Friday, December 31, 2010

Cheers! Its The New Year!




The presents have all been opened, the goose has been cooked, eaten, and turned into broth, and now it's time for champers! How and where will you be having yours?

Mrs. Birch Store will be entertaining the usual suspects in her home, where everyone is asked to share a poem with their toast.

I'll be bopping from a super bonfire/sledding party (if there is any snow left – it's downright balmy out there!) to a braised bison (yes, BISON!) short ribs dinner whipped up by my nearest and dearest at Greenpoint foods.

We'll all be toasting champagne, (or more likely the prosecco recovered form my wedding) in these etched glasses.

I am slightly obsessed with these glasses. I have been for years. Here's the thing, I'm not craaaaazy about stemware. It's fine, but I'm clumsy, so we're not always a good match. These flutes (the slender pretties in the back) ditch the stem without ditching the elegance. Even more exciting for me, (Calamity Jane posing as Audrey Hepburn) is the fact that they are all delicate and light feeling and looking, but are made from the same glass as chemistry beakers, so in fact they are super durable. (As someone who has literally smashed a glass in the act of cheers, this is a quality I look for.)
Flutes: $9.50; Medium glass: $8.50; Small Glass: $8.00; Bowl: $14.00

Happy Happy New Year to all of you! See you next year!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Holiday Lottery Winners!


Here it is folks, the moment we've all been waiting for! presented by my husband, the ham!
The winners are....

Congratulations to the winners! Thanks to all of you who read the new Birch Blog! We're having a great time and hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Happiest of holidays to all of you!

Monday, December 20, 2010

The last Day of Chrismukah: Keeping it Cozy

Super Soft 95% Merino Wool, 5% Cashmere Throw
54" x 71" $230 $184




Hello, Friends. This is it. The last day of our 20% off Chrismukah sales. Tomorrow we will draw and post the three lucky winners of the Holiday lottery! Every time you purchase a promoted sale item your name is automatically entered into the Holiday Lottery. This is your last chance to enter to win a $50, $100, or $150 gift certificate to The Birch Store. Happy Holidays! Woot woot!


We have been doing our best to keep you and your loved ones warm and cozy for the holidays, and today's post is no exception. These exquisite throws are absolutely dreamy. We discovered them last year at the New York gift show, and fell in love immediately. We met the designer, Sarah, a lovely Irish ex-pat who is all about the quality, beauty, and functionality of native Irish textiles. She has done an amazing job of combining the tradition of fine Celtic craftsmanship with fresh new colors and elegant patterns; the blankets feel both nostalgic and modern all at once. What first drew us into her booth were the unique colors on display, and as soon as we touched the blankets, we began writing an order: the appeal of these throws is that impressive. The blankets are all meticulously crafted in Ireland using the highest-quality wools. My husband and I received the bright red merino/cashmere one as a wedding gift; an evening at home doesn't pass without it being put to good cozy use. Just ask Dorothy.


100% Lambswool Throw $215 $172
100% Lambswool Throw $215 $172

100% Lambswool Throw $215 $172
Our Resident Cozy Specialist

Saturday, December 18, 2010

One More for Keeping Warm: Cashmiracle on Main St

It's the weekend! Today's Chismukah 20% off sale is good for today and tomorrow!
No new post tomorrow.
Every year I have to relearn the same lesson. I come back from Thanksgiving vacation, and there he is: Old Man Winter breathing his nasty frosty breath on me, and every year I turn my head and try to ignore him and continue wearing cotton ankle socks. Then around Christmas time my cranky, cold, clammy (eeeeew) feet speak up. LOUDLY. They're all, "Hellew! Remember how much we all love cashmere? Remember warm, cozy, moisture-wicking goodness? Can you wise up and take care of us a little better? Do you think it's cute to abuse us while we carry you around all day? (BTW, maybe lay off the holiday cookies, jeez.)" I tell them to pipe down, and to take their cookie complaints to the taste bud department, but I know they're right. The battle against winter is won simply; all it takes is the right clothes (and at least one vacation). Et voila! Cashmere (for soft warmth), wool (for moisture-wicking wamth) and nylon (for durability) blend socks. Treat the feet; they deserve it.
Men's and women's socks (ankle and knee-high)
$18.95 - $23.95, $15.16 - $19.16
Baby socks: $13.50 $10.80
Call or email for complete selection of colors and sizes.

Women's
Men's

Women's
Women's



Baby

Baby


















It's truly a Chrismukah cashmiracle! Why should the feet get all the glory? Your ears had to listen to all their whining! YOU GUYS! 100% Cashmere hats! The softest, warmest, coziest dream. Hooray for cashmere!
Don't forget: All Chrismukah 20% off sale purchases automatically enter your name into the Holiday Lottery. On December 21st we will draw three lucky names to receive a $50, $100 or $150 gift certificate to The Birch Store. Happy Holidays!
100% CASHMERE Hats $62 $49.60

Friday, December 17, 2010

The 8th Day of Chrismukah: Psychadelic Pigs


I found this cookbook at my mom's and immediately stole it. I was attracted to the magical hues of fluorescent pink and orange. Whats up psychedelic pig? What kind of cooking do you teach? Turns out it's sort of a cult classic: The Art of Charcuterie by Jane Grigson (the original 1968 edition). Jane is pretty hilarious in a dry, condescending sort of a way, "Chop all of the other meat finely. Put it through a grinder if you must, but the ideal is very small dice." She is not particularly instructive, making claims that seasoning is a personal affair and includes "etc." in her list of unmeasured suggested spices.

The pate before going in the oven.
Needles to say, I was so taken with this book I decided to spend my birthday (and a few days before it) devoted to making the classic Pâté de Campagne. It turns out pâté sans liver is a glorified porkityporkporky meatloaf, and it's amazingly delicious. Like, seriously amazing. (Why yes, that IS a lattice of fresh cut smoky bacon covering the top.)

pâté spreaders $22 $17.60
What does this have to do with the 8th Day of Chrismukah?!? Well, for one it reaffirms my love for color in the kitchen and secondly it highlights the absence of a pate spreader in my kitchen, both of which bring me to the ever important introduction of Claude Dozorme to you. See that? It's all about YOU. I care about you people and trust me, your lives are incomplete if you remain with out these pops of color delivered by the highest-quality traditional French knives. Laguiole knives, named for the small village in Aveyron, France in which they are made, are traditionally these particular pocket knives. They have however expanded the style to steak knives, corkscrews, cheese knives, pâté spreaders, etc., all with the signature insect emblem. (Is it a bee or a fly? There is much debate)The style has in fact expanded worldwide, leading to many manufacturers around the world creating inferior products. We, of course, present to you the real thing, manufactured entirely in their traditional factory in France and finished individually by hand. These darlings last for generations. Hostess gift? Cheese knife. Stocking stuffer? Pâté spreader. Personal list? The set of six steak knives.
P.S. Don't forget (my mom taught me this): any time you give someone a knife they need to give you a coin (A penny is typical, but any coin will do) so as as not to sever your relationship. Often, the giver includes the penny – taped to the blade – for the giftee to give back as "payment" for the gift. Superstitions, folks, they're important.

Cheese Knives $22 $17.60



Set of 6 Steak Knives in Wooden Box
$144 $115.20
Currently available in: Bordeaux, Orange, Mixed Wood, Natural, Pink, Turquoise, Red, Tortoise, Beech, and Olive
Buy any one of these items at 20% off and your name will automatically be entered into our Holiday Lottery. On December 21st We will draw three lucky names to receive a $50, $100, or $150 gift certificate to the BIrch Store. Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The 7th Day: Drink Up, It's The Holidays!

$24 $19.20
Wine. Nearly all of the growns on your list love it, and a few of them may even consider themselves aficionados. These two nifty little gadgets are great stocking-stuffers. The Vinoglobe does the job of the decanter (unveils the full flavor by aerating the wine) with the advantage of taking up about one tenth of the storage space. (Anyone living in New York City on your list?) Plus, it looks – let me quote Prince (who I saw last night, along with a lot of New Jersey fans dressed in purple, yes, it was ah-MAY-zing) Cee-Oh-Oh-eL and is hard to find.

One Fish, Two Fish, Wood and Brushed Forged Steel Fish. Many wine keys in this world are lousy and annoying, this one works! I have one. 5 easy turns and the cork is out. What more do you want from a corkscrew? Oh, for it to look nice? Special? Well, here you go. You're welcome, enjoy!

$16.95 $13.56

The same 20% Chrismukah rules apply: By one or both of these items and automatically have your name entered (multiple purchases, mean multiple entries) into the Holiday Lottery. On December 21st we will draw three lucky winners who will receive a $50, $100, or $150 gift certificate.




Wednesday, December 15, 2010

6th Day of Chrismukah Sale is Warm and Fuzzy Inside and Out: WE WILL DONATE 150% OF TODAY'S BLOG PROMOTED SALES TO DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

Original Unisex Red/Black Plaid
 $36 $28.80
Original Unisex Red $36 $28.80

It is outrageously cold out there, both upstate and down. My ears nearly froze and cracked off while walking Dorothy to the wine store last night. It's time to break out the winter gear for real: the hats, the gloves, the scarves, the boots, the socks, all of it. It's here. (Eek) This is one of my favorite hats. I have it in navy. (Which I guess they don't do any more. Sorry. Don't be mad. Your coat is black anyway, right?) This original wool cap with fold-down ear flaps is legitimately timeless (it's been around since 1903) which makes it legitimately fashionable. It's lined with 100% soft cotton: extra warmth no itchiness. The band can be tied to make minor size adjustments and pulled down for extra ear protection. (Note to self and ears: move this hat from the winter storage box down to the mudroom rotation.)
Unisex Charcoal $36 $28.80
Lady Cap: Winter White $36 $28.80

The lady cap is basically the same, sans fold-down earflaps. The band still pulls down for ear reinforcements, has a comfy ribbed knit insert, and it comes in the dreamy winter-white. There are also original caps for the kiddos in red! Imagine the super cuteness of what I just said. Take a second. Let it soak in. Got it? Good. Cute pie.

Lady Cap: Chocolate 
$36 $28.80

Lady Cap: Eggplant $36 $28.80
Now that our ears are warm, let's get warm and fuzzy. The Birch Store will donate 150% of the proceeds from today's hat sales to Doctors Without Borders (wait, 150%? yep you read it correctly). So, please buy one for everyone you know with ears. Sizing reference is below, or as always, call or email us and we'll happily walk you through the division of Ï€.


Same rules apply. Every purchase of a Chrismukah Sale item automatically enters you into the Holiday Lottery. On December 21 we will draw 3 lucky winners to receive a $50, $100 or $150 gift certificate to The Birch Store. Happy Holidays and stay warm!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Analog Moments


Alarm clocks. For the most part they conjure up negative feelings, but somehow these little battery-operated friends got me feeling all sappy sentimental today. Bare with me a moment. I was just sitting here, thinking about alarm clocks, about how I don't really use them except when I travel because I make my cellphone do everything and it complies. (I'm hoping by next year it learns to mop). I set my alarm on my phone, and in the morning I press snooze as many times as possible and have generally checked my email, Facebook and Twitter accounts all before getting out of bed. It's too much! Why don't I have one of these sleek little pals waking me up? (Mom, you reading this? Stocking stuffer?) It's the places we go where we surrender our cellphones that lead to some of our best experiences – Keene Valley and Burma come to mind for me – why not be reminded of these places each morning instead of the whirlwind of hubbub and grind? I realize I am turning alarm clocks into nostalgia. It may seem a bit obtuse, especially, when in fact these are highly designed and modern timepieces, but this is how I'm feeling about the matter. It's all about grasping for analog moments in a digital day. Boom.

As it turns out these clocks are uber-modern, designed to last, both aesthetically and functionally .
Some stats:
  • Durable ABS thermoplastic construction (THERMOPLASTICS, Mrs. Robinson!)
  • The Backlight and snooze functions are motion activated (Just swat at your clock and it reacts.)
  • It's analog, but virtually silent. Thanks to German UTS quartz movement (?!)
  • Extra-bold classic sans serif Arabic numerals
  • The hands and dial are luminous – also motion-activated – so you can seeeeeeeee them when you need to, and won't when you don't.
  • 4-step progressive alarm
  • Protective acrylic lens, traveling anyone?

Specifications:

  • Requires 1 ''AA'' battery (not included)
  • Overall dimensions: 3.5'' H x 3'' W
  • $28 $22.40


It's the 5th Day of Chrismukah and the same
rules apply. Every time you purchase one of our promoted 20% off sale items, your name is automatically entered into the Holiday Lottery. On December 21, we will draw three lucky winners to receive a $50, $100, or $150 gift certificate to The Birch Store. No limit to entries! Happy Holidays!

The Fourth Day of Chrismukah means 20% off The Earrings that go with Everything

It's Monday! Ack! Ah, but the Chrismukah sale continues, for six more days! Remember every day we'll be offering a new item at 20% off, and every sale item you purchase automatically enters your name in the Holiday Lottery. On December 21st we will draw three lucky names to receive $50, $100 or $150 gift certificates to The Birch Store. Good times, people, good times!

It's a simple fact of life: a good pair of hoop earrings can get you through a whole lot of outfits. These hoops are better than good. At 1.25" they are the perfect size – a versatile visible statement that doesn't door-knocker your onlookers over the head. The hammered metal is what I love the most about them – it somehow let's people know you are interesting. (Notice the enormo picture I've used – I don't want to cheat you out of the details!) Additionally, being a gold girl I can appreciate the 24K gold plated sterling silver – the look I want, at a price I can stuff my own stocking with. You silver girls are even luckier. 
24K Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Hammered Hoops: $50 $40
Sterling Silver Hammered Hoops: $39 $31.20

Saturday, December 11, 2010

The Third Day of Chrismukah is for THE CRYBABIES

We all have babies in our lives, even if they're not our own, and most of us love babies. They're cute and cuddly even though for the most part they look like little old men. One of my best friends just had a really cute BIG little baby girl. She is French, even though neither of her parents are. I haven't met her yet, but I  love her already. I digress. So, babies, one of their main activities is crying. Moms and dads therefore have a main activity called swaddling. It's a practice that's been around forever (ever seen a painting of the baby Jesus?) and it's all about wrapping the babe up all tight so they feel cozy and secure, plus it keeps them form scratching themselves in the night with their itty bitty fingernails. 


These swaddlers are all made of muslin - a super soft breathable fabric perfect for precious baby skin. They have a multitude of uses including  stroller cover, burp cloth, nursing shield, summertime and tummy time blanket, change table cover, portable crib sheets, to name just a few! Treat those crybabies (and their frazzled parents)!
100% cotton muslin 4 pack
"Big Star"
$44 $35.20

100% cotton muslin 4 pack
"Prince Charming"
$44 $35.20
100% cotton muslin 4 pack
"Mod About Baby"
$44 $35.20
100% cotton muslin 4 pack
"Alphabits"
$44 $35.20
100% cotton muslin 4 pack
"Starlight"
$44 $35.20
100% cotton muslin 4 pack
"Princess Posie"
$44 $35.20
100% cotton muslin 2 pack
"Camo"
$32.95 $26.36
100% bamboo muslin 3 pack
"Pyara"
$40 $32
100% bamboo muslin 3 pack
"Mela"
$40 $32



10 Days of Chrismukah Sale continues! Each day we will be offering a new item at 20% off. EVERY time you buy a sale item your name is automatically entered into the Holiday Lottery. One December 21, we will draw 3 lucky winners to receive a $50, $100 or $150 gift certificate to The Birch Store. Details here.



Friday, December 10, 2010

On the Second Day of Chrismukuh My True Love Gave to Me...


Our Favorite Gift Soaps!


Lightfoot's Pure Pine Soap is truly amazing. It smells like a fresh pine forest. Men LOVE it. So do women. It's made by the oldest soap manufacturer in the U.S and at one time was only available in private clubs (meow meow). It's all natural and ultra-moisturizing. It has a rich creamy lather, and, because it is a hard milled soap, it lasts a long time in the shower without dissolving or losing it's fresh scent. Use it after you play that game of polo. 
Box of four: $22 $17.60






Want the perfect complexion of a fair Swedish maiden? Apparently the secret lies in a long tradition of eggwhite facials! Who knew? These soaps are worth buying for the packaging  alone,(a real sturdy charmer of a box)
but beyond that, they work wonders. It's all about working up a rich lather and letting it sit on your face for a spell. The egg whites naturally draw out skin impurities and the rose water does the job of moisturizing. Dreamy.

Box of six: $22 $17.60





Yay for the second Day of Chrismukah!Here's how it works, for ten days we will be offering some of our favorite items at 20% off. Each item is on sale for ONE day only, but EVERY time you buy a sale item your name is automatically entered into the Holiday Lottery. On December 21 we will draw 3 lucky names to win a $50, $100 or $150 gift certificate to The Birch Store. Buying multiples? Get multiple entries. Have fun! Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Our Holiday Gift to You


Hello Friends!
This is it! Remember all of that excitement I was alluding to previously? Well, it's happening now.

Introducing: THE BIRCH STORE TEN DAYS OF CHRISMUKAH
 SALE & LOTTERY!

Starting today, for the next ten days we will be offering a new item each day at 20% off.  Each item will be on sale for ONE day only. Every time you buy a sale item by phone, email or in-store, your name will automatically be entered into the grand Holiday Lottery. On December 21st we will draw 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners who will receive $150, $100, and $50 gift certificates to The Birch Store respectively. It's like an old-school raffle, but instead of buying colorful tickets you buy things you actually want, and ON SALE! Plus, you guys, this blog is pretty new – I'm just saying, the odds are looking pretty good... Shopping, fun, and games! Weeeeeeee!Open 7 days a week 10 am - 5:30 pm
518.576.4561 * thebirchstore@gmail.com


DECEMBER 9,  The first day of Chrismakuh Sale Item is:
(drumroll, please)

THE FABULOUS RABBIT FUR LINED AVIATOR HAT!
(Hooray! Hurrah! Marvel!)

It's cozy, warm and stylish for both the guys and the gals. What more do you want from a winter hat?

Available in six colors for Adults: Buffalo Plaid, Brown Sable, Aubergine, Black, Burnt Orange, and Copper.
The solids are: $32 $25.60 and the Buffalo plaid is: $37.50 $30




And two colors for the kiddos: Pistachio and Burnt Orange 
$32 $25.60




PLease remember the fab head warmers are on sale for ONE day only. A new item will be offered tomorrow.