WELCOME TO WOODSTOCK, VT.

we're mixing it up a bit this week at chaletmommma - it's a takeover - we have a guest writer.

Christina F. Marks was visiting Woodstock, VT recently and sent me a few images saying "you should do a piece on this town it's beautiful" and my reply was "why don't you write it?"

so she did!

ENJOY!!!

Woodstock, Vermont is an idyllic, charming New England town perfect for a weekend getaway or an easy day trip while in the Green Mountain region. I try to visit at least once a ski season when the weather keeps me off the mountain. Woodstock's architecture, quaint shops and delicious food are not to be missed. Highlights in town include: The Woodstock Inn, F.H. Gillingham & Sons General Store, Norman Williams Public Library and the Covered Middle Bridge.

The Woodstock Inn is the vision of the late philanthropist Laurance S. Rockefeller - he and wife Mary were married in Woodstock at the Congregational Church in 1934. He started redevelopment of the Inn in 1968 after the original building was sadly deemed as unsalvageable.

The cozy lobby greets guests with a roaring fire and gorgeous stone fireplace.

I could post 100 photos of the great decor, but, will keep it to just a few...

These Quimper plates look to be very old (edges are rough) but, in excellent shape overall. My great grandmother had a collection of this french pottery and these pieces always catch my eye.

Blue and White galore a favorite of Chaletmomma.

THIS! This is a treasure - located in the bar of The Red Rooster, the Inn's AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant. The cask looks to be from the days of Madame Clicquot. How much do we think this amount of Veuve would cost today?

This reading room off the main lobby is heavenly with it's papered ceiling and rich lacquered walls.

This stately home is right off the Green and is just one of the hundreds of stunningly unique houses in town.

Doesn't get any quainter than this!

Next time I'm definitely going into the Woodstock Pharmacy, as I'm sure they have a great assortment of unique products. (I love that they still advertise having Kodak Camera products on the outside of the building!)

This expanded farmhouse is a little out of town, complete with a horse barn and magnificent views. The resident Orange Tabby Cat was keeping an eye on us!

Thanks for reading! For more of my images, follow me on Instagram @Teensie83

happy valentine's day!

of course i'm writing about valentine's day - how could i not... it's feels serendipity that i post on Wednesdays.

these are the flowers by which all others are judged. i laugh - but it's true. i received these while pregnant with Liam. we always have fresh flowers in the chalet, (3 arrangements currently) but this simple bouquet of hydrangeas and pink roses will always be the most beautiful my husband has given me.

to be fair all flowers from Steven are lovely and welcome...but we - all of us - romanticize things in our minds eye. so yes, these from 2011 are my favorite. 

my dad Jim was terrific about February 14th. he always made a big deal out of it. he had chocolates not only for Mom, but for my sister and i too! 

i remember how exciting it was to get my very own pink heart box with chocolates embossed on it from my debonair father.

i've always had heart shaped objects - boxes, picture frames, jewelry. this little metal tin is from childhood.

i have a smattering of decorations- around the chalet.

the coat closet has a willow wreath with little berry details.

its a welcome touch - that goes seamlessly with the chalet vibe.

i have another willow wreath in the upstairs hall window tied simply with a natural jute ribbon.  the wreath is from Michaels.

i don't know who loves this adorable felt banner from Target more Liam or myself!

my sweet boy made these. Liam certainly knows his momma! making me a bookmark!

my current view.

i loved googling and reading the history of Valentine's Day. i particularly enjoyed the piece on the History Channel. click through to read for yourself.

i snagged this image from a friend @terra_naut   hahaha!

i want to share the cutest tutorial for making Pipe Cleaner Heart Garland from my friend Valerie of Smile Mercantile.

i hope your Valentine's Day is filled with yummy and pretty and love! xoxo

til next time.

personal flair

i was looking at this photograph and thinking how wonderfully dressed my grandmother Mary was. even after 48 years i remember her silk shift at Pop's 75th birthday party in May 1970; and how she didn't mind when i wanted to be in the photo. she was wonderful with her red hair, pack of Marlboros and dirty martini's.

it started me looking through photo albums and thinking about how someone wears a garment and has their own personal flair.

the biggest influence in my life regarding fashion is my Mother Rita. she was always turned out and wore the right outfit for the right occasion.

everytime i don a pin or throw a pashmina around my neck it's because of her influence.

i thought i'd share images; not only of Rita but, my Dad Jim - he was a suit and tie man and my Mom's sister Marion who was always up-to-date sporting the latest fashion trends.

here's another image from the party. Rita in green looking stylish. Marion in her mod brown and black striped dress - so of the moment. i love the gloves.

here's Mary in that same dress with it's matching jacket at my cousin's wedding December 1970.

a close up of Rita - that beaded dress! Marion was the mother of the bride.

some older images.

Rita and Marion 1940's. sweet sisters.

Puerto Rica 1954 this cinnamon pink cotton dress is timeless.

Rita was a fashion model 1954.

my parents leaving for their honeymoon 1955.

i have this 1955 image framed - it sits in a cubby on my rolltop desk - i adore the styling of this blouse.

Marion and Rita 1960  both look stunning. those colors!

Thanksgiving 1962. My gorgeous Mother!

i found this from spring 1967. i wish it was a full shot of her silk and linen brown dress. the beading was killer!

 this blue dress from summer of 1966 - wow!

my grandmother Lillian had similar bags to this Enid Collins handbag. some of hers had straw floral embroidery. 

here are my Dad's parents Lillian and Joe on a pit-stop at the Jersey shore August 1965. something about this generation they were always fully dressed - even at the beach.

my sister and Rita Easter 1968. stylin' and profilin' next to Jim's convertible.

Marion looks amazing in her colorful coat. circa 1973.

April 1974 Marion, Rita with their sister-in-law Gladys. That jacket, those sunglasses!

I love how groovy Jim is with his white belt, bolo tie and white dinner jacket on our 1979 trip to Phoenix to visit my snowbird grandparents Lillian and Joe.

when i worked for the Gap Rita and i had matching wool trousers - none of her friends were shopping there but, she loved the young fun fashion. i remember a great denim blouse she had - i wish i had now - it'd be back in style since it was over 20 years ago and i'm her size now... ha!

on our 1985 trip to Ireland she was right on point in her cute Esprit outfit!

inside sometimes i wish we could return to a bit more of the formality of yesteryear but, fashion and life are different now. casual Fridays. working from home. active wear and yoga pants are now integral parts of our everyday wardrobes but, as my husband Steven likes to say: "there is nothing wrong with being the most overdressed person in the room."

i hope you celebrate your personal flair everyday! 

til next time.