New from Steele - The Mini Tote

Photos of/by Muffy Aldrich

Massachusetts based Steele Canvas has introduced their new Mini Totes, made of their signature heavyweight cotton canvas, offered in four colors, and Made in Massachusetts.

What I particularly like about these, on top of the two colors that are (and I mean this in the technical sense of the word) adorable, is that they are not "too mini".   I just cannot begin to put all of my stuff in most mini totes.  These are much closer in size - almost identical - to the Bean Small.   It is, as one person said, "aimed for utility while still being a cute carry".

And - it has an inside pocket.

• Steele Mini Tote <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/mini-tote>

 

Best Vacation Spots in New England for a family in Summer?

 Here is a question for the community:

What are your favorite spots in New England for a family vacation in summer?  If you have two or three, can you rank them?

Visiting a Salt Pond

Photos of/by Muffy Aldrich

Best time to visit the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve?  Dead low tide and before the tourists arrive.

The Daily Prep: Spring Green and Pink Edition

Photos: Muffy Aldrich

 

The Early Days of Spring, When People Emerge

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

 

Having Shot my Cuffs...

Photo: Muffy Aldrich

Heeding sartorial advice from Paulie Walnuts.

Shown:

• Blue Mogganer Siren Merino Polo Neck Sweater - Lugano Dark Teal <https://bosie.co/products/blue-mogganer-womens-siren-merino-polo-neck-sweater-flannel-grey-copy>

 

The Ultimate Easter Baskets by Mystic Knotwork - Made in New England

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Why these are the ultimate Easter Baskets:

They are made by hand in Mystic Connecticut, are good looking, have oodles of charm, are nautical and reusable.  And perhaps most importantly, they do not hold a great deal of candy.

But you might want to thrown in a Sailor Bracelet alongside all that candy.  Or two.  Or three.

• Mystic Knotwork Woven Baskets <https://mysticknotwork.com/collections/woven-bowls>

• Mystic Knotwork Sailor Bracelets <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

• Mystic Knotwork Original Sailor Bracelets <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/original-sailor-bracelet-18-color-custom-nautical-bracelets>

 

So pleased to be quoted in today's Guardian, on cuffs:

Quoted in The Guardian today!  Guardian, on cuffs:

A Walk through Fenwick

The Fenwick Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 which included 66 of the cottages and 195 acres. - Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Fenwick is a borough of one of the oldest towns in Connecticut, Old Saybrook.  A summer colony since the late 19th century, it currently consists of 77 houses that sit on 238 acres at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Architecturally, it is known for its Shingle Style cottages.

In the 1980's, when real estate prices began to climb, many families who had inherited houses couldn't afford not to sell, signaling the entry of new families and newer money.  ''Every place changes.  Maybe when new people bought houses they perceived the place fancier than it really is -- like the Hamptons. They want their SubZero kitchens and to jazz it up but that's everywhere.''  -  Charles Brainard

The 9-hole Fenwick Golf Course was first laid out in the 1890's and updated in 1930.