Wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day...

One of Maine's most famous and beloved writers, E. B. White, wrote the following reply to a Mr. Nadeau, who sought White’s opinion on what he saw as a bleak future for the human race. 

It holds up rather well, I do believe...

North Brooklin, Maine
30 March 1973

Dear Mr. Nadeau:
As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.
Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society—things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out.
Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day. 

Sincerely,
[Signed, ‘E. B. White’]

"P" is for Puzzles!

Who would have guessed that puzzles would become our top selling item in the month of March?  We've been fans of them here at Clever Girl for a long time--but with the world situation such as it is,  puzzles are a bonafide hit.  

  

It seems we're not alone in our puzzle love.  Here's an interesting clip from CBS Sunday Morning... 

And some excellent advise from the ever-entertaining Conan O'Brian...

We are trying to keep up with demand for our puzzles here at the store.  You can order online, and we have free local delivery.  Click HERE for the link.  Unfortunately, many of our suppliers are running low on inventory, or unable to ship, so at some point we will run out--please don't delay if you're needing some old school entertainment in these days of quarantine.  

Know that we miss all of our wonderful customers, hope that you are safe, and can't wait to see you all again very soon!

Best of the Best.....to Watch

Greetings fellow Clever Girls.  I want to share this wonderful site, Willow and Thatch,  with all of you, as I'm so excited to have discovered it....  

As you probably know, Downtown Abbey, the movie is now playing.  For those of us that were entranced with the series on television, this is indeed a treat to once again see the Crawley family in action, and all of the intrigue that surrounds them.  Having seen the new film, I can tell you it doesn't disappoint.  The costumes, characters, beautiful musical score and depiction of life in a simpler time are all still there.  Things pick up just as they were, and, at the end, I was left wanting more.  (I think the door is clearly open--wide open--for sequels.)  Hence the thrill of finding the blog, Willow and Thatch!  

For those of us who can not get enough of all things period drama, this is indeed a treasure trove of a website.  As they describe the site, "Willow and Thatch loves period dramas from the Georgian/Regency, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and beyond. We write reviews about the best historical and costume dramas, share news about what's coming to your favorite streaming services, and through our articles and The Willow and Thatch Period Films List, offer recommendations of what to watch."

Even thought I have 100's of channels,and Netflix, and YouTube and on and on, often I don't find anything of quality to watch.  But now, happily, I have a HUGE list of previously unknown gems to view.  AND just look at the line up of things to come!

There is a new version of Emma on the way....

An excellent sounding new mystery, Vienna Blood....

Christmas 2019 will be bringing Meryl Streep in a new version of  Little Women.

The Singapore Grip is both a love story and a war story--an epic new period series set during World War Two.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is also coming soon. Set in Chicago, the Gilded Age drama centers on the true story of two men, who meet at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair – Daniel H. Burnham, the fair’s architect, and Dr. H.H. Holmes, an evil pharmacist, who is Americas first documented serial killer.

And,  then, there is Sandition to look forward to in the bleak of our coming January winter.  Jane Austen's last work is a witty and delightful novel set in a seaside town.   

I discovered all of this via Willow and Thatch.  Do look over their site--It's full of the promising distractions that we all love to see...

Salty Talk...

As the days close in, and the evenings begin to have a bit of chill, setting the table inside, once again becomes a special ritual.  My grandmother always changed out her light summer linens and place settings on October first in favor of her more formal settings, the big silver candelabras, and  she put out the pretty crystal salt cellars.  The candlelight made the salts twinkle like little jewels on the table; and I always was excited when she asked me to fill them before dinner.  

Have you seen our selection of vintage salt cellars?  We have a large case filled with a terrific selection.  Some are sold as sets, while others are fun to mix-and-match.  They add so much to a luncheon or dinner table setting and make a clever and memorable hostess gift.  Add one of our containers of delicious, French salts, and you've got a truly lovely gift that will be long remembered.

Keep these in mind for engagement, anniversary or weddings gifts.  What a lovely tradition to begin a collection for someone special and add a few for each holiday.  I keep an odd little one on the window above my sink to hold my rings when I'm cooking--another great idea for these lovely little dishes....

For more on the history of salt cellars, CLICK HERE for a video from Martha Stewart--very interesting!

W is for Water

Freshly delivered to the kitchen department at Clever Girl....a new book that will inspire you to infuse your water and put a little magic in your glass. Infused Water: 50 Simple, Gorgeous Drinks for Ultimate Hydration and Health, will give you some delicious direction.

Everyone knows we should drink more water – sales of reusable water bottles have soared as we seek to cut down on our plastic and maintain maximum hydration. But it hasn't been the most inspiring of drinks – until now.

Infused Waters offers 50 beautiful, healthy drinks that will help you get through the day's challenges. With chapters on fruit infusions, herbal waters, and spicier blends, you'll find ways of adding a little vitamin C to your office bottle, and floral fragrance to the dullest of drinks.

As summer fades into fall, the dryer indoor air becomes the enemy of hydration.  Forced air and winter winds can make our skin dry and parched.  This new book is filled with lovely recipes for hot and cold water infusions - simple ways to jazz up your normal glass of water and help keep you hydrated.

There are some lovely ideas that also look (and taste) amazing in big jugs - perfect for entertaining. And some soothing, hot recipes too.

Defiantly an excellent book to keep on hand for inspiration and filled with great information!

Floral Libations...

Look at the lovely new book we've just gotten in!  I just LOVE this!!!  Isn't the cover so pretty?!?

Right on time for summer sipping, we've got a new spin on cocktails for the season.  This beautiful little book is as fun to read as it is to mix from.  Cassie Winslow has put together an inspiring book, indeed.  Click here: http://bit.ly/2GBH2fM to listen to an interview she did all about using florals in cocktails.  The photos are stunning as well...

Recipes include:
• Iced Lavender Café au Lait 
• Rose Petal Almond Milk
• Dandelion Tea Cinnamon Cappuccino 
• Hibiscus Old Fashioned
• Plum Rosewater Gin and Tonic 
• Orange Blossom Moscow Mule

Defiantly keep this on hand as a go-to gift.  Add a bottle or two of some special liquors, and you've got the perfect gift for a lake-house hostess gift.  

Mother's Day Gift Guide...

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12!  Here are a few of my favorite Clever Girl things...

A box of hand decorated stationary...

Lovely Gift Enclosure cards with a garden theme...

Floral Libations, an absolutely beautiful book...

Jardin Tea Gift Set in keepsake box...

A fresh floral top or scarf...

Floral Jewelry for a pop of color...

P is for Picasso...

This is such a fun time of year as new merchandise really starts flooding in the door.  Here is just one of my favorite new things this week.  

Other than dots and stick figures, I have exactly "zero" talent for drawing, and have always been envious of those who can translate what's in their head onto paper.  These darling new paint by number kits are just the ticket for the art impaired.  Each tube contains a printed canvas, paints, brushes and a guide for painting.  When you're done, you have a delightful, professional looking floral painting.  I'm going to hunt around for a vintage frame to put around mine...   

There are several kits to chose from, all very pretty  florals.  They come packaged in a clever tube and contain everything you need for the project--I love that you don't have to scramble around for anything.  Wouldn't this make a thoughtful hostess gift for someone?  Or get several and make the painting part of a girls weekend where everybody gets to take home a masterpiece as well as the memories of doing them together.  

Stop in to see the kits in person, or shop online and we can send some right out to you.  Whichever one you chose, don't for get to sign your name when you finish...

Wintertime, Fireside...

As you surely know, we are huge fans of the Nest Fragrances line around here.  We have one of these extraordinary candles burning each and every day at Clever Girl, and I light one every evening at home.  

In my opinion, nothing is better on these dreary, damp, January evenings, than the Hearth Candle.  The fragrance is soft, smoky, rich and fills a room with personality.  Think English Gentleman's private club, Downton Abby, leather chairs, hounds, pipe tobacco (just a hint) and a heavy, cut crystal tumbler filled with a deep amber colored  bourbon.  Add some jazz, a good book, and, of course a fire, and there you have it.  This is an aristocratic scent that makes cold and snowy evenings instantly restful.  

Even if you don't have an actual fireplace, Hearth will transport you fireside and make these lingering winter evenings most pleasant...I absolutely recommend you have one on-hand until the first crocus raises its lovely head.