It's Radiculous!

A few of us at The Rose have a love for the 70's. Recently and without a plan, Kathy and I discovered that we both found and brought in a variety of flashback items.

How bitchin' is that!

I remember begging for the Chemin de Fer hip huggers and the cool ski jacket. There was no need to see the snow, you just had to have the jacket. Desert boots, Wallabee's, and music, were essentials.

This week, we rocked the striped pants with the gromet rings, the tiger flares, and the embroidered mom jeans.

I think it was '79 that I started my career at Contempo Casuals.

This was probably where the love of trends and retail started.

Rock on!

We are consistently blown away by the style and talent of our customers and visitors. We will occasionally hear that they will come in to be inspired or to find a component for a project, but really, we are the ones that are in awe!

This is Kyle and when he pulled up in this vintage 'stang which turns out, this was his very first car. We begged for a picture and he obliged.

Thanks Kyle.

The Weekly Six

1. A beautiful writing desk with a cream patina, paired with a stunning french louis chair.

How about a hand written letter instead of an email?

2. Our sacred space.

3. Parisian style iron chairs in a perfect faded shade of turquoise

--a setting that awaits a warm latte on a fall day.

4. It's a season for layers. Elegant little dresses with chunky cable knit sweaters.

5. A pair of tufted celedon velvet side chairs. With these lovelies, you could be queen everyday!

6. Love these for a DIY project or simply for their archetectual beauty.

Guest Post by Stacy

Confession time. My name is Stacy and I am the daughter of junkers. Every weekend we were on the road to a flea market, swap meet, antique car show, or some other event where junking was also possible.

My Mom collected California Indian baskets, Navajo rugs and blankets, and pueblo pottery. My Dad collected everything else. Seriously everything. Peddle cars, Buddy L trucks, Ford trucks and cars, slot machines, gas pump heads, enamel advertising signs, black powder rifles, pocket watches with steam trains on the back, and on and on.

When I moved away to college I didn’t take the junking bug with me, or maybe it was just dormant. I collected floaty pens and books from the art museums that I visited, but not much else. I didn’t really decorate with antiques until I started receiving things from my great grandmother and my grandparents. But still much of that went in to boxes in the garage.

I hung my grandmother’s turkey platter, The Barnyard King. And I love having my great grandmother’s autograph book. The family treasures made me start to appreciate the trips we took, the people we met and the esoteric knowledge that was still lodged in my brain.

My French-made Turkish-style rug was nice but did not compliment my 1930’s Jo Mora Cowboys and Indians prints (from my grandparents garage). I was visiting Mom and asked if she still had the Navajo rugs rolled up in the basement and if she didn’t mind I’d like one for my floor. She had started collecting in the late 1950s and by the early ’90s she was ready to move on. She said I couldn’t have just one, I had to take all that were left. Several trips up and down the basement stairs and the backseat of by vintage Prius was filled with rugs wrapped in brown paper.

Last Sunday after Stephanie and I returned from the Sunset swap meet and our trip to Sally Loo’s I decided to unwrap the rugs and see if there was one I might want in the house. But I wanted all twenty five! Every one I unwrapped was my new favorite.

I narrowed it down to eight on the living room floor and one on a chair. And one in the hall and two in my bedroom. Each one is a work of art and I was having trouble with the idea of walking on them. But Mom said they a made for using and can’t be enjoyed while rolled in brown paper. So I will use them and enjoy.

I’m sure my brother and I complained about our travels. We wanted a ‘normal’ house with ‘normal ‘furniture from ‘normal’ stores. And maybe even ‘normal’ parents. We were crazy. Thanks for the travels and priceless times Mom and Dad. Now every time I open my front door I remember another junking adventure.

Aunt Fran's Divinity Fudge by Kim

(image source)

Fall brings more than just pumpkins and leaves...it's the beginning of sweet season.

My great aunt Fran (who happened to be diabetic) used to make the best divinity fudge. Not sure how she pulled that off, but I was always delighted to eat the results. She and my grandma would pack it into large round tins with layers of wax paper in between. It's a happy memory when I think of hearing the sound of the tin lid being pried off, the rustle of the wax paper, and the delighted smiles as we all got to pick a piece of the coveted divinity. This probably explains my fondness for vintage tins.

Aunt Fran's Divinity Fudge

21/2 cups sugar
1 cup Karo.
3/4 cup water

Bring to a boil, 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, until it makes a firm ball (not brittle).

Beat 2 eggs until stiff.

Slowly stream sugar mixture into egg whites while beating on high speed.

The candy will begin to lose it's shine (about 10-15 minutes).

Quickly fold in:
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (Fran used pecans)

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper

Just remember to never make this on a rainy day...

Remodel episode #1

About a year ago, we decided to break ground on a longtime dream of ours--an attic room. The original square footage of the attic was 945 sq. feet. For a junker and dreamer, this had been a long 12 years in coming!

Because we had such a long time dreaming about this said attic room, we really didn't have that craziness that a lot of couples have during reconstruction. It helped that we were able to talk about the new addition on a frequent basis, pull pictures out of magazines for inspiration, and spend a year with an architect that we trusted with our vision.

However, there were a few things that I was adamant about (deal breakers!). The first being wood casement windows (the retro kind) to match our 1920's house. We searched high and low for them, and when it was all said and done, we found the perfect ones by Marvin. These windows were probably one of the biggest expenses, but we don't regret it--they are perfect!

Ok, here's where the story gets good. The second thing we wanted was a stairway wide enough to bring up any furniture that we fell in love with. We couldn't make it too wide, as we didnt want to loose floor space, but it had to be wide enough. Fast forward to moving days....

John: So what couch did you want upstairs?

Me: The white one.

John: I don't know, that couch is long and it's a tight corner...

(Let me just say here, the roof had just been completed and we had recieved our final inspection.)

Me: Well, maybe we could crane it in and patch the roof.

John: I don't think that's going to happen! I will ask the guys to help tomorrow.

The next morning, I woke up to find John taking about 6 inches off our wall to make the corner. I then go to work. The phone rings at work...

John: OK, it's not going to work, it won't make the corner. We tried, how's about the brown couch?

Me: The brown one is not going to work. We now have three choices--the crane, you buy us a new couch in a shorter version, or you cut the couch in half and re-assemble it.

John: Let me call you back, I'll see what I can do.

Ring ring (about an hour or two later)!

John: OK, no problem, the couch is upstairs.

Me: What?! It made it up?!

John: Yep, I cut it in half and re-assembled it! You can't even tell!

I got home that day and couldn't wait to see if he really did it...and yes, he did! He was right, you couldn't even tell! John said he figured he would try, because the other two options were going to cost him!

We are now upstairs and there is still more that we will do...in time. But for now, it is perfect! Our perfect.

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.