note to self

happy (early) weekend

We might be about to have our first fight. Because I made promises and I'm not keeping them – promises of a new advice column and other delights. But I can't come through, at least not this week. I'm not perfect. And you should probably know that better than most by now. ;)

Here's my "excuse": This week, I worked extra-long hours (in the office early and out very late) in order to take two days off and fly down and join my family in Saint Martin for a long weekend. Sometimes you just gotta get away. Sometimes you just have to rest. Sometimes, you just need some distance to get perspective (duh). When I get back, I hope to offer you a clear mind and an inspired spirit because right now, I'm just plain tired... Sit tight my friends, and enjoy your weekend. I wish I could take you all with me!

In the meantime, I hope you will check out Loren Hope's new identity and website. Loren and I have been working together since August! to put together this new package that really defines her and her work. In the end, I'm so thankful to have her as a client... She is such a wonderful and talented designer/business woman. Have fun browsing around!

happy weekend

I hope you continue to enjoy the Holiday Guides, and have a lovely weekend! 

We'll be back to regular NTS content on Monday. :)

And as always, find me elsewhere: Tumblr / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook

 

happy weekend

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. I hope you (like me) will be catching up on sleep, reading some good books, and generally enjoying some rare downtime with the family or friends. Because let's face it, the next month will be cray-cray. (Yes, I just said that.) Off we go...

P.S. If you're looking for some great companies to support on Shop Small Saturday, feel free to browse around the Directory for all of my favorites - big and small. 

| photo by Colette de Barros |

happy weekend

I'm off to Charleston for my cousin's wedding - so excited to see the family again

(and to get in some one-on-one time with The South, of course...) 

Have a good one!

| photo by Samm Blake via All The Mountains |

 

happy weekend

Well, in case you haven't noticed - this was a very hard and strange week. (As indicated on this blog's Facebook page) my family came through Sandy just fine, with minor dings and scratches and minus a few trees - small issues by comparison to what thousands are still experiencing. Elsewhere in the neighborhood, homes and businesses flooded, and a few even burned to the ground during the storm. I can't even imagine losing everything - just like that.

We have been without power since Monday afternoon. It's just plain miserable not for lack of light or internet or television (who cares), but simply because of the cold. It cannot come back soon enough - they're saying Tuesday at the earliest. So once again, no blogging until then. Not that I'm really in the mood to shower you in product posts anyway. It all seems so frivolous given the state of things...

As soon as Metro North was able to start running trains again yesterday, I was on one to Manhattan to finally start at Ralph Lauren (I mean, when's the last time a hurricane hit on what was supposed to be your first day of work?) I'm enjoying it so far, and this has also given me a chance to catch up on the news now that I have access to a computer and internet.

It's heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time to recount the past week. Families lost loved ones, homes were devastated if they survived at all, and the entire Northeast feels pushed to the limit in terms of turning it all around. But Tri-Staters (New Yorkers especially) are unique. With all their grit, toughness, and attitude, they are willing to dispense with it all in a time of true crisis. To the neighbors and businesses running extension cords to the curb for cell phone charging stations, to the power line repair trucks that drove all the way up here from Alabama, Missouri, North Carolina, etc. to lend a hand, I know we all say thank you. And New York, I love you. I'm so glad I get to live here again. We'll be okay.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Enjoy your heat. And if you are so inclined, I encourage you to donate to the Red Cross relief efforts.

| photo via Jamie Beck |