Connecticut Archives - Twenty Something Plus

May 3, 2016

Anniversary Dinner at Ballo Italian Restaurant

When invited to dine at Ballo Italian Restaurant, the timing couldn’t have been any more perfect. The manfriend and my anniversary was coming up, so we figured why not make it an early dinner and spend the night at Mohegan Sun.

One of our favorite things to do together is to eat. And Ballo saw to it that we did!

I wanted to try a spring dish so I ordered the Scallops and Shrimp, while the manfriend went a little more classic with the Chicken Parmigiana.

Literally everything from the bread to dessert was an exquisitely delicious treat. I won’t pretend to be a food critic, but as far as Italian food goes, I really liked everything. Especially their special Sunday pasta sauce and the hazelnut gelato toped with expresso! The manfriend even said it was one of his best dining out experiences. He’s a pretty picky eater, so that is really saying something! We wouldn’t have spent our eighth anniversary anywhere else.

The atmosphere and ambience is perfect for an intimate date night, although not necessarily the best for showing off one’s amateur photography skills…

If you go, I recommend visiting on a Sunday and asking about their special Sunday pasta sauce!

Thank you so much to Ballo Italian Restaurant for the invitation for us to sample your amazing dishes! All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

December 4, 2015

12 Days of Christmas Wish Lists: Connecticut Wish List

Small Business Saturday may have been this past Saturday, but in Connecticut we like to support our local girl gang all year long.

This Connecticut wish list features products from only a handful of crazy talented CT small businesses. There are SO many out there that I love!

The Confetti Bar Floralfetti | $12

Confetti by Annette Mon Cheri Necklace | $80

Northeast Nutmeg Spa Collection Candles | $18

Glitter & Bold I Can’t Even Mug | $20

Karri Lee Designs Floral Prints | $15

Designer Dwellings Cutting Board | $29

Cinder + Salt Go Getter Tank | $28

North Detail To-Do Notepad | $8

Hartford Prints! Small State Tote Big Heart | $24

BBA Bracelets Be True Bracelet | $12

September 18, 2015

Barefaced and Beautiful

While volunteering at a local beauty event, I discovered a new local skincare brand.

And you guys, I’m OBSESSED.

Palmetto Derma products are all paraben and sulfate-free. And vegan!
Plus, 1% of their profits goes to Breast Cancer Awareness.

I’ve tired a number of skincare systems, but not really any cleansers.

With the Palmetto Derma lavender water and tea tree oil daily cleanser, my face is actually clean. Kiss those clogged pores goodbye!

As you know, I can never get enough of multitasking products, so this rose water and aloe toning facial spray is something I consider a major must have. And it even comes in a set with the cleanser!
Natural. Organic. Plus cruelty free AND local?!

As much as I love makeup, I want to be comfortable enough in my own skin to not feel like I need it. And Palmetto Derma actually supports that in their mission.

I dig that.

A lot.

Healthy skin means a barefaced and beautiful you!

September 3, 2015

Hot Air Balloon Festival

I met up with Sprinkles and Booze, Crushing Midlife, and One Woman’s Style at the Hot Air Balloon Festival that the Plainville Fire Company puts on every year.

It was so great meeting up with other CT bloggers to support our local community.

We will definitely be doing more of this!

As for the Hot Air Balloon Festival itself?

Magical.

And after missing out on Independence Day fireworks, I was happy we stayed until the end. Plus, this was hands down, the best firework show I’ve ever experienced. SO close!

I overheard that this was the last one, but I really hope that was just a rumor.

Hey Connecticut influencers! Do you want to meet up at local events like this?

Join ConnectiClique!

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June 4, 2015

Spring Fashion Preview Event

A friend told me that the Clinton Crossings Premium Outlets were looking to host their first ever CT Blogger Spring Fashion event. I emailed and was able to score an invite.

There was food served at Saks off Fifth, and bloggers were given a gift bag that included a gift card they could use at any outlet store.

I didn’t even make it out of the second store before spending said gift card, which was not my goal when I set out.

What store?

DKNY.

Can you blame me?

First let me tell you what I didn’t get. I didn’t get the “cozy” sweater that I still want super bad. Or any of the three dresses I tried on. Or either of the two jumpsuits. Or the really cute white tank top that I spotted right as I left the fitting room…

After talking to the super friendly and helpful DKNY staff (loved them) about the current sales and promotions, I was able to get the leather jacket that I first tried on.

What I really liked was that it felt like I was shopping with friends.

Actually, that was pretty much that case for most of the stores that I stopped in.

As a part of the event, I got a free iced coffee and chocolate sample of my choice from Lindt.

I snagged something from the major sale at J.Crew…

And a couple of things from Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co. (along with a few goodies they gave out, including a Lancôme lipstick). This place was seriously a dream for anyone obsessed with beauty or skincare products. Full size Essie polish for $4 a bottle, half price for full size Urban Decay lip gloss. I am still in shock that I managed to only buy two things. I kid you not, I wanted everything in the store. All of it. Plus, the three ladies working there were the absolute sweetest!

Then Aéropostale made my night with another gift card and a cute tumbler, perfect for summer. I used the gift card for a pair of jeans and I’ve already worn them more than I care to share, because it’s probably borderline gross.

Such a great experience! I mean outlet shopping is usually enjoyable, but this was remarkable and I’m already planning my next trip. Who’s in?

April 1, 2015

What is Monarch Workshop?

A few times, I’ve mentioned Monarch Workshop, but I haven’t really talked about the full experience. After attending for the second time, some sharing needs to happen.

In the fall, Monarch Workshop was held in the B:Hive, this time we convened there in the AM for coffee, but then moved to The Bananaland.

There was food provided by Whisk + Brush throughout the day.

Yoga happened.

It was much needed.

There were tons of raffle prizes.

And swag. SO. MUCH. SWAG.

We were inspired.

We crafted.

We ‘grammed. A lot. I even got to take over the Stiletto Shoe Lounge Instagram Account!

And this is just in a nutshell.

Monarch Workshop is by far the most (if not the only) holistic workshop EVER. We talked about everything from nutrition to networking and then some. And even better? I can honestly say I’ve made some really great friends.

Plus, PHOTOBOOTH!

If you’re thinking about attending, I encourage you to treat yourself. And if you’re not thinking about attending, I think you should at least think about it…