Day 318 – Thanksgiving Trivia

Today was a very good day! The sun was so bright and glorious and even though the weather peeked at only about 49 degrees, it was wonderful. As the family came together this evening, after dinner we sat down to complete a little Thanksgiving trivia I had printed out for us to do.

Even though it was only 10 questions, we had fun doing it! As I called off the answers at the end, it was fun laughing and talking about why we picked the answers we did. Funny thing is- I notice with my family that if I just give us an activity, everyone always has so much fun. Sometimes the kids will kind of look at me like “ok mom” but they always participate and admit that it is always so much fun.

Anyhow, Vinny and Elijah both got 5 correct answers. Micah and I both got 3 right. But it wasn’t about who won. The point was to come together as a family and hang out for a bit. This was a perfect intention to end a truly good day!

Afterwards, I read aloud all the blessings/gratitude in the box from Day 295. Some were heart warming, others funny, some simple and some complex. But every single one was positive and lovely and this was an intention worth doing over and over again every single year! #Cheers #HGAL

Answers: 1. A, 2. C, 3. C, 4. B, 5. C, 6. B, 7. D, 8. A, 9. D, 10. B

 

Day 317 – Hip Hop Class

There is a really cool place I have been meaning to get to for an intention here. It’s called Bellevue Barre and it’s literally a Ballet inspired studio offering barre workouts. They offer many various classes and I just thought it was the coolest idea for a studio ever! I have been invited to go quite a few times but my schedule has not allowed for it….until today. One of the girls I met recently Amber, invited me to her hip hop class that she was teaching this evening at this studio.

Truth be told….hip hop dancing is not really my forte, so I was a little nervous. But at the same time I was excited to learn something new, hang out with the girls and get a bit of a workout too. I LOVE to dance but have never really been that good at hip hop in particular - so at least I figured I could pick up a few current moves (maybe?!?!) lol.

As soon as I got there, Amber welcomed me in. Instantly I was so glad I was there. The studio was absolutely darling, with high and low wall to wall barre’s and mirrors. She prepped us to learn a choreographed dance. She showed us the moves slow at first, then kicked up the music and we went for it.

Okay, so actually I didn’t do THAT bad. I poked a little fun at myself- joking around with the girls and we were all laughing and having a really great time. This was definitely a great intention and I surely plan to go back to another class for sure. Amber was a fabulous and fun instructor, the studio was amazing and it was nice seeing the girls again. #HGAL #embracenewthings

Day 316 – Mansion Tour

Today is Vinny’s birthday!! We met up for a nice lunch at one of our favorite beachside restaurants. I decided I wanted to take him to one of the mansions for his birthday for a tour. There are so many mansions here that were owned by the Kennedy’s, Vanderbilt’s and so many other prominent members of the “gilded age”. I guess living here, we just get used to driving by these massive mansions every day but Vinny and I had yet to tour one. I went to the Marble House for an event over the summer and have been on the grounds of Rosecliff and others but have not actually gone on a formal tour. It was actually the perfect time to visit because they just completed putting up all of the mansions Christmas decorations just this past weekend.

So today was the perfect day. We decided to tour The Breakers. This was a summer house for the Vanderbilt’s, major railroad tycoons. To even think of this being a home, much less a “summer home” boggles the mind. Just standing in front of it takes your breath away, not to mention the grand entrance, 70 rooms including rooms with platinum walls, massive chandeliers, fireplaces well over 6 feet tall in most rooms, marble, alabaster fixtures, wrought iron, Tiffany’s fixtures, statues, fountains, bathrooms with solid marble tubs, unique furniture pieces – not to mention the detailed art work on the ceilings, walls and so much more.

When we entered the house we were greeted with headphones and remotes. It is a self-guided tour that takes you into each room and offers information about the architecture, history and family background. Every single room offered its own theme and personality. Unfortunately, they requested no pictures to be taken inside the home. However they did take a picture of Vinny and I in front of the massive Christmas tree in the grand foyer but that’s all that was allowed. All in all, we were there about 2 hours that went by so fast.

Afterwards, we wandered around the grounds, checking out the vast ocean views, gardens and such- and just chatted about what we thought life must have been like living in that age. I love Newport but can only imagine how insanely awesome it was then when all of these mansions were being built by all of America’s highest society, all the parties and events- it must have really been something!

This was an awesome experience and Vinny and I both agreed it was a wonderful intention for his birthday. #Cheers #HappyBirthdayVinny #HGAL

Day 315 – Pajama Day

Today was a rainy, cold, wet, grey and nasty kind of day. We had a lazy start to the day and sipped our coffee in our PJ’s on the couch and I enjoyed just bundling up in my fluffy blanket and hanging out with the family. After breakfast, I found myself returning to the couch and everyone was just hanging out together talking and relaxing. A bit later, I snuggled in with my book. I looked at Vinny and declared about half way through the day that I thought for my intention today I would just stay in my PJ’s all day- he agreed and did the same.

Every time it rains and is bitter and cold out, I usually say how much it would be the perfect kind of stay at home in PJ’s all day. But I can’t remember the last time I actually did it. If there was ever a perfect day for it, this was it. It rained all day and all night long. It was windy and I could literally hear the howl of the wind and beating of the rain throughout the day. We all stayed in eating, chatting, reading and for a few hours we had a TV show marathon of a show we are watching on Netflix. After dinner, we sipped on hot chocolate and stayed snuggled in for the most enjoyable ending to a wonderfully, restful, snuggly, family day. #HGAL #pajamaday

Day 314 – Plymouth, Massachusetts

During this festive, Thanksgiving season- I wanted to be sure to make a day trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts. It’s such a fitting place to be this time of year - obviously it is the place that the Mayflower landed and is considered the birthplace of our country. It houses Plymouth Rock as well as a very well preserved Plymouth Plantation, which is a living history museum. We visited there before with the kids and it was educational and fun. We also went on the Mayflower II which is an exact replica of the Mayflower that brought the pilgrims over.

Our original plan today was to go back to those places. Vinny, my mom and I were ready for a tourist kind of day (the boys had plans). However, when we got there- traffic was stopped and being detoured. We went with the flow and parked on a side street. As we walked we saw the thousands of people and realized there was a Thanksgiving parade in full swing! We made our way down just as it was getting over. It really was perfect timing though because they parked all the floats on the main road for a while and let people tour. Santa was there for the kids, the Patriots mascot was there and many people dressed in full garb i.e. Indians, Pilgrims, British Military and so much more!

There was also a huge food festival going on just past the monument where Plymouth Rock is housed. Confetti was everywhere, people smiling and walking about and I just loved every second of wandering around, taking pictures, exploring statues, floats and monuments as well as the Mayflower and more. I just love this beautiful town. The history is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Although it’s old in years, the buildings, homes and streets are clean and properly maintained.

We all had an amazing time. It was a bit of a blustery and cool day but the sun was out completely which made it a perfect fall day. Now we are off to a night in Providence with friends. #Cheers #touristsfortheday #HGAL

 

 

Day 313 – Seaside Bonfire

Today was such a beautiful day! It was 65 degrees and the sun was shining- which needless to say is unseasonably warm for RI mid-November. I wanted to take advantage of this weather today so Vinny and I had a lovely lunch together outside. The sun shined gloriously on us and at one point I just closed my eyes and tried to put that exact feeling deep into my memory bank because I know winter is coming! I can’t complain though, I love all the seasons I really do. But after the winter we had last year, I know how to appreciate and take full advantage of days just like this.

Anyhow, people everywhere today were in really good moods and it was just an all-around good day. As Vinny and I were driving this evening, I asked him if he wanted to go to the Hyatt on Goat Island and see if they had the fire pit lit. He reminded me that he has never even been to Goat Island. I remembered then that I was by myself when I went on Day 135 to the Lighthouse.

So I knew right then that this was the perfect plan for tonight. I just love this hotel! As the night got cooler, they were offering hot Apple Cider in the lobby and S’mores kits were available for the fire as well. This hotel has a large, impressive bar, a restaurant and spa and so many other grand amenities.

We went through the lobby and out the back, down the stairs and to the long row of Adirondack chairs lined up directly on the water. They lit the fire just for us as there weren’t any other people out there at that time. Although the wind was picking up a bit and the air was definitely chillier than today, I loved it all the same. We sat there admiring the view with the illuminated boat masts, beautiful bridge and just let the warmth of the fire keep us comfy. We took some pictures and chatted away enjoying our beautiful island evening. #HGAL

 

Day 312 – Peppermint Nights

Lately I have seen so many advertisements and displays at the stores all involving peppermint. I have always loved peppermint but I do especially love it this time of year. It’s so festive looking and tasting. Everything from candy, tea, coffee and hot cocoa, ice cream, cookies, candles  and so much more all involving peppermint and I just love it!

So for today’s intention, I decided to create a “peppermint night”, a festive and yummy display for the family. Not only did I bring out the wine bottles and mason jar I painted last year that went perfectly, I also filled a truffle vase with mints and put a Poinsetta plant in the middle for a neat twist on a plant display. I also included peppermint cocoa with marshmallows, brownies with whip cream and crushed peppermint on top, yogurt peppermint pretzels, Lindor peppermint truffles, peppermint Junior Mints, peppermint Andes and of course….mini minty candy canes!!!

I set it up after dinner. We all snacked a bit and enjoyed the tasty treats but surely have plenty left over to last a while. The red and white was such a nice splash of color and makes me want to decorate early for Christmas this year. This was a tasty, cute and fun intention. #HGAL #embracethemint

Day 311 – Coffeehouse Quiet time

About a week ago I was once again invited to join a book club. I have had numerous invitations this year but have never accepted. Well, this time I decided to go for it! I recently got the required book called “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern and I have some time to get it read before we all get together.

For my intention today I decided to head to the local coffeehouse for a little quiet time so I could get going on this reading. Vinny said he would join me which was awesome. After dinner we walked to Starbucks just down the road. This two story Starbucks is set up perfectly for reading, writing or just socializing. It sits adjacent to a beautiful park and has wall to wall windows to take in the view. We actually ran into Elijah and his friends there which was a funny coincidence.

Vinny got his Cappuccino and I got a passion tea. We sat in the large leather, soft, comfy chairs by the front window and I got started on my book (so far so good). After about 30 min or so, our drinks were gone and we were off. We stopped by the park- admired and chatted about the quaint detail put into this beautiful area then walked home. On the walk Vinny said he would like to do this more often- a nice walk after dinner to enjoy a nice hot beverage and some quiet time at the coffee house. I’m definitely on board for that! #HGAL

Day 310 – For Tony

With the winter upon us, the sun goes down about 4:30 which is really taking some getting used to. It makes finding intentions during the weekday just a little tougher. We went to a place called The Secret Garden a couple of towns over that I have passed on the road a few times and wanted to make it my intention today. However they must have shorter winter hours because by 6:00 they were already closed.

So I told Vinny I would just let my intention come to me and allow it to be spontaneous. I don’t want it to become stressful so I try to have fun with just watching for an opportunity to do something I may not normally have done and seize that moment for my intention. Sure enough that opportunity came sooner than I thought when we stopped in a cute little fresh market for something to drink.

As we were wandering around, Vinny gasped and said “Oh wow- Sarah look at this. This was my father’s favorite dessert of all time and I haven’t seen this in years.” Vinny lost his father (Tony) in 2001 and he was very, very close with him. As soon as I saw him standing there- staring through the glass of the freezer section at a Pepperidge Farm Coconut Layer Cake, saying how his mom always kept these in the house for his father- I reached in and grabbed it and said “Well, there it is sweetie. Here’s my intention. Tonight we will have this dessert for Tony!”

Vinny just went on about what a great idea that was and that he thought that was so cool of me. But the actual cool part came after dinner tonight, as I was opening the package I was paying attention to Vinny. His facial expressions said it all. As he took his first bite, I could tell he was in another place. It’s funny how our memories of our loved ones come back in the most random ways. A song, a food, a smell….either way, just for that moment being able to feel close to them again is truly a blessing indeed. I was glad Vinny had that blessing tonight- it was a fitting and lovely intention indeed. #HGAL #fortheloveofTony #bythewayitwasDELISH

Day 309 –Vision Board

Today for my intention, I completed my vision board. It has been a work in progress that I started assembling this weekend but today I completed it. I love the concept of a vision board. I first heard of what it is back in 2006 when I received my copy of The Secret. Of course, Oprah and others have spoken of them as a powerful tool for many years as well.

The concept is that when you are visualizing, you are igniting the law of attraction. Visualization is a powerful exercise. Athletes have been known to improve performance with visualization and there have been studies of those treated with placebo medications/treatment that actually improve in their condition when believing they are being treated with the proper medications/treatment (a.k.a. placebo effect).

Anyhow the key to a successful vision board is to include things that inspire or motivate you. There can be pictures of actual material things that you would like in your life, but the true key is to have pictures, words or items that inspire your dreams and goals. I personally LOVE to dream – I LOVE to be bold in my goals. I have thoughts, ideas and plans that I am constantly working towards. I allow myself to change my goals when I want and keep reminding myself of the awesome saying “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”

Truth be told, I think dreaming/goal setting is a huge secret to youth. Daring to dream and following through to the best of your ability helps one to not get completely engulfed in just surviving life or worse yet becoming stagnant. Embracing the fact that life is as exciting as I can create it is always empowering to me. Even this blog has been an amazing endeavor that may not have happened had I not set the goal and followed through. I will keep setting my goals and dreaming always and I am sure this vision board will assist. Either way, it was fun to make and a great intention. #HGAL