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! |
As a mom of two little ones, I’m always on the hunt for a stylish way to haul our gear when we’re out and about - which is where Town and Country Tote comes in! They are the perfect solution for your diaper or work bag. | This post contains an honest review of product provided by Town and Country Tote |
Town and Country Tote is a small business that offers quality, Made in USA classic tote bags with a twist - these tote bags come in a variety of colors and patterns as well as a really handy durable canvas insert that organizes all your gear perfectly! I just love the variety of compartments in the organizer, and how it’s set up like it’s own little filing system with everything at your fingertips!
These classic tote bags are super versatile and would make the perfect diaper, work, or gym bag for both women and men. They also offer great personalization options which can machine embroider, hand embroider, or hand paint your monogram and/or coordinating stripes on the tote bag. These special details really set the bag apart from others and make it unique and beautiful as well as practical!
Want to win a Custom Tote Bag for yourself?
Go over to my Instagram (@birchlandinghome), like our Town and Country Tote post, follow both accounts, and tag a friend! Winner will get to choose a Classic Tote Bag with the personalization option of their choice - up to a $160 value!
- This post contains an honest review of product provided by Town and Country Tote, LLC but all opinions expressed are my own. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
This week I’m hosting a Giveaway for one of our Custom Zip Code Signs! Entering is easy on Instagram, so please look for this photo on my account for details and to enter - good luck!
It's been cold and snowy here in New England these last two weeks (like 3 Nor'easters in two weeks snowy!), so what better way to warm up than with a bowl of hearty and healthy chili! This recipe was done in our crockpot but could be made in less time in an Instapot. Don't have an Instapot? You're in luck - I've teamed up with several other bloggers to give one away! {Scroll down to enter the givewaway}
This chili is super easy to make and can be adjusted to your taste with whatever veggies you'd like to add. I often make chili as an excuse to use up all the extra veggies we have in the fridge - once all the flavors meld together you can hide just about any vegetable in there (perfect for picky toddlers or husbands). While not in this current batch, I've often added things like mushrooms, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, squash, etc. As far as using canned beans and tomato sauce I always buy store-brand organic varieties when I can - they tend to have less additives and salt than non-organic and are cheaper than the name brand ones!
Ingredients
1 lb of lean ground turkey (can also use lean ground beef if you prefer)
2 cans of low sodium tomato sauce
1 can of red kidney beans
1 can of garbanzo beans
1 can of lentils (adds a lot of protein and you won't even notice them mixed in with the ground meat!)
2/3 cup of frozen corn (using frozen veggies is a great shortcut)
1/2 cup of frozen chopped peppers
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon chopped jarred garlic
1 teaspoon turmeric (turmeric has great anti-inflammatory properties)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
shredded cheese and/or crackers to garnish
Directions
Brown ground meat in a skillet, pouring off excess fat.
Add meat and all remaining ingredients (except for garnishes) to crockpot.
Cook on low in crockpot for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until veggies are soft and flavors have melded.
Garnish with shredded cheese and crackers, if desired.
Looking for a way to make this yummy recipe faster? Use an Instapot! I've teamed up with several other bloggers to give one away to a lucky follower. Enter below for a chance to win - good luck!
As a mom, I'm always looking for ways to make the everyday must-dos a little easier and more fun. So I was so excited when Nûby offered to let us try out some of their bath time staples - and give away a set to a lucky follower too! | This post contains affiliate links as well as an honest review of Nûby products |
With both a toddler and a baby, I feel like we're constantly doing baths or trimming nails and any way we can make these chores easier is a huge help. Our toddler really loves Nûby's Foam Bath Letters and Numbers set - she's really into spelling and loves putting random letters together and asking "what does that spell?", even when it doesn't make a real word. She's really starting to get the hang of it though, and can spell several short words all on her own!
The Tear-Free Rinse Pail has also been a huge help at bath time, for both our toddler and our baby. No one likes getting soap or water in their eyes - especially little ones. So it's great that we can easily rinse the shampoo away without any tears. The rinse pail is BPA-free and features a soft rubber edge so you can comfortably fit it against your little one's forehead. It also holds a generous amount of water for quick rinsing!
Finally nail cutting... ugh. Probably one of the most nerve wracking tasks a parent has to do for their baby! Thankfully Nûby's 6-Piece Nail Care Set has everything you need including scissors, nail clippers, and four emery boards sized for taking care of baby and toddler nails. Their perfect size helps make taking care of your wiggly baby's nails a little less intimidating.
*Giveaway!*
Make sure to enter our Giveaway over on Instagram for the chance to win this great Bath Bundle from Nûby! The winner will receive Nûby’s Tear-Free Rinse Pail, Nail Care Set, and Foam Bath Letters and Numbers Set. Just look for this photo in my Instagram feed and follow the directions to enter! Good luck!
- I received this item for review from Nûby but all opinions expressed are my own. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
Nûby's Foam Bath Letters & Numbers, Nail Care Set, and Tear-Free Rinse Pail can be found at many retailers including Amazon, Buy Baby Direct, and Babies 'R Us.
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!
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.
When I was growing up my Grandpa always threw his extra pennies in a big jar on the kitchen counter for me. And every time we visited I always checked to see how high the pennies had creeped up. Waiting for the jar to fill seemed to take forever (and for us it did take years for the jar to fill each time), but it taught patience and was something special to look forward to. This simple tradition is one I'd love to bring back for our own kids. **Make sure to scroll to the end to enter the $200 Target Gift Card Giveaway!**
Once the jar was finally filled to the brim it was mine to take home! Guessing how much money was inside was always the most exciting part. Since there were only pennies it came to around $14-15 each time but that seemed like huge money as a 7-year old. Growing up my Dad always instilled on us that gifted money (received for birthdays, Christmas, and even the penny jar) needed to go to our college savings account so that's where it went. I didn't mind though, as a kid it was exciting just bringing it to the bank and hearing the coins run through the counting machine. Though I didn't realize it at the time, looking back that was such a sweet and important lesson -- that Grandpa thought of me every time he put a penny in the jar and that even small savings can add up over time.
Now that we have little one (and another on the way), I want to continue this tradition still. So with just some simple Ball Jars, I punched slits in the top for change and labeled each grandkid's name on tags - these jars are going to my parents' so they can continue my Grandpa's simple legacy for all their grandkids.
I have such fond memories of this tradition and want my daughter and future baby to have a simple custom like this to look forward to when visiting their Grandparents.
Giveaway
I've teamed up with a couple other great bloggers to give you a chance to win a $200 Target Gift Card! Just think how many Ball Jars - or anything else you'd like - that you could buy ;)
Giveaway is for $200.00 USD. Open to US residents 18+ only. One (1) winner will be chosen. Prize must be claimed within 48 hours of announcement or a new winner will be drawn. Prize delivered via email. All entries will be verified. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Target, Rafflecopter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified. Blogger not responsible for delivery of prize. a Rafflecopter giveaway
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