FENDERBAG FROM LITTLE EARTH

Great handbags made from real license plates. Originally priced at $145.00 they are now only $89.00.

LEANDRA DRUMM

Fantastic glass work , handcrafted by american artist Leandra Drumm.

himalayan salt lamps

known as nature's air purifier. enjoy the low ambient glow while benifiting from its healing properties.

ANNIE GLASS

ANNIE GLASS AQUATICA $179.00

Bad Girl Placemats

These placemats have been so much fun in the store (women have been buying them in assorted multiples) for the last few years.Each with their own quirky thoughts captioned. Assorted images are available in store.We're working to make the most popular available on mbrann.com.In the mean time call us at 1-877-4770299 and we'll let you know which are in stock.

gurgleing fish

Watch peoples faces when they hear the gurgling sounds these fish pitchers make when pouring.
Check them out in store or at mbrann.com.

party fun by author michael mcgrath

How To Make Jello Shots

How To Make Jello Shots Like A Barman!

Learning how to make jello shots is very simple to do! All you need is jello, water, alcohol, small glasses and a few tricks. Soon you will know how to make jello shots like a seasoned pro

Traditionally jello shots are served in shot glasses but serving jello shots this way can cause difficulty when you want to get the shot from its glass! It is much better to make them in plastic glasses supplied with a lid. Allow the mix to set upside down in the cup for easy access at drinking time.

Many sources show you how to make jello shots with vodka but any liquor will do.

For every 6 ounces of Jello you require 16 ounces of boiling water 6oz of cold water and 10oz of your chosen alcohol.

Below is a quick ingredients list for anyone who wants to know how to make jello shots

To make twenty 2oz shots you require:

6 oz pack of Jell-O
16oz or two cups of boiling water
6oz or 3 quarters cup of cold water
10oz or 1 & a quarter cups of chilled alcohol.

That's your how to make jello shots easy guide.

You now need to know how to make jello shots with flare using these ingredients.

How to make jello shots with your ingredients:
Pour your jello into a mixing bowl and pour in the boiling water. Mix until the jello has dissolved completely.

Add the vodka and the cold water. Mix the ingredients. Now pour your shot mix into the plastic cups with lid and set upside down.

Your jello mixture will set anywhere but if you put it in the refrigerator it will set quicker.

You should be aware of how to make jello shots with different flavour jello. For example a lemon or lime jello would go well with gin! Experiment with flavours it's fun and soon you'll know how to make jello shots with just about any kind of liquor.

You need to take note of the quantities of water to alcohol listed below when you start to learn how to make jello shots, because stronger proof alcohol needs different quantities of cold water.

How to Make Jello Shots Using Stronger Liquor:
30 to 50 proof needs 3oz of cold water for every 3oz of alcohol.
80 to 100 needs 6oz of cold water for every 6oz of alcohol.
150 to 200 - if you're game enough - needs 10oz of cold water for every 6oz of alcohol.

Sometimes when people first learn how to make jello shots they attempt to freeze them! This is a mistake! Put them in the refrigerator or buy a kit to make arctic frozen shot glasses.

your comments

We'de like to hear from you .Let us know what you like about our blog, store or website and what could be improved. Also if there are any items that we have had in the past that you'de like to see again , drop us a line. M

decorative doorbells

Fun rings hang on any door knob.This has been a great corporate gift item,pick a theme or mix them up. We have even personalized the back with a holiday greeting. Call us at 508-477-0299 for quantity discounts.
or visit us at mbrann.com

decorative doorbells

These doorbells are made in the USA from leather and brass and come in different shapes and sizes. they range in price from $10 to $30. available at mbrann.com

THE ESSENTIAL TABLE LAMP author elaine edwards

The Table Lamp: Why It's Essential

While table lamps are valued first and foremost for its function, having a table lamp that definitely doesn't jive with the predominant aesthetics in the house can be quite a nightmare. In the article Table Lamps Are One Of The Most Important Things In The Room décor ; "Because of its nature, it is usually the item to make the first impact on any guest. The first glance might not linger for more than a few seconds, but the impression that it makes on the beholder lasts longer. A nice table lamp can change the entire aura of a room."

Achieving the right ambiance with your own lamp ought to have some considerations as author Des Smalls shares.

Every room has a different requirement, and the right table lamp helps you create the right environment. A room intended to be peaceful might attain the effect through a specially chosen table lamp. Or, you might have a game room where you want your guests to admire your memorabilia. As a result you would want the lights to be such that they shine especially on those items. A perfect table lamp would easily achieve the desired effect for you.

Armed with all these knowledge you might be ready to head out the door and go shopping for that new lamp but hold still for a moment as these pre-purchase tips from Smalls might come in handy.

The range of contemporary table lamps is absolutely mind-boggling. They come in all forms and vary from tall to short, from a softer glow to harsher light. Because the range is big, there is a great amount of malleability in your choice. The choice would, obviously depend on many factors including the place the lamp would be used, the nature of the user, the mood you would like to create etc.

- Take into account the intended user of the lamp. Think about whether it is only you, or whether it would be needed by other people as well. Moreover, you have to make sure that the lamp does the work you have bought it for. Of course merely looking good isn't enough, functionality also matter. So, you might want a stronger light for your reading lamp and a softer lamp for that cozy environment you want to create in your living room. Similarly, an inconspicuous lamp with lots of light might be the perfect choice for your working place.

- Think about the place the lamp would grace. A large room with bare walls is unsuitable for a tiny lamp. If you want a small lamp, a top of a bookshelf is probably what you are looking for.

indie business

Dear Friends,

MBrann & Co has recently joined two groups that promote independent business. We feel strongly that small independent business is the backbone of our community (in fact of our society). So please check these groups, to see what makes us tick. We are part of Indiebound.org, a national website that supports independent retailers and celebrates what makes them unique. It is trying to reach out, raise awareness and take pride in our community. We are also a charter member of Cape Cod Community Club. This club addresses consumer needs and provides community support by offering savings on products and services to Cape Cod consumers while benefiting local charities. please consider these two origanizations and keep us in mind. thanks, M

YUMMY RECIPE

Want to look like you've slaved over the stove for hours , but, really have only opened a jar and added some stuff? We love the "lowcountry produce" line that we brought in last spring. We've had it long enough to try mant items many ways. It's well priced and yummy! So here's a recipe for an ULTIMATE GUMBO . We've made it as written, but, have also just heated and added leftover shrimp,lobster, chicken-whatever- with linguica and chorizo left from a clam boil ( we're on cape cod) . It tasts great , is easy, and different. The recipe is below, come in or order from mbrann.com , and let me know what you think. M

GUMBO

This is a tasty and easy recipe using our 'Lowcountry Gumbo'!

32 oz jar of 'Lowcountry Produce Gumbo'
1/2 pound of cooked & diced Andouille sausage
1/2 pound of peeled & deveined raw shrimp
1 pound lump crabmeat (not jumbo lump)
1 box of your favorite rice

First - Cook your rice (according to directions on box) and let it sit, covered
Second - Pour jar of 'Lowcountry Gumbo' into a large pot and bring to a simmer.
Third - Add the cooked sausage and raw shrimp.
Fourth - Stir very gently for about two minutes.
Fifth - Add the crabmeat and gently stir only long enough to mix with Gumbo.
Sixth - Cover pot and continue to cook for another minute and a half.

Serve over rice & enjoy!!

Variation: Substitute 1/2 pound of scallops or any firm white fish (such as halibut or grouper) for the Andouille sausage. If using fish, please dice the fish into 1 inch cubes before adding to the Gumbo. Cook as explained above.

Variation: Combine 1 pound of cooked & diced Andouille sausage (or your favorite sausage) with 1 pound of raw, diced, boneless chicken breast. Please dice the chicken into 1 inch cubes. Add to simmering Gumbo and cook for 6 minutes.

honey tips

Honey Storage Tips Copyright © 2008 Ruth Tan While one of the greatest facts on honey storage is that it doesn't spoil even with no preservatives and additives, liquid honey is susceptible to physical and chemical changes during storage; it tends to darken and lose some of its aroma and flavor. Over time, liquid honey also tends to naturally crystallise and become lumpy. Crystallisation is easily reversible and does not affect the taste and quality of the honey at all, although it changes its appearance. Hence, for commercial reasons, a certain shelf life is often stated on the honey bottles in the shop. I often read from honey storage tips that honey can be kept at room temperature and should not be stored in too cold nor too hot place. The problem here is it can be confusing because room temperature varies from country to country! For instance, where I live, room temperature sometimes could be as high as 35°C but I do not refrigerate any of my honey as cold temperatures would speed up the process of granulation. Also, the rate of crystallisation varies for the different types of honey. Tupelo honey and Acacia honey, for instance, tend to stay liquid and is able to resist crystallization better than other types of honey, whereas Lavender honey rushes to crystallise. Honey that has been heated to 130 or 140 degrees will remain liquid for a few months. I would advise honey to be stored at a temperature of 21°C to 27°C or 70°F to 80°F in a dry cupboard, make sure that the cap is on tight since honey tends to absorb moisture from the environment, which can lower its quality. Also store honey away from direct sunlight as it could affect its properties. And this is the reason why some honey come in dark containers. However, these dark containers do not allow consumers to judge the color, viscosity, clarity, and crytallisation of the honey. Also, glass packaging is preferred by some people because glass is neutral and doesn't react to honey and alter its quality. It's easy to restore granulated honey to its natural state, for instance you could put grainy honey on hot toast, the granules will melt as you eat. You can also place a granulated jar over hot water (about 50-60°C), as soon as the granules are dissolved, remove the honey from the heat and let it cool as quickly as possible. Remember, never boil honey!

green article

having used green principles for over 15 years, we thought you might find the article below interesting. M

more green tips

EasyPublish™ Author: Virginia Ginsburg Eight Easy Green Gifts Copyright © 2008 Virginia Ginsburg Giving green gifts is increasingly popular, as it provides an opportunity for your gift to stand out from the crowd and make a positive impact on the Earth. When giving a green gift, you have to consider several elements, including the gift itself, its source, its packaging, and the company providing it. These elements all make an impact on the Earth, and thus deserve careful consideration. First of all, the gift itself must be considered. Ideally, its contents should be organic, or at least have a minimum impact on the Earth. For example, paper products should be recycled; cloth products should be made of organic fibers like cotton, bamboo or hemp. Wooden products should be made of fast-growing woods or recycled hard woods. Second, the packaging of the product should be minimal to reduce waste. Seek zero packaging when possible. Next best is recycled paper packaging. The least desirable packaging is plastic, which takes significant energy to produce and is difficult to recycle. If the only option is plastic packaging, seek minimal amounts of plastic. Third, the source of the gift is important based on both human rights considerations and transportation costs. It's no secret that most U.S. companies manufacture their products outside of the U.S. This is sometimes the only option when it comes to economy, but you can be a conscious consumer by researching the country of origin to determine how likely it is that they frequently are cited for human rights violations. The fuel costs involved in shipping products from foreign countries vary, but can make a significant impact on the product's overall cost to the environment. Finally, consider the company itself. It may surprise you to discover that some companies that sell green products are actually not green at all. They may in fact be terrible companies. Other companies that use less sustainable products may in fact be greener overall when you consider product sourcing and packaging. The best thing to do is to think beyond the label on a product and do a little bit of research. Consider the concepts above and apply them to all of your green purchases for more conscious consumption. Eight Easy Options For Green Gift Giving 1. Gift Certificates - require almost no transportation resources or packaging, and ensure the recipient will get exactly what he or she wants. Choose local, environmentally-conscious companies from which to secure the certificates. 2. Organic Products - are often sourced from environmentally-conscious companies that minimize their impact on the world. Consider clothing, accessories and beauty items. 3. Charity Donation - requires no transportation resources or packaging, and directly make a positive impact on the world. Check out organizations that benefit global resource initiatives, focusing on something meaningful to the recipient like water or air quality, or wildlife protection. 4. Local Home-Made Products - buying locally-made products supports the local economy and minimizes transportation impact. Look for hand-made gift items like bags, decorative boxes and children's toys. 5. Massage - a hands-on gift requires almost no waste, and the only products required are a little bit of massage oil. 6. Eco Spa Day - while many spas use treatments that are tested on animals and contain ingredients that don't meet the green standard, eco spas specialize in treating guests to luxury without negatively impacting the Earth. 7. Home-Made Food - if you like to cook, select the best organic and locally-grown products available and prepare a home-made meal that you can either share or drop off. Don't live nearby? Bake organic cookies and send them in the mail. 8. Groceries for a Week - do their shopping for a week at the local farmer's market or a responsible grocery store. Don't forget to include a list of what you purchased and some recipes for using the food!

EVEN IF EVERYTHINGS NOT ALWAYS ON SALE

Everyone is tightening their belts ,watching where and how they spend their money. All we hear is how all the "big box" stores are slashing prices to get you in the door.( of course their discounts reflect what their real costs are, I couldn't stay in business if I always sold at 50-75% off). Once you get in the door try to actually find someone to help you. Either to know or care enough about what you need for your home or who you're buying for. I know I'm biased being an independent retailer but I want to remind people that in actuality "micro" small business fuels the world economy. We ( micro businesses) employ local residents (in each communities around the world) we give to charities local, national & international. Try getting national retailers to give to your next fundraiser and see how far you get. We care about the people we are serving , the locals and the visitors because we have real "one on one" contact. Shopping with us , eating with us, having work done by us may seem a bit more expensive , but the long term effect on the community of ignoring us may be more devastating than you may think. Consider if you could only buy at Walmart, Christmas tree, TJX's ,the Gap, McDonalds or any other huge enterprises. The sameness of the offerings (cuz where do they get their ideas from but by copying small artisans and whats offered in small shops like M.Brann & co) would make life depressing. Their corporate structure isn't set up to help the local charity with a little something( all those little somethings from small businesses add up to helping a lot of worthy causes). And when you consider the price of gas to travel to the discount store to save??? Please think about the small shops in town, (the ones who recognize you, care about offering you the perfect choice , and care about the community that you live and the world at large) often at a fair, comparable price. EVEN IF EVERYTHING IS NOT ALWAYS ON SALE.

July @ MBrann VIP CArd

Dear Friends,
We've been in business for the past 15 years, a long time for a small independent retailer. We have always felt that our customers are very important people. Without your support and encouragement M·Brann & Co could not be what it is today. To thank our special friends we are offering a VIP CARD (frequent buyer card) with your next $50.00 purchase to qualify. With every $25.00 spent thereafter you will have your card stamped, with a full card ($350.00) your will receive a $35.00 M·Brann gift card to spend as you like in the store. As always for our special customers we will continue our Annual Sale, Special Promotions, Email Updates, and our much talked about "Girls Nite In"!!! Make sure you sign up to be on our email list either in-store or at www.mbrann.com to get the latest news and updates!!!
Maria

M Brann Adds Sticks Furniture and Accessories

Each piece is finely crafted and thoughtfully designed by sticks artists based in des moines iowa. If you are not familiar with sticks, you will find that each structual piece is carefully crafted from birch, poplar or driftwood that is found along the local riverbanks of des moines. Sticks is best known for its endlessly imaginative, hand drawn designs that are engraved into the surface of their work. every piece is masterfully painted in a spectrum of amazing color palettes. sticks work often incorporates carved wooden applications, leather,fabric and metal.

Sidewalk Sale Friday May 16th - Sunday May 18th

Dear Friends,

Don't forget this weekend is the annual Mashpee Commons Sidewalk Sale. It will be Friday, May 16th - Sunday, May 18th. We will have lots of great sale items, many up to 75%off. This includes already reduced items along with a variety of sale furniture to choose from. We encourage you to stop by early and often. We also will be having a food tasting featuring our newest products- Lowcountry Produce, Treleela Teas and Savannah Bee Honey. We have added a gourmet foods section to our store for spring 2008. You are sure to love these tasty delights!!!

"From the rich earth of the Carolina Lowcountry, nature brings forth a bounty of goodness that we put into every jar of our soups and sauces. Made with local ingredients and using recipes handed down through centuries of Lowcountry history, these soups and sauces are a taste of Southern tradition." (Lowcountry)

Memories-The Legacy

My daughter, granddaughter & I just got back from a "girl's weekend".My grand-daughter just turned 8 and this was a weekend of firsts. 1st- cab ride 1st-trip to NYC 1st-pedicab ride (what a riot, 1st for her mom too ) 1st broadway show and many more firsts. We drove and the time spent with my daughter flashing back to adventures in her youth was truly priceless and the memories were not only the "big" trips. The excitement in my grand-daughter's eyes will live with me always. This was a "big" adventure for her, and I hope it brings fond memories to her in the future, not for the big excitements , but for the laughing and sharing of the time together . I encourage you all to put time aside in your wacky, stress full lives and create some memories with your children (walking the beach and talking is a big one for my kids). Someday they will create memories with their children and it will bring them back to times in their past.The layers of memories are the true legacy that we all leave behind- and we often forget to savor them when they're being created.

Back from shows

well, I'm back from all the trade shows, and I still get excited when I see fabulous new product or great new designs in existing lines. I'm still sifting through new product to see what I can't live without for the new season. Some of our top lines have outdone themselves this season. Three that always work so well together: Annie Glass, Mariposa,Vietri all have wonderful sea themed additions. Vietri's new "Incanto Mare" line is all white with turquoise accent pieces , such great textures that not only as place-setting but, as serving pieces they will rejuvenate your presentation. The new Mariposa starfish edged salad bowl is spectacular when paired with Vietri's "Incanto" shell salad plates. Now add Annie Glass's "Ultra Marine" free form shapes in stunning turquoise and you will WOW your dinner guests. I can't wait till April when we feature these peices in the store and on mbrann.com. March is always shimmy month in M.Brann & co. we move things around (who am I kidding ,this happens all the time) find new combinations ,new ways of showing you things we love.

green for 15 years

Dear Friends,

A new year has just began, and as I catch my breath, I realize M·Brann & Co. opened its doors in May of 1993. Our 15^th year anniversary is coming up! I am amazed at how many changes in our store, in our lives and in the world have taken place. I have seen a lot of babies grow into young adults and you have all seen my family grow, and my granddaughter go from an infant to ringing the register and remerchandising the store at seven! (lots of changes). Now, I look forward to who we have become and what lies ahead.

One thing that strikes my mind is how we as a society are constantly hearing about “being green, eco-friendly and fair-wage conscience”. This is so important in our world today. We at M·Brann have always embraced these issues throughout the store with the products we carry even including our eco-friendly packaging. We’ve never really been very preachy about our commitment to being green, we have have just embraced it as our way of doing business. I have always been drawn to repurposed and recycled items.

One of the first lines I carried when I opened my doors, 15 years ago was “yardbirds”; the funky birds that live outside our doors all year long are made from recycled tool parts. I have always been fascinated with the vision of finding new lives for discarded items. As many of you may remember, I recycled and repainted furniture, did reverse painting on old windows, and featured Vintage finds and have constantly brought in items that tickled my repurposing, recycling green bone! What I really love is tickling your funny bones and curiosity with my choices. We will start to label our “green choices”. Now that it has become mainstream, you can become green, eco-friendly shoppers along with us and have as much fun as we have had doing this for years.

From the very beginning we have searched out and supported small artisans and companies that created sustainable lives for artisans around the world. We will begin to point these out to you. However, more importantly, we’ll continue to remind you that life is too short to be taken too seriously. We can all mix whimsy and tradition, humor and sophistication and fun with good deeds. Please join M·Brann & Co., as we continue to be a fun, sophisticated shopping experience that allows you to always, “gift outside the box”! Thank you for supporting us and laughing with us during the past 15 wonderful years, and we look forward to sharing many more years with you.

Sincerely & with gratitude,

Maria B. and all of us at M·Brann

buy something

I've been in many businesses over the years, and have been through economic ups and downs through all these years. In reflecting what we are going through as a country, and as a world I remember back in about 1990 and a big add that" Land Rover" took out in newspapers around the country ( probably around the world) at the time. It was a full page and fairly wordy- so to paraphrase, it spoke that we were in tough times and that everyone was scared & being very cautious ,but at these times we had to DO something and that the best thing to get the economy going is if everyone would just go out and "buy something". Now I know that that is simplistic, but in reality very true. I don't mean that we should all go out & spend foolishly and without thought, but if we all buy a little something we will keep the economy rolling along. This may sound self serving,with my owning a retail store, but I have to buy something from other people with the money someone spends with me. And the cycle begins, and grows. Just a thought in the midst of the media's doom & gloom projections. M