07 Feb Where is Love?
This is our first full newsletter of 2022, a late start as I have had my attention very much focused elsewhere.
The beginning of this year has been transitional for me and for my family, full of the most tender moments and of love as we farewelled my beloved mum. I am immensely grateful to her for the legacy of love she has blessed us with. And so, I am naturally thinking about the meaning and the wonder of love as we look toward the fast approaching Valentine’s Day.
After nearly 76 years of marriage, our dad is now cast adrift without his mooring, as a friend eloquently put it, mum was his lifetime Valentine. That isn’t to say that every day was easy, or passion fuelled, but rather to recognise the qualities of a profound love of a lifetime: it is easy, constant and dependable. The love of burning and melting moments of desire replaced with constancy and the building blocks of living a full life together. Mum and Dad were married after he returned from serving six years as a Medical Officer in the British Army during WW2, Dad was then 30 years old, mum a mere girl at 19 years old.
Oceans apart in their understanding and experience of life, they embarked on the voyage of a lifetime, embracing the joys and challenges of marriage, including the inevitable declines and difficulties of older age. Just 6 months ago they danced together to celebrate mum’s 95th birthday.
Over recent weeks I have been held aloft by the love and constancy of family and friends. So many ways that love can be expressed and received. I just want to pause and think about all these gifts of love, from the most all-consuming, energising and compelling new love to the old, deep and true love. It is a marvellous thing, it is the fuel in the tank of life. Celebrate love, find it in all the daily small things and share it with those who need a little more of it in their lives, the more you give the more you will have to fill your own tank. This Valentine’s tell someone you love them.
My recipe this week? Love a little more, Love a little harder, Love a little longer; share it at your dining table. You’ll find it goes with everything. A leaf from my mother’s recipe book.
Alison
Valentine’s Day – 14 February
We’re on the countdown! There is something to express all types of love this Valentine’s Day from Scarecrow. Our florist has been busy creating beautiful bouquets for the day, because we know you love this classical expression of love.. Like our lush, long-lasting ‘Besitos’ 
for your lover or yourself, or ‘Burning Love’, bold and passionate with blazing flame-coloured stems to make your lover crush & swoon.
If a sweet indulgent treat is on your mind, our house-made Persian Love Cake will tick all your boxes. These are lovingly baked fresh, and so need to be pre-ordered – especially at this time of year! 
For an elegant gift hamper, celebrate together over a Wild Gift Box. Just light the candle, pop the cork and savour the love over some wonderful artisan antipasti.
We have treats, flowers & gifts, little or large. Please browse these delights online or talk to the team in store.
Whilst we’re on the topic of love, we have a favour to ask. In times ahead, we ask that you love local. It’s no secret the past couple of years have been devastating for not only the hospitality industry, but for small businesses right across the country.
We were shown wonderful support in the weeks leading up to Christmas, which was heartening, and for which we’d like to thank each & every one of you who purchased from Scarecrow. Like so many, we are muddling through, but the significant reduction in the number of dine-in customers has been very tough. When restrictions are in place, it’s not only Scarecrow that feels it; our artisan NZ producers & suppliers hurt too, enormously. So we ask you to please, love local. On that note, and for all our new subscribers, here is a reminder of some of the ways Scarecrow can help you!
Food
Our chefs have been working hard to restock the fridges with the Scarecrow Ready Meals you know and love. Most of us are settling back into our daily routines, and a nourishing Ready Meal not only saves time and hassle, you’ll have happy tummies all round in a matter of minutes – and let’s face it, there are only so many summer barbeques a tummy can handle! (Anyone else a little tired of sausages?) Stock up in store, or head to the website & sort your week’s meals at the tap of a button!
Functions
2022 has begun in a rather topsy-turvy manner; no doubt there is more of it ahead! However,
it’s fair to say we are well-versed at all of this now. At Red, we can still safely host your group in our charming Victoria St East space. Or for delicious catering to take away our new Functions Menu has plenty of options for all, including those with dietary requirements. Please call us on 09 377 1333 and ask the team about how we can make your next event deliciously memorable.
Organic Grocery
Summertime brings an abundance of the most delicious of produce, and our local Kiwi suppliers have topped up our stores once more. In both stores you’ll find organic spray-free seasonal greens, fresh fruit and vegetables ripe and ready to throw together as a light summer-time meal. Our picks? Gorgeous heirloom tomatoes – these are such a treat and bursting with so much flavour you can eat them as you would an apple. Or slice and drizzle with olive oil and a good pinch of salt for a healthy snack. Come and get them while they’re still available, in both stores now.
Flowers
It’s the most glorious time of the year – for NZ grown flowers that is! We 
have such a range to choose from and the Scarecrow Flower Workshop is brimming with delights. We’d love to see you in store, where we have freshly made posies to go, or are more than happy to make up a bespoke bouquet while you wait. If you can’t make it in person just pop over to the website to view our extensive range of bouquets and posies, all available for Auckland-wide delivery. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ll be wanting to get your orders in as soon as you can – it is a busy time at Scarecrow Flowers and we don’t want anyone missing out! Order online or call the florist on 09 377 1333 ext 4 for pick up in store or delivery Auckland-wide.
Gifts
Scarecrow has an extensive range of NZ made gift items. Foodie gifts, gardening gifts, pottery gifts, kitchenware gifts and much more. And if you can’t decide on just one thing, why not select from our range of Gift Hampers, filled to the brim with quality locally-sourced items from small Kiwi producers. We guarantee you’ll find something for everyone, and if you can’t – we create tailor-made gifts as well. Just talk to the team in either store.
Cellar
Our pride and joy continues to delight in 2022. The Scarecrow Cellar is little but oh so lovely. We’ve carefully selected the very best in NZ made wines from your favourite wine regions across the country, with a special emphasis on organic, biodynamic and vegan wines. There’s also local craft beers and ciders, which are screaming out to be enjoyed for as long as this fabulous summer lasts (and beyond!). Come and see for yourself – we’re at 811 Mt Eden Rd.