I mentioned it in passing last week but a friendly reminder that you might very well want to plan a trip to Nyack this weekend.

The Soap & Paper Factory — one of the cutest shops in the area — is having a major sale on its sleek and stylish products. Think bath salts and soaps, body scrubs and creams, stationery and wrapping paper.

I’m working on a story for next week, on what you can buy locally to fill your beach bag this summer — including the beach bag itself.

I’ve been “shopping” the area in search of cool items, especially those made by local companies.

Part of my reporting took me to Anderson’s Book Shop in Larchmont yesterday afternoon.

We just got word that a David Yurman boutique will open next weekend in The Westchester in White Plains.

I’m working on a story about it, set to run closer to the June 20 store opening.

Stay tuned… and get those jewelry-shopping daydreams going.

That catchy phrase was part of the latest update I got from Ginny & Ken Ryan.

The Ryans are behind Somers Custom Framing and The Gift Shop at Somers Custom Framing, which I’ve featured here before.

A handful of local artists will be showing their creations in Manhattan this weekend (and next) at the 32nd annual American Crafts Festival at Lincoln Center.

The show is said to include more than 35,000 one-of-a-kind creations.

I just remembered I have to stop and get a Father’s Day card, not to mention a gift.

It’s perfect timing, then, to have received an e-mail from The Outside in Piermont suggesting some gift ideas.

This promises to be a busy weekend, with outdoor activities really kicking into high gear.

And I have at least one, for sure, on my agenda — the Cold Spring Antiques Show on Sunday.

This is one of my favorite antiques shows, held in Mayor’s Park on Fair Street.

By nature, it’s exciting to shop for a baby.

There’s that whole sense of a new life, endless possibilities and all that.

Besides, the stuff is just really cute and tiny.

There’s plenty to choose from at Cici Crib in Armonk, whether you’re looking for that one adorable gift — or to decorate an entire room.

I’ve heard from the owners of Madelynrose, the children’s boutique in Pearl River, that a “Huge Tent Sale” is planned for Sunday.

The event will coincide with the town’s soap box derby, so it should make for an exciting day. Lots of stores will be open, along with street vendors and special events throughout the downtown.

I think my weekend “to-do” list just got a bit longer.

Signing onto my e-mail this morning brought me a note from Lisa Devogelear of one of my favorite local companies, The Soap & Paper Factory.

The company is a collaborative effort between Dewey Howard Papers and Brickhouse Soap, a combination that has produced some pretty stylish products ranging from soaps and candles to stationery and gift wrapping. Read more of this entry »