Shop 'Til You Drop: Easter Shopping—Hop to It!

March was the first month in the early Roman calendar and remained so until 1582, when the Gregorian calendar became the official calendar for most of Western Europe. England and her colonies, however, did not switch over to the new calendar until 1752! I feel badly for the people around in 1752 who had to undergo 11 days being dropped from September to accommodate the changeover.  I admire British efforts to keep March as the first month– as we begin to glimpse budding new life, it seems only right that this month should start off the year.

This weekend I spotted crocuses popping up all over town and thought it might actually be time to do something about my patio. Which is why on my to-do list for this week is a visit to House to Home in Eastport. Excited for spring, they’ve brought in great new furniture and merchandise, especially outdoor products for their backyard garden. These experts in interior decorating are sure to have something pretty for inside too. House to Home, 499 Montauk Highway, Eastport. 631-801-6100 housetohomedesigns.net

With Easter on the early side this year, another calendar conundrum involving both the observance of Passover on the solar/lunar-cycle-based Jewish holiday calendar and the Paschal Full Moon, which can vary as much as two days from the date of the actual full moon, don’t delay in making preparations. If you’re traveling to stay with family or friends that have kids, bring them a little gift from the new Christopher Fisher Baby Spring 2013 line. They have adorable knit sweaters, the softest imaginable, with animal motifs and nautical themes. For yourself, take a peek at the Spring 2013 Collection. Inspired by Arabian sunsets and African landscapes, bold prints are balanced with soft earthy tones, for that effortless look Christopher Fischer perfected. Their end-of-season Easter Sale ends Monday, 3/30, so hurry on over for up to 50% off select styles. Christopher Fischer Baby is available in East Hampton. 67 Main Street, East Hampton. 631-907-0900 Christopherfischer.com

If you’re hosting, add some cheer to your bathrooms with soaps from LUSH. Tubside favorites include the carrot bubble bar, fluffy egg bath bomb, Easter egg hunt soap, and Brightside bubble bar. These fun soaps also make great little gifts and are a creative alternative to chocolate eggs and bunnies. (Not that we don’t like those too!) lushusa.com

Looking ahead, be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 10: Alex & Ani + Energy is having a jewelry sale from 6-8 p.m. 15% of all proceeds go to i-tri, the Hamptons’ community-based intervention program that teaches at-risk adolescent girls positive body image and healthy lifestyles through the sport of triathlon. A great cause and a great excuse to pop in to see the new eco-friendly, positive energy charms and bangles at Alex and Ani! 38 Jobs Lane, Southampton. 631-353-3309 Alexandani.com

New Kid on the Block:

Vines and Branches is opening on Main Street in Southampton! Romulus and Julius Caesar would both be pleased with their olive oil assortment. A chef’s paradise, Vines and Branches carries specialty oils, gourmet salts and herbs, vinegars and prepares beautiful gift baskets. Vinesandbranches.net.

Send your exciting East End shopping news to shoptil@danspapers.com.