"Inspired by Blake Acres," A Free Babes Collaboration

A summer of adventures in London wouldn't be complete without a special trip to the famed Liberty of London store, setting the stage for the "Inspired by Blake Acres" collection which goes live today at Free Babes Handmade! 

Liberty of London is home to those sought-after floral prints we've all come to adore.  What fun we had choosing the perfect fabric for this collection from the Haberdashery floor of our favorite London store!

Our travels have found us surrounded by enchanting English gardens and at the moment London is saturated by color and scents from roses to irises and lavender.  But perhaps my favorite sight this time of year are the summer vines which creep their way up building facades and trees, creating a romantic feel to a simple walk through the park.  These pleasure grounds we've enjoyed have further influenced the "Inspired by Blake Acres" bows and we selected favorite summertime Liberty florals as the perfect compliment to a garden adventure.

British summers are synonymous with gardens yes, but we wouldn't have these lush spaces without a bit of rain!  And when it rains, there are no shortage of wonderful spots to explore but if I could be stuck indoors for a day, I'd choose the Liberty of London store, hands down.  The building dates back to 1924 and was built from the timbers of two ships.  The interior rooms have a homely feeling complete with fireplaces and nooks to explore.  But perhaps our favorite discovery is the rotating clock that chimes at each quarter hour and showcases a knight chasing a dragon.  So whimsical, so British, so very Liberty!

Summer time adventures at Isabella Plantation

by Jessica Dickinson for Junior Style

We ventured to the wonderful Isabella Plantation in summer time favorites by the lovely brand Mabo.  Skip on over to the Junior Style London blog for the full feature!

https://juniorstyle.net/isabella-plantation-mabo/

Hampstead Adventures in Cosy Cloud Kids

by Jessica Dickinson for Junior Style

So thrilled today to be featured on the Junior Style London blog along with the wonderful brand Cosy Cloud Kids.  Head on over to their blog for the full post!

https://juniorstyle.net/hampstead-adventures-cosy-cloud-kids/

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!

The Glorious Gardner

Our beloved city is home to the enchanting Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum which is a magical place for patrons of all ages.  The Venetian inspired ambiance centers the soul and transports us to far off worlds and times while remarkable works of art are etched in our minds.  

Our British adventure begins in less than a week so our days have been filled with visiting these most treasured spaces to which we say "adieu" but only for a short while.   

With European travels on the horizon, we've been lusting after all the wonderful creations from overseas and recently indulged in the sweetest frock from the collection of Princesse au Petit Pois®.  The beautiful pairing of a swiss dot apron and a linen dress edged with black rick rack gives this ensemble fullness and texture.  Timeless and playful, she looks as if she's jumped from the canvas of an Edwardian painting.

A trip to our favorite museum is not complete without visiting my all time favorite artwork, John Singer Sargent's El Jaleo. The impressive scale and sultry scene always holds me captive.  It was a joy to see my daughter pay tribute to this awe inspiring exhibit in her own 'Elise' way.  

When we were last here, photography was only allowed on the first floor around the atrium.  Just last month, they relaxed the rules and cameras are welcome throughout!  We can now leave with a little bit of the Gardner (without being mistaken for thieves!). Read more about the Gardener's missing artworks here.  It remains one of the greatest mysteries of our city.

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.  

Come what May

We are reeling over the ever changing weather forecasts here in New England.  Boston was covered in 4 inches of snow Monday and we're experiencing arctic like temperatures in April!  Needless to say, I'm dreaming about May flowers, swan boat rides, and picnics.  In the meantime, we have no choice but to make the best of April with outdoor adventures that keep our feet on the move.

Whether jumping in muddy puddles or sloshing through the snow, Elise's new Keen Encanto boots keep her little piggies dry and warm.  They're absolutely perfect for these unpredictable conditions we're facing outdoors.

Like a stubborn mule, year after year we feel those first signs of spring and eagerly pack away all our winter gear.  Inevitably, I'm shocked when it snows in April!  This year the joke's not on us anymore.  We're prepared for anything that comes our way with our Keen boots that can kick through snow like sand on a beach.  

I've lived in Boston for over ten years yet just recently discovered this gorgeous wooded area a short drive from our bustling city.  The Arnold Arboretum is quite literally a living museum for countless species of plants.  A short walk into the serene park and you're sure to be amazed by magical trees and vegetation.  Loose yourself playing hide and seek beneath the canopy of greenery in this natural playground.  

Rainy Day at the Museum

When it rains here in Boston, flocks of children descend upon our museums where they can expend some energy roaming exhibit halls.  We followed suit and found ourselves at the Harvard Museum of Natural History where I was pleasantly surprised by its intimate space yet impressive collection of curiosities and critters from our natural world.  From the display of colorful rocks to the menagerie of animals, I felt like we were on the set of Doctor Dolittle.

This is the golden age for jumpsuits.  They are back in a big way for all ages and I can't think of a better silhouette for our walking toddler.  Like any Soor Ploom piece, the cut of the Frankie Jumpsuit is perfection.  Mila can move freely without restriction and the soft pre-washed linen can be worn year-round which is wonderful news for us long-suffering New Englanders.  Minikin, purveyor of the world's most enchanting children's wear, has a wonderful selection of these Brooklyn made garments including a gorgeous Minikin exclusive, this Birdie Tunic in coral.  

I have a tendency to scoop up anything in a blue green shade which compliments Elise's eyes so this Soor Ploom Peasant Tunic was a no brainer.  Aside from the dreamy fabric and gorgeous gathering, I am absolutely loving that it can be worn first as a short dress, extending its longevity.  Fresh out of the lavender infused packaging from Minikin, Elise tells me she "smells like roses."      

Mila is dwarfed by the museum's kingdom of creatures.  This is a wonderful place to loose yourself on a rainy day and a mesmerizing experience for curious youngsters.    

Spring Necessities

Bring on floral, pastels and frills.  We crave a warm summer day as snow is still teasing us in the forecast.  But while it might be brisk outside, we can at least pretend with these lovely pieces that are sure to take us joyfully into the warmer days ahead.  While we're not exactly a family of musicians (at least 3 of us are tone deaf), the girls do love to make some noise.  Mila's first stop in the toy bin is her collection of musical instruments.

Enter the most adorable Briar Handmade summer bonnet which pairs beautifully with this sweet coral dress from Tocoto Vintage, both available at Minikin (in other words, get them now!).  Some of my all time favorite pieces are from Tocoto Vintage, a brand that generates feelings of romanticism and nostalgia.  Their fabrics are oh so soft and the styles are as precious as the babe who wears them.  

The only thing that comes between Elise and her ukulele is the perfect summertime dress from our Alaskan friends, Oma + Jo.  "A Shop for Teeny Adventurers" Oma + Jo encapsulates all the wonder and adventure that is childhood into playful and wearable pieces that are timeless yet modern and unique.   

Above Elise plays with the adorable Animal Seesaw from Manzanita Kids.  Its tactile, fun to balance and of course, beautiful to look at!  

Here Comes the Sun

Could it really be true that this warm weather is here to stay?  Everyone around here in Boston is giddy with excitement thinking that Groundhog was a good predictor of an early Spring.  This time last year the grocery stores were being raided, Mila was 8 weeks old and our primary mode of transportation was a sled.  So this beautiful weather has been a bit unexpected but oh so welcome.  It also gave us good reason to pull out some of our newest warm weather pieces from the playful and modern children's line Vivie & Ash.  

Since becoming a Mom, I've become more and more aware of the fabrics we put on our soft baby's skin and am always on the lookout for cleanly manufactured textiles like these 100% GOTS certified organic cotton pieces from Vivie & Ash.  They feel wonderful against the skin, wash beautifully and give me the peace of mind I desire.  What's more, they're beyond adorable!  From bunny prints to pastel smiling flowers, it's near impossible to pick a favorite.  Pictured is Elise in her special "butterfly dress," the Floral Dreams Flutter Sleeve Swing Dress and Mila in her Three Quarter Sleeve Bunny Peplum top and Light Coral Pocket Lounge Pants.

No matter what the mood, our hearts are always happier when we have some tunes playing in the background.  The girls start acting like their silly selves and dancing parties ensue.  Their much loved dollies are wonderful companions both on and off the dance floor.  To know Elise is to know she is in love with the Nutcracker.  We had the wonderful opportunity to order a special Clara doll and Mouse King from the queen of embroidery, Sheremet Nadya from @familytoys.  Take a peek at her page which is full of fairy take like embroidered creations.  They are truly what dreams are made of. 

When we were expecting Miss Mila, I didn't purchase much, only a few special gifts for the new baby as we waited anxiously for her arrival.  I had admired the wonderful knit creations from Fournier for years and knew that our second daughter would be welcomed home with a friend from the collection.  A little girl bunny with a Parisian style and rosy cheeks was waiting to greet the newest member of our family.   

Babies, Breweries and Books

Not a title I'd ever thought I'd publish but come to find out babies make really great companions when you're venturing into the rural Northeast Kingdom of Vermont for the world's best brewery.  We found ourselves in Greensboro, Vermont on a random Wednesday in February for the release of Hill Farmstead's Flora Plum which quite literally tastes like mimosa in a bottle with a hint of plum.  I am by no means a beer connoisseur nor do I really know anything about craft beers but I did catch word of this wondrous place not far from our home in Vermont.  A drive through bucolic farmland and serene forest was a welcome agenda item for the two of us on an otherwise uneventful weekday.   

Not long from now, our scenery will be filled with double decker busses, chiming clock towers and beautiful English gardens for a stint in London so we're soaking up as much of this country life as we can while dreaming of the adventures that await.  

And as we go about our days, you can rest assured we're doing ever important research on the lovely children's clothiers that abound in this marvelous city.  Above, Mila for one is wearing a favorite smocked winter dress from Sarah Louise, a timeless English brand.    

She's still finding her balance but is happiest when she's figuring it out on her own.  Thankfully for these velveteen booties, our winter so far hasn't seen much snow.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is filled with scenes like these.  It is an inviting place filled with a bit of mystery and seduction, and leaves you with a yearning to go back and discover more.  

Among the things Vermonters do best are coffee shops, craft beer and independent bookstores.  These cozy Vermont towns are home to some of our favorites including Bridgeside Books in Waterbury, Vermont.  You can make yourself at home here and browse their wonderful selection of children's literature.  They also offer a lively, music and craft filled story time every Friday morning which Mila loved.  We came home with a new classic, "Shh! Bears Sleeping," by David Martin and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Francher.  It was recently on the the New York Times Book Review and wouldn't you know, the author makes his home in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom of Vermont!    

My Funny Valentine

We're savoring the last of our candy hearts and our flowers are just about reaching their expiration date but we're still celebrating the ones we love as we go about these cozy winter days.  I got to spend the week with our littlest Valentine in Vermont as a recent skiing injury kept me from the slopes this year.  With every moment that passes, I'm thankful for this unexpected yet precious time together with Mila.  

She might be the only one in our family who can wear red so we've been taking full advantage of that as she dons her Jacadi corduroy pinafore.  A lucky raffle ticket at one of the local holiday craft fairs last year won us this beautiful set which features a onesie with tiny embroidered umbrellas on the collar.  Swoon!

Mila takes a ride on Mommy's well loved rocking horse who's name is displayed proudly on his backside, "Blake" (my middle name).  He's a sturdy little fellow who has now seen two generations of tiny rockers take to his saddle.  I haven't seen another similar but if you're on the lookout for a vintage horse, there are some truly beautiful one of a kind pieces that pop up from time to time on Etsy, Ebay and (my favorite place for vintage), Everything But the House, or EBTH for those who are familiar : ).

Welcome to toddlerhood Mila!  You're rocking six teeth and are a kissing fool these days with a determined walk and twirl to boot.  You are most certainly our funny little Valentine : ).

From Hawaii, with Love

Don't we wish we were in Hawaii right about now with this East Coast blizzard?  Well if we can't be there, at least its nice to know we can bring a little piece of the Aloha state to us.  The fresh designs from Cedar Road Trading Company, a family business based in Hawaii, compliment any little girls' wardrobe. In a seasonal selection of beautiful fabrics, they're  sure to add a bit of sunshine to your day.

I've been lusting after their darling dresses for some time but this cranberry dress in the "Opal" style won my heart and Elise's too.  This lovely dress was named after the designer's daughter who's smiling face shows off her family's talents on their Instagram page.  

Cedar Road Trading Company was born from the passions and inspirations of a daughter and Mother in-law duo.  Opal's Mom, Terri, was first inspired by the world of handmade baby clothing when Opal was born.  With a ready and willing seamstress in the family, Terri and Irene brought their dreams to reality.  "Mom we could totally make these" is all it took and Cedar Road Trading Company came to life.  

Terri has a discerning eye for timeless patterns and quality fabrics.  She hand selects distinctive materials and designs while her uber-talented seamstress mother-in-law, Irene, brings each piece to life.  A perfectionist at heart, Irene is meticulous with every detail.  Just look at how this dress moves!

But what sets them apart from so many is their dedication to a very special cause which they've so beautifully carried over to their business.  Behind the scenes, they make and donate items of clothing, memory boxes and blankets to maternity wards for stillborn babies.  Terri's first daughter, Adella, was stillborn and by giving back to this very special cause, both Adella and Opal have become a part of the business.  In Terri's own words, "they are the greatest inspiration."

Terri and Irene, you are an inspiration to us all.  Thank you for sharing your story and for adding beauty to our world!

All this red reminds me that Valentines day is closer than we think!  Do not hesitate to secure one of these lovely dresses for your little Valentine.  The heart embroidery is enough to make my own skip a beat! 

Cedar Road Trading Company - Pink Linen Valentines Day Dress

A few of our favorite things

There is rarely a dull moment in our home these days with an almost-walking one year old and a lively almost-4 year old.  Yet all of us at times like to escape into our own little imaginary worlds.  Elise draws on daily experiences to create magical scenarios with her friends.  We choose toys that allow her to make her own scripts with few interferences.  For this reason, I'm naturally drawn to clean and simple playthings that act as a canvas for her fantasies.  Toys like those made by the talented husband and wife team at Manzanita Kids.  

Adrienne and David bring us this wonderful brand from their Seattle home.  I first discovered one of their rattles at a local Boston store and it was love at first sight.  The little bird rattle sang to me and I couldn't get it out of my head or hands for that matter!  Yes their products are gorgeous and feel wonderful but when I read their "featured shop" interview on Etsy, I was completely smitten.  To know that our little rattle and dollhouse were born from ideas, drawings, conversations and prototypes gives me just as much joy as they bring my girls.    

Mila's deer rattle was beutifully engraved with her name.  Her little fingers love grabbing every interesting edge and shaking it to hear the soothing rattle which sounds a lot like rain drops on a roof.  

Ok so I have to admit I am a little obsessed with dollhouses and when Elise started to show an interest in them, my part time job suddenly became searching for unique mini abodes.  Much to my delight, these creative animal themed modular dollhouses from Manzanita Kids fit the bill.  The unique shapes add an element of interest and offer endless configurations with the other dollhouse offerings in their shop.  But the icing on the cake for us is that it comes with a ladder!  This little three year old will tell you that is a very important detail.

As I write this, our wish list for more of their beautiful creations is growing.  We are eyeing their adorable Animal Seesaws and the clever Modular Tree House.  

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!!

Gifting Ideas for Littles

Whoa, hello there December!  I swear this year you were two weeks early, or maybe I just need two more weeks of you.  In any case, you're here and we're in the thick of holiday gifting.  It was both fun and challenging shopping for the girls this year.  What do you get a younger sibling who seemingly has everything she could need?  I've given a lot of thought to this and other gifting quandaries and wanted to share my little list of favorite items.  Some we've had for a while and some are newly acquired but all are well loved and hail from our favorite manufacturers.  From one maker's hands to our little hands, there is something special that transpires during the holiday season of giving.  

1. Sarah & Bendrix Handmade Wooden Dog with Xylophone - I cannot get over this gorgeous toy which was handmade in the Czech Republic from sustainable sources.  As you pull the adorable doggie across the floor, he plays a xylophone with a darling 'ting ting.'  I'm also a sucker for sentimental packaging.  With every Sarah & Bendrix toy, a special tag reads, "I have traveled from a small factory in the heart of Europe, to be your friend. You can name me and take me on all your adventures. When you grow up, pass me on to other children, so I can recount all our tales...I'm here to stay."

2.  Eperfa The Hillside Forest Set from Over the Ocean - These darling wooden figures were inspired by the surroundings of Lake Balaton in Hungary and the hills around Budapest.  Each piece was thoughtfully created to represent the natural world that surrounds these regions.  They in turn inspire us to appreciate and protect our own environs.   

3. 1978 Fox Boot in Chocolate from Zimmerman Shoes - I don't think I could have imagined a more perfect shoe for Mila's first steps.  As her confidence builds and with the help of her big sister, she'll be walking before long.  These gorgeous baby booties are sturdy enough to support her baby steps and double as a beautiful heirloom decoration for baby's room.  

4. Bambi Blanket Beige in Organic Cotton from Fabulous Goose - A great gift for anyone in the family, you simply cannot go wrong with a Fabulous Goose blanket.  Thoughtful Scandinavian design paired with organic GOTS certification is a recipe for one 'Fabulous' blanket.  They have served us well, from stroller rides, to picnic settings and most recently, designated dance floors for indoor lip sync parties.  

5. Sugar Plum Adventure Belt from Oma + Jo - We've been eyeing these adventure belts from Oma + Jo for some time now so when they came out with a (gulp) shiny purple version, there was no hesitation.  We are at the age of favorite colors and purple rules the roost these days.  With a little hint of glitz and a big appetite for adventure, this belt has quicly become a favorite place to stash our treasured findings.  

Among the Trees

Mila is now ten months old, sporting two bottom teeth and a constant smile.  At just over 15 pounds, her size fools most but her physical determination is unmatched.  With one leg out front and the other bent at the knee she'll crawl out of sight in the blink of an eye.  So how do you get a baby like this to stay in one place?  Stick her in a tree!  With leaves and twigs to explore, she's perfectly content with her tree trunk position.  While Elise could spend her day playing indoors, Mila is most certainly our outdoor explorer.  

With a baby this petit, I was eager to fill her wardrobe with the coziest of knits and easy layering pieces like this gorgeous Misha and Puff tunic dress and wool Briar Handmade bonnet.  We've been eyeing this lovely bonnet brand based in the Pacific Northwest for some time now.  The details are darling, down to the Liberty of London print ties that stay perfectly in place.   

To keep Elise's noggin just as toasty, I reached for her new Peppermint Pine Fair Isle hat that we custom created with the help of knitter extraordinaire, Megan.  For me, knitting is therapy and one of my great escapes but it seems I never have the time (I am a rather slow knitter!).  I am also a bit of a yarn snob so I was super excited to find Megan's beautiful creations made with the the softest acrylic and wool blend in a array of delicious colors.   

As of late, Elise has been toting around a doe that lives peacefully inside a medicine bag made by Marie of Leather Treasures in Martha's Vinyard.  She's at that age when little treasures like this doe, bring great comfort and joy just knowing they are near.  

Misha and Puff is a long time favorite in our house and you could say we were waiting (not so patiently) for their fall release this year.  Thankfully one of our favorite retailers has a wonderful selection of these pieces.  Thank you Minikin for somehow always reading my mind!  

The calm before the storm

For a little ski town this time of year is the lull before the storm.  Our favorite local establishments take a much needed break from the onslaught of leaf peepers and gear up for a (hopefully) white winter.  Its a perfect time of year to cozy up indoors and take it EASY before the rush of the holidays is upon us.

This might be one of my favorite photos of Elise.  As her Mom, I can see her playful personality and joyful wonder.  What are you thinking Elise?  If only I could tap into her imagination!  When I first saw this whimsical mouse blouse by Oma + Jo, I knew it was the perfect compliment to Elise's charming nature.  The mushroom and mouse print is beyond adorable and the peter pan collar with pom pom trim makes it sweeter than pie.

Living here in the States it sometimes feels we are among the last to receive domestic stock of wonderful European labels like Collegien.  We have a pair of their darling slippers and now can safely say we are die hard fans of their tights.  Do not underestimate the importance of a good waistband!  Collegien has perfected one that stays put and is comfortable across a wide range of both timeless and modern colors.  If you'd like to join us on our Collegien love fest, hop on over to Over the Ocean.  We adore this new retailer who has stocked many of our favorite European labels that had once been nearly impossible to find without hefty overseas shipping. 

Elise's hug attacks can come on strong as can be witnessed here.  Mila is accustomed to the frequent affection but it doesn't take much to topple her over!

Our first case of the sniffles arrived this season so Mila opted to stay cozy indoors with her Briar Handmaid bonnet, naturally. 

If these walls could talk...

We welcomed November by visiting a special place that is always in bloom.  This was Elise's first time at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and my second which is a bit embarassing given our proximity to this extraordinary Boston landmark.  Upon entering you sense you are in a magical space full of enchantment and mystery.  Oh if these walls could talk!  Would they reveal any clues as to who may have pulled off one of the greatest art thefts of all time?  

Well I can assure you it wasn't us!  We're too busy playing dress-up in this gorgeous dress by Soor Ploom.  The delicate pinwhale corduroy in a subtle rose color is quite possibly the perfect combination for Elise's fair tone in the winter months.  It is easy to wear and the gathered empire waist is perfectly precious for a little girl.  What's more, this dress has pockets to keep her treasures close and hands cozy.

What is an outfit without a pair of Zimmerman Shoes?  If you follow us, you'll know we're huge fans and can't really get enough of these beauties.  The Milo boot in chocolate is a staple and they pair well with most everything we own.  The chocolate nubuck leather is velvety soft.  If you haven't already, do check out their new holiday colors of evergreen, cranberry and gold, oh my!

Guarded by its secrets, this museum prides itself on keeping everything intact just the way Isabella left it.  And in a symbolic move, they have retained empty frames where the stolen artwork used to live.  My favorite piece is without a doubt El Jaleo by John Singer Sargent.  I could come here just to see it and leave satisfied.

The museum is incredibly child friendly and invites young visitors to partake in a scavenger hunt.  Elise was given a map of the museum with thumbnail images of different works she was tasked to find.  I was truly amazed by how excited she was to play and her ability to decipher which painting matched its picture in her book.

And while you can't wander into the museum's lush central atrium, you can sit on the edge and dream which is just what we caught ourselves doing.  

Never stop dancing

I have to admit, Halloween literally 'crept' up on me this year and we have just three days before one of my favorite holidays is upon us.  Thank goodness for a Whole Foods pre-made haunted gingerbread house and Pandora's Halloween Party Radio station to get us in the spooky spirit.  With MJ's Thriller playing in the background, our girl needs little excuse to twirl in her favorite dress. 

This Alice and Ames ballet dress is every little girls' dream.  A ballet inspired bodice and super twirly skirt make for endless dance parties.  Elise is a huge fan of anything purple and its gorgeous deep grape hue caught her eye immediately.  But then something magical happened when she tried it on.  She wouldn't stop dancing.  And who could blame her?  This dress was made for twirling the day away.  The Spring collection is just as fabulous and we're in love with the polka dot twirly dresses that are sure to make a sunny day even brighter.  The wonderful retailer, babycubby.com currently has a great selection of sizes so be sure to head over before they're sold out!  For the most adorable video of these dresses (all the more incentive!) check out Babycubby's latest blog post here: http://www.babycubby.com/baby-cubby-blog/the-perfect-play-dress-from-alice-ames/

Elise discovered that age-old pastime of walking around in Mommy's shoes this week and I have to admit, its pretty darn cute.  Even more so when she found my red sequin Walter Steiger pumps.  I came home with these beauties when my husband and I took a trip to Paris while I was pregnant with her and to see her trying them on is something special.  

No we still don't have our pumpkin carved, our costumes are not yet totally figured out but we do have this awesome Whole Foods gingerbread haunted house!  Sometimes I just need easy and you can't get much more foolproof than a pre-assembled gingerbread house with a bag of orange icing and chartreuse sprinkles.  We found some wiggle eyes, trick-or-treaters and creepy crawlers to adorn the outside.  Who says a gingerbread house has to be edible anyway?

The dance party continued on into the evening hours and these two melted my heart with their dance moves.  

Then things started to get silly with some interpretive dancing.  I believe this one was called "watching the flowers grow."

And since the olympics won't be coming to Boston after all, we opted for a family bobsleigh in the living room.  Hold on tight Mila!