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Archive for December, 2009

December 17th, 2009

Asian Noodle Salad…Always a Hit at the Delaware Beaches and…Ocean City, Maryland…

 

We managed to get together again Tuesday evening.  It was so nice of Donna to open her home to us.  We all brought appetizers to eat and some wine as well.  It really turned out so well because some of us had not seen each other in a long time and we were able to catch up in a comfortable setting instead of a restaurant.

The topics of conversation were varied and interesting.  It was an all women’s soiree, what can I say?

Donna’s house was fully decorated for the Holidays.  I love the traditional colors and her house had all those beautiful reds and greens; so pretty and festive this time of the year.

I decided to make an Asian Noodle Salad that has been pretty popular for some time.  The recipe was given to me a long time ago by Mary Jo.  I used to make it a lot but then I took a break from it.  I thought that for our get together it would be the perfect dish since it is easy to assemble and it is served at room temperature.  So, here it goes:

 

Asian Noodle Salad

 

1 lb. fresh or dried Asian wheat noodles.  I used regular thin spaghetti.

8 ounces snow peas cut on the diagonal into rectangles

1 cup finely chopped green onions, including some green tops

1 cup coarsely chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1 cup chopped poached chicken breast, roasted duck, or cooked shrimp (optional)

 

Asian-Style Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup soy sauce (I use reduced sodium soy sauce)

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root

1 teaspoon minced or pressed garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2/3 cup cooking oil, using equal parts sesame oil, vegetable oil and hot chili oil

In a bowl or covered jar, combine rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper.  Whisk or shake well to blend.  Add the oils and, again, whisk or shake until emulsified.  Use immediately or let stand at room temperature for as long as overnight.

In a large pot, bring water to a rapid boil; drop in noodles and stir.  Cook, stirring frequently until barely tender and still quite firm to the bite.  About 1 minute for fresh noodles or 5 to 8 minutes for dried.  Do not overcook.  Drain; rinse quickly under cold running water and drain again.

Transfer the noodles to a large bowl; add about half of the vinaigrette and toss well.  Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to keep noodles from sticking together.

Bring water in a large saucepan to a boil.  Add the snow peas and cook until tender-crisp, about 1 minute.  Drain, then plunge into ice water to hald cooking and preserve color.  Drain well.

Add the snow peas, green onions, peanuts, and cilantro.  Then add chicken, duck or shrimp, if desired, and remaining vinaigrette to the noodles and toss gently but thoroughly.

Serve at room temperature.

This recipe will serve approximately 10 people as a salad course and about 6 for a light main course.  It is the perfect entree to take to someone’s house, just like I did.

Note:  To make this recipe a day ahead, omit snow peas, onions and peanuts when tossing.  Cover and refrigerate.  Bring to room temperature; add snow peas, onions and peanuts.  Toss and serve.

I would like to mention that you may be able to make this recipe gluten free by using rice noodles or any other gluten free noodle and wheat free soy sauce.  You will also have to make sure that the peanuts do not contain any wheat.

 

So, enjoy it and make it your own….See you later….

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December 16th, 2009

Specialty Foods & More…Olney Market Cafe…Princess Anne, Maryland…

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The Main Street Princess Anne Partnership is definitely promoting this historic town by offering tours of its historic buildings and gardens.  The town has a concentration of period buildings and more than a few are on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information and schedule, please call Carolyn Marquis, Executive Director of the Main Street Princess Anne Partnership at 410-651-2961 or you may e-mail mainstreetpricessanne@yahoo.com.

The Olney Market Cafe is proud to provide gourmet box lunches, which is included in one of the standard tour packages.  This Cafe specializes in homemade sandwiches, salads, cookies, teas, cheeses and chocolate truffles.

It is located inside Independence Hall, along with the other shops I wrote about this week.  The address is 11779 Somerset Ave., Suite 11, Princess Anne, MD 21853.  Tel. is 410-621-5643, Fax is 410-621-5674 and e-mail is susan@olneymarket.com.

The menu changes weekly and Susan, the owner, told me that she tries to also prepare a diverse menu.  On the blackboard you will find the daily offerings and coffees.100_0032

The day I visited she had available Garlic Roast Beef Sub, Hearty Roast Beef with Garlic cheese on a Wheat Roll, Turkey & Black Bean Wrap, Turkey breast, cilantro, black beans, green chiles and tomatoes in tortilla, Barbecue Chicken Panini, Panzanella Panini and Foccacia stuffed with mozzarella, basil, tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette.  The Cafe is small, with a few tables.  The pantry has edible Christmas gifts, among the nuts, toffee and other goodies.100_0030

A Panzanella is an Italian salad made with onions, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, vinegar, seasonings and chunks of bread.  Variations can include cucumber, anchovies and/or peppers.  The traditional recipe soaks the bread in water and then squeezes the water out.  Other suggestions are to brown the bread in olive oil before adding to the salad.

A Panini is Italian for roll or biscuit.

If you are visiting the area, you may call ahead and see what is on the menu for the day.  You might want to stop while driving south on 13, trying to escape the cold weather that is upon us.

Information on Panzanella and Panini was taken from http://allrecipes.com.

 

I am going back to the beaches…so talk to you later…

December 14th, 2009

Barefoot Baby Boutique…Princess Anne, Maryland…Delaware Beaches…Ocean City, Maryland…

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This little piggy went to market; this little piggy stayed home; this little piggy had a bit of meat; and, this little piggy had none.

I can almost hear my children’s laughter so many years ago when this nursery rhyme was repeated time and time again.100_0040

This is the feeling I got when I stepped into Barefot Baby Boutique, 11779 Somerset Ave., Princess Anne, MD 21853.  This is one of the shops inside the newly restored historic Independence Hall Building, in the center of this charming town.  I wrote a post about it last Sunday so you can check that out.  No sense in repeating myself.  The telepone is 410-621-5398.  The website is www.barefootbabyboutique.com.  The e-mail address is info@barefootbabyboutique.com.  You can also find them in Facebook.  Hours are: Mondays and Tuesdays, by appt. only.  Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10-6 and Saturdays 10-3.100_0043

The store is owned by Martha Ogburn, RN, MS.  For many years she was a neonatal nurse.  She is an educator, an author and a family child specialist.  In making her decision to take this new venture, she took into consideration that she was aware, more than the average person, of the concerns that new mothers may have.  She is more than happy to share her resources, so please visit the website for this information.100_0044

Barefoot Baby Boutique celebrates, as everyone should, the birth of a new child.  It is a commemoration of pregnancy, birth and beyond.

For that young person in your life, Martha, has been able to bring into her store a wonderland of toys, unique hangers, and books.100_0051100_0041

The gifts are special; one and only.  The picture books are so beautiful and she carries affordable designer cribs.100_0048

In looking through her shop I could not help to stare at the delivery dress; never seen one.  It is a dress that is more stylish and it is worn during the delivery.  It is low in the back, in order to easily reach in case you need an epidural.  I mentioned that to a friend and she said she could have cared less what she was wearing with all the pain she was going through.  We all have had different experiences, don’t you think?100_0047100_0046

Did you know that you can recycle your wedding dress and make it nto a Christening gown?  Well, Barefoot Baby Boutique can help you do that.  Just like they can help you with baby classes for new and expectant mothers, as well as seminars and events.  Again, all that is in their website.  They have so much information including on-line shopping and baby registry awards.  If you spend $150 on your registry items then you will receive 20 Baby Bucks, redeemable for store merchandise.  They even have a Barefoot Baby Blog.100_0050

This store is so much fun.  It is a happy store.  Martha was great and so friendly.  I felt like I had known her for a long time.

 

Have a good one…..

December 13th, 2009

Princess Anne, Maryland…Delaware Beaches…Ocean City, Maryland…Petite Fleur…

 

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

It’s funny how I am going away from my beaches in the next 3 posts, but I think it is worth it.  You will learn that the businesses are still on the Eastern Shore and near the water, as well.

Remember when last Tuesday I started my road trip in search of Dee’s Santas?  I wrote about it on Wednesday.  Well, I got lost a little bit and ended up in Pocomoke, Maryland.  My intended location was to be Princess Anne, MD.  And, I found it!!

Princess Anne is one of those little hidden gems.  I had never been there, but it is a historic town.  It was settled in the 1600’s and is at the headwaters of the Manokin River.  This river drains directly to the Chesapeake Bay and it is approximately 15 miles long.  The town was chartered in 1733 and it was named in honor of King George II’s daughter. 

The town is so quaint; if you have an interest in architecture and history; a love of gardens, then you would love to visit Princess Anne and enjoy the tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks.  The way they have fixed the sidewalks and crosswalks, reminds me of Lewes, Delaware, another gem.

Princess Anne is a distinctive town where Colonial, Federal and Victorian houses, along with churches, gardens and public buildings have been preserved.  This is Somerset County and it is Maryland’s southern most county.  There are fishing communities, summer homes, marshland and wilderness.  You will find, mostly, agriculture and forestry, this contributing to its rural character.

The store I was looking for was Petite Fleur.  It is located on 11779 Somerset Ave., Princess Anne, MD 21853.  Tel. is 410-651-4999.  The website is www.la-petitefleur.com.  Somerset Ave. is the main street and the center of town.  If you are in Salisbury all you have to do is go South on 13 about 15 minutes and you will see signs for Princess Anne.  From the Delaware Beaches is about one hour and 20 minutes.100_0021

Petite Fleur is located in the historic Independence Hall building.  It was a Victorian Era hotel and theatre and in 1929 during its theatre years, people came to it to see and hear the first talking picture show.  The Historical Society and gift shop reside in this building, as well.100_0034100_0035

Charlotte Sterling Sharf is a partial owner of Petite Fleur along with Jenninfer Alder.  Charlotte also owns the building and is responsible for its restoration.  Her great eye for detail has restored tin walls, wainscoting, and the building is just plain elegant.100_0053

I was pleasantly surprised to find this store.  Dee’s Santas and bags were there, but the store offers so much more.  Its collection of Somerset County art is beautiful.100_0023100_0025

Petite Fleur has gifts that will help you give that finishing touch in your house.  If you do need help in decorating, they also have design services available.  Lots of specialty foods and items for everyday living.  Olive oils from Spain, beautiful soaps and candles.  Some of the items available at the store and soon to be on-line are:  Alexa Pulitzer Stationery, Bella Cucina, Persian Rugs, and art.  You can visit their website and see what they are all about.  Charlotte told me that everything in the store is for sale.  She was gracious in giving me an explanation about the building and the stores that are in it.100_0022

So, at this time of the year, when everyone is coming and going, I really felt relaxed and at peace visiting this welcoming and unique town.  I do want to go back and explore it a little bit more.100_0024

Information for my post was taken from:  Http://archive.constantcontact.com, www.state.Md.us, http://dnr.maryland.gov/greenways/counties/somerset.html

Dee's Santas

Dee's Santas

 

See you later…

December 12th, 2009

Soups…Recipes…Delaware Beaches…Ocean City, Maryland…

 

It has turned pretty chilly in the Delmarva Peninsula.  The following 2 recipes are good for cold weather; easy to prepare and double.

These recipes are perfect for someone on a gluten free diet.

 

Bean Soup

 

1 ham bone with plenty of ham on it

2 quarts water

1 onion, chopped

4 potatoes, diced

1 lb. dry lima beans, soaked overnight and drained

1 can tomatoes, chopped

1/2 tsp. leaf thyme

1/2 cup diced celery

Chopped parsley

Simmer all ingredients except the parsley in a large heavy pot for about 4 hours or until the ham is ready to fall off the bone.

Remove the ham bone, cut the meat into small pieces, and return the meat to the soup. 

Season to taste and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Note:  You may also replace frozen lima beans for the dry ones.  It will save time.

Serves 8 to 10, depending how hungry your guests are and if you are serving this soup as a main entree.

A good crusty bread would be a great addition to this soup.

 

The following recipe is a favorite and it will be yours, as well, if you like onions:

 

Onion Soup Chablis

 

1 lb. white onions, sliced very thin

1/4 lb. butter

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup Chablis

1 tsp. salt (if you are on a restricted salt diet then omit)

pepper

2 cups medium cream (half and half will do)

Swiss cheese, freshly grated

Saute the onions in butter until soft and transparent but not brown.

Add chicken broth and simmer until the mixture is reduced somewhat.

Add the Chablis, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil.

Simmer for about 2 minutes.

Stir in cream, heat, and serve.

Garnish with plenty of Swiss cheese.

Serves 6.

 

As with any of the recipes, please make them your own and enjoy. 

See you…

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December 12th, 2009

Events, Activities…Delaware Beaches…Rehoboth Beach…Lewes…Ocean City, Maryland…Delray Beach, Florida…and More…

 

Coastal Highway is crowded, people are visiting the outlets for those great bargains but each individual town at my beaches have their own thing going.  I, particularly, like to visit the small shops.  You get to talk to the owners and learn what they are all about.  One of the nicest things about these beach communities is that you can just go get a cup of coffee or tea, then walk to the boardwalk, check out the beach, take a deep breath and recharge.

The following are some of the events that are happening:

 

Lewes

Through 12/31 – Exhibit at Peninsula Gallery – “Small Jewels” – Up to 100 small works by a variety of artists.  Please visit www.peninsula-gallery.com or call 302-645-0551 for more info.  The gallery is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 until 3 p.m.  It is located at 520 Savannah Rd.

At the Cape Henlopen State Park:

Wednesday, 12/16 – New Moon Hike at 7 p.m. – Test your senses and enjoy the night sounds and sky on a guided hike through the dark landscape.  Limited to 20 people.  $2.00 per person. Pre-registration is required.  Please call 302-645-6852.  Location: The Seaside Nature Center inside the Park.

Tuesday – Thursday – 12/29 – 12/31 from 9:30 a.m. until Noon is the Winter Vacation Nature Programs for Children.  Enroll your 6 to 9 year olds in fun, hands-on programs about nature and exploration during the Holiday break.  Each day will have its own theme.  Dress to go outside.  Limited to 15.  $15 per child, per program.  Pre-registration is required so please call 302-645-6852. Location:  The Seaside Nature Center inside the Park.

 

Near Lewes and Milton, Delaware

Saturday, 12/12 – Is the Concert by the Southern Delaware Choral Society.  Location:  Eagles Nest at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $20 per adult and $8 per child and student.  They can be purchased at Puzzles in Lewes, Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, or from the website www.southerndelawaresociety.org (click for tickets), or from any of the Society’s members.

If you miss it, then on Sunday, 12/13 there will be a performance at 3 p.m. at Woodbridge School in Bridgeville.

 

Georgetown, Delaware – Near the Beaches

Saturday, 12/12 is the Nutcracker at Delaware Tech on Rt. 18 in Georgetown, at 7 p.m.  Adults $20 and students and Delaware Tech staff $15.  Please call 302-858-5475 for more info.

 

Rehoboth Beach

Saturday, 12/12 – Free pictures with Santa at Rehoboth Mall from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Please call 302-645-6655 for more info.

Saturday, 12/12 – Mosaic “Second Saturdays:  Destination Art Walk”  Galleries, art, receptions and so much more.  Visit www.mosaicrehoboth.com.  From 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, 12/13 – Is the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market Holiday Market from 12 – 3 p.m. Location: Grove Park.  A lot of the vendors you have become used to through the season will be there.  Decorations and goodies will be available.

Through 12/31 – Jewelry Show – “Multiples” at Heidi Lowe Gallery.  Limited edition jewelry for sale by studio artists.  The studio is located at 328 Rehoboth Ave. and it is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 11 until 6 p.m.  Tel is 302-227-9203.  Check my post on this gallery on September 20th.

Please Note that through December 20th you can visit Santa’s House.  Please call for more info 302-227-2233 for additonal info.

Hours:

12/12 – 3 to 5 p.m.

12/13 –  1 to 5 p.m.

12/19 –  3 to 5 p.m.

12/20 – 1 to 3 p.m.

 

Ocean City, Maryland

Through January 2, 2010 is the Winterfest of Lights, Townwide, Inlet lot & Northside Park, 127th St. – Sundays through Thursdays 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.  For more info. visit www.ococean.com or call 800-Ococean.

Saturday, December 19th – Seaside Dance Academy presents their Annual Holiday Show at the Convention Center located on 40th St. & Bay.  Shows are at Noon and 7 p.m.  For ticket info. call 410-639-0377.

 

Berlin, Maryland – Near Ocean City

Until December 25th – Victorian Christmas Celebration – Please visit www.berlinmdcc.org for schedule of events during the Holiday Season.

 

Delray Beach, Florida

Thanking Their Sponsors – The Old School Square’s Holiday Season of the Arts is presented by the Delray Community Agency, CRA.  This is a local government agency that works in collaboration with residents, property owners, businesses and community organizations to foster redevelopment within the CRA district.  Part of their mission is to support efforts that strenghthen Delray Beach as an arts and cultural destination.  For more information, please visit www.oldschool.org.

December 18th, 19th and 20th – The Crest Theatre will present Winter Wonderland on Ice.  Performances are Friday, at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.  Tickets are $42 and are available on-line at www.oldschool.org or call 561-243-7922, ext. 1.  The Crest Theatre is located at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray.

The Holiday Carousel is open outside the Crest Theatre.  Hours of operation are 5-9 on weekdays and 1-9 on week-ends and during school break.  Rides are $2.

 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank my advertisers, both in Delaware and in Delray, Beach, Florida.

Tidewater Realty – For all your real estate and rentals in the Delaware Beaches.

Coastal Home Services – For all your property management needs.

Anita Jennings Designs in Delray Beach, FL – For all your design services. Check my post on Nov. 8th.

Advertising:

If you like my website and would like to advertise, please check the following prepaid rates:

$300 for 180 days

$500 for 365 days

$175 for 365 – If you do not have a website, this price is for posting your business card.

For information, please call GJF Media, LLC at 302-604-4212 or email info@aboutmybeaches.com.

 

Have a Good Week-End!!!

December 11th, 2009

Delaware Beaches…Big Fish Grill…Rehoboth Beach…Fager’s Island…Ocean City, Maryland…Restaurant Reviews…Gluten Free Menus…

 

The 2 restaurants that I am about to tell you are fixtures in our beaches.  Anyone that comes on vacation to the Delaware Beaches or Ocean City will definitely visit either one, or both.

You also probably know that the owners of both of them also own other venues at the beaches.  They have been in business for many years and their operations run like clockwork.

But, maybe there is something you do not know about them. 

Let’s start with….

 

Fager’s Island

Fager’s is located on 201-60th Street in the Bay, Ocean City, MD 21842.  The tel. is 410-524-5500.  The toll free tel. is 888-371-5400.  The website is www.fagers.com.  The e-mail address is island@fagers.com.

Fager’s is one of those restaurants that cover every aspect when it comes to having fun.  Perfect location, fantastic sunsets, on the water, outdoor dining, gift shop, dancing, dining promotions, music, full bars, very good menus for all tastes; in other words, very welcoming.

I believe they started their 1/2 price prime rib in November.  It is on Mondays and Tuesdays.  We took a friend for his birthday this past Tuesday.  I made a reservation and I would suggest you do the same because both of those nights are very popular.

We were seated in their fine dining section, on the first floor.  Our waiter was young and very nice.  We all knew what we wanted; the prime rib!!  It is known to be one of the best, if not the best in the area.  I think since last year they only offer one cut.  It is a pretty good size one. The shaved fresh horseradish complements the beef so well.

We all started with the wedge salad with the blue cheese dressing and bacon.  It was truly the best one I have ever had.  Three of us ordered it and we all thought the same thing.  It was so fresh and not heavy at all.  I hope the dressing was homemade because that is exactly what it tasted like.

I don’t know how to say it but I might as well be straightforward.  The prime rib was not that good.  I hate to say it but it really wasn’t.  One person had his cooked medium rare but closer to rare, the next two had theirs cooked medium and I had mine cooked medium rare.  One came raw, I kid you not, the other one undercooked and mine was rare.  So, we sent 3 of them back to cook them a little bit more.  Prime rib is a cut that has a recognizable distribution of fat.  Well, this particular cut, on this night was just full of fat.  We mentioned it to our waiter, but what could he do but apologize.

We were not the only ones.  We knew someone that went on Tuesday, as well, and the same thing happened.  It was probably just an off night.

For dessert we had a lemon lust, which is made from the same recipe as Rita’s who is a well known baker in the area.  We also had a flourless, dense chocolate cake, which was gluten free.

I have told you in the past that my husband has to eat gluten free.  Fager’s is one of the restaurants that is offering a gluten free menu.  Not only does the menu reflect the gluten free items available but it also highlights other entrees that can be eaten if you have other food allergies.  More and more restaurants are offering these menus because it saves them time when ordering.  It seems that everyone has an allergy these days.  Fager’s has gone the extra mile by having this menu readily available, even including wine recommendations.

So, what’s an off night when you have just had a very pleasant evening, sharing dinner with friends?  We will be back again.

 

The next restaurant I want to tell you about is….

 

Big Fish Grill

Big Fish Grill is located on 20298 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  The tel. is 302-227-9007.  The website is www.bigfishgrill.com.

This restaurant has been a success since it opened its doors years ago.  Always crowded.  It does not matter if it is at the height of the summer season or the middle of winter.  It is casual and it has a beachy atmosphere.  The food is always consistent; very good and affordable.

I did not feel like cooking on Wednesday, and felt like having fish so off we went to Big Fish.  It was a somewhat subdued night.

The first thing Allison, our waitress, put on the table was the smoked fish spread.  It is so good.  They sell it at their fish store next door.

We did not get any appetizers and went right to the entrees.  I ordered their glazed salmon, which is always delicious and I had them put it on top of their Spinach Salad.  This salad has young spinach leaves, gorgonzola cheese, sliced mushrooms, bacon, chopped egg and warm apple cider vinaigrette.  The combination was perfect and I cannot wait to have it again.

My husband started to ask about the sauces he could have on his fish because of his gluten free diet.  Immediately, Allison, brought him a gluten free menu and explained to him everything about it.  She also told him he could not have salmon since they marinate it in teriyaki sauce.  He decided on a blackened mahi mahi and he liked it so much that he ordered another piece.

Big Fish goes above and beyond when you talk about serving a person with a food allergy.  After the food is prepared in the kitchen, the manager has to inspect it and only the manager can bring it to the table.  How about that for service?  Even when the second piece of fish was ordered she had to do the same.

Then to top it all, not only do they have a gluten free menu; they also have: Dairy Free Menu, Egg Free Menu, Garlic Free Menu, Nut Free Menu and a Shellfish Free Menu.

This is the first time that I have seen a restaurant with such precise guidelines regarding food allergies.  Amazing!!

Please note that Big Fish Grill offers cooking classes and the last 2 in 2009 are going to be on December 12th and December 26th.  Pre-registration is required.  The cost is $75.00.  Please call 302-227-9007 for more information.

For the person that enjoys beer, Big Fish offers a gluten free beer.

 

Note:  Both of the restaurants above described have so much to tell you in their websites, so please check it out.

 

I give thanks to Fager’s and Big Fish for making it easier for the people with food allergy issues.

 

See you soon….

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December 9th, 2009

Hand-Sculpted Santas…Delaware Beaches…Ocean City, Maryland…Berlin, Maryland…Princess Anne, Maryland…Local Artist…

 

Delmarva Santa

Delmarva Santa

(The Delmarva Santa celebrates the Season with our local treasures, the black lab puppy, the chicken family, the race track foal.  The vase is an antique carnival prize.)

When I posted on my blog at the end of October, I told you that I spent so many years going to the town of Berlin, Maryland.  It was in this town where part of my children’s education took place.  It was also the time where friendships were made that have lasted for many years.

Old World Santa

Old World Santa

(Old World Santa is unique and totally made by hand from the wooden base to his sculpted head.  The white vase and tiny sheep are antique, as well as his fancy belt buckle.)

Dee was one of those friends I met so long ago.  She is also a very talented person.  During the Christmas Bazaars and Gala functions at the school she was one of the parents at the head of art projects.  I am not artistic, but I was there along with everyone else that volunteered.

I started a road trip in the search for Dee’s Santas. The first ones were found in Berlin and the second ones were found in Princess Anne.

Old World Santa

Old World Santa

(This Old World Santa is surrounded by favorite flora and fauna.  His hand sculpted head is completed with a cotton beard.  His damask coat is lined with velvet.)

This is the perfect time of the year to introduce you to her work.  You might already know it, or even have a few of her pieces.  She has two specialties. One of them is the handmade Santas.  They are Old World Santas and their heads are totally hand sculpted.  She uses dry clay and the faces are painted in acrylic.  She also uses cotton and raw sheep’s wool from Dora, a sheep that resides at a friend’s farm in Pocomoke, Maryland.  Vintage fabrics are utilized in the making of the rich clothing.

Old World Santa

Old World Santa

(Old World Santa is entirely handmade, from his wooden stand to his mink hat.  His coat is made from vintage linen toile.  Hand-sculpted, his head is made with clay and painted with acrylics.)

Woodland Santa

Woodland Santa

(This Santa is made from a hand pieced and hand quilted Baltimore quilt made in the 1930’s.  His head is hand sculpted, as well; his beard is raw sheep’s wool.  His harvest basket and woodset accessories are natural; perfect for gift giving.)

She has been making the Santas for a long time and they have become collectibles.  Dee will take custom orders, but you need to speak to her about that.  She sells them for $350.  For more information, please call her at 410-641-4281 or 410-603-7581.

Dee’s other specialty is custom handmade bags.  She has been making them for over 10 years.  I have taken a few pictures so that you can have an idea of what they look like.  She uses beautiful fabrics and linings.  The colors change depending on the season.  The bags are comfortable and easy on your shoulders; very affordable, as well.100_0013100_0015

Dee has a partner in the bag business.  Her name is Sharon.  They also have a website: www.boppyowls.com.  You can visit the website and see what they are all about.  You may contact them by calling Dee at 410-603-7581, or Sharon at 410-726-6650.100_0016100_0019

Several stores carry the Santas and bags:

TaDa in Berlin, Maryland, 410-641-4430 (Santas and bags)

Petite Fleur, Princess Anne, Maryland, 410-651-4999 (Santas and bags)

Bruder Hill, Berlin, 410-629-1260

Malibu on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, 410-289-3000 (bags only)

Flowers by Alison, West Ocean City, Maryland, 410-213-8330

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Merry Christmas!! Talk to you later…

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