tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695759102332332142024-03-13T14:27:07.355-07:00Downtown Susie BrownSusie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-46147956278699210272011-02-28T18:15:00.000-08:002011-03-01T12:35:19.588-08:00I've Traded Fashion for Furniture {temporarily!}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3oJg4WzCizJFy8zGy0yd4sQBSnJvmpBOpB8mXk9iK5GC0GEfjvTp0p6TiOZMFBs6EUZi7WpoAUvJvsoxLnseIVYYPWZJuWRFWUEaobE2eT9kRhVGcT2rUw20VYM0RXnefMPR9ms0MAMU/s1600/Nate+Berkus.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578931697706421330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3oJg4WzCizJFy8zGy0yd4sQBSnJvmpBOpB8mXk9iK5GC0GEfjvTp0p6TiOZMFBs6EUZi7WpoAUvJvsoxLnseIVYYPWZJuWRFWUEaobE2eT9kRhVGcT2rUw20VYM0RXnefMPR9ms0MAMU/s320/Nate+Berkus.jpg" /></a> OK, OK ... I stole that line from Carrie Bradshaw from the last <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">SATC</span> movie. But, it's been true these last few months of settling into our "home-away-from-home" in NYC. Thanks to the help of some of my very talented and gifted interior design friends and being obsessed with interior design magazines, blogs, the very cool on-line magazine Lonny, and of course the adorable Nate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Berkus</span> Show. I have been able to transform our 2 bedroom apartment into a home for 5 {plus the 75 lb. Golden!}. I still have some work to do, but it's getting there. I scored some tickets to the Nate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Berkus</span> Show and after being stood up the first time {I'll forgive you, Nate}, I got in on the second try {and VIP treatment}. It was worth it. Loved the show, the experience I shared with my good friend D who drove from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> to join me, and the tips Nate gave us. D and I were good audience participates - clapped, chuckled, cheered all at the appropriate times... It wasn't hard - Nate made it easy!<br /><br /><br /><br />Grab your popcorn...our show airs today!<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmm</span>..... I hope they got my outfit....</em>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-59335241522934072212011-02-10T13:11:00.000-08:002011-02-10T13:23:09.799-08:00"In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made..." {Jay-Z}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcMVgMh-0EobOa4Kw2KPaRyOTjw5wZWjgYBejCHgtxfB4ZpIINIJj_rp2PIVZNhUNrhZxU94GJ6OYlp25oA6drNSW26lvYbxSNNrZzf7TyKgZsmKhgRESoBmDeikeb9_XNUHg2KQ5Q20Z/s1600/gw+bridge.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572174417501260338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcMVgMh-0EobOa4Kw2KPaRyOTjw5wZWjgYBejCHgtxfB4ZpIINIJj_rp2PIVZNhUNrhZxU94GJ6OYlp25oA6drNSW26lvYbxSNNrZzf7TyKgZsmKhgRESoBmDeikeb9_XNUHg2KQ5Q20Z/s320/gw+bridge.JPG" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>There's nothing you <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">caaaaan't</span> </em>do now you're in <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Neeeeew</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yoooork</span></em>"...</div><div> </div><div> I hear my kids singing this along with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jaz</span>-Z as we cross the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">GW</span> Bridge into Manhattan to <a id="FALINK_2_0_1" class="FAAdLink" href="http://uptownsusiebrown.blogspot.com/#">start</a> our new life in the city of dreams. The car is packed full with anticipation, anxiousness, excitement, worry {me} oh yeah... and all the necessities {including our 75 lb. Golden Retriever, Ginger}. Luckily we didn't have to bring everything from our 4500 square foot clap board Colonial we left in an idyllic <a id="FALINK_1_0_0" class="FAAdLink" href="http://uptownsusiebrown.blogspot.com/#">college</a> town to move to a 1200 square foot 2 bedroom apartment on Manhattan's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">UES</span>. It's exciting! It's adventure! The mood is light, we are all singing to Jay-Z and hoping the best for the next chapter of our lives...<br /><br />My husband's job changed after the <em>Fall </em>of '08. So did our family life. He started living and working in NYC Monday - Friday. I stayed home and dealt with the kids, the dog, and the house. I started my own shopping blog that highlighted style and trends. I directed readers where to find them locally in our town's amazing shops and boutiques. I hosted shopping events {before Ms. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wintour</span>, I might add}, and did "enhancements" {make-overs}. I had visions of turning it into an on-line magazine for local style mavin's. Who knows - maybe I will some day.This lifestyle of only seeing daddy on the weekends was quickly taking it's toll. We went from a family that ate dinner together every night to barely seeing each other. The week ends weren't long enough. Dad {Peter} wanted to veg out at home while Mom needed to get out and <a id="FALINK_3_0_2" class="FAAdLink" href="http://uptownsusiebrown.blogspot.com/#">play</a> {without the kids}. It was becoming quite clear that we needed to make a change for the family."Let's move the family to New York! It will be great!! You love New York!!!" Peter exclaimed many times and I had thought to myself. I do love New York. It was worth a try. I jumped into this crazy idea with both feet and started frantically looking into schools for our girls {E - middle school. M and L - elementary school}. That was no easy feat, as anyone knows who has raised children in NYC and tried to get their kids into "good" schools. Which pretty much covers private, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">parochial</span> or well zoned public schools. With a lot of phone calls, the help of some super moms who advised me on how the system works, trips to the city for tests and more tests, forms to fill out, money to pay, novenas being prayed, and proof of address {people rent studio apartments at $2000/mo just to secure a place in a "good" public school}. Thank the Almighty that we choose an apartment that would fit our family {<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">snuggly</span>} if we did make this change in a highly sought after public school zone.<br /><br />We <em>could </em>do this. We<em> will</em> do this! We rent our house when we are not using it {always good to own a house in a destination town}, got the kids in good schools, got an apartment on the Upper East Side , everything is set.<br /><br />That is only just the beginning....</div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-36600364934896857232010-07-25T15:45:00.000-07:002010-07-25T18:30:50.565-07:00Opening Day Weekend = Bee..autiful Hats {and a little humor}!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc033ewcBH4NgUDUoRrZGg-9nARFDTeDe-W6wB-6pu-cbUMEHjuOvfuitgI6L1Q1fY0adwvYPXBOvkAaSPQte0MKVBNttvayizlxEYn1CdmzROlMxVBcVBPeNeC1ppXHeR9cWm7oRyJqv/s1600/bee-hat-3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497983824770818290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc033ewcBH4NgUDUoRrZGg-9nARFDTeDe-W6wB-6pu-cbUMEHjuOvfuitgI6L1Q1fY0adwvYPXBOvkAaSPQte0MKVBNttvayizlxEYn1CdmzROlMxVBcVBPeNeC1ppXHeR9cWm7oRyJqv/s320/bee-hat-3.jpg" /></a> {my track hat by <a href="http://www.jenniferhoertz.com/jen.swf">Jennifer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hoertz</span></a>. She designs whimsical yet stylish hats - I happen to love my flapper style with the cute little bee's flying around. Find one for yourself at Hunt, Ltd. or Barney's New York.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI5FFpAL5KafIHEnetm49yae3H5O9SiE2hug6TasRtX_qJKFJ_BR_9sYDgqIIZHG4joVSMZpWgM2fwiHPw7lWiyxeBmi0pW7OfDSWmbw4kWnNwfkRmqQY2F0lSfzGdPPSNEGRDXqTtRfu/s1600/bee-hat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497983815044129442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI5FFpAL5KafIHEnetm49yae3H5O9SiE2hug6TasRtX_qJKFJ_BR_9sYDgqIIZHG4joVSMZpWgM2fwiHPw7lWiyxeBmi0pW7OfDSWmbw4kWnNwfkRmqQY2F0lSfzGdPPSNEGRDXqTtRfu/s320/bee-hat.jpg" /></a> {played my lucky numbers today and WON!}<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYzFYvC5_HbHIPkloZ2_I5hsaiY63Y-RMgGpXEOTrrErrBAve3Mag_qmFy6K1vloNAqGL6zUH6vCG-fGfbTP20pNcS9fjuumNSHV0_CzfiXuThnQ519Q_QuOe61E2ISLhhYrtvgl6Sk9Y/s1600/bee-hat-2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497983811037543570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYzFYvC5_HbHIPkloZ2_I5hsaiY63Y-RMgGpXEOTrrErrBAve3Mag_qmFy6K1vloNAqGL6zUH6vCG-fGfbTP20pNcS9fjuumNSHV0_CzfiXuThnQ519Q_QuOe61E2ISLhhYrtvgl6Sk9Y/s320/bee-hat-2.jpg" /></a> {my numbers? 6 and 1. And I won $161 on a $2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">exacta</span> box - weird - huh?}<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBJoP1fjSbY3SYaVH2mJJDcPzg-vFwa2jy2fIPi751kJ-jH4YCA7BXrTzgSHuoE9aX5kocLFYFBfKLL2EX3MhuZ2CzsXzjdWL0YdTxkhVsg_FG30QssT7zVBwR6s7uoNOJnIMIrAYhQ3K/s1600/horse-hat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497983803758619218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBJoP1fjSbY3SYaVH2mJJDcPzg-vFwa2jy2fIPi751kJ-jH4YCA7BXrTzgSHuoE9aX5kocLFYFBfKLL2EX3MhuZ2CzsXzjdWL0YdTxkhVsg_FG30QssT7zVBwR6s7uoNOJnIMIrAYhQ3K/s320/horse-hat.jpg" /></a> {my daughter's favorite hat. It's good not to take yourself or your fashion too seriously. This <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">stylin</span>' lady was clearly having a fun time at the track and letting her personality shine through! Check out the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratogian</span> to see who wins the hat contest held at the track today}.</div><br /></div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-5783197018807365362010-07-17T06:26:00.000-07:002010-07-17T07:01:15.487-07:00A Classic Summer Look<div style="POSITION: relative; WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 400px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/blue_white_yellow/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=20857999"><img title="Blue, White and Yellow" border="0" alt="Blue, White and Yellow" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFk5tTE1TcWFSM3hHSjBNb3pLYkRLdEEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a><a style="POSITION: absolute; LINE-HEIGHT: 1%; BOTTOM: 2px; RIGHT: 2px" href="http://www.polyvore.com/"><img style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" alt="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" src="http://www.polyvorecdn.com/rsrc/img/logo_embed_alt_63x21.png" /></a></div><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/blue_white_yellow/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=20857999">Blue, White and Yellow</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=612492">downtownsusiebrown</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/petit_bateau_t_shirts/shop?brand=Petit+Bateau&category_id=21">Petit Bateau t shirts</a></small><br /><p><small><span style="font-size:100%;">I have always loved navy blue and white together {maybe it goes back to my uniform wearing days?}. So crisp and clean. So Classic. Go French and wear a sailor top {I found a great one at the </span><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&vid=1&pid=751148"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gap</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> this week - they have tons of stripes right now}, and skinny jeans {I put dark denim above but white skinny jeans would look amazing as well!}. Or Preppy American - Navy and White Lilly Pulitzer dress {great window at Pink Paddock showing off all their lovely blue and white frocks}, and Jack Rogers {every girl needs a pair of these classic summer sandals found at Stella's or Pink Paddock}. Make the outfit pop with a bright and sunny yellow accessory. This Kate Spade bag is the perfect bag for either outfit. Red lips and red nails and you are ready for the track, polo, the ballet or concert at </span><a href="http://www.spac.org/calendar.php"><span style="font-size:100%;">SPAC,</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> lunch in town, cocktails poolside or wherever your summer plans lead you!</span></small><small><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><br /></small>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-50586207938877113102010-07-06T14:26:00.000-07:002010-07-17T05:44:30.251-07:00Girlfriends are gifts...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlz301VYCOgi3tx6eHMyQT4p-vrq8gevpf9Z8YNj9HBrM42UBbCirkbjXCcBf27eCypEgZA3o1avHjCOO3EtdiFwZ88JNaXPgQhEQFZ3cjYB4TKvdc04UnjlZz1pu16YRKLTL4Hee77Ne/s1600/keep+calm+and+carry+on.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490907768000368002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlz301VYCOgi3tx6eHMyQT4p-vrq8gevpf9Z8YNj9HBrM42UBbCirkbjXCcBf27eCypEgZA3o1avHjCOO3EtdiFwZ88JNaXPgQhEQFZ3cjYB4TKvdc04UnjlZz1pu16YRKLTL4Hee77Ne/s320/keep+calm+and+carry+on.jpg" /></a> My very good friend, Carolyn, just gave me the above print for our new place in NYC. It is the perfect reminder for me, especially these days. Life {<em>midlife</em>} is NUTS! Marriage, kids, aging parents, getting ready to rent the house for a few weeks of track, setting up the apartment to be our home-away-from-home, worrying about the oil spill, the financial crisis, walking the dog, the heat, new schools for the girls {are they reading enough? are their math skills sharp enough for the competitive nature of NYC? Are they (am I) ready for all of that???}. Plus providing healthy meals, working out, and maintaining a spiritual life is enough to send the most sane person over the edge! I don't even have a full-time job outside the house, and only have 3 kids (I have sisters with as many as 8). So how do we stay sane? By<em> keeping calm</em> and <strong><em>girlfriends</em></strong>. My girlfriends, which include my sisters, are the ones I turn to especially during these times when I am feeling frightened and unsure of myself. They listen. They let me vent, whine, laugh, cry - whatever is needed at that moment. They share a good book, a cup of coffee, a run, or a much needed glass of wine by the end of the day. They make me see the humor and beauty in life and encourage me to take chances. They point out how precious our kids are, how important raising them is even if we may not feel like we are doing it well. So, THANK YOU to all my friends for<em> keeping me calm</em> and allowing me to <em>carry on</em>!Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-5656591859284551952010-06-26T06:44:00.000-07:002010-07-17T05:46:35.595-07:00Drive In {the Outfit}<div style="POSITION: relative; WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 400px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/drive_in/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=20088546"><img title="Drive In" border="0" alt="Drive In" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFllMRElnaWlCM3hHWGR4cXpCb2dzQncAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a><a style="POSITION: absolute; LINE-HEIGHT: 1%; BOTTOM: 2px; RIGHT: 2px" href="http://www.polyvore.com/"><img style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" alt="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" src="http://www.polyvorecdn.com/rsrc/img/logo_embed_alt_63x21.png" /></a></div><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/drive_in/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=20088546">Drive In</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=612492">downtownsusiebrown</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/paige_denim_jeans/shop?brand=Paige+Denim&category_id=27">Paige Denim jeans</a></small><br /><br /><br />Best to stay with the retro vibe and who does that better than <a href="http://www.katespade.com/">Kate Spade </a>{top} and <a href="http://www.toryburch.com/">Tory Burch </a>{sandals - told you I love 'em}. Can't get too dressed up for the drive-in so I chose to wear them with my Paige Denim boyfriends {from <a href="http://www.violetsofsaratoga.com/">Violet's </a>of Saratoga}. A cardi {<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/">J.Crew</a>} is a must when the sun goes down. Don't forget the homemade popcorn {I found re-usable containers in the classic popcorn motif at <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a>}, bug spray and blankets to snuggle in and on!Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-70954499508305793282010-06-25T13:09:00.001-07:002010-06-25T13:09:45.217-07:00Let Summer 2010 Begin!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5486805961650403154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jDeBnPMbp27I7HJYlkUSf0-f11Pc1xorpXHXPnX3InHR6_rv98bhEr_m_ooNNOhev3jwpD_rFln3uY3YB2KdYfZcC_OHFUzsOR3xrT3c5OhuhFY5LfIu_AHi_hmjHjU_UJwCv5i96alU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />{made it through all the end-of-the-year craziness. Here is my very stylin' tween on her way to her 5th grade moving up party. Middle school here we come!} <br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5486805981555360882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpjvyyhS8xQxP9VDnn7AEdGlgPc_TtSHZNSf9lKBRvpPFSUtsjQ-3aXD8waLkHOKkSDMzALVCdM9UxtmKJVzYCdlEsx0TyLeBN6NY-vZ3kBeWJTEqEZNWPzJKw8kr0Nartn3afCaPqKJ1/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />{bff's snuggled up to watch...}<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5486806001002038738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6VTl3RCKZhOHmpH2au0Xfm007pZouvCbXqzyDr7VVWhCj-d9RfogQzZ4es2oOwwCB4L8ESSnj9PFWds5X2gBkVlHVIOHUaXStpqBVmSFlvChv1J9CkkdLsMNWtnZkONN_s6KE4nzbG2z/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />{a movie at Malta Drive-In Theater. A retro, yet very fun way to kick off the summer!} <br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5486806019476351138'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMNoKW3AvoL3phIAjEi8oCNQBuCNcrkgY3QvmrYHYiaWa4DXx5H6jC9ejJs8h5f4QJFMpXcDVsDYxzxX6HwUdPxraxkzMAS6I55H_0wfmZE6LrgDZgMmqT6LL8ZPIz2b50hQJlBkIJcvY/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />{a very special treat at Ben and Jerry's to celebrate good report cards...}<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5486806044258355602'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbgHMsim-KSnnqN45Njjq0QNDE-jt2KRIEQlRIs_2dcIUQc-zgrV-OXu-J_k7USOA49YxGVKX0C6dX0UoHAFPiXZPdCEMPGuRe5i6RPKbERYdIwxZOlgyV7fGMjM3vnVqCcQr4Zs2qhZD/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />{a half Vermonster.... Done!}<br /><br />How have you kicked off your summer?<br />Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-39394155230324656782010-06-08T18:56:00.001-07:002010-06-08T19:56:01.006-07:00Loving my....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjtr7vIQFzXCGiyfUJypgjL9TyaFku85l99OpyEn4DR8S6kgHCZmSfUsGjXY34QWsdEIXcbApwv5FcuG7mOi9yufGWkLDsa_pRDe3KQfgIm_sJFynd1pJZVLeM1Uwm2MyV0zJnivYQIj-/s1600/tory+burch+sandals.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480587144348609922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjtr7vIQFzXCGiyfUJypgjL9TyaFku85l99OpyEn4DR8S6kgHCZmSfUsGjXY34QWsdEIXcbApwv5FcuG7mOi9yufGWkLDsa_pRDe3KQfgIm_sJFynd1pJZVLeM1Uwm2MyV0zJnivYQIj-/s320/tory+burch+sandals.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbk_o1DEKeVf-OvOT-SRhLGK8rqq6QJ9nrY6r9HspXYjsUi4P013rJK7gZ31M9ZEuLV0ZpW4sJl2ij9dUaEJ8TtflmeKLZlMCT6PD_xArCk0j1Da2AiaJ4OmymLLIyKxPQHI8h303SGFN/s1600/tory+burch+sandals.jpg"></a>Tory Burch "Miller" Sandals. Unfortunately, I did not find them downtown Saratoga, but on a recent trip to Las Vegas. I'm a big fan of <a href="http://ww.toryburch.com/">Tory Burch</a>. Much of her inspiration comes from her {former actress} mother, Reva {which she named her <em>very</em> popular <a href="http://http//www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/category.jsp?icCategory=cat130014&icSort=">ballet flat </a>after}. She plays tribute to her mom's exceptional style, love of travel and her socialite standing in many of her designs. <em>The catch is...</em> her price points are attainable to those of us who want to buy "designer wear" but at <em>reasonable</em> prices. You get quality and style. I've had my Reva Ballet Flats for... <em>let's see</em>... my youngest was in pre-school... <em>4 years!</em> And counting. Looks like these Miller sandals will get me through a few summers.</div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-52694098121599869762010-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:002010-06-07T04:23:27.060-07:00The Real Housewives of Saratoga Celebrate a Birthday and the Return of SATC!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ93kNfAY1eDXho5XqUAi3r4kM80wXIqpnJOYiRGeBPpqYU1RnINxF0B4coOkXSRb4RYyYHSwK-Jxh1iIXXIiIhHngeoE-4jLgNLwVxboIV2DpiVUVixxLQtQnokhKrxfKlvSGN0XDxTY/s1600/janet's-50-leona-and-janet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479721459024489778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ93kNfAY1eDXho5XqUAi3r4kM80wXIqpnJOYiRGeBPpqYU1RnINxF0B4coOkXSRb4RYyYHSwK-Jxh1iIXXIiIhHngeoE-4jLgNLwVxboIV2DpiVUVixxLQtQnokhKrxfKlvSGN0XDxTY/s320/janet's-50-leona-and-janet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRRo2Ca9a-Ku1ODCW_LXH7wJLtjBwkbgWbhyphenhyphenmmCdCFBxESYJamIpVkQ-nItOaZvjF1Zv8f9ioOnqgLMTUHiz8hpvJ45uGx0gXdJGsx1RngyY6eHeE148To_C79JCdtDvQRj731bMzX_m_/s1600/janet's-50-movie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479721454484500354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRRo2Ca9a-Ku1ODCW_LXH7wJLtjBwkbgWbhyphenhyphenmmCdCFBxESYJamIpVkQ-nItOaZvjF1Zv8f9ioOnqgLMTUHiz8hpvJ45uGx0gXdJGsx1RngyY6eHeE148To_C79JCdtDvQRj731bMzX_m_/s320/janet's-50-movie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTE8XTl7VoBCF0gbKbst5vrFdCXXLq9pAF3m2BtbF7rRPVzWQCJinkr9PhGGswxSxnCjgdQZT9IfSSDPcH9vYwzDmyShdzFaGgpgBYdvvMD_lb-A45D2b8GBGn7p09spClGW_d00ytY8n/s1600/janet's-50-movie.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PYC4Yx9792s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PYC4Yx9792s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />OK - we are more than <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">housewives</span>... Artist, teachers, designers, sales women, lawyers, nurses, and most of all... <em>moms </em>- but hear us roar! We went out to celebrate the return of some old friends.... Samantha, Carrie, Miranda, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Charlotte and the birthday of a very stylish local friend - Janet. The perfect night started at the Wilton Mall {who needs Vegas?}, followed by cosmos {of course} at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiz</span> Now and some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nibblies</span> at Bailey's. we did our best to not let the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SATC</span> girls down in the style department - Janet treated herself to a dress from <a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/">Rent-the Runway</a>, where you can rent a dress for a special <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">occasion</span> and it will only cost you $50.00. One friend referred to it as Janet's "net <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">flix</span> dress" - works about the same way!</span> <div><div></div><div>Nothing like a night out with the girls!</div></div></div></div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-39903625894325961772010-05-28T08:30:00.000-07:002010-06-08T19:54:01.776-07:00Richard's Coming Out {Enhancement part 2}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx8dx_ZbxIlA7s2fTyTCpN75DViidsLTW3l1Zfe9v4K4p4oAIg9rPPmOhAv69pzJKu2DKv3tSghbu9k-R9DJOo5tgrZvsyyhBREtaxRTnm6cuBMHEcEJ0I4MJzTor-v-lwf_6lsctdeDw/s1600/richard-and-annmarie.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476344274498074242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx8dx_ZbxIlA7s2fTyTCpN75DViidsLTW3l1Zfe9v4K4p4oAIg9rPPmOhAv69pzJKu2DKv3tSghbu9k-R9DJOo5tgrZvsyyhBREtaxRTnm6cuBMHEcEJ0I4MJzTor-v-lwf_6lsctdeDw/s320/richard-and-annmarie.jpg" /></a> Richard's new look would not have been complete without a visit to Ann Marie Flores' The Salon on Broadway. She took his shabby look and made it sleek and stylish.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF7BiLGd41_78tnBFKmhZ2ll9vVCe_uVy7_1_UEXte5nt1PCrWSOsi6RynWcRbewCl-WTpr0DJgXuMFBaGg8DatfLzaU2Rrgk2B6auZAgp-_K6877R9Pg7kyi0_uUhrrAt8PWCoE5Ur6s/s1600/richard-and-product.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476344270832175522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF7BiLGd41_78tnBFKmhZ2ll9vVCe_uVy7_1_UEXte5nt1PCrWSOsi6RynWcRbewCl-WTpr0DJgXuMFBaGg8DatfLzaU2Rrgk2B6auZAgp-_K6877R9Pg7kyi0_uUhrrAt8PWCoE5Ur6s/s320/richard-and-product.jpg" /></a> Richard with Ann Marie and his "products" by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Redken</span>. Ann Marie enlightened Richard in the use of hair products to enhance his new hair style.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx0q3CHKZMidk0hi3UtSBmvPPvztCt246FuxiCA8PuyVnvn4Sad0LfGsgfTo8gRwqUCkmm9jMyd4y1DiFNc1SAaxf7wxKW-9k4Vws7_zvekA1xe7Oc8LoBS0bsFfxViT8ubbxhG8_RhDw/s1600/Richard-kiss.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 151px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476344263361449762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx0q3CHKZMidk0hi3UtSBmvPPvztCt246FuxiCA8PuyVnvn4Sad0LfGsgfTo8gRwqUCkmm9jMyd4y1DiFNc1SAaxf7wxKW-9k4Vws7_zvekA1xe7Oc8LoBS0bsFfxViT8ubbxhG8_RhDw/s320/Richard-kiss.jpg" /></a> Richard greeted his guests in his "before" look {I told you he had a sense of humor}. A quick thank-you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">smooch</span> for his personal stylist before the new Richard was let OUT OF THE CLOSET!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-58409315247629420082010-05-16T12:52:00.000-07:002010-05-18T06:43:06.342-07:00Richard's COMING OUT! {Enhancement - part 1}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dBj2mA3RLFV5EKomkCrhiinTRkzubuAdBwTlnLhfXZf6X1zgnTTzoNnrQU5pXQJd2glmqF-2UWo1fORhZyaKWjwUFcBF8FZZDbSBdg5Q4GM4303_d5WnpNpYJASw3ZKsU3Iytj7-MkMa/s1600/Richard-Drop-off.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471960410079619778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dBj2mA3RLFV5EKomkCrhiinTRkzubuAdBwTlnLhfXZf6X1zgnTTzoNnrQU5pXQJd2glmqF-2UWo1fORhZyaKWjwUFcBF8FZZDbSBdg5Q4GM4303_d5WnpNpYJASw3ZKsU3Iytj7-MkMa/s320/Richard-Drop-off.jpg" /></a> Richard's new "drop off" ensemble is a welcome update. He's now a <em>retro</em> dad wearing black EB Tek pants from Eddie Bauer, a cotton zip sweater from Banana Republic and Adidas Samba Sneakers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEjKyMpu2u2OEUvxHTqAixVmFfBd4YGm6iUsnpmBPvG2Gt9c_sZfRT1rGPLdAIKx0UwKoFm3P8q6K1eeKGcsIVN81SkUqRM933j7CxDq-jhfOMIceOiwugffScezov8qZCe58CCpUXIOQ/s1600/richard-and-deb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 158px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471959197826050322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEjKyMpu2u2OEUvxHTqAixVmFfBd4YGm6iUsnpmBPvG2Gt9c_sZfRT1rGPLdAIKx0UwKoFm3P8q6K1eeKGcsIVN81SkUqRM933j7CxDq-jhfOMIceOiwugffScezov8qZCe58CCpUXIOQ/s320/richard-and-deb.jpg" /></a> Cutting the Rug with his beautiful wife, Deborah. Richard made it clear that his clothes had to be stylish yet comfortable enough to wear dancing {another great love}. He and his wife currently dance with <a href="http://www.tangofusiondance.com/">Tango Fusion Dance Company</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuQLGdt8IYgNZ_mZEoRVuEJ6NzRHjTKpy_u5gvarBzF2Rh_RNdhUoanFsWyCT9Bg2rhYkXhNtLPK2QBameIpPmJK8DWqG8w9T23iliCt8V21Koa7zTRCHx7d95w13ubvLew_Ar5E4N5PL/s1600/richard-swingers.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471959197227632370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuQLGdt8IYgNZ_mZEoRVuEJ6NzRHjTKpy_u5gvarBzF2Rh_RNdhUoanFsWyCT9Bg2rhYkXhNtLPK2QBameIpPmJK8DWqG8w9T23iliCt8V21Koa7zTRCHx7d95w13ubvLew_Ar5E4N5PL/s320/richard-swingers.jpg" /></a> More amazing Tango Fusion dancers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99ACSJdsBnAA9623DGPUvb0PF-obriIcShQMbSeweY4nZA0aS8Qtz3BBcopTg2FNBVOYKuLdLmBHDlV2YSU5Lg4uaZQUJJrAu5vqsJAWSPVQGOH5X9xYnob2uMYhHu24GtDH9e6I9OoG3/s1600/richard-sportcoat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471959191639845522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99ACSJdsBnAA9623DGPUvb0PF-obriIcShQMbSeweY4nZA0aS8Qtz3BBcopTg2FNBVOYKuLdLmBHDlV2YSU5Lg4uaZQUJJrAu5vqsJAWSPVQGOH5X9xYnob2uMYhHu24GtDH9e6I9OoG3/s320/richard-sportcoat.jpg" /></a> As a software developer, Richard doesn't have a big need for lots of stuffy suits and ties, but wanted a more put together casual look that he could wear when traveling. The khaki sport coat is from Macy's. Sweater, shirt, and jeans all from Banana Republic.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsQruQj7jmV7fmgbEenW1SJcAtNq7Xh05fH0HRcpjUtz7la8TIrDRiKaj49czbo52MPa_K_7Yh75pDAJU5QBgyWtXww3wAJp9TCjDR2lSoDpVSTee1YUrq6nnoytFzSREz58InYQCrCeo/s1600/richard-in-suit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471959185808175330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsQruQj7jmV7fmgbEenW1SJcAtNq7Xh05fH0HRcpjUtz7la8TIrDRiKaj49czbo52MPa_K_7Yh75pDAJU5QBgyWtXww3wAJp9TCjDR2lSoDpVSTee1YUrq6nnoytFzSREz58InYQCrCeo/s320/richard-in-suit.jpg" /></a> Every well dressed man needs at least one good suit. We got his at Brook Brother's. Tie from Jos. A Banks. Deborah {wearing a flirty dress from Violet's} is his best accessory.</div><div></div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-67707253833874948532010-05-05T19:26:00.000-07:002010-05-05T19:43:03.992-07:00Who is that Dapper Man??? {Enhancement}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbMi6Of4-Q3cuVJYWoyyzMdMLx_pbICYTFFDQWuyomwnn34OiZ8O601LpqayASdMsCU1OsM-bYQU6iNNhOi79gxi-ZCk-Ut1TEdYY26dqnbGE1VD6J4mgMKZmqf_c60OmYvWHjFyD4AvO/s1600/Richards+Make+Over+057.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467978275517846450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbMi6Of4-Q3cuVJYWoyyzMdMLx_pbICYTFFDQWuyomwnn34OiZ8O601LpqayASdMsCU1OsM-bYQU6iNNhOi79gxi-ZCk-Ut1TEdYY26dqnbGE1VD6J4mgMKZmqf_c60OmYvWHjFyD4AvO/s320/Richards+Make+Over+057.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">{photo by Kim Purdy}</span></div>Could it be??? No - it can't be.... No sweats, no baggy jeans, no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">p.j.</span> bottoms with a faded tee??? No one could believe it... But it happened...<em> I transformed Richard</em>.<br /><br />It was a great night of new stylish looks, dancing, cocktails, laughs, good friends and an enhanced Richard.<br /><br /><em>Stay tuned for all the sartorial fun...</em>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-5648382506710485202010-04-19T18:15:00.000-07:002010-04-19T19:04:30.973-07:00things that make ME happy.... {beauty}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzL8c-0DLzcbcG3x16IkGxz6Hk0NWBlysT86cOBMOqL_XAkG4gzIb29ufElli4qbU14P9m_VKHWfx4ITznRqSHidm9hVJdZoBYY8SQftSFu1f-Vh1U85jdC6Zzo84TafnF8BI8xmoZe0g/s1600/dermalogica+lip+complex.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462022456699643746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzL8c-0DLzcbcG3x16IkGxz6Hk0NWBlysT86cOBMOqL_XAkG4gzIb29ufElli4qbU14P9m_VKHWfx4ITznRqSHidm9hVJdZoBYY8SQftSFu1f-Vh1U85jdC6Zzo84TafnF8BI8xmoZe0g/s320/dermalogica+lip+complex.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyInr0lJVQdlgIh34zcz6Rr9Nv4PN2lHtoMISuYgJ25ens2JxIF1IoQMM-06cxSNDZVChPuyUrb-R8Z_eS5PATrDcGVKcyRUgDePj4c_pf9IQUSs6oZy8J7D64Gj7BImP3wQHAa_whWLE/s1600/dermalogica+hand+cream.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9OF9uNB9dA5NkGIctkVQOhOuGvuhq9MPAqaPZQjbHuHLtZHc89wjmNFHS5hR66CRBEvHNXcsBLTatbAB3MbAENPYkD7WP15PmzzQJaqktxlUOpWEGFr0IuNVlBCjSNfyai-jShj28z0O/s1600/dermalogica+hand+cream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462022354357465762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9OF9uNB9dA5NkGIctkVQOhOuGvuhq9MPAqaPZQjbHuHLtZHc89wjmNFHS5hR66CRBEvHNXcsBLTatbAB3MbAENPYkD7WP15PmzzQJaqktxlUOpWEGFr0IuNVlBCjSNfyai-jShj28z0O/s320/dermalogica+hand+cream.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><p>My new Dermalogica Lip Renewal Complex and Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment. These two products have made me very happy. Dry skin has plagued me my whole life. I am constantly looking for a product that will help my sorry <em>Irish, raw red dry hands</em> {pretty - huh?} get the relief they are so craving and I believe I have found it. I've been using it for a week. I am hooked. A little bit goes a long way. I'm also <em>loving</em> the Lip Renewal Complex which really delivers. This has been part of my make-up routine for a couple of months now. It smooths those fine lines around my lips, plumps them up a tad, and keep my lips soft and smooth all day. No more cracked leaky lipstick lips here! Under lipstick or alone - it's a great product to protect your lips from the elements and take a few years off your appearance! <em>Available at Ann- Marie Flores' The Salon, 492 Broadway.</em></p><p>{Just so I'm clear - <em>you are clear...</em> This is purely editorial on my part. This is not a paid endorsement. Everything on DTSB is solely my opinion or the opinion of the guest bloggers. If ever it is a paid endorsement I will list it with the title as "dedicated post"}.</p>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-2149773822561758432010-04-06T18:04:00.001-07:002010-04-06T18:04:08.285-07:00On The Street with a legend!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5457195029427572194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkDRV9_xtaC8aAeRJF-Q2rcULOAguTYx0IfaAGQR50tSVQTZGBdNY_u3JAC2_hlsX6OTTsj4L_7h6lj4ybV76SyMGbLMCK4a1uj5ULDI854rg3xL59DbZBpzb7DDiq5MtbSjPzg211W1Q/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5457195072035649906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcR2H4yey5y9bVrPg1N_PkaZfXHeYGjDMnF8d8IVIJqwnKXpSWGfnZ9rFWQwA0EySEqknQlMPmNM4HQYZ6WfXqSDuOPCJyFso5e4NpUY5OOFNqtUKOYa9YWQ-SNeCWiOHx8qz9ZVm_uFU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5457195095957231186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2gUnLpGFk-fzDE-yJwW64aI7hxhtbqIpXAq60eJqncCSrGm2hx5vBk2qzyLaSZHSU3nwi26NeGrEHqnRNKABxcGQUQMLz2-lWRsu16sP8fG62-W4EY5WQCHNobgMHYgMew8m6qESEOJt/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was a uniquely New York moment. Seeing Bill Cunningham on the street. Surreal. I've started many Sunday mornings with the "womens sports page" a.k.a. the NY Times Style section. Now I enjoy the video stream of Bill's "On the Street" photos on the Times website where he highlights the trends he saw while working the beat the prior week.<br /><br />Mr. Cunningham has been capturing fashion's elite along with the trickle up who walk New York's streets for 50 years. This man is a fashion legend. An icon. At 80 plus years he still rides his bike, takes his photos, and lives his passion. An inspiration. He was generous and interested in my girls. He pointed out Carnegie Hall to them (where he resides in an apartment on top - soon to be converted to music classrooms - I wondered where that would leave him). Telling them it used to be a very bohiemian place to live with lots of artists.<br /><br />He is now the subject of a documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, which I am anxious to see.<br /><br />He was gracious, interesting, and patient while I snapped pictures of him. While my dream of meeting him was fullfilled - my other dream of being in the NY Times Style section went unfullfilled. Another important lesson - to be humble while living your dream. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-36310002977746312072010-04-05T19:48:00.000-07:002010-04-05T19:51:12.259-07:00Future fashionistas {proud mama?!}<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5456851594461031026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwYigBBgJWJgp3x77GeZVUe9MoUyo6Kzb01TfL3kDFI5n769_8zLIZq7VUrR9j_15VrU8Eip8Ps1n4A1rjU6h1vL6664_x0ATCiNWlJt41MLl78LZLNX-LxxCUkS4whHFIMPgFWN_Yge-/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What have I created? But, oh my, how cute are they?<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-52691755325332627382010-03-31T17:39:00.000-07:002010-04-01T05:17:06.289-07:00How do you solve a problem like....{Enhancement}<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHZgPxQ1nxkkOgl24WzZ5lpchAGzWefqcTJtFFbjB0M5TxmiDq8nOM6DbgZr7EaOUJ6zndYbchiLp1qx3SL1y-2mXfzKOnsNz_3MhxUebQGVBfUrJwhadlgpqfsL8sCF3MwE-OpOiyHPL/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454962846300183106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHZgPxQ1nxkkOgl24WzZ5lpchAGzWefqcTJtFFbjB0M5TxmiDq8nOM6DbgZr7EaOUJ6zndYbchiLp1qx3SL1y-2mXfzKOnsNz_3MhxUebQGVBfUrJwhadlgpqfsL8sCF3MwE-OpOiyHPL/s320/IMG_2812.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{Richard sporting one of his more sophisticated looks?!?!} </span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left">...<em>Richard</em>. Husband, father, software designer, dancer, and <em>fashionably challenged.</em> Try this for a visual.... PJ bottoms, Life is Good tee, over sized 10 year old {I'm being generous here... might be 20 year} ski jacket, Doc Martins {from the 80's - yes cool, yet old}, disheveled hair, & a coffee cup. This is at school <em>pick up</em>. The best part of that ensemble? The coffee and his personality. Thanks to Richard's Southern charm it will make this style enlightenment so much easier. </div><div align="center"><em>Let the games begin!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-38646913913823837452010-03-20T15:05:00.000-07:002010-03-23T19:49:44.449-07:00My Latest Bling...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XJdtMDUAwRMG0KvQS-YhzRXkQ7KHHxeApP1fy00wuDr2f60qu1tGIdn72ENejkYLd5USH5svXGLsbZ_irGhzd9SyCSJpKR18Dt9wj3mXkKwpQfycmc_XkJHRgRamX_gvNjUSsBiCfgW-/s1600-h/gold.crystal-earring-silver.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450844562116383058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XJdtMDUAwRMG0KvQS-YhzRXkQ7KHHxeApP1fy00wuDr2f60qu1tGIdn72ENejkYLd5USH5svXGLsbZ_irGhzd9SyCSJpKR18Dt9wj3mXkKwpQfycmc_XkJHRgRamX_gvNjUSsBiCfgW-/s320/gold.crystal-earring-silver.jpg" /></a> I had a wedding to go to a few weeks ago. I planned on wearing my LBD - but wanted to spice it up a bit. I remembered seeing the above lovelies at Silverado. <em>Perfect....</em> I now had a reason to splurge! Why is it we ladies need a reason to treat ourselves to something special? I did all the female psycho analysis. Do I need {translation: deserve} these? I did have some conservative hoops or pearls to wear - but, <em>hey!</em> I didn't buy a new dress {more rationalization}, I got my shoes at Marshalls {pre-Stella's} and I don't go to weddings at the Carlyle {in NYC} that often {ever}. So, even though Mother's Day is around the corner, I decided to go for it. And guess what? They not only go with my LBD - but look great with my new David Kahn jeans {from Violet's} paired with my black jacket {from Aggie's} and a white tee {by Vince from Aggie's}. Come to think of it these babies would look good with ANYTHING. Why? Because they are made by a Parisian designer {Catherine Popesco}... And we all know how well those Parisians dress. They can take a basic outfit and turn into something spectacular. Their secret is kick butt accessories. Jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. So during these rough economic times when you can't splurge on a new outfit - don't skimp on the accessories. They stand out and make an impact. Plus you can get miles of wear out of them long after the big event.... <em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>and sometimes we just have to treat ourselves....</em>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-48598980449071701122010-03-20T13:43:00.001-07:002010-03-21T20:11:47.913-07:00Let there be SHOES!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg6ppGY_U0edO1SoqRzvgeqaGsVTtVjtarjTHDSUN_eX4A8InUdH2L-Y8kHFSsd1GMEzj50a_ybUCpbNZblljQ3umsCQUQiT0RaT3d52DwIIzOH5zJg0iJjxr6UpXWoF3wZ4wPX8RKIsU/s1600-h/Stellas-Sp10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450819918691822642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg6ppGY_U0edO1SoqRzvgeqaGsVTtVjtarjTHDSUN_eX4A8InUdH2L-Y8kHFSsd1GMEzj50a_ybUCpbNZblljQ3umsCQUQiT0RaT3d52DwIIzOH5zJg0iJjxr6UpXWoF3wZ4wPX8RKIsU/s320/Stellas-Sp10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkn1vqAklc8GCi_SpEt5o5D_M4icp-Cw-T0cJ1602F3XqkV68Epo3OMPNhY8GBeSHYf4MzcLF2zpX-kuaK-jFryC2WXer6HIInTE-zU0DiQWaQAUH7b0Nkpr7gj2II9IJTIFk0hxmiyXC/s1600-h/Stella-sandals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450819912684185922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkn1vqAklc8GCi_SpEt5o5D_M4icp-Cw-T0cJ1602F3XqkV68Epo3OMPNhY8GBeSHYf4MzcLF2zpX-kuaK-jFryC2WXer6HIInTE-zU0DiQWaQAUH7b0Nkpr7gj2II9IJTIFk0hxmiyXC/s320/Stella-sandals.jpg" border="0" /></a> Finally our inner Carrie Bradshaw can be released. We Saratogian Fashionistas can stroll down Broadway, gaze into the window at Stella's {494 Broadway} and fall in love... with a pump, a wedge, or a sassy sandal. Stella's opened this past week end just in time for Spring {fever}. Thank you, Laura Farrar {yes, the same Laura who owns another DTSB favorite - Violet's}, for hearing our cry and filling a major void. I personally loved the above sandals by Sam Edelman - great colors and textures. You will also find Cole Haan, Jack Rogers {a classic, must have sandal}, Nina, Frye, Seychelles, and much more! </div><div> </div><div><em>"It's really hard to walk in a {single} woman's shoes - that's why you sometimes need really special shoes!" - Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City.</em></div>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-42606628883170238452010-03-01T04:12:00.000-08:002010-03-02T06:17:31.455-08:00GLOVErsville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid8N4nB90ILiYQVG7dxQsiab_kt7FJ5puxinTCYg7UDsvZC8zmb3-nJOaFwjxnVhYkWu1QjfzgydcohANvp_slnxmfKAX9oFkxZz9bN-ZjGBiMSA0jtRJgzoUaqie0IHwCrgkfqy5XZTS/s1600-h/gloversville+gloves+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443638589043728530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid8N4nB90ILiYQVG7dxQsiab_kt7FJ5puxinTCYg7UDsvZC8zmb3-nJOaFwjxnVhYkWu1QjfzgydcohANvp_slnxmfKAX9oFkxZz9bN-ZjGBiMSA0jtRJgzoUaqie0IHwCrgkfqy5XZTS/s320/gloversville+gloves+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbLezskmyDx1Os6ypB30ig3hRksiogRcmucgtXeU5p3D3y8ikZaKeoJnHhQmpTWo9fkiSPBhMVEGVQOWy93nf7ZsQSsUGpwVTQWAFVAqGlAEut8iNW7yy1DlyGhRtj3CfQgdTyVo3zIHb/s1600-h/Gloversville+Gloves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443637892228383074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbLezskmyDx1Os6ypB30ig3hRksiogRcmucgtXeU5p3D3y8ikZaKeoJnHhQmpTWo9fkiSPBhMVEGVQOWy93nf7ZsQSsUGpwVTQWAFVAqGlAEut8iNW7yy1DlyGhRtj3CfQgdTyVo3zIHb/s320/Gloversville+Gloves.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><p>How cool are these? I stumbled upon these while catching up on some of my favorite blogs over the weekend. These gloves were featured on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/video/80276/Daniel-Storto-Gloves">Daily Candy</a></span>. Check out the site along with the video featuring the renowned glove designer,<a href="http://www.danielstortogloves.com/"> Daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Storto</span></span></a>, from our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">neighboring</span> town... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gloversville</span></span>, NY. I fell in love with them because of the cool/sleek design, the fact that a <em>big</em> time designer chose to stay true to his roots and family's trade in a <em>small </em>Upstate NY town {very Euro}, the <strong>$25.00</strong> price tag, and the fact that there is still snow on the ground! I need to add a bit of<em> glamour</em> to what is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">becoming</span> very<em> glum!</em> These gloves are a favorite of the late Alexander McQueen, Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mackie</span></span>, and Derek Lam to name a few . <em>Plus</em> they bring back found memories of playing with my mom's gloves when I was a kid {the girls are going to <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">looove</span></em> these}, will look so cool with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LBD</span></span>, and again release my inner Mad Men style that I'm crazy for these days...</p><p>Happy Monday...</p>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-89529952351362764182010-02-27T06:20:00.001-08:002010-02-27T06:20:51.815-08:00Unpacking {bye bye white sand, hello white snow}<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/117366124812079615633/DowntownSusieBrown02?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWrs4mUvdLW0gE#5442928087197962706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0Ju1di6iDxlSNUq_pdXT1zXsZA5FJRAFXHkVuQVwefe2d7Pv1ilgWUT0MLPJM3L-bTyREQ5UuGnBiz3iXuJ5ptf5CgqawtfTOBOJu2zac33-kFqpQ6yqRc2F8LZy03vLlvbJXqOO7yXM/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Had a great vacation in Mexico wearing my Lilly bathing suit from the Pink Paddock and various outfits from Aggie's, Violet's and my old favorite 80 West (miss that store). Will be back blogging next week!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-60998780110189028112010-02-12T08:27:00.000-08:002010-02-12T09:21:38.555-08:00We Are The World {Help Haiti this Valentines Day}<object width="873" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/if85w3kVcjo&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/if85w3kVcjo&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />It is the 25th anniversary of the original "We Are The World" song and video. All proceeds went to help Africa. They raised $67 dollars. I loved the original song written by Michael Jackson and sung by all the great artist from the 80's - Michael himself, Cindy Lauper, Bruce, Bob Dillion, and Barbara Streisand just to name a few. All the big names of today have come together to remake the song and to raise money for another very worthy cause... Haiti. That video hasn't been released yet. I found this video on YouTube and loved the underground flare. I love each of these YouTube artist. No hype - just beautiful singing with a lot of heart.<br /><br /><strong>Give Your Heart to Haiti</strong> this Valentines day. This is your opportunity to enjoy many of the local shops and restaurants on Sunday and help Haiti. Grab your Valentine, shop and eat for a good cause. Participating stores and restaurants will donate 10% or more of all proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. Go out and spread the love locally while raising money for Haiti!<br />{8 Tables,Beverly’s,Brindisi’s,Cantina,Circus Café,Creative Sparks,Dine,Esperanto,Hattie’s,Hidden Garden's Florist,*Impressions,Irish Times<br />**Saratoga Trunk-closed Sunday - shop on Saturday,The Union Grille,Paper Dolls,Peabody's,Pink Paddock,Pennelle's,*Rockabella - valid all weekend}<br /><br />Can't make it this weekend? Check out <strong>Art from the Heart for Haiti</strong> at Mimosa Gallery on February 20 from 5-8. A portion of the proceeds from the art show will go to help Haiti.Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-28571896388892791362010-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:002010-02-11T13:23:40.541-08:00HIS {Valentines Day Part Two}<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/his_valentines_day_part/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=15937384"><img title="HIS {Valentines Day Part 2)" border="0" alt="HIS {Valentines Day Part 2)" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlJtQ0VhaUlYM3hHYmpsVnRjNThVSXcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/his_valentines_day_part/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=15937384">HIS {Valentines Day Part 2)</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=612492">downtownsusiebrown</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></small><br /><small></small><br /><small>You know what he wants. Just add some romance for Valentines sake! Rose petals, bubbly in the bath and in a glass, your ipod docked and playing your favorite music, candles {Moroccan rose pedal topped candle found at Antara Home}, chocolate dipped strawberries {Putnam Market}, sexy lingerie {Frivolous}, and heart boxers {the Gap or Banana Republic } <em>for him...</em></small><br /><small><em></em></small><br /><small><em>It's amore...</em></small><br /><small></small>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-52851319922267251202010-02-10T13:37:00.000-08:002010-02-10T17:35:32.668-08:00Hers {Valentines Day Part One}<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_day_2010/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=15917519"><img title="Valentines Day 2010" border="0" alt="Valentines Day 2010" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjBCbzdRb3dXM3hHdXZTeE5jNThVSXcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_day_2010/set?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=15917519">Valentines Day 2010</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=612492&.mid=embed&id=612492"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">downtownsusiebrown</span></a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/david_yurman_jewelry/shop?brand=David+Yurman&category_id=60">David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yurman</span> jewelry</a></small><br /><p><br /><br />OK guys. listen up! You want the girl? Or you need to re-kindle a little of that romance from years past? Here are a few of my favorites that are sure to win her over. Roses are a nice, but what we girls really want are things that can be enjoyed and reflect what it is <em>you</em> love about <em>her. </em></p><p>For the gardening enthusiast or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">eco</span> friendly gal check out <a href="http://www.heavenscentfloralart.com/">Heaven Scent Floral Art </a>for unique and absolutely stunning <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">eco</span>-friendly bouquets. True master pieces.</p><p>She's a Lilly girl? This cashmere wrap in every preppy girls favorite color, PINK! Found at Pink Paddock . It will keep her warm and cozy {like she feels in your arms}.</p><p>Jewelry a must? David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yurman</span> from Frank Adams never disappoints.</p><p>For the hopeless romantic {with a naughty side}. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vueve</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clicquot</span> Rose Champagne {Putnam Wine has a great selection of bubbly}, cupcakes from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Betties</span> Cakes and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hanky</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Panky</span> panties found at Frivolous.</p><p>She's fun, a little quirky and her style reflects her zest for life {that's why you fell in love with her}. Shoes by Irregular Choice (!) found at <a href="http://www.shopspeck.com/">Speck Boutique</a>.</p><p>You admire all the hard work she does. <a href="http://www.spacascada.com/">Spa <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cascada</span> </a>or <a href="http://www.spacityspa.com/">Spa City Spa </a>has tons of Valentine's Day specials for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">mani</span>/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">pedis</span>, facials, and lots more!</p><p>For the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fashionista</span> who is looking forward to Spring. This dress by French Connection at <a href="http://www.violetsofsaratoga.com/">Violet's </a>is perfect {why not plan a get-away to some place warm for her to where it... <em>now</em>?}</p><p>Find the perfect Valentine card and unique wrapping ideas at <a href="http://www.paperdollsofsaratoga.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaperDolls</span>.</a></p><p>Now get DOWNTOWN and start shopping!</p>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-12905490047300714472010-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:002010-02-04T09:01:59.599-08:00Book Club Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5ILFW6iPUiqfhg5LQeHezLL_13g2GIN8rZC-dTjmHxyiwQwaG2FY1g0ovFpqivG2ALThiwQZZ06fAqYMAfvo869EqLkI_QP3lKZlkoXACNBsTX_rxaV5hwgMg5neFRp5RhBISXg8Tf1Y/s1600-h/book-club.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434430315796480226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5ILFW6iPUiqfhg5LQeHezLL_13g2GIN8rZC-dTjmHxyiwQwaG2FY1g0ovFpqivG2ALThiwQZZ06fAqYMAfvo869EqLkI_QP3lKZlkoXACNBsTX_rxaV5hwgMg5neFRp5RhBISXg8Tf1Y/s320/book-club.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCBPomt0nay4g70ST-0fAKiYSRxIDcQ5IksqYncIA2vuHxRHM0ChyphenhyphenCxcNzyJgPBZUOOSPmWtkzw7sBJyzMARfF6AE6X6vT21xBigzY5eqT48aNUPpt1q5yOGNX3zXM02Qe85_MZBw625m/s1600-h/thehelpx-large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433853071283253106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCBPomt0nay4g70ST-0fAKiYSRxIDcQ5IksqYncIA2vuHxRHM0ChyphenhyphenCxcNzyJgPBZUOOSPmWtkzw7sBJyzMARfF6AE6X6vT21xBigzY5eqT48aNUPpt1q5yOGNX3zXM02Qe85_MZBw625m/s320/thehelpx-large.jpg" border="0" /></a> The girls got together for a lively discussion, good food and a little vino last night. We read and discussed the <a href="http://www.saratogareads.org/">Saratoga Reads </a>book last month, so no <em>Potato Peel Pie</em> last night. Nope - it' was <em>good 'ol</em> <em>Southern food</em>! This month the pick was The Help by Kathern Stockett. How does my book group work? Not only do we <em>read </em>the book, but we take in the whole experience both<em> intellectually</em> and <em>gastronomically</em>. The Help is a moving book about racial inequality in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi. Some of the characters I loved, some <em>not so much</em>. It's a page turner that really captures the time and made for a great conversation. Food plays an important role in the book <em>and</em> in our gatherings. That is why we had <a href="http://www.hattiesrestaurant.com/">Hattie's</a> fried chicken {hostess provides the main dish} as the main course, along with a few sides, appetizers, wine, and dessert {provided by the other members - <em>thankfully no chocolate pie</em>!}. We have enjoyed almost 10 years of lots of great reads, heated discussions, and most of all ... <em>friendship. </em>Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1169575910233233214.post-42458391449852344342010-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:002010-01-24T19:06:53.067-08:00Winter Weekends ... {gift ideas}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l4mISCvjQInQMQaOBP0KM-BmZu9KvhHb6QDuYlHtKHxM9CsCQpoyoiFLM3ceMnQ4TQevgAiPZFoeWXa-azXj24JzBGxFd2ekdiUhWv9pVsUAL3_UbcfSbAEy_KvpK9JJSJHFN0FA0AUk/s1600-h/red+flower+candles.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430071085407684194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l4mISCvjQInQMQaOBP0KM-BmZu9KvhHb6QDuYlHtKHxM9CsCQpoyoiFLM3ceMnQ4TQevgAiPZFoeWXa-azXj24JzBGxFd2ekdiUhWv9pVsUAL3_UbcfSbAEy_KvpK9JJSJHFN0FA0AUk/s320/red+flower+candles.jpg" /></a> The week end started off<strong> great</strong> and then it <em>didn't </em>and then it <strong>did </strong>and then it's over and time to start all over again. Ever have one of those?<br /><br />My family's weekend started by meeting a bunch of our friends out for dinner. Great friends, good chatter, yummy food {that I didn't have to cook} was on the way.... And then my daughter {who looked very pale} came to sit on my lap and {you guessed it} lost it all over the table. A quick thinking dad grabbed the bread basket {only one roll left} almost quick enough for her make some of it in there. Needless to say - our night ended abruptly.<br /><br />The rest of the weekend was pretty low key for us. Lazy days with some of us staying in our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">jammies</span> for most of the day {not mentioning any names here}. Along with the sips of ginger ale, naps on the couch, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">wii</span> games, the Game of Life, movies, and a fire {lots of coffee a little wine and good dinners made by dad}, I lit one of my favorite candles that I picked up at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Antara</span> Home. The candles are by <a href="http://www.redflower.com/">Red Flower</a>. The scent is so pure. I chose Spanish Gardenia. It was winter outside, but regardless of the unpleasant aromas the stomach bug can bring, it was Spring inside our home.Susie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197864356579819748noreply@blogger.com2