January 18th, 2012
New Year & New Expectations; that’s what this post should be called. The Delaware Beaches are becoming more popular every year. The attraction of low property taxes, along with the amenities make the beaches a year-round playground. Tax free shopping, mild winters, beautiful scenery…the towns have been crowded during the week-ends. This is our Second Season and a few quieter months is the perfect time, for us that live here year-round, to truly embrace the beaches.
With that in mind, I want to mention some of my Delaware advertisers, who have been in the area for so many years. I can recommend them all fully because I use them.
Tidewater Realty is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) at the Starboard Center in Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-7500 or toll free 800-888-7501. This is a boutique size real estate company catering to North Bethany and Bethany Beach customers. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Tidewater has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. Personal attention, a friendly staff, rentals and sales. A tip for you is to visit the website and wether your interest is sales or rentals, the website will give you an idea of who they are and what is available. Make your summer rentals choices early; you know how it is….if we have a forecast for a hot summer the prime weeks will go quickly.
Coastal Chem-Dry, is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry. A green certified company using innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. You can call for a free estimate at 302-645-2800 in Sussex County or 302-234-0200 in New Castle County. Website? www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. Take advantage of the specials that are now on-going. Visit their website www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de/specials to find out what they are offering.
Please note that once your carpet or upholstery is cleaned by Coastal Chem-Dry, it only takes a couple of hours to dry; not days. And, if you have pets, this is the company to use.
VacationRentals.com is a national rental company. Part of the family of Home Away. I was surprised when last year they contacted me. The properties that are being advertised on my website are in Rehoboth Beach. Check http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/rehoboth-beach-delaware.html. You can also click directly on their website, on the link available on the bottom left hand side of this blog. Events and activities are always happening in Rehoboth. The company has townhouses, single family, and condos all great for taking time off at the beach with a group of friends.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, DE 19967. Tels. Office 302-537-4444, cell 302-381-0773. Website? www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the company’s Founder and CEO. This is a commercial and residential construction company well respected in the community. I have known Mike for many years and no job is too small or too big for him. Find out for yourself and give his company a call. His staff is amazing.
BetterLiving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva is under the umbrella of Miken Builders, but a complete different company even though they share the same address. Tel. 302-251-0000. Website? www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. The company is the exclusive provider of BetterLiving 3-season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach – I have said it so many times and here it goes again. You can leave your dog at this cage free, temperature controlled facility, 24 hour supervision with total confidence. Jim and his staff are wonderful and animal lovers. Doggies at the Beach is located on Rt. 24 at 18806 John J. Williams Highway. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com. They offer grooming for dogs and cats, training for different levels of your dog’s life, web cams so that you can check you pooch while away and in case you would like a drawing of your pet; DJ who is in charge of the pooches at night can draw your pet. For more info. call the office and talk to Jim. Here are a few of his drawings.
  
Note: The above mentioned companies can be accessed directly from my website. Just click on their site and you will be directed immediately to all the information they have available.
And…..if you decided you would like to advertise on AboutMyBeaches, then $500/year will get you a banner on my website with personal attention, of course.
Have a good one!!
November 4th, 2011
Many years ago when my husband and I came to Bethany, the “scene” was very different. But, that’s what we liked about it. Small town, great place to bring up a family. Through my children I met most of my friends. Some I saw frequently and some just once in a while. One thing is for sure; all those friends are still there.
I met Mike Cummings and his family at the Pyle Center in Roxanna. Yeap, we were in Little League. Rain or shine; early mornings and at times early evenings, as well. Roxanna is near Bethany Beach. I am sure Mike remembers all that. We were also on the same team. I have forgotten if we were good or not.
Through the years I have met parents through sports and some were very intense. Mike is one of the few people that I know that has kept it constant. Even temper, friendly, caring, good sense of humor, and a consummate professional in his work. It was like that then, and it is now, as well.
He is the Founder and CEO of Miken Builders, located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, DE 19967. Tel. 302-537-4444. Cell 302-381-0773 and website, www.mikenbuilders.com. You can find Miken Builders on Facebook.
The website will give an insight on this commercial and residential construction company. You can also find them on the right hand side of my website and just with a click you will have direct access into his site.
Through the years Miken Builders has built a reputation as a company that is well respected in the community with high standards and superior craftmanship.
Mike’s company has received so many awards in construction and renovation from Associated Builders & Contractors. You can see those on the website, and you will also be able to see other awards and memberships in charitable organizations. Yes, Mike and his company have given back to the community.
Personally, I can recommend Miken Builders fully. I just used the company to do renovations in my house. His staff, well, I cannot say enough. Suggestions, designs, and carrying the job through in the most efficient way was good to see and experience.
Under Miken Builders, there is BetterLiving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva. Same address, but the telephone is 302-251-0000. Website? www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. This Miken Builders’ company is the exclusive provider of Betterliving 3-season, year-round sunrooms and awnings. They can transform an unused deck or patio into a totally different room; a focal point of your home.
No job is too small for Miken Builders. You can call Mike personally. I just gave you his cell and have him give you an estimate for any work needed around your house. If you are planning on building a house in the Delmarva Peninsula, you will not be disappointed if you are dealing with him, his company, and staff.
Talk to you later….have a good one!!
July 28th, 2011
and points in between. Yes, sometimes I might be on my way somewhere and the opportunity calls to check out a food truck, a tapas bar, a new beach, or a new museum. That’s why it is so much fun about writting a website in a blog style. It is a diary, yours alone.
AboutMyBeaches has made realized that I want to know and experience more. I remember when my webmaster, Ed Timmons from 4C, Inc., http://www.4cinc.com, mentioned I should write a blog instead of the standard website. I guess he figured I was talking his ear off so I was a good candidate for bla, bla, bla. He just did not know how much I could talk.
Then, I started blogging, only a few readers here or there. People that are connected on the internet suddenly started to find me. I think my posts are honest and from my heart. I have posted so far 728 posts, and now I am getting over 14,000 hits per month. Who would have thought?
And, you know what? I want more. Granted, some posts are more interesting than others; so its life itself. Remember that it is a diary.
Pictures….I decided to incorporate them because people are so visual. Looking at a picture entices you to read. Well, I should hope so, even though I do have some friends that say they have read the posts but maybe they just looked at the pictures. I know who they are, right? Shelley, Debbie at times. Not Missy or Richard, though. My fault, I test them.
My friends and my family have put up going out to dinner with me. My first statement as we sit down at a table is “don’t touch the food until I take a picture” and “can we all order something different?” I am surprised they even still want to go out with me.
It is so funny because I get e-mails or suggestions on places to go and check out. I welcome them; we all have different likes and dislikes and I am an inquisitive person.
The coastals towns that, I, predominantly promote, I love. There is something about living by the ocean. I know I am lucky. The Delaware Beaches have been home for many years and so good to my family. Giving them a push is not a brainer.
I do offer advertising on my website. It is $500/ per year. I offer personal care. No clicks here or there. You are there to stay on my site. Thanks to the following advertisers.
Tidewater Realty – http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Delaware is Small Wonder. The beaches are so great. It has grown so much since I first arrived. Tax free, low property taxes and mild winters are an attraction.
Tauriello & Com – http://www.tauriello.com. I have used this company in Delray Beach. That Village by the Sea has amazing unobstructed beaches, restaurants, shopping and I do have a place there. Sometimes I hate to pass the word around because I want it all to myself.
Beach House Management – http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Michael knows I cannot live without him. He has been there to take care of my property, among other things, from day one. Your home is your castle and he is professional and knowledgeable.
Anita Jennings Designs - http://www.anitajennings.com. I know her personally. She is an interior designer based in Delray Beach. She is so easy to work with and very reasonable.
Coastal Chem-Dry – http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. Green carpet and upholstery cleaning. We all needed at times. It is family owned and operated. Angie is the man!!
Doggies at the Beach - http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. The home away from home for my Addy. She is my rescue. Jim and his staff love their customers. Cage free with 24 hour human supervision. Very involved in the community, as well.
Vacation Rentals – http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/rehoboth-beach-delaware.html. This is a national company; part of the family of HomeAway. The properties you will find in this particular site are for Rehoboth Beach. Rental properties for all seasons.
I thank them all. If you are interested, please contact me.
I have posts to write. A few still left from my 24 hours in Baltimore, Maryland. Events going on at the Rehoboth Museum, a must if you are visiting Rehoboth Beach. On the Rocks is, believe it or not, inside the terminal for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Amazing views; casual, a beer or a hamburger, fries. I want to check the tailor in Rehoboth….got to go..have a great day!!
January 20th, 2011
I started my website on July of 2009. I cannot believe that it has been a year and a half since I started AboutMyBeaches, written in a blog style. I think I achieved the look I wanted for the site. Clean, bright, easy to read and most of all, available to all.
I write pretty much every day. I take a lot of pictures, as well. I am not a professional, but I think you can see that in some of my posts, pictures and even recipes, since there are plenty of those too.
This is my business. I started it always with the idea that it would become a business. But, you needed to get to know me through my writings first.
You know that I have lived at the Delaware Beaches since 1981. My children were born here and I truly love the area. I have seen it grow in so many different directions; pretty much all good.
I am promoting the Delaware Beaches, Ocean City, Maryland and also Delray Beach, Florida. That’s another town that has become a second home to me. I love to walk around Delray, enjoy the restaurants and the beach and I respect the devotion that its residents have towards keeping the town the jewel it has become. All you have to do is visit this Village by the Sea and you will want to get to know it much better.
 Delray Beach, Florida  Delray Beach, Florida So, in my travels, camera in hand, I review restaurants; no credentials, but I know what I like and how I want to be treated. I also promote the arts and entertainment; I will be sure to tell you what’s going on. I hope you will log on to www.aboutmybeaches.com to find out about, events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
 At Venus in Dewey Beach I consider myself “the word of mouth”. It is the best advertisement. I have written so far 530 posts. I have experienced all those posts, as well. I had to in order to pass the information on to you. On average the website is getting 5,500 hits per month. That’s between 150 to 200+ per day, depending on the subject. Most of the writings are from the Delaware Beaches, but a lot are from Delray Beach, Ocean City and from wherever I find myself at a particular time.
 Milton Theatre  The whale that washed up in Fenwick
Advertising on AboutMyBeaches is as follows:
$500 for 1 year
$300 for 6 months
$200 for 1 year if you are only using a business card
At the bottom of the website you will find my contact information.
I have a webmaster that will put your website on my site. The day the website goes on, anyone reading my posts will be able to access your website with just a click. That ad is your spot for the time contracted. Go on www.aboutmybeaches.com right now and see for yourself by testing the other ads already there. If this is the first time you are reading my post, then check the whole site. I can guarantee you that you will find it interesting and some times even entertaining.
 Greyhound in Dewey Beach  New in Lewes
You bet you will get my personal attention. Once you advertise on AboutMyBeaches, that’s what you will get. If you need to announce something immediately, then all you have to do is send me an e-mail. I will post your information on the website and then is good to go. Once I post, then I send it to Facebook, my personal one and the one for AboutMyBeaches. After that I send it to Twitter and then to Linkedin.
It really is inexpensive. Think about it, $500 for one year is about $1.36 per day.
I don’t take these coastal towns for granted. It really is great living here and visiting the other beach towns that I do. I don’t even take my AboutMyBeaches for granted either. I have learned so much.
For 2011, so many places to be revisited and so many other ones to be discovered; trying to keep it interesting, yes, I am a local but not a native and word of mouth is Priceless!!
Talk to you later….you know I will….
July 27th, 2010
It seems like it was yesterday when I wrote my first post for my blog. Actually, yesterday, Tuesday was the one year anniversary of AboutMyBeaches. I have to thank Ed Timmons from 4C, Inc. for guiding me and being my webmaster. You may reach him at 302-228-3255. Website www.4cinc.com. Once he set me up I took off running, talking, writing or whatever you want to call it.
On that first post I talked about defining the meaning of being a “local”. That post stands the same today; Barry still thinks I am not a local; like he is one himself. He reminds me time and time again, among other comments. He is a great friend, so that’s why I can talk like this about him.
What he was not prepared for was to hear that Sharon, considers me a local but not a native like she is. That Missy was claiming me, that Cindi, a native from Lewes was also claiming me, as well. Our good friend, Craig, no longer with us wrote to my blog that day, along with Marcy, Roberta, Shelley, Trish. These are some of my good friends that have supported my “concierge journey”.
I cannot forget the other friends that have gone along with me kayaking, like Debbie. Walking on the boardwalk, Alice. Donna and Anita in Florida; one checking a new hotel and the other checking an artist.
My family and friends that have endured my picture taking at restaurants; not letting them take a bite until I was ready and having every one at the table ordering different items so that I could talk about them.
I was shocked when an invitation came from the Rehoboth Historical Society and Rehoboth Beach Museum addressed to “members of the press”. I had to e-mail them back thinking it was a mistake. But, it wasn’t. I was really invited. How neat!!
A person wrote after a restaurant review was not of his liking. What were my credentials, he asked? I don’t have any, really. But, what I do have is common sense and I know how I should be served and treated at a restaurant. He wondered how could I critique after just ordering a couple of things off the menu? I could just have ordered water and had an opinion, really.
I enjoy going out to dinner; discovering new places, passing the word around. That’s why this blog is my diary. Open and sincere.
Cooking is another of my passions. You have seen my recipes. I am no expert and some of them….well, don’t you remember the “pasteles” I made? It looked like somebody had thrown up on the plate. The funny thing was that it looked ugly but it tasted delicious.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Twitter. I, myself, am on Facebook and Linkedin. What this has done for me, personally, is a reconnection to all of my old friends. The “Igualitos” from Puerto Rico and a few others I had not seen for 38 years. That, really, has been priceless.
Rediscovering the Island of Puerto Rico was amazing. Only when you have left it, you learn to appreciate it more, even with all its deficiencies; the sounds, the sirens, potholes, tapones (traffic jams). Its beauty, the mountains, coconuts, rain forest, the beaches; and of course that “comida criolla”.
Now I do have to brag a little. As of today, including this post, I have 353 posts, 874 comments, 763 tags. From 6/27 to 7/27, 7,470 people hit my blog. On an average, and depending what my topic is I have between 190 to 275 plus people hitting it daily. I am excited!!
Thanks to my advertisers; but I do want more.
$500 for one year
$300 for 6 months
No website? No problem, $175 for 1 year.
The Delmarva Peninsula and all those other places I blog about and the new ones to be discovered…….I have to use that word again, Priceless!!!…talk to you later…
July 23rd, 2010
I want to welcome my latest advertiser, Coastal Chem-Dry of Sussex & New Castle Counties, Delaware.
When I think of carpet and upholstery cleaning I would have to say that I really did not know anything about it. I just call the carpet cleaning company when it’s time and call it a day. Never giving a thought what will be used on my carpets, the ones I walk on every day or will the stains go away temporarily or at least for a long time. I do have a dog.
Chem-Dry has been in business for a long time. It is the world’s largest carpet cleaning company. The difference about Chem-Dry of Sussex & New Castle Counties is that I personally, know them. I guess that gives me license to talk about them.
It is a family owned and operated business. Yes, they are locals of both counties, Sussex and New Castle. They offer superior carpet, upholstery and tile cleaning; plus they are friendly, fast and dependable.
Chem-Dry dries in 1 to 2 hours; not days. It is safe and non-toxic; resisting resoiling, which means it stays cleaner longer.
For all of us that have pets, and accidents do happen, then let me tell you that urine in carpeting is a severe problem that requires major restoration work; not just simple cleaning and treating. Chem-Dry’s revolutionary product is specially formulated to eliminate urine odors, even in the most severe cases.
The carpets stay cleaner longer because they do not use excessive amounts of moisture. Soapy residues attract dirt like a magnet, therefore, the carpet gets dirty again faster than before.
Chem-Dry’s Motto is “If we can’t get it out. No one can.” They are prepared to remove any stain, can give you an on-site evaluation and provide a no-obligation estimate.
I hope that after reading my post you will give them a call. I am not kidding you, they are great.
New Castle - 302-234-0200
Sussex County - 302-645-2800
For more information, please visit the website by clicking on their banner on the right side of my blog or go to www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. The website will inform you about appointments, services, estimates, products and tips, specials, and most of all, about the company.
Have a great week-end!!!
April 10th, 2010
Back on January 7th, 2010, I wrote a post for my blog about Property Managers. If you would like to see it, just click on the month of January under Archives and scroll down to the date.
Once again, I would have to tell you that I feel exactly the same about Beach House Management, LLC and Coastal Home Services. I know the owners personally and I can trust them fully with my properties.
Being, that your home is your “castle”, property managers give you peace of mind.
They are not a luxury, they are a necessity.
In Delray Beach, Florida
Michael Keegan is the owner of Beach House Management, LLC, located at 777 E. Atlantic Ave., Suite Z-307 in Delray. Tels. 561-376-4329 and toll free 866-414-4329. Website is http://mybeachhouses.com. E-mail address is beachhousemgmt@aol.com.
Beach House Management is one of my Advertisers; you can see their ad on the right side of the blog and if you click on it, you will directly go into its site.
What can I say about Michael? He is very knowledgeable, professional, prompt and courteous. Doesn’t that say it all? I can still go on an on about everything he has done for my properties in Delray and, actually, for my family, as well. He has arranged pick ups at the airport, has opened the doors to our place more times that I can count, white flies on the hedge? No problem, getting competitive prices for jobs, replacement of faucets, light fixtures, close and open the property, dealing with tenants, comcast, you name it, he has done it.
Needless to say, I recommend him fully. At this time of the year when some of the “snowbirds” will be leaving the area, he would be a trustworthy person to handle your “castle”.
In Bethany Beach, Delaware
The Delaware Beaches are gearing up for the summer season. By the looks of the amount of visitors already coming to our beaches, I can tell you that it is going to be a busy summer.
Coastal Home Services is located in Bethany Beach. The address is P.O. Box 3, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. The website is www.coastal-home-services.com and the e-mail address is info@coastal-home-services.com.
The owner of this company is Debbie Dyer. I have known her for many years and anyone that knows her will attest to her organizational and managerial skills.
Being that she is a local, she knows the Delaware Beaches very well. She is also an Advertiser on my blog. You can check her website by clicking on it on the right hand of the blog.
Just like Michael Keegan of Beach House Management, she is knowledgeable, professional, prompt and courteous. You meet her, she will give you her wide smile and you will feel like you have known her all your life.
Coastal Home Services is a full concierge service. So, all I can say is give Debbie a call so that she can make your stay more enjoyable, and keep your “castle” the way you want it to be kept.
Talk to you later…
January 7th, 2010
For the most part a lot of us have used Property Managers. It does not matter if you own or rent, they are there to make life easier for the owners and renters, as well.
A happy customer is one of the most powerful signs that a Property Manager does a good job with their services.
My criteria for a good property manager is that he or she should have strong communication and organizational skills.
Everything that goes wrong is the problem of the Property Manager and, again, he or she will have the most client contact when disasters occur. You have to agree with that. The Property Manager needs to perform well in crisis situations. Maybe even foresee the future. See when that hurricane is hitting the coast, or, closer to the mid-Atlantic states when will the next nor’ easter strike.
Having that in mind, I really would like to thank my latest advertiser, Beach House Management, LLC. This company is located at 777 E. Atlantic Ave., Suite Z-307, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-376-4329 or toll free 866-414-4329. Website is http://mybeachouses.com. E-mail is beachhousemgmt@aol.com. You can just visit their website by clicking on the banner located on the right hand side of this blog.
I have used this company for about 6 years. Believe me when I tell you that I have used every service they offer and even some that might not be advertised. I cannot say enough about Michael Keegan because not being able to be there to take care of the properties myself, he is the person that I totally trust. From hurricane shutters, mailing of boxes, car inspections, yard, plumbing, internet, cable, air condition, leaks, replacing doors, concierge services like the bistro service they offer, pick up at the airport, help after being locked out, and the list can keep on going. He knows who to call and get them there fast.
They can manage properties from Ocean Ridge to Highland Beach. So if you are thinking about a Property Manager and have a property that needs taken care of in those areas, please give Michael a call. I can assure you that you will not be dissapointed.
In the Delaware Beaches, you will find another great Property Manager. Her name is Debbie Dyer and she owns Coastal Home Services. The address is P.O. Box 3, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. 302-236-5065. The website is www.coastal-home-services.com and the e-mail address is info@coastal-home-services.com.
I also know personally this Property Manager. Debbie has that personal touch that makes you feel like you know her from the moment you meet her. She is very professional and will be able to handle your year-round property management requirements. The Delaware Beaches are very busy during the summer months. Renters come every week, so if you are renting your property, you need someone like her to be on top of things. You don’t rent your property but use it for your own enjoyment? She can arrange for private chefs, spa appointments, summer classes for your children, etc. But, if you visit her website, you will be able to find this info. and much more. And, if you have questions, give her a call. I am sure she would love to hear from you.
Property Managers give you peace of mind.
Talk to you later….
|
0 Comments