For our family, one of the highlights of the season is shopping local fairs and festivals. We get to chat with vendors, learn about the beautiful things they make and find wonderful presents to give to loved ones. Following are some of the sweetest small gifts we discovered while shopping this month. Best of all, they’re just the right size …
A Visit to Gardens Aglow
MP has been a fan of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) in Boothbay for as long as she can remember. With over 295 acres of woodland and shorefront property, the lush grounds are made for people who adore plants, flowers and the Maine outdoors. CMBG is also home to a spectacular Children’s Garden, complete with fairytale cottages, a treehouse …
Nina Cutter Photography
MP is the resident family photographer. It’s a job she thoroughly enjoys, but every once in awhile, she wouldn’t mind being included in a picture or two. For this reason, she reached out to talented family photographer, Nina Cutter. MP discovered Nina’s photos on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her creative use of color and light. Her style is playful …
Bath July 4th Parade
Every once and awhile, MP goes through old photos and is reminded of a great event. Such is the case with the colorful, wonderfully quirky July 4th parade in Bath. We visited during the summer of 2013, and even though it was a hot, sweaty morning, our whole family just loved everything about this festive, community-powered parade.
Easter Gifts from Maineland Design Co.
With Easter only two weeks away, MP has gift-giving on her mind. Enter our newest sponsor, Maineland Design Co., an online shop created by South Portland artist Andy Rosen, his childhood friend Luke Myers and curator Kim Myers. Their playful gift collection is a perfect balance of classic and modern design that suits all ages. Following are a few favorites:
February Vacation Fun at Wells Reserve
Wells Reserve at Laudholm is home to a beautiful historic farmhouse and 7-miles of trails where families can explore forest, a salt marsh and estuary, and Laudholm Beach. The wide open spaces in between are perfect for sledding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. If that weren’t enough to entice you, the staff at the Reserve has a few great days of …
Maine Forest Playgroup
MP recently met with Courtney Cronin, a Portland-based mother of two who is the founder of Maine Forest Playgroup, a parent-powered program that encourages families to enjoy the outdoors together. Designed for children ages one to five, the group meets on Friday mornings at nature preserves, parks, and beaches in and around Portland. Courtney started the group in December 2015. …
Good Natured Brand
MP has a philosophy about house cleaning —it’s best in small spurts and even better when the products she’s using are environmentally-friendly and smell good. Enter our newest blog sponsor, Good Natured Brand, a home and body care company that began with Maine-based mother of three, Kate Perrin. MP first discovered Kate’s products in 2013 when she came across them at …
Last Minute Mother’s Day Finds
How is it that Sunday Mother’s Day already? If you’re anything like MP, you’re shopping for a thoughtful gift just a few days before. Here are a few local favorites: Signature Westport Leather Clutch This clutch has a few good things going for it. First, MP loves this bag for its simple, classic style. The interior is deep, making it …
A Boston Getaway + A Favorite Mid-Season Jacket
MP and DP recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. To mark this festive occasion, DP planned an overnight trip to Boston for all of us. The plan? The kids would spend the day and evening with their Uncle Joe, while DP and MP would enjoy dinner, a surprise concert and a night to ourselves! Uncle Joe planned to take the …