November 30th, 2012
Local shops, independent owners are what Downtown Rehoboth Beach is all about. You stop, you chat, and you might even become friends. Downtown Rehoboth Beach is so walkable; only one square mile. At this time of the year, the town looks great. The lights are beautiful and the merchants have gone all out to make sure that you have a great shopping experience…Holiday Sales!!
I have stopped a couple of times in the past month at Crysti. This shop is located at 33 Baltimore Avenue; one block north of Rehoboth Avenue and one block west of the Boardwalk. It is in the courtyard of “The Shops at 33 Baltimore Avenue”. Tel. 302-227-2874. Website? http://www.crysti-rehoboth.com.
Crysti is celebrating 30 years in Rehoboth Beach. This shop has seen Rehoboth Beach turn into a year round resort. It did not use to be that way. It was a seasonal kind of town. Over the years Rehoboth Beach has done a great job in bringing the visitors during the summer and then bringing them back for a second season. Full of festivals, entertainment and a dining destination, as well.
Visitors love to shop in Delaware…tax free shopping. And the ones that are making this area their permanent home, are enjoying low property taxes.
If you are in Rehoboth this week-end, Crysti is a must stop shop. The entire store is 25% off, including Brighton. This holiday sale will be through Sunday, as well. Gift wrapping is also available.
And during the week-end, they will be serving cocoa and cookies. Definitely, stop and say hello.
Let me introduce you to Joyce and Crysti. Joyce is on the left and she is the Manager. Crysti, on the right is the owner.
Crysti is casual….that’s the best part of living at the beach. The relaxed attitude at our beaches is reflected in a lot of the clothing and accessories carried in many of our unique shops. At Crysti, you will find sweaters, scarves, jeans, jewelry, and bags. Plenty of gifts, as well.
 
 
 
 
Really, do stop by….the merchandise changes but their personal service and attention is always the same….great! Have a nice week-end!! The weather will be warm for this time of the year at the Beaches!
November 28th, 2012
Moroccan food is a blend of cuisines from different nationalities. It is refined and it is very flavorful. I have had this recipe for a long time. And, every time I make it, I give a little twist. You know, a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
It calls for boneless chicken thighs. To tell you the truth, you could probably, make it with chicken breasts, but I think the dark meat gives it that extra flavor and moisture. So, here it goes.
Moroccan Boneless Chicken Thighs
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite size pieces
1/2 chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup figs, quartered (I used my frozen figs, but you can buy fresh ones at the supermarket. If all fails, then buy dried figs.)
1/2 cup chopped green olives
4 garlic cloves, chopped
6 tablespoons Madeira wine
3 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (I used Pompeian…it is gluten free.)
3/4 teaspoon coriander
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned; about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir frequently.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and remaining ingredients; reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I did not garnish it, but you can do so with a few sprigs of the cilantro.
It is supposed to be served over a bed of couscous, but due to gluten allergy, the choice for that evening was mashed potatoes.
It is so easy; takes no time to assemble and cook. The flavors of the honey and vinegar give it a unique taste.
Enjoy and make it your own!!
November 27th, 2012
Some Christmas I am into scarves and gloves, others, I might be into jewelry….this year? Soaps, butters, scrubs, lotions, balms, shampoo. I don’t remember who asked me if I had gone to a soap store in Rehoboth Beach. They were raving about it. To tell you the truth I had not. But, a few weeks ago I found it!! And now, I am indulging and introducing Little Egg Harbor to my friends.
Little Egg Harbor Soap Company is located at 127 C Rehoboth Avenue in the Rehoboth Mews. Tel. 302-260-9813. Website? http://www.lehsoap.com. The company is from New Jersey. Three locations: Marmora, NJ, where the headquarter is located and where soaps and other products are made. Another location in Smithville, NJ, and the location in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
The Store Manager in Rehoboth Beach is Cinda Dera. She is great. Knows every particular of each product. She is also very friendly.
The day I visited, I did so with my friend Cindi. She and I totally fell in love with the store and the products. The soaps are made with oils of coconut, palm, olive, sunflower, castor and Shea butter. They make them in small batches. There are no detergents, animal fat, alcohol, preservatives, hardeners or mineral oils. You will get a totally vegan bar of soap.
The lotions, butters and scrubs do not have added colors.
 
All bars of soaps are sold by the ounce. Bars will be weighed at the register.
As you enter the store, the aroma is light and clean. The names on their soaps are: Blueberry Cobbler, Vanilla, Scarlet, Apple Martini, Beach Days, Weekend in Rehoboth….and more.
 
They have products Just for Men.
They also represent French soaps.
A line of products called Cucina from Italy. For your kitchen; biodegradable soaps and cleaning products. The formulas contain no phosphates, ammonia, or chlorine. The fragrances are unique.
I can attest to their shampoo. I have been using the moisturizing shampoo and love it. Leaves your hair shinny, manageable, and clean. I sound like a commercial, but it is true.
A line of soy candles called Beanpod. Vibrant colors and distinct fragrances. I opened the one that said Guava. Guava is a tropical fruit. It used to be one of those, that when I was growing up in Puerto Rico, you would pick off the trees. Almost extinct now….the smell of this candle brought me back to those years long ago. It was exactly the same smell. You could almost eat it. No kidding!
Coconut Oil – a moisturizer in coconut husk. You can use it practically for everything. Check http://www.lehsoap.com/coconut-oil-tips-and-benefits.
A well known product line from Oregon…Pacifica.
Soap Curls? Shaved and placed in bags…just a tiny bit to wash your hands. Bath Fizzie…fun for your bath!!
 
Note: If you have problems with psoriasis, eczema, patchy ski, ask them a bout their Calendula infused Bobbiesue Therapy Soap.
Stress free shopping? Shop the many small boutiques in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, where personal attention is their middle name….have fun!
November 27th, 2012
Kicking off the 2012 Christmas Season in a big way is Historic Lewes, Delaware. This charming and quaint town is more than ready for this Holiday Season; the town, the merchants, and the residents….always welcome the visitors with open arms. This season, they are going all out.
If you are visiting, check what’s going on!
Tuesday, 11/27 – Nouveau Beaujolais Wine Tasting & Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Irish Eyes, located at 213 Anglers Rd., from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets? $25 There will be great food, the 2012 Featured Wine and fabulous entertainment. You can do a little shopping; plenty of silent auction items available, including the auction of decorated holiday wreaths. A live auction, as well; a fundraising event for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. For tickets and information, please call 302-226-3333. Website? http://www.irisheyespub.com
Thursday, 11/29 – Beebe Auxiliary’s Gift Shop Open House & Hospitality Night from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. First Floor at Beebe Medical Center located on Savannah Rd.
Thursday, 11/29 – 17th Annual Beebe Holiday of Lights from 5:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Once again, the front lawn of Beebe Medical Center, located on Savannah Rd. will fill with the voices of children singing carols as the Christmas tree is lit with colorful lights representing friends and loved ones who are being honored and remembered. Following the tree lighting, refreshments will be served. Santa Claus will make a special appearance.
Thursday, 11/29 – Shop, Shop ’til you drop. Hospitality Night in Historic Lewes. Meet old friends, dance to the music, and enjoy complimentary light refreshments provided by the local businesses. The location? The Historic Lewes Commercial Area in downtown Lewes.
Friday, 11/30 – Children’s Beach House Benefit Art Exhibit and Sale Preview Party, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Part of the Lewes Christmas tradition, this event features the works of almost 100 local and regional artists. Funds raised at the event help support the Children’s Beach House general operating budget. It is an opening reception. Meet the artists and be the first to view the works of some amazing talent. Ticket ($65 general admission), includes food, cocktails, valet parking, and holiday entertainment. The Children’s Beach House is located at 1800 Bay Avenue (enter from Cedar Avenue). Note: The show continues on Saturday, 12/1 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Website? http://www.cbhinc.org
Saturday, 12/1 – Lewes Historical Society’s House Tour – This is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Lewes. The Christmas Tour of Lewes benefiting The Lewes Historical Society. 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Also, part of the Christmas week-end in Lewes. Tickets are on sale by visiting http://www.historiclewes.org, or by calling 302-645-7670, ext. 12. Tickets can also be purchased at the Society’s Museum Shop, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the Zwaanendael Museum, Community Bank Delaware, Habersham Peddlers and The Inn at Canal Square. In Rehoboth Beach, tickets can be purchased at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, and Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Ave. Advance tickets are $20 each. Tickets purchased the day of the tour are $25 each.
Showcasing a wonderful selection of homes; from colonial delights and 19th century beauties to 20th and 21 century masterpieces. In addition to the 8 private homes on tour this year, The Society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season.
A great selection of gifts will be on hand at the Society’s Museum Gift Shop the day of the tour. It is located in the Ryves Holt House on the corner of Second and Mulberry Streets.
A visit to the Christmas Antiques Bazaar and Bake Sale, which will be held at the Rabbit’s Ferry House at Third and Shipcarpenter Streets on the Lewes Historic Complex. Shop for the Holidays; enjoy hot coffee, chili and baked goods. Outside of the house, a Holiday Greens Sale featuring fresh magnolia, pine and holly, while supplies last.
Note: Bethel UMC, located at 129 West Fourth Street will host a Cookie Walk. Cookies are placed on a long table. You are given an empty cookie box and a disposable glove. Walk around the table, choosing the cookies you want. Select as many or as few of each kind you like. When finished, your box will be weighed and the cost calculated. $6 per pound!! They will offer candy and dog treats too.
Saturday, 12/1 – The 81st Annual Lewes Christmas Parade at 5:00 p.m. Parade Theme? Let it Snow!! Tom King, Chairman of The Lewes Christmas Parade, which is jointly sponsored by the City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, has announced the selection of the Lewes Historical Society as the Honorary Grand Marshals for the Christmas Parade in honor of their 50th Anniversary. The Society was officially founded on January 19, 1962. It has been responsible for preserving some of Lewes’ most recognizable, historic buildings, as well as offering a rich array of activities for both Lewes residents and visitors.
The parade takes place on December 1st…rain/snow date: Sunday, December 2nd at the same time. Prizes will be awarded in many categories. The parade begins on Savannah Road at Sussex Drive and will end in front of King’s Ice Cream Shop on Second Street. The Chamber’s board of directors will be leading the parade, carrying a huge Frosty the Snowman helium balloon. After the parade, the Christmas tree in Zwaanendael Park will be illuminated, followed by candlelight caroling in the park led by Christy Taylor with sound by Bill Larsen.
The Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center is located in the Fisher-Martin House on Kings Highway behind the Zwaanendael Museum. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. On Saturday, December 1st, it will open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Website? http://www.leweschamber.com
Have a great time!!
November 25th, 2012
Meet Kari and Marci. These are the two ladies who are at the helm of Chicks for Charity. On its second year, Chicks for Charity is dedicated to assisting those less fortunate.
It was started by Kari and Marci on July of 2010. Many of the charitable organizations that Chicks for Charity have helped, are essential community resource agencies that aid kids, families, the elderly, abandoned animals, and those that are undeserved and in need.
You can find Chicks for Charity Southern Delaware on Facebook. You can also check their website, http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
Once a month an invite arrives to my email. This month’s Chicks for Charity Dinner will be held, as usual, at Fish On!, located at the Villages of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware. Time? 6:30 p.m. Date? Wednesday, 11/28.
This dinner will benefit “Help-Portrait”. This is a global movement of photographers using their time, gear and expertise to give back to those in need. The idea behind Help-Portrait is simple: First, find someone in need. Secondly, take their portrait. Third, print their portrait. Fourth, deliver their portrait. Help Portrait 2012 will take place worldwide on Saturday, December 8th, and locally in Georgetown, Delaware. It is being organized by professional photographer, Keith Mosher and a group of more than 50 volunteers. Website? http://www.help-portrait.com.
Two delicious entrees to choose from along with appetizer and dessert. $25.00 per person, includes gratuity. Cash or checks only, please. Payable to Fish On! Cash bar available.
There will be great raffle items and a 50/50 too! RSVP to gals4thegood@aol.com. Please, no calls to the restaurant.
The dinners are delicious….you can meet new friends….you will be supporting a charitable organization serving the community.
Note: Chicks for Charity Southern Delaware welcomes your donations. Raffle items are always needed for the dinner events!!
November 25th, 2012
A holiday week-end of cooking, shopping and probably cleaning too. Here is your chance to let someone else do the cooking and pouring. Perfect timing is the upcoming 4-Course Beer Dinner at Matt’s Fish Camp located at 28635 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in North Bethany Beach, at Tower Shores. Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Matt’s Fish Camp is part of Matt Haley’s restaurants….the SoDel Concepts family.
The beer dinner will feature a 4-course, small-plate menu, brought to you by Chef Doug Ruley. The menu is inspired by the cooler and shorter days as we all move into the Holiday Season.
Troegs Brewery was established in 1997 in Central Pennsylvania. The Brewery produces 9 different beers, including Hop Back Amber Ale, Dreamweaver Wheat, and Flying Mouflan, all of which will be featured on Tuesday’s Beer Dinner. Co-founder, John Trogner, will be on site to explain the brewing process of each beer and why each pairs so well with each course.
Tickets are $45 per person. Please call John Scruggs at Matt’s Fish Camp, 302-539-CAMP (2267).
Matt’s Fish Camp is a casual restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. It is open year-round and has plenty of parking. Upon arriving, a reception serving Pimento Cheese Spread on Pretzel Biscuits, paired with Perpetual IPA.
The First Course: Dayboat Scallop Crudo, Crispy Virginia Ham, Spicy Grapefruit & Cilantro, paired with Dreamweaver Wheat.
The Second Course: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Smoked Cheddar Popcorn Grits, Hopback Collard Greens & Jus, paired with Hopback Amber Ale.
The Third Course: Charred Venison Tenderloin, Blue Cheese Roasted Seckel Pear, & Smoked Black Plum Butter, paired with Mad Elf Holiday Ale.
Fourth and Last Course: Apple Bread Pudding, Mouflan Caramel & Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, paired with Flying Mouflan.
A stress free evening, learning a thing or two about beer pairing….we all need that!! Have a good one!!
November 24th, 2012
“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” larry wilde, the merry book of christmas
The huge tree caught my eye as I was driving on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. That’s when I asked myself; where is a semi when I need one? I knew I needed to stop by and take a look.
Farmer Girl Exotic Gardens is located at 18940 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-645-8398 Website? http://www.farmergirlexoticgardens.net. This garden center is own by Mary Rash. It is much more than a garden center, it is also the home of exotic birds, which are for sale. Mary specializes in domestic bred, hand raised, hand fed babies; “tame ‘n’ talking”.
 
During the summer the look of this garden center is completely different. At this time of the year, it turns into a holiday garden center. If you are in the mood for some holiday cheering, stop by. You will, definitely, feel it.
All the fresh cut trees are North Carolina Fraser Fir trees. They represent over 90% of all species grown in North Carolina. The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked second in the nation in the number of trees harvested. North Carolina Fraser Fir trees are used in the White House.
This year Farmer Girl’s trees look amazing. Green, healthy, full, and they smell wonderful. There are all sizes; from little ones to about 14 feet tall.
Some of the fresh cut trees are in front of the store, so you might be able to see them as you drive by. But their inventory covers the side and back of the store.
Farmer Girl also has two beautiful koi ponds in the back. They are also decorated for the Holiday Season!!
For the customers that want “forever” trees, wreaths, and garlands, Farmer Girl has plenty to choose from.
The pre-lit “forever” trees come in so many colors and sizes.
Some have “snow”.
A black one? Tropical, perhaps?
 
You can find table top decorations, as well as lighted lawn ornaments.
 
Over the years I have stopped in the summer, fall, or winter. The staff is helpful and ready to help you load your purchases in your car.
Get into the Holiday Spirit!!
November 23rd, 2012
So far so good…the weather has been amazing. Lewes, Delaware looked beautiful on Thanksgiving Day as I drove around this quaint town. It was quiet; the end of the day. A drive through Pilottown Rd. took me towards the Lewes Boat Ramp.
Then, back to town, the views were, really, so gorgeous. Crisp colors; the marshes giving this part of town a serenity, which was perfect on Thanksgiving Day.
 2-megawatt wind turbine 
Black Friday….some of us say, we have not seen this many people at the Delaware Beaches in years. Don’t know if it was the forecast or, people just wanting to get out of town.
I love Agave. Located at 137 2nd St. in Downtown Lewes, it is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Tel. 302-645-1232. That it is popular, is an understatement. No reservations; I am always complaining. The wait too long. Well, guess what? Today, I was doing what everyone else in Lewes had found out. Agave certificates were going to be sold today. Bring your “dinero” and double the dollar amount. So, I brought $200 and I got $400 worth. Yes!! That was my Black Friday deal. If I had known earlier, I would have told you. I only found out today, but I believe this is not the first year. Stay tuned for next year.
The certificates could be bought in increments of $10. I got mine all in 10’s. They cannot carry a balance. Dine in only. Not for carryout. Can use as many as necessary in one visit. Cannot be used for merchandise, or for happy hour specials. Could not be used on Black Friday. And, last, but not least, cannot be used for gratuity.
I waited for about 1 1/2 hours….worth the wait. Now I will have to see when will I be able to get into Agave. Don’t worry, a post will, definitely, follow.
My sister in law was patiently waiting for me, shopping around Lewes. We decided to have lunch at Cafe Azafran. My Agave certificates were safely in my bag. Cafe Azafran has been in Lewes for many years. It is a Mediterranean Cafe located at 109 Market St. Tel. 302-644-4446. Another location has been in Downtown Rehoboth Beach for a few years. Website? http://www.cafeazafran.com.
It is casual. Seating available inside or at the side porch. Today it was the perfect day. The heaters were hardly needed.
An order of their vegetable soup, accompanied with bread. Great consistency, not salty; light.
An order of the Mediterranean Platter – Serrano ham, roasted peppers, romesco, olive tapenade, artichoke hearts, Manchego & goat cheese with warm baguette. Gorgeous colors were so welcomed. Delicious.
The Special Panini was ordered – Ham, asparagus, melted brie, onions, accompanied with pasta salad. The brie and ham, always a very nice combination.
That’s all for… Black Friday!! Have a good one!
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