February Vacation 2017 – Things to Do

Snowshoes for February Vacation 2017

There was a time when planning things to do during school break was all about the kids.  This year, I have one girl heading to sunny Florida for a few days. The other is staying close to home to finish out her busy varsity basketball season.

So, with February Vacation 2017 just a week away, I’ve come up with a few fun things to do myself, with friends or kids – if time allows.

Five Things for February Vacation 2017

SNOWSHOEING – the snowshoes featured are those that Tony and I gifted to each other on different Christmases. Neither has been used. February Vacation 2017 will be the time!

ESCAPE – You many have seen it on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” or, if you aren’t a trash TV watcher like me, maybe you’ve heard about it elsewhere, but these escape rooms are popping up everywhere. Solve puzzles, find hidden objects and figure out clues to get out of the room.  I’d love to get a group together and give it a try.

Here are a few to look into:

READ A BOOK – Book Club doesn’t happen again until end of March. Seeing I usually cram read for that, I think it would be nice to start a book in a more leisurely fashion.

Here are three in my queue:

  • What Milo Saw by Virginia MacGregor – I met Virginia recently at a book reading and loved her presence and style.  I can’t wait to dive into this story.
  • Yours Faithfully by Ellen Alden – I had the pleasure of meeting Ellen at Helen Thomas of Andover where her book is sold, among other places. I’m inspired by her energy and success. I’m anxious to read her heartfelt story.
  • Under The Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes – After reading excerpts from my manuscript, a blog reader suggested I might enjoy this. So happens, I own it and just haven’t read it yet.

GET A MASSAGE – This may not be a big deal for some, but I’m really not a massage person.  But with new aches and pains popping up on a regular basis, this might be nice.  I’m going to book an appointment with my friend, Doreen Sidell, at Salon Riza in North Andover. You should too!

AN INSTAGRAM EXPEDITION – Finally, I think it would be fun to visit a couple of Boston spots that I follow on Instagram.

  • Giardini Di Sole is located in Boston’s South End and has the most beautiful Instagram photos featuring the home décor and tabletop items they carry. I can’t wait to stop in and see their shop in person.
  • Dumpling House, Cambridge MA – Everyone in my family loves dumplings. One day, this image popped up on Instagram and I thought – We’ve got to go there!

 

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I’ll be lucky if I get to one or two of these, but having a few fun ideas in my pocket makes the idea of February Vacation 2017 at home just a little more exciting.

Do you have any fun plans or ideas for school break?

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Columbus Day – What to do?

Columbus Day - statue

 

Happy Columbus Day! This is the first year in a long time that my weekend has not been consumed by a soccer tournament or some other kid activity.  Not going to lie – it’s been pretty great.

Today is the official Columbus Day holiday and, of course, it got me thinking about this lovely day off. If you’re not so fortunate to have the day to yourself, I wish you the opportunity to knock off early and do something enjoyable.

So Columbus Day – the day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus “discovered” America. There’s lots to be said about the history of this day.  Here are a few sites that shed light in far more an articulate manner than I ever could…

http://www.history.com/topics/exploration/columbus-day

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/10/11/why-is-columbus-day-still-a-u-s-federal-holiday/

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/why-we-celebrate-columbus-day

http://usafederalholidays.com/columbus-day/

OK, now that we’ve brushed up on all things Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria I have to figure out what I’ m going to do this quiet Monday.

Here’s what I’m thinking:

  1. Gardening – I really need to get outside and spruce up. A few seasonal mums and some pumpkins should do the trick. This may be a little ambitious though.
  2. How about a Hike? – This really seems a perfect thing to do after yesterday’s washout and what better time than fall to walk among the trees.
  3. Newburyport Fall Festival – I’m always up for a ride to Newburyport and today I’m even more intrigued with live music in Market Square from 1-4 pm and the 15th Annual Scarecrow Concert. http://newenglandfallevents.com/home/calendar/event/104
  4. Sales – Did someone say shopping? Check out Business Insider’s Columbus Day Sales not to miss. http://www.businessinsider.com/columbus-day-sales-deals-2016-10. Not bad!
  5. Topsfield Fair – Today’s the last day. If you’re a fan of fairs – now’s your last chance.
  6. LEGO Lovers Look Out– The Wenham Museum is featuring LEGOs at Large. http://www.wenhammuseum.org/exhibits/
  7. Boston – the Fenway Alliance presents Opening Our Doors – Boston’s largest free day of arts, cultural and educational events. Check out everything the Fenway Cultural District has to offer. For more to do in Boston, go to Boston-Discovery-Guide.com
  8. And last but never least in my agenda book: Nothing, do absolutely nothing. Just enjoy a lazy day at home and re-charge for whatever comes next in your life.

Number eight is sounding pretty good right about now! What fun things are you up to this Columbus Day?

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