by J.English on December 30, 2009
Many people have been feeling the financial pinch this season, myself included. We had many grand ideas of how we should spend our New Years. In the end we all decided we would feel less stress by staying close to home. It will be just as magical if not more so and we will be sharing instead of spending.
Missy and I love to throw parties. Sometimes we make advanced plans that we don’t follow, most of the time we scramble up something awesome the day before. Seeing as this is the day before it’s definitely scramble time.
The Setting:
We have a 4 bed room house, 10-12 guests including hosts, 4 kiddies to tend to and lots of random items to attempt to decorate and create a theme with. We want to make it magical. I also want Missy and Chris to feel like they aren’t just having another low key dinner party.
Supplies:
1. Everyone’s bringing food or wine
2. Lots of random left over booze
3. Missy’s craft room (crafting and herb central, this will be a big help)
4. Lots of luck
We still need a theme. It will help us transform the space. We are thinking 50’s pot luck and martini party, or Mad Hatter’s style with fancy treats and hidden treasures.
I will keep you posted on our progress. If anyone has ideas please share!
by J.English on December 5, 2009
by J.English on November 9, 2009
Halloween is my favorite holiday to spend in New York City. The rain only added to the experience. The beauty of living in Connecticut is we are very close to Boston and New York. We can easily get out of our day to day and experience the Big City. Ed and I drove down to New Haven and took Metro North into Grand Central Station (round trip ticket $30). Taking the train means no stressful traffic, good quality chill time and no worries about finding parking. Believe me, you do not want to get towed in NYC. Plus having a couple drinks is way more fun when no one has to drive.
Arriving at Grand Central Station
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by J.English on November 1, 2009
I always feel good in a pair of boots. I’ve found that there’s a pair for every occation. I was very excited when the thigh highs began to gain popularity again last fall. Last year the boots seemed to be reserved for the fashionably couragious. This year it’s all fair game. Thigh highs aren’t limited to late night dance parties. They can be an all day affair.
As the weather gets colder slip on a pair with leggings and a long sleeved mini dress. Don’t forget to layer a vest and long cotton scarf. Layering is the key to self expression. It’s the little touches you add to an outfit that give people a passing glimpse of your personality.
Here are 5 options under $100
1. Steve Madden – Blondee $99.90
2. Alloy – Marlane Boot $46.90
3. Sugar – Xanadoo $59.95
4. Ellie Shoes – 8868 $66.62
5. Diba – Will Oh $99.00
by J.English on October 30, 2009
I love it when my fiance calls me up to grab lunch. The Dutch Tavern is the oldest bar in New London, CT and one of our favorite midday spots. They serve a very traditional american lunch. Peter Detmold (the owner) is the only one you’ll ever find on the grill and thats the way he likes it. It’s also one of the few places left you can eat for under $5. The Dutch is known for it’s burgers, though my favorites are the tuna melt (pictured above) and the Veggie burger. Just make sure you get there before 3:30pm when he shuts down the grill. Oh and don’t forget to say hi to Ellie.
Let us know your favorite lunch spot.
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Jessie w/ tuna melt and potato salad
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Ed chewing…yummy
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Classic Lunch
by J.English on October 30, 2009
The cost of everything seems to be going up these days. There was a time when it was much more cost effective to make something for yourself instead of buying it. Now all the fabric chains we used to turn to for their variety and great deals are falling short. The variety is just not there and the prices are through the roof.
Thankfully my hope has recently been restored. Affordable fabrics is a remnant fabric store. All fabric is priced at $1.99 a yard. Yes, it can be hit or miss. Remnant stores get what they get. There is no constant stock items. Yet every time I have gone there I have found what I needed without breaking the bank. The sense of achievement when you create something new is wonderful. When you step out wearing a totally unique piece you made or give your apartment a face lift with new curtains there is nothing like it. For all of those out there like me who need instant gratification there is no need to wait for your next pay check. Awesome!
Most towns have at least one of these stores tucked away somewhere.
If you know of one where you live please comment and let us know. We all need to spread the fabric love.
-Affordable fabrics is on route 32 in Montville, CT.
