You Are Capable Of Anything! Don't Ever Forget That!

Event Tonight At City Hall

Monday Motivation: Stop Thinking Just Live

What Keeps Parents Going...

Parenting Humor

Believe In Yourself

Kid Fest April 2nd at Stepping Stones Museum In Norwalk

Some Things Aren't Always As They Seem

All Moms Are Working Moms Whether You Realize It Or Not!

LulaRoe Party...Winner Two Leggings For Price Of One

I have avoided these parties for a while now. Not because I didn't like their stuff but because I didn't need anything else to be addicted to.  So my friend hosted a pop up and of course I went to show her some support. I tried on a couple of stuff and got entered into a raffle. Some leggings were super cute but when I tried in the design stretched out a little too much so went with the least crazy design. I had to leave before it ended and before a raffle winner was picked. 

I was torn between two designs and joked with my friends if I won the raffle then grab me the other pair. Sure enough I get a text that I won. It was meant to be. So if you haven't heard of these parties before they are a huge trend happening. They now have a kids line and even some men items. The leggings are super soft and comfortable.  Prints super cute, a little crazy some of them but add style to moms. The catch is they only print a certain number of each item and that's it. Then new inventory comes out and styles to choose from. It's like a pop up clothing store. I am excited to wear my two new ones and just hope this isn't a new must have for me. 

Save The Date: Tag Sale Saturday April 1st

Endometriosis Worldwide March 2017

Today we wear yellow in honor of those suffering from this terrible disease. There has to be more recognition for this disease that affects millions of women. No one should have to live in pain! Help find a cure!Wear yellow today in support of those marching around the world! 🎗💛

Jersey Mikes Gives Back March 29th Save The Date

On March 29th 100% of all  Sales will be donated. 

Be sure to go buy a sub for a cause!

https://www.jerseymikes.com/

Wakeman Town Farm Event Tonight In Westport

CT Guide To Easter Fun

The Easter Bunny Is Coming!!! Great guide for Easter Fun " 2017 Easter Egg Hunts, Events & Celebrations" https://danbury.macaronikid.com/guides/58b9b27315a4fa3b11bfafb1/2017-easter-egg-hunts-events-celebrations

My daughter and I having some Easter fun last year 

Nothing In Life Is Easy But Work Hard Now & Rewards Will Come

25 Desserts You Must Try In Fairfield County: Did Your Favs Make The List?

Oh man, when I can across this article all I could think about was sending this to my sisters and mommy friends to start our next adventure: adventure of trying these places we never tried. As you can tell I am a foodie and dessert is one of my weaknesses. This list is pretty spot on.

Fairfield County is full of amazing dessert options. These places are super unique and stand out from your typical simple dessert. Did your favorites make this list? A couple of mine did and for the rest I am super excited to go give them a try!

Article: 25 Epic Desserts to Eat in Fairfield County Before You Die https://spoonuniversity.com/place/epic-desserts-in-fairfieldcounty-to-eat-before-you-die

Egg Hunt Tip: Fill Your Eggs With These Cool Items

I am a HUGE Easter lover. It's one of my favorite holidays. I always put on a huge egg hunt. I invite family and friends with little ones. I fill hundreds of eggs with stuff and bake all fun Easter items. I provide booze for the adults and juice boxes for the kids. All parents have to do is bring a basket. Mostly everyone brings a snack or dessert too. Which is nice but I normally have more than enough. It's so much fun to watch the  kids hunt for eggs and I try to take a picture of each kid proudly holding up their baskets. I usually tell everyone to get 10 and meet me on deck. Once every child has 10  I tell everyone to go search for the rest. It's so so so much fun!

My friend sent me this article. It's perfect!! Yes. candy is not the only thing you can hides in eggs.

100 Things To Put In Easter Eggs {That Aren't Candy!} http://totallythebomb.com/100-put-easter-eggs-candy

The Granola Bar in Westport CT

My sister wanted us to come for a breakfast Birthday for my niece. We wanted to try someplace new and I kept seeing posts about this place. We normally spend our Thursday's in Westport since we have our kids gym class so we are always looking for new places to check out.  I am a huge fan of granola and yogurt so was super excited to try this place. The smoothies are so fresh and natural. No artificial flavors. We got a couple of yogurts and egg sandwiches. The wrap with spinach, egg whites and avocado was amazing. At first I thought would taste too healthy so we also got the bacon egg and cheese but it was actually my favorite. The avocado is like a healthy option of mayo. Creamy and adds so much flavor. The yogurt was super fresh and again not sweet or overbearing we got their honey cinnamon granola over the parfaits. I love love love banana on top. Adds a natural sweetness. Check them out!

The Gronala Bar http://thegranolabarct.com/

Sharkey's In Westport Kid Friendly Hair Salon

Sharkey's in Westport is an awesome kid's hair salon. The place is full of color and cool cars for the kids to sit in. They have tv screens everywhere and balloons. It's like a huge party place to get beautified. My sister asked us to come with her to bring my niece for her first haircut. Even though I did cut her bangs before cause they were driving me crazy. 

It was perfect because it's right next to our kids gym, Kidville, so they played then we went next door. Staff was great, they let my daughter sit in the jeep with my niece while she got all dolled up. Was super cute. They even do manicures for the kids after their haircut- we didn't since my niece is a bit young and already all the excitement tired her out but such a cute place. Great staff and great deal! Located on the post road.  http://www.sharkeyscutsforkids.com/Westport-CT

This Isn't Easy...But A Good Reminder

Farmers Market In Norwalk On Thursday

Wishing You All A Day Of Zen

It's That Time Of Year Again...Thanks Doc!

I went to see my Thryoid Doctor Today. "Lets make it to the five year mark please you have one more year and then I will be happy" she says to me reading my labs. After having Thyroid Cancer they give you a mark of 5 years to get through cancer free to decrease the risks of any cancer coming back. I have 1 more year, April 1 2018 will be my 5 year anniversary. So this year is huge for me. 

Problem is my levels have been awful  way downfrom 6 months ago which makes me in "hypo" mode. "Let's see what changed she said. Your weight changed." Oh great I thought  just great!  She said I had to loose weight, sleep more and increase the dose of my meds. All boring stuff I know. But really she's right. I put on seven pounds in less than a year. That's a lot, I mean some thryoid pateints can gain that in a month but still. The more weight I am the higher the does I will need so here's my plan...well I don't really have one yet but here's my goal. I have to see her again in 6 weeks and well it gives me 6 weeks to show her I mean business.  I have to have some sort of plan to loose weight within that time frame, so limit my carbs and increase my exercise and sleep. Like before 11:00 be in bed, like now I should be sleeping but am not. So with this all said I have a BIG change ahead of me and it's all worth it right to be healthy, cancer free, here for my kids and family and loved ones. I know feel like crap some days and achey. 

So welcome my blog posts of pushing healthy on you too cause you didn't think I would actually be doing this all alone, right?!

Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings: Momma Bear

I took my little one to the store this morning. It wasn't busy at all and we took our time going through. About midway I noticed a guy acting funny around me. He had a book bag and no groceries or a cart. Whenever we made eye contact he would smile and turn the other direction, and distract himself. I started to feel a little on guard. Now there are workers throughout the store so you do feel safe and an older couple near me the whole time. We make our way through and I begin to notice he's acting stranger and stranger. My daughter is in the front of the carriage and my purse is in my carriage. Our jackets are over the groceries.

Maybe he's one of those secret shoppers I thought and move my jackets to below, no longer covering the groceries. I thought about going to the security guard but say to myself if he is at the exit when I leave I will ask them to walk me to my car. Now if I was alone I wouldn't be so on guard but since my two year old was with me I became extremely uneasy.

We get to the end of the store where they sell hot food. I place my order and notice he is still hovering around. I ask the older couple if he was with them. The woman said no but said he walked in same time with us so probably just making his way around with us. She kindof seemed short and annoyed like I was assuming this guy was going to do something wrong. Ok I respond. Just then he comes very close to my daughter. I turn around and ask him if I can help him with something, not in a nice way and he shakes his head. I said listen you keep hovering over me throughout the store and I don't appreciate it. He nods and walks away.

I am now on fire. Momma Bear mode has kicked in.  I can totally take his guy on. He's my height and not very heavy. I calm myself down and head to check out. The whole time I am scoping the store for him but he's gone. I order my daughter an ice cream and have her eat outside the store in an area. No sight of him. He's completely gone.

Now should I have gone to security? Probably but I was so in defense mode that my focus was to make sure this guy didn't see some oblivious mom shopping with her child.

Be aware of your surroundings! This is something so easy NOT to do especially with the distractions with a child or cell phone. This guy walked through the whole store and didn't buy anything. I do not know his intentions and thinking about it truly ticks me off but moms please, especially when you are with your child, be cautious of your surroundings. And if you see something or someone makes you uncomfortable say something to them. I totally think me not being so nice made it clear to this guy to back off.

The Little Mermaid Jr Playing In Greenwich

Tickets go on sale March 31st. 

www.BGCG.org 

Even When The Snow Melts You Can Find Beauty In It

What Makes You Feel Alive?

Sometimes You Just Need A Break & That's Ok

A couple weeks ago I couldn't get out of bed, no matter how many times I tried I couldn't. All I wanted to do was sleep. It was so not like me. I am full of energy. I schedule plans all the time. I like to keep busy, try new places, work. I run on 5-6 hours of sleep and usually when I feel run down self medicate and take Tylenol and I bounce back. Not that day. I wasn't bouncing back and it was a little scary. 

My mom even called and asked why I wasn't responding to texts. I am sleeping. Oh no what's wrong she asked. I didn't even know!

It was like I could relate to when they say someone was depressed and just can't get out of bed. Now the week prior I threw my daughter a party, had a lot of major projects at work to complete and attended a couple meetings for school and a board I am on. So yes it was a busy week but I crashed. I mean hard. I stayed in bed until 9:00 am then crashed on my couch. What's wrong with you my husband asked nothing I snapped I just want to sleep, I need a break. So I finally got up cleaned up breakfast gave my little ones a bath then crashed again. I got up paid my taxes and my husband said take the afternoon off and do what you want. I just want to sleep I said and that's exactly what I did.

 I took a four hour nap. I just didn't want to face the day or anything else. My body kept saying "nope" whenever I got up. It was pretty awful. Luckily my mother in law kept the little ones for the night and after I woke up I watched a movie with my oldest daughter then slept another seven hours through the night. I woke up and felt guilty. Like wow I wasted my weekend in bed but it wasn't a waste. See we need a time out. Pushing ourselves always isn't a good thing. It kindof scared me to think that I could have just kept sleeping. I didn't even care to eat. I just wanted to escape the world and sleep. Of course I woke up feeling good but there are still days I wake up and day "not today" and don't want to face the day. Thank goodness those moments are slim but those moments teach me it's ok to not always be happy. It's ok to not always do for others. That day I needed to take care of me. Something I hardly do. That day my body said "slow down girl" and I had no choice but to listen. 

World Down Syndrome Day Is Tomorrow March 21st

Be sure to show your support. "We are all Different and that's Beautiful!"

Palmers Market In Darien CT

I finally stopped in this place today with my little one. I kept seeing awesome pictures of their items and hearing about it. It's a super cute place with a fully stocked grocery store with an awesome bakery, great deli counter, a large selection for their fish market and gift shop all wrapped into one. Oh and don't forget florist shop. We stopped in to grab a couple of items and left with lunch and dessert. This donut was less than a $1 and we split one in the store and went back to buy another, that's how good it was. The tortellini pesto salad was delicious and my little one loved the vegetable soup. 

It is located directly across from  Noroton Heights Train Station. Check it out! Palmersmarket.com

The Easter Bunny Is Coming To Westfarms Mall Starting March 24th

Come Meet The Easter Bunny and Explore Bunnyville 

Event Information:

WHAT:  Adventures in Bunnyville & photos with the Easter Bunny at Westfarms 

WHEN: March 24th through April 15th, 2017 Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

WHERE: Westfarms Mall • Center Court Farmington, CT 

Easter Bunny will greet visitors in Bunnyville -- a three-dimensional town for kids to explore. Located on the shopping center’s lower level in Center Court, Bunnyville features many places to visit including Hoppin’ Fresh Bakery, Hare Salon and 24 Carrot Bank. The last stop along the adventure is an opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny and have photos taken. Those who visit the Easter Bunny will receive a complimentary gift (while supplies last). This special family-friendly holiday experience is being offered exclusively at Westfarms from March 24th to April 15th. This annual event is free for the public to attend.

Photo packages may be purchased onsite.

For more information visit www.shopwestfarms.com

Image and info provided by Sirica Marketing & PR

Happy First Day Of Spring!!

Dear Followers...

Let's connect!

I post a lot on different social media platforms because sometimes it's a little easier and faster then writing. I appreciate all my followers and if you want to connect then check out below:

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/mommyct2009
Follow me on instagram: Mommyct2009

Just Think...Some Of Your Best Years Haven't Happened Yet!

Coalhouse In Stamford Craft Beer Event April 6th 2017

This looks like a super fun event taking place at the Coalhouse in a Stamford. Check it out!

http://www.coalhousepizza.com/

Sedona Taphouse Brunch in Norwalk CT

We had our friends come up from Brooklyn to spend the afternoon with us. I had to think of a place quick to accommodate a group of 8 people 4 people young kids  it's hard because a lot of places are tight and not comfortable or their menu isn't accommodating. My husband suggested pizza and I said let's do Sedona. I have been already a couple of times with friends before but never brought the kids. It was perfect because it's huge and spacious inside.

Bottomless mimosas for $10. Fun brunch items or a lunch menu full of fun sandwiches, salads,small bites. Their kid menu had a great selection for kids. Traditional pizza, mac and cheese and even steak. We ordered a couple of each. They all came with sides and we got the kids salad and fruit cups and string beans. Really a lot of food and delicious. I ordered their short rib sandwich and a side salad. Delicious!  Their slaw wasn't overpowering, their dressing on the salad was super refreshing. The children's pizza came out in a shape of a heart- which I absolutely love. Really a delicious meal. Love that they also have free parking in the parking garage, very accommodating. 

https://sedonataphouse.com/

Street Smarts: Something Learned Not Taught

Growing up in Norwalk and with having two sisters taught me a lot. Taught me to fend for myself but to also show people respect. It also taught me that is all in your approach. One reason I never wanted to leave my town was because I really like the diversity.

Growing up I would walk into the Columbian store and order food. They looked at me like I was crazy. Light skinned, blonde head, "Bianca" coming in asking for empanadas. But that's how it is growing up around here. You have little fear. You're able to adapt to your surroundings. You are exposed to different cultures and it makes you wiser.  I think my parents exposing us to a lot also helped with that too.

A lot of people ask if we will leave Norwalk. Only if my husband's job relocates...which may be a possibility in the near future but reality is we become accustomed to a certain society. We adapt
to it and grow from it. I mentioned it to my daughter's teacher at school. I asked how was she getting along with everyone and if there was any situations I should be aware of. She said no and not to worry "your daughter already can hold her ground and has street smarts". Right there is something that you can't teach but is taught based on your surroundings. Being around people of different backgrounds and cultures makes you not react to situations because you are used to the diversity.

Right there I knew I was succeeding as a parent. You want your kids to be able to stick up for themselves not just be a bully or too rough around the edges  but when situations cause them to.

Sing Comes Outs On Blueray This Tuesday, March 21st

Preorder your copy here http://www.target.com/p/sing-dvd/-/A-52034014

I Am Not The Same Person I Was Yesterday and Neither Are You

I am not the same person I was 10 years ago or 5 years or even yesterday. Everyday I change  everyday you change. The situations we are faced with help make us stronger. Some stink, drain us, others are amazing. My Mom actually helped open my eyes to this. We were talking the other day and she said to me the other day you aren't the same person you were 10 years ago. You're stronger, more independent, tougher, more secure, and less fragile. 

She's right and I bet you are too!

Peach-A-Rita's...Oh My

First was margaritas in a can, then strawberry now peach. I bought these and one can is perfect for someone who doesn't drink often. It's 8% alcohol in a tiny can. We drank it straight from the can but I could see pouring this over crushed ice or even in a blender for a frozen margarita to add some fun. 

Sleep Well: Maybe It's Not Just For Kids But Adults Too!

I love my daughter's room. It's a sunshine yellow. I was laying on the ground today and looked up. The dream lites were on. The lady bug was smiling and stars all around and thought what a great image to fall asleep to. It comes in four different colors you can select or a mode where the colors alternate on their own. 

It's almost like Adults could benefit from this gadget too. After a long day we seem to overthink stuff, worry about stuff but what if we too could have something on our ceiling that made us smile as we fell asleep.  Wouldn't that change all of our worries too? It's funny because whenever I crawl into their bed and stay the night I sleep like a rock. Maybe it's the energy in the room that is soothing, maybe it is the fun bright lites that make it comforting, maybe it's the carefree ambiance that brings me back to my own childhood. 

https://mypillowpets.com/shop/dreamlites

Get Older Isn't Always A Bad Thing!

Do You Own A Business or Would Like To Help Sponsor ?

Sponsors Needed!! I am helping with getting sponsors for an upcoming event. 

May is our school's walk-a-thon. I am looking for sponsors who would like to sponsor it. What this means is for $150 your company will go on all our marketing material sent home and on the back of shirts for 600 student walking, over 25 teachers and over a dozen volunteers- like me. For $300 you get your company on back of shirt & a table at this event. 

This is a huge reach for a low cost and for a great reason- helping a school in Norwalk. Families are always looking for new places to try and enjoy with their children. Whether be a restaurant, bakery, service company or even activity for kids to enjoy, your company will not go unnnoticed or unappreciated. 

I am working with the PTA to raise money for enrichment programs for the school that my daughter attends. These programs are amazing opportunities for our children. 

I will even feature your company on my blog and all my social media platforms. That's over 2000 followers. 

If you would like to learn more please contact me mommyct2009@yahoo.com and put "Sponsor" in subject line. 

I appreciate the support and so do our 600 children!

J

Feel Good Song: Hold Back The River by James Bay

When You Meet A Group Of People Who Just Get You, You Hold On To ThemTight!

My husband was away for work. I didn't want to take the kids out so I asked my friends what they thought of having a St. Paddy's  Day play date at my house. Everyone but one was able

to join us. 

 I made crock pot corn beef and cabbage. Amazing, thanks to www.allrecipe.com recipe, everyone brought dessert and my friend brought crafts for the kids to make hats. So so fun. These group of women are truly amazing and every time we're together it's nothing but great fun, great company and great food. 

Crockpot Cornbeef and Cabbage recipe. 

1 package of cornbeef

4 potatoes

4 cups of water

1 cup of chopped carrots

1 chopped onion

1 Guiness stout dark beer

1 head of cabbage

Spray crockpot with oil spray for easy clean up. Dice potatoes put bottom of crockpot. Add carrots and onions. Pour four cups of water over it. Add meat. Pour bottle of beer. Top meat with seasoning that came with it. Cook on high four hours then set on low for remainder of time (4 hours) An hour before complete add the chopped cabbage on top. Cook another hour. Amazing! The girls said it was the best they ever had. 

*Dressed up at school pickup

Dry Dock Bar & Grille

I wanted to go someplace for yummy St. Paddy's Fun & Day food but not too much of a crazy crowd for lunch with my sister and little one. This was the PERFECT Spot. The food was amazing. I actually got their patty melt since I was craving it and my sister the corn beef and cabbage which all was super amazing. I enjoyed the fun Emerald Punch drink and dessert...oh my...Irish Bread Pudding with a whiskey caramel sauce. Words can't describe how delicious this was. Warm, balanced in flavors, as soon as you tasted the whisky the caramel sauce flavor kicked in. Should be added to their menu. Amazing!

The place is clean, kid friendly, and has an awesome, fun staff. 

 

Don't Try To Figure Us Out, Just Love Us... It's Simple!

Donut Crazy Is Now In Westport

If you haven't tried these donuts well then you're missing out. I am sure you have heard of them they have multiple locations, a donut truck and now are in the Westport train station (on the other side of the tracks)I stopped in today and ran in quickly. I didn't even get a chance to grasp all the amazing donuts they offer. This one caught my eye.  I had a St. Paddy's Day party tonight and wanted to add a fun, festive dessert. Well this one the moms all got to enjoy. It was filled with Irish Cream Mousse. Amazing. 

They even offer food at this location too from the wide known Fairfield County chef Matt Storch who owns Match in Norwalk, And NOM-EEZ in Fairfield. 

Their style is super unique, extremely creative and oh so delicious. My favorite is their iced coffee. If you haven't had the chance to get your hands on one of these donuts then take the trip. I really wish I could sample all the donuts they offer but let's face it my waistline wouldn't approve. But really a creative product. I tip my hat to the creative masterminds behind these amazing, unique donuts. 

www.donutcrazyct.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing wrong. may those you love bring love back to you and may all the wishes you wish come true!"