And the winner is....

We ran a small contest and 7 people commented and were entered into our drawing...

paperkraftD won a $10 gift card to the store!!

http://coolscrapbookstuff.blogspot.com/2013/07/not-reopening-on-friday.html?showComment=1373992695134#c3599111422539865884

Congrats!!!

And look for Katie to be teaching with us again hopefully very soon!!

Our "First" Day!! :)

I must have felt relieved to be opening today, because I actually slept past 5am!! I didn't get up until 6:30am and then realized that I had SO much to do in order to open the store this morning!! So, I jumped up and got to work quickly!!

Well, both Danni and I were late to open the store.... Oops!!! But we had a very nice morning. I showed Danni all of the "start up" stuff and we got to work quickly! We were busy-busy-busy!

And we were visited by LOTS of customers today! YAY! It was so nice to see everyone!! We had lots of people come in to check out the new space and everyone seemed to love it and several thought it was actually LARGER than the last space!! (It's not, but that was really nice to hear!)

Our custom paper order did not show up today - it went to the wrong address, so it will arrive tomorrow {sigh}.

For lunch, Tom & I tried a brand new Poway restaurant called "Mainstream Bar & Grill". It's where Le Peep used to be {sniff}. I loved Le Peep and was really sad to see them close!!!!

But I will say that Mainstream (well, the owner, Harry) did an AMAZING job on the remodel!! Wow!!! It's *REALLY* nice!

This is in the entryway - it's actually a waterfall! The center part was water running down it. And they did a really nice job with colors and décor throughout - it's very calming and fluid. Loved it.

And the owner seemed very nice.

The place is larger than Le Peep - he leased the space next to them and there is probably room for another 70 people in there? (A guess - I didn't count, but I'm thinking back to what I saw - I could be completely wrong).

We grabbed a copy of the menu (it was a rough version - he said that he is having new ones printed), but we are creating quite a pile of menus for you guys to peruse if you want to grab a bite while cropping or in between classes or whatever.

 

While walking over there, we stopped at the sushi place and collected a menu there too. Wow - they had some really good prices! And the food looked really good too!!!  *BUT* it was really hot and humid in there and we already had spent the morning without AC so I just couldn't do it.  But I'm eager to try them in the future. They had 4 tables inside and a few outside and there were several people there and some "take-out" people.

We tried to get a menu from the Italian place next to them, but they are closed on Mondays... And they have "funny" hours during the week (closed in between meals). So, we'll definitely need to get their info.

Also while walking to lunch we got to witness the new M's sign being installed... it's really nice!!

It's their modern logo.  I couldn't tell if it would light up at night or not, though. It didn't appear so - I'd be surprised if it did, but shocked that they did this and didn't have a lighted sign.

I looked inside.

The have NOTHING done... It's a complete empty shell. They have apparently moved their opening date back to the end of August.

But it should be much nicer than the current M's. (And, I'm assuming that the AC will work... although the Five Guy's place said that theirs only works periodically and they JUST moved in, so that would be a bummer if they moved and didn't now have AC!)

 

While at lunch I heard from the Landlord that our AC would not be fixed until tomorrow... Grrrr!!!

And I also later found out that the doors wouldn't be fixed today and that they didn't know WHEN they would be fixed!!!

My happy feeling about the landlord is starting to leave me... I hope that they can redeem themselves!

The space was supposed to be in "good working order" and so far, it hasn't proven to be... They even said that they JUST had the AC people out to check the unit (within a few weeks of me signing the lease). Well, it's a good thing that I made sure to include that it MUST work well... I for sure don't want to be paying the repair guy!

Anyway, today, we had some "house keeping" items to attend to, so we didn't get a lot of product checked back in.

But we got a few things done... oh man, my list of "to do's" is a MILE long!!!

But, it's nice to be back open!!

 

I'm "technically" off tomorrow but I'll be in and we'll get more stuff done.

And hopefully the AC will actually get fixed!!

More to follow... :)

 

 

Ok - Tomorrow's "THE" Day!!! -- We're going to open at 9:30am!!

Everything isn't done yet, but we're going to open tomorrow at 9:30am!!!


We'll keep opening boxes and putting out merchandise throughout the day and week, but we have been closed too long!!

A couple of things to note:

• Our AC is out but should be fixed tomorrow (7/15). I don't know what time they will be there, so it's cooler in the morning than the afternoon.
• We only have one register up so far. I'm having trouble getting the network back up, so please be patient.
• Not all of the product is out yet. We have probably 75-80% out, but there are still lots of items in boxes.
• We have only received a few new orders, so we are out of a lot of the basics, we only have a few brand new lines, we are SEVERELY low on cardstock, etc. We have several orders arriving this week and next and will be stocking up within the next few weeks.

So, some other "stuff"...

I woke up at 5am, but didn't get to the store until nearly 9am. Dave from Dave Yant Signs (www.daveyantsigns.com) arrived shortly after me.... He and I discussed what I wanted and he drew a sketch.

These are our windows "before":

 

 

This was Dave's drawing. I asked that the colors be changed, he agreed.

 

 

He mixes his own colors from primaries so he presented me with probably a dozen mixes to choose from. We both agreed that this was "The One" and we were really happy with the results.

Look at this AMAZING work of art!!! Is he awesome or what?!!!

 

Lisa joined me around 10am and Tom shortly afterwards. Lisa had to leave by 2 and no one else was available, so we were really short handed today, but we still got a lot done! Lisa put out a ton of product, I checked in more ribbon and some other items, Tom took stuff to and from storage and sorted out hooks for us (we have WAY too many and not enough room so we want a reasonable selection of the various styles).

I set the music up to be a little more "overall"... We still need to get the sound system set up...

I also organized all of the "leftovers" on the floor - the racks, acrylics, boxes, etc. - and just generally tidied up!

 

 

 

Our "Mascots"

 

So something funny happened on the way back from Home Goods....

 

I returned the piece of furniture that I had originally bought for the bathroom and got a new one that I liked better. I had already seen it and decided it was the right one and went back the next day...

Well, I picked it up, put it in the cart, checked out, put in the car and drove to the store. When Tom got there, I asked him to bring the furniture in. Tom walked in with two zebras and I was completely confused and he looked confused and asked me if I bought them.... "No! Where are they from?"... They were *INSIDE* the furniture!!! I never looked... the gal at Home Goods never looked (thank goodness, I would have been horribly embarrassed!!). Well, I haven't had a chance to return them yet (don't worry - they are in the car to go back there tomorrow!!! I'm *NOT* keeping them!!) but every one of the staff has had a little amusement over this event! Including perplexed questions about the theme of the new store and the commentary from one to the other of, "Do these stripes make my butt look big??"

 

 

Ok - so, you've stayed this long, here are some more pictures of the new store...

 

The area behind the front counter...

Custom School embellishments, die cutting tools, and Silhouette products.

and the gondolas across the front plus the "What's New" area...

 

 

Both sets of doors have carts and baskets:

So, yeah - we aren't totally ready, but we feel that we are ready "enough". Please be patient with us, but we are all committed to the best experience possible!!!


Thank you so much for the understanding and outpouring of love while we have closed, waited, and reopened.

So...... See you tomorrow???

It's Time To Update The Ipod!!!!

I'm going to update the ipod this week... What music do you want us to add?

PSA - Gee Gee's Stamps N Stuff is looking for a buyer!!!

Gayle is looking to retire and has this to say:

Today marks a few milestones in my life.
First - I just celebrated my 60th birthday.  I always thought people that were sixty were old.  I now have a new standard for old and it’s not 60 anymore!

Second - we are celebrating our 23rd year of  paper crafting and card making at Gee Gee’s Stamps ‘n’ Stuff. I never thought I had any type of crafting ability, but when I started putting ink on paper some 28 years ago I realized that I did have the talent and more importantly I enjoyed it and was proud of what I made.

Third - how my family has grown and how much I love my grandchildren. I just spent two wonderful uninterrupted weeks with them and realized how much of a joy they are in my life.  I don’t want to miss one minute of their life if that’s possible. I loved being a mom to my two great sons but I really love being a grandma.

Fourth – This year will mark 40 years married to a wonderful man that was my best friend and sole mate in high school and is still the person that I want to spend my time with.

So - with all that said, and after a great deal of thought and prayer I realized that in order for me to spend the time I want with my wonderful husband, grandkids and family that it is time to retire.

I have put Gee Gee’s Stamps ‘n’ Stuff up for sale.  If no buyer comes forward in the next few weeks we will liquidate our inventory at a discount and close the doors on September 28, 2013.

Don’t ever forget to “Make Art Everyday”

Hugs,
Gayle
Gee Gee’s Stamps ‘n’ Stuff


Like she said, she would love for someone to offer to purchase her business and carry it forward... Are you the one?? Contact her if you are interested!!

Today's Update... -- We're guessing Monday...

I didn't get out of the house as early as I have been. I still woke up at 5am, but stayed in bed until 6am and left around 9am.

I first went to M's in Carmel Mountain to pick out some baskets for under the counter and look for some picture frames for our business licenses and return policy. It took me FOREVER to choose the frames, and wouldn't you know, when I got to the store and put the licenses in the one, I turned it over to find that it doesn't HANG! Grrr!!! I'm going to work it out though.

I heard from my window painter sign guy on my way out of M's. He's been super busy but he switched his schedule around and is going to paint our windows TOMORROW!!! Can you believe it? On a Sunday?? He's just awesome!!! Dave Yant Signs!!! Great guy!!! (and *The Best* window painter in town!)

When I got to the store, it just looked SO good!! Bonnie and Danni did an AMAZING job!! They stayed until 11:30pm last night!!!! Can you believe it? Do I have just the best staff, or what?!!!

Throughout the day, Chelsea, Danni, Tom and Mary all joined me along with Danni's SIL and we knocked it out!!! We got a LOT put out!! I checked back in a bunch more paper and the reds and pinks ribbons and all of that was put out. A bunch of other product was put out and Gigi sorted our hooks (it might sound silly, but OMG, I'm SOOOOOoooo excited to have it done!!! We need to put a lot back in storage and this will allow us to keep a realistic and accurate number in the store and put the rest AWAY!!!)

But what was just so awesome is the number of customers who stopped by today!!! Hey - I said you could, and YOU DID!!! (And we just *LOVED* it!!) We also had several people walk in just thinking we were open and started shopping (which was kinda funny b/c the lights were off - but it's naturally VERY light in there - and it was so hot because the AC wasn't working).  And, regarding the AC issue, it turns out that they actually didn't believe me that it was broken!!! But they do now and the parts are ordered and they now say it will be fixed Monday.

But we did have several shop anyway!! !!! YAY!

Bonnie had brought a big fan last night. When Tom arrived (after I learned that the AC wouldn't be fixed until Monday), I had him bring another big fan and two little ones and we set them up throughout the store just to keep air moving. And because I worried that there would be a problem fixing the AC (yeah... "not my first rodeo"!!) I had brought a few spare bed sheets and as soon as the sun came over the building, I had Chelsea hang them in the windows to just keep the sun at bay as much as possible.

Tom and I took our "lunch break" at another "neighbor": Five Guys Burgers. I've never eaten at one, so I didn't know what it would be like. If you don't know either, it's burgers and fries (they do have hot dogs and grilled cheese, too). But it's a pretty "specific" menu.  It was ok. I'm not the biggest burger or fries fan, so I can't give a great opinion here. Tom really liked his burger. He is SUPER picky about fries and these were just "ok" for him.  Fyi, it's REALLY loud in there!  But, it's the old Pick Up Stix location and it has a GREAT patio area!! Very spacious!!! Several tables.

Also, they have two CRAZY soda fountain dispensers!!! Apparently, they have been around, but I've never seen them. They are made by Ferrari and offer a bazillion options!!! It was seriously insane!! I don't know why I didn't take pictures (these pics are from the internet) but look at all of the choices for drinks!! And then, when you select one, you get several more options!!! So, for Diet Coke, you can get regular, Cherry, Lime, etc - I think there were 6 choices. And same for Lemonade. We kind of figured out the whole thing and how they could do it by the time we left and it was simply brilliant!

This is what the whole machine looks like (again, from the internet, but I think, by the cup on the left counter, it was from Five Guys so it's probably one of their stores). Slick though, eh?

And their Iced Tea is from the dispenser to the right. They offer 4 types - regular unsweetened, regular sweetened, green tea and one more that I don't remember.

BUT, when I asked if it was fresh brewed, the guy said "yes" - but it's not. (I'm really picky about Iced Tea)

Danni and Gigi walked down to a juice place (sorry - I don't remember which) but they brought back some more menus - we are getting a collection together!

We all left at 5pm. We have several more coming in tomorrow. I REALLY am hoping that we can open on Monday... We may only have one register up by then, though...

So, some upcoming dates:
Sunday, 7/14:

• Front windows are painted with a big sign.

Monday:

•  be OPEN. Not perfect, but open!! Fingers crossed! Not confirmed...
• Air Conditioning gets fixed (fingers crossed)
• Front doors are supposed to get fixed.
• MOST of the Custom Paper order arrives.

Tuesday:

• The rest of the Custom Paper order arrives.
• Tim Holtz Ink Pads, Perfect Pearls, Stickles, We-R Envelope Punch Boards, Tim Holtz Idea-ology items, Cosmo Cricket TV Dinner and Sweet Disposition (some was b/o'd), a few Glitz items, some Teresa Collins, cats eye ink pads, and a few other goodies all arrive.

I don't know when Bazzill arrives but it has been shipped.  And I think a few other orders are en route! I'm sorry, but with everything going on, I've lost track!!

Ok - more tomorrow!!

IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURE TO KNOW ABOUT!!!

From The City of Poway:

Construction Advisory
I-15 Southbound Closure:  Weekend of July 27th

Southbound I-15 will be closed from SR 56/Ted Williams Parkway to Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard/Poway Road beginning Saturday, July 27 at 7 p.m. through Monday , July 29 at 4 a.m.  During this time, crews will make drainage improvements in the area.  Signs will be posted on the freeway in advance of the closure to alert drivers where to exit and re-enter the lanes.  Motorists are asked to avoid the closure area on these days if at all possible.  For more information, contact the I-15 Public Information Office: (619) 668-3368 or visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com.  See Map of construction area.


If you are doing the Shop Hop, this could affect you!