Put your hands together for RxSaver by RetailMeNot who #sponsored this post How to Find the Best Prescription Discounts, supporting Through Her Looking Glass. This post includes tracking links. For more information about tracking links and how to opt out, please visit All About Do Not Track prior to clicking any links found in this post. All opinions and content are my own.

If you know me at all, you know I love saving a peso. (Or five.) Recently I came across a fantastic way to save significant money every month on prescription drugs, putting me in charge of what I pay at the pharmacy counter. To Find the Best Prescription Discounts, just plug basic information into the search engine at rxsaver.com or on the app. It’s that easy! Convenient and free, now I use RxSaver.com monthly and save up to 80% off!

As many of you know, Jon and I and our older boys are caregivers for our little guy Hudson who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. It’s hard to put into words just what that entails on a day-to-day basis, but I’ll try.

I’m no stranger to disability. My oldest sister Elisabeth also has Down syndrome. We just celebrated her 52^nd birthday in May. I can’t remember a time when our lives weren’t affected by disability in some way.

Hudson and Liz playing ball at her birthday party a few years ago…

So Hudson’s nine years old, but developmentally he’s around three. He’s still in pull-ups day and night and is non-verbal. He has a speech device so he can pick what he wants for breakfast or which video he wants. But more significant communication is pretty limited. As you can imagine, this can be frustrating, but we all pull together as best we can.

Hudson blowing out the candles for the third time on his birthday. Note he has zero interest in sampling the cupcakes. It’s all about the singing and candles.

Thankfully Hudson is cute as a button and that greatly helps his cause. Most days the blessings far outweigh the challenges, but there are the occasional days when things get pretty crazy.

Hudson is considered a bolt risk, meaning that at any time, he might decide to run. This is pretty common in children with autism. And when he runs, he won’t look back or respond to his name. As you can imagine, that can be beyond scary in a parking lot or near the road. That’s why we hold his hand tightly and keep a handicapped placard at the ready to dangle from the car mirror. It’s especially helpful for getting him into doctor and therapy appointments safely.

So one cold, snowy afternoon last winter, I parked in the handicapped spot right outside his therapy building. We entered through the sliding glass doors and Hudson pushed the elevator button as usual. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned here that Hudson is not disabled when it comes to being naughty. As we waited for the elevator, he stared me down, then poked out his little tongue, threatening to LICK the elevator button. Of all the horrible things. I eyed him sternly and shook my head.

That’s when I heard the accusing voice: “You really shouldn’t park in a handicapped space if you’re not handicapped.”

Really? My jaw dropped as I looked back for that split second. A young mom hauling an infant seat, with an adorable little boy in tow was passing through the lobby behind us. I locked eyes with her. “I’m not handicapped,” I said quietly, “but my son is.” I nodded at the large sign on the wall: “AUTISM THERAPY, SECOND FLOOR”

My eyes were averted for that split second, so I’ll never know whether Hudson licked the elevator button or not that day. Because as I turned back, the elevator doors were meeting in the middle and Hudson was gone. I whirled around, raced for the stairwell and dashed up two at a time, hoping to find him on the second floor.

The good news is that Hudson’s autism makes him a creature of habit. He’d actually pushed the correct floor button and taken the elevator by himself to the second floor. When I found him, he was standing in the hallway by the elevator doors, the picture of innocence. Thank you God. My heart rate began to recede and I brought him to his classroom, then took a deep breath as I retrieved his missing backpack from the elevator. I thought about finding that mom and giving her a piece of mind. But then I thought better of it. The truth is, I need every single remaining gray cell. (!)

Every extinguished candle is cause for great celebration! On birthdays we blow out candles all day long, so tall candles are required!

Life can throw some unexpected punches and surprises. And whether you deal with disability or not, one can never know what a day will hold. Or an hour, for that matter. That’s why I’m SO grateful for anything that saves me time, frustration and money. RxSaver by RetailMeNot is a shortcut that does just that. 

How to Find the Best Prescription Discounts: RxSaver

Just a few weeks ago I was refilling my allergy medicine. I usually pay $43 monthly out of pocket for it. So I downloaded the app on my phone, then plugged in my zip code and the name of my prescription. RxSaver directed me to the pharmacy that I always use, but gave me a coupon that discounted my medicine to $10.01. Yes!!!!

At first I wondered if it could be a mistake. So I called in my prescription as usual, then showed the RxSaver coupon on my phone to the pharmacist. (You can also use the RxSaver site at home and print out a coupon.) Guess what? I saved $33 and you better believe I was ecstatic. (I can do a lot with an extra $33.)

So I really hope you’ll try rxsaver.com for yourself and start saving money too! You don’t need a membership or password or any personal information. (Passwords are the bane of my existence.)

Just enter the name of your prescription and zip code, then compare prices and choose the best price/location for you. You save money whether or not you have health insurance. I know you’ll love using this great money saving tip! (You’re welcome.)

Follow RxSaver by RetailMeNot on Facebook for more money saving tips!

The post Favorite Things #8 – How to Find the Best Prescription Discounts appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Calling all pottery lovers!!!

There’s magic in handmade pottery. And while I don’t know a thing about ‘centering’ the clay myself, I have a great appreciation for it. The glazing, shapes, colors and artistry of it all.

A few weeks ago a friend and I meandered country roads south to Merrimack, MA to visit Purple Sage Pottery.

I first discovered Purple Sage when Jon and I were celebrating our 15th anniversary (nearly a decade ago!) with a quick getaway to Newburyport, MA. We spied a gorgeous fish platter peeking from a little boutique window. The rest is history.

The fish platter we bought was thrown by potter Iris Minc from Purple Sage Pottery. I’ve since visited her shop in Merrimack and added (very slowly!) to my collection through the years.

This maple chai tea latte recipe I posted a few years ago was just right in this mug. Your hands fit perfectly around it, just right. And filled with something warm and delicious in wintertime, it’s an experience in itself. Especially when the white stuff falls outside the window pane. Downright cozy!

And this batter bowl by Iris was included in my recent omelette recipe!

Twice yearly Purple Sage hosts an open house with many different potters displaying and selling their wares. That’s why we went down a few weeks ago, for the open house.

Purple Sage also offers pottery classes and space for potters to work at the wheel and fire their pieces.

While Iris glazes with many different colors, my favorite is the purple/turquoise. I think it’s called sea foam. In fact, her fish platter above was the inspiration piece for decorating our new kitchen!

I’ve never been much of a collector. Not stamps or baseball cards or even teapots. Maybe teddy bears as a kid. But we enjoyed using our fish serving platter so much. And then I got two mugs. (And then someone who will remain unnamed broke one! Eek.) And then I got three more. (See what I did there?) And most recently, the small batter bowl…

So perhaps I’m becoming a collector after all. It’s a great experience using these pieces, reminiscing about our anniversary trip to Newburyport and subsequent visits to Purple Sage Pottery.

Are you a pottery lover too? My son Charlie (12) has taken a few pottery classes at the Currier Art Center downtown and loves it. And I have friends who throw pottery. (Maybe someday it will be me.)

Have a super weekend, and if you’re ever in this neck of the woods, take a little detour off the beaten path and drop by Purple Sage Pottery.

XOXO,

Allie 

The post Eat Clay Love – Favorite Things #6 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Wishing a great weekend to everyone out there today! It’s been a crazy week for us East coasters, what with another two foot snow dump this past Tuesday.

That’s ok. New Englanders are a resilient bunch, still smiling. (Some of us.) Grabbing our shovels. (Pick axes?) Pulling on our snow bibs like everyone else, one leg at a time. (I hear another storm’s on the way. Just sayin’ and don’t shoot the messenger.)

Two feet of white stuff is a bit much, and thankfully it wasn’t heavy like last week’s batch. (So say the shovelers at my house.) We already had snow on the ground, so our mailbox is now completely encased in white. I think every mail delivery worker up here should get a big fat bonus check during arctic stretches like this. It can’t be easy.

I spy candied maple bacon biscuits. And fresh cider donuts. Eek!!!

A few weekends ago, in the midst of our kitchen renovations (think no stovetop, oven and kitchen sink for weeks) we escaped the indoor kitchen camping scene for a delicious homemade breakfast up in Sugar Hill, NH at Polly’s Pancake Parlor.

You’ll find all things maple at Polly’s Pancakes.

Jon and I first discovered Polly’s by accident last fall when we sneaked off on a quick weekend getaway to Sugar Hill and Jackson, NH. We visited the Garnet Hill outlet in Franconia then googled for a bite to eat and Polly’s Pancake Parlor came up first. Lucky us, what a great find!

Real maple syrup. Real maple sugar. Real maple spread. My kind of heaven on earth.

Polly’s Pancake Parlor has been around for over seventy-five years now and I know why. Great food, real maple syrup/maple syrup products, and excellent customer service are top priority.

Not to mention the view out the dining room windows!

We’ve since visited twice more with the boys and had a great experience each time.

If you remember nothing else, please note that you can call ahead to Polly’s and get your name on the waiting list. That’s a very good idea if you’re planning a visit. We went during the Christmas holidays and took the boys on our way up to Quebec City.

Shop all kinds of homemade mixes and maple products while you wait.

We called Polly’s when we left the house and still waited twenty minutes after arriving. And we’re an hour and a half away! So do call ahead, especially during busy holiday times.

Some of you know our special little guy Hudson. He’s got Downs and autism, but that didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for delicious homemade pancakes a bit.

In fact, he’s a carb lover. And while he’s got sensory issues and typically covers his face if a camera appears, he forgot all about that when his stack arrived!

So here’s the squeeze on Polly’s. There are different kinds of homemade pancake batter to choose from. Oatmeal buttermilk. Plain. Buckwheat. Corn meal. Gingerbread.

And then there are the add-ins: walnuts and coconut. And your server works behind the long griddles, flipping your flapjacks! And when you finish your first custom stack of three, your server magically reappears with the second. That’s how they do it at Polly’s. And I didn’t hear anyone complaining. Check out their extensive menu here.

Originally Hildex Farm in Sugar Hill, Polly’s Pancake Parlor started in 1938.

Polly’s mills their own flours. And in 2006, they received a James Beard Award in the “American Classics” category.

So if you’ve never been to Polly’s Pancake Parlor, add it to your New England bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.

We left Polly’s and headed to the Garnet Hill Outlet, just a hop, skip and a jump away. If you’re not familiar with Garnet Hill, it’s primarily a women’s clothing company known for natural fibers, linen, fabulous wools and cashmere. They also carry the exclusive Eileen Fisher brand. I didn’t buy anything there, but that’s not the end of the story.

We headed on to Chutter’s in Littleton, NH, not far away. While Jon and the kids shopped at the longest continuous candy counter in the world, I slipped in to the shop next door – Emma & Co. Consignment.

And scored this beautiful Garnet Hill leather bag for a song. Patience is a virtue! The girl who checked me out said they carry lots of Garnet Hill because the outlet is so close.

And quick kitchen update – it’s functional! Kitchen sink, stovetop and oven happened this week. Now it’s just the details. I’ll keep you posted.

Have a beautiful, relaxing weekend and hope it includes a short stack with real maple syrup!

XOXO,

Allie

The post Breakfast Field Trip to Polly’s Pancake Parlor – Sugar Hill, NH appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

This little shop has stolen my heart. Hand-painted silk scarves, pottery, paintings, hand-made cards and eclectic artisan gifts in a rustic, serene setting. If you’re local, you must visit Barn In Bloom!

I’ve had several delightful chats with owner and creative, Sarah. (Be sure to check hours first: open Wed. – Sat. only.) Savor homemade soups and artisan breads next door at Buckley’s Bakery and Cafe.

Tattle tale on me: I left my sunroof open on a 74° February day last week. Not recommended here in NH. It snowed 5″ the next day. YASSS! I was shocked to discover my fronts seats and console filled with the white stuff late the next day, had to grab a shovel. Reminds me of that other time when I forgot something else pretty important.

But spring is not so far away. (A girl can dream!) Here’s the personalized doormat I have and love.

Pure sweetness!

Scrumptious and unusual: a slice of fresh rosemary olive oil cake I shared with a friend here. Worth the splurge. This unique little cafe featuring farm to table and Mediterranean cuisine has a free online recipe club . (I signed on the dotted line and so can you.)

“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” -Frank A. Clark

It’s school vacation week here in NH and all continues to be chaotic with our kitchen remodel. A fun adventure none-the-less. Loved hearing about your kitchen renovations in the comments last week, thank you! And look forward to sharing the “after” pictures of ours here. Whenever “after” finally arrives. (Patience is a virtue, so I’m told.)

Enjoying a cup of this in the quiet this morning.

It’s stormy here on the East coast this weekend, stay safe!

XOXO,

allie

The post Favorite Things #3 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Hello my friends, wishing you a very happy July weekend wherever you may be. Hope you’re soaking in some rays and enjoying some rest and relax with your friends and family this summer. Filling you in today on a quick get-away Jon and I squeezed in a few weekends ago in June, celebrating our twenty-third anniversary in Portsmouth, NH.

First. Can I just say: love this city.

And second. Time: it really flies. And how can it be twenty-three years since we solemnly exchanged vows in that little white church on the village green?

And it seems to me, the older I get — the faster time flies by. And those beyond me, they say he rumbles even faster further down the rails. Yikes!

So I tentatively whisper: “Slow down Father Time.” (He pays no mind.)

That’s why it’s important to take a little breather if you can from the regular routine. Celebrate the important milestones. Because time — it just keep ticking. Whether we stop to celebrate the special moments or not.

So we escaped for a night to Portsmouth, NH just an hour away on the coast. What a quaint and beautiful old New England coastal city with character and history. I love the architecture. Can’t wait to show you the sights. So let’s go!

We stayed at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel, got a fantastic deal on-line through Hotwire, in case you’re thinking of a visit. So we arrive to check in, and the desk attendant, she asks if we’re celebrating anything special. (!)

And of course we are, so we tell her our news. And she says, “Congrats, and let me upgrade you to our Club Access Level.” Gulp. And thank you!

And just like that, suddenly we’re VIP’s, on the elevator, whisked up to the restricted access top floor with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the evening, complimentary breakfast in the morning and a gorgeous harbor view to boot!

Woo hoo. I tell you: Someone is watching out for us. That I believe.

If you can’t tell, I’m fascinated by this bridge. It really was a sight to see as the sun was setting just before twilight. On other days I’ve seen it draw up to accommodate big ships, also a sight to behold.

Spent time roaming the streets. Shopping. Drinking in all the beautiful sights.

Had a lovely salmon dinner on the upper deck of River House with this stunning view of the harbor!

Love a church spire against the brilliant blue!

The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at the lovely Byrnes & Carlson Chocolatier. And yes, we “sampled”. (And yes, they provide generous samples, FYI!)

Picked up a souvenir and a few birthday gifts for some very special birthday girls at Seaside Allure, a new boutique downtown. If you like Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer, this is your new dream store. (Mine too!)

Had a delightful lunch at the famous Portsmouth Brewery downtown. Great atmosphere and food!

Just a little more meandering, and all too soon, it’s time to head for home.

Hoped to browse inside Le Roux Kitchen but ran out of time. Check out the rainbow stacks of Le Creuset!

Loved this garden tub vignette we spied through the wrought iron gate heading out of town…

One last stop on the way home at our favorite New Hampshire beach, New Castle. Just off the beaten path, minutes from Portsmouth. Deserted. Perfect.

It’s usually calm in the cove, but today the wind was up and there were actually waves and whitecaps.

Things got blurry when I stumbled on this sign posted above the drinking fountain at the bath house. I’d heard of The Kindness Project before, didn’t know what it was all about. A pile of children’s pails and shovels were underneath the fountain. Sniff. And God bless Maddi’s gracious family.

New Castle Beach was the perfect peaceful conclusion to a magical whirlwind day and night away.

And looking forward with anticipation to the next twenty-three…

You may also enjoy: Arctic Expedition to Old Quebec City

The post Celebrating #23 in Portsmouth, NH appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Hi friends, and a very happy weekend to you! Talking about a Sparkling Little Gem here today. Hoping things are well in your neck of the woods. I’m actually in a different neck of the woods today, just one state up and over: Vermont! It’s school vacation week in NH, and we were glad to sneak away with the kids for a little R & R.

The truth is, there hasn’t been much R & R this week after all. We arrived in Vermont with one of the kids already sick and the germs have unfortunately traveled and morphed, as they so often do. We’ve spent most of our time running back and forth to the drugstore on gingerale and kleenex runs, tripping over Bernie signs coming and going. (Vermonters sure love their Bernie.) But seriously, yesterday we finally got out of the house. We visited Goodrich Maple Farm, Cabot Creamery and Diamond Hill General Store. Though sadly not everyone was able to go along due to the unpleasant plague that has been plaguing us. (And I had to google how to spell “plaguing”.)

I love Vermont for many reasons, one of them being the King Arthur Flour Store that’s located in Norwich. I’m always up for a trip to King Arthur, especially since they did their extensive remodel a few years ago! If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss it! I’m hoping to stop on our way home.

I love talking about things that really matter to me here, and hopefully you’re interested too. I’ve shared about LittleGemsUSA before. Leslie is a dear friend and I’m always amazed to hear the good she’s up to in her Chicago corner of the world. Leslie has a mission to raise money through her jewelry company to help under-privileged women and children both at home and around the globe.

I went on-line shopping a few weeks ago and bought this leather wrap bracelet for a birthday gift from LittleGemsUSA. It’s a fun piece, and also a good feeling knowing I’m helping children in need. I wanted to show you the bracelet because it’s so pretty, though the point of this post isn’t necessarily to encourage you to buy jewelry. (Though it’s not a bad idea with Mother’s Day right around the corner.) It’s more to share how one caring heart can make an incredible difference in the lives of others. Leslie has a full-time job, but runs LittleGemsUSA on the side to support charitable projects. Today she’s telling us about helping under-privileged children in Rwanda attend school. Here’s an update Leslie recently posted on her own blog, in her own words about one precious, Sparkling Little Gem:

“I’m writing today because it’s been far too long since I’ve updated you on one of our beautiful sponsored children! I will not be sharing his name for privacy, but I will share a picture or two and a little bit I know about him.

This student has a smile that hits you straight in the heart.  You know that he’s got to be a bundle of fun to have in class and oh so charming.

He is 7 years old and his name means “it is well”.  I could learn a lesson in just his name.  He’s the oldest in his family and has a little brother. I can’t wait to meet him some day as well. They MAKE cars and enjoy playing with them. (Notice the artwork in his thank you note below….I think that’s a car on the right.)

He also enjoys playing ball. Maybe a future soccer star?? He owns a cat and was so proud of it that he ran to get it to show Laura (from our charity Love Alive International) when she was in town.

If he got to pick his favorite meal it would consist of rice, macaroni and cassava.  When he grows up, he wants to be a driver.  I hope he’s a good one (at least better than me).

The post Sparkling Little Gem appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

This Jordan Pond House Best Popover recipe is sure to be a hit at your house! These popovers are known regionally as the best popovers in all of New England. If you’ve never tried a popover before, you’re in for a real treat.

Jump to Recipe

What Are Popovers?

A popover is a light, fluffy muffin made from a thin eggy batter that rises to form a hollow shell when baked. That airy shell is typically served hot and slathered with butter and strawberry jam.

You can easily buy an expensive gourmet popover baking mix, but since there are only 5 ingredients — flour, milk, eggs, salt, and baking soda — why not make your own? The taste is just as delicious, and popovers are so easy to make.

The baking technique for making popovers is a crucial element to this recipe. There’s lots of beating with your electric hand mixer. And absolutely no opening the oven door and peeking! This could cause the popovers to deflate, similar to a soufflé. 

The Famous Jordan Pond House at Acadia National Park

If you’ve ever visited the Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, you likely know about the Jordan Pond House — a lovely tea house on Park Loop Road inside the park.

Jon and I visited Acadia National Park and The Jordan Pond House seven summers ago when we spent a romantic long weekend in Bar Harbor, Maine, celebrating our anniversary. We stayed at the Primrose Inn in Bar Harbor, which is a gorgeous 1878 Victorian-era bed & breakfast. Acadia National Park is a stunning park with beautiful trails, mountain vistas, and incredible views.

On our way home from the long weekend, we stopped at The Jordan Pond House for popovers and a glass of iced tea. They serve afternoon tea with popovers every day from 11:30-5:30. We heard about the popovers over the weekend. And after savoring one, we “popped” into the gift shop to buy a popover pan that included the famous Jordan Pond House “Best Popover Recipe.”

These popovers are known regionally as the best popovers in New England, and they’re not hard to make. Just follow the easy directions below from “The Story of Jordan Pond,” published by the Acadia Corporation.

Key Ingredients

You only need 5 ingredients to make the best popovers ever at home! As far as dry ingredients go, you’ll need to sift together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. For the wet ingredients, all you need is whole milk and room temperature eggs. That’s all!

How To Make the Best Homemade Popovers

These popovers take less than an hour to make, and only require 5 simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now. So, get to baking!

1. In a large bowl, add the eggs and mix at a high speed until they are doubled in size, which should be around 2-3 minutes. You want to incorporate a lot of air into the eggs (especially the egg white) so that the batter is light and fluffy. Once the eggs are whipped, turn the speed down. Pour the milk in, and whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
2. Continue mixing, and add the sifted dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda). Once everything is mixed well, but not overly so or to the point that the whipped eggs have deflated, add the remaining milk, and continue whisking for another minute.
3. Grease the muffin pan, and add it into the 425 degrees F oven to preheat for 5 minutes. While the pan is preheating, strain the batter to prevent lumps, and then divide the mixture equally into the muffin pan. 
4. Bake in the middle shelf for 15 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 350 F. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, then carefully remove from the muffin tin, and serve warm with softened butter and jam. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Popover pans can be substituted with a regular muffin pan, but there will be a slight difference in the height of the popovers since the muffin pan is shorter.
• Have your eggs sitting at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing the batter for best results.
• To get a smooth batter, sift the flour before mixing it into the eggs. And also, strain the batter before adding it to the muffin pans.
• Avoid opening the oven in the first 15 minutes so the popovers get the right form and texture.

What To Serve with Popovers

Popovers are traditionally served warm or hot with butter and strawberry jam. They can also be served savory with butter, sliced ham or turkey, or even taco filling. They can be served sweet with Nutella, chocolate ganache, sweet marscarpone, or pie filling.

More Baked Goods Recipes To Try

• Fresh Strawberry Crepes
• Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Birthday Cupcakes
• Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Print

Jordan Pond House Best Popover Recipe

Best popover recipe in all of New England! Light and airy. Traditionally served hot with butter and jam.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Allie Taylor

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sifted all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Speck of baking soda

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°.
• Sift and measure flour, salt and soda. Set aside.
• Beat the eggs at high speed until lemon colored (2-3 minutes).
• On slowest speed, very slowly 1/2 cup of the milk. Beat until well mixed.
• Add slowly (with mixer going on slow speed) the dry ingredients.
• When mixed, stop beating.
• Scrape sides of the bowl with a spatula.
• Beat at medium speed and slowly add the remaining milk.
• Beat 2 minutes.
• Place well-greased muffin tin or popover pan into oven to warm up for five minutes.
• Turn mixer to high speed and beat 5-7 minutes.
• Batter should be smooth and about the thickness of heavy cream.
• Pour batter through a strainer, and into well-greased, preheated muffin tins or popover pan.
• Bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven at 425° for the first 15 minutes.
• Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350° and bake 15 - 20 minutes longer.
• Popovers are best served at once, but may be kept in the warm oven for up to five minutes.
• Serve immediately with butter and strawberry jam.

The post Jordan Pond House Best Popover Recipe appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Friends, Romans, countrymen! (Countrywomen too.) Lend me your ears. It’s an exciting weekend around here. First off, a Whole Foods  store is opening in town. (Yay and double yay!) Second, there’s no snow in NH’s forecast this weekend. Woot woot. (But I’m not packing away the snow boots just yet, I’ve been tricked before.)

Third, if you read my Stealing Ain’t Nice post last weekend, that huge issue was resolved with a positive outcome. BY YOU! So thanks a bundle, I owe ya big time. Check it out here. (Scroll to the end of that post for the update.) And finally: I’ve got the absolute best Eclectic Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to share today. Also a delicious recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes. Yep, it’s exciting alright.

*A big shout out to UncommonGoods for providing the beautiful pottery items reviewed today. All opinions are my own. Please support the wonderful businesses that partner with THLG and keep folks peeking Through Her Looking Glass. 

As you know, Mother’s Day is right around the corner. I’m happy to share some Eclectic Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from UncommonGoods Mother’s Day gift collection found here. Their handmade jewelry, designer decor, and handcrafted gifts are produced by artisans all around the country.

Founded in 1999, UncommonGoods’ mission is to provide a platform for artists and designers, working in harmony with the environment and without harm to people or animals.

UncommonGoods is one of the coolest companies with the coolest philosophy. (Also the coolest stuff.)  “At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way.”

I like that. While I’ve always loved the artsy, eclectic gifts from UncommonGoods, even more I appreciate that their products are handmade by real people. Real people with real faces, real stories. And a boatload of real talent!For instance, click here to check out this gorgeous Nesting Stoneware Mixing Bowl Set hand thrown by potter Maggy Ames at her clay studio in Manhattan. Maggy studied law at Skidmore College, then advocated for people with developmental disabilities as an attorney in New York City for 35 years. In 2009, Maggy retired from her law practice and began working full-time in her clay studio.

I can’t say enough good things about this unique stoneware nesting bowl set. The glazing and colors are exquisite. They nest beautifully. Pouring batter for Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes and muffins right from the bowl is a breeze. The ergonomic design and craftsmanship is one-of-a-kind and represents exactly why I love UncommonGoods so much. Moms spend a ton of time in the kitchen, and I can’t think of one who wouldn’t be ecstatic to receive these nesting stoneware bowls with scoop-style handles and narrow spouts for pouring. This set would make an extra special gift filled with gourmet baking mixes and kitchen tools.

As a knitter myself, I’ve eyed this Birdie Yarn Bowl for some time. Find it here! Such perfect & functional design. Visit Uncommon Goods for more great gift ideas for mom!

Moms (especially of little kids) are famous for this line: “Don’t buy me a thing. Just give me peace and quiet.”

My thought: why not both?

Check out this lovely Pottery Oil Candle here, sure to bring hours of peace and serenity. I love curling up with a good book and cup of java. Quiet music. This Pottery Oil Candle burning. Crafted in Maryland by potter Erik Hertz, the pottery oil candle design is based on ancient oil lamps found in archaeological digs. The glazing is amazing. (Poet: me.) This is a clean burning oil candle that uses liquid paraffin, with a fiberglass wick that won’t deteriorate. Add essential oils if you like! This is a unique gift, sure to be cherished for a lifetime. Find more great eclectic gift items for mom here.

Since you’re already spoiling mom, why not treat her to an easy homemade breakfast too? Whip up these delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes for Mother’s Day. They’re light and healthy, incorporating white whole wheat flour and coconut oil. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh raspberries and lemon zest. If you love lemon poppy seed muffins, these Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes are a sure winner for Mother’s Day or any day!

Enjoy the pancakes, and tell me your favorite Eclectic Mother’s Day Gift Idea from UncommonGoods! Have a super weekend, friends!

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Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Healthy Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes with white whole wheat flour! Light, delicious and easy. Make a double batch!

Servings 16

Author Allie Taylor

Ingredients

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour I used King Arthur, but all-purpose flour works too
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil or melted butter or vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups milk or more
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Optional garnish: whipped cream fresh raspberries and lemon zest

Instructions

• In a small mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, coconut oil, milk, lemon zest, poppy seeds and extracts.
• Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
• Thin batter with additional milk if needed.
• Pour by 1/4 cupfuls onto greased, hot griddle.
• Flip pancakes when surface bubbles begin to break.
• Serve immediately while hot.
• Serve with syrup or garnish with whipped cream, fresh raspberries and lemon zest.

You may also like: Sweet Almond Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

The post Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes & Eclectic Mother’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Hello friends and a very happy weekend to you! Today we’re going on a field trip. Out of the country. Yep. We’re headed to Old Quebec City in Canada. You in?

Jon and I went last weekend, had a great time and I want to tell you all about it. Old Quebec City is steeped in history and was a fantastic way to spend a long weekend. It’s the closest thing to Europe without hopping a plane.

A different culture, cobbled streets, pastry shops, bon jour and au revoir. While much of the U.S. is basking in spring sunshine right now, Jon and I are just thawing out from our tundra trip north.

I’m not kidding. Lucky for us Old Quebec City is only five and a half hours north. But the temperature was SO much colder. Thankfully we’d checked the weather and were prepared for the frigid. So hey, let’s go!

We drove in on a Thursday evening, arrived at dusk. They’d just had a fresh snow fall of nearly a foot, making the narrow streets that much narrower! We had mucho trouble parking at our B & B (read: Jon had to grab a shovel and clear out a parking space. Apparently all hands on deck!) Snow was everywhere, and we saw (and heard) snow removal trucks working all over the city. We quickly realized the easiest way to get around is on foot, especially with the tight parking situation. Fortunately we didn’t experience any falling ice!

That first night we happened on an authentic creperie not far from where we stayed. Ham, asparagus and swiss cheese crepes! Delish.

The next day we explored the old walled city. Pictured above is the Basilica de Notre Dame.

This imposing building is the Seminary of Quebec.

I seriously can’t believe how steep the hills were in Old Quebec City. Oh my word. We must have climbed a billion and a half stairs just to get to the base of Chateau de Frontenac, the premier hotel of the city.

Chateau de Frontenac originally opened in 1893 and is built above the wall overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Here’s the view just in front of Chateau de Frontenac looking out.

Jon spied this sign for toboggan rides. Asked me if I wanted to go. I used my manners, said no thank you. Then changed my mind after seeing his crestfallen face.

See that hill? We climbed it, pulled our toboggan to get to the top. Truth: I only climbed. Jon pulled the toboggan.

And here’s the view from the top of the slide! There were brakes underneath the floor of the slide holding the toboggans in place. We somehow managed to get our rope stuck around the brake underneath and had to get off and untangle it. Leave it to us. Ha ha. The toboggan went 40 mph going down and I was terrified. Sort of. It felt just like a rollercoaster. Of course Jon was thrilled. (He loves rollercoasters.) Me, not so much. The view helped. Chateau de Frontenac towered on the left and the mostly frozen St. Lawrence River to the right.

We skipped the stairs on the way down, took the Funiculaire, an enclosed outdoor glass elevator instead. This was our incredible view through the window going down.

And here’s the view looking back up. It was super steep.

So why did we take a ferry to cross the St. Lawrence River? To get to the other side of course. (Also a famous chocolate shop.)

The ferry pushed through snow and ice on the St. Lawrence River and we had a great view of Chateau de Frontenac from the top deck.

Then we climbed another billion and a half stairs up the bank on the other side to Chocolats Favoris, where all the locals apparently stock up on gourmet chocolate! Score.

Every chocolate known to man (woman and child) underneath that immaculate glass case!

And every kind of fondue imaginable, from cookies & cream to dulce de leche.

Thankfully they sold the fondue in cans so we could bring some home “for the boys.” Ha ha. For us too. You actually boil it in water on the stovetop (in the sealed can) for twenty minutes, then serve it over ice cream or dip fruit in it, etc. We got both the milk chocolate and the dulche de leche. Amazing stuff.

We did more sightseeing in the old city.

I loved this steeple glinting in the sun.

So many boulangeries!!! We picked up a few snacks here.

We shopped in this Parisian section on Avenue Cartier in an artsy part of the city. The unusual overhanging street lamps were recently installed by local artists.

Our last stop as we headed out of the city towards home was the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency containing an 83 meter high waterfall that’s 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Yeah. See the faint rainbow in front of the falls? Also the foot bridge spanning the falls. There’s a cable car ride and also a zip-line. That, I would not do. Maybe the cable car. But NEVER the zip line. My children need me. (Or I like to think so.)

Here I am on the footpath, smiling because I am far far away from the footbridge and zip-line!

We took a quick selfie in front of the falls before heading out, facing the sun. Can you see my eyes are totally shut? So funny. I didn’t think they’d show up behind the shades in the picture, but they sure did. Caught.

We had a truly magical weekend away. A few friends asked why Quebec and why in winter. And here’s the truth. We’ve always wanted to do Europe and it hasn’t happened yet. Old Quebec City is like a little Europe. The exchange rate is awesome right now.

It’s also the off season. Gas prices are cheap. It was definitely the right time to go for us. Honestly, we could’ve cared less the destination. The beautiful thing, and the only thing that really mattered, was that we got away. Together.

Made precious memories. Listened to an audio book coming and going. Savored the quiet. No catastrophes at home with the kids. Just getting away for a few days was like pushing a re-set button. A gift.

So grateful for all who helped out on the home front so we could go. Thank you.

You may also like: Sugarbush Farms

The post Arctic Expedition to Old Quebec City appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Well hello friends and how are you today? Happy pre-Thanksgiving weekend! We’re headed on a little field trip to Stonewall Kitchen in York, Maine. One of my all-time favorite haunts, and hope you’re coming along for the ride. (You in?) Everyone’s busy talking food, menus and pumpkin pie before the big day, so let’s take a little break from all that jazz and talk about… FOOD! ‘Cuz we just can’t talk Stonewall Kitchen without talking good eats!

Before we head to Stonewall, let me fill you in. If you follow along here you know my brother had a serious accident back in September. He’s been in a wheelchair since, but making progress every day and greatly looking forward to the day when he’ll walk again. Last weekend we had the opportunity to take him out for a car ride north. He loves the beach and seafood. Me too, so I thought Ogunquit might be the perfect place to get out in the sunshine.

If you know me at all you know I adore Ogunquit, ME. Jagged coastline, the Marginal Way. Quaint little uppity New England coastal town. Oh. Yeah. We headed north to Ogunquit, stopped at Stonewall Kitchen for lunch and window-shopping along the way. So hey, let’s go!

There are nine New England Stonewall Kitchen locations, but the main company store is located in York. Here’s the view driving in. On the left (with the weathervane) is the cooking school, and on the right is the store/cafe.

Love these unique gourd topiaries by the side door…

First we sat down for lunch in the gorgeous cafe. Such a pleasant place to drop in for a bite .

So many great New England eats on the menu! Also a great coffee bar.

I chose the BLT & Avocado Grilled Sandwich: cherrywood smoked bacon, lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes and avocado with house-made basil mayonnaise, served on toasted farm-house white bread. (Hungry yet???) The basil mayonnaise really made the sandwich, not to mention the cherrywood smoked bacon…

After lunch it was time for browsing in the store…This raspberry syrup would be yummy on Saturday morning waffles.

Every kind of gourmet jam, jelly or sauce you can imagine…Stonewall Kitchen is famous for their gorgeous gourmet gift baskets.

Plus tasting stations…yup, time for dessert!

I’ve always loved these Maine Sea Bags. Wish I’d snapped a shot of the one with the whale. So darn cute. Made from genuine boat sails…

Here’s the test kitchen…boy would I love the spacious shelving!

Cutest wintry silver-ware holder ever!

So I’d love to be rocking on the veranda, drinking in a sea-side view, my java sloshing in that mug…Yeah, that would about do it for me.

After lunch and window shopping, we drove just a few more minutes to Ogunquit, along the coast into Perkins Cove. The seaside views were absolutely stunning on a gorgeous fall day. If you’ve never visited Stonewall Kitchen or Ogunquit, Maine, put them on your New England bucket list. Great food, shopping and excellent times! Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

You might also like these posts on Ogunquit, Maine:

Inhale Exhale

Engaging Bagpipes

The post Stonewall Kitchen appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.