Happy Grandparents Day

I am truly lucky to have amazing grandparents for my children. They are always willing to help us with our kids and be there for us. To all the grandparents out there enjoy your day!

Fall Bucket List

What's on your bucket list for Fall?

Stamford Nature Center Astronomy Nights at the Observatory

We finally made our way to the Astronomy night at Stamford Nature Center Observatory. We attended the Passport to Space lecture then got to go up to the roof where the telescope was. At first the lecture was a little long but you could feel the passion the speaker had about space.

Then he broke the kids up into groups and they had to create a pretend robotic camera for their moon. My daughter was the leader in her mission.

Then they had to explain what it is and did.  

It was really cute and informative. Lastly we all walk upstairs. You cannot take pictures and it's super dark with red lights to help adjust your eyes. They have a step stool so kids can get up close to the telescope. It takes a good couple of seconds for your eyes to adjust. But once it does. It's MAGICAL. Below is a picture similar to the Saturn we saw last night. Our view was brighter. It was amazing. 

I have a new respect for outer space. It's really fascinating and I keep picturing the image of Saturn. 

If you can make your way to the Observatory nights at the Stamford Nature Center. Every Friday you can view the telescope until end of November. On specific Friday's,like last night, you get to enjoy a presentation on a specific topic. Members get in Free. Adults $5. Children 5-17 yes $3. Recommended for children 5 and older. Stamfordmuseum.org

Be Good To Yourself Quote

*Love Yourself : the only person you are gaurenteed to spend the rest of your life with is...Yourself. So be good to yourself. Eat healthy. Try not to stress. Stick by your decisions. Be proud of who you are and love who you are. If you don't then fix who you are!"

Happy 14th Birthday to My Pup

She's still the coolest dog I have ever met!

Smiling in her sleep

Never Forget 9-11

9-11 Never Forget

What Are Your Hobbies?

Love this!

I am Glad We Met Up

My daughter climbed into my bed really early this morning and turned to me and said "I am glad we met up." "What do you mean?" I replied. "In this life Mom, I am glad our souls met again. I am also glad you met Dad because if you didn't meet up with him then you wouldn't of had me or my sisters."

We talk a lot about our souls and our lives together. Like where we came from and how God gave us a soul and when someone passes our soul carries on. When she was really young she would tell me stories as if they were current but they were things from her "past" She is an old soul for sure and I am too, maybe not as old and wise as her soul but I have been here before.

I know to some it sounds crazy but think about it. I know I have mentioned it before. We all have souls and are all connected. How many times have you met someone and felt a magnetic energy between the two of you or felt a strong connection like Deja vu?

Think about how you came to my blog. We are all connected some how. We have to look at everyone past and present and remember the lessons we learned. Some people we are still learning from. I may not have a direct contact with you but my readers are what keeps me writing so thanks for coming by.

By the way I am not crazy, just like to believe we all have more to give and gain from life.  I am glad  I met up with all of you. 

"Will we be together again in our next life, I hope so but I am not sure let's just enjoy this one!"

Happiness Is...

What Makes You Happy?

It's Easy To Loose Your Mind

Last week was a lot of work for me.  I usually get a break a couple hours a day where I can work, the house is quiet and I run around to get stuff done. 

Not last week. 

My little ones spent most of the week with me while I juggled work, being Mom, the first week of school and keeping the house in order. WAS NOT EASY! 

My almost breaking point...she played with her dirty diaper instead of taking her nap. It never happened with my other two. I paused for a second and was in shock. It was all over her and the crib and floor.  I took deep breaths and bathed her THREE times. My husband was on his way home and took her crib apart and cleaned EVERYTHING!

I showered again after all was cleaned too. I took a break and went out with my sister for drinks. That really helped! I almost stayed out but knew I had to come back and be Mom. (of course I would come back...eventually)

It's easy to loose your mind. At that moment you want to scream. I just kept it together and took it out later on drinks. Although I do not recommend that is the best stress-releaser for everyone, did work for me, I do recommend TAKING A TIME OUT!

We all know we need them and how often do we do it? I can now look back and laugh about it. Thank goodness. I also learned never to put your kid to sleep in just a diaper. Always have back up sitters available. And take off your super power cape because we are all human and there is just so much one person can take.

 

Health Benefits Coconut Oil and Pomegranate Juice

Coconut Oil

I am a huge fan of coconut oil. When I first had my thyroid removed I was taking tablets and now I buy the oil in a jar and use it all the time. I mixed it with my face moisturizer and within a couple months my face looked amazing. It was like I stepped back 5 years. I use it all over my body straight from the jar after I shower and it helped with stretch marks and my skin seems tighter. I am a HUGE fan and I am constantly recommending it to everyone. After having three kids I am happy to say I hardly have stretch marks. I always joke that if I was ever stranded on an island all I would need is Coconut Oil!

*Some Health Benefits of Coconut Oil:

• Supports the thyroid and improves hormone balance
• Boosts your levels of energy
• Helps cravings and hunger pangs
• Good for improving digestion and nutrient absorption

*Source: http://dailynaturalremedies.com/9-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/


Pomegranate Juice
I remember the day my Dad came home with a bottle "This stuff is suppose to be amazing for you" he said. Well he was right. I start adding a splash to my drinks when I am out. Adds flavor and makes you think you are being healthy at the same time!

*Some Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects

Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease

Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors

Lowers blood pressure

May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis

*Source: https://www.drfuhrman.com/library/article19.aspx

I am not a doctor or dietitian. As always please first check with your Medical Doctor first before adding new stuff to your diet.
 

Yuggler An App For Family FUN!

I am constantly googling activities to do with my kids and if you are like me it takes up some time. Well now there is an app for that and IT'S FREE!!

Use Yuggler, winner of the Parents' Choice Approved Award, to get inspired and help you find activities for #farm, #orchard, #pickyourown, #applepicking, and #festival in your local neighborhood. Check out Yuggler to learn more!

Calling ALL Disney Lovers Passionate About Sharing Their Travel Tips

Calling all Disney experts and passionate trip planners!

Do you know the prime spot for watching fireworks at the Magic Kingdom? Do your friends come to you for the inside scoop on the best breakfast Mickey has to offer?  You could be the next member of the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel!    

Now in its eighth year, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is seeking bilingual panelists and savvy world travelers to join their online forum, where guests can get tips and insights from real parents like you, who have mastered the art of planning a Disney vacation. Now offered in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, the culturally-rich program is easily adapted for Disney Parks' visitors from across the globe, providing the tools they need to plan a trip to the most magical place on earth!

 

From recommendations on where to grab a bite to eat to where to stop and shop 'til you drop, these panelists are well-equipped to not only help plan a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, but also answer questions about Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Disney and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and more.

 

The Disney Parks Moms Panel plays an integral role in helping families create lifelong Disney memories. As they continue to grow stronger each year, all they need is faith, trust, a little bit of pixie dust and perhaps, YOU!

 

How to Apply

Disney Parks will accept applications for the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel from 10 a.m. ET on September 8, 2015 through September 15, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Those interested should visit www.momspanelsearch.com to enter. The application process includes a series of written questions and submissions, with the final round in the form of a brief phone interview. Once the search is complete, the top candidates will be officially announced as members of the Disney Parks Moms Panel in January 2016. Panelists must be available to attend a training session at Walt Disney World Resort in December 2015.

 

Don't forget, it all started with a mouse and a dream!

 

*The Disney Parks Moms Panel information has been provided by Disney Parks.* All content provided via Coyne PR

Don't Compare Yourself With Other Moms

This is so true! I always said you stop judging other parents once you become one yourself. 

Putting a Two Year Old To Bed

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

Check your neck, it could save your life. Two years Cancer free and grateful everyday! 

Off to 2nd Grade

My baby is off to 2nd Grade!!! I actually really like her class so far. They added another classroom since the 2nd grade class has a large enrollment of kids so the class size looks like a regular size vs the 26 students she had last year. 

She's a smart, bright, little girl and I know she will do great. She was very excited and I was sad but of course didn't show it. I left her a note in her lunch box and she spotted it before school so she decided she would leave me one and said we can do this everyday for one another. 

Parenting Advice

Chips in Fairfield CT

All I can say is 40 different types of pancakes...you know this place is going to be good. My little ones were a little crabby but it was loud enough in there for us not to stand out.

We went for lunch and I got a turkey club but kept sneaking bites of my daughter's M&M pancakes. Even their fries and chicken nuggets were good. The staff was great and patient. I was mortified at the mess we left behind but being with two young ones it's expected for things to drop and numerous things to spill.  It was also nice to see the bill for a family of five be under $50. 

If you're in the area pop in. We arrived just before the lunch rush and were seated right away. 

Ambler Farm in Wilton CT

A friend of mine posted a link about their sunflower field and I had to go. The only place i have ever seen a sunflower field was in the Hamptons.

Before dinner we took the girls and it was so nice. It was clean and peaceful. It really relaxed me. I know some friends who have taken some pictures there and they were beautiful. If you're ever in the area check it out. It's free and it's nice to see open land and the enjoy the beauty of nature. 

We missed the farm stands but this place was so nice and calm and my two youngest absolutely loved it. My youngest was cracking up at the sheep and my middle one kept saying barn and was fascinated with the chickens and roosters.

Back to School Blues

I had such an amazing summer with my girls that I am sad to see it come to an end. Even when days were tough and I longed for a break I always stopped and enjoyed every moment with them. Days with them even when they are tough are better then my days without them. 

We did so much. I feel like a huge success for accomplishing my search to do new things with them. We went to Dinosaur place, Pez Factory, Visited Chatham Mass during our vacation in Cape Cod. Stayed at a new hotel in Mystic during our weekend getaway. Played at new playgrounds and parks. Tested out new splash pads. Went strawberry picking. Had them meet Raggedy Ann. Had them try new restaurants. Had BBQs. Did countless play dates with our amazing clan of mommy friends.  The list can keep going. 

If I could I would do it all over again. 

It was days full of fun while I worked and made sure the house stayed clean for showings. They bring this life out of me. They fill me with energy and fun and make me smile. I don't want it to end. They are like my three best friends and I am blessed to watch them grow everyday. 

Parents I know at times it's rough. I know lack of sleep sucks. But truly take the time to spend with your children. Love them. Play with them. Make them feel special. My oldest is starting 2nd grade- time flies by. You can't get these days back. Make memories, help them grow by trying new things. 

School won't teach them everything. We are their true teachers. 

Thyroid Cancer Is Not Easy

I know there are worse situations in everything you are dealt with. I know people have worse than me. But I hate the assumption that Thyroid Cancer is an easy Cancer. Every six months I have a cancer screening blood test done. And although walking out of the lab I feel like hey it's all good I can handle it, reality is back of my head I think "what if it comes back!"  

I am 35 years old and for the rest of my life I will be haunted with "what if it comes back."

I am excited to say my screening this week came back negative. Thyroid Cancer is not easy but I am estatic to know after two years I am still Cancer Free. Grateful!

To Thrive In Life Quote

Love Yourself Quote

"The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself."

Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Truth About Beauty Quote

Enjoy Every Moment Quote

Pez Visitor Center in Orange CT

It's the last week of Summer break and I wanted to do something fun and new with my family. My husband took a half day and we met him at our favorite pizza joint in Fairfield, Frank Pepes.

We then surprised them with a visit to the Pez Factory in Orange CT. The two little ones fell asleep so we took turns inside with my oldest. First of all I can't believe this place has been here since the 1970's and we have never been here.

It was $5 per adult and $4 per child. Each admission got a $2 credit toward their store. The factory you can't walk through but glass windows to look in.  They have fun interactive games and it was cool to see and learn the history of Pez. The whole place smelled amazing, was bright and clean and fun. 

My daughter was amazed at this giant dispenser that pretended to pop a Pez out. She said "mommy think the Pez will fall on our heads" while cracking up. Of course nothing came out but was super cool.

A lot of history displayed. 

If you're ever in the area definitely pop in. Worth it! I would go back when the little ones get older. 

It's these little things you can do with your family to build long lasting memories. Glad we took the time to go. 

25 Things Every Mom Says Every Day

Oh so true!

Feel Good Song: Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey