Crafternoon: Featuring My Husband!

I know, I know, it has been much to long since we've crafted over here at Maine-ly Home. Believe me, I'm suffering. But, it's back. And, I'm really pleased to share this "crafternoon" (which was more like a whole lot of early mornings and evenings) with my husband.

Move over, Martha Stewart. Meet my husband.

My crafty (who knew?) husband took a bright yellow plastic kayak and turned it into a totally camouflaged vessel designed for "looking for" ducks and geese.  It wasn't easy.  

He researched what ready-to-buy camo boats look like; he researched options for how to effectively cover plastic (I scored big points when I pointed out that Krylon makes a spray paint especially for plastics--and, wouldn't you know, he discovered they make it in camo colors!); he researched what patterns of reeds and grasses make you most sneaky;  he researched accessories (e.g. clips to attach duck decoys); etc.  
Armed (!) with duct tape (yup, it comes in camo, too!), spray paint -- and his own stencils (yes, he made stencils! I asked him, jokingly, if we were going to use those same stencils to decorate our bedroom. He didn't take it as a joke, so now I live in fear that I might come home one day to be living in a stenciled duck blind.) 

Ultimately, he created his very own, one-of-a-kind, waterfowl-seeking hide-a-way. Pretty, cool, huh?















Now, let's see what he can do with some wool, buttons and a glue gun!

How Do You Find the Best Fall Color in Maine?

Last week my husband and I were exploring back roads (one of our favorite past times) and I burst out into laughter.

I turned to D to explain my outburst, "Do you realize that we are surrounded by amazing colorful leaves and we almost aren't even noticing them? Can you imagine if some our friends from out west were here?"

He concurred.

Although I sometimes become blinded by the color...or should I say, blind to the color? But, I do love it.
 If you are in Maine - or coming to Maine, you'll be happy to know that we (the state) try to capitalize on this season's color. You can find "the best" color with this foliage map. Yes, a foliage map. We are heading into the "peak" zone this weekend.

{map via here}

Happy weekend.

Appreciating the Small Things Amidst Meltdowns

I must confess that September isn't going exactly as planned.

The beginning-of-the-school-year-starting-back-to-work-and-weaning-baby-emotional fatigue is whipping me.

And, of course, that unexpected trip to the ER with my eldest (she's okay, despite taking a full-force face plant) the afternoon before I was supposed to leave on a business trip didn't help.

But, one of the big lessons I've learned (and need to keep reminding myself) about mothering is that one must not bite off more than they can chew -- and, one must learn to appreciate the small things.

Like hydrangea.

Yup, I set out (see my September Planner) to snip some of my neighbors hydrangea to enjoy now and into the future (they dry so wonderfully). And, I did it. :)


What small thing do you feel good about today?

Gearing Up for an Supercharged Outdoor Summer

{photos via naturerocks.org}

Like many parents, I am keenly aware that school is letting out (already out in some places!) across the country.

And, frankly, I'm thrilled at the prospect of a break from making sack lunches and fighting the daily "hurry, up you are going to miss the bus" and "you can't wear that" battles. (Oh, and, of course, I'm thrilled about more time with my kid, too!)

But, I'm also aware that I'm entering a new juggling act....how to work without the regular routine of school...how to help my children have a fun and fulfilling summer...how to balance the constant begging for playdates (because, after all, it has been a year of being around kids all the time) and how to make the most of this outdoor season.

I'm pretty excited to put this relatively new online resource to use this summer. Nature Rocks is a national program that aims to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature. The website has all kinds of tools like a "Find Nature" activity which enables you to search for a variety of natural spots by zipcode; a "Find Activities" feature which helps to figure out an activity appropriate for you (by age of children, duration of time available and location) -- and even a "Connect" feature which helps you connect with others.

For our little family, figuring out how to "be" in nature is second nature. Still, sometimes it is nice to have a little help thinking about what nature-rich activity to do -- and how to make it even more engaging for little ones.

No matter where you live, you'll find something in your area. Go to Nature Rocks and check it out. And, report back on what you did!

And, if you are looking for some related summer reading, why not check out Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods -- the inspiration for Nature Rocks.

Oh Fiddlesticks! I Missed the Fiddleheads

{photo from Leslie Land in the Kitchen and Garden and Around the House}

I'm guessing that nearly every region has their own early spring delicacy. You know, the tender something or other that appears in the early part of spring. Die-hards will wait with great anticipation and then descend upon these wild delicacies (and keep their whereabouts top-secret) as soon as they appear from the earth.

In Maine, in case you didn't know, the early spring delicacy are Fiddleheads, the young coiled leaves of the ostrich fern. Nearly all ferns have Fiddleheads, but those of the ostrich fern are unique and can be identified by the brown papery scale-like covering on the uncoiled fern. These ostrich ferns emerge in clusters on the banks of rivers, streams and brooks in April and May.

Truth be told, until recent years, I thought Fiddleheads were disgusting -- in appearance and in taste. Too earthy. But, now, I love them. I love them for their earthy flavor, in fact. And, for the last few years I've been wanting to learn to harvest them on my own (instead of buying them in the local market). There is an art to it, I'm told. But, alas, I missed my window of opportunity again this year. Next year, for sure.

I like my Fiddleheads steamed a bit, then sauteed in butter and garlic. Yum. But, Fiddlehead lovers cook them all sorts of ways...they even pickle 'em so they can be enjoyed throughout the year, not just in those few spring weeks.

What's the spring delicacy in your region? And, if you are in Maine, what's your favorite way to eat Fiddleheads?

It's All About the Fish

I love fish.

I love to eat them.

I love fishy things (Not stinky things, but things with fish on them...pottery, paintings, etc.We even make fish prints of fish we catch -- check it out in the photo above.).

I even like to catch 'em ( I have discovered, however, since marrying my husband that I'm not a hardcore fisherperson by any stretch....I just enjoy an occasional afternoon of fishing.).

Well, it's a good thing...

Not only did I marry into a big fishing family (My father-in-law is known as one of the area's fishing gurus and actually writes columns on fishing, for starters.), but also, in the two places (have I explained that yet?) I live, it's all about the fishing.

Okay, maybe not all about the fishing....but a lot about the fishing.

April marks the opening of fishing season. Up here in the Eastern Sierra (California), where I am currently, this weekend marks the opening of fishing season. Now, I should point out, up here in the mountains it is also still ski season...and some of the frozen lakes haven't even opened up. But, nevertheless, the businesses that had shut their doors at the end of fishing season in the fall are opening up...and fisherpeople are arriving. Might be a little hard to hold that flyrod with a frozen hand, but by golly, they'll be fishing.

Me? Well, I'm sort of a fair-weather fishing person (and, I have this problem where I think like the fly, not the fish...)...so instead, I'll be enjoying a big cup of coffee on my very favorite coffee shop (more on that soon) that opens its doors tomorrow at 7 a.m. for the first time since November.

Happy Earth Day

For those of you who don't know...(c'mon, you must know!), today is Earth Day.

In the spirit of the day, I'm going to get out from behind my screen and go enjoy this planet...

...breathe some fresh air

...get my hands dirty

...drink clean water

...admire the natural scenery

I hope you'll do the same.

Of course, if you are inspired to use this day to make a pledge, join a campaign, donate to the cause, or simply learn more, there are lots of great options. A great place to start? www.earthday.org.

Do-Over-Dinner: Watercress Soup

Just when I thought all my cooking inspiration was gone...

Just when I thought that a "do-over-dinner" was no longer possible...

...in walks my father-in-law with a bucket of freshly-harvested watercress from a nearby creek.

My Mom immediately suggested watercress sandwiches.

While those little tea sandwiches are tempting (she made a delicious batch for my baby shower a year ago), I had my heart set on soup. So, I searched high and low for a recipe that seemed "just right".

After finding a handful of recipes that were either more broth-y than I was looking for or too laden with cream, I decided to make my own.

And, well, it got "do-over-dinner" status...!

I'm headed out to the secret spot tomorrow to gather up some more watercress...

Recipe: Watercress Soup
About 4 Dinner-Size Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion, Finely Chopped
• 3 Cloves of Garlic, Thinly sliced
• 3 Medium-sized White Potatoes, Peeled and Cut into 1/2-inch Chunks 
• 3 Cups of Chicken Stock
• 1 1/2 Cups Water
• 2 Bunches (2-3 Cups) Watercress (thick stems trimmed), Coarsely Chopped
• Coarse Salt (Sea or Kosher)
• Fresh Ground Pepper
• Lemon Wedges and Greek Yogurt for Serving

Directions:

1. Heat a stock pot (I use a Le Creuset 7 quart dutch oven--my very favorite kitchen item.) over medium heat. 
2. Add oil, butter, garlic and onion. Saute until fragrant and translucent (a minute or two). 
3. Add potato and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook 1 minute.
4. Add stock and water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender (5-10 minutes depending on how big your chunks of potato turned out).
5. Stir in watercress. Let simmer 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Puree (an immersion blender is easiest -- but, if you don't have one, puree in batches in a traditional blender or food processor).
8. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a wedge of lemon (and, some yummy bread, too!)
   

Found: Best Ever Beach Bag

Beach season is fast approaching...or so we are told.

Well, I was lucky enough to have a little beach time on the West Coast (Santa Cruz, specifically) the last few days.

And, well, thank goodness.

In addition to the much-needed family-and-beach-bonding-time, I found the best beach bag ever.

For those of you who are serious beach-goers, you know this is a HUGE find.

It is big (big enough for beach towels, beach toys, lunch, sunscreen, the works!). It is waterproof. It is made in super-cute fabrics. And, it won't break the bank. The "Four Boys" bag, made by Scout for Bungalow Co., costs $45 and is described at an "all-purpose vacation, summer camp, road trip and boating stow-away bag."

As far as I can tell, the bags only downfall? It isn't made locally. But, well, it'll be used locally!?!?

Nature Rocks!

I happen to live in two (yes, two - it's complicated!) beautiful, nature-rich areas. And, it is a good thing, because we like to play in nature. For our little family, figuring out how to "be" in nature is second nature. Still, sometimes it is nice to have a little help thinking about what nature-rich activity to do -- and how to make it even more engaging for little ones. Well, I'm pleased to have just learned about a fantastic new website called Nature Rocks

Through partnerships with The Nature Conservancy, REI, the Flora Family Foundation and American Camp Association, this national program aims to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature.The website has all kinds of tools like a "Find Nature" activity which enables you to search for a variety of natural spots by zipcode; a "Find Activities" feature which helps you figure out an activity appropriate for you (by age of children, duration of time available and location); and a "Connect" feature which enables you to connect with others.

So, if you want/need some inspiration to get outside,check out www.naturerocks.org. But, whatever it takes, get outside.

Me? Well, I'm heading to the Pacific Coast for a few days...sea lions, beaches and coastal cliffs.

Easter Grass Centerpiece

Well, it worked...(Why is it that I always seem so surprised when my projects actually work?) the Easter grass I planted a few weeks ago grew in time to be the perfect centerpiece. I'm quite pleased. Simple. Elegant. Natural.

Forcing Spring Update

Well, it worked. I "forced" Spring into my home. If you've been following my blog, you already know that a little over three weeks ago I cut some cherry blossoms in an attempt to "force" them into bloom. It worked. The result is glorious and just what the doctor ordered to help bridge that gap between Winter and Spring.

One of the extra highlights for me was the my father-in-law, known by many as the gardening guru, had never heard of such a thing...and was so impressed with the result that he called me for advice on how to implement!

Try it. Surely there are some branches within your reach just waiting to be "forced".

Grow-Your-Own Easter Grass

A few years ago, I started (with the help of my daughter) to grow my own Easter grass. I haven't totally abandoned the commercial Easter grass in its oh-so-fun colors (though I only buy paper grass, not plastic), but I've begun to grow my own grass in festive containers to use as centerpieces. Someday I hope to be organized enough to grow the grass IN the girls Easter baskets and even possibly in some baskets to deliver to others. But, for now, I'm sticking with a few festive containers sprinkled around the house. It's an incredibly easy project -- and a great project to embark on with kids of any ages. Here's the scoop:

What You Need

• Potting soil (and a small shovel unless you want to use your hands)
• Containers (Get creative -- pots, buckets, baskets, Easter baskets, egg shells, etc. Note: If you choose to use a basket or something that doesn't hold water, you'll need to line with plastic or cellophane.
• Grass seed (I use either rye or wheat grass seed/berries which you can typically buy in packets at a good garden supply store.)
• A spray bottle
• A sunny spot

How-to

• Prepare your containers (e.g. if you use a basket or another container not designed for water, line with cellophane or plastic).
• Fill your container(s) with soil.
• Top soil with seeds. Add another 1/4 inch of soil on top of seed layer.
• Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil.
• Place in a sunny spot.
• Over the next few days, keep an eye on your containers, misting soil as needed in order to keep it moist. 
• In a week(ish), you'll have a container of grass. These containers of grass make a simple and beautiful centerpiece all on their own--but also look cute decorated with eggs, chicks, ribbons, etc.

Forcing Spring Update

Today is the official day of Spring. Where I am standing, however, Mama Earth seems to have forgotten.

In anticipation of needing Spring before it comes into full bloom, I have been attempting to "force" or rather "invite" Spring into my home with some forced blossoms.

The blooms are SO close, but not in time for the first day of Spring. Boo.

Forcing Spring

Spring. The transition period between winter and summer. It inspires images of green, blooming flowers and earth's re-birth.

But, in my life (except for the decade I lived in Washington, DC where Spring really is to die for), Spring is that season that never really comes on time...and rarely ever clearly defines itself.

We see signs. A warm day that inspires us to shed those many winter layers. A crocus poking through the earth. But, those warm days are more often than not followed by a chilly March wind. And, those crocuses, often get suffocated by a Spring snow.

Still, Spring gets under our skin. We look for change. We anticipate growth. And, well, when necessary, we help coax it along. Some call it "forcing". I like to think of it as an invitation.

This year, I'm inviting Spring into my home by forcing blossoms from a nearby cherry tree.

How-To Invite Spring into Your Home

• Cut blossoms from a tree or bush (apple, cherry, forsythia to name a few) when buds are just beginning to swell.
• Split bottoms of stems -- or, in my case, use a carrot peeler to take a little of the bark off.
• Place in a vase or container of your choice.
• Fill with water.
• Place in a warm place (but not direct sun).
• Change water every few days.
  
• Wait.
  

In just a few weeks (maybe four weeks for cherry blossoms), Spring WILL be in your home, ready or not.