Category: Lifestyle

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: RUDDER USA

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I’m so excited to be kicking off my Brand Spotlight series this year with a Midwest based, female owned business. Rudder USA is a timeless, preppy brand with strong American values.

The owner, Nicole, has such a strong entrepreneurial spirit that she created Rudder USA in between her Freshman and Sophomore year of college! She is passionate about supporting the American economy and the American dream. One of the things I have loved most when getting to know Nicole and her brand is her passion for connecting with and getting to know the people she works with. She really invests in helping those she works with achieve their American dream, and to me that is beautiful.

At just 23 years old, Nicole officially launched Rudder USA in August 2020. Nicole created Rudder USA to be a common ground for people that love life around the water, boating, and the lifestyle that comes from those things. This brand is for the water lovers – from rivers to lakes to oceans – this brand values life on the water and the feeling associated with that lifestyle. The products reflect the classic, American style that you guys know I love.

From sweatshirts to t-shirts to baseball hats to seersucker and koozies, there is literally something for everyone. I love the simplicity and timelessness of the styles. The pieces are designed and made to be worn for years and years, all while making precious memories along the way.

I’ve been fortunate enough to style the brand new hoodie in ivory that launches today!! This hoodie is amazing. It’s beautifully made and so, so comfortable. I love the simple, classic logo on the front. I also love the relaxed fit because it pairs perfectly with jeans, leggings, and will be so cute styled over denim shorts this summer.

I also want to gush about the American Flag baseball hat. Is there anything more perfect for boating and beaching on the lake in the summer? It comes with a beautiful leather strap and brass clasp that makes it adjustable.

If you are a passionate boater, water lover, and love supporting small businesses, then you have to check out Rudder USA. You can shop all of their products here and you can say hi and give them some love by following them on Instagram (@rudderUSA). I promise you will fall in love with this female owned brand just as I have.

Receive FREE shipping on orders over $100 with the code SHIPSHANNON!

Slainte,

Shannon

FAVORITE THINGS GIFT GUIDE: FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESSES

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I’m excited to be sharing my third and final gift guide this season.  This gift guide is a round up of all my favorite small businesses, many of which I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  From art to jewelry to knitwear to toddler activities to reclaimed lobster welcome mats, each of these small businesses offers a unique product that is created with so much passion and love.  If you are still looking for a special gift for someone, consider supporting a small business and shop one of these brands below! 

Allison Cole Jewelry: A jewelry collection that is classic, nautical, and all handmade in New England.  The owner, Nicole, proudly designs and makes every single piece of jewelry herself.  I wear the monogram Essex bracelet every single day.  Shop her collection here. 

Becky Elgart Art: Becky creates the most beautiful abstract and figurative coastal scenes.  Her pieces of art invoke a feeling of peace and nostalgia for a simpler time. I have the pleasure of owning two of her pieces, one in Lilly’s playroom and one next to our piano.  Both bring me so much joy. Shop her art here. 

Cozy Little Prints: The sweetest collection of watercolors ranging from botanicals, architecture, animals, pets, landscapes, and fashion pieces.  Sarah’s art bloomed as a hobby during quarantine and has since expanded to an entire collection on her Etsy shop.  Shop her art here. 

Jen Strandberg Studio: Based out of NYC and Nantucket, Jen Strandberg Studios specializes in colorful coastal watercolors.  Full of coastal scenes, summers on the water, and hydrangeas in full bloom, Jen’s artwork makes my nautical loving heart so very happy.  She has since expanded to creating the most beautiful calendars, wrapping paper, and more. Shop her art here.

Line and Cleat: Line and Cleat offers classic accessories for everyday living.  Think preppy inspired tumblers, serving trays, drinkware, wine totes and more.  Shop the collection here. 

Little Lavender Lobster: Little Lavender Lobster offers handmade jewelry, watercolors, custom stationary, and so much more – all created and designed by Rachel herself.  Everything is inspired by coastal living in New England.  The pearl stud earrings are my absolute favorite! Shop her collection here. 

Lottie and Lizzie Play: These alphabet letters are a favorite in our house! Lilly is fascinated with learning her letters and Lottie and Lizzie creates the most fun alphabet sets.  Many of the letters are themed, but you can custom order a set! Shop the alphabet letters here. 

Mermaids and Madeleines: Mermaids and Madeleines offers the loveliest handmade coastal jewelry and art.  Heather, the owner, designs and makes all the jewelry herself.  I am fortunate to own the most beautiful necklace and alphabet letter print from her collection.  Shop her jewelry and art here. 

Sewcialite: If you love baskets, bowls, handbags, and jewelry, you will love Sewcialite.  All of the items are handmade out of rope (except the jewelry) by Roula herself.  The rope creations are truly incredible.  Roula recently launched a coastal inspired jewelry line and the pieces are exquisite.  Shop the collection here. 

S.Lynch Knitwear:  If you’ve been following me for awhile, then S.Lynch Knitwear will be no secret to you.  I’m obsessed with Sam’s knit creations.  Her knitwear are the only accessories I wear in the winter.  Plus she offers Mommy and me matching sets, which is a win in my book! Shop handknit scarves, hats, gloves, and more here. 

Shop Maddie and Connor: Shop Maddie and Connor offers the most beautiful classic and timeless children’s clothing. Think lovely smocks embroidery, seersucker, and monograms. Your little one will look so adorable in anything from Shop Maddie and Connor. Shop the collection here.

Somer Stay: A female owned and run company, Somer Stays offers ethically made and responsibly sourced products that you can sleep, live and play in.  From house dresses to jewelry, accessories, and my favorite Turkish Towels, Somer Stay has a beautiful collection of gifts that you can feel good about purchasing.  Shop the collection here. 

Surcee Shoppe: The Surcee Shoppe is the cutest online gift giving boutique full of preppy accessories, stationary, home decor, and pet accessories. The Surcee Shoppe makes gift giving simple by including an enclosure card, gift wrap and shipping with each surcee. Shop the items here. 

Sternlines: Reclaimed lobster welcome mats, canvas totes, and New England inspired clothing for adults and children, Sternlines has the coolest selection of products.  Every doormat they create tells a different story as to where the rope originated from.  The brand’s story is so cool and you should definitely check them out if you love coastal living.  Shop the collection here. 

And that’s a wrap! I hope you found a small business you are interested in supporting this year.  Happy shopping!

Slainte,

Shannon

MOTHERHOOD: SIMPLE AND JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

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The holidays.  A magical time full of so much joy and merriment.  It’s usually a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate the many blessings in their lives.  It’s full of delicious homemade food, twinkling lights, laughter, Hallmark movies, carols, and more.  Many people look forward to this time of year because of its simple magic.   

But it’s also busy, chaotic, and overwhelming.  For some, the holidays are a harsh reminder of loved ones they’ve lost.  This year is going to look very different for most people.  My family in particular will probably not be celebrating in person (my immediate family alone is 16 people!).  As someone who has always celebrated the holidays with several parties and tons of people around, this year has the potential to feel very isolating.  

But despite the challenges we are facing this year, there is always room for joy. I’m excited to be teaming up with my friend Whitney Caves to offer some tips to keep things simple this holiday season. We each identified three ways that we will be keeping things simple and organized. And, if you pop over to our Instagram’s, you will find a really great Emily Ley inspired giveaway!

TIPS FOR A STRESS FREE HOLIDAY SEASON

Get Organized 

Organization is my favorite way to combat stress. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, like my head is spinning out of control, I sit down, get out the old pen and paper and make lists. This time of year I have lists galore – Christmas present lists, food prep lists, holiday activity lists, etc. etc. Writing everything down and crossing off items as they get done takes so much pressure off. I highly recommend doing this if you don’t already.

Celebrate the Joy

Now more than ever it’s important we celebrate all the things that bring us joy. Whether it’s a distraction free meal with your family, a drive around town to look at Christmas lights, decorating the tree while listening to your favorite Christmas songs, celebrating each and every one of these moments is a great way to embrace the season.

Embrace the Simple

Keep it simple this year.  Lower your expectations.  Be flexible.  Learn to say no when you aren’t comfortable with a situation.  This year in particular is very strange and very stressful.  Know that it’s perfectly okay to say no to all social engagements.  It’s okay to stay home more and watch all the Christmas movies.  It’s okay to put that to-do list aside and spend the day baking cookies.  Just simplify in any way that feels right to you. 

Hopefully these ideas help you enjoy this holiday season!  Stay safe and healthy.  And don’t forget to check out Whitney’s post and our Instagram’s to win some organizational goodies! 

Slainte,

Shannon

THE INN AT HONEY RUN

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Nestled in the heart of Amish Country, the Inn at Honey Run is the perfect, socially distance getaway.  Prior to our trip this past weekend, it had been 14 months since Rob and I took time away together.  The Inn at Honey Run was the perfect place for us to regroup and disconnect. 

Located just two and a half hours from where we live, Amish Country boasts the most beautiful rolling green hills, white picket fences, classic farmhouses, and this past weekend, the best in fall foliage. It had been years since I had been to Amish Country and I was enchanted by the beauty of the Ohio landscape. And it was made even more charming by the clip clop of Amish horse drawn carriages. It truly is an escape into a simpler time, which is exactly what we needed.

Upon arriving at The Inn, we were welcomed with a socially distant check-in (masks were mandatory everywhere except personal rooms) and complimentary wine and snacks.  The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired boutique hotel is home to Tarragon, a fine dining restaurant that creates the most exquisite cuisine.  Every meal we had over the weekend was better than the last.  

After we enjoyed our complimentary treats, we checked out our room, which was one of two suites with boasting views of the fall foliage. Equipped with a mini kitchen and bar, living space, fireplace, master bedroom and bath, and double outdoor deck, the suite was the perfect home away from home. And although I did bring my own cleaning supplies, the Inn and our room were very, very clean.

We quickly dropped our luggage (of which we packed way too much) and headed out to the trails. The resort has seven different trails you can hike, along with an open air art museum. Our favorite trail was the hilltop trail, which had the most incredible views of Amish Country. The trail also is home to the famous beehives, of which the resort harvests 300 pounds of honey and sells and uses in their dishes at the Tarragon Hotel.

We headed back to our room about 7pm, upon which we enjoyed a drink on our deck and ordered room service. We were so tired from traveling and quite frankly the past year, we decided to watch the Addams Family and call it an early night.

I forgot to mention that this trip was originally scheduled for March, the weekend Ohio executed the Stay at Home Order. The resort graciously rescheduled us for August and then again this weekend. I’ve always believed things happen for a reason, and I truly believe that we were meant to be here this weekend.

Our wakeup call on Saturday consisted of the “Romance at Daybreak” breakfast, which was utterly delightful.  A full breakfast consisting of cheddar & bacon omelettes, pork sausage links & hash browns, malted Belgian waffles with fresh berries and Ohio maple syrup, a carafe of bold blend coffee, and Bloody Mary’s was delivered promptly at 8:30.  It was truly so good and the best way to wake up.

Even though breakfast was delicious, we were quite full and ready to walk it off. We ended up hiking the trails for two hours – enjoying a river walk, feeding the resort’s flock of sheep, exploring the pond trail, and venturing into the open air art museum. The weather was absolutely perfect at 60 and sunny and we fully enjoyed being out in nature, no service attached.

Ordering room service for lunch after our long hike was the perfect start to a relaxing afternoon. We spent the afternoon reading on our deck and enjoying each other’s company. After we felt rested from our morning hike, we headed back out for an afternoon hike. I’m still in awe of the fall foliage and the beautiful views surrounding the resort. They were truly spectacular and the photos do not do them justice.

We had reservations at the Tarragon for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our three course meal of clams, a seasonal salad, a shank of lamb for Rob and roasted chicken for me.  Plus some delicious cabernet.  It was the perfect way to end our very active yet very relaxing day. 

We planned on hanging around Sunday morning and taking our time getting on the road, but in all honesty by Saturday night we were missing our baby girl something fierce and decided to just get up and leave early on Sunday morning. 

If you are looking for a safe, socially distant getaway with opportunities to disconnect and enjoy nature, then the Inn at Honey Run is the perfect place for you. We had the most lovely experience and highly recommend this charming resort.

Enjoy some more pictures below of this beautiful resort!

Slainte,

Shannon

FALL PICNIC ESSENTIALS WITH WINC WINE

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2020 has challenged us all and taught us many lessons.  I think one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is how to embrace the present.  That includes embracing the season in which we are in.  This is definitely easier said than done.  It’s so easy to be planning and strategizing for the next big thing, but with 2020 stopping us in our tracks, literally, I’ve found joy in the simpler things. 

One of the unexpected pleasures of 2020 has been the amount of time we spend outside. I can’t recall any other time in my life where, no matter the weather forecast, we spend much of the day playing in our own backyard. I find myself craving the fresh air every day now.

Because we are outside so much, I’m always looking for new activities for our family and one of the fall activities on my list for this year has been to set up a picnic in our backyard. It’s the perfect way for Rob and I to relax with a glass of wine and some snacks while we watch Lilly delight in chasing Gryff around the yard.

If you are planning a picnic of your own this fall, here are a few things you will need:

  • A plaid blanket for sitting.
  • A charcuterie board filled with your favorite snacks – I’m trying to eat clean, so ours consisted of nitrate free salami, green apples, and raw almonds. (Rob likes to include cheese and crackers for himself).
  • A scarf or cozy sweater if there is a chill in the air.
  • A nice selection of wine. I tend to choose dry reds this time of year (Pinot Noir is my all time favorite). And bonus: I have a discount code for you guys to use at Winc! Winc is a monthly wine club that delivers wine right to your doorstep! Upon sign-up, you take a very short quiz to determine your tastes and Winc will select and curate wines specifically for you. You can choose dry, sweet, red, white, low sugar, low sulfur – the options are endless. By clicking here, you can get a $22 discount plus complimentary shipping which comes out to 4 bottles of wine for $39! And personally, I have not had a wine I didn’t like from Winc – everything they recommend for me is so good!
  • A couple of pumpkins for those photo ops.
  • Great company – I choose my hubby, my baby girl, and my furry pup.

That’s all you need! I hope you guys create a fall picnic of your own! Don’t forget to check out the Winc Wine Club – you won’t regret it!

Slainte,

Shannon

MOTHERHOOD: AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS

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Last week my mom and I took Lilly to a local flower farm.  I’m always looking for outdoor, social distance activities that L and I can do together and I’ve had a handful of friends recommend this activity to me.  I was truly thrilled with the experience and the farm itself, and I’m so excited to recount our adventures for you guys.  

A hidden jewel of Northwest Ohio, GardenView Flowers is a 60 acre family-run farm that specializes in designing beautiful bouquets for weddings. Not only does the farm offer the most gorgeous fresh-cut flowers for brides, but they also offer a U-Pick Garden and seasonal flower design workshops.

My mom and I had never been flower picking before and it was so delightful. It was seriously a very relaxing and very fulfilling activity! The flower farm opens daily at 8:00 a.m. We arrived around 10:00 a.m. and there were only a few other people there picking flowers. Upon arrival, we headed over to the cutest farm Flower Stop. The Flower Stop offers bouquets to go, dried flowers, and other gifts. It’s the most charming little building.

Adjacent to the Flower Stop is a check-in table where you pay for your experience and pick-up clippers and a cup/vase in which to place your picked flowers. Because Ohio is now under a mandatory mask order, I felt extremely safe. All of the staff and visitors were wearing masks and people were practicing social distancing. I was very pleased too with the disinfecting precautions the farm took to ensure the clippers and other supplies were cleaned in between uses. Plus, they offered hand sanitizer and complimentary bottles of water (it does get hot out in those flower fields)!

After we checked-in, we chose a field of wildflowers and started picking! The farm plants over 30 varieties of fresh-cut flowers and there was a colorful mix of varieties and textures from which to choose.

L and I were drawn to the bright pinks and purples, so we picked a lot of Zinnias, Cosmos, Dahlias, and Sweet Williams. There were also plenty of Sunflowers, Gladiolus, Snap Dragons, and Blue Ageratum. There were so many different varieties and colors and you could easily come home with multiple bouquets depending on the look and feel you are going for.

We picked flowers for almost an hour and I was actually kind of sad to leave! L absolutely loved smelling the flowers, helping us pick them, and frolicking through the many fields. Her face of pure joy really just sums up our experience. We definitely plan to return again and again. If you are local to Northwest Ohio and are looking for a family friendly, safe activity, flower picking at GardenView Flowers is a must!

Be sure to check out their website and follow them on Instagram!

Slainte,

Shannon

Working Mom, Stay at Home Mom

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One of the aspects of my life I haven’t really talked about on this platform is my role as both a career woman and a mom.  

I read and hear about the challenges and joys for working moms and stay at home moms, but I never really hear much about us part-timers.  I consider myself both a working mom and a stay at home mom. For those that don’t know, I work part-time (three full days a week) in public relations.  I do all the PR, marketing and social media for my city (suuuch a fun gig!).

I’m soooo fortunate to be able to work part-time in an amazing job that is two minutes from my house. And I’m equally fortunate to be able to stay at home with my sweet baby girl two days a week.

Although this setup works great for us in this stage of our life, being a part-time working mom and part-time stay at home mom definitely presents its own challenges though.  

One of the biggest challenges is feeling like you aren’t giving enough of yourself to either your job or your family. When I’m at work I feel like a chicken with my head cut off, running all around trying to play catch up and stay ahead. I have that same feeling on my days at home, trying to juggle quality time with L but also trying to get some basic household chores done. I often feel anxious that I’m not doing enough on my days at work and vice versa on my days at home.

Some weeks I work over my regularly scheduled hours, which means less time for my family and that is always really hard on me. (Thankfully I have a stud of a hubby who picks up the slack and takes care of L, the dog and the household.) And then other weeks (like this one), my family demands more attention and I have to give less at work.

Another big challenge of being a part-time working mom and part-time stay at home mom is finding time for myself. It’s really important for me to be fully committed to my job and to be fully present at home.  That leaves very little time for me and that wears on me over time.  And I’m definitely someone who loves my me time and my hobbies.  

But this arrangement definitely has its plusses. For one, I get to spend two days at home every week, just me and L, which is amazing. And, on the flip side I get to do work I love, in a city I love, with some pretty stellar human adults. I get my dose of motherhood and my dose of adult interaction every other day and for me, that’s perfect.

We spend a lot less on childcare since I’m home twice a week.  Childcare is ridiculously expensive and I feel for you families who spend a fortune on it when there is no other option. 

I have more time to blog and produce creative content with this arrangement. When I was working full time I only had time on the weekends to write blog posts and take pictures. Now I can work on some of my blogging during L’s naps and on the weekends.

I also get to spend more time with my family on my days at home with L.  In the summer that means going to the zoo or swimming at my parents with my siblings and nephews.  In the winter that means shopping with my mom or going to the aquarium with my nephews.  I’m definitely one who needs my family close and to see them often so I’m grateful we are in a position where I can do this. 

This is definitely a topic I love to talk about, so please reach out if you have questions, comments, etc.  Whether you work full time, part-time, or stay at home, all of us are doing the best we can with the resources we have and all of us mamas are in this together.  

Sláinte,

Shannon 

MY BLOGGING JOURNEY

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Happy 2020 friends! I took a short hiatus from my blog to be present over the holidays, but I’m back and ready for the excitement of a new year.

Instead of doing a resolutions post or even a goals post, I want to write about why I blog. In a market that’s insanely saturated with fashion bloggers, mommy bloggers, interior design bloggers, etc. it can feel daunting and intimidating. So I need to write this post for me, to remind myself why I started this journey.

In 2012 I was working in retail management and needed a creative outlet for my love of fashion.  I launched my first fashion blog and had a blast styling outfits.  It was probably my most creative era of dressing and I seriously had so much fun.

In 2013 I landed a job doing social media and marketing for a local nonprofit.  My blog was pushed to the wayside because I wanted nothing to do with social media by the time the workday ended.

Fast forward to summer 2017 and I had that itch again. I needed a creative outlet to share all my passion and love for fashion and home decor. I relaunched my blog and started gaining some traction. And then in early 2018 I became pregnant with our sweet Lillypad and I was soooo sick. I could barely look at my phone, let alone get on Instagram or blog. So I took a whole year off.

I started blogging once every week or two in 2019 and shared everything from fashion to home decor to Motherhood.  And it felt good.  I started creating partnerships with brands and meeting so many amazing people who I can say are truly my friends and a great support system.  

As great as 2019 was for my blogging and Instagram, it was also a year full of comparisons and feeling not good enough. It’s extremely frustrating to watch new bloggers launch their blog or Instagram and overnight, have thousands of followers. Don’t get me wrong, I’m SO happy for these individuals who are putting themselves out there and doing what they love. BUT, it definitely makes me question what’s wrong with my content? Why isn’t my IG following growing? I’m doing all the same things as that blogger and they have tons of more followers. All of these thoughts are constantly circulating in my head and many times I’ve wanted to quit.

BUT I haven’t. And that’s important. My focus has shifted so much over my blogging journey and although I’ve definitely struggled with the numbers game and finding my identity as a blogger (Am I fashion blogger? Home decor blogger? Mommy blogger?), I’ve realized it’s the journey that matters. It doesn’t matter how many followers I have or how many clicks or comments I have, what matters is doing what I love and connecting with other humans. Who cares if I don’t have 50K or even 5K following me (do I really want that many followers anyway? Especially with showing Lilly sometimes?). I think what I have learned is that I have found my tribe. I have an amazing support system and some incredible people who follow me and support me in this endeavor and those are the people I want following me.

This blog is a space where I can share all the things I love and am passionate about.  It’s a space where I can let my creativity run wild. A space for me to have fun with fashion, share decorating projects, and connect with other mamas.  It’s a space for me to show others the beauty of coastal Ohio.  And it’s a space for me to support other women, creatives, and bloggers who have truly become friends.  

So this year, my goal for my blog is to create and cultivate a community of fellow likeminded humans who are passionate about fashion, motherhood, home decor, small businesses, and coastal Ohio (or any place coastal really). I hope my content, whether it is fashion advice, a home project, a motherhood update, a trip to a Lake Erie island, or sharing a new brand, will either inspire you, connect with you, or resonate with you in some way.

I really believe blogging and Instagram were created to provide a sense of community in this crazy digital world and that’s exactly how I am going to use these platforms in 2020. 

So cheers to a blessed year full of creativity, community, inspiration, and showing up.  Thanks for following along on this solty journey of mine. It’s going to be a magical ride.

Sláinte,

Shannon

SHOP SMALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS – PART 1

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I can’t believe Christmas is one month away!! This year’s holiday season totally snuck up on me (I think I was too busy planning L’s birthday party!).  Before life gets too festive though, I want to share a two part series for shopping small for the holidays.  This two part series isn’t going to be your normal gift guide.  I’m not focusing on actual products, but focusing more on my favorite brands.  

Personally, I love shopping small for the holidays – the gifts are more meaningful knowing someone poured their heart and soul into creating something they love.   This week I’m sharing some of my favorite women owned, small businesses and next week I will share my favorite Ohio based brands! 

S. Lynch Knitwear

If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen me sporting the coziest accessories from S.Lynch Knitwear. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing a cozy knit piece for someone on your gift list. S. Lynch Knitwear products are hands down my favorite winter accessories! The craftsmanship is beautiful, the products are WARM, and they fit perfectly. Plus, there are several styles that are “Mommy and Me” so you and your little can twin!

Click here to shop hats, scarves, mittens, and more!

Kate Hammer Art 

If art and watercolors is your thing, then Kate Hammer Studio is your shop. Kate Hammer Studio offers the most beautiful watercolor botanicals and acrylic landscapes. Kate specializes in gorgeous paintings of fruit (lemon and peaches), herbs, landscapes, wildflowers, and my new favorite – blue and white plants! She also accepts custom orders. I personally own three of her art prints and they are all hanging in my kitchen.

Click here to shop Kate Hammer Studio!

Sewcialite

I discovered Sewcialite on Instagram on my maternity leave and have been obsessed since. Inspired by the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire, Sewcialite offers modern, handmade accessories that are created out of rope. Yes, rope! Sewcialite can take ordinary clothesline rope and turn it into functional art. From rope clutches and satchels, to planters and wall baskets, Sewcialite has one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone! I am fortunate enough to own one of her beautifully woven rope bowls and the craftsmanship is top notch.

Click here to shop unique conversation pieces!

Anchors Aweigh Supply Co.

Hands down my favorite hand towels. EVER. Anchors Aweigh Supply Co. is a Turkish-American business that sells luxurious seaside inspired essentials. This woman owned and run business sells high quality, handmade towels (beach, bath, kitchen, etc.), baby bibs, bathrobes, and more! Not only do I LOVE the look and quality of the products, but I also love that all of their products are 100% Turkish cotton, free from harmful chemicals, and all of the items are handmade by Turkish women using safe and ethical working conditions. AMAZING! The owner has real relationships with the women who make the towels and I absolutely love that.

Click here to shop luxurious, ethically made towels.  

THOM KELLY

If I was still working in the fashion industry, working at THOM KELLY would be my dream job! Using only sustainable materials and created right here in the United States, THOM KELLY creates classic, comfortable, and stylish clothes that are no fuss and easy. Each piece is designed to be effortless and built to wear for any occasion (running errands, wearing over a swimsuit, or heading out for date night). Button-up shirts are available for women and men and they recently launched some amazingly cozy and flattering sweatshirts for women (you better believe one is on my Christmas list!). Plus, they are members of 1% for the Planet, which means that each time you make a purchase, you will be making a positive impact on our planet. WIN.

Both photos courtesy of THOM KELLY

Click here to shop American made, sustainable, classic clothing!

I hope this list provides you with some options for shopping small.  I’m a huge advocate of shopping small and I love supporting women run brands. 

Come back next week for a guide for shopping small in Ohio!

Slainte,
Shannon

A FRIENDSGIVING FEAST

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One of the best things about Thanksgiving is gathering with friends and family around the table and enjoying a good meal. I’ve been fortunate to become friends with some amazing women through this platform, but we all live in different states! We decided to host a virtual Friendsgiving and are sharing some of favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Below is a recipe for a sweet potato casserole that my family always makes each year. It’s super easy and sooo yummy!

Note: The recipe calls for sugar, but it’s actually sweet enough without it. I did not include any sugar with the sweet potatoes but I did opt to include brown sugar for the toppings and it’s delicious.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE 

Directions

for the Sweets
3 cups of sweet potatoes, cooked, skinned and mashed
1/2 c of sugar
4 T butter
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1/3 cup of milk

Mix ingredients together and spread in an 8x8inch pan.

for the Topping
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 c of flour
2 T soft butter
1/2 c chopped pecans

Mix until crumbly and spread on top of sweet potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Check out some other delicious recipes below!

Nana’s Simple Stuffing

contributed by Alexandra of Turquoise and Sunshine, a New England based photographer, blogger, and exceptional writer.  Alexandra often shares snippets of her weekend travels around the east coast, gluten free recipes, beautiful old barns, and everything in between.  Follow her on Instagram  @turquoiseandsunshine.

Ingredients

1 loaf of good bread, sliced and staled, and torn/shredded (I love ciabatta—correction, loved—but it’s still perfect for this)
olive oil
2 small yellow onions, chopped small
2 stalks of celery, chopped small
Bell’s Seasoning
12 oz. sausage (I love Jones Original Pork Sausage)
~2 c low sodium chicken broth
fresh parsley, chopped
salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom of a roasting pan and heat on medium-low heat until warm.
2. Add onion and celery, cooking until onions are sweating and celery has begun to soften.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Bell’s Seasoning.
4. Increase heat to medium, and add the sausage, breaking it up constantly as it cooks until no longer pink and ensuring there are no large clumps of meat.
5. Add parsley, salt, and pepper to taste (and more Bell’s if you like) but keep in mind you’re about to add chicken broth which always has a little salt. I’ll admit tend to have a heavy hand with the parsley.
6. Mix in the shredded bread and add about a half cup of chicken broth at a time. The mixture should combine and be quite moist but not soggy.
7. Did I mention you can switch it up, add whatever you like, and season to taste?
8. Now’s the time to stuff the bird. Or, bake in a casserole dish at 350°F about 15-25 minutes until slightly darker and golden on top.

Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

contributed by Claire Wiley of Home with the Wileys, where classic Connecticut life, style, and motherhood are seemingly effortless. She takes us on her family adventures (and woes) at home in the Litchfield Hills and beyond on her smiley slice of Instagram @homewiththewileys.

Roasted Carrots w Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Ingredients

Carrots
2 lbs fresh carrots peeled
1/2 c brown sugar
4 T butter cut into small squares
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t cinnamon
4 oz goat cheese (chevre) crumbled
1 T fresh thyme, whole sprigs and removed from stems

Candied Pecans
2 T butter
3 T maple syrup
1 T brown sugar
1 c pecans roughly chopped
1/4 t salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & place the carrots in a single in a baking dish
3. Spread the butter squares over the carrots and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Season with salt, pepper and cinnamon.
4. Put the baking dish in the oven and cook for 55 minutes, turning the carrots every 15 minutes or so.
5. While the carrots are cooking, prepare the candied pecans by melting the butter in a sauce pan over medium high heat.
6. Once the butter is completely melted, add in the brown sugar and maple syrup and let cook until the mixture thickens, or about two minutes.
7. Add the chopped pecans and gently stir until well coated. Remove from heat and top with salt.
8. Once the carrots are cooked, remove from the oven, place on a baking dish and sprinkle with goat cheese, pecans and fresh thyme.

Maggie’s Holiday Mashed Potatoes

contributed by Maggie of Margaret of York Interiors, where blue and white isn’t only classic, it’s iconic. Her signature style, love of gorgeous yet simple details, and a little life outside her greenhouse can be found on Instagram at @margaretofyork.

Ingredients

5 lbs yukon gold potatoes
3/4 c butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 8-oz. pkg cream cheese
3/4 c half-and-half
1/2 t Trader Joes Seasoning Salt
1/2 t course black ground pepper

Directions

1. Peel and cut potatoes into 2 inch cubes. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 35 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes when they are fork tender and then place back into the dry pot. Over low heat mash the potatoes allowing all steam to escape.
3. Turn off the stove and add 1 1/2 sticks of butter, cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of half-and-half and mash the potatoes. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of season salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until well mixed and place in a medium size baking dish. Place a few slices of butter on top and bake in a 350°F oven until butter is melted and warmed through.

* I make these a day or two ahead and store in the fridge. Before cooking remove from fridge for at least 2 hours and then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Grandma’s Apple Crisp

contributed by Lauren Fortsch of simplylauren.com. Raised on the South Shore of Boston and raising her kiddos on the south coast of Connecticut, check out her classic and simple life + style on Instagram, too, @laurenfortsch.

Ingredients

8 baking apples, peeled, cored, & sliced
1/2 c sugar
2 t fresh lemon juice
1/2 t cinnamon
3/4 c flour, sifted
1/2 c sugar
1/4 t salt
6 T butter

Directions

1. Mix apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Put into well-greased 2 1/2 – 3 qt. baking dish.
2. Combine flour, sugar, salt and butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.
3. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is brown.

Delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Salad

contributed by Shannon Shipman, a photographer and Southerner well-versed in the ways of New England…with a heart to match. Based in Boston, you can find her on her beautiful travel blog and on Instagram @shannon.m.shipman.

Ingredients

2 c boiling water
3/4 cups sugar
1 large box cherry Jell-O
1 can red tart cherries, drained
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup halved red seedless grapes
8 oz cream cheese

Directions

1. Dissolve sugar in boiling water.
2. Remove from heat and add Jell-O and cherries. Stir, then add ice water.
3. When cool, add celery, grapes & nuts and pour into a 9 x 13 dish.
4. Make little balls out of cream cheese and add throughout the dish.
5. Chill 8 hours.

Gingersnap Molasses Cookies

contributed by Samantha Lynch. Based in Kentucky with the heart of a New Englander, you can follow her travels and seasonal inspo on Instagram @_samanthalynch (and her insanely cozy hand knit hats account @slynchknitwear).

Ingredients

2 1/4 c all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground clove
1/4 tp salt
1 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c veg oil
1/4 c molasses
1 egg
granulated sugar to roll cookies in

Directions

1. Preheat over to 375°F.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, combine brown sugar, oil, molasses, and egg until smooth.
4. Slowly add in flour mixture to wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
5. Shape dough by rounded spoonful and roll into balls. Dip tops of cookie balls into the granulated sugar.
6. Place balls sugar side up onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake about 9-10 minutes until set (cookies may look under-baked). Cool and transfer to wire rack.

Pumpkin Bars

contributed by Jaimee at City Country Beach…a girl lucky enough to divide her time between, you guessed it, all three of these fab locales. A PR and Events guru based in Connecticut with a flair for weekending, you can also find her on Instagram @city.country.beach.

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
16 oz can of pumpkin ( I use Libby’s 15 oz can)
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a mixing bowl until fluffy.
3. Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl and then add to pumpkin mixture.
4. Pour into cake pan (13×10 or 13×9).
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes (depending on your oven)

Set aside to cool, cut into brownie squares and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. You can also frost with cream cheese frosting too!