Comcast Kicks It Up With Xfinity Home!

A lot of unique opportunities come about from being on social media and having a blog. Most recently,  I was invited recently to the Home of Distinction in North Haven, CT to check out Xfinity Home along with other bloggers in my community and learn all about the services Xfinity provides for your home. I am only sorry that they do not provide in the town I live in, cause I would have signed up for it at this event for sure!  Approaching the home you could instantly tell this model home was special. No detail was left unturned to the immense amount of molding, decor, high end appliances, ornate lighting and of course sophisticated technology. 

The best part of this event was learning about the technology that is provided by Xfinity Home and how this system can alter your family life and keep you organized and safe. 

The overview started with the entertainment experience that X1 customers can receive. X1 is an entertainment operating system that gives Xfinity TV customers an interactive TV experience. You can easily find and watch shows and movies in seconds from TV listings, DVR recordings, personal favorites and Xfinity On Demand. They also have TV tailored apps that bring up your Facebook feed or photos up on the big screen. 

Being able to find your favorite program as easily as possible is often just as important as the content itself. Newly launched and what impressed me the most was the Kid Zone programming. Kids Zone gives parents peace of mind with a safe and secure experience for kids to independently explore their favorite content and discover new programming without the worry of coming across something with adult content. The remote also has voice control options. Yes. You speak into it! If your child is in love with Mickey Mouse, simply say "Mickey Mouse" in the remote and instantly everything Mickey will show up. Amazing! What kid would not want control over the TV remote?! Xfinity thought of everything.

We next moved onto learning about Xfinity Home. This is Comcast's home security, control and energy management platform that allows customers to stay connected to their home while on-the-go through the use of an interactive Web portal, mobile devices and the free Xfinity Home app. Imagine being able to set your home alarm from your phone or controlling the temperature of your house from work. Wanna know what the kids are up to? You are able to position the cameras and view different parts of your house with live video monitoring. It is total household management at your finger tips. Xfinity home is 24/7 professional monitoring that can be armed or disarmed remotely. You can also manage energy consumption by controlling lights and the thermostat remotely. I was truly amazed at how far home technology has come!

Lastly we got to learn all about the Xfinity mobile apps. Comast offers its customers eight free down loadable apps so you can get the most popular entertainment and communications services while on the go no matter where you are. These apps get you in touch with the your DVR and allow you to stream Xfinity TV on your mobile devices and download your recordings. In addition, you can control your TV remote controls from your mobile apps. Never forget to set your DVR again! You can also send videos and photos from your mobile devices right to your TV for home viewing and access your email, call logs to your phone and call forwarding options. Think about the vacation you can take with the kids having their favorite shows or music to stream in the car!

Special thanks to Comcast and Brett Martin for inviting me to this special event. For more information on Xfinity Home services, visit Xfinity

( I was invited to the Home of Distinction to learn about Xfinity Home services by Comcast as a social media representative. All opinions and reviews are my own)

A Walk Through Essex

Fall in New England is such a special time of the year. With the cool weather beginning to take form, leaves change and the landscape of New England can take your breathe away. 

Photo credit Charging You Up

One quintessential New England town quite rich in history is Essex. Apart from the boutiques and boating that covers the downtown area, the town has a rich history and is full of majestic trees, gardens and architecture. Originally called Potopaug by local Indians, the Essex area was first settled by English colonists in 1645.

Photo credit Charging You Up

It was the first wharf for West Indies trade in the last 1600's. A Steamboat Dock building was erected at the Foot of Main Street and housed rum, sugar, tobacco and molasses. Essex became the main port of Saybrook and remained so until 1871. Shipping in Essex began in the early part of the 1700's with the construction of the Hayden shipyard. The same yard that build Connecticut's first warship of the Continental Navy, the Oliver Cromwell in 1776. Essex became a major ship building center. Many captains and navy men settled here and many of the historic homes that adorn the streets of downtown Essex, were the homes of these men. 

Photo credit Charging You Up

 Essex consists of 3 townships. Ivoryton, Essex and Centerbrook and is located halfway between Boston and New York City. There is surprisingly a lot to do in this small community as well. Visitors can visit the Ivoryton Playhouse, Essex Steam Train and River Boat ride and the Connecticut River Museum to name a few. Beside that, the community is home to the Sailing Masters of 1812 whose members are attired in the uniforms of the traditional navy midshipmen of that era. 

The Griswald Inn. Photo credit Charging You Up

Photo credit Charing You Up

It also hosts the countries oldest operating Inn, The Griswald Inn. We could not come to Essex without checking this out. The Gris as it is often called opened it's doors for business in 1776 offering fine food, drink and lodging that continues today, 365 days a year ever since. although other establishments might have been open during this year, The Griswald Inn prides itself of never having to close periodically or for years between owners which some other establishments have. In fact, the Inn has had only 6 families own it. Right when you walk in through the doors you can see that not much has changed. The front parlor is adorn with an antique popcorn machine, rustic fireplace and a Gothic steamboat bar. We were happy to have the chance to stand at the bar and have a drink in this precious establishment. Other rooms include the Gun room which has several firearms from the Revolutionary War and 15th century on display and the Library room which holds antique books. 

Library Room. Photo credit Charging You Up

Photo credit Charging You Up

The shops downtown are as equally charming. Boutique toy stores, a Christmas shop, pet decor shop and Ashley's Ice cream. The entire area was decorated for Halloween with festive scarecrows decorating many of the lampposts and residents who decorated their own yards with goblins and skeletons. 

There is still some time to take in the breathtaking views of fall in Essex. Take a drive and enjoy the beauty!

Oktoberfest Fun at Foxwoods Resort and Casino

Photo credit Charged

Fall has come and what a perfect time of the year to take a autumn drive over to the picturesque Foxwoods Resort and Casino for some Oktoberfest fun! We came for the beer of course, but there was also so much to do and explore including the boutique shops, Tanger Outlets and of course gaming.      

Photo courtesy of Foxwoods Casino & Resort

We were treated to taste the Oktoberfest beers at Cedars Restaurant being offered this month. All of them had different distinct aromas and flavors and many varied depending on the region of where they were brewed. My favorite was the Kastell Rouge which has cherry liquor in it. YUM! The staff was highly knowledgeable on every beer we tasted and the Bavarian pretzels that we had with them, off the hook!

Photo credit Charged

After our beer tasting, we headed out to see some of the shops at Foxwoods and explore the Tanger Outlets. We then headed over to High Rollers Luxury Lanes for some bowling action. With 20 lanes and Las Vegas style decor, this place has old school swank and luxury seating, a beautiful bar and first class service. Think "Pack Rats" style! High Rollers has private rooms and is the perfect place host a private party or event. They also had a plethora for large screen TVs to watch the game even as you bowl. Besides that you can get gourmet food and beverage or keep it simple with bar food favorites. 

Photo credit Charged

The bowling got us hungry fast. Cedars Restaurant treated us to a divine Oktoberfest menu. Check out some of the menu below! Pork Loin with Sauerkraut and mashed potato's. Grilled Bratwurst and German Potato Salad. And if that was not enough, Apple Strudel for dessert. A great ending to a fantastic Oktoberfest! 

Photo courtesy of Foxwoods Resort & Casino

Photo courtesy of Foxwoods Casino & Resort

Be sure to head down to Cedars Restaurant to try the Oktoberfest beers and menu this month! 

High Rollers Luxury Lanes and Lounge
Cedars Restaurant
Foxwoods Resort & Casino


( Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this Oktoberfest tasting as a social media representative, however all views are my own)

                                 

               

     

Boscovs Opening in Meriden!

Boscov's opened on October 8th and I was there to experience it all! And there was much to see! Boscov's has stores all over the East Coast and this is the first in Connecticut located in Meriden.

October 8th was there Friends Helping Friends event. Patrons were able to shop the store early and get special deals by purchasing a shopping pass for $5. All the money donated from the shopping passes are given back to the local community. Boscov's prides itself in giving to local charitable organizations unlike some of it's competitors. What a great way have a store opening!

The place was packed as I arrived and instantly found out why this store is so special. I ran into (almost literally) Al Boscov himself! A family owned business since 1914, Al is still there at his store openings, shaking hands and welcoming new customers to his stores. 

We cannot talk about Boscov's and not mention their candy and chocolate! They have their own candy store and make fudge and chocolate on the premises! And it is GOOD! 

I quickly found myself in the DKNY section of the store. They have a multitude of designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Anne Klein, Carters, Champion, Nike, Jones New York, Nine West and Kenneth Cole to name just a few. I bought a pair of DKNY jeans for $32 from the $69 price tag they were originally and scooped up two beautiful Pashmina like scarfs for $2.99 each. Yes, under $3! Putting those away for stocking stuffer's this year.

Boscov's also carries home decor and home wares. You can find everything from holiday decorations to pillows and blankets. 

The celebration of the store opening is not over if you missed the ribbon cutting ceremony over the weekend. Free entertainment with Shirley Jones of The Partridge Family fame and stage and screen will be performing with her son Patrick Cassidy from October 10-17 pm both at 2 pm and 7 pm in the Boscov's auditorium located in the store. There will also be big prize giveaways each day.

Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr will also be performing October 18-24th at the Boscov's auditorium singing Elvis classics and entertaining customers. 

Lastly, Boscov's is holding a fashion week at the store from October 25-30th and will be having daily fashion shows right in the store. Lastly, a family fun event on Halloween! Come to the store for crafts, Halloween games and a costume parade.

Boscov's is located at the Westfield Meriden Mall at 480 Lewis Avenue in Meriden, CT. They will be open 10 am-10 pm during the grand opening events this month. 

Go check them out! More details on these event are listed here.

Boscovs Meriden

Star 99.9 Acoustic with Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas has been one of musics most compelling and successful artists for well over a decade. First introduced as the front man to the band Matchbox Twenty, Rob just released his 3rd solo album called The Great Unknown. 

When invited to a private acoustic session organized by local radio station Star 99.9 and sponsored by Michael's Jewelers, I nearly fell over! Having seen him only in a large arena setting, I knew this performance would be extra intimate and exclusive. 

Rob has collaborated with Mick Jagger, Santana and Willie Nelson to name just a few. He is never too shy to let his fans no about his star studded collaborations and how humble he is to be where he is today. Rob played 4 songs for the small crowd invited at Riverview Bistro in Stratford, CT which included a few Matchbox Twenty songs. He took a few questions from the crowd including one from a preteen who said she was the little girl in the back of the cab in his "Someday" video that was shot in New York several years ago. She said she never got to say goodbye to him and finally today she got her chance. An unlikely reunion! 

I could not talk about Rob Thomas and not mention his foundation Sidewalk Angels. He and his wife Marisol founded the organization and is dedicated to helping an aray of grassroots efforts with funding for a number of causes including animal cruelty, no-kill shelters and pet adoption which is close to their heart. Often he plays acoustic shows to benefit their organization and that is the first time I saw Rob perform a few years ago at Mohegan Sun Casino. Gotta love a celebrity who gives back!

All in all, a great day to take the day off early for some live music with one of my favorite artists!

Catch a bit of the acoustic session here! 
Star 99.9 Acoustic with Rob Thomas

If you are interested in winning a chance to see a special acoustic performance of the next artist, log on here to Star 99.9 http://www.star999.com/Contests/Register.aspx?ContestID=199449 to enter. 

Check out Rob's new album and info at http://www.robthomasmusic.com/

Are you a fan? What's your favorite Matchbox Twenty or Rob Thomas song?

Grand Opening of Carlo's Bakery with Buddy Valastro & TLC's The Cake Boss!

Photo credit Charged

If you have ever watched "The Cake Boss" on TLC, you know Buddy Valastro is a compassionate, funny, down to earth and passionate baker and family man. Meeting him in person, I found him to be so much more. I attended the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at his newest location at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Hundreds of people showed up and waited in line for hours to get their hands on desserts and catch a glimpse of Buddy and The Cake Boss cast at work.

The new bakery will be the first New England location for Carlo's Bakery, which currently has seven other active locations including its flagship bakery in Hoboken, NJ, locations in Ridgewood, N.J; Westfield, NJ; Red Bank, NJ; Morristown, NJ; Las Vegas, NV and Marlton, NJ.

Photo credit Charged

I'm thrilled to bring Carlo's Bakery to Mohegan Sun," said Buddy Valastro, owner of Carlo's Bakery. "This is a destination for fun and food and we can't wait to be a part of the famiglia!

I was invited to sit down with Buddy in the first ever Sweet Room! The Sweet Room is a dessert-only dining concept slated to feature a small menu of decadent Italian inspired innovations, from ice cream and sorbet to cheese plates and petit fours. The unique recipes are thoroughly crafted to satisfy all the senses. 

Photo credit Charged

One of the first questions I asked Buddy is.. why Mohegan?  He explained that he and the tribe have had a relationship for quite sometime and that they are always so generous when he comes to visit. Buddy 's relationship with Mohegan Sun start in 2011 when he was asked to bake a cake for their 15th anniversary and then started the magic. 

Signature plated dessert at The Sweet Room

 I asked Buddy of course a lot of cake questions. One in particular was what was the oddest thing he had been asked to incorporate in a cake? If you watch the show, you know what I am talking about! Buddy said that anything with blood and gore is always hard for him. It goes against everything he was taught and knows about baking by making the cakes smooth and having clean lines. But,  he always happily obliges as you can tell when you watch the show and see some of the requests he gets.

Photo credit Charged

Photo credit Charged

Buddy has 4 children and I was curious to find out if any of them plan to go into the family business. He told me that they would support their children in whatever they wanted to do but that they already are involved and often help out in the bakery.

Photo credit Charged

When asked about which celebrity he was star struck to bake for, he said Oprah! Buddy said she was so gracious and she was just so great to work with. He also said the one person he would like to bake for is the Pope! 





Carlo's originally opened by Carlo Gusastaffero in 1910, was acquired by Bartolo Valastro Sr. in 1964. Since the untimely passing of Bartolo Sr. in 1094, matriarch Mary Valastro and her children Grace, Maddalena, Mary, Lisa and master baker Bartolo jr. " Buddy Valastro have expanded the business with the help of their spouses.

Me, Grace Valestro, Lisa Valastro. Photo credit Charged

Signature plated dessert at The Sweet Room. Photo credit Charged

I asked Buddy if there was any advice he would give to someone just starting out with a business. Buddy said be prepared to be the marketer, supplier, accountant, delivery person and so on right from the start! He stated that you need to be "all in". He also said if it is not working, you have to know when to stop if you continue to struggle. 

Baker and Cake Boss cast member Mauro Castano putting the finishing touches on a cake. Photo credit Charged

I found Buddy to be extremely kind, laid back and genuinely interested in being with his fans, family and a huge passion for Carlo's Bake Shop. If you ever come to Mohegan Sun, this is a much needed stop on your trip for some sugary sweetness! You can find Carlo's at the Winter section of the Casino of the Earth  at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

Carlo's is open Sunday- Thursday, 7:00-Midnight, Friday-Saturday 7:00-1:00am. The Sweet Room is open daily from 5:00pm-1:00am daily.

Hair by Jessica Lynne Buffone. Photo credit Charged.

Beaching It at Ocean Beach Park

School started today. The end of summer frolicking on the beach, taking day trips to area attractions, camp, outings with grandma and vacation away. But not before one last adventure.

Photo credit Charged

Ocean Beach Park in New London is a hidden gem. Of all the Connecticut shoreline beaches, this one has all of them topped. With its white, sugar soft sand and picturesque lighthouses and ferries crossing the waters, it is quintessential Connecticut. 

Photo credit Charged

Photo credit Charged

Let's not mention fun! Bring your wallet! This park boosts water slides, kiddie amusements, large playground, a spray park, arcade, Olympic size pool, a gym, mini golf, creamery and a food stand. You can spend the whole day and never get into your beach chair. So.... on that point, be prepared to not be in it if you are with the kids. :)

The price to get in is $18 during the week and $22 during the weekend,  but completely worth it. Especially if you are going with friends in one car. Additional fees for activities. There are restrooms on the premises as well as family friendly amenities like lockers. During the summer they hold Monday night cruise nights and outdoor concerts on the boardwalk so plan to stay for the music and classic cars!

This is always on our list each summer for at least a visit or two. We load the car with chairs, beach toys, umbrellas and a blanket and stay the whole day. 

Park closes on Labor Day. You still have time! Check it out.

Ocean Beach Park New London, CT

Cirque du Eloize iD

I had the unique opportunity to be invited to Foxwoods Resort Casino along with many of my fellow Connecticut bloggers to meet the cast of Cirque du Eloize who is performing at the Fox Theater through the end of the month. 

CT Bloggers

Getting juggling lessons

Cirque du Eloize iD show is a mix of circus and hip hop street dance. But it is much more. The show included juggling, acrobatics, break dancing, gymnastics and 13 performers contribute to the 15  multi-disciplines the show included from around the world. The scene is set in a typical urban city with a variety of characters finding their unique identities and contribute thier individuality. It is upbeat, thrilling and beautiful all at once. There was also eye popping video projections that were multidimensional and made the stage look different during each performance. 

               

Nervous? 

We were welcomed to the theatre to meet several of the cast members and had a sneak peak at how they do some of their performances.  We had a hands on chance to learn basic juggling, trampoline moves and got a full tour of the behind the scenes of the stage show. I was surprised at how small the stage was. It completely came to life when we saw the show and I had a huge appreciation for the cast and their talent to manipulate themselves around the stage and scenery so well. The cast members were warm and very patient with teaching us the tricks of their performances.

Jugggling!

We were then able to explore the casino for awhile. With the new Tanger Outlet shops that just opened, I knew where I wanted to head first! It boast several stores like Michael Kors, Gap, Coach and Under Armour to name a few. After the shopping it was time to replenish with some drinks and food. We were treated to an awesome dinner at the Red Lantern which offers unique asian flare in a contemportary upscale setting. This is just one of several menu items we tried. Dragon Roll! 

After dinner it was onto the show. And what a show it was. Take a peek! 




This was also a family friendly show which was great. Tons of families and children were there along with couples and young adults. Something for everyone! Catch this show before it ends at the end of August. You won't be disappointed! 

Monkeying Around at GoApe!

When I was invited to visit GoApe at A.W Stanley Park in New Britain, CT I was very excited. First, I love to be adventurous. Secondly, I love to try new things, especially outdoors. Bring it!

GoApe is a multi-award winning and original forest adventure set high up in the canopy. We enjoyed two to three hours in the trees taking on zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings. Kids must be 10 or older to climb and be accompanied by an adult. 

Photo credit Charged. 

Photo credit Charged

                       

Photo credit Charged

 I brought along by best friends daughter Courtney who just turned 14 years old. Perfect activity to celebrate! When I booked, I was told to arrive a few minutes early to sign a waiver and get our harnesses fitted. By the way, you book right online so do not have to worry about paying when you arrive. When we arrived we were greeted by very helpful and energetic staff that is all about fun. Well, and safety of course! But fun for sure! Once we were signed up, we were escorted through the woods to the first course. Along our walk we could see the zip lines that went across the pond and knew we were in for a day of fun!

Once we got to the first course, our guide Andy showed us the safety harnesses and how to properly put them on. He went into detail about each clip on our harness and how important it is to always be attached to the trees. We practiced putting our clips on the cables which wrapped around the trees and one by one taking them off and clipping them onto our pulley which is the equipment that makes you go on the cable and keeps you in the air if you fall.

Photo credit Charged

Photo credit Charged

Once we got the hang of it, we did our first ride on a zip line. I believe it might have been 20 feet from the ground. More of just a nice practice line. We were instructed on how to land safety. Not as easy as it looks especially when you twist and end up going backward which was my experience several times! Once we completed the first course, we were invited to move onto the 2nd course independently. Staff toured the area below us constantly making sure we were clipped properly and encouraging us on!  We climbed up a rope ladder and latched on and off the trees and cables through the trees. It was a bit scary at first as you are high up, but I quickly realized that each course gets higher and a bit more challenging. After the 2nd course, we were comfortable with our harness and maneuvering in the trees safely. This picture below was our toughest challenge with rings we had to fit our feet in, in order to get across to the next tree. Ah!!!! Courtney did it like a champ!

Photo credit Charged

At the 5th course, the last obstacle is a 900 foot zip line ride. Thrilling!

Photo credit Charged

Once our feet were back on the ground, we were greeted by staff once again and presented with completion certificates. Each staff member was truly concerned with making sure we had a great time and were extremely helpful.  

What a great day to be playing in the trees!

Photo credit Charged

If you are looking for some adventure, check out GoApe at http://goape.com/ . They have several locations across the U.S.  

Special thanks to GoApe for an adventurous summer day in the trees!