Sorry it's been so long since you've heard from me.. but I've had alot on my plate this summer and just couldn't find the time to write a meaningful newsletter. I literally tore the roof off my dreamy little house to add some space upstairs and it's made me happy happy happy! Oh the views of the cove are sooo much better and this new terrace off my master bedroom upstairs has just made me fall in love with my space all over again. Life is good and I'll have some before and afters for you all next time I write.

It's been quite a musical summer.. and I'm in denial that it's waning. We saw Jimmy Buffet this past weekend... fun! And Kim and I met KT Tunstall at a private meet and greet at Tazza. She's amazing.. and performed for a small crowd of only about 30...lucky us (thanks, Rochelle for inviting us)!! Rugburn's back on Block Island at Captain Nick's this weekend- (yes they actually asked them back!!). It never ends!

In the meantime, there's lots of other stuff to fill you in on, both in the shop and around town.

Kim and I spent three days last week giving the store a much-needed rearranging and face lift. I ordered so much new product in August in New York that it was necessary to do some shakin and movin. When the big brown UPS truck pulls up outside, it starts a domino effect.

So, be warned next time you pop in and make a beeline to the back of the store to find your beloved Thymes products. They've been relocated towards the front of the shop. For one reason, they've had so many new introductions they needed more room to spread out so the shopping experience is a little better.

Where the Thymes used to be is an entire wall with two racks devoted to Pine Cone Hill sleepwear and robes. We are now an official Pine Cone Hill Partner store and we literally sold hundreds of their capri pajamas this season. I am still amazed at the love and devotion women have for the line. And how many come back and buy them for their sisters and girlfriends?! I always say.. you can count on your girlfriends to make you feel great, no matter what. Oh- and almost forgot, you can now buy the robes online at beautyandthebath.com.

So here's just a sampling of what's new and noteable!

This is a fun line of capri pajamas, fitted tanks, baseball caps, flip flops and umbrellas.. great for the college gal whose headed back to campus

Yoga to the Rescue is a deck of 48 5X5 cards fastened together with a removeable book ring. This engagingly illustrated guide tackles the common woes of real girls in 7 relevant categories. Easy enough for the yoga novice and thorough enough for yoginis.

here's an example of the "Calm" card

The greeting cards are a hoot to give or to receive:

Bella B has arrived for new moms and moms-to-be. Tummy Honey is ideal to prevent and fade stretch marks.... and now the full Bella B line has mothers covered from head to tummy to toes! There's everything to firm your body and even revitalize tired feet and legs and it's all natural.

Three new launches from Thymes: Azur, Sweetleaf Baby Wild Ginger.

I met founder and President Valerie Bennis over the summer at an Extract show. She's a certified aromatherapist and an experienced blender. Over a period of years, through her private client practice, Valerie observed a commonality in the conditions that people experience on a daily basis - stress, sleep difficulties, headaches, and low energy, to name a few. The line was created to ease the discomfort of these common conditions. She's created formulas that help people feel better using the alchemy of plant essences. We now carry her massage oils, sleep mist (for sheets and pillowcases), and bedtime balm which you put on your pulse points and over your lip to help relieve tension. Ahhh.. inhale the relaxing aroma!

Join us in celebrating gracefulness and beauty with Lollia's newest editons.

New milled soaps in Breathe, Relax and Inspire

Inspire Bath Foam in a luxurious glass decanter

Believe hand cream with shea butter

Check out these Cow Girl Riders - yes they're comfy slippers.. I couldn't resist!

Momprenuers Alix Cameron & Cindy Ball were at the park with their kids (they have 5 between them) and spotted another mom's thong peeking out from her designer jeans. The dream was born. They set out to design a sassy line of women's lingerie called Smart Ass - inspirational sass for your fantastic ass. Their Signature Thong turns a fashion faux pas into a fashion statement, with sassy sayings like yummy mummy, domestic diva and trophy wife on the back T- bar of the thong. Realizing that gals can't live with thongs alone, they've recently introduced bikinis, gal shorts and camisoles which are coming soon.

Beach Rose Cafe Tim and Jamie Sharp have got some great energy going in the space that used to be the Waterfront Grille. They're food's good and let's face it.. it's adorable in there. Now serving beer and wine... even better!

Wickford Rod Works opened up this summer and is located at 7 Main Street. They're selling my bro's Fish Hard Live Long tee shirts so we know they've got great taste!. Catch Joe's stickers in Amercian Bay Outfitter's (please add their website link:www.americanbayri.com) as well.

Hold It Cigars- located at 11 Brown St sells cigars, pipes and accessories. Hand-rolled cigars, Cohiba's, Ashton's and more.

The Little House Originals- is tucked behind Wickford Gourmet at 25 West Main St. It's a gift shop and gallery featuring fine art, photography and unique gifts inspired by nature.

Askham and Telham turned 20! Definetly one of our village gems who has staying power because of it's wonderful reputation. Another one of the many hardworking successful business women in Wickford. Wickford Woes? We've had the busiest summer ever! I didn't want to even acknowledge that ridiculous Providence Journal article from a few months ago but...come on! That was definetly the voice of the minority. The tried and true town anchors are doing great! I know myself- if your business is down or foot traffic has dropped off you look within. Is it your inventory perhaps? Your customer service? Are you listening to your clients and offering something they want or need? It's that simple. Kudos, Cindy!

Congratulations to Jitter's Cafe! They just celebrated 10 successful years of sering up yummy pastries, soups, and many many many cups of coffee up on Tower Hill Road. Still going strong and growing every day.

Our friends at Wickford Junction Inn broke a record during the "Gardening With The Masters Tour 2007". Over 500 visitors toured the gardens over the 2 day event.( July 14 & 15) . Jackie, the innkeeper, baked over 600 oatmeal raisin with chocolate chip cookies to pass out with ice water for a light refreshment. What an honor to have so many people come through to see all the hard work her and Wayne put into the gardens, the gourmet meals and the beautiful surroundings of their home.

I just started advertising in a new monthly magazine called So Rhode Island, an upscale monthly magazine hitting the streets of Southern Rhode Island. From real estate and gardening to local trends and dining, So Rhode Island is destined to become the essential guide to living it up, South County style. Copies are free and are here at the shop.

The Village Faire, A recreation of the traditional summer fair that was held annually at St. Paul's from 1938-1958 (see Tim Cranston's article about it in this week's North East Independent) is happening this weekend. Here's the details:

The Village Faire Saturday & Sunday, September 8 & 9 12 noon to 6PM

To kick off our Village Faire celebration weekend there will be a parade starting at 11 am from the Town Wharf, up Main Street to Brown Street, to Boston Neck Road, to Beach Street arriving at the Cold Spring Community Center Field.

Grand Marshal ~ The Rev. Canon Philip J. Tierney
Music ~ The Lafayette Band

Entertainment

Music ~ Saturday Lafayette Band, Maria Day Hyde, Buddy Cavaleri Kevin O'Connor, Karen & Rick David, Ray Jorgensen
Music ~ Sunday 1-4 pm Jazz by the Dixie Land Pops Ray Jorgensen

Food ~ Saturday & Sunday by St. Paul's own Damon Rivard
-Chowder & Clam Cakes
-Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
-Cotton Candy & Popcorn
-Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Activities - for adults & kids, prizes, special presentations by Smith's Castle, Gilbert Stuart Museum, Antique Cars, South County Hospital "Ask a Nurse", White Elephant Table, etc.

Our Youth Group is working with the Village Faire Committee.

COME! Enjoy this Special Event for St. Paul's 300th Birthday!

***SALE***