It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

It's starting to feel like Christmas with the chilly weather, holiday decorations popping up and 300 catalogs in my mailbox every afternoon! But I couldn't be more ready to kick of the season - would it be too soon to put a tree up before Thanksgiving??

If you're in the Christmas spirit too I have a great event to make you feel even more festive! The Enchanted Forest in Greenwich is visited by over 7,000 people as they enjoy an amazing holiday experience - beautiful gingerbread and Christmas tree forest where all items are for auction, a holiday boutique with over 50 vendors to jump start your shopping, gingerbread decorating workshops and my personal favorites - a Santa breakfast with the jolly man himself and tea with Clara the ballerina from the Nutcracker! There is also a girls shopping event on Friday night with cocktails, beauty treatments and lots of door prizes!

The most fun event of the weekend however is the Saturday Night Jingle Bell Bash - a night of live music with the Short Bus, lots of festive cocktails and delicious dinner, wonderful silent auction items {a week rental in the Vineyard, a year membership to the Hermitage Club, tickets to to Lady Gaga/Tony Bennett concert and so much more!} And at only $125/ticket it's one of the most reasonable tickets in town.

All proceeds from the weekend go to benefit the amazing works of the Junior League of Greenwich supporting those in need in our community! It is by far their largest fundraiser and supports almost a year of their work so please come check it out - bring your kids, your family and your friends! You can buy tickets below or make a donation if you are interested. It's a truly magical weekend and I hope to see many of you there!

Friday Nov 21 - Sunday Nov 22: times for all events listed below

Hyatt Regency Greenwich
1800 East Putnam Ave
Old Greenwich

http://www.jlgreenwich.org/?nd=ticket_list&fundraiser_id=56

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! 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The Christmas season hasn't officially arrived without seeing Santa and his reindeer ride down Greenwich Avenue! Come see them November 29th around 2pm as they make their way into town and down to McArdle's Florist & Garden Center. You'll be able to visit them there until December 24th as well as have your photo taken with Santa. The perfect time to pick up your Christmas tree and other beautiful holiday decorations from McArdle's. 

December 7th kicks of Greenwich Holiday Stroll weekend with over 100 participating merchants offering holiday promotions and refreshments. Free parking on Saturday. Horse drawn carriage rides, professional ice sculpting demonstrations, bouncy castles, food trunks, holiday singing performances, letter writing to Santa and much more! $5 of every photo package will be donated to one of our favorite local charities, Kids in Crisis during this weekend. Also be sure to check the Giving Tree at McArdle's during the month of December to benefit Kids in Crisis as well. 

Visit www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com for more details! 

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. 

101 Dinner Date

Looking for another casual dining option with your family? Everyone knows we love Brendan's 101 for breakfast and lunch but it's also one of our new favorite easy dinner spots! Their full menu available for dinner - highlights including the lobster roll, california burger {so delicious!}, sweet william special burger, filet mignon steak sandwich and of course some ice cream for dessert! Your little ones can still get all their lunchtime favorites. It's also BYOB, and BYO glasses for our family! A great Sunday night stop after a long day at the beach or come by boat and walk from the town dock. We're definitely looking forward to some fun dinners on their deck in September when the cool Fall nights roll into town!

Brendan's 101
101 Rowayton Ave, Rowayton
www.brendans101.com

Had to bring our own Soundview Millworks cups!

Rowayton River Ramble

Help raise money for the RCA while enjoying a great day of family fun. There will be games and activities including a petting zoo, bouncy castle, water slide, obstacle course and of course a dunk tank! To entertain the adults there will also be local vendors selling their wares, a live auction, raw bar, grill, beers and a live band. 

Rain date is July 14th. 

www.rowaytonct.com

BabyBox.com Spring Event!

The below information is from BabyBox.com for their upcoming Spring 2013 Trunk Show! A great opportunity to stock up on your spring and summer must have for family and friends.  Mention you received her email blast to save 15% on your order (not valid online).  Happy Shopping!  *** The First Day of Spring is only 20 days away................ Are you ready?   The BabyBox.com Annual 2013 Spring/Summer Trunk show, starts this Thursday  February 28th and runs this and next week through Thursday, March 8th in Darien, CT.    As always, this promises to be an excellent show with lots of great selections for the upcoming season! Clothes and accessories for ages from 6 months to 16 years, as well  as fun selections for mommies too.Hope you can come. Forward this email to your friends  or bring them along. ***Featured in New Canaan/Darien/Rowayton Magazine*** Insiders' Guide: 50 Great Things You Must Do BabyBox.com rated as one of the top trunk shows "worth scoring to an invite to"

˜  Spring/Summer Collections Trunk Show 2013 ˜ Bella Bliss Luxury Children's Collection, ages newborn - 16 years Snapper Rock SPF +50 Protection Swimwear, ages newborn - adult Stella Cove Swimwear Traditional Children's Clothing, ages 3 months - 6 years CPC Designs   Custom Designed Clothing, ages 6 months  - 8 years Busy Bees Kids Classic Clothing , ages 6 months - 16 years Miss B Classic Clothing , ages  7 years -16 years Kayce Hughes / Pears & Bears Traditional Clothing , ages 3mths  - 12 years (and women's collection as well)

(All items are guaranteed to arrive before Easter) AND just in time to get your body "beach ready" for "bathing suit season" Equinox Fitness Club & BabyBox.com have teamed up and with any show purchase  over $100, you will receive a complimentary one month membership at any Equinox  location. You will also be entered to win daily club giveaways (massage sessions, personal  training & more)

Thursday, February 28th 9:30am - 4:00pm Friday, March 1st 9:30am - 4:00pm   and Monday, March 4th 9:30am - 4:00pm Tuesday, March 5th 9:30am - 4:00pm Wednesday, March 6th 9:30am - 4:00pm Thursday, March 7th 9:30am - 4:00pm Friday, March 8th 9:30am - 4:00pm   Hosted by Katherine Type, BabyBox.com 22 Tower Drive, Darien Questions: 203.655.0185 or ktype@babybox.com. Credit cards & checks accepted.  Signature gift items from BabyBox.com; monogrammed baby blankets, diaper covers &  burp cloths, personalized sweaters & tees, knit items, lunch bags, pajamas, beach towels, Easter gift basket plush bunnies and more gift ideas.  And, we could never forget Mom: shawls, wraps, beach bags, decor, pool and beach  glassware, stationery & jewelry. www.babybox.com

The Enchanted Forest!

It's that time of year again when we're about to host the Junior League of Greenwich's biggest fundraiser of the year - The Enchanted Forest! A wonderful event for the whole family with gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa, a beautiful enchanted forest of trees for auction, an Apres Ski gala on Saturday night and of course the Boutique! It's EHA and my last year co-chairing the boutique show and we hope you'll come out to support the JLG and all our wonderful vendors! 15% of all sales go to fund the charitable projects of the league. Our favorite event of the weekend is the Friday night Sneak Peek - a wonderful night of shopping, cocktails and good times with friends! We will also have an amazing drawing for a Sail to Sable tunic, Pomeline earrings, faux fur collar from Toggle Home, $100 gift certificate to Fred, Ann Lansing Designs belt and more!

Below is a list of all the fabulous vendors joining us for the weekend - shopping is also open Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Many you'll recognize from FFC411! 

To find out more about the other events over the weekend please visit our JLG site!

Alpine Sleds - Traditional European bent wood snow sleds

Ann Lansing Design - new! - Belts, handmade buckles and reversible straps - all sold separately

BabyBox.com - Luxury gifts for babies & children

Bee & Clover - Vintage jewelry, refreshed

Center Stage - Music boxes, snow globes, porcelain dolls, tutus and stocking stuffers

Chalk Talk Sports - Sports-themed gifts, games and apparel

Charlie Dog Boxer Company - new! - Premium mens boxers made from 100% Peruvian pima cotton and dyed with eco-friendly dyes

Children of Tanzania - Beaded ornaments made by micro finance groups to support an educational project in Tanzania

Collared Greens - new! - Mens ties, bowties, belts, hats and t-shirts - eco-friendly and made in America

Devon Baer Designs - Women's one-of-a-kind luxury clothing and accessories

Diana E Kelly - Women's leather shoes and handbags

Elizabeth McKay - Classic American women’s sportswear with a modern sensibility

EMBY - new! - Unique home good and gifts, chic apparel and curiosities

Everything is Rosey - Variety of gift-giving items, including women's and men's clothing and accessories.

Gems and More by Christine - new! - Natural semiprecious stones set in sterling silver and silver plated jewelry.

Greenwich Women’s Exchange - Handmade dresses, sweaters, bows, dolls, wooden trains and Christmas items

Harbor Sweets - new! - Handmade distinctive New England Chocolates - world famous Sweet Sloops

Ilyse's Pieces - new! - Handcrafted jewelry and fashion jewelry

johnnie-O – new! - Classic apparel with a little topspin for men, women and children

Letter Perfect - The Junior League of Greenwich’s shop carrying holiday gifts and accessories

Linen Press - new! - Holiday themed linens, ornaments, tree skirts, stockings, Caspari paper products, pillows and candles

Liza Hennessy Fine Leather Goods - new! - An American collection of fine leather goods designed and manufactured in New England.                      

Lizzie Izzie + James – new! - Fun, whimsical and unique handmade children's accessories

Lynne T. Ward Antique Prints - new! - Full range of antique prints including botanicals, natural history and fashion

Marigot - new! - Cashmere sweaters, pajamas and robes

MIJA Jewelry - Fine jewelry for women & children- 18k gold & sterling silver

Moes Monkeys - Handmade lounge and sleepwear in cotton and cuddle fleece for children

Monomoy Designs - new! - Nautically inspired art

Oliphant Designs - Vintage and contemporary handcrafted jewelry

Once Again Jewels - new! - One of a kind antique and vintage jewelry

Ostilly Collections - Custom handbags, merino wool products, cashmere, belts and jewelry

Patrice - Lifestyle collection including tablecloths, place mats, napkins, women’s accessories and more

PIKME Papers - new! - Stationary, notepads, photo cards and gift tags

Pomeline - new! - Jewelry, semiprecious stones with gold vermeil

Pure Play Kids - Wooden and cloth toys

Sail to Sable - new! - Dresses and home accessories

Seton McGlennon - Hand painted ornaments of homes, pets, children and memories captured in original pieces

Shell Stories - new! - Mussel Shell Trees along with seashell pictures frames and mirrors

Silhouette Artist - Hand cut silhouette portraits, mats & frames

Small Field Papers - Personalized gifts & stationery

Smathers & Branson - 100% Hand stitched needlepoint belts & accessories

Snapping Turtle Kids - new! - Swimwear and accessories with stainless steel snaps for swimsuits, and 100% cotton terry cloth for beach cover ups and hats.

Soundview Millworks - new! - Mahogany and Maple boards completely customizable for your home, and make great personalized gifts.

SPLURGE - new! - Unique holiday hostess gifts, teacher gifts, scarves and unique children’s gift items

The Pink Mink - new! - Fur capes, vests, wraps and shawls as well as pashminas and accessories

The Spa at Delamar - new! - Spa gift certificates and gift baskets

Three Island - new! - A unique line of fun, vibrant, and accessibly priced clothing for the men, ladies and children to enjoy made from traditional hand-stamped Balinese batik.

Toggle Home - new! - Unique monogram designs on goods for adults and children.

Pick Your Own

Thanks to Suzy Said for a list of fun places around CT to pick apples and pumpkins this weekend! We're head to Jones Family Farms for pumpkins and wine tasting! Here are a few of Suzy and FFC411s other favorites. Take advantage of the long weekend and dive into Fall!

Jones Family Farms
Shelton, CT
www.jonesfamilyfarms.com

Averill Farm
250 Calhoun Street
Washington
860-868-2777
www.averillfarm.com

Daily apple picking, hayrides, pizza made fresh on site for lunch. Sound good? If that isn’t enough, they have alpacas making a comeback in October. Come pick some apples, grab a pumpkin and check out these funny little creatures on Sundays!

Blue Jay Orchards
125 Plumtrees Road
Bethel
203-748-0119
www.bluejayorchardsct.com
Open 9AM to 6PM

Boasting 17 different varieties of apples to choose from, this place is apple heaven. But check their web site for picking availability. The unusually warm winter and spring set off budding early and gave a low yield this year. Wagon rides start Saturday, September 15th and run from 10AM to 5PM 

Bishop’s Orchards
1355 Boston Post Road
Guilford
203-453-2338
www.bishopsorchards.com 

With 110 acres of orchards, the apple picking is available from mid-August to late October. You can also pick pears and raspberries from 10AM to 5PM The farm also is home to a vineyard on the Connecticut Wine Trail.

Horse Listeners Orchard
317 Bebbington Road
Ashford
860-429-5336
www.horselistenersorchard.com

Pony and tractor rides, a hay bale maze, baking demonstrations, hot cider and donuts—this place has it all. Over 25 different apple varieties provide plenty of chance to pick some nice and juicy ones. They can even ship apple gift boxes to loved ones who live far away.

Lyman Orchards
Junction of Routes 147 & 157
Middlefield
860-349-1793
www.lymanorchards.com

Who needs apple picking when they’ve got a Yankees vs. Red Sox corn maze? Or stop off at their market and pick up one of their famous pies. Is dad hoping to practice his backswing? Great, they’ve got an 18-hole golf course. If you like, you can even shop on their web site. But if you’ve got your heart set on picking, they’ve got over 20 different varieties to choose from. 

My neighbors are giving me pumpkin envy!

Rowayton River Ramble

Don't miss Rowayton's biggest fundraiser this weekend! The 42nd annual River Ramble! A great event that brings the community together for a day of fun and festivities - activities including a petting zoo, bouncy castle, water slide, dunk tank, live auction, food, drinks and live music! The proceeds help to fund RCA events such as the Memorial Day Parade, Fireworks, Summer Music Festival, Halloween Celebration and the Nativity Pageant. Please come out to support your town at this great day! River Ramble t-shirts are also available for purchase Friday at the Farmer's Market as well as Saturday. 

Rain Date July 15th

Touch A Truck

Support the Junior League of Greenwich in one of their most popular events!

Your family and friends are invited to:   

 

TOUCH A TRUCK 
Sunday, June 10, 2012
10:00am – 3:00pm, Rain or Shine!
Town Hall Parking Lot & Havemeyer Field
101 Field Point Road, Greenwich

Climb aboard a fire truck, operate a construction vehicle, and
reach the sky in a cherry picker! 

Fun Activities for Children of All Ages: 
Trucks & Vehicles for Children to Explore
The Bossy Frog Band
Bouncy Castle, Obstacle Course & Miniature Golf
Live animal demonstration by Party Safari & Soccer with Filipo Sports & Entertainment!

Advance tickets: $30 per family ($40 at door) 
Click here for more information and tickets

Food and Beverages available for purchase.
  

All proceeds benefit the Junior League of Greenwich and its community projects. 

Who's Your Daddy?

A fun new restaurant is opening soon that will bring smiles to the faces of those young and old - because no matter your age who doesn't love a delicious plate of macaroni and cheese! MacDaddy's Macaroni and Cheese Bar offers cheesy creations to your hearts delight. Available in three sizes - the snack, the mac and the macdaddy! These macs are prepared with fresh ingredients in cast iron skillets and serves piping hot and oozing cheesy goodness. They offer 25 different selection plus weekly specials, also offering whole wheat and gluten free pastas. They run from the classic - Mac Doggy, traditional mac and cheese with chedder and sliced hot dogs (yum!) - to the chic - Mac Mushroom, crimini and shitake mushrooms, porchini emulsion and manchego, drizzled with truffle oil. You can also add a salad, snack or dessert. I'll certainly be making the trek to Fairfield to check this out...and I hear when the Darien I-95 rest-stop is complete it will include a MacDaddy's! (ps have you noticed the Moe's at the new I-95 rest-stop in the 40's? Highlight of my summer!)

Must try!

http://macdaddyrestaurants.com/
2449 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
Continue to watch them on facebook for updates on opening day! FFC411 hopes to be there : )

Great Gift for Mom

I just loved this adorable Mother's Day gift that my cousin helped her daughter make for her grandma! So trendy with the neon paint and too cute a keepsake for a loving Ninny. A super easy DIY project - just pick out your favorite colors in acrylic based paint, use a paint brush to paint your childs hand to keep the paint application even and to avoid drips, place hands on the bag in desired pattern, wash hands and repeat! If you have multiple little ones get all their little hand sizes in there, or mix in a few feet if you'd like! They used an LLBean Boat & Tote but any cute canvas bag will do. Who's making this next Mother's Day??

DIY for Mom

I love this idea for a Mother's Day craft made with dad! Little Sparklers in Greenwich is offering a father/daughter workshop on May 12th to create a one of a kind piece of jewelry for mom! Each one hour session includes two pieces of jewelry (one for mom and one for the crafter), lemonade, snacks, a "mid-construction" photo to accompany the gift and a goodie bag to go! How much fun is that? And as an added bonus all you mom's will get an extra hour of me time on Saturday!

$68/pair, $32 per additional child (boys welcome)
Call 203.622.2991 or email littlesparklersct@hotmail.com to make a reservation, sessions run on the hour from 10am-5pm.

Not up your husbands alley? Grab some gal pals and your daughters and go together as a group!

www.littlesparklers.com
85 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich (thru Ella Vickers)
From the creators of Femmegems!

Little sparklers also offers great childrens birthday parties with jewelry making, red carpet fashion show, snacks and a dance party! Check their website for more info.

Laughing Pizza

This Saturday, April 21st, the Junior League of Greenwich is hosting its first Children's Concert Fundraiser. Come see Laughing Pizza perform at The Greenwich Country Day School Performing Arts Center and support the JLG! There will be two shows - 10:30am and 1:30pm and tickets are $35/person. Click here to buy your tickets to this great event!

presents

Laughing Pizza is a real family band who write and perform all original pop-music for families. This mom, dad and daughter trio travel around the country performing concerts and also can be seen on PBS - they have performed at the White House, received seven Parent's Choice Awards and have been featured on the Today Show, CNN and FoxTV. 

www.laughingpizza.com

Kelly's Kids Trunk Show

Another great kids trunk show in Darien this week. Kelly's Kids - this stuff is just too cute!

Little boys clothes available as well, check out their website for all the matching styles! 

Wednesday, March 14th - 7 to 9 pm

67 Relihan Rd, Darien

Hosted by Erica Wood - no RSVP necessary 

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!