Feel Good Song: Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

Staying Sane Through Laughter

"It's laughter that helps keep you sane when you're a parent!"

Surround Yourself Around Those Who Lift You Up

I saw this and laughed. It's so true. I was just saying to my sister that I have come to a point in my life that I can't be around those who bring me down, those who want to compete with others and who aren't happy. I need good in my life. I need people who's energy brings out my positive energy. 

Maybe it's time for us all to weed out those who don't make us feel good. Maybe then we can spread good and this world will be a happier place. 

My Baby Girl Turned 1 Today

Not really sure where she came from my blue eyed, silly baby. She laughs when she sneezes and is full of adventure. She's super strong and lacks fear. She holds her ground when it comes to her sisters and there's something about her that calms my soul. It's amazing how she brings me peace.

She wasn't planned. She snuck into my life and has me smiling ever since. I am forever grateful for her goofy personality, her love for food and her twinkle in her eyes. 

I never liked surprised until I got surpised with her. 

Gender Equality

We live in a society where we would like to believe that gender equity exists. We all know deep down there is still a long road before that does. 

Being one of three girls and now having three daughters of my own I say there shouldn't be anything to get in any ones way whether you are male or female. I believe if we keep stereotyping what gender should do what then we are just setting limits to what a person can accomplish! 

Feel Good Song: Take Your Time

Love his voice!

Future New York Yankees Player: Anything is Possible

"Mom one day I am going to play for the New York Yankees!"

A Beautiful Family, A Tragic Loss

Every once in a while you need a refresher on how short and precious life is. A friend of mine recently lost the love of her life. Will Warrick passed away last week,he was a father to two precious little girls. If you ever were to give back now is a perfect time. Read the story and please share.

http://www.gofundme.com/3uw73afc

Summer Vaca 2015

I really need a vacation every couple of months. It's a reminder to chill back and relax and soak up the stuff in life that really matters. My children had a blast. We played Minature Golf, went to a water  park, ate a ton of fresh fish, ate a ton of ice cream, went to the go carts, shopped and soaked up the sun on the beach. We even took a day trip to Chatham.

There's this one spot that is my little get away. Ferries come in, the sunsets are amazing and there's a small playground where the kids play. It relaxes me and brings me peace.

Overall it was a great trip. I look forward to doing it again next year!

Do You Believe In Angels?

We all have souls but do you believe in Angels? Do you believe souls surround us when someone passes away? A couple weeks ago bizzare things were happening in my house. I was alone but threw something away and it popped out of the garbage. Then a can fell. My pencil rolled off the counter. My dog was playing with an imaginary person in my bedroom. 

I was spooked. I said out loud I don't have time for this and whoever you are please leave. I got in my car to pick up my kids and felt a stroke in my hair. I again repeated who ever you are thank you for visiting but please leave. I went inside for my children and came out to my car being on. 

After that they were gone. I don't believe a spirit wanted to hurt me. Maybe they had a message or a pass by. 

For the first five years when my grandmother passed an old lady would ring my door bell on the anniversary of her death. My husband never believed me until he was home one day when it happened. I never allowed him to answer the door. There was never a car outside. 

Is it all a coincidence or mind over matter? Maybe so. Well tonight I scrolled through my pictures and this is what I saw. 

So I zoomed in

Do you believe in angels?

Shopping Joke: Visit to Chatham Mass

Something To Think About: Connected to You

Of course everything in life happens for a reason. Sometimes we walk away stronger. Sometimes we look back and wonder what if. Reality is people come in your life for a reason. Situations happen for a reason. Not sure if we will ever truly understand why. But try to follow your heart. Try to really do what makes you happy. 

I heard our souls are all connected. I truly believe it. I believe that someone from our past life follows us to our current life. I also believe mistakes we made in our past life comes back again so we can change and fix it. So we can surpass it and learn from it and move on to the next thing. 

We all will meet again. We all are connected. Even if it is just someone we met as a pass by or a friend we felt a strong connection to or a spouse or our child. We all have been together at some point for a reason.  Sometimes we are here to help a person we never knew we would help. 

Have you ever met someone you felt you knew forever and didn't know how? Are you truly living the life you want to live?

Vacation Mode... It's been a while!

It's been a very busy summer. We have our house on the market. I have had an amazing work load. My social life seems to keep expanding. I have a great group of mommy friends that I love to hang with. Needless to say I am burnt out. Which really is perfect timing since I am finally taking a well earned vacation. 

Nothing fancy. Just the beach. Fried fish. Homemade ice cream at our favorite ice cream shop. Shopping at mom and pop shops. Watching sunsets and taking walks on the beach. It's my favorite getaway. Cape Cod how you help my creative mind flow and make my heart happy!

I need to unplug, recharge and enjoy my family. I want to embrace every waking second with them. I want to watch my kids play and see how they love and interact without interruptions of work or cleaning the house or taking the dogs out. I want to soak up the sun and breathe. 

Just the thought relaxes me. When was the last time you unplugged?!

Mommy Partying Humor

Children Quote

She Turned 11 Months Today

She turned 11 months today. She's growing so fast. Tonight she woke up and I just held her. I didn't want it to end. She's my youngest and I hardly tracked her steps like I did with her sisters and there's never enough time in the day to do all I want to do with them. To be their mom and yet be me. It's hard to separate the two. It's hard to find a balance. 

I didn't want her to feel I loved her any less than the others. I don't hold her like I held the others. I am too busy making sure they all are ok. But tonight I wish I could lay in her crib with her to assure her I love her and them all the same. That they're all so special to me. 

She does cheers now. She wants to walk and join her big sisters. She cracks up and her nose crinkles up when she smiles. She even snorts a little. She played catch with herself. Everytime I tried to video tape it she would stop. I wish I could split myself up into four. Be three people for each child and be one person for me.

She turned 11 months today. She's really helped heal me and she brings this calmness out in me. She's given me a gift like that others. She's helped me see life in a new light. 

Celebrating 11 Years

It may not be forever, it may change, it may be good then bad and then good again. But we are trying our best in our marriage. We have created an amazing beautiful family, we have put our trust in each other to be good and be there for each other. We have dealt with cancer, failure, anger and hurt. We have grown through love, healing and success. Good times, Bad times! 11 years and still together, today that's gotta count for something.

Love is not easy, we all want that fairytale, it can only happen if we work on making it happen.

I am forever grateful!

Feel Good Song: Photograph

Paint Bar Muse SoNo

Three of my friends are getting married and I wanted to plan a fun girls night different from their bachelorette parties so me and the none brides in the group got together and we did a paint night at Muse in SoNo and it was awesome!

It really is like a "paint by number" where you are walked through a process of making a painting. Each step the instructor walks you through what brush to use. What colors. And if you're stuck you can even ask for help. In between you take little breaks to let the paintings dry. They had a full bar and a menu of "small bites" to order from. 

You really don't need to be talented do this. It's more of a follow instructions type of idea. It really brought out the creative side of us all. I would absolutely go again. 

Feel Good Song: Hold Back The River By James Bay

Souls Quote

Happy 4th of July

We are very lucky to live in this amazing country and for all who fight for our freedom!

Pregnancy Cravings Game

This is a cute fun game. My first would be bagel or chocolate milk. My second would be Pistachio. My third...well I was too busy taking care of older ones I ate whatever I could shove in my mouth.

What cravings did you have?

Do Things For Your Own Self Gratification Quote

"I don't do things so people will like me. I do things so I will like myself." JCF

Take the Summer in Connecticut Challenge

I am on a quest to try new stuff and visit new places. In the past week we visited the Dinosaur Place in New London, Cherry Lane Park in Darien and Mead Park in New Canaan. 

Join me in the quest to discover new things to do in Connecticut. All you have to do is try to visit a new park, beach, farm etc.... In Connecticut and post it in the comment section and then if you really want to have fun with this then email me a picture at MommyCT2009@yahoo.com and I will post the picture and location to share with readers. 

Please join me in this quest and maybe I will even add your new adventure to my own list of places to visit this summer!!

Find Meaning In Everyday

"Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning?" Coleman Cox 

I love this quote. It's not about materialistic things or money or spending money. It's about building memories and finding good in your day. It's about cherishing everyday. 

So what do you everyday to make sure it's one to remember?

Get Up and Get Out

Summer vacation is here and I have this extra energy. I am on a mission to spend as much time doing daily activities and new things with my children. 

I work part time so have been spending the morning at parks or the beach or planning day trips for the weekend.  We spent a night away in Mystic and went strawberry picking (1st time picking them) , we visited the amazing Dinosaur Place (1st and definitely not last time) and enjoyed shopping in Mystic Village. 

I have been googling areas of activities to do with kids and Connecticut is full of them. 

I know things get expensive but ALL the parks are free and they have trails and a playground and some even have animal exhibits or water parks.  

The local beach is free for residents and if you go by 10:00  it isn't busy or too hot. 

Parents get up and get out. Spend time doing new things with your children. It helps build character.

 Do at least one fun activity a week. It doesn't have to be everyday. Give them something to look forward to. There are so many sites that are full of places to visit in Connecticut 

Pack a picnic basket. Get your sunblock. Take out your GPS and Google someplace new to visit in your area. You will be stunned how many hidden amazing places are out there. 

It's Summer Vacation enjoy this time your children are home. 

The Dinosaur Place In CT

My husband has been asking for a night away with kids. Every couple years we have been taking them to Mystic, Connecticut which I love but this year I am determined to do as many new things with them as possible so I google local attractions and found this place called The Dinosaur Place. 

Picture being able to visit a place that reminds you of the movie "Jurassic Park" well that's the Dinosaur Place.

This place is awesome. It's clean. They have three different trails with 40 life size Dinosaurs throughout.  All of them have a fact board in front  so you know which dinosaur it is and some facts about it. And you think you know your dinosaurs well they have some I never heard of and they were super amazing. 

Now my children at 6,2 and 10 months and it was perfect. We did the simple trail. It was awesome. There is then a bouncy house, included in admission and  an water park, also included in admission. 

We stopped at snack bar ate and kids enjoyed playing in park. Even their regular playground is cool. 

Splash pad is pretty big and I love how it has enough for the little ones and bigger ones. 

You could spend all day there and we didn't even do the mining part and extra activities. 

The only tears we experienced is when we said it was time to go home. I couldn't believe this place was in Connecticut, only an hour away and we never knew about it. 

If you're looking for a fun, educational yet adventorous trip with kids. Check this place out.  http://naturesartvillage.com/the-dinosaur-place/

I would go back for sure!!

Be Your Own Person Quote

"Don't follow, lead, you may end up turning into something great!"

Communication Quote

"The positive things you would like to know people don't tell you. The negative things you don't want to know people tell you. Everything else you find out on Facebook." JCF 

Change Your Approach

I read this article and I loved this quote "Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach."   By Tony Robbins. 

At the end of the day this is YOUR life. You do as you please. You do what you want. You have to be happy with your decision no one else.  No one can stop you BUT you can change the way you say things or how you approach things. 

I noticed this a lot lately. The "f" it I don't care approach. What people don't realize is that you hurt people and it causes people to keep further and further away from you. 

Ex. I felt like doing this so deal with it. Um what if you say I am sorry if it hurt your feelings but this is what I wanted to do. 

Same decision but different approach. It's just common courtesy. If people truly treated people the way they would want to be treated this world would be a happier place!

Memorial Day: A Time To Honor Heroes

It's a time to reflect and give thanks to all of those who sacrifice for us to have our freedom.  Thank You for all you do and continue to do!

Souls True Beauty

Happy Mother's Day 2015

Motherhood is hard as hell but amazing and beautiful and rewarding. This is the 1st Mother's Day that I actually believed a Mother should have a day. I know it sounds bad but I never realized how hard  it is to be a parent until I had my third. She's actually my easiest but all three of them and then two dogs who are like children and I have a full house.

I wouldn't change a thing. I love it. It makes me smile even when I want to scream. It's amazing really. But it's long days and unpredictable. Lack of sleep and always cleaning and cooking and cleaning some more. But the unconditional love you get is like no other. When they call for me my heart tightens it  is an amazing thing and gift to be a Mom and I am forever grateful!!

Move On If You're Not Happy Quote

Birthday Quote

What I Learned...Turning 35

I am turning 35 this weekend. I know it's doesn't sound old but it definitely sounds older than 34. 

I believe so much in fate and our path of life that when I was 16 I went to a palm reader. She actually said a lot of things that stand true: I would have three kids, I would own my own business by 35. What she didn't get right is the initials of the man I would marry or the gender of my children. I always had her words in the back of my head like my destiny was in her hands. Almost 20 years later I learned a lot and I am grateful to be able to spend another birthday. 

My life is such a world wind with three kids and us now putting our house on the market since we need more space. I am constantly moving and life never sits still. It is work but I am loving it and I must say I am so much happier now than twenty years ago and even ten and five years ago. Life has taught me a lot and here are some things I want to share

*Be a leader and role model: there is no greater joy than seeing someone follow your path and advice. Especially when it comes to parenting. I act like I know what I am doing but I am just trying to treat my kids the way I want someone to treat me. 

*Enjoy relationships and friendships: relationships take work and so do friendships. Work at it. Don't take it for granted. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Making it work is easier than a divorce. Get help if you need it. Friendships help you see a part of you that you didn't know. Cherish them!

*Pay your bills and on time: Good credit is so important. My credit luckily is amazing and when people tell me I respond I just pay my bills in full and on time. Do the same. I always said what's the point in having money in the savings if you are paying interest on bills. 

*Love Yourself : the only person you are gaurenteed to spend the rest of your life with is...Yourself. So be good to yourself. Eat healthy. Try not to stress. 

*Don't Regret: don't regret things. If it's stuff that happened then it happened because it was meant to happen. If you Regret something you said then apologize and move forward. 

*Stop the what ifs...what is meant to be will be. 

Happy Birthday To Me!

You Are Where You Are Suppose to Be

There has to come a point in your life when you sit back and say with full confidence that "you are where you are suppose to be" no what ifs no second guesses. You have to truly believe that where you are is where you are meant to be. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Don't second guess it. It's your destiny!

Who Has Inspired You and Have You Thanked Them

We go through life with this idea that we have a purpose. Mostly we think a huge impact will happen and we will then die a legend. What people fail to understand is that the little influences we pass along the way really is what makes up our journey and character. 

After having Thyroid Cancer I really tried to look at life differently I really wanted to spread good. I didn't want to be known in a negative way. I mean I have always tried to treat others the way I wanted to be treated and be good to people but It's not my job to change the way people think of me but it is my job to live a life that I can look back on and smile about. 

I was inspired the other day. A girl from Highschool  I wasn't too close with who always was overweight posted her success with Weight Watchers. Now I have no time for that even though it is extremely successful weight loss solution but with three kids I can't attend a gym forget sessions . Anyway it inspired me to jump start my post pardon weight loss. 

See before stopping my thyroid meds for testing I was eating great and losing weight. Well since December it came to an holt. I needed inspiration and I wasn't getting any. 

After a week using an iPhone app "My Fitness Pal" I am down 4lbs. Now I have a good 25 to go. But her post really inspired me and I hoping after I am down another 10-15 lbs to reach out to her to thank her. 

See if we all took the time and told the person who inspired us "thank you" then we all would continue to be a positive influence on others. 

Her influence wasn't intended to push others to lose weight. Her intentions were to post her own weight loss success. But her success inspired me to do something and for that is much more meaningful in life than those who preach how great they are or what you "should be doing". How about just doing something good and then others will follow. 

Letter To Friends Without Kids

We have a lot of friends and love them but most are single or don't have children and I felt this letter was a perfect way to explain to them our perspective. Do you too have tips to share?

Dear Friends Without Children,

I know it's hard for you to understand because I too once didn't have children but please read this letter without being offended but to take into consideration. For the day you will truly understand is the day you become a parent. 

Children are...perfect, hard, demanding and joyous at the same time. They like to eat no later than 5:30. They don't like to be anywhere really that requires them to sit still and be quiet. Getting a Babysitter takes work and planning so when you cancel or change plans our weeks of preparation gets ruined. You can't expect us to be everywhere you want us to be. Our kids take our top priority and it has to be understandable. 

We live a minute to minute basis. Things change all the time  if they are sick or need something we have to be prepared on hand. I know it contradicts that you can't cancel but if we do its not by choice it's by demand. 

Sleep is limited so late night outs are slim since we don't have days to make up for it. But once we have one planned please excuse my limit intake of booze and partying. It's been a while and I can't handle what I used to be able to. 

Kids take your word and hold you to it. Don't say you will see them or bring them something or someplace. They will get scarred with the lie. 

Something simple to us is complex to them. Don't speak in words that when they ask to explain what they mean you will blush. 

Money changes when you have kids. What you used to make gets now spent on diapers and formula and clothes and asking us to take expensive trips or dinner isn't reasonable. Trust me we would love to but it's not in our budget.    

Please continue to invite us places even thought it's annoying that we may not be able to always come. We wish we could but we need to pick and choose what we can do and getting a sitter is tough. 

BTW we do cherish your friendship that's why we care to explain when something doesn't go the way you want it to but you need to also respect our new role and being a parent or being friends with a person who is a parent isn't easy either 

Sincerely

Your hidden old friend inside this parent body!!

Happy Earth Day!

It's Earth Day. A reminder to be good to our planet. You know the east coast and even west coast faced some strange weather this year and I would joke and say "Mother Nature is mad at us" but reality is it is kind of true. We need to be better to our Earth so it is good to us!

When I first moved into my house I saw a bird bath at a store. Because we were trying not to spend to much I didn't buy it but my hubby surprised me and put in back yard. I love cleaning it and watching the bird enjoy it. It's like we are giving back to the Earth. 

So today I dumped the old water and filled it up again. I told my girls today we need to give back to the earth and I even dressed them in flower shirts to help spread some love. What have YOU done to give back?

Here's a fun article "5 Foods to Save the Planet" http://on.natgeo.com/1zMteCf via @NatGeo

Leave A Positive Mark Quote

Spring Is Here! Tina Frantz Designs & Giveaway

Spring has finally hit the East Coast and all I can think of is flip flops, bbqs and accessories. Yep, the perfect fit to any outfit is the accessories!

Designer Tina Frantz has an amazing line of creative, fun, one of a kind handbags and I was lucky enough to get my hands on one. One lucky reader will be given a chance to add this awesome handbag to their outfit! To check out all her chic, fun bags visit Facebook.com/TinaFrantzDesigns

GIVEAWAY:

Handbags always make an outfit complete. In the comments section tell me what's the perfect outfit to pair up with this handbag or where is the perfect outing to wear this handbag to  and you will be entered into a chance to win it!!

Again just answer below in comments section and your name will be entered into the drawing. Winner will be chosen on May 4th.  GOOD LUCK!