I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Where-To-Go Wednesday - De Anima


What: De Anima

Where: The Swiss Institute
             38 St. Marks Pl.
             New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Teens and Up

When: Through September 7, 2025


The current exhibit at The Swiss Institute, De Anima, combines the work of two artists, Louise Bonnet and Elizabeth King. Each of these artists specializes in work that deals with the human body in some way. Bonnet's paintings examine the way the human body moves, and King's sculptures explore the human form. For more about Louise Bonnet, go to www.robertfontainegallery.com/artists/207-louise-bonnet/biography. For more about Elizabeth King, go to www.theartsection.com/elizabeth-king For more about the exhibit and The Swiss Institute in general, go to www.swissinstitute.net.


The Swiss Institute is open Wednesday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There is no admission fee.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday. 

All pictures used in this post are our own. Address any issues regarding the rights to any image here.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Finding Grace & The Obsessions of Harvey Usher; Movie: Amongst the Wolves

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Finding Grace and The Obsessions of Harvey Usher

Today, we are recommending Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild. Explaining this book without giving away too much is not easy. However, the gist is that it's about two people brought together after a tragic event because of a child, but one of them is holding secrets that may tear them apart. There is much more to it than that, but to say too much would be a spoiler. 

This story is completely unique and original. It is also full of appealingly shocking twists. The love story seems forced at first, however. Tom falls too easily in love because he is clearly trying to replace a lost loved one, and the woman he falls for fits the bill all too perfectly for good reason. It seems too insta-lovely and like he is in love with the idea of this woman rather than the woman herself.  However, as the relationship develops, it becomes more believable and sweet, not only to the reader but to other characters in the book, although some, including the surprising narrator of the story, have been rooting for them all along. 

Today, we are recommending The Obsessions of Harvey Usher by David Putnam. When a young woman shows up claiming to be his wife of two years. 80-year-old Harvey Usher sets out to find out what is really going on with the help of his neighbor, Esther and a young detective named Eddie Gurski. However, getting to the truth not only causes him to relive his past with his beloved late wife, but also may lead to the revelation of dangerous secrets he has kept for decades.

This is a hard-boiled crime story full of quirky, dangerous characters trying to outwit one another. Even Harvey himself, although not exactly an anti-hero, is not above skirting the law when he needs to, although his reasons may be morally superior to those he is going against. The book reads like an action novel, and it is full of numerous acts of violence. Although some may enjoy this aspect, even those who wouldn't necessarily want to see violence right in front of them in the form of a TV show or movie, others may be disturbed by it and prefer to read something else. 

Movie: Amongst the Wolves

Today, we are talking about Amongst the Wolves. This is the story of a homeless soldier haunted by his past who becomes involved with a runaway teen, putting him directly in the path of the Irish criminal underworld. Although the relationship between the two is slightly touching, it doesn't develop enough in a way that makes you care all that much.  The movie is mostly depressing. However, those who enjoy movies with a very dark tone and full of violent action may enjoy it. 

Finding Grace and The Obsessions of Harvey Usher both publish today. Amongst the Wolves will be available in limited release in certain cities this Friday, July 11 and on streaming platforms.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday. 

All images except film images used in this post are our own.  Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, contact us hereand we will look into the matter

Monday, July 7, 2025

More Theater Monday - Little Shop of Horrors

We were given complimentary tickets to Little Shop of Horrors for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 


What: Little Shop of Horrors 

Where: People's Light 
             39 Conestoga Rd.
             Malvern, PA

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

When: Through August 3, 2025


The plant in this production of Little Shop of Horrors doesn't seem very plant-like, and it's not green. Some may find this disappointing. However, despite that, on the whole, this production is a delight. Although it's hard to go wrong with this show in general because it's so much fun and full of catchy Menken and Ashman songs, this iteration of the show feels particularly joyous. The actors are quite well cast and really shine in their roles, particularly  Anna Faye Lieberman as Seymour and Jessica Money as Audrey. 


The show continues the recent tradition of this particular show having an extremely diverse cast. Here, the majority of the roles are played by female and/or nonbinary actors, including Seymour and Musnick. However, the production doesn't try to call attention to the diversity of their cast, which in itself is a step forward as well. What matters is the quality of the production, and the quality of this production is excellent. You won't want to miss it!

And that's our view. For more about People's Light's production of Little Shop of Horrors or to purchase tickets, visit peopleslight.org/whats-on/20242025-season/little-shop-of-horrors

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday. 

Photo credits:
All Little Shop of Horrors production photos by Mark Garvin

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any issues regarding the rights to any image here