November 23rd, 2011

TaDa Home, Historic Berlin, Maryland, Home Accents, Art, Gifts, Furniture…and Epicurian Delights

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….

May 3rd, 2011

Two Friends, Ltd., Lewes, Delaware, Distinctive Home Accents, Gifts, Jewelry, Unique, Delaware Beaches

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….