Babies, Breweries and Books

Not a title I'd ever thought I'd publish but come to find out babies make really great companions when you're venturing into the rural Northeast Kingdom of Vermont for the world's best brewery.  We found ourselves in Greensboro, Vermont on a random Wednesday in February for the release of Hill Farmstead's Flora Plum which quite literally tastes like mimosa in a bottle with a hint of plum.  I am by no means a beer connoisseur nor do I really know anything about craft beers but I did catch word of this wondrous place not far from our home in Vermont.  A drive through bucolic farmland and serene forest was a welcome agenda item for the two of us on an otherwise uneventful weekday.   

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Not long from now, our scenery will be filled with double decker busses, chiming clock towers and beautiful English gardens for a stint in London so we're soaking up as much of this country life as we can while dreaming of the adventures that await.  

And as we go about our days, you can rest assured we're doing ever important research on the lovely children's clothiers that abound in this marvelous city.  Above, Mila for one is wearing a favorite smocked winter dress from Sarah Louise, a timeless English brand.    

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She's still finding her balance but is happiest when she's figuring it out on her own.  Thankfully for these velveteen booties, our winter so far hasn't seen much snow.

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Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is filled with scenes like these.  It is an inviting place filled with a bit of mystery and seduction, and leaves you with a yearning to go back and discover more.  

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Among the things Vermonters do best are coffee shops, craft beer and independent bookstores.  These cozy Vermont towns are home to some of our favorites including Bridgeside Books in Waterbury, Vermont.  You can make yourself at home here and browse their wonderful selection of children's literature.  They also offer a lively, music and craft filled story time every Friday morning which Mila loved.  We came home with a new classic, "Shh! Bears Sleeping," by David Martin and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Francher.  It was recently on the the New York Times Book Review and wouldn't you know, the author makes his home in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom of Vermont!    

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The hills are alive!

Apologies in advance for putting that song in your head.  Over the weekend we visited our musical neighbors in Vermont at the Trapp Family Lodge.  They are situated in the hills overlooking Stowe valley, how appropriate.  Over the years we've found ourselves enjoying their outdoor concerts in the meadow or snowshoeing uphill to a log cabin for some hot cocoa and a banjo picker.

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With children we now opt for a bit less adventure and planning and went on a Scottish Highland cattle tour which in my opinion was just as much a feast for the senses.  You can get pretty close to these wonderful creatures, but just be sure to watch where you step!

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It started to mist a bit but there was no way we were going home before checking out the greenhouse.  Elise was one with the gardens in her rose hip dress by Duns Sweden.  What don't we love about Duns Sweden?  They're producing clothing from wonderfully soft GOTS certified cotton which is music to my ears.  They  also maintain full transparency with the consumer regarding the production process.  I just loved scrolling through these photos on their website which introduce us to the people who make each piece. 

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I might be a little late to the game here but did you know there is an organization called Fashion Revolution that is dedicated to promoting ethical production and sustainability in the fashion industry?  Duns Sweden supports their efforts and I think that's awesome.  Loving the hashtag #whomademyclothes!

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When I was pregnant with Mila, I purchased an adorable pair of baby moccasins at an artist fair in Martha's Vinyard. They were made from the softest deer skin leather.  She's been wearing them lately now that the temperatures have been falling and they stay on like a charm.  I tracked down the maker, Marie of Leather Treasures MV and found the sweetest medicine bag that has the perfect amount of room for a few tiny treasures.  The best part?  We got to pick a color for the Czech glass bead that adorns the front for a personalized touch.    

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