Life With 'The Shop'

INFO ABOUT SHOP HOURS click here

My apologies on being delinquent in posting more lately.  Since we had the soft launch in early May, we hosted a successful Grand Opening launch party.  I promise to share photos from that grand event soon.  In the meantime, I wanted to share a few photos from the shop itself.  In the last 2 months that we've been open, I've been trying to establish an idea of what customers are hoping for when they walk into the shop.

The local response has been overwhelming.  I'm amazed by the number of customers that have read this blog and are local!  I ask every customer that walks into the door how they heard about us and most people say from this blog or from instagram or Facebook!  The power of social media!

I have found that almost daily I am tweaking the displays within the store and constantly trying to optimize the way the products are displayed.

The benefit of a brick and mortar is that you can tell almost immediately what products are "staples" and extremely popular.  Some of the items literally fly off the shelves and have become extremely popular; for example, the Gurglepots!   They come in every color and they are great for water, lemonade or iced tea.  They're also great just sitting on a bookshelf for a flash of color or using as a vase with fresh flowers.

A few items are selling like molasses (uh, no I'm not about to share what those items are in case you happen to come into the shop and want to buy one of those items).   ha. 

This has been a dream come true but it is also a lot of work!  It's enjoyable and fulfilling but demanding!  I find myself constantly thinking about inventory, marketing, staging, staying unique and creative!   Yesterday, I was sitting at the pool placing orders for the holiday season.  I do love the flexibility in that I can be outdoors and still with family and 'working.'  No complaints, but my point is that I'm now always "on the clock."  My mind never shuts off from thinking about the business and the brand and continuing to make it great.  

Just recently, Vivid Hue Home was featured in New England Home Magazine's Summer 2015 publication for our urchin planters:

Under the Sea:  The Urchin Planters found at Vivid Hue Home get their organic shapes from spiky underwater creatures.  Farmington, 860-677-0301.  vividhuehome.com

I was thrilled to be included  (and a big thank you to Lynda Simonton from NE Home Mag).  

Thank you to all of the wonderful customers that have already stopped in to support the shop. Thank you for all of my blog buddies that have made the trip from outside of Connecticut to stop by and say hello!  Your support has been tremendous!  Promise to post again soon.

Cheers, 

Heather 

A Night at The Roxbury Motel, NY

 
 Talk about the ultimate fairy tale dream come true!  Gregory Henderson and Joseph Massa, the owners of The Roxbury Motel in upstate New York have created something quite spectacular out of a vision.  Over a decade ago, the two gentlemen were New York City residents working not too far from the World Trade Centers.  They were caught up in the hustle and bustle of New York City living.  Working hard to earn a living but not necessarily enjoying their quality of life.  Then 9/11 happened.  It really allowed them to question how they were spending their time.  They had always ventured to the Catskill area for vacations and this traumatic experience was just the push they needed to get out of the big city.  

There was a motel for sale.  That's right, you can put two and two together.  These talented men purchased the "motel" and spruced it up in a way you can't imagine.  This has got to be one of the most modern and unique places you'll ever see.  Each room has a different theme.  It's a masterpiece, really.   They have recreated everything from a "Jeannie in a Bottle" room, an "Amadeus Bridal Suite", a "George Jetson" space room, the list goes on.  The motel appears historic and quaint during the day (except for the fantastic lime green doors).  But check out the neon colors during the night.  This is HEAVEN on EARTH!  Enjoy!  

 


Courtesy The Roxbury



Courtesy The Roxbury




Amadeus' Bride Room Courtesy The Roxbury

There are 28 rooms in the motel and the latest addition is a 3 bedroom cottage called, "The Digs."  It sounds breath-taking as it supposedly resembles the adventures from Indiana Jones and has hidden passage ways and entrances. 


The Digs Via Kelly from Eclectically Vintage | Folk

Via Kelly from Eclectically Vintage | Folk

Kelly from Eclectically Vintage |Folk was lucky enough to visit the cottage first hand. She describes the focal point of The Digs as being a "400 gallon salt water aquarium that is being held under strict photography lock and key until it’s debut on Animal Planet next month. But believe me, it’s amazing and can be viewed from two rooms including the shower where the tank forms one of the walls!" (Thanks for the tease, Kelly! I can't WAIT to see the reveal photos of that tank!)

Via Kelly from Eclectically Vintage | Folk



"Maria's Curtain's Room" via The Gourmand Mom Blog




"Maria's Curtain's Room" via The Gourmand Mom Blog

Jetson's Suite Courtesy of About.com

 

Meeting Room via The Roxbury

 (The coconut cream dollops on the ceiling were all hand crafted from Styrofoam)

MaryAnn's Coconut Cream Pie Room via Stephen Fries NH Register Courtesy The Roxbury



Fire pit via Woman Around Town

Exterior via The Roxbury



Jeannie Room from Woman Around Town

Via Kelly from Eclectically Vintage | Folk

 

The Emerald Room via The Roxbury



Via What We Like NYC



Chandelier via The Roxbury

 

Exterior via via The Roxbury

 

via The Roxbury

Owners Joseph and Greg via Kelly from Eclectically Vintage | Folk

 
Sure, this is a "motel" in the Catskills but you've clearly realized by now that this isn't just any motel.  And it's fully equipped with wifi, flat screen TV's, modern conveniences, contemporary comforts. 

A tad different from the quaint New England Tours I gave you recently.  But I love how these guys have mixed it up!

Which room is YOUR favorite? 

xoxo
Heather | Vivid Hue Home
 
 
 

Weekend in Essex, CT

 

Last weekend was a nice long weekend so we decided to take a day trip to Essex, Connecticut.  I love Essex because it's such a quaint New England town with historic houses that line a beautiful main street.  There is a main strip of antique shops, retail stores, coffee houses and restaurants that makes for a fun stroll on a sunny day.  And of course, "The Griswold Inn" adds such wonderful character right in the middle of town.  We ate brunch in the Tavern room on Sunday and there was a little band playing. 

 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. 

 

 

We call this "The Birdhouse" House.  This is one of my favorite houses along main street- and it's actually for sale.  (Interested parties can view more photos here). 

The yard is always so manicured!

 

Courtesy William Pitt Realty

 

 

 Yes, the sun is glaring into my iPhone but I love this house as well-- The bright red door and black lacquer shutters, love! 

Courtesy of Historic Buildings of CT

 The houses are still decorated with New England Christmas flair.  Fresh greenery and wreaths adorn the doorways and gates. 

 

 

 

 

 

The 'boys' outside of The Griswold Inn just as we're getting ready to go in for brunch. 

 

 

Courtesy of The American Public House

 

 

 

And the "after" photo of the Vivster and and me relaxing after we have stuffed our tummies with wonderful comfort food. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Strolling along Main Street doing some "window" shopping. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The kids get some exercise by the water. 

 

 

We continue on to look at more of the houses.  Some have very nautical themes.  Essex is right on the water!  A beautiful place to visit in the spring and summer time. 

 

 

The kids stop to reflect the day's events. 



It's nice to visit other New England towns outside of my own.   

It makes for a fun day trip away with the family. 

 

  I know I've been off to a slow start this year in blogging.  I've been taking some time off to enjoy the family.  We've been so busy during the weekends and the weeks seem to fly by.  You know the drill.  Before we know it, spring will be here.  Once I get my act together and get myself more organized, I'll be back on track with blogging more regularly again!  Promise, ya'll! 

xoxo

Heather | Vivid Hue Home