"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.

A Change In The Wind

Everyone seems to be focused on the world economy this week. I'm not sure if I understand the big picture, but I do know it sounds like a lot of doom and gloom. For this "Polly Anna," I find it hard to linger in this place of negative press. I continue to find comfort in my surroundings, feel blessed for my family, enjoy the company of friends and move forward with thoughts of better days ahead. Remember this Fall season will be beautiful and living here in the Hudson Valley is a gift. Life is good. This I am sure....the winds will change and HiHo is holding steady through the storm as a retreat or haven for all seeking an escape. Renew your outlook, stop by and shake off all the negativity, Polly would.

"I found something to be glad about."

Autumn Colors

This past week has been spent receiving shipments of new merchandise. The colors of the new textiles swing the entire shop into rich hues. The most noticeable change is in the Haute' Haven room, adding the deep colored roses to the pastel setting has the room singing for fall.Wonderful new pillows, tablecloths, knit and quilted throws have all arrived.Humphrey is nested in this wing back chair for the long rainy day, these autumn color pillows are a steal at twenty four dollars each and the knit throw is so cozy.
I was very lucky to come across this designer, seven foot high, three panel screen. A lot of fun to match it up with the funky ceiling fixture.

We spent hours mixing and matching tabletop textiles from a few different vendors, creating a original look to inspire our customers. Offering a range in price points as well.

We are very excited, that after many requests we are now offering silk flowers by the stem. Our Mimi will still be designing and selling her arrangements, but for a little treat you will be able to get just one if you wish.

This hall table and corner chair in gold, showcases one of Mimi's amazing arrangements. As the favorites keep coming in I will do my best to let you know they have arrived. The Aunt Sadies candles came in yesterday, Apple Pie, Cranberry Orange, Pumpkin Pie and our number one seller Tree in a Can.

Plan a visit soon , don't let all the goodies get away before you get a chance to see them.

A GREAT TIME...

The weekend proved to be great fun for all, our 4Th Annual Tent Event was a success. Time was spent making the shop look it's best.

Tammy at Wrights Farm supplied us with beautiful mums and Sal from the Inn At The Ridge loaded the sleds with pumpkins for the kids.

I hung the red, white, and blue,while Everett pulled out his now famous cow head.

The weather cooperated on Saturday but tested our limit with the heat and humidity on Sunday.

The library held it's book sale across the road and HiHo's own Susan Hill was leader and chief of the very successful fund raiser.

The HiHo tent had loads of personality with booths representing a wide selection of products.

Melinda and Martha from Widmark Farm offered honey tasting along with fun chit chat.

Humphrey worked with the town's dog warden and collected donations for local dog adoption.

Carol offered up a selection of mixed vintage items while requesting old favorites from the band.

There really was something for everyone.

Charlie gathered his assortment under the tent and along the fence.

Heidi of Tuthilltown Tots showcased her baby products.

Reina was up on her feet and going, going, going all weekend.

Mike Rice brought his friends to jam at the event. HiHo's talented extended family joined in... Claudia's husband Don played guitar and sang, even Aubrey got in on the act.

The pictures don't do the weekend justice...the girls at the barber shop cut hair outside under a canopy, people enjoyed pizza under the umbrellas across the street and the town had an energy that is hard to capture in a short blog. Thanks to everyone who pitched in to make it happen, building a strong sense of community in the hamlet is a magical thing...