February’s 2022 Column In Highlands Current: "The Power Of Self-Love"

A Little Beacon Blog’s publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, has a monthly column in the Highlands Current. For February, the focus was on the Power of Self-Love, especially for parents of young-ish children, where one’s identity can easily get misplaced. These are suggestions on how to find you again, and fill your own cup. You can pick up this for one last day on newsstands! And then next week’s comes out. This column is also published online here. Here’s a little Gift Guide to go with these recommendations:


- Stretch/exercise by yourself (a mom asked if her kids should be with her. Go solo, and go to one of Beacon’s many parks. If you must bring the kids, go to South Avenue, Glenham or Sargent for a little BeastMaster Training simulation. Or find a gym with childcare if that’s a budget option, like All Sport in Fishkill.

- Wear perfume or cologne. A good way to remind you of you. Beacon Mercantile has several made in Beacon scents.

- Paint your nails. Rite Aid of course for Essie brand, and La Mere Clothing & Goods has special colors.

- Blow dry your hair. For real. The warm air makes for a warm brain and can pave the way for deep thoughts or revelations. For a blowout, try Campbell and Campbell

- Sit for extensions or a natural style. Enjoy a crochet style or treatment to nurture your natural look. Book a chair at Salon Dae near Dutchess Airport or Amy’s braids in Beacon in Mr. Bell’s salon.

-Sketch something for no reason. Enjoy the curve of a line or pressure of a pencil. Find art supplies at Supplies For Creative Living in Cold Spring.

- Buy yourself a ring. Don’t wait for someone to give you one! Hyperbole, MariePierre Collection, Hudson Beach Glass have amazing or simple selections from artists.

- Embrace your curves and buy yourself clothes. We’re all going to go to many stores for this - from the mall to Main Street. Whatever fits and feels right on you. If it’s $$ but quality, do it. You’ll keep it in your collection! And it helps keep a boutique open.

- Write your kids a love letter. Tell them what they have meant for you.

More in the article, but here’s the abbreviated version with shopping recommendations!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Boutiques On Beacon's East End Near The Mountain

It's here! A Little Beacon Blog's first Gift Guide in quite some time. For Valentine's Day, this one focuses on some shops on Beacon's East End near the mountain. There is some very serious shopping down there, from high end to vintage, to world famous chocolate to marshmallows to even rentable fashion.

Shop Hyperbole

484 Main Street
These shiny bags are silky scrunchie bags. They are shoulder bags with a lot of elastic. Moments before this photo was taken, there were 3 bags. Popular.

Solstad House

488 Main Street
Cutest! Tea cups with a tea bag holder off the side. Or however you want to use it.

Chocolate Studio

494 Main Street
These sprinkled chocolate drops will delight your person! Lots of other goodies to be found in this shop.

Shop Berte

500 Main Street
A tightly curated collection, Shop Berte has all independent designers in her shop, and can tell you the story behind each of them. From jewelry to wine decanters.

The Snookie Shop

508 Main Street
Inside of The Snookie Shop are lots of sexy dresses, sporty sweats, and tops. But what is flying off the shelf is the Snookie makeup bag put together for Valentine’s Day! Red pom-pom hat not included, but you can add it!

Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co.

510 Main Street
Of course you must go to a marshmallow shop for Valentine’s Day! The S’Mores Baskets are put together and ready to go for you. Plus these squish ‘mallows!

Kaight Shop Beacon

512 Main Street
No matter what you find in Kaight, the piece is very special. A story behind every brand that is selected to display on the shelves, these styles won’t last long. People travel far to shop from Kaight’s collection.

The Village Jerk

494 Main Street
…but did you know that there are leather-goods in The Village Jerk, the beef jerky shop next to the Chocolate Studio? Oh yes…check out their bracelets and gold painted wallets.

Refill.Restore.Beacon

480 Main Street
The razor you’ve been dreaming of! Replace the blades, keep the body. You can stop throwing away plastic ones now. Comes in other colors including a rainbow hombre.

Vintage Beacon

478 Main Street
A stylist-edited vintage and designer consignment boutique curated with love. Always changing it up inside, this shoe shelf offers a variety of styles.

Raven Rose

474 Main Street
Always here for your love, Raven Rose has the Valentine’s table ready for you. Make your own dried flower arrangement while you’re in. Makes a great little gift.

La Mere Clothing and Goods

470 Main Street
Valentines essentials. Don’t wait for anyone to buy these for you. Treat yourself! Many treats to choose from if you’re buying a gift, and new inventory is always arriving. Don’t hit snooze. Enjoy!

Tibet Tree Of Life

460 Main Street
Crystals, rocks, everything you need to channel the right energy. Blankets, tops, candles, so many things that will make a home happy.

Violet Reserve

468 Main Street
Have you been inside of this antique/vintage shop yet? Lots of special things. And do enjoy the mural on the back wall! Located near La Mere and Tibet Tree Of Life.

Hakan Chocolatier

462 Main Street
So shiny! Just look at this world famous chocolate, located right here in Beacon, NY. The delicacies are delicious. Pick more than one.

Wanderlux Style

473 Main Street
Beacon’s first (and only?) rentable fashion. That’s right. You can rent a dress, jacket, shoe, etc. Normally available online, Beaconties have access to this shop in-person and online. Located behind the architect’s office near the Howland Cultural Center.

Find these shops and more in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide!

Mother's Day Gift Guide - Shop These Beaconites!

mothers day gift guide albb.png

Mothers love a good snuggle with their children (even older ones!), and they love some pampering too. And for people to just read their minds and do the things that need done! If you are buying for your mom this Mother’s Day, go wild. Because she needs the brightness in the day (but stay within budget…she might hand-slap you), and local businesses need the support too.

Below is A Little Beacon Blog’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, where we feature our advertisers who continue to support us and help make this all possible. Thanks everyone!


LUXE OPTIQUE

181-183 Main St.
Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 838-2020
Shop Now

The easiest thing you could do here, is to buy Mom a Gift Certificate. She may be holding out - denying herself the super special pair of glasses that Luxe Optique specializes in sourcing the world for. That’s right - the world. Because these are not mass produced glasses. These are hand-crafted glasses that we promise you - will get your mom compliments from everyone. That’s right - everyone. She deserves this. Make her go.


PTACEK HOME

146 #2 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 424-6112
Shop Now

PTACEK Home is your local source to exceptionally made furniture. Pieces you are not likely to see in stores. Unless you are in their own store! On Main Street in Beacon. Help them stay in Beacon by taking advantage of their Sale. Just look at those wooden planters!


BEACON BEE


(845) 337-8319
Shop Now

If you’ve heard that local honey is the best, then you’re going to love these all-natural beeswax-based skin and hair products from Beacon Bee. Started by Deb and Matt, who became beekeepers years ago when curiosity and appreciation for bees drove their passion to develop balm in a variety of sizes, scents, and formulations. The beeswax is taken from their own hives. The scents are delicious, and everything can be packaged into wedding favors as well. A perfect gift for a person who loves Beacon and beeswax based beauty.