Thank you to my darling daughter Liv for capturing ‘that feeling when you like your Mimi’s tiramisu.’ Turn on the sound 🙂
HAPPIEST OF DAYS
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Category Archives: Holiday
GLOUCESTER’S LOBSTER TRAP TREE – A UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL SETTING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PHOTOS!
Most of us that reside on Cape Ann know of Gloucester’s Lobster Trap Tree, but just in case not, this original-to-Gloucester tree makes a splendid setting for holiday snapshots. The tree is constructed of donated lobster traps and what makes ours especially, especially beautiful is that the buoys adorning the tree are all hand painted by kids at Art Haven.
Charlotte finding the buoy she painted – Liv photo
Another wonderfully unique feature of the tree is that you can walk through and take photos from the inside looking up. Local resident Shawn Henry designed and installed the lights so that the arrangement is equally as beautiful from the outside as it is from the inside.
Next time you are thinking about holiday photos, think Gloucester’s Lobster Trap Tree. Every time while visiting the tree we meet people from all around the north shore region who are either there purposefully or just happened upon the tree. There is always much ooouuuing and aawwwing to be heard; people just love our tree. Not only for family snapshots, one time while I was there taking photos, a wedding party stopped by! 
Gloucester’ Lobster trap Tree is located at the plaza next to the Gloucester police station at 197 Main Street.
Photos at the Lobster Trap Tree is a family tradition – Charlotte at one and a half <3
HOLIDAY HYGGE TO BE HAD AT MAIN STREET ART AND ANTIQUES!
Late Friday afternoon I dashed into Main Street Art and Antiques to look for teeny tiny treasures to fill Charlotte’s Advent calendar’s teeny tiny boxes with. While there, a lovely red, green, and cream antique applique quilt caught my eye. The red tulips with green stems, leaves, and flower pots is similar to quilts from the 1930s I think. The stitching is exquisite and there were no tears or holes as far as I could see. Unfortunately, the whole quilt was very badly yellowed. After talking to proprietor Kimberly Cox (David Cox’s daughter), who offered the quilt for a very fair and reasonable price, I decided to take a chance and see if the yellowing and stains could be removed.
It had been a while since I had purchased vintage textiles. On my way home I stopped at Stop and Shop and was in luck with a small box of Oxiclean. The directions are vague but after reading a bunch online and taking advice from the lovely sales girl at Main Street Art and Antiques, I first wet tested a corner of the quilt to make sure the red wasn’t going to bleed everywhere. After half an hour, all clear, with no bleeding! Then filled a large plastic tub with icy cold water and two scoops of Oxiclean. For the next several hours, I stirred the quilt very gently every twenty minutes or so. After three hours, the tub was filled with a deep orangey yellowish water. Drained all, rinsed repeatedly, refilled the tub with cold water and one more scoop of Oxiclean. The water stayed fairly clear and the quilt was beginning to look amazing. I drained the tub again, and being very careful not to let the weight of the quilt pull on its self, to avoid damaging the fabric, I put the quilt in the washing machine. The settings were on delicate cycle, extra rinse, and cold water but with no additional soap added.
The quilt washed and dried beautifully. The applique and quilt stitches are phenomenally tiny. I am so glad I took a chance with this exquisite quilt from Main Street Art and Antiques!
Thank you to my darling daughter Liv who took the snapshots and video with her new iPhone14 camera. See more from Liv on Instagram here.
This is our first Christmas with a white cotton duck slipcover and I am having so much fun changing it up for different seasonal looks. Our former sofa upholstery I absolutely loved but was 20 plus years old and somewhat limiting in choice of coordinating fabrics. The quilt goes beautifully with the red, green, and cream Colefax and Fowler block print fabrics that I made new pillows from (thank you Zimmans!) and our new winter red and white striped cotton rug from Annie Selke. The rug is wonderfully textured and cozy on the feet! Last night I made some new Christmas stockings to hang around the house with remnants from the pillows. A sort of French-Indian-American blend of fabrics and I think our little music/living room is feeling very hygge 🙂
Main Street Art and Antiques is located at 124 Main Street, Gloucester.
Hours:
Friday 11am – 5:00pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm
Kimberly Cox shares that her Dad, David, is often in the shop on Wednesdays if you want to pop in and say hello <3
There are holiday and home treasures to be had at all our local Cape Ann shops. I’ve only touched on a very few here and with Christmas just around the corner and our daughter home from LA, I don’t think I’ll have time to write more. Enjoy the lights, the coziness, the friendly proprietors and staff and have fun shopping local!
SHOPPING FOR TREASURES AND TREATS AT WONDERFUL ALEXANDRA’S BREAD – AND DON’T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR CHRISTMAS BREAD ORDERS!
Wonderfully eclectic and whimsical holiday treasures and treats are found at Alexandra’s Bread. You’ll find an assortment of hostess gifts including tea towels, aprons (with matching potholders), and tea cozies. There is beautiful fair trade holiday decor, along with lovely and unique handmade Christmas ornaments (see the Loons from Nova Scotia in the photo gallery).
Adding to the wonderfully whimsical atmosphere, Alexandra curates the bakery with a fun collection of vintage ceramics, textiles, local mementoes, curios, and glassware.
I love shopping at Alexandra’s Bread, for the the fun cheeriness of the bakery, but mostly to say hello to Alexandra, Jon, and oftentimes their son Henry is there helping, too. We always have great conversation and I invariably leave thinking how fortunate we are to have a shop like Alexandra’s in our community. By-the-way, Henry is a GHS alumni and a recent graduate of Bates College, with a degree in conservation biology.
In addition to their exquisite French bread, cobbles, and olive bread, our family LOVES Alexandra’s cranberry scones and CHOCOLATE biscotti! While shopping be sure to get your bread and baked good’s orders in for the holidays ahead of time. The bakery will be open through Christmas Eve.
Alexandra’s is located at 265 Main Street, Gloucester.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30am til 2pm
Phone: 978-283-3064
HEAD ON OVER TO WOLF HILL FOR ONE STOP HOLIDAY MAGIC-MAKING!
Stepping into the decorating workshop at Wolf Hill is like entering a Christmas do-it-yourselfer’s dream. The shop and tree yard are overflowing with festive decor and Christmas delights to make your holiday-making extra especially merry!
Whether in need of a beautiful Fraser fir or pine Christmas tree, white pine roping, birch logs, wreaths of every dimension, lights, or holiday treasures for your tree, Wolf Hill has it all.
They have all the ingredients to do it yourself, but if pressed for time, proprietor Pam and her crew have filled the shop with ready made gorgeous wreaths, bows, and pots filled with greens and berries, pinecones, and bows.
Thank you to Makenzie, Jarred, and Piping Plover Friends Pat and Delores for allowing me to take your snapshot <3
I love shopping at Wolf Hill, not only because of the stellar quality of holiday and landscaping plants and supplies they sell throughout the year but mostly because the staff, to a person, is always helpful, kind, and wonderfully friendly. Many, many thanks to Pam and Crew for always making it a joy to do business with Wolf Hill, throughout the year!
One more note- check out these fun stocking stuffers for little ones that Makenzie pointed out. You look at the tree lights through the glasses and see shapes dancing around the lights. I tried on a pair and it works!
ROCKPORT’S SEVEN SUNS GALLERY PRESENTS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE!
Loren from beautiful Seven Suns Gallery writes,
Dear Friends,
Hope you are well & hope to see you all at the Gallery this Holiday Season. Here are 7 important things to note:
1) Holiday Open House- this Friday evening from 5-8pm! Gift Certificates Available for classes and art!
2) Rockport Shopping Night- next Friday eve from 5-9pm!
3) Open for daily for visits/shopping 10am-6 through Dec. 23rd
4) Open Christmas Eve from 9am-4pm
5) Closed from Dec. 25- Dec. 30th.
6) OPEN for Rockport New Year’s Eve Event!
7) The gallery will be only open by appointment from Jan. 2- May 1. Stay tuned for workshops, classes and events throughout the winter months.
Thank you for the most wonderful first season!
Warmly,
Loren, Andrew & Ann from Seven Suns Gallery
NIKI BOGIN’S EAST GLOUCESTER PROVISIONS AND DUCKWORTH’S EQUALS FUN, STYLISH ELEGANCE AND PURE DELICIOUSNESS!
Niki Bogin and Duckworth’s have teamed up for the season to create a unique and elegant pop up shop. East Gloucester Provisions soft opening today gave us a peak at just some of the chic home goods Niki Bogin has curated for the holiday shop.
Open now through Christmas, East Gloucester Provisions will daily be adding new gifts, food items, home goods, and hand made treasures.
And the cases are ready for a selection of famous Duckworth’s soups, baked goods, entrees, and light fare, to go. Niki shares that there may even be fresh brewed coffee and Nicole’s scones served at the counter!!!
East Gloucester Provisions is located at 197 East Main Street, Gloucester.
Open November 25th and 26th from 10am to 2pm.
Regular hours beginning December 1st. Check back for more specific hours of operation.
PRESENT! YOUR LAST STOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Amanda Cook and artisan friends have created another grand pop up shop, chock-a-block full of holiday delights. You’ll find lovely hand made gifts, art work, stocking stuffers, and lots of unique, yet practical, items for your home and family. Just some of the items featured in the photos include prints by Mary Rhinelander; Amanda’s Salty Yarn’s line of yarn, children’s gifts, and ornaments; and Hold Fast’s Dog Bar soap and wreaths made from recycled dock lines. There is a rich variety of gifts, far more than featured here –
You’ll find a super fun array of stocking stuffers at Present!
I stopped in Sunday on Present’s opening day and plan to go several times more during this upcoming stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas as they are constantly making new treasures and restocking the shelves.
Present is located at 273 East Main Street, at the Last Stop cafe.
Hours:
Open everyday except Tuesdays, now through Christmas Eve.
Monday, Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 5 pm
Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Mary Rhinelander print for Present
WE DREAM IN COLOUR – EXUBERANT AND INSPIRED JEWELRY, GIFTS, AND HOME GOODS BRAND NEW SHOP IN ESSEX!
We Dream in Colour Shop is the newest venture by local designer Jade Gedeon. You may be familiar with Jade’s work through We Dream in Colour, the extraordinarily beautiful hand-made nature-inspired jewelry line that sells regionally and globally. For the new shop that goes by the same name, Jade and her sister Mika have curated an exquisite collection of gifts for all ages, jewelry, books, and decor for your home.
Jade and Mika
Featuring We Dream in Colour’s complete line of jewelry, along with fanciful collections of home goods, and all exuberantly inspired by nature, the sun-drenched shop is overflowing with treasures.
We Dream in Colour is located at 166 Main Street Essex in the lovely white washed 1700s brick building at the intersection where RT. 133 meets Southern Avenue.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Sunday 12-4
978.594.1425
Instagram: @wedreamincolourshop
Parking is located behind the shop. Please enter via the driveway between 164 & 166 Main.
For more about We Dream in Colour, the complete jewelry line, and Essex shop visit Jade’s website here: We Dream in Colour
PRESENT POP UP SHOP AT THE LAST STOP!
Looking forward to Present’s opening Sunday, from 12 to 5! This year, Present pop up shop is located at the Last Stop, 273 East Main Street, next to the Gloucester Stage Company.
CEDAR ROCK GARDENS IS ROCKIN’ THE THANKSGIVING PRODUCE – GET YOUR ORDERS IN!!
Gorgeous, organic, homegrown produce is available from Cedar Rock Gardens for your beautiful Thanksgiving feast. Colorful beets, crème brûlée shallots, leeks, Brussel sprouts on the stalk, luscious potatoes, greens of every sort, parsley, and much, much more. Plus, you can order a bunch of lavender and strawflowers which will make a lovely and lasting holiday arrangement. I am getting hungry just thinking about all this gorgeousness!
Produce Ordering!
Starting Today, November 14th, our website will be open for ordering farm fresh produce. Orders must be in by Friday at noon.
We’ll be assembling everyone’s order during the day Friday, then opening pick-ups on Saturday 11/19, between 9 AM and 12 PM
Order Here
We will be adding more produce and variety as it becomes available each week.
Cedar Rock Gardens if located at 299 Concord Street, West Gloucester
HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY PASSOVER, JOYFUL SPRING!
Wishing dear friends and readers Happy Easter, Happy Passover, and a Joy-filled Spring
Beauty everywhere you turn in these first few weeks of spring – the return of songbirds, shorebirds, and Osprey, blossoming trees, beach bunnies, and garden helpers.
Beach bunny, Piping Plovers courting, neighbor Melissa’s flowering plum tree, Charlotte, Osprey, Killdeer eggs, Piping Plover eggs, Cedar Waxwings courting, and male Eastern Bluebird wing waving
#shoplocal AVA AND RUBY LOVELIEST OF GIFT BUNDLES!!
Over the weekend my daughter Liv and I headed to The Barn at Todd Farm. We simply love how Barbara Breaker, the proprietor, decorates her multi-dealer shop, especially at Christmas time. All the dealers stock and decorate their individual areas in the holiday spirit as well. We find the most amazing vintage treasures at The Barn at Todd Farm, from housewares to jewelry to furniture to festive decor.
I also brought along my camera to take photos of my dear friend Briar Forsythe’s display at The Barn for a post I had planned for today. Briar has a wonderful new business endeavor, Ava and Ruby, where along with her friend Dona, create the loveliest of gift bundles. Each of the themed bundles are thoughtfully curated and packaged exquisitely. One of my favorites is the one for the baker on your shopping list.
Ava and Ruby bundles range in price from $44.00 to under $200.00. Shipping is very reasonable, a flat fee for all bundles. You can either purchase the gift bundles at The Barn at Todd Farm or at their online marketplace here at Ava and Ruby
Joyful surprise of surprises, when I arrived home Monday, there was a package waiting from Briar, addressed to Charlotte and myself. We eagerly opened to find inside the baker’s gift bundle!! The lovely hand painted box (that also serves as a recipe box) is a treasure trove of fun. Included are a charming polka dot tea towel, cookie cutters, a complete set of measuring cups and spoons, ruby red sparkle sugar, and blank cookie recipe booklet for keeping track of your favorite cookie recipes. Charlotte was thrilled, and me, even more so!
Check out Ava and Ruby’s website here: Ava and Ruby. And visit The Barn at Todd Farm at 275 Main Street, Rowley. The barn is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am til 5pm, and on Sundays from 10am til 4pm.
GO TO WOLF HILL FOR WONDERFULLY WHIMSICAL SUPPLIES TO MAKE A SIMPLE HOLIDAY COASTAL WREATH!
The wreath that adorns our front door was made from stock found at Wolf Hill, and it was super easy to put together. We used a 12 inch wreath, 5 sea stars, green wire, and a bow made from a stunning champagne hued sparkly snowflake wire ribbon. I made the bow, but if you don’t have the time, Pam at Wolf Hill has a fabulous selection of bows ready made. Additionally, you can pick a ribbon from their gorgeous stock and she will custom make a bow for you. You’ll find a lovely array of starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, and seashells to include in your coastal holiday decor.
Note – The battery operated string of bubble lights we had on hand from last year, purchased at Ikea. However, Wolf Hill also has strings of battery powered lights.
WONDERFUL GIFT BOXES AT PASTIO VIA CORTA!
Danielle has a tantalizing array of gift boxes to make your holiday shopping easier. The boxes may be filled with Pastio organic handmade pasta, homemade wines, and only the freshest and most delicious provisions from family farms in Italy.
Pastio Via Corta is located at 123 Main Street, Glucester. Closed Monday and Tuesday, the shop is open 11am til 7pm Wednesday through Saturday, and Sundays from 11am until 5pm.
A hug shoutout to Danielle who was recently featured in Food and Wine magazine. Doesn’t the recipe pictured look fantastic? Can’t wait to try!!
AT ALEXANDRA’S BREAD CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR HOME GOODS!
Holiday shopping with my favorite little Christmas elf. Someone really wants that mermaid apron!
Alexandra’s Bread is chock-a-block full of beautiful tea towels, aprons, vintage treasures, honey, teas, and all manner of fun (and useful) gifts and stocking stuffers. And of course, fabulous baguettes, olive bread, cobbles, scones, and cookies (chocolate bsicotti!)
Alexandra’s is located at 265 Main Street in Gloucester. To pre-order bread for your holiday dinners call 978-281-3064.
PRINCESS CHRISTMAS ELF
Because all Christmas elves wear their purple princess crown when helping decorate the house for the holidays. Not seen in the photo are the much beloved gold glitter sparkle ballet slippers.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM MARITIME GLOUCESTER DECK THE DOCKS!
How beautiful the Maritime Gloucester and Schooners Adventure and Ardelle look decked out in holiday glow!
Merry Christmas dear Friends. Wishing you the best of health, peace, and joy.
A LOT MORE LICKING THAN STIRRING TAKING PLACE HERE
NEW SHORT: THE 2020 GLOUCESTER LOBSTER TRAP TREE LIGHTING WITH TELAMOR’S CHRISTMAS PARTY!
Love this new rocking Christmas song by Telamor!
With thanks to David Brooks, Shawn Henry, Three Lanterns, Traci Thayne Corbett, Cape Ann Art Haven, Jason Burroughs, Gregg Cademartori, David DeAngelis, Andrew Nicastro, Josh Oliver, George Schlichte, Gloucester Fire Department, Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken, Ken Riehl, Jill Cahill, and the Buoy Painters.
Music by Telamor – “Christmas Party,” permission granted by the artist
PLEASE SHARE YOUR LOBSTER TRAP TREE PHOTOS!
Friends, please share your Lobster Trap Tree photos. We would love to see them! and it will help lift everyone’s spirits.
When you post on Facebook, simply tag us at @lobstertraptree and your photos will go directly to The Lobster Trap Tree Facebook page. Thank you so much <3
TEN, NINE, EIGHT…THANK YOU SHAWN HENRY, DAVID BROOKS, THREE LANTERNS, TRACI THAYNE CORBETT, LOBSTER TRAP TREE BUILDERS, GFD, MAYOR SEFATIA, KEN RIEHL, JILL CAHILL, AND EVERYONE WHO HAD A HAND IN CREATING CAPE ANN’S SPLENDID LOBSTER TRAP TREE LIGHTING EVENT!
Despite a major power outage earlier in the afternoon, Sunday evening’s Lobster Trap Tree lighting went off without a hitch. Gloucester’s Fire Department arrived right on schedule. Using an aerial ladder, the firemen hoisted the star to the tippy top of the tree, where Shawn Henry was waiting to secure. Ten, nine, eight… Mayor Sefatia gave the virtual countdown and the vibrantly colored buoys and lights shone brightly.
The Lobster Trap Tree is a very special tradition for our community and we are especially grateful to David Brooks and Shawn Henry for their continued dedication in building, organizing, and sharing through Shawn’s films, particularly during the global pandemic
I love that the tree’s star is currently switched to alternating between colorful and white lights, simply wonderful!
PLEASE JOIN US VIRTUALLY AT 4:30 TODAY FOR THE LIVE LOBSTER TRAP TREE LIGHTING!
Virtual Lobster Trap Tree Lighting – Sunday, December 13th at 4:30
VIEW THE LIGHTING LIVE ON THE LOBSTER TRAP TREE FACEBOOK PAGE @lobstertraptree
Snapshots of Shawn Henry and David Brooks installing buoys today.
MAGICAL JOYFUL CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY AT THE GALICKI FAMILY HOME
Rich and Stephanie Galicki have created a wondrous Magical Kingdom (as our granddaughter calls the display). For over fifty years, the family has kept the tradition going, each Christmas adding more lights and whimsical scenes. You’ll find a snowman and towering candy cane lined driveway, heralding angels, nutcrackers, a patriotic display created after 911, the Grinch, elf sleigh riders, and much, much more.
The Galicki’s were planning to take 2020 off, but because of the global pandemic they decided to go ahead. Spanning nearly five acres, the display is so brilliant, it can be seen from outer space.
The Galciki’s Magical Kingdom is located on Linebrook Road in Ipswich, just before you get to Marini Farm if coming from Cape Ann. With an electric bill at roughly $2,000.00, donations are greatly appreciated 🙂
