CT Blogger Meetup Celebrating Stop and Shop's Savory Magazine

At least a couple of times a year members of the CT blogging community get together for some "lunch & learn" type meetups!

This month we gathered to celebrate the launch of Stop & Shop's new magazine, "Savory" and sample some of the food made with recipes from the magazine!

I spoke with Wendy from ConnecticutLifestyles.com who was hosting the event and told her I would love to help and make some of the foods. BUT when I went to pick up a copy of the magazine...my local Stop and Shop didn't have copies left!

No worries - because the magazine is also available ONLINE!

Yup! all the recipes and everything that you would find in the magazine are also available online! YAY!

(Link to the downloadable summer June/July 2015 issue => HERE)

Here's some of the items we created and adapted from the June/July Stop & Shop Savory Magazine! So many of these recipes are perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, and dinners!

The Watermelon Margarita. 

I adapted this recipe by adding pink lemonade and sour mix and made the entire pitcher without alcohol so that everyone could enjoy. We then made each real margarita to order in a mason jar glass and used 1 oz Sauzo Blue Agave Tequila and 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier. We garnished with a lime wheel, blueberries, wedge of watermelon and a fresh sprig of mint.

Watermelon Margarita

Tomato Tulips

These tomato tulips were super easy to make! Again, I adapted the recipe just a bit as it called for Roma tomatoes and I substituted grape tomatoes so they would be just the perfect "pop one right in your mouth" size!

Tomato Tulips

Grilled Caesar Salad

This was delicious! We all know that grilling vegetables brings out their inherent sweetness, and this was true for those delicious salad fixings! Again, I adapted the recipe and used grape tomatoes (the recipe called for clusters of "on the vine" tomatoes).

Grilled Caesar Salad.

Grilled Skewers

Greg from CT Lifestyles put together this great assortment of skewers! There were beef, chicken, and shrimp, grilled with a variety of vegetables and fruits!

Grilled Skewers

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Another great item Greg created from the Savory Magazine was Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Watermelon Pops

Finally, for dessert Greg and Wendy made the Watermelon Pops! These were so great! Perfect for a hot summer afternoon!

Watermelon Pops

Big thanks to Stop and Shop for providing some of the food for our meetup and to Wendy and Greg from Connecticut Lifestyles for hosting us!

Bloggers and writers in attendance were Christine from Charged, Cecilia from Snap Happy Foodie, Michelle from She is Going Places, Monika from My Haute Blog, Rosa from Lady Diana Pearls, Jane from RoadFood, and Jessica from The Entertaining House.

You can find all these recipes by downloading the Savor Magazine  => http://cdn.peapod.com/site/61/0/0/0/a37a776d-afb4-4de1-aa5b-dc6cd2e9c505.pdf)

or using the recipe search feature on Stop and Shop ==> http://stopandshop.com/

Happy grilling with Stop and Shop this summer!!

More pictures from this event on the Home Place Facebook page HERE - and while you're there, don't forget to 'like' us!

Lyman Orchards Corn Maze in Middlefield CT

If you're looking for a fun way to spend the day this fall, look no farther than Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT! There's always something going on at Lyman, whether it's the Corn Maze,  Sunflower Maze, Peach Festival, or seasonal fruit picking!

Photo source: Lyman Orchards

This fall, the nice folks at Lyman invited a group of Connecticut bloggers to take a trip down and participate in their famous Corn Maze! Every year they plant a different theme, and the theme for 2013 was Lady Liberty! The cowboy decided to stay home, so my girlfriends and I (aka Thelma and Louise and Louise) set off for a fall Connecticut Adventure!

CORN MAZE - Photo Source: Lyman Orchards

The maze is spread out over approximately 4-acres, and includes 2.5 miles of pathways. That's quite a hike, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes!  The design is challenging - and I highly recommend you grab the map that's available at the entrance, get your 'bearings' right away, and follow the map to find your way out!  

But have no fear, there are attendants posted in areas throughout the maze who will help you along, as well as quick exits if needed.  

Along the way there are trivia questions from several different topics from a sheet you can choose before entering. TV addicts that we are, we chose the TV and movie questions, which was full of pop culture references.  And the sweet girls at the entrance recommended it to us because they said it was the easiest. (chuckle - guess they had our number!)

Here's some pictures of our Lyman Orchard Corn Maze Connecticut Adventure! 

There are posts at specific areas where you answer your trivia question to determine whether to take a right or a left at that point. In addition, scattered throughout the maze are fun facts about the Statue of Liberty!

Huge shout out of thanks to the wonderful family who let us follow them out! The dad was not ashamed to have a map and follow it! Real men do read maps!! 

Real Men Read Maps!

Exiting the Maze - We Made It!

We made it out in about 50 minutes...but I'm not ashamed to admit that we did have a lot of help. You can make a fun family day of it on the weekends, as there are plenty of things to do on-premise. Most weekends there are pony rides and horse drawn wagon rides or hayrides you can enjoy as well.

Afterwards we stopped in the Apple Barrel Market and purchased lunch in their eatery - yummy sandwiches, soups, and salads, most under $10.00. I had the "Crispin" - grilled chicken breast with apple slices, red onions, and cider glaze ($7.95)! The sandwich is served on your choice of bread, roll, or wrap, with a side of couscous, macaroni salad, or potato salad. Afterwards we went shopping in the market. I was a VERY good girl and stayed away from the baked goods...but Thelma and Louise did pick up some yummy pastries and reported  back that the Apple Raspberry Pie was delicious...and so was the apple crisp that they purchased!

Lunch at the Eatery

There are tables to eat at inside, or, weather permitting, you can take your lunch 'to go' and eat on the outside deck/patio or at one of the picnic tables in the area.

We had a great Connecticut Adventure at Lyman Orchard's Corn Maze! And we can't wait to return for some of their winter activities! Tastes of the Seasons on Saturday November 9th, Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 8th and 15th, and the Gingerbread House Holiday Workshop (adult) on December 13th.

And here's some important news! Best of all, the Lyman Orchards Corn Maze helps a great cause! One dollar  of each ticket sale helps the American Cancer Society.  

And there's more! Here's a discount code for you to use!! For the remainder of the 2013 season you can save $1.00 per ticket by using the discount code: Liberty.

Lyman Orchards

32 Reeds Gap Rd

Middlefield, CT 06455

860.349.1793

The Corn Maze is Open:
August 31st - November 3rd
Wed. - Fri., 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sat., Sun. & Holidays, 10am - 6pm

Ages 3 and under, FREE.
Ages 4 - 12, $5.
Ages 13 and up, $10.

http://lymanorchards.com/

Like them on Facebook: Facebook/LymanOrchards

Follow them on Twitter: @LymanOrchards

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Have you been to Lyman Orchards?

Did you visit their corn maze or sunflower maze?

Shop in the Apple Barrel Market or play a round of golf at Lyman Golf Course?

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

Disclaimer: We received complimentary entry to the corn maze, however, all opinions herein are are own. Lunch and all store items were purchased separately.

Foxcroft Blouses - Foxcroft Silver Soiree - NYC and Fashion

A few weeks back I was invited by the BoomBoxNetwork to attend Foxcroft Blouses' (AKA Foxcroft Collection)  Silver Soiree Anniversary Celebration in New York City.

Foxcroft is a subsidiary of the The Apparel Group LTD (TAG), who also own and operate Paperwhite, as well as the menswear companies, Maker & Co., Damon, and Enro.

Twenty-five years of great American sportswear - #Foxcroft25!

(L) Post-party - wearing my Foxcroft blouse - (R) Foxcroft25  Silver Soiree- NYC

I was honored beyond belief to be invited! First of all, because the event was limited to 100 of the best social media advocates and influencers in the greater New York City area, and second of all, because it was a fashion event targeted for the boomer generation and a professional market.

The event itself was fabulous! I traveled down with some of my fellow #CTBloggers, Wendy and Greg from Connecticut Bloggers, Natasha from One Woman's Style Evolution, Julie from A Year With Mom and Dad, and Hilary from My Own Blog Review. (Big thank you to Julie for driving and to Greg for navigating!).

The soiree was held in Maker & Co.'s design studio right in the heart of New York's Garment District. We were lucky enough to meet some of The Apparel Group's designers and marketing execs, and it was inspiring and interesting to hear how the clothes we wear are influenced by their travels and experiences. 

Take it from me, the design board for 2014 looks amazing!

Clockwise from top left: The designer's travel picture inspire the colors for the upcoming season,
Wendy and Hilary view the 2014 storyboard while Natasha tweets out some fashion news,
design spools of thread in my favorite preppy colors,
and Natasha and Wendy listen to Maker's designer  Chris Crowley explain the design team process

Before I move on to my fabulous Foxcroft Blouse, I need to also thank the other wonderful sponsors for this evening who gifted attendees with an amazing Swag bag. And a big thank you to Audrey from the BoomBoxNetwork for always supporting the members of GenerationFabulous, two of whom I met that night, Cathy from AnEmpoweredSpirit.com and Jennifer from ConnectWithYourTeens.net, ... and I can't forget Regina from Foxcroft who was so informative, all pictured below.

Thank you to RoC Skincare - Kinesys Sun screen -  Jax Coco Water - FusionIonz wristbands -  Galeos Miso Dressings -  Poo Poo Pourri -  Fresh Wave freshener -  Naugthy Betty napkins . Each of these amazing products deserve an exclusive write-up of their own, so look for future information on them back here on the Home Place Blog!

On to the Foxcroft blouse! 

As soon as it arrived - I knew I loved it and had selected the right color! It's the perfect shade of bright pink that can be worn through multi-seasons.

Spring? Pair it with grey. Summer? Pair it with white or bone. Winter? Pair it with black or navy. Autumn? Pair it with brown. Wear it on days you are looking for that perfect pop of color. Because my typical work attire is business professional, but my personal life is super casual, it's important that items in my wardrobe be multi-functional. This blouse certainly fits the bill.

It can go from work, be it with or without a jacket , and jacket open or closed...

#Foxcroft25

...and then it can transition to denim, for a casual get-together with friends after work at the beach.

#Foxcroft25

Best of all, it still looks great un-tucked...believe me - it's been a longgggg time since I've tucked in a shirt!

The blouse fits great - requires NO IRONING. (Hooray) and launders easily. 

I'd call that a slam-dunk - win * win * win! 

And now it's time to explain where YOU can find Foxcroft!

They're available in the U.S. and Canada at Nordstrom, Von Maur, Lord & Taylor and select Bloomingdale’s. 

Or you can purchase them directly online from Foxcroft at http://www.foxcroftcollection.com/

They run very true to size, and are extremely well made. No hanging threads, slipped stitches, or loose buttons. The blouse is well tailored with seams and darts throughout, so if your torso is square and not curvy you may want to size accordingly. On the day these pictures were taken I was wearing a padded undergarment which did cause slight pulling in the bust area - but on days I wear my typical foundation garments while wearing this blouse, this has never happened.

And in spite of the slight pulling - there were ZERO button gaps...that's a first for me! Thank you to the tailor who designed this blouse with the curvy girl's figure in mind!

Do you have any makers that tailor clothes that fit you well?  

Share the knowledge! I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!
PSST: Home Place uses comment moderation - your comment may not be visible for 24 hours.

For more pictures of the #Foxcroft25 Silver Soiree click HERE

and don't forget to "like" the Home Place Facebook page!

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Disclosure: I was invited to the Foxcroft Silver Soiree and received the blouse pictured as a thank you for my attendance. However, all opinions expressed herein are my own.

Connecticut Blogger Meetup at Las Vetas Fairfield CT

A few weeks ago the Connecticut Blogging Community (#CTBloggers) held a blogger meetup at Las Vetas Lounge in Fairfield CT.

It was the cutest and brightest little place located right in downtown Fairfield!  It's just steps from the railroad station with lots of fun shops and boutiques surrounding the entire downtown area.

It's called a "lounge" - but it's actually a great little coffee shop that offers munchies like sandwiches and stuff!

What a great time we had!

Although Nicole from OberBargain had arranged the meetup, she was unable to attend. But she was there in spirit because I saved a barstool for her in our mutually favorite color of "Banana Republic" yellow!

Nicole knows Banana Republic is one of my FAVORITE stores...so she always shares info from their upcoming sales with me!  (thanks Nicole!  Missed you!)

Nicole's website ==> OberBargain always has great info on discounts, bargains, and sales! Check it out!


Wendy from Connecticut Bloggers gave a great information session on SEO (search engine optimization) and "no follow" links.  Wendy and her husband Greg also run the blogs  Sweeties Picks,(books) Sweeties Reviews, (product and party reviews) in addition to Connecticut Bloggers (everything CT!). They have even more web blogs - did I mention they blog a lot!?

I also got to meet some bloggers who I've been following but hadn't met before! Below is Joe (left) from Nutmeg Junction, a great little cartoon about Tony the Trolley and his escapades all around Connecticut. Joe and co-creator Jessica Ponticelli also feature their Nutmeg Junction work on Ann Nybergs Network Connecticut.

On the right is Dana from Mastering Mommy Brain - a cute blog about, well, Mastering Mommy Brain, of course!  Dana shares recipes, toddler tips, and some of her secrets for juggling work and family, with one on the way!!!

I also got to meet Latanya from the blog Sprinkles and Booze. Latanya is a fun blogger  with a great quirky sense of humor! Her funny status updates on facebook and observations on twitter always leave me smiling! Follow her!

In addition, I finally got to meet Chelle of Everyday Polish - a great lifestyle blog, about making it all work. You know, fitting in work, life, friends, blogging, beauty.  Chelle helps us "have it all"!

And I was able to catch up with some of the other amazing bloggers I've met before that were there!
Left, April, who also has a boatload of blogs, but my two favorites are Crafting the Magic (hobby blog) and Land of Melted Clocks, one of my very favorite personal reflection blogs. April is always honest with her feelings and makes you realize that you're not alone on this journey we call life.
On the right is the magnificent Jenny of Sweet Jenny's CT. Jenny bakes like a demon...and her blog simplifies things so well that it makes me feel like I can bake like a demon too! Her food pics are AMAZING!

Last, but certainly not least, my three old blogging buddies:
Natasha (left) from One Woman's Style Evolution, a fashion and beauty blog for those of us 40+ and over a size 10!  Hilary (middle), of My Own Blog Review, who lets me live vicariously through her and does fabulous fashion recaps, and product reviews, and Erin (right), from Accidentally Stylish, a fashion and beauty blog, who loves to find thrifty vintage pieces!

I would be remiss if I didn't send a big thank you to Whole Foods Market who provided us with a great gift bag full of snack and protein bars, candles, chapsticks, and all sorts of goodies!

and Shirley J's Mugging, who provided a cooking mug for a future review. This product is fool proof! Just add the ingredients in the mug and bake a dessert for one!  Sounds good to me!  Look for my recap of this product soon!

If you're in the area, stop at Las Vetas Lounge, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield CT. 

It's a fun place!

For more pictures of our meet up - visit and like the Home Place facebook page HERE

Do you have any favorite places to meet up with friends?

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