Star 99.9 Acoustic with Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas has been one of musics most compelling and successful artists for well over a decade. First introduced as the front man to the band Matchbox Twenty, Rob just released his 3rd solo album called The Great Unknown. 

When invited to a private acoustic session organized by local radio station Star 99.9 and sponsored by Michael's Jewelers, I nearly fell over! Having seen him only in a large arena setting, I knew this performance would be extra intimate and exclusive. 

Rob has collaborated with Mick Jagger, Santana and Willie Nelson to name just a few. He is never too shy to let his fans no about his star studded collaborations and how humble he is to be where he is today. Rob played 4 songs for the small crowd invited at Riverview Bistro in Stratford, CT which included a few Matchbox Twenty songs. He took a few questions from the crowd including one from a preteen who said she was the little girl in the back of the cab in his "Someday" video that was shot in New York several years ago. She said she never got to say goodbye to him and finally today she got her chance. An unlikely reunion! 

I could not talk about Rob Thomas and not mention his foundation Sidewalk Angels. He and his wife Marisol founded the organization and is dedicated to helping an aray of grassroots efforts with funding for a number of causes including animal cruelty, no-kill shelters and pet adoption which is close to their heart. Often he plays acoustic shows to benefit their organization and that is the first time I saw Rob perform a few years ago at Mohegan Sun Casino. Gotta love a celebrity who gives back!

All in all, a great day to take the day off early for some live music with one of my favorite artists!

Catch a bit of the acoustic session here! 
Star 99.9 Acoustic with Rob Thomas

If you are interested in winning a chance to see a special acoustic performance of the next artist, log on here to Star 99.9 http://www.star999.com/Contests/Register.aspx?ContestID=199449 to enter. 

Check out Rob's new album and info at http://www.robthomasmusic.com/

Are you a fan? What's your favorite Matchbox Twenty or Rob Thomas song?

Carrot Curry Soup

I have seen many versions of this soup and I have to say it sounded like a lot of work. Well.. it is. Kinda. A pound of carrots to peel and chop is no easy task, but really after that all the work is in the pot and blender! 

This soup is a fall favorite in our home and is spicy, flavorful and fulfilling. It also is not expensive and does not take many ingredients. Amen to simplicity. Make it a day ahead of time and it tastes even better on day 2! Serve with salad or a sandwich and you are done. Here is my version.

Carrot Curry Soup

• 1 lb bag of large carrots
• 3 Tbsp curry powder
• Fresh ginger (1 tsp)
• 1/2 white onion chopped
• 1 clove of garlic
• pepper and salt to taste
• 10 ounces of vegetable broth
• 1 small can of coconut milk

Chop carrots into quarter and dime size pieces. If you can, try to cut them thin which will cut down on the cooking time. 

Put a small amount of olive oil in a large stock pot and add chopped onions, garlic, curry powder dash of salt, 1 tsp pepper and ginger. Cook on low until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add vegetable broth. The broth should just cover all the carrots. Since a 1lb bag of carrots can vary on how large the carrots are, you can always add more broth if needed.

Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Carrots need to be fork tender. 

Once they are tender, transfer the broth and carrots into the blender. Blend on puree, pulsing. You might have to stop and stir a few times. You want all the carrots pureed and a nice smooth consistency. The soup should not be watery but creamy. 

Once blender to the desired consistency, return the soup to the pot and add 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Taste and add more salt and pepper as you feel needed.

Let the soup stand for 15 minutes and then enjoy! 

What is your favorite fall soup? 

Friday's Fix! Gym Etiquette

Have you ever been to the gym and are constantly subjected to the other members bad behaviors? We would hope some people have common sense and would treat the gym as a place for everyone and a place of belonging for others to enjoy.

I worked all day, all I want to do is put on my ear buds and run as fast as possible to shake off the stress of the day. Can't we all be considerate of others when working out or in the gym? 

Here are my top 10 gym etiquette pet peeves.

1. Talking on the cell phone while working out. Is your call THAT important? If so, take it to the locker room or outside please.

2. Walking around completely naked. Listen, I am happy you like your body, but not all of us do and we do not need to see that much of it. Use a towel, robe what have you. This is not your house. This goes for the sauna too. 

3. Not wiping down the equipment. We all have to play nice in the sandbox! After sweating all over the equipment and gripping it, it is always considerate to use the cleaners provided and wipe down the equipment or machines for the next guest. I go farther.. I wipe them down before I use them. :)

4. Loud music. Music is an awesome motivator for working out.. I just do not want to hear yours. Please use ear buds or a headset! 

5. Sitting on the equipment and not using it. We all need to rest between sets, but if you are sitting for an extended time chatting with another member, please take it aside. Let the next person hop on.

6. Not covering your mouth when coughing/sneezing. This goes anywhere not just the gym. As if the gym is not dirty enough, please cover your mouth and if needed, take a break and get some water. 

7. Leaving on the TV's. This is minor but bugs the heck out of me. Why should all the TV's on each machine be running if people are not on them? Save some energy peeps! If you are done running, turn off your monitor before you leave. 

8. Grunting. Seriously?! Close your mouth. If you are grunting that much, it must be too much weight for you to handle. 

9. Not putting back equipment. I never forget walking into the aerobic room to box and seeing what looked like a Cross Fit gym set up all over the floor left there. If you are cross training, its great, just rack the weights, put the mats away and the steps for the next person to use the space.

10. Wearing cologne or perfume. Listen, if you are not sweating it up at the gym, you might not be working out. And everyone stinks a little at the gym. Its expected. But please do not try to cover it all up in cologne or perfume. Gag.

What did I miss? Anything else that really irritates you at the gym? Do share! 

Bean-less Chili

I love the fall! I love the food that comes with it even more. 

Soups, baking breads and muffins, pumpkin everything and then there is chili! A hearty, warm meal that thankfully everyone in the house can agree to like. Beans however are not that welcome, so I make a bean-less version and you will never miss them. Plus with a crock pot there is hardly any "cooking" involved. The pot does all the work. 

Photo credit Charged

Bean-less Chili

• 1lb ground beef of your choice. 
• 3/4  of a 16 ounce can of crushed tomato
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cumin
• 2 tsp salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1 green pepper
• 1 white onion
• 1 clove of garlic

Start with dicing the onion and pepper and put aside. Add the beef to a crock pot and put on low setting. Add 3/4 of the 16 ounce can of crushed tomato. My experience is that if you add too much, you will have chili soup. :) You can always add more, but cannot take the extra out so start slow. Add the pepper and onions. Add the chili pepper, cumin, salt and pepper. Same thing with spices, add what is on the recipe and add more as it full cooks and to taste. I always end up adding a bit more. If you like, you can also add corn to the chili. Cook in the crock pot for 3-4 hours, stirring the pot twice an hour. 

Photo credit Charged

Once fully cooked, plate and top with cheddar cheese, sour cream or avocado. I like mine with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips.

Pretty Pumpkin Decor

I love fall and Halloween decor! My child is over the carving of pumpkins and really, they tend to rot so quick when they are cut into it's disappointing. I was paroling Pintrest for some cute fall decor ideas that might be different and came across a ton of beautiful pumpkins decorated that looked elegant and fun. Plus, it had been awhile since I got the craft basket out of supplies. Pretty fun! I went to Wal-Mart and was able to find everything except the actual pumpkins which I bought at a local grocery store. Make sure they have a stem on them which is essential to tying ribbon and bows on the pumpkins.

Photo credit Charged

Think about the theme you want to create. Perhaps you want the pumpkin to have a witch theme. You can buy green and black striped ribbon, a tiny size witch hat and perhaps some raffia to give the pumpkin straw broom effect. Once you know what you want the theme to be, you can go get what you need. I used 3 kinds of ribbon, artificial leaves and pumpkins and used a glue gun...the essential craft tool!

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I plan to bring my little pumpkins to work to decorate my desk and the large one adorns my window sill. Everything here cost less than $20 and took less than 30 minutes to put

together!

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 What a cute gift idea too if you are heading to someones home for a party or someone has an October birthday. Pumpkins could easily be decorated with the numbers of the age of the person, sprinkles like a cake has or glitter, pastel colors like frosting and so on. 

The idea is to be creative and have fun...and this is so easy even if you do not consider yourself crafty. What a great use for old ribbon and craft materials too. So get the kids (or adults) together and get creative! 

Friday's Fix! Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pancake Mix.

 Pumpkin season is among us!

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Time to go to Trader Joe's and pick up a box of their Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake mix while you can. I am a huge breakfast buff ( if you could not tell) and since we have family members who are gluten free, we are always on the hunt for new and delicious easy products. This is one of them.

Now don't get me wrong, homemade pancakes are the best and their are a lot of pumpkin pancake recipes floating out in cyberspace. But who always has the time and why should we have to wait till Sunday to have a pancake breakfast??

Trader Joes Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix. Photo credit Charged

The mix consists of rice flour and potato starch base and the pancakes come out fluffy, flavorful with that pumpkin spice flare and are surprisingly hearty. You are not missing the gluten at all, even if you are not gluten free. This is a box to grab while you can for under $5. All it takes is 1 egg, oil of your choice and the box. Get your pumpkin on while you can! 

For more products check out Trader Joes

A Creative Life

Every now and then I find myself in a slump. A creative slump that is! I am not an artist or actress but always feel the need for creativity in my life and when I have it, I am ultra satisfied.

Webster's defines creativity as the ability to create! But create what? Everyday we look to do better in our jobs, foster our relationships with our children and families, make more money, find more time, look better, feel better.. the list can go on and on. Is this just what life is about? Yes. It is about doing your personal and professional best and being creative, but on your terms! It is not about running yourself ragged each day for a "to do" list. I think that is the key part. Of course, you can do it along with others and you should, but you are the one that has to take the risk, the first step or the next opportunity to create the life you want based on your values and what is important to you. 

So how can we create more in our lives? 

First you have to figure out the area in which you feel you want to improve on and take subtle changes to get you there. Perhaps its to be more creative in your personal relationships or being more present with your children. Think about the ways in which you can make that happen. One suggestion is to schedule it. Put it in the calendar that you have "family time" from 5-7pm each night or every Sunday evening a movie night with your love. If we write things down, sometimes that is the way they get done and hold value. Sometimes if we do not schedule, it just never happens at all.

Perhaps you are looking to get to reading that book that has been at your nightstand for the past month. Make a pact with yourself that you are in bed and hour early so you can relax and lose yourself in the pages. Or better yet, go to the library where you will be uninterrupted in your reading.

Many of us want to be creative in the kitchen. Perhaps eat more healthfully. How about taking a cooking class or taking time one day out of the week to look at recipes and having meaningful and satisfying meals to look forward to. This is something you can also do with family which makes it more fun.

Have you heard of people that have a job but feel they are not satisfied or being utilized to their abilities? That is a hard situation to be in, because we have to go to work each day. So it can be a big downer in your life if you are not happy in your career. Everyone wants to shine and utilize their skills and creative side. Figure out what your passion is and strong points. Network with others to find out about possible opportunities in a career that would best suit you better. 

Get dirty! Maybe you like to scrapbook but never find the time. It can be so cathartic to choose pictures, write captions, cut and crop pictures, choose placement, use pretty embellishments and paper. The satisfaction when you have a beautiful album after is wonderful. Plus it is a lasting keepsake. AND it is something you can do with friends or family so can fulfill two creative purposes. Set aside the time. Perhaps you dream of writing a book someday. Start now. Writing your thoughts down or the story line bit by bit. Put yourself in front of others who write. Maybe join a writer's workshop. 

My creative outlet is definitely writing this blog. Posts and thoughts spill out of me at any moment and I yearn to share what is floating in my head to hopeful inspire others.  I always keep a journal at hand for that reason. The other is reading! It is a tiny pleasure that yes, I need to schedule or it does not get done. When I do get to read, my creative side thanks me. 

Creating a life for yourself is your responsibility. We often get too immersed in celebrity lives or the lives of our friends and what everyone else is doing and we can miss the opportunities that lay right in front of us if we took action. Let's look inward and look at how we can improve upon our own lives. How can we change and create a better life for ourselves and our future? We only have one shot at it. Make it count!


How do you bring creativity in your life?

Grand Opening of Carlo's Bakery with Buddy Valastro & TLC's The Cake Boss!

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If you have ever watched "The Cake Boss" on TLC, you know Buddy Valastro is a compassionate, funny, down to earth and passionate baker and family man. Meeting him in person, I found him to be so much more. I attended the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at his newest location at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Hundreds of people showed up and waited in line for hours to get their hands on desserts and catch a glimpse of Buddy and The Cake Boss cast at work.

The new bakery will be the first New England location for Carlo's Bakery, which currently has seven other active locations including its flagship bakery in Hoboken, NJ, locations in Ridgewood, N.J; Westfield, NJ; Red Bank, NJ; Morristown, NJ; Las Vegas, NV and Marlton, NJ.

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I'm thrilled to bring Carlo's Bakery to Mohegan Sun," said Buddy Valastro, owner of Carlo's Bakery. "This is a destination for fun and food and we can't wait to be a part of the famiglia!

I was invited to sit down with Buddy in the first ever Sweet Room! The Sweet Room is a dessert-only dining concept slated to feature a small menu of decadent Italian inspired innovations, from ice cream and sorbet to cheese plates and petit fours. The unique recipes are thoroughly crafted to satisfy all the senses. 

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One of the first questions I asked Buddy is.. why Mohegan?  He explained that he and the tribe have had a relationship for quite sometime and that they are always so generous when he comes to visit. Buddy 's relationship with Mohegan Sun start in 2011 when he was asked to bake a cake for their 15th anniversary and then started the magic. 

Signature plated dessert at The Sweet Room

 I asked Buddy of course a lot of cake questions. One in particular was what was the oddest thing he had been asked to incorporate in a cake? If you watch the show, you know what I am talking about! Buddy said that anything with blood and gore is always hard for him. It goes against everything he was taught and knows about baking by making the cakes smooth and having clean lines. But,  he always happily obliges as you can tell when you watch the show and see some of the requests he gets.

Photo credit Charged

Photo credit Charged

Buddy has 4 children and I was curious to find out if any of them plan to go into the family business. He told me that they would support their children in whatever they wanted to do but that they already are involved and often help out in the bakery.

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When asked about which celebrity he was star struck to bake for, he said Oprah! Buddy said she was so gracious and she was just so great to work with. He also said the one person he would like to bake for is the Pope! 





Carlo's originally opened by Carlo Gusastaffero in 1910, was acquired by Bartolo Valastro Sr. in 1964. Since the untimely passing of Bartolo Sr. in 1094, matriarch Mary Valastro and her children Grace, Maddalena, Mary, Lisa and master baker Bartolo jr. " Buddy Valastro have expanded the business with the help of their spouses.

Me, Grace Valestro, Lisa Valastro. Photo credit Charged

Signature plated dessert at The Sweet Room. Photo credit Charged

I asked Buddy if there was any advice he would give to someone just starting out with a business. Buddy said be prepared to be the marketer, supplier, accountant, delivery person and so on right from the start! He stated that you need to be "all in". He also said if it is not working, you have to know when to stop if you continue to struggle. 

Baker and Cake Boss cast member Mauro Castano putting the finishing touches on a cake. Photo credit Charged

I found Buddy to be extremely kind, laid back and genuinely interested in being with his fans, family and a huge passion for Carlo's Bake Shop. If you ever come to Mohegan Sun, this is a much needed stop on your trip for some sugary sweetness! You can find Carlo's at the Winter section of the Casino of the Earth  at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

Carlo's is open Sunday- Thursday, 7:00-Midnight, Friday-Saturday 7:00-1:00am. The Sweet Room is open daily from 5:00pm-1:00am daily.

Hair by Jessica Lynne Buffone. Photo credit Charged.

Friday's Fix!

One huge pet peeve is always trying to keep the car clean. I know it might be silly, but I spend a lot of time in it for work and with my child. It is always so gratifying to be in it when it is clean, spotless, shiny and organized. When it is not? Not so much! I deserve a clean space to clear my head on my way to work and I should not put my head down in shame when I am asked to give someone a ride because the car is not up to snuff. 

Here is some tips on this Friday Fix!

1. Use a garbage bag. Sounds easy right? I love to reuse the grocery shopping plastic bags just for this purpose. Anytime I need to throw something out, it is right there before it can hit the floor of the car.

2. Have a carry in/carry out policy. If the kids or you bring something in the car...it goes back out when you come home. Think of kids toys, books, backpacks, work bag, water bottles etc..

3. Vacuum. I cannot always get the car washed each week but I try to be diligent about vacuuming it each week. I am always astonished on how much it actually needs it weekly. 

4. Have a no food rule. Ok... maybe this is not QUITE always possible. Morning cup of java is an exception!  But at least nothing messy. Clear fluids, fruit and anything that comes in a bag is safe. Ice cream, candy or other treats can get messy or have the spill factor. This will ensure your seats are stain free. I also line my child's side of the car with an old towel. Helps! ( I take it off when I have guests in the car:)

5. Storage. I have a small box in my trunk. It keeps my emergency kit, bottle water, rags for auto repair, my flashlight, reuse-able grocery bags and other items. This way things are not flying and swinging around in the trunk area. 

6. Windows. If you cannot get a full wash regularly, just cleaning the windows helps alot with the look of your car and keeping your visibility high on the road while driving. 

7. Get the kids involved! Be sure they know to keep their side of the car free of litter, garbage and items that should be brought back inside. Do a once over each time you park in the driveway. 

8. Switch out the stuff. Beach stuff goes in my car trunk in July and comes out in late August. Same with sports equipment depending on season. Change out what you are storing as you need it.

9. Have needed supplies on hand. Antibacterial wipes, extra napkins, band aids, tissues and anything else that can cause a mess or prevent one!

10. Give it a weekly wipe! You can buy wipes for the car specifically or keep a rag and spray right in the car so you are always prepared for an unexpected passenger. 

Any good advice or tips for keeping the car mint? 

Fruit Coolers

The heat wave on the east coast has been trying! It is September and I am ready for fall, football and fun! Until then, it is important to stay cool during humid and hot days. This is an elegant, easy and fun way to do it other than just filling up the ole water bottle from the tap. 

Photo credit Charged

Photo credit Charged

Keep cool with these fruit and cucumber coolers!

Why wait until your annual visit to the spa to get this? There are lots of benefits of drinking cucumber water including hydration, bringing down blood pressure, detoxing and antioxidant benefits, curbing your appetite and soothing your skin. It also adds vitamins and minerals to your water. 




You can also add herbs to the coolers for added benefits like rosemary, basil or mint.  Add lemon and berries for another variation.  Instead of plain water, add seltzer for some zing or a splash of orange or cranberry juice to the water. Have fun, & keep cool!

Photo credit Charged

Organizing Season

Seasons always bring about change in the weather. But they are also a perfect time to bring change in your life and in your home. For me, I always have a spring and fall purge! I go into the closets and things get organized, donated or thrown out. It is a way to mentally prepare for the season and to prepare your wardrobe and home.  

Now this is not because I am materialistic or wasteful. This is about being organized and clutter-free and creating functional space. If something has not been worn, used, taken out in 17 months, it needs to go. Sometimes it just needs to go get stored somewhere else, but typically it gets consigned, donated or tossed. I love the idea of consigning and donating is great too for re-purposing. This way I know that the item or clothing will get used again and someone else fines themselves a gem of a deal! I have three categories for my annual purges. Clothing, home decor and toys. 

First thing. Make a list. List what you want to accomplish and do. This will keep you on task. 

For clothes, I always start with pulling out what I have not worn over a year. Then I go through each item one by one and ask several questions.

1. Does it fit?
2. Is it in good condition?
3. Do I like how it looks and more importantly, do I like how I feel wearing it?

Those three questions usually are a big help in the deciding factor. Especially how do I feel wearing it. Right? Our clothes and how we present ourselves have an impact on how people perceive us and how we feel about ourselves. The biggest accomplishment is actually having all the clothes in your closet that you actually wear. Makes deciding what to wear and getting ready in the morning a lot easier. And hey, who are you kidding, you know have an excuse to get a few nice new things that you might have had to toss in order to refresh your wardrobe. :)

When it comes to home decor I always ask myself if I have displayed or taken it out in the past year. Normally most of the stuff I have, I do! Seasonal decor gets stored and taken out when the time is appropriate. But, some things I find get stored in the hutch or closet and never make a grand entrance again. Perhaps you do not entertain as much as you used to so having 3 serving platters is not necessary and taking up too much space. Best to keep your favorite and forgo the other two. This can happening easily with vases when you get delivered flowers. All of the sudden you have 12 vases in the house! Keep going with that mindset and before you know it, space will start appearing. 

Last category is toys! Is it me or do they pile up too fast! What seems like the hottest toy of the season or something your child "had to have", might be now collecting dust in the toy box. 

First rule of thumb. Get your child involved! After all, this is there stuff and there room. Go through each area and discuss that you will be tossing some items and some can be donated for other children to enjoy. 

I normally go to the obvious. Age appropriateness. We forget our kids grow up! Check out the books and toys that are for wee ones. I bet you did not even know they were taking up rent in your kids room. If they have outgrown something, let it go. Stuff animals is one that grows in our house. At 9, my child still loves collecting them which I think is endearing. Many are from carnivals and arcade games so I never feel so bad tossing them. Special ones we always keep, but I do have my child go through each one and we discuss which is stained or ripped and maybe one that another child can now enjoy. And if you consign the toys and get cash, your child will have some extra money to buy things they would play with more. 

This is just a start to the list of organizing you can do each season in your home. Imagine walking into your closet to find order and knowing everything has it's place. Dreamy. :)

How do you organize or do seasonal purges?

The Balancing Act

Life is a big struggle sometimes. Balance between work and life is something I try to achieve each week. But it is hard. Sometimes REAL hard. Unexpected appointments pop up, disasters happen, kids get sick, deadlines at work appear. How is anyone expected to balance out their lives between work and life realistically?

Sometimes, you can't. And that is perfectly ok! We do the best we can with what we know and try to stick with what works. The key is to also ditch methods that just are not cutting it. Sometimes making tiny or huge change in your life is just what is needed to keep the balance steady. Here are a few tips to consider.

1. Leverage your job. Take your break and your lunch break. Use it to run your errands, make personal phone calls or set appointments for your family. You are given the time and not being paid for it so get going!

2. Rely on friends and family. I take my neighbor's son 3 mornings to school because she is a single mom who needs to get to work for 7:15am each morning. I am happy to help. I am taking my child to school anyway so it is no problem. Ask a family member to pick up your child once a week so you can get an extra hour or two to stay later at work or leave early and hit up the gym. Yes, it is perfectly fine and required to take care of yourself.

3. Get a new job. Yes, if your commute is getting in the way of your personal life and you spend more time on the road than at home, by all means get one closer to home. This is not always feasible for everyone but if you have the type of job where you can find it closer to home, by all means it could make a huge impact on your personal life.

4. Ask for flextime. If you are valuable to a company, propose working longer hours on a day or two to leave early on other days or moving your schedule from 7-4pm instead of 8-5pm. It can't hurt to ask and if you are valued, they just might accommodate you.

5. Use your weekend. Weekends are for relaxing of course. But scheduling in an hour each Saturday and Sunday to take care of much needed errands or tasks around the house could mean more time to focus on other things during the week. You would be amazed at what you can achieve in just one hour if you schedule it. 

6. Here are some of my readers suggestions after being asked via the Charged Facebook page. Anneliese stated " Up early and work late, I love being busy." Leila said " making a list and walking her dog". 

7. Use a calendar. Sometimes if you schedule an activity with family or something related to work, you normally will get it done. 

8. Take a day off. Most of us are all given PTO time with our jobs if we work full-time. You would be surprised at how many people do not use even half of their paid time off each year. And we wonder why we can't find balance! Use the day to recharge yourself or do something fun with family.

What works for one person might not work for another. You have to experiment and find what works best for you and your family. Write down the goals that you have for finding balance between work and life. Perhaps it is having at least 3 family dinners a week or being able to attend an after hours work event once a month. Finding balance often takings consistent tweaking. After all, we cannot always predict what will come at us in this thing called life. 

How do you strive for balance in your life?