The other area is our Attic. This spot in the catalog shows our cool vintage finds.
We are getting things up slowly, but surely, so keep checking for more cool items! We've got tons of it waiting to go live!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Attic and The Basement
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
We've got new bamboo...
And we're ready to share it with you!
Join us as we have a Fall Fashion Affair with LilyGirl Jewelry. This night will allow you to see and try on, order, or buy from the new collection of Dreamsacks Bamboo! Fallbrook's local LilyGirl will be showing their handmade jewelry too. Get a head start on your gift giving for the season, or treat yourself to something new for the upcoming holidays!
Click on invite to enlarge
Thursday November 5th, from 5p-8p at a beautiful Fallbrook home.
Please RSVP by November 1st, and we'll give you all the details.
It's going to be so much fun and we can't wait to reconnect with all of you!!!
athomeonmain@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Exciting Events on the Way
On a beautiful early autumn day in Southern California, At Home on Main Street and Lilygirl Jewelry joined forces for a photo shoot at the Beck Estate in Fallbrook. What an inspiring environment! The property provided "a dream location" with more places than you could ever use to capture great pictures.
We had professional photographer Joel Navarro, from Imulsion Imagery Studio, on hand to take the shots. He was awesome and easy to work with (even though he had several "art directors" on hand with ideas.)
Our models for the day were Tracy and Paz Kinnaman, my daughter and daughter-in-law. Both are very photogenic and did an amazing job showcasing the bamboo clothing and jewelry.
At Home on Main Street will be showing eco-friendly bamboo clothing and Lilygirl Jewelry will be showing their gorgeous line of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at several events this fall.
by Marie Kinnaman
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Time Marches On
Wow, it has been almost two months since we left our space in downtown Fallbrook. I never thought I would be able to say - so soon - that I am enjoying life after shop keeping daily for six years.
It took a while for me to know how to manage my days...what to do first, what to do next, what to do with all the free time. Of course, time is never really "free" - as there is always something to do, there is just not a clock telling me when to do it!
The days are filled with design consultations, making aprons for Sew-Eco-Chic, and making plans for showing the newest in our best-selling bamboo clothing line, with our friends at Lilygirl Jewelry. They put on the most creative home parties and studio events. I will be joining in on the fun in mid-October with a private party in Rancho Santa Fe, followed by a party at Lilygirl's Cardiff home and a big gathering here in Fallbrook in November. Stay tuned for more details.
Marie Kinnaman
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A New Day
Well the store is finally closed. Everyone wants to know what my mom Marie is going to do now.
She is excited to keep working in the redesign field (if you forgot, that's how this all got started... check it out here for a refresher course). She will also continue the reclaimed clothing line Sew Eco Chic, and those wonderful aprons made from men's shirts!
Marie is passing the entirety of the website off to me now, so expect a few small changes soon! But for the most part, things will be as per the usual in the virtual At Home!
The store looked so strange as it emptied out over the past couple months. But I guess it's finally time to move on to the next challenge. As a person who rarely ever shops online myself, this is going to be quite the job.
Talk to you all soon!
By Tracy Kinnaman
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Men's Shirts
My dad never wants to buy new clothes. My mom has to buy him new clothes before he will get rid of old ones. Keep in mind when I say old ones, I mean old ones. What is this fatal attraction to the same worn patterns over and over again?
Of course we are not proponents of a quick cycle through of seasonal impulse buys either, but there is a middle ground we can stand on. And the cool thing? We've got a great use for your husband's old tried and true shirts.
Marie has been making aprons from cast away men's clothing. Sometimes she will use a women's skirt too, I mean really, the garment you choose can be anything at all!
The thing I like best is if you have any clothes you don't want to part with, but know it's time to recycle or that you don't wear, you can still have them in this new way. I think they're simply awesome.
Here are some that she's made and sold already.
Everything about these aprons are recycled. The detailing, the buttons, the ties. Sweet!
So if you decide you want a great gift or reuse of some of old time favorites, let us know and we'll see what Marie can conjure up!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Dear Customers and Friends...
The time has come to share some news about the store and what we are up to. Today, Tuesday March 24th, we'll start our Store Closing Sale. Of course we are very sad about this news and we know many of you will be disappointed too.
It has been fun and we have really enjoyed getting to know our customers. We hope you enjoyed having us here. We're closing the "Brick and Mortar" store but we will keep our web site going and see if that has any success. I know, I know it is not the same thing at all -- but it means some of your favorites will still be available and we can arrange for local pickup.
We are not going to rush out, and the store closing sales starts with 25% off everything. Some items that were already on clearance are marked down more. If there was something you've had your eye on, come on by and pick it up while you can!
We're selling everything but the kitchen sink (which means the wooden tub is on sale too) -- and the store fixtures will be available as well.
Tracy and Brian will be working more during the sale, so stop in to see what you cannot live without!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Laissez Les Bons Temps
Laissez Les Bons Temps ... Let the Good Times Roll
On Fat Tuesday (February 24th) we'll be having a Mardi Gras sale in the shop. If you find an item that is predominantly purple, green or gold (the official colors of Mardi Gras) that item will be 25% off. If you come in wearing predominantly purple, green or gold, you can take an additional 15% off the price, for a total of 40%.
The maximum total price reduction is 40% for any item that is already marked down by 20-30%. Any item already reduced by 40-50% - or more - is the final reduction. Sorry, we cannot reduce the price of items that are on consignment.
Stop in for some fun shopping. Our hours on Tuesdays are 10-5. See you soon!
Marie
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
West to East and Back Again
I have recently returned from my buying trip to New York City. With Valentine's Day approaching fast, I've brought back some new items to tell you about!
Speaking of hearts and New York, you most likely have seen their campaign, "I (heart) NY"? Well I do love going to NYC, so at the end of this blog I will share some of my favorite places to eat and shop.
In the store now (or arriving soon)
A new shipment of soapstone hearts with new colors & designs
Also new olivewood hearts (great hearts to give a guy)
Silverspoon Jewelry - Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made from vintage spoons. When two spoons are put together they form a heart. These are already going fast.
Patrick Meyer Pewter - Heart key chains (these flew out the door last time we had them)
BambooDreams Clothing - New styles and colors, including two skirts!! And their new bamboo "pashmina" scarf. They call it the pashbu!
New shipment of Ergo Soy Candles in our signature Kiwi, along with Pink Grapefruit, Monkey Grass...and the oh so yummy Dark Chocolate scent.
There is more stuff on the way as well...so stop in soon to see what's new!
Now about those spots in NYC I love...
My favorite new find is Le Pain Quotidien on 7th Ave (almost to Central Park). It's a mix of a french-style cafe and coffee house. I had a tasty bowl of soup and crusty bread while seated at the 15' long communal table, which was made from recycled wood from the floors of trains! The coffee is served in small bowls which makes it fun to drink. I noticed on their web site (just add .com to their name) that they have several locations in and around LA.
Grand Central Terminal has several interesting spots to eat. Cipriani Dolci is on the balcony over looking the the main floor of the station, with great views of the amazing painted ceiling. The lower level has The Oyster Bar Restaurant, which is great for lunch and a bowl of clam chowder. Grand Central is a must-see even if you are just passing by.
One of my favorites (and a place I have been to so many times, I'm trying to not go for a while) is Balthazar on Spring Street in SoHo. It is worth the wait to get a table here and the possible celebrity sightings (we won't name names).
The Gramercy Tavern on 20th Street was a customer's suggestion many years ago. Tracy and I had an enjoyable meal here -- great art murals and ambience.
For a shopping adventure we like ABC Carpet and Home on Broadway. Many floors of home goods and treats for all. One of the most impressive aspects of this store is their strong movement towards sustainability.
Lastly, if you have not seen the Broadway stage production of Mama Mia, it is fantastic. One of our friends, Pearce Bunting, plays the Aussie dad. A few trips ago he took us for a back stage tour, including a visit to the actors dressing rooms. It was the highlight of that buying trip!
Have a great Valentine's Day -- You are all Sweethearts to us!
By Marie Kinnaman
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Recycled Denim Insulation
I have been becoming increasingly interested in green architecture. I could write a long blog about all the things that fascinate me, but this time I just wanted to concentrate on the recycled denim insulation for buildings. 
You can google it and find tons of articles, but here is what I've summed it up as..
You can google it and find tons of articles, but here is what I've summed it up as..
Benefits
-You are using scraps of leftover denim that would otherwise be sent to the landfills.
-It has a better ability to preserve your air temperature than fiberglass - this is due mainly to the fact that the less dense a material is, the better ability for atoms to move around, thus harder for them to transfer the energy. The more dense a material, the easier it will transfer energy because the atoms are so close together.. this is partly why the denim insulator will help the life of your dollar for heating and cooling -denim is a fairly loose weave.
-It uses much less energy to produce than standard fiber glass
-It has impressive acoustic abilities, and is known to block out much more sound than other methods
-It's not made with formaldehyde, is anti mold growing, and doesn't cause itching when installing.
Disadvantages
-So far the only downside I've discovered is the cost. It's 30% more than fiberglass. However, in 2006 it was 50% more, so with increasing demand, hopefully we will continue to see a lower cost trend!
Now if all else fails in reasoning for why to use recycled denim as insulation, with an endorser like Adrian Grenier...need I say more? ; )
By Tracy Kinnaman
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sustainable Singapore
I have been in Singapore the past week. Since arriving I have noticed many things that impress me, simple simple things that mean so much in terms of sustainability.
Some things I have noted:
Every store, restaurant, or place you can purchase something, has little tiny plastic bags for your purchase if your item is small. I have seen that in... I don't know one or two stores around in the states. Instead of putting your to- go food or shampoo & soap in a huge bag, allowing it to swim in the surrounding unnecessary plastic, it cuts the plastic down 75% by using a bag relevant to the size of your purchase. This is not rocket science, why don't more of our stores have this system? I wonder how many people actually recycle their plastic bags? I have read that an estimated less than 1% get recycled. Sometimes I re-use mine for trash bags, but I feel bad doing that even because I know the plastic will take so long to decompose in the land fill.
How long you ask? Well the word on the street is 500 years for a plastic bag in a landfill to decompose. This is debatable, but here is a good unbiased source for your reading pleasure:
http://www.slate.com/id/2169287/
On the same note: How many times in the past have you ever stepped in the trash can to squash the trash down and make room for more? I know I've done it many times in my life, and seen my dad do it while I was growing up. Well I've noticed here, guys go around with this squashing device and push the trash in deeper, allowing a longer life span to the trash bag, and using less plastic in the long run. Simple enough. It's funny that we do so much saving in our own homes, but out in public, in our work places, and on the streets, we don't seem to care as much about the processes going on.
I love how there are recycle cans next to trash cans, not only for bottles and aluminum, but for paper as well.
They have wonderful mass transit, but for obvious reasons that is not quite as simple to implement in our home city...
Oh and my favorite move towards sustainable living I've noted? Some restaurants offer a discount if you bring your own Tupperware for to-go orders. Marvelous. I can't tell you how many times we are looked at like we are crazy for asking our food be put in a tupper ware instead of Styrofoam. The worst thing that happens is they use the Styrofoam to measure the food, transfer it into our containter, and then toss the used Styrofoam in the trash. I've heard it takes 50 years for that Styrofoam to break down in a landfill.
So my question is, Why not these easy changes? When will we make the shift to thinking it's not dorky to bring a Tupperware in to a restaurant? When will enough people start using the train so that it adds more times and becomes more affordable? I suppose it starts with me, and you. And I know it's easier said than done.
http://www.athomeonmainstreet.com/
Some things I have noted:
Every store, restaurant, or place you can purchase something, has little tiny plastic bags for your purchase if your item is small. I have seen that in... I don't know one or two stores around in the states. Instead of putting your to- go food or shampoo & soap in a huge bag, allowing it to swim in the surrounding unnecessary plastic, it cuts the plastic down 75% by using a bag relevant to the size of your purchase. This is not rocket science, why don't more of our stores have this system? I wonder how many people actually recycle their plastic bags? I have read that an estimated less than 1% get recycled. Sometimes I re-use mine for trash bags, but I feel bad doing that even because I know the plastic will take so long to decompose in the land fill.
How long you ask? Well the word on the street is 500 years for a plastic bag in a landfill to decompose. This is debatable, but here is a good unbiased source for your reading pleasure:
http://www.slate.com/id/2169287/
On the same note: How many times in the past have you ever stepped in the trash can to squash the trash down and make room for more? I know I've done it many times in my life, and seen my dad do it while I was growing up. Well I've noticed here, guys go around with this squashing device and push the trash in deeper, allowing a longer life span to the trash bag, and using less plastic in the long run. Simple enough. It's funny that we do so much saving in our own homes, but out in public, in our work places, and on the streets, we don't seem to care as much about the processes going on.
I love how there are recycle cans next to trash cans, not only for bottles and aluminum, but for paper as well.
They have wonderful mass transit, but for obvious reasons that is not quite as simple to implement in our home city...
Oh and my favorite move towards sustainable living I've noted? Some restaurants offer a discount if you bring your own Tupperware for to-go orders. Marvelous. I can't tell you how many times we are looked at like we are crazy for asking our food be put in a tupper ware instead of Styrofoam. The worst thing that happens is they use the Styrofoam to measure the food, transfer it into our containter, and then toss the used Styrofoam in the trash. I've heard it takes 50 years for that Styrofoam to break down in a landfill.
So my question is, Why not these easy changes? When will we make the shift to thinking it's not dorky to bring a Tupperware in to a restaurant? When will enough people start using the train so that it adds more times and becomes more affordable? I suppose it starts with me, and you. And I know it's easier said than done.
http://www.athomeonmainstreet.com/
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
And what a year it has been...
We truly hope you and yours are doing well and surviving the economic "crisis" as best as can be. We hope you have your home, your health, your job, a warm coat, and food on the table.
At Home on Main Street is looking forward to 2009, with lots of worried anticipation, curious what may become of the retail landscape in our country and in our own town. Like many, we had a very dismal 2008 holiday season - our worst since being open (our 6th holiday in downtown Fallbrook). We'd like to be around for Holiday 2009, but honestly, it will take some doing. That is why your feedback is so important to us right now.
So much news in the last couple of months has revolved around shopping. I just finished reading the North County Times. The headline in the business section reads: "Post-Holiday fallout begins" and goes on to say that the fallout from the "horrific holiday season for retailers has begun." Experts are predicting that we'll see many, many more store closings -the most in 35 years!
As a retailer wondering what the future will bring, here are our questions for you as we head into 2009.
Do you think a store like At Home on Main Street will be a place you will want to visit for gifts and items for yourself and your home? What needs and wants will be on your shopping list? Gifts? Clothes? Linens for bed and bath? Organic body care? Or, if it's simply too early to tell what 2009 will bring in terms of your needs, let us know down the road...we will be listening.
Also we'd like to know if you feel earth-friendly products will figure more, or less into your plans for purchasing in the years to come. Does it matter to you? We know that our changes, made over the summer and into the fall, surprised many of our customers. Some of you have mentioned that you liked the store better before the change. Many more of you have been very pleased and like it a lot more now. We appreciate all honest responses so we can gauge how we are doing.
It's difficult to know for sure what contributed the most to our low holiday sales figures- the new earth-friendly theme, or the economy. We think that it was a bit of both. The fact is that before our summer clearance sale we had too much inventory and not enough traffic in Fallbrook to sustain the purchasing habits we had developed over five years. Something had to change.
When we reopened in September, we felt really good about our decision and continued interest in knowing as much as possible about our products: Who makes the items we select for you? Where are the products manufactured? Do they pay a fair wage? Are they safe for the consumer and the environment? Stuff like that. We noticed over the years that customers began to really care about these things we had been heading in this direction for several years anyway...so we made it our full commitment. We freshened up the store and began restocking for our September reopening. Ed Begley, Jr. came down from LA to join in the fun, he was a great guest and we had a wonderful day debuting the new look and merchandise. We were off to a great new start!
Then it all began to crumble. The depressing economic news began early in the fall and we could tell something serious was brewing and we had to be cautious with purchasing. We poured over the catalogs we had collected on our summer buying trips, trying to decide what we wanted to purchase for the holiday's. Sales were slumping ... and each day as we looked at the catalogs again and again -- the news just kept on getting worse. Regardless of the countless new products we had found, we decided to play it safe and did not overstock the store. This was upsetting for many of you since we did not have the same selection of gifts that we've had in previous holiday seasons. One good outcome is we are not overstocked with merchandise that didn't sell for the holiday.
Into the future - Did we ever think we'd be selling clothing when we opened At Home on Main Street? Not at all! It happened gradually and soon became our best selling category. So, we have given it more space and built a proper dressing room (a big hit and must see!). We need to stock what sells, so clothing is staying, but don't worry, we're not planning on becoming a clothing only store.
We LOVE to go on buying trips to seek out the beautiful, useful and functional items that you want and expect from us. As the winter buying season begins, we'll be looking at the products with the same eye we are know for and making plans for what we can order when we can spend again. With the economic climate as it stands now we do have to be more careful. We hope that makes sense to you. We are in survival mode now. We will restock your favorite candles and some new bamboo clothing in January, and when we can, we will slowly start restocking with other great merchandise.
So be sure to tell us what you would like to see in the store!
Everyone knows that good customer service is one of the only things a small store can do to compete with the big boxes. Hours of operation are important. We'd really like to be open 7 days a week (as we were for many years) but after giving it a lot of serious consideration (we hope you'll understand) one of our cost cutting measures will be reducing the hours we are open. At Home on Main Street will be closed on Sunday & Monday. We will also close one hour earlier. Our new hours will be from 10 - 5 Tues. - Sat. We hope that it's only temporary. We will make it up to you with great customer service in other areas!
We want to get the workshop area going again for the winter. No better time to learn something new! If you want to take a class let us know your interests and if you've always wanted to teach something, let us know.
And now for the winter blahs...When the holiday decorations come down and the tree is gone, it is a good time to rearrange the furniture for the winter. Create cozy groupings closer to the fireplace if you have one. Pull the furniture away from the walls and into the room. Use throws liberally to create warmth for every seat in the room. If you like curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, be sure you have a table, a reading light and a warm throw! Three lamps in a room should be the minimum -- and don't forget to change out the bulbs with energy saving bulbs when they burn out!
Stop in and say "Hi" no pressure to purchase. Let's just keep in touch!Have a very safe and happy New Year.
Marie, Tracy, Brian & Paz
By Marie Kinnaman
We truly hope you and yours are doing well and surviving the economic "crisis" as best as can be. We hope you have your home, your health, your job, a warm coat, and food on the table.
At Home on Main Street is looking forward to 2009, with lots of worried anticipation, curious what may become of the retail landscape in our country and in our own town. Like many, we had a very dismal 2008 holiday season - our worst since being open (our 6th holiday in downtown Fallbrook). We'd like to be around for Holiday 2009, but honestly, it will take some doing. That is why your feedback is so important to us right now.
So much news in the last couple of months has revolved around shopping. I just finished reading the North County Times. The headline in the business section reads: "Post-Holiday fallout begins" and goes on to say that the fallout from the "horrific holiday season for retailers has begun." Experts are predicting that we'll see many, many more store closings -the most in 35 years!
As a retailer wondering what the future will bring, here are our questions for you as we head into 2009.
Do you think a store like At Home on Main Street will be a place you will want to visit for gifts and items for yourself and your home? What needs and wants will be on your shopping list? Gifts? Clothes? Linens for bed and bath? Organic body care? Or, if it's simply too early to tell what 2009 will bring in terms of your needs, let us know down the road...we will be listening.
Also we'd like to know if you feel earth-friendly products will figure more, or less into your plans for purchasing in the years to come. Does it matter to you? We know that our changes, made over the summer and into the fall, surprised many of our customers. Some of you have mentioned that you liked the store better before the change. Many more of you have been very pleased and like it a lot more now. We appreciate all honest responses so we can gauge how we are doing.
It's difficult to know for sure what contributed the most to our low holiday sales figures- the new earth-friendly theme, or the economy. We think that it was a bit of both. The fact is that before our summer clearance sale we had too much inventory and not enough traffic in Fallbrook to sustain the purchasing habits we had developed over five years. Something had to change.
When we reopened in September, we felt really good about our decision and continued interest in knowing as much as possible about our products: Who makes the items we select for you? Where are the products manufactured? Do they pay a fair wage? Are they safe for the consumer and the environment? Stuff like that. We noticed over the years that customers began to really care about these things we had been heading in this direction for several years anyway...so we made it our full commitment. We freshened up the store and began restocking for our September reopening. Ed Begley, Jr. came down from LA to join in the fun, he was a great guest and we had a wonderful day debuting the new look and merchandise. We were off to a great new start!
Then it all began to crumble. The depressing economic news began early in the fall and we could tell something serious was brewing and we had to be cautious with purchasing. We poured over the catalogs we had collected on our summer buying trips, trying to decide what we wanted to purchase for the holiday's. Sales were slumping ... and each day as we looked at the catalogs again and again -- the news just kept on getting worse. Regardless of the countless new products we had found, we decided to play it safe and did not overstock the store. This was upsetting for many of you since we did not have the same selection of gifts that we've had in previous holiday seasons. One good outcome is we are not overstocked with merchandise that didn't sell for the holiday.
Into the future - Did we ever think we'd be selling clothing when we opened At Home on Main Street? Not at all! It happened gradually and soon became our best selling category. So, we have given it more space and built a proper dressing room (a big hit and must see!). We need to stock what sells, so clothing is staying, but don't worry, we're not planning on becoming a clothing only store.
We LOVE to go on buying trips to seek out the beautiful, useful and functional items that you want and expect from us. As the winter buying season begins, we'll be looking at the products with the same eye we are know for and making plans for what we can order when we can spend again. With the economic climate as it stands now we do have to be more careful. We hope that makes sense to you. We are in survival mode now. We will restock your favorite candles and some new bamboo clothing in January, and when we can, we will slowly start restocking with other great merchandise.
So be sure to tell us what you would like to see in the store!
Everyone knows that good customer service is one of the only things a small store can do to compete with the big boxes. Hours of operation are important. We'd really like to be open 7 days a week (as we were for many years) but after giving it a lot of serious consideration (we hope you'll understand) one of our cost cutting measures will be reducing the hours we are open. At Home on Main Street will be closed on Sunday & Monday. We will also close one hour earlier. Our new hours will be from 10 - 5 Tues. - Sat. We hope that it's only temporary. We will make it up to you with great customer service in other areas!
We want to get the workshop area going again for the winter. No better time to learn something new! If you want to take a class let us know your interests and if you've always wanted to teach something, let us know.
And now for the winter blahs...When the holiday decorations come down and the tree is gone, it is a good time to rearrange the furniture for the winter. Create cozy groupings closer to the fireplace if you have one. Pull the furniture away from the walls and into the room. Use throws liberally to create warmth for every seat in the room. If you like curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, be sure you have a table, a reading light and a warm throw! Three lamps in a room should be the minimum -- and don't forget to change out the bulbs with energy saving bulbs when they burn out!
Stop in and say "Hi" no pressure to purchase. Let's just keep in touch!Have a very safe and happy New Year.
Marie, Tracy, Brian & Paz
By Marie Kinnaman
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