Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

Build, Sail, Dance, Eat, See the Stars and Some Street Art in New Haven

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 05/27/2017 - 3:14pm

Known as the birthplace of American pizza, the city of New Haven lives up to its reputation as a first class foodie destination. Thanks to Market New Haven, you can experience many culinary delights in the city of pioneering restaurateurs. But New Haven is more than a foodie town. It’s a place to explore history and architecture, art and culture. It's where ideas are nurtured and celebrated. Happily, it’s also very accessible to families and is wonderfully walkable. Take the kids for a day trip or a weekend getaway and experience the city for yourselves with this list as your guide.

5 Kid Birthday Party Themes You Can Pull Off in a Small Space

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 04/21/2017 - 10:50am

When it comes to birthday parties, my daughter might want to dream big. However, the reality is our living space is quite small.

Fortunately for her, she has a mom who loves to host creative parties; who likes the challenge of figuring out how to make small spaces work no matter what idea she comes up with. These five themes are big on imagination, even if you are short on space. Most of these activities can take place in one room and be personalized to appeal to boys and girls of a variety of ages.

Find more tips on hosting a kid's birthday party in a small city apartment, from keeping the favors simple to curating the guest list.

5 Simple But Cool Slime Recipes to Make with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 04/13/2017 - 10:00am

As a child of the 80s, slime ranks pretty high in my archive of childhood memories. It was the stuff that made Ghostbusters awesome, and many of my childhood dreams involved running through an obstacle course getting covered with the stuff. Yet somehow the slime of the new millennium is even cooler. Even better that you can make it in the comfort of your own home with a few simple ingredients. Check out more cool boredom busters and crafts to do with kids.

Allergy Aware Bakeries in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 2:50pm

There are so many great bakeries in every corner of Connecticut. But, like many of you, my daughter’s school is a nut free facility. For everyone’s safety, if we want to send in treats for celebrations and birthdays, they have to be store bought and in their original sealed containers. For really special celebrations, like birthdays and holidays, I like to bring in something a little more festive than a box of Oreo Cookies. Thankfully, Connecticut has a growing list of bakeries that can provide a fresh-baked treat that everyone can enjoy.

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular: A Fun Day with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 11/19/2016 - 8:20am

You may have heard of that other Thanksgiving Day Parade. You know, the one that you have to get up at the crack of dawn, wait for hours in the street, and spend your Thanksgiving smooshed against strangers trying to catch a glimpse at floats as they work their way down Broadway. Lucky for us Nutmeggers, we have the UBS Downtown Parade Spectacular that has all of the fun with none of the hassle. For as long as I have lived in Fairfield County, the Parade Spectacular marks the beginning of the holiday season. Featuring 16 giant balloons, marching bands, fantastic floats, clowns, and a special visit from Santa, the Stamford parade is recognized as one of the best in the country.

From where to park, to some insider tips, this guide provides you with all the information you need to make the Parade Spectacular a highlight of your family’s holiday season. For more seasonal activities, check out our November Go List.

Scary Easy Ideas for a Spooktacular Halloween Party

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 10/27/2016 - 10:00am

It's never too late to organize a super simple Halloween Party. This year I hosted our annual neighborhood party and tested out some frighteningly easy Halloween snack recipes. They must have been a hit, because my little ghosts and goblins didn’t let out a single boo in protest. Now that I have my fifth party under my (witch's) hat, here are a few tricks for how to host your own Halloween Party.

For more Halloween fun, from the best kids Halloween movies to 75 fun Halloween activities for kids—and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!

Preschool Programs in Fairfield County Independent Schools

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 09/07/2016 - 8:00am

Fairfield County provides one of the most enriching and diverse independent educational experiences in the country. There are so many opportunities available, it may be hard to choose the right match for your child. Although the school year may have just opened, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the 2017-18 academic year. Admissions season is just gearing up, so make sure to make note of open houses and admissions schedules.

All of the schools on this list provide a thoughtful educational experience for the youngest of learners, and are sure to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Most of these programs run for the academic year, from the hours of 9-3. Many provide enriching before and after school programs for parents who need to extend the school day.

Six Perfect Picnic Places in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 09/06/2016 - 8:00am

The days may be getting shorter, but the cool, crisp, fresh air of fall is the perfect time to have a picnic. If you are looking for a picturesque country setting, Fairfield County offers some wonderful locations to park your basket and unroll your blanket. Picnics are a perfect way to take advantage of a sunny day and get together with family and friends.

Some of Fairfield County’s best parks and beaches are also great places to have a picnic. Whether you are a history buff, want a little adventure, or just want to enjoy the bucolic setting of Connecticut estates and lakes, there is something on this list for you.