Oh boy, I am so glad you came back and posted. I was thinking about you a couple days ago and wondered what YOUR impressions were. I had to chuckle a little bit, because you seem to be pretty good at sizing things up. I have my own business, and have literally watched customers fighting over purple geraniums. I had several that day go into a growing house with a large reds sign reading "employees only" and pick them up after I told them I had non left for sale. I intercepted said customer with his arms full of them and removed them personally. rofl. He was a good sport about it, thankfully. Have you been on the phones lately with the consumers who went to the box store first? Then couldn't identify the flowers because they weren't labeled and wanted to pick your brain? I get a few of those calls a day each spring. I guess you are into your busy season by now. Ours hasn't started yet, we are doing the easter trade and still transplanting.

Sandi, I figured that was where it came from--but each of them list their "links" too, so you can go on and on and on just looking at other places! I love it! BUT, I can spend waaay too much time checking them all out! ;o( One of those has pics of actual rooms sent in by their customers--fun to see how real people use their items and how their rooms turn out. I'll have to try to find that one again for all of you if you haven't run across it already. Luvs

I think this would be an excellent opportunity for a woman re-entering the work force or "leaning in" whether due to kids now in school, single mom, divorce, etc. I imagine the pay won't be great, but if he can offer some flexibility in hours that would make up for a lot, especially for someone who just wants a respectable job but isnt necessarily expecting some great career right off the bat. I've got friends who either have these types of jobs or would love one. If someone isn't willing to do soup to nuts, from sweeping to purchasing, find someone else who is. Last week's NY Magazine had an article about this return to work which has gotten a lot of buzz. I didn't read it but it might be worth searching out. I'd google and ask around to see if there are any local women's groups focused on this issue who might have suitable candidates. My first thought was college interns, but hearing my wife complain about their frequent entitlement issues would have me shy away from that option. On the other hand, I just spoke with her and she thinks people are clammoring for internships and might jump at the opportunity. One thing I would caution is to present the job - and future growth or lack thereof - honestly. No employee is happy when promised things that don't come to fruition. I've been there.

allison0704, thanks for the heads up on West Elm and I know exactly what you mean. I wasn't totally sold on that mirror anyways. The mirror that is no longer available had peg joinery (not sure if that is how is should be stated) that you could see in the corners of the wood, but it was all wood, no metal. Thanks for the link lsandler. It does look like they have quite a few mirrors. I do wish they had prices listed so I knew if they were within my financial ballpark. Do they tend to be middle range or higher in price? wodka, love that mirror! I'll have to look more on that site as well. I have kept a look out for mirrors in consignment stores, etc. but without luck. To be honest I'm getting tired of looking so may just take the plunge with one of these. Thanks again for all the help from everyone.