BLOG.OLDCOMPANYSTORE.COM

Spring is in the Air

2009-04-03T11:32:00Z

Spring is in the Air!

April is just magical to me, the Daffodils peeking up, the sun shining, and friends coming out of winter hibernation. We have just the thing at the O.C.S. to make you feel like Spring!

Fashion Your Seat Belts!

Belts are a hot fashion accessory that can be worn with just about anything. Whether you are looking to add some shine to an outfit, draw attention to your waist or boost your style with some color, a belt is the answer.
Check out our new line of spring belts and scarves. The colors are vibrant, happy, and bring your darker, winter wardrobe into the light.

Checkout our facebook for images and lots of fun new ideas!

Vintage Cafe

2009-03-13T11:01:00Z

Vintage Cafe Brunch Bites
Sunday is our very first Vintage Cafe Brunch Bites. We want to welcome you to take a step back in time and experience the good old fashioned hospitality of years gone by. Enjoy a delicious sample from Chef Kurt and watch as he prepares delicious recipes for you to create at home. This Sunday is a surprise menu, but each following Sunday, we will post the menu on our blog or eblast. My Frequent Flyers can also check out our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wareham-MA/The-Old-Company-Store/63484356457) for quick and easy recipes that your family and friends will adore!

Here's a recipe that will please & delight! In keeping with the retro cafe theme, we will feature Coca-Cola Recipes!

Coca-licious Marinated Flank Steak

2 lb beef flank steak
1 cup Chili Ponzu Teriyaki (Earth and Vine)
1 cup Coca Cola
1 onion diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. veg. oil
2 Tbsp. Bay Beyond Hot Sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste (try our Fresh Grinds, they rock!)

Score steak with a knife and place in a Ziploc bag
Combine Chili Ponzu Teriyaki Sauce, Coca Cola, onion, garlic, vinegar, oil and Bay Beyond Hot Sauce whisk well to combine.
Reserve 1/2 cup of marinade, pour remaining over the steak, seal Ziploc & give it a shake and turn to coat. Chill for 2 hours or so
Remove Coca-licious Steak from fridge and bring to room temp 15 minutes
Preheat broiler and place rack 3" from heat.
Remove steak from bag and remove excess marinade. Season with S&P, Put onto broiler pan, broil for 6 min, turn, brush with marinade, broil for 6 min. for md. rare
Remove from oven
Cover with foil, let rest for 10 min
Carve Coca-licious Steak and serve with Cola Beans and veggies. MMMM< MMMMM Good

Cola Beans

6 slices thick cut bacon
1 lg onion diced
1 clove garlic
2 15oz cans cannellini beans, 1 can drained, 1 undrained
2 15 oz cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
3/4 cup Coca-Cola
1 14.5 oz can chopped tomatoes, drained
2 tsp dried mustard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
in a large ovenproof skillet, cook bacon over med-hgh heat until crisp.
Drain fat reserving 1Tbs fat, crumble, and set aside

Add onion and garlic and saute 5 min.
Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine.
Cover skillet or transfer to you favorite Bean Pot
Bake 1 hour until hot and Bubbly!

Don't have a Boston Baked Beans Pot? Grab a Baked Bean Pot from the Old Company Store! It makes the beans extra fabulous!

Lucky the Leprechaun

2009-03-04T19:01:00Z

Catching Up with Lucky the Leprechaun

Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I am Lucky the Leprechaun Woman! A Fairy tale for the 21st century!

    Once upon a time, there was a forest filled with lovely delights and treasures. These treasures included shiny flower jewelry, hand crafted pottery made by little elves, libraries for all ages of forest creatures and fine gifts for all!   Lucky the Leprechaun, who was in fact a woman (bet you didn't know that Leprechauns could be female!) loved her forest. She shared it with all her friends and neighbors. There was no finer forest in all of the land! Birds would fly for miles just to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and to find gorgeous flowers in which to decorate their nests. Every creature, big and small, felt welcome in her land. Lucky was very proud of the forest she created.

    Then one day, an Ogre visited Lucky's forest. He was big and mean and owned forests all over the land. He preyed on little forest Leprechauns everywhere! The big Ogre stole all of Lucky's fantastic gifts, Gobbled up all her wonderful ideas, snatched up all of Lucky's treasures, and spit them back out into HIS run-of-the-mill forest with boring ol' trees and un-imaginative displays of grass and leaves. But it was new to many birds and forest creatures, so they visited his forest for a while. They didn't realize that the Ogre charged more for his flowers and didn't offer his guests treats to make them welcome. Eventually, all the little birds and bees and forest animals visited the Ogre's forest for convenience's sake, leaving Lucky feeling not so Lucky.

    Now, we all know that there is really no such thing as Luck. There is hard work, determination, and more hard work. Lucky is more than Lucky, she is a super Leprechaun that will not leave her forest for Ogres to steal.   Ogres search out others' pots of gold and try to hide behind them, pretending their land is fairer than all. Our girl Lucky knows the truth, that hard work and love for your neighbors is what really makes a forest the fairest in the land.  Lucky will continue to share the riches of the forest with her neighbors. She will create a brighter rainbow that will bring her friends and neighbors back into her fields.

    Lucky is working night and day to make her forest different from the Ogre's. Imitation is the best form of flattery, but Lucky doesn't like to be flattered, she likes to be different! So here is Lucky's Newest Rainbow, it's different than you will see anywhere else because it comes from her heart. On March 15th, Lucky welcomes you into her new land. A special place that will remind you of what your neighborhood forest should be. Follow the rainbow to the Old Company Store and collect your pot of gold! A treat for you and for all you do to keep business local and our community strong. Please continue to shop all the stores downtown and all the little restaurants that you enjoy. Without the little forests and trees, with out the love and effort that goes into every "small business", the community will become sad and full of big box stores with no heart.   There is a moral to our story, hard work and dedication is worth all the effort, but without love and loyalty, there is no community. Thank you for being with us for 16 years strong. Bring this page in to the Old Company Store and get 50% off any piece of Cranberry Carded Jewelry or save it for the Grand Opening of our Vintage Cafe on March 15th for a special treat.

If you like this article, pass it on to a friend or just remind them to remember to shop their local businesses first.

February 2009

2009-01-28T18:13:00Z

                     Cupid, Draw back your bow …It is the Season of Love!
How many of you say “I hate Valentine’s Day” and mean it. We can’t have that! It is time to change that outlook and say “Valentine’s Day is for me”. “For me?” That’s right Ladies, for you, it is time for you. Love is all around you and it does not need to come from a lover. Take a moment and let the Love Bug give you some tips on how to embrace Valentine’s Day and let Cupid in.

This February 14th, take some time to visit the Old Company Store. We will be serving Pink Hot Chocolate, heart shaped cookies, and delicious hot coffee called Cupid’s Kiss. Enjoy some time for you as you stroll through our shop discovering things that are special. Perhaps you have had your eye on that special piece of Jewelry, (you know the piece, it has a romantic quote from Romeo and Juliet) or you have wanted to splurge on the delicious new Pomegranate Archipelego lotion…

                                         Don’t wait for Casanova to bowl ya’over!
Every Valentine’s Day, I send a surprise gift to someone I love. Usually it is my fantastic nieces and nephews, but sometimes I surprise an aunt, neighbor, co-worker, anyone who needs a little love. You will love the act of giving a surprise instead of waiting for Stupid Cupid. Here’s what you do, the OCS carries amazing truffles that will melt hearts. MoonStruck Chocolates are heart-shaped delectables. A box of joy! Treat someone to a love-ly little candle in the heavenly fragrances of Angel’s Embrace (BeanPod Soy Votive Candles only $1.99 each) or leave a little tin of tea (Republic of Tea office tins only $3.99-4.99) on your boss’ desk. Spread the love, share the joy and soon Valentine’s Day will have you smiling and looking forward to next year! Remember, Love yourself most of all and leave your heart open to all things.

                                                   Shari's Style Guide:
Didn’t you simply Love the hat, scarf, and ear-muff sets this winter? Oh, they were hot, so hot in fact that your Style Child has made the spring line at the OCS just as appealing. We just received the latest colors in funky brights that will make Lily P. proud. Gracie’s pick is the turquoise cap and scarf with sea blue highlights.

This girl however is all about the Giraffe print. My, oh, my when I step out with my giraffe bag and matching wallet I am in heaven.

                                                  Recipe for Makin’ Love:
(Harry Connick) A little bit of me, a whole lot of you, add a drop of starlight and a million kisses too, then let it sit for a hundred years or two and that’s the recipe for makin’ love
... But if you want a quicker Recipe for Love, try our special Pasta for Two.

1. Start by lighting a seductive Merlot Wine Candle from Colonial Candle ($8.99-$22.00)
2. Pre-heat your oven to a baking hot and steamy 350 degrees.
3. Mix a Lollipop Tree Asiago and Red Pepper Beer Bread mix ($6.99) with a sparkling beer and bake.
4. Bring a pan and your sweetheart to a rolling boil!
5. Add a pasta dinner for two ($8.99) and dinner will be done in no time. Although you may have to put it on the backburner if things heat up otherwise…

And for Desert, you ask? Try our Decadent Chocolate Body Frosting ($6.99). It is packaged with it’s own little paintbrush( but I prefer finger painting) and you can just say “Honey, Dessert is on me!”

Much Love, Shari

Old Company Store
5 Elm Street
Wareham MA 02571
www.oldcompanystore.com

phone: 508-291-7871
email: contact@oldcompanystore.com

Shari's January 2009 Blog Entry

2008-12-31T18:31:00Z

Happy New Year from The Old Company Store!

WOW! What a season! Snowstorms and Sunshine, Santas and Reindeer arriving the same day as the Matzah Man! So many people had reason to celebrate.

I started a tradition 15 years ago and I would like to share it with my friends. On Christmas Day, before we open our presents, we have to go around the room and tell one story that we heard over the holidays that made us joyous. Something that our dear customers shared with us that made us laugh or cry. Our store is family to so many and we feel that you all share so much of your lives with us. We have watched your children grow up, get married, have children of their own. Yes, 15 years is a long time to be here and we look forward to many more. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. In the coming year we are beginning a book titled Stories and Recipes of The Old Company Store: Family & Friends for 20 years. We would love for you to share your words, thoughts, love, recipes, traditions with us. If you have photos of being at the store, or your child's Flat Stanley photos in front of the Factory, send thme directly to contact@oldcompanystore.com or moonwishes@comcast.net .

Here are a few stories that were shared:

A gentleman purchased a Christmas Ornament for his girlfreind. It was a front door with a wreath reading Welcome. On the back the man asked me to tape a key to it and wrap it up for her. He had bought her a home for Christmas and was going to propose!

One woman bought a barrell of pickles for her son in the military and shipped the whole bucket to him so he could feel like he was home for the holidays!

Excerpts from emails that will be in the OCS:

Growing up, Christmas stockings weren't a very big deal in my family,
but for my wife they were a huge part of Christmas morning. So when we
got married, I always seemed to do a poor job on her stocking. Last year
a friend of mine took me to your store, and I got most of my wife's
stocking stuffers there. I think she was a bit surprised at how good a
job I did. Your store saved my marriage -- at least as far as Christmas
stockings go!

It was so great to see our friends at the Old Company Store this Holiday Season. It is something special that my son and I have done for years. We have made it our tradition (just the two of us) to go to your store during the Christmas season. Christmas is not the same to us unless we stop by. Where else can you get the hugs, kisses , greetings and the love of old fashion shop proprietors. Seeing your Mom,your Sister and your very helpful staff makes you feel like it is your own family.

T.T-H.

Keep it up. You have great "stuff" displayed so that even a klutz like me, is able to find thoughtful, cool gifts for the special people in my life. I'll admit to needing help - often - and you're great with that too.

Thanks.
M. F.

Dear Shari,
I want you to know that over the past 15 years my Christmas starts with my visit to the Old Company Store. It is my tradition to start shopping for my family in your store. I always find something for everyone and always find something I didn't expect. There is a difference between shopping for Christmas gifts and having a Christmas Experience. The old Company Store is a Christmas experience. ( the owners' enthusiasm is infectious, by the way)

Merry Christmas. Alan

One of our most memorable times is when we purchased a Christmas Throw with a little boy looking at teddy bears at Christmas time through a window and then he picked out gourmet popcorn because it had his name on it. That day were had set in our minds we wanted something to relax and enjoy our special time. We decided we were going to sit and snuggle on the couch and watch our favorite traditional Christmas stories.

P.H.

We made a promise to ourselves that we would make it "OUR" tradition to visit at Christmas so that we would not miss the Holiday Love and Spirit of the Old Company Store. Preston will be going to College next year and how time flies. I did tell him that he will always have to come home so we can keep up "Our" tradition at Christmas time by visiting the Old Company Store.

We thank you and your Family for the years of Love and the Good Old Fashioned Memories...

Love,
Terri Thatcher Harris and Preston Harris III

Well, that's all for now!

- Shari Aussant www.oldcompanystore.com

Shari's October Blog

2008-10-03T15:37:00Z

*Massachusetts artist, Curly Girl Designs fun-tastic prints celebrates friendship and love
in bright colorful imagery that will surely delight!

October is Friendship Month!

Do you know that more friendships begin or grow stronger in the Fall than any other season?!

I know that I certainly spend more time with my girls during the fall!

My friends, Deena and Marileen, just shared a lunch date with me at my home. They loved the pumpkin candle I was burning, but I had my kids fooled into thinking I baked! Old Company Store candles make my home smell de-lish! (Let's face it, I have 3 children and a full time job that I adore, do I have time to bake a pie?)

Home Tip of the Month

How can you make your home Fall Friendly without spending a ton of (pumpkin) bread? Simply add accents of color! I change my candles with the seasons and also my flowers. I have a gorgeous wicker basket piled high with hydrangeas and last week I filled them with silk Sunflowers! They are available at the OCS from now until November. A few go a long way adding color and texture to your tabletop.

Spice it up!

Want to spice things up a bit? Try Stonewall Kitchen's newest jam, Apple Jalapeño, or Roasted Apple Grilling Sauce. My husband Terry's buddies expect a bottle at every cookout! Enhance the flavor of pork or chicken with this mellow, slightly sweet grille sauce. The apples and pure maple syrup in the recipe make it delicious when used to baste short ribs or a pork loin. Recipe below!

Talk to Me!

So grab your girls and head on in to The Old Company Store. We have all the latest fall fashions, Spicy, Tangy, Autumn Foods, and hot homestyles.

I want to hear from you! Tell me something that you love about Fall and maybe a recipe I can share with my OCS friends. Email me and I will send you a coupon for 15% off* a special treat for you!

	Roasted Apple Chicken Salad




	Serves: 6-8
	Ingredients 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3/4 Cup Stonewall Kitchen Roasted Apple Grille Sauce 1/3 Cup granny smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped 1 Tbsp. onion, minced 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 1/2 Tsp. salt 1/4 Tsp. thyme leaves 1/3 Cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) 1/3 Cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional) dried cranberries		Directions In a deep skillet, cover chicken with water. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until the chicken breasts are cooked through. Cool. Chop the chicken into bite size pieces. Combine all ingredients and serve chilled on crusty bread as a sandwich or over salad greens.