Vermont Snow Covered Walkway Bridge and Stream-Wordless Wednesday

New England Treasures

Everywhere I go in Vermont, no matter what season – there’s always a photo opportunity waiting for me!

The state recently received over 30 inches of snow from the monstrous blizzard last week that affected the East Coast.

My BFF from kindergarten lives in Enfield, New Hampshire. She owns Bearly Used Books, a really cute used book store, complete with pellet stoves, and recently sent me a book on how to shoot scenic photography.

This scenic picture was taken on the way to Northfield, Vermont – home to Norwich University.

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

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Connecticut Farm Barn and Pasture – Wordless Wednesday

Off The Beaten Path

Earlier this month there was a tragedy at a clean energy power plant being built in Connecticut along the Connecticut River.  My husband and I were out for a ride in Portland, just across the narrowest part of the river from Middletown, where the plant was located.   We were able to see the remains of the plant from the road.

Along the way with nothing in site except a small baby eagle, soaring overhead looking for dinner, we passed this quaint farm barn.

I didn’t have my digital camera with me, so this was the best I could do with my cell phone.

Next month I’m giving away a ticket to BlogHer10 in New York City. If you win, you might want to stop by and visit New England and see my neck of the woods! Check out my post for more info!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Snow What Winter Olympics? Find Me at the Lodge

What Kind of Snow Bunny Are You?

After the blizzard the Mid-Atlantic states and Washington D.C. experienced this week, we in Connecticut were lucky we missed it.

But our turn in New England is coming on Wednesday!

How do you handle snow?  Does your inner-child come out?  Maybe you always dreamed of participating in the Winter Olympics! Do you rush off to go skiing, snowboarding, skating or sledding? Do you hunker down inside, or maybe go on a cruise or fly south like the snowbirds from up North do?

I just took this little test – and if you read through my posts and 101 Random Things About Me – you’ll see it’s right on the mark! Look for me inside the Ski Lodge!

You Are a Snow Kitten

You like snow in small doses. You find snow to be comforting, and you love to snuggle up under a blanket of snow. You’re not a big fan of the hassles of snow. You’re happy to see it come, but you’re also happy to see it go. Go ahead and venture out in the snow from time to time! Throw a snowball or make a snow angel. You have an inner snow bunny inside you, and it’s time to let that bunny play.

Are You a Snow Bunny?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Guide to Walt Disney World With Preschoolers: Review and Giveaway

Disney Tips for Traveling With Preschoolers

Plan a Magical Vacation That is Perfect For Your Family

I’ve had the opportunity to review a new book that takes all the guesswork out of planning for a trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers in tow.

My oldest daughter fondly remembers our family vacation to Disney World when she was younger.  I saved for almost a year, and paid for the entire vacation in cash.

The girls were 7 and 11 at the time, in 1994.  We went towards the end of August when the rates were somewhat less expensive, and stayed directly on the grounds in Florida at the Polynesian Resort.  I don’t mind the heat since I live in New England.  Actually I thrive in it!

Now that my daughter has two toddlers of her own, she’s been making “noises” about wanting to revisit Disney with their kids, who are 1 and 3.   Both my daughter and charming son-in-law are extremely close to both sets of parents.  They’d really like that the grandparents can all join in together for a memorable family trip.

As a parent, you already know that you don’t want to have to carry your preschooler around in your arms all  day. You couldn’t possibly make it through the day!  You also can’t expect your child to walk all day long.

Beyond the Attractions:  A guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers by Lisa M. Battista (BookSurge) is a definite must-read book.

Lisa Battista answers common and not-so-common questions in Beyond the Attractions such as advance reservations; the best time to visit; sleeping away from home and more that will assure that your family vacation is enjoyable and stress free:

Strollers – Strollers are not only welcome at Disney World, they’re highly recommended. In fact, Disney World rents strollers for a reasonable fee.  My suggestion would be to tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park.

FastPass – You don’t want to spend your entire Disney World vacation standing in long lines. This can be avoided by using Disney World FastPass. FastPass can be obtained from kiosks located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn’t mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It’s more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day – at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you’re free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park.

Many other tips to help you maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars are included in this reference guide for parents, by a parent.

Start planning your next vacation!

On Twitter: @DisneyExplorer
Pages: 169
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5757-9

For More Information Visit: Beyond The Attractions

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book, Beyond the Attractions:  A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers.

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)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Tell me why you’d like to win this book.

This contest will run until February 28, 2010 at  11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Germguardian UV-C Mini Sanitizer Wand – Review and Giveaway

A Healthy Home

Germguaridan UV-C Mini Sanitzer Wand

Safe and Natural

I have a sign in my house that says “Our Home is Clean Enough to be Happy and Dirty Enough to Be Happy.”

Actually, this saying  may be a bit outdated, since I’ve been married for over 35 years, and times have changed.  There’s so many Super-Bugs and diseases around now that we hadn’t even heard of in the 1970s, which are antibiotic resistant.

I’ve recently been asked to review the Germguardian UV-C Mini Sanitizer Wand.

The Germguardian is a product that promotes a healthy and natural way to sanitize your home without using harsh chemicals.  It states  the sanitizer wand kills up to 99% of bacteria and viruses, and also fights odors and reduces allergens like mold spores and dust mights.

Science was never my strong subject, but Ultraviolet light is used in hospitals to sanitize surfaces and kill germs.

The sanitizer takes 4 AA batteries.  I inserted the batteries and had a difficult time trying to put the top back on.  I held the button for the recommended 3 seconds, which turned the sanitzer on.

I ran it over my kitchen table and countertops.  I can’t say with any certainty that it actually did anything, because everything looked the same to me.

The product comes with a black drawstring carrying case, which is good for business travelers.

I’ve been reading that many cities and hotels are experiencing infestations of bed bugs – so this might be a good idea for travelers to take with them and use on pillows and bedding after a visual inspection of the room.

The sanitizer is chemical-free, and recommended uses include:

• toilets
• phones
• computers
• sinks
• countertops
• bedding
• pillows
• shoes

Dimensions: 10.3″ L x 1.5″ w x 1.6″ h

MSRP: $79.99

Instruction Book Included

For More Information Visit: Germguardian

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Germguardian UV-C Mini Sanitzer Wand.

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)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Germguardian and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until February 17, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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@Moomettes

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Family Activities In The Big Apple – NYC

Give My Regards to Broadway

Broadway - New York City

I’ve been going to New York City for years – my mother-in-law always enjoyed going to see a Broadway matinee.  We’d go see a show, and then go out to dinner at Sardis, Jack Dempsey’s, Tavern on the Green, or Gallagher’s.  Sometimes I’d go on a work-sponsored bus trip with some of my friends.  Over the years I’ve seen Cats, Evita, Les Miserabes, Phantom, The 5th of July, Hello Dolly, and oh so many more.  My daughter, the dancer, really enjoyed seeing Chicago, the Musical.  I still have most of the Playbills from these shows.

Whether for a vacation or just a short one or two-day visit taking in the scenery in Central Park on a folding electric bicycle, one can’t help but think of Broadway and the delightful shows that await in these hallowed halls of entertainment delight. To me, Broadway is the essence of New York.  It can in turn be rowdy, bawdy,  loud, brawling, soft,  comedic, or romantic and yet rip-roaringly hilarious. For those who are willing to look for their perfect fit, Broadway has it all.

The problem with Broadway is that there are so many wonderful shows to see and such limited time (for most of us) in which to see them. Probably those who actually live in The Big Apple have enough time in which to appreciate the artistic treasure trove that’s represented within this wonderful city that never sleeps. Actually, in order to properly enjoy all the theatrical offerings available to you, you’d almost have to never sleep yourself!

It’s important to remember that all shows are not available at all times. Check to see whether Broadway Theatre Tickets are available for the show you wish to see before getting your hopes up. On to the musicals, which are my favorite types of Broadway entertainment. Chicago, Mamma Mia! Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Wicked are currently playing right now.

Broadway is a great way to really enjoy what New York has to offer its visitors for entertainment. While it’s hardly possible to see each and every show that might interest you, it’s quite possible to make the time to view the one that is most appealing to you and it will be quite an experience for your entire family.  Make it a tradition like my family has!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Farm Fence and Pine Trees: Connecticut Winter – Wordless Wednesday

Connecticut Countryside

This photo was taken in Windsor, Connecticut – the oldest town in the state.  It reminds me of the poem by Robert Frost - “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

Where do you think the path leads?

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Yellow Farming Barns in Connecticut – Wordless Wednesday

Waiting for Spring

More shade tobacco agricultural barn farm scenes off the beaten path in Connecticut.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Family Vacation Plans – Create A Medical Travel Kit

Over Air and Sea

Be Prepared When You Travel

Many of my friends are retired now, and have become snowbirds traveling south for the winter – to Florida, or on Caribbean cruises.

Not to be left out is the younger set – young families heading to Disney or skiing trips for February Vacation and college students getting ready to travel on the traditional coming-of-age pilgrimage of Spring Break.  Many college students opt for a semester abroad.  The travel bug strikes all age groups and generations.

The last thing on your mind when you’re getting ready to travel is the idea of getting together a medical travel kit.  You have enough on your mind already, right?  But being prepared with a medical kit on your travels could mean the difference between a good time and an unplanned side trip to a medical facility or emergency room.  Believe me, if you’ve read about my vacation to Bermuda, you’ll know what I’m talking about!

Responsible travelers should always consider keeping a well-stocked medical traveling kit —whether you’re taking a short hiking trip on your favorite trail or an exotic vacation abroad. A medical travel kit doesn’t have to be bulky and heavy:  all you need is some organizing magic, a checklist to make sure everything is stocked inside, and the discipline to keep it in your travel bag at all times.

When traveling abroad, always remember that some of the medication you take may not be available in other countries. Before traveling to another country, always remember to ask your doctor about any medical substitutes for your medication (in case you run out).  If it’s a prescription, make sure you refill your prescription before you go and that you’ll have enough to cover the entire trip.

Consider packing these items when you’re traveling:

• Travel medication and breathing devices. This typically includes medication for motion sickness, and Portable Oxygen Concentrators.

• Allergy medication. If you are prone to allergic reactions, then antihistamine is a must-have in your medical kit, especially as you may encounter food or other things that irritate you. Keep a couple of antihistamine tablets (or your preferred allergy medication) with you when you travel. You may also want to pack some anti-allergy topical medicine (like Calamine lotion).

• Digestive medication. Let’s face it – one of the best things about traveling abroad includes sampling the local cuisine. In line with this challenge, you should keep in mind the food you ingest may not sit well in your stomach.  So pack a trusted digestive medication. Keep a handful of oral hydration solutions and loperamide (anti-diarrheal) just in case diarrhea strikes.   I actually gave some to my oldest daughter to keep on hand when she and her friends went to Cancun, and she thanked me afterwards!  You may also want to keep antacids for when your stomach acid acts up, and a laxative for those uncomfortable constipated days. You may also want to ask your doctor for medication that can help with nausea and vomiting.

• Sleep is vital, and if you short yourself on it, you can never really make it up.  The older we get, the more trouble our bodies have recovering from sleeplessness and other conditions.  So get at least seven hours of sleep every night, and feel better– Many people have developed sleeping problems and rely on aids such as CPAP Machines and CPAP Masks.

• Sunblock. A bottle of SPF 15-30 sunblock should be enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

As all mothers and any good Girl Scout or Boy Scout knows – Be Prepared!

photo credit: A.K. Photography

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Connecticut River Back Roads – Wordless Wednesday

Where the Eagles Soar

During the winter months you can often see Eagles soaring over the Connecticut River.  Depending on how cold it gets, the river will ice up.

There’s many country back roads that parallel the river from Essex to Saybrook, and over the years, we’ve traversed them all four seasons to see the beautiful views here in Connecticut!  You’re also able to see some beautiful estates during the winter, since the leaves on the trees are gone!

This photo was taken along one such road in Essex.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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