Our Question Last Week About Boot/Serving Trays

We asked how our customers use boot trays / serving trays and here are a couple of ways we use them. 

The first, the trend is to use high heels and flowers as centerpieces. We added his & her shoes, a purse and pearls. Use as a tabletop arrangement or to greet your guests to make a statement. 

For a nice Fall centerpiece, we used a pumpkin floral arrangement surrounded by fall vegetables.

One more beautiful arrangement using crystal serveware

Shop all our elegant boot/serving trays by clicking on the following link:  

TableTop and Serveware

Bat Week - Our Animal of the Month!

Bats make my skin crawl! They are  creepy and scary and deserve the bad rap they get in my opinion. But they’re an important species that impact our daily lives in ways we might not even realize. From pollinating our favorite fruits to eating pesky insects to inspiring medical marvels, bats are heroes of the night. 

Bat Week is held the last week in October, not just for Halloween but it celebrates the role of bats in nature and all the things that these amazing creatures do for us. 

Here are 13 amazing facts about Bats:

1.  There are 1,300 species of Bats worldwide; the US is home to 43 species.

2.  Not all Bats hibernate. 

3. Bats have few natural predators. Humans are their biggest threat.

4. Without Bats, we would not have bananas, avocados, and mangos. Over 300 species of fruit depend on Bats for pollination.

5. Night insects have the most to fear from Bats.

6. Bats are the only flying mammal.

7. Bats are small and fast. They can fly up to 60 mph.

8. Some Bats are at risk of extinction.

9. The longest living Bat is 41 years old.

10. Bats clean themselves, like Cats.

11. Baby Bats are called pups.

12. About 80 medicines come from plants that rely on Bats for their survival. 

13. Bats have belly buttons.

You can help to protect these amazing creatures by planting a bat garden or installing a bat house. To purchase a Bat house, click on the following link:

TheFamilyStore.net Bat House

For more information, visit the US Department of Interior's website at:

https://www.doi.gov/blog/13-facts-about-bats

New Product - Unforgettaballs! "Whet Your Want Button!"

Featuring the art of Emily Wolfson. The art on these collectable baseballs were created from original paintings and reproduced onto authentic baseballs. There are Unforgettaballs for all occasions. Designs include holidays, occasions, ballparks and stadiums, a great gift for all baseball fans and collectors.

As of today, there are 44 different Unforgettaballs to choose from. Here are just a few to whet your "want button"!

 

AND DON'T FORGET TO USE THE 15% OFF COUPON -

GOOD UNTIL NOVEMBER 16, 2016!

15% Off Coupon!

Save on your holiday budget - 15% Off!

We know that the holiday season puts a strain on the family budget. Buying presents for family and friends and co-workers is very expensive. When you put the costs for food and decorations in the mix, it can stretch the budget beyond breaking!

To help with costs, we are offering a 15% off coupon with this email.  You can use it for buying presents, serve ware, or just something you want for yourself. We have a great selection of gifts for all  those special people in your life. For those parties and feasts, our selection of tabletop and serve ware are the most unique and versatile you will find.  

To receive this discount, enter  Holiday15  in the shopping cart where it says "Use Coupon Code".  The coupon is good until November 16, 2016.

Want to receive an even bigger discount? Show us how you used one of our products, like our Papa John Muggly and we will send you a coupon for a 25% discount on your next order! We love seeing the imagination our customers have when it concerns our unique products. Email pictures to:  vicky@thefamilystore.net  THANKS!

Anthology Potluck Casserole Tote

For a limited time! We are offering the Anthology Potluck Casserole Tote until they are all sold out.

The Potluck is a two-tiered casserole tote with an insulated compartment to carry warm or cold items and a separate zippered entry section on top that can be used for shelf-stable foods, utensils, and the like. Handles at the back have built-in elastic loops to hold one large serving utensil. A framed window slot and ID card will help to ensure your Potluck will make its way back to your kitchen.

They comfortably hold a 9"x13" casserole dish and measure 7" x 16.5" x 10.75"; 8.25 lb. 

Carry your culinary delights safely and fashionably in our Anthology Potluck Casserole Tote to your next holiday party.  Visit  http://thefamilystore.net/catalog/tabletop-and-serveware/anthology-potluck-casserole-tote-16266.html   to get yours today! 

Hurry before they are all gone!

Versatile Boot Trays OR Serving Trays!

It's that time of year again -- bad weather brings rain and snow which can mean mud and slush brought into your house!  If you are like we are, we leave our shoes at the door so we don't track it all through the house.

You can use the usual door mats, we carry them as well, but how about upgrading the look with these wonderful Venetian Bronze or Iron boot trays? We have 8 styles to choose from and they make a great addition to the front or back door.  They are large enough to hold several pairs of shoes, boots, and umbrellas and are very easy to keep clean.

OR -- and this is what I like best -- they have several uses, very versatile.  They can also be used for serving trays! Of course I wouldn't use the same one for both purposes, yuck! They are so economical that you can afford to buy several and use them for what ever reason you like.

We offer one tray that is on wheels that is easy to move and is very unique.  If you are using them as a centerpiece in a tablescape, they make assembly of the piece easy by having the ability to put the centerpiece together in one place and moving it to the table when complete.

View our selection at:  Serving OR Boot Trays

Let us know how you use a serving/boot tray!

What is Tablescaping?

Tablescaping is more than just a tabletop arrangement.  They are centerpieces, design plans, - the look that completes the table and blends in well with the surroundings.

Each item complements the other ones and incorporates the season or occasion being celebrated. The table should be balanced and repeat color, texture, and scale. Items can be mix-matched, but there should be a reason for them to be incorporated into the design.

Tablescapes can be formal or informal, depending on the occasion. You can either dress up just the table or carry the decorative art to any other surface in the room.

Tablescapes are works of art, expressions of love from the hostess that create a sense of joy among the guests that make them feel special and glad to be a part of the festivities.

Entertaining Season Approaching!

Saturday is October already!  The stores are already stocking for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you aren't careful all the Halloween decorations will be gone before Halloween even gets here.

Are you planning a Halloween party and need tabletop and serveware? Why not buy things that can be used for Halloween and then used again for Thanksgiving and Christmas and even the New Years celebrations?

We carry tabletop serveware from Fabio Viviani from Top Chef fame. Each item is of the upmost quality and I guarantee no one else will have one too.  Inspired by Viviani's rustic, gourmet cooking style, this premier line of products features items that both assist the at-home chef during cooking, and add style to the presentation.

Three acacia pedestals of varied dimensions nest together compactly for storage and convenience and provide a lovely display for your table. Each wooden tray table has an inlaid double-sided iron skillet which can be used for hot or cold foods. Here is Fabio talking about his great collection on YouTube:

Fabio's can be used for either casual entertaining or a formal presentation of the finest cuisine.  Check out Fabio's and all our other entertaining pieces at:

Tabletop & Serveware for Entertaining

2016 Product Updates!

We have continually added products each month that meet our high standards of quality and uniqueness. Each product has been selected because the cannot be found on every website on the world wide web. Products that have been added since Christmas 2015 are:

Tabletop and Serveware

We don't stop entertaining at Christmas or New Year, there are birthdays, weddings, Easter and many other celebrations that occur all year long. Bring variety to your tabletop and serveware with products that not only help serve but appeal to the eye and palate.

  

The Fajita Station has an Acacia serving tray with 8" ceramic tortilla warmer, 8" cast iron skillet, and three ceramic garnish dishes. 18" x 14". 11.85 lbs. This makes a serve-yourself fajita party eye appealing than just individual bowls of food.                                   

Symphony Appetizer Serving Set

The versatility of the Symphony is truly impressive. It works with hot food, cold food, or messy food with ease. Buy it for Homegating, use it all year long for parties, family dinners and if you take out a bowl, a cute smiley face delight for your children.

We have also added slate and Acacia serving trays and bowls make the party even more festive and give the table a high class feel. Many of our tabletop and serveware are products from a Top Chef contestant Fabio Vivianni.

Garden

Since we have started raising our own chickens, we have added bird feed, peanuts, suet, mealworms, grubs, and nectar to our garden decor.  Previously, we have carried not only decorative and functional birdhouses and birdfeeders. We thought it was high time we added treats as well.

We carry nectar for hummingbirds, meal worms for birds and many other items to feed wild birds.  Click on the above Garden link to view all of our offerings. The birds will thank you!

Other products are continually being added so please visit TheFamilyStore.net and find everything you didn't know you needed but have to have!! 

Product Spotlight -- Wrought Iron

TheFamilyStore.net carries an extensive line of wrought iron products including: Giftware, Lawn & Garden, Home Interior Accessories, and Candleware to add charm and beauty to your home & yard.


Our vendor has been family owned and operated for over 33 years. During that time, they have made major shifts internally to make sure our Customers / Buyers are given excellent service as well as superior products.

Their products are proudly made in the USA since 1975 by American craftsmen, supporting American workers.   All products are lead free, only high quality domestic materials used. The wrought iron has a flat black powder coating that is baked on to ensure our customers will enjoy each piece for many years.

We have been carrying this line of wrought iron products for over 10 years and have rave reviews.  Try them you will like them too!

Bird of the Month for October

Blue Jay

• Blue Jays aren’t actually blue. In fact, the pigment in their feathers is brown. Scattering light in the structural parts of the feathers causes us to see the blue coloration.
• The oldest known wild Blue Jay lived to be at least 17 years 6 months, which is nearly two years older than the oldest recorded Northern Cardinal.
• Blue Jays are omnivores, but they mainly stick to vegetation, berries, acorns and more. While they are infamous and sometimes loathed for eating the eggs of other birds, this behavior is actually quite rare.
• With the ability to mimic the calls of hawks, like the Red-shouldered Hawk, it’s believed that Blue Jays use the calls as a warning or to trick other species.
• Sometimes, Blue Jays take ants and wipe them across their feathers – a practice known as “anting.” Scientists believe they do this to make certain ants secrete their harmful spray, so they’re fit for digestion.
• Blue Jays form monogamous relationships that can last multiple breeding cycles. A pair will usually stay together until one of them dies.

Reference: backyardchirper.com – 10 Interesting Facts About Blue Jays by Timothy Martinez Jr.

Please be sure and visit our website for all your birding needs:  TheFamilyStore.net

Reset your bookmarks!

It is time to reset your bookmarks! As of October 4th, our new and improved website is now on-line.  All links to thefamilystore.net have changed.

I am very proud of the new website. It has improved maneuverability, easier to see pictures, more functions such as wishlists, gift registry, gift certificates and emails to friends.  You may either establish an account so that it is easier for us to contact you. We still completely protect your identity and information, that is still paramount with me!  But if you do not wish to establish an account, you may still shop without one.

There are also new products from new companies such as cast iron cookware and home and garden decor.  Talk about lasting a life-time - these products will be treasures to hand down from generation to generation.  Collectibles from Roman, Thomas Kinkade, and Joseph's Studio are also new to the store.  Coming in the near future are blankets from Pacific Blanket and high quality bedding and bath items that I am very excited about.

I hope that you will find shopping with us even easier.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

 http://thefamilystore.net

Bird of the Month for August - Black-Capped Chickadee

• The Black-capped Chickadee has a short neck and a large head, giving it a rather spherical body shape.
• Chickadees aren't the most fluid flyers, often they bounce around while flying in flocks and on't stay long at a feeder; rather, they'll grap a seed to eat elsewhere.
• Black-capped Chickadees also sore feed, except they don't in one place, Typically they'll hide seeds in different spots and can remember thousands of these hiding spots.
• Chickadee calls are complex but work effectively. They have communicating information, predator alarms, as well as contact calls. The more "dee" notes in a Chickadee's call means a higher level of  threat.

Tips for washing your stuffed animal!

People don’t always realize you can clean stuffed animals, but, luckily, you can!

You can put stuffed animals in a typical washing machine. First, pre-treat stains like you’d do for your clothes. Use laundry stain remover, or even upholstery/carpet cleaner. Next, if the stuffed animal has any accessories like clothes, jewelry or battery cases inside, remove them temporarily. Those can be washed separately.

Find a white or light-colored pillowcase, and insert the stuffed animal inside. Tie the pillowcase securely; use a pin if necessary. Put the filled pillowcase into your washing machine and add some cool water liquid cleaner for “delicates,” along with fabric softener. Let the washing cycle run.

When the item(s) are finished being washed, transfer them to your dryer and use medium heat. For smaller stuffed animals, run the dryer for about 20 minutes, and for larger ones, about 45 minutes. If you want to, after drying use the “fluff cycle” for an extra five minutes if needed. You can also use a hair dryer on the animal, or let it dry naturally over a couple days.

Some stuffed animals shouldn’t go in the washing machine. If they’re stuffed very firmly or with styrene foam, foam beads or excelsior, give these animals a “dry bath,” sprinkling baking soda on the animal, letting it sit for about 15 minutes, and then brushing it off. You can also use a vacuum cleaner hose and brush attachment to dust your stuffed animal on occasion.

When your stuffed animal has minor stains that don’t warrant a full wash, try using a mild, all purpose cleaner and giving the animal a gentle “sponge bath.” For tougher stains, use a soft scrub brush with the all purpose cleaner.

If the stuffed animal has plastic parts that are dirty, use rubbing alcohol to remove the spots or stains.

If you suspect your stuffed animal has dust mites, place it in a plastic bag in your freezer overnight, and use a vacuum cleaner on it the next day.
 

New Gnomes from Toad Hollow!

A wide variety of Gnomes from Toad Hollow have joined our collection!  Meet Hippie Chick Janice, her boyfriend Hippie Dude Jerry and other friends like Elfin Jon and Marilyn Gnome.  They are joined by the like of The Fonz, Vegas, and of course Showgirl! Babs Poodle and Betty The Drive In show off their colorful pink uniforms reminding me of the wonderful 1970's I grew up in!

Bikers on Bikes are here along with Policeman Gnomes, Fireman, and Hunters, both man and woman! Top Gun, Sailor and Speed Racer join our gang as well. And as usual, there has to be a Poindexter in the club too.  See all our collection of Gnomes from Toad Hollow at:

http://www.thefamilystore.net/ToadHollow_Gnomes.htm

We're waiting for you!!

"Bird" of the Month - Monarch Butterfly

I love butterflies! I try to go once a year to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens and watch the Monarch Butterflies as they travel through Fort Worth.  You are able to interact with butterflies and it is an amazing experience.   Here are a few facts about Monarchs:

■ Monarch Butterflies have been known to travel as much as 5,000 miles in a year! They're also one of the few insects thats capable of making a trans-Atlantic crossing.

■Milkweed contains a chemical that tastes disgusting to birds. If birds didn’t associate that taste with the Monarchs, the butterflies would be nearly defenseless against them. Milkweed is the host plant for Monarchs, so if you want to attract them to your garden, make sure Milkweed is a prominent plant.

■During the larval stage of their lifetime, the Monarch Butterfly is completely dependent on milkweed.

■It's believed that the Monarch Butterfly uses the Earth's magnetic field to find the town of Angangueo, Mexico where it spends the winter avoiding the cold.

TheFamilyStore.net offers many butterfly-inspired products.  Just type butterfly in the search box and you will be provided with links to them all!

New Dog and Cat Products Available

We have obtained a new supplier of wonderful products for your dog and cat.  We are working on updating our website with even more products for your small pet as well. 

We are now able to offer a large variety of feeding and watering systems, containment, crates, beds and wonderful storage systems life the fire hydrant pictured here!  There are unique perches, play houses and scratching posts for your cat for both inside and outside play. Do you take your dog to the beach?? We have life vests for all sizes of pets.

Don't just seat belt yourself and your children in the car when you travel, your pet needs to be safe as well.  We have tethers and harnesses for all sizes to keep your pet safe in the car as you drive.

Check out all our pet products at:  http://www.thefamilystore.net/Dog_Cat_accessories.htm   We are constantly adding wonderful products on a daily basis.  Coming soon are training products for hunting dogs and show dogs as well.

American Goldfinch - Bird for the Month of May

American Goldfinch

• The American Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington.
  
  ■Goldfinches are usually easy to find throughout much of North America, except in deep forests. Their po-ta-to-chip flight call draws attention to them in open country. They’re most abundant in areas with thistle plants, and near feeders.
  
  ■Goldfinches are among the strictest vegetarians in the bird world, selecting an entirely vegetable diet and only inadvertently swallowing an occasional insect.
  
  ■As of May 2007, the oldest known American Goldfinch was 10 years 5 months old.
  
  See all our products such as feeders and nesting materials for Goldfinches and Goldfinch-themed items at:  http://www.thefamilystore.net/Goldfinch.htm

Fun Hummer Facts

Did you know.....?

• Hummingbirds beat their wings about 78 times per second. During a display dive, their wings can beat up to 200 times per second.
• They take about 250 breaths per minute.
• Their hearts beat about 1,260 times per minute.
• Their tongues can reach out over 2-3" and can easil;y be seen in a clear test tube.
• They have 1,500 feathers
• During migration they must fly 500 miles nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. To make the trip, they must eat enough so they weight 1 1/2 times their usual weight.
• They can fly at speeds of 60 miles per hour and can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, sideways, and even upside down briefly, but they can't walk.
• They consume half their body weight (1/8 lb.) in food every day. That would be like an average kid eating about 40 to 50 pounds of food a day.
• Average life span is 3-5 years. Maximum 12 years.

Above courtesy of Stokes Hummingbird book.

Hummingbirds are extremely loyal to feeding sites. A hummingbird that feeds in your yard one year will return to that feeder the next. As the male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is so territorial, one key is to offer lots of feeders. No matter what kind of feeders you decide to use, remember two Golden Rules: Keep the feeder clean and the nectar fresh. Hummers keep their distance from fermented nectar.


Want to watch a live streaming nest cam which shows a hummer building her nest? -- go to:
http://www.livestream.com/hummingbirdsociety

TheFamilyStore.net offers a wonderful collection of hummer products from nectar and feeders to hummingbird-themed products.  Go to: 
http://www.thefamilystore.net/Hummingbirds.htm

New products for spring!

The last few months I have been working on new products to offer for spring.  They are for your home and garden, children every one else you know. 

First, are children's hats.  They offer Smart Strap breakaway chin straps, internal sizing band for custom fits and most importantly UPF 50+ ratings. There are 3 colors and styles for boys and girls to choose from.  I am looking forward to also offering ladies and children's reversible sunhats in the very near future, stay tuned!  Children's hats can be viewed and purchased at:  http://www.thefamilystore.net/Kids_Hats.htm

Along with hats that provide protection from the sun, I now have a wonderful line of umbrellas.  I have fashion umbrellas that make a statement along with protection from the weather along with sports umbrellas and umbrellas for the children that make them want to use them and not get wet.  They are at: http://www.thefamilystore.net/Umbrella.htm

For your garden and the birds you love, we have added a great selection of Architectural & Functional Birdhouses.  This picture shows the Annapolis Lighthouse Birdhouse which is based on the historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse that is located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland and DC area icon, built in 1875, and now unmanned, is automated and remains an active weather station and navigational aid.  There are many other birdhouses depicting famous landmarks such as the Hotel California for Purple Martins.  It is spring, so the birds are returning, provide a wonderful house for them to return to!  They are located at:  http://www.thefamilystore.net/Bird_Residences.htm

Don't just dress up your yard, but make your mailbox stand out as well!  MailWraps are now joining our offerings. They are all-weather vinyl MailWraps brand mailbox cover. Meets all U.S. Postal requirements No tools needed. Attaches securely with built-in magnetic straps to standard metal mailboxes. An adapter kit is avaliable for plastic mailboxes. And more importantly, Made in the USA!

I am anxious to add more items from MailWraps such as their garden and home flags and Yard DeSigns. MailWraps can be viewed and purchased at:  http://www.thefamilystore.net/Mail_Wraps.htm

Along with our usual garden decor offerings we have added more wind chimes and bells, bird feeders, and for your home, great tables.   I am expecting in the coming weeks to add loofah scrubbing pads; the Luvali Reversible Hats; coasters, mugs, clocks, cuttings boards and more from Highland; wasp traps from Toland; and to join our MailWraps metal planters for mail boxes. Check back often and if you are looking for something in particular, please let me know!