Brown & Hopkins Country Store Biz Buzz

Thank You to All Veterans!

2011-11-11T08:44:00.002-05:00

We will be open today from 10am to 8:30PM!

Show us your military ID for a Thank you discount!!!

BEST of RI

2011-04-28T11:54:00.003-04:00

Please take a moment to help put an old store on the map!!!

Please vote for Brown & Hopkins Country Store in

The RI Monthly
BEST of RI poll!!!!

Two categories we would like to win in are

Best locally owned Home Store

and in the

Providence County division

Best locally owned Gift Shop

Click here to vote!!!!

NOTE: The deadline for entries is April 30th!!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

May Breakfast Event!!!

2011-04-26T13:33:00.008-04:00

Well, well, well.....

I see that headline captured your interest!

On Saturday, April 30th, from 11am to 1pm,

we will be serving up samples of the
BEST whole grain, buttermilk pancake mix
ever to exist along with maple syrup from
Chepachets' very own Chepachet Farms!!

Kodiak Cakes flapjack and waffle mix is so easy,
just add water for the yummiest, fluffiest pancakes eva!!!!!!

Weight Watchers listed it as one of the top 10 products at
the Fancy Food Show this year, and 2-4" pancakes
is only 4 pts on the new plus program!!!!!

So forget Aunt Jemima.......once you try these cakes......
you won't want any other!!!
Aunt WHO???????????????

Holiday Hours!!!!!!

2010-12-07T09:47:00.007-05:00

We have begun our Holiday Hours!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are from 10am to 6pm!

Thursday hours are 10am to 9pm,
with Candlelight Shopping occurring on
December 9th and 16th from 6pm to 9pm.

And Fridays we stay open from 10am to 7pm
so you can shop before going to dinner at
The Tavern on Main....YUMMMY!!!

Saturdays please visit us from 10am to 5pm
and Sundays, we have been getting a crowd at 11am to 5pm!!!

We have been working on alot of unique and wonderful gift baskets for grabbing & going, or you may choose your basket ingredients and we'll put it together for you while you wait if time allows or within 24 hours!
Call 401-568-4830 to place an order for a gift basket!
Choose a theme such as Candle Lovers, Tree Trimming,
New England Gourmet, Hot Stuff (spicy foods),
Snowmen, Jams & Tea, or create your own!

Update from Brown & Hopkins!

2010-11-17T13:35:00.003-05:00

OH, 'tis the season to be busy!

I apologize for not posting in such a long time, but believe me, it isn't because I didn't want to!

We had a very busy fall season, and we are now fully decorated for Christmas, so please visit us soon!

At this time of year we get alot of questions regarding our hours, events,
and Candlelight Shopping in Chepachet....so here are a few answers!

We will hold our
Thankful Gathering
on Thanksgiving weekend and this year we are trying something new
and we hope you will participate!

When you visit us on Friday, November 26th,
Saturday, November 28th and
Sunday, November 29th,
please help us help our local food pantry by bringing a canned good
or other non-perishable item so we may help those less fortunate than ourselves!
We will reward your generosity by giving you a coupon
valid for 20% off any one item with a value of up to $100!

We are planning on additional Holiday Hours
starting December 2nd, and will post them as it gets closer.
For now, however, we will feature the following hours:

Thursday, November 18th 10am to 8:30pm

Friday, November 19th 10am to 8:30pm

And our normal hours are Everyday 10 to 5pm, and Sunday Noon to 5pm

Candlelight Shopping is slated for

December 2nd, 9th and 16th!

6PM to 9PM

Penny Social

Photo OP with Santa on the 16th

Horsedrawn Hayrides will be offered,
as well as seasonal refreshments and local entertainment!

For more info http://www.candlelightshopping.com/

Please join our Facebook page for the most up to date updates!!!! :D

www.facebook.com/brownandhopkinscountrystore

Are You Ready for Earl?

2010-09-02T09:05:00.004-04:00

Word has it that we could be getting a little hurricane....

Let's get READY!!!!

At Brown & Hopkins we have the BEST smokeless lamp oil for your oil lamps, as well as replacement cotton wicks (1" and pixie), so check your lamps and make sure you are prepared in case the electricity goes out!

Oil lamps are a wonderful way to light your evenings....as they bring a nostalgic feeling to any setting. They bring the past to life, and they are pretty good to have around in case the power goes off!
Did you know the word lamp is derived from the Greek word 'lampas', meaning torch?
In ancient times, lamps were often made of terra cotta,
and used oilive oil or animal fats to light the way.
It wasn't until the 1700's that Swiss chemist, Aime Argand invented a lamp using a round burner, and a circular wick. Flame was also enhanced by the use of a glass chimney, which protected the flame and controlled air flow.
Some folks today like to collect oil lamps.....I have just one, which was my moms' and I am getting it ready ....just 'in case'.
Have a wonderful weekend and be safe!

Key Lime Cheesecake Squares

2010-08-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a wonderful and easy recipe for a refreshing dessert!

Key Lime Cheesecake Squares

Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix

1 tbsp fresh key lime peel, finely grated

Cheesecake Filling

2 - 8oz packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla

2 eggs, room temp

1 cup Stonewall Kitchen Key Lime Curd
(we have it!)

Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare sugar cookie mix as directed on package, adding lime peel.
Sometimes I will also add in finely ground walnuts or pecans (about 1/2 cup).

Press crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake about 15 to 20 minutes, until light golden in color.
Let cool 30 minutes.

While baking, prepare filling.
Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended.
Add eggs and mix just until eggs are incorporated.
Pour cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Spoon Key Lime Curd randomly on top of filling and then swirl with a blunt knife to combine.
Bake for approx. 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set.
Allow to cool in pan. Cut and serve. You may sprinkle with confectionary sugar if desired.

Putka Pods!

2010-07-30T09:33:00.003-04:00

Putka Pods.....little seed pods shaped like
teeny pumpkins (about the size of a dime),
which are dyed as their original dried color is brown.
I think the brown would be nice, however,
I am not in charge of the decision to dye them...LOL

This year we ordered them in a mix of
green, orange, and plum......beautiful hues for fall decorating.

These are unscented, and we use them to surround
a candle for a fall display, or to mix in
with other potpourri to create interest.
You can also scatter them on a table
(because ours are unscented they won't mark your furniture)
with leaves, acorns, little green apples

and chipmunks ($14.95 each...different stances)
for a whimsical display!
We love them! Just $2.95 for a 2 cup bag!
These don't last long.....

Artichoke Pizza Turned Into an Edible Work of Art!

2010-07-11T17:51:00.003-04:00

I finally did it!
I made a pizza that tasted great, and looked great and the best part.......crunchy crust...not too thin & not too thick!

Here's my recipe!
It is a tweaked variation of a Stonewall Kitchen Recipe,
so I shall name it

Liz's Artichoke Pizza

Olive Oil

Stoneground Whole Wheat Flour

1 pound pizza dough (I used Stop & shop)

1/2 jar SK Artichoke & Caper Relish

1/3 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

1/4 cup chopped red pepper

1 small jar sliced black olives

1/4 cup red onion, sliced

3 oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled (I used the fat free)

4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded.

1/2 can of quartered artichoke hearts (drain well, pat dry)

sliced grilled chicken (optional)
coarse ground black pepper

Note: You may buy 2 pounds of dough to make two pizzas, as all the ingredients that you'll need to purchase will make 2 pizzas and then some....

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

Lightly oil pizza pan or stone (do not use a coated non-stick pan).
Roll or pat dough on oiled pan til almost the size needed, then place oiled side onto a surface sprinkled with 1/4 cup of the flour, and finish stretching the dough 'til the desired size. Gently place, flour side down, on pizza pan. Brush the crust edge lightly with olive oil.

Spread the Artichoke & Caper Relish over the dough.
Sprinkle the remaining ingredients in given order, ending with the grilled chicken pieces if desired.
Place pan on middle rack for about 5 to 7 minutes,
then move to upper rack for remaining 9 to 12 minutes.
Watch carefully during last 5 minutes.
Pizza is done when the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Slice and serve...

and I do apologize if you don't hear anything
from your family or guests for a few minutes....

They will be too busy enjoying their pizza
to tell you how amazing it is!

Enjoy!!!!!

I LOVE the Sound of This Recipe!!!!

2010-07-07T13:04:00.004-04:00

Has it been hot where you are?????

It's been so hot and humid in New England,

that last weekend at the 4th of July parade I swear I was a sprinkler!
I can't bear to turn the oven on,
so I thought I'd try and find a recipe that sounded,
well,
NOT HOT!!!!!!

And this is what I came up with!

Mango Chicken Salad Wrap featuring Stonewall Kitchens' Mango Chutney!
I bet this would also be delightful served over a
fresh bed of spinach and other refreshing greens!
As you know, we carry many of the delightful sauces, relishes, jams,
jellys and chutneys made by Stonewall Kitchen in Maine.

Mango Chicken Salad Wrap
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
2 Tbsp. pecans, chopped
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp. curry powder
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
½ tsp. each salt and pepper
½ cup Stonewall Kitchen Mango Chutney
6 8-inch sandwich wraps

Combine chicken with remaining ingredients except the spinach and wraps, mix well. Place a generous scoop of chicken salad in the center of the wrap. Top with baby spinach. Fold in the edges and roll up. Repeat with the remaining wraps. Serve chilled.
Enjoy & stay cool!

Kids Say The Darndest Things!

2010-06-23T15:49:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago we were visited by the 3rd graders at a local elementary school when they had a field trip. The theme was "Hometown Tour", and they visited the police and fire station, the library, the town hall....and Brown & Hopkins!!!!!

The kids each received a little bag of candy, a wooden nickel valid for a free bag of candy when they visit us with a parent, and a post card of the store.

My sister is the art teacher at their school, and when they were told that her and I are sisters, one child innocently asked, "Are you twins????", which is quite amusing, since we look nothing alike and are over 10 years apart!!! I think he aksed that because if you close your eyes, and hear us speaking, we sound alike!!

Here are some excerpts from some of the thank you cards I received........

"You are very nice and your sister rocks! I want to own a candy store when I grow up!" Ethan

"It was very intresting that the shop was 201 years old. They must have yoused super strong wood when they built it." Logan

"Maby I will be a storekeeper like you someday." Julia

Well, I hope someone will want to be the next B & H shopkeeper, so I can retire someday!

So.....What's New?

2010-06-22T12:42:00.004-04:00

For one thing....this little garden stake with the
crystal water droplet has been flying outta here!!!!
Just $9.95!

My niece emailed me the other day and
told me the blog looks seriously neglected!!!

I must agree,
BUT,
she wasn't aware that I have also been busy
updating our Brown & Hopkins Facebook page.
I am quite addicted to Facebook,
but I guess there are worse things to be addicted to!
Who remembers the Seinfeld episode where
George is dating this woman who he can't seem to get rid of,
so he starts smoking because he knows she doesn't like it?
Well, that's kind of me....
"I am on Facebook....and I can't stop now...I'm addicted!!!!!!!"!!!!
It is soooooo easy to snap a photo
and upload it to Facebook to show you what just came in!
With the blog, it's a bit more time consuming.
However, I promise, I will try to get back to a little more blogging
to keep the non-facebook folks in the loop!

With that bring said,

here are a few photos of new arrivals!

Lots of the Red ~ White & Blue!!!

Gorgeous light weight rose handbags...just $24.95 each!

My two great nieces who are in TX modeled their new
B & H tie-dye sundresses!
Available in sizes for one year olds up to 4 year olds!

Stay tuned for more updates!!!
Oh, and don't forget...we will be closed on the Fourth of July!!!
Happy Summer Everyone!!!!!

Tart Warmers ~ One Thing I Couldn't Live Without!

2010-05-25T14:32:00.006-04:00

I love my tart warmers!
I have one in almost every room of the house!

Here are some new ones that we just received in!

Available in

Dark Mustard, Teal and Moss Green.

Just $12.95 each!

Look at the crackly, rustic, primitive glaze on them!

Most of our wax tarts are just $1.49 each,
and oh, how I wish we had smellaputer....
because this citrus & sage is such a wonderful fragrance....
Come on in for a sniff....

Magical Lampshade!

2010-05-21T09:29:00.003-04:00

Lots of new stuff arrived this week,
including this Americana lamp......

Watch what happens when you turn this lamp to the "on" position...

Now you don't see 'em......

And now you DO!!!!! We call it our Starry Night Lamp!!!
$89.95 including the shade!

And if you come in on May 21 ~ May 22 or May 23....

say The Secret Words...
"Happy Birthday"
at check out and you'll receive 20% off!

It's my birthday weekend and I am giving you a gift!
Say the Secret Words and you'll receive 20% off any one item under $100,
excluding clearance items and antiques.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

Liz's Grilled Pizza Appetizer

2010-05-20T08:55:00.003-04:00

I love easy...and I love delicious!

And this recipe is both of those things!

Liz's Grilled Pizza Appetizer

Ingredients

4 Soft Flour Tortillas (whole wheat preferred)

1 jar Stonewall Kitchen Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta Topping

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tomatoes; seeded and diced

Black pepper to taste

1 cup finely grated Italian blend cheese

Optional: Grilled chicken breast, finely chopped

Heat grill to medium.
Mix all ingredients, except the tortillas and the 1 cup of Italian cheese.
Place tortillas on hot grill for about 2 minutes, until crispy on one side.
Flip tortilla, and top with 1/4 cup of veggie mixture,
a sprinkling of Italian cheese, and grilled chicken if you like.
Close grill lid, and heat for a few minutes until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy.

Transfer to cookie sheet and cut into 6 slices each with a pizza slicer.
Serve at once.
This is a tasty appetizer! Serves 4

Heck, I could even make a meal out of this!
Bruce absolutely loved this; hence I have no photos to show you.....it disappeared too quickly!
The balsamic vinegar in the bruschetta topping adds a nice zing to it!
It's going to be a great weekend for grilling!!

Entertaining Made Simple!

2010-05-18T14:39:00.004-04:00

I love having these mixes on hand!

Wind & Willow Cheeseballs are easy to prepare
with just cream cheese and butter,
and I haven't met one person yet that doesn't love them!

We have a wonderful assortment,
including some dessert mixes
that you may make into a spectacular pie!

Come on in and check 'em out today!

Lights ~ Camera ~ Action!!!!!

2010-05-17T18:28:00.008-04:00

So, have you heard?

We're gonna be in the movies!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from director, Richard Griffin of Scorpio Films, asking if he could have permission to shoot the front of Brown & Hopkins for use in a film......

I say, "Tell me more....".

He says, "Well, it's called Atomic Brain Invasion."

(laughter....from me.....lots of it....)

I say, "Tell me more....".

He says, "It's a loving homage to the 1950's horror films, and it is set on Block Island, and we would have a shopkeeper out front sweeping the sidewalk, and a 50's car parked on the street. And it is G-Rated."

I say, "Fabulous, sounds fun, and of course you can shoot B & H!"

So today was THE day!

Cruisin' Bruce Palmer, RI radio personality, pulls up front with his vintage car...... a beautiful bright yellow!! Boy, I bet heads turn when he cruises down the street in that gem!

Bruce says, "Ok, Richard is here and it is going to be an action shot. He wants me to pull up quickly, onto the sidewalk, and crash into the building!".

I say, 'Well, I was wanting to do some work on it!!".

Richard walks in to the shop and introduces himself,
and says, "I have some 50's costumes in the trunk of my car."

I say, "You want us to dress up??????????????".

I am thinking, "I know Barbara is not going to go for that!".

He looks at Angela and exclaims,
"She'd be perfect! I have a little number that would fit her perfectly!".

Relieved, I say, "ANGELA!!!!! You're gonna be in the movie!!!!!!!".

We then borrowed a broom (for the shopkeeper actor)
from Jim at Farm Family Insurance across the street,
a vintage purse from Jerry at Post Office Antiques,

dressed her up and we were ready!

ACTION!!!!

CUT!!!!!!! And Richard checks the film....

It's a wrap!!!

Me getting a little creative with the chrome....

How cute is Angela!!???

Director, Richard Griffin; Cat Hainfeld, camera woman; me; and Cruisin' Bruce Palmer

You may view the trailer here....

We are all going to the premiere on September 10th at The Foxboro Orpheum...
it should be fun!!!

The Boutique is Brimming!

2010-05-13T09:46:00.007-04:00

Attention all fashionista's.......

The boutique at Brown & Hopkins is looking
bee-----you------teee----fulllllllllll!!!!!

Crinkly tops for hot summer days ahead of us!

How about a printed cotton tunic with angled sleeves, and side slits?
Perfect with the leggings that are coming back, or over your bathingsuit!!
You'd better get in here before my sister does!!!
She helped me choose them at the show, and loved them all!!!!

Vintage silk ruffled & layered scarves.......are gorgeous works of art!

I guarantee you will be stopped in your tracks and asked,
"Where did you get that scarf?"!
These are just $21.95 each and they flutter like a butterfly!

Soon to flutter right on out the door!

And of course,
Sunreaders....sunglasses with different magnifications
so you can read your vampire novel at the beach.....

Need a little something to cheer up a friend or add to a birthday card?
These packets of bath salts are printed with vintage pics and sassy greetings.....
"Eat Cake Sistah!!!"

"Greetings from Menopause"
and
my personal favorite.......
"I Can't Hear You!!!!"
Oh, yeah....and they smell great!!!

Have you tried our hard milled French soaps yet???
Lavender, Lemongrass, Honey Almond (gosh, I could eat that one!)....
And we even have Soap on a Rope!!!! Dad would like that!!

Virginia from Grace Note Farms spoils her guests
with these fragrant and long lasting soaps...

And yes......this one way down there, on the bottom shelf, is Ginger Jasmine,
and so worth bending down for!!!!
We'll help you if you get stuck standing back up.....
and we'll carry your armload of stuff to the counter for you too!!!

Alot of new jewelry...some funky, and some chunky......

And as always, remember.........

Note: If you get together with girlfriends,
the "Girls Night Out" game is a great conversation starter,
and you'll probably learn a thing or two that you didn't already know.....
and have alot of laughs...
or maybe a cat fight, depending upon how you roll....
but my motto is
Live ~ Laugh ~ Love!

Stella's Growing Up!

2010-04-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Every now and then....

Stella comes to visit us at Brown & Hopkins!

Here she is picking out candy......

She is Angela's cutie patootie pup.......

Everyone speaks in a higher tone when she is around......

that's just the way it is....

Rustic Angel Vine Topiaries!

2010-04-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

We just received a limited supply of these sweet little carefree "live" plants!

They are going fast!

Come on in and check them out today!

Apple Spice Cake

2010-04-15T08:23:00.002-04:00

Who loves butterscotch???

Have I got a recipe for you!

It's so easy, and I am guessing that you probably have everything

in your pantry except for two items....

4 cups of Granny Smith Apples and Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce (Stonewall Kitchen)

Of course, this dessert topping is yummy served over cheesecake, ice cream and more! And while I am posting this recipe for you to enjoy, who's to say you can't go get a store bought coffeecake or apple pie, and drizzle this over the top?! That will impress them enough! Heck, ya wouldn't hear me complaining!

But if you are in the mood to bake...here ya go!

Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients

1 stick butter, room temp.

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp salt

4 cups Granny smith apples, cored and shredded, leave peel on.

1 jar Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce (Available at Brown & Hopkins)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 10" Bundt pan.
Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients and mix.
Spread batter in prepared Bundt pan.
Bake for 40-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes and remove from pan.
Serve each slice with Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce
......and heck, how 'bout a little bit of whipped cream?

Enjoy!

Mother's Day Contest!

2010-04-12T08:22:00.009-04:00

Would you like a chance to win a $100 Shopping Spree???

Here are the rules:

1) Join our Facebook Fan Page

www.facebook.com/brownandhopkinscountrystore

2) Copy and paste the following into a post on our page

"I LOVE Brown & Hopkins Country Store and I would LOVE to win a $100 shopping spree!"

3) Upload a treasured photo of Mom ~ Grandma ~ You and the Kids ~ You and Grandkids ~ Family....etcetera

4) Tag Yourself and others in the photo who are on Facebook (If you are not in the photo, then just tag the picture with your name, so it'll appear on your homepage)

Instructions are found on Facebook as well!

And that's all there is to it!!

Drawing will be held on May 6th!

Grand prize winner will be chosen at random (names in a hat)

and some runners up will be chosen as well!

Not on Facebook? Whatcha waitin' for??? It's a fun way to keep in contact with friends and find out what is happening at your favorite country store!!!

Here are just a few photos recently entered into the contest!!

Good luck everyone!

And remember.....

"A mother is the truest friend we have,

when trials are heavy and sudden, fall upon us;
when adversity takes the place of prosperity;
when friends who rejoice in our sunshine desert us;
when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us,
and endeavor by her kind percepts and counsels
to dissipate the clouds of darkness,
and cause peace to return to our hearts."

Washington Irving, American writer, 1783 - 1859

Say Cheese!

2010-04-01T14:26:00.003-04:00

Cheddar Cheese, that is!

Did you know that Brown & Hopkins sells sharp cheddar cheese,

straight from a Vermont cow, well, sorta, kinda...LOL

Did you know that cheese has been a staple item on provisioners' counters since Colonial times, and so became known as "store" cheese.

Here's a recipe I found when looking through an old recipe book, dated 1968.

Cheese-Onion Bread

1/2 cup diced onion

2 T melted butter

1 and 1/2 cups packaged biscuit mix (Bisquick)

1 cup shredded store cheese (1/4 lb.)

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup milk

Simmer the onion in 1 T butter until tender and golden.

Combine the biscuit mix with 2/3 cup of cheese; add beaten egg and milk, mixing just enough to wet all ingredients; stir in the onion. Spread in well-greased 8" cake pan, brush top with remaining melted butter, then scatter remaining cheese over all. Bake in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Serve at once. Serves 4 to 6.

This is a superb hot bread and is excellent with scrambled eggs or an omelet.

This cheese will be sampled on Friday and Saturday,

and would make a perfect addition to your Sunday dinner!

A little wine, a little cheese,
a little more wine, some cheese-onion bread.......you get the picture.....

Kidding aside, this is the creamiest cheese around,

and canot be bought at a grocery store.

It just tastes better when it is cut off the big block of cheese.....

In my best RI accent, "It's just like butta!".

Egg~Staspecial Weekend!

2010-03-26T16:37:00.002-04:00

Spring Sur~PRIZE Spectacular at Brown & Hopkins this weekend!

Choose an egg at check out and reveal a mystery discount!

You may win a $25 gift certificate if you are eggstra lucky!!!

We are giving away four $25 gift certificates this weekend!

Discounts are from 15% to 40% off!!!!!

Everyone's a winner!!!!

Event ends Sunday, the 28th at 5pm!

I Think My Name Should Have Been Jane....

2010-03-08T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a peek into more of my decorating style....

I just LOVE decorating with garlands and vines!

I made this mirror for Bruce out of an old storm door.
It's nice to lighten up the heaviness of an object with garlands.

This window in my guest bath doesn't require a curtain for privacy, and the whole bath has a garden theme to it, so, of course, a vine around the window was what I thought it needed!

The kitchen window looks out into the backyard and another vine for interest went here as well!

I finally decided upon curtains for my front triple window.....
Yup, these are the same curtains I chose for my bedroom and master bath,
just ALOT longer!
Linda calls them the "Wash and Hang" curtains!

All you do is wash them, dry on low for minimal shrinkage or medium for more shrinkage, and you get this wonderful "gauzy" look!
They are actually called Tobacco Cloth Curtains.
You may now purchase them online on our website!
I love the airiness (is that a word?) about them
and how they just filter the light without blocking it.
I love natural light in a home!

You can wrap vines around stuff too!!!
Here is a wire form which holds a battery operated candle which comes on at exactly 5pm everyday and turns itself off 5 hours later!

The first time Bruce saw it, he said,
"I thought you knew better than to leave a burning candle unattended?!"......... Men!! LOL

My dear friend Wendy made this collage for me with my wedding invitation and natural elements...and the bird is made from birch bark and was part of my wedding centerpieces.

I have had this window mirror for years and I absolutely adore it!
It is so rustic with the chippy paint and all!
And the vine just grabs your attention and lures you right in.....

I hope my photos have inspired you to
take a look around your home, and see where you can add a little vine whimsy......

Curtains!

2010-03-03T17:50:00.002-05:00

I wanted to show you what I chose to use as curtains in my bedroom and bathroom....

I knew I wanted the primitive tobacco cloth curtains, but also knew I wanted a topper...so, I married the tobacco cloth with our cotton lace curtains, and created just the right look for me!

I took these pics just this am, and yes, that is little snow flurries outside...

I used little pieces of a wispy garland as tie-backs for the curtains in the bath,
and when I need privacy I just pull the curtain over to cover the entire window.

Cutest Little Light Ever!

2010-02-27T16:25:00.004-05:00

I ooh'd and ahh'd over this little light at the last country trade show,
and now it's here at Brown & Hopkins!

Just about 4.5" in height and the little light flickers
when powered by just one AA battery!
We did a recent test here at the shop,
and we have discovered that if you use a good quality battery,
and never ever turn off the little light, it will stay "lit" almost 4 weeks!!!
I just think it looks so nice displayed in our little black iron book light taper holder set upon an antique book.....

Check both items out on our online shopping cart!

Cookie Tarts!

2010-02-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

These wax cookie tarts are so realistic that in the past week we have received the following question from a customer (name has been changed to protect them from embarrassment):

Tim: "Do you have any of those Hazelnut cookies already bagged up in a two pack?"
Me: "Those are wax..."
Tim: "OMG....don't tell anyone I asked that!!!!!"
Me: "You aren't the first one to think they are real!"

In January, when we were doing our spring cleaning,
we found a wax cookie with a perfect bite taken out of it,
and I guess they don't taste as good as they smell,
'cuz we found the spit out half in a tin bucket....... : {

Anyway.....they are now available for purchase online!

Click here to go to our online shopping cart!

We're baking as fast as we can!

New Accessories For The Necessary Room!

2010-02-16T11:00:00.003-05:00

I love these new nature inspired accessories for the bathroom!

Toilet tissue holder, 2 different sizes of towel bars
and a wall hook for your bathrobe (not shown) are now available!
The detail is so pretty, and rustic at the same time!

And no bathroom is complete without the
Nature's Call Poo~Pourri Spray!

Now available for purchase online!

President's Day!

2010-02-15T07:32:00.003-05:00

Hooray! Hooray!!! Hooray!!!

We are open today...President's Day!!

Did you know that Brown & Hopkins was founded the year that Abe was born???

Dang it, we are OLDER THAN DIRT!

And we like it!!

Come on in today and enjoy 20% off anything that is patriotic, RED~white & blue, or President/history related!!!

Our hours are 10am to 5pm!!

More Snow On The Way???

2010-02-09T16:24:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, a friend and I went on a buying trip to PA! Yup, despite all the snow warnings, we still said "Road Trip!!" Here's a few pics of what we woke up to on Saturday in Norristown, PA. Thank goodness Bruce had packed my snow shovel, and my friend Dawnne brought her tall boots! This is Dawnne shoveling us out of our parking spot!

We had fun and ordered lots of cool, country stuff which will be arriving all month long.

I brought home alot of framed prints, so come on over after Wednesdays storm and take a gander! We are having a storm tomorrow, so the shop may be closed. If you want to venture out, please call us first to make sure we are open, so you don't waste a trip.

Today, a cute man (I say cute, not because of his looks, but because of his actions) visited us, and he was on a mission. He opened the door, and headed straight for the boutique, and was looking for an item his wife had spied over the weekend. I thought that was so cute and thoughtful.

I am not going to tell you what he purchased just yet, because she may read our blog, and I don't want to spoil the surprise. But I will tell you that we are selling them quickly!

When guys come into B &H and buy something special, I always think to myself, 'It must be so nice to have a husband like that who pays attention when you are shopping together.'

I guess I am doing pretty good as well, at least mine packed a shovel for me! LOL

A Peek into My Decorating Style

2010-02-02T16:53:00.003-05:00

Many of you know that we built a home this year, and recently moved in!
It is so exciting!
Here is a little corner that I recently decorated
and I am so pleased with it!
I love nature and crocks and 'live' things that look alive but aren't! LOL
I do NOT have a green thumb!

Every now and again, I will take some pics
and show you what I am doing in my own home!

If anyone has photos of things they bought at Brown & Hopkins,
feel free to send the photos to me at

shopkeeper@brownandhopkins.com

and I will post them!

We all need a little inspiration!

Looking for Some Fine Furniture?

2010-01-28T11:44:00.003-05:00

Look here!

Westmoreland Woodworks!

I will placing an order on Monday for several pieces,
however, if you are looking for something special,
be sure to check out their online catalog by clicking the link!

Maybe you got a new BIG television and need something nice to showcase it?

Or you'd like something new for your entry way that says "WOW"!

This is high quality, USA made furniture!
We have paint samples in the store if you'd like a closer look,
as well as a few of their pieces to show you the exceptional quality!
Prices are reasonable...just give us a call if you need a quote, sizes, or further information!
Delivery time is about 4 to 6 weeks.

Sweet Stuff!

2010-01-28T10:21:00.004-05:00

You might remember seeing pics of my adorable great niece Clare....
she was our flower girl at our wedding in September.....

And now there are two more additions to our extended family!
Clare now has a little cousin, Juliette

AND

a new little sister, Quinn, both born last Spring!

My, how time flies.......first birthdays will be here before we can count to one!!

And speaking of sweet stuff,

a new batch of New Hampshire homemade fudge is headed our way!

Belgian Chocolate, Penuche, Chocolate Walnut and Maple Walnut will be here on Friday!

What is your favorite flavor????

Come on in for a sample!
Valentines Day is just around the corner!

Delicious Baking Error!

2010-01-26T08:19:00.004-05:00

So last night I wanted to try making the baked apples
with the Cinnamon Roll Walnut Jam......BUT,
I left them in the oven too long and almost ended up with applesauce.
Oh, but it smelled too good to toss out!
What could I do?
I was opening cupboards, left and right, looking for something,
anything to pair my mistake with...and then it came to me!
I had a small piece of plain cheesecake leftover from the night before!
I topped that cheesecake with my
Apple Cinnamon Roll Walnut Compote
and away to the couch I went! YUMMO!

Try it!
All I did was line an 8" square baking pan with tin foil for easy clean up!
Fill with peeled and halved Granny Smith Apples (I used 2 apples).
I melted 1 Tbsp. of butter and drizzled it over the top.
Then I heated up 1/3 cup of the Cinnamon Roll Walnut Jam
and spooned it over the apples.
I baked them at 350 degrees for longer
than I should have (about 30 to 40 minutes or so), until they were very soft!

(Sorry, no photos, but it disappeared too quickly!)
It would have been great on ice cream, but my ice cream had frostbite....as it always does! Does anyone else have that problem? I always buy ice cream, and then I never end up eating it for 2 months, until one day when I have a craving for it, and it's no longer edible!

Cinnamon Roll Walnut Jam!

2010-01-24T09:06:00.002-05:00

I love finding a great new product!

Cinnamon Roll Walnut Jam!

Served straight from the jar on crackers or toast
or heated up for a topping on ice cream,
cheesecake, pancakes, French toast.....the ideas are endless!

This stuff makes you say, "Yum!"

Here are a few more ideas!

Sweet Potato Dumpling Roll Ups
1 can Hungary Jack biscuits
2 or 3 sweet potatoes peeled (cut like French fries – 1 inch)
1 (11oz) jar cinnamon roll walnut jam
1 ½ cups water
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
Melt butter in a 9x13 inch dish.
Pull each biscuit apart to make two round pieces.
Roll each biscuit piece out on floured surface
and place two sticks of sweet potato in biscuit
and ½ tsp walnut jam. Pinch biscuits in pan.
Boil sugar and water until sugar is dissolved.
Add vanilla and pour over sweet potato biscuits in pan.
Bake 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until biscuits are brown.
Remove from oven and cool 20 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.

Quick Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
Take ½ tbl jam and put in a dough crescent roll.
Roll and bake as package directs.
When they come out of the oven, shake in convection sugar.

More ideas.......
Melt jam over hot sweet potatoes coming out of oven, use as a cookie filler,
or core an apple and stuff with jam, dot with butter and bake.

A Sensitive Subject For Some.....

2010-01-19T13:21:00.007-05:00

Oh where, oh where do I begin?????

I have no choice but to dive right in.......

We are carrying a new product at Brown & Hopkins called

Poo ~ Pourri!

What is that you ask?????

In a nutshell, it's a blend of Natural Essential Oils
that create a barrier to embarrassing bathroom odors.

Their tag line is,
"Spritz the bowl before you go ~ and no one else will ever know!!"!!!!

We have it in two scents,

Original Poo~Pourri and Nature's Call (organic),
and both smell alot better than "you know what"!!

This stuff works!

At this point, if you are asking,"Has Liz gone mad????",
my entire staff backed me on this one....because Poo~Pourri works!
Great for travel, new relationships (tee hee),
and for general use in your own bathroom at home!
Linda can't wait to offer it for use at the employee restroom at her "real job"!!

(Not Linda below...LOL)Available in 2 oz. (100 uses), and 4 0z. attractive spray bottles,
plus an inconspicuous travel size good for 10 uses!!!
So in the words of Barbara's daughter, Katie,
next time you need to "drop the kids off at the pool",
just spray the bowl before you go, and no one will ever know!!!

Be sure and read your next email from Brown & Hopkins...

there will be an offer you won't want to miss out on!

Got Granite?????????

2010-01-13T08:50:00.001-05:00

I am back from my buying trip in the BIG city of Atlanta!
While I was there, I had to laugh, because there were school cancellations even before one snowflake fell! Actually, school was cancelled about a whole day and a half before I saw one snowflake! And then I realized, they do not know how to deal with the white stuff in Atlanta! Did you see the 30 car pile up on the news!?!

Total chaos!

Anyway, it was a successful buying trip!
I ordered LOTS of great things for gifts and home decorating!
Deliveries will be arriving on a daily basis!
And speaking of home decorating....

I am finally at the point where I can start decorating our new home!

Let the fun begin!

Let me know if anyone wants to take a peek at a home shoot when I am done!

Although I am still a long way from "home shoot" mode,

as I am still in the "cleaning" mode......

And being in cleaning mode, I just have to re-post
the portion below about the beeswax polish!!!
I love this stuff!!!

Now that your holiday decor has been put away,

it's a great time to pick up a can of this magic spray and polish away!

Below originally posted in May 2009

A customer came in today,
and bought 2 cans of the beeswax furniture polish....

And she said,
"If you want to sell a TON of this stuff, tell your customers how great it is on granite counter tops and stainless appliances! My friend, Denise from Glocester told me about it! She said she can't stop touching her countertops!
Her husband is starting to get jealous!"

So, I am telling you....

This stuff is
fantabulous on granite!!!!

No smudges, no fingerprints...

It's smoooooooth.......
It makes dull and dingy furniture and kitchen cabinets look new again!

Oh, and according to another customer who commented below,
equally fantabulous on black cook tops,
which I have, and can attest to!!

Bad Blogger!!!! Bad, Bad, BAD!!!!!

2010-01-03T19:33:00.008-05:00

Oh my, has it been two whole weeks since my last blog post???

I am so sorry!

But I have lots of very good reasons!

For starters,
Christmas was crazy this year at Brown & Hopkins,
crazy in a good way!

Thank you to everyone who did some shopping with us this year!

You kept us hopping!

And then there were holiday parties to attend,
and for those of you that know me,
the only thing that keeps me from a good party is a big snow storm!

And we have certainly had our share of those this year, haven't we?

Here's a couple of snow shots taken over the weekend in Putnam, CT.

Bruce and I have been feverishly working on our new home,
and are days away from moving in! It is truly an exciting time in our life!
And that Honey Do list is a loooooooonnnnng one!! LOL

Thank goodness he is no couch spud!

Oh, and then there is inventory!

This year we will be CLOSED on

Tuesday, January 5th

and

Wednesday, January 6th

to do inventory, and fluff up the shop!
I will be going on a buying trip for the store soon,

and we will be receiving new merchandise daily!

Thanks for reading my ramblings, and

for keeping Brown & Hopkins on your list of your most favorite places~

We look forward to a fabulous 2010!

Blue Cheese????????

2009-12-21T18:14:00.003-05:00

I know, I know, I know....

Some of you (with your nose all crinkled up)
are saying, "I don't like Blue cheese."

But, neither d0 I, but somehow this recipe makes it all okay.

Maybe it's the brandy, or the yummy Fig & Walnut Butter, whatever it is.....

we served them a few days ago at the store, and they were a big hit!!!

Here's the easy recipe that takes about 2 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to bake!

Fig and Walnut Butter with Blue Cheese Tartlets
Makes 30 cups (15 servings)

Ingredients
2 packages of fillo cups (Athens or The Fillo Factory brand)
5 oz. Blue cheese
1 jar Stonewall Kitchen Fig and Walnut Butter
4 Tablespoons Brandy or Cognac
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
Freshly snipped chives for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix Stonewall Kitchen Fig and Walnut Butter with the Brandy or Cognac.
Arrange the fillo cups on a lined baking sheet.
Place a small square of cheese snugly in the bottom of each cup.
Top with approximately 1 teaspoon of Butter mixture.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Allow to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Place on an attractive serving platter and garnish with chopped chives.

People will be amazed!
Come on into the store and we'll help you look like a gourmet chef!
We have so many ideas for holiday entertaining!!!
Stonewall Kitchen specialties make wonderful gifts!

Grungy Battery Operated Tapers are BACK!!

2009-12-17T08:10:00.005-05:00

It never fails, no matter how many we order of these,
we always sell out before we realize it!
And then we have to wait for them to come back in again!

Well, they are back, but we don't know
for how long ~ Our guess is that they won't last
the weekend, so if you want any,
hurry, hurry, hurry, and skidaddle on over to Brown & Hopkins!!!

Grungy Battery Operated Tapers are

shown above in cinnamon, buttermilk, mustard and burgundy.....

WE ONLY have the cinnamon and the buttermilk.

They are $6.95 each and come with two AA batteries.

The life of the bulb (not replaceable) is about 700 hours.
These candle fit in standard candle holders,
but when in doubt,
feel free to bring in your candle holders to try them out!

Their little flickering glow is perfect to
light a nook where electric power is unavailable,
or where you don't want to see ugly wires hanging around.

Also, perfect on the dining room table!!

Dip Tip! White Bean & Artichoke!

2009-12-10T16:28:00.002-05:00

Here's a great dip for the holiday parties you have been invited to!

White Bean & Artichoke Dip
1 Jar Stonewall Kitchen White Bean Dip
1- 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and coarse chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the Stonewall Kitchen White Bean Dip,
artichoke hearts and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Mix well and place in a 2-cup (16 ounce) shallow baking dish.
Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve with crackers or sliced French bread..

Delicious!

oh yeah.....

And

EASY!

FUN! Earrings for Your BEADS!!!!

2009-12-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

Sterling silver earrings!
Just $14.95 per pair, plus the cost of the beads you choose!
Easy to change in just a second!!!

We received a new batch of beads in this week!
Stop in soon for the best selection!

Snow Day!

2009-12-09T10:12:00.003-05:00

Well, at least a "Snow Morning"!

We woke up to a few inches of snow this morning,
and with school being cancelled, I decided to take the morning off!

Usually Bruce is just like a boy scout...prepared for anything!
But this storm took him by surprise, and he didn't have his plow hooked up yet, soooooooooo,

now that the town has so kindly plowed the road in front of our house, and the slosh from the road is strewn into our driveway, I would have to get all bundled up, and go out into that frigid weather, and shovel my way out of the frozen crust!
Bruce is at work now, so he would usually be the one doing this!
Of course, I can't stay at home for very long,
so I might just go do it myself, but it won't be right now!
I remember as a teenager,whenever it snowed, I would drive my mother crazy when I said, " I am going shopping!" Oh, she was so afraid to drive in the snow, and would practically have a nervous breakdown whenever I pulled this stunt! Now as a mom, I know how she felt!
Payback is something, ain't it!

If you are planning a visit to the store, please call first!

401-568-4830

You never know how the roads are in our snowbelt of RI,
so if there is no answer, we are closed!
We'll see you on Thursday!
Don't forget,

Candlelight Shopping in Chepachet
is on Thursday Eves from 6pm to 9pm!!!

It'll be so pretty with the snow all around!

Dress warm, and wear your galoshes!

"Yes, MOM!"
Geesh!

Oh, there goes another town plow................UGH!

Our Most Popular Print!

2009-12-08T14:07:00.004-05:00

We have taken so many orders on this print this season!

I especially would like one for my new home!

It says it all!

Living Life

"Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be Honest. Work Hard. Be Choosy.

Say "thank you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord givith and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper.

Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you inspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.

Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.

Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself ~ Plan for longevity.

Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know.

Live for today, enjoy the moment."

We will offer this print with a special textured finish (no glass)

and a 2" Black worn frame in 2 sizes,

16 x 20 for $89.95 plus shipping
and 22 x 28 for $109.00 plus shipping.

Available on our website.

www.brownandhopkins.com

Ahhh......There's Nothing Like The Scent of a Fresh Pine Tree

2009-12-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent comment from a great customer!

Comments: On my last visit to your store I purchased several items but one is particular. I got the "ScentSicles". I only have a little 2-1/2' tree and I placed them here and there and now when you walk by my little (artifical) tree it smells just like a balsam fir. I love them and recommend them to anyone who wants the smell of a real tree (without the mess lol)
Hope you continue to have them during the Christmas seasons to come.

Carol-Ann

Merry Christmas to you all !

There's just one little problem.....

That wonderful aroma only lasts a few days!

At Brown & Hopkins we have just the solution!

ScentSicles!!

Finally, a smart and affordable way to make
artificial Christmas trees smell like real trees
or extend the scent of a real tree!!
ScentSicles are 6" scented sticks topped with a
gold jewel cap for inserting an ornament hook
to hang on a Christmas tree or any other Holiday decoration.
ScentSicles create the wonderful memories of Christmas
and the holidays virtually anywhere, anytime.

You could even use them in your car, closet,
school/gym locker or office!

A few customers say they are going to place it in their
desk drawer at work, so they can be brought back
to this special time of year....
especially teachers!!!

Available in the pine scent
or the aroma of Grandma's Kitchen......
cookies baking and spiced cider brewing!

One package of 8 scentsicles in a resealable bag for just $8.95!

Great for those who can't have a real tree because of allergies,
but you can still have the scent of a real tree!

You'll need only 2 or 3 Scentsicles to scent a tree!!
They are awesome!!

Secret Ingredient Food Tour

2009-12-03T10:11:00.003-05:00

We are so excited to be part of
The Blackstone Valley Tourism

Secret Ingredient Food Tour!

Tickets ($19.50 per person) may be purchased by calling 401-724-2200

or online by clicking here!

Date: Wednesday, December 9th

Time: 6pm to 9pm

Where: Brown & Hopkins Country Store

What: You'll be treated to an assortment of easy appetizers
just perfect for the holiday season!
Recipes will be provided!
Enjoy passed appetizers while you shop
in our 200 year old country store!
Shrimp Cocktail with Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce!

Roasted Apple Pork Skewers!

White Bean and Artichoke Dip!

Meatballs in Raspberry Honey Mustard Sauce!

Hot Pepper Jelly Kielbasa!

Fig & Walnut Butter with Blue Cheese Tarts!

plus an assortment of dips and cheeseballs!

Let the party begin!

Space is limited, so don't delay!

The Cookbook Has Arrived!!!!

2009-11-30T12:45:00.001-05:00

Yippee!!!!

It's gorgeous!

It's full of wonderful recipes!

Spread the word!!!!

Come and get one (or two) today!

They'll make a great gift for the cook on your gift list!

Lights ~ Trees ~ ACTION!!!!!

2009-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

So many customers keep commenting about our teeny, tiny white lights.

"These are soooooooooooo cute!"

"I love the brown wire!"

"These little lights are magical!"

"I love these so much more than the regular Christmas string lights!"

We have these little lights everywhere!
On trees, on garlands, anywhere we need a little sparkle!
And since they are so tiny, they aren't just for the holidays!
We use them all year long!
In fact, these little gems have so much life in them,
that I plugged in a set last November, and it is still working!
Keep in mind that I never turn them off,
and this extends the life of them,
because they are not constantly being turned on and off!!!!

Here are the details....

Set of 20 lights ~ on 60" of wire (bulbs spaced 2.5" apart) are great for small trees and wreaths and are just $5.95 each.

Set of 50 lights ~ length is 11 feet and is good for a 5' mantle or small trees. $9.95 each

Set of 100 lights ~ length is 19 feet and is perfect for trees! Can plug into each other, but not end to end. $13.95 each.

These bulbs work even if one bulb burns out!!!

Paulette's Party Pics!!!

2009-11-17T13:29:00.005-05:00

Paulette recently hosted a private shopping party at
Brown & Hopkins for many of her friends and family!
It was a fabulous and festive night! They enjoyed samples of our gourmet specialities
like the Swedish meatballs in our Raspberry Honey Mustard Dip,
a new cheeseball to which wine is added,
and of course, our famous Vidlaia Onion Dip!!! Guests were caught peering into the penny candy case,
and oohing and ahhing over our displays. I had fun snapping some photos of the camera shy hostess. Oh, and by the way, Thanks ALOT Paulette
for bringing pastry from Pastiche......I almost ate all of it single handedly!!!!

We could probably squeeze in one more private shopping party on December 4th, if anyone is interested.......just call the store at 568-4830 for more info!

Childhood Memories

2009-11-15T21:30:00.003-05:00

As a kid, I loved candy!

Actually, I haven't changed much in that department...I still love candy!

One of my most vivid candy memories
was at Christmas time, when my Mom would buy
Gingerbread candy aka sponge candy for me.
It is quite an unusual melt in your mouth treat,
having an airy and crunchy texture,
with the slight taste of molasses,
even though there isn't a drop of molasses in it!

Displayed in a wooden barrel in the shop,
it fits appropriately into our gingerbread theme!
Isn't it funny how the simplest things
can bring you back to days gone by?

Does anyone else remember this candy?

Genuine Bayberry Candles

2009-11-14T15:00:00.003-05:00

One of the most popular items now being ordered on our online shopping site are our
Genuine Bayberry Candles. They are available in 6" (approx 3 hours burn time) and 8" (approx 4 hours burn time) and come in an attractive gift box with the Brown & Hopkins logo and the following legend......"A bayberry candle burned to the socket, puts luck in the home, food in the larder, and gold in the pocket". Burned to the nub on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve,

they bring good luck for the coming year. Now couldn't we all use a little of that!?

When colonial families settled on the Eastern seaboard, they set about on their “women’s work”. Each day, the women of the house were responsible for the cooking, cleaning and care of the home. In late fall, as the animals were slaughtered, women would begin making candles for the following year. The average home would require approximately 200 - 400 candles to illuminate the home for a year. Tallow, or animal fat, was collected throughout the year, but slaughter always brought more fat to the home. As candle making was grueling and smelly work, the bulk of it was done in a single day.

Tallow can be quite foul after a few weeks. Imagine how much worse it must be after several months! In more affluent homes, the women would make candles from beeswax or bayberry wax, as the aroma was far sweeter than anything an animal would leave behind.

Women would gather bushels of bayberries and boil them for several hours. This heating process allowed the waxy substance to seep from the berries. As the wax has a natural buoyancy, the wax floated to the top of the kettle. Once the wax cooled, it was skimmed off much the same way we skim chicken fat from cooled broth today. It takes approximately 15 pounds of bayberries to render one pound of wax. Bayberry wax is brittle by nature, and prone to “blooming”, which is a white powdery residue that forms on the outside of the candle after several months. Candles had to be stored in a cool flat place to protect their fragile shape.

Over time, chandlers made their rounds, relieving women of the chore of candle making. Thank goodness I wasn't a colonial woman......because if Bruce needed me to make candles from animal fat, well, let's just say......we would have been living in a very dark home!!!

Eventually, molds and paraffins were developed to replace tallow and chandlers altogether.
Our true bayberry taper candles make a very nice hostess gift on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve.

Annies Angel Fundraiser 2009

2009-11-10T10:14:00.005-05:00

Each year we hold a fundraiser for Annie Walsh,
a sweet local teenager who is currently on the
waiting list for a double lung transplant.
For the past few years we have offered angel ornaments,
but this year the manufacturer was unable to
supply us with them, so we needed to go back to the drawing board.
And that is when it "hit me"!!!!

I remember this story like it was yesterday.......

Earlier this year, Annie's Mom,
Sue was visiting Brown & Hopkins.
It was a rainy spring day.
Sue had left the store, only to return an instant later.....

She went over to our front window and grasped an item from it.
She held it to her heart.
"I have to have this.", she said.
"I tell my kids all the time that this is what 'it's' all about....."

The item was a country plate with the following words...

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,
it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Tears came to my eyes. As they are right now as I write this......
The saying is so true.
They say when you have your health, you have everything.
I also think, in light of so many struggling in the world right now,
the saying is even more meaningful and powerful.

I presented the idea to Sue, and she loved it!

So, this year we are offering this 9" Dance in the Rain plate,
complete with a sentiment from Annie's Mom on the back of it.
The plates are in limited supply, and are available for $14.95 each.
A portion of the proceeds goes directly to the Annies Angel fund
to help Annies family with her medical expenses.
This item will make a wonderful gift for everyone!
A reminder to everyone that life is as good as you make it!!!!
Plate stands to sit or hang the plate will be available.

We will take orders over the phone at 401-568-4830
Or, you may make your purchase when you visit!
Key tags may not be punched for this since it is a fundraising item.

Thank You!!!

Cookbook Update!

2009-11-03T09:14:00.005-05:00

The cookbook publisher tells us, if everything goes as planned,
The Brown & Hopkins Friends & Family Cookbook
will be here before December 18th!!!
Just in time for holiday gifting!!!

We had over 100 different contributors,
and over 280 delectable recipes!

I gained weight just typing them!!!!

One that I still have in my memory is "Amaretto Chicken"......it sounded so gooooooooood!

Oh, and "Auntie Ida's Chocolate Cake", which has been in one family for three generations....and now the secret is OUT!!!! Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone.

And let's not forget my own
Mom's "Best Brownies Ever"....she would bake these
and always have them on hand!
My kids loved going to Nanny's house!

I dedicated the cookbook to my Mom, Cecilia,
who would have loved working on this project with me,
and who would have been prouder than a peacock
to see her treasured recipes in print!
If you have a moment,
I'd like to tell you a funny little story about my MOM...

"Back in the 1980's, she worked for the famous A.T. Cross Pen company in Lincoln, as a test-writer, which basically meant she had to write the letter 'e' in cursive, over and over and over again, by hand, and if the pen ink refill created a drop of ink at the top of the 'e', then it was a dud, and got tossed. Well, to pass the time at this tedious job, she listened to her cooking shows on her radio headphones! And you know what happened next.......YUP, she started writing the recipes that folks would call in to the radio show!
So, I have bins full of sheets of paper,
with the letter 'e' all over them,
with recipes scattered intermittantly!!!
Oh, sure, she would get 'in trouble' for doing that
every now and then.....but she never stopped!
Eeeeeeeeeeeee heheheheeeeeeeeeeee She was a rebel! LOL"

We are taking pre-orders on the cookbook, which is a high quality, three ring binder, with a padded hard back, full color cover.
They are available for $19.95 each, with a 50% deposit.

We only ordered 300 copies! Reserve yours today!!

Also, if you were a contibutor to the cookbook,
and would like to make one of your recipes
for our Brown & Hopkins customers to try,
please contact me by email at

shopkeeper@brownandhopkins.com

I am tossing around the idea of holding a holiday party on
Sunday, December 20th!!!

I would love to try Michelle's Rum Balls, wouldn't you????

I'll keep you posted!

Wedding Details as Promised

2009-11-02T08:34:00.000-05:00

Our wedding cake was baked and decorated by Wrights Farm Bakery.....

Lemon cake with cream cheese frosting......
served with raspberry sauce.....yummy!
The cake turned out even better than I had imagined!
It is so hard to convey your idea without a photogragh,
but Ellen at Wrights did an awesome job!
I don't know if I'll be able to wait until our first anniversary
to dive into the top of the cake....

I am thinking of convincing Bruce that we have it
when we move into the new house!!!
I think that sounds like a plan!
Don't you????

Barbara set up all 18 of our centerpieces
on the morning of the wedding!
They consisted of a large mirror as a base,
a bubble vase filled with faux green apples,
surrounded by a wispy vine, and other florals,
and the finishing touch....a rustic birch bird perched atop!
Candlelight surrounded each one,
as well as little blocks of wood with the words.....

Live each moment...
Love beyond words...
Laugh Everydaya

That's our motto!

The table numbers were actually named after trees........
Just sort of a rustic theme I was going after....
I also thought of the idea of making the
place cards out of slivers or rounds of wood,
that could double as a drink coaster if someone so desired.....
Bruce was really glad that I found
someone to make these for me.....LOL
It was one less thing on his "Honey Do" list!
But I did hand write everyones name on their placecards....
and it was a casual wedding, so I wanted the placecards
to be on a first name basis only!
That way it could be a little keepsake for our guests.
In keeping with the "tree, rustic theme",
for wedding favors, I decided upon pieces of
chocolate bark (white, milk and dark) with almonds
which were bagged and ribbon tied, and placed at each place setting.....

Making those up was a delicious job....
and there wasn't one left over at the end of the night!
Instead of sugar packets for guests coffee, I ordered little rock candy swizzle sticks for them to use in their coffee....
Unfortunately most of them got eaten as a lollipop before the coffee arrived...
Oh well, I guess I should have made a little sign as to what they were for...LOL

During our ceremony, we presented a love letter
to each other in sealed envelopes,
placed then in a wooden box
with two bottles of wine (one for me and one for him...LOL),
and closed the box.
The letters are to be opened on our 5th wedding anniversary,
or anytime in our marriage if we start to have "serious issues".
In the letters we were supposed to write
what made us fall in love with each other.
Bruce keeps thinking that I am going to peek......
I only did that when I was a kid!!!!!
I like surprises now.....

Notice how our photographer captured the reflection
of the fall foliage in the bottle of wine....I love that!!

Bruces' gift to the guys were a pair
of RayBan sunglasses, Blues Brothers style.......

And the reason behind that is that he loves their music.
In fact, during our introduction into the reception,
two Blues Brothers tunes were played......
it was sooooooooooooooo much FUN!!!!!

The girls and I, including little Clare,
wore feather boas,
which really added some more FUN to the reception!

I had made a guest book from photos
from our engagement session,
and asked our guests to write a special note to us.
Wow, did we get some interesting advice and lots of good wishes!
I wanted something to keep and look back on rather than just a book with names in it.

Here is a photo of my bouquet with
my Mom's vintage rhinestone pin attached to it.
I guess you can say,
"I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll",
as alot of times my primitive side is blended with a little bit of sparkle!!
Hence, the rustic theme, with little touches of glam!

Thank you to my staff for putting up with me this year!!!!
You were all a great help to me at the store,
not to mention all the extra time spent on "the wedding"!!!!
Hugs and Kisses to everyone!!!!

Oh, and there's that feather boa......
Oh, I have so many pictures of guests
having a gooooood time with them! It was one of the best decisions I made!

OMG...I have to get to the store and set up more Christmas!!!!!!
See you soon!!!!

Snow is Flying in Chepachet!

2009-10-27T08:24:00.003-04:00

I am so sorry I haven't taken any photos lately......

there just hasn't been enough time in the day!

Starting today,
through October 30th at Noon,
the store will be CLOSED!!!

We will be setting up the remaining holiday displays!

The sparkles and snow will be flying!

Here are the dates and times of our

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Friday ~ October 30th ~ Noon to 5pm

Saturday ~ October 31st ~ 10am to 5pm

Sunday ~ November 1st ~ Noon to 5pm

We will send out an email on Wednesday

with more particulars

and maybe a few sneak peeks.....

Smorgasboard of Stuff To Say!

2009-10-14T07:22:00.005-04:00

Over one week has passed since my last blog post!!

You know what that means, don't you????

We've been busy!!!

Yippee!!!

We have 8 private shopping parties booked with room for maybe just one or two more!

So if you are mulling over the thought of having one...don't delay!
Contact us at the store at 401-568-4830
and we'll let you know which dates are available!

More info on the Shopping Parties is here!!

Since we have been busy,
I have been chained to my desk
and re-ordering merchandise like a crazy woman!
That's a good thing!

Of course, I have been goofing off a bit and spending time

admiring the work of our wedding photographer!

Link to our Photographers Blog

I just love weddings...Who's getting married next???
I want to go to a wedding!!!

It was so much fun putting together all the little details.....

And when I have a spare moment,
I will create a post of just the details,
so you can see what I worked on all summer long!

But for now it is back to business!!!

Right now, all of our

Fall & Halloween decor is on sale at

25% off!!!

The most "boo"tiful items are disappearing quickly!

I will be sending out an email on Thursday

about this weekends event!!!

What???!!!!
You aren't on our email list???

Get those fingers walking right over to

our website

and sign up!!!

We send all sorts of stuff.....events, sales, recipes, coupons!!
Don't miss a thing!!!

The NEW Book is IN!!!!!

2009-10-01T16:20:00.002-04:00

Hot off the Press!!!!!

Prim Eye Candy!!!!

Hot New Find Is Now Back in Stock!!!

2009-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

I just love this funky new sterling silver ring I found!
We quickly sold out of them the first weekend

we received them back in July!
We have now stocked up a bit,

but once again,

word is out and they are disappearing quickly!

Come in and try one on for size today!

Not too clunky and not too wimpy....

a nice solid sterling ring to use with your glass beads!

Change your ring to fit match your mood or your outfit!

Available in sizes 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9 and 9.5!

At just $34.95 (bead additional), these rings
are going to make fantabulous gifts!!

Coming soon....a new way to wear your beads around your neck....

I will post as soon as those arrive!!!

We have quite a few, affordably priced,
high quality sterling silver beads as well as our

economically priced,
high quality rhodium plated glass beads!!!

Our customers have forced us to reorder
this line several times since we debuted it in July!
One gal designed her own Fall bracelet
with autumn colored beads and fun beads
such as a ghost, a cat, and a pumpkin!!!!

Taking orders for holiday beads now!!!

Back to Business, but First... a Few Wedding Pics and a Video!!

2009-09-28T20:56:00.008-04:00

What a glorious day, weather wise, it was!

Who could ask for more??? 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky!

Here are a few practically professional

pics taken by my niece, Jacinda,

and an awesome video of our first official dance!

Thank you so much, Jaci!!!!

I've watched it about 5 times already!!!!

I am getting all googly! The whole gang.... Matron of Honor, Linda, Usher, Bill, Best Man, Tracy, me, Bruce, my oldest son, Sam, my son, Kevin, my sister, Nancy, and of course, Clare, my great niece!!!!!

My sons, Kevin and Sam, (Are they handsome, or what?!)
and my two beautiful great nieces, Clare and Quinn.

Adorable Clare!!!!! We'll be hiring her out for flowergal duties....she was impeccably good!!!

A laugh between best friends.......

Just the girls!

Our first official dance!!!!!

Click below for the video!

http://pictastic.smugmug.com/Weddings/Liz-and-Bruce/9784022_TGDdi#663895607_jmnKj

It was all down hill from there! When I got home from the honey moon, I checked on the condition of my gown......Somewhere during the evening two of my buttons popped off the back of my gown where it attaches the train to the back.....Lord knows how long I went around with a droopy train!!!!

I guess everyone was having too much of a good time to notice!!!!

It was so much fun....let's do it again next week!!!

Oh, that's right, I have a store to run!!!!!

Okay, I am officially back to work tomorrow!

Thanks to all who held up the fort while I was in LaLa Land!!!!

CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 20th!!!!!!

2009-09-17T14:20:00.000-04:00

If you haven't heard the news...

I am getting hitched!

AM I CRAZY, you ask????

Yup, I am crazy.......

Crazy for the guy who swept me off my feet,

and took care of me while I was rehabilitating from my accident.....

Above photo taken July 2, 2007
Does he realize what he's getting himself into??!!

OH, well....too late now!

The cake is ordered!
And we all know, we can't let good cake go to waste!
On Sunday, September 20th, the store will be closed....

Everyone who works here is going to the wedding!

A great big thank you to all

who sent their best wishes over the past few weeks!

It means so much!!!!

Chow Down on Corn Chowder!

2009-09-09T15:57:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again!
I know we've been out of this for some time,
and were just waiting for the weather to cool off a bit to bring it back in!

It is so good! In fact...
It's Award Winning!
Corn Chowder Soup Mix Ingredients:
Air freeze-dried corn, rice, onions,

celery, carrots, red pepper, chives

and herbs.

No added salt, preservatives or MSG.
And it's Gluten Free!

Recipe Additions:
2 to 3 white potatoes

8 cups chicken broth

2 cups heavy cream
(When fresh corn is available,

cut the kernels off 2 or 3 cobs

and set aside. Add cobs to the broth

with the potatoes and continue with the recipe.

Remove cobs and add the fresh corn with the cream.)

For meatier chowder, add diced chicken breast,

crabmeat or clams.

Corn Chowder Soup Recipe

Directions:
Peel and dice potatoes and place in a 4 quart pot.
Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add contents of corn chowder soup mix and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
Add cream and heat, uncovered, on low until slightly thickened about 15 to 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaf before serving.

Inventive Soup Recipe Variations:
Scallops and Shrimp Corn Chowder Soup:
Add 1/2 pound each of scallops and peeled

medium shrimp after adding the cream

for last ten minutes of cooking time.

You can even make this in the crockpot...
My favorite method of slaving over a hot stove....

Crock Pot/Slow Cooker Recipe Directions:
Recommended crock pot: 4 quart
Peel and dice potatoes and place in a slow cooker.
Add chicken broth and contents of corn chowder soup mix. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
Add cream and any optional additions, stir and continue to cook 1 hour on HI. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Brown & Hopkins Needs YOUR Help!

2009-09-03T22:16:00.003-04:00

Barbara was watching The Today Show,

and saw a segment that could possibly

earn Brown & Hopkins the national recognition it is so deserving of....

Please help by endorsing us for the nomination....

Shine a light on us by

Clicking

http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=4426

You MUST register for your vote to count, but believe me, it only takes a half a minute, and it would really mean the world to us at the store.

If we became one of the finalists, it would be the best wedding present a gal could ever dream of.....

Come on, whatcha waitin' for?

We need a minimum of 50 folks to log on

to the link above, and endorse us!

The deadline is September 13th......hurry!

And...

Thank You!

We're Getting an AWARD!!!!

2009-09-03T11:12:00.003-04:00

Brown & Hopkins Country Store

has been chosen to receive

the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council's

Footprints in History Award!

This is in honor of our 200th year
in continuous operation!

How exciting!!!!!!

This honor will be given during the

BVTC's, 24th Annual Awards Dinner and Silent Auction.

The event is being held on September 24th
at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.

Also being honored is Danny Smith ~ Co-Executive Producer, writer, actor of The Family Guy tv show! My kids love that show!

The event is open to the public.
Click here for tickets and more information,

or call 401-724-2200....
They are serving Chicken Piccata (YUM)
or a Vegetarian Eggplant Tower!

It is with great sadness that I won't be able to personally accept this award of the stores' behalf, as my honey and I will be on our honeymoon....

Let me know if anyone wants to stand in on my behalf.....
To accept the award SILLY,

not go on the honeymoon!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark Your Calender!!

2009-09-01T13:54:00.003-04:00

Fall Open House!

Friday, September 4th, 10am to 5pm

Saturday, September 5th, 10am to 5pm

Sunday, September 6th, Noon to 5pm

Monday, Labor Day, Noon to 5pm

FREE Gifts for ALL*!!

*while supplies last

Sample our fabulous Pumpkin Fudge!

See how we decorate with garlands and fall florals!

Barbara has been creating again!
Come one, come all!
Help us celebrate the start of Fall!

This will be the last weekend of our
Summer Clearance Sale!
Pending weather and energy (ours)...we will have a
sidewalk sale on all
summer items!

It's ALL About The Candy!

2009-08-27T13:40:00.005-04:00

Candy
Corn Mice

that is!!!!!!

Here's a front

and behind view!

The latest from

one of our newly

discovered prim artisans!

Flag Thief Update

2009-08-26T09:01:00.000-04:00

Remember a while back where I posted
someone had stolen my red petunia
and 3 of my flags from the front of the store?

Well, I thought you all would be
waiting with bated breath
(where does that saying come from, anyway?! I'll google it!)
on what I discovered....

In my best detective voice......

On the morning of July 4th,
we were preparing the store
to be open for the parade.....

We had a flurry of customers
from 3pm to 4pm, and had given away
several dozen flags to customers in that hour.

At approximately 4pm,
the parade was about to begin.
A crowd on onlookers gathered out front.

I noticed a red petunia placed
upon our bench, and a couple of ladies
where sitting next to it. I assumed it was their petunia.

Then I noticed two flags placed
in our whiskey barrel.
I assumed a couple of customers
had stuck their free flags
there "to hold" while they watched the parade.

It was then, that the parade ended...
the crowd dispersed,
and the petunia and the two flags remained.

AH HA!

The "thief" must have been guilt ridden
and returned the stolen items!

What is further interesting to me is this...

Originally I reported that 3 flags were taken.
When, in fact, only 2 were.

Hence, the reason that only 2 were returned.

CASE CLOSED.

Now, if I can only figure out why
people decide to "hide" the wrappers
(or just throw them on the floor)
from the complimentary mints

we give to them,
rather than placing them in their pocket or purse.

And if I have to pick up one more used toothpick from the fudge samples we give away!
For goodness sakes, we have a trash can near the candy counter, and the coffee area!

Oh yeah, and about that phrase...

It's "waiting with BATED breath". To bate is to reduce, lessen or diminish. Waiting with bated breath implies waiting with such suspense that one is hardly breathing.

I know, you might not have been able to sleep tonight......

Fall in LOVE!!!

2009-08-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

We have been getting in lots of great fall merchandise and it is disappearing quickly!

Lots of handmades from prim crafters!!

Aren't these little witch hat melters just the cutest?!

And they are scented with a super spicy cinnamon scent!
Gosh, I wish we had smellaputers!!!!
Great for melting, or just scattering in a bowl of potpourri!
We also have candy corn tarts, crow tarts and pumpkin tarts!!!!

Just so delightful!
Fall is my favorite time of year!

It's Pumpkin Fudge Time!!!!!!

2009-08-24T16:07:00.002-04:00

It is available for a limited time......so hurry in!

Picture Perfect Postcards

2009-08-13T08:54:00.000-04:00

Did you know that we offer local postcards?
I believe it is high time we get
back to the art of letter writing...

non electronically!

Heck, that was one of the ways Bruce "hooked" me!
If he ever wrote me a letter via email or text,

he wouldn't have stood a chance!

Candy Corn Cat

2009-08-12T08:51:00.002-04:00

Sweet, huh?

Just like candy corn.

Fall and Halloween are arriving (and disappearing everyday!)!

No-Bake Lemon Berry Tartlets

2009-08-10T08:16:00.002-04:00

Today is going to be a hot one!

Here is a nice cool, refreshing, and EASY dessert featuring tangy lemon curd!

Visit us Monday, August 10th or Tuesday, August 11th
and your purchase of lemon curd is 50% off!

NO Bake Lemon Berry Tartlets

Ingredients
1 jar Stonewall Kitchen lemon curd
1 cup whipping cream
24 miniature tart shells
1 cup fresh berries
(blueberries, strawberries or raspberries)

powdered sugar

Directions
In large bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks. Fold in the lemon curd and mix well.
Spoon 2 Tablespoons of mixture into each mini tart shell.
Top with fresh berries and powdered sugar.

Keep cool.

Home Photo Shoots

2009-08-03T06:58:00.005-04:00

Shoot, I have been so busy,
and I regret not having the time
to blog the way I would like to....so,

I thought I would post all the links
to the home photo shoots of last year!

Hopefully I'll have time to do some
shoots next year after 2009 settles down....

Feel free to contact me if you are interested

in a home photo shoot!

Look out, Jo,
we have you written down in
permanent marker on the calender!
There's no escaping Barbara and I!!!!!

Happy viewing!

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/KW5SB4vf

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Ba4FM7Uw

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/VX8Tv8Gi

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Px3hH8Ir

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/sG3DC2Qk

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/dY9Bt4YU

Silly Me!

2009-07-29T14:07:00.002-04:00

Did I say 20% off all items with an orange sticker????

I meant 40% off!

Oh, I am going crazy!

So, the summer sale is 40% off discontinued quilts,

AND

40% off selected items marked by an orange dot!!

PLUS,

20% off summer tops and summer florals!!

Buzz on in soon!

Watermelon Is In Season!

2009-07-29T07:59:00.001-04:00

Coconut Watermelon Slices that is!!!

We've had many requests for this delightful candy!

Our 200th Post!!!

2009-07-28T07:37:00.003-04:00

An Important Message for Non-Profits!

Dear Non-Profit Organization:
It is with great excitement that Brown & Hopkins
announces new fund raising opportunities
for your organization!
It is called "Brown & Hopkins Gives Back!"
and will provide up to a $200 donation
per calendar year for your organization.
Here's how it works….

Someone from your organization
provides the proper documentation (letterhead, etc)
to us, in person, and we'll get you started!
Announce to your members/community
that you will be collecting
cash register receipts from Brown & Hopkins,
so that you may earn up to 5%
of the net amount before tax/coupons,
in the form of a cash contribution from
Brown & Hopkins Country Store.
In the event that some of your receipts
are from members who are also members
of our Key Tag Club,
those receipts will be counted at 1%,
rather than 5%.
By December 31st, please deliver
your collected receipts to Brown & Hopkins,
and a check will be sent to you by the end of January.
The program runs from January 1st thru December 31st.

OR

Your organization may host
a Brown & Hopkins Fund Raising Event
for one evening. Your organization
will earn 15% of the evenings net total sales,
and a $25 gift certificate*
to be raffled off during your next fund raising event!
*Event must net $750 in order to qualify
for the gift certificate.
Dates are limited....book your party today!
Key Tags may not be punched during fund raising events.

OR

You may join our
Brown & Hopkins Charity Coffee Club fundraiser….
where your organization earns 100%
of the proceeds from donations received
when folks enjoy a cup of coffee, tea,
or apple cider at Brown & Hopkins!

We hope you will take advantage of these opportunities.
We are proud to support non-profits,
particularly local ones!
Please stop in soon and get started!

Tobacco Cloth Curtains

2009-07-22T10:06:00.004-04:00

These curtains were suggested by a good customer!!!
They are so primitive, especially when washed as directed below!

Tobacco cloth is a lightweight,

thin loosely woven fabric with cotton

in plain weave similar to cheesecloth.

Used as shade covering for tobacco plants,

crinoline, tea bags, bandages

and curtains etc...

Tobacco cloth is a very old fabric

with a lot of whimsy.

Try hanging cloth on jute instead of a rod.

A great primitive look!

Three length choices:

40"x45" Loom state size 54" L

40"x63" Loom state size 72" L

40"x84" Loom state size 93" L

Tab on bottom of panel for left or right tie up.

May choose to hang as is in loom state sizes

they will shrink to the smaller size

if you

SOAK in cold water 20 minutes, SQUEEZE out excess, LINE dry.

Fabric will crinkle slightly,

and have a soft, worn look- very primitive.

Clearance! Wall Paper Borders!

2009-07-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

We have decided to clear out our stock of wall paper borders!

20% off while supplies last!

Hurry in...supplies are limited!

Also, if anyone is into scrap booking, crafts, etc....

All of our wallpaper books are available at just $10 each!

It's Blueberry Time!

2009-07-15T14:07:00.002-04:00

New at Brown & Hopkins!!!!!!

Refreshing, ice cold blueberry soda pop!!

It is from Maine, bottled in old fashioned
brown glass bottles and bursting with blueberry goodness!

Also available is the best ginger, root beer,
strawberry, and orange soda pop anywhere!

It's finally hot enough to have a cold one!

SPELL IT OUT!!

2009-07-13T09:07:00.006-04:00

Create your own custom word wall art!

It is so new,

so we don't have a sample in the shop yet,

BUT

you can see it online!

And that is where you would order it as well!!!!

And you can have it shipped
directly to you,
or a gift recipient, or to Brown & Hopkins!!!

So, I encourage you to log on to

our online store

(click above)

and start playing!

You can order up to 11 letters!!
And if you don't like the photo
they have chosen, then click on it,
and choose a different one
until your picture fits you to a

T!!!

You can choose either

black and white images, or sepia tone.

You can then choose mat and frame color!

This would make a fabulous wedding gift!!!

Be sure to check out the other items available on our custom online store...

vinyl wall enhancers

and laser engraved photo mats!!

My Baby Turns 21!!!

2009-07-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

I was going through my box of memories the other day,

when I came across this collection of photos!

It was Sam's 7th birthday,
and it is the look of his little brother Kevin's face
that is so expressive and priceless."Ooh, Look at those candles........."

Little devilish voice inside Kevin,
"I can't wait to blow out those candles........!"

"Hey............no fair, I wanted to blow them out!"
Of course, we were probably all saying to Kevin..."It's your brother's
birthday, don't blow out the candles..." Meanies, huh?

"Awww....he gets to lick the frosting too............................. "
Sam, "That's right 'cuz it's MY birthday!"

" Ooh, maybe that's my piece!!!"
Oh, I am afraid not Kevin...this is Sam's big day!

Say, "Thank you Mom, for not using the completely naked bathtime photo!"
Your welcome Sam!

You'll always be my baby!
Happy 21st Birthday Sam!

Love, MOM

Here is a current pic of Sam doing what he loves most.....
Rock crawlin'.......Keep on truckin' Sam!!!!!

Special 4th of July Hours

2009-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hopefully the sun will be shining on the 4th,

so we may all enjoy the parades,

and then have fun times at all the cook outs!!

At Brown & Hopkins

we will be open,

but

only from 3pm to 4pm!!!

The parade starts at 4PM here in Chepachet!!

Stock up on the the Vidalia Onion Relish!!!

Be sure to stop in for a FREE American flag
to wave during the parade!!!!!

If I Ever Won The Lottery....

2009-06-29T08:38:00.001-04:00

I would buy this bed!!!

I love, love, LOVE IT!!!!!!

It's just a mere $5,000...... LOL

Better start buying those tickets......

Boy...Am I MAD!

2009-06-27T13:56:00.002-04:00

My sister gave me two gorgeous,
huge hanging pots of red petunia's
for the front porch of the store!
And last night, some *&%&$#@!!! stole one of them,
along with 3 American flags! Not too American, if ya ask me.

I truly hope they enjoy their hot petunias and American flags.

Blueberry Pointe.......A Great Place To Stay!

2009-06-26T08:50:00.006-04:00

If you ever need accommodations for out of town guests...
or even a get away for yourself....
I highly recommend
Blueberry Point on the Lake
Click the link above!

Can you say rest and relaxation?

Antique Sale!!!!

2009-06-25T06:01:00.000-04:00

Enjoy 15% off selected antiques now through the end of July!
Look for the RED Stars!!!!!

Sticker Obsession Gone Bad.....

2009-06-23T15:55:00.004-04:00

Here is my two year old niece, Clare......future flower girl.....

being caught red handed....LMAO!!!!

With that much postage, she may make it all the way from Texas to RI!!!

Wedding Cake Inspiration

2009-06-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of photos of wedding cakes that appeal to me.

I am using a very rustic vine around my centerpieces, and would like to continue the vine/branch detail to the cake....

I have decided upon Wrights Dairy Farm as our cake baker......yummy!

Who doesn't love their cakes?!

Add COLOR to your Pandora & More Without Breaking The Bank!

2009-06-18T06:35:00.000-04:00

Do you have a Pandora, Trollbead or Chamilia bracelet or necklace?
Ar Brown & Hopkins, we now offer
affordable European inspired style glass beads that everyone can enjoy.
Our interchangeable chains and beads
provide the look you want at a price you'll love!
All of our beads easily fit on all the popular brand name chains!!!!!

Beautiful, colorful beads
and
incredible prices.

All are rhodium plated for durability and beauty!

And all are under $6 each.......

Pretty, pretty, pretty darn impressive........

Cookbook Update

2009-06-17T08:55:00.004-04:00

I am sooooooooooooooo lucky!!!

Why?

Well, for those of you who don't know,

let me explain....

For months we have been collecting recipes from friends and customers

so that we may put together a
200th Anniversary Brown & Hopkins Recipe Book.

It was a long process of gathering the recipes, proofreading, etc.....

And just when we were all set to deliver the recipes to the printer,

I had to email a question to them.....

And I never received a response!

So then I tried phoning.....

and the phone just rang and rang and rang......

*&%?!#$!!*&#%!!!!!! WT!!!!

They are out of business!

I just spoke to the gal about a month ago,
and told her the recipes
were going to be on their way shortly!!!!

All I can think at this point is
"I am so lucky that I didn't send all those recipes off!!".

So I am now in the process of typing each recipe out by myself.......

Have you ever seen me type? I use 2 fingers and each thumb.......

This may take a month of Sundays.

If anyone out there is an excellent typist,
knows how to cook,
has excellent punctuation,
has a PC with newer Windows based operating system,
I could sure use some help!

Oh, and while I am at it,
if anyone else would like to submit some recipes,
now would be the time!
We have about 250 so far,
and we could use some more, in every category, except Baked Goods.
I need them by the end of June!

The cookbook will be ready by the end of September!!!!

Fingers and Toes crossed......

Another Judy Condon Book On The Way!

2009-06-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

We've gotten word....

her newest book should be here by Friday!

We're only receiving 10 for our first order...

books may be held with a deposit!

It looks like a great one!

Eye candy for the prim people!

Calling All Seafood Lovers!!!!

2009-06-13T07:00:00.002-04:00

Ya know, I go thru spurts with this domestic stuff......

I don't cook like this everyday,

but I do get tired of the same old ~ same old.....

And I am loving this easy recipe!

Did you know that you can find this recipe and lots more by going to Stonewall Kitchen online and searching their recipe file?
Then when you find one that you wish to try,

just hop on down to B & H,

and buy the special sauce, jam, or mix!
You'll be doing 3 things...

1) Supporting a small local business,

2) Saving money by not paying shipping charges

and 3) Making something new for yourself or your family!!!

It's a Win ~ Win ~Win!!!

I am going to try this on Sunday!!

Rosemary Shrimp and Garlic

Ingredients
Olive oil
3/4 lb. large shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup Stonewall Kitchen Garlic Rosemary Citrus Sauce
1/3 cup heavy cream
1-2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Directions
Heat olive oil in sauté pan.
Add chopped garlic and sauté over medium high heat for 30 seconds making sure it does not brown.
Add shrimp to the pan and cook until color turns pink, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Garlic Rosemary Citrus Sauce and reduce sauce for about 3 minutes. Add heavy cream to finish the sauce and heat for 3 minutes.
Add chopped rosemary and let it cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve over rice or pasta.

Who wants to come over for dinner????

Oh, I can hear the praises now.......

Touched By The Goddess

2009-06-12T15:00:00.002-04:00

My niece mentioned pasta and Green Goddess Dressing...

So, I whipped up this pasta salad!

I am just a cookin' fool!

I always serve all my salads in this vintage salad bowl that was given to me by my Mom.

It seems like it is made from a fabric that is printed with a "tossed salad" and then molded into a plastic bowl. I would love to find more of them!

Anyhoo.....to make this fabulously easy salad, toss veggies and pasta with a bottle of Green Goddess dressing, add salt and pepper to taste. Chill, and serve!

Oh, and check your teeth for little green things......

Don't You Just Love It When Your Name IS Called?

2009-06-12T11:00:00.001-04:00

Here are my lucky dozen......

You have been randomly selected
from the automatic feedburner subscribers
(who are verified!!!!!)
and can come in to B & H to claim your prize
anytime before Sunday, June 21st!

Prizes expire on June 21st at 5pm.....
Sorry, this prize cannot be mailed out....

1) jennagaetz

2) nathan.fuller.ho

3) murielmarchand

4) jng200019

5) claireperry

6) jdd19

7) jchoppes

8) chikka99

9) missblue1

10) debbiefs52

11) nfalls

12) bcosta6297

Thank You to everyone who entered!

If your screen name wasn't selected,
don't fret!!!

There will lots of other giveaways
that all subscribers to the
B & H blog will be eligible for!!

Secret Word Special!!

2009-06-12T10:41:00.005-04:00

OK, I don't know if I have a Dutch Oven,

and I am not too certain I know what leeks are....

but Stonewall Kitchen just came out with this new sauce,

and this recipe sounds yummy!

Stop in today, or Saturday before 5pm and

mention the word

"Pomegranate"

and the sauce will be half price

with any other Stonewall Kitchen purchase!!!

Pomegranate Braised Chicken

Serves: 8

Ingredients

2-1/2 pounds cut-up bone-in chicken
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1 cup leeks, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
1 bottle Stonewall Kitchen Pomegranate Grille Sauce

Directions
In a Dutch oven (or pan that can go from the stove top to the oven with a lid) melt the butter and add the olive oil over medium high heat..
Braise the chicken pieces and cook until browned and the skin is crisp on both sides.
Remove chicken and add the chopped leeks. Cook until tender.
Add the wine and Stonewall Kitchen Pomegranate Grille Sauce to the leeks. Stir until combined..
Return chicken to the pot skin side down. Cover and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1-1/2 hours turning once halfway through the cook time. The chicken should be tender and falling away from the bone. Remove from the oven. Remove chicken, skim and discard the clear fat from the sauce. Serve the chicken and the sauce over your favorite rice dish.

Oh, I can just smell the aroma now..........

Grillin'!!!

2009-06-09T11:30:00.008-04:00

If the weather would allow it, I would grill all year long!

I absolutely love the cod loin
from Stop & Shop, grilled with
Stonewall Kitchen's
Green Goddess Marinade/Dressing!
This dressing is available at B & H and is wonderful in

pasta/potato salads, and cucumber/green salads!

This recipe is one of Bruces' favorites!

And if I had a cooking blog, it would look like this...LOL

Step 1) Buy a bottle of Green Goddess Dressing at B & H

Step 2) Get a piece of tin foil, pour a puddle of GG dressing on it,
plop your cod loin on it, drizzle more of the GG...

Step 3) Fold up the tin foil...

Step 4) Place package on preheated medium grill...
and close lid for about 15 to 20 minutes....
Fish shall flake easily when done.....

ooh, doesn't it look goooooood?????
You may drizzle a little more on the cooked fish...
Sorry, I didn't get to take a pic of the beautiful plated meal, but
you know what happens when a man sees food!!!
It was gobbled up like there's no tomorrow!

Enjoy many more of the unique marinades and grilling sauces

from our selection of Stonewall Kitchen specialities.

With Father's Day just around the corner,

I suggest an assortment of sauces

for your grillin' man!

Isn't This Great?

2009-06-05T08:00:00.003-04:00

I loved this magnet!

How 'bout you?

Wedding Details

2009-06-04T09:38:00.009-04:00

Just a few details for those of you who requested,

"WE want more wedding details!"......here ya go!

The bridesmaid dresses are in!

I love the color, it looks so great on Linda and Nancy!

We then headed over to choose the tuxes for all the guys!
Did I happen to mention that Aubergine is the hardest color to match?

But, have no fear, June at Celebrations in Woonsocket,

came through with the exact match....
They are the best...it is clear!
I highly recommend them!
Tell June that I sent you!

I went for my first wedding gown fitting yesterday!

It was so exciting!

I got to put my fancy schmancy shoes on.....

I just love shoes!

And soon we'll be ordering little Clares' flower girl dress!

These next 3 months are going to be a whirlwind!

September 20th will be here before we know it!
Please mark your calender....
We will be closed on September 20th!!!

Don't Bug Me!!!

2009-05-27T14:33:00.003-04:00

Don't let annoying insects ruin your outdoor activities.
Drive bugs away and keep them away with Skeeter Screen!
Our Skeeter Screen Reed Diffuser is an easy,
effective and safe way to deter mosquitos
from patios, balconies, decks, garages
and other favorite hiding places.
The pleasant floral fragrance is completely
safe and will not harm beneficial insects.
Now available at Brown & Hopkins!

Got Vinyl Siding?

2009-05-27T13:43:00.003-04:00

If you have vinyl siding...
and a better half that never wants you
to hang anything on it, this is your lucky day!

These hooks are an easy, quick solution to hanging decorative items on your home's vinyl siding

without drilling or hammering. Simply slide this stainless steel hook beneath your vinyl siding to hold items such as address or name plaques, wreaths, garlands, baskets, seasonal and holiday decorations. You no longer have to damage your vinyl siding by drilling holes, hanging anchors, nor using adhesives, so you won't void your siding warranty. Stainless steel won't rust, nor stain your siding. Re-position or remove easily at any time without damage. Each holds up to 5-6 lbs.

Come on in to Brown & Hopkins
and see how these new hooks
can help you make him say,
"Of course, we can hang that up for you Dear!!!"!