OUR LIL’ GUESTROOM | MY FAVORITE SKI PILLOWS

While our guestroom lacks the usual visitors these days due to Covid we look forward to the day when we can host our friends and family again. Be sure to read until the end because we are giving away a “SKI” Pillow from The Salty Cottage & Tangerine & Olive !

I always love a room makeover, especially bedrooms since they are smaller projects. I like to select a design inspiration first; I always define a color pallet as well as a theme. One simple idea is to re-purposing a wedding theme, whether that is your color, destination, or clever theme. Another great idea is always to play off the environment and cues that are around you in nature or your hometown.

AFTER

BEFORE

 

For our Guestroom I re-purposed our wedding ski theme and a number of decorations that had been gathering dust in the closet. I also knew I wanted to tie in the red colorway from the signature Stowe sign and Gondola.  Tangerine & Olive has by far the best selection of handmade decorative pillows that I have ever seen so that was my first stop when decorating this space. I adore these handmade pillows by The Salty Cottage and purposely kept the base color of the room neutral with grays and white to allow the red pillows and accents to pop. Bob helped me hang our vintage skis that were signed by our wedding guests next to the bed. Their placement offering visitors a warm welcome when they see their name commemorated on our wall and hopefully sparking memories of that fun day in September celebrating our nuptials. The final touch for our space was a happy little discovery. There was an odd 6’ by 6’ space that would have gone unused, but I brought my design skills back and proposed we turn it into a ski closet. Our ski boot cubbies were constructed from re-purposed shelving that we removed from the kitchen to open up the space. Bob researched and selected these  ski holders which we are quickly realizing we will need to double up on as our ski collection grows. Finally a couple simple clothing rods provide ample storage for ski jackets and extra layers.

There you have it our Lil Guestroom with my favorite Ski Pillows. Checkout my Instagram feed this weekend (Dec 5-6) for a chance to win an adorable SKI pillow similar to the one I am holding below! Thank you to Tangerine & Olive a local Vermont shop that curates the best in handcrafted, small batch Made in American goods like The Salty Cottage pillows featured in this post! For my online shoppers I am linking to all Pillows here, or better yet pay Kimberly a visit at her Stowe shop and tell her I sent you!

 

KIDS COLD WEATHER GEAR GUIDE

Thinking about the winter ahead, I’ve had a few friends reach out to get kids gear recommendations. “I am going crazy at the thought of another quarantine this winter and need my kids outside as much as possible!” To keep teachers and students safe many schools are adapting to the new normal by spending as much time as possible outdoors. With over four years at an outdoor play-based school we have refined our winter gear system over the years, and I am excited to share that expertise with you below.

**I linked all products for you below. Where an affiliate link was available for the gear that I love if you purchase through the link you will pay the same price, but they provide a small % back to the me to keep my blog running.**

Do you dress head to toe, or toe to head, this was an an age-old debate back when I worked in the footwear industry at New Balance. Instead I’ll start with the most important layer, you must never underestimate the power of base layers, they are the first line of defense in keeping kids dry and warm. Wool is rated the #1 material but that can get expensive if you don’t know where to shop, in addition some kids have allergies to wool, we use two brands of base layers in our household. For wool we use Mountain Warehouse for affordable long-lasting wool base layers. For a great synthetic version Land’s End Bottoms & Tops have become our go to. My kids wear base layers under their regular clothing (aka sweat pants) everyday of winter, we love these Sherpa lined sweats for the SUPER cold days. Finally a great pair of Vermont made Darn Tough Socks cannot be beat, this is the only brand of winter socks our family will wear.

We love Turtle Fur for well-fitting neck warmers, balaclavas and kids hats. We learned early on that a thin neck tube (on right above) actually keeps you warmer then the thick fleece ones I wore as a child because they wick moisture away and dry faster than the bulky ones. Colder days call for a balaclava that covers the top of the head (on left above), this can be a great option under ski helmets and hats. We also depend on turtle fur for their micro fleece mid-layer, this is what you wear over your base layer before your jacket. This awesome Vermont based company provided me a code to share, use MEGLILJEDAHL10 for a 10% discount on all products.

Whether you do a jacket and snow pants, or a 1-piece snow suit is really a personal preference. We did the Patagonia Down Bunting until 1 year old, and then the 1-piece LL Bean Cold Buster Snow Suit until 3 years old because they are easier to get on when you will be doing most of the dressing and kids are learning to do it themselves. After that we did bib overall snow pants from Lands End with Patagonia down Jackets. On wet snowy days you will need to add a waterproof layer on top, one great option for sledding and general out door play is a Tuffo one-piece rain suit. For skiing we add the Patagonia Torrentshell water resistant jacket. The great thing about both these options is that you’ll get spring/summer use out of them as well on rainy days.

Finally, the hands and feet. I wrote an entire blog post on the World’s Best Mittens, Stonz Mitts are warm and WATERPROOF, something many mittens cannot claim which is mind boggling. In addition, the infant size don’t have pesky thumb holes and the older kid version have cuffs that cinch all the way up to their elbows to keep snow from invading their wrists.

For their feet we have worn Toddler Bogs boots from 1 year old onward. Early on they are super easy to pull on for tiny hands and we found that they do a great job of keeping big kid feet warm and dry as well Kids Bogs boots.

There you have it, over 7 years of Lil’ Vermont adventure research has yielded a system of winter layering that will keep your littles warm and dry through all the elements. A bonus tip (not that you’re asking) don’t forget to apply these same principles for yourself. Make sure you have proper gear on while outside with your kids and I promise that you’ll enjoy that time 100% more. Now bring on the snow!

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ANNIVERSARY TRADITIONS | BASIN HARBOR

My husband and I started a fun anniversary tradition after getting married in September 2010. Each year we alternate whose turn it is to plan a surprise getaway adventure. Our tradition is simple, but makes each anniversary exciting and allows one person to take charge of the planning while the other can relax and enjoy the wonderful surprise. This year is our 9th anniversary and my year to plan so I hope you find inspiration in our story and incorporate a lil’ fun and adventure into your next celebration!

I picked Basin Harbor because it is conveniently located less than 1.5 hours from our home in Stowe, VT and I knew they shared a similar love of traditions. The resort has been owned and operated by the same family for 4 generations, starting in 1886. All the personal touches, warmth, and hospitality make you feel like family. We could not have been more impressed with the level of service and attention to detail.As we ventured off toward Lake Champlain, Bob offered his guesses of where he thought we were going this year. To throw him off, I made a few strategic wrong turns.  Having a fun secret can be quite exciting.  We pulled into Basin Harbor around 10am, Bob was surprised and quite excited!Our first activity was a narrated boat cruise on Lake Champlain aboard the EScape. Our Captain gave us and another sweet couple from St. Louis a personalized hour and a half tour of the lake explaining its history and providing details on the beautiful homes along the water. We loved this tour, the amazing views and great company.The October temperatures in Vermont have definitely cooled off so I was pretty chilled at the completion of our boat tour. One of my favorite things about Basin Harbor is that you can walk everywhere so we strolled on up to the Red Mill Restaurant to warm up and grab a bite to eat. I started with the Soup Du Jour (a creamy Potato Leak) that warmed me right up. Bob enjoyed the Cod Fish Tacos with creamy guacamole and spicy mango salsa.  I also devoured the Kale and Braised Beet Salad with apples, walnuts and goat cheese. Yum!Post lunch we walked over to the Main Lodge just to see if an early check-in might be possible. I always feel so darn awkward asking for stuff like that but the front desk made us feel so welcome, explaining all the details of the property, and got us situated right away in the MOST amazing private waterfront cottage. There are 74 cottages on the property, each with unique names and layouts.  We stayed in the SUNDIAL Cottage, which was somewhat unassuming from the outside, but absolutely stunning on the interior. Cathedral ceilings on the living room open out to an incredible 180 degree view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains from your private deck. The king bed was super comfortable and positioned perfectly with another gorgeous view of the lake.Since we started our Anniversary tradition nine years ago we have played tennis almost every year. As I continue my journey to full recovery from my knee surgery I was excited to try playing again for the first time in two years. I took it very easy but it felt so good to be back on the court.After tennis we had some time before our dinner reservation so we enjoyed the sweetest anniversary welcome gift from BH while watching the sunset over the lake and Adirondacks. Bob is a Beer guy so we got him the resort’s special Basin Harbor Red Chair Ale to accompany the amazing bottle of prosecco. One deep thought from this relaxing afternoon was how calming it is to be still and watch the repetitive movement of the Lake. It brought us back to a similar feeling sitting on our roof deck in Charleston, MA of being still and having nowhere to go while watching the city fly by on the highway off in the distance. It’s a good feeling to be still.One of the traditions of Basin Harbor that I was most excited for was our dressy casual dinner at Ardelia’s.  It is an old BH tradition to dress up for dinner to enjoy the exceptional dining experience and this ironically paired perfectly with my silly tradition to wear some part of our wedding attire every anniversary. I’m a dork I know but there is something so special about thinking back to that moment and special day, the dresses are a bit tighter these days, and one year I could only wear my orange ballet flats but it’s a tradition I find hard to give up.  Both Bob and I agreed my Braised Beef Stew and Dumplings entree with parsley roasted potatoes, and rosemary demi-glace was the best. We finished dinner off much like our wedding with apple crisp ala mode, no wedding cake for this couple! Our hostess who warmly welcomed us by wishing us a happy anniversary even added a chocolate message on our dessert, personal touches like this filled our stay and made us feel so incredibly pampered and welcome. After a short walk home we enjoyed a nightcap by our fire and reveled in our amazing day…I know because I accidentally recording most of the conversation on my phone (ha!).Coffee on the sun porch is not to be missed, on a beautiful day you can watch the boats passing by and on a rainy morning like we had it is just as delightful to sit and relax. The breakfast buffet in the lakeview dining room was unreal. I am usually a hot cereal and toppings breakfast girl but the omelet station was so impressive that I opted to build my own omelet instead and was not disappointed.Our final adventure before heading back home was a run to Button Bay, if you follow the Button Bay trail it’s a 2 mile journey, we took the road less traveled and managed closer to 3 miles, out to the point and back along the golf course. If you are considering a visit to Basin Harbor their season runs from mid May through mid October so make a quick visit or start planning your adventure for 2020!Things I have learned:  Surprises make everything more fun. You don’t need a lot of time…30hrs of kid free time felt like an entire week—it’s remarkable what you can do without kids in tow. That said I am excited to go back to Basin Harbor with the kids to start building a family tradition. A Sunday-Monday getaway was AMAZING because I had less Mom guilt around leaving my kids, we got to spend Saturday morning with the boys and picked them up from school a little early on Monday! You don’t need to travel far to enjoy time with your partner, why waste time traveling when you have fun right outside your doorstep.

FALL GUIDE TO STOWE, VERMONT

Stowe, Vermont is an amazing town in all four seasons, but fall will always have my heart. The crisp temperatures, beautiful leaves, and abundance of delicious comfort foods rank high on my list of reasons to love fall in this amazing lil’ town.

Photo cred: @vtshack

Fall Adventures:

Take a ride on the Gondola to the top of Mt. Mansfield and enjoy the spectacular views. Once you are at the top you can explore further by hiking down and around some of the ski trails. Just keep an eye on your littles, last year our youngest managed to fall into a stream which resulted in a wet ride back down the Gondola!

Rent Bikes from AJ’s Ski & Sport to enjoy the Stowe Rec Path, a fantastic 5 mile paved trail that winds along a babbling stream, over bridges and through a lightly wooded landscape. Along the route you will enjoy views with big red barns, and brightly colored  fall leaves. The trail departs from behind the big white church in town and ends at a picturesque covered bridge. Trapps Family Lodge is well known for their biking trails, they have terrain for all abilities. Finish your ride at their amazing Bierhall for food and a cold beverage.Pinnacle Hike is my favorite, it is an AMAZING one hour hike and gives you breathtaking view. There are plenty of other hikes but this one gets you the “Biggest Bang for your buck”. In the fall you get a spectacular display of color  looking back towards Mount Mainsfield. Bring a pack to carry your kids or take it slow bring lots of snacks for bribery and let them give it a shot. Our three and five year old’s completed the hike this year which was pretty impressive.Percy Farm Corn Maze is a sure winner for the whole family. Just off of route 108 they have a fun winding maze that runs through a beautiful corn field. We really got into the adventure of being “lost” in a maze but if you prefer ask at the check-in desk and they will give you a clue.

Fall Food:

Harrisons– The coziest comfort food in town. Harrison’s takes reservations so be sure to snag a table ahead of time and enjoy the cozy ambiance and delicious food at one of our favorite date night restaurants.

The Deep End– If you love yummy wood fired pizza look no further. Their unique pizza creations feature the freshest local ingredients on the best pizza crust in town. My favorite order is the Foragers Findings Salad followed by a Bad Hombre Pizza. I should also share that my boys both devour the pepperoni pizza here.

Edson Hill– This is where Bob and I go when we have a night away from the kids, the food is outstanding and the décor even better. You can sit out on the patio under the heat lamps with a cozy blanket or enjoy the fireside tavern downstairs depending on the weather.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill– Look no further for the best cider donuts in the area, Cold Hollow is a sort 10 min drive from Stowe. Fun fact, I met a new friend because of a cider donut post at Cold Hollow, this place is just That good!

Vermont Artisan Coffee– Pair this stop with Cold Hollow for fall perfection. This coffee bar was started by professional coffee testers so they know their specialty coffees. If you want to geek out over coffee stop by on Saturdays @11am to tour their state-of-the-art Roastery where they receive green coffee beans from around the world

Stowe, Vermont Fall Bucket List:

 

1. 1. Attend Stowe Foliage Art on the Park with Pie baking contest September 21, 2019
   2. Cliff House Summit Series Dinner  Sept 28, 2019 & Oct 5th @6:00
   3. Visit the Stowe Cider tasting room and pick up the perfect champagne like cider
   4. Hit the mountain bike trails at Cady Hills
   5. Visit Alchemist Brewery and pick up some Heady Topper
   6. Attend the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival Oct 11-13th
   7. Run the Stowe 10-Miler November 3rd 2019
   8. Drive up the Toll Road to the top of Mount Mainsfield

We hope to see you in Vermont this fall!

~The Lils Xo

STOWE, VERMONT| SUMMER GUIDE

Visit one of our icon Stowe signs located at the start of the rec path or on the covered foot bridge at the start of mountain road. @savannah brown photography

We moved to Stowe six years ago to pursue our Lil’ Vermont Adventure; we were looking for a hometown that would allow us to live where we play. We were drawn to Stowe by the winter activities but what we found over the years is that Summer is one of the most gorgeous times to be in Vermont. The months of April and May are affectionately referred to as “mud season”, the rain turns our dirt roads and play spaces into a muddy mess. Just when I start to think I can’t deal with another mud caked rain boot, or filthy tuffo rain-suit the sun comes out. Green leaves begin to sprout on the trees and we find that the rain has once again transformed our landscape into the lush Green Mountain State that gives Vermont its name (Ver=Green Mont=Mountain).

One of Vermont’s best kept secrets is how spectacular the summers are so I hope you enjoy all these insider tips and come to Stowe for a visit this summer.

Lil’ Summer Family Adventures:

Rent Bikes from AJ’s Ski & Sport to enjoy the Stowe Rec Path, a fantastic 5 mile paved trail that winds along a babbling stream, over bridges and through a lightly wooded landscape. Along the route you will enjoy views with big red barns, and lush green mountains. On Sunday’s between 10:30-3pm make a stop at the Stowe Farmer’s Market. Two of our favorite restaurants (Tres Amigos + Idletyme) are also conveniently located right along the path. If you are with an adult crowd you can string together an amazing bike/beer/bar crawl along this path, ride to the further location and then make your way back to home base. The trail leaves from behind the big white church in town and ends at a picturesque red covered bridge.

We love biking as a family on this path, especially when we make it all the way to the end of the path which includes this adorable covered bridge

Enchanted Forest Playground Tucked into the woods at Stowe Mountain Resort is a lesser known kids play structure called the Enchanted Forest Playground. A kid sized ropes course challenges children of all ages, and a separate area for younger kids features a tyke-sized climbing wall and slide. Follow the trail from the playground towards the golf course to enjoy a very gentle hike around the woods.Stowe Tree Top Adventure This ropes course will challenge even the fittest person with six different skill levels. A short zip line followed by a climb to a higher elevation separates each level. There was more then once that I thought I wasn’t going to make it to the end of the course.

Where to stay:

Field Guide Lodge– A stylish basecamp for Vermont adventures. This location is amazing for a romantic getaway, as it is walking distance from downtown Stowe and lots of amazing restaurants. I am obsessed with the décor of their lobby which is a modern take on a classic ski house. A complimentary breakfast was the finishing touch of our amazing stay at this stylish lodge.

 

Top Notch Resort– Pet and Family friendly this location boasts a large heated outdoor pool, two restaurants, and my favorite Spa in Stowe. Enjoy cocktails outside by the pool, or dinner on their outdoor patios to take in the view of Mt. Mansfield.

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Eat:

PK Coffee– Located just off the Rec path you can bike or drive here, grab your iced coffee, one of their delicious baked goods and then enjoy the shaded outdoor patio.

@savannah brown photography

Edson Hill– This is my favorite outdoor patio, tucked away overlooking rolling hills that open up to a beautiful pond which is surrounded by grazing horses. This Vermont setting could not be more idyllic. My husband and enjoy this location on nights when we have a babysitter, the food is outstanding and the setting even better. Be sure to get a reservation if you are going here.

The view at Edson Hill, my favorite alfresco dining in Stowe, Vermont

Idletyme Brewing– They have created an amazing outdoor oasis right on the rec path. Their space features a unique outdoor bar integrated into the surrounded trees to provide shade to patrons. Vegetable gardens surround an area with cornhole to pass the time and give kids a space to play. Finally a patio area for dining is family friends, and their menu has something for everyone.

Cork Wine Bar-Another favorite for date nights or ladies nights, Cork offers an outstanding menu of Charcuterie boards and Tapas to share or large plates if you are looking for something more substantial. Ask your server for the perfect wine pairing and prepared to be blown away as their pairings are the best I have experienced.

Where to Shop:

Tangerine and Olive– Is a cheery store with the best selection of independent designers and makers who handcraft, hand print, or small batch manufacture right here in the USA. Her selection of throw pillows and unique letter press stationary are my favorite, she gets new makers in monthly so be sure to check back often. When you visit please tell Kimberly I sent you and be sure to capture an iconic church photo just outside her doorstep.

Iconic Stowe, Vermont Church photo captured right outside Tangerine & Olive. @savannah brown photography

Bunya Bunya– Located right next to the farmer’s market and rec path this is a super cute clothing shop. She offers a great selection of women’s apparel with a boho vibe all at a great price point.

Country Store on Main A forever favorite, be sure to stop by this lovely shop to pick-up a unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Cristina’s attention to detail, product selection, and gorgeous store front are unmatched in Stowe. Bloggers are constantly stopping by to capture shots outside of this quintessential Vermont shop.

@savannah brown photography

10 Summer Bucketlist things to do in Stowe, Vermont

1. Stowe Hot Air Balloon Fest July 5-7, 2019 is a fun event for the whole family
2. Visit Cider Saturday’s 3-6pm at Stowe Cider tasting room. Enjoy live music and pick up the perfect champagne like cider
3. Enjoy a family hike, dip your toes in the water, and view Moss Glen Falls
4. Attend Music in the Meadow July 7, 21, Aug 4th
5. Visit Alchemist Brewery and pick up some Heady Topper
6. Hit the mountain bike trails at Cady Hills
7. Visit the outdoor patio at the Trapps Bier Hall
8. Run the Stowe 8miler, July 7th
9. Drive up the Toll Road to the top of Mount Mainsfield
10. Challenge yourself with a one hour hike up Pinnacle

Please don’t forget to say hello when you come for a visit and drop me a line below with any questions you might have.  Thanks for Reading! xo

Related Post: STOWE, VERMONT | FALL VISITORS GUIDE