Bridier Baubles

One of our favorite bloggers turned entrepreneurs has recently launched a great and very reasonably priced jewelry line, Bridier Baubles. Preppy and fun pieces, many inspired by higher priced items in the market, range from just $12 to $40! But don't think that will get you an inferior experience - see below for their adorable packaging which included a personalized note, coozie and jewelry bag. I have to say I'm hooked on my Navy Coco Necklace, perfect to add flair to a casual outfit or some whimsy to a dressy one. I know the perfect Milly dress to pair it with for vacation next week!

Check out their full line at bridierbaubles.wazala.com and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BridierBaubles for updates on availability and flash sales!

Can't wait to use my new BB coozie at the beach!

Loving my Navy Coco

Apron Anxiety

One of my favorite books so far this summer was the cute and culinary Apron Anxiety by Alyssa Shelasky. A memoir based on her blog by the same name, Shelasky shares the trials and tribulations of finding herself in and outside the kitchen, ending each chapter with the recipes that influenced that phase of her journey. Funny, sometimes racy, sometimes sad and sometimes even a little self absorbed but in the end you always find yourself rooting for Shelasky and drooling over some of the delicious dishes! I think everyone will be envious of the relationship she finds with her kitchen - unless you're a way better cook than me!

Some of Shelasky's recipes...
*Reality Bites Banana Bread
*Cheese Toast for Two Kids in Love
*Supernatural Brownies for Breakups and Breakdowns
*Herb Crusted Chicken for Hungry and Important People
*Rainy Day Rigatoni

This is the absolute perfect beach book if you like blogs and stream on conscious writing (which hopefully you do or you're really nice to read FFC411!) - I read it in two days.

Dirt Floral Classes

I think I've found my new favorite past time - flower arranging! After an awesome class at Dirt in Cos Cob I can definitely say I'm hooked and can't wait to go back for more classes. At just $35 per person ($40 if you need a vase) you can attend personalized floral classes for up to 12 people at this cozy little flower shop. Grab all your girl friends, request a style or color palette if you'd like and enjoy snacks, Ann's fabulous sangria, lots of laughs and a beautiful floral arrangement to bring home with you! For an extra fee Ann will also travel to a destination of your choice to teach as many people as you'd like - what a fun activity for a bridal shower, holiday party or just a great girls night! 

Ann also does stunning flowers for weddings, events, weekly home delivery and sells fresh flowers, vases, plants and more in her adorable shop! Be sure to check her out for your next floral needs.

Dirt 

239 East Putnam Ave, Cos Cob (behind Chicken Joe's)

203.661.4143

www.dirtfloral.com

Email Ann at ann@dirtfloral.com for more class details! 

Yummy treats and sangria complimentary with the class! 

We were making 'hand tied' arrangements for this class so Ann showed us some
examples - stunning!

Ready to get started! How hard could it be right? Wrong!

Getting all our elements ready to start - once you pick up
your flowers you can't let go til you're done!

Sarah's arrangement ready to be wrapped and trimmed

My final outcome! These aren't my usual colors but I
LOVED my arrangement - my poor hubby had to hear
all about it for the rest of the night!

It was so fun to see how with the exact same flowers all
our arrangements looked totally different 

The finished products!

Ann's adorable display of fresh flowers of the day!

Ashley Whittaker Designs

Just had to give a shout out to my beyond talented cousin whose most recent project here in Greenwich is on the cover of House Beautiful this month!!!

Check it out on Quintessence!
http://quintessenceblog.com/2012/08/ashley-whittaker-does-pretty-perfectly-in-house-beautiful/

Also check out her other projects on Facebook here!

Congrats AWD, we're so happy for you! 

B.AN.C House

I love BBQ in the summer but somehow I find myself never getting to eat it - it's usually burgers and dogs at our summer cookouts, BBQ is just a little too much work for this girl! A few weeks ago however we found the most tasty BBQ joint - someone else doing all the work for delicious food, yes please!

BANC House in Norwalk puts a great spin on things, specializing in BBQ and crabs! (Get it - B AN C...) The perfect summer combination. They have plenty of outdoor seating as well as cozy bar style seating inside. And a menu that is sure to have something for everyone.

To start things off we shared Fried Pickles (amazing), Slammin' Shrimp (equally amazing), Crispy BBQ Spring Rolls and Fried Calamari. Next time I'll definitely be trying the BANC Bread (grilled bread with gorgonzola fondue!) and the Crabby Pretzels (apparently their most popular app).

For dinner I went Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw - so delicious and definitely enough food for two! Others enjoyed pulled pork and rib platters where you can choose your size and your sides, such as Mac N Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, Cheddar Grits, Creamed Spinach or Skillet Corn Bread! However non-BBQ lovers can enjoy treats such as Crispy Southern Fried Chicken, Pan Roasted Lobster, Cajun Chicken Alfredo, BANC Burger and Lobster Rolls.

I must have been so busy stuffing my face I didn't take one picture! Guess it gives me a reason to go back!

16 River St, Norwalk
203.853.7926
www.bjryansbanchouse.com