Day 272 – Celebrazione!

Today for my intention I decided to take part in the 60^th Annual Festa Italiana, which is a celebration of Italian culture at a local park in my area. I met up with my mom and her visiting friend, Dolly. We went to Starbucks for a nice warm coffee on what started out as a fairly brisk morning. With the sun shining bright, a light ocean breeze and the streets packed with people, we made our walk to Touro Park.

As we got closer, I could hear the buzz of people in the air and the authentic Italian live band playing. Upon entering the festivities we mingled amongst the people, took in the music and visited the vendor booths. There were kids climbing trees, getting their face painted, the smell of Italian food wafting throughout the area, kids and couples dancing and more. It was a great way to spend a portion of my afternoon.

Afterwards, we all walked down to the wharf, shopped a bit, and just enjoyed a marvelous day. And with that, I was able to make it home just in time to spend the second half of my day with Vinny and the kids. #Cheers #HappySaturday #HGAL #LifeisreallyaCelebrazione!!

Day 271 – Sip & Shop For A Cause

October is not only Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Anyone that knows me- knows how near and dear to my heart this cause is. Over the years I have hosted multiple events to give back and donate to this cause which in itself has been very rewarding. Therefore, I was more than happy to attend this event this evening.

It was hosted by Angela Moore at her lovely boutique in the heart of Newport. She personally creates a wide variety of jewelry pieces that are super cute and very trendy. Not to mention the other accessories, shoes, clothes, purses and more. They had an attractive spread of cheese, crackers, fruit and wine to munch and sip as you shopped. The whole setup was so classy and done in such great taste. The slogan on the gifts offered stated “No More” and this was tagged on the mints, pens, Chapstick, etc.

But I must say that the highlight of my evening was definitely being able to meet and converse at length with the Event Coordinator of The Women’s Resource Center, Kate. She was so welcoming and an absolute delight to speak with. We talked about my blog and she introduced me to some of the other ladies and had me tell them about it as well. I was so completely humbled at their instant support. They were so very genuine and receptive to the entire premise of my blog and just all around a great group of gals.

Knowing Heather the way I did- I know for a fact that she would be so touched and happy with the response and support of everyone that she knows and completely blown away at the love, support and encouragement of those that she doesn’t. Anyone that met her was the better for it and I am just so blessed to be able to share her lovely memory with so many people.

Meanwhile, if you find yourself wanting to give to a cause, please look up your local Woman’s Shelter- the statistics are absolutely alarming of the massive number of people (no matter the social or economic background) that are affected by this epidemic. And if you are a victim, I urge you to do exactly what The Women’s Resource Center urges: Take A Stand. Get Help. Say “No More”. Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault.

#HGAL #Blessed #shewouldbesoproud #strongwomenunited

 

Day 270 – Art After Dark

For my intention today I headed over to the Newport Art Museum for a function they call “Art After Dark”. It’s a night of appetizers, activities, music, drinks and art. I went to the Newport Art Museum before for the outdoor movie night this summer but I have never actually been inside. I was shocked at the size of it! When I walked through the door and saw the grand staircase and heard the live music playing, I was instantly relaxed and felt very comfortable. I signed in, grabbed a pamphlet and made my way through room after room, floor after floor just wandering about looking at the art, photography and sculptures. I didn’t mind going alone because this allowed me to go at my own pace and linger when I wanted to.

They had appetizers that were quite delightful and a bar area set up. Various activities including collage making, color blending and so on and were set up in perfect timing from one room to the next. There were people there of all ages which was nice as well. I just love the variety of events offered in my area that are based around the arts. I have enjoyed immersing myself in such a culture filled environment.

So, I have always gone through local papers to find out about all of the local events offered and would strongly suggest that if you want to get involved in a wide variety of events and activities, check out the local papers and magazines in your area. Many of these events I attend are free or minimal fees and it opens you up to participate in events you may not even be aware of that are taking place right by you too. #Cheers #branchoutandtrysomethingnew #HGAL

Day 269 – Furry Friends

For my intention today, I decided to give to my local animal shelter. I called earlier in my day to see how many animals were at this shelter and there are a lot more cats than dogs. So I picked up some cat and dog treats and headed over.

When I got there, I was so impressed with the condition of this facility called Potter League for Animals. When I walked in I was happy to see how absolutely clean and bright the inside was. The staff greeted me immediately and they were happy and receptive to my donation. While talking with one of the wonderful staff members, I asked if I could take a picture for my blog. We talked about the purpose of my blog and she had me write the web address down and said she’d like to look into it which was super cool. Then she even offered to bring a kitty in for the picture. I was so happy with that and absolutely agreed – what a perfect picture it made!

She came back with the cutest little grey and white kitty cat ever! It took everything in my power not to adopt him right then and there. He sat there and posed with the treats and allowed me to pet him too. Upon further discussion with the office staff, they mentioned that they were volunteers. That was so impressive to me. Whether it’s donating your time, food, money or treats- every little bit helps. We can’t neglect or ever forget about our furry little friends that don’t have homes- their lives matter too. #HGAL

Day 268 – Spin on S’mores

For today’s intention, I decided to make and share an awesome fall dessert. When the kids were younger, instead of making messy S’mores, I liked to make an interesting spin on S’mores recipe. I mean, the original S’more in my opinion is meant to be eaten while you’re camping and sitting around the fire right?? Well, I haven’t been camping since I was in my early 20’s. So, if you’re indoors….what do you do? I found a way that my family could still enjoy this favorite pastime. Especially when their friends were over, it was so fast and easy to whip up a batch and let them go at it. No mess, no fuss.

Here’s what I would do: I began by melting my chocolate chips and a little milk (to make it a smoother consistency) on the stove. Meanwhile, while that was heating up I would crush up a bunch of graham crackers. Next I would stick a toothpick in each huge marshmallow. Holding the toothpick, I would roll the marshmallows one by one in the chocolate then immediately roll them in the graham crackers.

That’s it!! I haven’t met anyone yet that didn’t love this awesome dessert. And this is just another fun and yummy way to welcome in the season. I was just talking to one of my friends today actually and told her how happy I was that fall was here. The leaves are turning, the nights are chilly and the air is crisp and clean.  And of course….let the fall cooking and baking begin!! #HGAL

Before and after...Voila!!! Easy Breezy

Day 267 – Finger Painting

I stayed my final night in Charlotte last night with Lindsey. I got to her house about 9pm and we literally talked all night until after 3:00 in the morning and even though the kids were up bright and early this morning, I was so happy to have had that time with my bestie. We laughed so much and so hard. We both needed a good dose of some solid “girl time” and it was marvelous!

This morning, we put on our “Fight Like a Girl” breast cancer awareness headbands that I got us the other day to show our support. We put on some dress down clothes and headed to the screened in porch with the kiddos for some fun with finger paints. We had planned this activity in advance just for this morning for my blog intention.

What a blast we had! The kids had so much fun and Lindsey and I did too. Feels good to be a big kid sometimes – it’s good for the soul. Anyways, it’s been so long since my kids were this small, I just relish in the days I get to spend with her little love bugs. After painting and their bath I had to head out. I wanted to stop by Brian’s work and hang out with him a little more before I had to get back to the airport.

Saying goodbye is just so hard. However, I choose to smile and be thankful for this awesome, truly perfect 4 days. These are the moments, until next time….#HGAL #loveNC #missingmyoldestandbestiealready

Day 266 – Southern Sunday

Oh how perfectly wonderful this trip has been so far. Today we decided to allow ourselves a slow southern Sunday. This morning Brian and I started our day at Starbucks to eat and get some coffee. We met up with his friends at church and Brian was so happy to show me his new place of worship. Immediately upon being greeted I was so impressed and had the best feeling. The music and services made me even happier with his choice. I was so happy to be a part of that and it started our day off so perfectly.

Afterwards I had to run a couple of errands and then Brian and I went to see a movie (Maze Runner II) - 2 thumbs up btw. Anyhow, what better way to enjoy a southern Sunday than to do some cooking and eating. When we got back, Brian’s friends Drew and Shelby were cooking and just wanted me to relax and enjoy it. I have been so spoiled and celebrated on this trip and I couldn’t be more thankful.

So we are going to eat and relax and enjoy the rest of this blessed day. I hope all of you reading this have had an amazing weekend and an awesome upcoming week. #Cheers #HGAL #dontwantthistriptoend

Day 265 - Queen City

Today was such an awesome day with my oldest son Brian! Today we hung out and just chatted and caught up a bit, went to the mall to do some shopping where we ran into people we knew and just had such a great time. Then he took me out for an amazing lunch. We actually started with a plan of just going to see a movie then to have some of his friends to the house. When we were out and about he got a call from a different friend inviting him to a comedy club in Charlotte. He asked me if I wanted to go and I was like “Definitely, that would make a great intention!”

So we ended up picking up his friend and going into the city. What a great time! From the moment we parked, we ran into a group of his friends. We all hung out for a bit there just talking and enjoying the windy, cool night (so glad it stopped raining). What a great group of people! Then we headed into the comedy club: “Smelly Cat” which ironically enough truly reminded me of the Central Perk from the show Friends. And of course we all remember Phoebe singing Smelly Cat- lol. Anyhow, we listened to a couple of comedians then made our way out and across the street to a venue that was becoming increasingly more crowded.

There was a concert about to happen so Brian bought us tickets and in we went. The vibe was so nice – an eclectic mix of people and a band that was alternative rock and really, really good. We left there and went to a house party for just a bit but had to leave so I could get back to write my blog. It was so cool because Brian made sure to be so conscious of the time so that I could be back to write this. He was telling his friends about my blog and everyone seemed quite intrigued which was cool.

Anyhow, this was simply an amazing day and night with my son but especially nice that we switched up what we were doing for the blog and it ended being a perfectly great time. #Cheers #HGAL #loveCharlottetheQueenCity

 

Day 264 – Discovery Place

So, I am back in Charlotte!! I came to see my son Brian. Obviously while I’m here I will be spending time with Lindsey and the kids. Since I got in so early this morning and Brian was still at work, Lindsey and I wanted to get together. We went to one of my favorite restaurants, La Patisserie, for lunch and dessert. If this crazy weather wasn’t here (Hurricane Joaquin) oy- we originally were going to go to The Lazy 5 Ranch for my intention. I told Lindsey that I wanted to do something cool with the kids for my blog. She suggested we go to Discovery Place since I have never been there and neither has her youngest, Lilah.

From the second we walked through the door, the kids went nuts! This place is like a kids’ paradise. There are huge butterflies and birds hanging from the ceiling and absolute whimsy everywhere. Then as you go through the two floors there are “pretend” everything. A huge firetruck, ambulance, race car, airplane, a store, art center, pizzeria, farm (we even pretend milked a cow!), theatre (we watched a puppet show that was so cute), bank, garage, construction zone and more.

Although this was geared towards children, Lindsey and I even had a blast (in fact, all the parents appeared to be having a great time).

After we left, we had some girl time and did some shopping which just perfectly wrapped up a truly lovely day. #Cheers #HGAL

 

 

Day 263 – Non-Profit Organization

I remain humbled, honored and quite frankly still surprised at the amount of loving and encouraging feedback I have received from family, friends and even perfect strangers regarding this blog. I recently received feedback from a reader suggesting that I begin a Non-Profit Organization. At first I thought what a great idea but then quickly wondered if it would be an unreachable goal because I just don’t know anything about it. Well, I didn’t know anything about blogging until literally the very day I started this one- I researched and started it on the same day and here I am 263 days later.

So I decided that instead of limiting the possibilities of my life and the lives of the people a Non-Profit Organization could benefit, I would begin my research today for my intention. I want to help. I want to give back. I recently have been rallying people around me and prepping for some charitable intentions I have planned in the next few upcoming months. The possibility of having a Non-Profit Organization in honor of Heather to benefit those dealing with Cancer and their families is something I feel is exactly the right thing to do at this juncture in my life.

Upon further research, I did find that it will take quite a bit to get it up and running. But I feel that in the long run it would be worth every single step. Therefore, I choose to proceed. I look forward to the future possibilities….stay tuned. #HGAL #allbecauseofHeather