The bounty of the Atlantic Ocean drew many settlers to Connecticut, and one place where you can really taste it is at Ten Twenty Post. Housed in a historic brick building, regulars say this is one of Darien’s best eateries.

When you take your seat, you’ll be greeted by a basket of excellent fresh-baked bread and butter to nosh on while you pore over the menu. Don’t miss the steamed mussels with thin-cut French fries – you can choose from spicy tomato sauce, red Thai curry, or white wine sauce to simmer them in. Some of the best appetizers include the fresh-shucked oysters, the classic shrimp cocktail and the French onion soup. For large plates, regulars rave over the excellent pan-seared fish, caught fresh, as well as the New England lobster rolls. The daily specials are always worth perusing, and the desserts are highly recommended, so make sure you leave room.

Ten Twenty Post
1020 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-1020
www.tentwentypost.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/ten-twenty-post-oyster-bar-and-bistro-darien

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/LWY

These fast and easy tips will help you to create a florist-quality spring floral arrangement that you’ll be really proud to display in your home.

1. Begin with the color palette. If you want to mix and match flowers to create your own bouquet, it’s best to have a color palette in mind. Stick with muted tones, a blend of bold primary hues, or variations of one color to create a cohesive look.
2. Create a space for each flower. Cheat by creating a sort of grid guideline inside of the vase. Place a piece of chicken wire flat inside of the opening, or even create a crosshatch of durable florist tape across the surface of the vase. The goal is to have a series of 1-inch squares where you can place each type of flower.
3. Start with the largest flower. Create a base by adding the largest flower (or branch or fern) in the center.
4. Add the thickest flowers. Arrange thick, heavy flowers around the tallest one in the middle.
5. Finally, add accent flowers. Add tulips, daffodils, roses or other eye-catching accents last.

DIY Spring Flower Arrangement by Ashley Woodson Bailey [Design Sponge]
How to Make a Cool Flower Arrangement: 8 DIY Ideas for Spring [Stylecaster]
Simple Spring Centerpieces [Better Homes and Gardens]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr kasparsdambis

New Canaan’s Aetheria Relaxation Spa is not only kind to your skin, but also to the animal kingdom. The organic day spa uses a body care collection that is cruelty-free. Such skin care treatments as enzyme peels, cleansing facials, and purifiers use Eminence Organic Skin Care products, which are handmade in Hungary. These products are also free from artificial dyes and synthetic solvents. Choose from a variety of pure essential oils to customize your aromatherapy during a Thai yoga or signature stone massage. Or exfoliate away dead skin cells with a pumpkin and apple garden body masque. The spa has something to suit most needs with before or after baby maternity spa treatments, bridal options, and seasonal specials.

You’ll find the spa inside an historic Victorian house with white siding and green shutters. The spa is open until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, which makes it easy to sneak in a massage after work or on the weekend.

Aetheria Relaxation Spa
121 Cherry Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-6650
www.aetheriaspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/aetheria-day-spa-new-canaan

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/thomaswanhoff