The holiday season is over. Let’s move forward into the the new year! Here are some things I have on my mind heading into 2023!
Welcome 2023!
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were joyful and warm!
I am happy to report that I made it through my first holiday season without the kids! Well, since Jack and Margaux were in Maine with her family, we did get to spend some time with them, including Christmas dinner in Kennebunk. But, except for “Covid Christmas” in 2020, this was the first Christmas since 1991 that our family was not all together. And while I won’t remember it as my favorite Christmas ever, the warmth and joy of the season were still strong.
Of course the holiday did not come off without a hitch…. My husband was traveling from California and he was delayed several days by three cancelled flights and an unplanned overnight in Newark due to the massive winter storm that blanketed the country. Jack and Margaux were also delayed two days and most of their luggage did not arrive until they were almost ready to head back home after New Year’s. But they all made it to Maine safely and that is the most important thing!
I enjoyed the quiet days between Christmas and the new year. I am trying to be better about taking down time and not always feeling like I need to be accomplishing something. Five years into retirement, and I still struggle with that! Something to focus on in 2023!
While I am not really one for new year’s resolutions, I have thought about what this year holds for me and some things I want to focus on. Here is what is on my mind as I head into 2023!
Photo Shoot
I am not starting the new year with a clean slate in the house, like so many of you. In fact, I am still tweaking my holiday decor a bit. It will stay up through January 10th, when a crew from Better Homes and Gardens is coming to shoot the home for next season’s issue of Cottage Style Christmas! This is such a huge honor for me and made it fun to decorate the house, even without the kids being home. It also allowed me to flex my design muscle a bit, while still keeping things natural and very “Maine”. I hope that my pinecone tree and pops of orange will offer readers something a little different!
This past weekend I swapped out the flimsy bows on the outdoor wreathes with jaunty plaid “scarves” I made from a fringed blanket. I will collect a few more greens from the woods, wrap some pretend presents, and give the house a good clean. A few more bows here, an extra garland there, and I should be good to go! I am a little bit nervous, but mostly excited. It is definitely a fun way to start the year! And I can’t deny it is nice to have the glow of the holidays in the home a little longer — especially on icy gray days like today.
Babies
The big thing on my mind as I head into 2023 is babies! This year I will become a true “Coastal Grandmother” — times two! Both our daughters are expecting! Leah is due in just a few weeks, on January 31st, and Zoë is due in early April. To say I am over the moon would be an understatement!
So this year will involve lots of travel! Leah and Adam live in Minnesota, and Zoë and Sam are in Washington, D.C.. My first trip will be in February to D.C. for a baby shower and to help get the nursery ready. I am all in to hang wallpaper, move furniture, and generally fluff their nest! Shortly after that I will travel to St. Paul to meet my grandson! My cup runneth over!
Fitness
Fitness has always been a top priority for me. I left my longtime gym when we moved to Maine, so one of the first things I bought for the house was a Peloton bike. I am a true cardio junkie — a good sweat always makes me feel better! You can find me on the bike pretty much every day. As I age, though, I realize how important strength training is too. Last year I made the effort to increase the number of strength classes I took and noticed a real difference. In 2023 I would like to build off last year and become even stronger. After all, I am going to need some muscle to lift those two grandbabies!
Another thing I left behind in Maryland was my outdoor cycling group. We used to ride every weekend, spring through fall and completed a number of lengthy cycling tours. Sadly, I have not found a group to ride with here in Maine, and I miss it terribly. It truly feels like I have lost a part of myself. In 2023 I would love to find a group to ride with, or at least get out on my bike more often on my own. (Though it is not as fun or as safe as riding in a group.) A bonus would be to find a multi-day group ride to do. So, if you are in the midcoast area of Maine and know of a fun cycling group, let me know!
The Blog
Starting this blog in 2022 was a huge milestone for me. As I wrote in my first post Bold Journeys and Second Runs, I had wanted to do this for three years, but kept putting it off for various reasons. Now that I have this space, I want to focus on growing it in 2023.
I have many ideas for fun new content going forward, projects I want to complete around the house, and there are brand partnerships I would like to establish. But really, my focus here is on all of YOU! What would YOU like to see here? If you enjoy my posts, I would appreciate it if you would share my blog with your friends. And if you haven’t signed up for email notifications, please do! Of course I always enjoy hearing from you in comments. It is the most direct way to show your support! Thank you for being here. It truly means so much to me!
Winter
The most immediate thing on my mind right now, I must admit, is getting through the winter. Don’t get me wrong, I love winter — snowy weather, turtleneck sweaters, soup dinners, cozy nights by the fire, snuggling under a blanket, warm winter sunshine flooding the house on a frosty morning, hot drinks, puffy jackets, and the feeling of crisp air filling my lungs.
But winters here are long, dark, and very quiet. It is important to focus on self care. Exercise is vital. And so is making the effort to connect with others. When I moved to Maine, a friend told me that I needed a good warm jacket so that I could get outside every day. I admit that on icy days like today, I often don’t venture any further than the mailbox. But generally I do try to get out to do errands or to take the dogs for a walk. I always feel better when I do.
All this said, I also need to allow myself to slow down — sleep a little later, read more, accept that maybe I won’t get all my projects done. I hope that you will offer yourself this same grace during this quiet season.
Right now, though, I am headed up to hop on the Peloton! (I am mollyinmaine on the Peloton too!) Then I will settle in for the evening. Tomorrow I am meeting friends for coffee!
Thank you for spending time with me today! I hope you will say hi below. Even virtual connections are meaningful!
Let’s make 2023 a good one!
Hello….I have been following you in Instagram for a bit and just love your posts! This morning you mentioned your blog, so I stopped by. I really identify with your comments and enjoyed reading them. Also, a couple of things I wanted to mention that made me want to stop by….we also have Springer Spaniels and love them like no other. We moved to Minnesota (Maple Grove) four and half years ago from California. (I see you posted about your daughter living in Minnesota) Maine and New England were places we visited almost every year….so I am familiar with your surroundings and have always loved the East Coast even though I had always been a “California girl”! I retired about nine years ago and also felt a sense of “I need to be doing something!!!” I have managed to keep very busy and love my life. Anyway, thank you for allowing me to visit your blog…I will be a regular visitor!
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and for reaching out! It sounds like we have a lot in common! Yes, Springer Spaniels are the best! Maddie and Cisco are our 3rd and 4th! My daughter and son-in-law live in St. Paul. They sure got a dump of snow this week! I too keep busy in retirement — sometimes I wonder if I am too busy, haha! But I love the things I have gotten involved with. So nice getting to know you a bit!
Love those scarves instead of bows,
Thank you! The inspiration came to me the other day, so I cut up a blanket and got to work!
Love your home and your blog. I follow you on Instagram, and just recently discovered your blog. To say I adore Maine and
the coastal lifestyle would be an understatement. Maine is my dream state, and I relish every chance that I get to visit. Reading your blog posts
and Instagram posts is like a mini trip to Maine. Wishing you and your family all the best in this new year.
Hi Suzie! Thank you for following me on Instagram and welcome to my blog! I am so glad you found me here! Besides hopefully inspiring you with my home decor, I want both my IG and my blog to feel like a virtual escape to Maine! I am so happy you feel that way! I don’t know if you have checked out some of my older posts, but if you love Maine, you will probably enjoy my posts “The Best Little Lobster Shack in Maine” and “Wild About Maine (Wild) Blueberries!”. Thanks for taking the time to write!
Hi Molly, I read your post on the Best Lobster Shack. Great post. Hope to try some of the recommendations.
I have found Dunton’s Doghouse in East Boothbay to be excellent. Gary who has sold the business to his
nephew, established this quirky little spot years ago. No frill outside dining on picnic tables. His lobster rolls
and crab rolls are excellent. I am told his nephew is continuing the tradition. Dunton’s closes Columbus Day weekend.
I also love the Mariner’s lobster roll in Camden. Excellent lobster roll with that quintessential view of Camden Harbor.
If you are lucky enough you can score one of the two booths that face the harbor. I will definitely check out your
post on blueberries. I also love the Lost Kitchen on Magnolia network. Thank you for starting your blog.
I am glad you enjoyed the post! McLoons really is a special place with a spectacular location! I will have to give Mariner’s a try for an indoor lobster roll!
Beautiful post as always Molly. Can’t wait to hear all about your magazine shoot, so exciting. 2023 sounds like an amazing year for you. Happy New Year!
Hi, Ann! I do have a lot to look forward to in 2023 — most especially those grandbabies! I also look forward to spending more time with you! We will have to hit up the antiques stores together sometime!
Love your Blog and your lifestyle. Happy New Year!
Thank you reading and for taking the time to say hi! Happy 2023!
Molly, in this post, you address two challenges that I face. The first is the need to be productive. A friend had warned me that after years of working outside the home it would be difficult to allow myself down time. It is only recently that I have learned that it is okay to kick back with a novel in the middle of the day. The second is staying connected. When you move at retirement age, as we did, it takes extra effort to find a new group of friends. Winters can be especially tough in the Northeast, but I label it “cozy time” to put a positive spin on things. Wishing you warmth in your home!
Hi, PJ! It sounds like we are at similar points in life! I still need to work on kicking back in the middle of the day, haha! In retirement I have allowed myself to sleep in a little bit and I love not having to run out the door in the morning. I am lucky to have moved to a wonderful community with fun and interesting people. I am grateful for a great friend group here. Winter is definitely cozy time and I enjoy that…. for a while! Thanks for taking the time to reach out!
Love your home Molly! Love reading about life in Maine. It’s absolutely beautiful up there!
Cheryl M
Hi Cheryl! I feel so very fortunate to call this beautiful spot home!
I too am getting a second grandchild in late January! Grandpa renting really has been an awesome adventure! I also am a big Peloton fan. I’m sure the magazine article will be spectacular. I enjoy seeing all your decor and your Maine shots. I live in Florida so a bit different in the weather dept! Happy 2023 Molly in Maine!
I also need to proof read! Grandparenting
Haha! I kind of like the idea of “grandpa renting”!
Hi, Trish! Congratulations on the arrival of your second grandchild later this month! Peloton is the very best! Who are your favorite instructors?
Dear molly,
Happy New Year!
I cannot tell you how much I love your posts and the virtual tours of your beautiful home!
I live on the coast in RI and like you, I am into everything coastal!
Thank you for sharing your life and beautiful home with us!
I love your dogs, springer spaniels are so wonderful. I had Max for many years, he looked just like yours. I always think of him when I see your dogs lounging around!:)
I am also retired and this year, I feel the need to get healthy and strong,
I think back of how important that was, in my younger years and have slacked off a bit, since I have gotten older!
I seem to live my life waiting for the summer, to be by the pool or at the beach!
I have to enjoy winter again!
Growing up in Vermont, winter was wonderful. Skiing, skating, snowmobiling.
Now the skiing doesn’t seem like a good idea.
If I fall now, I will probably break something!:)
Congratulations on your photo shoot.
I can’t wait to see it next winter!
Have a wonderful year!
Best Regards
Susan
Hi Susan! So nice to hear from you! Maddie and Cisco really are the very best canine companions! I used to ski and do a little skating, but I blew my knees out years ago, and that has gotten impossible for me. Cycling is really the one thing that doesn’t hurt them, so I feel fortunate for that. I love to ride both my Peloton and my road bike! You just need to find exercise that works for you. It is never too late to start! Good luck!
Can’t wait to see you take on the role of Coastal Grandmother this year for our little nugget! And YES to more strength training, proud to have such a strong woman as my mom 💪🏼
SO excited to hold your little one in my arms and to visit you in February! Thank you for keeping me motivated with my fitness goals!
I so enjoy your blog!
Looking forward to spending 2023 reading your post.
Keep them coming.
This would be was a great start to 2023!
Sent comment from Christmas post and sent email, hoping you will respond.
Be well.
Hi Ethel! Sorry for my delay, but I did respond to your comment the other day. If you check the blog post, you can see my response! Thanks so much for reading my blog and taking the time to comment!
Happy New Year to you and your family. Love reading your thoughtful words and congratulations on the BHG layout so fun. May your 2023 be filled with special days and loved ones galore.
Thanks, Deb! Happy New Year! I wish the same things for you!
I have visited your new state of Maine twice on cruises, and fell in love with its beauty. So on our many hot summer Texas days, I revisit the cool breezes and blue vistas via my memories in Maine. Your home and photos give me chills and thrills, your dogs are adorable, and your blog and Instagram account are my favorites. Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Linda! Where did your cruises stop here in Maine? Maybe you visited Rockland, which is just up the road from me! Thank you so much for reading my blog and for taking the time to say “hi”!
Molly – your home and setting is so wonderful and I can see it being a big hit in the magazine. My home has lots of blue with pops of orange too, so yours speaks to me.
I had no idea that you just started in 2022. I thought you’d been around forever – the blog is so polished and you have so many instagram followers! Congratulations on your success. You are an inspiration to me. Happy 2023!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am loving orange so much these days. It is such a happy color! I have been on Instagram since 2019, but just started my blog in 2022. I hope 2023 is getting off to a great start for you!
Happy New Year, Molly!
Discovering your IG posts and your blog is a blessing! For many years, I told folks I wanted to retire to Maine and the looks I received! Anyway, have not done that so I live vicariously through a shared passion for the color blue, your beautiful postings of your home with the dogs, landscape through the seasons, your thoughts and ideas, and can soon share the joy of being a grandmother. I am a true “bicoastalnana” (which is also my IG name) as we have two granddaughters who happen to live about three blocks away from us in Bethlehem, PA and a grandson who lives with his parents in Los Angeles (Los Feliz), CA. Being a grandparent is truly a joy like no other.
Thank you for sharing. You brighten up our days!
Oh, thank you, Deb! Kind comments like yours brighten my days! You are so lucky to have two grandchildren who live nearby! I will definitely be on the go to see mine. I am looking forward to when they visit here in Maine too. I designed this home with them in mind. Have a great day!
Molly, I love the hominess of your home. I also enjoy decorating for Christmas with natural elements. As a Golden Retriever owner I want to know how in world you keep those cream colored chairs clean?
Thank you, Jamie! The secret to keeping my furniture clean is slipcovers! I just toss them in the wash. In fact I need to do that this weekend!
Those scarves on the wreaths are adorable and such an extension of the coziness that awaits inside. We could all learn a lesson from how you handle “bumps in the road”…travel glitches, sharing our married children with their in-laws during holidays, Covid separation…you handle it all so well. I’m sure hours on the peloton help with that. Can’t wait to meet baby grandson virtually, and hope you share pictures of the nursery you’re decorating. Welcome to the world of the traveling grandmother. Thank goodness for technology and FaceTiming. So much goodness headed your way in 2023. Thank you for sharing a window into your world.
And thank you, Julie, for supporting me through the years! I try to have a positive attitude about things, though sometimes it takes me a while to get there, haha. Exercise definitely helps me deal with life’s hurdles. I see it as one thing I can control in this world that is so often beyond our control. Looking forward to learning from all of you grandmothers out there!
Happy New Year Molly. I love your Instagram posts, and I am excited to say I found your blog. Wishing you and your family all the best
in 2023.
Hi Suzie! Thanks for joining me on Instagram and now here! I hope 2023 is off to a great start for you!
Hi from Pennsylvania! Congratulations on the news of your soon to hold grand babies! I have 11 from two daughters. One has 8 and the other 3. I would have never dreamed we would have that many grandchildren from two girls.
I agree exercise is vital at our age, but it is truly a struggle for me. I was active young. I took dance lessons, cheerleading, got best dancer of my senior class and was the captain of my cheerleading squad. However, working in an office 25 years, I gained weight and became quite sedentary. In my late 60’s I’m working on getting fit, mostly by walking. Not to mention, I’m only 4’11-1/4” tall! 😊
Ps I enjoy your pictures and seeing your home.
I love orange. I have orange terracotta tile in my home and love blues and orange together!
Best regards,
Cathy
Hi Cathy! Wow! 11 grandchildren! You are blessed! And the thing about exercise is that it is never to late to start! Walking is great! Who knows what the will lead to?! Maybe you could sign up for one of those charity walks as extra motivation to keep moving!
Love your blog. We wandered off to Maine this year for the first time. We live in the hot sunny south buts it’s even been cold rainy and a little snowy this winter. I used some of the things you talk about to plan our trip and we love Maine. Those babies will be great. We love ours to death but they’re growing ups way too fast.
Hi Diane! Thank you! Where did you visit in Maine? Like our own kids, I am sure grandchildren grow up way too fast too. I will try to enjoy every moment with them, though!
I love your blog and love where you live! I used to go to Ogunquit every summer but not for 5 years now. Hope to make it this summer.
I live in Scottsdale Arizona now so not such an easy trip! Your house is just perfect, in my opinion, being a “Blue” person in my decorating.
I wish you a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to more posts and Instagram stories!
Hi Judy! Yes, I think you definitely need to make a trip back to Ogunquit this year. It is worth the long trip from Arizona! Thank you for joining me here and on IG!
Love the balance of intention and goal-setting accompanied by the acknowledgement of rest, taking it slow, and savoring moments, too. Sounds like a great combination going into 2023! Can’t wait to see all that’s in store for Molly in Maine on the blog, with bike adventures, and becoming a grandmother!
Thanks, honey! Of course the last thing you mention is what I am most excited about this year — for you and Adam and for me too!
I’m here too! Really enjoy your blog and Instagram posts. I’m on the other side – Washington state and get the gray long days. Exercise is really important – if for no other reason than the beautiful outdoorsy days of summer to come! See ya soon virtual friend 😉
Hi, Lisa! So nice to have virtual friends to help me get through these long dark winters! Thanks for stopping by to say hi!
You are one of my favorites to follow on IG!
I loved your decor this Christmas and congrats on the BH&G shoot, well deserved. I live in Southern California but grew up in NH and still get in trips to the Maine coast when I visit in the Summer and so following you always reminds me of home 💙
Thank you so much, Jane! I had a lot of fun with my Christmas decor this year. The whole orange thing was not planned, but I loved it once it got going! I went to Dartmouth College — it was when I fell in love with New England. It took me years to get back here, but I am so happy to be here now!
Thanks Molly, great post! Being a grandmother is the best! I too try to get outside everyday, but when it’s windy and cold, too much! Just came back from walk on beach, 45 today, a real heat wave!
Hi, Patricia! Thank you! Sometimes it is nice to just stay inside and look at the view through the windows, haha! I bet your walk on the beach this morning felt great!
I’ve loved seeing the pictures you post and am a lover of the look you create with blues and white and the stones and weathered grey shingles. Just recently subscribed to your blog and truly enjoy it. Congrats on the grandchildren! There is nothing like them. We surely enjoy spending time with ours (and their parents, of course). My life has slowed immensely in the way of exercise since the Covid shutdown and I have noticed huge differences – less healthy weight level, not as strong, not as much stamina. As I am nearing retirement (Yay!), I look forward to focusing a bit more on me and growing more healthy and stronger. Best wishes on the photo shoot and I look forward to seeing more of the beautiful spaces!
Hi Beverly! Thank you for reading my post and subscribing to my blog! I was lucky to have the Peloton during the Covid shutdown. It really helped me deal with the stress of that time. The good thing about exercise is that it is never too late to start! And it always makes you feel better once you do. You’ve got this!
Congratulations on the grand babies and photo shoot, Molly! How exciting! I love your decor this year, and the new scarf bows are a wonderful, creative touch.
I agree with you about settling into the quiet winter season. I’ve been sick, so it was easier to sleep in today, read while snuggled under a blanket, listening to NPR and podcasts. But I typically have trouble not feeling guilty if I don’t get up early and cross everything off my to-do list — so that’s a goal for this year. As is getting on the spin bike more often!
Thank you, Kerri! We, as women, can feel so much pressure from ourselves to “do everything”. I think it is important for us to learn how to let go and relax. I am glad you took it easy this morning, but I hope you are feeling better soon! As for getting on the bike — I approach it from the standpoint of “when” will I exercise today, not “if” I will exercise. Even if it is just a short ride, I always feel better!
I am so excited about your upcoming grandbabies’ arrival and the photo shoot! I hope you take lots of photos to share on Instagram.
Thanks, Jane! I will definitely share some photos!
Happy New Year! It will be so fun for you with the new babies.
I’m flying to the opposite (West) coast Monday to celebrate Christmas with my daughter. Once they are grown and gone, you have to be flexible. And wait for lower air fares.
It’s kind of funny for me where you came from because if I could afford it, I would go live in the DMV. Preferably, Georgetown or Alexandria. lol I visited several times when my daughter was living there and loved it. I would be a volunteer at The Kennedy Center.
My Christmas decorations stay up through the Twelve Days of Christmas. The plaid scarves you added are a nice touch. Later this year, you’ll have to post when the issue comes out with your photos. I’m always up for your house projects and your seasonal activities in Maine. The picture of the dogs sleeping in front of the fire is priceless. Please continue to include them!
Molly
So many exciting things happening for you in 2023. Congratulations on the photo shoot and the two grand blessings.
Hi Rachel! Thanks so much! Blessings, indeed! I hope your year has gotten off to a great start!
Hello from South Carolina! Beautiful home, and precious doggies! ❤️ I can’t wait to grab the BHG Cottage Style next Christmas. I love the scarves! I swoon over any sort of plaid, and I am already planning to put red plaid in my dining room next Christmas with my blue willow china. Good luck next week!
Leanne
Hello in South Carolina, Leanne! Thank you for your kind words! I love plaid too. And I think red plaid with blue willow sounds like a perfect combination!
Molly,
I’m so excited for all you have in store for 2023, especially becoming a grandmother. It will be so fun to follow along. Congratulations on the magazine feature as well. I can’t wait to see it. I have a strong feeling your gorgeous home will be the cover!!
Hi Kristin! So great to “see” you here! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family! Happy 2023! I am definitely excited about what is to come in 2023! But right now I am focused on getting ready for the photo shoot, haha!
Hi Molly. The scarves are absolutely adorbs! You are going to nail the photo shoot! Congratulations on the grand-babies! Being a Nana is the best!
Thanks, Peggy! I love it when I have an idea that turns out as good or even better than I imagined. That is how I feel about the scarves! It makes me happy that others like them too!
Love reading your updates Molly. Exciting year ahead for you and your family grand babies are the best!
We have 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren the youngest is 5 and oldest is 36. It’s interesting to hear the comments about
downtime and feeling guilty about not filling our time. I have always struggled with this and I like you have only been retired for 5 years and it’s only been this past year that I am finally trying to relax more. I offer myself to help out anyone that has a project going on and I have the time, I quilt, go to the gym and walk when I can and even returned to work to ‘help out’. From spring until fall I head to the lake my happy place and do projects there. So sometimes I think I never relax but I am learning. I am also excited about the photo shoot BHG is doing how exciting for you. Enjoy and rest up for your grand babies. Hugs to Cisco and Maddie.
Hi Joyce! What a wonderful big family you have! Great grandchildren — that must really be something! I guess the one thing about being “busy” in retirement is that we get to choose what we are busy with. I love all the things that I do, so I generally enjoy being “busy”. Sometimes, though, I would like to sit down in the afternoon and read a book, and I just don’t do that enough! Like all of life, it is a balance! Thanks for taking the time to chat!
Happy New Year, Molly! The scarves on your wreaths are wonderful … what a great idea. So excited for your shoot, but more excited to see the issue published next year. The adjustment to retirement is a process … and a multi-year process as you’re figuring out. It’s been ten for me and I still struggle with managing my time … that’s something I’m going to get a handle on this year. You have a couple of exciting developments coming soon … and I’m sure you can’t wait until those two grand babies are ready to starting traveling to grandma’s for beautiful Christmas’. Enjoy every moment of your BH&G experience. Cheers! xo
Hi Juliet — Thanks, Juliet! Happy New Year to you too! It has been fun to flex my creative muscle since I retired. But I am definitely still figuring out where I am headed with IG and my blog. It is great to have people like you to inspire me with your blog! And yes, this Christmas I kept thinking of next Christmas when we will have two grandbabies here!
Molly,
Congratulations! I cannot wait to hear more about the photoshoot! The house looks amazing! I love the plaid bows made from a blanket, such a great idea.
Congratulations as well on the grandchildren!!!! That is even more exciting than the photoshoot.
My husband bought a Peloton last year. Biking is not my favorite exercise but now that I know someone on there…you, I think it will help motivate to get me on the bike. I love walking. When we moved we gave the treadmill to our neighbors. And I “lost” my yoga studio. I want to hot yoga for 6 years 5 days a week, since we moved I have not been on my mat once. My old studio was so close to my house and I do not want to have to drive 20 minutes to exercise.
Like you I want to build muscle, are you using the Peloton strength classes?
Have a wonderful weekend! Stay warm and cosy!
Happy New Year, Elizabeth! I am definitely more excited about the grandchildren than the photoshoot, haha. But I am so honored to be chosen for the magazine! Give the Peloton a try — you might like it! But did you know that you can also take yoga classes through Peloton??! They have tons of classes and you can use the screen on the bike or the app on your phone/tablet/computer. You should definitely look into it! Like having a yoga studio in your home! Peloton also has guided classes for walking outdoors. You listen on your phone. You can register on your husband’s bike and get access to all the app classes. I know I sound like a Peloton sponsor, haha. I am just a huge fan! Let me know if you give any of these things a try!
hi love rhis blog thinking about the coming year! i cant wait to see your grandbabies and hopefully meet them too! i am going to try to be more which includes more flexible and you inspire me to be stronger plus i want to do more tai chi! also want to do more reading, crafts and puzzles. didnt do much of those things in 2022. so here is to both of us making progress in our goals! cant wait to hear about the shoot. just love your decor this year!
Thanks, Amy! You will definitely get to meet all your grandnephews/nieces! I know at least that Leah and Adam will be driving to Explo next summer, and that always involves a stop at your place! I hope you get to do more of all the things you listed. And I hope you also come to Maine this year — maybe twice! Happy 2023!
Saying, “Hello” because I enjoy your blog!
Happy New Year!
Hello, Regina! Thanks for taking the time to say hi! It brightened my morning!
I am so excited for you about the photoshoot Molly! What an amazing opportunity. Your home looks magazine worthy for sure. I love how you tied the scarves on the winter wreaths. Such a cute idea. Congratulations on being an authentic coastal grandma. You are going to be so busy! It sounds like 2023 is your year.
Hi, Kim! Happy New Year! I am definitely looking forward to the grandbabies! It will be a special year, for sure! I am into the final push getting ready for the photoshoot. It is always stressful! One of the things I still have to do is wrap some fake presents. I hate wrapping! I will put on a good movie and knock it out tonight. Then tidying and cleaning tomorrow!
Hello Molly,
Happy New Year! So much to look forward to! Congratulations!!
I started following you on instagram some time ago……love your style and way of decorating. Blue is my color and so are dogs. Hahahaha
I had sent a comment to you once, on instagram, about our shared interest/collection of Eldreth Santas. You left quite an impression on me because you responded to my comment. So kind of you to do that.
I live in New Jersey….south Jersey, am a retired elementary school teacher and a new grandmother. Retirement is the best, however, I also feel the need to constantly be doing something.
My daughter lives in Brooklyn and works in Manhattan. Our grandson turns one this month.
I love all that you share. And I enjoy reading your blog.
Thank you, Molly!
Hi Jane! I try to respond to most comments on Instagram, but I don’t usually get to all of them. I appreciate that people take the time to comment, just as I do here! Lucky you to be relatively close to your grandson. I will have to fly to see mine. But I will do whatever it takes to spend time with them! And yes, funny how we feel the need to be busy even after we retire. I actually retired at a fairly young age and see this as a time to try something new and different! It has been fun! Thanks for supporting me on IG and now here!
Read a book on the Pelaton??
Gosh, no! There is an instructor and you are doing intervals, “hill climbs”, etc…., not just idle riding! There are rides that are just scenery and music, so I guess you could read, but that is not my thing!
Oops! I would have gotten you in trouble for that dumb idea. So sorry. I guess in my mind I am an outdoor leisurely rider. I go down to the beach or thru historic neighborhoods. Take a hill here and there, but just enjoy being outside. Very handy if there is a big event in town. You can cut thru traffic. That’s how I got right up to Barack & Michelle Obama. They waved back!
Haha! There is a time and place for a little leisurely riding — on the Peloton or a regular bike! So cool that you saw the Obamas!
I’m so happy for you all the way around! Grandbabies are a blessing for sure! I’m happy for your photo shoot with Better Homes and Gardens too. You and your home are an inspiration to so many! I’m glad you mentioned your exercise goals as well because I can really use some motivation in that area! I’m thinking a gym membership at the same one my daughter goes to will be a good start.
I hope you find a biking group that would be wonderful I’m sure! I love your IG as well as your blog they are both something I always look forward to! I would love to see more of you in your posts like you interacting in your home just the things you do on a daily basis. Nothing fancy but things like what book your reading, what you like to wear, what foods you cooked on any day. I guess more of Molly in her home! Everyday happenings! Just a thought from a noisy follower though. I love your posts just the way they are! Happy New Year!
Hi Nori! So nice to see you over on my blog! I think that joining the same gym as your daughter would be great! It always helps to have an exercise buddy! Thank you for your suggestions. People do seem to enjoy when I share my life here, so those are great suggestions! Happy 2023! I hope it is great one for you!
Hello from chilly Toronto. An interesting read. Love your blue and white decorating.
Hello in Toronto! Thanks for stopping by! Blue and white makes me happy!
Hi Molly! I am new to your blog and just love it! We just moved to the Cape to be closer to family, and I am just 4 years into retirement. I am also still trying to figure out what this next phase should look like! We spent a lot of time in Maine. We love Kennebunk and especially Bailey Island. Good luck with your photo shoot. I look forward to your Instagram post every day and reading your blog. Thanks!
Hi Debra! The Cape is such a beautiful place! We vacationed on Nantucket for years. It seems there are many of us here trying to figure out retirement. So much possibility, but also kind of scary, right? I worked for the federal government for my entire career, so this has been a real change. A good change, but change nonetheless. I am so glad you found my blog! Welcome!
Happy New Year! It will be so fun with the new babies.
I observe the Twelve Days of Christmas, so I am just starting to undecorate. I look forward to seeing your photos next season. The plaid was a pretty change.
Tomorrow I’m flying to the opposite (West) coast to celebrate Christmas with my daughter. Once they are grown and gone, you have to be flexible. And wait for lower air fares.
I’m up for reading about your home projects and seasonal activities in Maine. The picture of the dogs sleeping in front of the fire is priceless. Please continue to include them.
Hi Lynda! Happy New Year and I guess Merry West Coast Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful celebration with your daughter! I will continue to write about what is going on around in the house and in Maine. And you know Maddie wouldn’t let me not include her in most photos, haha! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m sitting in my new home in Portsmouth watching it snow and delighting in the pictures of your gorgeous home. This is my first “new” home, as I’ve always live in old homes, some really old ones; those are the ones I have loved the most. It’s difficult to create a sense of “cozy” in a modern homes but following your example is helping a lot. Thank you so much. Btw, love the large striped chair,I have two.
Hi Nancy! I love old homes too. This is the first “new” home I have lived in too. I definitely wanted to give it an old home feel, but with all the modern amenities. And I figure every ding in this house is just one more step towards it becoming an old home too, haha!