I am a fan of supporting local organizations and small businesses and a few weeks ago I discovered a wonderful one in Wethersfield, CT. Diane Ohanian turns fur coats into incredible teddy bears, bunnies, and sheep.

One of my friend’s grandma died and in going through her things they found a fur coat. None of them were going to use it, so they had it turned into a couple of stuffed teddy bears. How many bears you get depend on the size of the coat and the size of the bears. Now a number of people from the family can share in a piece of their grandmother’s items.

I thought it was as great idea and when I saw the bears, I was really impressed. Diane Ohanian is a very talented craftsman. If you’re interested click on Bearables to go to her site.

Since I was a little girl my family has been attending Sailfest (although we called it the Groton/New London fireworks). This is a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy being outside, listen to some music, try some local restaurants and view some of the best fireworks I have ever seen.

My family typically brings picnic food and enjoys a day outside waiting for the fireworks to start. We play cards and walk around. Depending on where you go there are bands. It’s a lot of fun. This year it is Saturday, July 11th. I highly recommend it. These are the town fireworks I grew up on and it made me a fireworks-snob. I’ve always assumed this was the kind of fireworks show every town put on.

Plus when you do fun activities that make you happy, make your smile, and make you feel good you are helping your whole well being.

This post is not about Pilates, but it is about a location in Connecticut that will make your spirits high, especially as that temperature drops. And that is always a good thing. It’s not just exercise and eating right that makes us happy, although they both help a great deal.

I was telling some of my classes about it and I have received a number of questions.

Here is the website:

Clyde’s Cider Mill in Mystic CT.