Meet Your Makers

Winter isn’t over yet, people. Not even close! To get us prepared for the next slaughtering of snow, I’ve got two need-to-know Maine makers for you. Lucid Skis are handcrafted right here in Maine to handle everything from fresh powder to frozen ground. They’re sustainably built and sleek. I chatted with one of the owners, EJ Martin while he was where else, but on a ski mountain. With a bad leg. You really can’t stop these guys to the commitment to their craft. And what do you need when you’re done from a day of skiing? Yes. A whiskey on the rocks. But more than that, something to ease your aching bones. Maine Warmers has been around for 15 years and has been a staple for soreness all over the country. Links Lucid Skis Shop / Facebook / Instagram Maine Warmers / Facebook / Instagram

It’s a new year. For me that means taking stock of what’s working in my life. Can I be healthier? Could I care for my body better? Am I doing enough good in the world? I spoke to Deb Soule, herbalist, author and founder of Avena Botanicals to get her take on having a more mindful and healthy 2016. Deb Soule founded Avena Botanicals 30 years ago and today, they stay committed to the original vision of product handmade, small-batch and naturally derived products at their facility in Rockport. And if you’re interested in learning more about herbal medicines, consider donating to The Herbal Classroom, an education center that will offer classes in herbal medicine, Ayurveda, and biodynamic and organic herb gardening.

It’s our first annual “Procrastinators Guide to Presents” here at Maine Made Podcast! We’re looking at you, last-minute-Lindas and time’s-running-out Toms! I put together a round table of gift guide experts to help you with those gift ideas now that we’re less than a week from Christmas! Below are picks from our special guests: Jen Hazard of Cute Potato Erin Kiley of Portland Flea-For-All & Kate McCarthy of Blueberry Files – who couldn’t make it onto the episode, but sent along her picks anyways! Mentioned in this Episode: My Picks The Way Life Should Be Unisex Crewneck from Fox Island Printworks Soaps from Soulshine Soap Co, Green Granite & Casco Bay Soap Co. Prints from Hannah Rosengren Lola Arts Pottery Ornaments from Swallowfield Jen’s Picks For little ones: Two Chickadees Design hand-painted, canvas slip-on shoes Lilleputt Studio baby blanket Magical Creature Wings from Tree + Vine Tunic Dress + Leggings Aventyr Kidswear Older kids (6-10): Moran’s Terrariums DIY Kit Cooper & Packrat Mysteries by Tamra Wight Azalea, Unschooled by Liza Kleinman Betty Louise Studio Hats (available at Day Trip Society) Stocking Stuffers: Wooden Tops by Al Mather (via Center for Maine Craft) Felted animals from DelilahIris The Little Blue Birdie Activity Bag (perfect for long car trips) Black Dinah Chocolatiers holiday chocolates Lip balm holder for backpacks (Yarn & Cloth Clothiers) Erin’s Picks Soaps from Human Nature Jewelry & Taxidermy from The Wolf & I Light Switch Plates from Idillard: Guitar String Jewelry from Stringin’ Along with Me Pompom Wreath from Blue Moss Collection Kate’s Picks 1. Dean’s Sweets truffles “Maine Mix”: blueberry, maple, Maine sea salt caramel, Needham 2. Maine cheese: Hahn’s End (available at K.Horton’s in the Public Market House), Winter Hill Farm (available at Portland Food Co-op) 3. Maine booze: New England Distilling’s rum or whiskey, Maine Craft Distilling’s whiskey or aged gin 4. Box of Maine: Maine gift box filled with Maine-made items: Stonewall Kitchen, maple syrup, whoopie pies, etc. 5. Kate’s book, of course! Distilled in Maine: A History of Libations, Temperance and Craft Spirits LISTEN NOW:

Chant with me now. Episode 2! Episode 2! Episode 2! I am so amped to have these two very special guests with us today. I’m also amped because I’m on my third cup of 44 North coffee, but I digress… My first guest on today’s episode is a company I’ve been following for a long time. 44 North Coffee is a roastery on Deer Isle, Maine where they are putting together small batches of responsibly sourced and fair-trade coffee. There are lots of challenges and benefits to running a business on an island, according to Melissa Raftery and Megan Wood, the founder of 44 North. They also teach me how to nail the perfect cup of coffee which I will be forever grateful to them for. My second guest is Melissa Sailer, the seamstress and designer behind Yarn & Cloth, the hippest kids clothing line around. I got to chat with Melissa (and her two-year-old son) about what inspires her and how to seek out heirloom quality clothes in a fast fashion world.   Mentioned in this Episode: 44 North Coffee 44 North on Instagram Yarn & Cloth Clothier Yarn & Cloth on Instagram

Welcome to our inaugural episode! Hip, hip, hurray! On today’s episode I speak to Michael Gaffney, cofounder and candlemaker behind Seawicks Candle Company. He and his wife Cara started making candles in their Edgecomb cottage back in 2011 and have since become a Martha Stewart American Made finalist for the past two years. And if you’re looking to get a batch of hard cider whipped up in time for Thanksgiving, I’ve got you covered. I chat with Brittany Boilard whose family invented the CiderTime Press, the first portable cider press in the world. She lets us in all the most coveted cider making secrets of the world.   Mentioned on This Episode: Seawicks Candle Company Seawicks on Facebook Seawicks on Instagram CiderTime Press