TheFamilyStore.net News

2010-03-08T10:02:00.001-08:00

Need help in choosing the items to use in your flower arrangements? Here are a few tips to using candle rings, climbers, swags, and garland in your decorating:

1. For 1" Candle Rings:
a. most taper candles & taper holders
b. chandelier decorating
c. cake decorating
d. gift box or bag adornmens
e. Christmas tree ornaments

2. Climbers
a. Most taper candles & taper holders. Note: climbers feature a "tail" that can wrap around
the taper candle.

3. 2" Candle Rings
a. most standard votive holders.
b. candle lamps
c. napkin rings
d. curtain tie-backs

4. 3" Candle Rings
a. standard 3" pillar candles
b. small to medium vases

5. 4" Candle Rings
a. standard jar candles
b. small vases

6. 6" Candle Rings
a. large pillars
b. large vases
c. 3 and 5 piece stem sets

7. Wreaths
a. door and wall hanging
b. large centerpieces with candle groupings
c. vases and bowls

8. Swags
a. wall hangings
b. hang above mirrors and pictures
c. use as a table or buffet centerpiece with stem type candle holders
d. mantel decoration

9. Garlands
a. mantel decor
b. doors and window decor
c. staircase decor
d. centerpiece by draping down table

If you have any other suggestions or questions regarding our tips and products please contact us at vicky@thefamilystore.net

Have fun creating!

Trade Days USA - Texas Motor Speedway

2009-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Family Store will have a booth this weekend - April 25 - 26 - at Trade Days USA at Texas Motor Speedway. Come see us! Our booth is #D12.

We will have the following items there:

our animated plush animals (view them at: http://thefamilystore.net/Animated_Plush.htm )

our Silk Flower Arrangements (http://thefamilystore.net/SilkFlowerArrangements.htm );

plush animals (http://thefamilystore.net/CuddlyBears.htm )

along with garden accessories, candles, candleholders and vases and a whole lot more!

Come meet us in person!

2009-04-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of new things happening to The Family Store! We have just undergone a complete re-design of our website, thanks to my marketing manager, Scott. I think he did a wonderful job. The site is now un-cluttered and easier to navigate. Please review it and let me know what you think!

We have added several new lines of products. One is kitchen accessories that make entertaining fun and delightful. Another is to the Toad Hollow line of Toads. I now have planters that have the same eyes as the Toads -- they follow you everywhere! Plus metal art with personality. Many more high-quality and fun products are to follow in the days ahead -- stay tuned!

Wedding Season

2008-05-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

It is now wedding season again! I remember this time last year I was preparing for my daughter, Valerie's wedding. The most difficult thing was that the wedding was not only going to be in a different city, but also a different state than where I lived AND she was living in a 3rd city. This meant that we did a lot of traveling to where the wedding was going to be! This year, I can just bask in the pleasant memories of how it really was a beautiful wedding and not all the pain and agonizing about whether we would be able to pull it off or not.

It helped that I have access to all the manufacturers that make everything imaginable for a wedding -- from silk flowers that look just like real flowers right down to the thorns to candleholders and vases. I carry LED candles that flicker and look like real candles without having to worry about dripping wax, flames going out in the middle of pictures, or even setting the church on fire. We actually have pictures where all the candles are lit. The wedding planner for the church was very happy that there was no wax spilled on the carpet.

Valerie wanted a rose garden style wedding so we used a lot of 6' silk rose garlands. But what do you do with 20 6' garlands after the wedding?? Well, I found a great idea from one of my suppliers to use them to create beautiful window treatments. I threaded a curtain rod through the loops of the garland and hung them above the curtain -- it created a wonderful and fresh look. Since we sprayed the garland lightly with Victorian Rose fragrance oil it also served as a room freshener! Once the garland gets a little dusty, just use your regular silk flower cleaner to keep them looking good and refresh with more fragrance oil.

More on what we did with the rest of the wedding decorations next time.....!

Be sure and visit us at http://thefamilystore.net

Measuring Plush Animals

2008-03-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how to measure stuffed animals? I didn't know there were different ways to measure them myself. But these guidelines can be very useful when you are buying on-line and can't touch the plush animal "live and in person." It is always useful to keep a ruler or measuring tape close to your computer so you can see exactly how large 14 inches is!

Here are a few guidelines so you will know exactly how large a plush animal is:

If the animal is in a sitting position - the legs sewn and attached in a sitting position, it is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the rump.

If the animal is standing or in a cuddle position - which means the legs are not sewn in a sitting position and when held up the legs hang down so that it can be sitting or standing, it is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet.

If it is a rideable animal, measurement is of the length - nose to base of tail.

Just a few tips to ensure that you are not surprised at the size when your plush animal arrives!

Binoculars -- What do those numbers mean??

2008-02-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what binocular numbers mean?? Well, binoculars are labeled with a set of numbers such as 8x30. The first number states the power of the binocular (8x or 8 power). The second number represents the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters (30mm). The diameter of the lens determines the light gathering ability of the instrument, with the greater light gathering ability of a larger lens translating into greater detail and clarity. This is especially useful in low light conditions and at night. See our line of binoculars from Magnacraft at http://thefamilystore.net/BinocularsMonoculars.htm

We are expecting to add a new line from OpSwiss in May. OpSwiss Binoculars come with a 50 year warranty, uses world class optical quality glass lens and are guaranteed to see clearly 40 miles or more!

Binoculars can be used for anything from bird watching, to hunting, to seeing performers on the stage from high in the balcony. I keep a set at home and in the car, you never now when you might need them.!

Search Engine

2008-01-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

We now have a search engine just for our site! It is currently located on the homepage, left column at the bottom. Just type in what you are looking for and it will search all our pages and return links to click on. You will not have to browse any one else's site but ours! Thank you Google!

Welcome to 2008!

2008-01-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

We are starting the new year by going back to Dallas Market to look for the new and unusual for you! We have just received 3 new animated plush animals from First & Main. Donovan the Bear who sings "Do Wah Diddy" will make a great Valentine's Day present! Sprinkles the Duck singing "Singing in the Rain" and Slap Happy the Penguin singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy" join our new line-up. Look for 8 more at the end of April!

We have started carrying the aromatherapy diffusers from Greenleaf, and they are above and beyond any other diffusers offered -- you also get a free bottle of fragrance with each diffuser along with free shipping, you can't ask for more than that! We also are available to search for those hard to find items that are seemingly impossible to obtain, so let us know if you are searching for something special.

We are now able to offer all of Oddity's line of floral, vases, and candleholders, especially the LED candles in 4 sizes. These are unlike the other offered, they really look real! I used them in my daughter's wedding last June -- they were perfect and we didn't have to worry about them burning out or spilling wax on carpet.

That's all for now, I'll let you know what I find at Market!

Thanks! Vicky

Reflective Wind Spinners

2006-06-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

We have added an exciting new product to our already wonderful selection!!

Reflective Wind Spinners! These are innovative wind spinners or mobiles made of 18 gauge steel and powder-coated for a highly reflective finish. As they spin they change shapes and seem to pulse. The finest quality workmanship is put into every piece. There are 3 sizes with a variety of styles to choose from. A Van Spinner exclusive only to The Family Store has just been approved for production and will be ready for purchase by the first of July. Whether you rely on the wind or add a motor these are great mood setters! Visit TheFamilyStore.net and click on each picture to see exactly what we're talking about!!

I'll be returning to Market on June 26th and hope to add a great many more quality products!!

Exclusive Suncatcher for TheFamilyStore.net!

2006-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Introducting an exclusive suncatcher designed only for The Family Store! This Van suncatcher embodies everything a true vanner stands for -- patriotism and a free spirit! Another exclusive item is a Van Wind Spinner, due at the end of May, along with leather goods and more!

The Family Store is not only offering these on-line but will be showcasing them at the specialty shows at eVants hosted by several Van clubs around the United States. The first show is "Spring Fever" sponsored by Vantasia Vans of Kansas City on May 19, 20, 21, 2006.

The ultimate eVant where the Van Suncatcher and more exclusive items designed especially for and by The Family Store is "The Nations Premier Van Event - The 2006 Van Nationals 34th National Truck-In hosted by Vanners Affair Inc. in Harrisonburg, VA July 19-23, 2006. For more information see http://www.34thvannatz.com

For more information about these shows or information on customizing other products, please contact me at vicky@thefamilystore.net

Stay tuned for more!
Vicky

Our great selection of products is growing!

2005-09-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

We have just been to the Dallas Market and have great new items to add to our selection that will make great Christmas presents! Great plush animals and toys, wrought iron products, and the most beautiful candleholders, vases and wall vases imaginable. These candleholders and vases are beautifully sculpted, cast in bonded marble and hand-painted, pictured on the left. These are expected to be available for shipment within a couple of weeks.

We have received the musical city/state snow globes from Seattle, San Diego, Houston and New Orleans and the music boxes from Thomas Kinkade and Ardleigh Elliott -- you will be impressed with the selection. View them at: Music Boxes: http://thefamilystore.net/Musicals.htm
City/State Musical Snow Globes: http://thefamilystore.net/Water_Balls_City.htm
We are expecting several new musical city/state water balls in -- featuring Mississippi, Houston, Memphis, and Florida. These make great souvenirs!

And as always, if you are looking for something specific, please let me know, I will try to help you find it!!

Suncatchers from AMIA and The National Wildlife Federation

2005-08-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Now Available!! The best suncatchers available from AMIA and The National Wildlife Federation. These are professionally produced and are the most colorful suncatchers available. They offer a wide variety and sizes, so more will be introduced at various times.

AMIA uses ripple glass which is a natural surfaced textured glass which results in a cathedral glass appearance.

The National Wildlife Federation presents an inspiring collection of suncatchers to educate, insire and assist in conserving wildlife and other natural resources to protect the Earth's environment.

New water globes coming -- City Globes from Seattle, San Diego, Houston and New Orleans.

We are going to be carrying music boxes from Thomas Kinkade and Ardleigh Elliott!! First shipment is expected any day now -- stay tuned!!

More new and exciting products are waiting in the wings -- can't wait to present them to you!!!

Talk to you soon,
Vicky

New Items Coming In!!

2005-07-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am really excited about some of the new items I have lined up for TheFamilyStore.net
First -- plush animals from First and Main! These are high quality stuffed animals with great personalities and cannot be resisted! The first shipment is expected within a week and I'll have the items available for purchase on-line within that time frame.

Next -- stained glass!! I have two suppliers that I can't wait to present. They carry everything from sun catchers to full window treatments, vases, platters, etc. They are high quality and very colorful. Will brighten your whole house!!

I also have new water balls from my favorite and best supplier that is due in this week! Check these out, they are great. I am also working on implementing a water ball club -- details very soon. If you have any ideas on this let me know!

More to come soon!!

Vicky
TheFamilyStore.net

Going to Market!

2005-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

I will be attending the Dallas Market on Monday, 6/27/2005 -- I can't wait! Though it is an extremely hectic and busy day. There are 3 building to go through with so many floors I lost count. If anyone is searching for anything specific please let me know -- there's no doubt I will be able to find it in Dallas!

I will, as always, be looking for more musical water balls, music boxes and figurines. But, this time I am on the hunt for suncatchers and stained glass treatments. I have a few suncatchers but I want to expand this to include stained glass that covers a full window. I am also looking to expand my line of plush animals. And, as always, there are so much offered at market there is no telling just what I will find to add to my line of products!!

Will let you know what I find!

Our First Blog!

2005-06-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Please let me hear from you! Please post any comments, questions, etc. that you might want to address. We will post updates here about what products are new and any other pertinent information that might be helpful to you while shopping with us. Hope to hear from all of you!
Vicky