Baking Tip: Bananas

I am always throwing out bananas since they get ripe so fast so here's a great tip.

Mash up the ripe bananas and freeze them in a small Tupperware. Use them to make smoothies or defrost them and use them for baking banana bread, banana pie, banana muffins or my new favorite banana cupcakes.

Happy Baking!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a day to remember all of those who have fought and continue to fight for our country. Join in for a moment of silence at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. May we continue to keep those who fought for us and those who lost a loved one in our prayers!

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell quotes

Set Goals to Change Your Life Quote

"Goals allow you to control the direction of change in your favor." Brian Tracy

Fun Memorial Day Facts

As Memorial Day is approaching I thought it would be fun to post some facts:

•  Memorial day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868. It was observed by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers during the first national celebration. *
• Memorial Day is the 2nd most popular holiday for barbecuing. Fourth of July ranks in at #1.**
• Red Poppy flowers are worn on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. Moina Michael was the first one to start this.***  

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Everyone!!!

*http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/featured_memorial_day/what-is-memorial-day-history-facts

**http://www.hpba.org/consumers/barbecue/fun-facts-about-barbecue

***http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

RIP: Robin Gibb, Bee Gees

Robin Gibb, with the Bee Gees, passed away over the weekend so I thought it would be fitting to post my fav Bee Gee songs.

Feel Good Song: Styx - Come Sail Away

Depend on Yourself Quote

“Enjoy everything that happens in your life, but never make your happiness or success dependent on an attachment to any person, place or thing.” Wayne Dyer

Great Side Dish: Lentils & Brown Rice

I've been on a kick with eating Middle Eastern food and one of the side dishes was lentils and rice. Of course this is not as good as the restaurants but still makes a great side dish.

Lentils & Brown Rice Recipe:

• 1 cup of dried lentils
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Saute onions, set aside. Boil a pot with water, add bouillon cubes. Add 1 cup of rice. Let boil for 20 minutes (if you use white rice you do not need that long, brown rice takes longer to cook) Add lentils to rice in pot cook until lentils get soft. Add sauteed onion to pot and let simmer all together.

Perfect side dish to serve with chicken kabobs and hummus!

Enjoy Today & Everyday Quote

“The days are long, but the years are short.”  Gretchen Rubin

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Everyone! I always loved my mom and appreciated her but never fully understood what she really sacrificed for me until I became a mother of my own. I am grateful for my mother and grateful to be a mother. Cherish your mother and cherish the gift of being a mother. Being a Mom is the hardest yet most rewarding job! Enjoy your special day!

“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one” Jill Churchill

Feel Good Song: Beautiful Flower

Great Friend Quote

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." Elbert Hubbard

Question of the Day...

When was the last time you did something nice for yourself, not for your husband or significant other, not for a child or a friend, but for yourself? We are always running around and focusing on making others happy and yes when my family and friends are happy then I am happy but really think this question through....

When was the last time you truly did something nice for yourself?

Trust Quote

“Never trust a man who can dance. ”  E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

I just stated reading this book and it is amazing!

Feel Good Song: P!nk Sober

You Guide Your Happiness

"Happiness isn't guided by how life is, it's guided by how life could be!"

Words to Live By!

Time Flies...Baby Girl School Picture

The saying "time flies when you're having fun" is the perfect saying for the how I feel about my lil one. She has this amazing way of not only making me feel good but everyone around her. I remember the day I found out I was having a girl, I always thought I would have all boys, so when the ultrasound tech said girl 100 things went through my head; proms, weddings, boyfriends, laughs, tears etc...

Being a girl, I know how much work we can be, but my lil one is different. She loves sports, yet loves to wear dresses, she laughs at the silliest things, makes me feel good when I am down and is so smart with an incredible imagination. She is social, loves music, loves to paint and acts like an adult at times. I feel she is the best of my husband and me. She is the "product" of both our best qualities. At times I joke I don't know where she came from because she is just so happy and smart and full of sunshine all the time.

Now she's in preschool and I received her school pictures today and it really hit home how big she is getting, how fast she is growing up, and how blessed I am to have her. She's an amazing little girl and I wish I could freeze time and keep her this little forever.

 My lil munchkin

Feel Good Song: Journey- Love Will Find You

Finding Hope Quote

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe." Dalai Lama

Be Yourself Quote

"He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away." Raymond Hull

Great Websites for Cash Back, Deals and Coupons

The Internet is filled with amazing sites and deals. Below is a list of some of my favorite ones that I use regularly.

• Ebates: This site is really cool. You earn cash back and they give you coupons. Ex. Order an item from Children's Place and you'll get a percentage of your order back in cash. I received my 1st check this week
• Open Table: If you enjoy going out to dinner as much as I do then this site is great for you. You earn points for every reservation you make. Once you earn enough points cash them in for a gift card to use.
• Retail Me Not Coupons: I am the queen of coupons when shopping online, so much that my family puts me in charge of placing their orders online since I always find a coupon for them. Retail Me Not always has great coupons for web orders.

Have a website you love to use, then please share with me!!!

Happy Shopping!

Funny Marriage Quotes

I came across these quotes and thought they were hysterical. Everyone could use a good laugh once in a while! Enjoy!

"I don't think my wife likes me very much, when I had a heart attack she wrote for an ambulance." Frank Carson

"A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband." Michel de Montaigne

"All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner."Red Skelton

"I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry." Rita Rudner

Children's Laughter Quote

"There is no sweeter sound to fill a home than a child's laughter."

What's For Dessert: Apple Turnovers

These have to be the easiest, yet delicious, apple turnovers you can make.

What you need:

• 3 apples peeled
• 1 package crescent rolls
• cinnamon
• sugar

Slice apples really thin, coat in cinnamon and sugar. Unroll crescent rolls and fill each triangle with apple mixture. Roll up and bake at 350 until golden brown. If you want to get fancy when cooled mix powdered sugar with apple juice and pour glaze over turnovers.

Enjoy!

Happy Earth Day!

Today we all should do a little something to give back to the earth. Plant flowers, recycle, pick up litter in your neighborhood or walk to your local store instead of driving.

The first item I purchased for my house when I bought it was a bird bath. I know it sounds silly but we did a lot of reconstruction so I couldn't put anything in the house yet so I decided to spruce up my back yard. We made a garden, bought a bird bath and planted flowers. My friend who is Pakistan, said that the "Gods" like when we give back to the our Earth. By planting you are creating more oxygen and feeding the bugs, and bird baths help give our birds fresh water.

Every Spring I clean the bird bath and wait to see birds flock to it. One year when I came back from vacation and filled it with fresh water I found birds fighting to get a chance to take a bath.

A GREAT organization to give back is Hike for KaTREEna, you donate to have a tree planted in someone's name or just to donate to have trees planted in New Orleans. Makes a GREAT gift to all you nature lovers.

So it's easy to give back to the Earth! Try something today and reap the pleasures of knowing you are giving back to YOUR EARTH!

"He that plants trees loves others beside himself. "Thomas Fuller

Happiness Quote

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our  grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." Nathaniel Hawthorne

10,000 Hits Thanks to YOU!

My blog reached 10,000 hits this week and I want to say THANK YOU to all my followers and readers. When I started this in July of 2009 I was just looking for a place to vent, share my adventures of life and connect with people who felt the same way as I did.

Today I have over 10,000 hits and views from people ALL over the world...yes thank you to my international fans too! Please continue to visit and email me if you have any suggestions, comments or would like to share your stories on my blog!

Like the phrase "If you build it they will come" I like to say "If I write it they will read it"

THANK YOU AGAIN!

Spring Cleaning Your Health

Why not start Spring by cleaning up your health! Ever notice the gym is always super busy after New Year's and as the week pass by it slows down more and more? We all get into this mode that we are going to be healthy for the New Year and then we slowly change our tune and before you know it our gym card is covered in dust.

Well Spring is the PERFECT time to clean up your health. First start off by getting rid of unnecessary snacks in your house. Yesterday I was doing some spring cleaning and decided it was a great time to clean up my pantry filled with unhealthy snacks and to spring clean my health. I filled two big bags of sugary goodies and shipped them to my husband's job. I do not need these type of snacks around my house and honestly whenever my daughter asks for a snack I'll never give her peeps or chocolate cookies. Her snacks consist of fruit, goldfish, pretzels and cheese and crackers.

Spring is a perfect time to create a schedule that works for you. Since it stays light out later plan a walk after dinner, garden on the weekends, stock the fridge with fresh fruit and set a goal to a healthy you! Add a multi vitamin to your diet, crank up the music while you clean your house, take the time to add extra arm exercises while you clean your windows and lounges while you vacuum. Best tip ever is when you go to the store park a little further then you normally do to add a little distance to walk a little more.

Just because the New Year came and went doesn't mean you can't start a healthy lifestyle today!

Competing with Yourself Quote

"When you compete with others you are really trying to fix something you don't like about yourself."

Love Who You Are Quote

“I don't like myself, I'm crazy about myself” Mae West

Happy Sunday All!

Before the madness starts again tomorrow, take the time to enjoy this Sunny day here in CT.

Happy Sunday!!!

Happy Friday the 13th! Feeling Lucky...

I always thought Friday the 13th was a lucky day...today proved it!

Like every morning I wake up, get my daughter ready for school, make breakfast let the dogs out, get dressed etc...Well today I look down at one of my dogs and notice his mouth is swollen. I have been down this road, actually 3rd time since January, so I am now a pro. I knew immediately he got stung and needed benadryl before the reaction spread along his lymph nodes making it hard for him to breath. As his face is growing in size I break down the tablet and stick in his mouth. 

Thankfully I live around the corner from the animal hospital and as I am driving there I look at him and say buddy you are going to cost me another couple hundred dollars today, good thing I love ya, but then I notice his swelling starts to decrease. My level of panic decreases as I approach the hospital and walk in. 

I speak with the doctor and stress how this is the 3rd time in three months my dogs had a reaction and I don't know what to do.  She turns to me and says "Go home, give him more benedrayl and I will NOT charge you for this visit." WHAT? No Charge. "Really" I said. "Yep" she replied. I thought it was joke.

She takes him in the back and ten minutes later I am taking my dog home, bill-less. Yes, a FREE visit to the animal hospital- I have NEVER heard of such a thing. I thanked her a thousand times and walked out happy.  Of course the minute we get home my pup jumps on my couch and knocks down my daughter's bowl of cheerios and that was when I knew he was back to normal.

So for all of you who say Friday the 13th is BAD LUCK, I say its a myth. Yes, my dog had a minor reaction BUT it could have been worse and the fact that I went home without paying $200 emergency vet bill makes me believe and continue to believe Friday the 13th isn't such a bad day after all!

*Note to all ALWAYS carry and have Bendrayl in your house and purse when you have children and pets. Also note animals CAN NOT have grape flavored since they say it is poison for pets. Always have plain tablets and another GREAT tip: Dispense the amount of Benadryl your pet weighs. So 10 pounds then dispense 10 mg.

Feel Good Song: Celine Dion It's All Coming Back to Me

This is my all time favorite Celine Dion song!

Be an Indepedent Woman Quote

“How wrong is it for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself?” Anaïs Nin

Adjusting to Motherhood by Katie Moore

Becoming a mother is the busiest, happiest time in a woman's life. After labor and delivery begins a whole new adventure full of surprises and rewarding moments that make motherhood worth it all. Here are some tips to help a woman slide easily into her new role of "mom".

Before Bringing Baby Home
After delivery, a mother has a few more medical options to consider before baby can be cleared to go home. Babies need to receive certain immunizations and check-ups to help ensure a healthy transition into the post-womb world. Some mothers may choose additional options that could potentially have an impact on the baby’s future health. Utilizing umbilical cord blood banking is one such option that is planned for well before birth and occurs immediately following delivery. This is when the cord blood is collected and saved for its potential future use in a medical treatment. Another optional choice for male babies is circumcision. After these processes have been attended to and the observation time is over, mom and baby are ready to head home.

Physical and Emotional Changes
After a woman has a baby, she may go through some highs and lows emotionally that she has never experienced. This is normal because her hormones are readjusting to her new non-pregnant body. The sadness a woman feels is known as the "baby blues." If a new mother feels sad or overwhelmed, she can talk to loved ones and, most importantly, her doctor. These key people can help the new mom work through her feelings.
A common physical change is feeling tired from a lack of sleep. Babies will start to develop a sleep schedule after some time and with help from their mother. Until a schedule is formed, a mother should plan to sleep when baby is sleeping so she doesn’t feel poorly.

Supportive Network
A new mom needs a network of supportive friends and family. She should never be afraid to ask for help. The more people a new mom has to turn to for babysitting, advice and camaraderie, the happier and more adjusted she will feel. Moms may find that their social network adjusts a bit after having a baby to include more mothers to lean on for support.
Baby Explorer
Before a mother knows it, her baby will begin to crawl and toddle. This is when babies really begin to explore their environment. It is never too soon for a mother to begin childproofing her house. Mothers will spend less time redirecting their babies away from things that are not safe and spends more time watching her baby learn new skills like reaching, touching and grabbing safely.

Returning to Work
Most new moms return to work after their maternity leave. In the beginning, it is common for a working mom to feel guilty about leaving her baby in the care of another. But gradually, these feelings leave and the new mom experiences purpose, direction and gratification from both motherhood and her job. As long as a mom provides her child with safe, nurturing childcare, there are only positive effects.

With all the changes a mother will experience, having a great support system to surround her and help her through this exciting change will make motherhood a time full of excitement.


This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche. If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.

Be a Guest Blogger

Hi everyone. Thank for all your continuous support and for following my blog. I would like to invite you and your friends to be a Guest Blogger on my blog. Love to write, want to share recipes, deals, travel tips, or just your adventures of life then send me your story. mommyct2009@yahoo.com

I will respond within 48 hours and promise to have your post up within a week.


Happy Writing!!!

Feel Good Song: Chase & Share- Time

This is a great song. This video is disturbing but a lesson to all of us: you do not need to stay in a situation where you are not appreciated. This is YOUR life, you own it, you control it, you need to be happy in it!

Send and Receive Quote

"Send out to the universe what you want and you will receive it. Tell people how you feel and it'll make a difference. Life is too short to waste it on things you do not want. Speak and people will listen. Be true and feel"

Feel Good Song:Colbie Brighter than the Sun

Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Enjoy YOUR Life Quote

"Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another."  Marquis De Condorcet

Feel Good Song: U2 Beautiful Day

Creating Easter Baskets: Get Creative!

I love picking a theme when doing any gift. It makes it easier when looking to buy stuff for someone. This year I did a beach theme for my neice's baskets and it came out really cute. Below are some tips when creating your Easter Basket.

Themes:

Sports: Buy sport style baskets-the deal store has a ton of them. Fill up with old fashion baseball cards that come with bubble gum, soft balls, little bats, a soccer ball, and buy fun sport shaped eggs-which you can normally find at CVS. Perfect for boys.

Beach: Buy a beach pail and fill it up with sand toys, lotion, a bathing suit, sun glasses and a sun hat.
Add swimmies and it makes the perfect basket. Perfect for a boy or girl.

Girls: Buy a pink or purple basket, fill with hair accessories, dresses, socks, chap sticks, nail polish and pretend makeup, sandals, and play jewelry.

Boys: Buy sport or beach pails, fill with water balloons, little race cars, play doh, and legos.

Be Creative and Have Fun with this! Happy Shopping!

Easter Deals This Week

Below are this week's Easter Deals:

• Kohl's: Children Easter Dresses on sale this week, save 50% on all dresses until April 7th.
• Old Navy: Graphic Tees for the family only $5.00. Women dresses only $15-great colors for your Easter gatherings. Toddler girl and boy swim suits just $10
• Rite Aid: Perfect stuffer for Easter Baskets: Save 25% on Spring/Summer toys and Easter Plush. Easter socks 2 for $5.00. Kids sun glasses and spring hats buy 1 get 1 free
• Toys R Us:  Pre-filled Easter Baskets buy 1 get 1 50% off. Legos are perfect for any kids baskets and you get 1 get 1 50% off. Old school kid board games just $4.99 (amazing how many kids I know that never played a board game, these are fun to do with the whole family)

Happy Shopping!

Source of Happiness Quote

"Look deep within yourself and you will realize that you are the source to your own happiness."

Great Apps For Easter Lunch

Easter is near and these are the perfect, quick and easy, yet yummy appetizers to please any guest or to bring to any party. Don't cook-no problem. These easy recipes will please everyone!

• Prosciutto & Melon: All you have to do is wrap prosciutto around sliced melon. Green melon works best but yellow works too. St. Daniele Prosciutto is the best and make sure you ask them to slice it extra thin.
• Pigs in the blanket: All you need is crescent rolls and cocktail hot dogs-can't find them then slice up regular size hot dogs. Unroll crescent rolls and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to package.Tip: The grocery store crescent rolls have more butter so it makes these extra tasty vs brand names. Funny how whenever I make these for the kids the adults end up eating them all!
• Hummus platter: Why bother making your own hummus when there are plenty of brands that do an excellent job. Pour hummus in a bowl and serve with carrots, pretzel chips and sliced red bell peppers-yum!

Cooking doesn't have to be hard. These three recipes are perfect for anyone who is afraid of being in the kitchen but enjoys good food.

Fun and Unique Easter Basket Tips

Easter is a week away and I am sure you are running around in preparation of creating the best Easter Basket for your little one. I love that my little one is old enough now for us to hid her basket and put useful items in her basket. Below are some fun Easter Basket suggestions to please your little one:

• Gift Certificate- Put a gift certificate in their Easter Basket to their favorite fast food lunch place then tell them you will have a 'lunch date' with them. Every child loves mommy time!
• Movie Tickets- What kid doesn't enjoy the movies? Movie tickets is a fun thing for them to look forward to do.
• Veggie Chips: Sensible Solutions has the best Veggie Chips and now you can get them in a snack pack. Perfect to use as a filler
• Clothes: Kids are not a fan of clothes but clothes make a great liner to baskets. Place an outfit on the bottom of the basket then load up their goodies on top. I am not a fan of the straw grass that ends up all over my house so this is a fun easy, mess free, solution.
• Scratch Offs: I am not trying to promote gambling but it is a fun thing for your children to do. Get 5 $1 scratch offs and watch your little one light up as they scratch away. Winning a $1 is like an adult winning $50. Aww to be a kid again and to be able to enjoy the simple things in life!

Have fun with creating their baskets and use a little creativity!

Laughter Quote

"Laughter is the key to staying young."

Inner Peace Quote

“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility...without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.”  Dalai Lama XIV

Semi Homemade Baked Goods

Baking has never been my strengthen. I always felt why make things from scratch when you can buy it in a box and just add water eggs and oil to it. However, over time I realized that once you add your special touches everything starts to taste a little better. I now really enjoy baking with my Semi Homemade tips.

Below are some quick Semi Homemade tips to help add your personal touch to any box bake goods you make:

Lemon Pound Cake:

• Follow Directions on Lemon cake box-minus 1 egg, and mix everything together
• Add lemon juice from two freshly squeezed lemons
• Mix and sit in fridge for couple hours
• Bake according to box
• Once out of oven poke holes with a toothpick and pour lemon glaze (1 freshly squeezed lemon and 1/2 of powder sugar mixed together) over cake
• Cool and serve

Chocolate Cake:

• Follow directions on devil foods cake box, mix well
• Add 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate Hersey cocoa
• Add 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips
• Mix well and bake
• Frost with chocolate icing

Vanilla Cupcakes:

• Follow directions on Vanilla cake box
• Add 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Bake and ice with frosting

See who said baking had to be hard! From just adding your own special touch you helped enhance the flavors in your baked goods. Also please note when you mix your ingredients always put in the fridge for at least 5 mins. It helps bring the flavors out.

Happy Baking!

Success Quote

“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” Dalai Lama XIV

Love & Achievement Quote

“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” Dalai Lama XIV

Meaning of Being Successful Quote

"Success is not something that is given to you, success is something you earn!"

Many times I come across people that get things from people and think that is what makes them successful in life. You can not be handed success, wealth is not the same as success. To be handed money or given money does not mean you are successful, you may become wealthy but you will not be successful.

You need to work hard to build and earn the respect of being successful in life. Under-achievers do not achieve because they have bad luck, under-achievers are lazy and feel that they will succeed by getting from others what they do not want to try to work on getting themselves.You need to work hard, push yourself and then you will become successful. In order to gain the respect from others you need to respect yourself. No one in life needs or has to give you anything, you need to earn what is given to you in order to call yourself successful! Do not confuse wealth with success, any of us can be wealthy not all of us are successful!

90 Day Challenge

I decided to start a 90 day challenge with my husband to loose the extra weight I am still carrying and gain more muscle. I was diagnosed 8 months ago with being insulin resistant and since then lost over 20lbs with diet and exercise. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight-yes I held on to it for 2 years but want to get back to my wedding weight which is 15lbs lighter than what I am now. I feel GREAT and would love to look like this forever but am now determined to push myself to look even better.

The program I am doing is P 90 X. What it is a 90 day work out routine that focuses on muscle confusion. Which we all know that we need to confuse our muscles when we work out, so stop doing the same routine and mix it up at the gym. Do weights one day, yoga the next, kick boxing next, etc... Never do the same things.  The best thing about this program is that I can do it at home and with my crazy schedule it is PERFECT for me. I still need to go to the gym to run because we all know running helps keep me sane. I also am going to keep my own diet going which is eating every two hours, high protein, with carbs that are high grain-no white flour and limited sugar.


I took some before pics and will follow up weekly with my results. I am actually really excited at the thought of finally having abs.

Spring is here and summer is near so for once I will be excited for bikini season!

Wish me luck!

*Please note I am not a doctor so please consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine*

Find Who You Are Quote

"The summit of happiness is reached when a person is ready to be what he is." Erasmus

Follow Your Gut Quote

"We are always looking and asking for "signs" but what good are they if we never act on them when we see and receive them!"

Strive to Be More Quote

"Life is about becoming the person you never thought you could be, to have more then you thought you would have and to be the person who wants to leave a positive mark on this world because you are here for a reason and your life should not stop just because you gave up hope or you think you accomplished all you could. Life doesn't stop until you let it stop. Striving to be more is what will keep you going !"

Easter is Coming...My Annual Egg Hunt

Easter is by far my favorite Holiday. I am not sure why, maybe it's because Spring is coming or because it is a holiday where we are all together and do not have to go nuts on buying gifts. It's also the one time of year I really really miss my Grandma, "Nonna",  the most.

In preparation for this celebration I always throw an Easter Egg Hunt. Once I had my own house I always said when I had children I wanted to do an Egg Hunt. So again, this year Mother Nature, as always, was VERY kind to me and gave me a BEAUTIFUL day for my annual Egg Hunt. We hid 300 eggs and had 18 little rug rats running around the yard, which is perfect to accommodate 40 people.

The children had a great time, it is also nice for me and my "random group" of friends to get together, which someone once asked how I knew everyone and I laughed because we all have a unique connection somehow. It is a great, fun, young bunch of people and I am grateful to have each one of them in my life.

Needless to say it was a great day and once again the Egg Hunt was a huge success!

Feel Good Song: Sting Desert Rose

This is my favorite song by Sting

Never Stop Dreaming Quote

“We dream to give ourselves hope. To stop dreaming - well, that’s like saying you can never change your fate.” Amy Tan

Make Things Happen Quote

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Destined to Be Quote

“Some things are destined to be -- it just takes us a couple of tries to get there.”  J.R. Ward

Happy "Post" St. Patty's Day!

I hope you all had a great St. Patty's Day! Funny how although I am not Irish I, like most of us, still really enjoy this day. When I was younger it was all about the drinking but now that I am older it's a fun holiday that we can celebrate by dressing up silly, making everything we eat and drink green and for once a holiday you can have fun without having to buy anyone a gift!

I spent most of my saturday with my lil one and two nephews. We had a great day filled with corn beef and cabage, green cupcakes, green apple sauce and I even had my own marching band :)

Saturday night I was able to spend it with my fav Irish gal- my best friend and had some Summer Ale with some friends. Needless to say it was a great day. I hope you all had a great St. Patty's Day as well!

"Irish Blessings" To All Of You!



"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back . May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of his hand."

"Wishing you always - Walls for the wind And a rood for rain And tea beside the fire. Laughter to cheer you,And those you love near you,

And all that your heart might desire!"

My "Pot of Gold"

My Juggling Act

I feel like life is a juggling act. I am a part time worker and a mom and I seem to constantly be juggling the two. For example tonight I am making my daughter green cupcakes for her St. Patty's day party at her preschool while checking my email for work. I am 40% worker, 55 % mom, 5% "me" and 100% go go go.

I know that you are all thinking the same way. I mean think about it. In life we all juggle different parts of who we are. For me I am a mother, worker, wife, friend, daughter, sister, aunt...and the list goes on. I juggle being there for my child, putting her in activities that I think would be good for her social skills, trying to be involved in her schools-yes she is currently in two different preschools which means pack snack for one and doing projects for another.

Then I am a worker with multiple clients, I juggle different tasks all day long for different clients. Then there's the "me" part. The person who loves to go to the gym, have date night with my hubby, grab drinks with my girlfriends, and when I have the time write or blog and catch up with family and friends. I have been so accustomed to this juggling act that even when I do get that free moment to lay on the couch I am reading the paper or a magazine while watching T.V.

If someone asks me to give up a part of my juggling act I couldn't. Being a mom was what I'm meant to be, working helps me grow a part of who I want to be and the "me" part...well let's face it we all need some "me" time.

So I guess my juggling act will have to continue. I may age a little faster from it but I guess at the end of the day all those parts really do make up who I really am!

Event to Support the Boys & Girls Village to Help the Children of CT

Enjoy a night out while helping a great cause! Fairfield Coupon is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Village to promote their "Laugh Out Loud" event Saturday, March 31st at Fairfield University's Quick Center. The Comedy show begins at 8:00pm featuring comedian Richard Lewis, who stars in HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Tickets go on sale the weekend of March 23rd at http://www.fairfieldcoupon.com/ and best of all Fairfield Coupon will be donating 100% of their profits from this event to the Boys and Girls Village.

So mark your calendars! Tickets go on sale March 23rd at http://www.fairfieldcoupon.com/.

Feel Good Song: We are Young

This is a great song!!!

Be Happy Quote :)

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Lil One's First Day at Big Girl Preschool

"There may not be a lot of things in my life I was made to be but one thing I know for sure is I  was made to be a mom!!" 

My Soul :)

Feel Good Song: Have a Little Faith in Me

What We're Meant To Be Quote

"In the end we're all destined to be what we're meant to be"

Life Quote

"Funny how the things we all complain about, the things we cry about,  the things we all worry about are all the things that make up what life is all about! You can't escape from it so you might as well try to enjoy it"

Pick Yourself Back Up

"Sometimes you have to let yourself breakdown before you can build yourself back up"

I saw this quote today and wanted to share it with all of you. I feel this quote says a lot. We go through life feeling one way, ignoring things that bother us and smiling even when we aren't truly happy. So I wanted to let my readers know that breaking down is not a sign of weakness. Ignoring how you feel and  hiding your true feelings will only cause you harm. So you have my permission to let go and feel but the trick is to remember to then pick yourself  back up.

Have a Little Faith In Yourself Quote

"Change is hard, but also not knowing what you want is harder. Always have faith in yourself that you will do what you need to do regardless of what other's think you should do! At the end of the day it's your happiness that should guide you."

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Today I lost a very special animal, my family dog Toto. He was the cutest little long haired Chiwawa and only 12. It's crazy how losing a pet can feel like you lost a family member!

My daughter is only 3 so it is funny how you never know how to tell her about death. I explained that he had to go to heaven because he was sick but he'll always be with us. It's also crazy how the other dogs know he is no longer here.

I personally have two dogs and sometimes it feels like having two more children, and that is just what they are. Animals are our children and look at us to protect them, provide for them and nurture them. No one wants to see an animal go but when they are in pain and you know you can no longer help them you have to learn to let them go.

It was a very rough day for all of us but one person said it well. "All Dogs Go to Heaven." And I know he is running around up there!

You Are Your Only Solution Quote

" To the question of your life, you are the only answer.  To the problems of your life, you are the only solution." Jo Coudert

Feel Good Song: Katy Perry Part of Me

RIP Whitney Houston

Reports state we lost an amazing singer today, Whitney Houston. So young, so gifted, so talented, so sad! May her soul rest in peace and her music live on forever!

Laughter & Life Quote

"A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life." Hugh Sidey

It's Never Too Late...

We all reach a point in our life at one time or another when we wonder "Is this really it?" When that happens we usually have reached a point in our life when our everyday routine isn't fun anymore or enjoyable, when our emotions become a little stale and we dread our every day lifestyle. It is like when sleeping becomes more fun then waking up and when things that used to excite us don't anymore. I know sounds depressing right!? Well when we reach that point it's a HUGE WAKE UP call for us to make a change.

Change is hard, believe me I know. We are accustomed to routine and change makes us uncomfortable. But when you take that first step, that HUGE step towards making a change then things seem to get a little easier.
Recently my husband decided to go back to school. Although I gave him that extra push to go it was a change for me as well. I know we'll be spending a lot of time without him and I will be spending nights alone but I am super excited for him. At first it was very hard for him and frustrating but now he is getting the hang of it and we are both getting used to the new routine.

We keep thinking life is what we make of it, but the reality is we need to make changes in order for things to get a little better. We are in control of our lives. I again want to emphasis how hard change is and no one wants to deal with it but most of the time change is for the better!

So remember "It's Never Too Late to Be What You Want to Be!"

Coping with Conflict Quote

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.” Similar Quotes

Feel Good Song: This One's For The Girls

Blind to Reality Quote by Dalai Lama

"When we are angry we are blind to reality. Anger may bring us a temporary burst of energy, but that energy is blind and it blocks the part of our brain that distinguishes right from wrong. To deal with our problems, we need to be practical and realistic. If we are to be realistic, we need to use our human intelligence properly, which means we need a calm mind." Dalai Lama

Happy Monday All!

Happy Monday Everyone! Not only is it Monday but it is also the end of the month and that means...well whatever you want it to mean but to me it means a fresh month.

January was ok to me...funny cause I am such a believer in signs and "The Secret" but yet I blame months on my bad experiences. So let me refresh, I allowed myself to get a little too stressed and overworked myself in the month of January, a lot of minor-unavoidable situations happened.  But with that said I did start working out again 3hours a week and I did not put on weight for the holidays, and I did drop another pants size YAY! More positives: I did work extra hours, I did book our big family vaca, I did have an amazing girls weekend so January was bad but yet so good in so many ways as well!

If you are going to take the good you have to take the bad too in every situation!

Happy Monday!

Laughter Quote

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." Charlie Chaplin

Cereal Just Got Even Better...

Did you know the Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Thanks to General Mills you now can start your morning, have an afternoon snack of enjoy a bowl at night feeling even better about eating cereal. Cereal should not only taste good but also make you feel good for eating it. General Mills has added more whole grain fiber to their cereals. Same great taste, just more whole grain fiber!

I personally enjoy cereal throughout the day and night and not just for breakfast. I also love to mix the different General Mills brands together. Knowing that I am contributing to my daily recommended value of whole grain makes me enjoy eating it even more! Cheers to healthy eating!

*WIN A PRIZE PACK*

Tell me what is your FAVORITE General Mills' cereal and you will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack from General Mills.*

* Prize pack is provided by General Mills through MyBlog Spark.

Peace of Mind Quote

"To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him." Buddha

Snow Day

Today was the first snow day we had in 2012. Gratefully it was on a Saturday so there was no rush to plow the drive way and clean off the cars. My lil on is sick so it was a great day for us to stay in our PJ's and watch movies on the couch. We even got to nap together. It was a great Snow Day!

My dog and lil one dying to play outside in the snow.

Feel Good Song: Kelly Clarkson Stronger-What Doesn't Kill You

Life is a Test

Everything that happens in life is a test. It's a test to see what can break you, but really it's about learning how to fix you, and make you stronger. It's funny how you think you are having a bad day and you hear about someone else having an even worse day then you and you think, well it can be worse.

The reality is life is not easy, life can really suck sometimes, but every situation we are faced with is a test to see how strong we are, it helps us build our character, it helps us get by the bad situations because we've dealt with even worse situations.

Sometimes I want to throw in the towel and say I give up but then I think about how much stronger I become. I also realize that every situation I encounter helps me look at life differently. I start to realize I am creating who I am everytime I handle a situation. I once had a friend ask how I manage to do it all and honestly just like the rest of you I don't. Some days I can do it all other days I give it all I can and whatever doesn't get done will have to wait. We just do what we have to do and smile along the way.

I always thought by the time I was an adult I would have life figured out and then something happens and I am learning about what life is about all over again. Life is a test, you can NOT fail this test, you can only pass and what I mean by this that we will make mistakes, we will do things and later look ourselves in the mirror and laugh at ourselves. We will have crappy days but then really good days. Don't let the bad days break you.

I love the expression "What we cry about today, we'll laugh about tomorrow." It is so true. So remember when your day is bad just remember tomorrow is another day. When your day is awesome, cherish it. Take it from me when they say "Life is what you make of it" they are not lying. And remember whenever you encounter a bad day just repeat to yourself that this too shall pass. Don't allow the things in life to bring you down. Allow yourself to grow with every experience and be good to yourself. Love yourself and when things bring you down pick yourself back up! Most importantly smile and be grateful because this life won't last forever!

Make an Impression Without Words Quote

"Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent"  Dalai Lama

Feel Good Song: Bon Jovi - Blaze of glory

Just Doing Zumba is Not Enough

I see so many people doing the treadmill and then go to a Zumba class. I love Zumba and doing cardio but after speaking with trainers and people into weight loss I think it is important to share this information: Zumba is NOT enough for weight loss.


I will be the first to admit that my body type needs cardio in order to loose weight and cardio helps you burn calories. Cardio is great for the brain and honestly the best stress releaser for me. Burning calories is great but what you need to add to your routine is weight training. Weight training helps burn fat and build muscle. I am not telling you to lift 15lbs of free weights to start with. Begin with 3lbs weights, then 5lbs and gradually increase.



My husband and trainer always tell me to lift less weight and do more reps. So if you get on the machine try lifting 20lbs and do four sets for 12 times each. Instead of lifting 30lbs and doing three sets for 10 times each. This burns fat and tones muscles. As a woman I do not want big muscles, but I do want to burn fat that is why I lift a little less. However, make sure you feel it, if you don't increase the weight. You want to make sure you are lifting enough.  Also when you do weight training your body continues to burn calories throughout the day vs. just doing cardio.

Below are some great articles to help you understand this better:

• How Much Weight Should You Lift? http://exercise.about.com/od/exerciseworkouts/a/liftingheavy.htm
• The Best Strength Training for Women http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-training-tips
• The 3 Best Strength Training Tips For Women: The 3 Rules Of 3 http://thebeautybean.com/site/sweat/the-3-best-strength-training-tips-for-women-the-3-rules-of-3/

*Please note I am not a doctor. I write based on my own personal experiences. Please consult with your doctor prior to doing any exercises!

Speak Less Quote

"When you speak less people will listen more."

Children Quote

"While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about." Angela Schwindt

My Daughter is Good for My Soul

It's funny how different children can make you feel. People always say having children makes your life more difficult, and although it is harder due to the fact that you have someone else to take care of I feel like my daughter makes my life easier at times. She helps me stop and appreciate the little things in life.

Life can be complicated, it's so easy for us to get stressed out and over work ourselves. But whenever times get tough I take a time out and just being with my daughter makes all the worries go away. She has this certain smile and way that calms me.

At night when she's sleeping I want to just curl up in her bed and forget all the problems of my day. When I have a really hectic day I tend to stop working early and pick her up. My mom is always wondering why I finished work early and my response was "I just needed a break so I wanted to see my daughter." Strange right?!

Reality is kids are simple, they look at life in a simple way and sometimes us adults need to be reminded of that. Life can be as complicated or as simple as we wish. Sometimes things are not in our control but when we look at life through our child's eyes it much more beautiful then we imagined it would be.

So stop and enjoy the little, simple things. I know I need to do that more for sure and my daughter is a constant reminder to help me do that! She's good for my soul and we all say we were brought here on earth for a purpose and I truly believe she was brought here to help me enjoy my life more.

Lay OFF the Scale!

I know we all have at least one scale in our house, I actually have two and if I could recommend anything to anyone it would be to Lay off the Scale!

Weight loss has always been a focus in my life, I tried different diets, exercises, diet programs, and I must say dieting is not fun! But the reality is if you really want to get in shape and remain in shape as a long term life goal then lay off the diets and change your "lifestyle."

I had a lifestyle change 6 months ago and I must say it is one I will stick with forever. Which consists of  protein with every meal, no caffeine and exercise at least 3 hours a week. At first I weighed myself all the time and it was VERY discouraging. But then I decided to lay off the scale and measure myself. It's funny how I always thought girls were the ones always obsessed with the scale but lately I have been hearing more men who are and my advice to them is to start measuring themselves.

The scale is our worst enemy but you can not deny the inches you track when you measure yourself. I suggest you measure your arms, legs, waist-above your belly button, thighs, chest-under your boobs and hips. I even measure my neck, and wrist, A week after working out and your "lifestyle" change" measure yourself again then wait two weeks and do it again. Keep a little journal of your measurements and once you start seeing results then you can hop on the scale. But don't let it discourage you, if you are building muscle it weighs more than fat. I always lose inches faster then lbs so this system always worked well for me.

Below are great sites on how to measure yourself:

• 4 Ways to Track Your Weight Loss Progress: Take Your Measurements Website: http://exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/a/weightlosstrack_2.htm
• How to Take Measurements: For Women Website: http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Measurements-%28For-Women%29
• How to Take Your Measurements: Website: http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-take-your-measurements/

Cheers to healthy living!

Jealousy is a form of Flattery

We all have someone in our life that does things to us out of spite and jealousy. Honestly if it wasn't for the my mother I probably wouldn't have this person in my life. See it has been repeated in my head that when someone is jealous they are weak and instead of shutting them out we should help them. Trust me that is not easy for me to do or anyone to do. The reality is that when someone is jealous of you we need to accept it as a form of flattery.

Yes, it's frustrating but reality is that if someone will steep so low to copy everything you do and not own up to it then it's their demon to face not yours. We can not control other people's actions but we can control our reactions.

I have been blessed to have a lot of great, strong women in my life who help me see things in a different point of view. They have taught me that you can not cut people out of your life but you can change the way you deal with them. So for the people in your life who are jealous of you just be happy you're not them, and realize that if they are jealous then obviously you are doing something right so take their jealously as a form of flattery!

"Jealousy is a form of flattery!"

Feel good Song: Adele Set Fire to the Rain

This song is really deep and  gives me goose bumps!. Her official video may be offencive to some people so I chose not to post it but if you have seen it unfortunately there are dysfunctional relationships out there. Let it be a lesson to all of us as to what we should and shouldn't accept in a relationship. Reality is sometimes love makes us do crazy things. 

Not Getting What You Want Quote

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck." Dalai Lama

Feel Good Song: I Love Rock n Roll Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Great Song to do Karaoke to!!!

Your Life is Your Own Quote

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins."  Bob Moawad

Never Say Never...

Ever judge someone and turn around to do exactly what you judged them on? Ever say you would never do something to just turn around and do it?

The point I am getting at is never say never. Never say you will not do something or put up with something or feel a certain way when in reality when you say that then you will be faced with it. And I bet the way you handled it will shock you. It's like the law of attraction, what you put out you get in return. What you focus on preventing you will have to on day face.

I changed a lot these last couple of years. I became less judgemental and opened my eyes to other's points of view and the reason for this is that: you may say you will handle a situation one way and once you are faced with it, you handle it the complete opposite way.

We all have a boundary as to what we will stand for in our lives and what we won't but the reality is our true being and beliefs come out when we have to face a problem head on. I have always had an opinion on people, I always felt one strong way, but as I got older I learned to stop having such a strong opinion and to be more open.

I never thought I would work from home, I never thought I would even want to work while having children, I never thought I would want to be as independent as I am. I always said I wanted to get educated and go to college, get married and raise a family. Who wouldn't!?  Yes, I did get a college degree, got married, had a child but I do not want to stop at that. I want to be more, have more, do more. I like having a career, I like being independent, I like being a role model to my daughter. I was not happy when I was not working. 10 years ago if you said I would be where I am at today I would say you're wrong.

My point to all of you is we need to stop judging and start learning. The man who cheats and the wife who stays or vice verse is because it is harder to leave then to stay, the kid who takes drugs and hangs with the wrong crowd is not a bad person they just have deep issues that no one wants to take the time to deal with. The one who judges most is the one who is feared of being judged.

Never say never...never say not my child or I would never...always remember that God gives you what you can handle. Look back on any situation in your life and pay attention to how you dealt with it, how you could have prevented it and how you learned from it. After all the journey of life is a journey. The mistakes we make happen so we do not repeat them. The stories we hear remind us that yes anything can happen. The people who come in and out of our lives are there for a reason. We can prevent things, but you can not prevent fate or destiny but you can change the way you interpret it and change the way you handle the things that come in your life. You can change, people do every day but if you decide to do it make sure it is for the best. Life is too short to keep making the same mistakes and not learn from it. Be true to who you are and what you want and make sure to not hurt people along the way.

I read a quote today that I came across that made me stop and think: "To die well you need to live well, but living well is it’s own reward." Dan Kuban

Good for the Soul Quote

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust

Winter Fun at Killington Resort

No snow yet no problem. Head over to Killington Resort for some awesome Winter deals and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Whether you enjoy skiing, snow boarding or off-mountain activities like Killington Tubing Park; dog sledding; cross country skiing; snowshoeing; ice skating; and snowmobiling, there is something for everyone.

Check out their Winter deals and activities today!

Your Path in Life Quote

"The road least taken is the road most feared. Pay attention to the signs but always follow your intuition."

Marriage is like a Deck of Cards Quote

"Marriage is like a deck of cards.

In the beginning all you need is two

hearts and a diamond. By the end,

you wish you had a club and a spade."

Hope you all enjoyed the laugh!

Do You Work Out? If Not... Why Not?

I can not emphasis enough how important it is to work out. Now I am not trying to preach about how important it is to work out only for your health but for your mind too. Over the holidays I did not stick to my routine as much due to a hectic schedule but boy did my moods change due to missing my workouts.

Working out is so important for the mind and body. It is an excellent stress reliever! I am not asking you to work out to push yourself beyond the limits you can not handle, I am asking you to start off 3x a week for just 30 mins. That's it. Try that for a couple of weeks and add more time and days once you get comfortable.

I work out 3x a week for an hour. Some days more some days less, but I try to do a total of 3 hrs a week. It feels good once you start to do it that you'll be pushing yourself to "leave" the gym.

The key to a good workout is to first find a gym you feel comfortable in. I look like crap when I work out and really do not care. I am not there to socialize and love that my gym is filled with people who are there to sweat and work out not make friends and date. 

My suggestion to you is to eat a lite meal with protein before you go. Don't work out on an empty stomach, bring a great play list with your favorite songs and water. Water is so important. Stretch before and after and make sure you listen to your body. Don't push yourself too much at first.



Please note I am not a doctor, I am an average person like you sharing my tips on a healthier lifestyle. SO please consult your doctor before doing any work out if you have any health conditions! We are all different so what may work for me may not work for you. 

Cheers to a healthier life! 

Help Fight Hunger Today With ShopRite´s "Get Can Canned"

For those who shop at ShopRite are well aware of their Can Can deals but now you too can help in the fight against hunger.

All you have to do is become a fan of their Facebook fan page...yep it's that simple. Simply go to http://on.fb.me/SRFbook and like the page and they'll donate a can of food for every like they receive.

During their 2012 Can Can Sale (1/5 - 1/21), ShopRite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks in the communities it serves, on behalf of every new ShopRite Facebook fan.*

Thank you in advance for helping in the fight against hunger!

Wanna have some fun then check out this fun Can Can Check line up you too can be a part of. Upload a personal photo and become a virtual ShopRite Can Can dancer http://www.shopritecancan.com/cancan_start.php?userImageId=0
 
 
*Information was provided by ShopRite through MyBlogSpark.

New Years Resolution... Did you make one?

Every year I normally make a resolution, sometimes I stick to it, sometimes I forget about it, but this year I decided not to make one. The reason for this is that we always think a new year means a new beginning but the reality is that everyday is a new beginning. I think 2011 really tested me in believing a lot of things, things I used to believe in that I don't anymore.

As a child my mom warned me that the older you got the less shocked you got from the events that took place around you. You see it all, heard it all been through it all. 2011 was kind of my eye opener for a lot of things. Things I could have prevented, things that made my life better, things that made my life more complicated and things that had nothing to do with me but somehow affected me.

With that said do know that every day, every hour, every minute, every second can be changed. You do not need a resolution to make a change, you need to believe in yourself to make a change. I guess I wish I could go back to when I was younger and oblivious but in reality when the tough gets going we just get stronger.

Be happy in 2012, love yourself, be good to yourself and the people around you. Remember everyday you can make a change. Life is short, life changes by the second, embrace it, love it and know that bad things happen fast but good things happen even faster.

Cheers to 2012!

Fate Quote

"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it." Jean de La Fontaine

Feel Good Song: Glad You Came

Happy 2012 Everyone!!!

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah Winfrey

Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Lately we have had so many parties and gatherings over the course of December due to the holidays that I am actually looking forward to a nice, quiet dinner at one of our fav restaurants and hoping I stay awake to see the ball drop.

I hope 2012 brings you everything 2011 couldn't and I wish you, your family and loved ones an amazing 2012! New Year's means new goals, new hope and a chance to take on life all over again. Embrace it and be good to yourself and to the people around you!

Happy New Year's

 &

 Cheers to Happiness for 2012!

Past vs Future Quote

"Your past is as important as your future, only difference is you can't change what happened in the past but you can better your future."

Cheers to a Wonderful 2012!

Feel Good Song: I love you like a love song

Don't Change Quote

"Never change yourself to make someone else happy. Your happiness should always come first!"

Holiday Fun!

I hope you all had a great holiday!!! Mine was filled with great food, drinks and lots and lots of gifts...guess Santa thought I was good this year :)

Holidays are so different when you have a child. It is like you become a child with them with all their excitement. My lil one is really into outer space, astronauts and the solar system so much that sometimes I wonder if she is really mine- just kidding. So Santa bought her a telescope, among many other great gifts, and today we went to the Discovery Museum and Planetarium in Bridgeport. It was so much fun that we decided to buy her a year membership.

I also took some time off of work and although I felt like all I did was find room in my house to put all these gifts it was actually really fun!!! For the first time I didn't log in at all-shocking I know!

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays as well! Cheers to a wonderful 2012

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale

and Feliz Navidad Everyone!

Happy Holidays from My Family to Yours!

Holiday Song: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

This song brings me back to my childhood. Happy Holidays Everyone!

If Santa Was a Woman Quote

"If Santa were a woman he wouldn't need elves". Kyle Richards


I love this quote and think it is sooo true. The other night I was venting to my hubby how the holidays has become so much work that I am starting not to enjoy them. Between all the get togethers, the cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping I am exhausted. My house looks like Christmas already exploded in it. I feel like there is never enough time in the day to accomplish all the things I need and want to do.

His suggestion was that I needed to "embrace the moment. To look around and be happy since it only comes once a year" Embrace the moment?! I finally turned to him and said you know what I need to start handing out some of my duties to you so you can help me "Embrace the moment!" So this quote is perfect for all us women that "do it all" while the men get to sit back and get to "Embrace" the holidays.

Join Olay This Week to Help Fight Breast Cancer!

Facebook Users: Help Olay today "Defuzz in Defember"

Olay has pledged to donate $50,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!  For every "click" received on the Defuzz in Defember Facebook tab, Olay will donate $1 on your behalf. All you need to do is click the yellow button (http://bit.ly/DEFEM)

Help support this cause today!

Be Happy Quote

"At the end of the day all we really want is for the people we care about to be happy!"

Road to Happiness Quote

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.  Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." H. Jackson Brown

Great Gift Ideas for Him or Her

The count down to Christmas has begun so for all you last minute shoppers below are some great holiday gift ideas for everyone!

• Foxwoods: If you know people like me who love the casinos a gift certificate to Foxwoods is a great idea. They can use these certificates towards restaurants, shows, spas, and shopping. They can not use them for gambling though. Best of all you can still have them shipped 2 day UPS for $11 in time for the holidays
• Harmons: is a great discount store to buy great yet inexpensive stocking stuffers. You can even find these stores in sections of Bed, Bath and Beyond! 
• Sephora: I love their make up! They have great discount prices on holiday gifts and although some of their makeup is expensive just remember you can't put a price on beauty!
• Spa Finder: I love getting these gift certificates. Basically you purchase a gift certificate and people can use it at any spa that participates with them. They have hundreds of spas to choose from and best of all they get to decide if they want to use it towards a massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, hair cut, wax or any service that their spa offers! You can print the gift certicates right off their website.

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!!!

Holiday Song: Band Aid-Do They Know It's Christmas

I LOVE this Christmas Song... 

All I want for Christmas...

At my age it's funny when people ask me what I want for Christmas. My husband and I exchange gifts but the reality is that whatever we really want we just go out and buy ourselves. As you get older the holidays becomes a time when you reflect on your life and appreciate what you have, realize the reason you don't have certain things and make a goal to achieve the things you are missing in your life.

I love giving gifts, I love how creative I get when buying gifts and the joy people get opening gifts. I enjoy my daughter's reaction when she opens up a gift she least expected and I love being able to be around those I care about. Granted the holidays makes us realize those we can not be with but we should appreciate the ones we are with. So with that said if Santa was REALLY real I would ask for....



"All I want for Christmas is a a housekeeper, personal chef and full time personal trainer."

Holiday Song: Eurythmics - Winter Wonderland

Letting Go vs. Fighting For Quote

"There comes a point in your life when you need to realize that there are things worth letting go of and then there are things worth fighting for."

Christmas Spirit Quote

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."  Harlan Miller (Better Homes and Gardens)

Holiday Song: Rocking Christmas Anna Phoebe with Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Great "Rock" mix

Holiday Deals This Week...

The countdown to the holidays has begun and honestly I am looking forward to the last minute running around to burn off the extra calories I've been consuming these past couple of weeks :)

• Old Navy:  $5 Performance fleece sets, $10 children PJ sets, 50% off men outer wear, $5 sock sets.
• Sephora:  has great deals and free shipping on order $50 and up. Eye makeup, half priced items, and great value sets. I love their foundation and although it is $34 it lasts me at least a couple of months.
• Walgreens: Buy 1 get 1 50% off on wrapping paper. Buy one toy at $6.99 get 1 free-these are great to donate to Toys for Tots.  

Happy Shopping!