HardyWares Preserves

08/01/2026

We’re doing a little pop up today in GLENHOLME

07/31/2026

Love carrot cake? 😍
You’ll love Hardywares carrot cake jam.

07/27/2026

Congratulations Petitpaw Florist and Market on five years!!
Thank you for putting HardyWares Preserves on your shelves ♥️

It’s time for 5 days of Giveaways!
To celebrate the 5 year anniversary of my store front I’ll be doing draws from Tuesday July 28th- Saturday August 1st this week!

How to enter:
You have until Monday at 8:00pm to like and share this post, and comment your favourite product from Petitpaw Florist & Market.

For a bonus entry I will post the prize the night before the draw and same thing again, like, comment and share!

Good luck everyone!
And thank you for 5 fabulous years ❤️❤️

07/21/2026

A little shout out❤️

Yesterday, Larry and I were in Sheet Harbour having both of our vehicles serviced, so we decided to treat ourselves to breakfast. We settled on the Fairwinds Restaurant & Motel and we are so glad we did.

We chose a table by the window overlooking the harbour. I enjoyed the serenity.

The owner welcomed us with a smile and brought us our menus. I couldn’t help but think how nice it was to see the next generation carrying on the business - we remember his Dad, Ralph from years ago when we first started travelling the Eastern Shore.

Then I looked at the menu… and honestly had to do a double take!

French Toast with sausage and tea — $12.95

The Lumberjack breakfast (3 eggs, potato wedges, bacon, sausage, ham, toast, and coffee) — just $15.00!

My first thought was, “Surely this must be an old menu!” Or maybe the portions would be small?

Not at all.

The prices were correct, the portions were generous, and everything was absolutely delicious.

If you’re passing through Sheet Harbour or live nearby, do yourself a favour and stop in. We certainly will again!

07/06/2026

🎊 Happy 41st Anniversary- to us 🥂

“We don’t count the years behind us nearly as much as the adventures still waiting ahead.”

Earlier this year, we moved production of HardyWares Preserves to the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company

It wasn’t about slowing down - It was about creating an opportunity to grow again.

We are excited about new opportunities for HardyWares Preserves, new products, new retailers, and probably new tires! 😊

And personally, we still have mountains to climb, places to visit and dreams to chase.

As George Jones once said “we don’t need your rocking chair”

Here’s to our next adventure (maybe a cruise 😜)

07/02/2026

“It’s like the good old days.”

Larry’s exact words after scoffing down a cheeseburger followed by strawberry shortcake.

Delivery Days usually means stopping for lunch and today we found the perfect spot. Blarney Stone Restaurant in Hebbville - a small roadside diner.

As soon as we entered we were welcomed and seated by Melinda. As she handed us our menus she casually mentioned, “We have strawberry shortcake today on homemade biscuits.”

Larry’s eyes lit up. Strawberry shortcake is one of his favourites.

The menu had all the typical diner options but we settled on the hamburgers. I asked for the for fried onions, ketchup, mustard and relish.

As the restaurant quickly filled with what were clearly many regulars, I noticed something.

Every single table was greeted with, “We have strawberry shortcake today on homemade biscuits.” When meals were finished, Melinda would smile and ask, “Would you like strawberry shortcake… or maybe coconut cream pie?”

She wasn’t pushy, she was just making sure everyone was aware - after all strawberries are in season and they taste amazing.

There were just two servers working but it was easy to see this was a well oiled ship. I didn’t see stress or rushing - just a good rhythm of waiting on customers, clearing tables and restocking supplies.

Then our burgers arrived.

One bite instantly transported me back to the 1970s, when hamburger buns were steamed, burgers were simple, and somehow they just tasted better.

And yes… Larry ordered the strawberry shortcake.

He ate every last bite—except for the couple of spoonfuls that I managed to grab.

Before we left, I stopped Melinda as she was clearing our table.

“I have to tell you,” I said, “I’m so impressed that you recommended the strawberry shortcake to every customer. We ordered it because of you, and it was delicious. Desserts are such a missed opportunity in many restaurants, but you make people want to save room.”

She smiled, thanked me, and went right back to what she had been doing - taking pride in her work and taking care of her customers.

We were impressed today, both with the food and the hospitality. We will certainly return.

07/02/2026

One small delivery to Phil Scott's Fuels in Barrington but another large step forward for HardyWares Preserves.
This newly expanded business offers a variety of grocery items, sandwiches, confectionery and warm hospitality.

07/01/2026

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

“We follow you on Facebook—we love your story.”

Our story has never been just about our business. It’s about us, our matching T-shirts, and our matching dreams.

It’s about our connection to people—our retailers and our customers. Making deliveries from one end of Nova Scotia to the other requires planning and a few days away from home, but it’s what I look forward to most. From the incredible journey around the Cabot Trail, the ocean views along the Eastern Shore, the winding country roads of the Annapolis Valley, the rugged Acadian shores, and the quaint villages of the South Shore, it never gets old. I embrace every mile in every season.

It always amazes me when someone reaches out from across Canada—as far away as Thunder Bay or even British Columbia—looking for blueberry jam or green tomato chow. I never stop marvelling at the vastness of our country and the thought that our preserves, made in a tiny village on one side of Canada, are being enjoyed on the other.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Wishing you a Canada Day filled with family, friends, laughter, and maybe some Mustard Pickles with your barbecue 🍁 🇨🇦

06/24/2026

Five Weeks ❤️

Today I had my follow-up appointment with my surgeon in Antigonish.

We talked a little about the surgery, the unexpected twists and turns, and my progress. I was happy to hear that I can start driving again and, by next week, return to my regular activities.

To celebrate week five, I’ve decided to create a little indoor oasis. It will likely take a couple of weeks to complete, but I’ve learned that baby steps, patience, and celebrating small milestones can make the journey almost as meaningful as the destination.

So after my appointment, I made a very exciting stop at the Dollar Store to pick up plant pots and soil. I can’t wait to start propagating, transplanting, and creating my little sanctuary.

As I looked around my collection, I realized many of my plants tell stories of their own. There’s a vine given to me by an employee more than 25 years ago, a big leafy plant that was a farewell gift, another vine from an elderly neighbour, and a spider plant I traded for jam a few years ago.

Much like recovery, these plants didn’t grow overnight. They’ve been nurtured over time and have become reminders of the people, friendships, and moments that have shaped my life.

Thank you again to everyone who has checked in, sent messages, dropped off food, flowers, and cards, and cheered me on along the way. Your kindness has carried me through more than you know.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an indoor garden to create. 🌿❤️

— Margaret

06/22/2026

A big shout out to Kelly's Deli Halifax - one of our newer retail partners. Kelly's Deli has a loyal following, they are well known for quality, taste and value pricing - most of their menu items are priced under $10.00
I can't wait to try my favourite, "Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich".
Thank you Kelly's Deli for making room on your shelves for HardyWares Preserves - we are thrilled to be in your famous location!