You know those days when you feel so incredibly overwhelmed with everything that you need to get done? I mean the to do list is so long that you literally are afraid to look at it and may or may not be having minor panic attack symptoms when tyring to figure out how you are going to get it all done?

Welp...I sure to goodness hope so because that's about where I am today and it would be great to know that it's not just me being an underachiever over here. 

And while we are on some real life topics let me just tell you what my MO has been the last few days regarding said to-do list.

Avoidance.

Yup.

As in, this isn't actually happening and we are not leaving the country for almost a month, that I am not preparing our house to be rented out to multiple groups of people, that I am not trying to figure out what to pack for 4 different countries, that we don't have 3 pets to arrange accommodations for and that I am also not still trying to work full time and teach 9 more spin classes before we leave. Oh...and throw a going away party, meet friends for drinks, have family over for dinner AND I dont' know...sleep?!

I think I might die.

And I don't even want to hear you all with your #firstworldproblems - yes I know they are not "real" problems but to me, in this particular moment in time and place they most certainly are. 

Now, as for the resolution. There are two things I need...the first is to just get off my ass and start doing the things on my list intead of avoiding them...and the second is to do so while wearing a boss lady blazer and moose shoes. Because what else would you wear to tackle a to-do list the length of the Wall of China?!

This is absolutely NOT how I feel right now...but I look like I have my shit together right?!

HA!

This is more like it...and what I also plan to look like as soon as the darn to-do list is complete...and I am sitting on a patio, on vacation, in a boss lady bathing suit and sipping rose.

That literally is my motivation. 

Is that bad?!

And with that said...I am off! I am going to start tackling my little first world problem mountain and I expect you all to hold me 110% accountable.

Oh...and I'll take any tips you might have for getting shit done. Or your hourly rate to do it for me ;)

xo - margaret

 

*All photos by the ever-so-talented Courtney Elizabeth Media.

This past week really has taken a turn for fall - as in the air is crisp, the breeze is solid and the evenings are down right chilly. 

In fact, I even wore socks to bed last night because my feet were cold <gasp>!

And as much as everyone is complaining about it, I sort of love it. I have been dyyyiinnngggg to wear some of my cozy knits and a few new jackets I swooped up in sales over the summer - which I would have paired with this dress had it of been colder last week when I wore it.

But anyway...it wasn't and so I thought for everyone who was wishing it was warm that this bright little number and the 90+ degree weather that day would bring back some summer memories. 

And speaking of summer...this past summer another hotel joined us here in the Portland scene. Which, even though it's part of a larger chain, is one of their boutique style offerings...which you know I like.

It's called the AC - and I must say they didn't space much expense in the exterior look or the interior decor - it's absolutely stunning. Especially their bar area with floor to ceiling windows, plenty of space for groups, cozy corners for dates and water views all around. 

In fact, the husband and I enjoyed it so much that we stayed beyond the "one drink" before dinner that we had originally planned on all the way through dinner.

Definitely a spot I have on my radar for a staycation this winter.

And back to brights...as some of you may know we are getting ready for a fairly large trip. We'll be gone most of October traveling to Australia, Portugul and Spain where bright colors are going to be rampant given the fact that it's summer(ish) there.

So even though it's feeling like fall, and I love fall clothing, I am going to have to resist committing too much because next week I'll be packing and preparing for multiple weeks in a bit warmer of climates.

I'm also not complaining about that...we've been looking forward to this trip for quite some time now and to say we're excited would be an understatement.

What I am not excited about is my growing to-do list of things to get done before we leave. It's so long that I've actually been waking up at 4am on the daily stressed out about it.

I need an assistant...for real.

And on that note...happy friday kids.

Cheers to the freaking weekend and putting off adult duties until tomorrow.

xo - margaret

 

For most people, summer (especially here in Maine) is their favorite season, and with endless beach & pool days, hot summer sun, boat rides, vacations, backyard BBQs and more, it's easy to understand why. 

But for me, hands down, no comparison can be made to the fall. 

Cool, crisp mornings - sunny afternoons and an evening breeze that just can't be beat. 

And what better way to enjoy a fall (or summer for that matter) day than out on the water?!

Don't have a boat, and think owning a boat is out of the question for you? What if I told you that you could have a boat membership, much like many of these clothing and handbag rental companies, that would allow you to enjoy all the benefits and fun of having a boat without all the work and headache of maintaining it. 

What if I also told you it was pretty darn affordable? 

Well...it's true, and it's called Freedom Boat Club.

I was invited to experience it myself and immediately fell in love with Freedom Boat Club, which is a membership based company that allows people like you and me, to enjoy maintenance-free boating at a fraction of the cost (and workload) of owning a boat yourself. In fact, Freedom Boat Club is the nation’s largest boat club  providing you with unlimited use of their fleet of center and dual consoles, pontoon boats, and deck boats at their two Maine locations PLUS access to boats at 160+ clubs across the U.S., Canada and locations soon to come in Europe.

( each location offering amazing boats like this one above...which was our chariot for the day)

And speaking of days out on the water...what better look for a fall boat ride than this stunning shirt dress from Portland Trading Co.

I can't even begin to describe how flattering the cut of this dress is or how well it is made. In fact, on the day that I went into Portland Trading Co. to pick this dress up the seamstress was dropping it off. Talk about locally designed & made! 

With a full button front it's ideal for the fall transition season because it can be opened up a bit for warmer days and then move into cooler evenings with a few quick buttons. 

The material is also on the thicker side, and I can see myself wearing this all the way through the fall with booties and even into winter with some knit tights and block heels. 

But back to the Freedom Boat experience, which was on point. Upon arrivaI I was greeted just like a regular fancy boat owner would be and brought down to the docks where the fleet of boats (which by they way are brand new and impeccably clean) are kept. The boat was ready to go and within minutes we were out on the water. No need to fill up on gas, no pre-cleaning, nothing to prep...just immediate relaxation. 

And with a 22 ft boat and powerful engine the ride over was not only quick, but also incredibly smooth. And although they don't come with the membership, the afternoon sun and breeze could not have been more perfect. 

Casco Bay not really your thing? Don't worry, Freedom Boat Club also has a location at Moose Landing Marina on Brandy Pond in the Sebago Lakes Region. And the most exciting part of all?? Plans are in the works to open another club next season in the Portland area!

That's right...all my Portland peeps...you will have the ability to be out on a boat all summer long next year within minutes of your front door.

It almost sounds too good to be true right?

I can assure you it's not....and you too can be this happy out on the water as early as this weekend!

Now, I know what you are thinking...how much is this going to cost?

So I'll make it easy for you.

Here's the breakdown:

There is an initial entry fee of $5,900 and then you will have monthly fees of $349 for full 7 day access...or you can opt for weekday access only at $249 a month.

Now, I know that might seem a little steep, but if you think about the costs of buying a boat which is going to run you at a minimum of $10k (and that would be for a boat that is a fraction of how nice the Freedom boats are), a trailer which is a minimum of $750, fees of storing your boat, maintenance fees, dock fees, repairs...and more you are looking at at least $15k to get started and then to maintain it you are looking at around $300-$500/month. So in all actuality the initial $5,900 and monthly fees of $349 are pretty darn affordable.

Not to mention the fact that you literally do not have to spend any time on maintenance, or cleaning, or worrying about wear and tear. And how much is that worth?! Coming from a boating family I can tell you quite a bit.

Interested in learning more? Visit them online here - there is still time to join before the season ends and to save $1,000 off your entry fee! Sounds like a no brainer to me.

And if you are loving the Portland Trading Co. shirtdress as much as me you better get down there this weekend. It's part of a limited fall line and these will sell out! It also comes in denim...you're welcome!

 

Happy Friday kids...get out there and enjoy this beautiful Fall Friday and weekend ahead.

xo - margaret

 

It's a funny thing those birthdays...they always seem to sneak up on me and then all of a sudden it's here. I think much of it has to do with the fact that my birthday is so early in September that I am still in summer mode with travel & plans that I honestly almost forget about it. 

That and the fact that I honestly avoid it a little bit. 

Something you might not know about me is that being in the spotlight (I know...weird coming from a blogger) makes me a little uncomfortable. I also hate, like HAAATTTEEEE, surprises. As in if you surprise me I may, or may not, but probably will either scream or punch you.

Or both at the same time.

Trust me...ask my husband.

But this year honestly is a little different. 

I am in such a different place than I have ever been in. I feel settled and at home and very adult like - which is weird. 

I mean, we just threw a backyard dinner party with table, chair and linen rentals from a party store. Who are we?!

And guess what? 

I loved every second of it!

It made me realize that staying in one place longer than a year is honestly a pretty magical thing. I truly feel like this is home, and the group of people that we have collected here are some of the best i have ever encountered. It's such a unique mix of stories, ages, backgrounds, interests and life directions that I can't help but feel like our friends are like a treasured collection. Curated over time, and carefully hand selected. And that, along with my amazing family who has been here since day one....and the handsome husband of course...makes me one pretty damn happy birthday gal.

Oh...and vacay pants also make me happy. So, naturally my birthday post is of me & my favorite vacay pants of all time in one of my favorite cities (other than Portland).

Today I will be celebrating on the bike teaching a Birthday ride at Jibe - which is perfect for me. Friends, calorie burn and being in my happy place. Not too shabby. We've also celebrated the past two weekends and plan to do a bit more this weekend as well...and celebrating for me involves nothing "birthday" specific more just experiences with friends, the husband and my family. That's what makes me the happiest...memories filled with love & laughter. The best gift a girl could ask for.

Other than a pony for the backyard which I am still waiting for...

 

xo - margaret