Hi, it’s Jen from Cute Potato. Throughout the 10 years I’ve written this blog, I’ve used the moniker MP, but for this last post, it seemed appropriate to get personal. When I started Cute Potato in June 2009, my son and daughter were 2- and 3-years old. I was still new to motherhood and trying to figure out how to …
Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean
This Friday kicks off what has become one of Maine’s most festive events — the Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean. A forest of twinkling lights at the Freeport campus provides the perfect backdrop for photos, and if that weren’t enough, Santa and his reindeer make a cheery red barn their home on the weekends. When it gets too frosty outdoors, …
Pom Pom Hats by Brookes Smith
We think it’s safe to say that pom pom hats are having a moment. Their popularity makes sense — the hats look so darn cheerful in a gray, wintery landscape. And while we’ve spotted these hats in national retail stores, the best we’ve found are made right here in Maine. Wayne resident Brookes Smith custom knits soft, cozy hats from …
Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake
We love Valentine’s Day because it’s an opportunity to celebrate during what can be one of Maine’s coldest, most wintery months. And there’s no denying the allure of a moist, rich chocolate cake. This classic recipe is our favorite for its dependability and ease. If you choose to make the frosting yourself, you won’t be disappointed. It’s rich and creamy …
The Sweetest Sugar Cookies from Maine
While shopping at holiday craft fairs over the weekend, MP met Ann Bayer, the owner of Mama Bayer cookies. The self-taught, Falmouth baker makes decorative sugar cookies from her home kitchen. Not only are Ann’s creations thoughtfully designed, they’re also delicious. Her sugar cookies are soft, buttery and made even better with a sweet layer of frosting.
The Maine Play Book: What’s Inside
MP always forgets how busy May and June can be. It feels as though our family has been living on recreational fields. We’re regularly driving back and forth to practices, to lacrosse and baseball games, and trying to stay on top of work and home life. Summer break and all of its pleasures— from lazy afternoons on the beach to …
Maine Gardens to Visit for Mother’s Day
For Mother’s Day this year, MP’s wish is for good weather and a breakfast visit to a local garden with coffee, croissants and a book in hand. If you’re also a mom in search of Sunday morning serenity, here are a few favorite Maine gardens to enjoy plus a few fun events for the weekend:
Green Bee Sparkling Water
If you know our family, you know we’re big seltzer drinkers. So you can imagine our delight when we discovered Green Bee, a Brunswick, Maine-based soda company, recently launched a new line of sparkling water. These unsweetened drinks are infused with fresh squeezed juice, so you get lots of great flavor without added sugar. Sparkling water fans can choose from wild …
Big Book News
If you follow this blog, you might have noticed our posts have been sporadic for a long time. And while we’re not fond of relying on excuses, here’s a really good one: Mom Potato has spent the past two years working on a book with you, the Cute Potato reader in mind. The book, which is titled “The Maine Play Book: …
Asticou Azalea Garden
March 20 marked the first day of spring, and with this new season, comes good thoughts of May days, trees in bloom and gardens brimming with sweet new soil. And while we may have to wait a little longer for this collective greening in Maine, it’s nice to know these days are only weeks away. In particular, MP finds herself …