Gift Ideas: November 2008 Archives

Crepes and pomme frites after church at Ravenous 21 Phila Street.

Anticipating Santa's arrival.
Give him your wish list on Wednesday December 3rd, 7:00 p.m. when he arrives at his home on Broadway (directly across from Caroline Street).

G. Willikers window.
In keeping with my euro day - this store never disappoints. Wooden toys, games, dolls, puzzles from Europe, train sets, trucks, stuffed animals, beautiful dolls and accessories, animal figures, tea sets, jewelry boxes (can you tell I have girls), model cars, animal figurines and much much more. If you are looking for a shopping experience that will leave you feeling like you are giving a unique high quality gift as well as a toy that will last a life time - it's worth a stop here for your little ones.

After strolling Broadway enjoying the real first snow fall of the season and the Christmas decorations, I treated my daughter (and myself) to a hot drink and an irresistible french pastry at Mrs. London's 464 Broadway. A taste (a delicious one at that) of Paris on Broadway.

Cafe et chocolat chaud.

Joyeux Noel!

PaperDolls of Saratoga 80 Henry Street: 20% off all week end if you tell them DownTownSusieBrown sent you!

80 West 80 West Circular: Open 9 am to 6 pm. 15% off jewelry, 20% off shoes and bags, 30% off clothing and 40% off sale items.

Violet's of Saratoga 482 Broadway: 50% off on items in the store from 6 am to 7 am, 40% off from 7 am to 8 am, 30% off from 8 am to 9 am, 20% off from 9 am on.

G. Willikers: 10% off all week end

Down Street Market Place (Aggie's, Lucia, Pomega, etc) 454 Broadway: sales going on all weekend.

Speck Boutique 353 Broadway: 30% off from 8 am to 9 am, 20% off from 9 am to close. Additional secret savings of up to 50% in the store!

Mimosa Gallery 70c Beekman Street: 20% off all week end.

Have fun getting into the spirit of the season!

Thanks to Martha Stewart we have had a resurgence of do-it yourselfers. These talented and creative people knit, sew, and quilt. They make hand made jewelry, ornaments, pottery, handbags, doll clothes, and much much more. Where do they find the time? Then there are people like me. Love those handmade items. Love the quality, craftsmanship and creativity. Love giving (or receiving) a one-of-a-kind item. It means so much. If you are looking for these types of gifts this holiday season and don't have the time to make them yourself, check out the 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday, November 29, 2008 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $2.00 entrance fee. All proceeds help the Saratoga Center of The Family's battle against child abuse and neglect.
Now that's guilt-free shopping!

{Looking for your own holiday craft ideas? Check out Martha Stewart for the above Felt Stocking craft and a lot more inspirational ideas!}

Feeling 1950's Glam for this Holiday look ...

Above brooches were both gifts for my birthday.
The pink beauty is from my classy and 50's NYC era in-laws - love hearing their stories about scooter rides on Park Avenue, martini lunches and Lower East Side apartments. The rhinestone knock out is from a vintage loving friend, Tiffany (not the legendary Manhattan store - but a legend in her own right!) - how perfect is that name for her? She's classy, stylish and my favorite Recessionista. She loves hunting down the vintage stores for great finds (I feel a guest blogger coming).

The brooches inspired this Holiday outfit.

1 LBD * + Sparkle + Color = One Fabulous Retro Holiday Look

* {LBD little black dress}

dress from Violets Boutique on Broadway, rhinestone brooch from a local antique store, wrap from Trappings (remember that great store) and shoes by J.Crew

Best to embrace the season and make the most of it.
I'll help.
My first great gift idea is this pretty shopper by Smudge Ink sold at PaperDolls, 80 Henry Street ; $10.00.
With so much food and gift shopping to do the next couple of weeks - why not do it in style with these tasteful totes? Or give them as gifts - wouldn't your child's teacher love this filled with some local seasonal items?
It's green and it won't put you in the red!

I hope you are inspired ...

Have a great week end preparing for next weeks feast!
For more ideas check out www.eddieross.com

Love these sweet birds from the Saratoga Shoe Depot. I plan on using them all through the Christmas season. Saratoga Shoe Depot, 385 Broadway; $5.95.

These twig pumpkins and pear that I got last year will add texture. They play well with my new plates, especially the bowls that have a bird nest look to them. Accents at Allerdice Division and Walworth Streets.

These polished but slightly worn acorns will go well with the sophisticated rustic table setting I have in mind. Saratoga Shoe Depot, 385 Broadway; $11.95.

Bring a little of the outdoors inside! These pumpkins will replace flowers and bring "life" to the table.

I made the short and pretty trip out to Schuyler Pond 727 Route 29 East. I love the drive. The view of the Vermont Green Mountains is breathtaking. Ending my short trip at Schuyler Pond is such a treat. I can't help but be inspired by all their beautiful and eclectic items. They have everything from outdoor accessories, fine soaps and candles, gorgeous table top items, exquisite bedding and pillows, unique furniture and home accessories, and much more. I went looking for some inspiration for the Thanksgiving table. They did not disappoint.

I found these beautiful plates, bowls, and coffee cups by Jeremie at Schuyler Pond. I'm loving the robins egg blue. I have been all year! The color along with the rustic twig details really spoke to me and I knew would work well in my dining room. Don't you think this blue with the pop of orange (thanks to pumpkins), classic white linens and polished silver will give this years table a more unexpected, but sophisticated look? I'm going to try it and see!
Stay tuned...

One week and counting until the big day.
In the last month I relived my high school days with the "cool chicks of '86" (it was high school - what can I say?), went back to my husband's college and attempted to fathom that college was 20 years ago! Visited NYC - where I spent my 20's and where so much of who I am was molded. Well, it's time to put those times behind me and embrace the 40's. But, before I do so - I need to look fabulous!! I'm ready mentally - but it's time to get there physically! Gym classes to suffer through, nails to be done, facials, eye-brow's to be waxed, and of course a great outfit to be found! Lot's to do - but I'm sure I'll be able to get it all done downtown!
(above glasses found at the loose-caboose at Saratoga Shoe Depot. Painting on the base done at Creative Sparks on Phila Street)