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 …
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.
Made in Maine: Moonflower Handmade Dolls
MP discovered these adorable, heirloom dolls on Instagram, and was so pleased to find they’re created at Sunflower Farm, a popular goat farm in our hometown of Cumberland, Maine. Lila Ray— who grew up on the farm and later returned with her husband, Ethan—needed a creative pastime while waiting for her baby girl, Max, to arrive. While Lila hadn’t sewn …
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 …
Maine Made Stocking Stuffers for All Ages
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 …
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 …
Meet the Maker: A Q+A with Mad Gab’s Founder Gabrielle Melchionda
Welcome our newest sponsor, Gabrielle (Gab) Melchionda of Mad Gab’s natural and organic bodycare, to the blog! In the early nineties, Gab started making lip balm in her mother’s kitchen just for fun. Family and friends encouraged her to sell her homemade balms at farmers’ markets and local stores, and in a few short years, her company received national attention. …
Moran’s Terrariums
MP has always had a thing for terrariums — glass containers that hold a miniature garden. Much like a fairy house, there is something magical about a terrarium. So you can imagine her delight when she came across this D.I.Y. Terrarium Kit from landscaper Kyle Moran. Each kit comes with marble chips, organic soil, dehydrated moss, wood pieces and a …
Father’s Day Gifts
It’s nearly the end of the school year and there’s not a parent alive who is not busy. There are school events, barbecues and birthday parties, summer schedules to figure out, and so much more. With all of this to juggle, it’s no wonder Father’s Day seems to sneak up on us. It’s a good thing we have so many …
Summer Pajamas from BAOBAB Organics
Now that the kids are in elementary school, the sight of baby clothes makes MP feel nostalgic. Parents have a short grace period when it comes to choosing what their kids wear, which lends itself to the wistful pangs a Mom feels when she walks by the baby and toddler section of a store and realizes how much her kids …