Cut Your Own Christmas Tree! Plus Christmas Movie Magic and Nonnie's Italian Bakery!"

Top 5 Cut Your own Christmas Tree Farms in CT!!! Get the perfect Tree of your choice!!!

Tips for a Successful DIY Christmas Tree Adventure

Nothing compares to the joy of cutting down your own Christmas tree! But before you head out into the great outdoors, make sure you're properly prepared. Here's a list of essentials and tips to ensure your tree-hunting experience is as smooth as spreading holiday cheer. 🌟

What to Bring

Clothing and Footwear: Bundle up with sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots and layered clothing appropriate for the weather.
Work Gloves: Essential for protecting your hands from sap and scratches, they are a must-have in your arsenal.
Cutting Tool: Although many farms offer them, consider bringing a hand saw. Check with the farm to see if they allow chainsaws.
Measuring Tool: A tape measure will be invaluable to make sure your chosen tree fits your home perfectly.
Tarp: Use a tarp to easily drag your tree back to the car and to keep your vehicle safe from sap and needles.
Rope or Twine: Ensure your tree is snug and secure on your car for the drive home.
First-aid Kit: Always good to have a small kit on hand for any unexpected hiccups.
Cash: Be prepared, as some farms may only accept cash for payment.
Blanket: Handy for kneeling while cutting or for providing a soft spot to sit.

What to Look For

Height: Measure your space and the tree’s height carefully. Remember to include room for the stand and tree topper in your calculations. Trees in the field may look smaller than in your living room!
Shape and Density: Seek out a tree with a good, even shape and full appearance from top to bottom.
Needles: Inspect for any bald spots, broken branches, or signs of pests to ensure your tree is healthy.
Trunk: Verify that the trunk is straight and will fit easily into your stand without being too wide.
Bird Nests or Critters: Check for any unexpected residents like bird nests, praying mantis egg sacks and other pests before making your cut.

With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to find the perfect tree that brings warmth, joy, and that fresh evergreen smell into your home! Happy hunting! 🎅🤶

Discover the Magic of Christmas Movies in Connecticut

Interesting Fact

Did You Know? 🌟🎄

Connecticut's scenic beauty and charming towns provide the perfect backdrop for the holiday film adventures. This holiday season, follow the "Christmas Movie Trail" and immerse yourself in these enchanting stories set right here in our beloved state:

"Mystic Christmas": 🎥 Experience the maritime magic of Mystic, a quaint town that provides the perfect setting for a heartwarming Christmas story.
"Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane": 📜 Journey through the historic charm of Old Wethersfield, where festive traditions and holiday cheer fill the air.
"A Very Nutty Christmas": 🌰 Delight in the festive atmosphere as this movie brings the holiday spirit to life in Mystic and Centerbrook.
"Next Stop, Christmas": 🚂 Hop on a nostalgic ride as this film takes you through multiple picturesque towns including Essex, Old Lyme, and New Haven.
"Holiday for Heroes": 🎖️ Celebrate the gift of love and sacrifice in this heartfelt story set in Stonington, Mystic, Norwich, and Colchester.

Connecticut offers more than just a backdrop; it provides the soul of these stories, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every scene. Is there a better way to enjoy the holiday season than with a movie tour right here at home? 🎬✨

There are books in Barns & Noble that are about movies in Connecticut which would make a great Christmas gift for the movie buff of the Family.

Nonnie's Italian Bakery

After a dedicated 27 years in retail, an unexpected illness brought my career to a close, paving the way for a brand new journey. 🍰 Over the years, I have been fine-tuning my pie recipes with invaluable insights from family and friends, leading to rave reviews! 🎉

A few years ago, upon request from my son-in-law, one of my pies made its way into the ESPN Pie Contest as a last-minute Pistachio Cream Pie entry. To my delight, it claimed 1st Place! 🏆 This recognition was the catalyst I needed to share my pies with a broader audience.

That marked the beginning of Nonnie’s—a name inspired by what my grandkids affectionately call me. Armed with a commercial kitchen license, I set out on a mission to fill the world with my delectable pastries. Today, I am thrilled to welcome you to our very own storefront bakery, Nonnie’s Italian Bakery, at 104 E Main Street, Plainville, Connecticut, where we serve up my renowned Cream pies, Italian cookies, custom cakes, and much more! 🥧🍪

This weeks trip takes us along Route 44 through to 202 west. Starting in Hartford - Main st - head North past the Yard Goats stadium and head North on Route 44 which is Albany Ave. There are some great Jamaican restaurants that an be found there. My favorite is Scotts Jamaican Restaurant. The beef patties can't be beat. Take some for the road trip or to have them later. Then heading up Route 44 North keep an eye out for Prospect Ave take a left and then on your left will be the overlook to see Hartford skyline (photo op) then back onto Route 44 north keep an eye out for Crown Market. That store has rave reviews for their deli area. Some items can only be found there. Make a stop. Trust me. Further down the road is Moscarillos Nursery and Garden center. Make a stop there and see what they have for the holiday season. Check their website for special events. Heading up the mountain on the other side is Avon. Avon village is on the left, make a stop there and check out the tiny shops including the antiques stores and coffee shop. if your really into Coffee make a stop at Coffee Trade which has over 80 varieties of coffee. Get some gifts here for your favorite coffee lover. In this area there are again lots of choices for food. Bakery like Spellbound Bakery or Sushi at Zenshisuchi is also a good choice. There is also the shops at Farmington Valley that is a great place to stretch your legs and shop. I don't know about you but stopping at vintage places is my favorite. Like The Junk Shop is great. As you follow route 44/202 the route splits after Canton. Stay on Route 202. At this intersection there is a HUGE Ocean State Job Lot. I always stop when I am in the area. I can't help it. Its my husbands favorite store. So going back to Route 202. This is a very quite route. Lots of scenery and farms. You can stop at the Nepaug Resevoir for a quick walk on the trail that is on the side, paved for easy walking. Just to take some deep breaths and relax is great. Once your done there following route 202 west you will come to Gresczyk Farms and the Ct Valley Winery. Get some wine for the holiday meal here! After that keep following Route 202 until it meets Route 8. You can take Route 8 South back to I84. Hope you like this trip. Keep Exploring!

Travel Word Search and Coloring Book

📚 ✈️ Are you planning your next adventure across the United States? Make sure to bring along our unique Travel Word Search Book. As you flip through its pages, you'll embark on a journey through the USA like never before! With each turn, you'll discover interactive crosswords and engaging coloring pages that will guide you to iconic destinations and provide endless fun along the way!

Highlights:

🧩 Word Search & Coloring Book: Experience the best of both worlds as this book combines these two beloved activities in one!
Travel Word Search: Solve engaging puzzles themed around famous US landmarks.
Travel Coloring Book: Color stunning illustrations of America's most renowned sites.
USA Travel Book: Your ultimate companion to unlock travel ideas and keep you entertained wherever you roam!

🗺️ Whether you're taking a road trip or flying coast to coast, let this book be your guide to the wonders of the USA. Every page is a new adventure, waiting for you to explore! 🌟

Makes a great gift!

Have your Holiday list ready but no idea what to get? Check out this section every week for our latest Connecticut Crafters!

Are you a Crafter that lives in Connecticut? Click this Link to send us your information so we can include you in our next issue.

🔍 Ever wondered how a simple passion can lead to an innovative, eco-friendly business? Here's a glimpse into a journey that blends art, science, and sustainability! 🌿

My journey began with a deep love for glass. I've always been captivated by its nature. It's an amorphous solid, meaning it has no fixed form or pattern. With the right technique, it can be endlessly shaped and transformed. The more I explored the world of glass, the more fascinated I became. My home became a living science project for years, focusing on the fundamentals and techniques of cold glass working. Alongside, I delved into studying different types of waxes, their properties, and natural oils. 🧪🔍

By merging these two passions, I taught myself to cut and shape glass, crafting clean-burning, non-toxic candles. Through partnerships with local bars, restaurants, and clubs, Boozy Candles rescues discarded bottles destined for landfills, giving them a second life as one-of-a-kind products. Each candle is made from 100% recycled materials and designed to spark conversation and connection. ♻️🕯️

We're proud to offer something that’s not only sustainable but also stylish and unique! ✨

🐶 Bone & Barrel Co. is Excited to Support Rescue Organizations! 🐾

At Bone & Barrel Co., we believe every pup deserves a loving home. That's why we're dedicated to assisting rescue organizations in their quest to help these furry friends find their forever homes. In the meantime, we are proud to donate hundreds of our Sample Boxes to fosters and rescue facilities, ensuring these pups can have some extra joy as they await adoption.

The Best Part – 🎉 A FREE Sample Box for Every Adopter! 🎉
We're thrilled to announce that we will donate a FREE Sample Box to anyone who adopts a pup. This is our way of saying thank you for giving a deserving animal a loving home.

If you’re a rescue organization interested in offering this special gift to your adopting families, please email us today! We would love to partner with you in making a difference.

Together, let's bring happiness to both humans and pups. 💖🐾

11/15 - Hammonassette Meigs Point Fall Festival 11-4pm

11/15 St Paul Annual Christmas Fair 9-2pm 56 Great hammock Rd Old Saybrook

11/29 Tree Lighting - Main Street, Kensington, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

11/22 Durham Winter Market 10-1pm Durham Community Center Picket Lane

11/22 & 23 Ann's Place Festival of Trees 10-5pm The Summit at Danbury 100 Reserve Rd Danbury

11/28 Milford Christmas Tree Lighting 5-9pm Broad St Milford

December

11/29 Santa Photos & Toy Drive 398 Somers Rd Ellington 1pm

12/4 Holidays on Main 5-8:30pm Main St Wethersfield

12/5 Lamplight Stroll Broad st Milford 5-9pm

12/5 Bright Lights Christmas Festival Southington Town Green 5:30 - 8pm

12/6 Scandinavian Club Christmas Market 1351 South Pine Creek Rd Fairfield 10-2pm

12/6 Kriz Farm Holiday Market 13 Bear Hill Rd Bethany 10/3

12/6 Durham Winter Market 10-1 Durham Community Center Picket Lane

12/13 Pictures with Santa Yankee Harley Davidson Farmington Ave Bristol

12/7 Newtown Youth and Family Services Holiday Market Main st Newtown 11-4pm

12/7 Friends of Easton Library Annual Holiday Market 691 Morehouse Rd Easton 5-9pm

12/14 Christmas In the Village Plantsville 4:30 - 7:30

12/13 Holiday Vendor Fair 10 - 2 Charter Oak 425 Oakwood Ave West Hartford

12/13 Hayden Station Fire Co Annual Holiday Craft Fair 54 Basswood Rd Windsor

12/20 Durham Winter Market 10-1 Durham Community Center Picket Lane

Have an Event coming up? Click this link and send us the info ASAP. Our issues come out on Thursdays just in time for weekend planning!

Astrological Insights for the Week of November 14 - November 20, 2025

🌌 This week, the cosmos is delivering a substantial cosmic push toward introspection, communication, and transformation. The highlight event is the New Moon in Scorpio on November 20, an ideal period for planting the seeds of new beginnings and deep emotional changes. 📅✨ Mercury retrograde, transitioning from Sagittarius to Scorpio on November 18, compels us to reflect on our communication, intentions, and longstanding decisions.

General Astrological Overview:

🚀 Mercury Retrograde: Active throughout the week, this phase urges us to reflect rather than act impulsively, especially regarding travel, beliefs, and dialogues. As Mercury dives into Scorpio, the emphasis transitions to revisiting ingrained words and intentions.

🌑 Scorpio New Moon (Nov 20): This lunation opens doors to profound personal transformation and emotional healing, setting the stage for brand-new beginnings at home.

💥 Current Energy: The prevailing Scorpio energy, paired with Mars in Sagittarius, invites intensity, truth-seeking, and a need to shed what's no longer serving your growth.

Individual Zodiac Sign Horoscopes:

Aries (March 21 - April 19) 🔄: With Mercury in retrograde affecting travel and learning, double-check itineraries, and consider revisiting study plans. The New Moon hints at new starts in shared resources or intimacy matters. Stay curious, not combative.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) 🤝: Focus on managing expectations and protecting your boundaries in relationships. The New Moon invites fresh starts in significant relations. Use this retrograde to renegotiate emotional boundaries, seeking stability.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) 🗣️: Mercury's journey through relationship and work zones might resurface past dynamics or workplace communication issues. Embrace the cosmic cue to improve self-expression. Commit to healthier routines with the New Moon.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) 🏡: Jupiter retrograde urges questioning of bigger life plans. Focus on emotional well-being. The New Moon promises a fresh start in creative projects or romance.
Leo (July 23 - August 22) 🦁: The New Moon emphasizes home and emotional foundations. Look to heal family dynamics or rearrange spaces. While career growth is possible, emotional home life takes the spotlight this week.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22) 📖: The New Moon shines on communication and short-distance travels, inviting you to utilize analytical abilities. Mercury might rekindle family conversations or home repairs. Foster bond-enhancing clarity in expression.
Libra (September 23 - October 22) 💼: The New Moon turns focus onto finances and self-worth. Set goals for new income and evaluate values. Helping others can bring personal satisfaction, but be cautious with spontaneous expenses.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) 🔍: With heightened energy, the New Moon marks a favorable personal change, paving the way for shedding old habits. Prioritize financial goals and embrace skills development opportunities.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) 🎯: The retrograde in your sign invites reconsideration of past statements. The New Moon suggests silent reflection and closure, propelling you to plan for the new year.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) 🌐: The New Moon activates social aspirations. Evaluate friendships, and resolve home conflicts. Your tenacity in professional areas will be rewarding, but ensure social connections aren't neglected.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) 🚀: Professional growth is highlighted with the New Moon. Rethink work-related goals and navigate Mercury retrograde skillfully. Approach health and financial matters with caution.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) 🌊: Cultivate patience, especially regarding education and travel. The New Moon brings breakthroughs in worldview. Saturn in your sign encourages maturation, guiding you toward spiritual growth and new commitments.

As you navigate this profound week, remember to embrace the transformative energies and allow yourself to evolve alongside the cosmos. 🌟

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