T. Hee Greetings & Gifts

Christmas Dinner Menu

2010-12-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

Each year my family splits the holidays - my brother serves Thanksgiving, Mom does a traditional Texas-German New Year's (don't ask) and we get to host Christmas. Since we are the only ones without children we feel it is our job to make everyone else look bad in comparison to our holiday meal. So this year we've decided to add a n Italian flare to our menu..here's how it's looking

Appetizer: Almond-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates
First Course: Pesto Lasagna made with spinach and egg noodles, bechamel, hand made pesto and parmesan cheese
Salad: I'm really lacking ideas on this one...something with an orange-walnut vinaigrette
Sorbet: Whatever looks good that day...maybe something like pomegranate
Main: Pancetta wrapped, roasted Beef Tenderloin served with an Arrabiata Sauce (we call it an angry sauce), an herb crusted, yukon gold & sweet potato layered tart (loaded with gruyere and cream) and lemony/garlicky haricot vert.
Dessert: Mom's bringing flourless chocolate cake - my favorite!

Thoughts?

New! Shop online on our new sister website!

2010-11-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

Finally! Our new website has hatched! We are pleased to present our new online shopping website, Party Chick and Paper. To visit the new web click on http://www.partychickandpaper.com/

This new site offers many of the same great gifts found in our stores at the same great affordable prices! Now your friends that do not live in Dallas can enjoy the store that you have grown to love.

And another great item at PCaP is Cluck Bucks! For every $10 you spend on the website you earn 1 Cluck Buck which you can "spend" on future purchases! And earning Cluck Bucks is easy - you automatically earn just by shopping on our website. If you refer a friend and your friend spends at least $40 you earn 5 Cluck Bucks! Do you blog? Write about and link to PCaP and we'll give you another 5 Cluck Bucks! See how easy is is?

So go online and start shopping now!

Stonewall Jackson Elementary PTA Night

2010-11-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight is Stonewall Jackson Elementary PTA Night at our Hillside Village location on the NE corner of Mockingbird Lane and Abrams Rd. next to Lakewood 1st and 10 and a couple doors west of Stein Mart.

We will be open from 6pm - 9pm tonight only as a special event to benefit the PTA. All SJE parents, friends and fans are invited to stop by for a sip and shop - at the end of the night we will donate 10% of the evening's receipts to teh SJE PTA. SJE is home to a fabulous learning garden as well as our area's hearing impaired education center. To learn more please visit their website: http://www.stonewalljacksonpta.org/page/page/2272895.htm

SHOP TONIGHT AND HELP SJE PTA!!! 11/16/10 - 6pm - 9pm

Style it up at the grocery store!

2010-11-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Can we talk? I mean really talk? I've asked to tell you - your shopping bags are ugly. And, well, people have been saying that you are using those horrible for the environment plastic shopping bags the stores hand out! Please! Say it isn't so!! Lucky for you we just got in a great selection of reusable, fashionable, too-cute-to-not-carry-all-the-time totes from Whitney English! We have them in both stores so hurry in and pick out your new shopping tote. We really need to nip these rumors in the bud!

Do you Tweet?

2010-11-11T13:32:00.001-08:00

If you know me at all you know how funny it is that I (well, the company) is now on the Twitter! If you Tweet or like to be tweeted to (is that correct tweet-speak?) how about following us? : http://twitter.com/Theegreetings You know how I am..I like to do silly things like launch one hour sales, preview specials, etc. just for those folks that are friends on facebook (oh yeah, sign up for that one too!) and now for our Twitter friends! So get in the nest and watch for fun stuff to come your way soon!

New Vera Bradley Fall Fabrics are in!

2010-10-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

And they are gorgeous! For fall we are adding the Baroque - a black background with accents of lime, grey adn white; Versailles - a navy-almost-black background with reds, golds and whites; Twirly Bird Pink (the official Breast Cancer fabric) with white on hot pink and Twirly Bird Navy, and Buttercup with a chocolate background and soft pinks, yellows and oranges. Each fabric is available in all of your favorite styles including the Weekender, the Hipster and the Vera.

Photos from our new store at Mockingbird & Abrams

2010-10-04T15:16:00.001-07:00

Want to see more? Become a fan! http://www.facebook.com/T.HeeGreetings

Now open in Lakewood!

2010-10-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today we opened our 2nd location in east Dallas on the corner of E Mockingbird and Abrams in the Hillside Village Shopping Center (you know the one...Stein Mart, Fuzzy's Tacos..that place!) The new store is even bigger than our Lake Highlands shop and has a few new lines for you to fall in love with...like Vera Bradley and Archipelago Candles. We're open a little later (until 6:30) and on Sundays so you have even more options when shopping for your favorite giggles!

T. Hee Greetings - still locally owned, now in two great locations!

HELP! (Wanted)

2010-09-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

As we prepare to open our 2nd store in Hillside Village we are in need of some part time help. We are looking for adults with a great customer service attitude and a passion for parties, invitations and gifts. Experience working in a gift or stationery store is very helpful but not required.

We offer flexible schedules (Lake Highlands is open M - Sa 930 - 6, Hillside will be open M - Sa 930 - 630, Sun 12 - 5) with shifts from 4 - 6 hours long. Starting pay is $9 per hour and comes with a very happy in-store discount.

At T. Hee we have a lot of fun while staying laser focused on customer service. If this sounds like a job you would like please email me at david@thgandco.com and let me know why you think you'd be a great T. Hee co-worker! (please do not call or stop by the store - an email to me is your best way of getting to me.)

LunchSkins are HERE!

2010-09-09T06:33:00.001-07:00

LunchSkins were developed by a couple of moms that were outraged by the 20 million sandwich bags from school lunches that end up in landfills every day (that’s just in the US!). Using fabric typically found in European pastry bags, they developed a line of dishwasher safe of reusable snack and sandwich bags that not only look good but help out the environment as well.

Available in three different sizes and a multitude of patterns and colors, LunchSkins are the hottest thing to hit the lunch room since High School Musical ring tones!

Now available at T. Hee Gifts Online

At Home with T. Hee

2010-09-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago we sent out an email survey to our customers asking a whole bunch of questions. One of the questions asked what we were missing? What did our customers want us to carry that we did not have in stock...the overwhelming majority was "Home Decor!" Well, we now have that covered in spades.

The photo to the left is our new glass apothecary bottles topped with metal and turquoise crosses - beautiful! We also have in dozens of new frames, serving pieces, candles..the list goes on. Both seasonal and everyday - your home can now be T. Hee'd too!

Labor Day

2010-09-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

We have decided that we have labored enough this summer and are taking Labor Day off. We will be closed on Monday, September 6 but will re-open normal hours (that's 9:30 y'all) on Tuesday, September 7th.

Happy Labor Day!

(oh - and we will be open all day on Saturday the 4th so you get can your shopping done before the holiday!)

Be a Marketing Guru and Win $50!

2010-08-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

With the opening of the new store we are having to re-introduce T. Hee Greetings to a bunch of people that have no idea who we are. And, believe it or not - that's really hard to do! Yes, we are a gift and stationery store, but does that really describe us? If someone were to say to you, "you should try this new gift and stationery store" would you go? Probably not? So here's the gig....We need a way to describe our store...just one or two sentences...that will tell people what we do and make it enticing for them to come in. For example, when describing Highlands Cafe I say, "it's a neighborhood owned cafe that makes everything from scratch and has great burgers and chicken fried steak." That's usually enough to let people know what type of place it is and what they can look forward to ordering when they get there.

Since hundreds of minds are better than one we decided to hold a contest. Write your description of T. Hee Greetings (one or two sentences, something that can be used in press releases, on brochures and the like) and if we choose your description you'll win a $50 Gift Card to use at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts! All entries must be received by September 10th and must be posted as comments to this blog. Winner will be chosen by David, Tony, the Jennifers, Tina and most likely a random selection of customers. Gift card is not redeemable for cash and no you can not use it to shop at the liquor store or in any area casino.

Light Up your Halloween

2010-08-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

These little tea light masks are too adorable! Place a small candle behind the mask in the cute little spot, light and spookify your table.

We have fabulous appetizer places and coffee mugs to match so load up on your favorite ghoulfriend!

Baby Steps

2010-08-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

This may seem really small and insignificant to most but to us it was a really big deal - this past weekend we hung the "Coming Soon" sign in the windows of our new store in Hillside Village at Mockingbird and Abrams in east Dallas. It's the first sign that this thing might actually all come together.

The hammers started swinging last week and most of the demolition is done...tomorrow (Tuesday, 24th) they are supposed to really get after it and by the time I get back home on Friday (yes, I'm working in Michigan all summer) there should be a great progress to be seen - or so we hope!

Meanwhile behind the scenes Tony has been meeting with sales people, placing orders, lining up new co-workers...all the fun stuff that goes into opening a new store.

Baby steps. At least we made one.

Gifts. Stationery. Invitations. Celebrating life's most fabulous moments!

Lollia is HERE!

2010-08-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ok Dallas! You've heard about it from Oprah. You've seen it at your girlfriend's house. You've been craving it and now it's available at T. Hee Greetings - the fabulous LOLLIA!

Featuring the best selling items from the Calm, In Love and Wish fragrance collections we already have in stock the shea butter hand cream, bubble bath, bath salts and illuminaires.

The Lollia line was created to be as beautiful on the outside as it is quality on the inside. Starting at $7.95 treat yourself (or make a friend REALLY happy with a gift) to some Lollia today! Now in east Dallas, Lake Highlands, Texas at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts.

LOLLIA CALM
LOLLIA WISH
LOLLIA IMAGINE

What's YOUR favorite candle line?

2010-08-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

One of the things we want to expand on in our new Hillside store is candles. Our customers have loved our extensive line of Nouvelle Candles thanks to their unique scents, long burn time and "poured right before shipping" quality and our newest line, Modern Notes, has been a huge hit. But we really need another big line in the store.

So what's YOUR favorite candle line. Before you say anything let me say that we can NOT have Tyler Candles as a couple of other stores already carry the line. So what other lines do you like? What are your favorites?

Let us know!

It's Official - Store #2 is on its way!

2010-08-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

We finally did it. We signed the lease for our second store in the Hillside Village Shopping Center on the NE corner of Abrams and E. Mockingbird in east Dallas. We will be located between Ladies of America Fitness and 1st and 10 Sports Pub/Grill/Bar.

In case you have not been to Hillside lately you might want to stop in. Tuesday morning recently moved to a larger space. Fuzzy's Tacos just opened and a new family friendly pizza/italian restaurant is opening soon. Also, our own White Rock Coffee has opened a double drive thru unit and soon PK's Fine Wine & Spirits (well known in the Park Cities) will be opening next to Fuzzy's. It's a whole new Hillside.

We will be opening on October 1st with a store very similar to the one we have now. So before you ask...here are the answers:

NO! We are NOT closing our Lake Highlands store unless you know something that we don't know. Lake Highlands is where our store was born and where it will stay as long as you'll have us
The new store will be larger. Lake Highlands has about 2000 sq ft of retail space, the new store will have about 2750
Both stores will carry the same merchandise with a few exceptions. There are a couple of lines that we could not carry in LH that we will be able to carry in Hillside and vice versa. Otherwise when we shop we'll simply order two of each item and put one in each store.
Yes, Tony will still spend most of his time at LH....we've heard you loud and clear on that one. David will spend most of his time at Hillside along with a bunch of new co-workers.

That's all the details we have for now but stay tuned for more on T. Hee part 2!

Back to School Watches

2010-08-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't want to learn to tell time when wearing one of these adorable watches? Available in a whole slew of colors and designs for boys and girls for only $11.95 each. What a great way to kick off the new school year!

Shopping Center News Update

2010-08-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been following the drama of our shopping center, Lake Highlands Plaza, we have an update.

Here's the backstory. The original owner of our plaza, Today Realty, folded about a year ago and the owner bolted for South America supposedly taking a lot of people's money with him. The property went into foreclosure and for the past yearish has been owned by Berkadia Mortgage and managed by Cencor Properties.

About a month ago the bank put the property up for sale to what they reported was an amazing amount of interest from potential buyers. A last minute bidder, The Retail Connection, won the bid with their plans to replace Wal Mart with 17 high end homesites and remodel the remaining retail space. The deal was set to close this past Wednesday.

Well.....late last week things began to go awry. Problems surfaced with the title and financing and by Friday night the deal was off. From what we hear the buyer discovered problems with the flood plain maps which now must go through a very time consuming process of remapping.

So for the forseeable future we remain bank owned...an island in the Dallas real estate ocean.

A Jack-o-Lantern for 2010

2010-08-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

All the best pumpkins go on sale so early these days! But who wants to set a silly old pumpkin, all plain and orange, out for display? Enter the bat stand! Set any normal sized pumpkin the stand (mini-pumpkin for the mini-stand) and voila! You have an instant display piece. Who knew you had such a Martha Stewart flare?

Happy Fall Y'all!

2010-08-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's still 300 degrees outside and those crazy kids at T. Hee are already pushing fall! But what better way to look past the heat and the sweat than to start getting ready for Fall, y'all.

Once again we have fantabulous stuff to decorate your home, your yard and your table. From decorative yard art to seasonal napkins and dish towels we have everything you need to fall in love with autumn this year. (yes, I really did have to go there.)

Store #2...Maybe

2010-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

We were told recently that if you're not growing, your dying. Well, isn't that just a happy little statement?

But I can see where the quote is coming from. And we at T. Hee Gifts has decided that growing sounds like a lot more fun than dying so here we grow!

We can't give any details just yet but we are working diligently on opening a 2nd store in East Dallas...about 5 miles from our Lake Highlands store. Store #2 will carry virtually the same merchandise as #1 with a few new additions and will offer the same services. But it will be a bunch larger.

Store #1 will not be affected by Store #2 other than it will make the company as a whole stronger and, hopefully, more profitable. Tony will still be the Center Square Star at #1 but will make guest appearances at #2. David will be at #2 most of the time.

So stay tuned for updates. We're in the last moments of lease negotiations - as soon as that document is signed you'll be the first to know.

Beat the Heat with a Back to School Party

2010-08-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

It is inhumane - this heat. Can you imagine being a school kid and having to start classes in all this yuck?? YIKES!

Going back to school was always tough for me. The kids I was friends with at the end of the previous school year had found new friends over the summer, new kids moving into the area were wandering around, lost. It was always just a very stressful time.

So here's an idea on how to beat the heat and get your kids ready for the back to school stress - throw an ice cream social! Reach out to the other moms and find out who all is going to be in your kid's school this year. Are there new families in the area? Are there kids coming in from another school?

Invite them all over for a build-your own ice cream sundae event - nothing makes kids happier than eating ice cream! Ask each kid to bring their favorite topping to share - this lets kids have something to talk about they they really like.

Set it all out on a picnic table on the patio and let them go crazy! The kids will have a chance to reaquaint with old friends, meet new ones and make the first day of school MUCH less stressful for everyone!

Adorable Yard Art for Late Summer / Fall

2010-08-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

We just got these in and they are adorable! Made of pressed metal each of these cute scarecrows has a different seed-pouch hat marking the end of the growing season and the beginning of hte harvest.

Great at your front door, in your garden or in your kitchen, each stake sells for only $24.95 but supplies are limited.

Party Foods Tortilla Style

2010-08-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

If you live in Dallas, east Dallas especially, you have probably heard of the phenomenon that is Good 2 Go Taco. Located inside the Green Spot gas station on Northcliff and Buckner Blvd (east of the lake) this tiny slice of heaven serves AMAZING food all wrapped inside of a grilled flour tortilla - taco sized!

We're not talking ground beef and cheddar cheese - instead think of grilled chicken with fresh spinach, apples, brie and carmelized onions. Or how about hangar steak, eggs, brunch potatoes and hollandaise sauce... in a TORTILLA!

So, being the guy that owns a party and gift store this little taco joint has meant more than just a daily (yes, I admit it) feeding frenzy... It's a terrific idea on how to entertain!

I don't know about you but one thing I hate is washing dishes after a party. Paper plates are good but then you still need the cutlery...more expense or more washing.

So...how about serving tortilla style? Set out your buffet and let folks build their own idea of a taco. Offer grilled meats or grilled veggies. Throw in some sticky rice or mashed potatoes (another Good 2 Go brilliant idea) and concot a creamy, thick sauce. Let folks load up and roll up the taco of their choice.

To serve these delicacies roll the taco enchilada style (tuck in the end then roll) and wrap up in a piece of foil and voila! You have a handy hand-held meal!

Let me know your favorite combinations - send pictures! It's a whole new way of entertaining - tortilla style!

Our new logo is here!

2010-08-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the top of the screen, what do you see? It's our new logo or "wordmark" - whichever term you prefer.

The change is occurring for one big reason - cost! You see we really want to use our logo in more places - printed on our bags, on a SIGN..you know, simple stuff.

So we looked at our logo and listened to our customers and discovered one very important thing - NO ONE calls us by our full name, it's always "T. Hee" this and "T. Hee" that. So we did a simple redesign that focuses on the T. Hee.

In an example like a building sign - our plan is to have the really big "T. HEE!" all lit up and underneath it we'll put one of those smaller boxed signs that has the Greetings & Gifts. On our shopping bags we'll probably just print the T. Hee! - won't that be cute!

So there it is - step one. Just wait until you see what's coming next!

Our Blog Has MOVED!

2009-05-19T11:52:00.001-07:00

Still want to read more? Please visit our website www.t-heegifts.com - the blog has moved to the front page, left side.

We will no longer update or maintain this blogsite so please be sure to visit the new site and bookmark it for future reference.

Thank you for your business and for reading our blog!

Final Days of Free Printing on Note Cards

2009-04-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Weds, April 15th if the final day of our "buy a package of notecards and we'll personalize them FREE!" promotion.

Folded notes are one of those things you should never be without. A note to the teacher, a thank you for a lovely diner, a threat to the neighbor that fails to pick up after their precious Poopsie....yep, a folded note is ALWAYS in need.

And if you haven't been into the store lately you have really missed out. Thanks to our relationship with Calligraphy Etc in Lubbock we have brought in dozens and dozens of new designs at an all time low price, only $9.95/10 ct. package (cards wrapped in wraphia only) in addition to our already stunning styles.

So rush in (I mean it- RUSH!) and grab as many packages as you can hold. After all, your neighbor is all geared up and aiming for your yard...you need to be ready!

Last Call for the Easter Bunny!

2009-04-10T05:56:00.001-07:00

Only a couple of days left before the bunny is scheduled to hop into all of our lives - are you ready? Not only does T. Hee have plenty of chocolate easter bunnies and candy but we have an adorable selection of stuffed animals, toys and other fun stuff to fill your loved ones' easter basket.

Planning on having folks over for the celebration? Check out our mint-jalapeno jelly - the perfect accompaniment for your lamb. Or grab one of our wonderful easter platters or serving pieces. Heck with a cute bunny on it, an easter platter can even make artichokes look appetizing!

So hope on in to T. Hee today and check out all of the Easter Bunny's best...only for a couple more days!

2009-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

NEW!
Just in! Lappers Trays have a non-skid space for your plate and your cup making sofa or bed dining a non-skid pleasure!

Available in a number of different patterns as well as in your favorite college team designs! Great gifts for Mom (breakfast in bed?) as well as graduates (dorm room dining made easy!)

Stop in to day to check out our newest arrivals - Lappers!

Check out our new website!

2009-04-07T07:29:00.001-07:00

I admit I've been a total slacker of late where the blog is concerned. But I have a good excuse! We have been working fast and furious on our new website which includes, of all things, a blog! So here in the near future this blog will go dark and the new blog on the new website will be live, LIVE!

Once fully loaded the website will have most of our products displayed and available for on-line ordering! (shop in your jammies - what could be better?) And, sooner or later we will have a "HOLD FOR PICK UP" option so you can shop on line then just dash in and grab your purchase. What could be easier.

So, even though our new site is not fully loaded, check it out - www.t-heegifts.com

Economic Stimulus Lake Highlands Style

2009-03-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have spent the past few weeks glued to the TV, internet and newspaper watching the economic "crisis" unfold. Never in my lifetime did I think I would see such a situation and I can not feel worse for the folks who have lost their jobs, their houses, their lives!

But as I dig deeper into the data I am mesmerized by the fact that 8% of our neighbors have become unemployed. That's 8%, about 3% more than were jobless a year ago. Now, we have to mention that most have lost about 50% of our "wealth" in the stock market but in my world that's only "paper money" - you know....those numbers that show up on my stock report each month. But the dollars in my bank haven't changed much. And, like 92% of you I still am fortunate to have my job. So what is creating such havoc? Fear!

I read today that Sr. Executive Chief of the Money World Summers (or something) stated that our economy was better than we all thought and that we were all suffering from a bad case of the frights! I have to admit, over the past few weeks I've cut back on my spending due to fear over the future. Have you?

So what are we to do? If we still have jobs. If our paycheck has remained more or less un scathed...what should we do? Here is my guess - stop being fearful. I wouldn't say, "go back to the days of spending $10 for each $1 you earn" but I would say, stop being scared. If each person with a job, without a pay cut, would go out and spend $100 on something that they would not normally buy (not groceries, gas, etc.) maybe, just maybe, those folks that are wrighting all the articles and clogging all the news casts would back off just a little. And maybe we could start to recover from this economy of fear. Maybe.

Party on a Budget

2009-02-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

Just because the economy is tough doesn't mean there isn't reason to party! People are still having birthdays, graduating from school, having babies and get togethers...life still goes on! However in a difficult economy we have to approach party-giving from a different angle. Here are a few money saving ideas for your next get together:

Recipe Contest - have everyone bring their favorite appetizer or dessert and have a contest to see who makes the best! Give blue ribbons and door prizes to the winner. Great way to feed a crowd without having to buy all the groceries.
Wine Tasting - ask each person to bring their favorite wine and to host a mini-wine tasting. As each bottle is opened the "bringer" gives a few minute presentation on the wine, its origin, notes, etc.
Breakfast - not much is as inexpensive to make as a breakfast casserole and they are always a crowd pleaser. Have a group over for a birthday breakfast or weekend brunch
Coffee and dessert - the real cost in giving a party is always the alcohol. Plan an alcohol-free party by serving coffee and dessert. If you still want a little nip offer Bailey's shots for the coffee.
Tamale Pie - as Texans we are required to love Tamale Pie and for good reason! A pot of chili is inexpensive to make and easy to serve. Put out a big bowl of Fritos and some shredded cheese and you have a great lunch or dinner to feed a crowd.

Do not hesitate to ask party-goers to bring something. Most folks' social calendars are a bit quiet as fewer parties and outings are being planned and they would welcome an opportunity to get out and understand the need to spread around the cost. At our house we always give BOB parties so everyone has exactly what they want to drink!

And when planning your party stop in to T. Hee Greetings for ideas and supplies. From fantastic invitations to balloons and party supplies, we are your one stop shop for fun and merriment.

Happy Partying!

Plates & Placemats

2009-02-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

Just in! These adorable custom melamine plates and matching placemats are the best gift for kids of all ages! Patterns range from birthday motif to camo to zebra stripe.

Buy a set for by the pool or lakehouse this summer. Order a few to use as gifts or housewarming. The unbreakable plates are great for dorm life!

Spring has Sprung!

2009-02-25T12:07:00.000-08:00

At least at T. Hee Greetings it has. In case you haven't been by since noon on Wednesday then you have surely missed the new window display shown at right. Our "Spring has Sprung" display will definitely help break the winter blues and get you excited about the pending weather change.

Of course everything in the window is for sale including all of the adorable stuffed animals from Jelly Cat and other fabulousness for kids this Easter. Shop early - these little guys need a good home!

Safety in Our Community

2009-02-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

By now I am sure that everyone has heard about the robbery that occurred last week at the ATM in our neighborhood. A young lady had stopped at the WAMU ATM around 8pm and was greeted by a man with a gun - not exactly what one would expect from the ATM! All reports indicate that she escaped unharmed and that the police chased the bad guy but did not get him - :(

So let's have a very upfront discussion about fighting crime in our neighborhood. Despite having a police sub station at the end of our neighborhood and VERY active neighborhood patrols we continue to have crime and violence - I'm afraid it has just become part of the social fabric in this world. But I have an idea of how to head off some of the crime....

I am not a crime fighting expert nor do I play one on TV so this is just one guy's opinion about fighting crime. My prescription? I think we should all slow down.

Slow down when driving in our neighborhood and in area shopping centers. Slow down and look around. Look down alleys. Look at neighbors front doors. Look in store windows and drive thrus. Slow down and inspect everything you see. You know this neighborhood. You know when something does not look right. And when you see something, do NOT investigate further, call 911 and report it. Do NOT become a vigilante - become a reporter. We are all in a hurry, we are always running late and the bad guys count on this. They count on us being distracted or rushing to our next appointment. They count on us not slowing down.

Next time you enjoy a wonderful meal at the cafe take a little stroll down and look in our windows at T. Hee - look in and see if everything looks okay. Gaze into the barber shop - across at the bank and florist. Drive through the shopping center slowly and look around, keep your eyes wide open as you drive through your neighborhood. Once home put Fido on a leash and take a quick walk around the neighborhood - ask your neighbors to join you. The more activity there is, the fewer opportunities there are for bad stuff to happen.

Now let's talk about lights. Do you burn a porch light at night? Go to your local hardware store and buy an energy efficient light bulb and turn it on every night before you go to bed. Light up your neighborhood so the bad guys have fewer shaddows in which to hide. Light up your home so those who are driving by slowly can see if there is anyone lurking around. Our landlord has just invested alot of money to improve the lighting in our center - you'll find brighter lights and fewer dark spots where the boogey man can hang out. Make sure your home and your block gets the same attention.

Lake Highlands is definitely the grooviest gathering of neighbors I have ever experienced. If any one neighborhood can wipe out crime - I am certain that this is the one. Just light up and slow down....that's my prescription.

Hello from moderately sunny Florida!

2009-02-21T03:44:00.000-08:00

I'm waking up today just a few short miles from the happiest place on earth - Orlando, Florida. While normally Orlando is the stop for those wanting to visit Disney, Sea World, Reptile World, World of Magnets, etc. I am here for ISS - the International Screenprinting Sportswear show (or something like that.) This is where everyone comes to trade supplies used in printing sportswear like jerseys, baseball hats, etc.

Before you get all excited no, we are NOT opening a sportswear store. My attendance here is for a couple of different reasons. First, looking for suppliers for our wholesale biz. There doesn't seem to be an inernational show for people that print silly things on cups but the folks that print things on t-shirts and caps use many of the same processes. So I came down wanting to learn more about this whole screen printing game.

Second, I am here looking for inspiration. Printed cups are alot of fun but we are always looking for ways to expand our line. We started our business with gift bags then clipboard and finally into the cup business, so now we are looking at where the game might go next and inspiration can be found in the silliest of places.

So what I did find here is interesting. First, I found tons and tons of HUGE machines that equate to nothing more than industrial strength Bedazzlers...you know that little hand held, sold on TV gidget from that 80's that let you put rhinestones on anything? Yeah, they now sell huge machines so you can put "Stella's Stud Service" on a thousand t-shirts in fake rhinestones in only a few nanoseconds. Don't think we're going to go that direction.

And I also found soy based cleaning products for our inks and other screen printing solutions. This was a HUGE find for us as these new cleaning products will do a better job, be safer for my co-workers and not damage the ecosystem - this one find alone was worth the trip.

So while I did not find the "next big thing" I am very glad I came. I did learn alot and found out that somehow we are managing to do most stuff correctly (yeah, I was shocked too!) and found a couple of possible leads for suppliers and ideas for the future.

It's back to the drawing board for inspiration...I'm really wondering if that inspiration isn't on a Carribean island somewhere....

Until next time -

New Face on Saturdays

2009-02-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

Please help us welcome our newest co-worker, Suzan Nix working Saturdays at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts!

Many of you will remember Suzan. About 28 years ago she owned a store in this very shopping center called Party Place and later went on to own and operate Pomegranates Party Place in Preston Center. Suzan's reputation in this industry is unparallelled - respected by customers, vendors and sales folk alike, and we are thrilled that she has agreed to come play with us on Saturdays.

Welcome Suzan!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T03:09:00.000-08:00

The day of love! Isn't it exciting??

So...what did you get your sweetie for today? Oh! You forgot!! Is Rover looking at you with one of those, "don't even think about trying to worm your way into MY house looks?" Worry not - T. Hee to the rescue!

We know that most folks are very last minute for Valentine's Day so we made sure we had tons of fun, happy, lovey stuff for you last minute lovers. Come on in today (10 - 6) and grab all that you need to make your loved one feel, well, loved!

We have greeting cards and sweets, gifts and trinkets that will let your sweetie know that you are sweet on them!

So hurry in! Rover isn't good about sharing.

The State of the Economy

2009-02-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

This morning's financial press says that retail sales went UP last month by 1%! See recovery is on the horizon! (we hope!)

I think we should all commit to helping the economy by stepping out and spending just a wee-bit-o'money - you know, start our own individual economic stimulus plans to keep this one month trend going!

May I offer a suggestion of a cute neighborhood gift and stationery store where you might focus your economic stimulus plan? :)

Good News for the Shopping Center

2009-02-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

Looks like Highlands Nails is going to expand! It is my understanding that they will be taking over the Curves spot and remodelling their entire space to be completed early Summer!

Great news for the shopping center and all of those in-need toes and fingers in Lake Highlands!!

It's Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

From cards to gifts, balloons to chocolates, fun to fabulous - we have your Valentine's Day covered!

Post Office Petition

2009-02-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

We LOVE being the unofficial town hall for Lake Highlands! While we wish everything in our neighborhood was picture perfect all the time we are glad to be the host to petitions for the change we all need.

This morning we were asked to host the petition (along with Highlands Cafe) to save our post office at Northlake Shopping Center - it is slated to be closed.

Please stop by in the next few days and sign the petition at either location - we will get the signed copies back to LHAIA for them to present to the powers that be at the Post Office.

Happy Monday!

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

2009-02-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been to the store in the past 12 hours you really need to stop by! Tony and I spent the better part of the day doing what is called a "floor move." (no the floor is still where it was, right under your feet where it belongs...we also kept the ceiling above your heads, just made sense...) Essentially we totally tear up the store and move stuff around. It is like a big game of musical chairs without the music.

Why the big change? In case you haven't noticed lately we seem to have become quite a hotspot for greeting cards. We started with Mik Wright (the 1960's era photos on a card with really sassy sayings) and grew into the good-for-all-occassions Gina B line. Then we added some nice hand-crafted cards including those by our friend Rex Gee (Dallas native) and some cards from Design Design (yes, that is their name, i'm not type-stuttering.)

But now we have quadrupled our Design Design stock (their stuff is just that darn cute) and have added 84 cards on a rack from Oatmeal Studios. See what I mean - it' starting to get a little crowded in greeting card world and we still have the Dolly Mama cards coming in. So we had to move a bunch of stuff around to make room for it all.

So come on in to T. Hee this week. We have what you need for Valentine's Day and a whole bunch of new stuff to look at too!

Send us your husbands

2009-02-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Let's just get it out in the open...men are, well, a bit "short sighted" when it comes to the romance department. Well, most men at least.

And never is that fact more apparent than on Valentine's Day. Who in their right mind thinks a toaster with a heart painted on the side is anywhere near romantic?

Don't worry - send us your husbands, boyfriends and s.o.'s and leave the rest up to us. If you feel it necessary - feel free to pin a note to their shirts or send us an email or voicemail about what you really want this Valentine's Day.

To steal a guy phrase...we got'cher back.

All in the neighborhood.....

Washed Cotton Fragranced Candles

2009-02-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Have you tried our pesonal care line by k. hall designs yet? Until today we carried their uber popular pomegranate, moss and milk fragrances in lotions, bath salts, soaps, etc. And we still have those wonderful scents in stock.

But today we got in a couple new fragrances so yummy that I may need an intervention to get away from them!

Washed Cotton smells like sheets that have been dried in the sunshine...and no, I am not exagerating. It is that breath of sunshine that we need on the cold winter days to remind us that warmth will come again!

We also brought in their new grapefruit mint scent - another ultra yummy fragrance that is bright and fresh.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Just had to update this post...we've had the Washed Cotton in the store for about 2 or 3 days now and I seriously think I may need a 12 step program! AMAZING!

Living La Dolce Diva

2009-02-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

Just in!
We found a fabulous new line of personal care items including spa and pampering kits as well as shower gels, lotions, soy candles and much more to help you create your own Diva experience. This line has been featured in InStyle magazine and Lucky magazine and now you can come see what all the fuss is about without even leaving the neighborhood.

With Valentine's Day and Mother's Day right around the corner, better stock up now to give your favorite diva the Diva experience of her lifetime!

Senior Teas!

2009-01-30T15:19:00.001-08:00

It's time for Lake Highlands' famous Senior Teas! And T. Hee Greetings is your home for all that you need to make your daughter's Tea a fabulous event!

Invitations
Favors
Ideas, ideas, ideas!!!!

We have a great selection of invitations and we have access to the unlimited selection of one of the nation's largest invitation manufacturers!

Stop in now and get planning on your very special tea!!

Balloons!!!

2009-01-30T14:07:00.001-08:00

It's Valentine's Day and nothing says love like a beautiful bouquet of balloons! We have a great stock of both mylars (the big shiny ones in various shapes) as well as the traditional, colorful balloons. And to make it even better, our Valentine's Day mylars are all only $1.99 each!

Balloons are HUGE at Valentine's Day so we are taking orders starting NOW! Place your order before "the day" and we will have your balloons ready and waiting for you to pick up and whisk off to your sweetie.

Gourmet Goodies!

2009-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to show you our new gourmet goodies! We found this line in Atlanta and spent WAY too much time sampling - the stuff was just that darned good. And...most importantly to us.. it is made in Ft. Worth!

So far we have gotten in the following items from CheRith Valley Gardens:

Black Bean Salsa - great starter for Black Bean Soup!
Hot 'n Spicy Corn Relish
Mango - Peach Salsa
Jalapeno-Cilantro Mustard
Mint-Jalapeno Finishing Sauce (great for Easter lamb!)

Of course Tony had to get involved in the purchasing - he is all about the Bloody Mary bar so we also got in their amazing:

Jalapeno Stuffed Olives

Hot 'n Spicy Dill Pickles

Mixed Vegetables

Pickled Green Beans

The only tough part is deciding to whether to give it as a gift or keep it for your own enjoyment! Stop by this Saturday - we'll have a few things out to taste.

New! Gourmet Handy Helpers are Here!

2009-01-19T08:13:00.001-08:00

We are finally back from market (both Dallas and Atlanta) and boy did we find a ton fo neat new stuff! A few of the items have already arrived with deliveries expected every day!

We got our first shipment of fun kitchen gadgets. My favorite are these handy "pot clips." They clip onto the side of your hot pot on the stove and hold your whisk or spoon out of the pot and away from the heat! No more dirty spoon rests...no more fishing your whisk out of the bottom of a pot of stew (maybe this is a problem unique to me :)

Lots of fun stuff coming in so be sure to stop by soon and often!

The Petition - an update

2009-01-15T05:27:00.000-08:00

We wrapped up our signature drive on 12/31/08 with nearly 1100 signatures of folks who want more retail stores and a better grocer in our shopping center. Imagine! In only 2 weeks, during which we were closed for a few days for the holidays, over a thousand neighbors, business folk and customers came in to T. Hee Greetings and Highlands Cafe to sign a petition!

Last week we, (Anita Siegers from the Cafe, Tony, me and the petition) met with the leasing agents for the property - they were amazed by the petition! Over a two hour meeting we made a detailed list of all the stores, services and businesses that our customers expressed interest in during the signature drive. The leasing agents were very energized and excited after our meeting - the petition did its job! Already the leasing agents have shown the property to a number of interested tenants with many more on the docket for the weeks ahead.

The last bit of good news I have concerns a top name grocer. I do not have alot of details to share but I do know that our little petition has landed on the desk of at least one grocer with very favorable results. Last we heard the grocer was planning a site visit to check out this shopping center where 1000 people signed a petition!!!! Hammers are not flying just yet but at least we are getting noticed!

We all know this is not a sprint but a marathon. Real estate deals are not done over night and often require multiple visits, discussions and proddings...but at least we are moving forward!!

Thank you all for your support.

We're Back from Market!

2009-01-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Atlanta was fantastic! As you know we are a double hitter - not only do we buy for the store but we exhibit and sell for the wholesale division. Needless to say we are on the go from morning to night covering 3 buildings and millions of square feet searching for the new and fabulous.

This market we continued to focus on great value items - great quality, unique and affordable for the Lake Highlands family. In the coming weeks and months you will find more fun, cute, stuff that you are quickly coming to expect from T. Hee.

K. Hall - our personal care line is amazing. The bath and body products are hard to find here in Dallas, only a couple of stores carry it - and the new fragrances released in Atlanta are amazing! Our personal favorite is a scent that smells like freshly laundered sheets hung in the summer sun! This time around we are bringing in their candles as well.

Nouvelle Candles - speaking of candles our friends in Louisiana have been busy too! We founda number of new fragrances that are perfect for late winter and early spring. Candles are always an appreciated gift and can give a room or office that touch of warmth.

Gourmet Section - you'll be reading alot about this soon but look for cool and useful new kitchen gadgets, marinades, sauces and candies in the near future - stuff so good you won't want to give it away!

Dallas market starts tomorrow so we're back on the trail. I'll be in the market peddling my wares, Tony will be here in the store so be sure to stop by!

75% OFF!

2009-01-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

It's the sale of sales at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts. All remaining holiday wares have been marked down along with a selection of everyday gifts. But at below cost pricing these deals won't last long...so hurry in!

Remember our stores hours have returned to pre-holiday status...Monday - Saturday 10-6.

Let the games begin!

Stock up and save!

2008-12-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

Our after holiday clearance sale is in full swing and now is the time to stock up for next year. The best deals are on holiday disposable tableware - you know, cups, napkins, paper plates. If you got caught this year doing a ton of dishes or wishing you had an easy clean up after a party or drop-in by neighbors, be sure to load up on these holiday favorites1

We still have a nice selection of boxed Christmas cards - always a great thing to buy on sale.

But hurry in - sales are brisk and the best stuff won't last for long!

Let the Sale Begin!

2008-12-25T05:48:00.001-08:00

Our doors open officially at 10am on Friday, 12/26 but Tony swears he'll be open by 9.....! All Christmas and holiday items are marked at 50% off but you had better hurry - there isn't much left!

It's a great time to stock up on gift bags, gift wrap, ornaments, invitations and Christmas Cards for next year. We still have a few cute serving pieces left and a good assortment of holiday foam cups and disposable table ware (napkins, plates, etc.) that are sure to make next Christmas a lot easier on your clean up program.

Hurry in on Friday and scoop up the savings. As a reminder - we will start closing on Sundays effective this weekend so be sure to shop Friday or Saturday - these savings won't last long!

Last Day to Sign Pettition - Weds, Dec 24th

2008-12-23T14:28:00.001-08:00

Yep, our week is already up!

Even though the signing is just about complete it is time for the real work to start. And we need your help more than ever!

We need leads, ideas, suggestions. Who would be a good fit for our center? Better yet - who do you KNOW that you can introduce us to?? If you'll introduce us, we'll do the talking!

We all want this to be a GREAT shopping center and with your help we will make it so! If you have not yet signed, please stop in before 4pm on Christmas Eve and do so. And please start making that list - who do you know? What are your ideas? What do YOU want to see in our center?

It's going to be a GREAT 2009! Thanks for coming on this journey with us.

Merry Christmas!

And the latest number of signatures is....

2008-12-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

Over 600!

Imagine being the VP of Real Estate for some company and in walks a bunch of sales guys. "Yo, dude, I got a great deal for you - we got good demographics - really!" The next guy, "You want demographics? Check out mine.." And so the day goes.

Well, Mrs. VPoRE knows that demographics are like playdoh, you can squish and manage them to look like whatever you want. Unfortunatley many companies rely on nothing but demographic studies...and many of those companies are beginning to regret that decision.

Back to our VPoRE...so in walks our guy. "Hey, we got a great shopping center where your store would be great." "Let me guess, you got great numbers," says VPoRE. "Yes, we do...but those numbers are signatures from neighbors that lined up to sign and say they would support your business."

Now let me ask you...which of these sales people are you going to listen to?

Let's hope that VPoRE is as smart as you are :)

The Petition Project - Day 2

2008-12-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Wow! That's all I can say - WOW!!!

When you ask Lake Highlands to get involved you had better watch out because they are going to reply with both guns a'blazin'!

In the first 24 hours of our signature collection we sit around 300'ish signatures of folks who support getting a new grocery store and improved retailers in our shopping center! 300!

The drum I keep beating is, "who knows if this is going to work but at least we're going to give it a try."

In speaking with our leasing agent he reports that actions like this are very rare. He is very energized already just by the launch of the project. These days every landlord is begging for tenants but with this petition not only are great lease rates and incentives being made available, but we are showing the power and breadth of the neighborhood support. It simply does not get any better than this!

For those of you that have come in to the Cafe or the store and signed - THANK YOU! We're going to keep collecting signatures up until Christmas so if you have not been in yet please drop by - no purchase necessary at either location... Just sneak in, sign and dash.

Let's keep the momentum rolling!

BTW - what business owners do YOU know? Recruiting new businesses is not only the leasing agent's job, but the job belongs to all of us! If you have a favorite restaurant or store please mention our center to the owner. The leasing agents can handle all the details but please help stir some interest!!

The Future of our Shopping Center

2008-12-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

Yesterday in the cold and snow we had a little meeting here at T. Hee Greetings. Along with the ladies from Highlands Cafe we met with the landlord and the new leasing agent for Lake Highlands Plaza - our shopping center on the SW corner of Audelia and Walnut Hill.

Our main agenda item was "life after Wal Mart." Our chief concern is safety - once the "negative element" moves out we do not want the hole it leaves to be filled with an even worse element. As a result the landlord has agreed to work with the neighborhoods to increase patrol service in our center.

Another elemental problem is the "cut through" traffic that seems to be getting worse by the day - the Dallas Motor Speedway should be jealous of the speed that these drivers achieve in our parking lot. To stem some of this traffic and hopefully make our parking lot less attractive for "cruising" as well as cut throughs, parking bumpers will be placed strategically around the lot to make it all but impossible to cut through quickly.

The biggest item on the agenda, of course, was future tenants. We all agreed that we want a decent grocery store in our center. We idenfied a few chains that are expanding in the area that may be a good fit. The bonus is that Wal Mart is willing to leave behind their fixtures which could cut start up costs to a fraction for a new store- bonus! With Town Center still a few years off this is a great opportunity for a grocer to get their foot in the door here in Lake Highlands.

As a result of the meeting we have started a petition drive both here at T. Hee as well as at Highlands Cafe. We are gathering as many signatures as possible to take to these grocery stores so as to say, "look at how dedicated and motivated this neighborhood is! You need to open in our shopping center!" We have no idea if this will get any attention from the grocers or not, but at least it is an attempt. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The same petition will be used in couring a few other businesses like a hardware store, maybe another restaurant, etc. The leasing agent felt that it would be a great addition to this toolkit in attracting possible tenants. Rents are at an all time low. The landlord is very motivated and willing to work with new tenants, the RIGHT tenants. With the poor economy many businesses could actually benefit by moving as their costs would probably drop by being in our center.

So please make plans over the next few days to stop by the Cafe or our store and sign the petition. We have no idea what, if any, effect it will have. But let's give it a try.

It's Ornamental

2008-12-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Last year I learned a valuable lesson that I want to share.

My bff Jill throws a holiday party every year for her Dallas family of friends, co-workers and runners. The guest list is around 20 people but you never know who might bring a new-who with them.

Jill is a GREAT gift giver. She is very thoughtful and plans well - a gift from Jill is always right on the mark. But at her holiday party quite often at gift time there are people at the table that may not have been on Santa-Jill's list...but she is infallable.

Each year Jill scoops up a number of Christmas ornaments from various stores - whenever she sees one she likes she grabs it and gives it a quick wrap. You see, great-gift-giving-Jill knows the secret - EVERYONE can appreciate an ornament as a gift!

So as we gather around the table each year we all know that we will love our gifts and we know that any newcomers will have a present awaiting them as well - a lovely ornament hand picked by Jill.

Morale to the story? When you are out shopping grab a few extra ornaments. When a neighbor drops off some home made goodies or you run into your mail-person or paper boy - you are always ready with a fun little happy to say "Happy Holidays!" And if those gift giving occassions do not appear then you have a happy little extra for your own tree.

Safety First

2008-12-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for fun and family and festivities and muggings and purse snatchings... No matter how much holiday spirit we have the bad people in the world have something else in mind entirely.

While I do not want to dampen anyone's spirit, the little "incident" at Northpark Mall last year taught us all that, "any place any time" bad things can happen. Please keep the following in mind when you are out shopping this holiday season (including after holiday sales):

1. Park as close to the door as possible
2. Only shop in well lit centers/parking lots
3. If in doubt circle the parking area before getting out of your car.
4. Do NOT talk on your cell phone while walking into the store or out of the store - STAY VIGILANT!
5. Carry your keys between your fingers to use as a weapon if needed.
6. SCREAM! You may embarass yourself but you'll be even more embarassed if the boogey man comes after you. If in doubt, raise your voice, cause a scene.
7. ASK FOR HELP - there are mall guards and others wherever you shop - ask someone to walk you to your car if you are at all in doubt.
8. Tell someone where you are. Call a girlfriend or relative and let them know your schedule - check in- so someone will know if something goes wrong.
9. Lock all valuables in your trunk and do not "dawdle" while putting things in your trunk.
10. Wear comfortable shoes - a fast paced walk is a great self defense move.

I hate that bad people want to take our Merry away, so do not let them. Stay alert and stay safe.

Happy Holidays!

Marathon Weekend!

2008-12-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Dallas Marathon Weekend Everyone!

I know - to most of you this Sunday is a real pain in the patootis. Anywhere you drive in downtown or east Dallas from 7am - noon on Sunday will be wrought with delays and detours. Hmmmph.

But let me try to paint a different picture for you.

Until last year I was the proud coach of the beginner's program for new runners wanting to run a Half Marathon (13.1 miles.) In all I coached 446 people from their very first step as a runner to the finish line. The MOST rewarding thing I have done in my life.

While you see a bunch of crazy people clogging the roads and causing you delay, I see thousands (yes, thousands) of people achieving their goals and living their dreams. During my years as a coach I saw women leave their abusive spouses, I saw brothers run in honor of their slain family members, I saw husbands and wives redefine their entire relationships - all because of running.

I know it sounds crazy - you put on a pair of shoes and run up and down the street a few times (and sweat!) but there's more to it. Sunday is the culmination of anywhere from 6 - 12 months of hard work, 5 am training runs, bowls upon bowls of pasta, sore muscles and more tears than can be counted. Imagine spending an entire year, 4 - 6 times a week pushing your body to its absolute limits all to achieve a goal...and every moment is worth it.

You see this marathon is not so much about running a race as it is celebrating success. Each peson is running for a reason. For some it is to achieve a goal. For many it is to prove a point to themselves, their friends, their family. For most it is to prove self worth.

Unfortunately this weekend is going to be very very warm in running terms - we tend to prefer 32 degrees at gun time - so the runners are going to need alot more support.

Sunday morning take your kids out to the course (the map is easily found on line and in the paper) and cheer on the runners. Let your kids see what dedictation and success look like. And let them see what it is like to cheer on a perfect stranger, to support those who are striving to make their own worlds better.

So stand and cheer and do not dare honk your horn because you are delayed. This is THEIR day - let's all support our runners and our neighbors.

Party Like It's 2009!

2008-12-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is right around the corner and we have all you need for a fun celebration! Come check out our new display in the corner window with noisemakers, party favors and funtastic decorations!

As money gets tighter consider hosting a neighborhood party this year instead of going to a big restaurant or hotel. Progressive parties are always alot of fun where guests tour from house to house for a different snack and theme beverage at each house. Inexpensive, safer than driving and tons of fun!

New! Thymes Candles

2008-12-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

In addition to our great selling Nouvelle candle line we are thrilled to introduce Thymes Indigenous Candles at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts.

Many of you are familiar with Thymes wonderful lotions and bath products - you will love their candles just as much!

To start we are offering the Malagasy Vanille, Anjou Vert, Tamarind Lychee and Blue Lotus - all in 2 sizes. The votive-in-glass is only $12.95 and the table top size is only $26.95.

All 4 fragrances are great for any time of the year - and we also have a limited supply of their Frasier Fir candles and potpourri - but it is going fast!

Not to be outdone - Nouvelle has also sent us some new holiday fragrances - but they are moving fast so stop in today.

Candles are always a great gift for men and women alike. Stocking stuffers. Secret Santa - you can never go wrong with a warm and inviting candle.

Saving the Economy

2008-12-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning over pancakes and always -too-strong-coffee I cringed while reading the front page article about local business leaders and their take on the economy. The essence of the article was pure doom and gloom - "grab a life perserver boys 'cause the ship's a sinkin'!" Yeah, didn't make me too happy either.

It wasn't their take on the economy that bothered me, - we are in the proverbial bad place and we all know it. But really ticked me off was that they did not offer any suggestions, ideas or advice on how to soften the blow or, heaven forbid, prevent it. So I've decided to do their job for them - I am leading the charge on saving the Dallas and Texas economy - will you help me?

See, I have a very simple look on things. We have been very blessed in that our economy has not had the hard hits of other areas and the Texas economy has always been more robust than some of our fellow states - I believe we can soften and/or avoid a deeper recession by doing only one thing - buying locally.

When we spend money a part of it goes to the local operation but where does the rest go? Let's say you are buying an airplane ticket on Delta Airlines...a portion of that money goes to the local employes, DFW Airport and the like but the remainder goes to Atlanta where Delta has their headquarters where it is used to pay local taxes, Atlanta based executives, etc. If you had bought that same ticket on American, Southwest or Continental - those extra dollars would still be in Texas.

Need groceries? Tom Thumb is a great chain but is owned by Safeway that is based somewhere else - why not go to Central Market, Marketplace or Whole Foods - all Texas companies. Sure Panera Bread makes a great sandwich but money spent at Highlands Cafe gives jobs to folks right her in Lake Highlands - what is the better choice?

In almost every category we can find a local company to provide for our daily needs. Magazines. Car dealerships. Restaurants. Gift stores...

I feel if we all take a look at our daily purchases and make the decision to buy locally, to support Dallas based companies and Texas corporations we may just make this whole debacle a little less debacle-ful.

Whatchathink?

Retail Business 101

2008-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I am new to the retail world - an airline catering veteran am I - but came into the retail world via Tony - the master. So all this is quite new to me.

My full time position is running our wholesale division. I create and manage the production of our line of printed cups, koozies, greeting cards and the like. It is my job to get retail stores, like T. Hee Greetings & Gifts, to purchase our goods and sell them around the nation. To date we have around 450 retail stores coast to coast that carry our items.

The retail world works on two major cycles. In January retailers will travel to one of the major market centers of Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, etc. to attend an 8 day "market" where they will shop for items to sell in their stores during 2nd & 3rd quarters. In June/July they return to market to shop for the holidays and1st quarter. For each of these markets we present new products, new designs, etc. to get retailers excited and to hopefully win over new customers. So for the past 2 months I have been designing spring and summer stuff while preparing thanksgiving dinner and putting up the Christmas tree - very odd.

This week I will be travelling to Atlanta to train our sales reps in that area how to sell our January release and will return to Atlanta in January to work in the showroom selling to hundreds of retailers nationwide. The same will happen in Dallas the following week.

This January will be our first occassion where we will be both buying and selling. We'll be selling our cups, etc while shopping for fun and fabulous stuff to sell in our store - let's just hope we keep our buying and selling hats straight.

It's a lesson in process to be sure...but it sure is fun learning!

Custom Cups for the Holidays

2008-11-26T07:27:00.001-08:00

Order now to get your custom imprinted cups for the holidays. Why mess with doing all those glasses for your holiday party? Order custom cups for your own use or for a great gift. Have a friend with a lakehouse...how about doing "Larry's Lakehouse Libations". Belong to a bunco group? How about, "Hip Chicks on a Roll."

100 foam cups custom printed (one color, one side) is only $58!

Order now - please allow 10 days for delivery.

Conversation Cups

2008-11-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

We all look forward to the holidays. Great food. A little R & R. Spending time with friends and loved ones that we do not see often enough.

Unfortunately the reality of the holidays can be somewhat challenging. After the first round of "how do?" and "I get the drumstick" conversation doesn't always move smoothly. Enter Conversation Cups.

Conversation Cups are sleeves of foam cups where each cup has a different conversation starting question on it. Things like, "What kind of super hero do you want to be" or "If you were an elf for a day, what would you make?"

Conversation Cups are available in 6 versions - 1st & 2nd editions are very family friendly and good for all ages. Our 70's and 80's Editions are perfect for fans of those generations and the Free Love series is perfect for girl's night out and bachelorette parties. We also have a holiday edition full of Christmas inspired questions.

So whether you are just having the family over or are hosting the entire office, grab some conversation cups and get ready for a great time. You'll never have a lull in the conversation again!

Black Friday is Upon US!

2008-11-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving is well known in the retail world as "Black Friday." Some say the moniker relates to the retail stores' bank accounts going from red to black as they take in the cash from the throngs of customers. Others use the term to describe the crowds, long lines and near-fist-fight competition often seen especially in bargain stores.

Regardless of the history behind the word, the day is coming upon us quickly - this Friday is the infamous Black Friday and we are very excited and ready for the day.

To start off - Uber popular and scrumptious Highlands Cafe (our neighbor) will be open on Friday this year. We will be opening a bit early, at 9am, that day as well and will be ready for business!

Just say no to the mall! The parking. The crowds. The noise!! Why put yourself through all that? Make plans to lunch at the cafe and shop with us - and we'll do what we can to write our own definition for Black Friday - how does "easy and happy shopping day" sound to you?

See you Friday!

Caldrea now at T. Hee!

2008-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to introduce Caldrea cleaning products to our happy little gift shop.
For those of you not familiar, Caldrea has the mission of "creating a premier cleaning experience with products that are highly effective, consistently earth friendly, and an absolute pleasure to use."

They boast:

Plant-derived ingredients

Natural Essential Oils

Biodegradable

No harsh chemicals

Cruelty-free

Don't be a bad guest this Thanksgiving

2008-11-17T09:01:00.001-08:00

Where are you going to celebrate Thanksgiving? Regardless of where you will be or who you will be with there is no doubt that a hostess gift will be necessary. And, of course, T. Hee Greetings & Gifts has just what your hostess wants this holiday season!

Remember, a hostess gift is given in appreciation of hospitality. The hostess is not required to serve or use the gift immediately - instead the item is to be given for the hostess to use at her own discretion. For this reason oftentimes it is better to give a "non-food" item such as fun cups, appetizer plates, guest towels, etc. so the hostess does not feel compelled to alter her plans based on a gift. (Ms. Post is quite insistent on this matter!)

And if you are hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year be sure to stop by and pick up something fun and festive for the table or house. Having a big group? Try some of our Thanksgiving design paper plates and napkins - now THAT makes clean up a breeze!

New Jewelry Line

2008-11-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

We are beyond thrilled to announce the addition of jewelry by Rhonda Clifford to our store! As most of you know Rhonda is a LH resident and does absolutely fabulous jewelry. We currently have in a nice selection of bracelets, earrings and necklaces and all are priced very reasonably! Stop in soon to check out the selection because this line is selling FAST!

Our Fix for the Economy

2008-11-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

Long before our financial system went south we were deep into the planning stages for our retail store. We made a number of decisions for the store based on what we felt was "right." Luckily, these choices have resulted in additional benefits for our customers.

You may have noticed that we are an affordable gift store. By no means are we "discount" (nor do we want to be) neither are we "luxury." We strive to give you the very best for the right price. Our goal is to keep the highest price in the store (on average) around $45. We do have a couple of pieces priced higher than that but on any day you can stop in and get a nice gift or "happy" for $45 or less. So how do we do this? It's simple - think locally.

First we looked for artisans and vendors here in Lake Highlands. Sweet Pete Moccasins, Mary Kent's Big Grin Pottery, Beeswax Candles and now Rhonda Clifford's jewelry allow us to buy locally - delivery is only a few blocks away.
Next we looked for Dallas vendors. Cross My Heart Cards is based here and represents the largest percentage of our paper gift and invitation section. Swankie Blankie, Rex Gee cards, Penny Laine and Home Etc are all here in Dallas allowing us to pick up our stock avoiding otherwise high freight charges. Not only does shipping in product raise the price of the item but it isn't very "green" so we try our best to avoid it.
Unfortunately not everything is available locally so we reach across the TOLA region buying lines in Arkansas, Lubbock, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. Again, being so close our shipping charges are much lower thus your price is lower as well.
In those events where we simply can not find a good local source we try to find the highest value source. Take our monogrammed tumblers for example. These uber popular items are manufacturered by a handful of companies around the nation - all using the same process and the same basic tumbler. We found a company in a small town in Alabama that does a terrific job with local labor and low overhead - thus our tumblers are a few bucks cheaper than the ones across town.

These are a just a few of the things we do to try to make T. Hee Greetings & Gifts the right gift store for Lake Highlands. Our best ideas come from our customers so please do not hesitate to drop us a line - we love to hear from you!

Happy Friday! don't forget - wine starts pouring at 4:00.

LHJWL - TONIGHT!

2008-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

For those fine members of Lake Highlands Junior Women's League tonight is a special even just for you!

Following your quarterly meeting we will be opening the doors of T. Hee Greetings & Gifts just for you! Have a sip and do your holiday shopping during this private event.

Need a little more motivation? We'll donate 10% of the night's proceeds to the LHJWL charity... in the shopping spirit now? :)

See you tonight!

Lake Highlands Cow Bells are Here!

2008-11-06T14:37:00.003-08:00

Come and get 'em! In both black and red with a very handsome Lake Highlands Football label - you do NOT want to be the last one in town without one! $4.25 ea

TRUNK SHOW TONIGHT!

2008-11-05T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody!

Quick reminder - the Cross My Heart trunk show will be held at T. Hee Greetings tonight, 5 - 8 pm. This will truly be your one-stop-shop for all your Christmas needs - photo cards, party invitations, gift tags, you get the picture.

The ladies that make Cross My Heart Cards so fabulous will be on hand to help you make the perfect selections. Tony and I along with our fabulous co-workers Dottie, Kelly and Cindy will be pouring the vino to make the event a bit more festive.

So stop by and see what is fabulous this season from Cross My Heart Cards - a Dallas based company!

VOTE!

2008-11-04T03:00:00.001-08:00

For me! No, just kidding....

But I am serious when I say, "Regardless of your political leanings, please take the time to get out and vote today." The lines are going to be long - pack a lunch. You'll be standing for a while - take a chair. You're going to be bored - pass out conversation cups and lemonade to those around you and get to know some new folks. In other words - be prepared but do not give up!

Never in my life have I been "political." Rarely could I tell you who controlled what house, what the top issues were or how our elected officials stood on any one of them. But for some reason this year is different. I've been a news junkie - scanning and searching for info on every move the candidates have made, every thought they've shared, every plan they have inked....and it can truly be fascinating.

But the one thing that all of this "news junkie-ism" has proven to me is that we have to be involved in the process. Listen to the candidates - do you really want them setting the tone for this nation for the next 4 or 8 years? Look at how they run their campaigns - a true test of how they'll run their office. Research the issues that are important to you - I'm pretty sure you'll find out that the candidates have different views than those that are reported on in the media.

In short - get out and vote. And remember my old mantra... Don't vote? Don't complain!

Cross My Heart Trunk Show

2008-10-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Please make plans to join us next Wednesday, Nov 5, 5 - 8 pm for a Cross My Heart Cards trunk show at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts.

For those of you not familiar, Dallas based Cross My Heart Cards was started about 17 years ago by a local school teacher and has grown to be one of the nation's largest invitation manufacturers. At our trunk show we will have on hand the most extensive selection of Cross My Heart cards, invitations, photo cards, laser sheets, etc. ever shown under one roof.

During the trunk show we will be offering specials on printing and are delighted to be hosting a few of the ladies from Cross My Heart who will be on hand to help you select all the invitations and cards you need for this holiday season.

We will also be doing our first annual Wish List where each customer can make a list of what they want from Santa this Christmas and the T. Hee elves will make sure your loved one knows what needs to be in your stocking this year.

Refreshments will be served. Merriment guaranteed. Please make plans to stop by for this once in a lifetime opportunity - and knock out all of your holiday needs at one time!

Oh, and we'll be introducing Cross My Heart's new "Digital Album" that allows you to send in your favorite photo and have the most amazing photo cards produced and ready for you to mail! Nothing could be easier!

See you then!

Hostess with the Mostess

2008-10-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Showing up to a party or play date without a hostess gift is, well, just not southern! Hostess gifts need not be extravagant or spendy, just thoughtful.

For Halloween we've assembled some cute hostess gifts - this package of candy corn beverage napkins tied up wtih a halloween spreader makes a great little gift for a teacher, hostess, office mate....

Don't you wish we had this when YOUR kids were young?

2008-10-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's a board game that teaches youngins' manners! The Blunders game has won multiple awards as well as rave reviews from parents and grand parents everywhere!

The game is easy to play, you roll the dice and before you can move your token you have to answer a "manners" question...sometimes you have to act it out, sometimes the answer is an explanation. Regardless, the answer is better manners for you and yours!

Designed for kids 5 and up, the Blunders game is available for only $28.95.

I'm just sayin'

2008-10-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

So gas across the street at the Circle K dropped again today - we're at $2.49 a gallon which is almost $1.50 lower than just a couple of months ago.

So what are you going to do with all that green? If you're like me and buy about 12 gallons of gas a week then you are currently saving $936 per year! Do you know how much fun and fabulousness you can purchase at your local T. Hee Greetings store with that much cabbage? With our everyday affordable prices, extensive collection of gifts, invitations and party goods it's like the oil barrons are all but begging you to stop in and buy some stuff! :)

(you can't blame a guy for trying!)

That's a Gas!

2008-10-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

I admit it...I hate the whole oil/gas thingy. If I could find a way to be totally "off the grid" I would but I doubt my neighbors would be happy with a wind farm and solar farm in my back yard.

So I begrudgingly trod to the gas station every week and do the "mortgage my soul for a tank of gas" think with my friends and neighbors next to me.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's right here in Lake Highlands. A bastian of hope, a bright light in the world of gas prices is the Circle K gas station on Audelia just south of Walnut Hill. Not only do they have the cheapest gas I've found in this part of town ($2.59 as of this morning) but I have seen them change (lower) their prices multiple times in one day while other stations seem to only change once a week or so.

I'm not sure how we got so lucky as to get cheap-ish gas in our 'hood, but for one I appreciate it!

So, until I can get the solar panel on the roof of my car, Circle K is my new preferred gas station - join me!

David

Blog Me!

2008-10-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Happy Homecoming Weekend to all our LHHS folks and fans. Please be careful tonight to and from the dance and HAVE FUN!

I'm not sure who blogged about us yesterday but THANK YOU! Thanks to your blog we had our highest number of hits to date!

So if you have a blog or know a blogger, please blog away about T. Hee Greetings. The more people that know about us the better our chance of success and becoming a permanent part of the fabric of Lake Highlands.

T. Hee...that's funny!

David

We need to talk

2008-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how to really have this conversation with you but it needs to be had. Unless you are living in a mansion with dozens of bathrooms you may well need to buy our newest product, Poo-Pourri. (No, I'm not joking!)

Just received this week, Poo Pourri advertises by saying, "Spritz in the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know!"

You gotta admit - you wish you had thought of it! And you gotta admit, living in the land of Mexican Food, greasy hamburgers and Deep Fried Bacon we NEED this product!

Sure it's a little sassy, but then again so are we! So rush in today and pick up your personal stash of Poo-Pourri...so no one else will ever know!

Happy Friday!

Store Hours - a slight change

2008-10-14T18:11:00.001-07:00

I know, I know...it's only been a couple of weeks. But we're pretty certain that we need to make a couple of changes to our store hours.

Effective this week we will be open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm. This extends our Saturday hours from 4:00 in response to the terrific customer support we have received during our first 2 Saturdays.

At the same time we have decided to not remain open until 8pm on Thursdays. Now that it is getting dark earlier we don't see many of our customers out and about after 6pm so we're changing our hours to better fit our customers' hours.

Look for extended hours for the holidays - we will likely open on Sundays for a few hours to help with the holiday time crunch.

One last note on hours...we post "10:00 am" as our official opening time but we're almost always here hours early. Need a gift on the way to school or the office? If the lights are on, we're open early so stop in!

You're Special

2008-10-14T07:39:00.001-07:00

I don't want to tip the hand, so to speak, but a little bird tells me that the "cold weather" menu at Highlands Cafe is about to debut. If I understand correctly the core menu that we all LOVE will stay the same but we can look for some new, fabulous lunch and dinner specials to debut in the coming weeks.

I don't know about you, but I haven't found anything on their menu yet that I don't love...and I can't wait to see what else I'll fall in love with. Once details are available I'll let you know but just one thought for you... Chicken Pot Pie!

YUM!!!!!!!!

What's Missing?

2008-10-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

Overall we have been thrilled with our merchandise picks. Naturally there are a few things that we did not buy enough of like our incredible candle line, the monogrammed tumblers and the fabulous hand towels from Hinge (btw - more of each are already on order and should be in this or next week!)

But we need to know from you - what's missing? What else do you want from your neighborhood store? Are there any special occassions or life moments that you need a gift or party item for that is not currently in our stock? Is there a line or an item that you have seen elsewhere that you want us to carry?

From the beginning we have designed our store to be about the neighborhood and for the neighborhood. Please help us continue this mission by sharing your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. You can either post a comment to this blog or email us, tony@thgandco.com

There's more great stuff in store...be sure to drop by often :)

T & D

More Greeting Cards Coming Soon!

2008-10-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

When planning for the store we were faced with the same decisions as most new business owners, what and how much to buy. With a fairly small store (around 1100 sq ft) we tried to err on the conservative side, not wanting to have a store room of "stuff" that would not fit on the floor. At the same time we tried to provide a wide range of "goods" from which to choose. Overall I'd say we've done pretty well.

One area in which we fell short is greeting cards. Almost immediately we purchased the Mik Wright cards, let's face it - those things are just down right funny! And we also picked up the Gina B line which offers a number of "every day cards." But we have found in the past week that that is not enough.

We have placed orders for a couple more lines of cards which should begin arriving in a couple of weeks. When we go to January market we'll be looking for new and different cards to further expand our line.

So, if you've been in lately and not found that exact, perfect card don't fret! Check back often because our greeting cards, like the rest of our goodies, are ever changing - you never know what new might be in store!

T. Hee :)

David

Good Bye Wal Mart... now what?

2008-10-07T08:09:00.001-07:00

Don't you love timing? As we prepared to open our doors for the first time we received notice that Wal Mart will be closing their Neighborhood Market across the parking lot from us. The store will close at the end of the year.

My initial reaction was distress. Wal Mart is supposedly a major player in this center. But once I started talking to the neighbors about the announcement I learned a whole different side - the neighbors don't seem to really care for that store. When I started watching the parking lot I realized that precious few of you come to our store from Wal Mart nor go to that store after visiting ours. So will their departure really matter for the future of T. Hee, Highlands Cafe and the others? I guess only time will tell.

The real question is, "Now what?" Don't know about you but I'm not too keen on the idea of having 20K sq ft of empty space across the parking lot. Nor do I want to see another Dollar Store or big box discounter. Talking with our customers one thing was clear, y'all would love to see a store like Sprouts Grocery in this center.

So I ask again, "Now what?" Do y'all want Sprouts? Is there another store you'd rather have? And what can we do about it? Would a letter writing campaign to Sprouts get their attention? How about a pettition? I understand there is a TIFF in place for this intersection - could that help our goals?

If you have a thought, an idea or suggestion, please hit the "comment" button on this post and share your thoughts. Lake Highlands is the most incredible neighborhood - I wonder what we could do together to really orchestrate change?

David

"We're so glad you're here!!"

2008-10-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'll give you one thing about Lake Highlands...y'all sure know how to make a couple of guys feel welcome! Since opening our doors on Thursday we have had the delight of meeting dozens and dozens of our new neighbors and what a great group of folks they are!

I wish I had kept count of the number of folks that exclaimed, "We're so glad you're here!" Well, regardless of who said it I have just one thing to say in return, "We're glad we're here as well!"

Thanks for making our first few days so enjoyable!

Tony & David

New! Market Totes at T. Hee Greetings & Gifts

2008-10-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

We've been open only a few days and already we're adding new fun and fabulous "stuff."

Check out these fabulous market totes available in 4 hot color combos. All colors have a chocolate brown pebble motif across the center and are trimmed in yellow, hot pink, red or orange...only $22.95 each!

Imagine a great looking monogram smack dab in the middle or along the colorful trim - only $15 more! Now THAT makes a great gift!

And we're off!

2008-10-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

T. Hee Greetings & Gifts is now officially open for business!

Like most new businesses we decided to have a "soft" opening where we invite a few family members and friends to "preview" the store before we throw the doors open to the world. The premise is that our friends are more understanding as we figure out how to wrap up purchases, operate the cash register and figure out the lighting and air...things like that. They serve as our "test" customers so to speak.

So last night we invited a few neighbors, friends and family to our "Sip & See" - after all, this store is like a baby to us! The night was terrific! We expected a couple dozen folks and were greeted with close to a hundred! And those folks shopped like it was Christmas Eve and they had not been to a shopping center all season! THANK YOU! It was a wonderful way to kick off our new store and, as planned, we did learn a ton!

So to those who came out to see us last night we greatly appreciate you taking the time and we appreciate the business. Now it is time for us to open the doors and meet our new neighbors....

If you haven't been in yet, jump in the car and speed on down! Polish off those credit cards, empty out the piggy banks and spread the word... T. HEE GREETINGS & GIFTS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

A Sneak Preview

2008-10-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to give it all away but here is a little bitty, sneaky-peek at the new store. The finall items were in place, floor vacuumed, lights set by 5pm Tuesday. Now we just wait for the doors to fly open!

Opening Day - Thursday, October 2, 2008

2008-09-28T04:11:00.001-07:00

We can not believe it's almost here! We've worked night and day (literally) to get the store set up and are confident that we will be opening at 10am on Thursday, October 2nd!

Initially our hours will be as follows:

Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm
Thursday 10 am - 8 pm
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday Closed

Over the first couple of weeks we will monitor those hours and make adjustments as necessary.

So...you have a couple of days to prepare. I suggest doing some light stretches, maybe a practice run or two to get ready for the big day! Dust off those credit cards. Clean under the cushions in the sofa and under the seats of your car and pull together those lost coins and get ready to shop!

D & T

And the real work begins...

2008-09-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

Only 4 days of moving - that's not too bad, is it? In the end we got everything in and are working fast and furious getting everything in place.

My co-workers in charge of our studio (the wholesale division) have been major leaguers in setting up and organizing. All together we moved 2 - 24' truck loads - PACKED - into the studio area. Twenty-four hours later they are organized and ready to start production - THAT is rock star work!

The retail store co-workers are now unboxing, organizing and setting up the many gifts, stationery, candles, moccassins, hats, gift bags....you get the idea. And sure-a-shooting, as soon as they get something set up perfectly something else happens and they have to move the whole thing! Ahh...the joys!

So everything is going well...one week from today the doors fly open - GET READY!

:)

D

WE GOT IT!!!!

2008-09-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Final inspections complete! The "big move" has begun with most of the retail "stuff" already in place and the studio (wholesale division) moving tomorrow. Now the real fun begins - making it look fabulous and worthy of being a Lake Highlands neighbor.

The countdown begins NOW! :)

David

And the waiting game continues...

2008-09-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

The good news is that we passed our final electrical inspection yesterday. Now we await the arrival of the inspector for the final inspection and all-too-important CO (Certificate of Occupancy.)

To date our contract has worked closely with the building inspectors so we are hoping for little or no problems...but you never ever know about these things.

Stay tuned!

D

Inspector Gadget

2008-09-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

Well we have hit that oh-so-fun period of inspection heck. For those of you whose noses have been firmly ensconsced on the windows you know that in many respects the space is done. The walls are painted, lights are hung, carpet laid...but we still can not officially move in. Sure, we've been able to install "fixtures" but not one stitch of merchandise can move in until all the inspections are completed.

Our final round of inspections were due to begin on Monday of this week. The electrical "final" was first and, if passed, would have led to our "final-final" today (Tuesday) along with the much anticipated C.O. - certificate of occupancy.

As you might have guessed we ran into a problem with the electrical permit. When the inspector showed up we did not have a certified electrician on site so we were 'red tagged' which is not a good thing. We are supposed to try this game again today and, if we pass, will call for a final inspection TOMORROW. GRRR!

Making a move such as this requires a ton of logistical planning of which I am definitely not an expert. Not only do we have thousands of pieces of merchandise to move in (all currently stored at our studio in Deep Ellum) but it has to be merchandised, arranged, etc. Then, we have all of the studio equipment and supplies to move and finally - all of our new team members to be trained. Needless to say there is alot to do and this set back, even one day, throws a major wrench into the program.

So, if you have any "in" with the Permit Gods would you throw an extra prayer in for us? At this rate we sure are going to need it!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

David