by Meg & Rich, rufflesandoveralls.com 

​​WARM COLORED POTTERY - Vintage pottery is full of charm and gorgeous texture. Rich, warm shades of pottery look beautiful in the late summer months and into the fall. For summer, fill your pottery with dried palm spears or sea grass. In the fall, the same pieces can be filled with wheat or corn stalks. Gather several pieces of neutral pottery and make a vignette. Bowls can be filled with citrus for summer and pumpkins for autumn. 

​BROWN TRANSFERWARE - An easy way to add a touch of fall to your everyday is with your dishes. Brown transferware looks equally lovely with dried citrus and sunflowers as it does with gourds and fall foliage. Hang your favorite transferware plates on the wall or mix them with your year round white dinnerware to create a simple tablescape. It’s the little things that help create special moments. There’s nothing quite like eating a deliciously warm slice of pumpkin bread off of your favorite piece of seasonal vintage dinnerware.

BASKETS ADD WARMTH & TEXTURE  - Sprinkling natural colored baskets around your home is a great way to add warmth, texture, and an overall cozy feeling during the fall. This vintage tobacco basket fills the space on this white wall and adds more depth and interest. Small baskets can be filled with seashells in July and acorns in August or September.

​AMBER GLASS BOTTLES - Amber glass bottles look great year round, but my favorite time of year to bring them out is late summer to early fall. Their glossy sheen gives a sun kissed glow in the summer and a deep radiance in autumn. They’re beautiful alone or filled with your favorite seasonal florals.

GET COZY WITH A VINTAGE QUILT - Bright vintage quilts make the perfect summer throws and picnic blankets. In the fall, swap them out for vintage linens with rich jewel tones. A framed antique quilt adds a touch of coziness and warmth to neutral decor. Layer a vintage quilt on a blanket ladder or throw one over the back of your favorite chair. You’ll instantly create some cozy fall vibes that will make you want to cuddle up with a cup of hot cider. 

IF YOU LIKED THIS, YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE 
A Thrifty Thanksgiving Tablescape - Easy DIY Framed Quilt - How to Make a Simple Fall Wreath - How to Make Dried Orange Slices all available at rufflesandoveralls.com  

by Susan Custis

This issue of VF magazine finds us sandwiched between the ‘dog days of summer’ and the arrival of Fall.  The kids have been to camp.  The family’s vacation was great.  The tourists are heading back home (…as well as the relatives who come every year to enjoy our Florida fun).  The snowbirds will be arriving soon.  The backpacks are readied for school.  This limbo between ‘been there’, and ‘not there yet’ is the perfect time to once again clean out the faithful ‘woodie’ and plot the route for some great vintage finds.  Also, the guest room could probably use a ‘touch up’…what a great excuse to shop!!!

This time, we smooth out the map for North Central and Central Florida where shopping for vintage abounds.  The selection is varied, and the prices are irresistible.  Since the shops in these areas are spread a bit farther apart, the trick is to carefully plan your trips…yes, trips.  Check Vintage Finds Magazine for days and times the shops are open since hours of operation vary.  Then head out for some great shopping fun.  

We start in Mt. Dora where all roads lead to Renninger’s.  The extravaganza of all things vintage, antiques, and flea market finds, this place truly has something for shoppers of all ages, every taste, and any budget.  Wander the Flea Market, then shop the over 180 booths of the Antiques Center and Consignment Area for the exceptional assortment of fine furniture, lighting, jewelry, collectibles, and home décor.   Watch for their fabulous summer yard sales and other events. Hint:  wear comfortable shoes and pack a lunch because there are literally acres to explore.

There’s a lot to see at Renninger’s, and it can be overwhelming.  But, a ‘must see’ is Vintage Junkie, which is located on the Street of Shops just outside the antique center.  Here we find ‘old’, ‘new’, and ‘unexpected’ treasures from travels specially hand-picked, quality items from around the globe in an absolutely charming setting.   The owner is a retired flight attendant with a love of travel and ‘junking’.  She has traveled the world.  Her discerning eye brings some incredibly unique and otherwise not readily found vintage and antique treasures into her shop.  French enamelware, sterling watch fobs, and European grain sacks from across the pond are a few of the specialty items found here.

From Mt. Dora, take a 10 minute ride down CR Old 441 to Tavares to Through the Years Vintage Market.  This delightful shop exudes charm and history, both through the treasures offered for sale and the distinctive history of the location.  A former B&B, then Greyhound Bus Station, the family owned and run shop offers a gorgeous array of antiques and vintage.  Mid-century modern décor and furniture is a specialty.  Check out the Tiki room and collectibles.  You can’t miss the vast offering of vintage Christmas items, many in original packaging.   You don’t want to miss the exquisite selection of vintage fashion jewelry.  Watch for their 3 upcoming Fall and holiday events.

Now, head on to Main Street Antiques in historic downtown Leesburg.  Not a mall and not a shop, they pride themselves as a ‘unique antique boutique’.  They are home to over 30 professional dealers, artists, and crafters who specialize in upscale furniture, arts, and collectibles.  They are unique in their offering a large selection of gorgeous orchids and a very large selection of used books, from children’s books to romance novels. Check out their classes and monthly events on Facebook.

If you love one-stop-shopping, head to the Wildwood Antique Malls in Eustis and Wildwood.  At the Eustis location, explore the over 28,000 square feet of vintage and antiques.  At Wildwood, you’ll find over 120 experienced antique dealers showcased over a generous 20,000 square feet of displays.  Both malls are conveniently located and are open 7 days a week with great hours from 10 am to 7 pm (6 pm on Sunday)!!!  They also offer a robust online search for that ‘needle in a haystack’ piece you are looking for.  Wildwood Antique Malls take pride in being a different type of antique mall.  Their offerings include rare, high-end antiques and collectibles.  Their extensive online antique inventory includes furniture, home décor, kitchen, lighting, jewelry, clothing, outdoor, art, collectibles, and gifts.   

For the ultimate in charm, creativity, and vintage, be sure to seek out Mossy Oaks Antique Mall in Bellevue.  Known for their selection of primitives, country, and farmhouse, over 40 vendors offer some of the finest in antique and vintage furniture and accessories.  Check out their growing offering of grandmillenial decor.  All are complemented by locally sourced crafts from handcrafted candles to whimsical wood and barn doors.  Whether linens or model trains, here you’ll find something for everyone.

Back in the wagon, we hit the road and travel through Central Florida headed to Geneva in search of The Old Red Barn Antiques.  Located on a working farm, the kids will love the goats and chickens.  A stop here is for much more than shopping the large selection of rustic farmhouse, French Country, and shabby chic décor.  Check out the general store for jams and jellies.  (Don’t forget the alligator jerky.)  Check out the large selection of garden items and plants.  Don’t miss the unique items in the metal shop.  Shop the farmers’ market on the 3rd Saturday of each month and look for their many special events.  Ask for the farm fresh eggs at the checkout counter.  

On we go to Altamonte Springs to Wirewood Market.  Here over 50 vendors showcase a beautiful array of quality vintage and antiques.  So much to choose from, we found everything from architectural salvage pieces to furniture, lighting, books, wall art, textiles, clothing, nautical, garden, pottery/ceramics/kitchenware, and so much more.  Each booth was carefully appointed and a delight to explore.  The staff is extremely welcoming, friendly, and most willing to help you find that special treasure.  

In North Central and Central Florida, the selections are fabulous and the prices are great.  From eclectic to shabby chic to mid-century modern to bohemian, there is something for every decorating style.  From large furniture to the smallest collectible, there is so much from which to choose.  With vintage and antique offerings mostly ‘one of a kind’ and with the exploding popularity of vintage shopping, be cautious of an “I’ll think about it” approach.  If you wait, it will likely be gone!!!

Hit the Vintage Road - Thank you to our roving reporter, Susan Custis for hitting the road and sharing these fabulous shops.  Be sure to stop by Susan’s shop Vintage Fusion, located at 7720 N. Wickham Rd., #107 Suntree, Fl. Boardwalk at Suntree Plaza, between Cotton Candy Kids Hair Salon and Dynasty Nails.  Look for the purple bench!  Stay tuned for our Oct-Nov issue to see where THE VINTAGE ROAD leads us!

I have noticed lately that some small businesses are offering a discount if you pay with cash. It got me thinking and wondering if this was really a good idea.
Credit card fees can be expensive. No one wants to pay them. They are yet another expense that a small business has to deal with and it’s sometimes one they forget to budget for. To add to this, each credit card processor has different fees and has different rules. Some have contracts, some make the business pay for their terminal and some offer a pay as you go plan. 
I understand why businesses are offering discounts if you pay with cash. It’s simple. They are trying to avoid paying the credit card fees to the card processors. At first, this seems like an easy way to save some money, and everyone likes a discount, right?
Well, sort of. Sometimes good intentions backfire.  Let’s say I offer a cash discount of 3%. That is what some of the online card processors charge a merchant. So on a $20 sale, that would save the customer sixty cents. The next customer spends $50 and his/her discount jumps to $1.50. Then the next customer spends $200, but doesn’t pay with cash, and they miss out on a $6.00 savings. 
But lets say your first customer gets a cash discount, but the second customer doesn’t hear the customer is paying in cash, but hears the word discount. When they step up, they ask about the discount as they are pulling out a credit card, and you say, “I’m sorry, that was a cash payment discount.” Your customer may have just gone from being happy with their intended purchase, to feeling like they are being penalized for using their credit card.
I was taught there is a cost associated with doing business. My prior experiences in retail sales involved working with credit card processors that made the business pay thousands a year to buy their card terminal, and then also charged huge fees on top of that. They also charged the merchant different fees for accepting different cards. Ever wonder why many stores refused to accept American Express? Because processors charged higher rates for processing Amex. People loved their Discover cards because of the free cash back, but guess who paid the cash back? Yup, the merchants in the form of higher fees. You didn’t really think the credit card company was actually going to accept less profit to give you cash back did you? I am happy to accept credit cards from my customers. It means they are making a purchase.
Here are a few facts for you.
1. People don’t like to have constraints placed on how they pay. Some will consider your cash discount as a surcharge for using their credit card.
2. Customers are more likely to spend more if they put the purchase on a credit card. (Immediate gratification and delayed costs.)
3. People are carrying less cash on them. Credit cards are ubiquitous and are used for everything from online purchases to vending machines. People now have their credit card linked to their phones and watches so they don’t even have to pull out the card to swipe it anymore. Some folks even have their paycheck balance added right to a debit card.
We use Square at Five Katz Antiques. I have to say I am happy with the service. It’s not the easiest for me when I have to track something to a report at tax time, but I don’t use their services to the minute detail. They charge a small percentage, plus ten cents per transaction. The money is in my bank the next day and more importantly I don’t have to keep large amounts of cash on hand, so I don’t have to make a trip to the bank. During the pandemic last year, banks closed their lobbies. Then, many shortened their hours, and cut staff. This caused a backlog at the bank with lines of anywhere from five, to ten or even twenty cars. Yet, when my clients paid with their cards, I didn’t have to deal with those lines and delays in the drive through.
Square also doesn’t charge me more for different cards. It’s all the same fee schedule and if someone issues a card, they will take it. I like to be able to tell my clients that I will be happy to take their American Express card. Sometimes they are surprised and it makes them happy.
Many people use their cards to accomplish their goals. Some receive monies towards a new car. Other cards incentivize the users with points for airline travel and some offer a cash back option.
I thought about the cash is king scenario for a long time. To me, if I take a credit card, I lose the percentage to the processor. If I give a cash discount to a customer, I lose the percentage to them. The customer actually wins more by paying in cash because they are not paying the average 22% - 24% interest on their purchase when it hits their balance, unless they pay their card off every month when the statement comes due. 
It’s a tricky situation. 
When I sold Maytag’s back in the day, people would come in and ask if I would match Sears’ 10% off price. I would say no because the Sears 10% discount was predicated on the fact the customer had to use their Sears card. When I asked them what their interest rate on their card was, I could almost see the little lightbulb click on above their head. I would then offer them a year same as cash and close the deal. 
We all want our customers to feel valued. I use small discounts in two ways. One to incentivize a customer to buy that day and return, or to thank a client for their return business. By offering a blanket policy that is fixed and rigid, it takes away these options for me.
Sometimes cash is king, but I find this to be true more with negotiating larger purchases. For example buying hurricane shutters for your home or a large shed. Private individuals selling a car are more likely to offer a lower price if you have cash in hand. Gas stations cheat by offering one price for using their card, and a higher price for cash or another card. 
The expression “Cash is king” is an age-old saying often used to explain the failure of both businesses and consumer households. Without the right amount of cash on hand, both of these entities can run into major trouble, even into bankruptcy.
Everyone should have some cash on hand. A little bit in their wallet or purse, and a little bit stashed away in case of an emergency. ATMs and banks don’t work if there’s no power. I remember I needed a few sheets of plywood before a hurricane. The credit card line had 40 people in it. The cash line had three. Good thing I remembered I had a c-note stashed in my wallet. 
When you need some immediately, that’s when cash really is king.


Visit our contributing author, Ed Kindle at Five Katz Antiques.   
OPEN M, W, F & SAT at 4509 S. Hopkins Avenue in Titusville, Florida.