Cash Mob - Sweet Cioccolata Wallingford, CT

We each do a little - we all do a lot...  

That's the mantra of Cash Mob CT

Well, August's Cash Mob recipient, Sweet Cioccolata,  certainly took that mantra to heart.  Not only did they decide to donate 10% of today's proceeds to the Wallingford Wishing Well (a non-profit dedicated to helping needy children in town) but they also decided to share some "Cash Mob Love" with their neighbors in downtown Wallingford, CT).  Participating right along with Sweet Cioccolata were Cindy's Unique Shop, Anna V Salon, and Red Scroll Records, all located on South Colony Road in the center of town.

What's a Cash Mob, you ask?
Well, the premise of Cash Mob is simple.  Loosely based on the "Flash Mob" idea where a group of people would come together at a single location and perform a choreographed dance, usually to call attention to an event or cause. Cash Mob instead asks that a group of people come together and choreograph a little "retail dance" to boost the local economy.

Cash Mob, CT, the brainchild of REX Development, asks that some of us ordinary citizens support a local store that has been voted as the monthly winner by agreeing to come out within a two hour period and spend $20.00 at the chosen location.  Past winners have been RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, Flutterby in Guilford, and the Bethany Farm Market in Bethany. The REX organization serves as the economic development entity for the 15 towns that represent the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG).  If your city or town is lucky enough to be covered by REX - look for a Cash Mob, CT to come to your municipality soon!

Walk into Sweet Cioccolata and you know you're in chocolate heaven! 

Walls, shelves, and display cases are all tucked neatly into this little jewel box of a candy store.

I had the opportunity to chat with Rachel, owner of  Sweet Cioccolata while she and her friendly staff were being mobbed.  She's getting ready to celebrate her 10 year anniversary of being a "Candy-Gal" and couldn't be happier.  (Who wouldn't be happy surrounded by chocolate all day???) She's always been a chocolate enthusiast and her chocolate association began slowly as a hobby when she began attending cooking classes that included chocolate creations.  Her interest was heightened when she began attending gift and chocolate trade shows and fairs.  She studied more extensively in Canada, where "chocolatier-ing" is an art.  And when the opportunity came to open her own shoppe, she knew it would be in her long-time residence of Wallingford.  Now she attends trade shows as the presenter...inspiring up and coming chocolatiers, and staying current with new flavors and trends.  That's Rachel below in the zebra kerchief - isn't she just the cutest little ball of fire you ever saw?  

And she's just as sweet as the chocolate she sells.  More than one customer that came in called out to her by name...she must know everyone in Wallingford! 

Of course, they specialize in all the holiday treats, from Easter to Valentine's Day and everything else you can think of!  Look, they even have red white and blue creations to celebrate the US Olympics Gold Medal Run!  GO USA!

Prices range from $3.00 and up and there is something for everyone from white to dark chocolate and everything in between!

They were even spilling out on the street and traveling over from the farmers market up the road!

We then moseyed over to  Cindy's Unique Shop, a consignment store that has a little bit of everything!  

Cindy was partnering with Cash Mob, CT by offering all sorts of specials, such as $5.00 off for every $25.00 spent, and by offering a free gift with every purchase!  This little shop, located right next door to Sweet Cioccolata packs a lot of goodies into a small space.  

Luckily there are two floors to Cindy's establishment.  All the more places to pack some hidden treasures!   Jewelry, both old and new.  Such great little finds. That's Cindy below and she was so friendly and accommodating.  When I saw a kitchen island that had already been scooped up with a "sold" sign...she showed me another island on her cell phone that she expects in sometime next week...and promised to email me as soon as it arrives.    

Warning to future patrons...I get first dibs!  

Cindy has been in retail forever, beginning in a clothing store that she ran with her mom and other family members. She then went into consignment about six years ago and has been in this location on Colony Road for about two years.  You can tell when someone loves what they do!

 Here's some of the items for sale.  This little green wrought iron garden set would look so nice in my backyard.  The cowboy said no. (sad face)

 This dining room set has 8 chairs and would sure look nice in a little country kitchen.

Everything was so tastefully arranged - you could imagine every piece of furniture perfectly in your own little home!

After that we took a peak into Anna V Salon located on the other side of Sweet Cioccolata. 

Even though they were busy someone came over right away to welcome us.  What a cute little place!

Never knew this great little place was in Wallingford center!

Last we visited Red Scroll Records located on the other side of the Anna V Salon .  

Do you love vinyl records?  I know I do!  Nothing like the deep, rich sound of an album playing on a turntable.  I even like the sound of the needle playing on the record.  This is Josh Carlson below, one of the owners of Red Scroll Records.

Red Scroll specializes in the underground music culture.  And though I'm not familiar with that music genre (okay, yes, I know, I'm hopelessly suburbia) the store was chock full of interesting items and Josh was a great guy to talk to.

We arrived before their official opening time but he was more than happy to open up and let us in to take a look around!  Thanks Josh!

Josh is in his 6th year at Red Scroll Records and has been selling music since he was about 14.

All in all we had a great time visiting neighboring Wallingford, Connecticut and participating in our second CASH MOB!  Hope to see you at one soon!

Please visit any of the retailers we visited today 

and tell them Home Place sent you!

Are you interested in participating in an upcoming Cash Mob, CT?  Follow them on facebook for upcoming times and locations: Link to facebook page -  Cash Mob CT

See more pictures at: Home Place Facebook page

Caring is sharing!  

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Zuppardi's Apizza in West Haven, CT

You CAN go home again!
Last Friday night I had the pleasure of meeting up with some friends from WHHS Class of 75 at  West Haven's own Zuppardi's Apizza.

Thankfully, some things never change.  Old friends, newfound friends, and old stomping grounds.  Not only is Zuppardi's still situated in their original location on Union Avenue...but their telephone number also remains the same.  And, just like us old West Haven classmates, not much has changed on the inside either!  Inside we're still all 16 and enjoy getting together as much now as we did then.  Not much has changed on the inside at Zuppardi's either.  They still provide a homey atmosphere that features good hearty food and a comfortable place to eat that allows for great conversation.

Zuppardi's Apizza was established in 1934 and continues to be a family run business with the fourth generation of Zuppardi's now manning the ovens. Zuppardi's still features Napoletana pizza made with care and  offers locally bottled Foxon Park soda.  Although pizza creations have gotten a lot more creative, this West Haven icon offers inventive pizza menus,  while retaining their retro charm and pizza staples:  Pizza, beer, wine, and soda.  Most importantly, Zuppardi's is still an affordable night out with friends and family.

We ordered three large pizzas off Zuppardi's menu, one plain with mozzarella (mootz) one white with spinach and olives (heavenly! - thank you Patty C!), and another, the meat lovers (with bacon, sausage, pepperoni).  Each "pie" was DELISH, and my apologies for no pictures, but when dining with a large number of people I hate to hold anyone up from digging in and enjoying.

We also ordered several pitchers ($4.50 per pitcher) of Foxon Park diet cola, orange soda, and birch beer.

If you're new to West Haven pizzerias, or returning after three decades (as I was) you won't be disappointed.  Zuppardi's still has that local "Ah-Beetz" pizza parlor feel.

Here's a picture of us documenting our visit.  Thank you "class of 75" for including me on your fun! (I'm a class of 74' - but actually should have been class of 75!)

Visit Zuppardi's Apizza and tell them Home Place sent you!

Zuppardi's Apizza

179 Union Ave 

West Haven, CT 06516

203.934.1949  *

Hours

Monday ~ Thursday 11 A.M. ~ 9:30 P.M.

Friday ~ Saturday 11 A.M. ~ 10 P.M.

Sunday 12 P.M ~ 8:30 P.M

Zuppardi's accepts cash, Master Card, Visa, Discover, and debit cards

No personal checks, please.

*I memorized that number when I was 6 years old!
And still remember it to this day, 49 years  quite a few years later!

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Rainy Day Shoe Shopping at DSW

Hello. My name is Bonnie and I have a shoe problem.   Yes. I am a shoe addict lover.
And, for the record...I never, ever, thought Imelda Marcos was a bad person for owning a gazillion shoes.

What can I say? I really like shoes!

Today I was in search of a pair of black comfortable pumps for work.  I did an internet search for the closest DSW and found one on Universal Drive in North Haven, CT (located in the shopping center next to the Target shopping Center).  Don't make the same mistake I made, you can't get from the Target center to the DSW shopping center.  They're not connected.

Well, of course I started off in the clearance section, where I located two pairs of shoes, both at 30% off.

 

 Oh, did you notice they're not black?  Well. They go with black outfits.  They're marked as "dark violet" but they are actually a light grey-ish toned periwinkle.  Made by Bandolino shoe style: BDDEMPSY 

Next from the clearance section I found these great sandals by Kenneth Cole in a black patent leather.  

Again, not a pump...but hey, 30% off!  Kenneth Cole Reaction BLACK/PAT PU

Okay.  Time to get serious.  I need black shoes for work. 

I was able to find two pairs that I liked...and that were C O M F O R T A B L E!

The first was a pair of black patent leather pumps by Ellen Tracy, shoe name: ET-CODY

Here's order information and a much better picture:  ELLEN TRACY CODY PUMP

I was also able to find a pair of Liz Claiborne Shoe name: Carmen in a flat black leather trimmed with patent leather.

Here's information and another better picture: LIZ CLAIBORNE CARMEN
I had been looking at these particular shoes online...so I was happy to see they had them in stock in store.

I've purchased Bandolino and Liz Claiborne shoes before and have had great luck with them both.  I especially love Liz Claiborne as they are super comfortable and fit my foot well.  And although I'm not  a huge fan of patent leather, they do hold up well, and take a beating!

I need to note that the check out person was extremely helpful and looked up my DSW Rewards information and told me how this purchase qualified me for future savings.  He patiently explained how the reward system works and that if I was shopping for shoes in the near future, before I receive my reward discount in the mail/e-mail, to bring my receipt in and he would be able to apply the discount.

Don't you love patient sales assistants?  I know I do! Especially when they offer lots of helpful information!

Well, I won't admit to how much I spent (the cowboy does read the blog!) but I will tell you that with the 30% off of the clearance shoes I saved a respectable $41.96.
I also need to mention that other than the reward points I earned from this purchase I received no compensation for shopping at DSW and this successful shopping trip.

Visit DSW in North Haven 
(or any convenient location...they're even online)
410 Universal Drive
North Haven, CT 06473
203.985.8241

and tell them Home Place sent you!

Do you have a favorite shoe store?  Please!  Tell me where it is and all about it!
...and here's a picture of my little scoundrel getting in on the shoe-act!
I think she's saying..."OMG - I love them"

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Paella with Roger and Family

Today was Paella Day with Roger and Carol!  

Several times a year, usually when when he has family visiting, my friend Roger makes Paella.  If you're not familiar with this delicious offering, it is a hearty Spanish dish consisting primarily of rice, vegetables, and protein.  There are many variations of paella, most are regional in nature,  but the three most widely prepared are Valencian paella (Spanish: paella valenciana) made with chicken, pork, or rabbit; seafood paella (Spanish: paella de marisco); and mixed paella (Spanish: paella mixta) made with some combination of the two. 

Roger, who is of Spanish descent, traditionally prepares "mixed" paella and over the years he has adapted the recipe first taught to him by his grandfather and step-grandfather.   He has other family members that make paella  and each adjusts the "family" recipe to their own personal likes and dislikes.  In fact, Roger's cousin who was also there, explained that his son, (also there) is now the next generation to prepare their family's paella recipe.  Folks, this is a dish that is 'made with love' for 'those you love'. I was honored to be invited to Roger and Carol's and partake in this family style dish with along with other friends, family, and loved ones.  Roger was also kind enough to let me document the preparation of the dish.

Roger has a beautiful paella pan and a Garcima gas burner with stand to prepare the paella outdoors. 

 He starts by oiling the paella pan with virgin olive oil checking that the stand sits level.  He begins to heat the pan and then adds his first few pieces of chicken legs and thighs to begin seasoning the pan and preparing it for the rest of the ingredients to come.

As soon as the chicken pieces brown he adds cubed pieces of chicken and pork.

After the chicken and pork brown, add chunks of fresh tomato and coarsely chopped garlic, and continuously de-glaze the pan.

Roger then adds some of his secret brew, which consists of chicken and pork bullion, saffron, pepper and other spices, boiled with water well ahead of time.  He cautions against using salt, as the bullion has a high sodium content.

Now we start building some vegetables and rice.  Roger adds the green beans.

then the rice. (Roger uses white and says the Spanish style rice can get too starchy.

Then he adds lima beans, peas and flat green beans.

A little more secret brew.

Add some roasted artichokes

and some mini meatballs

Now it's time to build more flavor with the seafood additions: 

clams, mussels, and shrimp.

Finally, the last ingredient, some sweet red peppers.

Cover with foil and let steam for the final few minutes.

Oh...the wait... 

...and the aroma was heavenly!

Voila!  The finished dish - a beautiful paella!

Roger served Sangria along with some salad, 

and peasant bread with sweet creamy butter with our meal.

My plate runneth over!

 

Afterwards we all toasted Roger for a delicious meal with some 

Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva Brandy

And then we stuffed ourselves senseless with some decadent desserts!

 Say hi to Roger's mom Fran, 

enjoying some delicious fresh strawberries and pound cake.

We had such a nice afternoon spent with good friends and great company.  

Thank you Roger and Carol!

If you are interested in making paella there are lots of recipes on the internet, 

use Google searchword "Paella Recipe" 

And the secret to a good paella is a good paella pan.  

You can find pans on the 'net as well for as little as $35.00 and as much as $300.00 depending on the size, weight, and materials.  

Here's a sample of a mid-range pan by Wayfair 

but if you look at their website you can find more  in many styles and price ranges.

Do you have any family dishes that have been passed down "generation to generation"?

Don't you just love family traditions?

I know I do!
Here's a a little sunflower from Carol's garden to leave with you.

And some more pictures of the day with Roger and Carol:
click here: Link to Pictures

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