ODE TO 1960

Like every generation, the thirty something crowd is now choosing their grandparents furniture to furnish their homes. What was old is now new again....over and over again. You know... hip huggers, known now as low rise. Everything is now "retro". Here at HiHo we are featuring a few pieces of furniture that fit this description and by enhancing the shots to look "retro" it's hard to believe the shots were taken over the past two weeks. This orange chair is one of a pair of chairs.

This pair of amazing green chairs are getting a lot of attention in the front of the shop.

Who wouldn't love to use this ice bucket for a special occasion?

All of these classic 1960 looks are the trend in home decor right now, bright colors, clean lines and the freedom to mix it up. Two weeks ago my husband and I had the pleasure of taking our oldest daughter off to college. She had months planning the look of her dorm room. ( I'm sure that doesn't surprise anyone, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree) This shot of her was taken in her room on her first day as a college student. Whitney is loving college life and her "retro" room. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and encouragement on her behalf.

Whitney at Rider University in New Jersey.

4TH ANNUAL TENT EVENT

We have finally arrived at beginning of the Fall season. Saturday and Sunday are packed with fun things to do. Gardiner's Library Sale, Gardiner Day, The Taste of New Paltz and HiHo's Tent Event. I look forward to sharing the fun with you. Some of the dealers from the second floor of the shop will be joining the tent crowd outside. Friends have promised to stop by with guitars in hand. Like years past we are using the event to promote a local cause.A number of local papers ran with our press release, along with a photo of Aubrey and Humphrey. Very exciting!! Now we just pray for good weather and everyone to stop by. I look forward to seeing you...

Easy Come, Easy Go

I have been preparing for the Fall season, buying up goodies to fill the shop. Making my list and checking it twice for the Holiday season. It seems you are all ready to buy now...things are going out the door as fast as they are coming in. It does not seem fair to post shots of items that are already sold. I guess I need to take photos of items before they hit the sales floor? The newest fun piece in the shop, is this very cute piano. These brand new Top Hat lamps have velvet shades and are sure to add

personality to any room.

This fantastic vintage floor standing bird cage, is so much fun for collections.

I love the Fall, kids back in school, cooler weather and HiHo's Tent Event only a week away. Stay in touch for lots of info about our 4th annual!

NEW YORK SHOW

The morning Isabella and I headed for NY the moon was still in the sky as the sun came up. She drove while we shared retail stories.

THE LOBBY OF THE JACOB JAVITS CENTER

We arrived at the Javits Center early and it was already buzzing with people.

SECOND FLOOR OF THE CENTER

Thousands of vendors displaying products, in four locations- the Javits (pictured here), the Metropolitan Pavilion, the Piers and 7 West. All are packed with inspiration for HiHo, from new counter top goodies to amazing furniture. Isabella and I do a combination of looking together and venturing off on our own, touching base with cell phones. We both had scheduled meetings with sales reps from favorite company's and lists of new items we were on the hunt for. On this first day we took in one floor of the Javits and the Metropolitan Pavilion. The show closed for the night at six, Isabella headed home while I had more adventure ahead.

A friend, customer and local Gardiner resident was very generous and lent me her place near Union Square. I took advantage of the shows' shuttles and only had to walk a few blocks to my home away from home. Exhausted from my long day I ran a bath and gobbled pizza while preparing my plan of attack for the next day, (all while watching the Olympics, an Olympic event in its self).

"PAT" PATRICIA CERRUTI,NEXT TO THE BIRD CAGE I ORDERED

After a good nights rest with my new friend Paris the cat, I headed to the Piers to meet with Pat. Relationships with sales reps really feed into the business when they are knowledgeable about both their lines and our point of view. HiHo is considered an out post location for most reps, so I really try to put time aside for those who make the trip and I go out of my way to meet with them at the shows.

A BOOTH AT THE PIERS

Seeing the products showcased in their company's created environment never disappoints.The second day was drawing to an end, after walking both Piers I hopped a shuttle for 7 West where drinks and appetizers were being served for late shoppers. Eleven floors of showrooms filled with retail business owners from across the U.S..I LOVED THE VINTAGE LOOK OF THIS NEW FURNITURE

I met with another rep, had a cocktail, a few munchies, and I was off to my home in the city. My husband was arriving for dinner and a over night.....we had dinner on the street, a table for two, watching New York walk by on a beautiful summer evening. More Olympics and planning for my last day at the show.

HUSBAND (RICHARD) AT HOME IN THE CITY...TV AND A BEER

Day three; Isabella is joining me for another day of walking, walking and walking. I visited candy vendors tasting my way through jams, candy canes and chocolates. With Isabella at my side I revisited select booths from the previous two days for a second opinion. It's was great having the feedback and made for a productive day. We shared the bus ride back to New Paltz in the early part of the evening. Now we both eagerly await the delivery of new goods and enjoy the fact that our shops are as lovely as anything we saw at the show.

catching up

A wise customer told me for every one day away from work it takes two days to catch up. I have been home from the New York Home & Gift show a week ago Tuesday evening and I'm still not feeling on top of my game. The show was huge, hard work, fun, inspiring and exhausting. I will be sure to post pictures of products purchased at the show as they arrive. For now I have been preparing to launch the web site, working on newsprint ads, recreating the HiHo lady logo and sketching new signage for the parking lot side of the building. I also have been lining up vendors/dealers for our upcoming tent event. I'm planning a booth for the event that will benefit Gardiner's animal rescue along with working on a press release. Like so many of the woman in my life, often I feel like a one man band. Balancing family,a home,community involvement and work, this shot of Ellen says it all. I will continue my attempt to catch up, however sometimes the shop sets a pace of it's own and I'm just along for the ride. It's an exciting time of year as the seasons change along with the HiHo displays.

Vintage Toys and Books

The nostalgia of my childhood is stored in toys and story books, and I didn't even know it. I was at auction the other evening, when I was struck by memories of my early youth. A box of books that seemed to have many of my favorite titles and proceeded to recall a wave of moments from the late 1960's for me. The first title to do this was this book, Heidi. Now I know, I was given many different versions of this title, but this is "the one"with illustrator, Erika Weihs and that will remain the "real" Heidi book for me. The ring of daisies on her head and the sweet baby goat, transported me to the land of make believe.

Having a fondness for author and illustrator Romney Gay, I was very surprised and delighted to acquire five of his books for the shop this week, all in wonderful condition.

I have always adored animals and I vividly remember holding this next book up and sharing the illustrations with my second grade class. The Pet Show is in great condition with the slip cover intact.

The book I was most excited about purchasing will remain home. Little Black Sambo was read over and over in my childhood home, I was fascinated with the tigers turning into butter. The evening I won the bid on the lot of books which included Sambo, I was elated. I phoned my Dad in Canada to share my excitement, he didn't miss a beat..."isn't that the book where the tigers run around a tree and turn into butter?"... Great moment.

This hand crafted rocker is perfect for hours of quiet book reading.

As an aspiring artist in my teens, I loved the small pen drawings of Joan Walsh Anglund. I spent many hours trying to reproduce pages of her pocket size books. Anyone familiar with HiHo knows my infinity for Christmas, so when Joan Walsh Anglund's title Christmas Is A Time Of Giving was among the books in the Sambo box...well lets just say it was a good night. I don't think I have to tell you I'm keeping this book too.

I did purchase boxes of books, I even bought more at the next auction and mainly because they were all things from my past. I usually don't make emotional purchases at auction, I realize the risk of spending more than something is worth when ones emotions are involved. However I have justified the buying, these treasures look wonderful in our "Highchairs and Hiccups Room". These next pictures feature terrific made in Spain, wooded toy banks.

All unscrew with ease to collect money saved. I like the idea of people going to work in a toy factory and hand painting wooden toys, for children all around the world.( I envision the elves at the North Pole all lined up at long wooden tables. ) The Just a Minute Jimmy book has the sweetest illustrations of a boy and his dog. The rooster bank and the farmer stand at least ten inches high. The piggy head bank near seven inches high.

Mixing old and new in our children's rooms adds charm, warmth and character. Sharing old favorite titles with our children reassures them we were kids once too.

Going Away With Jack and Judy features a story line of siblings, told in large early reader text. It's condition remains good.

This last shot shows how great the old and new blend for a classic look.

You may not have a child to buy for or a baby to shower in gifts but skipping a walk through our Highchairs and Hiccup room maybe a mistake. Why not let the memories pour over you?

Humphrey's On The Move

Throughout this summer, Humphrey (our familie's Yorkie) has been sited traveling in style. He traveled out of the country to Canada and to the busy city of Buffalo New York. Humphrey enjoyed gathering inspiration for HiHo's fourth quarter while hitting the streets of the city. This first shot was taken here at home. HUMPHREY'S FRONT PACK WAS A GIFT FROM A THOUGHTFUL CUSTOMER

Humphrey and I usually travel to the shop in the HiHo truck or walk. Now that the weather has cooled a bit I got out my bike. This shot was taken in our parking lot. You can see he really enjoys this mode of transportation.

HUMPHREY LOVES THE WIND IN HIS FACE

My bike was a gift from my husband, purchased on one of our shopping tours of antique shops and thrift stores. The baskets let me cart things back and forth to the shop. I wouldn't recommend going long distances on this type of bike, but it's perfect for the mile home.

WE HIT THE PAVEMENT RUNNING, TONS OF FUN SHOPS ON ELMWOOD AVE, IN BUFFALO

While visiting extended family in Buffalo, we couldn't resist a tour of the shops on Elmwood Aveune. Many of the shops are small family owned businesses. Creative displays and helpful sales associates made the day very enjoyable. Humphrey seemed up for the adventure.

HE IS REALLY A COUNTRY DOG AT HEART

We encouraged a visit with the fire hydrant, but Humphrey didn't seem to know what we had in mind. All in all he proved to be a good traveling companion. He is happiest at the shop, holding court on the counter.
CHECKING OUT CUSTOMERS AT EYE LEVEL