Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I want to go everywhere I haven't been, and back to everywhere I have been.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

INSTAGRAM: MY TOP NINE FOR 2018






 




Instagram Top Nine For 2018 | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


I had a look through my Instagram feed for the past year,
to see which of my photos were the most "liked."

Here's what I found:
 The Top Nine were all travel-related.
Buildings were featured in six of them. 
Six included bodies of water (four rivers, one ocean, one pond).  
The Top Nine were taken in five different countries.
Four were from my river cruise trip to Europe in the spring.
Two were of bridges. 
Two were from my road trip to Asbury Park.  
Two were taken in New York City.
One was from a previous trip to Europe.
None of the Top Nine were from the first five months of the year.
The most-liked picture surprised me.


In descending order, here are my Instagram Top Nine.

9. Carousel House - Asbury Park, NJ
Posted on Instagram September 29, 2018

The Carousel at Asbury Park, NJ | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



Posted on Instagram August 2, 2018

Durnstein, Austria } Ms. Toody Goo Shoes 


Posted on Instagram October 2, 2018

 Asbury Park, NJ | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



Posted on Instagram October 21, 2018

Bruges, Belgium | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



5. Empire State Building, New York City
Posted on Instagram November 28, 2018

Empire State Building, New York City  | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes 



Posted on Instagram June 22, 2018 

Regensburg, Germany | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



3. Gapstow Bridge - Central Park, New York City
Posted on Instagram August 5, 2018

Gapstow Bridge, Central Park, New York is such a peaceful spot! | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



2. Manes Bridge -  Prague, Czech Republic
Posted on Instagram June 3, 2018

Manes Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



Posted on Instagram August 19, 2018

Vienna, Austria | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Please click here to follow me on Instagram,
and help me pump up my numbers for 2019!
I am grateful for your support!

 I'll be taking a short break, 
and will return to blogging after the New Year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THOSE WHO CELEBRATE,
AND WISHING EVERYONE A 
HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR!




Instagram Top Nine For 2018 | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Friday, December 21, 2018

BEST OF THE WEEKEND 12.21.18.......AND FAREWELL!













 Happy Holidays, everyone, and welcome to Best Of The Weekend!
Well, this is it.
As I announced in my post last week,
this is my final week a Best Of The Weekend co-host.
For the last four years, it has been a wonderful experience,
and I will miss it....... but it's time to move on.  
Now that my blog will focus exclusively on travel,
(read about that here),
I want to redirect my efforts to concentrate fully 
on branding myself as a travel blogger.  

To  all of you who have stopped by each week
to link up your posts, or to browse the thumbnails,
making this party one of the best in blogland........

Thank you! 😘

Please continue to visit the party and link up your posts with
I'll still be linking up my posts, too!

 
One more bit of housekeeping......


The next Best Of The Weekend party will be on January 4.
At that time, 
 the start time of Best Of The Weekend will move to 8:00am on Fridays,
instead of 8:00pm, giving you more time to link up!
Please put a reminder on your calendar right now,

so you don't forget! 

And now, for the last time as your co-host........
let's start this party!

 ****************  

We feature all kinds of posts -- 
 recipes, home decor, DIY, gardening, travel, whatevah!
so link up your best stuff! 

Non-Bloggers: There are hundreds of fabulous ideas collected here each week;
just click on the links under the thumbnail photos,
and you will be taken directly to the blog post.  

All of our features are pinned to our Best of the Weekend board! 









Last Week's Most Clicked:



Friday Favorites: Christmas is Magic Edition | Living On Cloud Nine




     And for the last time.....
A Few Of My Favorites




Neapolitan Sausage Meatballs and Rice Timbale | All That's Jas


Kahlua and Cream Fudge | Dizzy Busy and Hungry
 
 
 
Dollar Store Christmas Wreath | Julie's Creative Lifestyle 



Nantucket Stroll Take 2 | Preppy Empty Nester



 If you were featured, grab our button!





Please remember to visit Liberty and Shelley
 in January to participate in Best of The Weekend!
Happy Holidays to all!




Wednesday, December 19, 2018

10 "MUST SEE" HOLIDAY SIGHTS IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN





10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



Have you visited New York City during the holiday season?

I can give you 10 reasons not to..........

                                                    1. The traffic.
                                                    2. It's cold!
                                                    3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: The crowds.

That said, I can think of 10 reasons why you should travel to Manhattan 
around the holidays which far outweigh the negatives. 
In this case, all of those reasons are in midtown. 
Sure, there's a gazillion more holiday sights to see all over town,
but these are the highlights that most tourists might want to see.

It's an easily walk-able route that takes you 
north on Sixth Avenue (also known as Avenue Of The Americas)
from W. 48th Street to Central Park South;
then, south on Fifth Avenue to W. 42nd Street;
and ending at Bryant Park (on W. 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue).

I've lost you, haven't I?
The map below should help to clarify things.


Midtown  Manhattan Holiday Walking Tour Map | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes





The entire route totals about two miles.
Although you can walk it in under an hour
(and in 20 minutes if you're a New Yorker 😂),
you'll want to allow two to three hours........even longer.......
depending on how much you linger at the different stops.
It can easily fill an afternoon or evening, especially if you stop for a snack, or three. 

Too much walking?
Look for my shortcut under Holiday Stop #3!

Or, save Holiday Stop #10 for a different day.


Last week, I donned my thermal undies and earmuffs
and set out to walk the walk.
I started on Sixth Avenue and 48th street;
however, you can start and end the loop at any point you want to.
Although the sights are lovely in both daytime and evening,
I think they are most dazzling at night.
You'll see that I have pictures from both times of day........
that's because I doubled back to see some sights
a second time, once the sun went down.  


 Holiday Stop #1: Giant Christmas Bulbs
1221 Avenue Of The Americas (between W.48th and W.49th Streets)


How would you like to try and hang these on your tree?
This string of lights takes up almost a full city block. 

One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Christmas lights are always prettier at night, aren't they?

One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




 Holiday Stop #2: Giant Christmas Ornaments
1251 Avenue Of The Americas (between W. 49th and W. 50th Streets)

The humongous ornaments display has always been my favorite.
If you're looking for a perfect backdrop for your holiday cards,
this is it, folks.  

One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes






One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes























One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




 Holiday Stop #3: Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue Of The Americas at W. 50th Street 

  Did you spot Radio City Music Hall in between the gigantic Christmas ornaments?
It's right across the street.
Iconic Radio City is synonymous with the holiday season,
as it is home to the NYC Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular.
I went to see the show a few years ago........
it was fun in a sugary hurts-your-teeth kind of way.
Those salted soft pretzels on the corner?
They're the post-show antidote.
Surely, I jest.......it's a lovely, enjoyable show!
Click here to read about that. 

Radio City: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Radio City: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


***SHORTCUT ALERT***

If you don't want to stroll much further,
but still want to see the main highlights,
walk east up W. 50th Street (along the right side of Radio City Music Hall)
and you will come to Rockefeller Center (Holiday Stop #9).
Continue walking straight through Rockefeller Plaza to Fifth Avenue, 
and it will take you to right to Saks Fifth Avenue (Holiday Stop #8).


Who's still with me on the longer walking tour?
Let's continue on.


Holiday Stop #4: Giant Toy Soldiers
1285 Avenue Of The Americas between W. 52nd and W. 53rd Streets

 "Here they come, Here they come
Wooden soldiers on parade......."
Marching their way down 6th Avenue........

 Do you feel like you're in Land Of The Giants, yet?

One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Holiday Stop #5: World's Largest Menorah     
1 Grand Army Plaza: Fifth Avenue between W. 58th Street and Central Park South

 What can I say?
New York likes to do things in a BIG way.

At 32 feet high, and 4000 pounds, 
this menorah has been certified in the 
Guinness Book Of World Records as the largest on earth.

The World's Biggest Menorah - New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Candle lightings are held during each of 
the eight days of Hanukkah in this picture-perfect setting 
between the Plaza Hotel and Central Park. 

The World's Biggest Menorah - New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Holiday Stop #6: Various Fifth Avenue Storefronts and Hotels
All along Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 57th Streets

 There are far too many shops and hotels to list
 that are decked out in grand holiday style.
Part of the fun is discovering them as you stroll down Fifth Ave.
But I do have my faves.........

Tiffany's: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
6A: Tiffany & Co.  (727 Fifth Avenue at E. 57th Street) 


St. Regis Hotel: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
6B: St. Regis Hotel (2 E. 55th Street at Fifth Avenue)


One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
6C: Coach and Tommy Hilfiger (Fifth Avenue between E. 53rd and 54th Streets)


Cartier: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
6D: Salvatore Ferragamo (655 Fifth Avenue at E. 52nd Street) and 7: Cartier (see below)




Holiday Stop #7: Cartier Jewelers
10 E. 52nd Street at Fifth Avenue

 The Cartier Mansion has been wrapping itself up as a giant 
jewelry box for as long as I can remember.
Wouldn't you like to see that box under your tree? 

Cartier: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Cartier: One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Holiday Stop #8: Saks Fifth Avenue
  611 Fifth Avenue between E. 49th and 50th Streets 

When your neighbor is Rockefeller Center,
you've got to do something to keep up with the Joneses.
The holiday light show on the facade of Saks Fifth Avenue is spectacular! 
I know I said all the other stops were "don't miss"
but I super-size mean it about this one. 

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Holiday Stop #9: Rockefeller Center Tree & Skating Rink
45 Rockefeller Plaza: Fifth Avenue between E. 49th and 50th Streets


The Christmas tree is undoubtably NYC's main holiday event!
You can approach it from many directions, but
do not miss the grand entrance through the Channel Gardens 
 directly across from Saks on Fifth Ave.
Here is where the angels will greet you.......
Hands down, it is the most beautiful vantage point for seeing the tree.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



Rockefeller Center - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes





Of course, you'll want to get up close and personal, too.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


It's best to make reservations in advance if you want to ice skate at Rock Center........
Otherwise, be prepared for a long wait!
Have I made my point yet about the crowds? 
Psssst......that building (below) on the left with the lights on
is the Today show's studio. 

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



One last look before we go from another angle.......

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes




Holiday Stop #10: Bryant Park Holiday Market & Skating Rink
  1060 Avenue Of The Americas between W. 40th and 42nd Streets


I used to work across the street from Bryant Park,
and enjoyed walking through the Holiday Market during my lunch hour.
But........visiting at night is a magical experience!

There are 170+ shops, and several places to eat,
including the rink-side indoor food hall, 
and even an outdoor beer garden.
You may freeze your fuzz off, but hey, 
it's something cool to tell your friends. 


Bryant Park Holiday Market  - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Bryant Park Holiday Market  - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



If you bring your own skates, admission is free!
Otherwise, skate rentals are available.


Bryant Park Holiday Market  - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


There are plenty of seats scattered around the park,
if you want to take a load off, and people-watch. 

Bryant Park Holiday Market  - One of 10 Must- See Holiday Sights in Midtown, New York City | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


So, what do you think?
Are you ready to brave the traffic, the crowds, the cold?
You've got to do it at least once, if you ask me!


Happy Holidays to all!





You may also like:

Radio City Christmas Show - The Rockettes | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
A Holly Jolly Tour Of NYC, The Rockettes and Shopping!



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