Elephant in the Room

You guys. Let's talk about the:

Photo via Wooster Collective

WHERE IS THE BIRCH STORE WEBSITE? What about ordering these special treasures I keep blabbing on and on about? Well, we're working on it; one step into the digital future at a time. We're looking to create a site that is both beautiful and functional as well as representative of the in-store shopping experience. Mark my words people, you heard it here first: 2011 WILL see the launch of The Birch Store website. I promise. 

In the mean time, don't be shy. Call us on our landline. Or email us. We're more than happy to answer questions, wrap and ship gifts and genuinely be helpful. 

thebirchstore@gmail.com  ~  518.576.4561




**Stay tuned, the 10 Days of Chrismukah SALE and chances to win gift certificates up to $150 starts tomorrow.**

Cut the Clutter: Special Help from Sane*ta!

It's getting to be that time of year again — complete chaos — lengthy to-do lists, a brain full of crafty ideas and ticking clocks, too many parties, with too many ingredients in the punch, and the kids are getting down-right batty. Let these cool canvas pals lend an organizational hand. Think ahead and make a space to hide the imminent mess. Make it a present, make it a "teaching moment" (put clothes in the owl and toys in the elephant). Get creative! Get cute! Get organized!

Storage bins are approximately 17.5" high, with 17" diameter. They are made from 100% organic cotton canvas and 100% eco-spun felt (from recycled water bottles!)

For the Fellas

Gentlemen, bros, dudes, guys, chaps, fellas, boys: listen up. This is how you should smell. Period. I almost don't want to write any more, but, I know y'all need a dash of convincing. It's called an "after shave". DO NOT let this frighten you. It is not Drakkar Noir. It is not a liquid. It is not cologne. It is a balm, a salve, a lotion. An amazing Shea butter based balm that will soothe your face after you shave. It will soothe your face any time, it can be used as a daily moisturizer. It is French. That is a good thing. It's scent is perfect. Literally perfect. So deliciously fresh in the perfect subtle way. I am not kidding with you people. You know in the movies when a girl leans in just a little closer to smell a dude? This actually happens. Every time. I don't know how to drive this home any harder. Don't believe me? Ask every guy I've ever dated, and my husband, and the man who married us, They will all tell you they love the way it feels and that I love the way it smells.

Pre de Provence After Shave Balm is available at The Birch Store for $15 (and Shave Cream for $16).

*** Blog launch promotion still good through December 5th,

15% off an entire purchase ***

(Sale items excluded. One use per customer.

Morning Coffee with a Splash of Color

I love color. Especially in my kitchen. I love coffee. Especially French press. It is obvious why I love this ceramic French press. I honestly don't really know how to make drip coffee any more, besides drip makers are bulky and not pretty to look at on your counter. I drink my coffee black, so the fancy-pants cappuccino makers don't call out to me, (or my bank). The French press is simple: boil water, grind the beans for 15 seconds, fill pot to the ridge (top of black) with ground beans, fill pot with boiling water, steep while doing one morning puttering task, press and drink. 

Forlife coffee press is currently available at The Birch Store in red, celery and white for $39.

Tea is not really my thing, I like it, I drink it on occasion, but I don't LOVE it. I know people who do. They just love tea and all that it stands for. I respect those feelings, they just aren't mine. So for all you tea-lovers out there, you can bring a pot of color to your kitchen as well: Curve teapot with infuser, $36, currently available in  lilac, sage, turquoise and paprika. Please inquire about special ordering other colors.

Launch promotion continues through December 5th. 15 % off entire purchase*! Just mention the Blog!

*sale item excluded. One time use per customer.

Ode to Cashmere I: The White and Warren Travel Wrap

Dear Birch Blog Readers,

Do you exist yet? Hoping you're a growing number. We are brewing up some very exciting holiday treats for you. (Sales! Contests! Give-aways! Oh my!) Stay tuned, December starts tomorrow.

Today however, is for waxing sentimental on the finely-spun hair from a goat's belly. Everyone who has visited The Birch Store knows, we worship at the altar of cashmere. We have an entire wall in the "ladies department" devoted to its luxurious softness: pullovers, cardigans, turtlenecks, boat-necks, cable-knits, dusters, ponchos, wraps; not to mention hats, gloves, scarves and throws to be found elsewhere in the shop. One might even say: we're obsessed! It's hard not be, right? The feel of cashmere is inimitable. You know in a second if it's the real thing, and then the swoon-y desire sets in...

The Travel Wrap from White and Warren - have you met it? You must. Let me introduce you: Giant Rectangle of Cozy Perfection, these are my friends, the Birch Blog readers.

Mine is black and I don't get on a plane without it. Its traveling functions are endless, here are but a few I have employed thus far:

1. Teaching Tool: Lead by example; let the dreadful Juicy sweatpants-wearing hordes know that it IS possible to look chic and remain cozy while traveling. I like to wear it loosely draped around my neck: high-drama look with easy-removal for security appeal. Plus you can stay warm en route without trudging your dumpy winter coat to, say, the Caribbean.

2.Plane Blanket: Bien sûr. Forget those dreadful navy fleece squares that now cost money and still stay warm.

3. Curtain from the World: Red eyed from getting up (or staying up)for an early flight? Crying over a recent break-up or bittersweet good-bye? Curl up in that seat and hpull the wrap right over your head, be cozy and shut the world out. Who cares if you look like a cashmere blob in 12F, you're now alone with your thoughts.

4. Dog Smuggler: Did you know airlines charge a minimum of $100 to fly your fur-baby EACH way on a plane?!? I reject this price. The Goose travels in a dog bag that could pass for a sporty
purse (airport employees don't know "sporty" isn't my look) and the wrap casually drapes over any suspicious parts of the bag (or her head if she has managed to shake the tranq and pop her nose out.) We pass the ticket counter(self check-in kiosks are preferable) and boarding pass/ID check this way. She comes out of the bag for security (they don't check if you have a dog pass)and back under wraps for boarding. Once we're in the air the sleepy girl gets on my lap and travels peacefully, smuggled out of view by the beloved wrap.

5. Bed Blanket: Whether you're traveling to cold or warm climes, the bedroom is likely to be too cold. (What is up with setting the
air conditioning to sub-zero? I came to the beach for a reason!)I throw the wrap over my bed blankets for added warmth, or in extreme cases, wrap myself in it and then get under the covers.

6. Dressy Wrap: Again, with the air conditioning. You're all dressed up and your new tan is sporting goose pimples because the restaurant thinks you'd enjoy Adirondack winter temps rather than warm ocean air. Bring your wrap - you were smart and bought it in a neutral color, so it goes with everything. (OR maybe you're just that bold and know how to work your jewel tones!)


Travel wraps measure 36 x 81 and are available at The Birch Store  for $275 in: Mauve(not pictured, but looks violet)

Porcelain White

Charcoal Heather

Pewter Heather

Teal  

 Purple Heather 

Magenta

True Red

Loose Jersey Wraps measure 20 x 75 and are available at The Birch Store for $176 in: Grapefruit (not pictured, deep ruby coral) Mauve (not pictured,looks violet)

True Red

Violet

Porcelain
White

Magenta

Celery Green

Black

Teal

Peacock Blue

*** Blog launch promotion still good through December 5th, 

15% off an entire purchase *** 

(Sale items excluded. One use per customer.)

American Express Small Business Promotion

American Express is supporting small businesses TODAY with a special promotion. Register your American Express card and automatically receive $25 credit on your statement for any purchase of $25 or more at participating small businesses. You guessed it - The Birch Store is participating! Be sure to use our Birch Blog promotion for 15% off, as well!

Celebrate the Launch Of the Birch Blog with 15% off at The Birch Store

To celebrate the launch of our new online outpost we are offering a special promotion! Call, email or stop by The Birch Store between now and December 5th and mention the BIRCH BLOG promotion to receive 15% off of any purchase up to $200.* It's not a secret - be sure to blab our new blog!

*Sale items excluded.