Well, I have to admit that the blog seemed like a good idea when we redesigned the web site, but actually using it has been something of a challenge!  I often wonder were people find the time to have things like blogs...perhaps they are avoiding other tasks? 2009 was a year most retailers would like to forget and the shops at Mattick's Farm certainly were no exception.  Indeed, 2010 seems a little soft in the Victoria area, so far, as well.  This has made our loyal clientele more valuable than ever and I would like to say a heartfelt "Thank-you" to all of you who found your way out to us over the last months.

Business being a little quiet is no excuse for the store to be boring, we have been cheerfully chugging along as usual, looking for interesting new items and keeping the candle selection second to none!  We have added a new line of fancy tapers made of Danish wax by the "Old Time Candle Company" in Vancouver, at a special introductory price of $3.99 a pair, and are inviting feedback from our customers. Yes, you get to be "Beta-testers"!  We have also added a popular line of "Molca" candles from Holland, in pillars and floaters that have been very well received.  Our "Flatyz" candles from Lithuania have also been a great conversation piece.  They are a great decorative gift item, though, we cheerfully admit, not the greatest idea for practical burning during a power outage!

We have also augmented our selection of Danish glass vases and bowls from "Dansk Glaskunst" with new shapes and sizes and added a new line of locally made pottery from "Dragon Pottery".  Our paper napkin selection has grown, too, with the addition of "IHR" and "Home Fashion" serviettes from two premier German makers.

The best received new addition has been the beautiful collection of glass hummingbirds and dragonflies by Victoria's very own Mark Bateman.  We have been delighted to watch them fly out the door!  Add the new cards from local photograhper Stuart Clarke as well as fresh colours in our handwoven placemats from Lori Davies on Saltspring Island and the store is as cheerful and interesting as ever.

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The Mattick's Farm Tenant's Association has been busy planning summer entertainment and events to brighten your summer weekends.  Check out the Mattick's Farm website for details.

Leslie, Mary, Betty and I are looking forward to an entertaining Summer and hope to see you at "The Farm".  Mention that you read this post and we'll give you a pair of "H4" Danish taper candles with any purchase adding up to over $20.00!

Hello Everybody! Here we are into the New Year.  I hope the transition from the feverish activity of the Holidays to the regular grind was smooth and free of extra pounds!

The snowfall before Christmas was not very helpful.  Mattick's Farm is far enough out that inclement weather is a real problem.  To those of

you who made it out, a heartfelt "Thank-you".  To those who were trapped at home or otherwise wary, we hope to see you throughout the year and next Christmas.

The Spring stock is coming in already:  Bright new serviettes, fresh pottery from both Sue Clarke and Marilyn Henderson and sooner than we think, Easter candles and egg cups will be sliding in too.  A Valentine's display will be out first, in the third week of January...a few nice candles for that romantic dinner, perhaps?

Over the next weeks we will see a new line of napkins, mugs and placemats in the store.  I have been looking at this line for a while and am pleased that the supplier has offered it to me.  I'm sure it will be a welcome and complimentary addition to our selection.

I'll try to post more often in the next weeks, so watch this space!

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