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READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS: Our Readers Pick Their Local Favorites!

F O O D + B E V E R AG E

SISTERSN ACKI NG: A FO O DIE LOVE STO RY THAT STARTED IN CO N N ECTI CUT F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Valentine's Day! February is the month of romance, thanks to Valentine's Day. And for Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine, it's also the unveiling of our Reader's Choice survey results. The votes have been tallied and the winners are ..... listed for you starting on page 30! We've got all of your favorite "besties," including restaurants, med spas, bars, beauty salons and so much more! Speaking of restaurants, ever heard of Sistersnacking? If not, you’ve been missing one of the liveliest of online food critics. The Sistersnacking is comprised of four sisters, all Glastonbury natives, who have built a popular social media business that was born during and partly because of the lockdowns in the pandemic nearly four years ago. We sat down with them to talk about all the hows and whys of what they do! In our Now Open feature, we have a story about a new business in town in the commercial area at the top of Main Street. The Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. is a franchise locally owned by Leslie Giadone of Glastonbury and the all-natural soaps are made right in the store! Looking to kick up your eye makeup game? We spoke with Carla Peralta, of Lash and Glow CT about how she and her trained aesteticians can make your eyes really pop with eyelash extensions and lifts. Carla owns two salons here in Glastonbury, one in South Glastonbury and the other on Hebron Avenue in the town's center. Finally, in recognition of Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, we have an article about the origins of the holiday and a recipe for a pretty and festive Valentine's Day cocktail, as well as articles on how to have a DIY holiday, complete with pasta and chocolates and how to make your own gold-leaf jewelry dishes. We hope you enjoy this month issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a happy Valentine's Day!

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

John Helmke, Brian Ambrose, Kevin Savage, Carrie Draghi, Nicole Bedard Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @GLASTONBURYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Glastonbury area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/GLASTONBURY

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

38 58

Featured

22 30 38 58 10

A Brief History of Valentine's Day

The Roots of Our Annual Celebration of all Things Love

Reader's Choice Glastonbury 2023

The Votes Are In, Look For Your Faves in Our Winners' List

Sistersnacking: For the Love of Family and Food

Four Glastonbury Sisters Have Built a Social Media Business Out of Their Love of Food

A Love Potion to Share A Cocktail Both Potent and Pretty

22 On the Cover

Departments

Sistersnacking, four Glastonburynative sisters who operate a social media food critic business, eat pizza at The Beamhouse.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Inspired By ARTS + CULTURE

Locally Sourced SHOPPING

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Trend Setter BEAUTY

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

How To ARTS + CULTURE

Events

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

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FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1-7: Berkshire Hathaway and Waverly Markets Shoprite hosted the CT River Valley Chamber's Business After Hours. Photography by Brian Ambrose

C I T Y SC E N E

14 12

8-14: The IV Lounge CT in South Windsor recently held a grand opening celebration. Photography by Nicole Bedard Photography

CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

15-21: Greenwich Medical Spa hosted the CT River Valley Chamber's recent Women's Networking (WAVES) event.

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FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Glastonbury Rotary Club Hosts Annual Donation Drive The Glastonbury Rotary Club gave a record, $30,000 worth of baby products to the Salvation Army during its Baby Needs Drive in December. The local Rotary started the drive 28 years ago. "Thank you to Brookside Market, Highland Park Market, and ShopRite in Manchester, whom again, teamed up with the Glastonbury Rotary for this year’s event. In addition, many individual Rotarians and outside donors contributed." For more information visit the Rotary website, at Glastonburyrotaryclub.org.

D-Fine Mind & Body Wellness D-Fine Mind & Body Wellness on Citizens Drive now offers a new infrared sauna with wall-to-wall salt panels and gem stone emitters. Like regular saunas, D-Fine’s sauna can boost the immune system while sweating out toxins, and can get three times as hot as regular saunas. Visit Dfinewellnesscenter.com for more information.

Maynestreet Weight Loss and Wellness Has Ribbon Cutting Debbie Harris and David Mayne recently celebrated a ribbon cutting with the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce for the couple's business, Maynestreet Weight Loss and Wellness. The company, headquartered in Deep River, provides a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight while addressing overlooked factors, such as hormone imbalances and emotional relationships with food.Visit maynestreet.com for more information.

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A B r i e f H i s to r y o f Va l e n t i n e's D ay THE ROOTS OF OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS LOVE

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Legend holds that Valentine's Day was named in honor of St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop or priest.

I NSP IR E D BY | ARTS + C U LT U RE

February is the month of love here in the U.S., thanks to our celebrations of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. While the roots of this holiday are shrouded in lore and mystery, it contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. One legend of Valentine’s Day says it was created more than 1,500 years ago in Europe to mark the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, who was killed by a Roman emperor because Valentine refused the emperor’s order banning young men from marrying. So who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite of recognizing loved ones in our lives? Throughout the ages, the Catholic Church recognized at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend says Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for single men because he needed them in his armies. Valentine felt the edict was unjust and he defied Claudius by continuing to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered his execution. Another legend says it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday and that he was also beheaded by the Roman emperor. Still other stories suggest that Valentine was a priest who was killed for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. One legend holds that while he was imprisoned for his crimes, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” himself after he fell in love with a young girl

— possibly his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, the legend goes, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression still in use today. Another theory about Valentine’s Day holds that like many of our Christian celebrations it probably grew out of a pagan ritual which the early Catholic Church incorporated as a way to bring pagan followers into Catholicism. The church, the legend goes, decided to recognize a “St. Valentine’s feast day” in the middle of February to coincide with the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or Feb. 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. “Over the years we’ve celebrated the romantic notion behind Saint Valentine’s sacrifice by trading simple cards of affection or giving our loved ones chocolates, romantic cards, flowers and even proposals of marriage,” the website History.com states. “Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure, By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.” Whatever the true story is behind it, (Maybe we just set aside Feb. 14 as a day of celebration as a break from cold and dreary weather!), Valentine’s Day has become a major cultural celebration in the U.S. of all things associated with romantic love, complete with roses, chocolates and even diamonds!

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Leslie Giadone outside her new Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. shop at 2941 Main St.

MAGNOLIA SOAP & BATH CO. TO OPEN ON MAIN STREET

A New Kind of Bath Shop ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

All of the company's soaps are made with all-natural ingredients.

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | SH OPPIN G

A sampling of some of Magnolia Soap's products.

“

“ M a g n o l i a S o a p & B at h of fe rs s o m e t h i n g fo r eve r yo n e . We lo o k fo r wa rd t o s e r v i n g ou r c o m mu n it y w it h ou r b e a ut i f u l p ro duc t s a n d f u n at m o s p h e re .”

Imagine if you could shop in a store where the product is made right in front of you. That’s the allure, in part, of the new Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. shop, opening soon in February or March at 2941 Main St. It’s also part of what drew Leslie Giadone to open the franchise brand. Magnolia Soap & Bath is based in Mississippi, Leslie’s home state. While visiting there a few years ago, she happened upon one of the brand’s locally-owned stores and was captivated by their naturally-made products. “I stopped into one of their stores in my hometown of Amory, and I just fell in love. I loved all the vibrant colors of the soaps, and I was just intrigued with the products, how they’re made, and the company’s story. The company’s laundry wash became a household necessity due in part to my sensitive skin issues,” said Leslie. The company was founded by a woman who needed to find cleaner products for her daughter’s sensitive skin. The result was a formula of all plant-based products from domestically sourced, naturally grown ingredients. The franchise was founded in 2018 and today has more than 40 stores across the country. Each is locally owned and operated. “Experience the pure, plant ingredients in every product made by Magnolia Soap - free from harmful additives and full of nourishing goodness for your skin. We will never waiver from that,” the company states on its website. In addition to offering all plant-based products, one of the hallmarks of the local stores is that almost all products are made on-site, says Leslie, who moved to Glastonbury nine years ago with her husband and three children. The soaps are blended using a cold liquid process poured into wooden forms. The result

is a super creamy, colorful, dye–free parabens and phthalate-free “scentsational” soap. Magnolia also offers in-store events and parties, where participants can make bath and body products, such as bar soap, bath bombs, and even candles. “We don’t have anything else like this in Glastonbury, and I hope people enjoy it as much as I do,” Leslie says. The company, she adds, emphasises community outreach programs and giving back through its Hope in Soap program, which seeks to make a positive impact in the communities where the stores are located. The company website states that Magnolia Soap & Bath reaches out to touch the lives of 12 different local charities each year. In fact, every month at Magnolia, a unique soap is crafted to support a specific local organization. Charities include cancer awareness, mental health, and animal shelter organizations, just to name a few. One of the things that Leslie is most excited about is making an impact in the Glastonbury and surrounding Greater Hartford Area communities. Besides bar soaps, her store will carry Magnolia Soap’s wide array of products, including bath bombs, shower steamers, shampoo and conditioning bars, body butter, scrubs, shower oils, beard balms and oils, and products for the home. “Magnolia Soap & Bath offers something for everyone. We look forward to serving our community with our beautiful products and fun atmosphere.” Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. 2941 Main St., Suite 320 Online: MyMagnoliaSoap.com Email: Glastonbury@Magnoliabathandsoap.com Instagram: magnoliasoapandbathglastonbury Facebook: Magnolia Soap and Bath Glastonbury

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EMPOWERED INDOOR CYC LI N G & S T R E N G T H Empoweredstudio.com

ARTICLE BY GLASTONBURY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI, JOHN HELMKE, BRIAN AMBROSE, KEVIN SAVAGE The votes are in and we have the winners of the 2024 Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine Reader’s Choice Survey. We asked you to vote for your favorite businesses across dozens of categories and we’re proud now to share with you the winners of that balloting!

B E S T AU TO S E R V I C E C E N T E R

CENTURY AUTO SERVICE Centuryautoservicect.com

BEST FINE DINING

B E S T B LO W D RY B A R

SUNDANCE SALON & SPA

2 HOPEWELL BISTRO & BAR 2hopewell.com

Sundancesalon.com

Celebrating its 22nd year in 2024, Sundance has transformed the typical salon visit into a holistic, intimate and relaxing salon and spa experience.

B E S T T R AV E L AG E N T

T H E S TA M P E D PA S S P O R T T R AV E L C O. Thestampedpassporttravel.com

The Stamped Passport is a concierge boutique travel agency that helps you immerse yourself in the various cultures, cuisines, and extraordinary locations without worrying about the details.

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GLEN LOCHEN

Facebook.com/GlenLochen Home to dozens of commercial and retail businesses Glen Lochen offers everything from upscale restaurants to hair and beauty salons.

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BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

SHARON MCCORMICK DESIGN Sharonmccormickdesign.com

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SO. G. COFFEE ROASTERS Facebook.com/sogcoffee

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J. GILBERTS WOOD-FIRED STEAKS & SEAFOOD Jgilberts.com

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CONNECTICUT F A M I LY ACUPUNCTURE Ctfamilyacupunture.com B E S T L I Q U O R S TO R E

M&R LIQUORS Mandrliquors.com BEST BURGERS

PLAN B GLASTONBURY Burgersbeerbourbon.com/glastonbury B E S T P E T B OA R D I N G FAC I L I T Y

CANDLEWICK KENNELS PET R E S O R T, H O T E L , A N D S PA Candlewickkennels.com BEST BAR

B I R C H H I L L TAV E R N Birchhilltavern.com B E S T I TA L I A N F O O D

B R I C C O T R ATO R I A Billygrant.com/bricco-trattoria B E S T R E P L AC E M E N T W I N D O W S

TURNER HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS LLC TurnerHomeImprovement.com B E S T V I N E YA R D

C RYS TA L RIDGE WINERY Crystalridgewinery.com BEST BRUNCH

THE SPICY GREEN BEAN Thespicygreenbean.com BEST BANK T H I S PAG E : (Clockwise from top left) Michelle Jacoby, of Sundance Salon & Spa. Claudia Dawley, owner of The Stamped Passport. The lawfirm of Brown, Paindiris & Scott. Toni and Earl Strong, of Strong Family Wellness. A home designed by JWM Architects

BANK OF AMERICA www.bankofamerica.com CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

B E S T GY M

THE EDGE FITNESS CLUBS Theedgefitnessclubs.com

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

S AY U L I TA Cantinasayulita.com

BEST WINE SHOP

THE BEST WINE SHOP IN TOWN Thebestwineshopintown.com

B E S T W E A LT H M A N AG E M E N T

EDWARD JONES – JENNIFER PHILLIPS

Doctors Griffin and Jason Haviar, of Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital

Edwardjones.com

B E S T N A I L S A LO N

SPA POINTE Facebook.com/spapointe141

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

MONACO FORD Monacoford.com

BEST VETERINARIAN

G L A S TO N B U RY V E T E R I N A RY H O S P I TA L Glastonburyvet.com

Compassionate care for your animal companions, Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital provides preventive, dental and surgical care. B E S T P R I VAT E S C H O O L

WAT K I N S O N S C H O O L Watkinson.org

BEST LANDSCAPER

THOMPSON LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT INC. Thompsonlandscapect.com

BEST HOME BUILDER

E A R LY N E W ENGLAND HOMES Earlynewenglandhomes.com

Founded in 1881, Watkinson School is an independent, private coeducational day school for students from grades 6–12 with a legacy of educational excellence. B E S T L AW F I R M

B ROW N , PA I N D I R I S & S COT T, LLP Bpslawyers.com

BPS lawyers provide quality representation to our clients who are facing legal issues across an array of areas. B E S T J U N K R E M OVA L

JUNK BEAR Junk-bear.com

B E S T A R T G A L L E RY/ F R A M E S H O P

JW FRAME CRAFTER Jwhitneyframe.com

Junk Bear offers estate and office cleanouts, junk removal services, dumpster rentals, dump runs and more. BEST ARCHITECT

B E S T G R O C E RY S TO R E

HIGHL AND PARK MARKET Highlandparkmarket.com

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JWM ARCHITECTS Jwmarchitects.com JWM employs a client-centered approach that strives to make the architectural design process open, communicative and enjoyable.

BEST MUSIC CONCERT VENUE

X F I N I T Y T H E AT E R Livenation.com

Y R U B N GLASTO

B E S T TOY S TO R E

Xfinity Theatre is an outdoor/indoor amphitheatre located in Hartford, and owned by Live Nation with a capacity of 30,000. B E S T AW N I N G S / S H A D E S / B L I N D S

PINWHEELS TOYS AND GAMES Pinwheelstoys.com

BEST ROOFING

AWNING PLACE INC. Awningplace.com

From retractable awnings to commercial canopies for windows, doors, patios and walkways the awning place will keep you covered in comfort and style.

TURNER HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS, LLC Turnerhomeimprovement.com

B E S T F U L L S E R V I C E S A LO N

H A I R TO DAY

B E S T G E N E R A L P R AC T I T I O N E R

Hairtodayct.com

DR. STEVEN LIEU, DO

Celebrating 38 years of creative styles, warm welcomes and caring for the community. Look Good, Feel Good, Live Good B E S T K I TC H E N & B AT H D E S I G N E R

THE INSPIRED KITCHEN, LLC Theinspiredkitchenco.com

S D R A AW

The Inspired Kitchen is a full-service design-to-build firm, offering high-end kitchen and bathroom renovations. BEST LASH & BROWS

LASH AND GLOW CT

Hartfordhospital.org

Glastonburylashextensions.com

The expert aestheticians at Lash and Glow can give you the perfect semi-permanent eyelash lift and fullness using all-natural products.

BEST SUSHI

SAKURA GARDEN Sakuragardenglastonbury.com

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BRIAN AMBROSE Brianambrosephoto.com

B E S T W O M E N ' S C LOT H I N G

TA L B OT S Talbots.com

B E S T DAY S PA

ELIANA A DEL SOUL SPA Elianaspa.com

Unwind from daily stresses and find restoration through a lush spa experience in a serene welcoming space, attended by body and mindfulness experts. B E S T H O M E S E R V I C E P R OV I D E R

S T R E A M L I N E G E N E R ATO R

Streamlineelectricllc.kohlergeneratordealer.com A certified Kohler Generator Dealer, Streamline offers sales, service and turn-key installation for residential and commercial generator applications. BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y

COVENANT LIVING OF CROMWELL Covlivingcromwell.org

A retirement community for seniors, Covenant’s scenic 42-acre location features flowerfilled gardens, evergreen-shaded walking paths and views of rolling hills. B E S T H O L I S T I C H E A LT H C A R E

S T R O N G F A M I LY W E L L N E S S Strongfamilywellness.com

This family-operated company focuses on nourishing nutrition, invigorating exercise, and holistic wellness for life.

BEST HOME ORGANIZING

N E AT M E T H O D HARTFORD Neatmethod.com B E S T DA N C E S T U D I O

ARTHUR M U R R AY C E N T E R S Arthurmurrayglastonbury.com B E S T F I T N E S S I N S T R U C TO R

MICHELE SCHINDLER Mschindlerfitness.com B E S T B AG E L S

SEED KITCHEN & BAGELRY Seedbagelshop.com CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

B E S T P E D I AT R I C I A N

Mary Bycholski, owner of Touch of Glamour

GLASTONBURY P E D I AT R I C S DR. KUMAR Glastonburypediatrics.com

B E S T W E I G H T LO S S

TOUCH OF GL AMOUR MEDSPA Touchofglamourct.com

B E S T TA PA S

TA PA S GLASTONBURY Tapasgo.com

BEST WEDDING EVENT VENUE

SAINT CLEMENTS CASTLE & MARINA Saintclementscastle.com

B E S T M E D S PA

TOUCH OF GL AMOUR MEDSPA Touchofglamourct.com

B E S T W O M E N ' S H E A LT H

D R . N ATA L I E C W E B B

With years of medical aesthetic experience Touch of Glamour guarantees a safe experience with stunning results.

womenshealthct.com BEST COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL DESIGN B E S T P E T S TO R E

PETCO Petco.com

B E S T F U R N I T U R E S TO R E

ETHAN ALLEN (MANCHESTER) Ethanallen.com B E S T H OT E L

H I LT O N G A R D E N I N N Guestreservations.com/hilton-gardeninn-hartford-south-glastonbury B E S T F LO W E R S H O P

KESER’S FLOWERS Kesersflowers.com BEST POOL BUILDER

JULIANOS POOLS Julianospools.com

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

C O L P D E S I G N & C O N S U LT I N G , L L C Colpdesignandconsulting.com

Colp Design is a commercial interior design business, with an emphasis on owner representation and commercial interiors. B E S T J E W E L RY S TO R E

DEROSA FINE DIAMONDS Derosafinediamonds.com

A custom jewelry store with an artisan workshop where you can choose your diamond, design and material. B E S T I N - H O M E C A R E P R OV I D E R

DYNAMIC TOUCH HOME CARE Dynamictouchhomecare.com

Dynamic Touch is a network of trained professionals driven by the sole purpose of providing comfort with individualized home care for you and your loved ones. B E S T M E A L A N D/O R P R O D U C E D E L I V E RY

FARM-A-LEAF farm-a-leaf.com

An innovative, hydroponic produce farm, farm-a-leaf is an indoor, vertical farm that delivers fresh, local produce right to your door.

BEST SURGEON

Y R U B N GLASTO

DR. HANBING (STEVE) ZHOU, MD Oahct.com

B E S T A P P L I A N C E S TO R E

Dr. Zhou is fellowship trained and specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of orthopedic spinal disorders.

S K L AV E RY A PPLI A N C E CO M PA N Y Sklaveryappliance.com

B E S T P O D I AT R I S T

VA L E F O O T & A N K L E S U R G E R Y, P L L C

B E S T L I G H T I N G S TO R E

Valepodiatry.com

Vale Foot & Ankle Surgery provides comprehensive medical and surgical care and strives to treat every patient like family.

CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTER Ctlighting.com

B E S T S K I N C A R E & B E AU T Y

TOUCH OF GL AMOUR MEDSPA

B E S T B A K E RY

TouchofGlamourct.com

With years of medical aesthetics experience, Touch of Glamour guarantees a safe experience with stunning results. B E S T E Y E D O C TO R

OCULUSDOCS LLC OculusDocs.com

S D R A AW

OculusDocs is a leading provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services co-founded by Dr. Jenny Cha. B E S T R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T

BROWN BUTTER C R E AT I O N S Brownbuttercreations.com B E S T M E N ' S C LOT H I N G

JOS A. BANKS Josbank.com

B E S T P E R F O R M I N G A R T S T H E AT E R

THE BUSHNELL Bushnell.org

K ADJI ANDERSON

Kadjianderson.bhhsneproperties.com A Glastonbury native, Kadji is a Licensed Realtor, with years of experience in the Connecticut real estate market. BEST PRE-SCHOOL

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Thelearningexperience.com

“Happy Happens” at The Learning Experience in Glastonbury, where their Highly Trained teachers also excel in motivation and fun. BEST DENTIST

GEORGE M. MANTIKAS, DMD Drmantikas.com

With offices in East Hampton for nearly 30 years, Dr. Mantikas has been the dentist of choice for hundreds of happy clients. B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L

B I R C H H I L L TAV E R N

BEST VIDEOGRAPHER

O N E TA K E M E D I A Onetakemediallc.com

B E S T B R I DA L B O U T I Q U E

THE WEDDING DRESS LLC Theweddingdressllc.com B E S T C AT E R E R

CHEF JORDAN PAT R I C K Facebook.com/chefjordanpatrick B E S T S H O E S TO R E

FOOTPRINTS Footprintsshoes.com

Birchhilltavern.com A restaurant offering new American comfort fare, plus an extensive beer and cocktail list. B E S T AC C O U N TA N T S

S R C C E R T I F I E D P U B L I C AC C O U N TA N T S

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON

DR. ALI BANKI Bankidermatology.com

Src-pc.com

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

Jennifer Finan

Sales Director

Stephanie Johnson

Sales Director

As local Comparion Insurance agents, nothing makes us happier than helping our friends and neighbors choose the best insurance coverage to fit their needs. Whether you need auto, home, life, pet, umbrella, or more, we offer insurance options from many carriers and can match you with the best policies.

Contact Stephanie or Jennifer Today! Leading 30+ local agents with the ability to quote you multiple carriers.

860.264.6106 | ComparionInsurance.com 95 Glastonbury Blvd. Ste. 204

Glastonbury, CT 06033

Vale Foot & Ankle Surgery, PLLC Let’s get you on your feet again. We provide comprehensive foot and ankle care, from conservative to surgical management of podiatric conditions. Common Issues & Procedures Athletes’ Foot + Fungal Toenails · Hammertoe · Warts · Gout Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery · Foot + Ankle Fractures Ulcerations + Wounds · Ingrown Toenails · Heel Pain

For more information, visit us online at www.ValePodiatry.com

Urgent Appointments available for infections and fractures.

Dr. Kimberly Inocco Board Certified Podiatrists through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Call 203.941.6999 to Schedule Your Consultation Today 300 Hebron Ave., Ste. 104 · Glastonbury, CT 06033

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

Foodie

Sistersnacking is a Social Media Juggaurnut Built Around Four Sisters' Love of Food and Each Other

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

Love Story

From L-R, Carly, Sara and Madison Shapiro enjoying some sandwiches at Katz Deli.

It started, Madison Shapiro says, with Guy Fieri. While in highschool Madison consumed all things diners, drive-ins, and dives. It motivated her to go see their local haunts for herself and roped her sisters into the obsession. With that the origin story of Sistersnacking was born. The four sisters, who grew up in Glastonbury, had an affinity for food from a young age. Flash forward to 2015, they joined Instagram and started posting pictures of the foods they were eating in New York and Connecticut. By 2020, they had about 20,000 followers on Instagram. This was during Covid when everyone was staying

The Sistersnacking sisters at Shady Glen Restaurant in Manchester.

home and getting takeout from their favorite restaurants, including the sisters and their Glastonbury family. During this uncertain time, they saw some exciting growth. With the boredom of quarantine the sisters decided to join TikTok and started sharing some quickie reviews of their own takeout experiences on social media and a mix of cooking videos when they could all cook together at home. Since then, it’s been nothing but growth for the girls. Sistersnacking is now a multi-faceted social media network that spans numerous platforms and has over 800,000 followers.

A plate of food from Bear's Barbecue.

It’s become a full-time business for three out of the four sisters. “It’s been incredible, honestly, we feel really lucky that it’s been this popular,” says Sara, the eldest. Their business, they say, is in large part a mission to help others wade through the myriad of food choices in their lives to find the best eating options. “We don’t want people to waste their money on mediocre food, so we spend our own money and time finding the best food,” says Madison, who has been known to eat out daily, even visiting two restaurants on some nights. “We’ve just always loved food and we love eating out.” says Carly. Their big breakout moment was on TikTok in December of 2021 when Madison visited a CONTINUED >

The Shapiro sisters enjoy cake at The Beam House.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

E A BIG FO R ’ E “W E THE RE ODI SOU E F TO B RCE AM FO ILY AND W R ALL THING

Lobster rolls the at Lobster Landing in Clinton.

New York City steakhouse that was getting buzz for a $28 skirt steak special with all-you-can-eat french fries. Her video review went viral, garnering more than 6 million views on TikTok. The restaurant got swamped with customers and that caught the attention of the editors at several national magazines, including Forbes and Bon Appétit, which featured Sistersnacking in a story about the effect social media has on the restaurant industry. Soon, three of the sisters - Madison, Carly and Sara - were all working together on Sistersnacking full time. The youngest sister, Julia, is still in college and will likely join her sisters in the Sistersnacking food content creation business when she graduates. She really reaps the benefits of having 3 older sisters

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

who can show her the way after she graduates from Syracuse University where she’s currently a Junior. Toward the end of 2022, a video featuring Carly reviewing a build-your-own charcuterie board shop called Kured in NYC’s Greenwich Village got more than 10 million views on Instagram. The sisters also have a successful series, called Iconic or Overrated, in which they review well-known and iconic restaurants to find out if the eateries still live up to their hype. Some recent restaurants featured in that series included the Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, White Horse Tavern in Newport, R.I., Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria in New Haven, and even the Shady Glen Restaurant in Manchester - a local landmark of casual dining – which Sistersnacking deemed “Iconic!” They’ve traveled the world, reviewing restaurants and food venues along the way, and even offer up their own recipes on their social media accounts. The sisters credit their parents Suzi and Alan who share a love for all things food and eating out, with inspiring them. “We’re a big foodie family and we want to be the resource for all things food,” says Madison. “We loved growing up in Glastonbury, and still do a ton of eating when back in town visiting our parents, so there will never be a lack of Connecticut recommendations for our local followers.” says Carly. @ Sistersnacking operates across numerous social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, and Facebook. The company also has a website, Sistersnackingllc.com. While all four sisters now live out of CT, their local followers continue to be their most devout fanbase.

T N A WE W OD.” GS FO

Carly Shapiro, left, with Sara Shapiro

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

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Dynamic Touch Home Care is not just a place– it is a network of professionals driven by the sole purpose of providing comfort with individualized attention for your loved ones, wherever they are. Servicing the surrounding Greater Hartford Area, including: Hartford - West Hartford - East Hartford - Simsbury - Avon Glastonbury - Bloomfield - Windsor - Manchester Vernon - Wethersfield - Rocky Hill - Cromwell

Call (860) 508-4194 to Learn More dynamictouchhomecare.com | 264 Main St. Manchester, CT 06040 FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

the eyes HAVE IT AT LASH AND GLOW CT, LASH EXTENSIONS GUARANTEE BEAUTY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Carla Peralta, owner of Lash and Glow CT

Lash and Glow's staff, clockwise from bottom left, Carla Peralta, Jordan Galvin, Louisette Davila and Yennifer Ibanez .

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

T R E N D SE T T E R | BEAUTY

A before and after of eyelash extension

s any woman who has ever used mascara can tell you, eye makeup can be a timely, messy business. Traditional mascaras can leave dark smudges under your eyes after it’s been on all day, or worse, require harsh cleansers to remove at day’s end. Eyebrow pencil colors can fade and also smudge after extended use. Both can end up making you look more tired or disheveled than if you had no makeup on at all. But what if there was a long-term option for the daily makeup grind, a kind of “set-itand-forget it” option for your eye routine? At Lash and Glow CT, which has two locations here in Glastonbury, expert aestheticians in the company’s upscale eyelash extension studio specialize in all things lashes and brows, including lash extensions, eyelash lifting, eyebrow shaping, lash tinting, and facials. Owner Carla Peralta started the business about five years ago after discovering the beauty option of eyelash fillers and extenders.

Carla removes an eyelash from a case.

“After I had my children I was looking for something for myself because I felt like I always looked tired. I learned about eyelash extensions and I had it done myself and just really fell in love with it and the beauty industry in general.” While some women are naturally blessed with long and thick eyelashes, others are not, she adds. Lash extensions are semi-permanent synthetic or silk fibers that get applied strand by strand to your natural lashes, Carla explains. The extensions are carefully applied one at a time using a specially-formulated, semi-permanent natural adhesive that is designed to not irritate or damage the skin around your eyes or your natural eyelashes, she adds. There are myriad looks from which clients can choose, from the subtle to the dramatic, including classic long lashes to volume lashes or a hybrid of the two. You can even choose curly eyelashes. Unlike false eyelashes, where a strip of synthetic lashes are applied to the skin, lash extensions are attached individually and directly to your real lashes. The result is a more lush and natural look that lets

you skip the mascara and even the manual eyelash curler. “The entire process is designed to give you the look of natural, full eyelashes without harming your natural lashes,” Carla says. Generally, she adds, the more lashes applied, the more dramatic the effect. A typical treatment involves anywhere from 80-140 individual extensions per eye, with lashes ranging in length from 6-18 mm. Lash and Glow CT also offers eyebrow shaping and coloring, lash tinting, facials and waxings. Lash and Glow’s aestheticians hold numerous certifications in eyelash extension services, she adds. “We care deeply about our clients. Their satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us and we strive to create the optimal lash and brow care experience here.” Lash and Glow CT 860-321-8347 Glastonbury Center: 30C Hebron Ave. South Glastonbury: 875 Main St., Suite 203 Glastonburylashextensions.com FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

Thank you so much for a wonderful first year of business. We're so happy to be part of the amazing Glastonbury community.

Best Cocktail & Casual Dining

Not all wandering is aimless. But eat something first. birchhilltavern.com 860.430.5550 1320 MANCHESTER RD. · GLASTONBURY, CT

A MIDAS TOUCH MED SPA WWW.AMIDASTOUCHMEDSPA.COM (860) 301 - 1321

Skin Tightening (RF Microneedling) Dysport/Xeomin/Botox . Fillers . BodySculpt . BodyTone . HydraFacials . Massages . Vampire Facials . P-Shot . Glo2Facial Laser Hair Removal . Tattoo Removal Acne Treatments . Lashes . Vampire FaceLift Laser Peel . Vein Treatment . And More Rewards . Complementary Consults

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

A Handmade Date Night A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.

From-Scratch Pasta

Yield: 1 pound

what you need

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs

what you do 1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight. 2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent. 3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com.

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GLASTO N BURY

Dark Chocolate Truffles what you need 1/2 cup heavy cream 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting

what you do 1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature. 2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm. 3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com.

Lavender Bath Salt Blend what you need 16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil

what you do In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com

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HOW TO MAKE

DIY GOLD LEAF JEWELRY DISHES These cute and colorful dishes work perfectly to organize and display your jewelry, keys, or you name it! And you know what? They’re so easy to make!

steps to do:

supplies you’ll need: • • • • • • •

Wooden bowls, trays, etc. Gold leaf (or metallic gold paint) Gentle Gold leaf brush Mod podge (or gold leaf adhesive) Acrylic paint Paint brushes Painters tape (optional)

• Grab a wooden bowl, some acrylic paint, and a brush. • Hand paint some paint on one section of the bowl. • Let the first coat dry and paint another two to three coats of paint until you’re happy with the result. • Let the paint fully dry. • I wanted my gold leaf paper to overlap the paint for a layered look, so I took a paint brush and painted some Mod Podge in an overlapping pattern. • Once the Mod Podge gets tacky, use your hand to apply the gold leaf and accompanying wax sheet. • Push the gold leaf onto the tacky glue, then remove the top layer of paper. • Use your fingers to gently push the gold leaf onto the glue a little further. • Next, use the golf leaf brush to smooth over the whole area and gently wipe away any excess gold leaf. Pay extra attention to the edges. • Next, smooth the gold leaf section as much as possible, but don’t worry about any imperfections. The organic look of the gold leaf being imperfect gives the piece character. • Next, work your way to the outer edge. • Once the gold leaf is perfected, gently brush over the leaf with some Mod Podge to seal it to the bowl. • Let it completely dry and enjoy!

ARTICLE BY AUDREY KUETHER OhSoLovelyBlog.com

H OW TO | ARTS + C ULTURE

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Academy of Early Education

happy. happens. here. From infants through preschool, we make early education and daycare joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow. Ages 6 Weeks to 5 Years | Open daily from 6:30AM - 6:30PM

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b TLEChildCareCenters 86 Oak St. Glastonbury, CT, 06033

The Stamped Passport Travel Co is a full-service luxury boutique travel agency that focuses on curating culturally immersive trips around the world.

Thank you for voting us best theater We are proud to be a part of this rich artistic community. Thank you for supporting theater and the arts. We look forward to welcoming you again at The Bushnell!

Specializing in custom luxury European vacations, Caribbean getaways, and African safaris.

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FEBRUARY 2024

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

F EB RUA RY 3 RD

Low Strung Cellos Concert First Church of Christ, 2183 Main St. | 7:00 PM Low Strung Cellos of Yale, which performs concerts of sweeping, innovative arrangements, will perform a benefit concert from 7-9 p.m., at First Church of Christ. Tickets start at $15 and portions of the sales will go to Heads Up! Hartford, a nonprofit that promotes diversity among teens. For questions or more information, email pattisivocole@gmail.com or call 860-633-5057. F EB RUA RY 9 T H

JWM Architects Will Exhibit at Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 12:00 PM The 76th Annual Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show runs Feb 9-11. JWM Architects of 41-C New London Turnpike - Jwmarchitects. com - will be one of the featured presenters and vendors at the event. This home show is the state’s largest and longest running home and remodeling show, featuring hundreds of exhibits and local vendors. Visit Cthomeshow.com for more information. F EB RUA RY 1 0 T H

GHS Appraisal Day Museum on the Green, 1944 Main St. | 10:00 AM The Historical Society of Glastonbury is again offering its popular fundraiser, Appraisal Day. Bring your treasures to the Museum on the Green between from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and antique experts will evaluate your items and provide a verbal estimate of their value. Evaluations are $10 for the first item or three items for $25. Visit Hsgct.org for information. F EB RUA RY 1 1 T H

King of Pain Hopewell School, 1068 Chestnut Hill Road, South Glastonbury | 9:00 AM The King of Pain is a 10-mile road race sponsored by The Glastonbury River Runners Club. Introduced in 2004 it quickly became a legend for its challenging course through the hilly Glastonbury countryside. The race cost is $45 and will benefit Achilles CT and the Sunshine Kids. Visit Runsignup.com for tickets and information. Search "King of Pain." F EB RUA RY 1 5T H

Sweetheart Serenade: A Valentine's Luncheon Riverfront Community Center, 300 Welles St. | 11:45 AM Celebrate "love day" with us by wearing your red and feasting on a delectable meal of roast beef with mushroom gravy, green bean casserole and cheesecake. Then, enjoy being serenaded by The Country Duo! Tickets are $7 for resident, $9 for nonresident. Register or purchase tickets online at Glastonburyct.myrec.com or by calling 860-652-7638. F EB RUA RY 2 3 RD

Watkinson School Hosts Information Session Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford | 9:00 AM Watkinson School will host an Information session beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and refreshments. You’ll have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour our 40-acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students.Visit Watkinson.org/visit to register or see additional tour dates.

EVE N TS

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Love Potion

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

A Cocktail Both Potent and Pretty We have to give credit for the genesis of this pretty and pinkish-red cocktail to the mixologists at Red 36 in Mystic where I first drank this lovely libation, a twist on a tradtional Paloma. I recreated it at home after a few unsuccessful attempts. Its rosy red color and bubbly splash of champagne makes it a lively drink on Valentine’s Day! Use freshly squeezed lime juice and not the bottled kind.

ingredients: • Freshly squeezed lime juice from half a lime • Splash of champagne or sparkling wine • 1.5 ounces tequila • 1 ounce grapefruit liquor • 1 ounce Compari liquor

directions: Pour all ingredients except the champagne into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini or gimlet glass and top with a splash or two of champagne, prosecco, or your favorite sparkling wine. Garnish with a lime wedge or twist. For an extra-festive touch, garnish with a frozen, salted half slice of grapefruit.

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

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