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HoofPrints Newsletter
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October 27, 2015
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FALL IS IN THE AIR! According to the calendar, at least.
Make sure you've got a VEST or two on hand for the crazy temperature fluctuations.
Vests are the BEST! How do I know? Because I test every product that HoofPrints sells.
If I don't like it, then you never see it. And I'm pretty picky about my stuff. I have no tolerance for any garment that can't survive normal laundering. I wash test everything - and if it looks different once it's been washed, we don't sell it. Sloppy seams that look like they'll come out? Axed. Zippers, buttons, fasteners that look wimpy? It's out. If a garment makes the cut, then I have it decorated locally with one of HoofPrints unique horsey logos. They're not the cheapest, but a good quality, long lasting garment trumps a cheap one in my book any day.
Shown here are a few favorites (both garments and animals). If you click the picture it will take you to a larger version. One of my personal favorites is the Zippered BARN Girl hood. It's a lovely celadon green and is super soft inside. We've embroidered it with our intricate logo of a gal struggling with a bale of hay. Sadly, the heavy vest I am wearing is discontinued so I'll refrain from singing the praises on that one. However, I'd still like to sing the praises of vests in general. Vests are the best because they give you so much more freedom about the arms than a regular coat. Paired with the sweatshirt or longsleeve T of your choice, you've got more options for climate control, too. If you start to overheat (as often is the case with me) you can take off the vest without getting chilled until you cool down. This is not really an option with a heavy coat as then you get too cold.  Shown at left is the wardrobe staple that's with me as soon as it starts to get cool outside. This soft fleece vest has a flattering, slimming cut and lots of details; zippered pockets, adjustable elastic hem, longer tail in the back for better coverage. With the cold temps we've been having here lately, our 1880's farmhouse has been more than chilly. Pair that with a thermostat war of sorts as propane prices remain high - and I am throwing vests at everybody in the house. "Here, put this on. It'll solve everything." and it does. Vests are a better solution than piling on another long-sleeve layer. The biggie for me is the collar. If my neck is cold then the whole rest of me is cold. But, being of a certain age - wearing a turtleneck is NOT the answer. Because in 5 minutes I may be overheated. This radical temperature fluctuation is easily solved with the stand-up (or not) vest collar and zipper. In two seconds I can be wearing a turtleneck of sorts - or a v-neck - depending on whether I am chilling or sweating. This fleece vest is only $29.95 - pretty cheap really, for personal climate control. It's available in 2 colors here. ***NOTE - be sure to check the size charts to verify that you're getting the perfect size, and especially note the arm hole measurements. These tend to run a bit on the small side*** It seems dumb to promote a product that HoofPrints doesn't sell (I don't have the space to stock all the sizes) - but if you've not discovered fleece lined jeans, then be sure to give them a look this season. They're the best thing to help you stay warm, and much easier to manage than long underwear. Lots of places carry them, a good place to start is here The horse I am riding is Billy, he's doing well despite is advanced (and still undetermined) age. Longtime newsletter subscribers will remember the exciting tale of his "discovery", his arrival in Indiana, his accident, and the happy ending here, and all the things I learned along the way here
The black dog is Bailey, one of a pair of young labs who were dumped here a while back. Thanks to HoofPrints newsletter subscriber Bonnie - she gave the other pup (Ellie) a wonderful home. Bailey has settled in here nicely and continues to amuse with her silly antics, there's a story about her foray into the world of good behavior here
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To see the Daily Christmas Countdown picture, and read about my latest picks for clever and thoughtful gifts.
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Christmas on the Farm
was a huge hit last year. I kept it a secret because I couldn't get any.
Yup, the publisher let themselves RUN OUT of a CHRISTMAS title in the months preceding Christmas. That's an example of what makes mail order so fun/exciting (not) - as I was told when I put it in 100,000 brochures they had good stock on this and it is a fairly new book (albeit a compilation of vintage material) I had a lot of disappointed customers who tried to order and couldn't. To make matters worse (for me at least) I MADE A MISTAKE on the price in the brochure and this one's a few dollars below suggested retail. The GOOD NEWS is, though, now it's back and I can tell you all about it!
Christmas on the Farm is a Collection of Favorite Recipes, Stories, Gift Ideas and Decorating Tips from The Farmer's Wife magazine.
Christmas was the be-all, end-all celebration on the farm. Pages and pages on the topic appeared in The Farmer's Wife (published 1893-1939), and these pages weren't just about food-although recipes for all the various components of parties and holiday gift baskets certainly abounded.
The magazine's experts expounded on the best and latest ways to decorate home, tree, and parcels and to create homemade gifts for family and friends, as well as games to be played to capture the spirit of the season. In short, The Farmer's Wife presented its own opinion-both grand and humble, broad and minute, and always, always bearing in mind the idea of community among its readers-about the ways in which Christmas should be celebrated.
You'll find in this book a smattering of that opinion. Here are recipes to see you through the entire Christmas season; gift ideas guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing; tips for decking your halls; and even a few stories to delight both the young and the young at heart.
Even though this excerpt was first published in 1911, it's words are still relevant today:
"Do's and Don'ts for Christmas" Pledge
Do, if you can keep it, sign this pledge. It was circulated by some enthusiastic young reformer and called "Yours for a courageous, sincere, and Christly Christmas" -
I will give no gift which I cannot afford.
I will give no gift which has not love behind it.
I will give some gifts which shall not be exchange gifts at all but genuine generosity to someone to whom it will mean very much.
Don't do up a parcel in such poor wrapping paper or in such a flimsy manner that the wrapper may easily be torn and separated from the contents.
Don't fail to put your name and address, preceded by the word "from", on the upper left-hand corner of every piece of mai.
Don't forget to mail parcels early.
Don't say that you expect nothing. You know that would not be so.
Don't sigh for a baby grand piano if a barrel of flour would do you more good.
Don't forget, if you are going to play Santa Claus, that cotton is not as innocent as it looks.
Don't go around complaining that the true spirit of Christmas has departed. That is not the way to bring it back.
Don't forget you were a child once yourself.
Don't give simply for the purpose of showing that you can afford to do so.
Don't value the gift by the amount of its cost.
Don't put aside until tomorrow the good cheer you may spread today.
To order Christmas on the Farm click here
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Two brand new Christmas Card designs are at the printers and will be ready to ship shortly! I am so excited about these - and judging from the early sales, you all are, too. I'd like to say I spent hours and hours reviewing thousands of photos, and that these are the product of months of careful consideration. But the truth is, fall always sort of sneaks up on me, and I'm suddenly realizing that if I want to add any new card designs, I had better get busy! All four of these new ones are here because professional photographers are extremely accommodating, AND HoofPrints Facebook fans are super encouraging, and helpful as far as coming up with great wording to go with the cards.  First is Putting Heart & Sole into Happy? Holiday Wishes...
This one was a little tricky because I had mixed feelings about picturing a situation where somebody could get hurt. However, the story behind this dog and his relationship with Harry the Belgian really wanted to be told. I figured you all could weigh in your vote by your purchasing decisions anyway. Here's the story: Photo is by Christina Handley - an award winning equestrian photographer who lives in Canada. Christina and her husband Boyd live on a working farm in Ontario, and her photos reflect real life in agriculture and with horses. They own draft horses, beef cattle and a myriad of other farm animals, housed on lovely picturesque acres that include traditional farm outbuildings; we see them all immortalized via her camera. Her appreciation and reverence for the rural lifestyle is apparent in the sensitivity of her images, and this series is no exception. At first blush, it might seem that Border Collie/Heeler Dingo may be headed into something serious, but Christina tells me that Harry the Belgian's threatening gestures are just an act, and that the two of them have carried on like this for years. Originally a rescue, Dingo has honed his skills through his job as Handley Acres' chief herd dog - helping to move cows between pastures, and being a top hand when calves are doctored or weaned. At eight years old, Dingo's role on the Handley farm is a productive one. But it didn't start out that way. As a feral four month old puppy, he had to be trapped in order to be rescued. He'd missed the socialization opportunities that are so important for a dog to learn how to get along with humans; he was both fearful and aggressive. Boyd and Christina patiently worked with him, gave him a job and now he is a well-adjusted, happy farm dog! Inside the card features a photo of Dingo and Harry taking a break. It says: If the holidays start to make you cranky, find a friend & kick up your heels.. or take a nice break instead! You can see that photo and if you're so inclined, order the card here.  Next is Could it be Church Bells on high; Like Anvils Ringing - The Laughter of Children, or Carolers Singing? that fills our Hearts with Christmas Cheer...
This one's art is from a vintage Raphael Tuck & Sons Oilette Postcard; "Merry Winter". It was originally printed in England circa 1912 The verse by Rob Keesling. Inside says: As we celebrate Christ's Birthday; Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. To see closeups of this card, click here
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Here's what we talked about last time
Last newsletter is here ALL newsletters are here
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These just in...
Check out new products here
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When they're gone - they're gone...
Don't miss one you've been wanting - sadly, some favorites have been discontinued with no replacement - see them here
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Horse Eye Necklace
Available in four colors here
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DON'T do it yourself
FARRIER COASTERS
No farriers were harmed in the making of these coasters. To order click here
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MADE IN USA
Secret Box
Nifty little wood box has a lid that fits so neatly that it's virtually invisible when closed. A real deal at only $19.95 here
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PONY GIRL'S ON THE LABEL!
Horse Woman's Balm
A great product that DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO!
Order here
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Courage doesn't always roar...
sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "i will try again tomorrow." To order click here
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NEW! Horsey Gift Wrap Assortments
These awesome gift wrap collections were designed by a lifelong horse owner, whose career happened to be in packaging design - so all the details are just right! More info here
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MADE IN USA
Tooled Leather Bracelet
Features braided rawhide, engraved heart and fancy buckle. Only $19.95 here
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It's Back! HOLLYWOOD HOOFBEATS
New updated version includes 10 more years of horse movies - to order click here
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HALF PRICE AND PRINTED IN USA: "Pharaoh's Horses"
20x26 Print with history and trivia article included is available here
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PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You
Equine Sympathy Cards here
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Silver Dog Whistle
Solid Sterling Silver Whistle on waxed cotton cord here
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Message
I love hearing from customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at gina@hoofprints.com |
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GINA'S BLOG
Fun on the Farm
read the latest happenings in the Keesling household, involving construction, destruction, remodeling adventures and general wreckage here
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Find us on facebook
Be sure to LIKE our facebook page - it's where we announce special sales, breaking news and everything else we find interesting. To see it go here |
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Share our emails
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Viral marketing... it sounds bad, doesn't it?
You can ask my husband - a frequent topic around here is that of forwarded emails - and the psychology behind them - just WHAT prompts people to decide; "I am going to send this to everyone I know!".
We receive a lot of them. Some are pretty good, and others are dumb. Dumb in a myriad of ways... Alarmist email rumors that have been around forever - that folks keep sending "just in case it's true" Pictures of someone's butt (or worse) - don't even get me started about the firecracker butt - but at least that one was timely when it showed up around July 4. Christian messages that are uplifting - until you get to the end and you're threatened "if you're not ashamed that you love Jesus, forward this - if you are, then delete." Pictures of cute puppies and kittens (awww)
I enjoy writing these newsletters - and sharing all this stuff with you all. But the fact is, it's also a way to help us stay connected with customers and sell products during the time between catalog mailings (which is only once a year) So I really, really like it when someone new stumbles upon the newsletter and is excited to "discover" our company and the products we offer.
In all my efforts to make the newsletter interesting and forward-worthy - it never occurred to me to JUST ASK you all to send it! Duh. Sometimes the obvious is elusive, I guess. So here goes - my request to ask you to forward our email newsletter to your horsey friends. All we ask is that you please be judicious and only send to folks who might be interested. Otherwise we are no better than the "firecracker butt". Click to get started. (please note - using this form does NOT subscribe anyone to our list - it is a one-time only forward)
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