2014 Toys for Tots Collection by Mike's Harley Davidson New London CT

Toys for Tots and the Marines team up with Santa and Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson at the former Coca-Cola® Factory to Bring Hope to the Community

Santa and Mrs. Clause will ride into the new Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson in New London this Saturday, December 13, from 12 - 3 p.m. to join United States Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Joe Courtney in supporting the U.S. Reserve Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots campaign.

The free event will include photos with Santa and the whole family ... even pets are welcome. Santa will greet visitors in a Harley-Davidson® sidecar set in front of a traditional stone fireplace within the former Coca-Cola® factory. Local sports celebrities including Casey Cochran (UConn football player) and Roger LaFrancois (former Boston Red Sox player and St. Louis Cardinal's coach) will be on hand to sign autographs. The brand new showroom not only features motorcycles, ATVs and watercraft, but also boasts an extensive selection of riding gear, accessories, clothing, and toys; there's something fun for every member of the family at this exciting new venue. Each child will receive a free gift from Santa, and festive refreshments will be offered.


Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson is the New London County collection and staging headquarters for Toys for Tots, locally sponsored by the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League.  For months, the community has been donating toys and the Marines have been collecting, sorting and staging the gifts inside of Mike's Famous®. The initiative will provide toys to children represented by dozens of charities and non-profit organizations this holiday season.  Additionally, non-perishable food items are being accepted for donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way Food Center.


"We are thrilled beyond belief to be working with Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson this year on our annual toy drive," said Jim Reid, Junior Vice Commandant of the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League.  "Mike has gone above and beyond the call of duty and has spent a lot of resources to accommodate our needs. In past years, we have worked in unheated warehouses and other tough conditions.  Our very comfortable headquarters at Mike's Famous is absolutely fantastic, and his staff has been great to work with. We are extremely grateful," Reid added.

Following the Bureau of Labor Statistic's positive November jobs report, the 2015 economy looks bright for the region. This bodes well for U.S. businesses like Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson, and its owner, Mike Schwartz, who invested in the City of New London this past year.  He purchased the former Coca-Cola® bottling plant on Bank Street in the late summer of 2013, and by soliciting suggestions from the community, transformed the crumbling building into a customer led showroom and retail destination, which opened in the spring of 2014.  This adaptive reuse project has created 40 full and part-time jobs in a fun, unique, authentic environment which merges two iconic brands, Coca-Cola® and Harley-Davidson®.

Coca-Cola's® 2014 holiday campaign, "Make Someone Happy," focuses on the spirit of generosity and togetherness, and encourages small acts of kindness.  Coke® is bringing back their original Santa, imagined over 80 years ago by artist Haddon Sundblom, to elicit a feeling of history and nostalgia. In keeping with this theme, elected officials, local celebrities, Boy Scouts, Young Marines, senior Marine officers and military personnel are donating their time on Saturday to participate in the Toys for Tots event at Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson, bringing the larger community together to help others.



About the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program:
The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.


About Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson:
Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson is located at 951 Bank Street in New London, CT.   The new dealership opened in March of 2014 in 55,000 square feet within the former Coca-Cola® bottling plant.  It also represents the Can-Am® brands of ATVs, Side-by-Sides, Spyders® and Sea-Doo® Watercraft, and carries the full line of Polaris® recreational products.

The Georgetown Saloon in Redding CT

Every now and then we stumble across a truly unusual place that we simply have to share with you!

We recently made our way up to Redding CT to visit the Georgetown Saloon, a neat little place that features fun food and drink - and live entertainment!

Established in 1978 the Georgetown Saloon was once known for its great live music, and, now, under new ownership, the Saloon is returning to its roots!

Once the stage for such musical artists as Eartha Kitt, Keith Richards, Meatloaf and Jose Feliciano, the Georgetown Saloon plans to bring the very best in both known and up-and-coming local artists. They have added a studio quality sound booth and speaker system to the main room to ensure that the music quality is top notch.  They feature open mic nights and live entertainment on select evenings.

But the Georgetown Saloon is not just about great music...they're also about great food and drink.

Here's some of the amazing items we sampled during our visit!

You know we always start by trying a restaurant's specialty cocktails, and the Georgetown Saloon keeps it fun by creating "Flasktails" - cocktails with creative twists on old favorites, with their own play on wording and spin on ingredients. For example, the Surley Tumble, is quite the opposite of a Shirley Temple, containing bourbon, marachino liquor, fresh lemon juice, and cherry bitters.

Flasktails

Now, on to the food!!! We started by trying Biscuits and Gravy, Devilish Eggs, and Bacon Roasted Poppers

Biscuits and Gravy, Devilish Eggs, and Bacon Roasted Poppers

And some amazing fried Mac-N-Cheese Tots!

Mac-N-Cheese Tots with Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce

Then we moved on to some delicious Flatbread with Mushrooms, and stuffed potatoes three ways!

Flatbread Speical of the Day, and Menage A Tot (Potatoes 3-ways)

And don't forget - Georgetown saloon offers up loads of beers, many local, with 30 types of draft beers, and a beer menu that changes seasonally.

30 Beers on Tap

And we sampled some classic Colt 45 and a dark draught.

Sampling some beer

One of my favorite "starters" of the night -were the fried seasonal veggies with a yummy dipping sauce that had just enough of a spicy kick!

Seasonal Fried Vegetables

The House Nachos were unique, made with kettle chips and served with a smokey cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and a creamy chive topping. Ours also came with a heaping of house chili.

The Georgetown Saloon Nachos

The Saloon was certainly returning to its roots the night we were there! They featured an open mic night - and they also have live music on weekends!  We got to hear some great sound from the local musicians that were there that night.

Open Mic Night

Next we moved on to some items from their "Mini" menu which features sandwiches and small bite items, such as Chicken and Waffles and Sliders.

Chicken and Waffles
Blueberry Jam, Basil, Bourbon Butter, Cheddar, Bacon and Maple Syrup
with Sweet Potato Fries

Cheeseburger Sliders
Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Smoked Aioli
(NOTE: They also feature a Veggie Burger Slider)
Hand Cut Fries

Crab Cake Sliders
Lettuce, Tomato, and Cajun Remoulade
with Crispy Light Onion Rings

Are you ready for some more fun items?  The Georgetown Saloon serves dinners in these fab TV-dinner sectioned trays!  Each comes with an entree, sides, and dessert! So creative!

Bird and the Bees
Crispy Fried Free Range, Red Bee Honey Hot Sauce, with a Side Biscuit

When I was a little girl, believe it or not, I used to be a picky eater. You know, one of those who would kick and scream when one food touched another. These sectioned dinner plates would have made my mother's life a whole lot easier!!!

Bourbon Steak Au Poivre
Flat Iron, Mushrooms, Onions, and Mashed Potato

Each dinner was so delicious and the sides were fun and whimsical!

Shrimp and Grits
Smoked Cheddar and a Cajun Ramoulade

And I loved that Chef John Brennan is sensitive to vegetarian and gluten free choices! And really, who wouldn't want a dinner with a rice crispy side treat???

Mac-N-Cheese
Smoked Cheddar
(also available with a gluten free pasta)

And desserts were just as fun and creative with everything from bread pudding to flourless sundae cake!

Caramel Whiskey Bread Pudding

Flourless Chocolate Sundae

Waffle Sammie of the Day
(Each day features different fillings)

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

We thoroughly enjoyed this great place in Redding Connecticut! It's got such a fun and edgy vibe - and food that is equally creative!

Visit them soon!

The Georgetown Saloon

8 Main Street

Redding, CT 06896

203-544-8003

On the web - http://www.thegeorgetownsaloon.com/

Hours 

Mon - Thurs: 11:30am - 1am

Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 2am

Sun: 11:30am - 1am

Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of the Georgetown Saloon's public relations and management team. However, all opinions are our own.

Chef Neil Fuentes of Branford's Jojoto Restaurant returns to Food Network

The Singing Chef Neil Fuentes To Appear on Food Network’s REWRAPPED

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 1 PM  

Chef Fuentes doesn't mince any words...“Yes, I am the chef that literally chopped my finger when I appeared on Chopped last year!"

Neil Fuentes looks back on the episode that didn’t quite go according to plan. But Neil’s big personality and enthusiasm caught the eye of Food TV producers and he was quickly asked back to the network to tape an episode of “Rewrapped”, a new series that has chefs challenged with the task of recreating a commercially known product and then using it in a dish.

The show began taping in August right when the Singing Chef was preparing to open Jojoto, his Venezuelan restaurant in Branford, “It was crazy. I was literally working past midnight in the restaurant and then going home to prep before heading into the city for a 5 a.m. call time on set.”

Sworn to secrecy, Neil is inviting guests to Jojoto for a special screening of the episode which airs Saturday, December 6 at 1 PM. Neil will be showing the original Chopped show prior – and we all know how that one ends… But Rewrapped is a different story…or, is it?    

Watch, eat, sing and cheer on Neil for a special afternoon at Jojoto on Saturday December 6th!

Here's info on the episode:

“Pudding Up a Fight”   The proof is in the Swiss Miss Triple Chocolate Dream pudding! Three chefs must impress the judges with their recreation of this snack to avoid elimination. But one chef’s overuse of white chocolate may spell disaster. Then in the Innovate Round, one Rewrapper decides to dress coleslaw with Swiss Miss Pudding. Is it an outrage or a stroke of dreamy brilliance? Find out as Joey Fatone hosts this velvety episode of Rewrapped!



COMPETITORS: Chris Sell, Dawn Tyson, Neil Fuentes

JUDGES: Marc Summers, Ken Hall, Hugh Mangum



http://www.jojotorestaurant.com/

___________________

Foxwoods Rink and Winter Patio 2014 Schedule

Come and skate at Foxwoods Rink and Winter Patio seven days a week on the crystal clear and smooth ice of their outdoor rink.

The trees surrounding the rink are decorated with over 100,000 lights. After your skate, sit and relax and enjoy a hot chocolate in an Adirondack chair set by one of four outdoor fireplaces that surround a fully decorated 30 foot Christmas tree.

Be sure to bring your camera as there are over-sized Christmas lights and presents – a great backdrop for your family Holiday Picture.


HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday: 11am - 9pm
Monday - Thursday: 2pm - 9pm
Friday: 2pm - 10pm
Saturday: 11am - 10pm

SKATE WITH SANTA
December 6 - 21
Saturday & Sunday: 3pm to 5pm
No additional cost but Santa will be on the ice skating



ADMISSION COSTS
ADULTS
$10 ice fee, $5 skate rental - $15

CHILDREN
$6 ice fee, $2 skate rental - $8

Guests can bring their own skates to avoid a rental fee

CASINO GUESTS
$8 per person (including skates)

Must show Foxwoods Rewards Card to receive special rate for Cardholder and a Guest


Tickets cannot be purchased in advance.

VIEW CALENDAR HERE ==> Calendar Link

Balducci's Food Lover's Market Grand Re-Opening in Greenwich CT

Balducci's Food Lover's Market Grand Re-Opening 

and Wine and Spirits Unveiling in Greenwich CT!

Where: Balducci's Food Lover's Market 1050 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich CT

When: Friday, December 5 2014 at 11:00am

             Weekend Tastings 11:00am - 4:00pm

RSVP:  Caitlin Roller croller@bratskeir.com or 212-679-2233

About Balducci's Food Lover's Markets:

Imagine a market where taste comes first, above all else. A place where the produce is hand-selected, where meats are prime cuts, and the fish is flown in fresh from the wharves. Imagine restaurant-quality prepared foods, the finest imported cheeses and other delicacies, and a variety of meats roasted and smoked in the Old World tradition. But it's no figment of the imagination; this market is Balducci's.

What started as a produce stand run by "Pop" Balducci has now become a gourmet powerhouse, with 6 stores located in Maryland, Virginia, New York and Connecticut. They have retained that passion for food that was the original inspiration for the market, and have used it to scour the world to bring customers the very best in new flavors. In addition, they also have a team of chefs on-staff to create meals worthy of the finest dining establishments.

Find them online at: www.balduccis.com

New Eye Shadow Shades for 2015 from MUD Cosmetics

New Eye Colors from MUD Cosmetics just in time for the holidays!

Here's a great idea for some stocking stuffers for this holiday season! The new line of shadows for Spring 2015 from MUD Cosmetics!

MUD’s new Eye Colors are set to join the collection this fall with eight beautiful new shades, from stable hues in grey like Statue, to the distinctive Deco blue, each new color comes with inspiration for some of the upcoming trends for Spring 2015.

Mud - Deco Blue
Photo Courtesy BeautyPress

The new colors include:

Canvas
This is a matte, off white shade that can be used as a highlight, or applied on the entire lid. For a classic look, use on entire lid and add canyon in the crease

Mud Spring Summer Collection
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

Deco
A matte turquoise hue that’s great for a bold retro look. Use increase with a softer color like Pink Grapefruit, Sunflower, Daisy, Cashmere or Pixie on the lid

Sedona
 A matte, soft burnt orange that’s perfect for applying on the lid or crease and can be
 used with any of the MUD Eye Colors

Semisweet
 A matte, neutral dark brown is great for brunettes as an eyebrow filler as well as
 adding depth to your look by applying on the lid or crease

Statue
 A soft matte, light gray that can be used with any color and looks amazing when blended with a darker shade to create a soft smoky eye

Pavement
 A matte dark gray, Pavement can be used to add depth by applying to the lid and/or the crease

Flight
 A cool, matte medium powder blue for the lid or crease. You can create a demi-matte and lighten the color by mixing with Ice, Opal Sky, Honeysuckle, or Dulce de Leche

Velvetine
 A warm, demi-matte eggplant shade, Velveteen can go from subtle to bold with a simple mix or blending with a variety of shades.

 Available on mudshop.com 

Holiday Shopping at the Westfield Trumbull Mall CT

Every year I like to beat the crowds and find out what styles and trends are in for the season BEFORE the holiday shopping rush begins. This way, I have a better idea of what purchases to make for family and friends...and ideas for dressing up (or down) for upcoming holiday dinner parties and celebrations. Where to go? My local Westfield Mall!

And...of course, what holiday shopping visit would be complete without a visit to SANTA!!!!

#ShopTrumbull
Visit Santa at the Westfield Trumbull Mall 

This holiday season I partnered with the great folks at the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall whose management team arranged for us to visit four stores and talk to their management teams, store managers, and sales associates to find out what's on point in the coming season.

And the Westfield Trumbull's management team has some wonderful ways to keep us all on point this season as well, as they have some weekly surprises coming up for their shoppers! Be on the lookout for the Westfield Trumbull Merry Makers in their holiday attire throughout the mall beginning on November 28th (Black Friday!) The festively dressed Merry Makers surprise shoppers with unexpected acts of kindness and special holiday entertainment performances. And they're fun too!

Westfield Merry Makers at the WestfieldTrumbull Mall
#ShopTrumbll
#MakeMeMerry

This year Westfield is donating $1.00 to St. Jude's Research Hospital every time #MakeMeMerry is tagged in a picture from their malls! And you can help by stopping in the management office at your local Westfield Mall and making a donation too!

And now...let's get this shopping party started!!!

Francesca's Collections at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

We started at Francesca's Collections, a boutique that originated in Houston Texas and now boasts over 450 stores in 45 states and an online boutique! Each store is unique to its area, and offers a a beautiful array of carefully-curated clothing, bright bangles and baubles, bold accessories, and playful gifts.

Francesca's Collections at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

At Francesca's Collections we learned that accessorizing is in the details and it's their attention to the details that sets them apart. In every nook in the store are amazing finds. Whether you looking for cute boots, unique outfits, a clutch with a pop of color, or some statement jewelry, Francesca's Collections has you covered!

Francesca's Collections at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

Banana Republic at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

Next we moved on to the Banana Republic where the subtle style transformation that new Banana Republic EVP / Creative Director Marissa Webb, former designer for J.Crew,  is bringing to the organization was apparent. While still featuring clothing that is grounded in professional office  wear they are addressing the relaxed culture of corporate America, where fashion can be a bit more contemporary and reflect a more edgy street-vibe.

Banana Republic at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

We all loved finding out about the high-low (hi-low) trend taking place. While I had always thought it referred to a shirt or dress hemline that is higher in the front and lower in the back, we learned that the term also refers to the layering that takes place, where a short jacket is layered over an untucked shirt, or a sweater sleeve that is rolled up exposing the shirt cuff beneath. Banana Republic features both  men's and women's wear.

Banana Republic at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

F&F Clothing in the Westfield Trumbull Mall

The F&F Clothing Brand is a franchised retail subsidiary of the UK Tesco Company. Currently expanding in the U.S., they have  43 franchise stores in 10 countries - Saudi Arabia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Gibraltar, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, The Philippines and Armenia (Source: TheDrum.com). F&F strives to be the global leader in affordable clothing for men, women, and children's fashions.

F&F Clothing at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

The F&F store opened this year in the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall. The entire outfit pictured above left, cost just over $300.00, including the overcoat, scarf, sweater, skirt, purse, and boots. I especially liked that consumers can pick up trendy accessories that often change from season to season at affordable prices.

F&F Clothing at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

The Limited at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

Our last store of the day was The Limited, known for offering high quality design at a great value. The Limited design team headed by Elliot Staples, has partnered with ABC's hit show Scandal's costume designer Lyn Paolo and Scandal actress Kerry Washington who plays lead character Olivia Pope, to design a fall/winter collection, The Limited Scandal Collection. The details in this collection are incredible. Soft luxurious fabrics, sharp collar designs, detailed cuts and hemlines, and tailored sweaters. Every piece just gets better and better.

The Limited at the Westfield Trumbull Mall
Featuring The Scandal Collection

In addition to the Scandal Collection, their entire line has amazing details, including lace insets, leather trims, sleekly cut blouses, stylish bags and purses, and of course, classic jewelry. There's something for everyone at The Limited!

Timeless pieces with quality design!

The Limited at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

After a long day of shopping we stopped at the Westfield Trumbull Mall's newest restaurant addition...The Cheesecake Factory! After a quick libation and lunch from the SkinnyLicious Menu, and, of course, pumpkin cheesecake (!!!)  A bit more shopping on my way out - and then I was on my way home. Full of ideas for the holiday season!

The Cheesecake Factory at the Westfield Trumbull Mall
Mojito, Chicken Thai Lettuce Cup, Pumpkin Cheesecake

I hope this little glimpse into four stores at my local Westfield Mall inspired you for your holiday shopping!

Have a merry merry!

Westfield Trumbull Mall

5065 Main St

Trumbull, CT

(203) 372-4500

http://www.westfield.com/trumbull/

Find out more about Westfield Retail Malls here ==> http://www.westfieldmallretail.com/

Disclaimer: I was invited to this store tour by members of Westfield's Management Team. All opinions are my own.