Sunflower Fields At Ambler Farm

The sunflowers are in full bloom! Ambler Farm in Wilton CT is a beautiful little farm. You can walk around the premises on off hours. This time of year their sunflowers are in full bloom and the field has thousands and thousands of them. It's breath taking. 

You Attract What You Are

Your Energy Speaks Louder Than Words

Bridgeport Bluefish Game: Great Groupon Deal

There was a Groupon coupon deal circulating in the Spring: $20 for four tickets. My husband bought them and when he told me I thought "sure that's a fun night out but how great can our seats be?"  Little did I know...they were Amazing!

My sister in law have bought some too but didn't want to go so my girlfriend said she would buy the deal from her. Then my other girlfriend remembered she had a deal too so before you know it we have 14 of us ready to watch some ball. 

We go up to the ticket booth and she says you can pick from the blue sections. That's all field seats I thought. So I said well best would be between home plate and first. The lady was so nice and even gave us an area that was available for all of us to sit together. 

Every night is a different theme. Happened to be Character night last night. Elmo, Elsa, Ana, Sophia and Curious George were there- my kids were in HEAVEN. 

We go to sit and the players are warming up. Our seats are awesome! My kids see a player walking close to our area. They run up to wall and my oldest asks for a signature. He was super nice. All the kids got their hats signed. 

They even have a bouncy house and slide in an area and the best: a little bar for parents to enjoy a drink while kids play. Price $7 per child for the entire game period. 

Overall was a really great time. First time taking all three kids and look forward to another Groupon deal. 

There's still games left in the season. Check out their schedule: http://www.bridgeportbluefish.com

After 8 Years...

After having a crib up in my house for 8 years,wow I know, we finally converted it into a toddler bed. It was time. My two year old didn't want to sleep in her crib anymore and there's no way were we having anymore children so it was time. All my babies have grown up and I am ok with it.

Life is starting to get a little easier and difficult in a different way. My kids are more dependent and even though that's amazing they "think" they know best. 

They can get ready for the day by themselves- of course sometimes I have to loose my voice in the process. They can get their own shoes- didn't think they would have melt downs so early over what shoes to wear that there are times you just give in and let them wear socks with sandals. They all try to boss eachother around while I am sitting back thinking having all the responsibility isn't always as fun as they think. 

But overall I am lucky to be raising my three best friends. There's no one else I rather spend my days with than these three. It's truly a bittersweet journey. 

Hopefully 50 years From Now....

When Things Get Rough Straighten Your Crown & Keep Moving

❤️

Oyster Festival In Norwalk Sept 10th and 11th 2016

Next weekend is the Norwalk's Oyster Festival. Come enjoy live music, awesome food tents and rides for the family. The festival will take place Saturday Sept 10th and Sunday Sept 11th.

Learn more here and purchase your tickets: http://www.seaport.org/event-2238649

We Survived The First Week Of School

There was some tear shedding from them and me but overall we are ending this Friday on a happy note. 

Yesterday was a rough day for my kid. She cried at drop off. I didn't know what to say. I ended up saying I would call after lunch and check on her and if she was still upset I would pick her up.  It's funny because I didn't expect this behavior from her.  I mean she has been going to the same school since Pre K and she's a 3rd grader. So today I walk her in class and her teacher asks me how are we this morning. Much better I said, I mean it's Friday who can complain. As I walked out I saw a child crying and the Mom look extremely annoyed and set back. He was crying yesterday too at drop off. 

He's in the same grade as my daughter. I don't know her well but she's friends with some of my mommy friends. I stop and say to her. "It's ok. My daughter pulled the same thing first two days of school" "she did" she responded in a surpised way. "Yes and now she's better. I know them being in 3rd grade we don't expect this type of behavior but there's a lot of new changes at the school. It's ok for him to be upset and he will be better next week" she looked relived and said thank you. I rubbed her son's shoulder and said "it's ok buddy. It will get better."

See we think our kids act like little adults so should BE little adults but they aren't. They are still children. New grade and new teacher. We even have a new principal. They have a different routine. Away from home- their COMFORT Zone! Get it! I know it is hard for me to comprehend too but you have to let them feel and be supportive. 

I hope this school year is a success for all your kids and I hope they enjoy it too!

You Ready To Cross The Line? What's Holding You Back?

Good Morning Angel!

Something about these oranges! I have this luck with oranges when cut into it I normally see something special. Guess someone is looking over me! Angels do exist you just have to believe.

Source: The Good Quote 

Feel Good Song: We Like To Party by Showtek

Happy Friday Everyone!

Friday Motivation: Think Positive

September Is National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

It's that time of year, September is National Thyroid Cancer Awareness month but for us who have battles through this every month and everyday is a reminder. I start my morning with my little blue pill that keeps me functioning and basically alive. Ever since I have had my ️Thyroid out my energy level has sky rocketed. Maybe it's the medicine, maybe it was the years of not having a working Thyroid. Regardless if you feel not right or ever feel a bump or swelling in your neck be sure to see your doctor. 

I am grateful to be a survivor.

 

No I Didn't Cry On The First Day Of School But I Did On The Second

Having the kids in school has been bittersweet. Even though my mornings are now work and spent driving across town to drop off one child at a location then another I now have one on one time with my two year old. Shopping and Playspace time is easier. 

The whole time I am wondering how my other two are. My 3rd grader gave me a hard time a couple of times. Asking if I could pick her up early. Saying she doesn't want to be without me all day. It's heart breaking leaving her. On the other hand my three year old is having no problem adjusting. She literally skips into Preschool. Crazy how different they are. 

Today I went to get my daughter from preschool. She has the same teachers my oldest daughter had. I was grateful that they were able to place her there. I love the teachers way of handling situations and knew they would give me positive and negative feedback.  Remember this is the daughter I had concerns about with her speech. The summer program helped so much and me doing some exercises helped too and I even notified the preschool teachers of my concerns. 

One of the assistants saw me at pick up and says "omg I didn't know this was your daughter! No wonder she's so smart. She's like her older sister."  "Awe thank you" I say. "How is she doing?" I ask. "She doing amazing, really so much fun to have her in class!" 

I got in the car and her words ran through my head over and over again. I started to cry. Damn I am busting my ass for these kids and so glad it's paying off. It was that moment of relief. That moment whenever I doubted if I was giving my second the same attention I was able to give my first. Any doubt I ever had ran out the window. Her speech, not having her in more classes without me, not having the time

to do as many lessons with her. All that doubt went away. 

I looked in my mirror. Wiped my tears and said you rock and are a Super Mom!

Tomato Salad Fresh From The Garden

When you don't know what to make for a side dish turning to the garden always helps! My mom had a ton of tomatoes, and celery she just picked washed. My solution Tomato salad with my dinner. Was delicious.

 What you need:

Two table spoons of extra virgin olive oil

3 garden tomatoes

2 stalks of celery 

1 tablespoon of dried oregano 

2 teaspoon of salt

Cut up tomatoes and celery. Add rest of ingredients. Salt just before you serve. Serve is toasted bread or crackers. 

 

Do Something For YOU!

Feel Good Song: Cannonball (Earthquake) by Showtek & Justin Prime ft. Matthew Koma

Happy 1st Of The Month!

Thursday Motivation: Happiness Is Key To Great Things

Appreciate What You Have!

I saw this and laughed. Funny that we never know what someone else is thinking or even going through. 

I remember being away on a girls weekend and one girl would run every morning. I just layed on the couch and would think man why aren't I motivated. She had abs. She was solid. I mean amazing fit body. I was thinking wow she is so devoted and healthy to later find out she had an eating disorder. We never know someone's situation. 

We all want what we don't have. We all look at someone and think they have the life when reality they have their own demons to deal with. Let's all just stop. I know it's hard. But stop and be happy with what you see in the mirror and for all you have around you! Because reality is someone is looking at you and wishing they had something you have. 

Let Go Of What's NOT In Your Control

Goodbye August...Thanks For The Memories

All camps stopped beginning of August so I had the Month to have fun with the kids. We did our Playspace in Westport, joined Stepping Stones, play dates with our some of our favorites and discovered our new love: Merwin Meadows. We attended festivals and carnivals. We discovered how much we enjoyed lakes and the outdoors. We did stuff as a family and created memories with friends. I worked almost everyday too and was still able to enjoy it all. It was an amazing fun time. 

All good things do not last but that only means new adventures lay ahead. Every end of summer I think: how will we be able to top this summer next year and somehow we do. It's not about going out and spending money. It's packing snacks from home and singing in the car together. It's about asking your kid every night what was the best part of their day. It's BBQS and ice cream before lunch. It's creating memories and building your children's character. 

Think about your last 31 days. Think back on all the memories you too created   Think about laying in the sun and how the sand felt on your toes. 

Goodbye August. Thanks for being so good to us!

Off To School They Go...

Bittersweet day! Have a 3rd grader and a Pre K. My 3rd grader is more nervous and the one not going to school- my 2 year old is most prepared thinking she is going to school. Off to pack lunches and snacks and keep track off everyone's schedules. Wishing your kids and all the teachers the "Best Day Ever" and a safe, amazing and successful school year! Oh and to the parents stay strong!

Wednesday Motivation: Everyday Is A New Day

90 Day Challenge...What Challenge

So our 90 day challenge was a bust. I mean once you fall off the wagon it's hard to get back on. I did loose 7lbs but slacked the rest of the summer. It was an amazing summer and by the end I was walking around in my bathing suit and not caring. I mean I do care but this is who I am. I can't hide the fact that at night I rather be checking emails and following up on Social Media or writing on my blog instead of working out. I mean who enjoys working out at 10:00 pm. 

But with that being said I found a gym with daycare and plan on joining so I can work out in the morning while the older girls are in school. It's not just about exercising for the body but also for the brain. Helps relieve some stress, actually lots of stress! Time to release those built up toxins and sweat it out! It's good to have goals, right?!

To Speak Or Not To Speak

Three Faces...

Tuesday Motivation: Time Is A Precious Thing

Back To School Blues...

One more day and back to the grind. I see so many parents looking forward to back to school. Tonight I finally broke down and said to my husband it's so hard to console my 7 year old when I too do NOT want her to go back to school. He looked at me and laughed. No really I said. It's just too much work for me.

Homework, lunches, snacks, after school activities, weekend sports, Sunday morning choir. Ugh it's a lot of running around, trying to juggle dinner, kids being in two different schools across town from one another, baths, homeowner, projects, bedtime routine. All of it! 

Now the only thing I worry about is what bathing suit to put on them, snacks and a change of clothes. I know I sound like I am whinning and I sort of am but I like having my kids with me. I like summer vacation when I can call and check on them. I love that they too love being with me. 

I need to pull it together and get one big calendar and map out our next couple of months and how I will feed them all inbetween them. Full mommy duty. I know what you're thinking not so much fun. It's not but no one tells you this when you are trying to have a baby. No one tells you that school would be so much work for the parents too. 

Thanks For Not Being A Spoiled Brat!

I am not going to lie. I know I do a lot with my kids. I know I have a scary amount of energy. BUT I also know that being home with them drives me a little nuts so I enjoy them best when we are out and I can focus on THEM. Not the housework or laundry or dogs going in and out over and over again. I can be focused on them and what they need. 

After the lake we picked up lunch and I brought the two older ones for a Manicure. First time for both, my oldest has done pedicures before. So when we leave I told them let's go for ice cream. I told them to decide where to go. My oldest says could we go home and have the brownie Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Um yeah of course I say. The whole way home I kept thinking how I gave her the option to go anywhere and she chose ice cream we had at home. I was pretty proud of her!

See kids don't have to be brats! It's our job to help bring the best of them! Now can my kids whine and drive me crazy at times. YES, but don't show them experiences out there thinking if you do they will become a brat. Buying them wherever they want and not expecting them to be thankful makes them a brat. 

What Your Kids Draw They Can Now Wear

Imagine being able to walk around wearing the art you drew?! I know so cool. I have seen sights that can make jewelry out of your children's drawings and a teddy bear but now they can also make a dress out of it! Super clever!

Check this out: 

Awesome New Company Lets Kids ‘Wear Their Imaginations’

“Picture This” turns kids’ drawings into dresses!

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/awesome-new-company-lets-kids-wear-their-imaginations_us_57c46d7be4b0664f13c9adf3?

Stop These 5 Things To Be Happier

Source: ️Thyroid Cancer Sucks

Stay At Home Humor

Monday Motivation: Believe In Yourself

Source: The Secret Facebook

Happy Birthday In Heaven Michael Jackson

Hope You Enjoyed Your Sunday: Cheers To A Great Week

Change Is Good: Keep Aiming For It!

By The Good Quote

Sunday Mornings: Switch It Up

It doesn't have to cost much or require

so much work to switch things up a bit in your life. We spent the morning at Merwin Meadows. Kids didn't know where we were going. We stopped at a bagel shop picked up egg sandwiches and bagels. Cost $20 to feed a family of five. I packed a cooler and beach toys. We stayed for two hours. Just enough for kids to swim and play on playground. It was very "zen". 

 Merwin Meadows now does not require a pass to get in since Summer season is over but there isn't any lifeguards on duty so be extra careful. 

Just another fun memory to add to our "staycation" before school starts. Looking forward to doing this again next Sunday. 

Bring Out Your Inner Child

I always loved the big slide as a child. As we were debating over Ferris wheel my three year old turns around and points to slide. Let's go I say. I felt like I was eight again. I am walking up the narrow steps and look down. Yeah never look down. I don't ever recall being so high up. I am holding my two year old and guiding my three year old up the narrow stairs. We reach the top. I am beaming. Let's do this!

Moms deserve some fun too! Let your inner child out and enjoy yourself. 

Optimism Is A Happiness MAGNET

What you give, you attract!

Choose Well

St George Greek Festival This Weekend in Norwalk

I love this festival. The food is delicious. They have valet parking so you don't have to deal with the traffic or rush. Fun rides for the kids. Always a fun time.

Festival is located at 238 W Rocks Rd Norwalk. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/252536248455571/?ti=icl

Need A Food Truck?

This is a cool site! CT Food Trucks is a source for all Food Trucks. You type in what type of food you're looking for and the area you are in and a list of Food Trucks from your search criteria pops up.

Last weekend a neighbor down the street had a food truck at their house warming party. Was super cool seeing people in lawn chairs and going up to the truck for food. It's a huge industry now. Some trucks even have a GPS locator on their website so you can see where they are. One of my favorite Taco Trucks does that so if you are looking for them you now where to find them. We are in a new century where meals on wheels has a whole new meaning. 

Check it out:

http://www.ctfoodtrucks.com/

Stamford Restaurant Week Now Until Sept 4th

I love going out to dinner and I love using Restaurant Week as an excuse to try something new or go back to one of my favorite places and try something new on their menu!

Now you too can use an excuse and miss a night cooking! There are over 30 downtown restaurants participating this week in restaurant week in Stamford. But all good things do come to an end so be sure to go out this week since this only takes place now until Sept 4th. 

Check out the restaurants and menus at http://www.connecticutrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-weeks-ct/stamford-restaurant-week-2011/

Happy Eating!!

Happy National Dog Day

It's national pup day! I gratefully have two amazing little pups that actually act more like my children than pets. They are 12 and 15 and as much as they are work at times I couldn't imagine my life without them!

Pup Lovers:

Share your pup pics in the comments section. Below are mine:

How Drinking Changes The Older You Get

Funny how the stages of drinking changes the older you get. Once you hit Mid-Thirties hangovers last three days so you weigh out the pros and cons to having a night out- which is when getting apps, ice cream and coffee sounds like a better idea. 

Shop For A Cause At Macy's This Weekemd

Today to Sunday Macy's will be donating a percentage of sales to the March of Dimes. Enjoy shopping this weekend knowing it will be helping people in need. 

Learn more here:http://shopforacause.macysinc.com

All information from Macy's website. 

Wake Up and Enjoy Life!

Live your life people! Wake up and make the most of your day, situation, life! I was texting my sister and she asked what I was doing with kids. I said staying in and taking it slow. She said I agree. This week of events really made her happy and I agreed. I reflect back on my week and smile from the memories we made with the kids. It really was great. Looking forward to making more this weekend and next week before they head back to school. Wish I could squeeze another 4 weeks of summer in but Fall is around the corner and that means: Brewfests, Apple Picking, Pumkin everything and cozy weather.  Not all good things have to come an end if you change the way you look at it!

Thomas Lovers There's Thomasland

This place looks amazing. I have added this to my list of "to do" with the kids. A whole amusement center devoted to THOMAS the Train- amazing!

I showed my husband and he asked "well how big could this place possibly be?" 11.5 acres! 11 themed rides featuring favorite characters like Cranky the Crane, Harold the Helicopter, and more! 

Yep, a whole lot of trains and action for the kids to enjoy especially my 3 year old who loves Trains, especially THOMAS the train! Readers have you been? If so please provide feedback!! If not check it out!

http://www.edaville.com/thomasland

Muse Paintbar Back To School Savings

This place is so much fun. Perfect for girls night out, date night or even to do with your kids. Check out this great deal and be sure to book your September painting night before Aug 31st: https://events.musepaintbar.com

Friday Motivation: Your Kids Are Watching

Big Shout Out To Kidville: Great Summer Playspace

School starts next week so this was our last 8:30 am Playspace class today. What a fun summer. We went from my neice sitting on the trampoline to now walking up and down it and will climb into pit.  My three year old now jumps up on the big bar and swings like a monkey. My 7 1/2 year old will do rock wall alone. The confidence these kids built has been amazing! The staff is amazing. Such a great time. Looking forward to Fall with the two little ones while the big kids venture off to school. 

Thanks Tanya- You Rock!

Maddie has been amazing with kids. Thx again!

Mary Kay and Milk Craft Why Not!

My sister texts me the other day, come to a Mary Kay party. No thanks. Her neighbor sells it. Actually is a top sales director for it and super sweet. But I passed on the offer. Then she sends me an invite for Free facials and makeover. I am in I say. 

Now the amazing thing about Mary Kay is that their consultants make you believe EVEYTHING they sell is amazing, life changing, must have and we the consumers buy  into it. $50 later my free makeover and facial isn't so free. That's good selling! But really I always loved their Satin Hands line. It's a three step process for your hands. It does wonders for men too. I use it on my husband's dry hands in the winter. Amazing!

I had a couple of glasses of wine already so we said we could do coffee or ice cream after. Lame I know. So I had to step it up. I talked her into Milk Craft and we took a ride. Now I have been before when they first opened on a Saturday at 11 and was not packed. Tonight was a 15 minute wait. Of course well worth it! If you haven't been GO!  I highly suggest their bubble cone, peanut butter and jelly with banana. Amazing!!!