The last morning of my trip. Day out with Daddy, and my first experience of Brooklyn Flea. I loved it. It was really interesting to see what was for sale at a Stateside flea vs the English markets i’m used to – I think I might have to come back next trip with an empty suitcase to fill with American treasure!

(And THAT is a hot lobster roll. Heaven. I managed to drop a huge chunk of meat on the floor in all the excitement… Dad and I both looked at it longingly before deciding that Brooklyn floor-food might not be the brightest idea.)

Oh well.

An order for Frank, a delightful afternoon in Whitstable enjoying the beautiful shops, overindulging in Camembert, learning how to patchwork, buying (more) stripes.

Another NYC favourite – Purl Soho at 459 Broome Street… Essentially shelf after shelf of goodies for stitchers and knitters. Delicious!

Yes, yes. If you follow me on Twitter (or, more unluckily, know me in real life) then you’ll know that lately i’ve been mainly in bed complaining about being terribly ill, or out of bed complaining about being terribly ill. Not even an exotic ill, just common old flu. Yuck.

So! What with me living life in 4 hour intervals (between doses of Lemsip…) for the last fortnight, 2012 hasn’t gotten off to an all-cylinders-firing start – but I did take some time yesterday to write a list of goals and hopes for the year. I’m a bit nervous to put them all down here in black and white; mainly because I know what my ability to keep self imposed deadlines is like, and publicly failing to keep them will be more embarrassing than letting them slide by unnoticed… Which really means I should definitely tell you about them, doesn’t it? So there’s some chance I might follow through on them?

Well, I’ll keep it vague for now under the guise of ‘just whetting your appetite for things to come’.

First up, i’m planning on launching three (small, but nicely formed) collections of goodies this Spring, taking my work in slightly different directions to where it’s currently sitting. I’ve already had some great feedback on the basis of these and i’m really excited to see them come to fruition.

I’m also looking to branch out and find more great shops to supply in England and further afield, so if you’re a buyer, or know a buyer, or think your favourite boutique would be great outlet for Cherish Me, do let me know and i’ll send you some more details.

A final personal goal is to take more photographs, and to get a lot better at taking photographs! I’ve spent a bit of time looking back at my photos from the last couple of years, and its really nice to have a something tangible when i’m remembering a great day out. Or a great meal. I am Libby, after all.

Now, since there’s no going back on words published on t’internet i’m legally bound to fulfill these promises… Or something… Anyway, this will be the place to check up on me and see how i’m doing. What are your goals for 2012?

PS, Chicken noodle soup really does cure everything.

I’ve written about my love of Madewell before… We discovered a new-to-us branch in the city on this trip, aren’t the window displays lovely?

City Bakery – great Mac’N'Cheese, even better molten hot chocolate. Heaven.

Mum and Dad’s house. Tiggy-walking. Neighbourhood exploring. Leaves turning.

England, I love you a lot – but maybe home is where the family is.