NOFOmation Early Spring 2010
NOMO SNO! We couldn’t be happier to see March. It holds the First Day of Spring and the day that Daylight Savings Time returns. Enough said.
Balls of Fun
Buckyballs are the thing! They’ve been called “silly putty for the 21st century.” There’s even a website for Buckyball fanatics where folks from MIT eggheads to company CEO’s post their creations and their praise of this toy.
Buckyballs is a box of 216 rare earth magnet balls that you can make into unlimited shapes and patterns. They’re easy to manipulate, fun to play with, and the 30 year old Buckyball creator guarantees they’ll help reduce your stress.
One Hop Shopping
Easter weekend is busy, busy, busy! With church services, egg dying, hiding & hunting, basket making, entertaining, houseguests, and Easter luncheon preparations, NOFOlks spin about like the Energizer Bunny.
Stop hoppin’ and start shoppin’! NOFO’s got everything you need. The shop’s bursting with Easterness and the Market’s full of food for the weekend.
Save your energy. Shop in one hop at NOFO.
Put Wow @ Your Waist
This fashion season is all about buckles. With our distressed leather belt straps and a collection of big colorful buckles, you can take any outfit from ho-hum to wow in a snap.
The buckles are available with or without a monogram and simply snap on the belt strap.
Spend Your Time
You can’t save time, they say. You’re just allowed to spend it. Keep up with your time spent with the coolest watches around.
Tokyo Bay’s spring collection offers brightly colored watches from cute to tailored. With round or square faces, bands with contrasting colorful trim, plain or colored dials, you’ll want to spend time trying them all on before deciding which one’s for you.
A Tisket, A tasket….
Let NOFO do your basket. We can fill it with more than just candy. We’ve silly toys, plush bunnies and chicks, eggs of all types, cookies, games, books, etc. We’ll stuff it with pastel grass and fluff it up with a pretty bow.
Hocus Crocus
Magically update your look, your outfit, and your attitude by placing a pretty silk flower in your hair, on your jacket, at your waist, or on your purse.
We’ve gathered flowers from Sara Monica, who fashioned her first posey at Raleigh’s Wake Medical Center while sitting with her mom who was recovering from surgery.
From LA’s Flower Clips, we’ve very sophisticated flowers that have been red carpet and runway tested by the stars and fashionistas.
Honey……
Many a Southern girl grew up having her mother say, “Honey, suck in your tummy and get your hair out of your face, please.” We’re unable to help with the abs, but we offer several ways to deal with unruly hair.
We have wide jersey easy-wear headbands in contemporary colors and prints, as well as a beaded narrow jersey band.
From Raleigh’s Monkey Lisa, we have classic scrunched up ribbon headbands in brightly colored preppy prints.
We also carry the hip, casual Twist Band single tie-dyed ribbon band that can be kept wrapped on your wrist and ready when your mom says, “Honey….”
The Return of the Paper Doll
Back when, every young girl had a collection of paper dolls. McCalls Magazine featured the Betsy McCall doll and would publish new outfits each month to cut out for Betsy’s wardrobe.
But paper dolls fell from favor and have been hard to come by. We’ve recently found a book of updated, fashion-forward paper dolls that comes with 3 different stages to use when the dolls are modeling the fabulous outfits. We’re pleased to see paper dolls return.
NOFO is an open stock Fiestaware dealer. We can order any piece you choose in any of Fiesta's 15 colors.
Building Boom
You’d think a set of wooden building blocks that are all thin and the same size would be boring. If so, you’d be a blockhead.
Building with this style of blocks began gaining ground in Europe several years ago, and is now the rage. Perfect for children of all ages and the one toy that Dads can’t resist playing with, these blocks are amazing.
Start with Citiblocs beginner set of 200 natural blocks, add the 54 piece colored blocks for interest, and let the building begin.
Spring for More than One
Spartina is the name of the Native Marsh grass of Calibogue Sound off of Daufsuskie Island, South Carolina; where our new line of Spartina purses, totes, bags and wallets are designed and made.
These handsome accessories, available in 5 designs are fashioned from natural linen with leather trim. There’s a bag shape for every taste. The hard part is choosing just one pattern. They are all dynamite and the colors are beautiful. You may find yourself with more than one.
Hugs & Kisses
For years NOFO’s carried the Sleep Sheep that generates 4 different baby-lulling sounds. We’ve long stocked the Twilight Turtle and Twilight Ladybug that project a calming starry night on the ceiling of a child’s room.
We’ve recently added two adorable animals to our baby comfort collection. From Warm Buddies, we have a sheep and a puppy that hold inserts that can be microwaved or frozen to lull and comfort a fretful child.
Smart parents keep all of the above for those nights when their baby needs more then hugs & kisses.
Useful, Useless Stuff
We’ve long bought whacky products from a nut bucket named Fred. Seems that Fred sired a son who inherited more than his share of Fred’s crazy, creative genes.
The son’s formed his own company and is producing his own version of useless, useful stuff. We’ve picked up his guitar-shaped spatula and sing-along tongs, his CD case which holds a tape measure and his pins. His best piece, however, may be his pot holder, a silicone marijuana leaf in bright green.
A Bad Hare Day…
…would not be Easter without a new bunny. Don’t let this happen to someone you love. At NOFO, bunnies abound: foil wrapped chocolate bunnies, plush bunnies, hopping bunnies, centerpiece bunnies, peanut butter bunnies, and even sanded bunnies. And, of course, our signature bunny noses.
Waxing and Waning
After the holidays, our stock of home scents waned, but we’ve waxed back up for spring.
We’ve restocked Hillhouse sachets, drawer liners and travel tins in Lavender, Paper White, and White Linen.
Look for Seda’s new Vanilla and Lavender scents as well as their mini pagodas.
Votivo’s new black boxes house familiar fragrances plus new Mandarin and Seablue Sky.
Watch for Nest’s April introduction, Black Fig and Honey, and try Blue Garden available now.
As we promised, Fraizer Fir has returned to our shelves as a year-round item.
Happy Havaianas
Rubber flip flops are not all the same! In fact, they’re a good example of getting what you pay for.
Our Dini flipflops are the finest rubber flip flops available in the world, Brazilian made Havaiana’s. They never lose their shape, are durable, extra comfortable and easy to clean.
Dinis are the LA designed Havaiana’s flip flops you’ve seen in every fashion magazine. Available in Spring’s hottest, brightest colors with Dini’s signature crystal accent, they are THE flip flop this year. For style, superior comfort and durability, they’re the best & worth every penny.
Think Ahead
Make going out to dinner with babies and small children easy and look good while doing it! With the fashionable Oopsie Ditty, you’ll have 10 in a pinch products, diapers & wipes at the ready in a posh wristlet and your hands will be free.
Go armed with attractive disposable bibs, pads and placemats in contemporary prints or roll-up Designer Diners. These funky, wipe-clean placemats have a chalk board on one side to help keep the little ones entertained. It’ll give you a chance to have some grown-up conversation and a pleasant meal.
Edgy Baby
We fell for Zebi on the spot. This baby line, created by California designer, Stacy Phillips, is a fusion of vintage and modern elements. The clever designs are printed on natural cotton and Zebi’s own linen.
There’s an adorable kerchief bib for those anti-bib moms as well as appliquéd bibs in Zebi prints. Stacy’s packaging is unique and she offers sinimay bags of bibs and burpies or a paint can full. But, the one that is over-the-edge cute is the bag of 5 burpies with a Jelly Cat animal tied on.
NOFO Market Watch Early Spring 2010
Perhaps
Baking desserts can be daunting. With all you have to do, why not purchase one cooked up by someone else, someone who bakes for a living perhaps.
Caroline’s makes a beautiful carrot cake that’s the ideal Easter dessert. Or choose her Chocolate, Caramel, Montana Gold, Coconut, or Red Velvet Cake. Perhaps a vanilla or chocolate Crêpe Cake from The Charleston Crêpe Co. is more to your liking. Maybe Simply Best Cakes fresh pound cake are, perhaps, your best choice.
Whichever you choose, order early!!!
Worth the Wait
The snow’s kept Nancy Huck from coming for the scheduled tasting of her Kathryn’s Bleu Cheese and 1,000 Island Salad Dressings. And problems with labeling delayed the introduction of her new Cream Cheese and Olive Spread.
But it’s in our freezer now. Spread it on crackers or use it as a dip for vegetables. We think you’ll declare it worth the wait.
Godfather Cookies
Carmela Emmi Brocco is baking her mother’s delicious Sicilian almond cookies for NOFO. One of our customers calls the Paste de Mandola Godfather Cookies.
Actually Paste de Mandola is not just one cookie but a variety of cookies all from the same almond dough base. These are the cookies traditionally served at weddings, family gatherings and cafes all over Sicily.
Carmela’s mother brought her family’s secret cookie recipe with her from Linguaglosa, Sicily when she immigrated to North Carolina. We are happy that she shared it with her daughter and that we can share Emmi’s cookies with you.
Pierre Le Bunnee
In France, The Easter Bunny is called Pierre Le Bunnee. The rest of the year, he’s called a tasty dish.
We don’t eat much bunnee here in the South. Ham is the traditional centerpiece of the Easter table, and there’s no tastier ham than Edwards.
NOFO carries Edward’s fully cooked baby hams, and they’re perfect for ham biscuits. We suggest you order your Easter ham early and let us know how you want it sliced.
Sunnyside Up
Whether your traditional Easter morning is attending sunrise service, hunting eggs, or donning your Easter bonnet, you gotta eat.
To keep your spirits on the sunny side, have these easy Easter breakfast favorites on hand: My Grandma’s Coffee Cakes, Sarabeth’s Scones, Yellow Dog Sticky Buns, Callies Biscuits, Edward’s Ham, Bobbie’s Sweet Potato Biscuits, NOFO grits, jellies, tea, and coffee.
Goodbye Wonder Bread
Raleigh’s Yellow Dog Bakery will deliver loaves of their phenomenal bread to NOFO @ the Pig on Thursdays.
Try challah, rustic multigrain, sandwich white, honey wheat, fig and walnut, sticky buns, etc. It’s wonderful!
Cheesy Trio
We love having home-baked cheese biscuits on hand to serve with cocktails or with soup or salad. What we love even more is offering a plate of assorted cheese biscuits. It’s ever so much more interesting.
If you have a log of Mamie’s Cheddar, a log of Parmesan Herb and Herbal Blue Cheese in your freezer, you’ll be able to whip up a trio of cheesy treats whenever the notion strikes you.
It’s Their Season
Did you know that studies have been done on how folks consume their chocolate Easter bunnies? The study found folks who remove all of the bunny’s colorful foil before taking a bite, while others only unwrap the part they’re about to eat.
They found ear nibblers and folks who bite off the whole head and ears at once. There were a few who began eating at the heels and worked their way up, saving the ears for last.
What’s your style? Our candy department is full of bunnies ready to sacrifice themselves for your study. It’s their job. But you better hurry, it’s their busy season. Actually it’s their only season.
Slice of Heaven
Close your eyes and imagine a big 10” cake made of delicate, buttery crêpes stacked and filled with light vanilla or chocolate pastry cream. Just makes you drool, doesn’t it?
We’ve added these crêpe cakes from the Holy City’s Charleston Crêpe Company to our freezer. They’re light, delicious and you must have at least one of these addictive confections at your Easter celebration. They’re simply heavenly.
Mook’s Legacy
Mook Blackburn was a kind, gentle, caring person. She helped her husband with the family hardware store, raised 5 children and made the best cheese straws in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Mook died in 1999.
Mook’s family wanted to share her 100% natural cheese straws; and after two years of carefully following Mook’s detailed recipe and baking instructions, they perfected the product.
Mook would certainly be proud. The straws look homemade, care crispy, and have that southern kick we all love.
Click on Z spotlight in Raleigh and Port City Deals in Wilmington for NOFO Café coupons, our events schedule, menus, etc.
NOFO Info Early Spring 2010
Sale into Spring
We’re clearing out all things winter this month. Take advantage of some great deals and kiss winter goodbuy!
All Dressed Up and Somewhere to Go
Put on that pretty Easter Outfit and parade on over for Easter Brunch at NOFO. We’ll be serving from 10:00-3:00 and are accepting reservations. Book your table now…quick as a bunny.
New Menus
Horacio Mendoza and David Mitchell, NOFO’s chefs, have cooked up new Spring menus for NOFO’s cafes, using local seafood & vegetables wherever possible.
Try out the new dishes and let David & Horacio know what you think.
Love Living Local
NOFO wants to help you eat, drink, wear, listen to and enjoy all things local. Our mission is to discover and stock products designed by and produced by North Carolinians and other Southerners. Supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses is crucial in any economy and is simply the neighborly thing to do.
The Five Points Farmer’s Market
Bickett Market & NOFO, with the support of local restaurants & businesses, announce the opening of The Five Points Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 1 in NOFO’s parking lot. The hours will be 8:00am-12:00pm.
We’ll have produce, beef, chicken, pork, seafood, flowers, eggs, honey, cheese, chocolates, bakery goods, jams & jellies on sale by local farmers and food industry artisans.
Win a $50.00 Gift Certificate
We’ve thus far awarded 4 $50.00 NOFO gift certificates from our winter raffle. Enter our spring raffle that begins on March 1 to be eligible for our April 30 drawing.
All a Flutter
There is simply no need to ruffle your feathers or get in a flap over Easter entertaining. Let NOFO prepare your Easter weekend fare without a peep from you.
Ask for the Joy of Not Cooking Menu and order what you want. All you’ll need is a chick…oops, a check.
