I had so much fun working on a story about warehouse sales in our area earlier this year.

I got a chance to go to a few companies and see how they pull these mega-sales together — and got a sneak peek at what would be on offer, which we photographed for the story.

I thought it was kind of funny, in an odd way, that I got a brochure at home over the weekend to announce the opening of the new HomeGoods store — in Monroe.

Sure, I live in Rockland County, and Monroe’s a relatively easy drive… but I’m more interested in the opening of the new HomeGoods in Nanuet.

Often, I get a new bag and use it for a good week or so.

Then, something else catches my eye, or I pull out a former favorite, and my new find is added to the heap of bags in the bottom of my closet.

Sure, it will be used again — but no telling when that will be.

I went to Italy this morning, or at least it felt like I did.

In truth, I had a lovely little escape right in Ossining, making my first visit to Sun Valley Nursery and getting the “grand tour” from owner Vincenzo Bomba.

I just love it when you find a shop that offers something that’s both playful and unexpected.

Yesterday afternoon, I was meeting with Lori Balletta-McGuire, the owner of Color Swirl Boutique in Nyack.

If you’re a designer looking to get your work out there, a local organization is offering that chance.

The Creative Cafe, a member of the Westchester Arts Council and a program of the First Unitarian Society of Westchester, is seeking designers to showcase their work in a fall fashion show.

I had to stop by the Barnes & Noble in The City Center on my way in this morning — and I always forget it doesn’t open til 10 a.m.

Grrr…

But since I had a little time to kill, I figured I’d run up and see what was going on in Filene’s Basement, which as mentioned here is set to close this White Plains store.

You don’t have to be a sports fan to get into the Olympic spirit.

That’s what I was thinking when I saw the latest press release from Brighton.

The company, which has its own retail shop in The Westchester in White Plains and has its collections carried in a number of other local shops, has announced a line of new jewelry tied in to the Summer Olympics that get under way next month in China.

It’s always fun when I get to share details of a place I think you’re going to love.

Maybe it’s already one of your favorites, but I hadn’t been to St. Claire in quite awhile so it was fun to stop by late last week.

It’s going to be my Shop of the Week for next Monday— today’s feature puts the spotlight on Milieu in Mamaroneck — but here’s a sneak peek.

You might want to mark Thursday down on your calendars.

I’ve heard from Lisa McTernan, who owns Lifestyles & Interiors by Lisa in Croton-on-Hudson, about a special event she’s hosting next week.