Nuts of the Month

We hosted our second annual New Year’s gathering up in the Catskills. 2009 was so much fun I thought for sure 2010 would be a let down, but I was wrong. Thanks to twenty inches of fresh snow, followed by Colorado blue skies we all had a grand time.

The fun started with a “luge” sledding track that my boys made in our back yard. Check out the picture; they did a pretty good job. Sledding was followed by s’mores and singing. What more could children ranging from 3 years to 14 years want….

The next morning the sub 14 year olds headed to Hunter Mountain to downhill ski and the 14 and older group went on an awesome snowshoe.

Snowshoeing is the best sport; it takes no talent, is aerobic, and allows you to quickly get into the woods.

Our wine and cheese spread at the top (which was carried by our 14 year old Sherpa, a.k.a Quinn) was just divine. The Go Vino glasses were a nice addition.

The festivities were topped off with a fun dinner at which every male at the table had on a Black Squirrel ensemble –- yes, I was touched. I like that Black Squirrel outfitted my friends and family from sledding to s’mores to snowshoeing to dinner.

Holidays are coming!

With the temperatures dropping, these “Nuts” are an easy pick – one is new and one is just a long time BSQO staple. The new arrival from 66 North is their kid’s Baldur Jacket. While I am never sure how my new products will be received – I was really excited about the reaction to the Baldur. It is an extra thick and cozy fleece – warm enough to be outerwear on most days. More importantly it has received rave reviews from my young product testers and has been a hit with the Moms at recent shows in NYC and Greensboro.

A close second and long time favorite is the Cloudveil Run Don't Walk pullover. This item was part of my first collection when BSQO opened in 2007 and has remained part of our inventory every year. This is a really nice performance piece made from Polartec Power Stretch fleece; It is warm and light with a great fit. It is extremely versatile and can be a mid-layer or worn by itself. I take mine running, skiing just or lounging around the house.

The Case of the Missing Fall

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.

Sideline Fashion

Fall is definitely one of my favorite times of year. I love watching the kids on my block walking to school with their loaded backpacks. I love getting my kids back into their school routine. I love that the weather starts to cool down, but does not get too cold. I love the fall sports and especially sitting around watching a football game with the men in my life. I also really love a new season at Black Squirrel and unpacking the fall merchandise I ordered last winter.

For some reason this fall has been particularly discombobulated. I don’t know if it was because Labor Day was so late, or because school started so late, but for some reason, it is almost the end of October and I am not sure where all of the time went. As I sit down to crack the case of the missing fall, I realize it has been far too long since my last blog and I have lots to share.

Most importantly, I am so excited about BSQO's new ecommerce site. I hope it will finally be live by the end of the fall month. This site is

the primary suspect in my missing fall investigation. Had I known what an effort it would be to get all of the details correct, from photography to inventory - I am not sure I could have tackled it. The next time someone at a cocktail party tosses off the casual advice of "Oh, why don't you just try selling online" as if it were as simple as flipping a switch - I will have a good answer for them. Nevertheless, the site will look great and I, as much as anyone, knkow how much the web has changed my shopping habits, so this is  project I am very excited about.

Another big project for me was “Martha’s Market,” a three day show I did in Charlottesville, Virginia. Even though I am not a big Virginia

Cavaliers fan, I really love the city and that area of the Shenandoah Valley. Martha’s Market is a fundraiser for the Martha Jefferson hospital and in particular women’s health issues. It was a lot of work getting all of my merchandise down there, but I had a little help (thank you Hank Cochran), and it was a very successful show – I saw old friends, met some new friends and overall I think Black Squirrel was very well received. I also was able to contribute nearly $2000 to the hospital, so I am very pleased. 

Last, but not least I want to share my “Nut of the Month.” This month’s selection is the Rab Shadow Hoody.

Although the brand is still new to me, Garth and I “discovered” Rab last winter in Utah and are crazy about the line. Rab got its start 30 years ago making sleeping bags and now makes all types of outdoor gear and clothing. Few of their offerings are revolutionary, rather they simply make great looking, very functional gear that is at the heart of what Black Squirrel is trying to do. I was so excited when their shipment arrived last week that I have literally been living in my Shadow Hoody ever since. Its fit, color and comfort are all to my liking.

As I think back to my missing fall, I better understand where the time went. Looking ahead I know it does not get any easier between now and the holidays. So I am resolved to get my site launched, enjoy the last of my children’s football games, keep exercising and get myself ready for the madness that makes the holidays so much fun.

Of course your kids are looking sharp on the field all suited up in their football and soccer uniforms, but how are you looking on the sidelines?

No matter what team it is or where you're cheering (NC, VA, NY or CT), everyone needs the same things when it comes to sideline fashion: comfortable, practical and stylish attire. My number one sideline pick for this time of year is down. Nothing matches down's warmth and light weight. After getting all the kid's gear in the car and on the field, the last thing anyone wants is something else heavy to lug around. Down is light and packable and keeps everyone warm when the October chill hits. All my down jackets and vests come in great colors, so you will look and feel good, on the field or off.

One other item that is worth mentioning is footwear. I am constantly asked by men in the store, "What's a good casual shoe to wear in the fall?" Even though BSQO has not started stocking mens shoes, here are a couple of my favorites for sideline style:

1 - Salomon Gor-Tex trail shoes. Look at something like the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX - the dark color looks better than your typical running shoe and the Gortex keeps your feet dry and comfortable on the field or trail.

2 - Hush Puppy Reckless Boot - I love the look of these - like a retro sneaker with suede leather outers and a "Sherpa" lining to provide comfort and warmth.

Both can easily be purchased on zappos.com.