Sneak a Peek!

The small new items for Christmas have been arriving everyday. Believe it or not in the middle of the day today another five boxes arrived,( that's right on a Saturday, go figure). The boxes just keep coming and I couldn't resist teasing all of you with some pictures of my favorites. It's the only time of year that we purchase in quantities of this kind.
I hope this starts to get you as excited about this years Christmas as we are, here at the store. Now you know why I couldn't resist the tease.

Friends at the Library

Our small town of Gardiner has been busy all week. After years of fundraising and endless debate our towns new library had it's grand opening... today as a matter of fact. I was lucky enough to spend time with community members earlier in the week. I'm sure the press will have lovely shots of plaque presentations and dignitaries, but my photos tell the story of the long week some friends spent in the small town I call home.

Oh sure, lots still to be done but all the work is a labor of love. Our community is so very proud of the new library and it is only a short distance from HiHo. Be sure to make visiting Gardiner's newest land mark a part of your next visit to HiHo.

"Auction Action"

We continue to hunt treasures at auctions throughout the Hudson Valley. Last week Susan and I attended an auction that was geared toward attracting men. Dozens of clocks ( even one that sold for over seventeen thousand dollars) tools and this very large bear. (Please forgive the blurry shot, I rushed to get it.)
COMPETITION AT AUCTION WAS FIERCE THIS WEEK

Between the dead framed owl and the primitive benches we were able to pick out some surprising deals. This shot of Susan was taken around midnight, ( the dog door stop already sold) the pair of holiday paintings will be in hiding till HiHo's open house in November.

SUSAN LOOKING GOOD EVEN AT MIDNIGHT SOLD

The best purchase of the night was this beautiful three piece set. Hand painted with a lovely worn patina and sweet cottage roses.

WAITING TO BE LOADED ON THE TRUCK

NOW FEATURED IN THE FRONT ROOM OF HIHO SOLD

Hours spent at auction are filled with visiting other shop owners. I even spend time drawing and planning future changes to the shop, I pour over trade magazines and edit choices in wholesale catalogs. Many auction houses have slices of homemade pies and cakes, always hard to resist. Susan even says "it wouldn't be an auction if Heidi wasn't eating". Often when Claudia joins me she will comment "did you just buy something?" I have attended so many auctions over the years it's second nature for me to bid and continue on with my pie,catalog, drawing or my visit with a friend. Long, long nights, loading the truck in the heat, rain, snow are a part of the business. To my surprise, I still love the hunt, we refer to it as "Auction Action".

Sweet Little Things

Recently in the midst of incoming shipments, we had to pause for a big Awwwww. A couple of the baby items ordered at the New York Show arrived. First the small table top clocks were unpacked and then the fun tees.

The clocks are about five inches round and are battery operated.
The tees have great vintage graphics and packaging for easy gift wrapping.


Both items were a big hit over the Columbus Day Weekend.

The leaves look to have about a week before peak here in Gardiner. It's the most beautiful time of year. Awwwww!

You Know What They Are Thinking

A couple of weeks ago a new sign was completed and hung on the side of the building. I am very lucky to have patient men in my life. Paul from Graphic Detail designed the sign from my rough drawings. This was not without a number of phone calls and just "one more time" several times. He is pictured here behind his shop in Wurtsboro with the finished sign on the back of my truck.

Once I got the sign back to Gardiner, Bryan and my husband Richard went to work getting the old sign down and the new sign up.

They did a great job and the sign makes a huge difference to the side of the building. I have a lot more upgrades for the building planned but I let the guys in on those plans on a need to know bases...I don't want them to leave town. I am grateful.

PERFECT FIT

Inspiration for the shop themes come from everywhere. We plot, plan, discuss, debate, think and rethink, do drawings, ponder color swatches and hunt what feels like millions of locations to bring you original looks for the season .That's why it's so exciting when the new merchandise starts arriving.( Humphrey,the shop dog, gets excited too....the UPS man, "Allen" brings cookies nearly everyday this time of year.) Items chosen months ago from catalogs and showrooms start mixing together with the vintage pieces, making a fresh look in the shop. CHOCOLATE VELVET VINTAGE CHAIR WITH HOOKED PILLOW
BROWN VELVET CHAIR SOLD HORSE PILLOWS SOLD

DOG HOOKED PILLOW AND PINE CONE 2X3 HOOKED RUGS

Loads of goodies have arrived to inspire spaces that reflect the out doors. A perfect fit for your relaxed rustic cabin in the woods or in just one corner of your home. It's the time of year to break out your favorite flannel shirt and cuddle up.

COWGIRL COFFEE IN BURLAP BAGS SOLD

Additions to each room are happening every day. The yellow in the main room is evolving into Autumn's oranges.

FALL PILLOWS AND TABLE CLOTHES

AUNT SADIES PUMPKIN PIE SCENTED CANDLES AND VINTAGE PLATTER

MINI CAKE DOMES FOR YOUR COLLECTIBLES

Cool nights and shorter days falling leaves and a ride in the country a perfect fit for a trip to HiHo.Be sure to bring a sweater, Humphrey will have his on.