Wedding Under Wraps

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that this weekend Chelsea Clinton is getting married to long time beau Marc Mezvinsky. We are not surprised at how fascinated the media has been with uncovering the secrets of the wedding. As Washington Post journalist Howard Kurtz said, "We weren't able to find out whether Saddam had WMD, we missed the signs of a Wall Street meltdown and we don't really have a clue how much health reform will cost. But goshdarnit, we are going to ferret out the secret details of Chelsea Clinton's wedding!" So, since the wedding seems to be on everyone's mind lately, we've put our detective skills to the test. Here are some secrets that have been (kind of) uncovered:

-Location: Chelsea and Marc's wedding invitation simply stated to "be within driving distance of Manhattan", but most sources have said the wedding will be at the Astor mansion in Rhinebeck, NY

-Dress: Despite trying to be incognito in an oversized hat and sunglasses, Chelsea was rumored to be seen walking into a Vera Wang store.

-Guest List: The Obama's and Oprah received invitations...but will they or won't they? Reports say they will not attend, but a surprise appearance would not be a shocker.

-Wedding Planner: Our prime suspect is Boston's Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events, rumored to be the planner... which by default makes him the ultimate secret keeper.

Some of the secrets are out (sorry Chelsea), but the world will have to stay tuned until July 31st to get the full details!

First daughters tie the knot. Photo Credit: www.boston.com

Cool Find

We love these Scout Books that we recently discovered! They are small pocket sized notebooks that gave us the idea to give them out as party favors for your next event. What's great about them is you can make your own customized design! Create a graphic or scan a sketch into your computer and upload them to the site. The company will put your design onto the books for you, leaving you with a special take away gift for your guests. We thought that when you're in the business of uncovering cool trends, the designs below are a must!

Marcia, Marcia, Mangia!

Recently we paid a visit to Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning in Stamford, CT. We had a blast talking with this fantastic group of women, who throw all kinds of creative, exciting and delicious parties. Founded by Marcia 30 years ago and joined by her talented daughter and passionate chef Robin, this team of hardworking planners and food prep experts delivers delicious menus to the best events in Fairfield County, New York City and beyond. Check out their blog, The Party Girls, for tips on planning your next celebration! This week they are featuring "horoscope cupcakes"...how about baking some for your favorite Leos?

Behind the scenes at Marcia Selden!

Spotted!

Sidewalk Sale! This past Saturday, New Canaan held its annual sidewalk sales where stores put out TONS of wares for shoppers looking to beat the heat and rummage for summertime bargains. We spotted some furry friends getting into the action with their own petting zoo...although they did not appear to be "for sale". Sneakers or headbands anyone?

Fresh for the Pickin'

Worried about what's for dinner? Head to Fort Hill Farm in New Milford, CT. and you'll find all the inspiration you'll need for a perfect summertime meal. This organic farm has your taste buds covered from arugula to zucchini, and the best part is they let you do the picking! For those who want freshness delivered once a week, the farm offers a CSA (community supported agriculture) box with recipes and storage tips included, that gets dropped locally during the season. There's a waiting list for these boxes, but from first- hand experience we know they are well worth the wait.

Spotted!

Yesterday was "La Fête Nationale", or as we know it in the States, Bastille Day! France's national holiday is celebrated every year by New Canaan's Roger Sherman Inn. We drove by yesterday and found this fabulous vintage Citroen. Word on the street is that the owner drives this car around town. Have you spotted it?

A Porch Perspective

Friday night I went to an interesting fundraiser at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT. The event, called Old Hundred had a "porch theme" to raise money to renovate the original building's front porch. Auction items featured porch furniture, porch paintings, porch entertaining experiences and a weekend at Porches Inn in Massachusetts! I also detected a cool fundraising idea called "The Treasure Chest Milk Box". Guests were asked to purchase a "word key" for $50 each, one of which would open the combination to the surprise contents of the milk box. Wonder who had the winning word?

Rowayton River Ramble

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the Rowayton River Ramble. It was a fantastic event, located right on the water at Pinkney Park, and featured a range of Fairfield County's most talented artists. The event included a live auction with prize packages from around Fairfield County. We just love Rowayton because even though it's a small beach town, it has so much to offer. Some of our favorite Rowayton attractions include the Pinkney Park Farmer's Market and Downunder Kayaking. Rowayton is the perfect spot for a weekend adventure!

River Ramble

Downunder Kayaking

Farmer's Market

Cool Find

You may have seen them around town in places like Ralph Lauren and Whole Foods, but the FEED project bags have been expanding! The FEED project was founded on the mission to feed hungry children around the world through the sale of these groovy bags. The FEED team has created new models for countries in need like Haiti and Guatemala. So whether it be the original or a new FEED cause, buy the bag and make a difference.

Look Cool While You're Hot

This heat wave has started to get pretty old. But why not use the weather as an excuse to do some summer shopping? Look on the bright side, it's the perfect opportunity to get caught up with this season's fashion trends, and shade yourself from the sun at the same time!

1. Ray Ban Sunglasses

2. Neon Collection by Essie

3. SPF 50 makeup by Physicians Formula

4. J. Crew Fedoras

Spotted!

The circus has come to New Canaan for the very first time! We spotted the tent at Saxe Middle School and decided to stop in and see what it was all about. This family circus, Circus Vidbel, had some pretty entertaining acts, and we think it's the perfect event to take your little one to this summer. The circus was sponsored by the YMCA and Kiwanis Club of New Canaan. So try to catch it at its next stop if you can!

We Declare it Fun on the 4th!

How will you celebrate America's big day?

It's our country's biggest birthday party of the year! On the 4th of July, summer is in full swing and everyone is in the mood to get together and enjoy good food and drinks. Whether you are staying at home, heading out to the beach or picnicking at a the fireworks, call up family and friends and share your patriotism.

Celebrating the 4th can be just as fun in your backyard as anywhere else! Decorate your place settings with these DIY patriotic fans for the heat, and for some late night fun, roast marshmellows by the fire pit. So pick up a game of horseshoes and give a cheer to the U.S.A!

The holiday weekend is a perfect excuse to hit the beach. We loved these ice cream cone clip art covers that you can print out, compliments of Martha Stewart. Ice cream is the perfect treat to cool down with in the heat of the day. So pack up your beach chairs, bring along your dog and a frisbee, and enjoy some sparklers when the sun goes down.

Most small towns in Fairfield and Westchester county have their own firework displays. In our town of New Canaan, this calls for a picnic at Waveny Park. Thousands of people get together with family and friends, and trust us, at these events you wont go hungry. We found this great recipe that puts a spin on your 4th of July classic fried chicken, which is coated in pretzel crumbs!