Neat News from A Neat Boutique

Summer Sale at A Neat Boutique

2009-07-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Our summer clearance has started. Lots of 50% off items. We even have some items as low as $1.00. Great labels still available:

Chico's
Abercrombie & Fitch
Cold Water Creek
Talbots
J. Jill
St. John's
Hollister
Aeropostale
Nautica

and many more! Come see, You'll SAVE

Hurry in for best selection!

Sign up for our email notifications, just send your email address to aneatboutiqueinc@aol.com

See ya soon!

The latest on Tom

2009-02-22T20:20:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been a wild ride and I am way behind on updating this blog.

On Feb. 4th Tom had surgery. They removed his gallbladder, but had to abort the attempt to remove the pancreatic tumor because it is too close to the portal vein.

On Feb. 9th we got the news that it is pancreatic cancer. The doctors wanted to do 2 weeks of intense radiation and chemo and them send Tom back up to Indy to have surgery. His billirubin is currently too high for surgery. On Thursday the 19th Tom had out patient surgery to install a port for the chemo.

Tom has started radiation and will start the chemo tomorrow. We ask that you continue to pray so they can attempt another surgery to remove the tumor.

Tom has such and great attitude and his faith is very strong. He tells everyone that God has his back. He is an inspiration to me.

We want to thank all our customers and consignors for their concern and understanding during this time. We have had to close a few days and will continue to do so as needed.

Special thanks to our friends Susan and Wendy for volunteering to help me keep the store open as much as possible. You ladies are angels.

I will update as new information is available.

Blessings to everyone,
Mary Jo

Tom's surgery is tomorrow, Feb. 4th

2009-02-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

What a week last week! Both Julie & I lost power at our homes. We even packed up both families and went to the shop and tried to sleep on the floor. Not our brightest idea but we did stay warm. With my husband working 14 hour days and my car stuck in the ice we have been closed last week.

On to this week.... after we got power back we noticed Tom had started to turn yellow. Possibly the mass is pressing on the bile duct and causing the jaundice. We had to take him to the doctor Monday. Today we had him admitted to the hospital. His weight is now 134.5. He has lost almost 70 lbs. in the last six months.

Dr. Miliken will be doing surgery at 9:30 A.M. tomorrow. It will probably be a 4 hour surgery.

PLEASE everyone say a prayer for him and our family.

We hope to get things back to normal at the shop shortly. Thanks so much for every ones kind words, cards, and well wishes. You all have become part of our extended family.

I will post about Tom after the surgery as soon as I can.

Surgery date set!

2009-01-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

I was sick last week so I didn't get to post the most recent update. They have set a surgery date of Feb. 4th for Tom. They are going to remove the gallbladder and take a look and try to remove the tumor. They have said there will be 3 to 4 surgeons in during the surgery. He is still in extreme pain. I ask that everyone keep praying. Not only for Tom but Julie also. This is so hard on her, and I don't know what to do to help her other than ask for prayers. My faith is strong and I know God will take care of everything.

Mary Jo

Most recent about Tom

2009-01-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

We went to IU Medical Center yesterday. Two doctors looked at Tom and his scans. His opinion was to do exploratory surgery and remove the problem area if possible. The surgeon is on vacation this week so Tom has a consult scheduled for next Tuesday the 20th. I will post as more information is available.

Tom Update

2009-01-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

I will try to catch everyone up.

Thursday: an MRI was performed to view the pancreas and liver. A reduction was done on the pain pump to make the switch to oral pain meds.

Friday: the doctor came in and discussed the visit to IU Med Center. The pain pump was removed and some solid foods were tried. Tom was allowed to leave the hospital this evening and we will be heading to Indianapolis very early Monday morning. As of right now we do not know if we will have to remain longer than 1 day. After this consultation, a decision will hopefully made about the next step. Surgery involving the Whipple procedure and pancreas resection have been discussed.

Thanks again for every ones thoughts and prayers. It truly lightens our heart to know so many people care.

Mary Jo

Ever heard of CPSIA?

2009-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

Do you consign your children's clothes? Do you but clothing or toys for children at consignment or resale shops? Then you need to learn about CPSIA.

Go to : www.savekidsresale.com

Here you will find information and links to contact your local congressmen and representatives.

If we can not sale kids items, what's next?

Quick Update

2009-01-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 1/6/09

The biopsy procedure was repeated this morning around 7:00 A.M. The pathologist wanted to study the 7 swipes that were taken. Hoping to have a path report tomorrow. If this one is inconclusive, it looks like we may be heading to IU Medical Center.

Will update again soon.

Update on Tom

2009-01-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know, we had to take Tom to the ER on Saturday evening. They admitted him and put him on a pain pump. They are trying to get his scheduled test moved up to tomorrow. All day today (Sunday) he was given only ice chips. At about 6 P.M. they gave him 2 small cups of sherbet. We did learn that from the CT scan that was done on Sat in the ER the mass has increased in size.

Please pray! We have so much faith and know prayers are so important.

As it stands now we will be closed on Monday at the shop to see what is happening and what we need to do next. We know both our customers and consignors know this is what we have to do. We truly appreciate your prayers and your calls of concern.

I will update as I know more.

Mary Jo

Please pray for Tom

2009-01-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

First off let me start by apologizing for not writing on here sooner. 2008 has held many personal challenges for us and I have fallen behind.

To bring everyone up to date:

Tom had been having problems with his blood sugar. Some nights his sugar was over 500. The doctor tried different pills to bring it under control. One of the side effects of the blood sugar medicine was stomach pain. Tom was having pain so finally sent him to a G.I. doctor. Just before Thanksgiving they did a CT scan. At that time they found what they termed a shadow on his pancreas. Just after Thanksgiving they did a needle biopsy. The tissue was determined to be suspicious but no definite answer. The tissue slides were sent to Johns Hopkins for review. Instead of slides they wanted the frozen block so that had to be sent. They were still unable to make a definitive diagnosis so they have rescheduled a new biopsy procedure for Jan. 7th. One thing about the earlier biopsy was the lymph nodes are negative which is a wonderful sign.

During this time they also found Tom's gallbladder is shot. It is full of stones and sludgy. He is in extreme pain but they won't touch the gallbladder until they know what is up with the pancreas. Several different pain medications have been tried and now they are trying pain patches. Tom has lost about 60 pounds (pounds he couldn't afford to lose) during this time.

On Wed. Dec. 30th Tom went to the doctor and they have started him on insulin shots. Depending on what needs to be done concerning his pancreas, a lot of procedures are not done here locally.

I will try to keep everyone informed by updating the blog as I can.

Please keep praying.

Your "Neat" friends

New Hours Starting Sept. 2nd

2008-08-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Effective 9/2/2008 we will have new hours:

Mon - Thur 10-5
Fri 10-6
Sat 10-4

The annual NARTS conference 2008 in Indianapolis, IN

2008-07-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Mary Jo ready to head to the cocktail party

Club 21 (Union Station) Roaring 20's party site

Conference attendees ready for the "Roaring 20's" party! (We had to have some fun)

Mickie Nakonechny (True Colors in North Dakota)

Cathy Evans (Smartypants Teen Resale in Indiana)

Patty & Kenny Hulce (Wandering Wardrobe in Utah)

These are some pictures from Mary Jo's attendance of the annual NARTS (National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops) conference held at the end of June in Indianapolis, IN.

Need to declutter? Here's a challenge for you!

2008-07-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Have too much stuff?

Need motivation to declutter?

Take the 52 Thing Challenge http://howtoconsign.com/journal52things.htm

While you're on the How To Consign website take a look around. It has excellent tips for both new and seasoned consignors. There are also tips on how to shop resale for you savvy shoppers.

If you take the challenge please leave a comment to let us know how it goes or email me at aneatboutiqueinc@aol.com

If you take pictures I may even make you a Neat News star and post them on the blog!

Have FUN!!

New Accessories Just IN!!

2008-07-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Just IN!!

Watches
Rings
Rag Quilt Handbags
Tiaras
Liz Claiborne Readers

These items are selling fast!
Stop in and have a look around.

A Neat Boutique A Neat Place to Shop!

50% off Summer Clearance

2008-07-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Starting today July 21st, our summer clearance is 50% off the already low A Neat prices.

We still have some great summer items to get you through the last hot days of summer.

Also check out our new early fall arrivals. Great brands, great clothes, great prices.

Gallon of gas= $4.00
Gallon of milk= $4.50
Shopping at A Neat= Money left to pay for gas & milk!

Stop in soon!

Mary Jo & Julie

P.S. Mom is doing good. She has been coming in some mornings for a short time. Stop in and say hi! She misses everyone.

Summer Clearance Countdown Sale!

2008-07-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

A Neat Boutique Consignment Shop is starting our summer clearance countdown sale.

Starting July 7th - 30% off summer
Starting July 14th - 40% off summer
Starting July 21st - 50% off summer

Shop early for best selection!

Any questions call: 464-0049
www.aneatboutique.com

Prayers for Mom (Mary)

2008-05-12T17:06:00.002-07:00

Many of you who shop with us know our Mom Mary. We found out a couple of weeks ago Mom has a tumor in her right kidney. The tumor is the size of the kidney and has started to go a little into the renal vein.

We found out today her surgery to remove the kidney will be on May 22nd. We will be closed that day for her surgery.

Please keep Mom and all of us in your prayers. We have put it in God's hands so I know it will go well.

Mom we love you!!
Julie & Mary Jo

A Neat Boutique on CMT (Country Music Television)

2008-05-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

We apologize that is has been awhile since we posted. We will try to bring you up to date in a couple of posts.

A Neat Boutique received a call from the producers of My Redneck Wedding, aired on CMT, to film in our store. A couple from Francisco Indiana named Amy and George are going to be on the show. When asked about places to film Amy mentioned us.

The barefoot bride to be and her daughter showed up with the camera crew and producers one Friday afternoon. It was hilarious. We had fun and Mary Jo was miked up and filmed several times. Even if we don't make the final cut for the show it was great fun. Amy is supposed to bring me some pictures and I will post them when I get them.

The new season for My Redneck Wedding starts in October. Jen, one of the producers, is supposed to let me know the air date.

Keep watching because we may have a Hillbilly Hoedown or a Redneck Reception for the airing.

YEEE HAWW!!

We now have a MySpace page

2008-04-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Want to be our friend?

A Neat Boutique now has a MySpace page. Send a request and become our friend.

www.myspace.com/aneatboutique

Between our emails, our Neat News blog and our MySpace page we will be able to keep everyone informed on all new items and important events and sales.

New Arrivals

2008-04-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Just in:

Beautiful pink canvas authentic Coach purse. Only $121.50

Call or stop in to own this wonderful designer bag.

It won't last long.

WOOO HOOO! Stringtown Rd. is open!!

2008-04-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Stringtown road was closed Jan. 2nd for a six week project. (Yeah right!) It was finally opened on April 1st, late in the afternoon. Believe me, we were doing the happy dance! Stop in and see us!

New Arrivals March 24, 2008

2008-03-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

New arrivals today:

Plus size womens tops sz 1X to 3X several of them C.J. Banks
Large unframed Mirror

Recent new items:

Several Vera Bradley purses
Dooney & Bourke Checkbook and Wallet
Sz S Maternity clothes Gap & Old Navy

Keep checking our blog to be the first to know about new items.

If you are not signed up for our email notices you may be missing out on some special events.
Stop in with your email address or email us at aneatboutiqueinc@aol.com to sign up.

Tips on Consigning

2008-03-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

One of the questions I am asked most often is: How does consignment work?

At A Neat Boutique some of our guidelines are:
In-season items - we are now taking spring/summer
In-style - items purchased within the last 2 to 3 years
Gently used condition - no stains, holes, missing buttons etc.

Items brought in to consign should be ready to be placed on the sales floor. Items should be wrinkle free and odor free. Some potential problem areas to check are: collar, underarms, and seams coming unstitched. The better prepared your items are the more money you can make.

To read some great tips and suggestions about consigning visit:
http://www.howtoconsign.com

A Neat Boutique is a proud Treasured Sponsor of HowToConsign.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers

2008-03-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say thank you to all our customers and consignors for your prayers for our Dad who had surgery last Tuesday. He did really well thru the surgery, was in ICU until Thursday morning, and is currently in a regular room itching to go home. The part of his colon that was removed was pre-cancerous so that was good news. Hopefully now things will get back to "normal" here at the shop. Again thanks for all the calls and prayers. They were truly appreciated.

Circle E Candles at A Neat Boutique

2008-03-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

Are you a candle lover?

If so, you need to stop in A Neat Boutique and take a whiff of our Circle E Candles. These candles have a great scent throw and an excellent burn time.

Available in three sizes:
40 oz. $25.95
28 oz. $20.95
12 oz. $13.95

We do carry a limited fragrance line of votives for $3.95.
Glass votive holders are $1.50

Great gift item. Stop in and have a sniff!

Just In! Jogging Strollers

2008-03-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Just arrived this morning:

In Step Jogging Stroller Retail price $120.00 our price $41.50 SOLD

Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogging Stroller Retail price $179.99 our price $61.50 SOLD

Grace Duoglider double stroller Retail price $119.99 our price $40.00

Stop by and take a look.

2525 Stringtown Rd.
Evansville, IN
812-464-0049

Thanks WIKY

2008-02-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

Anyone who listens to WIKY 104.1 FM, has heard about our struggle with road construction at Diamond Ave. and Stringtown Rd. Mary Jo sent an email to DJB from the Morning show asking if the station could mention about the businesses being open around the construction area. Let me tell you, WIKY went above and beyond with their assistance. Along with mentioning us on the radio, they also had their soap opera saga starring Stone Haubstadt and Sebree Morganfield include A Neat Boutique in a recent segment. Pictures at the top show how we had fun at the shop with their soap opera. We dressed a mannequin as Stone and had him shopping here. It was great fun and Mark Elliott was a good sport about it. WIKY also had 3 signs made for us to put at the detours. WIKY is truly a community committed radio station. A Neat Boutique thinks WIKY ROCKS! Thanks Mark, Dennis Jon and Diane!

New Blog

2008-02-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks for viewing A Neat Boutique's new blog. We will use our blog to keep everyone up to date on new arrivals and special events at the shop. Visit our website: www.aneatboutique.com
Comments or suggestions for the shop? email aneatboutiqueinc@aol.com