Bradley's...

Willie pic of the week

Enjoy your weekend!!

 

Our biggest (littlest) blessing...

Just when you think you know love, something little comes along to remind you just how big it really is! 

- Leigh Standley

 

This has been one of my favorite quotes from the popular card line that we carry, Curly Girl Designs. This year, I have even more reason to love it! If you haven't been in the shop lately or heard the buzz in the air, we thought we'd share our good news. We are expecting our first baby in March! Brad gave me these beautiful roses the day we found out...it's a girl!! So, today as we reflect on all that God has blessed us with, we are most grateful for this special little gift that has been entrusted to us! We pray that you all enjoy this Thanksgiving and hope you know how grateful we are for you!

3/50 Friday

If you haven't already, check out the 3/50 project to learn how you can stimulate your local economy this weekend (or any weekend). More than ever we all need to be supporting our local, independent businesses and founder, Cinda Baxter inspires us to do just that!! Hope you enjoy reading about her latest idea...

Welcome to 3/50 Friday (#350proj #fb #in) 

by CINDA BAXTER on NOVEMBER 23, 2009 · 

Forget all that big box mumbo jumbo the day after Thanksgiving (who really likes being in those crowds, anyway?). This year, I say we rename the day that follows turkey and mashed potatoes.

I say we call it 3/50 Friday, in celebration of The 3/50 Project. It will be the day we each vow to stop into at least one independent, locally owned brick and mortar to say thanks….

Thanks for smiling and greeting me by name.

Thanks for remembering that I love peonies and detest carnations.

Thanks for asking how my mother is doing, then being sincerely happy when I say she’s well.

Thanks for restocking my favorite candle even though it’s that crazy lime green color.

Thanks for helping me locate the perfect gift for the boss I barely know.

Thanks for laughing when I need a lift and for listening when I need to let down.

Thanks for noticing when I’ve changed my haircut.

Thanks for not noticing when I dashed over in wrinkled sweats for a last minute present.

Thanks for donating to my kids’ fundraiser, and thanks for putting their poster in your window.

Thanks for rushing my order, and thanks for not guilt tripping me about it.

Thanks for staying an extra fifteen minutes the day I got stuck in traffic.

Thanks for that extra cup of coffee, then saying it’s on the house.

Thanks for carrying the financial burdens you do, all to provide a place for me to come.

Thanks for being one of the little guys, responsible for such a big chunk of what makes our community tick.

Thanks for being here for me. For us. For everyone.

This could be a groundswell, folks. Use the buttons at the foot of this post to forward and share with your friends. The 3/50 Project went viral in record time; whaddaya say we do it again with 3/50 Friday?

Now…let’s get clicking.

P.S. Wondering what all that stuff is at the end of the post title? Just my way of making this whole pay it forward thing easier. Each time you post it, the hashtags will take the message a step further, if you also have a Twitter account. The #350proj hashtag will alert folks following The 3/50 Project that there’s something up…the #fb will simultaneously post it on your Facebook profile (if you’ve activated the feature), and the #in hashtag will take it even further, popping it on your LinkedIn status (again, if you’ve activated the feature). Just an easy way to click once, hit three. Cool, huh?

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Overwhelmed by words

One of the most rewarding aspects about owning Bradley's is the wonderful relationships that we've formed over the years. We are so grateful for all the people who support our shop and continue to spread the word about who we are and what we are about. One of those people is our friend, Janet. I recently stumbled upon one of her latest blog posts and was overcome with tears and smiles as I read her kind words. I think she stated everything that we hope and strive to be as shop owners. Brad and I pray everyday that Bradley's will be more than just be a fun chocolate and gift shop. We want it to be a place where people come when they are having a bad day, just to see a friendly face. We want the taste of our chocolate and aroma of our shop to be a special memory for your kids when they grow up. Our hope is that you are greeted by a smile whenever you visit us and that you will find peace and joy while shopping with us. Yes, we've had bad days, and yes, we've failed at times to meet this goal, but please know that in our hearts we truly want to be so much more than just another shop on the block. Bradley's is meant to be a gathering place for friends, a happy step away from everyday life, and a blessing to all those who enter. I think you should read it from Janet's perspective to understand what I feel I can't articulate. Thank you Janet for all the kind words and all of you who continue to make Bradley's a success everyday! We are so grateful for you at Thanksgiving and always! Enjoy...

"It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!"

November 10th, 2009

If you all know me, you know I am SO fond of Bradley's!  It's one of my favorite shops in town.  Every year, one of the big events for the shop is their Christmas Open House.  It is always amazing!  Each year, Joy finds more and more incredible items for her friends.  I call the customers her friends because she becomes friends with everyone who enters the quaint little shop.  She is such a sweet, genuine, beautiful woman who values every person who steps foot through her door.  Joy is just that.  A pure joy!  You won't feel like just another number walking through the door.   If Joy isn't there (which is rare), you will still be welcomed and valued in the same way.

 The images below are a couple of the pictures found on Bradley's Facebook page.
Look at this cuteness in the storefront window!!!!!   

 

I was so happy to see she was able to purchase more of these ornaments again.  I bought several of them last year, and will definitely be purchasing more again this year!!  (This is one of the ornaments on my tree last year)  They're simple, but the messages are so beautiful!  They could also be used as adornments on your beautifully wrapped Christmas presents.

Check out the fun stuff on www.shopbradleys.com.  Did you know that you can order some of  Bradley's DELICIOUS chocolates in all different shapes, sizes, letters, etc.?  For ANY occassion?  Just give them a couple days notice, and they'll take care of it for you!  (I recommend the dark chocolate.)

I'm not promoting Bradley's today because of any kickbacks.....there aren't any in it for me.  I'm promoting Bradley's today because:  1.  It's a great little shop that is FABULOUS!  2.  I want to see them have more success than they already have.  3.  They're local.  4.  It's an incredible treasure. 5.  Brad and Joy have values and integrity and it shows in everything they do!  6.  When you walk out of Bradley's with a bag of treats, you just feel good about it!  7.  And they have LOTS and LOTS of chocolate!!!

If you enjoy blogs, you should check out Joy's blog!!!!  You'll enjoy it, I promise!

 

 

Willie pic of the week

"No peeking"

 

Goodies to gobble up for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving let Bradley's take care of the desserts...

 

Our amazing apples are back! A granny smith apple dipped in caramel, rolled in pecans, and drenched in milk and dark chocolate. Each delicious apple is made to order, so call and reserve yours today, 19.95 ea. This seasonal delight is available now through December 23rd.

 
 

Milk chocolate pumpkin pie truffles are new this year and have quickly become a favorite among regulars. Cute as a button milk chocolate pilgrim and turkey shapes filled with a rich pumpkin pie cream. Serve these scrumptious little guys with coffee after dinner and no one will notice that the actual "pie" is missing from the table. Available by the pound or wrapped to give in our fall gift boxes. 

 Our beautiful milk chocolate foil wrapped turkeys are always a great addition to the Thanksgiving spread. Place one on each guest's plate for an adorable table setting and a delicious after dinner nibble. Group a bunch together in a shallow basket or clear bowl for a gorgeous and delicious centerpiece!
 

 Adorable pilgrim pops are great treats for the kids' table! Hand them out to classmates, secret pals, and neighbors for a fun way to tell someone that you're grateful for them! 

Don't forget our famous Chocolate Covered Popcorn, Tennessee Walking Sticks, and collection of other wonderful treats that are sure to please. Come in and let us help you pick out the perfect desserts for you and your guests this Thanksgiving! As always, thank you for letting Bradley's be a part of your family traditions!

For orders and inquiries, please call us at 865-694-0400. 

 

One more thing to be 'grateful' for...

The beautiful autumn leaves are starting to fall from the trees, and Christmas lights are starting to twinkle on street corners. As fall colors fade and Thanksgiving approaches, look no further than Bradley's for last minute hostess gifts and finishing touches for your Thanksgiving table. Here are some of our ideas for your big celebration:

• Pumpkin soaps and acorn towels would be the perfect  thing to spruce up a guest bathroom
• Cranberry Walnut and Pumpkin Pie dip mixes are quick & delicious snacks for arriving guests
• Our new "joy of the season" candles are wonderful gifts for the busy hostess
• Complete your spread with our gorgeous turkey platters and coordinating plates

As a thank you to our online followers, we're offering an exclusive offer of 25% off our fall gift items. Come in and mention the code 'grateful' now through Saturday, November 21st. 

Thank you for following Bradley's facebook page and Scattering Joy!

Willie

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!

A fun Veterans Day chocolate story

In honor of Veterans Day yesteday, we wanted to share a great chocolate story from World War II from the Hershey archives.  During the war, Hershey developed special chocolate bars to be distributed in soldiers’ rations, and it is a great example of a company using their resources to do something for the troops. We want to say a big thank you to all the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, and we hope you enjoy! (Any member of the military who comes in to Bradley's during the month of November will receive a free Tennessee Walking Stick!)

Ration D Bars

 
Hershey published this letter from 2nd Lt. Ernest Childers who praised the Ration bar, 5/1/1944

Introduction
Hershey Chocolate Corporation's involvement with the production of military ration bars began when Captain Paul Logan, from the office of U.S. Army Quartermaster General, met with William Murrie, President, Hershey Chocolate Corporation and Sam Hinkle, Chief Chemist, in April 1937. This initial visit started the experimental production of a ration bar which was to meet the needs of soldiers involved in a global war.

When Murrie and Hinkle told Milton Hershey about the visit by the Army Quartermaster Captain, he was very interested in hearing every detail and instructed them to get started on the project right away.

Developing the Formula
The standard chocolate bar, which melted readily in summer heat could never be adapted to being carried in a soldier's pocket. In addition, it was thought to be too tempting in taste to be used as an emergency ration to be eaten only when on the verge of starvation. Captain Logan explained his requirements: a bar weighing about four ounces, able to withstand high temperatures, high in food energy value, and tasting just a little better than a boiled potato.

Company Chemist Sam Hinkle was charged with developing the bar. The final ingredients were: chocolate liquor, sugar, skim milk powder, cocoa butter, oat flour, vanillin. Sugar was decreased and chocolate liquor increased to give the bar a less appealing taste than normal chocolate bars. The formula created a heavy paste that had to be pressed rather than poured into moulds. A four ounce bar contained 600 calories. After three days of experiments with blending and processing, Captain Logan gave his approval and a small quantity of four ounce bars was produced. Captain Logan was well pleased with the samples.

The original formula and shape of the ration bar were altered slightly when thiamine hydrochloride was added as a source of Vitamin B1 to prevent beriberi, a disease likely to be encountered in the tropics. These bars were originally called "Logan bars" and later were referred to as Field Ration D.

According to Hinkle, even in the experimental stage it was obvious to the chocolate technologists that sweat and toil, if not blood and tears, lay ahead when the time for quantity production of Field Ration D arrived. Normal chocolate is produced at a flowing consistency when warm and all chocolate machinery is constructed based upon this physical property. The Field Ration D could not flow at any temperature and therefore required the development of special processing methods and machinery.

In June 1937, Hershey Chocolate Corporation undertook the production of 90,000 bars for the Quartermaster Corps. A sufficient number of moulds were built; the chocolate paste was produced according to the formula; and each four-ounce portion was weighed, kneaded, and pressed into the mould by hand. Three weeks were required for production.

The first of the Field Ration D bars were used for field tests in the Philippines, Hawaii, Panama, the Texas border, and at various Army posts and depots throughout the United States. These bars also found their way to Antarctica with Admiral Byrd’s last expedition in 1939. The results of the test were satisfactory and Field Ration D was approved for wartime use.

Between 1937 and 1941, at irregular intervals, small contracts were awarded to Hershey Chocolate Corporation for production of this ration. As war became more imminent, it became necessary to develop an automated method of moulding.

World War II Production
After the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, the Quartermaster felt it necessary to protect Field Ration D as well as other rations, from possible damage by poison gas.

New specifications called for the placing of each bar in a heavy cellophane bag, closing the bag by means of a heat seal, inserting this into an individual cardboard carton, securely gluing the carton ends, dipping the cartons in a wax mixture, packing twelve waxed cartons in a master carton, gluing the master cartons top and bottom, packing twelve master cartons in a wooden case, and nailing and steel stripping the case.

Each of these operations had to be carried out with approved materials exactly according to the instruction. Nothing was left to the imagination, not even the type of glue for the cartons nor the ink used in marking the cases. The Quartermaster General, Major General Edmund Gregory, also issued orders that all shipments be coded so that quantities and destinations would be confidential. This resulted in a number of ration packet designations that varied by ordering source.

In 1939, Hershey was able to produce 100,000 units per day. By the end of 1945, production lines on three floors of the plant were producing approximately 24 million units per week. It has been estimated that between 1940 and 1945, over three billion ration units were produced and distributed to soldiers around the world. In addition to the individual bar, Hershey Chocolate produced a three pack of the four ounce bars intended to furnish the individual combat soldier with the 1,800 calorie minimum sustenance recommended each day.

In 1943, the Procurement Division of the Army inquired about the possibility of obtaining a heat resistant chocolate confectionery bar with an improved flavor. After a short period of experimentation, Hershey's Tropical Chocolate Bar in both one and two ounce sizes was added to the list of war production items. This bar was destined to exceed all other items in the tonnage produced and along with the Field Ration D bar, became part of Hershey Chocolate's history. In July of 1971, Hershey's Tropical Chocolate Bar went to the moon with Apollo 15 astronauts.

Receiving the Army-Navy E Award
In recognition of its outstanding war effort Hershey Chocolate Corporation was awarded the Army-Navy ‘E’ Production Award on August 22, 1942. The Corporation received a flag to fly above the chocolate plant and a lapel pin for every employee. The award was presented for exceeding all production expectations in the manufacturing of an Emergency Field Ration. An honor not easily won nor lightly bestowed, this wartime honor recognized companies that consistently met high standards of quality and quantity in light of available resources.

At the Award ceremony, Major General Gregory noted the company’s achievements stating, "The men and women of Hershey Chocolate Corporation have every reason to be proud of their great work in backing up our soldiers on the fighting fronts." By the end of the war in 1945 Hershey Chocolate Corporation would receive a total of five Army-Navy ‘E’ Awards.

Other Military Contributions
In addition to providing large quantities of Hershey's familiar products for the military, the Corporation produced additional items for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, including products for the Emergency Accessory Packet, 10-in-1 Ration, Field Ration K, Field Ration C, Life Boat Ration, Air Craft Ration and Prisoner of War package, as well as the Field Ration D and Hershey's Tropical Bar.

Packaging for the Ration D bar, ca.1942

Ration D bar and Tropical Chocolate bar, ca.1942-1944

 

..."As the shoppers rush home with their treasures"...

 The prayer was said...

 

The candles were lit...

 

The chocolates were overflowing...

 

The crowd was waiting patiently...

 

And it was finally time for Bradley's 2009 Christmas Open House!!

Here's a glimpse of the festivities...

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

A great big 'thank you' to Stan Williamson for the gorgeous music he graced us with for our event.  Come in for a CD of his Christmas music - 14.95ea.  We promise it will brighten your home for the holidays!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, Brad and I are filled with gratitude for all of our wonderful customers who faithfully continue to support us year after year!  You are the reason that Bradley's is what it is today.

 

And to our wonderful friends and family who made this event such a success- From stringing lights and fluffing Christmas trees to making sure I slowed down long enough to eat, Brad and I are extremely grateful for each of you!

Check back soon for more shots of our Christmas collection!