Showing posts with label Local Businesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Businesses. Show all posts

Friday, November 2, 2018

Audrey's Farmhouse & The Greenhouses


I recently stumbled across a new wedding venue in the Hudson Valley and immediately fell in love with the history of the site, the decor, and the overall design. Hoping to highlight the venue in a future post, but in the meantime....

2187 Bruynswick Road
Wallkill, New York 12589
phone: (845) 895-3440

For more information, please visit Audrey's Farmhouse

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie 

Photo Credit: Audrey's Farmhouse. 

Monday, February 12, 2018

Last Minute Valentine's Day Idea!


Valentine's Day is in two days!!! If you can't think of a small, yet thoughtful gift to give to your sweetie, pick up a hand-poured candle from Jar Worthy. Your gift will be much more than just a candle...you will be supporting a local business which strives to use sustainable ingredients. Jar Worthy has a wide variety of fragrances. You're sure to find one that's perfect for your significant other. 

Or consider creating a custom candle and pouring it yourself at Jar Worthy's Valentine's Day celebrations on February 13th and 14th at 7pm, complete with champagne and truffles. Visit here for more information and to buy tickets. 

Happy Valentine's Day! 
~ Lizzie ~ 

p.s. Perhaps you will be getting engaged on Wednesday...if so, good luck with the proposal and congratulations in advance! 

Photo Credit: Lizzie B., Hudson Valley Green 

Friday, February 2, 2018

Valentine's Day Ideas

The most beautiful chocolate bark from Lagusta's Luscious in New Paltz.

Valentine's Day is around the corner and although it feels like we've just recovered from the season of holiday gift-giving craziness, you will be in some hot water if you don't give your significant other at least of token of your affection. Here are a few ideas...

For the person who loves house plants, this heart-shaped plant from The Sill. And for the girl who loves house plants, this t-shirt from Oui Fresh. 

For the person loves to smell nice but also strives to be environmentally conscious, these fragrance sets from PHLUR. 

For the gardener, this seed pack from the Hudson Valley Seed Company. 

And of course, chocolates from a local chocolatier, like Lagusta's Luscious and Oliver Kita

In need of some ideas for a date? How about a visit to the Dia: Beacon followed by some delicious (and cheap!) ramen at Quinn's in Beacon? Great way to celebrate a first date, a ten-year anniversary, or Galentine's Day! 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie

Photo Credit: Lagusta's Luscious 

Friday, October 13, 2017

Reading for the Weekend!


Hi there! I'm taking a quick, solo trip to Boston this weekend to visit with my oldest friend and my most beautiful cousin. I'm looking forward to being a tourist in Bean Town and hanging out with two very lovely ladies. Hope you have a great weekend, too! 

A few love-related links from around the web...enjoy! 

Love crossing cultural and religious divides. "We found peace in a conflict region."

This vintage wedding dress. So simple and so pretty. 

If you love someone and that someone loves autumn and ethically concocted fine chocolates, you should get them these.

For some moody wedding inspiration, check out this styled bridal shoot. That dress! Those flowers! Swoon. 

And lastly...

The US has taken a pummeling lately...wildlife fires in the west (and most recently, Napa), multiple hurricanes, Vegas. It's been a rough few months but here are some news stories that will warm your heart. Amidst all of the darkness, there is light and lots of it. Let's not lose sight of that.

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie 

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Congrats...

...to Kim C.! She has won the Jar Worthy giveaway of two free candles and a voucher for a "blend your own candle" session! Kim, I'll be messaging you privately with details. 


Many thanks to all who entered the giveaway and to Dana of Jar Worthy for making this all possible! 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie 

Monday, September 25, 2017

Date Night



Need a new restaurant for date night? Liberty Street Bistro in Newburgh checks all of the boxes: amazing cuisine, warm ambiance, and great cocktails. Go, eat, and enjoy! 

Looking to pop the question and need an idea? Here's one...take a stroll along the Newburgh waterfront, have a drink and oysters at Blu Point overlooking the Hudson River, then a short drive to Liberty Street Bistro. Propose over one of the decadent desserts (or over the pasta course - its that good). 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie

Photo Credit: Liberty Street Bistro. 

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Jar Worthy...and a giveaway!


Tucked away in the tiny town of Carmel, New York lies an unassuming storefront which belies the true fun and sweet scents waiting for its visitors. Step inside Jar Worthy and be instantly greeted with a most pleasant blend of scents originating from soy candles, all hand poured with love.


I had the pleasure of recently visiting Jar Worthy and chatting with the very personable Dana, proprietor and primary candle maker. In 2014, Dana and her then business partner began making candles and selling them at local markets. Business eventually outgrew their kitchen operation and Dana opened the brick and mortar Jar Worthy on Fair Street in Carmel. Dana has been on Fair Street since 2016 with family helping out (her husband and father help with shop renovations and her mother and sisters assists with sales) and life is good...




Dana creates unique candles by blending essential oils and fragrances into melted soy wax. Dana strives to incorporate all natural ingredients - using soy grown in Kentucky and Ohio and 100% cotton wicks (traditional wicks can contain lead and zinc). The jars are from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dana is passionate about providing a quality product to her customers and knowing from where her raw materials are sourced.


During my visit, Dana helped me create my own custom candle. I selected my favorite scents from her collection and with Dana's help, I identified a blend that I thought might pair nicely together - sandalwood and grapefruit. I inserted the wick to my glass jar, Dana poured the wax, and then I added the scents and blended away. My candle was then left at Dana's shop to cure for a bit.



Visit the shop to create your own custom candle! Jar Worthy has hosted birthday parties with guests making their own custom candles. Dana typically blends two to six oils/fragrances to create her unique scents but truly, the sky is the limit! Dana recommends not sticking to traditional scents...she's concocted a delightful "Cilantro Lime" scent and the "Hippie $hit" scent is my personal favorite!

Jar Worthy candles range in price from $13 to $32. Because Dana's candles are made from soy wax, they burn significantly longer than petroleum-based candles. If you are doing a "pour your own" candle and bring your own candle vessel, Dana will deduct the cost of the jar from the price. And if you are looking for event favors, consider doing custom-scented candles (prices starting at $3.50 per candle).


In addition to candles, Jar Worthy offers locally crafted jewelry and bath products. So pop in to Jar Worthy, pour your own custom candle, and shop around!

For HVG readers, Jar Worthy is doing a giveaway...two free candles and a voucher for a "pour your own" candle! To enter the giveaway, like Hudson Valley Green on Facebook and leave a comment! That's it!

For more information on ordering custom favors, doing a "pour your own" event, or to shop online, visit: 

14 Fair Street, Carmel, NY 
phone: 845.225.1693
email: jarworthy@gmail.com

Many thanks to Dana for making amazing eco-friendly candles right here in the Hudson Valley! 

Happy Planning,
Lizzie 


p.s. Don't forget to enter the giveaway! And while you're at it, like Jar Worthy on Facebook, too! Dana's candles are legit...you will not be disappointed!

p.s.s. A great scientific article published by the US Environmental Protection Agency about traditional candles and their role in indoor air quality issues, like the burning of lead wicks resulting in indoor air concentrations of lead which exceed USEPA recommended threshold values. Find it here.

Photo Credits: Lizzie B., Hudson Valley Green

Friday, July 28, 2017

Our Story Bridal


I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ana and Jacquelyn of Our Story Bridal, a bridal shop in NYC specializing in pre-owned wedding gowns. Ana and Jacquelyn opened up their shop in 2016 as a pop-up shop but business has taken off and they now have their own permanent location on Broadway.


Ana and Jacquelyn first met at the Wharton School Business. Following graduation, these lovely ladies married their respective husbands and just didn't have room in their NYC apartments to store their wedding gowns. After searching for options to sell their dresses locally and coming up short, Ana and Jacquelyn decided to create Our Story Bridal, the only pre-owned bridal shop in NYC.


Ana and Jacquelyn make purchasing gowns easy...and selling one just as breezy. Each gown considered for consignment is thoroughly vetted to ensure quality and style. Each dress selected for consignment is professional cleaned and carefully handled. Once the gown makes it into the shop, brides-to-be can make an appointment online with one of their expert bridal consultants for fittings. Gowns are priced very competitively with substantially discounted prices (40-80% off retail price!!!).

The gown and accessory selection at Our Story Bridal is wide ranging with a variety of trending styles and sizes. And to complete the bridal experience, Our Story Bridal offers in-house alterations to achieve the perfect fit.


Ana and Jacquelyn have some great advice for finding the perfect dress....be true to your style but don't be afraid to try on a few designs that are a bit of out of your comfort zone. You just might be pleasantly surprised!

The lovely ladies behind Our Story Bridal. 

Please visit Ana and Jacquelyn if you are in the market for a wedding gown and are looking for an eco-friendly option that won't sacrifice style but will save you some serious money. Book an appointment online today!

1239 Broadway, Suite 604
New York, NY 10001
phone: 646.653.2672
email: info@ourbridalstory.com


Happy Planning, 
Lizzie 

Photo Credits: Our Story Bridal. 

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Reading for the Week!


Hi! My apologies for the late posting of this week's "Reading for the Week". The kiddos came down with a stomach bug that they then lovingly passed along to me. Hoping the rest of the week is virus-free!

Here are some fun links to get you through the week...enjoy! 

Havenly's favorite houseplants. I think all weddings should be decorated with potted plants. So pretty.

And check out this wedding...in keeping with the potted plant theme. :)

Would you do a surprise wedding?

Just recently discovered the work of Joshua Brown
a very talented photographer based in the Hudson Valley. 

Jar Worthy is having a Christmas in July sale...30% off select items!
 Going to be stocking up on my new favorite soy candles. 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie

Photo Credit: Lizzie B., Hudson Valley Green....at Ryder Farm in Brewster.

Monday, June 5, 2017

The best way to propose....

...is with a chocolate bar.


Contact the lovely ladies at Lagusta's Luscious Confectionary in New Paltz to place a custom order for an engagement chocolate bar or for wedding favor truffles. Environmentally friendly chocolates using lots of local ingredients. These treats are the real deal. 

For more information, visit Lagusta's Luscious online or in New Paltz/Manhattan. 

Happy Eating (and Planning), 
Lizzie 
Photo Credit: LaGustas's Luscious

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Gifts from McClure Furniture Works

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! 2017 is right around the corner and bridal shower and wedding season will be here in a flash! 

If you are in need of a bridal shower, wedding, or a belated holiday (!!!) gift and are looking for something unique, consider supporting local furniture maker, Kirk Decker of McClure Furniture Works, located in Broome County.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Kirk for two decades and have fond memories playing with the Decker kids at their family farm. Kirk is a self-taught craftsman and over the last several years, has really honed his skills. He truly has a gift for wood working but I'll let the photos speak for themselves...


Look at that wood grain on those cheese boards...and those rolling pins! 
I know quite a few bakers who would love to display them in their kitchens. 




 These bud vases are a personal favorite of mine. 






And if you are looking for something really special to, say, put an engagement ring in and give it to the love of your life, look no further....








This wine glass caddy would make a great bridal shower or hostess gift. 


  

 And for the kiddos, durable hand-made toys that don't require batteries...every parent's dream. 




Kirk makes each piece himself in his workshop at the family farm. Most, if not all, pieces are created with locally sourced wood and are very reasonably priced. 




If you are interested in learning more (or having a custom item made - whether it be a jewelry box or fine furniture; if you can think it, Kirk can make it - trust me!), please visit McClure Furniture Works or call 607.242.9015 or 607.237.6484.


Happy Planning, 
Lizzie 

p.s Kirk made a John Deere-style tractor rocking chair...just because he can.
 It's really unbelievably cool. Check it out on his facebook page! 


Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ring Bling

Ending the week with some sparkle...

I recently discovered the work of Anna Bario and Page Neal of Bario Neal, a small jewelry company designing and creating stunning works of art. Bario Neal's unique take on classic designs, incorporating unconventional settings and interesting textures, makes their pieces truly one of a kind. 


Bario Neal Giveaway
(c) Bario Neal



Not only is their jewelry beautiful, Bario Neal works with reclaimed metals and ethically sourced stones. Their commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of their products paired with the creativity and vision of the artisans makes Bario Neal unique among jewelers. 

The Bario Neal workshop is located in Philadelphia but lucky us, there is a showroom (by appointment only) in NYC on Chrystie Street between Stanton and Rivington. 

We are in the throes of engagement season so peruse Bario Neal for the perfect ring! 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie 



Thursday, August 13, 2015

Ahhh...flowers!

I was perusing my local Adams Fairacre Farm (because who doesn't love Adams?) last Friday and stumbled across this little flower display....

(c) Hudson Valley Green
I quickly picked up a bouquet for my mom (since she's awesome and all moms deserve flowers). The flowers are from River Garden Farm in the Catskills and are so vibrant and unique. They have that "just picked wildflower look" that I love. 

These bouquets would be perfect in an upcycled mason jar and placed on tables as centerpieces. Maybe add a burlap table runner with some small soy votive candles and you've got the easiest tablescape ever. And for only $9.99 a bunch, the price can't be beat! 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie

Friday, March 21, 2014

Graphic Nature

I had the pleasure of running into Amy and Stephanie, the two lovely ladies behind Graphic Nature, at the Adams Fairacre Farms Bridal Show last weekend and had the opportunity to peruse some of their latest creations.

(c) Hudson Valley Green

Five years ago, Amy and Stephanie created my very own custom wedding invitations. Amy and Stephanie had just started their graphic design business in Fishkill in southern Dutchess County as a leap of faith. Since that time, they have worked countless hours to create business logos, websites, announcements, and invitations of every kind. They have a certain flair for the creative and unique as evidenced in the wide variety of designs they produce. And because a picture is worth a thousand words, check out just a smattering of Graphic Nature's designs below!

(c) Hudson Valley Green 

(c) Hudson Valley Green

Because each design is custom, I was able to request invitations made with recycled paper. To limit the amount of paper used for the invitations, Amy and Stephanie created RSVP postcards which eliminated the need for envelopes (and saved on postage!) and included the reception information in the main invitation card. And all revisions were made via email so no gas was used making trips to and from the Graphic Nature store!

(c) Hudson Valley Green 

Amy and Stephanie were an absolute pleasure to work with. They made the entire process so easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend! For more information, visit Graphic Nature or stop by Amy and Stephanie's design studio in Fishkill! 

1076 Main Street
Fishkill, NY 12524
phone: (845) 765-2727
email: design@graphicnature.biz

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Adams Fairacre Farms

Every time I step into my local Adams Fairacre Farms store, I'm overcome with happiness. Fresh produce with lots of local goodies, a great variety of gourmet foods, and amazing nursery...what more could you want? I happen to work in an office building across the street from an Adams and I love taking a break from work to walk through the greenhouse. It's like a mini getaway to a tropical rainforest. 

(c) Hudson Valley Green

In addition to the greenhouse, Adams has an excellent bakery department, cute gift shop, and a fantastic sweet shop. Each time I visit, I always think of how many items in the store could be used for a wedding. Like these succulents in the greenhouse, they would be perfect as centerpieces and/or favors.

(c) Hudson Valley Green

Or these plants as a lush backdrop for a dessert table. 

(c) Hudson Valley Green

Fill a terracotta pot with river rocks or colorful dried beans to display table numbers. 

(c) Hudson Valley Green

Support local chocolatiers and give gourmet chocolate as your wedding favor. 

(c) Hudson Valley Green 

(c) Hudson Valley Green (technically not made in NY but in nearby VT!)

Adams hosts several great events and seminars throughout the year but Adams' Bridal Show will happen next Saturday, March 8th, from 11:00 to 4:00 at the Wappinger store. Adams will also host their annual Garden Show on Sunday, March 9th. I can't wait to check both shows out!

And if it couldn't get any better, every Wednesday after 5pm, Adams thanks their customers by offering 10% off your entire purchase, plus coffee, tea, juice, and cookies to dine on while shopping! Adams has great prices (did you see the $1.99 sign for those houseplants?) and the extra 10% is the icing on the cake. Support a local business and use Adams as a wedding resource.

Hope to see you at the Bridal Show next Saturday! 

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Pop the Question with a Picnic!

With the leaves beginning to turn amazing red, orange, and yellow hues, autumn in the Hudson Valley is a great time of year for popping the big question.  And what better way to do it than with a picnic! 

(c) Hudson Valley Green; photo by Amber J Photography

I can think of nothing more romantic than spending some time outdoors eating delicious food (but that's because I love food and I love the outdoors, so maybe I'm biased). Because the Hudson Valley is home to a wide variety of farms and orchards, packing the perfect picnic with local foods grown (or made) right here in our background is easy.

Here's just a small sampling of what you could pull together, most of which can be found at your local farmers markets (for a complete list of Hudson Valley markets, visit here):

Breakfast Picnic:


Lunch/Dinner Picnic:


Have any other ideas for the perfect picnic basket? Let us know by leaving a comment or visiting our Facebook page!

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie


P.S. here is where to find these local goodies...
  • All You Knead Bakery: Beacon, various Hudson Valley Farmers Markets
  • Bear Mountain Coffee Roasters: DeCicco's Markets
  • Bread Alone Bakery: Rhinebeck, Woodstock, various Hudson Valley Farmers Markets
  • Fishkill Farms: Fishkill 
  • Harney & Sons Tea: Millerton, NYC, various local grocery stores
  • Irving Farm Coffee Roasters: Millerton, NYC, Whole Foods
  • JaCuterie: various farmers markets
  • Karl Family Farms: Modena
  • Katchie Farm: Kinderhook, online
  • Lagusta's Luscious: New Paltz, online
  • Millbrook Winery: Millbrook, online
  • Old Chatham Sheepherding Company: Old Chatham, various local grocery stores
  • Pure Mountain Olive Oil: Rhinebeck, Tarrytown, online
  • Raspberry Fields Farm: online
  • Ronnybrook Farm: Ancramdale, various local grocery stores
  • Sweet Maresa: New Paltz

Monday, July 22, 2013

Venue Spotlight: The Living Room

Choosing a venue for your wedding can be an overwhelming endeavor. Searching for a space that reflects who you are as a couple, a space that is in your price range, and one that will fit your guest list can be, well, daunting.

Here at Hudson Valley Green, my goal is to make your wedding planning a bit more manageable. So when Nathalie of The Living Room reached out to tell me about her new event space in Cold Spring (Putnam County), I was all about it!

I met Nathalie on a beautifully sunny afternoon to tour The Living Room and was not disappointed. 

(c) The Living Room

The History. Nathalie and her partner-in-crime, Phillip, began renting the dilapidated Palen's Drug Store in 2011. Originally, Nathalie and Phillip used the old drug store as a health and wellness space but recently have revamped the space to hold a wide variety of events, from weddings to dance classes to art shows. Although the venue is officially named The Living Room, the space still proudly displays the original Palen's Drug Store sign on the storefront. 

The Details. The Living Room accommodates 70 guests for a sit-down dinner or 115 guests for cocktails.  The space can be rented for a competitive price for a 24-hr block of time (which allows plenty of time for set up); for rates, please contact The Living Room directly.

There is one bathroom and two small rooms which can be used as a coat check or dressing rooms. There's no kitchen but plenty of space in the yard/parking area behind The Living Room for a caterer to set up a tent.


(c) The Living Room

The ambience in the main space is warm and radiant. Natural wood plank walls surrounding the space and soft lighting add to the cozy, intimate feel.

(c) The Living Room

(c) The Living Room

And while you can certainly have the wedding ceremony at The Living Room, you can also make use of Cold Spring's magnificent town gazebo, several churches, even the library! Because The Living Room is located in the heart of Cold Spring, most ceremony sites (and the MetroNorth Train Station!) are all within walking distance.

(c) Hudson Valley Green

If you aren't familiar with Cold Spring, I highly suggest a visit. It's a smallish river town with a rustic-chic feel and loads of charm. The views of the Hudson Highlands and Hudson River cannot be beat. Stunning estates, art galleries, amazing hiking trails, and the cutest French bistro ever, Le Bouchon (try the duck confit), are just a few of the reasons I love Cold Spring. 

(c) Hudson Valley Green

And as if The Living Room wasn't hip enough, one of Martha Stewart's employees was recently married at The Living Room and the venue will be featured in the next Martha Stewart Weddings issue! 

For more information about The Living Room, please call (845) 270 - 8210 and speak with Nathalie (and tell her you learned about The Living Room on HVG!) or visit The Living Room's website  http://www.coldspringlivingroom.com/

103 Main Street
Cold Spring, New York 10516 
phone: (845) 270-8210

Happy Planning, 
Lizzie