Sweet Clover Market in Essex, VT is the source for my new addiction and hence today’s favorite thing. Bequet Gourmet Caramel is oh-so-good. Sweet Clover has a nice display on the counter filled with these babies and I simply cannot resist once I reach the register. It is hands down the best caramel I’ve ever tasted. They are soft, sweet and soul satisfying. So give them a try and you can blame me for your next cavity.
Posts Tagged ‘Alison’s favorites’
Alison’s Favorite Things: Bequet Caramel
Friday, April 8th, 2011Alison’s favorite things (vol. 24)
Friday, January 28th, 2011I love lavender. Love it. I love to pick it fresh from my garden; I love a lavender soap; I love the lavender-black pepper crusted ahi tuna on the menu at Sonoma Station in Richmond, VT; and I seriously love the Lavender & Vanilla Bean Sugar from Savory Spice Shop.
I add it to baked goods, homemade truffles and my absolute favorite way to enjoy this sweet flowery treat is sprinkled atop my yogurt. Ooh-la-la that little touch of lavender makes my organic vanilla yogurt taste a little gourmet.
Give it a try and let me know whatcha think!
This spring bouquet includes mini green hydrangea, roses, lisianthus, freesia, thistle and fresh lavender.
Alison’s favorite things (vol. 23) Holiday Gift Ideas
Monday, December 13th, 2010There are 12 days until Christmas and today I have a compilation of 10 of my favorite things from the past year that I think make great gifts for your loved ones…and quite possibly for YOU, too!
Today, 12/13, is the last day to get your holiday orders in to Paloma’s Nest for thoughtful, custom ornaments.
While we’re talking about customized gifts if you order a Flashbag by 12/15 they will guarantee holiday delivery!
For loved ones who are far away and deserve something sweet I suggest sending a box of Vermont Cookie Love! You can feel (and taste!) the love.
Mountain Ash Designs has beautiful gifts like aprons for your favorite chef, skirts for the fashionista in your life and quilts for new mom’s and babies, too.
I think Vermont Soap Organics and Solmate Socks make a great stocking stuffer. I am “stocking up” for Christmas. (Pun intended!)
For a unique maple gift slap a bow on a bottle of Vermont Gold Vodka made from maple sap.
Pampering gifts of aromatic apothecary from Lunaroma refresh the senses. Order for someone you love and get something for yourself while you’re at it.
Getting engaged this holiday season? Jacob Albee’s meteorite jewelry will sweep any girl off of her feet. This is not your grandmother’s jewelry.
And finally, a brand new favorite of mine are these Keen Boots. They are waterproof, warm and overall awesome. I bought myself an early Christmas present and I am oh so happy with my purchase.
What’s on YOUR must-have or must-give list this year?
Amaryllis
Alison’s favorite things (vol. 22)
Monday, December 6th, 2010OK, so I haven’t done any official research on this, but I’m pretty sure it’s a scientific fact that 100% of wedding bloggers love Paloma’s Nest. I have to put this adorable ring bowl on my list of favorite things. I love the look of it, the size and shape, and the fact that you can use it to hold your jewelry after the wedding so it continues to have a purpose and is a daily reminder of your wedding vows.
Since the holiday season is upon us I thought I’d point out some ornaments to you, too. My grandmother always used to paint my name and the year onto Christmas ornaments, which I still have, of course, so I think personalized ornaments are a really thoughtful gift. I love the selection of custom ornaments from Paloma’s Nest and think they make a great gift to mark a first Christmas as a married couple, a baby’s first Christmas or to commemorate the year you were married. I’d display them all year round. If you want to give one of these thoughtful gifts this Christmas place your order before the end of the week so you’re not a last minute Nelly!
I couldn’t finish this post without also pointing out these custom maple wood hangers. They are the perfect finishing touch for those professional photographer’s shots of your wedding dress. They are adorable.
Alison’s favorite things (vol. 21)
Monday, November 29th, 2010I first discovered my next favorite thing, Mountain Ash Designs, on Etsy 2 years ago and I simply had to have an apron made from recycled and repurposed fabrics. I love the shabby-chic style of Sarah O. Green’s designs. After my husband and I finished setting up a wedding at The Round Barn in Waitsfield this fall I found the cutest cargo apron (which has been perfect for my on-site wedding work and easily keeps my clippers and ribbon on hand!) and a beautiful skirt at Artisans’ Gallery which I simply could not manage to resist. The other day I stumbled upon another skirt while checking out her website (that I also could not manage to resist!) so I went to the craft show at Union Station in Burlington to officially make it mine! So…I guess you could say I have a nice little collection of sustainably handmade designs.
I’ve enjoyed Sarah’s work both on her blog and as I wear her designs in my daily life, but it was especially nice to get a chance to meet her in person the other day. Sarah had seen my website so when we met at the craft show she told me a little bit about her experience with destination wedding guests. As an artist at Vermont farmers’ markets and craft shows she sees firsthand how out-of-town guests seem to be, as she described it, “taking it all in” while they explore and sample their way through the weekend. I think Vermonters tend to maintain an ability to “take it all in” and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and it’s nice to see others taking time to enjoy the scenery, the fresh local products and the people who create and cultivate those items. As a wedding vendor who is so proud of all that Vermont has to offer to our couples and their guests it is especially great to hear Sarah describe the blissful state in which she observes these destination wedding guests wandering around!
Click here to see an array of fabulous skirts, aprons, scarves, belts and quilts for yourself or as a gift for someone you really, really love! I already got the first thing on my wish list this year!
Happy 1 year of wedding blogging to me!
Thursday, November 4th, 2010I have been blogging for one year…since Nov. 4th 2009! Happy Anniversary to me!!..and it’s been so much fun to hear people say, “You’re blogging?!” or even better, “I’ve been reading your blog.” I smile and think to myself, “You subscribe to my feed? You like me. You really like me!” Soooo…as an aw schucks, thanks for reading gesture I am giving away a Floral Artistry Logo T-shirt this week when you share some of your thoughts with me.
I’ve been sharing “Alison’s favorite things” with you (we’re 20 favorites deep so far!) and now I want to know what some of your favorites are. Submit a comment below or send me an e-mail with one (or as many as you want to share!) of your favorite things either from Vermont or your home state or anywhere in the world and I will select one oh-so-lucky t-shirt winner on November 12.
Please remember to include your t-shirt size (most sizes available). My organic cotton shirts were printed locally in Burlington at Amalgamated Cultureworks on American Apparel T’s. You can view a sizing chart here.
Brandy new organic tee's
Alison’s Favorite Things (vol. 20)
Friday, October 22nd, 2010Cupcakes came onto the wedding scene several years ago and I’ve heard suggestions that they have “had their day”, but I personally cannot imagine cupcakes ever going out of style. My Little Cupcake specializes in “yummy little cupcakes for every occasion” and they have been a guilty pleasure of mine for a while now. These bite-size treats (or 2 to 3 bite-size if you are more civilized) are made up of a moist, delicious cake and just the right amount of fabulous buttercream frosting and then each is finished with decor to match its flavor. The other day I tasted pure perfection in their salted caramel cupcake. I repeat, perfection. The tasty chocolate cupcake is topped with an amazing caramel buttercream frosting, a caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt on top. When I say it’s perfection I am not exaggerating.
A few of the other delicious flavors I’ve tried include chocolate mint, almond joyful, mocha, cookies n’ cream, and quite frankly even the vanilla are absolutely scrumptious, but in my opinion the salted caramel is IT. Check out Michelle’s creations at mylittlecupcakevt.com and pick up a little box the next time you’re at Sweet Clover Market in Essex (my local cupcake pusher!), City Market, Healthy Living and Shelburne Supermarket or make a special order for your wedding day.
Alison’s favorite things (vol. 19)
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010We were at Blueberry Hill Inn setting up a wedding in July when I first tried some luxurious “Lavender Ecstasy” foaming soap by Vermont Soap Organics. I loved it so much I ran out to Middlebury that afternoon to get some for myself! There is a warning on their website that it is highly addictive and I must agree! I simply love it. I will admit that I am a bit of a soap junkie…I cannot resist a freshly scented handmade herbal soap at a farmers’ market or country store, but this foaming soap has a particularly wonderful feel. Try it for yourself. You’ll be addicted, too.
Alison’s favorite things (vol. 18)
Thursday, August 12th, 2010I consider myself a macaroon connoisseur. I am head over heels for just about anything coconut, but add a little chocolate to it and you’ve got me for sure. There is a fine balance in the macaroon world of taste, texture and overall goodness. I don’t want one that’s too sweet. I also don’t want one that is dry or too crunchy or has an artificial coconut taste. I have tasted my way through many of the bakeries in the Burlington area and the best macaroons I’ve found are from Krin’s Bakery.
These Coconut and Honey Macaroons dipped in Dark Chocolate (yep, they even sound delicious!) are divine. In my opinion they are the perfect blend of sweetness & coconut with just the right amount of chocolate and soft chewy deliciousness. (Is anyone else surprised that the word deliciousness just got past my spell check?)
You can find Krin’s Bakery delights at several fabulous stores in the greater Burlington area. You can find a list of locations on her website. Check them out. Try these macaroons and be ready to eat the whole bag!
Alison’s favorite things (vol. 17)
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010It’s been over a month since I’ve given a shout out to one of my favorite things and since my husband discovered something super delicious this week at Marvin’s Country Store in Johnson (something I happened to discover a few weeks ago at Sweet Clover Market in Essex!) it feels like a perfect time to spread the word about Effie’s Homemade Oatcakes and Corncakes. The owners, Joan & Irene, say “great flavor comes from quality ingredients, simply prepared” and the proof is in the pudding…or biscuit as the case may be!
They are simply delicious and make any cup of tea or coffee a little bit sweeter. I think they’d be a great wedding favor or gift basket addition–especially if anyone has a Scottish or English heritage that deserves a nod!
They are ooh sooo yummy. Try them! Find a store near you here!
