When you think of Rainy Day and what we typically carry on our shelves, you probably don’t think of artisan foods; but amongst the beautiful pottery and candles, you’ll find a fantastic company called Bella Cucina.
In the early nineties, in an effort to share her passions for cooking and her love of Italy, Alisa Barry opened a small café in Atlanta, Georgia called Bella Cucina. When her loyal customers kept asking to take home her delicious offerings, an artisan food business was born.
Bella Cucina Artful Food is an award-winning product line sold all over the world. Twice, they have been picked by Oprah on her popular “Favorite Things” show! Bella Cucina has a deep appreciation for beauty and a sensibility for classic, yet innovative flavors. They make their products by hand, in small batches in the traditional European hand-crafted way.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, we have stocked up on their yummy creations. Impress your guests with our personal favorites, Artichoke Lemon Pesto and Spinach & Artichoke Bruschetta Spread.
During the month of November, we will be having tastings of Bella Cucina Saturdays from 4pm-6:00pm Snack on some yummy goodness while you start your holiday shopping!
Alright, so maybe Blue Q products are just plain fun... That's a big part of why we love carrying them. Gone are the days when gift shops need only be sentimental and saccharine. We live in a world where cats, quips, and jokes are a valuable gift currency.
At Rainy Day we cater towards every occasion - Do you have a friend who loves cats and cat costumes... and cat paraphernalia? Sure you do!
Maybe you need socks that rock your naturally sarcastic flare! We have you covered!
Blue Q was started by two brother right across the water, in Boston. Seth and Mitch Nash launched their company in 1988 with their first ever product, the "FlatCat", a cardboard cut out of a cat marketed as the "Perfect Pet." Breaking the cardinal rule of gift companies, only selling a single product, Blue Q became a phenomena in the gift world.
Over 27 years Blue Q has grown and moved to Western Mass. They've made their mark with unforgettable products and a unwavering sense of humor.
We have loads of their products in the store, year round - from quirky socks to vivacious totes and life changing breath sprays. Come on by!
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!
It is no secret that it's wedding season on the Vineyard. We pride ourselves on having a unique array of products, from island made to just fun and thoughtful, so that you can feel confident about your wedding gift. A lasting favorite has been Museware!
Museware Pottery started on the shoulders of Sheree Burlington, who has been a professional designer since 1985. In 1998 she strolled into a paint your own pottery shop and was absolutely inspired. Six months later she started her design business.
The pottery is still entirely handmade, and works on a basic concept. There is a layout that Museware has already created, and the rest is up to you! Names, dates, personal touches are all a part of the deal, and make each Museware Pottery piece unique.
We're happy to be carrying and ordering for our customers Museware's new Sketchbook Collection.
Each piece contains a beautiful, hand drawn design, rendered into a black and white background. The products range from fantastic wedding and anniversary platters to baby and family inspired frames.
Give a one of a kind gift this year, whether it be for a new baby, wedding, or anniversary. Feel free to stop by the store or give us a call to help you out!
This week we were able to talk personally with the fabulously talented Jennifer of Southern Yankee. You will recognize her unique, one of a kind design from window displays, our infant section, and throughout our store. No two Southern Yankee designs are alike, and they are all small batch, US made!
Jennifer has been sewing for as long as she can remember. Texas born, with a degree in fashion design, She moved to NYC to work in the industry. After seeing a beautiful baby's blanket made entirely from vintage handkerchieves, Jennifer knew her future.
Jennifer sources her materials from flea markets, vintage stores, and ebay. Friends and family send her boxes of vintage fabric that they have no use for, but cannot bear to throw away.
No two Southern Yankee pieces are alike, and the fabric is ever changing. Jennifer uses a US made cotton body suit as the base, and her imagination does the rest!
"The vintage handkerchiefs really speak to you, it is fun to hear people's reasons for why they pick the dress they do... maybe it's the color, or the pattern on the hankie, but there is something that speaks up." Says Jennifer about her designs.
If you are looking for a one of a kind, US made, really special new baby gift, check out what we have in stock from Southern Yankee! Find the piece that speaks to you.
All photos by Andrea Topalian of Moments by Andrea
