Day 201 – Get ME to the Greek

Lol!! I’m just kidding – don’t worry I won’t be rubbing the furry wall for my intention – hahaha (love that movie). Today in my town, literally just downstairs from my home they are having the Annual Greek Festival- so I knew immediately what my intention would be. We went, we ate Gyros and other customary food that I honestly can’t remember how to pronounce but was so, so good!! We ran into some of our neighbors and just hung out with them. The husband just got back from a tour and was dressed in his military whites which I just think is so neat. Whenever you walk the streets of my town, you are likely to run into quite a few military groups of guys and gals perfectly groomed and in their uniforms.

Anyhow, I ran upstairs and made us drinks and brought down Sangria’s and mixed drinks for everyone and as we sat there listening to the music and watching the dancing going on- they opened up the dance floor for everyone to participate. Well I personally do not know all of the Greek style dancing but it looked like fun. Our friends’ daughter ran up right away to start dancing. I leaned over to Vinny and said “I should do it – I should totally dance with the Greeks for my intention today.” He said I should absolutely do it and he would take pics.

So, I went up and made my way into the circle. What a true blue blast!! I immediately caught on and had so much fun. The music – the people – the food – the dancing – truly an A1 intention for sure! I am literally sitting out on my deck right now at 11pm listening to the live music and the people and just loving every second of it! As Vinny was standing there he said “Well, you surely don’t get this anywhere else do ya?” I am so happy to be right where I am - right now on this very night. Cheers! #HGAL #loveyourlifewhileyoucan #summerlove #Greekdancingissomuchfun #Iwannabreaksomeplatesnow hahaha

 

Day 200 – Family Tree

I wanted to do something a little special for my blog entry #200! How exciting- what a milestone!!

I was thinking about Heather, family and how large our family really is. It reminded me of when I came across a copy of our family tree at my dad’s house quite a few years ago. It was literally like 4 inches thick and it was his mom and dad’s German lineage going back as far as the 1700’s. I was so impressed by the wealth of information that had been preserved. It gave information and tidbits about some of the family members, their stories, hobbies, etc. I really, really enjoyed it. I made copies of some of it and vowed that one day I would complete a family tree for our extension of the family.

I worked on it for about 2 years off and on – it seriously is not an easy thing getting together all that information- making phone calls, writing notes, getting pictures together etc. But I finally got it all typed out about 6 months ago. Well, I needed to make copies and get them mailed out and I never did. I ended up putting it aside and vowing to pick it up again soon and get it done. Well, for my blog intention- today is just that day. I got it out, put everything in order, proof read it and have it packed and ready to go tomorrow for copies and mailing to my two brothers and my sister. I am also making copies for each of my children and will continue to add to them and let them know they are here with me for them when they are ready.

I am so very excited about this intention! It includes both my mom and dad’s side- going back many many years. I wrote interesting facts about our childhood growing up, made a dedication page to those in our family that have passed away and I even wrote a poem about family that I will include in it as well. My hope is that they will all continue to add on for their families as I am doing. After all….family is the most important thing in life right? We should have a record of it when we can. I am happy to be able to supply my entire family with our history and feel excited to watch our family tree continue to grow!! #HGAL #includingacoupleoffunpicsofmyfamilybelow #70skids #hystericalfashionsensebackthen

 

 

 

Day 199 – Newport BridgeFest

There is a festival in my town that lasts all week and has multiple events from morning through the evening, this Monday - Thursday. It’s called BridgeFest and it celebrates and honors music in many various ways. There are live concerts around town, movies that celebrate music (for instance, there is one on the life of Amy Winehouse – ps…I adored her from the moment she entered the scene and I still do even though her time here is gone). Anyhow, there are arts and crafts fairs, children’s activities and so much more. The week includes music from all genres including- classical, jazz, folk, punk, hip hop, rock and more.

For my intention today I decided to walk over and listen to a live concert on Bowen’s Wharf. My mom and I went over and listened to Ilana Katz Katz – a fiddler. It was nice. This isn’t the type of music I would just sit around listening to normally but for the time we were there it was fun, the scene made it also quite enjoyable. The wharf was crowded, the sun was shining bright and the ocean breeze was in the air. I thought to myself as we were standing there listening to the music how blessed I feel to be alive.

We met up with Vinny afterwards and we all went to the beach for about an hour or so. We walked and talked and enjoyed the beach, the sand, the breeze and the atmosphere. Afterwards we went out to eat to a local Italian bistro. Cheers to life- I hope you (all my readers) out there are loving your summer and taking full advantage of all the summer has to offer!  #lovesummer #HGAL

Day 198 – Herb Garden

After the success of my green onions from blog day #163, I am so inspired and excited for today’s blog intention- I decided to begin an herb garden. I was just so amazed at how fast my onions grew up so large and so completely healthy (see pic below). So, I figured….why not give some herbs a shot as well? So I purchased some basil, cilantro and mint which happen to be three of the herbs I use most.

When Vinny got home from work we tackled it together. We repotted them with care and ease. The aromas were so completely delicious and refreshing. I am so excited to be able to just go clip off the herbs I need when I need it and all because I tried something new for this blog. Today was a good day. Cheers #HGAL

Day 197 – For The Laughs

Today was “just another Manic Monday” (whoa whoa) lol - I couldn’t help myself – I am an 80’s brat! Anyhow, today was nutty with a twist of stressful so for my intention today I decided to just watch a marathon of The Big Bang Theory and laugh, laugh, laugh. Vinny came home with Chinese food for dinner and we all enjoyed an amazing dinner and quite a few laughs.

I just love Sheldon and all his shananigans, Penny, Wolowitz and the crew. I don’t think I have ever watched this show and not cracked up! And isn’t it totally true what they “Laughter IS the bestest medicine”. There is nothing better than a solidly great laugh on a crazy Monday.

My mom and I sat out on the deck earlier watching the sunset and enjoy our cocktail hour and conversation. I am blessed and lucky to have my mom in my life and don’t take it for granted for even one single moment. So, as we listened, watched and giggled away at The Big Bang Theory, I enjoyed the fact that even on a Manic Monday I simply love life! #Cheers #HGAL

Day 196 – Good Deeds

I have my ways when it comes to giving. I believe in the old adage that giving should be done in private (for the most part). Of course, my passion when it comes to charity has always been to give on behalf of battered women so of course in the past when I have parties to collect for the basic needs of these women I have to let people know. But when I give to the homeless or donate to charity or something to that nature I really do not talk much about it – I just do it.

However, for the rest of this blog I will be incorporating some “good deed” intentions. Giving back is a major part of who I am as a human being and after careful consideration I believe that in this case, sharing that part of me on this blog will hopefully be powerful, inspirational and maybe even contagious. So for the duration of this blog, I will be coming up with some new ways of giving back and doing good deeds, other than the cause I support and my normal “giving” comfort zone.

So with that in mind, for my intention today I have decided to clean up the streets in my neighborhood as a good deed. Although where I live is beautiful and they do a stand up job of keeping the streets clean- the fact is, this is a tourist town and I am right in the heart of it. There are shops, restaurants, ice cream places and clubs/bars all around me- so it is what it is – people litter.

Tomorrow is trash day so everyone pulls their barrels out to the road to be collected in the morning by the trash collectors. So, I decided to put on a glove, grab a bag and help pick up around my area just in time for trash day. Well, who would have thought this would have ended up being fun. My mom came out to snap a few pictures and keep me company. As I was picking up the trash, I came across a broken, mangled and smashed flat pair of eyeglasses. I picked them up and just started cracking up! What the heck was the story behind these things??? We laughed as I made faces and pretended to put them on (um…yea…of course I didn’t let them touch my face- lol). Anyhow, after I was done I not only felt instantly rewarded but was in awe about the fact that anything done with the right attitude can be fun- yup….even picking up someone else’s trash to make this world - or at least your street – a better place! #HGAL

 

Day 195 – BINGO!

For today’s intention we decided to head to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut and play Bingo! We both love Foxwoods but have not gone for Bingo yet. We used to sometimes play at a casino in Arizona when we first met and had so much fun together. That was quite a few years ago. But I went to Arizona a couple years back, my sister took me and a bunch of my family and friends met us there (my sister actually hosts the show) and I was impressed with how much this game has changed over the years at the casino. It was all lit up with black lights and music and they even paused to open up a dance floor midway through. I’m not sure if Foxwoods does that but I’m soon to find out.

Whether we win or lose it will not matter. This will be a really fun intention and who knows… maybe I’ll take my chances with the slots. (I did that night my sister took me and I won $500 on my first pull!!) I am excited for another short road trip and awesome intention. I will be updating pictures tonight when we get back. #HGAL

 

Day 194 – Anniversary in Boston

Today is Vinny and my 10 year wedding anniversary! Cheers!! We have been together for 12 years but 10 years ago today we were in one of the most beautiful places on earth (in my opinion) being married….Sedona, Arizona. Last year we spent our anniversary in Boston- we went to the Aquarium and ate at Legal Sea Foods, did some shopping and ate a ton of dessert in the North End. When Vinny asked me previously what I wanted to do for our special day this year I told him I would love to spend it in Boston again! I just LOVE that city!!

We do not have an itinerary for our daytime plans- we both love to just do what our hearts please but we are sure to go to some of our favorite hot spots in the North End, Faneuil Hall, maybe a duck tour or a museum. Then we have tickets for the Red Sox game tonight!!! I love Fenway Park so much and every time we’ve gone we have had such a blast! I am excited to spend the day with my best friend, the man I am lucky enough to spend the rest of my life with, Vinny.

My intention for the day is to go on a romantic horse and buggy ride because I have never done that before. Obviously, I don’t have pictures yet and since I surely won’t be back before my midnight deadline I will have to post pictures for this posting tomorrow. #HGAL #Happy10yearAnniversary #itsaBostoninthesummerkindofday #soexcitedforthegame #RedSoxNation

**Follow Up**
We had a blast in Boston all day yesterday but unfortunately they no longer offer horse and buggy rides on Fridays only Sat & Sun. The duck tours were also sold out. Such is life that not everything always goes according to plan (especially when you don't properly prepare) but it's times like this when we just roll along with a positive attitude and enjoy everything else life has to offer- which is exactly what Vinny and I did and everything still was perfect. 

That's what I like about us as a pair... we just roll along. We find the sunshine and enjoy what we can, when we can and to me this kind of day on our 10 yr anniversary actually seemed somehow fitting- hahaha. 

We watched a bunch of random street shows, visited our favorite spots, walked the city of Boston- eating, drinking, hand in hand, simply soaking it all in. We went to a Farmers Market right in the heart of the city, we stopped at Hard Rock for a mid day cocktail, went to Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, the North End and so much more. As planned we ended our evening at Fenway Park- enjoyed the Red Sox game  from awesome seats just off home plate. We experienced most of what Fenway has to offer (which is so amazing!!, the food, the history, the side shows, etc). I am following up as promised with some of the pics from our day.

Day 193 – Jamestown Windmill

On the way back home from spending the day with my mom at the mall and running errands- as we were just about to get on the bridge to come back to the island I noticed a sign for Jamestown. Just in conversation I said, “There is a big windmill somewhere in that town that you can see from the bridge when you’re going over it. One day I want to go find it.” Being the trooper that my mother is- she said, “Let’s do it.” After agreeing that it would make an amazing intention, I took the exit and we were off on an adventure.

The town was so beautiful! There were people everywhere sitting outside at multiple sea side outdoor patio restaurants, sailboats were beautifully scattered in the harbor making for a picturesque backdrop, the bridge was in plain view and the small vintage random churches and buildings were perfectly placed throughout the town. I will absolutely be back to this town very soon, but for today we were on a mission to find the windmill.

I ended up having to stop and ask at a gas station but we were not far off at all. We pulled over and although it was closed, we snapped some pictures and enjoyed the multiple farms, cows and water in view. This was an awesome last minute intention on this busy, bustling day. I got everything accomplished today and was happy to share some “silly time” with my momma. #HGAL #thatswhatlifesabout #enjoyingthemoment #lovesummer

Day 192 – The Looking Glass

My mom and I went to the beach today in the early evening. As we were there I got a call from Vinny saying he was just home from work and coming by to join us. When he got there, mom offered to get everyone Lobster Rolls for dinner and of course we were in! As we were sitting there waiting for our food to come Vinny said I should take a peek through the giant binoculars that were right there (and placed all over my town for tourists).

I realized that the last time I ever looked through a pair of those was when I went to Chicago last for Heathers wedding. During that vacation my husband at the time and I went up to the Sears tower and I looked out of the huge binoculars at the city below. I don’t ever remember looking through those other than that time in my life. So of course I was in! What a fitting intention. I looked all around to the people walking on the cliff- walking in the distance, the boats racing around in the deeper waters and I looked randomly around the ocean and beach.

Afterwards I was sitting there eating my dinner, ocean in view and the sounds of summer filling the air. I was thinking back to that trip to Chicago and what a beautiful bride Heather was and her handsome groom in his immaculate white military uniform. It was so amazing to see her so perfectly paired with her soul mate and best friend. They made such a gorgeous couple. I miss Heather so much and silently wished those binoculars I was looking through could see all the way into the heavens. #HGAL #missmygirlsobad #peeringintothelookingglass #aretheycalledbigbinocularsorwhat

Day 191 – Beach Concert

When Vinny was on his way home from work today, he asked me if I wanted to meet him at the beach for a nice early evening stroll before dinner. I immediately agreed and we met there. As soon as I pulled up I noticed a very large crowd sitting around a make shift stage by the buildings that have the snack bar, a large carousel and children’s aquarium.

Vinny and I realized that it was a concert of some sort going on so I said “Oh yay! For my intention, let’s go listen to music for a while before our walk.” As we approached I heard a familiar awesome 80’s song, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”- I remembered Heather and I listening to this song as young children and I thought that it was so ironic that it was playing right when we walked up. The music was a wonderful variety of music including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bruno Mars, Meaghan Trainor and I even got to hear Footloose (another 80’s awesome song).

People got up and were dancing all around. Uh….yea….that includes me too! The music just moves me- I love to dance! I was dancing a bit and even when we walked away I was still doing little dance moves as we walked down the beach in the sand. The air was warm and there wasn’t as much of a breeze as usual so we walked into the shallow tide and let the cool ocean water rise over our feet and cool us down. Afterwards we went to a local Thai restaurant for dinner and the night was perfectly completed. #musiconthebeachisawesome #HGAL #summernights

Day 190 – Just for Vinny

I happened to be married to the kind of guy who always puts his family first…ALWAYS. He is by far the best man I have ever, ever known. He works so hard and gives so much so often - it is absolutely endearing and a true honor to be on the other end of that. I have to insist before he will do anything for himself (taking time to golf, buy himself something, etc.). The boys and I have been blessed to have him in our lives for the past 12 years and I eagerly await many, many more.

He has been such a huge part of this blog and everything I am doing. He has supported me and encouraged me every single day. He is always willing to do anything I plan. He loved Heather so much and loved how close we were as well. He knows the importance of this blog and that kind of support is my favorite part of being married to my best friend.

Today I wanted to get him some new clothes but knew it would be hard to convince him to go. He always says that “he’s good and doesn’t need anything”. I usually break down and just buy his things for him when he’s not even there. But I decided that today for my intention I would take him to get some new clothes. I asked him to come with me to the market but took him to TJ Maxx instead (love that store!). He resisted at first but I insisted saying that I wanted him to have some new stuff and that he totally deserved it. He wandered in with me and we ended up having a great time. He absolutely insisted that I get some stuff too and it ended up being so much fun – just the two of us – shopping away. We went out to dinner after and the evening was perfect.

Showing appreciation comes in so many ways, planned and unplanned- sometimes big sometimes small. This intention was just a small way to show my appreciation for my husband and ended up absolutely making my day. #HGAL

Day 189 – Country Club Bloody Mary’s

I was invited to a baby shower at the New Bedford Country Club in Massachusetts. Vinny’s niece is pregnant and due in September. There were over 100 ladies there and the spread was absolutely divine. I only knew about 10 or so of the ladies but I had a great time nonetheless. My sister in law scooped me up and brought me to the main table to sit with the family which made me feel quite honored.

As I sat chatting with my extended family, I realized how blessed I am to have been so welcomed into this close knit family so many years ago. Living closer to them now has only strengthened those bonds which is heartwarming and amazing. As I was chatting with my sister in law who is the soon to be Grandma, she asked me what I wanted to drink. After we ordered and I heard her order a Bloody Mary- simply in conversation, I mentioned to her that I had never had one before. She said they were so delicious and I just had to try it and the country club made the best one she had ever had.

So, for my intention today I decided to spread out from my Mimosa comfort zone and try something different (when in Rome right??). It was really good! It was a little spicy and I could taste the tomato base but it was somehow refreshing all at the same time. I sipped away on my newfound brunch beverage and enjoyed the company of a truly wonderful group of women. #HappySundayFunday #HGAL

Day 188 – Black Ships and Polo and Sharks…OH MY!

Today there were so many events and happenings going on in my area, and the weather was such perfection that for my intention today I decided to do them all!! Vinny, mom and I started our day by walking down to a local restaurant and having brunch. It was packed and the vibe was already buzzin in town so I knew right then and there it was going to be a great day!!

We walked through the town and went to the Black Ships Festival first. It was Asian themed. There were demonstrations going on, vendors and it was a great atmosphere. After taking that in, we decided to walk to the beach area and walk the Cliff Walk. It was about 2:00 by the time we made our way back to the house. We dropped off our stuff and headed a few blocks up the road to the pier where they were having the 2^nd Annual Shark Tournament. That was something to really speak about! They would hoist the shark out of the fishing boat by crane. It would slowly come around to be put onto the scale and weighed. The shark pictured below is actually 245lbs and had a real blueish hue to him. It was surreal and freaky being that close to a freshly caught shark! I saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

After leaving there, we dropped Vinny off at the house and mom and I headed out to meet the lovely ladies of my social group at polo. I have been hearing so much about it and everyone I have talked to said it’s a really great time and we were not disappointed. Thousands of people were there, tailgating and enjoying the scene. All the girls and I brought food and drinks and absolutely enjoyed the day and into the early evening. The conversation, the game, eating and drinking….it just really makes me appreciate life and all the activities life has to offer.

As I spoke to some of the girls, I mentioned the blog and what an awesome addition it is to my life. I spoke of Heather and how she inspired this life changing premise. I was blessed to have my mom there with me as well and everyone just loved her too (as everyone always does). Anyhow, today was a truly lovely and enjoyable day. Cheers to a fabulous weekend !!! #HGAL

Shark Tournament

Polo with the girls

More polo shots- such an awesome time!

Black Ships festival

Nature pics from our cliff walk

 

 

Day 187 – Hot Air Balloon Festival

For today’s intention – mom, Vinny and I headed over to the Hot Air Balloon Festival. There was a small fair area on one side, tons of vendors selling all kinds of random items and a long line of food, snacks, drinks and desserts.

We hung out for a bit looking and shopping around at all the vendors’ items, we stopped for fried dough and listened to a really talented band for a while too. Then we saw that they were starting to inflate the humongous hot air balloons. We made our way to where the crowds were rapidly getting larger. Although it was a bit of a timely process, we watched as they inflated the balloons at dusk. We were able to chat a bit with the people around us and just enjoy the beautiful air, music in the background and wonderful sights. As it got darker, the large bright burst of flames beautifully illuminated the decorative balloons. They went up in the air but stayed tethered.

We went out for a late dinner afterwards and talked about how nice the festival was and how glad we were that we went. This was a fun intention- Happy Friday!!

Day 186 – Mansion Movie

Today’s intention is absolutely one of my favorites by far! My social club that I joined earlier in this blog invited me to join them tonight for an outdoor movie on the back lawn of a local ocean side mansion called “The Marble House”. This beautiful mansion is a very famous tourist attraction. I have never been to it before tonight. Well, apparently there was a much bigger turn out than expected because it was said that there were approximately 1,000 people there tonight.

So, when I got there I was looking everywhere for the girls. I couldn’t find them and didn’t have anyone’s number with me. I ended up just putting my chair down, walking around for a bit then resolving to just watch it by myself. Then they found me! Being that it was BYOB and picnic style, we all had wine and snacks to share and there were local vendors selling things as well. But the girls and I were well prepared.

Then the movie came on and I was skeptical at first to find out it was a documentary type movie. But OMG I was so happy because it was all about Iris Apfel- a quick witted, flamboyantly dressed 93 year old New York diva! It was an inspirational piece about creativity and how a beautiful soul, a true free spirit continues to inspire. She has such an enthusiasm for life, style, fashion and self-expression that I found myself lost in the movie and simply in awe. One of my favorite quotes of the movie is when she said “Curiosity and a sense of humor are two of man’s greatest gifts”. 

The lady I was sitting by and I got into a great conversation after the show was over about fashion and self-expression. I told her that I have always considered myself a “gypsy soul” – I blow where my life’s wind takes me and live life to the fullest every day. Obviously, I also told her about this blog and she was very interested. She shared some things about herself and it was a great conversation.

I am both inspired and happy to have been a part of today’s intention. I am happy to have learned about the life of Iris and can only hope people find me inspirational in some way, shape or form. Heather is my inspiration and I love her so much. #HGAL #summernights

At the beginning before I found the girls- lol

 

Yay! With the group #somuchfun #suchgreatladies

Day 185 – Push It Up

In regards to the weather…today was stormy, sticky and kinda yucky. After a huge storm like we had today with the thunder and lightning and massive downpour, I do love how clean and fresh the air feels. Makes me just want to take a long, deep cleansing breath- and that I truly appreciate.

So I decided since I didn’t have a chance to do beach yoga yesterday (cause of the bad weather) or make it to my gym, I would work out a bit at home. There has always been one exercise that I cannot stand because it is just so challenging- pushups. Well, in the spirit of my blog for today’s intention I decided to attempt to add them to my work out. They have always been so uncomfortable to do in my opinion. But being that I am trying to reach out and incorporate some new things in my life, I decided it’s time to give them a whirl.

I don’t want to admit how many I could do…I will admit that I didn’t make it to double digits- lol. But I gave it my best and feel better for it. This was a nice intention on this rainy hump day. #HGAL

Day 184 – Holy Cannoli

One of my all-time favorite desserts are definitely cannoli’s. Especially here on the east coast, there are so many Italian bakeries everywhere, I have been in cannoli heaven, lol. But today…today I stumbled upon a true gem. I decided for my intention to try a recipe I recently downloaded and attempt to make one of the most intimidating desserts (in my eyes) - my beloved cannoli’s. I don’t know why I have never been brave enough to attempt it. But when I saw this particular recipe (yes, you guessed it….on Pinterest!!) I just had to try it! It used sugar cones for the shell and looked so simple and easy, possibly even too good to be true.

So I gathered the supplies and made it as directed. I cannot believe how perfectly delicious they were! I made 12 and they literally tasted every bit as good as the bakeries. I am so super excited too because it took about 15 minutes to make, which on my busy schedule is such a plus. Happy Tuesday readers- do yourself a favor and make this recipe at least once, you’ll be hooked!! #HGAL

 

Day 183 – Blueberry Pickin’

Over the past years, I’ve been apple picking, strawberry picking, raspberry picking, and blackberry picking. But for today’s intention- I went blueberry pickin’! This was a first time ever doing that.

I picked my mom up and we went to a local farm called Sweet Berry Farm. This is the same place Vinny and I took Elijah last fall to pick apples and raspberries. Something about picking fresh food is so super cool to me. There is really something special about picking a piece of fresh fruit from its natural environment and putting it straight into your mouth to eat right then and there that feels somehow….like paradise. It signifies summer…it signifies life…it feels so rewarding and happy. Such a seemingly easy thing to do but it brings such a sense of accomplishment and joy. Anyhow, there were rows and rows of blueberry bushes with the sweetest, ripest most unbelievably wonderful tasting blueberries. The flavor is so vastly different from the ones in the market- they are obviously so much better in their raw and natural state!

Mom and I were amongst others out there picking away…searching for the biggest and ripest. The store had fresh strawberries for sale so we got some of those as well. Tonight for dessert, we had strawberry/blueberry shortcake!! This was a fun intention on another beautiful, sunny, summer day. #HGAL

 

Day 182 – Art Festival

Today was a perfect New England day. After Vinny and I had brunch and a brief stop at the beach- we picked up my mom and for my intention headed to a nearby art festival in Wickford, RI. I have been seeing signs for it around and have heard it was really amazing. Honestly, had it not been for this blog we probably wouldn’t have gone because today would have been a perfect day to just be a beach bum all day. But, I said I wanted to do this art festival for my intention and thank goodness I did. The beach will be there every day but this is only once a year.

So, first of all it was so much bigger than I thought it would be. There were hundreds of tents set up everywhere all up and down the streets of this quaint, rustic, beach town. There were beautiful bridges, water views, amazing architecture, live music and some of the nicest people ever! As we walked around we looked at the brilliant and unique art pieces, statues, sculptures, and even some clothes and jewelry. Vinny and I ended up getting our caricature done which was totally random and funny. We ended up buying a piece of art for our home that we both simply could not live without. To us, the piece we chose represents New England in such a fun and appropriate manner, especially these summer months. The moment we came home we got it hung up and it looks amazing with its bright, vibrant colors and happy vibe.

Here’s to another amazing blog intention on a fabulous summer day. #HGAL #summerlove

Day 181 – Kite Festival

Today for my intention we went to the Newport Kite Festival. It was out at Brenton Point State Park which is surrounded by water on every side. It is actually famous for kite flying so when I heard there was going to be a kite festival, I knew I just had to go! I personally don’t fly kites but have seen some so large being flown there that they actually require 2 people to operate.

Vinny had to run into work for a bit today so mom and I went to the festival ourselves, took beach chairs and after walking around a bit we put the chairs down and enjoyed the show. There were not only professionals flying kites but they had a bunch for sale so there were people everywhere flying them as well. All shapes, all sizes, all ages. It was the warmest day of the season so far here and not as much breeze as there usually is on that point but it was fun to sit in the sun, listen to the music and watch the performances being done. They actually had a guy that flew his kite synchronized to a song and it was neat to me that people can really do that.

Anyhow, after we left the show we went over to Fort Adams to look at one of the tall ships pulled into the bay. There was a surf fest going on so there were a lot of people there too. We went shopping around for a bit then met up with Vinny. We all went out to an early dinner and then to a movie.

This was a really good day. #summerdays #HGAL #kiteskitesandmorekites

Day 180 – Dessert Is Served

Tonight after dinner (chicken enchiladas and jasmine rice…yummy!)- Vinny, my mom and I went for a walk. The streets were packed with tons of tourists. The night air was perfectly beautiful. I was trying to figure out something to do for my intention tonight and when I mentioned that to Vinny- he suggested we go out for dessert to somewhere new. We went to The Mooring, an ocean side restaurant. We’ve been there for dinner before and loved it. But tonight it was dessert time – we usually go to The Red Parrot or Cupcake Charlie’s for our desserts but wanted to try here for my intention. We asked to sit on the patio- outside beside all the boats, beside the water and the beauty of the evening sky.

Vinny ordered us all Mai Tai’s. Mom didn’t want anything for dessert but me and Vin were all in on sharing two desserts. He ordered some sort of chocolate peanut butter pie topped with pretzel pieces and I ordered a twist on my favorite dessert Crème Brulee--- they called it Boston Crème Brulee. It was delicious- like a Boston Crème Pie meets Crème Brulee (heavenly)lol!

Just sitting outside talking, laughing, relaxing together and walking around town was such a great intention and a truly great evening. #TGIF #HGAL #Summernights

Day 179 – Lip Sync

Today I stumbled on a marathon of the LL Cool J hosted show called Lip Sync Battle. OMG I laughed so hard! It is so entertaining. This got me thinking about how much fun Heather and I used to have in the car bouncing around and singing to the songs playing on the radio. We used to grab random objects in the car or from our purse and act like they were our microphone. I have always been so into music and she was as well.

So, in the spirit of this – I decided for my intention to lip sync a song. I chose the song Cups by Anna Kendrick. When my nieces came to visit me in NC they showed me how to do the cups on the table. So I did the entire song while banging around the cups on cue as best as I could. Vinny got a real kick out of it and it was so much fun!! #funintention #HGAL

Day 178 – Beach Lunch

Recently I stumbled upon a very small beach in a nearby town. I decided today for my intention to have my lunch at that beach. There were only a handful of people there. I was by myself which was perfectly fine by me. Sometimes it’s just nice to take a breather, listen to some music and breathe in the beautiful day.

The air was thick with humidity which is probably a bit normal this time of year inland. Today was warm and muggy with one torrential downpour at one point (not while I was at the beach thank goodness) that only lasted for about 15 minutes. As I sat there eating my lunch from my favorite take out deli, I found myself lost in thought about the water and the beauty I was surrounded by.

I thought about how Heather and I used to go to this place in Phoenix called “Hole in the Rock” to just relax sometimes. It was literally a natural giant hole in the middle of a red rock mountain located next door to the zoo. I have a picture of us from ’93 from the inside of the hole looking out. Anyhow, there was usually some random guy up there playing guitar, always a handful of tourists and some of the prettiest, most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen in my life. We’d sit up there, talking and usually laughing or working out our life situations. I miss my cousin, my friend. Today was a good day and having a time out and enjoying my lunch at the beach was an appreciated intention. #HGAL

Heather and I at Hole In The Rock, Phx AZ 1993

 

Day 177 – Summer Cups

Today for my intention, I bought two really cute “to go” cups – one for me and one for my mom. That way when we are at the beach or walking about we have our own cups. They are simple but super cute. I know this isn’t a major intention but I was not going to get them at first but decided that this would be something I could do to celebrate summertime. My mom was really happy when I gave it to her.

Sometimes, the smaller intentions are every bit as awesome. My mom and I made mango cocktails, went out to the deck and played some music and just relaxed in the pleasant overcast breeze and enjoyed the night until Vinny got home from work. #Cheers #HGAL

 

Day 176 – Hula Hooping

Picture this:  The temperature is 73 degrees. The sun is shining brilliantly and there is a slight breeze. You’re standing barefoot in soft, cool, bright green grass- shaded by enormous, rustling trees- bright, healthy plants potted everywhere your eyes can see. There is a wooden, rustic swing nearby just beckoning your relaxation with a tree stump nearby to be used as a side table. Just like in a book or classic movie, a large tire swing hangs from a nearby tree. The air is clean and full of the most beautiful array of music of all genres. You’re surrounded by 4 other ladies- all of whom are smiling, laughing, talking and….

Hula Hooping!

I was invited to join my friend Lena for the class today. It was at a friend of hers house and it was marvelous! Two of the ladies are sisters and have many years’ experience with hula hooping. So she taught us many tricks and then we had time to freestyle. The class lasted for an entire hour. The hula hoops were weighted and it was quite the workout.

I was so excited to be included in this experience. I felt so happy and was finding myself thinking back to my years as a child with Heather and my sister and other friends- where we would hula hooping, double dutching, playing hop scotch and so much more. This was a truly heart warming and happy, happy, happy experience and I cannot wait to do it again. #HGALwouldhavelovedthis

 

Day 175 – Vacation Rocks

This morning after brunch, Vinny and I were sitting outside talking and relaxing. We were talking about ideas for an upcoming vacation. Our wedding anniversary is quickly approaching and it might be nice to slip away for a couple of days. Anyhow, I started thinking about vacations we have taken in the past. We have done so much together and with the kids, I feel quite blessed.

As we were headed to the beach today anyways, I thought what a great intention it would be to collect some rocks, paint them and write the names of the places we have been to together on vacation. I would put them in a dish and place them somewhere in the house. What a great conversation piece and subtle reminder of some truly amazing memories. So I brought a baggie with me to the beach and Vinny and I collected quite a few rocks. I was just a couple short but really close to collecting enough.

After the beach we came home and cooked and while we were cooking together we started listing the places we have vacationed. I did not include places we went “through” on our travels. I also did not include places I went without him (like Oregon to visit family, Mississippi to see my grandfather, etc.), nor did I include places we went to before we met.

After painting my rocks and writing on them with a pink Sharpie, I realized it’s definitely time to add to the collection. We came up with a really awesome place to visit that neither one of us has been to ever- so stay tuned cause it will be in the blog soon. I am excited to also say that I have also been invited to go backpacking through Europe with some really good friends next year and am extremely excited to see that through! Talks of Italy are in the mix so thank goodness I started back up on my Italian lessons….#embraceeveryopportunity #cheers #HGAL