Day 293 – Corn Maze

Happy Halloween!! Today was so beautiful! The sun was out and it was fairly cool (high 50’s) which made it ideal for a corn maze adventure. I have been wanting to get there but waiting for everyone’s schedule to match up which simply didn’t happen. So today I told Vinny this is really what I wanted to do. The kids had plans but I called my mom and she was in!

I went to a corn maze before in NC but this was one set up a bit different. It was at Escobar Farm in Portsmouth, RI which was only about a 10 min drive. The maze was cut in the shape of the Pawtucket Red Sox symbol. It had 2 phases- the first was pretty easy but the second was definitely not. We actually got lost quite a bit on the second phase. In and throughout the mazes, there were postings of what they called “CORNundrum” brain teasers. They would have a picture and whoever got the most answers at the end won a grand prize for added fun.

We found both bridges and were able to go up on them and overlook the most beautiful sight of the corn maze, barn and autumn tree line. Vinny was joking around at one point and started skipping and I followed suit. But it was then and there I realized that I have never seen him skip- in 12 years together I have never seen that! We cracked up laughing when we realized that. We literally were laughing most of the time we were there. It was just a super fun time.

Then at the end, I spotted some abandoned metal wagons and told Vinny he should totally climb in and sure enough he actually did. I started pulling him and we were both laughing while mom was steady taking pictures. Then Vinny noticed that we were headed down a hill. He tried to jump out but couldn’t and he was like “Sarah wait, wait, wait”. I just kept pulling faster cause he couldn’t get out even though he was trying. OMG – we were all hysterically laughing- it was truly a sight.

Anyhow, we took some more pics and headed out. Vinny said on the way home that this day was so much more fun than he ever anticipated it would be and that this was actually his first time in a corn maze. I am so glad we were able to do something new for him and have such a fun and amazing day. Now we are getting ready to have our family Halloween tradition of watching “Cloverfield” together, eating and snuggling in for a night at home. #Cheers #HappyHalloween #HGAL

 

Day 292 – Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Last year I heard of this awesome display of over 5,000 illuminated Jack-O-Lanterns at the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence. I wasn’t actually expecting the grand display that we saw to be quite honest. I thought it would just be a bunch of lit jack-o-lanterns along the trails of the zoo which would have been cool enough in itself. But this was SO much more!!

They actually had scenes and themes. It almost reminded me of “It’s a Small World” in Disneyworld. Each theme had its own music, lighting, fog or whatever for dramatic effect. The Sleepy Hollow display even had Johnny Depp talking overhead and it was creepy for sure. But not all of it was scary/creepy. There was an entire Wizard of Oz theme with such detail it was amazing!! Somewhere over the Rainbow was playing aloud and even some of the people in the slow moving crowd could be heard singing/humming the words. There was also Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Golden Age of Hollywood with Gone with the Wind, Casablanca and so many more!!! There was even a music scene with the Beatles, Hendrix, Morrison, BB King and other greats.

There were Jack-O-Lanterns everywhere: along the trails, in the trees, on the water top and more! It really was a spectacular. The night air was chilly but not too cold. Vinny and I slowly made our way through the park and enjoyed walking a bit down memory lane with all of the themes. We snapped a ton of pictures, laughed, talked and enjoyed our date night in this lovely festive setting. I am so glad we made it this year and I fully intend to make this something we do each year. #Cheers

Day 291 – Lunch Date

Vinny came to pick me up today and take me on a lunch date. Although we have done that before, what I wanted to do for my intention was to go somewhere different and go for a nice walk and enjoy this glorious day (not sure how many of these we have left in the season). Although the day started out rainy and gloomy, the sun broke through and made a magnificent stand just prior to lunchtime. The weather was in the 70’s and the day was true perfection so I fully intended to take full advantage.

So when Vinny got there to pick me up instead of just going for lunch, we went for a drive and headed into Wickford Village. This is where we went on Day 182- the Art Festival -  and this is the first time we’ve been back since. This town is so beautiful. It’s small and quaint and filled with art studios and galleries, cafes and bakeries and multiple other small businesses. The leaves seemed to have fallen so perfectly it actually looked like art in itself. The ocean is visible throughout the town with bridges, boats, churches and more making it just so very “New England” on every level.

After we walked a bit, talking and taking in the beauty and fresh air we headed over to a lovely café called Beach Rose Café. They have indoor and outdoor seating and obviously we opted for the outdoor waterfront seating. The food was amazing and the service was as well. This is the kind of day a girl could get used to for sure….a beautiful day, beautiful surroundings and perfect company for this lunch date kind of intention. Here’s to seizing the opportunities and living every moment to the fullest - Cheers!!  #HGAL

Day 290 – National Chocolate Day

Yes, you read that right!!! It’s National Chocolate Day!!!

I surely couldn’t let this day pass without including it in the blog. So earlier in the day I gratefully indulged in my latest obsession: Ritter Sport Vanilla Chai Latte Winter Edition Chocolate Bar. It really is quite heavenly. The rich, smooth chocolate- the creamy Vanilla Chai Latte center....I kid you not it is a top ten all time faves as far as chocolate goes in my book.

But moving on- I decided to celebrate National Chocolate Day by adding a twist of the holiday season that is among us. I made the cutest (and easiest if I must say so myself) little Halloween treats for the family for dessert. They are pudding graveyard cups. Actually it was really easy because all I did was write RIP on a Milano cookie with black icing then crush up the cookie part (not center) of some Oreos and add a pumpkin to the top and Viola!...the cutest little Halloween and Chocolate Day dessert was served.

Vinny, Micah and Elijah again expressed how cool they thought that was and we all ate them right up. Once again I am just so happy that no matter how old the kids get, they are never too old to appreciate and enjoy the extra steps I take to make our lives a little more enjoyable and interesting when and where I can. Again I will say, the best part of life is in the details. Cheers to making the happiest of memories this holiday season and beyond! #HGAL  

Day 289 – Fright Night

For my intention today I decided since this is Halloween week, tonight would be Fright Night at our house- a night of scary movies. Every year on Halloween we watch Cloverfield. This started about 6-7 years ago and is just a tradition now to do on the actual Halloween late night after all the festivities are over. But for tonight I wanted to watch a different movie (reserving our Cloverfield tradition for Saturday) and to take it one step further, I put out a nice spread of all appetizers to nosh while we watched.

Vinny helped me every single step of the way and together we made deviled eggs (and cut up black olives to look like spiders on them) the kids loved those (never too old)! We put together a really neat skeleton made out of all fresh veggies- that was super cute and so fun!! We made mini BLT bites with cheese, we put out Bagel Bites, popcorn, Cool Ranch Doritos, and mini peanut butter cups with pretzels.

We all agreed on a movie, snuggled in our blankies on the couches and watched our scary flick and ate all our yummies. This was a great family intention with some fun festive treats to cap off a good day. #HGAL

Day 288 – Book Fair

Our local library had a book fair today. When I saw the posting for it I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do for my intention. Yesterday as I was talking to one of the girls while decorating cookies, I was asked if I belonged to a book club or if I would like to. I immediately said “I just don’t have the time to read lately.” As I got thinking about that later, I was fairly disappointed in my reply. Yes…my life is extremely busy, sometimes bordering on hectic. But I have always enjoyed reading. I love getting lost in a really good book or simply rereading specific passages near to my heart. A book club is something I have never done and really should have accepted the invitation when it was presented to me.

When I saw that there was a book fair today, the timing was so funny to me, obviously it was just what I needed to do. I went to the library and wandered around looking for something that interested me. I found a really fun read by Kate Spade entitled “Occasions” that I knew immediately I just had to have. It’s all about decorating, hosting the perfect party and various other posh subjects. The other book that looked fun and caught my eye was entitled, “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous”. Well if that wasn’t a book for me, I simply don’t know what would be lol!! It’s a much bigger book but looks like a super fun read!

Anyhow, I made time to look through those books tonight a bit and I plan to read them both for sure! This was a timely intention and I am happy to get back to my love of reading and not let life’s busy nature get in the way of that again. #HGAL

Day 287 – Volunteering and Cookie Decorating

My day began at 4:30 this morning as I woke up bright and early to report for volunteer duty at 5:30am for the Annual Pell Bridge run. Actually, one of my readers suggested I volunteer for this service through the local MLK Center and I did. It was such a rewarding experience. I met a bunch of new people and ran into some others that I know- including Tammy who was actually in the race!!

I started out by handing out bibs to the runners and instructing them onto the shuttles. I then went to assist with setting up the finish line (I ziptied the liners) and then reported over to hand out shirts to all the runners as they completed the race. A local DJ came over to take pictures of us for their website so I snapped one as well. As they made their way in, the runners were very grateful to us for volunteering and many extended their thanks which was very nice. Then to finish it up, I helped break down boxes and tables in assistance with cleanup. All and all I was there just over 3 hours and it was so rewarding.

I came home and made breakfast for the family (Vinny had coffee waiting thank goodness!) After breakfast, we prepped and readied the crockpot with dinner. After resting for just a bit, I headed over to the Vanderbilt Grace to meet a group of ladies for cookie decorating. It was such a great time! We chatted and talked while decorating cookies with the chef of this posh location. We spoke about the blog and they were so very receptive and supportive. I got to listen to a couple of the ladies’ stories as well and feel like real connections were made. It’s amazing how this blogs intentional living has put some of the kindest people in my path and I am truly grateful.

Afterwards I came home to finish up our dinners final touches and after eating we enjoyed those delicious cookies and watched movies together as a family. And I must admit, there may have been one of the most beautiful sunsets ever tonight to end this weekend so perfectly. Cheers to an amazing week ahead….embrace it. Life is truly good!! #HGAL

Day 286 – Make a Difference

Today is National Make a Difference Day! As my day began and Vinny and I began running our errands, I mentioned to him that I wanted to participate in this National Day for my intention.

What does it really take to make a difference? In some cases it can be a monetary donation, opening your home to foster a child, mentoring someone, volunteering or some other type of gesture. In other cases it could mean offering a smile or simple “good morning” to someone that looks out of sorts or like they are having a bad day or even just holding the door for someone. Sometimes a compliment could make a huge difference in the day of someone. Making a difference comes in many forms and many degrees.

I did not want to plan out my ways to make a difference today. I wanted the opportunity to present itself to me, for me to recognize it and take the opportunity. First, we decided to go feed the birds. The weather is changing and getting colder and I am always concerned about the animals and how they make it through these cold days. It was quite the frenzy but Vinny and I had fun feeding them and some other people at the beach were smiling and taking pictures at the sight- there were well over 100 seagulls around us!

Afterwards, we headed to Dunkin Donuts for a nice hot cup of coffee. Vinny and I decided that we would pay for the next person that came through the drive through (we were inside). So I mentioned to the girl working that it was National Make a Difference Day and what we decided to do. The next guy ordered a large coffee only. After he pulled around to the window and they told him his order was paid for, they asked me if I would come over because he wanted to thank the person that did that. I wished him an awesome day and he was very appreciative (and looked fairly surprised).

Moments later as we were sitting there, a woman came in and paid for an order that contained 6 large bags of many boxes of doughnuts. She went out with half of it but couldn’t carry it all. So I decided to get up and get the rest of the bags and take them to her car for her. She was so thankful and surprised that I did that. She just kept saying thank you over and over and I was fairly saddened for a brief moment that someone would be that surprised at another persons’ kindness. But I told her it was no problem really and wished her an awesome weekend. Clearly just our time at D&D’s made the difference in the day of 2 strangers.

I decided that I wanted to stop and get my mom flowers to make the difference in her day. To take it one step further, I invited her over for dinner as well. We ended up deciding on a beautiful house plant and my mom was both surprised and super happy.

I wish every day was Make a Difference day, which for each of us it really can be if we so choose.  I must admit that although it may have made a difference in their day – it truly made a difference in mine as well. Kindness always feels so good and usually helps the giver as much as the receiver but being kind with intention is awesome squared!! #lovetoday #HappySaturday #HGAL

Day 285 – Fun Clapping

This evening as we were getting ready to go out to dinner, I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for my intention. I thought about how Heather and I used to play those fun hand clapping kind of games when we were little. Vinny and Micah were sitting there and I started sharing some of the songs with them that Heather and I used to sing while clapping our hands together, snapping our fingers etc. in a choreographed routine. They were so popular back then and we would learn them at school and share what we learned when we were hanging out. We had so many like Ms. Mary Mack, Bubble Gum Bubble Gum in a Dish, Down Down Baby, Patty Cake, When Susie was a Baby and so many more.

I got Vinny up and started showing him how the songs and routines went. We were hitting our hands together and clapping as I sang the songs - he is such a great sport! Anyhow at one point, I couldn’t remember one of the songs that was actually one of Heathers’ favorites- I could only remember the ending. So I picked up the phone and called my sister. She immediately started singing her favorite one called Bo-Bo Ski Watten. OMG I started cracking up because as soon as she started singing it, I could hear her clapping in the background and I chimed right in and sang the rest of the words with her. I never would have remembered that one on my own. We were laughing so hard!! Then she started rambling off so many others and we were both amazed at her memory.

She was at the mall with her friend Rebecca when I called and even she got in on the fun. So I asked my sister to take a picture of them doing the fun clapping to a song and she did. In fact, when we talked later tonight, she said she even called one of our brothers and he remembered a bunch of them too and said his daughters know all of those routines.

What’s fun about this blog on days like today is getting others involved in my memories and intentions. We all got to walk down memory lane and had so much fun in the process all while keeping the memory of Heather fresh in our minds. #misshersomuch #HGAL

 

Day 284 – Fall Décor

This is absolutely the latest in the year I can ever remember decorating my home for the holidays. I love to decorate and change things up. However with my daily activities and the blog intentions, I have found myself so busy that I literally have not even had a chance to take out my fall décor. So tonight Vinny made dinner while I pulled everything out.

Obviously living in the city our home is smaller than we are accustomed. I actually am quite fond of it this way to be quite honest. But with that being said, when I pull out my decorations, I really have to pick and choose carefully what I want to display. First of all, I can’t stand clutter so I try to strategically place things just perfectly. For fall especially, I just like hints throughout the house. I get a little more crazy with Christmas decorations but fall is a balancing act.

Every year I like to pull out my favorite items, add a couple more new items for the current year and rearrange what I did the previously year just to keep things fresh. This year was no different. But when I was done, Vinny said he was really impressed with what I had done. I love my sparkly faux pumpkins, flowers here and there, my awesome large shimmery multi-colored turkey (that I named Henry last year) lol, the cinnamon pinecones offering such a festive fragrance to the room and so much more!

I am so glad I finally took the time to get this done. Looking around my home is just further reminder of how fast time flies because I just can’t believe we are almost at the end of another year. This in turn just keeps it fresh in my mind to always live life to the fullest every single day- it just goes way to fast. I fully intend to embrace every second for as long as I possibly can and hope you do as well. #Cheers #HGAL #lovetodecorate #timefliessoembraceeachday