Rainy Day Blog

Prepare Your Home for the Holidays with Frasier Fir and Gingerbread!

by Rainy Day | | 0 comments

Preparing your home for the change in seasons, winter solstice, and the upcoming holidays doesn't stop at decorations. We believe there is something special in filling your space with scents that evoke nostalgia and comfort.

Thymes has been an absolute favorite when it comes to heartfelt holiday scents. They offer two wonderful scents - Frasier Fir and Gingerbread!

Frasier Fir is a customer and staff favorite, so we always stock right up!!! Their candles, soaps, mists, and reed diffusers fill your home with the smells of crisp Siberian fir needles, cedarwood, and sandalwood. Whether you are complimenting your own decorative fir tree, or enjoying the sensation on it's own, there is no denying that the gentle presence of Frasier Fir will get everyone in your home ready to say goodbye to summer and greet fall and winter with open arms! You can purchase many of the Frasier Fir products right here on our website! 

 

But, we don't think you should stop there! Thymes's Gingerbread candles are PERFECT for your kitchen and dining room. They fill the air with the scents of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The only warning we give: you may find yourself suddenly inspired to bake a fresh batch of gingerbread! We've included a recipe for inspiration.

 

Rainy Day Gingerbread Crisps

These delicious play on traditional gingerbread bake into delicious crisps! A wonderful project to involve little ones in - it can be extra fun to ice them after they have cooled.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound butter at room temperature
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses 
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 teaspoons ginger
  • 3 teaspoons cloves
  • 3 to 3½ cups flour, divided

Whisk together 2 1/2 cups of the flour, the soda and the spices. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer or vigorously by hand.  Add molasses. Mix until incorporated. Add egg and mix until wet ingredients are combined.

Add the flour mix in 1/2 cup increments until all dry ingredients are incorporated.

By hand, form into two thin disks. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled and the dough is manageable.

Preheat your oven to 325° F. Remove one disk from the refrigerator. Cut it into quarters. Roll each quarter out to 1/8 – 1/4" thickness. Use flour liberally as you roll out your dough to hinder sticking. Cut with favorite cookie cutters. Transfer shapes to cookie sheets and bake 8-10 minutes.

Repeat with the remaining three quartered sections of dough. When dough becomes sticky and too warm to work with, return it to the refrigerator for another 20-30 minutes. Prepare the second disk immediately after the first, or save it for up to one week for future cookie baking!

Tags: candle, diffuser, frasier fir, gingerbread, holiday, rainy day, recipe, scents, soap

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy a Sip of Inspiration

by Rainy Day | | 0 comments


Whether it's raining or the sun is in full force, whether you find yourself on Martha's Vineyard or off island, there is really nothing better than ending your day with a refreshing drink. We love carrying the unique Evergreen Crystal line, which offers a variety of glasses - from martini to pints - customized for us with an outline of the island. Alongside the Rolf Glass "School of Fish" collection, we've got you covered.

Now you know where to get your crystal, we're happy to throw in a little recipe. Who doesn't enjoy a little cocktail inspiration from time to time? Simple and easy to make, this fizzy libation can be served directly over ice, or lightly stirred in a shaker and strained into a glass. 

Rain on the Vineyard

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces of St. Germain's Elderflower Liqueur

  • 2 ounces of and effervescent White Wine or Champagne

  • Club soda, chilled

  • Handful of blueberries

Muddle a few blueberries with St. Germain in the bottom of a rocks glass or shaker. If you are using the shaker, add ice, and champagne, otherwise simply add liquid and ice to your glass. Stir gently. Pour contents of shaker into a martini glass. Top with chilled club soda and a few intact blueberries for a fresh garnish. Enjoy!

 

If you're looking for more recipes, don't leave the shop without one of our handy drinks books. Homemade Liqueurs, Infused Spirits by Andrew Schloss and Sangria: Fun and Festive Recipes by Mittie Hellmich are two of our favorites.

We also hope you check out Little Bites by Christine Chitnis & Sarah Waldman. This cookbook is far from cocktail recipes, but chock full of awesome, family friendly snacks and nibbles. We are particularly proud as Sarah Waldman is a year round islander, whose recipes and adventures you can follow at SarahWaldman.com!

 

Tags: crystal, glasses, martha's vineyard, one of a kind, recipe, rolf, stemwear, visit