Happy Holidays Everyone

Recycled Amber Boylan Tumblers-- Fun and eco-friendly

We're loving the classic look and rich color of these popular Amber Boylan birch beer and root beer tumblers. These bottles were rescued from NYC restaurants and kept out of landfills by transforming them into these one of a kind glasses. Don't forget, the luck of the draw determines your assorted set of 4 - it's part of the fun. Now available at Farmhouse Wares.

Stress free kitty

Everyone I know is stressed right now. There's holiday stress. There's the-kids-are-about-to-be out-of-school-for-two-weeks stress. There's the economy mess. But look at Fluffy. He was like this all day as he snoozed by the wood stove. My daughter just took this picture. One look at his pink nose and my stress fades. Doesn't go away--but it fades for a little bit.

Friendly Neighbors

So I'm sitting at my computer the other day, when from corner of my eye I spot something moving outside. At first I thought aliens had landed, but quickly realized it was just two odd birds poking around. When I went out to take a photo they came running after me. I wasn't scared...really. It was pretty funny. They hung around, and we cackled a bit, but when they discovered I didn't have anything to offer in the way of food they moved on. Turns out they're my neighbor's guinea hens. They visit daily now, and they leave wonderful surprises all around my yard. I just have to be careful not to step in these surprises when I go to the compost.

Just a Reminder that Our Sale Ends at Midnight Tonight!

Just a quick note to say our 20% off sale ends at midnight tonight. Of course, this offer applies to our flea market section as well, and we have some sweet holiday ornaments on sale. So hurry over to Farmhouse Wares for some great deals. Remember to enter code "merry" at checkout. (offer valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases. cannot be combined with other offers.)

Making Recycling a Pretty Habit

I'm so happy that Farmhouse Wares now carries these Berger Bag Holders. I have oodles of shopping bags and they always look so messy, but not anymore. You may ask why I don't buy the reusable bags from my grocery store. I did. I have many beautiful reusable bags from Whole Foods and my local market. Trouble is...I ALWAYS forget to bring them on market day.

I don't feel too bad about the grocery bags because I put them to good use. I throw one or two in my daughter's back-pack so she can bring home her wet bathing suit from camp or snow pants after a day of playing at school. I use them as liners in my small waste baskets. Anyway, I'm sure you have a few good uses too. I'd love to hear them.

Sale at Farmhouse Wares

FROM NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 15th, RECEIVE 20% OFF

ANY PURCHASE AT FARMHOUSE WARES.

JUST ENTER THE CODE “merry” UPON CHECKOUT.

(offer valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.

cannot be combined with other offers.)

Happy shopping!

Down to Earth Gift Idea

Another great find from the Daily Candy. This 2009 Calendar is full of gorgeous photos that celebrate farm living. The best part is this gift gives back. All profits from sales go to farm-to-table education for urban children. Check it out here.

12 Days of Christmas with Coveiter

Our friends Lindsey and Julie over at Coveiter are doing some fun giveaways for the 12 days of Christmas. Head over today for a chance to win our Ivory Wheat Pitcher and some other great goodies. Hurry! You must submit by midnight tonight.

Sherbet Blossom Giveaway

Hurry over to Sherbet Blossom Studio and try to win our All the Better to Kiss You With Organic Lip Balm Set. She's got lot's of other giveaways in store too.

Family Heirlooms

Hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving. We had a great time down at my sister's. We enjoyed our traditional family fare, which consists of the same six or so side dishes that I've been eating since I acquired teeth. There are also about 20 different desserts. (You could say the sweet treats are the priority in my family.)

All was pleasant and calm until...I spotted these pilgrim candles. We've had these on our Thanksgiving table since, well since I acquired teeth. How did my older sister manage to get them? My mother confessed that she gave them to my sister a few years ago. Just like that-- a cherished family heirloom transferred without any notice or legal action.

The eldest sibling seems to get all the little heirlooms. However, being the youngest of three, I managed to escape much of the parental wrath that my older sister had to endure. In fact, I wouldn’t trade my place with her for all the paraffin pilgrims in the world. Looking back, I guess she deserves them. That being said, we will have to discuss that antique desk.

Warm wishes for a...

Stay Warm and Cozy with Free Shipping from Farmhouse Wares

When it comes to holiday shopping we're not big fans of fighting the crowds or traffic. There's nothing better than being able to shop from the comfort of your home. You can still be in your PJs and nobody has to know. So curl up with your computer and a cup of hot chocolate. Stay cozy and warm while you shop and enjoy free shipping from Farmhouse Wares.

FROM NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 8, RECEIVE FREE GROUND SHIPPING WHEN YOU PURCHASE $50 OR MORE.

JUST ENTER THE CODE "shipfree08" UPON CHECKOUT.

Offer not valid on previous orders. Cannot be combined with other offers. While supplies last.

Holiday Decor Idea

We love the idea of fresh holiday greens spilling out of this iron basket chandelier. Its rustic finish gives it a casual elegance, which is perfect for any farmhouse occassion. There's nothing better than candlelight, good friends and holiday cheer.

Better Homes and Gardens on a Pedestal

Farmhouse Wares is so excited to have our Ebony Compote by Potluck Studios featured in the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens. We love what they've done with the sugared fruits. Beautiful! To learn more about how to create your own sugared fruit display, visit hgtv for step by step instructions.

Chicken Soup for My Little Soul

My little one is sick today so I'm laying low with her. Hope to be back tomorrow.

Photo from flickr.

Don't Let the Tators Get Cold! Keep Holiday Dishes Warm While Serving.

Make holiday entertaining easier with this Wrought Iron Dish Warmer, which features three votive holders, perfect for larger dishes. Enjoy hot food, warm candlelight and good friends.

Turkey Day

It's time to start planning the menu for Thanksgiving. You may be serving tofu turkey, but if your plans include the more traditional bird then think local. By that I don't mean the local supermarket. Consider a healthier option over the frozen bird and seek out your local turkey farmer at Local Harvest. You'll find many varieties, including organic and heritage breeds, which are favored for their rich flavor. A small family turkey farm is more likely to be using diverse feed, which also offers more flavor--unlike industrial farms. Plus you'll be supporting your local economy, which is more in the spirit of the season.

For those of you that don't plan on cooking, but will be making reservations, then check out the Eat Well Guide for restaurants that support local.

Photo from flickr

Free Shipping at Farmhouse Wares

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WITH FREE SHIPPING FROM
FARMHOUSE WARES.


FROM NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU PURCHASE $50 OR MORE.JUST ENTER THE CODE "give08" UPON CHECKOUT.

GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Offer not valid on previous orders. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Begin shopping here. Enjoy!

Little Charmers

These distinctive pewter ornaments, by designer Janna Ugone, provide a touch of elegance to your holiday home. Made of lead free solid pewter and handcast in the US, these small pieces of art capture Janna's unique style and attention to detail. The Pear and Acorn stems are inset with a clear Austrian Crystal for added sparkle. Let these little charms brighten your tree or use them to adorn a gift for a special friend.The Collector's Set includes all six (left to right: Pear, Mistletoe, North Star, Acorn, Partridge and Dove). The Pear, Acorn, Dove and North Star are available individually. All ornaments come boxed and ready to hang with burgundy organza ribbon. Available at Farmhouse Wares for a limited time. Sweet!

My Deer Friends are Back

Last year we had a ton of deer visit our yard to eat the fallen apples from our tree. I'm so happy because they're back. There are about five of them with long white tails. Most people don't like them coming around, as they tend to get into the gardens. But these girls stick mainly to the apples. They're so peaceful and protective of each other. I could watch them all day, but they never stay very long.

Need the Perfect Holiday Gift Idea? How 'Bout a Pig or a Goat?

This year give your friends and family the gift that truly keeps on giving. For 60 years Heifer International has been on a mission to end hunger by helping hungry families help themselves. Heifer concentrates on giving these families the opportunity to obtain sustainable sources of food and income by providing them with livestock--donated by you. A dairy cow can produce up to four gallons of milk a day--that's enough to support the family's needs and provide additional income. Heifer's Holiday Catalog is full of options from sheep and rabbits, to llamas and honey bees. So visit Heifer today and give someone the gift of hope.

Just Vote

Get Cooking with TSP Spices

THIS HOLIDAY SPICE KIT, BY TSP SPICES HAS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO COOK UP SOME FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND ALL WINTER LONG.

Includes organic spices and recipes for turkey and roasts,

cookies, pies--even your game day chili.

FREE SHIPPING FOR A LIMITED TIME.

{Get the Look} red, white and wood from Domino

We adore the Nordic appeal of the red, white and wood table setting in

the November issue of Domino (above), so we thought we'd give it a whirl with goods from Farmhouse Wares (below).

Top Left: Ceramic Tureens with Bird Finial.

Top Right: Wicker Bread Basket

Bottom Right: Vintage Style Red Striped Napkin Set

Bottom Left: Diego Wood Bowl and Red Damier Bowl

Athleta

I'm loving all the winter gear over at ATHLETA. After taking out all my winter clothes last weekend I realize I sure could use a new winter wardorbe.

Treleela Tea for the Soul

The cold and rainy weather has me feeling out of sorts today. There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm cup of tea on a gloomy day. I'm loving our new line of organic whole leaf teas from Treleela. This tea nourishes and warms the soul, which is no surprise since the company's whole mission is a holistic one--starting with nourishing the very soil they use to cultivate their organic plants. They also take great pride in caring for their family of farmers and respecting this planet we all share.

The naturally fragrant whole leaves are produced using only the tender leaves and young buds--the most nutrient rich parts of the tea plant. This means you can be sure every cup is brimming with health and antioxidants.

What I also love is their funky individual infuser, or Pochette (shown at top). Each contains pre-measured whole leaves for a perfect cup of tea. The Pouchette provides a complete and unrestricted infusion, allowing the whole leaves to unfurl, expressing their true nuance and flavor. Best of all, the convenient pouchette eliminates pots, strainers and cleanup. Yup, I like that. Each Treleela tin contains 14 pouchettes.

There are seven great Treleela teas to choose from at Farmhouse Wares. Let us know your favorite.

Potash Hill Farm-A Local Hero

Remember my post about Potash Hill Farm? Well, I dropped by the Potash Hill Farm booth at our town's recent Harvest Fest. The owner, Melanie was selling her incredible goat's milk soap and lotion. As you can see from the picture above, she proudly displays her "Be A Local Hero" sticker on her soaps. Being a "Local Hero" is certainly something to be proud of.

Launched in 1999 in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, The "Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown" campaign from the non-profit organization CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) was created to raise public awareness and support of locally grown farm products. Now the longest running campaign of its kind, "Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown" has become a model for "communities across the continent and world that are seeking to sustain farming by helping consumers find and purchase locally grown products."

CISA's most recent intiatives include a Farm2City program connecting rural farmers with urban consumers and an institutional buying project which increases use of local farm products at area schools and hospitals.

Melanie is one of many farmers in this valley who benefit from the local attention CISA brings. I wanted to spread the good word about Potash Hill Farm soap and lotion, and the inspiring message of CISA to all of you.

Sale at Farmhouse Wares

REDISCOVER THE EASY CHARM OF COUNTRY LIVING

WITH FARMHOUSE WARES.

TAKE 15% OFF ANY PURCHASE.

JUST ENTER THE CODE "charm" UPON CHECKOUT.

Offer valid now through October 31st.

Discount applies to our Flea Market section as well.

Not valid on previous orders. While supplies last.

Get Your Garden Ready for Sping

Many garden centers are running sales on their perennials right now, so it’s a great time to do some last-minute gardening. One plant that I highly recommend sticking in the ground now is lungwort. This is a spring charmer. If you’re like me, and you can’t wait for some color to start popping in the garden then this is the plant for you. One of the first plants to bloom, lungwort is packed with gorgeous little flowers that range from pink to lavender. The silvery spotted foliage lends interest to the garden for the remainder of the season. It grows vigorously and is very easy to transplant, so one little plant will eventually fill many gardens.

Exposure: Shade to part shade (will tolerate some sun if kept moist)

Height: 12-13 inches (low grower--perfect for borders)

Zone: 4-9

Latin name: Pulmonaria

You can buy one here.

Boston You're My Home

Heading to Boston for some chowdah and some cultchah. Click here to get a little taste. Go Red Sox. See you Monday.

Antiqued Mercury Glass Hurricanes

I spotted our Antiqued Mercury Glass Hurricanes in the November 2008 issue of Country Living. They used the large one as a vase. Gorgeous! So perfect for a holiday setting.

All the better to kiss you with

Get ready to care for your lips this winter. We're offering free shipping on our new organic lip balm gift set. All the better to kiss you with includes three certified organic lip balms in vintage tins: Pepperminty, Lavender Vanilla and Chai Mandarin--so yummy and healthy. Offer ends October 19th or while supplies last.

Discover

Just imagine the things you could discover this weekend. See you Tuesday!

Photo from wikipedia.

I heart this handmade pillow

I love this pillow made by artist Mary Beth. She scours the tag sales and flea markets for vintage materials--hankies, linens, doilies, buttons, you name it. One could say her pillows are made from the fabric of our lives. Certainly, they're recycling at its best.

Trick or Treat

All Halloween items are on sale now at Farmhouse Wares.

Halloween Lanterns

My daughter keeps me on my toes trying to come up with Halloween craft projects. I didn't have any new craft materials to play with, but luckily the house always seems well-stocked with construction paper, glitter pens and markers. You can do a lot with just those tools. We added the glitter pipe cleaners as handles to make them look more like lanterns; however, I wouldn't think of lighting a match near these cuties. Try those little battery operated tea lights instead. They work great.

Fit for a Queen

My newest addiction is this Royal Jelly Body Butter by the Savannah Bee Company. I fell in love with their Blackberry Honey Hand Soap, and this cream, with its subtle blackberry scent, complements the soap perfectly.

Savannah Bee Company, makers of luxurious honey products, says, "The most precious product of the hive, Royal Jelly is a 'Cinderella' substance that turns a worker bee into a Queen...and allows her to live 40 times longer than the average bee as a result. Replete with a multitude of vitamins, proteins, lipids and sugars, this amazing natural substance is known for its nourishing and deep moisturizing properties--as well as its ability to promote skin's elasticity and a smooth appearance."

This is one worker bee who enjoys being Queen--not to mention all the benefits my skin has been enjoying. It is beautifully packaged too, which makes it a great gift, fit for a Queen (of course).

spice things up with tsp spices

If you like to cook or bake then you must check out our tsp spices. These organic spices come individually wrapped in teaspoon-sized packages. The benefit behind this clever concept is that herbs and spices stay fresher for longer. Ground spices can lose their potency over time, but tsp spices are perfectly measured and freshly sealed in convenient single use packages for longer-lasting freshness. Each spice tin contains 12 one-teaspoon packets.

The other great thing is tsp spices are organic. The makers, Katie Luber and Sara Engram support organic agriculture because it limits the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Organic crops are better for our health and the health of our kids and their kids and so on. Organic crops are also safer for farm workers to handle and easier on the land. Organic supports sustainable and healthier farming practices. TSP Spices proudly displays their organic certification to assure you that their products are high quality and free of the additives or fillers that are often found in spices.

tsp spices Sweet Basics Collection: contains one tin each of organic allspice, organic anise seed, organic cardamom, organic Korintje cinnamon, organic cloves and organic nutmeg. For baking sweets or blending chai, reach for tsp spices' Sweet Basics. This set offers the perfect combination for all your sweetly spicy needs.

tsp spices Green Basics Collection: contains one tin each of organic basil, organic dill, organic oregano, organic rosemary, organic tarragon and organic thyme.

Featured in this month’s Cottage Living.

A Fall Garden Favorite

The Limelight Hydrangea is the plant that keeps on giving. In mid summer she explodes with cool greenish white flowers. As the blooms mature they turn creamy white, and they put on quite a show. But the real show is in early autumn. The flowers age to pink and red. When everything else in the garden is pretty much spent, this hydrangea gives you her best performance. The blooms are so reliable every year. She never disappoints me. Another bonus is the flowers make gorgeous bouquets or they can be dried for winter arrangements. She even looks good in the winter--her faded, wheat-colored blooms look pretty against the white snow.

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 6-8' tall and 6-8' wide
Hardy to: -40C
Zone: 3
Latin name: Hydrangea paniculata

You can buy a Limelight Hydrangea here.