Celebrate a special occasion at Cesco’s Trattoria in Darien, one of the region's best kept secrets for authentic, rustic Italian cuisine. Chef and owner Aldo Chiamulera grew up in northern Italy and named the restaurant after his grandfather.

A Certified Green Restaurant, Cesco's relies on local, organic and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Start with the baked clams or the tortellini soup. Pasta is available in full and half portions for those that want a traditional Italian meal of pasta and a main course. Try the Chianti Spaghetti with broccoli rabe and sausage. Favorite main courses are the braised short ribs with polenta, halibut beurre blanc with spinach and artichoke hearts, and veal ossobuco. Cesco’s is known for satisfying portions that won’t leave you feeling stuffed.

Cesco’s exudes charm with old world-inspired decor like brick archways, ladder back chairs, and hardwood floors. White linen table cloths add elegance and sophistication.

Cesco’s Trattoria
25 Old Kings Highway North
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 202-9985
www.cescostrattoria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cescos-trattoria-darien

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/tenaciousme

Are spray bottles filled with various cleaning solutions stealing your valuable cabinet space? Consider streamlining your cleaning routine by using borax, a naturally occurring white mineral more aptly known as sodium tetraborate. This eco-friendly powder can be used in many applications throughout the home, from cleaning and deodorizing to DIY bouncy balls for the kids. Here are a few uses for borax:

1. Laundry Booster
Add one-half cup of borax to your washing machine to help boost the effectiveness of your regular detergent.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with two tablespoons borax and two of cups hot water. Use the solution to clean countertops, kitchen appliances, sinks, and cookware.

3. Bathroom Cleaner
Remove soap scum and hard water deposits by combining one cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to your sink and tub using a damp sponge, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. To apply borax in dry form, you can store it in an empty parmesan cheese shaker for easy sprinkling.

4. DIY Dish Detergent
Save money by making your own powder dishwasher detergent. Simply combine one tablespoon borax and one tablespoon baking soda.

5. Make Your Own Bouncy Balls
Here's a fun, educational activity for the kids: Combine borax, glue, cornstarch, food coloring, and water to make your own bouncy balls. (Find the complete instructions here.) While borax is an all-natural product, you still need to remind your kids that it's not for eating. Be sure to keep your box of borax out of the reach of children.

Borax and 25 Ways to Use It [Apartment Therapy]
25 Household Uses For Borax [Homesessive]
Uses of 20 Mule Team® Borax [Mule Team Borax]
30 Little Known Uses for Borax [One Good Thing]
How to Make a Borax Bouncy Ball [Creative Bug]
Borax Changed My Life! [Stacy Makes Cents]

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Flickr/wwarby

Silvermine Arts Center is an exceptional cultural hub — truly one of New Canaan’s most interesting and diverse places to feed your head.

Sculptor Solon Borglum moved to the area in 1908 and just a decade later the Silvermine Guild of Artists was founded. The Guild now consists of over 300 professional artists and five gallery spaces, as well as a School of Art that passes skills and concepts along to both amateurs and professionals. The Arts Center is one of Fairfield County’s most-visited cultural institutions, with a gorgeous 4 1/2 acre campus and excellent facilities. The classes presented here are diverse, ranging from traditional mediums like painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media.

The Center also hosts an Art Partners program that places working artists into elementary school classrooms around the New Canaan area. Even if you’re not looking to take a class, don't miss the impressive work on display in the galleries.

Silvermine Arts Center
1037 Silvermine Road
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-5617
http://www.yelp.com/biz/silvermine-guild-arts-center-new-canaan

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jenelle