Vine Oh! Review

 

Vine Oh!

I like to surround myself with people that have the same values as myself.  And by values, I mean WINE…you’ve got to like wine! I was so happy to review a subscription box from Vine Oh!, but I had no idea what I had coming!  It is pretty much everything I dream about…all in one box. Vine Oh! is a quarterly box that rewards today’s woman to help her recharge, unwind, and have some time just for her.  Are you kidding me?  Someone must have overheard my friends and I complaining over coffee the other day, because this is exactly what we were saying we need a little help with.  Finally, a box that pampers you and allows you to “Treat Yo’ Self” …  sorry…I’ve watched lots of episodes of Parks and Recreation lately.   

What do I love about this box?

First off, I can’t think of too many things I am happier to have delivered to my house than wine.  I almost kissed the delivery guy…almost.  Now add to that some items that every woman would want but probably wouldn’t buy because very often we seem to put others ahead of ourselves.  This box is full of treats just for you, so tell everyone else to lay off! You’ve earned it!

What comes in each box?

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Stowe Mountain Lodge

Vermont will always have a piece of my heart since it is where I went to college and also where my husband and I met.  It is the place where it all began.  As I drove through the towering mountains, all just starting to show off their autumn colors, I felt like I was running into an old friend that I didn’t realize I’d missed.  Let me tell you all about my perfect solo-getaway!

Click here to read all about it!

The Importance of Celebrating Your Anniversary

Someone once told me that ‘marriage’ should always be a verb, not a noun.  It takes hard work and it deserves to be rewarded. No one is going to hand you a medal for making it through the finish line of another year, but it should be celebrated because each year you are married brings you one step closer to defying the odds.  Anniversaries are the perfect time to appreciate each other and this partnership you have with no one else.  Sometimes work, kids, household chores, and family responsibilities will make you feel like it’s impossible to find the time to celebrate, but it’s so important that you do.  I’m no marriage expert, but here are a few things I’ve picked up about anniversaries in the last 18 years:

ALONE IS IDEAL.  When you have small kids it’s easy to just say, “Let’s bring them along.”  But we all know that when kids are there it becomes all about them.  This is the time to hire a babysitter or cash in on some favors.

NO GIFTS.  Everyone is different, but personally, I don’t need a present on my anniversary.  I feel like it’s not about giving anything except attention and time.  (Although I’ll never say no to a card!)

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Groovy Lab in a Box Subscription Box

 

Winters in New Hampshire can be brutally cold and although my girls love to play outside, there are days when Mother Nature keeps them in.  This week showed us just how cold it could get, so we decided it would be the perfect time to review Groovy Lab in a Box, a monthly subscription box that focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

What do I love about this box?

My girls love science activities and really like when their school does STEM activities, but unfortunately, as a former teacher, I know there’s no time in the schedule to do much of it.  I love that the purpose of these boxes is to provide children with the opportunity to focus their imagination, determination, and innate inquisitive nature with a monthly STEM project.  The box was a great way for our family to fit in some bonding time while doing fun, hands-on projects.   The box allows families to investigate, brainstorm, plan, build, test, and redesign their own creations. 

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New Piece on Thrive Global!

There’s nothing better than waking up and seeing that one of my pieces is on Thrive Global, Arianna Huffington’s fabulous website.  The piece is about multigenerational travel.  Enjoy!

 

https://www.thriveglobal.com/stories/46574-multigenerational-travel

Natura Cave Spa, Bermuda

 

Warning…after having a spa treatment at Natura Cave Spa, it will ruin all future spa treatments as this may be the most memorable spa experience you’ll ever have!  Located at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Bermuda, the spa takes advantage of the famous caves of Bermuda and allows you to enjoy them as your sanctuary throughout your treatment.  It is like being in heaven!  Let me walk you through my morning!

We saw the entrance of the spa and it immediately peaked our interest. It is an inconspicuous locked door that is accessible from the outside of the resort. Beside the door, in beautifully manicured gardens, is a bench where you wait until your appointment time.

You can’t help but wonder what will be behind that door. You would figure it would be a series of dry walled rooms with typical massage tables and facilities, but you will NEVER imagine what is waiting for you behind that door!

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Dolphin Quest, Bermuda

Dolphin Quest

Royal Naval Dockyard

 

My kids were already jealous enough that I was headed to Bermuda without them for a few nights, but it pushed them over the edge when they found out I was going to also be swimming with dolphins while I was there.  They even told me I might as well change my blog’s name to “My NOT Traveling Kids!”  Sorry kiddos…this was one experience I couldn’t pass up.

Our experience

We took a car to the Royal Naval Dockyard on the tip of the island and made our way into Dolphin Quest. The Royal Naval Dockyard is a converted 200-year-old fort built by the British Royal Navy.

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Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa

Newstead Belmont Hills

Lounging at the edge of an infinity pool, looking down at the crystal blue water of Hamilton Sound with the lovely harbor of Hamilton looming in the distance.  This is what dreams are made of and the Newstead Belmont Hills Resort and Spa is the perfect place to make this dream come true.  The Newstead is the perfect mix of sophistication and warmth.  We were so happy to spend the last two days of our vacation as their guests.

Click here to read all about our stay!

Fourways Inn, Bermuda Review


Last week I was so lucky to head to Bermuda with my friend for four nights without kiddos! Yep…I said it…NO KIDDOS!! Our first stop was the Fourways Inn for two nights. Instead of a tradition hotel building, the inn features a cottage colony, with 11 units to choose from so you feel like a small community rather than just another room in a hotel.

Click here to read all about our stay! 

Bespoke Subscription Box for Men

Bespoke Subscription Box for Men

I love surprises and you all know how much I love subscription boxes! Well, why should girls have all the fun? I recently learned about Bespoke, a subscription box for men and I was thrilled to learn all about it! Each box is built around a theme, with the goal of introducing you to something new- a better way to shave, a stylish take on barware, or a new hobby.  I love this idea!  I think it would be a creative Christmas gift since it gives items your man may not give himself.  All the boxes I looked at seemed to contain high quality items. Bespoke was kind enough to give my husband this:

Special Edition Weekender Bag.  ($45)

The inspiration behind these bags are stonemasons who would use bags like these to haul their tools for a day’s work.  It is one of their most popular bags and it’s easy to see why.  It’s made with a thick sturdy canvas with a reinforced frame, so I can see my husband using it for years.  Who am I kidding…I plan on stealing it from him for my next trip!

Just look at how gorgeous it is!

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