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!

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!

Whole Foods Market Valentine's Day Sweetheart Deals

Last week, members of the Connecticut blogging community were invited to Whole Foods Market in Glastonbury, CT to sample some sweets and savories.

All I can say is WOW!  

L-R Tia, Katie, Devin, Bryce

They offered us so many wonderful items to sample...I don't even know where to begin!

Bryce created two fabulous treats to start us off...

Panko Almond Shrimp

Panko Almond Shrimp, above, served on a bed of Sweet Potato Rossini, Spicy Slaw, and drizzled with a Honey Gastrique.  Bryce explained that gastrique is a stock or flavoring created when a sweet substance, in this case honey, is reduced with an acidic, such as vinegar.  

Chocolate Covered Orzo Risotto

Bryce also prepared Orzo Risotto with Candy Bacon & Marshmallow, covered in Chocolate. As unusual as this combo  might sound, I have to say, this was probably my favorite flavor combination of the evening. The orzo was almost creamy inside the chocolate, the bacon added a slight salty crunch, and the marshmallow and chocolate were ever so sweet. And,  oh. so. good.

Whole Foods Market didn't stop surprising us with flavors there!  Devin also made two great creations, Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs and Sweet Potatoes with Lime.

Braised Pomegranate Short Ribs and Lime Sweet Potatoes 

Just look at those short ribs melding with all the stock and vegetables. And the sweet potatoes with candied walnuts, feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.  When I tell you I didn't want to walk away from his station, I'm not kidding. Between the aromas and the taste...I could have stayed there all night!

Next Katie from Whole Foods Market prepared some sweet treats, Hail Merry Macaroons (gluten free, vegan, no refined sugars) Dark Chocolate covered Strawberries, Gillian's Chocolate Cake (wheat and gluten free).

Gluten Free Macaroons, Dark Chocolate Strawberries, Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

Tia then closed the Whole Foods Market event with her fabulous array of Mom's Organic Munchies and Hail Merry products, and a delicious Republic of Tea Cuppa Chocolate Peppermint tea. The perfect compliments to the wonderful foods we had sampled.

Are you looking for a special meal for your special someone? Whole Foods Markets in the Glastonbury, Bishops Corner and West Hartford area are offering a Sweetheart Dinner Deals for Two for only $24.99.  Call your local Whole Foods Market for details!

All prices subject to dates, locations, and availabilty

This was a wonderful event!  Each and every one of Whole Food's demonstrators were knowledgeable about the product they prepared, and chock full of information.  A common theme when talking with each member of the crew was that Whole Foods Market allows them the ability to be creative with their demonstrations, and how they love working with the superior merchandise at Whole Food Market stores.

Folks, that creativity shows! They were all so patient with our questions and explained that Whole Foods Market often has demonstrators and specialists preparing samplings for their customers throughout the week in many stores.  Don't be afraid to ask them questions, and learn some new cooking techniques! They love to be helpful!

And here's something special...that I can't wait to share!

Do you love chocolate?  Whole Foods Markets in select areas will be holding 

CHOCOLATE FEST 2013!

West Hartford February 7th (Thursday) from 5 to 7 pm

Glastonbury February 8th  (Friday) from 4:30 to  6pm

Bishops Corner February 9th  (Saturday) from 12 - 2pm

Visit a Whole Foods  Market near you!

Additional photos of this event available: HERE

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this Valentine's Blogging Event by Whole Foods Market. All opinions contained herein are my own. All prices and items shown are subject to change and may not be available or applicable in your area.

Margaritas & Manicures with SensatioNails, L'Oreal Paris, & Master of Mixes

This weekend the Sweeties Reviews Team asked the CT Blogging Community and friends to participate in a Margaritas and Manicures (#margaritasmanicures) Product Review and Party Event.

Products that were featured were SensatioNail, a gel nail polish kit,

Master of Mixes Margarita Mix (traditional and strawberry),

and L'Oreal of Paris Nail Polish Products

And, to top it off, the great folks at Jalapeno Heaven in Branford, CT sent over some delicious chips, salsa, guacamole, potato poppers, popper bites, and mini-chimichangas to go along with the Margaritas!

What a great time everyone had!

Let's start with the SensatioNail Starter Kit. The starter kit comes with the Pro 3060 LED lamp, gel cleaner, gel primer, color gel polish, and gel base and top coat.  Everything you need to get started!

There's a multi-step process that must take place when using SensatioNail, just like when gel nail polish is applied in a salon. The drying, or "curing" process between steps is critical in order to obtain maximum results.  The good news, the curing is quick, and only requires 30-60 seconds under the LED lamp, depending on which step you're on.

You MUST use the LED lamp to cure between each step.

The SensatioNail polish itself drys immediately upon application - it's truly AMAZING.  Best of all - they have such a wide array of colors.  I used color #71594 taupe tulips (shown below to the right).  It truly is INVINCIBLE nail polish and should go two weeks without chipping when applied correctly.

 (L)gel top coat--and polish(R)  

It's a relatively easy process to do by yourself.  Here, Hilary from My Own Blog Review applies a coat of polish. You can read Hilary's review, which includes directions (!!!) by clicking: HERE

We were lucky to have a designated (non-drinking!) bartender in Nicole from OberBargains preparing the frozen margaritas for the review crew. 

This was my first time trying Master of Mixes Margarita Mix and I was pleasantly surprised! 

I'm traditionally a purist and prefer my margaritas made from scratch with fresh lime juice, triple sec, and tequila.  The taste from Master of Mixes is almost the same as from scratch, with an ever so slightly sweeter flavor. Nice -- and natural tasting!  I will definitely use this mix for parties or when serving more than just a few people, as it is so much easier than squeezing all those limes (!!!) ... and the flavor is great!

Here's Wendy from Connecticut Bloggers and Sweeties Reviews, enjoying a much deserved mammoth margarita at our event!

Those who didn't use the gel nail polish used the L'Oreal of Paris Nail Polish and every participant completed a survey at the conclusion of the review and received a complimentary L'Oreal polish and professional emery board!

I loved the L'Oreal color I selected, #300, Walk on the Beach (seen above)!  What can I say?  I'm a beigey - beachy type of gal! It's a great neutral shade that I can wear every day, yet pretty enough that it will work for those special occasions!

All in all it was an informational and fun event!  

Here's a link to the Sweeties Review Wrap Up on Margaritas and Manicures: Click HERE

If you have an event you would like promoted or a product you would like reviewed by our group, 

please contact us at info@connecticutbloggers.com or http://sweetiesreviews.com/contact/  

Or contact me at homeplaceblogger@live.com

Have you tried any new nail products?  

How about margarita or drink mixes?

Did you like them? Why / Why Not?

Disclaimer: The products featured at this event were complimentary and provided by SensatioNail, L'Oreal, Master of Mixes, Jalapeno Heaven, and Sweeties Review.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Macy's Million Dollar Makeover Fall Fashion Event with Clinton Kelly

The Providence Place Mall in Providence, Rhode Island was the last stop on the tour for Macy's Million Dollar Makeover and Fall Fashion Event 2012 featuring the dynamic Clinton Kelly, of TLC's What Not to Wear and ABC's afternoon talk show The Chew.

Photo Credit: Macy's Clinton Kelly Million Dollar Makeover

Never sure of the traffic on CT's I-95, we left early to arrive in time to fit in a little shopping (yay!) beforehand and good seats for the Macy's Fall Fashion Event.

As soon as we arrived we were escorted up to the fashion show area by none other than Macy's Providence Place store manager. Talk about personal service!  As usual, Macy's had created a full scale fall fashion runway experience for all attendees!

Look at this set and amazing backdrop - and SWAG BAGS!  

And I'm so glad we arrived early!  Gena Casciano, the Director of National Events and Marketing at Macy's later advised that there were nearly 500 people in attendance!

I took the time before the fashion show to seek out the advice of fashion savvy sales associate Valeria, and told her I was looking for a fitted blazer / jacket to go with an INC black lace top I had already spotted on my way in.

The area featured clothes from INC, Jones New York, Guess, Kensie, and more, more, more!  While I kept straying to my "safe" tones of grey, taupe and black, I loved everything that Valeria showed me, and she kept saying to me, "Bonnie, you need a pop of color". And she was right!  I loved, loved, loved, this INC bright green jacket she picked out for me...and decided to purchase and wear it right then and there!

Here's me and the fabulous sales associate Valeria!  She's so tiny she makes me look tall!

Inc International Concepts Jacket Ruffle Trim Ponte Knit
Color: Willow Bough

Don't ever hesitate to ask a sales associate for help.  They know what looks good on different body types and are always happy to assist!  Valeria also helped me select a gorgeous taupe faux leather jacket by Alfani, that is so flattering I never want to take it off!

And what's more my purchase qualified me for an autographed copy of Clinton Kelly's Oh No, She Didn't. The bad news?  No pictures were allowed at the autograph session!  Boo-Hoo.  But I got to meet him and he loved my green jacket!  Woo Hoo!

We still had some time so we wandered down to the Estee Lauder cosmetics area where Macy's Fall Fashion Runway Model Kathryn was getting prepped for the show.

Kathryn is a professional plus size model and it's wonderful to see that Macy's fashion events always represent women of ALL sizes, shapes, ages, and color in their fashion events.

Having a cosmetologist help you with make-up choices is also a good idea that every woman should treat themselves to!  Don't ever be afraid to ask for help!  I love trying new products and these ladies are magicians when it comes to makeup!

Well, enough about me...let's move on to the event!

Clinton Kelly came out and did what Clinton Kelly does best!  Give fashion tips and advice that works!

My three favorites tips?

(1) Dress age appropriately, (2) mix a trend with a basic, and (3) don't hate your body!  

He also selected a few women from the audience and critiqued them with the great sense of humor and quick wit he is known for,  that is always kind-spirited because you know he really cares that ALL women be the best they can be!

Left to Right, Clinton Kelly says:

• Just because you're a granny that bakes cookies doesn't mean you have to always dress like one!
• Beware of colors you wear that might wash you out.  
• Buy a bra that lifts those "girls" up! You'll get an instant waist and look 20 lbs lighter!
• Tunics don't camouflage your bum - they accent it! Wear something that stops mid-hip to show the cute little cut out of your butt.  No matter your size!

For the fall fashion season Macy's concentrated on four fall fashion areas that most of us need to dress for this season: Weekend, Work, Night, and Holiday.

Weekend:

Mustard blouse with embellished collar by Bar III, Olive tweed blazer with cable knit sleeves by Kensie, Cranberry corduroy pant by Style & Co, Cognac lace up boot by Steve Madden

Teal print blouse by Charter Club, Boiled wool ruffle sweater by Charter Club, Charcoal fine gauge corduroy  pant by Charter Club, Blue pony hair pump by INC, Chrome satchel by Steve Madden 

Teal tiered tank by Alfani , Stripe sweater by Charter Club, Grey straight leg tummy control denim by Style & Co, Slate suede bootie by Alfani , Caramel leather satchel by Calvin Klein 

Citron lace blouse by Alfani , Black military jacket by INC, Indigo skinny jean by Guess, Black double zipper boot by Tahari , Black perforated lace tote by BCBG 

Chambray button down by Ralph Lauren, Tweed blazer by Tommy Hilfiger, Black pleated a-line skirt by Tommy Hilfiger, Two tone riding boot by Vince Camuto  

Rust geometric print dress by Bar III, Faux shearling moto vest by Bar III, Chocolate suede cowboy boot by Franco Sarto 

And look!  Once again, Macy's clearly marked all the clothes that were featured in the show for shoppers to easily find after the show!  Here's the dress above - all ready for you to take home! Or buy it online here: Bar III Rust Print Dress.

Now let's move on to some great looks for...

 Work:

 Navy and white polka dot top by Tommy Hilfiger , Navy check knit blazer   Tommy Hilfiger , Creme corduroy pant by Jones New York, Leopard print kitten heel by Anne Klein , Tomato tote by Calvin Klein

 Sapphire silk blouse by INC, Black and white tweed jeweled trim jacket by INC, Black pencil skirt by Calvin Klein, Nude and black ankle strap shoe by Marc Fisher , Grey handbag by Nine West

  

 Cobalt and black hourglass sheath dress by Calvin Klein , Black leather drape jacket by INC, Electric blue fish scale pump by Calvin Klein , Python print satchel by Rachel Roy

  

Cream burnout velvet tie blouse by Studio M, tinsel tweed crop jacket by INC, Black trouser by Anne Klein, Quartz sueded pump by BCBG, Chocolate iridescent handbag by BCBG 

Red drape blouse by Anne Klein , Black cinched waist blazer by Sunny Leigh, Herringbone pencil skirt by Alfani , Black suede bootie by Carlos Santana, Bordeaux bowling bag by Michael Kors     

Boucle & marble print sheath by Rachel Roy , Black sueded crop blazer by INC, Black and gold pony pump by Truth or Dare by Madonna

Looking for something for that special date? Try something from the collection of...

Night

And finally, let's look at some great items available for the...

 Holidays!

 Black matte sequin one- shoulder dress by Jessica Simpson, Black t-strap platform with jewel embellishment  by BCBG , Gold beaded clutch by La Regale

 Sapphire drape dress with shoulder embellishment by Alex Evenings, Smoke metallic peep toe by Marc Fisher,  Peacock feather beaded clutch by Nina

Red satin sheath with ruffle by Jones New York, Gold shimmer slingback by Guess, Hard case clutch by Style & Co

 Teal with black lace overlay dress by Adrianna Papell, Black faux fur jacket by Ellen Tracy, Black lace-up bootie by BCBG, Teal satin clutch by Sasha

Metallic shimmer quartz dress by Ralph Lauren, Rosette peep toe by Caparros , Gold washed clutch by Ralph Lauren

Rose gold lace dress by Kensie , Black suede wedge by Nine West, Black satin petal clutch by Sondra Roberts  

And what was in the Macy's Swag Bag?

A mini-manicure set, some great information about upcoming sales, a Macy's sparkle cosmetic holder, and a free eyeliner pencil by Estee Lauder!  And the extra large swag bag was just perfect to tote all my purchases and new book back in! Thank you Macy's!

And some things I learned during my visit that I didn't know before?  Many Macy's have an in-house tailor that can make things FIT right!  Macy's offers a personal shopper experience.  And has visitor services, and much, much, more!  Learn all about Macy's special services here: Macy's Services

And I also got to meet up with some local bloggers!

L-R Stephanie, me, Wendy, Ally, Julie. Not pictured Natasha

Click on their names to read their recap of this fab fall fashion event! 

Looking for a Macy's Event near you?  click here: Find Macy's Events

or Follow Macy's Events on Twitter: @macysevents

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Clinton Kelly and Macy's Fall Fashion. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

More pictures available on: Home Place Macy's Fall Fashion with Clinton Kelly