a jog through shelburne farms

today my running friends and i went for a little morning jog. part of said run had us wander through the historic grounds at shelburne farms. i had heard the rumors, but let me tell you, it is every bit as magical as i expected. every inch (and mile) of it. even now during the sometimes less than magestic stick season.

so, even though i can take NO credit for these photos, they do a pretty lovely job of telling the story...

a special thanks goes out to my running friends for that extra bit of guilt that got me out there today and an even bigger thanks for enjoying the ride with me. xo

all photos via flickr.

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party planning perfection.

have i mentioned that i love this time of year? why? well, because there are just so many reasons to celebrate - birthdays, weddings, long weekends, and graduations (just to name a few) and since i am in the party spirit today, i have to share with you this eco-fabulous grad party thrown just down the road in shelburne, vt by the party planning pros at martha stewart living. (oh i wish i had known! i soo would have crashed it!)

the details:

• the event: a graduation party for a recent university of vermont graduate - whose mom happens to be the editorial food director at martha stewart living. lucky him (and lucky us!)
• the venue: the coach barn at shelburne farms
• the theme: "sustaining family through education, connection, community, and, of course, food." oh how i love a good theme!
• the food: all local - including cheeses from shelburne farms and vermont butter & cheese creamery, meats from vermont smoke and cure, and local pickled vegetables. burgers were made from misty knoll farms turkey and grass-fed shelburne farms beef (served in recyclable paper bags rubber-stamped with various vermont motifs.) and dessert was island homemade ice cream.
• the drinks: colorful cocktails from vermont spirits maple vodka and boyden valley rhubarb wine. and magic hat beer (obviously)
• the photo shoot background: a map of vermont, on, what else, but a chalk board.
• the favors: popcorn. maple spiced kettle corn served in vermont branded paper bags.
• the result: party planning perfection.

{go here for the whole story - plus more photos, recipes and party planning tips}

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