A Change of Seasons

We are forever changing the displays here, usually depending on what we have brought in or if something large has sold. It seems lately that items are moving in and out at a quicker pace.

This past week week, we brought in so much new inventory that we had to change up the entire place! Luckily, there are a handful of us that find this a fun challenge. It is similar to a puzzle to rework all of our pieces and displays and we ended up working day and night to get it just right.

What is especially fun this month, is that we have so many different categories, which covers and all of my faves! Some of them being: color, imported, textiles, lighting, clothing, art...

Just What is the Etiquette?

This weekend on the central coast is the Three Speckled Hens show in Paso Robles, and the following weekend will be the Remnants of the Past show. Along with those shows, there are a handful of shops in the area the we will be visiting.

So what exactly is the protocol on asking for a better price? Do we ask in the shops? We certainly don't want to hear about someone getting an item for a better price than we could have gotten it for.

Shows 1. The first day of a show (especially the first few hours) , dealers are less on "dealing" at this time. Most of their inventory is just out for the first time and they are not as motivated to take a lower price. My advice here is, "if you see something at a price that you think is fair, don't hesitate, as we all know, there is someone right behind you that is waiting for you to put it down". 2. As the day goes on, the rush has passed, and you are considering an item (and a few dollars would make or break the purchase), ask the dealer in a very kind way "Are your prices firm?"...or if there are a few pieces that you are interested in, make an offer such as, "I am interested in these three items. Could you make a deal if I take all 3?". Another approach would be, "Is there any wiggle room here?"...and the words I use a lot at flea markets, let's say the item is $45, "Would you consider $40?". 3. Dealers at flea markets and shows are used to working with us and they are always kind if you are kind. Sometimes we may get an answer like, "On these items, I am firm.". My advice here is to respectfully take a "no" as well as a "yes". 4. The wonderful thing about both of these shows is that they are held for two days. If possible, go back the second day and look again. You may see something you didn't see on day one, or maybe the item you are thinking about may still be there! Dealers are much more motivated on day two--especially toward the end of the day. Shops 1. If you are in an antique mall or a collective, where there are many dealers under one roof, some spaces will have a sign stating what their discount is...or you can go to the desk and ask, "Does this dealer consider offers?" or, "Is this dealer firm on his/her prices?". 2. If you are in a boutique store that has antiques, resale, or junk throughout, try to look around the counter to check out their policies--discounts, return procedure if any, or notice of sales. This area can be a little tricky, so tread lightly and once again, manners are very important here. Since owning a small business, I have come to realize how tight things have to be. If prices are too high, the customer walks or a reputation is made, if they are too low, then we work and stress to make our month. Pricing has thought and value in it, so each separate buisness knows what they need to do. 3. Here at Ruby Rose, our policy is that we put out our best price and that is that. We feel that the customer that comes every week to buy a little somethin' is just as important as someone buying multiple items. In the 8-9 years that we have been a company, we can count on one hand the times we have altered this, thus, we have a reputation for not dealing but that we are fair to all. So that is our two cents. These are all suggestions...as everyone plays a little different. Just try to have fun, listen to that inner voice when you get giddy over an item, and be considerate (good manners!).

Donkeys and Lemons: By Kim

I’ve been suffering with writers block…well not suffering to the degree of a bad sunburn or sprained ankle...I was told I just need a bit of inspiration. So to make it easier on myself and ease back into my blog posts, I have decided to write about the 2 things I’m passionate about right now. The sweet faces of donkeys and lemons.

I fell in love with a donkey when I visited Tanzania, there is an abundance of donkeys over there, and when this little donkey looked at me with his huge lovely eyes, I felt like he could see straight into my heart & soul. So when I found a small watercolor of a sweet little donkey a few weeks ago, it was like finding a long lost friend, and now it sits humbly on my desk, with those big eyes gazing at me, I am smitten.

(images hedweb and flickr)

Now lemons I have been blessed to have around me my entire life in one form or another. One of my friends in grade school loved lemons so much she would cut it into wedges, and suck on them. I like mine a bit sweeter (lemonade, lemon drop candies, lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, coconut lemon crème cake, lemon sorbet...).

One of my favorite lemon desserts can be found at Le Ciel Crepe Café, and is named The Avila Bay on their menu. The thin crepe is filled with a light airy lemon cream topped with lemon zest, and a nice scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side.

I’m also a hug fan of their Chicken Ranch Salad--fresh spring mix, chicken breast, bacon, tomato, and cheddar cheese served with Heather's homemade ranch dressing, which has a bit of dill in it, Yum!

They also make wonderful homemade soups daily. I have tried them all, except for the African Banana. I am told it is delicious; I am not a fan of the banana...but I did see a lot of bananas in Tanzania too. I have just linked the donkey and lemon together via Tanzania.

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LE Ceil Crepe Café

3211 Broad St. #121
Crossroads Center
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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I think I’ll give you my recipe for Lavender Lemonade. See below.

(image via Sunday Suppers)

Lavender Lemonade

2 Cups Cane Sugar

2 Cups Water

Zest from 2 lemons

8 Fresh stems of lavender (1Tbs. dried lavender)

2 Cups Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (8-12 lemons depending on how juicy they are)

2 additional cups Water & Ice

In saucepan heat sugar and water together stirring until sugar dissolves and water comes to a boil. When sugar mixture turns clear remove from heat a

Let syrup cool to room temperature. When syrup is cool, add lemon juice and 2 cups additional cups of water.

Serve over ice; add a sprig of lavender and a slice of lemon.

Enjoy!

-K.

The Weekly FIVE

What we are serving up this week:

1. We have what we call grandmas corner--beautiful 7' curtain panels, favorite chair, pics and religious ornaments.

2. Keeping up with the linens--perfect chair and comfy pieces to cozy up to on these beautiful fall eves.

3. Bottles. They speak for themselves--some were filled with perfume, ink, liquid...what will you fill them with?

4. You asked and we delivered. Globes and maps are restocked.

5. These carriage doors needed to be shown--they are in excellent shape and ready for their next home.

We had a sixth but it sold. That is good news!

Art After Dark

Here in San Luis we have what's called Art After Dark. On the first Friday of every month, businesses around town host a local artist, showcase their art in store, and serve a little somethin' (sweets, treats, coffee, etc.) for the local community. We were so lucky to have Natellie Saia back for a second time around. Natellie's work is a perfect fit for us, as it mixes in effortlessly with our store.

The weather was a little chilly, but that didn't bother these guests...they just borrowed a blanket and continued to enjoy!

The beautiful music by Kendra and Nate was perfect! They came highly reccommended and rightly so! Are they not the most beautiful couple??

We have a handful of Natellie's art throughout the store for the next few months, just in case you missed the show.

Images by Jennifer Young of I ART U