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Ways to Romanticize the Slowness of Winter

Published on February 4, 2025September 6, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Winter is always the time of year where things slow down and there’s less happening. Years ago, I used to dread this time of year, it’s colder, darker, and the holidays are over. But, throughout the last few years, I’ve learned to make the most of this time and romanticize the slowness this season brings. Here are some of my tips on how to romanticize this time of year.

My Tips

Work on a home project. After the holidays, I always seem to feel inspired to work on a new area of my home. I suspect it’s because the home can look like a blank canvas after the holiday decor is put away, but it’s fun devoting extra time to certain areas within the home.
Have a game night with friends. Since it’s typically colder in the winter months, time inside is more likely to occur. Make it fun with some friends and enjoy a night in together.
Plan a weekend trip. I talked a lot about this in my recent post about prioritizing travel but there’s so much to be said for a weekend trip even if it’s a local trip. Having a fun weekend away or weekend plans can be a great way to romanticize the slowness of the winter season.
Create cozy routines in the home. Since we are more likely to stay in this time of year, creating a routine that’s romanticized is a fun way to make the most of the time. This could be enjoying coffee or tea in the morning with a book, cuddling up on the couch with extra blankets, lighting candles at night to bring in more light, cracking the windows to let in some fresh crisp air, etc. Have fun with this one!
Pick up a new hobby. I’ve had so much fun lately exploring new hobbies such as watercoloring, scrapbooking, embroidering, and practicing with new film cameras. Hobbies are a great way to find life work balance and they also give you more activities to prioritize at home or during slow seasons.
Spend time outdoors. If you live in an area that snows, go for a snowy walk! If not, spend time outside bundled up taking in some fresh air, walks and time in nature are still important in the winter.
Explore new shops, restaurants, or coffee shops in your area. Spend time in a new coffee spot, find a new thrift store, try out a restaurant for a meal, etc. Making the most of indoor activities in the area can be a fun way to romanticize the winter.

Quick Guide to Coastal Maine Towns: Portland, Kennebuckport, Ogunquit, & York

Published on January 5, 2025January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

This past fall, Patrick and I went on a two week road trip through various areas of New England. The trip ended with some time in Maine where we first explored Acadia national park and then made our way down the coast to visit various coastal towns. The best part about this area of Maine is that these small coastal towns are all within a short drive from each other so it’s possible to pick a home base and make some day trips. Patrick and I fell in love with this area of Maine and enjoyed about three days exploring various little towns, eating amazing lobster, enjoying sunsets at gorgeous lighthouses, and to top off our time in Maine, we left engaged! Here’s a quick guide to a few of our favorite towns along the coast of Maine.

Portland, ME

Portland is a major stop when traveling through this area of Maine. We had a half day here and mostly strolled around the main areas of downtown going in and out of shops and enjoying some of the best lobster we’ve ever had! Some of our favorite stops:

Food

Portland Lobster Co. Hands down the best lobster roll we tried the entire trip! We liked it so much we went twice! If lobster isn’t your thing, they also have some other menu items but I’d recommend at least trying some of their lobster to say you did in Maine!
Holy Donut. This is an iconic spot in Portland! They are famous for their potato style donuts and typically have a line of people waiting throughout the day to try a donut. We were skeptical of a potato style donut but it was AMAZING! Definitely worth a stop! We went to the main location downtown on Commercial street but they have a couple locations scattered throughout the city. They close once donuts for the day are sold out so be sure to get there early if possible!

Shops

Soleil. This is a french inspired store with sweet decor and home gifts. Inside there’s also one of Portland’s “mini print vending machines” where you can put in some quarters and receive a small print created by a local artist.
There’s too many souvenir shops along commercial street in Portland but I’d recommend walking along and going in and out of some unique shops.

Activities

Portland Head lighthouse. A must see while visiting Portland! This is about 25-30 minutes outside of the downtown area but worth the drive, especially at sunset! This was definitely the most beautiful lighthouse we saw during the trip. Keep in mind, when we visited there was a gate in place that blocked access to the rocks around the lighthouse. While researching this spot, on social media it appeared that visitors could sit on the rocks and take photos with a closer view but this was not the case when we visited October 2024. This may be a temporary thing in the colder months but wanted to share.
Stroll around downtown! Portland seemed like a typical busy city with lots to do and see. We enjoyed walking down commercial and wharf street.
Take a walk down Wharf street. This is a popular street in the heart of downtown with lots of amazing restaurants. The street is well known for it’s cobblestone and moss covered buildings.
Take a boating tour. We didn’t do this, but we saw lots of signs about boating tours which may have been fun if we had more time.

Kennebuckport, ME

When we were planning this road trip, we weren’t planning to stay in Kennebuckport or pass through it. However, we had a last minute change to our itinerary because we decided we’d rather have an airbnb instead of camp the last few nights of the trip so I quickly found us a cute spot to stay and it ended up being in Kennebuckport. We were so happy this came to be! Kennebuckport is such a charming coastal town. It gives that small town feel where all the locals know each other, everyone walks to work, and there’s only small businesses in town. I’d definitely recommended stopping or staying in Kennebuckport if you’re driving down the coast. Some of our favorite stops:

Food

Dock Square coffee house. We started our morning here one day and loved the coffee! It’s also just a sweet little coffee shop right in the heart of town.
Mornings in Paris. This is another popular coffee shop in town, we didn’t stop here but our airbnb host left us some coffee to use from this shop and it was really good as well!
H.B. Provisions. This is a great stop for anything you may need while passing through. There’s food, groceries, drinks, souvenirs, etc. We stopped here one morning for a breakfast sandwich before exploring and it was great!
Roma Pizza. We picked up a pizza from here quickly after our drive in from Acadia and it was delicious!
Alisson’s restaurant. We had dinner here after getting engaged and it was so tasty! They have a little bit of everything on the menu.

Shops

Scalawags Pet Boutique. This was such a cute pet shop! We found so many great souvineers to bring home to our fur babies.
Too Cool t shirt store. A great place to find souvenirs for yourself or loved ones.
Mountain Tops. Another great souvenir shop.
Any shops along dock square or ocean ave are worth stopping by!

Ogunquit, ME

Ogunquit was a stop along the road trip I was excited about because I had seen some many other blog posts and photos highlighting the town’s beauty. It’s another charming coastal town with such a special feeling. We enjoyed spending an afternoon here walking around and soaking in more incredible Maine views. In the future, I’d love to visit this area again and stay overnight. If you’re visiting as a day trip like we did, keep in mind, parking can be a bit pricey. Our favorite stops:

Food

Foot Bridge Lobster. This was the only place we tried while visiting and we weren’t too impressed with their lobster rolls. There was several other little restaurants in town though so it seems like there are plenty of options!

Shops

Maine Originals. This was a cute souvenir and apparel store!
Nothing Better than Doing Nothing. Another great souvenir shop.
Dock Square Clothiers. A nice place to find a t-shirt or sweatshirt souvenir to bring home.
Perkins Cove Pottery shop. This was a sweet shop with handmade pottery done by a local artist.

Activities

Marginal Way. This is one of the top things to do in Ogunquit! Marginal way is a paved trail that goes along the coast line providing stunning views of the ocean and town.
Perkins Cove. This is a charming area in Ogunquit where most stores are located. It’s also a very picturesque area in town. You are able to drive through here but it seems mostly for foot traffic.
Walk along the Perkins Cove drawbridge. This is right near Perkins cove and visitors can actually push a button to open the bridge for taller boats to pass through.

York, ME

York was another last minute stop. We had some down time and we saw York was only 20 minutes away from Ogunquit and we decided to make the drive there for sunset. York ended up being one of my favorite stops because of the memories made here. One of the main things do to in York in visit Nubble lighthouse, it’s the heart of the town. We decided to spend sunset here and it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I’d ever seen. As the sun was setting, Patrick and I set up our tripod to take some videos and photos together, as we always do when traveling together, and to my surprise Patrick ended up proposing! It was such a beautiful moment and I couldn’t have asked for a better sunset and evening. York is a place I’ll cherish forever because of this incredible moment.

Since we were only in York for a couple of hours, the only thing I can really recommend is going to Nubble lighthouse for sunset! There is a sweet gift shop right near the lighthouse with bathrooms, souvenirs, and information about the town. While driving through the town, it seems like a sweet area with lots of activities especially available during the warmer months of the year.

Activities

Watch sunset at Nubble light house. Since we were only here for a brief amount of time, this is my only recommendation! It was a stunning place to view the sun setting.

Simple Ways to Prep for a New Year

Published on December 31, 2024 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

It’s hard to believe today is the last day of 2024! I’m definitely one of those people that enjoys new years and finds some magic in making new goals and resolutions. To me, it’s a nice way to reflect and take some time to be intentional with a new year to come. I’ve made a small list of a few simple things you can do to prepare for a new year.

Wishing you all a magical 2025! ✨

Create a vision board for the new year. I love doing this at the start of every year. As a visual person, I enjoy having something to look at and be reminded of goals and things I’m looking forward to in the year. The last two years, I’ve attached a collection of photos as a “vision board” on my journal and I love having this to see everyday!
Make a list of goals. For the last few years, I’ve made a small list of things I’d like to attract and attempt each year. It’s easy at the start of a year to get carried away with writing so many things to try and do in one year. I’d recommend reflecting on a few things you’d like to see happen within the year so there’s not added pressure.
Organize or declutter a space. After the holidays, it’s a great time to go through some things while putting away holiday decor. Going into the new year with a refreshed home is a great way to start a year!
If goals aren’t your thing, make a bucket list for the year or a list of fun things you want to remember to do this year.
Start a new journal or planner. This is a great way to have a place to put your thoughts and plans throughout the year.
Reflect on this year. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like you didn’t do or accomplish much in a year when time seems to move so fast. Taking some time to reflect on the small wins and memories is a great way to enter a new year with gratitude.

I created a 2025 dream and goal planning page, similar to last year’s that I’ll personally be using and wanted to share for anyone else interested. I typically write anything that comes to mind that I hope to achieve or strive for in the new year, even if it feels a little ambiguous at first! That’s what dreaming and goal planning is all about :)

2025 goal and dream planner Download

Spring Hygge Inspiration

Published on May 8, 2024 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Throughout the winter season, I embraced the danish notion of hygge, which simply means making things more cozy and homey. This is a practice I would like to continue incorporating into other seasons throughout the year. We are already close to the end of Spring and I have enjoyed finding small ways to make my spaces at home and engage in activities that embody hygge. Here are some of my tips and ways I’ll be embracing hygge for the rest of spring.

Hygge Inspiration to Incorporate this Spring

Add greenery or flowers to my indoor and outdoor spaces
Make a spring simmer pot
Spend time outdoors
Bake spring inspired treats
Watch the sunset or sunrise
Have cozy breakfast rituals on the weekends
Add color to my interior spaces through accessories or art
Enjoy morning coffee with new garden space
Have an outdoor picnic with friends
Create a spring bucket list
Plan a weekend trip

Adding more colorful touches to the sunroom space

Earth Day Celebration

Published on April 22, 2024 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Happy Earth Day! Today is such a special day that reminds me how special and blessed we all are to live and explore this beautiful planet we call home. In honor of Earth day, I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos and memories of times I’ve been able to experience the true magic that earth provides. I hope you enjoy today!

A New Year

Published on December 29, 2023 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. The week between Christmas and New Years is one of my favorite weeks━ the last week of the year, the perfect time to slow down and reflect on the final days of the year and prepare for the year a head. I kn0w there’s some controversy surrounding new years resolutions and goal making, but personally, I love this time of the year because of the chance for a “restart.” A restart or fresh start can be whatever it means to you! Cleaning out a closet, going through old emails, working on a vision board for the year, or writing down dreams, goals, and intentions for the new year.

I created a 2024 dream planning page that I’ll personally be using and wanted to share for anyone else interested. I typically write anything that comes to mind that I hope to achieve or strive for in the new year, even if it feels a little ambiguous at first! That’s what dreaming and goal planning is all about :)

I also wanted to share some of my favorite moments captured on film from the past year.

Wishing you all a wonderful end to 2023 and a magical start to 2024!

2024-dream-and-goal-planning-1 Download

2023 Favorite Moments Captured on Film

Fall camping in Allegheny National Forest

Bison viewing in Yellowstone National Park

Favorite Travel Photos | New Etsy Shop

Published on March 28, 2023 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

I have some exciting news to share, I recently started an Etsy shop to sell and highlight some of my travel photography! I have always been passionate about taking photos and capturing special moments on film. Through travel, that passion has only increased and continued to thrive. Travel and photography are both such big parts of my life and the reason I started this blog so I could share that passion with many others. This post shares some of the photographs I’ll be selling on my Etsy shop. These photographs are from my most cherished memories that include my travels throughout Europe, my time living in Italy and my recent travels out west USA. Feel free to click the link for my shop below to purchase a photograph to print out or simply enjoy the photographs here on the blog 🤍

Etsy Shop: skylarbdesigns.

Hiking Mount Ida, Rocky Mountains National Park

Favorite Travel Moments

Published on September 4, 2019September 6, 2019 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Recently I’ve been reflecting on all the incredible places I’ve traveled to over the last couple years. I made a list of my top five most memorable travel moments and experiences. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to look back on photos and moments captured while traveling. Here’s my most memorable travel moments yet:

Basalt Columns

Cinque Terre, Italy

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Iceland, West Coast. I dreamed of visiting Iceland for several years and this past spring I finally made it there for a week long visit. While I was there, I wanted to see as much of the country as I possibly could. One day during my trip, I drove along the West coast. This full day of traveling along the coast was the most memorable day. The scenery from my car window felt unreal, and as cheesy as it sounds, I felt like I was dreaming. It was as if the scenery around me was too good to be true.

Cinque Terre, Italy. When I reminisce on Cinque Terre, the postcard photo of Manarola flashes in my mind. The beautiful colored houses all stacked on top of each other perfectly framing the mediterranean sea. Over the past year I went to Cinque Terre twice. The most memorable moment for me was the day a friend and I decided to have a picnic in the second town, Vernazza. We were determined to find a picturesque view that overlooked the town from above. The spot was along the walking trail towards Monterroso. It took us so long to find the spot and at one point before finding it, I was hot, frustrated, and ready to give up and have our picnic somewhere else. At the last moment, we found the spot and I immediately felt silly for becoming so upset. This is one of my favorite travel moments, It served as a reminder to be more present and focus on things other than getting the prettiest photo. It ended up being a lovely afternoon with a friend, a small picnic, and a stunning view.
Interlaken, Switzerland. Last winter I went to Switzerland with a goal to paraglide over the alps. Paragliding over the town and through the alps will always be a special travel moment of mine. I felt so calm and stable gliding so high above. I truly felt present and aware of what was going around me without any distractions, pure bliss.
New Zealand, Tongario Alpine Crossing. Almost two years ago I traveled throughout New Zealand for three weeks. I made so many incredible memories during this trip but my favorite day is when I went on a ten mile hike. Tongario Alpine Crossing is a stunning hike that highlights several stunning views and landmarks of New Zealand. I felt more accomplished than I had in months when I made it to the top.

5. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. I still remember the first time I visited Ireland. I was traveling alone and at the time feeling homesick and ready to return home. On one of my last days in Ireland, I decided to take a day trip to see the Cliffs of Moher. Taking this day trip was the best decision I made during my solo travel. The cliffs were beyond stunning and like nothing I had ever seen before. There was a sense of calm air blowing all around the tourists walking along the steep edge. I could have spent hours starring in amazement at the cliffs. So green, tall, and full of mystery. The cliffs reminded me how big and beautiful the world is and it should be continuously explored.

Favorite Day Trips in Iceland

Published on May 1, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Oh Iceland, the land of fire and ice, the most magical place I’ve ever been. The land of unpredictable weather, countless rainbows, magical horses, and thousands of waterfalls. Iceland truly felt different than any other country I’ve been to. There were several times I felt like I was on a different planet or walking on mars. With only a week in Iceland I packed my days full of different trips and adventures. Everyday was special and memorable. I highly recommended either renting a car, hiring a driver, or booking a day trip tour to truly see the most of Iceland.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a must when visiting Iceland. Although it’s a big tourist stop, it still feels magical and gives all visitors an Icelandic experience. I suggest going to the Blue Lagoon as soon as arriving to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon has a shuttle service that picks up at the airport and afterwards drops off in Reykjavik. Spending the day at the Blue Lagoon after traveling on a plane was the perfect cure to jet lag and the best way to be introduced to all the magic Iceland has to offer!

Tips: you have to reserve tickets online ahead of time with a specific time of arrival.

The Blue Lagoon is high in silica, which is great for skin but not so great for hair! I learned the hard way how hard the water can be on hair. If you’re going to get your hair wet be sure to condition hair before entering and after! Also use a clarifying shampoo afterwards to ensure soft hair again.

South Coast

The South Coast was the region of Iceland I was most looking forward to seeing. There is so much to see and do in the South Coast and luckily, there are several day trip tours that leave from Reykjavik. On the South Coast I suggest seeing: the black sand beach, DC3 plane wreck, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. These sights are easy to get to if you’re planning to drive yourself, but if booking a tour, most all stop at these sights.

Tips: I was really interested in seeing the DC3 plane wreck on the black sand beach. Not many tours stop here because it’s a forty minute walk (one way) from the parking area. However, I was able to find a tour which included riding ATV’s along the black sand beach all the way up to the plane. I highly recommended this! It was such a memorable experience riding an ATV on the black sand beach and throughout other stunning landscapes of Iceland.

West Coast

The West Coast of Iceland was so unique and different than any other part of the country I saw. I suggest seeing: Snæfellsnes National Park, Saxhóll Crater, Black Lava Pearl Beach, Gerduberg Basalt Columns, and the town Arnarstapi. The drive along the West Coast was so beautiful and there were many moments where I felt like I was on a different planet. I constantly wanted to take pictures of everything I passed by. There are also several day trip tours from Reykjavik available that go to the West Coast.

Tips: There weren’t many stops for food along the route to the West Coast so be prepared with snacks and even a packed lunch.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is supposedly the most popular tour for tourists in Iceland. This is a shorter day trip from Reykjavik compared to traveling to one of the coasts. Traveling around the Golden Circle with stops takes only about six hours so it’s a possible half day trip. Along the Golden Circle I suggest seeing: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Field, and the Gullfoss Waterfall. These three stops along the Golden Circle route were so incredible. There are a couple paths surrounding the waterfall so catching the perfect angle of this massive waterfall is possible.

Tips: At the Geysir field, there was one geysir that erupts every five to ten minutes. I ended up watching it erupt countless times! It was so fun to watch the water boil and see the water explode up into the sky. Have your video camera ready!