Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Appropriate Footwear


I tend to wear out my things; meaning that I wear them until they literally fall apart. I have, and still wear, a pair of jeans, two sweaters, and some shoes from high school and I am closer to forty at this point than twenty. (Wow! That's scary) Until recently that was true  about my running sneakers too. That is, until one of my running girls told me that I should be getting new sneakers every three months. WHAT?!

My sneakers only get replaced when I can't stand it anymore. I was a die hard New Balance fan until they started giving me blisters, and even then I continued to wear them until they wore out. Then I switched to Asics. A few pairs later, my feet started going numb while I ran (I think the toe box was pinching my feet) but like a trooper I suffered though it until they stretched out. I have had the same pair of sneakers for a year and a half and have consistently racked up 10 to 25 miles a week on them. Do you think it might be a good time to replace them?

We have this awesome company, the Maine Running Company, that looks at your feet and your gait and then gives you suggestions for the best running sneakers for you. I have been wanting to go there for, no joke, six years. Here is the issue, consulting with them takes time and focus, both things that I do not have. I am rarely alone for any chunk of time, and if I decide to go with the boys I will not have time to make a thoughtful decision because I will be so distracted by the boys' behavior. My two year old has been known to pull  shoes off the walls at shoe stores if he is not watched every second. So, what is a girl to do? Every time I get a new pair of shoes I am disappointed and wish that I had gone to the Maine Running Company. On the other hand, I wait so long to get new sneakers that I typically rush into our local sports apparel store, Olympia Sports, and grab the first pair that catch my eye. No trying on. Nothing.

I wish there was a company that would just send you a selection of sneakers to try out and let you keep (and pay for) the pair that you like best. Anyone want to come up with that for us busy moms? Or, has someone already done it and I am just unaware?


Monday, February 24, 2014

Weekend Run Down

We were finally, FINALLY able to get some outside exploring done at home this weekend! The polar vortex decided to take a break and the entire family ventured out on BOTH days. It was amazing!!

Day One: Winslow Park

Winslow Park is a town owned park on Casco bay. During the summer it is packed with people camping on the sunny shores of the bay, but in the winter it is quiet. They have a great playground, a small beach area, nice trails where dogs can run free during the winter months... it is a great place to hang out.







Ben's favorite part is the giant pirate ship. There is also a traditional playground and swings.

We spent an hour or two just getting some energy out. I imagine this would be a pretty spectacular place to hang out in during the summer months as well. As locals, we are a little bit spoiled by the lack of people in the winter, so haven't actually ventured there during the busy season.

Day Two: Our little corner of the world...in the woods

On the second day we all strapped on our snowshoes (minus the baby) and ventured into our woods for a little snowshoeing. We have some need little trails and old logging roads out in our woods, once we trek through the uncleared sections on our land.

While we ventured the Hubs and I came up with some big plans for cleaning up some of the dead underbrush and creating a few trails so that the kids can link to the other trails a little easier. We even have a few ideas for a tree house nestled out a little ways in the woods.

Ben is really enjoying snowshoeing these days, and Max got his first pair this Christmas, so I am looking forward to more treks out into the wilderness.

So, that is a quick run down of our outside adventures this weekend. Were you able to get outside this weekend. I have to say, it was so nice to be able to get outside without nine layers of clothing and kids screaming because they are freezing! Has anyone else noticed the lighter afternoons? Spring is coming!


Monday, February 17, 2014

Checking in...

I know, I know. I have been failing at blogging lately. Life has been hectic in my corner of the world; multiple storms, parent teacher conferences, getting ready for a family vacation, three very excited boys with not a lot of outdoor time = sheer craziness.

Fear not, I have not forgotten about you, I will be back later in the week with a new post. Until then, some alpine inspired artwork from a ski condo we stayed at.






Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Wall Art - Scenic Photo Edition

If you haven't realized it yet, I LOVE that I live in Maine. We have the sea, lake, mountains, heck we even have a desert in Freeport. This place is beautiful!

My decor style, if I even have one, tends toward the Maine feeling: Laid back, comfortable, cottages. The art on my walls also embraces the beauty of Maine and all things associated with it. I have quite the collection of photographs from Southern Maine photographer, Rick Abbondanza, on my walls.

Rick's photographs embrace the sensibilities of Maine. They highlight the beauty of the state from the seas to the mountains. I have been collecting them for years, and have been able to put together some nice groupings in my home.
 
Here are some of my favorites:
*Marshall Point Light, Port Clyde
* Dory 1
* Royall River Dinghies
* Islesford Dinghies
* Exchange Street
* Sugarloaf: Fall Dusting

These are just a few of the many photographs available. If you get a chance, check out the site and let me know what your favorites are!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Entryway Spruce Up.... For now

Currently the area by our front door - let's call it an entryway, even though it really isn't - looks like this:
It's not much to look at. And when people come over it turns into a dumping ground for shoes, coats, and everything else. This annoys me greatly!

Eventually, we would like to build a half wall by the door such as this for the door side:
http://img.saifou.com/images/5834.jpg
From SaiFou Images (If you are the original poster of this image, please let me know so I can give you credit!)
And this for the living room side:
http://nestdesignco.com/images/tiburonresidence/4.jpg
Nest Design Co. Tiburon Residence


Unfortunately, we don't have the time, or funds for this right now, and I am a little concerned that the half wall will be an issue for people coming down the stairs which as to the right of the door. So I am going to try to complete a "For now" spruce up to deal with the issue for the time being.

The good news is that this one should be free. Here are my ideas for the space:
It's the expertly drawn picture to the right labeled "Front."

Basically, I am going to use one of my kitchen table chairs and a mirror with hooks that is living in the back hallway right now, to create a space for our guests to hang coats and sit to take off their shoes. We are still finishing up the back hall makeover (Yes, it has taken an entire month. Don't judge, I'm busy) and need to move the mirror and hooks.

During the planning process, this happened to one of the dining room chairs that we still haven't refinished.

So, I think I will use the broken chair as a sign that it wants to be a place to put our butts when we come in the front door.

I should have update on the upcycling of the broken chair in a few days! Stay tuned