February 2023 Faves

I still can not believe that tomorrow is going to be officially March and we are almost at the end of the winter season. As a fan of warm weather, I am so excited for that. But, before we say goodbye to February, I want to share with you some of my favorites of the month:

1. Longchamp Le Pliage Large Totebag: I have been a Longchamp girl forever. I recently started using the large Le Pliage bag as my work bag, and I am obsessed with it. I love that these guys are workhorses, because I can be a little rough on these bags. I also can fit everything but the kitchen sink in these bags, which makes them so wonderful for work. Next on my wishlist is none other than the Navy one, which is something that I still have yet to add to my collection.

2. Longchamp Le Pliage Pouch with Handle: In addition to my Longchamp bag, I have been loving one of the latest additions to my Longchamp collection, which is the Le Pliage Pouch with Handle. This is basically my wallet, but I’ve been known to wear this as a handbag as well. I am going to be honest, this is the perfect grab and go type of bag. It fits just enough when you need to take the essentials on a quick errand or for slipping in a large tote.

3. Jazzercise On Demand: At the beginning of the month, I was finally cleared by my doctor to begin working out again after a month of not working out from a health scare. I started doing Jazzercise to ease myself back in to start doing HIIT and running again. But, I fell in love once again with the workout, so here we are. I love the app, because you get an unlimited amount of classes and they are just so fun. I do a variety of strength, and there are a ton of different length classes to choose from. And, it is so fun.

4. Budha Girl Bangles: Budha Girl has quickly become my new favorite brand of jewelry. It’s mindful, and they are bangles that are silent. As someone who can not wear dangly bracelets to the office, this is a dream come true. I have a variety of the colors, and I can see myself wearing these more and more into the spring. My personal favorite is the silver all weather bangles.

5. Touchland Hand Sanitizer: I am obsessed with this hand sanitizer. I have the lavender one, and it has quickly become my go-to. I love this, because it’s dry. There is virtual no residue when you use this, which I really love about it. I also love that it fits into pretty much any bag as well. I know it’s weird to take about the size, but the size is pretty much amazing.

6. Booktube: I have been binge watching YouTube, mainly the booktube ones. Booktube is basically YouTube about books. Watching Booktube has been something that has been helpful for me to not only get excited about reading, but also introduced me to some great books on my TBR. I have been doing a lot more reading than usual so it’s nice to get more inspiration to do more reading. Some of my favorites are Haley Pham and Sara Carolli.

What are your favorites in February?

Friday Faves: February 17, 2023

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited for the three day weekend, and I am looking forward to getting some r and r. But, before we get into the fun of the weekend, I want to take some time to share some of the favorites of the week:

Diamond Dazzle Ring Stick: I think this is one of the best purchases that I’ve made on Amazon to date. I have a morganite ring, and I am honestly not sure how to clean my engagement ring. I saw someone on Instagram clean her SamNSue morganite ring with this diamond stick, so I decided to try it. I am so happy that I did. My ring sparkled. And, it was less than $10. I definitely will be purchasing this again, and recommend this to anyone who wants to clean their rings.

Longchamp Pouch with Handle: Longchamp is one of my favorite brands to date. I shared what’s in my Longchamp Le Pliage bag a few days ago. I saw this little guy on Instagram, and I fell in love with it instantly. I use it as a little wallet, that holds my recto verso and my 6 ring key holder. I still have enough room for things like a Chapstick and hand sanitizer, which makes this perfect for quick errands too.

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory: I am such a huge fan of Jasmine Guillory’s books, and I finally got to this Beauty and the Beast spinoff. It was about Izzy and Beau. Izzy is an aspiring book editor who lost interest and passion in her job as an assistant. Beau is a celebrity who promises a memoir, yet has yet to deliver. While in Los Angelos at a work trip, Izzy was given the task to convince Beau. She inspires him to write. I could not put this book down. Apparently this is in a series, so I do plan to read the other spin offs too, but I am so glad I picked up this cute book.

Coach Nolita 19: I’ve had the Coach Nolita 19 in my collection for the past year or so. I stopped using it for a while, but then recently I was inspired to grab it as a little bag for my tote bag. This bag is such a cute little guy. I have the black leather one, which is no longer available, but they still have the signature one online. I also love using this as a grab and go type of bag as well.

Celesse Disc Initial Necklace from Foster Jewelry: This was one of my Valentine’s Day gifts from my fiancé, and I am so obsessed with this. This has three discs with my initial, my dog’s and my fiancé’s. When I opened it, I started to tear up. I am such a huge fan of Foster Jewelry, and everyone of her pieces is handmade. This also is a great everyday piece of jewelry, and I know it is something that I will cherish for years to come.

Bridgeport’s Meritt Canteen: As Seen on TV, Delicious In Person

When Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives makes a stop at a local Connecticut join, you know it’s going to be good. Meritt Canteen, located in Bridgeport, was on season 11 of the show, where Guy showcased the famous hotdogs, hamburgers, and seafood.

Meritt Canteen has been a Bridgeport staple since 1942, and has a menu that is so freshly cooked that you can tell from that very first bite. The vibe is casual, and it’s perfect for when you just need to grab something quick to eat. It’s fast food — but better and fresh.

Of course, they are famous for their hotdogs, burgers and seafood. However, their menu also offers other specialities such as the Red Hot Dog, the Chili Dog (with a warning that it is extremely hot with no refunds), fried Mac and Cheese bites, and deep fried Oreos. You can view the complete menu here.

I took a trip down there a few days ago, and I can not begin to describe how impressed I am with the quality of the food. The hamburger I had was so fresh from the bun to the quality of the meat. I also played happy fork with my fiancé’s chicken tenders, and let me tell you that not only did the chicken taste like it was freshly out of the oven, but the honey mustard did too. After all, you know it’s saying something when even the sauces taste delicious. Of course, we also got a side of French fries, which were delicious as well

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I will say that the portions were also extremely generous as well, which is something that I always look for whenever I am grabbing anything to eat. Furthermore, I also wanted to point out that when they brought the food over to us, they also bought us a ketchup bottle as well, which I thought was a nice touch.

Guy gave Meritt Canteen three out of five stars, however, I think that they are a five out of five for me. This is the place to go if you just want a juicy, delicious burger and a side of French fries. And, therefore, it is definitely worth all of the hype.

What’s In My Bag Wednesday: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag

The Longchamp Le Pliage tote bag is by far my favorite tote bag. I got my first one about four years ago, and my collection has grown to many colors and sizes. My favorite, by far, is the black large size with the brown trim. I’ve used it to death over the last four years, and trust me, it looks as good as the day I purchased it. There is some corner wear, but it did hold up well.

This is my favorite tote bag also because it is so much more secure than my Louis Vuitton Neverfull. There is a zipper along with the buckle, which makes it more difficult for someone to get in. Definitely perfect for travel. I also love that this bag folds up so it makes storing it so easy, and again, great for travel.

Now, this bag holds a lot. And, with the nylon, it is super lightweight but does get a little heavy when you load it up like I did. So, here’s what I carry on a daily basis in my Longchamp Le Pliage Tote:

An Honest Review of the Viral Coach Heart Bag

I am going to be completely honest here. If I was not getting married this year, I would not have purchased this bag whatsoever. I saw it last year on TikTok, and I was not interested whatsoever. I am a classic bag type of girl, so I passed on it. But, since 2023 is my wedding year, I saw the preview on the Coach Outlet and knew that this was the perfect bag for my honeymoon, bachelorette, and bridal shower. That bag, is none other than the Heart Crossbody bag from the Coach Outlet.

As I mentioned earlier, this bag went viral. All over my TikTok, I saw people with this one, or the other versions from the previous year. Furthermore, Kate Spade also has its own version called the Loveshack, another bag that went viral. And, when the bag came back in stock, it seemed like the Coach Outlet Valentine’s Day collection was all everyone could talk about.

This year’s version comes in red, black, and the classic Coach monogram that we all know and love. I went with the black, since it would be the perfect bag that would go with any outfit. I also am a sucker for the Coach black leather.

Like I said, I would not have gone with the bag if I was not getting married. But, now that I have the bag, I can totally see the hype. I broke the bag out for the first time during my Valentine’s Day date with my fiancé, and I am obsessed.

For the first time I wore this bag, I kept it really casual — a pair of jeans, Birkenstock clogs, and a hot pink sweater from TJ Maxx a number of years ago. This bag made the perfect accessory.

Now, what fits in the bag?

This bag has two sections and two card slots. And, I am going to be honest, it doesn’t really fit a lot. I was not able to fit my iPhone 14 Pro when I had this configuration. I was able to fit my cardholder with my car keys, ladies products, hand sanitizer, chapstick and a lip gloss. And, that was pretty much filled to the brim. If I did not have the lady products, I’m sure my phone would have slipped in with ease.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this bag and actually could see myself using it for more than just my wedding era. Of course, it’s a Coach bag, so you know the bag is really good quality. It is also just a cute and fun bag to add into your collection. And yes, now I can finally see why this bag blew up on the Internet.

Friday Faves: February 10, 2023

TGIF everyone! My goal is to try to get back into the rhythm of sharing my weekly favorites on a more regular basis, and I am so excited to be sharing them with you!

1. Jazzercise On Demand: I have been getting back into doing Jazzercise, and I have been enjoying it. I have been going through some health things that have caused me to have to take a step back from my more intense workouts. Now that I am able to work out again, Jazzercise has been a fun way to work out, and something that I look forward to. What is nice about this app is that you can access classes 24/7 and do as many as you want. There are cardio, strength and stretch classes at all different time intervals. I definitely recommend this if you’re someone who just needs a fun workout to get through the day.

2. Budha Girl Bangles: These are my new favorite bracelets. At work, I can not wear jewelry that makes noise. Enter these in. I bought a few sets, but I am obsessed with the crimson and the champagne ones. They feel kind of like plastic, but they do not look cheap by any means. I am such a huge fan of the AWB (all weather bangles), which are TSA and water proof. And, the meaning behind them is incredible — according to the website, in the morning you affirm your intention and as you remove them, fill yourself with thoughts of gratitude. I love that. There are dupes of these, but I highly recommend saving up for the real thing.

3. Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives: This show has become a comfort watch for me. I am a foodie, and I love watching this at night to unwind.

4. Weather Girl by Rachel Solomon: I was a huge fan of her other book, the Ex Talk, so I am happy to announce I finally picked up Rachel Solomon’s other book, Weather Girl. I have been in a romantic comedy kick lately when it comes to reading, and this was the perfect rom com that my soul needed to feel good. It tells the story of Ari Abrams, who is a weather girl who suffers from a cloud of depression. Her boss (and former idol) Torrance Hale has been making work hard for the office, as Torrance is working with her ex husband, Seth. Talk about awkward. She, along with another member of the news team, Russell pair together to “parent trap” them together. However, they soon find a spark as well. I loved reading this book, and it was perfect for Valentine’s Day.

5. Outlander series: Ladies and gentlemen, I finally started to read Outlander and I finished book one last week. And, now I get the hype. I have the second one loaded on my Nook, so I can’t wait to get to that once I read a few other books on my TBR. But, if you were debating on picking this book up, I highly recommend checking it out.

6. Touchland Hand Sanitzer: I have been seeing this on TikTok, and I am so obsessed with this. Yes, I am excited about hand sanitizer, because I have been a tried and true Bath and Body Works fan forever. I love this one, because it is dry and it’s a spray. This makes it easier than ever, and I even use this way more than my Bath and Body Works ones.

Milford’s Greek Spot Cafe and Grill Offers Mediterranean Cuisine Stateside

You do not need to get your passport ready to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. Milford’s Greek Spot Cafe and Grill, located right next to Silver Sands Beach, offers all the authentic Greek food right here in the Nutmeg State. And, during the summer, you can even enjoy your food outside.

The menu at Greek Spot is so extensive and is perfect if you’re looking for a new lunch spot. Greek Spot offers the typical Greek classics including: soulvaki, gyro, moussaka, and spinach pie, just to name a few. However, there are so many healthy options to choose from, including salads and Zoodles (zucchini noodles.) Furthermore, there are a variety of wrap, salads, burgers, and sandwich options to choose from as well.

Now, they have an extensive fry menu that needs some attention, with portions that are meant for two. My personal favorite is the sea salted fries with dips. Yes, I said it. Fries that come with dipping sauce, yum! The dipping sauces tzatzki sauce, garlic cilantro, guacamole, and chipotle tzatzki, and they enhance the fry experience if you ask me. In addition to the dipping sauce version, you can get truffle fries, garlic feta fries, Jose fries (guacamole and feta cheese), cilantro feta fries, and Stacy loaded fries (feta, garlic, cilantro, and gyro meat). And of course, you can get fries without the sauces if you so choose.

And, the food is delicious. My fiancé and I have been going there for the last few years, and everything that we’ve had was so fresh and delicious. My go-to has been the chicken soulvaki pita with a side a tzatzki sauce along with the dipping fries, and they are always fresh and delicious.

Typically, the Greek Spot Cafe is closed for the winter, however, this year their doors are still open despite the chilly temperatures and even enjoy their lemon orzo soup. Obviously you can not sit outside, but you can still take your food to go or eat in on their tables. The vibe is a cozy coffee shop, so it’s easy to hang out there for a few minutes to actually enjoy your food instead of hastily eating it on the go. Additionally, Greek Spot is also available on DoorDash, so you can stay inside and have your food brought right to your door.

With its close proximity to Silver Sands State Park, I highly recommend checking it out when you’re visiting the beach, because you can walk right over from the boardwalk to grab a bite to eat. And, even if you’re not visiting the beach, I highly recommend taking the trip because their food is 100 percent worth it.

January 2023 Monthly Favorites

Today is the last day of the month, and I wanted to share some of my favorites from the month. Some of these have been on my previous Friday Faves, while others are new ones that I wanted to share. I definitely want to make this type of post a regular piece on The Nutmeg Millennial, so stay tuned for the favorites of the month:

1. Nashelle Everyday Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver: I love these hoop earrings, as they are the perfect every day staple hoop. I have them in all of the sizes. The huggie is amazing for my second piercing, and I rotate the other sizes in my first. What I love about these earrings is that they are comfortable to wear. I have had to sell so many different pairs of earrings over the years, simply because they were too heavy. That is not an issue with these. They come in gold fill and rose gold fill as well.

2. Twisted series: This is the book series that I’ve managed to read in a week. It tells the story of four college friends, and their romances. There is a forbidden love trope, enemies to lovers trope and of course, a fake dating one as well. You know, the classic romance novel story plot points that we love to read. Add in a little spice, and you get a book that you can not put down. They are available on Kindle Unlimited, should you be interested in checking them out.

3. Yoga: This is one of the only non products that I wanted to share with you. I have been recommended to practice yoga from my doctor due to a medical scare. It has quickly turned into one of my favorite things to do throughout the month. I practice it every morning, and I find that it has set me up for my day so well. YouTubers such as Yoga With Adrienne have been so helpful to make sure that I can shake things up every morning.

4. Polene Numero Un Nano: I found a new bag obsession, guys. After almost two years of hemming and hawing, I finally picked up the Polene Numero Un Nano. And, I am obsessed with this bag. I only had it for a week at this point, but so far, I am in love. I had budgeted to get a more expensive bag, but I am so glad that I went with my Polene piece instead. I already have more items from the brand on my wishlist as well. There will be more content regarding the bag in a post, so stay tuned!

5. That 90s Show: Of course, we have to mention the spinoff to That 70s Show, That 90s Show. It is about Eric and Donna’s daughter, Leia, who spends the summer in Point Place with her grandparents Red and Kitty. She makes friends, and they have adventures that are similar to the original gang. I binged this in a week, and I absolutely loved it.

6. Ariana Grande Cloud Perfume: Last but not least, let’s talk about my latest perfume purchase. I mentioned this in my last Friday Faves, and I am still obsessed with the scent a few days later. I am not a huge perfume buyer. I have my signature scents, so it’s rare for me to get a new one. So what makes this one so special? Thank TikTok for this purchase. And, I am honestly so glad that I did.

Friday Faves: January 27, 2023

TGIF! Welcome to the first Friday Faves of the year. I’ve been dealing with some health stuff going on, so curating my list of favorites has been a little tricky these days. However, I have so many different favorites that I want to share with you. So here are this week’s favorites:

1. Ariana Grande Cloud Perfume: TikTok made me do this. I went to Ulta and tried it on and knew I needed to walk out with it. And, I’ve already have used it almost everyday since I purchased it. I’m obsessed with the smell, and it lasts all day. If you’re considering this purchase, I highly recommend, because it is definitely worth the hype.

2. That 90s Show: I am a huge fan of That 70s Show. I used to watch it daily after school, and it was a show that I honestly just enjoy. So, when the reboot happened, I came in with skeptical eyes. But, then I watched it and became obsessed. It is on Netflix, and it is a show that you can easily binge watch. The show is about Eric and Donna’s daughter, Leia, who stays in Point Place over the summer with her grandparents, Red and Kitty. She meets a gang of friends, all with characteristics that the original share. It’s definitely worth the watch.

3. Anthropologie Luna Crossbody: I love this Luna bag so much that I went back and got it in brown. The bag is a great crossbody, and it super secure. It is slouchy, and it fits a ton of things, including my Barnes and Noble Nook. It is made out of vegan leather and is really study. It is a great bag to bring on day trips and goes with any outfit.

4. Twisted series by Ana Hoang: I became obsessed with this series, and devoured it within a week. Yes, I read four books within a week. It tells the story of four college roommates as they find love. Of course, these are steamy and I could not put them down.

5. Gemstone Lavender Roller: I got this last week from Scorp Zone, and I have become obsessed with using this during the day whenever I feel anxious or stressed. What I like about this is that this has amethyst infused in it, and it always manages to work.

My 5 Snow Day Essentials

It is winter in the Nutmeg State, and I’m like most of us out there by just staying in during these cold months. This year, we’ve been really fortunate with the lack of snow days, but there is nothing like a cozy snow day where you can stay in and just hunker down. For me, it’s the ultimate form of self care.

To achieve the ultimate snow day, here’s some things that are a must for me:

1. Something to bake.

Cookies, cake, cupcakes, brownies, oh my! Having a treat to bake is my favorite thing to do during a snowy winter day. I have a sweet tooth, so this is perfect. But, there is nothing better than the smell of cookies in the oven while snow is falling gently outside.

2. Books.

It is no secret that I love reading. Therefore, there is something so cozy about curling up with a hot beverage, book, and fireplace (or YouTube fireplace for those who do not have one IRL) with a physical or ebook.

3. Craft.

I have a lot of hobbies, and having a snow day means that you get some free time. For me, that means that I can work on a craft that I have been putting off. One of the most relaxing things that I do is knit/crochet with a TV show playing in the background. While I knit, there is so many other crafts to do. Painting. Jewelry making. Cricut Crafter. The limits do not exist.

4. Binging TV.

Binging TV shows/movies is a must during a snow day. Whether it’s that show that you desperately need to catch up on or an old favorite, there is nothing better than snuggling under a blanket with a cup of something warm. At least I think so.

5. Working Out At Home.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, the biggest thing is that you don’t need to go to the gym in order to get a work out in. Whether it’s Peloton, a free YouTube video or even just walking on a treadmill, there is no better feeling than a post workout feeling.

What are your snowy day essentials? Let me know in the comments below.