It was a day pretty much like today when I went down to Point Pleasant Beach in Jersey last week.

Not quite as hot — but just as sunny, with a beautiful breeze.

It was a great vacation day filled with the usual mix of time on the sand, in the ocean and on the boardwalk. Read more of this entry »

My friend complimented me on my earrings today, and I had to smile.

They are one of the things I bought at the last Anne Koplik warehouse sale — and this friend and I were already planning to go to the company’s next sale later this week.

I got to say something like “See, there are really good things there.”

She got to say something like she can’t wait to go… and neither can I.

In case you missed it from last week, here are the details of the sale, which gets under way Friday night in Brewster.

You might know I’m a big fan of jewelry… along with bags, shoes, etc.

I may have mentioned that once (or a million times).

But that’s why I particularly enjoyed working on my story that’s in today’s Life & Style section, as well as here on LoHud.com.

It’s been sitting on my desk for a few days… calling out to me.

And I’ve finally given in.

I’ve heard from Wishes, a boutique in Yorktown Heights, that its summer sale kicks off today.

Here’s what Debbie Zapakin, one of the owners, had to say in an update she sent me:

“Just wanted to let you know that we are running our Summer Storewide Sale beginning today. Read more of this entry »

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.