Mystic Aquarium in Mystic CT for Mother's Day 2013

This weekend the wonderful folks at the Mystic Aquarium invited some of the local Connecticut blogging community to attend as their guests for a special Mother's Day Weekend celebration (#MysticMoms).

The Mystic Research Aquarium has all sorts of specials each month that are available for everyone! For the month of May they are offering two great discounts! A discount on lunch and moms get in free on May 11th and May 12th in conjunction with a child's admission, check the website for exact details.  And check their website each month for all their special offers! Hmmmm. I wonder what June has to offer!

The cowboy and I were looking forward to learning more about marine life as the aquarium is a recognized oceanic research facility!  Of course, we were also excited about meeting up with some of the other local bloggers.

As we entered we were greeted by the staff photographer who luckily snapped our picture.

Photo credit: Mystic Aquarium

Luckily - because about 20 minutes later the skies opened up and I was drenched.  The photos are moderately priced, from $35.00 for an entire package of a couple of 3 x 5's and some souvenir trinkets along with a photo folder of a 5 x 7 of your family (as pictured above) with a 5 x 7 of one of the park's beluga's whale. Not too bad if you want a souvenir of your visit. And I'm happy we purchased ours as every other picture of me from this day has me soaking wet! We purchased the single folder that included the picture above on one side, and on the other side one of the beluga whales for $22.00 plus tax.  A nice keepsake to remember the day!

We started off by visiting with our new friends, the beluga whales. It appears we were there right at feeding time because they were up and about and swimming around like crazy.  They are such beautiful creatures.

We also popped in to the "pet a stingray" tank where all the little ones were getting an absolute thrill about being able to touch these fellers.

Then we moved on to the sea lions where we met Stephen and Jordan. Nope, Stephen and Jordan aren't sea lions, you sillies, they are two volunteers at the park!

Today was Jordan's first day working at the park, and she was so excited.  I asked if they had to volunteer at the park as part of a school community or service project, and she said no, that she is a marine biology enthusiast and was doing it for the love of the sea creatures!  What a great kid! Stephen explained that new volunteers are paired up with senior volunteers who shadow them until they can go out on their own.  Hmmmm. A real Mother's Day reference...don't you think?! (chuckle)

Our next stop was with the penguins and I could have stayed there all day and watched those cute little guys and girls!  They would all gather on this one rock cliff.

Then, patiently line up, one by one.

And then they would take turns diving off the rock - unbelievably cute!

There was also an area where you could watch them swimming under water!

We then moved on to the seal tank where we learned all about seal habits.

And then the skies opened up with a spring shower downpour! So we scampered back towards the entrance to move inside to the gift store. And BINGO - rain ponchos!

Thank goodness for the clear plastic rain gear!  Only $2.95 for children and  $3.25 for adults! 

We then moved on to the snack bar for our complimentary blogger lunch.  A couple of cheeseburgers, hot dogs and fries, and some fountain soda Barq's Root Beer.

We also learned that straws aren't allowed on premise at Mystic Aquarium because of the choking hazard they pose to the sea animals.  Good to know!  Please don't carelessly dispose of items like this near ANY body of water where animals live, be it the beach or a lake, or an aquarium!

The highlight of lunch?  Meeting up with some great CT Bloggers we know!  Hilary from My Own Blog Review and Wendy from Connecticut Bloggers!

L-R, Hilary, Wendy, and me

 After lunch, we moved inside to the indoor exhibitions.  Below see some of the highlights from inside:

All in all we had a wonderful time visiting the Mystic Aquarium!  It's a great place for a day trip in CT and out of state-ers could certainly make a weekend of it as there are loads of family-friendly things to do in the immediate area. Shopping at the quaint Old Mistick Village and a visit to the Historic Mystic Seaport.  For overnight visits there's a Hilton Hotel right next to the Aquarium, as well as lots of great restaurants.

It's a fun place for the whole family and would make a great weekend get-a-way!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Boulevard

Mystic, CT 06335

860.572.5955

Website: http://www.mysticaquarium.org/

Like them on facebook: www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium

Follow them on twitter: https://twitter.com/mysticaquarium

There's lots of fun events going on at the Aquarium.  And they offer lots of discounts!
Big Y Card?  DISCOUNT!!! Foxwood Rewards Card?  DISCOUNT!!! Military? DISCOUNT!!
Check them all out on the website "Discounts and Promotions" click:  HERE!

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Have you visited the Mystic Aquarium or an aquarium near you?  

Do you have a favorite sea creature? 

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below

Home Place Disclaimer: Our entrance fees to the aquarium and lunch at the snack bar were courtesy of Mystic Aquarium. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are those of our own. We purchased the rain gear and photos ourselves.

New Haven Restaurant Week 2013 - Christopher Martins

This time of year there is sooo much going on...and I am sooo behind on posts!

During the week of April 21st through April 26th New Haven CT held their Annual Restaurant Week.

#NewHavenRestaurantWeek

Because of all that was going on that week, I was only sample the wonderfulness of one restaurant, the oh so delicious Christopher Martins.

Christopher Martins in New Haven - New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

This was actually the first time that I've been to Christopher Martins, which is odd because it's been there on State Street New Haven for over twenty years. AND I've heard great things about it, namely, that their menu changes with the seasons due to the availability of local products and changing tastes in the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons.

For restaurant week Christopher Martins had a separate lunch and dinner menu.  Lunch prixe fixe three course meals were $18.00 and dinner prixe fixe four course meal offerings were $32.00.

Two of my colleagues from work wanted to go, so we headed over for lunch on a Tuesday. We were lucky enough to find a parking space right in front, parking isn't really wonderful in New Haven, but Christopher Martins offers valet parking in the evenings, on Tuesdays through Sunday.  A great bonus!

Although we neglected to make reservations, which meant we would need to eat in the pub, lucky for us, just as we walked in they had a cancellation, so we had a beautiful big window-side table in the dining room.  We were seated quickly, and a warm basket of fresh baked bread and olive oil for dipping was served as we perused the menu.

Does the mis-matched salt and pepper shakers bother you?

Allie and I decided to go with the Restaurant Week luncheon specials.

For our appetizers:

Allie ordered the BBQ Duck Confit Spring Rolls 

BBQ Duck Confit Spring Rolls - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week

Peking Duck slow cooked in an Asian inspired BBQ served with Szechuan Cole Slaw and reported that it was wonderful, with just the right amount of warm heat.

I ordered the Butternut Squash Ravioli 

Butternut Squash Ravioli - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

With candied Pecans in a Fresh Sage Cream with Shaved Parmesan, which needless to say was absolutely to die for.  The sauce was creamy good and flavorful, and the addition of the candied pecans complemented the squash as a subtly sweet nutty addition.

For our lunch

Allie ordered Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

Chicken Breast layered with Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Sage and Cato Corner Farm’s Vivace Bambino Cheese, over sautéed Baby Spinach with Mashed Potatoes. Allie reported that the chicken was delicious, but that she didn't care for the mashed potatoes.

I ordered the Chipotle Honey Grilled Salmon

Chipolte Honey Grilled Salmon - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

A great combination of Spicy Sweetness tops a grilled Atlantic Salmon Filet with Saffron infused Rice & Beans and Baby Spring Vegetables. It was oh, so, good! The salmon was perfectly cooked and not too sweet due to the spices used in the sides. Perfect.

Patty, who ordered off the menu, decided on a salad, which I can't seem to find on the menu online. It included mixed field greens, pine nuts, dried cranberries, and grilled polenta, as Patty is a vegetarian.

For dessert, included as our lunch prixe fixe, 

Allie ordered the Tira Misu

Lady Fingers soaked in Espresso and Kahlua and slathered with a cool Mascarpone Sabayon

Tira Misu - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week 2013

I ordered the White Chocolate Mousse, 

A Silky White Chocolate Mousse Topped With Chocolate Ganache…Award Winning

White Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Ganache - Christopher Martins New Haven Restaurant Week

This was incredibly good, and I am such a fan of anything white chocolate. This dessert certainly didn't disappoint. As full as I was after three courses, I scraped the large glass bowl clean! YUM

If you have a chance to visit Christopher Martins, I would heartily recommend them.  The interior is on the small side, so make sure you have a reservation, and remember there is valet parking Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

Christopher Martins

860 State Street

New Haven, CT 06511 

203.776.8835

www.christophermartins.com

"Like" them on facebook HERE

Note: Their website is a little bit clunky to use. Or maybe it's just me. :-)

On our way back through New Haven we passed the beautiful tulip display in the street meridian's courtesy of the 

City of New Haven and New Haven Parks & Works

Have you visited Christopher Martins?

Did you attend New Haven Restaurant Week?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

What My Mom Taught Me - A Mother's Day Tribute

My mother passed away over a decade ago, yet I feel her presence daily.  Not in that metaphysical twilight-y zone sort of way, but more so by the many things she taught me.

Mom and me (circa 1988)

My mother was not a gourmet cook, a fashion icon, or a fabulous decorator. And, of course, neither am I.

Instead she concentrated on having a smile for everyone, every day.

She taught me to appreciate the truly important things. A kind gesture, a thank you, a loyal friend.

Now that she’s gone, she’s still teaching me. Reminding me to take the time to spend with those you love. 

She taught me that life isn’t about counting hours; instead it’s about appreciating minutes. 

L-R, Mom as a bride (1945), a young mother (1946), and attending church on Sunday (1951)

Mom grew up during the depression, and she instilled a deep sense of re-purposing materials, do-it-yourself projects, hand-me-down clothes and furniture, and appreciation for anything (or anyone, for that matter) with a patina. 

I miss her more and more everyday.

If you're lucky enough to have your mother this Mother's Day, give her an extra hug, spend an extra minute, and please, above all, appreciate the time you have together. 

Please continue reading posts from Generation Fabulous and learn what their mothers taught them by clicking on the links below.

Wheels for Kristina - A Fundraiser

Kristina Hiller Dowling needs your help.

Kristina Hiller Dowling and "Ozzy"

Tonight at the Elks Club in Glastonbury CT, many of Kristina Hiller Dowling's friends gathered for a great cause to raise funds  to help purchase a used van that can be refitted with hand controls and handicap access.

Kristina is an important person in our family, she's the cousin of my nephew's fiance, and the godmother to their son Owen.

Unfortunately, the cost of a used, refitted van – including the cost of any minor modifications, is approximately $30,000.00 to $40,000.00

The fundraiser was organized by April Holman, a talented musician, who donated her services for this worthwhile cause.

Wheels for Kristina needs YOUR help too.

On the Wheel's for Kristina Facebook page they write:

Kristina was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as “Brittle Bone Disease.” As a result of the disease, Kristina is confined to a wheelchair.... Her lungs are undeveloped, requiring the use of oxygen. She is extremely susceptible to catching ailments from others and, due to her lowered immune state, catching the common cold can and usually does result in pneumonia – a debilitating illness requiring long hospital stays.  

Despite all of this, Kristina has worked tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of her disease. She has thrived as an active and productive member of society. Kristina attended beauty school and volunteered her expertise at local convalescent homes – a venture she has aptly named “Nails on Wheels.” She mentors disabled children at her local middle school. She has rescued and cared for several animals so they would not be euthanized. Additionally, she lives independently and supports herself. Overall, Kristina has always taken the initiative by contributing to the community in every way she can. 

All of this was possible because she was able to independently travel. Kristina had owned a van refitted with hand controls and wheelchair access. The van was no longer safe for use and the computer system has failed. As a result, she can neither travel independently nor continue to participate in the community. This is why we are asking for your help on her behalf. 

If you could also assist, they need YOUR help.

Kristina's family asks that you consider a small donation on her behalf. If you are able to help, thank you!

 If you can only help by sharing this post with your friends, that would also be appreciated.

How to donate?


Link to PayPal:  HERE

Or send your donation to:

Wheels for Kristina c/o People's Bank 40 Welles Street Glastonbury, CT 06033

Legal Notice

• This initiative has been duly exempted from registration under the Connecticut Charitable Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act and otherwise complies with all federal, state, and local laws. All donations will be used solely for the purpose of purchasing Kristina Hiller Dowling a vehicle with sufficient modifications for her use. 

• This initiative is not registered as a “non-profit” or “tax-exempt” organization under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c). Accordingly, donations are not tax-deductible by the donor. 

• Donor agrees that any tax liability, whether local, state, or federal, arising from any donation for any reason, will be the donor’s sole responsibility.

*Please note that Pay Pal takes a small discounted fee off your donation for use of their service.

On behalf of Kristina and her family - I thank you!

Clinton Kelly's Do's and Don'ts for Spring 2013 at Macy's #SpringStyles

You've all heard the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child" haven't you?  Well this week, when preparing for Macy's Spring Styles Fashion Show, featuring Clinton Kelly, I certainly experienced something similar to it.

I had planned to attend this fashion show with sponsorship by the Everywhere Society at the Macy's in the Westfarms Mall, right outside of Hartford, CT. However, when the date of the show was released to us, it was only a few days away...and on a weekend that I had planned to visit family in upstate New York. I did reach out to some potential guest bloggers, but it seemed like everyone was busy this weekend! Sad face.

So, of course, I turned for support to the place I knew best, the Connecticut Blogging Community.
One member of our wonderful community, mentioned that a colleague from work was a BIG FAN of Clinton Kelly's and would love to take my seat, and would be happy to take pictures and recap the event for my readers!

So folks, you see, while it takes a village to raise a child, it sometimes takes a community to write a blog!

Many, many thanks Beverly and friends, for this review of Clinton Kelly's Do's and Don't for Macy's Spring Styles 2013! #SpringStyles

#SpringStyles
copyrighted photo used with permission

Beverly Wanza-Jones is a guest blogger for the Home Place blog. Beverly is a blogger whose passion includes jazz and fashion

To a rapturous crowd of 400 fans of fashion, Clinton Kelly of TLC's "What Not To Wear" and author of the book "Oh No She Didn't" walked on to the stage at Macy's in the Westfarms Mall and gave us all a lesson on what TO wear! 

copyrighted photo used with permission

Clinton has a personality that electrifies a room while engaging us in a personal, warm conversation about how our clothes make a statement about ourselves. When Clinton's on stage, he gives candid, often funny advice in a kind way, the way only a best friend would. I'd say Clinton Kelly is everyone's best fashion friend! Below he critiques a member of the audience with his trademark wit and inspiration.

The fashion segment of the show opened with this great look of 'mix and match' separates with bold statement jewelry.

Alfani Jacket, Calvin Klein Tweet Pencil Skirt
copyrighted photo used with permission

Sometimes it's all about the shoes.  Look how wonderfully these coordinate with this suit. The taupe handbag acts as a great neutral and accents the spring colors.

Calvin Klein Suit Separates
copyrighted photo used with permission

Here's a great way to mix patterns. Note the Aztec print that is popular this season, and the boldly patterned cropped pants. Patterned pants are also a fun trend for spring 2013.

Aztec inspired top
Cropped print pants
copyrighted photo used with permission

Maxi dresses continue to be on trend this season.  Here's a boldly patterned tribal print highlighted by a cute little cropped jean jacket.

Casual daytme look with sandals and cropped jacket
copyrighted photo used with permission

One of the highlights of the show were these adorable "short-shorts" worn with a high low striped top and a great pop of color in this peach cropped jacket. 

copyrighted photo used with permission

There were so many spectacular outfits that came down the runway it's hard to choose a favorite! 

The fashions covered work attire, weekend, date night, party perfect and, the aforementioned season's “must-have - crop denim jacket”.

In the closing, Clinton shared with us a positive message. He advised us all not to compare ourselves to models in advertisements who might have been photo-shopped or who had many things about them that are fake. We should be confident in our options of what we choose to wear. The event ended with the thunderous applause of an appreciative crowd!

Macy's did an amazing job hosting this event and the fashions were FABULOUS! The tag line of the event was "Only One Star [the Macy's Star] brings you coast to coast" ...but I give this event 5 out of 5 stars! 

Thank you Macy's! 

Thank you Bonnie for the opportunity to guest blog for you on Home Place! 

And now it's time for shopping!

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Home Place Disclaimer: I am a member of the Everywhere Society. All contributors were provided with compensation for this post about Macy's Clinton Kelly event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are those of our own.

Branford Restaurant Week 2013 - Jalapeno Heaven

Review

It's Branford CT's 2nd Annual Restaurant Week!

#BranfordRestaurantWeek2013 
April 14th through the 20th 2013

And although last year we were able to go to about five participating restaurants, this week was so busy that we were only able to squeeze in two!  But those two were FANTASTIC! If you'll remember, in a previous post we told you about our visit to Ballou's Wine Bar.

Moving on, for our second stop for Branford Restaurant Week 2013 was with our good friends at Jalapeno Heaven!

Saturday night we set out for Jalapeno Heaven as guests of the Flores family who have owned and operated Jalapeno Heaven since 1992.

Jalapeno Heaven is such a great place to go.  Always cozy, always fun, my favorite part of going is entering the parking lot and smelling all the good food grilling and cooking! The sign of a great restaurant!

Of course, as soon as we were seated, our good friend Ellen, who was waiting on us, brought over the customary basket of warm chips with two kinds of made on premise salsas, the traditional red salsa, and a salsa verde.

For beverages, I started with a Karma Tequila Margarita, on the rocks with salt, and I also sipped on a tiny little bit of Karma Tequila  neat, separately in a snifter, as I wanted to sample this 100% blue agave tequila on its own. It was light but flavorful, with a distinctly smooth and mellow taste, and just the right amount of "heat".

Jalapeno Heaven had a couple of great specials for Branford Restaurant Week, but we decided to go with the "order two entrees and receive a complimentary appetizer"

For our appetizer we ordered Mexican Crab Cakes, listed in the menu as: Four spicy crab cakes served on a bed of our spicy con queso sauce, garnished with scallions, tomatoes and sour cream.

I know what you're thinking, and the answer is YES!  They taste just as good as they look!

For our entrees, the cowboy ordered Chili Dogs: Oscar Mayer goes Tijuana with two hot dogs in rolls topped with Hector’s chili and melted cheese...

and I ordered the Tequila Lime Shrimp Combo: Four jumbo tail on shrimp tequila lime marinated then char grilled. Served with one tangy Mexican shrimp cake over a bed of fresh spinach and then drizzled with a warm tequila lime sauce.

I cannot begin to tell you how good this was.  Three days later, as I am writing this post, my mouth is still watering for the tequila lime sauce that flavors this dish.

We decided to go ahead and split a dessert as well, and ordered Jalapeno Heaven's Bananas Foster. This delicious dessert is flambeed tableside and served over creamy vanilla ice cream. I even videotaped Ellen's tableside presentation...go ahead, view it...and ENJOY! I certainly did!!!!

press the arrow to begin

Don't try this at home without instruction!  

Staff members are well trained in this technique.

If you live in the Branford area, or if you are traveling through the southeast Connecticut shoreline, I highly recommend Jalapeno Heaven!  It's a cute little place with loads of charm...and the food is amazing.  The best thing is that the staff is super-knowledgeable about all the food, and if you have any questions they are always happy to help with answers.

There's also a full takeout menu, a seasonal patio, and upstairs cantina/lounge, a huge vegetarian menu, a "lite" creations offerings menu, and for the "gringos" there's plenty of gringo-food!

We truly enjoyed participating in #BranfordRestaurantWeek2013 and visiting Jalapeno Heaven!

Jalapeno Heaven is open year round and accepts most major credit cards.

Jalapeno Heaven

40 North Main Street

Branford, CT 06405

203.481.6759

Website: www.jalapeno-heaven.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jalapeno-Heaven/

twitter: @JalapenoHeaven1

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Have you visited any restaurants for Branford Restaurant Week 2013?

Do you have a favorite Mexican dish?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Disclaimer: We were the guests of Jalapeno Heaven for this visit, however, all thoughts and opinions are our own.