Fashion. Food. Friends. Fall Foliage and tons of Fun. That pretty much describes the incredible girls’ getaway I just experienced in lovely Manchester, VT! I had never been to Vermont in the fall nor have I been away from my family or my daughter for more than 24 hours so this 3-day trip was filled with excitement and anticipation. And it was extra indulgent because thanks to Manchester Designer outlets sponsoring us style bloggers, it involved a shopping spree at their glorious outlets!
They had me at shopping spree. (Or was it hello?! ) Just about a 3.5 hour drive from Manhattan, suddenly our concrete jungle views were replaced with breathtaking, fall foliage (and without an angry NY-er in sight!) Think mountains sprinkled with fiery vibrant colors, darling apple trees, picturesque river views, pretty pumpkin patches and PEACE.
Photo credit: Getty Images
What a getaway! Every New Yorker NEEEEEDS this! It was amazing to let go of the chaos, hustle and bustle of Manhattan and the responsibilities of motherhood. Oops did I say that last part out loud?? Ehem, lets suffice it to say that this mommy really enjoyed the rest and relaxation. What a memorable way to soak in all the fall feels this season!
Read on for all my tips on where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and who to bring. Oh wait, you can’t borrow my friends..sorry to say you will be hard-pressed to find travel partners as fun and fabulous as these… (pictured below are Suzanne from Gotham Love and Nicole from Mom Trends)
There are lots of places to witness the pinnacle of fall foliage ranging from AirBnBs (which is what we opted for), to beds and breakfasts, to your classic hotels. Next time I come back (and I do plan to return!), I’ll make sure to stay at Wilburton Inn where we enjoyed breakfast with a view.
This elegant hilltop estate, noted as one of the top 8 mansion hotels by CNN, offers such fun themed events (and you know how much I love a theme party!!!) Murder mystery weekend, anyone? Doggie slumber party and canine costume ball? They have it ALL!
257 Wilburton Drive. Manchester, VT. 802.362.2500
1. Manchester Designer Outlets. With ZERO sales tax on apparel and footwear on top of the already spectacular sales in Manchester, VT, you should know this will not be your average shopping trip! Expect heart-pounding deals that will make you want to shout from the rooftops.
Can you believe I bought a glam velvet tee AND a pair of tights for just $5.40? OMG YES!
Combine the unbelievable deals with the fact that the sales staff are so friendly, and helpful (no Pretty Woman shopping experience at any of the 40 stores here!) and you’ll never want to shop NY retail again! Here we are racing to some of our favorite stores: Kate Spade, JCrew, Ann Taylor, and Eileen Fisher.
Did you know that Manchester Designer Outlets had the nation’s only Marimekko outlet?
2. Equinox Valley Nursery. We fulfilled ALL our fall fantasies by stopping by this one, family-owned, nursery and pumpkin patch. Trust me, THIS is where you go to check off your fall bucketlist. Hay ride? check. Fresh apple-cider doughnuts? check. Corn maze? check. Pumpkin patch? check. Barn, scarecrows and endless flower selection? Check check and check!
Wanna give everyone a major case of FOMO? Go here and take lots of pics. Your people will love and hate you for it. We Instagram-ed the HECK out of every corner and view because it was just that beautiful!
See my saved videos for more autumn eye candy in my Instagram highlight reel here.
3. Biking. Grab your favorite people and hop on a bike. Manchester has everything for the leisurely riders who want simply to enjoy the view to something special for thrill-seekers who want to race down a mountain! Click here for more!
For more ideas on fun activities in and around the Manchester, VT area, click here.
Ever go on a trip and totally luck out with being able to feast on the most flavorful foods? I felt this way thanks to those who organized this trip and their on point recommendations! Lucky for you, I’m passing them all on! Unlucky for me, my waistline now needs a workout! Here’s where to stop for a bite in Manchester, VT:
1. Seasons: Irresistible American food in the coziest of atmospheres that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Imagine enjoying a seasonal cocktail by their open fire pit here!
4566 Main St. (802) 362-7272
2. Copper Grouse Located within the beautiful Taconic hotel, the breakfast menu had something for everybody with “inventive takes on tavern fare.” Avocado toast was a huge hit as was the steel-cut oatmeal and fruit (shown below)!
3835 Main St. (802) 362-0176
3. Depot 62: I’m a NY-er so when I say the pizza here is good, BELIEVE ME. That mushroom pizza was so freakin’ mouthwatering that I don’t even want to think of it as I write this at 1am in the morning lest I start salivating, break down and start scavenging through my fridge. Wood-fire oven. Enough said. Plus you’ll enjoy the funky home decor and exotic rugs since this is part eclectic furniture store.
515 Depot St. (802) 366-8181
4. Barrows House: Southern Vermont Hotel & Inn: This warm and welcoming venue was a wonderful dinner find. Everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious their food was! Plus, they specialize in special events (weddings included), are known for their outdoor dining and seem to have a happening bar too!
3156 VT-30, Dorset, VT 05251 (802) 867-4455
Thanks to the wonderful company I had and that goes not just for the fabulous fashionistas that were participating in the incredible shopping getaway with me. I’m speaking of the entire crew from Mom Trends, Gale Branding, and Manchester Designer Outlets. Everyone was SUCH a delight to not only work with but simply BE with and that MADE the trip. What an honor it was to be chosen to participate in this memorable opportunity.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram, as I further showcase all my stylish finds, steals and deals from Manchester Designer Outlets!
Tell me in the comments below, what things are on YOUR must see and do checklist every fall!
Microblading is the latest eyebrow craze. It’s a modernized, semi-permanent make-up where, through manual process of inserting pigment into the upper layers of skin, you can create fuller brows without looking overly cosmetic. It’s a more natural, hair-like stroke than the traditional eyebrow tattoo. And effects can last up to 12-24 months, or sometimes up to 3 years depending on your skin type and metabolic rate.
Some may argue that eyebrows are your face’s most important feature. And oftentimes, people are born with splotchy or uneven eyebrows that just need some filling in. Some have medical conditions that affect their brows (anxiety, cancer, alopecia for instance). Mine are simply sparse – hardly even there. And while there are various brow gels, pencils, and eyebrow powders in the market, not all of us have the expertise, or time to perfectly draw them in. And even if we do, the made-up brows are prone to wash or wipe off while swimming or simply sweating. Microblading is helpful to those who want to cover gaps, fill-in over-plucked brows, define, or re-shape their current brows in a semi-permanent and natural – looking manner.
Prices can range from $400-$800 in the New York City area. Glamor Skin charges a fairly reasonable (considering it’s Manhattan) $650 – $750 depending on whether you add in shading along with blading or not. Waking up with perfectly shaped, smudge-proof brows… priceless! Considering brow extensions which only last 2-3 weeks at $300-350 each session in NY, microblading doesn’t seem that expensive.
You should allot 3 hours. (Mine however only took about 2 hours even with all the picture and video taking for this post). The relaxing spa music and sweet conversational manner of the technician, Sophia made the time go fast. After a month it is recommended that you follow-up with a touch-up once all the healing has completed and pigmentation has settled. That took around 30 minutes I think.
Before the microblading begins, precise measurements are made and the framework is drawn. Look how funny I look during this phase. And see how my 20 year-old eyebrow tattoo was sparse to begin with and needed a touch-up?
I loved how Sophia really took the time to listen to my desires, meticulously draw in the shape and ask for feedback along the way. I’d be weary of places who rushed this all-important drafting step. This sort of detail requires precision and time. Be weary of anyplace that promises microblading in an hour or rushes a consult because you’ll want someone as perfectionist as Sophia at Glamor Skin who takes the time to get it right.
A special microblading pen is used to draw on individual strokes one by one. Don’t you love how hers is all blinged out? I need a diamond like that on all my pens!
The best part about the technique is that there is no down time. Your new set of brows will be ready for a selfie immediately after the process. The pro, however, does recommend a follow-up one month after your appointment. “The healing process is different for everyone, and it takes between 25 and 30 days. After a month we recommend a 40-minute touch-up to most customers.”
You’ll want to go in for a touch-up session every year or two after the initial one.
They say no pain no gain but with the topical numbing cream, I experienced no pain and all the gain! .Just make sure to follow the prep instructions and avoid alcohol and caffeine. The only time I experienced any discomfort was at my 2nd (follow-up session) where I did notice some tenderness towards the end of my touch-up procedure. But that was because I had forgotten to avoid the caffeine within the 24 hours period prior to procedure thanks to my mommy brain and my coffee addiction.
See my IG highlights section and watch the whole procedure being done without me wincing. And that’s saying a lot because I have zero tolerance for pain! The most painful part was definitely the abstaining from caffeine part!
You’ll be given a clear instruction set for rules 24-48 hours before the procedure, the hardest one possibly being that you have to abstain from caffeine and alcohol as mentioned above. What mom can live without? haha Post-procedure, because Sophia uses the latest techniques which results in a faster healing and less peeling, you’ll have to do nothing but apply a clear cream every few hours. I walked out without looking red or abnormal in any way. (see pic below for how I looked a minute after procedure!) And the healing process for me was so easy. I just tried to stay out of the sun, avoided getting eyebrows wet and applied cream as instructed. I was able to go about my daily life, without shades to hide behind, and without worrying I looked scabbed or feeling anything weird. Results (see picture) looked natural and were according to our mutual plan. Shockingly I experienced absolutely no redness, swelling or visible scabbing throughout the entire healing process. Easy peasy, guys! Or girls shall I say? Most of my readers are female but really this procedure is so natural looking that I’d highly recommend men with sparse brows getting it done too!
It is in a beautiful wellness – themed, shared office which is clean, modern and serene. You’ll love it.
Sophia was extremely knowledgeable, took time to listen to my wishes and concerns and had an excellent professional demeanor. Just looking at her own perfect brows (and skin) should give anyone comfort in knowing they’re in the right hands. Oh and yes, she’s a: licensed esthetician who is certified and Insured. (in case you were wondering)
I highly recommend GlamorSkin! And from the looks of Yelp so do others! She has a 5 star rating, people!
My readers and followers (that’s YOU!) can receive $50 off microblading just by mentioning me or this blog. And if you want to try the lash lift and tint, fee is a reduced $99. Check out her IG for all her before and afters!
This was a sponsored post but as always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.
