The days are getting shorter, although the weather is still nice and warm. It is the perfect time of year to sit on the porch, light candles as the sun sets, and reflect on the beautiful summer you had.
We're happy we carry Vance Kitira candles just for this time of year.
Founded in 1993 by a forester, Vance Kitira, these candles reflect both aesthetics drawn from Kitira's native Thailand and his fascination with the simplicity of nature.
The Vance line comes in all shapes, sizes, and inspires whimsy with it's pear and seashell themes. Many of the candles are almost too cute to light! (We're thinking of the palm sized pears here!)
Where there is a candle, there is also a candle holder, and we have created countless ways to display the Vance Kitira pieces. Stop by the shop, check out these hand poured, cotton and wax candles.
See if you can find the Vance candles hidden throughout the shop - we challenge you to spot them all!
It's that time of year in New England. The weather vacillates between unbearably hot and torrentially pouring. While there is always a chance to hit the beach when our notoriously fickle weather gods decide to grant us a little bearable sunshine, we've hit the "duck and cover" end of summer.
It's a fine coincidence that a gift shop is almost always the idea place to pop out of the rain or heat and get a little something for someone you hold dear. We'd like to introduce you to two of our favorite collections of jewelry that are quite perfect when you are weathering the... well... weather.
Lucky Feather
Lucky Feather is fun and funky, totally perfect for kids and adults. Not only are the designs to die for, but they might just bring a little luck - exactly what you need going into a new school year or entering a new job.
We have lots of their products - necklaces, charms, earrings - the whole nine yards. They are easy to pack and a great surprise for your best friend, child recently gone to school, or a close loved one.
Dune Jewelry
We love Dune for a totally different reason. Sure, they're still wonderfully cute and simple fashion statements. However, each Dune piece is filled with sand collected here, on the island. When you look at a particular necklace or earring you will notice that the beach where the sand was found is clearly labeled.
Maybe a friend or relative couldn't come with you, but has loved the island ever since they were young. Perhaps you know a former islander gone to school or moved away who would appreciate taking a piece with them. Or maybe you just want to have a little keepsake for yourself!
We hope you stop by the shop during the dog days of summer. This is just a dip in our extensive, unique collection of jewelry!
Have you ever had a day where a thoughtful card or a chocolate bar might just make everything a little bit better? We've had those days. Even when you are feeling on top of the world, there's nothing that feels quite so much like a nice pat on the back.
Maybe that's why we love Curly Girl Designs.
Curly Girl is cute. Curly Girl is endearing. Curly Girl says the things we can't figure out how to say, with a light, off the cuff eloquence.
Whether you are congratulating or sending condolences, we're happy that we can offer Curly Girl's cards and chocolate bars. Designed somewhat locally (Boston!) by a lovely lady named Leigh, who not only creates all the beautiful artwork and witty writing featured throughout her products, but owns her own little shop AND manages to find time to write a blog. Oh, and she's raising twins.
Leigh may be a superhero; we're still investigating.
We hope next time you visit you find yourself inspired to walk away with a little piece of Curly Girl. It can never hurt to stock up on whimsy, now can it? Make someone's day a little bit better.
Islander's know the tradition well. The third week of August picturesque Campground in Oak Bluffs is lit with lanterns and lifted with the sound of island voices singing together. However, not everyone knows the history.
Around 1835, Methodists began having yearly meetings in the midst of summer. They would bring tents and camp beside the sea, in an oak grove high on the bluffs of the Northern end of Edgartown. Over the years those tents were slowly replaced by little wooden cottages, built side by side. The Tabernacle was built in the 1870s, in the center of The Campground.
Now we have the wonderful tradition of Illumination Night! In its time the celebration marked the visit of the Governor of Massachusetts. The night means many things, but one could say that Illumination Night is in part a remembrance of the first seasonal visitors to the Island. The proceeds of the Grand Illumination go towards the upkeep and restoration of the historic Tabernacle. You can find more info about the event here!
One of our favorite parts of the Illumination Night is the variety of eclectic lights, candles, and visually spectacular lanterns. Whether you are on the Island and can join in the fun, or want to put up lights and participate from afar, we have plenty of beautiful options to choose from!
Lanterns
We're incredibly proud of our lantern collection. Our Allsop Home and Garden is the awesome solar powered lantern company we carry in the store, perfect for the sustainable, aesthetically driven islander! Artecnica of CA make our ever popular handmade paper stars. We also work with Cultural Intrigue, a Vermont based company, that specializes in rice paper shades and Zen Zen, a fair trade group that focuses on beautiful cloth shades.
Candles
You can't walk into the shop without stumbling upon a candle or two. From our artisanal Skeem, to Vance Kitira, to Shore Soap Candles... we could list them all day, but you'll find they aren't hard to miss!
And More!
We stock plenty of vessels to carry candles, swanky matches, strings of light, and other essentials to brighten up your evening. The best bet? Stop by the store! We can't wait you see you at Illumination Night!
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!
