Nature Table: Northern Vermont

We’ve been in northern Vermont for the past few days, walking through the woods, gathering treasures, skiing, relaxing. The scenery here is simply stunning; I’ve taken almost 200 photos without having to try. I plan to share some of them with you upon my return, but until then, I thought I’d give you a little taste of this beautiful and sleepy section of the country. To see how the nature table project started, click here. To see previous nature tables that I’ve posted, click here and here.

As a side note, the blue piece of pottery that you see in this photo was found my by mother-in-law. She picked it up where the old farmhouse that once stood on this property was. I stuck it in the photo for a little bit of color;).

P.S. Hubby and my father-in-law are in the next room watching US vs. Canada in hockey.... very exciting;).

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

xoxo

the weekend is here

Happy Friday!

So, I am slightly embarrassed to admit this, but my husband informed me the other day that I literally stomp my feet when I’m mad. I really hadn’t noticed. What am I, a five-year old? Now that I’m aware of it, perhaps I can work on not doing it. Is there something that you do, that you’ve only recently discovered or something that you’d like to stop doing?

We’re going up to northern Vermont this weekend for some skiing and relaxation. Matt’s parents have a cozy home up there, tucked away in the woods. The above photo was taken from the porch of the house **siiiiigh**.

Have a great weekend, wherever you may be.

xoxo

a little bit of me

The Kreativ Blogger Award has been spreading across blogs for a while now and I’m so thankful to sweet Dawn at May All Seasons be Sweet to Thee and lovely Johanna from Birds on a Wire, for thinking of me. As a recipient, I’m to share 7 (or 11, since I couldn’t stop;)) things about myself and pass the award on to other bloggers. So, here are my things:

1. I don’t tan. I freckle.
2. I studied psychology and biology as an undergraduate. I’d like to go back for an advanced degree in the public health field but am not sure of what, exactly.
3. I’m inspired by and adore anything French- including, but not limited to the following: fashion, interior design, fabrics, toile, Chambord, lavender, the landscapes, the rose wine, the people, the language –I even find the President and First Lady to be quite charming.
4. My dog looks like a gorilla-bat hybrid and ever since we taught her to roll-over we can’t get her to stop.
5. I like to tear it up on the dance floor.
6. I have a very irrational fear of bears (as well as many other irrational fears, which I’m going to overcome because they’re silly).
7. But I am going to start wearing a helmet when I go snow-boarding.
8. I love the beach and anything that reminds me of the beach:).
9. In 2005, right after my 25th birthday, I ran a marathon with Team and Training. It was a proud moment for me and it was also for a good cause. I’m turning 30 this year and hope to do something else extravagant to celebrate this milestone:).
10. I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. It’s actually pretty amazing.
11. I wish that I could live to be at least 200 (with the stamina of a 20-something year old and I wish that everyone I love would live as long too). I just love life and think it is way too short. I am trying to live as enriched a life as possible, surrounding myself with those I love (hubby, family, close friends), curiosity & interest, arts, culture, beautiful things, good people. There are enough terrible things going on in this world so I’m trying to focus on the good, the peaceful.

Which, speaking to #11, is one of the reasons why I enjoy coming here so much, to this little blog world. I’ve connected with so many women who share similar interests and outlooks, and these blogs are just filled with beautiful things, enough to brighten my mornings. And they’re filled with good people, friends from all over the globe. So, with that said, I’d like to pass this award on to 7 bloggers who inspire me and bring beauty to my day, through their stories and photos. They are:

~ Rachel at Mozart’s Girl
~ Kary at My Farmhouse Kitchen
~ Erin at I Heart New England
~ Gigi at The Magpie’s Fancy
~ Erin at Pughs’ News
~ COURTNEY at Scattering Lupines
~ Katrina at Kat’s Cradle


xoxo

In Love With Zooni

A few years ago I saw these adorable little mop-top hats, from San Francisco-based Zooni, on the Ellen show. I have been obsessed ever since. I saved the site so that one day, when I have children of my own, I can pop these little hats on their heads. Aren’t they cute?? These are my two favorites, Panda Monium (above) and Under the Sea (also just adorably named:)). To see the whole collection, click here. Which styles do you fancy?? :)

xoxo

Photos from zooniwear.com.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.....

Was I not just saying that ‘spring is right around the corner’? I should know better. Today was supposed to find me driving to Connecticut for work, but due to this crazy little end-of-February storm, I re-scheduled my visit and will be working from my couch, with a pot of freshly ground coffee and warm pjs:). I took a few snowy photos to share with you (from inside, of course). I hope this day finds each of you warm & cozy;).




xoxo

Our Summer Job: Planting Trees

Hello, hello,
I hope you all had a lovely weekend. We had a very nice time at dinner on Saturday night, thank you all for your well wishes. We slept in on Sunday morning and later I spent some time researching trees. Yes, trees (and shrubs). You see, we moved into a house that came with a spectacularly manicured lawn. Perfectly mowed, perfectly mulched, not a blemish in site. I have to say, it drives me absolutely nuts, for a few reasons; one being that I knew we wouldn’t be able to maintain perfection for that long (and of course, we haven’t) and two being that I tend to really like the slightly overgrown, lived in & loved look. Do you know what I mean? Perfectly imperfect, is how I like to think of it. I long for secret gardens and hiding places, little reading nooks, trees to hang swings, bird feeders, a hammock and lanterns from. So, whilst we live in the forest, surrounded by trees, I spent some time looking for the perfect trees for our perfectly green (now green-ish) lawn. Here’s what I found:



President Grevy Lilacs-Royal Blue Clusters, Mcintosh Standard Apple, Nikko Blue Hydrangea, Cherokee Chief Red Flowering Dogwood, Weeping Willow, Bradford Pear, Pink Delight Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

** all photos from Miller Nurseries

Dinner for 4

We’re having dinner guests over tonight. On the menu is teriyaki salmon (my husband grills a fantastically mean teriyaki salmon, which, let’s be truthful here, is one of the reasons why he is my husband;)), pearled basil couscous and green beans. For dessert, we’ll be having homemade blueberry apple crisp, served up warm with a scoop of vanilla gelato. I could hardly contain my excitement at the grocery store when I bought it!! We’ll also be having Trader Joe’s dark-chocolate covered blueberries. If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, I highly recommend trying these blueberries. They are so delicious:).

I got some fresh flowers for the occasion and pulled out my spring apron (which I got on sale last year at Williams Sonoma outlet), while my little monkey of a dog looked on with a quizzical stare. What a glorious Saturday;).


xoxo