Dan Moves On

Some things in life are bitter sweet. Dan is the dealer that sells all the sports collectibles on the second floor. Last month he let me know he was going to move out of HiHo. He explained with family obligations his plate is very full. I was so sad to get the news, it's always nice when you can work with friends. Dan has a handyman and caretaker business which keeps him busy.
http://www.danscaretakerservice.com/
Yesterday he packed up his belongings and moved out. He assured me we will continue to see each other and do business together. (He did much of the construction in the Christmas Room) The vacant room is a reminder that everything changes.

DAN'S ROOM WAS THE ORIGINAL SECOND FLOOR BATHROOM FOR THE HOUSE

I have new exciting plans for Dan's room. Some construction , some painting and a new member added to the HiHo family....Hows that for a tease?

Soooo Nice

HUMPHREY NAPPING IN THE SUN

WITH HIS BIRTHDAY BOW ON

What a weekend! Thank you for making this past weekend one of the nicest weekends in the history of HiHo. I am so touched by the thoughtfulness of our customers...so many of you came out and showered Humphrey with treats, cookies, toys and even handmade cards. Oh, and brought your dogs too. That was a real treat for us. The birthday wishes were really appreciated.
With so many visitors Humphrey snuck in a sun nap. I guess he's not a REAL party animal.

Preferred Customer Alert

Are you a loyal HiHo customer? Do you shop regularly at HiHo for your gifts…your home and decorating needs? If so, you just might be a Preferred Customer!
We’re rewarding our best customers with the HiHo Preferred Customer card. Come in to the shop and ask about how you can get one and what the benefits are.
Believe me, it is well worth being a Preferred Customer at HiHo. It’s our way of saying “thank you” to our frequent shoppers who continue to support us through thick and thin. We appreciate the fact that you’ve invested in your own local economy by supporting us…a local business that gives back to its community.
Don’t worry, if you already have a Preferred card hang onto it. Mention the blog and we will give it a punch!

Dancing In My Head

"Visions of sugar plums danced in their heads" this quote has always appealed to me. I have always imagined the candy magically floating , spinning and bouncing about in their minds all through the night. I have imagined their excitement and wonderment.

The quote has taken on new meaning to me this week as my dreams have been visually packed with products. Products I saw at the gift show. Not dreams that have a story line, or have recognizable people in them, but just stuff everywhere. My dreams have always been in color, (not surprising) but most often I remember them and they have an order to them. I have even found inspiration for store themes and displays from my dreams.

MAIN FLOOR OF THE JACOB JAVITS DURING THE GIFT SHOW

I'm still trying to make since out of the millions of ideas that are "dancing in my head". Dancing day and night. I guess you can tell from the photo the visual overload I experienced. Maybe it's excitement and wonderment...kind of a romantic way to say I need to organize my thoughts. Yup , that's this weeks plan, hmmm.

Homemade in a Box

I have always baked the birthday cakes for the family by scratch, however with the need for six sheet cakes gave me reason for using Duncan Heinz.
Everett put them through a taste test before going to bed. I think they passed...he asked for a second piece. Looking forward to seeing and feeding you all this weekend.

EAT CAKE

JOIN IN THE FUN, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY...SO FORGET THE SUPER BOWL...STOP BY HIHO FOR CAKE. SEE ALL THE NEW THEMES IN EACH OF THE ROOMS. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 20% OFF IN OUR PET ROOM AND RECIEVE A PARTY FAVOR FOR YOUR FAVORITE CANINE. HUMPHREYS SIX!!

My Trip to NYC

I got home from NYC Tuesday evening. It's always nice to come home. Nothing like a few days away to make one appreciate what they have.

The show was, huge. I visited with all my favorite vendors. Isabella spent much of Sunday with me, we really (she really) enjoyed the food booth samples. I am working on a theme for the summer that would have us selling lots of nostalgic candies. So that meant we had to taste the sweets to be sure of the quality, (wink, wink). I spent Monday on my own, looking at trends in home decor and color palettes for next season. I attended a seminar featuring editors from two retail trade magazines that I love. I ended the day with a Mardi Gras party in the permanent showrooms across from the Empire State building. (Often the show uses food and drink to entice attendees to spend.)

PARIS BORED WITH MY RESEARCH

After two days of none stop walking it was time to put my feet up. MY SWOLLEN FEET

I was blessed to have keys to a friends place on the East side. PARIS

I stayed with Paris the cat, both nights.....don't tell Humphrey.
Tuesday was a full day as well. Carol, friend and one of the resident dealers at HiHo joined me first thing in the morning. It was a day of return visits to booths that got my attention on the first two days. It will take me weeks to digest all the products and ideas I have absorbed from my outing to the show, but as always, I'm sure good things will happen at HiHo as a result of making the trip.