Review & Giveaway: The Zelfs

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Therese

 **disclaimer – we were provided with one Zelf toy by the Moose Toy company. All opinions expressed here are my own**

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When we were contacted to review the new “The Zelfs - A quirky line of collectible dolls with the most spike-tacular hair” - by Moose Toys, we jumped at the chance. The fun colors, element of fantasy and that hair! I was instantly brought back to my own childhood when toys were fun and creative like these. I couldn’t wait to see my daughter’s reaction to The Zelfs. And as expected, she absolutely loved it. We received “Lunanne”, a medium moon fairy Zelf. Since we are in the curious threes, it was easy to explain what this toy is just by reading her the packaging – “When the twilight moon is in the sky, the Zelfs appear in a secret garden called Zardenia. Love your Zelf and they’ll share their special powers.” A moon fairy with special powers? She couldn’t wait to try it out.

zelf2There are a variety of Zelfs available, one to match any girl’s personality, from a butterfly version to a mermaid and everything in between. They all have their own unique marks and colors. Our Zelf came with a leaflet we could use to keep track of which Zelfs we had and who we are missing!

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Along with the leaflet, our Zelf came with her own charm, comb, and hair bands.

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Of course we had to try out some new hairstyles. It was easy for my daughter to put the hair the way she wanted and she loved using the comb.

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zelf5The ponytail was fun, but my daughter preferred the wild and free look. So we took that out, tried on the charm, and she took some time to spread her wings and fly all over the house!

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Since she was already asking for another Zelf, we decided to check out their website. On it we found their official TV commercial, which we watched about 30 times, dancing and singing to the song over and over.

This toy was definitely a hit at our house and I see more Zelfs in the future. They are available for purchase at Toys R Us & Walmart, but YOU could win one for FREE right here! Moose Toys is providing one Zelfs Spin Salon Playset for one lucky reader.

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To enter, leave a comment below telling us who you would like to win a Zelf for. 

For additional entries:

This giveaway will end and the winner will be announced on Monday, June 24th at 5pm. Thanks to those who enter and good luck!

For more information on The Zelfs, visit their website or their Facebook.

**disclaimer – we were provided with one Zelf toy by the Moose Toy company. All opinions expressed here are my own**

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This Week in SECT: 6/17 – 6/23

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Therese
A Father's Day Treat at Cows & Cones in Gales Ferry

A Father’s Day Treat at Cows & Cones in Gales Ferry

Thursday, June 20th

Women’s Day @ Traveler’s Golf Championship
Niantic Farmer’s Market Opening Day

Saturday, June 22nd

Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire @ Warsaw Park, Ansonia
Stay & Play Waterslide Grand Opening Celebration@ Stay & Play, Old Saybrook
Family Fun Day @ Potters Church House of God, Mystic
Kidpacks of America Tag Sale @ 122 Glenwood Rd, Clinton
How-to festival @ Groton Public LIbrary

Sunday, June 23rd

Make a Painting (free with admission!) @ Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
Mini-Artist “Sheldon the Turtle”@ The Drunken Palate, New London
Sunny Morning Lala (around 11AM) @ Bean & Leaf, New London
Sunday Funday Brunch (kids eat free w/paid adult) @ Gaspar’s, New London

Are you hosting an event this week you would like us to share? Please e-mail sectkids@gmail.com and we would be happy to add it!

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Waterford: Waterford Public Library

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Emily

IMG_3327Waterford Public Library
49 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, Connecticut 06385

 

 

 

 

 

Looking to check out one of our Southeastern CT libraries? Bring the kids to the Waterford Public Library and visit the children’s area for wonderful books, DVDs, CDs, toys, and other educational resources.

This summer the library is hosting special storytimes and a Summer Reading program. Waterford Public Library’s Summer Reading starts on June 24th. It’s a online program for kids and parents to track books and earn incentives. On Saturday, June 29th, the library is hosting a special Superhero Storytime.

“Super Librarian Ms. Christine invites you to a family storytime full of action, adventure and opportunities to save the day! Superhero costumes, tee-shirts, etc…a must, but please leave your superhero gadgets at home. All ages with a caregiver.”

Also on the calendar for this month is the Music and Movement Class (picture above taken from the first class). At this time the classes are full, but keep checking the calendar or call the library as more classes may be offered in the future. As a heads-up, when the fall storytimes begin, you will want to arrive about 30 min. before the actual storytime begins. The library only admits a certain number of children for each class, and you need to get there early and pick up a name-tag which they usually hand out about 10 minutes before the storytime begins.

For your littlest ones, the Waterford Public Library has some fun age-appropriate toys to keep them entertained. My daughters love playing with the dollhouse, puppets, puzzles, cars, and trains. This can be a great place to meet up for playdates, especially when you need to get the kids out of the house!

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Child-sized toilets are located in the back of the children’s area on the left. A changing table can be found in the public bathroom stall located to the left of the back entrance.

So come check out the Waterford Public Library. And don’t forget to check out the local library in your area!

 

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Highlighting CT Businesses: Best Built Sheds, Inc.

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Emily

shed_logo

In the market for a shed or outbuilding?
Looking to work with a local company with exceptional service? 
Hoping to get the biggest bang for your buck?

With locations in both Old Saybrook and Bristol, Best Built Sheds, Inc. is a great local business bringing you quality sheds/outbuildings and excellent service.

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“Best Built Sheds, Inc. is family owned and operated. Prior to the company’s founding in 1990, Ken Robertson co-owned and operated a carpentry firm involved in new construction and remodeling. He has brought this expertise to Best Built Sheds. Best Built Sheds is proud to provide to their customers one of the ‘best built sheds’ or gazebos on the market at a low price. We do this by keeping our overhead low and passing the savings on to our customers.

At Best Built Sheds, Inc. we offer utility sheds in various sizes from 8′ x 6′ through 14′ x 48′ in 17 different styles and we have 16 colors to choose from for the siding and trim with 9 colors for the roofing. All Best Built Sheds meet or exceed local and state building codes.

We work with our customers to provide them with a utility shed or gazebo that will accent their property without hurting their wallet.”

Check out their website for current inventory, but don’t hesitate to call their office if you have any questions. And if you are looking to buy, you’re in luck! During the month of June, Best Built Sheds is running a great deal!

“Call the Bristol Office or order through the website and take advantage of our Father’s Day Sale. 10% off up to 100 s.f. or 15% off larger sizes than 120 s.f.” Expires 6/23/2013

Call: 866-582-0660

Best Built Sheds Inc
551 Broad Street, Bristol, CT
Local: (860) 582-0660
Toll Free: (866) 582-0660

ABC Enterprises
1363 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT
Local: (860) 388-4240

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East Lyme: White Gate Farm

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Therese

 

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White Gate Farm
83 Upper Pattagansett Rd
East Lyme, CT 06333

 

 

 

 

Picture this – You and your significant other, maybe your children, maybe some friends. Fresh local bread, a big chunk of Cato Corner Cheese, Ice cold tea, maybe an orzo salad or greens with a fresh vinaigrette. All in a picturesque, peaceful field, under this tree (yes, that’s a pond behind it) -

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And the best part? You didn’t have to bring anything but yourself and some cash (or a check) – and even better – You only drove to East Lyme!

Yes my friends, White Gate Farm can make this fantasy a reality. An escape from the world right in our corner of the state offering local, organic, GMO-free foods, both produce and prepared foods as well as jarred products, eggs, and dressings/dips.

But lets start from the beginning. My daughters and I visited during the Farm Stand’s open hours which are 12-7 Wednesdays, 9-4 on Saturdays. The farm is extremely easy to find, located 1/2 a mile down Upper Pattagansett Rd, right down the street from Flander’s Four Corners. We were immediately greeted by the sights of crops growing, then beautiful flower gardens, followed by the stand itself.

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We visited the baby chickens right away. They are more like adolescents now, but my girls enjoyed them anyway. The pans offered shaded and sunlit areas as well as an access to indoors. The chickens looked very clean and happy.

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Once we were done with the chickens we went into the farm stand to check it out. The entrance is the last door on the main building – you will see a few garage style doors and then the entrance to the farm stand. Inside we were greeted with a real farm style set up. Beautiful produce, flower arrangements and jarred goods.

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Payment to the farm stand is on the honor system – You add up the prices yourself and fill out a paper like the one pictures above, then deposit your payment (cash or check) into the box. If you visit, please honor this system, don’t ruin it for the rest of us! Along with the food items, the stand has picnic blankets for rent and plastic utensils. You really only need to bring yourself and a friend, they have the rest.

Before we made any purchases we headed over to visit the larger chickens. Set back in a field – nest to that beautiful shady tree – we found them.

white gate collage chicken

 

Luckily we were warned beforehand that the chickens are surrounded by an electric fence! Be careful that no one touches it if you visit. The chickens approached us immediately and were just as happy and clean looking as their little babies. They had a shaded area, sun area, a big hill to roam and indoor access as well and there were many different colors and types. The kids were really excited to also find one loan rooster who gave us a few cock-a-doodle-dos on our way back to the farm stand.

Back at the farm stand we were able to try a few of the pre-made items and decided to go with some delicious fresh Orzo salad, spicy salad greens, strawberry jam (with big real strawberries inside) and Japanese turnips. The orzo salad barely made it to dinner and everything else has been delicious. We will be back for more!

For more information on the farm stand and their hours, visit their website at http://whitegatefarm.net/farmstand.php . Not only does White Gate Farms have chickens and a farm stand, they also host Dinners at the Farm - http://www.dinnersatthefarm.com/Dinners_at_the_Farm/Welcome.html - and cooking classes - http://whitegatefarm.net/classes.php .

Have you been to White Gate Farm? Let us know what you think!

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This Week in SECT – 6/10-6/16

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Emily
We found the perfect spot for a picnic - and for running down a rock - at Waterford Beach Park. Where have you been getting out lately?

We found the perfect spot for a picnic – and for running down a rock – at Waterford Beach Park. Where have you been getting out lately?

Monday, June 10th

Car Seat Saftey Talk @ MOMS Club of New London and Waterford, Waterford Public Library

Thursday, June 13th

Tip a Firefighter Fundraiser @ Filomena’s Restaurant, Waterford

Friday, June 14th

LEGO @ the Library! @ Groton Public Library
Jester Jim Variety & Juggling Show – Registration Required @ Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Auditorium

Saturday, June 15th

Beautiful Butterflies @ Conn College Arboretum, New London
Tour De Noank 5k Road Race and Kids Fun Run @ Esker Point Beach, Groton
Superhero Saturday @ Groton Public Library
Kidgit’s Lil Chefs Event @ Crystal Mall, Waterford
Stonington Vineyard Summer Food + Wine Festival @ Stonington Vineyards, Stonington
Free Admission for Dad @ Mystic Aquarium

Sunday, June 16th

Open Days Program Garden Tour @ Stone Acres, Stonington
Make a Painting (free with admission!) @ Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
Mini-Artist “World’s Best Dad Trophy”@ The Drunken Palate, New London
Sunny Morning Lala (around 11AM) @ Bean & Leaf, New London
Sunday Funday Brunch (kids eat free w/paid adult) @ Gaspar’s, New London
Small Boat Day @ Esker Point Beach, Groton
Free Admission for Dad @ Mystic Aquarium

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Connecticut Open House Day 2013

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Therese

Today is the day! Via CTvisit.com -

“Open House Day is a great way for you to experience all the state has to offer and to encourage you to become Connecticut Ambassadors who take pride in sharing your new discoveries with visiting family and friends. The annual event is coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Economic & Community Development.”

Here are some of our local picks -

Mystic Aquarium

Open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m..  Offering $5 off general admission for up to four people. Visitors will need to mention Connecticut Open House Day and provide proof of residency to receive the discount. It cannot be combined with any other offer. (860) 572-5955. http://www.mysticaquarium.org

Thomas Lee House      

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., visitors can experience Colonial activities including firearms demonstrations, tours of the Lee House and Little Boston Schoolhouse, farm animals, gift store and much more. (860) 739-6070

www.eastlymehistoricalsociety.org. West Main St. (Rte. 156) Niantic.

Custom House Maritime Museum

Free admission from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. (860) 447-2501. New London. http://www.nlmaritimesociety.org

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse

Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with costumed interpreters and musket demonstrations. New London (860) 916-1804.http://www.connecticutSAR.org/sites/nl-schoolhouse.htm

Avery-Copp House

Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with free admission, featuring old fashioned children’s games and complimentary refreshments. (860) 445-1637. Groton. http://www.averycopphouse.org

Ebenezer Avery House

From noon until 4 p.m., join Joseph Potter, a Colonial American magician, as he provides educational magical entertainment. (860) 446-9257. Groton. http://www.averymemorialassociation.com

 

For the full list of events, click here. For those located only in Mystic Country, click here.

Are you taking advantage of open house day specials? Let us know where you are going!

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Norwich: Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, Panda Market, and Exit Cafe

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Emily
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Photo from Mi Casa’s FB page

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant
252 Main St
Norwich, CT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My husband and I love Mexican food and we had heard good things about Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant in Norwich, CT. Now, I love Tex-Mex and Mexican food, and as you’ve probably realized there IS a big difference between the two. Although Mi Casa serves both types of cuisines, along with some American dishes as well, we think you’ll like the restaurant better if you’re craving authentic Mexican food. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re looking for Tex-Mex, the food is still good. You might just be looking for a different style of restaurant or atmosphere.

We brought the kids on Friday night around 6pm and the restaurant was practically empty save for a couple people eating at the bar.  The restaurant itself is a bit older and could use a bit of updating, but other than that it was spacious and had a family-friendly vibe. They brought out a high chair for our youngest daughter, and we were immediately served our drinks and complimentary chips and salsa. If you like thick tortilla chips, you’ll love these. The chips were chunky and crunchy, and I believe they were made in-house. I really loved the salsa. A little bit spicy and not filled with unnecessary tomato chunks. My husband and I practically licked the bowl clean. My daughter helped by eating every last crumb left in the chip basket.

I ordered the “Mi Casa Fajitas” for myself and my 3 year old daughter. Mi Casa does have a kid’s menu offering burgers or cheese quesadillas, but I knew my daughter would enjoy the fajitas. It came out on a sizzling platter and was full of huge chunks of steak, chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The meal also came with a basket of homemade tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, rice, and re-fried beans. For 13.95, it was a great deal. All of the food was tasty, and there was more than enough to bring home for later, but I wish the steak and chicken were cut in thinner trips. It’s just my preference. My husband ordered the “Huarache” which was a handmade oval tortilla topped with avocado, re-fried beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, raw radishes, and your choice of meat. He chose carnitas, or fried pork, as his meat. He loved his meal and said that the radishes provided the perfect crunch against the soft tortilla and tender pork.

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We would definitely come here again and try some of the other Mexican dishes. I checked out the other meals at nearby tables and they all looked amazing. We’ve also heard good things about their margaritas, and they have great drink specials and a Mariachi band playing on some nights. Mi Casa also serves breakfast daily starting at 7am.

Panda Market
16 Franklin St #105
Norwich, CT

After stuffing ourselves, we walked around Norwich downtown and across the street from Mi Casa was the Panda Market. I was SO excited. I have been looking for a good Asian food market for awhile and I finally found one that has great prices. They’re a tiny store that sells Asian snacks, produce, dried goods, and they even have a fresh seafood aisle. If you’re not used to typical Asian markets, you may find it a little strange (especially when you see the huge live bullfrogs in the seafood aisle). But I grew up shopping at markets like these and I was thrilled to be able to buy some things I haven’t been able to find, for the prices I want, in the New London area.

Exit Cafe
198 Main St
Norwich, CT

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To end the night, I stopped in at the new Exit Cafe fusion restaurant. It just opened a month ago and serves Chinese, Japanese, and Thai-style dishes. Popular items are the Chicken Teriyaki, Pork Chop Sandwich, and Beef with Thai Sauce. I didn’t get a chance to try any of the food this time, but I did try some of their delicious drinks! I love bubble tea, and their milk tea with bubbles was so good. The milk tea was just right, not overly sweet, and the bubbles were perfectly chewy. For my daughter, I ordered the mango slushie without bubbles and she sucked it down like there was no tomorrow. If you’re a bubble tea fan, you should definitely check out Exit Cafe the next time you’re in Norwich. And if you get a chance to try one of their meals before we do, let us know what you think!

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