Give Back To The Earth

My friend who practices Hinduism  once told me that when you give back to the earth and animals the spirits are happy and reward you. *"Our treatment of nature directly affects our Karma."

The other day I asked the girls to empty their pool. 

When I looked I noticed they were filling up the bird bath. 

Kids always watch what you do. Be sure they see good. 

*Source: Greenfaith.org http://www.greenfaith.org/media/press-clips/ten-key-hindu-environmental-teachings-1

Kidville Back To School Deals and Fall Specials

This place is awesome. We still go twice a week. Now your little ones can enjoy it too!  Check out their Fall Specials and deals.

http://www.kidville.com/westport/

Bass Pro Shop & Uncle Buck's Fishbowl in Bridgeport Ct

We took the girls last weekend with my sister and her family for my daughter's birthday.  We went on a Sunday and arrived a little after the store opened so we had no crowd. When we pulled up my oldest daughter looked super confused. But once she got out of the car her eyes lite up. The store is amazing!! So much fun stuff. Boats. Hunting gear. Camping gear. Aquarium with fish. All with a country, cozy feel.  Your eyes are constantly moving in different directions from all the cool stuff. Then there's fun country store items. Fudge shoppe. Fun children items. Great store.

After we went to Uncle Buck's Fishbowl for bowling fun! Aquarium theme. Super cool. The girls had a blast! We ordered them lunch and they ate and bowled. Bowling is per hour and with kids they are slow but the whole point was to give them a treat and they really enjoyed it. 

They thanked us the whole way home.

Was a great family outing!

Take The Time So You Can Be The Best Mom

This couldn't be more true. Take that time out for you so you can come back and be better. We all been there and we all need those things. This morning is a great example. 

My sister uses my sitter Friday Mornings for a couple of hours so she has some "me" time and this morning I will be joining her for some pampering, my mom suggestion not mine but I

must admit I am looking forward to

It. 

Women we need to have each others back and help when we think we are breaking. If you don't want to pay a sitter then take turns watching eachother's kids so you can get a break and then give a mom a break. It's great Karma. 

Whoever says you have to be a Mom 24-7 also has to realize you are a person under that Mommy mask who needs to

take time to be good to her. 

Friday Motivation: Be Positive or Be Quiet

One Of Those Nights...

Ice cream is always a great way to end the night right! 

Last month I had the please of checking out the factory and the ice cream was amazing. Today at the grocery store I decided to treat myself to some rich, gooey Ben and Jerry Ice cream- I can justify my decision because it was on sale. 

Chocolate, Peanutbutter, Fudge...yum! I mean I am no simple vanilla ice cream kindof chick. When I eat ice cream I like the good stuff- filled with complex flavors. The more in it the happier I am. My all time favorite: black raspberry with peanut butter sauce, hot fudge and marshmallow- trust me amazing!

Which flavors do YOU prefer?

What It's Like To Have Kids Humor

To All Kids Starting College...

College is bittersweet. It really is. It doesn't matter what type of life you had in Highschool when you get to college it's like starting over.

My best advice to any child going to college is this:

The first two weeks will suck. Yep. I have been through it. Seen people and family go through it. All the same reaction: sad, lonely, depressing. BUT then things change. It gets better. Super fun. Super worth it. 

I will never forget my first college. Once I unpacked and my room was setup and everyone left I didn't know what to do with myself. My roommate was awesome but campus was a little boring so I transferred out after my first semester. 

Second college I moved out of my dorm during a huge party. Can you imagine. I must have looked like a huge loser but I just didn't care. 

My sister lived on campus and her roommate moved so she had an open bunk. My roommates where a little flaky and I don't do well with that scene so during a huge party I went up to them  and say it's been fun but I am moving out. My sister and her other roommate come over and we moved out right in the middle of it. Not sure if those girls ever ended up graduating and to be honest was the best decision I made. 

School Package Tip:

One thing I always did for my cousins who started college was send them a huge care package when they first moved in. This actually made them pretty popular on their floor because A) Kids see you walking down hall carrying a huge package it sparks a conversation B) You get so many goodies you will share with everyone so people will come knock on your door or you offer to share the snacks late night when everything else is closed. Genius. I know. It's also a nice way to let the new College Student know you are proud of them and who doesn't like getting goodies in the mail?

College is the last hooray before adulthood so be sure to live it up!

Feel Good Song: Rise by Katy Perry

Happy Birthday In Heaven

I was 7 when the movie Dirty Dancing came out. I think the first time I saw it was probably when my attraction for man started. I know sounds funny but ladies you do get me. 

 How many of us dreamed of marrying a bad boy like Patrick Swayze. "Nobody puts baby in the corner!" It was a sexy, intense movie especially for a 7 year old. Rest in peace Patrick Swayze. May you look down smiling at all the girls and women who adored the hell out of you!

When Dad's Babysit Humor

Thursday Motivation: Don't Settle

Shrinky Dinks- Bringing It Back and Cheaper Then Ever

Do you remember shrinky dinks? Well now you get to make them at home from scratch.

My girlfriend saw this and sent it to me. I tried it out with the kids. Super easy and cheap. All you need is plastic top from a container. Permanent marker. And we'll that's it. I didn't have parchment paper so I cover a tray with aluminum foil and sprayed it with a little oil. I preheat toaster over and then put tray in. Within seconds you see it curl up and harden. No smell- I know I was thinking the same thing "won't this stink"

Check this out:

https://www.facebook.com/BabyFirstTV/videos/10154441218069586/

Wine & Crafts My Kind Of Party

Do my friends know me or what? My girlfriend went to Nashville and brought this back for me. 

Wednesday Motivation: Forget Material Things

Girls Night Out Deal Tuesday's at Sedona Taphouse In Norwalk

Who doesn't enjoy a girl's night out? Sedona Tahouse in Norwalk is offering an awesome special on Tuesday Nights. 

6:00 to closing ladies get to enjoy $5 drinks: Martinis, House Wine, All Drafts and Handcraft Cocktails. But what if you get hungry? They are offering a free flatbread with every beverage purchase. 

Ladies check it out: http://www.sedonataphouse.com 

Tuesday Motivation: Nothing You Do Is Ever A Waste Of Time Especially When It's For A Child

Sky Zone In Norwalk

This place is super fun. There are trampolines everywhere. They have different sections suitable for older kids as well. I brought all three kids but the two older ones got the most out of it.

Even though my two year old climbed out of the pit, went up to me. Grabbed my leg and said "Thank You Mommy" and went back to jumping. That right there made it all worth it.

They have a lot of different things to do. They have basket ball hoops. Dodge ball. A pit to jump into. Even a rope to climb. I would say perfect for children 7 and up even though I did take my 2 and 3 1/2 year old. It is super clean and bright.  Please note you do have to purchase their socks for $3 but be sure to hold on to them so when you go back you can reuse them. 

Learn more here: http://www.skyzone.com/norwalk

Monday Motivation: Some Of The Best Days Are Still Ahead

My Baby Turned Two

End of October 2013 my boss asked to meet for lunch. I had a weird feeling. I sat down and she said she was closing her company but giving me the rights to all my clients. I didn't know what to say. I loved working for her. I got in the car and called my husband. I was upset. "Why are you upset this is an amazing opportunity to branch off on your own. This business can be your third baby."  Little did I know I was actually pregnant with my third child. 

Through the course of the pregnancy I was in a bit of denial. I had a 8 month old. How could I possibly be pregnant again. 

When I gave birth to my third daughter I kept saying to myself "where did you come from." She smiled all the time. Her big blue eyes amazed me that I could have bet money would change but never did. 

She completed me, us, our family. She's a strong willed child. Extremely smart beyond her years. She's so goofy she cracks me up. Super independent so much that I yell at her to let me help her. She's the best surprise I have ever gotten- and I am not one to like surprises. 

She turned two today. When she woke up I said "Happy Birthday Baby" she responded with a huge grin "Happy Birthday To Me" When I walked her upstairs to bed she looked at me and said "Thank You Mommy I love you!"

She fills a void in my heart that I never knew I had. She's good for my soul. She's just amazing! 

 

Skittle Experiment: Can You Make A Rainbow

Everyone knows how much I love doing crafts and science experiments with my kids that family and friends are now joining in on the fun and sending me stuff to try out with the kids and I am loving it.

One is this skittles experiment my friend Maria saw on facebook and forwarded to me. 

What You Need:

Bag of skittles

Cup of warm water

Line the skittles on a plate and be sure to not put similar colors together or it will

run. Once setup slowly pour warm water. You start to see the colors coming out and make a rainbow/tie-dye effect. 

Kept the kids busy and quiet for 30 minutes. 

Never Get A Woman Upset Humor

Friday Motivation: Be Sure To Live Your Life

Chicken Salad With A Twist

The I love chicken salad and have had it with dired cranberries. My new twist is adding grapes to it. It adds a sweetness and healthy crunch. Serve with Stacey's Pita Chips for a fun side dish or snack. 

Now you can boil chicken but I love making chicken salad with leftover rotisserie chicken. Costco sells them for $4.99. You can't beat it!

Chicken Salad Recipe:

2 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken

1/2 cup of mayo

2 tablespoons of deli spicey mustard

1/2 cup of cut green grapes

Mix first three ingredients together. Chill for four hours. Before serving add grapes. Serve in a wrap with argula or in a bowl with pita chips on the side. YUM!

Mom Olympics Humor

Thursday Motivation: Chase Your Dreams

Harbor Brew Fest Oct 8th At Harbor Yard

This is my all time favorite Brew Festival. Hundreds of beer vendors. Food trucks. All on the field at Harbor Yard. 

Save the date: Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the 5th annual Harbor Brew Fest. 

Brewer’s Special from 12pm – 1pm and General Admission will begin at 1pm and will pour until 5pm. 

Learn More: https://beerfests.com/events/harbor-brew-fest/

Buy tickets now: https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/harborbrewfest/tag/bf16

Wednesday Motivation: Make This Your Day!

You Become What You Surround Yourself With

Party Tip: Storing Leftovers

If you are like me then whenever you open your Tupperware cabinet things fall out. Lids magically disappear and unmatched Tupperware is taking up most of the space. The last thing you want is your party guest going through your Tupperware cabinet when packing up food.

So before every party I throw I match tops with bottoms and store them in a bag. I put it under the food table and when guests are ready to pack leftovers or help me back up leftover food I pull the bag out. 

Genius I know...but I can't take the credit. My aunt has been doing this for years. After my first family party for my daughter I was mortified over the search for lids so decided to do what my aunt does. Perfect and mess free!

Be Sure To Thank The Signs Of What's Not Meant To Be

Everyone Needs A Time Out

It's funny I can't seem to move past being dissapointed we aren't taking a family Summer vacation this year. It's not about money, my husband started a new job and has no time. It's funny that people see me posting stuff out and about with my children and it should be enough. But it's about taking the break from work and daily duties and sitting back and enjoying your kids as a family. 

Getting up early and going to the beach. Taking naps in the afternoon. The warm breeze on your skin. Not clocking into work and meeting deadlines. It never bothered me really until recently and I needed to do something to shake it. 

So How Do You Get Over It:

I wanted to book more day stuff on weekends and day trips. Last Sunday we were going to take the kids out and instead I said let's just go to the pool.  It was amazing. We layed out and I just felt that we should take that time and soak up the sun together, as a family. 

So even if you can't take a week off to do what you normally do. Cancel plans and take a time out. My husband got to enjoy the kids and we didn't have to punch a clock or be anywhere. We had lunch inside my parents house with my family and hung out again by the pool after. It was a nice break 

Tuesday Motivation: Believe You Can & You Will Achieve It

Let Your Children Play With Their Imagination

We cannot easily teach imaginary play but we sure can encourage it.

My name changes constantly. Mommy this will be your new name. I never know if they are calling me or playing house. They run inside and strip down to put on their dress up clothes. 

It's time to let your children's minds run free. Imaginary play. It's priceless. Let them transfer into whatever is running wild through their minds. After all reality isn't always as enjoyable. Watching them sing and dance and use creative play is a priceless effort that helps build their character!

Celebrate What Your Life Is

Positive Feedback Matters Too

We are always quick to complain about stuff and give negative comments and feedback that it feels good to give acknowledgment when someting positive happens. I always try to give positive feedback and it's pretty cool to see when it gets recongnized and appreciated. My quote for an amazing 5 week summer program my daughter who was having some speech issues participated in:

Stamford Restaurant Week Aug 26-Sept 4th

Save the date: Stamford Summer Restaurant Week will be Aug 26th-Sept 4th 2016.

I love restaurant week. Gives you a great reason to try out a new restaurant for an awesome price.

Check out the restaurants that will be participating: http://stamford-downtown.com/events/summer-restaurant-weeks-2016/#.V6hieob3anM

Monday Motivation: Positive Mind Positive Outcomes

Starbucks $8 Lunch Deal

I went into Starbucks last week to get a couple of Gift Certificates for people and saw a huge sign for $8 lunch special. Was pretty cool! With a great selection to pick from and healthy yummy options makes $8 look like an awesome deal Check it out:

Learn More Here: https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-power-lunch

Be Happy Enjoy Life You Can't Control What Other People Say You OnlyControl How You React!

Enjoy Your Sunday!

Fun Fact: Dum Dums Lollipops Mystery Flavor

Boosting Your Morale Just At The Right Time

I Thursday was my daughter's last practice for her summer baseball league. She comes home upset. "He said I can't catch. He kept saying it over and over. I am not playing anymore" She was upset over a teammate remarks. "It's ok honey. You can't expect to catch everytime but you do hit everytime. So let's work on your fielding". She was in that mood that was no breaking. 

She has that type of personality that when people say she can't do something she second guesses herself. Like maybe they are right. Maybe I am not good enough. Sometimes this actually motivates people. When people say you can't you prove them wrong. Not this case. 

I started to look into a different league. Not to protect her from this but for her to see what it's like to be on a different league. I looked into an all girls league. The coach emailed me back. Fall Ball is made up of 5-8 year olds. She currently plays with 7-10 year olds with one 6 year on the team who is an amazing player-he's the exception. It would be a step back. I considered it until today's baseball game. Last game of the season... 

Bottom of third inning the coach assisting my husband makes an announcement with the play book in his hand. "Everyone I have an announcement" everyone turns and looks at him. My daughter is waking towards me when she hears her name being called. "She's the only one on the team who had NOT strike out ALL season!" I cheered and everyone clapped and said congrats. "Hear that BOYS. She hadn't strikes out ever, she hit every single time she has been up!" Coach T shouted. 

She's exactly where she needs to be!

Do Things Your Way...It's Ok To Not Follow The Crowd

We tend to get caught up in a lot of things in life. One big thing is second guessing your decisions. You see and hear a lot as a parent. You think wow maybe I am not doing it right. You read articles: "why yelling is bad" "is your child too entitled" "why sports early on is bad for children" "why being bored is good" and on and on. You can drive yourself bat crazy second guessing your parenting style. 

Let me tell you something I learned while being a parent to different age groups "LET IT GO" 

The one message I loved in the movie "Bad Moms" is that we all suck in a way. I know sounds harsh but there isn't a right way. It's your way and as long as you're giving it your all its all that matters. It's about balance and raising kids to be happy good people. That's it. 

I was a different parent when I only had one child. Then a totally different parent when I had two. Now I am a mom to three and kindof threw out all those concepts and realized you have to make decisions by the minute. When things work out and pull together it's like winning victory. There's no better gratification then seeing a positive outcome. As for the not so great outcomes- well you learn from it and then need to move on!

Parents don't have to do what others are doing. Do what you are doing. Afterall no one is really doing it right. 

SoNo Day Out Saturday Aug 6th

Women Stop Competing When You Unite Incredible Things Can Happen!

Trust Your Journey