Apple Picking, Pumpkin Picking and the Lego Store

What a fun, family day at Battlefield Orchards in Freehold, NJ.  

What a fun day we had at Battlefield Orchards in Freehold, NJ. The hay rides were closed that day, but we had a great time apple picking and pumpkin picking.  The weather has been absolutely beautiful here at the Jersey Shore.  Even though it’s Fall, it feels like summer time and I love it!  I do like Fall, but I am one of those people that never wants summer to end.  The past few years New Jersey’s Fall weather has felt more like Spring, and I couldn’t be happier.

Check out our apples!  Mmmm… I smell apple pie!!

Here’s a video of our fun day!

 

Carries Kiddie Closet

Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo, Secaucus, NJ

What a fun time we had this weekend at the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo in Secaucus, NJ.   Check out some of the awesome vendors here!   Here’s a video from the event and be sure to follow us to see more of the goodies that I got to try at the event.

Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo, Secaucus, NJ

We are so excited to be an official blogger for the GF Expo in Secaucus, New Jersey on October 15th & 16th.  Udi’s and Glutino are the official sponsors this year and I can’t wait to meet all the vendors and see what amazing gluten free products are out there.

There are always so many vendors at this expo and they hand out so many coupons.  My favorite part is getting to try samples from  many different vendors. It’s a great way to try a product before you buy it.   They also have some wonderful classes as well.  You can see a list of classes here.

There are so many vendors attending this year, including Enjoy Life, Garden Lites, Go Raw. Banza, Earth Balance, Bakery On Main, just to name a few.  Be sure to follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram for live updates from the expo and follow us on you tube for a review after the event.

To purchase tickets click here.

20% off w/ code ADVANCE (thru 10/14)

Exploring Grounds For Sculpture

 We have been wanting to visit for a long time.  I have seen pictures from friends who have went before and it looked like so much fun.  What an amazing day of exploration and discovery.  Each path leads to another exciting discovery.  This place is what I would call simply magical in every way.  The sculptures are incredible and the fact that you can walk around in nature and see such beautiful pieces of art surrounded by wildlife is  what I loved the most.  I am someone who loves being in nature more than anything, which is probably why I don’t particularly love the cold winters in New Jersey.

We passed several sculptures and then came to the most beautiful walkway lined with trees.  I would say that this is where the magic begins.  Walking through the path felt like I was transformed into a different world.  Once on the other side, there were so many incredible sculptures and each one tells it’s own story.

I think it’s fun to try to figure out what the artist was thinking  when designing these pieces.  Sometimes I think only the artist knows the true meaning, and than other times I think there is really no meaning at all and it is up to anyone looking at it to determine what it really means.  I guess it’s up to you to determine for yourself.

We had fun walking around and taking pictures.  We kept trying to figure out why these sculptures below have their arms wrapped.  Did they feel like they had no voice, no say in something in their lives or no control, perhaps. I guess we will never know.

The picture below is the one I had the most fun with.  I kept imagining being in the middle of that party, talking, laughing and just having fun.  My son Davey and husband Kevin had fun with it too.

I think the picture below is probably one of my favorite exhibits.  It reminds me of the times I sat in Brookdale Park when I was growing up, imagining my future and wondering what life I would have someday.  She reminds me of those days.

The picture below just reminds me of peace for some reason.  Just a girl, sitting on the edge of the water feeling happy and at peace with everything.

What a fun picture of Kevin and my son just hanging out on the boardwalk …

I took the picture with Marilyn Monroe for my dad, he just loved her.

It was nice to see that the Peacock Cafe had some gluten free and vegan items.  I got the Mediterranean sandwich on gluten free bread and without the cheese and some sweet potato chips.  It was really good!

Of course I had to make Kevin and Davey take their pictures with these sculptures.  Hmm…trying to figure out why these sculptures have no head on them, no idea. That’s a tough one!

There were not only wonderful sculptures, but also beautiful flowers as well.  I was able to get some really nice shots.

We had such a fun day and if you can get to New Jersey, I suggest stopping by Grounds of Sculpture.  You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks for reading!

Click here to see a video vlog from our trip!

Here’s my son finding pokemon!

Here are a few more pictures below…

Herbs Thai Kitchen

We stopped in to Herbs Thai Kitchen in Brick and I was able to get a really nice gluten free, dairy free meal. The staff was so friendly and they were more than willing to accommodate my gluten free and dairy free issues.  They also have vegan options as well.  

I ordered the pineapple curry shrimp. It was made with coconut milk and there were a lot of shrimp. It was a nice meal, but it is very spicy and I do wish it had more veggies.  It comes with a side of white rice.  I will definitely ask for my dish to be milder next time I go, but I will definitely go back.   I enjoyed the meal and love that they were able to adjust the menu for me.

The restaurant was very nice and the menu is quite extensive.  They have a lot of meat dishes, but also vegetable dishes as well.  Most of the menu can be adjusted for gluten free and dairy free, except the appetizers.  

Here’s a brief video from our visit. 

Back To School

My son started high school today.  I am still trying to figure out how this happened.  How did time go by so fast.  So many birthdays, so many moments and I swear that they all just happened yesterday.  I think High School is the one I dreaded the most.  Kids are striving for independence and yet you still want to hold them close.  I am so excited for my son and for all the wonderful things to come in life.  I still remember that first day of high school.  I was so shy and did not know hardly anyone in my class. I managed to somehow find my way to a class and I remember that feeling.  Sitting there looking at all these kids faces and wondering, will they like me?  Will I fit in?  How lucky I was when this girl tapped me on my back.  I remember turning behind and seeing this adorable blonde girl with a funky hat, make up and an cute outfit.  We started talking and that was it.  We were best friends for all 4 years I was in high school.

I remember one day I was sitting in front of my high school watching my friends joking around and laughing and I remember thinking, there will be a time when I will wish that I could be back there, just for a moment.  I thought of that today as I watched my son walk out the door, knowing this is the beginning of many magical moments he will have in his life.

People say that high school years are the best years, but while I had fun, I say all the years that come after, life just gets better and better.  I am thankful for all of the wonderful memories from my high school years, the friends and the kids I knew.  But to me, my life could not be any better than it is right now.  My family is my life and every day is amazing.

It’s Back To School At The Hughes House

World War Brick 2016

Last month we took a trip to Hartford, CT to attend the World War II Brick 2016 event. The World War II event is dedicated to modeling historic scenes, vehicles and weaponry using Legos.  It is absolutely amazing to see these pieces in person. My son saved for months leading up to the event so he could buy some Brick Arms, including a Russian Tank.

Here’s some pictures from the event. Unfortunately, it will not be held IN CT next year and will be too far for us to attend.  I’m so glad we decided to make the trip this year.  We made it a fun weekend and stayed overnight.

There was lots of shopping from tanks, to Brick Arms and custom military mini figs. There were also games and the builder signed kits.

Since Connecticut is over 3 hours away, we decided to stay at the Radison Hotel overnight.  We went into the pool and had a nice dinner in the hotel. They had some nice gluten free options. I had the gluten free burger with garlic string beans and salad with Italian Dressing and it was delicous.

Here’s a a cute picture of my husband at dinner.

The next day we had a long drive home. This trip was so much fun and my son Davey and I made some vlogs … check them out below.

Click to see my vlog from the weekend!

Here’s my son’s vlog!