I know that about 95% of my customers already know that we will be closing for the Winter, but I wanted to post here on our blog just in case.
We will be open each Friday and Saturday (including this coming Black Friday) from 10-5. The last weekend that we will be open is the weekend before Christmas, December 18 & 19.
The week of Christmas we will open by appointment if possible. It's a very busy house with two little guys and a big family gathering on Christmas day in our old farmhouse, so we do ask that you call ahead to make arrangements if you wish to stop by, 965-0985
We will reopen the shoppe in the Spring, and plan on the first weekend in May to reopen. We may open a bit earlier, but that is dependent on the weather, but I will be sure to send out an email to our newsletter subscribers and advertise it in the Mulligan's and Pennysaver issues.
I'm planning on using this Winter to work on a few projects here at home, and also plan on expanding our main business, our online shoppe. Our website has continued to grow since we first started a few years back, and this year was no exception, even with the challenges all of us small businesses faced. I'm looking forward to continuing to bring my online customers new and exciting products including many more handmade items from myself and carrying a larger inventory of customer's favorites. I will also be working off of my wish lists that customers have sent me, so yes, I do listen!
We have some great things planned for 2010, and the Winter months will give me the extra time to continue to grow our business and share our love of primitives with all of our fabulous customers all over the world.
And local customers, when we return, we'll have fresh and fun primitives for your home, so it will be worth the wait!
Thank you for all of your support!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Visit my Website by Clicking on the Links Below
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Now here's a flashback...
I grew up in the country, born in 1970 (yeah, not afraid to tell my age!) and lived with what we called "party lines".
For those who were fortunate to have your own telephone line, this should give you a good chuckle.
We had our own phone number, but had to share the telephone line with a few other neighbors. Hard to imagine in this age of multiple phone lines/numbers per household, and even folks giving up their "landlines" for using their cell phones exclusively.
We shared our party line with our next door neighbor, Mrs. Raub. She was a sweet old lady who lived next door, and loved to chat with our other neighbor, Mrs. Conrad. Sometimes, they would chat for hours on end, not talking about much, but basically passing the time. They lived next door to each other too, but remember, next door where we live is a field away.
We could always tell when Mrs. Raub would get a call, and I guess she could tell when we got a call too. Faintly, you could hear her phone ringing without even picking up our phone and listening.
Just imagine this.....I was teen in the 80's, and we still had party lines, still shared with sweet Mrs. Raub. I had a boyfriend (or two, maybe three) during that time, and it drove this teen crazy just knowing that the love of my life (for the moment) may be trying to call me, but Mrs. Raub was chatting with Mrs. Conrad next door, talking about what they were making for dinner, or who had been visiting whom, or goodness knows what else. Couldn't they hear me picking up and sighing loudly into the phone every five minutes, trying to get the hint across that they should wrap it up! Desperation would set in, I would beg my mother to pick up the phone and try to reason with these little old ladies that my social life was depending on their ending their conversation about laundry!
*sigh* Party lines. What would kids these days think of that?
Now some of our neighbors had it worse off yet! The farm over the hill and through the woods behind us would share the same line with their neighbors, but it rang into everyone's house that shared the line....this included the barn phone too! So if you wanted to call Phil, you would dial the number, and the phone would ring into Phil's house, the neighbors farmhouse and the barn too. How do you know to pick up if it's for you? Phil's may have been several quick and short rings in a row, so the barn and the farmhouse knew not to pick up, it was for Phil. The barn phone may have been long rings, so the farmhouse and Phil knew it was not for them, and so on and so on.
Yeah, we've come a long way baby!
Oh, and we didn't have cable in our house until 1993. That was only about two months before I moved out. Yep, all those years with rabbit ears and an antennae just to get a few fuzzy local channels, then the cable company decided we were worthy of cable, and it was time for me to move out. Figures!
Feel free to share this story with your kids when they complain about their cell phone service, and remember to tell them about walking 2 miles to school, all uphill, both ways, in the snow!
Many blessings,
Mary Jo
For those who were fortunate to have your own telephone line, this should give you a good chuckle.
We had our own phone number, but had to share the telephone line with a few other neighbors. Hard to imagine in this age of multiple phone lines/numbers per household, and even folks giving up their "landlines" for using their cell phones exclusively.
We shared our party line with our next door neighbor, Mrs. Raub. She was a sweet old lady who lived next door, and loved to chat with our other neighbor, Mrs. Conrad. Sometimes, they would chat for hours on end, not talking about much, but basically passing the time. They lived next door to each other too, but remember, next door where we live is a field away.
We could always tell when Mrs. Raub would get a call, and I guess she could tell when we got a call too. Faintly, you could hear her phone ringing without even picking up our phone and listening.
Just imagine this.....I was teen in the 80's, and we still had party lines, still shared with sweet Mrs. Raub. I had a boyfriend (or two, maybe three) during that time, and it drove this teen crazy just knowing that the love of my life (for the moment) may be trying to call me, but Mrs. Raub was chatting with Mrs. Conrad next door, talking about what they were making for dinner, or who had been visiting whom, or goodness knows what else. Couldn't they hear me picking up and sighing loudly into the phone every five minutes, trying to get the hint across that they should wrap it up! Desperation would set in, I would beg my mother to pick up the phone and try to reason with these little old ladies that my social life was depending on their ending their conversation about laundry!
*sigh* Party lines. What would kids these days think of that?
Now some of our neighbors had it worse off yet! The farm over the hill and through the woods behind us would share the same line with their neighbors, but it rang into everyone's house that shared the line....this included the barn phone too! So if you wanted to call Phil, you would dial the number, and the phone would ring into Phil's house, the neighbors farmhouse and the barn too. How do you know to pick up if it's for you? Phil's may have been several quick and short rings in a row, so the barn and the farmhouse knew not to pick up, it was for Phil. The barn phone may have been long rings, so the farmhouse and Phil knew it was not for them, and so on and so on.
Yeah, we've come a long way baby!
Oh, and we didn't have cable in our house until 1993. That was only about two months before I moved out. Yep, all those years with rabbit ears and an antennae just to get a few fuzzy local channels, then the cable company decided we were worthy of cable, and it was time for me to move out. Figures!
Feel free to share this story with your kids when they complain about their cell phone service, and remember to tell them about walking 2 miles to school, all uphill, both ways, in the snow!
Many blessings,
Mary Jo
My sleeping angel.....
Thought you might enjoy seeing my youngest who fell fast asleep on the couch last night. He's wearing his new Christmas pj's (just couldn't wait until Christmas to wear them!) and holding Teddy tight.
He woke up this morning and told me that he was very tired last night. He rolled his eyes and said how he had a hard, long day in school and tomorrow's only going to be harder....they're putting up a teepee in their classroom!
I love this age, wish they stayed this way forever!
So when you call to place an order with us, chances are it's this little guy or my 7 year old (or both) you'll hear in the background!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
He woke up this morning and told me that he was very tired last night. He rolled his eyes and said how he had a hard, long day in school and tomorrow's only going to be harder....they're putting up a teepee in their classroom!
I love this age, wish they stayed this way forever!
So when you call to place an order with us, chances are it's this little guy or my 7 year old (or both) you'll hear in the background!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pre-Holiday Sale!
It has been very busy for us here at Fine Country Living Primitives! We've been shipping every day and to all parts of the world. We are truly thankful and appreciate our customers continued support and patronage!
It donned on me this evening that I have not had a sale in quite some time. This is always a great way to show my appreciation to my customers, so just a few moments ago, I set up a 10% off sale on my online shoppe.
This is our Pre-Holiday Sale....you know next week will be busy preparing for Turkey Day. I'll be at the school Monday helping with the Kindergarten's feast, and I'm sure all of you will be doing the same, or at least preparing to travel, to cook or to start your holiday shopping. The following week kicks of the major shopping season, so I figured a Pre-Holiday Sale would be suitable at this time, and I hope you enjoy it!
So thank you, thank you to all of you who have been with me from (literally) day one, and for those that are just ordering from us for the first time. We have formed many lasting relationships with all of you, and we truly appreciate that! This sale is just my way of saying thanks, and we also hope you enjoy the new goodies I just brought back!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
It donned on me this evening that I have not had a sale in quite some time. This is always a great way to show my appreciation to my customers, so just a few moments ago, I set up a 10% off sale on my online shoppe.
This is our Pre-Holiday Sale....you know next week will be busy preparing for Turkey Day. I'll be at the school Monday helping with the Kindergarten's feast, and I'm sure all of you will be doing the same, or at least preparing to travel, to cook or to start your holiday shopping. The following week kicks of the major shopping season, so I figured a Pre-Holiday Sale would be suitable at this time, and I hope you enjoy it!
So thank you, thank you to all of you who have been with me from (literally) day one, and for those that are just ordering from us for the first time. We have formed many lasting relationships with all of you, and we truly appreciate that! This sale is just my way of saying thanks, and we also hope you enjoy the new goodies I just brought back!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Eternal Love Coverlets Sold Out...
We sold our two final Eternal Love coverlets this morning here at Fine Country Living Primitives. These were one of our best sellers and we were sad to hear that the company decided to discontinue this popular pattern, but that only means that they will design a new one soon!
We are pleased that we do still have a few of our Double Whig woven throws that we advertised in the Christmas issue of Country Sampler this year. We have them in both black and tan, and also burgundy and tan. The popular black and tan sold out once already, but we were able to get one more final shipment in before this is discontinued at the end of this year. They are machine wash and dry, reversable, and with the price of $60 which includes FREE USPS Priority Mail shipping within the USA, they make great gifts!
We will be getting some new woven products in during the first part of 2010, so be sure to keep checking back for your favorite (and mine) textiles that are made right here in Pennsylvania!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
We are pleased that we do still have a few of our Double Whig woven throws that we advertised in the Christmas issue of Country Sampler this year. We have them in both black and tan, and also burgundy and tan. The popular black and tan sold out once already, but we were able to get one more final shipment in before this is discontinued at the end of this year. They are machine wash and dry, reversable, and with the price of $60 which includes FREE USPS Priority Mail shipping within the USA, they make great gifts!
We will be getting some new woven products in during the first part of 2010, so be sure to keep checking back for your favorite (and mine) textiles that are made right here in Pennsylvania!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
It's the simple things in life....
It's the simple things in life that make us the most happy. Here are just a few in my own life these past few days that make me smile.....
My seven year old Seth telling me what he hopes to dream of that night while asleep.
My five year old Sam sweetly smiling up at me from his bed after his fever broke.
Our dog trying to climb into bed with Sam while he's sick to comfort him.
Seth smiling wide and proudly showing that his front tooth fell out. He whistles when he talks now....
My cat batting at me as I round the corner to go upstairs, she's just asking for a moment of my time for a little petting...
My husband telling me how what a great job I'm doing with my business.
Hearing my chickens clucking and running to the fence for scraps. I know there are pretty blue eggs waiting for us in the hen house....
A customer offerring thanks for a special order.
I'm thankful for my handy husband who can fix just about anything, and knows enough to admit when he can't.
That quiet, still Voice within that tells me it's going to be okay.
The thoughtfulness of Friends who care.
Someone today told me they thought my gray hair was just beautiful. (thank you)
The smooth hum of my new sewing machine.
Our neighbors bringing special bags of Halloween candy because they missed our boys Halloween night.
A simple returned wave and smile from a gas company worker....hey, they are far away from family, they appreciate a gentle smile from us.
Warm weather in November.
We have more than so many, even though we don't have it all.
Seth happy to see us when he gets off the school bus and tells us he loves his family.
I love what I do and do what I love.
Our home, how far we've come with very little, how we did it together, and did it on our own.
That's just a few of the things that made me happy this week. I know I missed most of them, but there's more to come.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
My seven year old Seth telling me what he hopes to dream of that night while asleep.
My five year old Sam sweetly smiling up at me from his bed after his fever broke.
Our dog trying to climb into bed with Sam while he's sick to comfort him.
Seth smiling wide and proudly showing that his front tooth fell out. He whistles when he talks now....
My cat batting at me as I round the corner to go upstairs, she's just asking for a moment of my time for a little petting...
My husband telling me how what a great job I'm doing with my business.
Hearing my chickens clucking and running to the fence for scraps. I know there are pretty blue eggs waiting for us in the hen house....
A customer offerring thanks for a special order.
I'm thankful for my handy husband who can fix just about anything, and knows enough to admit when he can't.
That quiet, still Voice within that tells me it's going to be okay.
The thoughtfulness of Friends who care.
Someone today told me they thought my gray hair was just beautiful. (thank you)
The smooth hum of my new sewing machine.
Our neighbors bringing special bags of Halloween candy because they missed our boys Halloween night.
A simple returned wave and smile from a gas company worker....hey, they are far away from family, they appreciate a gentle smile from us.
Warm weather in November.
We have more than so many, even though we don't have it all.
Seth happy to see us when he gets off the school bus and tells us he loves his family.
I love what I do and do what I love.
Our home, how far we've come with very little, how we did it together, and did it on our own.
That's just a few of the things that made me happy this week. I know I missed most of them, but there's more to come.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Thursday, November 5, 2009
If you love rag quilts....
You must check out http://www.autumncomforts.com if you love primitive rag quilts! Her colors are amazing and they look very comfy and inviting! Just wanted to share, and she's one of my facebook friends as well!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Shoppe Update....
I know that many of you missed out on our Vienna Twig (also called German Twig) Christmas trees last year here at the shoppe.
Even though it's early yet, we are already down to limited quantities. We have one 7 foot tree and one 4 1/2 foot tree available.
We have the silicone tipped Christmas tree lights again this year and still have a fair amount on hand even though they have been selling quickly.
With the Elk Lake Craft Show this coming weekend, I wanted to also let you know that we hope you stop in either before or after attending because we have many of our handmades here at the shoppe. I've been busy creating Christmas primitives for my customers and want to remind you that we don't mass produce our handmades. Each item is handcrafted one at a time, each one different in their own way, from my heart and hands to your home. Our prices are affordable too, so it may be worth stopping in before going to the craft show just to compare prices. Our large handcrafted snowman sits atop a rusty bed spring surrounded by primitive greenery and is only $18, we have red ticking mittens filled with glittery candy canes and rusty stars for only $12 and our cutter quilt Christmas trees with a frosty Christmas wreath for a base are only $34 (they make a fabulous centerpiece and are created using an antique quilt!).
We're becoming well known for our huge selection of quality, handpicked items at affordable prices, and it shows. We've been very busy the last few weeks with early Holiday shoppers, and hope you have the time to stop in for the best selection because it certainly goes fast!
And just a reminder that we will be closing for our Winter Break from Christmas through the first weekend of May. With Christmas falling on a Friday this year, please note that our last regular shoppe hours will be the Friday and Saturday before Christmas, and we will gladly open by appointment if possible Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Christmas week.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Even though it's early yet, we are already down to limited quantities. We have one 7 foot tree and one 4 1/2 foot tree available.
We have the silicone tipped Christmas tree lights again this year and still have a fair amount on hand even though they have been selling quickly.
With the Elk Lake Craft Show this coming weekend, I wanted to also let you know that we hope you stop in either before or after attending because we have many of our handmades here at the shoppe. I've been busy creating Christmas primitives for my customers and want to remind you that we don't mass produce our handmades. Each item is handcrafted one at a time, each one different in their own way, from my heart and hands to your home. Our prices are affordable too, so it may be worth stopping in before going to the craft show just to compare prices. Our large handcrafted snowman sits atop a rusty bed spring surrounded by primitive greenery and is only $18, we have red ticking mittens filled with glittery candy canes and rusty stars for only $12 and our cutter quilt Christmas trees with a frosty Christmas wreath for a base are only $34 (they make a fabulous centerpiece and are created using an antique quilt!).
We're becoming well known for our huge selection of quality, handpicked items at affordable prices, and it shows. We've been very busy the last few weeks with early Holiday shoppers, and hope you have the time to stop in for the best selection because it certainly goes fast!
And just a reminder that we will be closing for our Winter Break from Christmas through the first weekend of May. With Christmas falling on a Friday this year, please note that our last regular shoppe hours will be the Friday and Saturday before Christmas, and we will gladly open by appointment if possible Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Christmas week.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Another thank you!
A short and sweet blog post today....
Thank you!
Thank you to my online customers for making October 2009 our biggest and best month of sales in the history of our online business!
We love what we do, we care about our customers, and we appreciate your continued support!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Thank you!
Thank you to my online customers for making October 2009 our biggest and best month of sales in the history of our online business!
We love what we do, we care about our customers, and we appreciate your continued support!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Working on our home
Our 1827 farmhouse has been a work in progress since we bought it 6 1/2 years ago. Now, most of that work was done by my husband and with two little guys running around or in playpens.
Our boys are now in school and there is more time, so hubby has moved on to the upstairs. Wall color is Harvest Brown by Behr paint, the same color as most of our downstairs which is a warm neutral, looks great with white trim and is AWESOME with primitives!
The front sitting room upstairs is now the boys bedroom (or will be when we get furntiture moved) and he's moving onto painting our bedroom. My new theme is going to be my own invention of a Primitive Amish. Silly, I know, but I love my new Amish quilt I bought this Spring and I have some wonderful Amish pictures. I also collect prayer caps, cape dresses and straw hats and plan on hanging them on peg racks in the bedroom. The primitives come in when I need to add a few things here and there such as lighting, but we live simply and there won't be much more.
After our bedroom, we only have two smaller bedrooms upstairs and the second floor will be complete. We have two other upstairs bedrooms and our third bath on the other side of the second floor (we call them our attic bedrooms) but they are currently filled with primitives for all of you ;-) We'll finish them sometime down the road, no hurry there (besides, if you have too many spare rooms, suddenly family appears out of nowhere to visit!). Did I just say that out loud? Shhhhh, it's our secret.
Anyhow, that's what's going on. We figure that by the time we get to the end of renovating the house, it will be time to start from square one with maintenance work. Always something going on to keep this girl in tip top shape, but these old houses are so worth it!
We'll post pics when ready!!!!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Our boys are now in school and there is more time, so hubby has moved on to the upstairs. Wall color is Harvest Brown by Behr paint, the same color as most of our downstairs which is a warm neutral, looks great with white trim and is AWESOME with primitives!
The front sitting room upstairs is now the boys bedroom (or will be when we get furntiture moved) and he's moving onto painting our bedroom. My new theme is going to be my own invention of a Primitive Amish. Silly, I know, but I love my new Amish quilt I bought this Spring and I have some wonderful Amish pictures. I also collect prayer caps, cape dresses and straw hats and plan on hanging them on peg racks in the bedroom. The primitives come in when I need to add a few things here and there such as lighting, but we live simply and there won't be much more.
After our bedroom, we only have two smaller bedrooms upstairs and the second floor will be complete. We have two other upstairs bedrooms and our third bath on the other side of the second floor (we call them our attic bedrooms) but they are currently filled with primitives for all of you ;-) We'll finish them sometime down the road, no hurry there (besides, if you have too many spare rooms, suddenly family appears out of nowhere to visit!). Did I just say that out loud? Shhhhh, it's our secret.
Anyhow, that's what's going on. We figure that by the time we get to the end of renovating the house, it will be time to start from square one with maintenance work. Always something going on to keep this girl in tip top shape, but these old houses are so worth it!
We'll post pics when ready!!!!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Saturday, October 24, 2009
No wonder we've been busy.....
Just realized that we set a new record for unique visitors and hits on our website this week! WooHoo!
Some international hits included Pakistan, Bucharest and of course the usual Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Italy and more!
Isn't the internet amazing, so many people with similar interests all over the world.....
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Some international hits included Pakistan, Bucharest and of course the usual Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Italy and more!
Isn't the internet amazing, so many people with similar interests all over the world.....
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
The Christmas Rush is On!
Wow, what a busy two days at the shoppe! When I send a newsletter telling you all what's new, you really do respond! We were so busy even today on such a rainy day.....it poured and poured, yet you all still stopped in, thank you!
This year we have our Vienna Twig Christmas Trees available, but we are nearly sold out, so if this is something that you were interested in, please be sure to get in next weekend before the final ones are sold! And remember folks, once our Christmas inventory in the shoppe is sold, that's it.....we won't be restocking later in the season, so get it while the gettin's good!
We have also been shipping items non-stop and I do enjoy my online business. It's a treat to package up goodies knowing that someone on the other end is anxiously awaiting something new for their own home or to give as a gift....what joy that brings to myself, and I hope it brings you just as much joy in receiving your package! We took several van loads of packages over to our little post office this week....hey, gotta keep Joe out of trouble you know! (he's our postmaster!)
So thank you all for continued patronage and support. We are successful because of YOU, each customer is important to us and you are not just a number, I think of each of you individually, on a personal level, each time I send a package along or you leave our shoppe. That's what small town hospitality is all about, and we thank you for your business!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
This year we have our Vienna Twig Christmas Trees available, but we are nearly sold out, so if this is something that you were interested in, please be sure to get in next weekend before the final ones are sold! And remember folks, once our Christmas inventory in the shoppe is sold, that's it.....we won't be restocking later in the season, so get it while the gettin's good!
We have also been shipping items non-stop and I do enjoy my online business. It's a treat to package up goodies knowing that someone on the other end is anxiously awaiting something new for their own home or to give as a gift....what joy that brings to myself, and I hope it brings you just as much joy in receiving your package! We took several van loads of packages over to our little post office this week....hey, gotta keep Joe out of trouble you know! (he's our postmaster!)
So thank you all for continued patronage and support. We are successful because of YOU, each customer is important to us and you are not just a number, I think of each of you individually, on a personal level, each time I send a package along or you leave our shoppe. That's what small town hospitality is all about, and we thank you for your business!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fall Decor 50% off this week!
Just a quick announcement...
All Fall Decor is 50% off online starting now and in the shoppe next weekend.
Let's make room for Christmas!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
All Fall Decor is 50% off online starting now and in the shoppe next weekend.
Let's make room for Christmas!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Friday, October 16, 2009
I've been shopping.....
I went on a shopping trip Tuesday and Wednesday to what I call Heaven on Earth.....LANCASTER!
I picked up a van full, and here on Friday, I am still unloading boxes from my van and trying to get my new primitives into the shoppe. I'm hoping to start adding new products to the website next week, but with also setting up the shoppe for Christmas, I may be a few days behind on that promise...sorry! It's time consuming but oh, so worth the wait!
Want to know what the newbies are? How about the silicone tipped battery operated taper candles in black and we restocked red! I know the red will go quickly with Christmas just around the corner, and they are beautiful for sure and for certain! I also have new battery operated taper candles with a primitive silicone star bulb....very prim and grubby and dirty, just the way I like them, and I know you do too.
I also brought back a new primitive Santa doll and other Christmas goodies I can't remember (it was a big trip!), battery operated pillar candles, primitive stitcheries, and some incredible Early American Colonial treats that are so hard to resist, even for me!
I restocked some oldies but goodies like our shoo-fly domed screen covers, glitter candy canes, silicone bulbs, tea light holders, and more handmades.
In the shoppe we are gearing up for Christmas and are decorating the upstairs and will move to the downstairs in the next week or so. Everything looks so great, I love the changing of the seasons!
Both online and in the shoppe, our Fall Decor is still on sale, so check out the savings!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
I picked up a van full, and here on Friday, I am still unloading boxes from my van and trying to get my new primitives into the shoppe. I'm hoping to start adding new products to the website next week, but with also setting up the shoppe for Christmas, I may be a few days behind on that promise...sorry! It's time consuming but oh, so worth the wait!
Want to know what the newbies are? How about the silicone tipped battery operated taper candles in black and we restocked red! I know the red will go quickly with Christmas just around the corner, and they are beautiful for sure and for certain! I also have new battery operated taper candles with a primitive silicone star bulb....very prim and grubby and dirty, just the way I like them, and I know you do too.
I also brought back a new primitive Santa doll and other Christmas goodies I can't remember (it was a big trip!), battery operated pillar candles, primitive stitcheries, and some incredible Early American Colonial treats that are so hard to resist, even for me!
I restocked some oldies but goodies like our shoo-fly domed screen covers, glitter candy canes, silicone bulbs, tea light holders, and more handmades.
In the shoppe we are gearing up for Christmas and are decorating the upstairs and will move to the downstairs in the next week or so. Everything looks so great, I love the changing of the seasons!
Both online and in the shoppe, our Fall Decor is still on sale, so check out the savings!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Friday, October 9, 2009
Fall Foliage at it's best!
Happy Columbus Day Weekend! The fall foliage in Northeastern PA is simply beautiful and we had many customers in the shoppe today from all over the area. This weekend is the Susq. County Artist's Open House Tour and the Susq. County Antique Tour as well. We welcome everyone who comes into the area for these tours and hope they are enjoying the great art and antiques and enjoying the changing of the leaves.
As I said, it was a busy day! Our remaining Fall merchandise is marked down to 15% off this weekend only here at the shoppe and for our online customers as well. We need to make room for our Christmas primitives, and the sale is working with many Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving primitives moving quickly out the door today.
Handmades are really popular this year, and I'm amazed that, regardless of how early I put out my handmade Christmas and Winter primitives, they sell, sell, sell! With this being our busy season, it's a great idea to shop early because we have been very busy online and that means less time to create my handmade goodes, and I may not have the chance to make more as we hit our busy time here in the shoppe as well.
I do know this.....I love my job and I appreciate the kind comments about our merchandise and how everyone enjoys the shoppe. I also appreciate your business, especially when you all have other choices both online and in our local area. Thank you for continuing to support our small business, I enjoy being able to share my love of primitives and handcrafted folk art with everyone!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
As I said, it was a busy day! Our remaining Fall merchandise is marked down to 15% off this weekend only here at the shoppe and for our online customers as well. We need to make room for our Christmas primitives, and the sale is working with many Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving primitives moving quickly out the door today.
Handmades are really popular this year, and I'm amazed that, regardless of how early I put out my handmade Christmas and Winter primitives, they sell, sell, sell! With this being our busy season, it's a great idea to shop early because we have been very busy online and that means less time to create my handmade goodes, and I may not have the chance to make more as we hit our busy time here in the shoppe as well.
I do know this.....I love my job and I appreciate the kind comments about our merchandise and how everyone enjoys the shoppe. I also appreciate your business, especially when you all have other choices both online and in our local area. Thank you for continuing to support our small business, I enjoy being able to share my love of primitives and handcrafted folk art with everyone!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Friday, October 2, 2009
It's that time of year....
We've been enjoying our fireplaces and fired up the pellet stove yesterday which means Fall has arrived here in Springville!
We love Fall, the coolness of the air, the crisp, falling leaves and believe it or not, the starkness of the landscape is sometimes soothing to me. I love flowers, but being quite a plain girl, I also like the barren flower beds as well. I'm a true believer that less is more, and I enjoy simplistic beauty of our home without all of the "stuff" around it.
That's another one of my favorite decorating tips. Yes, I sell home decor and would LOVE to sell you everything in my shoppe or on my website, but sometimes, less is more! My kitchen is chocked full of prim goodies, but my sitting room and living room both have bare spots on the walls, and I love the simplicity of it. It helps that the walls are painted a mustard-like tan. If they were white, it would look stark, but with the warmth of the walls, we can use less decor and enjoy the quietness of the room. And if you are wondering, it's called Harvest Brown by Behr paints. We even painted the walls of the shoppe and the primitives really "pop" against this color!
So, love what you have, have what you love. Less is more, and enjoy the simple things in life....that's what primitives, to me, are all about!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
We love Fall, the coolness of the air, the crisp, falling leaves and believe it or not, the starkness of the landscape is sometimes soothing to me. I love flowers, but being quite a plain girl, I also like the barren flower beds as well. I'm a true believer that less is more, and I enjoy simplistic beauty of our home without all of the "stuff" around it.
That's another one of my favorite decorating tips. Yes, I sell home decor and would LOVE to sell you everything in my shoppe or on my website, but sometimes, less is more! My kitchen is chocked full of prim goodies, but my sitting room and living room both have bare spots on the walls, and I love the simplicity of it. It helps that the walls are painted a mustard-like tan. If they were white, it would look stark, but with the warmth of the walls, we can use less decor and enjoy the quietness of the room. And if you are wondering, it's called Harvest Brown by Behr paints. We even painted the walls of the shoppe and the primitives really "pop" against this color!
So, love what you have, have what you love. Less is more, and enjoy the simple things in life....that's what primitives, to me, are all about!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
November Country Sampler Magazine is out!
The Christmas issue of Country Sampler magazine is out to subscribers and our product ad is already getting noticed! I think it's a beautiful picture of our Colonial woven throw and I'm sure it will sell out quickly!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Monday, September 21, 2009
What's in store for you Fall, 2009
Here's a few pictures of our shoppe and offerings this Fall. We've opened up one corner of the shoppe as our Christmas Corner, offering you a glimpse of what you can expect this Christmas season here at Fine Country Living Primitives, Springville.
Online customers...if you see something you just can't live without, email me and we can get it to you, simple as that!
Many Blessings, Mary Jo
Online customers...if you see something you just can't live without, email me and we can get it to you, simple as that!
Many Blessings, Mary Jo
Saturday, September 12, 2009
We don't just sell it, we live it!
I've had these thoughts swirling around in my head and just needed to share.
As many of you know, it states on our website that Simplicity is a way of life, not a trend. That's so true! We really do live this lifestyle, and we really do have a passion for Early American, Country, Colonial, and Primitive Home Decor.
Yesterday we had a mother and daughter stop into the shoppe, and was pleased to find out that they used to own our house about 35 years ago! What a special treat it was, and we invited them into the house to take a look at what's changed and pick their brain for many mysteries of "what used to be there, how did this look, is this how it was when you owned it, etc.". I bet they never expected it to turn into an inquisition! LOL! But I think they enjoyed it.
They commented that our house is just like our shoppe, REALLY primitive! And it's so true. We have our shoppe decorated and merchandise displayed like it would be in your own home. So many customers have said time and time again that they get great ideas this way, and many "never would have thought of that!"
Our online shoppe is the same way. We invite you into our home, our hearts and our lives. Our products are hand chosen, and I don't buy things "just because they will sell", I only bring in items that I would personally enjoy in my very own home. And I make sure that they are items that we all can afford....no crazy mark-ups will be found at Fine Country Living Primitives....only fair prices (and no mysteriously increased prices before sales, none of that here)!
Now, we all know that anyone can just open a storefront or start a website and start selling primitives or whatnot just because it sells. I've heard people do that, I've seen people do that. But you can always read between the lines and truly find those of us who have an actual passion for primitives, for things that are time worn and well loved. I have many online networks that I stroll through and so many of my dear friends online live, eat, sleep, breathe, primitives! You can just tell, you can hear it in their product descriptions and they aren't just canned phrases. You hear the excitement as they describe their latest creation or newfound treasure and brag about it like it was their own flesh and blood. THAT is what it's all about, friends! Truly inspiring primitive lovers who bring their love and passion for primitives to their stores or websites to share with others. It's always about spreading the love, not always about making the money.
So, next time you are websurfing or window shopping, or out to find that new, one of a kind piece that you just can't live without, take a look around. Listen to their voice. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Read the descriptions and between the lines....can you hear that love, that passion? Or are they just jumping on the bandwagon because they think they can make a few bucks selling things online. You can tell, you can always tell, the true primitive lover!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
As many of you know, it states on our website that Simplicity is a way of life, not a trend. That's so true! We really do live this lifestyle, and we really do have a passion for Early American, Country, Colonial, and Primitive Home Decor.
Yesterday we had a mother and daughter stop into the shoppe, and was pleased to find out that they used to own our house about 35 years ago! What a special treat it was, and we invited them into the house to take a look at what's changed and pick their brain for many mysteries of "what used to be there, how did this look, is this how it was when you owned it, etc.". I bet they never expected it to turn into an inquisition! LOL! But I think they enjoyed it.
They commented that our house is just like our shoppe, REALLY primitive! And it's so true. We have our shoppe decorated and merchandise displayed like it would be in your own home. So many customers have said time and time again that they get great ideas this way, and many "never would have thought of that!"
Our online shoppe is the same way. We invite you into our home, our hearts and our lives. Our products are hand chosen, and I don't buy things "just because they will sell", I only bring in items that I would personally enjoy in my very own home. And I make sure that they are items that we all can afford....no crazy mark-ups will be found at Fine Country Living Primitives....only fair prices (and no mysteriously increased prices before sales, none of that here)!
Now, we all know that anyone can just open a storefront or start a website and start selling primitives or whatnot just because it sells. I've heard people do that, I've seen people do that. But you can always read between the lines and truly find those of us who have an actual passion for primitives, for things that are time worn and well loved. I have many online networks that I stroll through and so many of my dear friends online live, eat, sleep, breathe, primitives! You can just tell, you can hear it in their product descriptions and they aren't just canned phrases. You hear the excitement as they describe their latest creation or newfound treasure and brag about it like it was their own flesh and blood. THAT is what it's all about, friends! Truly inspiring primitive lovers who bring their love and passion for primitives to their stores or websites to share with others. It's always about spreading the love, not always about making the money.
So, next time you are websurfing or window shopping, or out to find that new, one of a kind piece that you just can't live without, take a look around. Listen to their voice. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Read the descriptions and between the lines....can you hear that love, that passion? Or are they just jumping on the bandwagon because they think they can make a few bucks selling things online. You can tell, you can always tell, the true primitive lover!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Thursday, September 10, 2009
NEW Hand Dipped Grubby Scented String Lights
These extremely primitive string lights were hand dipped right here at Fine Country Living!
I took a 20 count strand of mini lights on a brown cord and individually dipped each little light in a mixture of silicone and my prim mix to give them an Early, extreme primitive appearance. The best part....I added oil to give them a yummy delicious smell! You have your choice of Cinnamon or Amish Friendship Bread.
These are great for winding through your berry pip garlands or around a grapevine wreath. I like to add them to shelves where I have gatherings displayed and wind them around my prims for added charm.
The strand is about 8 feet long and there is only one plug on one end. You can still plug two strands together, but the plugs will be in the middle of the strand. this will give you fullness especially on a shelf or within a grouping, but may not necessarily give you a longer strand.
You'll find these Early lights on our website and you can go directly to their page by clicking on the picture of the lights!
Enjoy, and many blessings!
Mary Jo
Monday, September 7, 2009
Wow, this is #202
I can't believe that this is post #202! What a milestone, but of course, I do like to post nearly everything going on here at Fine Country Living Primitives.
It's been pretty busy here lately, so I haven't been posting nearly as often as I should. School started a week and a half ago, and my baby is now in full day kindergarten!
I've been making new items for the upcoming holiday season, and I know that many of my local customers are already asking when will they be in the shoppe for sale! My online customers usually get first dibs at my new handcrafted items because, well, they usually buy them right up! Not only that, my online customers have been with me for years, and they really love TRUE primitives!
Be sure to check out our New Arrivals category continuously because you never know what will show up there from day to day. I just finished some incredible hand dipped grubby string lights. Yes, I individually dipped each tiny little bulb into a special silicone primitive mixture with super prim scents of cinnamon and Amish Friendship Bread! They are flying out the door, hope you all enjoy them and I'm preparing to make some more to re-stock.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
It's been pretty busy here lately, so I haven't been posting nearly as often as I should. School started a week and a half ago, and my baby is now in full day kindergarten!
I've been making new items for the upcoming holiday season, and I know that many of my local customers are already asking when will they be in the shoppe for sale! My online customers usually get first dibs at my new handcrafted items because, well, they usually buy them right up! Not only that, my online customers have been with me for years, and they really love TRUE primitives!
Be sure to check out our New Arrivals category continuously because you never know what will show up there from day to day. I just finished some incredible hand dipped grubby string lights. Yes, I individually dipped each tiny little bulb into a special silicone primitive mixture with super prim scents of cinnamon and Amish Friendship Bread! They are flying out the door, hope you all enjoy them and I'm preparing to make some more to re-stock.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Saturday, August 29, 2009
As promised, new arrivals!
Just a quick post so you can see two of my favorite new items that arrived the other day!
The first one are battery operated tea lights that BLOW on and off, just like a real candle! And they are only $2.50 each! Amazing, right?
And here is one of our new tealight holders (we have several, and even MORE are on their way). This holds 5 tealights (not included) but at only $11.00, it's super affordable and looks incredible in the shoppe surrounded by pip berry vines...could you imagine this on a shelf or a mantle? LOVE IT!
We have many new items including Colonial taper candle holders that you slide onto books for your battery operated taper candles, and so much more. I'm going shopping again this week, so who knows what else I'll find!
Just visit Fine Country Living Primitives and have fun browsing our new wares!
Enjoy, and many blessings!
Mary Jo
The first one are battery operated tea lights that BLOW on and off, just like a real candle! And they are only $2.50 each! Amazing, right?
And here is one of our new tealight holders (we have several, and even MORE are on their way). This holds 5 tealights (not included) but at only $11.00, it's super affordable and looks incredible in the shoppe surrounded by pip berry vines...could you imagine this on a shelf or a mantle? LOVE IT!
We have many new items including Colonial taper candle holders that you slide onto books for your battery operated taper candles, and so much more. I'm going shopping again this week, so who knows what else I'll find!
Just visit Fine Country Living Primitives and have fun browsing our new wares!
Enjoy, and many blessings!
Mary Jo
Monday, August 24, 2009
A surprise at my door.....
We decided to take one last evening as a family before school starts to go on a country ride. We love exploring our little part of the world, there are so many back roads that we still have not been on and we've lived in Springville for 6 years already! We love looking at the old farms and enjoy the beautiful countryside that we are surrounded with.
When we returned there were several boxes waiting for me on the porch by the door. My new arrival of Hearthside Collection goodies are in! Oh, I just had so much fun opening each and every box within a box and seeing the lovely things I ordered for you all....I am soooooooo pleased with the selections I made and I absolutely, positively, cannot wait to get them listed later this week!
Tomorrow I'm going to enjoy one last day of summer vacation with my boys, then on Wednesday, I'll be taking pictures and Thursday, hopefully listing my new primitive wares for you all!
Here's a hint....very Colonial, a hint of seasonal, and get ready to blow the lights out!
Many blessings,
Mary Jo
When we returned there were several boxes waiting for me on the porch by the door. My new arrival of Hearthside Collection goodies are in! Oh, I just had so much fun opening each and every box within a box and seeing the lovely things I ordered for you all....I am soooooooo pleased with the selections I made and I absolutely, positively, cannot wait to get them listed later this week!
Tomorrow I'm going to enjoy one last day of summer vacation with my boys, then on Wednesday, I'll be taking pictures and Thursday, hopefully listing my new primitive wares for you all!
Here's a hint....very Colonial, a hint of seasonal, and get ready to blow the lights out!
Many blessings,
Mary Jo
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Here's a tip for container gardens
Do you have hanging baskets or containers of flowers that look old and tired toward the end of summer? The girl I purchase my hanging baskets from each year told me this trick. You may need someone to help you depending on the size of the container.
Tip your hanging basket upside out and wiggle it out of the pot. While someone else holds it, loosen up the roots at the bottom or completely cut about 1" from the bottom of your root ball....soil and all!
Add some new soil in your pot and have your helper plop the flowers back over and into the pot. Soak really well, better yet, use your favorite liquid feed.
In a week or so you will begin to see new growth coming from your containers and/or baskets. This worked great, I couldn't believe it! My hanging baskets of petunias went through a battle with aphids and white flies this summer (4500 live ladybugs I had shipped in and release ate those suckers up!). This gave them their beauty back, and I'm sure it will work for you!
Just thought I'd share!
Many Blessings to you all,
Mary Jo
Tip your hanging basket upside out and wiggle it out of the pot. While someone else holds it, loosen up the roots at the bottom or completely cut about 1" from the bottom of your root ball....soil and all!
Add some new soil in your pot and have your helper plop the flowers back over and into the pot. Soak really well, better yet, use your favorite liquid feed.
In a week or so you will begin to see new growth coming from your containers and/or baskets. This worked great, I couldn't believe it! My hanging baskets of petunias went through a battle with aphids and white flies this summer (4500 live ladybugs I had shipped in and release ate those suckers up!). This gave them their beauty back, and I'm sure it will work for you!
Just thought I'd share!
Many Blessings to you all,
Mary Jo
Saturday, August 15, 2009
E-pattern on Etsy ~ Candy Corns
I just listed my original e-pattern for Candy Corn bowl fillers on etsy at a super price!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29363622
Blessings,
Mary Jo
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29363622
Blessings,
Mary Jo
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Follow me on Twitter...........
Follow me on twitter by using this link!
http://twitter.com/FCLPrimitives
I'll be tweetin' you soon!
Blessings,
Mary Jo
http://twitter.com/FCLPrimitives
I'll be tweetin' you soon!
Blessings,
Mary Jo
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Who the heck am I buying from????
Have you ever asked yourself that very question when placing an order online? Quite honestly, I've given it little thought.
I received a call the other day from a lovely customer in San Antonio, TX. She wanted to place a phone order and was thrilled that I actually had a phone number to call. Again, until she mentioned this, I gave it little thought.
She just recently began shopping online and as she found websites she would like to order from, she bookmarked them as her favorites. When she decided on exactly what and where to order from, she went through them and found that hardly ANY had phone numbers to call. She quickly removed them from her favorites, and gave us a call and placed a phone order. We had a great conversation and discussed our love of primitives and our love for our families.
This is something to really consider. Just who are you buying from? I've been randomly doing Google and Yahoo searches for primitives, and found that most do not have a phone number. In fact, I found several that didn't even have an email or a Contact Us button. So what do you do if you have a question, a concern, or just wish to place a phone order?
Then another thought came to mind, there aren't any names, or where they are located. Here at Fine Country Living Primitives, we love to share our lives with our customers. Keep in mind, it's nothing grand or fancy, but we enjoy sharing where we live, the history of our home, why we love primitives, how fast our boys are growing up, and what it means to live simply.
We tell you where we are from and I sign my blog posts and emails with my REAL name. In fact, my email address for our business has my first name in it, so you always know who I am.
Until that phone call from our new customer, I never gave it a thought. So many websites don't tell you who they are, or where they are. So, who the heck are you buying from?????
Even though my life is scattered on Twitter, Facebook, my blog, my website, my brochures, and many other websites for the entire world to see, allow me to take this time to share just who I am!
I am Mary Jo Elliott, and am the proud mother of two boys, Seth and Sam. I am also the proud wife of the greatest husband and father, Russ Elliott.
We live in the little town of Springville, PA, which is located in Susquehanna County, in the Northeastern region of Pennsylvania. Our home was built in 1827 and is a great place to raise our boys, and you can read more about it on our About Me page on our website and even take a virtual tour.
My husband and I love primitives and lead a simple life. We sell what we love, and simplicity is a way of life with us. We are Quakers, dress Plain, and love our faith and our family.
We follow the business practices of early (and current) Friends and have fair prices and are honest.
If you want to know anything else, you can even call me at (570) 965-0985 and talk to a real human being! ;-)
Now YOU know just who the heck you are buying from when you shop online or in our retail store here at Fine Country Living Primitives!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
I received a call the other day from a lovely customer in San Antonio, TX. She wanted to place a phone order and was thrilled that I actually had a phone number to call. Again, until she mentioned this, I gave it little thought.
She just recently began shopping online and as she found websites she would like to order from, she bookmarked them as her favorites. When she decided on exactly what and where to order from, she went through them and found that hardly ANY had phone numbers to call. She quickly removed them from her favorites, and gave us a call and placed a phone order. We had a great conversation and discussed our love of primitives and our love for our families.
This is something to really consider. Just who are you buying from? I've been randomly doing Google and Yahoo searches for primitives, and found that most do not have a phone number. In fact, I found several that didn't even have an email or a Contact Us button. So what do you do if you have a question, a concern, or just wish to place a phone order?
Then another thought came to mind, there aren't any names, or where they are located. Here at Fine Country Living Primitives, we love to share our lives with our customers. Keep in mind, it's nothing grand or fancy, but we enjoy sharing where we live, the history of our home, why we love primitives, how fast our boys are growing up, and what it means to live simply.
We tell you where we are from and I sign my blog posts and emails with my REAL name. In fact, my email address for our business has my first name in it, so you always know who I am.
Until that phone call from our new customer, I never gave it a thought. So many websites don't tell you who they are, or where they are. So, who the heck are you buying from?????
Even though my life is scattered on Twitter, Facebook, my blog, my website, my brochures, and many other websites for the entire world to see, allow me to take this time to share just who I am!
I am Mary Jo Elliott, and am the proud mother of two boys, Seth and Sam. I am also the proud wife of the greatest husband and father, Russ Elliott.
We live in the little town of Springville, PA, which is located in Susquehanna County, in the Northeastern region of Pennsylvania. Our home was built in 1827 and is a great place to raise our boys, and you can read more about it on our About Me page on our website and even take a virtual tour.
My husband and I love primitives and lead a simple life. We sell what we love, and simplicity is a way of life with us. We are Quakers, dress Plain, and love our faith and our family.
We follow the business practices of early (and current) Friends and have fair prices and are honest.
If you want to know anything else, you can even call me at (570) 965-0985 and talk to a real human being! ;-)
Now YOU know just who the heck you are buying from when you shop online or in our retail store here at Fine Country Living Primitives!
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
Monday, July 20, 2009
Over 40 NEW products....that's a lot!
Uh huh, we've been busy here at Fine Country Living Primitives, and just added over 40 new products to the website. Guess what! I'm STILL not done! LOL!
Autumn is in the air, or at least in my imagination, and we've brought in some delightfully colorful and amazing new decorative plates by the Hearthside Collection. Here are just a few samples:
How about a new design in one of our very BEST sellers here at FCLP! Battery operated taper lights, but with silicone tips. If you liked the other style we've been carrying, you will LOVE the new!
And just one more sample of our new goodies....here are the new baby grass candle ring/wreaths that we brought back. I'm showing you just one of our favorite ways to use these, and they are excellent quality greens that will add a touch of warmth to your home. We have the matching bush as well which looks great in crocks and baskets (love them in baskets!) and they are at very affordable prices!
We have plenty more to add including new Christmas and Winter theme decorative plates by the Hearthside Collection. We are also expanding our online products by bringing in some great framed prints under glass by Billy Jacobs and much more, so please be sure to check back!
Many Blessings, Mary Jo
Autumn is in the air, or at least in my imagination, and we've brought in some delightfully colorful and amazing new decorative plates by the Hearthside Collection. Here are just a few samples:
How about a new design in one of our very BEST sellers here at FCLP! Battery operated taper lights, but with silicone tips. If you liked the other style we've been carrying, you will LOVE the new!
And just one more sample of our new goodies....here are the new baby grass candle ring/wreaths that we brought back. I'm showing you just one of our favorite ways to use these, and they are excellent quality greens that will add a touch of warmth to your home. We have the matching bush as well which looks great in crocks and baskets (love them in baskets!) and they are at very affordable prices!
We have plenty more to add including new Christmas and Winter theme decorative plates by the Hearthside Collection. We are also expanding our online products by bringing in some great framed prints under glass by Billy Jacobs and much more, so please be sure to check back!
Many Blessings, Mary Jo
It's been a long time......
I can't believe that it's been over a month since my last blog post. Where has the time gone? It's not like I've disappeared, it's just that each day flies on by and before I know it, I never accomplished what I set out to do.
Let's take a moment to catch up.
Let me see, what's been going on.......
Our customer appreciation day was great, but we had no electricity due to a bad storm the day before. That's okay, we did it the old fashioned way with actual paper slips, calculators and the primitive glow of candlelight! It was quite fun actually, and we had a great turnout for most of the County being without power!
Our online customer appreciation days were a HUGE success! I couldn't count how many packages we shipped out, but our Postmaster was grinning from ear to ear with the business that went through our tiny little post office! LOL! Thanks, it was so much fun!
My husband and I were able to sneak away for an overnight trip to Lancaster. My sister, Wendy, came over and stayed with the boys and also cared for our dog and cat. (We adopted a cat by the way, I think I forgot to mention it. And yes, they fight like cats and dogs, but it's slowly improving.) Back to the overnighter. It was wonderful! First time in seven (yes, that's the number 7) years! We went antiquing in Strasburg and brought home some beauties! My kitchen is now proudly displaying a late 1800's wide plank farm table with one drawer. Also got a dough trencher with handles in original red paint from the same dealer. I hardly look around anymore, I just head to this one man's booth in the Strasburg Antique Mall and that's all I need to see! ;-) We visited Eldreth Pottery and hubby bought me a stunning bowl to match my crock I bought last year with my sisters on a trip. We've been collecting their pottery for nine years, just about. Love it, and it's worth a look-see if you are in the area or check them out online. They are fabulous people as well! We stayed at the Historic Strasburg Inn which had kinda small rooms, but clean and quiet. We ate a lot, finished sentences without being interrupted, rode together in silent bliss, and enjoyed each others company. And what a joy it was to see two little boys running toward you when we pulled into the driveway at home. We are blessed!
Yes, we also did shopping for the website and shoppe. Especially for the website, and I will post pictures here as well!
That's about it, nothing too exciting, but sweet and simple as always, and just the way us Elliott's like it.
Many Blessings!
Mary Jo
Let's take a moment to catch up.
Let me see, what's been going on.......
Our customer appreciation day was great, but we had no electricity due to a bad storm the day before. That's okay, we did it the old fashioned way with actual paper slips, calculators and the primitive glow of candlelight! It was quite fun actually, and we had a great turnout for most of the County being without power!
Our online customer appreciation days were a HUGE success! I couldn't count how many packages we shipped out, but our Postmaster was grinning from ear to ear with the business that went through our tiny little post office! LOL! Thanks, it was so much fun!
My husband and I were able to sneak away for an overnight trip to Lancaster. My sister, Wendy, came over and stayed with the boys and also cared for our dog and cat. (We adopted a cat by the way, I think I forgot to mention it. And yes, they fight like cats and dogs, but it's slowly improving.) Back to the overnighter. It was wonderful! First time in seven (yes, that's the number 7) years! We went antiquing in Strasburg and brought home some beauties! My kitchen is now proudly displaying a late 1800's wide plank farm table with one drawer. Also got a dough trencher with handles in original red paint from the same dealer. I hardly look around anymore, I just head to this one man's booth in the Strasburg Antique Mall and that's all I need to see! ;-) We visited Eldreth Pottery and hubby bought me a stunning bowl to match my crock I bought last year with my sisters on a trip. We've been collecting their pottery for nine years, just about. Love it, and it's worth a look-see if you are in the area or check them out online. They are fabulous people as well! We stayed at the Historic Strasburg Inn which had kinda small rooms, but clean and quiet. We ate a lot, finished sentences without being interrupted, rode together in silent bliss, and enjoyed each others company. And what a joy it was to see two little boys running toward you when we pulled into the driveway at home. We are blessed!
Yes, we also did shopping for the website and shoppe. Especially for the website, and I will post pictures here as well!
That's about it, nothing too exciting, but sweet and simple as always, and just the way us Elliott's like it.
Many Blessings!
Mary Jo
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Customer Appreciation Day in the Shoppe
Just a reminder that on Saturday, June 27, from 10-5 we will be holding our Customer Appreciation Day here at our retail shoppe in Springville, PA!
The ENTIRE shoppe will be 10% off, there will be a free gift with every purchase and a door prize drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the shoppe!
We are stocked full of goodies with some incredible new handcrafted items, Americana decor, decorative plates from the Hearthside collection, treenware and much more. We have been extremely busy here in the shoppe and online, so we are bringing in fresh, new merchandise nearly every week! There's always something new, and we hope to see you soon!
And don't forget, the Springville United Methodist Church is holding their annual Strawberry Festival this Saturday, so stop by and visit us if you are going to the festival.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
The ENTIRE shoppe will be 10% off, there will be a free gift with every purchase and a door prize drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the shoppe!
We are stocked full of goodies with some incredible new handcrafted items, Americana decor, decorative plates from the Hearthside collection, treenware and much more. We have been extremely busy here in the shoppe and online, so we are bringing in fresh, new merchandise nearly every week! There's always something new, and we hope to see you soon!
And don't forget, the Springville United Methodist Church is holding their annual Strawberry Festival this Saturday, so stop by and visit us if you are going to the festival.
Many Blessings,
Mary Jo
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