Earning My Stripes

Fate, Actually. The upcoming 6-day long weekend in Manila made me want to hie off to a place of sun and fun! Checking my 'finds' cabinet, I almost forgot I had this cool surprise find from Freeport, Maine. 

Sailing Away at Seabags

"Seek and you shall find" --Being one to get tons of magazines/maps to navigate a foreign place, I saw this little sign Seabags that supposedly produced RECYCLED sails into tote bags! It piqued my curiosity and insisted we pass by that store. I'm glad we did!

Feel the Breeze; Smell the Ocean

Show Me The Bling. The store silently screamed perfect "Maine". Clean lines, wood and rope are visibly seen all over, very nautical chic. What caught my eye were the Gold series (as I call it). I personally gravitate towards a bit of bling, you see. 

The Gold Shrine that Caught My Fancy

North Star. I had the opportunity to chat with Hannah Kubiak (co-owner of Seabags along with Beth Shissler), and she told me that since each sail is different,each tote is precious. It's sort of like different memories and experiences are etched on it, how magical! I love that about it. I could see the hard work, creativity that went on for each piece (no piece would be the same, only similar perhaps!). Luckily, they had this morning offer for some medium-sized totes to be sold at a lower price (It came out to be about USD47.25)--I got grabbed one automatically. Definitely a steal to the usual USD 105). I chose a medium from the available designs and got the N/S Design. It reminds me of a compass or that it may stand for North Star, yes, that brightly lit star that shows you the way..

Posing with Hannah toting my (left) purchase and (right) my bling wish--soon!!

Isn't it the coolest? I'm so excited to use it to put all only essentials for the upcoming trip! I hope it becomes available in Manila soon! How's your upcoming holiday plans coming along?

Special thanks to Hannah for gamely posing with me! Photos by Franklin and Peaches Tiu.
Visit www.seabags.com or #6 Bow Street, Freeport, Maine 04032

The Mystique of Maine, USA

Pursuing a childhood dream of visiting Maine, USA, the family and I did a road trip last April 2011. After months of fixing schedules and logistics, it finally happened! There is something about the white sailboats and tall lighthouses--two memories I will treasure when I remember the place. O course, the red juicy lobsters and the great shopping at Freeport, ME tops the cake.

my snapshot of the lighthouse

The city that is synonymous to LL Bean, this place screams the Maine lifestyle. From fashion to outdoor gear; home stuff to pet props, this store lives and breathes what Maine locals love about their state. The people are a cross between relaxed and sophisticated.  Silent yet certain of their needs, they putter around the streets knowing exactly where they're going.

the giant shoe of LL Bean

No one leaves the place without sinking their teeth into the succulent meat of red juicy lobsters. The family tried The Lobster Shack that served amazingly delicious lobsters. This place, as the owner Jason, mentioned opens only when it's in season. (We spotted photos of Former President George Bush, Jr having eaten in that exact spot!)

finger lickin' good lobster and chewy lobster roll 

Crisp Air and Salty Waters truly make Maine a mystical place I want to visit yet again ♥