tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89385724177635536962024-03-17T20:03:05.728-07:00Jamie Ever AfterJamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-68418276706747860012024-02-29T12:43:00.000-08:002024-02-29T12:57:09.908-08:00Dive into Family Fun: Our Great Wolf Lodge Adventure in Fitchburg, New England!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO8aWvKsV99H_BzznqNLeSx4e8RyDKRZjgGZzq_NA0dNXz0MWwbr7znaCNo9uRlKv2-izCbsX8UCMdBC-4XXesLRslp3Loj4Kt7pYlmuGpinS4znEvjBuTOYdF0kO_fpUZ9pfQQx2xnyoiz7cw7tDrcpEG_6Lyhy03D4JluH8cvfy5wTADUGqs6df13M/s2240/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Fashion%20Blog%20Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO8aWvKsV99H_BzznqNLeSx4e8RyDKRZjgGZzq_NA0dNXz0MWwbr7znaCNo9uRlKv2-izCbsX8UCMdBC-4XXesLRslp3Loj4Kt7pYlmuGpinS4znEvjBuTOYdF0kO_fpUZ9pfQQx2xnyoiz7cw7tDrcpEG_6Lyhy03D4JluH8cvfy5wTADUGqs6df13M/s16000/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Fashion%20Blog%20Banner.png" /></a></div><br />Are you ready for a family getaway that's jam-packed with excitement and adventure? Look no further than Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, New England! Nestled in the heart of New England, this indoor water park resort promises an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the moment we stepped foot inside <a href="http://greatwolf.com" target="_blank">Great Wolf Lodge</a>, we knew we were in for a treat. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the lodge welcomed us with open arms. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!</div><div><br /></div><div>The main attraction at Great Wolf Lodge? The indoor water park, of course! Kept at a cozy 84 degrees year-round, it's the perfect escape from the chilly New England weather. My kids, aged 8 and 5, couldn't get enough of the water slides, lazy river, and wave pool. They splashed and played for hours and they are already asking when they're next trip back is!</div><div><br /></div><div>But the fun didn't stop there! Great Wolf Lodge offers so many other activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained. We ended up choosingthe Wolf Pass package becaused it included a lot of the other activities as well as credit toward the amazing arcade. From mini-golfing and rock climbing to ropes courses and magic wand adventures, there was never a dull moment. My kids were especially thrilled with bracelet engraving machine that made personalized bracelets and they were able to even mine for rocks which kept them busy for hourss. They even have a Build-A-Bear workshop, where they created their own furry friends to take home as souvenirs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH4rMOr9enZuKwUwRBlloQRsKFNMx-SpT2H_8CD3l4WFck5EkyzMeBl1KkdJbxhDRG7spHg1qxX3r5YoGSyoZEIfaFVAZWlwmWgqZ8fOQcuIHMBQurvkSoowyYG2clS5g1UYvpYIzM7m-tNMBJf8NgyFbTHbQRRwrKKCYCkD2sdADzY1QxMDHydH0lSI/s2240/Chic%20and%20Elegant%20New%20Arrivals%20Website%20Homepage%20Banner%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH4rMOr9enZuKwUwRBlloQRsKFNMx-SpT2H_8CD3l4WFck5EkyzMeBl1KkdJbxhDRG7spHg1qxX3r5YoGSyoZEIfaFVAZWlwmWgqZ8fOQcuIHMBQurvkSoowyYG2clS5g1UYvpYIzM7m-tNMBJf8NgyFbTHbQRRwrKKCYCkD2sdADzY1QxMDHydH0lSI/s16000/Chic%20and%20Elegant%20New%20Arrivals%20Website%20Homepage%20Banner%20(1).png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">One of the highlights of our trip was the complimentary events and activities offered by the lodge. They have morning activities like Yoga Tails, a fun and interactive exercise program for the whole family. Then, in the evenings, we gathered around the fireplace for Story Time, where the kids listened intently to bedtime tales before drifting off to sleep.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>But perhaps the best part of our Great Wolf Lodge adventure? The memories we made together as a family. From splashing in the water park to exploring all the attractions, we laughed, played, and bonded in ways we'll never forget.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we reluctantly packed our bags to head home, we couldn't help but reminisce about our amazing time at Great Wolf Lodge. It truly is the ultimate family getaway, offering endless fun and excitement for everyone. And with their spring break promos, there's never been a better time to plan your own adventure!</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you're looking for an unforgettable vacation destination, look no further than Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, New England. Trust me, your family will thank you for it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to dive into the fun? Check out their spring break promos here: <a href="Dive into Family Fun: Our Great Wolf Lodge Adventure in Fitchburg, New England!" target="_blank">Great Wolf Lodge Spring Break</a></div><div>You and the family will not be dissapointed. I am also excited since Great Wolf Lodge will be coming soon to Connecticut at the <a href="http://foxwoods.com" target="_blank">Foxwoods Resort Casino</a> as well in 2025!</div>
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-83365715991045484622023-11-14T09:56:00.000-08:002023-11-14T10:06:11.718-08:00 Unwrap the Joy: 3 Family-Friendly Holiday Experiences That Trump Toys<br /><br />
<div class="signature"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBujyCXNrOGVMfUlYEj5zpmdLEeN3uXTJCGWxpNt9ECBDdhVNEjo3zRzbF3SuSkmmzKBfKfFZfekuOinhKSSD-DODX5S6pZnMze2onLGjWexVJhayikQVDbj84gNrD28aMYUCiJqhBGUrqdy16Um5G_n93qltmpiCvyzG-tYwtfl1cZj3QQ76SDhVqxNo/s2240/Blog%20Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBujyCXNrOGVMfUlYEj5zpmdLEeN3uXTJCGWxpNt9ECBDdhVNEjo3zRzbF3SuSkmmzKBfKfFZfekuOinhKSSD-DODX5S6pZnMze2onLGjWexVJhayikQVDbj84gNrD28aMYUCiJqhBGUrqdy16Um5G_n93qltmpiCvyzG-tYwtfl1cZj3QQ76SDhVqxNo/s16000/Blog%20Banner.png" /></a></div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature"><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">The holiday season is upon us, and amidst the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and festive preparations, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters – quality time spent with family. While the allure of shiny new toys may be strong, consider shifting the focus this year towards creating lasting memories through unique family experiences. Here are three family spots that promise not only fun but also a treasure trove of cherished moments.</div><div class="signature"><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">I was honored to be a host on NBC Connecticut's CT LIVE show to talk about these fun getaways. You can watch the segment <a href="https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/entertainment/ct-live/ct-live-fall-getaways/3148523/">here.</a></div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyNQiGD5xVuWD0WjGE1G58mcHfdcc7gLuHfNZZg7LWE2RpUlspp48k94AswoTM7T7Zdkt0SbPsZBC8qDs5pOaVmBJoyaeB7c5SbMrqCaCcKw0uOQzCFwJPxCklrMRQ97HXkJ7fpG6q7hMQWvwz72bWp2Ye2Sfj_HiYSmorKLfMiVdeYsgHA5x7li0RpE/s1207/ctlive.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyNQiGD5xVuWD0WjGE1G58mcHfdcc7gLuHfNZZg7LWE2RpUlspp48k94AswoTM7T7Zdkt0SbPsZBC8qDs5pOaVmBJoyaeB7c5SbMrqCaCcKw0uOQzCFwJPxCklrMRQ97HXkJ7fpG6q7hMQWvwz72bWp2Ye2Sfj_HiYSmorKLfMiVdeYsgHA5x7li0RpE/s16000/ctlive.png" /></a></div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">As the holiday season paints New England in a picturesque winter wonder, it's the perfect time to plan a getaway that combines festive charm with family fun. Here are three enchanting destinations that promise to make your New England holiday escape truly unforgettable.</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">1. <a href="https://www.jhousegreenwich.com/" target="_blank">J House</a> in Greenwich: Your Home Base for Greenwich's Holiday Extravaganza</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut, the J House is more than just a luxurious hotel; it's your ticket to a magical holiday experience. Serving as the perfect home base, the J House places you in the midst of the <a href="https://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com/*/town/greenwich" target="_blank">Greenwich Reindeer Festival</a> – a cherished tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, where holiday lights twinkle, and the air is filled with the joyous anticipation of the holidays. After a day of reindeer encounters and festive delights, return to the J House to unwind in style, ensuring your holiday memories are as glamorous as they are heartwarming.</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">2. <a href="https://www.legoland.com/new-york/" target="_blank">Legoland </a>in New York: Bricktacular Holidays Await</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">For families seeking a unique and playful holiday experience, Legoland in New York is a must-visit destination. The park transforms into a winter wonderland during the Bricktacular Holidays, featuring dazzling lights, festive decorations, and, of course, an abundance of Lego-themed holiday magic. From Lego building workshops to character meet-and-greets with Lego Santa himself, every corner of Legoland radiates with the joy of the season. It's a whimsical retreat that combines creativity with holiday cheer, making it the perfect spot for families to build lasting memories together.</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">3. <a href="https://www.greatwolf.com/new-england" target="_blank">Great Wolf Lodge</a> in Massachusetts: Where Magic Meets Adventure</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">Escape the winter chill and dive into a world of waterpark fun at Great Wolf Lodge in Massachusetts. With a rustic yet cozy ambiance, this family-friendly resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Splash and play in the indoor waterpark, indulge in holiday-themed activities, and revel in the joy of quality family time. Excitingly, a <a href="https://www.greatwolf.com/mashantucket" target="_blank">Great Wolf Lodge</a> is also coming soon to Foxwoods, promising a magical experience in the heart of Connecticut's premier resort destination. Whether you're slipping down water slides or enjoying the enchanting holiday decorations, the Great Wolf Lodge experience is sure to create cherished memories for the whole family.</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">This holiday season, elevate your family getaway by choosing one of these magical New England destinations. From festive reindeer encounters in Greenwich to the Lego-themed wonderland of Legoland and the watery adventures at Great Wolf Lodge, each spot offers a unique blend of holiday magic and family fun. Embrace the season's spirit, create unforgettable memories, and make this holiday escape one for the books.</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVKjLJiZUYa8-PIb0zLrmn4OkwoOtBx2dyPLPOpwjWrMQbaE9e9QiWhyVRkqRcWSXWp1wgbRqQKDIFNWJMhyphenhyphen3wO5-tnEpfuW4CW3wUQ0xHs6VLGGTVTCnAmP2uwuNuAUmxOw9w2r5ta2LtXn8ccUW68TPoHFVyxsk8iLeSxJKESQO6HwbFWgrCNLkCLk/s1080/Photo%20Collage%20Wedding%20Cake%20Blog%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVKjLJiZUYa8-PIb0zLrmn4OkwoOtBx2dyPLPOpwjWrMQbaE9e9QiWhyVRkqRcWSXWp1wgbRqQKDIFNWJMhyphenhyphen3wO5-tnEpfuW4CW3wUQ0xHs6VLGGTVTCnAmP2uwuNuAUmxOw9w2r5ta2LtXn8ccUW68TPoHFVyxsk8iLeSxJKESQO6HwbFWgrCNLkCLk/s16000/Photo%20Collage%20Wedding%20Cake%20Blog%20Instagram%20Post.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="signature"><br /></div></div></div>
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div><br />Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-1906282376729701362023-07-11T12:44:00.008-07:002023-07-11T13:34:38.422-07:00CT Daytrips with Kids this Summer<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. FREE Kids Pizza Making Class at <a href="http://www.squarepegpizzeria.com" target="_blank">Square Peg Pizzeria!</a> </h3><div>Kids pizza makign class is the perfect activity for kids 5-12! Take a look at their schedule and find a FREE pizza making class near you!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI_1-Un9EEZXyURq8T_abtfwj7flerDPrwcwrwOQ8TK2kAHVVlP2CUX0-za6QQdmWYTTZ89joIlPHVP86iAnK3vAQZmr5iHroJ3F6oAvLSpWTZPi5b6tSt65GITaOJzIr1mNMtTmEV1CDaF__10NJ8FBKL8bmUm6NE4jO53rr58RTvw9kPORIu7GQKlg/s2304/SQUARE%20PEG%20PIZZA.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="1728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI_1-Un9EEZXyURq8T_abtfwj7flerDPrwcwrwOQ8TK2kAHVVlP2CUX0-za6QQdmWYTTZ89joIlPHVP86iAnK3vAQZmr5iHroJ3F6oAvLSpWTZPi5b6tSt65GITaOJzIr1mNMtTmEV1CDaF__10NJ8FBKL8bmUm6NE4jO53rr58RTvw9kPORIu7GQKlg/s16000/SQUARE%20PEG%20PIZZA.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 804px;">
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">7/27/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">10:30AM-11:30AM </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS<b> VERNON (NO SCHOOL)</b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">226 Talcottville rd Vernon CT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">7/27/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS<b> BERLIN </b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">First
session: 25 Second session:25<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">151
WEBSTER SQUARE RD, BERLIN CT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/1/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS <b>ORANGE </b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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INDIAN RIVER RD<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/10/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS <b>NEWINGTON</b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">80
Fenn Rd, Newington CT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/17/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Thursday
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">11:30AM-12:30PM & 1:00PM-2:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS <b>HIGGANUM</b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">66
Killingworth Rd, Higganum, CT 06441<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/17/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Thursday
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS <b>BERLIN </b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">151
WEBSTER SQUARE RD, BERLIN CT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/18/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">3:00PM-3:45PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS <b>ALMOST FAMOUS (NO SCHOOL)</b></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">One Session</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">17
Kripes Rd East Granby <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/24/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Thursday
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">12:00PM-1:00PM & 1:30PM-2:30PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS GLASTONBURY (NO SCHOOL)</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">1001
Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">8/24/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Thursday
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">10:30AM-11:30AM </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS VERNON (NO SCHOOL)</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">ONE SESSION: 25 </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">226
Talcottville rd Vernon CT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">9/10/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">12:00PM-12:45PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS ALMOST FAMOUS (NO SCHOOL)</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">One Session</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">17
Kripes Rd East Granby <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">9/10/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS ENFIELD </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">630
Enfield St, Enfield, CT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24.35pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: aqua; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid black; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">9/23/23</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Saturday
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS BERLIN </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">First session: 25 Second session:25</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="background: white; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 24.35pt; padding: 1.5pt 2.25pt;" valign="bottom">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 9pt; mso-ligatures: none;">151
webster square rd, Berlin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Take advantage of <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Arts-and-Culture/Funding_Opportunities/CT-Summer-at-the-Museum-Initiative-2022" target="_blank">CT Free at the Museum</a> program!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9kUTyLySPSfl6Q8DwGB-II2twgillW7t1YAUd3Fa-iq2_h3WLXw9z_ytH6t-KlAK7HIaOeyxkFdu5CvAbiadCWKRX9Soh4OncLPmQbty8EzQaWDErv5HAA5RxcWNCyWlrucCE2qEBnFVZ2SthlyHx2IlnMbWw8WKW5ZxYPw8qMbOhP9d1JXvXjIpnW0/s1715/CTa%20t%20the%20museum%20.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1715" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9kUTyLySPSfl6Q8DwGB-II2twgillW7t1YAUd3Fa-iq2_h3WLXw9z_ytH6t-KlAK7HIaOeyxkFdu5CvAbiadCWKRX9Soh4OncLPmQbty8EzQaWDErv5HAA5RxcWNCyWlrucCE2qEBnFVZ2SthlyHx2IlnMbWw8WKW5ZxYPw8qMbOhP9d1JXvXjIpnW0/s16000/CTa%20t%20the%20museum%20.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I personally LOVE taking a day trip to Mystic and seing the Sea Lion show at Mystic Aquarium, then heading over to <a href="https://www.aliceinthevillage.net/" target="_blank">Alice in the Village</a> and of course a stop at Mystic Drawbridge Icecream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BMw6gqfuPv17Zj_FZ5W2qa67bPvUVJgI9AS8RxHWzgu5bEs0rNZ8VqomwvoXF8JPF4ZWdqkyEiuolj2CI3mu_gAVinNtn1606FSLm2gu_eEnpdVKtT5hvqJ_EiYoXZ0EkN_UZ0YhJSSHI-ulvVmi97MpV_5epci90wOGLAMTWFPT-EuL4rnED-PGuu8/s515/alice.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BMw6gqfuPv17Zj_FZ5W2qa67bPvUVJgI9AS8RxHWzgu5bEs0rNZ8VqomwvoXF8JPF4ZWdqkyEiuolj2CI3mu_gAVinNtn1606FSLm2gu_eEnpdVKtT5hvqJ_EiYoXZ0EkN_UZ0YhJSSHI-ulvVmi97MpV_5epci90wOGLAMTWFPT-EuL4rnED-PGuu8/s16000/alice.png" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxo2iR-M-x3nxOWzZ4tpbMgwGnnfKw58NE_2QuPUycf1fgvxS00ozvKDfVLxe6cA3ithuh-iIAbZwtAu0e-xg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Supercharged in Montville, CT</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's time to get <a href="https://superchargedracing.com/" target="_blank">SUPERCHARGED</a>! Go-Karting, Axe-throwing, Ninja Warrior Games, and Trampoline Park... ALL IN ONE SPOT.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LFKLsyhoeRUo5Xnal85uJN4vcKeoFLJtj-2ybCrZn3pz8-K7kzy_mdxO1GKTiYATawwWbhorOoVe1PBVVOhyLSdG_b-rqyPqM2ZpkpbkwbypfVhX3TLRTVGyAp_BxdomnKHTxjlthHj2H35pG0krkv-IbyCl1G1pjP7shnPwtQjlrdG50AzANb2hHkg/s2000/Photo%20Collage%20(Flyer).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LFKLsyhoeRUo5Xnal85uJN4vcKeoFLJtj-2ybCrZn3pz8-K7kzy_mdxO1GKTiYATawwWbhorOoVe1PBVVOhyLSdG_b-rqyPqM2ZpkpbkwbypfVhX3TLRTVGyAp_BxdomnKHTxjlthHj2H35pG0krkv-IbyCl1G1pjP7shnPwtQjlrdG50AzANb2hHkg/s16000/Photo%20Collage%20(Flyer).png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4. <a href="https://funbox.com/connecticut" target="_blank">FUNBOX</a> in Milford, CT</b></h3><div><b>FUNBOX is the World's Largest Bounce Park with over 25,000 sqft of JUMPING zones. You can get your tickets <a href="https://checkout.xola.com/index.html#buttons/647a8c56f02a48540110c153?cache=1685753232507&openExternal=true" target="_blank">here</a>!</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzFEHQzK3PNcS1GBeFVSJJGJySnAhIYQHd74Pvcs9BbnJ-M0SBfSqD1e885RGX08O7d3kFJMVhrUhPhoXol2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><b>5. Pick Your Own Fruit- Peaches, Rasberries + Blueberries</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>We went to <a href="http://Lymanorchards.com" target="_blank">Lyman Orchards</a> and loaded up on peaches, Rasberries and Blueberries. Such a fun day to pick your favorite summer fruits, then grab icecream at the shop after!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZotqQcIU48ZlNlIJYJuSf82rC_JWr7ozU59EuCDyg1xOEm8Kg3rmsp5DG458e-t_8L6zU-n4AbM2dLGWGUFRC8IT57uFyrMPONvV8E9dYUr8ahJU6rGm-nWa147mlbCIQCM83IKWMHSVAmWAWSgh6wdAK4nBmcSm5ctx5fikallcp9fgG0rJwJ2asTH0/s4032/pyopeaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZotqQcIU48ZlNlIJYJuSf82rC_JWr7ozU59EuCDyg1xOEm8Kg3rmsp5DG458e-t_8L6zU-n4AbM2dLGWGUFRC8IT57uFyrMPONvV8E9dYUr8ahJU6rGm-nWa147mlbCIQCM83IKWMHSVAmWAWSgh6wdAK4nBmcSm5ctx5fikallcp9fgG0rJwJ2asTH0/s16000/pyopeaches.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynFX7fx6oQl9s4P6kUvO_BMtF95ANP9wdFCyhCPDiDKbQacY2vu-zWoLvKKcbCSme-GAg9dNS0xVtazybe0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>See my segment on <a href="http://nbcconnecticut.com" target="_blank">NBC Connecticut </a>here: Day trips in CT with kids:</div><div> <a href="https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/entertainment/ct-live/ct-live-summer-day-trips-with-kids/3064396/">CT LIVE!: Summer Day Trips With Kids – NBC Connecticut</a><div class="name">
Jamie</div></div><br /><br /></div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-87690517275332847512023-02-06T13:48:00.013-08:002023-02-08T07:02:10.259-08:005 MUST-HAVE TIPS FOR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS<div class="signature"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82h8o9WhTi9Agc2QqE7radXLrfrc4xP3Advn0AHGU4ADa4_EbeaRcX_45-jlZkGkpJDGGFxHmv3HDbhoclH_xweTq93jqdKcyMTtgM_e82PlqIPOJg8ctsCQ9A4QE265sDEmOFD4EHrWo8PdM2Wb8uGTE0GOpoZ16SkcJvJY0r9uDf2LV8vtdX85V/s2136/Hheadshot%20blogger%20banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">If you're like me, it's probably time to update your LINKEDIN profile picture. But does your picture </span><i style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">really matter? </i></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: arial;">According to <a href="http://linkedin.com" target="_blank">Linkedin,</a> having a professional photo taken helps build trust and credibility with your client and it demonstrates that you value their time. In this digital age, your headshot is your first impression. This is a place where you don't want to skimp!</span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHiaEJlEwDRjdyaOY2CLHKR6tnGdawqjxMCAtAGpiHnvt4JYM5sWrpu5Jw2lAkuEydXxpzBpRx-QrecXszvb2x8Ktu07AT9qjW61qSuZ3mI7VlvFNKjoZP4z8csr8E3hdkZV1XtbLTn7MB_87Y1eocRZtwZvifAgQUaHmC6oMXl_pnBRraP0JGYUD/s2136/Hheadshot%20blogger%20banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHiaEJlEwDRjdyaOY2CLHKR6tnGdawqjxMCAtAGpiHnvt4JYM5sWrpu5Jw2lAkuEydXxpzBpRx-QrecXszvb2x8Ktu07AT9qjW61qSuZ3mI7VlvFNKjoZP4z8csr8E3hdkZV1XtbLTn7MB_87Y1eocRZtwZvifAgQUaHmC6oMXl_pnBRraP0JGYUD/s16000/Hheadshot%20blogger%20banner.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">1. INVEST IN A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER</span></u></b></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">Sure, with smart phones everywhere with exceptional cameras, everyone's a photographer, right? This may be true for Instagram, but when it comes to headshots, I highly recommend investing in a photographer with brand headshot experience. Not only will they know how to make you look professional and inviting, they know how to show you poses and certain backdrops that may go well with your brand. I used</span> <a href="https://ashliesteinau.com/" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Ashlie Steinau Photography</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"> who not only takes beautiful pictures, but also specializes in </span><a href="https://ashliesteinau.com/the-experience" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">brand photography </a><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">which is so important. </span></h4><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">2. HIRE A HAIR/MAKEUP ARTIST</span></u></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWtI-rEYXNDiuQQjGVvk9WCQiw6jHCLuLq7jXpfArMLP9BMuHlB0xd1IyNnsueOSWJHC8Gtw4MY4jzZNUeaN9rxiUQHK04i0saEvANV1ttq21gAEd66uvfyHX2zmClGOl6Wyg5SfoOa0jZpPjI6XtRrunb-goXTCiYLqGLT1D-xgxfFSXeUS99s09/s4032/20220923_104759.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="professional makeup" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWtI-rEYXNDiuQQjGVvk9WCQiw6jHCLuLq7jXpfArMLP9BMuHlB0xd1IyNnsueOSWJHC8Gtw4MY4jzZNUeaN9rxiUQHK04i0saEvANV1ttq21gAEd66uvfyHX2zmClGOl6Wyg5SfoOa0jZpPjI6XtRrunb-goXTCiYLqGLT1D-xgxfFSXeUS99s09/w180-h320/20220923_104759.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></span></u></b></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I spent several years in broadcast media at local TV stations like <a href="http://wfsb.com" target="_blank">WFSB Channel 3 </a>and <a href="http://wtnh.com" target="_blank">WTNH News 8</a> in <a href="http://newhavenct.gov" target="_blank">New Haven, CT </a>and I learned some tricks from the anchors- makeup is important! You would be surprised how a "natural look" ends up on TV. <span style="background-color: white;">Photos are 2-dimensional and not having any makeup will leave you appearing dull and flat. Even the most basic of makeup for your headshot is going to make sure your best features are highlighted and working in your favor.</span> For headshot pictures, you want to look professional, put-together, and well-groomed. A hair/makeup artist will help you achieve the "look" you are going for. I went to West Hartford to the talented team at <a href="https://kissandmakeupct.com/" target="_blank">Kiss & Makeup</a> for hair & makeup. They did a great job at making sure I looked like the best version of myself! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"></h4><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">3. LOOK LIKE YOURSELF!</span></u></b></h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After telling you to get your makeup done, remember this isn't a Glamour Shot! The ladies at <a href="https://kissandmakeupct.com/portfolio" target="_blank">Kiss & Makeup </a>gave me some absolutely great makeup tips to share with you guys when it comes to headshot makeup. </span></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> - Go airbrush for full coverage as it gives the smooth skin look we all want<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>- <span> </span>Opt YES for the <a href="https://kissandmakeupct.com/spa-services" target="_blank">false eyelashes. </a> In pictures it makes your eyes appear bigger and can help avoid "tired eyes".<br /></span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> - Tell your stylist where you normally part your hair so that you look like "yourself." </span></span></span></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, they can make sure there are no flyaways, but make sure to not steer too far from your normal look like adding hair extentions (unless you wear them daily), updos, or headbands/head jewelry. </span></span></span></span><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl95OLxQ-9tOG8--UWqosqIJ_ld-d04g_twzI_AQCDwoFC-1Nx8K9iQ_vTzpw9X4JGs_8HHflGcX8-sF9OkTfKrEEd9Na2z58-4KRxNZJyAnmCKR8rvE3anB5iaVnTQbXz1EQBKmD88qbdACsWBsdDHFyHFOEi2xf_7Hm-OhtceXiFJSEJnq0cmlS/s2000/White%20Modern%20Minimalist%20Photo%20Collage%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl95OLxQ-9tOG8--UWqosqIJ_ld-d04g_twzI_AQCDwoFC-1Nx8K9iQ_vTzpw9X4JGs_8HHflGcX8-sF9OkTfKrEEd9Na2z58-4KRxNZJyAnmCKR8rvE3anB5iaVnTQbXz1EQBKmD88qbdACsWBsdDHFyHFOEi2xf_7Hm-OhtceXiFJSEJnq0cmlS/s16000/White%20Modern%20Minimalist%20Photo%20Collage%20.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></h4><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLOTHING</span></u></b></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our fashion sense tells a lot about us. Are you creative? Smart? Sloppy?! Yes, your clothing SPEAKS and people DO judge a book by it's cover. However, you also do not want to be someone you're not. For example, I am not a traditional "pants suit" woman so I did not want to wear something I would never actually wear to a client meeting. Being in the creative field, I can get away with less traditional clothing that's a little more trendy. Think about your clientele and what you would wear to your most <i>important</i> meeting. A bold blazer works wonders for a headshot.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">5<u><i>. </i>HAVE FUN!</u></span></span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Most people loathe having their picture taken and it shows. One of the reasons it's so important to choose the right photographer is they know the flattering angles and know how to get you to loosen up. My photographer, Ashlie, did just that. The more comfortable you are, the more natural the photos will come across. Also, not having to fuss over hair & makeup was such a burden off my back as well. Have fun with your pictures and choose a space that captures your personality. Having fun and being yourself is what will make your headshots stand out from the rest.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>CHEESE! :) </i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Ever After,</span></h4></div>
<div class="name"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Jamie</span></div><br />Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-65720214042979383422022-06-22T11:37:00.000-07:002022-06-22T11:37:18.709-07:00My Microblading Experience + Special Discount<span style="font-family: inherit;">Microblading has been on my "wishlist" for years but truly, I just didn't know enought about it and also wondered if it was worth the cost. My eyebrows, like most, have thinned out since I've gotten older and I am so in love with a bold brow. I found a really good brow kit from <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/powmade-brow-pomade?&sku=BM199" target="_blank">Benefit Cosmetics</a> and this was working for a while but I was longing to save 20 minutes every morning and wake up and go. I am not a huge makeup person and try to take under 30 minutes to get ready so felt like brows were really carmping my short get-ready time. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPLUjtTp6JRcPssXEIaIqkBdMYFgjBHI6XmOX3M68paEYKulr5bL37nCRSSeal_-vjM7MzBCXRkp6BHt-m0IbLBRXwXblrVr3FfvI-EFOmUXQ3kpMOdoKga1TxDX_s9tIKu5ZIskwZUl3_TT-UJSSTTMqNAJ5m6gT726X6WLrDxgC0gHVhDfK4MFs/s1080/Brown%20Abstract%20simple%20photo%20before%20and%20after%20hair%20Instagram%20post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPLUjtTp6JRcPssXEIaIqkBdMYFgjBHI6XmOX3M68paEYKulr5bL37nCRSSeal_-vjM7MzBCXRkp6BHt-m0IbLBRXwXblrVr3FfvI-EFOmUXQ3kpMOdoKga1TxDX_s9tIKu5ZIskwZUl3_TT-UJSSTTMqNAJ5m6gT726X6WLrDxgC0gHVhDfK4MFs/s16000/Brown%20Abstract%20simple%20photo%20before%20and%20after%20hair%20Instagram%20post.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm also a pool-owner and my son would say, "c'mon do a Cannon Ball, Mom" and of course after I went under, I was left with smudgy brows. The freedom of diving in a pool with no eyebrow worries is truly amazing (stuff women go through to look good-haha)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, it was my chance to finally have my chance at micro-blading. First I met with Denise, permanent makeup artist to see if I was a good candidate for microblading or powder, which is dependant on the amount of brow hair you have. I knew I had to do research and find someone who was experiences, professional, and had a great reputation. When someone referred <a href="https://www.alteredimagepmandhair.com/" target="_blank">Altered Image Permanent Makeup and Hair</a>, I was so happy to hear that Denise was a licensed tattoo artist and has over 20 years in permanent makeup. <span style="font-size: 16px;">A lot of people think microblading is not a tattoo process. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device it is considered a tattoo process. Microblading is performed with a grouping of needles attached to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, I am so thrilled with my brows- I decided to go with Microblading with Brow Enhancement, which includes the initial microblading appointment, toouch up, and the brow lamination to make the brows more fluffy and beautiful :) I highly reccomend getting that package. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some things to consider when considering microblading that I learned.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>COLOR -</i></b> I was AMAZED by the color selection and how exact Denise got. I decided I wanted to match my natural hair color/root color and I was happy with the results. When it first gets done, it is serval shades darker but once it heals, it is the permnant color which is lighter. Some people prefer darker brows, lighter, etc so Denise discusses these options and works with you to choose the perfect color.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3sZVKYJ5yud08yJAky9avXR2g6On8j3Fkb2iV_NH8Y0z3_3dOi5b1koB1kYU-mkxLV8gpAw9zCzM7dJ9Ph2fpVg6nCZ9dMHxKiVTgoqsr6GzGbBgUAfjJjmn67EEE1-CoEWUBljv1CbAiVjfx_YJ3ojQdUdaoDFZtPKyxb88jfwWqySYd5uGNAI0/s1988/134122586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1988" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3sZVKYJ5yud08yJAky9avXR2g6On8j3Fkb2iV_NH8Y0z3_3dOi5b1koB1kYU-mkxLV8gpAw9zCzM7dJ9Ph2fpVg6nCZ9dMHxKiVTgoqsr6GzGbBgUAfjJjmn67EEE1-CoEWUBljv1CbAiVjfx_YJ3ojQdUdaoDFZtPKyxb88jfwWqySYd5uGNAI0/s16000/134122586.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>PROCESS -</i></b> It hurt WAY less than I thought. I heard "tattoo" and through it was going to be as painful as a regular tattoo and it was NOT for me. It's much smaller strokes and it's relatively quick service 15-25 minutes. Also, it helped that she applied to<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">pical anesthetics are applied to alleviate discomfort.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>AFTERCARE/MAINTENANCE -</i></b> Healing took about 2-3 weeks for me. All I did was keep putting on Vaseline generously to avoid flaking. however, even one day after, it looks pretty good so you are fine to go out + about, just avoid picking or putting product on t for 24 hours. Touch-ups are a per customer basis- some don't need touch-ups at all and some 6 months or a year. the touch-ups are far less expenisve (about 1/2 of 1/3 of the cost depending on how much you need). </div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b><i>PRICE -</i></b> I did my research and I found that the average microblading price was $500-600. Of course you get what you pay for but I was pleasantly surprised that Denise is currently offering a Summer Package! Altered image is offering FULL micro-blading special for only $350. PLUS if you want to do the brow enhancement like I did (to get that super fluffy look) she is offering that for only $30 (50% off). Just mention my blog + Denise will honor this special pricing, however you do have to book before July 4th, 2022. You can book for a future date (I reccomend calling her ASAP because she is a busy lady) and booking you date to get this awesome package.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1bzc_21uhlJazGwWDBqwcxPYuY3t1Y6RenuQ4crCenpGPymkCTgJUpEmVa9Fy0aIBn1_buqKTwTJaJQJ3bekL_ntEaNRzGxrh6w2BDlp01Vu-fsozCBXkZQb8PyMYHbhQZh9nZ15DOqaRC82s41lkiuLOyKStkt6ykiJS4p293xAOB9TWMa2uq1o/s1080/Brown%20Abstract%20simple%20photo%20before%20and%20after%20hair%20Instagram%20post%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1bzc_21uhlJazGwWDBqwcxPYuY3t1Y6RenuQ4crCenpGPymkCTgJUpEmVa9Fy0aIBn1_buqKTwTJaJQJ3bekL_ntEaNRzGxrh6w2BDlp01Vu-fsozCBXkZQb8PyMYHbhQZh9nZ15DOqaRC82s41lkiuLOyKStkt6ykiJS4p293xAOB9TWMa2uq1o/s16000/Brown%20Abstract%20simple%20photo%20before%20and%20after%20hair%20Instagram%20post%20(1).png" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Have perfect eyebrows already?! We're jealous. Don't worry, <a href="https://www.alteredimagepmandhair.com/" target="_blank">Altered Image</a> offers so many amazing services like eyelash extensions, lip blushing, other <a href="https://www.alteredimagepmandhair.com/permanent-makeup" target="_blank">permanent makeup services,</a> nails, and hair services like Brazilian Blowout and full color/cut.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><br />
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div></div></div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-27028975995784513842022-01-26T07:37:00.001-08:002022-01-26T07:37:39.443-08:00Walmart is Going Postal!!<p style="text-align: left;">Ok, as most of you know, I'm a huge Walmart fan. I just love that you can get so much shopping done in ONE store and am always in love with their price conscious school supplies, adorable kid's clothes, and kid's party items!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXGAoPXSL2mvV14KFjZrz6tzCJuLVn6ORYejatQx0b_3kAB6-einPAq92jlMSVwErq9Zbk5Hy_YcirtJ5ptPmoOTp2O1GpsNLDqdTppYAM6XyNp3A1gcInKK7NpFTDsNCRmAutqZK_QtTKJhqh9jGDBOjbv_ZuWJASirr8BSfzTQ3EuzNhbvW597zO=s746" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Walmart Shipping" border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="559" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXGAoPXSL2mvV14KFjZrz6tzCJuLVn6ORYejatQx0b_3kAB6-einPAq92jlMSVwErq9Zbk5Hy_YcirtJ5ptPmoOTp2O1GpsNLDqdTppYAM6XyNp3A1gcInKK7NpFTDsNCRmAutqZK_QtTKJhqh9jGDBOjbv_ZuWJASirr8BSfzTQ3EuzNhbvW597zO=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>As most of you know, I own my own business, <a href="http://www.tayloredgroup.com" target="_blank">Taylored Media Group</a>, and I only have ONE day during the week to get all those pesky errands done and Savannah is always my wing-woman since Gavin is in school. Especially since it's cold out, I try to make sure it's quick and painless for both of us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I heard that Walmart had conveniently launched FedEx Shipping RIGHT inside select stores, I was thrilled! Being a blogger, I am always thrifting clothing on sites like <a href="http://www.poshmark.com" target="_blank">poshmark</a> or simply sending items to out-of-state family and friends, so this news was really exciting and convenient. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Walmart just got a whole LOT BETTER! They now offer full-service postal services! I was able to visit Walmart in West Haven, CT and check the postal office our for myself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was so easy to use, and I loved that it was self-service (COVID-friendly) and no long lines. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />My favorite part was being able to run an additional errand without schlepping my daughter to a post office. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Also.... SAVINGS!! All of the shipping supplies (boxes, bags, etc) are available at NO additional cost PLUS Walmart is waiving handling fees for a limited time at their new self-service shipping center.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">To find a Walmart shipping location near you, go <a href="https://local.fedex.com/en/fxo-walmart" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The whole process is super easy. First, you choose your bag or box you want to use (NO extra charges), then you out the package on the scale and go to the self-portal to pay and print your shipping label and your lock automatically pops open! Simply stick the shipping label, place in locker and shut locker. THAT'S IT! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Check out my Video below on our experience!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyKeeWl0BOfFWJIaeq_2b64Gxf7C6spr8LC8TtE9tpSiTD1x2Ifr78vtnWLf9GrTMvlu-J8pMbqdWqCxgi3Lw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOItDMhDRXEcToNOdhSy0G-7JlCymneW_xxs8dENdJFACNjxPru5KlOV6rOZDTaeC5Qxh-DdbXKDub5i-Hfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fedex.com/en-us/office/walmart.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="3000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGVtOx4T2hkNkP43c7JgidIIUXZJBtQxY2l9yk5zscbN4Ly1hwaB2ICoTa9mWPgj0KRmP4tCmfC109vyNSy6Skn8W-NpIraZW4x6a_X6yYjbY_4rYH0l3wexnRpg4MCbt4HjwhBUYa7rIipI9SUk-L33TLa7JLJ8cX9SR-ez1quM8aMDfzLLd-40Qx=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you a Walmart fan like I am? Will you be using the new shipping office inside?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div></div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-26831370263110276722021-12-09T08:50:00.005-08:002021-12-09T13:58:32.853-08:00Ultimate Amazon Gift Guide - Women's Edition <br /><br />
<div class="signature"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamieeverafter?listId=1H17BYY8TBZON" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi89tBcEiu4FeNwSGJ61vREr7fhswbflpgIvSMTB1_E9aTN00AAxuV_4I4xMKSPGcV1fO-pW_mcSB_PX302OYapQ_MevpaoXfyPT8jR1FFmUyIMIkMowjdeL68QLwsTvoWt3cRWF8Xr0qCyLu2gwz2YxqkRy9mFX2_TxDtewE9CMnzAOc1USHIL0VvH=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">LADIES! I have to admitt, I have WAY too many of these items and I only recommend for the women in your life because I personally LOVE them. </div><div class="signature"><br />For the woman who has everything.. here you go!</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamieeverafter?listId=1H17BYY8TBZON" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img data-original-height="294" data-original-width="1247" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGl_YXxo-2E/YbIobF3NZAI/AAAAAAAAdug/lmoiyx0P8rsJPnqnTGVYyKQcD_5w7ehmACNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/image.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="signature">1.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081P4LF73/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d" target="_blank"> Bentgo Salad Lunch Box</a>- LIFE CHANGING FOR ME! You can separate toppings, dressing, and several ingredients and easily take a salad to-go without a million containers. At $15, it will be the best $15 you'll ever spend.</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">2.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQHDB8N/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d"> Traditional Espresso Maker!</a> Easy to store + much less expensive than a full automated machine. Perfect for the woman who drinks coffee daily but like a good latte or esxpresso every now and then! </div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096PNTTJS/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d" target="_blank">BPA Free Food Savers</a>: Again, life changing. A great stocking stuffer to preserve your veggies!</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWKFCM8/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d" target="_blank">The cutest little cocktail set</a>! Something she wouldn't buy for herself but would absolutely love to enjoy with an at-home happy hour with the girls!</div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084T34MXN/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d" target="_blank">A heated PLUS weighted blanket.</a> In these colder months, step UP the coziness. Excuse me while I hybernate. </div><div class="signature"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">FOR THE HOME BODY</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamieeverafter?listId=1H17BYY8TBZON" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="784" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dA5JeRxxraU/YbIrdOWIxJI/AAAAAAAAduo/8552OcX9h-kQSRTbwU8uWdoae2z9QUmuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/image.png" /></a></div><br />1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085L8DH1P/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Flickering Flameless Candles</a>. I have these in my living room and bedroom. One click and no dangers for the forgetful ones.. create a relaxing ambiance anywhere :) </div><div><br /></div><div>2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPHHBDN/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d" target="_blank">Sherpa Plush Robe</a> - every women needs a good, cozy robe. Sherpa is so, so soft!</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KT8VZYJ/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Fleece Lounge Set </a>- Jammies that can pass as clothes? YES and YES! </div><div><br /></div><div>4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BNLZS51/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Mircrofiber Cheetah Blanket</a>- the most versatile blanket that is cozy + pretty. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083VSHRKL/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Faux Fur Cross Slippers</a>- I live in these from November- March! </div><div><br /></div><div>6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4IS4Q2/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Luxury Bath Caddy tray</a>: For the Bath Lovers - the ultimate bath accessory is this Boujie Bath Caddy tray.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">For the Foodie/Hostess with the Mostess </h3><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamieeverafter?listId=1H17BYY8TBZON" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img data-original-height="547" data-original-width="806" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lsi4UqyX6wM/YbIuEE7MaqI/AAAAAAAAduw/FSSJtwv8W00_mV2DguJnmnTAOeokANX7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/image.png" /></a></div><br />1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T73WZS6/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">The Ultimate Charcuterie Tray</a>: The PERFECT functunial tray to SLEIGH the charcuterie goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082SLLHQB/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Denim Apron:</a> Modern Day Apron and BONUS- it has pockets! </div><div><br /></div><div>3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B1T7P4N/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Nespresso Verturo Coffee + Espresso Maker:</a> Move over, Starbucks, Barista at home! </div><div><br /></div><div>4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS13IJY/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Taco Bar Platter: </a>Taco Tuesday just got a WHOLE LOT BETTER! </div><div><br /></div><div>5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJ13H4X/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Picnic Basket Set:</a> The adorable picnic set with function + lots of accessories </div><div><br /></div><div>6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJ13H4X/?ref=idea_lv_dp_" target="_blank">Sushi Making Kit for Beginners</a>: Such a fun gift idea that will spark a sushi-making night! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Need MORE gift ideas? Check out the entire women's gift guide <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamieeverafter?listId=1H17BYY8TBZON" target="_blank">here </a></div><div class="signature"><br /></div>
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div><br />Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-72638964929370814152021-06-15T08:13:00.001-07:002021-06-15T08:16:32.392-07:00My Short Story: Confessions of a Petite Girl <div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ06gnXGG7o/YMjA00vxlPI/AAAAAAAAVHE/qb337BbWvy41gS2vuIsjaUjVaFySCvT2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s940/confessions%2Bof%2Ba%2Bpetite%2B%25282%2529.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ06gnXGG7o/YMjA00vxlPI/AAAAAAAAVHE/qb337BbWvy41gS2vuIsjaUjVaFySCvT2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/confessions%2Bof%2Ba%2Bpetite%2B%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For my fellow Petites, you know it can be a real struggle finding clothing that actually fits. Whether you are just a shortie like me and/or have a small frame, it can be frustrating to wear the kind of styles that your "average-height" girlfriends wear.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So when I finally tried <a href="https://my.shortstorybox.com/" target="_blank">Short Story</a>, I was so happy that there was finally a curated service that truly catered to my petite frame! In the personally curated style box, there were high-end brands that were perfectly suited for my body type and I was able to keep and purchase what I liked best... so much more fun than trying things on at a store! Not to mention, Short Story is offered a $25 credit with my referral link below. A perfect way to try Short Story for the first time. You will not be disappointed!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">You know your petite when you have:</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Shopped in the Kids Section. I admit I am guilty of this, especially for sneakers and sports tees. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Go on your tippy-tippy toes when trying something on that you have to wear with heels to see how it looks.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Felt "short" in flats because everyone towers over you.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wear nude shoes to elongate your legs.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Try to appear taller in pictures by going on the "higher step" or being the one who always kneels in the front of a group pic!</span></li></ul></h4></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">THE SOLUTION IS SHORT STORY</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYCDz-a3-TQ/YL64vfv9R7I/AAAAAAAAVF4/VX1ci76IjNEu5AGeA9WTXTQbDDCwK_EVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1173/IMG_6701.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYCDz-a3-TQ/YL64vfv9R7I/AAAAAAAAVF4/VX1ci76IjNEu5AGeA9WTXTQbDDCwK_EVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Make sure to check out Short Story Box to get <a href="http://shortstorybox.com/referral/jamietaylor" target="_blank">$25 off your box</a>! This is the first subscription box where EVERYTHING fits perfectly- a rare find when your 5'2 and curvy! They are run by a team of petite women, specializing in curating styles for your petite body type. It's the most personal service I have ever received from a subscription-style box!</div><div><br /></div><div>No more cuffing your jeans or rolling up your sleeve or raiding the kid's section for something that may fit. The struggle is REAL my fellow petite gals, but FINALLY we can join in on the fun! Tell me your "Short Story," what fashion challenges have you faced being petite?</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><br /></div><br />
<div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature"><br /></div><div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-57407320170024929992021-05-21T18:56:00.006-07:002021-05-21T19:15:35.801-07:0010 Year Vow Renewal at the Aruba's Divi Phoenix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxPhdc17PNc/YJWYn0UoniI/AAAAAAAAUz4/aju4RGLybt4wkQs54rSTU1YFKD7lCIPyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s950/Teal%2Band%2BBrown%2BBeach%2BPhoto%2BTravel%2BBlog%2BGraphic%2B%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxPhdc17PNc/YJWYn0UoniI/AAAAAAAAUz4/aju4RGLybt4wkQs54rSTU1YFKD7lCIPyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Teal%2Band%2BBrown%2BBeach%2BPhoto%2BTravel%2BBlog%2BGraphic%2B%25282%2529.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">10 Year Vow Renewal at the Aruba's Divi Phoenix Resort</h2><br /><div>It's a little crazy how fast 10 years can go by. I remember when we were Honeymooning in Hawaii, Ryan and I said we would come back for our 10 year anniversary. It seemed like a lifetime away when we made those plans as young newlyweds. And in reality, it sort of <i>is</i> a lifetime ago. Two kids later, growing careers, several ups & downs together as a couple, and here we are. <div><br /><div>Even though our actual 10 year anniversary isn't until late August, we were itching to get away and were so happy we chose Aruba as the destination to renew our vows. It was a MUCH quicker flight than our first honeymoon, which made us enjoy more time on the island as well as less exhaustion with travel. Although Aruba is extremely kid-friendly and safe, we decided to leave the kids behind (Thank God for grandparents!). </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was married at 25 years old so you can say I did a LOT of growing up the past 10 years. I did a lot of maturing as a wife from my starting point as a 25-year-old self-centered, career-focused woman. I don't mean that to bash myself but as I have grown closer to God, he's taught me a lot about love, family, and marriage. I can honestly say I love my husband more now after 10 years of marriage because instead of just puppy love when we were merely kids, we have a Godly love that is truly built on God, family, and prayer. Although they say men mature much later in life, Ryan is (almost) getting there. Men don't quite reach maturity until... 50 (totally kidding)... In reality, Ryan has become an incredible husband and father who has truly been my rock. When you say your vows as a youthful, healthy bride, "in sickness and in health" seems so irrelevant at the time. However, after a diagnosis with an autoimmune disorder that left me suffering in my late twenties and an experience with postpartum depression a few years ago, these vows became very real. I can truly say that as we walked through these challenges together, it made my and Ryan's marriage much stronger.</div><div><br /></div><div><h2>A Trip Without the Kids to "One Happy Island"</h2></div><div>We decided 10 years was great timing to renew our vows and were especially excited to do it with a "second honeymoon." Traveling during COVID-19 restrictions was surprisingly much less difficult than expected and we were overly impressed with the entire island of Aruba, especially our resort, the Divi Phoenix for their safety precautions and overall accommodations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwQDKzyNEpc/YKhknVzo9_I/AAAAAAAAVA8/00lrmu1gNYssM2RVdQ_fgm9kDIP1jntvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1747/Pink%2BBlue%2BMarketing%2BCollage%2BPicture%2BPostcard%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="divi phoenix aruba resort" border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1747" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwQDKzyNEpc/YKhknVzo9_I/AAAAAAAAVA8/00lrmu1gNYssM2RVdQ_fgm9kDIP1jntvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pink%2BBlue%2BMarketing%2BCollage%2BPicture%2BPostcard%2B%25281%2529.png" title="divi phoenix aruba resort" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This time around, we decided to write our own vows, from <span style="font-family: inherit;">the heart. A good friend sent me this scripture before our trip: <i>"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."</i> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">This passage from Ecclesiastes illustrates the importance of a God-centered marriage. Two Christians that are bound together in Christ are stronger than the individuals themselves. Of course, this made it into my vows and it was the perfect word of wisdom that I could ever express when looking ahead to the next 10 years ahead. The truth is, when you put God at the center of your marriage, you have a better understanding of what a loving marriage really is, especially when you add all the craziness of life in... kids, Covid, careers, and everything life throws at us in-between.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">It had been a <i>long</i> time before we traveled just the two of us overnight somewhere... I'm pretty sure it was the first time we've vacationed without kids since we had Gavin (except when I was very pregnant) so we were excited but definitely a little anxious about leaving our 5-year-old and 2-year-old. We booked 5 nights instead of a full week so that we could enjoy a great trip while not being away from the kids for too long.</span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Staying at the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We chose to stay at this particular resort (which is a timeshare as well) because of the location and recommendations from friends and family who stayed there. The <a href="https://www.diviresorts.com/divi-aruba-phoenix-beach-resort-aruba.htm" target="_blank">Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resor</a>t location is RIGHT on the beach and every single</span> unit is ocean view and my favorite part is that everything from the resort is accessible. I love to walk a ton on vacation, especially in a beautiful place like Aruba and the Divi is connected to all of the other resorts with a well-lit safe path, making it so easy to access restaurants, other resort lounges, shops, and fresh food stands. Another huge bonus is on-site Covid testing available so you do not have to leave the premises to get your COVID test (which was required for us to travel back home). </div><div><br /></div><div>I worked with the GM and told her about our vow renewal- nothing fancy just us on the beach and a photographer and their staff went above and beyond for our celebration.. it honestly felt like a second wedding day! It started with a day of pampering at the spa right on premises called the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pureindulgencespa/ " target="_blank">Pure Indulgence Spa.</a> Ryan experienced his first pedicure, looking out to the poolside & ocean with a Mimosa in hand-- he was not complaining. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IpUn-B3x2U/YJWlS3zzZSI/AAAAAAAAU0I/zoYFlqoIQG4_43XTG0dnWuLC6XTzdnG7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Autumn%2BPalette%2BMood%2BBoard%2BSocial%2BMedia%2BPost.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aruba spa Pure Indulgence at Divi resort" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IpUn-B3x2U/YJWlS3zzZSI/AAAAAAAAU0I/zoYFlqoIQG4_43XTG0dnWuLC6XTzdnG7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Autumn%2BPalette%2BMood%2BBoard%2BSocial%2BMedia%2BPost.png" title="Aruba spa Pure Indulgence at Divi resort" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Because I really did want it to feel like a "second wedding day," Ryan urged me to get my hair and makeup done right at the spa <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pureindulgencespa/">on-site</a> and I was so happy I did.. all I had to do was write my vows, show up, and look pretty. We had local photographers shoot from <a href="https://www.lensationaruba.com/" target="_blank">Lensation Aruba </a>while we were renewing our vows and they did an incredible job capturing such a romantically special, private moment. It was such a different experience writing our own vows because it was a lot more intimate and more romantic. It was an amazing experience to just witness each other between us, the ocean, and God.. and 2 strangers taking pics of us! :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7dYPQDXZUQ/YKMI2o_wLtI/AAAAAAAAVAE/GqXTbLiubpA1Pr062Eya61XcgqoZp8nyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Winter%2BPalette%2BMood%2BBoard%2BSocial%2BMedia%2BPost.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7dYPQDXZUQ/YKMI2o_wLtI/AAAAAAAAVAE/GqXTbLiubpA1Pr062Eya61XcgqoZp8nyACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Winter%2BPalette%2BMood%2BBoard%2BSocial%2BMedia%2BPost.png" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Best Food on the Island at <a href="https://www.diviresorts.com//divi-aruba-phoenix-dining.htm ">PUREOCEAN</a></h2>Next up was the most incredible dining experience I have ever experienced on vacation. We had dinner reservations after we renewed our vows and since we had a little too much fun with the photos and got soaked in the ocean, we went back to change into more casual clothing. The Divi Phoenix has an incredible well-known restaurant right on the resort called <a href="https://www.diviresorts.com//divi-aruba-phoenix-dining.htm " target="_blank">pureocean</a> with seaside dining so you can watch the sunset and eat right on the beach. The food was absolutely divine and we were blown away by the staff's accommodations since they surprised us with the most romantic, private table right on the beach. Honestly, we were blown away by the hospitality in general by the staff at the Divi... we have never felt so welcome at a resort before.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7Z6qB4pY8E/YKhm0uN-_iI/AAAAAAAAVBE/fNofOZxeV5Y3k3MTdFU0msrjSbEEQa2VgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210409_191459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7Z6qB4pY8E/YKhm0uN-_iI/AAAAAAAAVBE/fNofOZxeV5Y3k3MTdFU0msrjSbEEQa2VgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210409_191459.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>I never thought I would be one to "renew our vows" but after 10 years, 2 kids, and an excuse to go on vacation... I would highly recommend it! Let's just say we are in honeymoon season all over again... a romantic getaway like this can help you reconnect, relax, and a reminder to put EACHOTHER first!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the romantic packages for the DIVI <a href="https://www.diviresorts.com/honeymoons.htm" target="_blank">here</a> and do not hesitate to ask any questions about the resort or Aruba in general!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7GkMHanzqQ/YKhoPhph-NI/AAAAAAAAVBM/ZUdcCmm4SqYWmnaFtKUgzTF1i8I9n8BMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210408_181148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aruba Divi Phoenix Honeymoon" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7GkMHanzqQ/YKhoPhph-NI/AAAAAAAAVBM/ZUdcCmm4SqYWmnaFtKUgzTF1i8I9n8BMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210408_181148.jpg" title="Aruba Divi Phoenix Honeymoon package" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWbJ0kZJb4Y/YKhor9DvUiI/AAAAAAAAVBU/xl0a5RNbojQ3rJs56XViYN4YyVx4A-oGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC08405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aruba Divi Phoenix Resort" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWbJ0kZJb4Y/YKhor9DvUiI/AAAAAAAAVBU/xl0a5RNbojQ3rJs56XViYN4YyVx4A-oGACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/DSC08405.jpg" title="Aruba Divi Phoenix" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div></div></div></div></div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-27080349766834180552021-04-21T13:27:00.009-07:002021-04-26T07:51:55.948-07:00How to Take Your Kids Fishing in Connecticut: Guest Post by Fishing Father<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29pdcnZnQCw/YICKFmGUS-I/AAAAAAAAUx4/IdYO2THdTfgCVe0uJPBaxL0mw_v68uIJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/How%2Bto%2BStart%2Ba%2BTravel%2BBlog%2BGraphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29pdcnZnQCw/YICKFmGUS-I/AAAAAAAAUx4/IdYO2THdTfgCVe0uJPBaxL0mw_v68uIJACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2BStart%2Ba%2BTravel%2BBlog%2BGraphic.png" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As we turn the corner into our second spring of
COVID and everyone is getting restless.
The kids are chomping at the bit to get outside and run around and
you’re probably just a little bit sad that some of your usual spring activities
are still on hold. If you’re searching
for a new activity to try with your kids that is safe and socially distant, you
might want to take up fishing. It gets
your kids outside, they’ll love it, and there are few places more socially
distant than the middle of a lake.
Win-Win-Win.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>There’s only one small problem: fishing is hard, or less
you would have already done this. No
worries. I’ll get you up and running so
you can have a fun day fishing with your kids in Connecticut. Indeed, I have an entire website devoted to
helping parents learn how to fish with their kids, <a href="http://www.fishingfather.com/">www.fishingfather.com</a>, but this article
will give you all the practical knowledge you need to get going.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In this article, I’ll set you up with the proper gear
without wasting your money, help you find a fishing spot in Connecticut (or
elsewhere) that works well with kids, teach you how to catch a fish, and give
you some tips to help you save a day when things don’t work out, so you can
still be the hero. Interested? Then read on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Gear Up</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Before you can take your kids fishing, you need to buy or
borrow some gear. Do yourself a favor:
leave the kids at home while you go get this.
If you bring your children with you, I guarantee you that you’re leaving
the store with a rod that “looks cool” as opposed to a rod that “makes
sense.” Remember, this could turn into a
life-long passion. Why buy a little
princess rod that your daughter will only want to use for a year or two before
it becomes embarrassing to her?</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Rod & Reel</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I once wrote an entire article on what the <a href="https://fishingfather.com/bestkidsfishingrods/">best fishing rods are for
kids</a>, but I’ll cut to the chase: get your kid an Ugly Stik that is about
4’6” to 5’ long for little kids (2-7) and 6’ long for older children. You want something light and small enough
that they can use comfortably. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I do recommend a spinning rod (this will be right on the
label) as opposed to a casting rod. The
difference, essentially, is what type of fishing reel pairs with them. Spinning rods accept spinning reels. Casting rods accept baitcasting reels (which
are a big NO-NO for kids) and spincast reels (which some people recommend for
children, but I view as unnecessary and wasteful as they’ll soon fall out of
favor from most anglers).</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Some Ugly Stiks come with a reel, which is fine. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy
one. I recommend getting one that is on
the smaller size as it balances better and is easier for kids to use. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Fishing Line</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>You will also need some fishing line if your combo
doesn’t come with one. I’ll make it
super simple for you. Use Berkley
Trilene XL monofilament in 6lb test.
This is inexpensive, available everywhere, easy to work with, and strong
enough for most fish your kids will catch from shore.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Hooks, Weights, and Bobbers</b></h2><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Tackle shops can be overwhelming (though I prefer the
term, “breathtaking”). They don’t need
to be. All you need is a box of hooks,
and maybe a box of sinkers (weights). <b><i>Don’t
bother with a bobber</i></b>. I know
this may be counter-intuitive to you.
After all, when your grandpa took you out when you were a kid, he put a
bobber on, right? Well… Are you now a full-grown adult who is reading
an article about how to <b>start </b>fishing?
I guess that bobber didn’t enamor you, did it?</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j46g6xsvVzg/YICMyfXJJUI/AAAAAAAAUyI/ObmHBziUbUECwbR_OjdUWIxfu9AavFd4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Quote%2B-%2BSelfcare.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="quote about fishing" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j46g6xsvVzg/YICMyfXJJUI/AAAAAAAAUyI/ObmHBziUbUECwbR_OjdUWIxfu9AavFd4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/Quote%2B-%2BSelfcare.png" title="quote fishing with kids" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Anyway, move past those red and white bore-balls and just
buy a hook and perhaps some sinkers. Use
common sense when buying the hook. Buy
one that is small enough for a sunfish or other small species to get into its
mouth. I sometimes see rookies fishing
with enormous hooks and while I admire their optimism, I don’t recommend going all-in like that. Fishing with kids is about
catching <b><i>quantity.</i></b> Small
hooks do that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As for weights, you can buy little sinkers that look like
teardrops, or you can simply scrounge up some nuts and bolts from home if you
prefer. Just make sure they’re relatively
small (I like 1/8 oz). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">See – I told you this would be painless. You walked into a tackle shop filled to the
ceiling with all sorts of lures, but all you need to have fun with your kids is
a hook.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Where to Buy Your Fishing Gear</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>If you’re reading this in Connecticut, your best bets for
purchase is going to be Cabela’s in East Hartford, Bass Pro Shops in
Bridgeport, or one of the two Fishin’ Factories (Plantsville and Middletown). I
used to love going to Dick’s Sporting Goods, but they’ve recently remodeled
some stores (such as the one in Plainville) into giant leotard warehouses, so
not all of them carry fishing tackle anymore.
Call ahead!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Finding the Right Fishing Spot</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>If you aren’t that experienced at fishing, water looks
like water, right? Yet only some parts
of that water will be productive for catching fish. Much of this can be trial and error but there
are a few things to keep in mind:</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->You need to find a spot that has enough
shoreline space for kids to cast and play near.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->This spot should be next to water that is at
least 3’ deep and preferably reaches 6’ with a cast.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->This water should be near some sort of cover
(meaning weeds, rocks, sticks, etc.) that fish can hide in.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->This cover should not be so thick that you can’t
effectively fish it without snagging your hook.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->This spot should be next to a playground or park
where you can move on to PLAN B if the fish aren’t biting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>If you want to find spots like this on your own, just
drive around and take a little walk. It
will be easy to see where most of the popular fishing spots will be because
they’ll be worn down and sandy from all the people standing and fishing
there. Bear in mind that these spots
fill up early. Note that I did write an
article with some great fishing spots in Connecticut that you can read <a href="https://fishingfather.com/the-best-spots-in-connecticut-to-take-kids-fishing/">here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5L2czGQ0oLE/YICOxTNwFqI/AAAAAAAAUys/ieLqZMuIOOYS_q5xDvguq6QhsF6j3Gw_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/95415558_10102229243979479_7441288658616844288_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bass fishing ct" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5L2czGQ0oLE/YICOxTNwFqI/AAAAAAAAUys/ieLqZMuIOOYS_q5xDvguq6QhsF6j3Gw_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/95415558_10102229243979479_7441288658616844288_n.jpg" title="ct fishing trip" width="240" /></a></div><br /> If you want another shortcut, you might install the <a href="https://fishbrain.com/">Fishbrain app</a>. It’s a nifty little program that takes
satellite images of your local lakes (and they <b><i>all</i></b> are on there)
and then allows its users to share data about where they caught fish. This is great because you can find the lake
or pond you’re taking your kids to and then zoom in to see where most of the
data entries are. If you find a spot
with many clusters, chances are it is a good fishing spot. As of writing, it costs $5.99/month. I know that may seem a little steep for
something your kids “might” like, but you can always cancel after your first
month. Anyway, you spent all that money
on a rod, reel, hooks, line, and sinker but you don’t want to toss $5.99 at an
app that will literally show you where to use them?<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b> What is a Good Time to Try Fishing?</b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>During most of the time of year you’d think about going
fishing (meaning, during warm weather) fishing is going to be best early in the
morning or late in the evening. Fish
tend to congregate in the shallows where they can be reached from shore during
these times and are feeding actively.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X0DniQDvIM/YICNIzi9IGI/AAAAAAAAUyQ/0ind8NHzZ-MZpDHBpxT56KeJOLdR7PLdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/fishing%2Bfam.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Fishing in connecticut" border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X0DniQDvIM/YICNIzi9IGI/AAAAAAAAUyQ/0ind8NHzZ-MZpDHBpxT56KeJOLdR7PLdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/fishing%2Bfam.jpg" title="connecticut fishing" width="320" /></a></div><br />In Connecticut, May is a FANTASTIC month to go fishing
with your kids. This is because many
sunfish can be found extremely close to shore (so close that you can usually
see them). They are there to spawn their
own young, and to feast on the eggs of largemouth bass. They are very aggressive at this time,
concentrated, easy to find, and easy to catch.
<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>“The Spawn” can continue through June in
Connecticut. Once you hit July, it is
mostly over, and aquatic vegetation growth is going to limit the places you can
reach from shore. While fishing is still
good, it becomes more challenging and will remain so until about September when
the cooling temperatures warn fish that it’s time to start feeding heavily and
they again become easier to target.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b> </b></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>How to Catch a Fish</b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Notice that I entitled this section, “How to Catch <b>A</b>
Fish” and not “How to Catch a Trophy Bass.”
If you are taking your kids fishing for the first time, they do not care
what kind of fish they catch—they just want to catch <b><i>something</i></b>. A running theme of my blog and my book is
that every parent’s goal is to get a fish into the livewell or bucket as fast
as they possibly can. This means you’re
targeting sunfish first and foremost.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9fqAIfgeBc/YICNRaJVs2I/AAAAAAAAUyU/n9JuLOrr8DUPsTZby5k0Q31m5Lj-wHYSACLcBGAsYHQ/s818/FISHINGFATHER.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="connecticut lake fishing" border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9fqAIfgeBc/YICNRaJVs2I/AAAAAAAAUyU/n9JuLOrr8DUPsTZby5k0Q31m5Lj-wHYSACLcBGAsYHQ/w180-h320/FISHINGFATHER.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Catching sunfish isn’t that hard if you find a spot that
has them. It’s basically a matter of
putting a worm in front of their face and managing to hook them as they peck
away at it. Most of these little fish
have been caught so many times already that they know what the deal is and they
try to nibble away at the edges, but eventually, they’re going to make a mistake
and you’ll get them. Just make sure
you’re holding the rod when they bite so you can <a href="https://fishingfather.com/how-to-set-the-hook/">set the hook</a> quickly
and snag them.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I recommend using a technique called a “drop shot.” It is simply a hook that is tied about 12”
above a sinker, or weight. You cast it
out, and you <b><i>hold onto the rod</i></b> while you slowly work it back to
shore. Your child will feel every nibble
this way and get the full excitement of feeling a fish take its first run after
it feels the hook. This is <b>much</b>
better than having them stare at a bobber.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I’d recommend using worms such as nightcrawlers, but if
you can’t find any or are against that for moral / “yucky” reasons, then some
small 2” minnow-shaped lures from Berkley Gulp also work very well. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://fishingfather.com/the-basic-skills-you-need-to-take-your-kids-fishing/">This
article</a> will teach you exactly how to tie a drop shot and cast it out. Just make sure you’re holding onto the rod
while you’re fishing, so you can feel a bite.
When you get a nibble, set the hook by snapping your rod back a few
inches to drive the hook into the fish’s mouth.
Then, holler “fish on!” and hand it off to your child. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>The handoff can be a bit tricky. Your main goal is to ensure that there is no
slack in the line when you give your kid the rod. Any slack will more than likely let the hook
slide out, so be sure to keep a tight connection before you hand off the rod to
your little one.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>What to Do When the Fish Aren’t Biting</b></h3><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>So, my son is going to start roller hockey on
Thursday. They have this little “learn
to skate” program at <a href="https://www.plainvillearena.com/">Plainville
Indoor Sports Arena</a> that I signed him up for. I’m a bit concerned that he might hate it, or
it might not work out, so I’m pitching it to him as, “Let’s go to the rink,
learn to skate, and <b><i>get a cotton candy Slushy afterwards!” </i></b>This
way, if the skating doesn’t go so well, it still ends on a good note for him.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Apply this tactic to fishing. If you don’t make the trip exclusively about
fishing, then it cannot completely go wrong if the fish aren’t biting. Instead of saying, “Hey do you want to go
fishing?” ask, “Hey, should we go to the <b><i>park</i></b>?” Bring a ball with
you. Make a picnic. Include that treat your kids always ask
for. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>You can also say things like, “Hey, let’s practice our <b>casting</b>”
rather than “Hey, let’s catch a fish.”
Then, if you do catch a fish, it’s super exciting, but if you don’t,
well, that’s not really what you set out to do in the first place.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>You’re the one in charge, so you set the parameters. Don’t box yourself into a corner where you’re
going to “fail” if something as unpredictable and finicky as a fish doesn’t
play along. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>If you really want to try and salvage a fish out of the
trip, bring a second adult along. One of
you should fish until you hook one and can call the kids over. The other should play with them and distract
them so they’re having fun. What you
don’t want to do is make the kids sit next to you, bored, while you stubbornly
keep trying. That’s a guaranteed way to
make them hate this great sport.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlZbQ5p4mEo/YICOlUlazhI/AAAAAAAAUyo/r-Azp9FmbXkdcHCdqUbMJg5dj_y6a_vuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/120089114_10102385228086079_8381582279083509574_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlZbQ5p4mEo/YICOlUlazhI/AAAAAAAAUyo/r-Azp9FmbXkdcHCdqUbMJg5dj_y6a_vuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120089114_10102385228086079_8381582279083509574_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Fishing is a wonderful activity to share with
children. It has all the things they
love: water, slime, and animals. I
completely recommend that you try this with them this summer. After the kind of year we’ve had, it could be
just the ticket to break the monotony. <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Even though it seems a little scary, you can do it. Keep things as simple as a worm on a hook,
have a Plan B, and leave the bobber at home.
I’ve sprinkled a few helpful hints in this article, but feel free to
visit my <a href="https://www.fishingfather.com/">blog</a> for more in-depth
help. You can also feel free to<a href="mailto:johnpaxton@fishingfather.com"> reach out to me directly</a>. A friend of Jamie’s is a friend of mine and
I’d be happy to help you.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have a great day for fishing,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">John Paxton<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://fishingfather.com/books/">Fishing with
Kids: A Parent’s Guide</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.fishingfather.com/">FishingFather.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><br />
<div class="signature"><br /></div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-51413415405251340122021-03-12T12:05:00.002-08:002021-03-12T12:06:55.186-08:00Summer Bucket List in Connecticut<span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMEGWNImC-g/XoIeINFbLuI/AAAAAAAAOXc/HIEH_sQSksIAAKrMYW5EdvvbpVDfD6DTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lavendar%2Bblog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMEGWNImC-g/XoIeINFbLuI/AAAAAAAAOXc/HIEH_sQSksIAAKrMYW5EdvvbpVDfD6DTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lavendar%2Bblog.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Lavender Pond Farm - I visited <a href="http://www.jamieeverafter.com/2018/06/hidden-gem-in-connecticut-bumpdate.html#.XoIbUIhKg2w" target="_blank">this spot</a> when I was pregnant with Savannah and I would love to go back in peak season which is normally July. If you do end up visiting this amazing lavender farm and have children, I was amazed by the lavender bug spray they had! It lasted an entire summer and was like $11 and all-natural. It truly worked to repel bugs and we didn't have to worry about the harsh chemicals of a lot of the other bug sprays.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDwg7fLLQa0/YEZfcbHZOII/AAAAAAAAUq0/T6WjcbYZH7QSY9VHkl11ShUAovI9wl46QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/tie%2Bdye%2Bjamie.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="692" height="395" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDwg7fLLQa0/YEZfcbHZOII/AAAAAAAAUq0/T6WjcbYZH7QSY9VHkl11ShUAovI9wl46QCLcBGAsYHQ/w285-h395/tie%2Bdye%2Bjamie.jpg" width="285" /></span></a></div><a href="http://ocean-beach-park.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia;">OCEAN BEACH PARK</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I love Ocean Beach for kids because it has fine, white sand and it's so big and rarely ever crowded on weekdays. It also had some rides (they were closed last year due to COVID but may re-open this year) and a few waterslides, along with a long boardwalk with yummy icecream and some snacks for the kiddos.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">My son's favorite part is the ankle-length water area where you can catch hermit crabs and snails in buckets. Also, since the beach is located in New London, you can almost always spot a submarine which the kids LOVE.<br /><br />
<br />
</span><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1kfggagGA8/YEZhjICHJ3I/AAAAAAAAUq8/CWUN5B9_x78jfXnC5zBU3-e3lrdT5VOIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1615223038676.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="487" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1kfggagGA8/YEZhjICHJ3I/AAAAAAAAUq8/CWUN5B9_x78jfXnC5zBU3-e3lrdT5VOIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h487/FB_IMG_1615223038676.jpg" width="268" /></span></a></div></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Es<a href="https://essexsteamtrain.com/" target="_blank">sex Steamboat + Train</a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you + your fam have not visited Essex yet, be sure to put this on the top of your bucket list! It's such a fun day trip and you can get a package to go on the boat and the train. The store is adorable as well for the kids.. my son loves his little train whistle! <br />They do a fantastic job and it's even fun for the adults so it's a win-win for the whole family! Also, surrounding this spot, there are so many cute shops, restaurants, and scenic areas that you can explore before or after you experience the Steamboat and train!</span></p><div><div class="signature" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><a href="https://trumbull.visitseaquest.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia;">SEA QUEST TRUMBULL</span></a></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is such a fun spot and you don't even have to wait until summer to visit! Located in the Trumbull Mall, this interactive aquarium has way more than just fish. You can interact with an adorable sloth, swim with the sharks, and feed an enormous turtle.</span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The kids loved feeding the fish and they were entertained for hours. I was pleasantly surprised at the prices in the gift shop. Usually, I cringe at gift shop prices, but it was SO reasonable and the kids picked out adorable souvenirs and I didn't feel like I was robbed <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c;">😂😂</span></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRSSjSPknA4/YEZih-ZZQNI/AAAAAAAAUrI/60SQnFwygk46aSrgPQJWqP6xpe82Qt8eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201127_132819.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRSSjSPknA4/YEZih-ZZQNI/AAAAAAAAUrI/60SQnFwygk46aSrgPQJWqP6xpe82Qt8eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20201127_132819.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br /></span><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qF97Raj5svc/YEZkPg9wSXI/AAAAAAAAUrY/cOdkOgdBpMsUzPj1Z32qfbYnoltNQp0OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201127_134231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qF97Raj5svc/YEZkPg9wSXI/AAAAAAAAUrY/cOdkOgdBpMsUzPj1Z32qfbYnoltNQp0OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20201127_134231.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="signature"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINE</span></b></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We almost always rent a house for a week on the CT shoreline, usually Old Lyme or Old Saybrook. It's so fun to vacation in your own state because you explore things right in your backyard that you don't normally get to see! </span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When we rent, we have our favorite spots but always try to find something new to try every year.</span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">For lobster rolls, we love <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LobsterLandingLLC?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Lobster Landing</a>! They usually open for the season in April. Are you team hot lobster roll or cold? I am definitely a HOT BUTTERED lobstah-roll gal!</span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We always make a trip to <a href="https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/about-old-lyme/pages/carousel-sound-view" target="_blank">Carousel at Soundview in Old Lyme</a>. I love it because it literally looks the same as when I was just a child so those nostalgic memories of beach days with my family bring my heart so much joy! Not to mention, JJ Lawsen's Gourmet Icecream so so delicious with 32 flavors of ice-cream, sherbert, and yogurt. There is almost always live music on the weekends outside as well which adds for a fun backdrop on a beautiful beach day. </span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Date night favorite for our "beach week" is always <a href="https://laforestarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">La Foresta</a> in Killingworth. With homegrown ingredients and authentic Italian, La Foresta is my favorite date-night restaurant by far. The owner is passionate and accommodating and the restaurant is beautiful and welcoming. I've brought friends from all over the US here and they are equally impressed, especially the "foodies." This is a true GEM in CT. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zucaz4cUXHE/YEaCoiwp76I/AAAAAAAAUrg/5oyyDdrIYvsuCiplng4INMut2-M9efgmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1615223117141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zucaz4cUXHE/YEaCoiwp76I/AAAAAAAAUrg/5oyyDdrIYvsuCiplng4INMut2-M9efgmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/FB_IMG_1615223117141.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="signature"><a href="https://ctwine.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia;">CT WINE TRAIL</span></a></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Connecticut Wine Trail is so beautiful in the summer and can be a day well spent with beautiful views of vineyards and sunsets. I have yet to visit all of the vineyards in CT, but the ones that I have visited, have amazing wine and it's such a fun day for a picnic and to sip on some locally made wine! I love supporting small businesses in CT so I always grab a few bottles to go as gifts and to have in my home for future dinners. </span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Since I am in Southington, I am very close to <a href="https://www.paradisehillsvineyard.com/" target="_blank">Paradise Hills Vineyard</a> which has incredible sunsets and even more incredible wine. I love their Washington Trail Ros<a aria-level="3" href="https://www.paradisehillsvineyard.com/product/Washington-Trail-Rose?pageID=65458E24-AD81-6752-3B9D-E71F515A04B3&sortBy=DisplayOrder&maxRows=10&" itemprop="name" role="heading" style="background: rgb(242, 239, 237); color: #332f2c; text-decoration-line: none;">é</a> in the summer since it's light and refreshing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmVq9FD5j4Y/YEaPtU-56wI/AAAAAAAAUro/Oq6AGpHOLlMWc5NY_xbCIzZSwsNF3q8ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1364/Screenshot_20210308-121104_Facebook%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmVq9FD5j4Y/YEaPtU-56wI/AAAAAAAAUro/Oq6AGpHOLlMWc5NY_xbCIzZSwsNF3q8ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Screenshot_20210308-121104_Facebook%2B%25281%2529.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="signature"><a href="http://www.southingtondrive-in.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia;">SOUTHINGTON DRIVE-IN </span></a></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I haven't been to the Southington Drive-in yet but am praying they open back up this summer! I think my kids would LOVE it and I have heard nothing but great things about it. Watching a movie on a huge screen, outside with lots of great snacks.. sounds like a perfect summer night to me!</span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Growing up, my favorite movie snack was Junior Mints & Sour Patch Kids. Oh the days where calorie-counting was not a thought in mind :) </span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGWTgvc_Plc/YEpRfkbnCgI/AAAAAAAAUsE/tavuVmPrfx0iPjmDwY9LVAkHEaIC_I6eACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/southingtondIRVEIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGWTgvc_Plc/YEpRfkbnCgI/AAAAAAAAUsE/tavuVmPrfx0iPjmDwY9LVAkHEaIC_I6eACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/southingtondIRVEIN.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.lakecompounce.com/" target="_blank">LAKE COMPOUNCE</a><br /></span><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last year was the first year since Gavin was 3 that we didn't get a season pass (due to COVID) and boy did we miss it! The pass is 100% worth it and pays for itself after 2 trips. We love the water park and love that we can go for a couple hours in the evening, hop on a few rides and get our energy out. This will be the first year Savannah will really be able to enjoy it as well!</span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="signature"><span style="font-family: georgia;">
Ever After,</span></div>
<div class="name"><span style="font-family: georgia;">
Jamie</span></div>
</div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><br />Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-36004648392101122082020-12-11T15:27:00.005-08:002020-12-11T15:31:54.372-08:00Gavin's First Sleepover: Not Your Average Slumber Party with Camp F.L.Y<br />I think I'm speaking for ALL the parents when I say it has been [ahem] creative coming up with ways to entertain the kids in 2020. Confessing that I've relied on electronics in those dark days and have also gotten super-mom creative on other days. Hey, it's a balance, right?<div><br /></div><div><div>Summer was a little easier to navigate with outdoor playdates, beach trips, and pool time, but as we navigate these cold months it's certainly a constant challenge to keep the kids entertained. What's more exciting than a classic (upgraded) slumber party for kids to bond?!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xu0gy8rnsg/X9Pj84ainfI/AAAAAAAAT1I/lXgasipqZbYwEGeGTu0GOsXbD_IOuUsqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Untitled%2B%252889%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xu0gy8rnsg/X9Pj84ainfI/AAAAAAAAT1I/lXgasipqZbYwEGeGTu0GOsXbD_IOuUsqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Untitled%2B%252889%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My son, Gavin, is SO in love with building forts and "camping." When I found out about <a href="https://flygirlsmobilebeauty.com/camp-f-l-y/" target="_blank">Camp FLY</a>, I was SO excited to explore their sleepover parties for Gavin and his best friend. It was absolutely way beyond my expectations. Because it was Gavin's FIRST sleepover, it was a big deal and boy were the kids impressed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Camp F.L.Y. has many different themes to choose from depending on the child's interest and age. From princess slumber parties to Camping in the Woods, there is something for everyone. They even do ADULT slumber parties which is such a fun alternative to going out these days, especially this year!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edmuV0JxzAM/X9PkcUYhKqI/AAAAAAAAT1Q/bg_aGUrAMA4PUutyo4gd2xzm9rMmL-XaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/campfly2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edmuV0JxzAM/X9PkcUYhKqI/AAAAAAAAT1Q/bg_aGUrAMA4PUutyo4gd2xzm9rMmL-XaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/campfly2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To check out their packages, take a peek at their options <a href="https://flygirlsmobilebeauty.com/camp-f-l-y-packages/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think ALL the Moms will agree the absolute best part of their service is NO set-up or clean-up.<br />They literally do everything for you. Each child receives their very own teepee to sleep in with all the trimmings. Camp F.L.Y. takes care of every detail--planning, setup, decor, pickup-- and provide an experience that your kids will never forget!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnt_IngzaG4/X9P9OOUrhfI/AAAAAAAAT1g/OaOgCK2s91ME9A5-SbhXDzDclwh3D-z5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/camp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnt_IngzaG4/X9P9OOUrhfI/AAAAAAAAT1g/OaOgCK2s91ME9A5-SbhXDzDclwh3D-z5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/camp.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Don't forget to check them out on social media!! Here is their<a href="https://www.instagram.com/campf.l.y/" target="_blank"> Insta!</a></div><div><br /></div><div>They also have just a COUPLE spots left for <span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">their special Camp Fire Christmas setup! </span></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">Three nights for the price of one!! $199 from December 23rd through December 26th. (local only)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">3 spots left for Winter Wonderland theme 3 spots left for The Nightmare Before Christmas theme</span><div><br /></div><div><br />
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Ever After,</div>
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Jamie</div></div></div>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-84611058345144286742020-11-19T10:26:00.008-08:002020-11-19T10:32:04.530-08:00Moms of School-age Children: We Are Not OK.. But We Will Be<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span> </span>As I prepared my 5-year old son for kindergarten earlier this year, I should have been excited about him entering a new stage of education and life. It's bittersweet that he is going to "real" school and he will learn so much and grow up so much in one year.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Then, I think about everything, as moms and parents and grandparents that we have lingering over our minds when it comes to children going to school. It's devastating to think about what my generation has witnessed happening to children. Sorry, millennial-haters. This millennial-mom generation does not have it easy. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span> </span>In my home state, Connecticut, an entire kindergarten class was killed during school in Sandy Hook which is generally a safe, beautiful place to live. When I was in elementary school, I remember doing fire drills and then going along my merry way straight to the playground. It's sad that at 2 years old, my son was taught how to lock a door with a belt to protect the class from intruders.</span><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It's also sad that my child may not be able to have lunch with his friends and has to constantly ask me, "Is the Virus gone yet?"</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mizX9RtJBLc/X7a1Q7HreEI/AAAAAAAATwk/EDKhva8bjhcS_yUWkrSz2Bv9bOqdeFYyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/masks.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="960" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mizX9RtJBLc/X7a1Q7HreEI/AAAAAAAATwk/EDKhva8bjhcS_yUWkrSz2Bv9bOqdeFYyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w452-h388/masks.jpg" width="452" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every single decision we make, we know we have to think cautiously about the lives and well-being of our children and the health and safety of others. We worry about their safety when we should feel at peace that they are safe in school. We worry about our children's health from spreading viruses and about their mental health, which is increasingly rising among young children. In fact, the current pre-teen/teen suicide has tripled since previous generations according to Psychology Today. Studies show that the main stressors affecting children's mental health are triggered by events like school shootings, racial discrimination, and sexual assault. I'm sure as we look back on 2020, we will see that medical pandemics have a huge effect on our children's mental health as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> With such easy access to any content, news, or media outlet it's almost impossible to keep children away from the news of these triggered events.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
In addition, The New York Times reported that for smaller toddlers and babies, masks may be delaying their communication development since they cannot pick up on visual clues. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal;">“Masks are not a great thing for communication in young kids,” Dr. Lewkowicz said. On the other hand, he said, the time children spend at home with people who are not masked will give them a chance to practice picking up the visual cues.</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As moms and caretakers in this generation, we are constantly hoping that we are making the best decision, calculating every risk factor whether it be physical health, mental well-being, and developmental progress. As we continue to navigate these times, be respectful of each other's decisions and do not be quick to judge the kid without a mask (there may be a reason) or the Mom that never leaves the house. Know that these decisions are <i>never </i>made lightly.</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoDmeUfo0yc/X7a3zCTxEzI/AAAAAAAATww/N8UDL6y4eQQC8rCXesK0-_IIZaKpFLipgCPcBGAsYHg/s972/20191122_183854-ANIMATION.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoDmeUfo0yc/X7a3zCTxEzI/AAAAAAAATww/N8UDL6y4eQQC8rCXesK0-_IIZaKpFLipgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20191122_183854-ANIMATION.gif" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">School shootings, viruses, addiction, mental health issues, and racial discrimination are all on my Mom-brain, however, it is important to not let our fears get too consuming. Even if it's not in person, check on the people you love. Help each other, be kind, and in the words of Danny Gokey: "Love God and Love People."</span><br /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Ever After,<br />
Jamie</p>Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-22797708084725570202020-04-01T06:07:00.000-07:002020-04-01T07:20:56.539-07:005 At-Home Easter Activities for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39lM37LWmhE/XoObqHdOFII/AAAAAAAAOYI/MTXdduZZ8M0kyWrUWU6EsJdxxO7g6atoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/athomeeaster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 at home Easter Activities for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39lM37LWmhE/XoObqHdOFII/AAAAAAAAOYI/MTXdduZZ8M0kyWrUWU6EsJdxxO7g6atoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/athomeeaster.png" title="5 at home Easter Activities for Kids" /></a></div>
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1. Easy Coconut Macaroons. Seriously a yearly favorite + so cute for the kids! They can also be made gluten-free which is a plus and so easy to make with kids. You can find the recipe <a href="http://www.jamieeverafter.com/2015/10/coconut-macaroon-nests.html#.XoSOJ4hKg2w">here.</a></h4>
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2. Paint rocks for your garden or backyard. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter as a family and these adorable rocks were a great way to spread our love and joy during lent with positive faith-based and family messages. Another fun idea is to place them at a local park to spread positive messages.</h4>
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3. Bunny baskets from toilet paper rolls. God knows we are home a lot more often and although toilet paper is like gold right now.. why not re-purpose those empty rolls and make adorable bunny baskets? They made great egg holders. You can find instructions <a href="https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/toilet-paper-roll-easter-craft-baskets/">here.</a></h4>
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4. Shaving cream Easter eggs. One of my favorite activities growing up was painting and decorating Easter eggs. My mom and I loved to get creative and in the 90's there wasn't all these fun ready-to-go kits like they have now! I love this take on at-home creativity with a new take on painting Easter eggs? Add in some fun texture with shaving cream to marble the color on the eggs.. they come out awesome. <a href="https://makinglemonadeblog.com/marbleized-marbled-dye-easter-eggs-with-shaving-cream/" target="_blank">Here</a> is the link for full instructions.</h4>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMRYtfpSqoU/XoSL8EzaHvI/AAAAAAAAOYk/LnNsSHD5Nqwd2e-fUhSgZbR66ZH0wZgUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/shavingcreameggs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY shaving cream marbled easter eggs" border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMRYtfpSqoU/XoSL8EzaHvI/AAAAAAAAOYk/LnNsSHD5Nqwd2e-fUhSgZbR66ZH0wZgUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/shavingcreameggs.png" title="DIY marbled easter eggs" /></a></div>
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5. Custom bunny cards for Grandma + Grandpa. We know social distancing has gotten your kiddos away from their loved ones.. how sweet are these hand-made bunny crafts? All you need is glue, cotton balls, small paper plates and markers. </h4>
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Ever After,</div>
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Jamie</div>
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Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-60022958839090664172020-03-16T10:20:00.002-07:002020-12-01T10:39:46.864-08:00I had everything I ever wanted: My Postpartum Depression Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had everything I had ever wanted. The big house with an in-ground pool, a successful and loving husband, a six-figure career, a beautiful healthy 3-year-old-boy and then it got EVEN BETTER. I prayed and prayed for a little girl and then I was pregnant with a baby girl.<br />
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<i>I had everything I ever wanted.</i><br />
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On October 20th, 2018, I was ready to meet my little miracle that I prayed so hard for. Finally after an exhausting (but thankfully, healthy) pregnancy, I was having contractions and was going to meet my baby girl. I was so excited and since I had already went through this once before I was way less scared this time around. <i> I got this.. I am a mom-warrior</i>. I've been through this pain before and I am going to hold my baby girl TODAY. It couldn't get any better.<br />
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<i>I had everything I ever wanted.</i><br />
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A healthy baby girl.. she was just perfect! Breastfeeding went easy.. she latched immediately. I had always read the struggles of moms who could not breastfeed, who had traumatic births. <i>Not me</i>, everything went perfectly smooth, breastfeeding was a breeze, she was perfect. <i>I was so blessed.</i><br />
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I'll never forget the moment when Savannah was sleeping the first night in the little hospital bassinet and I was alone because my husband went to stay at home with my 3 yr old son. I looked at the hospital walls and looked over at my perfectly healthy baby and all I could think about was how much I missed my son. That emotion scared me because everyone said, "oh your heart will grow bigger and you will just have room for more love." Pings of guilt tingled my body and I remember staring at the dark hospital room as if it was closing in on me. I'm not like those other moms, I thought. My heart didn't grow bigger... I miss my son.<br />
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We took Savannah home and in true Jamie-fashion, I did what I do best, buried my own self-disappointment and powered on. I had a baby to breastfeed + nurture, a 3-yr-old that missed his Mommy, a husband to love and a high-pressure career to get back to in a few weeks. I remember going to Savannah's first Dr.'s appointment and filling out a sheet asking if I had thoughts of sadness, if I wanted to hurt myself, etc etc... NOPE, not me... I'm a blessed mother with 2 beautiful children.. <u>no room for sadness.</u> I did this one before, I can do it again," I coached myself. That's the thing about running from feelings, we deceive ourselves into "powering on," and I soon realized that my soul was running on a <i>empty tank.</i><br />
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I had been back at work for a few months and truly, I had no time for feelings. I had too much to do to be sad, disappointed or to even feel at all. I had breast milk to pump, proposals to do, Lego castles to build, dinner to cook, my baby to hold, laundry to fold, phone calls to make, Dr's appointments to attend, lunches to prepare.<br />
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My mind was a bunch of scrolling thoughts rather than feelings: <i>Is my baby eating enough- she's only in the 30th percentile. Does my son miss me- I'm spending too much time with the baby. Will I ever lose the baby weight? Does my boss think I am performing less because I am behind at work. Will I ever get sleep again. Am I holding my baby too much? Am I feeding my son too much junk? What if I can't keep up at work? Will I ever get my energy back? Can I even handle 2 kids? Will I ever feel normal again?</i></h4>
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I was 9 months postpartum and was hanging by a thread. I never wanted to hurt myself or my baby (thankfully because many women suffer from these thoughts as well) but in those sleepless nights, I would finally doze off and wake in frozen terror with an image of my baby suffocating in her pack n play next to me. These images felt so real and although I would wake up, have coffee, and power on to work, the darkness of those heavy thoughts weighed on my soul. As much as I tried to run away from my own thoughts, I knew that I couldn't live like that any longer.<br />
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<i> I had everything I had ever wanted. </i>That's the craziest thing about postpartum depression that people cannot fathom. You literally are juxtaposed with the greatest joy in your entire life yet cannot even experience that joy. It is like being one number off of hitting the jackpot. It's so close and SO real but you just cannot touch it.<br />
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The moment I came to terms that "I was not OK" was the first process to healing. My husband was so supportive and although he couldn't understand what I was going through, encouraged me to get help. He drove me to my OB's office and the second I saw my doctor, I started balling. I sat in his chair and he said, "Do you know how many women have sat in that very chair and broke down?" It comforted me in a weird way to know I was not alone. I left there with a prescription and a referral to a therapist and the healing began. The healing is still happening and my daughter is 15 months!<br />
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It has been one of the most challenging things in my life because although I always had a mild anxiety disorder, I had never experienced depression. It gave me a whole knew sense of mercy for people who experience depression. The misconception that postpartum depression only happens right after you have the baby is very false as well. My OB told me that many women can go symptom-free until up to a year!<br />
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During this time of mental healing, I found that there is growth in darkness. A seed must be buried in dirt in order to grow. Although I suffered pain and hopelessness, I also learned a lot about myself and a lot about what I wanted the next 10 years to look like. I didn't want to run on empty anymore. I didn't want to just survive anymore... I wanted to thrive.<br />
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I readjusted my priorities in life and committed time to the things that I knew would bring me back to who I really wanted to be. I started to commit more time for daily prayer, being more open about my feelings, and created a more balanced lifestyle where I can be more present with my family.<br />
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If you happen to stumble upon my story of postpartum depression, remember that sometimes you are being planted, not buried. As mothers, we constantly try to keep our own struggles stifled and sometimes we need help. Do not be ashamed of what you are going through because many before you have suffered and many ahead of you will as well. True courage is getting the help you need. PLEASE <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamieeverafter/" target="_blank">reach out to me </a>if you need some guidance-- that is the very first step to getting better!<br />
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<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-35867428765263376302020-02-12T09:09:00.000-08:002020-02-12T15:22:29.245-08:00Kid's Valentine ♥ Healthier Snacks for Sugar-Filled Holidays<br />
Let's face it, as moms we give in around candy-themed holidays. Grandparents and well-meaning friends alike run to the opportunity to share sweets during Holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Christmas.<br />
If your child is like mine, a little sugar goes a <i>looong</i> way, especially when these evil candies have dyes in them which makes my 4 year old boy almost intolerable (anyone else?!) Not to mention all the studies linking several dyes to ADHD, ADD and hyperactivity in children.<br />
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However, I get the appeal and don't want the kids missing out on the fun. I had my share of sugar-filled candies and heart-sprinkles cupcakes as a kid so what's a mom to do?<br />
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I find that children are attracted to designs and colors and just love a good theme! The prettier the food display, the more like they are to get excited and enjoy it so I came up with a couple healthy options to not be the Grinch who stole Valentine's day.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8vNHH9kGTc/XkR8h662HaI/AAAAAAAAORI/dcXDK21LhTsydT2BkGjUOa0NoBkrVJxiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/kids%2Blunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8vNHH9kGTc/XkR8h662HaI/AAAAAAAAORI/dcXDK21LhTsydT2BkGjUOa0NoBkrVJxiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/kids%2Blunch.jpg" /></a></div>
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1. Make fruit pretty by decorating the plate into shapes to get kids excited about fruits + veggies.<br />
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2. Use cookie cutters to cut fruit, bread and other snacks.<br />
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3. Instead of using syrups or food coloring, try using natural food dyes to make things like strawberry milk or smoothies. Swap the dyes + syrups with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Suncore-Foods-Organic-Natural-Supercolor/dp/B07D7TS2PZ/ref=asc_df_B07D7TS2PZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312191697023&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8795197178606391874&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003363&hvtargid=pla-570175677248&psc=1" target="_blank">beets</a>, strawberries, raspberries and other whole foods.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGSJ0obOiZM/XkQw2LeitwI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/bm2IHvrzHw8Yvo7MzcGZQJynGz6X4ybdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/love%2Bnot%2Bsugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="healthy snack ideas Valentine's" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGSJ0obOiZM/XkQw2LeitwI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/bm2IHvrzHw8Yvo7MzcGZQJynGz6X4ybdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/love%2Bnot%2Bsugar.jpg" title="valentine's kids healthy ideas" /></a></div>
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<i>Heart-shaped Toast with Rasberry Jam</i></h4>
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I buy Organic Sprouted bread from Aldi's and my kids love it. Not to mention it is way cheaper than other organic sprouted bread at under $3! The kids are fine with organic jam and although they have sugar, it's at least not loaded with dyes and extra loads of refined sugar.<br />
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<i>Heart-shaped fruit salad</i></h4>
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I use a simple cookie cutter for the shapes.. I found a super cute + cheap set on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hhyn-Cutters-Sandwich-Dinosaur-Vegetable/dp/B07H98VZ1F/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?keywords=cookie+cutter+shapes&qid=1581521840&sr=8-19-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSlRRMEZUOTdYRjdRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTEzMzc1M0Y2VlA5MU9NNlpPWCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzAzODU1Mk1aS0JNQUFIRjNSUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
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<i>Heart-shaped protien pancakes</i></h4>
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<u>TIP: can make in advance and freeze so you have an easy grab + go breakfast always</u><br />
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I love to add a little protein to pancakes with almond butter to sneak it in for the kids. My go-to healthy pancake recipe is as follows:<br />
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Ingredients<br />
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<li><span data-amount="0.75" data-unit="cup">3/4 cup</span> rolled oats</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="0.75" data-unit="cup">3/4 cup</span> all-purpose almond flour</li>
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<li><span data-amount="2" data-unit="tbsp">2 tbsp</span> coconut sugar</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="0.5" data-unit="tsp">½ tsp</span> ground cinnamon</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="1" data-unit="tbsp">1 tbsp</span> baking powder</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="0.25" data-unit="tsp">¼ tsp</span> salt</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="1.25" data-unit="cup">1 ¼ cup</span>s dairy or non-dairy milk </li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="1">1</span> large egg</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="4" data-unit="tbsp">4 tbsp</span> almond butter</li>
</ul>
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<li><span data-amount="2" data-unit="tsp">2 tsp</span> vanilla extract</li>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px; font-weight: 300;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px; font-weight: 300;">Directions:</span></span><br />
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<li>Place the rolled oats in a blender until the oats reach a fine, powdery consistency.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Add the almond purpose flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, salt and baking powder and combine.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Add the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract and pulse until combined.</li>
</ol>
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<li>If the batter is to thick, add more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) and pulse until it reaches the right consistency.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Lightly grease a non stick skillet with melted butter or coconut oil.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Heat the skillet over medium heat until hot.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Drop 1/8 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Cook until bubbles begin to form on the top.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Carefully flip the pancakes and cook on the other side 60- 90 seconds or until cooked through.</li>
</ol>
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<li>Serve warm with fresh berries.</li>
</ol>
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<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-70753189569721614482020-01-20T13:12:00.001-08:002020-06-17T07:59:45.318-07:00A Dose of Real Life: An Open Letter to My Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not a size 0 and that's OK. Truth is, the only time I was ever a size 0 was in High school and I was doing extreme dieting to the point where my mom made me watch a Lifetime movie about a girl who dies from Anorexia. It worked.<br />
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Now that I have a daughter, I want to pass on the unconditional love that my mom always reinforced in me. My mom taught me healthy eating habits at a young age so that it wasn't about being skinny, but about being <i>healthy</i>.<br />
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<b>A simple yet powerful message for my daughter:</b><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">Dear Savannah,</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span><span style="color: #ea9999;">Whether you are a size zero and naturally skinny (like Daddy) or have always been a little curvy (like Mommy), I want you to know that </span><i style="color: #ea9999;">God made you just the way you are in his image. </i><span style="color: #ea9999;">(Genesis 1:27)</span><i style="color: #ea9999;"> </i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Your innate body type was designed for you and all you have to do is nourish your body with amazing food and exercise to be the best version of you. My hope for you is that you don't start dieting at 12 because you have natural hips forming or you don't feel inadequate because your body isn't developing yet. My hope is that you look at food as fuel and medicine rather than obsess over diets and calorie-counting. I hope you never spend a dime on plastic surgery or on diet pills (D<i>o you know how many pairs of shoes you can do with that money?!</i>) I hope you look in the mirror and always see yourself the way I see you.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>I hope you never find your worth in the size of your jeans, the size of your bra, or the size of your waist- but only the size of you heart. </i></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span><span style="color: #ea9999;">You do not need bigger boobs.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">You do not need to starve yourself.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">You do not need to waist train to look like a Kardashian.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">You do not need to gain weight to look more "feminine."</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"> I hope you use your beauty for good and and radiate your light to others with confidence. You will always be beautiful and you will always be "you" and there is never a competition with others. How amazing it will be if you and your friends lift each other up and support one another while strengthening each other's self-worth. </span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">After you have a baby, I hope you smile at your stretch marks and go easy on yourself. Your body is a beautiful, miracle-maker and how blessed you are to have experienced the most amazing gift a mother could ever ask for. I hope you look at your body as a strong, beautiful miracle that not only carried around children but continues to carry on the strength to rock your babies to sleep, give them horsey-back rides, and push them high on a swing-set.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>I hope you don't loathe the changes of your body after breastfeeding. Know that your body has nourished your babies with the most amazing gift you can ever give them. Isn't your body simply amazing that it can create and sustain life on it's own?! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>I hope you spend way more time laughing, hugging, and traveling than you do looking in the mirror. I hope you always know you are beautiful, you are strong and most of all, you are so LOVED. </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">♥</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Love, </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Mom</b></span></span><br />
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Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-34065936494117757722019-11-06T08:09:00.001-08:002019-11-06T08:12:46.032-08:00Grandparents Gift Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0NyZDqh_XU/XcLqBdjFvrI/AAAAAAAAL0c/_tmQY5u8UjUGsGXPEKZ-zUgnKzGWhB7-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Holiday%2BOnline%2BCourses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0NyZDqh_XU/XcLqBdjFvrI/AAAAAAAAL0c/_tmQY5u8UjUGsGXPEKZ-zUgnKzGWhB7-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Holiday%2BOnline%2BCourses.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you're like me, you enjoy GIVING gifts much more than getting gifts. I love trying to find something special for everyone in my life and grandparents play such an important role in our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I often find it hard to come up with things that grandparents actually need besides playing with their grand kids or lots of love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I've put together a gift guide that has it all.. from the trendy wine-drinking Glam-ma to the incredibly crafty and loves-to-cook Nana.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64XBa4pDGzI/XcLw4I7O0bI/AAAAAAAAL1E/Vtkgg697aOsgJeLJc7xW-N-R5_TFimJegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Classy%2B%2526%2BCasual%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64XBa4pDGzI/XcLw4I7O0bI/AAAAAAAAL1E/Vtkgg697aOsgJeLJc7xW-N-R5_TFimJegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Classy%2B%2526%2BCasual%2B%25281%2529.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All are very fair price-points (BONUS) and have really good reviews on Amazon and it doesn't hurt that 2-day shipping is free as well as returns to make it easy for you and your gift recipient.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. For the BASEBALL-going Grandma- the ultimate Fan needs this: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072546PWL/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">BASEBALL PURSE</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. For the traveling Grandparents.. Luggage for Under $25?!: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CL7CGQN/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B">HIS + HERS Carry On</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Ever since I got a lightweight vacuum, I realized definitely was missing out before.. A <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075P7J8BB/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B">lightweight vacuum</a> is an absolute necessity for the household (and only $30!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. For the Grandpa that loves to fish and loves backyard games, definitely invest in this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072MGR5J3/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">fishing accessory</a> as well as an awesome <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFAH9WU/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">corn-hole set.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Does Grandma like to visit vineyards? This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JYDS19G/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">portable picnic table</a> is a must-have for picnics and day-tripping to vineyards as well as an adorable <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7PXM2J/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">wine tumbler</a> to bring along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. For the corporate man, this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VC6GXYT/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">executive organizer </a>for cell phone, watch, etc is super convenient and who doesn't love new <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV5SK46/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3GJ9T6ERGWD1B" target="_blank">dress socks</a>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the entire gift guide + more ideas for holiday gift-giving, visit <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.account.AFA7L2J5JLPMTA4TKZLVMJYU5TCA?ref=idea_yil_tab" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ever After,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jamie</span><br />
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<br />Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-87004756508965209302019-06-21T07:10:00.001-07:002019-06-21T07:17:08.194-07:00Everything You Need to Know About the Vampire Facial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpzTyUZ7FmA/XQPUmryv3SI/AAAAAAAAGbU/S3az4CL3J7kXmnkQ-hyHeg2On0GAOi4JACLcBGAs/s1600/Vampire%2BFacial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1549" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpzTyUZ7FmA/XQPUmryv3SI/AAAAAAAAGbU/S3az4CL3J7kXmnkQ-hyHeg2On0GAOi4JACLcBGAs/s1600/Vampire%2BFacial.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've always had a fascination with skincare procedures because I love taking care of my skin. I wear SPF anytime I am in the sun on my face, I wash my makeup off every single night, and I am constantly trying out the newest products if I can. I heard great things about <a href="https://www.liquidaestheticsct.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Aesthetics</a> right in Glastonbury and they were amazing! You can see some of their before and afters as well on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/liquidaestheticsct/" target="_blank">Facebook page. </a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I really wanted to try the Vampire facial because to me, it's the most "Natural procedure" since it's your own blood and not foreign fillers that are entering your body. I heard great things and I wanted to even out my skin tone so I was very excited to try this out and was very happy with my results. The more consistent you do them also produces greater results because it is helping stimulate and and encouraging collagen production!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The "Vampire" facial, which is actually micro-needling with PRP is perfect for those that want to tighten skin and allow for better absorption of skincare products. I had a ton of blackheads and uneven skin tone in my "before" pictures and I noticed that my skin in general was more smooth and I had way less blackheads after my procedure. I made sure to moisturize HEAVILY after though because it truly tightens your skin to the point where it feeld dehydrated so I wanted to SOAK up as much moisture into my skin as possible!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><b><u>Who are ideal candidates for Vampire Facials?</u></b></span></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Vampire facials/microneedling with PRP are ideal for adults of all ages (18+) male or female who are looking to achieve smoother, younger looking skin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The procedure is effective at lifting and tightening the skin, improving uneven skin texture and tone, acne scarring, diminishing pore size, decreasing fine lines and it allows for significantly increased absorption of skincare products. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Who should NOT get a vampire facial?</u></b></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A vampire facial is not recommended for pregnant women because of the potential risk for infection that can occur with any cosmetic procedure. Additionally, a topical anesthetic agent is used to numb the skin pre-procedure and the components range from pregnancy category B to C. As always, any pregnant woman interested in undergoing a cosmetic procedure should weigh the potential benefits versus the potential risks and discuss with their obstetrician. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="color: #222222;"><b>What is the standard downtime?</b></u></span></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The standard downtime is 24 to 48 hours of some slight swelling along with redness/pinkness of the skin consistent with a mild to moderate sunburn. My skin was pretty red the first day but second and third day, I was able to put tinted moisturizer on and be fine with covering up the redness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><b><u>What are the major benefits of this procedure?</u></b></span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The major benefits of PRP (platelet rich plasma) as an adjunct to the Microneedling procedure is that PRP contains growth factors that speed up wound healing and improves the regenerative effects of the treatment. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">For those who don’t know, PRP is obtained by drawing the patients own blood in the office and spinning it in a machine called a centrifuge to separate the platelet rich plasma from the other blood components. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUEWEzqFNu4/XQzah-l-29I/AAAAAAAAGcM/2M3u1WLpmj0APRJARM2VZPtc_z96W7PEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/needle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="401" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUEWEzqFNu4/XQzah-l-29I/AAAAAAAAGcM/2M3u1WLpmj0APRJARM2VZPtc_z96W7PEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/needle.PNG" /></span></a></div>
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<u style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Does it HURT?!</b></u></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No! They use a numbing cream so you do not feel anything but pressure. When the procedure is done, your skin feels very tight and may be red/sensitive but I personally did not feel any pain during or after.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u><b>What are some other new procedures you would recommend?</b></u></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;">One of the latest procedures Liquid Aesthetics are offering is called dermaplaning. This is a mechanical skin peel with<i> no downtime </i>that leaves the clients skin soft and glowing. This procedure used a sterile instrument to remove dead skin and fine facial hair. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, do not forget, this is a <i>MEDICAL</i> procedure so make sure you go to someone who is reputable like <a href="https://www.liquidaestheticsct.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Aesthetics</a>. An APRN did my procedure and it's like any medical procedure... you need the right person to do it. Wojtek was super professional and opened the brand new needle right in front of me so I knew I was in good hands.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The best thing you can do for <i>your</i> own skin is to schedule a <a href="https://www.liquidaestheticsct.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank">FREE consultation</a> and someone from Liquid Aesthetics will take a look at your skin and recommend what they think is best for you. They are awesome and not pushy and really know their skin!! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybww9CjUm7s/XQzju8XiZhI/AAAAAAAAGcg/iKdA_B2-zL40JkOObi6DySPrhWPSBJ9-QCLcBGAs/s1600/APRN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybww9CjUm7s/XQzju8XiZhI/AAAAAAAAGcg/iKdA_B2-zL40JkOObi6DySPrhWPSBJ9-QCLcBGAs/s1600/APRN.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">First time patients in our office can receive 15% off their first vampire facial or dermaplaning treatment.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ev</span>er After,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jamie</span></div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-64184358281164244162019-01-13T18:04:00.000-08:002019-01-13T18:04:01.743-08:00The Truth About "The Baby Blues"<br />
There is so much talk about postpartum depression and I am so happy that women are able to be open and honest about their experiences. However, I feel like not enough is discussed about the "Baby Blues" which is far more common than postpartum depression yet rarely discussed. Even though short-lived, the Baby Blues are a real thing. Although not as severe as postpartum depression, it's serious enough for moms to need to open up about so they do not feel alone.<br />
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The second night at the hospital is when it began. My husband decided to spend the night home with our son, Gavin, since he had already been away from us the first night Savannah was born. Once evening came around, the room felt so dark and sterile. I looked around and felt so lost. I felt alone even though I had my perfect daughter in my arms. I missed my son so much that I was in tears in the hospital bed. He was home with Daddy while I was recovering the hospital and "bonding" with my baby. I just wanted to hold him, kiss him. Somehow I felt I had lost my relationship with him because my daughter was born. The feeling would not shake and I had so much trouble sleeping that night in the hospital room. One night felt like a year.<br />
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Fast forward to a few days later and I was home with both kids and felt much more like myself than I did in the hospital. A friend came over to meet Savannah and explained how she spent a lot less time with her first child when her second was born because she was "needed" more. I started to cry.. actually sob. I was convinced my relationship with Gavin was tainted forever. You see, hormones after pregnancy are <i>no joke. </i>I literally felt no control over my emotions. As a person that is usually the type to get herself together pretty quickly, it was like I was suddenly this sensitive, delicate soul that people had to walk on eggshells around.<br />
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It was not<i> me.</i></h4>
I felt so anxious, like I couldn't shake the feeling. The best way I could describe it is, "out of sorts." I noticed when it started to get dark out, I started to have this sense of anxiety and sadness. Feeling this way also made me feel guilty for not being overjoyed or appreciative of my perfect daughter.<br />
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I opened up to my Mom and my husband and told them that my hormones felt so out of wack. My Mom said she felt the exact same way when I was born and it was the "Baby Blues". Then I did what every millennial Mom would do: I googled it. Dr. Google told me that almost 80% of Moms experience the baby blues. How could that be? No one has ever warned me of this or told me that they experienced this. That is, until I started opening up to other Moms.<br />
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You see, your body has been through a trauma at the birth of your child. A beautiful, magical trauma but albeit a trauma. Many women struggle, like myself, to open up because of the guilt you feel for being sad amongst one of the happiest times of your life. Luckily, after about a week and a half, I started to feel much more like myself. I was one of the lucky ones.<br />
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I realized that motherhood is often times a dichotomy. Feeling overjoyed yet scared at the same time. Exhausted but grateful for the reason you are so tired. The journey feels overwhelming yet so simple and beautiful at the same time.<br />
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<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-86904174712813946012018-12-20T08:27:00.003-08:002018-12-20T08:58:39.293-08:00Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts $15 + Under<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's December 20th and if you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, AMAZON IS YOUR BEST FRIEND. Below is my gift guide for gifts under $20 (that DON'T SUCK) and you will get just in the nick of time!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ioDvp-wOMg/XBvG_ErdQrI/AAAAAAAADfQ/UQ0gQC2uCLctAt_PvGjn_TWaKY1JyMEbwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181220_114319_0001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ioDvp-wOMg/XBvG_ErdQrI/AAAAAAAADfQ/UQ0gQC2uCLctAt_PvGjn_TWaKY1JyMEbwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181220_114319_0001.png" /></a></div>
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<i>1. For the foodie:</i> <a href="http:/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ivh9rpliv4kb" target="_blank">Sushi making Kit</a></h2>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TmbqCO1gUM/XBvAzqipyRI/AAAAAAAADew/TG7T7wT_wNsfwimLElDbdRqFWiU_hShlQCLcBGAs/s1600/photo-1532347231146-80afc9e3df2b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="632" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TmbqCO1gUM/XBvAzqipyRI/AAAAAAAADew/TG7T7wT_wNsfwimLElDbdRqFWiU_hShlQCLcBGAs/s1600/photo-1532347231146-80afc9e3df2b.jpeg" /></a></div>
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This is such a cool gift for the ones who likes to experiment in the kitchen. How much more fun can you have in the kitchen.. think Samantha Jones in the Sex and the City movie!<br />
<a href="http:/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ivh9rpliv4kb" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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<i>2. For the pregnant chick:</i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LumiLux-Advanced-16-Color-Internal-Detection/dp/B01M2ZI34E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545323236&sr=8-1&keywords=toilet+led+lights" target="_blank">Multi-color Motion Sensor Toilet Lights</a></h2>
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Seriously this is one of the best Amazon purchases my husband/amazon addict has ever gotten. I was getting up 5-6 times per night while pregnant and the motion censored lights in the dark are perfect so you can find the toilet haha. Now we have them in every bathroom!<br />
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These are a game-changer especially for the master bathroom and for children too!<br />
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3. For your #BOSSBABE co-worker: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Coworkers-Teachers-Beautiful-Supplies/dp/B076KW4R5B/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1545322896&sr=8-2&keywords=co-worker+gift">Rose Gold Diamond Pens</a></h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAXcydXG7kk/XBvB8yz2EuI/AAAAAAAADe4/Hvxx1fqj_3MnKvWP5LPdj65An0OYoW4PACLcBGAs/s1600/A1KF5d8UpgL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1392" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAXcydXG7kk/XBvB8yz2EuI/AAAAAAAADe4/Hvxx1fqj_3MnKvWP5LPdj65An0OYoW4PACLcBGAs/s1600/A1KF5d8UpgL._SL1500_.jpg" /></a></div>
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Have a co-worker BFF? Brighten her day with these adorable pens that will make note-taking in boring meeting so much more fun! At under $15, these are the perfect small way to tell your office friends you appreciate them!<br />
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4. For the Instagram addict: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fakeface-Touchscreen-Electronic-Christmas-Birthday/dp/B00HJ2TQZ2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1545323408&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=electronic+gift+under+15&psc=1" target="_blank">Knitted Texting Gloves</a></h2>
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Adorable gloves that will not knowing keep them warm, but they do not have to take off every time they use their phone. Perfect for the ones whose always cold!<br />
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5. For the DIY-er: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Tools-DT9706P-Original-General/dp/B001GXPZEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545324500&sr=8-1&keywords=best+amazon+gifts+under+15" target="_blank">Pink Tool Set</a></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4jxmwB1_UA/XBvIXvERFuI/AAAAAAAADfg/bBj9zLJYw_M84YyOvGi6NYBR4HlrG-gYQCLcBGAs/s1600/71GiFVgpABL._SL1001_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1001" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4jxmwB1_UA/XBvIXvERFuI/AAAAAAAADfg/bBj9zLJYw_M84YyOvGi6NYBR4HlrG-gYQCLcBGAs/s1600/71GiFVgpABL._SL1001_.jpg" /></a></div>
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How cute is this tool set. No need to ask someone to hang pictures or to fix things around the house, this adorable tool box if perfect for the self-sufficient lady in your life!<br />
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6. For the Hostess: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vaci-Metallic-Personalize-Washable-Accessories/dp/B06WD2RCVS/ref=sr_1_11?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1545324907&sr=1-11&keywords=hostess+gifts+wine+charm" target="_blank">Wine Glass Markers</a></h2>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OoQDbkpcW8/XBvJuo9ieJI/AAAAAAAADfs/wR1LyZyCBIkQMK89oGLYTBfqZ67OjsSLACLcBGAs/s1600/91Vcm%252BjHfJL._SX679_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="679" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OoQDbkpcW8/XBvJuo9ieJI/AAAAAAAADfs/wR1LyZyCBIkQMK89oGLYTBfqZ67OjsSLACLcBGAs/s1600/91Vcm%252BjHfJL._SX679_.jpg" /></a></div>
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I received these as a hostess gift a couple years ago and love them! No more, "Is this my wine or yours?" Can have fun with them with silly phrases and nicknames as well. The perfect gift for anyone who hosts a lot!<br />
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<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-86989637390182185032018-11-27T10:13:00.004-08:002018-11-27T10:13:32.864-08:00Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klKPDuTwR0Y/W_2HE0_fdFI/AAAAAAAACaU/YQ39sHZDL6M2eUiVTWBVqVURhIZ5EHMJACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20181127_123644_098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klKPDuTwR0Y/W_2HE0_fdFI/AAAAAAAACaU/YQ39sHZDL6M2eUiVTWBVqVURhIZ5EHMJACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20181127_123644_098.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3 class="wprm-recipe-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: #333333; font-family: "work sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.2; margin: 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
The holidays are the toughest time to avoid sugar! Luckily, a ton of my family members are pretty health-concious and try to come up with healthy alternatives for sweets. I've made these chocolate chip cookies several times and they never fail to please! Only 5g of sugar per large cookie so nothing to feel guilty about! </h3>
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Ingredient</h3>
<div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "playfair display", serif; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">
<ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14.4px; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">creamy almond butter</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2/3</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">coconut sugar</span> </li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">large egg</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">baking soda</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> d<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">ark chocolate chips</span></li>
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<h3 class="wprm-recipe-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; font-family: "work sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin: 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
Instructions</h3>
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<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.</div>
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<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">
In a large bowl, add the almond butter, coconut sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda and mix together until smooth. Add in the chocolate chips and continue mixing until fully stirred.</div>
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<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">
Measure out two tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in two separate batches at 350°F for 8-11 minutes or until the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.</div>
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</div>
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-75508683119192887922018-11-26T10:05:00.000-08:002018-11-26T10:05:27.772-08:00Crock Pot Asian Spinach Noodle Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbV6pslT1yM/W_sOiuXQSyI/AAAAAAAACT8/XLxpbIg3eqQZE2PbSmtGcvRBfHtF6icygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181125_152749_840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbV6pslT1yM/W_sOiuXQSyI/AAAAAAAACT8/XLxpbIg3eqQZE2PbSmtGcvRBfHtF6icygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181125_152749_840.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="wprm-recipe-summary" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e475d; font-family: lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
One of the perks of maternity leave is having so much time to cook. I truly enjoy making soups, especially in the crockpot since its easy and makes the house smell amazing! I wanted to try some new recipes while I was home and I'll try to share my "winning" recipes that are easy and tasty. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="wprm-recipe-ingredients-container" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e475d; font-family: lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-color-header" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: silkserif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.4em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
INGREDIENTS</div>
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<ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 oz package sliced mushrooms of choice</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 bag of fresh spinach</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cloves</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">garlic</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">minced</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 1/2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tablespoons</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">soy sauce</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tablespoons</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">rice vinegar</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Jalepeno peppers, chopped</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tablespoons</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">grated fresh ginger</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">or use 1 tablespoon ground ginger</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cups</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">chicken stock or broth (vegetable broth for vegetatian)</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cups</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">water</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5-6</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">oz</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">dried rice noodles</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">found in the aisan section</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">Top with cilantro, scallions</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e475d; font-family: lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-color-header" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: silkserif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.4em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; margin-top: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">
INSTRUCTIONS</div>
<div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<ol class="wprm-recipe-instructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Place spinach, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, jalapenos, stock and water into a 6 quart crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.</div>
</li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Add the dried noodles and cook on high for 10 minutes or until noodles are tender. Garnish with cilantro and scallions.</div>
</li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: circle; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-25077488658521477492018-09-04T14:19:00.000-07:002018-09-04T14:19:29.555-07:00Opposite of "Second-child Syndrome?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGqK3Z-JZPc/W4gWJwAvu_I/AAAAAAAACEE/ucsGCjWrMBIty72M7rlRPdOJTsE1Ie1aACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGqK3Z-JZPc/W4gWJwAvu_I/AAAAAAAACEE/ucsGCjWrMBIty72M7rlRPdOJTsE1Ie1aACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0163.jpg" /></a></div>
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Everyone keeps telling me that the second child will be so much easier because, "you'll know what you're doing.." and you won't be so nervous/worries. I am waiting for my mind to just chill out because every time I look at Gavin, I think.. "Will I really be lucky enough to have another child as smart and perfect as you?" <br />
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I know it's such a weird way of thinking and could be a mix of lack of sleep and pregnancy hormones but I still worry a lot about labor + delivery and just the health and well-being of my baby once she's born. I also feel a ton of pressure to make sure that this baby gets the same amount and love and attention as my first and feel a tad guilty because I have way less done for this baby in terms of the nursery and just an overall "plan".<br />
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Any of you mamas feel this way when it came to your second child? I'd love to know that I am not the only one that is not feeling like Super Mom even after having a child already.<br />
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On another note, I am in love with these <a href="https://www.motherhood.com/side-panel-letdown-hem-maternity-overalls/006-92848-97-S.html?country=US&currency=USD&mrkgcl=917&mrkgadid=3280893971&product_id=006-92848-97-S&adpos=1o1&creative=109530710765&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIid_495yi3QIVSdbACh1zkAslEAQYASABEgKaCPD_BwE" target="_blank">maternity overalls </a>from Motherhood Maternity. They do not even feel like jeans- they are so stretchy and comfy! I have a feeling that I'll be able to wear them post-partum a lot since they are perfect for fall. So stay tuned for basic Instagram posts of me in overalls doing the following: visiting pumpkin patches, apple-picking, attending local fairs, and eating apple crisp along with a PSL. 😜😛<br />
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<br />
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938572417763553696.post-34221137844076378932018-08-06T08:24:00.000-07:002018-08-06T08:24:22.157-07:00Getting Real with Pregnancy #2 + Fave Pink Blush Maternity Top!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Some days I feel like super mom. I have donated 16 bags of clothing over the last month and let me tell you that is the most freeing feeling in the world. I envy minimalists and follow many social minimalist groups to try to even be 1/100th as minimal as they are and it is so inspiring. Making space for a tiny little person is a lot harder than it looks.<br />
Other days, I find myself exhausted and barely able to do thing I normally love to do. I love cooking dinner and lately it's become such a chore. I find myself guilty of letting Gavin watch YouTube while I cook a half-assed dinner just so we don't starve :) Luckily, my hubby is there to help (he's a great griller) and of course, there is always take-out. I'd be lying if I said the savings in our wine bill was not replaced by our takeout and dining spending!<br />
Another struggle is getting dressed everyday! I have to be honest- my last pregnancy was more difficult in several ways because I was so sick and that resulting in very little weight gain. I was able to fit in almost everything until month 9. This time is another story.. every day it's like I've outgrown the last. As mentioned in my <a href="http://www.jamieeverafter.com/2018/07/how-to-wear-non-maternity-clothes-while.html#.W2W2RdVKjIU" target="_blank">last post</a>, I really am tried to be minimalist with clothing for this pregnancy so the pieces I am investing in are pieces I can wear after the baby comes. This <a href="https://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-37629-pink-floral-pleated-peplum-maternity-top.aspx?DepartmentID=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplp7223-P-M&sc_intid=7223-P-M&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnZXbBRC8ARIsABEYg6B70x-8L_XT0gxhVs1O5AtyClI5MIXZgXDL6UDj0jz8GVOkb13zVu8aAsVwEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Pink Blush Floral Peplum top</a> is such a cute one and it will be adorable post-baby as well. It's soft, comfortable, and feminine which makes it one of my favorite tops to wear this pregnancy.<br />
For more of their amazing selections: <a href="https://www.shoppinkblush.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Shop Pink Blush</a><br />
<br />
<div class="signature">
Ever After,</div>
<div class="name">
Jamie</div>
Jamie Ever Afterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11123381752887742374noreply@blogger.com4