a man named pearl

My new chalkboard was inspired by a show I saw this week on HGTV. The show is about a name named Pearl Fryar and his beautiful garden. If you have the chance to watch it I recommend it! It's inspiring.

Also, Vivian, the keeper of the gift shoppe is not surrounded by a fresh spring table setting! It's amazing how you can make something look brand new with a few small changes.

it's been a while

This past week has been quite busy. With the party and beginning to get things ready for spring, my time for blogging has been limited. With spring on its way (even though the 'calender' says it's already here) I do feel re-inspired for the coming months. It's been a long winter.

Anyway, an update on my seedlings. Things are not going as well as I had hoped. Many of the things I have planted did not come or only three or four (of twenty) came. Needless to say I'm disappointed. I not exactly sure what happened. Its very cold here and I think the temperature has affected some of the seeds. Many just never sprouted, some that did are very tall and skinny (not good). I think some of the seeds go too wet as they eventually turned to mold. Yuck!

So far here's what worked:

Snapdragons - about 1/3 took (I planted 72). The seedlings are very skinny and tall... this isn't a good thing. I'm giving them lots of love, light and attention with hopes the will survive.

Begonia - again about 1/3 took (I planted 18). The ones that sprouted are coming along nicely.

Petunias - the worst... I don't believe any took. I ordered more seeds.

Impatiens - 3 out of 12.

Basil (2 types) - All worked really well. See...

Mint (all varieties) - no success - I have some seeds left. I'll plant more when it's a bit warmer and I can set them outside in the sun.

Coleus - All worked really well. I have about 20 total! I love this stuff. Looks beautiful...and it's just foliage!

Lantana - One of my favorites. Out of 20 only 5 sprouted.

Millet - This was the first to sprout - out of 6 only one survived, but it's doing great!

Green Envy, Hibiscus, Bells of Ireland - no success (ordered more)

Recently I planted about 7 varieties of geraniums. These are my favorite! I planted them in the bio dome. It's been about a week and almost every single one has sprouted! I'm so excited! If they all survive I'll have about 80! Thank goodness something worked!

Next year I will plant EVERYTHING in the biodome! It works so well. Expect for mint. :(

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the update and the photos. I promise to post more. I'll keep you updated on the seedlings.

i forgot how great these are

Today, as I rearranged the store for spring and the party on Saturday I 'rediscovered' the collection of cards I decided, long ago, to sell. Back when I was living in Philadelphia I discovered this card designer in a small gift shop and knew instantly that 'someday' I too would sell these cards.

Although often over looked in the Gift Shoppe these cards carry such a positive, whimsical and down-right happy message. The colors and colleague-style layout is so fun. I don't know who wouldn't LOVE to get one of these in the mail. Here are some of my favorites. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Stop by to see our collection or visit the Curly Girl website for even more great products.

New from Naturally

Our favoirte bath and body line, Naturally, from Upper Canada Soap, has come out with a delightful new fragrance that Old Charm is proud to carry.

Warm Honey Nectar

Naturally products are truly nourishment for your body! Free of parabens, mineral oils, SLS and synthetic dyes, this botanical-based line is made with all-natural ingredients with known restorative properties to nourish the skin.

The large and mini hand and body lotion is currently available at Old Charm Gift Shoppe along with four other scents. Stop in today or visit us on Saturday during our Spring Open House.

the kitchen smells amazing

I was looking for some 'baking inspiration' and my mom remembered she had some rhubarb frozen from my grandma's garden. With spring on the horizon it was time to use up what was stored away for days exactly like today. Wow. It sounded delicious, but what could I make?

I researched the internet for recipes and I found one with great potential. With some minor adjustments, based on the reviews (thank goodness for reviews! A must read when available [you might as well learn from other's mistakes to prevent some of your own]) the recipe turned out great! All I need to do now is serve with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream! YUM!

Rhubarb Crisp

- 1lb fresh rhubarb, cut into 3/4in pieces (aka... 4 cups ... oh and mine was fresh.. but frozen)

- 3/4 cup sugar

- 1 1/4 cup AP flower

- 1 tsp Cinnamon

- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/2 cup old-fashion rolled oats

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (aka...1 stick), melted...but cool

Combine rhubarb with sugar, 1/4 cup flour and cinnamon (and I added a couple drops of red food coloring - makes it look brighter) and transfer to a 8X8 inch pan.

In a bowl combine remaining 1 cup flour, brown sugar, rolled oats and butter. Mix well. Sprinkle over rhubarb mixture and bake 35 mins until top is golden and rhubarb tender. Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

i love parties

I'm not sure if you heard, but Old Charm is having a party and I couldn't be more excited! There's something about parties I have always loved - people getting together (under typically happy circumstances), talking-chatting-laughing and enjoying great food and drink! With these uncertain times, I think people should take more time to have parties and enjoy life's simple pleasures. It doesn't always have to cost a lot of money to have a fun time!

Anyway, in an effort to rush spring as much as possible I (with a huge help from my sister-in-law) am holding Old Charm's 1st Spring Open House! My sister-in-law sells Pampered Chef products and had the idea of having an Open House to showcase their newest items. What a great idea!

The party is Saturday, March 21st from 12pm - 3pm. There will be exciting new products to see, some delicious snacks and plenty of good company. So, even if your pockets are empty, please stop by to say 'Hello!' Maybe even book a Pampered Chef party of your own! I had one in the Fall of last year and 'earned' tons of free stuff that I use religiously!

Take a moment, or and afternoon, to have a party of your own or stop by to enjoy ours. Hope to see you Saturday!

Oh!.... and don't forget to check us out on Facebook.

what's better than chocolate chip cookies?

...really BIG chocolate chip cookies!

I was in the mood to bake but didn't want to go to the store to buy tons of ingredients. So, I searched through my cupboards and found that I had everything I needed to make chocolate chip cookies. Yum.

I then began the search through my cookbooks and found a great recipe for extra large chocolate chips cookies. Perfect. Can you believe this is actually the first time I've made chocolate chip cookies from scratch?!

Anyway here's the recipe. They are delicious! And the size of them is great! Tie three stacked together with a ribbon and go out and make someones day!

'Why Are They So Big' Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

3/4 c. butter, melted

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1 T. vanilla

6-oz milk chocolate chips

6-oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Sift flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl, set aside. In a large bowl beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until well blended. Add egg, egg yolk and vanilla; beat until light and creamy. Add flour mixture; stir by hand until just blended. Do not over mix. Stir in chocolate chips.

Form dough into balls, 1/4 cup at a time (mine were a little smaller - I used a medium sized ice cream scooper to keep the size consistent); arrange 2 inches apart on greased or paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes, or until edges are golden. Cool on baking sheets for several minutes, cool on wire rack. Makes about 15 cookies.

spring is coming

The sun is shining, there are no clouds in the sky and it's supposed to be in the 40s for at least the next 10 days!! Finally. I hope this means the end of winter.

Inspired by the weather I decided to update my chalkboards. Hopefully they will excite you for spring too!