Hope you're all staying warm!

I woke up on this frosty morning to some exceptional news!  Next Wednesday is going to be a very special day for me.  I’ll start off my morning by being interviewed by fellow URI alum, Amanda Leonardo, on Cat Country 98.1.  Next, I’ll head off to the station to co-host the Rhode Show (I can not wait!!).  Last, I’ll put on some warm gear and drive to the Bank of America City Center.

The top 5 Search for a Star contestants have been invited to do an ice skating routine with Mickey and Minnie Mouse!  I have actually never met the famous duo, and can’t wait to skate with them.

If you’re free on Wednesday from 11-noon, come on down to Kennedy Plaza and check us out!  I may not be the most graceful skater, but you’ll be sure to see a smile on my face

TGIF,

Mary

ACTION!

There are only 12 days left until the new Rhode Show co-host is announced!  

I will be counting down the days with you here on our Fox Providence blog.

*sniff* *sniff*

Oh no!  Today I’m full of nervous energy because I seem to have caught the nasty cold that has been running around all of Rhode Island this week.  A runny nose complete with a stuffy voice will not bode will for my on air segment next week, so I’m doing everything I can to shake this bug.  Do any of you have a suggestion for how to get over this bug quickly?

Deep down I am a little happy that I got sick this week, because I hope it will run it’s course so that I am in tip top shape for December 7th!

Since it’s Thursday, I thought I’d thrown out a suggestion for an activity this weekend – the Providence Roller Derby Championship!

The PVD Roller Derby was founded in 2004, and was the FIRST all-female flat-track roller derby league in New England!  This Saturday will be a double header!

The event takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 2nd Floor Hall A/B

Doors open at 4pm, and the first bout is the Sakonnet River Rats  (who won the 2010 and 2009 Championships) vs. New Hampshire at 5pm

The Championship is between the

Mob Squad and the Old Money Honeys

and starts at 7pm.

I promise that you’ll have an amazing time at this family friendly event!

Happy 1st day of anticipation  Catch you tomorrow!

Mary

This week the Rhode Show is Giving Back, by having each one of the top 5 contestants highlight a local charity.

I was fortunate enough to visit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence.

I met with Nicole Dufresne, who has been the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence for more than 7 years. She is incredibly passionate about the organization, and told me all about the children and activities at the club.  Nicole told me about an incredible story involving a child and the Club’s recently expanded swim program.

Thanks to the reopening of the indoor pool at the South Side Clubhouse, more children have access to valuable swim lessons and aquatic sports.  One particular child desperately wanted to take swimming lessons, but due to her religion she could not wear a typical swimsuit, and henceforth, could not participate.  Someone from the community heard about this young girl, and found a way to donate towards a full body suit.  The girl has been swimming ever since!

I was able to help some children out with their homework, and sat through their dinner hour.  After eating, several kids went into another room for chorus rehearsal.  The ensemble was rehearsing one of my favorite songs from The Sound of Music, So Long, Farewell

I stayed after their rehearsal to sing along with them and teach the children a few fun songs that I knew

If you haven’t been able to check out the video, you can here.  Thanks to all of the staff and children for making the story possible.  The kids truly shined!

Thanks to donations, the Boys and Girls Clubs are able to provide membership for those children who otherwise may go without.  If you are in a giving mood, or would like to purchase a meaningful gift for someone, why not make a donation?  Of course, any gift or donation made to the Boys & Girls Clubs before the end of the year would be eligible as tax-deductible.  Thanks to support, the Clubs are safe and enriching environments where all children can grow and succeed.

I hope you enjoyed the video!  See you soon,

Mary

Today I had another adventure…

I was given a camera and a mission – to create a segment depicting What I Would Bring to the Rhode Show.  I won’t give too much away, but I will tell you this:

My polka dotted boots made another appearance…

Since I’m always out looking for a deal, and because you are already on the computer – I thought I’d share a cyber Monday find with you!

LUNIAC STYLE  is selling all online etsy items at 15% off today, just use coupon code: CYBERMONDAY

Her jewelry is fun, fashionable, affordable and comes with a guarantee of being noticed.

      http://www.etsy.com/shop/luniacstyle

Happy (cyber) Monday,

Mary

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

I hope that you and yours had a most wonderful holiday, full of food, family, and traditions.  I was able to spend mine with my parents and sister in the morning, and then my in-laws house for our annual Thanksgiving feast.    We shared stories, our recent adventures, and I was able to talk about my fantastic experience with the Rhode Show.

I thought I’d  share with you a Thanksgiving poem that perfectly depicts our family dinner

The Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

(Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959)

It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;

But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I cold know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When  all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.

It may be I’m old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day
We’re too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day.
I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of “Hello, daddy!” as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.

Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we’d gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly–

It seemed before we’d settled down ’twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.

Here is a link to one of my favorite songs, which fits in quite nicely with the Thanksgiving theme:

 Simple Gifts, from Appalachian Spring, by Aaron Copland

Happy and Safe Holiday Weekend,

Mary

Today, I’ll talk about my red shoe adventures from my Rhode Show bio video……where I click my red heels three times, and take a trip to two sweet hot spots in Rhode Island.

My opening shot shows me with my husband eating cupcakes at The Duck and Bunny, which isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a snuggery.  This cozy joint is located on Wickenden Street in Providence. They have lip smakin’ good cupcake flavors – and a full bar!  There is a great assortment of teas, and you get your own large teapot. The Duck and Bunny is a place that where one can spend hours laughing and catching up with friends.  It is so precious and perfect for a late night sweet treat or drink.

My personal favorite flavor is the banana cupcake with nutella frosting yum!

Next stop for my red shoe adventure was my pioneering trip to Donick’s Ice Cream Spa on Broadway in Newport.  I love finding a new fun place to eat each week, so I figured I should try one out on camera just for you!

The owners of Donick’s offered me a taste of their candied bacon ice cream flavor, and boy was it tasty.

This ice cream spa will certainly be visited again by yours truly.  The decor is bright, colorful, and totally 80′s. Some of the tables are actually working Pac Man games, which only cost 25 cents per play.  Donick’s even has a life sized poster of Luke Perry!  What more could a girl ask for?

———-

If you’re in the mood to go out and about on your own adventure this weekend, I would highly recommend going to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas  at PPAC.  The top 5 Search for a Star contestants were lucky enough to see the show on Tuesday evening, and we had an absolute blast!  The show is perfect for all ages , and will certainly put you in a jolly mood! The sets are spectacular, Cindy Lou Who is adorable, and the Grinch is fabulously grumpy.

I’ll touch base tomorrow, and will tell you a little bit about my polka-dot boots adventures.

Until then, SHINE ON!

Mary

Our first assignment for the Rhode Show was exciting and yet difficult.  We were asked to make a two minute segment that would help the viewers get to know each of us contestants.  I took a great deal of time thinking over what I’d like to show you, and about what aspects I would like to share.

This segment has previously been nicknamed “a day in the life” but I realized that no two days of mine are the same…(which is one of the reasons I am so attracted to the position on the Rhode Show).  I make it a point to try new eateries, explore new parks, and get my hands dirty.   It was difficult for me to figure out exactly how I should frame my piece, until it dawned on me that my segment needed to be an adventure. 

Today, I’ll talk about my teal chuck adventures from the video……

In the last section of my video, I click my teal heels three times, and take a walk down memory lane.  For me, some of my fondest memories are from my college days at URI.  

I studied Music Education at the University of Rhode Island, and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Music. While there, I performed in the URI Marching Band (otherwise known as THAT RAM BAND).  It is one of the greatest organizations I have ever been a part of.  The URI Fight song is something I will never forget, and I was so thankful that director Brian Cardany, Rhody the Ram, and members from the current URI Marching Band, were willing to play it for my filming.  The students were kind as could be, and super excited to help out with my task.

I wanted to share URI with you, the viewers, because it is incredibly special to me.  While at URI, I learned to be an active member in the community, became a mentor, and embraced the phrase “Think BIG.”  

Now I’d like to share with you a hidden gem at URI.  If you are ever in southern Rhode Island and feel like taking a trip, you should make sure to visit URI’s Botanical Gardens.  They are located across the street from Fine Arts (where I spent most of my days as a student) and are perfect for a picnic.  For some reason, most students do not even know about these gardens, so they are generally quiet.  Admission to the gardens is FREE, with a suggested donation of only $5. One of the gardeners keeps an weekly blog, which is full of beautiful pictures and interesting facts. Last, if you know of anyone who is looking for a beautiful (and affordable) wedding ceremony location – look no further!  The gardens hosts 8-10 weddings each year! 

Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane!  Next time, I’ll tell you about some of my favorite hot spots to grab a sweet treat, and how they made their way into my bio

Until then, SHINE ON!

Mary

Last weekend I took a trip down to the Big Apple, and I made sure to pack some of my Rhode Show pride!

I love going to see live performances, especially at PPAC, and I occasionally take a trip down to NYC to catch a new show on Broadway.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, starring Daniel Radcliff and John Larroquette! It was a fantastic performance, full of witty lines, catchy tunes, and impressive choreography.  I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys jolly shows.

I took a brief walk through Rockefeller Center, and stopped to take a photo with our state flag!

Another highlight of my trip was going to the Quidditch World Cup on Randall’s Island.  In 2007, some college students from Middlebury decided to take a fictional game from J K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, and turn it into an intercollegiate sport. The game is a combination of basketball, dodgeball, rugby and soccer, and exists as a club sport at many colleges and universities world wide.  It was a ton of fun to watch.  The sport is very physical, and reminded me of our Providence Roller Derby League.  The athletes were determined, and gave each game their all.

(Speaking of Roller Derby – if you are looking for a fast paced and family fun event, be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday December 3rd.  It is the Providence Roller Derby 2011 Home Team Championship! The Mob Squad vs The Old Money Honey’s!  )

As much fun as it was to explore and see friends, I was very happy to hit 95 north, and head back up to Rhode Island.  Stay tuned for my next blog post where I’ll describe my wacky and crazy day of filming for my first Rhode Show assignment!

Until then, shine on!

Mary

I wanted to send a big thank you out to my mom, who served in the US Navy for 30 years, and then the US Army for 5 years, and also to the rest of our vets for sharing their time and lives to help keep our world safe.

My mom, who was a Seabee for thirty years, taught me to be selfless, to work hard, and be thankful to those who have served to keep me safe and free.  After being in the Navy, my mother transfered to the Army National Guard based out of Cranston.  What a sight it was to see her dressed up one weekend a month in fatigues!  She would come home from training covered in mud, tired from running, but always full of pride.

Many years ago she taught me a song titled, Song of the Seabees.  It was a very catchy tune, and I still remember it to this day.  I found a clip of Judy Garland singing it, and would love to share it with you:  Song of the Seabees.  In the lyrics it says “…and we promise to remember the 7th of December..” December 7th will be even more memorable to me this year, because not only is it Pearl Harbor Day, but it will also be the day that I get to co-host the Rhode Show!

—-Now a special treat for our Veterans!  Since I am always on the lookout for deals, here are a few that I wanted to share with you today.  Just make sure to have your military id available.

Mccormick & Schmick’s in Providence will be offering a free lunch

scrub-a-dub is giving free car washes

Applebee’s - A FREE Applebee’s meal can be had at all participating locations. Last year Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals! Lots of Providence, Rhode Island Applebee’s locations around the state.

Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse is offering a FREE lunch menu entree. This is perhaps one of the best Veterans Day deals around! Not only do you get one of 10 entrees free, but most of the free lunches include either two side dishes or fries, AND a drink!

Uno’s Chicago Grill - Uno’s offers a 19.43 percent military discount in honor of Veterans Day.

Outback Steakhouse – FREE Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion and Coco-Cola product at participating locations.

Chili’s – Chili’s restaurant offers a FREE meal deal from a limited menu for military personnel. Beverages and gratutiy are not included. Plenty of Providence, Rhode Island locations available.

T.G.I. Friday’s - T.G.I. Friday’s buy one get one FREE meal (BOGO). This is a great deal, but you have to purchase a meal first.

Shine on,

Mary

If you’d like to vote for me, just watch this video . Watching it counts as a vote!  Thanks