The Adventure Begins Here

Our long awaited journey to London is here and we are quickly falling in love with this wonderful city.  We've been welcomed with magnificent weather while chirping birds and cascading wisteria abound.  We rarely leave the home without a picnic blanket and frequent trips to Sally Clarke's bakery are justified only by the amount of walking we do on a daily basis.  

I'm excited to share with you our treasured moments and findings from "across the pond." Over the next four months, we'll be introducing you to wonderful makers from the UK and beyond and will take you on explorations from off the beaten path.  The adventure begins here!

It wasn't hard for me to feel right at home here where many seem to share my appreciation for gardens, songbirds and serenity.  So we've found ourselves visiting these beautiful green spaces that the English have so painstakingly maintained.  

Among the garden crowd, "bluebells" is the buzzword these days.  A pretty little blue flower that en masse, creates a blanket of periwinkle in the woodland areas.  They can be found right now in London's Holland Park and Kew Gardens.  Further afield, the National Trust has a handy guide to bluebell fields throughout the UK.

Without further ado, I leave you with a few of my favorite garden moments from our first week in London.  May these be among the first of many adventures as our summer awaits!

Everything's Coming Up Peonies

It has been a busy few weeks for us as we get ready for our summer abroad in London.  With limited packing space, we're editing down our list of toys, clothes and gear.  My sentimental side is already missing Vermont and all the beauty that it brings this time of year.  Pretty soon our yard will begin to bloom with allium, lupine, day lilies and the crown jewel of our garden, giant fuchsia peonies.  I find myself looking for ways to bring some of this beauty with us on our travels abroad, a little taste of home when we're yearning for the sound of peepers, a glimpse of fireflies or a bouquet of our favorite wildflower.  So you can imagine how excited I was to learn of a local children's wear brand steps from our front door aptly named, Petit Peony that will send us on our journeys with a nod to our New England roots.  

I've had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Petit Peony's founder and designer, Kate Bowen who shared with me her journey into creating the "most spirited and memorable children's line on the market."  

A year and a half ago, following the birth of her son, Kate got right to work creating summer dresses for girls in her Vermont home.  Her design philosophy was to create pieces that looked unique yet refined.  Kate constructs each piece with at least two opposing fabrics which gives her designs interest and effortless coordination.  Kate was introduced to co-owner and CEO Ashely Wayman who's background in business has helped to establish the brand around the globe.  Kate and Ashley's collective passion for these coveted pieces was recognized by boutiques all over the country and abroad, 85 in total. 

As we were chatting, we inevitably came to the topic of work-life balance which is even more relevant when raising three young children.  As many of us know, a perfect balance doesn't exist but Kate's philosophy is refreshing and true.  Quality time spent with your children is better than quantity.  Between traveling for work and designing her line, she finds time to be present in the moment with her kids.  

If you're local to the Boston area, I'm personally inviting you to a trunk show I'll be hosting on Thursday, April 14th from 5-8.  Please email me (hello@blake-acres.com) for more details.  I guarantee you'll be smitten with their beautiful selection of summer dresses and coordinating leggings.

The collection is full of playful patterns that so beautifully coordinate with one another.  Half the fun is playing stylist by mixing and matching your favorite pieces to get a look that's all your own!  As an ode to our beloved New England summers, Mila is wearing Firefly leggings with the Navy Anchors Reversible Wrap Dress which is lined in a delightfully pink seersucker material.  With an option to wear the reverse side, we have two dresses in one!

Elise strolls in wonder of the magnificent collection of works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.  It is a mother's delight to watch as she stands in awe of the great masters of our time.

With a swing in her step, she looks as pretty as a picture in Bubble Gum Leggings and the Pomberry Reversible Wrap Dress which for me is reminiscent of a peony bouquet.   

The perfect topper for these lovely pieces was found again not far from home in neighboring New Hampshire.  Fancy Free Finery has a glorious collection of flower crowns for your fairy princess.  Easy to wear, this Anemone felt flower crown adds a special touch to any outfit.  

Birthday Wishes to our 1 Year Old

Dear Mila, 

Your special day is here!  Happy birthday to you my dear.  We've sat back in amazement watching you come into your own.  You may be small in stature but your spirit and personality are huge.  You love a good beat and a tune and can shimmy like the best of them.  And when the day is done, your head nestles in my neck with hands tucked between us for the warmest cuddle on earth.  

You're a natural in the water and will dive right in, no fear!  Give this little girl a toy bucket and you'll fill it up and spill it out over and over and over... But those tricks are getting old and you're more interested in becoming the world's best standing baby.  Slowly you get up with no hands, and ta da!  you look around the room for your audience who at this point is clapping and cheering you on.  

Our little family feels complete with you and our love for you is endless.  We are all so proud of the one year old you've become and savor every moment watching you grow.  

Kisses and hugs baby girl!  

XOXO

This birthday girl was precious in pink for the occasion.  Pink is a rarity in our home but this velvet number by Rachel Riley needed no convincing.  The heavier fabric drapes beautifully and makes for a classic winter party ensemble.  Since we'll be spending a quarter of this year in London, I'm making a list of our favorite UK designers for wee ones and at the top is Rachel Riley, a brand that epitomizes classic British styling.  

A birthday hat fit for our little princess.  Over the years we've tried our fair share of birthday hats, crowns and the like for that special day.  I've always wished there was something better out there.  Thin elastics tend to  irritate little necks and crowns don't always stay put for the duration of a party.  We were fortunate to come across the wonderful felt flower shop, Fancy Free Finery.  Katie's creations are beautiful and festive.  We practiced wearing the hat before her party (call me crazy!) but there really was no need.  With a comfortable wide elastic bow, she was content as can be and fancy free.

For Elise's first birthday, we had a polka dot theme which carried over nicely to Mila's circus themed party.  The Happy Birthday sign was made by another wonderful felt artist, Lori at The Felt Market.  Paper goods from Meri Meri were the perfect addition to the festive atmosphere.  

This was the most intimate of our birthday parties yet and perhaps my favorite.  It is still up for debate which sister enjoyed it more.  To our little girl who lights up our everyday, we wish you all the happiness in the world!!