You all know by now that I LOVE showcasing small businesses on my blog, so a small business that features many local small businesses is just right up my alley! Delicious Food Delivered was kind enough to send me their New England Advent Calendar to try and I’m so excited to share about this company with you all. | This post contains affiliate links and a review of a gifted product, though all opinions expressed are my own |
Delicious Food Delivered is a small business that offers carefully curated advent calendars for 42 states and 5 regions of the United States. They even have fun themed boxes like Route 66! They were kind enough to send me their New England Advent Calendar and the first thing that grabbed my attention when I received it was how HUGE it was - seriously, it is SO BIG.
Each little numbered door for the New England Advent Calendar contains a carefully chosen treat from the New England area. I am so excited to open this with my family each night and see what local treat we get to enjoy! And I am especially looking forward to discovering new-to-us small businesses and trying what they have to offer.
These advent calendars would be the perfect gift for any family or hard-to-buy for person. It would also be a great gift for a kid away at college or a friend that moved out of the area - you could give them one for where they’re from, or one for where they are now so they can learn more about their new location!
Delicious Food Delivered Advent Calendars are amazing and sell out quick every year - most varieties sell out by the first week in November so if you‘d like to get one don’t delay. (And if the one you had your eye on is already sold out this year make sure to put a reminder on your calendar for next year to buy early!)
Want to see what’s inside the New England Advent Calendar? You’re in luck - I’ll be opening mine early (wooo!) every night on my Stories on Instagram. Just follow @birchlandinghome to get a sneak peak of all the amazing things included in this year’s calendar!
I received this item for review from Delicious Food Delivered but all opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information.
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Happy Plaid Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday! (Whew, what a mouthful) To celebrate we’re offering 20% off everything in our Etsy Shop with no minimums - including some really unique Vintage Christmas items, as well as our classic Stickers, New England Lakeside Hats, and Hand-Etched Ornaments. Shop now before the sale ends!
And please don’t forget to Shop Local this weekend (and always!) - small shops need your support more than ever. This year we had four brick and mortar shops that we wholesale to close their doors… it’s a ripple effect that goes beyond that one business and impacts all the other small businesses (like mine) that they carry as well. Please support our local Stockists (tell them I sent ya), and all other local shops when you can.
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10 years ago today I launched this blog/business. I was a new mom looking for a creative outlet. Over the years I’ve had some pretty amazing opportunities - being mentioned in Martha Stewart Living Magazine and New Hampshire Magazine, being a contributor for an article in Food Network Magazine, getting interviewed for a lifestyle article by The Wall Street Journal. Also working with some huge brands for features like The Home Depot, L.L.Bean, Nûby USA, Lovevery, Safety 1st, and others - not to mention countless amazing local brands.
Despite all that this business has never “made it big” and that’s okay - I’ve really enjoyed this outlet and will continue to work on it and keep it fun. I have so many ideas for products and projects and will continue to make progress towards those ideas as real life allows.
Thanks so much for following along and supporting me these last 10 years - here’s to 10 more of Birch Landing Home!
Best,
Sarah
PS - to celebrate 10 years everything in our Etsy Shop is 10% Off through August 10th.
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Just a quick reminder to shop small and shop local this season - and always! In particular I would be so grateful if you could show some love to the storefronts that help support Birch Landing Home!
Our Stockists with items currently in stock include:
Wiglesworth’s Mercantile - Portsmouth, NH (handmade birch ornaments)
Hazel Moon Botanicals - Meredith, NH (stickers)
White Mountain Trading Co. - Lincoln, NH (stickers)
Gilford Country Store - Gilford, NH (stickers)
The Makers Bazaar - Wolfeboro/Center Harbor/Manchester, NH (stickers)
more to be listed soon as I send more inventory…
And as always you can also shop our Etsy Storefront. Thanks so much for the support!
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I am so excited to have my Birch New Hampshire Stickers at the new Hazel Moon Botanicals retail shop in Meredith, NH! I got a sneak peek at the shop today and it is so cute - I’m looking forward to the grand opening soon and will share on my social media channels when it’s open. Hazel Moon Botanicals will carry a lot of their own popular small-batch aromatherapy products as well as gifts and other items from other small businesses.
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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. It’s been a little while since I’ve done an interview on the blog in our New England Maker Series, but I’m excited to get back into it with Heather of Mermaids + Madeleines!
Heather Auclair of Mermaids + Madeleines is best known for her coastal-inspired handmade jewelry and fun watercolors. 5% of each purchase is donated to aid in sea life rescue and rehabilitation efforts - I just love a company that gives back!
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.
I’m Heather, a native of Maine, currently living life in Massachusetts with my husband and two rescue kitties. I’ve always enjoyed creating art. Whether it’s drawing, painting, crafting, or designing jewelry. I’m happiest when I’m making something,. I was lucky to grow up in a creative family and community by the ocean. I don’t think I realized how special it was until moving away. Mermaids + Madeleines is inspired by the ever-changing color and light of the coast. We’re so lucky in New England to have such a fascinating coastline. From place-to-place, no location is exactly alike in looks or atmosphere. Each spot has its own little charm and I find that totally uplifting. I try to capture this mix of joy and sense of ease in my works.
How did you start Mermaids + Madeleines? Had you been making jewelry for awhile or was this a new leap for you?
Mermaids + Madeleines started at a friend’s kitchen table (Hi Dana). We were both working at our own full-time jobs and not necessarily feeling completely fulfilled by them. What started as a creative/craft night once a week slowly bloomed into our own side businesses. I had always made some kind of jewelry, I think it started with embroidery floss bracelets at recess in grade school, and slowly morphed into beaded things. I kind of ebbed and flowed back into it after I started a program for advertising design at RISD. I took an elective in jewelry design and light metals and fell in love with it all over again. I quickly changed my concentration and began learning some benchwork skills, design, and technical drawing. I was lucky enough to land a job in commercial jewelry before graduating. First, starting out in costume jewelry and working my way over to find jewelry. While it’s great being able to pursue an interest and find a job that will pay you for it, to me, it just doesn’t come with the same creative freedom, or feel as rewarding as doing your own thing.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I try my best to start each day with some kind of movement, even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes, a barre class, a quick yoga, tabata, - something to get my mind and body moving first thing helps me to be more present and engaged the rest of the day. After having way too many nearly all-nighters for someone that is no longer in their 20’s I’ve started to try to be better about balancing work days and using the time I have. Mondays I do the (for me) dreaded stuff - like filling out inventory sheets, entering receipts, and ordering materials if needed. Tuesday and Wednesday, I like to use as creative days to design and fulfill orders, Thursday is usually a catch-up day for anything that can’t wait until the next week and straightening out the usual creative explosion I’ve created Tuesday and Wednesday. I run my little micro-business out of our (still functional) spare bedroom in our apartment so Friday-Sunday I try to keep my artsplosions to a minimum so it’s presentable for guests.
What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?
My very favorite part is when a customer reaches out, tags me in a post, or leaves a sweet review or message that the piece they received was exactly what they had been looking for, either as a gift or a treat for themselves. Being able to bring joy and happiness to someone through something you’ve made is one of the best feelings. In general, so far, I’ve loved owning my own business a little more than I expected to. It challenges me in ways I didn’t expect, and has forced me to learn and begin developing skills in areas I would have naturally been able to avoid, continuing to only work for someone else. Having said that, there are definitely aspects that aren’t my favorite. Logging inventory, dealing with accounting, and staring at spreadsheets isn’t really my cup of tea. If that were someone else’s job it would be way more fun, but I do think there’s a lot of value in gaining understanding about these less enjoyable parts of owning a business.
What has been the most exciting moment for Mermaids + Madeleines since you started?
I don’t know if I can pick just one exciting moment. I feel like there have been several. The first sale on Etsy, first show, first wholesale order. Finally receiving official paperwork in the mail - making things seem a little more real. There really is a moment or something to be excited about every day, even when it’s something small.
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
My advice is something that everyone says, and it’s the hardest advice to take: “Just start.” It’s so intimidating to put yourself out there. You’ll want everything to be perfect before it’s in front of people, and you can live forever in the phase of “it’s almost ready,” if you’re not careful. It’s easy to hide behind “not yet” but it won’t help you or your business grow. Plus, if you launch while you’re still building it gives you space and room to iterate, and alter without being too deeply invested in something that the market may not have interest in.
What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to continue building the brand and create an independent website, not just relying on Etsy for sales (though I’m very grateful to that platform). I’d also like to branch into more art and accessories and eventually expand into more wholesale as well - working with small boutiques up and down the coast.
Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?
I have so many favorite makers... all for different reasons, it's hard to pick just one, so I'll have to share the two that helped my business get started. Dana of Dana Kristen Creates was instrumental in the start of my maker journey with our Thursday night hangouts and continues to be an awesome friend and creative! Alana, of A&E Stoneworks was also pivotal in getting me to make that Etsy shop go live! I met her at an event and she encouraged me to just go for it. There have been, and continue to be so many I'm grateful for, including: Mary of On The Road Again, Lynn from Love Lissy Lou, Rachel from Little Lavender Lobster, Christine from Sea Crow Company, and Marie from Pieces of Maine Jewelry, and so many more... I could probably fill your entire blog post with names!
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All photos courtesy of Mermaids + Madeleines
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Happy Small Business Saturday! Just wanted to hop on here real quick and share just a few of my favorite small businesses and makers, most of which are based right here in New England. Quite a few are having sales today, so please go check them out and support them if you can!
Small Business Saturday Picks
- Wiglesworth's Mercantile - Wiglesworth's Mercantile is one of the newest shops in Portsmouth, NH. The owner Anne is committed to only carrying items made right here in New England, and this week she is giving back to local charities with every purchase at her store (I love that so much!).
- Mermaids & Madeleines - Heather from Mermaids & Madeleines makes the most beautiful, bright coastal-inspired jewelry around. She's also such a positive, happy soul and a joy to follow on Instagram.
- Wolfeboro Candle Company - Carrie from Wolfeboro Candle Company makes wonderful candles, and this season is offering Gift Boxes too (our Hand-Etched Snowflake Ornament is included in the Large Gift Box).
- Maine Rope Mats - Maine Rope Mats makes amazing recycled lobster rope mats and products. We personally have two of their mats and love the fun it brings to our doorways.
- S.Lynch Knitwear - Samantha isn't actually from New England, but is a New Englander at heart and it shows in her beautifully made knitted items. I just love her chunky knit hats and her craftsmenship is beautiful!
- Daytrip Society - Daytrip and Datyrip Jr., both in Kennebunkport Maine, are some of my favorite stores around. They are beautifully currated and have such thoughtful and unqiue gift ideas.
- Watts in Maine - Watts in Maine is best known for their Perfect Catch Cuff, but also offers other jewelry and accessory items as well. They also have made donations to help with Shark Research.
- Sewcialite - Roula of Sewcialite hustles so hard every day, working fulltime and creating the most amazing coastal-inspired rope creations and jewelry in her spare time.
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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. It’s been a little while since I’ve done an interview on the blog in our New England Maker Series, but I’m excited to get back into it with Mary Zambello of ReclaiMEd Maine Co.!
ReclaiMEd Maine Co. (formerly known as ReclaiMEd Sign Co.) started as a sign buisness but has branched out into much more - including apparel, drinkware, and stickers. They are probably best known for their iconic "Pine Tree Coast" design, sales of which help support Natural Resources Council of Maine - I just love a company that gives back!
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.
ReclaiMEd Sign Co. started as a way to show love for Maine and its environment. Will and I both grew up in Maine with a love for the outdoors. I have a creative background in design and Will has an extensive background in building and craftsmanship, so we knew there were endless possibilities. In hopes of giving back to the environment, we chose to use all reclaimed wood for our projects. This helps to prevent deforestation, which in turn helps sustain habitats and decrease expended energy needed to extract and process new materials. Less wood ends up in landfills and carbon remains in our projects instead of being released as fossil fuels. There are a lot of sign companies out there, but we pride ourselves in the fact that all of our items are custom designed and handmade. Each wood sign is hand cut with a jigsaw or scroll saw, crafted and painted. Our glassware is custom designed and hand-etched. We choose to source USA-Made items and work with local small businesses when we can, and give back to Maine environmental organizations. These pieces were all incredibly important to us and are what we've built our brand on.
How did you start ReclaiMEd Sign Co.?
Honestly it all started in our backyard in Portland. We liked to have fires during the summer time and occasionally picked up pallets for fire food. Will had this idea that we could cut out the shape of Maine, "If only I had a jigsaw, I could..." So, when his birthday came around, I went out and bought him one. No longer were there any excuses as to why we couldn't make these things. With an abundance of unused pallets in the area, and with my design background, ReclaiMEd Sign Co. was born.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day begins with our actual day jobs. ReclaiMEd Sign Co. is just a side business. I'm the Marketing Coordinator for Sea Bags and Will owns his own property services company, so we generally both work long days. I often wake up early to work on packaging and shipping, and spend my evenings working on online orders or trying to restock items for local stores. Most of ReclaiMEd work happens late nights and on the weekends. Due to the lack of free-time we have, I often have to take items down from our site in order to find a little extra time to work on new ideas. Never enough hours in the day!
What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?
I love that ReclaiMEd gives me a constant creative outlet. There is always room for new designs or ways to perfect your craft. I'm able to create these incredibly personal designs and gifts that I know people are opening up and putting in their homes. Least favorite part is definitely never having enough time. I am full of ideas and am really constrained on the amount of time I have to experiment and work on projects. I'm often conflicted when I have a free moment, whether I should be working on ReclaiMEd or getting out to enjoy the outdoors myself.
What has been the most exciting moment for ReclaiMEd Maine since you started?
The creation of our Pine Tree Coast design has been my absolute favorite. I loved creating the design and being able to translate it to apparel, glassware, and stickers has been so much fun. We're not only able to support another local screen printing company, but now have a complete collection that is giving back to a local Maine environmental organization. The end of last year, we raised $350 dollars and this year we have a goal to raise $1,000 for the Natural Resource Council of Maine. These products embody our love for this state, the outdoors, and our desire to protect the Maine woods and coast. I love being able to give back 10% of all sales with this design to help protect, restore, and conserve Maine’s environment.
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
Build a brand that you love and stay true to it. Stay creative and push the boundaries. Try new things. Love your work but remember that work-life balance is important. This continues to be my biggest struggle! Will has recently taken a step back from ReclaiMEd, realizing that he needed some time back to fish and relax. I still struggle giving myself a break when there's always so much I want to do and accomplish. It's important to take time for yourself and refresh before diving back in to work.
What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in five years?
That's a difficult question for me! I love this company. As I mentioned before, it's tough when I have so many aspirations to grow but am somewhat at capacity with how much I can handle. In 5 years I hope that I have brought in some extra hands in order to be able to expand our wholesale business. We love being in select stores throughout Maine, but often find that we're turning down opportunities just so we can stay on top of our current projects. I'd like to have a little more time to perfect my scroll saw skills and continue to put out more intricate designs.
Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?
I love La Marée Art and A&E Stoneworks, who are both fellow Maine makers. I have been such a big fan of their beautiful work and they have both shown me so much support over the years!
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All Photos Courtesy of ReclaiMEd Maine Co.
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?
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