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Hello! My name is Lily and I am the fall intern at Smudge Ink. I’m a junior Art History major at Boston College with a love for all things paper. When I’m not riding the B line, you can find me drinking Hazelnut coffee and spending my paycheck on greeting cards for my collection. I am so excited to be interning here this fall to see the production side of my favorite industry!

I'm also very happy to meet you and share my first blog post.

Tomorrow is the Fall Equinox, marking the official transition from the dog days of summer to the crisp air of autumn. While this means saying goodbye to unlimited ice cream cones and weekend beach trips, fall is here with its own checklist of excitement. Here is a list of my fall must-dos:

• Soak in the excellence of a freshly picked apple; bake it, eat it, drink it - whatever - just get as much juicy goodness in as you can.
• Take a weekend road trip through New England and be wowed by the changing leaves; just don’t forget to look at the road once and awhile!
• Appreciate the fact that you are the perfect temperature all the time in whatever you are wearing.
• Don your favorite football jersey and whip up some game day snacks to cheer on your team.
• Exercise your skill with a paring knife and transform a pumpkin into a glowing masterpiece
• Get organized for the impending holiday season and all the excitement that entails!

Happy fall, friends. Enjoy!

[photo credit: Alberto Romero]

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In honor of National Cheeseburger Day, we're sharing a few of our favorite cheeseburger recipes in order to get things started! Hopefully, you have a grill or griddle, but seeing as our office is located on the second floor with no kitchen, we are resorting to our handy-dandy and multifaceted toaster oven! Blue cheese burgers, from The Pioneer Woman, are on our menu today, but we're including links to a few other recipes as well! Try your own cheese combo even. American cheese definitely holds a special place in the heart of the purist cheeseburger fan, but don't be afraid to get adventurous. Try provolone! Gouda, Mozz, and Pepper-jack! Dare I say Brie?!

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Whether road tripping to ocean or lake, let this playlist send some relaxing beachin' vibes you way this Labor Day weekend. Only mellow, happy, and sunny sounds here. Folding chairs, bevies, good company, sun, shades, and snacks make this playlist that much better. Hit play and unwind. You've earned it!

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Whether we're at home or on vacation, we all love to read. Here's a peek at the books we've been enjoying this summer!  

1. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

2. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin

3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

4. Empire Falls by Richard Russo

5. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

6. Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

7. To the New Owners: A Martha's Vineyard Memoir by Madeleine Blais

8. Why We Make Things and Why It Matters: The Education of a Craftsman by Peter Korn

9. Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters

10. Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

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Today we shine the spotlight on Budd + Finn, a charming Portland shop filled with everyday gifts. It's been fun keeping up with them on Instagram and Facebook, but it's always great to dive a little deeper and learn about what goes on behind-the-scenes. We're so grateful to Kevin for taking the time to answer a few questions about his amazing store. Read on to learn about how rescue dogs and happy hour fit into the picture!

(image: Budd + Finn)

When did Budd + Finn open? What was the inspiration or motivation behind the opening of a brick and mortar store? 

We opened in November 2013. After an entire career in retail mainly doing buying and private label development for Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Tommy Bahama, and for a wholesale manufacturer, it was always on my bucket list to create my own vision and brand.

Is there a story behind the name? 

Yes, named after our 2 rescue dogs…they represent the essence of comfort and home to me - not too fussy and full of life!

(image: the famous rescue dogs, Budd and Finn)

Do you have a fun fact about Budd + Finn that most people wouldn’t know?  

We sometimes have happy hour starting at 4 pm especially during the hectic holiday months. 

What do you love about your shop’s neighborhood? 

We are located in the Old Town/Chinatown district of Portland just outside of the Pearl district. Old Town/Chinatown appealed to us because it is the oldest part of Portland so the buildings have lots of character and architectural detail - our building is a historic landmark. An interesting fact about Old Town/Chinatown that most people that live here don’t know: outside of New York’s SoHo neighborhood, we have the most cast iron facade buildings!

What’s the most memorable thing that has happened in your store? 

Since opening in 2013, we have been fortunate to have been featured in the New York Times Holiday Gift Guide, Sunset, and Rachel Ray’s Everyday magazines which gave us national exposure.

(image: Budd + Finn display featuring Smudge Ink's Gopher card)

What’s your favorite Smudge Ink product? 

Cards of course! Smudge Ink is one of our top selling stationery lines and you have the most incredible designs - customers love them!

(image: tea towels available at Budd + Finn)

What song or album is playing in your shop right now?  

Float On by Modest Mouse (psst...the lead singer is a good customer).

Is there a fun new stationery or gift trend that you particularly enjoy or that customers are responding well to? 

Patches and enamel pins are super hot!

(image sources: Budd + Finn)

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