What's Better Than A Birthday Card?

A birthday card that
doubles as a keepsake gift!

There are several amusing sayings,
each with a vintage photo applied to the
handpainted wooden surface.
These make a wonderful greeting gift card,
especially when you handwrite your wishes
on the smooth back!
And I think that is so much better
than the word "Hallmark"!!!!
Don't you?

We have protective envelopes available
if you would like to mail your greeting!
Extra postage would be required.
Please check with your post office before mailing.

Aubergine? What's that?????

I am sorry, but I believe you are all going to be the victims of my staying up too late.

I was searching the web, looking for flower girl dress ideas for my great niece, which is a very difficult task. One, she is so darn cute, and therefore, the dress must be as well!

I will also tell you that my bridesmaid dresses are Aubergine in color......but, not all shades of aubergine are the same!

I decided to do a google search to ask..."What color is aubergine?"

This is THE color of the bridesmaid dresses, pretty sexy, huh?

I mean, I know what color it is, but it seems there a varying shades, and quite frankly, I am getting pretty particular about my aubergine.
And Bruce is color blind...he is no help at all!!!
How convenient!!!!!!!!

Okay, so I went to the florist......evidently there are no flowers that are aubergine!

That is ok, so I add to my color palette and incorporate, cream, apple green, white, etc....... into my bouquet and all the wedding flowers.

Oh, that is right, back to the aubergine!

Aubergine is french for Eggplant!

Who would have guessed (I flunked French!)??

I found a mouse pad with an aubergine on it.......it would be hilarious if someone bought this for me as a wedding gift!!

But if a member of the wedding party does that, I may just have to insist they wear these matching boots!!!!

Inspiration For Vinyl Wall Lettering!

Here are a few photos of our new vinyl wall lettering!

Easy to apply, looks like hand stenciling!

You may choose from our in stock designs, or DESIGN YOUR OWN!

By designing your own,
you may choose the quote (any quote in the world!),

the color, the font, the size,
and you may have it shipped directly to your home,
or to the store!

http://brownandhopkinscountrystore.customwallscapes.com

Check it out!

Songbird

I get "lost" on the internet sometimes......

and find the most beautiful things.....
(and no wonder I am always late for work!!!!)

While searching for a song to walk down the aisle to,

I stumbled across the most beautiful version of "Songbird"

sung by Eva Cassidy.

She has the voice of an angel.....

take a listen......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFFo1pu4q7Q&feature=related

I am stilllllllllllllllll unsure of which song to use at the wedding, so if you have any ideas, I welcome your suggestions!

I will tell you that I am looking for
a non-traditional song...no bridal march here!

Did you expect anything less?

Stellllllllllaaaaaa...is Not For Sale!

How much is that doggie in the bubble vase???????

Isn't Stella the cutest fluffanutta around????

She is Angelas' newest pup!

Fabulous Find!

Waste NOT ~ Want NOT!

Look at this Welcome peg rack!

It is made from reclaimed wood and reclaimed hardware!

I love the concept!

We can have one made with your family name up to 10 letters only!

Great for hats and coats!

And a great conversation piece!

Need a Good Belly Laugh????

Click here.....
http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/ellen-gladys-hardy-p1.php?emf=1
Cheryl......thank you for checking that and letting me know.
NOW, everyone should click on the link for a good belly laugh!

SURVEY! Comments needed!

Hello! We are taking a survey!

What would everyone like to see more of on the blog?
Is the blog easy to read?
Do the pages load quickly for you?

Are you content with our store hours?

Would you like us to carry different items
in the shop, and if so, what, in particular???

If you are on our email list, do you like the emails?

Would you like less emails, more emails,
or are we doing ok in
the "not bombarding you" department?

Please leave a comment......

If you are shy, you may email me personally at

shopkeeper@brownandhopkins.com

Warning: May Be Offensive To Some.....

As many of you know, I will be getting married soon!

Our photographer, Jeff Turner, offers an engagement photo shoot....

aka "a get to know your photographer so you aren't so nervous on wedding day" photo shoot.

Jeff is fabulous! So accomodating! He is young and after having interviewed a few wedding photographers, we decided that his youth would work to our advantage. Many of the more "seasoned" photgraphers seemed bored, and a bit jaded. Jeff has fresh new ideas, and lots of energy!

Here are a just a few of the 158 proofs!! The photos were taken on our land in Putnam, CT.

It was a very cold day, and I had to wear a lace blouse.....LOL What WAS I thinking?
I now see that the bruise I received from walking straight into the edge of a door still showed! HA

There are so many decisions to be made, but it seems to be all coming together little by little.

Currently, I am working on our centerpieces. I would love to post a photo for you, but I want some surprises at the wedding, so I just can't! If you would like to see what we are working on, come on into the shop.....

I will tell you that our theme for the wedding is "Live ~ Love ~ Laugh"......and the venue will have a very rustic, natural element to it......