All Good Things

Hi, it’s Jen from Cute Potato. Throughout the 10 years I’ve written this blog, I’ve used the moniker MP, but for this last post, it seemed appropriate to get personal.

When I started Cute Potato in June 2009, my son and daughter were 2- and 3-years old.  I was still new to motherhood and trying to figure out how to give the kids rich experiences while also being true to myself. Sharing my family’s adventures on the blog proved to be the perfect creative outlet, and as it happened, a great way to connect with other young parents. If someone predicted then that the blog would eventually inspire The Maine Play Book, my first book,  I never would have believed it, not for a second.

A 2009 photo of my two in Dollar Store hats.

Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean

This Friday kicks off what has become one of Maine’s most festive events — the Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean.  A forest of twinkling lights at the Freeport campus provides the perfect backdrop for photos, and if that weren’t enough, Santa and his reindeer make a cheery red barn their home on the weekends. When it gets too frosty outdoors, visitors can grab a complimentary hot chocolate and warm up in a yurt that’s decorated for the holidays.  With this annual event, L.L.Bean has created a little bit of magic in the heart of Freeport.

Pumpkin Picking at Spring Brook Farm

One of our favorite new fall traditions is picking pumpkins in our hometown. Each October, Spring Brook Farm in Cumberland hosts a weekend Fall at the Farm event. For one price, families can take a horse-drawn wagon ride to to the pumpkin patch. It’s a short trip, but well worth taking. Even with the weather growing colder, the fields are a rich green, and the trees just beyond are beginning to show their colors.

Winterberry Farm

On a recent trip home from Belgrade, we made it a point to stop at Winterberry Farmstand. The historic, certified organic farm is run by owner Mary Perry and her children. Inside, the cozy farmstand is filled with homegrown veggies and flowers, sweet and savory baked goods, fresh eggs and jarred condiments of all kinds. Perry was there to say hello, and invited us to explore the farm if we liked (she accepts donations to walk the property).

Pizza Nights at Small Feat Farm

Small Feat Farm shares spaces with Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn in Gray. 

We’re back from a summer hiatus, and like everyone, we cannot believe how quickly this dreamy season has gone. School begins for us next week and while it’s going to take time for our family to re-adjust to a regular routine, we are so glad one of our new summertime traditions will continue through the fall — namely, wood-fired pizza nights at Small Feat Farm, a flower and vegetable farm in Gray.  In addition to growing flowers, husband and wife team Joanna Kraft and Brian Rhodes-Dewey, host monthly pizza nights with their business partner Catherine Caswell. At the farm, visitors can enjoy made to order wood-fired pizzas and salads, along with a local craft beer selection, wine and specialty cocktails. There is also lemonade and sodas for the kids.

A Visit to the Wiggly Bridge in York

Each summer, our nephew C travels from California to visit Maine for a few weeks. We look forward to his stay as it gives all us the opportunity to play tourist in our home state. The Wiggly Bridge in York has long been on our bucket list, and with C in town, we decided to finally check it out.

Outdoor Play for All Ages at 33 Elmwood

School break is finally here, and with the summer season comes plans for warm days and plenty of time outside! We love visiting 33 Elmwood for bowling and comfort food any time of year, but their new outdoor location, The Garden Spot, is the ideal place to enjoy a gorgeous summer day with family.

Photo courtesy Heid Kirn Photography

Ladies Adventure Club

While this mom loves adventuring with her kids, it’s essential to her spirit, and quite frankly, her sanity, to carve out time for herself. Over the years, she’s learned that getting outside is the best medicine. Whether it’s running, hiking, biking or simply walking with friends, time spent outdoors helps restore her mind and body.

You can imagine MP’s delight when Alicia Heyburn, co-leader of the Ladies Adventure Club, reached out to see if she might like to be a guest at an upcoming adventure! The club hosts weekly adventures just for women–ranging from island walks and hiking with goats to expert discussions on how to prepare for a backpacking trip or bicycle safety on the road.

Road Trip: The Mapparium Boston

Over February break, our family spent a few days in Boston. There were many highlights to the trip — a lively Boston College basketball game, a delicious tour of Tazo Chocolate Factory, and a visit to The Institute of Contemporary Art. Still, the favorite for all of us was seeing an incredible, three-story stained glass globe called The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

Photo courtesy Mary Baker Eddy Library

Pom Pom Hats by Brookes Smith

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 her home studio and tops each with a faux fur pom pom. Her Instagram feed features a variety of tempting colors and knits, which makes it a challenge to choose a favorite!