Simply: Gem-tastic

Tourmaline. Personally, I think it is one of the most exquisite Maine gems. It comes in oodles of different shades of green or red, and even of the “watermelon” variety.
Just a little background info: The first tourmaline discovered in Maine was on Mount Mica. Two school boys happened across a patch of gleaming green crystals just barely visible in the soil-covered roots of an upturned tree. The boys, Elijah Hamlin and Ezekiel Holmes, discovered the green gems while taking a shortcut home through the Paris, Maine hills in 1820.
Later, after Plumbago Mining Corporation was established in 1972 they began to dig for their “gold” in the Dunton Gem Pit and, later that year, uncovered the "richest pocket of tourmaline ever found in North America". Eventually, this Corp. bought Mount Mica and continues to mine there today.

Watermelon Tourmaline found in Newry, Maine

Tourmaline was the first gemstone to be mined in North America, and the Maine tourmaline is especially known for its extravagant pink and green shades.


So, my advice to you is if you haven’t bought a Maine tourmaline piece, it is required that you do so. I, personally, gave a necklace to my mom for Christmas. Not only is it simply Gem-tastic! It’s Simply irresistible!

Simply Divine Brownies!

I don’t know about you, but I make brownies from time to time. [with the box mix] If you have ever heard of Simply Divine Brownies you know that their brownies aren’t ordinary. They are, in fact, simply divine. This is a Maine "mother-daughter enterprise" who share part of their profit with charity. [Volunteers of America]



A lot of hard work goes into baking the brownies and conjuring up new ideas. They have their classic brownies (which are, for the most part, not your stereotyped brownies). This includes the brownie we all know an love (plain). But there are also brownies classified under the classic style like the “cozy comfort” package which includes 2 brownies shaped like mittens and one big one shaped like a hat.


[however, these are also under decorated]. Or how about the Need'him (or her!)...their chocolate, coconut brownie?

If these didn’t satisfy your creative needs look on the “decorated brownies” page. You’ll find baseballs, a mug of hot cocoa, lobster, and [my favorite] the duckling brownie.

If you are still not satisfied why not design your own brownie with a digital image? Reflection brownies are the standard Simply Divine batter, double-dipped in “fine” chocolate and printed with your digital image. You can even pick the shape of your brownie. Again, I don’t know about you, but this has made me want brownies. [Maybe I’ll consider buying from them online.] Visit their website: http://www.simplydivinebrownies.com/index.php

Simply Ridiculous...Maine Stereotypes

Maine can be a state that is very stereotyped. [Especially if a certain person doesn’t know anything about Maine or that it is even a state for that matter. And yes, these people do exist.] These are just some stereotypes that I thought up. Most of them are not true, but there are some with a degree of truth to them. See if you agree [if you know Maine] or just have fun!/

There are moose EVERYWHERE and you see them at least once a week
[This is definitely not true. I have seen a moose twice while I have been in Maine.]
Everyone has been lobstering and loves to eat lobster or any other type of seafood
[I do know several people who have been lobstering but not many. A lot of people do love seafood, however, I am one of the exceptions because I hate seafood.]
“Wicked” is the favorite describing word of choice. “It’s WICKED cold outside.”
[This one is actually true for me. I say wicked ALL THE TIME. I don't know about everyone else. Personally, I hear it a lot.]
It snows here 24/7 365 days a year, and NO WE DO NOT HAVE PERMAFROST!
[Definitely not true, especially at the coast. Last year we got like 3 storms and there was no snow at Christmas. This year there are weeks we have storms every other day. Depends how winter’s feeling that year.]
Everyone has a funny accent.
[I don’t think that EVERYONE has a funny accent, but I certainly do know people that do. Personally, I believe that the Massachusetts population has a funnier accent. Lobstahh]
We’re Poor and live in the middle of the woods
[Hmm. Let’s think about this one. Actually, Maine is a very expensive state to live in, and most people do not live in the woods. Most. People.
All Mainers like to hunt.
[No. I have never been hunting. This is somewhat true though because I do know many people who like to hunt.]
We all wear those chunky work boots or anything. similar
[The only people I have ever seen wear this type of boot was when I was in High School the “Hick” crowd ALWAYS wore these. Including the Girls.
We are all Hicks. No more needed.
[Again. We are all not hicks, rednecks or anything. However, in some places of Maine you may find many.]
We all like camping.
[Camping is great…with a camper that is. This is just my personal opinion. Mainers camp just as much as all those other states.]
I’m from Maine, so obviously I live in a tent.
[Someone told me a story not too long ago where someone SERIOUSLY asked them if they lived in a tent in the woods and had electricity. I personally have never heard of anyone who lives in the woods in a tent.]
Flannel is the only clothing style.
[I still think of this one “clique” of friends who went to my High School. They are the only people I ever found who actually fit a lot of stereotypes. And some people do like flannel a lot, but let’s just say it’s not “in style”]
Inbreeding is popular [especially up north]
[Now, I have never gone up north but I think it is safe to say that they would give me weird looks if I went up there and married my brother.]
Four-Wheelers and snowmobiles are the ONLY form of transportation.
[We have cars just like everyone else.]
Having all of our teeth is an unfathomable thought.
[DEFINITELY not.]
Everyone’s dad is a fisherman.
[Actually, I don’t know anyone that is a fisherman. I think that there are a lot of fishermen down east- meaning north east along the coast]
Everyone from Maine lives in a lighthouse.
[Yes, someone asked a friend this too. And I’m pretty sure you don’t actually live in the lighthouse if you are the lighthouse keeper. There are houses close to them.]
How long does it take for a deer to turn into a moose?
[THEY DON’T!]
L.L. Bean is our 5th avenue New York
[Some people may thing that, but most kids don’t run to their parents begging, “Please oh please take me to L.L. Bean! … All my friends have it!”]

I you disagree with anything, let me know.

RANDOM FACT OF THE DAY: Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable. [After I heard this fact I went through at least 20 states seeing if it was true. It is.

Simply: Made in Maine

With all of the talk about lead in paint [especially those toys made in China], I thought I would look for a good Maine company that makes toys. At Frank Ridley's Different Drummer Workshop the toys are all wooden, handcrafted in Solon, Maine, and are made from solid white pine or maple wood. Best yet, the toys are simply sanded smooth after being carved with no finishes [or paint] of any kind. Your lead worrying days are over [well at least when you are buying from the Different Drummer Workshop.] Only the toys designated for bath time have a thin coat of varnish sanded in. -[Which are recommended for toddlers past the “chewing” stage] These toys obviously aren’t going to keep a 9 or 10 year old content, but they are good for the youngsters who might otherwise be chewing on lead-coated toys.
Visit the store online. http://www.mainetoys.com/

Simply: Spectacular!

I was browsing the internet one day and I came across an article about a light show that was being put on in Maine. I was so surprised that people actually are crazy enough to do these kinds of things. [Don’t get me wrong it is neat and fun to watch.] I found the light show on youtube and was amazed. Have you ever seen the movie Deck the Halls? If you have, these lights looked just like that.

Always, I have wanted my house to resemble anything close to that. But, every year 3 or 4 strands of white lights end up being thrown onto the bushes. Not quite the same.
This professional looking light show on Vista Drive in Auburn, Maine would definitely be a sight to see. I was planning on going up but it just never came through. [Like most things] I think that will be one of my New Year’s resolutions for next December. Go see the light show at Vista Drive!
By the way, [late] have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me to you!
While it may be too late to see the show this year, keep the thought in mind for next Christmas time.

Check out the light show on youtube : http://youtube.com/watch?v=c5I8_akYV7k

Simply: What Maine Means to Me.

Maine. The one word that comes to mind when I think of this beautiful state is home. Maine holds so much to love and so much to discover. There are just so many different irresistible parts of Maine I adore.

I woke up today, and I looked out of my foggy window to see the trees and bushes coated with a fresh layer of icy snow. Immediately, I shot out of bed to reach my camera. It is becoming a tradition lately that when it snows I have to take many, many, [and trust me I mean MANY], pictures of the outdoors.

When I eventually came inside, with a pink, tingling nose and almost numb fingers, I curled up with a dreamy mug of got chocolate in front of the fire; my ideal way of starting off the day. This is how everyday would be if I could write the storyline of my life.

Winter isn’t the only aspect of Maine that draws me in. It is the friendly atmosphere when you are shopping in the local stores. It is the placid waves breaking on the rocks at the beach in the summer. It is the green summer slowly disappearing into the vibrant fall colors and cool temperatures.

For me, Maine IS the way life should be; the small towns, the perfect seasons, the friendly atmosphere. I don’t know what else to say besides love. It has been my home since the tender age of 3 and I hope it will be my home for a long time into the future. So, what is Maine to you?