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Archive for August, 2010

August 15th, 2010

Red Daisy, Home Decor, Florida, Vintage Items, Gifts, Jewelry, Neptune Beach, 200 First Street Shoppes, North Florida, First Coast

 

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Discovering new beach towns!! It has been a lot of fun.  Last week I stayed in Atlantic Beach, but right next to it, in the next block is Neptune Beach. 

I found a cluster of shoppes at 200 First Street.  There are 7 businesses located at this location.  What’s unique about it, is that they are all own and operated by women. 

Some of these women have been born and raised in this community.  Yes, those locals and natives I have talked about in past posts.  They contribute to the community by working together and they support each other. 

If you find yourselves in this area on a Friday night stop by because there will be music in the courtyard until October from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

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I spent time checking Red Daisy, one of the stores at 200 First Street.  The owner?  Tracy Raymond.  The address is 201 Lemon Street, Suite 304, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.  Tel. 904-339-0137.  E-mail thereddaisy@comcast.net.

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At first I thought it was just for outdoor decor, you know patio, etc. etc.  As I came in I discovered that there is so much more.  Actually, the store is pretty big. 

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Tracy was so nice and full of information.  She is a native and this store reflects her passion for antiques; Florida vintage items and the contemporary designs, as well.  She likes to mix things up. 

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The stores has paintings, flower arrangements, linens, towels, jewelry and those vintange items I have been mentioning.

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During the 1940’s and 1950’s it was a time when the U.S. interstate system came about.  People took to the roads and states wanted to capitalized on tourism.  They made easily packable souvenirs.  One such souvenir was a tablecloth that showed the tourist areas of that particular state.  Those vintage tablecloths are now sought after. 

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Red Daisy has several of them.  One that caught my attentions was all in red with the alligators around the edge.  Others have different colors.  Some people use them as such, frame them or even make pillows out of them if they are not in the best condition.

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 Here, have a peek to Red Daisy – classic, home, fun.

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The Beaches Town Center is the heart of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach.  It is where Atlantic Boulevard meets the ocean and just 12 miles east of downtown Jacksonville.  It is a pedestrian friendly area, full of restaurants and shops; a destination appealing to tourists, locals and natives. 

If you want to know what’s going on, please visit www.beachestowncenter.com.

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Have a great day!!!!

August 14th, 2010

Bar-B-Q Sticks, Lumpias, Philippine Cuisine, A Beach Shack, Neptune Beach, North Florida, First Coast, Florida, Restaurant, Review

 

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Finding little eating gems is what I love the most.  The first time I visited Atlantic Beach, Florida a few weeks ago, I kept eyeing a bright shack across the parking lot of my hotel.

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Even though I was on Atlantic Beach, by the time you cross to that parking lot, then you are in Neptune Beach.

Last week I was back again on that beach, and this time I was definitely having a taste of that cuisine.

The owner of the Bar-B-Q Sticks is from the Philippines.  Her husband, I think helps, as well.  The address is 120 1/2 Lemon St., Neptune Beach, FL 32266.  Tel. 904-247-7180.

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So polite and friendly; but not just them.  I found out that in that whole area people were genuinely friendly and full of information.

The basics of Philippine cooking is that it is basic; no special skills are needed.  Most dishes are either sauteed or stewed; others are boiled, braised or fried.  Not too many baked dishes are found.  Due to is tropical climate, it is really too hot to bake. 

Some of the ingredients used are coconut milk, anatto seeds known as achiote, banana blossoms found inside the banana pods, shrimp paste, chorizo, bean curd, and Chinese cabbage, among others.

I decided to get the daily special which was the Bar-B-Q Sticks.  You could get chicken or beef.  I also wanted to try the lumpias.

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Lumpias are considered pastries even though the filling is meat, and vegetables, if available.  They are from Chinese origin, similar to spring rolls, but the pastry is much thinner.  They are served with a sweet and sour sauce. 

Both dishes were so good that I went twice to their place.  It is a best kept secret in Neptune Beach.

Even though that is the only thing I tried, other patrons were getting rice noodles, sauteed vegetables, and even the ever present hamburger was on the menu.  So, really, a little bit for every taste.

What’s not to like?  Beach block, parking, outdoor seating, cheap and the food is delicious!!

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Talk to you later…you know I will….Gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula!!

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August 13th, 2010

Friday, 8/13/10, Superstition?, Forklore?, Almost Over, Nothing has Happened, I think, It’s just a Date

 

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I cannot believe I have put so much thought into the superstition of Friday the 13th. 

No nothing happened, in this unluckiest day on the calendar.  Nothing was done that could have compromised my well being.  Am I crazy?, I just actually took two airplanes.  Other than the airport in Charlotte being packed, piercing screams from two of our younger passengers on US Airways Express; it was smooth landing. 

I was a little worried about my suitcase.  You know, this company is notorious for misplacing luggage on a non stop flight and I had changed planes.  The luggage made it, as well.

Regarding this superstition, the New York times has quoted in the past that people “would no more buy or sell a share of stock today than they would walk under a ladder or kick a black cat out of their path”.

Millions of dollars are lost every Friday the 13th because people refuse to travel, purchase major items or even conduct business.

And listen to this.  The dealiest associations with the number 13 are the facts that there are 13 stairs leading to the gallows; the blade in a guillotine fell from a height of 13 feet; and a hangman has 13 knots in a hangman’s noose.  I knew you could use this information.

Otis Elevator Co., which is the world’s largest elevator manufacturer says that 90% of U.S. skyscrapers do away with floor #13.

And, Jack the Ripper and Charles Manson? Yes, 13 letters in their names.

To give you more info. than you would want, there are 13 witches in a coven.

But, do not worry because for 2010 Friday the 13th is only happening once.

 

The evening is almost over….talk to you tomorrow…about a better topic, I hope…

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August 13th, 2010

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Art Walk, Benefit For Aids Delaware, Sea-Inspired Jewelry, Dewey Beach’s 29th Annual East Coast Skim Championship

 

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On Saturday, August 14th, the following 3 events take place from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.:

 

Second Saturday Destination Art Walk.  Visit downtown art galleries as part of the Second Saturday Art Walks presented by MOSAIC, which is a new gallery collective for downtown Rehoboth Beach.  More info?  Visit www.mosaicrehoboth.com.  It is great, and at that time of the evening checking out the galleries, the art and enjoying the receptions offered by the galleries is a real treat.

 

Benefit for Aids Delaware at Gallery 50, Rehoboth Beach.  There will be a silent auction and a raffle drawing.  If you need to know more, just call 302-227-2050 or contact Aids Delaware, 302-652-6776.  Please visit www.aidsdelaware.org.

 

Heidi Lowe Gallery will be presenting Sea-Inspired jewelry by Stephanie Tomczak.  The Gallery is located at 328 Rehoboth Ave.  For more info., please go to www.heidilowegallery.com or call 302-227-9203.

 

Saturday, August 14th and Sunday, August 15th in Dewey Beach the 29th Annual East Coast Skim Championship will take place.  For more details please visit www.skimusa.org or call Harry Wilson at 302-227-4011.

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August 12th, 2010

Friday, August 13th, Unlucky?, Superstition? Forklore?

 

I had not thought about this superstition for a long time.  Today it came to mind when I realized that I would be traveling tomorrow, Friday, the 13th.  Even though I don’t believe that it’s an unlucky day to do anything risky like flying, I cannot help to wonder.

Fear of Friday the 13th is calleld friggatriskaidekaphobia.  Frigga is Friday and triskaidekaphobia comes from a combination of 2 Greek words attached to phobia.

In the Gregorian calendar this occurs at least once a month, but at most 3 times a year.  Any month’s 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday. 

Before the 19th century no written evidence for that superstition existed.  But in numerology, the #12 is considered the number of completeness; 12 months of the year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 hours of the clock, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles of Jesus, 12 god of Olympus and on and on. 

The #13 is irregular, Remember Black Friday? 

Just a thought; Superstition, forklore?…..

 

Talk to you later…..

 

Information for this post taken from Wikipedia.

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August 12th, 2010

Bethany Beach, Delaware, Activities, Events, Delaware Beaches, 8/12/10 – 8/15/10

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I cannot believe we are into August and the following 2 weeks will be the most visited weeks at the Delaware Beaches.  Yes, almost time to start school.  I love the commercials on t.v. showing parents so happy and children with long faces.  Bethany Beach is definitely a family town.  It is so great to see families walking around town and enjoying what this town has to offer. 

The Bandstand is a happening place in Bethany and the following are the activities and events for the coming days:

 

Thursday, 8/12 – It is the last day for Talent Show Registration.  The Talent Show will be on Friday,  8/20.  Time restrictions limit the number of acts.  First come first serve.  Applications available in Town Hall and on www.townofbethanybeach.com/activities.

 

Friday, 8/13 -Joe Baione Jazz uintet.  Making his mark on the jazz scene, with powerful and energetic performances.  At 7:30 p.m. on the Bandstand.  Please check this artist’s website www.joebaione.com.

 

Saturday, 8/14 – Over Time – Rock N’ Roll at 7:30 p.m. at the Bandstand.

 

Sunday, 8/15 – The Jamboree Boys will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Bandstand.

 

Friday, 8/13, Saturday, 8/14 and Sunday, 8/15 – Bethany Beach Bandstand Yoga at Sunrise.  There is a drop in fee.  6 a.m. until 7 a.m.  At the Bandstand.  For more info. please call 302-537-7838 or visit www.bethanybeachyoga.org.

 

Sunday, 8/15 – Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market  just like every Sunday until Sept. 5th, and from 8 a.m. until Noon.  Location:  Bank parking lot at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. & Garfield Parkway.

 

Have a good one!! Talk to you later…

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August 11th, 2010

Gelato Gal, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Coffee, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, Chai Lattes, Hot Chocolate, Review, Delaware Beaches

 

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This is how the word of mouth started.  First Cindi called me from West Ocean City to let me know that someone that came to do work at her house had a client who had a daughter.  This daughter went to Italy to learn the whole process of gelato making.  She opened Gelato Gal in Rehoboth Beach and the other people she had told to had gone 3 times in one week.

Of course I had to check it out.  Just like when I was told about Annie’s Banannies also in Rehoboth.  I really do love ice cream, but try not to eat it too much.  You know how it is.

Anyway, gelato is not ice cream; it is a European style ice cream that has very little air whipped into it.  It is made from a lower butterfat cream than almost all super premium ice creams.

Gelato Gal is located on 20200 Costal Highway.  Telephone 302-227-1001.  Check out the website www.gelatogal.com because you will find out the “gelato’s story”.  Also in order to get your “Six-Pack” of free tastings you need to follow directions.  Gelato Gal is serving gelato, coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, chai lattes and hot chocolate 7 days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.  Plenty of parking available.

I met Gelato Gal.  Her name is Amanda Randall.  After tasting gelatos in different cities she decided to perfect the process.  She learned from the best in Italy and just opened in June, here in Rehoboth Beach.

Well, how lucky I was that day.  It was so hot that I welcomed the 11 tastings I got.  Yes, can you believe?  Heaven on a spoon, just like Amanda advertises.

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Amanda experiments with different flavors.  At this time of the year fresh fruit gelato is fantastic.  Of those 11 I really liked the After 5 Gelato.  This particular one had whiskey in it.  I did not know how I would like it but I certainly did a lot.  The Chocolate Hazelnut was delicious, as well.  The Smith Island Cake Gelato was excellent and by the way, Smith Island Cakes are sold at Gelato Gal.

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If you like chocolate the plain chocolate was very good.  The pineapple was perfect on that steamy day. 

In her freezer you will find gelato pops, as well as gelato cakes;  perfect for those unexpected guests this summer.

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I decided to buy 3 of them and just have my own tasting at home.  Chocolate, Pineapple and Blueberry were my choices.  Of those 3 I liked the pineapple the best, but the chocolate was a good second and then the blueberry.

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I am so glad I went because it is great to see new places opening up in our area.  I wish Amanda the best and I will definitely be back.  Good luck!!

 

Talk to you later…

August 10th, 2010

Anything Goes, Women’s Apparel, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Jewelry, Shoes, Clothing, Delaware Beaches

 

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Anything Goes is located at the Village by the Sea, right on Rehoboth Avenue.  The telephone is 302-227-2960.  The owner is Joan Thompson.

This post is for women only and this store is different from the rest.  It seems like at times, when you go out everyone looks the same.  Anything Goes has very beautiful and unique pieces of clothing, shoes, bags, and great jewelry.100_3654

I was talking to Susan who works for Anything Goes.  She showed me some shirts and jackets in beautiful colors but still black will make its presence in the Fall as a predominant color. 

So let me give a peek to Anything Goes.

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Anything Goes has been around for 22 years, and definitely has a following.

 

Have a great day and talk to you later….

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