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!

The Recipes Are Flying In!!!!

Our mailbox has been overflowing with recipes this week!!!

We recently mailed out a form to everyone on our mailing list,
with a recipe request form,

so if you didn't receive one,
it means you are not on the mailing list!

If you would like to sign up, you may do so by
visiting our website

www.brownandhopkins.com

or just by coming into the store!

Choose to receive by email, snail mail, or both!
We email about once per month
with postal mailings about 4-6 times per year.....
A big thank you to everyone who has graciously given
their time tested, and no longer secret family recipes!
This is going to be a fabulous cookbook!

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!!!

Fireflies in a Jar

They are back in stock for Spring!

Only 16 available, while supplies last!

And I do believe my niece Clare needs one for her room!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Read All About It!!!

Today's Boston Globe newspaper features a story about

Brown & Hopkins in the travel section!!!!

Here is an excerpt....

"If there's one thing a good general store ought to have, it's a candy counter. And Brown & Hopkins, one of the country's oldest continually operating general stores, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in the historic Glocester village of Chepachet, has a dandy."

"Though typical country-store wares abound, a veritable retail history lesson exists on what McIntyre calls "the wall of honor" behind the cash register, seven shelves some 30 feet long of old-time items that are not for sale, including tins, bottles, and boxes of old fashioned items like Dr. Naylor's Udder Balm, Sen Sen, and Red and blue combination pencils."

Here are some of the photos that Globe writer Paul Kandarian shot during his visit to the shop!

Thanks Paul......

Photos courtesy of Pkandarian@aol.com

Exciting Find!!!

Out of all the fabulous stuff Barbara and I discovered in Atlanta....

these mirrors made us practically jump for joy!

So rustic and primitive and useful!!!!

Each is a one of a kind!

Originally used on homes in India, they are hand carved and hand painted. Some are neutral, while others are painted with more vivid hues to contrast the deserts of India. The shutter doors are attached with unique iron hardware and can be kept closed or open.

We were unpacking them this morning and have already sold one!

She said she is using it in a room where there is no window....she was thrilled!

When these are gone, they are gone 'til at least this time next year!
Come on down!

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!

FFFFA*!!!!!

Our FFFFA* starts
Friday, February 6th and ends on Sunday, February 8th!

What is FFFFA????

It's First Friday FREE For All!!!

Let me esplain (No, Jo, that isn't a typo.....it's how Ricky sounds when he talks to Lucy!)....

Every now and then, actually almost every month, we will hold a FFFFA!

Beginning the first Friday of the month and continuing through the weekend, we are giving away

200 FREE GIFTS (one per customer)

in honor of our 200 years in business!!!!

This weekend features gifts from

Warm Glow Candle Company!

And.......in addition to a fabulous gift,

you will also enjoy 25% off all

candles made by Warm Glow!!!

I have been selling these candles for years with great success!!!

They are highly scented, long burning and look wonderful in our bubble vases!

Scents such as Evening Mocha (Miss Wendy buys about 6 of these every Fall!),

Snickerdoodle (my friend Suzie loves this scent!),

and Hot Apple Butter (one of my favorites)

delight even the ficklest of noses!

Warm Glow always debuts new scents each season and this Spring they haven't disappointed us!

Come in and tickle your senses with

Cucumber Melon Stardust, Orange Cranberry,

Pomegranate and Raspberry Sorbet!

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!!!

L'il Birdies

Aren't these the sweetest l'il birdies?

Adorable on your windowsill looking out at the falling snow and reminding us that spring isn't all that far away.......

Available in sage, blue, and cocoa......

only $2.95 each.

I bet everyone wants to see what "lucky"looks like.....
Marianne and her dear hubbie were the winners of a $200 Brown & Hopkins Gift Certificate! They hail from Lincoln, RI and say they have been shopping here for years!
Congrats again! I bet that new rug looks great in your home!

"Once Upon A Wall" Vinyls on SALE!!!

It has been a whirlwind of a month!

We went on two buying trips to Atlanta and Pennsylvania

and ordered lots of new stuff!!!

We are excited!

And sometimes, it is out with the old and in with the new....

We found a fabulous new wall vinyl company and our order should be arriving in the next few weeks!

In the meantime,

all our wall vinyls from

Once Upon a Wall

are on sale at 40% off!!!

These are great vinyls,
but they didn't come out with any new sayings,
so it is out with the old and in with the new!

While supplies last!

Hurry in for best selection!