Premature Holiday Decorations?

Are you committing a holiday faux pas when you turn on your holiday lights prior to Thanksgiving? Are those early decorators snubbing Thanksgiving? 

There certainly are no holiday police, but it seems that there are a lot of Garden City homes {more than usual} with their Christmas decorations up this year in November. Is it me or have you noticed this increase as well?

I did a little research on this topic on the web and found a Facebook page actually dedicated to it. You can visit it here.

Early Christmas decorating started in retail stores years ago and every year I hear comments about how it seems to be getting earlier each year, how Thanksgiving should be enjoyed in it's own right, that it's all about consumerism, etc., etc.  Thanksgiving is, after all, a significant holiday in its own rite for our country, but perhaps it's getting squeezed out by Christmas and becoming the forgotten holiday. Is it because there's much less money in Thanksgiving (a non-commercial holiday) for businesses in comparison to Christmas?

I'm all for holiday decorations. I love lights and decor as much as the next guy, maybe even more. But I have to admit that I am not in favor of turning on the outdoor lights prior to Thanksgiving. I will continue to follow my own unofficial "rules" for holiday progression, which is:
No holiday music until after Thanksgiving,
No Santa hats worn in November,
No holiday cards in the mail prior to Thanksgiving and lastly,
No holiday lights on the house before Thanksgiving.

Note: setting up holiday lights prior to Thanksgiving {which all of you organized and ahead-of-schedule people are probably doing} can be a good thing, but actually turning them on can wait, in my opinion- in respect of Thanksgiving.

However, the bottom line remains: do what you enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!


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Coach Andrew Ties The Knot

As many of you have already heard, Garden City's own Andrew Karen has finally taken the plunge. Andrew married his girlfriend of over two years, Heather, a few weeks ago and shared his happy news with Inside Garden City.

Andrew and Heather kept their nuptial celebration very small {with only 15 guests} and enjoyed a beautiful wedding in Aruba. Note- Andrew made sure to be back in time to coach hockey. Now that's dedication!

When Andrew returned to work from the wedding festivities, he was greeted by yet another wedding celebration- a surprise one at his second home {which some say is his other true love}... the roller hockey rink at Community Park. Of course, GC couldn't let the wedding of the town's unofficial Mayor go unnoticed, could they?

I asked Andrew if anything felt different now that he's gotten married. He said that wearing a ring is going to take some time getting used to and that he's pretty nervous about losing it. He also mentioned that he feels a bit strange using the word "wife". One thing that hasn't changed is their schedules- Andrew and Heather work conflicting schedules and actually don't get to see each other very much. Sounds like this could be the start to a long, happy marriage!

InsideGardenCity wishes Andrew and Heather many happy years together in wedded bliss!


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Weekend Events Guide: Nov 20th Edition

You may have a lot of Thanksgiving preparation planned for the days ahead {menu ideas, decor planning, food shopping, etc} but I recommend taking a break and enjoying one of the local events happening this weekend. Don't stress too much! 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday- The Holy Spirit Players from present the musical production of Carnival. Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. Adults $13, seniors/children $8. Holy Spirit Church Auditorium, 13 South 6th St., New Hyde Park. Call 516-302-8197 for tickets. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday- Hofstra University will hold its annual Fall Dance Concert. Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm and 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets: $12, $10 seniors. Purchase tickets here. John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus. 

Friday and running every day through January 3rd- See the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones beach with over 150 beautiful displays. 5pm-10pm. Jones Beach, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. Monday-Thursday: $20/car, Friday-Sunday & Holidays: $25/car. Tuesdays second time through is free. Click here for more information. 

Saturday- Lakeshore Learning Store offers a free craft for kids every Saturday 11am-3pm. Ages 3 and up. Cost: free. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park. 

Saturday- See Annabelle Broom The Unhappy Witch at its last showing. 2pm. BroadHollow at Elmont. Get tickets here. 

Sunday- Ok, this isn't exactly "local", but come on... it's chocolate, so we can make an exception. Satisfy all your chocolate cravings at The I Love Chocolate Fest! The first 500 attendees who bring a Pet Donation for the Little Shelter will receive a FREE Chocolate Fest TShirt! Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Plainview. Adults $10, kids 5-12 and seniors $7, kids under 5 free. 10am-5pm. 

Sunday- See the film of the world famous opera, The Flying Dutchman, at Adelphi University's Concert Hall. $20. Buy tickets here. 2pm


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Coquette- That's a Wrap!

Now that the weather is definitely more fall-like, I found myself in need of something warmer to wear but of course, I wanted something fun and chic. I stopped in Coquette {on Seventh St.} to check out what they had for the season and was pleasantly surprised! Take a look at the pictures below and drop into Coquette if you need a new piece to wrap yourself up in this fall. 

 This vest has an urban vibe to it. Loving the faux fur around the hood. Wear this when you want to channel some NYC into your day. 

Chic, fun and sophisticated. Like how they've paired it with a bright, chunky necklace.  

 A cozy, warm wrap. I'd like wrapping myself in this for day or night. 

 Totally fun and hip, this vest is very in right now. Love the texture. 

This can be dressed up or down. Casual with jeans and flats or dressy with a skirt and boots. 

Right on trend and super cool, yet not overdone. 

Coquette has lots of options for wrapping yourself in warmth this fall while still looking cool and trendy. So grab a PSL and get shopping- before they're all gone!

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Weekend Events Guide: November 13th Edition

TGIF Garden City! Just because it’s going to be a chilly weekend, doesn’t mean you should stay home drinking hot cider and binge-watching on Netflix {although it may be tempting…}. There are plenty of things to do in and around Garden City this weekend–as there are always–so have fun and enjoy!

Saturday- The Americana Fair will take place once again at the Garden City Community Church. You'll find all sorts of treasures, such as china, glassware, clothing, toys, books, home decor, linens, pictures and frames, jewelry, holiday items, lamps and much more! 10am-4pm. 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City. 

Saturday- See Pinkalicious, The Musical at Adelphi University. Based on the book “Pinkalicious” by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann, this show is for children ages 2-7 and their families/caregivers. Western Stage, Concert Hall. 2pm. Tickets: $20. Click here for tickets. 

Saturday and Sunday- Angels in America: Millennium Approaches prepares to close after this weekend. If you haven't seen it yet, there's still time! Saturday: 2pm, 7:30pm and Sunday 2pm. Adelphi's Olmsted Theatre, $20. Click here for tickets. Here's what Adelphi says about the performance you don't want to miss:

"Set in the New York City of 1985, this winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1993 Tony Award for Best Play is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece of the American theatre. Join us as the students of the Department of Theatre explore this important work, perfectly captured by Jack Kroll in Newsweek when he said: ”Daring and dazzling! The most ambitious American play of our time: an epic that ranges from earth to heaven; focuses on politics, sex and religion; transports us to Washington, the Kremlin, the South Bronx, Salt Lake City and Antarctica; deals with Jews, Mormons, WASPs, blacks; switches between realism and fantasy, from the tragedy of AIDS to the camp comedy of drag queens to the death or at least the absconding of God.“ "

Saturday- The Maurice A. Deane School of Law will host a free Veterans Legal Clinic open to all veterans. Schedule a free consultation with attorneys who specialize in VA benefits and claims, family law, social security, disability, employment, housing, bankruptcy, elder law, tax, wills, estates, Medicare, Medicaid and more. Appointments are required. The clinic is organized by the Hofstra Veterans Legal Assistance Project. To schedule a free consultation, contact the Hofstra Veterans Legal Assistance Project at VLAP@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-7302. Saturday: 10am-4pm, 2nd-Floor Atrium, Hofstra Law, South Campus

Saturday- Time for the Second Saturday of the Month program at Hofstra University for kids ages 5-10 years. Scope It! will have kids looking into the mystical landscapes of Doug Hilson and creating their own kaleidoscope to bring home. 1:30-2:30pm, Hofstra University Museum's David Filderman Gallery. Advance registration is required. Click here for more info and to reserve a spot. $7 per child. Adult companion admission is free. Hempstead Tpke, Uniondale. 

Sunday- See two childhood favorites, Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, at the Tilles Center. The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will present both children's books live on stage.  Concert Hall, 2pm. Click here to purchase tickets. It's sure to be a good time! Brookville, NY.

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Weekend Events Guide: November 6th Edition

Happy November! It feels like spring but November is upon us. Check out what's going on in and around Garden City this weekend!

Saturday- The Garden City Public Library is holding a book sale from 9:30am-4pm. Adults books as well as children's books. Bring a bag and stock up! Seventh St, Garden City. 

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

Saturday- Stop by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau (site of the pumpkin patch) from 4pm-8pm for their Open House. There will be food, a DJ and dancing. Stop by with the kids. Open to all! Corner of Stewart Ave and Nassau Blvd. 

Saturday- Head to the Christmas Fair at the Resurrection Lutheran Church. There will be handcrafted items, handbags, American Girl Doll accessories, toys, books, games, ornaments, decor, jewelry, baked goods and more! Net proceeds will support Christian mission work. 10am-3pm. 420 Stewart Ave, Garden City. 

Sunday- From Germany, amarcord, is considered to be one of the finest vocal ensembles in the world.  Check them out at Adelphi's Westermann Stage in Concert Hall. Click here for more information. 4pm. Cost: $30/$25

Sunday- The Garden City Historical Society hosts the opening lecture and reception of W. Oakley Cagney as he explores Long Island through his art. 1pm-3pm. Cost: free. Exhibit runs through November 29th. 109 11th St, Garden City


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A Little Chocolate {Works} Now and Then Doesn't Hurt

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” 
― Charles M. Schulz

Let's face it... life is better with just a little bit {meaning a lot} of chocolate. Well, chocolate lovers... listen up! I have the place for you {us} and it's called Chocolate Works located in The Gallery at Westbury Plaza. 

I stopped in last week and met Rich Penchuk, the owner, who couldn't have been more welcoming and hospitable. Rich opened Chocolate Works last November. He made the move from a completely unrelated field, thoroughly researched the company, hired the best chocolatiers he could find and has been going strong since!

This is a deadly store for me, a self-confessed chocoholic. Of course when I was there I sampled a delicious truffle or two... but who's counting? Then Rich showed me a fab treat- everyone knows the best part of a crumb cake is the top, right? I mean really... why do they even make the bottom? But anyway, he sells just the crumb cake top as a cookie, either chocolate covered or plain. Genius. 

Chocolate Works has lots to offer its customers besides just dropping in for a quick piece of heaven, I mean chocolate. They have Chocolate Field Trips for scouts, schools and youth or senior groups, Chat & Chocolate (for adults), Ladies Nights Out and PJs & Movie Night and more! Sounds fun, right? Plus, all of their special events include a dip in the 4' chocolate fountain (yes, they have a 4' chocolate fountain!) and a treat smothered in chocolate and sprinkles using their 20' chocolate conveyor belt- I Love Lucy style. 
     

They have unique gifts as well- edible chocolate picture frames, baskets, corporate gifts, company logos and many more creative ideas. I spied a chocolate "Happy Divorce" plaque when I was there. The cutest gift may be the photo on a piece of chocolate- all edible. This would make the cutest favor for almost any type of party- engagement, wedding, retirement, birthday. 

Chocolate Works also holds drop-off events for kids. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, you may need some time to prepare sans kids. Try dropping them off at the Gobble 'til You Wobble Pizza Party from 12-2pm on Wednesday, November 25th while you get your errands done. Or if Black Friday shopping is your plan, let the kids have some fun at the Black Friday Pizza Party (11am-1pm) while you shop the deals and steals. 

So now you know. There's a great chocolate store, plus party place, kids drop-off locale, gift store, etc... right in your backyard. I suggest you visit, try some delights in person and see what else they have to offer! Let us know what you think. 


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