Last year I wrote a blog called "Lost in Paradise or How R.E.D. Hunts in October". In that blog I expressed my love affair with bargains and consignment stores. Well, I can't let another October go by without renewing my vows to consignment stores.

I love a good deal, just like Howie Mandel. Many of us do and those that didn't before this economic meltdown are now asking for directions to their local Goodwill Store. So if the financial state of our economy has got you flummoxed, frustrated and full of fear, it's important to know where the bargains exist.

Consignment stores are still my biggest adrenaline rush. I mentioned one of them last year but since I'm still in love with consignment stores I want to mention that same store again.

State Street Home Furnishings Consignment in the village area of Carlsbad is owned by Nina Sgueglia, who is a wonderful business owner with a great personality and sense of humor. She is the former owner of Coastal Interiors in Encinitas. Her store is located at 2659 State Street, just north of the center of Olde Carlsbad. Call first at 760.720.4500 to confirm the hours of operation.  Check out her website at www.statestreetfurnitureandconsignment.com.

Earlier this month I purchased several pieces from Nina for a specific real estate staging project I was working on. As with most real estate staging projects, time was of the essence. The day I purchased the items I was in a smaller car, so I had to go back on a different day with my usual business SUV and make several trips.

When I got home I noticed the glass covering one of the pieces of art work was cracked, making the piece unusable. In a panic I reached Nina and she offered a remedy right away. This was so reassuring as the art in question was part of a pair and one without the other, like Jack without Jill, was not going to work.

This is what I call good old fashioned customer service, sadly missing from the 21^st high tech, robot-answering world we find ourselves in today.

Thank you, Nina, for having a human being on the other end of your phone and for your prompt attention and solution to my dilemma.

I'll be back. Friends, I hope you can stop in and see what State Street Furnishings Consignment has to offer. You might just enjoy the Hunt!

Until next time…

Sue