Heading Home for the Holidays {Top Ten Tuesday}

Heading home to {Wayne, New Jersey} for the holidays…  Let me share why I’m so excited, although please note that these are reasons I would be excited to be heading home at any point in the year for a visit {smile}.

::one::
The road trip with my hubby!  We have a good time on road trips.  This one could be a little more interesting than some of the others being that we are traveling with three dogs (our two and my sisters).  Say a prayer…. {giggle}.  They love to go for rides, so at least we don’t have to deal with car sickness.

::two::
Time with the family.  I haven’t been home for Christmas in three years, so I am so stinking excited.  We’ll all be together this year and it’s going to be a GOOD time!  We laugh a lot and I’m sure there will be stories to tell with four dogs running around.  (Yep, you read that correctly, four dogs.  My Mom and Dad have one too).  The parsonage my parents live in is on the smaller side, so you’d understand if you saw the size.  Anywho, I’m smiling ear to ear sitting here typing this — can’t wait to get home sweet home.

::three::
New York City.  Rockefeller Center. Times Square.  Broadway Shows.  My parents live sooo close to NYC.  Of course the traffic can be a simple nightmare to and from, but it’s so worth it.  Getting to go into the city is always a highlight.  The hustle and bustle, street vendors, sights and sounds.  It truly is fantabulous!

::four::
Rose Brown.  Downtown Rosy Brown is what I call her.  Everytime I see Rose, I expect to be squeezed so hard that my breath is taken away.  She’s like family and a joy to see when I’m home. Unfortunately, it’s usually only in passing — but let me tell you that we laugh so hard in those few minutes.  I’m not sure she’ll even see this, but I love you Rose!!

::five::
Ummm, there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts across the street from my parents house.  Holla!!   Considering I have to drive 20-30 minutes (and it’s usually only for a special treat) here in St. Louis, this is convenient and fattening fun at your finger tips.  Yum!

Neil’s Pizzeria.  Again, right across the street from where my parents live.  They have thee best pizza around!  Seriously.  Every kind of pizza imaginable, good service, great prices — and you leave ready to come back for more.  They also have a yumm-o chicken cutlet with fresh mozzarella is to die for. Angelo is the owner and I would {love.love.love} for him to consider a national chain.

::six::

Sam’s Bagel and Deli.  Oh my glory are these good.  There is NOTHING like the density of a New York style bagel — and in Wayne, Sam’s bagels is the spot.   I bring home a dozen or two and my parents have sent them on several occasions.  Layer on the whipped cream cheese and you’re in for a special treat.

picture credit here

::seven::
Tax-Free-Clothes-Shopping!!  Need I say more?  You see a price tag for $19.99, you’re going to pay $19.99.  I love shopping when I’m home.  A hot spot is the Macy’s in the Preakness Plaza –and– a few doors down is an incredible Burlington Coat Factory.  I can already feel the hole being burned through my pocket.

::eight::
Diners.  I love the 24 hour diners of New Jersey.  The menus are BOOKS, so much to choose from.  I stick with my faves of their hamburgers and onion rings.  I do enjoy a cup of matzo soup on occasion too.  It’s like a must that we always grab a bite to eat at a diner. 

::nine::
They pump your gas for you…  In the freezing temps of winter, let me tell you friends — this is glorious!!  I always loved that about Jersey. Every time I need to fill up my gas tank on a rainy day here in the Lou, I have fond, sentimental thoughts of the pumps in New Jersey.  Why not here??  {insert frowning face}

picture credit here.

::ten::
Gellati’s.  Are you seeing a ‘food’ theme here?  {hahahaha}  Gellati’s is located in Paterson, NJ.  They have thee best chocolate peanut butter ice cream.  I’m fussy and this one rocks my world.  It’s hard to find, so usually when I’m home I eat it several times (of course, winter seems to be the exception).  I’m pretty sure you’ll see this place on the next season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.  They were filming there on a couple occasions this past year.

Sooo, there you have it!  I guess after all is said and done, I probably come back with an additional 10 pounds of baggage on my body.  Oh well, the trips seem to get less frequent and we only live once.  Right?

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