Historic Series: Wantagh Park

08 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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children, family, long island, nature, parks, picnic, playgrounds, pool, trees, views, wantagh new york, wantagh park, water

Wantagh Park, located off Merrick Road on 1 King Road in Wantagh, has been part of the county park system since 1961 and sits on 111 acres of land. The waterfront views are captivating and the many areas of seating provide the perfect spots to enjoy the park. I love visiting natural areas like this and seeing what they offer. This one is jam packed with tons of stuff and beautiful scenery.

There are opportunities for a child of every age group to play and provide a lot of activities for children. The playgrounds are set in sand for safety. The play areas are great because the serene environment allows you to relax and catch up with other parents in the community.

If you walk or run, you can appreciate the one and two mile paths, as well as the fitness stations. During the warmer months, you can gather by the picnic areas where you will find tables and grills. Even though I visited in winter, I found the park to be beautiful. Naked trees surrounded the grounds and there was a peaceful stillness in the air.

The Children’s Memorial Butterfly Garden was an unexpected bonus. It is a memorial for children from Wantagh who died at an early age. How beautiful is that?

During the summer months, the swimming complex will come in handy as well. For a small fee, you can enjoy an Olympic sized pool, kiddy pool, as well as a play area and 30-foot water slides. Daily and seasonal passes are available and fees vary. This park has everything!

In the past, the park was named one of the top three parks in Long Island by the Long Island Press. With all it has to offer the community, it is definitely a park you cannot resist. Dogs can enjoy the park as well and get some exercise in the dog run.

Wantagh Park is simply a world of its own. I could tell I would be there for a while.

Fall Into Autumn Weddings

07 Tuesday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

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autumn, bouquets, bride, centerpieces, events, fall, flowers, groom, harvest, leaves, orchard, seasons, table settings, trees, weddings

Fall is right around the corner and although I chose to have a spring wedding, autumn is my favorite season of them all. I love the cool weather and how the colors change. The sky is a different blue and I find that beautiful as well. Everything is a little bit darker and richer which is nice after the hot summer.

I have only been to one fall wedding in the past and they definitely celebrated the season through the decor. The one thing I would watch out for is to go overboard. A harvest theme can get a little crazy and seem like Thanksgiving and a darker theme can look like Halloween. In most cases, these won’t end up successful, unless you want to celebrate the holidays.

I think its most important to really use the fall colors wisely and try not to use one too much, like having a whole event of orange. Don’t get stuck in traditional ideas and think you should only use brown, orange and red. You can bring in other colors as well. Just blend them with a unique style.

Here are some great examples I came across of fall themed weddings. I say, celebrate nature and its beautiful changes and let the Earth give you all the inspiration you need.

Inspiration Photo Friday: At Peace

03 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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animals, cemetery, death, huntington, nature, new york, path, pets, photography, the little shelter, trees

Most people think of cemeteries as morbid and sad. I wouldn’t say they are happy places but they hold the remains of ones we love. I often find peace in cemeteries even though it makes me sad to be there. Surprisingly, they are beautiful places.

I took this photo during my visit to The Little Shelter in Huntington, New York a few years ago. What a place this is. There is so much space for the animals to run and be free. The one thing I thought was interesting was their pet cemetery. I was taken back by how serene and peaceful it felt to walk through it. The trees were mesmerizing and the grounds were simply graceful. It brought a tear to my eye to look at all the little stones engraved with the pet’s names but it made me happy to know they are resting in such a natural and pretty place.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Autumn Lush

20 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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autumn, blue, branches, brown, earth, fall, ivy, meroke preserve, mother earth, nature, seasons, sky, trees

Happy Friday Everyone! Today is a rainy day over here in New York which is kinda nice considering its been very hot and humid the past few days. The rain has brought a cool breeze as well which I have been waiting for. This weather reminds me of my favorite season, fall. This is why I have chosen this photo for this week’s inspiration. It was taken at the Meroke Preserve in Bellmore, NY, which will always have a special place in my heart.

I call it Autumn Lush because there is so much vibrancy in these branches. Reaching out to one another, becoming tangled in the sweetness of the cool air. The ivy acts as a cushion for harmony to form as it boasts its earthly colors and soft cloud like shape. This is one of the reasons I love fall. You look up and see the trees connecting with each other, spreading life, and the remaining leaves appearing to hang on delicate garland of hugs.

It may seem like everything dies during this season but it is indeed the opposite. Mother Nature resets and recharges as it sheds its outer layers for all of us to see. Its quite personal and beautiful, if you ask em. Seeing the bare souls of many of Earth’s gifts. it opens up a world where details and hidden secrets come alive. In this autumn lush, I am invited to get a little bit closer to what I love the most, Earth.