Photo Credit: 506 On the River Inn
There is nothing more relaxing than driving around the winding river roads of Vermont…wind blowing through open windows and green mountains looming in the distance. It has been a crazy year and I was so thrilled to escape for two nights before the girls get out for summer vacation. I stayed in two amazing places and the first was at 506 On the River Inn, in Woodstock.
One of the most valuable lessons my family learned throughout the last year is the importance of spending time with your family. As we hunkered down in the house, we had to come up with lots of ideas to keep our sanity. We cherished the time we had together and spend many nights laughing and having fun. I’d like to thank all of the wonderful companies that helped us find ways to connect with each other.
I am thrilled to be traveling again…safely, still wearing masks, and practicing distance. Before I get back to writing about travel, I wanted to give you one final roundup of some of the fun things we’ve done since so many people ask me for suggestions of family activities to do at home. Don’t worry…if I find any more I’ll definitely let you know. Thanks for all of the support during this last year and I can’t wait to finally be packing our bags!!
#wewilltravelagain
You all know that one of my favorite places to travel is the stunning state of Maine. It has it all… a rugged seacoast, majestic mountains, sandy beaches, quaint towns, and not to mention the best lobster in the world! Maine is filled with local artists and small shops that showcase the unique style of Maine. The Maineland Co. lets you experience the state of Maine without leaving your home by featuring artisanal Maine home goods and lifestyle products brought right to your door.
The Maineland Co. brings together the best of Maine-made home goods and lifestyle products in a box each season. The boxes feature quality items that you’ll use and give you a sense of wanderlust!
Two summers ago, my daughters and I had such a fun time doing a paint party and we were looking forward to doing one again. However, we had no idea the whole country was going to soon shut down. We filled our days with creative crafts and games, but after a while we felt like we’d done it all. There were so many businesses that came up with creative alternatives that families could do to bring them together and make some memories. One example is Paint Party in a Box, which provide everything you need to create a beautiful canvas painting. Let me tell you all about them…
Although I am thrilled my daughters are doing at least a hybrid learning model at school, what they miss most is hands-on learning. One of the things they miss the most are science experiments. Green Kid Craft is the perfect solution. They have created hands-on science and art kits that exercise kids’ creativity, build confidence and engage them with nature and the world around them.
Each project is individually wrapped and comes with a card giving detailed instructions. It lists the supplies included in the box, as well as the simple supplies you will need from home. The directions are easy to understand but not too simple. At the end of each experiment there is a “things to think about” section that delves deeper into the topic.
I love cooking with my girls. We talk and laugh the whole time! It is a great way to teach them life skills and also that it’s ok to improvise. Roaming Raddish is a cooking subscription box that gives you everything you need to create meals from around the world! Let me tell you all about our exploration of Peru!
With this fun box you can explore a new cuisine each month with ingredients and recipes that bring new culinary experiences to your cupboard and kitchen. Even though I love to experiment with new ingredients, I find I don’t make ones that require elaborate ingredients. This box provides almost everything you need to make some fabulous meals. All you have to provide are your own protein and produce.
Learn all about the spices and ingredients in your box!
One of my favorite destinations in Maine is the coastal town of Freeport. It oozes New England charm and has everything I could want in a vacation…the ocean, restaurants, boutiques, farms, and lots of outdoor activities. When staying in Freeport, there is only one place I stay…The Harraseeket Inn. It has cozy rooms, a delicious on-site restaurant, and is the perfect location to call your home. However, what keeps me coming back to the inn is the staff. They are attentive without being invasive and they welcome you to the inn like it is their home.
Read all about my stay. Click HERE!
There was a time when I would go camping. I think we all remember the start of a new relationship where you would pretty much do anything just to spend time with one another. You want me to sleep in the middle of the woods in a sleeping bag, on a hard ground, in a tiny tent, and wash my hair in a lake? Sounds like fun babe, let me pack my bag. Fast forward 20 years and I have a new appreciation for my mattress, blow dryer, and some electrical outlets. Glamping is a trend that has taken off in the last decade for many reasons. Some people like the fact they are leaving a relatively small footprint. Others enjoy being one with nature without having to sacrifice comfort. And some people are looking for once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experiences like luxurious tents, lighthouses, tree houses, and tiny homes.
The creators of Collective Retreats designed this concept because they love travel and believe in its power to help people connect- to places, to people, and to themselves. They have built these retreats that make it possible for luxury to coexist with ruggedness. After spending just one night there, I think they have hit the nail on the head because I left feeling relaxed, recharged, and more connected to nature than I’ve felt in a long time.
Click here to read all about my first time GLAMPING!!!
Hello Winter Solstice! Winter is finally here, and in New England, if you don’t embrace winter, it is going to be a LONG few months. My husband and kiddos love being out in the cold and this year I can appreciate the need to get some fresh air and move our bodies. You know I’m a big fan of Bucket Lists. A Winter Bucket List can make your whole family excited about this magical season. So, bring on the snow, cozy nights by the fire, and making family memories.
Go snowshoeing in the fields across the street
Spa night (mani/pedi, facials, hot oil treatments)
Go ice fishing (and actually catch a fish)
Board game night
Go tubing at the mountain