February Faves

February was a short month, but it was a long one. It was busy with work, and it took a huge toll on me emotionally. However, I am now writing this in March and I’m really happy that spring is on its way at long last.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone: This book was sitting on my shelves for a while. I picked it up over one weekend and devoured it. It is about Eve, who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a one night stand. The book follows her pregnancy journey, along with her romance with her best friend’s brother, Shep. This was an amazing novel, and one of my favorite books that I’ve read thus far in 2025.

Baggalini Triple Zip Crossbody: Baggalini is one of my new favorite brands that I’ve been slowly adding pieces to my collection. I love them that they have so many different pockets and organization. This bag is my favorite because it’s compact, but it still is able to fit my essentials — including my beloved Kindle. I highly recommend this bag if you’re on the go, or even if you’re looking for a bag small enough to carry the essentials.

Sheila Fajil Everyone’s Favorite Hoops: I am a hoop girly through and through. These are so chunky, but so lightweight. I’ve worn these for two or three days in a row and have absolutely had no issues with these hoops. I recommend these if you’re a sensitive girly like myself.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: This has been one of my favorite shows as of late. I’ve gotten invested in this show thanks to my mother in law. Every Wednesday, we sit and watch the show together that was recorded from the night before. There’s a lot of drama, it’s mindless, but it’s something that I love to watch to get my mind off of my daily adventures.

Nespresso Oatly: This flavor is limited time, and I wish that Nespresso would consider having this as a part of the regular lineup. I have been enjoying this so much, and I want to stock up on a few boxes to enjoy. 10/10 recommend.

Fiber Faves of February 2025

Happy Thursday everyone! There is only one day left in the month of February, and I am finally sitting down to share my favorites in my adventures in my crochet journey with you.

The reason why this one was later than usually was the sad news that Joann is closing and going out of business. I’ve been going to Joann since I was little. It was my favorite place to get craft supplies and the closest at the time. While I am a hobbyist, I do feel for those who have small businesses who use Joann yarn and those who work at Joann and would be losing their jobs as well. That being said, anything from Joann will not be linked since I don’t know where else to find it at this time.

On that sad note, here are my fiber faves this month:

Patterns:

Other Crochet Items:

Silver Sands Gyro Offers A Chance To Head to the Mediterranean Without a Flight Ticket

During this time of year, I find myself craving the sunshine and warmth of the Mediterranean. However, it is not plausible for me to hop on a plane to head there at this moment in time. Enter Silver Sands Gyro.

Silver Sands Gyro is a new restaurant located in Milford, Conn. I’ve enjoyed their food quite a few times as of late, and I will be honest that every time was a treat. The decor fits into that peaceful blue that is associated with the serene Mediterranean Sea that is miles away from Milford. However, it’s the food that is worth the buzz.

The menu consists of a Subway-style build your own pita, salads, and bowls, as well as some special options. What is really cool about Silver Sands Gyro is that the fact that you can completely customize your meal — from meat choices (chicken, Falafel, steak, gyro, and kofta), to dressings and toppings. However, they do have a few other treats on the menu as well, such as the delicious rice pudding and baklava.

Right now, my go-to on the menu is a pita with grilled chicken, lettuce, onions, and tzatziki sauce. That is my go-to because their ingredients are so fresh and delicious. I’ve also had their Falafel — which was my first time having it — and it was absolutely amazing. They had a little kick of spice of them, but did not lack flavor. In addition, I’ve also tried their seasoned fries and they were absolutely delicious as well. What I liked about those is that those fries don’t taste overly salty. Instead they rely on natural flavors and seasonings. Perfect for this high blood pressure girly.

Oh, and before I forget, we need to talk about the hummus. The hummus was absolutely amazing. One bite of this is like biting into a piece of heaven. It is the perfect addition to anything that you get on the menu — from bowl to pita.

I will say that this is the perfect grab and go place if you need something quick or just want something to grab for dinner on your way home. One thing that I will note about this place is the takeout stays so well. You know some foods that you need to consume right then and there? Yeah, well this place can be taken home and enjoyed without lack of flavor. And in addition to in person ordering, they also offer all of their options online as well.

It is safe to say that I will be a regular at Silver Sands Gyro — whether it’s a falafel pita, or a bite of hummus — long after my winter blues subside.

What’s In My Bag Wednesday: the Coach Ellie File Bag

I think I found a Coach bag that is both underrated and a much more affordable alternative to the Louis Vuitton Odeon PM — the Coach Ellie File Bag.

This is a bag that is not new in my collection by any means. I purchased both the black pebble leather and the brown/black monogram versions back in 2022 from the Coach Outlet. I’ve used them for daytrips, and trust me, they were perfect for a casual on the go moment.

I used the Ellie this past weekend to take a day trip shopping and to the Melting Pot, and I was pleasantly surprised that the bag was able to fit my knitting project. Granted, when I am not going into work, I don’t take a lot of things with me anyways, but it’s a good thing to know if you like to travel with your crochet or knitting like I do.

Here’s what fit in my bag at that moment.

  • Coach Essential Mini Card Case
  • Country Cottage Fingerless Gloves
  • Summer Fridays Lip Balm in Vanilla
  • Summer Fridays Lip Gloss
  • Touch land Hand Santizer
  • My knitting project

The next day, I went ahead and switched my everyday bag from the Coach Teri Hobo. It was able to fit my usual everyday things, which are:

Plasko’s Farm in Trumbull Combines Rich and Creamery Family History to Create an Inviting Cafe

I cannot think of a better combination other than coffee and ice cream. Plasko’s Cafe and Creamery, located in Trumbull, Conn., has that combination; as well as delicious baked treats and an extensive cafe menu.

Plasko’s is located just off of Daniel’s Farm Road, and has one of the most coziest and inviting atmospheres which made me want to curl up and just unwind. Plasko’s is connected to a full blown farm as well; which adds to the coziness of the place. The farm origins are noticeable in the decor and throughout the entire shop.

That coziness is what I loved most about my time there. I grabbed a tea and a cake pop, and plopped myself right next to the fireplace. And that vibe was exactly what I needed after a long week.

The history of the cafe and farm is extensive. According to their website, Plasko’s began in 1925 when Martin and Mary Plasko moved to the United States from Czechoslovakia. Martin worked for 10 years on an Osyter boat in Norwalk to be able to purchase the land in Trumbull for him and his family to live and work in. It was continued for generations to come with the next generation opening up in 1952 at the Daniels Farm Road location. In 1997, John Plasko, Jr., renovated the farm to revert back to its original purpose. The creamery and cafe, which are new additions, opened in 2017 and 2020.

As I mentioned, Plasko’s has a cafe menu, consisting of the usual suspects; coffee, tea, lattes, hot chocolate, and specials. But what blew me away is the options. They have a huge selection of syrup flavors and milks to allow you to create a drink completely tailored to your tastes. I ordered a citrus hibiscus tea, and the barista had asked me if I wanted any honey or sugar in my tea.

And the treats. Oh, the treats. That menu, too, is extensive and mouthwatering. I had ordered both a cake pop and a cupcake to try. One bite into that cake pop and I was in complete heaven that Starbucks can never reach. The cupcake was also delicious. It was one of those cupcakes that tasted so rich that you need a glass of milk to wash it down with. In addition to cupcakes, they also offer scones, muffins, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

In addition to those treats, Plasko’s also offers pies and ice cream cakes made to order as well.

Finally, I need to place further emphasis on the ice cream. The list of flavors is so expansive it’s not even funny. I simply can’t get into that long list. They offer sundaes, cones, and so many toppings. In addition, there is the ability to have ice cream put in your coffee, something that sounds absolutely delicious.

This was my first time visiting Plasko’s, but it certainly won’t be my last. I’m so happy I stumbled upon this little piece of Trumbull history and encourage you to do the same.

DMBA Spreads Love with Hearts Around Downtown Milford

Love is in the air in Downtown Milford. The Downtown Milford Business Association is taking the quote “a small city with a big heart,” quite literally with the Hearts for Milford event.

The hearts were available for purchase last month on the association’s website, but made their grand debut yesterday, and survived the snowy weather of last night’s storm. The hearts give off the conversation hearts vibes — very whimsical, nostalgic, and festive.

According to Natalie Scherbaum, PR and Social Media for the Downtown Milford Business Association, the idea came from seeing them in “another city.” She added that any message could be written on these hearts.

What is really unique about the hearts is its promotion for small business. The website said that you can “take your special someone for a stroll downtown to search for your heart,” and to “grab a drink or dinner at one of their member restaurants.” After all, there’s nothing more romantic than a stroll.

“The response has been positive from the community,” says Scherbaum.

And that can be noted from the hearts. They vary from both personal to business, and are scattered throughout downtown. Some of the messages include: I love us; the Canvas Patch Loves Milford; spread love, spread kindness, spread butter from Scratch Baking, and so much more. It takes about 20 minutes to walk around the green, and it is 100 percent worth it.

All you need is love, and this is noted in this very event. These hearts will be spreading love until February 17th.

January Favorites

Happy Monday, and happy first Monday of February. Was it me, or did it seem like January go on forever?!

Well, folks. We’ve finally made it to February. Before we leave the month of January behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of my favorites of the month.

  1. Clare V. Moyen Messenger Bag: This bag was featured in a recent What’s in My Bag post, and it’s safe to say that I absolutely loved this bag this month. I loved having the versatility of the 2 straps. I loved the capacity. I loved that it was a leather version of my beloved Baggu bags, which is something that I really loved. Yes, she’s pricey, but she is worth it.
  2. P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly: This book made me cry. It was the ultimate enemies to lovers story, and I ate it up. It is about Maddie and Dom, who after a rejection, hated each other. They are brought together by Maddie’s brother and Dom’s best friend, Josh, who passed away. Josh’s final wishes are for them to embark on a road trip on the states he has not visited, and have them spread his ashes. The road trip, the overcoming of their fears, and the love story were enough to make me obsessed with this book.
  3. God of the Woods by Liz Moore: This was on my TBR for so long, and I am so happy I got this one. This is about a family whose older son and younger daughter have gone missing, and follow the search for the daughter. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it.
  4. Coach New York Pouch: This wristlet has been my ride or die for the last few months. It’s simple, but it holds everything that I need in the moments that I do not wish to carry a purse. Wallet, keys, random stuff. Yes, this bag can do that. This bag is similar to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull pouch, but a little more subtle, and a little more wallet friendly. I am heavily considering adding the Maple to my collection soon as well.
  5. ENewton Bracelets: This month, I have fallen back in love with these bracelets. I have been creating so many simply and easy stacks with them, and have been enjoying them. They are pricey, yes, but the quality of them is unmatched.
  6. The Favorites by Layne Fargo: We’re ending this with my favorite book that I read this year. I was obsessed with this book. I couldn’t put it down. This is about Health and Kat, famous ice skaters, and follows their careers over the decades. This book engulfed me. I couldn’t get enough of them, and I am so happy that I picked it up.

What’s In My Bag Wednesday: Clare V. Moyen Messenger Bag

Clare V. Is a new brand for me. Their bags offer the ability to completely customize them depending on what kind of look that you’re going for.

I recently got the Moyen Messenger Bag in black, and let me tell you, I am so obsessed with this bag. The bag is an investment piece, but what I truly love about it is the fact that comes with two completely removable straps, and I can even go ahead and add more to completely change up the look.

What I have been loving about the bag so far is that not only is it completely customizable, but the fact that it’s a slouchy and comfortable bag to wear. It kind of reminds me of the Baggu Medium Crescent where it becomes a bottomless pit that is deceivingly spacious. Mary Poppins bag who?

So…what fits in this bag?

Well, let me tell you:

Friday Faves: January 24, 2025

TGIF! I am so happy that it is Friday. This morning was one of those mornings where I just wanted to stay in bed and scroll. I blame the cold.

However, we have one more day on the grind before it is officially the weekend. Before we reach the time for us to clock out, I’m going to share my Friday Favorites.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo: I could not put this one down. It is a retelling of Wuthering Heights, a book that I have not read, but now, I may want to pick that one up. That being said, this book is about childhood friends to lovers Kat and Heath. This book tore me up inside and out with the emotional rollercoaster it took me on. So far, it is my favorite book that I read this year.

Clare V Moyen Messenger Bag: I love how simple this bag is, but the possibilities are endless. You can even swap out the straps to be whatever you need the bag to be. I love that because it makes it oh so versatile, which in turn, gets the cost per wear down. It also fits a lot of stuff, so I can really have everything I need fitting with ease. Yes, this is a little pricey, but I do think that it’s worth every penny.

Monica Vinader Bangle: This bracelet has been on my wrist pretty much since the day that I got it. I love that it’s something that is simple yet substantial. Yes, this is something that is an investment piece, but I can honestly say that it was worth the money for me.

Catbird Signet Ring: I put myself on the waitlist for this piece, and it just came in last week. It’s safe to say that I absolutely love it. I have it engraved with my initial. It’s dainty, but she isn’t flimsy. This was my first piece from Catbird, but it will not be my last.

Knitting: I have been a knitting girly as of late. We all know that I love crocheting, but many people do not know that I actually started to knit before crocheting. I wonder if it’s because of all the fiber content that I have been consuming these days, but I’m proud to say that I’ve been improving on my knitting these days.

Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher: I love this book. I actually just finished it this morning, and I already have the second book in the Lakefront Billionares on deck ready to go. I love watching the romance between Julian and Dahlia as well. It was beautiful and I absolutely will admit that there were tears shed at the end.

Fiber Faves of January

I’ve been crocheting now for almost six years, and it seems that lately crocheting has become an addiction/way to self soothe and relax whenever I can. As the holiday season is at last over and I can breathe (what happens when you make a good portion of your gifts), I wanted to take the time to share with you some of the things that I have really been enjoying using in my crocheting life.

Caron Cinnamon Roll Cakes: I love this yarn. I’m sure that this has been around for a while, but I just recently discovered how much I enjoy using this. I love the color changes on it. I used the oyster pearl to make both a scarf and a headband (which is a WIP at the time of writing this) in the Oyster Pearl color and I’m obsessed with it. I love how that color goes with everything. Furthermore, I love the quality of the yarn. It is so easy to work with and I’m definitely going to have to make more projects like this in the future.

Furls Crochet Hooks: Furls has been my favorite hook for the last year. Up until now, I’ve been using a set from Amazon, but these take it to the next level. They make crocheting so much easier and more comfortable with how they feel in the hand. Furthermore, they are gorgeous. I have had two break in the last year, but their customer service has been great in working with me to get a refund on it.

The Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet Book: I love Taylor Swift but I’m not a Swiftie by any means. I always wanted to make the Folklore cardigan but didn’t want to pay the price of it. Enter this book. I’m working on another project on the book but I definitely want to try more.

The Turtle Trunk Country Cottage Collection: I love these patterns! I have made the headband, the fingerless gloves and I hope to make the beanie. They are so easy and work up so well! 10/10 recommend.