15 Under $15: Stocking Stuffers From Your Local Favorites

Posted on December 13, 2017 by elegantthimble

Little Blue Striped Pitcher|Paper Trail|Rhinebeck, NY|$8.00

cc-striped-milk-pitcher

Image from Paper Trail’s website

2. Lavender White Tea Signature Travel Candle| Cold Spring Apothecary

Cold Spring, NY|$12.00

Image from Cold Spring Apothecary’s website

3. Mint Pac Facial Scrub| Jean Turmo|Woodstock|$12.99

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Image from Jean Turmo’s website

4. Round Slate Cheese Board with Rope Handles| Hammertown|HV Locations: Rhinebeck & Pine Plains|$10.00

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Image from Hammertown’s website

5. Salt Caramels| Lucky Chocolates|Saugerties|$12.00

Image from Lucky Chocolates’ website

6. Lend A Hand Flour Sack Towel|Light House Style|Saugerties|$7.50

7. Chocolate Golf Set|Krause’s Chocolate|Saugerties, New Paltz, Rhinebeck|$11.90

Image from Krause’s Chocolate’s website

8.Cast Iron Bird Bottle Opener|Pretty Funny Vintage|Sleepy Hollow|$10.00 Bottle Opener - Cast Iron Bird Bottle Opener

Image from Pretty Funny Vintage’s website

9. Heal: Lip Balm-Vanilla + Rose|fig & bella|Hudson|$12.00

Image from fig & bella’s website

10. Pewter Sleepy Hollow Spoon|Sleepy Hollow Gifts|Sleepy Hollow|$8.95

Image from Sleepy Hollow Gifts’ website

11. Crochet Needle Bracelet|Maglyn’s Dream|New Paltz|$10.00 Capture

Image from Maglyn’s Dream’s website

12. Mohonk Path Room & Linen Spray|Mohonk Mountain House|New Paltz|$7.95

Image from Mohonk Mountain House’s website

13. Donate items to UCSPCA (or other local SPCA) on their behalf|

Ulster County SPCA |$15 or under

Items Needed:

CAT NEEDS:
Canned/Dry Kitten and Cat food (9 Lives, Friskies, Fancy Feast, Purina, etc.)
Cat Scratching Posts, Beds and Toys
Cat Trees
Pellet Litter
Feral Cat traps (preferred TruTrap)
Cats Beds
Small Paper Plates
LARGE ANIMAL NEEDS:
Good hay
Clean straw bales
Double-wheel wheelbarrow
Rubber food bowls
Hay holders
a trailer for rescues.
MEDICAL NEEDS:
Thermometer
Nail Clippers
Oral Syringes (3cc with caps)
Oral Syringes (1cc with caps)
Syringes with Needles (3cc)
Disposable Isolation Gowns
Medical Gloves (all sizes)
Heating pads (large)
Gauze
OTHER ITEMS NEEDED:
Envelopes
Computer Paper
Gift Cards (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)
Manila folders, 3rd cut tabs
Post-its
Pens
Small Paper Plates

DOG NEEDS:
Canned/Dry Puppy and Dog food (Alpo, Purina, Pedigree, Iams, etc.)
Peanut Butter
Dog Toys/Treats
Large Dog Beds
Harnesses (any size)
Slip Leads
Dog Bones (Femur Bones, Deer Antlers)
Durable Spray Bottle
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:
Bleach
Duct Tape
Laundry Detergent
Paper Towels
Large Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
Small Kitchen Garbage Bags
Hand Sanitizer
Dish Detergent
Towels
Sheets
Sponges
Mop Heads
Latex Free Gloves (any size)
Lightweight Blankets

(Please note, you can also donate directly through their Amazon site)

Information from Ulster County SPCA’s website

14. Almond Butter Chunk Granola|Healing Home Foods|Pound Ridge|$10.00

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Image from Healing Home Foods’ website

15. Manny’s Art Supplies Gift Card|Manny’s Art Supplies|New Paltz|$15.00

Image from Manny’s Art Supplies’ website

Paper Goods

Posted on February 21, 2017 by elegantthimble

I am a huge fan of beautiful paper and discovering pieces that are uniquely designed. Not only is it visually appealing, it is also incredibly versatile. Decorated paper can be used for gift wrapping, invitations, decoupage projects, scrapbooking or even framed for a unique wall hanging.

A terrific attribute of the Hudson Valley is how art flows throughout the area. As a result, there are lots of great places to obtain craft supplies, such as fine papers. I have found many wonderful pieces in both locally owned shops as well as chain stores located in and around the Hudson Valley. Below are a few of the great places & pieces available. Please comment on any other favorite places to obtain such paper products.

Manny’s Art Supplies

New Paltz, NY

Manny’s is one of my all time favorite stores. They have wonderful art supplies and whimsical items at great prices. Below is a sampling of some of the textured types of paper they have. In store, they have a larger variety of textured and printed paper. They also have an awesome assortment of envelopes which pair nicely with their paper for notes or projects.

(image from: http://www.mannysart.com/paper.html)

Paper Trail

Rhinebeck, NY

This store is a paper and fine goods enthusiast’s paradise. They have fantastic paper posters, table runners, and placemats (see image below) that can be used for their intended purpose or for any other paper crafting ideas. Some of their items can be purchased online, however, I also recommend a trip to the store as they always have such fabulous finds!

cake-leaves-placemat

(image from: http://papertrailrhinebeck.com/detail.htm?altsearch=paper&params=57)

Paper Source

Scarsdale, NY

I first stumbled upon Paper Source several years ago while walking around Manhattan. A few years later, I was delighted when one opened up in Scarsdale, NY (note, they also have a location in Nanuet, NY). The store has a wonderful array of fine paper as well as lots of quirky office supplies, fun gifts, and stationary products and they hold in-store workshops as well. While the store is fun to peruse, they also have a full online store if you are unable to get to one of their locations.

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(image from: http://www.papersource.com/item/Copper-Swirls-on-Marbled-Fine-Paper/103432.html)

Papyrus

Bronxville, NY

While many associate Papyrus with their awesome card assortment, the store also sells individual wrapping sheets which are great for wrapping or crafting. One of my favorite Papyrus locations is in Bronxville, NY where it sits among many other quaint shops such as Womrath Books and Candy Rox. How nice would this print be framed in a kitchen?

Close-up view of gift wrap sheet

(image from: https://www.papyrusonline.com/flower-and-fruit-labels-gift-wrap-sheet)

xoxo,

Jessi

Antiquing in Tarrytown

Posted on March 8, 2015 by elegantthimble

Antiquing in Tarrytown.

Antiquing in Tarrytown

Posted on March 7, 2015 by elegantthimble

Now that Spring is slowly approaching, the weather is getting slightly warmer making it more enticing to explore new places. While I have been to Tarrytown numerous times, I had previously only checked out one of the consignment shops. Today, my Mother-In-Law and I strolled around the town and visited many of the antique & thrift shops that frequent this quaint riverside town. Our first stop was Pretty Funny Vintage which I had been wanting to check out for awhile. I didn’t make any purchases, however, I adored the store. The beautiful wrap around porch of the store overlooks the picturesque Hudson River & is equally pleasing to the eyes once inside. From the structures of the house to the large collection of pearls, books, & housewares, there are many beautiful elements to take in. Our next stop was The Cherry Door thrift shop on Main Street. They had a nice array of goods from books to dressers and records, all at reasonable prices. We peeked in Carol Master Antiques next. The music selection combined with the eccentric collection of furniture made me feel like I walked into 1970s LA–in a good way. There was a wide variety of eras represented through the furniture & decor, but I thoroughly enjoyed the 70s vibe I was getting. This shop is highly recommended if you are looking for a special piece to make your home complete. We headed around the corner to the side street Kaldenberg Place next and got a two for one deal in the refurbished firehouse which houses Hank’s Alley & The Thrifty Squirrel. Both places had excellent prices. My Mother-In-Law acquired some great house goods from Hank’s Alley & I purchased a beautiful scarf and two pairs of earrings from The Thrifty Squirrel. The Thrifty Squirrel was one of my favorite shops of all of them. The shop owner was extremely friendly, passionate about her job, and created a welcoming space in her store & the deals were great! I look forward to seeing what more comes to the store. We ended our excursion with delicious coffees from Coffee Labs Roasters, a terrific way to end the day. Now that it is getting warmer out, I highly recommend a day trip to Tarrytown to enjoy the antique & thrift shops, as well as all of the other charming places Tarrytown has to offer.

Pretty Funny Vintage porch

View of the porch at Pretty Funny Vintage

Beautiful vintage typewriter at Pretty Funny Vintage

Awesome K’Nex Ferris Wheel at A Nu Toy Store

Front View of Tarrytown Music Hall

View of Tarrytown Music Lab from the benches in front of Coffee Labs Roasters

My awesome finds from The Thrifty Squirrel

xoxo,

Jessi

Oktoberfest Celebrations in the Hudson Valley

Posted on October 10, 2014 by elegantthimble

The leaves are changing, the air is cooling, and the beer is brewing…it’s October! And what better way to celebrate the month than by attending one of the Oktoberfests in the Hudson Valley?! Check out one of these great Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend:

Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain is throwing its annual Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend (plus Columbus Day) & every weekend through October 26, 2014. Admission is free and it only costs $8.00 for parking…so bring your appetite, grab your stein and get ready to drink, eat, and dance along to the entertainers at this year’s festival. Further details can be found on the brochure from their website here.

White Plains

The city of White Plains will be celebrating their 6th annual OktoberFest this Sunday, October 12, 2014 from 2-7 p.m. It will be held on Mamaroneck Avenue between Maple Avenue and East Post Road. Wristbands to enter only cost $5.00! Enjoy music, drinks, and food from your local favorites such as Black Bear Saloon & Brazen Fox! Further details can be found on the White Plains Business Improvement District here.

Happy Oktoberfest, readers!

xoxo,

Jessi

A Day at DuBois Farm

Posted on September 25, 2014 by elegantthimble

One of the greatest aspects of living in the Hudson Valley is the amount of beautiful farms that fill the area. No matter the season, Hudson Valley farms are wonderful to visit. Now that it is fall time the, farms are extra busy as the trees are plentiful with apples waiting to be picked.

I have visited many farms in the area and just recently discovered Dubois Farm in Highland, NY this past weekend. The farm was spacious yet filled with visitors picking apples, pears, peppers, grapes and pumpkins to name a few. The grounds of the farm were beautifully maintained and the staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly…and most importantly, they had delicious apple cider donuts, which are a staple for farms in the fall. 😉

We filled our wagon with lots of goodies which we hand-picked ourselves. Not only did we have a great time picking the fruit and vegetables but we were also delighted at what a great deal the produce was per pound.

Although we didn’t participate, there was a hayride, horse rides, and other activities to partake in on a beautiful fall day. They also served a variety of hot foods to enjoy amidst the picking and activities.

If you’re planning to visit a farm soon, I highly recommend Dubois Farm. Below are some pictures from our visit there. For more information, check out their website: http://www.duboisfarms.com.

Been to this farm? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Also feel free to recommend other great farms in the area!

View of Dubois Farm

P1030482

Apples & pears & grapes…oh my! 🙂

xoxo,

Jessi

hello again!

Posted on July 22, 2014 by elegantthimble

Wow! I can’t believe I haven’t posted since February… As much as I love writing, it is easy to overlook sitting in front of the computer while trying to enjoy all of the great aspects of the Hudson Valley, especially now that it is warm out!

From beauty bar days in Rhinebeck …

latuabellabeautybar

…to open drum in Woodstock

opendrumwoodstock

…or simply enjoying a book outside of a local library

readinginthepark

… there are so many things to write about!

Whether you prefer the indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both, there are many great times and adventures to be found for all personalities in the Hudson Valley! Looking forward to getting back into the swing of writing. In the meantime, check out my Twitter page where you can find more updates:

@eleganthudson

xoxo,

Jessi