It's time for the baby showers

This adorable bunny rattle is not the kind that will startle the little ones, it has a gentle little jingle, and at only $7 who can resist it? It has a little velcro so it can be attached to a car seat or a tiny wrist.



The cuddle coat, so soft and cozy, is bound to turn into a photo shoot.

A colleague shared some information with me about a new project.
It's called the 3/50 Project, and it is a grassroots campaign designed to "save" independent businesses.

Participation is really simple. Choose your three favorite locally owned businesses, and at those three shops combined, commit to spending $50 a month.

If half of the U.S. population did this, we would generate more than $42 trillion in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays local.

So get out there and support your local independent stores!

sidewalk sale

The first weekend in August will once again be time for the annual Essex Sidewalk Sale. Let me tell you, this one will be a big one for The French Hen. Almost everything will be reduced and lots of merchandise will be practically given away. We need to make room for the next batch of goods, so please come on by and find a treasure or two.