Today's our last day in New York for this trip, and probably until 2016, so I absolutely have to visit CJS, an amazing store/ warehouse/ wholesaler that I have visited on every trip here and love getting to see.

You never know what you'll find as you look around, and this trip is no exception and I leave with some lovely vintage Swarovski crystals I'm planning on using in a kit later this year.

My visit here was bitter sweet as it was here nearly 7 years ago that I met Merle Berelowitz and I have never visited here without her. As I rummaged I remembered all our previous visits with our conversations and laughs and just how much I miss her really hit.

I'm delighted that year I'm visiting the Bead & Button show and that there is a category specially dedicated to Merle's memory in their competition. I hope to see lots of colourful and floral delights that she would have loved.