The Pear Tree

inspiration

2010-02-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

We went down to Brooklyn a few weeks ago to visit friends, go to the New York International Gift Fair and visit a few of our favorite shops. The first two pictures are from the NYIGF. Honestly every year I go down thinking there can't be anything new to find, everything has already been done - and every year I come back wanting to sell everything in the shop and start over! There are always new ideas & styles I have never considered before. The second two pictures are a sampling of the amazing entrepreneurial spirit that is happening in Brooklyn. Mast brothers Chocolate is really in a class of chocolate I never knew existed. Small handmade chocolate bars with the best ingredients every bite was crazy good (and kept me awake and caffeinated until 6am!) - even the packaging was just beautiful. The wine we bought from Dandelion Wines where we were given the time and consideration to guide us to exactly what we wanted (even with our smallish budget). It's that kind of comfortable customer service that makes us want to go out of our way to return. And in the last shot we are at the Bedford Cheese Shop , where we were able to sample a few cheeses of our choice and learn about where they come from. Quite a few cheeses they offer are from Vermont and I am reminded of just how many wonderful small business are working together to create this small quality driven economy. Lastly I have to tell you about Marlow & Sons. Our friends took us there for birthday oysters and martinis. I have no pictures since the light was so low, perfectly rustic and cozy. The crowd was mixed and mellow and I will most definitely go back again.

The trip was perfectly inspirational and I can't wait to bring a few of these ideas to the shop this spring!

down shifting

2010-01-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh... the holidays are over. It was a wild rush to get here and I am glad to be on this side of the season. It is the quiet of deep winter that I crave and I am enjoying these slow days with my friends and family. Slow days making lists of book I want to read and music I want to hear and things I want to make. Space to dream up ideas for the future and space to be present. It seems so fitting on these dark days and long nights to keep close to the fire and eat nourishing simple foods. May your New Year be restorative and calm.

2009-11-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

some glass & sparkle for winter.
hanging tea light holder.

it's happening...

2009-09-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

sweet spot

2009-09-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is my sweet spot. I love it here.

like it or not...

2009-09-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Summer to over. I am warming to the idea of fall coming, remembering the creativity it brings, the air of something new happening.

new chick

2009-08-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Had 6 chickens, 2 were taken by something, added 4 of these little puffs- so no we have 8! Hows thats for some homeschool math? And a reason to add some serious cuteness!

Blogged by Vermont Cottage!

2009-07-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Check it out here!

Inside on another evening listening to soft summer rain I am catching up on some of my favorite blogs (which have pretty much completely taken the place of magazines at this point). I came across a Pear Tree mention in Daryl's Vermont Cottage. Daryl has steadily been renovating her fabulous home in the most fun french cottage style. I just love that she isn't rushing the process and seems to be enjoying every step of it.

Oh, and here is what the rain does on the lady's mantle:

Everything will be okay

2009-07-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Facebook!

2009-07-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Pear Tree now has a Facebook Page, thanks to Wendy for figuring out how to make it happen. Please join, it might be the easiest way for me to share with you Pear Tree news, specials & events.

K.

Pear Tree Facebook Page

2009-07-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what these two images have to do with each other. The first is a picture of The Pear Tree before it was The Pear Tree. Right after we bought it- pretty different isn't it? It looks good in all white, although I didn't consider it at all when it was time to paint. I have been digging up some old pictures lately and will post some of the process up to date. Its nice to see how far we have come.

New jewels!

2009-04-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek- I have been waiting for this order and it's here! Such favorites in pretty blues and greens. All will be on display as we ramp up for spring. I am also hoping to grow the new web store and add some jewelery.

2009-03-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Sweet little birdhouse, isn't it?

We had a satisfying blend of manual and mental labor today, allowing for some well-earned deck time with Bob Dylan & a beer. Days like these remind me why I live in the country.

By the way, I saw the first peeks of seedlings in the cold frame. Soon there will be fresh salad.

cold frame

2009-03-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to extend my gardening season. I miss the smell of dirt by March. Thank you Bob for making this little beauty for me! The plans came roughly from Elliot Colemans "4 Season Gardening" which is a wonderful book for those of us living in the arctic tundra, I mean Vermont. I just started mesclun greens yesterday although I dont think I was supposed to leave them out overnight in the 5 degree temps, we'll see...

photo update

2009-02-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

table made from recycled barn boards, so much character.
The reason I am raising my children in Vermont...
the most lovely champagne glasses ever, as my sister said "I actually gasped when I opened the box and saw them". And I am quite sure she did.
Why I love ornamental grasses SO MUCH. How lovely are these icy blades? Hmmmm.....
Beauty.

Snow!

2008-12-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

It will surely be a white christmas this year! We have 12" on the ground and 18" expected for today and tomorrow. So....the shop is not open today (Sunday) officially, but we will be in and out doing snow maintenance. To make up for these snow days we will be open Monday & Tuesday. Christmas eve we will be open until 2.

Enjoy this winter wonderland!-K.

Sunday mornings

2008-12-01T05:22:00.000-08:00

So sweet. Time to linger, have that third cup of coffee. Don't even think about last nights mess. Enjoy the hard work that got you here...

November...already?!

2008-11-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Yup, its been a loooong time. We have done some major home renovation and I keep waiting for the slow time. I do remember vaguely experiencing a slow time. A sort of easy time filled with reading and baking, a time when I would wonder..."what shall I do today, maybe take a ride into Woodstock, check out some bookstores, have some coffee..." I haven't had those thoughts for a while.

Anyway, I know I'm not the only one feeling this way. Seems like everyone I talk to missed summer, can't believe they are about to miss fall. Stocking up, tightening up, hunkering in, stacking up the wood and all sorts of winter necessities. People seem to be preparing for the big Who Knows What.

Shopwise, we have ignored all suggestions to slow it down. Packed to the max as usual, with a visit from the UPS guy almost every day. The big sellers this fall have been pj's, jewelry, blankets, candles, so many candles and sweetly-scented lotions, salts & body products. It seems our customers are surrounding themselves with the comfort of simple pleasures. We have added a wonderful new line of table linens, colorful and bright.

We are *hoping* to expand our hours between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Core hours will continue to be Wed., Thurs., & Fri 11-5. Sunday 12-3. I will try to be there most Mondays & Wednesdays as well- at least from 11-2:30. Stop in for a visit and some tea!

Brooklyn

2008-04-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a very inspirational trip to Brooklyn.We walked and ate and walked and ate through all the neighborhoods until we could walk no further. The sweetest little shops all filled with personality inspired a Pear Tree make-over. Actually the FOOD was the most inspiring, we considered turning the shop into a small italian bistro...

But, no, it will remain the eclectic little shop that it is, with the addition of a little funk and some more houseplants. After a long winter lots of time for contemplation within, its so nice to connect to all of the creative energy that the city brings.

finally

2008-04-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

My hands are dirty! I been starting seeds, and very happily watching them grow, AND... today I found my first patch of dirt in the garden and immediately planted spinach seeds in it. The soil can be "worked" which is the requirement on the seed packet. I don't know if it is too wet though. Might rot, but I just couldn't wait. Every day the snow in the yard recedes a little bit. The ornamental grasses I planted last year are showing the beginning signs of survival. So are my 'meadowbright' echinacea and all the little ladys mantle divisions. The yard is soggy soggy, but it smells so good- now I remember why I live here and cant imagine what I did all winter.

4 reasons

2008-03-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

why I have not updated anything. My spring obsession of home and dreaming up new ways of living. All this thinking about living "greener", more efficiently- and who isn't right now- has us feeling like our small home is too big. Actually its the perfect size at just under 1800 sf, there are no rooms that go unused and everyone has there own space with a nice open common area. But we are wondering how much space we can let go of and still feel satisfied. And maybe even more satisfied with less to maintain. The books all say is you done love it or use it, it should go. Quality over quantity with books, clothes, even food! Make way for new interests, new inspiration, new open space. Letting go of the objects associated with the past- unless the memories attached to it are really good ones- allows us to be more present. I have already found that as I rid my home of unloved objects I am enjoying the loved ones more.

February

2008-02-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

Is a stalled month in my opinion. I am feeling, and I don't think I am alone, immobilized by all of this SNOW. It is beautiful- really it is- but there is a point where I no longer think of it as a thing to play in. Okay, thats it, just a little whine, and you wont hear any more from me.

On a positive note we have filled toe shop with little bits of spring! Verbena is the scent to be surrounded with. And all the spring wreaths. We even brought out this cute little black bamboo dress complete with sunhat because it really is coming. Finalize your garden plans we will be digging in the dirt before we know it!

I've been inside all week

2008-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

I just read that average Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Levels of pollution inside the home and be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. Homes have become tighter and more energy efficient- this is great! And it makes it all the more important to let fresh air in and be careful about what pollutants and toxic chemicals are allowed into our homes through household cleaners, paints, dry cleaned clothes, bedding, personal care products, etc.

At The Pear Tree we are making a commitment to reduce exposure to unnecessary chemicals and pollutants- for the benefit of the environment and personal health. Our intention is to become resource for a greener cleaner healthier home.

Thinking Green

2008-01-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last few weeks obsessing over garden books & catalogs, planning all the future gardens I will plant. I have even started some seeds, knowing that most will become root bound before its even close to planting in the earth time. I have BIG ideas for park like settings and lush overflowing perennial beds. I always do in the winter.

I have also been thinking a lot about the greening of the store. We are looking into alternative energy sources as we look forward to making the barn a more year-round usable space, with heat and all. There is SO MUCH to learn. geo-thermal? solar? We live in Vermont, it is all possible.

I have been reviewing the products we carry to see just how green we are. We are preparing for a new line of eco-friendly upholstered furniture that is really exciting. Sustainably harvested hardwood, natural fabrics, more cushion options. We continue to add to our bamboo, linen & cotton loungewear, caldrea non-toxic and incredibly fragrant home care, soy & beeswax candles (locally made) , and recycled & reclaimed furniture. Of course, we always offer locally made furniture- not only does this support the local economy and reduce shipping- it allows us to offer custom options as we are dealing directly with the craftsperson.

So, on the whole we are doing good, but I think we can continue to do better. The most important step we will take is to ask more questions, and I encourage you to do the same to help us grow greener.

And this is winters gift. Planning, dreaming, researching preparing for SPRING!