We drove up to L.L.Bean early this morning because I wanted to see their silk long underwear in person before buying it. I last wore L.L.Bean’s silk underwear during the winters I spent up in Orono for college back in the 1980s. Wearing a silk top and leggings is a natural, comfy and effective layering strategy to stay warm outdoors in the winter. Long-time readers know my relationship status with Bean is complicated. I’m still willing to try every so often. Plus, I like to see the fish!
Many of my long-time readers know how much I love vintage linens and changing up our bedding to create different looks. I broke from tradition last fall and bought a new (as in not new old stock but NEW new) wool blanket online that was made in France. Other than being a drab color like most every wool blanket on the market it seemed nice enough until I realized that the French on the label said it had been mothproofed! I do NOT want to have a chemical-treated blanket against my skin! I sent it back.
Wayne and I took a ride up to Freeport last weekend to buy him a few things at Brooks Brothers. Afterward we stopped in the Maine Woolens outlet. I had never been in it before and assumed they were selling ubiquitous made in China blankets perhaps with added kitschy lighthouses or starfish on them. I was not anticipating the wonderful surprise inside!
Continue reading “Beautiful Maine Made Cotton & Wool Blankets” →
Are you getting excited for the Royal wedding!!! (That wasn’t a question.) OK, so I know not everyone is into it, but I am completely. I wanted to create a gluten-free cake inspired by American(!) chef Claire Ptak’s revelation about what the cake will be:
Continue reading “Gluten-Free Lemon & Elderflower Royal Wedding Cake” →
Wayne and I went up to L.L.Bean in Freeport to buy him a new belt, but of course also to watch the charming July 4th parade! Continue reading “Happy Fourth of July!” →
Yesterday afternoon I drove to Bridgham & Cook in Freeport to buy some preserves. On my way home there was a traffic jam on 295 southbound while still in Freeport, which was unusual. What was the holdup? An accident? No– people were rubbernecking to take a look at what I snapped above.
Now, seeing Maine wildlife on the side of the road is commonplace, but I have no idea what was going on there! As strange as sight as it was, things got even weirder later in the evening when I received a mysterious text with an attached photo from an unknown phone number. Continue reading “Mysterious Maine Bears, Or, A Cute Coincidence” →
Such sad news coming from London! My prayers are with you!
I’ve been an Anglophile since my teen years. It hit home for me literally when, in the summer of 1985, I was a counselor at a summer camp in upstate New York where many of the other counselors were from England. I shared a similar dry, off-beat sense of humor with them. I felt a sense of understanding I hadn’t prior. One night in a townie bar during our time off they declared me an “honorary Brit.” Sadly that won’t get me official citizenship, but there’s no reason why I can’t import English goodness into my daily life!
I‘d like to introduce some British goodies to you in case you aren’t yet familiar with them, all of which can be purchased online: Continue reading “An Anglophile’s Pantry Staples” →
