Late Nights Mean Peaceful Minds

It's 11:30 and everyone is sleeping. I am laying on my couch in the dark. Why? Because it's the only me time I have had all day and only silence I heard all day. 

I read this article and it is so on point. Really it is. Imagine all day taking care of others. I mean all day. At home. At work. Even the dogs. I need a break so I can take care of no one. I know sounds sad but it's not. Imagine being a rock concert all day. When you finally leave you don't want to hear anything. The noise is still ringing in your head and ears. You need silence. 

Moms its ok...I get it. Enjoy being you, even if it's late at night and in the dark. 

Article: Why Mothers Stay Up Late 

http://www.scarymommy.com/mothers-stay-up-late/

How To Be Mentally Strong...

Free Admission At The Discovery Museum Oct 1st

Disney On Ice Presale Special

Learn More Here: http://m.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/237623/1638731?brand=doi&camefrom=CFC_FELD_ED27BRDG_PS092016

Feel Good Song: HandClap by Fitz and the Tantrums

Tuesday Motivation: Take Some Time For You

Crock Pot Recipes: It's That Time Of Year

Schools in session which means busy work schedules and that dreading end of day question "What's For Dinner?"  Now I LOVE to cook but love it when I have time and with three kids, working from home, and running around with after school programs dinner is a chore. 

I love the crock pot and for a while ️thought it was great for just stew. Well I have done pulled pork, ribs, pulled chicken in there and to be honest you can make anything in it. Super convenient  and easy and totally yummy. Check out these super cool recipes:

15 Back to School Crockpot Freezer Meals in 2 Hours http://bit.ly/2df6bzo

Restaurant Week in Hamden CT Sept 19th-24th

It's restaurant week in Hamden CT. Check out the participating restaurants http://www.connecticutrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-weeks-ct/hamden-restaurant-week/

Feel Good Song: Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara

This Week's Goals

Yesterday was my second day with the FitBit and I reached 12,000 steps. I probably would have gained more if my sister didn't insist our basketball game would be us playing "horse," that's what happens when she comes by with heals on. But really feels good to get up and move more. I had a couple different life changes take place that helped me gain some more energy so being more active feels great. 

This week's goals: 10,000 steps everyday. Positive thoughts. Less yelling and more smiling. Healthier eating and completing some tasks I still have lingering around that have been on my fridge to complete for a couple weeks now and motivating YOU. Cause that's why I write to help not only motivate me but to also inspire, push, create some laughter and motivate YOU my reader!  Happy Monday All. What goals have you set for yourself this week?

Things To Look Forward To...

Source: Good Housekeeping 

Monday Motivation: Be Awesome

Mommy Bingo

Let's Play A Game... BINGO!

I hope I am not alone when I say I have a lot of Mom "Guilt" according to this card. 

Let's Tweet...

Hi Readers,

Let's tweet. I love Twitter. If we aren't connected be sure to follow me https://mobile.twitter.com/MommyCT2009 and I will be sure to follow back. 

Happy Sunday Night...Tweet Dreams (I know I know I am in an extra corney mood tonight)

Thanks Readers... Girls Rule!

I have three men in my immediate family and the rest are girls/women, 8 to be extact. I come from a family of three girls and I have three girls and a niece on my side of the family. This doesn't include the multiple aunts and girl cousins.  Needless to say we have always ruled since there are so many of us. I can tell that most of my readers are women because it's Sunday which is football season and my blog got 43 hits during the day and well Football is on and yes women do watch football too but which man would be missing a game to read about me or my inspiring quotes, stories and recipes. Just saying. 

So ladies raise your fists, glasses of wine and cheers to womanhood. Yeah I know I know we are not always as cool and calm as we look! Oh and for my male readers I love you all too. Really I do. Don't take offense. I am just having a "Girls Rule" Moment!

Want A Clean House Humor

You know you're getting old when your goals for the weekend are to mop and put all the laundry away. I mean sounds pathetic right. I did get a mommynight out which made up for my pathetic adult goals. I know I am not alone. But reality is if you want a clean house you need to live alone...even then I am sure a mess would magically appear. 

The Best Accessory A Girl Can Own...

Good Morning Readers...Be Good To Your Soul

Start Your Day With Personal Affirmations for Self Improvement

I started doing these and it really has helped make my day more stress less. I also have more gratitude for the things that are going right in my life instead of focusing my energy on the wrong. Try doing this when you wake up or even throughout the day. It's like little reminders to yourself. Remember what you send out you receive.

75 Affirmations for Self Improvement http://www.theemotionmachine.com/75-affirmations-for-personal-development/

Start with 5 then do 10 and so on. Be good to yourself. It's a reminder that you are what really matters regardless of the chaos around you. 

What Defines You...

Fitbit Have You Tried It?

Back to the weightloss challenge we go. My sister gave me one and Saturday I  started it and reached 16,284 steps. Crazy I know but I did coach soccer and was up 6-midnight well past it since I am still up. Regardless it's pretty cool. Not really sure what I am doing but cheers to getting healthy. What fun challenges have you done with your Fitbit?

Fun Football Specials At Dry Dock Bar & Grille In Norwalk

A buddy of mine revamped this place. It's getting awesome reviews. Now they are offering some awesome Football specials Monday & Thursday Nights and all day on Sunday. 

Learn More Here: http://drydockbarandgrille.com

Thank A Coach

Today I stood in as the coach for my daughter's soccer team. Now these are only 3-5 year olds but it's crazy how much work it was. Yeah it was a blast. Yes the kids were super cute and we hardly had any criers but it was work. 

Parents stop complaining. Parents thank your child's coach. Coaches do this as volunteers. Most leave work early or miss family time to be there helping your kids. Yes most coach teams their child is one but have you ever realized how nice it is to sit on side lines and watch. Coaches don't. 

I was wearing my FitBit and in 1 hour coaching I took 5,000 steps. I didn't play soccer. I was walking back and forth but constantly moving. Switching players out. Making sure everyone got a chance to play. Make sure no one was crying or upset. It was work. So to all the parents whose child plays a sport. Go out of your way and thank their coach! 

The Struggles With Toddlers

Saturday Mornings As A Kid

Go the F*ck to Sleep You Know You Say It In Your Head

It's really a book. One parent finally stepped forward and put into writing our thoughts. That witching hour that one of the kids refuses to close their eyes. Mine 3rd just fell asleep. This book was perfect for tonight!

Everything Has Energy Only Attract What You REALLY Want

Greenwich WINE + FOOD Festival by Serendipity

I can't believe I haven't been to this yet! My sister has gone and always says how amazing it is. My girlfriend who is a chef works the event. Of course I tried winning tickets to it and now you can too! If you're available check it out. Amazing food and fun day out! https://www.facebook.com/GreenwichwinefoodFestival/

Pumpkin Pie, Why Hello Fall

There's nothing that makes a home feel more cozy and smell delicious than pumpkin pie baking in the oven.

Hi Fall. We can now be friends!

Tonight I made a couple of pies with the kids for the weekend events. The cool weather is just screaming Fall is coming and although I am still rocking my flip flops until there is frost on the car I am super pumped for Apple picking and Halloween and everything that Fall brings. 

So like everything I make there's a twist to this yummy pumpkin pie. I don't like using condensed milk for it. Not sure why but I am now serving 2% milk in my home and well the pie needed something to thicken it up. Can you guess what I used.......plain Greek yogurt. 

So here's my recipe and the kids are going nuts over it. Add some whip cream and vanilla ice cream and fall in love with Fall!

What You Need:

15 oz can of puréed pumpkin 

1 frozen pie deep dish crust crust

1/2 cup of sugar

1/2 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 tsp of ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 

2 eggs

3/4 cup of milk

3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt

Mix all in a bowl. Literally all together. Spoon into a pie crust. Bake 425 for 10 minutes then 350 for 45-60 mins. Cool and serve.  

There Are No Decisions There's Just Life-Live It!

Friday Motivation: You Were Born To Make An Impact

Free Admission At Stepping Stones: Bring Your Dog Too!

It's Worldwide Day of Play! Enjoy Free admission at Stepping Stones and bring your dogs too!

Learn More Here http://conta.cc/2d3iVZA 

Being Tired Humor

It's All About The Marketing...I Get It

One thing I tell always my clients is that it's always easier to sell a product verse a service. As many of them are now finishing their books to sell it's always great to review my Marketing tips to push their products and share my advice with other companies and you my readers. 

1- It's all about your product: Have an amazing product then most likely it will sell on its own! You just have to be passionate about it and have your sales team be passionate about it to too! When people feel your passion they become passionate about what you're selling too. It's all about your pitch. 

2-Know your Market! You can't sell the same product to different target groups all of the time. Do your research. Starbucks will not do well in a lower income community but will do awesome on Greenwich Ave-just an example. I will never forget that one woman executive said to me business is simple. Put your people in the right element and they will sell things!

3-Social Media: It's FREE MARKETING. Do it. Promote on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Connect with YOUR network. I do this for clients everyday. It's time consuming but that's why you pay someone like me to do it for you. Do giveaways. Do Twitter parties. Do #hastag parties. It's endless possibilities and it's free. The reach is amazing. People talk and like to share reviews. Ask for them! People are ALWAYS on socia media. 

I have been doing Marketing, PR, Event Planning, Social Media and Advertising for over ten years. I love it, I get it. It's fun and my favorite thing to do for clients. 

Have questions email me! Mommyct2009@yahoo.com 

Thursday Motivation: We All Have A Personal "Calling" Do You Know Yours?

Feel Good Song: Shut Up and Dance With Me

It's been one of the weeks that needs to end already. A little motivation to keep you going!

Be Good To Yourself Like Really Good

Start Your Mornings Doing These:

I Got It From My Mamma

Here's something to finally thank or maybe not so much thank your mom for: your intelligence. Yep, finally studies got one thing right- kids intelligence comes from their Mamma!

I will gladly take the credit on this one. My three are pretty brilliant and I like to believe it's all from me. Ok maybe not all but again I am just going off studies!

Enjoy Moms! 

New Research Confirms That Kids Get Their Intelligence From Mom

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a64075/intelligence-genes-come-from-your-mom/?src=socialflowFB

Stages Of Sleep: Oh How This Is So True

Free Classes At Kidville in Westport

Come check out Kidville in a Westport, they are offering free classes and Playspace Sept 19-24th. I am usually there on Thursday's! Be sure to try it out with your little ones. So fun!

http://www.kidville.com/westport

Let's Start Over...

Change The Way You Think

SoNo Ice House Public Skating

Learn more here: www.SonoIceHouse.com

Wednesday Motivation: I've Got Nothing...

Good morning readers...Tell me something to motivate me!

Where To Eat In Connecticut: Mouthwatering Restaurants

Oh my oh my do I live in a barn? I saw this article and haven't tried ONE of these places. Have you?

You Haven’t Lived Until You’ve Tried These 12 Mouthwatering Restaurants In Connecticut

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/great-restaurants-ct/

Relationships Should Be Measured By Their Depth

Brasitas In Norwalk CT

Amazing, always was and still is. I used to come here at least once a month for dinner. I was pretty addicted. 

I stopped in Saturday night for appetizers and drinks. Shrimp tacos, arepas, and emapanadas. With a side of beans and rice. Heaven!

I love their mojitos and red sangria. They serve banana chips with fresh salsa. Such a great, fun place.They also have a location in Stamford. http://norwalk.brasitas.com

Alice In Wonderland How We Relate Humor

Tuesday Motivation: Knowing Who You Are

Packing Lunches Humor

Monday Motivation: Feed Your Soul With Good Things

Happy Grandparent's Day To All The Grandparents

Not sure what I would do without my children's grandparents! They always go out of their way to help with our kids. It's amazing how we have four and all four are helpful.

I hope you took the time to show your appreciation to the grandparents in your today. I saw this craft online and did it with the girls. The grandparents loved it and my girls enjoyed doing it for their grandparents.

It's Hard Being A Woman...

Lobster, Steak & Donuts

My cousin and his girlfriend came to visit from Italy. Typical food on my mom's menu when family visits is Lobster and Steak. It's not something they normally get to eat in Italy so my mom and dad make a point to serve it when family comes. 

Everytime my other cousin would visit from Switzerland she would take back donuts with her. So now whenever someone from overseas visits I like to get them donuts. 

They don't have Dunkin Donuts in their cities so I feel it's such an American food item that it's a nice treat for them. I mean afterall who doesn't enjoy lobster, steak and donuts. 

It's funny the things we take for granted and don't realize other countries do not get to experience. 

September Means Fall, Festivals, Foliage &...

Football ugh here we go again. Time to watch TV in the bedroom while your husbands/boyfriends/significant other hogs the TV to watch Football. I was never a fan. The theme song actually really annoys me. Funny I know. 

The ONLY time I enjoy it is live. I love watching Football live at the stadium. Something about the crowd and rush of it, the food and stadium is awesome. Even the field and plays are so much better live...I am sure most of you agree. As for in TV no desire at all. 

Happy 15th Birthday

She's the coolest dog I ever met. If I could make a wish for her it would be that she would live forever. She's so chill and still acts like a puppy at times. She's super smart and really is like my child.

15 years is a long time to have a furry friend. We have had some scares with her in the past and feel like she got a lot of second chances. I hope she gets to stay with us for many more years to come!

September 11th We Will Never Forget!

Taking It Back To Your Roots

My mom asked if we wanted to go to this concert tonight. She said we would be familiar with their songs and some of the singers. The concert was all in Italian. I asked my husband and he said decision was mine. 

Tonight was the concert and at first I wondered why we came. I didn't feel a connection. Then this song came on: "Te Voglio Bene Assi," at that moment I felt like I was 8 again. Watching my mom cooking and my dad coming in singing with all his mite as my mom blushed from his flirtation. My eyes teared up. I was no longer this mom watching a concert. I was this young girl connecting back to my past and watching my parents, along with an arena of people, connecting with their roots. Like "home," the music was was a reminder for them as they sang along to the music. It was pretty powerful. An awakening.  

Where are your roots from? Have you ever tried to reconnect?

Saturday Morning Humor: Why Can't They Ever Sleep Past 5:30