Bakin' with Buddy

The "Cake Boss"
Buddy Valastro

One of my favorite things to do, especially this time of year, is to bake.  I'm not a great cook but give me some flour, sugar, butter and vanilla and I will create a decadent delight that will please any foodie.  Many years ago, I would bring treats to work and it turned into a business.  People from other departments started coming over asking me to create delicious delights for their special occasions.  I made every kind of cake imaginable and began to make cupcakes.  (Guess I was ahead of my time...cupcakes are huge now)  Anyway, it was wonderful...until the reality of working all day and baking all night sucked every ounce of fun out of it.

These days, I live vicariously through the Food Network and take pleasure in creating treasures for my family and close friends.  However, this weekend, I am going to get a bit closer to the action and I am thrilled!

This Sunday, November 7th, The Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, is coming to New Haven's Shubert Theater!  In this live interactive event, the baker and star of TLC's "Cake Boss" will share the stories behind his TV series and his colorful Italian family and will even answer audience questions.  My FAVORITE part will be when he gives a live demonstration of the techniques that have made him one of the most successful and renowned cake artists in the nation!!  He is even going to invite audience members to join the fun on stage!!  (oh, oh, pick ME)

I can't wait to get "bakin' with the boss"!   Wish me luck!
Enjoy!
Heather  :)

If you go:
Shubert Theater, Sunday, November 7, 2010
http://www.shubert.com/ or call 800-228-6622

Halloween Weekend Happenings

There are so many wonderfully kid-friendly things to do in SECT this weekend!
Don't forget that many of the local corn mazes will be closing soon.  For a list of locally owned, AMAZING corn mazes, check the archives of the NutmeggerNotes blog.  Scott's Orchard in East Lyme is also a fun, smaller corn maze!  Our 4 & 6 year old got through it and found all of the stamps within 30 minutes.

On with the list of Halloween happenings for Saturday 10/30 & Sunday 10/31. 
Be safe and have FUN!
Enjoy!
Heather  :)
If you go:
Waterford Village Green:  Book signing, Saturday 11a-1p.  Local author Robin G. Maillett will be on hand with children's picture book, "Jordan Village", at the Waterford Historical Society (corner of Rope Ferry/Avery Lane) A portion of the proceeds benefit the Traumatic Brain Injury Association of America!

Mystic Aquarium:  Fall-o-Ween Festival Saturday 11a-10p & Sunday 11a-4p.  Wear your costumes!  Fun for every member of the family! 

New London's Halloween Town:  Saturday at 6p across from the train station. FREE pumpkin painting, FREE trick or treating, spooky stories, live kids music by Steve Elci and friends, dance party PLUS spooky tours and local farm cider and caramel apples, corn chowder and more!

Mystic Seaport:  Nautical Nightmare Tours begin Saturday & Sunday at 6:15 p.m and leave every 15 minutes. This event is not recommended for children under 10. Nautical Nightmares is not wheelchair accessible as it includes several steps.  Nautical Nightmares was picked as one of America's Spookiest Ghost Tours by Mainstreet.com!

Deep River Shiver Tours:  Saturday, 7p and 9:30p at the Deep River Library experience a paranormal investigation of the Deep River Library.  During the evening event, visitors will explore the paranormal with a professional investigating team and get “ hands on” experience using the latest high tech equipment and paranormal investigating procedures and terminology.  A VIP package will be available which will be a 2 hour event  including pizza and magic show, interactive tour and “Shiver Tour” keepsake, and Q&A information session.  Call (860) 526-6039 for information.

Essex Steam Train's Fright Train:  Saturday and Sunday, 5:30p & 7:30p
Recommended for tweens ages 8 and up. 

Mystic Seaport:  Trick or Treat, Sunday 4:30p-6p (last admission accepted at 5:30p)What could be more fun than Halloween at Mystic Seaport before darkness falls? Bring your own trick-or-treat bag and please park in Latitude 41° Restaurant's parking lot and walk across to the north entrance. Follow the pumpkins to the village, where not-so-spooky spooks are waiting to pass out treats.

Clyde's Cider Mill:  1st Annual Halloween Costume Contest, this Sunday 12p-2p! Ages 1-12 yrs, prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be awarded. Winners will be announced at 2p.

If you want to share information on the people, places and products that make SECT so special, please email us!

Food, Frights & Fun at Fall-O-Ween Fest!

Mystic Aquarium Fall-o-Ween Fest!

Mystic Aquarium is a fun place to explore any day of the year.  This weekend, they are pushing the excitement level to all time high with the new, three-day
Fall-o-Ween Fest!

Guests of all ages will enjoy a special Halloween sea lion show, carnival games, a creepy exploration station, deejay, themed contests, scavenger hunt, a haunted marsh, face-painting, hundreds of Jack o’ lanterns and giveaways, among other kid-friendly merriment.  Adult visitors will enjoy seasonal ale tastings which will be paired with fabulous fall themed food.  There is even a scary haunted house which is recommended for ages 12 and up!

Go and experience the spooky transformation at Mystic Aquarium.  The fun begins at 3pm this Friday, October 29th and ends at 4pm on Sunday.  Don't miss it!

Enjoy!



 Heather  :)

If you go:
Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355-1997
Contact: info@mysticaquarium.org  or 860.572.5955
Friday, October 29 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last admission at 9 p.m.)
Saturday, October 30 from 11 a.m. to 10p.m. (last admission at 9 p.m.)
Sunday, October 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission at 3 p.m.)

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.









Living Their Passion in Lisbon; Cedar Knoll Farm

It is not too often that you meet people who live their passion.  I mean really LIVE it.  That's why I am so inspired by Elaine and Terry Joseph.  This husband and wife team left their jobs to pursue what really moves them; their love of horses. 

My family has had the distinct pleasure of experiencing the magic of Cedar Knoll Farm during CT Open House Day in June.  My husband and I brought our children to see the animals and take a carriage ride.  The little ones chased the chicks and marveled at the beautiful horses.  Our favorite part was the scenic and ever so relaxing horse and carriage ride.  That distinct clip-clop always makes me smile and seemed to have a mesmerizing effect on the kids.  It is romantic, refreshing and down-right fabulous.

Upon returning from the ride, we were introduced to Raj.  Raj is the resident miniature colt and should come with a warning label.  He is a 10 on the cuteness scale.  This is the point where the kids started asking for a horse of their own!  That is, until Raj was released and they realized that he could out-run a cheetah.

I am looking forward to heading back to Cedar Knoll Farms with my hubby for a fabulous Horse and Carriage Wine Tour.  (Hint Hint Hint)
Elaine and Terry really know how to take care of their animals and their customers.  I just can't wait!

In closing, I would like to share a link about Cedar Knoll which was aired on Positively Connecticut. 
This gives you a peek into their lives and will hopefully inspire you as much as it does me.
Take a look http://tinyurl.com/PositivelyCTCedarKnoll
Enjoy!

Heather  :)
If you go:
Cedar Knoll Farm, 57 Kimball Road, Lisbon, CT 06357
http://www.cedarknoll.net/ or 860.376.8110

Dreams For Jenna; Helping Kids at CCMC

Neighbors of 9-year old Jenna Smith wouldn't take her cancer diagnosis lying down.  They took the terrible news and created a foundation to help Jenna's family and kids fighting illness at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.  And so, Dreams For Jenna was born.

The mission is simple; to take Jenna's contagious smile and give it to other kids fighting illness.  The idea of a hand-made pillowcase to make a child's hospital stay a bit more comforting became the focus of the foundation.  

Pillowcases are made with love and donated to CCMC.  Each pillowcase is sponsored by an individual or business for a ten dollar donation to Dreams For Jenna.  In fact, on October 10, 2010, 341 pillowcases were donated to CCMC in Jenna's name.  The next shipment will be made around Thanksgiving.

All of the money raised from sponsorship and donations will go directly to Jenna's family to help them with anything needed during this difficult time.  Sponsoring is simple and any donations will help.

If you are interested in more information, please visit http://www.dreamsforjenna.com/ or, e-mail at dreamsforjenna@gmail.com.

Be Well,

Heather  :)

Tales From The Crib - The Dark Side of the Balloon

"DeeDee Filiatreault tries to be a freelance writer in Niantic"...and boy o boy does she succeed!  I just love reading her local column titled "Tales From The Crib" which is published in The Day newspaper. 
DeeDee's witty stories hit very close to home as her children are the same gender and ages as my youngest two children.  I feel like I am right there with her during these experiences which she pens so well.  I laugh, I cry and I sympathize with every parental moment!  Did I mention that I laugh? 
I am proud to call her my friend and want to share her wonderful adventures with you!
Check out her latest tale which was printed in The Day on October 14, 2010.
Enjoy!

Heather  :)

Tales From The Crib - The Dark Side of the Balloon

Jack-O'-Lantern Walk at Mystic Seaport!

The Mystic Seaport is the place to be Thursday, October 28th!  Starting at 5:30pm, as the sun sets along the banks of the Mystic River, the sight of glowing pumpkins will illuminate the night at Mystic Seaport's first ever Jack-O'-Lantern Walk.

You may enter your own creation or take a stroll on the shore and enjoy what is sure to be a beautifully illuminated fall evening. Contestants of all ages are welcome and your admission is free with registered participation!  Pumpkins will be judged in four age groups: youth, young adult, adult and senior. It is a wonderful fall activity for all ages. The Mystic Seaport is even awarding prizes!

Our whole family is signed up for the carving contest.  I can't wait to stroll the shore with my family and friends.  This is truly my favorite time of year...what a great way to enjoy the season!

Heather :)

If you go:
When:  Thursday, October 28, 2010 -  5:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT

Contact:   http://www.mysticseaport.org/ or 860.572.5322

Admission Price: Tickets are $7 for non-members/$5 for members

Registration Details:  Open through Tuesday, October 26th. 
You can download the Carving Contest details and entry form at www.mysticseaport.org/jackolanternwalk
Tickets:  Purchase tickets online at www.mysticseaport.org/tickets