As I've alluded to in the past, I am a big (day) dreamer. In fact, dreaming is probably my most favorite hobby and what I spend the majority of my quiet brain time doing. Sometimes I dream about buying a house and painting each room, sometimes I dream about all the many careers I would love to try, sometimes I dream about my future little family.... always dreaming!
Last week, I had the best (sleeping) dream I've had in quite awhile, and it seems worth sharing.
In my dream, my mom and I decided to open a bed and breakfast in Vermont in my childhood home. We renovated, added a bathroom, redid the kitchen, created a warm common space, and painted and decorated each of the four bedrooms and bathrooms with a special theme.
We also built a beautiful traditional red barn out back. Two thirds of the barn was designed as warm, open, sunlit space. We partnered with local Vermont yoga teachers who rented the space to teach classes, classes that were then available to guests staying at our b&b. On weekend evenings, my dad used the open barn space as a venue for his band, The Usual Suspects.
The back third of the barn was built as a small scale commercial kitchen where I brewed kombucha, my dad and husband brewed beer, and my mom and I cooked up other special treats now and then. We sold all of these items at local farmer's markets and became an integral part of the local community.
When I awoke from the dream, I felt incredible grounded. Somehow my dream had combined nearly all of my interests into a relatively cohesive plan that involved all of the people I loved most.
Definitely food for thought.... Mom? Dad? Thoughts? :)
Monday, December 16, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
11 Things You May Not Know About Me
Have you all seen friends or family writing a list of things about themselves on Facebook? I don't usually partake in those kinds of things, but a distant family member who I hardly know asked me to, and I thought it could be a nice opportunity to do some reflecting. What would I share with the world if I could only share 11 things?
It took me over an hour to write the list below, because I wanted to be selective in what I shared. I wanted it to be meaningful but not heavy, and I wanted it to really reflect who I am. Although I was a bit self-conscious about posting it, I actually ended up thoroughly enjoying the thinking, writing and feedback I received after the fact.
It took me over an hour to write the list below, because I wanted to be selective in what I shared. I wanted it to be meaningful but not heavy, and I wanted it to really reflect who I am. Although I was a bit self-conscious about posting it, I actually ended up thoroughly enjoying the thinking, writing and feedback I received after the fact.
I would highly recommend that everyone do this activity - it really makes you think about who you are! Assign yourself a number somewhere between 5 and 12 and see what happens!
1. Christmastime makes me insanely giddy with happiness and joy. I love the spirit of giving; I love how strangers are kind to one another when they would normally overlook each other; I love the beautiful lights, the sappy music and all the special treats. Most of all, I love coming together with my family and friends to celebrate the year and our love for one another.
2. I studied abroad in Florence for almost a year and was nearly fluent. I interned at an Italian food magazine, took a class at the University of Florence, and lived with the best host family in the world. I miss it every single day and can't wait to go back.
3. My husband and I started dating when we were 16, back in 2005. He has been my best friend, biggest supporter and an all around incredible man every day since then! I feel so grateful and fortunate to have him in my life.
4. Earlier this week, I worked on a detailed antipoverty program description that was requested by the Obama administration in hopes that the methods my organization uses to help get families out of poverty can be applied universally. Kinda cool, no?
5. I started playing the violin in 4th grade. In 10th grade, my orchestra conductor gave me the opportunity to switch to viola. After only a few lessons, I was the principal (and only!!) viola player. Listening to and playing orchestral music will always put my mind at ease and bring a smile to my face.
6. I think the most important thing we can do is to wake up every morning, take a deep breath and make the decision to be happy and to enjoy every moment.
7. I absolutely cannot wait to be a mother - I am certain that it is the most rewarding, challenging, inspiring and beautiful job in the world.
8. I am completely tea-obsessed.
9. I somehow have the ability to be instantly enthusiastic about almost anything! For example, if I happen to go on a yoga kick for a little while, I'm suddenly determined to become a certified instructor. If I taste some kombucha that I especially enjoy, I decide that I should brew it at home and start a business. If I visit an elementary school, I remember how much I'd like to be a teacher. When I get acupuncture, I feel like my life calling is in holistic, alternative and complementary medicine. It is both a blessing and a curse, and makes life decisions a bit overwhelming!
10. I have fairly adorable toes.
11. My favorite form of stress relief is cooking and recipe browsing. I could spend hours in the kitchen, humming along to the music in my head, concocting new dinners and treats.
***
1. Christmastime makes me insanely giddy with happiness and joy. I love the spirit of giving; I love how strangers are kind to one another when they would normally overlook each other; I love the beautiful lights, the sappy music and all the special treats. Most of all, I love coming together with my family and friends to celebrate the year and our love for one another.
2. I studied abroad in Florence for almost a year and was nearly fluent. I interned at an Italian food magazine, took a class at the University of Florence, and lived with the best host family in the world. I miss it every single day and can't wait to go back.
3. My husband and I started dating when we were 16, back in 2005. He has been my best friend, biggest supporter and an all around incredible man every day since then! I feel so grateful and fortunate to have him in my life.
4. Earlier this week, I worked on a detailed antipoverty program description that was requested by the Obama administration in hopes that the methods my organization uses to help get families out of poverty can be applied universally. Kinda cool, no?
5. I started playing the violin in 4th grade. In 10th grade, my orchestra conductor gave me the opportunity to switch to viola. After only a few lessons, I was the principal (and only!!) viola player. Listening to and playing orchestral music will always put my mind at ease and bring a smile to my face.
6. I think the most important thing we can do is to wake up every morning, take a deep breath and make the decision to be happy and to enjoy every moment.
7. I absolutely cannot wait to be a mother - I am certain that it is the most rewarding, challenging, inspiring and beautiful job in the world.
8. I am completely tea-obsessed.
9. I somehow have the ability to be instantly enthusiastic about almost anything! For example, if I happen to go on a yoga kick for a little while, I'm suddenly determined to become a certified instructor. If I taste some kombucha that I especially enjoy, I decide that I should brew it at home and start a business. If I visit an elementary school, I remember how much I'd like to be a teacher. When I get acupuncture, I feel like my life calling is in holistic, alternative and complementary medicine. It is both a blessing and a curse, and makes life decisions a bit overwhelming!
10. I have fairly adorable toes.
11. My favorite form of stress relief is cooking and recipe browsing. I could spend hours in the kitchen, humming along to the music in my head, concocting new dinners and treats.
Vermont: The Magic of the Mad River Valley
The first thing I did this morning when I woke up was watch this video about the Mad River Valley in Vermont. I must say, it made my entire day!
I lived in Waitsfield, VT for a few years when I was little, before moving two towns over. I married my husband just three months ago in the Valley, overlooking Sugarbush resort. Some of my closest friends are from the Valley. The Mad River Valley holds a special place in my heart, especially as I get older and can better understand what a beautiful, welcoming, special place it is. That video genuinely epitomizes the Valley and all it is and all it means to those who live there.
Take the time to watch it and you'll see why Vermont, especially the area where I'm from, it such an incredible place!
I lived in Waitsfield, VT for a few years when I was little, before moving two towns over. I married my husband just three months ago in the Valley, overlooking Sugarbush resort. Some of my closest friends are from the Valley. The Mad River Valley holds a special place in my heart, especially as I get older and can better understand what a beautiful, welcoming, special place it is. That video genuinely epitomizes the Valley and all it is and all it means to those who live there.
Take the time to watch it and you'll see why Vermont, especially the area where I'm from, it such an incredible place!
Friday, December 6, 2013
Passion Brainstorm: Part I
I've decided that it's time to share something personal with the small group of blog followers I've accrued thus far... consider yourselves special!
For those of you who don't know, I am a big Google Docs user. I make grocery lists, plan the menus for the week, track Christmas shopping, plan upcoming events, and, most recently, have been working on what I like to call my "Passion Brainstorm".When I come across an activity or job or idea that is especially appealing to me, I write it down. When I identify a specific quality in myself, I write it down. When I come up with one of my big dream crazy ideas, I write it down.
Why do I do this? Because it's actually incredibly empowering (although overwhelming!) to see everything I love and feel and think about life goals and aspirations all in one place.
So without further adieu, in the spirit of sharing this holiday season, I am going to share this brainstorm with you. Who knows, maybe it will trigger some great passion in you, or you'll have an idea for me! Pardon the lack of organization, it really is just a brain dump of thoughts and words!
For those of you who don't know, I am a big Google Docs user. I make grocery lists, plan the menus for the week, track Christmas shopping, plan upcoming events, and, most recently, have been working on what I like to call my "Passion Brainstorm".When I come across an activity or job or idea that is especially appealing to me, I write it down. When I identify a specific quality in myself, I write it down. When I come up with one of my big dream crazy ideas, I write it down.
Why do I do this? Because it's actually incredibly empowering (although overwhelming!) to see everything I love and feel and think about life goals and aspirations all in one place.
So without further adieu, in the spirit of sharing this holiday season, I am going to share this brainstorm with you. Who knows, maybe it will trigger some great passion in you, or you'll have an idea for me! Pardon the lack of organization, it really is just a brain dump of thoughts and words!
Passion Brainstorm, Version 1.0
yoga
wellness
acupuncture
healthy eating
tea
food and cooking
babies and children
making people feel good
aromatherapy
writing
listening to music
relaxation techniques
traveling
Italy
tolerant
empathetic
positive outlook
problem solver
organized
strong writer
dual master’s in acupuncture and oriental medicine
dual master’s in acupuncture and oriental medicine
midwifery
doula
yoga certification (focus on prenatal, postnatal, yoga with baby and kid’s yoga?)
work a part-time flexible job
work a part-time flexible job
later, get prenatal and postnatal yoga training, children’s yoga training
quilts?
quilts?
kombucha - partner with vermont liberty tea?
Thoughts from my mom (based on what I enjoyed as a child):
imagination
create worlds and happenings in which you were totally immersed
writer
children’s author
designer- baby clothes
playing house
taking care of babies
open day care
teach at private pre school
midwife
pediatric nurse practitioner
always played well with others
delighted to go new places
something to do with travel
italian
create an after school program to teach italian to young kids
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Dreaming of Kombucha
Alright. As I think I've mentioned already, I have a new and growing desire to start home brewing kombucha (with the ultimate dream of selling it at farmer's markets around Vermont and Massachusetts!). I am planning on starting batch numero uno in January so stay tuned!
Now, I'm going to trust all of you with an important list I've been crafting for awhile... Please, I beg of you, do not read the following list and go start brewing and selling your own kombucha using all of my brilliant flavor ideas!!!!
Drum roll please.... Below is a list of the flavors I'm planning on testing out with my home brew kombucha. Some of them are genius, I know! I'm sure that some of them exist, but I haven't seem them around Massachusetts, and I've already found the perfect teas for all of them. Fingers crossed that a few of them come out as tasty as they are in my head!
Thoughts? Suggestions? Feedback? I'd love to hear it all!
Now, I'm going to trust all of you with an important list I've been crafting for awhile... Please, I beg of you, do not read the following list and go start brewing and selling your own kombucha using all of my brilliant flavor ideas!!!!
Drum roll please.... Below is a list of the flavors I'm planning on testing out with my home brew kombucha. Some of them are genius, I know! I'm sure that some of them exist, but I haven't seem them around Massachusetts, and I've already found the perfect teas for all of them. Fingers crossed that a few of them come out as tasty as they are in my head!
- lavender mint (relaxing)
- vanilla maple
- classic coconut
- blood orange
- peach
- wild blueberry
- cinnamon chai
- coconut, ginger and lemongrass (energizing)
- cardamom, ginger, mint, fennel and clove (good for digestion!)
Thoughts? Suggestions? Feedback? I'd love to hear it all!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
My Most Sincere Apologies for Being a Terrible Blogger!
I think the title says it all..... I am so very sorry for being the worst blogger ever! It's been weeks since my last post... and I don't even have a fabulous excuse. Sure, it's been really busy with Thanksgiving and now Christmas on the way, but that's no reason not to write!
Stay tuned for posts about holiday crafts and treats, big dreams and other various ramblings.... xo
Stay tuned for posts about holiday crafts and treats, big dreams and other various ramblings.... xo
Monday, November 11, 2013
Weekend Recap: The Great Central Vermont Beer Tour
Yet another wonderful weekend, this one spent in Vermont!
Over the past month or so, I have been talking with my dad about planning a brewery tour around Central Vermont and we finally did it!
We started in Waterbury, just a few miles up the road from where I grew up. First stop - The Alchemist! For those of you who are big beer connoisseurs, you've likely heard of the Alchemist's super hoppy Heady Topper, which has been making beer headlines left and right recently! While I personally am not a huge fan, we had to stop by since they'll be closing their retail store at least temporarily starting this week!
Next up, the Trapp Family Brewery - one of my favorites! Nestled in the mountains of Stowe at the famous Trapp Family Lodge, the brewery is simple, rustic, and has picturesque views! All of Trapps' beers are great traditional German brews, each one better than the next. My personal favorites? The Dunkel and the Oktoberfest!
After Trapp, we made a quick stop at Crop Bistro and Brewery in Stowe. This a relatively new brewery and I hadn't tried any of their brews before. They had a great variety of their own beers, as well as some other good microbrews. If you like IPAs, the Idletyme was pretty tasty, at least according to my dad! For me personally, I LOVED the Weizenbock, a dark malty and slightly sweet beer.
Our next stop was Rock Art in Morrisville - one of my (new!) favorites! Their variety is incredible, and their prices even better! I was a big fan of the Extreme Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout which was surprising considering I don't like most stouts and I've never met an Imperial anything that I liked! This brew wasn't too pumpkin, or too spruce, or too stout, but it was delicious! I also enjoyed the Rock Art 2013 holiday beer. I was bummed when I learned that I had just missed their Maple Wheat Ale which sounds amazing! Next year!
The last stop on the beer tour was Lost Nation, also located in Morrisville. Although my hopes were high upon entering this cozy bar/brewery which was serving up tasty charcuterie boards and soups, they were quickly dashed. Of the six beers I tasted, 3 of them tasted exactly the same to me! And as someone who tends to love Oktoberfest brews, I was terribly disappointed in their overly hoppy version. The one beer I did find fairly tasty and definitely interesting was their Gose (goes-uh) which is another German style beer brewed with sea salt and coriander, with a bit of a citrus taste. Overall, I am very sorry to say that I won't be going back!
We had hoped to make it to Hill Farmstead in Greensboro, but we ran out of time! We later heard that lines to get into the brewery were 1.5-2 hours long! Phew, that would have made for a very long day. I'm hoping to hit up Hill Farmstead sometime soon, as their beers are top ranked in Vermont!
On our way back home, we happened upon a new little treat in Stowe - Stowe Cider! A brand new locally made hard cider company that will start hitting local bars and stores in January. Not as sweet as many hard ciders, it was the perfect end to a perfect day!
Over the past month or so, I have been talking with my dad about planning a brewery tour around Central Vermont and we finally did it!
 |
| A bit of snow on the way up to Trapp Family Lodge! |
On our way back home, we happened upon a new little treat in Stowe - Stowe Cider! A brand new locally made hard cider company that will start hitting local bars and stores in January. Not as sweet as many hard ciders, it was the perfect end to a perfect day!
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