Shop 'til You Drop: Black Friday Kicks Off Holiday Shopping
These days, as soon as Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas lights appear.
The shops are filled with red and green, a sprinkling of Hanukkah blue, and enticing scents and sounds. It can be altogether overwhelming if you’re in the city. Here on the East End, though, we’re especially fortunate to have a holiday season steeped in tradition; just as one might expect to have found it 50 years ago. The lights on Main Street in Southampton bring cheer to the now-dark days; and as soon as they’re up I make it a habit to drive through them on my way home from work. It’s nice during this busy season to try to take a little time for yourself and to find gifts for your loved ones in places that bring you some joy, too. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your holiday shopping adventures.
Altman’s Needle & Fiber Arts is hosting a trunk show of its exclusive collection of Evy Leonard’s handmade crochet blankets on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. It’s the perfect excuse to head to the adorable Love Lane in Mattituck and have lunch! Each blanket is designed with a color theme drawn from her vast collection of hand dyed solid and variegated sock-weight wool yarns, making each piece soft to the touch and intricate in detail and texture. Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Altman’s Needle & Fiber Arts is located at 195 Love Lane, Mattituck. Call 631-298-7181 or visit atlmansneedlearts.com.
The “By Hand” Artisans will hold their annual holiday gift show on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Ashawagh Hall. Find handweaves, woodcarvings, porcelain face jewelry, hand-knits, handcrafted wooden toys, pearls, yarns, skincare, pottery, soaps and much more. Ashawagh Hall is located at 780 Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more info, call 631-987-6312.
After all that, here’s treat for you: Karin Herzog Essential Mask. After a brisk winter walk or jog, nothing is quite as nice as rebalancing your skin with a facemask. Dr. Paul Herzog—inventor of an artificial respiration system used worldwide and doctor honoris causa of the Nobel Institute—is the first scientist to successfully stabilize active oxygen in an emulsion. Together with his assistant and wife Karin, Dr. Herzog developed the skincare line that is based on the discovery of a combination of neutralized vitamin A and stabilized oxygen. The results are astounding. I tried the Essential Mask and my sensitive skin loved it. After ten minutes, followed by a quick rinse, my skin had a youthful glow and felt supple and smooth. Visit karinherzog.com for your wintertime essential facial mask. Your skin will thank you and you’ll be looking fab for all those holiday soirées!
Are your nails looking a mess? In between manicures, you can keep your nails looking top-notch with a miracle that comes in a little bottle called probelle. I’ve always had weak nails. Just peeling a sticker off a piece of fruit can cause my nails to flake. This afternoon, I tried one coat of probelle and already my nails are harder and stronger. Formula 1 gets you started and Formula 2 is for your ongoing healthy nail maintenance. A great stocking stuffer idea! Visit cosmeticslk.com for this and lots of more fun stuff.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
The Glass Greenhouse & Farm Market has just opened! Featuring artisan bakery, specialty cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables. With nearly five acres of greenhouse growing area, the fresh plant products are grown on location, from seed and from imported cuttings. You can pick your own plants and flowers in the warmth of the greenhouse. Located at 1350 Rte 25 Jamesport, the Glass Greenhouse & Farm Market is open seven days a week. Call 631-779-3410 or visit theglassgreenhouse.com