Nostalgia & New Beginnings

The Thanksgiving Holiday was one of the coziest yet, and perfectly timed after a robust Autumn. Twenty-one inches of fresh snow certainly aided in the cozy factor and made for great hiking, sledding and sporting. It’s hard to believe I am writing on the 3rd of December. Time truly does gallop by.

Over the holiday we moved into a new cabin up north, which we look forward to making our own over the next few years. (Queue the log cabin design boards, ikat lamp shades, bark covered wallpaper and Old Hickory furniture). Having parted with most of our furniture in our former cabin, it was particularly nice to celebrate Thanksgiving gathered around family pieces that are simple yet sentimental. A cedar-legged table that lived in my Grandparents’ New York camp played host to many meals, alongside newly upholstered antique Chippendale chairs from my parents’ former dining room. The brass candlesticks also came from my parents’ former dining room —I have vivid memories of my Mother spray painting their tin shades to black one year when our childhood dining room evolved into its Toile Theme.

I am thankful for so much this year and being surrounded with the people I love (and drive me crazy), along with these initial joyful pieces in our new home, brought so much joy.

Here’s to relishing in the simple pleasures this holiday season.

Charming Childrens Coats

After a fast and furious few weeks, we are spending the weekend at home with just about zero plans. As my husband says, I don’t know how to be bored. Thus, I am using the time to get caught up and begin to look to the holidays.

With the weather officially turning here in New England, it is also about the time when I order new winter clothes for my four year old, who grows with every blink of an eye! This darling Austrian Wool jacket was on the list — I love how warm, chic and versatile they are for children. Their metal buttons and contrasting trim are equal parts charming and traditional. I have said this for years — the best clothing for children comes from Spain!

Perfect Percale

Sometimes I’ll accidentally stumble upon things that really click with me. As such is the case with these Lands End floral bed linens. I personally love the quality of Lands End linens, (and frankly, swear by them over Matouk and the like), and seeing this chic print was an immediate “YES!” from moi.

I plan to use them in Vermont for our son’s log cabin bedroom. I adore the subtle Alpine nod, the white ground is just enough to make these sharp but playful.

View the sheets here — happy shopping!

maine musings

My husband and I were able to get away for a few days in Maine to celebrate our anniversary, and frankly, unplug from work for a few days. Though, “unplugging” might not include hiking to Barred Island whilst on a conference call….oh, entrepreneurship!

Though our trip had a few bumpy starts with car trouble and the like, I can confidently report that our time together in Deer Isle was carefree and fun — a departure from our busy routines at home. Of course, connecting together in such a raw, rugged landscape, as we try to do on our anniversary trips, felt really special with the transition to Autumn. We stayed at an adorable coastal cottage owned by Basha Burwell, one of the authors behind The Maine House books, which was equal parts charming and quirky. The magical tidal swings and pink skies alone were so wonderful to soak in.

For such a low populated region, this area of Maine is known for its incredible artists, makers and culinary endeavors. Apart from waking up to the hum of lobster boats and the glittering sea, we were spoiled with the best lobster rolls at LDI Lobster on their last weekend open of the season, along with pizza and salad from Tinder Hearth, NY Times cited as one of the “Best US Restaurants” in 2023. Neither disappointed and what we particularly loved about those experiences was how casual and beautiful the surrounding landscape was, there was zero pretense or formality to each meal, it was all about the ingredients and tie to the land and waters, truly a gift.

A notable highlight was visiting with Odette from OH Pottery, in Brooklin, Maine. I have had her barn imprinted in my mind ever since it was featured in House & Garden UK last year and have enjoyed seeing some of her pieces showcased in shoots, to include Gil Schafer’s Maine home. She was kind enough to invite us into her home and studio to learn more about her process and select pieces we brought home with us. Below, are a few snippets from our visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, I highly recommend all of the aforementioned places, and do reach out if you’re looking for added insight. Sadly, The Haystack Mountain School of Crafts was closed, a destination top of my list, but we will definitely return to experience this all important place — add it to your travel list if you find yourself in the area.