All store, all the time makes for random posts. Today was a crazy, jumbled mixed-up day. Perhaps a snapshot into the day in the life of a store owner? A bit of miscellany for you.

8 am 

Got this dresser back yesterday from the guy who sandblasted it for me. He recommended sanding it as well.  What?  Say what? What the hell did I pay him for?  Sooo,  finish sanding and first clear coat on this bad boy…this is the “before” professional sandblasting shot…

…and “after”…

Not sure how long this love affair with all things industrial will last, but hey, why not get in on the action?  Got hold of this medical dresser at this cool Richmond stop (don’t usually share my sources but you MUST stop in this store if you are in the area) on my way back from DC with Mr. F&F.  This son-of-a-&*%^# weighs a ton, as you can imagine. But ain’t it purdy all shined up in its metal nakedness?

9:30 am 

clean up and head out

10 am

Meet with second painter for quote on painting new retail location

10:45 am

Arrive at my home away from home – Home Depot – glad that home is in the name. Seriously, because I’m thinking of renting a bed there or something.  Quick shocker that the LED version of the flood lights I’ll need for track lighting is twenty bucks a pop and I need 56 bulbs!!! Do the math – it ain’t happenin.’  (that’s the second time I’ve used ain’t and I’ve probably never used it in a single posting EVER – feeling very old South today).  Will have to come up with other green options in the store to make up for these halogen energy sucking (sucking in many ways) lights.  Pick up some more hammered metal spray paint for another project – not quite sure it is a love affair for me anymore – fought with this paint yesterday as it dripped all down my hands and one spray can just couldn’t perform (it would never make it as a porn star, that’s for sure).  Out the door.

11:45 am

Chiropractor appointment.  And what does this have to do with design?  Let me tell you – see metal dresser above – exhibit A.  And various other heavy lifting that gets done and shouldn’t.  Can you say dolly or hand truck?  Next-on-the-list purchase.

12:30 pm

Quick take out from old fav Lebanese restaurant, though I don’t think Lebanese people own it anymore.  Falafels were still good.

1 pm

Interview with another of my final candidates for joining the F&F team.  I think I have much clarity and a great idea on how to form this team.  I will sleep well tonight.

2 pm

Habitat boys arrive!  Yay Habitat.  Every bit of construction/deconstruction done to the new retail space ended up on their truck – not an ounce to the landfill.  They decide what to take, so never assume they won’t take something.  It’s worth a call before you throw something out.  Yessirree….

2:30 pm

Another interview with yet another painter.  We shall see who gets the job.  Let’s just say I’m very price-motivated on this one.  Got good pricing for No-VOC paint – thank goodness for one green win, since the light bulbs are a bust.

3:30 pm

Back home to do more clearcoating and desk work and I-Phone tutorial from little man.  I think he believes that I will give up and he’ll get the phone.  It ain’t (there’s that word again!) happenin’ little man.  Momma is loving this new technology after all.  And it is delaying  a camera purchase so therefore providing a cost savings as well.  Hope you’re reading this, little man – I love you and you’re the best teacher ever which is probably why you won’t get the phone:)

5 pm

Dear me, is it 5 o’clock somewhere?  Why yes, it is.