All the Things at Red Barn Mercantile + Penny Post
First, I want to thank everyone who donated to and shopped for their favorite cause during Spring2ACTion! All together Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post customers gave $35,391. That is outstanding! Our four $500 prizes were awarded to Carpenter’s Shelter (2 $500 gifts), TC Williams PTSA COVID-19 Response Fund, and ACT for Alexandria. I literally had chills all day long while watching this amazing display of humanity. Thank you!Second, I wanted to share all the things that we have been cooking up to keep you sane and entertained. It’s hard to believe it’s been a month since we got the stay at home order. I know it’s been rough for everyone, but if we can make it this far, then I believe we can go the distance and do what’s necessary to keep everyone safe and this disease at bay. To make your stay at home a little easier we have lots of things planned for you.
Farmhouse Pottery Trunk Show
So, I’m totally stealing this idea from Elizabeth. Her virtual trunk shows are genius and I’ve come to look forward to them. It’s a no brainer that our first virtual trunk show should be with Farmhouse Pottery. It’s just so good. From April 21 - 30, take 15 percent off all Farmhouse Pottery on our website. If you have always wanted a piece of these beautiful ceramics, then now is the time. You save a little money and you support two small businesses at the same time. Farmhouse Pottery is made to order so it’s important to note, if it’s in stock at their studio in Vermont it will ship within a week of the sale, if not, then it can take two to six weeks to get to us. If you want it for Mother’s Day and if it is a piece that takes too long, then we can prepare a note that you can give Mom that says it’s on its way. 
Gift Bundles
Speaking of Mother’s Day, we are taking our Easter bunny services to the next level! Moms, Dads, and Grads are up next. If you need a gift for any of these occasions, or, frankly, any occasion at all, then you can count on us. We are continuing our curated gift service. Simply fill out this form from Red Barn and this one from Penny Post, and we will reply with pictures of our interpretation of your needs. Changes can be made if necessary and we can ship or make your gift giftable when you pick up. Gift giving is the last thing you want to worry about right now so let us do all the work.
Meet the Designer
Now that we are all home, we can start planning those home improvement projects we have been putting off. We are taking our Meet the Designer series off Instagram and on to Zoom. Over the next six weeks I will be chatting with some of our favorite local designers. First up is the amazing Rebecca Penno, of Penno Interiors. If you have any pressing interior design questions for her or our other friends, then sign up here, place your cocktail order to go and get ready for an evening of design!
Mother Shrub Cocktail Class
Since the ABC stores are considered essential we thought it would be a nice distraction to host a virtual cocktail class with Meredyth Archer, the brains – and tastebuds – behind Mother Shrub. On April 29 at 5pm she will be teaching us how to make a Blood Orange Margarita and a Mint Julep with two of her delicious shrubs. The class is free, so grab the shrubs you already have or order what you need today for curbside pick-up by cocktail hour! 
#QuarespondenceClub
April is National Letter Writing Month and we could not let our favorite celebration of snail mail go by without a little fanfare. If you love mail as much as we do and you’d like a little extra this month, then email your address to hellothere@shoppennypost.com and then watch for your mail carrier to arrive with a letter from us!If you like sending mail as much as receiving it, then pick up one of our sweet, salty, or sweet & salty letter writing kits. Or send a little sunshine with our free printable and envelope. It’s perfect for your little people to send notes to Grandma and all the friends they miss while working on their writing and craft skills.Also, if you’re tired of Zoom calls and want to send your love the old-fashion way, then we have added virtual personal stationery appointments. (Ironic, we know!). Someone from our team can walk you through all the options from the comfort of your own home. Email hellothere@shoppennypost.com to set up an appointment.Finally, show a little love for the folks at the US Postal Service by buying stamps online and posting this from our friends at E. Frances on your door. Our mail carriers and delivery drivers are our lifelines right now. They are working overtime to be sure that we all stay connected to the outside world and have the essentials we need for comfort and survival. Be sure to give them a big old thanks! 
Reminder: Double Points Days + Puzzles
As I posted last week, we have launched Red Barn Rewards and are celebrating with double points at both stores until April 26. Take advantage of this extra-long stretch of double points and pick up everything you need to pass the time and keep the kids engaged during our stay at home. The one thing folks have been requesting is puzzles. You have been asking for them and we are happy to deliver. It seems every day we are getting in new puzzles. You can find our selection online here and here. Get ‘em while they’re hot and earn rewards toward your next purchase!Whew! Like I said, we’ve been busy. Sign up for our e-newsletter at Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post or follow us on Instagram here and here today so you don’t miss any chance to escape! 