Yes, it’s that time of year… you know, taking stock, making resolutions and all that.

Have you made any shopping resolutions for 2009?

I’ve probably said this before, but I really am going to try to be more thoughtful in my shopping/spending in the new year.

Just a quick reminder that the Winter Sale is under way at March.

The Briarcliff Manor boutique, which features clothing and accessories for women and men, is offering discounts of up to 75 percent.

Brands carried include Akiko, Alice & Olivia, Beth Bowley, Eva Franco, J Brand, Milly, Nanette Lepore, Susana Monaco, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Tribute, Trina Turk, Velvet, Yoana Baraschi and more.

Stop by and scoop up some stylish savings.

March is at 1250 Pleasantville Road. Call 914-923-2100 or visit March online.

It makes some members of my family’s eyes roll when I crack up over greeting cards with puns.

Sometimes (oftentimes?) they just strike me as funny.

I’m talking about things like “I’ve bean thinking about you” with a picture of a string bean…

They’re usually funnier than that… promise — but I know puns aren’t for everyone.

That’s why it always amazes me that OPI nail polish uses so many when naming its colors. Read more of this entry »

When you go to Ethnika, you’re not just shopping in New Rochelle.

You’re shopping in Tibet and Japan, Italy and Brazil, Russia, France and Africa.

If you’ve already received all your holiday gifts and still want something else…

I’ve got a couple of books that have come across my desk recently that make perfect gifts — for yourself or to give others for upcoming birthdays, etc.

Since I often write about home, design, antiques, collectibles (and shopping, of course), the books share a bit of a theme — see if any tickle your fancy. Read more of this entry »

Did you get a new calendar yet?

If so, you might want to add a local event to it already — the White Plains Winter Antiques Show is set for Jan. 10 and 11.

I was in New City one day last week, meeting with Sandra Szpicek-Leylegian, the owner of The Things I Love Interiors.

I’ve worked with her a number of times over the years — her shop’s amazing, and she’s a great source.

This time around, I’m doing a piece on The Things I Love for an upcoming edition of our sister publication, Rockland Magazine.

I’ve always loved the color purple — that and blue are probably my favorite accents for clothing, jewelry, etc.

Well, I hear that purple will continue to be a popular choice for home/design and fashion again next year… though there’s another hue ready to dethrone all things violet.

My friend and colleague Bill Cary’s got the full report on his gardening blog, In the Garden.

Check it out here.

I got an update from Madelynrose in Pearl River about extended holiday hours — and holiday savings.

The shop, which specializes in children’s clothing and accessories, is open today to 6 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more of this entry »

I just got a year-end update from Two’s Company, the home and personal accessories company that I’ve featured here before.

Check it out:

” Two’s Company, a family owned gift and decorative accessory industry leader, celebrates its 40th anniversary beginning this January.