My Current Situation Part IX

It’s the season of what we like to call “Fall” in New England.  The days are short, the air is brisk and the leaves are “falling” from the trees.   I happen to like this season because the temperatures in Connecticut tend not to be too extreme plus it’s a great time to enjoy backyard bonfires.

 

 

It’s also cold and flu season so I scheduled my flu shot this coming week at my place of employment.  I was advised by my Primary Care Physician to get the Shingles shot this year which by the way comes in two separate doses.  I’m well over 50 but for some reason was advised to take care of it this year.  Our local pharmacy (Walgreens) made it real simple for me.

 

 

The drawn-out Covid pandemic (which could easily turn into a “Twindemic” with the upcoming Flu season upon us) is still causing me to pause as to what activities I should or should not participate in.  For instance, I went to see Erykah Badu a few weeks ago at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT because the people in charge were asking all attendees to be fully vaccinated and wear their masks.  However, I skipped going to an outdoor festival in Hamden, CT because there would be children there under the age of 12 who, at this time, cannot be vaccinated.   Decisions, decisions…

 

 

And as far as work goes I am currently in month 15 of working hybrid for the News 8 local sales department and I’m not mad about it (smile).  You see I enjoy working from home every other day because it keeps me in the practice of dressing up to go into work in the first place (smile).  I am forced to put on a nice dress or blouse and skirt every other day.  Otherwise I would just live in yoga pants and baseball caps (double smile).

 

 

I also get to touch base with my fav co-workers and experience a change of scenery from the home decor.  But working from home also has its perks:  those aforementioned yoga pants and baseball caps, no commute, noontime walks and healthy lunches.  Truth be told I actually work harder when I’m working from home as I still get up at the same time every day but on those days can begin at least an hour earlier, multi-task at lunchtime and end whenever I feel like it (after quitting time) since I’m already home.

 

 

Being a true fan of  Social Media, I am noticing more and more posts of people in general spending quality time with their families and their friends.  In my opinion the notion of Family is back in a Big Way and it is very apparent.  If nothing else comes from this pandemic, it will have shown us that Family and Relationships are truly what we all have been missing.

 

 

TVFL readers, have a Great Week.

 

 

20 Things I do not want to give up in 2020

With the arrival of Lent it got me thinking of what I would like to give up this year.  But before I get to that, here are 20 things I do not want to give up in 2020 (in no particular order):

 

 

Kombucha – I discovered this delish drink during Dry January at the beginning of the year when I was purposely seeking out cool refreshing drinks with a kick (smile).  Kombucha hit the spot and the fact that it is Gluten Free and Dairy Free is an added bonus.

 

Red Wine – It’s no surprise that this one made my list before:  9 things I do not want to give up in 2019.     My new favorite reds are Pinots and my new favorite Pinot (discovered on my recent trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL) is Meiomi.

 

 

Kickboxing – I joined the specialty gym I Love Kickboxing this month because I needed something that was going to challenge me and kick my butt all at the same time (smile).  So far…so good.

 

Golf – It’s still cold here in New England (at least for another month or so) but once it warms up I will be back with my ladies hitting the links in Golf Fore Women 401.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Green Tea – I like to order hot green tea when I eat in or out of a Japanese restaurant.  It not only tastes good but it’s extremely good for you.

 

 

Speaking of Japanese, I def do not want to give up Sushi this year, it’s become a regular part of my bi-monthly cuisine and just thinking of it makes me want to call in an order or two (smile).

 

 

Staycations – what a novel idea – discovering fun things to do in your own state.  I feel like when we staycate in Connecticut the time to go back to work moves slower (smile).

 

 

Bikini Waxes – Summer is not the only time to get a bikini wax (Vacays count too!) and Tommy K’s Wax Center offers your first bikini line for free, if you are a first time customer.

 

 

Blueberry Ale – I’ve never been a big beer drinker but Elm City Market in New Haven has this delish brand from Wachusett Brewing Company that tastes more like something you eat than drink.

 

 

Oysters – I can eat this delicacy any season of the year but I have to admit that they taste infinitely better in the Summer than they do in the Winter.

 

Homemade Soups – I love soups made from scratch especially in the Winter so I’m truly enjoying the likes of homemade Lentil, Split Green Pea, Red Kidney Bean, 16 Bean Soup and more~

 

 

Candles –  I like burning things in a safe way (smile) so scented candles are high on the list Put your slippers on….

 

Bananas – I buy and eat bananas on a daily basis as the potassium and fiber help me out during super intense workouts  – and I buy organic so I don’t have to worry about pesticides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salad – This was on my list before because it is also something I can eat any time of the year (as long as it contains protein).  Cafe Java in New Haven has my all time fave Bosco Salad which I probably eat at least once a week…

 

 

Spinach and Mozzarella Pie  – Bar Pizza in New Haven has the best Spinach and Mozzarella Pizza I have ever eaten – I love veggie pizza and this place gets it done!

 

Edamame –  Steamed lightly salted soybeans are my favorite appetizer before a japanese meal.   They are high in protein and fiber and relatively low in calories so for me they are an obvious snacking choice.

 

Trail Mix – I might have hiked maybe once, maybe twice in my lifetime but if you saw me eating raw trail mix you might think I was an avid hiker (smile).

 

 

Sirius (XM) radio – I love listening to music and happen to have eclectic tastes so my satellite radio (at just $6.99 a month) puts Terrestrial radio to shame and keeps me entertained (smile).

 

Netflix TV and Movies  – I just love the original content of the re-occuring Series on this channel as well as the Movies.  It takes binge watching to a whole ‘nother level for me…

 

 

My Iphone  – I won’t leave the house without it, I won’t sit still anywhere without it nearby, I won’t rest knowing that it needs re-charging, am I addicted (the answer is a resounding Yes!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Things to do in Connecticut – Part III

There’s lots to do in the state of Connecticut during the Summer, especially when the weather is cooperating.  It is truly ‘hotter than July’ so there is really no need to travel anywhere, we have sun filled days and long nights right here in CT (smile).

Here is a short list of annual events that occur in the Summer months and involve food, fun, music, festivities, entertainment and more!  The good news is that most are free to attend and some even offer free parking.

 

 

A Taste of Mystic (New London County)

This annual event takes place at the Olde Mistick Village (OMV) around the second weekend in June (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) and involves food and drinks, live bands, loads of entertainment, merchant specials and more!

 

Decisions…Decisions…

 

Admission is free (parking is also free).  To participate in The Taste you buy sleeves of tickets for $1.00 each to be exchanged for food and drinks from the vendors.

 

Joyce of OMV being interviewed by Meteorologist Joe Furey of News 8

 

And the OMV Merchants offer money-saving specials as well!

 

OMV/Munson’s Chocolates, OMV/Sticky Situations and OMV/Jealous Monk

 

New Haven Music on the Green (New Haven County)

In New Haven the unofficial start to Summer kicks off with Music on the Green!

 

Ryan Kristafer and Teresa DuFour from CT Style along with Lifestyle Expert Jo Jo Pastors and her girlfriend

 

In Summers past we have been entertained (in our VIP seats) by such notable acts as Ronnie Spector,  Debbie Gibson, Taylor Dayne, KC and the Sunshine Band and En Vogue, just to name a few.

 

Ryan Kristafer of CT Style getting down with the ladies from En Vogue!

 

And this year we had the pleasure of seeing Lisa Lisa on Saturday 7/20/19 and Morris Day on Saturday 7/29/19!

 

Lisa Lisa and her entourage
Morris Day and The Time put on a phenomenal performance!
Morris Day – 61 years young (smile)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hamden Free Summer Concert Series (New Haven County)

Beginning late June on Friday nights at 6pm at the Hamden Town Center Park, live bands play to diverse crowds made up of singles, couples, families, dogs and more!  This free annual outdoor event truly features something for everyone.  There’s no VIP but at the same time there is truly not a bad seat in the house.  And if you come hungry you can feast off of the nearby food trucks or better yet, pack your own picnic complete with adult beverages.  Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and make a space on the lawn as happy people jam to the music.

 

Plenty of room at the Hamden Summer Free Concert Series. Lines galore at the delicious and ethnically diverse food trucks!

 

This year (2019) on Week 4 The Wailers, featuring Julian Junior Marvin, delighted the Friday night crowd.

 

The Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin

 

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (Hartford County)

Jazz is alive and well outdoors at Bushnell Park in Hartford!  This free annual event takes place over an entire weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) in mid July.   There are food and retail clothing vendors and folks completely covering the Bushnell park lawn with their blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and sun umbrellas.  Big screen TVs on both sides of the stage ensure that everyone gets a decent view.

 

There’s no need for a VIP as the big TV screens ensure that everyone gets a decent view of the performers

 

The line-up of jazz musicians is awesome and the party lasts all day long and well into the night.

 

Could not help but enjoy the beautiful weather, good company and awesome jazz performers

 

Although this is a free event donations are gladly accepted…

 

 

New London Sailfest (New London County)

This coastal city comes alive during the Summer with its signature event, the New London Sailfest!

July is the month and the entire mid month weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) offers something for all family members.

 

From Tall Ships to face painting to patriotic costumes, there’s something for everyone

 

Speaking of which, there are amusement park rides, face painting, delicious food options plus sailboat and people watching.

 

The food…the rides…the atmosphere…

 

So that’s my short list of fun things to do during Summers in Connecticut – enjoy!

Vacay in CT

Have you ever heard the saying, It’s hotter than July?   Well, that’s how most of us feel right now in Connecticut.

 

 

It’s Hot, Hot, Hot!   And we no longer have the the luxury of complaining about the slow start to Summer because the 3 H’s –  Hazy, Hot and Humid – have officially arrived!

 

 

Another thing:  it’s About That Time Of The Year to think about where to vacate – so here’s the good news – you don’t have to hop on a train, a bus or a plane – you can simply gas up your ride and go!   With these super high temps, your vacation destination can be found right here in Connecticut!

 

 

The following are suggested “StayCations” for you and your family in some (not all) of Connecticut’s  counties:

 

New London County

Beat the heat at Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT

 

Beautiful views
outdoor pool
Spray Park

 

New Haven County

Lighthouse Park in New Haven, CT is always an affordable option for good, family fun.

 

Swings on the beach and that Carousel…

 

Middlesex County:

Go to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield , CT and Pick Your Own Fruit – great family fun.

 

Lyman Orchards – Pick Your Own…

 

Hartford County:

Why not catch a minor league baseball game at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, CT.    The Hartford Yard Goats season runs from June through September and tickets start at just $10.00.

 

Hartford Yard Goats

 

Fairfield County:

Have the time of your life on a day trip to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT

 

Tigers and Turtles and Birds…oh my!

 

So remember it’s Summertime so there’s no need to go away on vacation.  Your Summer Staycation Vacation starts here in Sunny CT!

 

Welcome to Sunny CT!

 

Fun Things to do in Connecticut – Part II

There are plenty of fun things to do in Connecticut, no matter what the season, hence why I’m sharing Part II…

 

Low Cost Indoor Event:

Attend the annual Northeast RV & Camping Show at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT

 

These RV’s are sweet!  Much larger on the inside than they appear~

 

Nice shower!

 

Love the indoor mood lighting and ambience…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Family Fun:

Go to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Haven, CT

 

Fun time driving Jocelyn Maminta on the 2018 NHV parade route in the News 8 Range Rover!

 

Loved hanging out with the News 8 team on the 2018 NHV parade route: Mark Davis, Keith Kountz and Jocelyn Maminta.

 

Jocelyn Maminta was born to be in a parade 🙂

 

Three of the News 8 meteorologists and News 8 team on the 2018 NHV parade route

 

Awesome time driving Jocelyn Maminta in New Haven’s 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  News 8 team leads the way…

 

Good (One Price) Eating:

Check out a restaurant or two or three at the bi-annual (Spring) New Haven Restaurant Week – New Haven, CT

 

Spring New Haven Restaurant Week – Pacifico   Restaurant

 

Prix Fixe Dinner at Pacifico -(The Shops at Yale) salmon, side dish, beet salad, malbec, coconut ice cream – yummy!

 

Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant (The Shops at Yale)  Delish Prix Fixe lunch – salmon with julienne carrots and beets, side salad, dessert and lemon water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brew Baby:

Hang out at one of Connecticut’s most talked about new breweries:  Brewport – Bridgeport’s CT’s Brewery and Restaurant where the only thing on the menu to eat is specialty pizza and gourmet salads…

 

What Brewport is famous for…

 

The humungous bar…

 

Me and my girl squad outside on Brewport’s deck; Brewport serves wine too; family sized salad – enough for 4 “hangry” girls; veggie pizza – delish!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connecticut’s Live Theater:

Check out Cameron Mackintosh’s version of Phantom  – Waterbury Palace Theater – Waterbury, CT

 

This spectacular production played out very well in the stately Waterbury Palace Theater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or Beautiful at the legendary Shubert Theater, New Haven, CT

 

The lead in Carole King’s Beautiful could blow!

 

Shubert’s OnStage event for Beautiful – hung out with Robbin S, listened to the local musicians and hung out at “The Bitter End.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or Crowns at Long Wharf Theater, New Haven, CT

 

Me and my girlfriend Mia loved this gospel musical celebration which appealed to theater goers young and old

 

The costumes and of course “Crowns” were spectacular and a show all by themselves

That’s it for now.  So remember, there are plenty of fun things to do in Connecticut and some are even low cost or free so enjoy!