November 11th, 2018
I was out and about with a friend on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware. The Fall is the time for us “locals” to get out and see what is new. A relaxed way of discovering the town. No parking, which makes a big difference. My friend, Madelon, and I loved the storefront of this boutique that we had not noticed in the past. It is called The Bungalow on 2nd. Second Street is really Main Street in Lewes.
I am sure some of you will disagree but I find boutique shopping the most comfortable way to shop. These shops in small towns all over the United States give clients the opportunity to get to know the store owners. You get a one on one service.
The young woman behind the counter I had to engage in conversation. If you were in a big mall that usually does not happen. No time for small talk, really. Her name is Kaitlin and she has been opened for just about 6 weeks or so. The shop is adorable; so very well appointed. The store is not crowded and she has done a great job in redoing the shop. Before starting this new venture she was a 9th grade teacher. It would be great for you to stop by and welcome her to the community. The Bungalow on 2nd is located at 142 2nd St., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-644-1544
You can find clothing, presents for friends and family and, of course, a little indulgence for yourself, as well.
There is nothing like the right accessory to enhance an outfit. You can find necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for all tastes.
Clean looks, napkins, table runners, candles, home accents…..all very pretty and affordable.
November 24th it is called Small Business Saturday. Obviously, we live in small coastal towns and promoting the local businesses is something a lot of us find dear to our hearts. We wish Kaitlin much success and look forward to stopping by again.
Until then, have a good one!!
February 19th, 2012
I remember when a friend mentioned that she had a friend that was not sure about the pillows chosen for his home. Well, I thought, that’s easy!! Get new ones.
Granted, pillows can get expensive, but, they are still more economical than having to buy a new piece of furniture.
I am not a decorator, but I know that the use of pillows is a fresh and cretive approach to decorating.
Decorative pillows come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, fabrics, textures and patterns. They can immediately pick up a room; creating a new look, of finishing the look, for that matter.
I just came back from Florida and while there I stopped at a fine consignment shop called Varietai. Varietai offers all kinds of home accessories, gifts, art, and jewelry. Michele Ramirez is the proprietor. I always stop to say hello. Taking a picture here or there does not mean that I will write a post, but Varietai really does have a great assortment of decorative pillows. I figure you might want to know; word of mouth, you know how it is.
If you are in Delray, stop and say hello to Michele. Varietai is located at 812 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-455-2767. Website? www.varietai.com. You can also find it on Facebook.
   
Talk to you later….
November 23rd, 2011
If there is a town that can bring the nostalgia of what the holidays should be is the historic town of Berlin, Maryland. It is located west of Ocean City, Maryland, just by a few miles. From Rehoboth Beach, it is a longer drive but only about 40 minutes, if that. It is worth it and at this time of the year Berlin gets all decked out for the holidays, their windows are decorated and on Friday November 25th at 5:30 p.m. the Holiday Season will kick off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of of the Atlantic Hotel right on Main Street.
Berlin dates from the 1790s; historically charming with lots of shops and restaurants. Their Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. is one not to be missed. Out of a Norman Rockwell painting, it is.
The setting of Berlin is great but the people that reside, work and own businesses are making sure that this town offers its visitors a treat; wanting them to keep coming back again and again.
One of those shops that is celebrating the Season is TaDa Home. It opened this year, but it does have a sister store; TaDa, that has been around for years. If you are visiting Berlin on the Fridays in December; the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd stop by because you will be able to enjoy home-made baked goods while you shop for one of a kind Christmas decor and gift items.
TaDa Home is located at 27 N. Main Street, Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com.
When Patty Falck first opened TaDa, the store had her signature all over and it still does; simple and elegant. TaDa Home keeps constantly evolving, though. The combined artistic talents of the Falck family is now shining through. I love it; the two girls, the father and the mother. Yes, TaDa Home is a must stop shop in Berlin, Maryland.
The shop is beautifully appointed. Steve and Brooke have combed the area looking for special pieces; Patty then puts then her artistic touches.
Rugs, paintings by Patty, pillows, coastal touches, epicurian books and delights are the many surprises you will find at TaDa.
 
It is easy shopping for the holidays, as well. And, no, Tada is not opening at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The store hours will be Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
These pictures reflect what a beautiful store it is. Something will have to catch your interest, I am sure.
     
If you happen to see the November issue of Coastal Style Magazine, www.coastalstylemag.com. you will get to meet the Falck family in depth. A beautiful article on this family that for some years has been facing one of those curves that life throws at you.
TaDa supports The Stephen Falck Foundation for MSA Research. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is currently without treament and cure. It is their hope that by funding research for this illness, they may help those currently suffering, and provide hope in the future for a cure.
Please note that portions of every sale from TaDa Home are donated to MSA. Websites to learn more about what they are going through? www.wemove.org/msa. and www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/multiple_system_atrophy.
Happy Thanksgiving!!…talk to you later….TaDa is next….
November 9th, 2011
Among the shops that line up Main Street in the historic town of Berlin, Maryland you will find a new shop called NEST. This shop is only new to the Main Street area but NEST has now been in business for some time. Change of location but same concept.
NEST is located at 11 South Main St., Berlin, Maryland, 21811. The location is right across the street from the new Chamber of Commerce. Tel. 410-629-1030. E-mail nest.berlin@gmail.com. It opens Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 Noon until 4 p.m.
Just like all the other shopkeepers that abound in Berlin, Dee, welcomes you with a nice smile. Throughout the shop you will find niches of vintage treasures, local art, housewares, home accents, and decorative items.
There is a lot to take in, so make sure you take your time in strolling through her shop. Dee is more than willing to inform you where each piece has come from in detail, whether it is an antique or a work of art.
NEST is a definitely an eclectic store; you can find surprises in every corner.
 
Dee is also known for her artistic talents. I saw that in the store already some of her Old World Santas have made an appearance. These santas are handsculpted by Dee. She uses dry clay; the faces are painted in acrylic. They are collectibles and very much sought after. Vintage fabrics are utilized for their clothing, as well. Call the store for more information or if you would like to place an order.
 
Dee is a seamstress, as well. She makes colorful aprons with contrasting fabrics that are really cute. Custom bags are on display at NEST, as well. They have great fabric color combinations and textures; the patterns and colors changing with the seasons.
As I was chatting away, earrings caught my eye. Vey cute and made by Lex.
This is the perfect time of the year to stroll through Berlin. There is something about it….yes, it is pretty!!
Have a great day!!
May 27th, 2011
“A NEST is a place of refuge to hold an animal’s eggs and/or to provide a place to live or raise offsprings. They are usually made of some organic material such as twigs, grass and leaves.”
As I first stepped into this charming and eclectic shop I got the feeling that I was being nurtured. I felt good about it. I don’t know if it was Dee or Hannah. They are the mother and daughter duo that are the shopkeepers. They are both so friendly and I have known them for quite some time. You know, school in Berlin, children the same ages, lacrosse and on and on. The friendships that are made in the formative years of our children are definitely, keepers.
NEST is located on 116 Broad Street, Suite 3 in Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-629-1030. E-mail address is nest.berlin@gmail.com. You can also find NEST on Facebook.
NEST is open 7 days a week with plenty of street parking. Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
From Rehoboth Beach it takes about 45 minutes to get to Berlin. Not far at all from Ocean City. I have found that the town of Berlin looks great. People are out and about, the stores are well stocked, the restaurants are crowded and serving a variety of foods for all kinds of discriminating palates.
NEST is not a big store but Dee and Hannah have chosen so many neat things to make it unique.
The store opened in September of 2010. Dee is well known for her Santas. She probably did not notice that one caught my eye. Tucked away in a corner, waiting for the month where he will truly shine. All handmade with gorgeous materials.
Here are a few others that I was lucky to see some time ago.
As you enter NEST the Tibetan pillows are the first burst of color that capture your eyes. Soft and beautiful.
Dee loves to sew. She told me so. Her aprons have great color combinations.
She also makes the boppyowl handbags. Fine quality fabrics; plenty of pockets and just perfect for the summer. They can also be given as a present to a new mother.
Antique willow trunks from China.
Or, maybe the 19th century Delaware blue milk paint stepback cupboard.
The woman’s face. The pillows are all from Jude Robinson. Jude is from Snow Hill, Maryland.
The landscapes on the walls are by John Sauers from Darlington, Maryland.
The animal paintings are from Beverly Lynch, Newark, Maryland.
The Rooster paintings and pig drawing are from Caryn Strauser, Baltimore, Maryland.
There is jewelry and earrings by Lex.
And, then there is the String Doll Gang. The string dolls appeared on the markets of Thailand in 2004. They are made out of one single strand of string. Since then a whole cottage industry has sprung. Each has a special good-luck power that is written on a fabric tag. The Designer? Kamibashi, which maintains fair trade practices.
Outdoor carpets, napkins and placemats.
Vases, serving pieces, keepsake boxes and a variety of lamps.
Conversation pieces?
And then, there is Pete. The mascot. You cannot help but fall in love with him. He is part of that nesting, nurturing kind of feeling, as well.
So, there you have it. Stop by and say hello to Dee and Hannah. Once you meet them, you will think you have known them forever.
See you…talk to you later….
May 3rd, 2011
Once again I found myself walking with Jody in this Historic Town. Lewes, is truly a gem. Loved by its residents, fiercely protected. And, enjoyed by its visitors.
The town looked good. Everything spruced up; ready for the upcoming season. This town speaks for itself. Once you visit, you will definitely want to come again. It was so clean and manicured. Who does this work? And, when? They should be praised.
Our destination was going to be a shop whose proprietors have been friends for a very long time. Mary Lou Jackson and Carol DiSabatino. They have to be. They have been in business since 1994. The name of the shop is Two Friends, Ltd. It is located at 205 Second Street, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-644-0477. Website? http://www.twofriendslewes.com. On Facebook? You bet, just like everyone else.
It has been quite some time since I had visited Two Friends; off Second St. and next to Half Full and Kings Ice Cream. Now you realize where it is.
There is nothing better than to see a smile on someone’s face. Mary Lou greeted us with that friendly disposition and a smile on her face. After chatting up a bit Jody and I started to take the store in. So many cute things for the home, gifts for every occasion; a wedding, a hostess gift, Mother’s Day or just your own little indulgence.
Some of the more recognizable brands were Mariposa, Caspari, The Thymes, Ltd., Taylor and Company Driftwood Designs, which had custom signs and hand painted decor. Among others, there were Blanko Glass which is made in the U.S.!!, Key West Aloe, Lifeguard Press, Lewes Cats Meow which are wooden keepsakes, and Lily Designs with an exclusive Lewes Necklace and one of a kind bracelets.
If you are a fan of Vera Bradley you will find the newest designs, summer flip flops and coordinating beach towels.
Some stores you have to experience for youself and Two Friends is a must if you are visiting Lewes.
Enjoy the pictures. Better yet, visit this “Best Little Shop at the Beach for You, Your Home and Your Friends”.
Have a good one!!….Talk to you later….
June 17th, 2010
It’s interesting how when the town of Berlin, Maryland is described, it is mentioned that is like traveling back into the past. It’s not just back into the town’s own past history but also my own.
I have mentioned that this is where my children spent their primary school years so believe me when I tell you that Berlin became my home, as well. And, every time I visit, I cannot help to reminisce.
Berlin is in Worcester County. The town is west of Ocean City, Maryland and dates back to the 1790s.
This is another of those towns where the citizens have worked hard to preserve its history and charm. The renovations of the town and its historic preservation are, definitely, a cooperative effort.
Restaurants and shops line Main Street in Berlin. This town is well known. The movie industry loves it. Two major motion pictures have been filmed here. In 1998 Runaway Bride with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts and in 2001 Tuck Everlasting with Sissy Spacek, Ben Kingsley and William Hurt.
I decided to visit Tada on Wednesday because it is the perfect place for what I was looking for. A wedding gift. I figure that Patty and Blair would be able to help me since they knew the bride.
TaDa is located at 18 N. Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website is www.blairelizabeth.com.
The mother and daughter team that owns this beautiful store? Patty Falck and Blair Elizabeth (Blair Falck Parsons). Yes, she got married.
Coming into TaDa at this time of the year gave me the same impression as when I visited in the Fall. The beautiful colors, now even brighter as the summer season is upon us. The displays are perfectly located. Only someone with an artistic eye could put them together in such a way.
Patty is an artist. She paints for her store but accepts custom orders. Her painted glassware has a following.
Blair is also an artist; designing and making her own jewelry. Mother and daughter are definitely a team.
TaDa has something for everyone. Wether you are looking for home accents, a gift for someone close, art, tableware, they have it.
It was a Wednesday and all of a sudden the store was packed. Patty and Blair were so at ease talking to everyone. The customers really engaged them in conversation. And, that’s what I love about shopping in the local stores in all of our towns; you get to know their owners.
This store is always on my “must stop shop”, and it still takes my breath away.
Have a great day….it’s beautiful out…
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