Monday Inspiration – Berkley Illustration

When was the last time you lay flat on your back in the grass and just watched the clouds roll by, naming them and figuring out what they looked like. Too long?

Imagination and whimsy – things that are just as good for kids 
(+ adults!) as vitamins. Berkley’s got it in spades – check it out here!

{FM}

Inside FM – Meet Soiree

Soiree is the perfect excuse to have a party – pretty invitations and personalized gifts!

Soiree says: We love FM because you offer super cute and fun personalized gifts at a great price point.   Soiree is a high end stationery and personalized gifts boutique so FM products are a perfect fit for our store and our customers.

Visit them online here – or in person in San Fran.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
We wish you the best – and we wish you some rest!
Enjoy your holiday!

Thankful,

{FM}

Don’t Gobble ‘Til You Wobble!

Now, we all do it. And we all talk about it. After. So let’s talk about it before!

Being thankful doesn’t have to equal over-full! Here are some helpful tips to keep the wobble out of your gobble.

 

1.       Eat breakfast and lunch -don't go hungry waiting on the big meal

2.       If you exercise before the meal it will boost your metabolism + suppress your appetite

3.       Drink plenty of water before the meal begins

4.       Avoid stressful  family dynamics – less stress = less emotional eating

5.       Don’t overload your plate, and don’t eat every morsel on it

6.       No seconds – you can enjoy leftovers the next day

7.       Keep in mind that one pound is equal to 3,500 calories

Think before you bite, and enjoy every minute it!

GA Girls RULE!

Bag Tag
Originally uploaded by Fontaine Maury

Fontaine Maury's Bag Tags are in the December issue of Southern Living. In the Gift Guide! So exciting. Just so happens that another South Georgia company, Peach and Love is featured too. They have a fun card game called High Cotton that they created. And Jill is a very talented photographer, too! Check out her blog post with pictures of the Southern Living December issue here.

Tag That Bag!

Woo-hoo! Bag tags are now available online! 
You can literally order these in your jammies - who are we to judge? Find them here.

And find them in Southern Living here!

Q + A

Inside Fontaine Maury – Featured Retailer Pink!

Another one of our favorite retailers is Pink Fine Stationery in Iowa! They’re a full service stationery shop, and if you’re in the area, they’d love to meet you!

Pink says:
Fontaine Maury is one of our store's favorite product lines. The plates, placemats and notepads - just to name a few - are some of our best sellers. They are fun, unique and create charming personalized gifts (the best types of gifts, if you ask us). We are always thrilled to see what Haile and the rest of the gang at Fontaine Maury drums it. No doubt, it always makes us smile. And we can't wait to show them off!

You can find Pink online here (blog here), or in person here:

pink fine stationery

847 42nd street
des moines, iowa 50312
515.255.1345 phone

Thankful,

{FM}

Recipe Card – Apple Butter + GIVEAWAY ALERT

What could be more inviting and comforting than homemade apple butter? It’s like a warm blanket on a cool night or welcome home hug after a long trip. Not to mention the delectable scent that will be wafting throughout your house – and probably enticing the neighbors to visit…. (Giveaway Alert is at the end...)

Slow Cooker Apple  Butter

Ingredients

    - 5 1/2 lbs apples - peeled, cored + finely chopped

    - 4 C. white sugar

    - 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

    - 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

    - 1/4 tsp. salt

 Directions

   1. Place apples in a slow cooker. In a medium bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, cloves + salt. Pour mixture over apples in the slow cooker and mix.

   2. Cover + cook on high for 1 hour.

   3. Reduce heat to low and cook 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and dark brown.

   4. Uncover and continue cooking on low for 1 hour. Stir with whisk to make it smoother.

   5. Spoon mixture into sterile containers, cover + refrigerate or freeze.

Now for the GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Click over to the Or So She Says Blog here to find a gi-normous giveaway featuring Fontaine Maury!

 Give thanks!

{FM}

Thanksgiving Dinner Trick!

Now we all know that we can get in a little Turkey Day rut. So spice it up with this party trick! You’ll amuse your silly Aunt Gemma and the kids will think you’re a magician. Just don’t show it off too many times, or you’ll have a lot of guests staying the night!

How to open a bottle of wine with a piece of string

Step 1. tear off the cork covering

Step 2. push the cork into the bottle

Use a pen or a bolt and push slowly so you don’t spill any wine.

Step 3. tie a stopper knot in your piece of string

A stiff piece of string is ideal, but any piece will do. If you use soft string, you’ll have to do more work on the next step. A figure 8 knot works best, but you could use an overhand knot.

Step 4. Slide the knot end of string down the side of the cork

This can be tricky. Push the string down the inside of the bottle until the knot is below the bottom of the cork. You may need to use a pen to assist.

Step 5 Carefully pull the string and cork into the neck of the bottle

Pull the cork and string up until the cork is stuck in the mouth of the bottle and the knot is below the bottom of the cork.

Step 6 Pull the cork out!

Step 7 Boast, toast, drink and enjoy...

Drink responsibly + stay thankful!

{FM}

(original link can be found here)

Gobble Gobble - We're Talking Turkey!

Have you seen these yet? Wobble over here to get 'em!

Monday Inspiration – Serena & Lily

How do you define creativity, inspiration and good design? 
Serena and Lily, of course!

They're luxe and livable, all at the same time.

And speaking of inspiration and design... check out the inspiration section on their website - you'll find design tips and DIY projects!

Thankful,

{FM}

Recipe Card – Cranberry Sauce

I know people who swear by homemade cranberry sauce. I personally had never even had any until I was a voting adult – I thought it only came in the can! Now I like both kinds, but I don’t compare them – they’re so different. 
 

Making cranberry sauce isn’t all that hard – so try it out this year!

Ingredients

• 1 C.  water
• 1 C.  white sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) pkg. fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled + pureed
• 1 apple, peeled, cored + diced
• 1 pear, peeled, cored + diced
• 1 C. dried mixed fruit, chopped
• 1 C. pecans , chopped
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Directions

In a medium saucepan, boil water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer. Stir in all other ingredients. Cover + simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s done when the cranberries burst. Remove from heat + cool to room temperature.

Give thanks!

{FM}

All About Etiquette - More Thanksgiving Day Prep

10 tips for avoiding dining faux pas:

1. No "Napkin Origami" please. Don't mistake your folded napkin creation for a centerpiece. Always place it in your lap after the host or guest of honor has placed his/her own napkin. Never shake it out, snap it or use it as a handkerchief.
2. It isn't "first come, first served." Always be patient and wait until everyone has been served.
3. Bend at the knees. Always stand-up when anyone approaches your table or new guests are seated.
4. Don't be a food critic. This is especially true when you are a guest, as it can be insulting to your host or hostess. Also, never address your server as boy, son, honey, garcon or dear.
5. Add salt or insult? Never season your food before tasting it.
6. Soak in the toast mentally not physically. Never drink to a toast given to you. Politely acknowledge the toast and thank the speaker once he or she has finished the toast.
7. Messy Marvin should be neither seen nor heard. Slurping, smacking or otherwise eating food in a noticeably audible or visible manner is never pleasant for those who are present. Also, never talk with food in your mouth or on your utensil. The last thing you want to do is eject food at the person to whom you are speaking.
8. Let it ring, let it ring, let it ring. Avoid taking calls during meals, particularly on cell phones
9. No poking unless choking. In most cases, dislodging stubborn food particles from your teeth is forbidden at the table.
10. And ALWAYS remember to thank the host or hostess. Showing gratitude is the key to being a gracious guest. A handshake and a polite "thank you" provide a sufficient close to the occasion.
(Thanks to Sally Riedel)

Give thanks!

{FM}

Give Thanks and Get Some Gobbler!

Here it is! What we’ve all been waiting for…. Gobbler Goodies!

Yes – you heard me – Gobbler. What better way to bring family cheer to the table than a sleek melamine plate with a Gobbler!

You have to see it – I personally think the Gobbler water bottle will motivate me in my workouts - click here!

Give thanks!

{FM}

Monday Inspiration – J. Crew

Is there anything more timeless, more classic than J. Crew? Clean lines and subtle textures make their spot-on details shine. Their kids line, Crewcuts, is full of whimsy and wonder, as it should be. We love their fine balance of classy and fun!

Stay thankful!






{FM}

Inside Fontaine Maury

We wanna spread the Fontaine Maury Love – so meet one of our Fon-tastic retailers!

Firefly is a lifestyle store in downtown Thomasville, GA, right around the corner from our humble home on Stevens St. The owner, Nan, is adept at selecting handmade, free-trade and lean-green goods from New York to New Guinea. She presents it all in a homey, artful atmosphere and finishes every wrapped present with her trademark dragonfly pin.

 

She is Haile’s sister in law, so of course she carries {FM}!

(We just introduced some Gobble-worthy goodies – check ‘em out here!)

Shop local and stay thankful!

{FM}

(Wanna be a featured retailer? Send us a note telling us about your store and do include a pic or two!)

Recipe Card – Spiced Nuts

One thing we in The South have an abundance of is nuts. We’re either raised by them, related to them, or we like them in pies. As a little pre-Thanksgiving Day warm-up, try these spiced nuts. You know, just to make sure that oven still works…
Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 1 Tbsp. water
• 1 pound pecan halves or pieces
• 1 C. sugar
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions

1.      Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease one baking sheet.

2.      In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together salt, sugar and cinnamon.

3.      Add pecans to egg white mixture; stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the sugar mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet.

4.      Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Cheers!

{FM}

All About Etiquette – Being Invited to Thanksgiving Dinner

Courtesy of The English Manner...

It’s a good idea to ask about dress code. “Casual” never means jeans. Be assured that your hosts will have gone to a lot of trouble to prepare a special dinner and an invitation to share the day is an honour. Make an effort! A quick call to your host is good idea.

While you’re making that call to your host, ask what you can bring. You might be surprised to receive very specific instructions for this particular event but unless pre-arranged, do not bake a pie or food item as this may never make it to the table. Standard host or hostess gifts are appropriate – wine, arranged flowers (sent ahead of time – you’re a pro), a decorative candle, chocolates or candy are all appropriate.

This is not an occasion to be fashionably late. Dinner will be the focus of the day and a day to arrive promptly at the stated time.

As always, follow your hostess’s lead. When seated, be aware that there will undoubtedly be grace so resist the temptation to begin. Have a grace at the ready should the honour unexpectedly fall to you, or have an appropriate toast to your hosts but only after your host has proposed the first toast.

Be aware that many dishes may be old family recipes and favourites that make an appearance only once a year and it is a good idea to try some of everything. Even if it’s got tiny marshmallows in it. (Especially if it’s got tiny marshmallows in it.)

On this happy, festive occasion, keep the conversation entirely above board – family, holiday plans, what books others are reading, the food and table decorations. This is absolutely not an occasion to discuss politics or the economy.

There’s one more cue to be on the alert for, and that when it’s time to go home. The focus of this day is the dinner and you are not expected to settle back for the evening. Comments such as “What a lovely day it’s been, I’m so glad you could join us” are your cue to be gathering your wits and taking your leave.

Finally, within 24 hours, write your thank you note. Considering the trouble and expense your hosts have taken to entertain you, a telephone call or an email just won’t do. A telephone call is over in a few minutes, and an email deleted even faster. I could go on about thank-you letters, but that’s a whole other blog.

---------------------------------

We agree!

{FM}