Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Empire State Building

What: The Empire State Building

Where: 350 Fifth Avenue
             New York, New York

 Who: All ages

Our view: If you are interested in pretty city views from tall buildings, the Empire State Building is the place for you. The  Empire State is currently the 2nd tallest building in New York City at 1,250 (One World Trade Center also known as the Freedom Tower is the tallest at 1,776 feet) and the 14th tallest building in the world. If you are interested in architecture, this is also the place for you. It was built in the 1930s, and it's Art Deco lobby has been completely restored. There are two observaton decks at the 80th and the 102nd floor. The 80th floor offers an indoor observation area for colder days. The 102nd floor is the highest observation area in New York City open to the public. If you want to see the greatest views of one of the greatest cities in the world, you definitely should visit here. However,  I would recommend visiting  on day when you are in the city for something else because beyond the observation decks and the gift shop, it is pretty much just an office building. The observation areas are open daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The last elevator up is 1:15 AM. On New Year's Eve the last elevator up is 10:15 PM. Come early or late to avoid the crowds. Express passes are available for purchase which allows you to skip the lines.The other downside is that it is bit pricey. Tickets for the 86th floor observatory are $25.00 for adults, $22.00 for seniors, $19.00 for kids 6-12.  Express tickets for the 86th floor only are $47.50 for all visitors. Tickets for both observation decks are $42.00 for adults, $39.00 for seniors, and $36.00 for kids 6-12. Express tickets for both tickets are $64.50 for all. Tickets for just the 102nd floor observation deck are not available.

For more information go to esbnyc.com.

Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

Tips for Tuesday - TV Shows: The Cosby Show & Toy Hunter

Me - Today I am recommending The Cosby show. It is really funny. Even though it was on a long time ago, the family situations are the same type of situations that families face today. I especially love the characters of Rudy and Olivia because I love little kids ,and they were both really cute. The Cosby Show is one of my new favorite shows, and I would highly recommend it.

Mom - Today I am recommending the Toy Hunter. If you are nostalgic for old toys this is the show for you. If you are interested in toys that would traditionally be considered boy toys like action figures, you will particularly like this show. Watching this show, makes me wish, I had kept every toy I ever had in my life. I mean I know in reality that would not be very practical, but I can't help wondering if anything I had then would have been worth any money now.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Things That Make Me Happy

Me -  Things that make me happy, wow! Life makes me happy. Books make me happy. Kittens make me happy. Babies and little children make me happy. Full House makes me happy. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen make me happy. The Sound of Music makes me happy. Macaroni and cheese makes me happy. Hello Kitty makes me happy. Presents make me happy. My birthday makes me happy. Having friends makes me happy. A nice teacher makes me happy. Good grades make me happy. Solos in choir make me happy. Getting things I want makes me happy. New clothes and shoes make me happy. New earrings makes me happy. Getting a new app makes me happy. Having money to spend makes me happy. Having a home makes me happy. My cat makes me happy. Having a nice family who loves me makes me happy.

Mom - There are so many great things in this world and so many things that make me happy. A nice pair of shoes makes me happy. A great pair of earrings makes me happy. A good hair day makes me happy. A good book or movie makes me happy. My favorite sports teams make me happy when they are winning. The taste of milk chocolate makes me happy.  Good friends make me happy. Nice weather makes me happy. Giving and getting gifts makes me happy. A good surprise makes me happy. A nice relaxing day makes me happy.  Getting a lot done makes me happy. The sight of a smile on my children's faces makes me happy. The sound of my children's laughter makes me happy. The sound of my cat purring makes me happy. Most of all my the love of my husband and children makes me happy. It makes me happy that even though there can be so many bad, scary and/or sad things in this world, there are still so many good things too.

And that's our view. What makes you happy?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.