Sunday, May 2, 2010

House for Sale near Fairfield CT Beach


Video by Spartina Studios

Walk two blocks from the Long Island Sound beach to this gorgeous, spacious colonial. 5BR with water views from the 3rd floor. Open 1st floor plan, beautiful kitchen, hardwood floors, detailed woodwork, hot tub, high ceilings, level yard. Call Doris Ghitelman to see it today at 203-856-8022.


Monday, April 12, 2010

An Evening of Laughs at Bedford Middle School!


They say that laughter is the best medicine and if you were at Bedford Middle School this evening you would be cured! Roz Chast, a cartoonist, best known for her cartoons in "The New Yorker" had the 500 attendees in the auditorium rolling in their seats!

Roz presented a slide show of about 50 of her cartoons. She started with one titled "A Note on The Author". Roz had been asked to submit a photo of herself as a youngster for a publication and she asked if she could submit a drawing instead. They said yes and she ran with it. The result was a cartoon of herself laying in bed reading books on illness' and diseases, you had to be there! She read some of the cartoons and commented on what inspired her. Some, needed no comment from Roz.

There was a Q&A following the slide show where people asked a variety of questions which brought one of the funniest lines of the evening. The question went something like, "I've been following your career in cartoons and you seemed somewhat ambivalent to moving to the suburbs how do you feel now"? Roz was quick to say that she would be happy to never drive again and said that on her way to Bedford School she was stuck on Long Lost Lane. The room erupted in laughter since it's really Long Lots. The consensus after the talk was that Roz's next cartoon will be about Long Lost Lane!

After the Q&A, Roz was on hand to sign books. I was happy to have my hubbies gift signed by the author...too bad I didn't ask for a little cartoon instead! Maybe next time.


If you didn't get the opportunity to hear Roz tonight, you can check out her exhibition, Divine Comedy, at the Westport Arts Center running from April 1st to May 30, 2010.


Monday, March 22, 2010

Roz Chast Comes to Westport, CT



One of the things that I love most about living in Fairfield County, CT is it's proximity to the City and all the cultural events we have because of it. I have to admit that as a born and raised New Yorker I was a little worried about leaving the big city behind.I needn't have worried! I have space, a garden, a full sized dog and all the great events I can ask for!

The Westport Library does an amazing job of bringing writers to the community. Coming Monday, April 12 The Malloy Lecture in the Arts has invited Roz Chast to be their guest. She will be interviewed at Bedford Middle School on North Avenue at 7:30pm. After the interview there is usually time for a Q&A and then a book signing. The last one I attended held at Bedford Middle School was with Joyce Carol Oats. They get an incredible turn out so you might want to register beforehand to insure a seat.

Roz Chast is probably best known for her cartoons in The New Yorker. My husband got me her book "Theories of Everything", pictured, for Christmas a couple of years ago. I was excited to see that she would be in Westport so that I could meet her and have my book signed. Roz had an exhibit a couple of years ago at Silvermine Guild Arts Center in New Canaan another great CT resource. Silvermine has been in operation for 84 years and has attracted many well known artists to teach and exhibit.I hope to see you on the 12th! Enjoy!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Cancer Care Benefit at Lillian August in Norwalk, CT


The 8th Annual, Girls Night Out benefit is just around the corner! Take part in Cancer Care of Connecticut's benefit this Wednesday, March 3. Doors open at 6:00pm for VIP tickets and 7:00pm for Premiere tickets. This years theme is Denim and Diamonds...what girl can resist? This is a fun event and is one of their most popular benefits!

The event will be held at Lillian August at 32 Knight Street in Norwalk, CT. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. The benefit will feature a luxury auction, a denim and diamond bar and a designer consignment boutique.

Enrique Alarcon and Amanda Parton of Dance Collective in Westport will be performing and then giving a mini Latin Rhythms lesson. They were such a hit at last years event that they were invited to come back and share their enthusiasm and love of dance. If you didn't get to dance last year, here's your chance!

Don't miss it, it's fun, but most of all, it's for a great cause!! Enjoy!


$75 VIP 6:00 p.m.
$50 Premiere 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 203.663.2192

Monday, February 22, 2010

Don't Let the Weather Fool You...The Spring Market is Here!

O.K. everyone, Super Bowl Sunday and Fat Tuesday have come and gone, Spring Training has begun and with that, the Fairfield County, CT Real Estate Market is off to the races!

I know what you're thinking, but it's still snowing and it's raining and it's cold and the flowers aren't in bloom. So what, the time is now! Winter landscapes can be just as beautiful!

If you're thinking of putting your house on the market, don't wait any longer. If you're waiting for the pansies to survive and your bulbs to start poking through, you will miss the market. The traditional Spring Market in Fairfield County starts right after the Super Bowl. The thinking is that people will look now and start making their minds up by March/April so that they can be in their new homes by the end of June or beginning of July.

Another motivating factor for an early decision this year is the Home Buyer's Tax Credit. In order for buyers to take advantage of it, they need to be under contract by April 30th. The credit for first time home buyers is $8,000 and if they have been in their home for a minimum of 5 years, they are eligible for a $6,500 credit.

So don't be late, capture the peak of the market now!





Monday, January 25, 2010

Day Tripping it to Washington Depot, CT


My husband is always asking me where I want to go for a ride. This is somewhat of a challenge because of the criteria...no more than 45 mins to an hour from home and windy roads for a fun driving experience. This got me thinking that there probably are a whole slew of people wondering where to go for a day trip when you live in Southern Fairfield County. I thought it would be fun to go explore, write a little blurb and put together a little video clip of our travels.

Our first stop in the series is Washington Depot, CT. Washington is best known for the Mayflower Inn. We stayed at the Mayflower a couple of years ago and had a great experience. Staying at the Inn and being pampered in the Spa was heavenly, but we quickly realized it was a quintessential New England town. Beautiful scenery, parks and traditional architecture won us over.

When you go to Washington Depot, forget your cell phone at home. Washington Depot has no cell towers and they aim to keep it that way. It’s not that the cell service is poor, it’s that there is none. If hiking and being in the throws of a massage don’t take your mind off of things the lack of your cell will force you to. I really didn’t mind that much, but did have to ask a local merchant to use their land line to set up an appointment for a client.

We had coffee at Marty’s, THE place to go for your Java fix. It is a bustling place with comfy couches, counters at the windows, and overstuffed chairs. Marty’s serves brunch, salads, sandwiches and light plates all prepared in the back kitchen. There’s also a large communal table. Marty’s has wireless internet and is a Gallery as well. You can enjoy the artwork while munching on a scone and then surf the web.

Across the way and owned by the same owners is Green Hill which is a lifestyle store and Washington Sports. The stores have an eclectic selection of items and look as if they would be found in SoHo.

If you’re looking for some reading material head directly to The Hickory Stick Bookshop. This is a great bookstore. It’s has an open feel, a large selection of books and is the small town bookshop you remember before the big name bookstores hit. Pick up a book and sit in one of the many cushy chairs.

Are you a knitter? No worries, The Village Sheep is a great place to touch and feel all those great yarns you might only see in the magazines or on line. Nate, a black lab mix rescue dog is the official greeter and will probably give you a tour if you have a treat for him. The owner Maggie, purchased the Village Sheep in 2008 and brought it to its current location in downtown Washington Depot. She is helpful and has a great selection of yarns and tools to choose from. Comfy chairs and sofas, cookies and a fireplace make this an inviting spot to, yet again, sit and relax.

Feeling hungry for lunch yet? The Pantry owned by Michael and Nancy Ackerman since 1986 is a good choice. In existence since 1977, it’s where day trippers and regulars alike go for gourmet chow. They are opened from 10-6, Tuesday through Saturday. They bake their own bread and what makes this eatery different is the housewares store that encircles the dining tables. Everything from exotic olive oils, to sea salts to beautiful french pottery. There are lots of baked goodies to choose from and a take out section of appetizing prepared foods. They also run a catering division.

You can work off all your calories by taking a walk or hiking on the many trails offered at Steep Rock Nature Preserve. Steep Rock is one of the oldest land trusts in CT. They have over 4,774 acres to explore. Everything from beginner to advanced trails, fishing and different programs are offered. Dogs are welcomed.

If hiking isn’t your thing then continue to explore the downtown. There are several galleries to sneak into and view the local art. Enjoy!