READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS: Our Readers Pick Their Local Favorites!
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SISTERSN ACKI NG: A FO O DIE LOVE STO RY THAT STARTED IN CO N N ECTI CUT F E B R UA RY 2 02 4
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Happy Valentine's Day! February is the month of romance, thanks to Valentine's Day. And for West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine, it's also the unveiling of our Reader's Choice survey results. The votes have been tallied and the winners are ..... listed for you starting on page 26! We've got all of your favorite "besties," including restaurants, med spas, bars, beauty salons and so much more! Speaking of restaurants, ever heard of Sistersnacking? If not, you’ve been missing one of the liveliest online food critics. Sistersnacking is comprised of four sisters, all Connecticut natives, who have built a popular business that was born during and partly because of the pandemic lockdown four years ago. We sat down with them to talk about all the hows and whys of what they do. Looking to make 2024 a healthier year? We spoke with Debbie Harris, of Maynestreet Weight Loss and Wellness about her company's novel weight management approach. In our Financial Buzz feature we visit with the experts of Cowen Tax Advisory Group about how the family-run firm approaches the complexities of taxes and personal finances. Finally, in recognition of Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, we have an article about the origins of the annual holiday and articles on how to have a DIY holiday, complete with pasta and chocolates and how to make your own gold-leaf jewelry dishes. We also have a drink recipe this month for a Valentine’s “love potion.” We hope you enjoy this month issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a happy Valentine's Day!
February 2024 PUBLISHER
Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R
Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T
Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Lucinda Jamison C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Ira Nozik, Connecticut Headshots, Nadine Zuchorski, Gwen O'Donnel, Jonah C. Francis, Nicole Bedard Photography
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 West Hartford Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Hartford area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTHARTFORD
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Hartford Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L
26 32
20
Featured
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26 32 50 10
Foodie Love Story
Sistersnacking is an Online Business Built From Four Sisters' Love of food and Each Other
West Hartford's Readers Choice Awards The Votes Are In, And the Winners Are ...
A Brief History of Valentine's Day
The Roots of Our Annual Celebration of all Things Love
A Love Potion For Valentine's Day A Cocktail Both Potent and Pretty
50 On the Cover
Departments
Sistersnacking, four Glastonburynative sisters who operate a social media food critic business, eat sandwiches at Katz Deli in New York City.
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Lifestyle Letter
14
City Scene
18
Business Monthly
20
Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE
26
Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE
32
Inspired By ARTS + CULTURE
36
Money Matters FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
40
Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS
42
Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E
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How To ARTS + CULTURE
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Events
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Realty Report REAL ESTATE
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Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE
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FEBRUARY 2024
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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1-5: Scenes from West Hartford's 36th Annual Holiday Stroll.
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C I T Y SC E N E
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1-7: Chabad House of Greater Hartford held its annual Fire & Ice Chanukah celebration.
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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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city scene CONTINUED
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1-7: The IV Lounge CT in South Windsor recently held a grand opening celebration. Photography by Nicole Bedard Photography
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FEBRUARY 2024
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
Betty Hogan, of Relax the Back, Wins Company Awards Betty Hogan, a wellness and backcare consultant with over 40 years of experience, has been awarded the Star Performer and Most Positive Reviews awards by Relax the Back. A long-time West Hartford resident, Betty is an expert in office furniture ergonomics who currently works with the Relax the Back store in West Hartford Center. Relax the Back sells ergonomic chairs and recliners that offer massage and zero gravity options. Visit Relaxtheback.com for information.
Photography by Jonah C. Francis
Scan to read more
YouCast Studios Offers Podcast Courses Lucid Productions, a West Hartford production company has launched a new podcast education division. YouCast Studios (A Lucid Productions Company) began offering comprehensive podcast courses in January for beginning and intermediate to advanced podcasters. Many business owners are leveraging the power of podcasting to raise brand awareness in a friendly, and engaging way. Visit Youcaststudios.com for more information.
Blue Back Mitten Run Draws Hundreds Hundreds of runners and spectators turned out for this year's Blue Back Mitten Run in Blue Back Square. Sponsored by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, this year's 3.1-mile run was co-sponsored by CLA financial services and included a half-mile FitKids Run. The Mitten Run is held each year as a fundraiser to distribute winter hats, gloves and mittens to the needy to to raise funds for the Town That Cares Fund. Visit Hartfordmarathon.com for more information.
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Foodie
Sistersnacking is a Social Media Juggaurnut Built Around Four Sisters' Love of Food and Each Other
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
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M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE
Love Story
From L-R, Carly, Sara and Madison Shapiro enjoying some sandwiches at Katz Deli.
It started, Madison Shapiro says, with Guy Fieri. While in highschool Madison consumed all things diners, drive-ins, and dives. It motivated her to go see their local haunts for herself and roped her sisters into the obsession. With that the origin story of Sistersnacking was born. The four sisters, who grew up in Glastonbury, had an affinity for food from a young age. Flash forward to 2015, they joined Instagram and started posting pictures of the foods they were eating in New York and Connecticut. By 2020, they had about 20,000 followers on Instagram. This was during Covid when everyone was staying
The Sistersnacking sisters at Shady Glen Restaurant in Manchester.
home and getting takeout from their favorite restaurants, including the sisters and their Glastonbury family. During this uncertain time, they saw some exciting growth. With the boredom of quarantine the sisters decided to join TikTok and started sharing some quickie reviews of their own takeout experiences on social media and a mix of cooking videos when they could all cook together at home. Since then, it’s been nothing but growth for the girls. Sistersnacking is now a multi-faceted social media network that spans numerous platforms and has over 800,000 followers.
A plate of food from Bear's Barbecue.
It’s become a full-time business for three out of the four sisters. “It’s been incredible, honestly, we feel really lucky that it’s been this popular,” says Sara, the eldest. Their business, they say, is in large part a mission to help others wade through the myriad of food choices in their lives to find the best eating options. “We don’t want people to waste their money on mediocre food, so we spend our own money and time finding the best food,” says Madison, who has been known to eat out daily, even visiting two restaurants on some nights. “We’ve just always loved food and we love eating out.” says Carly. Their big breakout moment was on TikTok in December of 2021 when Madison visited a CONTINUED >
The Shapiro sisters at The Beam House in Glastonbury.
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E A BIG FO R ’ E “W E THE RE ODI SOU E F TO B RCE AM FO ILY AND W R ALL THING
Lobster rolls the at Lobster Landing in Clinton.
New York City steakhouse that was getting buzz for a $28 skirt steak special with all-you-can-eat french fries. Her video review went viral, garnering more than 6 million views on TikTok. The restaurant got swamped with customers and that caught the attention of the editors at several national magazines, including Forbes and Bon Appétit, which featured Sistersnacking in a story about the effect social media has on the restaurant industry. Soon, three of the sisters - Madison, Carly and Sara - were all working together on Sistersnacking full time. The youngest sister, Julia, is still in college and will likely join her sisters in the Sistersnacking food content creation business when she graduates. She really reaps the benefits of having 3 older sisters
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M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE
who can show her the way after she graduates from Syracuse University where she’s currently a Junior. Toward the end of 2022, a video featuring Carly reviewing a build-your-own charcuterie board shop called Kured in NYC’s Greenwich Village got more than 10 million views on Instagram. The sisters also have a successful series, called Iconic or Overrated, in which they review well-known and iconic restaurants to find out if the eateries still live up to their hype. Some recent restaurants featured in that series included the Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, White Horse Tavern in Newport, R.I., Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria in New Haven, and even the Shady Glen Restaurant in Manchester - a local landmark of casual dining – which Sistersnacking deemed “Iconic!” They’ve traveled the world, reviewing restaurants and food venues along the way, and even offer up their own recipes on their social media accounts. The sisters credit their parents Suzi and Alan who share a love for all things food and eating out, with inspiring them. “We’re a big foodie family and we want to be the resource for all things food,” says Madison. “We loved growing up in Glastonbury, and still do a ton of eating when back in town visiting our parents, so there will never be a lack of Connecticut recommendations for our local followers.” says Carly. @ Sistersnacking operates across numerous social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, and Facebook. The company also has a website, Sistersnackingllc.com. While all four sisters now live out of CT, their local followers continue to be their most devout fanbase.
T N A WE W OD.” GS FO
Carly Shapiro, left, with Sara Shapiro
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A B r i e f H i s to r y o f Va l e n t i n e's D ay THE ROOTS OF OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS LOVE
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
Legend holds that Valentine's Day was named in honor of St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop or priest.
32
I NSP IR E D BY | ARTS + C U LT U RE
February is the month of love here in the U.S., thanks to our celebrations of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. While the roots of this holiday are shrouded in lore and mystery, it contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. One legend of Valentine’s Day says it was created more than 1,500 years ago in Europe to mark the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, who was killed by a Roman emperor because Valentine refused the emperor’s order banning young men from marrying. So who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite of recognizing loved ones in our lives? Throughout the ages, the Catholic Church recognized at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend says Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for single men because he needed them in his armies. Valentine felt the edict was unjust and he defied Claudius by continuing to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered his execution. Another legend says it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday and that he was also beheaded by the Roman emperor. Still other stories suggest that Valentine was a priest who was killed for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. One legend holds that while he was imprisoned for his crimes, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” himself after he fell in love with a young girl
— possibly his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, the legend goes, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression still in use today. Another theory about Valentine’s Day holds that like many of our Christian celebrations it probably grew out of a pagan ritual which the early Catholic Church incorporated as a way to bring pagan followers into Catholicism. The church, the legend goes, decided to recognize a “St. Valentine’s feast day” in the middle of February to coincide with the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or Feb. 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. “Over the years we’ve celebrated the romantic notion behind Saint Valentine’s sacrifice by trading simple cards of affection or giving our loved ones chocolates, romantic cards, flowers and even proposals of marriage,” the website History.com states. “Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure, By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.” Whatever the true story is behind it, (Maybe we just set aside Feb. 14 as a day of celebration as a break from cold and dreary weather!), Valentine’s Day has become a major cultural celebration in the U.S. of all things associated with romantic love, complete with roses, chocolates and even diamonds!
“Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and— most importantly—romantic figure.” FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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MONEY matters
FAMILY-OWNED COWEN TAX ADVISORY GROUP CELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN BUSINESS
L-R, Steve Pelletier, Jacklyn Trainor, Lori Pattavina
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS
When it comes to managing money and guiding people through various financial phases of their life, a high level of trust is a big part of the work. Cowen Tax Advisory Group in West Hartford guides its clients not just based on the market, but also on the highest level of values and ethics.
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M ON E Y M AT T E R S | F IN ANCE + L EGAL SERVICES
The company – founded 45 years ago - is family-owned and operated and treats its clients as an extension of its team. In an industry with countless strategies and methods to build growth in one’s financial portfolio, the Cowen team not only leverages its expertise to better position its clients for the future, but utilizes a personal touch that is synonymous with its name and brand. “We want to support our clients in many financial areas and ensure that they are set up for a future that aligns with their values and lifestyle,” said Roger Cowen, Founder and Advisor at the firm. “The true outcome of our work is that we build confidence and create peace of mind for our clients. We’re here for the common person to make life easier.” It’s that personal touch that sets Cowen apart from many other financial firms. Rather than simply creating plans based on what they think is best, the team listens to its clients to ensure a customized approach based on their clients’ needs and concerns. “We treat and guide clients as though they are part of our own family,” said Judith Cowen, Operations Director, who also notes that the team becomes part of its clients’ lives beyond just business, including calls on their birthday to wish them well and inviting them to special events throughout the year. “We help people with thier taxes and
“We treat and guide clients as though they are part of our own family.” finances and also help people reduce their stress by guiding them through a holistic process that makes them feel secure and relieved. Cowen Tax Advisory Group 433 South Main St., Suite 310 Phone: 860-676-1100 Online: Cowentaxgroup.com Roger and Judith Cowen
The Cowen team, sitting L-R, Dylan Cowen, Roger Cowen. Standing, L-R, Lori Pattavina, Judith Cowen, Jacklyn Trainor, Steve Pelletier
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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2/29/24
17 We s t M a i n S t • A v o n , C T 860-284-9770 38
Why do West Hartford students succeed at Watkinson School? “Watkinson provides space for me to explore, learn, and do what I am passionate about.”
— Current Upper School Student
77% of our
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the University of Hartford.
— data from 2008-2022
That’s why. watkinson.org
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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A Healthy Approach to Weight Management ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON
MAYNESTREET WEIGHT LOSS AND WELLNESS
Debbie Harris co-owns Maynestreet Weight Loss & Wellness
40
H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H EALTH + WEL L NESS
Maynestreet Weight Loss and Wellness is a beacon of hope for those seeking lasting results in a world where fad diets and quick fixes dominate the weight-loss industry. Co-founded by Debbie Harris, a seasoned Integrative Nutritional Health Coach and Certified Hypnotist, this program is not a diet—it’s a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight while addressing often overlooked factors, like hormone imbalances and emotional relationships with food. Debbie knows the struggle firsthand. “I was the fattest kid in the class growing up,” she says. Over the years, she tried countless diet plans, from packaged meals to extreme diets like the Beverly Hills diet, with little success in maintaining a healthy weight. Most failed to provide a lasting solution because they neglected the root causes of weight gain and loss. Maynestreet’s approach combines science and support to bring tangible results. The program recognizes that the hormones, particularly insulin and cortisol, play a significant role in weight management. Their homeopathic methodology targets the hypothalamus, a critical hormone regulator. Clients learn how their bodies react by eliminating certain problematic foods and gradually reintroducing them, ultimately forging a personalized path to sustainable weight management. “Our approach is grounded in education, teaching clients to make healthier food choices and develop positive relationships with food. One size does not fit all when it comes to nutrition. We teach individuals what works for their unique bodies, empowering them to make informed choices that align with their lifestyles.” One of the program’s strengths is its adaptability. It caters to various dietary preferences, whether someone is vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or gluten-free. The program emphasizes the consumption of natural, unprocessed foods. As part of the program, clients also receive high-quality vitamins, homeopathic drops, and weekly snacks to support their journey. Maynestreet highlights the importance of non-scale victories. Improved health metrics, fitting into smaller clothes, or breaking free from food-related addictions are critical successes that help clients understand and respect their bodies’ needs. The program allows them to set boundaries with food, just as they would set with other aspects of their lives, creating a lasting foundation for a healthier, happier future. Its unwavering commitment to providing personal support is essential to the program. Members are assured access to continuous guidance through daily texts, weekly mentor calls, a WhatsApp group, and
community check-ins on Zoom. This valuable support network addresses weight management’s emotional and psychological aspects and ensures that participants are never alone in their weight-loss journey. Making its program accessible and convenient is an essential component, and its virtual program is accessible across the United States. “Every point of support is readily available through Zoom, text messages, and phone calls. This program is designed to fit into your life seamlessly,” Debbie says. “With personalized support, real food, and a focus on building a positive relationship with food, this program is changing lives one success story at a time.” Maynestreet Weight Loss & Wellness 860-322-4725 Maynestreet.com
Debbie Harris is a seasoned Integrative Nutritional Health Coach and Certified Hypnotist
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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A Handmade Date Night A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
42
C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.
From-Scratch Pasta
Yield: 1 pound
what you need
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs
what you do 1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight. 2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent. 3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com.
CONTINUED >
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Dark Chocolate Truffles what you need 1/2 cup heavy cream 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
what you do 1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature. 2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm. 3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com.
Lavender Bath Salt Blend what you need 16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil
what you do In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com
44
C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
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HOW TO MAKE
DIY GOLD LEAF JEWELRY DISHES These cute and colorful dishes work perfectly to organize and display your jewelry, keys, or you name it! And you know what? They’re so easy to make!
steps to do:
supplies you’ll need: • • • • • • •
Wooden bowls, trays, etc. Gold leaf (or metallic gold paint) Gentle Gold leaf brush Mod podge (or gold leaf adhesive) Acrylic paint Paint brushes Painters tape (optional)
• Grab a wooden bowl, some acrylic paint, and a brush. • Hand paint some paint on one section of the bowl. • Let the first coat dry and paint another two to three coats of paint until you’re happy with the result. • Let the paint fully dry. • I wanted my gold leaf paper to overlap the paint for a layered look, so I took a paint brush and painted some Mod Podge in an overlapping pattern. • Once the Mod Podge gets tacky, use your hand to apply the gold leaf and accompanying wax sheet. • Push the gold leaf onto the tacky glue, then remove the top layer of paper. • Use your fingers to gently push the gold leaf onto the glue a little further. • Next, use the golf leaf brush to smooth over the whole area and gently wipe away any excess gold leaf. Pay extra attention to the edges. • Next, smooth the gold leaf section as much as possible, but don’t worry about any imperfections. The organic look of the gold leaf being imperfect gives the piece character. • Next, work your way to the outer edge. • Once the gold leaf is perfected, gently brush over the leaf with some Mod Podge to seal it to the bowl. • Let it completely dry and enjoy!
ARTICLE BY AUDREY KUETHER OhSoLovelyBlog.com
46
H OW TO | ARTS + C ULTURE
“They’re a great and affordable gift idea for friends.”
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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FEBRUARY 2024
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
F EB RUA RY 3 RD
Connecticut Bridal Expo Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 11:00 AM The 38th annual Connecticut Wedding & Bridal Expo, runs Feb 3 + 4, from 11-4 p.m. each day. Combining wedding and bridal fashion shows with a huge vendor presence comprised of wedding product and service, the show offers couples the opportunity to shop for every facet of their wedding needs. For tickets visit Ctconventions.com. F EB RUA RY 3 RD
Taylor Swift Party West Hartford Public Library, 20 South Main St. | 10:30 AM Are you ready for it? Join us for a Taylor Swift-themed party for teens and tweens, where we will listen to her music, make beaded bracelets, decorate Valentine’s cookies, and do Taylor Swift-themed trivia! Space is limited so visit Westhartford.librarymarket.com to register. F EB RUA RY 8T H
Adult Crafternoons: Yarn-Wrapped Hearts West Hartford Public Library, Faxon Branch, Faxon Branch, 1073 New Britain Ave. | 2:00 PM Join us for this month's Adult Crafternoon, where we'll be making simple and adorable yarn-wrapped hearts, perfect for decorating your home for Valentine's Day. The program runs from 2-3:30 p.m. Space is limited and registration required. Contact Leah Farrell, lfarrell@ westhartfordct.gov, for information or to register. F EB RUA RY 9 T H
Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 12:00 PM The 76th Annual Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show runs Feb 9-11. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, this one-stop shopping experience is the state’s largest and longest running home and remodeling show. The show is produced by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut. Visit Cthomeshow.com for more information. F EB RUA RY 1 0 T H
Life on the Webster Farm Noah Webster House & Museum, 227 South Main St. | 1:30 PM Visit the museum from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and enjoy live demonstrations from our experienced team of museum educators. Each demonstration will focus on a unique aspect of early American work and play. This program is included in museum admission. Enjoy free general admission for children under 12. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for more information. F EB RUA RY 2 3 RD
Watkinson School Hosts Information Session Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford | 9:00 AM Watkinson School will host an Information session beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and refreshments. You’ll have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour our 40-acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students.Visit Watkinson.org/visit to register or see additional tour dates.
48
EVE N TS
realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N W E S T H A R T F O R D , C T
N EI GH BO RH O O D
ORIGIN AL PRICE
SO L D P RIC E
%SO L D/ O RIG
DO M
B DRM S
24 Foley St
$369,900
$415,000
8 Tabor Cir, Unit #8
$365,000
$427,500
60 Cassandra Blvd, Unit #112
$394,900
B AT H S
112
5
4
2
117
3
2
2.1
$435,000
110
2
2
2
106 Grove St
$249,500
$271,900
109
3
3
2
2 Dwight Rd
$250,000
$275,000
110
11
3
1
118 Saint Charles St
$279,000
$286,000
103
12
2
1
17 Chamberlin Dr
$269,999
$306,000
113
4
3
1
1211 Farmington Ave
$279,000
$310,000
111
4
2
2
43 Hollywood Ave
$284,900
$315,000
111
43
3
1
2129 Boulevard
$349,900
$376,000
107
7
3
2
23 Skonet Rd
$365,000
$378,000
104
6
3
2.1
157 Mohawk Dr
$369,000
$385,000
104
4
3
1.1
35 Foxridge Rd
$349,900
$415,500
119
3
3
2
236 Whiting Ln
$399,900
$450,236
113
7
4
1.1
47 Huntington Dr
$340,000
$455,000
134
4
3
2.1
89 Vera St
$395,000
$460,500
117
19
4
2.1
77 Greenhurst Rd
$425,000
$477,000
112
3
3
1.1
485 Fern St
$439,900
$485,000
110
4
4
1.1
73 Tunxis Rd
$499,900
$531,730
106
2
3
2.1
20 Westbrook Rd
$450,000
$537,000
119
3
3
2
102 Spring Ln
$625,000
$650,000
104
3
4
2.1
49 Griswold Dr
$589,900
$689,900
117
3
3
2
48 High Farms Rd
$674,900
$725,000
107
4
4
3.2
60 Fernwood Rd
$700,000
$810,000
116
4
4
2.1
26 Lemay St
$849,900
$937,500
110
5
3
3.1
This data is a sampling of sold properties from December 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.
Home is where the heart is PUT YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN THE RIGHT HANDS
SHERRI KAGAN SCHWARTZ
REALTOR O: 860-231-2600 | C: 860-883-0178 Sherri.Schwartz@cbmoves.com www.sherrischwartz-realestate.com 992 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107
Coldwell Banker
PRESIDENT’S ELITE TOP 3% INTERNATIONALLY
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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Love Potion
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
A Cocktail Both Potent and Pretty We have to give credit for the genesis of this pretty and pinkish-red cocktail to the mixologists at Red 36 in Mystic where I first drank this lovely libation, a twist on a tradtional Paloma. I recreated it at home after a few unsuccessful attempts. Its rosy red color and bubbly splash of champagne makes it a lively drink on Valentine’s Day! Use freshly squeezed lime juice and not the bottled kind.
ingredients: • Freshly squeezed lime juice from half a lime • Splash of champagne or sparkling wine • 1.5 ounces tequila • 1 ounce grapefruit liquor • 1 ounce Compari liquor
directions: Pour all ingredients except the champagne into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini or gimlet glass and top with a splash or two of champagne, prosecco, or your favorite sparkling wine. Garnish with a lime wedge or twist. For an extra-festive touch, garnish with a frozen, salted half slice of grapefruit.
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