100+ Posts

Yup! That's right my one hundredth blog came and went and I missed it. How did that happen? ( I don't have that much on my plate...do I?) Now that I'm a veteran blogger I'm aware of my duty to celebrate this (missed) event with a give-a-way. I have collected a few homey cottage-like goodies to tempt you all. I picked seven items to represent the number of blogs I posted after my 100th post.

1. Friendship's Token, a lovely paper back book filled with illustrations and poems.
2. A Caswell Massey travel size almond soap.
3. A fun candy cane
4. A candle in the shape of a goddess
5. A mint chocolate chip scented fizzy bath cupcake with soap frosting
6. A Cath Kidsten, Dream Home Journal
7. A small picture frame


With over a hundred posts one might think I don't worry about a viewing audience. But really don't we all like to think someone is listening? I have had my moments of "is it really worth it to post? Do they really look at the blog?" Then a customer will come in and go on about how they read each post and how they enjoy the blog... (happy, happy me) I even asked my web master about the lack of comments left on the blog by visitors. He said "it's sorta like when you go to a wedding and everyone waits till someone else dances. Once one couple gets up, others follow." Well now is your chance to get up and dance...I am keeping my fingers crossed that everyone out there leaves a comment on this post and then I will enter each of you to win.

Be sure to check back on Saturday because HiHo is going to be participating in PINK SATURDAY. A fun blogging day for all of you who love PINK!

*one would think after one hundred posts I would be able to correctly post pics and text without the strange spacing....I guess it's still a work-in-progress.

* I'll pull a winner from people commenting on this post only. I will post the winner on Tuesday the 24th of March.

Take a Chance

Visit another blog while they are having a give-away....
http://cynthiascottagedesign.blogspot.com/ I have been spending more time searching fun new blogs to read and came across a few tonight.
This blog put a smile on my face and I wanted to share the hope for spring with you all.

Red Rooster Cafe

My Goodness!... those who know me, know I want to use stronger language, however with my blog hat on I'll say it again, My Goodness! Enough with the snow already! Wind, bitter cold, All Right Already! I just finished shoveling for the third time today and I just needed to get it out of my system. Thanks. I feel better now. I sent large numbers of emails out over the weekend sending invitations to stop by and meet Catherine. If you did not receive an email and would like to get information on upcoming events sent right to your desk, send me your address and I will add you to the list.

I'm so excited to announce that the Red Rooster Cafe will be providing the munchies for Friday evenings reception. This picture is of the owner's, Melissa and Greg. The Red Rooster is just around the corner and many of our customers already frequently plan their HiHo visit to include a meal at their sweet establishment. It will be nice to introduce their food to those of you who haven't had the opportunity to experience their fun cuisine. I pulled part of a review posted on the web...

By Bill Guilfoyle
For the Times Herald-Record
Posted: September 19, 2008 - 2:00 AM
I love to see entrepreneurs succeed, and the chef-owner here, Greg Gagne, along with his wife and his sister-in-law, Sarah Traversey, are working hard to make their dream come true. The food here is quite good, a blend of cuisines and styles that often features local produce and products that abound in the Hudson Valley. The space is cute and simple, and prices are very reasonable. I'd come back here — good food at fair prices in a small corner of Gardiner.

This is just one more reason to join us Friday night!

Vintage Chicks

Received a package today from our own Claudia. She is still working out in California. She is one of those rare people who fit perfectly into our family. I miss her everyday and I'm sure Humphrey does too.

I love getting things in the mail, it makes you feel so special. The surprise was addressed to both Susan and I....to, Heidi Hill-Haddard and Susan Hill, from Claudia Hill... our names always make me smile. (that's a blog for another night) anyway here is a photo of our gift.
Two fantastic satin buttons, I wore mine on my apron all day. I love them and know she sent them because we both love vintage things not because we are old...right? Thank you for the fun and thoughtful gift Claudia. ooxx

Meet Catherine Boyd

Catherine is the newest member of the HiHo family. She is a talented upholsterer selling and showcasing her work on the second floor of HiHo. Catherine (Caty) has been reupholstering furniture for over 19 years. She works with antique and vintage pieces. Her love for the art of restoration shows in her work. Caty prefers the older furniture, trusting that the frames are superior to furniture built today and have more character. She uses high quality supplies, cushioning materials, fabrics and all springs are 8-way hand tied.

Caty is a fellow Gardiner resident, relaxed, friendly and outgoing. She is the perfect addition to HiHo.

We are so excited about her bringing her expertise, beautiful furniture and amazing pillows here for our customers.

That's why we are having a

reception in her honor.

FRIDAY
MARCH 6th
5:00PM - 7:00PM

CATHERINE BOYD

The reception will kick off a weekend of fun. Friday night will be an evening of friends, complimented with a glass of wine, a nibble of cheese and of course shopping our “Get to Know Caty Specials”. Customers can enter to win a door prize worth over one hundred dollars, can receive a party favor and can find out about our preferred customer cards. Catherine will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the care, restoration, pricing and upholstering of any heirlooms or furniture you treasure. Saturday and Sunday the celebration will continue with the specials and more chances to win prizes. Catherine will be here Saturday from 11:00-1:00 and Sunday from 1:00-3:00, making sure everyone has an opportunity to meet her. Come meet my new friend Caty!

HOPE, OPTIMISM, FAITH

That something that makes someone believe tomorrow will be even better. I guess it doesn't matter what you call it, as Americans we are born with it. I think entrepreneurs just have more of it. An ability too hold ones breath and take hold of a dream. I have a community of retail friends faced with challenges everyday. Obstacles they anticipated, bad weather days, upkeep of buildings, food spoiling, damaged merchandise, loss of employees and even the occasional unhappy customer. ( we don't have those at HiHo, wink,wink) These are all things anticipated, somehow many of these special people who are following dreams are really feeling the downward swing in the economy. ( I won't put that big R word out into the universe I refuse to perpetuate the fear). Now don't get me wrong I'm aware that many of my customers are feeling the pinch, however a hundred people spending ten dollars at a local produce stand adds up to a thousand dollar day for a dreamer. You can make a difference, don't let the constant push of fear by the news stations convince you to hold too tight to ten bucks. I don't know about you, I don't want to look around in a year and see businesses have slipped away.

OPTIMISM, THE GLASS IS HALF FULL

One last thought... we should not look further than our own back yards, our local dreamers need us.

girl friends

My day started so nicely with an email from a friend. A love note of sorts saying something nice would happen today and it did.

So very often small groups of women share a trip to HiHo together. This afternoon there seemed to be more woman than usual enjoying each others company. Today two sisters came in and laughed out loud while reading greeting cards. A pair of older ladies (with large pocket books and gloves) pondered over where all the things of their mothers homes had gone. Four woman enjoyed time debating who had the best dessert at lunch. Even a couple of local antique dealers; gals just out running errands.... found the time to share a look around. The wind was strong, bitter cold and the sky was grey, but somehow I don't think that's what is going to stand out in the memory of the day for any of the woman that gathered at HiHo this afternoon. I am sure they are all home tonight grateful for having had a day to share with a friend.

I'm glad to have my girl friends.