Missing Claudia Already

The new year is bitter sweet here at HiHo. A member of our family is leaving. Claudia is going to San Diego for the remainder of this winter season and through the spring. All is well, she is going on business and will be working in lots of sunshine. However we will miss her terribly. She promises to return to her HiHo family in July.

CLAUDIA AT THE FLEA MARKET

THIS PAST FALL

In her absence I will like to envision her hunting McCoy pottery at flea markets on the West Coast. I hope the time passes quickly. Love you!

Always Thinking

Well new ideas for themes in each of the rooms are running in my head around the clock now. I had my notebook out most of the day designing new floor plans and jotting down prop ideas. Claudia even spent part of the day preparing props for the Hemingway Room. I have always been a list maker, but when it comes to changing the shop around there can never be too many lists. I never move a piece of furniture without a complete plan for the move.... usually one move turns into five hundred moves, just ask Susan.
I'm very excited about the plans for the winter season. I believe we will be giving you a warm and cozy shopping experience, that will inspire you in your own home. I can't touch the shop till after the first of the year, that gives you a last chance to take in this years holiday decor, but about one week later expect changes. I will be sure to post pictures!

Always Grateful

I just want to express my gratitude to all that supported us by shopping at HiHo throughout the holiday season. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! Despite the media and bad weather we had a great season...I'm glad to say we did just fine, thanks to you.

Photo credit to Aubrey, October 2008, Springtown Road, New Paltz, N.Y.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing you many happy returns of the day.

HUMPREY'S BEST DAY OFF THIS YEAR

I Love What I Do

After two days of snow removal and the quiet it inflicted on the shop, I'm starting to feel like the end of the retail Christmas season is near. Well to be honest it does give me a little feeling of relief, the thought of getting things back in order is appealing. The shop has had a wonderful energy this year and it will be hard to see things die down again. I am trying to stay in the moment and enjoy the last push of customers finishing up their holiday shopping. I'm so happy with this years holiday theme displays, it's hard to believe I spent much of today plotting out what the shop will look like after they are all taken down. Hmmmm...warm colors, winter nesting, maybe a reading theme, remixing, props, lighting, lots of cleaning, packing trees, refresh the Christmas room and I need to get some sleep. I really do love what I do, it's great knowing we can always try to top last year, whatever the season. January is going to fly by.

My Pink Tree

MY PINK TREE WITH TRAIN TRACKS & ONLY

ONE PRESENT, I BETTER GET WRAPPING

I have been teased lately on whether I really have a tree of pink ornaments in my home. I often tell people of my beloved tree, but rarely have the occasion to share it with friends. So I break my unwritten rule and I'm posting a few shots of my home.

MY FAVORITE ORNAMENT

SILLY LITTLE SNOWMAN

FOUR INCH ORNAMENT

EVERY BRANCH IS PACKED

Last Minute Gifts

It's the last weekend before Christmas and we have been blessed with snow. Snow, snow, snow and it looks like more is on the way.

HIHO, WITH A BLANKET OF SNOW AT THE FRONT DOOR

It felt so genuine to say "Merry Christmas" as I shoveled with snowflakes drifting in the breeze. Maybe it's the Buffalo in me. ( I was born and raised in Buffalo New York, yup lots of snow.) The small retail shop owner in me is not as thrilled with the snow. But I was thrilled to see my paperwhite bulbs coming up. Lets see, snow and paperwhites it's beginning to feel like Christmas.

PAPERWHITES BEGINNING TO SPROUT

Well the last of the small fluffy owls are all gone and many of the trees in the shop are looking picked over, but we still have some super gifts for you last minute shoppers. We put together some gift baskets!