The Westchester View » Retail in Westchester

Funky Floral Arrangements in Westchester NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:52:33 +0000

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been able to see and capture some very unique floral arrangements in lower Westchseter NY. Here are some photos of my top 3 picks. The flowers themselves though beautiful can not be described as “funky.” However the …shall we say ..”planters” in each of these cases is truly unique. My all time favorite is the truck.

I also rather like the “bathtub” arrangement. I found his in the back of building just behind the Tarrytown Music Hall. The antique cast iron tub makes for quite a “planter.”

Both the truck and the working boot arrangements are from Carlson’s Floral and Gift. The greenhouse is located at 625 Dobbs Ferry Rd. in White Plains, right near the Sprain Brook Parkway access. If you think their funky arrangements are intriguing – you’ll be blown away by their traditional arrangements!

Carlson’s Floral & Gift – White Plains NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:59:26 +0000

Yes, these old Timberland boots were used as flower pots! It’s an example of how out-of-the box thinking can transform something that would find its way into the the trash, can be turned into a spring time arrangement.

Whether buying or selling Westchester NY real estate, clients often need help with curb appeal. When selling, landscaping creates an inviting atmosphere that invites buyers into the home. Buyers, on the other hand, are often eager to put their own personal stamp on their gardens and may often be at a loss as to what to do or where to go.

Carlson’s in White Plains has expert advice and marvelous arrangments for both home and garden a like. The arrangments can run the gamut from highly formal to totally funky. I particularly like to go there during the different holidays – such as Easter, Christmas, New Years, Halloween to see what they have. Over the years I’ve mentioned Carlson’s in several blogs. I’ve taken many photos of the arrangements. So I compiled the photos into a video. I thought it would be a nice diversion from the rain and wind we are expecting this weekend. Enjoy.

Carlson’s Floral & Gift is located at 625 Dobbs Ferry Rd., White Plains NY 10607 – 914-684-6084

Zachys Wine & Liquor – Scarsdale NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:31:54 +0000

Zachys Wine & Liquor is a famous Scarsdale Landmark:

Located on 16 E. Parkway in the heart of Scarsdale Village Zachys Wine & Liquor is a landmark unto itself. They are in their 65th year and anyone who knows anything about wine, knows Zachys. Wine affectionados come from all over to shop there. They host exclusive and wine tastings. For example, the most recent was on Saturday with a big Italian wine tasting.
In truth, I was more than a little intimidated. I was certain that someone who knows something (but not a lot) about wine would be in well over their head walking into such such a famous place. Not so at all. They were actually very patient and helpful. As I was wondering through the maze of bottles I had started to feel a bit lost and a staff member rescued me and helped to find exactly what I was looking for. They weren’t the least taken aback that as a hard-working real estate professional – I wasn’t in the market for a $200 bottle of wine. In the end, they found a nice Zinfandel that suited my taste and my budget.

If you want to explore further, the best option is to take the time to go there. They also have an excellent web site which I found informative and fun – http://www.zachys.com/

Jim Cramer of Mad Money Fame Appears at Downtown White Plains Barnes & Noble

Ruthmarie Hicks — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:04:24 +0000

White Plains is synonymous with shopping. It is know for its shops particularly along Mamaroneck Ave, Post Rd. and Main St. As a result, White Plains shops in the downtown area really comes to life during the Holiday Season. Shopping and fine dining are part of the downtown White Plains lifestyle. Tuesday night I decided that it was time to “get serious” about Christmas and do some real shopping. I decided to start at the City Center Mall and go to one of my favorite haunts – the Barnes & Noble. I was meandering around in my usual catatonic shopping state of mind when I ran smack into a security guard who had the audacity to be blocking my progress. He was very polite, since I was obviously not paying any attention whatsoever. “Are you here for the book signing?” he inquired. The question jolted me awake. I was standing smack in the middle of an area that was roped off and I was clearly in the way. I asked who was coming and he replied “Jim Cramer.”

You never know when you are going to be surprised. I was thrilled. My father is a HUGE fan and as many of regular readers know, he is not at all well. I quickly bought his latest book to autograph for my Dad and waited patiently for him to arrive.

Well, I have to say it was worth the wait. This man has enough energy to supply the entire metropolitan area with power for the next century. The antics on his show which one might think are a put-on are really a reflection of his personality. A friend of mine who was at one time a market analyst once marveled – “I guess they found a brilliant bipolar who stopped taking his meds and gave him a show.” But the energy is real. Mr. Cramer spent about 30 minutes talking and probably about an hour signing. I came away with a signed copy of his latest book “Getting back to Even” for my Dad and with a whole lot more energy than when I went in.

Bark and Meow of Tarrytown make sure that pets get their Valentine wishes granted….

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:18:47 +0000

Bark and Meow of Tarrytown is one of my favorite haunts for pets. It has everything you could possibly imagine for the upscale New York canine or feline in your life. My own dogs, Jade, Tundra and Buddy sport bandannas and collars from Bark and Meow and are the better looking for it! Today – the owner – Laura Haupt outdid herself with “street art.” Using sidewalk chalk – she created her own version of street art for this special day NY style! Many of the offerings in the store are very New York, including subway line sweatshirts. There is plenty to see and enjoy in that store. Even if you aren’t in the mood to buy, you’ll want to stop by and meet the store’s mascots Juno and Satchi. Juno, the Korean Jindo is the official welcoming committee for humans and canines alike.

Fall is in full force…scenes from Carlson’s Floral & Gift

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:06:15 +0000

Fall is my favorite time of year. The air is crisp and clear, the humidity that dominates New York summers has abated, the leaves have put on their colorful coats of red, orange and gold and create a colorful show that “peepers” come from all over to witness.

One of my favorite haunts when the seasons change is a trip to Carlson’s. Carlson’s Floral & Gift is a family owned Greenhouse with Charlie Carlson and his daughter, Nancy Shellhas running the show. Nancy In addition to their wonderful selection of plantings for landscaping and the home, Nancy offers a marvelous selection of one-of-a-kind floral arrangements that are completely unique.

Carlson’s is located at 625 Dobbs Ferry Rd. in White Plains, NY – just off the Sprain Brook Parkway. It’s well worth a trip during the Halloween/Thanksgiving and Holiday season to see what new and unique offerings they have in store. After Thanksgiving, the Carlson’s will magically transform itself from a fall harvest festival to a sea of Poinsettias with all of the traditional holiday trimmings. In the meantime – here is a sample of their Halloween display: