Six Months!

The hubby and I took a wonderful trip to Chatham Bars Inn last weekend to celebrate our six month anniversary. We'd never spent any time there before in the winter and I have to say I almost enjoyed it as much as the summer! They were completely booked - I was shocked. But such good deals were to be had and sunny weather in the forecast that everyone had made the last minute trek to the Cape! I highly recommend heading to your favorite resort in the off season.

We were upgraded to a wonderful suite with fabulous views, a fireplace and tons of lounge space. Another perk of the off season, no one is booking those fancy rooms so your way more likely to get an upgrade.

The view from our deck

We had a delicious dinner at the Sacred Cod Tavern - asparagus fries, their amazing fish and chips, lobster nachos and creme brulee! (It was a celebratory trip after all) We walked town, visiting all the little shops I never go to cause I'm working on my tan. I spent the afternoon reading in this wonderful room enjoying the beautiful views, drinking cocktails and watching the golf tournament in the Tavern. Something you would never get a chance to do in the summer and it was so wonderful and relaxing!

The south lounge

Enjoying the views from a warm, cozy couch

We also got to have dinner at our absolute favorite restaurant in Chatham, Impudent Oyster. I would say going in the off season made things less crowded but I made a reservation 6 weeks ahead of time and we still had to wait - this place is just packed every day of the year! Lastly we toped off the weekend with Chatham Bars Inn's amazing Sunday Brunch Buffet. I'm not a huge buffet person but this is just so delicious and such a special treat! And something you'd never eat if you had to put on a bathing suit in the next two hours!

It was incredibly weird to be back for the first time since the wedding, revisiting all the places we'd been for a hot, stormy week - now cold, frosty and equally windy! 

A crazy contrast to what only feels like yesterday! 

I love reliving all the details of the wedding and hope to make this an annual trip. And what I would say to everyone else is plan a trip to your favorite summer resort in the next few months. Deals are great! Chatham Bars has been offering specials for $150 a night (a steal!) or keep your eyes peeled for a Groupon or other offer for your favorite vacation spot. You'll get to do all the fun things you never get to do in the summer, the crowds will be smaller, you won't feel guilty eating and drinking all day and it's a great way to shake those mid-winter blues as we wait patiently for the arrival of spring. 

www.chathambarsinn.com

Tulip Tip

Wanted to re-share this post about adding a penny to your tulips. I'd kindve forgotten all about this tip until my mom brought me some beautiful white tulips and two days later they were all floppy. So I threw a penny in the vase and voila, beautiful perky tulips. Also be sure to check out the list of local places to buy flowers, there are such beautiful blooms in season right now!

http://fairfieldcounty411.blogspot.com/2011/04/tulip-tutorial.html

Is Your iPhone Ready for Spring?

With a mild winter and spring-like days already aplenty, I've decided to turn my attention toward full spring ahead. I've got the itch all the sudden to buy bathing suits, update all my monogrammed totes and stock up on the new brightly colored summer shorts. And just as I was assembling all my must haves, I stumbled across these darling iPhone cases from one of my favorite blogger/decorators Shorely Chic. Wouldn't they be the perfect way to let everyone know you're ready for spring? And they are sure to make you smile every time you send a text or check your facebook. Available through Shorely Chic's Etsy shop, all styles can be monogrammed as well.

Too cute! Shorely Chic also has a line of stationary coming out later this spring. I can't wait to see what adorable designs she'll include!

*Book Club Update - I'm loving Rules of Civility, I hope some of you decided to read it as well!*

Stamford Restaurant Week

Now that I don't get to enjoy the overload that is New York Restaurant Week anymore (so many choices, so much delicious food!), Stamford Restaurant Week will have to be the next best thing. However Stamford isn't short on options either, it is going to be overwhelming to decide where to try!

Here is the list of participating restaurants and menus where available. Running from Sunday Feb 26th through Sunday March 11th. Lunch starting at $10.12 and Dinner starting at $15.12. Definitely on my list to try are Bar Rosso and ZAZA, I've been wanting to check them out for awhile so what better time!

Happy Eating!

DVF for Gap Kids

Some exciting news on the mom front (passed along from my cousin - the mom of one stylin little girl), DVF will launch a line with Gap Kids arriving March 15th. Priced from $20-$50, baby to XXL (can I wedge myself into a youth XXL??) these pint size style are too cute!

All these mini wrap dresses, love!

Girls' Night Out

Support a great cause, CancerCare, while enjoying a night of shopping, wine, hors d'oeuvres and music with your girl friends! CancerCare offers free, professional support for anyone affected by cancer.

Thursday March 1st at Lillian August in Norwalk from 7-10pm (VIP access at 6). There will be vendors as well as a silent auction with items such as a wine tasting for 10 at AOC Fine Wines, a catered three-course dinner party for 12 from Susan Kane Catering or a $50 gift certificate and in-home trunk show with champagne and muffins from Stella & Dot. Over 50 auction items!

Sponsored by Lillian August, Fat Cat Pie Co, Serendipity and The Plumed Serpent Bridal among others.

Silver Tickets available for $75, Gold Tickets (which include access to the VIP party) for $100.

Tickets available through CancerCares website.

Quick Pasta Recipes

I'm off to NYC tomorrow for a trade show so I apologize for the short posts this week! Have a busy week yourself? Check out two of these easy but delicious looking recipes I stumbled across on Pinterest. This might be one of my favorite components of Pinterest, such an awesome way to save the links to any recipe that catches your eye!

Chicken with Artichokes and Angel Hair

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

Happy President's Day! 

*Update*

Finally made the chicken with artichokes and it was amazing! Used chicken tenders, deglazed the pan with white wine, and added the juice of half a lemon. Boil the sauce until thickened and then add the artichokes, capers and chicken back into the pan and continue to cook in a covered pan. Melt a little butter into the sauce at the end and serve over angel hair. SO good! 

Do You Pinterest?

I'm embarrassed to admit until sometime last week I wasn't even exactly sure what Pinterest was. But now it's fair to say I'm 100% hooked! I love seeing all the beautiful images everyone pins and it's such a great way to catalog all the things you're interested in. I have boards going for home, party, wedding, fashion and cooking ideas. It's the perfect place to start if your redecorating your home, planning a wedding, having a baby or just want all your favorite images in one place. If you're on Pinterest message me your user name so I can follow you! And if you'd like an invite to join just message me your email.

A few of my favorite pins...

Home Ideas

Beautiful Flowers 

Style Inspiration 

Delicious Food

www.pinterest.com

Ask the Pediatricians

A great event at the Darien Library tonight for those of you with little ones at home. A panel of local area pediatricians will be discussing winter wellness and answering any health questions you may have about your children. This is part of a series on creating healthier, happier kids. And one of my favorite docs will be moderating!

Darien Library
1441 Boston Post Rd, Darien
7pm

Have a sick little nugget at home? Grab this cute book to cheer them up. My mom actually brought this book to me last year when I had the flu and even at 27 it put a smile on my sniffly face.

Available at Amazon.com

Valentine's Day Treat

A Very Happy Valentines Day to all my readers! I loved this sweet little photo from Martha Stewart. You could even transition this into Easter with some pastel M&M's. Hope everyone has a special day!

If you're in the market to pick yourself up a cute little Valentine's Day treat, one of my friends sent me the link to this adorable jacket from Target over the weekend. I just love the ruffle and the lightweight style is perfect to transition into spring. And for $39.99 you can't beat it! 

Available at Target.com

Diners, Drive Ins and Dives

After hearing about a most delicious concoction called a "Jake's Burger," PK and I decided to set out Guy Fieri style to check out a little diner called Jake's Place in Darien. Right off ex 10 in a small trailer style building, we could tell from first glance that this was going to be a home run.

The famous "Jake's Burger" is a small hamburger with cole slaw and Russian dressing inside a grilled cheese. I don't have a great word to describe it other than one of the best things I've ever eaten. The burger was cooked perfectly, melty cheese, crunchy coleslaw, tangy dressing and a big side of crispy krinkle fries with a pickle. And all this for under $7. We think even Guy would approve!

Jake's is open for breakfast and lunch, Mon-Sat. Eat at the counter or one of the small tables and enjoy service from their friendly staff. The perfect stop for a quick lunch if you're traveling along 95 or a place to enjoy a casual, authentic diner breakfast. We'll definitely be back!

4 Ledge Rd, Darien
203.655.2305

Updated: Smooch A Pooch

Today at Pet Pantry, Valentines Day kisses will be free for the taking! Join ECAD as they bring in two yellow lab puppies for their 'Smooch A Pooch' event. Guests of all ages will have an opportunity to have their photos taken with these six month old loves. All photos will be encased in a card size frame. Who could ask for a better Valentine?

ECAD is a non-for-profit organization that educates and places service dogs with people with disabilities. All proceeds raised at the event will go towards ECAD's programs. To learn more about them visit their website.

So stop by for a smooth and support a great cause! Today from 11-4 at 290 Railroad Avenue. No charge for admission.

Puppy Love!

Update:

The hubby and I with our Pooches. Think this will make a good Valentine's Day card! The puppies seemed to match our personalities nicely, mine was climbing all over me trying to eat my hair and his was snoozing...

A great program! Be sure to check out their website for ways to donate or volunteer. You can even host your own 'Smooch a Pooch' at your local school or community organization. 

Blogger Book Club

While I really liked The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime I think all the great reviews set my expectations a little high. Good, but not my most favorite book ever. I think maybe I need to steer clear of reading too much about a book before I dive in.

So here are two books I know almost nothing about except they've been recommended by friends and at first glance they look great!

First up, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. Set in New York City in the 1930s, this sounds like it will be The Great Gatsby meets Gossip Girl. Yes please!

And secondly, The Bungalow by Sarah Jio. This one set in the 1940s in Bora Bora chronicles a love story amidst the war in the Pacific.

I hope you'll join me in checking out these two books. Happy Reading!

A Very Easy Valentine

A love this idea I saw on Chic Geek for simple and adorable valentines!

All you need are paint colorways from your local hardware store and a sharpie! Pen a love note on the back and you're ready to send! Aren't these darling? You might have to frequent a few stores so they don't get mad at you for stealing all their paint swatches.  

I also think these are darling but might be a little too labor intensive for this girl!

Or keep it short and simple with these darling stickers. Perfect to slip in the lunch of a loved one. Make your own or buy them from Twig and Thistle. Note - order today for delivery by Valentines Day! 

Not Here but Near

For our NYC readers there is a fun event tonight at Jack Rogers showroom to preview the ASHA Spring 2012 collection. I've spoken about her a number of times before but I love Ashley's jewelry and I look forward to seeing what new styles she's added to the line. With Valentines Day just around the corner this could be a good time to drop some hints to your special someone! 

Flat Out Excited

We're back from Park City and we had the BEST time! I can't wait to share all the fabulous place we went and all the fun things we did. Here is just a little sneak peak!

Blue Bird Skies

Main Street Park City

St Regis - Deer Valley 

On another exciting note I was thrilled to get an email from Toms last week announcing that they are now making ballet flats! I love my Toms, they are by far the most comfortable shoes I own and with their charitable mission you can't help but feel good about buying a pair. 

Available at www.toms.com these little cuties are just $79. The hardest part is going to be deciding which pair to choose! 

Love the two tone - very crunchy Chanel

You can never go wrong with neautral

Or take a walk on the wild side 

Chambray with a hot pink liner - adorable! 

Support Tom's mission and check a pair out! 

Darien Restaurant Week

Piggybacking on my review of Cesco's Trattoria, I'm excited to remind everyone that this week is Darien Restaurant Week. Take this opportunity to try a new restaurant or visit your old favorite, support your local restauranteurs! Wear loose fitting pants!

Monday February 6th thru Friday February 10th.
Lunch $10.12 or $15.12
Dinner $20.12 or $30.12
More information at www.darienctchamber.com

Participating Restaurants:
Backstreets*
Cafe D'Azur
Cesco's Trattoria*
Chuck's Steakhouse*
Coromandel
Darien Social
Phil's Grill
Rory's Restaurant*
Scena Wine Bar
The Goose*
The Melting Pot
*FFC411 favorites

So many great choices! The newest restaurant to the list, Darien Social, just opened last week so why not take this opportunity to pay them a visit. Located at 10 Center Street, we're hoping this American Bar and Grill will be a great new neighborhood hangout!

On the Road Again

Off to Park City tonight for a long weekend with my MOH and her husband! We haven't seen them since our wedding in August so needless to say I am SO excited!! Big plans are in place for lots of skiing, sightseeing, fun dinners and the Super Bowl. Go Pats! Be back next week with a recap on all our favorite new spots out there. Such an easy trip just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City airport!

PK and I on our last trip to Deer Valley 

Me and KNG

She also saved me from a name change/driver license debacle this week when I got in a jam - you might just say she's my life MOH!

Wish us snow!