Weekend Events Guide: July 31st Edition

As July comes to a close (can you believe it??), we bring you the Weekend Events Guide. Have an amazing one!

Friday- The Friday Night Promenade will take place on Seventh St in Garden City tonight from 6pm-10pm. Tonight's theme is Firefighter's Night. Be prepared for lots of fun, such as themed give-aways for the kids, face painting, balloon animals, al fresco dining, live music and more. Come out and socialize with your friends and neighbors!

Friday- See a production of West Side Story at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater. Bring chairs and blankets. 7pm. Cost: free. Near parking fields 6 and 6A. 

Saturday- Free craft for kids at Lakeshore Learning Store. Make a different craft every weekend. 11am-3pm. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park

Saturday- Join the celebration at Eisenhower Park's Salute to Veterans with Tony Orlando and USO Liberty Bells. 6:30pm. Cost: free. Lakeside Theater. 

Sunday- It's Family Fun Day at the GC Pool (GC residents only). Come by for an inflatable obstacle course, a jumpy house, dunk tank and more! 1-4pm

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V Spa: Back to the Basics

I've been experimenting with gel manicures lately as many of you know. Post gel mani, my nails weren't in the greatest of shape. This is partly my fault because I decided to remove the gel polish on my own (warning: DO NOT attempt to dismantle a gel mani at home) which wasn't the best idea. 

After my experience with a couple of gel manicures, I can say that I am steering clear of them for a while. Although it was great to not have my nail polish chip and to actually have it looking good for about two whole weeks (aaaamazing!), I don't think it's the mani for me on a regular basis. I'll save it for special occasions or vacation. Admittedly, my nails weren't in great shape before the gel mani but it definitely didn't help. So today I decided to go back to the basics and get a good ol' fashioned manicure. 

I tried V Spa on Franklin Ave for my no-frills mani. They took me immediately (even though the salon was somewhat busy for a Thursday morning) and every tool they used was either out-of-the-package new or sanitized, which is awesome. I was treated to a great mini shoulder/upper back massage during the mani, which I love. Too often nail salons forget this little perk. The massage was a teeny bit painful at times, but maybe that's a good thing. I'm sure there were a few knots back there (tension much?) anyway. The cute animal ring holders on the manicure tables were a fun touch.  

My manicurist, Tess, was very nice and seemed well informed. I told her about the current condition of my nails (chipping, peeling, overall weakness) and she recommended a specific nail hardener for me and advised me against using any colored polish today. 

The hardener was only an additional $1 and I went sans color. Tess told me to monitor my nails' condition over the next few days to see if things are improving. So I don't have a fun summer color on my fingers today, but I'm happy that they look clean and healthy.  

I will go back to V Spa again for a mani and maybe sample some other services. Have you been to V Spa? What did you think?


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Style on Seventh

With all of the great boutiques and fashionistas in Garden City, we would be remiss if we didn't include fashion as a regular part of this site. When I walk about town, I always see plenty of well dressed women (and men too!) who deserve a little kudos for their style efforts. Since there's an abundance of style right here at our fingertips, Inside Garden City will be tracking down the most fashionable of the fashionites walking around Seventh Street (and beyond)... which brings me to a famous quote from the wise Carrie Bradshaw: "I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet."

This week, we started off by style stalking Lisa, our first fashionista. Here's what we learned: 

1. Pants: Coquette
2. Top: Coquette
3. Bandeau: Coquette
4. Bag: Coquette (love the stud detail)
5. Earrings: Coquette
6. Bracelets: Coquette

We couldn't have planned this better if we tried. Turns out, all of Lisa's fashion items were recently purchased at Coquette, a cute Seventh Street boutique. So if you'd like to pick up anything that's featured here, head to Coquette while they're still in stock. 

Stay tuned and stay fashionable Insiders! You may be the next fashion subject featured on Style on Seventh. Thanks for reading InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

The PAC Wraps Up

The Pac (Performance Athletic Club) wrapped up another triumphant week last Thursday. The Club, run by Peter LeSueur and Tim Goettelmann, local lacrosse legends, was deemed a success by parents and players alike.

It started on Monday with individual and group photos, t-shirts and an all around intro. The boys and girls got right into the action after that and it continued all week.

 Day one- getting acquainted. 

The coaches were very enthusiastic as they led the players through various drills and skills. The no-equipment rule was a welcome one during the hot July week. Coaches LeSueur and Goettelmann were also on hand all day, every day lending their knowledge and expertise to the players.

On the last day, all participants were treated to a host of surprises- from pinatas in the nets to a dance party to Italian Ices and more. 

Piñata time!

How's Your Aim? 

Closing Dance Party

And that's a wrap. See you again next summer!

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Weekend Events Guide: July 24th Edition

Here comes the weekend. There's beautiful weather ahead and here's your weekend events guide to help you plan your days!

Friday- Christmas in July is this week's theme at the GC Seventh St Promenade. Get ready for live music, al fresco dining, themed give-aways for the kids, face painting, balloon artists and a special real snow storm. But wait... there's more. There will also be an appearance by two very special guests. Drumroll please.... Santa Claus AND Princess Elsa! This event surely has the makings to be your child's best night of the summer, or maybe best night ever.  Remember to dress in holiday attire. 6pm-10pm. Garden City. 

Friday- It's Oldies Night at Eisenhower Park featuring The Encounters and Stan Zizka. Bring chairs or blankets. 7pm at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre which is located near parking fields 6 and 6A. Cost: free. East Meadow. 

Friday through Sunday- The GC Pool is running it's annual food drive. Drop items off at the pool and help fight hunger on Long Island. Suggested items: canned soups and vegetables, pasta, cereal, tea, personal care items, nutritional beverages, baby formula, soy milk, almonds or dry milk. 

Friday through Labor Day- The Cradle of Aviation Museum hosts Aviators, Poets and Dreamers where they ask the question "Why Do We Fly?" Click here for more information. 1 Davis Ave, East Garden City. 

Saturday- It's Christmas in July at the GC Pool. The movie at the GC Pool will be "Big Hero 6" Admission is free for members and $4 for guests. 8:30pm.

Saturday- Lakeshore Learning Store's free craft for kids. This Saturday' craft is a sun visor. 11am-3pm. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park. 

Saturday- 102.7 presents Fresh in the Park at Eisenhower Park's Harry Chapin Theatre, located near parking fields 6 and 6A. Bring chairs and blankets. 7pm. East Meadow. Cost: free.

Saturday and Sunday- See Disney's Peter Pan JR. at the Long Island Children's Museum. Saturday and Sunday showtimes: 11:30 and 2pm each day. 11 Davis Ave, Garden City. Ages 5 and up. $12, $10 for museum members.

Sunday- It's Mardi Gras Day at the GC Pool! Enjoy live music by Linda Impanema "The Queen of Dixieland" from 2-4pm. 

Sunday- Join the Children's Family Day and Health Expo at Eisenhower Park. Plaza Theatrical Productions will put on a production of Shrek at the Kite Field. 1pm-5pm. East Meadow. 


Have a great weekend! Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Movie Review: Trainwreck

Hey Insiders! I recently saw the movie “Trainwreck” written/starring funny girl Amy Schumer. You may know Amy from her stand up comedy or her television show ‘Inside Amy Schumer’ on Comedy Central. If you’re not familiar with Amy, she’s known for her crude raunchy comedy and this movie is no exception.  The film was very funny and I don’t typically go for this particular style of comedy.

            ‘Trainwreck’ follows Amy (which is also the name of the character), a carefree magazine writer living in New York. From a young age, Amy was told numerous times by her nutty father, “monogamy isn’t realistic”. Now in her early 30s, she is living by those words. Amy seems to enjoy her wild, promiscuous life but that is shaken up when she’s writing a profile on a successful Doctor to the athletes, Dr. Aaron Conners (Bill Hader).  To Amy’s surprise she starts to fall for the Doctor and starts to wonder if it’s time for her to grow up and get her act together. 

            The movie was very, very funny. I LOVE watching comedies and for the first half of the flick I was belly laughing at every single scene. I was surprised when the tone of the movie changed after the characters endure a tragedy. The film gets sad out of nowhere. I personally didn’t like the drastic tone change, probably because I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was hard for me to shake the sad feeling when the movie tried to get back to funny and light hearted. I eventually did shake the bad vibes and found myself laughing again. Although I didn’t like the tone shift, I do respect the writing a lot and think the movie was excellent. 

   

Amy and Bill were fantastic in the movie. They have a great on screen chemistry and did an amazing job bringing the two hilarious characters to life. Amy’s acting range was surprising for me. I’m used to her being a funny, easy going comedian but was shocked when she brought forth real emotions. 

I liked the movie and recommend seeing it, if raunchy comedy is your thing. It's not my most favorite movie but it was enjoyable. Keep in mind it gets a little sad in the middle but maybe it won’t bother you as much as it did for me, since you have a warning. If you’ve seen the movie let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Did you hate it? Did you love it? Do you think it was alright? Let me know! 

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Weekend Events Guide: July 17th Edition

Even though weekends tend to be a bit quieter in the summer, there's a lot happening in and around Garden City. So if you're spending this weekend around town {and not battling Hamptons/NoFo traffic}, don't despair. It's going to be a great weekend. Enjoy!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday- Love Bacon? Love Beer? Don't miss bacon and beer at the Baconfest at Plattduetsche Restaurant. 1132 hempstead Tpke. Cost: free. Friday from 3pm, Sat and Sun beginning at noon. Enjoy special bacon menu items, live music and bacon beer!

Friday- The Promenade on Seventh St will have a St Patrick's Day theme tonight. Come for live music, al fresco dining, face painting, balloon artistry and more. Wear something green!

Friday- Enjoy an evening of chamber music at the 34th LIU Post Chamber Music Festival in conjunction with Tilles Center, the School of Visual and Performing Arts and the Department of Music at LIU Post. Hillwood Recital Hall. 8pm. Tickets: $20, seniors and students $10. For further information about the LIU Post Chamber Music Festival, visit the Festival’s website at www.liu.edu/post/chambermusic

Friday- Eisenhower Park will hold a ballet showcase with American Balleet Theatre Dancers.  Lakeside Theatre. 7:30pm. Cost: free.

Saturday- Enjoy the Taylor Dayne and Alisha concert at Eisenhower Park. Lakeside Theatre. 7pm. Cost: free.

Saturday- Head to the Madison Theater at Molloy College for the LI Comedy Festival. Cost: $35. 1000 Hempstead Tpke, Rockville Centre. Click here for the deets. 

Saturday- Free craft for kids at the Lakeshore Learning Store. 11am-3pm. 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park.

Saturday and Sunday- Catch the exhibit, Enduring Images, at Hofstra University. Hofstra University's Museum David Filderman Gallery. Sat 9am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm

Sunday- The Garden City Pool hosts live music by "Copy Cat Band" starting at 2pm. 

Sunday- Enjoy some authentic Greek food and music at Greek American Night at Eisenhower Park. Lakeside Theatre. 7pm. Cost: free. 


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Farewell FAO

New York City's most iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz, officially closed its doors today. Although not in Garden City (obv), I thought this event deserved some local recognition. I'm sure almost all of us have been to FAO at one time or other. 

I headed to FAO for some shopping on Tuesday, the store's second to last day of business. It wasn't especially crowded and it looked as if a good portion of the store was still in tact, but it was a bit sad to see certain sections blocked off, bare, or broken down and packed up. I have many happy memories over the years inside the store's legendary red and gold entryway. 

The toy soldiers stationed out front were taking loads of pictures with visitors- even more than usual.  Although there was no line to enter the store on Tuesday, this was the first time I've ever seen a line of people waiting for a photo op with a toy soldier. 

I guess I could (or should) be proud to say that I was one of the last people shopping in FAO Schwarz before it closed, but I'd rather be saying that it's still a viable business in NYC and that I'll be heading back soon.

This closure clearly marks the end of an era and the end of a special NYC landmark that I will never forget. I hope we see FAO Schwarz again in Times Square in the future, but will it ever be quite the same? 


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Weekend Events Guide: July 10th Edition

The weekend is finally here and our guide to what's happening in and around Garden City is at the ready! There are a few events listed which are not exactly "around" Garden City, but we thought they deserved mention. 

Friday- Head to the GC Seventh St. Promenade and wear your red, white and blue! Enjoy dining al fresco, face painting, balloon animals and live music. Remember to support your local businesses while there. Events start at 6pm and Seventh St. will be closed to street traffic for the duration.  

Friday- Neil Berg 100 Years of Broadway is the main event tonight at Eisenhower Park's Lakeside Theatre. 7pm. Cost: free. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday- The City of Long Beach will hold its Fireworks Extravaganza. Enjoy a variety of food vendors, fireworks, live music, arts and crafts and more! Bring picnic baskets, chairs and blankets for the fireworks show. Click here for more information. 

Saturday- Enjoy a performance by the Dark Lady- a Cher Tribute Band and Disco Unlimited. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre located near parking fields 6 and 6A. 7pm. Cost: free. 

Saturday- Head to Rockville Centre for food, music and fireworks at Mill River Centennial Park Complex. 295 S Park Ave. 6pm-10:30pm

Saturday and Sunday- The Big Apple Circus is at the Tilles Center. Click here for available showtimes and tickets. 720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale

Saturday- Free craft for kids at Lakeshore Learning Store. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park. 11am-3pm

Sunday- Take part in the Columbian Festival at Eisenhower Park starting at 2pm. Lakeside Theatre. Cost: free. 


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Weekend Events Guide: July 3rd Edition

If you're having a staycation this Fourth of July weekend, not to worry- there's enough happening in and around Garden City that's sure to keep you having fun and feeling patriotic!

Friday- Eisenhower Park will host an outdoor Tribute to Billy Joel at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, located near Parking Fields 6 and 6A. Bring blankets and chairs. 7pm. Cost: free.

Saturday- The Garden City Pool will hold Family Fun Day from 1-4pm. Celebrate the Fourth with live music by "Squeaky Clean" and lots of fun and games!

Saturday- The Stewart Manor Fire Department will host their annual 4th of July parade starting at 10:30am. If you haven't experience this yet, you may want to give it a try. But don't show up unprepared. Bring plenty of water blasters and water balloons and maybe even a raincoat?

Saturday- Catch the Jones Beach Firework Show at 9:30pm. Admission cost: free. $10 to park. Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh.

Saturday- The Stars and Stripes Festival takes place at Belmont Park Racetrack. There will be a lot happening here such as live music by alternative rock band Switchfoot, the Blue Man Food Truck Festival with an array of food trucks, petting zoo, pony rides, bouncy houses and more! Hempstead Tpke, Elmont. Gates open at 11am. Cost: $5

Saturday- Free craft for kids at Lakeshore Learning Store 11am-3pm. Cost: free. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park


Happy Fourth of July weekend! Thank you for reading InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Inside Out- A Review

Our movie and entertainment correspondent, Carly Hampton, is here with a review of the latest and greatest from Disney Pixar, "Inside Out". If you haven't heard any of the buzz yet about this movie, read on...

Inside Out

Pixar has done it again! They have a knack for storytelling and touching on all of our emotions- like the time we cried when Andy gave away his toys in "Toy Story 3" or laughed at the things that Dory said in “Finding Nemo” or even when we were a little afraid of Randall in "Monsters Inc". The summer smash “Inside Out” is no exception. In fact, Pixar very literally brings to life all of our emotions.  

With a comedy cast of voice actors, we meet Joy (Amy Pohler), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) in this amazing movie. Riley is a happy-go lucky hockey playing 11-year-old girl from the Midwest. Her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness work in the “headquarters” of her brain to keep her safe and happy, but when her family moves to San Francisco her world is turned upside down. 

The move causes a little trouble in headquarters when Sadness is brought to the forefront of Riley’s mind. Joy tries to stop Sadness from upsetting Riley and the two emotions are accidentally sucked out of headquarters, leaving only Fear, Disgust and Anger in control. It is Joy’s mission to get back to headquarters with Sadness and help Riley in this difficult transition in her life.

Inside Out is a great movie for kids. It teaches them to communicate and not to let their Joy get lost. Personifying the emotions that we have can help children understand what’s going on inside themselves and in others. The movie sends a good message to youngsters while not being preachy or boring so they will enjoy themselves while watching.  

I was really blown away by the film’s creativity and writing. The story itself is so unique and very unpredictable. Throughout the film, we are taken on a journey through Riley’s mind. We see how dreams are made, what’s in her subconscious, where memories go and we also get to take a ride on the “train of thought”. There are different islands in Riley’s mind that make up her personality such as Family Island, Hockey Island, Goofball Island and a few others. The way Pixar showed everything that goes on in our mind was really fun. 

The movie deals with emotions and how people react to different things but it isn’t heavy or draining. Pixar does an awesome job of keeping the story funny and light. Sadness sounds like it could be a bummer of a character but she is actually doofy and very funny throughout the film. Anger is also funny and is only upset by things he thinks are “unfair” like no dessert. Inside Out does have a few sad moments but that’s Pixar for ya.

            Visually the movie was very bright, colorful and cute. The best part about any Pixar movie is finding  “Easter Eggs” which are hidden things that the animators leave in the background for the audience to spot, such as objects and characters from previous films. You might see Lightning McQueen or a Pizza Planet truck or something from a new upcoming Pixar movie.  

            I recommend seeing Inside Out. It would be a fun movie to see with the family on a rainy afternoon or you could be one of the weird adults that goes and sees it alone because she loves Pixar so much (I’m not talking about me, I swear). Anyway, I hope you see it and enjoy it as much as I did. If you have seen it or go to see it, tell me what you think. Did you find any “Easter eggs”? Did you love it? Did you hate it? Let me know. Until next time GC. Thanks for reading!

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