It’s a snow day! Join me for breakfast by the fire, a peek at my winter mantel decor, a romp outside with the dogs, some of my favorite blogs, and warm cookies straight out of the oven!
Rise and Shine
I wrote in my previous post One Winter Week in Maine about how we don’t get a lot of snow here on the coast. But this week we had some real snow predicted Thursday night into Friday. So I switched my plans for this blog post. When I went to bed on Thursday night it was snowing lightly, but I have been disappointed in the morning before. That night I dreamed that I woke to green grass and sunshine. What was I going to do for this blog post if we didn’t get snow?!
This time, though, the forecast was spot on — I woke to a snowy winter wonderland! Maddie and Cisco seemed to know. They usually continue to snooze on the bed while I get ready for the day, but with snow calling them, they didn’t want to settle back down. I had a hard time getting a picture of them “dozing peacefully” for this post, haha!
Particularly on these snowy mornings, I love flannel sheets on the bed! I changed out the Christmas throw pillows, but kept the cozy Garnet Hill bedding — floral flannel sheets, a warm quilt, and tartan throw pillow and blanket. This is in keeping with my gradual transition from Christmas to winter decor throughout the house.
Breakfast by the Fire
In the fall and winter I set up a small table next to the fireplace in the dining area. On chilly days it feels so cozy to eat next to the fire while looking out at the water. It also happens to be where I am working on my blog post today, as I watch the snow fall. Not a bad setup!
My weekday breakfast of choice this time of year is a bowl of nourishing oatmeal. On weekends I make eggs.
This is how I am loving my oatmeal these days: Old fashioned oats cooked slowly on the stove in oat milk. I sweeten them with some good Maine maple syrup and add a sprinkling of cardamom and a pinch of salt. Then I top them off with thinly sliced dried apricots, chopped pistachios, and some unsweetened coconut. This is the oatmeal version of my Cardamom Granola, which I shared in my blog post Easy Homemade Granola Breakfast Apple Crisp. So yummy and just a little bit exotic!
Winter Mantel Decor
As I mentioned above, I have been making a gradual transition from Christmas to winter around the house. Because I used a lot of natural decor elements for Christmas, much of it still feels right in January. I did a complete change of the living room mantel display, though. It looks fresh and so perfectly “Maine winter”!
It seems I can’t take M&C for a walk in the woods without returning home, arms laden with foraged “treasures”. I am particularly in love with the lichen-covered branches that litter the forest floor. They have so much character!
The vintage print of grouse in the snow was a lucky find at a local antiques barn. I bought the two figurines to go with it on Etsy. The large pinecones and faux greenery are leftovers from Christmas. And the branches and birch logs were foraged!
When styling a mantel, it is good to have something tall and something that drapes. I also prefer an arrangement that is asymmetrical, but balanced. Play with objects of different sizes and height until it feels right. Then add some filler — in this case the branches and pinecones — to ground the whole arrangement.
Time to Head Outside
Do you like to go out in the snow?! I do! And Maddie and Cisco love a good romp! They have been in and out all day, each time bringing in huge balls of snow stuck to the long fur on their legs.
Right now it is time for me to head out to clean off the car and shovel the front walkway.
Of course I will snap a few pics too!
I actually enjoy shoveling snow. Is that weird?
In case you are wondering, no, we do not have a garage. It wasn’t in the budget when we did the construction. One day I hope to add one, and I would love for it to have a multi-purpose workout/craft/office/sleeping space upstairs. But that is definitely a project for the future!
Warm Cookies Straight Out of the Oven
There is nothing like warm fresh-from-the oven cookies after coming in from outside on a snowy day! I love to bake from scratch, but it is also nice to have some good mixes around for the days when you want something quick and easy.
I have found that you can’t go wrong with Stonewall Kitchen! They have so many wonderful mixes for all kinds of baked goodies — from scones and pancakes to cookies and muffins.
Do you remember when I went on the blogger’s retreat at the Stonewall Kitchen flagship store and offices in York, Maine? It was so much fun! You can read all about it in my post From Maine to Your Home With Stonewall Kitchen!
These Triple Chocolate Chewy Cookies were so yummy! You really can’t go wrong with three kinds of chocolate, right?!
A Little Blog Reading
Last week I shared a book that I am reading. This week I want to share a few blogs that I enjoy. Sometimes it is nice to sit by the fire and “visit” with blogging friends! These ladies are all smart, talented, and creative! And definitely an inspiration for me, as I navigate my way through the blogosphere! If you visit their sites, please tell them I say “hi”!
Dabbling and Decorating
Ann has two beautiful homes — one here in Maine and one in Vermont. She is the vintage thrifting queen and shares wonderfully creative displays and projects using the treasures she finds, as well as items she inherited from her mom. You won’t want to miss Ann’s “Thrifting With the Gals” outings, when she takes us along with her to local antiques and thrift stores. I know you will love her sassy Bernese Mountain Dog Ella, who always insists on being a part of whatever Ann has going on! We met on Instagram, but I am lucky that Ann has now become a “real life” friend of mine.
Shiplap and Shells
Kim lives in a 1920 beach cottage overlooking the Puget Sound in Washington state. Kim’s home, full of colorful vintage collections, is charming, but she is best known for her adorable greenhouse and spectacular gardens, all with a watery backdrop. Kim offers both inspiration and practical gardening advice. The best of both worlds!
White Arrows Home
Kristin somehow manages to do it all! She has a blog, a podcast, and a brick and mortar store — all dedicated to lake life in the North Woods of Wisconsin. Kristin writes about family, home decor, living with the seasons, vintage collections, and more. I always find her posts full of calm, wisdom, and inspiration. I think you will too!
Bricks n Blooms
In the past year, Stacy and her family moved to an old farmhouse situated in what can only be called a park-like setting, with a pavilion, statuary, koi pond, swimming pool, and multiple gardens. Stacy is a master gardener, so she is completely in her element, offering gardening inspiration and tips. Stacy also shares seasonal decor, home projects, entertaining ideas, and recipes. A little bit of everything!
The Ponds Farmhouse
I call Rachel the energizer bunny! She does more diy and craft projects than anyone I know! She and her husband even built a greenhouse — then filled it with repurposed and refurbished vintage objects. Rachel is all about budget-friendly vintage style. She also shares creative entertaining and seasonal decorating ideas. You are sure to learn something new from her!
Make Mine a Spritzer, Northern California Style, and Pinecones and Acorns
Juliet, Kim, and Elizabeth do “Weekend Meanderings” posts together each Saturday. They cover everything from food to fashion to home decor to local outings. They share recommendations for books, movies, and tv shows. Reading one of their posts is like sitting down for a chat with a really fun and interesting friend.
Miss Mustard Seed
I probably don’t even need to list Marian’s blog here, because everyone already reads it, right? Marian is such an incredibly talented individual — she writes, paints, sews, crafts, and has an absolutely impeccable sense of design. She does it all with seeming ease, and makes us feel that we can certainly do it all too. Marian and her family recently moved to a new home. It is particularly fun to watch as she transforms it with her signature style. When Molly in Maine grows up, I want to be like Miss Mustard Seed. A girl has to have goals, right?!
After the Snow
After a day at home, I am headed out early tomorrow morning to go to an auction. This is a new place for me, but I have been told it is a good one. And the online pictures of the items up for auction certainly seem to confirm that. I will let you know how it goes!
I know I told you that this week I would share with you about the antiques show I went to last Sunday and the fundraiser for our local food pantry on Monday. But I couldn’t fit it in this post. I can say that I did not come home from the antiques show empty handed. I will show you what I got soon! And it turned out the fundraiser was canceled due to icy weather. I would love to take you all to visit the pantry, because the work we do there is really incredible. But that is for another post!
Time for me to say good bye for this week.
Thank you for spending this snow day with me!
Awww a beautiful post Molly and thanks for sharing. Aren’t snow days just the best? It’s going to start snowing here tonight into tomorrow 5″-8″ predicted, I’m psyched. Happy Sunday!
You have done so much to help me with my blog, it is the least I can do! Your blog is an inspiration to me! The snow was so great. Tonight and tomorrow we have rain, ice, and a little snow on the way. Bleh. This was nice while it lasted!
We have the same taste in blogs! I was only unfamiliar with the 3 ladies who do a weekend post together but I will give them a visit. I met Marion at a blogging conference where she was introducing her paint line (yes, that long ago!) and I was awestruck in her presence. She is simply amazing!
There are so many inspiring women bloggers out there! Juliet, Kim, and Elizabeth are so fun. I love their weekly meanderings! Marian is so talented, but she also seems so calm and down to earth! How fun to meet her!
Hi Molly. I loved reading this post. Thank you for sharing your lovely home and pups. A snow day by the fire, overlooking the gorgeous Maine coast
would be a great day in my book. Your home evokes the essence of the Maine coast in the most wonderful way. I love your print above the fireplace,
it makes you feel as if you are in the woods observing the grouse. The oatmeal looks yummy. I am moving to a more plant based diet, so I am on the hunt
for new recipes. I will give this recipe a try. When I grow up, I want to be Molly in Maine. Have a great week. Thank you for sharing life on the Maine coast.
P.S. if my comment prints out oddly spaced, my apologies. The twenty something’s are asleep after a long work week, so technical help is not available. 😬
Thank you Suzie! The vintage print was a lucky find at a local antiques “barn” and was the starting point for the mantel display. Also the branches I keep bringing home with me, haha! This beautiful area I call home is such an inspiration for me!
It seems that you and I have the same taste in blogs, though you introduced me to a few new ones through this post. Enjoy your snow! We are expecting more tonight.
Lucky you! We have rain and ice on the way tonight. Yuck! Happy blog reading!
Finding your blog was a wonderful find. Thanks for sharing your favorite blogs!
I may find a new one to follow.
Hi Judy! So glad you found me! Give the other ladies a visit and tell them I say hi!
Looking great up there Molly! Love all the natural elements in your home decor. Wonderful to be surrounded by nature inside as well as outside. I have to admit to being a bit jealous of your snow. It’s raining and cold here today. But we have had some beautiful sunny days lately that make up for all the dreary days. Love your oatmeal toppings. Thanks for the suggestions. Be well!
Hi Mimie! I get so much inspiration from this beautiful spot I call home! We have rain and ice on the way tonight. Yuck!
Such a lovely blog to look at and read! When foraging, do you ever worry about bring in bugs? I also love to collect things from outside, but I worry about this.
Thanks so much for the list of other blogs to check out!
Thank you!
Hi Debra! Someone else asked me about bugs recently, and I have never really had a problem with that. One time I did have a spider living in the bowl of dried hydrangeas on the dining room table. That was kind of creepy, haha!
Such a lovely post! It is snowing here in Wisconsin this morning. I am one of those crazies that enjoy shoveling snow too!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful Maine life🥰
Hi Karen! Enjoy the snow — and the shoveling! Thanks for taking the time to say hello!
Molly, Thank you for the kind mention! So sweet of you. I can’t wait to read the other blogs also!
I just love your home and the mantel looks pretty with the branches. We have the same ones in Tahoe! I also noticed your shell encrusted shelf..wonderful. Seeing your home makes me anxious to get back to Tahoe soon and it gives me ideas for my cabin, though it’s not near as lovely. Your oatmeal sounds wonderful and I am going to give cardamon a try! I have had that in lattes and it is so good.
I need to get to more auctions and antique shows. Looking forward to see what treasures you found! Enjoy the snow with you sweet pups!
Happy Weekend,
xo Kim
P.S. It would be hard to leave your seat there with the views and the cozy fire!
Hi Kim! It was my pleasure! I so love your blog It is like taking a mini vacation in California! Your Tahoe cabin looks so great! My son and daughter-in-law honeymooned in Tahoe last year (after a week in Hawaii!). Thanks so much for stopping by to say hi!
Another great blog, Mollie! I always love photos, you live in a spot of Heaven! Here in North Carolina, snow may or may not happen! I always hope for at least one good snow, and now that I’m retired, it doesn’t need to be a weekend snow, to enjoy it! I guess folks who still work, might think ill of me for saying that, and I don’t want it to be a hardship for anyone! I just love snow! Cudos to anyone who can shovel their driveway, I guess I’m too old too even consider it! I could enjoy watching you, though!🤣🤣. No snow in my forecast for next week, but hoping we both have a nice week, take care, and enjoy that auction!
I hope you get some snow, Martha — any day of the week! And you overestimate me! I do not shovel the driveway, just the walkway and other small areas. We have a long driveway. Someone comes with a plow to clear that!
Love this blog and the other blogger suggestions. When we lived in upstate NY I wasn’t a snow shoveler fan, but I took great pride snow blowing a neatly groomed “poop loop” for the pups in the back yard. The snow was so deep it was over their heads. I guess it would be akin to that feeling of satisfaction after vacuuming 🤦♀️. Sorry the auction was a disappointment. Looking forward to the food pantry post.
Maybe that is why I like to shovel. I always get much satisfaction from vacuuming! I love emptying the bin and watching all that pet hair spill out!
I forgot to mention. I have that same silver pattern. It was my MIL’s and I’ve always thought it was so pretty!
I got the silverware at an estate sale. I love it! And it was a fraction of the price of something new and much less durable!
Beautiful blog! What a magical place you live in!❤️
Hi Jill! Thank you! Yes, I really do live in a magical place!
Molly
I love seeing all the snow. I’m beginning to doubt we will get any this winter. I like one good snow and then I’m ready for Spring. Your blog is just beautiful and I love your winter Mantel. You are so kind to include my blog in your favorites list. I’m honored! I look forward to collaborating with you on future blog hops.
Hi Rachel! It was my pleasure to include you. You really are such an inspiration with all that you do! This has been such a warm winter so far. I am happy to have the snow! And thank you, I had so much fun pulling together this winter mantel!
Jealous of your snow, but you enjoyed it perfectly – with oatmeal and homemade cookies!
What I really needed was all of you and some good old chocolate chip pancakes!
Molly, first thank you for including Juliet, Kim and I in your roundup of bloggers. We have the same taste because I follow all of the others that you mentioned. Kristin is one of my favorites because I too am from Wisconsin and I love seeing my home state!
Your cosy spot in front of the fire is the perfect place to start the day! I too enjoy oatmeal, I like it with lots of cinnamon an a teaspoon of homemade cranberry jam. It is a warm comforting bowl of goodness.
Looking forward to seeing what you picked up at the antique stores/auctions. By the way, check out https://brightstarantiques.com I think you will love their auctions. I have purchased from them many times.
Have a great week!
It was my pleasure to share all of you! I do love starting the day next to the fire on these cold mornings! Ooh, cranberry jam sounds so yummy in oatmeal! That is one of the things I love about oatmeal — you can customize it in so many ways! I will definitely check out that website! Thanks!
It’s fun to check out new blogs in search of new ideas.
I love the fabric on the two white chairs in front of the fireplace. It looks so cozy. Those dogs have the right idea snuggling up in those chairs on a snow winter day!
Hi Lynda! I hope you enjoy the blogs I shared! And yes, those two chairs are so cozy! Like a warm hug!
What is the pattern of your Mom’s flow blue mugs and pitchers? I love this pattern so much!
The pattern of the transferware is something like Barley and Hops or something like that. That is what is depicted on the pieces. It was probably used in pubs.
Molly, I so enjoyed having breakfast with you … warm and cozy by the fire! Maddie and Cisco too! I love dried apricots but never thought of adding them to my oats. Brilliant! Thank you for including me and my Saturday pals in your reading list. I know I can speak for all of us in saying we appreciate it and are just as enthused to find your posts in our mailboxes. Good luck at your first auction … I’m excited to to hear how it goes … oh, and the antique show too! xo
Thank you, Juliet! Your blog post really is an inspiration to me! It is one of my favorite reads! And yes, definitely try dried apricots in your oatmeal. So yummy! Join me today on the blog for lunch!
Hi, I’m just reading this blog now and I’m sorry I didn’t get to it sooner! I always love your pictures and your bright cheery take on life. Like you I love snow and have been disappointed at how little we have gotten. But this week, we have had a a little snow every day during our walk (only amounting to about 2 or 3 inches but any amount is good) and now today I think we are in for another 3 or 4! Yay! I have to say that I think my favorite thing about your blog is the pictures! The dogs snuggling and romping in the now and all the pictures of your beautiful home. I just love your mantel. So Maine! And I love your recipes for cooking. I am obsessed with your granola recipe! Have fun in the snow!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, no matter when it is, Amy! You know I love to take pictures of this beautiful place!
Hi Molly,
Just visited for the first time — via Stacy @ Bricks ‘n Blooms. ow have I missed you before this! Particularly as our daughter has fallen in love with Maine (worked with Senator King and made several trips to Maine). So we hope to be planning a family vacation there soon.
Hi Diane! Welcome! I would say you definitely need to plan a trip here! I think you might fall in love with this great state too!
It took me a while to get to this post, but it was well worth the wait, Molly. Thank you so much for the blog mention. I really appreciate it. I know I’ve said this before, but I’m so happy you are now a blogger. You have so many amazing things to share with the world. I love every single picture and love reading your posts. You truly have a gift for this.
Hi Kim! Thank you so much! You have inspired me for years — both on IG and on your blog. Thank you for always supporting me on this journey!