Food + Beverage

Shephard's Pie

Try skipping the usual corned beef this year for a more sublime, authentic Irish meal Article by Eileen M. McNamara Looking for an alternative to the typical corned beef dinner on St Patrick's Day? Corned beef is Irish-American, immigrants came up with it when they came to this country. So here's a recipe for an authentic Irish meal, one you would easily encounter any day in Ireland. Traditionally the Irish used ground lamb in Shepard's Pie, but you can substitute ground beef, chicken or...

Health + Wellness

Aging in Place

Constant Homemakers and Companions Provides Numerous In-Home Services Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke The demand for in-home care and services is growing rapidly in this country, fueled by an aging population and a desire by many senior Americans to be able to remain in their homes. To meet that demand, home-care service companies, such as Constant Homemakers and Companions Inc., are dedicated to meeting the homecare needs of the older population. A registered...

Home + Design

Crafting Timeless Homes

Kathryn Hunt Studio Provides Expert Advice for Creating Your Dream Space Article by Lucinda Jamison Finding the perfect balance between style and function when you’re building a home or renovating can be a daunting task.  The key to success lies in making informed decisions with the help of a design professional. A full-service interior decoration and design firm in West Hartford, The Kathryn Hunt Studio works in an array of visual styles to assist clients through the design process and...

Home Services

Connecticut Shade and Blind: A Commitment to Customer Service

The locally-owned business has been in the same family for decades Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by John Helmke Founded on the principles of offering quality products and impeccable customer service, Connecticut Shade and Blind emerged 37 years ago as a family-owned business that defies the norm.  "Our business was started because it was a good fit, and we wanted to offer products that stand the test of time, not bound by seasonal fluctuations," says Ron Gattinella, the founder and...

Home + Design

Real Estate Trends - 2024

A Conversation With Dawn Gagliardi, a Realtor With Coldwell Banker Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Connecticut Headshots Dawn Gagliardi is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. She and her business partner, Abby Dudarewicz, are on the top-producing Corrado Team.  A former attorney, Dawn is a fierce negotiator and zealous advocate for her clients. With over 250 transactions under her belt, Dawn brings real-life business experience to the table to help her clients navigate the...

Home + Design

JWM Architects Explains Intelligent Design

Architects Can Help Control Building Expenses With Intelligent Design Options Article by John W. MacFarlane | Photography by Felicia Pascarella, John W. MacFarlane The past few years have created significant price increases in the building trades and especially in new home construction.  Rising demand, fuel prices and the recent epidemic have driven up materials costs. Record highs in home equity values have spurred a boom in renovation and additions to existing properties, placing...

Food + Beverage

Love Potion

A Cocktail Both Potent and Pretty Article by Eileen M. McNamara 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...

Shopping

A New Kind of Bath Shop

Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. to Open on Main Street Article by Eileen M. McNamara 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...

Food + Beverage

Foodie Love Story

Sistersnacking is a Social Media Juggaurnut Built Around Four Sisters' Love of Food and Each Other Article by Eileen M. McNamara 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...

Life + Culture

Reader's Choice Awards

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!   Best Jewelry Store DeRosa Fine Diamonds.  A custom jewelry store with an artisan workshop where you can choose your diamond...