Columbus Day Weekend

Trilogy Lacrosse Clinic in Pelham draws over 100 kids and 

Black Squirrel Sightings to boot.

Ned Crotty

Max Quinzani

Pelham's Ingall's field was filled with over 100 boys learning lacrosse tips from two of the best -- Ned Crotty and Max Quinzani -- two former attackmen that led Duke to a 2010 National Championship. Ned is currently working for Trilogy Lacrosse, an organization that prides itself on being the leader in lacrosse education. With its unique teaching philosophy Trilogy Lacrosse has created a first-class reputation for personal commitment to every student-athlete.  Those of us who watched Ned and Max conduct yesterday's clinic, and many who have attended Trilogy's camps, would agree with the Trilogy statement that, "First and foremost, we are educators."

On the sidelines I had several Black Squirrel sightings.

Patagonia Coaches Jacket

Patagonia Coaches Jacket

Cloudveil Jacket

Native Sunglasses & Cloudveil Jacket

Mk Shorts and Island & Co. Belt

Don't forget to post your sightings on Black Squirrel's Facebook page to receive a 25% discount code to shop on-line at bsqo.com.

Holidays are coming!

If you are lucky enough to be going way for the upcoming Columbus Day weekend, I offer a few packing tips.

Start with the appropriate size duffle.  We love the color and size options of our Patagonia duffle.  Remember, it is just a weekend, so the small or medium should suffice, unless you are packing for the whole family and then the large is a perfect option.  Garth much prefers one big bag to several small ones.  Simply a matter of preference.

As for contents, naturally it depends on where you are headed, but the temperatures do seem to be dropping.  We think in terms of base layer, mid layer, outerwear, shirts, pants and accessories.  So my picks would be:
base layer -- Ibex Zepher
mid layer - Rab Fleece
outer layer - Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket
shirt - Saltaire or TailorByrd
pants - Mountain Khakis - any style: original, cords or flannel lined
accessories - Ibex gloves and Patagonia beanie

Keep it simple and have fun!

Fall into Black Squirrel Outfitters!!

Thanksgiving will be here in less than three weeks and Christmas four weekends after that. I think it is never too early to start getting organized and doing a few things now will certainly make the last minute crunch more enjoyable.

We will host family for Thanksgiving up in the Catskills. My plan is to create a very simple meal and a weekend of fun. To begin, I am searching for some new recipes that are a bit non-traditional; I am convincing my family that we don’t need SOOO much food (simpler is better), and I have mandated casual attire, meaning jeans. Setting the tone always helps me set expectations to then make a game plan. Once my game plan is intact from food to activities then I will need to execute and DELEGATE. I know the weekend will be fun, but too quick --- and then we are into December.

So a quick Christmas to do list has been started. #1 on the list is the old Christmas card which is always a bit stressful. I’ve learned through the years to let go of my perfectionism, as I have realized few people will ever scrutinize our card as closely as I do. So when I found a good picture of our family from this summer, I made a quick decision that while it is not perfect, it would be close enough for this year, and for better or worse it is now at the printer. I always have to remind myself that the fun with cards is opening up the happy pictures from friends, and no one really cares if someone’s eye is shut or they don’t have their best smile. While there is plenty more on the to do list, at least I am making progress!

Remember, get prepared and keep it simple. If you need jeans, I love our new Patagonia ones.

IT'S FALL, so think football, friends, fun and of course: FALL CLOTHES -- like flannel, cords, sweaters and fleece! 

Black Squirrel now has items for MOM too!!

Women's Must Haves - encouraged by y'all, this Fall I introduce some essentials for women.  Like everything else at BSQO, I am focusing on items that fit your hectic lifetsyle, but still look great.  One of the new brands I am really excited about is Nau (pronounced "now"), a company that excels at using cutting edge performance fabrics to create great looking clothes.

My Back To School Picks -

Mountain Khakis' Original Mountain pants - $55 -  I love these on my boys, and my boys love wearing them, so getting dressed for school is suddenly easy for everyone. The Original Mountain Pant is soft against the skin, but is plenty tough where it is needed, making it a no brainer for back to school.

Patagonia's Pique Fleece - $80 - When he wants his hoodie and I want him in a sweater, this is our compromise.  I think subtle details on this 1/2 zip fleece - from its textured pique fabric, to its side zip cell phone pocket make this a perfect back to school necessity.  It stuffs easily into back packs and lockers, not to mention your son will want to take it to the slopes too.