Meet Kelley Boymer! Q&A + How We Met

Time flies when you’re having fun. Or does it just fly no matter what? It’s hard to believe it was a little more than a year ago that I met Kelley. It feels like we’ve been friends forever. I was introduced to Kelley through my neighbor and friend Kristen (more on that from Kelley). When I met with Kelley we immediately hit it off. She has been writing for the blog since last January, and I’m so glad I made the decision to bring her on as a contributor. I love her enthusiasm, fun ideas, writing style, and willingness to be vulnerable. Somehow it’s been a year and I haven’t really made a proper introduction to all of you, so today is a chance to get to know Kelley a little better (in her own words).

And in case you missed it, here’s some of Kelley’s top posts over the last year: Tips To Start A Morning Ritual, Grieving Your Past Life When Becoming A Mom, In Friendships, Why Is Breaking Up So Hard To Do?, 10 Places To Visit in New England, These Life Hacks Are A Total Game Changer, Assessing Your Relationship With Alcohol.

Meet Kelley Boymer

I grew up in Woodstock, Vermont and have always been a lover of the Green Mountain State. I had your quintessential Vermont upbringing– raising goats, playing make-believe in the woods and ice hockey, building snow forts and swimming in ponds and lakes. I love Vermont for it’s beautiful and distinct 4 seasons- each with something unique and bountiful to offer. I love the mountains and rivers, valleys and streams. I love how authentic the people are and how the community loves and cares for each other in it’s small towns.

I always knew I would come back to Vermont to raise a family, but I didn’t realize I would come back so soon. After attending the University of Rhode Island for Journalism, I traveled for a year in Australia and New Zealand and returned to Vermont, thinking it would be temporary. I ended up taking a position at Woodstock’s Elementary School and fell in love with the teaching profession. I had 6 wonderful years teaching 3rd and 4th grade. I learned so much from those children and co-workers and had the opportunity to explore a profession I was so passionate about. When I became pregnant with my now almost 2-year-old, I decided I would switch career paths to prioritize myself and my family. Teaching was incredibly stressful and taxing and I knew I couldn’t be my best self for my family if I continued.

About 6 months postpartum my sister told me one of her favorite bloggers had moved to Woodstock.

I followed Jess on Instagram and loved her style, content and felt really connected to her overall message and aesthetic. I mentioned Jess to some of my friends and we all began following her. Our friend Kristen did some digging and discovered that she was Jess’s neighbor. Kristen sent a DM to Jess and they planned a walk together. Kristen connected us and it felt like fate.

Jess and I discovered we both attended URI for journalism and shared a similar writing style, and interests. Everything you know and love about Jess from her blog, is exactly how she is in real life. She is always there to help in a fashion crisis, share the latest products she loves, drop off groceries when you’re in need and listen and offer advice no matter what you are going through.

I feel so thankful that you have all welcomed me into this community. I have learned so much from Jess about being an entrepreneur and creating a business and feel so lucky to be a part of it!

Q&A With Kelley

Favorite and least favorite thing about living in Vermont?

I LOVE Vermont. I love the natural beauty and deep connection to nature. I love the four seasons or is it 6 now? It’s hard to keep track! Although I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with winter. It’s just so gosh darn long. But I think my most favorite thing about Vermont is the people. They are authentic, hardy, loving and always willing to support and take care of each other. Whether you are stuck on the side of the road or dealing with a toddler tantrum in the grocery store, someone is always stopping to check-in and help. I think this is a rare and special thing. Least favorite thing would have to be the inconvenience of driving 30 minutes to do things like grocery shopping and running errands.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I love my pets. Jess and I actually bonded over our very similar loss of our soul dogs. Our chocolate lab Gus, passed away unexpectedly at just 2 years old, back in 2020. It was so incredibly devastating and traumatic, but then Spruce came to us through a true Christmas miracle. Our breeder had a 1-year-old yellow lab that she was looking to send to a good home. She gave us Spruce and she has been the absolute best playmate for our little boy. She is gentle, cuddly and sweet. Spruce is 3 years old now and super chill which is helpful with a toddler. We also have a cat, Moana, who is 3 years old also and loves our son Willis. They are very sweet together.

Dream vacation destination?

This is hard because I want to go everywhere and see everything! I would love to go to Costa Rica to enjoy the combination of rainforest, beach, ocean, warmth and adventure! It feels like a place that would rejuvenate and inspire.

Favorite things to do outside of work?

I love spending time with family and friends! Even better if we can incorporate an activity like yoga, hiking, dancing, going to the movies or out to eat. I love to travel and explore new places. I also really love to be in solitude journaling, reading or taking a bath.

What’s your favorite season? 

I think I love summer the most. Although fall is pretty magical in Vermont too. I just love the energy and spirit of summer. I love how people come together and enjoy the outdoors with fresh locally grown food, markets, live music, dancing and adventuring. I love being able to swim and get my feet in the dirt. I also really enjoy gardening and seeing the world through my son’s eyes.

Likes and dislikes… 

Likes: yoga, hiking, swimming, ice hockey, the beach, the ocean, rivers, mountains, reading, scary movies, laughter, margaritas, Mexican food, ice cream, all the baked goods, skiing, tubing down the river, surfing, writing/journaling, sunrises and sunsets, the color purple, silliness, flowers and herbs, friends and family, birthdays, holidays, organizing, baking, cooking, matcha tea, dried mango, sunshine, animals and gardens

Dislikes: mountain biking, change, the traveling part of travel, large groups of people, surprise parties, clutter/disorder, the smell of cities, secrecy, build up to big events, decisions, whiskey, onions