Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Summer Cucumber Salad


Summer calls for cold drinks, cook outs and crisp salads. This cucumber dish has simple ingredients and whips up in minutes.

Want this cutting board? You can find it here.


What you need:
3 english cucumbers (or 4 peeled garden cucumbers)
Handful of cherry tomatoes
4 strips of bacon (plus extra for snacking - I'm not here to judge)
1/4 cup mayo
Dash of onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste

1. Spiralize (or dice!) your cucumbers. If using garden cucumbers, place in colander and lightly salt to drain. 10 minutes should do the trick.
2. Cook up that bacon nice and crispy, then crumble.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
4. Place your cucumbers in a bowl and stir in the mayo and seasoning.
5. Fold in your tomatoes and bacon.
5. ENJOY! Best served while bacon is still crispy.


This is a flexible salad - you can pop in some fun additions. Try grilled chicken, avocado, corn or olives. Let us know what you add!


Written by Alonda Baird-Juhasz, owner of Designer Dwellings, who believes in adding color to life. An avid DIYer, sparkle-loving, all things fabulous addict, her shop features bright and fun home decor accessories and gifts. When not in the shop you can find her interior decorating or visual styling events and photo shoots.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Connecticut Food & Farm Magazine Summer Issue


You do not want to miss the newest issue of Connecticut Food and Farm Magazine!  With its beautiful images and stories from all over the state, it is a must-read for anyone interested in local food.  You can read the Summer issue online here:  Connecticut Food and Farm Magazine

You can also have it sent to your Inbox by signing up here!

Cover photo by Anna Sawin Photography at SIFT Bake Shop Mystic.
Cover designed by Rita Rivera at Love & Pop.


Monday, June 27, 2016

Chemistry Rhymes with Ken Fredette Illustrations

Our member, Ken Fredette, has been working on a project called ChemistryRhymes.com. Ken worked with the site's creator, Alice Baxter, to illustrate elements of the periodic table.

From the About Page of the site:  "The goal of this website is to have some fun with chemistry and learn about the elements of the periodic table at the same time. When you click on an element, you will find a verse or song about the element, based on a common nursery rhyme or song. Each verse is illustrated, and you can listen to the rhyme being sung or read. Explanations of the chemical principles used in each verse are explained by clicking on the link below the verse called 'learn more about…' If you need a refresher on the nursery rhymes that are used, just click on the name of the nursery rhyme or song."


Visit ChemistryRhymes.com to view Ken's work and learn about the elements in an entertaining way!


Friday, June 24, 2016

Nutmeg Collective Markets and Events for June 24, 25, and 26


You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!


FRIDAY


4:00 to 7:30 pm
1 River Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut

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SATURDAY 


9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Arbor Park, Main Street, Ellington, Connecticut

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9:00 am to 12:00 pm
15 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford, Connecticut

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9:00 am to 1:00 pm
481 Brewster St., Bridgeport, Connecticut

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10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Corner of Main and Hubbard Streets, Glastonbury, Connecticut

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11:30 pm to 3:00 pm 
35 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut

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SUNDAY


10:00 am to 4:00 pm
375 Harrison Ave., Boston, Massachussettes

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9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut

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Coventry Farmers Market
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut

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SATURDAY & SUNDAY


10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dutchess County Fair, 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, New York



Thursday, June 23, 2016

Eat Local: Sauteed Summer Greens


It's finally summer here in Connecticut and for many of us that means the start of a local CSA farm share.  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, meaning that the public can purchase a share of a farm's harvest in exchange for monetary support that allows the farm to grow.  CSA members get to pick up what's ripe for the picking each week, meaning they will be eating the freshest seasonally available food.



This week my CSA share from Sub Edge Farm in Farmington/Avon was filled with greens of all kinds - Tokyo Benaka lettuce, escarole, rainbow chard, kale, collards, and broccolini, along with some sugar snap peas and garlic.  I did not grow up eating greens outside of a few varieties of lettuce.  Until I met my Texas-born husband I don't know if I had even heard the term "greens", let alone laid eyes on these large-leafed plants.  In the almost-16 years I've known him, I've learned how to cook them properly through some definite trial and error.  My favorite is an easy recipe requiring just a few ingredients, and I used a mix of collards and rainbow chard, plus fresh garlic and garlic scapes (the green stem portion of the garlic plant) that were in my share this week.



Sauteed Summer Greens

10 leaves of collards and chard, ribs removed and sliced into ribbons
2 T olive oil
1 shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
3 garlic scapes, diced (if you don't have these, use another clove of garlic instead)
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Add your raw greens to the pot and let them cook for about 5 minutes to soften them.  Transfer to a colander and allow the excess liquid to run off.  In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the shallots and saute for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and scapes, stirring them frequently to prevent them from burning.  Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixure is soft and fragrant.  Add drained greens to the skillet and toss with the shallot mixture, adding salt and pepper to taste.  Cook for about 15 minutes, turning and mixing occasionally, allowing the greens to soften more and brown slightly.  The greens are done when they are the consistency of cooked spinach - I always take a bite to taste test for done-ness.


What started as a bunch of thick, tough and somewhat bitter raw leaves will be wittled down to an enjoyable, mellow, completely flavorful side dish.  Serve them with grilled chicken or steak for a nice round meal.  If you are not part of a CSA this year, most local farm shops will have greens available right now, as well as at the weekly farmers markets held around the state.



Written by Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly.  Kristen runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

One Thing: Facebook Groups to Grow Your Business


Our One Thing series is all about fitting an action into your day that is fast, efficient, and hopefully, effective for your business. Last time, we connected your personal profile and your Business Page on Facebook.  Let's go one step (or One Thing) further and join a relevant group on Facebook.

From your Facebook homepage, you'll find a column to the left listing Favorites, Pages, Groups, and more.  If you click on Discover under the Groups heading, you'll be taken to a page of suggested Groups in many categories that may be relevant to your business. 


As you search for a group that suits your business, read the descriptions provided on the individual Group page in the right-hand column. You may need approval from the Administrator of a Closed Group, but if you are selecting a relevant group, approval usually happens quickly.

Facebook Groups are about participation, conversations, and sharing of ideas and resources.  Linking to your own content is usually a no-no. Bringing value to a group through real engagement via comments should be your goal. If members of the group are curious about who you are and what you do, they can hover on your name, see your business link, and click through to your business page.

There are so many groups to choose from that could help your business grow.  It's exciting to find business peers, potential customers, or a wealth of business knowledge right at your fingertips.  Good luck and happy searching!


Monday, June 20, 2016

Nutmeg Collective Fundraiser: Love Local Connecticut Tote and Tank


Our second EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION is now live! 


With art by Ann Marie of Sprinkles of Color, we are offering a Nutmeg green OR pink tote bag and a ladies' tank in dark gray or pink. 


We hope you'll consider supporting our Love Local cause!  Check out the campaign here.


Friday, June 17, 2016

Nutmeg Collective Markets and Events for June 17, 18 and 19


You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!

FRIDAY


10:00 am to 2:00 pm
800 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut

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4:00 to 7:30 pm
1 River Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut 

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SATURDAY 


1:00 pm to 4:30 pm 
Veteran's Park, 253 West Street, Shelton, Connecticut

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9:00 am to 1:00 pm
481 Brewster St., Bridgeport, Connecticut



9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Heritage Park, 3 Stafford St., Stafford Springs, Connecticut

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9:00 am to 12:00 pm
15 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford, Connecticut

~~~

SUNDAY 



9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut

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Coventry Farmers Market
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut

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11:00 am to 4:00 pm
100 Whiting St., Winsted, Connecticut

~~~

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 


Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Town Green, 12 Main St., Essex, Connecticut

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Local Love: Connecticut Honey


It's that wonderful time of the year when local honey is available!  We surveyed our members to share their favorites.  Of course, our absolute favorite is from Little Bee of Connecticut, founded and run by beekeeper, Scott Priore.  You can read his advice on finding local honey here.  Enjoy the sweetness of the season!


Sugar Maple Farms, Lebanon, CT

Full Bloom Apiaries, Franklin, CT

Passardi Maple, Willington, CT

Forgotten Acres Farm, Windsor, CT

Sherwood Farm, Easton, CT

Berry Ledges Apiary, Litchfield, CT

Pease Bees, Vernon, CT

J & L Enterprises, Willington, CT


If you have a favorite place for honey, please add it to the comments!




Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Monday, June 13, 2016

Coloring Book from Melley Nelson Design


Trish Nelson, of Melley Nelson Design, has published a coloring book of her original pen and ink drawings featuring beautiful homes.  A lovely way to relax and create something wonderful for your own walls.  

Coloring book is available here.



Trish Nelson, of Melley Nelson Design, is an architect, artist and mother. Drawing house portraits gives her the opportunity to combine all three. The drawings are done of homes that are loved and have, or are about to have, many happy stories of the families that live in them.

Facebook | MelleyNelson@gmail.com

Friday, June 10, 2016

NC Out and About: June 11 and 12


You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!

SATURDAY

RiverDog Prints
Madelily Bags
Lyric Hill Farm

Handmade Market at New Morning
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
129 Main St N, Woodbury, Connecticut 06798

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Treefort Naturals
Nutmeg Naturals
Purring Pottery

Parmalee Farm Market
 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
465 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut

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The Burnt Shop
 Treefort Naturals
 Flatland Alpacas

FARE
5:00 - 8:00 pm
1 Jillson Square, Willimantic, Connecticut

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Little Bee of CT
The Tiny Wren
Bags in Bloom

Gallery on the Green
9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Intersection of Route 63 & 202, Litchfield, Connecticut

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Doug Hockman Photography
Cottage Wicks

OnTrend Spring Craft Fair
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hadley Town Commons, Hadley, Massachusetts

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SUNDAY

Olive My Skin

Hidden Garden Tour Garden Market
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wheeler House Lawn, Westport, Connecticut

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Treefort Naturals
Sea Uniquely
Purring Pottery

Tag Sale on the Green
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
80 Main St, Colchester, Connecticut

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The Burnt Shop
Lyric Hill Farm

Coventry Farmers Market
 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut

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Bags in Bloom

The Village Marketplace at Lyric Hill
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
827 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut

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SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Cottage Wicks

Spring Open Studios at Whiting Mills
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
100 Whiting Street, Winsted, Connecticut

Thursday, June 9, 2016

A Day In Niantic

Welcome to the next installment in our series, A Day In, where one of our Nutmeg Collective members takes us on a tour of their hometown and gives us the scoop on some of the must-see local spots. Today, Gail Barton of Sea Glass Designs shares some of her favorite places in Niantic.


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Niantic Boardwalk

Enjoy the ocean view and meet friendly people while getting some exercise on the 1 mile boardwalk. Don't forget to spend some time on the beach sea glassing.

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Gumdrops and Lollipops Candy Shop

There are lots of great restaurants in town. My favorite is Gumdrops and Lollipops. My grandson loves this place. Children's meals are served in a pail - so they are ready for the beach. There's plenty of candy and sweets to choose from also.

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Smoochie Bird Gift Shop

There is also great shopping in town. Smoochie Bird just opened and it is one of my favorite shops. Great assortment of gifts and jewelry.

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The Niantic Farmers Market

I do all my fresh fruit and vegetable shopping all in one place. The market also has vendors that sell local meats and seafood.

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The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut

A hands on museum that has something for all age children. The outdoor playspace is awesome. I have as much fun as my grandson.

~~~


Bruce and Gail Barton are owners of Sea Glass Designs. They spend the winter months living aboard our boat in the northern Bahamas collecting rare sea glass shards. The area is rich in beautiful old sea glass as a result of numerous shipwrecks on the reefs during the early 1800’s. Their jewelry features old and very rare pieces of sea glass and pottery. All of their jewelry is handcrafted and made with high quality materials and authentic sea glass.

Website | Facebook | Blog





Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Nutmeg Pets: Scout


The inspiration for RiverDog Prints, Scout is an almost 15-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever.  With a serious expression and sweet demeanor, Scout is in her golden years and her family is enjoying every moment possible.




Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Nutmeg Collective Critters: ShawnaLee Portraits

Custom Portrait
Did you know that you can have your critter drawn or painted by Portraits by ShawnaLee


Middlebury-based artist, ShawnaLee, offers commissioned art that can be done in oils, charcoals, or graphite. All sketches are hand-drawn on art paper of your treasured critter.


You can also reach out to ShawnaLee on Facebook.  All her works are copyright protected.