Tretap

Tretap
pristine water from vermont’s maple trees

Do you know where your bottled water comes from? as in, exactly where? which state? what town? Probably not.

Well, now you can buy water and know exactly where it comes from – the organic maple trees on Branon’s West View Maples. Yes, you read correctly – water from maple trees. Here’s where is gets even cooler.

These maple trees are tapped for their sap to make maple syrup. In the process the sap, which is what is used to make maple syrup, gets separated from the tree water. Up until now, sugar makers have been discarding this water. What a brilliant idea? Save that tree water, sell it and give the maple syrup makers another source of revenue.

And don’t worry, the water has been through a couple filters and a reverse osmosis machine before getting bottled. RIght now there are three flavors:

• Blueberry
• Cranberry
• Cucumber

At 10 calories and 5 grams of sugar a serving, this tree water is a great made in Vermont alternative to other bottled waters. Look for a new carbonated line called Vermont Tapped coming soon.

We think this is a win win win. A win for the maple sugar makers, a win for water drinkers and a win for Vermont.

Learn more about the Tretap story here  or, better get, buy a bottle at the stores listed here.

blu-bin

Blu-Bin
your ideas made real

Yes, America’s first retail 3D print shop is in VERMONT! Poultney, Vermont to be exact. Let’s be more specific, it’s the first store where anyone, regardless of skill level, can come in and get their ideas made into reality using 3D printers.

You can draw a picture of something, have it made into a CAD file and then have it printed into a 3D object. Hard to believe right? Well then check out this video.

This is game changing and seriously cool. Think of all the possibilities…

Anyone want to go to Poultney for the day, grab lunch and have your dream “thing” made into a reality?

starboard collection

Starboard Collection
Inspired Nautical Living

When you think of Vermont you probably think of mountains and maple syrup. Right? But there’s also a fairly large boating community across the state that enjoys our beautiful lake champlain.

The Starboard Collection is a new company based in South Burlington that makes “casual dinnerware designed with the nautical lifestyle in mind.” This new line is made from recycled materials, BPA free, non-toxic and best of all made in the USA! The full set includes a stand, tray, stackable, non-slip plates and bowls that are designed to hold the most amount of food while taking up the least amount of storage space making the set perfect for:

• your galley
• picnics
• small kitchens everywhere

Not only is this set stylish and good looking, it also comes in a bag making it easy to grab for any of your on-the-go dining needs whether on water or on land. Starboard Collection is launching March 2-5, 2013 at the International Housewares Association Show in Chicago.

We wish them bon voyage & bonne chance!

Put this “FRESH, FUN, SUSTAINABLE, STYLISH” dinnerware on your summer wish list. We’re thrilled they call Vermont home and think they’re one to watch!

smugglers’ notch distillery

Smugglers’ Notch Distillery
Vermont’s Mountain Spirit…Smuggle some home today!

Award winning Smugglers’ Notch Distillery makes premium spirits right here in Vermont. This father and son team originally started with just vodka, but now offer:

• Smugglers’ Notch Vodka – made from winter wheat, corn and Vermont spring water
• Smugglers’ Notch Rum – premium single-barrel extra aged amber rum, aged the fourth year in bourbon barrels
• Smugglers’ Notch Gin, Blend No. 802 – true distilled gin hand-crafted in small batches

…and stay tuned for the spring launch of their latest offering – bourbon!

Our favorite quote from their rave reviews:

“The bottom line is that Smugglers’ Notch Distillery makes a damn fine cocktail gin of the classic London Dry style. If you are a serious New England locavore and classic cocktail afficionado, this gin belongs on your bar.” (from the Foodie Pilgrim Review)

Ever wonder how Smugglers’ Notch got it’s name? Smugglers. Literally. Back in the 1800’s and then again in the 1920’s during prohibition smugglers would use the mountain pass to move goods and liquor from Canada into the US.

No need to be smuggling anymore. You can buy from Smugglers’ Notch Distillery direct at the Distillery or at any of these fine stores.

aquarius life science

Aquarius Life Science
epigenetics research lab

What turns genes on and off, and under what circumstances? That is what epigenetics is all about: how DNA is regulated by environmental factors. The new science of epigenetics reveals how the choices you make can change your genes — and those of your children.

Aquarius Corp. is a biotechnology company developing a DNA-based epigenetics assay for industry, academic and government researchers. The long-term goal is to validate the assay as a diagnostic tool for use in clinical fields such as oncology, endocrinology and infectious diseases.

Got that? for more information, Aquarius does a good job at explaining it here.and here.

We think this is very cool, cutting edge and it’s all happening right here in Burlington, Vermont! This is one to watch!

Want to learn more? come to their launch party on Jan 19th 4pm at Studio 3 at Spotlight On Dance, Inc.

inlu for the holidays

INLU for the Holidays

Yes, we’ve already moogled INLU for parents. But did you know that there are so many other useful ways to use INLU?

Are you or anyone you know saving up/asking for that one bigger gift? Come on, we all have that special something on our list! Why not create an INLU? Let your friends and family know what you really want this holiday season and allow them to contribute to your dream gift. Hey, do you really need another set of wine charms? or does your child need another cheap plastic toy?

Make gift giving more meaningful and create an INLU. As they say,

“in lieu of excess, hassle and waste, pitch in for a happier planet” and YOU!

Create an INLU today – it’s not too late!

ursa major

Ursa Major
Super natural skin care for men

Yes. Skin care for men. Their skin is different and should be treated differently than women’s skin. Exercising and eating right make the top of the list when caring for one’s body. But do men think about what they are putting on their body?

They should. The vast majority of products out there are made almost exclusively from water and synthetic chemicals, including some unhealthy ones. Learn more!

Ursa Major is a premium, natural and effective line of skin care products just for men. You won’t find any chemicals or fillers in these products, only:

• premium natural ingredients (98.5-100%)
• 50% organic ingredients (average across the line)
• subtle aromas (whole blends of essential oils)
• locally sourced ingredients from small sustainable farms (when possible)

Ursa Major products are better for your skin (and the environment). Look at all these testimonials from some pretty big magazines and retailers. And Ursa Major products are “made with passion, pride and purpose in the USofA”.

You can buy any of their products online or find a shop near you!

Get that guy in your life switched over to Ursa Major.

meal train

meal train
support friends, strengthen communities

exactly as the name suggests, this website organizes meal trains – a train of meals made and delivered to friends and family who currently need help. think of your community, perhaps there is someone right now who:

• had a baby
• had surgery
• has an illness

their energies are no longer focused on food shopping and cooking. so delivering meals is a great way to take away that burden and allows you to help this person/family during this time. it’s a win-win all the way around.

meal train is the most efficient and effective way to organize meal deliveries. it’s all about scheduling and organizing in one convenient place.

you can either start a meal train for yourself or for someone else. when you make a meal train you are creating:

• an interactive, online meal calendar
• invitations to share via email and Facebook
• customized calendar dates, times, and meal preferences
• reminder emails prior to scheduled mail delivery

everything – dates, who’s delivering, what’s cooking – is all in one place. they even have useful information on mail train etiquette. magazines such as real simple have highlighted meal train as a daily find problem solver.

you probably know someone right now who needs to have their meals delivered. make them a meal train and allow their friends and family to support them.

take a look at what meal train has done so far:

• over 750,000 meals organized
• over 80,000 families helped in the u.s. and beyond
• over 2,500 meals organized most nights.

oh and by the way – meal train is free and yes, they’re located in vermont!

notabli

notabli
the story of your kids, and the kids you love.

notabli is THE solution for every parent who has had grandiose intentions of documenting their child’s life. hey, isn’t that all parents? maybe you were going to keep a journal, a scrapbook or a blog but wait, what happened? life happened! months and months go by and you’ve done nothing or maybe only a little something. no scrapbook, no journal, no blog.

this is exactly why you need notabli! notabli is an iphone app and website that will allow you to document your child’s life experience, notable moments and memories all in one place. and as a bonus you’ll be able to privately share with others who you invite to keep up with your kids (such as grandparents, siblings, and close friends).

as they say on their website, these dads (all designers and developers themselves) are building notabli for:

• busy parents
• long distance relatives
• moments & memories
• their children
• themselves

this new and intuitive way to “capture, share and remember” is now available!

download the app from itunes today!

tata harper skincare

tata harper skincare
100% natural & non toxic beauty

have you ever wondered what’s really in that tube of lotion that you’re putting on your face? where does it come from? so much focus is put on what we are putting into our bodies, but what about what we’re putting onto our bodies?

tata harper makes 100% natural, non toxic premium skincare products from her 1,200 acre farm right here in vermont. not only does tata grow many of the ingredients herself, she also does everything from research, development and formulations to packaging, marketing and distribution right there on her farm. total control.

take a look at this list of ingredients which includes the source and function of each item. did you know that narcissus bulbs slow aging by improving elasticity and firmness? take a look – you’ll be surprised at the power of nature. tata harper skincare products are:

• made with no harmful synthetics
• toxin free
• made from one of a kind formulas
• results from natural actives
• outstanding quality
• eco friendly
• handmade in vermont

so it’s not surprising that tata harper’s skincare has already made its way to hollywood. according to august’s vanity fair  both gwyneth paltrow and julianne moore use her products. and look at how much national recognition tata harper’s skincare has received, even on the today show. still not a believer? read these testimonials.

you can buy her products directly on her website or at these stores around the country.

read your labels. get active. spread the word and let tata harper lead you in the natural and non toxic skin care movement.