Taking a cue from the [...]]]> As the country’s biggest fashion houses from Calvin Klein to Christian Siriano opened their doors to stylish celebs and socialites during New York City and L.A.’s annual Fashion Night Out events Thursday, the West Hartford Center had a Fall fashion celebration all their own.

Taking a cue from the big city, businesses of The Center and Blue Back Square gathered to form their first Fashion Night Out event to showcase upcoming trends offered by local shops, and Connecticut fashionistas grabbed their chicest clutches and sassiest stilettos for the occasion.

Several locations offered fashion and trunk shows in preparation for a new season of style, first I stopped by Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs, where they offered hors d’oeuvres from Treva and were serving up “fashiontinis” before the show started.


And live mannequins sported looks inside the windows

The red carpet was rolled out, and the show began…to the tunes of a little Carly Rae Jepsen.

Donning sparkles, colored denim and bold patterns, the models took to the streets as passers-by couldn’t help but be wrangled into the fashionable festivities. Hair and makeup was done by nearby salon, The Hair Color Company.

How were these looks chosen? Owner of Lyn Evans discusses the upcoming trends for Fall 2012, from leather to colored denim, these are the pieces you should work into your wardrobe.

I then crossed the street for the Kimberly Boutique show, passing by their red carpet complete with photographer to make each visitor feel like a VIP.

Tisane shook up some cocktails, the DJ spun and there wasn’t an empty seat along the runway as customers sashayed through the store as the models.

Kimberly Boutique owner discussed how the idea came about, and the fashion scene in West Hartford

Any night I get to talk about shoes, enjoy a specialty drink and get to know my fellow West Hartfordites is a good one, Fashion Night Out brought out a stylish side of the center I sometimes forget to see.

Take that, Big Apple!

To view more pictures of the looks featured in the fashion shows and shots of local fashion fans, visit my full gallery from the event.

The UConn Huskies made their way out of the tunnel for Thursday night’s season opener at Rentschler field, and a new seasons of college football was underway.

Despite [...]]]> Sure, SEC or Big Ten schools are known for quite the college football following, but here at the Big East we have big heart, too.

The UConn Huskies made their way out of the tunnel for Thursday night’s season opener at Rentschler field, and a new seasons of college football was underway.

Despite the weekday debut, fans made their way to the Rent in full force to watch the Huskies put on a 37-0 beat down on UMass. Starting of course, with the tailgate. The sun set over East Hartford and proud flags flowed in the breeze…that carried that slight hint of barbecue.

I ventured into the blue lot (later discovering it was a maze of tents and tables that had been set up since the early afternoon) to talk to some tailgaters about the fan base surrounding UConn football.

The Gorman group tops off at 20 and has members that have been season ticket holders for 12 years, having parked in the now infamous campus X Lot to attend games in the old Memorial Stadium.

Ed Gorman, his daughter Marisa Gorman Hicking and her husband Dave Hicking talk about evolving with the UConn Football program and have a few things to say to anyone thinking we here in Connecticut don’t have a college football presence.

Walking through the gate into the stadium was that old familiar feeling, seas of blue and white, eight dollar beers and that “I’m at a sporting event” excuse to indulge in a sausage and peppers a-la concessions stand. Some revelers seemed to not even be phased by the game going on behind them as they caught up with friends or school acquaintances, and I discovered that beneath the scoreboard is the place to be, by the way.

Spectators got into every first down chant, cheered with each sack and of course basked in the glory of an early lead. And with an honorable mention, my first ever “I wish I hadn’t ‘scene’ that” award, the t-shirt tosser who got booed by the stadium because he couldn’t made it past the fourth row. You’ll get ‘em next time, buddy.

All in all, a great first game in the books. With a solid defense, promising offense and a dedicated fan base to support them, who knows what the season holds for UConn Football.

Do you have anything you’re looking forward to this season, any tips and traditions you’d like to share? Leave a comment below and become part of our UConn Football fan coverage.

He’s sexy and she knows it.

Recently a photo I took at Mohegan Sun’s opening of Glo at the Pool has been drawing some attention, as RedFoo of LMFAO enjoys the company of a blonde party goer he pulled into his [...]]]> How many LMFAO lyrical puns can I use to describe this photo?

He’s sexy and she knows it.

Recently a photo I took at Mohegan Sun’s opening of Glo at the Pool has been drawing some attention, as RedFoo of LMFAO enjoys the company of a blonde party goer he pulled into his cabana…and got handsy with her derriere.

I spotted said mystery blonde dancing with her friend in front of the VIP cabanas as I was snapping crowd photos waiting for Redfoo and SkyBlu to make their scheduled appearance after their arena show. What’s funny is out of all the people at the sold-out event, I actually registered her in my memory…probably for the position in which she was dancing.

Around 12:45 a.m., when I had almost lost all hope of the Party Rock-ers even showing, I saw fan flash bulbs going off and there in the cabana was Redfoo, with his new friend.

It was difficult for me to get the shot I wanted, the LMFAO member with celebrity DJ Clinton Sparks, because he and the mystery blonde weren’t letting go any time soon.

Blog commenter CJ: A great way [...]]]> I’ve seen many approaches to catching all the Travelers Championship this weekend, from lounging in an air conditioned tent to crowds following their favorite pros every move. Here are five tips from fans on how they get the most out of their time at the TPC River Highlands.

Hole 1

Blog commenter CJ: A great way to walk the course and see many different players is to walk “backwards”- start at the 9th green and head towards the 9th tee. Then go to 8, 7, 6, etc. You can still following scoring on the leaderboards, and you get to see many golfers as opposed to just following a group or two.

TPC River Highlands 11th Hole

@TapintoCT: One of the best spots to see tons of action,to the left of the tee on short par 3 11th, Can see the 10th green, 11th tee & green.

Russel Kozey

Russell Kozey of Seymour, Conn.: “Have a good day, relax and enjoy the game”

Gene Bernadini

Gene Bernardini of Seymour, Conn.: “Spend the day with friends, see people I haven’t seen in a while”

Dave and Jane Marx

Dave and Jane Marx from Outside Albany NY: “We like to walk backwards so you can see everybody. Sometimes we sit where there is a tee and green together so you can watch both”

Every time something caught my eye I snapped a quick instagram with my iPhone, which was on silent of course!

This is one of my favorites, Travelers Is For Lovers. The shady hill overlooking the 18th hole was scattered with couples hiding from the sun.
You can’t deny the beauty of the TPC River Highlands.

Every time something caught my eye I snapped a quick instagram with my iPhone, which was on silent of course!

This is one of my favorites, Travelers Is For Lovers. The shady hill overlooking the 18th hole was scattered with couples hiding from the sun.

I also snapped the official score board being updated in marker, a lonely practice green and more. See all the photos in this gallery.

Did you snap some of your own? Everyone sees beauty differently, tweet me your instagrams at @itsmesarag and I’ll add them to the gallery.

Save that tickets and you could score some dining deals in Hartford, West Hartford Rocky Hill and more. Simply show your tournament ticket at one of the restaurants below and get the listed deal. Who knows, maybe [...]]]> You spent the whole day in the heat, trekking across the River Highlands and working up an appetite.

Save that tickets and you could score some dining deals in Hartford, West Hartford Rocky Hill and more. Simply show your tournament ticket at one of the restaurants below and get the listed deal. Who knows, maybe your favorite pro will even show. Offers valid June 18-24.

Carbone’s Ristorante, 588 Franklin Ave., Hartford
20% off dinner entree, one discount per ticket.

Chili’s, 4 Sebethe Drive, Cromwell
10% off and free chips and salsa

Cosi, 970 Farmington Ave., West Hartford
Buy one entree, get one free

Dish Bar & Gill (Rick Hartford/ Hartford Courant)

Dakota Steakhouse, 1489 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill
15% off meal

Illianos Ristorante & Pizzeria, 404 South Main Street, Middletown
15% off dine in or take out

On The Border, 1519 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill
Free bowl of queso with entree purchase

Peppercorn’s Grill, 357 Main Street, Hartford
10% off two lunch entrees, 20% off two dinner entrees

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 2513 Berlin Turnpike, Newington
1 free dessert with entree

The Corner Pug (Diana Guay/ Hartford Courant)

The Grist Mill Restaurant, 44 Mill Lane, Farmington
1 free appetizer of crab cake, fried mozzarella or house bruschetta

Soaking in the championship experience can lead to a long day, especially in 90 degree tempuratures. Whether you need to part from your chosen spot and stretch those legs, you’re waiting for your favorite pro’s tee time or you just want to crack open [...]]]> There’s a whole lot more to the Traveler’s Championship than golf.

Soaking in the championship experience can lead to a long day, especially in 90 degree tempuratures. Whether you need to part from your chosen spot and stretch those legs, you’re waiting for your favorite pro’s tee time or you just want to crack open a cold one there is plenty of other stuff to do at the TPC River Highlands.

Located between holes one and 18, the Subway Fan Zone features games, the Kids Zone, concessions, live music, merchandise tents and bags and bags of swag.

Not to mention…it’s cell phone safe!

Test your chip shot with a chance at winning an iPod, and to get $100 donated to charity

Chipping Challenge

Fan Zone Grille

Don’t forget to stop by any of the informational booths for your chance at some take-home goodies like drawstring bags, water bottles and did someone say free granola bar?

They don’t call it Thursday Thursday for nothing, the River Highlands Clubhouse Grille was jamming’ around happy hour time, with music playing, beer flowing and it certainly sounded like everyone was having a good time.

Wondering what a quick beer (or two) will run you?

And of course, you want to look the part. I can sniff out a shopping experience anywhere and a golf course is no different. Pick out a small trinket or some new apparel at the merchandise center, which is conveniently located on your way out to give you that one last temptation.

Thinking of checking out what the TPC and River Highlands has to offer, but not sure the kids will be entertained? I met up with a few kids who assured me there was plenty to do.

And that’s on top of watching their favorite pro, Bubba [...]]]> Mommmmm, can I go to the Traveler’s Championship pllleeaasseeeee?

Thinking of checking out what the TPC and River Highlands has to offer, but not sure the kids will be entertained? I met up with a few kids who assured me there was plenty to do.

And that’s on top of watching their favorite pro, Bubba Watson.

One mom even told me this is the most kid-friendly Travelers Championship she’d seen in years as her girls excitedly answered safety-related questions chosen by a wheel-of-fortune type wheel behind them at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center booth.

The Kid Zone features a bounce house, kid-friendly putting greens and one of the most popular features, a rock climbing wall. The Chipping Challenge display where each person gets to take three chip shots with the hopes of a hole in one suits kids of all ages.

Chipping Challenge

Bounce house or not, the kids were also looking forward to catch the tee times of their favorite pro, Bubba Watson. One boy even told me he enjoyed it so much he had hopes of coming back when he was older.

I walked the course, scoped out some of the shady spots to take cover and got my bearings before rounds begin.

But I also made note of everything beyond the greens.

I want to bring something different to the table, this year we’re [...]]]> I spent this steamy Tuesday getting acquainted with the TPC River Highlands.

A beautiful day in Cromwell

I walked the course, scoped out some of the shady spots to take cover and got my bearings before rounds begin.

But I also made note of everything beyond the greens.

I want to bring something different to the table, this year we’re looking to tell the story of what it’s like to be a fan at the Travelers Championship.

Where do you go to grab a cold beer? Do you have a favorite hole that you don’t leave for hours or follow your favorite pro to every hole? Do you have a favorite view along the water or on a hilltop?

Taking in the scenery

Leave a comment and I will try to capture each and create a fan favorite photo gallery.

Is there a story you’re looking to have told at Travelers? From the Subway Fan Zone to the KC and the Sunshine Band I’ll try to take you there, but let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see from inside the gates.

As someone with a whole lot of long hair, sometimes I just don’t feel like doing it. The combs, the brushes, the constant hot air, it can get old fast. Now there’s a spot in Blue Back Square that will do it for you…and it’s safe to say do it [...]]]>

Blo Blow Dry Bar In Blue Back Square

It’s wash, blow and go.

As someone with a whole lot of long hair, sometimes I just don’t feel like doing it. The combs, the brushes, the constant hot air, it can get old fast. Now there’s a spot in Blue Back Square that will do it for you…and it’s safe to say do it better too. Blo is North America’s original blow dry bar, and West Hartford is now home to their 18th location. The concept is simple: they wash your hair, blow it dry and you’re on your way.

And as it states as you stop at the front desk, it is NOT cheating on your hairdresser…thank god, love you Kelly.

Meet Brittany Biella, Chief Style Boss

Step One: Meet your “blower”

O sorry, did I mention there is a whole Blo culture? I should probably start with the blocabulary. A bloer is your stylist, a blo out is your styling session and a pink wig girl, that would be your Blo mascot. Read all about their own terminology on the Blo website.

The Pink Wig Girls of Blo

Then you choose from the Hair Menu, get a relaxing wash and let the bloer do their thing.

A standard visit is $35 and there are seven different options on the Hair Menu that range from a signature red carpet look to a curly Beyonce-inspired do or a fun BoHo braid. You can also choose your own style from a favorite picture for an “a la carte” at $65, experiment with extensions for $70 or not even leave the comfort of your own home for a blo on the go at $75 per style.

Don’t worry fellas, you can also get a blo bro for $21.

I went with the “Holly Would.” It was an all around fun, relaxing experience. I went with two producers from FoxCT and we took the opportunity to catch up on some girl talk while we got beautified. Disclaimer, there’s a ton of pink and perkiness, so be prepared.

Inside Blo

Before and after at Blo Blow Dry Bar In Blue Back Square

Owner and operator of Blo West Hartford Stacey Cohen talks about what Blo is and goes through the Hair Menu

Blo is located at 71 Memorial Road, West Hartford inside Blue Back Square across from Lucy and Ann Taylor. For opening weekend there will be a pink carpet party, champagne and $21 blow drys. To book an appointment, call 860-231-0443 or email blowesthartford@blomedry.com