Supporting Small Businesses During Covid

To say that Covid 19 has devastated the lives and livelihoods of many of our neighbors would be a gross understatement. As we struggle to find a new normal in what feels like month eight thousand six hundred forty two of the pandemic, one can’t help notice how many businesses have closed their doors permanently. Many of which have been part of our commercial landscape for twenty, or even thirty plus years. Restaurants, gyms, boutiques that struggled to make ends meet when things were “normal” just weren’t able to keep it going during the pandemic. The ripple effect of losing independently owned businesses runs deep and the loss of these local dollars has long ugly tentacles. Employees are let go, vendors don’t get orders, landlords lose tenants, utilities disconnected, state sales taxes lost, local property taxes lost. Now darkened commercial store fronts negatively impact the social and property values of entire communities.  We're all conserving during these uncertain times but the next time you need to pick up a can of paint or some take out supper skip the chains and spend with your independently owned locals. Now more than ever, shopping small is impactful. It may cost you an extra dollar today but it will save your community, your neighbors and protect your property values for tomorrow. 

Closing Shop after 16+ Years

Hello Lovelies!

BIG NEWS:

I've decided to close up shop at the end of March 2020. Although the decision hasn't come easily, the notion of pursuing a different line of work is something I've quietly contemplated for a couple of years. With my lease up for renewal and significant construction proposed for downtown Chester, the time has come to pursue that something different.

Creating The French Hen has literally been a dream come true and I'm so grateful to have had the experience! It's been an honor to be a part of your celebrations; birthdays, babies and holidays.  It's been a pleasure to offer a quiet place (that smells heavenly) for you to wonder and get lost in your own thoughts for a little while on a rainy afternoon. I have loved all of our locations, beginning with Centerbrook, then Essex and finally Chester. In recent years we have hosted 41 First Fridays on the front porch in Chester, such fun! And how about the talented staff that I've had over the years...

amazing!

I'll surely miss attending markets in NY and Atlanta to select merchandise and keep my eye on trends in decor and gifts. I'll miss creating displays and pretty vignettes that highlight my product mix. But mostly I'll miss my customers that have made The French Hen a successful and fulfilling venture. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I've begun the process of selling furniture and display pieces. If there's something you've had your eye on, now is the time. I'll get a few more shipments of new product before closing in March. But in the meantime there will be some incredible bargains. I hope you can make it in to take a peek around one last time.

Galentine's Day

has she been your rock? how about a heart shaped stone for $5.95

Galentine's Day is February 13th and it's all about the girls! It's a chance to show those amazing strong women in your life that you appreciate them. Leslie Knope, from the old show Parks & Recreation, created this unofficial holiday back in 2010. While the 14th will forever and ever be about your significant other, February 13th is about cheering on your sheroes, your BFFs, your "one phone call", your alibi, your ride or dies. Show them a little love.

could she use a bit of pampering? a sheet mask for $2.95

Hygge

Tips for creating a Hygge Atmosphere

The feeling of cozy contentment...like there is no where else you want to be. 

1. First, light a candle or two or six or seven...candlelight is hygge deluxe.

2. Play calm music that can serve as the background to your daydreams, meditation or conversation.
3. Layer textures in your home with cozy throws or blankets, add pillows and wooden elements like trays and bowls...keep the color palette soft and simple.

4. Warmth...turn up the thermsostat a smidge, slip on comfortable, soft clothes and socks, light a fire in the fireplace, put down a rug, and once your settled- enjoy a nice hot cup of tea or cocoa.

5. Infuse your home with good fragrance...coffee, baked bread, or incense if you like it.
6. Indulge in a quiet pleasure like reading, doing a puzzle or watching a favorite movie.

7. Enjoy simple cuisine like soups or fresh fruits.
8. Here's a simple one...tidy up. 
9, Bring a little nature inside...a beautiful arrangement of flowers or a bunch of sculptural branches.

10. Practice gratitude. Hygge or no hygge, gratitude makes life richer.

FINCHBERRY

What we are loving today...FinchBerry Soaps! All natural food grade ingredients...but don't bite them. LOVE these! Vegan, Artisan, preservative free and made in the USA!

make mine french.... gifts for the francophiles

a porcelain box inside another little box

too awesome to just hang on your tree...this guy stays out all year

Paris is always a good idea

chin chin

Not so New Neutrals, ahhhhh

Have you been shopping lately or had the chance to leisurely leaf through any new catalogs?

The trend that I am picking up on for spring is serenity, eco-chic, spa, super chill and not fussy. Colors are soft and muted, grays, oatmeal, cream, heather-ed pink and maybe a pop of navy if you dare. The fab bright tangerines and fuchsias that we've come to expect with springtime palettes aren't showing up at all and frankly would look garish in the sea of tranquility that seems to be favored. 

We are seeing this trend in everything from clothing, entertaining and even in baby. 

Could this be a response to what's happening in the ugly world of politics...? I think consumers need to feel a bit of calm and what better place to feel it than in our homes and wardrobes? That's my take on what's new....what do you think?