This is the time of year to see lots of Lycoris radiata appear in beds, lawns, even in gravel paths and driveways.  These coral-red blooming members of the lily family are sometimes called Spider Lilies.  The larger pink blooming and fragrant Lycoris Squamigera is known as Surprise Lily or Naked Lady.  Our L. radiata are coming up in the beds near the Old Granary and in the Inn courtyard this week.  Look quickly!  They don't last long in the heat.

The Gardening Team at Fearrington

Every time I walk into Bluebirds & Hollyhocks I make a mental note to myself that I must come back when I have more time and no mission taking precedent…..and one of those reasons is the River Song jewelry that always catches my eye. The designer started this company as a winter reprieve from organic farming, and her work reflects a celebration of the natural world with its refined organic style.  And I mean refined….this jewelry is exquisite.  Each piece is carefully crafted by hand preserving its authentic nature – with each gem hand-selected for luminosity and unique character.  These pieces are understated but captivating – much like morning dew on a spider web. If you are looking for a really, really special gift for someone (or for yourself), don’t miss this line.  And if you want to make the giving extraordinary….follow the lead of my beau whose “reason” was nothing more than  “just because it’s Thursday.”  Ahhhh….so romantic.

(They also do custom work in a timely fashion.)

Daneen

Yes...I am still browsing at McIntyre’s. (So much fun stuff in there…in addition to the incredible book selection!)  I was taken with these little whimsical bird “clips” – that also happen to have a tiny magnet attached so you can use them on your fridge. These birds are only 2 ½ inches wide…the diminutiveness being part of their charm.  Just think how adorable they would be clipped to a bow atop a package…or on a little girl’s ponytail…or several perched on a garden hat!  How charming  to have a whole flock on a bare branch in a primitive vase or flower bucket…or on a miniature sapling on your breakfast room table during the holidays.  Hmmm…looks like I may be needing more! 

Daneen

If you have had the good fortune of visiting McIntyre’s (one of the best independent bookstores I have ever seen), then you know it is the ultimate browsing ground.  I stopped by to pick up a book for a friend this week and happened to notice a clever new product called “Mark-My-Time” – a digital bookmark!  With the new school year upon us, one of the biggest challenges facing busy parents is how to monitor and record a child’s daily reading goals.  This bookmark lets each child record their reading minutes at the touch of a button making the process fun as well as educational.  Reading just 20 minutes a day for one year exposes your child to one million words! 

(And, oh…. I couldn’t help but think what a great stocking stuffers these would be for sudoku and crossword puzzle fanatics!)

Daneen

One of the benefits of living at Fearrington is The Belted Goat….where I send guests who stop by for coffee on any given morning when there is nothing brewing in my pot!  I sent a diehard Starbucks fan to The Goat the other morning, and he called me before hit the traffic light at the entrance to ask why I had not shared these ‘”best kept secrets” with him before now…..the fabulous coffee (which  he went on to say was far better than his “usual” down the street and at a fraction of the cost!), the incredible selection of newspapers, and in his words – “the best scones on the planet!”  (He was referring to Jill’s scones and they are to die for!  Her secret?.....CREAM in the batter. You cannot believe how delicious they are!)  For those of us fortunate enough to call Fearrington home, we often take such treasures for granted.  So if you live here, take time to  rediscover the delights in your own backyard.  And if you’re down the road….stop by The Goat for coffee and scones – any morning. There is always something brewing in their pot!

Daneen

School lunch packing time is upon us, and these clever lunch totes by Mimi the Sardine will make that pb&j much yummier. This company was started in the late 80’s by Pia Anderson, the mother of two daughters.  After designing and producing children’s clothing for Hanna Anderson and Garnet Hill, her company now specializes in functional products made from eco-coated cotton fabrics directly imported from Sweden and  manufactured in the San Francisco Bay area.  Items are permanently water and soil resistant yet remain soft and supple even after machine washing. Colorful aprons and backpacks are also available at Bluebirds & Hollyhocks. Who knew back-to-school could be such fun?!

Daneen