Say it Ain’t Snow... Again!

I think this makes the third Nor'easter in two weeks for us here in New England.  As pretty as the snow is, I'm sure ready for warmer weather and gardening!  At least Harley is loving the snow :)  Now, if you'll excuse me - we have about two feet of snow to snowblow and shovel.  

Bean Boots (Affiliate Link)

New England Style

Recharging Postpartum Hair with Maple Holistics

Having a baby really changes your hair, and after having two babies my hair is nothing like it used to be.  Hormones have totally changed the color and texture of my hair... in the past few years it's gone from bright blonde and wavy to ten shades darker and stick straight.  After our second baby my hair definitely needed some recharging and I was excited to try something new. 
| This post shares an honest review of products provided by Maple Holistics |

Recharging Postpartum Hair

Give your Hormones a Chance to Settle Down

Those first two months after baby, your hormones are raging and just about anything goes.  Don't be surprised if your hair suddenly gets super dry or super greasy, or starts shedding like crazy.  As frustrating as those first two months can be (and for so many reasons - dealing with a new baby and a healing body isn't easy!), try to roll with these hair hiccups and know that a lot of it will improve or get more predictable once your hormones settle down.  

Get a Haircut

Getting a new haircut or even just a trim can really help refresh your hair and give you a boost of confidence.  Getting rid of those split ends will give you a fresh start to learn about your new post-baby hair.  

Try a New Shampoo/Conditioner

With all the new things going on with your hair, your old shampoo routine just might not cut it anymore. Now's a great time to switch it up and try something new! My hair really needed some perking up so I was super excited when Maple Holistics reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try their Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner.

Maple Holistics uses all-natural ingredients, and is both chemical free and cruelty free, which I love.  Using their tea tree shampoo gives you a cool, tingling sensation on your scalp that really helps you and your hair feel more refreshed and awake.  Afterwards my hair felt clean and lighter - I loved that the conditioner didn't leave it feeling heavy!  

If you want to try Maple Holitics' Tea Tree Shampoo or another one of their products, make sure to check out their Free Samples Program.

- I received this item for review from Maple Holistics but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information - 

Shop My Favorite Finds on Amazon!

We're huge Amazon fans in this house - living out in the boonies like we do means that a lot of home and grocery shopping is done online and you can't beat Amazon for their selection and Prime shipping!  | This page contains affiliate links |

I've created a page on Amazon to showcase some of our favorite Amazon finds - everything from home, to beauty, to baby and kid items.  Items with a "speech bubble" in the corner means I've added a note about that item, just give it a click to see what I have to say about it.  

Feel free to check our Favorite Amazon Finds often since I'll be continuing to add more items as they come up.  

New England Maker: Woodboogah {+ Giveaway!}

As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England!  Next in our little series to showcase some of these great New England Makers is Elizabeth Van Deavender from Woodboogah!  
{Psssst... Don't forget to see details on how to enter the Giveaway to win a pair of their new Cashmere Cuffs!}

Woodboogah is best known for their cashmere beanies and scarves and, new this year, their cashmere cuffs! They bring a touch of luxury to items that you can wear everyday.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business. 

I don't know if there is a short version because every job I held, every failure I overcame, every small victory I had, and every life lesson I was taught all connected when I created Woodboogah. 

Elizabeth Van Deavender of Woodboogah

My family built a company that manufactured in Maine so that was a huge influence as to why I got into my field, and why I choose Maine for Woodboogah.

I didn't go to college right after high school.  I started very young at the bottom in U.S. manufacturing.  Over the years, I quickly climbed the corporate ladder.  I later discovered I want to work in apparel manufacturing.  I received a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in California.  As I was studying fashion design in Los Angeles, I quickly realized how wasteful apparel manufacturing is.  I started working with companies to decrease their waste and increase their production in the U.S. After graduating, I worked with a company in downtown Los Angeles as a design consultant/product developer and quickly became the industry's go-to person for knitwear, especially cashmere working with a lot of US brands/labels, celebrities, musicians, and special projects for movies.  After falling in love with Eric, I blindsided everyone by quitting my job and packed up my life for Maine.  I created Woodboogah to be eco-friendly and grow and support our local community all while having a really amazing product that can stand up against the harshest elements and last for years to come. 

My career will hit 10 years in September.  I'm very proud to have contributed to U.S manufacturing and helped create American jobs.  I will be celebrating with a 'Made in USA' tattoo stamped on the side of my foot (you know how you usually have to turn objects upside-down to see where they were made). 

How did you start Woodboogah?

I had these ideas in my head for a few years to start a company and after I talked to Eric who's a full-time mechanical engineer and works a lot with companies to improve their U.S. manufacturing and he said I was onto something and I needed to do it right then. I knew I had to make the jump and make it happen. I quit my job and left my apartment on the curb in downtown Los Angeles. I sent three L.L.Bean duffle bags to Eric in Maine. I lived out of one suitcase for a month while I finished up my design jobs in Los Angeles. I flew to New York for Fashion Week in September to see my clients fashion shows and say my goodbyes. Instead of returning to LAX from JFK, I flew to Portland, Maine and Woodboogah was started.

Where did the name "Woodboogah" come from?

Woodboogah was Eric's nickname.  When I was living and working in Los Angeles, Eric would come visit me when we were first dating.  I had clients from LA, New York, Japan, Italy, and Paris. Eric would rock a Boston Red Sox's hat with a huge smile and talked in a wicked Maine accent being a native of Maine Eric was so happy and nice to everyone he met.  He'd give you the shirt off his back.  (I always say Mainahs are the nicest people you'll meet).  All the clients were curious who this guy was and where he came from, so we thought of the nickname Woodboogah.  It stuck!  Everyone loved the nickname and loved Eric.  When Eric and I were talking about starting a company months later it was a no brainer to call it Woodboogah.

Eric and I are partners in business and in life.  Eric will always tell people Woodboogah is 120% all me and my company, but if I'm completely honest there would be no Woodboogah without Eric.  He has supported every single idea from the start.  He inspires me.  He pushes me.  He is the original Woodboogah.  I would still be working in downtown Los Angeles if it wasn't for him.  I can't imagine a better partner in business or life. 

Why cashmere? 

"Who doesn't like cashmere?" - Seinfeld

There are a few popular yarn companies the luxury apparel industry uses and we use two of them.  This yarn is usually going into garments that retail for $500 to $5,000 dollars.  This forced me to be really innovative with our manufacturing process with:   
1.  Creating a really durable product that people can wear and enjoy.  We have brand ambassadors traveling the world with our beanies, testing them, and pushing them to the limits.  Our cashmere/wool blend is actually machine washable.  
2.  Make this cashmere available for the average person to have.  It's only because of my relationships with these companies as a product developer/design consultant that they accept my small yarn orders.  I consider myself very lucky to be able to use this cashmere yarn for Woodboogah. 

Had you been making beanies for awhile or was this a new leap for you?

As a design consultant/product developer I had been making knitwear for a long time.  I knew what did and didn't work.  The leap for me was inventing the tools I used to make our beanies.  It was a lot of troubleshooting for the first year. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up and beeline to the coffee.  I sit down and go through all of our social media accounts and emails.  I'm always looking for inspiration, brand ambassadors, and discovering new companies on social media.  I'm in the studio by 9:30AM.  Depending on where we are in the year, I'm usually knitting, planning photo shoots and meetings, or working on our website.  I usually leave the studio around 5:00PM.  Then it's dinner time!  I LOVE cooking.  Now that I own my own business, I get to invest more time into myself and learning to cook is one hobby I have dived into.  I love preparing big theme meals.  My friends and family have jokingly given me the nickname "Martha Stewart of Maine."  After dinner, it's our personal time. 

What is your favorite part about owning your own company?

I have more balance between my personal life and career.  Before Woodboogah, I was missing a lot of birthdays, graduations, holidays with family and friends because of work. 

And least favorite part?

As a "one-woman-show" I don't have a group of creative minds to bounce ideas off of like I did before, so I definitely miss those creative meetings.  I love it when companies reach out to me for collaborations or one-of-a-kind styles for their stores. 

What has been the most exciting moment for Woodboogah since you started?

Every time I get to hear about or see people enjoying my products.  I'm so thankful for all the love and support I receive, it means everything to me.

What advice do you have for people just starting out?

Persistence as Eric would say.  Never listen to anyone who tells you you can't do something to pursue your dreams.  I've had a lot of doors slam in my face during my career but I never let that stop me.  I still continued to achieve my goals no matter how ridiculous people think they are. 

What is your long-term goals?

Our Woodboogah homestead on a much larger scale.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I take it month by month.

Who's one of your favorite New England Makers?

I'm obsessed with C&M Ceramics right now. Ever since I found them on Instagram I've been trying to snag some of their Mariner mugs for my kitchen, but still no cigar. I love all their products. The flask is wicked cool.

All photos courtsey of Woodboogah

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GIVEAWAY!

Please see this photo on my Instagram for details on how to enter to win a pair of their Camden Cuffs in Wicked Stormy Ombre. Perfect for adding the style of layers without the bulk for those warmer fall and winter days. Retail: $55.00

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Do you own a New England-based business and would like to be featured in an upcoming interview?  Or would you be interested in having me style, review, and feature one of your products?  
Please drop me a note.  

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More Interviews from New England Makers:

In The Final Stretch!

If I'll be very honest, these last two or three weeks of pregnancy have really kicked my butt!  For our first pregnancy, I worked 10 hour days in a doctors office up until the day after my due date.  This time around these last few weeks have been plagued by nearly constant Braxton Hicks contractions, ligament pain, dizzy spells, a terrible head cold, and now ocular migraines.  Second pregnancies definitely can be a whole different league than first pregnancies - I could write a whole post on this (and probably will later).  But in a nutshell, this is why I've been so MIA on the blog and Instagram lately, even though we're still waiting for the baby.    
| This post contains affiliate links as well as products provided for review by L.L. Bean |

Photo by: Adrian Pelletier Photography

For every "ailment" I've had these last few weeks the remedy from my doctors has been the same - "lay down and take it easy."  Which is much easier said than done when you've got a toddler and a million-and-one things you want to finish up!  Overall though we've been blessed with a healthy pregnancy so I really shouldn't be complaining.  

One thing I've been slowly working on these last few weeks is finally packing our hospital bags! L.L. Bean was kind enough to send me their new diaper tote insert as well as one of their iconic boat and tote bags and I'm looking forward to sharing a full review post with lots of pictures as soon as I can. For now I'll just say I'm really loving how spacious and organized everything is and how versatile this diaper tote insert and bag will be!

Packed and ready!

| L.L. Bean Large Boat + Tote c/o L.L. Bean | L.L. Bean Diaper Tote Insert c/o L.L. Bean | aden + anais Swaddle Blankets | Tiny Sheep (part of a Baby Stella doll set) |

Once I come back to the blog from maternity leave I'll be sharing lots more on this amazing bag and insert as well as featuring some more great New England-based businesses and makers - stay tuned!  

- I received this diaper tote insert and boat tote bag for review from L.L. Bean but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -   

New England Maker: Watts in Maine

As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England!  I decided to start a little series to showcase some of these great New England Makers and I'm excited to share the wonderful Kylie Watts from Watts in Maine for the first interview! 

Watts in Maine: The Perfect Catch Cuff

Watts in Maine is known most for their Perfect Catch Cuff, made from brass lobster gauges. Recently they've expanded and also offer Maine and nautical inspired earrings and necklaces as well as recycled lobster tag accessories which benefit local lobstermen and their families.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.  

Kylie Watts:  I currently work full time as an Office Manager at a pediatric dental office and do what I can after work and on the weekends with my Watts In Maine business.  My husband was born and raised on Vinalhaven Island in Maine, which serves as a huge place of inspiration for my pieces.  The idea of turning the lobster gauge into a bracelet actually came from our many visits to VH. 
I am also a born and raised Mainer!  I have a love for fashion, accessories, and jewelry. 

Kylie Watts of Watts in Maine

How did you start Watts in Maine?  Had you been making lobster cuff bracelets for a while or was this a new leap for you?

KW:  In the fall of 2014, I told my husband I wanted him to make a brass lobster measure into a bracelet.  I had mentioned it before, but we didn't follow through on it.  We bought a couple and started forming them and refining the process over a few weeks.  By November we had secured our first store, k colette, in Portland's Old Port.  I was flirting with another nautical idea before that, but it never made it out of its initial stages. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

KW:  I work from 7:15am-5:30pm at the dental office.  On my lunch break and after work I read and return business emails.  My evenings are spent printing invoices, preparing orders, updating social media, and trying to fit in normal daily living tasks. 

What is your favorite part about owning your own company?

KW:  I love having the freedom to do and create what I want.  It's so exciting!  I also love connecting with other local small businesses.  It's nice to build relationships with others who are going through similar situations/struggles.  

And least favorite part?

KW:  The financial part!  Keeping track of the business side-ew.  :)

What has been the most exciting moment for Watts in Maine since you started?

KW: I was really excited to be included in DownEast Magazine's "40 Maine Made Gifts". I couldn't wait to go to the bookstore to snag it and see it in person.

What advice do you have for people just starting out?  

KW:  Spend time building your social media following, find a mentor or someone who can show you the ropes, and build your business at your own pace.

What is your long-term goal?  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

KW:  My long term goal is to be able to focus on my business full time and only have one job.  I'm hoping to expand upon what Watts In Maine offers and could be doing that in the very near future!  Stay Tuned :)  
I'm not sure if I want a store front down the road, or where I see the business going.  To be honest, I take it one day at a time. 

All photos courtesy of Watts in Maine.

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Do you own a New England-based business and would like to be featured in an upcoming interview?  Or would you be interested in having me style, review, and feature one of your products?  
Please drop me a note.  

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More Interviews from New England Makers:

We Are Knitters {Review + Giveaway!}

It's been a long, loooong time since I knit anything but when We Are Knitters contacted me to see if I wanted to try out one of their kits and give one away to a lucky follower I was excited to say yes.  There's just something about curling up in a cozy chair and knitting that melts the stress away.  
(Don't forget to look for our exclusive coupon code and enter the giveaway to win your own kit!)

We Are Knitters has tons of kits available to choose from - including scarves, hats, sweaters, blankets, and even dresses! But since it had been so long since I knit anything I decided to be safe and go with the Downtown Snood kit from their beginner level selection of kits.

The wool for this kit is premium 100% natural Peruvian wool which is amazingly soft and thick with 35 colors to choose from.  In fact, I loved it so much I got an extra skien so I could make the project twice.  (You are also able to purchase wool skeins separately right from their website.)   

In the kit you find your wool, wooden knitting needles, pattern, needle, and a label for your finished project.  Embarrassingly, I do not know how to read a knitting pattern (ha) but it was written so simply even I could understand it.  And what's even better, We Are Knitters (WAK) has great video tutorials available to you so you can study how to do the stitch and easily pause the video to practice step-by-step.  

I definitely recommend watching the videos with your knitting needles and some scrap yarn in your hands so you're able to practice before you start on your nice yarn from WAK.  But after some practice I was able to get it down and was kitting away a mile a minute in no time.  

The project went quickly and now I have some gorgeous handmade scarves to wear now that the cold weather is setting in.  

We Are Knitters was also kind enough to share an exclusive coupon code with my readers - just use the code BIRCHLANDINGWAK at checkout to receive 15% off your order!  

GIVEAWAY

Would you like the chance to win your own Downtown Snood Kit in your choice of color? Just visit We Are Knitters HERE and sign up for their free newsletter. Givewaway will end October 24th.

EDIT 10/26/16: Winner chosen and notified - Congratulations Kristin B!

- I received these materials for review from We Are Knitters but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our Disclosure Policy for more information. - 

Cute Fall Maternity Photo with Pumpkin

Okay, throwing it back to our last pregnancy and still in love with this easy Fall-themed maternity picture my husband and I took with a pumpkin!  It's so simple but I think it came out so sweet.  This idea would also be perfect for a Fall pregnancy announcement too.  Fall is our favorite time of year, so I'm happy we could capture a classy Fall-themed "belly" picture.  

I promise I'll share some photos from when I was farther along at our Christmas maternity photo session too - some sweet, simple ideas for your "special delivery" to come!  

Shop Fall Fashion