St. Ann's Feast This Weekend

This is a fun Italian Festival located right off exit 16 on I95 in Norwalk CT. Great food. Fun crowd. Be sure to check it out and grab a pizza fritte. Yum!

July 28th-July 31st

Image Source:The Hour 

Lessons Learned In Life

Whatever was let it go. Start over. It's liberating!

Sometimes Having A Strong Voice Isn't A Bad Thing

"I need you back on the committee. I won't ask too much of you but need you to back me up. Your voice is my stronger and louder than mine."

This is the text I received a couple of weeks ago from a friend. We had a strong committee that fell apart once the leader wasn't being supportive. Why do good if no one was appreciating it. We all got burnt out and took a year off.  Now that the leader is gone and change is taking place my friend is rallying up the crew again. 

"My big, strong mouth gets me into trouble at times. But I can't a position but will be more involved and help. I promise." Was my response. 

I wanted to take a position. I wanted too. But with work busy and having two kids in school in the Fall. I just can't. I need to make other things a priority.  It did feel good to have her think my aggressive strong voice could be put to good use. Which as I have grown I try to aim for that. 

I have learned through years to control it. To think before you speak. Actions cause a reaction so if you are going to fight for anything be sure to be passionate about it 100%. Like 100%. I have voiced my opinion across this committee and others to do with my children education and sports. When you see them implement that change it makes you believe that Speaking Up Does Matter!

So if you too like to share your opinion and have a strong loud voice. Not ones that insult others or try to give someone a bad rap. But one that makes people think and take your input into consideration. Then don't change! There will always be a team rooting for you!

Monday Motivation: Do What You Love

Fun Craft With Paper Towel Rolls

I love doing crafts and I have been collecting toilet paper and paper towel rolls for our fireworks craft I posted last month. We have a ton and I found this new fun craft on Pinterest. 

Castles! Perfect for my girls. My goal is to attempt this week. What crafts do you recommend to do with empty rolls? Let me know and I will test them out with my girls. 

Stop Chasing The "Joneses"

I see this a lot now that my daughter is older. Parents and peers trying to keep up with competition. Doing and following what other families and parents are doing and saying and I personally want NO part of it. 

I don't do well with competition. Growing up I was never a jealous or competitive person so the minute I feel an urge to compete or someone is competing with me I back away and detach myself from that person.  It brings out the ugly in people and personally doesn't make me feel or look good. 

So being a parent can suck sometimes. I get it. Your children start to compare themselves to others and want what others have and personally I don't see it a lot in my kids yet because my husband and I don't do it. Parents stop trying to keep up with the "Jones". Stop trying to be something you are not. It's ok to NOT follow the pack. It's ok to live within your means. It's ok for your kids to not have and do what other families have and do. It's life. They will learn the lesson now or later. 

Vacations. Trips. Gear. Toys. Give it up. We can't always do what others do so don't expect to copy and do it.

The number one reason couples fight is money. It ruins marriages. It's hard to avoid it. Trust me I know. But if you're neighbor is doing something and you can't let it go. Stop competing with yourself. People see through it. Be you. It's ok. 

I have a strong fun mommy group of friends. We are always pushing advice and tips and suggestions to one another. We have different level of incomes and careers. We have NO competition. We praise each other. We hurt when someone hurts. It's real. We don't always agree and it's good. Find those types of friends and peers. Those are the type of friendships you need in your life. 

Good Morning: Be Thankful!

Change Your Thoughts! Being Positive Brings Positive Things To You!

My goal this year was to get more clients and hire more help. All of a sudden things started to happen and fall into place. Two months ago my work load increased. I was off on Wednesdays and working nights to make up for it and it wasn't enough to do what had to be done. After taking on another client I knew I needed more time and wanted to give up nights. I posted on a mommy site and an hour later had a name for a babysitter. Ironically I went to school with her children. A week later she came by and started. She's been an amazing addition to my family and help for me.

Then my husband came home said he met a girl who wants to work

from home. She was looking to start her own virtual admin business but needed clients. I took her information and said if I got one more client I would subcontract work to her. Sure enough I got a referral. Client signed agreement and last week started subcontracting work.

I was a bit crabby this week. I walk around the front of my house to do something in back yard. As I walked a breeze came through. I stopped  and  took it all in. Wow life can be beautiful I said walking inside. From the corner of my eye I see a tag. I reached for it and realized it was the bag of candy I bought my sitter and couldn't find. I was so happy

I researched gifts for my soon to be two year old. I had no clue what to get her. I thought maybe a small trampoline would be fun since they use big ones at our gym class. Today after my daughters baseball game I picked up my little ones at my inlaws and didn't feel like cooking lunch. As we pull up to Wendy's my daughter asked for a frosty. No I said. Then as I ordered I figured why not. She just played baseball for two and half hours in the heat. I ordered three jr ones and drove home. On our side street was a trampoline. No sign. Empty house. I stopped the car. Got out and asked a neighbor was this free and he said yes. Well that just saved me $100.

Now this could all be a coincidence really but man after a crazy beginning of the year everything seems to be back on track to good fun positive outcomes. Change your outlook. Change your life.

We Hit 70,000 Views!

Next month marks 7 years writing this blog and I am so amazed that we hit our 70,000 view Mark!!!

Thank you readers and visitors for coming by and for coming back. I started this 7 years ago when my oldest was only 9 months old. I hope you all enjoy my posts and please continue to come

back. If you have any feedback or suggestions you would like to share please contact me at mommyct2009@yahoo.com

Thanks again from the bottom of my heart!

J

Persistence Quote

Darien Sport Shop Needs Families For Their Commercial

Ever dream of being in a commericial? Well now may be your chance. I saw this posted on SuzySaid.com website and figured why not share with readers!

What They Are Looking For:

Families to be able to appear together with their children ages 5-13 years old
Groups of women friends - may apply individually as well

Must be available the week of August 8 for fittings and all day for filming in Darien on August 17. **Compensation will be in the form of product and photography.

Learn More Here and Get Contact Information Who to Submit Images and Info To:

Casting Call for Darien Sport Shop Commercial

http://suzysaid.com/fairfield/blog/aroundtown/c/19189

Work On Yourself! Be Good To Yourself!

Life With Kids Means Always Having A "Messy" Everything

Trader Joes' Must Try Products

I have become a huge fan of this place this summer. It's a fun little store packed with amazing healthy treats and for a bargain price!

It all started off with a play date. My friend brought over a huge bag of puffs that I couldn't stop eating. Double the size bag of regular pirate booties for $2. Yep $2. 

Then it lead to a biweekly trip. My sister moved back to CT and well play dates with her little ones and then retail therapy for the mommies have become a biweekly fun adventure.  

Needless to say I went today. Bought two groceries bags full of groceries for under $50. And full I mean not your typical plastic bag full. Try extra larger brown paper bag full.

Be sure to get the milk and dark chocolate covered almonds. They are mixed so you get a fun treat. All I need are two to fulfill my chocolate fix. They are huge. 

My new favorite treat:

Trader Joes is throughtout CT. My favorite locations are in Darien and Westport. Needless to say they all really rock!

Check out this awesome article I read for more fun treats.

Best Products From Trader Joe's:

 http://www.popsugar.com/food/Best-Products-From-Trader-Joe-37467143

Simplify Your Life!

After a relaxing getaway I thought I would come home refreshed. I did but it lasted a couple of hours. Today was rough. Work is super busy which is great but juggling kids, a job, being mom, a wife, a cook and a maid (don't we all feel this way) seemed to really get to me today. Like REALLY get to me.

Why can't I relax even with thoughts of the mountains in the back of my mind? 

So I decided I need to do a couple of things. One dinner time sucks the life out of me. I love to cook but after working, picking up the kids standing infront of a stove cooking while they run wild isn't much fun. So easy simple dinner menu is something I need to come up with. Even if it's pancakes for dinner who cares. I love to make sides and take my time and well at 5:00 on a week day that needs to stop. So I will pull out my crockpot recipes and see what I can come up with. Any quick dinner tips is welcomed!

Next I need to put my phone away. Yep shut it off. From 5 to bedtime it's no longer going to be by my side. Whatever needs my attention will have to wait. 

Read: I miss reading. I get my news off social media. I don't have ME time. I couldn't believe I didn't think to pack a book for my weekend getaway. It proved I don't put me first. So I need to set aside at least 30 minutes a night and read a good book! Any suggestions help!

I need to simply my life. This running around and being stressed out is taking a toll on me. It's time to let it all go and be a little selfish and embrace the things that make me happy! I need to wing dinner. Read a book. Not care what emails are coming in past five and enjoy the little things. Like the view of the mountains in my head!

Copacabana Brazilian Restaurant In Port Chester NY

Meat Please...

This place is amazing! I have been to a Brazilian Steak House In Massachusetts before and have been wanting to go back. I found a Groupon Online and figured let's give it a try. You get a salad bar full of cold salads to choose from. Then you get a bowl of rice and beans and fried plantains- the best I have ever had. 

Then the fun begins...

For those who have never been to a Brazilian Restaurant be sure to come hungry. You get a card. Green side signals servers to ask if you want the type of meat they are hand carving at your table,literally slice a piece and you pull with your tongs. The red means No thanks. I personally like to keep mine on green so I see the different types they are offering. 

I had lamb, beef kabobs, steaks, chicken wrapped in bacon, pork, filet wrapped in bacon and on...all delicious. Now if you are like me and like your meat cooked on the more well side you can tell the server and they will give you a piece more cooked. 

It takes the term "Meat On a Stick" to a whole new level!

If you're a meat lover then book a reservation. You will not be disappointed. 

Peace Please: Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory in Vermont. I was like a little kid in a candy shop. Was so cool and what an appropriate time for "National Ice Cream Day."  They had this sign up in their tasting sample room and it was so fitting for the events taking place across the world. 

If you ever have the pleasure of taking a trip to Vermont be sure to take the time and visit here and do a tour. Super cool and smelled amazing!!!

Come Out And Let's "Pley"

We live in an era where you can rent cars, rent furniture and now can rent TOYS! Yep! Pley is an amazing new concept where you rent toys. For as low as $12.99 a month, they will send you a toy to play with for as long as your child would like to. When finished return all pieces in package and return item with self addressed label they provide. Then wait for a new toy to arrive.

So I know what you're thinking: 

What if you loose pieces? No problem they will replace them.

What if you want to keep the you? No problem you can purchase it. 

All toys come sanitized so you do not need to worry about germs- because we all know kids do carry them. 

How fun would it be for your little one to receive a package with a new toy? I know I just helped you get the award for best parent around! Check it out!

https://www.pley.com

Bucket List: What's on Yours?

We all have goals. Some are bigger than others. My ultimate goal is to travel the USA not the world but the great states that are surrounding me. Think about it. How many states have you visited? I probably visited maybe 20 of them in my lifetime. How amazing would it be to travel to almost all of them? 

This is my biggest goal on my bucket list right next to visiting Australia. I originally planned this with my hubby for when the kids all finished college but maybe one day I can pull it off with them and live out my ultimate goal. Take 3 months off and drive. Stop at landmarks and little mom and pop stores and restaurants. See the world our neighbors are living! Sounds awful to some people. Not me. I want to see how others are living this "American Dream!"

What's on your bucket list? 

Scientist Figured Out The Ultimate United States Road Trip:

http://trekthehorizon.com/2016/07/06/scientists-have-figured-out-the-ultimate-united-states-road-trip-here-it-is/?src=fbfan_53473&t=fbsfg

Live In The Moment

Source: One Fit Widow on Facebook

Be Yourself

Be The Love: Heal the Hurting:Let's Have More Peace!

With all the tragic news feeling the air it's hard to see the world as being a beautiful place. We need to have more compassion for the human race. When you hurt someone it's not about the message you are sending it's also about the millions of people directly and indirectly affected by your actions. Spread More Peace. Let Go Of Hate. 

Those Lessons Make You A Stronger Person

Get Out There And Explore!

I love this and even if it's in your town or state just do it! I try so hard to bring the kids to new places. It's fun for us all. Explore!

Book Club With A Twist

How I miss laying on the hammock and reading a good book. This concept is so cool and just reading about it makes me want to start reading again!

Picture getting a new book every month along with teas and fun homemade treats and goodies! It's a little pricey but why not treat yourself once in a while. 

Check this great article out and learn how to join the Cozy Reader Club https://cozyreader.club

Article"The Book Club All Moms Want To Join" http://www.everydayfamily.com/blog/book-club-moms-want-join/?utm_source=3381

Have Some Confidence

It doesn't matter how great you look. If you walk into a room in sweats with a smile one your face you will be perceived well. It's not what you're wearing it's how you carry yourself. One advice my mom always taught me and ironically I am now teaching my own daughter. 

She's been sluggish about attending camp. She doesn't enjoy been in the heat even though it's only a couple hours a day. She doesn't like being the youngest. Finally I noticed when I dropped her off she was all moppy. Pull it together girl I thought to myself. 

So this morning while we were getting ready I mentioned how I didn't like how she looks going into camp. She's going because she asked to go and dropping her off makes me feel like I am making her do something she doesn't want to do. Plus she doesn't come off approachable. She looks sad and timid. 

I asked "how do I look to you" and I walked by all moppy. Then I asked again "how do I look to you". This time I raised my head up and smiled, walking by tall and proud. She started to smile. Try to work on it I said. 

Tonight at her summer league baseball game as she's getting ready to hit she shouts "mom look how confident I look" and she holds the bat up and smiles. I smiled back and realized that it doesn't take much to help someone change and built confidence. Sometimes you have to just point it out to them. Now let's just hope tomorrow at camp she remembers the lesson. 

Send Out Good Energy

Repeat Daily...

To learn more read The 7 Chakras for Beginners http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-91/The-7-Chakras-for-Beginners.html 

Do You Suffer From PCOS?

Everytime I meet a doctor and go through my medical history they look like they want to lean over and give me a hug. 

One thing that many woman experience having and many go undiagnosed is PCOS, Polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. There is no cure but treatments can help. 

A couple things that I know helps with this is being on birth control pills and doing the South Beach diet to regulate insulin levels. I am not a doctor so any changes to your diet and lifestyle you should address with your doctor. 

Below is a great article to manage the symptoms. 

PCOS: The Symptoms And Management Tips Every Woman Should Know

http://www.littlethings.com/pcos-symptoms-and-management/?utm_source=sungazing&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=health

The Coolest People I've Ever Met...

Moms Be Good To Yourself...

Eat To Support Norwalk Cal Ripken Little League Baseball Teams

Any reason not to cook is a good reason to go out but now you can help show your support to two great Norwalk Cal Ripken Baseball teams. These funds raised help provide help for fees for these teams. 

Garden Catering In Norwalk Ct

Then enjoy dessert at Mr. Frosty 

In Good Times & In Bad, In Sickness & In Health...

"There once was a girl who built up the courage to ask a boy in her art class to prom" ❤️

"Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don't blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being "in love", which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident."

Louis de Bernières, Captain Corelli's Mandolin

In Time You Will Get Over It

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! 

How to Measure a Women's Stregthen

Madhouse I Created Humor

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!

Feel Good Song: Gorgeous by X Ambassadors

Always Follow Your Intuition

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 ❤️"

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! 

Feel Good Song: So Alive by Goo Goo Dolls

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!

 

The Parenthood Workout

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"

http://www.womansday.com/no-bake-desserts 

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. 

Feel Good Song: Unsteady by X Ambassadors

Be Good To Yourself

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.