Grillin'!!!

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?

I loved this magnet!

How 'bout you?

Wedding Details

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!!!

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?

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!!!"!

It's Funny How Life Turns Out Sometimes....

When I was a little girl, I always loved horses. How many of you had one of these steeds as a child?
This is a photo of me at four years old....just 43 years ago as of this Friday!!!
OMG, did I just tell you how young I am!!??? LOL

Do you remember riding the mechanical horse at Ann & Hope for a dime?
Oh, a trip to that store, was never complete without a ride on that wonderful pony with the western saddle..... I remember it like it was just yesterday.

As I got older, I also remember how I would make jewelry, or seashell mirrors, or pet rock paperweights, and go around to all my neighbors, and ask them if they would like to buy something. So, I guess you would say that my entrepreneurial skills go way back. It's just in my blood. I love people, and I love seeing them happy with their purchase. And some days, you may visit Brown & Hopkins, and not buy anything, and that is OK too. We enjoy the visit with you.

The other day we had some very nice compliments........

A man said, "I just love coming into this store. It is such a stress reliever!".

A lady said, "In this day and age, customer service is everything, and I always feel so appreciated when I shop here.".

Another said,"This is my most favorite store in the whole wide world!"

And from a child, "This is the best store in the world!".

Comments like those make our day!
Thank You!
Oh, and one more thing......
Since my birthday is Friday,
We will be giving away gifts to
47 lucky winners!
All you need to do is subscribe to receive automatic emails of our blog...
Just fill out the form in the upper left hand corner,
and don't forget to
activate it
by opening the email you receive,
and clicking on the link.
Only active subscribers
will have a chance to win!!!
Winners will be announced in a blog post
by 6pm on Friday!

It Should Say MADE IN THE USA!

It's our flag, and if you are flying it outside,

showing your pride in our country,

in my opinion....

It should be Made in America!

That is one of my biggest pet peeves!

Did ya know that some country stores sell flags that are Made in China!!!!

Of course, there are some decorative flags,
that are made for indoor use,
that are imported,
and they are therefore, much less expensive.
I know everyone has to do what is right for themselves.....

But I will not budge on this.

If it is a flag meant for display on
your American home,
then Made in the USA is
what you'll find at Brown & Hopkins!

We have quite a few flags in stock, including this

porch set which includes five 12"x18"
no-fray, polycotton U.S. stick flags
and a five finger bracket.
Flags are 100% made in the U.S.A.
Just $24.95/set

Don't ya just love it?

Beach Kaleidoscopes

Although I absolutely love the beach...

I haven't been in a couple of years!

But I do have one of these beach kaleidoscopes, that I bought years ago, that I turn ever so gently almost everyday to create a new beach-scape. It takes me back to the soothing sounds of ocean waves upon the shore, the smell of suntan lotion, and warm sunshine.....

Beach sand, shells, beach glass, seaweed, all enclosed in beveled glass!

Come in and see for yourself!

We have them, and they are wonderful!

Home Delivery!

Recently I took a trip out to CT to deliver a wing recliner to Cheryl, one of our prim customers!

Well, her room was just wonderful!

I snapped a few pics during this impromtu home shoot so you could see too!
(Jo, I am headed to your house next !!!)

She bought the loveseat, the recliner, the footstool, and the wing chair from us!

Thank You Cheryl!

I, of course, had to nose around and check out the rest of the house, and absolutely fell in love with her closet doors! I want to do this at our new home! We'll see.....that "honey-do" list is getting long!

I loved how Cheryl decorates~

I loved the look, very clean, and everything in its place.

New Braided Rugs Are Here!

Scatter one here...scatter one there!

These rugs are awesome!

Great country colors!Great prices!

Protect your tabletop from hot dishes

with one of their little braided trivets!

Trivets...$3.95 each

Rugs starting at $17.95

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!

What's Better Than A Birthday Card?

A birthday card that
doubles as a keepsake gift!

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

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

Aubergine? What's that?????

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, that is right, back to the aubergine!

Aubergine is french for Eggplant!

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

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

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

Inspiration For Vinyl Wall Lettering!

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

Easy to apply, looks like hand stenciling!

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

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

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

http://brownandhopkinscountrystore.customwallscapes.com

Check it out!

Songbird

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

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

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

I stumbled across the most beautiful version of "Songbird"

sung by Eva Cassidy.

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

take a listen......

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

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

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

Did you expect anything less?

Stellllllllllaaaaaa...is Not For Sale!

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

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

She is Angelas' newest pup!

Fabulous Find!

Waste NOT ~ Want NOT!

Look at this Welcome peg rack!

It is made from reclaimed wood and reclaimed hardware!

I love the concept!

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

Great for hats and coats!

And a great conversation piece!

Need a Good Belly Laugh????

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

SURVEY! Comments needed!

Hello! We are taking a survey!

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

Are you content with our store hours?

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

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

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

Please leave a comment......

If you are shy, you may email me personally at

shopkeeper@brownandhopkins.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway For Key Tag Holders!!!

Deb at 1803 Candles is sponsoring a giveaway of 12 of her amazing soy candles!

This giveaway will be open to all key tag holders who redeem any completed key tags from now thru Sunday, March 29th, as well as all the folks with completed key tags in our fish bowl already!!!!

But as you know, the more key tags you have in the fish bowl, then the more chances you have of winning one of these delectable candles!

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!

Peeps!

Fluffy little chicks are so cute!

Peep...Peep!!!!!

It's a Tea Day!

The weather is so drizzly,
that I think it would be nice to cozy up
with a nice cup of Hot Cinnamon Tea!

We received lots of other flavors of tea in this week! I love this tea line!

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. : )

The Newest Judy Condon Book is Here!

Hot off the press!

I love the front cover photo....Can you see the wagon?

Come on in and get your fix!

A Roll In The Hay?!

We received a new batch of soy wax melters!

Some of them have really funny names....but they smell awesome!

How 'bout A Roll in the Hay?

Butt Naked?!

Duck Farts??? It's a top seller....err...smeller?

I dare ya to come on in and take a whiff!

Of course, we also have Lemongrass & Sage, Amazing Grace, Fairy Whispers,

Hot Cinnamon, Lilac, and Cinnamon Raisin Bread!

All tarts are still just 99 cents each!!!!

FFFFA!!!!

Our next FFFFA* starts Friday March 6th and ends Sunday March 8th!

Featured product line is Reed Diffusers and Accessories by Crossroads!
Reed diffusers are the fastest growing segment of the fragrance market because there is No Flame, No Heat, No Electricity and No Batteries. Crossroads has a proven winner (and their holder really completes the look). Their reed diffusers are Alcohol-Free (this makes them last as long as a bottle twice its size as well as a more concentrated scent). Their fragrances are chosen to elicit a homey, comforting sensation, and can be used in every room in the home. You can also use their reed diffusers in the office, school, hospital, apartment, assisted living center, nursing home, dorm room or anywhere a candle cannot be burned.

This weekend the first 200 customers will receive a special free gift from Crossroads!
Plus.....
WE will give you 25% off any item made by Crossroads such as their diffuser sets, refills, reeds, and diffuser holders!!!!

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!