Besides the wonderful food that we bought at the farmer’s market I also purchased flowers to fill the vase that I got from Rich’s parents for graduation.

These sustainably grown flowers are from the First Bloom Farm in Collinsville, CT.  They also have property at the Community Farm of Simsbury, where there is a collaboration of various farmers and educators to strengthen their community.  

It’s amazing how a simple bouquet of flowers make the kitchen so much more lively.

On Saturday mornings there is a farmer’s market up the street from us.  We decided to check it out this weekend since it’s the first Saturday that we’ve actually been around.  And since I’ve been craving french toast we got some goodies for brunch. 

Challah bread from Chestnut Fine Foods

Plums from the Killam & Bassette Farm in Glastonbury, CT

the final product: french toast!

The Upper State Street Farmer’s Market will definitely become a regular Saturday visit.

Across the street from my apartment is an artisan pizzeria/bar, Press, that I can hear every night until close (~1am).  There is always a crowd night after night and so I knew eventually that I had to try it. The drinks were incredibly delicious and even though pricey, they were strong enough that you got your moneys worth.

1. Orange Mojito: Orange vodka, mint, fresh orange, lime, ginger ale

2. Pomegranate Spritzer: Chardonnay, club soda, pomegranate liqueur, fresh blackberries

3. Lolita: Citrus vodka, Lillet blanc, St. Germain, prosecco float

Definitely a strong recommendation if visiting upper state street in new haven.

While I was at my moms I realized the one essential I am missing for the apartment: 

an aloe plant.

One last thing from the visit to WheatonArts:

“12 Jars” by Steffen Dam

This Danish artist made mistakes in glass crafting and through experimenting with what is the ‘wrong' thing to do he created these plant-like and invertebrate-like pieces.  His exhibit was my favorite out of the nature-themed special exhibits.

On Sunday we took a trip to the WheatonArts Cultural Center in Millville, NJ.

The center has a very southern feel to it and is in the middle of lush green forest.  It houses the Museum of American Glass, different studios for ceramics, woodcarving, etc., and has a fine gifts shop, as well as a general store.  There are classes, events, and glass blowing shows during the day, but we got there a little too late to enjoy them.  We spent most of our time at the museum.

Even the inside had a very country feel, very much resembling a Southern Living spread.  There was a multitude of different kinds of jars, bottles, marbles, and paperweights that were incredible eye-catching.

Some of my favorite pieces were the poison bottles, Jews vs. Catholics chess set, and grenades. 

They included with the pieces how some were made, for example:

the glass is dipped in acid in order to etch designs

gold oxide is used to create a pink, cranberry shade

A few other interesting things:

HIV, only a million times multiplied

cubes inside cubes inside cubes...

We also stopped to have lunch at their tasty cafe.  My lunch consisted of a veggie sandwich with fresh lemonade.  I will definitely be visiting WheatonArts again, and not just for lunch =)

Two weekends too late: here is my update on Cooperstown, NY.

It was a fun baseball filled weekend in a charming family town.  The last picture shows the Barry Bonds ball that Marc Ecko branded with an asterisk, amplifying the questionable record.  The hall of fame was a nice visit, but next time I do want to spend more time relaxing by the lake.

Finally I was reunited with my friend Andrea who I spent a great deal of time with when we both lived in Florence. She is living in New York City this summer so we walked around downtown for a while; got a nice lunch and did some shopping.  We also stumbled upon the sets of Men in Black III and one of my favorite shows: Boardwalk Empires.

I tried to look around for cast members I would recognize but most of the cast was hidden in the alley.  Anyway, it was a fun day to reminisce on our time abroad.  Some throwback pictures from our time in Florence:

Rich and I had the afternoon free so we decided to see how long it would take to walk to the New Haven Green.

It ended up taking about fifteen minutes or so and we didn’t even take the most direct route.  I’m so happy with our location; we passed Caseus, Judies, and other food favorites. I stopped along the way to test my camera on random pretty gardens and I cannot wait to take it to Italy with me.

The walk was beautiful and it was a perfect day for it.  When I got back home from visiting my friend Billy for coffee, RIch had a surprise cake for dessert.  A very successful day in my book.