Found 5 blog entries tagged as Ann Marie McDonnell.

As I continue to think about the quote, “The best things in life are not THINGS!”, I wonder how many of you agree.  If you would care to share your opinion, I am all ears!  My cousin told me he loves the security of money and what it can buy, especially his tools!  He is the type of guy who is happy in a t-shirt and jeans and not known for amassing lots of “stuff”--other than tools.  I agree with him that money gives you a sense of security, but as I de-clutter and give away things I have no use for and especially clothes that I have not worn in a long time, I question how and why I bought these “things” in the first place.  Should more thought be taken to help those who can’t help themselves, enjoy life in the present, be humble and kind?  I think I will…

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My grandson’s Topsy-Turvy strawberry planter is growing beautifully in my front yard and the water recycling barrels are starting to fill up (thanks to a couple of rainfalls this week).  My garlic, chive and sage plants are doing great.

Did you celebrate Earth Day at the St. George Day Festival or listen to Tales from Shakespeare with Staten Island OutLOUD at Every Thing Goes Book Café?  Did you take a Walking Tour of Historic Westerleigh, visit the juried photo exhibit at Alice Austen House Museum or learn about the art and language of cinema at the Staten Island Creative Community?  As I gathered together with family on Sunday, observing the interaction, silliness and smiles and enjoying each other’s company, my brother quoted someone very wise, “…

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How many of you attended the Pink Carpet Affair Girls Nite Out at the NYC Cypher Arts Building on Saturday?  Did you plan your Italian vegetable garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on Sunday?  Did you celebrate Fat Tuesday at a local pub or eat pancakes at one of the Staten Island churches on Shrove Tuesday? 

I am happy to announce that Spring is on its way, and I look forward to saying “adios” to Winter.  I started my seedling garden in my windowsill with herbs to get a head start this year.  It’s good to get our minds off of boots, heavy coats, long johns and instead think tulips, crocuses (or croci) and warm weather.  How’s that for positive thinking?

Do you know a child between the ages of 5-12 who needs help with his/her…

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In my last blog I commented that, like me, many of my readers are watching their budget with some even living pay check to pay check.  To that end, I try to showcase events each week that are free or low cost.  I wrote about a City Harvest presentation at the new Key Food in Port Richmond on Saturday.  Between real estate showings, I took a self-guided grocery store tour.  Stations where set up where you could sample healthy foods; recipes were also available.  The employees were very knowledgeable and showed us how to shop economically and healthily.  After speaking to the City Harvest folks, I discovered I am remiss in reading labels. Where I thought I was buying whole wheat “lite” bread as noted on the front, the back showed that it contained enriched…

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I apologize for not getting my events update to you sooner.  Last night was the West Brighton Holiday Stroll, a terrific family event featuring the Forest Ave. strip from Walbrooke Ave. to Broadway!  Businesses set up tables outside their stores/offices, greeting the Strollers, sharing food, goodies, giveaways, singing Christmas carols, sharing information, taking pictures with Santa, the Snowman, Ninja Turtles and much more.  Everyone was happy, enjoying pizza, hot soup, chicken fingers, pasta, hot chocolate, coffee, apple cider, balloons and chatting with friends and making new acquaintances along the way.  Even I got to meet Santa in front of Pastosa Ravioli!

Talk about stores and businesses--How many of you skipped Black Friday, slept in the day…

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