Sky Zone In Norwalk

This place is super fun. There are trampolines everywhere. They have different sections suitable for older kids as well. I brought all three kids but the two older ones got the most out of it.

Even though my two year old climbed out of the pit, went up to me. Grabbed my leg and said "Thank You Mommy" and went back to jumping. That right there made it all worth it.

They have a lot of different things to do. They have basket ball hoops. Dodge ball. A pit to jump into. Even a rope to climb. I would say perfect for children 7 and up even though I did take my 2 and 3 1/2 year old. It is super clean and bright.  Please note you do have to purchase their socks for $3 but be sure to hold on to them so when you go back you can reuse them. 

Learn more here: http://www.skyzone.com/norwalk

Monday Motivation: Some Of The Best Days Are Still Ahead

My Baby Turned Two

End of October 2013 my boss asked to meet for lunch. I had a weird feeling. I sat down and she said she was closing her company but giving me the rights to all my clients. I didn't know what to say. I loved working for her. I got in the car and called my husband. I was upset. "Why are you upset this is an amazing opportunity to branch off on your own. This business can be your third baby."  Little did I know I was actually pregnant with my third child. 

Through the course of the pregnancy I was in a bit of denial. I had a 8 month old. How could I possibly be pregnant again. 

When I gave birth to my third daughter I kept saying to myself "where did you come from." She smiled all the time. Her big blue eyes amazed me that I could have bet money would change but never did. 

She completed me, us, our family. She's a strong willed child. Extremely smart beyond her years. She's so goofy she cracks me up. Super independent so much that I yell at her to let me help her. She's the best surprise I have ever gotten- and I am not one to like surprises. 

She turned two today. When she woke up I said "Happy Birthday Baby" she responded with a huge grin "Happy Birthday To Me" When I walked her upstairs to bed she looked at me and said "Thank You Mommy I love you!"

She fills a void in my heart that I never knew I had. She's good for my soul. She's just amazing! 

 

Skittle Experiment: Can You Make A Rainbow

Everyone knows how much I love doing crafts and science experiments with my kids that family and friends are now joining in on the fun and sending me stuff to try out with the kids and I am loving it.

One is this skittles experiment my friend Maria saw on facebook and forwarded to me. 

What You Need:

Bag of skittles

Cup of warm water

Line the skittles on a plate and be sure to not put similar colors together or it will

run. Once setup slowly pour warm water. You start to see the colors coming out and make a rainbow/tie-dye effect. 

Kept the kids busy and quiet for 30 minutes. 

Never Get A Woman Upset Humor

Friday Motivation: Be Sure To Live Your Life

Chicken Salad With A Twist

The I love chicken salad and have had it with dired cranberries. My new twist is adding grapes to it. It adds a sweetness and healthy crunch. Serve with Stacey's Pita Chips for a fun side dish or snack. 

Now you can boil chicken but I love making chicken salad with leftover rotisserie chicken. Costco sells them for $4.99. You can't beat it!

Chicken Salad Recipe:

2 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken

1/2 cup of mayo

2 tablespoons of deli spicey mustard

1/2 cup of cut green grapes

Mix first three ingredients together. Chill for four hours. Before serving add grapes. Serve in a wrap with argula or in a bowl with pita chips on the side. YUM!

Mom Olympics Humor

Thursday Motivation: Chase Your Dreams

Harbor Brew Fest Oct 8th At Harbor Yard

This is my all time favorite Brew Festival. Hundreds of beer vendors. Food trucks. All on the field at Harbor Yard. 

Save the date: Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the 5th annual Harbor Brew Fest. 

Brewer’s Special from 12pm – 1pm and General Admission will begin at 1pm and will pour until 5pm. 

Learn More: https://beerfests.com/events/harbor-brew-fest/

Buy tickets now: https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/harborbrewfest/tag/bf16

Wednesday Motivation: Make This Your Day!

You Become What You Surround Yourself With

Party Tip: Storing Leftovers

If you are like me then whenever you open your Tupperware cabinet things fall out. Lids magically disappear and unmatched Tupperware is taking up most of the space. The last thing you want is your party guest going through your Tupperware cabinet when packing up food.

So before every party I throw I match tops with bottoms and store them in a bag. I put it under the food table and when guests are ready to pack leftovers or help me back up leftover food I pull the bag out. 

Genius I know...but I can't take the credit. My aunt has been doing this for years. After my first family party for my daughter I was mortified over the search for lids so decided to do what my aunt does. Perfect and mess free!

Be Sure To Thank The Signs Of What's Not Meant To Be

Everyone Needs A Time Out

It's funny I can't seem to move past being dissapointed we aren't taking a family Summer vacation this year. It's not about money, my husband started a new job and has no time. It's funny that people see me posting stuff out and about with my children and it should be enough. But it's about taking the break from work and daily duties and sitting back and enjoying your kids as a family. 

Getting up early and going to the beach. Taking naps in the afternoon. The warm breeze on your skin. Not clocking into work and meeting deadlines. It never bothered me really until recently and I needed to do something to shake it. 

So How Do You Get Over It:

I wanted to book more day stuff on weekends and day trips. Last Sunday we were going to take the kids out and instead I said let's just go to the pool.  It was amazing. We layed out and I just felt that we should take that time and soak up the sun together, as a family. 

So even if you can't take a week off to do what you normally do. Cancel plans and take a time out. My husband got to enjoy the kids and we didn't have to punch a clock or be anywhere. We had lunch inside my parents house with my family and hung out again by the pool after. It was a nice break 

Tuesday Motivation: Believe You Can & You Will Achieve It

Let Your Children Play With Their Imagination

We cannot easily teach imaginary play but we sure can encourage it.

My name changes constantly. Mommy this will be your new name. I never know if they are calling me or playing house. They run inside and strip down to put on their dress up clothes. 

It's time to let your children's minds run free. Imaginary play. It's priceless. Let them transfer into whatever is running wild through their minds. After all reality isn't always as enjoyable. Watching them sing and dance and use creative play is a priceless effort that helps build their character!

Celebrate What Your Life Is

Positive Feedback Matters Too

We are always quick to complain about stuff and give negative comments and feedback that it feels good to give acknowledgment when someting positive happens. I always try to give positive feedback and it's pretty cool to see when it gets recongnized and appreciated. My quote for an amazing 5 week summer program my daughter who was having some speech issues participated in:

Stamford Restaurant Week Aug 26-Sept 4th

Save the date: Stamford Summer Restaurant Week will be Aug 26th-Sept 4th 2016.

I love restaurant week. Gives you a great reason to try out a new restaurant for an awesome price.

Check out the restaurants that will be participating: http://stamford-downtown.com/events/summer-restaurant-weeks-2016/#.V6hieob3anM

Monday Motivation: Positive Mind Positive Outcomes

Starbucks $8 Lunch Deal

I went into Starbucks last week to get a couple of Gift Certificates for people and saw a huge sign for $8 lunch special. Was pretty cool! With a great selection to pick from and healthy yummy options makes $8 look like an awesome deal Check it out:

Learn More Here: https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-power-lunch

Be Happy Enjoy Life You Can't Control What Other People Say You OnlyControl How You React!

Enjoy Your Sunday!

Fun Fact: Dum Dums Lollipops Mystery Flavor

Boosting Your Morale Just At The Right Time

I Thursday was my daughter's last practice for her summer baseball league. She comes home upset. "He said I can't catch. He kept saying it over and over. I am not playing anymore" She was upset over a teammate remarks. "It's ok honey. You can't expect to catch everytime but you do hit everytime. So let's work on your fielding". She was in that mood that was no breaking. 

She has that type of personality that when people say she can't do something she second guesses herself. Like maybe they are right. Maybe I am not good enough. Sometimes this actually motivates people. When people say you can't you prove them wrong. Not this case. 

I started to look into a different league. Not to protect her from this but for her to see what it's like to be on a different league. I looked into an all girls league. The coach emailed me back. Fall Ball is made up of 5-8 year olds. She currently plays with 7-10 year olds with one 6 year on the team who is an amazing player-he's the exception. It would be a step back. I considered it until today's baseball game. Last game of the season... 

Bottom of third inning the coach assisting my husband makes an announcement with the play book in his hand. "Everyone I have an announcement" everyone turns and looks at him. My daughter is waking towards me when she hears her name being called. "She's the only one on the team who had NOT strike out ALL season!" I cheered and everyone clapped and said congrats. "Hear that BOYS. She hadn't strikes out ever, she hit every single time she has been up!" Coach T shouted. 

She's exactly where she needs to be!

Do Things Your Way...It's Ok To Not Follow The Crowd

We tend to get caught up in a lot of things in life. One big thing is second guessing your decisions. You see and hear a lot as a parent. You think wow maybe I am not doing it right. You read articles: "why yelling is bad" "is your child too entitled" "why sports early on is bad for children" "why being bored is good" and on and on. You can drive yourself bat crazy second guessing your parenting style. 

Let me tell you something I learned while being a parent to different age groups "LET IT GO" 

The one message I loved in the movie "Bad Moms" is that we all suck in a way. I know sounds harsh but there isn't a right way. It's your way and as long as you're giving it your all its all that matters. It's about balance and raising kids to be happy good people. That's it. 

I was a different parent when I only had one child. Then a totally different parent when I had two. Now I am a mom to three and kindof threw out all those concepts and realized you have to make decisions by the minute. When things work out and pull together it's like winning victory. There's no better gratification then seeing a positive outcome. As for the not so great outcomes- well you learn from it and then need to move on!

Parents don't have to do what others are doing. Do what you are doing. Afterall no one is really doing it right. 

SoNo Day Out Saturday Aug 6th

Women Stop Competing When You Unite Incredible Things Can Happen!

Trust Your Journey

Vineyard Vines Whales For A Cause Back To School Fun

Join the Maritime Center and Vineyard Vines Retailors in this fun cause #WhalesForACause All you have to do is download the template of the whale. Color it. Take pics of it and post on your social media accounts with hashtag #WhalesForACause and Vineyard Vines will donate $1

TODAYS DEAL: On August 5 from 2 - 6 PM, take 10% off* your purchase at select Vineyard Vines locations while Vineyard Vines gives 10% back to The Maritime Aquarium. 

RETAILERS PARTICIPATING: Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Grand Central, Third Ave., Short Hills Mall

Learn More Here and Dowload Whale Templates to Start Joining In On This Cause. http://suzysaid.com/fairfield/blog/give/c/19225

Friday Motivation: How Are You Handling Life?

Early Morning Beach Days

The benefit of working afternoons and nights is that you get to beat the morning beach rush. It's truly amazing. So relaxing. I have been taking my kids once a week after I drop my 3 yr old off to camp. 

The girls play on the playground and then the splash water pad. 

It's so peaceful. People are jogging and playground is empty. The sun is warm and there is a light breeze. The girls never fight me to leave. They have their fill of the ocean air and are ready for a morning snack.  Truly relaxes me and is a great way to start the day! It's the little things we can do and it doesn't cost a thing! Free, Fun, and Relaxing! 

Chores Chores Chores: When Your Child Should Be Doing Them Based OnTheir Age

Chores...the dreaded word children hear and the dreaded tasks parents have to give out. As a child every Saturday my mom made us help her clean the house. It always ended in a screaming match. Whatever task was giving to one child the other fought over wanting to do it. I honestly think the demeanor my mom had triggered our behavior: misery. But seriously since I am with my kids normally until close to bedtime I always encourage them to help around the house. NOT on a regular basis- which I should, but as needed.

Below is a great article that breaks down chores your children should do based on age:

Introduce These Age-Appropriate Chores to Your Kids Just in Time For Back to School  http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Chores-Kids-Age-42114265?slide=opening-slide

Thursday Motivation: Hang In There...Just One More Day!

Feel Good Song: Ride By Twenty one Pilots

Wednesday Motivation: Stay Focused Keep Aiming

Bad Moms: The Perfect Movie For Moms and All Women

Hysterical in every way. It's scary how much I could relate to this movie. I went last night with 5 moms and we had stomach aches from laughing so much. You don't even have to be a mom to relate to this. It really applies to all women. It's about all the real struggles of being a woman and dealing with other women.  If you can,definitely go see it.

Pokemon Parenting Humor

Hysterical and True

Play It Forward At Stepping Stones Museum

What a great museum and amazing programs. Now you too can "Play It Forward" but donating. Their ELLI Program is amazing. My daughter participated in it over the summer and it's amazing all she learned at the age of 3. Check it out:

Learn More Here

Feel Good Song:Hymn For The Weekend by Cold Play

Calling All Parents With Children Ages 9-13

Toys R Us is looking for the "President of Play" This is an awesome opportunity for your child to have an awesome job trying out toys. If you have a child ages 9-13 then check this out:

Enroll For Chance To Be President Of Play

Tuesday Motivation: Take On Your Challenges

Do It All With Your Kids: Stuff Sticks With Them

I don't care if you have boys or girls or mix Family of genders. Do stuff with your kids. Let me rephrase: do EVERYTHING with your kids. I have an amazing group of mommy friends most have boys. There is no restrictions. Bake with your children. Do arts and crafts. Explore the beach for seashells. Dig up rocks and look them up what kind they are. Let them help you in the kitchen AND cleaning up. 

Gender labeling is so history. Let that go! It's you the parent that shapes your children. 

I love to bake with my girls. I love to have them help me cook. Sometimes I wonder if they will stick with it. Then yesterday we went to a baptism. There was chocolate at the dessert table and baggies to take home. When we got home my oldest daughter hands me a bag of cookies and cream Hershey kisses. She says "Mom I thought we could melt these down and make Oreo fudge!"  I could have cried. All those times of baking and cleaning flour off the ground for days all was worth it. 

Fudge! Who would have ever thought! But see her mind thought creatively. We melt down chocolate all the time and make bark or cover stuff with it. It teaches them to think outside the box. Normally kids just eat the Hershey kisses. It was a proud moment for me. 

Parents there's still time no matter what age your child is. Help them explore there creative side in and out of the kitchen!

The Perfect Bedtime Story From A Mom's Point Of View

Having Three Kids Humor

Restaurant Week In NYC: July 25-Aug 29th

Restaurant week has turned into Restaurant Month in New York City! This allows plenty of time for YOU to check out some really awesome places. prefix menu $29 for lunch $42 for dinner. 

Check out the list of participating restaurants http://www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week

Have Fun With It For A Chance To Win:

"EAT, SNAP, SHARE, REPEAT #NYCRestaurantWeek

Want $50 toward your next meal? Tag your prix-fixe feasts with #NYCRestaurantWeek for a daily chance to win a restaurant gift card."

Monday Motivation: For Transformation Dig Deep To Heal

First Of The Month: New Month New Start

What You Accept They Will Accept

This is 100% true. We are all rolemodels

to our children. The type of behavior we display and accept will most likely be the type of behavior they portray and accept. 

Learn to fight for what you want your children to fight for. I notice this a lot with myself. I notice things I won't tolerate are things I may let go of in the past before I had children. They will copy you parents. They will turn to the same type of relationships they witness. It's what they know. They will react to situations the same way you react. Be sure to keep this in mind. It's scary but true!

Think about yourself. Did you marry someone like your parent. Is your significant other similar to your parent? Do you react to situations like your parents did? 

A Meaningful Life

Go To Bed With A Smile

At the end of the day you need to be able to go to bed with a smile. Regardless of the decisions you make for yourself or your kids. If you can go to bed happy then all the decisions of the day were worth while.

If you can't then tomorrow is another day to get it right. 

Sleep Well My Friends!

The Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County: Did Your Fav Make The List?

The food truck industry has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. Now most of your favorites can be purchased from a food truck. Pizza, tacos, crepes, lobster rolls...Meals on wheels has a whole new meaning. 

Check out this fun list. What trucks have you tried? Has your favorites made the cut?

10 of the Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County http://i95rock.com/10-of-the-best-food-trucks-in-fairfield-county/

Children Protect Your Heart: The Love Of Baseball

Whenever your child decides to do a sport we would never think it could cost them their life. We think it's encouraging team building, social skills and benefiting from Exercise but their life never. 

My daughter's favorite position is catcher. A couple of games I had parents come up to me and say wow did you freak when that bat came near her or thank goodness that ball did bounce back. It does make me a little nervous. At her last game a ball popped up and hit a kid in his chest. He was fine but I told my husband I was starting to get nervous and wanted her to wear more protection especially for her heart. He told me they have shirts with padding gear to protect the upper body. 

A store in our area was going out of business I go and find a "heart protector" this shirt has a shield in it to protect the heart. A few days later I received an article from the Babe Ruth Baseball Little League that a child went into cardiac arrest after a ball bounce up and hit side of his heart. It's every parent's nightmare. What is suppose to be a fun, team building, experience could turn tragic ending. Luckily the boy end up getting out of the coma and survived thanks to a brave teammate who performed CPR as soon as injury happened. 

Parents protect your kids. There is gear out there for under $50 that will safe their life. Accidents happen. No one is to blame. But it's our duty as parents to do whatever we can to keep them safe. 

Free Admission Dates and Days for Zoos, Museums, Gardens & More in NYC

Let's face it sometimes it too hot to do something outside. Check out this awesome list by NYMetro Parents of places to go to for FREE. Yep the four magic letters that makes parents happy!

The Bronx Zoo – General admission is free on Wednesdays. Visitors are asked to donate what they wish to support the zoo’s mission. Total Experience activities cost extra.

 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden -Free all day on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am-noon. Free on winter weekdays November-February.

 

Brooklyn Children’s Museum - Free Thursday afternoons from 2-6pm.

 

Children’s Museum of the Arts - Pay-what-you-wish Thursdays, 4-6pm.

 

Children’s Museum of Manhattan - Free the first Friday of every month, 5-8pm.

And more..

http://www.nymetroparents.com/article/when-nyc-museums-offer-free-admission