takeout with a view

It's been a stressful few days and all I can think about is that the move might be postponed.  But instead of wishing for that to happen sooner rather than later, I decided to pick up a burrito in town and walk to the harbor and eat at the park.

Unfortunately today was mostly cloudy and humid but I was still able to appreciate living near the water, seeing the boats and that sense of peace that comes along with it.  Something that I will miss dearly after I move.

I only spent about 40 minutes down there since I had to pack for a work trip, but it definitely helped clear my head.

what other places have to offer

I've lived in almost the same area for a majority of my life.  I am curious what other places have to offer.  So, if you found this page, please add a comment below (it can be anonymous).  I want to know what are great things about where you live and the not so great things about where you live.

For instance:
Westchester County, NY - pros:  near the water/beaches, near NYC, great schools, 4 seasons, a lot close by, great commuter train line, plethora of entertainment (shows, music, festivals, museums)
cons: congested, high taxes, expensive, very competitive job market, not the friendliest group of people

Of course someone's pro might be another person's con (like a very snowy winter) but I like to hear about different perspectives.  Other commenters - just leave your perspective, don't bash someone else's.  Thanks.

polo spectator

Groupon gave me the opportunity to attend a polo match.  It was a perfect day to be outside and watch a sporting event.

I wish I read more about polo matches because so many people had these amazing picnics and alcohol. I was smart enough to bring a chair and a bottle of water, but I didn't bring any food.  While I wasn't initially hungry, seeing all the crackers & cheese and wine and grapes and appetizers, I would have loved to dig in...at least know in case I ever go to another match.

There must have been over 2,000 people there.  Honestly, I am not sure how many people actually watched the match.  Initially we sat about 4 chair rows in and couldn't see anything, so I am sure a lot of people were in that position as well, especially if they only had a blanket.  After we moved closer, because I didn't pay for a ticket not to watch the game at all, I noticed that many people were just chatting in their group.

Unfortunately there weren't speakers (at least where we were); it would have been nice to have someone announce the game.

Attire ranged from a gown to jeans, it was fun to people watch and see all the interesting outfits.  Especially the more wealthy.  There were a few gentlemen in nice shirts, a jacket, khaki shorts and flip flops.  A lot of women wore cute dresses.  There were some hats, but not as many as I thought we'd see.

After watching Pretty Woman, I was excited to be part of the divot stomping.  That is the half way part of the match when the audience gets to go on the field and fix the divots to smooth out the grass.

Breakneck Ridge Hike

Two weeks after my vacation...and I was itching for a hike.  I decided to head up to Breakneck Ridge Trail in the Hudson Highlands State Park.

Breakneck Ridge is a mountain between Cold Spring and Beacon.  There is a small parking lot and side of the street parking, and Metro North even has limited train serve to Breakneck Train Station.

Bank Boy had hiked this trail a few times and wanted to come along...I said OK.  I figured it would be good to do this one with someone...and even better that he knew what I was getting myself into.

The white trail, aka breakneck trail, starts near the tunnel and quickly ascends up the mountain.  The path is rocky and steep. As Bank Boy was telling me about the trail in the car, I started to worry, climb rocks?  I did an indoor rock climbing a few years before, and I did become comfortable with it after a while, but I was harnessed in.  This would not be the case on the hike, he told me we would just be rock scrambling.  I haven't heard of rock scrambling before.

Basically you are climbing rocks, sometimes scurrying around them to get up.  I was slow!  There were a few parts I was nervous, but the first I had a group of people quickly approaching behind me so I couldn't panic, I just had to do it so I wouldn't hold them up, the second part I couldn't find a place for my foot and hand...and started to slip...I panicked, but Bank Boy came to my rescue and didn't let me fall to my death...OK, it wasn't that dramatic, but in the moment that is how it felt!  

And it was exhausting.  I like to think I am not in horrible shape, but climbing those rocks and taking huge leaps up was tiring.  Constantly planning your next step.  And we did this for about a mile and a half.  I took a few breaks and the sweat started pouring down, I was glad for a mild summer morning.

me at the first summit

There are several summits, the first one we reached was about 720 feet above sea level and offered a beautiful view.  Two more to go before we hit the top.

There were a few people going down the steep rocks, they were in fantastic shape, that is not something I would even consider.  Once started on this path, you are committed to go to the top where you'll hit other colored trails that offer, for me a 'regular' hiking experience.

We took the blue trail to the red trail back down the mountain.


Here is a map.

view from the first summit looking south

 My pedometer logged:  12,590 steps, 136 flights, 5.1 miles and about 1200 calories.

A few of my FAVORITE things, part 5

 

Chicken Vegetable Pizza

Last weekend I splurged on a pizza...chicken vegetable.  I ordered the medium pie knowing I would eventually eat it all.  The pizza dough was delicious (there is no sauce) and was topped with chicken, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese. 

I am not a huge fan of tomatoes, but it works really well on this pizza because the juice from the tomato really adds a sufficient flavor without making it overbearingly tomatoey taking away from the other ingredients - like sauce would have done.   I ate a few slices cold the next morning and warmed up the remaining slices at lunch.

$8 - $19 depending on size 
Harrison Pizza  you can even order online!

Dairy Bars
I tried this delicious treat for the first time at the local carnival, and it soon became a favorite.  I've only had the coconut and pistachio so far because they are just so delicious that I crave them...but there are tons of other flavors (and other products).

Oh, best part?  These pops are only $2.50 each!
Paleteria Fernandez




Sephora Cream Lip Stain
I've had a really hard time finding lip color that I not only like, but that stays on and that does not dry out my lips. 

I happened to be in Sephora to claim my birthday gift and I found this lip stain.  I love it.  I can't wait to go back and maybe even try another color, although I love this one (#5 Infinite Rose).

$12
Sephora

Neutrogena Sun Screen
I really like the Hawaiian tropic sunscreen - but only at the beach because it smells like coconut. 

On days when I am going to a little league game or just spending time outside, I don't want to smell beach delicious.  My cousin told me she used the Neutrogena sunscreen and really liked it, so I had to try it. I too loved it.  It goes on nice and smooth, does not smell, and dries really quick without making you feel sticky.

Prices vary
Neutrogena

Review: Catch Me A Match

I saw a "Westchester Deal of the Day" for Catch Me A Match in February 2011. I knew I wanted to try to find a man a different way since I don't do the whole bar thing and the online dating thing...I am really glad it seems to work for so many other people, but I gave up. So, I checked out their website a few times...but it was so unprofessional looking that I really hesitated thinking - what kind of person would chose them with a site like this? But then I thought, well, I might and I hope someone else in the Westchester area will too, since it is convenient. A few weeks later I met with both of the ladies for all of 20 minutes. I basically reiterated what I said in my online 'application' thing. I did ask them about my age range (30s) and they admitted that most of their clients were in their 40s so I asked how will they find me a match meeting my criteria. They reassured me they went out to meet people and said in most times people get more than 1 date a month. So, I did it, I figured $340 might not be that bad if it worked...and unfortunately I don't have enough money for the NYC ones that are probably way better and I am not thin enough for the trophy wife match makers.

My first date was with someone not only out of my age range (but I thought what is an age? Low 40s could work) but also in a ethnicity that I didn't want. Now I don't want to seem like I have major issues with those things...I could be flexible, but 1) they clearly didn't listen to anything I said and 2) if you are going to break one of my three criteria...do one at a time, not two or three. The guy was nice..but nothing more.  He said he told them that their website was unprofessional as well.

The matchmakers sent me a picture of another guy. Total old dweeb - I thought SERIOUSLY...that guy? Why on Earth would they select him for me?  I refused the date and sent them a file with pictures of people I am attracted to - that I either dated in the past or hooked up with or someone I currently find attractive; there were definitely enough pictures on there to get an idea of the broad range of looks I am comfortable with. 

A month later I get an email the matchmakers met a perfect guy for me. They listed 3 things about him they thought I would like (blue eyes, outgoing, does yoga --& mind you the yoga & eye thing makes no difference to me whatsoever). Again, my match was in his 40s but I accepted the date with out seeing a picture.  He didn't look anything like the pictures I sent them, but he wasn't as unattractive as the #2, but he was retired.  On our date I asked him how he was involved in Catch Me A Match he said that he met them at a Westchester Singles event and they spoke to him all of FIVE minutes. He has negative things to say about Catch Me A Match too, and he isn't even a client. I took some time to decide what I would write on my review - and apparently I took too long because I get an email from them less than 48 hours after the date for my followup.  I fill it out and then they claimed they didn't get it so I had to do it all over again.  In the mean time, my date was nice enough to call me and we made plans without the intervention of the matchmakers.  I went on the second date with this man then the match makers told me he though I was nice and I should try a second date.  At that second date, I realized that drinking those beers/margaritas were helpful on date #1.  This guy just told the same stories over & over again.  I really hate that.  Then looking more closely, he was overweight and not all that attractive.  But aside from just the looks, I knew nothing would transpire based on his personality.  He doesn't have qualities that in the long term would benefit a healthy relationship for me. 

After the first date from date #3, I asked one of the matchmakers if they only met people at the Westchester Singles Events...and that I had hoped they would meet my match at a non-event - like a bar, grocery store, dry cleaner, park. Who knows. They claimed they went other places, but I do think they are all places where it reeks of desperation. I don't think I am there yet!

I don't think I am ugly and I will not 'settle' for someone just because we happen to be two single people in the same county. I was not planning on renewing my contract with them since I feel they have did a crappy job. I wish they were honest about either me being a hard match or not having people I wanted to meet. I mean, how hard could it be to set up a decent looking, nice 31 year old? I thought if I was flexible with them the first time with age/race, that they would do better the second or third time...but nope.  Maybe I should have asked what their husbands looked like so I can get a sense of what they like.

Then in May the matchmakers emailed me to refund me $100 for my last month since they found it 'too difficult to find a single man in his 30s'.  I wish they were honest upfront with how they met people and that they didn't want to really actually look for someone that met what I wanted and instead tried to set me up with people I didn't really want to meet based on my three major criteria points.  I was happy they admitted defeat, but they still took my $240 for two dates that I did more for practice than with hopes of finding a boyfriend.  Since they contacted me regarding the refund, I thought it would arrive soon thereafter.  I sent them two follow-up emails asking about it and never received a response.  It took a full month before my partial refund to be delivered to me, in an unmarked envelope. 

The few blog posts I wrote about Catch Me A Match lead to a few emails of other clients of theirs with very similar stories.  They all agreed that the initial 'interview' went well and they seemed like they knew what they were doing but then the matches were not what people wanted.  The matchmakers contacted them stating they couldn't find them matches...and that is from both sexes and in different age ranges than me!

My advice...if Catch Me A Match is still in business...don't bother signing up for their services.  Join the Westchester Singles Meet Up and you will meet the same type of people instead of wasting your money on their monthly services.

Here are my previous posts about my match making experience:
Catch me a match!
Date #1
The Chase
Date #2

Westmoreland Sanctuary

Westmoreland Sanctuary is a 625 acre nature preserve nestled in Bedford.  There are 13 short trails that total 7.5 miles.  The trail map is easy to understand and the 'hikes' were easy compared to others in the area, but still enjoyable.  Would be a great place to bring children for them to start appreciating nature.

We saw fallen trees with these amazing, vibrant orange fungus growths.  There were many large mushrooms throughout the trails. 


Westmoreland Sanctuary
260 Chestnut Ridge Road
Bedford Corners,  NY 10549
914-666-8448
http://www.westmorelandsanctuary.org/

Meyer Nature Preserve

Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden

The Hammond Museum is a small museum which seams like the exhibits change somewhat regularly.  When we were there, we saw “Hyper Calligraphy” Kouhei Okamoto Line Works.

Just outside the back door, is a patio that leads to the Japanese Stroll Garden which is all about balance and harmony.  The designers used in and yo (similar to yin/yang) to represent aspects of life.  The garden objects tend to be arranged in odd number groupings and in shapes, like a triangle which represents the relationship between heaven, Earth, and mankind.  A square represents different viewpoints.

The garden itself was quite small, easily walked through in under 30 minutes.  As you walk in you see a pond in front of you and to the right a Zen Garden.  There are rakes that you can use to rake the sand.

There is a Bamboo Grove that stirs with the breeze. 

The pond has a lot of lily pads and is filled with fish, turtles and frogs.  We spent the most amount of time around the pond looking at all the frogs and admiring the lily pads.

We worked our way past the pond and towards the Maple and Evergreen trees.  There was small section of vertical stones which represent the Buddhist Saints. 

There is a cafe that serves lunch from 12 - 3pm Wednesday - Sunday.  We did not eat here.

All in all, this did not live up to what I had hoped, I was a little disappointed, but at the same time, I experienced something new, and what is wrong with that?

For more information:

Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden

Deveau Road

North Salem, NY 10560

914-669-5033

http://www.hammondmuseum.org/

$5 adults

Lasdon Park & Arboretum

I visited Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Somers.  This park is 234 acres and is a FREE park with a large two tier parking lot.

When I first arrived I found a board with trails, but quickly realized the trails were the kind that required sneakers and pants, so I will have to venture that way another time.  But I did go a short walk on a paved trail, the Trail of  Honor that had sculptures that represented each war the United States has been in. I took a moment at each and appreciated the men and women that participated to give us our freedom.  The trail also has a Korean War Memorial, Westchester Vietnam Memorial and the Merchant Marine Memorial.   

After the Honor Trail, I went through the main gates for the Arboretum (a collection of trees), and was welcomed by quite a beautiful garden with a fountain.  The garden had several benches around where I stopped and appreciated the quiet and beauty of the area.

I then began my journey walking on more paved trails that took me through many varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers. 

A trail diverted a bit through a more wooded area which lead to a lake and the Chinese Friendship Pavilion, which was a gift from China to the citizens of Westchester.  The pavilion was in an isolated area and was a peaceful area. 

On my way back, I walked through the Lilac Garden and was amazed at how many species were there.  However, since I went in the summer, they were not in bloom and quickly decided I would go back in the spring to see the magnificent beauty that the lilacs would provide.

Overall I really enjoyed my trip to Lasdon and will definitely go back. 

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

The Rockefeller State Park Preserve is located in Pleasantville and its operated by the New York State Parks office.  My first time here I was unsure what to expect, there was a $6 parking fee to park in the lot which was near the small visitor center, small museum, and restrooms.

I got out of the car dressed in sneakers but a regular tank top and capri's.  Everyone else was wearing sneakers, short running shorts and athletic tops.  I felt very out of place.  I grabbed a trail map and began my walk...yes, I walked everyone else was running.  I took the Old Sleepy Hollow Trail to get to the other trails, however, the trail crossed a main road where I saw many cars parked on the side - allowing free parking.  I continued and walked about 5 miles on various trails (Eagle Hill, Thirteen Bridges, Pocanatico River and another one) before heading back.  I was hoping the Eagle Hill Summit would have provided a better view of the Rockefeller Estate and the river but since it was the summer, the trees were too full to see much of anything. I did get a glimpse of the Tapanzee Bridge.

It was a very pleasant walk, and I would go back to walk on some of the other trails that I was not able to see when I was there this time.  For more information, visit the Rockefeller State Park Preserve website.