November 29th, 2013

It has been a tradition for many years….the lighting of the beautiful Christmas tree in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Right by the Bandstand and the beautiful award winning Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Tonight, Friday, 11/29 the fun begins at 6 p.m. Bring the family and friends and get ready to sing a long. Master of Ceremonies will be Drexel Davison, owner of Bad Hair Day?, kicking off the festivities. Enjoy live entertainment by Doug James.

Santa’s House located right on the Boardwalk with a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean…priceless!!

This week-end children can visit Santa on Friday, 11/29 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. On Saturday, 11/30, visit with Santa from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. On Sunday, December 1st Santa will be there from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Check the rest of the schedule at http://www.beach-fun.com/holiday-fun.

On Saturday, 11/30, the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Holiday Market will be taking place at Grove Park from Noon until 3 p.m. Many of the favorite vendors will be there with holiday decorations and goodies. More info?, please visit http://www.rbfarmersmarket.com.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
November 29th, 2013

The artists in Southeastern Delaware are opening their doors to their studios once again, as they have been doing for 19 years. This is a free, self-guided tour of the studios of 13 of Delaware’s most talented artists and artisans, all located in Southeastern Sussex County. You can talk to them, ask questions, see them work, buy some of their pieces of art, but most of all, get to know them personally.
The event takes place on Friday, 11/29 and Saturday, 11/30 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Remember to buy local and buy tax free in Delaware. More info? Please visit http://www.artstudiotour.com. Open the website and click on the map to see where all the studios are located.
Each artist has donated a piece of art for “Art in the Hat Raffle”. 100% of the proceeds from this raffle will benefit art programs throughout the local community. Raffle tickets are $4.99 each or 5 for $20. You can get them at each studio. To see what each artist has donated, please visit http://www.artstudiotour.com/raffle.htm.
One of my favorite artists is Tom Frey, who is located in Dagsboro. He is a woodturner. Mr. Frey uses mostly local woods that are stressed by nature.

His miniatures are beautiful and if you are lucky enough he might be working on some of them as you visit his studio.



Note: Damon Pla will not be on the tour this year.
Have a great time!!
November 28th, 2013

It was early in the morning on Saturday, November 23rd. It has been happening every year for the past 27 years, when Delray Beach gets ready for a Turkey Trot. It is a benefit for the Keith Straghn Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Drive for the needy families of Delray Beach. So, spectators, runners, walkers and trotters were ready. This event was sponsored by the City of Delray Beach.

On the photo….don’t know what kind of outfit that guy was wearing…
There was not a soul on A1A…that was hard to believe. Usually, on a holiday week-end, there are plenty already walking or trying to get the best parking spaces for another stay at the gorgeous beach in Delray.

And the corner of A1A and Atlantic Avenue was blocked off for the runners.

The destination where all were located was 340 S. Ocean Blvd. at Anchor Park. The runners and walkers were checking in.

The essentials like food and water…


The actual race had a starting time of 7:30 a.m. on Gleason.


And off they went…

This year there were over 500 participants, fundraising for those less fortunate.

Mark your calendars because this race happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. More info? Please call Keith Straghn at 561-305-1744.
And remember to stop back for some fruit and goodies after the race.

November 23rd, 2013

In the heart of the Art District of Delray Beach, Florida….Pineapple Grove, Brule Bistro has made a name for itself for serving delicious food with amazing flavors in a casual atmosphere…an extensive wine list will make any wine lover happy.

Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483 Tel. 561-274-2046 Website? http://www.brulebistro.com. Find them on Facebook, as well.
Our big decision was…inside or out? My friend, Anita had never been and she decided she wanted to capture the vibe of the restaurant…sitting inside would be a must.

JD opened the door and he immediately became our server. With a big smile and plenty of good answers to our questions, not to mention his suggestions, we knew we were in good hands.
We sat near the open kitchen….we wanted to see the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The chefs were definitely, ready!! You know the customers are having fun when the constant chatter, and the background music had everyone in a good mood…plenty of smiles.

Taro Chips looked beautiful waiting to be served.

The swordfish looked fantastic. I was trying to make a decision.

Delray Beach is a dining destination in South Florida. Who would have thought 20 years ago that this Village by the Sea would be the talk of Palm Beach County. Great food, plenty of entertainment, lots of shops…the beach is…well, you have to experience it.
Our dining event was starting….first a little bread to get us going, olive oil and balsamic reduction.

An appetizer of Pontano Farms Zucchini Blossoms, shiitake, goat cheese, tarragon aioli, and port reduction. Crispy on the outside with all those other ingredients making my taste buds do a little dance.

An Artisan Wedge Salad was Anita’s choice, with Romain, bacon, avocado, pickled shallot, tomato concasse, creamy bleu cheese vinaigrette.

Shrimp & Grits, jumbo prawns, house chorizo, on crispy polenta was an appetizer which my friend, Anita, decided to order for dinner. She loved it.

JD, our server thought the Tangier Duck Breast & Roasted Pumpkin Cavatelli, was a wonderful dish, full of flavor. He was right. It had Brussels sprouts, duck bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a spiced apple reduction.

Should we even consider a sweet ending? Of course, the Smoked Sea Salt and Caramel Brownie with vanilla gelato….was outstanding. Just the right amount too…and perfect for sharing, when you know you have had enough to eat.

So many choices and where to go. Word of mouth is something I take seriously. At times I agree with the suggestions, and other times, I don’t, but that is what makes it interesting.
Have a great time….Talk to you later.
November 18th, 2013

Getting away from it all…that’s the beauty of heading to the Delaware Beaches. For the ones that make Rehoboth Beach their home, it is a special time during the Second Season when we get to roam the town. Rehoboth Beach is a year-round resort, where restaturants, shops, and entertainment are part of its charm. So, What’s Going On?

NEWS – The 16th anniversary of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival was record-breaking, with 19,133 seats filled and 59 screening sell-outs!
Audience Award Winners were:
Best Feature: Still Mine
Best Debut Feature: Touch of the Light. I saw this film and was amazing with a beautiful message.
Best Documentary: Muscle Shoals
Best Short: Not Any More
Stay tuned for more news from the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and mark your calendar for next year’s festival on November 5-9, 2014!! Website? http://www.rehobothfilm.com

Tuesday, 11/19 – WOMEN AND WINE AT LUPO DI MARE – Location? 247 C Rehoboth Avenue in The Hotel Rehoboth in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Fundraising dinner event for the Alzheimer’s Association. It is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Each course will be paired with the perfect wine. The event is limited to 65 guests. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:00 p.m. $39/person, gratuity is not included. Please call Mike Dickinson at 302-226-2240 and make your reservation.

Until November 20th – AUDIENCE APPRECIATION DAYS – CLEAR SPACE THEATRE COMPANY – FREE PERFORMANCES. Location? 20 Baltimore, Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Tuesday, 11/19 at 5:30 p.m. – Our Kids Have “Heart”! – Meet some of their younger performers from the Broadway Bound, Gotta Dance!, and Children’s Acting Technique classes as they deliver song and dance.
Wednesday, 11/20 at 11 a.m. – Broadway Legends: Chicago – The Legends of Broadway students, ages 50+, invite the public to attend their FREE concert production of Chicago. All of the songs and memorable characters are intact with some choreography and scenes taken directly from the original Broadway script.
An American Christmas Carol returns to Clear Space from November 29th until December 2nd. Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. General Admission is $30, Seniors, $25, Student/Child, $15. Group sales of 20 or more save 20%. Call 302-227-2270. You can reserve your tickets online by visiting http://www.clearspacetheatre.com.

Thursday, 11/21 – WINE DINNER – NAPA & SONOMA VALLEY THANKSGIVING FEAST – SALT AIR – Wines from the 3 oldest wine producers in California will be present at this dinner: Acacia, Beaulieu (BV), and Chalone Vineyards (ABC). Salt Air’s chefs have created a fall inspired menu with fresh seasonal meats and produce to compliment the wines. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Reservations are a must. $55 per person with gratuity included!! Salt Air is located at 50 Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3744
 Rehoboth Outlets Tree
Friday, 11/22 – Sunday, 11/24 – FESTIVAL OF TREES AT REHOBOTH BEACH CONVENTION CENTER – This is a fundraising event for Delaware Hospice. This annual event opens the holiday season statewide. The festival features a magnificent display of decorated trees and wreaths, offers special holiday events, and hosts thousands of visitors each year.
Friday Night on 11/22 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is called “Holiday Gala”. Saturday Night, 11/23 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. is called “Making Spirits Bright”. General Admission begins at 10 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, 11/23 and on Sunday, 11/24 at 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. There will be The Sweet Shoppe with baked goods donated by Delaware Hospice supporters, The Craft Elves Holiday Gift Shoppe with an assortment of handmade craft items, holiday gifts and decorations, Raffles with a large selection of gift items and plenty more. Location? The Rehoboth Beach Convention Center at 229 Rehoboth Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. For more info. please visit http://www.delawarehospice.org.

Friday, 11/22 – VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION WINE TASTING – 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Clubhouse on 415 N Boardwalk. $20 per person. RSVP 302-227-1631. 6 Premium wine tastings with food by Touch of Italy. It will benefit the Capital Campaign. Door Prizes!! The VIA is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the improvement of the community.

Saturday, 11/23 – GOOD EARTH MARKET REHOBOTH BEACH – “Our Favorite Holiday Artisians Market” – 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Unique gifts for the holidays made with love and great talent. 6 crafters/artists and FREE snacks!! Location? 38131 Terrace Rd., Rehoboth Beach (the forgotten mile). Please remember that their coffee bar, Gem Java opens from 8 a.m. until Noon. Check Good Earth Market Rehoboth Beach on Facebook. Tel. 302-226-3276.
 Kale & Mango Salad. The Best!!
Sunday, 11/24 – 1ST ANNUAL REHOBOTH BEACH “THANKS-LIVING DINNER” – A VEG CELEBRATION FOR ALL! – Location? CAMP Rehoboth at 37 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Time 3:00 p.m. This dinner is presented by VegRehoboth. Tickets are $20/person. You will be presented with a chef created Vegan meal…foods from Hobo’s, a(MUSE), Cabo, and Modern Mixture. A complimentary glass of wine and live music. Proceeds will support VegRehoboth’s advocacy work and Rehoboth Beach VegFest. This past summer I attended the 1st Annual Rehoboth Beach VegFest and I am certainly looking forward to the one next year. One of my favorite salads? Kale & Mango by Dr. Ruby Lathon.
 Rehoboth Beach VegFest 2013!
Tickets are available at the following locations in Downtown Rehoboth Beach: a(MUSE), Azura Clothing, Cabo, Hobo’s, Modern Mixture. Tickets can be purchased with cash or check. Make checks payable to “VegRehoboth”.

NEWS FROM DOGGIES AT THE BEACH – Please make your reservations early as Doggies at the Beach is filling up. For Thanksgiving they have assigned 2 overnight humans to watch your pooches. Please call them if you are heading out of town and need your pet a special place to stay. They will be open for Thanksgiving Day for drop off and pick up from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Call 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com
Grooming Special: Your pet needs to look the best for the Holiday Season and Doggies at the Beach is offering a Grooming Special until November 24th. Buy one grooming session until 11/24 and receive the 2nd at 50% off. It expires 12/24. Advance reservations are needed. Doggies at the Beach has 3 Master Groomers, open 7 days a week!!
Doggies at the Beach is a Drop Center for:
Dog food donations for SPCA Georgetown…they also accept cat food.
Slightly used Sweatshirts….Epworth Church is having a Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner for those in need. Doggies at the Beach is happy to collect them and transport to Epworth.
Hope you had a Great Day!!

November 16th, 2013

“Milford is a community with respect for its past and great promise for the future.” It is undeniable the spirit of renewal in the town of Milford. Trees, street art, Victorian lampposts are lining the streets…the beautiful Riverwalk. The city is involved with the Delaware Main Street program, revitalizing the downtowns through historic preservation. The town is lucky to have so many of its residents that are on board and full of enthusiasm as Milford becomes a destination in Southern Delaware.
One of such artists and mentors is Scott Angelucci. His Studio & Artists’ Gallery is located in a building on the corner of Walnut Street and Park Avenue. This building is also the home of the Mispillion Art League. Scott Angelucci’s Fine Woodworking Studio is located at 7 Park Avenue, with the Stained Glass Studio and Artists’s Gallery at 4 Park Avenue. Tel.302-422-4533 Website? http://www.angeluccifinewood-stainedglass.blogspot.com.


Years ago Scott Angelucci made for my husband a humidor. This time I was picking up a custom compass box, also commissioned by my late husband. Scott’s work is amazing.

Angelucci Studios & Artists’ Gallery serves as a gallery for local artists displaying their works of art, and it is also Gail Angelucci’s Stained Glass Studio.

Both, Gail and Scott are very welcoming and easy to talk to. Gail was already working on a stained glass piece, Scott was ready to show me the gallery.


I thought this would be the perfect post at this time of the year when we are trying to find gifts that are unique and personal.
The basket weaver…

Photography printed on aluminum…”Under the Pier” by Gervasio Ruiz

Atomic Arc-Work’s by Travis D. Carter. He repurposes old parts found in his travels, building sculptures and metal furniture.
 
Gypsy Fox Jewelry by Elaine Pataky. Elaine has lived all around the U.S. She has a formal education in Fine Arts, Interior Design and is a flower show judge for National Garden Clubs. Her medium has become jewelry; working as a wire-sculptor, using semi-precious stones and glass and crystal beads.

Steve Childers is a wood turner. Besides his beautiful work, Mr. Childers “Viewing Stones” give you something to think about.

“Viewing Stones are adminired and exhibited as works of art in their own right. Consequently, they are always displayed in isolation.” Each is unique, and perceived differently by the viewer. Using your imagination, the stone can be a mountain, an island, an animal? You decide.

Jacob’s Gems….a disability, that did not stop him. Paper shredding with a note, perfect for packing material and fillers.

A painter with a disease….also not stopping him, either.


Scott can give you a tour of his gallery any time. Shopping in Downtown Milford is best from Thursday through Saturday.
 
Scott’s humidor!!

Scott’s wine boxes!!
 
And, my late husband’s Compass Box…he would have loved it!! The main wood is Tiger Maple, Dark Wenge is the dark trim wood which grows in the Congo River. The ligher compass rose is Yellow Heart from South America. The repeating inlaid design is cherry, maple and walnut. Inside rim is Zebra Wood and grows in Africa. Thanks Scott!!
 
November 15th, 2013
 
An institution!!! If you have survived the ups and downs of the economy for 37 years anywhere, you know you are offering your customers something that keeps them coming back. That’s how I feel about Basic Concepts, located at 149 Rehoboth Avenue at the Village-by-The-Sea Shops in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-227-8688.
 
Our lifestyle at the Delaware Beaches is casual and relaxed. You can wear clothing during the day, add a little accessory or two and you are good to go to the restaurants, bars, and music venues. Rehoboth Beach is a destination for dining, and shopping, as well. In Downtown Rehoboth Beach, the shopkeepers are friendly and you can walk from one store to another with ease, especially, this time of the year.


Last year I bought an easy to wear jacket from Basic Concepts by a California company called Focus. Every time I wear it, people notice and pay me compliments. Wanting to continue on that trend, I decided to stop by and visit Patty Watson, the owner and operator of Basic Concepts. She had new colors and styles….she was also decorating for the Holidays. Basic Concepts opens every day.
 
Accessories…
 
I love Before + Again tees….they are made in the U.S. They wear so well; throw them in the wash, then the dryer and they look like brand new.
 
So, as you visit Rehoboth Beach….make sure you Stop & Shop Local…and Tax Free!!
 
Have a great week-end!!
 
November 12th, 2013

The Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach is best known as the VIA. I was telling Carolyn Billingsley, the current President of the VIA, who is also my neighbor, how I had taken a fun history tour of Rehoboth Beach through the Rehoboth Beach Museum and our guide was telling the visitors that you do not get to do anything in Rehoboth Beach unless the VIA approves it. She laughed and said “I would not put it that way.” Haha, I did laugh because this association of only women has done for Rehoboth so much since 1909 when it was first organized and continues to remain dedicated to their mission of supporting the needs of the local community. It is a 501(c)3 non profit organization, and a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
 
In the past 100 years of service to the Rehoboth Beach community, some of the many VIA’s accomplishments are: The establishment of the Rehoboth Beach Library, provided parks with shrubbery, flowers, trees, provided Boardwalk with lights, benches, water fountain, original bandstand, and refuse cans, began a successful mosquito campaign, restored Cape Henlopen Lighthouse replica, helped with the formation of the Rehoboth Art League and Sussex Gardeners Club, spearheaded war bond drive to buy a bomber for the Air Force, established nursing scholarships, purchased beach wheels to provide beach access to the disabled. The VIA also contributes to many charities in our coastal communities. For more information, please visit http://www.rehobothbeachvia.org/accomplishments.
The VIA is located at Boardwalk & Grenoble Street, north of the Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-1631. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachvia.org. On Facebook and Twitter, as well. On Friday, 11/8 and Saturday, 11/9, the VIA was celebrating the holidays with their 8th Annual St. Nicholas Tea & Sleigh Boutique. It was the perfect opportunity to get into the Holiday Spirit, shop a little and eat a lot. On both days, the VIA, with the cooperation of so many of its volunteers, became the perfect hostess as it offered twice each day, the St Nicholas Tea and Sleigh Boutique. A lot of work comes into preparing this grand fundraising event. Looking effortless, to say the least….it was my first time, and a beautiful day in Rehoboth Beach.
 
Arriving at the VIA with Carolyn, we were directed to our table. It was a sold out event and the tables were assigned and beautifully decorated by members who displayed their own personal china and touch to make the tables festive and ready for tea.

The holidays are around the corner and the Sleigh Boutique offered something for everyone with many of Rehoboth Beach local artists making a presence at the St. Nicholas Tea. Baskets, jewelry, handmade note cards, home accessories were there for easy shopping.



It was time to sit down, relax and enjoy tea. The shopping would continue later on.

The servers were being instructed. There are about 220 members and these servers were all VIA members, as well.

The guests started with a choice of tea, cider or water and Blueberry Scones with Lemond Curd. Please remember that all the food was prepared by the VIA members.

Savories like the classic Cucumber Sandwich, the Chicken Salad on mini croissant, Ham and Swiss Palmiers, Canberry Feta Pinwheels, and Mushroom Tarts were just delicious.

While continuing the tea and friendly chat….Santa came in…we were all behaving.

Sweet Endings with “Melt in Mouth” Cookies, Three Chocolate Cake, Apricot dipped in chocolate, and Decorated Pretzel Rods.

Please note that the recipes for the Chicken Salad, Melt in Mouth Cookies, and Three Chocolate Cake can be found in the V.I.A. Cookbook, which is now in its third printing and available, locally, at bookstores. You may also order the cookbook by visiting the VIA’s website above mentioned. Scroll down and click on the order form.
Some continued to shop, there was still plenty to see.
 
NOTE: Friday, November 22nd is the VIA Wine Tasting by Teller Wines, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse on 415 N Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach!! 6 Premium Wine Tastings with Food by Touch of Italy. $20.00…please RSVP to 302-227-1631…Door Prizes!
Then, it was time to go….the VIA was getting ready for another tea and shopping experience!! Have a good one!! And, many thanks to Carolyn for inviting me to such great event.

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