Playland 2017...Family Tradition

Last year I took my little ones to Playland with my parents and I could not believe how nice & clean it was, so we did it again this year with everyone and are planning to add this to our "Summer Family Traditions". Here's the best part about this place: you pay to get in and then rides are unlimited. It's the most cost effective, fun way to do any carnival, festival with your kids. If not you have to have them pick a couple rides. Go back buy more riding tickets etc... and every time we go we find awesome coupons. Admission for adults is $30 for non residents. $20 for juniors and kids 2 and under ride for free as long as with an adult. Also they can only go on certain rides.  Below are $5 off adult and junior tickets. We were able to use an adult and junior together.

Solar Eclipse Do It Yourself Goggles

Tomorrow's  solar eclipse is estimated to be around 2:44 pm eastern time in New York. I saw this link on how to make your own goggles and tested them out this morning with the kids. It is really easy to make and quiet clever. We took them outside to test out and it's like a projector inside the box.

Learn How To Make Your Own Here: 

https://www.facebook.com/FOX5NY/videos/10155052410988525/

Happy Sunday... From Darien Diner

Start your morning right with a Happy Face Pancake from Darien Diner. It's perfect because the kids get some fruit and bacon with it too. Delicious fun! I highly recommend their milk shakes too!

Tax Free Week Starts Today in Connecticut 2017

School starts next week...although it's been an awesome summer all good things lowly come to an end. Enjoy some shopping this week sales tax free!


Tax-Free Shopping In Connecticut 2017: Sales Tax Holiday Begins Sunday https://patch.com/connecticut/ridgefield/tax-free-shopping-connecticut-2017-sales-tax-holiday-begins-sunday

Pizza with Penguins Event in Mystic CT

Have you ever heard of doing something as cute as this? Now you can enjoy dinner with the penguins at the Mystic Aquarium. Learn More Here. https://www.facebook.com/events/1914775235455712/?ti=icl

Best Natural Doctors...

Don't Ever Change...Spread The Love

If there are two lessons in life I can have my children learn is to never ever change who you are because of someone else and always treat people how you want to be treated regardless of how they treat you!

Love- it's powerful. Happiness-is amazing. You know I don't have the perfect situation of people constantly around me that make me feel good. It's just how my cards fell.  BUT I do continue to treat them like I would treat those who DO make me feel good. Because in the end if you're happy with yourself and love yourself , truly love yourself , then no one else has the power to take that away!

What Makes Your Soul Happy?

I do a lot with my kids. A lot! I also work everyday so any mornings I have open or nights free we are doing stuff. I love it. Not always things that cost money but just walking the beach or hanging at Merwin Meadows or using our membership to stepping stones.  It's funny how sometimes people say not nice comments about it. Like oh you're doing stuff again...The weird thing is it's no harm to them. So not sure why people would think it's an issue. I mean I work. I am
Raising three kids.  My business has been growing and I am forever grateful for it. My kids are pretty smart. They are good kids too. Yeah they can act up but overall respectful. Intelligent. Well rounded and I just realized they are pretty adventurous.  My adventures may not work for everybody but I am loving it and it's been good for my soul.

So we planned back in June to do a night away in mystic. It was perfect timing because the Mystic Arts Festival was taking place. The energy in the crowd was amazing. The artists and crafts and scenery was so good for the soul. I put my hands up in the air at one point and could feel the positive energy around me. Through my body. Just awesome. So my daughter kept asking if we could take out a boat. Boat? We were hanging on the Mystic River, enjoying the festival. Then she saw a

Kayak. Let's take that out she said. Um no thanks. See I LOVE everything about the ocean except for being in it and what's in it. After an hour we finally said fine go. And my 8 year old and 3 year old kayaked the Mystic River with my husband. 

What? I know. Amazing!

So the next day was my daughters birthday and we woke up. Had breakfast. Swam at hotel. Grabbed friendlys and took the kids to the Mystic Seaport. Talk about amazing! I have been years ago but for some reason was in awe. Clean. So much interesting facts around us. The kids were loving it. The kids were finishing making a little boat with their dad so I went for a

Walk with my middle one. I found a barn with rentals. I was going to surprise them with a boat ride but next trip was 90 mins away. So instead they said we could take a row boat. Hmmm me, water, row boat...so of course I ask everyone and they are pumped so I take one for the team and we go. Of course I don't do the rowing but my husband does and my oldest is the captain. After 30 minutes I had enough and we head back to the docks. 

Our row boat 

Now on the car ride I am laughing. Our night away to mystic turned into

a super adventurous experience and my kids,well, they made it that way. I couldn't put into

words how proud I am of them to have this desire for adventure. Even certain adventures I myself

don't care to have, really shocked me. So for those who think I do too much- well you can shove it. These kids amaze me and I take full responsibility for helping them be amazing. 

Free Ice Cream Today at Freezing Moo in Fairfield CT

Learn More here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1987365314833991??ti=ia

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