Home + Design

Custom Comfort

The art of upholstery with Pistol Pete and Rachel Schwartz Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear In a world increasingly dominated by disposable trends, Pistol Pete’s Upholstery Shop in Yarmouth stands as a testament to craftsmanship, longevity, and artful transformation. Founded nearly two decades ago by “Pistol” Pete Faris, the studio has become a hub for thoughtful upholstery in Maine and Boston, blending meticulous technique with a sense of fun and collaboration. Today...

Home + Design

Stage Right

How home staging can unlock the full potential of a property Article by Theresa Bouchard | Photography by courtesy of TS Staging and Design Home staging is an essential part of the real estate process, particularly in competitive markets like southern Maine. Whether you are selling a charming historic home in the West End or a contemporary waterfront property along Casco Bay, staging can make all the difference in how quickly your home sells and at what price. In this article, we’ll explore...

Home + Design

Home Sweet Portland

Three local home decor stores worth exploring Article by Becca Abramson Le Marchande Founded by interior designer Susie Smith Coughlin, Le Marchande is a 3,000-square-foot treasure trove of furniture, lighting, decor, and appointed antiques. Perfect for crafting a curated, eclectic modern look, the boutique also features a Design Lab with a vast library of wallpaper, rug, and material samples open to all. Beyond in-store finds, Coughlin offers design services ranging from full-scale...

Real Estate

Big Deals, Bigger Dreams

Maine realtor Emilie Levecque’s influence in real estate extends far beyond traditional boundaries Article by Becca Abramson What inspired you to enter the field of real estate? I graduated in 2009, right in the middle of the economic downturn. Jobs were scarce, and I had to think outside the box. My brother suggested I try real estate, and it just clicked. I earned my license in 2013, went full-time, and haven’t looked back since. You wear so many hats—broker, agent relations manager...

Sports + Recreation

Game On

A beginner's guide to the sports teams that make Portland great Article by Becca Abramson Portland has become a hidden gem for minor league sports, with something for every fan. Whether you’re catching a Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field, watching the Mariners hit the ice, or enjoying the Celtics' high-energy basketball action, there’s always a reason to show up and cheer. With the Portland Hearts of Pine bringing soccer to the mix later this year, the city’s sports scene is only getting better. ...

Arts + Culture

Plot Twist

Heading Prints' book-inspired scarves and bandanas have a story to tell Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Courtesy of Heading Prints The story behind Heading Prints is simple, though the company’s bright, intricately designed bandanas and scarves certainly aren’t. “The year was 2020, and because of COVID, I hadn’t gotten a haircut in awhile,” recalls founder Cory Kimmell. “My hair had grown quite long, and I was looking for a way to style it. I wasn’t really into hairbands, so I was...

Arts + Culture

To Portland, With Love

Pour your heart into a love letter this month at the Press Hotel Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of the Press Hotel Step into history and creativity this month at the Press Hotel’s annual Love Letters to Portland event, a heartfelt celebration inspired by the Gannett Building’s storied past. Built in 1923, the building was once the bustling headquarters of the Portland Press Herald, housing newsrooms, printing presses, and editorial offices. For decades, it was the...

Life + Culture

Snow Day Playbook

Local nonprofit WinterKids shares outdoor adventures for every winter-loving family Article by Kristel Hayes | Photography by Courtesy of WinterKids Winter in Maine has a way of drawing people outside, even when the couch and a good book call louder than the brisk air. For many, snow days bring back memories of bundling up to explore, building snow forts, or seeing who could create the biggest snowman. Those carefree moments linger in the collective memory, but with busy schedules and the...

Fitness

Sweat Smarter

At HOTWORX, infrared heat is the secret to faster recovery and workout results Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Rae McPherson Creative Unlike typical gyms where members sweat it out in a standard room or studio, HOTWORX is unique in its approach: all workouts take place in a large infrared sauna that can accommodate up to three people. Inside, infrared heat penetrates the skin at a deeper cellular level, helping to detoxify the body, enhance metabolism, and promote healing. “People...

Health + Wellness

Winter's Wisdom

Holistic health practitioner Corbin Chase on finding balance and introspection in nature’s cold embrace Article by Corbin Chase Seasonal depression, especially in the Northeast, can stem from losing our identity within nature: we forget that we are one with the earth and that the seasons exist not only for the health of the planet but also for our own well-being. A simple way to navigate Maine’s long winter is to reconnect with the natural rhythms and healing qualities inherent in this season...