I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, crafter, and blogger living in rural New England. As seen in Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Magazine, and more! | Tutorials, DIY, crafts, parenting tips, recipes, money saving tips, product reviews, local product features, New England living, intentional living, and more! |
So excited to have some of my custom ornaments heading down to ACK 4170, a beautiful gift shop located on the island of Nantucket! They are currently closed for the winter, but in the meantime you can shop their store online and then in-person again when they reopen for the season in April.
I wish I could mail myself down there with the ornaments - I haven’t been to Nantucket (yet) but have always wanted to visit!
Despite what the three feet of snow in our yard says right now, Spring will be here soon! And Spring in New England means… Mud Season. You know, those weeks when everything is wet and muddy and you can’t get in your house without tracking buckets of mud and sand in. Thankfully Maine Rope Mats has us covered and was kind enough to send us one of their lobster rope doormats and give one away to a lucky follower too! | This post contains affiliate links and an honest review of product provided by Maine Rope Mats |
Trust us, you need a durable doormat year-round and especially during Mud Season - so why not make it fun and functional? Maine Rope Mats are all handmade in Waldoboro, Maine with colorful lobster fishing ropes in seemingly endless color combinations and designs to choose from; including flags, stripes, and the beautiful double-weave design we chose for our mat here.
These mats are made to last and will not rot, mildew, or fade and can easily be cleaned out with a garden hose (a must after the muddy season!). Maine Rope Mats also offers a line exclusively of recycled rope-only, which is a great way to re-use and recycle the lines that lobstermen can no longer use for their traps.
Maine Rope Mats also has lots of other great products made with lobster trap rope including dog leashes, baskets, bracelets, key chains, and dog toys - so many fun products to choose from!
We’re in love with our new Maine Rope Mat and are looking forward to using it and enjoying it for many years to come!
- I received this mat from Maine Rope Mats but all opinions expressed are my own. Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
One year update…
Just wanted to hop on here real quick and add that we are still loving our Maine Rope Mat! In fact, we love it so much that I bought a second one in a different pattern for our back door too.
Those iconic L.L. Bean Boots - everybody's wearing them and everybody wants them, but sometimes they can be hard to find! They often go through periods of being backordered so I’d recommend buying early in the season so you don't risk having to wait. But before you order, be sure to read our review because there's some things you should definitely know first! | This post contains affiliate links |
Sizing
The sizing for
L.L. Bean's "Bean Boots" is definitely kind of tricky and I'd highly recommend trying them on in-store before purchasing, even if you're going to order them online (though, L.L. Bean does have a great return/exchange policy if you do end up ordering the wrong size online). Bean Boots only come in whole sizes and run BIG. For example, I typically wear a size 8-8.5 shoe but in Bean Boots I'm a size 7 and they still feel quite roomy. Keep in mind too if you typically wear a very small women's size shoe, you may need to check out the kid's sizes if you're unable to size down anymore in women's. When trying on the boots make sure to wear what kind of socks you're planning on using them with (whether it's regular thin socks or
thick ragg socks ), to get a better idea of the fit.
Women's Bean Boots come in two different rises too - 6" rise or 8" rise. Try both on to see what's more comfortable and what style you like better. I personally prefer the 8" rise - here in New England it's a bit more practical with the deeper snow in the winter and I also feel like it's the more classic style.
During Fall and Winter when there's a big rush on Bean Boots and it may be very difficult to find the exact style and size you want in-store or even online. You may need to shop around a bit to find what you're looking for.. or wait for your backordered item to come in. L.L. Bean Outlet stores can be a great resource too! Boots and other items that were ordered online and returned often end up at the outlets - and at a discount to boot! (Ha, couldn't pass up a boot pun.) In fact, I got my Bean Boots for 40% off at the outlets - now that's a great deal!
One thing to keep in mind about outlet shopping is that they will likely have a large selection of bigger sizes of Bean Boots, and less of the smaller sizes... this is because so many people mistakenly order their normal size without realizing how big they run. When I bought my Bean Boots at the Outlets, they had tons of sizes 8, 9, and 10 - and the ones I bought were literally the very last pair of size 7's.
If you decide to purchase your Bean Boots online, keep in mind that coupons or regular L.L. Bean sales may not apply to them because they're such a popular item - you may have better luck earning some rebate money back on your purchase with a program like
Rakuten (formerly called Ebates). L.L. Bean also has a great return and exchange policy, so if you buy online and it doesn't fit quite right, you should have no trouble exchanging for another size (just make sure to keep your reciept/packing slip for proof of purchase).
Styling
What doesn't go with Bean Boots? Seriously - just about anything goes with them (I've even seen people wear them to their wedding!). But really you can't go wrong with some fitted jeans, ragg socks, and a cozy pullover. I've linked to some of my favorite L.L. Bean looks below and all would look great paired with Bean Boots.
New sign design in our Etsy shop! These distressed CAMP signs are just what you need to bring some rustic charm to your cabin/lakeside retreat or your everyday home. This sign has a hand-painted, antique feel to it and is just what you've been looking for. Shop this sign and more in our Etsy shop:
Christmas in July Sale! Everything in the Etsy shop (except signs) is 15% off through August 1st. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping and stock up on ornaments now!
Just use the Coupon Code "JULY2018" to get 15% off!
It's been a long time coming but our first sign design has finally hit the Etsy Shop! We now have custom zip code signs available - perfect for a housewarming, wedding, or graduation gift. These signs are available in five different finishes so there's one to fit your decor style.
I'll be adding new sign designs over the coming weeks too so stay tuned for more!
Our Etsy shop is back open for business after my Maternity Leave!
Quantities in the shop will be very limited this season since we're still so busy with our newest addition to the family. Please shop early and check back often as I'll be restocking the listings as I am able.
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!}
Woodboogahis 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.
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
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.
