Love & Marriage

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Love & Marriage. It just hit me. On this day exactly one year ago, my husband and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary with a vow renewal. So, technically we just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary, but who’s counting! We have been together for 15 years, since we were just babies at 18 years old. It was a magical day, one that I can’t wait to do again at our 20 year vow renewal!

Anyone who says that the longer you love that person the easier it gets, is just full of shit. Plain and simple. It’s just not true, and I will tell you why. Things happen in 10 years. Shit, that’s a decade. Trends can come & go all within a decade. You might be loving those crop top shirts at the beginning and as time moves on, baggy shirts are in. You’re screwed and now need a whole new wardrobe. Fuck. That’s hard-work and expensive. Just like being in a marriage takes hard-work (and can sometimes get quite expensive)…

Just as trends change, people do too. They grow up. Literally, they get taller. It’s just what happens with time. Time is the burden on marriages these days. New situations and new feelings only occur and arise because time passes. You are put into new scenarios and the world is changing around you. You are always racing against time. It’s life. Once you realize that time is of the essence and can recognize that you need to proactively work on your marriage, only then can you truly have a chance at being happy. I can say this without reservations because time has changed me. It has changed my husband.  What I wanted at 18, is not quite the same as what I want now. Same for my husband. We’ve learned to embrace the change that time has brought us.

Don’t be mad at someone for wanting something different than before. Embrace it. Challenge it. Allow it to become a new part of your lives. Understanding and being open to change is what will help you grow together, appreciate each other and will allow you to continuously fall in love with your significant other all over again.  I don’t know why this hit me like a ton of bricks tonight at 9pm on a not-so random Wednesday evening, but it did. Sure my soul and spirit might be the same, but I am not the same naive girl I was at 18. My husband knows this. He values the change we have done together. Value what you had, what you have and what you will become; together.

 

Namaste~

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Photography Credit: Midnight Shift Photography  I have talented friends!

Celebrate Spring at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

If you are local to Rhode Island, or luckily enough to live over the border in neighboring Massachusetts, you need to get to the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, the only u-pick tulip farm in New England! They are located in Johnston, RI diagonally across from Dame Orchards! Picture this, you’re frolicking through a field of perfect tulips of every size and color while your favorite melody plays in the background, with not a care in the world.  Wait, you don’t have that fantasy in your head? It must be just me then! But, I bet you like flowers! I knew this place would be for you! I’ll do the frolicking and you can do the picking! I already picked enough flowers to last me for weeks anyways!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm is a US Grown, pesticide free, bee friendly and unique farm! With over 250,000 tulips planted in more colors, shapes and sizes than you could dream of, this is surely something that everyone can enjoy! Think of the family pictures! Get your “selfie” face ready! Once you enter you will see their show garden (no picking here) and you can view all their varieties and pre-order them for fall delivery at the bulb tent (white tents). Beyond the show garden is the picking garden where you can walk up and down the rows and choose as many tulips as you desire for $1/stem. They have buckets for your convenience. Once your done bring your tulips and bucket to the wrapping station where you will wrap up your tulips in paper for the ride home. There is staff able to assist if you need help!

I am a huge supporter of an organic lifestyle! I am so happy that Wicked Tulips Flower Farm offers organic tulips and is a bee friendly farm! This was the biggest reason I decided to check them out. Just because we are not eating the flowers, choosing organic and bee friendly products is better in the long run. Bees, flying insects such as butterflies/dragonflies and some birds are in danger due to the overuse of pesticides in farming. This includes your little flower farm you have created in your backyard.  These creatures collect pollen, eat seeds and drink the water that is contaminated with pesticide runoff. Even if you don’t use pesticides in your garden, chances are the bulbs and seeds you planted might have them hidden in there. Please try and buy organic bulbs for your garden and support local farmers like Wicked Tulips who choose to leave the “junk” out of their products!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

Things to know before you go:

  • You need a ticket. If you visit during the weekend you must pre-purchase your tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the door on weekends. Children 3 and under are free. 4-15 $2.50 and 16 plus $5.00. They are already sold out for Mother’s Day weekend. However, you do not need a ticket for the weekday (it is less crowded as well).
  • Hours: The u-pick field is open 7 days a week. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-7:30pm. Weekends-Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 7:30pm.
  • Purchase bulbs: You can purchase bulbs for next fall. They are locally grown bulbs and pesticide free! You can order online or at the farm.
  • Cash/Card: Cash or card is accepted, however cash is preferred!
  • Photography is allowed and they love seeing all the photos on social media! But please no tripods!

Go tiptoe through those tulips and have a wonderful time!
Namaste~

Brick Fair is here- Lego lovers rejoice!

Brick Fair is here! Have a lego lover in your family? Maybe it is you! I know I can spend hours creating something without the presence of my son! The love I have for Legos runs deep… They are one of my favorite toys of all time. I find it so amazing the way people can create magnificent structures with these bricks!

 

Lego Brick Fair

May 21st & May 22nd, 2016

At the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA. Do you want to be SuperMom and SuperDad? Bring your kids to BrickFair LEGO Fan Expo! Endless LEGO creativity and inspiration, games, moon bounces, shopping, Derby Racing, Bingo, and more!
40% OFF – Limited time only $7.20! Use promo code “USFAM2016” to save 40% Off the at-the-door price of $12.00 – and gain early access! Pre-purchase ticket holders get in at 10:30am instead of 11:00am. Click here to purchase!

Will I see you there?
Joy

 

 

Where Rhode Island Bloggers Suggest To Visit

What to do in Rhode Island by Rhode Islanders

Photo by Jamie Italiane at The Daily Adventures of Me

Who better to help you plan your trip to Rhode Island than Rhode Island Bloggers? Here is a collection of posts from us for you!

tamara

Photo by Tamara Gruber at We 3 Travel

Planning a Family Weekend Getaway to Providence Rhode Island from We 3 Travel

Nikki

Photo by Nicole Estrella at Playing All The Way

Jumping for Jamestown from Playing All the Way

Rhode Island Bloggers Bring Guests

Photo by Jamie Italiane at The Daily Adventures of Me

A Local’s Guide to 48 Hours in Rhode Island by The Daily Adventures of Me

blogger's guide to rhode island

Collage by Joy Adamonis from My Sensational Kid and Me

A Little Rhody Summer by My Sensational Kid

Photo from The Mommyhood Chronicles

Photo from The Mommyhood Chronicles

My Top 10 Attraction Areas in Rhode Island by The Mommyhood Chronicles

A Little Rhody Summer

Summer is almost upon us! Well, not really, but one can dream. We need to get through Spring first (and that IS upon us), but if you are like me you are already planning your summer weekend getaways, road trips and/or a list of all the places to see & things to do! Should you find yourself heading up to “Little Rhody” (or even passing through it), there are so many fun & unique things to do here. Summer is the best time to visit Rhode Island; we aren’t labeled the Ocean State for just any old reason! Below are my Top 5 activities you should consider when visiting RI in the summer! You could pack these into 1 very long day, but I suggest planning a weekend getaway to really enjoy these activities.

Things to do in RI

  1. Roger Williams Park Zoo

This is a perfect cloudy day or late afternoon trip idea for the whole family. This zoo has more than just animals. Kids can cool off in the Drip Drop Water Garden, climb the treehouse where there are things to see & hear or build a creation at the Sticks & Stones Building Zone. There are even camel rides, giraffe feedings, rock climbing & a butterfly garden! At $14.95 for adults/$9.95 for children, it’s a great price for all it offers. Plus, you can bring in your own picnic lunch (some zoo’s do not allow outside food),  which is amazing!

  1. Rustic Drive-in Movie Theater

There is something to said about sitting under the stars on a cool, breezy summer night watching your favorite movies with a bunch of friends! It just screams SUMMER to me! This authentic 1950’s drive-in has 3 screens, with 2 shows playing on each screen. Outside food can be brought in (or purchased there) and it is only $27 per carload! With movie tickets at almost 12$ per ticket, per show- this is a great bargain! Kids & adults will love this place! And it’s dog friendly! Furry animals deserve some summertime fun as well!

  1. Newport, RI

Visiting Newport can be broken into many parts. 1. A visit to one of the 11 mansions, which were built during the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. 2. A visit to one of the popular beaches. 3. Shopping & dining along the harbor that boast spectacular views. You can visit Newport during the day and have a completely different experience at night. There is truly something for everyone.

2.    Waterfire

Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization whose goal is to bring to life the downtown urban area and revitalize it with art, music and more. Over 80 bonfires are set amongst the water at WaterPlace Park. Visitors walk along the banks enjoying local music, watch performances, grab local fare from food trucks as well as the sites & smells of the burning embers. It’s always free admission and it really is a site to see. Check their schedule online for more info.

  1. Galilee & Point Judith

This quaint fishing village is home to the largest fishing fleet in RI, as well as home to the Block Island Ferry. The beach is small yet gorgeous. A jetty formation lines the beach where onlookers wave to all the ferries that pass by. George’s of Galilee serves the best clamcakes & chowder and there are tons of places to buy fresh fish & lobster right from the boat. The view from their upstairs outdoor terrace is amazing. Small shops, ice cream parlors & other eateries make this #1 on my list!

Your “Little Rhody” Summer is awaiting your arrival…

Foxwoods Resort Casino: Fun For Everyone

Right before the Christmas holiday I attended the Merry Mingle event at Foxwoods Resort Casino. This event was hosted by two fabulous ladies, Audrey and Vera. Other local bloggers like myself traveled there to learn more about the Tanger Outlets that had recently opened. We were also treated to some fun on their outdoor ice skating rink and a fabulous lunch. Let’s talk about the food the team at Foxwoods treated us to: mini sandwiches, a crudité platter that was almost too pretty to eat, delicious salads and the most divine cupcakes ever! The glass of champagne didn’t hurt either.

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Tanger Outlets: Discover Your Style

The Tanger Outlets are packed with stores for everyone on your shopping list. Over 80 stores to be exact. The sales; well, they were incredible. I love shopping outlets because I like to score a deal. I mean, who doesn’t? In the winter, do you want to walk from store to store in the frigid temps?  Not me!  Tanger Outlets is an fully enclosed outlet, connected right to Foxwoods! Did I mention free covered parking too? I can only imagine all the sales for the upcoming President’s Day holiday. Plus, spring is around the corner which means they need to make way for new merchandise. I suggest a trip 

fire pit by rink      Foxwoods Rink & Winter Patio

Ice skating was a hoot. The ladies were a blast. We laughed and laughed. I particularly laughed at how terrible I am was on skates. I have stronger talents.  Some were incredible on the skates. I met new and old friends. The rink is such a fun addition to the already jam-packed venue. Plus, it is gorgeously decorated! Adirondack chairs and fire pits add such a fun element as well!

Family Fun At Foxwoods 

While the day was about the ladies: I was surprised to learn how family friendly Foxwoods Resort Casino really is. I’ve have included my son on some trips to Foxwoods in the past, but they have some nice family friendly additions I wasn’t aware of.  I know I will be taking Landon one day during February vacation. The arcade, ice-skating, buffet lunch and shopping sounds like a great mother/son day to me! Take a look at some of the family friendly activities and events Foxwoods Resort Casino has to offer.

  • Tree House Arcade – Open 7 days per week. The best video games of yesterday and today are all here, including favorites that appeal to adults and kids alike: Candy Crush, Ms. Pac-Man, Wheel of Fortune, Connect Four, air hockey and more.
  • High Rollers Bowling Alley – 20 lanes of fun for all ages! Boasts fun décor and serves casual food options for everyone.
  • Kid-centric Tanger Outlets: Old Navy Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, GO! Toys and Games, IT’SUGAR
  • Foxwoods Ice Rink and Winter Patio– The regular cost for adults is $10 ice fee, $5 skate rental; the regular cost for kids is $6 ice fee, $2 skate rental – making this a fun, affordable activity for the entire family.
  • Disney’s Fantasia –Feb 20th 2016 A live concert experience with music from the classic Disney film performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra – and paired, of course, with stimulating Disney animation and everyone’s favorite character – Mickey! Purchase tickets here 
  • Clifford the Big Red Dog – A musical extravaganza for the whole family, featuring everyone’s favorite canine! Two shows on April 19: 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets here
  • April Vacation – Kids Week! Kids Week will include free movies, arts and crafts, face painting, meet and greets with favorite characters, air brush tattoos, a Kiddie Game Lounge with video games and old favorites, like Checkers and Gladiator Joust. Parents can bring their kids and enjoy the affordable festivities.

Visit Foxwoods Resort Casino 

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the largest resort casino in North America, with over 9 million square feet and so much to do. They have world-class gaming with six casinos, four hotels, 30 plus dining experiences, two luxurious spas, two theaters, six nightclubs, a luxury bowling alley and two golf courses. There truly is something for everyone. When are you planning on going? With so much under one roof, you will surely have a great time! I know I did!merrymingle

 

The Magic of Edaville’s Festival of Lights

The magic of the holiday season is something as a parent I never take for granted. Witnessing Christmas through the eyes of a child, especially your own is just, magical! I was so blessed to be given the opportunity to attend Edaville’s Festival of Lights this holiday season (as well as a lucky winner from my giveaway). I had been to Edaville before the renovation of Thomasland began, but never attended a Festival of Lights. On this visit I was able to see all the amazing improvements and additions to the park since my last visit 3 years ago. My family and I also had an amazing time enjoying the lights, visiting Santa, having fun on the rides, sipping on hot cocoa (and eating fried Oreos) and ended it all with a magical train ride through the cranberry bogs.

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Edaville USA’s Festival of lights has been a tradition for over 70 years. Generation after generation returns to the park to recreate priceless family memories. Young and old alike enjoy the park from the train ride to the Ferris Wheel and don’t forget the newest addition troublesome trucks! There is something for everyone!

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I was so surprised with Thomasland. I really thought the rides were going to be aimed at the wee-little ones. While little ones can ride, they really are fun for any age. The Troublesome Trucks Runway Coaster was our favorite! And I love that they allow passengers to ride it twice in a row! Cranky’s Crane Drop was our next favorite. We literally laughed and giggled the whole ride. Can’t forget about the famous ferris wheel! Be sure to ride the ferris wheel once it is dark. You get an spectacular panoramic view of the park all lit up. Last but not least, you can’t leave without a ride on the train; pulled by Thomas himself! 

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IMG_0760I was so pleased with our visit. There were plenty of quiet areas to take a break. As you are aware, Landon and I don’t handle crowds or loud noise well. Sensory Processing and anxiety like to wreck havoc during amusement park visits. Having a quiet corner to regroup and refresh is key for us. Also, we asked about food allergies in the Dockside Diner and they had all the information we needed to make an informed decision on what we could eat. They even had pre-packaged nut free cookies as well! We are so thrilled that they offer alternatives and took our inquiry seriously.

I could seriously go on and on about this park. It really is a hidden gem in New England. It has a hometown feel. I can’t wait to hopefully go back this Spring and tell you about all the new rides they were building! A water ride, a ride in the dark and bumper boats are just some of the rides we saw being built. Dino Land was closed on our visit, so I can’t wait to see that too! If you are looking for some fun this holiday season and what perhaps might turn into an annual tradition: Visit Edaville!

They are open daily from now until January 1st 2016 (closed Christmas)
Weekdays 4-9pm
Weekends 3-9:30pm
General Admission $29 Children under 2 Free

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Top 5 Toys For Sensory Kids

I have put together a list of my Top 5 toys for sensory kids. Why? Because it’s that time of year!  If you have a sensational kid you might have noticed they sometimes don’t play with certain toys. Whether it’s the sound it makes, they way it feels or even how it looks, they are turned off.  I remember getting so frustrated around Landon’s birthday and holidays when he was little because he rarely would play with anything we bought. Once we learned what his preferences were, toy shopping wasn’t so bad.  While every toy doesn’t have to have an educational component to it, I do tend to choose ones that encourage creativity, problem solving and that require him to use his tactile sense.

My TOP 5 TOYS for Sensory Kids

Legos– Great for any age!  You can start with the Duplo set and move along to the standard size Lego as they age. While each set builds a specific design, you can custom create just about anything you want with Legos. Landon and I have built castles, upside down houses, double-decker boats and more all using our own imagination! Blocks of any material can work as well, but we are a Lego family! Great for kids who need to work on their fine motor skills among other things! My favorite gift to give any child!

Photo Credit: Amazon

Playdoh: Landon is 8 years old and stills plays with playdoh occasionally. Now that he is older he prefers modeling clay (same type of concept)- but this is great for working with their hands. It helps develop fine motor skills and creativity. You don’t even have to buy a special set. Grab a few tubs of playdoh, and look in your own cupboard for cool tools to use. Cookies cutters, frosting spreader, rolling-pin and other everyday items around the house. Create!

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Books: While books in any form are amazing for kids, I find that touch and feel,  pop up books and books with sound are our favorite. I love Usborne look inside books. They have all sorts of topics for different ages. Starting with a simple book on barnyard animals to space facts or Egyptian mythology. At 8 years old, he still loves a good lift up book.

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Puzzles: I love Melissa and Doug for this category. They have so many puzzles to choose from. Chunky block puzzles for the toddler all the way up to 100+ piece for the older child and everything in between. They have even have puzzles where you open doors and puzzles that make noise. This is great for kiddos needing to work on their fine motor skills and those who like toys with sound!

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Magnatiles: I love these translucent color tiles that kids use to create endless 3D and 2D designs. They hold together by the power of magnification. They even come with pre-designed templates for kids to follow to build a specific design. Following the templates helps with the skill of following step by step directions!

magnatilesThere are a ton of great gifts for our sensational kids but these are just some of our favorites. Landon goes back to these year after year. And these gifts are great for any kiddo in your life! All these toys I found on Amazon- and offer free shipping, what’s better than that!  Happy Shopping!

 

Namaste~

Planning your pregnancy is key when you have a genetic disorder

Nov 19th 2007 Landon's Birthday

Nov 19th 2007 Landon’s Birthday

My son just celebrated his 8th birthday and I thought, “Damn, I am old!” No, not really, it instead got me thinking how unconventional my pregnancy actually was. Most of my friends are surprised by the news they were expecting and for them that’s ok. For others, including myself, extra care and planning must come into play before you conceive.

I have a genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria, PKU for short. To keep it simple, my body doesn’t break down protein correctly. For pregnant women with PKU, it is essential to maintain low Phe levels, which happens when you limit the protein you intake. Without proper treatment before and during pregnancy, developing congenital heart disease, growth retardation and microcephaly are just some of the concerns you face.

At our pre-conception appointment at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic at Women & Infants, the doctors gave us a round of applause. Literally, clapped for 1 minute while we stared in disbelief. They wished other perspective parents who had genetic concerns would come in sooner like we had. Thanks to screenings such as Horizon genetic carrier screening, more couples at risk of having a child with a genetic disease are being detected earlier. This allows for diagnosis in the newborn period, prenatally and even pre-conception. To learn more about the benefits of Horizon genetic screenings click here.

genetic carrier screening

For 7 months prior to conception, I was poked and prodded weekly. I ate only 3-5 grams of protein a day from natural food. The rest was medical food that tasted like cardboard! Now that I think of it, I think actual cardboard might have tasted better. I drank a putrid amino acid formula and took 100 pills a day! I HATE pills period. Even at 32, I still ask for some medicine in liquid form. Finally, my Phe levels were safe. Although my levels were “safe” for a fetus, it did not mean our child would not inherit PKU. However, the chance was indeed lower.

Like I said before, some people plan in advance to start their families – for some, it’s a big surprise! When you’re thinking about starting your family, your doctor will often ask you about your family history. Since I am adopted, I don’t much about my family medical history. However, I am so thankful I did know about my PKU, which made me pro-active in my attempts to start a family. Did you know there might be surprises in your family tree? Genetic carrier screenings can help you make informed reproductive decisions as you start your family.

Because of my PKU, a genetic carrier screening was done to uncover a more accurate percentage that my unborn child would have PKU. At our genetic screening we learned our son could be born with a heart malfunction or cerebral palsy, among other things. I didn’t know it’s common for people to be carriers of 4-6 different recessive genetic conditions.

Flash forward to Nov 19th 2007; Landon John Friedman was born without PKU, although he is a carrier. This journey tested us physically, emotionally and financially. It was the journey of a lifetime, for it brought us to Landon. The moment you decide parenthood is for you, take control of your future pregnancy. You can never be too-informed, especially when it comes to the health of your unborn child.

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 Namaste ~ Joy ( Landon’s Proud Mom)

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sensitive Santa Programs Are A Breath Of Fresh Air For Special Needs Parents

The holidays are just around the corner. Menu’s are being planned, family is coming to town and gifts are being purchased. If you have children, then I am sure planning a visit to Santa is in the works too! For some, a visit to the jolly-old-elf is no biggie, while for others it can be overwhelming. This is especially true for those with special needs children. The lines, the noise and the crowds are sometimes just to intense for a sensory kiddo, just like my Landon.  Heck, I don’t even like lines, waiting and loud noises…

If you share my same sentiments, then you are in luck!   Starting this Sunday November 22nd, over 120 Simon malls will be offering the Caring Santa Program. This program is  made possible thanks to Autism Speaks and their association between Noeer Corporation and AbilityPath. This program allows families of children with special needs to enjoy their experience with Santa in a more controlled and welcoming environment, usually before the mall opens. As a mom to a sensational kid, I am so thankful to these companies for providing this program for the special needs community.
If you think this event would be something that would benefit you and your family, I urge you to register for the Caring Santa program at your local Simon mall. Most time slots will be 2 hours before the mall opens to the public on November 22nd or December 6th. For my local friends, Emerald Square Mall will be offering their Caring Santa program on December 6th from 830-1030am, with some time slots already filling up. It is FREE to register- and you must have a reservation to take part in this program.

To learn more abut the Caring Santa Program and to see other malls participating click here. It was only about a few years ago that I found out abut this amazing program and boy would it have came in handy during Landon’s early visits with Santa! If you can’t find a sensory-friendly event near you, I urge you to contact your local mall to request one for next year. You never know if your request will be heard unless you try!

Merry Holidays

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Landon, Christmas 2008