotel.   I love visiting gingerbread villages to see the incredible detail and inventive use of edible materials for construction.  Since we rarely get snow around here - and I like it that way - the gingerbread houses take me as close to a wintry village as I want to get. 
I’ve seen hand-made stained-glass windows from sugar, ironwork made of chocolate, a river made of melted Jolly Ranchers and molded fondant people.

Some of the more impressive gingerbread villages are joint efforts between architects and pastry chefs which are auctioned off for charities.  The results are usually amazing. 

Here are some of the bigger gingerbread displays around the country that you may want to check out before January: (more…)