The Maritime Aquarium Wins Out!

The UBS Parade in Stamford was going to be our destination for the day, but The Maritime Aquarium won out in the end.

For those of you have not been to the Aquarium in Norwalk, you should really make the effort to visit. It's right on the water and has tons of cool things to do. You can take a 2 hour boat ride, although they do have a minimum height so make sure to check, build a boat, see a movie at the IMAX Theatre or get some energy out in the indoor play space.

You can see the penguins, pet the sting rays, count the hidden flounders and gaze at the jelly fish. They have seals that you can view from the exterior of the building or the warmth of the museum. The kids love seeing them swim in circles and the best part is feeding time, which they have posted so you won't miss it.

The turtle exhibit was interesting, especially the giant sea turtle. Henry could have spent quite a bit of time just watching him swim around and moving the large stones around. He got a kick out of seeing "baby" turtle hang out right next to "mama" turtle.

I think our favorite exhibit was of the meerkats. Boy, were they fun!!!! I couldn't believe how cute they were. At only a year to two years old, they were full of energy and themselves! There was a spot were kids could crawl into and then stand, that gives them the impression that they are in the exhibit with their four legged friends. The meerkats come up to the window and run around the kids. They stand at attention, almost as if posing then jump into their make-shift swing. Like I said, too cute!

With tons of things to do, the theatre and great restaurants within walking distance, The Maritime Aquarium is a winner!!!

What to do in Fairfield County with an Almost 3 Year Old!

Yes, it's that time of the year when we start getting visitors for the Holiday's. I love the hustle and bustle, the cooking and the chill in the air. But what do you do when you don't have kids and you have to entertain a little one? Maybe, your grandkids are coming in and you're at a loss. No worries! This week, I'll let you live vicariously through me and enjoy all the hotspots for the little ones.

I headed out to LaGuardia earlier today with my husband to pick up my stepson, his wife and their almost 3 year old. I figured since they would be traveling, I didn't have to plan a formal activity. Lucky for everyone, LaGuardia's bag claim area was a perfect spot to let out some steam before our hour long ride home. A little cat nap in the car didn't hurt and when we got home it was time to play some more.

We have a dog, Cello, who was more than happy to play "catch" with Henry for awhile. Next came Pop Pop with the leaf blower...another fun activity that not only was fun, but was useful!

MaMa and DeeDee (that's me) headed out for some goodies to stock the cabinets and fridge while Henry played with the big boys. When we got home we went for our first "thing to do".

Frank Pepe's Pizza in Fairfield is a great place to go with kids of all ages. They seem to cater to them and to their hungry parents. The only trick to Pepe's is getting there at the right time. By the time we managed to get there, around 6:00, there was already a line out the door. Thankfully the line did move at a reasonable pace. Another plus was having a rock outcropping where Henry was able to practice his rock climbing skills then hit the big wood pile.

Once seated, the waitress was right there and our food came fairly quickly. A nice thin crispy crust was just what we all needed. The original Pepe's is in New Haven if you get up that way.

Tomorrow I'm thinking of driving down to Stamford for the UBS Parade Spectacular. I've never been there, but if it's a nice day, it should be fun. I'll let you know tomorrow!

Tunxis Hill Surprise

Fabulous 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home located in convenient Tunxis Hill location. Quality and convenience all in one!

Back to School Contacts and Info!

Back to School used to mean purchasing new shoes, a notebook and a few pens and pencils. That list has now expanded to include a usb drive to save and transport your files, batteries for your wireless mouse and keyboard and maybe even a new Ipad, Ipod or Iphone to always be in touch. Whatever may be on your list, here is a list of important numbers and reminders. It's a bit long, but I'm sure it will be helpful!! Happy back to school!

Registration has begun for all Fall activities, click on the links below:

YMCA Registration has begun for all Fall activities

Wakeman Boys and Girls club registration for field hockey and Lacrosse has also started

Here is the important contact information for Fairfield Schools:

Fairfield public schools:

www.edline.net

Elementary Schools Burr Elementary SchoolHolland Hill Elementary School 1960 Burr Street 105 Meadowcroft Road Fairfield, Conn. 06824 Fairfield, CT 06824 Tel 203-255-7385 Fax 203-255-8244 203 255-8314 Absentee Call-in 203-255-7387 Frank Arnone, Principal Gary A. Kass, Principal Dwight Elementary School Jennings Elementary School 1600 Redding Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 31 Palm Drive Main Office: (203) 255-8312 Fairfield, CT 06825 Absentee Reporting Line: (203) 255-8411 Office (203) 255-8316 Fax (203) 255-8203 Fax: (203) 255-8201 Absentee Number: (203) 255-8413 Ms. Brenda Anziano, Principal School Cancellations: (203) 255-8255 Mr. Tony Vuolo, Principal McKinley Elementary School Mill Hill Elementary School 60 Thompson Street 635 Mill Hill Terrace Fairfield, CT 06825 Southport, Connecticut 06890 203.255.8318 Fax 203.255.8204 203-255-8320 - Phone 203-255-8205 - FAX Absentee Call-In: 203.255.8414 203-255-8415 - Absentee Call-In Dr.Ginger Vail, Principal Mr. Kevin Chase - Principal North Stratfield Elementary School Osborn Hill Elementary School 190 Putting Green Road 760 Stillson Road Fairfield, CT 06825-1199 Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone: 255-8322 Fax: 255-8206 Main Office: 203.255.8340 Absentee Line: 255-8416 Absentee Line: 203.255.8417 Deborah K. Jackson, Principal Alan Lipman, Principal Riverfield Elementary School Roger Sherman Elementary School 1625 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 250 Fern Street, Fairfield, CT 06824 telephone: (203) 255-8328 fax: (203) 255-8207 Main Line: (203) 255-8330 absentee line: (203) 255-8419 Absentee Line: (203) 255-8420 Principal: Mr. Paul M. Toaso Principal: Eileen O. Roxbee Stratfield Elementary School 1407 Melville Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825 Main Office: (203) 255-8332 Fax: 255-8209 Absentee Reporting Line: 255-8421 Public Middle Schools Fairfield Woods Middle School Roger Ludlowe Middle School 1115 Fairfield Woods Road Fairfield, CT 06825 689 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield CT 06824 (203)255-8334 FAX: (203)255-8210 (203)255 8345 Student Absentee Call In #: 255-8490 student absentee call-in: 203 255 8403 Mr. Greg Hatzis, Principal Principal: Glenn Mackno Mr. Chris Geissler, Assistant Principal Assistant Principals: Karen Eaker and Ian Banner Tomlinson Middle School 200 Unquowa Road Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 255-8336 FAX (203) 255-8211 Absentee Call-In (203) 255-8495 Mrs. Connee Dawson, Principal Public High Schools Fairfield Ludlowe High School Fairfield Warde High School 785 Unquowa Road 755 Melville Avenue Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield, CT 06825 phone (203) 255-7201 Main Office: 203-255-8354 fax (203) 255-7213 Fax: 203-255-8212 Private Schools Fairfield College Preparatory School 1073 North Benson Road Fairfield CT, 06824 Phone 203 254 4200 Fax 203 254 4108 Dr. Robert A. Perrotta, Principal Fairfield Country Day School 2970 Bronson Rd Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 259-2723 Holy Family School 140 Edison Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 (203) 367-5409 Notre Dame High School 220 Jefferson Street Fairfield, Ct. main office 203-372-6521 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School 1719 Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone: (203) 255-0556 Fax: (203) 255-0596 Principal Miss Patricia E. Brady The Unquowa School 981 Stratfield Road Fairfield, CT 06825 www.unquowa.org

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