Showing posts with label autumn 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autumn 2016. Show all posts

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

Fall is somehow identical with pumpkins. And Halloween as well as Jack O'Lantern.
I guess many of us were having a blast last Halloween, including carving this famous orange icon.

Speaking of Jack O'Lantern,  have you seen the Great Jack O'Lantern blaze




Yes, the blaze.
When you have around 7000 (indeed..seven thousands) Jack O'Lantern beautifully lit in a historical manor.
And it's in Tarry Town, where we have the famously haunted cemetery, Sleepy Hollow.




We've heard about it since the first time we arrived here in NYC, but we finally get a chance to do it this Fall. I have been eyeing the ticket since September but apparently I was too late to get it for October. This event is so popular that we only manage to get the slots we want on the third week of November.

our ticket
The show is held in Van Cortland Manor, one of the historical spots along the Hudson Valley. Historic Hudson Valley is the NGO hosting the event and they surely make sure that this annual event become a memorable one.

The ticket is $25 per adult and $20 per kids (3-17 year old) during weekend, and $20 per adult and $16 per kids (3-17 year old) during weekdays.

We arrived at 7.35 PM, 5 minutes late from our designated time but it was okay. We got the parking spot and couldn't wait to see all those beautifully hand-crafted pumpkins. As the website said, there are around 7000 pumpkins are being displayed.

As we strolled around the main street called Pumpkin Promenade, we were awed by the ambience of the manor.  Bo et Obi just couldn't help shouting in excitement while looking at all those pumpkins. Some are scary, some are funny..they even have the Obama face carved on it!




We walked through the path and stopped at the Pumpkin Zee Bridge. Amazingly, we also saw a giant Sea Serpent there..all made of pumpkins!




But the most beautiful in is the  Pumpkin Planetarium.
It's soooo beautiful. Colors are changing while we walked under the stars.
Pumpkin stars!




As we continued our walk, we saw more incredible statues and figures made of pumpkins, including several type of dinosaurs from Jurrasic Park, giant spider webs, pumpkin stamps, 
and grandfather clock in on of the corners. I also love to see the elaborate Celtic knot carvings which are very detailed.

We finished the trip by taking more pictures with pumpkins and bought some souvenirs.


For sure, it's a great show and if you happen to be in NYC or the surrounding around Halloween time, this will be a great event that you and your family will enjoy.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Van Cortland Manor
525 South Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520


Ready for Trick or Treat?





Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post but all stories and opinion are 100% my own.

Trick or treat...

One of the exciting thing about October is Halloween.
Well.. I know all the controversy about it back home but for me, it's just one day filled with costumes and walk around the neighborhood with my kids :).

So.. Are you ready?

Many of us here in Astoria, NYC, are!
I have seen some elaborated yards, ranging from super creepy-cemetery look  to super cute wicked-witched toppled down from her broom. Not to mention spiderwebs and stack of jack-o-lantern here and there. Very festive!
Love to see them all.

This year will be the third Halloween for us here in NYC. I remember the first one back in 2014, when I was in the middle of chemotherapy. Weak because of the drugs I had to take during the chemo, we only managed to walk for one block. After that, I sat on our porch with a large pail full of chocolate waiting for the kids to grab them. In 2015, I managed to have a long walk with my kids around my neighborhood. This year, we might join or at least watch the annual Halloween parade in East Village, NYC. Super excited indeed.

As for the home, we don't really do much but we have a touch of Halloween in our mini front yard. Not much but it's there :).


So now... let's see what's on the costume department :).

2014, I chose to be pinky girl, while Obi was snow white and Bo went out as a ninja.

In 2015, I had fun being a wicked witch with green face and purple hat, while Obi was beautifully donning Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony, and Bo was again a ninja.


This year, I have decided to be Fallen Angel, while Obi has chosen to be little cat and Bo will be the pirate :). I haven't really decided on the make-up but I got some ideas already. So, we'll see.

here are our choices for this year...

And Halloween is not complete without candy
Chocolate, candy, pretzels and mini Halloween-related items...
Those are our favorite :).

a lot to choose :)

Last year we had quite a moderate amount of chocolate, candy and  other Halloween items, like fake fangs, masks, and petit Halloween decoration. 

Speaking about candy, I usually make sure that we have enough, but not too much for the kids. Once in a year it will be okay, I suppose.

And now, here are a few tips for a safe trick or treat this Halloween.


Stay safe and alert


On the street, around your neighborhood, wherever you and your kids are, we have to stay alert.
Kids tend to be so excited and they don't really pay attention to the surroundings. So it's better to accompany your young children or ensure that someone old enough will take care of them.

We have to be careful when crossing the street and be extra cautious and watch where the kids going. Watch out for the traffic, too.

As it's usually going to be dark, carrying a flashlight might be handy for you and the kids.

Watch what you grab and eat

Those chocolate and sweet stuff might be super tempting for the kids, but we have to be careful with food allergies.
Many of those Halloween food products have peanuts and/or gluten. It will be best to ensure the kids know exactly what their allergies are.

What I have done so far is that we bring all the candy and chocolate home then they can eat it at home instead of while we are walking around.

Another thing that we have to mindful of is the expiry dates. Sometimes, some candy and food are from last year and pass their expiry dates. Always good to check things out first. 

Mind the weather

It's the end of October. In many places, temperature drops already. Just like here in New York City.

So, to be on the safe side, better make sure that the costumes will be warm enough, especially for the kids. We don't want them to catch cold or even nastier flu just because of that. 

Have fun


Of course, the most important thing about this annual event is that you do have fun with your kids, family and friends. With all the necessary preparation, we should all have a lovely and enjoyable night.
Staying safe during Halloween should be manageable.

So, are you ready for trick-or-treating?
Get your candy, costumes and enjoy!

Have a blast!

WW: Fall Foliage at Lake Tiorati, NY

Enjoying Fall?

Me, too!
Definitely love to drive around the Seven Lakes Drive to enjoy Fall foliage this year.


We stopped by near Lake Tiorati, New York, to enjoy the falling leaves..

so serene...

Simply can't get enough of the lovely ambience we saw along the way.

beautiful colors..


feels like taking pictures all the time :)

how do you enjoy your Fall?

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun bloghopping :)


The Autumn Leaves (again)



Fall....

Always be my favorite season...
Do you like fall or autumn as well?
The changing colors of those trees really lure me and put me in a soothing mood.
The bright orang pumpkins, fallen leaves, and cool temperature just make it more alluring.

I don't know exactly when I develop this habit of chasing Fall Foliage.





Yup...fall foliage.

September - October seems to be the perfect time of the year to enjoy fall foliage.
At least at this side of the world
Take a trip or two, enjoy the drive, overlooking the windows with leaf-peeping roads.
Get your photo gear ready and capture the moments.

When the changing colors wash away pain and sorrow.
When beautiful skies embrace you as hopes and prayers are solemnly whispered.
And the red hues before your eyes warm your heart.




Ah.. it feels so good to see all this beauty!
So fullfilled, so repurposed.


It somehow gives me extra energy
to go through long and winding roads...





and stay blessed...

I hope you enjoy your fall as well.



Photos were taken by me and Udi, my hubby
during our trip to Nantua, France ,  Derboronce, Switzerland and New York, New York

Join us on Skywatch Friday and stay blessed with those gorgeous skies!