Turning a New Leaf

What have we done?

Here I am, the blogging Baby Boomer Grandmom from New England.  NEW ENGLAND!

Land of four seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall and … Winter!

Winter – which in most people’s minds, means, snow, cold, more snow, more cold; ice, more snow and ice, slush ….  and real Christmas Trees!  You get the picture.

Having been married seemingly forever, we’ve always had a r.e.a.l. tree.  Right – REAL, as in not artificial.  Nope, not us.

There’s plenty of Christmas tree growers here in Connecticut, so the Hubster and I had been trudging through the woods (and agricultural Christmas Tree farms) here in Connecticut, in all kinds of weather (see above, and add rain) to cut down (with a saw), a real – live – natural Christmas tree.

Over the years, we’ve had some that barely fit through the door.  Actually, the first year we were married and in an apartment (where no live trees were allowed), we ever so silently dragged our real.live.tree up the stairs and through the hallway and set it up in our living room.  Until, oh, maybe February?

When it was dry as a bone, we then opened the living room window and shoved it out from the 2nd floor to the ground, where it landed – not a needle on it!

Although the homes decorated for Christmas with live trees look pretty, talk about having to clean up a mess every year – with the dry heat here in New England, cleaning up the pine needles that have fallen to the ground, or that the various fur balls over the years have chewed up, is certainly a challenge.

So what makes this year different than all those others?

Now that the kiddos are grown and launched, I am simplifying my life and have decided I wanted an artificial tree.  Mostly because they come pre-lighted, and I don’t want the hassle of having to string the lights by myself since nobody else will help me.

We drove for about 5 hours looking everywhere – Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Home Depot again, and finally gave up trying to find one that looked like a natural Christmas tree.  Not to be one to give up, a light bulb went off and I got the idea to call my brother-in-law (he & sister-in-law with the straight out of  Martha Stewart Living beautifully decorated home) and asked where they got their artificial tree.

So off to the locally-owned Vinnys we went.  They had such a beautiful selection and even the Hubster is happy!  Only thing missing was the real.live.tree smell.  Nothing that a  Home for the Holidays Yankee Candle couldn’t fix.

And of course, to go with my beautiful tree – I found the most gorgeous vintage Battenburg Lace white Christmas tree skirt on Bonanza!

So here it is, in all it’s splendor, and my very favorite Christmas ornaments adorning it for the very first time.

Do you have a real.live.tree or have you gone the artificial route? Link up here!

I am sharing my holiday home decor and cleaning tips for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls and Great Cleaners.

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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1. Over The River and Through The Woods – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
2. Unique Christmas Decorations in New York | New York Christmas Trees | A Pinterest Christmas
3. 6 Holiday DIY Decorating Craft Ideas and Appetizer Recipes | A Pinterest Christmas

Fairs In September

For the last several weekends in a row, my family has visited quite a few local fairs.  We’ve been to the Farm Day Festival, Haddam Neck Fair and The Big E in Massachusetts,  (Eastern States Exposition.)

Owned and operated by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association, Inc., the Durham Fair is the largest fair in North America managed entirely by unpaid volunteers.

My Hubby and I have been going to the Durham Fair since even before my own kids were born, and now it’s an annual event with the whole family, especially the grandchildren!

It was an extremely hot day today, especially humid for this time of year in Connecticut.  You would think it was Mud Season in Vermont because it had been raining for the last several days, and many of the fields that normally allow parking just ripe for muddin’ !

Despite the heat, we enjoyed the live entertainment, rides and games on the Carnival Midway.  There were first-class animal competitions and discovery events on the Corn Stalk Stage, along with my favorites, the crafts, exhibits, shopping and fun food. Yummy!  We always try to eat at civic organization booths, and ate at the Lions Club booth.  We sat under a tent for shade with plenty of picnic tables, and a live guitarist playing Folk Music.  The cheeseburgers were huge and tasty, along with the foot-long hotdogs, and fresh apple cider from Lyman Orchards.  We decided that next year, we’re going to try one of the chicken barbeque dinners that several of the church groups put on.

We walked through the permanent buildings housing the displays of award-winning baked goods, gingerbread houses, canned vegetables, jams and jellies.  There were also floral arrangements, and vintage agricultural antique farm machinery.

Slugger and his sister enjoyed climbing on the John Deere tractors!

If you choose to leave the fairgrounds early, you can return by getting your hand stamped as the live entertainment on the main stage for the weekend included KC and the Sunshine Band; Blues Traveler and Steel Magnolia.

The first fair in 1916 was held entirely on the Durham Town Green but now is spread over 45 adjacent acres of farmland, and there are many permanent structures.  What was once a local event now has turned into the largest of its kind in Connecticut.

For the kids who live in the Durham area, Opening Day is like a major holiday, and they get a half-day off from school!  The first fair drew about 2,000 people mainly from Durham and the surrounding towns but now, if the weather is good the fair may draw over 200,000 people from all over Connecticut and surrounding states.

The Durham Fair remains 100% volunteer run and a true agricultural fair, contributing academic scholarships and charitable donations totaling over $50,000 through the work of the Durham Fair Foundation.

Scenes from the Durham Fair

[Show as slideshow]

Put the Durham Fair on your list of things to do in Connecticut if you’re looking for good old-fashioned family fun!

For More Information visit:  www.durhamfair.com

Do you have a family and kid-friendly attraction, lodging, restaurant or event that you would like me to visit, write about and feature? To forward information and passes please Contact me.

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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During the Summer and Fall seasons here in New England it’s always a treat to shop at the local family-owned vegetable farm produce stands.

Fresh sweet corn season won’t be around too much longer!

To keep the economy going I like to support homegrown businesses in my area.

Many of the stands even have printouts of their favorite recipes for you to take home to try!

This is the Eddy Family farm stand in Newington, CT.

If you also have a Wordless Wednesday, please sign the Linky!

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

Cindi – Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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The Cape has to be my most absolutely favorite place to be. We’ve been going up since before the kids were born.

If you’re fond of sand dunes, and salty air
Quaint little villages, here and there
You’re sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod

….   Patti Page

This year I went camping with my oldest daughter, charming son-in-law, and the two grandkiddos. (No mosquito bites this year!)

Sigh

We’ve stayed everywhere from Falmouth to Wellfleet, and each part is so unique for what it has to offer.  I must say our favorite part is what’s referred to as the Outer Cape – from the elbow at Chatham on up to Provincetown.

Have you ever been to Cape Cod?  What’s your favorite part of the Cape?

If not, hope you’ll get a chance to visit New England some time! Enjoy the salt air, and don’t forget the fried clams, lobster, chowder suppers and Cape Cod Baseball League Games.!

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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The organization, which creates one-to-one connections through child sponsorships, is rolling out a Facebook promotion called “The Experience of a Lifetime.” The promotion, which runs from May 31 to June 30, offers a unique opportunity for one lucky winner to travel across the world to meet his or her sponsored child.

If the promotion winner does not sponsor a child, he or she will win a paid, four-day escorted tour (including all travel, means and accommodations) to a ChildFund program in Asia, Africa or the Americas.

“We love sharing children’s photos, videos and stories on Facebook, but we know there’s nothing that moves you more than seeing the real thing,” said Anne Lynam Goddard, ChildFund president and CEO. “With just a few clicks on Facebook, one person will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.”

To enter the promotion, Facebook participants must:

• Go to www.Facebook.com/ChildFundInternational and “Like” the page,
• Choose to enter the promotion using the “ChildFund Experience” app,
• Ask 10 friends to “Like” ChildFund on Facebook and nominate their profile to win.
• Be at least18 and a U.S. resident (lower 48 states).

For every friend nomination over 10, the participant will receive one
additional entry into the promotion.

Five finalists will be randomly selected in early July. Each finalist will be required to write a short statement as to why he or she should win the trip. Their statements will then be featured on ChildFund’s Facebook page, and fans will be asked to decide the winner by popular vote.

# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ChildFund International is a global child development and protection agency
serving more than 15.2 million children and their family members in 31 countries.

For more than 70 years, we have helped the world’s deprived, excluded and vulnerable children survive and thrive to reach their full potential and become leaders of enduring change. As a member of ChildFund Alliance we create supportive environments in which children can flourish. To sponsor a child in need, visit the ChildFund website.

Contact: Cynthia Price, 804-756-2722

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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1. Over The River and Through The Woods – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
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Earthquake Tsunami Disaster Relief

Japan has suffered a horrendous, devastating earthquake, tsunami and possible meltdown of it’s nuclear power plants within the last week.  In desperate need of food, medical supplies, clothing and water, the country of Japan is desperate from help from all over the world.

AmeriCares

Social Responsibility

It’s difficult to comprehend the suffering of so many people, young and old, just by watching media and news coverage of the vast destruction of this natural disaster, the likes of which have not occurred in my lifetime.

You can contribute to Japan relief efforts at AmeriCares.

If you would like to make a contribution to aid in this disaster, here’s a link to a reputable relief organization. When an earthquake struck Haiti, I let my readers know about  AmeriCares, based in my home state, at Stamford, Connecticut.  AmeriCares  is one of the international relief organizations and agencies that is assisting in relief efforts.

AmeriCares welcomes monetary donations, and any checks should be made out to AmeriCares.

Countries of the world are opening up their hearts to help in this emergency relief.

Thank you for your humanitarian effort.

For More Information Visit: AmeriCares website.

© 2011 C. Matthews

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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This book helps parents understand and organize the necessary medical and emotional components that accompany their childs surgery.  In an easy to follow time line for events prior to and following a tonsillectomy or adrenoidectomy, the author provides reassuring and accurate guidance that eases the process for the patient and family.

Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy

Typically, parents tend to schedule this surgery during their child’s school vacation or breaks over summer and the holiday season to recuperate from what used to be a drawn-out and sore recovery.  Sophisticated advances to tonsil removal now let kids  enjoy more of their free time and school vacation at the beach or lake with family and friends, instead of in pain at home.

Children and Surgery Topics: 

• Uh-Oh, Surgery! Making Your Decision
• Introducing the Topic to Your Child
• Tackling the Subject
• Getting Closer, Getting Ready
• The Day of Surgery – It’s Here
• The Ultimate Preparation List

This is an informative reference source for parents, grandparents or daycare providers to sooth a child’s fears before undergoing surgery for a Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy.

ISBN:  978-1-615999-053-5

Available at Amazon

© 2011 C. Matthews

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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1. Over The River and Through The Woods – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
2. Unique Christmas Decorations in New York | New York Christmas Trees | A Pinterest Christmas
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Living in New England, we have no other choice other than to make the best of what Old Man Winter sends our way. Each winter we try to take the grandchildren and attend the Winterfest and Ice Sculpture Carnival at Lyman Orchards, in Middlefield, Connecticut.

Things To Do In Connecticut

The Winterfest is an annual event and focuses on family fun. Lyman Orchards sponsors such themed events all year long.

Set in the quiet countryside of Middlefield, Connecticut, the family run operation and store is known for their home-made bakery pies, apple cider and produce. There were several food booths offering samples of Connecticut made Maple Syrup, my favorite Kettle Corn, Muffins, Apple Cider donuts, apple butter, soups and chowders.

There was plenty of activities going on that day ~ The Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club had several of their beautiful dogs there for all the kids to see and enjoy.

The ice carving demonstrations are simply amazing! Such talent! Families gather all around the ice carvers and watch their skills with the electric saws.

The younger teenage set gets decked out in their outdoor clothing and show off their snowboarding skills on the ramps that are set up. If there isn’t enough snow some years, snow making machines are brought in for effect.

My granddaughter’s favorite was the real igloo, and all the children were so anxious to get their photos taken in it! As grandparents, we had so much fun taking the grandchildren and treating them to food, fun and fresh air!

Find out more about the annual event usually held in February after Groundhog Day at: Lyman Orchards Winterfest

There’s also plenty of family-friendly events all year log. Lyman Orchards also features a golf-course. If you plan on being in Connecticut during this time of year, for more information

For the 2012 Schedule of Events Visit:

Lyman Orchards Events

Do you have a family and kid-friendly attraction, lodging, restaurant or event that you would like me to visit, write about and feature? To forward information and passes please Contact me.

© 2011 C. Matthews

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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1. Over The River and Through The Woods – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
2. Unique Christmas Decorations in New York | New York Christmas Trees | A Pinterest Christmas
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Remodel Bathroom Ideas

In an earlier post I mentioned that I live in New England and a lot of folks have a small bathroom in these older style of colonial homes.  We’ve redone our bath several times, but there’s always something in this old house that needs fixing.

Since The Home Depot is sponsoring this magnificent DIY promotion, I had the opportunity to play Martha Stewart and gussy up the downstairs bath powder room!

We have several projects planned to renew and redo our bath that are going to take longer to complete and aren’t done in time for this post.  The upstairs shower fixture needs to be replaced;  the sink faucet is corroded and needs to be replaced and the bathroom flooring is showing signs of wear and needs to be replaced.

• replace the outdated and corroded sink faucet and replace the broken toilet seat cover in the downstairs bath;
• replace the toilet seat in our upstairs main bath as the finish was being removed (probably from using too much bleach!)

Here are some before and after photos:

Home Remodeling

Along with increasing your home’s value, a bathroom remodeling project could help to improve the visual aspect of your home. Almost all bathroom remodeling projects are started to improve a bathroom, put differently, to cause it to look and function better than it was.  Whether your home just needs some sprucing up or your bathroom requires repairs to make it safe for your family, your bath will clearly benefit from a new facelift.  As a matter of fact, you may find that your bath not only looks greater, but the rest of your home does as well.

DIY Project Challenge

The Home Depot can help you to arrive at some practical ideas that will answer your questions about how to DIY and renew, redo or remodel a bathroom that fits your needs while looking a lot bigger. If you want a few suggestions to try, here are a few to look into that will make your small bathroom look modern and stylish.

Now is the right time to take on updating your bathroom for less!

The Home Depot offers in-store experts and online tools to provide inspiration, help you decide on what to buy for your new bathroom look and show you how to get it done right.

For More Information about easy ways to Renew and Redo your bath
visit today at:  The Home Depot

If you want to discover all the products available and learn about water conservation ideas, explore The Home Depot Bath main page

If you are looking for bath inspiration and how-to guides, click through to find great resources at The Home Depot Bath How-To-Center

The Home Depot stores invites you to join in on the challenge like I did, and make your bath look Magnificent!! One of my lucky readers will win a $100 Gift Card giveaway to The Home Depot stores! USA ONLY 18+

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)

Required Entry – Visit The Home Depot and leave a comment and tell me which featured product(s) you would buy and how you would renew and redo your bath if you won the $100 gift card AND become a GFC public blog follower – leave your name (sidebar) – 1 entry

Optional Extra Entries

* like Moomettes Magnificents on Facebook – 1 entry

* like The Home Depot on Facebook – 1 entry

* follow @HomeDepot on Twitter – 1 entry

* subscribe to my email updates – 1 entry

* subscribe to my RSS Feed – 1 entry

* leave a NEW comment on any non-giveaway post – 1 entry per day

* follow @Moomettes on Twitter and tweet this giveaway – 1 entry per day

* share/like this giveaway on Facebook (button above or below) – 1 entry per day

* review Moomettes Magnificents on Alexa. Writing a review will help our rating and be enable us to offer more magnificent giveaways to you!

This contest will run until February 13, 2011 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

The Home Depot works with bloggers such as myself to conduct product reviews. They do not tell bloggers what to say about their products or how to say it. The Home Depot fundamentally believes that people should be free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot often provides product – free of charge – to bloggers for review as they did for this post. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations

© 2011 C. Matthews

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Over The River and Through The Woods – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
2. Unique Christmas Decorations in New York | New York Christmas Trees | A Pinterest Christmas
3. 6 Holiday DIY Decorating Craft Ideas and Appetizer Recipes | A Pinterest Christmas

I’m a Porsche 911 ~ Not bad for a Gram, eh?

You have a classic style, but you’re up-to-date with the latest technology. You’re ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige – you’re one of the elite,and you know it.

Take the quiz – this was actually sent to me via e-mail, but I just had to share!

Christmas in New England | Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree? is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Over The River and Through The Woods – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
2. Unique Christmas Decorations in New York | New York Christmas Trees | A Pinterest Christmas
3. 6 Holiday DIY Decorating Craft Ideas and Appetizer Recipes | A Pinterest Christmas