Cheers to 2016!

Every time the New Year comes around it really gets me motivated.  I want to overhaul everything in the house, with Birch Landing Home, and my fitness goals and this year is no different.  

I've decided to take most of January to focus on our home:  it's time to do our yearly closet purge, deep clean all the carpets, and reorganize the dumping ground that our basement has become.  While I haven't read the book myself yet, I have read a lot of articles on The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and I'd like to try to use these techniques to purge more unused items from our home.  Though I can't make too many promises on this front.. I can be pretty sentimental about little things so we'll see how far I get.

I have big goals for Birch Landing Home too and I want to grow my Etsy shop and blog in many ways.  I'm planning on expanding to more New England-inspired decor in the shop including signs, handmade boxes, and painted sap buckets (don't worry, we'll still have our signature hand-etched ornaments available).  I'd also like to get our products carried at more local retailers too.  
The blog will still be a mix of DIY projects, product reviews, and lessons learned as first-time parents but there will a be a stronger underlying New England vibe to it.  I'd like to blog more about our favorite places to visit in NE as a family as well as showcase more great local products and makers (by the way, if you're a New England-based maker and want to collaborate this year please send me a message).  

And then there's fitness goals.. every year I say I want to get back into running and while I did run a lot more this year than I have in a while, I still didn't get to where I want to be.  So this year I want to make the push to finally run a half-marathon!  For those of you who aren't familiar with my running backstory, I was training for a half-marathon about six years ago when I suffered a couple stress fractures, mostly due to a structural issue with my foot (which I now wear orthotics for).  
We're hoping to expand our family again within the next year or two and so I feel this year will be my last chance to try for a half marathon again before I'm too pregnant or busy with a newborn to seriously run for awhile.  

Whew, so those are my top goals for 2016!  Wishing everyone lots of health, happiness, and success in the New Year - cheers!  

Mariner Lines Nautical Dog Leash Giveaway!

We're hosting a great giveaway with Mariner Lines over on Instagram!  Now is your chance to win one of their beautiful Maine-made recycled rigging line leashes for your pup.  Please see the original giveaway post on my account (@birchlandinghome) for details and to enter.

Good luck! 

Giveaway ends 12/18/15 at 8PM EST. 

Daytrip Society's Holiday Gift Guide

So honored to have been included in Daytrip Society's Holiday Gift Guide!

They have great ideas for everyone on your list.  Check out their unique selections in person at their shop in Kennebunkport Maine or online. 

Photo Credit: Daytrip Society

Soon to be at Wyler's!

Dropped off an order of ornaments at the wonderful Wyler's in Brunswick, Maine yesterday!  This boutique has lots of unique gifts for all ages (the kids section was so fun!) - and there's even an adjoined specialty food and coffee shop.. why ever leave?  

Local Product Love: Joyful Brand Apparel

Joyful Brand Apparel is a New Hampshire-based clothing company that advocates clean living, giving thanks, and spreading joy - things we can all get behind!

Joyful Brand particularly shows their state pride in their comfy "Joyful State of Mind" t-shirt which pairs perfectly with your favorite pair of jeans. 

If you believe in spreading good vibes or just have a love for NH and small businesses, check out Joyful Brand Apparel.  

Follow Joyful Brand Apparel  
|  Shop  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |

- I received this t-shirt as part of a promotion, but all opinions expressed are my own.  I was not asked by Joyful Brand Apparel to provide a review. -

Calling all Massachusetts-Based Makers!

I'm looking for up-and-coming Massachusetts based makers and crafters.  Please feel free to tag your favorites in the comments or shoot me an email with links!  Thank you. 

Soon to be at Daytrip Society!

Dropped off an order of our Hand-Etched Ornaments at the amazing Daytrip Society in Kennebunkport, Maine today.  So very honored that our ornaments will be there this year. 

If you haven't been to Daytrip Society yet, go!  Such a beautiful shop filled with unique gifts, many of which are Maine-made and New England-made.  I wanted to take the whole place home with me!

I wish this picture wasn't so glare-y so you could see their beautiful window display!  

Local Product Love: Mack & Ro

A big thank you to Mack & Ro for sending this adorable little watercolor painting! Jenny is a fellow New England blogger and her beautiful watercolors are inspired by her New England roots. 

Our spare room has a beachy theme and this little starfish painting is a perfect fit! 

Mack & Ro Blog  |  Mack & Ro Etsy Shop