About Erika Gruszewski
Posts by Erika Gruszewski
Hidden Gems: Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
What’s The Secret? We “discovered” the park during one of our impulsive drives along Route 20, just south of Syracuse, NY. We drove along with no particular destination in mind. But then we noticed a small sign a couple miles east of the village of Cazenovia, Madison County, telling us to take the next right…Read More »
When in Snow Country, Snowshoe
Some of my friends think I’m odd because I’m one of those people who genuinely look forward to winter. I just can’t imagine living someplace like Florida for the winter. Snowy weather is something I embrace. I love to be outside in nature year-round, and when winter arrives it brings a whole new season to…Read More »
Fighting Cancer: A Teenager’s Story of Courage
Being a teenager and going through high school can be difficult. There are classes to keep up with, sports commitments and demands for your time from family and friends. And, for Brittany McNair, a cancer diagnosis. McNair was diagnosed with osteosarcoma June of 2005, the end of her freshman year of high school. She went…Read More »
18 Places to Ski & Snowboard in Upstate New York
Living in upstate New York, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll end up trying to learn to ski or snowboard at some point. In my case, I had a boyfriend who grew up near a ski resort and raced his entire life, so I really didn’t have an option not to ski. I started learning to…Read More »
When Pigs Fly? Pet Therapy Animals no Longer Just Dogs
You’ve probably heard the expression, “When pigs fly.” Umm, now they can. And, miniature horses can too. So can monkeys, dogs, cats, and all sorts of other “emotional support” animals. Daniel, a certified emotional support duck, made news on a recent flight, traveling with his human companion who had a fear of flying. As it…Read More »
Hidden Gems: Take a Stroll Along Rochester’s Secret Walk
There is no sign. You just have to know it’s there. What’s the secret? A few blocks up from Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, New York, is a secret walk through some of the most scenic backyards in the city. Starting near Beach Avenue and Tamarack Street is a three-block public sidewalk that borders Lake Ontario.…Read More »
9 Easy Ways to Add Vegetables to Your Meals
Vegetables suffer from a bad reputation. “Ugh,” you might think. “They taste terrible and they’re too hard to cook.” It’s no surprise that despite the health benefits of veggies, few people eat enough of them. Most adults should eat at least two to three cups of vegetables daily. But barely one in 10 adults actually…Read More »
Save on Health Care: 11 Ways to Put More Money in Your Pocket
I’m a bit obsessive about looking for new ways to save money. When I buy a new car, I research it to death. Consumer Reports® is my friend. I work hard for my money and I want to stretch every dollar so that I can save for retirement, take nice vacations and be able to…Read More »
No Pie Until You Tell Me How You Want To Die
Our family’s unique Thanksgiving tradition has little to do with food or football. It has everything to do with our values, beliefs, and goals. After we finish our turkey, and after the dishes are cleared, we talk about how we want to die. “No pumpkin pie until you tell me how you want to die!”…Read More »
4 Tips for not Driving Your College Kids Crazy Over Thanksgiving Break
My mom always says that my coming home from college during breaks is a blessing and a curse. She loves having me there, but by the end of the week, she’s wondering when it’s time for me to go back. I’m no longer a contributing member of the family—for the short week that I’m home,…Read More »