Leave A Positive Mark Quote

Spring Is Here! Tina Frantz Designs & Giveaway

Spring has finally hit the East Coast and all I can think of is flip flops, bbqs and accessories. Yep, the perfect fit to any outfit is the accessories!

Designer Tina Frantz has an amazing line of creative, fun, one of a kind handbags and I was lucky enough to get my hands on one. One lucky reader will be given a chance to add this awesome handbag to their outfit! To check out all her chic, fun bags visit Facebook.com/TinaFrantzDesigns

GIVEAWAY:

Handbags always make an outfit complete. In the comments section tell me what's the perfect outfit to pair up with this handbag or where is the perfect outing to wear this handbag to  and you will be entered into a chance to win it!!

Again just answer below in comments section and your name will be entered into the drawing. Winner will be chosen on May 4th.  GOOD LUCK!

Focus On The Good

3 Ingredient Dessert

This dessert is so easy and amazing. My whole house smelled amazing while they were cooking!

Banana and Nutella Stuffed Crescent Rolls

-Package of crescent rolls

-Nutella

-1 ripe bananas

Smash a ripe banana in a bowl. Put off to side. Unroll the sheet of crescent rolls. Spread it with Nutella and banana. Roll it. Bake at 350 until golden brown. AMAZING!

Happy Anniversary to...My Body!

Today's known for April Fools Day, well not to me, its the day I finally got the cancer out of my body. As I think about what I went through these past two years you would think I would feel sorry for myself, well I don't. I feel sorry for my body. See after two csections, a thyroidectomy, RAI Treatment and months of being poked at and medicines changed I have to say to my body I agree, enough is enough, and THANK YOU and Happy Anniversary to you.

You survived 2 years of what some people do not experience in a lifetime. You still get me up at 5:00 am and help me function until long after the kids are in bed. I promise I will be better to you and I am sorry you aren't in the shape or form you were prior to all of this happening but we will get to our healthy, fit point in life again.

Thyroid cancer free for 2 years and grateful everyday, especially for my children. I am healthy today and plan on living along life. So to my body, lets enjoy the rest of this journey together, pain free, disease free, and hopefully back into my single digit clothes real soon!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY BODY...Because without you I couldn't have survived through this all!

Don't Force Things Quote

Feel Good Song: Avicii - The Days

Love this song!

Feel Good Song: Walk The Moon- Shut Up And Dance With Me

Our Lessons in Life

It was a predictable behavior. Doing something that I said I was going to do just doing it before I could and I was so annoyed because it was like give me credit if you're gonna do the same thing. As always this one person felt the need to compete. I don't compete. I am comfortable with you I am. I have what I have cause of the amount of work I put into my life. But this one always competes and it makes me want to stay further and further away.

You attract what is happening my family said. Your lesson in life is to not let this person bother you anymore. 

It's true, they were right. We all have lessons we are handed in life. We all have people we couldn't live without and people we wish we could push out. This person and I could have a friendship if they weren't always trying to compete with me, every second and opportunity arises they do something so obvious to others that it's saw how transparent they are.   But reality is this is YOUR life and lesson and journey. They have to find their own path. 

Don't let anyone change your path.  Don't let anyone take anything away from you. This person I have to pray for and ask that they find peace within themselves. 

I am at peace with myself. I wish everyone could be too! 

Feel Good Song: Sheppard - Geronimo

Stop Competing

You are only truly at peace with yourself and who you are once you overcome the need to compete with others.

Stamford Nature Center Membership Deal

Great Deal!! A family plus 10 free guest passes plus free admission to their festivals for one year $89. Great place for picnics and outings with the kids and family too. 

Check it out here!

How To Make Baby Food

I must say this is super easy. If you know how to boil water than the rest is up to you. I am a fan of making baby food. The two foods I do NOT make are bananas- because they turn brown and carrots-because one of the girls old Drs told me if could turn the kids blood a different color. Again don't quote me but it stuck in my mind and so I I just buy those two types already pre-made.

I was taught you should always introduce a new food for three-five days to see if your child has a reaction to it. And always introduce the food early in the day so doesn't interrupt their sleep if they do end up havinf a reaction to it. If it passes the test then you can start combining foods that your child has tolerated.

You start off with enough water to just cover the food. For some reason I always use fresh fruit but frozen vegetables. Boil until you can mash it with a fork. After with the water you used pour food and water into a blender and blend. You are all set. Never add salt or flavoring. The naturals flavore of the food is enough for them. This is easy and cheap and so healthy. 

To help ease my daughter into vegetables I add the vegetable to butternut squah or apples and blend together to add some natural sweetness. 

Apple sauce, butternut squash and string beans with butternut squash. Breakfast,lunch and dinner for the week. 

Again always confirm with your doctor before starting your child on food and be sure to follow their guidelines.

Happy cooking!!! 

Marriage Joke: 45 Year Old ...

No Two Kids Are The Same

Why do we treat our kids the same if they ARE not the same? Now I don't mean give one kid something and nothing to the other. What I mean is we act like they are all the same person and like the same things but they don't. An example if you were to give your children a snack plate would they eat the same things?

So I gave both my daughters a plate. Same amount of food. Same items. 

After about ten minutes I went back to see what they ate. Now this is a lot for my two year old but check out who ate what. 

My two year old:

My 6 year old:

So even though my 6 year old ate more the stuff left on her plate is different than my 2 year old. 

See our kids are all different. They like different things so why do we try to push the same things on them? Is it to make things easier for us?

I do believe they all should try the same things at least once but then after we should really accommodate what they enjoy like an individual. 

Our goal isn't to have them be alike. Our goal is for us to find out who they each are and let that part of them shine. 

My Children Are My Best Therapy Quote

"My children really are the best type of therapy for me. It's all that other stuff in life that drives me crazy!" JCF

If You Don't Like Something Then Say Something

You are always taught that customer service is key to success in business. Being a Marketing Major I was taught early on that word of mouth is the most effective tool for Marketing.  Many times people jump at the chance to give a bad review sometimes giving a good one is just as effective with a helpful tip.

I hate getting Kohl's cash because that means I will just go back and spend more money. So I used Kohl's cash for a purchase online. I didn't like how something fit so I want to the store to return it. I was informed I wasn't going to get credit back from using the Kohl's cash. I was pretty mad. So I picked out two new pairs of pants and end up spending even more. I just couldn't shake it so I emailed customer service. They responded and said they would apply the Kohl's cash to my next order. SMART. See now they made me happy and gave me a reason to shop some more.

I received a coupon from Sports Authority as a thank you for placing a recent order. It was perfect timing because I needed to order another item. I tried three times to put the coupon code in and had no luck. I called customer service and they said the brand I was purchasing is excluded from any coupons. So I said fine and processed my order. Moments later I received a survey asking to fill out my experience. I gave it all high marks and in the comments section I added how I was disappointed they couldn't apply coupon codes towards that brand. Guess What? They emailed me back and said this one time they would apply my coupon towards that purchase. SMART: Now they have a happy customer and what did it cost them?

See saying something is good! It's also all about the approach. You know that phrase "you catch more bees with honey" well that applies to life and business. I wasn't rude, I just expressed how I was disappointed and in turn they did two things; they made the customer happy AND they caused the customer to shop more.

What GOOD customer service experience have you received?

How Do You Handle Change?

Waffles with a Twist

We all have a favorite food that brings us comfort when we aren't feeling well. Peanut Butter and Jelly happens to be mine. If I bring out the peanut butter and jelly it's a sign that I am not feeling well.

I have been battling a cold/sinus issue and this morning when my daughter said she wanted waffles for breakfast I could only think of one thing: Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffles! 

My husband looked at me like I was crazy until he took a bite. After that I made him his own. 

All you have to do is make waffles with your favorite recipe or use the frozen ones you get at the store. Add peanut butter to one waffle. Put jelly of the other one and then stack them like a sandwich. I even tried it with syrup: YUM!

Portraits By Shawnalee at the Childhood Portraits: Our Children, Our Future Event

I enrolled my daughter to participate in the Childhood Portraits: Our Children, Our Future event run by the The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, The Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. The whole experience has been amazing. 

 

At first we didn't even make the cut since they only had 25 spots and were on a waiting list but then we got an email that my daughter was given a spot to participate. It started with a meet and greet event at Stepping Stones where we got to meet all the artists and check out their work. Then we got to hand in our three artist top picks to do our child's portrait. I was hoping we would get Shawnalee because since she too is a mom of three I could see how well she would be working with my daughter and I must say I was right. Gratefully we received notice that my daughter was chosen to be teamed

up with Shawnalee. 

 

She came over a couple of times and really got to know my daughter. Her patience is amazing and talents really showed through in her work. The drafts came out great!! She really has been amazing to work with. Below is the details to the event and some "drafts"- they are so amazing I can't wait to see the finished product and see it in the art show. To learn more about Portraits by Shawnalee please visit www.shawnalee.com

EVENT:

The FINE ART PORTRAIT EXHIBITION opening is scheduled for Saturday MAY 9, 2015, 3 pm - 5 pm at The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk and is open to the public. Please come out and show your support to these amazing artists and you will get a chance to enjoy their amazing work!

 

            Portraits By Shawnalee

Surround Yourself With Good People

The Easter Bunny Visits Westfarms Mall

Start off the Easter Holiday right! "Hop" on down to the Westfarms Mall to meet the Easter Bunny!

Beginning Friday, March 13th, the Easter Bunny eggcitedly awaits visitors in Bunnyville, a charming, three-dimensional Bunny town featuring the Hoppin’ Fresh Bakery, Hare Salon and 24 Carrot Bank. The last stop in Bunnyville is a professional photo with the Easter Bunny in front of his Bunny House. Children will receive a small gift from the Bunny just for visiting. 

Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM through Saturday, April 4th.

About Westfarms:

Westfarms, the premier shopping center of central Connecticut, features anchor stores Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and JCPenney. The shopping center offers 160 stylish retailers and restaurants, many unique to the trade area, including Anthropologie, Apple, The Art of Shaving, Athleta, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Coach, Free People, J.Crew, Kiehl’s Since 1851, LEGO, Louis Vuitton, LUSH, Michael Kors, Microsoft, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Tiffany & Co., True Religion Brand Jeans, Tommy Bahama, Tory Burch, Urban Outfitters and many more. The shopping center straddles the towns of Farmington and West Hartford, and is conveniently located at the intersection of I-84 and Route 9. 

For more information, call 860-561-3024

visit www.ShopWestfarms.com 

   (Photo courtesy of Sirica Marketing and PR)

My Family Makes Me Who I am

Forever grateful!

Sound Tigers 1st Responders Day April 19th 2015

April19th is The Sound Tigers1st Responders Day where they will be donating a portion of ticket sales back to benefit 3 different charities that are involved with First Responders, including Children's Connection in Norwalk.  Buy your tickets today: http://heroeshope.org/forms/1st-responders-day-2015.pdf

Your Life Is Your Story

Qdoba Mexican Grill Steps Up Their Queso With Two New Flavors

Have you ever had Qdoba Mexican Grill's Queso? No then you're def missing out. Don't believe me then go give it a try! http://www.qdoba.com/ 

Their queso is sooo yummy and gooey and perfect over nachos and on your burritos or tacos. Well now they added a new twist with introducing their new Bacon Jalapeno Queso and Quesomle-their blend of guacamole and queso.  I may have to order both next time I go! Check it out!





Qdoba Mexican Grill Queso

Motherhood: it's so hard yet so beautiful

I sent my husband pictures he replied he loved them and was a little jealous. He was envious that he was at work all day and I was with them. He wanted to make sure I enjoyed the kids. Of course I do I said. But it's hard. I am exhausted. It's a lot of work and I work and taking care of them is work too. But it's beautiful and I love it and wish I could be with them all the time. Just like this. Calm and happy but that's not how it always is. But we work hard for them. To be able to give them what they need and want and in return they give us this unconditional love and understanding. They will grow up so fast and all the other stuff won't matter. I keep trying to tell myself to sometimes forget everything else and cuddle with them as much as possible. To play with them as much as I can. It's ok if dinner is served late or the house isn't spotless. It's ok because that doesn't matter to them. Me being with them matters to them.

Strong Women

Cheers!

We Are All Connected

It's a small world and boy is it true! We are all connected one way or another.

She was my dental hygienist. I knew her for 17 years. So sweet and always happy. I became friends with her sister and cousin without knowing the connection. One day she messaged me that she saw a picture of my daughter with her niece. The connection clicked. Later found out her husband was good friends with my husband. We were connected and meant to be friends.  Small world...yes indeed!

How many times are you out and hear a friend knew another friend from completely different parts of the state. Or your friend's boyfriend went to school with your friend. The examples are endless. 

Even with dealing with business I often get calls "do you know..." And a message "hey I just got referred to your husband or parents business". My parents will call and say a girl came in and said she knew you.

 One day I was getting a mortgage broker and told her my husbands line of business she said wow I could use his help and after she helped me we hung up and he helped her. 

We are all connected and can learn from

one another. Never burn bridges with anyone. You never know when they will be circling back into your life. 

Always try to keep friendships open so you never run into an axkward moment. Always treat others the way you wanted to be treated. And most of all embrace the relationships you do have and connections you make. 

Skeleton Video: Diversity & Inclusion – Love Has No Labels (Gender, Color, Race, Disability) Skeleton Love Dance

Great Message! Under it all we are all the same!

She turned 2

Each child is unique but this one she's definitely one of a kind. Her beauty is striking. Her independence is admired. Her ability to tell you want she wants and needs without saying much words is impressive. She saved my life. I am forever grateful for her!

Sometimes People Don't Know

We all think that people can read minds. As if people know you are having a bad day or life is rough or you accomplished something. Fact is people don't know unless you tell them. Life is always so busy that we assume "word" got out. Well people they haven't. So if you need something tell the person you need something before being angry they aren't there for you. You can't judge the way some treats you if you haven't given them the chance to be there for you or deny being there for you.

Don't assume people know, because 95% of the time they don't! Speak up and then you can judge!

Why Networking is Important

There's never enough time in the day to accomplish what we need and want to accomplish. A lot of times we make plans and later wish we could stay in. Take my advice and GO OUT!

Here's why: Everytime you meet someone new or spend time with someone who has been in your life forever you learn something new and you grow as a person. 

Think about it! We all have knowledge to share with eachother. We all have different lives, go through different experiences. Know someone who can connect with someone else. Know someone who can help someone else. 

I like to believe I am a well rounded person with different groups of friends and people I associate with. I LOVE giving my opinion and share my life experiences and help others. 

Well I knew a friend looking for a job and when a company I used to work for asked for me to come back I said I couldn't but I know someone who may fit the job well. She went in for an interview and said it went well. 

I am a huge fan of the Jamberry Nails. My friend is now a consultant. I got invited to a Stella and Dot party and because I promote Jamberry so much on Social media because I am addicted my friend hosting the party asked me to bring my friend as well so she could sell Jamberry there. 

A new family moved into town and at a school meeting I was talking to the mother. A couple weeks later she reached out to me and asked for recommendations to daycares. I invited her to join some mommy sites so she could be familiar with things in the area for child services and activities. 

NETWORK! Granted I helped those people but other people have helped and continue to help and teach me. We are all teachers and learners. When was the last time you networked and helped or had someone help you?

It's Ok To Talk About It

 Growing up I had this impression that if someone went to therapy they had a rough life or hit rock bottom! Now a days you can talk to someone just for some guidance. 

Therapy is a way to release what's bothering you and teaches you how to handle the way you feel. I have gone to therapy before, family members have gone to therapy, friends have gone to therapy. There's nothing wrong with seeing someone to help you deal with a situation in your life. 

Couples therapy is great. It is great because the therapist hears what you and your spouse are complaining about and teachers you how to COMMUNICATE! 

Communication is the key to a successful marriage and life. You need to be able to communicate without it turning into a fight. 

Life isn't easy and we are constantly being tested. No one expects people to deal with issues and rough times on their own. I loved speaking to a therapist because once I heard my issues out loud it was easy for me to find a solution to them. 

If you need a therapist or someone to talk to them best place to start is asking your insurance company to recommend one in network. It's amazing how good you feel once you do it!

Believe in Yourself

Importance of Social Media

I had no internet and I was getting the run around from my provider. It was a cold day but nothing else out of the ordinary with the weather. I woke up and noticed my internet was down. I called my provider and they said a tech would be coming in the area before 5:00 pm. So I went to my moms and worked. Well I got home and no service still. I called again and said they would be coming to fix it. Next morning no service. By now I am fuming. I mean have you ever had power but lost your internet for 24 hrs?!

The girl on the phone wish she never spoke to me. She was rude, defensive, and told me a tech would NEVER come to a residential area within 48 hrs. Um how is that acceptable?! 48 hrs?! I lost my mind. I knew she too worked remotely because when I asked to speak to a manger she said they would have to get back to me within 20 minutes. So I said I know you are working from home right now. If you had no internet for 48 hrs and couldn't work what would your boss tell you? You would lose your job. Get me my internet. She was speechless.

At this point I wanted to cancel them. So I pulled it together and I emailed customer service, I went on thier Facebook and Twitter page and posted "48hrs without internet. How is this even possible?!"  I wasn't rude. I was stating the facts. Within 1 hour I had their head of Social Media contact me.  She assured me that they had a tech in area working and said me and a dozen other homes would be having internet by the morning.  Morning came I had internet. I received calls and emails confirming I was back up and running and received a credit on my account. 

By me taking the time and posting a comment that wasn't rude or obnoxious just stating the facts caused the problem to get fixed. See we all depend on social media these days as a form or free advertising, connecting and branding. My comment would hurt their image.  No one should go 48hrs without any type of service especially the internet. Would I change providers- probably if a reliable one came around. Did I like the service I received yes just wished it didn't have to take two days of my time. 

Winter Days

The beauty of winter days...

Happy Valentine's Day

Feel Good Song: I Lived by One Republic

Great Song!!! Gives me goose bumps! If I could dedicate one song to my three girls it would be this one! I hope they live their life to their fullest capabilities even when I am long gone!

You Control Your Own Thoughts

Feel Good Song: Ghost By Ella Henderson

Snow Snow and More Snow

2015 has been pretty cold! December was so mild that for a while I thought we got lucky and were going to bypass seeing snow this winter. Well I was WRONG!  It has probably snowed at least once a week in 2015 and to be honest I am kindof sick of it. I am a Fall and Spring lover. Winter and Hot Summer Days I could do without. 

Set A Goal, Stay Focused

"Set a goal, stay focused, reach the goal!" Sounds easy but we all know it's not. I will tell you though once we set our mind to something it makes staying focused easier. Don't look back. If you want something put your mind, body and soul into getting it and making it happen. 

Super Bowl Food Recipe: Qdoba Mexican Grill Nachos

Looking for some great Super Bowl snacks to serve this Super Bowl weekend? Qdoba Mexican Grill has some great Dishes! Below is a perfect guide on how to make the ultimate game day nachos! YUM!

How to make the ultimate game day nachos
From JP Patrick, Director of Culinary, R&D for Qdoba

Everyone knows nachos are the ultimate game day crowd pleaser. To take your basic chips and salsa to the next level, it’s all about adding flavor!

· Start out with your tortilla chips, they’re best with just a hint of lime and salt for that added flavor. If you can fry them fresh like we do at Qdoba daily, even better.

· Then, add everyone’s favorite ingredient, queso. And, for anyone who really loves spicy foods you should try a queso with a kick, like our Queso Diablo!

·  Next, turn nachos into more than just a side dish by adding your favorite  protein – ground beef, steak or grilled chicken all work really well.

· Now, it’s time amp things up by adding your favorite flavors. Drizzle sour cream across the pile, load up on guacamole, maybe even add some veggies before tackling the dish with your favorite salsa. Now you have nachos your guests will rave about.

For those of you who would rather stay out of the kitchen on game day, you can always call Qdoba catering to bring the nachos to you! There are four Qdoba locations in Connecticut

 Qdoba Westport - Playhouse Square, 275 Post East Road, Westport, CT  

 Qdoba Norwalk – 652 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT  

  Qdoba Fairfield – Black Rock Turnpike, 2222 Black Rock Fairfield, CT

The Most Important Job You'll Ever Do

Support Small Businesses

Treat People The Way You Want To Be Treated

It's a simple rule yet easily forgotten. People need to treat people the way they want to be treated because it's true that people tend to remember the bad in a situation vs the good.  Maybe if adults practiced treating people the way they would want to be treated there would be better role models for children and less selfish people in the world.

Remember history repeats itself. If your children see you doing something then you are teaching them to behave the same way.

People fail to remember that when you hurt the people who help you most you are only making yourself look bad. Think before you react. Life is short. Things change. People aren't around forever. Never down play that they are important for your selfish desires.

 Today's world really needs to stop being selfish and rude and show a little more compassion and love!

Unique Baby Shower Gift

Baby showers are cute and sometimes super boring. I will admit it. Mine kindof was. We ate, chatted and said a lot of "ohhs and awes". I loved my shower cause it was mine. Well now my sister is having a baby and always being the pain in the ass prankster baby sister I am I decided that me and my other sister should get her a unique fun gift. Besides her normal big gift we are making a "Gift bag to help you get through the "shitty" parts of parenting".

It goes something like this "the journey of parenthood can be a real treat and joy but we all know that their are some lows. Here's some treats to help you deal with the shitty times" 

*Diapers

*Rectal thermometer

*wipes

*Butt paste

*Breast pads

*nipple cream

*dirty diaper bags

*voucher for a girls night out

See all helpful and useful things to help the "mom to be" handle the shitty parts of being a parent!

What would you add to the list?

Jamberry Nails

I have a new love and it is called Jamberry Nails! I have three kids and work from home, I have NO Time to grocery shop alone forget about going for a manicure. I kept getting invites to these Jamberry Nail parties and didn't pay mind to it until I saw my college roommate with her fancy nails. The minute she told me what they were I put in an order and hosted a party---I know not like I do not already have a full plate. Ok so here's how it works:

• You get a sheet of wraps-really look like stickers- for $15 to do both hands or feet.

Below are some examples of designs

• You then get the size that fits the width of your nail. Put it on, cut it down to fit your nail and blow dry it on.
• You're done.
• They say for nails it lasts two weeks and toes six weeks.

AMAZING I KNOW!!! I mean I walk out of a salon and mess up my nails. These survived numerous diaper changes, washing dishes at least 10x a day, giving baths, and even a couple of crafts where paint ended up on me more than the paper. Now I feel sexy with fancy nails in my yoga pants!

 

Interested then check out this site to learn more Http://suzannamayhugh.jamberrynails.net/

Be Silent Influencers

I recently was flipping through the channels on a rear occasion when Nick Jr. was not on and came across Joel Osteen doing a serum on how we all should be Silent Influencers. It had me thinking. I mean we all should do good without shouting it to others or making it known what we have done.

Our mission in life really is to leave a special mark in people's life, to be good to others, to be kind to spread kindness and knowledge. Now I am not trying to be all deep but I am trying to say to all of my readers that we all have something good to give and not in ways of money or tangible items. We all have knowledge to share and learn from each other.

Every new situation and new person we meet we have a lot to gain from one another. We also should be silent leaders, meaning spreading kindness and looking out for one another without the intentions to gain for ourselves because in the long run we do get rewarded.

When was the last time YOU did something kind for someone without the intentions of getting something in return?

Feel Good Song: Like A Stone

Powerful words: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Feel Good Song: Dream On By Aerosmith

Fun Fact: Sea Otters

A Good Life...

A good life...

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Holiday!

Santa Came Early!!!

Clean Scans for ME!!!

Hoping For The Best!