a Charlie Brown Christmas ...

Let's just say I needed a little reminder. Here is where I got it. While watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special with my girls tonight.

I've been feeling a little Charlie Brownish (no offense to the Charlie's in our family!) this week. Recession stress, broken camera, too much to do and too little time. All of this explains the lack of posts this week. Thanks to my techie sister I was able to retrieve some pictures. I will be back with some gift ideas, fashion, inspiration and more holiday fun tomorrow!

Time to do the Peanuts Dance!

late night Inspirations

Isn't that when we moms do our best work? The day is done, the kids are snuggled in bed finally asleep dreaming of their Christmas to come (in less then 2 weeks - ahhh!). It's time to take a deep breath and look at the ever growing to do list. This time of year it seems endless. But, Christmas will come whether you hung all the ornaments, sent all the cards, made the cookies, or bought all the gifts. Well, my to do list is horribly overwhelming - but last night I did something I enjoy and that I hope my kids will always remember. I decorated the house (well, only the inside, we still have to hang the wreaths and do the outside lights). The kids did the tree over the weekend and had fun drinking eggnog, dressing like elves and discovering their ornaments from past years. I did my fussing over the dining room, mantel, and stairway. I thought I would share it with you in the hopes that some of you might send me your holiday decorating masterpieces. Why not share them? It only last a short time and we could all use a little inspiration!

{email me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com}

a Christmas classic

{photo by John Sullivan}

The Nutcracker.

We pretty much live and breathe the Nutcracker from September to December thanks to my little aspiring ballerinas. The music is played repeatedly, the dances are practiced until perfection and the story is told and retold many times during this season and it never gets old. Saratoga City Ballet's Nutcracker will be performed this weekend at Skidmore College. Friday night at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m {box office 448-5049}. I took my oldest daughter to this performance when she was 4 years old and that is when she (and I) fell in love with ballet. She enrolled at Saratoga City Ballet 6 years ago. The school is professionally run by the very dedicated Julie Gedalecia and Eve Whelchel. Their passion for dance and excellence is seen in the show. The costumes are gorgeous, the set is magical and the dances are brilliant.

Take a child for the first time or see it again for the first time!

Holiday Outfit #2

My friend Nancy asked me to go shopping to help her find a dress for an upcoming Holiday Party. The setting is the Albany Symphony followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. How classy and elegant is that?

This dress found at Violet's of Saratoga 482 Broadway by Muse, $195, made me very happy. How great are the satin roses at the bottom (shows off those great legs!)? A classic silhouette with a fun twist. I can almost hear Handel's Messiah and taste the Moet!

I thought these Kate Spade shoes would be perfect with the dress.

Add some color with this clutch from Ann Taylor Loft on Broadway.

Loving this classy bracelet from J.Crew.

Just discovered this jewelry made by a local designer Louise M. Jewelry. Original and custom jewelry. The prettiest and unique designs plus she's sweet and easy to work with! You can find her on line or at Violet's 482 Broadway, Mimosa 70c Beekman Street or Lily of Saratoga bridal boutique, 6 Franklin Square.

Here's the scoop ...

In my constant and humble quest for perfection, I've made a few updates to my blog. I'm sure there will be more to follow - but just wanted to be sure you are benefiting from all the DTSB has to offer!

1.) Sign up for my e-mail subscription. By doing so you will be e-mailed when I do a new post. Why waste all that precious time and energy typing more keys then one has to? I'd rather you sign up as a follower or forward it to some friends or make a comment ... You got the hint - right?

2.) DTSB AT YOUR FINGERTIPS : I've added all the stores I frequent and have mentioned in my blog that have websites - just click on their name and off you go! So, if you can't make it downtown, especially with all those nasty snow storms on their way, DTSB will bring downtown to you! I'll schlep through the snow for you... You're welcome... ;-) ...

3.) Like I mentioned - PASS IT ON! Please forward my blog to other friends in the area or out of town. The beauty of the Internet is if they see something they may like they can call the store or order it on line! We are all connected in the cyber world!

4.) Looking for a specific gift? Need some suggestions on where to find a trend? Need some style tips??? I'm here to help. If you have a question and don't feel comfortable making a comment on the blog, please email me directly at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com. I'll answer your questions and either e-mail you directly or do a post on your topic (I can do it annonymously if preferred).

Thanks!
Have a beautiful and productive Monday!

The Secret is Out ...

As you all know, I turned 40. I'm fine with it. OK it took some getting used to... But, what can I do? It happened and the world hasn't crumbled yet. I asked the same question to my friend and esthetician, Amy Snyder from Spa Cascada 487 Broadway 2nd floor. Aside from all the stuff we know we should do ... exercise, eat right, drink lots of water, wash your face every night (that's a tough one at times) limit alcohol (what?!?!) she told me I could try an Intraceuticals Oxygen facial. Now we're talking! Loooove facials. And Amy is the best, so I gave it a whirl. It was amaaaazing. It's all natural. Oxygen along with complex antioxidants, super concentrated Vitamin C and a bunch of other vitamins. All of this is done with the "opulence brightening wand." No needles or scary stuff like that. Just a relaxing 30 minutes of facial massage and rejuvenation. I really could see and feel the results right after. Brighter complexion and those lines I started to fight against were either gone or less bothersome! My make up went on smoothly and I had more of a "glow" (if I do say so myself).

Look Fabulous for the next holiday soiree, upcoming wedding, class reunion, or just because!

Don't believe me? Guess how Madonna looks so gorgeous and youthful at 50!?

Hooky Day in NYC

The girls and I made our traditional Christmas trip to the city (despite a broken wrist - but that's another story!). We saw some very dear friends, went shopping (a bit of time at American girl), checked out the amazing windows, and went to Radio City. I'm ready to take on the season!
I'm hoping they will cherish these memories as much as I cherish them.

Bergdorf Goodman's windows.
A magical winter wonderland of elegance, sophistication and merriment.
Birds bejeweled in diamonds, polar bears playing pool, wolves dressed in tuxes and the ladies in only the finest gowns, jewels and accessories of the season - all of it in white!

I think they got the hang of it - don't you?

Barney's "Have a Hippie Holiday" windows.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the peace sign.
Their windows were fun, full of color and great designers who showcase designs inspired by the peace sign.

The true meaning of Peace on Earth...
(St Patrick's Cathedral)