MTFM Blog

MTFM Back Again

2011-09-07T15:53:00.002-04:00

Wow I really think that I have used this title before and I am not going to say in this blog that I am going to be better about blogging, because clearly I have failed before so I am not going to set up you or me for disappointment.

But I will try to write a little more often. What about, who knows, maybe just what is on my mind. Oh wait, isn't that what a blog is all about.

Anyway today My Time For Me is on my mind! After a summer break where one of us got married and the other had a baby, we are back into it this fall. We have some great events in the line up for September and October and our newsletter is back out there.

It sure feels good to be back in the saddle and providing me time excuses for the ladies of Fairfield County and beyond.

Check out our events and looking forward to taking me time with you again!!!

Wednesday Book Blog: Eight Days To Live

2010-11-03T09:54:00.005-04:00

Eight Days To Live

Iris Johansen

Eve Duncan Series #10

As stated above this book is #10 in the Eve Duncan series however it focuses more on Jane, the adopted daughter of Eve and Joe. It also brings back Jock, MacDuff and Caleb from past books that focused on Jane. The book was good, a quick read a bit of the supernatural and a bit of the past as the book focuses on the Judas coins.

Jane did annoy me a bit as she is pretty bull headed, but I guess that is her character. I think I do enjoy the books about Jane better than I like the ones about Eve and Joe but as always I did enjoy an Iris Johansen book. Not one I would say run out and get and read, but worth the read if it comes across your path as it did mine.

Wednesday Book Blog: Savor the Moment

2010-09-12T14:36:00.006-04:00

Savor the Moment
The Bride Quartet Book 3
Nora Roberts

I took a break between the first and second book but went right from the second book into the third. I knew what I was in for, much of the same but I just could not help it. I had to read it right away.

As assumed, the book was predictable and pretty much the same story as the 2nd book, just focusing on cakes instead of flowers. This disappointed me as the title character in this book had the same situation as the title character in the 2nd book and pretty much even had the same dialogue with her friends and the man she ends up with.

There was a fun change of scenery in this book which changed it up a bit so that was nice. Of course I again I would recommend this book to read especially if you read the first 2. I mean really we have come this far so we must be enjoying them. LOL.

Wednesday Book Blog: Heat Lightning

2010-09-12T14:34:00.004-04:00

Heat Lightning
Virgil Flowers Series Book: 2
John Sanford

I don't usually like to read books in a series out of order, but this book had been passed along to me and I picked it up without realizing it was a series. Luckily it was only book 2, and luckily I liked it so of course I went on to paperbackswap.com and ordered book 1 and 3

This book is about detective Virgil Flowers, a very interesting and smart character. I like the way he thinks and the way his character is written. He has very many facets. He is a specialist in solving murders, especially ones that have lots of possible bad guys and reasons, or I guess I should say motives. I can usually see where a book is going and I did not figure this one out for quite a while, which is a good thing.

Great character, good read I look forward to reading the first book and then the next one. Too bad I found this series when they just started and have to wait for the 4th book to come out. Would love to just plow through as many as I can. Sort of like hanging out with a cool friend.

Wednesday Book Blog: Bed of Roses

2010-09-12T14:33:00.009-04:00

Bed of Roses
The Bride Quartet Book 2
Nora Robert

So I was of course eager to read this book, but to make sure I did not get burn out from the series, I read a book in between. Of course as expected, this book was much the same formula as the first, and I expect the 3rd and 4th to be the same. But nonetheless, I still enjoyed it.

As the name implies this book focuses on Emma, the florist of the group. I knew by the end of the first book, who she would end up with in this book and I figured out the 3rd book as well. But that really did not take anything away from this book. So being about the florist their was of course beautiful descriptions of all the flowers, and arrangements and bouquets, which of course got this bride thinking of flowers, which of course led to budget - which is definitely not of issue in this book- but I digress, this book is fun and somewhat fantasy so budgets be gone from the brain!

Although predictable and not much of surprise it was still fun and easy to read. A great beach read or comfy couch read now that in the Northeast it is no longer beach weather.

Wednesday Book Blog - Vision In White

2010-09-12T14:26:00.007-04:00

Vision In White
The Bride Quartet Book 1
Nora Roberts

Okay, I admit it. I fell for it. Being a Nora Roberts fan and being a bride to be, I fell head and heart first into the first of four books in the The Bride Quartet books. I resisted at first - only a little, I have to be honest - to get into books about brides and weddings but then gave in and picked up the first book. Done in 2 days. I kid you not. The books follow 4 life long girlfriends who started an wedding planning business, yup appeals to the event planner in me. Each book follows one of the girls as they fall in love and get engaged, okay so I am in that same stage of life. It takes place in Greenwich, CT and it is by one of my favorite guilty pleasure authors. See had a quartet of my own for this book. The first book, Vision in White, follows Mac, the photographer of the book. That is all I am going to say about that, you can read the book to find out more. And true to Ms. Roberts' books, a quick, easy and entertaining read that speaks to the bride in all of us no matter where that bride is in the stages of life.

Wednesday Book Blog - Knock Out

2010-09-12T14:19:00.007-04:00

Knock Out
Catherine Coulter

Ooh I love this series of books and I loved this one. I am always excited when a new one comes out in this series of books. I love to follow the Sherlock and Savich, married FBI agents and their cases. I also like that there is a bit of the other worldly in these books as Savich has a bit of special senses and abilities. I don't have much to say about it but I just enjoy diving into their world once in a while with these books. Racing through streets, saving the day, the little bit of romance. What more could you want in a book and a little bit of escape time.

Wednesday Book Blog: North River

2010-09-12T14:12:00.009-04:00

North River

Pete Hamill

One of my all time favorite books I have ever read is Forever by Pete Hamill, and yes I kept that book on my bookshelf. Knowing that I enjoyed the book, and Pete Hamill being a favorite author of my fathers, he recently gave me the book North River. Of course I raced through the book I was reading to get to North River. It was nothing like Forever except in the fact that it takes place in New York City and yes there is one quick reference to Cormac, the title character from Forever. It is a sweet love story, it is a fast read but a slow paced book, there is not much action or really much that takes place in the book and while it could be considered a sad, heavy book to read, one reason being it takes place during the depression, I did not find myself sad at all by the book. I enjoyed it very much and even passed it along - as a borrower only, this will live on my bookshelf - to my Aunt who also enjoyed it.

me and my books

2010-09-12T14:04:00.002-04:00

I try to write about the books I read on this blog, sometimes I am more consistent than others in writing about what I have read, but I am always consistent in my reading. I read every day. I love to read and I love to keep my books. I don't keep every single book I have read but I like to keep the ones that were special to me or my favorite reads. I don't typically re-read a book so I am not keeping it to read again, just keeping it because books are like friends to me.

But since I have moved, I am limited for space - not that I was not before, but this is a different type of limited - so the other day I had to go through my books and decide which to keep and which to not. It was not an easy thing for me, but I had to do it and I did. I kept my special friends that I like to see on my bookcase and I chose to pass along my friends that I know others would enjoy. The process started with lots of piles. A pile for what I am going to keep, (inevitably, the biggest pile) a pile for www.paperbackswap.com, a pile to bring my my mom's salon and random piles for friends who I thought might enjoy a particular book.

Once my piles were arranged, I put my keep books in my bookshelf in the order I have envisioned in my head for years. It was hard to give away some of my friends, but I know they will find good homes and when I look at my bookshelf, proudly displayed in the entrance hallway or our place, I have a warm, friendly comforting feeling from my friends on the shelves.

Me Time with Me

2010-09-09T14:23:00.003-04:00

Lately I have found that I have been wanting more me time and taking it, but I find that I want my me time alone. I have a desire, and one that I give in to, to huddle up in a corner (yes a comfy one) with a nice cup of tea and a good book, or I want to sit on my couch and watch DVR and knit, knit knit away. I have always found pleasure in doing these thing, and have made ample time for them in my life, but I have always been more of a social person so for me these days to want to stay in and do solitary things has surprised me. And lately I have given in to it. I think it is important to do what feels right for yourself and I always feel so good after taking that time.

However, I know for me, and I believe for all of us, this cannot be the only type of me time in our lives. I believe that we all also need social me time with good friends and new friends, doing an activity that you enjoy and look forward to. I am looking forward to my dinner planned with the girls next week (the first time I am entertaining them at my new place!!!) , and the MTFM event for October (ooh a make-up make over and free beauty treatment!) and all of the other fun social events on my calendar but I do find just as much excitement over the nights I have nothing planned or the all day Sunday when I can be lazy with my books and my bamboo needles.

Blogging

2010-08-26T12:18:00.003-04:00

Jeez who would have thought this would have been so hard to do. I mean I am a talker you would think I would be able to write stream of conscience much easier. But it seems not so much!

I want to write about more and I plan it, I even jot down notes about things and experiences I would like to write about but it does not happen as easily as I would think. It does seem that in the minutes in the morning between sleep and wake I have great ideas and come up with great, flowing and inspiring prose to write but I just don't get out of bed and do it. Like most I think oh that is good, I will remember it when I get up, it's only in a few more minutes. Then I hit snooze a few more times, and then I am running with just enough time to get ready and no time to write that awesomely beautiful blog I had in my head. Grrrr.

Yes this was one of them and yes in the wee hours of the morning sleep fog it sounded so much better. Hmm maybe if I force myself at the same time everyday to write something I will get more into the habit and the flow. I guess we will see, keep checking back to see my progress :)

Andrea: Best Conversation With A Stranger

2010-08-26T12:07:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure and the honor of having one of the best conversations I have ever had with a stranger. (Yes I know a few weeks ago and I am finally writing about it now......)

The conversation started over greeting cards and the different types with local and beach scenes. I am not sure how it happened but soon we were talking about the state of the World today and how we both felt that if people tried to look at the glass half full more often and appreciate what we do have and who we have in our lives, it could make a difference in the World. We both seem to have the same outlook on fun, and finding the good and enjoying the day and the moment that you are in and compared notes on how we both do that.

This lovely women had a wonderful and infectious smile, a warm and open personality and a vibrancy about her that made you want to spend more time talking with her.

I then found out that her and her husband had lost their home to a fire in March during those crazy storms. They lost every single thing that they had but were both lucky enough to not have been harmed. She said to me, "you can replace your things but not people". And instead of being down and beaten by the loss of their home, memories and things to the fire, she was so excited for their new home and the new location and all that these things offered to them. It was so uplifting and refreshing and really a great way to get perspective!

At the end of our conversation she thanked me, shook my hand and said she looked forward to seeing me again (we frequent the same store so it is possible and probable). I told her it was my pleasure and I looked forward to it as well.

As I mentioned this was a few weeks ago and I still can't get that lovely women or the wonderful 15 minutes I spent chatting with her out of my mind. It was such a great reminder of how to be positive and enjoy life and enjoy the strangers you meet throughout the day.

Being Me and a We 8/19/11

2010-08-19T16:28:00.003-04:00

This me recently moved in with my he so the we are now living together in engagement bliss. The other night however I found myself unexpectedly home with the new place to myself. It was great! I caught up on a little DVR that the does not watch, I did a little research for some projects I am working on. I read a book for a little while and thoroughly enjoyed the night by myself in our new place.

I had not had a night to myself yet in our new place and really had not been feeling the pressure to have one, but it was so refreshing and in hindsight so needed. I also have to admit, I was happy to know I still had that me in me, to reassure me that I am still able to find and enjoy that part of me that I once had more often. It is good to know I can still enjoy me and that I have not gotten so consumed in the we that I don't have the me anymore. Those few hours to myself were great and when he got home I enjoyed the we even more!

watching the clock

2010-08-03T09:38:00.002-04:00

We have all had it happen, we have something that we have to do, somewhere we have to be, yet don't want to be there so we watch the clock, willing it to move faster so we can do something else, be somewhere else.

Quite a few years ago I found myself in this situation on a daily basis, at the start of the morning, I could not wait for the end of the day. Then one day, I realized I was willing away precious time each day, willing away my daily life. I did not like this conclusion at all so I decided to make a change so that I could enjoy every moment and not be in a place that I would be wishing away precious moments.

Yes we all have things we don't want to be doing, and we all have times of wishing the clock to move faster, but those times are not on a regular basis for me anymore. And when I find myself in those times, I pull myself back into the moment at hand and find something good about that moment and that time to focus on, so I am not willing away time, but embracing and enjoying the moment.

So today or tomorrow when you find yourself in one of these moments, find something in that instance that is good and something to enjoy. Even just the sun shining on your face through the window, or a good song on the radio. And if you find yourself in that way more than you don't, you have the power to change that and make every moment in your life count.

There might be an M

2010-07-20T08:10:00.002-04:00

but there is no me time in moving! We moved into our new place last week and let me tell you, it is lots of work. Especially in 90 degree weather with 90% humidity. But thanks to a great and very helpful friend we were able to get most of our big stuff moved in earlier and more quickly than expected. That was a huge help. There are still things that need to be moved, sorted, unpacked and a spot found for. And in the coming days the majority of that will be done but wow the last 2 weeks has been nothing but moving, I am lucky I have even found a few minutes to finish my latest book.

Looking forward to taking some me time in my new place, once it is unpacked and we are settled in.

Wednesday Book Blog: The Hunger Games

2010-07-01T15:44:00.006-04:00

Well when I said I was back I guess I reallly am back and ready to write about the books I have been reading. So I just finished The Hunger Game by Suzanne Collins. It was reccommended to me by my friend who really enjoyed it. He was so eager for me to read the book, he enjoyed it that much. So on the plane ride home I opened the book, cracked the spine and started reading. After a couple of chapters I was thinking great, 4 - 5 more hours of flying today and this is the only book I have to read (which I never do, I usually have at least 3 books with me on any trip) Well for lack of anything better to do I just kept reading. I was on a plane my options were limited, there was not even a bad movie to watch.

To me the book started out real slow and uninteresting then the next thing I new I was up way past my bedtime that night to keep reading the book. I got hooked and found it so interesting I HAD to know what happened. It was one of those books I took everywhere with me in case I had a minute or 2 to read a page or 2.

It is a book for young readers but hey so is the Twilight series. It is also the 1st book in trilogy. The 2nd book is out and the 3rd comes out in August/September. I am saving the reading of the 2nd book until the 3rd comes out so I can read them together and not be left hanging like after the 1st book!

I am not going to do the story injustice by trying to describe what it is about so I will let you visit your favorite book site to read more about it, but I found it a great read even with the slow and strange start and am looking forward to the next 2 books. Hmm maybe on the beach.

Girl Time!

2010-07-01T15:31:00.003-04:00

Last night I had dinner with 2 of my favorite girlfriends. Two people I trust the most with just about everything, 2 friends I know I can speak frankly with and who will be sympathetic but will also put me in my place when I need it.

It was such a great evening, it had been too long since we had gotten a chance to just relax and gab in only ways women can. We all have things going on in our lives at the moment (of course when do we not!) and we talked them out, listened, tried to solve all the world's problems, okay maybe not the whole world's but our worlds) and had such a great time.

I left there and felt such a joy and peace and light heartiness and while today things are not much different with whatever we have going on, I know I feel better for having shared it with my girls and having them in my life for the good, the bad, the ugly and the funny!

Being Me and a We

2010-07-01T15:07:00.006-04:00

When MTFM started both Tracy and I were single 30-somethings looking to learn and try new things, spend time with girlfriends - both new and old and most importantly take time for ourselves. We are both still 30-somethings but are no longer single. But in no longer being single we both still make sure that we take our me time and do things for ourselves, and I don't have to tell you this, but it is quite a balancing act but one much needed and well worth it for ourselves and those around us.

So I plan to write about how I am keeping my me while also now being a we (as well as moving, planning a wedding, growing a business and all the other day to day stuff we all have to do.)

When ever anyone starts a new relationship of course that relationship takes precedents over all else at first, as it should. But we can't forget about ourselves and that we need to take care of ourselves and our other relationships. I love spending time with my fiance and want to spend as much time with him as I possibly can, but I found the mornings he leaves early for work - and I actually wake up with him- are so enjoyable to me. To have a few hours in the early morning all to myself has become such an enjoyable and important time for me. Sometimes I read my book, sometimes I catch up with my DVR, other days I lay lazy in bed in and out a light sleep just enjoying it. I allow no pressure on myself during that precious time to check email, do laundry etc. I just do what I want to do for me. I find I then can go into my day refreshed and light hearted. Of course don't get me wrong, the mornings I don't get up with him I enjoy those extra hours of sleep!

And really it is not that I don't want him there, I just want to be with me for a bit. And that is okay and good and I am going to keep doing it and enjoying it. After all it makes me a happier person with him and with everyone in my life.

Andrea is back again

2010-06-29T10:04:00.006-04:00

Okay so I am going to try this blogging thing again. I did a good job for a while and then well, not so good a job, so here I go trying to do a good job at it again. Wishing myself luck!

Last night MTFM went to a Bridgeport Bluefish game. What a great time the game was. I felt bad because the stadium was pretty empty, of course the rain earlier in the evening may have had something to do with it. But what a great time a night at that ballpark is. They have tons of activities going on for kids, things going on on the field in between innings. The Bridgeport Bluefish mascot is all over the place taking pictures and hanging out with the kids (big and little ones)

The team played great, blew out the other team 13 -1. One thing I have to say for Bluefish fans, there may have not been a lot of us there at this game but we sure were a loud group!

Check them out and head out to a game, it's a great night out for the family or just with friends.

Wednesday Book Blog: Julia's Chocolates

2009-08-24T17:52:00.005-04:00

Julia's Chocolates

Cathy Lamb

My sister recommended this book to me while we were on vacation in Aruba and I ran out of books to read on the beach. She had just finished and thought I might enjoy it as she had.

While this is not the typical book I would normally read, I loved it. I could not put it down and I read it in less then 2 days (not hard to do when all you are doing is sitting on the beach reading)

It tells the story of women breaking out of her abusive relationship and unhappy life and how she rebounds and makes a new and happy life for herself. But it was not one of "those" books. It was very uplifting and fun and happy and I actually laughed out loud on the beach a few times.

It was one of those books that you just don't want to end. You want it to keep going and you want to keep living with the characters of the book. Yet another book I highly recommend! Fun, happy and quick read. I don't think you will be sorry you picked this book up.

Andrea: Taking me time

2009-07-28T10:57:00.003-04:00

Even though it is sticky today and I have a TON of work to do. I have a friend coming into to town to visit and I am taking the day off and taking some me time on the beach with my friend! I am not going to worry about all that I have to get done before my trip next week, I am just going to enjoy the moment I am in and enjoy spending time with a friend I don't get to see often. Oh and I am going to enjoy the beach and rejuvenating my tan!

Enjoy the good moments today I plan on it!

Wednesday Book Blog (on Friday): Sepulchre, Kate Mosse

2009-07-15T16:15:00.010-04:00

Sepulchre
Kate Mosse

This book was recommended to me by a fellow reader and I was attracted to the book because the story line revolves around a deck of Tarot cards, and being that I am studying and reading Tarot Cards now, it piqued my interest.

However, while interested, I was also hesitant at first because I attempted to read one of Kate Mosse's earlier books, Labyrinth, a few years ago and had a hard time getting through the book. I actually did not finish it which is rare for me. But since the subject matter of this book interested me I thought I would give it try.

Lucky for me, it worked out in my favor. The story line was very interesting to me and kept me guessing and turning pages. I also enjoyed how the book would go back and forth between the past and the present, but it was done in such a way that you were not confused as to what was going on and which time period you were in. As you get further and further into the story, the past and the present start inter-twining and connecting and coming together. I found I could not put this book down and was very glad that it was not only recommended to me but that I gave the author another chance.

I think now I am tempted to pick up the other book I have by Kate Mosse and see if in another time and another place that book will interest me this time around.

Happy Reading!

Andrea: Beautiful Morning

2009-07-15T16:02:00.004-04:00

I am by no means whatsoever a morning person. I am that person that hits snooze for a good half hour period before I even think about getting out of bed. When I eventually emerge, I have only one eye open and a snarl on my face. And don't even think about talking to me - even to say good morning - for at least an hour after I have gotten out of bed.

But lately, to maximize my time and get a jump on my day, I have been scheduling appointments earlier in the morning. Yesterday morning I had an 8am My Time For Me meeting. Yes you heard me, 8am - luckily we had our meeting at Starbucks so that I could get some caffeine in me to help with the morning sluggishness. I also arrived 10 minutes early for my meeting just to make sure all the morning grump was out of me before the meeting started so I could be nice, and participate intelligently in the conversation.

Once there, sitting outside in the morning sun, I really was happy to be up early. There is something calming and serene about being up and out in the early morning sun. I actually enjoyed it and have gotten so much accomplished by starting my day early. I think I am going to continue to try to rise early on more mornings. Well at least while it is warm and sunny out, I think I will have to reevaluate this practice on the cold, gray winter mornings, but until then, I look forward to more sunny early mornings when the World is just starting to wake up and everthing is fresh and new and the possibilites endless for a great day.

Andrea: Shoe String Summer Continues

2009-07-15T15:50:00.004-04:00

So last week, and please forgive me for not writing about it sooner, I embarked on another shoe string adventure and lunch with my Gram.

My Gram is such a great lunch date that I decided that it would be great to have her join me on my summer quest. So Gram and I are now embarking on Shoe String Summer Lunch Dates together! We are having a blast enjoying each others company as well as the fine fares of the area at the great prices.

Our adventures last week took us to the Mansion Clam House in Westport. We actually allowed my Mom to join us too and the 3 of us had a great lunch. I must admit, we did veer off the prixe fixe menu and order off the regular menu, so while it started out as a shoe string lunch, it did not end as one. But the seafood was delicious and the splurge was worth it. Gram had the tilapia, Mom had the famous fried clams and I had little neck clams. Yum Yum. Just writing about it makes me want to go back right now!

But back to my original reason, shoe string summer - yes they do have a prixe fixe menu, I believe it is lunch for about $12(give or take) and you get a starter and a meal. They really had some great choices on there (of course now I can't remember them -shame on me). They also have a great porch room that is sort of outside and sort of not, we could not sit there due to a private party but the table in the window was just as nice.

The Mansion Clam House also offers a happy hour special of free shrimp cocktail during happy hour if you are sitting at the bar. I have not tried out this shoe string summer deal but I plan to soon, especially after writing this blog and remembering how good the food was.

Oh and My Time For Me is in talks with The Mansion Clam House to do an event with them....stay tuned for that information!

Andrea: Good For You!

2009-06-30T15:02:00.003-04:00

Last week a colleague of mine sent me an email with this most wonderful quote:

Taking time for yourself should never be seen as a burden.
Not on you, and not on anyone else.
~Elizabeth Franklin

What a wonderful quote and what a great sentiment and thought for My Time For Me. I immediately put the quote up on our website and replied with my thanks and that I has posted it.

Her reply to me was: And I just sat out by my fountain on the patio with a cup of coffee and did nothing-- guilt free!! Thanks for being a good influence!"

What a wonderful way to start the day with a great quote and a thank you and knowing that we influenced someone to take me time and enjoy it guilt free. I hope that everyone can take the time of a cup of coffee out of there day to take me time and enjoy it and rejuvenate their day and relish in the peace and the gift of taking me time.

Thank you to my colleague for sharing your experience and I wish the same for the rest of us! Happy sipping and happy me time!

Andrea: Shoe String Summer Lunch

2009-06-24T14:50:00.003-04:00

This week I had lunch at Centro in Darien and without even realizing it, lunch fit right into my Shoe String Summer Plan. Centro offers $9 lunch special options, perfect for both the wallet and the palate. The offerings consisted of 1/2 pizza, 1/2 Caesar Salad plate, 1/2 sandwich and a cup of soup, a pasta special and a fritatta special.

I had the 1/2 sandwich, cup of soup and my Gram had the 1/2 pizza, 1/2 Caesar salad. Both portions were extremely generous for 1/2 portions and tasted great. The atmosphere there is also very nice which I find very important to my dining experience. I will be back during Shoe String summer and beyond.

The adventure continues......

Andrea: Happy Birthday Gram L

2009-06-24T13:57:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my Gram's 94th birthday, but of course we told everyone it was her 49th birthday. She had lots of fun putting strangers on the spot and asking them if she looked old for 49! It was my honor, privilege and my enjoyment to get to spend the afternoon with my Gram on her birthday.

We went out to lunch together (and wow for skinny little "elderly" lady -as she calls herself - she sure can eat!) and ran a few errands and scratched a few lottery tickets together - we won $4 on her 94th birthday!

During lunch I started thinking about all the stuff my Gram has lived through and we started talking about it. I have actually had this conversation with her before, I even wrote a paper about it in college that got me an A, but I still find it so interesting to talk to her about it. My Gram was born in 1915 and has lived through so many historical events including 16 presidents, Pearl Harbor, the depression - the list goes on and on with that many years under your hat. When she was born, not every house had electricity. She still has the actual Iron iron that they used to iron clothes with, to get it hot you had to put it on the stove! She uses it as a door stop these days. They had touring cars back then and not everyone had them, she told me that when it rained you had to attach across the top a tarp, but that it did not do much by way of keeping the rain off of you. She also told me about the time her dad once took their family in their touring car from Bridgeport, CT to Lexington Ave, NYC and it took 3 hours. Post Road all the way, when my eyes bugged out of my head at this she said, well remember there was not the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95 at that time.

So many things have changed in so many years and she has seen so much of and kept up with the time as well. My Gram has always been and still is a forward thinker, she moves with the times and keeps up with the way of the world today which I think is very cool. She is happy to talk about the past and what was going on when and what her life was like but she lives in the present. Oh and she is still sharp as a tack (both in her memories and her wit), she remembers everything including dates from the past as well as keeps up with current events. We should all be so lucky at 94!

I am very blessed to have my Gram still here and get to spend time with her. Happy Birthday Gram, looking forward to celebrating 95 with you and everything between now and then!

Andrea: Shoe String Summer Continues

2009-06-17T13:26:00.003-04:00

This week, as I a mentioned previously, is Restaurant Week in South Norwalk with participating restaurants offering 3 course lunches for $16.40 and dinners for $29.95pp. On Monday night I took advantage of the great Prix Fixe deals that is being offered. Hey it fits right on in with my shoe string summer plan!

What I also found out was that on Mondays and Tuesdays, Strada 18 offers wine flights for about $15. There are 3 wines in the flight and they offer one flight with a theme. This week it was Rhone wines. They are very generous with their tastings and will explain to you the wines. We had ours with dinner and unlike most flights, they poured ours one at a time, instead of all three at the same time. It was very exciting to know that once you finished the glass in front of you another one was coming to try.

And of course not only was the wine deal great, but the food and the prix fixe was wonderful as well.

Andrea: Dish Pan Hands

2009-06-13T13:11:00.003-04:00

In keeping with not only my shoe string summer mission but also my quest to live more healthy, I have been cooking and eating much more often at home. This is great for lots of reasons, I enjoy cooking, I am eating healthier and saving money, however it seems as if I am constantly doing dishes! Every time I turn around, there is another fork, dish, cup or something that needs to be washed. It seems endless and well for me, not so enjoyable but considering the good that comes out of it, I guess it really is not all that bad. Maybe I should just consider my dish pan hands a badge of honor for my efforts and proudly display my chipped finger nail polish an water pruned hands. Um okay maybe that is going a bit too far.....oh well, a cooking and a washing I will keep on doing, dish pan hands and all....

Andrea: Shoe String Summer

2009-06-12T14:08:00.002-04:00

What is Shoe String Summer? Exactly what it says it is. The mission I have chosen to accept is to have an adventure and fun filled summer on a shoe string budget. Something I am sure that most of you are doing as well.

Just because we have to watch our wallets, it does not mean that we should not have fun and enjoy ourselves! A few ways that I have been enjoying shoe string summer is too check out all the deals that are being offered around Fairfield County. In an answer to the problems of the economy many of my (and I am sure yours too) favorite restaurants are offering happy hour specials, prix fixe meals. And in case you have not heard yet, this coming week is restaurant week in South Norwalk with 3 course lunches for $16.40 and dinners for $29.95.

Another great way I was able to pamper myself on my shoe string budget was to get a massage as the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. A couple of times a year they offer massages at a very deep discount so that the students finishing up the program can log practice hours. It was great, $35 for a 50 minute massage.

As mentioned in a previous blob, I have been using PaperbackSwap.com to get books so I can keep up with my summer reading while sitting at the beach - another great way to enjoy Shoe String Summer!

As summer is just beginning, although you can't really tell by the weather, this adventure is just beginning as well and I will keep you posted on the great Shoe String Summer Adventures!

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog

2009-06-10T11:28:00.003-04:00

So a few weeks ago I wrote about Map Of Bones by James Rollins and I enjoyed that book so much I started reading more books by Mr. Rollins in his Sigma Series. Since that book I have read Sandstorm - a prequel to Map of Bones and Black Order the book after Map of Bones.

I also have the next book, The Judas Strain, on it's way to me via PaperbackSwap.com - just a side note - for all of you readers, PaperbackSwap.com is a very cool site. It is a swap site for books (duh, hence the name). How it works is you post your books on the site for people to request and for every book you send to someone, you get a credit. For every credit you have, you can request a book. The only cost to you is the cost to send one of your books to the requester. The media rate for books is something like $2.44(give or take a few cents). It is a great way to get rid of the books you have read and don't want to keep and a great cost effective way to get the books you want to read. I just love it, especially for me with how much I read and how many books I have.

Now back to the books - they are great adventures that are based on scientific and religious fact and history. Very similar to the Dan Brown books but I think better and more fun. There is lots of action and I will admit, lots of stuff that I have trouble understanding in the scientific realm, but that does not affect the enjoyment of the book. So if you like adventure and you like following the same characters from one adventure to the other, I think you might enjoy these as well.

So happy reading and happy swapping until next time!

Andrea: Practicing what we preach

2009-06-04T12:04:00.006-04:00

boy you would think someone who likes to talk as much as I do would be better at this blogging thing huh.

So this past weekend, Tracy and I had a planned strategy meeting for My Time For Me. You know the type of meeting, talk about growth plans, strategy, what events we want to have in the fall. However last minute we needed to be in Long Island for the weekend so we decided to keep our scheduled meeting and have it in Long Island. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon so we set up shop outside on the deck by the pool.

I know I know, you are thinking, how can you get anything done sitting at a pool in the sun on a Saturday afternoon. Well the list of things we had put together before hand really helped to keep us on track and surprisingly the great weather was a good motivator - especially since we have not been seeing much of that lately.

Then we realized we were practicing what we preach and being true to our My Time For Me culture. For us working on MTFM is taking me time since we love and enjoy what we do. We also realized how great it was to be able to be sitting outside, catching some rays and still be working and accomplishing our plans.

So the meeting was a huge success and we have some great plans in the works for the fall including another A Day For Me, a visit to the shooting range again, a wine dinner and much much more. Be sure to visit the My Time For Me website for updates to the calendar so you can plan for your me time this fall!

Wednesday Book Blog: The Big Leap

2009-05-13T15:01:00.003-04:00

The Big Leap
Gay Hendricks

Today I have not much to write in my book blog because I am still reading this book. I am half way through chapter 3 and I just love it (Do I say that about every book?)

I am going to get back to reading the book and will write about it as soon as I finish it. But for those of you who think you have something limiting you from reaching your full happiness and/or potential - this book just might be for you.

More soon! Happy reading.

Andrea: GCT Tour

2009-05-11T15:57:00.002-04:00

This weekend My Time For Me took a tour of Grand Central Terminal. I have always loved GCT and whenever I take the train into the city, I take a moment to look up and gaze at the beautiful ceiling up above. It takes my breath away and if not for possibly getting run over by the folks walking through I would stand there for hours and just stare up.

Aside from that and a few other minor tid-bits that I have learned over the years about GCT, I did not really know too much of the history or of the less visited parts of the terminal. The tour on Saturday, while only a little over an hour long, taught me so much that I did not know or even think about. It was great and I look forward to learning more. Of course hearing our tour guide talk about the history made me want to get a book about GCT, but I refrained, I think I will just put that book on my wish list for now.

After the tour we went to not widely known Campbell Apartment located in GCT for drinks and snacks. It was such a cool little bar. It had once been the office of John W. Campbell and it was called apartment instead of office so that during prohibition, Mr. Campbell could entertain clients and offer them alcohol in his "private residence". Awesome place to grab a drink but a bit pricey and they do have a dress code, so no sneakers if you want to visit this establishment.

After the tour I put my new found knowledge of the subways to use again and did a few errands around the city. What a great day exploring new places and learning new information and all so close to home!

Check out the MTFM website this week to see pictures of the tour.

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog: Run For Your Life

2009-05-05T15:09:00.005-04:00

Run For Your Life
James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

I am a big fan of anything written by James Patterson and I look forward to his books coming out because to me they signify a good, captivating quick and enjoyable read with action and twists and turns.

Run For Your Life follows detective Michael Bennett in NYC as he chases down a crazy serial killer. This book does not differ much from the format of all the Patterson books, especially the books of the Alex Cross series. There are many similarities in the characters, the family members, the plot line and the bad guys. It follows the same pattern pretty close with new details and people in a different city. Alex Cross is in DC and Michael Bennett is in NYC.

However, having said that, I still did enjoy this book. It was a quick and entertaining read. It even kept me from going to bed while reading it. I would finish a chapter and think to myself just one more chapter and then lights out, but one chapter would lead to 10 (another great thing about the Patterson books - short chapters, great for a reader like me that can't put a book down mid chapter)

For fans of Patterson, you might feel like you are reading the same story, but different people and place, but still an entertaining read. For someone new to Patterson, a good quick and enjoyable read.

Happy reading!

Andrea: I'm a big girl now!

2009-05-05T14:44:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I had a meeting with a fellow entrepreneur in NYC about her company called Stiletto Spy School. So I got myself up earlier than my usual time, packed a bag of essentials (umbrella, book for train, lip balm, pad of paper and music) and headed for the train. Once in the city, I walked the 10 or so blocks to the meeting and found myself in an area not far from Grand Central Station but where I had not really explored before. I am looking forward to the next time I am in the city checking out 2nd Ave a bit more.

After the meeting I wanted to go to Union Square but it was too rainy any my heals were way to high to walk, so I found the subway and bravely walked down the stairs. I had no idea where to go once down there or how to get to the right platform, but hey I had done it before with friends, I was sure I could do it by myself. So I got myself a metro card, stocked it up with the $7 deal they had, swiped the card and walked into the maze of tunnels. Luckily Tracy had mentioned that I wanted the 6 train and I knew enough that i was going downtown to I found the 6 heading downtown, hopped on, checked the map at the top of the car and made my way to Union Square! I did it, I really did it. I could not wait to do it again for the way home.

While there I visited a great store called East West Living. Very cool place I recommend you give it a visit if you are in the area of 5th and 14th. But anyway I digress. When it was time to head back to Grand Central Station, I found the subway again, got on the train and headed back uptown. It was great, saved me walking time, getting wet in the rain and cab fare. So convenient and not so intimidating anymore.

I think I may have to plan an excursion on Saturday afternoon after the MTFM Grand Central Terminal Tour and Private Reception and take the subway again.

Happy traveling and remember to keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times!

Wednesday Book Blog: Map Of Bones

2009-04-28T12:42:00.007-04:00

Map of Bones

James Rollins

I am not quite sure how I came across this book, but I saw it somewhere and put it on my B&N wish list. Last week I was ordering books and decided to get it and I was not disappointed.

This is book 2 of the Sigma Series (yes I have now ordered book 1 and 3) and it is a fast paced mystery based on historical facts and information. It is very much a DiVinci Code-esque book so for those of you that are fans I recommend this book. It had great action, great history and mystery and very interesting facts, twists and turns. I really could not put it down. I was taking a red eye home from the west coast last week and I was reading the book instead of sleeping! I could not put it down.

With the Angels and Demons movie coming out next month I am sure all the hype is going to start again and this book is a great way to stay in that genre. I will let you know if the other books are just as good.

Happy Reading!

Back Again

2009-04-28T12:32:00.003-04:00

So I have been very remiss and have not been writing blogs at all! Not even my Wednesday book blogs. Shame on me! But now I am back and going to try to get back into blogging. Where have I been you ask? Hmm I am not quite sure I even know, things have been so busy and in a very good way.

My Time For Me had our first A Day For Me on April 5th and it was a great day. We had so much fun and got to try out all kinds of fun new things. It really was a dream come true as we have been wanting to have a "big event" ever since we started MTFM. Check out some great pictures from ADFM and see all the fun. We plan to do another one this fall so be on the look out for that information.

Oh and for the first time ever in my life I walked the Brooklyn Bridge this weekend. That was great, it is beautiful and you can see so much and well let's be honest. The people watching is top notch. I look forward to doing it again soon, I think I am hooked now. Anyone up for a stroll?

2009-03-25T23:29:00.004-04:00

Beach Music
Pat Conroy

This book tops one of my all time favorite books. I do not re-read books but I think that this is one that I will soon pick up and read again. It was not a short book and actually it took me an entire summer plus to read this book. I would pick it up, read a few chapter or read it for a few days and then put it down for a few weeks (of course I would read something in between) The more I got into the book the more I did not want it to end so the slower I read it. I felt as if I was apart of the book and the lives and I just wanted to keep living it.

I can't tell you what it was about this book exactly, maybe it was the style of writing, maybe it was the content of the story or the lure of the characters or of the descriptions if Italy. Or maybe it was a combination of all of that, but whatever it was, I found this book very moving and it has a very fond place in my heart.

The story is of a man and his daughter and their life after the death of his wife. The story explores family life, secrets and love. My description of this story could not do it justice so I will let you either check out the description online or read the book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog: Eclipse and Full Moon

2009-03-15T00:29:00.007-04:00

Book 3 and 4 of the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer

Eclipse and Breaking Dawn

Sorry to have missed last weeks book blog, but I was on vacation and did not have access to the Internet. Yes it was wonderful to be liberated from technology for a few days.

This week I am going to talk about both Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Mostly because I can't keep track of what happened in which book and it just seems like the right way to do it.

Eclipse, the 3rd book in the series took me longer to read than the first two. For some reason, I personally was not as captivated by this book as the first two, however it could have been a bunch of things, including reading the books all in a row - I may have just needed a bit of space from Bella, Edward and Jacobs world, and I was pretty busy with not as much time to read. But the book was very good and really set up things for the 4th book.

As you can see, I read the 4th book while on vacation. As I looked around the beach, I saw more sunbathers than not with one of the books from the series. One woman saw me reading Breaking Dawn and even stopped to talk to me about the book. Funny how a book about vampires can cause conversations with complete strangers.

Breaking Dawn was by far my favorite book of the series and as with the first 2 books, I blew right through all 700 and something pages in a few days (okay so being on vacation with nothing to do but read helped). So much happened and came together in this last book and the story is told a bit differently from the other books. In case you have not read it, I am not going to spoil it for you because it was a pleasant surprise for me. Reading the last book made the first three all the more better. These are books I wish I could read again for the first time. I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out on DVD on the 20th.

Until next week, happy reading.

Andrea: I did it!

2009-03-05T18:09:00.004-05:00

I did it and I am so proud of myself. I just completed the 28 day detox and I have never felt better. My body feels cleaner and lighter and my clothes are fitting better than ever. I actually got into a pair of jeans I have not comfortably fit in for 2 years.

Aside from the wonderful health benefits, I am most proud of myself for not only sticking with it but sticking with it strong for 28 days. I did not cheat once, I kept to the proportions and serving sizes and did almost all of the recommended things to help with a detox (brushing my skin, lymphatic massage, exercise) and I learned so much, not only about healthy eating but about myself. One of the best things for me from this detox is proving to myself I can finish what I start and finish as strong as the day I started. No slacking and no giving in.

Go me and all the women that did the detox with me. Now I am going to go celebrate with a vacation for a few days on a sunny beach!

Andrea: Book Blog: Law of Attraction

2009-03-02T21:11:00.011-05:00

Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't by Michael J. Losier

One day I was listening to an Oprah show on xm radio and I heard Michael Losier taking calls from listeners about how to practice the Law of Attraction. Now I have read The Secret and I find the Law of Attraction fascinating and have found that it really does work the more I put it into practice. However sometimes I felt like maybe I was missing something. Was I, in practical ways using it correctly? After listening to the show for about 20 minutes, I realized that Mr. Losier was giving people advice how to practice the law of attraction, not just the principals and the success stories, but he was actually giving advice as to how to practice it and the correct ways to think and say and live what you want from the universe.

I immediately ordered the book and could not wait for it to get here. A few days later it arrived and I picked up the book and did not put it down until I finished it. After learning the principals of the Secret, this book went one step further and taught me how to practice it. It even gave examples and you can download worksheets from the books website to help you. It took the mystery out of the law of attraction and gave me what I needed to use it more effectively. I definitely think this is a book worth reading if you have read The Secret, it takes it one step farther and I also think this is a great book to read if you want to learn about and how to practice the Law of Attraction.

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog: The Necklace

2009-02-25T09:00:00.004-05:00

The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives

By Cheryl Jarvis

A wonderful friend gave this book to Tracy and I for Christmas and said we had to read it. And she was right! This book was fabulous. I picked it up at 10pm one night with the intention of just reading one or 2 of the women's stories and stayed up until 1am reading this book. I could not put it down.

I highly recommend this book to any and every woman who wants to be inspired.

This book is the story of 13 women who purchase a diamond necklace together and share it throughout the year. It is utterly amazing how one necklace can bring a group of women together and what they were able to accomplish because of this necklace. Each chapter is the story of one of the necklace owners, what was going on their life before the necklace, why they bought into the necklace and how being apart of this group affected their lives.

I can't say enough good things about this book and I think that every women should read this and be inspired to find a group of women to bond with and to do something bigger than themselves with.

Thank you Kristen for sharing this book with me.

Andrea: Emptying the Wallet

2009-02-23T14:21:00.002-05:00

You know the song It's Raining Men? Well it has not been raining men for me but I certainly have been bleeding money! In my head I hear those words to the music of it's raining men, and let me tell you when my head sings I am bleeding money, the next word is not hallelujah.

The last 2 weeks my wallet has seen an out flux of cash like it has not seen in quite some time. Of course like everyone else lately I thought I was trying to watch my money, and not watch it go out but watch it stay in. But for some reason that is has not been the case for me. When I look back at all the money I have spent, none or not very much of it has been frivoulous. Visits to doctors, car maintenance, joining a gym, so that helps, but geez, that is alot of money going out. One good thing I can say is that I did pay off my credit card, so I got that going for me.

At least I can know my money going out is going towards my February is For Me goals and I like to think or rationalize that all my spending is helping the economy. Okay off to buy a lotto ticket now. Cross your fingers for me.

Andrea: I am doing it!

2009-02-21T18:54:00.002-05:00

I am doing it and I am so proud of myself. I joined the gym AND I went three times this week. I reached my goal my first week! Now to some of you that may not sound like a big deal or it may sound crazy, but for me that is big. Typically I do not enjoy going to the gym at all. But this time is different. Well so far, and I have high hopes it is going to remain different.

The first day I went, I went with Tracy, that helped too, it was my first time going to a new gym and I was definitely nervous and intimidated. Having a friend to go with really helped. I even found myself enjoying it. I think the new mix I put together on my ipod really helped as well.

The second day I went, I had my free consultation with a trainer. You know the one they give you whenever you join a new gym to try to convince you that you should hire a trainer. I thought cool, someone to show me how the machines work so I can use them eventually but no way am I spending the money and getting a trainer. I had it secure in my mind that I was not going to be "sold:. Well half way through the free session, I had pretty much made up my mind that I would get a trainer. I enjoyed the work out so much and knowing myself, I know I would never do any of the things shown to me on my own again. Despite the fact that I had it set in my head I was not going to do it, and it is an expenditure I had not planned on, I am really excited about it and look forward to the new, fun exercises as well as having a motivator and someone to help guide me. And I have to admit, thinking about bathing suit season looming on the horizon is definitely another motivator.

The third day, today, I was very tempted not to go. Tracy was not going and I did not have an appointment with a trainer and heck it is Saturday, but I made a promise to myself and I decided to stick with it, so I went. Of course I felt much better for going and for keeping my promise to myself. Week 1 success, week 2 here I come and looking forward to it!

Andrea: I did it!

2009-02-18T20:30:00.008-05:00

Yes I did it. After three years and in sticking with my goals for my February is For Me Month I joined a gym. Of course I joined yesterday but did not work out, I wonder how many other people join and don't work out the day that they join? Anyway, my first work out day will be today and I know I will definatley go on Friday since I have the complimentary session with a trainer.

With my new membership, I have set 2 goals for myself 1. continue to go after my For Me Month is over and 2. to go 3 times a week. I figure start off with an attainable goal, I don't need to jump headfirst and crazy into the gym. So I plan to go 3 times a week and do cardio and build up to machines, classes and weights and maybe 4 - 5 times a week at some point. I think that this is a good game plan and one that does not intimidate me or feel overwhelming. I am actually looking forward to going tomorrow. I think that might be a first for me!

So tomorrow, my new gym mix on my ipod, my water bottle and me, will be off to the gym for the first time in a long time, for the first time FOR a long time.

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog - New Moon

2009-02-18T10:30:00.005-05:00

New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer, the 2nd book in the 4 book series, had me captured just as much as the 1st book and I read this one in a couple of days as well. Luckily this time, I had the 3rd book on deck and did not have to wait to start that one, but I jump ahead.

I know these books were written for young adults, and much to my dismay I no longer qualify in that category but I am still enjoying them and while I find the read very easy I do not find them to be too young at all for any age to read.

The story has taken a turn that I will not spoil in case you have not read the book, but it is very interesting and I think I am going to be torn to what I want to happen just like I think Bella - the main character - is going to be torn at some point.

If you liked the first book, keep reading the 2nd one, it is just as good! Okay off to get some work done so I won't feel guilty picking up book 3 in the middle of the day today to read a few chapters. Happy reading.

Tracy: Flying High

2009-02-16T16:36:00.004-05:00

This past weekend Bryan and I went to Vermont to ski/snowboard. It was a learning day for him on the board and a day for me and my college-friend Tanya on skis. We flew up on Friday morning, in a Dash 8 plane, the same type of plane that had crashed the day before near Buffalo. I usually don't let that stuff bother me. Last time I flew was the day after the plane crashed into the Hudson. But, it does start you thinking about what's important to you and how quickly your life can change. I want to be sure that I am living my life each day. I am in the starting stages of another detox and hope to gain some clarity over the next few weeks. With this detox I plan to make some significant changes in my mindset. I want to stop thinking in the negative about myself and my body image. I have a lot to live for-my family, Bryan, Andrea and all my best friends, my future, and most of all, myself. I don't want to have any regrets when it is finally my time. My time is now to be present and accounted for in my own life.

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog - Twilight

2009-02-10T11:17:00.006-05:00

So I finally did it, I read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. The books and the movie have gotten so much attention and I do enjoy a story with a supernatural twist to it, that I thought it was about time to find out what these books were all about.

I must admit, I was not disappointed, I was sucked in (no pun intended) from the very first chapter and I could not put the book down! I started the book on Wednesday night and finished on Saturday night. I was away for the weekend and when I got back to town on Sunday night, I ran right to B&N and bought the 2nd book in the series New Moon, which I am sure to finish in the next day or 2 as well. Luckily I have a trip planned to B&N on Thursday so I can pick up the next 2 books in the series.

I am glad that I waited to read the books because it is nice to be able to read all the books at the same time instead of having to eagerly await the release of the next one. I enjoy the characters and their story and although it sounds funny to say, the sweet love story between Bella and Edward. Let's be honest, is it not every high school girls fantasy to be able to have her boyfriend sneak in her in window everynight. I can't wait to find out how the characters develop and where the story goes. Lucky for me, I really have no idea where the storyline goes and what happens to the characters and that is very fun to look forward to with 2.5 more books to go in the series. Off to continue reading........

Andrea - February is For Me!

2009-02-10T10:43:00.004-05:00

Back in December I checked out my calendar for the coming year and gratefully realized that I had a "quiet month" in February. Being who I am, I am always flying off somewhere(literally), scheduling this, doing that and as much as I love doing everything that I do and being busy, having a schedule such as that can catch up with ya. So I decided to keep my calendar unfilled as much as possible and to dedicate the month of February to me, doing all things that are for and about me to better my mind, body and soul.

So during this Month for Me I am catching up on all the Dr. appointments that I seem to keep putting off, dentist, eye dr. physical etc. I am doing a 28 detox to rid my body of toxins and yes a few unwanted pounds. During this detox I am also going to learn more about eating healthy and taking care of myself past my month for me. I am going to start meditating again and get a massage.

I am taking time to focus on projects to grow my business that I never seem to have time to tackle and I am going to read all, ok some, of the books that have been piling up in my "to read" pile and I am going to pay off my credit card and get my finances in order.

I am even going to join a gym, gasp - join a gym, that is a big one for me. Okay I admit, that one remains to be seen, but hey at least considering it is a big thing and a step in the healthy direction.

I am going to clean out my closets and all the corners and crevices where I put stuff I don't know what to do with. I am going to replant my plants that need it and I am going put my pictures in photo albums.

And I am really going to do all of the above, okay maybe except join the gym, that one is still a wild card in my plans, but I am going to do all of the above and just thinking about it gets me excited and feeling good. February is For Me and in March I am going to celebrate all I accomplished in my month for me with a few days on the beach in Aruba! Life is good!

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog

2009-01-19T12:19:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday Letters

by Jason F. Wright

This is not one of my "normal" types of books for reading, but when I read the review of it somewhere, something spoke to me and said "you have to read this book". So I listened and I bought it and I read it and loved it!

It is such a sweet sentiment, starting on their wedding night, the groom writes a letter to his wife promising to write here a letter every Wednesday. The story is told from the perspective of the bride and groom's children when they find 39 years worth of letters.

I always know a book and/or a movie is a good one by 2 things, 1. I don't want it to end and 2. after, I can't stop thinking about it. This book was both for me. It was sad, happy, full of love but not mushy and sweet. An easy and quick read but one that made my heart happy and I will admit brought a few tears to my eyes. A great touch is in the back cover of the book there is an envelope and inside is a Wednesday letter.

Andrea: Wednesday Book Blog

2009-01-19T11:55:00.009-05:00

Almost every year around Christmastime Patricia Cornwell publishes a book from her Scarpetta series. This year under the Christmas tree I found the 16th book in the series that started in 1990. The latest book is entitled Scarpetta after the main character Kay Scarpetta, a private forensic pathologist.

I did not start reading the series in 1990, I think I discovered these books a few years later, but since discovering them, I have read all of them and each year I look forward to the next book. Although when I finish the book I don't like having to wait a whole long year for the next one. This book, to me, was again no disappointment. For me it is an easy and interesting read. The book has 4 main characters that are in every book and I love seeing the development of each character and how the relationships evolve amongst the group. I am not always happy with what happens but I see, as the story line progresses this is where it has to go.

So if you are a Scarpetta series fan, you will probably enjoy this book. If you are not a fan but are looking for a new author/series, I recommend these books. You can pick up any book in the series and follow what is going on, but I think it is better to start at the beginning and follow it through for the sake of the characters. I will warn you though, the books are suspense and mysteries and the main character is a pathologist so if you scare easily or don't like a bit of gore or murder, these books might not be for you. If you like mysteries, Law and Order and CSI, these books are for you.

Finding the Happy

2009-01-15T13:34:00.009-05:00

We all make lots of resolutions in December and on New Years Eve for the year is about to start, and we make them with the best of intentions. But usually by now, only 17 days into the new year, we have already slipped up on well, maybe half of them.

So this year I made only 1 resolution (but I also made lots of intentions, it might be semantics here but it works for me). My one resolution this year is to be happy. Now I have written about this before and those of you that know me, know I am a pretty happy person but we all have our times and more and more I see my happy slipping and the grouch coming out and well frankly, I just don't like it or me when that happens, so I am focusing on being happy.

For me the way to do that is to just focus on the moment, be present and see the good in the moment I am in. When things overwhelm me or when someone gets under my last nerve, I take a deep breath and exhale it out and try to find the happy in the situation. It takes constant practice but I have really found that it has been working for me. Things that normally get to me, start to creep in and then I change my thinking and I find the happy.

This is not something new and profound to me or to anyone else for that matter, but it is a conscience effort and it is one that has been working and one that for me needs constant reinforcement and reminding. But I have noticed that the more I do it the easier it is and the less conscience an effort it is and more an automatic.

Coincidentally for Christmas I received from a very good friend the book "The Art of Happiness, A handbook for Living" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler M.D. I am only about 90 pages into it but I have found it very interesting and very helpful in reminding me of my resolution, my quest and my happy. I do recommend this book even though I am only 1/4 through it.

So my happy for this moment (and at 1:46pm today I have had many already) is that I had hoped to have time to write this blog today and I did with some time to spare in my packed agenda today! Go me. I am happy.

Good Things in Life

2009-01-07T14:43:00.004-05:00

Last night I had dinner at one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people. My family (well part of my family as I am lucky enough to have a large family I love very much) at Fat Cat in Norwalk. The dinner plans were last minute for me as I had other plans for the night that got postponed. So when my aunt called in the late afternoon to tell me the family dinner plans I jumped right on it excited for the unexpected dinner.

I was the last to arrive and as I walked into the restaurant I saw one of the greatest and happiest sites - My family filling up the whole back part of the restaurant (there was 13 of us) smiling, laughing, eating and generally enjoying each others company. And to make it even better, their faces lit up with hellos and hugs as I walked up to the table, even if I did not get to eat my favorite pizza, I would have been very full and satisfied right at that moment. I wish I had my camera with me to capture that moment forever as one of the best moments to start my new year.

The rest of the evening was wonderful, we ate delicious pizza, sipped on some vino, celebrated my aunt's birthday (happy happy again Aunt Patty), spent time with my cousins visiting from NC (good luck Jerry), caught up with my local cousins and tried to learn the game the kids were playing.

Even though it was a rainy, icy evening, the sun was shining last night in the smiles of my family as we enjoyed each others company. What better way to start the new year and even though I did not have my camera to take that picture, it will forever be in my memory as a great night.

Tracy: Top 10 2008

2008-12-30T16:45:00.004-05:00

Tracy's Top 10 Memories of 2008
10. Going bowling with my entire family, including 5-year old niece, Kyra and 8-year old nephew, Sean
9. Pumpkin pie martini's at B.J. Ryan's
8. Detox
7. Lobster bake on Taylor Island with canolli filling birthday cake
6. Garage-side chats
5. Vision board realities...Best Of winners!
4. Sangria and paella in Spain with Andrea
3. The birth of two of my best friends children
2. Summer days and nights in Shelter Island
1. Understanding the meaning of true love, true friendship and of being true to yourself

Happy New Year! Let's all make 2009 SUPERFINE!!!!

Andrea: Holiday Kindness

2008-12-08T12:52:00.008-05:00

First I am very delayed in writing this blog but hey at least I am writing it. Second I made the mistake of trying to go Christmas shoppping the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I thougth maybe since I had given it a few days it would not be so bad. WRONG. I don't need to bore you with the trials of shopping on a holiday weekend but I am just going to share with you a few observations that maybe can help us all make the holidays a little less stressed, a little safer and a lot happier.

Andrea's Observations and Thoughts:

Let's all be a bit more mindful of ourselves and the people around us this holiday season by trying some simple little things in our everyday life:

1. Hold doors for the people coming in our before or after us.

2. Slow down for a yellow light instead of speeding up and running a red light.

3. Slow down in parking lots - there are lots more people out and about this time of year - including kids.

4. Smile and wish the people around you a Happy Holiday.

5. Take time to enjoy the decorations and merriment all around you.

6. Take extra precautions when driving, remember you are not the only one on the road.

With a little bit of attention and a lot of smiles, we can all make this a holiday season of love, kindness and saftey.

Happy Holidays!

Andrea: I can see clearly now- through my new windshield

2008-12-08T12:38:00.005-05:00

Whenever I would drive in the rain I would think to myself - "wow I need new windshield wipers already! Didn't I just put new ones on the last time it rained? I can't believe how short the life span of windshield wipers are" and then I would go out and get new windshield wipers only to have the same converstation with myself the next time it rained. Well lucky for me, in talking with a friend, I found out my windshield wipers were not the problem but it was my 10+ year old windshield. (I also found out it affected the way headlights relfected off my widnshield making it hard to see when cars were coming at me.) Wow this is great, now I know what the problem is but uh oh now I need a new windshield.

While they were not as expensive as I thougth they might be, they are not cheap but really it has to be done, it cannot be safe for me to continue driving like this. So Plan A - replace windshield. Plan B - My Dad dis ask me what I wanted for Christmas this year....hmmmm Plan C - Call the insurance company, it can't hurt to see if they cover it.

So I call up my insurance company and much to my great happiness I learn that I have FULL glass coverage AND they will replace my windshield! Not only will they cover it, they set me up right over the phone with an appointment for the glass company to come to me the NEXT day and replace my windshield. WOW, that was a very worthwhile phone call (as I am sure my Dad agrees). I could not thank the helpful stranger on the other end of the phone enough. I am not sure she has ever heard someone so excited about a new windshield.

So as planned the next day the glass company showed up, replaced my windshield and now I can see clearly again, day or night, rain or shine. Yippee a driving I will go!

Tracy: Santa Knows Happiness

2008-11-26T14:26:00.006-05:00

Happiness comes in many forms. Take today for instance. We play Secret Santa at my job every year for the three weeks leading up to Christmas. This week was the first week of gift exchange and I am always one to try to figure out who has who(m?). When we only had ten people in the office, it was much easier. I even kept a logic table spreadsheet of who could have who(m?). Now that we have over 20 people involved, it's a little bit more difficult. We now use a website called Elfster.com that automatically draws and assigns the names to each Secret Santa/Santee. You can even create a wish list full of hints and ideas that will be anonymously emailed to your Secret Santa/Santee. I can't believe how high tech Santa has gotten!
I had been to the bank at lunch to close an account that had fraud on it and argued with the bank teller for the third time about this account. I then came back to the office to a staff who won't be leaving early today (the day before Thanksgiving) because we've been working overtime. And, the remodeling that was supposed to be finished in the office isn't done yet. But, as I was sitting in my office, thinking about all these annoyances, someone stopped in and brought me a Grande Skim Cappuccino with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cocoa on top from Starbucks! It was a special delivery from my Secret Santa and just put a huge smile on my face :) Thanks, Secret Santa!
You see, it really doesn't take much to make me happy. Simple pleasures are all around. I do not believe that there are any small acts of kindness. Any kindness is BIG. As we head into this holiday season, remember that it doesn't take much to put a smile on someones face. Sometimes, all it really takes is a smile (and a Grande Skim Cappuccino in my case) from you!

Andrea - Finish What You Start

2008-11-19T19:30:00.005-05:00

Recently I was asked if I start a lot of projects but don't finish them. Yup I answered, I start lots of stuff and don't finish it. I attributed it to the fact that I have an interest in learning about everything. Therefore I get a taste for something, learn the basics, get slightly into it and then move on. Because of that I have a plethora of items for whatever project I was into that now sit with dust on them. I figure someday I will find a use for the stuff so I am not really worried about that. But after I was asked the question, it was then suggested to me that maybe I try to finish the things I have started. I thought about it for a minute and said okay I can take that project on.

So now my new project is to finish what I have started, including this project or challenge as it may seem to be at times to finish what I start. In the last few weeks since I have started this endeavour, I have finished numerous knitting projects that I have had on needles, finished reading the books I had that I was half way through and got a bunch of other ends tied up. It has felt great. Each night I go to sleep with a great sense of accomplishment for the project I finished that day, it actually creates a nice peace of mind and calm settled feeling for me.

So I am thankful for the advice that was given to me and I am enjoying this new feeling of accomplishment and look forward to all the fruits of my labors and the end results of finishing what I have started.

Tracy: Countdown To What?

2008-10-26T09:42:00.003-04:00

We've all seen them, the calendars with the big x's, marking off the days. What exactly is the goal of that countdown? Are you marking off the days till your demise, the end of the world, your last hurrah? It seems a bit morbid to me. Why not celebrate your life and your days and your accomplishments? Those big x's scare me. If you want to put an "x" somewhere, play a game of tic-tac-toe...

Andrea - bad day blahs

2008-10-23T15:32:00.006-04:00

well I had a whole blog written about my day yesterday and when I went to post the blog, I received and error message and despite the fact that there is an auto save on this blog, my entire blog that I had written was gone. Knowing that I can't recreate what I had written and thinking that maybe the universe is trying to tell me I should not have published that blog I am not even going to attempt to write that same blog or one like it.

So instead I am going to say thank you to the people that listened to me vent yesterday during a bad day (a bad day for no reason at that!) and for being there for me. I am here to return the favor if ever needed. And Thank You for the good day I am having today.

I hope everyone that reads this has gotten over a bad day and having good days.

Andrea - Westport County Playhouse

2008-10-21T15:07:00.004-04:00

Last week I attended the performance of "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck at the Westport County Playhouse.

I had read the book in high school and have to admit that it was not one of my favorite books. However when the chance to attend this performace at the Playhouse came up, I was not going to pass it. The Playhouse is a most beautiful place in Westport that I have not taken enough advantage of in all my years living in this area (and that is my whole life) It is a very rustic and warm building with pictures of performers and performance proudly displayed throughout the building.

The theater itself is a very intimate theater and I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. As I sat in my seat waiting for the lights to dim and the show to start, I took some time out of my conversation with my friend to just enjoy my surroundings. I observed the people around me as eager as I was for the curtain to go up. I checked out the decorations of the room and rustic setting of the theater and I caught bits and pieces of the audiences converstations remembering Paul Newman and what The Playhouse meant to him. It was very heartwarming.

Then the curtain went up and I was whisked away into another time and place. The stage had a minimal set and even if it were elaborate, it surely would have been overpowered by the actors on stage and their performance. I can't say enough about how wonderful each and every actor in the play was. I forgot where I was and all of my thoughts as I became engrossed in the goings on of the play. Now as I mentioned, I had read the book in high school and remembered most of what the book was about, and even though it was a sad story and I knew what was going to happen (I won't spoil it for those who have not read the book) I was still so affected by all the took place on the stage and how the actors up there brought it to life.

This play has been extended through November 1st and although it might seem like short notice, if you can make time to see it, do it, even if Steinbeck and sad are not your first choices of entertainment (just like they are not mine) you won't be disappointed in this play and The Playhouse.

And be sure to keep your eye on their upcoming schedule, I hear the Christmas Show is not one to miss either and it is right here practically in our own back yards! Enjoy the shows and let me know if you see them and what you think.

Tracy: Celebrity Look-alikes

2008-10-02T13:04:00.001-04:00

I was working at a wedding this weekend in Shelter Island. Back in the days of high school and college, I worked at an inn as a waitress over the summers. On occasion, I still help out working weddings in the fall when the college kids go back to school. Quick, easy money is always enticing.

I am walking by a table and this guy says to me, “Hey, wait a minute. Sarah Palin. You look like Sarah Palin.” Now, any of you that have worked in a restaurant, you know what it’s like to be wearing black pants, a white shirt, hair in a pony tail, sticky, sweaty gross as you walk through a steamy, un-air conditioned dining room. I stopped, looked at the guy (and the multitude of beer bottles in front of him) and just smiled. I told him that I wanted to have a back up plan in case the vice president thing doesn’t work out.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had a celebrity look alike comment. One time, again I think this person had a multitude of liquor in front of and in them, someone told me I looked like Charlize Theron. Seriously? Have you seen Charlize? Tall, blond, movie star, pilates-driven looks? Have you seen me? Short, brunette, walk to the vending machine, couch-potato style? Close, but no cigar.

I wonder what it would be like to actually look like a celebrity. There is a former swimmer, turned reporter that looks like Michael Phelps. He was swarmed in China last month by mis-informed fans. The attention must be fun for a while, but I still like the anonymity of being just me.

Andrea - Stanger on a Plane

2008-09-25T11:55:00.009-04:00

Picture it: LaGuardia Airport, a Sunday night, boarding 45 minutes AFTER the plane was scheduled to take off. Billy Joel whistling The Stranger in the background

I get to my window seat with hardly a problem, okay so maybe we are running an hour late but no problems boarding. The plane starts to fill up and the middle seat has not been occupied yet, okay this could be good, an open middle seat. Then I see the obvious look of the person coming towards my row, in my head I am silently pleading "please be the aisle seat, please be the aisle seat" Yes! my pleading worked, the stranger is the aisle seat occupant. Next I hear the intercom turn on "Ladies and Gentleman, please take your seats quickly, we are closing the aircraft door and getting ready to take off" YES! Open middle seat. Now I can spread out a bit, not have to share my arm rest and prepare for take off and flight. I reach into my backpack - the one I never board a plane without in the last 10 years - and search for my pack of gum. Again I start conversing with myself - do I offer the stranger on the aisle seat a piece of gum and open up the possibility of having to have a conversation or do I just stick to my little window corner and pretend like I am the only one on the plane. Well my manners won out and I offered him a piece of gum.

He made a funny joke, politely declined my offer as he already had gum and went back to his book. As we take off, we both look out the window to see the beautiful NY City skyline grow smaller and smaller as we climb higher and higher. And then the inevitable happens, he starts chatting with me. Okay manners win again and I politely chat back. It actually turned out to be a nice conversation, where are you from, what do you do, etc. and we chat amicably and easily for a few minutes. Then he asks for my card, maybe we can keep in touch, grab a drink sometime. A slight moment of panic comes over me, do I give him my card, if not how do I get out of this, and while this inner dilemma is going on, without realizing what I am doing and much to my own surprise as well as it is way out of my character, I give him my card. Wait how did that happen? I never do that and I just did. Then the kind stranger says, "well your book is not going to read itself, I will let you get back to it."

All in all it turned out pretty good - an enjoyable conversation, a stranger on a plane that knows when to you let you read your book and a smooth flight that made up for delayed time in the air. Not bad for a Sunday night travelling the friendly skies.

Tracy-First Time Mom Friend

2008-09-08T10:17:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Washington state where I spent a week visiting one of my best friends from college. She had a beautiful baby girl, Piper and I went to give her some moral support and hopefully, a little time for herself.

Not having children of my own, I was a little hesitant what to expect living in a house with a one month old, two dogs, a cat my friend and her husband. Would there be incessant crying? How would I know what to say if the baby didn’t gain the right amount of weight at the doctor’s visit? What advice could I possibly have to offer this first time mom?

When Leslie and Piper picked me up at the airport, Leslie asked me to drive the hour and a half back to their house since it was so late. Normally, I would have no hesitation to drive, but this time was different. One, I had just flown across the United States and had been traveling for 8 hours. Two, her car is a stick shift and I hadn’t driven stick in about five years. And three, there is a one-month old in the car! Ok, no pressure here or anything. Just drive, on a dark, unknown highway with your best friend and her most precious gift in the back seat, an hour and a half, jetlagged. Sure, I can do that. Press in the clutch, feel the bite, don’t stop on any hills, sip the gas station coffee without jolting forward or stalling out. And, don’t wake the baby.

Well, we made it home safe and sound and I went right to bed. In a deep slumber, I heard nothing over night. Of course, Leslie and Piper were up multiple times throughout the night. I really had no right to complain and we soon were off walking a four-mile trail on the coastline of Washington, with the San Juan Islands in the distance. Halfway through the walk, we came upon a small town, with an outdoor plaza. Fairly secluded, Leslie wanted to try breast feeding in public for the first time. She told me she needed me there as support to know that she could do this. Again, not having children, I never took the time to think about what a big deal this must be in a mother’s life. It’s natural, yet feels unnatural to be doing this in public. Using a little apron-like coverup, Leslie as able to maneuver herself and the baby so there was no public viewing and all went well. I was so proud of her and glad that I was the one that gave her the confidence to be able to get past this difficult hurdle.

Throughout the week, there were so many firsts it was amazing to think that at age 37, you can still be a neophyte in so many areas. From Kenmore the dog ripping through the diaper genie to learning how to use the exercise ball as a bouncy chair to soothe a crying baby, a first time mom has much to learn. A first time mom friend must also learn as she goes. I wouldn’t have it any other way and am counting the days until I can see this new little family again. In the meantime, I’ll be practicing driving stick!

Andrea: Knitting For Charity

2008-09-02T10:10:00.011-04:00

A few months ago I recieved a newsletter that talked about a knitting project that can be donated to charity for the holidays. I thought what a great idea, I love to knit and it would be great to knit for charity, so I kept the idea on the to-do list for when the timing was right to start knitting for the holidays.

As that time draws closer, and I have begun doing some research on patterns and charities, I discovered that there are so many great charities that are in need of home made items such as hats, scarves and afghans that I wanted to share them with other knitters, crocheters and crafters.

Be sure to click below to see all the great charities that accept knitted donation and lets get the needles clicking, the yarn rolling and projects finished and send some warmth to those in need. If you have a charity and a pattern that you currently use, please feel free to pass that info along to me either by commenting on this blog or emailing me at andrea@mytimeforme.com

Happy Holiday knitting! Knitting For Charity List

Andrea: 90210 Back!?

2008-09-02T10:09:00.006-04:00

Yup I grew up with Kelly, Brandon, Brenda, Dylan and the whole Beverly Hills 90210 crew. I was even in the same "class" as they were but over here in the Norwalk 06850. I watched just about every episode the first time it aired for all 10 years that the show was on and I loved every minute of it. I continued to watch the show in repeats whenever I could and thanks to Soapnet I still can and do. (thank you soapnet!)

So when I heard that they were going to be featuring a new class at West Beverly I got really excited. I got even more excited when I heard some of the characters from my generation (can't believe I just said that) were going to be making an appearance.

As I suspected, the kids were a bit too young for me to really identify with but it was entertaining to watch and see new twists on the old story. But for me the best part was seeing the characters that I loved making appearance as well as some funny coincidences from the past. For example I love that both Kelly's little sister and Andrea's daughter are both in the show. But it still left me yearning to see more story line on Brenda and Kelly and the rest of the classmates. But I realize that this is not a show aimed quite towards me anymore but at the high schoolers like I used to be when the show originally aired.

So it looks like I will be visiting the halls of West Beverly again but maybe not as faithfully as once before and I will keep hoping to see more story line of my favorite characters, but until that happens I will just have to do with the small glimpses of the familiar.

Donna Martin Graduates!

Andrea - The End of Summer?

2008-08-27T13:30:00.007-04:00

For the past week, everyone had been talking about how this past holiday weekend was the last weekend of the summer. At the beginning of the weekend, it made me sad. I went into the weekend kicking and screaming that it was really not the last weekend of summer. We still will have nice weather in store, it is not as if we were going to wake up for work on Tuesday morning to bare trees and snow on the ground and the end of summer as we know it until next year.

So with everyone's end of summer rants in mind, I decided to make this the best weekend of the summer. Not a small feat since I had an amazingly fun summer. So here I sit on Tuesday morning and as I think about the last 5 days (yes I started my weekend on Thursday) I accomplished what I had set out to do, my weekend definately makes it up there in the top 5 of the summer. The weather was beautiful, the food was great and plentiful and time with friends was the best part. There was a pool party, Sunday brunch, a day at the beach and drinks by the water. What a way to spend the "last weekend of summer".

And while in my mind summer is not even close to being over (I may even wear my white pants one more time) After such a great summer style weekend, I think I am almost ready to move into fall, which luckily for me is my next favorite season. I am just about ready for my favorite sweaters, the turning of the leaves, the apple pie, the smell of spiced pumpkin and my favorite holiday (my birthday which is the 2nd day of fall).

So here is too a wonderful summer and end of summer weekend, a few more summer-like days and the start of fall with a new fun and adventures.

Andrea - Stop Signs and Blinkers

2008-08-27T13:07:00.003-04:00

Okay so really I want to blog about happy funny things but each day when I am in my car I think that is it, something must be done about this and I am going to talk about it in hope of making a difference, so here goes. My first non-happy blog that just may turn out to be more of a rant about Stop Signs and Blinkers.

Stop signs and blinkers you say, hmm what is she going to say about them, well here is what I am going to say. Why do drivers not use them? A stop sign means stop, not slow down, not roll through not pause and keep going without looking. It means, FULL stop, look both ways then, when there are no cars coming, proceed. Yesterday morning as I am driving down the street, heading straight, there was a car that came to a stop sign, did not stop, did not look both ways and took a left hand turn, cutting me off. Luckily, I sort of saw it coming and had one of those gut feelings that said "that driver is not going to stop" and well she did not. An accident was averted thanks to my intuition but there should never have been the chance of an accident when there was a stop sign, big, red, plain as day and been there for years. And this is not the only incident, I am sure like me you could go on and on about the subject as well and situations that you have witnessed or been apart of.

Yes I realize I titled this posting stop signs and blinkers but I am sure by now you can guess where I would go with the blinker subject so long rant short, please remember to use them too.

I know that when we are driving our minds tend to go everywhere but the road, so please, use this as a reminder to practice mindful driving, stop at stop signs, pay attention to your driving and those around you, use your blinkers and drive safe for your sake and those around you, especially now that school is starting again and the little ones will be out and about walking to and from school.

Tracy-Birthday Girl Alter Ego

2008-08-21T12:27:00.006-04:00

I wanted to post this blog last week, but I was too busy enjoying my annual birthday week vacation! I am always excited by my birthday and feel the need to share it with others. I think it goes back to being a little kid with a summer birthday. I never was able to have my mom bake cupcakes for my class and have everyone treat me special for that day. So instead, I make everyone treat me special for the entire month now that I'm grown up (debatable choice of words)!

Last year, I invented my superhero alter-ego on my birthday. Her name is Birthday Girl (very original, goes along the lines of Bat Girl, Cat Woman, and other assorted female comic book heroes who's names escape me). My superpowers have been honed over 30+ years of birthdays and include being able to eat all the birthday cake I want without gaining weight and drinking all the birthday shots I want without getting hungover. The creme de la creme of my powers is the ability to see people in their birthday suits. Of course, the best part of my powers is that I have the ability to KNOW who I want to see in their birthday suits and who I DO NOT!!

So, I wonder what your superhero alter-ego would be? What kind of super powers would you possess? Feel free to share your thoughts. And remember, if you run into me during August, I may just make you buy me a shot and a piece of cake (and be sure to keep some kryptonite on hand)!

Andrea: Movie Reviews As I see it

2008-08-21T11:58:00.003-04:00

So yes, I realize that it has been one of the most amazing weeks weatherwise and I have been indoors at the movies not once but twice this week. And while nothing really beats fun in the sun, the movies that I saw, Tropic Thunder and Vicky Cristina Barcelona, where both worth a few hours away from sunshine.

The first movie I saw was Tropic Thunder. Now I had no expectations for this movie at all and was not sure I even wanted to see it but my friends were going so I did too, (no I am not going to jump off a bridge if my friends do) It was more entertaining than I thought it would be and I did actually enjoy the movie. It was funny in some parts, not so funny in other and there were surprise familiar faces in the movie that I had not seen in the trailers. But the most surprising and enjoyting to me was Tom Cruise, the part he played and how funny he was. I actually might be starting to like him again. His character was hilarious and so not what we have seen him do before and who knew Tom Cruise could dance! I think it is worth going to see just to see him dance and play this funny guy. But that is just my opinion.

The other movie I saw was Vicki Cristina Barcelona. Again another movie I knew nothing about, I had not even scene a commercial or trailer for this movie but I heard people talking about it and it was highly reccomended by a friend of mine. I loved it, I can't really tell you why, maybe because I spent some time in Spain earlier this year, or maybe the story and the way it is told, but for me it is one of those movies that I have not stopped thinking about since I saw it. I would reccomend this movie and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Okay that is about all I have to say on the movies I have seen this week, but since this has been a summer of movie seeing for me, I am sure I will have more movies to write about soon. So for now, thumbs up, sit back relax and enjoy the show, turn off cell phones and see you at the movies.

Andrea - We're blogging now

2008-08-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

So you have a business, you have to a website, okay check, got that (http://www.mytimeforme.com/ in case you don't already know). Then you learn if you have a business and you have a website, you have to have a blog. Okay we can do that, add blog feature to website - check. Okay now blog - oh boy.

What do we blog about? anything and everything - okay, that seems easy enough. How often do we blog? Best is to do it everyday - gulp, everyday!

Okay so quite the challenge we have here! Now to know me is to know that I am quite the talker and hopefully once in a while I spin a witty antidote amongst the crowd (hopefull being the operative word here) but to write something everyday that is entertaining and maybe a bit informative that will keep people interested enough to check back - OH BOY!

So here I go, game on, challenge taken, mission accepted. Maybe you will join me on this journey, maybe you will comment (favorably I hope) on what is written, maybe I will succeed, maybe I will get into the groove (that is what I have my fingers crossed for) and write everyday or on some sort of regular basis. Maybe this will be fun for all of us, maybe I will entertain and give folks a chuckle and maybe just maybe I will have another thing to add to my list of things that I have done or do. I blog.

Andrea- What a summer for MTFM!

2008-08-07T12:01:00.000-04:00

I love summer, it is really my favorite time of year and I so far this has been one of the best summers I have ever had. Not only for the regular summertime things like picnics, days at the beach, boat rides, sun dresses and flip flops and a great tan, but also for the dreams and visions we have for MTFM that have cocme true this summer.

The first vision we saw come true this summer was the honor of having been voted the Best Of the Gold Coast CT as best social networking for women and to have displayed at the party last night. It was great to meet so many new people and make connections with the great women of Fairfield County, as well as meet the other winners. There was great music, food and giveaways last night and the energy in the air was electric and contagious. To see a list of the other winners, pick up a copy of Greenwich, Westport, or New Canaan Darien & Rowayton Magazines on newstands now. You are sure to find some great new things in there that you will have to check out!

We also are excited that our long standing vision of a membership program to My Time For Me is being launched this summer. We have put together a wonderful program with lots of gifts and benefits and discounts not only to MTFM events but to other wondeful businesses in the area. To see all the great benefits check it out here. If you have a business of your own and would like to offer a discount to the ladies of MTFM click here to learn more about it.

With a few more weeks of summer still ahead I am grateful for all that has happened so far and look forward to what is still to come.

Andrea - My Affair with Books

2008-07-02T11:22:00.000-04:00

I am obbsessed with books, buying them, reading them, discovering new ones, having them all around me and of course reading them. On a bad day a trip to the bookstore is a sure way to perk me right up. On a good day, it makes is an even better day.

I often joke that I cannot afford my habit - my book habit. I have more unread books than I can read in 6 months, yet I keep buying more and it keeps making me happier and happier. My wishlist at BarnesandNoble.com is always at the max of 25 books and everytime a coupon arrives in my inbox I use it, and of course I buy more than intended so I can get the free shipping! I know, I know I can go to the library and I used to all the time. In fact my library card holds a place of honor in my wallet, it is one of the first things I see when I open my wallet, but borrowing books is just not the same as having for mine for always.

If I hear of a subject that interests me and I know nothing about it, off the the book store or internet I run. Have a new project I want to tackle, let me find a book to help me learn about it. Having a hard time with something in my life, surely there is a book about how to get through it, or what someone else experienced.

The other day I was at my house and I heard the clump of feet on the stairs and the ringing of the doorbell that made me run to the door with glee where I knew I would find my recent order of books. How happy that made me, for the rest of the day, wherever I was in the house, the books were with me, reading them, checking out the cover art, figuring out which book I was going to start first. Working in my office, the new pile of books was right next to me. Later on while watching a movie, they were piled prominently on the coffee table where I could see them and the tv screen. That night when I went to sleep, they joined the pile of books next to my bed that I am currently reading or going to pick up next. Yes I have a pile of books next to my bed, it is almost like my security blanket, as long as I know there is a selection next to me, I am comforted that at anytime I can step into whatever world I feel like at that moment.

I have a great talent of being able to read multiple books at one time. People find this strange, I find it normal, depending on what mood I am in, there is a book I can pick up to fit. In fact just writing about my books makes me want to take a little break, sit outside in the sun (another one of my favorite things) and read for a bit. Hmm now which book should I take with me?

Andrea's Blog - Velcro Rollers - I never knew

2008-06-02T16:57:00.000-04:00

Yes I am writing about velcro rollers. I know seems strange to me too but it is something new in my life that I feel I must share with all women who have ever had a bad or questionable hair day. These little, or big if you so choose, rollers can work miracles in your hair! Really I did not believe it but after one use, okay 2 after I learned how to really use them, I am hooked!

They are pretty inexpensive, can be found in many sizes at any store that sells beauty products and they can give your hair the bounce and the flair you may need for a special occasion, a night on the town, or at the end of the day when you need to a hair pick me. They are also great on those days when you just don't feel like blow drying forever to get the style you want. With these little beauties, leave your hair a bit damp and roll them in and style galore! Yes I promise it is just about that simple.

Really you just roll sections of your hair in these miracle makers, spray on some hair spray, maybe give it a quick shot with the blow dryer (helps but not necessary) and leave em in for maybe 10 minutes and you have bounce and body! They are not the easiest thing to store or travel with but I tell ya, it is worth it. And other than maybe using the blow dryer, no electricity is needed and there is much less chance for mishap with these things than there are with a hot flat iron or curling iron. I know you all know what I mean there.

So yes I just wrote a blog about the beauty of velcro rollers and how important they are to me. Interesting topic huh, but since they have been such a help to me, I thought how could I not share. Happy rolling (velcro rollers of course).....

Andrea-Happy Blog

2008-05-21T10:55:00.001-04:00

A handful of years ago I was going through a challenging time in my life. I was on the precipice of a new life. Some of the changes I wanted, some I didn’t and some were much needed. During this time I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on a long weekend vacation with 2 of my closest girlfriends. Although I was sad and had a lot on my mind, that trip to this day is one of my happiest memories.

During this vacation I was standing on Fisherman’s Wharf with my two girlfriends on a beautiful sunny day and I looked at my friends and said “I am so very happy at this very moment!” My friends both looked at me and started laughing, what the heck I thought, here I am having an enlightening moment and they are laughing at me. They looked at me and said, well here we are, on our way over to Alcatraz, one of the least happiest places there is and you are bellowing about how happy you are.

Later on I thought about my declaration and their comments and how I was able to stop in the moment and appreciate it for what it was and the goodness of it. I started doing that on a regular basis, finding the good in the moment I was in no matter what was going on. I found during that tough period of my life, my days were better than I thought they could be, because although I had a lot going on, I focused on all the good things happening throughout the day instead of the bad. At the end of each day as I lay falling asleep going over my day, I realized how good the day had been because I focused on and recognized the happy things. Some of them as little as the tulips blooming outside or a great cup of coffee I had to bigger things like the time spent in a great city with great friends.

To this day I employ this theory of happy all day everyday, some days are harder than others, but those are the days that end up being the best because I faced adversity, hardship and trials and came out with a huge smile. “I am so very happy at this very moment” has become a joke amongst my friends, but any time we spend together is not the same unless I say it at least once and my life, and I hope others as well, is much happier for that moment of realization on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco with my friends.

So my advice to you today is be mindful of the moment you are in and find the happy in it. You will see that even during the toughest times, there is still happiness, and during the happy times, there is gratitude. Each making everyday a good day.

Tracy-Done With Detox

2008-05-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

It was quite a journey, with some lows and many more highs, but without all the support and enthusiasm of those around me I could never have succeeded in completing the detox. The reasons I decided to do the detox were many, from learning more about living and eating better/healthier to weight loss to determine the cause of my chronic cough to just proving to myself that I could do it. Going through the program was actually easier than I expected and what I enjoyed the most was cooking creatively using the allowable foods. I can up with some great recipes and even started sharing recipes with others who are following a similar diet (quinoa pancakes, anyone?). The benefits I’ve received from finishing have been a clearer sense of focus, a feeling of accomplishment, better skin, weight loss (12 pounds) and over a foot and a half loss in overall measurements! It certainly feels good to wear pants I have only been able to look at in my closet for the past two years. So, my best advice to anyone interested in doing the detox is to time it right for your lifestyle, gather support from family and friends, plan activities during the 28 days that don’t focus on food and drink (I went on an art gallery tour, got massages, finished books I had started months ago) and take the time to notice the changes in your mindset about food and food choices. Of course, now I’m one of those annoying people ahead of you on the line at Starbucks ordering the half caf/half decaf soy cappuccino, but, hey, that’s the way it goes!

Andrea - Dinner with Myself

2008-04-28T11:18:00.001-04:00

Last week My Time For Me had an event with Laura Campbell of The D-Spot focusing on taking control of your dating and relationship destiny. It was a great event and I learned a few things about attracting the guy I want to date and about myself.

One of the things that Laura recommended was going out by yourself (gasp) sitting at bar alone (cold sweat) and eating alone (yeah right) as a way of meeting new people and potential dates. So I decided take her advice and to break out of my comfort zone and head out alone. So this past Saturday night when I found myself alone in NYC for the night, I had dinner with myself.

I got dressed up, consulted with the concierge for a good sushi place and I was on my way. In I walked by myself and almost turned and ran back to my room when the hostest said "table for one?" I put a big smile on my face and said "yes, just me tonight any spots open at the sushi bar?"

So there I was sitting at the sushi bar all by myself, sipping my sake and taking my time to pick my dinner. The evening was great! I really enjoyed my own company, I made friends with the sushi chefs, who carved all kinds of object out of the veggies for me and I did something I was always afraid of doing.

While I did not make any new friends, (it was a quiet night in the restaurant), I did enjoy myself and felt great for doing something out of my comfort zone. I look forward to doing it again, except next time I am going to bring a book or a newspaper (in case of another empty sushi bar) and I am going to make new friends. Maybe even meet some one I will go on a date with.

Tracy-Dumping The Junk

2008-04-11T19:52:00.001-04:00

I'm on day 17 of 28 in a detox program. And, no, I'm not talking Betty Ford. In February, at one of our events we held at Dorr Way To Health, I met Laura Dorr. She introduced me to the idea of a detox. Now, the only detox I've ever known is the kind Britney and Lindsey have done and I didn't want to have anything to do with that! But no, this detox is a cleansing detox of your body, focusing on your liver and gall bladder. The results can be varied, from clearer skin to weight loss to a clearer sense of thoughts and focus. Coming out of a Northeastern winter had definitely brought me down and my eating habits had become mostly hearty, comfort food. And, my insides just felt like they were rotting out...
So, I met with Laura before I left for a week-long trip to London and Spain. I ate and drank to my hearts content on my trip, knowing full well I would be starting detox when I got back. I had one final beer (one with the highest alcohol content possible) and one last Starbucks (goodbye Grande Skim Cappuccino and cute barista) and let Laura lead me.
For the first week, it was all about decreasing and eliminating certain foods from my diet. Bye bye beef, breads, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, anything non-organic. I actually enjoyed this first week because it let me get creative in the kitchen. Baked sweet potato fries with cayenne pepper, now how bad a detox can that be???
Starting the second week, I was given about 8 different containers full of various powders-cleansing powder, vanilla and strawberry meal powder, fiber powder and my favorite, the green powder. I was supposed to make 2 shakes a day, one for breakfast and one for dinner, mixed with ice and frozen organic fruit. Using the scoop provided, you measure out the right amount of powder for each shake. Well, apparently there are 2 sizes of scoops and I only used the large one, so I got me some extra cleansing for the first week! The rest of meals I ate were salads, quinoa pasta with organic turkey meatballs, salmon. I even got Andrea to come to an organic restaurant and order healthy food. As she says, healthy you means healthy me:) It really is contagious once you start.
On day 9 of the shakes, you switch to all liquids for at least 3 of the next 6 days. I'm on day 10 and on my second day of all liquid. It's actually not so bad. I think this is much more mind over matter than anything else. Which, I believe is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to do this. I wanted to prove to myself that I could. Not for anyone else, but myself. And yes, of course it feels great to have worn pants today that I haven't fit into in two years and actually see my cheekbones again, but that isn't what this is all about. For me, this really is "My Time For Me".
I'll keep you posted on my progress....

Taking My Own Advice

2008-03-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

Last week I had a day where I left my house very early in the morning and did not get home until almost 10:30pm. While the day was long and busy, it was also very productive, however I had no time for me.

As I returned home I thought about the emails I needed to check, the mail I needed to open, the laundry that needed folding and felt overwhelmed and agitated. I realized I had not had a chance to take any me time during the day and boy did I feel the effect. At that moment I made a decision, I was going to take my own advice and not turn on my computer (gasp), let the mail wait until the next day (cringe) and forget about the wrinkling laundry and take some me time!

And that is just what I did, I put on my comfy pj's, curled up in my bed with my favorite blanket, lit a candle and read my book. Instantly I felt the tension subside and the day melt away and a smile spread on my face. Not only did I have a great sleep that night, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to face a new day.

Me Time Shirts

2008-02-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

wow I am so excited, My Time For Me is now selling me time shirts on our website. You really have to check out these shirts, the quality is great and even better are the designs and sayings. They really say it all.

I myself find it hard sometimes to take "me time" but I make it a priority to do so and get out of my normal routine and do something that is just about me. To me, these new shirts are not only a reminder that I did something for myself but also of how good I felt putting myself first for once. It is a reminder that it is okay to take time for me, and take it often, and of how good it feels to do so.

When things get overwhelming (and that happens often to me) I am reminded of how it felt to take a break and celebrate me and I can calm myself down, get through the task ahead and know, I can again reconnect with myself very soon with my next chance at "me time"

So I will be proudly wearing my new shirts and I look forward to seeing them on you. Nothing makes me happier than to see other busy women like me taking some time to treat themselves to well deserved "me time"

The Art of Truffle Making

2008-02-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

This past Wednesday (Feb 13, 2008) My Time For Me held our third truffle making event at Chocopologie in Norwarlk and once again the event was a huge success. We all had so much fun going into the kitchen, rolling truffles, eating the wonderful food made for us and spending time with new and old friends. We even got to bring home what we made that night - YUM!

It was so nice to see so many familiar faces at the event and meet the new ones. The energy in the cafe from all the wonderful women was truely exhilarating! After spending the night with this great group of women we are even more excited than usual for our upcoming events.

Wanna see how much fun we had? Check out these pictures from the night and let me know what your thoughts on the evening, the pictures and MTFM in general.

Taking time for "me"

2008-02-08T14:27:00.000-05:00

Taking time for ourselves is one of the most important things that we can do for ourselves and one of the hardest things to do. There is always someone else or something else demanding our time and we just can't so no to them and say yes to ourselves.

To make sure that I remembmer to take time for myself everday I have decided to add to my daily gratitude journal what I did for myself that day, even something as small as taking a ride through the beach, reading a magazine of my choice or getting an ice cream cone to something a bit larger like finishing my scuba certification. Whatever it may be, it is important for all of us to do and to enjoy it. And if you need help deciding what to do for yourself check out My Time For Me for some ideas and join us at one of our events put together with you in mind.

If you do not already do a gratitude journal, I highly reccommend starting one, it really makes a difference in your day when you focus on the good things and it really makes the day a better one when you reflect back and see all the happy things that happened.

My Time For Me New Events

2008-02-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

Well we are only into the 6th week of the year and we have been busy putting together new events for the new year. Things are great in 2008 is our theme for the year, both for My Time For Me and personally.

My Time For Me has branched out this year and we are travelling for the day to Hunter Mountain to learn to snow board. This is going to be a great day, Hunter Mountain has a learning for ladies clinic that we will be taking advantage, and everything you need will be provided, transporation, lessons, snowboard, a limited use pass and even a Burton t-shirt. Oh and lets not forget, the best thing about a day at the mountain, the apres snowboard party with food and drink to celebrate that we conquered the mountain. To sign up or learn more about it, check it out on our website

We are also excited to announce new this year, our series of events. We are offering a series of 3 evenings at Cookin Dinners and a series of 3 meditation nights. You can do one or you can do all 3 or each but these are great events, cooking and life balance, what great events to add your monthly calendar.

See you soon!
Andrdea

2008-01-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year. Welcome to the My Time For Me blog. My name is Andrea and I am one of the founders of My Time For Me.

My Time For Me organizes fun, social events for women because come on, lets face it, as women, we do not take enough time out for ourselves. So we create must do excuses that you can't miss. We feel it is very important to take time for yourself. Our schedules get so busy fitting in everything else in life that sometimes we forget to schedule in time for ourselves. MTFM helps you with that by creating the events you can't miss. We dot all the i's and cross all the t's and all you have to do is join us and enjoy yourself.

We look forward to seeing you at our events and check back to this new blog often to hear more about taking time for you!

Test Blog

2007-10-29T16:04:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I have no idea what I am doing or what I am actually supposed to do here. This is the very first blog I have ever written, read, thought about, looked at or attempted. Let me know your thoughts on blogging in general and how you use blogs in your life. I am curious to see where this goes!

please visit our new blog

2007-09-21T12:19:00.000-04:00

Here it is. Our new blog. Enjoy!