new at the shop: vintage milk bottle stationery

I've just added a new stationery set to the shop, designed with a pair of vintage milk bottles in the corner.  They're super-green: everything, including the kraft envelopes, is recycled. 

{image by me}

new logo and branding

As some of you may have noticed already, the blog underwent a minor makeover last night.  It's something I've been working on for quite some time and is an extension of the rebranding I've been doing on my stationery line.  I wanted something that was more versatile and clean and I'm very pleased with how it's turned out.  Here's a peek at how the shop looks now.

Be sure to pop over to see everything in its entirety.  Now that the logo and general branding are all in order I'm setting out to finish a few projects I've had in my mind for awhile now.  The shop will be filling up with more goodies in no time!  I'm excited...this is the very best part.

have a lovely weekend (and a first birthday)

This week has been such a busy one!  I've been confused about what day it is all week long.  Isn't it funny how some weeks are just like that?  But lots of good things happened.  The bathroom sink, toilet and laundry sink are all in and working and the tub has been painted and put in to place.  My garden is miraculously still alive, even with my novice experience. 

And this weekend is a very special one.  Sunday would have been Lily's first birthday.  So bittersweet, but I'm determined to focus on the memories of her life because this is the day she lived.  Memories like holding her for the very first time.

We're still deciding how to memorialize Lily's birthday.  We'd like to mark it as a tiny movement for good.  I think that's what we'll do.  She brought so much good.  It seems right to do good again on her birthday.  Will you help us by doing something kind for someone around you this
weekend?

{image by my sister}

in the shop: father's day cards

I've added two new designs to the Lily Jane Stationery line, just in time for Father's Day.  The first was inspired by my son's cowboy boots (he's wearing them in this photo).

The second showcases my love for this gorgeous font.  Do you love it, too?

More designs are in the works.  And, as always, 10% of all proceeds from the shop will be donated to March of Dimes.  

{images by me}

daytrip society

When my husband and I decided to spend the morning wandering through the shops on Dock Square in Kennebunkport, Maine we figured we'd be seeing a lot of lobsters and lighthouses (which certainly have their place in a small coastal town).  We were pleasantly surprised to turn in the door at the Daytrip Society and see a heavenly array of products that were anything but typical tourist.  Owners Jessica Jenkins and Andy West have stocked the store with items inspired by nature - both getting out into it and bringing it into the home.

There were books, note cards, bird call noisemakers, pillows, toys for children, art supplies and so much more.  We spent the better part of an hour in the store looking at (and playing
with) everything.  I wanted to buy it ALL, but instead I sated myself with a twig pencil, a toy car for my son and a butterfly print to hang on my living room wall.  I know that next time I'm in Maine, the Daytrip Society will be right at the top of my list of places to visit - and I'll bring a little coin purse just for the occasion.

Luckily for me and you, though, they have a beautiful website to shop from home.   You could find a gift for just about anyone here.  One that's unique and fun, to boot!

{images by me}

the maine coast

I've been wanting to go to Maine since before my husband and I married.  We were engaged during college and when school, work and the rest of life would get out of control I'd always say to him, "Let's just go to Maine."  I had no particular reason to pick Maine.  It just sounded so serene, plus it was far away and there was no way we'd run into anyone we knew there.  The perfect getaway. 

So this year for my birthday my unbelievably thoughtful husband planned a trip to Maine!  The anticipation was thrilling and when we arrived I was not disappointed.  It was every bit as picturesque, lovely and peaceful as I had ever imagined it would be.  Kennebunkport, Maine (host of the annual Fine Living Festival) was like something out of the pages of a magazine.

The town is free of commercialism; you won't find a McDonald's or a billboard as far as the eye can see.  The restaurants are all locally owned and all amazing.  We spent so much time eating and I don't regret a second of it.  The beaches are warm and inviting.  And the historic homes that line the streets (both residential and commercial) are in pristine condition.  ALL of them.  It's like a dream.  The beach-front homes were my favorite to daydream about living in, with beautiful porches and abundant windows.

We were lucky enough to stay at the Maine Stay Inn, a 19th century mansion turned Bed & Breakfast.  If the cozy ambiance and friendly hosts weren't enough to make us want to stay forever, the gourmet breakfasts every morning definitely cinched the deal.  I'm amazed I was ever able to tear myself away. 

I'm now scheming ways I can ensure that someday I live in a town exactly like this one.  Would anybody in the southern Maine/northern Massachusetts area like to hire my husband?  He's really quite terrific.

SHOPS:

The Candy Man: Every candy imaginable is held within these walls.  From candy dots to gummy army men, huge chocolate covered strawberries to homemade turtles, it's a nostalgic and sweet trip for the senses.

The Daytrip Society: I was ecstatic when I walked in to this shop.  So much so that I'm saving it for another post tomorrow.  Wait until you see all the goodies held inside.

Eli Phant: Located a bit further north in Portland, ME, Eli Phant is full of creative and eclectic wares for your home, desk and self.  My favorites included this pillow and these note cards.

DINING:

Bandaloop: A small restaurant you may not notice if you aren't directed to it, but home amazing organic and vegan dishes, among others, that will make your mouth water.  Our favorite meal the whole trip, hands down.

Pier 77: Built out over the water, Pier 77 is the perfect place to eat dinner while the sun sets.  The wood floors and stone fireplace really lend it a romantic mood.

Two Fat Cats: Also located in Portland, this little bakery is home to a slew of awards and the best whoopie pies I've ever had.  I've been craving more since I finished my last bite.

{images by me}

beautiful boston

Hello, friends!  How was your extra-long weekend?  I just love having those few extra days off at the start of summer.  It seems the perfect way to mark the transition to the laid-back, sun-worshipping days that lie ahead.  I spent all of my spare time outside in the warm sunshine.  The weather in Boston and Maine this weekend was gorgeous. 

I'm happy to be back in the comfort of my own home again but, oh, this weekend was perfect!  I have fallen in love with the east coast and it's really no wonder.  Gorgeous, detailed architecture graces nearly every building; trees and water are beyond abundant (for this desert-dwelling girl, the landscape was incredible); and history practically oozes out of every nook and cranny.  It was like my own personal paradise.  In Boston we spent nearly the whole time just roaming around the city, trying to take it all in.  We used the Freedom Trail as our guide, stopping at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market for lunch and some street entertainment. 

 

I'm sure I could have spent weeks (or months) wandering the streets before I tired of it.  It was beautiful.  But we had a trip up to the coast of Maine planned, too, which turned out to be even more breathtaking.  I'll have more photos to share later today, so be sure to check back!

{images by Lily Jane Stationery}