A Picnic Lunch with New England's Finest

Brrrrrr!  Anyone who lives in the Northeast knows just how brutally cold it's been here lately - in the past two or three weeks I don't think it's gotten over 5 degrees outside!  So when the thermometer hit double digits (10 whole degrees!), we decided to take advantage of the heat wave and head outside for a little snowshoeing and a picnic. 
| This post contains affiliate links and an honest review of New England's Finest |

As you all know, I LOVE sharing about New England-based products on the blog and was so excited to find out about New England's Finest - a carefully curated subscription and gift box service that only features products crafted right here in New England. New England's Finest was kind enough to let me check out their "Picnic for Two" Box which made for a perfect lunch for me and my husband on our little hike. We're lucky enough to have some great trails here within walking distance of our house, so the second the thermometer hit 10 degrees we bundled up, grabbed our snowshoes, and headed out to enjoy the balmy weather (ha!).

After a short hike we found the perfect little clearing, spread out our picnic blanket, and unpacked our lunch.  Each New England's Finest Box has a different theme (BBQ, sweets, cocktails, etc) and ours was full of yummy locally-made foods perfect for a picnic!  In this particular box we had a selection of delicious jams/jellies, crackers, and salami - all we had to do was pack a cutting board and grab some cheese from our fridge.  

One thing I particularly love about NEF as a company is that for every 12-month gift subscription purchased they donate a gift box to a family receiving care at Boston Children's Hospital as a way to give back to the community.  So if you're looking for that perfect gift for someone (or yourself!) who loves New England or is a New Englander at heart, be sure to check out New England's Finest and get "a little flavor and charm from the Northeast."  

Follow New England's Finest on Facebook and Instagram to see their latest promotions and boxes.

Products included in the "Picnic for Two" Box: Tomato Basil Crackers from Jack's Crackers (NH), Perfect Peach Jam from Better Than Average (NH), Chorizo from Vermont Salumi (VT), Raspberry Smoked Maple Jam from Potlicker Kitchen (VT), and Cranberry Pistachio Crisps from Jan's Farmhouse (VT).

- I received this item for review from New England's Finest but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information - 

Goals for 2018

Every New Year, there's an inspiring urge to finally accomplish all that you've been meaning to do.  As someone who tends to get caught up in the everyday, I love this motivation to see the big picture and write down what I'd like to accomplish the coming year.  

First, lets look back at all the great things that 2017 brought! 

The biggest blessing of 2017 was definitely adding to our family with the birth of our second daughter at the end of the summer.  The pregnancy and new baby stage kept me pretty busy throughout the whole year, and so Birch Landing Home took a bit of a backseat for 2017.  Nevertheless, highlights for BLH this year have included being quoted in Parenting New Hampshire Magazine and adding another wholesale account to our roster.  I also got the opportunity to work with some of my favorite international brands including L.L. Bean, Nûby, and Safety 1st as well as many wonderful New England-based companies including Hills & Trails, Woodboogah, and Cobalt Sky Studio.  

Goals for 2018

I have a lot of professional and personal things I'd like to accomplish or improve for 2018 - here are some of them:  

Grow Birch Landing Home More

This past year, Birch Landing Home was put on the back burner while I focused on family.  Family always comes first, but this year I want to get back into the working groove and grow BLH more.  I have some great ideas for new products to add to the Etsy Shop and DIY projects to share on the blog.  I'd also love to do more work with both international brands and New England-based buisnesses. 
(I also have an incredibly exciting collaboration lined up for the spring that I can't wait to share with you all!)  

Get Back into Running

While I ran throughout my first pregnancy, this time around I just couldn't so I stopped running and haven't gotten back into it since.  I don't know if another Half is on the books for this year with the new baby, but I'd love to at least get back into a regular running routine and do a few fun 5Ks.  

Clean House

Going through the house and systematically purging everything in the beginning of the year is something I really look forward to.  It's so refreshing to go through everything and donate or sell whatever you haven't been using for the past year.  Now that we have two kids the amount of "stuff" has exploded and I'm looking forward to getting it under control.  

Make More Time for Family and Friends

We've been so busy with work and our own family we haven't had the chance to visit enough with family and close friends this past year.  We're way overdue to visit some great friends and you can never spend enough time with your family.  This is an important priority for us in the new year.  

Get Up Early

Getting up early before the rest of the house really helps me get a jump on my day.  This was something that had been part of my routine but has fallen by the wayside over the last few months.  There's just something so motivating about getting up before everyone else, enjoying a cup of coffee in the peace and quiet, planning out your day, and getting a jump start on your to-do list.  Days when I get up early are so much more productive and let me focus more on the kids and other important tasks the rest of the day.  

Get Outside More

I'm really looking forward to more hiking and camping trips with family and friends this year.  There have been a couple of hikes that have been on our "to-do list" forever and it's high time we finally do them!  There's nothing better than getting outside to recharge. 

Explore New England! 

One of our favorite things to do as a family is day trips and weekend trips around New England to explore all the great things this area has to offer.  Usually we do a couple trips every year and this year I'd love to do even more if we can - especially in Maine and Vermont.  I'd also like to share our knowledge and put together more New England Travel Guides for the blog.  

What are some of your goals for the New Year? 

Photo from Free Nature Stock

Giving Back - Who We Donated to This Year

A tradition I started last year was to donate a percentage of profits from Birch Landing Home at year-end to Charity.  I’m so happy to say that this year we were able to help support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in addition to our donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Thank you so much for all your support for my Etsy shop and blog this year, I hope to continue to grow them and be able to give back more each year in return. 

#giveback #stjude #susangkomen

50% Off Old Inventory!

Way back when I first opened my Etsy shop, I mostly made jewelry.  Since then I've transitioned the shop to home decor items but still have quite a bit of jewelry inventory hanging around.  
With Christmas right around the corner, I thought it would fun to list some of these items at a huge discount to make a little more room in the studio.  In our CLEARANCE section you can find these items listed for 50% off - perfect for last minute stocking stuffers!  

*All sales are final and purchases made by 12/15 should arrive in time for Christmas, however I am unable to guarantee delivery date.  Jewelry items may have some slight tarnishing.  

Giving Tuesday

Did you know I donate a percentage of profits from Birch Landing Home at year-end?  So everytime you place an order or visit my blog that donation gets the chance to grow!  

Last year I was able to donate to Amazima Ministries and Disabled American Veterans - I haven’t decided where this year’s donation is going yet so if you have a favorite charity please share!

 #givingtuesday #giveback

Giveaway with Cobalt Sky Studio on Instagram!

GIVEAWAY!

I love sharing New England-made makers here on the blog and Instagram, and what's more New England than lobster buoys?!  Cobalt Sky Studio was kind enough to partner with me for a little Giveaway for one of her iconic Lobster Buoy Pillows over on Instagram just in time for Thanksgiving!  

Entering is easy - just head over to my Instagram for details and to enter.  You don't want to miss out on a chance to win this little piece of Maine!  

Shop Cobalt Sky Studio

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:

A Family Outing with L.L. Bean (Diaper Tote Insert Review)

Whew, this post was a long time coming!  The end of our pregnancy really knocked me for a loop as did the reality check of having a newborn again (how you forget these things!).  So the past couple of weeks really has been a whirlwind.  Thankfully L.L. Bean had been kind enough to send me their new diaper tote insert to try along with their large boat tote bag and it's been so helpful to carry around our gear as a new family of four.  
| This post contains affiliate links as well as an honest review of products provided by L.L. Bean |

Since we got home from the hospital after the birth of our little one, we've kept our outings pretty minimal - grocery store, doctor appointments, school, that sort of thing.  But now that momma is feeling better and baby has been doing well it's high time we get back outside and enjoy this beautiful weather before the snow flies.  

So much room and so easily organized!

Packing a diaper bag is always a little tricky - and even more-so when you have both a newborn and a toddler! After all, you don't want to be caught without a necessity, but you don't want to overpack either. Thankfully using the Diaper Tote Insert has made packing so much easier. In the insert I am able to pack all the necessities like a changing mat (which is included!), diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for the newborn, small first aid kit, nursing cover, bottles, etc - all in handy pockets and zippered compartments.

After the Insert is packed it's easily interchangeable between a Medium or Large Boat Tote Bag, depending on what fits your needs best. We've found that putting the insert in the Medium Tote works perfectly for grocery trips, school drop-offs, errands etc. The insert fits snuggly inside with all your necessities.

For longer outings we've really loved putting the insert in the Large Tote (with long handles), which allows for extra room along each side of the insert as well as at the bottom of the bag.  This additional room gives plenty of space for extra changes of clothes, blankets, toys, etc and the long handles make it a breeze to carry, even if you're juggling two kids.  

By using the Boat Tote Bags as diaper bags, they really pull double duty!  Their classic looks never go out of style and by going with a simple last initial monogram for the large bag, it becomes something that will grow with us and can be repurposed by anyone in our family.  By picking something classic like this you won't be stuck with a diaper-specific bag that you'll never use again, and that's so important.  

This past weekend we finally got out of the house as a family of four and headed to do something fun - and what better way to take advantage of this beautiful day than spending time down by the lake and hitting up the playground before visiting family.  

Since we were going to be out for the full day, I made sure to pack the insert in the Large Boat Tote so I could pack extra supplies for everyone - and it's a good thing I did!  Right before we left our toddler got her pants all dirty playing in the wet sand at the edge of the water so it was great to have clean clothes packed for her for the rest of the day.  

We had a lot of fun exploring around this brick boathouse from the 1900's!

Diaper Bag Must-Haves

• changing pad

• diapers

• wipes

• baggies for dirty diapers and soiled clothes

• nursing cover

• change of clothes for baby

• small first aid kit

• hand sanitizer

• wrap carrier

• pacifier (and a backup one!)

• snacks and water for mom and older siblings

• bottles

• formula

• a small receiving blanket or swaddle blanket

• small toy or book

Overall, having the versatility of this diaper tote organizer has been so helpful!  And I especially love that I can easily switch it between bags on the way out the door to best fit our needs for the day.  

Click here to Shop: L.L. Bean Diaper Tote Insert | L.L. Bean Boat Tote Bag

L.L. Bean Style

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- I received the Large Boat Tote and Diaper Tote Insert from L.L. Bean but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information.  Thank you to L.L. Bean for providing these items to me for review. -   

All outdoor photos by Adrian Pelletier Photography.  

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