Frank Bruni Comes to Westport!

The Westport Library was the place to be last night! That is, if you like Frank Bruni former New York Times food critic. Frank was the guest author and was there to speak about his memoir, "Born Round: A Story of Family, Food and a Ferocious Appetite". Frank started his discussion to a standing room crowd by explaining what he liked doing at these events. He would read two passages and then open up the floor to questions. He encouraged us not to be shy and to ask anything we wanted! Wow, now that's a dream come true...ask anything you like...hmmmm.

I was curious to know if after so obviously conquering his food issues (he looks fabulous), did he still have food demons and did he have to fight them everyday. Frank was quite candid and basically said that once he was honest with himself and knew how much he had to eat to be happy, he was able to keep a check on things. Incorporating exercise into his daily routine to offset his calorie count and controlling the size of his portions were key.

Someone asked what his favorite assignment was and he said he

didn't have one, but did have a least favorite...being a campaign correspondent. He said it was a tough assignment, very regimented and was quick to say that the candidates did lead a tough life during the trail. Another question was what were the consequences to a restaurant and/or to him if he gave a scathing review. The answer was interesting. If the restaurant is well established and is more about "the scene" then not much. He used Cipriani as an example saying that they were more about being a "club house" so his review was not detrimental. His main responsibility was to his reader and he felt that people were going out and spending good money to enjoy a meal and they deserved his honest critique. He said that his consequences were minimal and shared a story that one unhappy restaurateur took out a full page ad, opposite his review, pretty much saying that Frank didn't know what he was talking about. Frank was good humored about it and said that they were entitled to their opinion too.

He spoke lovingly of his grandmother and mother and the two passages he read (very entertaining) from his book were of these two influential women. Someone asked if Frank had visited his grandmother's hometown in Puglia and he said that he did and was treated royally. So much so, that he doesn't like to let them know when he's in town so as not to put them out.

Frank's dad was also in attendance and after spending an evening listening to his sons delightful stories and heartfelt answers, I'm sure he was extremely proud of him. When the Q & A was done, Frank was at hand to autograph his books. I told Frank that I would be blogging about the event so my inscription said "Keep on blogging and eat right!" I will make sure to remember those words of wisdom every day!

You can catch more, Authors @ The Library, by clicking on the link. If you're a Twilight Zone fan, Rod Serling will be the guest author tomorrow night, Wednesday, August, 4th.

Day Tripping it to Kent, CT

Kent has long been known as being an artist community and a recent trip has really reinforced that for me. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Fairfield and depending on which way you go, you can really enjoy a fun drive.

There is quite a bit to do and see starting at the Monument. After a drive up you might be ready for a cup of coffee and a little snack. One of the popular coffee houses is Kent Coffee and Chocolate. They have something similar to a Frapuccino, homemade chocolates and cookies. Outdoor tables make it a nice spot to people watch and the relaxed atmosphere is inviting. This time though I decided to try Belgique...wow, am I glad that I did. The coffee is fantastic and the pastries and chocolates are not only delicious, but works of art. The displays are stunning and everything from the cakes to the chocolates are made on the premises.

Stroll over to The Village Barns and enjoy the architecture and the sculptures in this shopping area. It is home to The Morrison Gallery owned by Billy Morrison and currently featuring works by Peter Woytuk and Robert Lenz. It is an amazing open space with clean lines perfect for showcasing the art. It is definitely a destination spot for collectors from all over. Across the way you will find Black Sheep Yarns owned by Nancy. Nancy had a lovely selection of yarn and a large wooden table that I can only imagine is a great spot to gather with fellow knitters.

When you're done knitting go next door to Essentials Day Spa to be pampered. Christine the owner/esthetician was at hand to tempt me with the many services she offers. Massages, Honey Facials, Shea Butter Cocoon...I could have spent the afternoon there gladly! How about a fresh squeezed juice? New Leaf Natural Foods is across the way. There are a few clothing stores for adults and kids as well. Hungry for lunch...how about a pannini at the Pannini Cafe? Everything is made at the cafe except the bread. Smiling faces behind the counter & yummy sandwiches made this lunch spot special.

Head up the main drag and stop into Heron American Craft Gallery. You can find jewelry, glass, ceramics and so much more. Across the street you can't miss Foreign Cargo Gallery. They feature items that the owners have come across in their foreign travels. They have eclectic displays and it is worth a trip! Further north on N Main St. is one of my favorite shops in Kent, Terston. They feature home accessories and the latest styles in women's clothing. I always find several things I'd like to go home with! Kent Green is another shopping area that is home to the Farmer's Market on Saturday.

While you're walking around make sure to enjoy all the artwork and sculptures that line the streets. If you're hungry from shopping and gallery hopping you still have several other choices. You can hit J.P. Gifford Market and Catering Co. owned by James and Mike. It's another informal eatery that opened about 3 months ago. Huge chalk boards are chock full of tantalizing sandwich combinations and glass cases display interesting salads and sides. Again, everything here is homemade including the bread!

So what if you're tired and are looking for a place to hang your hat for the night? Fife 'n Drum which has an old world feel has been around since the early 70's. You can stay at the Inn, shop at the gift shop or grab dinner at the restaurant. The restaurant features piano music nightly and work by local artists adorn the walls. They also have a pub for a casual dining experience.

If you like the great outdoors, check out Kent Falls State Park. With over 290 acres you can hike, camp, fish and enjoy picnicking. You can also enjoy 1 of the 5 Housatonic Heritage Bike Tours. You can pick up a color map at several of the stores in town.

Have a great time!!!

4th of July at Penfield

What a great night at Penfield Beach! There were people everywhere, having a great time and enjoying the perfect night. If you go next year, make sure to get there early or leave your car in town and walk! Check out the video by clicking the link below...enjoy!

4th of July at Penfield

Tired of Your Curls? Keratin is the Way to Go at Effi's in Westport!!

It's that time of the year when my beautiful curls turn into Medusa's dreaded locks. Yes, it's the heat and the humidity that do me in each and every time. This year I thought I'd try something new. For all you girls with curly hair, does that sound familiar? Here comes Keratin to the rescue!

It took me years to become one with my curls and after trying tons of products I came across Ouidad through a friend. Mind you she has stick straight hair and has always had curl envy. I used it for several years, but when I was in my garden in the summer my hair would still be frizzy and I'd look a little frightening!

Then came along Effi's Salon. I was at the Salon and overhead a few of the stylist's talking about Keratin. They said how much they liked it and how it really worked to control frizz...my ears perked up. They also liked the fact that it doesn't damage your hair and you have flexibility. I decided to ask about this Keratin treatment and Laurean, aka Hollywood came over to give me my education.

Laurean was amazing! She is the Keratin Queen at Effi's and does she know her stuff!! She first looked at my hair and asked me several questions, including how straight I would ultimately want my hair. She did suggest that I keep some wave in my hair so that I'd have a choice on either wearing it straight, straight or having some body. I was impressed with her knowledge of the product, process and her patience with ALL my questions. What is it exactly, how long does it last, how long does it take, will it hurt my hair, how much does it cost....

It turns out that it takes anywhere from 2 1/2 hours up depending on the length of your hair. You might be wondering why it takes so long. First, the product is brushed onto your hair in the same fashion as when you have highlights. Hollywood, takes only a few strands at a time that's how she's able to achieve such great results. After that, you sit for about 1/2 hour. She then takes your hair with the product in it and blow dries it straight with the same process of doing a few strands at a time. Then you're off for the day.

Depending on how straight you'd like your hair, you will be back in either two or three days to finish the process. I opted for two days since I still wanted some body. For two days you can't touch, wash, put your hair behind your ears, in a ponytail etc. All this insures that you will have the optimum results. After two days I was ready! Hollywood washed the product out of my hair and then worked her magic with her hair dryer. I could not believe it! Not only was my hair shiny, but it was silky! She gave me shampoo and conditioner for home care and told me that over the course of a week it would settle into the real finished product.

It's been a month since I had my Keratin treatment and it looks fabulous. The pic of me with my dog Cello was taken a month after. I wet my hair everyday and wash it every 3 days.

I literally do nothing except take a blow dryer and swirl it

around my wet hair. It takes a few minutes as opposed to the 20+ minutes it used to take when I felt like having straight her. The best part is that if it rains or it's humid...it still looks great! I have also just let it dry naturally and it looks just as good. The treatment is supposed to last 3-6 months, again depending on how often you wash it and other variables. The cost starts at about $300.00

One of my friends joked around with me when I told her I was having it done in CT. She asked, "You're not going into the City to have it done?". I'm here to tell you that after my consultation with Laurean I knew I was in excellent hands and have the results to prove it! Thank you Effi's and Hollywood!!!

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.

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.

Charming Stratfield Colonial

Come see this fabulous updated colonial in the Stratfield area of Fairfield.

Charming Stratfield Colonial