Happy Mother's Day

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a Mom!  For me, I always imagined it would be my most rewarding job ever!  I was blessed to become a Mom with my first daughter in 1989, a son in 1990, another son in 1993 and one more daughter in 1998. These four kids are my pride and joy!  

When I first became a Mom, I was a young 27 year old.  Like most first time parents, I read all of the parenting books, I listened to all of the advice of my parents and family and kept to a schedule. Then came the next three kids and all of that went out the window! LOL! With each child, I became more relaxed, more confident and more sure of what I was doing! 

Being a Mom is both a rewarding and challenging job! Each age group, from newborn, toddler, teenager and grown children has both good days and bad days! I know when you are knee deep in diapers, bottles and sleepless nights it is normal to think that this is never going to end, I’ll never sleep through the night, but guess what – you will!  You will get to sleep again through the night for about 13 years and then you have teenagers and you don’t sleep through the night again until you know everyone is home safely! Each stage is just a moment in time and a time that goes go by so fast!

If I could whisper a few tricks of the trade that I know now, to my younger self it would be, just breathe!  Enjoy this time during each stage of my kid’s lives!  I would tell my younger self to have more fun, laugh more and hug more! Always let them know how much you love them, always and forever! Most importantly, carve out some time for yourself! 

I have been a Mom for 32 years now.  My job description has changed over the years, but one thing that has never changed is that I’m still Jen, Joe, Jim and Julie’s Mom no matter what age they are! I look forward to enjoying this next chapter of being a Mom with my adult kids! 

Happy Mother’s Day to every

Mom, Step Mom, Aunt, Grandma and Great Grandma!

Mothers are like glue.  Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.

Susan Gale

#suzysswirl

Take Sometime to smell the flowers

I’d like to introduce you to The Richardson Tree Farm. Some of you may know it as a Christmas Tree Farm or the place with the World’s largest Corn Maze.  The Richardson Farm is located in Spring Grove, Illinois.  It has been the families homestead since 1836 when Robert Richardson emigrated from England.  The once small farm of 240 acres has since grown to over 500 acres and 2 homesteads now. 

The farm began with growing corn and soy beans and then grew into a Christmas Tree Farm with over 50,000 trees to choose from.  The Richardson family continues to transform the family farm into a true destination with an amazing fall corn maze, adventure farm, sunflower festival and currently a tulip festival. 

What I find inspiring about this family business is how they continue to innovate, grow and with each season reshape the farm.  These changes are not just something you can do overnight!  The planning and planting must take months and years to figure out!  But, boy oh boy - it is so worth it!

I think the Richardson Farm is a great example of how during these turbulent times you can still grow and find beauty in each day!  It really is important to take time and smell the flowers! 

It was good for both the body and soul to be surrounded by such beautiful tulips!  I hope you have a chance to enjoy The Richardson Tulip Festival too!

A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it.  It just blooms! 

#suzysswirl

Happy Birthday!

Guess who is turning 59 today?? ME!! It is hard to believe that this will be my last Birthday in my 50’s!  To tell you the truth, I am excited about my birthday this year!  So much has happened in 59 years – a lot of great amazing things, unfortunately loss and heart ache too!  That’s all just a part of this exciting game of life, right! I also look forward to my 60th birthday next year too! In all honesty, as the numbers get bigger, I’m just so glad and blessed to be here to enjoy it!

There are many famous people you may know that also turned 59 this year, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow and McDreamy himself – Patrick Dempsey to name just a few!  I feel like I am part of an amazing group of 59 year olds!  These are cool, active, fun and good looking 59 years olds!   Some might even say they are living their best lives ever, right now!

 I believe you are only as old as you feel (some days I do feel 99 – only a few days).  I believe all of my wrinkles are smile lines from years of laughing and smiling a lot!  I believe I have a much better sense of humor compared to when I was 29!  I also appreciate any and all of the time I can spend with family and friends!   Those experiences are priceless!

I have always loved my birthday.  Part of it is because of the time of year, when flowers are starting to bloom and grass is once again green. Spring is a happy time of the year!  The other part is that I am so grateful to be here another year!  I look forward to starting another 365 days to live out all of the possibilities that life will bring! 

So, as you approach your birthday, whatever your age may be – shout it from the rooftops and embrace your day!  I wish you a year full of countless possibilities, may you have many moments of happiness and time to laugh and have fun with family and friends!

Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.

John Lennon

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HGTV - Love it - Hate it

Even before Covid, I have loved watching HGTV.  The Home and Garden Television (HGTV) channel became a concept in 1992.  The programs on the channel are meant to focus on home buying, renovation and house flipping.  It is a channel that families of all ages can watch together and gather inspiration for their own homes!

With over 100 HGTV programs to watch, it is hard for me to pick just one that I like the most!

Each program is unique in personality, design ideas and of course location!  From Waco Texas, Laurel Mississippi, Indianapolis Indiana and Florida all of these designers are making a huge difference in their communities!  It is their love of restoration and revitalization that really shines through on all of these programs!

If I was remodeling my home, I would love to have Joanna and Chip from Fixer Upper come to my home.  I love their Up to Date Farm House feel, how they make a house feel like a home and their vision to remake something old look new and even better!  Plus, I’ve learned what shiplap is aka paneling!   

If Joanna and Chip were unavailable, my next choice would be Ben and Erin from Home Town.  First, they are the cutest couple!  Second, I love how they bring love and personality into the homes they are working on.  Erin has a unique way of bringing color and patterns together that looks beautiful.  Ben is an accomplished carpenter.  I would love him to build me a table!

I personally find HGTV to be calming, inspirational and at times very emotional.  Yes, these programs focus on design, but they also include personal transformation of the homeowners too!  Our homes are a reflection of who we are, what and who we love, our travels and our emotions!  Sometimes, we need to bring professionals in, take charge and make it Shine!

 Sit back, relax and watch a few programs on HGTV.  Maybe you’ll get a few ideas on what to do with your little powder room or how to unclutter your bedroom and make it a sanctuary!

 Let me know which HGTV program you like best!  I hope you get inspired! I look forward to hearing back from you! 

 Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful!

#suzysswirl

Happy Easter!

Easter is the most important and oldest celebration in Christian Church History.  The Church is celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This celebration is typically held between March 21 and April 25, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox!

The above mentioned is so very meaningful to why we celebrate Easter.  For me, Easter also symbolizes that we have rounded the corner from the cold bitter winter with spring and summer just ahead!  It’s that feeling we get when we put our heavy winter coats away for the season and break out the light weight spring jackets!

I was running around town this weekend, like so many of us were, getting last minute things I forgot on my list and I noticed more people saying hello with a more uplifted spirit! I loved seeing all of the pansies, Easter lilies, tulips and daffodils in the stores, it made me smile!  It definitely helps when the weather cooperates and it’s 70 degrees and sunny too! 

The Easter season is time for renewal, starting over and climbing out of our winter hibernation!  The days are longer, we have more time to get outside, take walks and catch up with our neighbors.  This is truly the beginning of a new season and it is so nice!

I wish all of you a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover!  I hope you are all able to take a moment to count your blessings and enjoy the day!  May we all continue to carry this feeling of lightness and renewal for many days ahead! 

Happy Easter!

The greatest gift of Easter is Hope!

-Basil C. Hume

 #suzysswirl

Sundaes With Sue

Oh what fun it has been to go back and re-read past blogs of Sundaes with Sue!  Sundaes with Sue started back on October 15, 2015 – it was a monthly blog and transitioned into a weekly blog.  It has been a very cathartic, enjoyable and sometimes very emotional journey!  You can re-read all of the blogs too by just scrolling down!

I am so thankful that each Sunday I can reach out to each of you about a myriad of topics!  The blogs have been about what’s happening at Suzy’s Swirl, holiday traditions, sharing recipes, what’s happening in the world and a random  silly topic of what you prefer more – flip flops or boots!  Sundaes with Sue has given me the opportunity to have a conversation with all of you!  I hope you have enjoyed it too!

I never imagined myself as a writer!  I’m the Mom of four amazing kids and a Grandma to one extraordinary grandson!  Other than my home and family, Suzy’s Swirl is my “Happy Place.”  I love getting to know all of you and hearing all of the reasons why you come to Suzy’s Swirl!  Sundaes with Sue is another way for me to share all of the things I think about, care about and wonder about with all of you!

 Thank you to all of you have been reading Sundaes with Sue over the years!  It’s been a pleasure and honor to pop up on your Facebook timeline each Sunday!  Many thanks to all of you who also, come into Suzy’s Swirl with a smile on your face ready to Swirl!

Spring:  a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be – Anonymous

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Yes Day!

Have you watched the Netflix movie Yes Day with Jennifer Gardner?  I truly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it! I don’t want to give a lot away but, the premise of the movie is about how the Mom and Dad say No all the time to their 3 kids. The parents are just trying to keep their kids safe! They finally give their kids 1 day where they say Yes to whatever the kids want to do, there are boundaries! It is great! 

After watching this movie, I immediately texted my 4 kids, who are now between, 22-32 years old, that we should have had Yes days! My job as their mother, from their birth, was to keep them safe and in one piece. I too, thought by saying No over and over again I was being a super parent! As I think back on my kid’s childhood, I do wish I would have said Yes more often!

Within reason, what is the harm for 1 day letting your kids wear their pj’s, all day long or letting your daughter do your hair and makeup or having ice cream for dinner? If you can’t have entire Yes Day, what about just 1 hour being a Yes hour! Yes, we can read a book, bake cookies, paint a picture together, or put that puzzle together that was a Christmas gift!

I too, took a Yes Day! I had a long to do list yesterday, I decided instead to say Yes to doing something fun and out of the ordinary, and not on my to do list! Giving yourself permission to say Yes, is great for your heart, soul and mind! 

For many families, Spring Break begins this week! This might be the perfect time to try having a Yes Day! Your Spring Break may usually be about cleaning out the closets, raking the yard, power washing the porch, etc… Try taking one day and have your kids plan the day, knowing you can’t say No! Have a Yes Day and go with the flow! When the kids say Suzy’s Swirl for breakfast, lunch or dinner – Say Yes!

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness

Charles Spurgeon 

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WHat a Year it has been

I imagine most of us can all remember where we were last March when the world shut down due to the Coronavirus!  Everyone in some way has been affected by Covid-19!  Crazy times and so much unknown! 

 Fast forward to today March 14, 2021. Approximately 10.5% of the population in the USA have been completely vaccinated. Wearing a mask now, feels more normal than not wearing one! We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel of Covid-19.   

In the midst of all of this craziness, life continues to move forward.  Women are having beautiful and healthy babies, couples are getting married, homes are getting sold and purchased and families are traveling and taking a Spring Break!  These are all comforting signs that life is returning to a new normal!

Another reminder that life continues to move forward is this week we will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!  This year’s celebration may look a little different, it will still be a fun celebration. The city of Chicago dyed the river green and the town of McHenry dyed the river green this weekend too! More and more restaurants are offering delicious corned beef and cabbage dinners for dine in and take out!  Even Suzy’s Swirl has a delicious Green Mint Chip Yogurt to enjoy after your corned beef meal!    

There’s a saying that says the reason our front window of our car is so big and the rear view window is so small is because what’s happened in our past is not near as important as what’s in our future!  Our future is bright, full of hope, good health, happiness, celebrations and many new beginnings!  Let’s not give up, stay positive and keep moving forward! 

You just have to keep driving down the road.  It’s going to bend and curve and you’ll speed up and slow down, but the road keeps going.

Ellen DeGeneres 

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Thank You!

I am overjoyed to let you know that together we have reached and exceeded the fundraising goal for the American Heart Association! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to all of our customers, friends and family who have contributed and participated in our 9th Annual Big Joe Challenge! 

As I reflect back on these past 9 years my heart is so full of gratitude, humility and appreciation! The creation of Suzy’s Swirl was to show how out of great loss, Joe passing away, something meaningful could be created! As the days, months and years have gone by, I am profoundly moved by the friendships that have been made at Suzy’s Swirl! Suzy’s Swirl has become more than just a frozen yogurt shop!  Suzy’s Swirl is a place where strangers become friends and those friends become a part of the Suzy’s Swirl Family!

The Suzy’s Swirl Family is a made up of hard working managers and crew members, kind and loyal customers, fellow restaurateurs, community leaders and all of you reading this blog!  It truly does take a village!

So, to my dear family, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you!  Thank you for your kind and generous contributions and participation in our 9th Annual Big Joe Challenge! Thank you for your continued support of Suzy’s Swirl each and every day! 

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives”

John F. Kennedy

#suzysswirl

Spring

Can you feel Spring in the air?  The sidewalks are finally clear of snow, the temperatures are almost reaching 50 degrees, people are out walking their dogs and the birds are chirping away!  I am giddy with anticipation for Spring to arrive!

Spring represents new beginnings, new growth and an end to our winter hibernation!  In my opinion, our winter wasn’t all that bad, we have had worse!  It sure is nice to know that in 21 days it will be the 1st day of Spring.  I can see the buds on the trees starting to appear and I know hidden underneath the piles of snow the tulips and daffodils can’t wait to bloom!  Spring is a magical time of the year!  Plus, we all know that Summer follows right after Spring too! Exciting!

Suzy’s Swirl is also excited to Spring into Spring with our new Spring Hours!  Suzy’s Swirl will be open Sunday – Saturday 11:00 am to 9:00pm starting today!  That gives you 22 additional hours in the week to enjoy Suzy’s Swirl!  We look forward to having more time to spend with all of you at Suzy’s Swirl!   

We also, look forward to seeing you, our friends and family at our 9th Annual Big Joe Challenge, March 5th, 6th and 7th. There’s still plenty of time to sign up to be a participant in our challenge and also to make a donation too! A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated and signed up!  Please visit our website www.Suzysswirl.com for more information and details about our 9th Annual Big Challenge!

It’s exciting to see things coming up again, plants you’ve had for twenty or thirty years.  It’s like seeing an old friend!

Tasha Tudor 

#suzysswirl

Big Joe Challenge

Suzy’s Swirl is excited to announce that our 9th Annual Big Joe Challenge will be March 5th, 6th, and 7th. The Big Joe Challenge is a fun and exciting way that we raise funds for the American Heart Association!  We challenge participants to enjoy 64 ounces of Suzy’s Swirl Yogurt, 8 ounces of toppings in 20 minutes or less!  Sounds like fun doesn’t it?  It really is so much fun!

This year we have taken steps to ensure our participants and customers continue to stay safe and have fun!  Our participants will be able to sign up for a time slot and will be able to bring up to 3 friends or family members to cheer them on (with masks)!  Each participant will also be socially distant from each other too!  It’s going to be a fun and safe event!

There is so much happening in our world right now!  The continuation of Covid-19, Illinois weather, Texas weather, in school and out of school learning and I know this list can go on and on!  With everything that we are trying to navigate each and every day, it is so important to take care of ourselves in both body and mind!  We can’t fix it all, we can help the American Heart Association and their dedication to fight Heart Disease and Strokes!

The Big Joe Challenge is in honor of my husband Joe, who passed away suddenly from Cardiac Arrest. Joe had Type 2 diabetes, had it under control, was otherwise healthy and in good shape! I could go down that rabbit hole of would’a, should’a, could’a but that won’t change what happened that morning!  

As many of you may know, when you lose someone you love, there is a tear in the fabric of your universe. The loss leaves a void that will never be filled. Having a solid foundation made up of love and faith and by the Grace of God, my family is moving forward! It has taken time, I know our story is not over, we don’t get over it, we learn to continue to move on! I know without a shadow of a doubt Joe is always with us!

This is our 9th Annual Big Joe Challenge and our goal is to reach $3000.00 for the American Heart Association!  Through the continued generosity of customers, friends, and family we know we can achieve our goal!  If you would like to make a donation, you can come to Suzy’s Swirl and Buy a Heart to Save a Heart, you can participate in the Big Joe Challenge, and/or you can make a donation online at suzysswirl.com 

Life is short, take a breath and step away from your zoom calls, hug your kids, call your Mom and Dad, make an appointment for a checkup, and don’t forget to stop by Suzy’s Swirl on March 5th, 6th and 7th to check out our Big Joe Challenge participants! 

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day

Author unknown

Thank You from My Heart

#suzysswirl

Happy Valentine's Day!

This weekend is a trifecta of celebrations!  We have the Lunar New Year, February 12, Valentine’s Day, February 14 and President’s on February 15. This weekend is filled with so much positive energy and love!

The Lunar New Year was on Friday, February 12th. This Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Ox.  The Ox, in Chinese culture, is a hardworking zodiac sign. It usually signifies movements and change, so hopefully this year will have more positive changes in it!

There are so many legends behind Valentine’s Day. One legend says that St. Valentine defied an emperor’s orders was secretly marrying couples to spare the husbands from going to war! The first official Valentine’s Day Card printed in the USA was in the 1800’s! Ever since Valentine’s Day has been associated with cupids, hearts and love!

The third Monday in February has been declared President’s Day. This is the day we honor the Birthdays of our first President, George Washington and also the Birthday of Abraham Lincoln. President’s Day now honors all Presidents who have served the United States of America.

Each of these celebrations have such rich and meaningful histories! As much as our world has changed and continues to change, it brings joy to know that these holidays stay the same! 

As we celebrate these holidays, I wish you all good luck, good health, good cheer and a Happy New Year. I wish you all an abundance of Love and Happiness!  May we all remember the amazing collection of leaders that have gone before us!

Love is the Beauty of the Soul

St. Augustine

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Super Bowl Sunday!

The Super Bowl is a very popular event that takes place each year to determine the championship of the NFL (National Football League). Millions of fans watch this game and some might even say it is a National Holiday! This game is watched by over a million viewers and has the most popular commercials and amazing half time show! 

The Super Bowl was officially formed by the NFL in 1920, but did not actually happen until 40 years later! Another interesting fact about the Super Bowl is that AFL owner of the Kansas City Chief’s, Lamar Hunt, was the one who proposed using the name Super Bowl for the championship game.  The very first Super Bowl was on January 15, 1967 and the two teams that played were the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs! What a coincidence it would have been, if these two teams would be playing today, 54 years later! 

Let us not forget Super Bowl XX, January 26th, the year our very own Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl. This game was played at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bears won against the New England Patriots 46-10. I remember this game like it was yesterday. We watched the game at our friend’s house and there was a television in every room, including the bathroom! The roar of the cheering when the Chicago Bears won was deafening! The next day truly was a Holiday!  

We can’t forget all of the amazing food that goes with the Super Bowl Game too!  The choice of Super Bowl Food is endless, from chicken wings, nachos, pizza and submarine sandwiches, the choices go on and on.  There really is not a single bad food choice to make while watching the big game!  Don’t forget desserts for the big game too!  Suzy’s Swirl is an amazing choice for your game day dessert!  Cool off after all of the spicy hot wings and pizza with a cup, pint or quart of Suzy’s Swirl!  The perfect ending or beginning to celebrate the Super Bowl!

Suzy’s Swirl wishes both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the best of luck at Super Bowl 55 

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Food=COmfort

 I’m sure most of you would agree with me, that food brings us comfort. Before I go any further, we need to keep in mind, that we need to keep it healthy, not over indulge or use food to replace good mental health! Now that we have that settled, what’s your comfort food?

For me, when I think of comfort food I go right to lasagna! It brings me memories of family, a meal to share and it just tastes wonderful! Another comfort food is meatloaf. I know there are those meatloaf haters out there, I get it. This dish reminds me of my Mom. I can picture her combining the pieces of bread, eggs, onion and kneading it all together. My Mom also would scrub large potatoes, rub them with butter, poke them with a fork and then wrap them in foil and put in the oven next to the meatloaf! Yum-Yum-Yum! 

I was talking with our young crew at Suzy’s Swirl if they ever had jello or jello with fruit in it and all of these jello recipes that I grew up with! Amazingly, the majority have never had any of these delicious dishes! My most favorite jello recipe is Strawberry Pretzel Salad. This too, is a comfort food for me. It’s a recipe that I make for Easter, Mother’s Day or anytime of the year! I made it this past week and brought in for our crew at Suzy’s Swirl to try! It was a big hit – they loved it! 

Food is a way to bring comfort. Food is a way to bring generations together. Food is a way to remember happy times. Food brings friends and family together! I am going to share my recipe for Strawberry Pretzel Salad and I hope you make it, share it and love it!

 Strawberry Pretzel Salad

2 Cups of Crushed Pretzels

¾ Cup Melted Butter

3 Tablespoons Sugar

(mix all together and spread into a 9x13 pan)

Cook at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes – let cool

1 – 8 Ounce Cream Cheese – Softened

1 Cup of Sugar

(cream together)

Fold in 1 – 8 Ounce Container of Thawed Cool Whip

Spread onto Cooled Pretzel Crust

2 – 3 Ounce Strawberry Jello

2 – Cups of Water

(bring to a boil, until jello is dissolved)

Add 2 – 10 Ounce Frozen Strawberries

Once Jello is Cooled Pour Over Cream Cheese Topping

Chill Over Night in the Fridge and Enjoy!

#Suzysswirl

Love is in the Swirl-The Big joe challenge

Suzy’s Swirl is excited to announce our annual Big Joe Challenge will be taking place on Saturday March 6th!  Some may be asking, “What is The Big Joe Challenge and how can I participate?” Let me give you the background about this amazing challenge!

The Big Joe Challenge is a Suzy’s eating challenge. This challenge is our way to raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association. We challenge you to consume 64 ounces of Swirling deliciousness and 8 ounces of toppings in a mere 20 minutes all for a $20.00 entry fee that will be donated to the American Heart Association!

This challenge is in memory of my husband, Joe. Joe unexpectedly passed away from cardiac arrest while mowing the grass on a warm sunny Saturday morning in October! Joe loved his family more than anything, enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his kids and was a loyal friend to many! 

At our last Big Joe Challenge in March of 2019, we had 3 exceptional customers complete the challenge in less than 20 minutes!  We had many others that happily attempted the challenge that day too!  Due to the complications of our current pandemic, we will have more details very soon if the challenge will be virtual or in person! The Suzy’s Swirl goal for 2021 is to raise $3000.00

Our winner this year will receive (1) years’ worth of Suzy’s Swirl, a flavor named after them for 30 days at Suzy’s Swirl, a donation made to the American Heart Association in their name! You can also, Buy a Heart to Save a Heart for yourself or a loved one too! There will be many other fun activities happening at Suzy’s leading up to March 6th! 

It’s important to know how to prevent Cardiac Arrest too!  Eat a Healthy Diet, for the sake of your heart you should avoid foods that are oily, high in cholesterol, sugary and high in carbohydrates. Stay active and exercise. If needed, lose some weight.  Reduce your stress (not easy). Stop using tobacco and reduce your alcohol intake. 

The passing of Joe rocked our world!  We had the choice to crumble or pick up the pieces and make Joe proud. We have put the pieces of our lives back together and have definitely made Joe proud! But, there will always be a big piece missing, that never changes!

All of us at Suzy’s Swirl are looking forward to celebrating Joe, The Big Joe Challenge and raising money for the American Heart Association! 

You Have a Big Heart – Take Care of It

American Heart Association 

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FInding your Happy Place

Do have a Happy Place?  Do you have a place that you can go to relax, a place that makes you happy as soon as you walk in, a place that makes you forget all the craziness going on at the moment?

 There are people who say that when we feel stressed we should think of happy thoughts. They suggest we take a breath and try to think of a relaxing, stress free place.  Picture yourself on a beach with the sun shining down on you, a warm breeze blowing and listening to the ocean rippling in and out!  That’s relaxing! Do you remember the Calgon commercials for their bubble bath, “Calgon Take Me Away” was their tag line! These are all ways to relax and find your Happy Place.

Many of us may also have actual places that they like to go to that are their Happy Place!  I love going to a Lake Bluff nursery called, Pasquesi’s .  When I walk in, I am immediately hit with the smell of flowers and their very relaxing atmosphere!  It’s a calm and beautiful store!  Another Happy Place from me is Starbuck’s.  I love how it smells and the relaxing vibe!  Of course, my most Happy Place is Suzy’s Swirl!  I walk into Suzy’s and it’s just happy!  When you come to Suzy’s Swirl you just relax and enjoy being there!  How can you not be happy there?

When I think of my 3 favorite Happy Places, they all relate to my senses and feelings!  The smells, the colors, the feelings I get when I’m there all make them a Happy Place for me!  Finding a Happy Place that simply gives our mind a break is vital to our mental health!   

As we continue to move forward in 2021, I hope you find your Happy Place.  A place that you can take a break, breath and relax!  Your place may be walking to the lake, working in your garden, walking on the beach and of course coming to Suzy’s Swirl!

Whatever it might be – enjoy and relax!

Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive!

#suzysswirl

Breathe and Faith

It’s a new day and the beginning of a new week. Thank You God! Truly, Thank You God! We are 10 days into the new year and so much has happened. We have to continue to breathe and have faith! 

I am a firm believer in phrases such as, this is just a moment in time, this too shall pass, have faith, give it up to God and today is a new day. We cannot turn a blind eye to the crazy, absurd and unimaginable events that happen in our world. We can choose to shift our focus to the good in humanity, positive moments and the simple times spent with those we love! 

Starting this week, I am going to make a few simple changes in my life, maybe you want to too!

1.  Turn off the news. I will not start my day or end my day with the news. Instead I will listen to an uplifting podcast or calming music.

2. I will be drinking 64 ounces of liquids each day. It can be a combination of water, tea, latte or fruit too!

3. I will be adding more vegetables and fruits into my daily meals. This sounds so easy but for me, I really have to think about this!

4. I will get outside and walk around the block each day. I will ride my stationary bike, at lease 3 times a week.

5. I will send my friends and family handwritten notes and cards to say hi and let them know how much I appreciate and love them! Who doesn’t like a handwritten note!

I cannot fix all of the wrong in the world. I can make a few simple changes in my day/week to be positive and stay healthy. I can choose to focus more on the good and remember to breathe and have faith!   

Let’s remind ourselves, it’s only been 10 days into the new year! You can spin these past 10 days in so many ways! I choose to spin it in a positive way! We now have 355 days to do better! 

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his/her future by merely changing his/her attitude – Oprah

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WHen Do you take your Christmas tree Down?

We made it through the holidays!  We are finally seeing the back of the fridge again, we have put the wrapping paper away and have finally eaten the last Christmas Cookie!  Now it’s time to tackle the Christmas Tree!

Like so many people, I put my Christmas Tree up early this year! As soon as I wake up in the morning I turn the lights on my Christmas Tree. I have enjoyed the twinkling lights each day and night! Now the time has come to turn it off and take it down!

Just as we have traditions on how we put the tree up, there are traditions on how we take down our Christmas Tree.  Some families take the tree down on December 26th and some families take down their tree on New Year’s Day.  There is also a tradition that some may not know, waiting until January 7th, which is called the Epiphany.  Many Christian Families mark this day as the end of the Christmas season, 12 days after December 25th. These twelve days are when the 3 Kings (or wise men) were making their journey to see Baby Jesus. It was on the twelfth night that the 3 Kings met the Baby Jesus. Some suggest that this tradition brings you good luck for the rest of the year too!

As we say good bye to our Christmas Tree, there’s really no true correct answer on when to take down your Christmas Tree.  For me, it will be one less play toy for my cat, for others it will be because all of the needles are falling off.  Enjoy your tree as long as you can!  It’s not good bye, it’s see you again in 12 short months!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas Tree: the presence of a Happy Family all wrapped up in each other!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

All of us at Suzy’s Swirl hope all of you had a Very Merry Christmas!  We are so grateful and appreciative for all of our customers, crew and supportive families!  We also want to thank everyone who gave us Christmas Cards and wished us well this holiday season!

I know this Christmas was very different for so many of us.  Our family gatherings were smaller, some families may have celebrated with zoom calls and some families may have seen Grandparents in their car (that’s what we did)!  However, you celebrated the holidays, I hope you found peace, happiness and joy with those you were with!

In these final days of 2020 I am going to try to reflect on all of things that I am grateful for.  There is now doubt that 2020 was extremely hard, families suffered, lives were lost.  In that same breath, babies were born, couples were married, children graduated from school, new jobs were started, new homes were purchased and life continued to move forward!  In the midst of a pandemic we adapted and in some cases thrived!

The Christmas season is coming to an end, but the spirit of Christmas can continue each and every day into the new year! Let us embrace with open arms 2021 and all of its possibilities!  I hope and pray that 2021 will be a year of healing physically, mentally and spiritually!  Seize the blessings of today, uplift people around you and continue to  support small businesses!  God Bless Us All!

Love like you’ve never been hurt before, sing like there is not another soul in the room and live like you’re in the midst of heaven! 

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GRADUATION DAY

Today my daughter Julie, is graduating from college! Julie is graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a major in Human Resources! I am so proud of her and all that she has accomplished!  I look forward to her starting her new job and starting this next adventure of her life!

Like so many parents, you shake your head and can’t believe your child is old enough to be graduating from college!  It seems like it was just yesterday that you were walking them into preschool and so worried that they would never make any friends! Suddenly in the blink of an eye, 18 years’ flash by and you have a College Graduate!   

For all graduates, 2020 has been challenging! Trying to navigate online learning, regular Covid testing, zoom calls, phone interviews and the list goes on and on, these graduates have learned to adapt! They have found a way to finish college, get a job and continue to move forward! The graduating class of 2020 is resilient, motivated and inspiring!

This virtual graduation ceremony is going to be different, but different is ok!  We will watch the ceremony online, watch her move her tassel to the other side of her cap and celebrate her accomplishments! Bonus, this will all happen from the comfort of our living room!

Julie, be brave, confident and shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss you will land among the stars! Congratulations!

You’re off to great places!  Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!

Dr. Seuss

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