We're Back!!

Happy Summer!

And with summer comes fresh fruits and veggies, we here in Newberry are proud to annouce the Second season of our Downtown Farmers Market. This year promises to be bigger and better. We are working with the Master Gardeners from Newberry County this year and they are charging head with publicity, set up and contacting the local farmer. We are truly blessed to have them in our community. The go to person this year is Richard Youngblood for the Nby Master Gardeners. His wife Marlene's artwork is feature on the publicity posters and postcards.

So don't miss out. Starting Saturday June 13 at 9am until 11am thru August 8th. But no market on July 4th weekend. Contact Info at www.cityofnewberry.com under the events tab.

Hope to see you there.

PS. I have it on good authority that there will be a few surprises too. I can't wait.

Business Savy

I had a real eye opener this week. I received a letter from Dun and Bradstreet. It seemed urgent and mentioned my business credit rating. Well like most people when you mention credit rating the short hairs on the back of your neck stand up, but throw your business into the mix that's a 3 alarm fire. So immediately I call the number on the letter and talk to a nice guy in Pennsylvania. And explain my concern and he pulls up my account and looks around and says that I have nothing to worry about. Well that is a load off my mind I can take a deep breath and get on with my day.
Well the next day I get a message on the answerinng machine that asks me to call at my earliest convienice that there are concerns about my account and credit rating. So here a go again in a bit of a snit I call another person from D and B. She is in Arizona. Well that should have been a HUGE red flag right off the bat, that the D and B people I talked to were not in the same place let alone the same state, but I talk to this women who I might add is very good at what she does. I wonder how she sleeps at night. She talked me into updating my Profile to the tune of $449.00. This is called the Score Builder package, well after I swallowed my gum, I was able to speak again, I agreed. She was very convincing. She also added that this process should be done at least every 2 years so that my Profile would be up to date and my vendors could check on my credit score. What a load! You do not need a D and Bradstreet to let vendors check your credit. There are 3 major credit score companies. Experian to name one. Then there is Equifax and the third escapes me. But these companys keep up with credit scores of individuals and businesses. And their service is under $100 if that much when you want to get your score and cost nothing if you don't want to know you score.
So my friend do not be fooled D and B is not a necessity for most. It may be the cost of doing business for some but do your home work before you sign up for anything that you may not need.
I guess use your business savy when it comes to goods and services. If your gut tells you it doesn't seem right don' jump into anything until you have run it past your busiess partner, accountant and even your lawyer.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Another project to take up time in you life is buying an old house(about 100 years old)that has been completely neglected for the past 10 years. And try to resurrect it.

I can't complain it has been fun getting the yard in order, getting a work out and spending some one on one time with my husband. Newberry,SC is infamous for it's old homes and quaint architecture. And we feel compelled to keep the tradition alive no matter how small our contribution.

See what I mean.

It looks much better with out the shrubbery. You can actually see the house.

I'M BACK

Wow, who knew I needed a vacation after my vacation. Well the laundry is at a manageable level the kitchen is stocked again and my business is back on track.

And to add insult to injury(not really) I took office as the President of the Newberry Downtown Merchants Association on August 1st.

But I have a year to work thru that so, no worries.

Any way as promised pictures. Which have just found their way to the PC and are ready to be posted. So look out ready or not it's vacation picture time kids.

This says it all.

This was the view from the house we stayed in.

And in the morning we watched dolphins as we ate breakfast.

We went to the Edisto Beach Interpretive Center (it should be called the Nature Center) we saw different local wild life and some of the Biggest Spiders I have ever seen.

See what I mean. That is almost actual size no kidding.

More from Edisto later.

Kids want to go swimming.

HI HO HI HO It's Off To The Beach I Go!!!

OK, let's see today is Monday, so we have 6 days and about 12 hours until we are on Edislow time. That's how they tell time down at Edisto Beach, SC. I watch a great You Tube video yesterday that pretty much summed up what you might need to know about Edisto. I can't wait this week is going to drag by for my daughter who wants to be there yesterday and it will fly for me since I have a bizillion things to get done before we go. Any way I am ready. Look for pictures in a couple of weeks.

Here is the link for the Edisto Tour.

The guys giving the tour a too funny I think you will enjoy it.

The Harper Street Bike Parade Rides Again!!!

She pulls it off again.

Another wildly successful

Harper Street 4Th Of July Bike Parade.

Hurray for Kirsten!!!!

Thanks for keeping up the tradition!!!

Say cheese!

This is most of the kids that were at the parade

this morning. I say most because getting a group

of kids together for a picture is like herding cat, you get as many as you can and hope for the best.

Me and Carson on our way.

Carson and his buddy Will checking out the decorations on Carson's trike

I haven't forgotten the tractor. It isn't a parade without a tractor.

4th Of July Bike Parade (Details)

Here is the down and dirty.

What: 7th Annual 4th of July Bike Parade.

Where: Dr. Baker's parking lot corner of Hunt and Harper Streets

When: 9:15am (line-up) 9:30am Parade

Bring your bike, trike, or walk.

Bring your quarters these are for the Quarters for Kids campaign the Fire Department uses this money to help kids in need. $240 was raised last year. Let's make it $300 this year.

HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE.

Katie we will take lots of pictures. You can enjoy the fun after the fact.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July everybody.

4th Of July Bike Parade

The beginning of the parade

at my end of Harper Street

Well believe it or not 4Th Of July is sneaking up on us. And along with the fireworks and backyard cookouts comes the annual Harper Street Bike Parade. I can't remember exactly what the count is but I know this is at least our fourth. I encourage all kids big and small to come with your bikes, scooters, trikes and even tractors(you will see what I mean) to Harper Street. I will have the exact date and time by the end of the week we are going to help Kirsten Lindsay pass out info on the event. Once again Kirsten is in the thick of it. Where does she get the time. I don't think she sleeps.

I think this Johnny Popper was a big hit at the 2007 parade

And did I mention that at the end of the parade there is a fire truck. The City Of Newberry Firemen spray the kids with the fire hose from the fire truck it is a blast(sorry about the pun).

Here is just a taste of what you will miss if you don't get to the parade.

Polka Dots, Stripes and Monograms OH MY!

Found the the cutest site that makes custom bags Pink Polka Dot Creations. These bags come in a wide variety of colors patterns and sizes. Check out the few pics I found. And soon they plan to have handbag parties. Is this the new Tupperware party? I have all the plastic ware I need right now but you can never have too many cute bags.

Amanda Bag

Carrie Bag

Kimberly Tote

Lily

Madison

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in my life.

My husband Dave and our son Carson at Epcot.

My Dad and Carson reading at the beach house.

Carson and my father-in-law on a train ride.

It's all about the guys today but do not despair we girls will have our day too.

Lots of Love

XOXOXO

Let It Snow

I know it's June and most of us do not have snow but you can have snow flakes anytime. Better Homes & Gardens still has their Make A Flake site up. I know it is no substitute for cooler weather but close your eyes, go to your happy place and think cool. Make your own flake needs you to register but it is harmless and you can get coupons and cool offers from BH&G when you do. I just made a flake and I feel 20 degrees cool already.

Market Report

Wow What A Great Day!

Main Street Farmers Market comes off with out a hitch. The weather, the vendors and volunteers all were at their best and brightest. And Kirsten was worried. She made it look really easy, she did a great job and the market got rave reviews.

I borrowed a few of Kirsten Lindsay's pictures from flickr.com to show off just what you missed if you didn't get there. But have no fear you will have opportunities thru out the summer to cash in on all the baked goods, veggies and plants that our local growers and bakers have to offer. But don't sleep in or you will miss out. Get there at 9am sharp and you will get the cream of the crop (sorry about the pun).

Wish me luck I have big shoes to fill this Saturday I am the market manager, YIKES! I have a great crew to help and very supportive family.

My daughter with her prized catch, these berries went fast.

Katie and her berries.

Just a sample of the goodies offered from The Gardener's Market

Thanks again to all involved. If you need info go to http://www.cityofnewberry.com/.

Canebrake Farm

Carter and Holmes

Lever Farms

Market Central

Info And Market Goods
The Lovely and Talented Katie at the helm.

Thanks Katie!!!

Farmers Market Update

As of today May 31, 2008 confirmed vendors and participants for the first Main Street Farmers Market are Lever Farms know for their strawberries and fresh produce, Carter and Holmes Orchids, The Gardener's Market and baked goods from Beverly Ringer of the Lamplighter Gallery and Rose Garden Tea room. Music by Tammy Kitchens one of Newberry's own talented musicians.

So if you haven't signed up yet or need to let someone know where and when I will recap for you.
The Main Street Farmers Market will begin June 7 and run every Saturday (weather permitting)through August 30.
Market hours are 9am-12noon.
Contact info for for the Market is from Kirsten Lindsay at 276-9423.
Bake sale info Beth Hipp 405-1110.
Children's Activity Tent Betty Gardner 276-9990.
Don't forget to bring the whole family, there will be something for everyone.

Hope to see everyone there.

One Week And Counting

Or should I say one week 2 days, 16 hours and 25 seconds anyway it is crunch time for the Main Street Farmers Market. Saturday June 7th is opening day for the Market's summer season. Kirsten Lindsay and I have been feverishly (more Kirsten then me) tying up loose ends for the inauguration of the

Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Newberry, SC.

Kirsten has done a great job.

Kirsten take a bow!

She has gotten many vendors to commit to the market

(those names will be in a later post when all are finalized).

Go to the website for the City Of Newberry and

check out the application if you would like to be a vendor.

And speaking of the City Of Newberry, thanks again to all parties involved in helping

us get the word out and helping us to get this off the ground.

The market will be rolling in June but I understand that most items really start to come in around July and August. But I wouldn't take a chance on missing out on any of what our local farmers and gardeners have to offer not to mention Beverly Ringer's pies from the Lamplighter Gallery and Rose Garden Tea Room.

So come every Saturday if you can.

Look for the Merchant's Association table(Market Central)

to find all the info about Newberry, The Market and about becoming a vendor.

See You Saturday June 7th 9am until 12noon.

And don't forget NO SALES before 9am.

Thanks A Bunch

I wanted to say THANKS to Kathijane of Dailybread Market she is from Sharpsburg, GA and was very generous in working with Kirsten Lindsay in conjunction with the Downtown Farmers Market here in Newberry, SC. Kirsten contacted Kathijane after seeing her etsy store (kathijane.etsy.com) dailybread Market is a very creative and fun shop where you will find canvas totes with kitchy fun sayings, pillows, and even wine bags. Kirsten contacted Kathijane and asked her for samples of her work so that we could decide to use them for our farmers market. Kathijane happily agreed and the rest is history, I have one of her bags that says "berry fresh."

These bags are fun originals and we think will go over very well with our produce vendors and you market patrons. So give a big hand to Kathijane. You rock!

As Promised

This is one of my favorites.

As Promised my husbands

pen and ink drawings in watercolor.

All works are oringinals

by Dave Carey from Newberry, SC.

These are pieces from the

Newberry Porch and Garden Tour

last weekend.

Talented

This beautiful pendant is a must have.
The pearl pendant picks up the color of your skin and glows.
Adjustable length makes it versatile and smart.
Handwrapped silver and swarovski crystals
and pearls add sophistication
nd elegance to any outfit, even jeans.
Just add you!

18 Inch necklace with an Abalone pendant,

accented with inked lava,

mosaic mother of pearl beads,

olivine czech glass and sterling silver.

Nothing says sophisticated like black and white.

This bracelet is adjustable from 7 inch to 6.5 inch with a dangle.

Fun and Flirty or Cool and Casual.

Versatility is the name of the game. Enjoy!

This is a fresh look for summer.

Add a pop of color to any outfit.

If you look closely you can see yourself at the beach.

Check out these gorgeous pieces designed and made

by my sister from Greenville, SC.

She has an Etsy store too. Lukeheartdesigns

Some of her earlier work is in my store in

Newberry, SC.

Newberry Main Street Farmers Market

June 7th, the start of the Main Street Farmers Market in Newberry, SC. A bold move on the part of the NDMA (Newberry Down Town Mechants Association) but the right move. It is a great way to bring folks into our down town right down Main Street to be exact. It will be Saturdays this summer starting June 7th weather permitting. Any questions, ask away.

Porch And Garden Tour

Saturday's Porch And Garden Tour in Newberry, SC was a great sucess. I was at one of the 7 gardens as a member of the Newberry Down Town Merchants Association. I am pleased to report that I counted at least 140 people who came thru the garden. My husband displayed his watercolor paintings and created a beautiful rendering of the home where we where stationed. Postings to follow of his work. Check back soon. Here is a photo taken at the tour by Kirsten Lindsay who is also a very talented artist. She has an Etsy store called The Painted Palmetto. Check it out.

Bad spellers of the world untie.... I mean unite. Sorry Katie I always spell your name wrong. It is The Constant Gatherer.