Mountain S.

Mary Hadley was a potter back in my grandmother's day. It was her hobby. But her products, originally gifts, took off as a Kentucky cottage industry. Her themes were simple country designs, primarily in blue: farmer, cow, pig, sheep, woman and horse. After she died the company continued on and expanded her designs: turtle, frog, crab, whale etc.

For three generations the women of my family have collected and used her wares.

Her line is beyond charming.

The website address: www.hadleypottery.com

Five country stars for M. A. Hadley!

Patagonia is an outstanding company for outdoor and adventure wear.

Their designs are pragmatic yet hip and attractive.

They also sell an extensive line of outdoor gear for camping, canoeing, and such.

I bought my parachute cording from them... that is how much I trust them.

My SO bought one of their jackets years ago. Eventually the collar frayed, and I repaired it. But when my repair could no longer hold... we sent the jacket back to the company.

It came back to us six weeks later in perfect condition. New collar... and at no charge.

Their fleeces are epic, I might add.

Five shiny rugged stars for Patagonia... you rock!

Do you remember this old slogan of theirs? I sure do. I remain a huge fan and loyalist. The only car for me is a Volvo... and the only appliance for me is a Kitchenaid. Most of my appliances were made by KM:
Dishwasher, Fridge, Microwave, Washing Machine
I especially love my DW and WM as they are the old-school mechanical types as opposed to electronic... therefore easy to use and easy to repair. My most recent acquisition was the microwave... and it is a sleek stainless steel model that looks and behaves quite stylishly in my kitchen. I strongly recommend that KM keeps a few mechanical type appliances in their line, as not all of us are into the digital and electronic age. Five glorious stars for you, KitchenAid!

Honestly I have nothing negative to say about this elegant line of fine chocolates.

Over the years I have come to prefer darker chocolates... and Lindt makes the loveliest of pure dark chocolate bars and bonbons.

They had a shop here for several years, but it closed.

Halloween is right around the corner... and their Halloween and Easter tinfoil-wrapped truffles are just wonderful... a feast for the eyes and the palette.

Please try their white chocolate. It is scrumptious.

I cannot praise this company too highly.

The majority of their products are simple cotton rugs in stripes and other classic designs... in every conceivable colorway.

I used them to furnish my cottage... they are durable and very chic. I just shake them out when I vacuum.

The colors and designs are just fantastic.

They also make woven throws, pillows and poufs that coordinate with their rugs.

Please check them out... they partner with Annie Selke.

Five big stars!

Five stars for this wonderful service.

I have been a loyalist since the old "ordering queue" days.

Now I mainly just stream films and TV series online.

Honestly... I am addicted... would not know what to do without Netflix.

Mil gracias...

Everyone loves free and FAST shipping.

Over the past few years I have needed a constant supply of odds and ends for my restoration project.

I found AmazonPrime to be extremely efficient and a quality service.

Now I am beginning to use their online film services as well as book orders, of course.

Very pleased... five stars.

I have restored a 1930's American bungalow; each light fixture came from Build.com.

I even had my own ongoing sales rep each for each order.

Because this cottage is on the water I used reproductions of Nantucket styled fixtures and classic pendants.

In all I ordered 11 fixtures and was enormously pleased... each time I met the quota for free shipping.

A hassle free and satisfying experience... for the acquisition of stylish fixtures.

Thank you, Build.com

Below please see the fixtures I ordered.

Five stars!

I sew.

Sometimes I seek designer fabrics from Brunschwig or Scalamandre.

But for basic ticking, notions and other sewing supplies, Fabric.com is perfect.

They have a wonderful array of casual and hearty materials at affordable prices. I used their ticking in each bedroom of a summer house... coordinated with the wall colors.

I unreservedly can endorse this company... the business and shipping end is as equally efficient and reliable as is the fabric quality.

Five stars.

If you love classic and elegant bed linens and towels for the home, I recommend Garnet Hill. They are one company that still offers percale sheets with a lovely scalloped embroidered edge plus your monogram in a font of your choice.

All of my sheets and towels come from Garnet Hill... they may be a tad bit costly but worth the indulgence.

Five stars!

I have loved J. Peterman since its debut... I have purchased everything from classic items of clothing to loungewear to charming items for the home.

The script is original and utterly charming.

I have always wanted to go to its brick and mortar store in Kentucky... not sure if it still exists.

In essence. A wonderful and original catalog of treasures for the discriminating shopper. Love it!

" Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video platform for public libraries and universities that offers viewers a large collection of award-winning films and documentaries. Kanopy's subdivision, Kanopy Kids, includes children's programming; all Kanopy member accounts have access to Kanopy Kids." -Wikipedia

This excellent service is offered to anyone in US who holds a library card, and it is at no charge.

The quality of films is excellent; there are special interest categories as well as childrens' selections.

Have been using it a month or so, and truly enjoy it.

Truly a fine service.

Highly recommend to the discerning film buff.

https://www.kanopy.com/

I have ordered 9 vinyl roller shades from this outfit. They are light-blocking and hunter green on one side and white on the other side. They are reminiscent of your grandmother's old window shades.

My situation was complicated by the fact that I wanted to have the dark green facing outwards -- the white facing inward. This was accomplished by "waterfalling" the design -- then hanging them backwards. It worked.

Their website and order form are both user friendly and the on site chat help speaks American English, which is always a plus.

The shades are manufactured and delivered within the week and function perfectly. Also easy to install.

If you like those old ring type shade pulls, they can be ordered through Zwick.

I have no hesitation is rating Factory Direct Blinds with five stars.

... and was a platform for various messageboards. It morphed into YUKU... then into Tapatalk. It's platform was simple and sweet. The community included several hundred loyalists who yearn for its halcyon days. TBH I was delighted to see it listed here and awaiting a review. Steve DeMello was the CEO, as I recall. Anyway... good times.

Quite honestly I have enjoyed huge success shopping on ebay. My purchases have included several pieces in a discontinued Spode pattern, designer fabric, a replacement Mercedes radio, vintage sterling pieces, light fixtures and more. Each seller has comported himself professionally, honestly and efficiently. I usually make purchases as a guest -- I can never remember my password. All in all a smooth and practical shopping mode.

To be clear, I was born and bred on Chanel No. 5... I have worn it since birth -- at my grandmother's behest. So, when I came of age, I indulged in the complete line of maquillage by Chanel. Last winter I found myself in need of new eyeliner pencil, but dreaded the experience of a trip to the mall -- oh the horror, right? So I took a chance on the Chanel.com online site. This was a wonderful experience. My new pencil was shipped free on charge, beautifully wrapped, with free samples of scents. It was a delightful experience... not to mention, I was spared a trip to the buzz-kill mall. Brava, brava, brava to you Madam!

It is hardly a secret that I abhor most corporations and chains of any kind.

But twice in recent months I have frequented Olive Garden... and was pleasantly surprised.

Now "some people" say that their dishes are all frozen. But I do not give a tinker's damn; their mushroom pasta was wonderful.

It could be that that particular locale is just especially stellar. I'll have to try another site while on the road.

But for now -- four estrellas.

ETA: the temperature was rather chilly -- and some other guests were a tad bit unsightly, but I can overlook both.

Now I know that Federal Express is the Creme de la Creme of all carriers, and it is in fact, wonderful; at the same time not that superior to USPS or UPS, for my money.

Their approach may feel more uptown, but in the end, it is just another courier service.

I give them major style and design props. I also like their proprietary envelopes and boxes.

Their colors are great too.

I think FedEx got its start by catering to businesses -- then branched out to residential type delivery.

A very nice company -- four stars.

I have had great luck with UPS over the years. No real problems -- ever.

At a time they were a welcome alternative to government-run USPS. Now they are fairly equal in terms of dependability and efficiency.

The drivers that I have known are very nice with strong work ethics.

I can always tell by the sound of their trucks, that it is UPS. They use repurposed trucks which is another plus in my book.

Four stars for UPS...

It's that time of the year -- Christmas. And time to review all mail and parcel carriers.

I'll start with the United States Parcel Service.

Now... I do not wish to tempt fate, but so far -- so good.

Private carriers seem to have inspired the U.S. Mail to improve its service and has succeeded. I love the tracking option.

All in all, no complaints.

Four stars.