Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for simple reasons...it's all about family and friends and remembering everything in my life that I am thankful for. There is a lot. My hope is that each and every one of you have a blessed day with your loved ones as well.
As we all know, Thanksgiving is about the food and the drink. For some, it's a drink before the in-laws arrive and for others (like my family) it is a drink while cooking, talking and eating. No matter when you drink your wine, here are some tips for the wines to choose for your dinner. I will preface my suggestions with this....the best wines to drink with Thanksgiving are whatever you want to drink. Yep. There really isn't a right or wrong wine as long as it is one you enjoy. However, I will also say that there are certain wines that bring out the best of the flavors on the table.
Pinot Noir is considered to be the best wine to serve. The smoky, earthy, fruity flavors make this an ideal wine to serve with all dishes. It is lighter bodied yet silky smooth with hints of spice. Come try our Block Nine, Redtree or Mark West Pinot Noir.
Zinfandel, heartier than a Pinot Noir, yet not as heavy as a Cabernet is a wonderful choice for your meal. Typically very fruit forward and also peppery, Zinfandel will pair nicely with your stuffing and your cranberry sauce. Try our Gnarly Head or Layer Cake Primitivo Zinfandel.
Gewurztraminer is a delightful white wine that will certainly be on my table this year. Slightly spicy, floral and either dry or sweet. This wine is easy to drink and will be great paired with ham, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and, my favorite, sweet potato casserole. MyleStone has these delicious Gewurztraminer wines in stock, Columbia Crest Twin Vines and Pacific Rim.
Riesling is a must for your table. Either a dry or a slightly sweet Riesling will be perfect with your meal. You simply cannot go wrong with a Riesling. We have several Riesling's for you to choose from....just come take your pick!!
I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is peaceful, safe and full of many blessings. I know mine will be because I will be surrounded by family. I couldn't ask for anything more. Happy Thanksgiving. Here's to eating and drinking well.
See you soon.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Have you started your Holiday shopping??
There are 53 days until Christmas. 53 days. It seems like just last month we started the new year of 2011. I won't be ready for Christmas until there is only 1 day left. That's just how I am. I love running around and getting things done at the last minute. However, for those of you who shop ahead, please know MyleStone is ready for you!!!
I figure it is now time (since Halloween is over) to showcase some of the items at MyleStone ready to make someone on your list a very happy person Christmas morning. We have just received some of the most wonderful bears and a horse, made from Alpaca fur from Bailey's Bears. My good friend Hilarie started making these for her little girl when she was a baby and to be honest, I want one for myself! They are so soft, so sweet and make the perfect gift for a newborn or child of any age. (Pictures will be posted soon!)
We also have beautiful Argentium silver bracelets, rings and necklaces from Jacksonville artist Joanne Harrill.
Have I mentioned the glass and gemstone earrings, necklaces and soap dishes made by Sandra Wills? Did you know she was a Farmvillian?!!
They are all beautiful, at great prices and right here in town which means, you save gas! Can't beat that!
Stay tuned as we highlight artists during our countdown to Christmas. Remember...keep your local businesses in mind. You will be surprised what we have to offer.
Have a lovely week and see you soon.
I figure it is now time (since Halloween is over) to showcase some of the items at MyleStone ready to make someone on your list a very happy person Christmas morning. We have just received some of the most wonderful bears and a horse, made from Alpaca fur from Bailey's Bears. My good friend Hilarie started making these for her little girl when she was a baby and to be honest, I want one for myself! They are so soft, so sweet and make the perfect gift for a newborn or child of any age. (Pictures will be posted soon!)
We also have beautiful Argentium silver bracelets, rings and necklaces from Jacksonville artist Joanne Harrill.
Have I mentioned the glass and gemstone earrings, necklaces and soap dishes made by Sandra Wills? Did you know she was a Farmvillian?!!
They are all beautiful, at great prices and right here in town which means, you save gas! Can't beat that!
Stay tuned as we highlight artists during our countdown to Christmas. Remember...keep your local businesses in mind. You will be surprised what we have to offer.
Have a lovely week and see you soon.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Shop Small Business First
I recently read a blog where the author posted about all the small businesses in our town, Farmville NC. I was impressed with what he wrote but declined to comment because I wanted to use that energy on my blog. He was encouraging folks to visit the small businesses, see what we have and check out our prices before judging and automatically assuming we are higher priced. He pointed out the good in us. I was grateful.
I have posted before about the virtues of small, locally owned businesses mainly because, well, I own one. I am not sure anyone, unless they own a small business, understands the effort each and every one of us put into bringing each of you a good product and great service at a competitive price. It is extremely hard for the small business to compete with the buying power of a big-box store. So instead, we have to search for items that you won't see at those big-box stores and ensure the price is fair and the service you get is top-rate. We know you are going to automatically think of the big stores and we are constantly trying new things to stay in the fore-front of your mind. I promise you, we want your business.
I know when it comes to selecting wines to go on my shelf, I prefer finding items that are not in our local grocery stores. I do carry wines that care carried in other stores, but I try my best to bring you wines you will only find in wine shops and restaurants. Why? Because my store is different and I want you to find something you won't find everywhere else. My sister and I want to be there to answer your questions; to advise you on what to have with your dinner, what to drink for Bunco and what to drink while tailgating. It is why we opened a wine store. You won't get that in a big-box store.
We also have a store full of unique handcrafted items. We have tried our best to bring you quality items that are lovingly made. We love when a woman picks out a gift, her husband notices and then he sneaks back in to buy it for her for a special occasion. We love it when you come in and walk around and around searching for the perfect gift. We know we may not have what you are looking for, but we love that you chose us for your search. We do so love that smile you get when you have picked out that perfect gift. Questions about the artist? We can help with that as well as tell you where they live, why they do what they do and make special requests if you have any. You won't get that in a big-box store.
The gentleman who owns Farmville Hardware right across the street from me has spent countless hours trying to figure out the needs of people in town. He now carries horse grain, dog food, bird baths, flags and various other items all because he wants your business. He doesn't want you to go out of town to buy it. He also delivers...on his own time. Free. Last time I checked, the big-box stores do not do that.
I had a recent discussion with someone who told me they buy their case of wine at a store 1.5 hours away from here. My jaw dropped. Or at least in my mind it did. Instead I just smiled and walked out knowing that so many people don't get it. No, I don't sell bottles of wine that are $2.50. And quite frankly...I will let someone else do that. I prefer to give you good value wines. I also know that people buy their wine from another large store within a 15 minute drive for their large events. I would love to be your supplier for your wedding, party, charity event or back-yard bash. I also deliver...on my own time. Free. Last time I checked, the big-box stores do not do that.
A lot of us who own businesses in small towns, like Farmville NC, are not from here, have no connection here, have no family here, yet, we still chose to live here, start a business here and call the town home. We want to be the first place you think of when you need something. Please keep all of us in your thoughts when you hop in that car. Better yet, stroll down Main Street, stop in and say hello. We want you to shop us first. We would love to meet you.
I have posted before about the virtues of small, locally owned businesses mainly because, well, I own one. I am not sure anyone, unless they own a small business, understands the effort each and every one of us put into bringing each of you a good product and great service at a competitive price. It is extremely hard for the small business to compete with the buying power of a big-box store. So instead, we have to search for items that you won't see at those big-box stores and ensure the price is fair and the service you get is top-rate. We know you are going to automatically think of the big stores and we are constantly trying new things to stay in the fore-front of your mind. I promise you, we want your business.
I know when it comes to selecting wines to go on my shelf, I prefer finding items that are not in our local grocery stores. I do carry wines that care carried in other stores, but I try my best to bring you wines you will only find in wine shops and restaurants. Why? Because my store is different and I want you to find something you won't find everywhere else. My sister and I want to be there to answer your questions; to advise you on what to have with your dinner, what to drink for Bunco and what to drink while tailgating. It is why we opened a wine store. You won't get that in a big-box store.
We also have a store full of unique handcrafted items. We have tried our best to bring you quality items that are lovingly made. We love when a woman picks out a gift, her husband notices and then he sneaks back in to buy it for her for a special occasion. We love it when you come in and walk around and around searching for the perfect gift. We know we may not have what you are looking for, but we love that you chose us for your search. We do so love that smile you get when you have picked out that perfect gift. Questions about the artist? We can help with that as well as tell you where they live, why they do what they do and make special requests if you have any. You won't get that in a big-box store.
The gentleman who owns Farmville Hardware right across the street from me has spent countless hours trying to figure out the needs of people in town. He now carries horse grain, dog food, bird baths, flags and various other items all because he wants your business. He doesn't want you to go out of town to buy it. He also delivers...on his own time. Free. Last time I checked, the big-box stores do not do that.
I had a recent discussion with someone who told me they buy their case of wine at a store 1.5 hours away from here. My jaw dropped. Or at least in my mind it did. Instead I just smiled and walked out knowing that so many people don't get it. No, I don't sell bottles of wine that are $2.50. And quite frankly...I will let someone else do that. I prefer to give you good value wines. I also know that people buy their wine from another large store within a 15 minute drive for their large events. I would love to be your supplier for your wedding, party, charity event or back-yard bash. I also deliver...on my own time. Free. Last time I checked, the big-box stores do not do that.
A lot of us who own businesses in small towns, like Farmville NC, are not from here, have no connection here, have no family here, yet, we still chose to live here, start a business here and call the town home. We want to be the first place you think of when you need something. Please keep all of us in your thoughts when you hop in that car. Better yet, stroll down Main Street, stop in and say hello. We want you to shop us first. We would love to meet you.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The calm before the storm...Cat 3 Irene is on her way
Since Irene is heading our way here in Eastern NC, everyone is dashing around, running errands and getting prepared for what might be an interesting storm. Right now she is expected to be a Category 3 storm and although not sure where she will actually make landfall at this point, everyone is getting ready.
I will admit, I went to the store tonight...a lot earlier than I normally would have, but quite honestly, I was out of food. And so were my dogs. I also put some gas in the truck and generally took care of things tonight instead of waiting until Friday. Prices were high and will just get higher at the pump and grocery store as the week goes on. I was thinking about why we do these things and I have concluded that it's just part of the ritual. It's how we calm ourselves before the storm.
It always strikes me as funny that people also make sure they have plenty of alcohol in the house when a storm is about to hit. It's as if snow and hurricanes bring out the party animal in people to a degree. Hurricane parties start popping up at the bars and people's houses. I guess it's a testament to the human spirit to make the most of everything.
MyleStone wants to be considered one of your preparation-for-the-storm-errands. We have wines on our shelves that are meant to be at your house this week and weekend. We will be offering all wines at a 15% discount! I know it may seem like an extra stop for you while you are busy getting everything ready, but not really...tell us what you like, we will help you pick it out and you can be on your way. It's easy.
Now, I just have to make sure my own wine shelf is stocked! And batteries...I must make a note to not forget batteries...and candles...and do I have enough chocolate...no, probably not. That goes to the top of the list right behind the wine.
I will admit, I went to the store tonight...a lot earlier than I normally would have, but quite honestly, I was out of food. And so were my dogs. I also put some gas in the truck and generally took care of things tonight instead of waiting until Friday. Prices were high and will just get higher at the pump and grocery store as the week goes on. I was thinking about why we do these things and I have concluded that it's just part of the ritual. It's how we calm ourselves before the storm.
It always strikes me as funny that people also make sure they have plenty of alcohol in the house when a storm is about to hit. It's as if snow and hurricanes bring out the party animal in people to a degree. Hurricane parties start popping up at the bars and people's houses. I guess it's a testament to the human spirit to make the most of everything.
MyleStone wants to be considered one of your preparation-for-the-storm-errands. We have wines on our shelves that are meant to be at your house this week and weekend. We will be offering all wines at a 15% discount! I know it may seem like an extra stop for you while you are busy getting everything ready, but not really...tell us what you like, we will help you pick it out and you can be on your way. It's easy.
Now, I just have to make sure my own wine shelf is stocked! And batteries...I must make a note to not forget batteries...and candles...and do I have enough chocolate...no, probably not. That goes to the top of the list right behind the wine.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Summer, Summer, Summer Time
If our current heat index is any indication of how this summer will turn out, it's going to be a hot one! Here in Farmville, NC everyone heads out of town on the weekends to the water. I don't blame them really...just jealous.
At MyleStone, we have gotten new wines in for the summer and are ready for you to stock up with us for your weekend festivities. Sangria would make a wonderful addition to your weekend gatherings as would our new Flip Flop wines. The Callia Malbec we have in stock is a delicious summer red and is perfect with just-off-the-grill food.
Don't forget to stop by and see us before you head out of town. We want MyleStone Wines being shared by you and your friends at Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Little Washington and Morehead City while you enjoy the water.
Come see us!
At MyleStone, we have gotten new wines in for the summer and are ready for you to stock up with us for your weekend festivities. Sangria would make a wonderful addition to your weekend gatherings as would our new Flip Flop wines. The Callia Malbec we have in stock is a delicious summer red and is perfect with just-off-the-grill food.
Don't forget to stop by and see us before you head out of town. We want MyleStone Wines being shared by you and your friends at Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Little Washington and Morehead City while you enjoy the water.
Come see us!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Heart Month
February is considered the Heart month and it's known that for a reason besides the fact that Valentine's Day rolls around every time this year. February is also American Heart Month and the 4th was designated as the Go Red for Women Day. I hope everyone recognized the day by wearing red and learning a bit more to improve your health and to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Valentine's Day is another highlight of the month with all the buying of flowers and chocolates and jewelry. I can understand all that and I appreciate the efforts people make to show their loved one just how much they care. So...if you are looking for that perfect gift for that perfect someone then come on into MyleStone. We have the jewelry and wine for your special day.
Sorry no chocolates or flowers, but I am sure we have plenty of other things to make up for it in stock. As always, we look forward to seeing you.
Oh, and Happy Heart Month to you.
Valentine's Day is another highlight of the month with all the buying of flowers and chocolates and jewelry. I can understand all that and I appreciate the efforts people make to show their loved one just how much they care. So...if you are looking for that perfect gift for that perfect someone then come on into MyleStone. We have the jewelry and wine for your special day.
Sorry no chocolates or flowers, but I am sure we have plenty of other things to make up for it in stock. As always, we look forward to seeing you.
Oh, and Happy Heart Month to you.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Happy New Year
Hello all and Happy 2011 to you! I would apologize for not writing the past two months, but I won't because we were so darn busy with the store that we could barely catch our breath! It was FABULOUS! We were so thrilled with the holiday season and by the many, many people shopping at small businesses and buying local!
We have now been open one and a half years and all I can say is WOW and THANK YOU to all our supporters. MyleStone will soon be expanding the wine selection to offer more variety to our customers and we are also actively looking for new artists to compliment those we already have. It is going to be such an exciting year!
We look forward to seeing our old friends and meeting new ones in 2011. Tell everyone you know to shop local...it truly makes a difference in a community.
Here's to you and many wonderful blessings in the new year.
We have now been open one and a half years and all I can say is WOW and THANK YOU to all our supporters. MyleStone will soon be expanding the wine selection to offer more variety to our customers and we are also actively looking for new artists to compliment those we already have. It is going to be such an exciting year!
We look forward to seeing our old friends and meeting new ones in 2011. Tell everyone you know to shop local...it truly makes a difference in a community.
Here's to you and many wonderful blessings in the new year.
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