Fairfield County Mom Favorite Things 2022

0

Fairfield County Mom is a locally-focused parenting resource for moms and families. Passionate about parenting and our community, Fairfield County Mom strives to connect area moms to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss happenings, and most of all — each other!

Over the past nine years, our readers have gotten to know each of us through our posts. Each contributor willingly shares their lives through personal mommy experiences, perspectives, and local knowledge. We occasionally get together to talk business and share ideas. We recently gathered in person for our eighth annual Favorite Things Party!

Each contributor shared their number one favorite thing (three of the same item – but possibly different colors, styles, etc.) with a $10 limit. We randomly selected names, so each of us would receive three new favorite things. Sharing our favorite things helps us get to know one another better and discover new products that make our days as mommies and women easier and more enjoyable.

Fairfield County Mom Favorite Things

{provided by our favorite sponsors and photographed by Three Anchors Photography}

Broken Shed Vodka :: Broken Shed Vodka is out to prove that not all vodkas are made equal. In fact, as it’s made in New Zealand (a day ahead of us), they pride themselves on being The Vodka of Tomorrow. Broken Shed epitomizes crisp, clean simplicity—it’s made with only three ingredients, two of which are water! While that might sound like a riddle, it’s actually because they blend mineral-rich aquifer water from New Zealand’s South Island with filtered spring water from the North. Combine that with a fresh spirit from whey, and you’ve got a gluten-free vodka with no additives, sweeteners, or GMOs. Just a great-tasting spirit that can be enjoyed by itself or as part of your favorite cocktail. Forget what you know about vodka; this is what vodka can be.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Winfield Street Coffee :: Created to be a community gathering coffee place where guests can find a warm smile, excellent coffee, and creative food. Serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, and catering to Fairfield County and Westchester County residents, Winfield donates one meal for every check that is $20 or higher. In 2021, that amounted to almost 10,000 meals.

Receive 10% off all orders with the mention of Fairfield County Mom through December 31, 2022.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Baked and Sauced :: Looking for something unique and special for your child’s birthday party, graduation, or even a family get-together? Baked and Sauced has you covered. They make some of the most delicious cupcakes you’ve ever tasted. Fun push-pops, cakes, and mouth-watering craft cocktails too! They deliver free in Fairfield County (even the drinks!) or can roll up to your party in one of their Vintage Airstreams to serve your guests in person.

Receive 10% off all orders with the mention of Fairfield County Mom through September 30, 2022.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

RIPE Bar Juice :: RIPE Bar Juice is a premium line of 100% natural, small batch, cold-pressed juice mixers for creating effortlessly elevated craft cocktails. Produced in Connecticut in a custom Craft Juicery, RIPE Bar Juice cocktail mixers are made from clean, simple ingredients, including 100% traceable, carefully curated fruits. Free of preservatives or additives and gently cold-pressed in small batches for the freshest cocktail mixers on the market, RIPE Bar Juice is shipped and sold refrigerated – it’s that fresh! RIPE Bar Juice cocktail mixers allow cocktail enthusiasts to skip the extra effort of squeezing their fresh juices. Simply add the spirit of choice to serve and enjoy fresh, delicious cocktails in minutes. Alternatively, RIPE Bar Juice offers a myriad of possibilities for non-alcoholic mocktails. Available in 750ML (25.36 oz) sizes, RIPE Bar Juice comes in seven varieties, including Agave Margarita, Classic Cosmopolitan, Agave Mojito, Classic Lemon Sour, Bajan
Punch, San Marzano Bloody Mary, and Classic Cranberry.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Owl’s Brew Boozy Tea :: Owl’s Brew is a female-founded brand that crafts freshly brewed, bubbly and boozy, organic teas with only real fruit and botanicals. Founded by friends and tea enthusiasts Jennie Ripps and Maria Littlefield, Owl’s Brew results from a lifelong passion and respect for ingredients that come from the earth and not from a lab. On a mission to make the most refreshing and refreshingly made drinks in the world, Owl’s Brew products have real benefits, from real ingredients—allowing you to have fun while making wise decisions. All Owl’s Brew products are made with 100% real ingredients, organic tea, no added flavors, and are comparable in calories and carbs to leading hard seltzers. Owl’s Brew is available in major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Total Wine, GoPuff, and more. 

 

Garlic Expressions Vinaigrette:: They exclusively produce a zesty vinaigrette dressing fused with pickled garlic cloves. Dub it a dressing, marinade, condiment, sauce, or your kitchen secret weapon, the flavor’s versatility adds a flavorful punch to any dish. The blend of a small-batch production process and premium ingredients results in the taste and aromatic standard for this two-in-one dressing. They acquire the highest quality garlic from the prime growing region of California. Garlic Expressions’ bold flavor doesn’t mean you must compromise your dietary restrictions. This low-carb garlic oil and vegan dressing are perfect for those who follow Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, Atkins, or Weight Watchers diets. Made in a dedicated facility that does not handle any of the top 8 allergens: wheat, fish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, shellfish, or eggs.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Links Drinks :: The Transfusion is a golf club classic made with vodka, ginger ale, and grape juice. For years, golfers have looked forward to this delicious and refreshing cocktail at the turn or in the clubhouse. Links Drinks has created a “Ready to Drink” Transfusion cocktail in a can! Gluten-free, no preservatives, and natural ingredients. You can enjoy this golf tradition anywhere…the course, beach, boat, or bbq at home with family and friends. Get out there and Enjoy life!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Spiritfruit Vodka Sodas :: Spiritfruit was founded by Caitlin Morris, who craved a healthier, happier sipping experience but couldn’t find anything to meet her high standards. Spiritfruit is crafted with five-times distilled vodka, all-natural ingredients, and real fruit juice so that it’s 100% gluten-free and has no added sugar. The Spiritfruit difference can be seen and tasted with every colorful pour. Today, Caitlin and her team are on a mission to deliver a clean, refreshing drinking experience that doesn’t compromise taste.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cross Culture Kombucha :: Launched with the vision of providing non-drinkers and health-conscious customers a delicious drink that can be enjoyed anytime, especially socially with family and friends. You can purchase online, or they can accommodate pick-ups at the Fairfield Farmers’ Market (every Sunday) or the Westport Farmers’ Market (alternating Thursdays). You can also visit them at their Danbury taproom, or they can make home deliveries for almost all of Fairfield County. Cross Culture Kombucha is also sold at many independent stores throughout Fairfield County and CT, like Caraluzzi’s, local coffee shops, and market stores. Later this year, they are moving to a larger kombucha brewery in Danbury, and their taproom will be larger, allowing them to host events. 

Use the code FAVETHINGS22 for 15% off kombucha and merch orders online, valid through August 21, 2022.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Math and Nerdy Candles :: Mary and Mari are high school math teachers who love candles. They bonded in 1998 when they were hired to teach at the same school and have been partners in crime ever since! They enjoy teaching math and admit to being nerds. Their candles are made using premium fragrance oils and clean, all-natural, vegan soy wax. They use cotton wicks that are zinc and lead-free. All of their products are gluten-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. They take great pride in providing clean products that are made with love. They hand-pour all candles right here in Fairfield. They also make incense, wax melts, and reed diffuser oils. All of the candle names are math themed. For example, the white tea scented candle is called “Hypatia” for the first known female math teacher. “Factorial!” is the name for the white sage and lavender candle. They also periodically donate to local charities for education, animals, and other needs close to their hearts. Every candle sold equals a donation to charity.

Website | Instagram

Manny’s Ultimate Bloody Mary :: Manny’s Ultimate Bloody Mary is a truly authentic, non-alcoholic mix with no artificial colorings or preservatives. Handcrafted and produced locally with authentic ingredients. It is gluten-free, nut oil-free, and low sodium with no measurable amounts of seafood. Made with Sacramento tomato juice, organic horseradish (grown upstate Connecticut), Lea and Parens low sodium Worcestershire, true Tabasco, celery salt, fresh ground pepper, European sea salt, and lemon juice. All together, along with four proprietary ingredients, make for a bold, savory and spicy experience. Chill and serve as is (virgin) or beside the obvious vodka, feel free to try it with tequila, gin, sake, or even a clear moonshine. Great for adding to tomato sauce, marinating meats, and replacing cocktail sauce. Available in various sizes from our signature 16 and 25-ounce mason jars to the ever popular 34 ounce Liter Bar bottle. Available in over 1500 locations statewide, including 11 others. Ask for them by name at your local wine and spirits shops and specialty food stores, or you can order online.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

light this way :: light this way is a collection of reusable and customizable luminaries that can be used again and again. Simply fill with water (no more sandy mess) and drop in the water-activated tea light (included) to brighten up your party, walkway, driveway, porch, mantel, etc.

Receive a 20% discount with the code FAIRFIELD22.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

GoSili Reusable Cups + Straws :: GoSili is the first brand that focuses on creating silicone products with a high-end design at affordable prices, competing directly with plastic. The company is dedicated to building a social movement away from toxic and unsustainable plastic wares by providing an alternative. With the excessive amount of plastic tableware linked to adverse health and environmental issues, GoSili is creating a cultural shift away from the overuse of these “throw-away” plastics. As GoSili continues to grow its brands, the primary goal is to promote the silicone benefit, lead the industry, and change how we live. GoSili cups are incredibly durable, can grow with your child, and are meant to last a lifetime. It’s an easy, sustainable solution to kicking the single-use cup habit, whether at home or on-the-go. GoSili reusable silicone straws are soft and flexible but strong enough so they do not collapse when you are drinking. This key design technique makes our reusable straws the best reusable straw! A GoSili reusable silicone straw won’t melt in your drink like a paper straw or hurt your pearly whites like a stainless-steel straw. 

 
Oui Charcuterie Salami :: A local, handmade, nitrate-free salami company located in Woodbridge, CT. They create a handcrafted salami under USDA inspection with no nitrates, gluten, soy, nuts, filler, or food dyes and is dry-cured in Connecticut. Their most popular flavor, Dulce (our sweet), was awarded Yankee Magazine’s Good Food Award in Nov/Dec 2021. Oui Charcuterie Salami is available in Fairfield at The Pantry, at Candlewood Market, and Oui is at the Fairfield’s Farmer’s Market on the Fairfield green every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Use the code FairfieldMom15 and receive 15% off orders from their website until the end of November 2022.

 
Molly & Mags Celebration Pretzels :: Crunchy, salty pretzels are drenched in Belgian milk, dark, or pure white chocolate, and sprinkled with festive sprinkles – the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion and add some sweetness to your everyday life. Made in small batches with the highest quality of ingredients, these simple yet decadent treats make great party favors and gifts for everyone in your life, including yourself! In addition to Celebration Pretzels, they offer signature items including English Toffee, Cinnamon Pecans, Sweet & Spicy Almonds, Italian Pizzelles, Old Fashion Peanut Brittle, Coconut Clouds, Pecan Turtles, Belgian Chocolate-Covered Sandwich Cookies, S’mores, Mocha Cappuccino Fudge, and their newest treat, Belgian Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips! Molly & Mags LLC is based in Cos Cob, CT, and found online at www.mollyandmags.com and in Navy Lobster in Greenwich, Greenwich Historical Society’s gift store, and Party Paper & Things in Cos Cob. They ship everywhere and offer free delivery to Greenwich and Stamford customers.

Receive 10% off a 12 count of pretzels with the code PRETZELS10 through August 31, 2022.

 
Arogya Tea :: Arogya Holistic Healing in Westport, CT, provides evidence-based care and an integrative approach to wellness that combines traditional Chinese medicine with other complementary healing modalities. Their holistic services include Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Private Yoga, Reflexology, and Wellness Consultations. They also specialize in health and wellness products for the home and body, signature essential oil blends, topical CBD products, and custom Chinese herbal remedies. Their tea company, Arogya Tea, carries the largest selection of wild harvest and organic loose leaf teas in Fairfield County. They are dedicated to providing natural products and traditional healing for those who seek balance and well-being as part of a modern lifestyle.
 
 
Sassy Birch Vegan Jerky :: Sassy Birch is a local queer and woman-owned business that specializes in producing handcrafted small-batch vegan jerky. The main ingredient in their jerky is jackfruit, a sustainable and hearty plant widely cultivated throughout the world’s tropical regions. They season and dehydrate the young green version of this fruit to create their tasty snack. Aside from containing only one allergen (sesame) and being packaged exclusively in eco-friendly compostable bags, another perk of their jerky is its quick and easy transformation into a shredded meat substitute. Simply rehydrate by adding water and heat, and you can enjoy a savory meal just as flavorful and meaty as the real thing. They have recipes and instructional videos on their Instagram and website. Sassy Birch’s mission is to make vegan food accessible and appealing to all, from plant eaters to omnivores. Please enjoy!
 
 
Stylish Spoon :: Founded by a local Fairfield County mom, Stylish Spoon is a gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free bakery that opened up in SONO. What makes Stylish Spoon’s allergy-friendly baked goods special is that they taste amazing and are also made with nutrient-dense ingredients. Basically, what you would want to make for your family if you had the time! Stylish Spoon’s signature is a baked OatMEAL Cup, a great breakfast, snack, or even dessert. The founder, Ilana Eck, created the cups when she was a nursing mom and needed an easy way to get good calories in with one hand while holding a baby. (Bonus: They also help to naturally boost milk production for nursing moms since they contain naturally lactogenic ingredients!). Stylish Spoon’s cups can be shipped to your door (they offer subscriptions online) for pick-up at their SONO bakery and the Westport and New Canaan Farmers Markets.
 
 

New England Luxe Candles and Dainty Dutchess Candle Company :: Both candle companies are owned and operated by Virginia Bennett and her daughters. Delight the soul, spread love and bring a smile to someone special with these dainty vegan soy candles from Dainty Dutchess Candle Company. Or indulge in New Engalnd Luxe hand poured soy candles inspired by the simple luxuries of New England. The labels feature local hand-picked farm fruits and local beach photos. They hand-pour all soy candles in small batches using soy grown in the U.S.A. finishing up candles with a cotton paper wick that is lead and zinc-free including essential oils, and they print labels on recycled paper.

YOU have the chance to win a bundle of our favorite things from our sponsors! FIVE winners will be selected on Sunday, August 21. To enter to win, please click HERE.

Contributor Favorite Things

Michelle :: FlowFly Lunch Bag Tote and Easy Lunchboxes Container

Maria F. :: SoNo 1420 Threesome Espresso Martini Ready-To-Mix Cocktail

Aarika :: Sunglasses

Daria :: ZenToes Moisturizing Heel Socks 

Elisabeth :: Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers and Statement Earrings 

Leanne :: Lover Boy Hard Iced Tea

Caitlin :: Colleen Hoover Books 

Jessica R. :: Grow Long Caffeine Ginseng Rapid Grow Leave-InandMoKo Waterproof Phone Pouch

Melissa :: L’Oréal Root Cover-Up

Caroline :: Mi Mina White Corn Tortilla Chips and Hank’s Heat Hot Sauce

Jamie :: Lesser Evil Snacks and Pink Whitney Vodka

Jenna :: Bath & Body Works Fall Candles

Lauren :: Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Glaze and Em and Friends Postcards

 
 
 

What favorite things would you pass along to a fellow mama?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here