High on my Wish List

Dear Santa,

I've been really, realllllly good this year {well, I've at least really tried}. I've nursed my husband back from a hip replacement, I'm on week # 3 of the flu {3 kids = 3 weeks} and I've only mildly complained, and as a follower of this blog - I've even helped YOU to find the best fashion, gift ideas for everyone from kids, teachers, girlfriends, boyfriends and dogs to beautiful accessories for home or garden in Saratoga Springs {why weigh that sled down too much - buy local}.

While window shopping yesterday, I saw in the window at Hunt, Ltd. an original HERMES KELLY BAG IN CROCODILE! Now, this is every fashionista's dream bag. A classic named after the fashion icon Grace Kelly in the 50's. I had never seen one before - let alone hold one! It had all the details the Kelly bag is known for - the timeless tailored design, the handle, the clasp, and the lock. It was love at first sight. I would use it every day. Take good care of it. So, please Santa - could you please put this under the tree for me on Christmas Day? Something tells me my husband won't like the $10,000 price tag - so you are my only hope.

Much love,
Susie

Pre-shopping Kick Off Party at Mimosa Gallery

{coupon books for everyone!}
{the gorgeous girls from Violet's. Hair and make-up by Ann-Marie Flores (mine too)}

{party goers}

{80 West chats it up with Miss Scarlett}

{the ORIGINAL Miss Scarlett}

{shoppers trying on some of the gorgeous mimosa jewelry - true works of art}

{future blogger and tweeter}

{stylin' Aggie's girls}

{watching the ballet}

{Saratoga City Ballet performs Coffee and Hot Chocolate from their upcoming Nutcracker}

Happy Birthday to ME!

{yummy cupcakes from Putnam Market}

My husband surprised me with long {and needed} weekend trip out of town. He lined up some very gracious and patient friends and my in-laws {it takes a village, people!} to come and care for the girls and the dog while we get-away to celebrate.

I'll be back next week for more shopping and blogging! In the meantime check out these other local bloggers for your daily blogging fix... Beverly Tracy Home Design, Twinkle-Studio, and Deliciously Determined.

Blog {and Shop} on!

Thank you!

Feeling a bit exhausted after the shopping event this past week end and the weeks of planning it took to pull it all together! Thank you to all of you who came out and shopped in support of Saratoga City Ballet's Scholarship Fund. It was a beautiful day to be out downtown, shopping, seeing friends, trying out new stores and spas and supporting our local community. Please look for a full recap later this week in both photos and video of the entire event.

A special thanks to all the participating stores, spas and restaurants: Aggie's, Beverly's, Circus Cafe, Compliments to the Chef, Dawgdom, Flores the Salon, Frivolous, G. Willikers, Gaffney's, Hunt, Ltd, Impressions, Lucia, Mimosa Gallery, Miss Scarlett, New Leaf, Pangea, PaperDolls, Pink Paddock, Props, Putnam Market, Putnam Wine, Reform Pilates, Rockabella, Saratoga Coffee Traders, Sloppy Kisses, TizNow, Violets, and 80 West!

I"m off to catch up around the house and take care of a sick child {thank God not H1N1}.

Don't forget to come see Saratoga City Ballet's Nutcracker the week end of December 18, 19, and 20. You won't be disappointed. No Christmas season is complete without the Nutcracker! For ticket information click here. Public sale tickets available Nov 21st.

Game Plan {Map it Out}

View Shopping with Downtown Susie Brown in a larger map

{play around with the map to see all the stores participating and what they offer inside}

While the boys are watching "the game" or the Breeders Cup, we need to have a game plan of our own. So map it out! Decide where your 12 places will be ahead of time. It's been a long week of H1N1, elections, work, kids, school, and just life in general. Time for some good-'ol escapism. Art, dance, fashion, community support, good food, cocktails, laughs, and friends. Come out and remember just how good life can be and celebrate our killer shopping town. Plus, it's all for a good cause. Join me Friday night at Mimosa Gallery for the kick-off party to see what you can shop for on Saturday, take in some art, and see a little ballet. Can't do a two - nighter? That's OK - you can still shop and join the fun on Saturday. Pick up your coupon book Saturday at Aggie's Boutique or Mimosa Gallery then spend a glorious day in the Spa town. DON'T MISS the GIVEAWAY party at Tiznow. Drop off your validated punch card at PaperDolls, 80 Henry Street then go next door to TIZNOW for a huge GIVEAWAY PARTY!!! I will begin raffling of prizes that include handbags, sweaters, goodie bags, jewelry, AND MORE SHOPPING SPREES! Hunt, Ltd will be offering a $500.00 SHOPPING SPREE! I have a total of $2000.00 worth of prizes - but you have to be in it to win it!

Come out and play!!!

What will YOU be shopping for this Saturday???

Jeans, sweaters, a dress, a jacket, jewelry, unique gifts, something special for your kids, your dog, your home, or YOU?!?! Whatever you will be shopping for on Saturday - you will not be disappointed. Only the best of the best to choose from! Even if you don't shop and just visit (at least 12 of the participating stores) and get your coupon book validated by each store you visit - you will still have a chance at AMAZING GIVEAWAYS at the end of the day at Tiz Now!! I will be giving away $1300.00 worth of merchandise PLUS A $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Hunt, Ltd., spa treatments and gift certificates to some of Saratoga's best restaurants! All this for a $25.00 donation to Saratoga City Ballet's Scholarship Fund. Pick up your coupon book on Friday at the kick off party or Saturday at either Aggie's boutique, 454 Broadway or mimosa gallery, 70 Beekman street! Click here to get all the details and reserve your spot!


Tah Dah... Here is the list of participating stores, spas and restaurants...

Aggie's, Beverly's, Circus Cafe, Clothes Line, Compliments to the Chef, Dawgdom, Flores Art Gallery and Salon, Frivolous, G. Willikers, Gaffneys, Hunt Ltd., Impressions of Saratoga, Lucia, Mimosa Gallery, Miss Scarlett, New Leaf, Pangea, PaperDolls of Saratoga, Pink Paddock, Props, Putnam Market , Putnam Wine, Reform Pilates, Rockabella, Saratoga Coffee Traders, Sloppy Kisses, Tiz Now, Violets, and 80 West.

All Souls Day

{botanical photography by Heaven Scent}

Today is All Souls Day. It couldn't come at a more perfect time. A time when I need to remember those who were taken too young and too soon. I hope and trust they are in peace. To be a friend and a sister to those left behind.

I share a poem with you today by Mary Oliver.

When Roses Speak, I Pay Attention

"As long as we are able to be extravagant we will be hugely and damply extravagant. Then we will drop foil by foil to the ground. This is our unalterable task, and we do it joyfully."

And they went on.

"Listen, the heart-shackles are not, as you think,

death, illness, pain,

unrequited hope, not loneliness,

but lassitude, rue, vainglory, fear, anxiety,

selfishness."

Their fragrance all the while rising from their blind bodies, make me

spin with joy.