You see that photo above? That was my dog Addy. She was a rescue and one of those dogs that you will remember always. She was in my life during happy times but also on sad times, as well. Such a great comfort to have. Rescues give back so much.
At some point a friend must have been in my house and took a different photo from her and for Christmas she gave me the following Christmas ornament, handpainted. I love it and every year it takes a special place on my Christmas tree, which by the way, as I write this post, it is still up. Coming down today for sure.
What do you give someone for Christmas or any other ocassion that is meaningful? If you have a pet maybe something relating to them would be perfect. They would love it.
I don’t give a gift just for the sake of it. I want that person to know that I was thinking of them when a decision for giftgiving was made.
I was in Dallas this past Thanksgiving and taking photos, as usual, I took a photo of Ragnard (Raggie) as they all know him. Did not think anything of it until I got back to Rehoboth Beach and saw on Facebook a post from Lisa Lorelli Miller. In it she was showing that she was back into painting pet portraits. A lightbulb went on. I private messaged her asking her to see if she could do Raggie. She paints in oil now. Wait until you see what kind of work she can do. The first photo you will see is the one I took in Dallas and the second photo is her painting. You be the judge.
I am sure you are impressed. Look at those eyebrows!! Lisa can frame the paintings, as well. I had her do that too and off to Dallas it went. They loved it.
My next commission to Lisa was for her to do 3 pets. I sent the photos. She also came to the house to take photos of one of them so that she could capture what she wanted. If you are local this works great, but if not I am sure you and her can work it out somehow.
The first one is Karma.
His name is TC. He has beautiful features. It has been some time since Lisa had done a cat. She told me the whiskers are usually the hardest. But following you will see my photo and her painting.
Her third subject was Lucky. He is spunky, loves to chase and at times even wonders around his neck of the woods. For him, Lisa came to the house to take a better photo.
First impression was that Lisa truly captured the soul of these pets. The eyes are the windows to the heart and soul and she was able to embodied such a feeling that when you see them you know it is them.
Word of mouth is the best advertising. You can Private Message Lisa Lorelli Miller on Facebook. She is working on a website.
You may also leave a message on my AboutMyBeaches Facebook page as well.
She is very talented and whoever you decide to give this personal gift would love it and treasure it forever.
Have a great day!!
Comments Off on Painting, Pet Portraits, Handpainting, Oil Portraits, Lisa Miller, Artist, Lewes, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
In 1997 my children went to Worcester Country School in Berlin, MD. Since then the school is now known as Worcester Preparatory School.
Over the years a lot of parents were involved in the school and I was one of them. Book fairs, galas, Christmas Programs, Reading Programs, Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, etc. etc.
Years before my time the school had published a cookbook called A Collection of Recipes. It was as I mentioned above 1997 and the Parents Association decided to do another cookbook called A Collection of Recipes II.
As you can see the book has been used over the years. I was the Chairperson on this journey that took many months with parents giving us their best recipes. It took a school not a village to complete this project.
I don’t think the book is available anymore. Parents supported this book and it was a great success. The book is probably in your cabinet, but I keep my handy because the recipes are really good. I still feel strong about those words in the dedication that said “But food not only nourishes our minds and bodies. Food serves as a way for people to come together — sharing ideas, experiences and cultures”.
Tonight I made a recipe from this book called Pickled Shrimp. I was invited to a friend’s house. Pickled Shrimp is an easy recipe and it is usually liked by everyone. You can serve it year-round.
1 pound medium shrimp, uncooked
1 tablespoon pickling spices
1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 white wine vinegar
2 green onions sliced, including the greens
Pull shrimp from shells. Discard shells. I bought shrimp already peeled and I just pulled the tails out. Make sure if you buy frozen shrimp to defrost them.
In a 2-quart saucepan, cover shrimp and pickling spices with water. Bring to a boil; simmer over medium heat about 2 minutes. Strain water leaving spices on shrimp. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine mustard, horseradish, oil, salt, celery salt, vinegar and onions. Pour over drained shrimp. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate it the better they taste. Pour in a pretty bowl with the sauce and enjoy. Serve cold.
This recipe could easily be doubled, as well.
Comments Off on Pickled Shrimp, Recipe, Easy, A Collection of Recipes II, The Art of Wining and Dining, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches
My late mother in law, Louise, was a great cook. Many years ago she made a cookbook just for the girls and boys in the family. Every Christmas we would get an insert. She called this cookbook: Recipes, Begged, Borrowed, & Stolen. The Ratatouille is from her cookbook and it is prepared skillet style.
This is one of those dishes that you can prepare year round. But, in the summer vegetables are so beautiful and delicious that it is probably the best time of the year to make it. Those bright colors shine in this recipe.
Some people consider it a stew. Olive oil, garlic and herbs add so much flavor to the Ratatouille.
Following is the recipe. Hope you like it.
RATATOUILLE
1eggplant, peeled and cut into cubes. (I did not peel mine)
3 medium squash – zucchini, sliced
2 large onions – chopped
1 clove garlic – minced
1 large can tomatoes – or several fresh ones ( I used the fresh ones)
1 green pepper – chopped
1 small jar of pimiento, juice included
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. dill seeds
In olive oil saute onions for a minute or so, and add rest of the vegetables and spices. Stir well and simmer vegetable mixture for as long as you wish, stirring occasionally.
It is good to cook it for a long time to get those veggies to soften, but do not let them stick.
You can eat the Ratatouille as a side dish, main dish, over pasta, over polenta like I did, as an appetizer with crackers. Add a dash of hot sauce for some kick. In other words, make this recipe your own.
You can double the recipe. Enjoy!!
Comments Off on Ratatouille, Meatless Monday, Recipe, Vegetarian, Easy, Southern Delaware
One of a kind pieces is how I can describe Alice Klein’s jewelry designs. I have known her for many years. She has been so innovative in her work. Located in the Town of Bethany Beach, Delaware, right on the beach. Address? 100 Garfield Parkway, Stores 6 and 7. Tel. 302-539-6992, Mobile 302-841-9088. http://www.alicehklein-tko.com.
Summer time is the time of the year to bring those beautiful colors out. I am talking specifically about turquoises. This past week, even though we have had torrential rains in the evening the morning skies are just amazingly blue.
I recently purchased a pair of turquoise earring from Alice for a present. She told me that this particular pair of earrings is called Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. The stones mined from this particular mine are very highly sought after because of its color. Hardly any veins or webbing. Pure blue sky color.
Fun to fine jewelry can be found at TKO. And, you may bring your dated jewelry for her to give it a new look. I have done it and can attest that her work is beautiful.
Turquoise stones have soared in prices because one of the best mines closed. The Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona closed. They produced breathtaking stones as I explained above.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise got its name because “the mountain where it was mined resembles a sleeping woman laying on the back with arms crossed”.
They say that the color turquoise is associated with meanings of refreshing, calming, feminine, spiritual grounding, tranquility, serenity and loyalty among others.
Many years ago my grandmother gave me one that even though it is about 50 years old still brings a smile every time I wear it. And, in the summer I wear it all the time.
I am showing just a few things from TKO. Stop by to say hello to Alice and her husband, Bryant. Can’t leave him out. The shop is closed on Sundays.
Summer 2019 is flying by.
Check by FB page AboutMyBeaches if you want to be in the know. Have a beautiful weekend.
Comments Off on TKO Designs, Jewelry, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Alice H. Klein, Designer, Shopping, Tax Free, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches
At times when you do not plan anything and just go with the flow or wing it, you have the most fun. Long summer days, not rushing, is part of living here at the Delaware Beaches. Believe me, I know I am lucky to live here and never take it for granted.
Debbie and I took off towards the Big Chill Beach Club. This is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and probably closer to Bethany Beach. The actual address is 27099 Coastal Hwy., Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It opens at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day. Website? http://www.bigchillbeachclub.com
You can have the server sit you at a table or you can take a seatt at the bar looking out, which is what Debbie and I did. That was our view, sipping a little wine. We checked the menu and it actually looked good. Have not tasted the food so let me know if you do.
As we arrived it seemed there was a yoga class. This yoga studio in Rehoboth Beach, SoulFire, was celebrating with a class their 1st year anniversary. Very popular as you can see. SoulFire Collective Yoga is located at 176 Rehoboth Ave., #2a, in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Website? http://www.soulfirecollective.com
The sun was setting and being high up you could capture how pretty it was.
Summer 2019 is expected to be a very busy one. The Delaware Beaches are year round resorts. People want to get out of the city. They want to experience that total physical and mental inertia. Refresh, really. Rehoboth Beach has a sign as you enter the city that says “Relax, You Are at The Beach”.
Finding parking might take all that physical and mental inertia by the wayside so Debbie and I continued to Misaki Sushi in South Bethany. Parking, good food, great service and very affordable.
Misaki has been around for many years. The location is at 34444 Coastal Highway, York Beach Mall, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It opens at 5 p.m. Tel. 302-539-0500. You can find them on Facebook as Misaki Sushi Bethany Beach. You can also find them on Instagram.
A shout to our server who was attentive but not intrusive.
Debbie and I started with two salads. The Seaweed Salad for Debbie, which was marinated seaweed and sesame seeds. And mine was the Lighthouse Salad which I found delicious. Seared tuna, avocado and sweet miso.
I love scallop sashimi so when on the menu, I do order it. My roll was the special of the evening.
For Debbie the Bam Bam, salmon, scallop and avocado.
We chatted, caught up with each other, and laughed…..what are friends for, right?
The Art of Sipping & Dining, a way to relax, enjoy and reconnect. Talk to you later.
Comments Off on Big Chill Beach Club, Indian River Inlet, Delaware State Seashore Park, SoulFire Collective, Yoga, Delaware Beaches, Misaki Sushi, South Bethany, Bethany Beach, Sipping, Dining, Coastal Delaware, Summer 2019
This past Friday was a beautiful night in Bethany Beach, Delaware. For those off you that have never visited this coastal town, this is a very popular family resort in Southern Delaware. I know it well because I lived here for many years. It has come a long way since back in the mid 70s when we first moved here.
The town has kept its charm. A Main Street, Garfield Parkway, leads to the ocean and then the side streets have beach homes that all are very walkable to the beach. It is a year round resort just like all the other beaches in Southern Delaware. My friend, Cathy, and I chose 14 Global, which is located at 14 N Pennsylvania Ave. Right next to the Post Office. Their tel. is 302-616-1035. Their website is: http://www.14global.com
One thing to have in mind as you visit the Delaware resorts is that in the summer you pretty much need to make a reservation. If restaurants do not offer them, and a lot do not, then please plan ahead. Show up, put your name down, have a drink. You are on vacation so in reality you have to go with the flow.
I love the idea that 14 Global has kept a small, intimate setting. Good atmosphere too. And this restaurant offers many choices for those with food allergies.
We decided to share our dining experience. We first tried the Grilled Caesar Salad. The first time I tried one of these I fell in love how a grilled romaine tasted. This one had a homemade dressing, romain hearts, romano, bacon and cheddar corn pone croutons. The croutons had the perfect texture.
From 14 Global’s Small Shares we ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare. A beautiful presentation, surprising us with Habanero Sesame Oil, sea beans, watermelon radish, red onion, jalapeno, mint, avocado mousse, pistachio dust, pea shoots, red alaea salt, and crispy wonton chips.
Picking something out from their Medium Shares we decided on the Vegetable Plate. At 14 Global you will find Small Shares and Medium Shares. Depending on how hungry you are, the Medium Shares are a larger portion. The Roasted Vegetable Plate came full of color and delicious veggies…carrots, wild mushrooms, beets, cauliflower, asparagus, shallots, truffle and herb goat cheese. It tasted as good as it looks on this photo.
Moving on to our last dish we decided on the Surf & Turf Tacos, which were under their Medium shares. They are called 14 Global Mini Beach Tacos. The Surf & Turf ones were 4 tacos, the others were 3 tacos. They were delicious with charred corn and cilantro relish, pickled purple cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado mousse, cotija cheese, and citrus aioli.
We accompanied our dinner with the house Chardonnay, Butter, from Napa, California. A Chang Tai cocktail was also served. Sorry, I forgot to take those photos. lol
The desserts sounded sooooo good, but we were satisfied. No desserts for us on Friday.
There is an art when you sit down at a table to enjoy a meal with a friend, a significant other or even by yourself. You don’t have to be a foodie, but I think you should taste and enjoy the different flavors and spices. You will get a completely new experience when you take your time.
Until next time, I hope you enjoy our Delaware Beaches and everything they have to offer.
Relax, you are at the Beach.
Comments Off on 14 Global, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Coastal Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Sipping & Dining at The Beaches, Summer 2019
A few months ago I needed a mover. As it is usually the case a friend gave me the name of Mary Nicholson who is the owner of Mary’s Touch. Her company, Mary’s Touch Moving & Packing, LLC specializes in new homes, storage and retirement homes. Tel. 302-745-1272.
Word of mouth is the best advertising you can get. You are happy with the work, you will definitely, pass the word around. I have been meaning to write a post on Mary because they were true professionals. At some point or another everyone needs a mover that will pack and move your treasures to either another home or to a storage unit.
Totally recommend this company. Please give Mary a call.
Remember to check AboutMyBeaches FaceBook Page!!
Comments Off on Mary’s Touch, Moving, Packing, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Sussex County
For many years Bethany Beach has been known as one of the quiet resorts. For many of us that have been in the area for many years and have seen it grow, there is nothing quiet anymore. It is vibrant and it is full of life. All you have to do is come visit at different times of the year to see how this small town has grown so much. People come to these beach towns because it is a way of getting out of the cities. The Delaware Beaches are so popular now, not only to vacation but to live here and establish new businesses.
The Starboard Center is located at 32892 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. There are 6 business offices located in this very centrally and accessible location. One of the offices, Suite 3, is 460 square feet. It looks pretty nice and it is ready for rent. The other office is 725 square feet and will be ready in a few weeks. CAM charges are very reasonable, plenty of parking too.
For more information, please contact Joe Maggio Realty at 302-539-5500.
What perfect way to start in a new office for the New Year.
Make that call to Joe Maggio Realty at 302-539-5500, and see for yourself.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Comments Off on Office Spaces, For Rent, Starboard Center, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
Comments Off on Painting, Pet Portraits, Handpainting, Oil Portraits, Lisa Miller, Artist, Lewes, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware