Keep Moving Forward...

Stick With Love...

Focus On The Magic...

Don’t stay where you don’t belong. It’s easy to say going through what I am going through but reality is some people want the wedding and marriage and fairy tale. Reality it is work and not always ends the way you think. It’s easy for me to say but for single people who have never been married they want that life and sometimes they settle for it. Me nope, if there ever is a next time- Years from now-then it better be magic, pure joy and love and respect and honesty and teamwork. It has to be because in the end it is easier to be alone then with someone who makes you feel alone anyway!

Fun Valentine’s Idea: Spread The Love

Stop Waiting...

Wood Fired Oyster & Beer Unite Jan 21st

Fun event on Jan 21st where Half Full brewery, Copps Island & Knot Norms unite. Enjoy beer and a Copp's Island raw bar, wood fired oysters, oyster beer shooters, and blistered shishito peppers. 

https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/GraceAndDarkness

Fun At Arthur Ave...Food, Fun, Childhood Memories

Why do I love Arthur Ave? Well of course for the food but mostly because it brings me back to my roots, to my childhood, to my heritage. I took a trip down with my sister and my parents and it’s been years since I have been here which is sad since my father normally goes every Sunday. I love that everything is the same, Casa De Mozzarella still has the best mozzarella
I ever had which helps waiting in line when your dad is friends with all the workers and you snack on the fresh cheese, that is like butter and melts in your mouth, while you shop. The marketplace still has the same workers selling the vegetables and fruit at the stands. The cigar shop is still open where you can see them hand roll fresh cigars. Then there’s the fun Italian pastries and goodies. Where everything reminds you of a great memory. Reminds you of your grandparents and growing up.  Traditions, food, laughs- lots of laughs. So good for my soul and belly. Can’t wait to go back, we are already talking about our next ride down. Do something that brings you back to your happy place.

Be Who You Want To Be

TONIGHT: Maritime With a Twist Event

What a fun event for people 21 and over. There's still time to purchase tickets http://maritimeaquarium.org/fun-learning/events/upcoming-events/1551-maritime-with-a-twist-2

Forget How Things Should Of Been: Live In The Now

Break Up Your Day With Some Love...

It doesn't take a lot to make me happy, really I am serious! So I was feeling crabby and angry and actually told myself to get over it and just be happy. Everyday, try to be happy, try to do what you can but enjoy as much as your life as you can. So I have this thing with hearts. I see them all the time and in different places. Mostly in food like this morning. I was rushing to pack the girls lunches and then look over at my half eaten bagel and see a heart. I just stopped and smiled. I look at it as signs of my guardian angel giving me some love. Because end of day we all need to be reminded we are loved. 

Only Care About Things That Sets Your Soul On Fire

Sorry for the swears but really love this!

Disney On Ice: Frozen This Weekend

Learn More and Purchase Tickets Here:

https://ev11.evenue.net/

Create The Life You Deserve

Women Back Eachother Up: Empower One Another

Grateful for my army!

Feel Good Song: Send the Pain Below by Chevelle

It All Matters: Thank You Mom

I won't lie, it's a lot of work. Sundays you envision relaxing,calm children and well we all know that doesn't always happen. It was a little nuts and I tried to get them all into their own calm projects. One was playing shopkins, the other we were practicing flash cards, my oldest was on her razor. I reminded her of her spelling test and divisions test tomorrow. She kindof went in panic mode. I practiced her spelling with her and loaded her math practice tests on my computer. She has trouble with math because she's been rushing through it. Not reading the full questions. So I was glad she was able to load her school program and practice. After 30 mins was time for bed. She came up to me and said "Thank you Mom for ALL and EVERYTHING you do". 

I could have cried. It was very touching. I was tired. It's a lot doing it solo. But it was amazing for her to appreciate it. It's amazing to have it acknowledged even if it came from a 9 year old. See we all are just seeking some credit in a small way for all we do. We all need to be acknowledged for all the effort we make. The extra steps we take to be a good parent. A good person. To help our children grow and excel. Grateful my girls see my efforts. Grateful she appreciated me pushing her to practice. I asked if she felt more ready for her tests for tomorrow, she shook her head yes and kissed my cheek.   

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Auditions for Annie: Curtain Call In Stamford CT

https://www.curtaincallinc.com/auditions/

How You Ran The Race Matters In The End...

Being Mom Verse Being Grandma: Oh How Things Change

What's Your Favorite Thing To Do...

I always wear open sweaters. I also try to always end my day cuddling with my girls. This afternoon, when my oldest came home from basketball practice she asked if she can do her favorite thing with me. I asked what it was she said "You know, when you wrap me in your sweater and hold me". 

It's really the little things that makes my heart happy. 

Growth & Happiness Comes Along The Way

Baby It's Cold Outside...Not Cold Enough For Ice Cream

I was so close to ordering Peabody grocery delivery just so I didn't have to go outside but since I didn't have the kids tonight I put on my big girl pants and braced the cold. It's funny when something so silly can get you so happy. So I am almost done grocery shopping and make my way down the freezer section and see Ben & Jerry's on sale 3 for $10. Now I try to be good but then spot my favorite ice cream. First time I had this flavor was at the Casino when we took our daughter to see Pentatonix. I went back a couple weeks later after I went to see Kevin Hart and got a waffle cone. So yes this flavor brings back happy memories and who doesn't enjoy peanut butter cookie dough with caramel and chocolate ice cream. Amazing!

You Have To Focus On The Lessons

It's a roller coaster ride. Life in general is. Good days, bad days. I heard it takes 5 years to

really get over a divorce. The time frame starts from when the marriage starts to fail and go

down hill. Crazy to think people jump into relationships fast after a divorce. It's like

you need to date yourself before you can even really know what type of person you want to be with. I met a lady who was going through her second divorce. Her second husband was an alcoholic. She said at first it was fun and she thought he just liked to party. She didn't realize the extend of the problems he had. Obviously she didn't wait 5 years. I get why, no one wants to be alone. But you need time. 

You need time to mourn the loss of your marriage. To be your own friend. It's hard not

having a companion, someone who has your back, but how selfish is it to jump into another situation without allowing yourself time. Time to focus on the lessons and allow yourself to grow. Be better. Love yourself. Fix what you need to fix within yourself. 

Snowed In...Blizzard 2018

*Picture Source: Facebook

I hope you all embraced the storm. I will tell you it wasn't fun and makes me wonder why we live where we live but since I don't handle being hot well I have no choice but to embrace winter as one of our seasons. 

Last night I decided to do something for me. The kids where at their dad's.  I decided I wasn't going to work. I instead picked up Chinese food and donuts at Dunkin Donuts and pigged out watching TV. When my girls came home at noon today I was ready to be an adult again. I made them soup and we baked and ended our night cuddling on the couch. It's about balance. 

Snow is pretty but a hassle. Shoveling is great exercise but painful I am totally feeling it already. Being snowed in with my kids is work but makes my heart happy. 

I hope YOU too take some time to enjoy quiet nights alone and yet also enjoy the time with your kids or families. 

Feel Good Song: One Foot by WALK THE MOON

Cheers to 2018...take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and make it your best year ever!

Happy New Year...Gym Goals

More Than Just Sisters...

These two have my back. Have done nothing but made this year easier for me. Pampered me and made sure whatever I needed they were there for me. People go through life not having people who care as much for them. Gratefully not me. I have this crazy army backing me up. Picking me up. Telling me just to focus on being happy. No matter what I need I will never be alone. These two are part of that army. Tough, smart, sophisticated ladies that I gratefully call my sisters. My best friends. My backbone. Extremely grateful and lucky to have them. 

Get Ready To Add The Next Chapter Of Your Life...

My New Years...

Happy New Years...I am stronger everyday because of these three girls...

Make 2018 About YOU

Self love, self healing, make 2018 about being good for

YOU and to YOU. Great article:

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/2018-selfish-year/

Goodbye 2017...

Studio D Hair Salon In Norwalk...Amazing!

My sister had her hair done here and it looked so good so she surprised me and got me a gift certificate for Christmas. I went today and saw Olivia and she was amazing. Of course I was that annoying client who didn't know what she wanted but said I wanted some layers but a long bob. I wanted a cut that would be easy to style. It came out PERFECT. 

Studio D is this little hidden gem located in Norwalk on 62 Cedar street. There's parking right upfront. The salon is very chic but so welcoming and comfortable. After ten minutes Olivia and I were joking around and laughing. She was very easy to talk to and she totally gave me the cut I wanted. It's like she read my mind since I couldn't put it into words. I can't wait to go back and try other fun cuts with her and best of all...she's half the price of other salons. Totally give it a try and be sure to ask for Olivia!

//m.facebook.com/studiodhairsalonllc

Feel Good Song: Younger Now By Miley Cyrus

Lessons Learned...

Divorce Isn't The End...It's The New Beginning

Beginning and starting over at any stage of life can be a challenge. Going over finances can be draining. Seeing your ex can be extremely draining. Co-parenting is super draining at times. There isn't one easy thing about getting a divorce except for... the excitement of starting over! No I don't mean jump into another relationship. I mean focusing on YOU.

When was the last time you did that? I was so caught up in being a mom and wife that I forgot about ME. I loved this article I found. I love that positive things are ahead. I love the ups and downs because I tend to stop and laugh at myself more. Divorce isn't the end. It's truly, 100% the New Beginning. Take the time and share this article with anyone who could use this right now.


Seven Ways to Thrive After Divorce | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201309/seven-ways-thrive-after-divorce

You Will Overcome This Moment

Declutter Your Life

Since going through my divorce I noticed I have been focusing a lot on decluttering areas of my life. I need to make room for a better flow. Clutter tends to stress me out. People say when you declutter you are also cleaning out your emotions. Which is true. I feel so much better. I am allowing myself to "feel". I also did it this morning with my Facebook & Instagram Friend list. I know sounds so silly but do you even know who you are friends with? So I went in and removed people who I know aren't active on Facebook and people who I would never really have a conversation with. I love to share pictures of my kids and I need to be sure who is really seeing them are people I want to see them. 

Now that the holidays are over I plan on picking weekends to declutter areas of my home. My closest, my basement...even some drawers could use some TLC.

When was the last time YOU let go of stuff and allowed calmness in your life?

Focus On What You Want...

Christmas It's Love & Peace

First Christmas Eve and Day with the kids only being with one parent to celebrate and they did amazing. I had them last night and their father came over early today to open gifts and took

them after for the day and my girls did great. I am so proud how they are handling everything so amazing. They are calm and loving and helpful and I am so proud of them. Truly grateful!

Christmas Laughter...Christmas with the Kranks - Botox Scene HD

Hysterical! I could watch this clip over and over again. Laughter heals the heart. Brings out your youth and makes you happier. Enjoy the laugh and its benefits!

Elf Is Ready For Christmas...

In a weird way I am going to miss this Elf...Merry Christmas Everyone!

Santa's Boot: Pigs In A Blanket

Every year I make pigs in the blanket as an app for Christmas Eve. I let the kids pick the shape to make. This year we made Santa's Boot. This is super easy and fun to make. You need three packages of crescent rolls raw dough and a package of hotdogs. Cut up the hotdogs and layer ontop of the shape of dough. Top with another layer of dough and let the kids decorate. 

Merry Christmas From My Family To Yours!

Holiday Song: Do they Know it's Christmas ~ Band Aid 1984

Christmas Therapy...

I kindof don't want to get out of bed this morning. Partly due to being tired. Partly feeling a little down. Even though my marriage is over and I have no desire to ever fix it, I can't help but feel a little down. They say divorce is like mourning a death. You have these rollercoaster rides of emotions. One minute you're up next minute you're down. 

Christmas Eve has always been my favorite. I love my family and we eat a crazy amount of delicious food. All my cousins are there and you walk away feeling so much stronger by the amazing energy of those who love you. So I know tonight will help me. But now I fully understand all the times my friends had breakups and all the times they felt down and lonely. I could so now relate and although this all will pass it's also showing me that I can now relate to those I couldn't in the past. It's showing me how to be more sympathetic towards others. To be able to say I get it now and to really deep down focus on your true self and what you really need to make yourself fully happy again.

Dear Santa...Let's Not Mix Things Up Again...

Holiday Song: Carol Of The Bells by Lindsey Stirling

Move Forward & Enjoy Your Life

It's About Making Memories and Creating Traditions

I was so tired but build up some energy to do sugar cookies with my girls. I made the dough with them and baked them and saved decorating for the next day. It was a mess and you wonder will the kids ever remember all this work you do with them? Then your oldest bites into a cookie and says "Awe there's my mommas sugar cookies. How I missed this taste" you can't help but feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I grabbed my daughter and kissed her up. 

Here's the real deal. You  try to keep the kids happy, build memories, while dough falls on the ground and the house is covered in flour. There is some yelling and tears and you say to yourself it's ok they are kids and your back aches and you wonder who even really enjoys these cookies besides yourself. But it's fun and Christmas music is playing in the background and you let your kids dump so many sprinkles on their cookies. So when my daughter came home with her dad the next day to pick up her sisters and bit into it and said that I almost cried. Cried from happiness that even if I am not perfect. Even if things are rough at times. It doesn't matter but I achieved my goal. My goal that I am building traditions and memories with my three kids that I cherish and adore and love me and I love them and it's so worth every mess. Every backache and every sprinkle and frosting covered on the counters. Mommy win for sure!