Shop and Nosh at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Social Media Promotion : Sponsored

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley in Canton CT

Last week I traveled to the charming town of Canton CT after an invite from Bird Social Media to visit the Shoppes at Farmington Valley for a fun round of Shop & Nosh in Connecticut.

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley is quite frankly the MOST beautiful shopping center I've visited in Connecticut.

Throughout the open air shopping center is a myriad of  over-sized lushly filled flower pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes each containing vividly colored flowers. The surrounding grounds are  well manicured and full of greenery. In the background are the Litchfield Hills and Talcott Mountain and a natural babbling spring runs through the center.

The shoppes are worth the drive simply for the the views of the property!

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

The anchor store is Kohls and there are approximately 45 specialty stores and eateries to visit like (Shop) Loft, J. Crew, White House Black Market, Chico's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Talbots, (Nosh) Feng Asian Bistro, Flatbread Company, and Chipolte.  There are even specialty stores like O'Live A Little (a gourmet specialty food store) and Simply Mac (an Apple partner that sells and services Macs). There's even a Stop & Shop to load up on the family groceries!

Located at 110 Albany Turnpike (Route 44) in Canton, Connecticut just over the Avon/Simsbury line, the Shoppes at Farmington Valley provides convenient free parking, and is just about an hour drive from my home in Branford in the greater New Haven area.

And there's always something going on! Like evening music, store sales, cooking demos, and more!
Check out their event schedule here => theshoppesatfarmingtonvalley.com/eventscalendar

Time to Nosh!

Let's start with the food! We were treated to some of the delicious specialties at Feng's Asian Bistro where we enjoyed the great weather and setting sun on their open air patio while sipping on cocktails and noshing on some great sushi and small bites.

Noshing At Feng Asian Bistro

Feng Asian Bistro - Patio
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Feng Asian Bistro
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Feng Asian Bistro Summer White Sangria

Feng Asian Bistro - Tuna Wonton

Feng Asian Bistro
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Feng Asian Bistro
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Time to Shop!

After filling up on some great sushi and sashimi as well as small bites at Feng, it was time to ease into some of the great shopping at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley!

Shopping At Loft

I love Loft's casual and feminine brand style - and especially fell in love with that navy and white polka dot top!

I'd mix the patterns and pair it with a small flowered print bottom.

Shopping At J. Crew

There was a great tropical safari theme going on in this corner of J Crew.  The muted earth tones are the perfect transition from summer to fall.

Shopping At Simply Mac

This was my first visit to a Simply Mac store who specialize in all Apple products, and both service and training.

Carrie from Poet in the Pantry tried some new photo lenses made just for iPhone photography.

Shopping At O'Live A Little

Our last stop of the night was at O'Live a Little a unique food boutique specializing in olive oils, vinegars, gift baskets and pottery.

And I loved the beautiful Himalayan salt blocks. Just what I had been searching for!

I loved this trip to the Shoppes at Farmington Valley! The area is so scenic - as is the center itself.

It's the perfect place to meet up with friends for lunch and shopping, or for a quick drink after work and picking up the evening meal. There are so many shoppes to visit and parking is plentiful!

Do visit them soon and have your own Shop & Nosh excursion!

The Shoppes of Farmington Valley

10 Albany Turnpike
Canton, CT 06019

http://www.theshoppesatfarmingtonvalley.com/

Disclaimer: I was invited to the Shoppes at Farmington Valley by members of their management and marketing team, however all views expressed are my own. 

© Home Place 2016

Boscov's Opens at the Meriden Mall

Social media Promotion

There's a great new addition to the Westfield Meriden Mall in Meriden CT!

It's Boscov's - a family owned and operated department store since 1914! Specializing in everyday low prices, top designer brands, and superb customer service, you're sure to find just what you're looking for on every shopping trip! And what's more - gift wrap services are available EVERY DAY - not just for the holidays!



Opening "officially" on October 10th 2015, I visited their Meriden store earlier as part of a special promotion and charity benefit offering shoppers a preview of the store. This promotion offered shoppers the opportunity to preview and shop the store in exchange for a $5.00 donation to support a local community non-profit organization.

As you can see, Boscov's is looking forward to becoming a BIG part of the Connecticut community!

Luckily, I'm already familiar with the Boscov's retail stores so I was prepared for a shopping evening of fun! My sister worked at and opened the Dover Delaware store years before, and more recently, I was a frequent visitor to Boscov's in Clifton Park NY every time I visited my niece in New York.

On our visit we met with social media coordinator Jackie who explained the Boscov history and showed us the storyboard of the family's retail success! She explained that Boscov family descendant Al Boscov, now in his 80's, is still present in operations and remains chairman of the board. Nephew James "Jim" Boscov, was named CEO in 2014. Both Al and Jim were present at the Meriden store's opening and were making their way through every department, welcoming visitors and posing for pictures with their many shoppers!

Jackie gives an overview of the Boscov history

In an interview with the Hartford Courant, the Boscovs' explained that's how they can keep their prices low - having family as their only stockholders allows the customer to win on savings!

The Meriden Boscov's did not disappoint with savings and selection!

It had a great range of items - everything from housewares, to clothing, to furniture to home decor! And, did I mention a fully stocked gourmet candy counter where fresh fudge is manufactured every day?

A fully stocked candy counter
AND MADE ON PREMISE FUDGE!

On my trip I was especially wowed by the careerwear with items from Calvin Klein and Evan Picone, but always the "shoe gal' I spent most of my time in the shoe and accessories department, perusing fall shoe and boot fashions, fun accessories, stylish jewelry, scarves, and handbags.

NineWest Handbag and Jessica Simpson Boots

And here are some upcoming events at the Meriden Boscov's

IN PERSON: Shirley Jones and her son Patrick Cassidy in Concert   

Saturday, October 10th - Saturday, October 17
Performances AT 2 PM and 7 PM
A favorite of stage screen and television, Shirley Jones brings her marvelous voice and charming personality to Boscov's Grand Opening Celebration.   Shirley Jones is famous for her roles in Carousel, The Music Man, April Love and The Partridge Family and won an Oscar for her role as Lulu Baines in Elmer Gantry.  
Patrick Cassidy starred in the ABC Family series Ruby & The Rockits. He is best known for his roles in the musical theatre and televison.     

While you're there be sure to register To Win Fantastic Prizes 

==>> Elvis Aaron Presley Jr. 

Sunday, October 18 through Saturday, October 24, 2015
Show Times: 2PM & 7PM
Boscov’s Community Auditorium
Elvis Aaron Presley Jr. will be one of the honored guests during Boscov’s Grand Opening Celebration of their newest store in Westfield Meriden.
Presley will take center stage for the second week grand opening celebration of the new Boscov's Department Store as he sings and entertains customers. He will perform his show in the store's auditorium daily from Sunday, October 18 through Saturday, October 24. Admission to his performance is free, as space allows.

FASHION WEEK IN OCTOBER!

Sunday October 25 - Friday October 30
Daily Fashion Shows and Surprises
Come back soon for a complete listing and more details.

HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

October 31,2015
 Save the Date, Boscov's invites you and your family to join us for a day of Free Halloween Fun, make and take crafts, costumes parade, game and more.  

In CT, be sure to visit the Boscov's at the Westfield Meriden Mall! Boscov's are also located in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Deleware, and Ohio, and you can shop online at boscovs.com 

Boscov's Meriden

Westfield Meriden Mall
480 Lewis Avenue
Meriden, CT

(203) 235-4144

http://www.boscovs.com/wcsstore/boscovs/images/static/about_boscov/stores_locations/meriden.html

Disclaimer: We were invited to this opening preview by members of Boscov's public relations and marketing team, however all views and opinions are our own. 

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets for Spring Trends

Clinton Crossing Spring Fashion 

Clinton Crossing Outlet Center - Worth the trip from anywhere!

This spring we headed out to Clinton Crossing, an outlet center located just off I-95 at exit 63 in picturesque Clinton CT, for an early evening of shopping with some local CT Fashion and Lifestyle Bloggers, Wendy from CT Lifestyles, Rosa from Lady Diana Pearls, and others.  Because I had another event to attend that evening I started off on my shopping jaunt ahead of them, but you can follow their experiences by clicking on their names and enjoying their group shopping fun!

Saks Fifth Avenue - Off Fifth

We started off at Saks Off Fifth where we learned that the store has undergone a revamping with more competitive pricing. I've always loved to shop at Saks Off Fifth, so better prices means more shopping!

Saks Fifth Avenue - Off Fifth at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Of course, I wandered right to the shoe section where I always have great luck and spotted these metallic cork wedges that will work perfectly as a neutral with so many outfits this summer. I'm also on the lookout for a spring hat, and although I didn't purchase this one, it's a perfect match for denims or nautical prints.

Saks Fifth Avenue - Off Fifth at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Lancome

Then I moved on to the Lancome store. I could have stayed all day in this store! The sales associates were so helpful and I loved seeing them work on a "make up mood board" featuring spring makeup trends. So good to hear that spring and summer will feature a "natural" palette of colors.

Lancome at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Club Monaco

Our next stop was Club Monaco where I put together an outfit featuring the 2015 trend of retro fashion, featuring looks from the 70's like wide legged trousers, peasant style white eyelet tops and natural fiber accessories. How about those striped jeans? Love them!

Club Monaco a Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

DKNY

Then we descended on DKNY, probably the funnest stop of the day, where store manager Bill was UBER helpful and we had a ton of laughs and fashion lessons!  We learned all about the DKNY staple, the cosey that works as a sweater, or a wrap and has dozens of uses! And I put together another fun outfit accenting the pops of color that are so prevalent this spring. Love this bag and top in deep cobalt blue.

DKNY at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Here's where I made my favorite purchase of the day, the DKNY bag that holds everything! And here I am rocking it at Mother's Day Brunch!

DKNY Bag from Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

Lindt Chocolate

Our next stop was at the Lindt Chocolate store for a hot cocoa pick me up and some chocolate goodness!

Lindt Chocolate at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

Hanna Andersson

My last stop before I had to leave was at the ADORABLE children's store Hanna Andersson whose Swedish influences were apparent in the clothing. Here's a few little girl's outfits I couldn't help but play dress-up with!

Hanna Andersson at Clinton Crossing Preimium Outlets

Other stores that participated were J Crew and Aeropostle where more great fashion and spring trends can be found!

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center in Clinton CT is certainly worth the trip from anywhere! It's easily accessed off exit 63 on I-95 and includes over 70 designer retail outlets. There's something for everyone at Clinton Crossing!

VIP Club

Do you know about the Premium Outlet Center's VIP CLUB?  Join their VIP club (it's free to join!) and receive exclusive coupons from participating stores each time you shop!  Join here ==> https://www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/vipLounge.asp

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center
20-A Killingworth Turnpike
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 664-0700

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets is located off I-95 at Exit 63 (on Route 81)

• From New Haven/Fairfield/New York: Take I-95 north to Exit 63 
• From Hartford/Springfield: Take I-91 south to Exit 22S (Route 9 South) to Exit 9 (Route 81 South). Turn right onto 81 South and proceed 14 miles. Center is on the right. 
• From Mystic/Rhode Island/Boston: Take I-95 south to Exit 63. 

Disclaimer: I was invited to this shopping event by members of Premium Outlets, however, all opinions are my own.

Visit Miami and Shop the City by Conrad

Any Connecticut Snowbirds heading to Florida for April and May?

Here's a good reason to stay at the Conrad Hotel! It's called Shop the City by Conrad

What is it? It's a  Luxury Shopping Experience available only through the Conrad Miami!

Conrad Miami announced the launch of Shop the City by Conrad, a guest package providing extraordinary VIP shopping experiences. Conrad Hotels & Resorts understands that its guests are looking for a unique stay in the cities they visit, and Shop the City by Conrad provides a customizable shopping experience complete with local boutiques and sightseeing.

 

Photo of "Shop the City by Conrad" provided by The Conroy Martinez Group

Beginning April 1 through May 21, Conrad Miami will serve as the backdrop for the Shop the City by Conrad experience.

Guests will delight in this bespoke shopping experience, which includes a 2-night stay in the hotel’s Deluxe City View or Premium View Rooms, breakfast-for-two each morning with Miami’s famous Cuban coffee before embarking on a full day of shopping at the city’s chicest boutiques - all from the comfort of their own chauffeured vehicle. 

 

Conrad Miami has teamed up with some of the most exclusive retail brands in the city including Burberry in Miami’s Design District, Saint Laurent at Bal Harbour Shops, Tourneau in the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, and The Webster – a locally inspired multi-brand boutique on Miami Beach.

The hotel’s knowledgeable concierge is happy to offer personalized recommendations for cultural destinations based on the guests’ preferences.

 

Photo provided by The Conroy Martinez Group

“Miami is known worldwide for its shopping, and Conrad Miami is perfectly located near all the best shopping hot spots in the city,” said Stephane Mercier, general manager, Conrad Miami. “The Shop the City by Conrad package is part of our ongoing commitment to connect our guests with the local culture and excitement of Miami. This experience allows our guests to explore the best of what Miami has to offer from luxury shopping to beaches, great dining, and much more.”

 

Photo of the Miami Conrad courtesy of The Conroy Martinez Group

Situated in the heart of the city’s financial district and vibrant city center, Conrad Miami offers contemporary luxury with soaring views of the city and Biscayne Bay.

Guests will enjoy the rooftop poolside oasis, gourmet dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Atrio, the newly renovated rooftop tennis courts, and the personalized service for a warm weather getaway.

 

In addition to Conrad Miami, the brand will offer limited-time Shop the City by Conrad stays in select cities throughout 2015, including: Conrad Dubai, Conrad Istanbul, Conrad Tokyo, Conrad Beijing, Conrad Hong Kong, and Conrad New York.

 

The Shop the City by Conrad package for Conrad Miami starts at $405 per night for a two-night minimum.

For more information on Shop the City by Conrad and details on participating properties and retailers, please visit shopthecitybyconrad.com.

For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts please visit www.conradhotels.com or http://news.conradhotels.com.

 

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About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
 

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers, for whom life, business, and pleasure seamlessly intersect. A global luxury brand of 24 properties across five continents, Conrad connects guests to people and places around the corner or halfway around the world. Intuitive service is delivered through the Conrad Concierge mobile app that puts all hotel services and amenities at the guest’s fingertips. Conrad is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Connect with Conrad by booking at www.conradhotels.com or www.conradhotels.com/offers. Learn more about this inspiring portfolio by visiting http://www.news.conradhotels.com.