Experiential stories that revolve around the importance of being authentic to not only yourself but to those around you. After years of never finding the time to ‘stop and smell the roses,’ Jeannette is unearthing many of her passions including writing, fashion, and thrifting through her online blog ‘The Vineyard Life’ – a creative outlet that allows her to share, learn, and grow with others. You can explore more of her stories at @jeannettepdardenne on Instagram or www.myvineyardlife.com.

By Jeannette Dardenne

Let’s be super honest with ourselves for a minute. Not having to show my full face while running errands has been pretty fantastic. And maybe I am alone in this, but even my hair seems to look semi put together with a pleasing mask on.

“Hey there … you grew a beard.”

“Wow, your hair is so long – it looks great!”

I mean …

So many of us <me> have allowed ourselves to kind of chill <relax> for the last few <12 plus> months.

And if you didn’t subscribe to Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Netflix … you now do. And let’s face it … my assumption is that you weren’t getting all dolled up to watch Bridgerton … In fact you may have breathed a sigh of relief – just gonna rock last evenings pajamas … again.

And let’s just say that <maybe> now you are vaccinated and decide to meet up with a friend in public, aka, not the grocery store, Target, or the park … Do you hop out of those comfies and throw on some slacks and maybe a dash of mascara? Take off your mask to sip water and throw on some lipstick?

Fast forward>>>

Things are getting back to “normal” and you meet up with friends <6 or more people>.

Are you excited to fancy-up?

Do it 10 times more.

Still excited to throw on those heels?

OR …

dreaming about mask wearing days when you “kicked” things up a notch on your couch … <and felt thankful that everyone around you is healthy.>

Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne is an entrepreneur who started the popular Facebook group @eatinconnecticut – a community forum that connects foodies and the food and beverage industry for delicious conversations. She and her business partner now together run @eatinconnecticut and INGroup Creative – a public relations and marketing company that helps small businesses thrive. Jeannette is also a business advisor at the University of Hartford Entrepreneur Center & Women’s Business Center. When she isn’t helping others, she enjoys exploring the state and beyond with her husband and two children.<

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