I’m Back | A Little Winter Life Update
A cozy winter catch-up from my home on the Maine coast — creative projects, antique finds, a Minnesota trip, snowy outings, and life lately.
Hello! It’s February — and I’m back.
January was a month, wasn’t it?
While I didn’t accomplish all the grand plans I had for my little hiatus from this blog, I did keep busy. But I also did something I’m not always very good at: I rested.
It was generally cold and snowy here on the coast. I got out regularly on my snowshoes. There was plenty of cozy time at home too — cooking, working on a few creative projects, reading, binge-watching shows, riding my Peloton bike to nowhere, and just enjoying the icy harbor views out my windows.
Winter here is mostly about nesting, but I did venture out to hunt for a few antique finds, pick up houseplants to carry me through the long stretch of gray, and gather supplies for a new hobby. And of course, there was my annual January trip to Minnesota for my grandson Jamie’s third birthday.
Also, do things look a little different around here? I gave the blog a bit of a style refresh. It felt like time.
Come on — let’s catch up.
Creative Projects
While the snow and wind blow outside, I like to hunker down and focus on indoor creative projects. I pulled out my sewing machine for a few of those and also started something new that brings me close to my mom.
And winter isn’t over yet, so I have materials lined up for a few more projects too.
Living Room Pillow covers
My favorite way to update the living room is to swap out pillow covers, and I was definitely in the mood for something new for 2026.
Last year I taught myself how to sew an invisible zipper, so I felt ready to make these covers myself. Sewing my own covers saves money and lets me choose any fabric I want.
For this project, I turned to Spoonflower, an online platform where independent artists sell their designs as custom-printed fabric, wallpaper, and home goods. With over one million unique patterns, it’s an incredible source for one-of-a-kind fabrics. I chose four mixed patterns in complementary shades of tan and bright and light blues.
I prewashed the fabrics and then got to work sewing six pillow covers. This is the YouTube tutorial I used for the zippers. Once I got going, the process moved along quickly. The zipper might not be truly “invisible”, but it’s tidy and discreet. I’m so pleased with how they turned out. They brighten my winter living room and I love how the blue gives a nod to the dramatic walls in the adjacent snug.
I also ordered fabric from Spoonflower for throw pillow covers in my daughter Zoë’s bedroom and for two projects in the mudroom. Stay tuned!
Birthday Crown
Can you believe my eldest grandchild, James, turned three in January? How time flies.
Of course I marked the occasion with another fabric birthday crown. This year his party theme was books (oh how I love that!), and I found the cutest fabric — again on Spoonflower.
You can read a tutorial on how I sew these crowns in my blog post How to Sew a Personalized Child’s Fabric Birthday Crown.
A needlepoint Canvas
My mom was a skilled needlepointer. She stitched many pillow cushions, a full set of dining chair seat covers, and even a throw rug. As you know well, she was also an avid collector of antique blue-and-white transferware.
So when I saw a willowware-inspired bird needlepoint canvas by my talented friend Alison Sheffield, it landed right on my heart. I ordered the canvas through a local needlepoint shop, picked out the yarn, and couldn’t wait to begin. I had done a bit of needlepoint when I was young, so I just needed a quick refresher on how to start.
My eyes aren’t quite what they were when I was a kid, though. Even with a good light and my readers, I couldn’t see the tiny 18-count canvas holes. After consulting a friend, I ordered a stylish (not!) LED head magnifier. I look like a crazy woman in it, but it’s a game changer. I also have one of those magnifiers that hangs around the neck on order.
We’ll see which works better, but I can already tell I’m going to love “stitching with my mom.”
You can check out The Sheffield Collection on Instagram @the.sheffield.collection.
A Few Antique Finds
I don’t tend to venture off the peninsula as much in winter — in fact, at the moment I haven’t left it since last weekend. Yikes. But I’m always game for an antiquing outing, no matter the season.
Back in January, I went with friends to the monthly Bath antiques show and then to a favorite multi-dealer shop in Brunswick, Cabot Mill. As is often the case, I wasn’t looking for anything in particular — just whatever spoke to my eye.
I came home with two pieces that feel very special: a seaweed mocha yellowware mug and a darling shellwork dog house. The mug was very reasonably priced, so I couldn’t pass it up. And I had never seen anything like the dog house — made from cardboard, with tiny shells covering the roof and a sweet ceramic dog standing in the doorway. How could I resist?
I grouped the two pieces together on top of a stack of old books on a side table in the living room. They bring me joy every time I look at them.
Wondering what seaweed mocha yellowware is? I wrote about in my post: October Charm | Antiques, Pumpkins, & a Cozy Cottage Update.
Recently, Alexander Widener, owner of Widener Company in Wiscasset, held a small online sale of antique blue-and-white pieces. When I saw the Toby jug with a willow pattern on the sides and back, I immediately hit “add to cart.” I knew he would be the perfect addition to the blue-and-white transferware in my winter hutch.
Once again, I felt my mom’s presence beside me as I styled him with a few faux snowdrops — which are blooming all over England right now.
You can find Alexander on Instagram @alexander_widener or on the Widener Company website.
Winter Greens
Every winter I lean heavily into houseplants. Their summery green brings life and energy when the world outside my windows can feel overwhelmingly gray and white.
Some of my plants, though, were barely hanging on, and in early January I decided it was time for a refresh. So I googled “best plant store in Maine,” hopped in the car with Maddie and Cisco, and made the trek to Longfellow’s Greenhouses in Manchester.
Oh my — even in the dead of winter, this place did not disappoint. I can only imagine what it must be like in summer.
I upgraded my Jack-and-the-Beanstalk fiddle leaf fig to one with multiple branches and a more tree-like shape. (Don’t worry — the original has been trimmed and relocated to the dining area for rehab.)
It was also time to say goodbye to my ailing schefflera. I had done my best in a fierce battle with brown scale, but eventually I had to concede defeat. In its place, I brought home a lovely lemon-lime dracaena — blissfully free of scale.
The coffee table now holds a small Chinese money plant, tucked into a blue-and-white planter.
The bedroom also received a few new additions, replacing some begonias that had been limping along for a while. Sometimes you just need to let plants go.
I wrote a blog post about some of my favorite houseplants: Easy-Care Houseplants Add Life and Color to your Home. Maybe it needs to be updated now…
Learn all about Longfellow’s Greenhouses here.
Minnesota — Joy and Sobering Moments
It wouldn’t be a January without my annual visit to Minnesota — because everyone plans a cold-weather getaway in midwinter, right?
Of course, I’m really there to bask in the warmth of family and to celebrate Jamie’s birthday. So while the temperatures were below zero throughout my stay, we were cozy in our cocoon of everyday joys — toddler energy, 9-month-old curiosity, and time spent in the kitchen with my daughter Leah.
It was hard to ignore the reality going on outside our little bubble, though. My daughter and her young family live in St. Paul, and the morning of Jamie’s birthday party, Alex Pretti was shot and killed just miles away. The proximity of that kind of violence while we were celebrating something so innocent was jolting in a way that’s hard to put into words — and even harder to process.
Life is layered — joy and sadness occupying the same morning. I share this not to debate or take sides, but simply to acknowledge the heartbreak and disbelief that many of us feel in these complicated times. I hope, for my grandkids’ sake and all of ours, that we can find a way forward that feels kinder and more compassionate.
Nursery Design for the New Grandbaby
Speaking of future generations, I’ve been helping Zoë design the nursery for Poppy’s baby sister, arriving in May. Poppy’s nursery was all neutrals with a safari theme, and I loved it. But this time, Zoë — somewhat uncharacteristically — is embracing little-girl pink.
I was immediately all in and promptly fell down a late-night Pinterest rabbit hole of pink nursery ideas. They were either too sweet or just plain boring — until I stumbled upon a crib sheet at West Elm covered in playful bugs. And that was all the inspiration I needed.
So PJ (Poppy Junior), as she’s currently known, will have a pink-and-green room, with florals for sweetness and bugs for fun. The perfect mix, in my opinion.
January Into February
Thank you for the kind messages after my last post. I shared something difficult, and you showed up for me in a way I will not forget.
For those of you who shared your own stories — I’m holding you in my heart. May you find the peace you need to move forward.
As I had hoped, January was, for me, a quiet reset. Nothing dramatic. Just a subtle shift in perspective and a move toward action.
As part of that, I was ready for a fresh look for the blog too — cleaner lines, a simpler layout, and new photos of me to go with it. Thank you to my talented friend @_jessicazimmer for capturing me so beautifully.
While I’m definitely not feeling spring just yet, there has been a shift. The light is changing, and the days are getting noticeably longer. I made a few small late-winter tweaks at home that I can’t wait to share next week.
It feels good to say that again.
But enough about me — what have you been up to?
Questions, comments, or just want to say hello?
I’m always happy to hear from you.
Welcome back Molly! What a joyful surprise to see the blog back up this morning. I love the new format and you look rested and refreshed. Looking forward to all the creative surprises you have in store to share.
Hi Julie! Here I am! It is so nice to be interacting with you here again in the comments section in a blog post. Thanks for sticking with me during my break. I am looking forward to sharing more creativity too. We need it now more than ever.
Loved reading about all the little creative projects you’ve been up to. And the new blog design looks fabulous!
Hi Zo — Thanks! I am looking forward to sewing your pillow covers and helping to pull PJ’s room together. Thanks for letting me be a part of it and for embracing my crazy bug theme!
Thanks for sharing your love of decorating and your own story. I am in the process of adding onto my daughter’s home, a small granny flat. I am using a lot of your ideas as I am a collector of many things. Sizing down after the unexpected death of my husband 2 years ago. I love that you said life can hold grief and joy at the same time. So very true in my grief journey. Loss is hard and redefines our lives and who we are. One day at a time is how I operate, sometimes it is one moment at a time and I give myself a lot of grace. When I can’t do any more, I just rest and know that is necessary for healing. Keep on keeping on and sharing your fun home and blog.
Hi Dianne — How nice that you will be so close to your daughter. And what fun to design a new space — all the possibilities. I am sorry for your loss, but it sounds like you are dealing with your grief in a healthy way. Always give yourself grace and take good care.
So glad you are back. Your content is great!
Hi Sharon — Thank you! I am happy to be back!
So much beautiful inspiration, including the adorable nursery theme, and you look fantastic. I love a new year reset, feels good.
Hi Holly — Yes, it was time for a reset in many aspects of my life, including this blog. And I think the bug theme is so fun for a nursery. Who knew there was so much bug decor out there?!
I follow Alexander too and I think he is so charming! I love your new fabric selections-I have yet to attempt a pillow cover with a zipper. Thanks for the link to the tutorial! The blog looks fabulous and I have checked it out on my iPad and phone. I heard about the bombcycle headed your way so I suppose all that snow will give you plenty of opportunity to do needlepoint! Here we planted potatoes and onions yesterday.
Hi Jane — Yes, Alexander’s IG page is really fun. The invisible zipper is really not that hard once you figure it out. And the tutorial is really very good. We got a few inches of snow last night, and yes, I guess more is headed our way. We won’t be getting as much as Massachusetts, because I think it is heading out to sea. Right now I prefer the snow over the mud, so keep it coming!
Loved this blog!! Actually I love all of them! Your home is so beautiful and unique!! Love the PICTs with dogs!!!❤️
You look great, love your hair!!! Looking forward to the next blog!!!
Hi Dawn – I am so happy you enjoy my blog. And thank you — I went back to my natural hair color a few years ago and generally I am very happy with it. It is good to be back!
I have missed your blog! I love your refreshes, all of them. The pictures of you and the dogs are really wonderful. They capture not only your spirt but your dogs’. Longfellow’s looks like an amazing place and I may use their plant finder to figure out what to replace the dead plants from my front yard with in the spring. I am thinking of putting some hydrangeas in the front which has now become a full sun location.
Thanks, Liss, it feels good to be back. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming. Longfellow’s was an amazing place. They had such a great selection of houseplants at good prices, plus a huge gift store that I only browsed quickly. I would look into hydrangeas, I think they are considered more of a shade plant in warmer climates. Limelights are more flexible, but the two “regular” hydrangeas on either side of the porch steps wilt here when it gets warm. They do need a lot of water too. That said, you know how I feel about my limelights.
I love those sweet birthday crowns you make Molly. If I had grandchildren, I would copy you – they are adorable and such a keepsake! To what age do you think you will make them?
Beautiful home and beautiful setting. I actually saved one or two images of your gorgeous views as screen savers on my laptop. ❤️
Take care!
Hi Gray — I have so much fun making the birthday crowns. Jamie loves his, but Poppy at 2 last year refused to put hers on. When asked if she would wear one this year she said no, but then said she would wear a purple and green sparkly one. I am going to have to figure that out, ha. So I have no idea how long they will continue to wear them.
I love all your creative ideas.I just feel calmer when I read your blog.Hope that you feel that too.
Hi Judi — I love hearing that. Calm is exactly what I am trying to put out in the world, especially these days. Be well!
Hi Molly! There’s so much to love about this post! The pictures of you and the dogs are beautiful!! 💙 I love the shell dog house, the needlepoint canvas (I’m a quilter/ cross stitcher! Better than therapy!), your pillow fabrics from Spoonflower, and your descriptions of winter life on the chilly East Coast. Your grandson’s birthday crown is such an adorable tradition!
We will be visiting our kids/grandkids in Boston in a few weeks! I hope the weather warms up!! 🥶 Maybe we will get a day in Maine while we’re there!! Continue to take good care of yourself! It shows! 🥰
Hi Julie – Thank you so much. I am so happy you enjoy my blog. That means a lot to me. March is not great here in Maine, but I know you will enjoy your time with your kids and grandkids no matter what. You take good care too!
Welcome back Molly. Your home looks beautiful as always. It certainly has been quite a winter. As of this post in my little neck of the Mid-Atlantic coast we are in prep mode for a major snow/ nor ‘ easter/ coastal flooding event. Your post was a welcome relief. Something
happy to view. Give my love to Maddie, Cisco and your kitties. Stay safe and well. PS – Love the new look of the blog.
Hi Suzie — It really has been a winter. I hope this next storm isn’t as bad for you in the Mid Atlantic as the last one. My daughter in Maryland says that they are only now really recovering from it. And thank you — I am happy you like the new blog. I am so happy with it.
Hooray, I love everything! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the unfortunate things happening in Minnesota. It is a breath of fresh air to read or hear something without bias. Each side feels they have a legitimate argument. Love, understanding, compassion and forgiveness are the best balm. I can’t wait for next week!
Hi Sherri — I am so happy to be back with all of you. And yes, we are definitely in need of all those characteristics. Take good care!
As always, your post is a feast for the eyes!
Oh, thanks so much!
Molly! Beautifully done with the blog redesign, and gorgeous new photos. I love the idea of resting and nesting during the cold winter months. Although you seem to have been equally productive. Poppy’s green and pink nursery will be lovely, I hope we’ll see snippets as it comes together. My heart goes out to your family in Minnesota. Welcome back, my friend. You’ve been missed. xo
Hi Juliet — Thank you. You know your blog was an inspiration for my refresh. Yes, I was somehow quite busy during my hiatus, ha. Mostly fun things, though! I will be visiting Zoë in April to pull the nursery together and will certainly share photos. Things seems to have quieted down in Minnesota, but who knows where they will strike next. Have a lovely week!
I am glad to read your blog post and enjoy your lovely home photos. You and Maddie and Cisco are looking great.
p.s. Like the new format
Hi Linda — I am happy to be back and glad that you like the new design. Thank your for reading!
I’m glad you are back! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your pictures every week. I live in south Louisiana, so you are about as far from me as possible. We love to travel to the coast of Maine, and will be back in May. This time we are staying in Camden and Bar Harbor and will be visiting the small towns along the coast, eating lobster rolls and chowder, and enjoying the fresh, low humidity weather. I always get inspiration looking at your pictures – today it was to put the 30 or so china butter pats I have into a wooden bowl on my coffee table – a twist on your idea. You are always fresh and upbeat, and I need that in my life!
Hi Sherry — Thank you, it feels good to be back! When you visit in May, check to see if McLoon’s Lobster Shack in South Thomaston is open. It is not too far from Camden (close to Rockland) and has the best lobster rolls and a classic Maine water view. Also, don’t miss Owl’s Head Lighthouse, the Farnsworth, and be sure to drive to the top of Mt. Battie to take in the view. (You can see all the way to Mt. Desert!). Long Grain in Camden has fabulous Thai Food. I absolutely love your idea of putting the butter pats in a wooden bowl. So good! Take good care!