Photo by Chris Tindall
Second Quarter, 2006
Fr o m T h e Pat c h
at C ou nt r y V i l l a g e
Spring Cleaning & Feng Shui Two Great Recipes:
Lemon-Curd Strawberry Tart Cranberry-Orange Scones Upcoming Country Village Event Calendar Big News from The Weed Patch! Lots of EXCITING changes at Country Village! Great NEW Products!
T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r
Fr o m T h e Pat c h
Second Quarter, 2006
T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r
I n t r o d u c i n g t h e Q u a r t e r l y “ F r o m t h e P a t c h” We’re extremely excited to bring you this first edition of the new “From the Patch at Country Village.” Due to the popularity and success of our monthly newsletter in conjunction with feedback from our customers, we have grown into a quarterly publication with more content, more coupons, and more fun! You can expect to receive your copy of “From the Patch” on a quarterly basis, within the first weeks of each quarter. One change within the publication that we are very excited about is the involvement of some of the other stores here at Country Village. You’ll notice that some of the articles and resources contained in these pages have been written by other shops. This edition features an article on Spring Cleaning from The Red Shed, a quilting project from Keepsake Cottage, some information on two newly expanded / moved shops (The Gallery Trading Post and Ante Nani’s ‘Lil Grass Shack), and some coupons good at stores around The Village. We sincerely hope you love the new format, and would like to hear from you. Please feel free to send us feedback on either the store, the Village, or the Newsletter. Again, thank you for your business and your friendship!
N e w s fr o m T h e Pat c h
The Big Expansion: Yep - we’re expanding the store! As of May 1st, Seraphina’s is moving to Arizona. While we will definitely miss Serene, we’re also very excited to be expanding our space. We’re still figuring out all the logistics (from how the expansion will work to what products to bring in), so look for updated information on our website.
While the expansion is happening the store will be closed for a couple of days. Please feel free to call to see if we’re open or not before you come out if you’re concerned. We’re Online: That’s right! We’ve finally made it online! We’re still working on getting the storefront up so that you can purchase from us, but you can currently check out our past newsletters, and the start of our photo gallery! Visit http://www.theweedpatchstore. com, look around, and let us know what you think! Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the release of our online storefront, coming soon! If you have an email address and aren’t already on our email list, sign up online for extra coupons, email only specials, and notifications of new products! New Products Galore! One of the things we’re most excited about concerning the upcoming expansion of the store is all the new products that we’ll be bringing in. We’ve already started to bulk up, but we’re just getting started! Expect to see furniture, chandeliers, more food items, candles, pottery, lamps, linens, calendars... the list goes on and on! If you haven’t been in to the store lately to see all the new product, you’re missing out! The store continues to get more and more packed as new product comes in, and Barb is doing an absolutely fantastic job with all the display throughout the store.
The Weed Patch
Helping Make Your House a Home Country Village 814 238th St SE, Suite A Bothell, WA 98021 (425) 481 - 5995 theweedpatchstore.com Mon - Sat : 10am - 6pm Sun : 11am - 5pm
In This Issue
Introducing the Quarterly Format News from The Patch Ante Nani’s Expanded The Gallery’s Trading Post is New Feng Shui and Spring Cleaning Jewelry Resource & Supply Product: “Hero” Product: Linens Product: Seattle Puzzles Product: Star Napkin Rings Product: Daisy Tealight Lanters Product: Killian Korn + Glad Corn Spring Tip: Window Washing Spring Tip: Clean Artificial Flowers Spring Tip: Store Appliance Cords Spring Tip: Keep Live Flowers Fresh For Our Teachers Recipe: Lemon-Curd Strawberry Tart Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Scones
T h a n k Yo u !
We would like to thank the following contributers and advertisers for helping make possible this issue of “From The Patch”. Please take some time to visit these stores and tell them thank you for helping us put out this newsletter - show your support so that we can keep this up!
Art & Soul Gallery Ante Nani’s ‘Lil Grass Shack Basket Creations Gallery Eclectic Trading Post Jewelry Resource & Supply Keepsake Cottage Fabrics Spin Knitters of Bothell The Red Shed Toys That Teach The Ottoman Trading Company Please note that any articles not written by The Weed Patch do not necessarily contain viewpoints we endorse or agree with. These articles are provided for your information only, many times by other shops here at Country Village.
Product Spotlight : “Hero” “Hero, we honor thee, keeping safe your memory” Demdaco released several wonderful new Willow Tree pieces for 2006. One of Chris’ favorites is “Hero”, and is a tribute to all our men and women that are in our Armed Forces. If you know someone who has or is a soldier deployed around the world or located locally - this piece is a wonderful way of showing your support and telling them you hold them dear.
Kee p Your Fr e s h Cu t F l owers Perk ing
Spring time is the time for love, for fresh outlooks on life, and beautiful flowers. If someone special brings you fresh flowers this Spring, here’s a wonderful tip to help keep them alive and well for an extended period of time. First, have a vase ready to go with water. When you trim the stems of your flowers place them immediately into the water in the vase, as this will help keep the “pores” open.
Oh, I wanna go back to my lil grass shack in ...BOTHELL? ANTE NANI’S LIL GRASS SHACK opened it’s doors for the first time in July of 2005. Now, Ante Nani’s has a whole new look and so many new products for spring and summer. Along with our every day values on Hawaiian CD’s, Hawaiian snacks, Saloon Pilot and Royal Crème crackers, HAWAIIAN SUN jams and jellies, we now carry HAWAIIAN SUN tropical drinks, a whole new array of car window decals, scented ipu for your vehicles from TRADEWIND EXOTIC FRAGRANCES, and APPAREL! Breezy sun dresses, colorful blouses, shorts and swimsuits for the kids. Also new to Ante Nani’s are dishes and glassware for your summer barbeques and luaus along with gorgeous silk lei. Surprise your loved ones with fresh flower lei for graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, or any other occasion when you want to say “I Love You”. On the week-ends, we carry HAWAIIAN HEIRLOOM JEWELRY in sterling silver and gold. Coming in May, we’re bringing back our favorite delicious MALASADAS every Saturday between 11AM and 4PM. ANTE NANI’S LIL GRASS SHACK is full of fun and aloha. Come browse and “talk story” with Uncle Wiliama and Ante Lynn. You’ll find ANTE NANI’S LIL GRASS SHACK at the Tintersection of Country Village across the street from the TOYS THAT TEACH store. Questions or comments? E-mail us at antenani@aol.com or call 425-482-2017
When you prepare the water in the vase, add some sugar for nourishment. Also, add something acidic, Fo r Our Teac h ers such as aspirin or lemon-lime soda - this will help Here at The Weed Patch we love those people that teach. Whether the plant to asorb water more easily. Finally, to help it be preschool or post-graduate, we solute you who work so hard prevent bacteria growth and lengthen the life of the to educate our nation. flowers, add a drop of bleach to the water as well. As a gesture of recognition, we are implementing a new program Be sure to tell the bearer of such colorful and fragrant as of May 1, 2006 - our Teacher Discount Program. gifts thank you from the bottom of your heart, and then enjoy the Spring that they bring into your home! Bring your Teacher ID card with you (something that proves that you are a teacher) and we’ll give you 10% off your purchase - any Send us photos of your flowers and gardens time, every time. It’s our way of saying thank you for your work. and we’ll post them on our website! Visit www.theweedpatchstore.com for more Please note that this discount is available on regularly priced items only, information. and is not available in combination with any other offers.
A Lo o k a t C l u t t e r C l e a r i n g a n d t h e A r t o f F e n g S h u i By Guest Author Janee Carlson, The Red Shed
One of the first steps in spring cleaning is clearing clutter, the benefits of which are many. Clearing clutter can transform every aspect of your life, from improving physical, mental and emotional health to providing better, more restful sleep. Keeping your life free of clutter can provide better communication with your partner or friends, help in weight loss, decrease worry and stress, and increases productivity and effectiveness. Did you know that you can lose 6 weeks per year due to clutter? Clutter clearing is one of the most powerful and transformative aspects of feng shui, which is defined as the balance of wind (feng) and water (shui). Feng shui provides harmony and balance to your environment, and one of the basic principles teaches that your space reflects back to you. This is because everything is alive and connected with energy (chi). If you connect with the things you love, you will feel high energy. If you connect with things you don’t like, your energy will be drained. Everything is always changing and evolving, and your environment needs to change with you. If you fill your home with things you love, you will feel nourished, but if you fill it with clutter your energy will drain. The longer you keep the clutter, the more it will affect you. Clutter is stagnant energy that obstructs the flow of energy. It accumulates when energy stagnates, and likewise energy stagnates when clutter accumulates. Clutter begins as a symptom of what is happening in your life and then becomes a part of the problem - because the more you have, the more stagnant energy it attracts. A good test is to look around a room and ask yourself if you love it. Is it genuinely useful to you, or is it broken or unfinished? If it is broken or unfinished, the energetic connection is broken and drains your energy. Feng shui enhancements are often minimized until the clutter is cleared. In other words, if you hire a Feng Shui expert to guide you on color and placement of objects prior to clearing your clutter, the benefits will be less. Feng shui is always more effective when done in combination with space clearing.
Product Spotlight : Daisy Tealight Lanterns
We just got these in in early April, and they’re fabulous! These tealight lanterns are made of metal daisy shaped flowers that together create a hanging ball. Simple, elegant, and fun, we’re sure you’ll love these every bit as much as we do!
Hopefully this article will help you get motivated to start your spring cleaning. If you want to know more about this subject and the reasons why you tend to hang onto the things you do, Janee Carlson, owner of the Red Shed, will be offering a class on the subject Thursday evening May 4th at 7:00 pm at her store in Country Village. Attendance is free, but due to limited space please call 425-483-0722 to reserve your spot. Chris would like to introduce a new business in Seattle that is owned and operated by someone very close to him - his brother, Jon. Seattle Jewelry Resource & Supply has been a dream of Jon’s for many years; ever since Jon got started making Seed Bead jewelry when he was 7 years old, in fact. Since then, Jon is both self-taught and has taken classes, and has begun selling some of his work through local venues. Jewelry Resource & Supply has quickly become a premier supply source for local jewelers, metal workers, local colleges, and hobbyists. Located in Fremont on the corner of Leary and Greenwood Ave, Jon provides a wealth of knowledge (including a resource center and reading room) and many different supplies to service the trade. His outstanding customer service and friendly attitude have already earned him a reputation second to none - if you or someone you know is interested in making jewelry or doing metal work - whether just getting into it or a seasoned pro - be sure to tell them about Jewelry Resource & Supply in Seattle - it will be worth the trip! Visit Jon online at jewelryresourcesupply.com or call (206) 632-7005 for hours and directions. Mention that you heard of him here in our newsletter!
Introducing The Gallery’s Trading Post!
Product Spotlight : Seattle Puzzle in Luggage Case
By Guest Author Caroline Levi The Gallery’s Trading Post & GE Dogs
There have been lots of changes to Country Village in the last two months, and we’re changing too! The “Gallery Eclectic” has relocated to the (formerly) Northwest Heritage space (between Country Cottage Wine Merchants and Keepsake Cottage). We are now operating under “The Gallery’s Trading Post.” In addition to our unique gifts and furniture we have added new products that we hope will benefit all customers that shop in Country Village. For example, some of the products we now stock include: Instant Cameras Batteries Disposable Diapers Band-Aids, headache / cold remedies, etc. Lotto and Scratch & Win tickets Come visit our new location and don’t forget to join us for great hot dogs at G.E. Dogs, located next to the Kettle Corn Hut. Regards, Caroline & David
Ra i ny W i nter W ed n es d ays N o M o re
Seeing as how it is now a beautiful (and so far sunny!) Spring, we will no longer be holding our “Rainy Winter Wednesday” specials.
H e l p fu l S p r i n g C l e a n i n g T i p : I n ex p e n s i ve C o r d O r g a n i z at i o n Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
T h e W e e d Pat c h i s n ow ONLINE!
Visit our website and find more helpful resources, event calendar and information, and an extensive photo gallery of the store & products & fun photos! Watch for the launch of our online storefront, too!
These Seattle puzzles are just the coolest “Seattle things” around. We have two “sizes” - a 500 piece & a 1000 piece; the finished sizes are the same, and the smaller puzzle simply has larger pieces. The 1000 piece puzzle comes in a cool box that looks like a suitcase (shown above) and is a fun item to have on a shelf. We’ve been told that the puzzle is both challenging and a lot of fun to put together - so if you know someone into puzzles, send them a piece of Seattle!
Toys That Teach
H e l p fu l S p r i n g C l e a n i n g T i p : Window Washing
Toys That Teach has baby toys, Thomas the Tank Engine wood Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside trains, Playmobil, dolls, games, and horizontal for inside windows - this way you can puzzles, craft kits, curriculum tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will books, science kits, and more. get outside windows really clean. Also, don’t wash windows on a sunny day, as they tend to dry too Specializing in “Toys That quickly and streak. Teach”, we carry many unique and hard to find toys that are sure to delight your children for hours while teaching them valuable lessons about how things work. The first eight months have been an exciting time for us here at Spin Knitters of Bothell. Since we Our fun, friendly, and knowledgeable staff look forward to helping opened the store in July last year we have met so you choose the perfect toy for your children, or for a gift. Stop by many wonderful people that Carol, Tina, and Sara today and experience the difference of Toys That Teach! all have their hands full with our knitting, crochet Looking for something specific? Call us at 425-481-2577. and spinning classes, and new model garments and Photo by Chris Tindall household items for the store.
Spin Knitters of Bothell
Come and see our new lines of yarns, spinning & felting fibers as well as books, books, and more books on related subjects. Our classes are $15.00 / hour and offer a 10% discount on yarns used in them. Enjoy a free cup of coffee if you are in the mood! Call us at 425-806-8129 for more information or to sign up for a class.
Hours:
10 – 6pm Mon. thru Thurs. & Sat. 10 – 8pm on Fri. 11 – 5pm Sun. One of the resident hens recently hatched a batch of cute, cuddly little chicks. It’s definitely Spring at the Village, with baby rabbits and chicks wandering about. Bring the kids and come watch them grow up! Photo by Chris Tindall
Product Spotlight : Killian Korn & Glad Corn Treats!
We’re very excited to offer Killian Korn treats side by side with our wonderful Glad Corn! Glad Corn has been a staple of The Weed Patch for years; if you haven’t tried it, come in and sample some! It’s similar to Corn Nuts, but the flavor is a little different and it’s not as hard on your teeth. Killian Korn is new to The Patch, and we’re very excited to have it available. Simply put, it is popcorn covered with flavor, such as Caramel or Huckleberry. We have several flavors in at the moment, and more are on the way - come in and try some soon!
T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s M o n t h l y Re c i p e S h e e t
Spring is in bloom, and a wonderful time to try some fun new foods! R e c i p e : Le m o n - C u r d S t r a w b e r r y T a r t By: Gourmet (March 1994) as found on epicurious.com
For lemon curd
1/2 cup sugar 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits 2 large eggs, beaten lightly 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
For shell
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits 3 tablespoons sour cream 1 large egg yolk 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 pints small strawberries (about 18), hulled 1/4 cup heavy cream
Make lemon curd:
In a metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water cook sugar, butter, eggs, lemon juice, and zest, whisking frequently, until curd is thick enough to hold marks of whisk and the first bubble appears on surface, 12 to 15 minutes. Strain curd through a sieve into a bowl and cool. Chill curd, covered, until ready to use. Lemon curd may be made 1 week in advance and kept covered and chilled.
Make shell:
In a food processor pulse flour, confectioners’ sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl stir together sour cream, egg yolk, and vanilla until combined well and add to flour mixture. Process mixture until a ball of dough is formed. Shape dough into a thick disk and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F. On a floured surface roll out dough 3/8 inch thick and cut on an 11-inch circle. Transfer dough with 2 spatulas to baking sheet. Crimp edge decoratively and chill dough 20 minutes. Prick shell all over with a fork and bake in middle of oven until pale golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool shell completely on baking sheet on rack.
Assemble tart:
Spread lemon curd evenly on shell, leaving a 1-inch border, and arrange strawberries on it. The tart may be assembled up to this point 3 hours in advance and kept covered. Whip cream and spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe rosettes of cream between strawberries and transfer tart to platter.
Re c i p e : C r a n b e r r y - O r a n g e S c o n e s By: Bon Appétit as found on epicurious.com
3 cups all purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3/4 cup dried cranberries 1 cup chilled buttermilk
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda into large bowl. Mix in orange peel. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix in dried cranberries. Gradually add buttermilk, tossing with fork until moist clumps form. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. Knead briefly to bind dough, about 4 turns. Form dough into 1inch-thick round. Cut into 8 wedges. Transfer wedges to prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake until tops of scones are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let stand on baking sheet 10 minutes. Serve scones warm or at room temperature. Makes 8.
So many new things, so little time...
V i s i t T h e W e e d Pat c h t o d ay & m a k e y o u r h o u s e a h o m e !
H e l p fu l S p r i n g C l e a n i n g T i p : Artificial Flowers
Product Spotlight : Star Napkin Rings
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new.
Ottoman Trading Company Ottoman Trading Company offers you a window to a world and culture you may not be familiar with…and shares the arts and traditions of that world with you.
These rustic star napkin rings are sure to add that final touch to your table decor. Available in a variety of colors, these accents are inexpensive and fun.
Located at the North entrance to Country Village, at Ottoman Trading Company you will find Turkish carpets, Tribal and Nomadic weavings, as well as modern home décor fabrics from Istanbul’s textile designers. We also offer pillow covers, table toppers and couch throws in rich fabrics inspired by Ottoman patterns from the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. From Istanbul’s fashion district come leather coats, handbags, pashmina scarves and shawls. We now offer belly dancing classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. These classes are for the beginner to the advanced, and are an incredibly fun way to get in shape and make some new friends.
Come explore a new culture!
(425) 487-3777
We carry some of the region’s finest artwork produced by renowned Northwest artists. Whether you are looking for something specific, or just a new piece to fill an empty spot in your home, stop by our gallery to have a look around. We’re sure to have a unique, one-of-a-kind piece that will touch your soul and warm your heart. From fabulous glass to handcarved wood, paintings to jewelry, we’re the perfect solution for your gift giving needs – even if it’s to yourself!
Spring has come to The Weed Patch, and we’ve got some fantastic new products for 2006. Full of color - from napkins and towels to dishes, candleholders, and so much more we’ve got what you’re looking for. Whether for your home or a friends, we can help bring Spring to your life!