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…
March 12th, 2010
I was going through my house, peaking into the closets and wondering if I should start my spring cleaning. I have perfectly good items that I am not really using and are in good condition.
I used to take them to the Salvation Army right there on Rt. 1, but that’s gone. I have taken items, in the past, to the New Life Thrift Shop, located at 34686 Jiffy Way, Lewes, DE 19958. Even though, it is Lewes, the Thrift Shop is right there on Rt. 1 or Coastal Highway; behind the Jiffy Lube and across Bethany Blues. The tel. is 302-644-0171.
The very first time I dropped items off, I never got out of the car. It was like a drive through. I just dropped my stuff and kept on going.
Yesterday, I decided to learn a little bit about New Life Thrift Shop and I got out of the car and asked to talk to someone. I mentioned that I had a website/blog style and wanted to write about the shop.
I met Jerry Peregoy. Jerry has taken over for the past year the helm of the Thrift Shop. We sat down and he was so friendly and easy to talk to. A lot of times I try not to write too much; I am so interested in looking at the person in the eyes. Jerry is enjoying what he is doing; a happy man, with a nice smile and sparkling eyes.
The New Life Thrift Shop started 15 years ago. Dutch Kelley started it in the Epworth Church building on Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. I know Epworth well because my youngest son attended its pre-school many years ago. From Epworth they went to a place in Old Landing Rd. and from there they went to Rt. 1 and the present site was purchased.
New Life Thrift Shop is under the umbrella of LRAC, which stands for the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches. There are quite a few churches; different denominations, together meeting the needs of others. LRAC is working for the common good of the community through action and service. They do have a website: http://LRAC.christian.net. In it you will find its purpose, faith statement, membership information and contacts.
I still could not get over how organized this building was. It really runs like a well oiled machine. There is a space and a corner for everything; signs designating isles, shelves, really, you have got to see it to believe it. This is not your average thrift shop. The merchandise is in very good shape. You will find sofas; all shapes and sizes, t.v.s (they are getting some flat screens now), clothing, toys, dolls, books, houseware, pictures, armoires, lamps, sinks, and believe or not they have had boats, Rvs. and they just sold a car for $850 with 35,000. Check the pictures.
New Life Thrift Shop is tax exempt because is non-profit. Every single person is a volunteer. They are really the first arm of LRAC. All the churches involved donate, but the bulk of monetary donations, after paying debts, electric, heating, etc. really comes from New Life.
This Thrift Shop does not give anything away. There is a system to be followed. It is open to the public just like any other store. But, for people in desperate need, the first step for them is to contact the local proper organizations like Casa San Francisco, Habitat for Humanity, Lend a Hand, or Social Services. These organizations will take all needed information and will send these people to New Life Thrift Shop with a set amount to spend. New Life Thrift Shop will give them 25% off. I saw the prices allocated to some of the merchandise and they are good.
LRAC has a Board. They meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at rotating churches. The meetings are open to the public.
If a person decides to put something on lay away, then a deposit is required. They will then put the merchandise in another building (they have 3 buildings on the property), and it should be paid up and picked up within a few weeks; otherwise, it is put back for sale and the deposit is not returned.
New Life Thrift Shop can deliver and pick up items. All you have to do is call 302-644-0171 and make arrangements. They do this only during the week.
Gift Certificates are available for purchase and redeemable in merchandise only.
There is something to be said for their system; it works!!
I really enjoyed talking to Jerry and Dutch. They introduced me to Florence who is the person in charge of the money.
Please note that since this organization works only with volunteers, they are always looking for help. If you have a few hours or a day here or there, please give them a call or stop by. There is a short form to fill out; I got one. Maybe, I might even see you there.
 Go ahead; take one
Hours of Operation are:
Mondays, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Sundays, closed
Have a great week-end. See you and talk to you later….
March 6th, 2010
Just 3 small posts that might be of interest.
The Doorman of South Florida – All of a sudden I could not open one of my garage doors. Immediately I called Michael, who is my Property Manager (he advertises on my blog, check it out) and he suggested this family operated company. Jim Falzone came and immediately fixed it. No need to replace any major parts. They are bonded and insured. Their specialties are garage, entry and French doors; residential and commercial. Their address is 1300 SW 10th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-272-3667, the website is www.PalmBeachDoors.com. You may e-mail them at mydoorman@bellsouth.net. Thought you might want to know and even visit their showroom.
Sushi Machi – This restaurant is north of Delray, in Boyton Beach. Oh, not another Sushi restaurant!! Well, it is another one but it was good. The location is not attractive; the shopping center is just a little run down. The restaurant is very down to earth so don’t get dressed up. Just come as you are. This restaurant was suggested to me by Donna. She and her husband, Dick, go all the time. The sushi was delicious but if that is not what you want, they have plenty of other dishes on the menu. One person in my group got the chicken livers sauteed in ginger sauce. And, by the way, they were aware of people with a gluten allergy, they just did not have the wheat free soy sauce, but we did and they used it. I had a new roll called the Salmon Mango Roll. It had salmon, avocado inside out with salmon and mango. The mango really made this roll; the combination of its sweetness with the salmon and avocado, was just perfect. My other roll was the Birthday Roll, which had barbecued eel, shrimp tempura and cream cheese inside out with sesame seeds. Very good, as well. Another person had “Hibachi” from the Grill; the NY Steak. It really was perfectly cooked; medium rear. Sushi Machi is located on 9832 S. Military Trail, Ste. G-2, Boyton Beach, FL 33436. Is on the northeast corner of Military Trail and Boyton Beach Blvd. between Winn-Dixie and CVS. The tel. is 561-369-8823. They have take-out, delivery to a limited area, and party trays available. Their boats are gorgeously prepared. Tate was our waiter and he is there every evening. We really did liked it, but it is a very simple restaurant.
 Salmon Mango Roll 
The Snappy Turtle – If you are a woman, and you like shopping and have been in Delray Beach, then you probably already know this store. It was established 28 years ago by Carole Harvey. It is known for the pink and green colors; a very preppy store. This store carries a wide variety of Jack Rogers Sandals year round and some of the color combinations are exclusive to Snappy Turtle. Lots of t-shirts, shirts, skirts, sweaters, bags and jewelry are always displayed very attractively. In the back of the store you will find their Home and Gifts section. Plenty of times I have bought hostess gifts at Snappy Turtle. Their website is very complete and you can really view their shop and see a good amout of the very pretty things that are available, plus their shipping information. Please go to www.snappy-turtle.com. The address is 1100 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-8088. e-mail is sales@snappy-turtle.com.
Well, that’s all for now….The Delaware Beaches are calling…talk to you later…
February 24th, 2010
Where to get a hair cut when you are not sure where to go? Word of mouth is usually the best advertisement so our son directed my husband to Avenue Haircutters right on Atlantic Ave. I hope the men reading this post pay attention because this barber shop is a true and reasonable one.
Avenue Haircutters is located on 777 East Atlantic Ave., Suite A-5 in Delray Beach. It is right across from the Blue Anchor Pub in the Atlantic Plaza. The shop is towards the back of the Plaza. They have 3 barbers available.
As I was waiting for my husband I had to take a few pictures. Then, I started wondering about the pole that shows that you are in a barber shop. You know, it has red, white and blue.
Apparently, barber shops were places where men gathered, relaxed, read magazines and enjoyed each other’s company while also engaging on gossip, sharing jokes, talking about sports and politics, and debating the events of the day. I think barber shops are older than women’s hair salons so really they started all this before us.
Originally, the trimming and shaving, which by the way was a bit messy and painful; before the invention of the razor, was done at home and probably by a servant. Later on in the mid 19th century as towns were increasing and with the invention of the razor blade, barber shops were found on the main street of about every small town.
It may be helpful to know that the barbers and surgeons were once the same profession. Barber-surgeons were authorized to perform like a phlebotomist, who is the person drawing blood for analysis.
The barber shops were distinguished from other businesses by the red, white and blue striped pole out in front. The red and white were symbols of the blood and bandages of surgeons and the blue was added to make the pole resemble the American flag.
My husband got a really nice hair cut. And, as we were walking around the plaza, a gentleman came out of the barber shop and asked us if we were from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His name was Butch Bradley and he was the owner of Avenue Haircutters. He had lived in Rehoboth and his barber shop was at the Midway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway. He had just been at the Delaware beaches and loves the whole area. We talked and it was so nice of him to have approached us. This is what makes these small towns so unique; a friendly conversation in the middle of the Plaza with someone you just met.
Then, we talked to Butch about Bethany Beach, Delaware and he proceeded to inform us that the owner of La Cigale, Francis Touboul, has a house in Bethany.
Well, since it was around 1:30 we then decided to have lunch at La Cigale and this is my next post. Being that it was a little cloudy, a little cooler and we were a little hungry we marched ourselves to La Cigale.
La Cigale has been in Delray Beach for a long time. It used to be right on Atlantic Ave., in the same spot where the new Seagate Hotel is now located. As renovations kept going on Atlantic Ave., it was so nice to know that this restaurant had opened in another location with plenty of parking and more space.
La Cigale is located on 253 S.E. 5th Ave., in Delray Beach, and near Atlantic Ave. At night you can spot the torches outside. Tel. is 561-265-0600. The website is www.lacigaledelray.com.
And the e-mail address is lacigalle@bellsouth.net.
We have been to the restaurant in the past; lunch and dinner. The restaurant is known to locals and natives alike.
When we entered the restaurant, the first thing I noticed was color. Immediately I felt good.
The tables were covered with tablecloths, very unpretentious, European, and a friendly staff.
I love mussels and once I saw them on the menu I knew that I was having them. They were Prince Edward Island Mussels with garlic, olive oil, tomato, basil leaves, white wine and a side order of pomme frites. They were so tasty and sweet, with that lite broth and perfect for lunch. I was even happier when I saw that they had placed a spoon for the broth. No way was I leaving that behind.
The pomme frites (French for French Fries) were perfectly cooked; crispy. Just the right size, as well, and I did not feel any guilt eating them all. Definitely, worth it.
My husband had the Calamari and Escarole sauteed in a white wine, garlic, olive oil and hot cherry peppers. That came with their soup of the day which was a white bean soup. I tasted both dishes; the calamari was tender, and the bean soup was rich and perfectly seasoned.
Then, we started talking to Francis, the owner. Can you believe he has had a house in Bethany Beach, Delaware for 20 years? He came from France, his first job in Bethany was at Gigi’s. Only locals would remember that one. And, has lived in Washington, as well. He was friendly, energetic and just the perfect host.
La Cigale has the perfect blend of Mediterranean food and you will always find the Coq Au Vin, the Beef Bourguignon; you know all those French dishes that make our mouths water.
One of those dishes, a dessert one and a favorite is the Creme Brulee. It is French for “burnt cream”. It is considered to be French, but the English and Spanish claim credit, as well.
At La Cigale the creme brulee was just the way I like it. The original; creamy and no other flavors added.
La Cigale offers Happy Hour from Mondays through Fridays from 5 until 7 p.m. Two for one drinks with complimentary hors d’ouvres at the bar only. Half price appetizers from their regular menu at the bar, as well.
The restaurant has capabilites for private parties. Please visit their website, above mentioned, because you can read about the restaurant, check the pictures and most of all look through the different menu proposals and hors d’ouvres selections for any parties you might want to hold at La Cigale.
If you are visiting Delray, try it and let me know how you what you think.
Note: I did not know that Francis Touboul, the owner of La Cigale also owns, Atlantique Cafe located on 777 E. Atlantic Ave. in the Atlantic Plaza, 561-272-1170 where this post actually started. As soon as I try it, I will let you know.
Yesterday I visited 3 places. Avenue Haircutters and La Cigale in Delray and then in the evening Michael R. McCarty’s in Palm Beach, which will be tomorrow’s post.
Information on the barber shop pole was taken from www.fashionencyclopedia.com and from www.wisegeek.com.
Until then……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….
November 10th, 2009
Oh, well. I am back from Florida but the computer has been acting up. Timothy Bixby of Computer Repair, stopped by the house and has taken my computer to give it a little t.l.c. It should be back this evening or at the very latest, tomorrow.
If you find yourself in this position, please call Tim at Computer Repair, telephone 302-542-8642, e-mail Repairyourcomp@aol.com . He makes house-calls. He can help if your computer is having slow performance, or if you need data recovery, lessons, custom built PC’s, upgrades, wireless setup and networking. So, for more information, you know now what to do.
Until I get my computer back, and in the beautiful Delmarva Peninsula, on a very pretty fall day, I remain….
November 8th, 2009
If you find yourself walking in Delray Beach, on the corner of A1A and Atlantic Ave., you will find the cutest beach chairs, available to the public. This corner is now the new Delray Visitor’s Information Center. Sit down, have a cup of coffee and kick back.
People always ask where to go for this or that. It doesn’t matter in what town or city you live. Again, word of mouth is the best source of information. So, I have some information that might be useful to you from time to time.
Wireless to Go (new Verizon store), 2001 W. Atlantic Ave., #C, Delray Beach, FL 33445. Just go west on Atlantic and on the corner of Atlantic and Congress you will find the new Verizon store. Before this location opened, you would have to go to Glades or Boyton Beach. They opened a few weeks ago.
Computer Troubleshooters – Technology Solved – The owner is Charlie Sterbakov and his e-mail is Charlie@CT-Delray.com. His website is www.Ct-Delray.com and his telephone is 561-752-4460. I have used this company and Charlie is very prompt and helpful. He is also a published author. His book is Deadly Contest and my husband is enjoying it very much. It takes place in a Caribbean Island where the lives of 4 people become…..You may be able to get the book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
The Art of Framing - This company is owned by Ginny Foot. The address is 638 E. Ocean Avenue, Boyton Beach, FL 33435. The Tel. is 561-737-2299. They can help you to do your own framing or you can do like I do and have them do it for you. Very affordable. They also have prints and watercolors on display for sale. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to get there.
Kristal Quality Cleaners-3001 South Federal Highway, in Delray Beach. Tel. is 561-274-3933, and the cell is 954-296-0406. The owner is Sanjay Naidu. The e-mail is sanjeevai@comcast.net. I have been using this dry cleaners when I am in Delray and they are very dependable, the clothes look great and they are very friendly.
Peace of Mind Animal Care Services – Heidi Hill is the owner. Tel. is 561-685-9299. Her e-mail is peaceofmindanimalcare@yahoo.com and her website is www.peaceofmindanimalcare.com. She serves Delray Beach, Boyton Beach, and Boca Raton, and is licensed, insured and bonded. The services for her furry clientele include: daily dog walks, dog, cat, bird and fish pet sitting, medication administration and fluid therapy, vacation coverage, senior pet specialty services and pet taxi services. Check her website for all this info. and more.
Anita Jennings Interiors – Anita Jennings is a Design Professional. She has been in the business for many years, even having her retail shop in Delray Beach. It was called Coqui. Her work has taken her to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, San Juan, Puerto Rico and South Florida. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. The very first time you meet her, you will feel very comfortable with her. She is very service oriented, has very good taste and loves her trade. Her website is www.anitajennings.com and her e-mail is anita@anitajennings.com. Her telephone is 561-278-7473 or 561-716-4484.
I hope the above information can help you in the not too distant future.
I will be starting to write from the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland on Monday, soooo until then and still in Delray Beach, I remain…
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