April 9th, 2011
It was a road trip that Debbie and I took with anticipation to Berlin, Maryland. For many years both of us traveled this route every day, pretty much. Our children went to school in this historic town.
Berlin is in Worcester County; 7 miles west of Ocean City. The town dates back to the 1790’s.
This historic town is a darling with Hollywood. Two major movies were filmed on location; Runaway Bride in 1998 and Tuck Everlasting in 2001.
We were going to Ta Da at 18 N Main St., Berlin, MD 2811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Websites? http://www.blairelizabeth.com and www.shoptada.com.
The store is owned by Patty Falck and her daughter, Blair Elizabeth Parsons. It is a partnership that is worth seeing. Both complement each other so well. I love seeing them exchanging ideas with their customers. They have a good “eye” and Ta Da is very well appointed; the colors and the merchandise.
It is the type of store where you can find gifts for the home, weddings, birthdays and for your own indulgence. A little retail therapy, perhaps?
Blair Elizabeth started designing her own jewelry some years ago and I must admit she is getting better and better. The combination of stones and shells are breathtaking. I took pictures of some of her necklaces so that you could get an idea of her style.
After all these jewelry pictures all you need is the jewelry bag for traveling. Locally handmade, they can hold a lot.
There is a whole room just for gifts for babies and toddlers.
An assortment of totes in so many colors and designs. You can never have too many of those.
I noticed they had a table with jelly watches in all the summery colors to match any outfit.
Ta Da has nuts and sauces; platters and bowls.
A line of personalized gifts was also something I had not seeing at the store before.
Patty has been a teacher and a shopkeeper for so many years; well known for her artistic talent. She has a line of handpainted glass that is really beautiful. One such piece is the Wedding Vase. It is her signature piece and traditionally, she paints white lilies with the wedding date and the couple’s names. A message from the person giving the gift is placed at the bottom of the vase. It is elegant and definitely a keepsake. There are other styles available, which she would be more than happy to talk to you about.
Another line Ta Da has been carrying is Lindsay Phillips. The shoes are flats and flip flops with snap ons that you can mix and match in different colors and designs. People that have bought them say they are very comfortable.
Ta Da has very good news. They are opening next week Ta Da Home right across the street. This store is going to be something worth stopping by. Patty has been working hard and she is the type of person that once she opens that store everything is going to look just right.
Have a good one…..talk to you later….
April 8th, 2011
I got some information regarding the celebration of Earth Month by the City of Delray Beach. Delray is inviting the community to participate in “green-themed” activities and events throughout the month of April.
Earth Day on the Avenue will be hosted by the City of Delray Beach. It will take place on Saturday, April 9th. There will be so many things for kids to do throughout the day. All ages will have fun. Guess what? An all day free, family friendly event. And, here is a little teaser.
Saturday, 4/9 – The Great American Beach Cleanup. Sponsored by the Sandoway House Nature Center. 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., at the City’s Municipal Beach.
Delray’s beach is one of its primary assets. It is a wide and unobstructed beach. The water is warm and clear.
Volunteers are requested to participate in the nation’s largest community improvement program to collect trash and debris in an effort to promote a cleaner and safer City beach. Supplies will be provided and community service hours will be awarded.
Volunteer registration will be held at the Sandoway Park, located next to the Nature Center, at 142 South Ocean Blvd. at 7:00 a.m. More info?, please call Patrick Morehouse, Site Manager at 561-274-7263.
Also please note that the Sandoway Nature Center has Shark Feeding from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Their website is www.sandowayhouse.org.
Saturday, 4/9 – Petting Zoo at the Delray Green Market from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Families will be able to visit with farm animals and learn about their roles in the environment. The Delray Green Market is located at SE 4th Avenue just south of Atlantic Ave. This market has also introduced a recycling program. Form more info., please contact Lori Nolan at 561-276-7511.
The Delray Green Market is one of my favorites when visiting Delray. Baked goods, flowers, music; just strolling early in the morning is very relaxing. If you decide to go, pick up their cookbook. It has very good, easy recipes by locals.
Saturday, 4/9 – Earth Day on The Avenue will continue at Old School Square Park, located on Atlantic Ave. It is east of the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center. It will begin at 9:00 a.m.
It will be a kid friendly event and will include Planting with the Mayor, Environmental Storytelling & Music, Buttons the Clown Goes Green, Marine & Land Animal Encounter & Awareness. Recycled Art Projects & Activities, Alternative & Eco-Friendly Transportation Rides, Water Resources Preservation, Grow & Go – Take Home a Sunflower, Locally Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Refreshments, Prizes and Giveaways. You might not need more info., but if you do then call Jennifer Buce at 561-243-7138.
You know that Delray Beach is known for its trendy boutiques, unique shops and gourmet restaurants and cafes. During Shopping on the Avenue, beginning on Saturday, you will receive a reusable tote bag with purchase at participating Downtown Delray Beach stores. Please note that it is while supplies last. More info? Please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 561-243-1077.
Sunday, 4/10 – Yoga with Live Music at The Colony Hotel, located at 525 E. Atlantic Ave. It is $20. Visit www.yogafox.com or call them at 561-703-1236 if you wish to get more information on any of their classes.
Tuesday, 4/12 – At the Old School Square Outdoor Entertainment Pavilion, you will find the Falconaires United States Air Force Academy Band. Time? 8:30 p.m. Bring the family, blankets, friends and chairs. It will be a concert for the entire family.
The Falconiers is one of the 2 premier jazz ensembles of the Air Force. They bring the sounds of the Big Band Jazz; cultivating our national heritage through its indigenous music genre, jazz.
The Pavilion is located on 51 N. Swinton. More info? Please visit www.oldschool.org.
Boyton Beach, Florida
The town of Boyton Beach is located north of Delray; just a few miles. I just got an e-mail from Art-Sea Living Gallery and Studio. This shop is located at 1628 South Federal Hwy. Tel. 561-733-2600. Website? www.art-sealiving.com. The store opened in 2003 and for the past few years they have been at this new location. I have not been at this location but I understand that it is so much bigger and she has expanded all her programs.
Today, Friday, 4/8 and Saturday 4/9 it will be her last Trunk Show of the season. On Friday it will be from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. There will be a Meet & Greet with wine and yummy treats. On Saturday, it will be an all day show, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. In the morning you can enjoy coffee and donuts and in the p.m., wine and treats.
The store will have artistic handmade creations. Artists will have show specials. You wil also find handpainted gourds and painted emu eggs. You can enter a raffle, as well.
For more information on the whole store, classes, and camps please visit the above mentioned website.
And if you happened to be in the Palm Beach area you can check Barrett-Jackson auction events which is there through Saturday. For the schedule, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com/events/palmbeach/schedule. You might even see one like this; but I have a feeling you won’t. A Bugatti? Who knows?
Have a great week-end…..talk to you later……
March 14th, 2011
One of the best thing about being in a small coastal town or a small town for that matter, is that as you walk and enter different shops you become familiar with the friendly shopkeeppers. A winning smile and a friendly disposition is all it takes.
I was walking on Atlantic Ave. the other day and right across from the Veterans Park by the Intracoastal and next to the Old School Bakery, a lady was coming out of the store. I stopped and asked her if she owned the shop and she said yes. I praised the beautiful colors and asked if I could come in.
Varietai is located at 812 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Tel. 561-455-2767. E-mail address is varietai.delray@gmail.com. The shopkeepper? Michele Ramirez. If you have been in Delray for some time, you might remember a store called Durango’s Attic. Well, she was the owner of that store. About 3 months ago she opened Varietai. I had seen it and thought it looked great from the outside. Therefore, it was time to check it out.
As you come into the store there is a lot to absorb. Just like the name of Varietai, there is plenty of variety. If would be hard not to be able to find something for your home, for a girlfriend, teacher, you name it; she has something for everyone. She has new items but there are also plenty of items on consignment, as well.
As I browsed a unique collection of furniture, art, lamps and jewelry, my eyes were gravitating to the floor. The painted floor was done by Michele. The floor was cement and it was covered from corner to corner with art; the koi taking center stage.
Michele also paints on glass and it is for sale, as well.
There is a collection of very attractive jewelry from Australia; the colors and stones unique.
Michele store is warm; not fussy. Again, I have to mention the colors because they are bright and a definition of what South Florida is all about.
Varietai offers a great collection of pillows. Michele said the pillows are becoming very popular and they are very well priced.
And here are the rest of the pictures so that you can she what can be found in this very well stocked shop.
If you have any questions, please call Michele at the above mentioned telephone number or you can also e-mail at varietai.delray@gmail.com.
Talk to you later……
October 26th, 2010
Consignment is the act of consigning; placing things in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold.
Well, what a surprise!! I did not know that Seaquels had opened in Ocean View , Delaware. Ocean View is west of Bethany Beach, by just a few miles, if that.
Seaquels motto? Resale! Replace!! Renew!!!
Seaquels is at 9 Atlantic Ave. (Rt. 26), Ocean View, DE, 19970. Tel. 302-829-8636. E-mail is seaquels@gmail.com. The website is under construction, at the moment, but will be up and running soon. The owners of this store are Cindy Davis and Kathy Green; friends from Philadelphia and Baltimore who decided, a year ago, that it was now or never to open Seaquels.
My friend, Debbie, was the one that suggested I visit this well received store.
The smile on someone’s face and the courtesy extended to me is something that I value highly. It’s almost like an instant connection. Cindy and Kathy were like that. Immediately the conversation started; they were so happy to show their store. I was not the only one there but they were very at ease in handling all of us.
You cannot miss the store on Rt. 26. It is colorful and will put a smile on your face, as well. They are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Everything is on consignment. The furniture looked like brand new. Cindy and Kathy said that they move things around a lot. Customers were stopping and asking them to be on the look out for that special chair, table, sofa, or lamp.
Cindy and Kathy also said that they get a lot of local artists that will place their work on consignment, as well.
Each room is arranged to show off all the items in a very unique way; paying attention to details.
Even though it is a consignment store, they reserve the right to accept or not to accept items.
I took so many pictures so I hope you can get an idea of the store. Go check them out because you are going to be very impressed. Really, you will!!
The Quieter Season at the beaches is great….take advantage of it….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…
May 9th, 2010
The Pottery Place has been around for many years. I remember the first time I met her owner, Sandy Flynn. She was the first person I met that rescued greyhounds. Wow, she would be so impressed if she came to Dewey Beach in the Fall and see what a turn-out the “Greyhounds at the Beach” get.
The Pottery Place was in Fenwick, and it still is. But, they have opened one in Rehoboth Beach. Sandy’s daughter, Kim, is the owner of Pottery Place. She runs both stores. I went to visit the store in Rehoboth Beach last Friday. It is in the “Forgotten Mile”, which is that stretch of highway as you leave Dewey Beach, going North. It really is not that forgotten; there are plenty of businesses along the highway. But, you might want to forget this stretch if you get caught in one of the many traffic jams on the week-end, at the height of the summer season.
Pottery Place is located on 20717 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-1660. The website is www.potteryplaceperks.com.
You cannot miss this store. The colors scream summertime and outdoor living!!
Pottery Place is funky, fun and fabulous. An eclectic mix of unique accessories. It has great items available for your home decor, but also gifty things and ideas. Tropical novelties and planters abound.
The Pottery Place was established in 1972. It is definitely a family business. They import merchandise from Indonesia, Africa, Thailand and China. They offer the largest selection of pottery on the beach, and they buy directly from potters from all over the world.
I hope you enjoy the pictures I have taken. They give you a glimpse into this very unique store.
Enjoy the weather!! It is so nice in the Delmarva Peninsula. Talk to you soon…
Note: Information for this post was taken from www.potteryplaceperks.com.
Pottery Place in Fenwick Island is located at the Sunshine Plaza, Rt. 1. Tel. 302-539-3603.
May 1st, 2010
The Wooden Indian is an iconic store in Rehoboth Beach. This store has been opened for 33 years and has seen many changes. It was always the place to go to get that special gift.
I have seen a lot of those changes since I have been a customer for many years. This past winter I decided to stop by and I saw a sign welcoming everyone to the reopening of The Wooden Indian. I never knew it had closed.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the store had new proprietors; Paul J. Roscosky and Joseph S. Yasik. The Wooden Indian is located at 25 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth. Tels. are 302-227-8331, 800-225-8331. The website is www.woodenindianltd.com. At the time of my writing this post the website was being updated.
One of the most important persons in this store is Frances Cowgill. She is the General Manager. She has been with The Wooden Indian for 32 of the 33 years. She is one of those people that have such a friendly personality, key to making customers feel at ease.
I met the new proprietors and they wanted to find out how I liked the store. I think they wanted feedback from the customers. I told them that I thought the store looks like what it should look like; an elegant shop with fine accessories like Lynn Chase, Waterford, Herend and Godiva, but also carrying items affordable to all.
The interior of the store looks amazing, you can move through it with ease and at the same time enjoy all the wonderful items available for purchase.
Some palettes have vivid oranges, while others have blues and browns.
Edibles like Godiva Chocolates and all the wonderful conserves, make this store a must stop shop. Paul, Joseph and Frances really have done everything to make The Wooden Indian look larger and fabulous.
The photos say a thousand words, so I hope you enjoy a tour of this magnificent store at the Delaware Beaches.
Once again, I have to mention that one of the best things about living in a small coastal town is the interaction with all the merchants in town. It really is priceless…I guess I will be talking to you soon….
Note: The Wooden Indian, Ltd. has the availability to giftwrap and ship.
April 2nd, 2010
I took off with Paula last Monday and we drove, north, in the State of Delaware. Thank God I went with her because she is a native of the State and knows the ins and outs of all roads in the state, especially Wilmington and adjacent towns.
One store that I have been meaning to visit is called Everything but The Kitchen Sink. I have been on their e-mail list since last year when I saw that they were offering a gluten free cooking class.
When I started this blog, I really wanted to visit the places I was going to be blogging about. It is the only way to really express my honest opinion. It, definitely, is my judgment.
The Kitchen Sink offers a unique shopping experience. It is one of those must stop shops for everything; the store lives up to its name.
The Kitchen Sink is located at 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE 19707. The Tels. are 302-239-7066, or 800 731-7066. The website is www.thekitchensink.com. The owner is Missy Lickle, but I did not meet her. I met Suzanne Edgar, who is the Manager. I told her that I wanted to write about the store and she graciously told me I could wander around and take pictures, as well.
The Kitchen Sink is in the Brandywine Valley, minutes away from Centreville, Greenville, Winterthur and Longwood Gardens. This area is called Hockessin and even though it is a little bit of a trip for us here at the Delaware Beaches, it is not a bad drive and definitely, a change of scenery. Driving time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Hockessin is in New Castle County, Delaware and its chief industry is mushroom farming.
The Kitchen Sink opened in 1977, when its owners purchased an old hardware store that had stoned walled bins for grain and coal storage. Since those days the store has grown both in size and popularity. It has a second floor loft, where railcars were onced winced up to dump the coal below.
The store looks beautiful. On the first floor you will find the bridal and gift registry; beautiful china, crystal, silverware. Not only for the bride, but for yourself, as well. Crisp linens for the table, kitchen gadgets; everything you can imagine to prepare a fabulous meal.
On this first floor, it is also where you will find their “kitchen”. Yes, they offer cooking classes. The second cooking class will be Monday, April 12th at 6:00 p.m. and the cost will be $60.00. Please call the above telephone number to reserve your spot. This class will be Journey to Asia, which will include exotic dishes made just for you by their local chef, Nanek Oei, who is back from Indonesia. The menu for that class will consist of Pumpkin & Coconut Milk Soup, Crab Meat Fried Rice and Crispy Wontons with Ground Pork and for dessert you will learn to make Tapioca Pears with Bananas in Coconut Milk. Please check the website above mentioned because you will be able to see what a beautiful website they have and read about their story. A schedule of cooking classes and events is also posted on the website.
On Thursday, 4/8 from 10 to 6 p.m., Friday, 4/9 from 10 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, 4/10 from 10 to 3 p.m. there will be a Silver Restoration Event. You may bring your silver for a free estimate on repairs. Silver, brass, copper, pewter, nickel and gold are all professionally restored. More info? Please call 302-239-7066.
On the second floor of this special store is a corner just for children. You will find Christening dresses, silver baby cups, stuffed animals, puzzles, games and wind-up toys.
Another corner will be one designated for personalized stationery. A wide selection for every occasion. An InScribe calligraphy machine will be able to turn an ordinary invitation to an extraordinary and unforgettable one.
The Bed and Bath coner is especially popular at this time of the year since a bedding sale is under progress until 4/3. Pamper yourself with a soothing sachet, slippers, or an elegant pillow. Or, maybe fine soaps, lotions and body oils.
Looking for garden gadgets, pottery and whimsicals for your yard? It is also found upstairs, at the Kitchen Sink.
So many beautiful things for the home. A wide assortment of rugs were hanging from the railings.
So, if you are looking for something special or just a relaxing way to spend a day, visit this store. You will definitely find something to lift your spirits here; indulge, spoil.
Have a great Easter Week-end!! Enjoy the weather…Talk to you later…
 
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