Last Saturday my BFF and I had the pleasure of visiting Alice in the Village over at Patriot Place. Alice in the Village is a unique store and tea room featuring the fictional characters of Alice in the Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I had wanted to go for months and was finally able to carve out some girl time and head on over.
Our tea time was at 11:00 a.m. sharp. The entrance to the tea room is a cute bakery and shop. You can drop in for a pastry, sandwiches, soup, and drinks. There is loose leaf tea for sale, along with dainty teacups, teapots and other accessories used in making and drinking tea.
Here are a couple of drink menus. As you can see, they sell much more than just tea.
The tea room is in the back of the Village. An adorable sign welcomes patrons to the Royal Tea Room.
We were the first to arrive and had our choice of tables. We picked one a couple of tables in and to the left. It gave me a good view of what was going on. The Village is not that big. Maybe it holds 50 people? It is cutely decorated and screams Queen of Hearts.
Our waitress greeted us in the most adorable uniform. It resembled the one Tweedle Dee, and Tweedle Dum wore in the movie. She handed us our menus and explained how the tea service worked. There were three tea services to choose from. First, was the Willy Wonka High Tea. This tea service runs from September- December. It includes sandwiches, quiche, soup, scones, dessert, tea, and a visit from the Candyman Trolley. The Willy Wonka High Tea is $78.00 for two or $117.00 for three people. Also, there is a children’s menu, Charlie’s Nursery Tea for $30.00 for children under 12. Here a peek at the menu.
Our other choices were the Wonderland Tea and The Queen of Hearts High Tea. We chose the Queen of Hearts High Tea. It was $110 for two or $165 for three. Honestly, I felt it was a great value.
We ordered our tea service and next had to decide what teas we would like to try. The tea menu is enormous. There are about 100 different teas, and I admit it was a bit overwhelming. Ultimately, I went with Florence and Kim went with Boston. Take a look at this tea menu.
As part of our tea service, we also were able to choose a Potion. A potion? Was the Queen trying to poison us? The “potion” is Butterfly Pea Tea. Butterfly Pea Tea is color changing iced teas.
Soon after our potions were mixed, our tea arrived. It was served in its own teapot with a choice of milk, sugar or honey. I love honey in my tea. The tea comes with is own hourglass. Once the sand runs through the hourglass, the tea is ready to drink.
Now, let’s talk about the menu. OH my, it did not disappoint. It began with a plate of cheeses, seasonal fruit, and warm french bread. Have I mentioned how much I love warm bread?
Next arrived a hot cup of tomato soup with a small quinoa salad. It had a bit of balsamic vinaigrette on the side.
While we digested our food, the tea kept coming. It was delicious. The tea was smooth and served at just the right temperature.
Next came the main course, along with the desserts, all served on a royal tower. There were four types of sandwiches, some salad, quiche, fresh scones, and tarts and dessert. It was a lot of food, but all of it looked amazing.
Wow! 
Dessert 
A little of everything. 
Macaron 
Mad Hatter’s hat 
An eclair with a gold crown.
Of the four kinds of sandwiches, the chicken salad was my favorite. I will admit, I skipped the salmon. I find nothing appealing about it. The pasta salad was pretty good, nothing special, but I enjoyed it. The quiche had mushrooms, and I believe cheddar cheese. It was excellent. The lemon tart was delicious, as was the macaron. I loved how it was in the shape of a heart. We each received a cranberry orange scone. I took that home and someone, other than me, ate it that evening. I swear, I can’t hide anything from the boys, including the husband! If our bellies weren’t full enough, we still had all these delicious desserts. The Mad Hatter’s hat was my favorite. It was filling with cream and a strawberry sponge-like cake. Yum! Also, I had put on the reservation that we were celebrating our birthdays, which was true, just a few months late. Our server surprised us with these beauties.
We had to be rolled out there! Alice in the Village did not disappoint. In addition to the fun atmosphere, (did I mention Disney music is playing throughout), the food was terrific. The service was excellent, and the details throughout the shop are incredible.
Curtain tieback 
Decor on the walls 
Look at the lights! 
Adorable clock 
Wall decor 
Place setting on tables 
The Queens chair 
Wall decor 
Mad Hatter
Alice in the Village is perfect for a girl’s day out. Perhaps a new tradition with your mom, daughter, or granddaughter. I noted on their website, Alice in the Village has some upcoming special events.
- Mad Hatter appearance during the NE patriots away games (dates TBD).
- October 25 – The Sanderson Sisters are being Resurrected at Foxboro! (tickets are needed).
- January – March: Special Harry Potter High Tea and pop-up.
Alice in the Village also hosts parties for children and adults alike. Make sure to hop on over to their website for more information. This was not a one time visit. I will back, even if it is to pop in for a hot cup of tea and a macaron while shopping.
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the different colors across the trees, the smell of apples, and pumpkin spice. I mean, what is there not to like? Growing up in New England, I have been blessed with some beautiful Falls. New England has a LOT to offer this time of year, and I would like to share some of these with you.
Apple Picking
One of our family traditions is apple picking. With over 80 pick your own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. We have a family favorite, Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stowe, MA.
We like Honey Pot for several reasons. First, the orchard has several varieties of apples. The orchard is quite large, and we never feel it is too crowded. Second, it is one of the few places that have ladders to climb the trees. I love that! For some reason, it makes a bit more fun and authentic. Third, APPLE CIDER DONUTS! Hello?!? These donuts melt in your mouth. Now I know many places sell them, but nothing compares to the ones we get at Honey Pot Hill Orchards. The orchard has farm animals, hayrides, three different mazes, pumpkins, a great farm store, and some food stands. New this year, a Cider Garden. They will be a Hard Cider Tent set up on the weekends. We are looking forward to trying that out.
cider donuts -photo courtesy of Honey Pot 
cute little pig – courtesy of Honey Pot
Go Leaf Peeping
The foliage in New England is GORGEOUS! Whether you want to make this a day trip or a weekend-long event, there is plenty of foliage to see among the New England states. Check out the best foliage drives here.
Pumpkin Festival
Did you know that Laconia, NH, has one of the best pumpkin festivals in the country? Neither did I until I started researching for this piece. Each year, New Hampshire residents attempt to amass the largest number of lit jack o lanterns in one place, trying to meet or beat the world record, which the festival held for many years. The festival held mid-October attracts approximately 40,000-50,000 people each year. This year it will be held October 18th and 19th. There will be amusement park rides, a beer garden, music on the streets, a zombie walk, pumpkin displays, yummy food, which of course includes pumpkin everything and a five and a 10k on the morning of the 19th. Also, there are children’s games like pedal tractor pulls, corn hole, and more. There is fun for the whole family. We will be in Maine that weekend visiting colleges, so I am sad we are unable to attend. However, I will be sure to add it to my list for the following year.
The North American Wife Carrying Championship
Yes, folks, you heard it right. Such a thing exists! Sunday River in Maine is the second largest ski resort in New England. It is also home to The North American Wife Carrying Championship. This annual event is held over Columbus Day Weekend. Ironically, it does not have to be your wife that gets carried across a 278-yard obstacle course. It can be any woman of your choosing. The woman is thrown over the man’s shoulder. She is hauled across the course with her legs wrapped around a man’s neck and her arms around his waist. The obstacle course is made up of mud, logs, dirt, deep grass, and water, where her head is bound to get wet. A Finnish couple has won the event since 2013. This event coincides with the ski resort’s annual festival with chairlifts rides, live bands, food & beer tents and craft fairs.
4th Annual Harvest Festival at the Newport Vineyards
Newport is a seaside town in Rhode Island known for its historic mansions and sailing history. It hosted America’s Cup for many years. Next to Newport is the town of Middleton, home to Newport Vineyards. In addition to being a winery, Newport Vineyard has a brewery that offers fresh craft beer and a farm to table focused menu. There are events such as
This two-day event is Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th from noon -5:00 pm. It is two days of grape stomping (yes you read that right), sipping delicious wine or beer and eating delectable food. Or perhaps you are a pie lover? There is a pie-eating contest too! The cost of the event is $25.00 per person and includes up to 7 samplings of wine or beer. Children under 15 are free.
Viewing Foliage from High Above the Trees
For the adventurous leaf peepers, Connecticut offers a unique way to see the beauty that a New England Fall has to offer. Tree climbing, ziplining, and adrenaline-pumping rock climbing is some of the ways to take in vibrant hues of the season. Empower Leadership
Hiking with the Family
Not to be missed is the beautiful state of Vermont. Vermont is known for its yummy maple syrup and over 100 19th century covered bridges. It is also a great place to take a hike and see the beauty of The Green Mountain State. We are not that family that can hike for hours. Yes, I can run a marathon, but hiking up mountains for hours is not in the cards. However, we do love the outdoors and seeing the beauty around us. Here are 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes for your family to enjoy.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a hot vacation spot in the summer, but did you know that the Fall is one of the best times to visit this New England gem. The crowds are low, but a fair amount of restaurants are still open. House rentals are often half the price, and the beaches are there for all to enjoy. My sister and her husband head down the last week of September each year. Last September we tagged along for a weekend. We enjoyed hanging at the house, walking to the beach and a tour to see the seals that gather each year in Chatham, MA. I highly recommend the Monomoy Island Excursion. It is quite the site to see.
Salem, Massachusetts
The best place to be around Halloween, is Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is North of Boston and is famous for its witch trials in the 1600s. There are over 500 different events during October to
- Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour Salem Witch Museum
- Peabody Essex Museum
- Halloween Cruises
- Bewitched After Dark Salem Walking Tours
- The People vs Bridget Bishop
- Gallows Hill
- Salem Witch Museum
- Salem Wax Museum
Oh, and before you leave, make sure to stop by Enchanted. It is a magical shop for “witches & muggles” It is home to Laurie Cabot, Salem’s official witch. You can read about Laurie here.
Last, but certainly not least, Sitting by the Fire
Probably one of my absolute favorite things to do in the Fall, sitting out on the patio, cuddled up by the fire enjoying the cool, but pleasant weather. As New Englanders, we need to enjoy this season much as we can because we all know what comes after Fall.
Whoa is it just me or did this summer go by in a blink of an eye? I can’t believe Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Crazy! Thankfully, Fall is my favorite time of year, and we have a lot to look forward to over the next 3-4 months. However, before we bid farewell to summer, I thought I would recap our adventures.
The summer started with a Memorial Day weekend trip out to Chicago with my sisters. It was a whirlwind of a weekend, staying long enough to attend a baby shower, spend some time with family and to experience the Chocolate Pinata from Uncle Julio’s.
Chocolate Pinata 
Kristen & Dick Tracy
Back at home, more celebrating as our nephew Josh graduated high school and Robbie and I went on some college visits. Oh, and Nicholas and I started our ice cream tour. 🙂
Josh’s graduation 
Robbie @Nichols College 
Ice cream time!
The summer continued with me heading down to Orlando for a work conference. I stayed at Universal Studios for the first time, and though the weather was terrible, I was able to try some local treats.
The Chocolate Emporium 
Hello?? Chocolate & Peanut Butter 
Chocolate martini anyone?
And I wonder why I gained a few pounds this summer?
At the end of the month, our travels took us to West Dennis Beach and Provincetown, MA. P-town is located at the tip of the Cape. My sister had a family wedding and needed someone to her little guy. My other sister and I, along with my kids, got and kept JJ overnight. We took in some of the local sites as well.
West Dennise Beach 
Cousins-minus one 
Always fun with Auntie Jen 
“Living” Statute
June came to a close and the 4th of July was upon us. Every July 3rd, we head over to Gilette Stadium,
My bib. 
It is all about the bling. 
Baby you’re a firework!
I feel blessed to live in such a great area of the country. Yes, it gets warm and can be stifling, but it rarely lasts more than a few days. The weather is great for hanging at the beach or exploring our cute seaside towns. We can watch movies outside while enjoying some yummy meals.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts 
Lobster Salad 
Halloween in July! 
Lobster Mac & Cheese 
Raspberry Lime Rickey 
Marblehead Harbor 
Rock sandwich anyone? 
Deveraux Beach 
Do it for Johnny 
Dinner and a show
Ahhh, Topsail Island, you own a piece of my heart. Five years ago we started spending part of our summer on this little piece of paradise. After taking a couple of years off to sail to Alaska and the Mediterranean, we went back. This time it was Nicholas and I, along with a friend and her family. Bill and Robbie chose not to come due to work obligations. The vacation started a bit rough as I had some sciatic nerve pain and numbness in my foot. The 16-hour drive was brutal. We stopped in VA overnight, but that was not enough time to recoup. The remaining 5 hours was horrible. Each morning I could not sit until I had taken 4 Motrin and 2 Aleve. Even then, I could not sit for long periods. However, I made the most of it and enjoyed our time on the island. We spent plenty of time on the beach, went to a craft show, ate out, explored the island, and found fresh farm goods, explored Bellamy Mansion, and did an Escape Room.
Our backyard 
Surf City Pier 
Nicholas met a friend. 
SHARK!! 
God Bless America 
Fresh jam and maple syrup 
Slave quarters at the Bellamy House 
Escape room 
Our home for the week.
The drive home was a tad better. I made sure to stop and stretch every two hours. Nicholas and I treated ourselves to a stay at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. I was a bit sore, but we did take some time to eat and snap a few photos.
Virginia is for lovers. 
Girl Power! 
A Marine like his Grandfather.
Back home, Robbie was busy at his new job and spending lots of time with his grandfather. I missed having my boy with me, but I understand that he has obligations, and I am proud of him.
We had a couple of weekends home before our next adventure, so we stayed closed at home. I worked on my 2018 vacation scrapbook. I am happy to report I finished that. I read a couple of books, and we went blueberry picking. Nicholas attended camp at a local college. For three weeks he took Fishing, Forensics, Chemistry, and Wildnerness Exploration. He has participated in this camp for three years in a row and looks forward to it each year.
Bill and Nicholas picking blueberries 
Yummy blueberries 
Forensics 
Gone Fishing
No sooner did he finish camp up at home, we were on a flight to Huntsville, AL where Nicholas was to attend a week at Space Camp at the U.S. Rocket and Space Center. I will be doing a separate post on this, with help from Nicholas, so be on the lookout for that. Nicholas stayed onsite at the camp, while I worked out of a hotel for a week. I spent some time walking the grounds of the Space and Rocket Center each morning and afternoon. I also checked out the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Challenger Monument 
Where the campers stay. 
Having fun! 
Botanical Garden
Phew.. after a whirlwind trip back home, we had a half a day to recoup and then it was all about celebrating this cutie. Our nephew John Joseph, IV (JJ) turned one year old!
Finally, we ended our summer at the most magical place on Earth, Disney World. Be on the lookout for more on this trip, but it was an adventure. It involved a hurricane, a journey to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, club level at the Beach Club, walking onto rides with little to no waits, a Halloween party and more. What a way to end the summer!
Jessie & Woody 
Haunted Mansion 
The famous Blue Milk! 
Mickey blowing kisses 
My boy 
Kylo Ren’s ship 
Magic Shot
No wonder the summer went by in a blink, we were go, go go Were there things on our bucket list that we did not get to do? Yep! Fortunately, these are things that can be carried over to the Fall. Speaking of Fall, I am working on a post about the top 10 things to do in the Fall in New England. I will also be sharing my bucket list for the remainder of the year.
Until then,
Heather
Two weeks ago, my 13-year-old attended Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama. Nicholas is 13 years old, and neither one of us was comfortable sending him down to Alabama on his own. I am an attorney and can work from just about anywhere, so I escorted him down to Huntsville. While he was at camp, I stayed at and spent most of my time working. Unfortunately, most of the historical sites closed by 5:00 pm, so I did not get to see as much as I would have liked. However, I did manage to visit Huntsville Botanical Garden for an evening.
The Garden sits on 112 acres of land, once owned by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It’s opened year-round and one of the top three places to visit in the state of Alabama. It boasts a picture-perfect aquatic garden, a spectacular wildflower and nature trail, and numerous specialty gardens and plant collections. It is home to the Purdy Butterly House, the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. There are also eight specialized gardens aimed at children.
Upon entering the parking lot, you see the magnificent visitor’s center. Inside is the atrium where guests check into the Garden.
The 3,500 sq. ft. facility has a cafe with fresh meals and snacks, a gift shop, gallery space for exhibits, offices and conference rooms, along with a balcony overlooking the Garden. An interesting fact about the visitor’s center, the columns in the front are made of limestone and were part of the third Madison County Courthouse which had opened in 1914.
The Garden is opened to the public the following hours:
April – September
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
October – March
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Members and children under 2 are free. Adults are $14.00, with discounts given to military personnel ($12), Students ($12) and Seniors (55+ $12). From November through February, the admission rates are discounted $2.00.
Upon purchasing my ticket, I was given a map of the grounds. The gentleman at the counter explicitly told me not to miss numbers 5 and 15.
The first thing I noticed as I exited the visitor’s center was how quiet it was outside. There were very few people, and it was just so peaceful. I turned to look at the back of the visitor’s center and was struck at its beauty.
As I was making my way to the Garden Railway, I came across Teledyne Terrace. Teledyne is a company that focuses on aerospace and a contributor to the Garden. This structure was erected in their name.
Also on my way to the Garden Railway, I came across the thought table.
Each rock had either a word or a picture painted on it. The idea is to create a message with the rocks. Once created, you snap a photo, upload it to social media with the #hbgmoments. This was mine.
I wasn’t sure what to expect of the Garden Railway. Imagine my surprise when it resembled another garden railway that I love, in one of my favorite places, Epcot!
The Garden Railway is a miniature landscape that contains a village, farm, waterfall, pond and train trestle and tunnel. I love watching it go on by.
Next, on my walking tour, I came across a cute hammock area and some areas for children to play and relax.
As I kept walking, I knew I was getting closer to # 5 on the map. If you recall, the gentleman at the front desk told me not to miss #5 and #15. Number 5 did not disappoint.
The Damson Aquatic Garden is a 100-foot pool divided by the Aquatic Pavillion featuring lotus, water lilies and many creatures that make their home in this complete ecosystem.
Another highlight of the Garden is the Children’s Garden. It is eight gardens in one! There is the land of the dinosaurs, space travel, rainbows and prisms, traditional nursery rhymes, learn about bamboo, and create a maze. In the summertime, there are multiple water features, including a wading pool and Pollywog Bog.
Last but certainly not least, the Purdy Butterfly House. At 9,000 square feet, this is the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house featuring over 2,000 butterflies, quail, frogs, fish, and turtles. No wonder this was highlighted on the map. It was beautiful and I could have spent hours here relaxing.
Overall the garden was beautiful. Many of the flowers had already bloomed, but there was still enough to see. I can imagine the fall is absolutely gorgeous.
Speaking of the fall, through September and October the Garden hosts a scarecrow trail, weekend hayrides, hay bale art, a con maze, pumpkin display, and a Halloween event, Bootanica! So if you happen to be in the area in the next two months, make sure to check these out.
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Whoa, it is the middle of August! Say what? Where did the summer go? It has been a busy one for sure. I am typing this post from my hotel room in Huntsville, AL. My youngest son, Nicholas, is attending Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for the week. I can’t wait to see him on Friday and hear all about it. Last month we were in North Carolina, and next week we head to Disney World for the opening of Galaxy’s Edge.
Before the summer is a thing of the past, I wanted to share a couple of my new favorite products. These mainly come in handy when dealing with this HOT weather. Hence why I have entitled this post, Love of the Week- Summer Edition.
My first Love of the Week is Nuun. Nuun is a hydrating beverage without all the extra additives and sugars. It’s product offerings originally were for sports hydration, but have expanded to everyday hydration. I use a few different Nuun products and love each one for various reasons.
First, I use Nuun Sport during all my long runs and for when I run in weather 85 degrees or higher.
Nuun Sport is a blend of electrolytes and minerals. It aids in muscle function, helps burn energy efficiently, and may aid with muscle cramps. I use one tablet for every 16 ounces of water. I drink it as I run, and it not only does it keep me hydrated, but it gives me the energy to keep going. Nuun Sport comes in 13 different flavors. It is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Each tablet is 10-15 calories with 1-2 grams of sugar depending on the flavor. A much better alternative to other sports drinks on the market.
The second product I love is Nuun Immunity. Nuun Immunity is a blend of botanicals and electrolytes for ongoing immune health. I use it a few days prior to travel, on the plane, right before we head home, and for a few days after that. It assists in warding off any of the germs I may have picked up along the way. Each tablet has 15 calories and 2 grams of sugar. It is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are two flavors, Blueberry Tangerine and Orange Citrus. The Blueberry Tangerine is my favorite.
The third and final product I use from the Nuun family is Nuun Rest. Nuun Rest is a blend of magnesium, potassium, and tart-cherry. Tart cherry has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve sleep quality. It increases the level of melatonin and helps improve the quality of sleep and duration. Magnesium has shown to relax the body and to aid with sleep. Since I started drinking Nuun Rest, my time in deep sleep has increased. I feel more rested in the morning. According to one study we need between anywhere between 1.5 to 1.8 hours of deep sleep a night. This is roughly 20% of our overall sleep. Like the other Nuun products, Nuun Rest is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It comes in Blackberry Vanilla and Lemon Chamomille. I love the Blackberry Vanilla. This has ten calories and 1 gram of sugar.
My second Love of the Week also has to do with hydration. It is my new hydration vest by Nathan. Unfortunately, I was only able to wear it once before I got injured. However, I love it and look forward to using it again.
As you can see from the photo, it is worn like a vest, with the 1.5L hydration bladder sits in the back. It has front storage for fuel and phone. There are other pockets to carry all sorts of things. It is adjustable and has soft material to prevent chafing. Once the bladder is full, the vest weighs 9.5oz. It was extremely comfortable when running.
There you have it, my Love of the Week Summer Edition. With the start of the school year, I already have a list of products I want to try. We will have to see if they end up being one of my Loves of the Week.
If you have been following my blog, you know that I am a runner. Over Memorial Day weekend, I started a new training plan in preparation for my October half marathon. You can read about it here. Everything was going well. I was completing all my training runs, along with my strength training. Everything was going well until three weeks ago. On Friday, July 12th, I woke up and could not sit down without a pain shooting down my leg. I took four Motrin and went about my day. The next morning I woke up to the same pain. Again, I took four Motrin, visited my Dad, and even went for a run. The next day I planned to complete a 2-hour training run. However, the pain was so bad, even with Motrin, I knew there was no way I could run. All-day, I could not get comfortable whether I was sitting or standing. I was a hot mess! Well, the next day, things were not feeling any better. I was having numbness in my toes. Immediately I called my doctor and was seen that morning. The doctor diagnosed it as sciatic nerve pain. He gave me a prescription for prednisone, a muscle relaxer, and a told me to go to physical therapy. I asked if I could still run and he said sure, just no weight lifting.
In the next two days, I ran and felt okay. Though I was still taking Motrin in the morning and I was not able to sit for the first 20 minutes of the day. I met with my physical therapist, and she noticed some loss of strength in my left foot and toes. She agreed that it was my sciatic nerve causing the pain, but she was not sure if it was coming from my back or my piriformis muscle squeezing the nerve. The loss of strength was bothering her. She did some work on the muscle but wanted me to call my doctor and request an MRI. She gave me some stretches to go while on the road, told me to try yoga and NO RUNNING. NO RUNNING???? What????
Over the last two and a half weeks, I went on vacation. I did the stretches as prescribed, walked on the beach, and did some yoga. I came home and immediately saw a chiropractor and my physical therapist. My chiropractor is a miracle worker. After one treatment, I woke up pain-free. My PT has been great as well. She has given me a stretching routine to follow before and after my runs. Confession time… in all my years of being a runner, I never would stretch. This is not something your PT wants to hear. It is part of the reason I am in the predicament that I am in now. I need to be much better about self-care. Self-care includes stretching, foam rolling, massages, and adjustments by my chiropractor.
This leads me to the questions, why is stretching so important, and what are the benefits of stretching? Stretching increases our range of motion and our flexibility. Sitting all day is one of the worst things for the body. This causes the muscles in our hips, glutes, and hamstrings to shorten and become tight. It literally can become a pain in the ass! Stretching is one way to combat this. It increases mobility in the joints and muscles. For runners, this keeps us INJURY FREE! Here are seven benefits of running.
- Increases range of motion and decrease muscle stiffness.
- Loosens the muscles and primes the body for exercise.
- Reduces muscular tensions and helps the muscles relax.
- Improves our posture. Tight muscles are weak muscles, so muscles need to be loose, which allows for better posture.
- Tight hamstrings can cause lower back pain, so stretching may help decrease lower back pain.
- It improves flexibility. Flexibility is so important. It helps with performing daily activities and can help delay immobility as we age.
- Increases circulation and increases blood flow to the muscles. It helps with muscle soreness and speeds up recovery time.
Long story short, I have learned my lesson. The last 2.5 weeks have been tough. Running is my stress reliever. It keeps me sane. I want to keep running for years to come. If this means I need to take 10 mins a day to stretch, then so be it.
I am happy to report that I ran this morning for the first time in two and a half weeks. It felt amazing. My coach told me to take it slow and to run for only 30 minutes. It was the best 30 minutes of the day.
I would love to know, do you stretch and if not, will you now?
This summer has been jammed packed with back to back plans each weekend. No wonder I feel like summer is the shortest season out there. Two weekends ago, we were invited by some friends to watch a movie under the stars at the Star Drive-In located in Taunton, MA.
The Star Drive-In has been in business for over 50 years. It is a small establishment with a walk-up service. Outside are picnic tables for you to sit and enjoy your meal. I was surprised at the size of the menu. It had everything from juicy burgers, fresh-made pizza, salads, seafood, and more. Plus, it serves both hard and soft-serve ice cream available in 100 flavors. I had a Greek salad with grilled chicken, my husband and two boys had pizza, while my friends had fisherman’s platters. The fisherman’s platters were huge. The food was excellent. A little later on in the night, we treated ourselves to ice cream. There is nothing like ice cream on a summer night.
After we ate, we unloaded our beach chairs and headed over to the grassy area to claim our spot for the movie. There are weekly bike nights, Jeep shows, holiday events throughout the year, and starting in the Spring, movie nights every Saturday night. This week’s movie was an oldy but goody, The Outsiders.
Both kids had to read The Outsiders for summer reading one year, so I thought they would enjoy the movie as well. Except for the beetles buzzing around, it was a great night.
For part two of the weekend, we headed up to the north shore of Massachusetts. My sister and her family live up that way. We spent the day hanging with her on the beach in Marblehead, MA. Marblehead is a beautiful coastal town, home to Marblehead Light, Fort Sewall and referred to as the birthplace of the United States Navy.
Our first stop of the day was to Devereux Beach for some fun in the sand, surf, and sun. This beach is small compared to some of the other beaches we have been too, but it is clean, has a great snack shack, playground and an area where they have entertainment on certain nights. The beach has small waves, which makes it ideal for kids. The water… well let’s say it is a little too cold for me.
The weather was extremely hot, and even on the beach, there wasn’t much of a breeze. We only stayed a couple of hours, as the sun was a bit much. Plus, we were all getting hungry and wanted something more than snack shack food. Being that we were on the coast, we knew there would be some great restaurants to be had. We found ourselves in Marblehead center at a restaurant called The Landing.
The Landing Pub is located right on the water. On the weekends it serves brunch until 2:00 pm, plus their regular lunch and dinner menu. One of the best things about living in New England is our seafood. It never disappoints. As I looked at the menu, lobster mac and cheese caught my eye. It looked too good to pass up.
The pieces of lobster were huge. I could eat only half of it. The rest I took home. The mimosas were good too.
Over the last couple of years, Massachusetts has become a hotbed for filmmakers. Several movies have been filmed here, and this summer is no exception. Adam Sandler is in town filming a Halloween movie for NetFlix. The whole downtown area was decorated for Halloween. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, second only to Christmas. I felt like I was in a Hallmark movie.
Doesn’t this look fun? Too bad we didn’t see Adam.
A summer day would not be complete without ice cream. We drove back to my sister’s house in Wakefield and stopped at Cravings. Cravings is a local ice cream shop made to look like an old fashion soda shop from the 1920s. It has fresh homemade ice cream, coffee, and confections. There are 36 flavors that rotate depending on the season. They have custom-blended soft serve flavors as well. Each flavor is blended with cookies, candy, nuts, or fruit. I had Cappucino Chip. It was delicious.
Weekends like this remind me how lucky we are to live where we live. There is never a shortage of things to do, places to eat, and things to see. It is just too bad summer isn’t a little bit longer.
A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated America’s birthday, our Independence Day. Seven years ago, July 4th was more than just America’s birthday; it became my personal Independence Day. You see, seven years ago, I started something that would significantly change my life. I became a runner.
For years, I had been envious of runners. Runners seem like happy people. I had attempted to run a few times and gave up after a week. Then I turned 40. I had some extra weight to lose, and I wanted to feel better about myself. Each year on July 3rd, my family and some friends head to Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA, for some 4th of July fireworks. Before the fireworks, Harvard Pilgrim, a health insurance company, puts on a 5K and a 10K race called Finish at the 50. Each route is different, but all runners finish up by entering Gilette Stadium ( home of the 6x Super Bowl champions, New England Patriots) and running down the field. It is a pretty neat race. As I sat and watched the runners come across the finish line, the pure joy I saw on their faces was inspiring. I wanted to experience that.
The question was, could I do this? I had tried running before and hated it. I was out of shape. I had my doubts. Then two people came to mind, my Dad and my friend Traci. You see, in 2009, my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 57 years old and found himself having surgery to remove half his lung. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early on, and he received a second chance at life. As part of his recovery, he started walking 7 miles a day. 7 miles! The last time he had exercised that much was when he was in the Marine Corp. If he could get out there each day, I could give this running thing a try. My friend and co-worker, Traci also inspired me. In the same year, Traci was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Despite fighting that horrible disease, Traci still kept on running each day at lunch and rode her bike in the Pan-Mass Challenge, twice, while undergoing cancer treatments. Unfortunately, Traci lost her battle with cancer in Sept. 2011. Little did I know she would leave an everlasting impression on me. That night, I made a promise to myself that I could give this running thing another try.
I got up the next morning, laced up a pair of shoes and out the door I went. I did not have a training plan (not such a smart idea), I did not have the right shoes (I learned very quickly why I needed them), and I ran. It was the 4th of July and hot as hell. I wanted to stop. I had all these negative thoughts flooding my brain. You are too old; you are too fat, you have no business doing this. As these thoughts ran through my head, a beautiful orange and black butterfly fluttered by me. You see, butterflies are the symbol for ovarian cancer. Butterflies represent those that we have lost. Traci had made us all butterflies for our office name plaques. She had a tattoo (a fake one) on her bald head. Butterflies were her favorite. Traci was with me on this run. She was there encouraging me and cheering me on. I finished up, clocking just over 3 miles. On that hot July 4th, I had become a runner.
Now seven years later, I have done numerous 5 and 10ks, over a dozen half-marathons, multiple challenges and completed my 1st marathon. If you had asked me seven years ago if that was what I would be doing, I would have said you were nuts.
Marathon medal 
My 1st marathon
Running has transformed me from the inside out. Running has taught me so many things. These are just a few that come to mind.
- The importance of setting goals.
- How powerful it is to achieve these goals.
- How to overcome obstacles.
- It has taught me patience.
- To believe in me.
- To never give up.
- Hard work will be rewarded.
- Pushing beyond my comfort zone is necessary to grow.
Running is my therapy, my outlet, my escape. When my Mom was given the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer and laid dying, I ran to cope. I used that time to cry my eyes out. I could fall apart without my children watching. When I have a terrible day, the first thing I want to do is lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. Running has changed me for the better. God willing, I will continue running well into my senior years.
Hi everyone! It has been a while since I have posted my Love of the Week. Summer has gotten off to a crazy start. We have been busy every weekend. It is all good and I think I now have some sort of writing schedule figured out.
Today I want to share with you a fantastic product that has been a game changer in terms of my nutrition. Seven years ago, I started my running journey. Three years into my journey, I realized I needed to do more than just run to continue building my stamina and strength. I reached out to a friend, who is a health and fitness coach. She recommended a strength training program called PiYo. At the same time, she inquired about my nutrition. I thought my diet was okay, but I was triggering a migraine every time I ran over 6 miles at a time. It was not only annoying but would keep me down for the remainder of the day.
So what is it? The product is called Shakeology. It is filled with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals to support a healthy body. It has protein and fiber, so it fills me up and helps keep my cravings at bay. It has antioxidants to help keep me healthy, pre and probiotics, along with digestive enzymes to help with digestion. I have included more information about there product here.
Though I do not know the exact ingredient that has helped to keep the headaches away, I know it is there, and it has been a lifesaver. Nowadays, I tend not to drink my shake, instead, I made a nightly treat out of it. I have a sweet tooth and always crave something sweet after dinner. I discovered Shakeology ice cream. I take a packet of the chocolate Shakeology, mix it with a little water, just enough to give it the consistency of brownie batter, add a tsp. of peanut butter and stick it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Viola! A nice sweet, refreshing treat to be enjoyed.
I may add a squirt or two of fat-free whipped cream and some sprinkles for some extra goodness.
Shakeology for the win!
Last week I shared a Summer Bucket List of Ideas for Teens. It consists of a list of things I would like to do with my boys this summer. In addition to that list, I have created my own bucket list. Though I adore being with the kids, I have my own list of things I would like to accomplish this summer. Some involve them and some do not. Believe it or not kids, this Mom has her own life! Now before I dive into my list, I want to explain why I have a bucket list.
A few years ago, I was asked this very question, why a bucket list? Why do you feel the need to plan every moment of your life? Well, besides the fact I am a Type A personality, there is research that shows how beneficial a bucket list can be. A bucket list can help create a fulfilling life. It is essential to take time for things that we enjoy doing. Fitting in things like vacations and hobbies bring happiness and satisfaction in our lives. It makes life FUN! By fitting these things into our every day, we reduce stress and enhance our lives. Less stress??? Sign me up!
Here are the top things I want to accomplish this summer.
- PR in a 10k race.
- Road trip with the family.
- Finish my 2018 scrapbooks.
- Date night with the hubby and friends in the North End.
- Visit the new wax museum in Boston.
- Hit the beach at least every other weekend.
- Read six novels before Labor Day Weekend.
- Girl’s night once a month.
- Try the Alice Tea Room at Patriot Place.
- Visit some local craft fairs.
- Attend the Scrapbooking Expo in New Hampshire.
- Try a new restaurant twice a month.
- Freedom Trail Tour in Boston.
- Food Tour in Boston.
- Water Fires in Providence.
- Stay club level at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
There you have it, my 2019 Summer Bucket List. Between this list and the one I did for the boys, it is jammed packed with activities. Will we do them all? Maybe not, but it will be fun trying. Now tell me, what is on your summer bucket list? Post a comment here or hop on over to one of my social media pages and let me know. Happy Summer!
