Author: Sarah Connor

Sanctuary in Corinth, Vermont

Do you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to escape the city, or to simply escape for no reason at all? This vacation rental, referred to as the Half Moon House, is the perfect retreat located in Corinth, VT (pronounced kaw·ruhnth) (VRBO). It offers complete privacy with over 70 acres all to yourself. You could not ask for a more picturesque and peaceful location to unwind and recharge. It lives up to its VRBO title: “Sanctuary in Vermont – Perfect for Isolation.”

I had the privilege of staying here for two nights from August 1 to August 3, 2025.

There is a fire pit with plenty of seating for cozy evenings by the fire filled with toasted marshmallows, music and the company of cherished loved ones.

Speaking of cherished loved ones, my brother and sister visited me during my stay. I’m so happy they were able to experience this place.

The view was simply breathtaking. Fortunately, the weather cooperated during my two-night stay and the oppressive humidity had let up from earlier in the week. This place is a true refuge from the noise and stress of everyday life. It would be an intimate haven for lovers, too (just saying, ha!).

I just love rural Vermont and I always feel a sense of calmness sweep over me as soon as I cross the border into this Green Mountain State.

I love this peak-a-boo view from the side of the house.

The house is in the shape of a half moon; hence, the name “half moon house.”

It was purely coincidental that the day of my arrival, August 1, 2025, marked the half-moon phase. I was in a half-moon house during the half moon.

The half moon on August 1 was the First Quarter phase which is a waxing (growing) phase of the moon. Based on that, it makes sense that a half moon often symbolizes new beginnings, growth and potential. I also read that it’s a time of action and commitment to bring goals to fruition.

Celestial energy sun and moon (bathroom wall art)

In art, celestial energy from the sun and moon represents duality and balance. The sun symbolizes a masculine force and the moon embodies a feminine one; together, they represent harmony and completeness.

While the Half Moon House is off the beaten path, it has modern conveniences for an enhanced stay. There is WiFi, TV for streaming with free Netflix, a fully-equipment kitchen, dishwasher, as well as a washer and dryer.

The spacious master bedroom has a king-size bed which is extremely comfortable. The second bedroom offers a queen bed.

The rental is pet friendly, too. Mabel, my faithful traveling companion, gives this place an enthusiastic five-bone rating 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴.

Mabel is practicing her half-moon howl.

The grounds were abundant with lush perennials.

Meet “Yaya.” This wood sculpture is in close proximity to the house, and the owner said that the artist used a chainsaw to create this magnificent piece of art. The owner also told me that it was named “Yaya” by the toddler of one of their friends and it means grandmother in Greek. I must say that Grandma has a big beard!

When I looked up “old bearded man with long hair,” I read that this image typically represents a wood spirit, a figure associated with the forest and nature which seems appropriate given its woodland surroundings.

The entire house is decorated with string lights which provide a soft fairy-light effect at night.

The large, round field-stone chimney is a striking architectural feature and offers a lot of rustic charm.

The house has a minimalist design style that integrates the indoors with the outdoors through its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. It blends perfectly with its natural surroundings.

My entire weekend here was magical and memorable. I highly recommend this place to nature lovers and anyone looking for a quiet retreat from the daily hubbub of life. I hope to visit this place again, maybe during the winter months as this place is available year-round.

Stay tuned for my next adventure which is in a barn in Morristown, VT, in September. Take care everyone.

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Cabin on the Hill

This tiny cabin is one of the most charming and amazing cabins I’ve ever stayed at. It’s located in Hartland, VT, and you can find it on Airbnb here. Even though it’s off grid, it provides a lot of extras you would not expect to find in a cabin that does not have plumbing or electricity. This rustic and rugged cabin is 12′ x 14′ with a large sleeping loft and a wonderful wood stove. There are many windows that offer beautiful views which make you feel extra connected to nature.

The surrounding woods have a private park-like quality with many hiking/biking trails and paths to explore. There are some bicycles around the cabin and one said “free bike rentals – 25 cents.”

You may wonder what I like about off-grid cabins in the woods, and there are many reasons why I love them: helps to reconnect with nature, provides a peaceful and quiet environment, restores mental outlook, promotes healthy exercise, and embraces minimalism. Simply put, it’s rejuvenation for the soul.

This is the perfect time of year as the woods were lush and green
View from inside the cabin
It’s such a magical spot

My traveling companion, Mabel, gives this place an enthusiastic paws up!

Can we stay one more night, pretty please?
I promise to protect you, Mom, in exchange for some cookies

There are many amenities such as an outside cooking area with two propane burners, a tea kettle, patio furniture, and a tarp for protection from the rain.

The canopy came in handy
They even provided wine glasses!
I just love that old wooden front door and chair
There was a hanging light that cast a pretty glow over the table
There was a neat fire pit a short distance from the cabin
The host provided drinking water and a cooler with ice
View from the loft

Mabel and I greatly enjoyed our stay and we want to go back (Mabel seconds that). If you want to unplug and recharge while being surrounded by the beauty and quietude of nature, this is the perfect rental. Even if you do not consider yourself to be an outdoor enthusiast, this place is worth checking out. You may become a woods enthusiast, too!

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Spooky Cabin in the Woods

If you are looking for a unique getaway experience in a remote, off-grid cabin with spooky vibes to stir up your imagination, then look no further. The name of this place is the Magical and Spooky Mirror House in the Forest, in Warren, NH, found on Airbnb, and it’s aptly named. (Magical and Spooky Mirror House)

Mabel and I stayed here for one night and what an otherworldly experience it was. Mabel can vouch for that.

I do believe in spooks, I do I do I do I do!

The cabin itself is very tiny but it packs a big punch with its Victorian/Gothic theme. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a rental that lacked mirrors, this place will be such a treat (ha!). There are floor-to-ceiling mirrors of different styles, sizes and time periods.

Does anyone know what those symbols mean on the chair?
Mirror mirror on the wall…
The disco ball was neat!
This was one of my favorite mirrors
Skulls are a symbol of both death and life, as well as individuality and rebellion
I was told to be on the lookout for bears
Angels are not only above us but apparently in statue form in spooky cabins
A friend told me that mirrors that face each other are portals into the other world.
Skeleton keys?

Surprisingly, I was not afraid at all during my overnight stay. The cabin and woods were so quiet with no bumps in the night. With that said, apparently, there were bumps in the night for some who have stayed here according to the guest book on the table which I didn’t dare read until sunrise.

Some light reading before bedtime

These are the battery-operated lanterns I brought (Lanterns). They are not too big and I was able to fit them in my backpack. However, I found that one lantern was sufficient for both the inside of the cabin and for lighting the way to the outhouse. The bed was extremely comfortable and there was this feather comforter that felt like a warm, weighted blanket. I am not sure if I would have felt scared without Mabel, but she was such a source of comfort and she’s very protective (even though she looks deceptively like an overgrown teddy bear).

There are mirrors outside, too.

My brother said that the place reminded him of Hansel and Gretel, the fairy tale about two children abandoned in an enchanted forest and they stumble upon a tiny cabin in the woods. “Come in my sweet little children and let me give you some yummy gingerbread…” says the witch. This would be a great place for role-playing and storytelling.

I strongly recommend bringing a power bank when staying at a place with no electricity. The one I have is an Anker Power Bank and it’s compatible with my Galaxy S23 Android. It’s very similar to this one (Anker). Also, traveling lightly with a backpack is a must as there is a quarter of a mile hike up this steep hill to get to the cabin. I borrowed my younger son’s old college backpack and it worked perfectly. Another item I purchased to keep drinks and food cold is this PackIt freezable snack box also found on Amazon (PackIt). It keeps drinks and food cold for hours and it fits right in my backpack. The entire snack box goes in the freezer when not in use.

While waiting for check-in time, I did some sightseeing in Warren. It’s a tiny town (perfect for tiny cabins) with a population of around 836 people. It has a small elementary school, a church, a town hall and amazingly enough, its own rocket missile! In case you’re wondering how a rocket ended up being on display in the middle of nowhere, please check out this site (Redstone Rocket).

Baker River
My next adventure–sleep in your own teepee
I couldn’t resist taking this photo before heading out of town.

Now on to my next tiny cabin adventure in Hartland, VT, and details to follow on that excursion! In the meantime, happy spring everyone!

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The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa (Mountain View Grand) in Whitefield, NH, has piqued my curiosity for some time and I finally was able to cross it off my bucket list. It is considered one of the four grand hotels of the White Mountains (Grand Hotels) and I can see why. It is simply breathtaking to take in all of its grandness–the expanse of the hotel, its old-world charm, and the stunning panoramic views all lend itself to a magical experience. The hotel has 142 guestrooms and sits on 1,700 acres. As soon as you drive up, you know you’re in for a special treat.

Its humble beginning goes back to 1865 involving two weary, stranded travelers who found their way to what was then a farmhouse. They were welcomed by the owners who treated them with gracious hospitality, a warm bed and a hearty breakfast. The visitors enjoyed their stay so much that the owners believed that other travelers would enjoy their hospitality as well. So in the summer of 1866, they officially opened the Mountain View House, which included a newly built two-story addition and a full veranda. A full-detailed history can be found on the Mountain View Grand website (see link above).

My stay was on a Sunday night, 9/15/24 to 9/16/24, and I went through Booking.com for a rate of $148.00 for a basic queen room with no view, before tax. I called the hotel to see if they could match that rate but they did not see the same rate I was seeing as I have an additional discount with Booking.com due to being a repeat customer. They saw $164.00 so they were not able to provide the same rate of $148.00. I thanked them anyway and it didn’t hurt to ask.

I arrived shortly after 12 noon and had lunch at the Harvest Tavern. Saying it was not busy is an understatement as I was the only one in the restaurant at that time and had my choice of tables. I picked a table that had an exquisite view of the mountains. Here is a picture of my view while having lunch.

Lunch consisted of a turkey club sandwich with a Maine Lunch IPA. Dining alone was a first-time experience for me and it felt both sad and empowering in this strange new journey without a life partner.

When booking the room, I had requested early check in of 2:30 to 3 pm and I was able to check in around 2:45 pm (at no additional cost). The woman at the front desk was very courteous and friendly.

While the room was small, it was cozy and comfortable. My room did not have a view (as previously noted) as I opted for a budget friendly getaway. The amenities were plentiful and included a coffee maker, mini refrigerator (which was stocked with wine, beer and soda), a large flat screen TV, bathrobe, mini bar that included dry gin, tequila, Grey Goose vodka, and Kentucky bourbon along with a price list if I chose to imbibe. However, I brought my own wine–Butternut Chardonnay. I tend to gravitate towards wine that has the word butter in it!

The queen bed was extremely comfortable and those lumps were only in the comforter, not the mattress.

The hotel offers dining-in room service from their Harvest Tavern and my dinner consisted of the Mountain View Grand cheeseburger with grilled red onions, Vermont white cheddar, lettuce and tomato, served on a brioche bun; and fries on the side. It was hearty and delicious and there was no room for dessert (which is just as well). The hotel does offer onsite fine dining at the 1865 Wine Cellar. Reservations are required and jeans, shorts, sneakers, and baseball caps are not permitted. That would give me a chance to wear heels and a skirt which sounds fine to me!

After dinner, I decided to explore the hotel and check out its grandness. Speaking of which, there was a baby grand piano in the hallway not far from my room which made me want to play but it was locked.

Here are some pictures as I wandered through the hallways.

The Harvest Tavern Bar looked inviting so I sat down and ordered a glass of their house Chardonnay. The bar was quiet as it was a Sunday night and that suited me perfectly fine.

The bartender said it was okay if I wanted to sit outside with my glass of wine (generous glass BTW). What a beautiful night it was and I kept thinking how Doug would have enjoyed this hotel immensely.

When I got back to my room, I took some notes about the hotel and the leather notebook was greatly appreciated (which can be purchased in their gift shop). It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep after crawling under the comfy covers and the room was extremely quiet all night.

In the morning, I made some coffee in my room. While I would not call it gourmet coffee by any means, it served its purpose. I did not purchase the bed and breakfast package (for budget reasons); however, it is available to select when making your reservation.

Before checking out at 11 am, I took a few more pictures of the property and grounds.

The hotel’s electricity is generated by wind turbines.

This was taken a few miles away on Route 3 and I had to zoom in. The hotel looks so majestic in the background.

In closing, would I go back again? Yes! I will be back. I highly recommend this hotel and I enthusiastically give it five big stars!

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Critiquing Inns on a Budget

Hi Everyone. A lot has happened since my last post… There has been great heartache, sadness and the shedding of many tears since my beloved and cherished husband passed away on December 14, 2023. It was unexpected and abrupt; that was the hardest part. My new journey alone for the past almost nine months has been the most difficult thing I have ever gone through. What comforts me is imagining that he has simply gone away for a little while and that I will eventually see him again–this helps to sustain me along with the wonderful memories he and I created and shared together.

My husband and I enjoyed going to inns and B&B’s and he was such a good sport. He was always willing to do anything that I enjoyed doing and at a moment’s notice, too! I miss him so much.

I have been trying to continue that tradition but in a different way. The concept of going to inns and posting reviews on my blog has recently sparked my interest, and doing that while on a budget. Mabel said she was all in if I could find a bed and bark package. Finding inns that not only allow dogs but very BIG dogs has been a challenge. But as you can see from Mabel’s happy smile in the first photo, we found one in North Conway, NH, called The Kearsage Inn. We stayed on a Wednesday night which offered a very reasonable rate. Also, calling the inn directly can sometimes get you the best deal.

This inn offers so many amenities such as a mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker (with my favorite dark roast variety to choose from), cups, wine glasses, ice bucket and large flat screen TV. I stayed in room 105 which is one of their pet friendly rooms and it had a semi-private entrance on the side which I loved along with its ample side parking lot. It had a king bed, queen sleep sofa, gas mantel style fireplace, large private double sink bathroom with separate shower and jetted bath tub, and AC. The king-size bed was extremely comfortable along with the ultra soft velour blanket and comforter. The room was so large I could have done cartwheels in it. Mabel thoroughly approved, too, as she had ample space to hang out. Her favorite spot was the cool tile floor in the bathroom.

The Jacuzzi soaker tub was so relaxing and the perfect way to end the day. What a treat that was.

There was an Italian restaurant right across the street from the inn called Vito Marcello which serves authentic Italian food. I checked out their menu which looked mouth-watering delicious such as the toasted ravioli, the manicotti, chicken marsala, etc. But they were not doing takeout that evening due to the high volume of customers dining at the time. Here is a picture of the restaurant directly across from The Kearsage Inn.

Mabel is extra special to me because she was a gift from my husband. She and I have become inseparable over the past few months and I hope and pray she has many more years left.

Take care everyone and stay tuned for my next inn adventure!

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How to Wear a Spiderweb Shawl

I took a temporary hiatus from my blog and I really missed being away for so long. Plus, it seemed that it has rained almost every day for the past couple of months which made it challenging to take outside pictures. My post today is about a new shawl that has an unusual design…a spiderweb one. You heard right–SPIDERWEB.

My husband and I visited Salem, MA, recently and I was influenced by the fashion styles there as you can tell. I bought this spiderweb shawl at a quaint shop called Modern Millie which is a vintage inspired clothing shop that has both vintage and modern consignment as well as new vintage reproduction clothing and accessories. (modernmillieshop.com)

I cannot wait to show you what I have on order that will go beautifully with this shawl–it’s a vintage style Victorian blouse and a steampunk, lace-trimmed ruffled skirt. So stay tuned for that in a later post.

I already want to go back to Salem, MA, as I just loved my visit there. We stayed at a charming bed and breakfast called the Amelia Payson House (ameliapaysonhouse.com), and I highly recommend it. Our room had a king-size bed and it was adjustable and so extremely comfortable. Okay, it was THE MOST comfortable bed I have ever slept in! The innkeepers were very hospitable and knowledgeable of the area and its history, and the breakfasts were gourmet quality. Here are a couple of pictures of our room.

Do you like my new earrings? They have some very neat shops in Salem and my eyes were drawn to these particular ones at a place called The Emporium (www.emporium32.com).

Below are some more pictures of our trip all taken with just my cell phone camera and I think they came out okay.

Dining at The Village Tavern, Salem, MA (great food, great service villagetavernsalem.com)

I really want to go back to Salem as soon as possible even for just one night. But the state mask mandate went into effect on 8/23/2021 and my husband wants to wait until that is lifted. In the meantime, please stay healthy, happy and safe and I’ll be back soon with my steampunk skirt!

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Dresses in February?

I love to wear dresses all year round regardless of whether it’s 8 degrees or 80 degrees. Not every day, of course, but when the mood strikes. When I wear a dress or skirt to work in the dead of winter, I will include a half slip underneath as they actually add warmth in addition to other benefits. Many women today no longer wear slips and some may not even know what they are! It is thought that the advent of the sewn-in lining has contributed to the demise of the slip. However, a sewn-in lining can ride with your dress when you turn or bend over which is of no use. A separate slip will act as a silky-smooth go between allowing for more fluid movement. This article talks about three beautiful reasons to wear a slip although there are way more than three: 3 Beautiful Reasons Why You Should Wear a Slip.

Here are a few of my favorite slips:

The black slip was purchased at Walmart for $8.00! The red one is vintage and has been in my wardrobe forever.

The slip above can also be used as a skirt or dress extender which is another practical purpose for the slip.

This teal blue dress comes from Shein and it was $15.00. A coworker told me about this company and they charge $3.99 for shipping and orders over $49.00 are shipped for free. I have two houndstooth skirts from them that I will show you in a later post (one is pink and the other is black). This dress is stretchy and comfortable but you may need to have someone zip the back of it for you. The material is on the thin side and a slip is a must for this dress.

Mabel recently received a birthday card from Chewey as she will be 2 years old on March 2! Do dogs go through the “terrible two’s?” Mabel is not telling.

Stay healthy and smile.

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Styling With Polka Dots

I have a thing for polka dots apparently as I examined my wardrobe recently and found many items with that spotted fabric. Polka dots are either something you love or hate and I am on the love side. Also, they are a classic print that will always be in style.

Below is a dark polka dot blouse that I am wearing with a black skirt. The blouse is by Adrianna Papell and the fabric is very stretchy and comfortable. My skirt is also stretchy and it has a walking slit in the back (I cut off the tag and I cannot recall the brand.)

And polka dot pantyhose, too! These are Hanes control top premium perfect tights with a graduated compression. The leg has 24% spandex which feels so comfortable.

Did you know that polka dots came from the polka dance? According to this Cosmopolitan article https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a32839249/polka-dot-history/, it was called the polka from the “Czech peasant dance of the same name, which picked up some steam in the 1840s and continued through the 1860s.” I think polka dots are very feminine and fun.

I was given a polka dot mug by my boss and it blends in perfectly with my blouse (purely coincidental). Thank you, Sherry! It’s my new coffee mug and the perfect size cup for a coffee lover.

Mabel did a photobomb. She was groomed yesterday and she is all fluffy and soft with a puppy fresh scent. This blouse is also by Adrianna Papell in a beige with black polka dots. I purchased both blouses at TJ Maxx.

This little black jacket has a moto style and I have worn it before here. It’s by Premise and another TJ Maxx find. I love the horizontal zippers on the side which provide a slimming effect.

I absolutely love the graceful flow of this black blouse by MSK. It has 5% spandex so it’s on the stretchy side. As you can see, I have the same blouse in red below. The black polka dot skirt is by Rachel Zoe and another TJ Maxx find. I am doing the polka dance below…

Pure Bohemian chic. That’s what this outfit makes me think of especially with the black Mary Jane platform clogs by B.O.C. which are insanely comfortable. And they are extremely lightweight in spite of their heavy bulbous style and three-inch heels.

This is a casual office/librarian skirt that goes perfectly with these Mary Jane clogs. The skirt is by Talbots and is fully lined.

And these clogs can be worn with jeans. This is my favorite style as I am combining relaxed and refined pieces for a smart casual look. These skinny, high-rise jeans are by Denizen (by Levi’s) from Target.

Mabel says let me chew on that for a while and I will get back to you. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

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Victorian Goth

What comes to mind when you think of Victorian Goth clothing? Do you think of dark flowing dresses, a cloak, dark stockings, and maybe a long ballroom dress? I am drawn to this style due to its feminine and elegant charm combined with a mysterious dark and modern twist with a hint of rebellion. Maybe more than a hint.

The dress I am wearing is called a Victorian Goth mermaid dress. It is characterized by its fitted style and it flares at the knee which creates a mermaid-like tail. It’s truly a style of elegance and requires the perfect occasion to wear it in public. My husband insists I will be able to wear it somewhere and that it will not just hang in my closet.

This is a peek at my Victorian Goth girl cave. It is my private escape and also my blog studio during the dark winter months. I love how the dress gives me a preternatural appearance with this dark brown filter.

Victorian Goth is inspired by Victorian-era mourning clothes.  This style is marked by dark clothing, dark make-up, and a pale complexion.

I love the high neck style and vintage inspired rose-patterned black lace.

Mabel says it’s her girl cave, too. And she wants to explore more Victorian Goth. So stay tuned for more dark fashion during these dark winter months to come.

Similar Style Dresses:

poshmark.com/listing/LOFT-Ann-Taylor-Black-Gothic-Victorian-MIDI-Dress

poshmark.com/listing/Victorian-goth-lace-maxi-dress

poshmark.com/listing/Goth-off-the-shoulder-Victorian-inspired-dress

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