Have A Beautiful Heart

Fives Everywhere

I have been seeing $5 everywhere. Found $5 in my laundry. Found $5 on my dresser. Found $5 near my coffee pot. Found $5 in my wallet deep under other bills. . I mean I don't want to complain trust me. It's not a bad thing but super strange. I mean I am a family of 5. I come from a family of 5. I never really gave the number 5 any importance until now. So you know me. I do some of Research. I googled it and it said this.

"Money represents confidence, self-worth, success, or values. You have much belief in yourself. Alternatively, dreaming about money refers to your attitudes about love and matters of the heart. It is a common symbol for sexuality and power. In particular, finding money indicates your quest for love or for power."

Have you been finding any money lately?

You Get What You Put Out Into The Universe

Hub & Spoke In Blackrock Owners of the old Brewhouse

When the Brewhouse closed in Norwalk there wasn't  anyone more dissapointed than my father. He was a HUGE fan of their brunch and well we have been looking for a place to make it up to him ever since. Well the search is over...Hub & Spoke in Blackrock is owned by the old Brewhouse owners and they have brought back the brewhouse Brunch. We were super excited to realize this when my sisters and I were driving through fairfield in search for a place for dinner. The funny thing is I used to party when it was the Field. Now a full blown restaurant, Hub & Spoke has some delicious items on their menu. Delicious blood orange margaritas. Beer batter cheese curd, shrimp & grits, flat iron steak  served on a cutting board with shoe string onion rings, pulled pork arepas, and that's not even a quarter of what they have to offer. Delicious...and can't wait to go back and try their brunch with my Dad of course :). 

Travel Basketball Tryouts

Beach Zen

There's this calmness that overcomes you when you hear the ocean. We take little things like these for granted! Amazing views, the feeling of the warmth of sun on our body and the sound of the ocean. It's good. Rea good and when you arrive before the rush it's even better. Love my mornings here. Simple. Quiet. A couple of hours before starting the day. Try it. You may enjoy it!

Devon's Place In Norwalk CT

I have been taking the kids here for years  it's amazing how many people don't know about this hidden gem. It's a playground past the parking lot of Stepping Stones Museum, right near the tennis courts. There's a splash pad where kids can have fun and cool down. If you haven't been...GO!

We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing, free, fun activities to do with our kids. Take the time and do them!

  

Easy & Delicious Clambake Recipe

I love my group of mommy friends. I always walk away from our get togethers happy and full! Last get together at my house my friend said she wanted to host the next one at her house and do a clam bake.  Now all I can think of is how much work that is. When I arrived she showed me setup and I helped her assemble these super easy pockets of goodness. It was delicious!! All they need are 10 minutes on the grill! Now yes it takes more time the more you make because to be safe she measured out each one and we made 12 of them. I couldn't stop eating it. 

What you need:

1 cup melted butter

Juice of 3 lemons

2 garlic cloves minced

2 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning

4 large red potatoes

1 pound shrimp- peeled and deveined

4 ears of corn cut into 3 pieces an ear

1 package of kabosis cut into quarters 

Aluminum foil

Grill

Pre boil the corn and potatoes separately. Add butter, old bay, lemon juice, garlic together. Add in shrimp, kabosis, corn and potatoes. Coat with wet ingredients. Lay on top of a sheet of aluminum foil. Fold aluminum foil until all food covered to not let air in. Place on grill for ten minutes. Absolutely delicious!!

Hey Stamford Food Festival August 26th 2017

Get your tickets here: https://www.heystamfordfoodfest.com/

Countdown to...Who Is Counting Anyway...

I love doing things and appreciate what every season/occasion has to offer but this time I wish we could just hold on to Summer a little longer before jumping into the chaos mode of school/fall activities/holidays. 

*Image source:ABC7news

Change Your Focus

Mystic Outdoor Art Festival Aug 12&13 2017

Perfect weekend to visit Mystic! Weather calls for sunshine and it's perfect weekend to surprise kids for a weekend away! I love these type of festivals, where people show their creativity and share it with the public.

Mystic Outdoor Art Festival 2017 http://thisismystic.com/event/mystic-outdoor-art-festival-2017/

Elm Street Diner Stamford Ct

Their Instagram pictures always make me so hungry. I have been wanting to stop in for a while now. My husband has been numerous times but never tried their desserts. So when we woke up he said get ready we will go to the diner. Light bulb- ummm can we go to Elm Street please!

The funny thing about this place is it's very simple inside. You would never even think they would have these crazy items on their menu. Well they do and we got to try them. We ordered their Reese pieces milkshake. I was good and shared with the kids. We also got their Nutella donuts. Now their donuts are pretty delicious so if you want to drink more shake then cut out the Nutella on the donuts. Some pictures of stuff then make looks pretty insane. They actually put frosting on the outside of their glasses and roll it in chips or cereal. Really delicious!

Happy Sunday

Hearts Everywhere: A Special Meaning...Maybe

Some people see 11:11  some people see coins. I see butterflies that catch my glance  and  I often see hearts and it's in food. Maybe it's because when I am cooking I am relaxed and in tune with what I am doing.

So in prep to my daughter's bday celebration with family I decided to take out a tray I got from my late grandmother. I like to bring out stuff that was hers so it makes me

feel like she's still with us. So I pull out the tray and wash it. As I was prepping my veggie platter I notice a heart shape in my pepper. 

Today I feel pretty good and on schedule with the party when I realize it's already 2:00. I haven't started the pulled pork grill cheeses and kindof panic. It's silly I know and I finally say to myself "it's only family, they don't care if they come and nothing is ready yet" just then I go to place a piece of cheese on the bread on the griddle and see a heart. I mean crazy. I laugh to myself and instantly feel relaxed. Calm. 

I do believe in angels and after life and signs and sometimes I read them wrong or think something will turn out a certain way and it doesn't or didn't.  But the hearts that right their is pure happiness. Just telling me I am loved and to enjoy the moment. So whether it's my grandmother or guardian angel or whomever. Thank you for always sending me the reminder when I most need it!

Make Your Own Party Favors: Sesame Street Party

Every family party I try to give fun favors that fit the party theme. Every Birthday I have my daughters pick a theme and decorate the house. I love it. Makes it easy to look festive and the kids are happy. 

Tomorrow's party for my soon to be three year old is Sesame Street theme. You would think it would be easy to find food or snacks to fit these theme. Not this time. I did call around to places that had donuts or cupcakes but they wanted close to $4 a piece and well when you make close to two dozen favors it can add up. I got a little creative this time and found juice boxes with Sesame Street characters on them and finally decided to stick with alphabet cookies. I purchased both items at Walmart and found Sesame Street favor bags at party city. Must say they came out super cute and when I added up costs came to about $1.50 each. 

Free Food Days...Mark Your Calendars

25 Free Food Days You Need To Put On Your Calendar Right Now http://spoonuniversity.com/place/25-free-food-days-you-need-to-put-on-your-calendar-right-now?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spoon-social

What's For Dinner? Asian pasta with grilled chicken and zucchini

Summer is the perfect time to get in shape. I am down 8lbs and determine to keep losing.  I have tried it all. Low carb, working out a lot, cider diet...you name it. After two back to back pregnancies with c-sections and thyroid cancer I thought I never would be back to my pre- pregnancy body. So I tried something new and it's working...counting calories. I love to
Eat and want a bagel for breakfast or a bite of cake for dessert. So by counting my calorie intake I am more cautious of what I consume.

Tonight's dinner: Asian angel hair pasta, with grilled chicken and zucchini. Super easy. Super yummy. After you cook the pasta. Drain the water. Return to the pot. Add Olive Oil, Salt, Sesame oil and soy sauce. Goes perfectly with anything. I love angel hair because a little totally fills you. Not sure why verse other pastas but works for me.

Grow Restaurant in Shelton CT

We wanted to grab lunch someplace after Blueberry picking and two big requests were: had to be kid friendly and have Wine! After some research we decided to give this place a try. No regrets!! The place is super hip and earth friendly. The food is organic and dishes on the menu made it hard to choose what to order because all sounded delicious.  The chicken nuggets on kids menu were chicken cutlets. Delicious! No fake processed meat here! From the seafood rice balls down to the amazing ice cream sandwiches, we left happy and full. I totally received bonus points for picking an amazing place to end our great morning adventure. Can't wait to go back!

http://growshelton.com/

Beach House Has Opened In Norwalk & It's Delicious

Mamma's Boy fans no need to worry, Beach House has opened and it's delicious , they even still have some "country" spin on their menu like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. Located right across the Maritime Center In Norwalk, Beach House has a variety of amazing dishes like their truffle oil mushroom flatbread- so so good! Hard to pick what to eat because you want to try them all.  Love the ambience and must say they have delicious Blood Orange Margaritas! http://bhsono.com/

New Month... New Day... New You!

You Get What You Work For!

Sono Arts Festival This Weekend Aug 5th & 6th

Learn More Here: https://m.facebook.com/sonoartsfestival/photos/gm.1702566756717441/321227738321791/?type=3&source=44

Create Your Own Sunshine

Dog Lovers..Great Charity Event at Dry Dock Bar & Grille

Crayola Experience...Amazing...Where Crayons Come To Life

I wanted to stop someplace on the way to our Hotel in Pennsylvania to give the kids a break from the car ride. After some research I found this amazing place. The Crayola Experience is a four floor hand on activity center. It brings crayons to another level. They have over 28 hand on activities. We spent a couple hours here and could of spent all day. When you get there they give you tokens. You use them to make custom wrappers for your crayons. They have marker dispensers. One floor had melt crayons where you can paint. Another location you color in a picture and scan your picture. The picture comes to life and scans you in with the image. 

Any picture you take or make you can turn into a shirt or puzzle or color in. It's truly amazing. Being a mom that loves doing crafts this was the perfect spot. It's clean and bright. There is no possible way to get bored. We didn't even do a quarter of what they have to offer. I would totally go back. 

Learn More Here: http://www.crayolaexperience.com/

Imagine The Possibilities

Can You Tell Me How To Get To...Sesame Place...Rocks!

Ok ok so I received some mixed feedback on this place and what gave me that push to go was a great price special due to their 37 year anniversary AND growing up I always associated Hershey with Sesame Place because that's where we went on a family vacation before. Now don't get me wrong, they are NOT close to one another! But Sesame Place is on the way home to CT from Hershey. This place rocks!  

I was a little nervous that my oldest would be bored and at first she wanted to go on the bigger water rides and gave me trouble by after 30 mins she was having a blast like the rest of us. This place is a great size, super kid friendly rides, even some great ones for the older kids. It was clean and not too crowded. Granted we did go on a Tuesday. The weather wasn't bad and when it did rain a little we ate dinner and shopped. They have a little wave pool, awesome lazy river, some really cool splash pads. I am so so glad we went.  We stayed 6 hours and did most of the stuff. We saw the parade twice. My girls were beaming with joy!

Good Karma

Chucky Cheese...Check Off Kids Bucket List

We FINALLY took the kids to Chucky Cheese. They have been asking for a while now. It wasn't that I didn't want to go. It was that in CT we didn't have one close to us and it all received negative feedback from friends. So when we planned our vacation in Hershey I looked it up. They had a ton in our area. Well my husband said "did you read the reviews. They are horrible". Great here  we go again! But it was from a year ago and honestly it was almost a now or never situation. So when every one napped my oldest and I took a ride to check it out and it was perfect. When the little ones woke up we said we had a surprise for them and to get ready. When we pull up their expression was priceless. 

"Chucky Cheese..CHUCKY cheese...YAY CHUCKY CHEESE!!!!"  Yeah It def was amazing the excitement in their eyes and for one hour of fun for $20 for three kids sure was a great deal!

I Scream You Scream We All Scream For...

I have been really good. I lost 6 lbs and was determined to not gain any weight on our family vacation. And then there's Friendlys. Literally right outside our hotel window! 

 I walked 20,000 steps the day before at Hershey Park so this was pretty well deserved!

Believe In Yourself

The Secret To Happiness...

Your thoughts become your reality. Put your energy and thoughts into the things that you love. 

Image: Instagram The Secret 

Parents & Sports Sometimes Don't Mix

Tonight at one of my daughter's baseball games a mother from another team on our league was making some comments on how the kids were playing.  I was beyond pissed. Her husband kept telling her to stop and I knew he finally said the coach's wife is right there because she stopped and looked at me. The opposite teams coach had to tell his side to stop with their comments too. Our team was making some errors,we ended up wining which isn't the point. The point is these are kids  young kids  they have good playing days and bad playing days. There's a ton of pressure on them. Playing infront of big crowds, on super hot days. Sometimes they play amazing, sometimes they can't seem to hit the ball. Regardless these are kids. They aren't getting paid, they are sensitive , one rude comment can truly affect them. Also what example are you setting for your own kids who hear you and your comments. I saw this sign the other day and it really should be put up in every field. It sums up the reality. And for those who can't keep quiet then don't come to these games. 

 

Source: Instagram. JustJanney

Life's Lesson: It's Not About You!

Life's lesson: how someone treats you isn't a reflection of you. It's a sad reflection of themselves.  You can't try to heal or change a person who doesn't see an issue in their actions and things they say and do. You have to just pray they heal or change so they can be a better person for themselves. See it's not about you, even though they may say or do something to hurt you. It's something in them that they don't like that causes them to react that way! 

Free Backpack Giveaway July 23rd 2017

Scooper Sunday: Great Event For A Great Cause

Great event for a great cause! 

The Jordan Porco Foundation charity will have their very first Scooper Sunday event at Dunkin' Donuts Park on July 30, 2017, benefiting their suicide prevention programs for young adults. When you give back to their lifesaving cause, you get all-you-can-eat ice cream, baseball, and more.Please consider joining in supporting a local Connecticut event and creating a message of hope for young adults.

Visit their website for more information about this special event, https://www.rememberingjordan.org/fundraising-events/

*Content and image provided by Jordan Porco Foundation

Saint Ann's Italian Festival July 2017

Now you can enjoy Italian frite, Italian ice and more yummy treats two weekends in a row!

Sometimes Mom's Just Need Some Love!

Car Seat Law Effective October 2017

Learn More Here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/act/pa/pdf/2017PA-00230-R00HB-07055-PA.pdf

What's Your Favorite Sundea?

This sundea reminds me of my childhood. It's almost like a peanut butter and jelly treat with an extra kick or two. Black raspberry ice cream with hot fudge, peanut butter, marshmallow and whip cream. I was good this weekend and omitted the last two toppings. It's absolutely delicious. 

What's your favorite sundea?

12 Donuts for Less than $1: Krispy Kreme Celebrates 80 years

A dozen donuts for 80 cents...that's some way to celebrate!

Learn More and view more images here: Krispy Kreme Celebrates 80 Years With Dozen Donuts For 80 Cents Deal « CBS San Francisco http://cbsloc.al/2tc0RQS

 

Bethel Beer Fest July 14 2017

Learn More Here: http://tickets.beerfests.com/Event/BethelBeerFest

Information seen on https://danbury.macaronikid.com/

Everyone Needs A Time Out: Dinner at The Whelk In Westport

Schools out for summer means a lot of different things; staying up past bedtime, laundry full of wet towels and bathing suits, having three kids home is a beautiful yet hard thing to balance  I am a sucker for routine  I don't function well when my routine is off.  I do not live day by day. I enjoy mornings with kids working my afternoons, making dinner and hanging after. I enjoy a routine. Yeah things change once in a while but for most part I had a system and it worked. 

Well it's turned into more than that, cutting my hours to accommodate kids schedule, sneaking out midday to do pickup at camp, making kids dinner at 3:30 so my oldest can travel around Connecticut to play herAll Stars games. Yeah a little overwhelming.  I finally said to my husband I am making little mistakes at work and it's really getting to me! "what do you think is causing it?" He asked  Well it all started since summer began ...my routine is off!

Be ready at 7:30 he said. So I listened. He snuck me out and took me to the Whelk in Westport. Now I have been here for happy hours and was always delicious but this time we sat on the deck in our own little spot and it was magically. I could have just eaten bread and butter and been happy. I ended up ordering their seafood stew which was so comforting and delicious. My husband ordered their steak tartare and burger. Delicious. It gave me a timeout and a second to reflect on the importance of summer. Our time with the girls. Trying to beat the school. Time hustle and bustle. Not setting the alarm in the morning. Just embracing the warm summer nights. This night really helped me a lot!  

Changes In Connecticut Are Hurting Our State

Living in the richest state would make one think opportunities are highly available. Yet families, and companies struggle in this state. It's no longer one income families getting by. It's two working parents just getting by. There's a lot of beauty living where we are but also a lot of hustle and changes that our hurting us every single day! Read this article this morning and it makes sense. School budgets are being cut. Big companies are leaving. Connecticut is not what it used to be.


What on Earth Is Wrong with Connecticut? https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/07/connecticut-tax-inequality-cities/532623/

Happy 4th of July! Happy Independence Day!