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.

An Honest Review of the Sydney Squad and Sydney Cummings Workouts

Fitness is probably one of those things that feels like it’s so intimidating, that doesn’t have to be. And, as many of us have made it our 2023 resolution to get into shape, it can be hard to stay motivated in both fitness or nutrition.

Enter the Sydney Squad.

The Sydney Squad, a group that is run by trainer Sydney Cummings Houdyshell, is a group that has a workout schedule, helps plan your macros, and has so much content for the price of $29.99 with an option to go annual and save. The squad is a group comprised of men and women who all share the same goals of staying in shape. I’ve been a member of the Squad since March 2022, and I am so glad that I’ve joined it.

Sydney Cummings Houdyshell is a coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and a fitness nutritionist specialist with over a million subscribers on YouTube. She posts new workouts everyday, which are available even if you are not a member of the Squad. This is something that I truly love about her. She is more committed to making fitness completely accessible to everyone, whether or not they can afford the membership. Furthermore, Sydney focuses on the health aspect of fitness rather than the numbers. That is something that I truly love about her as well.

The workouts are strength and HIIT (high intensity interval training) based, and focus on building strength and stamina. What I like about her workouts is that you can join if it’s your first workout or your 100th. She had modifications, which I really enjoy. While she has these modifications, she also truly pushes those who are working out so that you can grow.

As I mentioned earlier, being a member of the Squad gets way more than your money’s worth. The biggest value in my opinion, is the community. A health journey can be one of the most isolating things. The group consists of people all throughout the world, all doing the same Sydney workout video that you are doing. There is something that is so incredible about that.

In addition to the community, you get a macro calculator, tons of lives with Sydney herself, discounts, and so much more.

I am going to be honest with you all. I have tried a few different workout programs in the past, and they just didn’t work for me. This one is the one that I honestly love the most. I do not do the full five days of the workouts. On an average week, I do three days of running and three days of HIIT, with one day of active rest, and I feel like that is a good combo for me.

I also just really love Sydney’s vibe. She is one of the most positive people that I’ve met. Sure, I’ve cursed her at the end of the workout when she proposed burpees. But, she’s someone that is truly passionate about the work that she does, and that energy is contagious. This motivates me to actually press play even on my sorest days, because if you know, you know. Just getting started is half the struggle.

And, she makes working out so easy — you can work out from home whenever works for you. No excuses, just work.

I am not sure what my results are, but I can tell you that I’ve grown stronger, and these workouts have been helpful in growing my skills in running. It also is just easy to workout at home versus getting in your car at the gym. So, if you’re looking for a great tool to help you reach your goals, I highly recommend checking out the Sydney Squad.

3 of my Favorite Bride Accessories To Add To Your Jewelry Box

If you’ve been around the Nutmeg Millennial for a while, you know that I love a good stack. So as my wedding draws closer and closer, I have been adding a few bridal pieces here and there to my collection. All of these are pieces that have been in my collection for the past year and I’ve been loving.

Little Words Project Bride Bracelet: I think this bracelet is so so fun! They also have a Mrs. one that I have yet to pick up, but I love this bracelet. I also got everyone in my wedding party ones that either said Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid. These are so dainty and can be stacked with any other bracelet you already have in your collection.

T Jazelle Bride Charm Bracelet: My fiancé got me this when this came out last year and I’ve been loving it. It is not only a special gift that he gave me that I will be wearing long after my wedding dress is put away, but it is something that is a fun way to accessorize as well! It comes in a variety of stones, so it’s perfect for any bride.

Little Words Project Custom Bracelets: I recently got two of these: One that says Mrs. Urbo (which will be my new last name) and the other with my wedding date. Since these are about $30 to $40 and always have a sale, they are definitely worth picking up. They also make great gifts for the bride to be as well!