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! |
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 |
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!
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 -
Now that we're getting closer to our latest addition's due date, nesting is setting in full-force! I want to clean everything, reorganize everything, decorate everything... if only the near-constant Braxton Hicks contractions would let me! That's why I was so excited to receive this beautiful screen-printed pillow from Hills & Trails this past week - it's just perfect for curling up with and taking it easy. | Pillow was provided for review by Hills & Trails | This post contains affiliate links |
With all the Braxton Hicks I've been having, my doctor advised that I just "take it easy" - definitely easier said than done when you have a toddler and the house isn't ready yet for the new baby! But in following doctors orders, I've been making sure to take breaks to lay down and relax throughout the day to keep those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions in-check.
Recently, Kayna from Hills & Trails was kind enough to send me one of their beautiful hand-printed Log Cabin Pillows to share with you all and I just love how at home it looks on our bed! (And just another great reason for me to get cozy and take it easy, right?)
All of Hills & Trails products are beautifully designed and hand-printed right in Maine! They offer a variety of items including prints, apparel, housewares, and even kids items. This particular pillow features a silk-screened log cabin design that has a hand-drawn feel. And bonus points to Hills & Trails for adding a zipper closure to make the linen-blend pillow case removable! - Afterall, with kids around having to clean the pillow is inevitable.
I just love how all of their products are wonderfully made and fit right in - whether you're "upta camp," decorating a kids room, or just want to bring a bit of rustic whimsy into your home.
I love the heart detail over the chimney!
Hills & Trails handmade products can be purchased on their website and various retailers throughout the Northeast.
- I received this pillow for review from Hills & Trails but all opinions expressed are my own. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME STYLE, REVIEW, AND FEATURE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS? Please drop me a note.
Our Etsy Shop is "On Vacation" (ha!) for at least the next month or so while we wait for our newest addition to the family :)
I'll reopen the shop as soon as I can, but in the meantime if there's something specific you're looking for please let me know! I should still be able to fulfill some small orders during this time as long as you're flexible with time frames and patient with me answering emails :)
Thank you so much again for all your support for my little shop!
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?
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.
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.
Our friends Seagate Studio have been very involved with the Travis Roy Foundation for years, and we're honored to donate a set of three Hand-Etched Birch Snowflake Ornaments for their upcoming Instagram Auction to benefit this very worthy cause.
“The Travis Roy Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the life of spinal cord injury survivors and their families by providing special adaptive equipment grants and funding research.
It is an organization that is near and dear to my heart and one that I have been heavily involved with for over 10 years. Travis Roy (a native Mainer), is my husband’s cousin and also my close friend. In 1995, Travis was a highly recruited Division I hockey player starting his collegiate career at Boston University. Eleven seconds into his first shift of his first game playing for the BU Terriers, he slid head first, awkwardly into the boards, cracking his 4th and 5th vertebra and leaving him a quadriplegic. His story could have stopped right there, but instead he has dedicated his life to helping other spinal cord injury survivors and inspiring all who meet him through his motivational speaking career. He graduated from Boston University, taking just an extra year and started the Travis Roy Foundation while he was still a student. Since its inception, the TRF has raised over $9 million, consistently raising over $1 million per year in its most recent years.
The biggest fundraiser event for the TRF is not some glamorous gala that only the elite can afford to attend, but rather a summer back yard Wiffle Ball tournament that takes place every year up in rural Jericho, Vermont. This tournament which hosts over 24 teams from across New England is played on 3 fields that are modeled after major league ball parks and a field from a popular baseball movie, aptly named Little Wrigley, Little Fenway, and Little Field of Dreams. It is an incredibly moving and magical weekend and by far my favorite of the whole year. And THIS is what I am fundraising for.”
— Samantha from Seagate Studio
The Auction will take place on Seagate Studio's Instagram (@seagate.studio) from July 31st - August 3rd, 2017. Please check their feed frequently during this time and consider bidding on one of the many great items that have been donated.
If you would like to learn more about the Travis Roy Foundation or donate directly, please see their webpage HERE.
You might remember a previous post where I reused a repaired coffee mug as an herb planter in the kitchen. Well this year I decided to transform that mug one more time into a little bird feeder for a focal point in the flower garden.
Supplies & How-to:
The supply list really couldn't be more simple - all you need is a mug, bowl, or plate, a wooden dowel, a rubber cap, and some super glue! That's it!
I had my husband paint the wooden dowel with a couple coats of white outdoor paint first (normally I would have painted it, but the outdoor paint isn't recommended to be used by pregnant women). I wanted it painted to give a bit more of a finished look and to help make sure the dowel lasts longer outdoors.
Then with a little bit of Super Glue, I attached the rubber cap to the bottom of the ceramic mug.
By having the mug be removable from the dowel, you can easily pound the dowel sturdily into the ground with a small mallet or hammer then add the feeder once the dowel is in place. It also makes it easy to clean out the feeder regularly.
Since we've had bears frequent our neighborhood lately, I will just be filling the mug with water for now for birds and butterflies to drink from. Once the bears go into hibernation again I will be able to safely fill it with bird seed for our feathered friends.
Overall I'm happy with how this simple project came out - it adds the perfect touch to our flower bed!
I've been saying for awhile that signs are coming to the Etsy shop, and by golly they will be!
It's been slow going, especially since I can't use most of the paints and stains I would like to right now (being pregnant limits what I'm allowed to use), but slowly over the summer I'll start releasing some limited New England-inspired signs with more to come later this fall after I recuperate.
As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on my blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England. I decided it would be so fun to highlight some of our local New England Makers regularly on my blog and thought I would kick off the series by sharing a little bit more about myself and Birch Landing Home by answering some frequently asked questions.
Birch Landing Home is best known for hand-etched wooden ornaments, garland, and other handmade crafts. I also run this blog where I mainly focus on New England lifestyle, motherhood, and budget-friendly DIY projects.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.
My name is Sarah and I’m a wife, stay-at-home mom, and self-confessed Pinterest addict living in rural New England with our dog and chickens. I started Birch Landing Home a few years ago after our daughter was born because I was looking for a flexible, creative outlet to work from home while still being a stay-at-home mom. I’ve always loved making crafts and thought selling them on Etsy was a good start, I also thought it would be fun to document the little DIY projects I was doing around our home and so I started this blog also.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My #1 job is stay-at-home mom… so my priority is taking care of our daughter, our animals, and chores around our home. During nap time and after we put our daughter to bed for the day is when I get a chance to work on crafts for my Etsy shop and write articles for the blog. I’m thankful for the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom and the flexibility to be able to work on Birch Landing Home when I’m able to.
What’s your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?
My favorite part about running Birch Landing Home is the flexibility and adaptability… when I first started my Etsy shop I was making jewelry but then decided to go in a different direction and focus more on rustic-style crafts. It was great being able to change my focus like that and make Birch Landing Home what I wanted it to be. My least favorite part is probably self-doubt… Every time I send out an order I worry if the customer/store will like it, what they will think of it, etc - I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Also, because I use a lot of natural materials there is quite a bit of variation in my work too and I worry people won’t appreciate that rustic aspect of it.
What has been the most exciting moment for Birch Landing Home since starting?
By far my most exciting moment for Birch Landing Home has been being featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine as the Instagram Favorite for that month. I was so thrilled to be selected and featured - I have been reading Martha Stewart Living Magazine for years and have several of her craft and cookbooks. Such an honor!
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
My advice for those who want to start a handmade business or blog is… just start! It’s easy to overthink everything, over plan, and obsess over details and never get anything in motion. In my opinion it’s better to get things started and then tweak and finalize things as you go. It’s also important to keep finances separate and keep track of all income/expenses for tax time.
What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My long-term goal is to continue to grow my Etsy shop and blog. I would love to get more wholesale accounts for my crafts throughout New England, it’s so exciting to see my items in local shops. I also hope to continue to grow my blog following and hopefully get more opportunities to be featured in print. I’ve been lucky enough to be featured in a few print magazines so far (including Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Food Network Magazine, and New Hampshire Magazine), and I hope exciting features like that will continue in the future.
Why do you love sharing about New England Makers?
I love sharing about New England Makers because I think there is so much talent in our area that deserves to be shown off. There are so many wonderful, hardworking, creative people who work in lots of different materials and styles. I always love discovering new-to-me businesses and sharing about them.
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.
