A friend of mine was going away for the holidays so we did our gift exchange a bit early.

I opened my gift already… and as I was admiring the beautiful pair of earrings, saw something that struck me as odd.

The Outside in Piermont is such a fun place to visit.

I went for the first time about a year ago — check back here for my impressions from that visit — and have worked with owners Joe Serra and Bill Walsh several times since.

It’s great for gifts, for home-decorating items, for art, for furniture… you get the idea.

I’ve heard from the shop that a Holiday Sale is under way. Read more of this entry »

You might remember I featured Lot84 in Mount Kisco recently.

I’ve heard from the shop that there are plenty of things featured right now that would make ideal holiday gifts — or just something for yourself or your home.

Among the options are unique mid-century sterling silver hand-crafted jewelry; hand-made ebony vessels from Mozambique ($36 to $76) and assorted afghans and decorative pillows.

There are also festive cordial glasses ($12 to $14); silver-glazed ceramic serving dishes ($115 and $150); Ebony salad bowl and servers with mother-of-pearl design ($62 to $150); inlaid backgammon sets ($150 to $175); and leather bracelets ($120).

Sounds like a lot of choices.

For a feel of what the shop is like, click here to see what I wrote about the shop after my first visit — or just stop by.

Lot84 is at 84 Lexington Ave.

Call 914-244-8535 or visit the Lot84 site.

It was back in September of 2006 when I first met Yvette Jones.

She invited me to her home in Elmsford to give me a glimpse into her jewelrymaking, and I featured her here on the blog.

Since then, she’s been sending me updates here and there about shows where she showcases and sells her work.

I was happy to hear from her a few weeks ago — and with all that’s been going on this month, didn’t have the chance to get up a “proper” blog on her work.

I wanted to wait until I had the time — and I think you’ll agree, it was worth it.

Recycling takes on a glamorous air at ELENA’s BoutiQue in Croton-on-Hudson.

Shopping here is all about finding a new home for glittering earrings, designer bags and the occasional pair of Manolo Blahnik stilettos.

I haven’t had the chance to investigate this fully but still wanted to pass something fun along.

My friend and colleague Barbara Livingston Nackman — a news reporter here who also writes the Book by Book blog — has sent me a link to a Kate Spade bag with a local connection.

It’s the Tarrytown bag — actually a whole collection of Tarrytown bags in different styles (plus a pocket mirror).

And Barbara was right — the description is “delicious” —”nestled in new york’s hudson river valley, tarrytown’s quaint downtown is a modest advertisement for the town’s history as a destination for many of the nation’s wealthiest and stylish turn-of-the century families. the historic area still lures visitors and equestrians with its natural beauty, grand manor homes, and abundant trails.”

Shop local!

I’ve heard from the ladies of Contact in Rye Brook — owners Denise Zaccheo-Ozeri and Marcie Kesten — that their holiday sale continues throughout this month.

It’s a storewide sale — “the entire store is 20 to 50 percent off!”

There are loads of holiday gifts for less than $25, with the shop also now open from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

I’ve written about Contact a few times — believe me, it’s got style, from the jeans, tops and dresses to the bags, jewelry and fun things like sunglasses, jewelry boxes and all kinds of little trinkets.

Contact is at 120 S. Ridge St. (in Rye Ridge Plaza).

Call 914-481-1910 or visit the shop’s site.

Step carefully when you’re in Cold Spring Train Works.

The tiny shop is jam-packed with enough model trains, toy trains, collectible trains and related train memorabilia to amaze even a casual enthusiast.

Just a quick note to let you know I’m starting my vacation tomorrow.

I’ll be back — rested and ready to look for even more great items and great bargains — on Dec. 15.

Be sure to look out for my story on unusual destinations to find holiday gifts — in shops attached to our local museums, historic houses, cultural centers and the like. It’s set to run Tuesday in the Life & Style section and here on LoHud.com.

And there’s always the “Shop of the Week” feature each Monday.

As I said, back here on the 15th.

Shop well without me!

I love to hear about new shops, especially these days when times are tough.

You have to admire the dedication.

Pop Vintage Boutique is holding its Grand Opening Celebration from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow in Bedford Hills.