Saturday, July 9, 2016
Take A Moment and Stop Being Rude
We live in a society that is always running against time. At least that's what I tell myself to justify how many rude and unwelcoming people I have come across this past week.
At one point I actually said to myself "wow people suck." Now I am a people person. I may not strike up conversation with all strangers but I like to believe I am pretty out going. My little one is so bubbly and outgoing too. She's always smiling and her big blue eyes are amazing. It's amazing the responses she's been getting when she says hi to strangers: Nothing in return.
So we are at my kids baseball game and she's running around literarily in adults faces saying "hi hi" nothing back. Wow I thought that's a little nuts. We went to Costco this week and again waving and saying hi to everyone who passes by. No response. I almost told her to stop when behind me I heard a response. "Hi there how are you". It was an older gentleman in a business suit. You can tell he was on his lunch break. I turned around and said "thank you for responding back to her, you wouldn't believe the amount of people who ignored her." It was like he totally reassured the human race doesn't suck.
At pickup at my little ones camp you have to sign in. I walk up holding my 1 1/2 year old in my arm and stand behind a mother. As she finishes signing in a father totally cuts in front of me and grabs the clip board I literally said are you for real out loud. When he finished I went to grab the board and yanked it out of his hand. I was pissed. He didn't even flinch. Just then another father to my left leaned in and said "can I help you?" He held the board as I signed in since I had May daughter in my other arm. "Wow thank you so much" I said " no problem I noticed your hands are full." Again justifying that there are still normal people out there.
People slow down. Stop sucking. The world is the way it is because we are always pissed off about something. Take a time out. Say hi back to another child. Let a mom with her child go infront of you. A mom was at Children's place trying to calm her crabby toddler who was in a stroller. I was in line behind her childless that day. She looked frazzled. The toddler looked up at me. It's ok baby I said I get it. She just kept staring at me. I smiled. She calmed down. The mom paid and said I am sorry I will get out of your way. No rush. I replied: I have three. I get it.
Get it people!
Friday, July 8, 2016
Have A Little Fun
I finished working and the air warmed up. I filled up the pool. Put the kids in their bathing suits. Ordered a pizza and took out the beach mat. Pizza Friday turned into Pizza Picnic. After all isn't Summer about being outside, running around in a wet bathing suit and having some fun!
It's the little things. Nothing too crazy or expensive. Just be creative and let your kids be kids.
Happy Friday All!
A Mess Filled With Love
I looked down at a red light and laughed. This was my life. Summarized in a moment in my car. Center console. Balancing the life with two toddlers and a pre-preteen who thinks she's a teen. It actually made me smile. I texted the picture to my sisters and mom. "This is my life with the girls." And their response couldn't have been better!
"It's a mess filled with love ❤️"
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Pesto Recipe
I love pesto. I love the smell of it. I love it in salads, on sandwiches, cold and hot pasta. Get the point.
It's sooo easy to make and delicious. Here's what you need:
2 cups of basil leaves-washed
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of grated parmigiana
1/2 tablespoon of salt
Fill a blender with Basil. Pour half of the oil. Add cheese and salt. Blend. Add other half of oil and blend some more. You get about 3 tablespoons of pesto sauce BUT a little goes a long way. Chill it and serve on anything you like. I actually tripled the recipe and made a pound of pasta and still have more than half left over in fridge. You can also fill up a ice try with it and freeze sauce into cups. Enjoy!
Stop Fighting It: Accept Your Life
If I had a dollar for everytime I heard "I have a love hate relationship with my life" I would be one wealthy lady. We all want what we don't have and all think the grass is always greener on the other side. Reality is when you give up the fight you learn to love your life.
Having kids is extremely bitter sweet. It's amazing and it's work. We all look to gain more and try to think there has to be an easier way. The house is always a mess. You are constantly cooking and feeding someone. You look at the clock and count down to bed time. One night when the kids were all alseep I thought wow when will this get easier. Reality is it doesn't. You change but things don't. You have to come to grasps that this is your life. That whatever situation you are in you somewhat created it so need to put all the BS aside and just enjoy it.
Stop trying to find yourself. Stop thinking it will get better. You need to embrace the situation you're in. Whether single, divorced, married, a parent, childless, jobless etc...this is your moment and destiny. Embrace it.
Think back from ten years ago. What did you want? What did you wish you had? What did you envision your future life would be like? As we dwell on stuff the clock ticks and the moments pass you bye. This moment you're in right now will eventually change. Always thinking of tomorrow means you're not enjoying today.
Stop Fighting It. Stop being your worst enemy. Things don't get easier. You learn to just let certain things go!
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Everything I Didn't Expect The Summer To Be
My goal this summer was to not set the alarm. Not run around. No packing snacks and lunches and diapers bags. Yep that's exactly what it has been.
What would have been a great thought and a restful goal turned into something bigger and better.
After enrolling my daughter in a free library camp for a week she went from "no camps for me mom" mode to please sign me up for more. So I rushed around searching for any camps with spots open and found a two week baseball program. Yay I thought. That will keep one kid happy and active.
My middle child is young but has some speech problems. Her hearing is normal but I still was determined to get services to help better her. Luckily a friend shared a camp she saw hosted through the school system and I was able to get her in and guess again...free.
So my thoughts of not setting alarms turned into running around in the morning dropping off and picking up my two oldest children at camp.
The plus side is I get some solo time with my little one while her sisters are both happy enjoying camp. What would have been a stress free goal turned into a let's keep the kids happy goal. As we all know life never actually goes as planned. Just go with it!
No Bake Desserts: Yes Please
No need to put on the oven with these awesome and delicious no bake dessert recipes! Not sure which ones I should try first! YUMO!
Try them out and I will share a post of your favorite recipe.
"27 No-Bake Summer Desserts - Impress friends and family with these decadent treats–no oven require"
Childhood Memories
Bocce has always brought back childhood memories. Playing in the backyard with family. Everyone owned a bocce set. My parents even put in a bocce court in their yard.
Tonight my sister and I went to suprise my parents at their game. Definitely brought back childhood memories watching them play. Taking out the measuring tool to make sure they got the point they deserved. They won and was great to see this childhood memory come back to life. When was the last time you reconnected with a childhood memory?
I am a hot mess but my sister looks great.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Zucchini Parmigiana
There are so many farm stands this summer that there's no excuse to not buy fresh vegetables. I recently bought zucchini and as it lay on the counter near the pot of sauce I was making a light bulb went off. Zucchini Parmigiana.
Super easy to make and so amazing.
What you need:
A cup of sauce
2 zucchinis
Sliced mozzarella- I just slice a block you can buy at store
Parmigiana cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Pyrex
Slice the zucchini. Spray Pyrex with oil. Toss sliced zucchini in a bowl with olive oil. Line zucchini in a Pyrex dish. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Top with parmigiana cheese. Bake another 5 minutes. Add sauce and mozzarella bake until cheese melted.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy 4th Of July
Happy Fourth of July! God Bless America. The land of endless possibilities and freedom to be whoever we want to be.
Enjoy the day! From my families to yours!
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Fireworks Craft
When you can't go to the fireworks paint your own. I saw this on Hot Moms Club Facebook Page. So easy and clever.
Strawberry Picking Jones Farm Shelton CT
We finally took girls Strawberry picking this season and we got lucky because tomorrow was their last day. If you can you should go take a ride. If not blueberry picking season is right around the corner.
The kids picked 9.8lbs of strawberries. For $25 you buy a basket and fill up to how much you like. Really a fun. Cheap and healthy activity to do with the kids. Check it out:
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Bikini Body Humor
Oh the struggles after having three csections and a Thyroid out. At least my scars tell a beautiful story. Love your body and your scars!
Fun 4th of July Snacks
Fresh Fruit is so affordable this time of year. Check out this fun, easy, colorful snack to bring to any party this weekend.
Source Facebook
Source: Facebook
4th of July Bark
This was posted by The Hour via Delish. It's also fun to do with kids.
Connecting With Your Kids Doesn't Have To Have A Price-tag
I am not sure about you but when I leave the house and do activities with my kids I am looking to spend at least $50-$100. Having a family of five is not cheap so whenever I suggest activities to do with the kids as a family price is a big factor.
Sometimes you have to remember that NOT everything has to cost something. Spending some simple fun times with your kids doesn't have to have a price-tag attached to it. These are some really fun, simple, inexpensive ways to connect with your children this summer without breaking the bank!
10 Things I Want To Fo With My Kids This Summer http://www.everydayfamily.com/blog/10-things-i-want-to-do-with-my-kids-this-summer/?pg=2&internallink=10-things-i-want-to-do-with-my-kids-this-summer#
July Shopping: What To Look For & Avoid
We always hear special consumer tips: shop for flights on Tuesdays, best car deals are in the winter for new cars, best months to purchase electronics etc...Well Summer shoppers there is a list for items to def buy in July and what to def stay away from purchasing in July and if you really want to be an extreme deal shopper check out the second article which breaks down each month of what is best to buy:
Best -- and worst -- things to buy in July http://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-and-worst-things-to-buy-in-july
The Best Time to Buy Almost Anything in 2016 http://www.cheapism.com/blog/best-time-to-buy-4026/#ixzz4DE9Ungjr
Friday, July 1, 2016
Weight Loss Challenge First 30 Days
My first 30 days are gone from my 90 day weight loss challenge. I am down 7lbs and have a lot of energy. I should have done my measurements too but totally forgot.
How I lost the 7lbs:
I am using my fitness pal app on my phone and track what I eat. I allow myself 1200 calories a day. Yea some days I go over but figuring how much I go out I have been pretty good at balancing it and keeping it in range. The more you walk the more calories you earn. Sounds funny I know but motivates you to get up and MOVE.
Water- lots of water. I am not a big soda person but do enjoy a fruit punch Capri sun so I started drinking flavored seltzer water.
Vegetables- I am more of a raw vegetables kind of gal. I add arugula to my salads and broccoli slaw.
Breakfast is my smallest meal. Weird I know. But I try to just have scrambled eggs and a fruit. It holds me over.
Snacking-I love snacking. Especially while I am working. It's a bad habit. I started having hummus and pita chips. Fruit. String cheese. Almonds. Healthier snacks foods helps.
One thing I did notice is I like salty foods. Something I need to cut back on.
30 days down! 60 to go!
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
You Can't Just Give Up!
My oldest is 7 and was able to get on the Minors league with 8 to 10 years old for the Summer baseball league. She's normally the only girl on her team, even though there are some girls in the league.
Tonight was her first game. The plays some of these kids made were amazing. As I was leaving early with her sisters she ran up to me:
Mom take me home with you!
Why?
Mom it's too hard. I got out on 3rd.
But you hit honey. You got on base!
It's too hard I don't want to stay.
Too hard?! You can't just give up. This is the first game. It's a learning process. Professionals get out. It's part of the game.
Mom just take me home.
Finish the game and then if you don't want to come back you don't have too.
As I began to walk away I heard the assistant coach ask her if she wanted to catch this inning. She lite up. I helped put her gear on and she transformed into a baseball player. Bye mom she said smiling on to the field. I smiled my whole way home.
Don't just give up and don't let your kids just give up. If she came home with me she would just give up on stuff. If she doesn't want to play again I won't force her to. But you don't just give up when things get tough or don't go your way.
There's just something about seeing your little girl in catchers gear! ⚾️
Kidville Kids Gym and Classes Specials
I am addicted to this place. I take my kids twice a week. They love it. Staff is amazing. Every day gym is set up different. They have really cute, fun classes. It's a must to try! Now they have awesome 4th of July deals.
Learn more here: http://www.kidville.com/westport
Tell Tanya J from MommyCT sent you!
Change Your Thoughts and How You Feel
"Nothing can happen for you in the outside world until you create the energy to attract it to and through your inside world. Developing a strong inner life can create a better outer life." Iyanla Vanzant
Good Morning Readers...
Thank you for starting your morning by reading my blog. Be sure to make time for YOU today!
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Romanacci Cafe... So Much More Then Just Pizza
Amazing pizza but did you know they have crepes and cannolis, lattes and cappuccinos too?
Growing up we used to always stop by the Italian store with my parents. They would have pastries and espressos. We have done the trip to Arthur Ave numerous times and stop by the pastry shops and grab a coffee. It's a childhood memory.
Tonight I did dinner with my mommy friends and instead of going somewhere after for drinks someone suggested getting coffees and desserts at Romanaccis. I walked in and reminded me kindof my childhood. Bar setting, coffees and fresh cannolis. Amazing crepes. It's not just a pizza joint, though their pizza is amazing, there's more to pick from and it's delicious. Check it out. http://www.romanacci.com/
Holy Cannoli
Nutella crepes- OMG is right.
Lattes: sorry couldn't get a picture before the foam was consumed.
So delicious and such a fun night with some of my favorite ladies.
Surrender Your Ego Quote
"The key to any spiritual process is your mind. You must be willing to surrender your ego to a higher spiritual force."Iyanla Vanzant
Monday, June 27, 2016
Connecticut Fireworks Schedule 2016
Fourth of July weekend is on it's way! Check out the schedule for fireworks in your area:
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Your Customer Service Doesn't Have To Suck: Redeem Yourself.
This past weekend I stay at a hotel in Brooklyn visiting friends. I chose this particular hotel because I stayed in it last Fall for a wedding and loved that their was parking on the premises.
When I checked in the sign said parking lot full. I asked the front desk what this was about and they said we are full. Full I said. I chose this hotel on purpose because of the parking. Ma'am it's full. I was on fire. There were empty spots in the lot and when we pulled in a guy said we could have his spot. Ma'am see the list. See. Once it hits grey we are full. You have to park four blocks and use that garage. What?! If my daughter wasn't with me I would have said a lot less nice things, pack up my car and left.
Instead I went outside. Cooled down and told my husband we need to move out car. I was all ready to start the reviews I was extremely dissapointed.
Later that night I was in my pajamas with my hair pulled back and went downstairs
to buy some snacks. Of course the guy was still working the front desk. I layed the snacks down and he said. Were you the one I was discussing parking with earlier? Yeah I replied. Here he said. Handing me the snacks for free. We both smiled. I said thank you and walked away
Your customer service is usually the number one reason people will or will not do business with you! If it sucks. Change it. What was a bad experience turned quickly into a nice experience. It wasn't about getting free stuff. It was the guy realizing how rude he was and redeeming himself.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
It's Not A Gender Thing
I grew up in a family of girls. My dad never said we couldn't do anything due to our gender. If anything he pushed us to be more independent and not take crap because of our gender.
Now being a mom of three girls it bothers me when I hear references based on gender. Nothing gets under my skin more than when people reference to my kids for their gender. "Wow she runs fast for a girl" "wow she can hit for a girl" "boys don't throw too hard shes a girl" "wow she's tough for a girl" Her private parts have no factor in her speed, stregthen or what she is capable of doing.
My daughter said I want boy clothes. Really like what I asked. Star Wars, adventures etc... This past week I did some shopping and brought her some of these things I found in the girl sections. They weren't all glitter and girly. They just happen to fit her built better than boy shirts. She said wow mom you really listened to me.
My daughter is a pretty awesome baseball player. She's refusing to play softball. "Why mom I like hitting baseballs and like my league". So we kept her on. She had tryouts today since she isn't 8 yet to do a league with 8 to 10 years olds over the summer. She rocked it.
One night after a game she came home and said I wish I was a boy. Why I asked. Well when I got on base some kid on 2nd asked if I was a girl and when I said yes he laughed. I responded don't listen to him. He was just shocked you can hit better then him.
We as parents need to stop the gender labels. Every person is different and unique based on their personality not their gender.
Whether boys are girls. We need to teach kids that there are NO restrictions just because of their gender.
This corporate glass ceiling everyone has in their head has made people believe in the United States men have an advantage over women. They don't. They only do because we let them. I have met and worked for many successful woman CEOs. Women who run their own business. Women you have succeeded despite their gender.
Stop the labeling. We now live in a society where we have transgender bathrooms. We live in Society where a woman will be our President one day. Gender no longer should play a factor in life.
Friday, June 24, 2016
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