As heartbreaking as it was to watch the fire ravage Notre Dame, here are the rays of hope I've come away with in the days since:

This church, home to the Catholic religion in Paris, has been a destination for all people of faith worldwide, welcoming over 13 Million visitors a year. Those pilgrims, whether Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Muslim, have found awe and peace in this sacred space because belief is bigger than a building, belief is bigger than how or whom one worships. Like many houses of worship, Notre Dame had an indescribable ability to connect you to your belief in a higher power, a higher purpose, or even a higher calling. And, it will again!

When we work together, we do incredible things, just as the architects, stone masons, and craftspeople did when they first created Notre Dame 850 years ago.  Remember this the next time you grow impatient, remember this the next time you watch the news.  Remember that we are a community...local, state, national, and global.  Each of us has a stake in what we become and our desires for that manifestation should not be at the expense of another community member.

Instead, practice peace.  Practice compassion.  Practice love.  It will be these virtues that will allow us, like the Phoenix, to rise from the ashes.

Through the end of this month, I am happy to be offering several wonderful gifts with purchase from Juliska, Simon Pearce, Andrew Pearce, and Mariposa. See the details below:

Juliska
$150 Juliska purchase, receive a Berry & Thread Utensil Crock ($55 value)
$250 Juliska purchase, receive a Berry & Thread Appetizer Platter ($95 value)

Simon Pearce
$125 Simon Pearce purchase, receive a glass Star Dish ($35 value)

Andrew Pearce
$150 Andrew Pearce purchase, receive a Live Edge Cherry 7" Bowl ($37.50 value)

Mariposa
$100 Mariposa purchase, receive a Beaded Round Frame ($36 value)

Now through April 30, 2019, while supplies last.

The mouth-blown creations of Simon Pearce are stand-outs in and of themselves, but now through April 29th you can make these pieces even more special with complimentary engraving done by Master Engraver, Mary Trefney. 

Mary will engrave 2-3 words for free on any piece of Simon Pearce glass valued at $50 or more and have it to you by May 10...just in time for Mother's Day and graduation.  

Come into the shop this week and see Mary's handiwork firsthand and pick the perfect gift for that special someone.

The 5 Keys to Al Fresco Entertaining

1. Beasts of Burden—I don’t expect you to line up a mule pack, but you will certainly need good trays to carry all those goodies out to the patio. Try Juliska’s Berry & Thread Melamine 24”  Tray.

2. Inside Out—Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t use indoor things...think draped & layered tables, dining room chairs and cloth napkins.  Build around Juliska’s Basque Stripe napkin.

3. Pest Control—Nobody likes DEET in their pasta salad. Look for natural alternatives like candles and organic sprays to deter any unwanted guests. Try using baking cups as drink covers.

4. Be Practical—Nope, that brick patio is not as forgiving as your dining room floor, so opt out on the fine china and set the table with worry-free dishware instead.  Try Juliska’s Isabella Acrylic Drinkware and Melamine Tableware.

5. Hold the Mayo—Trust me, nobody wants potato salad that’s been sitting in the sun for an hour. Instead, focus on less spoil-prone foods and put everyone’s fears to rest. Try oil-based pasta salads instead of mayo.

Don't have your very own bar set-up at home?  I've got you covered.  Start with these six bottles, add in a few mixers and liqueurs and you're ready to mix at least 20 different drinks.  Add some key hardware and glassware and the world is your oyster.

The liquor recommendations below are basic in their class that play well in mixed drinks.

Liquid Assets-6 Basic Bottles

1. Vodka—A pretty neutral spirit distilled from just about anything, including  potatoes, beets, and grapes. Recommendation: Reyka
2. Gin—Never described as neutral, you know exactly where Gin stands, distilled from juniper berries it is a strong aromatic. Recommendation: Beefeater
3. Bourbon Whiskey—This one is American through and through, distilled from corn, most Bourbons come from Kentucky. Recommendation: Old Forester
4. Scotch Whiskey—To be called Scotch, it must hail from the land of Braveheart. Distilled from malted barley, many Scotches have a smoky taste. Mixing recommendation: Famous Grouse
5. Rum—Distilled from sugarcane, Rum is the base for many a tropical drink and most comfortable when shaded by a tiny umbrella. Recommendation: Plantation, 3-year
6. Tequila—Made from the Blue Agave plant, this spirit can make you do very embarrassing things. Recommendation: Olmeca Altos Plata

 Plus a Few Add-On’s

· Cognac
· Dry Vermouth              
· Sweet Vermouth
· Bitters
· Campari
· Cointreau
· Soda Water
· Tonic Water
· Clamato Juice
· Ginger Beer
· Soft Drinks
· Citrus/Juices
 
Yields These Dividends

· Bloody Mary
· Boulevardier
· Cosmopolitan
· Daiquiri
· Gin & Tonic
· Jungle Bird
· Lemon Drop
· Manhattan
· Margarita            
· Martini
· Mint Julep
· Moscow Mule
· Negroni
· Old Fashioned
· Sidecar
· Tequila & Tonic
· Tom Collins
· Vodka & Soda
· Whiskey Soda
· Whiskey Sour