True Beauty Is From Within

Fireworks At The Bridgeport Bluefish Game

Learn more at www.bridgeportbluefish.com. 

Chores List By Age Group

I came across this guide and thought it was interesting  I think my kids do most of up to age 6-8 but not on a daily basis and I don't give them an allowance. I think maybe once a little older it will be easier to enforce but am I lacking their capability to have some responsibilities? I mean as a kid my sisters and I always fought while we did chores. Looking back now I am sure would be much more relaxing for my mom to just do on her own then hear us complain. What chores do you have your kids help with? Are they consistent and how are they rewarded?

Source: Sport mom survival guide 

Do More Of The Things That Make You Happy!!

Fill Your Child's Cup Up With Good Parenting t

Fun Facts: Cucumbers

Make Your Own Trading Cards: Perfect For Children

Kids of all ages share a unique fascination with trading cards, from baseball cards to Pokemon decks. Why not boost your child's imagination and creativity by having her design her own deck of trading cards? Your child will even practice division and measurement to prepare this special deck. From royal kingdoms to local pets, a trading deck can follow any child's interest, and if her friends get involved too there's no end to the fun!

What You Need:

• 4 pieces of heavy paper or card stock
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Lead pencil
• Colored pencils or markers

What You Do:

1. Using your pencil and ruler, divide each piece of paper into thirds along the short edge, and into five segments along the long edge. You should have 15 card-sized rectangles on each paper.
2. With the help of your ruler, now draw a slightly smaller rectangle within each rectangle that you've drawn out. This is so that there is a small bit of room around each card when it comes time to laminate and cut them out.
3. Brainstorm what kind of trading cards you want to design. Is it the cast of characters from a favorite book or series, such as Harry Potter? Is it your friends, family and teachers? Or perhaps a set of imaginary creatures with fun names? The sky's the limit!
4. Once you've decided on a theme, it's time to get drawing! Using colored pencils or markers, draw out what you want in each rectangle. Be sure to include a name on each card. Don't forget the back of the cards, either: here you can put stats or details about the subject or character.
5. When you've finished, Mom or Dad can take the card sheets to your local copy machine to be laminated. If you prefer, you can leave the cards unlaminated or use the clear plastic binder sheets with card pockets instead. This will ensure that they last for a long time.
6. Cut out your cards, and get ready to get trading!

Learn More at https://www.education.com/resources/division/

*Information and image provided by Holly Jachowski at https://www.education.com/

Five Ethics Of Life...Do You Follow These?

Free Things To Do In Connecticut

Who says nothing in life is free?! When you do a little research it's amazing what you can find to do and FREE stuff to do is even better! No excuses not to go out and have a little fun! How many of these places have you visited?

50 free things to do in Connecticut this summer http://www.thehour.com/living/article/50-free-things-to-do-in-Connecticut-this-summer-11233629.php?cmpid=fbsocialflow&cmpid=twitter-tablet 

What Are They REALLY Missing Out On....

Summer is long yet so short and all I wanted was to live each day on a whim. No plans. Dinner together at night. Swimming. Adventures in the morning. I work every afternoon so take the mornings to be with my girls. Some camps lined up but really just wanted to have fun. No major commitments and then we signed up for All Stars. 

Now don't get me wrong, it's awesome to see your kid playing and having fun and trying exercise and learning BUT it's a lot of work. It's nights and you drive places and it's unpredictable. So I gave it some time and finally sat down tonight for dinner as a family - which don't remember last time we did-and said no more. Next year we will not be doing this. There's nothing to prove. It's fun. Yes. But missing Birthday parties and gatherings and get together because of tournaments is not my thing. It's not. You sit at the field almost four times a weeks for over two hours and well I enjoy it but temporary. 

I am grateful my daughter is good. She does love it and hasn't Struck out in three seasons. She's only girl on her team and players are really good to her. But this is her youth. She plays sports during school year. Summers should be off duty. Time to be a kid. Stay up late, sleep in, not rush around making sure uniforms are clean and snacks packed and at field on time. Dinner in the car.  We rush during school year and rather not at summer. 

Parents who enjoy that so be it but this Mom says no thanks. Grateful she had the experience. And happy to finish the season but won't suggest this again next year. I enjoy doing things with my kids and believe it helps build character. They learn. They are sponges. Even if it is walking on the beach at night or doing crafts. Every year they are older. Why wouldn't I want to embrace all our time together?! 

So parents before you think about committing to something so time consuming this summer look at what you are really giving up. You are probably missing out on a lot more than you think and your kids are too. Look back on the past years of their life. What memories remain? What memories do your kids bring up? What adventures did they get to explore?

Happy 1st Day Of SUMMER!!!

Sticky kisses, sunkissed cheeks, sandy piggies...endless snacks and late bed times. Wet bathing suits hanging on the deck. Empty cooler on kitchen floor. Camp schedules on my phone. Regardless I love it. Like LOVE having my kids with me. Knowing where they are and how they feel and just embracing it. Cause every summer they are a little older and need different things. Trying to embrace it with our daily adventures and play dates and day trips and vacations. Plus all the Baseball games and practices and just loving the heat on my face and my farmer tan lines. Nothing in life comes easy. Nothing at all. 

So...embrace it. And enjoy it. And love it!

 

Fireworks Schedule In Connecticut 2017

2017 Connecticut 4th of July Fireworks Schedule http://wtnh.com/2017/06/07/2017-connecticut-4th-of-july-fireworks-schedule-2/ 

I Scream You Scream We All Scream For Ice Cream

Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Connecticut Is All You’ve Ever Dreamed Of And More
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/ice-cream-trail-ct/

Happy Father's Day!!

Cheers to all the amazing dads! Especially mine and my daughters! 

Places To Eat On Father's Day!

Tomorrow is Father's Day!! Not sure what to do tomorrow? Well check out these delicious places to treat your Pop tomorrow!

25 Places to Eat for Father's Day in CT http://blog.ctnews.com/ctbites/2017/06/12/22-places-for-fathers-day-in-ct/

All Stars Fundraiser Event At Dry Dock Bar & Grille

Camp Fun For My Middle One

Being a parent isn't easy but what makes a great one is a parent who understands their child's individual needs and pushes to have those needs fulfilled.  Last summer my daughter was recommended speech therapy. She attended the Elli Camp run by Stepping Stones after two weeks I saw a huge change in her, a positive change she started to speak more and better and had this confidence and never ended up needing therapy. After a year at her Pre K she can write her name and her teachers. She is trying to read. It's amazing. She's eager to learn and excel and do more. So when I saw that camp was available this summer again I hopped all over it and meaning hop I made calls and went to Stepping Stones and spoke to a couple people  I filled out a couple forms and went back to fill out more.  I didn't want to be "that Mom" you know the one who is annoying and gets too involved and impatient  but I really wanted her to get into this camp again. To push her even more ! When you think your child is lacking something and then they overcome it you get so inspired to push them even more, to see what else they are capable of achieving.  I passed the camp information over to my daughter's best friend's mom and she got in too, when I told my daughter this is the expression she made! Priceless 

Best of Shoreline 2017 Polls Are Open

Vote for your favorites: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BT6X7RX

Never...

Deborah Ann's Homemade Ice Cream In Ridgefield CT

What a fun spot in Ridgefield. Kind of felt funny going into a chocolate/candy/ice cream shop without the kids but my hubby and I needed a date night and well you can't see a candy shoppe and not go in it! I could hours inside. Looking around and seeing all the cool stuff. They had teachers gifts and candy boxes from each generations "1980's" their ice cream was delicious. Super cute place!

Changing One Word....

How changing one word, one simple thought, can turn one thing from a negative into a positive!

Big E Deal Going On Today Only!

Purchase tickets here: http://smarturl.it/BigE_Tix_FB

Summer Is Coming...Mom's Brace Yourself!!

Walkathon In Norwalk: Help Send Kids To Camp

Workout Motivation...What's Yours?

I haven't been able to get to the gym  I have been swamped with my kids activities and sports and work and well squeezing in making dinner and grocery shopping and normal routines. I know people may say it's an excuse but really I LOVE working out. So as my schedule seems to go back to normal somewhat this week I plan on getting motivated since summer is around the corner and no one likes a donut in a bathing suit. 

 

Lunch With The Mayor

How many of you can say at 8 years old you had the opportunity to have lunch with your Mayor? This week I chaperoned an awesome field trip. 10 fundraiser kids from my daughter's school who raised the most money in the school for our walkathon got to get rewarded with having lunch with Mayor Harry Rilling and a tour of City Hall. Best of all...Elite Limousine donated a party bus for the kids to roll up to City Hall in style  was so fun and the children and myself learned a lot about Norwalk. Huge credit to the PTA for pulling off an event the children will never forget  

Chocolate Works In Darien

I attended an event here and it's amazing  as soon as you walk near the front door you get a rush of chocolate heaven scent. They have a ton of amazing chocolate treats. They have a huge back room they use for parties and events  perfect not just for kids but for adults too. You get to pick a mold and pour chocolate into it, they have a huge chocolate fondue to dip chocolate in. What really stood out for me was their ability to make chocolate business cards  can you imagine?! I know a clever, yummy idea. They can print anything on to chocolate, I know amazing!

Www.chocolateworks.com

Yep, a conveyor belt just like the "I Love Lucy" scene. 

Cherry Lane Park in Darien

This place is awesome and super prettty. I love the closed in toddler playground making it easy not to loose sight of your little ones! There's even a "big" kid playground and a super cute nature center. 

Free Donuts On June 2nd 2017

Tomorrow is National Donut Day.  Donuts are such a staple morning comfort food and well now you can actually celebrate eating them- guilt free of course.

"Here Are All the Places You Can Get Free Doughnuts on National Doughnut Day" http://www.foodandwine.com/news/here-are-all-places-you-can-get-free-doughnuts-national-doughnut-day

Norwalk High School Marching Band Carnival 2017

Best Food Trucks 2017

Did your favorites make the list?  Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2017 Edition http://www.ctbites.com/blog/2017/5/24/cts-best-food-trucks-2017-edition

Free Movie Series at Bow Tie Cinemas

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to all who lost their lives for our freedom and safety! 

Thank You Sponsors

Our schools walkathon was today and was amazing! We raised over $11,000 for a new library. Thank you to all the sponsors!

FREE Summer Camp For Kids Entering Kindergarten

Hey Why Not! Girls Rule!

Simple Steps

Slow Down,Enjoy Life!

Network, Network, NETWORK!

I love networking because I love people- most of the time and I LOVE what I do so it's easy to talk about it. Not many people know what a Virtual Admin does. And well I love talking about it. See every time you get out and connect with others you learn something. You learn something from

Them and YOURSELF. I am a sub for BNI Group in Darien. I can't believe what an amazing group of people they are plus how much their services has helped people I know. Now

I haven't joined because my schedule has conflicts with when they meet BUT doesn't mean it isn't worth it. It so is! Get out and NETWORK!

BBQ Ribs Grilled Cheese: Comfort Food At It's Best

What do you get when you take ribs, coleslaw and pickles and make a grill cheese out of it-HEAVEN! Ok ok sometimes I wonder how I ever will get skinny when I come

up with these type of meals but really it's absolutely delicious and a perfect way to turn your leftovers into something magical! Try it, trust me, no regrets!

Complete Guide To Yellow Stone Park

This is one park that is top on my "Bucket List". A must see must visit location before I get too old to enjoy it. Now you can plan your trip with this awesome website: Complete Guide To Yellow Stone Park. http://liveoncelivewild.com/guide-to-yellowstone-national-park/

Dole Pineapple Whip At Stew Leonard's

This is my all time favorite stop in Disney World and well now I don't have to travel that far for it. It reminds me of my childhood visits there and my sisters and just happy good times. Thanks Stews for adding something so simple and fun yet memorable be so close to home and you can't beat the price! I added vanilla to my cone. Delicious!

Mom Sick Day...What Sick Day!

I was doing so well. I worked out twice already and even ran and then bam...I couldn't swallow. This happened three weeks ago and this time it was even worse. Now I am not whinny or a baby when I am sick except for this time. It hurt to swallow my spit. And well being a mom and being sick is absolute hell. Every time I sat down the kids needed something. I was convinced I was dying. I know sounds dramatic but it was awful. So now on day three on antibiotics and feeling much better. I still worked everyday. Still made dinner every night. Packed lunches did it all. Just felt miserable throughout the whole process. 

Just One Of Those Days...

Happy Mother's Day...Grateful For The Title

I am by far NOT perfect but these three sure make me feel like

I am! Enjoy your Mother's Day Everyone! Hardest job you will ever have yet most rewarding. Be good to you! Enjoy this day for you!

Super Mom

Friday Night Fun...Bday Fun in Sono

It's not easy getting a group of Moms together especially on a Friday night. So for those who snuck out they treated me to a birthday dinner and drinks in Sono. Now I love Sono but a lot has changed down there. It's also funny being in late thirties and seeing the early twenty something out. But drinking in Sono has changed. Now we enjoy going there for late night dinner and drinks by a fire pit make our nights complete. 

We started at Hell or Highwater Brewpub. Great to get a sampler for $6. We ordered hush puppies, fried artichokes, tacos- delicious. And then burgers and grilled octopus. Fun vibe. Relaxing. Next stop Harlan Publick. I love this place- always a great time. We drank Drunken Palmers and spent hours by the fire pit. It's perfect their outdoor area because the inside bar gets packed. It's nice to break free, yet still be part of the bar scene while listening to music and enjoying the warmth and comfort of a fire. 

Although our whole mommy crew wasn't there it definitely was a night filled with laughs and great chats. I am super blessed to have these gals in my life. 

FREE Library Camp In Norwalk

Mother's Get In For Free

Not sure what to do this Mother's Day? Check out this fun guide of free activities for Moms http://ctmommyblog.com/mothers-day-ct/