m brann chats

SHOP SMALL! SHOP LOCAL

2011-11-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Economic concerns linger, but mom-and-pop retailers say they finally have some cheer for this holiday shopping season.Nearly half are more optimistic about holiday sales than last year, according to a new survey of 792 small retailers by online small-business community Manta. Four in 10 say they already have better sales compared with last fall.

"More than ever, the consumers in our community really seem to understand the value of shopping locally," said Jodi Black, co-owner of Conover, N.C.-based Beautiful Brains Books and Games. "We are hopeful this trend will continue through the upcoming holiday season."

Overall, holiday retail sales are expected to rise 2.8% during November and December to $465.6 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

That boost will come from folks like Brady Kimball of Los Angeles. She is considering bracelets and necklaces as gifts for friends — and checking them out at Meowdy, a boutique near her home.

It's vital for local retailers to lure customers such as Kimball, as holiday sales typically make up about 20% to 30% of retailers' annual sales, NRF says.

Kimball's attraction to local shopping dates back to the years she browsed the tiny shops near her hometown of Harvard, Mass.

"The relationships we developed with these local independent retailers made our shopping a more personal experience," says Kimball, 36. That, in turn, "made any gifts we got for friends and family all that more meaningful."

The thoughtfulness and personal connection associated with unique gifts are among the biggest draws for Main Street shops, says Alison Jatlow Levy, a retail strategist at consulting firm Kurt Salmon.

Independent store shoppers can find an unusual present "that has a great story behind it," says Levy, who often shops in New York City boutiques. "Local stores can add to the treasure-hunting aspect of gift shopping that the national chain stores often miss."

While many small stores have a special cachet, they typically lack the resources of their larger competitors. Stores that don't place big bulk orders miss out on hefty discounts. Smaller shops' often tighter return policies and less-convenient hours add to the challenge of competing with chains.

Small firms have to work hard for their survival. Some of their tactics for luring customers to their doors:

•Focusing on personal service. Sales and discounts are very important, with 42% of shoppers saying those are a top draw, according to the NRF. Yet, customer service is growing in importance and is one of the "vital components in consumers' decision-making processes," NRF says.

Three-quarters of the retailers surveyed by Manta said customer service helps them stand apart from chain-store competitors. But in a separate Manta survey, 38% of retailers said they aren't hiring additional holiday staff because they can't afford to.

"I keep track of what my customers like and don't like," Black says. "And I can suggest things based on those recommendations." That personal touch keeps people coming back, says Manta CEO Pamela Springer.

•Playing up community impact. Shopping at a local boutique has three times the economic impact that shopping at corporate stores does, says Frank Knapp Jr., CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce.

For every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to small-business advocacy group The 3/50 Project.

"Shopping locally keeps the dollars that are spent in the community," says Allison Proehl, 46, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla. "Our local paper said it best: If you want a store or restaurant to survive, you have to make a conscious effort to visit those places."

•Tapping into social media. Three-fourths of small firms surveyed by Manta plan to use social media to promote their holiday offerings this year.

"Like big retailers, we see the value in leveraging social media to reach people in new ways this holiday season," says Joseph Nerkowski, owner of Holiday Lighting, an Ulby, Mich., retailer.

•Touting green practices. Independent shop owners often look to nearby artists and manufacturers for inventory, which limits transportation costs.

"Those mass-produced gifts from big-box stores come from far-off factories, then get shipped all over the world in huge trucks, boats and planes," says Becky Striepe, senior editor of Green Upgrader, an online publication about green living. "When you support local artists, you're saying no to all of those miles and keeping your money within your community at the same time."

•Offering localized merchandise. Gifts purchased from a local store can also put a stamp of the area on the item. That can mean a lot to loved ones nostalgic for their hometowns.

Marty Checkoway, owner of Firefly Jewelry and Gifts in Boston, says one such gift is an ornament with a picture of baseball stadium Fenway Park.

"What it comes down to is, it makes the experience for the gift a little more special," he says.

a recent facebook post / GIFTY FOR YOU

2011-11-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a special for our Facebook Fans. I have 4 beautiful $49. wool shawl/scarfs , i'll give one to the next 4 people who spends $75 and tells us they like us on facebook. This offer is good till friday Nov. 11th.
So do a little early gifting and get a GIFTY FOR YOU !!!

2011-10-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Just unpacked some fun, handpainted ( in arizona, yes the U.S.A) wineglasses ! here's a peek. perfect for a favorite girlfriens or for you...

CAPE COD SUBWAY MAP

2011-09-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Himalayan Salt Planks

2011-06-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Come get your HIMALAYAN SALT Plank!!!!
The most delicious way to have you hamburger, fish or steak at your summer cookout!!!

Cooking with Himalayan Salt Plates, Blocks & Bricks

Pink Himalayan salt blocks, plates, platters, and bricks can be used for sautéing, grilling, chilling, curing, baking, salting, plating, bathing, and contemplating.

The Fundamentals of Himalayan Salt

A boulder emerges from darkness of a 16th century mineshaft in Pakistan and explodes into light, catching and refracting the sun in hues ranging from water-clear crystal to clematis flower pink to deep meaty red. The rough salt rocks are then hand cut by local masons into a variety of shapes, providing the foundation for extraordinary new ways to prepare and serve food.

Indeed, there are as many uses for a heavy slab of Pakistani Pink Himalayan salt as there are foods, cooking styles, whims, acts of folly, and shows of bravado. The salt’s crystal lattice has a fairly high specific energy (energy per unit of mass), so it will tend to hold any temperature you bring it to for a good while. Also, due to its lack of porosity or moisture (.026%), the salt plates can be safely heated or chilled to virtually any extreme. We have tested them from 0°F up to 900°F.

Two other considerations come into play when working with our Himalayan salt plates. Their lack of porosity means that the surface area touches your food is minimal. Compared to, say, ground up salt or naturally evaporated salt crystals, these large blocks of salt will impart only a very moderate saltiness. Second, the high quantity of trace minerals (1.2% sulfur, .4% calcium, .35% potassium, .16% magnesium, and 80 other trace minerals) impart a more mild and full taste to the salt, providing another level of flavor complexity to your food.

Himalayan Salt Block Recipe & Cooking Ideas

Armed with that knowledge, we unleash the hounds and set to. Here are just a few of our favorite uses for our Pink Himalayan Salt Plates.

a) Arrange thinly sliced Carpaccio or sashimi on a cool salt platter and serve. Watch as the food literally salt-cures while at the table, gently cooking the edges and bringing on just a smidge of mineral-rich saltiness.

b) Place a large square tile of Pakistani Himalayan salt under the broiler. Wait 30 minutes, then remove the tile with a kitchen glove. Set on trivet at table, and saute fish, meats, and veggies while your guests or family look on with awe, disbelief, and dawning admiration. While cooking, your food will take on a light saltiness. Note that The Meadow’s larger Himalayan salt tiles will often hold heat long enough for repeated grillings before needing to reheat, but that batches will be successively saltier.

c) For an out-doorsy variation on the above, place a large platter of our Himalayan salt on the backyard grill, and plank grill a fennel-and-lemon stuffed monkfish, a lime-and-ginger marinated flank steak, or a balsamic and garlic rubbed Portobello mushroom.

d) For a variation on the wilder side of the out-doorsy, do what our two boys clamor for day in, day out, day in, day out (be forewarned). Heat a large Himalayan salt platter on an outdoor gas grill (best) or an indoor gas stove (use extreme caution). Lightly butter the salt platter, toss on firm bananas, grill 20 seconds on each side. Turn off the grill (important), douse with grappa or bourbon, ignite with a long match, and watch the flambé! Blow out last flames and serve with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.Barely salted and seductively caramelized, the bananas spring to life against the cool silken contrast of the ice cream.

e) Freeze your plank or plate for two hours. Remove, and plate up scoops of ice cream or sorbet. More fun yet, warm lightly whipped sweet heavy cream, egg, honey, and aged bitters, and refrigerate. Remove the salt slab from freezer, pour mixture on it, slowly lufting with spatula, for a salt-tinged ice custard you will not soon forget.

f) Impress your Jewish grandma with Gravlax. Thaw a filet of commercially frozen (for health reasons) salmon, roll in sugar and minced dill, arrange on a Himalayan salt plate, cover with a heavy brick of Himalayan salt, wrap in paper bag and refrigerate for three days, slice, serve with crème fraîche and melba toast or just eat!

g) Getting back to basics, just use it as a serving platter for butter, cheeses, dried meats, or your daily does of pickled ginger and wasabe. When used as a plate for moist food such as apple slices and mozzarella, the food acquires an enhanced salt and mineral flavoring. One of ours serves as our regular butter dish.

h) If panache is what it takes to brighten the musty corners of your soul, try serving up an entire meal using large round or square Himalayan salt plates. Moist foods take on a touch of saltiness, dry foods do not, and everything glows with the otherworldly power of the ancient world (see Ogling below).

i) Place our larger platters of the Himalayan salt on the rack of your oven, preheat, and then bake bread, pizza, and savory pastries.

BOATING AND FISHING ON CAPE COD

2011-05-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Explore Cape Cod Kayak Tours

A Cat Boat plying the sheltered waters of Pleasant Bay. A guided kayak excursion in Nauset Marsh. A sleek pleasure yacht anchored off the Elizabeth Islands. An offshore fishing boat steaming to the canyons. Boating on the waters that surround Cape Cod is why many visit, and why many stay. The boating industry is one of the economic mainstays on Cape Cod and has been at the heart of the Cape's economy for hundreds of years.

Area charter and tour boat companies transport hundreds of thousands of visitors out onto our waters each year for fishing, sightseeing, swimming and relaxation. Cape Cod marinas host scores of visiting yachtsmen and provide water access to countless recreational boaters from all over southeastern New England. Whether you are looking for a sailboat to charter for the day or a 50-foot fishing boat to purchase, Cape Cod will float your boat.

SHOP MASHPEE COMMONS

2011-05-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Cape Cod has over 2,400 shopping venues extending across the region. The Cape is truly a shopper’s dream.

Our celebrated antique trail leads through every Cape town, but Old King’s Highway (historic Route 6A) is especially alive with exquisite antique finds. Smithsonian Magazine recently wrote about Route 6A, "I'm tempted to conclude this may be the most appealing stretch of America I know."

Browse Cape Cod’s array of quaint gift shops, independent stores, bookstores and specialty boutiques, many of which can be found in Cape Cod’s charming village centers. Bargain shoppers will love our numerous outlet stores, and both Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis and Mashpee Commons offer a diverse range of shopping and dining options. Plan a Cape Cod getaway to correspond with your holiday shopping….there is no better place to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Browse by category:
Cape Cod Antiques Shops

2011-04-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cape Cod Activities, Events & Things to Do: Golf, Fishing, Whale Watches, Beaches, Shopping: 52 Things to Do on the Cape & Islands

Cape Cod National Seashore

William DeSousa-Mauk

Photo 1 of 2 Next »

The biggest draw for visitors to the Cape and Islands is undoubtedly the water. Many come simply to bask in the sun and play in the surf along the Cape’s 560 miles of sandy coastline. The area offers many water-related activities, to be sure, from whale and seal watching to surfing and sportfishing. You can paddle a kayak or sail on a sloop. Kids can learn about the marine environment aboard an educational cruise or play the role of buccaneers on a pirate cruise. In addition to water-related pursuits, the Cape and Islands offer museums and walking tours, hiking and biking trails, train rides and plane rides. The agricultural tradition continues to thrive here. You can tour wineries and small farms—even visit farmers’ markets. You can learn about the Cape’s abundant natural assets by visiting the 27,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore or the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. For old-fashioned summer fun, play a round of miniature golf or take a spin on a carousel. In the evening, you can take in a drive-in movie, a Cape Cod Baseball League game, a concert on the town green or a show at the Cape Cod Melody Tent or any number of theaters. From stimulating to sedate, the activities here offer something for everyone. Here are 52 to consider:

1 | National Treasure

The Cape Cod National Seashore should be on the top of every visitor’s list. Millions visit the National Seashore each year for its pristine beaches, self-guided nature trails, bicycle trails, lighthouses, picnic areas, scenic overlooks and historic sites. Most of the park’s features are located along a 40-mile stretch of Route 6 between Eastham and Provincetown on the outer Cape. Begin your visit at one of the park’s two visitor centers: the Salt Pond Visitor Center (50 Doane Rd., Eastham; 508-255-3421), open year round, or the Province Lands Visitor Center (Race Point Road, Provincetown; 508-487-1256), open May through October. Here you’ll find all the information you need to plan your expedition. Sign up for ranger-led programs, such as the Junior Ranger program, which gives children ages 5 to 12 the opportunity to look for seals, tour a lighthouse or listen to stories around a campfire. The National Seashore provides an opportunity to see indigenous flora and fauna in marshes, ponds and uplands—all unspoiled by development. Most activities are free. Beach fees: $15 per vehicle or $3 per person on foot or bicycle.

2 | Canal Capers

The primary purpose of the Cape Cod Canal—the widest sea level canal without locks in the world—is to provide a safe channel for vessels passing between Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. On average, the canal saves 135 miles of open sea travel around the tip of the Cape, which can be dangerous to navigate. But the Cape Cod Canal has come to serve another purpose: recreation. On any given day, you’ll see bicycling, jogging and rollerblading along the canal’s 7-mile service road. You’ll find people fishing from the canal’s banks and those just sitting along the banks hoping to catch a glimpse of a yacht, ship, barge or tugboat. A self-guided bike/hike map, with numbered poles 500 feet apart, indicates points of interest. The Visitor Center offers interactive films and exhibits on the operation and history of the canal. For more information, call the Cape Cod Canal Field Office (Academy Drive, Buzzard’s Bay; 508-759-4431) or the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center (60 Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich; 508-833-9678). The Visitor Center is open from the beginning of May through mid-October.

3 | Our Heritage

Enjoy the rolling lush lawns, gorgeous gardens and eclectic collections found in the 100-acre wonderland of the Heritage Museums and Gardens (67 Grove St., Sandwich; 508-888-3300). If you visit in spring, the rhododendrons will be in bloom in various hues of pink; in summer, the daylilies create swaths of blazing color; in fall, the changes in foliage become apparent; during the winter holidays, the grounds are bedecked with enchanting light displays. Among the three museums are the Shaker round barn replica, which houses a collection of gleaming antique automobiles—including a 1930 Duesenberg driven by screen star Gary Cooper—and the Art Museum, exhibiting such art and artifacts as early folk portraits and whalers’ scrimshaw. Take a spin on the restored Charles I.D. Looff 1912 hand-carved carousel. The American History Museum houses military and Native American artifacts, as well as antique toys. Feel free to make a day of it. You’ll find food at the Carousel Café—or bring a picnic lunch to savor on the grounds. Open daily April 1 to Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $12 for adults; $10 for age 60 and over; $6 for ages 6 to 16; free for children under 5. Holiday Spectacle of Lights, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 23 through Dec. 31. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 ages 6 to 16; children 5 and under and members, free.

4 | Seal Watching

The Lower Cape’s answer to whale watches is seal watches. Thousands of gray seals haul out along Chatham’s east coast, just a short boat trip from shore. Several services provide up-close views of the frolicking protected marine mammals: Beachcomber Seal Watch (508-945-5265), Outermost Adventures (508-945-5858) and Monomoy Island Ferry (508-945-5450). Prices range from $15 for kids to $25 for adults. Please call for schedules.

5 | Rail Trail

For outdoor enthusiasts, the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail (508-896-3491) from Dennis to Wellfleet offers one of the best ways to catch back-door glimpses of the real Cape Cod. Tool on two wheels in the sunshine and ocean air along a paved path that runs past houses, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, ponds and country stores. Following the former right of way of the Old Colony Railroad, the trail has recently undergone rehabilitation to ensure a smoother ride. While bicyclists predominate, the trail also accommodates in-line skaters, runners, walkers and horseback riders (on the unpaved shoulder). No motorized vehicles are allowed. Bicycle rentals, food and water are available at several points along the trail. You’ll also find opportunities to exit the trail to visit a beach or a village center. An 8-mile extension from Harwich to Chatham takes bicyclists along main roads through parts of Harwich and along the shoreline past such landmarks as Chatham Light and the Chatham Fish Pier.

6 | Train Ride

Rail fans are bound to enjoy a ride aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad (252 Main St., Hyannis; 888-797-7245 or 508-771-3800). Trips range from the two-hour scenic excursion to the three-hour elegant dinner train, featuring a five-course meal served in vintage dining cars. Also offered are two-hour luncheon excursions and a family supper train, featuring entertainment for children. While rolling along 46 miles of track, you’ll see sand dunes, salt marsh, cranberry bogs and woodlands. Fares range from $18 to $65; $14 to $30 for children under 12.

7 | Lighthouse Tours

Lighthouses are as much a part of Cape Cod and the Islands as the sea. For centuries they have guided mariners to safety through treacherous shoals. You’ll find eight working lighthouses on the Cape alone, mile-for-mile one of the largest concentrations of working lighthouses in the world. Be sure to check out the Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse (27 Highland Rd., Truro; 508-487-3397 or 508-487-1121), the oldest and highest lighthouse on Cape Cod. Also known as Cape Cod Light, it was one of Henry David Thoreau’s favorite spots on the Cape. Perched at the edge of a 120-foot-high cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the observation deck offers an incredible view. Open mid-May through mid-October, admission is $4. Children must measure 51 inches to climb the lighthouse. Other Cape lighthouses include Nobska Light in Woods Hole, Bass River Lighthouse at the Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis, Chatham Light next to the US Coast Guard Station in Chatham, Nauset Light off Ocean View Drive in Eastham and Race Point Light, Wood End Light and Long Point Light, all in Provincetown at the tip of the Cape.

8 | Art Trails

Do you enjoy following an artistic path? The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, in its new Arts & Artisan Trails of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, offers routes to more than 200 artists and their studios. Following the trails outlined in the book will lead you to some of the Cape and Islands’ unique characters and their remarkable works of art, from carved decoys to scrimshaw. There’s the Shining Sea Trail, the Old King’s Highway Trail, the String of Ports Trail and more. New in 2008, the guide includes a watercolor map to help plan your trail-hopping. It also lists changes to the guide since the first printing and highlights new stops. The guide and map are available for $9.95 at the Cape Cod Chamber visitor center or online at www.capeandislandsartsguide.com.

9 | Natural History

Nature is the Cape’s chief asset, and the Lower Cape offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Route 6A, Brewster; 508-896-3867) provides a great introduction to the flora, fauna and natural history of the Cape, with exhibits about coastal processes and creatures of the land, sea and air. The “osprey cam,” trained on a nest near the museum of this once nearly extinct raptor, is a special treat. The property also includes walking trails that wind through various habitats, from woodland to marshland to beach. The museum is open daily June 1 through Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays through Sundays the rest of the year, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 1 through May 31 and from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 1 through March 31. Admission is $8 for ages 13 and up; $7 for seniors; $3.50 for ages 3 to 12; free for under 3.

10 | Nantucket Walking Tour

Learn about Nantucket’s rich history of whaling captains, intrepid wives, Quaker roots and the Great Fire of 1846 on a 1-1/2-hour walking tour of historic downtown, offered by the Nantucket Historical Association (15 Broad St.; 508-228-1894, ext. 0) With more than 20 properties under its umbrella, the NHA brings island history alive with colorful narratives of historic sites and provides an unbeatable perspective of how Nantucket came to be an international destination. Summer tours leave from the Whaling Museum at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and at 2:15 p.m. on Sundays. Evening tours are available at 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday in summer. Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; $4 for children.

2011-04-23T10:44:00.001-07:00

Cape Cod Shopping

Cape Cod has over 2,400 shopping venues extending across the region. The Cape is truly a shopper’s dream.

Browse by category:
Cape Cod Antiques Shops

Shopping on Cape Cod

2011-04-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Daily Chef Menu Prix Fixe $25

3 Course Dinner

Sunday-Thursday 5 to 10pm

Click Here to see the menu

"Bleu is the kind of place you sink into for an evening and end up feeling as if you've really been somewhere." --Terry Ward Libby, Restaurant Critic, Cape Cod Times.

Bleu, chef/owner Frederic Feufeu's debut French bistro, has been receiving top honors since its opening. Feufeu, a native of the Loire Valley and veteran of the New York restaurant scene, has received numerous awards for his "consistently top-notch" bistro and comtemporary cuisine.

According to the Zagat Restaurant Guide 2009/10: "Francophiles deem dining at this "lively" change of pace for Cape Cod is "almost like being in France", as it offers "authentic bistro" fare (alongside some "novel" yet equally "satisfying" "seasonal" preparations) and the "cozy" setting swathed in multiple shades of blue--has an "urbane" feel.

Chef Feufeu's menus, modified seasonally, currently include for appetizer Les Rillettes, Escargots de Bourgogne Farcis, Moules Mariniere, Lobster Salad "mille feuille" with asparagus and for dinner Cassoulet with duck leg confit, Steak au Poivre, Planked Salmon with Lemon Confit, Roasted Rack of Lamb "aux herbes" and Filet Mignon with Bordelaise Sauce. Please go to the menu page to review the complete menu and to the special events page for upcomig news!

Bleu is located at 10 Market Street, Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, MA and is open daily for lunch, 11:30 am to 4 pm and dinner 5 pm to 10 pm.

We wanted to let you know one of our friends and neighbors in Mashpee Commons. We eat at Bleu often and find the food fresh and very, very delicious. Visit us both when you're in Mashpee Commons.

2011-04-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Living and working year-round on Cape Cod

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Cape Cod's pet-friendly living

Late last summer Dog Fancy magazine named Provincetown the most dog-friendly town in the U.S. and it came as no surprise to us . . . Cape Cod residents are crazy about their pets and so are many of our visitors. There is a growing number of people vacationing on the Cape who want to bring all of their family along, including their furry four-legged family members (and sometimes even their feathery two-winged friends). Just check out the allcapecod.com pet-friendly lodging page to see how many great places welcome your fur babies!

allcapecod.com owner's dog Darwin!

Provincetown began to take extra steps to make things more welcoming for pets - especially our canine friends, a few years ago. Many restaurants, stores and even banks have opened their doors to allow dogs - partially thanks to a change in how the local government view our beloved furry friends. One of the biggest changes was the creation of the no-leash dog part in the heart of P-town: Pilgrim Bark Park with doggie drink fountains and pet clean-up stations. Several stores have water bowls out on the side-walks for your friend to refresh him/herself as you stroll along and there are several restaurants that welcome your well-behaved leashed pup. Check out the Pilgrim Bark Park website for more pet friendly information for Provincetown.

While Provincetown has rolled out the red carpet for our canine friends, they are not the only town on Cape Cod to find places to stay with your pets. From camping in Brewster to Bed and Breakfasts in Barnstable and cottages in Bourne, you can find many wonderful places to stay with your pets. From September through May, most of the Cape beaches allow you to walk your dogs on the beach. Year-round, your leashed dogs are welcome at Nickerson State Park, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, most areas of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Cape Cod Canal walking area. Want to go visit Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard? The Hy-Line Cruises and Steamship Authority both welcome your pets on board.

Cape Cod's love of animals goes beyond our hospitality to pets - it includes animal welfare organizations. Cape Cod is the home to the International Headquarters for IFAW in Yarmouth Port and its related group The Cape Cod Stranding Network. In addition there are several animal shelters and rescue groups on the Cape.

So when your planning your next family trip - for a week or a weekend, come to Cape Cod and bring your whole family - even your pets!

STICKS Special Order Sale

2011-04-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Now Through April 18th (4pm)...

Sticks is waiving their 10% custom order fee.

M.Brann & Co will take an additional 5% OFF your special order.

Now is the time to add a beautiful heirloom piece to your home at a total of :
15% OFF

2011-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Exciting opportunities for women on Cape Cod

March being Women's History month, it seems like the right time to talk about some wonderful women-centric events and groups here on Cape Cod: The SheArt Network, Cape Women Online, and Geek Girls Camp '11.
The SheArt Network is a nonprofit here on the Cape that, as stated on their web site, provides "a supportive, creative environment where women share ideas, learn new artistic techniques, create and sell SheArt products and help women in transition."
Based in Harwich, the SheArt Network has monthly meetings the first Monday of every month at the Harwich Community Center, offers workshops, and holds Art and Fine Craft Sales several times a year with products made by their members. Their next sale is the Fourth Annual Mother's Day Art and Fine Craft Sale, April 30 - May 1 at the West Dennis Graded School House. Read more about this groups inspiring work here.
Cape Women Online (CWO) is an online newsletter featuring some amazing stories about exciting women-owned businesses, women artists, writers and organizations that call Cape Cod their home. As a woman-owned business ourselves, its great to find a newsletter featuring some of the amazing women who are blazing new trails in business. In their Winter 2011 edition, they have a wonderful article about UnUtility Electric who develop and own photovoltaic arrays that are placed on top of businesses through out Cape Cod. According to the article "The solar arrays owned by Unutility Electric produce green electricity, which is sold at a discount to the businesses at the sites." Click here to read more about Desiree Moyer's and Katharine Reynold's forward thinking green business.
Geek Girls Boot Camp 2011 is coming! This year's event to help women, girls and yes - even guys - with their computer learning needs, is scheduled for March 19 from 8 am to 6 pm at Cape Cod Community College. From basic workshops on using your computer to advance sessions on using social networking for your business and advanced sessions in web design, Geek Girls offers a day full of learning and networking for all. To find out more and purchase your ticket, check out th

"SHINO" GLAZE CERAMICS BY LOCAL ARTISAN

2011-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Shino" is an exciting family of Japanese glazes that are significantly affected by atmospheric conditions in the kiln. Sue Wadoski has been perfecting this process and has been working in other Japanese glazes as well for many years.We are thrilled to show her sophisticated ,texturally exciting work and look forward to sharing it with you.

WHIMSICAL POTTERY BY LOCAL ARTISAN

2011-03-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sarah Caruso's pottery is fun and free flowing. Sarah employs the "sgraffito" technique, in which a thin layer of clay,engobe or underglaze is applied over a clay form, and carved away to create an image. She is drawn to forms from nature. We enjoy her work because it is not only fun to look at but functional, as you can microwave it and put in the dishwasher. A fun addition to M.Brann & Co. and a treat for you or a friend.

2011-03-24T07:19:00.001-07:00

2011 Cape Cod Beach Guide

The beach is definitely one of the "hot spots" for a Cape Cod vacation. The Cape's best beaches are listed below.

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Beach Facts: The beaches of the North and West of Cape Cod face Cape Cod Bay and have the least surf. The tides go out for miles and small children are safest here. The southside beaches facing Nantucket Sound have small wave action and are still very safe for toddlers. The east-facing beaches are on the Atlantic Ocean and have larger surf and undertows. Children should be supervised, but teens and adults love it.

Most parking lots charge a daily fee until Labor Day, or you can buy weekly or monthly stickers at the local town hall. Note: If the chart below shows two prices, the second is for the weekend. If you go to a beach where there is no food, bring a picnic. Most local food stores and supermarkets cater to this need. Bring lots of water (no matter how many other beverages you have) to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Legend
Surf	Calm	Food	Bathrooms	Lifeguard

Parking fees for weekdays/weekends are indicated in the second column.
Seasonal beach passes are available at most town hall offices.

Barnstable
Location	Parking	Amenities
Craigville, Craigville Rd. Centerville	$15
Kalmus, Ocean St., Hyannis	$15
Sandy Neck, off Rte. 6A, W. Barnstable	$15

Bourne
Location	Parking	Amenities
Monument Beach, off Rte. 28	$40*
Scusset Beach, off Sagamore Beach Road, Sagamore	$7
*Non-resident beach sticker, some restrictions apply. Sticker is one-week temporary sticker.

Brewster
Location	Parking	Amenities
Breakwater Beach, off Rte. 6A	$15
Crosby Landing, off Rte. 6A	$15
Paines Creek, off Rte. 6A	$15
Robbins Hill, Lower Rd. off Rte. 6A	$15

Chatham
Location	Parking	Amenities
Hardings Beach, off Rte. 28	$15
Lighthouse Beach, Shore Rd.	N/A
Ridgevale, off Rte. 28	$15
Cockle Cove	N/A
Oyster Pond	Sticker only

Dennis
Location	Parking	Amenities
Chapin Beach, Corporation Rd.	$20
Sea Street Beach, off Rte. 28	$20
Corporation, off Rte. 6A	$20
West Dennis, off Lower County Rd.	$20

Eastham
Location	Parking	Amenities
Coast Guard Beach, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Nauset Light Beach, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Cooks Brooks, off Massasoit Rd.	$15/$55*
First Encounter, end of Samoset Rd.	$15/$55*
*One-week visitor's pass.

Falmouth
Location	Parking	Amenities
Menauhant, Menauhant Rd.	$10
Surf Drive Beach, Surf Drive	$10
Old Silver, off Quaker Rd. (Rte 28A)	$20

Harwich
Location	Parking	Amenities
Red River Beach, off Rte. 28	$15
Pleasant Road	N/A
Bank St. Beach	N/A

Orleans
Location	Parking	Amenities
Nauset Beach, Beach Rd.	$15/$50*
Skaket Beach, Namskaket Rd.	$15/$50*
*One-week visitor's pass (non-resident).

Provincetown
Location	Parking	Amenities
Herring Cove, end of Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Race Point, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15

Sandwich
Location	Parking	Amenities
Sandy Neck Beach, Sandy Neck Rd.	$10

Truro
Location	Parking	Amenities
Head of Meadow, Head of Meadow Rd. Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$10

Wellfleet
Location	Parking	Amenities
Marconi, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Cahoon Hollow, off Rte. 6	$15/$35*
White Crest, Ocean View Dr.	$15/$35*
*3-Day Non-resident beach sticker, some restrictions apply.

Yarmouth
Location	Parking	Amenities
Sea Gull Beach, off South Sea Ave.	$15

2011-03-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

2011 Cape Cod Beach Guide

The beach is definitely one of the "hot spots" for a Cape Cod vacation. The Cape's best beaches are listed below.

-->

Legend
Surf	Calm	Food	Bathrooms	Lifeguard

Parking fees for weekdays/weekends are indicated in the second column.
Seasonal beach passes are available at most town hall offices.

Barnstable
Location	Parking	Amenities
Craigville, Craigville Rd. Centerville	$15
Kalmus, Ocean St., Hyannis	$15
Sandy Neck, off Rte. 6A, W. Barnstable	$15

Bourne
Location	Parking	Amenities
Monument Beach, off Rte. 28	$40*
Scusset Beach, off Sagamore Beach Road, Sagamore	$7
*Non-resident beach sticker, some restrictions apply. Sticker is one-week temporary sticker.

Brewster
Location	Parking	Amenities
Breakwater Beach, off Rte. 6A	$15
Crosby Landing, off Rte. 6A	$15
Paines Creek, off Rte. 6A	$15
Robbins Hill, Lower Rd. off Rte. 6A	$15

Chatham
Location	Parking	Amenities
Hardings Beach, off Rte. 28	$15
Lighthouse Beach, Shore Rd.	N/A
Ridgevale, off Rte. 28	$15
Cockle Cove	N/A
Oyster Pond	Sticker only

Dennis
Location	Parking	Amenities
Chapin Beach, Corporation Rd.	$20
Sea Street Beach, off Rte. 28	$20
Corporation, off Rte. 6A	$20
West Dennis, off Lower County Rd.	$20

Eastham
Location	Parking	Amenities
Coast Guard Beach, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Nauset Light Beach, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Cooks Brooks, off Massasoit Rd.	$15/$55*
First Encounter, end of Samoset Rd.	$15/$55*
*One-week visitor's pass.

Falmouth
Location	Parking	Amenities
Menauhant, Menauhant Rd.	$10
Surf Drive Beach, Surf Drive	$10
Old Silver, off Quaker Rd. (Rte 28A)	$20

Harwich
Location	Parking	Amenities
Red River Beach, off Rte. 28	$15
Pleasant Road	N/A
Bank St. Beach	N/A

Orleans
Location	Parking	Amenities
Nauset Beach, Beach Rd.	$15/$50*
Skaket Beach, Namskaket Rd.	$15/$50*
*One-week visitor's pass (non-resident).

Provincetown
Location	Parking	Amenities
Herring Cove, end of Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Race Point, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15

Sandwich
Location	Parking	Amenities
Sandy Neck Beach, Sandy Neck Rd.	$10

Truro
Location	Parking	Amenities
Head of Meadow, Head of Meadow Rd. Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$10

Wellfleet
Location	Parking	Amenities
Marconi, off Rte. 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beach	$15
Cahoon Hollow, off Rte. 6	$15/$35*
White Crest, Ocean View Dr.	$15/$35*
*3-Day Non-resident beach sticker, some restrictions apply.

Yarmouth
Location	Parking	Amenities
Sea Gull Beach, off South Sea Ave.	$15

many new items arriving soon...

2011-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Stop by often to see all the new & exciting gifts arriving this March!

NAMBE "Yaro" Bowl

2011-02-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

Now Available...

NAMBE "YARO" Salad Bowl & Servers w/ Individual Bowls

The timeless modern "gift outside the box" - favorite for many years to come!!!

NEW ITEMS COMING SOON!!!

2011-02-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Handmade Lacquer Trays
Botanical Artist Linda Funk
Fabulous Home Decor

Trays are heat & moisture resistant
Earth Friendly MDF
High Gloss Lacquer Finish
many styles available in-store this March

today show - low country sweet potato butter

2010-11-10T08:51:00.001-08:00

Artist Bryan Randa at M.Brann

2010-10-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

Artist Bryan Randa makes beautiful glass animals for our "Fall for the Arts" demo

Stop by to see the fun animal creations!!!!

Fall for the Arts

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Don't forget this weekend at our Mashpee Commons Store...
Fall for the Arts - We will have artist demonstrations all weekend, discounts, raffle drawings, and extra VIP stamps!!!!
Please join us this Friday, Saturday or Sunday!!!!

HOTTEST NEW TRENDY WATCHES!!!!

2010-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

STAMPS WATCHES
Hottest New Watch From Germany!!! Now @ M.Brann & Co
We are the exclusive location on Cape Cod to find your creative, fun, personal new STAMPS watch!!!

STOP BY TO CHOOSE YOUR HOT NEW WATCH!!!!
Mention you saw this BLOG and receive 10% OFF your new watch!!!

Development.

In 1996 the former brand manager of Citizen Europe, Mr. Andreas Schweneker and the former promotions manager of Swatch, Mr. Peter Gschwind come up with an idea for a watch resembling a stamp that would be available in a wide variety of designs and would have the ability to stick on multiple surfaces. Once settled on this idea they then recruit Mr. Elmar Mock one of the inventors of SWATCH for the technical development of this new idea.

After many prototypes and designs the first STAMPS watch emerges in the form of a vertical strip of 4 connected watches. Each watch has the ability to be snapped of the strip and used individually. The initial STAMPS line-up comes in 36 different designs.

ROLF FISH GLASSES

2010-09-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

ROLF FISH GLASSES
"One of our favorites... and selling off the shelves as we speak!!!"
Shop early for the holidays, they sell out very fast!

One of our most popular new lines of glassware, featuring several small fish circling the glass, each one diamond-wheel cut and sparklingly polished. One fish lost its way, or maybe he knows something the others don't. Dishwasher safe.

2010-07-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Putumayo Cds - Limited Time
2 for $25.00
orig. $15.99 each

while supplies last

2010-07-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

We are having a great sale in store coming up July 12th - 16th...
20% Off our fabulous line of spanish recycled glass. Great for weddings, showers & housewarming parties!!!!

mariposa party

2010-06-06T09:38:00.001-07:00

Introducing "Celebrate" New Line From...

Brand New Series From Mariposa

Join Us:

Friday, June 11th

4pm - 8pm

For an in-store event to introduce Mariposa's newest series "Celebrate"

During event register to WIN a celebrate photo frame...
Order a "Celebrate" salad bowl and get the matching servers for FREE!!!($47 value)
Order a "Celebrate" cheese board and receive the wine & pate' knife for FREE!!!($46 value)

Don't Miss This Great Event... Stop by to register or send us an email: mbrann@mbrann.com

Email us: your name and address and how many will be attending the event.

316 Traditional Remedies

2010-03-10T08:17:00.001-08:00

Come see our wonderful new line of Whole-Body care we have introduced in-store @
M.Brann & Co. Mashpee Commons...

"If you or a loved one are undergoing cancer therapy and need some special treatment, we have made it our goal to help you by providing you with gentle skin care products. Our products are 100% natural from the traditional remedies around the world.

Specifically, indigenous communities from rain forests are active participants for product development and you will feel so loved as you use them! Even people with sensitive skin and allergies have found our products enhance their skin quality without any negative effects.

Our products have a greater mission than just providing high-quality herbal care. We also provide health and science education with the communities involved in giving us our ingredients." (316 Traditional Remedies)

NYC GIFT SHOW

2010-02-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hi All...

We have just gotten back from the NY Gift Show.
We made some great "finds", lots to see and take in. But with all of us (Danny, Cecily, Lauren, and I) energized and focused, we scouted the best that the show had to offer!!!

As always we were drawn to smaller companies and fair-trade groups. There were many more to chose from than in past years, as more and more people are coming to the M.Brann mentality of hand crafted, well-priced offerings with many re-purposed materials.

We are looking forward to spring and your excitement as new items start appearing on our shelves!

Hope to see you soon,
Maria and Company

More Himalayan Salt Tips and Ideas

2010-01-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

Arrange thinly sliced Carpaccio or sashimi on a cool salt platter and serve. Watch as the food literally salt-cures while at the table, gently cooking the edges and bringing on just a smidge of mineral-rich saltiness.

Place a large tile of Himalayan salt under the broiler. Wait 30 minutes, then remove the tile with a kitchen glove. Set on trivet at table, and saute fish, meats, and veggies while your guests or family look on with awe, disbelief, and dawning admiration. While cooking, your food will take on a light saltiness. Note that The Meadow’s larger Himalayan salt tiles will often hold heat long enough for repeated grillings before needing to reheat, but that batches will be successively saltier.

For an out-doorsy variation on the above, place a large platter of our Himalayan salt on the backyard grill, and plank grill a fennel-and-lemon stuffed monkfish, a lime-and-ginger marinated flank steak, or a balsamic and garlic rubbed Portobello mushroom.

For a variation on the wilder side of the out-doorsy, do what our two boys clamor for day in, day out, day in, day out (be forewarned). Heat a large Himalayan salt platter on an outdoor gas grill (best) or an indoor gas stove (use extreme caution). Lightly butter the salt platter, toss on firm bananas, grill 20 seconds on each side. Turn off the grill (important), douse with grappa or bourbon, ignite with a long match, and watch the flambé! Blow out last flames and serve with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.Barely salted and seductively caramelized, the bananas spring to life against the cool silken contrast of the ice cream.

More Salt Ideas and Recipes

2010-01-17T11:42:00.001-08:00

Be sure the salt block is completely dry. If wet, allow to dry at least 14 hours in a warm, dry place before heating.
For gas ranges, place your Himalayan Salt Block on the burner over low flame. (For electric ranges, place a metal spacer—such as wok ring or pastry tin with a removable bottom—on the stove so that the Himalayan Salt Block is at least 1/2 inch above the heating element.)
After 20 minutes (allow more time for plates larger than 8" x 8" x 2"), increase heat to low-medium. After another 10 minutes, your salt plate will be hot enough to cook on. If extremely hot temperatures are desired, as for searing duck foie gras, or scallops increase flame to medium for another 15 minutes.
Verify the plate is hot enough by flicking a drop of water on top and noting a brisk sizzle.
Toss on the protein or vegetable of your choice. No seasoning necessary.

Himalayan Salt Plank Ideas

2010-01-17T11:39:00.001-08:00

Easy Steps to Cooking on Himalayan Salt

Heating Himalayan salt slabs requires following some basic steps. Allow between 30 to 45 minutes to achieve the desired cooking temperature. Your Himalayan salt plate will crackle slightly while heating, especially the first time, as micro-fissures appear, giving the pink salt the elasticity it needs to expand as it increases in temperature.

Heating will change the appearance of your Himalayan Salt plate, so if you are in love with your salt plate just the way it is, you may wish to buy a different block especially for heating and cooking. We offer Cookware and Tableware Grades of Himalayan salt plates so you can have a beautifully fractured Tableware Grade salt plate for serving at room temperature or chilled, and a structurally robust Cookware Grade salt plate for cooking on.

Himilayan Salt Planks

2009-10-09T12:11:00.001-07:00

Himalayan Salt Planks Now Available Online
www.mbrann.com
Himalayan Salt - Grilling/Chilling/Broiling Plank
8X8inch Square
"Himalayan salt platters, plates, blocks, and rocks are each unique, and can be enjoyed both as a natural artwork and as a tool for cooking and presenting food. Serve thinly sliced apples and Mozzarella on a cool salt brick and experience how a delicate saltiness is infused into the tart apple and creamy cheese. Try beef carpaccio or ahi tuna sashimi on a salt brick and watch the salt cure the edges of the fish. Heat the Himalayan salt slab on the stovetop and sear thin strips of flatiron steak (right) or medallions of kobe beef! "

sidewalk sale extended

2009-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

well,
It rained last saturday for our bi -annual sidewalk sale. So, we're going to do it again tomorrow !
Also more clearance "Winding River" jackets are in ,they blew out last weekend inspite of the rain. So we got some more. (only for this weekend though) . So come check it out. M

2009-06-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

"SATURDAY NITE SOCIAL"
June 20th
4pm - 7pm
Meet Visiting Artists:
JaNon Cape Cod Jewelry
&
Donna Claytor - Handmade Floorcloths and Prints
Trunk Show: Winding River & Trimdin Jackets

Extended Sidewalk Sale - Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Come join us...
EXTENDED SIDEWALK SALE -
THIS WEEKEND MEMORIAL DAY
30% - 90% Off
Select Items
Inside & Outside

May 16th Social

2009-05-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

Thank You to everyone who came out last Saturday for our 2nd social of the season! We especially would like to thank our visiting artists - David & Mark Stepper and Karen from Spirit of the Shell Designs! If you didn't get a chance to see their work please stop by and check it out! The colored enamel sculptures are fantastic, the frogs are a store favorite! Karen's shell creations are simply spectacular! We have one of her beautiful large shell mirrors up right now in the store - it simply must be seen! We will have more socials coming up starting in June. Sign up on our web site www.mbrann.com to receive email updates on events, sales, and store info!

great floor mats

2009-04-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for my first order of floor mats,and they just got delivered. You all know i love color and texture . These very thin , durable and comfortable mats can be used indoors or outdoors. They come in an assortment of colors ( aquas and blues to pale gray and cream) and are a great size 28"x48" . Most that i've looked at are either too big or too small. These are good for in front of a sink or back door/slider. They are a part of everyday life in many West African countries( where they are made). We'll have photo's up soon, in the mean time come in and check them out.
M

Saturday Nite Social!!!

2009-04-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Great kickoff to the spring season!!! We had a fabulous time with lots of laughs and met many new friends. We would like to thank JOBI POTTERY & JaNon Jewelry for joining us. We also introduced Winding River & Trimdin Jackets. The jackets were a great success!!! We are excited to have the jackets in our store for the coming season! They are now available in store at M.Brann.
We look forward to more Saturday Nite Socials this spring and summer!

Saturday Nite Social!!!

2009-04-03T08:49:00.002-07:00

Saturday Nite Social

Our first Saturday Nite Social of 2009 will be April 25th from 4pm- 7pm.
You will be able to meet local artisans, have some wine and snicky-snacks, and chat with friends old and new!

We will email you with more details soon, but wanted you to (SAVE THE DATE) Saturday, April 25, 2009

VIP CARDS

2009-04-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

M.Brann & Co V.I.P CARDS

M.Brann & Co's V.I.P. Card is for our loyal friends, whom we want to reward with a thank you and extra savings. Your card is issued with an initial $50.00 purchase. It is then stamped for every $25.00 spent. When filled we will give you an M.Brann & Co gift card valued at $35.00. Special promotions for our V.I.P. cardholders will be held throughout the year. We want to remind you to show it when you shop - and if you don't have a one yet get in here and get signed up!!!
* Bring this email in and we will start you with your first $25.00 stamp FREE. (If you already have a card we will give you 1 FREE $25.00 stamp when you show this email)

Boys & Girls Club

2009-04-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

We are very excited that Mashpee Commons has "adopted" the BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of CAPE COD. The BGCCC is one of our favorite charities, so we're thrilled that with the combined efforts of all of Mashpee Commons we can make a difference to this great organization. We will donate 5% of our sales on the last Sunday of each month for all of 2009 to the BGCCC.

Spring Update!

2009-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Hey, it's been a long winter, but spring might finally be here! The season is definitely coming to M.Brann & Co. We have added new lines, many local artisans and we will be updating you with our news periodically.

Since 1993, M.Brann & Co has featured local, regional, international, fair trade artisans and re-purposed, recycled, green products. Our goal this season is to educate our customer and spotlight the importance of buying locally, buying fair trade and buying re-purposed what we call functional art for you and your home.

Happy Spring to all and we will chat soon!

Maria Brann

March Lamp Sale

2009-03-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lamp Sale Now through March 31st

20% - 60% OFF Lamps throughout the store!!!

Sticks Special

2009-02-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Would you like to create your own heirloom treasure...
Now is the time to take advantage of Sticks waiving their 10% custom order charge on all orders place through Feb 8th, 2009. A very special opportunity for our special customers to come into MBrann and create your dream piece of art for your home. We will also match the Sticks discount & offer an additional 10% discount on you custom order piece.

Call us: 508-477-0299 0r Email us at MBrann@Mbrann.com or stop by the Mashpee Commons Store

We will help you design an heirloom treasure for you and your family!!!

Sincerely,
Maria

2009-01-17T08:55:00.001-08:00

Wine and Food: Tips on the Right Wine and Food Pairing

There are some basic wine and food pairing rules that will help you mix together the right combination of flavors that will improve your dining experience. A great wine pairing can make your dining memorable and a wrong combination can contribute to a poor dining experience. Of the basic wine and food pairing rules, the number one rule for you to remember is to pick a wine that you will enjoy. If you really have a preference for white wines versus red wines, then its okay for you to choose your favorite type of wine with your meal.

To choose the right wine for dining, consider these four questions.

There are four question that will help you make the best wine decision for your meal. (1) What is the main dish? Is it fish, chicken or beef? (2) Will it be roasted, grilled or pan-fried? (3) Does the dish come with a sauce and if so, what kind of sauce? (4) Will there be any side dishes and how will their flavors impact your wine choice? There are many different types of wine choices available today, so the basic wine rules may not always apply, but generally speaking these rules remain for the most part, still accurate for helping you make the right wine choice: white wines with poultry and fish, and red wines with beef.

Keep "wine power," in mind, when choosing your wines.

Generally speaking, red wines will work best with dishes that are rich, heavy and have a big flavor. When choosing a beef dish, you should consider the powerful strength of beef and choose a wine that has equal power. This rule also is effective for dishes that are served in rich, thick, heavy, full-of-herbs types of sauces. The reason why red wines and beef goes well together is that red wines contains tannins which mixes with proteins, allowing the flavors to blend well together. As a rule, white wines and red meats do not work well together, because white wine lacks tannins that enables this flavorful combination to occur.

White wines works best with light foods, such as chicken, turkey or fish. Color and the aromatic smells of the flavors influence taste buds and wines that are lighter, such as white wines, will complement the meal and not overpower the flavors of the foods. Sometimes even foods that are light in nature, can be paired with a sauce that is heavy or spicy. This changes the definition of light, and now that dish might be better paired with a red wine or Rose or a wine that has a bit more spice.

A multiple choice meal, requires more than one wine choice.

To truly experience the proper pairing of wines with a multiple course dinner, you should pair your wines to the many courses of the meal. It would be difficult for one wine to work well with every dish because of the variety of flavors. If possible, choose a wine that is appropriate for the appetizer or first course, and then change the wine for the main dish, and then change the wine again for the dessert choice.

Start off with a lighter wine (usually white, or light tasting wines) and then move to the more full-bodied types of wine (red wines and burgundy's) and then move to the dessert wines (ports & muscats.) Keep in mind that wines that are low in acid can often overwhelmed foods even those foods that are deemed light in taste. Wines that are high in acid works best with most foods, even though in some occasions they may not work well as a sipping wine without being accompanied by food. The following examples of going from light to more full-bodied wines are: White Zinfandel, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewrztraminer and Chardonnay. And among reds, from lighter to fuller: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Choosing a wine that you know you like, works every time.

The four questions guideline will help you to pair the right wine with your meal selection. Until you feel comfortable in making those wine choices for yourself, ask your server to suggest a wine for you. Be sure and tell them the type of wine you prefer, so they can keep that in mind before coming up with their recommendations. They should provide you with at least three to four great wine pairing choices in different price ranges. If you get a bottle or a glass of wine that you don't like, then feel comfortable in sending it back and requesting a new bottle or a new wine pour. Of all the wines rules to follow when it comes to wine and food pairing, the number one rule to remember, is to always choose the wine that you like.

Alessi Electric T-Pot

2009-01-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

"Keep warm this winter with delicious hot Tea"
This is a fabulous Italian designed Tea Pot it comes in both electric and stovetop models. It is a stylish yet functional work of art for your stovetop!!!

Drink in Style

2009-01-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

Fun Barware @ MBrann & Co
"Drink in Style"

Star of Hope

2009-01-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

Star of Hope ~ New @ MBrann
"To remind us to look to the future. A future filled with prosperity & hope."

One-of-a-kind

Made of reclaimed wood.
Vintage buttons and findings
Handcrafted by M Brann & Co
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the: Housing Authority of Cape Cod

Please call or email for info. on how to purchase. mbranncapecod@yahoo.com 508-477-0299

FENDERBAG FROM LITTLE EARTH

2008-12-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

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

LEANDRA DRUMM

2008-12-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Fantastic glass work , handcrafted by american artist Leandra Drumm.

himalayan salt lamps

2008-12-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

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

ANNIE GLASS

2008-12-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

ANNIE GLASS AQUATICA $179.00

Bad Girl Placemats

2008-10-21T07:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Honey Storage Tips

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

2008-08-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

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

more green tips

2008-08-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

EasyPublish™

Author: Virginia Ginsburg

Eight Easy Green Gifts

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

2008-07-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

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

m brann chats

SHOP SMALL! SHOP LOCAL

a recent facebook post / GIFTY FOR YOU

Here's a special for our Facebook Fans. I have 4 beautiful $49. wool shawl/scarfs , i'll give one to the next 4 people who spends $75 and tells us they like us on facebook. This offer is good till friday Nov. 11th. So do a little early gifting and get a GIFTY FOR YOU !!!

Just unpacked some fun, handpainted ( in arizona, yes the U.S.A) wineglasses ! here's a peek. perfect for a favorite girlfriens or for you...

CAPE COD SUBWAY MAP

Himalayan Salt Planks

Cooking with Himalayan Salt Plates, Blocks & Bricks

BOATING AND FISHING ON CAPE COD

SHOP MASHPEE COMMONS

Cape Cod Activities, Events & Things to Do: Golf, Fishing, Whale Watches, Beaches, Shopping: 52 Things to Do on the Cape & Islands

Cape Cod Shopping

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Cape Cod's pet-friendly living

STICKS Special Order Sale

Exciting opportunities for women on Cape Cod

"SHINO" GLAZE CERAMICS BY LOCAL ARTISAN

WHIMSICAL POTTERY BY LOCAL ARTISAN

2011 Cape Cod Beach Guide

2011 Cape Cod Beach Guide

many new items arriving soon...

NAMBE "Yaro" Bowl

NEW ITEMS COMING SOON!!!

today show - low country sweet potato butter

Artist Bryan Randa at M.Brann

Fall for the Arts

HOTTEST NEW TRENDY WATCHES!!!!

ROLF FISH GLASSES

mariposa party

316 Traditional Remedies

NYC GIFT SHOW

More Himalayan Salt Tips and Ideas

More Salt Ideas and Recipes

Himalayan Salt Plank Ideas

Easy Steps to Cooking on Himalayan Salt

Himilayan Salt Planks

sidewalk sale extended

Extended Sidewalk Sale - Memorial Day Weekend

May 16th Social

great floor mats

Saturday Nite Social!!!

Saturday Nite Social!!!

VIP CARDS

Boys & Girls Club

Spring Update!

March Lamp Sale

Sticks Special

Wine and Food: Tips on the Right Wine and Food Pairing

Alessi Electric T-Pot

Drink in Style

Star of Hope

FENDERBAG FROM LITTLE EARTH

LEANDRA DRUMM

himalayan salt lamps

ANNIE GLASS

Bad Girl Placemats

gurgleing fish

party fun by author michael mcgrath

How To Make Jello Shots

your comments

decorative doorbells

decorative doorbells

THE ESSENTIAL TABLE LAMP author elaine edwards

The Table Lamp: Why It's Essential

indie business

YUMMY RECIPE

GUMBO

honey tips

Honey Storage Tips

green article

more green tips

Eight Easy Green Gifts

EVEN IF EVERYTHINGS NOT ALWAYS ON SALE

July @ MBrann VIP CArd

M Brann Adds Sticks Furniture and Accessories

Memories-The Legacy

Back from shows

green for 15 years

buy something

Here's a special for our Facebook Fans. I have 4 beautiful $49. wool shawl/scarfs , i'll give one to the next 4 people who spends $75 and tells us they like us on facebook. This offer is good till friday Nov. 11th.
So do a little early gifting and get a GIFTY FOR YOU !!!