From the Maine Coast

What to Wear: Summer Braids

2010-08-12T17:45:00.135-04:00

On a hot summer day, nothing says cool like summer braids! They are versatile, pretty and always chic. We've offered up a few styles to get you through even the steamiest August day.

Maggie

Julia

Allie

For our social butterfly, Maggie, we have a darling crown of thin braids to keep her hair neat and pretty for a summer wedding or a picnic in the park.

For the beach, surfer girl Julia sports two french braids. This classic style can withstand the biggest waves Ogunquit Beach has to offer.

And sweet Allie likes to spend her days riding horseback or turning cartwheels and with one sleek french braid she is ready for anything.

Summer Reading

2010-06-17T06:00:00.005-04:00

Ah, the simple pleasure of summer reading. A great time to catch up on all those books you meant to read and never found the time to.

So as the kids are splashing in the pool, building sandcastles or hunting for crabs, we will be sitting back and enjoying the carefree days of summer with a great read.

The popular Stieg Larsson "Millennium trilogy" is on our radar right now.

L.L. Bean Summer in the Park

2010-06-16T06:00:00.004-04:00

Freeport is going to be rocking this summer with L.L. Bean's Summer in the Park series.

Every week this summer their flagship store will offer exciting events. Concerts, food festivals, fireworks, and a community market, to name a few.

Click HERE to see the schedule of events.

Boon Island Ales

2010-06-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend, we had an outstanding dining experience at a new brew pub in Wells, Boon Island Ales.

Following a renovation, clearly with an eye to detail, the restaurant opened it's doors in May.

Upon entering, you will see these words etched in black on the wall, "To the locals, for the locals and for those who want to be local". It stands as a proclamation and a promise to those who enter that a good time awaits.

And they kept their word. From the engaging owners out front carefully watching the action, to the charming hostess, friendly waitstaff and hard-working bartender, they were getting it done and having fun doing it. And it was contagious.

Boon Island Ales offers their own handcrafted beers, along with other microbrews, a selection of wine and a full bar. The menu includes fresh seafood, chowder, Maine crab cakes, lightly fried calamari and pan-seared sea scallops with a chipotle maple drizzle. An array of mouth-watering burgers, fresh innovative salads and gourmet pizzas. And this is just a sampling of their extensive menu.

The atmosphere is friendly, comfortable and fun. We have found a new "favorite place".

Click HERE for more information about Boon Island Ales in Wells, Maine.

What to Wear: Summer Hats

2010-06-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

Let's talk hats, summer hats. They serve many purposes sun protection, fashion statement, cure for a bad hair day. However, finding one that works for you can be tricky. You really need to "try on many hats". We say let's make an afternoon of it. Here are some of our favorites:

Floppy Terry Hat
Vivid Pink
(Juicy Couture, $38)

Perfect Summer Hat for Women
(Dorfman Pacific, $22)

Glenna Hat
Straw with Black Tie
(Chico's, $39)

Seersucker Bucket Hat
(Brooks Brothers, $58)

The Drowsy Chaperone

2010-06-10T16:14:00.003-04:00

The Ogunquit Playhouse's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" opens tonight. The show has garnered quite a bit of media attention due to the famous faces that will grace the stage.

Carson Kressley, best known from the hit show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" will perform the role of Man in Chair. And Georgia Engel, the legendary actress from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" will reprise her Broadway role of Mrs. Tottendale.

This production promises a lot of laughs and a feel good experience at the theater. Also, the Portland Press Herald has weighed in with a great article about the show.

This is one show not to be missed!

Baseball Book Signing

2010-06-09T17:43:00.013-04:00

Calling all baseball fans!

Kennebooks and the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport are hosting a baseball weekend with guest authors Tom and Ellen Zappala. The Zappalas are promoting their new book, The T206 Collection: The Players and Their Stories.

Two events are scheduled beginning with a "Meet the Authors" cocktail party at the Nonantum Resort on Friday, June 11th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The second event is "Breakfast with the Authors" also at the Nonantum Resort on Saturday, June 12th from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM followed with a presentaion by the authors, book signing and vintage baseball clinic.

We say "Play Ball"!

Mussels in White Wine

2010-06-08T06:00:00.008-04:00

It's summer, we're in Maine, fresh shellfish is plentiful and we are hungry. How about mussels for dinner tonight?

Our favorite mussel recipe comes from Ina Garten's cookbook, The Barefoot in Paris.

Tender mussels simmering in a luxuriant broth of white wine, plum tomatoes, fresh thyme, with sauteed shallots and garlic. Serve with crusty french bread for a delicious and satisfying light supper or appetizer.

Best wine pairing is a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc according to Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Surfing in Maine

2010-06-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Check out this awesome Flickr slideshow titled "Surfing in Maine" courtesy of the web site Maine Things To Do.

Big Sports Weekend

2010-06-04T06:00:00.005-04:00

It's a big sports weekend especially if you live in New England. We've got the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, the Boston Red Sox have a three game series in Baltimore, the running of the final leg of the triple crown at the Belmont Stakes and the finals of the French Open.

Here's the rundown:

The Boston Red Sox play a three game series this weekend in Baltimore against the Orioles. The first game airs Friday at 7:05 PM ET on NECN.

The Belmont Stakes will be run at Belmont Park in New York on Saturday. Post time for the big race is 6:32 PM ET airing on ABC.

The men's singles French Open final airs Sunday morning on NBC at 9:00 AM ET.

The Boston Celtics play the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the NBA Finals on Sunday. The game airs on ABC at 8:00 PM ET.

Historic New England

2010-06-03T06:00:00.003-04:00

We are surrounded with so much natural beauty in Maine it could be easy to overlook that we also live in one the most historic places in the country.

On Saturday, June 5th, Historic New England will showcase all of their 36 New England properties by opening the doors of these magnificent homes to the public from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Six of these architectural gems are located in the Maine towns of York Harbor, South Berwick, Standish and Wiscasset.

Click HERE to learn more about Historic New England and this outstanding event.

Farmer's Markets

2010-06-02T06:00:00.005-04:00

Two more farmers' markets are going to be up and running this week.

The Wells Farmers' Market is held every Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM and will run through mid-October. The market in York opens this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and will run through October 9th.

It is a great way to meet local farmers' and artisans.

Click HERE for a list of Wells vendors and HERE for York vendors.

Art Exhibits in Kennebunk

2010-06-01T06:00:00.004-04:00

There are two local art exhibits happening this week that we definitely plan on checking out.

The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk is hosting For Pastels Only now through June 12th. Fifty-nine original works, featuring artists from the United States and Canada, are on display.

Dedicated to Design and Function: Furniture, Sculpture and Art for Fine Living at River Tree Arts in Kennebunk. The opening reception is Wednesday, June 2nd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The show will run through June 26th in the Irvine Gallery.

Memorial Day

2010-05-28T09:42:00.001-04:00

Sex and the City 2

2010-05-27T08:11:00.003-04:00

The latest installment in the adventures of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda opens tonight. Though the early reviews have been less than stellar, fans of the show will be flocking to the theatre to hang with their favorite babes from the city.

Click HERE to see where Sex and the City 2 is playing near you.

Roasted Chicken Apple Salad

2010-05-26T00:32:00.000-04:00

We must have food on the brain but when we received our weekly email from Stonewall Kitchen we were inspired.

We love chicken salad and this recipe hits all the high notes.

Savory chicken combined with toasted pecans, granny smith apple, blue cheese, dried cranberries served on a fresh croissant. We say "bring it on".

Click HERE for the recipe.

The Mango

2010-05-25T11:00:00.013-04:00

With summer fast approaching, we have been dreaming about one of our favorite warm weather treats. The Mango.

This sweet and succulent fruit has a wonderful flavor combination of peach and pineapple and adds a fresh tropical twist to cooking. Here are some mango recipes we cannot resist.

Mango Salsa
2 cups mango, diced
1/2 cup pineapple, diced
1 cup red pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and chill. Serve with grilled chicken or fish. Serves 6.

Prosciutto-wrapped Mango
Simple. Simple. Just peel and slice one mango. Wrap each slice with prosciutto. Sweet, salty and elegant.

Mango Smoothie
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 small banana
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup orange juice
6-8 ice cubes
Blend until smooth and serve chilled.

Ogunquit Beach

2010-05-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Last week, Ogunquit Beach was voted "Best Beach" in New England by NECN viewers.

Click HERE to read all about it.

Weekend Wish List

2010-05-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

SEA BREEZES
Have our first sea breeze cocktail for the season on the deck at the Arundel Wharf restaurant in Kennebunkport. What a great tradition.

SET SAIL
Free sailboat rides in Portland Harbor as SailMaine hosts its annual open house on Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

GET LOST
The mind-bending phenomenal television show will come to it's final conclusion. The Lost Series Finale event airs on ABC this Sunday at 7:00 PM ET.

What to Wear: The Essentials, Part Three

2010-05-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

These are the final classic pieces to complete the look and you will be reaching for them time and time again.

The Classic Black Pump
Mary Jane Pumps
(Anne Klein, $60)

The Classic Eyewear
Metal Aviator Sunglasses
(Armani Exchange, $60)

The Classic Timepiece
Square Dial Watch
(Anne Klein, $55)

What to Wear: The Essentials, Part Two

2010-05-19T06:00:00.003-04:00

More essentials for a classic style, courtesy of our fashion contributor Kate Torrey.

The Classic Leather Handbag
Iris Shopper
(The Sak, $89)

The Classic Overcoat
Belted Trench Coat
(Calvin Klein, $128)

Check back tomorrow for some great must-have pieces to complete the look.

What to Wear: The Essentials, Part One

2010-05-18T06:00:00.010-04:00

With our busy lifestyles, the question "what to wear" can be an exasperating one. But if we take our cues from fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, simple is best. In fashion there are the classics and the trends and those lovely ladies always built their wardrobes around the classics.

Our fashion contributor Kate Torrey will join us this week with her picks for the "essential elements" that never go out of style.

The Classic White Shirt
Platinum French Cuff Shirt
(Jones New York, $69)

The Classic Black Pant
Boot Leg Pant
(Anne Klein, $79)

Check back tomorrow for two more essential picks from Kate.

Down East Books

2010-05-17T06:00:00.004-04:00

Most Mainers are familiar with Down East, Maine's premier monthly magazine but what some people may not know is Down East Enterprises has been in the book publishing business since 1977. And they are apparently very good at it having been awarded "Publisher of the Year" by the New England Independent Booksellers Association in 2008.

A diverse collection of books published to date include; biographies, art and photography, travel, Maine fiction, Maine history and children's books. Here are a few titles that caught our eye:

Click HERE to learn more about Down East Books and browse some of their other titles.

Weekend Wish List

2010-05-14T06:00:00.008-04:00

SWEET TREATS
Indulge in a hot fudge sundae at Village Scoop Ice Cream in York Village.

BETTING TIME
Watch the Preakness Stakes horse race. Will Super Saver follow his Kentucky Derby win with another in Baltimore? The race airs this Saturday on NBC. Post time is 6:05 PM ET.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK
Alec Baldwin hosts the season finale of Saturday Night Live with musical guest Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Betty White is going to be a hard act to follow. SNL airs on NBC at 11:30 PM ET.

BEACH DAY
The weather looks good for Sunday. Sunny and 70s. Shake out the beach blanket, lay back and grab a seaside snooze.

Amore Breakfast

2010-05-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

We have decided to start a new tradition, or continue an old tradition, Saturday morning breakfast.

The fresh brewed coffee, the eggs benedict, the crispy bacon, the french toast with real maple syrup. We need our AM fix and we know exactly where to get it.

Amore Breakfast in Ogunquit is the place. Located on Shore Road, this cozy breakfast spot is run with impeccable charm by owner Leanne Cusimano. She has perfected the art of serving a great breakfast. The fresh ingredients, the savory combination of flavors, generous portions and a friendly staff make for an outstanding dining experience.

Amore Breakfast
309 Shore Road
Ogunquit, Maine
(207) 646-6661