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3 Kids = 3 different camps..

Ballet, gymnastics and horse back riding.  They may be all girls, but they are all have their own personalities and interests.  Like all good parents we embrace their passions even if that means we turn into a glorified cab service!   

Thank God for our amazing downtown.  I was able to get them outfitted in two stops.

Stop One: Saratoga Dance for all the ballet needs and a new gymnastic leotard and stretch pants.  They are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful. 

Stop Two: Saratoga Saddlery helped me get my youngest outfitted for the stables and for riding.  They have beginner level boots, cute jodhpurs, and helmets {oh yeah, it's not about the outfit} that will keep her safe{r}.

Off I go....  Duty calls...

I leave you this week with some shots from Balet Flowers and Design {how brilliant are those peonies?  I just can't get enough}.  I've been a big fan of Balet for some time. Suzanne and her team have a great love for horticulture and it shows. Their bouquets at the Farmers Market are gorgeous and their greenhouse {5041 Nelson Ave Ext, Malta NY} has a bounty of beautiful blooms awaiting your next landscaping project!  Their enthusiasm is contagious {even for a novice like me}.  They are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful - they truly want the best for you and your garden.  Treat yourself to trip out of the rain and into a floral oasis.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there {a special one to Peter - who is a wonderful father and husband}.  Have a great weekend.  The sun will come out again soon {I hope!}.

This week's giveaway winner is....

Peg

 "I adore the lost art of correspondence!" 

Congratulations!

 

Life is Good for this outdoors lovin' guy.  Comfort and function is high on this guys list.  He likes the softest tee's, the more worn in the shorts the better and he refuses to wear big boy shoes on the week end.  Nope, it's all about being on the lake, in a tent,  getting his hands dirty in the garden, or just lounging in the back yard for this guy.  Embrace his casual style with a new tee from the Gap or Life Is Good on Broadway - they have so many fun tee's, hats, sweatshirts and much more great gear with snappy sayings on them.  Of course I love the one's that play with words and phrases like "All Those Who Wander Are Not Lost".  Jake's simple message of optimism will lift your spirit and Dad's.   New Reef flip flops from Saratoga Shoe Depot and he's good to go.  Looking for a special gift for this dad?  How about a sporty watch by Swiss Army found at N Fox Jewelers.  Now he's comfy and stylin' {just don't tell him}!

 

He lived it - you love it.  You just can't get enough of Mad Men, mod graphics, or Kate Spade.  Well, this is your lucky day!  Bring your Father's Day gift into Paper Dolls of Saratoga, pick some very cool wrapping paper and the girls from PD will give your dad's gift a very retro look.  They will wrap it up to resemble what he wore in the 60's or 70's {as seen above}.  They might be able to do the 80's but that Gordon Gekko look is not very popular today given the state of the economy... 

Today's giveaway?  A kate spade {no one says retro better than kate} all occasion gift card set {above}.  Need a birthday card?  Your covered.  An interesting thank-you for that fab dinner party you attended last week end?  It's there.  Auntie Jane is under the weather?  You have a kitchy card that will lift her spirits.

Leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win a gift for yourself this week!!!  You deserve it.  You've been a good daughter and/or wife - right???  Winner announced on Friday! 

He likes to cook, you like picnics.  He cooks, you take the kids for the day while he is the master of his universe, or at least the kitchen.  He cooks, you clean {again}.  It's Father's Day.  Don't pull a Kate Gosselin {I'm nothing like her!} - let him have his fun.  Supply him with a Putnam Market gift card to get the hard-to find gourmet cheeses, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, meats, pastas, WINE, and so much more...  Then get him a great cooking tool {Le Creusent pots} or one of these very cool picnic essentials by Gourmet Getaway {wine carrier} or Picnic Time {picnic basket} from Compliments to the Chef {it is picnic season and you are due for an updated picnic tote - you'll - I mean - he'll love it!}.  Add some tickets to a SPAC event {he loves the ballet - right?} and you'll have another picnic to look forward to.  A Vineyard Vines seersucker button down along with some crisp new shorts from The Pink Paddock will give him that polished summer look you feel in love with.  Sounds like a win-win gift to me... 

All Spa City dad's look forward to Opening Day {July 29th} and spending some time at the track...  Make sure he's ready with all the essentials for a winning day!  A subscription to the Daily Racing Form and a nice pen will make sure he's more informed when he does his handicapping {let's face it enny meeny miny mo can only go so far}.  A cool linen shirt from Banana Republic and a dapper straw hat by Scala found at La Sartoria on Broadway will make him look like he's heading to the winners circle instead of hanging out on the rail {nothing wrong with that}.  A few cigars from James & Sons Tobacconists and a cooler filled with a 6 pack of his favorite beverage and some snacks from Putnam Market will ensure a good time whether he wins or loses {although he's a sure-thing in your eyes}.  This is the perfect gift for your track loving dad!

{the inspiration for this board?  My own dad who loved the track and a good cigar}

Taaa dahhhh!!!!  Doesn't she look great?! 

Nothing says summer better than white.  Crisp, clean and light is just what we are looking for on hot summer evenings.  But, when the sun goes down it's best to be prepared with a soft light weight wrap.  This is the perfect summer evening outfit for Polo, a dinner party, or a night poolside with friends. I love how the all white layer adds length to Erin, while the wrap when tied defines her waist.  Silver chain necklace and matching earrings add length but are light weight and don't over take the outfit.  A bold cuff and fun beaded bracelets complete the look.

{Pants, tank and wrap from Violet's of Saratoga.  Earrings and Necklace from Frivolous.  Silver cuff, beaded bracelets are from Erin's closet!}

Erin raves about how comfortable and easy this outfit is to wear.  The truth is you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  Erin can easily chase after her three boys in this cool cotton black swing skirt that shows off her great legs!  We paired this with her white tank {above} layered with a light weight blue tank. On cooler days or evenings at the baseball field she can layer on her blue wrap {above}, and a funky bright scarf to brighten up the ensemble.  Dainty jewelry adds just the right detail.

Having key pieces in your closet will make mix and matching easy.  This blue wrap will get tons of wear.  To show how different it can be I tied it in the back for the second look and it gave it a much different look and feel.

One of these essential wraps can be yours!!  Stop by Violet's of Saratoga, tell them DTSB sent you and they will give you 20%  off a wrap in the color of your choice - they have a plethora of colors to choose from!!  Run don't walk... 

{Skirt, white tank , and scarf are from Violet's of Saratoga  Blue tank from  Old Navy  Jewelry is Erin's own} 

 

Who:  I'm not that easy {see below}

What: Kissable Sun Protected Lips by KaplanMD

Where: The ever hip and cool DTSB {thanks to the Sanctuary Spa}

When: Today.... But you are ALWAYS a winner in my eyes...

And the winner is......................

Dora "Spa me up!" 

{please email me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com to receive your giveaway!}

  Grab your sunscreen & sneakers and come out for the Cantina Fun Run Sunday Morning to benefit Saratoga Hospital's Emergency Department!!!

Have a great week end!!!

Known as the Spa City - we take our spa's seriously.  It's our history.  It's part of who we are.  One spa that doesn't mess around is Sanctuary Spa {72 Railroad Place}.  The minute you enter you know you are some place special.  The sophisticated and soothing atmosphere allows you to start to decompress and wipe the stress away.  {What job? What kids? What wedding plans?}

Treat yourself to one of MiMi Roy's Signature Mani/Pedi's {complete with a sugar scrub and paraffin treatment} and you'll quickly turn off the Blackberry and relaaaaaaax....  MiMi is an amazing nail technician who takes pride in her craft, but her talents don't end there.  She has a classical music background {you can find her songs on itunes}.  If you are lucky, she'll break out a little song while your tootsies are made sandal ready.  She'll lull you with a sweet tune and the message chair calm your tight muscles.  You will never want to leave...

So don't!  Slip on a pair of Oka b. flip flops and head back to the relaxation room.  Sip on some water {add some Pure Inventions for a healthy boost}, or Tea forte tea.  Nibble on some nuts and fruit.  Embrace turning off the stress.

Next try a Signature Spa Facial.  75 minutes of pure bliss....  It's all natural using Jurlique {so natural and pure the company runs it's own farm to source it's ingredients to ensure purity} and Yonka products.  The aromas of citrus are so pleasant.  Combine all this with a with a scalp, arms, hands and feet message and you are reduced to a puddle. 

Wake Up!!  

Duty calls....  The boss is wondering where you disappeared to {is that possible in this PDA era???}.  The kids will be off the bus soon.  The dreaded table assignments for the wedding.... 

Just say... Spaaaaaahhhhhh.............

Before you leave don't forget to get your SPF for you face and lips.  Now you are ready for the SUN and whatever else life throws at you.

This week's giveaway...  KaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment {pictured above}... "the first complete, dermatologist formulated lip treatment created to moisturize, contour, plump, and protect".  The 3 colors - sheer ruby, sheer berry shine and natural shine add just enough color to give your lips a nice glossy glow.  

Make a comment on this post for your chance at this week's giveaway!  Winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday!!!

Let's say it together....

 Spaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! 

 

  

The cute and adventurous Sylvie, in the childrens book of the same name, won my kids and me over with her whimsical style and daring taste!  The risk-taking little flamingo is tired of being pink {and eating shrimp}.  She wants to try something new {a girl after my own heart}!  A paisley flamingo? Green? Stripped?  That just won't do... So back to eating shrimp and being pink for her, because it's important to love who you are and to take care of your body too. I won't give the end away... But, trust me when I say - this little flamingo will find her own style and stand out {either on one leg or two} in a crowd!

Written and illustrated by the very talented and LOCAL artist Jennifer Sattler.  You may remember another of Jen's childrens books, Bella's Saratoga Summer.  Her new character will steal your heart and Jen's zippy animations will make you want one book to read and another to rip out the pictures and frame.

Meet Jen and get an autographed copy of the book!  Friday, June 12th, 6:30 at Barnes and Noble {Rt. 50}.