Mansfield General Store

Have you ever gone somewhere new and didn't want to stop at the chain restaurants? You like something unique, full of charm, yet full of warmth and comfort too. It's a little scary to try something new but sometimes it's so worth it.

My mom introduced me to the Mansfield General Store when we moved to this part of Connecticut. I am so glad she did. It's one of my favorite places to go for a lunch date or just to look at the cute little antique shop they have. 

Upon walking in the store you feel right at home. I always get the warmest welcome and sweet smiles from behind the counter. One day after going to an auction with my mom and her husband Eric we stopped for lunch. 

It was a Sunday, which we forgot it was brunch and live music day. The seats were all full but that didn't stop their customer service. They made a spot for us and offered us a plate. The most wonderful music filled the air as we happily ate our yummy lunch. We all left feeling a little bit brighter that day.

I wish there were more places like this little gem. When traveling I do try to make an effort to find them but I'm not always successful. The time Rob and I went to the Poconos we were getting sick of the resort food and wanted something different.

We traveled, unaware of where we were going, in a giant rain storm. Looking for something quaint and cute. Upon traveling for an hour, seeing a small bear cub, and in a Stephen King storm, we decided we were not going to find it. 

I didn't want anyone traveling to Connecticut to feel the same way. So if your in the area, maybe looking at UConn, the snow, visiting relatives, or our fall foliage I recommend stopping in to the Mansfield General Store. 

Do you have some place like this where you live? Where would you recommend I stop if I visited you?

Mad Hatter Invited

Our Alice and Wonderland inspired tea party birthday was a great success. Aries stayed upstairs almost all morning. So when she walked down and saw her birthday all set up, she was very excited.

There were tissue paper flowers that hung from the ceiling, along with keys, white rabbit paper chain, and a happy birthday sign. 

We set the tea party up in our living to make more room for all the kids to sit down. Each chair at the table was different. 

At the table I set out the cake, raspberry heart cookies, and heart lollipops. The place setting was a small clear tea cup that had a drink me tag on the handle. 

Damien made sure the jelly in the cookies was Raspberry. While making them he informed me several times how the line in the new Alice and Wonderland movie went. I think he would have said "off with my head" if I did it wrong.

I made the cake the night before. While the kids were asleep it gave me plenty of time to sit down and focus on the cake.

Upon walking into the living room I wanted everyone to feel like they just stepped into a page of Alice and Wonderland. The shock and awe effect worked, because each child instinctively took a seat around the table and waited for instructions.

They ate lollipops while waiting for all their friends to arrive. They chatted and it was cute to see Aries waving her hand around like Vanna White showing everything her party had to offer.

Our first activity was to decorate a mad hatter top hats. They passed the glitter and shared the craft supplies.

Each hat came out different. I heard little voices saying "Oh nice", "Your hat is pretty", "awesome". 

After that game we played pin the smile on the cheshire cat. My mom was gracious enough to draw this for me and help with the tape backing.

They liked the spinning around in a circle and some kids even wanted to keep doing it over and over. Most of the children at the party were only 3 or 4 so we really didn't make a winner and most didn't understand that they had to keep their eyes closed. The important part was that they had fun.

We had one more game. During the week I had made salt dough roses that my hubby hot glued brooch pin backings to. In the kitchen (where we haven't finished the floor yet) I laid down old sheets.

I offered smocks and let the kids paint the roses red. Some had fun painting the sheets. 

Afterwards I put them all on tin foil and then in plastic baggies so that each child had a painted rose pin to take home.

Then it was time for cake. We didn't have to tell the children twice. They all sat in their seat and sang as loud as they could the happy birthday song.

Aries made her wish which I am sure was to eat the cake and open presents. Present opening was a bit chaotic but Aries handled herself very well. We know she is not claustrophobic.

The party went at a very fast pace mostly because I didn't want the children to be bored. We kept things moving really well and the parents seemed happy about that. Aries thanked everyone for coming and handed out her goody bags.

Willy Wonka candy, glow sticks, bouncy balls, and compass rings filled the bags. Each child gave her a hug and was happy to celebrate Aries birthday with her. 

One little guy (Odyn) was so happy to be treated like a big kid for the day that it wore him completely out. He was very upset that he was falling asleep half way through it. 

Aries had a very wonderful birthday that didn't break the bank, left wonderful memories, and a lot of children happy. 

Time for Tea

I'm getting ready for Aries birthday this weekend - I will just leave you all with some Etsy inspiration I came up with for the party. When I come back I'll have pictures of the party to share.

http://tinyurl.com/63gx6sl

Think Spring

With a billion more inches of snow here in Connecticut and yet again another snow day for the kids (sigh) I have to start thinking spring.

I want to start working on the barn shop, gardening, planning picnics, wearing sandals, and not having to wrap myself in a blanket to stay warm. Maybe if my winter jacket starts thinking spring it will happen. It's possible right?

So to cheer up my winter jacket and frozen toes I made cute little happy spring flower brooches. Not only will they put a spring smile on my jacket but maybe yours as well. I am putting some in my shop and making more for upcoming craft shows.

Let's all think spring!
Linking with Splash of Colour ~ These other blogs are bringing you happy colour for spring.

Officially 4

Someone turned 4 today. She woke up with a sparkle in her eye. 

The tea party and the real birthday celebration will be this weekend. Aries asks at least once day about her party and will tell you "My birthday coming up". 

She is the happiest little girl you will ever meet. Dancing and singing are a prerequisite to starting off the day. Todays song is "Happy Birthday to ME" and includes twirling and whirling. 

Happy Birthday my lovely little girl! 

Mom's Special Day

Today is my mom's birthday. So I decided to make homemade bread.

I only used the prettiest dishtowel to cover the top and let the bread rise. 

Chocolate cake was also on the menu with a secret ingredient that brings out that chocolaty flavor.

Doesn't it all look so yummy?

Also on the menu was yummy turkey meatloaf, salad with the best croutons, and red mash potatoes.

Happy Birthday Mom!!! We love you.

Charm Swap

Just stopping in to share information. The Chronic Seamstress, otherwise known as the wonderful Carrie, is having a charm swap. If your wondering "What is that?" Well that is where you send other swappers a certain number (depends on the people participating) of UNIQUE fabric squares to make a quilt with. Then with all the fabric squares you receive you can make a quilt. I have already signed up!! You don't have much time if you want to participate as the list will be finalized Sunday January 23rd. So what are you waiting for - go sign up!!!

Mail Call

I got the best surprise in the mail! My oldest loves to get the mail when he comes home from school. He takes each piece of mail and holds each one out before he puts it on the kitchen table. Well today was different. He opened the mail box reached in and was "What is this?!?!?!" I said "Oh! It looks like it's a package from my friend Vivienne. It came all the way from Ireland." Then it was "Can I open it?" "Is it for me?" "What is it?".

I barely got the package in the door. I asked him to go get my camera ...run run run, get camera, walk as fast as I can without running with mom's camera. He couldn't contain himself. As instructed he opened the package carefully. "Oh mom it's pretty. It must be for you." Aries heard the word pretty. "Me like pretty!" I was able to get a few pictures taken before the items were claimed.

Aries informed me that the brooch was now hers. Damien stated that the Irish linen sachet smelt so good that the best place for it would be in the upstairs bathroom (otherwise known as the kids bathroom). I am proud to say that the items made their way back to me. The brooch is now pinned on my purse and the sachet is in mom and dad's bathroom. Thank you so much Vivienne! It really made my day and my kids day too. (Isn't she the sweetest?!)

 I know I will be sharing this lovely corsage with my daughter but if you want one of your own visit Vivienne's shop. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Blog Awards

I have been given a couple of blog awards lately and I feel very honored to be thought of!! So thank you Julie and Shanti for the:

This award has a couple of rules ~

** thank and link back to person who awarded you

** share 7 things about yourself

** pay it forward to 15 discovered bloggers 

** contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Here are my 7 things:

1. I hate backing up a car - If it's a parking space that I am being directed to back into, I will get out of the car and let hubby do it.

2. I don't like being called Mandy and the only person I have ever let call me that was my dentist.

3. I don't have any brothers or sisters.

4. Hubby and I wanted to have 4 children, after having 3 we decided that was enough.

5. I love all the friends I have made here in blog land :)

6. My favorite time of year is fall.

7. Visiting Europe is on my bucket list.

Picking just 15 bloggers is hard because I enjoy so many blogs - I have a list of blogs I enjoy on my sidebar ~~> 

I think anyone of those deserves this award (so I am not following the rules, which is not unlike me to do).

I also received another award from the lovely Viv. My blog is now a 

and the award is for crafty-blogs, which have less than 300 readers, to encourage more and more people to visit you and see your hand made items. I need to choose 3 other wonderfully crafty blogs with less than 300 followers to give this award to. I agree with Viv and I am giving my award to blogs that have less than 300 followers, have a crafting business, and a little online shop. Please also make sure to check out Vivenne's blog and shop.

1. Emma from Silverpebble - She has a fun little Flickr group and makes the prettiest jewelry.

2. Annabelle from Three Red Apples -  I love her style and pictures.

3. Anna from The Victory Garden - Her Pyrex collection will make you envious and she has mad yarn skills.

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful blog awards it truly means a lot that I was thought of for these awards! You love me, you really love me :)

It's In the Bag

When I found out the Ashley from A Hasty Life was having a blog crawl about what's in your bag I had to join in. Her blog is super fun and I love her new 30 for 30 outfit posts.




So without further adieu here is my bag and the contents ( minus all the receipts that I tend to collect):

**You can super size this pic by clicking on it**

1. Diaper and Butt Aid - I always need to have one diaper and diaper cream with me. You never know when Odyn might need a change.
2. A toy - I found that carrying at least one toy with me at all times can really be a life saver when the kids get restless.
3. Coin Holder - This coin purse I got in New York City when my girlfriends and I went together. It really helps me use change instead of it weighing down the bottom of my bag.
4. Cell Phone - My connection to adults, my GPS system, my lifesaver, my video for the kids, basically the one thing I should always have with me.
5. Business Cards - You never know when you will run into someone who wants to check out your shop.
6. Perfume - I tend to take all those little samples I get from stores and keep them in my purse. You never know when you might need it.
7. Lip Gloss - I don't wear lipstick but lip gloss is a different story. My lips feel naked and chapped without it.
8. Keys - Often I can't find them - but I always have them.
9. Jewelry - The necklace is vintage and the bracelet is from Esma (it says my kids names, their DOB, and "A moment in my tummy a lifetime in my heart"). They are both dear to me because my wonderful hubby picked them out for me for Mother's Day. The usually end up in my purse to keep the kids from tugging on them when I am wearing them.

If you want to peek into more purses check out Be Merry, Kate (love her Coach wallet). Don't forget to check out Cupcake Monkey tomorrow.