Ahhhhh ... We Made It!

{photo found on real simple}

As much as I love the holiday season - it is exhausting. All the preparing, parties and pressure!! It can send the most sane and well meaning person over the edge. But, we made it. It's 2009. A new year always brings a list of resolutions and a sense of renewal {just like a good nap!}.

I look forward to the new year and all the challenges it will bring {... and there will be a few}. One of my goals is to keep improving my blog. I have some ideas in store. I would love to hear from you with any suggestions (susan@downtownsusiebrown.com).

I have my new camera and the girls are back to school. Time to hit the pavement and see what's happening DOWNTOWN!

a fresh start

Classic.

Frank. New York. A real kiss at midnight.

May the rest of your life start tonight.

Happy New Year to my old {I will never forget you} and new friends ...

Sparkle this New Years Eve {fashionista}

 

 

Why should champagne and the dropping Waterford Crystal Ball in Times Square be the only things sparkling on New Years Eve? Oh... and your personality, of course... Embrace the metallic trend and add some of that 80's glam to your night out on the town. Silver is HOT right now and it will be going forward into spring. Feeling the recession crunch after the holidays? Liven up your LBD with some shimmering accessories and let your inner fashionista shine!

{black and silver top by pure sugar at Lucia Boutique, favorite peacock pearl earrings at Silverado, french connection chain dress at Speck, clutch at Banana Republic, cuff at Silverado, shimmer dress by alice + olivia at Aggie's Boutique, silver and crystal necklace at Talbots, satin rosette pump at Ann Taylor Loft, silver shimmer trench by alice + olivia at Aggie's Boutique, sequin ruched tank at Violet's, and a recommendation from my favorite wine guru in town, William from Putnam Wine, the sparkling wine of choice for the $20 range is this Parigot - I plan on picking up a couple for my good friend's soiree}

Home for the Holidays {home}

Thank you Tiffany for sending me your JOYful scene. I love all the silver and white - very elegant. I'm also loving Sarah's Winter Wonderland mantle with the big friendly Frosty in the middle surrounded by a bunch of fun little critters. Simple, yet, fun and playful. I appreciate you both sharing your creative holiday decor from your homes.

May you all enjoy your homes and those who enter them during this joyful season.

Merry Christmas!

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7.

check list {eats & gifts}

Tree up and house decorated, check. Christmas cards out, check. Presents bought and wrapped, check. OK - let's be honest, I have a wreath that won't stay up, a few cards lingering that I need addresses for, and a few last minute gifts to get and wrap. Oh yeah, and a bowl of cookie dough in the fridge - can't check "make cookies for Santa" off the list yet.

 

The girls and I made our favorite cut out cookie dough last night from the Beverly's Best cookbook (the restaurant is located on Phila Street and is one of the best brunch places in town - looove their blueberry pancakes). The dough has to go in the refrigerator for at least an hour before it can be rolled and cut. It got too late last night (still on the to do list - ahhh) to finish, so must check that off this morning. This allowed me some time to browse Etsy on line while the girls slept. I found these locally handmade holiday gift ideas. They are whimsical, unique and they are made by local artist. My gift to you last minute gift seekers that want something a little different.

Ho Ho Ho.....

{Beverly's Best Cook Book at Beverly's 47 Phila Street, Tree Key chain at Etsy by Miesmama, Santa and Mrs. Clause pony tail holders at Etsy by Three Dancing Magpies, and Santa Clause mini gourd ornaments at Etsy by PulpArt}

shop downtown {gift ideas}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been a hard year to get into the spirit of gift giving with all the bad news out there. Nothing will put you back in the mood like shopping our great downtown. We are all so proud of our downtown and we should be! We have great shops with quality merchandise and shop owners who are committed to our community. This is a perfect time of year to support them and buy that special gift you've been looking for, say Happy Holidays and let them know we believe in them. They are our DOWNTOWN. Without them Saratoga would not be the town it is. Get an eggnog latte, enjoy the decorations, and go shopping...downtown!

Tie by Vineyard Vines (love their whimsical prints done so right) at Pink Paddock, headbands by Lacoste (perfect for that 'tween girl in your life) at Speck Boutique, tree ornaments by Lilly Pulitzer (perfect for the country club set) at Pink Paddock, gloves at Lucia Boutique (a little edgy yet practical), slippers (on my wish list) at Life is Good, Christmas tree boxers (perfect stocking stuffer for him) at Banana Republic, peace sign necklace (celebrate the 50th anniversary of the symbol) at Silverado, Ruckus game (my whole family loves this game!) at G. Willikers, and thank you notes (because it's the right thing to do) at PaperDolls of Saratoga.

a Snow day {gift idea}

Woke up to gorgeous white covered trees. It all looks so pretty while I'm enjoying my steaming mug of strong coffee and the kids are still nestled all snug in their beds with visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. Then reality hits. A snow day?? A 2 hour delay?? Do they know what time of year it is?? Best to embrace it. Time to get the snow gear out and let the girls get creative in the snow. It's also time to dig out.

'Tis the season for gift giving and I thought this scraper from Eddie Bauer would be a perfect gift for our friends who live in beautifully restored homes and carriage houses in town. The only thing missing? A garage. Their love for living in town means they are willing to put up with all the elements. Shouldn't they be rewarded? This ice scraper allows them to dig out the car while keeping their hands nice and toasty warm in a down mitt. I saw them at Eddie Bauer on Broadway. Hurry! With all the snow and ice we've been having I'm sure they're going fast....