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Archive for the ‘Delray Beach’ Category

June 27th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, Events, Activities, 6/28/10 – 7/3/10, Village by the Sea, South Florida

 

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I was taking a walk this morning, here, in Rehoboth Beach, and it was so hot.  It reminded me of the same heat I felt in Delray Beach a few weeks ago.  We think that there is nothing going on in South Florida this time of the year but I was pleasantly surprised how crowded this Village by the Sea was a few weeks ago.  As hot as it was, I did not mind it.

As the 4th of July approaches I was wondering what would be going on in Delray this week.  And, this is what I found:

 

Monday, June 28th – Booksigning at Murder on the Beach, a Mystery Book Store, located at 273 NE 2nd Avenue (Pineapple Grove Art District).  Tel. 561-279-7790.  Website www.murderonthebeach.com.  Open Mondays through Saturdasy from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.  Closed on Sundays.

Murder on the Beach carries new, used, collectible books, and audio books.  They also carry mystery jigsaw puzzles and mystery dinner games.

Author, Craig Johnson, will speak and sign his new book, Junkyard Dogs.  The book:  “Missing body parts and dead developers are only the beginning….”

Craig Johnson is a mystery writer from Wyoming and he is the author of The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse.

 

Tuesdays through Saturdays – Coral Reef Shark Feeding at the Sandoway House Nature Center located on 142 S. Ocean Blv., Delray Beach, FL 33483.  Tel. 561-274-7263.  On Sundays the feeding takes place at 1:30 p.m.  Website is www.sandowayhouse.com.

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You know, the Sandoway House is a house that was designed by Samuel Ogren, Sr. in 1936 for early Delray winter resident J.B. Evans who was a retired produce broker.  It is a simple home, overlooking the ocean, and it is one of the last remaining Resort Colonial Revival houses in Delray.  Since it was built during the Great Depression, the only ostentation is the cathedral window on the south side of the house.

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In 1998, this house opened its doors to the public as a nature center in a historical setting.

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Please visit the website or give them a call because they have all kinds of programs, plus it is a neat house to tour; you don’t find many of those left.  They have turtle talks, garden walks, inside and outside talks about shells, fossil Fridays and snake and lizard talk.

 

At Boston’s on the Beach:

Boston’s is an institution in Delray Beach.  It has been in this town for 28 years and there is always food, fun and live music.  Right there a block south from Atlantic and A1A, across from the beach.  The address is 40 S. Ocean Blvd. and the telephone is 561-278-3364.  The website is www.bostonsonthebeach.com.

On Monday, 6/28 is Reggae Night from 9 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, 6/29 it is Blue Tuesdays from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m.  This night brings world class blues music featuring famous Frank Ward and “The Nantucket Goobers”.  It is an ever changing lineup of musicians and special guests.

On Friday, 7/2, Saturday, 7/3, and Sunday (the 4th!!) – It is  The Red, White & Blues 2010 Festival at Boston’s on the Beach at Atlantic & A1A.  Featuring Elvin Bishop & Tinsley Ellis.  Admission $12 on Friday, $18 on Saturday or a 2-day pre-sale pass for $20.  No charge on Sunday.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.  For schedule performances please visit the website above mentioned.

 

Friday, 7/2 – Gallery Walk - 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.  This is a time when Delray’s downtown art galleries and studios open their doors to the public for extended hours for music, art and refreshments.

 

The following businesses I personally know.  There is no better way to advertise than by word of mouth.  Yes, they are also my advertisers right on my blog.  Just click on their individual sites and this will take you into their websites for information on everything they have to offer.

Tauriello & Company Real Estate – I have used them many times.  Please call John Merryman at 561-573-8500 in case you want a place in this beautiful Village by the Sea.

Anita Jennings Designs – Interiors.  You may contact Anita at 561-278-7473. 

Beach House Management, LLC. – Property Management Company.  Tel. 561-376-4329.  Please  talk to Michael Keegan.  I cannot say enough about Michael.  I have known him for a very long time and having a house in Delray with him taking care of it, has given me peace of mind.

 

Have a great week!!  Enjoy the Second Season….

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June 19th, 2010

Father’s Day, June 20, 2010, Happy Father’s Day To All Of You

 

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“Fathers like Mothers, are not born.  Men grow into Fathers and fathering is a very important stage in their development.”

I was coming out of a parking lot, when out of the corner, a family was passing me by.  Single line, Mother leading the way and Father watching their backs. 

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I could not believe it, but what a tender moment!!  I knew those 2 pictures were going on the post.

We celebrate Dad.  Not only our fathers, but all men who have acted as father figures in someone’s life; Uncles, Stepfathers, Grandfathers, Adult Male Friends and even Big Brothers.

The first Father’s Day was observed on 6/19/1910 in Spokane, Washington.

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day.  But, it was not until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

So, I wish the best to all of those Fathers that serve as role models to all children.  Thanks so much!!

Have a Great  Week-End and, of course, A Wonderful Father’s Day!!!

 

Talk to you soon, as usual…..

June 15th, 2010

D & B Tile, Tile Distributors, Delray Beach, Florida, Palm Beach County

 

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Even though I have had a place in Delray for some time, I really did not know where to go for tiles.  South Florida is full of businesses that are into tiles but I did not want to make a career out of checking them out.  I like to make those decisions fast; I know what I like.

My contractor, Dan Palmer, suggested I went to D & B Tile in Delray Beach.  So off I went to check them out even though what I really wanted to do was sit on the beach.  It was hot!!

D & B Tile is located on 781 South Congress Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445.  Website is www.dbtile.com.  Fax: 561-278-7621.  Tel. 561-272-7022.

For over 50 years this family business has been in the tile business.  It is considered one of the largest privately owned tile distributors in the United States.

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With more than 40 manufacturers, the company imports from Italy, Spain, South America and the Far East.

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Besides Florida, they service other parts of the country with 9 locations; providing tiles to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

D & B Tile donates tiles and materials to Habitat For Humanity, The Jack & Jill House Children’s Center, and the Trojan House, built by high school students.  They also hold charity golf tournaments to benefit the James Jr. Fund at Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital.

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Walking into this tile company was, at first, a little intimidating.  So many choices, colors, materials, accents.  But, then I met Cherie Arbogast.  She is in Sales and Design at D & B. 

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Cherie was so easy to talk to and immediately showed me different samples.  We talked about the space, grout, backsplash, etc.  In no time I was finished.  She also let me take tile samples in order to match them to the countertops, which was a big help.  If you are in need of tiles, definitely, I would recommend her at D & B Tile.  Her direct line is 561-843-6523.

 

Have a great day and talk to you later….

June 14th, 2010

Cupcake Couture, Sweet Boutique, Delray Beach, Florida, Custom Cakes, Gelatos, Old Fashion Candy

 

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What is it about cupcakes?  Afterall, we have all been eating them since we were kids.  That’s it!!  It is not that they are now a little more fancy and even bigger, the idea is the same though.  The little cake with a lot of icing. 

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Yes, I get it.  Cupcakes universally evoke our childhood.  They are so easy to eat.  Definitely easier than a piece of cake.  You know how busy we all are; we can really eat them as we are walking or driving from one place to another.  Just like eating a hot dog, a hamburger, or a pretzel.

I have even heard that cupcakes are replacing some wedding cakes.  I don’t know about that but you never know. 

I remembered that the last time I was in Delray, a cupcake store was about to open.  On this trip I had to check it out.

It is Cupcake Couture, a Sweet Boutique and it is located at 328 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483.  Tel. 561-276-2334.  Website is www.cupcakecoutureusa.com.

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The owner of Cupcake Couture is Pam Joyner, Cupcake Curator.  Her e-mail address is pam@cupcakecoutureusa.com.  Their motto?  “Life’s short…eat dessert first!”

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Unfortunately, the day I stopped by she was not there yet but her employees were very gracious and answered my questions.

The store is colorful.  It appeals to young and old.  The walls are completely decorated with cupcakes and candy.  The displays are full of all that old fashion candy. 

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The store bakes the cupcakes in-house.  As I was talking to the ladies working the store, they were bringing them out. 

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The key to a good cupcake is that it is freshly baked.

The cupcakes have names like Donatella Vanilla, Jimmy Choo-colate, Christian Louboutinilla, Cocoa Chanel, Red Valentino, Oscar de la Raspberry, Dolce & Banana, Ives Saint Lemon, Donna Karrot, and so many more.  They are all listed with their descriptions on the website.  At the present time, the website is being worked on but you can definitely get its menu.

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There is also an assortment of classic breakfast flavors that change daily.

One thing that immediately attracted my attention is that Vegan or Gluten-free cupcakes are available upon request.  Minimum is 1 dozen and please allow at least 48 hours notice.  They also have sugar free cupcakes.

Besides cupcakes this Sweet Boutique offers gelato, soft drinks and coffee.

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There is plenty of seating available and even flat screen t.v.s that look like ovens in pink and green.

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The store had plenty of customers late in the day but in the evening, as I passed by again, it was definitely crowded.

Cupcake Couture could be a good place to get something for a host or hostess or anyone, for that matter.  The cupcakes will be a conversation piece.

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Please note that they also offer custom cakes.  The store is also available for rent for that special party in someone’s life.  If you need more information please contact them at the above telephone number.

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Have a great week!!  Talk to you later….

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June 13th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, South Florida, A Village By The Sea

 

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For the past few days I have been in Delray Beach, but I am now at the Delaware beaches and as I sit down to write this post, I just have to give thanks for being fortunate enough to experience “life along the coast”. 

I was not going to start with that paragraph but last night as I sat together with friends for a fantastic meal, along the beach, I asked one of my friends how he was.  His answer?  Wonderful, life is good.  My statement? Aren’t we so lucky to live where we live?

And, that brought my thoughts to Delray Beach.  It is one of those towns that grabs you once you experience it.

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This Village by the Sea has maintained its charm through history.  Its residents are making sure it stays that way.  That is the main attraction to this coastal town in Palm Beach County. 

Among other attractions are the festivals and fairs that are held during the year in Delray’s historic downtown streets.  The restaurants are the best, with most of them having outdoor seating.  And, saving the best for last is the beach.  Totally unobstructed and pristine.

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One feature this town offers is the availability to walk everywhere.  It is heaven for runners and bikers.

It was hot, that its the truth but no hotter than here in Delaware in the summer, or in Puerto Rico where I just also visited. 

The Second Season in Delray is what the locals and residents wait for.  During the day is quiet but at night the restaurants are crowded and the town is alive.

Blue sky, humid, plenty of sunshine all day, but in the early morning, along A1A, which is the road parallel to the beach, you will find everyone exercising.  This is a beautiful long walk.  The view is just amazing since the ocean is right there and as you walk you hear the small waves hitting the shore.

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So, this is Delray Beach, definitely, A Village by The Sea during the early morning:

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I smile when I see these pictures because, how could you not fall in love with it?  Talk to you later….

June 11th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, South Florida, Events

 

It is the second season in this Village by the Sea and by no means this little town is going to shut down.  Restaurants are open and the beaches look wonderful.  I should know because I have been here for a few days.

 

This is what this town is offering:

 

Friday, June 11th – Gallery Walk – Stroll in the Delray Art Gallery District along Atlantic Avenue.  Enjoy art, music and light refreshments from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. 

Each gallery will be displaying the latest artists on the scene.  In Delray Beach there are approximately 20 galleries showing art work by prominent and emerging artists from all over the world. 

 

June 1, 2010 until September 25, 2010 – Crest Theatre Galleries – Old School Square – Exhibits:  Stuff II:  The Joy of Collecting!!  Created because Stuff I was so popular this exhibit celebrates the pure joy of collecting…from any era!  Approximately 50 collectors from the area have loaned their treasured items to this exhibit.

A special collection of 1975 photographs of Julia Child is on loaned from photographer, Albie Walton.  The photos were shot for her book “From Julia Child’s Kitchen”.

 

In the upstairs Gallery:

Masterworks:  Photography by Jeremiah Jenner.  His style is defined by crisp colors, bold shapes and sophisticated composition.  His sleek and minimalistic limited editions have endeared the media as well as the serious art collectors.

The Masterworks Series offers a unique view of Jenner’s post contemporary phtographic works from 2000 – 2010.  Please visit his website www.jeremiahjenner.com.

 

The Crest Theatre Galleries – Old School Square is located on 51 North Swinton, Delray Beach, FL 33444.  Tel. 561-243-7922 and the website is www.oldschool.org.

 

Have a great week-end….

June 7th, 2010

Recipe, Appetizer, Entertaining, Don’t lose Your Mind

 

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Living at the beach means that in the summer you are definitely going to have guests at any given moment.  It’s just the way it is.

So, entertaining with casual elegance and never losing your mind is something I am trying to master.

The following recipe is one that I think you are going to really like.  I have not thought about it in some time but it is one of those that you can keep in the freezer and have it ready when friends arrive.

 

Spinach Balls

 

2 10 oz. pkgs. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

2 cups herb stuffing mix

1 cup firmly packed freshly grated Parmesan cheese (5 oz. wedge)

1/2 cup butter, melted

4 small green onions, finely chopped

3 eggs

dash of nutmeg

mustard sauce – (recipe follows)

 

Combine all ingredients, except sauce, in a large bowl and mix well.  Shape into 1″ balls.  Cover and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Set balls on ungreased baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.   Serve with mustard sauce.

 

Mustard Sauce

1/2 cup dry mustard

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

Combine mustard and vinegar in small bown.  Cover and let stand 4 hours at room temperature.

And, with a nice glass of wine…..hmm great!!

 

Note:  The painted glass is from TaDa, 18 North Main St., Berlin, Maryland, 21811, Tel. 410-641-4430.  I wrote about TaDa on 10/27/09.  If you would like to see it, please click on the month of October, on the left hand side of this blog and scroll down to the date.

May 24th, 2010

Beach Etiquette, Rules of Proper Behavior at the Beaches, Delaware Beaches, Maryland, Florida, Puerto Rico

 

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“You will never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach.”  And, with that in mind let’s talk about Etiquette.

Treat others as you would expect them to treat you.  Yes, common sense.  On hot summer days, when the sun is shining and the waves are crashing people flock to all the beaches.

What is Etiquette?  “It is a code of behavior that delinates expectations for social behavior.”

The French word Etiquette, means ticket (as in admission) and it first appeared in the English language in 1750.

Well, it is that time of the year again, and it will help if we all brush up on the rules of proper behavior at the beaches.  And, they are:

 

Some beaches are more family oriented than others, so, please dress appropriately.

You might like your partner a lot, but some of those public displays of affection should be left for another time and place.

Mind your manners.  Please watch your language. No one wants to hear bad language.  No excuse. 

Avoid pointing and laughing at others.  Not everyone is a swimsuit model.

Have beach boundaries.  Don’t take too much space.

Do not video tape anyone without permission

Use headphones for music.

Avoid getting sand on others.  Watch that downwind.

Do not feed the seagulls or any bird.

Use the proper facilites.  If you need to go to the bathroom, please use the buildings designated for that purpose.  Not the sand, water, boardwalk, sidewalk or parking.

If you are renting beach umbrellas, chairs, etc., please tip the rental staff.  That’s how they make their summer money.

Clean after yourself, please.

You do have the right to smoke, but just check who is sitting next to you, and have some consideration.  Thanks!!

How about those beach umbrellas?  Just anchor the umbrella by moving it back and forth until well secured.  They are a missile on a windy day.

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Oh, yes those lazy days of summer!! Can’t wait…talk to you later….

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