Thursday, February 26, 2009

Greeting cards

We have the best cards in town! We just got a new selection in and at $1.50 ea they are quite a bargain. One of our customers said we could probably get $4.00 ea for them! They really are nice cards. They are right by the check out counter so look them over next time your in.

Another really nice item we carry are coasters. They are from the same folks we get our cards from and they are only $1.25 each. We had a customer buy some to put in the cards she was buying as a "little extra", we like that idea!



Sunday, February 8, 2009

Fremont Art Association

One of the hidden treasures in Niles (other than MY FRIENDS AND I ) is the Fremont Art Association. From Feb. 8th to the 21st a couple of Niles gals, Pam Bevans and Christine Wilson are having a showing of some of their wonderful art. Pictured below are a few examples.
Next time your in Niles visit the Fremont Art Association located at 37659 Niles Blvd., we're sure you'll enjoy seeing all the Art on display. Then come on down to the next block and say "hello" to us at MY FRIENDS AND I. We always enjoy seeing all of you!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

February is for VALENTINES!

Valentine's Day
is a wonderful way
to make "I Love You"
easy to say!

MY FRIENDS AND I still has a large collection of vintage Valentines available. Why not pick one up and send it by snail mail to that special person. Everyone loves to get mail!


Monday, January 26, 2009

Depression Glass

Depression Glass is defined as inexpensive glass made primarily during the Depression era in many colors and patterns. It was turned out in bulk and sold through smaller stores or given away as promotional or premium items for other products. Depression glass was often packaged in cereal boxes and flour sacks or given as incentive gifts for buying tickets at the local movie theaters or products from gas stations and grocery stores. Merchandise was offered with magazine subscriptions , for buying (or selling) certain amounts of seeds, or in return for amounts of coupons garnered with butter or soap purchases.
On a personal note, my Mother had a complete set of "Iris" depression glass that she completed by going to the movies at the Niles Movie Theater each week. (Yes there used to be a Movie Theater in Niles) .
Here's a picture of some Depression Glass in the shop right now.
The bowl is a beautiful pattern called "Miss America" (don't you love the name?) it was made by the Hocking Glass Co. 1935-1938.
The little Sherbert dish is "Bouquet or Lattice" pattern and was made by the Federal Glass Co. 1933-1940. The little 4" glass is "Flora or Poinsettia" made by the Jeannette Glass Co. 1931-1935. The divided plate is "Cloverleaf" by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company 1931-1936.

The best reference book on Depression Glass is by Gene Florence who has collected and written about Depression Glass for many years.


Thursday, January 22, 2009

People are always asking about Depression Glass when they come in the store. I found a site here that is pretty good reading if you want to learn more. Of course there are tons of sites on line, but this will get you started if you have an interest. It did say that colbalt blue was the most popular, but at MY FRIENDS AND I pink is the color of choice. We have some pretty pieces of depression glass in the shop right now and I will take a few pictures of some and give the pattern name and some information about the maker, etc. in the next blog post.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Some more pictures and a recipe

It's never too early to think about the next holiday.
We have some lovely things in now that would be nice for Valentine's Day. If you need a gift, planning a tea or just need something new and pretty for your house, come see us. We have Red and crystal glass, lots of silver and many other pretty things to choose from.

I snatched this recipe from my daughter's blog to try, thought you'd like it too. It would be good on a cold winter evening. She lives in IL. so they really do have COLD winter evenings. We sure are not having many right now. Yippee!! That's why a lot of us live here!

White Bean Chicken Chili
2T. Oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. cooked chicken, dice ( I use a rotisserie from the grocery store deli )
2 14 1/2 cans diced tomatoes with green chili's
2 16oz cans great northern beans, rinsed
1 1/2 C water
2 cubes chicken bullion
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. coriander
1/2t. ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Avocado, Tortilla Chips, Sliced Black Olives
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and garlic and cook until soft. Place in slow cooker with remaining ingredients except garnish. Cover and cook on low setting for 4-8 hours. Garnish as desired. Makes 8-10 servings.