The Dulcimer~Giving the Gift of Music
Our daughter just turned 7. For years, she’s always had an amazing ability to hear a tune on the stereo or radio & walk over to her keyboard, working out the song while she hums softly to herself.
The other day my dulcimer sprung to mind. Tucked away for years, I thought what better gift than to pass along this cherished and beautiful rosewood & mahogany instrument ~ custom made for me to every delicate specification. Sure enough, within 15 minutes she figured out Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on her own.
Here is a quick 2-minute video of me playing the dulcimer years back…then the video transitions into just the other day when our daughter opened the case for the 1st time. We play Twinkle together that 1st hour with Dad proudly videotaping & at the end of this clip, she is playing the dulcimer for Grandma in England via Skype delighted with her special gift. Yes, very exciting for Mama, indeed. Thanks for sharing!  xo~b
Miles of Smiles
May I take this moment to thank all of you who made the Miles of Smiles campaign at Stamford Ford Lincoln a wonderful success.
Proud & dedicated dad, Dominic Franchella, owner of Stamford Ford Lincoln, reached out to the community to fill an F-150 Ford truck full of toys and coats for families in our area.
 
 
  
Phillip & I are grateful to all who participated in Miles of Smiles and we are thankful for Stamford Ford Lincoln’s Title Sponsorship of our radio show, “Let’s Talk!” a Life, Love and Parenting show on 1490am WGCH airing Live each week and later archived right here for your listening convenience (see nav bar above). The Bright Spot 
 – all of YOU who made this campaign a success to make little children happy in your own community. Thank you. ~b
Stamford Ford Lincoln 212 Magee Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut
100 Pounds in 100 Days
Week 1: Lost 21 pounds combined in a week – Bianca 12 & Phillip 9
Week 2: Lost 38 pounds combined in 2 weeks – Bianca 21, Phillip 17
Week 3: Lost 47 pounds combined in 3 weeks – Bianca 26, Phillip 21
Week 4: Lost 53 pounds combined in 4 weeks – Bianca 30, Phillip 23
Week 5: Lost 58 pounds combined in 5 weeks – Bianca 32, Phillip 26
Week 6: Lost 61 pounds combined in 6 weeks – Bianca 33, Phillip 28
Week 8: Lost 68 pounds combined in 55 days – Bianca 40, Phillip 28
** Day 100: Lost 100 pounds combined – Bianca 70, Phillip 30 **
Lose 25 – 40 pounds in 40 days guaranteed! Never gain it back!
Call or text Dr. Werfel: 845–590–9764 for consult & testing.
Use Promo Code: “Bianca” for a special offer!
If you’ve been packing on the pounds lately, it may not be what you think!! Here’s the scoop on surprising reasons why that might be & an answer. Last Christmas, I was rounder than usual but felt okay:
11 short months later, I’m thinking who’s this girl in the mirror??
Seriously, what was going on with my weight? Button-downs burst open at the bust line. Zippers refuse to budge at the waistline.
I was always long & lean as a child & in my 20s, 30s & 40s. I’ve always gotten away with a few pounds here & there because I’m tall.
To get an idea of my body type, here are some photos of yesteryear…and at the bottom will be the photos as a puffball! At the end of this journey, we’ll show you a series of photos guaranteed to fright!
……………………………..20s
………………………………….30s
………………………………….40s
………………………………..Late 40s
……………….>>>>>>>>>>>> Here I am end of March 2014>>
But now I’ve passed the margin of slack-ability! And I couldn’t understand why.
I’ve always taken good care of my health. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. My heart is strong. My cholesterol is good. I wear the best moisturizers, use salon products for my hair and I still only buy my makeup from the very best – from my years-ago TV makeup consultant, owner, Gail Hayden of Maquillage Makeup Media, in Dallas. I’ve eaten the same Greek salad with vinaigrette dressing every week for the past 15 years, I love fruits & vegetables, and I buy my family good foods.
True, I have a demanding sweet tooth – chocolate is definitely my weakness! – but it has never caused me this much gain.
And true, this year there was a lot
more late-night writing accompanied by late-night noshing, burning both ends of the candle, owning our own company, busy-busy-busy with PTA happenings & school events, working at the radio station, running in & out of New York City for work, and loads of family & friend activities.
Here’s a tidbit about night eating, according to an article in Shape magazine & Steven Shea, Ph.D., December 2014, “It’s the work of your circadian system, which amps up cravings come sundown…†“Your food urges peak at 8pm and stay high until midnight.†Sound familiar? Watching night-time TV & munching… And for me, it’s writing into the wee hours, I just love it!!
There are many shocking reasons why people gain weight. Many think it’s because someone ate too much. But that’s not necessarily the reason why 1 in 3 people in the United States is now obese…a true epidemic! Below is a list from an article by Jeff Roberts earlier this month, The 5 Surprising & Less-known Reasons You’re Packing on the Weight:
1.) 30 million pounds of antibiotics are used to raise livestock in the United States each year!!! The meds are used to stave off disease and promote weight gain!
2.) Growth-enhancing drugs are also pumped into livestock to fatten them up. What do you think those drugs are doing to the humans who consume them? Many countries have banned these growth-enhancers!
3.) If you’re not eating organic, you may be eating genetically-engineered wheat, sugar, soy, corn and other grown products.
4.) Many cosmetics, household products, plastic storage containers, and home cleaners contain hormone disruptive chemicals.
5.) Artificial sweeteners may actually increase your appetite & stimulate fat storage in your body. Diet foods are not what they are cracked up to be. Eating raw & fresh foods is best and most natural for our bodies. Junk food is targeted and marketed to children. As Mr. Roberts points out, when was the last time you saw an ad for apples or kale?
So here are some early photos of our journey. A far cry from just a while ago on the couch. Then & now:
Not only have we pudged out, we’ve aged because of it. Here are more pics from this week. I feel like a snowman with these 3 extra tires around my midriff! And just so you can see even more of our roundness, we changed into brighter tops:
…I thought the fatigue, gain and aches & pains had to do with age. I hear so many folks quip, “It’s all downhill after 50,” or I hear ads that women over 40 will experience weight gain, weariness and bloating.
Well, apparently, that’s all malarkey!!!
Dr. Howard Werfel says, “There are 90-year-olds who are kayaking or doing yoga somewhere in the world right now, and 40-year-olds who are creaking & groaning throughout the day. It has nothing to do with age!”
Oh, well there’s good news!!
I heard an ad for Dr. Werfel on the radio where he said people can lose 25 – 40 pounds in 40 days!!
G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D!!
All natural! No prepackaged foods, no shots, no cravings, no surgery, no hunger!!
The good doctor did it himself! 220 to 189 in 40 days!!
Call/text Dr. Werfel: 845–590–9764 for consult & testing. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” for a special offer!
Why is there no hunger? “Your appetite will naturally be satisfied by the 2,000 to up to 7,000 calories of fat you will be burning per day due to the weight loss program!†“We are not aware of any program on the planet that can do what this program does…†So I wrote down his phone number and tucked it away.
I was tired of feeling tired and my breasts became huge. Yeah, to some that sounds great. But it’s not – they are boobs out of control! Hauling around heavy breasts is no easy task!
(<<Look! My neck didn’t change – but it feels like the twins are taking over my body!)
Dr. Werfel’s program is fast, easy, affordable and guaranteed! And I know when I lose the weight, my breasts will go back to their normal size!
About a week before I finally called the doctor, I was in the store picking up 2 plastic tubs of kitty litter. That’s the key…I was picking them up trying to heave them into the shopping cart by their metal handles. Phew! I thought, how much did those buckets weigh? That’s when reality hit: I weighed the combined 
pounds of those kitty litter tubs! I was hauling around 2 buckets of kitty litter on my back wherever I went. NO WONDER I WAS FLIPPING EXHAUSTED!!
But then came November 11th. A mom from school asked me why my father wasn’t sitting with the other vets by the flagpole at a big, school-wide Veterans Day ceremony. “He’s my husband.”
Yes, you can imagine she just wanted to vanish into oblivion at that moment. But the fact was I was turning pleasantly plump and Phillip was not only rounding out but looking older than his years. After all, he’s only 3 years older than me.
………………………………………………. * * * * *
(pic long ago…)
He rocks my world! To me, he’s as hot as he was the day I met him. To him, he’ll say I’m as lovely. Good man! We don’t see each other’s faults, roundness or laugh lines. We joke about our tummies. But now I knew it was time to get serious about our health.
I pulled out Dr. Werfel’s phone number and made an appointment that would change our lives.
The doctor explained why any diet or program anyone attempts often ultimately fails. More times than not, people actually gain back even more weight. The doctor explained how this program will have anyone losing 25 to 40 pounds in 40 days, guarante
ed! And how & why you will NOT put the weight back on!
The doctor said it was a mix of unbalanced hormones and outside factors contributing to our gain and the epidemic spreading across this country.
I came to learn that there are hormonal disruptors in our everyday products such as certain toothpastes, facial cleansers, lip balms, vinegars and even frying pans!
Here’s an example from the program’s manual. It’s very specific and eye-opening! To get a complete list, try this program by calling Dr. Werfel today for consultation/scan at 845-590-9764. Use Promo Code: “Bianca†to get a special offer!
Phillip and I are doing this journey together. Dr. Werfel put us through the series of tests. The program is customized to every individual. Every person has a different reason why they can’t lose weight. Dr. Werfel pinpoints it through special technology & tailors the program to your body.
After our evaluations, test results showed my metabolic rate is that of the 78-year-old – what! Phillip’s is 64! My visceral fat level – the dangerous fat that the gathers around your organs and waist (a.k.a. tummy fat, “middle-age spreadâ€) that even give off their own !hormones! is a 10. It should be 6 or under making me at risk for stroke, diabetes, and other weight-related ailments. Phillip’s is 12!
Can’t believe in the middle of our 1st Week we had the ULTIMATE test!! T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G!!!! The foods, the smells, the desserts, the cozy eating atmosphere! But you know what Phillip and I had? Dr. Werfel’s coaching and his tools to get us through it. Not only did we have a spectacular family & friend event, but we lost a combined 3 pounds!!!
The manual from this program says, “You can do whatever you put your mind to, whatever you plan for: as long as your plan is right and your commitment is strong! I want you to inspire people. I want someone to look at you and say because of you I didn’t give up! So stay committed and let’s get started!!â€
The Bright Spot 
– That’s the message with this system. So get some answers today. Call or text Dr. Werfel right now for a consultation & scan at 845-590-9764. Use Promo Code: “Bianca†to get a special offer!
In a few weeks, I will be posting that frightening series of pictures – yup, all in a row! – that we’ve been capturing during this journey. From Ewwww to Ahhhhh…you will be amazed!
www.40DayReset.com or call 844-40-Reset
Here’s Phillip’s before & after pics since he reached is goal weight down 30.
So we traced back what happened in the past year that caused significant weight gain for me – I was very ill (lungs) for 4 months & had to take Advair, Symbicort, Hydrocodone, Zithromax, etc., and, worst of all – Prednisone! Prednisone, a steriod, has many side effects including weight gain.
Add that to the toxins in our everyday lives, growth hormones in our foods, use of plastics, etc. and it was a recipe for hormonal imbalance & gain. With Dr. Werfel’s program, my hormones are now fully balanced, the pounds melted off faster than they packed on & I’m back to my normal self!!
So here are the frightening before pictures, as promised, and my photos 70 toxic pounds lighter! We took a bunch of snapshots last night in my clothes I haven’t been able to squeeze into in over a year. Dropped from a draining size 16 back down to a comfy 4. So nice to feel my own real clothes on me once again thanks to this amazing program! Sharing with you now:
(Below) On the left, I’m 30 years old & on the right, I’m 50 (taken last night). So happy to fit in my favorite little red silk dress…size 4.
……….>>>>>>……>>>>>>>.. 30 50
The nice thing is that this hormonal reset program only eliminates the toxins & fat in your body & not lean muscle. Quick snap in a swimsuit & a shot I texted Phillip showing him what I was wearing under my coat when I brought him his forgotten briefcase one morning…hummm.
Our Little One gave me these lovely flowers & snapped these pics on our porch:
Text Dr. Werfel…do it for yourself today!
If that’s not motivation enough, do it for your family!
For more information, just click on the Radio Show flower tab in the navigation bar above & listen to our 4 interviews with Dr. Werfel: December 19, 2014 / January 16, 2015 / March 27, 2015 / April 24, 2015.
Blind Kitty ~ Humanity at its Finest!
We have rescued many animals (you can see more on the Moussie Tales side bar on the left-hand column of this site) & our family was so touched by this video.
God bless the folks who adopted this blind little kitten. Watch this tender video as Oskar discovers his very 1st toy:
Hurricane Irene Pushes My Bright Spot!
Hurricane Irene ripped through metro New York and coastal towns in our area destroying homes and businesses. 
Our schools are closed for an extra week because of all the downed trees and power lines on the bus routes. Many people were left without power for a week; all I kept thinking about were the elderly, the disabled and all the Moms who have babies and toddlers to care for in the dark with no water. It also made me think very deeply of the 6-year-old little girl and her family we sponsor in Africa and how limited their resources are with power and water. It makes their plight and struggle for survival really hit home.
We were one of the families who were flooded; we had no power, no communication services, no running water. We’re on well water and when the power goes, so does the pump. Toilets don’t flush, oh, joy! Throw in a period the night of the hurricane and it can pretty much go downhill from there. 
But Phillip was my hero, as usual, driving back & forth downtown filling gallon after gallon of water jugs. Sure, we prepared – we filled the tub – but at 2.5 gallons of water to flush, it doesn’t last that many days! He bought a load of Poland Spring and at first I felt so guilty flushing it down the toilet – literally! We used the “refilled” jugs for that and the remaining bottled spring water for drinking & brushing.
But before we could get downtown, we 1st we had to get out of our road – again Phillip & our son were my heros! A tree blocked our road. Neighbors were stuck. We’re far in the back country, near the horse farms and golf courses.
  
We are not a priority area, so I knew workers would not be clearing the end of our road for a while.
 
So in rain and heavy winds, my men cleared the way. I snapped pics, Little Petal supervised. A grand team effort in a time of family & neighborly need.
 
We had our battery-operated radio and listened to the radio station we air from weekly – WSTC & WNLK – it was the only outside communication we had. And we had dark chocolate-covered graham crackers – a must-have during this dodgy week!
With no electricity, time seems to pass more slowly. My stomach was still achy, brushing teeth was a misery trying to not waste the bottled water while cleaning the toothbrush, night came way too quickly and I just wanted to wash my hands!
My buttons were being pushed and I had to push back – I had to find my Bright SpotTM and make it a grand adventure! (See Mission: Bright Spot -Â 3rd flower tab in the nav bar above).
Finding your Bright SpotTM is not an easy task. The effort comes in times of adversity. But I decided to turn my situation into something great and memorable. We became pioneers and turned the hurricane recovery time into family fun time.
So what exactly was the Bright SpotTM in all this?? We all drove to my 
Mom’s house (my sister’s family had no power either) for hot showers, home-cooked dinner and good times all together. Then we bought dozens of battery-operated tea light candles and used them for the den, bedrooms, hallways, staircase, etc. It was very pretty. We had our 6-year-old pick out her favorite brand new flashlight and she played with the cats – chasing the little spot light here, there and everywhere. Our little one stayed in our room and we made shadow puppets on the ceiling with her new flashlight. We had friends over and in daylight hours played family games like Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land and I Spy.
We watched crazy men with bike helmets play golf on a flooded course – hello???
And because we had to eat out every day, I didn’t have to cook! And that means NO dishes…which in itself is its own Bright SpotTM!!
Pending Withdrawals
Leave it to the English (& Canadians) to serve up a majestic dose of sumptuous cinematography in this heart-pounding period piece that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. The Tudors is outstanding!
The history, passion, betrayals and intrigue enveloped in this flawless production by the brilliant English screenwriter & creator Michael Hirst captures the agony of 1 man’s life journey in his ultimate quest for love and honesty. Yes, yes, power and all that, but fundamentally, as the years passed, love and truth reigned supreme.
In his prime, Henry – an educated author & composer – was known as charismatic, passionate and an attractive sportsman. He ruled with absolute power.
Why did Henry Vlll (1491 – 1547) have 6 wives? How did the Church of England come to be? Why are Henry Vlll and Elizabeth I the most famous monarchs in English history? Watch this 38-hour epic series and see the treacheries that cloak his kingdom unfold.
The voracious appetite of this happily married Mom was effortlessly satisfied with each hour I shared with my equally-
engrossed husband. A perfect blend of desire & lust mixed with gross man stuff like Tower scenes and combat will captivate both men and women alike.
The Tudors is a magnificently edited work of art cast with absolutely incredible actors, extravagant costumes, opulent scenery and a twist at the end of each episode that leaves you breathless for more.
We’re about to wrap up our last hour of the series, I’m dreading it and the pending withdrawals. I just don’t want it to end. Bravo to all who made this chapter of history come to life!
The Bright SpotTM  – a delicious next few months with your special someone. Get it on Netflix or the DVD set and whisper in your love’s ear, “Let’s Tudor tonight!†with that knowing little smile and a naughty twinkle in your eye.
Date Your Spouse
We do everything together with our kids.
We ski, skate, travel, bike, scout, dance, read, sing, play & pray together.
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
And most of all, we just like to hang out with one another.
  
  
 
 
Our kids are our #1 priority, our focus, our love. But there is one thing we know is vital to a strong family unit and strong marriage – dating your spouse.
When couples first meet, it’s exciting, romantic & heart-pounding to be together.
And when you choose one another for a lifetime, that romance & thrill should last a lifetime, too. Of course, mortgages, work, time contraints, exhaustion, these all creep up on us. But taking the time to date your spouse will keep your love on fire!
My husband & I date once a week. We plan something fun like evening horsebackriding followed by hors d’oeuvers & dinner…
…or smooching at sunset on the beach…
…or just bopping the heck out of each other!!
Although we like to
sail, snorkel and snog, Â 
  
   
 party or chill…
      
  
…and even work together in our own company – choosing to sit in the same office – much to the shock of our staff and those who visited (“Don’t you two get sick of each other,” they’d chide, “working all day across from one another and then seeing each other at home?”)
Nope, we look at each day as a gift. We celebrate it with our children and with each other.
And sure, gala events are nice (scroll down to see more on this summer event in the next story),
but it’s our routine Friday night pizza & a movie at home that’s my all-time, hands-down favorite!!!
Just hanging out with my husband, putting our feet up, throwing on a sweatshirt or fleece, a ponytail & little white socks, snuggling under the covers and watching a movie on NetFlix, now that’s a good time!
The Bright SpotTM – So go grab your Honey, the one you chose for your lifetime and make memories just hugging & kissing and all the wonderful little things you used to do before the bills and the laundry and the dishes.
 
It doesn’t matter what you do – and it doesn’t have to cost a penny - just spend quality time with your One & Only.
More photos above under “Our Photos – Hand in Hand.”
Happy summer lovin’ on the last of these lazy, hazy 2011 summer days.
Immigrants, Aliens & the All-American Girl
My parents were immigrants.
My husband is an immigrant.
 
My cousins are immigrants. My friends are immigrants. They all came here seeking the American dream.
My parents became citizens, started with nothing and worked day & night to make that dream a reality.
American-born, they taught my sister and me to honor this country to the core, fly the flag and pledge our alligence. My parents are the greatest patriots I know and I’m proud to be an All-American Girl. We are teaching our children the same rooted values and love of this great nation. When I was selected as Miss Connecticut to represent my native state in the Miss America, I was very honored. (See “Our Photos” above for Miss CT pics, or click on “My TV Website” in the navigation bar above for more related news/videos/press releases & charitable work as Miss Connecticut.)
 
For Memorial Day, we went with our children & friends to the Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York City.
 
 
It’s Fleet Week and NYC is electric!
My Mom was excited about the Intrepid – she told me that on its LAST voyage around the world in 1971, it docked in Portugal, England, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Scotland & Norway & she told me that she took me on the Intrepid in 1971 in Kiel, Germany with my Grandfather & we all had a wonderful time & she remembered it well. I don’t remember, I was little, but how cool is that!Â
 
We honored the young…
 
…and our elders who fought years ago for our freedoms like this World War II fighter pilot who flew this very plane!!
It was a very special day to remember.
Then we headed to Mars. We took a space shuttle and landed on the Red Planet.
Some of us were ready to meet the Aliens…
 
…and clearly, some of us were not!
                         (I mean, really, what is up with Phillip here????)
The Bright SpotTM  – And to top off this marvelous day, this All-American Girl threw caution to the wind when it came to boring, ole calories and I ate my All-American apple pie with whipped cream…oh, yes, AND the Boston Cream pie – hey, if you’re going to indulge, do it right! Yum!!
 
For an awesome look at our phenomenal history, watch “America: The Story of Us” – a 12-part series, action-packed, incredibly edited, unbelievably riveting, a powerhouse epic - you will be amazed in the 1st minute of the series, I promise. God Bless America!!!!
Soft Hands, Warm Heart, Now that is Strength!
Teach your children to be kind to animals, to use gentle hands and soft voices. A respect of nature and the world we live in will always serve them well.
Meet our newest furry baby from the shelter. Her name is Purr.
The examples we set as adults have profound effects on our children. The way they treat each other and other living beings they learn from you.
It’s easy to be tough, cool and sometimes even mean, but to be big & strong and still kind and loving, now that’s a real gift! A treasure for a lifetime for all who receive that love.
The Bright Spot – I am proud of my children, my husband and my parents. Thank you, Mom & Dad, for giving me the gift of Soft Hands, Warm Heart. You were the greatest teachers and I love you!!
It is not about hamburgers!
The Bright Spot – that there are brave people willing to give up their lives to save ours and our freedoms. God Bless America!
My Mom-Shirt Says It All!
Awakened by the sounds of supressed giggles & loud shhhushhing, the aroma of 24 roses and strawberry-cream chocolates, the sizzle of bacon, scrambled eggs & smoked salmon, the juiciness of a delightfully sweet fruit bouquet, and the sparkle of a gorgeous diamond droplet necklace, it was actually my new Mother’s Day t-shirt that said it all:  Â
Thank you to my dear husband for noticing…you know…how exhausted active Moms are!! Hahahahahaha!!!
 
But really, above and beyond all else, the cuddles & snuggles of my wonderful children, the sumputous kiss from my incredible husband, the birthday hats,
the Mother’s Day song, the handmade cards & gifts created with such care,Â
& the pure joy of sharing breakfast in bed as a family was the best Mother’s Day gift of all!
A Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there – now go put your feet up!! 🙂
The Bright Spot  – remember as you plow through the fog on a particularly tiring day – exhausted because everything you do is for your family because you love them so much, go ahead and take a moment to grab your kids and snuggle the daylights out of them, because time is short and those are the moments you’ll remember…not the dishes, not the laundry, but the special cuddle, the eskimo kisses, the sweet memories. Then go take a little time for yourself…the laundry will still be there when you get back!
