Westchester View

There are times when you see a store front and you know that you just have to stop by because its just too cool for words!   Ok – so I’m dating myself by invoking coolness, but I can’t help it.   Everything in Recologie  is made of recycled material. Often when we think of recycled purchases we have a sense that we are doing something for the “greater good” that involves some form of sacrifice  – generally in the form of style.  Not so here.  Everything in this store is top-of-the-line, unique, and cheesy is definitely not allowed.   I spent some time photographing the merchandise and I admit I went a bit overboard on the bags.  They sell far more than that in the store -but the bags were so amazing I couldn’t stop.   Be sure to stop by some day, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy  the video!

Recologie is located at 1934 Palmer Ave (at the corner of Larchmont Ave.)  – 914-315-1535 -  Click here for Recologie.com

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

After the crash of 2008 and the recession of 2009 Westchester had more than a few financial issues.  Cities, towns and villages reeled with the loss of commerce as the public pulled in their horns and stopped spending.  This created budget shortfalls as revenues from sales taxes decreased.  Shops that had been around for decades were announcing final clearance sales and shuttering their doors for good.  Some areas started to look almost abandoned as “for rent” signs for retail spaces started propagating like bunnies. It was a jolt to what is generally a well-heeled and prosperous community.

In early 2010 the problem dragged on.  One place particularly hard- hit was a popular portion of Palmer Ave. in Larchmont  just a block from the Metro-North trains station.  For all practical purposes, this should be a very popular area for retail as the location is a real  draw for commuters  walking to and from the train. Nevertheless, the area was bereft of retailers willing to step up an plant their flag to make a go of it in the worst recession since the great depression.  A few brave shops remained while the other spaces just emptied out.

But by the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 – a real turnaround was starting.  New retailers were making their move into these abandoned spaces and storefronts in Larchmont New York were showing signs of life – the “for rent” signs were being replaced bye “Coming Soon..” signs.  It was a breath of fresh air.

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Being a long time resident of the south end of White Plains NY, I would be the first to admit that there is not a lot of commerce going on the area.  One thing you won’t find at that end of town is Big-Box anything.  However, residents of the area do have access to a variety of services and handful of stores.  These are of the Mom & Pop variety where service is king.

Rosedale Pharmacy is near and dear to my heart.  Why?  Because they handled the often conflicting prescriptions that my father had to deal with during his three year battle with stage 4 cancer.  The diagnosis had come as a shock – but even more shocking were the insurance issues  – which were massive and all the medications he suddenly was dependent on.   Every pharmacist there took great care to make sure there were no conflicts, they helped me by letting me know when he was about to fall into the dreaded “donut hole” and they worked out numerous conflicts with his insurance  – a medicare HMO that had its own agenda.   CVS and Walgreens is fine if you are not truly ill -but Rosedale went above and beyond, keeping tabs on things.

They also sell household items – even green cleaning items such as the popular “Method” products.  They have a large variety of naturopathic items and vitamins and cosmetics.  You can also stop by for some quick photocopies. The store is old-fashioned. Nothing slick, nothing fancy.

Hours:  M-F 8 AM – 6 PM and Sat.  9 AM – 5 PM
Phone:  948-4818
Web:  www.rosedalepharmacy.com

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

High end specialty retail is not limited to NYC.  Westchester has its share of unqiue boutiques and Bark & Meow of Tarrytown is the perfect place to find a great gift for your favorite canine or feline member of the family.   Laura Haupt, the owner has her two pets acting as the wecloming committee.  Juno wasn’t there the day I was but Sachi – the beautiful Shiba Inu was at the door welcoming me.   Like most Shiba’s, Sachi exudes confidence and was obviously delighted to see me…

The store is now decked out for the Holiday Season with toys and treats for dogs and cats. There is something for everyone here.  Cats have their own special boutique section while much of the store is dedicated to the needs of dogs.  Holiday collars abound – Jade, Tundra and Buddy are now sporting theirs.   Their are special Christmas treats for both dogs and cats.   There are even pure wool sweaters that are fully lined with holiday themes.  Laura also has a wide variety of dog and cat food which is all organic and you are sure to find a brand and variety that is best suited for your pet.

So take a break and stop by.  There is plenty to see and tons of choices with which to fill your pets stocking.

Bark & Meow is located in the heart of Tarrytown on Route 9  on Broadway just half a block south of Main St.   For store hours and more information call 914-524-7373

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Tomorrow marks the 77th anniversary of the end of Prohibition.   This was one of FDR’s promises to the electorate and he was able to fulfill that promise  with  the ratification  of the 21st Amendment to the constitution.

Wine Tasters – a local wine store with an excellent selection in the heart of the village was there…way back in 1933.  And was ready for the legalization of alcohol with the 477th liquor license issued in New York State.  Since there have been only four owners since the store opened its doors back in the middle of the Great Depression – the license has been passed down from owner to owner and now sits on the counter at the front of the store.

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For those looking to improve their homes, there is nothing quite like the Home Show of Westchester.  It’s given twice a year and is a fabulous resource for homeowners.  The home show offers visitors a birds eye view of the latest innovations for the home.  Exhibitors come from all over to show their wears and the categories are nothing short of mind boggling.

Categories include:
Heating, Air conditioning and air filtration
Appliances
Architects, builders and contractors
Awnings, decks, patios & even gazebos
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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!

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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.

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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/

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks, http://thewestchesterview.com.  All rights reserved.

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.
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