TND West

There are few things in this world that are certain.  But you can always depend on the turn of seasons, and Summer will turn to Fall.  This means that the heat will go away, and it will be time to get the warm clothes out again.  It’s a nice time to think about cozying up to the ones you love, and to consider all the good things in life.  Good food accompanies everything, practically, and just because the temperatures are turning doesn’t mean that you have to cook inside.  You’ll see with your new outdoor kitchen how the taste from our fire magic grills goes with any season.

There is something exquisite about the idea of grilled food.  You’ll see how complex this exquisiteness can be, and how many different ways food can be fantastic.  It will take some time before anyone could enter into the master chef category, but the whole neighborhood is going to be grateful for your choice in cooking outdoor from the get-go.  Once the smell hits the air, you’ll have the people salivating and the dogs dreaming.  You’ll soon become an expert on things you didn’t care much about previously, such as the distinction between natural gas and propane.

Our grills have both, and you can choose to your liking.  You’ll see that there are differences between the two, and they’ll affect how you do things.  A little bit of research will reveal that propane is heavier, but burns cleaner, so there are advantages and disadvantages to both.  Beyond this, there are more categories, and you’ll enjoy discovering how much your cooking will cross between science and art, and how much you’ll like talking about food.  Soon enough, you’ll probably find yourself thinking about more subtle differences, like propane vs. charcoal, and knowing the best place in the neighborhood to find both.  It’s something we all go through when we start cooking outdoors, and the good news here is that there is no end to the learning.  And the neighbors never get over the fantastic smells, and of course, the dogs never get tired of dreaming.

Some of the best hiking trails in the world for scenery are in Hudson Valley, New York. Trail take one from river level through dense forest filed with thick under grow the of vines, berries brambles, ferns and wild flowers. Te views offered of Hudson are gorgeous. Pan aromas of the river and the endlessly rolling emerald hills across the river at the top of trails in Beacon,Breakneck and Bear Mountain you can see the tops of the tallest buildings in New York City. Streams, pond and creeks abound in the area with abundant rainfall in the area the forest is filled with wild life and an enormous variety of plants. In Beacon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/briaz/2223678948/)there are trails that take you down to the river. You pass through what feels like the forest prime evil, under a dense canopy of oak, maple, and other trees. The berry brambles are thick and make leaving the trail impossible in areas. The rocks, ground and trees are covered in deep green mosses. The landscape is lush and covered with vegetation. The trails take you to the shore of the Hudson River right where the Fishkill Creek meets the Hudson River. The river from here shows how enormous it truly is. The Fishkill Creek as it meets the Hudson is a mile wide. It empties into the Hudson at a spot were the river is a little more than a mile wide. A rocky beach juts out on the north side of the junction. Standing there you see Bantermand Island, Storm King Mountain, the City of Newburgh across the river. The beach continues for over a mile up the Hudson in this area as you like north you are looking up at the gigantic Newburgh – Beacon bridge. This bridge looms very high above the river and is more than a mile long. The beach is rocky here and full of beach glass some as old as the colonial era, pottery shards, drift wood and river worn bricks and stones. It is a fun way to spend many hours combing the beach for treasures. These hikes range from easy walks on mostly flat surfaces to difficult and steep climbs. All are worth the effort for the reward of visual beauty. All of this can be done a short drive or train ride from the best New York City hotel.

Every year in towns throughout the United States preparations are underway for their town’s annual Renaissance Festival. Depending on the state and the weather for that time of year, these popular festivals can be held most anytime. If you have never attended one of these medieval reproductions, you really need to make plans to do so. Plan to make this an all day event because this is an outing the whole family will enjoy. You will be transported back in time to kings and queens, their courts and their knights. It is truly a delightful experience as you leave the present and step into the far distant past. Get your event tickets and prepare yourself for quite an adventure.

There are acres of activities for your entertainment and dozens of vendors offering their wares. You will find many booths offering unique hand crafted items for sale ranging from low cost, simple, souvenirs to very detailed, exquisite and expensive pieces of art. Whatever your taste, whatever your budget you will surely find it at the yearly Renaissance Festival. And the food…you have to try the food. Steamed corn on the cob still in the husk, smoked turkey legs, you name it and you will probably find it here. As you walk around among the crowd and the succulent aromas fill the air, you will definitely find your way to one or more of the food booths, keeping in mind you have gone back in time. You are now in a different era so enjoy all that is being offered. Walk in the shoes of those from long ago.

Do not be surprised if you come across a jousting tournament with spectators choosing their favorite combatant, or the belly dancers, or maybe the circus catches your eye, the court jesters and jugglers, the magicians. Be sure and check out the many theatres and their performances. Stop and listen to the music, enjoy the flamboyant, colorful costumes, talk to the Renaissance participants, many of whom perform at numerous festivals throughout the country. Watch it all, smell it all, taste it all, remember it all. It’s a wonderful trip back in time.

You back yard can be like your home away from home. And if you plan it right it can be just like having a vacation resort in your own home. You backyard should bring you peace and serenity not headaches and work. Here are some things that every backyard should have to make it a fun and relaxing place to hang out, kick back, and enjoy some family fun.

Depending on how big your yard is, no matter what you will have to maximize your space. It’s just not realistic to think that every yard can hold a bevy of outdoor kitchen appliances. But every back yard can have amenities to fit the family that is using them. If you don’t have space for everything just choose what you think your family would use most. If you do a lot of your cooking outside you should think about the many options out there for built in gas grills.

They offer a great cooking experience. It’s like having a full kitchen outside. This may not work for you if you are more the grill over charcoal type of person. If you like that smoky flavor, a gas grill will not give you that option.

If you have children in your family, you should consider having something fun in the yard that they can play with. Consider investing in a trampoline or other type of toy. If a trampoline requires too much supervision for your taste, consider having a badminton net or even a tether ball pole. Having a little bit of the playground in your backyard can be really fun for friends and family alike.

Another option that will be relaxing is a hot tub spa for the yard. They offer great relaxing benefits and could add value to your home if and when you decide to sell.

It’s April and the magnolias are in bloom in Brooklyn and I’m fortunate enough to be staying at a New York USA Hotel at the moment, so off I go to Brooklyn’s Botanical Garden. All I had to do is follow my nose once I arrived on street level from the subway. Magnolia’s are sweetly scented and the Garden boasts of a Magnolia Plaza with 17 different varieties.

I found Magnolia Plaza to be a very elegant and formal garden. There where magnificent trees spread in front of the beaux arts Administration Building. The flowery aroma and the beautifully display of blossoms is a good sign that’s it’s spring. March, the magnolia bloom and cover the trees in a lacy white flower, but in April the Magnolia Plaza is loaded with splashes of yellow, ivory, pink and purple. They had another collection called the sweet-bay magnolia which releases it’s fragrant and flowers in June.

I was really in heaven strolling along Magnolia Plaza and getting to see a new hybrid called the Elizabeth. It was developed to be a vigorous tree that produces a yellow flower and easy to grow and handle with home gardeners. I also got to go on a guided tour and learned the history of the Magnolia Plaza. It was first planted in 1932, which included 80 magnolias, and was designed by Harold Caparn, landscape architect from 1912 to 1945. In 1933, an armillary sphere and a compass were added to Magnolia Plaza. The sphere is made completely of bronze and represents the celestial circles and constellations. Then a bronze gnomon goes through the center of the sphere which points north and casts a shadow inside the sphere which is used to tell time. It was also decided during this time that only trees and shrubs from the Magnolia family will be planted at the plaza.

I wish I could build my home here and have the Magnolia Plaza as my emulate backyard, but, in reality I only get this one day to enjoy a true treasure for magnolia enthusiast such as me.

Many people travel to Sydney, Australia all year long.  Some to stay in the 5 star hotels Sydney has along the beaches for surfing and sun-bathing.  Some come for the tours through the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley wineries, both destinations just two hours from the city.  And some choose to travel to Sydney during the winter, for the incredible Winter Arts Festival wherein performers–musicians, dancers, and actors–as well as artists in the visual arts come from around the world and offer such an art scene all winter, that there is never a day without something incredible to experience.  At any time of the year, this is a vibrant and diverse city with various cultures and neighborhoods to sight-see, to shop, to party and to eat.

One of the areas of the city which houses many art galleries, antique and art dealers, pubs and cafes is Surry Hills.  This inner city neighborhood once was filled with slums, and known for the brothels and the gang activity, however it has transformed throughout the years into one of the most fashionable and funky destinations.  And for those looking for incredible discounts in the area of fashion, this is where one will find the garment district.  And once the shopping is finished, some of the finest and award winning restaurants are located in this neighborhood.  Paddington is another area of fashion, however the discounts will not be found in the shops.  This is one of the most wealthy of Sydney’s suburbs, and is filled with high-end boutiques and shops.  Many contain very artistic, hand-made, one of a kind items.  The area also has a wide range of diverse, and multicultural dining establishments.

Inner city west is where one will find the Little Italy district of Sydney.  There are many restaurants and eclectic bistros throughout the area.  For those seeking diversity in entertainment, the place to go is Kings Cross.  For a time, this area was much like the SoHo neighborhood in New York City, filled with writers, musicians, artists and bohemians, and much of the that feel remains through the neighborhood today.  In any of the neighborhoods throughout the city of Sydney, the diversity, the culture, is apparent and an incredible aspect of the city to experience.

The country of Singapore is made up of the main land, and also more than fifty surrounding smaller islands.  Most of these smaller retreats offer vacation spots that are set away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, with incredibly peaceful beaches, great expanses of blue waters in which to swim or scuba dive, and laid back, and easy going charm.  One of these spots is Sentosa Island just a few miles off the shore of mainland Singapore.  Sentosa hotels range from the quiet and quaint beach side accommodations, to resorts filled with the amenities one finds in resort locations, access to golf,  spas and massage therapists, and five star restaurants.

Even if ones main vacation is on the mainland, one would be refreshed and forever satisfied with a day trip to the smaller island.  There are options for those interested in all of the water sports, as well as hiking trails through beautiful landscapes, sites of historical significance, museums and a very happening night life filled with entertainers and performers from around the world.  Singapore’s Oceanarium is located on Sentosa as well as the Lagoon of Dolphins where even those not certified, have the opportunity to swim with, feed, and even training the pink dolphins indigenous to the area.

Sentosa was once a military head-quarters for the British, but during the early 1970’s the island was transformed into a paradise, that provided not only enjoyment for many, but employment as well.  It is quite difficult to categorize the island, as it provides everything for all types of personalities.  While the island is peaceful, the hot night life of the mainland is just minutes away, via a ferry boat, a car or the spectacular views offered by taking the cable cars.  Millions of tourists travel each year to Sentosa, to find that peace, that nature that is set amongst culture and history, manicured gardens and even some fountains that do dance.  Many will find exactly what they are looking for on the island, and will have memories that bring back specific moments, that will linger and continue to enrich their lives.

Hot tubs, spas, and saunas…heat is good for the body.  Medical doctors and therapists have found that the benefits of warm water therapy not only improve patients suffering from such ailments as arthritis and paralysis not only feel better, but that their conditions improve over time.  Hydrotherapy has long been used in the horse racing and greyhound racing industries.  And now, modern treatments for humans include regular sessions in the warm water of the hot tubs.  Chronic pain is alleviated, from spondylosis or other degenerative diseases in the spine, to sore muscles associated with exercise, to just the stiffness stress causes in day to day life.  Joints become loose, and it allows people of all walk of life, more mobility, more freedom and range of motion.  Not to mention just simple stress relief, the opportunity to sit with friends and have conversation, quiet reflections on life that are so absent in the work place, the friendships and the love lives of people today.

Due to the advancements in modern technology, one can choose the materials their hot tubs, spas and sauna are manufactured with, the size, the color, and the number and direction of the water jets.  Thus allowing them to customize their water therapy.  These specialized features also include not only the number of seats or benches, but the angle in which these seats are set to.  In the past, the seats were set at a uniform length, but with customization, this ensures that those of different heights will get the maximum benefits, without the inconvenience of being totally submerged under water.  The ability of the manufacturers to mold various seat sizes benefits those of varying weights.  All of these adjustments provide all shapes and sizes to enjoy the benefits.  Some companies will even mold seats to the specific bodies of those purchasing the tubs.  The movable jet technology is just one more aspect of the modern designers, creating the opportunity of those in the spas, to move the jet flow, focusing on the neck or back or other parts of the body needing special attention.

I was reminded the other day about my trip to Carroll Gardens when I drove by a teenager standing on top of an empty sign pole. It was around 1970 or so, can’t remember exactly, I was attending a college not too far from Brooklyn. I was working part-time for a printing and boxing company in Queens, New York. My position there was a sample maker which in turn helped me make good friends with the printing foreman. Funny, I don’t remember his name now, but he was a nice tall dark Italian man. One day, while I was busy making samples for a bakery, he came up to me and invited me over to his home for dinner. Yes, he was married with 2 children, but he knew that I’ve never really had a good home cooked Italian meal, but he wanted something in return.

His house was really his mother’s and father’s house. His mom still lived on the first floor garden area. A beautiful garden with with several outdoor sinks, built-in BBQ and refrigerator. I’ve never seen the likes before, absolutely beautiful. My Italian friend lived on the 4th floor. Did I mention that his home was huge? Well, after I met the entire family, hugs, kisses and food stuffed down my mouth, my Italian friend revealed want he wanted me to do. I was to climb to the top of a clothesline pole and replace the pulley wheel with which the clothesline can travel. The original one broke. Now, I know I was young and agile, but climbing a pole? Did I mention that all my new Italian friends were overweight? And the children were too young. I actually didn’t have a choice, they all surrounded me, talking Italian and laughing while they put they pulley and the tools in my pockets, I’m glad I didn’t wear a dress, and they led, prodded and pulled me to the pole and lifted me up. So, before I even realized it, I was climbing a clothesline pole. It was a little scary being 4 stories up, but my Italian friends encouraged me from the open kitchen window giving me instructions from below. I replaced the pulley without any trouble at all and inched my way back down the pole with a nice hot Italian meal waiting for me.