CB I Hate Perfume

I'm a big fan of any kind of scent that has the ability to transport me from one mood to another. Better yet, imagine a scent that can capture a place and time. CB I Hate Perfume seems to have a special ability to do just that with scents like "In the Library" or "Memory of Kindness".

At the Beach 1966 seems like the perfect escape from the winter blues. The description from CB I Hate Perfume reads, "The prime note in this scent is Coppertone 1967 blended with a new accord I created especially for this perfume – North Atlantic. The base of the scent contains a bit of Wet Sand, Seashell, Driftwood and just a hint of Boardwalk. The effect when you wear At The Beach 1966 is as if you've been swimming all day in the ocean."

Nuff said.

I heart magazines

This is just one of my many embarrassing magazine piles. I LOVE magazines. I don’t crack open a magazine until I know I can dedicate some serious quality time. I also go crazy if someone is reading a magazine I haven’t read yet and they start showing me pictures. That’s just sacrilegious to me. I savor every quiet moment--every morsel of my magazine.

My Mom is the same way. She has magazines that must date back to the 70's, and she knows if you've touched them. She knows.

Of course I have guilt about all that paper. I know it’s not good for the planet, but if I let a magazine go, I recycle. Anywho, I'm very sad today because I keep learning of more magazines biting the dust. Today it was Domino. Last week it was Country Home and before that it was Cottage Living.

Something has to change, so that I don’t lose one of my favorite pastimes. There are some good thoughts about this topic being expressed over at the blog Please sir. Check it out and add your two cents.

Snow Day Crafts

Today was a snow day, so I pulled out all the craft supplies and helped my daughter make her Valentine cards. I left her at it for while and discovered she had gone glitter crazy. I think the inventor of glitter was an evil genius.

Things I Saw on My Walk Today

Here are some things that caught my attention today: a colorful car, a lantern to love, and a frozen fountain that's still running.

Cure for Cabin Fever--a Sale

Cure your cabin fever with something new from Farmhouse Wares. Create a cozy cabin feel or bring the scent of spring into your home with Farmhouse Lilac Fragrance Sticks by Sweet Grass Farm.

No matter what you select you'll receive 20% off your entire order from now through January 28th, 2009.

JUST ENTER THE CODE "cabin" UPON CHECKOUT.

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

cannot be combined with other offers.)

Missing my Gardens

I'm exhausted today. We went to an inaugural ball last night and stayed out past my bedtime. I don't know if it's all the celebrating for our new Pres, or my busy day, or the blasted cold weather, but I'm feeling wiped. The winter, with its beautiful piles of snow and frigid temps tends to wear on me around this time. I miss my gardens. When I don't have my gardens taking up my attention, I notice my house becomes really small and annoyingly dirty.

I guess I'll take out my garden journal and start planning and dreaming of the moment I can get my hands dirty instead of giving a rat’s patooty about the dust balls.

P.S. That pretty little peony is from my garden. I transplanted a bunch in the fall and can't wait to see the results.

happy, happy inauguration day!

A Winter Walk on MLK Day

There's nothing like a winter walk. So quiet and fresh. Peace.

Farm Fresh Wedding Favor

Looking for farm fresh wedding favor ideas? Check out the Winter issue of The Bride and Bloom Magazine, and you'll see Farmhouse Wares' Black Cat Honey featured (#1). Hang personalized tags from this old-fashioned muth jar of honey for a sweet favor your guests will love. Let us know if you need a bunch.

Bleu Nature=Beach Love

I'm craving warm beaches today, which is why I'm now in love with these driftwood pieces from Bleu Nature. Thank you Lime in the Coconut for keeping me close to beach life.

Smartwool Socks--Very Smart

Everyone knows that quaint old New England Farmhouses tend to have not-so-quaint cold drafts. Also, my southern pine wood floors may look great, but they are ice cold this time of year, making me yearn for wall-to-wall shag carpet.

But the icy winter weather is no problem when you have Smartwool. I live in Smartwool socks. They are so comfortable, and they keep my toes toasty warm. The best thing--they’re durable. I’ve washed them a million times. I’ve gone on hundreds of hikes. I’ve walked outside in them—without shoes (to get the cats or call for my daughter)—dozens of times. They still keep my toes toasty warm.

Get yourself some Smartwool Socks. You can wear them all-year-round, but you’ll be especially happy if the weather in your farmhouse is as cold as mine.

Sweetheart Conversation Hearts

The Sweetheart Conversation Hearts bring back bittersweet memories. I can remember being in gradeschool and setting up my little Valentine mailbox in anticipation for the big day. I actually lived in fear that I might not receive a single Valentine. I imagined the worst, and visualized how I would cope in front of all my classmates. Luckily, I never had to face that situation, as my mailbox always got filled with little cards and sweetheart candies--as did everyone's. (Thank goodness for all the politcally correct parents that know it's just not nice to leave anyone out.)

The Sweetheart Conversation Hearts are an American icon, and their sweet little g-rated messages have been part of Valentine's Day traditions since 1902. Hard to believe that the New England based company, Necco came up with the concept when Abraham Lincoln was still the Pres.

Get Organized and Save

When I begin a fresh new year, I like to start in an organized fashion. Clean up and clear out is the mantra. My family knows all too well that if something doesn't have a proper place (and the kitchen counter does not count) it will likely end up in the trash. I don't mind piles, as long as those piles are stashed away in something attractive. Here are a few ideas from Farmhouse Wares:

Hemp Grain Sack Tote, Canvas Bordeaux Bucket, Wire Magazine Holder, Renewable Mango Wood Nesting Bowls.

And from now through January 14th you can save 15% off any order at Farmhouse Wares. Just enter the code "organize" during checkout.

Discount applies to our Flea Market section as well. Not valid on previous orders. May not be combined with other offers. While supplies last.

Après-ski

For many, après-ski means party time. Have a few drinks, warm food and laugh with friends about the day on the slopes. For moi, après-ski refers to the moment in time when I slather Spring Chicken Muscle Rub from head-to-toe and whine about how out of shape I am. I ain't a spring chicken anymore. This rub is also perfect après-shoveling, which I think I'll be doing tomorrow. Whine.

A Thank You Note to You

I'm back from a wee holiday break. (Much needed!)

2008 was a great year at Farmhouse Wares, and I want

take this moment to thank all of you

for making it better than I ever could have imagined.

It is the friends and fans of Farmhouse Wares

that fill me with la joie de la vie.

I very much look forward to sharing 2009 with all of you.

Peace.

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.