We could learn a lot about love and tolerance from animals....

Just a beautiful Shepard and his Owl....

Breathtaking Photos





Click the link above to see the photographer info etc.

Old Photos - Only in CT

I signed up for ONLY IN YOUR STATE emails to arrive daily.  So many cool and amazing things come through about Connecticut. This photo below was taken on Main Street in Hartford in 1885 at a bicycle parade.  Look at the horses!  Look at those old bicycles with the huge front wheel!  It's amazing to this people lived this way.  I love this website.  Each state has their own and you can sign up for as many as you like.  CLICK HERE for more old photos like the one below.

PHOTO CREDIT: Frank L. Hale/SSF - Bicycles and Tricycles/Library of Conress


President Roosevelt was in Willimantic in 1902 on a Tour of the Northeast.

PHOTO CREDIT: Underwood & Underwood/STEREO PRES FILE - Roosevelt, Theodore
Tour through New England--1902 /Library of Congress

A few of the park in downtown Hartford.  Look at the old car!!  The Capital!!  How did they construct all of these things back in the day?  So cool!  This is from 1906.

Old Images of Connecticut/Facebook

I love a good tearjerker!!!!

I am a HUGE movie buff.  H.U.G.E.  Especially if it's about love or relationships...  LOVE EM!

If you haven't seen this movie, YOU MUST!  Not only do I love Richard Gere, J. Lo. and Susan Sarandon but the story line and all around acting was fabulous. 

I get weepy watching this clip.

Plus, this song!!!!!!    The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel.. 

Pass the tissues!!!!!

Purify Your Home with These 7 Houseplants

The month of January is usually all about improvement. You get a gym membership, you begin eating healthier, you buy a planner, and you start recycling. In this season of self-care, it's good to reflect on how our home benefits us - specifically, the things within our home. Houseplants are a great addition to any dwelling, not only because they visually make spaces feel more "alive," but because they are also good at improving health and productivity. Want some more good news? There are also air-purifying houseplants that can naturally clean out organic pollutants in your home. Check out these attractive plants that can make your home happier and healthier in the new year.          

According to a NASA study of houseplants for indoor air pollution abatement, there are certain plants that are way better at air purification than others. The study found that low-light plants were among the best at being able to remove trace amounts of organic formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Here are seven of my favorite plants from that list. Bonus: they're all really easy to care for.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

A number of the greens on this list of air-purifying houseplants are tropical. When you think tropical, think the rainforest. High moisture, but not constant rainfall, with sunlight filtering through the dense trees. Tropical plants love being misted with a spray bottle, and their soil should be kept damp but not soaking wet. They love warm climates, and indirect light. The Chinese Evergreen is classic, and well-loved due to its ease of care and big, beautiful leaves. 

---

Janet Craig (Dracaena)

Meet Janet. She's from Africa, and she is a no-fuss type of gal. She likes low light, doesn't care for hot climates, and requires infrequent watering. When indoors, she can grow anywhere from 6 to 8 feet tall!

---

Spider plant (Chlorophytum elatum)

This plant can adapt to a variety of situations, but is happiest when in bright, indirect light, seated in well-draining soil. It likes taking showers, and prefers to stay moist, but not soaking wet. It is one of the best at maintaining air quality control, but is picky when it comes to what kind of water it likes. Give your spider plant filtered water if possible, as the extra fluoride in regular tap water tends to turn the tips of the leaves brown. 

---

Aloe vera

You know it for its ability to soothe burns, but aloe vera makes it on my air-purifying houseplants list for being able to remove pollutants from the air. Aloe vera is a plant that can do a lot, and it doesn't ask for much in return. It likes to stay on the dry side, prefers quick-draining soil, and enjoys indirect light. 

---

Pothos (Scindapsus aures)

NASA's study on air-purifying houseplants determined that it's the low-light plants that are the best for air quality. This is great news if you don't live in a particularly sunny place, or are needing a plant for the more poorly-lit areas in your home (like the restroom). The pothos can grow in all kinds of light conditions, including low light. Their outreaching limbs make them great plants to hang or drape from up high - which is the best place for them if you have kids or pets, as they are considered poisonous.

---

Snake plant (Sansevieria)

This plant, also known as "Mother-in-law's tongue," is infamous for its ability to survive in the midst of total neglect. It's hard to kill, and easy to take care of. It's also pretty good at removing pollutants from the air! To keep a snake plant happy, don't over-water it, and do allow the soil to dry completely in between waterings. While they can deal with most light conditions, their favorite kind of light is indirect.

---

Warneck dracaena (Warneckii)

Our last plant is another classic, and requires the same conditions as the Chinese Evergreen. I.e., think rainforest.

I copy and pasted this post.  This is not my post.  You can find the full post here.

Don't you just love good people?

How sweet is this story? 

Don't you just love good people?

I am ALL ABOUT Lord Huron right now!!!

I love it when a good song tells a fabulous story and it's well written like the one below!

Quirky, catchy, folksy... This song puts me in a good mood! Makes me want to go on an adventure!!

Ends of the Earth

By: Lord Huron

Oh, there's a river that winds on forever

I'm gonna see where it leads

Oh, there's a mountain that no man has mounted
I'm gonna stand on the peak

Out there's a land that time don't command
Wanna be the first to arrive
No time for ponderin' why I'm a-wanderin'
Nowhere the buses lay

To the ends of the earth would you follow me?
There's a world that was meant for our eyes to see
To the ends of the earth would you follow me?
If you won't I must say my goodbyes to thee

Oh, there's an island where all things are silent
I'm gonna whistle a tune
Oh, there's a desert that size can't be measured
I'm gonna count all the dunes

Out there's a world that calls for me, girl
Headin' out into the unknown
Wayfarin' strangers and all kinds of danger
Please don't say I'm going alone

To the ends of the earth would you follow me?
There's a world that was meant for our eyes to see
To the ends of the earth would you follow me?
If you won't I must say my goodbyes to thee

I was a-ready to die for you, baby
Doesn't mean I'm ready to stay
What good is livin' a life you've been given
If all you do is stand in one place

I'm on a river that winds on forever
Follow 'til I get where I'm goin'
Maybe I'm headin' to die but I'm still gonna try
I guess I'm goin' alone

One of the Best Ever!

Wicked Game

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you

It's strange what desire will make foolish people do

I'd never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you

I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No I don't want to fall in love

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

No I don't want to fall in love

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

With you

With you

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

What a wicked game you played to make me feel this way

What a wicked thing to do to let me dream of you

What a wicked thing to say you never felt this way

What a wicked thing to do to make me dream of you

And I don't want to fall in love

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

No I don't want to fall in love

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

With you

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you

It's strange what desire will make foolish people do

I'd never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you

I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No I don't want to fall in love

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

No I don't want to fall in love

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

With you

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

With you

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

No I

(this girl is only gonna break your heart)

(This girl is only gonna break your heart)

Nobody loves no one

Songwriters: CHRIS ISAAK

© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

For non-commercial use only.

Data from: LyricFind

Hum Nutrition - Gut Instinct

As I was reading through the ingredients of these pills...it's no wonder my stomach has felt so much better since I started taking them at the beginning of November 2017.  I am so excited I can barely hide it!  If you have stomach pain, you know what I'm saying!!!

Here is a rundown:

Lactobacillus Acidophilus – A commonly used probiotic and research indicates that it can be beneficial for the gastrointestinal health.  The health boosting strain also helps by producing vitamin K and lactase.

Bifidobacterium Lactis – This probiotic, common in dairy products such as yogurt, provides excellent immune support by existing harmful microbes.  It is also excellent support for the stomach and intestinal tract.

Lactobacillus Plantarum – This strain of the probiotic bacteria blend offers a boost to your immune system by helping protect your body from toxic microorganisms.

Bifidobacterium Longum – This colon-friendly organism is made up of enzymes that digest proteins and also helps protect your cells from harmful toxins.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus – Has plentiful health benefits to keep your gut sharp and well.

Strepto Thermophilus – A powerful probiotic strain, this friendly organism boosts health all around by enhancing immunity and improving digestion.

Lactobacillus Paracasei – This probiotic typically found in yogurt can strengthen and enhance the important and healthy bacteria in your intestines to give your immune system and digestive tract a powerful ally.

Bifidobacterium Breve – A powerful friend to the digestive tract, where it promotes gut health with a superior ability to break down many types of food.

Lactobacillus Salivarius – By producing enzymes that are toxic to undesirable bacteria, it’s instrumental in achieving balance and efficiency in the intestines and in improving immune function.

Lactobacillus Casei – This probiotic contributes to a healthy gut with a wealth of gastrointestinal benefits.

Bring on the Live Music!!

The 10 Best Live Music Venues in Connecticut!




Click the link above this picture to check out the venues...  can  you tell I already have SPRING FEVER!!!!  I want to be outside with a cocktail in hand, listening to some FEEL GOOD MUSIC!

#hurrytheeffupsummer

I just copied and forwarded this post, the info is not mine and I am not taking any credit for it.  I just want to pass along the good info.

I love a good road trip!

I follow this site called ONLY IN YOUR STATE.  Since I live in CT, I follow the CT one.  I also follow Mass and NH since they are not too far from me as well.  Anyways, this awesome little diddy was posted today and I will certainly be taking advantage of this, this Summer.  I love a good road trip and also LOVE the ocean/beach so I am looking forward to it.  CLICK THIS LINK if you want the directions too.  They will automatically pull up in Google Maps.  Happy Roadtripping!

#roadtrippinisbitchin

Absolutely Incredible!

Trying to lose weight is a bitch.  Sorry, but it is.  You have to be diligent and have some way to tell yourself NO when you should not eat something that is not on your weightloss plan or you're hungry at the wrong time and eating too late is not good either.  It's a vicious cycle until you can really get yourself motivated and on a specific schedule. 

CHECK OUT THESE CHAMPS!

I find this to be very motivating!  What a difference less than a year can make if  you put your mind to it!  BRAVO to this family!!!

I just have to keep telling myself.... "you're either IN, or you're IN THE WAY".



#losingweightisabitch

I Jumped On This Bandwagon!

Turmeric is something special!  

(Well, technically, it's the curcumin in it)

Click this link above and read this story and you will be amazed!  It makes you wonder about BIG PHARMA and what they don't want you to know!!

25 Reasons Why Turmeric Can Heal You - Check this out too!  

I have started turmeric every other day just to see what it might do to my insides.  I have a sensitive stomach.  So far, so good.  I am going to start taking it every day.  750mg for now.  The pills are expensive when I think about the other vitamins I take daily.  But, hey, it's worth it!  I must say, I started taking all of these vitamins at the beginning of NOvember and I can honestly say I have NOT had any stomach issues since then.  And I usually have a lot of pain and discomfort quite often.  But, FINGERS CROSSED and NO JINXIES, the vitamins helped me!!!  Here is what I have been taking in case you are thinking about starting some.  I am 40 now so I can't keep putting things like this off.  Plus, it will make me feel like I am being held accountable to STAY ON THEM!  I am the QUEEN of starting... but my follow through is NO BUENO = SUCKS!

Here is what I take every single morning....   

Daily Cleanse

(click this link to get more information)

 Helps clear your skin & body from toxins*

·           Cleanses your skin, liver, bowel, kidneys and lungs

·           Organic Algae

·           Cleansing Minerals

·           15 Detox Herbs

"Organic Chlorella Algae: The Telegraph reports that chlorella is an underutilized healthy superfood. Chlorella contains 9 essential amino acids, as well as vitamins, minerals, and is packed with protein. Further, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University has done research confirming chlorella's ability to help boost immune systems. Sources: Lambert, Victoria. "Chlorella: the superfood that helps fight disease." The Telegraph. Bladderwrack: Antioxidant effects, laxative effects, and the ability to improve skin elasticity have all been associated with bladderwrack in an Overview of Research sponsored by Gaia Herbs. The overview emphasized bladderwrack's applications in thyroid health and function and lipid metabolism specifically. Sources: Bove, N.D. Mary. "Bladderwrack: An overview of research." Gaia Herbs. Red Clover Extract: Red clover is rich in isoflavones, chemicals found in plants that have similar properties to estrogen. Studies have thus shown that red clover is supportive for menopausal women. Red clover has also been used in traditional medicine to purify the blood and cleanse the body. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a compound in the body that protects the body from oxidative stress and keeps the body cells functioning properly. Studies have shown ALA to be a vital antioxidant that protects the body's cells and aids in energy production. Source: Odabasoglu F, et al. Lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties: an experimental study in rats with carrageenan-induced acute and cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammations." Br J Nutr. 2011 Jan;105(1). NCBI. NLM. NIH. Milk Thistle: Research has looked into silymarin, a key extract of milk thistle, as a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that block the action of activated oxygen molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells."

Gut Instinct

(click this link to get more information)

 Supports a flatter stomach & healthy digestion

·           Flatter stomach

·           Improved Digestion

"Probiotic Blend: Multiple studies have looked into the benefit of probiotics for health and digestive issues. A clinical trial showed that the probiotic bifidobacterium lactis resulted in improvements in measured abdominal girth and gastrointestinal transit, as well as reduced symptomatology. A double-blind study published in 2011 found that probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis improve symptoms of bloating in patients with functional bowel disorders, and affirms the role of probiotic bacteria in management of these disorders. The Mayo Clinic cites mixed studies on the benefits of probiotics for health and digestive issues. Combination probiotic supplements have been shown to affect the adult immune system. L. acidophilus may also help standard therapies for partial bowel blockages. While most evidence is preliminary or mixed, Lactobacillus and other probiotics have been suggested to help digestion and enhance the immune system. Sources: "Lactobacillus acidophilus." University of Maryland Medical Center. "Acidophilus." Mayo Clinic. Agrawal A, et al. "Clinical trial: the effects of fermented milk product containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 on abdominal distension and gastrointestinal transit in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation." Ailment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Jan; 29(1). NCBI. NLM. NIH. Ringel-Kulka T, et al. "Probiotic bacter Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 versus placebo for the symptoms fo bloating in patients with functional bowel disorders: a double-blind study." J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Jul; 45(6). PubMed. NCBI. NLM. NIH."

Flatter Me

(click this link to get more information)

 Potent probiotic that benefits your skin, health & beauty

·           25 billion organisms

·           10 strain probiotic

·           boosts your overall health & wellbeing

"Digestive Enzyme Blend: The University of Michigan Health Center cites studies that link digestive enzymes with multiple health benefits. In a double-blind trial, a form of pancreatic enzymes was shown to significantly reduce gas, bloating, and fullness after a high-fat meal. A later preliminary study of people with indigestion reported significant improvement in almost all of those given pancreatic enzyme supplements. Source: "Digestive Enzymes". University of Michigan Health System. Peppermint: A Harvard Health Publication cites studies that link peppermint to easing symptoms of indigestion. Source: Robb-Nicholson, M.D., Celeste. "Health Benefits of Peppermint." Health Beat. Harvard Health Publications. July 2007. Fennel seed: NYU Langone Medical Center cites that some studies hint at a number of potential medicinal effects of fennel or its constituents, such as relaxing smooth muscles, stimulating the flow of bile. Source: "Fennel." NYU Langone Medical Center."

Here is what I take every single evening....

Juice Plus+ Orchard & Garden Blend

(click this link to get more information)

Orchard Blend / Fruit

Garden Blend / Veggies

Sweetness Galore Would Be An Understatement

MONICA + ANDY

I mean, come on!  How cute are these?

Baby Harem Pants!!!!  ha ha ...  omg!  ADORABLE!

Super duper cute hat!  WOLVES!!!  Grrrr!

Tweet Tweet!

Mahola!

Hello striped cutie!

UNICORNS!

PINEAPPLES!

A Lil Cherry Romper!!!  OMG!!

WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roseanne

I could not be more thrilled to hear this show will be back on...  I loved it as a kid and look forward to laughing at the new show!