About Staci Gerardi

Staci loves to write, and loves to share her "take" on everything thrown her way. Movies, entertainment, food, fashion, shopping, money, travel and family. There's nothing off limits at NovemberSunflower.com, and Staci's always telling it like it is: good, bad, and all that lies in between!
5 04, 2017

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort did not work for our family

By |2017-08-03T18:25:00-04:00April 5, 2017|Reviews, Travel|4 Comments

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is an invite only event, but you still have to pay a conference fee. It’s not FREE, but it is discounted. It’s an invitation many of those in my industry would love to receive, but Disney can’t invite everyone. Our family has been lucky enough to be invited three years [...]

3 04, 2017

Intense Pulsed Light Laser working on what I call “brown spots from hell”

By |2017-06-08T12:28:37-04:00April 3, 2017|Lifestyle, Long Island, Reviews|Comments Off on Intense Pulsed Light Laser working on what I call “brown spots from hell”

Intense Pulsed Light, also referred to as IPL, Laser working on what I call my brown spots from hell. The medical term? I believe it's skin pigmentation problem thanks to good old sun damage. Whatever one calls them, they suck, and I've been self conscious of them for over ten years. I've spent, if I [...]

27 03, 2017

Two steps forward, one step back on the journey with depression

By |2017-06-01T12:25:23-04:00March 27, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|Comments Off on Two steps forward, one step back on the journey with depression

Two steps forward, one step back on the journey with depression. It's normal to make huge strides while living with depression. I've come to the realization I'll have struggles, get through the struggles, and find myself dealing with some of the same struggles more than once. Apparently, live and learn applies to me, but only [...]

22 03, 2017

Doing my best to raise my kids so they want to leave my nest

By |2019-04-21T09:06:38-04:00March 22, 2017|Family|Comments Off on Doing my best to raise my kids so they want to leave my nest

When you're someone like me, someone with depression and anxiety, it's easier to close myself off. Hide from the world. It's something I never want my kids to ever do. I'm doing my best to raise my kids so they want to leave my nest. Crazy thought, right? Not really. Let me try to explain.... [...]

20 03, 2017

Transform shortbread cookies into a pie crust for any pie

By |2017-03-13T08:11:15-04:00March 20, 2017|Food & Drink, Reviews|Comments Off on Transform shortbread cookies into a pie crust for any pie

Transform shortbread cookies into a pie crust for any pie? I know what you're thinking, Staci has lost her mind. She's BAKING? It's impossible. Folks, I'm serious. I love these dang Walkers Shortbread Fingers so much, I've decided to reach outside my comfort zone. It's time to bake. I promise I didn't lost my mind, [...]

15 03, 2017

FiOS helps me watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By |2017-02-27T09:47:32-05:00March 15, 2017|Lifestyle|Comments Off on FiOS helps me watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

FiOS helps me watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Every year I try to watch bits and pieces of New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade. I've been told I have some Irish in me, by way of my Australian roots. Plus, I just love seeing all the marching bands full of kids, getting to [...]

13 03, 2017

Easter dinner debate happening in many households: lamb vs. ham

By |2017-03-01T14:16:26-05:00March 13, 2017|Food & Drink|Comments Off on Easter dinner debate happening in many households: lamb vs. ham

Easter dinner debate happening in many households right now: lamb vs. ham. Do we serve a lamb for Easter dinner, or do we go with the ham? Perhaps, we do both to make all guests happy? In our house, ham wasn't an option. We always had lamb, and I'm happy to say, it's my favorite, [...]

8 03, 2017

Corned beef recipes for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

By |2024-02-17T15:08:03-05:00March 8, 2017|Food & Drink|Comments Off on Corned beef recipes for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Corned beef recipes for St. Patrick's Day celebrations don't always require cabbage with them. It's why I like to mix it up a bit, find a bit of both. Let's face it, the main star of corned beef and cabbage is always corned beef, right? However, I didn't totally leave out a couple of awesome [...]

6 03, 2017

Temporary cellulite reduction with THERMIsmooth® body

By |2017-06-08T12:28:57-04:00March 6, 2017|Lifestyle, Long Island, Reviews|Comments Off on Temporary cellulite reduction with THERMIsmooth® body

Temporary cellulite reduction sounds like a crazy concept, I know. However, it's something people are doing. How are people doing this? It's done with THERMIsmooth® body, and I'm jumping on the train to reduce my fat cells! Even better? I'm sharing my journey with all of you, so you'll know the truth behind this new [...]

1 03, 2017

Forget what you feel, remember what you deserve

By |2023-02-19T12:47:31-05:00March 1, 2017|Lifestyle|Comments Off on Forget what you feel, remember what you deserve

I don't know who said this, or wrote it, but I read it recently and it caused a light bulb to go off atop my head. Sometimes you must forget what you feel and remember what you deserve. Just, read that again, sometimes you must forget what you feel and remember what you deserve. Shit's deep, [...]

27 02, 2017

Winter Depression – it’s a form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

By |2020-10-26T11:05:39-04:00February 27, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|Comments Off on Winter Depression – it’s a form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Winter Depression - it's a form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) It's legit, and it happens to many of us. Learn more about it TODAY!

22 02, 2017

The Kia Niro is the new kid on the block

By |2017-02-22T08:16:12-05:00February 22, 2017|Lifestyle|Comments Off on The Kia Niro is the new kid on the block

The Kia Niro is the new kid on the block. I met him back in July of 2016 in San Diego. He caught my eye, but you know.... I didn't fall in love. My heart was set on a Kia Sportage. True story. However, after getting to know the new #KiaNiro - I'm smitten with him. [...]

20 02, 2017

Music provides therapy for my depression

By |2017-02-22T08:14:45-05:00February 20, 2017|Lifestyle|2 Comments

Music provides therapy for my depression every, single, solitary day. Music. It's been something I've loved since I was a little girl. I grew up listening to oldies stations, as well as whatever was current each year. It was "church" to me. Elvis Presley. Cher. Bette Midler. Sinatra. Whatever my parents loved, we listened to [...]

15 02, 2017

Blossom Baby Expo for parents and the children they love

By |2017-03-18T18:44:19-04:00February 15, 2017|Family, Featured, Long Island|2 Comments

Blossom Baby Expo for parents and the children they love is coming to Long Island on February 26, 2017. I remember when I was having my first child, Little Miss. She was a total surprise, and I had NO CLUE what I was supposed to buy, let alone what the best of those something's were. [...]

14 02, 2017

Pairing people with pooches on Z Living’s newest show Finding Fido

By |2017-02-14T10:38:05-05:00February 14, 2017|Entertainment, Featured|Comments Off on Pairing people with pooches on Z Living’s newest show Finding Fido

Pairing people with pooches on Z Living's newest Tuesday night show, Finding Fido, is something I'd wish I'd come up with. I'm not even going to hide the fact that I wish I'd thought of this concept for a show. It's awesome. How often do people get a dog, without doing research, and the dog [...]

13 02, 2017

Wedding weight loss transformations happen on Z Living’s new show Altar’d

By |2017-02-14T10:41:38-05:00February 13, 2017|Entertainment, Featured|Comments Off on Wedding weight loss transformations happen on Z Living’s new show Altar’d

Wedding weight loss transformations happen on Z Living's show Altar'd, and an important episode plays on Valentine's Day at 8 PM. Much of my life was spent overweight. Right before I was to be married, I was a little heavier again. I'd had Little Miss in November of 2006, and my wedding date was a mere [...]

8 02, 2017

Forget the box of chocolates – give me Walkers Shortbread’s NEW chocolate line

By |2017-01-23T10:03:38-05:00February 8, 2017|Featured, Food & Drink|Comments Off on Forget the box of chocolates – give me Walkers Shortbread’s NEW chocolate line

Forget the box of chocolates for Valentine's Day! Give me Walkers Shortbread's NEW chocolate line to help me celebrate in chocolatey, shortbread-ery decadence. I'm a simple girl, and honestly food is the best way to my heart. Especially when the new Walkers Shortbread chocolate line has shortbread with not just chocolate, but also toffee. I [...]

6 02, 2017

Don’t take depression on all on your own! Find a therapist.

By |2017-06-01T12:25:03-04:00February 6, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|4 Comments

Don't take depression on all on your own. Find a therapist. It's the best advice I can give, as someone who has tried doing it not only alone, but also with a therapist. The better way? Bringing on the help of a solid therapist that fits with you. Depression is more than sadness. It's a [...]

1 02, 2017

Spending VDay with Verizon FiOS & my 5 favorite Valentine’s Day movies

By |2017-02-03T21:33:34-05:00February 1, 2017|Featured, Lifestyle|Comments Off on Spending VDay with Verizon FiOS & my 5 favorite Valentine’s Day movies

Spending Valentine's Day with Verizon FiOS watching my 5 favorite Valentine's Day movies means perfection, to me. I'm not a big fan of the day, whether in a romantic relationship, or not. It's never been a big holiday for me. I much prefer hanging at home, and watching movies while I eat all my favorite [...]

30 01, 2017

Talking to others about depression results in a variety of reactions

By |2017-06-01T12:24:48-04:00January 30, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|Comments Off on Talking to others about depression results in a variety of reactions

Talking to others about depression results in a variety of reactions. Some of the reactions are kind. Other reactions are.... how do I put this? Well, let's just say after we've parted ways I wonder how they tie their shoes each day without help. I'm not judging them for their reaction, I'm legit perplexed. You'd [...]

25 01, 2017

Entenmann’s® Little Bites® party cakes for the little moments we celebrate

By |2017-01-23T12:47:41-05:00January 25, 2017|Featured, Food & Drink, Reviews|Comments Off on Entenmann’s® Little Bites® party cakes for the little moments we celebrate

Disclosure: The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s® Little Bites® so that I could try they product, and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s® Little Bites®. The opinions expressed in this post are my own, and don’t reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s® Little Bites®. Entenmann’s® Little Bites® [...]

23 01, 2017

Living with depression takes unbelievable strength

By |2017-06-01T12:24:39-04:00January 23, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|Comments Off on Living with depression takes unbelievable strength

Living with depression takes unbelievable strength. Many think it's something that makes all of us out here, dealing with depression, weak. They are mistaken. Not many can handle the feeling of drowning all day, yet get up every day, and live their lives. Yes, living life isn't just about the happy times, it's about the hard [...]

18 01, 2017

Tips for shopping for a stylish man’s wedding ring

By |2017-01-11T08:29:26-05:00January 18, 2017|Featured, Lifestyle|Comments Off on Tips for shopping for a stylish man’s wedding ring

Typically, weddings are so focused on the bride. The choice of a wedding ring for the groom is usually glossed over. Why? Well, the impression of most of society: he's not interested in the details. However, many fashion-conscious men today embrace finger rings as an important fashion accessory. Men want rings to match not only [...]

16 01, 2017

Mothering through the depression one day at a time

By |2017-06-01T12:24:27-04:00January 16, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|Comments Off on Mothering through the depression one day at a time

Prior to being a mother, depression hit me throughout my life. I can safely say, it's far more heart breaking to live with depression after your children arrive. Before kids, I didn't even know it was depression. I just thought I was sad for extended periods of time, and I was a loner who felt [...]

11 01, 2017

Ladies weekend in Rochester New York has to include a spa visit

By |2023-11-03T14:17:37-04:00January 11, 2017|Travel|Comments Off on Ladies weekend in Rochester New York has to include a spa visit

Rochester is filled with history, but it's also filled with fun stuff to do with your gal pals! A ladies weekend in Rochester New York has to include a spa visit, and of course, stops at the famous Wegmans that started it all! Plus, the Rochester Public Market, when the weather is nice. Truthfully, I'd [...]

9 01, 2017

Depression is unique to each person living and dealing with it

By |2017-06-01T10:43:59-04:00January 9, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|Comments Off on Depression is unique to each person living and dealing with it

Depression is unique to each person living, and dealing, with it. Each of us out here, going through our journey with depression, aren't the same. We may share similar thoughts, but like snowflakes, we're all different. Depression is unique to each person living and dealing with it Realizing I suffer from depression has been a long [...]

4 01, 2017

Treat your worst symptoms during cold season with Advil® Cold & Sinus *Giveaway*

By |2016-12-12T20:52:05-05:00January 4, 2017|Featured, Lifestyle|Comments Off on Treat your worst symptoms during cold season with Advil® Cold & Sinus *Giveaway*

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.  When I get a cold, it always ends up causing me unbelievable pain in my sinuses. Pressure builds up, everything backs up, and the next thing I know I’ve got a burning feeling every time I breathe through my nose. The pain goes all the way [...]

2 01, 2017

Something I’ve never shared about myself, until now

By |2017-06-01T10:43:47-04:00January 2, 2017|Depression & Mental Health|6 Comments

You've all gotten to know me over the years. I rarely hold back anything I'm thinking, and some have told me I have no filter. Personally, I prefer to live my life knowing I'm speaking from my heart; writing my truth. I come from a place of good intentions, and sure, at times, it might [...]

30 12, 2016

National Shortbread Day arrives on January 6th

By |2016-12-28T14:46:16-05:00December 30, 2016|Featured, Food & Drink, Reviews|Comments Off on National Shortbread Day arrives on January 6th

National Shortbread Day arrives on January 6th. Were you aware there was an actual National Shortbread Day? I know I wasn't, and I'm a big fan of shortbread. I have grown up on Walkers Shortbread. Now, with my kids, I've got tins filled with crayons, markers, and colored pencils, because you never throw out a Walkers [...]

28 12, 2016

All around Rochester exploring the world of play, art and George Eastman

By |2017-10-30T19:25:58-04:00December 28, 2016|Featured, Reviews, Travel|Comments Off on All around Rochester exploring the world of play, art and George Eastman

All around Rochester exploring the world of play, art and George Eastman, is one of my favorite experiences since starting my travel writing. Don't get me wrong, San Diego, and New York City, are my favorite cities for obvious reasons. However, Rochester has become a place I never expected to fall so deeply in love with. [...]

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