Connecticut Wine Festival July 21st & 22nd

This weekend is the Connecticut Wine Festival in Goshen, CT. 

Location: The Goshen Fairgrounds – 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT – located approximately 1/2 mile south of Goshen center on Route 63.

Participating Wineries: Bishops Orchards & Winery, DiGrazia Vineyards, Holmberg Orchards & Winery, Hopkins Vineyard, Jones Winery, Land of Nod Winery, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Paradise Hills Vineyard, Priam Vineyards, Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Taylor Brooke Winery and White Silo Winery

Learn More and Purchase Tickets Here:

http://ctwine.com/events/wine-festival/

Thank You Norwalk Hospital!

Back in February I wrote to the President of Norwalk Hospital about the negative experience I had bringing my daughter to the emergency room. There was nothing kid friendly. Last week I took my other daughter and I walked out smiling. She had a minor injury to her eye. Which healed fast luckily. When we walked in everyone was so nice. There is now a little area for kids to sit and play in. 

When she got into a room they immediately brought her a coloring book, crayons and a teddy bear that she could take home with her. After only being there for 1 hour we went to leave and my daughter asked if she could stay and play more. 

A completely different experience than the one we had in February. I immediately emailed the President thanking him for the changes they made. 

Everyone has good and bad experiences. Voicing your concern DOES make a difference. I am grateful that the suggestions I made have come into play. I am also grateful that we live in a community where focusing on making experiences easier and better is a goal. 

When was the last time you took the time to voice a good or bad experience? When you do be sure to leave emotions out. Also be sure to follow up and always say Thank You when you see changes being made. 

Kids’ Summer Eating Schedule

Deviant Donuts in Vault Coffee Shop Olde Mystic Village

Who doesn’t enjoy a good donut! “We need to stop and try these donuts” my sister said. So we pop in this cute little coffee shop, Vault Coffee Roasters in Olde Mystic Village and the donuts look incredible. There’s a little donut rack with these big, fluffy donuts. We ask which ones are the most popular and she says the Samoa. We grab that one and the Blueberry Lavender one and a couple others. BUT these two stood out the most because anything with Lavender you know is going to be delectable on your pallet. Refreshing. Sweet. Girly. I know I just called a donut girly. But really you can’t pass up any dessert that has lavender in it. 

The Samoa well I was kindof speechless.... I know right me speechless?! So you bite into it and you get the coconut flavor but not too strong but what got me was the donut batter itself. It was like a crossiant inside. I can’t describe it. It was soft inside. Crunchy outside. The hint of chocolate paired well. Just amazing. 

Next time you are in the area be sure to check them out!

Sticky Situations

In Old Mystic Village there is a store called Sticky Situations with honey from around the USA. They have stations setup where you can taste the different flavors. They even have a board up next to it that recommends tea and food pairings with that type of honey. So fun and delicious!

Www.stickysituations.com

Sunday Funday In Mystic CT

Just another one of our Sunday trips. This was to Mystic. My girls ended up doing Port Jeff with their Dad since he had family from Italy visiting. I drove up with my parents, sisters, niece and brother in law. It was the perfect weather. 

I told my sister we would kayak the Mystic River. She laughed at me. After we did she went and did it again with my brother in law. She loved it and actually rocked at it. 

We shopped and add at Red 36. Beautiful restaurant right on the water. The food was delicious. Ambiance made you feel like you were on vacation.  

We ended the day shopping in Mystic Village. The colonial style stores make it so unique. They have live music playing and ducks walking around. It’s so much fun and so close to home. 

What day trips have you taken lately to have a little adventure in life?

Summer Moms: There’s Just So Much We Can Take

Enjoy the laugh!

Get Through It...

Music From My Roots: Taking It Back.

Yesterday we enjoyed a BBQ at my parents house which then turned into a dance party. We then started to remanence about songs from our childhood. We grew up in a Italian Houehold. My father always snuck in after work and would sneak up behind my mom and dance with her while she cooked listening to her favorite Italian songs. Then we would say how silly they were but when you now hear those songs it takes you to a place of love. Where mom was always cooking fresh, homemade, Italian meals. Where Dad, after a long day of work, had a twinkle in his eye as he saw my mom.  



There was a couple songs that made us cry. Some stories that brought back some memories we tried not to keep upfront but most of all my children got to listen and dance to some songs of my childhood. Songs that left an impression on my life. Just like the one above

Happy Birthday America!

(NYC Fireworks photos credit: DT)

Happy 4th of July! 

NICE Festival July 7th

Learn More Here: https://norwalknice.org/

Washington Prime Happy Hour

Not even sure what’s in this drink but if I had to explain it I would say it’s a garden in a glass. Delicious, refreshing  and the best summer drink. We have been going here for Happy Hour and the prices are amazing. The drinks are delicious and the atmosphere is always fun!

Be A Pineapple...

Summer Time...

Thursday was the 1st official day of Summer! Happy Summer readers!!

I lay in bed this morning, up way much earlier than I should be, with my windows open and realize the birds outside sound like a scene from Jurassic Park. 

Everything comes to life in Summer. Everyone is happier. I find even the healthier foods taste better. The kids energy level does slightly increase but I have a lot of fun little adventures planned with them. 

Fireflies, fireworks, filling up the cooler, happy hours, kid festivals, food trucks, ice cream, suntan faces, oh Summer...you’re the only therapy I need!

Every Lesson Helps You Grow!

We Can’t Help It...Italian Girl Moods

Being Italian this totally explains it all. We are either lovers but yet can easily turn into little fighters. It’s our instinct to love with our all or make sure you know we aren’t happy. 

Balance...that’s what we need to work on. Enjoy the laugh!

Stay For Dinner...Health Kick...

I have been on this 6 week health kick. Wake up work out, eat good all day. My body has never felt better. Stronger. Fit. Happy. 

So my mom says for me to stay for dinner. She will make Salmon and vegetables. Sure mom. She made other things for the kids too. When I walk into her kitchen she pulls out these dishes. Um.. yum. 

Roasted peppers. Red peppers. Grilled eggplant. Roasted carrots and she even threw in grilled zucchini. After dinner she packed it all up and said enjoy. 

I have veggies for days!

Moms rock. But mine is extra special. She always does stuff with a smile. She will set your butt straight if you need to but there’s nothing I can’t share with her and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to make sure I am happy. 

That’s love!

So with the official start of summer I challenge YOU to get in shape too. To focus on being a healthier version of you. To be good to your body. To be strong. Healthy. Fit. And of course....HAPPY!

Connecticut Fireworks Schedule 2018

http://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fireworks-2018

Taco Festival...Saturday June 30th 2018

Learn More Here: https://cttacofestival.com/food/

Road Jam Music Fest This Weekend

Beer Festival this weekend.

https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/road-jam-music-festival

Monday Motivation: Protect Your Inner Peace

The Putting Kids To Bed Battles

It Started Off As Just Lunch...

We get to spend every Sunday together. It used to be just lunch but now it’s an all day event. We have lunch. Go for a walk. Cousins get to play. Me and my sisters get to catch up on life. My parents join in on the laughs. Then we order dinner and hang some more. The kids love it. We love it. My parents love it. Everyday I am grateful for my Pop. He sits around a table of 8 girls and one son in law and always smiles. It’s not about the fancy things in life or money or the struggles. It’s about coming together once a week and no one being in a hurry to leave. 

There’s no price tag for this. Three generations together. Every Sunday. It’s a beautiful thing. 

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads. My dad is still the first man I call whenever I need something. He’s still my “superhero” ...off to the rescue. Always has my back and makes sure to always ask me “are you ok, are you happy”. 

Thanks Dad and thanks to all the Dads who make every child’s life easier. Works hard to provide the best for them. Cherish’s the moments you have with your kids and will always put them first over your own needs. 

Cheers to you!

Stuffed Churros El Segundo Sono...Oh My!

Best I ever had! You can’t come here and NOT get their amazing churros. This week we had them and they were filled with dulce de leche. Absolutely amazing...so amazing that we ordered another round. 

Hard At Work...Maybe

I work from home so can work anywhere. I love it. So sometimes my sister will work from home too and it’s awesome. I usually grab our favorite, Layla’s in Stamford, for lunch and we work side by side. I must say it gets lonely at times working alone so this is super great for me to have someone in the same house as I work. 

Making memories doesn’t have to always be so glamorous. Changing your daily routine can actually be good for you. 

It was the perfect way to end a crazy week.  

Only Hold On To What Matters...

The Great Duck Race This Saturday

http://westportsunriserotary.org/

Sunset Grille In Norwalk With My Mom...

It’s been a while since it was just her and me. I texted her and said I needed some Mom time and if she could sneak out for lunch. Of course she said yes. We went to Sunset Grille in Norwalk. Wasn’t the best sunny day but still something about eating outside, on the water, made it feel amazing that Summer was around the corner. 

Not sure why I even bother looking at the menu. Their fried shrimp has always been my favorite. It never fails. Always tastes the same. Delicious. Jumbo shrimp. My mom got the fish tacos which is my second favorite. They are huge. So tasty. The savory salsa is very refreshing Love coming here. The ambiance makes you feel like you’re on a mini vacation. 

Of course had great conversations. My Mom is my rock. Truly grateful for her. Also love making her laugh. I have always been the one child that always told her too much. I think she actually enjoys it most of the time. 

When was the last time you took a break and enjoyed some time with your Mom?

https://www.sunsetgrille.net/

Are You Ok? Are You Happy? Happy Birthday To My Pop

Every time I see my Dad he asks me two questions. Are you ok? Are you happy? Those two questions really sum it up. When I reply yes he nods his head and smiles. My Dad came to this country at 16 years old and didn’t even know the language. He raised three kids, started a successful business, put us through college, paid for our weddings, took care of anything we need along the way and NEVER complained. Never. He never threw anything in our face. He wakes up everyday. Makes my mom coffee. Heads to Work and smiles. 

He’s always made our life easier. For me. For my sisters. For my girls. For my mom. He’s the one man I know who I will love and will love me forever. 

May life always be good to you since you’re always so good to us! Cheers Pop! May you live to be 100. 

Don’t Ever Compromise Yourself

This is so powerful in so many ways. Never let life’s lessons defeat who you are. 

If You Give A Mom A Muffin...

Parenting Humor...Mastering The Staredown

Wine & Food Festival Starts Today

Mom Is Still Cool!

Instant Gratification...It Takes Time

I have seen it over and over again. The trader, the weight loss junkie, the women and men wanting something and wanting it now without much effort. Instant gratification- to be rewarded fast to fill the need to feel good, make fast money, fulfill a void. 

It has to change. I get we all have a need to keep a spark in us alive. I do this too! But we forget...it takes TIME!

Effort- put some real effort into whatever you want to fulfill. Whether advancing in a career, loosing weight, finding a significant other or making money and being wealthy. The desire to fulfill our want is something we want NOW, in an instant. But what people forget it takes time. Strategy. Patience. 

We all have this need in us. The need to reach the top without dealing with the “middle”. Middle is the process to reach that gratification. The middle is the MOST important. 

Why? Because it teaches you lessons! When you act on impulse it can backfire. The process in between teaches you a lot. People forget that. 

The excitement of reaching and achieving fast results is amazing but it is short lived. 

So my advice, to the people dating, to the trader who isn’t having luck, to the newbie at work, to the young and older adults looking to achieve, fast, quick, gratification...STOP! 

Process the journey. Trust me. The lessons are much more rewarding and beneficial than the end result. 

Happy 1st Of The Month

Happy 1st Of The Month. Summer Vibes. Weekend get aways. Family fun days with my girls. Excited that it’s finally June. A month of transition from school to break. From getting tan to beach adventures. I have a funny feeling this will be a great month! 

Hope you wake up feeling the same way!