Frightful Easy To Make Treats For Any Halloween Party

The count down to Halloween has begun. Below are some yummy, spooktacular treats I found that are great for any Halloween party.

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Source: Instagram account Foodydiy

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Life Is An Echo Quote

Trick or Treating at Stew Leonard's in Norwalk CT

Every year I take the kids here for their Easter egg hunt. This was the first year I took them trick or treating there. My girls were a vampire, raggedy ann and superwoman.  It was so much fun.

The event was 5:00-6:00 and by the time we arrived the line was wrapped around the parking lot. Next year we will have to arrive a little earlier but once it started the line moved fast and it was very organized. They had five stations set up with two different characters handing out goodies. They handed out juice boxes and gold fish and of course candy. Was a really nice experience and it was free.

Lyman Orchards in CT Guide To Apple Picking

There's still time for Apple picking and every year I also look for a guide for the best apples to bake with, eat and pick. Who knew there were so many different types. Check out this awesome guide by Lyman Orchard. 

Check them out at http://lymanorchards.com

Wednesday Motivation: Dr Wayne Dyer

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

I am a "pumpkin everything" kind of girl. Another great find on Instagram. Recipe for Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream.

If you don't feel like making it head down to Stew Leonard's. Their soft serve Pumpkin Pie ice cream is very good!

In Just One Day Quote

Connecticut Upcoming Halloween Kid Events

There's still time for some spooktacular Halloween fun! Check out these upcoming Children Halloween Events:

• Stew Leonard's Trick or Treat Event: Norwalk. Thursday October 22nd 5:00-6:00 pm. Kids come dressed up and can trick or treat. Learn More Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1009083819144148/

• Kidville Westport Halloween Bash: Friday October 23rd 4:00-5:30.  $20 per child Learn more here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kidvilles-2015-halloween-costume-bash-tickets-19104174099

• Stepping Stones Museum Monster Bash: Saturday October 31st 10:00-5:00. Free with museum admission. Learn more here. http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/tabid/428/Default.aspx

• Stamford Nature Center Trick or Treat on Heckscher Farm: Sunday October 25th 1:00-3:00. Free for members. Free with gate admission.  Learn more here: http://www.stamfordmuseum.org/special-events.htm

Halloween Fun Fact: Why It's Called Candy Corn

I saw this and never knew this fact,it's pretty cool. How many of you knew this fun fact?

Candy Corn Fact: It's called candy corn because when you stack it up it looks like corn. 

Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/this-is-why-its-called-candy-corn#.ovmjw7jOB

Happiness Relies On Your Thoughts Quote

Peppers and Eggs Recipe

The frost was coming and nights have been getting colder so we picked the last batch of our garden green peppers and tonight I made Peppers and Eggs with it.

This recipe is simple and delicious. I love it with toast or toasted Italian bread. If you want to be creative you can add a slice of provolone to it too. 

What You Need:

6 green sweet long Italian peppers 

5 eggs

Olive Oil

Salt

Add oil to frying pan. Sauté chopped green peppers. In bowl mix 3 whole eggs with two whites. Once peppers almost cooked add egg mixture to center. Cook and cover for two minutes. Mix all together. Add salt per your liking. 

Serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!

Tattooed Pumpkins By Clinton Kelly

I saw this on Clinton Kelly's Instagram account and thought it was so clever. Not messy and super easy to do. Check it out:

http://clintonkelly.com/decorate-diy/tattooed-pumpkins-in-2-minutes

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is a sensitive subject in my family. My grandmother passed away from it. My mother won her battle in her mid 30's from having it and my god mother had to battle it twice. Having the BRAC 2 gene myself and religiously having my mammograms and ultrasound I strongly urge all women to make sure to  do self exams and book a mammogram. 

Early detection increases survival rates!

I am a strong believer in giving back and just saw a great ad from Ford. "Each year Ford Warriors in Pink creates original wear and gear that you can feel doubly good about buying. It’s not just great to own and give, but 100% of the net proceeds support the cause." Learn more here https://www.warriorsinpink.ford.com and help support these cause. 

Halloween Movies

For all the Halloween spooky movie lovers. Check out this list of Halloween Movies to watch. 

Feel Good Song: Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne

Half Way There...

It's been 2 1/2 years since I had my thyroid out. I had an ultrasound yesterday and really should have rescheduled since my sinuses are acting up. They saw something suspicious on my scan and although I think it's due to not feeling well I am following up with my doctor to be safe. 

I went to Hammers Imaging in New Haven, CT. They are the best. I have had biopsies before and scans and this is by far the best place I have ever been. So when he said he was not completely alarmed by my scan since my levels are good, I trusted him. He also said that 5 years Cancer free would mean I am cured of Thyroid Cancer. I would still need follow ups but the chance of reoccurrence slims down completely. Also since the Cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes and I had treatment chances look good that I could like a long healthy life. So cheers to my half way mark. Another 2 1/2 years praying to be Cancer free and then maybe I can put this all past me. 

Sometimes these are little reminders to live your life to the fullest. Be happy. Be with those who bring you happiness. Love life. 

Feel Good Song: Hold Back The River by James Bay

Time Is Like A River

A Mom's Job

Live In The Moment

Dear Moms... A Reminder

Some days aren't easy! My daughter the other day said "Mom you need a break I know at times it gets too much" I almost felt guilty she could feel my frustrations. It is hard balancing life and at the same time making sure your children are always happy. We as parents shape our kids to be who they are.

I may not always get it right but I truly am trying my best to give them the best of me. They still don't know about my Cancer or my struggles or when their father and I have arguments. I always say we are good we are just having a discussion. When I have doctor appointments I say it's just a check up. 

My job is to protect them from things they don't need to handle at this point in their life. 

My goal is to build happy memories with them even when some days are too tough. My goal is to have them enjoy the simple and big things in life. I always say to them I just want you happy. When you are happy I am happy. 

Spooky Halloween Treats

I love Halloween. There's something about dressing up and being creative that makes it so much fun. Below are some Halloween treats I saw on Facebook that are easy and fun to do.

This is perfect for me. I am that Mom who says let's decorate the cake and it turns into a bit of a mess. I saw this on Facebook and it's simple and easy yet spookylicious. 

Another easy fun treat that I saw on Facebook that is easy to make.  

I love easy, fun arts and crafts to do with the kids and this is something we all have in the house that doesn't require going out to buy more supplies. The only problem with is project is my second daughter always thinks once the paint is out it's ok to paint her hands- which I tend to do their handprints a lot. 

What Halloween treats and crafts are your favorite to do?

Amazing Journey Of Life

Family Time

I love food and to cook and love having my girls in the kitchen with me. It's so important to sit down as a family and eat together. I grew up in a strict Italian family where we never ate infront of the TV.  We always bonded over food and so I love that I am passing that tradition down to my children. It's really the only time we are all together in one room and enjoying each other's company. I also must admit I love that she thinks I am a "very good cook."

Do you and your families and friends sit and eat together?

Roller Coaster Ride of Marriage

Feel Good Song: Sideways by Citizen Cope

I recently went to a wedding and this was their wedding song. Never heard it before then, very sweet.

It Just Takes One Quote

Local Bar: Ernie's In Darien Reopens

My friend works here on Mondays and it is the only days I go but they have revamped it and it is nice that they kept the same look with a twist. Looking forward to checking it out.

Check it out: Ernie’s with a twist: Beloved bar re-opens on Tokeneke Road http://www.darientimes.com/56281/ernies-with-a-twist-beloved-bar-re-opens-on-tokeneke-road/


What Local Pubs Do You Recommend?

Riddle Friday: 4,2, then ends with 3 Legs

I can't seem to escape riddles which tend to make my brain hurt because I always over think stuff. Now my daughter's teacher has been giving them riddles too. Look below and see if you can figure this out:

What starts off with four legs, then two legs, then ends with three legs?

Place your answer in comments section. 

Loving a Woman Quote

"If you love her tell her but not just in words but with actions.  If you love her walk beside her and support her in what makes her happy. If you love her don't ever try to control her or change her."

Feel Good Song: Firestone by Kygo - ft. Conrad Sewell

2nd Place Winner Portraits by Shawnalee

Back in March I wrote a post how my daughter participated in an event, Childhood Portraits: Our Children, Our Future event run by the The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, . Well I am proud to say that the portrait of my daughter that she did won 2nd place!

Check out this amazing artist:https://www.facebook.com/Portraits-by-ShawnaLee-159213700845031/timeline/

Living With Thyroid Cancer

Follow ups never end, scans never end, battling with trying to feel "normal" never ends. I was doing good with hair loss and now it started to happen again. This will be the rest of my life. Could it be worse? Yep! But could it be better? Yep!

This article pretty much sums up what it means to have had Thyroid Cancer- the so called good Cancer.  "The Truth About Living With Thyroid Cancer. The So Called Good Cancer."

http://roadkillgoldfish.com/the-truth-about-living-with-thyroid-cancer-the-so-called-good-cancer/

Feel Good Song: Love Myself By Hailee Steinfeld

When Was Last Time You Made Someone Feel Good With a Thank You

I logged in tonight to work which I do quite often and opened an email from a radio host who I have been emailing throughtout the day for my client and he said "Thank you and Thank you for all that you do." It automatically put a smile on my face. It's the little acknowledgements that make a difference in a person's day. 

Does he know me not really but he saw the efforts I have put in to get a meeting scheduled and that little added "thank you for all you do" made my night a little brighter. 

It takes no effort to truly be kind to others. When was the last time you said something nice or went the extra mile to acknowledge someone's hard work?

We get caught up in the rush of things that I too do sometimes forget to say thank you. 

I worked for a company years ago and it wasn't the best experience. She micromanaged everything I did. It was frustrating. But I did walk away from her constant reminder to not write "Thanks" as a response but instead "Thank You". More professional yeah now I know. But at the time I thought it was another one of her controls over me. 

Everytime now I respond to my client's clients I always add an extra "have a great afternoon" or "enjoy your weekend" to my responses. 9 out of 10 they respond with a Thank You, You too. 

I can't see them but I know they are smiling from my response. It's these little efforts that make a difference. 

Happiness

Being happy comes in wave lengths. We all can't expect to be happy all the time but reflect upon your life and think about what moments in your life were you truly happy. Who makes you happy? What makes you happy? Change what's making you unhappy and attract what you need to be happy. 

Your Meaning In Life

"The meaning of your life is to help others find the meaning of theirs." Viktor Frankl

How Life Is Like A Camera

Motivational Girl's Quote

"I want little girls to grow up knowing they can do anything, even play football." Jen Welter, the NFL’s first female coach

Fall Is Here

Brick + Wood in Fairfield CT $5 Sangria Yes Please

Lunch just got a little bit more fun and affordable! Brick + Wood in Fairfield CT offers ladies their seasonal sangria on-tap for just $5 during lunch time! YUM!

Check Them Out www.lovelifeandpizza.com

Baby Humor

Actions Quote

Something to think about at times easier said then done. We all make mistakes as humans but do you stick by your actions?

Best Gluten Free Cake In Norwalk CT

I have been calling around looking for a gluten free cake that is reasonably priced and yet taste good for a friend's birthday. So last week for Grandparents day I walk into Angela Mia to grab a cake and ask the worker do you happen to make Gluten Free cakes. Yep and to top it off it was their chocolate mouse with cheesecake. It was amazing. I liked it so much that for now on when I order that type of cake I will order it gluten free.

I asked why she doesn't advertise gluten free and she said they just started doing it and have to perfect the other flavors. If you need a gluten free cake definitely get it from here. http://www.angelamia.net

Our Soul Finding Our True Self

I mention a lot about past souls and am a firm believer that most of us have been here before. I also believe that we are back this time to learn some lessons and better who we are. Almost like finding our purpose. It's great to just live your life but how great would it be to really find our true self?

"What we do today and every day affects our future selves, and it affects the evolution of our souls." Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-universal-law-of-soul-evolution-our-souls-are-continually-evolving

Many Roles In Life

We all have many faces. Meaning many different roles in life of who we are. Ex: I am a mom, wife, part time virtual admin in charge of my own company and then me ( the whole person not viewed as just a mom, wife, or worker but as my individual self)

Sometimes it's hard to balance them. Work of course happens during work hours but being a mom, wife takes up most of who I am and then me gets blurred at times. 

So I would never change my situation because this is my destiny. I will always 100% be a mom and me the other situations may change. If I had to break down my many faces I would say during my day I am a mom 75% of time. VA 15% wife 7% me 3%. So when I am not working I am with my kids so that takes up the time but when kids finally go to bed by 9:30 I can hang with my husband and be a wife. Then there's those occasional mommy dinners or girls night out or my trips to a store alone or even car rides where I can focus on me. 

I know it sounds like there needs to be more of a balance but think about your life. What role are you most of the time. 

I take care of a lot of people and there's only 24 hrs in a day. If I sleep  5-6 hrs a night, work 4 hours a day, the rest of day I am a mom and wife and me. Whenever I focus on one "face" I take time away from being another part of who I am. Can you really be multiple roles at the same time.  

I know as kids grow the % will change in how my time is being spent and that's where many people loose who they are but try to focus more on the "me" role. I may work more or get more time to be a wife and do things with my husband or take more of a me role and focus on my hobbies like writing or painting. Don't give up yourself completely to one role. Try to have more of a balance. Try to also remember that those balances may change and it's ok. 

How many faces/roles do you have?

Aging Means You Lived

Feel Good Song: The Night Is Still Young By Nicki Minaj

Great Deal and Coupon Websites

I do not like to title myself as a coupon queen but I do enjoy a great deal. Below are some of my favorite sites I use on a regular basis when I shop or make purchases. Which sites do you use?


Groupon: This is a great site!! They offer daily deals at restaurants, retailers and service providers. I always like to test out a new place to eat with a Groupon, Sometimes you pay $25 and can use it towards food purchases up to $50. Sometimes the deal is more specific like get an app, main dish and dessert for a certain price. Regardless you save money and get to try new things. They even have deals to use towards local services and retailers. I have gotten my daughter groupons to try new classes or to use at the batting cages and ice skating. One of my favorite sites. Learn more here: www.groupon.com

Ebates: GET PAID TO SHOP. YEP! I have gotten back over $200 for shopping through this site. Find coupons and earn cash back at over 1800 stores when you shop there. You even  save with online rebates, deals, promo codes and discounts. Which I love. Ex: If you want to purchase on Amazon, go to Ebates first type in Amazon and they will give you a % back on every purchase.They mail you a check every quarter. Learn More Here: www.ebates.com


Retail Me Not: This place always has great coupons. They even have an app you can download to get coupons. Get discounts with coupon and promo codes for thousands of online stores. Next time you go shopping check this site to download or print a coupon. Learn More Here: www.retailmenot.com  


HAPPY SHOPPING!

Five Simple Rules For Happiness

Football Season Is Back...

I must say I am not a huge fan of football.  I do love watching games live but not so much on TV and I do enjoy everything that comes along with it; naughty food, great commercials and Super Bowl.  With a house full of girls I thought it would be fun to get into the spirit since Football will be a part of our lives for the next 5 months. My girls seem to enjoy it!

 What team will you be rooting for?

Apple Picking in CT

I love Fall. There's something amazing about the way the air smells. The foliage is so amazing in CT. I love chilly nights wearing a sweater and shorts.

I love apple cider and corn mazes and fire pits. What better way to start the season then to go apple picking. We went this past weekend with our kids and some friends. We took a ride to Bishops Farm. It takes about an hour to get to and this year it was disappointing to find a $5.50 admissions fee. It included a hay ride and their corn maze but $5.50 a person on top of buying apples. Then cider. Which leads to buying Apple cider donuts and kettle corn. Really makes the outing more expensive. Don't get me wrong the Gala apples are amazing. They are so sweet and crunchy. They are defiently worth it but to have to spend $5.50 a person 2 years old and older dampens the mood. 

They said its due to people coming and eating the apples vs purchasing but that's the risk you take. I kept thinking how many apples would we need to eat to make up for the $5.50 a person fee. 

I hope they change their policy because I think it is doing more harm than good for their farm. Plus there are other Farms in CT that people will turn to instead. I know next year I will think twice before taking a ride up there. 

Where's your favorite place to go Apple Picking?