Deborah Ann's Homemade Ice Cream In Ridgefield CT

What a fun spot in Ridgefield. Kind of felt funny going into a chocolate/candy/ice cream shop without the kids but my hubby and I needed a date night and well you can't see a candy shoppe and not go in it! I could hours inside. Looking around and seeing all the cool stuff. They had teachers gifts and candy boxes from each generations "1980's" their ice cream was delicious. Super cute place!

Changing One Word....

How changing one word, one simple thought, can turn one thing from a negative into a positive!

Big E Deal Going On Today Only!

Purchase tickets here: http://smarturl.it/BigE_Tix_FB

Summer Is Coming...Mom's Brace Yourself!!

Walkathon In Norwalk: Help Send Kids To Camp

Workout Motivation...What's Yours?

I haven't been able to get to the gym  I have been swamped with my kids activities and sports and work and well squeezing in making dinner and grocery shopping and normal routines. I know people may say it's an excuse but really I LOVE working out. So as my schedule seems to go back to normal somewhat this week I plan on getting motivated since summer is around the corner and no one likes a donut in a bathing suit. 

 

Lunch With The Mayor

How many of you can say at 8 years old you had the opportunity to have lunch with your Mayor? This week I chaperoned an awesome field trip. 10 fundraiser kids from my daughter's school who raised the most money in the school for our walkathon got to get rewarded with having lunch with Mayor Harry Rilling and a tour of City Hall. Best of all...Elite Limousine donated a party bus for the kids to roll up to City Hall in style  was so fun and the children and myself learned a lot about Norwalk. Huge credit to the PTA for pulling off an event the children will never forget  

Chocolate Works In Darien

I attended an event here and it's amazing  as soon as you walk near the front door you get a rush of chocolate heaven scent. They have a ton of amazing chocolate treats. They have a huge back room they use for parties and events  perfect not just for kids but for adults too. You get to pick a mold and pour chocolate into it, they have a huge chocolate fondue to dip chocolate in. What really stood out for me was their ability to make chocolate business cards  can you imagine?! I know a clever, yummy idea. They can print anything on to chocolate, I know amazing!

Www.chocolateworks.com

Yep, a conveyor belt just like the "I Love Lucy" scene. 

Cherry Lane Park in Darien

This place is awesome and super prettty. I love the closed in toddler playground making it easy not to loose sight of your little ones! There's even a "big" kid playground and a super cute nature center. 

Free Donuts On June 2nd 2017

Tomorrow is National Donut Day.  Donuts are such a staple morning comfort food and well now you can actually celebrate eating them- guilt free of course.

"Here Are All the Places You Can Get Free Doughnuts on National Doughnut Day" http://www.foodandwine.com/news/here-are-all-places-you-can-get-free-doughnuts-national-doughnut-day

Norwalk High School Marching Band Carnival 2017

Best Food Trucks 2017

Did your favorites make the list?  Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2017 Edition http://www.ctbites.com/blog/2017/5/24/cts-best-food-trucks-2017-edition

Free Movie Series at Bow Tie Cinemas

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to all who lost their lives for our freedom and safety! 

Thank You Sponsors

Our schools walkathon was today and was amazing! We raised over $11,000 for a new library. Thank you to all the sponsors!

FREE Summer Camp For Kids Entering Kindergarten

Hey Why Not! Girls Rule!

Simple Steps

Slow Down,Enjoy Life!

Network, Network, NETWORK!

I love networking because I love people- most of the time and I LOVE what I do so it's easy to talk about it. Not many people know what a Virtual Admin does. And well I love talking about it. See every time you get out and connect with others you learn something. You learn something from

Them and YOURSELF. I am a sub for BNI Group in Darien. I can't believe what an amazing group of people they are plus how much their services has helped people I know. Now

I haven't joined because my schedule has conflicts with when they meet BUT doesn't mean it isn't worth it. It so is! Get out and NETWORK!

BBQ Ribs Grilled Cheese: Comfort Food At It's Best

What do you get when you take ribs, coleslaw and pickles and make a grill cheese out of it-HEAVEN! Ok ok sometimes I wonder how I ever will get skinny when I come

up with these type of meals but really it's absolutely delicious and a perfect way to turn your leftovers into something magical! Try it, trust me, no regrets!

Complete Guide To Yellow Stone Park

This is one park that is top on my "Bucket List". A must see must visit location before I get too old to enjoy it. Now you can plan your trip with this awesome website: Complete Guide To Yellow Stone Park. http://liveoncelivewild.com/guide-to-yellowstone-national-park/

Dole Pineapple Whip At Stew Leonard's

This is my all time favorite stop in Disney World and well now I don't have to travel that far for it. It reminds me of my childhood visits there and my sisters and just happy good times. Thanks Stews for adding something so simple and fun yet memorable be so close to home and you can't beat the price! I added vanilla to my cone. Delicious!

Mom Sick Day...What Sick Day!

I was doing so well. I worked out twice already and even ran and then bam...I couldn't swallow. This happened three weeks ago and this time it was even worse. Now I am not whinny or a baby when I am sick except for this time. It hurt to swallow my spit. And well being a mom and being sick is absolute hell. Every time I sat down the kids needed something. I was convinced I was dying. I know sounds dramatic but it was awful. So now on day three on antibiotics and feeling much better. I still worked everyday. Still made dinner every night. Packed lunches did it all. Just felt miserable throughout the whole process. 

Just One Of Those Days...

Happy Mother's Day...Grateful For The Title

I am by far NOT perfect but these three sure make me feel like

I am! Enjoy your Mother's Day Everyone! Hardest job you will ever have yet most rewarding. Be good to you! Enjoy this day for you!

Super Mom

Friday Night Fun...Bday Fun in Sono

It's not easy getting a group of Moms together especially on a Friday night. So for those who snuck out they treated me to a birthday dinner and drinks in Sono. Now I love Sono but a lot has changed down there. It's also funny being in late thirties and seeing the early twenty something out. But drinking in Sono has changed. Now we enjoy going there for late night dinner and drinks by a fire pit make our nights complete. 

We started at Hell or Highwater Brewpub. Great to get a sampler for $6. We ordered hush puppies, fried artichokes, tacos- delicious. And then burgers and grilled octopus. Fun vibe. Relaxing. Next stop Harlan Publick. I love this place- always a great time. We drank Drunken Palmers and spent hours by the fire pit. It's perfect their outdoor area because the inside bar gets packed. It's nice to break free, yet still be part of the bar scene while listening to music and enjoying the warmth and comfort of a fire. 

Although our whole mommy crew wasn't there it definitely was a night filled with laughs and great chats. I am super blessed to have these gals in my life. 

FREE Library Camp In Norwalk

Mother's Get In For Free

Not sure what to do this Mother's Day? Check out this fun guide of free activities for Moms http://ctmommyblog.com/mothers-day-ct/

Baseball Is Like Life...

Two of three of my girls are playing baseball so was nice to see baseball in a different light... relating to life. 

 

Bacon & Brew Event

Learn More Here: Www.ndbaconandbrew.com

Hersheypark Deal Now Until May 31st

Super excited to plan a long weekend this summer in Hershey  what's even better is they are offering adults park passes same price as kids park passes now until May 31st! Www.hersheypark.com

You Are Not Everyone's Cup Of Tea & That's OK!

Always Start Your Day With Coffee...

Running & Donuts ...Why Not?

Last night when I was leaving my daughter asked if I could bring them home dessert. They were ready for bed by time I got back so I couldn't show her the munchkins I grabbed for her from Donut Crazy in Westport. So this morning I get ready to go to the gym to run and she spots the container on my counter. "Mom what's that" she asked. Ugh just a little bit of heaven in a cup I thought. I opened them and probably ate more than her. Delicious and I believe only $2.99 for 12. Yeah I know I had to run faster today just to justify eating donuts while in my workout clothes!

Kentucky Derby Fun Tonight at The Spread In Norwalk

Amazing Flowers Trader Joe's in Darien CT

I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's- I am sure you can tell already. I went in to get flowers for my daughter's teacher since it was Teacher Appreciate week. I saw these and then the price and was sold. I even called my mommy friends and picked some up for them. Ok so now I am sure you're wondering how much...can you guess? Nope lower, lower...give up? $3.99!!!

BarTaco Westport...Happy Cinco De Mayo

Friday nights are my nights and most of them I spend with my sisters  since we didn't get together for my birthday we decided to celebrate on Cinco De Mayo. We arrived at Bar Taco in Westport early enough to only wait 15 minutes for a table. Their happy hour drink prizes were amazing  the blood orange special tastes like a margarita infused with blood orange juice. Amazing. 

What I love about this place is you can order a lot for a great price. Tacos are so fresh and delicious- love the seasame beef one and fish. I am a huge fan of their grilled corn and cucumber salad. All these dishes range from $2.5-$4.00. You can't beat it. Their plantains were so good we ordered a second round. The guacamole has a slight kick to it. We tried their pork tamales for the first time and I highly recommend them, so tastey and stuffed with goodness. Of course we ended the meal with their four cone dessert. Mint chocolate chip went perfect.

 

Happiness Starts With...

I Chickened Out and It Was Worth It!

So I moved my appointment yesterday. I totally chickened out. I kept thinking what if my cancer screening came out bad? I would hate to hear it on my birthday so I moved it. I moved it to today and it was negative, normal, perfect and my meds are too high now so means my working out is helping. Says I am down 4 lbs I have to go back in 8 weeks but super pumped, happy, releived. 

How To Tell Mom You Love Her-56 Inspiring Mother’s Day Messages

Mother's Day is around the corner. Sometimes, it’s hard to express your gratitude for mom, especially when they’re long distance. If words aren’t your forté, FTD is here to help with these inspiring Mother’s Day messages. 

They’ve created these floral inspired visuals featuring the most inspiring messages and quotes so you can let mom know that you’re thinking of her. They even created a visual that you can easily share on social media by completing the phrase “I love my mom because ___.” Customize the message in your caption and tag mom to make your appreciation for her public. It will certainly make her day and bring a smile to her face!

56 Inspiring Mother’s Day Messages https://www.ftd.com/blog/celebrate/mothers-day-messages

Calling All Magnificent Moms!

NOMINATE YOUR MAGNIFICENT MOM FOR NEW COUNTRY’S MAKEOVER PROMOTION

-One Deserving CT Mom Will Be Pampered from Head to Toe for Mother’s Day-

(HARTFORD, CT)– April 28, 2017 - Do you have a magnificent mom? In honor of Mother’s Day, New County Motor Cars will pamper one amazing mom from head to toe with their 3rd Annual Magnificent Mom Makeover promotion. Entrants simply describe in 300 words or less why their mother deserves special treatment. The winning mother will be announced on Friday, May, 12^th.

“Moms are truly the driving force behind a family,” said Tim Parker, Vice President of New Country Motor Cars.  “Mothers are constantly balancing work, managing households, chauffeuring and making sure everyone gets fed clothed and out the door on time.  This Mother’s Day, we want one busy mom to make herself the top priority.”

The lucky mother will be treated to a day of decadence in West Hartford Center:

• Magnificent makeup application at Blue Mercury valued at $75, the nation’s leading luxury beauty destination.

• Personal Styling Session: 60 minutes with Debbie Wright, Project Closet
• Shopping spree for fabulous fashions at the stylish BK & CO boutique with a $100 giftcard.
• Luscious lunch for two - Mom and her special guest will enjoy cosmopolitan cuisine and posh dining at Noble & company, the Center’s hottest new restaurant.

A prestigious panel of experts, including WTIC-FM Afternoon Host Damon Scott and Tim Parker, will select the most worthy mother to win the grand prize package. 

All entries must be received by Thursday, May 11, 2017. The winner will be announced on Friday, May, 12^th. Participants must be 18 years or older. Visit http://www.newcountry.com/ct-mothers-day-promotion.htm to submit your entry online or for more information.

About New Country Motor Car Group

New Country Motor Car Group has several locations in the Hartford, CT area; New Country Motor Cars representing Mercedes-Benz /smart / Sprinter, and New Country BMW-MINI.  The organization prides itself on world-class knowledge and impeccable service.  New Country Motor Car Group has dealerships representing 16 brands in Connecticut, New York and Florida. Visit www.newcountrybmw.com orwww.newcountrymercedes.com for more information.                            

Information provided by Alliances by Alisa

Monday Motivation: Be True For You

The Time Has Come...Blood Work Tomorrrow

My last doctor's appointment with my Thyroid doctor didn't go well. My levels were off. She upped my meds again and said it was time for a change. So I did a couple of things. I fought for inner peace and I joined a gym. It's been four weeks of working out. Started out three times a week. Now I am doing four times. It's awesome. Painful but awesome. Tonight I ran for the first time in four years. Not for long. I ran. Then did high incline. Ran. Then incline. 

Tomorrow morning I go for blood work and Wednesday meet with her to review my levels. Now why am I so nervous? Because six months prior to my last visit my levels were perfect. We need me to get back to perfect. She also ordered a cancer blood screen which makes me nervous too but I have been feeling great so now time will only tell.