2014 Gift Guide

A little FFC411 gift guide for anyone panicking! Ho Ho Ho!

For your favorite ladies - everyone loves a pretty desk calendar, and with the great gift box and gold stand this one is my go to!

Lobird $49.95
http://lobird.com/pages/lb_calen_seaside.html

For your debonair husband - spice up his wardrobe with these eye catching shoes. We love the colored soles and super comfortable fit. They also have classic leather and suede styles for the more subtle dresser. However we say go bold or go home! 

Austin Heller $195

http://www.austenheller.com/

For the new homeowner - save them from writing their address 3247 times next year, treat them to an adorable return address stamp! Be sure to include a pretty ink pad as well. 

Pure Joy Paperie $38 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PureJoyPaperie

For the host or hostess - the perfect cutting board for the person who loves to entertain. Steak boards, cheese boards, chopping blocks - something for everyone, in every size! 

Soundview Millworks - price varies by item 

http://www.soundviewmillworks.com/

For the picnic lover - these duraclear stemless wine glasses are awesome for the beach, picnics or everyday use. In heavy duty plastic they are a must have for the wine lover on the go! Add a monogram for a personalize touch. 

William Sonoma $77.95

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/monogrammed-duraclear-outdoor-stemless-white-wine-glass/?pkey=ctabletop-duraclear&cm_src=tabletop-duraclear||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

For the traveler - fulfill their sense of wanderlust with a map of their favorite destination. With tons of custom colors and lots of new locations to choose from, this is also a great gift for a newlywed! We love their signature crests. Email for web access. 

Bank and Surf - prices based on size and frame 

http://www.bankandsurf.com/

For your favorite little ones - these plush animals are just about the cutest new thing I've seen this holiday season. Add some whimsy to their nursery - a gift mom will love as well! 

Rikshaw Design $48-$58

http://rikshawdesign.com/gifting/plush-animals/

For the boater - get your favorite yachtsman ready for summer with one of these awesome cooler bags and bottle openers. Cooler bag keeps ice for up to 24hrs and comes in a size for every outing! Add a boat name, initials or coordinates for a custom touch. And don't forget to include a fun speciality bottle opener!

MW Coastal Goods - $40 

http://www.mwcoastalgoods.com/

Polar Bear Cooler - price varies by size 

http://www.polarbearcoolers.com/

For the guy who has everything - but 400 thread count boxers. The best part of these boxers is the product card that comes with them. Good for a Christmas morning giggle!

Royal Highnies $82 for a pack of two pairs

http://www.royalhighnies.com/shop/his/royal-highnies

For the preppy redneck - most guys these day love a great trucker and these are the perfect blend of sporting and prep, a fun stocking stuffer! 

Duck Head $30 

http://duckhead.com/shop/trucker-dh-circle-embroidery/

For the party hopper - we're always on the hunt for the best "road soda" cups and these are definitely them. Bring a cocktail to your neighbors, the beach, on your bike. Another great stocking stuffer! 

Roadie Cups $20 

http://www.roadiecup.com/roadies/

You have sixteen shopping days left - no sweat! 

Pure Barre Darien Coming Soon!

FFC411 is very excited to announce that one of their besties is opening a Pure Barre studio in Darien! This is very convenient as Pure Barre is the only exercise, aside from some recreational bike riding, that  I've done since college so I'll actually be able to support this venture with my attendance and not just my writing! And hopefully that speaks volumes to how much fun and addicting Pure Barre is, even to a non-workerouter!

The new studio will be located at 313 Heights Rd in the Noroton Heights Shopping Center. Perfect for FFC411 as we can grab a delicious hot dog from Franks & Frites after our workout : ) My moto is calories out, calories in!

Plans are to open in early November and until they open they are running these great pre-opening specials! All customers are considered new customers and if you have a mindbody account from another studio you can use that to sign in.

5 WEEKS UNLIMITED :: $150
4 MONTHS UNLIMITED :: $500

Available on their website http://purebarre.com/ct-darien/. Even if you only attend 6 classes in 5 weeks the special is a better deal!

They are still posting their schedule but will be offering classes all throughout the day - targeting 6am, 8:30am, 9:45am, noon, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7pm. I also know a few of the instructors and they are peppy, fun and sure to run a great class!

They will also have a retail space offering lululemon and other awesome speciality work out brands. The perfect holiday gift - a PB gift certificate and some new gear!

So join now to Lift, Tone, Burn into the holidays!

Follow them on Facebook for studio updates. How cute are they?

Getting the studio ready!

She La La Discount

Blogging's been hard since I don't want to ruin my Christmas gifts for anyone so I can't share anymore gift ideas until the New Year! But I have some great ideas for everyone for 2014! 

We did get our tree up and running - I think we should have Christmas trees up year round, they make everyday so much happier!

One great shopping deal I wanted to share was from Suzy Said - 30% off any single item at She La La in New Canaan or Westport. {Valid until 12/19, just mention Suzy Said} I love this store for gifts for the girls in my life: great home goods, jewelry, fun accessories, monogrammed items and so much more! Even gifts for children, babies and pets! 

Two locations: 

120 Main Street New Canaan 

And their new location, 

Playhouse Square, 281 Post Road East, Westport 

Now open Sundays 12-5 as well! 

www.shopshelala.com

Love this cozy window display

All ready for holiday gift giving! 

Gift Guide: 7 A.M. Enfant

After having lunch in the city with two girlfriends and their babies they wheeled their strollers outside and both popped their hands into these gloves which were attached to their stroller handles. I couldn't help but think genius! These down gloves velcro around the handle and basically create glove "sleeves" - pop your hands in to stay warm but you're still holding tightly to the handle of the stroller for safety. Also quickly pull your hands out to grab a wayward pacifier or send a text. A great gift for a new mom in your life, especially a city girl who spends her days attached to her stroller! 

WarMMuffs by 7 A.M. Enfant - only $38 and comes in lots of fun color combos, even neon! 

J&C take them for a spin 

Loving their cute baby items as well - time to bundle up for the season! 

So wish this came in my size : ) 

Shop at http://7amenfant.com/

UCNS Holiday Trunk Show

Support the United Church of Rowayton Nursery School {my alma matter!} with this holiday trunk show Thursday and Friday, December 5th and 6th at the Meeting House, behind the church. Favorite vendors include johnny-O, Seaside Delights, Soundview Millworks, Sail to Sable, Snapping Turtle Kids, Bling, Moes Monkey and KEP Designs. We're excited to check out the other new vendors as well! 

I think Thursday night shopping followed by a delicious dinner at Rowayton Seafood sounds like the perfect girls night! 

Gift Guide: Monomoy Designs

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone who has everything? How about a gorgeous custom painted nautical chart from Monomoy Designs! Below is the Nantucket Rainbow Fleet at our house last Christmas - on loan from our cousin the artist...I sure wasn't happy to see it make it's way to a gallery after the holidays! 

Some nautical Christmas magic!

These charts are hand painted by artist Kyle Bartlett to reflect some of their most iconic destinations - Cape Cod with Stage Harbor Light, Martha's Vineyard with Edgartown Light, Nantucket with the Rainbow Fleet or Brant Point Light. Any nautical chart can also be customized to feature your favorite boat, summer house, wedding destination and more!

Many original paintings available for the holidays - visit www.monomoydesigns.com or contact monomoydesigns@gmail.com for more information on paintings and custom opportunities. 

All paintings available for viewing on Facebook as well! 

Cape Cod Chart with Stage Harbor Light - Sold 

Cape Cod Chart with view from Chatham Bars Inn - my personal favorite! 

Kyle working away...

Martha's Vineyard Chart with Edgartown Light 

Martha's Vineyard to Block Island Race 

Nantucket Chart with Brant Point Light 

Custom Projects:

Greenwich Shoreline with Ticonderoga 

Fishers Island Chart with clients home and boat 

Gift Guide: Lisi Lurch Jewelry

Time to start our holiday gift giving posts! Looking for a great gift for your best girlfriend, your sister, yourself? I just learned about the cute costume jewelry of Lisi Lurch at the Serendipity event and they will fit the bill perfectly! 

I snapped up these awesome Turquoise drop Hilary earrings {for myself!}, they were the perfect accent to my all black outfit for the next night. These will definitely be a holiday staple for me. 

I love the below earrings as well - all priced from $45 to $98, a great price range for holiday gift giving!

KWM caught in the act! 

Visit www.lisilerch.com to see all styles! 

New Canaan Holiday Market

The Young Womens League of New Canaan hosts their very popular Holiday Market this week. Kicking off with a Preview Party on Wednesday night from 6:30pm-9:30pm you can enjoy entertainment, appetizers and cocktails, featuring "A Taste of New Canaan" with local restaurant specialities and a wine tasting bar. Thursday offers a full day of shopping from 9am-4pm, some of our favorite vendors include B Draddy, Bird Dog Bay, Lizzie Izzie & James, M Milestones, Moe's Monkeys, Shell Stories, Small Field Papers, Splurge, The Pink Mink and Three Islands. See all show vendors online.

Tickets to the Preview Party are $50, $55 at the door {which includes admittance into Market Day}
Tickets to Market Day are only $10 online or at the door
Purchase tickets here!

This years theme is "Help A Child...Change A Community" with all net proceeds being granted to local charities that better the lives of children. It's so much better when you can shop for a cause so kick off your holiday shopping in New Canaan this week!

Waveny House
677 South Ave, New Canaan
http://www.ywlnewcanaan.org/holidaymarket

*So many great things going on in FFC this holiday season so we'll be posting more than once a day when we have lots to say so be sure to scroll down for all daily posts*

Juliska Party Recap

I had a great time last week at the Juliska Holiday Hostess event featuring blogger Catherine Tompkins of My Life in Parties! Tasty treats from Dough & Co. {more details on their Thanksgiving orders tomorrow}, beautiful flowers from Greenwich Orchid, great gift giving ideas from Juliska and fun paper goods by Catherine. Here are some of my favorite photos from the night! It was also really fun to finally meet Lindsay from Vineyard Loveknots! We realized we were buying all the same adorable gift tags and notecards from Catherine, see below! {I also just saw her post on this event when I linked her blog and realized we pretty much wrote the exact same thing about each other : ), hi Lindsay! Her photos are also much better so check them out}

Amazing flowers from Greenwich Orchid. I loved the elephant place cards and the mix of Julikas bamboo styles with the feather napkin rings, perfect for Thanksgiving!

Mmmm, Dough & Co cookies! {more details tomorrow}

Another great table setting, I especially loved the furry owls!

One of my favorite vignettes, the guys gift guide - such a good idea and great gifts for the men in your life. Didn't think you'd find guy gifts at Juliska right?

Christmas is coming! Love the burlap with plaid placemats, the charming Juliska holiday china and the cute pillow in the background!

Letterpress stationary - stocked up on gift tags and notepads! Available at Juliska while supplies last. 

Juliska will be putting their amazing Christmas ornaments out this week as well, a must shop! 

465 Canal Street, Stamford CT 

www.juliska.com 

The Enchanted Forest 2013

Help support one of Greenwich's largest fundraisers - The Enchanted Forest! This years theme is Celebration of Sweetness and it's sure to bring many sweet treats to all who attend. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, tea with Clara, a gingerbread workshop, sweet soriee cocktails, biding on beautiful Christmas trees and much much more!

One of my favorite events is the Friday night shopping preview from 6-9. Leave the kids at home, free entry and plenty of libations! Enjoy shopping without anyone yanking on your leg and get a jump start on your holiday gifts! There will also be early access to the trees and gingerbread houses for sale this year. 

Another highlight is the Saturday night event - always with a wonderful silent auction, signature cocktails, live band and plenty of delicious food. Grab a group for a fun night out. Last year we left with blue brothers sunglasses for all, plenty of hysterical photobooth film strips and a ski house for ten - party success! 

Learn more at www.jlgreenwich.org. All proceeds help fund the charitable works of the Junior League of Greenwich. 

Shopping Wednesday!

So many great shopping event on Wednesday that are not to be missed! With the short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year it's important to get your shopping started soon! I will admit as I walked down Greenwich Ave on Saturday it felt like the holidays and I loved it! I even purchased my first Christmas gift - this girls ready!

For some daytime shopping hit up this great group trunk show with some of my favorite friends in Darien from 11-4:

To get a kickstart on the holidays join Juliska and Catherine Tompkins to see their best gift ideas along with holiday entertaining ideas - enjoy food, drinks, gift bags and door prizes! Don't miss this fun event in Stamford from 6-8:30 which also supports Neighbor to Neighbor:

For girls night out be sure to check out the Serendipity event at The Loading Dock in Stamford. A great  fashion show with philanthropic models, plenty of great shopping, food, wine and cocktails! Proceeds benefit Canary Kids. In Stamford from 7-10, buy tickets ahead of time for a discounted price:

I'm going to try to really get my shop on and hit all three!