The Big Book Club Getaway at Mohegan Sun

The first annual Big Book Club Getaway was held this weekend at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center in Connecticut.

Source: Big Book Club Getaway

This is a must event for book lovers!

Whether you are a book worm, aspiring author, or a book club member, if you are an admirer of the written word, this book extravaganza is for you!

I was honored beyond belief to be a part of the pilot conference, and I can only say that if this first conference is indicative of the ones that I hope will follow, it will soon be a premiere event for publishers, writers, and readers, near and far!

Love history? Cookbooks? Magazines? Fiction? Non-fiction? The humanities? There was something for everyone at the Big Book Club Getaway!

Susan McCann of Essex and Colleen LaFrancois of Old Saybrook, organizers of the event, also brought a charity close to my heart on board, as a portion of the Big Book Club Getaway's profits will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association.



Kristen Cusato, Southwest Director of the CT Alzheimer's Association, emceed the event.
In addition, one of Friday night's featured speakers, included Dr. Gary Small, author of The Alzheimer's Prevention Program.

L-R Top to bottom
Gift bags from the Alzheimer's Association, Colleen and Susan
Kristen Cusato, Dr.Gary Small 

Also included in Friday night's lineup, was Chicken Soup for the Soul's publisher, Amy Newmark, who was introduced by one of my favorite independent book store owner's, Roxanne Coady, of Madison's R.J. Julia's Bookstore.

Roxanne Coady

Amy explained the submission and publishing process for Chicken Soup for the Soul.  Did you know that authors retain the copyright to their work? And that no matter how many words or pages your manuscript contains, Amy promises you can 'cut and paste' it into the tiny little submission box!

  
Amy Newmark was also honored Friday evening with an official Connecticut State Proclamation!

Some of Saturday's highlights included

• UCONN professor, humorist, and author, Gina Barreca
• a panel discussion with prominent sex therapists on the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon.
• and Brad Meltzer, host of The History Channel's show Decoded

L, Gina Barreca, Top R Fifty Shades of Grey Panel, Bottom R Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer's talk was truly heart-warming, and included a portion on living your life to its fullest. To loosely paraphrase, "You don't write your obituary, others do that for you.  Instead you must go out and live the life you were meant to live"

And Gina Barreca. Oh. My. Goodness. RUN. Don't walk! RUN! And buy her book It's Not That I'm Bitter. This woman is hysterical! I was laughing so hard I was crying...and so was my husband!

We also attended a panel discussion on books about Connecticut sponsored by The History Press, who feature regional history books written by local authors.

Below, authors Wilson Faude, Wick Griswald, and Eric Lehman share a laugh.

Wilson reminds everyone that history should be fun!

Wick Griswald's A History of The Connecticut River

Another great panel discussion was the Sportswriter's Panel.  This was a wonderful group of 'baseball guys' that gave a glimpse of the "behind the scenes" stories of America's favorite game.  Phrases like "pus-ball hitter" and "he was out on a bang-bang play at home" brought smiles of nostalgia to everyone.

Roger LaFrancois, Mark DeJohn, Todd Civen, Dr. Jeff Brown, Marty Appel, Rick Wolfe
Sports Writers Panel

The Mystery and Suspense Writer's Panel was also a wonderful highlight and it was a thrill to see up close and personal some of my favorite writers!

L-R, Tess Gerritsen, Hallie Ephron, J.A. Jance, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

I took so many notes from these great women...and I could kick myself because I lost my notebook full of the best quotes and quips.  These ladies are not only great suspense writers, but they also have an amazing sense of humor!  I was pleased to learn that these women all whetted their appetite for the mystery novel, on my beloved Nancy Drew detective series.

Have a place to visit on your bucket list?  Well, Patricia Schulz did! In fact she had a thousand of them that she details in her book 1000 Places to Visit Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List.

Last, but most definitely not least, was the closing author, talk show host and television icon, Leeza Gibbons.

Leeza's book Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings is for anyone who "wants a do-over or needs to re-boot their life" and her inspiring story of starting over at any age is a must read!

Photo Source: Wendy @ ConnecticutBloggers.com
L-R Me, Leeza Gibbons, Wendy from CT Bloggers

All in all it was a great weekend, and this will definitely be an annual attend for us!

Note:  I received tickets to this event as a prize offered by one of the sponsoring publishers, however, all opinions expressed herein are my own.

PSST: If you are at Mohegan Sun and find my notebook please return it to me! It has Warner Pacific College on the cover. I think I left it on the fabulous Ms. Gibbons' table! **UPDATE** My notebook has been found! Read all about it HERE !

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.

Mohegan Sun Wine Fest 2013

It's only natural that the place that hosts the best "Wine Wednesdays" would also host the best Wine Festival!

This weekend, I was lucky enough to attend Mohegan Sun's 10th Annual Wine Fest.  That's right! The Sun Wine Fest 2013!

This is hands down the best wine festival held in New England!

From the moment you arrive you are treated to a great experience. Not only are there loads of wonderful wine exhibitors, but there are also sponsor, restaurant, and lifestyle exhibitors! There is truly something for everyone.

And it's a three-day weekend extravaganza!  Friday night began with a bourbon tasting, Saturday and Sunday the Sun WineFest Grand Tasting. And throughout the weekend there are fun events, like Grape Stomping, Celebrity Chef Dine Around, Cooking Demonstrations, and Oyster Shucking Contests!

It's busy. Very busy. And many events or days can sell out completely so it's best to buy your tickets early. Ticket package costs vary, from single day, weekend passes, and single events. Events and days can vary from $80.00 to $200.00.  While some may find this pricey, if you are a wine lover and appreciator - it's totally worth it! You'll be able to sample GREAT WINE from EVERYWHERE!  Local vineyards, and worldwide!

Wines That Rock. 

iGourmet.com cheeses

Wine Glass Charms By Dana

BELLINI!

Happy SunWineFest attendees enjoying the Restaurant Exhibitors and Wine Sampling!

And, if you're a foodie, it's worth it too!  Don't be surprised to see Chef and TV personalities like Todd English, Bobby Flay, Robert Irving, and Elizabeth Faulkner.  Did I mention the restaurant exhibitors?  Like Jaspar White's Summer Shack! And more, more, more! YUM!

Fellow Connecticut blogger Nicole of OberBargain and I attended on Sunday and had such a great time! We were able to stroll the grand ballroom and visit with many vendors, sample some favorite wines, watch some pretty neat cooking demonstrations, and some fun contests!

Some of the highlights were the beautiful stemware featured by Bottega Del Vino Crystal whose tag line is so true!

"If the wine matters, so does the glass" 

More importantly, these glasses are completely hand made. Can't wait to try one!

One of the most popular wine tables was Brix Chocolate for Wine - and why does that not surprise me? What could be better for all the ailments of the world than a little bit of chocolate accompanied with a hearty wine?  I mean, really!

Brix Chocolate for Wine

Another of our favorite stops was watching the cooking demonstrations! We were able to watch Connecticut native Chef William Kovel, of Catalyst Restaurant, prepare Braised Shortrib of Beef, Parsnip Puree, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Burgundy Snails, and Bordelaise Sauce.

I love how the mirrored canopy allowed everyone to see the food prep on the counter and cooktop!

And each audience member was given a copy of Chef Kovel's recipe and invited on stage to taste and sample the short ribs.  All I can tell you is they were fabulous!  In addition he gave lots of great tips, and the main theme was that the sign of a great cook/chef is their ability to handle, adjust, adapt, and control the heat of their stove.

Up close and personal with Chef Kovel and tweeting for the event! #sunwinefest
Look at those shortribs and weep! So good!

The highlight of my visit to Mohegan Sun's WineFest was the Oyster Shucking Contest!  Three heats, and approximately 30 contestants each competed for bragging rights to be the Mohegan Sun's Oyster Shucking Champion 2013!

Everyone had a strategy of their own but in the end there can be only one winner, and a 2nd and 3rd place!  Ladies and gentlemen, meet the 2013 Champions!

What a great day!  What a great time!

For additional pictures visit: Mohegan SunWineFest

Have you been to the Sun WineFest?  What was your favorite part?

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

Disclaimer: I received entry to the SunWineFest compliments of Mohegan Sun via Connecticut Bloggers.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Cash Mob CT at Books & Company in Hamden, CT

Today we traveled to the Whitneyville area of Hamden CT to "Cash Mob" a locally owned business, Books & Company.   Cash mobbing is easy-peasy - all it takes is a twenty dollar bill and a desire to shop.  Now that I've got!

Collection of mini Dr. Seuss books.  My faves!

What's more, Cash Mobbing is a PUBLIC SERVICE! (And don't tell my husband otherwise) Each month the folks at REX Development, together with Cash Mob CT,  choose a town or city that is part of the 15 municipalities that make up the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) to descend on to be "Cash-Mobbed". 

So not only do you get a little retail therapy - but you also get to stimulate the economy.  And me, I'm just doing my part to save the world, folks.  Yup, one twenty dollar bill at a time! 

Past winners have been RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, Flutterby in Guilford, the Bethany Farm Market in Bethany, Sweet Cioccolata in Wallingford, the Sweet Shoppe in East Haven, CT, and Something of Bev's in Milford, CT.

If you've never been to Books & Company it is definitely worth the trip!  This little store sells high quality used books, with children's books, fiction and non-fiction, great literature, and everything in-between!  

What's more, they even support other local artists in the form of jewelry, photography and prints, and MORE!

Here's some pictures of today's visit!

Row after row of books! And fun items for the wee ones!

There's something for everyone at Books & Company to browse through!

Suggested readings - and lots of them!

There's even a little gourmet coffee shop on premise...where your friendly waitstaff will serve up some delicious concoctions...and then, if you're nice, she'll even share them with you!

To add some extra special pizazz to today's Cash Mob CT - there was even live entertainment!

The cowboy purchased a new cookbook!

And then he made me look through it before we left in hopes that I'd cook something up for tonight's dinner!

He must be dreaming or something. Wake up, honey, wake up.

If you have a chance - take a trip to Books & Company in Hamden CT, and try to always support local business!  Remember that for every $20 that is spent at a local retailer, $13.60 will return to the community through taxes and payroll!

And Cash Mob makes a difference! The folks at Books and Company report [we had] "the highest daily sales volume by far in our nearly 18 years in business!"

Books & Company

1235 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517

(203) 248-9449

Hours

Mon-Wed 8:30am-6pm
Thu-Fri 8:30am-8pm
Sat 9am-6pm
Sun 10am-5pm 

For more pictures of today's visit visit the Home Place Facebook Page: Books & Co.

To learn more about Cash Mob CT click: HERE 

**********

Have you participated in a Cash Mob yet?  If so, where?

Are you a book lover?  Reading anything special right now?

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

ChowdaFest 2013 at Webster Bank Arena Bridgeport CT

How can you have a truly SOUP-ER BOWL SUNDAY??

Come to CHOWDA FEST!!!

This year, ChowdaFest, the premier CT chowder and soup competition, will be held at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard, in Bridgeport, CT.

(Update: For the recap of this event click HERE)

In fact, you might want to say ChowdaFest  is "soup-er-sized" this year!  

Come to Harbor Yard on Sunday, February 3, 2013, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and sample some great soups and chowder!

Most importantly, your participation benefits the Connecticut Food Bank.

And you'll be back home in plenty of time for the Super Bowl Sunday Game!

This year the ChowdaFest is big! How big?? So big that it had to be moved to this premier area!

Howard Saffan, President of Harbor Yard Sports & Entertainment notes,

“The Yard has never hosted a culinary event before but we know foodies are a passionate group. We are excited to welcome them and to play a role in the continued success of Chowdafest.”

Thirty different chowders and soups will be featured in this competition where both children and adults get to be judges and vote for their favorite Classic New England Clam Chowder, Creative Chowder (anything other than New England) and Soup/Bisque.

The current roster includes:

• Bloom Brothers (Norwalk) 
• Blue Lemon (Westport)
• The Brewhouse (Norwalk) 
• Bobby Q’s (Westport)
• Close Harbour Seafood (Plantsville)
• Crab Shell (Stamford) 
• Donovan’s (Norwalk) 
• Dunville’s (Westport) 
• Ginger Man (Norwalk) 
• The Goose (Darien)
• High Tide Gourmet (Madison)
• Liquid Lunch (Shelton / Milford)
• Mansion Clam House (Westport)  
• Nicholas Roberts Gourmet Bistro (Norwalk) 
• Old Post Tavern (Fairfield) 
• On the Rocks (E. Haddam) 
• O’Neill’s (Norwalk) 
• Restaurant at Rowayton (Rowayton) 
• Rory’s (Darien) 
• Southport Brewing Co. (Stamford/Fairfield)
• Super Duper Weenie Dog (Fairfield) 
• Tavern on Main (Westport)
• Valencia Luncheria (Norwalk) 
• Wave Hill Breads (Norwalk)

Cost

Adults: $10.00
Children 6-12: $5.00
Children under 5: Free

Everyone gets a spoon, pencil and ballot, samples each soup and chowder and judges on a scale from 6 (low) to 10 (high) with an optional half point bonus. The restaurant receiving the highest rating will be declared the winner in each category.

Supporting sponsors include Fiat of Fairfield County, The Farmer’s Cow, Hearst Publications, Star 99.9 and World Centric. Given the event’s Super Bowl date and “souper” bowl theme, restaurants and fans alike come dressed in their favorite football jerseys, eye black and more.

Or come as you are!  Just come hungry!

Hope to see you there!

For more information click HERE

Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard
600 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT

Conveniently off I-95 exit #27

UPDATE:  See the results and pictures from 2013 HERE