Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Legoland Westchester
What a cool, fun place! We went over the weekend with my inlaws. We were away for the night so I suggested stopping herein the way home. I have been wanting for years to go with the kids every time we got invited to a birthday there we couldn't attend for some reason. We purchased our tickets online and were able to get one child free per adult ticket purchase. Children two and younger are free. It cost me $47 for a family of five- can't beat that deal. 
It was the perfect weekend to go since the hype of the batman movie was going on. The kids got to take a picture with batman. They handed out batman masks. Inside they had cute batman items.
The cool thing about this place is that you forget everything is made out of Legos- I mean EVERYTHING and you are amazed. I wondered how many hours it took to build each item. Even the motorcycle was built out of Legos. it's pretty insane. They have interactive games you can play to have the Legos move and it's really entertaining for the kids.
They validate parking so be sure to bring in your parking ticket- they discount it so you only have to pay $1.75. Also make sure that when you order tickets online you pick the correct location. You can print your tickets online and makes it easy to check in.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Yes I Am That Mom...Well Maybe Just A Little Bit...
Matching outfits, extra snacks in my purse, wipes in my bag, car and kids book packs. Sticky kisses, constant timer on, balanced meals even during snacks...yes I am that mom!
When I found out I was having girls I started buying matching outfits. Sometimes there weren't exact and they were just the same color or pattern but mostly matching. Everyone would either LOVE IT or would say soon they won't want to match, they would want their own "identity" it's ok if they don't match and so on. Well with the age difference my little ones really adore their big sister and their big sister really is still young at heart so what started to happen was I would lay out their clothes the night before and the older one will ask "Where's my shirt like theirs?" Or the middle one would say "why can't I have a dress like my big sister". I would explain by simply saying it's ok I will buy you one too next time I go to the store and they would be over it. I do ask at times if they want to match certain days too so they have a say in it. Most of the time it is yes. Another huge reason I love matching- not only because it looks super cute and is appealing to my eyes but I take my kids out a lot and it's so easy to track them but all having same color or style shirts on. Trust me try it!
Extra snacks in purse is something I always did even before kids. Before I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer they thought I was insulin resistant. I ate every two hours so was always programmed like that. Today I bring snacks everywhere. Yeah I learned my car took a hit from that but I always have something on me. Now it's not junk food. Yes sometimes it's little bites especially for my niece who is a number one fan of the funfetti. But I am a huge fan of the kids chocolate brownie clif bars since my girls aren't a fan of granola bars. I am also a huge fan of the Nature Valley dark chocolate peanut protein bars. I even eat them. They are filled with Vitamins and protein and also taste like chocolate.
Wipes in my bag, cars and kids book bags. Let's face it germs are everywhere and I take my kids to a ton of places. Number one rule: once you get in the car leaving school, and any place outside of home you wipe your hands. Whenever we get home you wash your hands. I have three kids. Three. That's three times chances of getting sick and it spreading through the house. My kids are so used to routine that minute they come home they tell sitter "have to wash my hands". I am not "anal" I know it sounds like I am but the more I can prevent our home being a victim of any bug, flu, cold or whatever the happier our home can be!
Sticky kisses. I tell my kids 100 times a day I love them and love their sticky kisses. No I am not always easy on them. I am very stern sometimes too stern. I use timeout a lot. I use timers to give them five more minutes then they must brush their teeth. That timer goes over and they run, well sometimes, to tackle the task. Haven't yet gotten all three to comply at same time hoping it's an age thing. But they do encourage each other or say can you put timer on and give us a couple more minutes. Example when time goes off we have to turn tablets off and get dressed for school they will say ok girls come one listen to mom. One morning my daughter said she dreamt the fire alarm went off. She said it kept beeping mom. I said well if that ever happens you must get me right away. Then it dawned on me maybe it's that timer getting stuck in her head.
Balanced meals. Oh the battle. Now I am a carb junkie and so is my oldest. When she was younger her iron level was low so I had to push iron rich foods and for being a kid that didn't like greens that was a problem. She's fine now but it taught me about balance. So every meal including snacks had to have some fruit or vegetable, some type of protein and then a carb. Like the snack plates I had made in past which now I just fill up bowls variety of stuff. Popcorn and string cheese with grapes or tangerines and pretzels and yogurts. I really try to push healthy habits. Even on pizza night I try to give a bowl of yogurt with the meal and carrots and cucumbers. Something. Something that I am not sure if they yet appreciate. My oldest can polish a half of pizza if you let her -she's a no crust no cheese pizza eater-so in between I ask what else can she eat and she picks a fruit or veggie or protein and finishes her glass of water before having her last slice.
My middle one is a sugar junkie. Skinny Minnie. Eats like a bird but craves sugar and cookies and well anything sweet. I have a "toy box" which is really a "sugar box" they can pick one candy after nap or a piece of chocolate to fulfill their sugar fix. I am trying to be fair but yet keep a balance. I may not be doing this completely right but I was a chubby kid and I am trying hard for my kids to have a balanced life.
I have to admit. I have a huge energy level. It almost freaks me out a little and my kids at times don't agree with my parenting style or get upset when I yell because after asking five times their jackets still aren't on or teeth brushed. But I am learning how to improve my parenting style as it goes along.
I love crafts. Love embracing my children's childhood. Love exposing them to different things and really watching their personalities blossom. My parenting style may freak you out or you may relate. Regardless we're all trying the best we can!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Time To Burn Some Energy: Pump It Up In Norwalk
It's school break and I have been working a lot. After the sitter left I knew I needed to do something to have my girls burn some energy. My husband wasn't going to be home until late and I couldn't keep them in the house. Their sitter bought them passes for Christmas so I packed them up and headed to Pump It Up in Norwalk.
This past year they have added some new inflatables and obstacle courses. It's perfect for kids of all ages. That's the problem with my kid ages- finding a place that they all can enjoy. Well here's the place. They did the jump with ice cream. After they got to pick an ice cream cup and toppings. Only problem is that last time we were here was for a birthday and my toddler insisted we had to sing Happy Birthday before leaving. We didn't and she fought me on it.
If you need to get out and have the kids in a clean, warm, place where you can sit back and smile then check it out!
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Monday, February 13, 2017
My Valentine's Creativity Is Back...
"My house may not be perfect, my patience is sometimes short, but one thing that I know is that I love my girls with all my heart" JF
I was bummed to be overwhelmed with work that I didn't give Valentine's Day much attention. I did basic stuff with the girls but normally do a bunch of crafts. My husband is in charge of buying their gifts. But I usually do something small too
So I was laying on the couch tonight and felt drained and realized I don't have to feel this way. I jumped up and started to decorate and made the girls a brownie heart. Now I am super excited to see their faces tomorrow morning.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed and over worked but when you feel like that take a time out and do something that makes your soul happy. Enjoy your Valentine's Day Everyone!
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Baking Banana Bread With Toddlers
I had two containers of frozen bananas and extra ripe ones on my container that needed to be used up. We spent the day reorganizing the house and moving around furniture. I turned to my husband and said I wanted to bake. He thought I was nuts.
Right before dinner I pulled up two chairs and my little ones went to work. Now keep in mind one is almost four and the other is two and a half years old. Yes there was some flour on the floor and a bit yelling on my part but it's amazing how much they can do. My middle
one is super careful now when we bake. She takes her time and what really struck me is she broke the yokes of the eggs with the hand whisk before mixing.
When their big sister came home they ran to her to show her what they made. Delicious and amazing and building memories all at the same time!
My banana recipe: http://mommyct.blogspot.com/2016/02/best-banana-bread-recipe.html?m=1
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Crockpot Mexican Chicken Soft Tacos
So you know that crockpot Mexican chicken I made the other day...well that was tonight's amazing dinner!
All you have to do is add blackbeans and yellow rice and stuff in corn tortilla. Squeeze a lime over before serving and there's dinner. Delicious
Save Time With Freshly: Comes Fresh Comes Already Cooked
I love Blue Apron I really do but then I came across this company, Freshly. Where natural, fresh, COOKED meals come delievered to your door and all you have to do is take 2 minutes to warm it up. Same price as the other services that come having to cook from start to finish. Pretty cool! https://www.freshly.com
Friday, February 10, 2017
Crockpot Mexican Chicken
Super easy and delicious!
What you need:
package of organic chicken breast
package of taco mix
2 tablespoons of ranch dressing- I have seen this recipe with ranch powder
1/4 cup of water
Rinse chicken, spray crockpot with Pam spray- helps with cleanup- add chicken, top with taco mix, ranch and water. Bakes for 4 hours in crockpot. Shred with a fork.
Serve with black beans, Mexican rice, and wraps. Be sure to squeeze some lime on it. Amazing!
Do You Have The Courage?
It's like a constant battle with one self as to letting things go verse saying no way I can still be, do, have what I want to be, do, have!
Do you have the courage?
Best Pancake Mix
We had a 2 hr delay this morning and my girls asked for pancakes. No problem...I open my pantry and then remembered I used the last of the bisquick. Um change of plans,I said, it will have to be from scratch. They agreed and I actually picked the first recipe that didn't require buttermilk and it was easy and delicious. Thanks allrecipes.com
Mix all dry ingredients. Form a little hole is center. Crack in egg add butter and milk. Mix and cook. Delicious!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Dry Dock Bar & Grille In Norwalk CT
Always loved this place and love the new decor even more. The new owners took over and revamped it. Jamie used to be behind the bar and now he's an owner. Truly a great story. You can tell the love for that place has been put into their new menu and love the way it's setup inside.
They graciously donated some gift certificates for our schools walkathon so when I went to pick them up I had to get food to go too- I mean the smell alone driving by is enough to stop in. Their Dijon burger has always been my favorite and the fried calamari didn't stand a chance with my little ones-finished in minutes.
Check them out: http://drydockbarandgrille.com
Snow Storm 2017 Be Ready...
Brace yourself...a Snow Storm is on its way. I spent the last 72 hours as a single parent and the night I schedule a night out they are predicting a foot of snow. Putting my husband on daddy duty and may hide in my office tomorrow and nap.
Who am I kidding...I never sit still. I plan on doing their school valentines and making cocoa and have a new slide set my friend found for me on a Tag Sale site that I hope kids can enjoy in the snow.
For those who get to sleep in well lucky you. For us parents that don't try to embrace being snowed in with your little ones and enjoy your Snow Day!
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Canoli Dip Paired With Apples: Guilt Free Treat
I made Canoli dip over the weekend and had some left over. I went to hang at my sisters this morning ano brought some to her. She said I had to try the apples they got at Costco. That's when my light bulb went off: Canoli dip and apples- amazing and guilt free treat!
Leading In 3rd Place Please Vote For Mommy CT
Such an honor to be nominated for "Best Social Media Mom" please take the time to vote for Mommy CT https://mommypoppins.com/CTbesties
Currently I am leading in 3rd place and would be awesome to take 1st place. I really love sharing my views, stories, recipes, local events and funny humor to help get through my journey of mommyhood with you all. Voting is private and we do not get to see who votes for us. Thanks for following and appreciate your vote!
Monday, February 6, 2017
Crepe Party In Your Backyard
La Petite France closed their store front but are still doing inhouse Crepe Parties and Crepe outdoor cart parties. Yum, what an elegant yet fun treat. Check out their site to learn more. http://www.lpfcafe.com/catering/book-our-crepe-cart/
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Super Bowl 2017 Humor
Honestly the food, half time show and commericials are why I watch but I must admit I stayed up late to watch the overtime and for once it was really an amazing game. Congrats Pats!
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Most Foods Consumed On Super Bowl Sunday
1.33 BILLION wings and 11 million slices of pizza. Did your favorite Super Bowl foods make the list? http://abcnews.go.com/US/staggering-amounts-food-eaten-super-bowl-sunday/story?id=45217629
Vegetable Soup: Powerhouse Iron Soup
My two year old loves her vegetables and the real dark green ones are her favorite. The other morning she asked for soup. I pulled out whatever I had in the freezer and fridge and started cooking.
What you Need:
2 chicken bouillon cubes- I like
Knorr brand
Four cups of water- follow instructions on back of chicken boulion box
Frozen veggies
A half box of spaghetti
Two eggs
Boil water. Add bouillon cubes. Break up pasta add to water. Add vegetables. When soup is about ten Minutes from being done crack the eggs- one at a time- into the soup. Stir with a fork
to break up the eggs. Was delicious!
I Became Everything I Swore I Would Never Be
Not sure I can point the finger to anyone on this but myself to blame for realizing I am became everything I never wanted to be. I mean I swore to myself I would never do this and sure enough I did.
Growing up I remember always seeing the run down, overweight, stressed out mom. She would be out with her family and everyone but her has it together. I swore NEVER me. Guess again! I am exactly that!
I am exactly that mom: run down, over weight and can't believe how I leave the house. It's like do I spend time doing my makeup or pack the kids lunches...yeah lunches wins everytime.
I know sounds silly, just get up earlier would be the best solution but in my house the minute I open my eyes someone wakes up. My magnetic energy must be super strong to attract my kids attention the minute my eyes open.
I swore I would never lose it. Never lose my creative touch. My love for painting and drawing. Yep that too gone...I think my canvas with my art supplies are four years old. I haven't picked up my sketch pad or painted. I haven't even done a drawing of my 2 year old yet.
Recently my sister broke her collar bone and I suggested she read a book I wrote and edit for me to pass time. I sent it to my sister and said I haven't read it in 8 years. 8 YEARS. My book has been sitting on my laptop. Sitting there waiting to be edited and never turned back to give it any TLC. Then my other book has been in my head for 8 years and never written. Can you imagine?! Thinking of this book. Picturing it yet never taking the time to write it out. Pathetic I know.
So now if my friend were in my shoes I would say make time and do it. Yeah yeah let's all laugh together. But reality is I need to manage my time better to make room for these things.
What you send out to the universe you receive.
This week I got notified that my daughter was offered a full time pre k spot at her school. That means she would do the same in the Fall and my two year old would be there in mornings and so that means ALL my kids will be at school in the morning. Imagine that. I just gained 15 hours of me time and instead of thanking the universe I almost cried. That this was it. That my mornings with them will soon be gone. That this me time I have yearned for was soon happening and I was a little upset about it. My babies were growing up.
In six months my fantasy of me time will finally be a reality. I can join a gym. Work more. Write more. Shower after drop off. Do my makeup in peace. Be me again. So this so called woman I never wanted to be has six more months until she gets to get her shit together again.
Tears of joy and tears of sorrow. See you can't gain something without losing something. That's the battle of parenthood. You can't gain more time for "me" without giving up time doing something else.
For now I need to embrace this woman I never wanted to be and realize she doesn't always have to be a piece of me!
Friday, February 3, 2017
Why I Still Have My Christmas Cards Up
The tree came down a while ago and all the decorations put back in boxes and put away in storage BUT for some reason I cannot take down my holiday cards.
Maybe it's because of the smiles that are gleaming in them, maybe it's the fun memories attached to them. See how can you be in a bad mood when you look up and see happiness around you?! So no I haven't taken down the holiday cards yet but they do still make me smile, days, weeks and months later they are just as special as the day I opened them and I am not ready to let them go!
Drink Your Vegetables: Green Machine By Naked
Some of my children like veggies some don't but they all do like juice. My husband actually brought this home one day. He was at Costco and they were giving out samples. The kids were eager to try it- which shocked me. It's delicious sweet. Not griddy. Not greeny. Now in the morning they get a small glass and I must say its pretty awesome. Filled with a lot of vitamins and iron! We call it the green "monster" drink.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Best of the Gold Coast 2017: Did Your Favorites Get Nominated?
It's always fun to show your favorite Autobody shop, restaurant, bar, caterer, or food truck some love. Moffley Media "Best Of The Gold Coast" voting is open. Unfortunately there isn't a category for best blog YET- but am hoping to work with them on adding it. In the meantime take some time and show some love to your local businesses. Best of luck to all the nominees!
Vote Now:
http://email.mofflymedia.com/best-of-the-gold-coast-vote?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Happy 1st Of The Month
What a busy yet good day. At this time of night I reflect and give thanks for not losing my mind but actually am pretty impressed with how much I can conquer and still smile saying goodnight to my little ones.
I went for my Thyroid checkup and my levels are completely off. Which a part doesn't suprise me. I have been battling dry skin and have put on some extra pounds. When she said she was upping my dose I was a little nervous since I do have an extreme amount of energy already.
As I ramble on I want you all to know that everyday is a new day. Vision the things you conquered through the day and give thanks for the good, mediated and release the thoughts of the bad and put it away.
I like to count backwards starting with 10. Focus on your breathing. Envision a drawer and put away all the things that didn't make you smile. Trust me it works.
Cheers to a new month and a good month and a healthy month!
Thanks for reading!
MommyCT
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Where's Your"No Matter What Friend"
I think this is required for everyone at every stage, phase, of life but when I really wanted it was when I became a mother. The reason is because when you think of having a child you just picture this endless happiness no one tells you the other stuff that comes along with it. The restless nights. Being torn between working and staying home. Postpartum depression. Coping with the changes of your body and responsibilities and roles in life. Yeah see you need someone you can turn to who can listen. Respond when you want to hear it or just listen when you want to just vent.
If you don't have this person or group then try to find that person. If you have that person or group be grateful for them. It's amazing how much easier life has been for me to have so many amazing ladies in my life at really all different levels of my life I can call my "no matter what" girls. It wasn't always so easy to have that "no matter what" friend when I became a mom. I was a young mom so it was more difficult to have someone who I could relate to or welcome me in to give me guidance. I think that is why I am so passionate about helping other moms. Being their "no matter what" helping them see how life can be even when it's not all perfect or when you lost hours of sleep. I feel it's my life passion to really give back since I didn't have that and so yearned for it when I first had a child.
I am grateful for my "no matter what" life friends. My "no matter what" mommy friends. So no matter what you are dealing with in life take a second and thank those who have helped you and more importantly try to be someone else's "no matter what" friend. To be able to help others really brings rewards into your life. Not material rewards just self gratification rewards.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Baseball & Beer Unite On Feb 23rd
Join The Bridgeport Bluefish for a fun and exciting FeBREWary with the BREWfish on Thursday, February 23.
The event will take place at Brewport Brewing Company in Bridgeport from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Guests will have the opportunity to check out all the unique brews that Brewport has to offer. There will also be raffles throughout the night as well as special Bluefish 20th Anniversary merchandise for sale.
$35 gets you two drink vouchers, pizza and salad. To learn more about this event, CLICK HERE, call the Bluefish Ticket Office at 203-210-BLUE, or email tickets@birdgeportbluefish.com
Sunday, January 29, 2017
What It's Really Like Baking With Toddlers: Enjoy The Present
It was already a long day. They were crabby at dinner. One refused to put her shirt back on the other their pants. I layed on the couch for five minutes and then said who wants to help mommy bake. I needed to make brownies for my mother in law's birthday celebration and lunch today with my family. So I pulled up their chairs and said lets go.
Bad idea from the beginning...
My middle one went to grab her book off the container to have next to her which then knocked my glass of fresca all over the floor. I didn't even speak
I took out the mop and cleaned up the mess.
Ok kids let's try this again...
I give them each a box of brownie mix and asked them to open the box. Just then realized my youngest had a stinky diaper. So my husband takes her in the play room to get changed. I reassure her we will wait. My middle one is playing with the bag filled with brownie powder. As my husband walks back in with my youngest we hear a pop and see brownie powder shoot up in the air.
"This isn't how I envisioned my life" I said to my husband. "I just want to bake some freaking brownies"
Clean up another mess and then can start yet again. Now I am a little red faced. Tempered. Mad lady. But pull it together and am quiet. Which is not my norm. I am normally very vocal so when I am mad and quiet that means I am beyond pissed.
I allow them to add mini Oreos in and once their fingers hit their mouth they are off duty. So my middle one sits out and watches her little sister go to work.
After they look at me and say thank you Mommy. Thank you?! That was an awful experience I thought. But see it was awful for me but not them.
I remember being able to bake in peace. Alone or even with one kid in a high chair and one next to me. Now two toddlers is overwhelming. But they don't remember that. They see they got to make brownies and eat mini Oreos before bed. They enjoyed the experience while I reflected on past experiences. They enjoyed the moment and I compared it in my head to past experiences.
That moment taught me a lot. I know sounds silly. It taught me to enjoy the moment.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Drinks To Help Allergy, Blood Pressure, Immune System & Thyroid
Source: Instagram: Thyroid Cancer Sucks
Crockpot Short Ribs: Asian Flair
Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to always cook like a mom! My crockpot Asian short ribs over sesame pasta received a "my compliments to the chef" from my 8 year old. High five to me! Here's how I made them:
What You Need:
Short Ribs
Korean BBQ sauce sauce
Pam oil spray
Olive Oil
Salt
Ginger Paste
Soy Sauce
Sesame Oil
A Crockpot
Angel hair pasta
Spray the crockpot with Pam olive oil- makes clean up super easy. Place short ribs in crockpot. Mix one cup of Korean BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of ginger spread (minced works). Pour over short ribs. Cook on low heat 6 hours.
Before serving cooked short ribs boil a box of Angel hair pasta. When finish drain water. Add pasta back to pot. Pour two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of sesame oil over pasta and stir.
The most easiest yet yummy dinner ever!
Mommy CT Is In 3rd Place: Please Vote
Please Vote for MOMMY CT I just got notified I am currently in third place for Best Social Media Mom In CT
Would be great to win and love sharing my love for CT places.
I can't see who voted but currently am in third place. ❤️ to you all!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Homemade Valentines: Super Sweet
Feel like being creative? Well I found some super cute and easy homemade Valentines that are perfect to create with your little ones.
Source: Facebook Crafty Morning
Source: Pinterest
Source: parentmap.com
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Follow Me On Twitter
Happy Tuesday All!
To learn about local upcoming events and news please follow me on Twitter
As always I appreciate your continued support!
Monday, January 23, 2017
Restaurant Week At Mohegan Sun
Who says casinos are just for gambling?! I love walking around the casinos. Always so entertaining and now you get to catch a deal too during their restaurant week.
Check out which restaurants are participating: https://mohegansun.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/restaurant-week.html
Check out which restaurants are participating: https://mohegansun.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/restaurant-week.html
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