Are You Ready for Earl?

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!

Kids Say The Darndest Things!

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?

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!!!!!

More Snow On The Way???

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 Sensitive Subject For Some.....

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?????????

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!!!!!

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!

Flag Thief Update

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......

My Baby Turns 21!!!

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!!!!!

Isn't This Great?

I loved this magnet!

How 'bout you?

Pig Kisses

Don't try this at home.... There's a cute saying that comes to mind when I see this....

"Everything will be fine...

Just put on a little lipstick!"

Is anyone else tired of the medias' obsession with the swine flu?
For goodness sakes, yesterday a guy walked into the gas station

where my son works with one of those surgical masks on!

Do you have any amusing captions you'd like to tag this photo with?

Please post them in the comment section...

I could use a good laugh today!

Stellllllllllaaaaaa...is Not For Sale!

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

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

She is Angelas' newest pup!

Letter from Long Ago Customer

I recently opened my mailbox to find a letter penned from Mr. Anthony Duskey of Peabody, MA.......along with a copy of a photo (sorry for the poor quality), but it is the story that is so endearing.....

Dear Brown & Hopkins,

Thought the article from The Boston Globe would be interesting together with a picture showing me at age 5 in 1942 that has a jack rabbit in it that came from your store. I just had to have that rabbit as it was out front along with other stuffed animals! We were going from Rocky Hill Road in Smithfield to Webster, MA. Our farm is now part of North Central Airport.

Through the years, the rabbit and the tricycle are gone, but the memories linger on. By the way, might you still have one of those rabbits?

Sincerely,

Tony Duskey

Dear Tony,

We don't have any of those rabbits, but sure wish we did...it looks like a Steif to me, and would be very valuable today, but probably not as valuable as the memory you just shared with us. Thank you......please visit us sometime soon!

10 Bullet Points That Describe My Current Thoughts

In no particular order:

* I am wondering why 196 days seems like so much shorter a time span than 6 1/2 months??? Bruce and I are tying the knot in September, and the days are just flying by!

* I am so proud that my two boys will be ushers in my wedding, and that Sam has agreed (with very little arm twisting on my part) to escort me down the aisle.

* I am thankful that business has been good, and that I need to reorder so many different things!

* I am having a heck of a time choosing a song for my bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to.....I am pretty "particular" about listening to the lyrics and making certain they convey how I feel about them. Did I say "particular"......I really meant to use a four letter word beginning with "A".

* I am sooooooooooooooooooooo excited to have found a gown that is "me"! At this time I would like to thank all the bridal shops for putting up with me!!!! Ya know, trying on bridal gowns is just about as personal as delivering a baby........There are usually several people in the room, you are half naked and all are watching! HA

* I am sad that my tenants moved out of my rental apartment, but happy that they bought a home. They were dream tenants.....

* I don't like the guy who walks his dog on my lawn at the store, allows it to do its business, and then claims it isn't his dog..... Well, let me tell you, yesterday the proof was in the pudding....his (and Fidos) footprints were left in the snow, as well as the doo~doo. Grrrrrrrrrrr

* I feel so much more alive now that it isn't getting dark until 7pm!!!

* I am looking forward to two new additions to our extended family this year! My niece and my nephew and his wife are both expecting babies soon! I wish that we got together more often......

* I love laughing everyday.............. it's always nicer when the laugh lines override the frown lines. : )

Uplifting Story!

Here's a way of looking at the glass half full, rather than half empty!
It's from Dave Ramsey www.daveramsey.com

I’m tired of hearing all the gloom and doom coming from the media about the economy and unemployment—I bet you are, too! Let’s take a minute to look at the true reality of the situation and what we can do about it.
Yes, many people have lost their jobs and houses. You may be one of them. But guess what? People have lost their jobs and houses even in a bull market. About 93% of people are still employed. That is pretty good! I was alive in the 1970s when unemployment hit double digits, and we’re nowhere near that right now! I’m not making light of the fact that some people are struggling; I’m just putting the situation in the proper perspective.
Even though you may be currently unemployed, that doesn’t mean you have to participate in the recession. People like me who have chosen to not participate acknowledge the reality of a slow economy and suffering people. However, we have decided that we’re not going to form our lives around the negativity coming out of the media and government. We’re intensifying our efforts and going to have the best year of our lives in spite of things slowing down.
Some people who find themselves unemployed will go into new careers or start their own businesses where they have the best year of their lives—professionally, financially and emotionally. Their current job losses are actually blessings in disguise. They believe this and are formulating game plans based on it. I guarantee there are men in their garages right now starting their own mechanic shops. The next Mary Kay Ash is writing up a business plan for new products she’s just created. College students are developing “the next best thing” in their dorm rooms as you are reading this. This is reality!
So think about your skills and interests. How can you leverage those passions into something you enjoy doing every day while earning money for it? If you haven’t lost your job but dread going to work, maybe it’s time to fire your employer and go in a new direction. When you have a game plan for your money and career, you will have a sense of empowerment because you aren’t a slave to the lender (or employer).
When employers start hiring because they believe their businesses will grow, recessions end. Many who have stopped hiring a healthy amount have been paralyzed by fear. They’ve lost hope. People who continue going about their lives in normal ways (without being irresponsible and buying stuff they can't afford) believe in the future. It’s called hope.
You can have fear or hope. It's your choice.
I choose hope.
A lady walked into Brown & Hopkins the other day, and announced with glee..."I am here to spend some of my tax refund, so I can help stimulate the economy!" Another happy customer!

My Future Flowergirl Receives Fireflies From Me!

Clare received my Valentine gift the other day....

Fireflies in a Jar!

I heard that bribery with chocolate covered gummi bears was needed to release her grip on the jar.........it is glass, and will make a lovely nightlight for her room......hanging high up on a hook.

Isn't it cute how she is marveling at the glowing insects????

They are available for purchase

at

http://www.brownandhopkins.com/

Help Put Us on Matt's Map!!!!

Please write to The Today Show at the following link
to help spread the word that Matt should
visit little old Brown & Hopkins in Chepachet!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28879486/
Jeepers Matt, instead of spending all that money going to East Japeepee, you could visit a store that has been in your own backyard for years....and years....LOL

Did I ever tell you all how persistant I am????
I am downright stubborn!
I am not giving up until 2010!!!

Happy Birthday Abe!

Isn't it amazing that Abe and Brown & Hopkins

are both celebrating bicentennials this year????

And I think it's poignant to note that

Abe is on the penny and B & H has been known for its penny candy!

Cute, huh?

Oh, I think I may be looking into this too deeply......

Hey, is anyone else into American Idol???

It is one of my "get away from it all" things to do!

I am temporarily hypnotized and no longer thinking about

business or finding the perfect wedding gown......

Ya know, one that doesn't look too "bridey"......

Sorry for the rambling.....

I will leave you with this one pic......
(They are made with caluiflower!)

I'd love to dunk them in some Stonewall Kitchen Maple Balsamic Dressing and have them for a snack!

I am going to bed to count some sheep!

Twiggy ~ Earthy ~ Crunchy

Anyone who knows anything about me is that I love stuff that looks twiggy and viney!

I love to wrap garlands around everything!

Chandeliers!
Glass Globes!
Framed Prints!
I'd almost say it's one of my "issues", but having said that, it's also one of Barbara's issues!

We get so excited and inspired when we see wild twiggy garlands at a show!!!!
I was so inspired at the recent PA trade show, that I
ordered a twiggy garland with cream flowers and flecks of burgundy and green for the centepieces at my upcoming nuptials this Fall......

One more thing checked off the list!

Come on into the shop and get inspired....we received a UPS truck load of new stuff this week!!!

It's Cozy Inside!

Today we were closed due to the parking ban imposed by the town...

due to the snow storm....

We were sad as we were expecting a very busy day!

And we still had 50 more free gifts to give away!!!!

So, on Monday, January 19th,

we will be open and we will continue our event!

Pop on over for your free gift and a peek at some spring stuff!

It may be cold outside, but it's cozy inside!

I found the photo above on my camera......
It must have been snapped by our Angela.....

She surprised me!

Angela is studying photography in college........

We'll be very sad when she goes off and finds a job in her field.....

but in the meantime,

we're pleased as punch to have her playing store with us!