For Tori

tori.jpg

Last summer, my phone went off with a text early one morning.  It wasn’t making sense to me.  I was so confused to be waking up to those words.  Trying to understand what was happening, I reached out for answers, he wrote right back.  I put my head down and cried.

My friend unexpectedly lost his precious little girl.  He doesn’t live 5 minutes from me anymore; he lives hundreds of miles away, but over the days, weeks, and months that followed I tried to make sure I was there when he wanted to talk.  When I think about his wife and 2 other kids, I look at my own and remind myself to see little Tori’s sparkling eyes.  I did not have the pleasure of meeting her, but I have listened to her father talk about her, and I have read the  stories loved ones have written about her.  In her 2 years, she made a remarkable impression on those around her.

Tori’s death was ruled Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood {SUDC}. I was familiar with SIDS from worrying about it when my kids were newborns, but I was not aware of SUDC.  It is defined as “the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of 12 months. ”

They are having an event on 7.20.13 at the North Suburban YMCA in Illinois to celebrate her life.  If you cannot attend, consider making a donation.  Every little bit helps.  Please take a moment to pop over to the Tori Wilensky Foundation page, then LIKE the Moves Like Tori Facebook page.  Read about her.  Read about how much joy she gave others.  Look at her pictures, and give your own children an extra hug today…for Tori.

 

 

 

Lovely Lauren {part 2}

Um, HI. Seriously.

Remember when I talked about my former dance student?  She now has online classes that you can participate in.  I tried it last month and it was amazing.  Hard for an old mom like myself, but really great!  Lauren has the best attitude, and she really welcomes you in.  My kids started to interfere with my motivation {don’t they always}, so I would recommend signing up for a class when you know you will be without distractions.  If you have an internet connection, you can work your body out with Lauren.  You can read all about what I think of her here  , but please head over to her site to learn more. She even has a code for 1 free class.  TRY IT!

Lauren Hefez & LIKE her Facebook Page Sweat With lauren hefez

Photo: Lucie Wicker Photography Stylist: B.Fetching

Edge Studio of Dance

I only have positive things to say about one of my favorite establishments…EVER.  Kim & Jeannie are the owners/directors, and I have known them my entire life.  I love them and I am grateful to them for allowing me to teach at Edge.  Dance season #6 is just about to kick off, and I can feel the excitement!  If your child is looking for a dance school with tons to offer, and you are local to Canton, you MUST head over to the open house.  Boys & girls are welcome!  There are so many class options to choose from, but they are filling up fast.  Throughout the year, they also offer workshops taught by Broadway dancers, or other well-known dance professionals.  In October, we will be visited by members of ABDC’s 8 Flavahz!  The website address is listed below.  There you can learn more about the classes & policies.

Open House & Registration are held on Thursdays–Tonight {16th} along with the 23rd and 30th from 4-8pm!

Prime Pilates

I have known Julie since she was a little girl, and I cannot think of a time when she wasn’t full of energy & life!  She has owned her own Pilates studio for almost 3 years now, and I am so proud of all she has accomplished.  She is running some Barre Classes that will be sure to get you in shape.  It doesn’t matter if summer is almost over, you are going to want to look hot in your skinny jeans and boots this fall!

Prime Pilates Barre Classes: If you’re looking to trim and tone your thighs, buttocks, abs and arms, then Prime Pilates  is where you need to go for the Barre workout you have been wanting to try but just didn’t know where.  Combining Pilates and cardio you will leave feeling energized, worked and wanting more.  Monday 9am, Wednesday 4pm and Friday 6:30am.  $20 drop in class fee or $90.00 for 5 classes and your 6th class FREE!

Prime Pilates

28 Pond St. Sharon, Ma

781.784.8458   - julie@prime-pilates.com

www.prime-pilates.com  and make sure to LIKE her page on Facebook HERE

{BE SURE TO CALL ASAP TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.  SPACE IS LIMITED}

Melissa’s Fancy Fruit

I heard about a local mom who started a delicious business, and I was intrigued.  Fruit doused in chocolate & caramel…sign me up!

I contacted her to try some goodies.  We selected 2 gourmet apples, one dark chocolate, one milk, both with coconut.  I got them home, and dug into mine for a late breakfast. {Don’t judge}  It was divine!  She sent us home with some fancy {I like fancy} strawberries. I was lucky to fend off the kids just long enough to snap a picture of them.  So cute, right?

Her family is in the apple business! { Nasiff Fruit Company }  How great is that?  I can attest that the apples were juicy & crisp.  She can make all sorts of creations with apples, strawberries, and pears.  Plus, Melissa is super sweet, and can help you customize your order.  These make fabulous gifts.  Don’t forget about your kid’s teachers!  Her attention to detail & presentation are great.  I’m all about the presentation!

Show her some love by liking her Facebook page, and be sure to look at the pics too!

Thanks to Melissa &  Best of Luck !  Check her out here:   Melissa’s Fancy Fruits

Tryst Restaurant

My old friend, Paul Turano, owns this amazing restaurant in Arlington, Ma! He is a highly acclaimed chef and SUCH a great person.  We had the pleasure of dining at Tryst earlier this year, and it was delicious! They have since revamped the menu & remodeled, so I cannot wait to go back.  He also holds private cooking classes for groups of 20+.  Head in to purchase a gift certificate for 20% off.  Certificates cannot be used until December 1st…perfect spot for your holiday dinner!  Like Tryst’s Facebook page to stay up to date.

Tryst 

 

Lovely Lauren

I wish she lived in my house. 

I taught her dance when she was little, and I am so proud of the woman she has become.  I loved seeing her way back when, because she was always upbeat and smiling.  I am beyond thrilled to see that she hasn’t changed.  Now, I’m going to stalk her videos to get back into shape…she is inspiring!  If you are in Boston, you should take one of her fitness classes.

Below you will find her amazing arm series workout.  Be sure to check out her blog for more videos.

Lauren Hefez

 PLUS….she paints!  She is  a creative powerhouse!

Like her Facebook Page HERE

Thru Blu

   My cousin just launched her own site! 

 

“Thru Blu is a contemporary fashion line consisting of one-of-a-kind apparel, jewelry and accessories for women who want to stay in vogue while maintaining their own edge and incomparable style.”

  

There is apparel and jewelry to choose from.  Be sure to visit frequently, as she is always adding something unique and exciting.

Thru Blu

Seed-Starting 101

We have a special guest blogger today!!!  I’ve known Sarah since the 80′s (gag,we’re old)  She is amazing at so many things and even has her own website now.  www.LittleSunflowerFarm.com

  Last year, I did grow enough to feed a small human, for a snack….2 lil squash and 2 green beans.  Clearly, I need tips!!!  I asked her to lend a hand, and she rose to the occasion…

SEED-STARTING 101

It’s SPRING!!!!  (According to the calendar anyway!  Don’t look out the window or you’ll think it’s still January!)  Time to get those seeds started for your very first or annual garden plot!  If you don’t have lots of space, do not worry!!  Many veggies can be grown in containers on porches or in small yards! Tomatoes, Peppers, & Eggplant are some  ideas of what to start (indoors) now: (with the goal of planting out after last frost — late May in New England… peppers and eggplant need a bit longer)

What you need:

  • Seeds!! 
  • Seed trays – not a necessity, but they make this almost fool-proof: available almost anywhere.  These have a clear plastic cover and a solid colored base — come in 2 parts — usually include seed starting mix, but you might want to pick up a bag just in case. 
  • Seed Starting Mix (NOT GARDEN SOIL or POTTING SOIL) – this is different and is better for seed starting.  Less bacteria & fungus.
  • Water! 
  • Some light source — can be a sunny window, but a stronger light is usually better — nothing fancy — even a desk lamp-type light works well.

What to do:

  • Gather all supplies, then place the Seed-Starting Mix into the Seed Tray cells (egg cartons can also be used, or any small containers — yogurt, cream cheese, etc.  Poke holes in the bottom for drainage.)           
  • Water the Seed Starting Mix and let the water get absorbed (this may take a while — don’t rush it).  Mix should feel soft and damp, but not soggy.
  • Once watered, place seeds into containers/ seed tray cells.  Usually 1-2 seeds per seed cell or egg carton space. (More may fit into small plastic containers, but do not crowd the seeds. They get grumpy!)    
  • Now cover with the clear plastic cover and set in a dark, warm area.  (Check your seed packet — most seeds need dark to germinate/ sprout — a few need light).  Many people use the top of the fridge for this step, or someplace warm. (Many seeds need 65-75 degree temps to germinate).  If the area is not dark, you can cover plastic with a small towel to block light.  If using egg cartons or containers, cover with plastic wrap.
  •  Check your seeds daily.  Water from the bottom.  (Into the bottom tray of a Seed Tray.. or if using containers/ egg cartons, place in a pizza box and water from below.  Have lots of towels handy!!  This is why the seed trays are a bit easier.).  Too much water is just as bad as no water.  Tricky finding the right amount in the beginning, but water just a bit so not soggy.
  • Check seed packet for days til germination (can be 2-3 days to 21 days or so, depending on what you’re growing).  Once you see sprouts (YAY!!!), remove cover and place either in sunny window (south facing is best), or under a light source.  Many seedlings need about 18 hours of light for best results, which is why it is best to use additional light.
  • Once there are 2 sets of leaves –the first set are cotyledon , and the next are “True Leaves”, you can repot seedling into a slightly larger container using POTTING SOIL.  This has more nutrients for healthier growth.  Continue to provide light and water (just enough), and repot as the plant outgrows its space… 

Wait until after the last frost for planting outside, usually late May for New England.  About a week before you plant out, “harden off” your plants by bringing them outside for a few hours a day and placing them in a shady spot, to gradually get them used to wind and harsh sun.  Other plants to start from seed could be cucumbers, squashes but these only need 4 weeks or so before planting out, so it is not necessary to start seeds until mid-late April or so. 

 The number one rule for starting seeds is my number one rule for life:
HAVE FUN!!!

A HUGE THANKS TO SARAH FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF HER BUSY LIFE TO WRITE FOR US!  XO

Here are some resources she used:

www.grit.com
www.seedsofchange.com  (all organic)
www.johnnyseeds.com
www.organicgardening.com

Photograph: Ivonne Wierink-vanWetten

Nantucket Notables

Kara, my dear friend, owns a fabulous boutique in downtown Plymouth, Ma.
They specialize in gorgeous stationary, invitations, and customized gifts!

 Please  ”Like” on Facebook  by clicking here Nantucket Notables.

UPDATE: The physical storefront has closed, but you can shop online here http://nantucketnotables.com/

Search & Win