Take a gluten-free ride on the Good Bus

Only three more days to get a discount at our Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend at Good Commons this June. With transportation directly from NYC on the Good Bus, gluten-free snacks for the trip there and back, an exciting New England itinerary, massages, yoga, and gluten-free gourmet meals and wine served to you all weekend long how can you say no?! I would love if you could join us.

$75 Early registration discount through April 15, 2012

Join Good Commons and The New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group for a worry-free decadent getaway. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are traveling with a loved one, our on-site chefs and health & wellness experts will ensure delicious meals, culinary adventures, and a chance to experience the bounty of the Green Mountain State.

Weekend includes:

• Round-trip transportation on The Good Bus (NYC only) 
• 3 nights lodging at Good Commons 
• All meals, snacks & beverages as outlined in itinerary, prepared by on-site private chef 
• 4-course dinner with wine pairings featuring sommelier Kristen Siebecker
• 2 gluten-free baking classes by Olivia Dupin 
• Optional yoga classes and Thai massage workshop with Elyse Sparks
• Local excursions 
• Massage by on-site certified massage therapist Jessica Ruth Shepard (additional charge) 

You must register with this link to get the early bird Meetup discount! http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html

Click here for the full itinerary including host bios and links.  (I'm a co-host!)

LAST WEEK to save on the Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend

$75 Early registration discount through April 15, 2012

Join Good Commons and The New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group for a worry-free decadent getaway. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are traveling with a loved one, our on-site chefs and health & wellness experts will ensure delicious meals, culinary adventures, and a chance to experience the bounty of the Green Mountain State.

Weekend includes:

• Round-trip transportation on The Good Bus (NYC only) 
• 3 nights lodging at Good Commons 
• All meals, snacks & beverages as outlined in itinerary, prepared by on-site private chef 
• 4-course dinner with wine pairings featuring sommelier Kristen Siebecker
• 2 gluten-free baking classes by Olivia Dupin 
• Optional yoga classes and Thai massage workshop with Elyse Sparks
• Local excursions 
• Massage by on-site certified massage therapist Jessica Ruth Shepard (additional charge) 

You must register with this link to get the early bird Meetup discount! http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html

Click here for the full itinerary including host bios and links.  (I'm a co-host!)

Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend Updates

As you may know, I am co-hosting a Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend this June in Vermont. I am really excited about this weekend, especially since I get to host with one of my good friends Kristen Siebecker. I met Kristen through the NYC Celiac Meetup group a couple of years ago. She is one of those people that I let cross over to the other side... the friend side. I am a bit cautious about which group members I socialize with out of the group because I try to maintain a leader/member relationship with most. Kristen and I hit it off after a wine tasting at her house and we have been friends ever since. (She had me at WINE!) I know working with Kristen and the other great co-hosts that weekend is going to make for an awesome weekend. We leave from NYC on June 21st and return on June 24th. With three days out of New York City full of gluten-free food, nature, and wine, I am sure I will come back refreshed and rejuvenated.

Last week, we added a gluten-free chef and yoga teacher to our co-host line up of our Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend. With 6 great "staff" and all of the weekend attendees, I am sure my first Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend at Good Commons is going to be a huge success!

Our new co-hosts:
Olivia Dupin (Gluten-Free Baking for the Home Cook) is a private chef, recipe developer, and consultant and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. She specializes in delicious, gluten-free food. Since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009, she has committed herself to creating great recipes that allow those with dietary restrictions to make simple substitutions and still enjoy the foods they love. She has worked as a private chef for professional athletes and celebrity personalities alike. Her efforts as a recipe developer includes work on the New York Times best-selling cookbook of healthy family recipes, low-calorie meals for Energy Kitchen Restaurants, and most recently on her very own book, a gluten-free reference guide and cookbook, to be released this fall. Olivia also maintains a blog dedicated to gluten-free recipes at livglutenfree.com.

Elyse Sparkes has been igniting health in individuals through Sparkes Wellness since 2005. She has orked with a broad range of clients to meet their unique health goals. She has helped people lose weight, gain muscle, rehabilitate from injury increase flexibility, decrease stress, and find overeall wellness in their lives. Elyse is a certified personal trainer, accredited by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). She has studied Thai yoga massage under Ananda Apfelbaum and is certified through the Thai Massage Sacred Bodywork Center in NYC. She recently went to Thailand to study with master teacher Pichest Bonthume. In Chiange Mai, she also studied Osteo Thai with David Lutt, and Chi Nei Tsang (Abdonminal Chi Massage). Elyse is a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT) certified by Cyndi Lee's Om Yoga Center in NYC. She is particularly inspired to teach yoga to cancer survivors and studied with Tari Prinster in OM Yoga's Women Cancer Survivor Teacher Training.

Want to learn more? Want a discount on the weekend? CLICK HERE! Discount for my Meetup members and blog readers through march 31, 2012!

Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend

I am so excited to announce that I am co-hosting this Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend at Good Commons in Plymouth, VT. Please read on for more information and to sign up today!

Gluten-Free* Gourmet Weekend in Partnership with the New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group June 21 - 24, 2012 http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html

Join Good Commons and The New York City Celiac Disease Meetup Group for a worry-free decadent getaway.  Whether you have dietary restrictions or are traveling with a loved one, our on-site chefs and health & wellness experts will ensure delicious meals, culinary adventures, and a chance to experience the bounty of the Green Mountain State. Weekend includes: Round-trip transportation on The Good Bus  (NYC only) 3 nights lodging at Good Commons All meals, snacks & beverages as outlined in itinerary, prepared by on-site private chef 4-course dinner with wine pairings featuring sommelier Kristen Siebecker   Optional yoga classes, gluten-free cooking workshops, and local excursions Massage by on-site certified massage therapist Jessica Ruth Shepard (additional charge)

Itinerary*  We encourage you to participate in as much or as little as you'd like to create your own "uncommonly good" getaway.  This is your time to rest, retreat, and revitalize! Thursday, June 21 6:15pm   Depart NYC on the Good bus -- includes light dinner & beverages                       Arrival at Good Commons Friday, June 22 Continental breakfast Opening Circle Yoga class Picnic at Quechee Gorge and a leisurely afternoon to explore what you love most.  Choose to take a light hike down the gorge to the river, meander through the antique shops, taste some of Vermont's artisan products, or visit the famed blown and pottery work of Simon Pearce Dinner -- 4 Course Dinner with chef Matthew Wexler, featuring wine pairings from sommelier Kristen Siebecker  Optional Gluten-Free cookie baking workshop Saturday, June 23 Continental breakfast Yoga class Brunch Optional hike at Calvin Coolidge State Park followed by a cheese demonstration and tasting at Plymouth Artisan Cheese  Bread-making workshop Dinner  Evening Roundtable - facilitated discussion by weekend leaders, including Erin Smith, Jessica Ruth Shepard S'mores and fire pit  Sunday, June 24 Continental breakfast Yoga class Brunch Group photo Departure *Only gluten-free products will be used throughout the weekend, but this retreat is not intended for those with severe food allergies, as Good Commons is not an exclusively gluten-free facility. Itinerary subject to change

ABOUT US: Good Commons was originally built in the 1840's and operated as a general store. It has been lovingly renovated ans restored and now features six bedrooms and a sleeping loft, six bathrooms, two living rooms, and a multi-purpose studio.  The property features all of the modern amenities of one's own home, while still creating a warm and inviting environment that honors the historical traditions that have characterized the house for more than 160 years. CLICK HERE for a virtual tour. TRAVEL INFORMATION: The Good Bus leaves promptly at 6:15pm on Thursday, June 21 from 45th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Manhattan.  Drop-off will be at the same location on Sunday, June 24th, approximately 5:30pm depending upon traffic.  Providing your own transportation? Inquire about our discount.  Please contact: tesha@goodcommons.com  PRICING: http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html $75 Early registration discount through March 31st, 2012 Bedroom prices per person, based on double occupancy $700 - discount = $625 Deluxe Shared Bedroom, includes steam shower $675 - discount = $600 Standard Shared Bedroom $575 - discount = $500 Farmhouse Style Loft -- charming shared sleeping quarters Gratuity not included. To register and receive and early bird discount, please click here for your initial $225 deposit/per person to hold your spot! All deposits are non-refundable.  Deposits are transferable to another retreat or vacation rental pending availability if cancellation is received by May 31, 2012.  Absolutely no refund, deposit or payment transfers will be made if cancellation is received after the above cancellation deadline of May 31, 2012.  Balance must be paid in full by June 14, 2012.

YOUR HOSTS Tesha Buss is the owner/creator of Good Commons and a partner in The Good Retreat Company. Raised on a dairy farm and doing back flips by the age of three, Tesha reached her childhood dream of becoming a Broadway performer, only to discover that a new dream--a retreat center to rest and revitalize--would soon reveal itself. She welcomes the revolving door of health and wellness professionals, artists and vacationers.  She is a member of the Okemo Valley and Killington Chamber of Commerce as well as Rotary International. Erin Smith (Co-Host) was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1981 and "grew up on a gluten-free diet in a gluten-filled world."  As an adult, she has become extremely involved with the Celiac community, both online and in person.  Erin started the blog Gluten-Free Fun in 2007 as a way to show the world that being gluten-free should not stop you from living your life.  In 2011 she launched the blogGluten-Free Globetrotter to encourage others on a gluten-free diet to travel the world.  In addition to her blogs, Erin oversees the NYC Celiac Disease Meetup Group.  This is a social group where members can get together to enjoy gluten-free meals, share food recommendations and recipes as well as learn from one another.  Through her blogs, leadership of the Meetup group, and community advocacy, Erin encourages others to not allow their lives to be limited by Celiac Disease but to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Matthew Wexler (Chef) is a regular in the Good Commons kitchen, as well as a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. He is proud to share the bounty of the Northeast with all those who visit Good Commons through fresh, vibrant and accessible cuisine. His culinary training includes years at his mother's side, along with coursework at the French Culinary Institute.  Matthew has written about everything from barbecue to bed and breakfasts for Hemispheres, Go Magazine, Passport, ATOUT France and Out There as well as online for EDGE Media Network, The Daily Meal, offManhattan,Endless Simmer and his own blog, roodeloo.com.  He is currently writing and recipe-testing the Good Commons food memoir, Uncommonly Good. Kristen Siebecker (Sommelier) has been a great fan of viticulture and vinification since her first illicit sip of Boone's Farm wine beverage many years ago.  More recently, she became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, completed the Advanced Certification program from the WSET with distinction and is certified in Advanced Blind Tasting by the American Sommelier Association.  You'll find Kristen at the NYC East Side Best Cellars wine shop, advising customers and assisting in the store's Sommelier for an Evening program.  Diagnosed with Celiac Disease since 2007, Kristen is a co-organizer of the NYC Celiac Meetup group and has hosted numerous wine tastings. She is also a beverage consultant for Good Commons. Follow Kristen's wine adventures at www.WinewithKristen.com  Jessica Ruth Shepard (Massage Therapist/Facilitator) received her professional training as a Holistic health Counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, where she studied and became an expert in over one hundred dietary theories and practical lifestyle-coaching methods.  Prior to her study in holistic health counseling, Jessica participated in a concentrative bodywork program at Antioch College, managed a yoga and Pilates studio in Denver, Colorado, wile simultaneously running her own successful massage practice, and worked with hundreds of athletes on numerous cycling tours, in addition to privately.  Jessica has studied several alternative healing methods, including: The Rosen Method, Polarity Therapy, and stress reduction techniques. http://www.goodcommons.com/GF2012meetup.html

Winter Getaway at Good Commons (Gluten-Free Meals Available!)

Good Commons Winter Expedition Weekend

January 27 - 30, 2011
Plymouth, VT

Join new friends in the Northeast for a winter escape filled with snowy adventures, gourmet cuisine and rest & revitalization.

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I first learned about Good Commons last summer through Kristen, an amazing sommelier,  friend, and fellow member of my NYC Celiac Disease Meetup group. I had the pleasure of attending a wine tasting hosted by sommelier Kristen in the fall. If Kristen's wine tasting class is any indication of what's in store at Good Commons for their Winter Expedition Weekend, then you are in for a real treat. Kristen is extremely knowledgeable and friendly and doesn't make you feel stupid when you know nothing about wine. (ahem... me!) Kristen, a fellow gluten-freer, is good friends with Chef Matthew Wexler at Good Commons, so I trust you are in excellent hands and that Chef Matthew knows how to handle gluten-free food requests.

I just booked a different vacation (yay!), so unfortunately I cannot make this trip up to Good Commons. I hope to make it to Vermont one day soon to check out everything they have to offer. Chef Matthew Wexler is well-versed in gluten-free meal preparation. If you book this trip, please be sure to call or email Good Commons ahead of time to let them know you require gluten-free meals.

If you end up visiting Good Commons for their Winter Expedition weekend, I would love feedback! Also, if you are interested in attending and getting an additional discount please send me an email and I will put you in touch with Kristen. 

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Join Good Commons, one of the premier boutique retreat destinations in the Northeast for a winter escape filled with snowy adventures, gourmet cuisine and rest & revitalization. To learn more about Good Commons, CLICK HERE.

Limited time discount for my blog readers: www.goodcommons.com/winter2011dis100.html

Includes:
Round-trip transportation on our private jitney, the Good bus (NYC only)
3 nights lodging at Good Commons
Local shuttle service to Okemo Mountain, Killington, and snowmobiling
Meals prepared by private on-site chef
4-course dinner with guided wine pairings and sommelier
Optional yoga classes
On-site certified massage therapist (additional charge)

Itinerary:

Thursday, January 27th
1pm Depart NYC on our private jitney, the Good bus, with gourmet snacks and beverages
Stop at First Stop for equipment rental
Arrival at Good Commons
7:30pm Hearty Winter Dinner

Friday, January 28th
7:00am Breakfast
7:45am Depart to Okemo Mountain*
1pm Optional Midday Drop Off/Pick Up
4pm End of Day Pickup
5pm Optional restorative yoga class
7pm Four Course Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings
*Additional activities at Okemo include ice skating, snow tubing and snowshoeing. Okemo also provides free shuttle service into the town of Ludlow for lunch and/or shopping.

Saturday, January 29th
7am Continental Breakfast
7:45am Depart for Killington followed by drop off for snowmobiling
10am Optional yoga class for those not skiing
1pm Optional Midday Drop Off/Pick up
4pm End of Day Pickup
5pm Snack
7pm Family Style Winter Feast

Sunday, January 30th
7am Coffee and light breakfast snacks
7:30am Depart for Okemo Mountain for FREE Hour of Power
9am Optional yoga class for those not skiing
9:30am Return to Good Commons
10:30am Hearty Brunch
11:30am Group Photo
12pm Departure

Tesha Buss is the owner/creator of Good Commons. Raised on a dairy farm and doing back flips by the age of three, Tesha reached her childhood dream of becoming a Broadway performer, only to discover that a new dream--a retreat center to rest and revitalize--would soon reveal itself. She welcomes the revolving door of health and wellness professionals, artists, vacationers and more who seek to "be Good". www.goodcommons.com

Matthew Wexler is your chef for the weekend, as well as a freelance food and lifestyle writer. He is proud to share the bounty of the Northeast with all those who visit Good Commons through fresh, vibrant and accessible cuisine. Matthew's writing can be found at roodeloo.com.

Good Commons was originally built in the 1840’s and operated as a general store. It has been lovingly renovated and restored and now features six bedrooms and a sleeping loft, six bathrooms, two living rooms, and a multi-purpose studio. The property features all of the modern amenities of one’s own home, while still creating a warm and inviting environment that honors the historical traditions that have characterized the house for more than 160 years.

Pricing:
Bedroom prices per person, based on double occupancy
$675 regular --$575 discount - Black Diamond Bedroom, includes deluxe steam shower / SOLD OUT
$650 regular --$550 discount- Standard Bedroom--One Male and One Female Slot Left
$525 regular -- $425 discount- Loft, charming sleeping quarters

All deposits are non-refundable. See website for additional information.

Travel Information:
The Good bus will be leaving from 45th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues at 1pm sharp on Thursday, January 27th. The Good Bus will be leaving Good Commons on Sunday, January 30th at 11:45am to return to the same location in NYC. Providing your own transportation? Inquire about our discount. Please contact: tesha@ goodcommons.com

To register, please click here.

Sign Up Today! Gluten-Free Gourmet Getaway

It is not too late to sign up for the Gluten-Free Gourmet Getaway on July 15-18, 2010.

Good Commons, a private vacation home located in the stunning mountains of central Vermont, in conjunction with BeWellLiving.com, present an all-inclusive culinary getaway that draws upon the bounty of the Northeast. The menu will be entirely gluten-free* and feature products from some of the best bakers and food artisans in the country, including Everybody Eats, Liv Gluten Free, Nibmor and more. In addition, the itinerary also features Pilates and fitness expert Sara Sessions and on-site sommelier Kristen Siebecker, who will guide guests through a 4-course gourmet gluten-free dinner with specially chosen organic and/or biodynamic wines.

July 15 – 18, 2010
Weekend includes:
• Round-trip transportation** on the Good bus, a private 24-passenger jitney stocked with gourmet snacks and beverages
• 3 nights lodging at Good Commons
• All meals and beverages as outlined in itinerary, including 4-course dinner w/ wine pairings
• Local excursions and outdoor adventures
• On-site nutrition, wellness and fitness experts

For full itinerary, visit: www.goodcommons.com/gluten2010.html

Price ranges from $450 – $575/per person, based on package.

*Only gluten-free products will be used throughout the weekend, but it is not intended for those with severe food allergies, as Good Commons is not an exclusively gluten-free facility.

**RT transportation provided to/from New York City. Pick-up/drop-off from local train station/airport near Good Commons is also available.

Good Commons
4771 Route 100A
Plymouth, VT 05056
802.776.8333
www.goodcommons.com

Gluten-Free Gourmet Getaway

I am excited to announce a unique gluten-free getaway in Vermont this July. Good Commons, a vacation-home destination in the mountains in Vermont, is hosting their very first Gluten-Free weekend. With direct transportation from NYC, a weekend of worry-free gluten-free meals, and three nights lodging, this sounds like a very exciting weekend getaway. I would definitely attend this event myself, but my sister is due to have her third baby this summer and I am on aunt duty!

CAN YOU HAVE A GOURMET CULINARY VACATION EVEN
WITH DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?

Boutique retreat destination announces

“Eat Good! Gluten-Free Gourmet Getaway”

July 15 - 18 for those with dietary restrictions who still want to indulge.

Good Commons, a private vacation home located in the stunning mountains of central Vermont, in conjunction with BeWellLiving.com, present an all-inclusive culinary getaway that draws upon the bounty of the Northeast. The menu will be entirely gluten-free* and feature products from some of the best bakers and food artisans in the country, including Everybody Eats, Liv Gluten Free, Nibmor and more. In addition, the itinerary also features Pilates and fitness expert Sara Sessions and on-site sommelier Kristen Siebecker, who will guide guests through a 4-course gourmet gluten-free dinner with specially chosen organic and/or biodynamic wines.

“We always try to make people feel comfortable and at ease in every aspect of their experience at Good Commons,” shares owner/creator Tesha Buss. “Having hosted so many past guests with dietary restrictions, it seemed like a natural extension of our mission to relax, retreat and revitalize. The support from the gluten-free and celiac communities has been amazing!”

“Being the chef at Good Commons,” adds Matthew Wexler, “I've found that there is sometimes a fear or frustration related to food for those that must cope with Celiac Disease or dietary restrictions. It has been our goal to acknowledge, honor and ultimately transform that energy into something joyous by offering delicious, healthy, farm-to-table cuisine in an environment that encourages the celebration of food. We continue to work hard, building relationships with local farmers and food artisans to bring the purest, highest-quality ingredients to the Good Commons table.”

The weekend itinerary is appealing to anyone who wants to take a break from fast-paced city life. Good Commons has quickly become one of the Northeast’s premier boutique destinations that remains affordable in today’s economy. Amy Silverman, event co-host and founder of BeWellLiving.com, shares, “I think anyone would enjoy this experience—gluten-free or not. There’s something uniquely welcoming about the environment at Good Commons.”

July 15 – 18, 2010
Weekend includes:
• Round-trip transportation** on the Good bus, a private 24-passenger jitney stocked with gourmet snacks and beverages
• 3 nights lodging at Good Commons
• All meals and beverages as outlined in itinerary, including 4-course dinner w/ wine pairings
• Local excursions and outdoor adventures
• On-site nutrition, wellness and fitness experts

For full itinerary, visit: www.goodcommons.com/gluten2010.html

Price ranges from $450 – $575/per person, based on package.

*Only gluten-free products will be used throughout the weekend, but it is not intended for those with severe food allergies, as Good Commons is not an exclusively gluten-free facility.

**RT transportation provided to/from New York City. Pick-up/drop-off from local train station/airport near Good Commons is also available.

Good Commons
4771 Route 100A
Plymouth, VT 05056
802.776.8333
www. goodcommons.com

What people are saying about Good Commons:
“The attention to detail—from plush linens and customized activities to a hands-on approach and gourmet local cuisine—makes this the ideal spot for those who want a weekend escape in a gorgeous setting any time of year.” Stacy B., yoga instructor

“If you ever want to see the beauty of Vermont, do it while staying at Good Commons. It is an amazing retreat for any occasion. It is warm, friendly, and like nothing else I've experienced. It should not be missed!” Ellen T., guest

“IN LOVE.... with Good Commons and the blissful, magical, truly once-in-a-lifetime experience I had there this weekend... I'm still buzzing... there aren't enough stars here to reflect the wonderfulness of it all... from the food to the company to the hot tub to the magical music...thanks from the bottom of my heart...” Karen S., guest

About BeWellLiving.com
BeWellLiving.com brings together a dedicated group of health, wellness and lifestyle
professionals who support individuals and groups through membership packages, referrals to individual services, parties, lunch-and-learns, interactive seminars, and the internet.

About Good Commons
The mission of Good Commons is to relax, retreat and revitalize. The historical property was built in the 1840’s and lovingly restored and renovated by owner/creator Tesha Buss. Amenities include 6 bedrooms and a sleeping loft, 2 living rooms, 450 square-foot multi-purpose studio, outdoor hot tub and fire pit, Wi-Fi and house-wide stereo system. Good Commons shares local partnerships with co-hosts and guests by creating itineraries that embrace direct connections to artisans, craftspeople and forward thinkers who believe in “Good” business.