Support the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition

Small businesses and organizations throughout Delaware are becoming part of the fright against breast cancer. Attend one of events below and support the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

Oct. 3rd: The Tanger Outlets on Route 1 are beginning their Tanger Style of Pink campaign with Tanger Fitness Day. For only $1 purchase a coupon offering 25% off an item at participating stores. Get your coupon at Tanger Outlet Seaside Center next to the Gap Factory Store. 


Oct. 4th: Bring your friends and family to the Mexican Post for lunch and dinner for the "Breasta Fiesta."  15% of your order will be donated to the DBCC and a representative from the organization will be handing out information. Additional fiestas on October 11th, 18th, and the 25th.


Oct. 11th: Pamper yourself at "Life and Beauty" at Currie Hair, Skin, and Nails. Try a new hairstyle or treat yourself with a manicure and the proceeds will be donated to the BDCC. To schedule an appointment call Beth at 610.558.4247.

Oct. 17th: Have a cocktail and shop til' your drop at J. Crew in Glen Mills, PA. Customers will be given 15% off their purchase and 10% will be donated to DBCC.

Oct. 18th: Curves of Selbyville, PNC Bank, and Carl M. Freeman Foundation are joining forces for the third annual Heels for Hope Breast Cancer Walk. Join them at 8:30 AM at the Bayside Marketplace in Selbyville, DE to walk either a 2.5 km or 5 km around the Bayside community. 

Oct. 24th: The Delmarva HOG Ladies of Harley will be hosting “Pretty-in-Pink Motorcycle Show” at Harley-Davidson of Seaford. From 10-3, come vote for your favorite Harley at 25 cents a vote. 

There are many more events throughout the area. For additional information and events visit http://debreastcancer.org/index.php/events/.


Don't forget! Kerry Elizabeth is donating 25% of any piece in our "Pink Collection" to the DBCC. See our earlier post Wear Pink & Give Hope.

Braided Floral Necklace

Although I've been making jewelry for about 6 years, my jewelry box isn't overflowing. I very rarely create a piece exclusively for myself. Last week I decided to treat myself!

I spent an entire day shopping for a dress to wear to a friend's wedding and I had no luck. I decided to drag an old little black dress from the closet and make a fabulous necklace to spruce it up. 

Luckily, my trusty supplier of gemstones, Lima Beads, had my package waiting at my doorstep on Friday evening. I spent the night before the wedding putting together my necklace, but it was well worth it. This is a piece I'm definitely not ready to give up!

Wear Pink & Give Hope

Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Rainbow Soocho Jade, and any pink gemstone you can imagine can be found in Kerry Elizabeth's "Pink Collection." 


In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are donating 25% of each piece within the "Pink Collection" to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. 

Faceted Cherry Quartz Necklace

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition began in 1991 with a small community of volunteers who were committed to decreasing the mortality rate of breast cancer in Delaware. Their mission is to empower our community by raising awareness of breast health issues through outreach, education, and support services, in order to facilitate the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. 

Quartz & Jade Linked Bracelet

Wear your pink from Kerry Elizabeth and donate to the DBCC, the only organization in Delaware helping both men and women that living in the state. 

Featured Artist: Payton Woodcraft

If you catch me running errands or out grabbing a bite, you may find me wearing jewelry that I haven't created. Of course I love my own jewelry, but also appreciate the work other artists. This was no exception when I came across Payton Woodcraft. 

Payton Woodcraft first caught my eye in the sea of jewelry vendors with their beautiful display.  It was no surprise that their pieces had the same effect. Lining the tables was a variety of smoothly polished wood pendents and braided leather bracelets. With a mix of natural wood and earthy gemstones Payton Woodcraft's pieces can be worn with a casual dress or a pair of jeans. 

Piece from Payton Woodcraft Facebook Fan Page

The owner of Payton Woodcraft, Kristi, describes how her business began, "Payton Woodcraft is a small business that consist of myself (Kristi) and my husband (Sean). The jewelry line evolved over the last year. We started about 2 years ago making wine bottle holders and accessories. http://paytonwoodcraft.com/

While out in the wood shop Sean would make me a wood heart or other piece and would put it on a rope with a pull knot and they became the only jewelry I would wear. I recieved so many compliments on the pieces I wore, that I asked Sean to start making more for us to sell. I started implementing stone, clay and metal with charms here and there and a new line was born. 

We hope you find a piece you love for yourself or someone else!! Each of our pieces is as unique as the person who wears them." 

Be sure to check out Payton Woodcraft's Collection on Esty and stay up to-date on their newest happens and arrivals on Facebook. 

West Chester's 2010 Restaurant Festival

This past Sunday marked the 31st Annual Restaurant Festival in West Chester, PA. Kerry Elizabeth was proud to be part of the celebration. We were lucky to have gorgeous weather and a great crowd! The day was filled with delicious food, talented artists, and fun contests; however the main draw is the award winning restaurants from Chester County. For all the foodies out there I thought I would share the 2010 Choose Awards for best entree. Here are the top 10 winners. These dishes will have your mouth watering!

1. Mile High Crab Cakes: Mile High Steaks & Seafood

1102 Balitmore Pike

Glenn Mills, PA

610.361.0855

Two mini crab cakes with tomato/mango chutney.

http://www.milehighss.com/

2. Mac & Cheese: Mabel's Barbecue
607 E. Market St.
West Chester, PA
610.701.0288


3. Smoked Beef Brisket: Capt'n Dick's BBQ / Baxters 101
Malvern, PA
Smoked beef brisket, cole slaw, baked beans
http://captndicksbbq.com/3101.html

4. Crab Cake: Gadaleto's Seafood Market

929 S. High St
West Chester, PA
610.430.7777

Crab cake with a honey mustard creole sauce.

5. Shredded Chicket Taco: Mas Mexicali Cantina
102 E. Market St.
West Chester
610.918.6280

Shredded chicken on a flour tortilla.
http://mascantina.com/

6. Drunkin Noodle: Jazmine Thai

344 W. Gay St

West Chester, PA

610.696.3332

Fresh flat noodle with chicken and veggies stir-fry.
www.jazminethai.com/

7. Crab Cake on Kaiser: Ludwig's Inn & Oyster Bar

2904 Conestoga Rd.

Glenmore, PA

610.458.5336

Fried crab cake.
http://www.ludwigsoysterbar.com/

8. Smokehouse Ribs: Landmark Americana

158 W. Gay St.

West Chester, PA 

610.701.9900

Slow cooked and basted with smoked bbq sauce. 
http://www.landmarkamericana.com/wc-home.htm

9. Carved London Broil Sandwich: Purple Picnic People

610.431.7771

http://www.purple-picnic-people.com/

10. Chicken & Shrimp Delight: Empire Pizza and Grille
1316 W. Chester Pike
West Chester, PA
610.436.1234

Extra virgin olive oil and garlic sauteed with chicken and shrimp, topped with Roma Plum Tomatoes and finished with Fresh Basil. 

For more information on the West Chester Restaurant Festival visit http://westchesterdish.com/.

Autumn Gems

Autumn Gems 

a poem by Yehuda Kassif

The air is crystal clear before the sun,
With its thousands Mexican fire opal hues,
Rises on jasper mountains
A misty setting for the new-day prayers.

In aquamarine sky, touches of golden-edged clouds
Move slowly from west to east.
Leaving traces of shiny sparkles
Like mica flakes in aventurine rocks.

Under small tourmaline rosemary bushes,
Diamond dew-beads moisturize
Peridot grass and reeds,
Enabling agate snails to weave
Shiny paths into silvery lace.

Near warm citrine yellow beaches,
Small hematite fish play hide-and-seek
With ripping gentle waves,
While the dark, chilly, deep-sapphire sea
Cradles pearls in their alga covered oysters.

First juicy mandarin oranges and amethyst grapes
Are peeking between emerald leaves.
And shady groves in full blossom
Lavishly spread their scent into onyx nights.

And after opal moon escorted by topaz stars
Will glide down the Milky Way,
Pink morganite cheeks with pearly smiles
Will hand you poppies red like rubies

Saying – Our hearts are widely open – Please come.

I came across this poem the other day and it instantly made me smile. It reminded me how the history and meanings of gemstones cross every generation and every culture. This poem was written in the Town of Jerusalem on November 11, 2001. The author is a jewelry designer, graphic designer, artist, and poet. Since 1985 he has held the position of General Manager of the Israel Precious Stones and Diamonds Exchange (IPSDE). Read more gemstone poetry from around the world at http://www.gemstone.org/gem-features/poems/index.html.

Over 300 Years of History... Chestertown, Maryland

This past Saturday I spend the day at Art in the Park in a quint little town, Chestetown, Maryland. I was surprised to find that it was full of charm, history, and art. It is a short drive away  and definitely worth the trip. (Don't be alarmed when you begin to pass farm after farm. You're heading in the right direction!)

Chestertown, MD River View

Chestertown is a historic colonial town located on the Chester River. It was founded in 1705 and quickly became one of Maryland's leading ports. Shops, restaurants, and local businesses in the downtown historic district have continued to preserve the original buildings and surroundings. 

If you are not a history buff there is still plenty of places to go and things to see. Imagine a day along the Chester River...

"On a Saturday morning you might start with a trip to the bustling Farmers' Market and Artisans' Market along Fountain Park. Leaving there take a stroll to the waterfront enjoying the colonial homes along the way. Strolling along the waterfront promenade you might see the Schooner Sultana, an educational sailing ship built and launched in Chestertown. Echo Hill Outdoor School's Buyboat and Skipjack may also be at the town dock.

If your interest is art, there are a dozen or more galleries, studios, and shops featuring the work of local, regional and internationally known artists and craftspeople for your enjoyment.

For the more outdoor oriented, you can rent bikes and take a ride through the rural landscape that surrounds Chestertown or rent kayaks and take a paddle on the Chester River where you might see a great blue heron fishing along the bank, an osprey nesting on a channel marker, or an eagle floating in the sky overhead.

After dinner at one the great local restaurants, you might take in a show at the Prince Theatre, or a "Concert in the Park'' if you are lucky to be here on concert night.

During the year, there are major weekend events including Tea Party, The Wild Fowl Festival, and Downrigging, a waterfront Tall Ship Festival.

Venturing out of town, you can take a short drive to the bay front town of Rock Hall where you will find an exciting blend of modern marinas and waterman's workboats. Or Galena, a town known for its antique shops and Betterton with its Bay-side beach where you can go for a swim or watch the freighters and tugs on their way to Baltimore or Philadelphia.

And don't forget that bench by the fountain or down by the river!" (Things to do in Chestertown, Maryland)

For more information and tidbits visit: www.chestertown.com

Fabulous Fall Accessories

Last week I received the much awaited Accessories Magazine from Women's Wear Daily (WWD). WWD is to fashion as the Wall Street Journal is to business. Everything from retail trends to runway shows are found in this daily paper. 


The Accessories Magazine highlights all of the trends within the accessories market. It's no surprise that I get very inspired flipping through the pages! Here are some of my favorite accessory trends of 2010. 


Feathers: 

Metallic:

Vintage:

Tarnished:

Wrinkles:

See all the trends and the latest bags, shoes, and jewelry in WWD Accessories.

Noteworthy Blogs

I still consider myself new to the blogging community, so I am always looking for suggestions and new ideas. I announced in my September newsletter other bloggers that I have come across. Each has their own style and topics that they write about; however, they have one thing in common. They are all informative, entertaining and inspiring. 

Take a seat and enjoy what these writers have to say. 

The Middle Finger Project by Ashley Ambirge describes herself as rejecting the status quo and rebelling against mediocrity. She hopes her blog will inspire you to take risks, be deliberately crazy once and a while, give you a good kick in the pants to start living the life you’ve imagined for yourself, and learn how to flip the bird when appropriate.(www.themiddlefingerproject.org)

Ash, Founder of The Middle Finger Project

Life After College is discribed as a manual for the real world. Find tips and resources for life, work, money, happiness, personal growth, productivity, and more. My mission is to provide simple, practical tips that help you focus on the BIG picture of your life…not just the details.(www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/)

Jenny Blake, Author of Life After College

Sam Davidson uses his blog to start conversations that matter – to make my readers think about what’s important and then take the necessary steps to live a better life, build a better community, and become a better person. I hope to challenge you, inspire you, and give you practical ideas to do something with your life – your one, unique, crazy, meaningful life. (http://samdavidson.net)

Sam Davidson's Book: New Day Revolution

Fall Trends 2010

If you have been window shopping or browsing the latest catalogs, there is no hiding the fact that the fall shipments have arrived.

Fall is by far my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change color. The temperature is perfect. And the smell of bonfires fill the evening air. Above everything else, I love the clothes!

With the help of style.com, I have listed the top trends for the fall 2010 season. 

Fifties Something: "Cleavage made a, um, big comeback on the Fall runways, with hourglass silhouettes front and center. Nina Ricci's combo of bustier and curve-hugging, below-the-knee pencil skirt had a retro 1950's twist..." 

Nina Ricci

Under Wraps: "The minimalist resurgence may be continuing apace, but that didn't stop some designers from taking a more-is-more approach. J.Crew's Jenna Lyons covered her models in a mix of sequins, shearling, cashmere, and denim... Whatever else, you won't go cold this winter."

J Crew

Fur Real (Faux too): "The Fall runway shows wrapped up without a single documented PETA-sponsored prank. Ironic, considering how many pelts decorated the catwalks... At Chanel, everything from the house's classic tweeds and quilted, chain-strap bags to yeti boots was trimmed in fur—faux fur, that is."

Chanel

Hue New: "The way to wear color this fall: head to toe, believe it or not. Tory Burch showed an orange sweater and skirt with matching lipstick and leggings... Turns out "matchy-matchy" is now a compliment."

Tory Burch

Man Up: "There's a running joke that people join the fashion industry because they can't cope with corporate dress codes. Well, the laugh is on us this season. Menswear-inspired suiting and outerwear are key looks—and the smartest way to carry the minimalist trend forward.  Alexander Wang did a tailored wool jacket, albeit with an exposed midriff that might get you canned on Wall Street."

Alenxander Wang

The Gold Economy: 'It wasn't all beige, beige, beige on the season's runways. Diane von Furstenberg and Dries Van Noten turned out gold lamé frocks, Jason Wu and Peter Som added flourishes of metallic foil printing to their dresses, and Marco Zanini went for head-to-toe brocade shimmer at Rochas. Ah, decadence. How we've missed you."

Diane von Furstenberg

The Long View: "It's time to retire your micro-minis and sky-high heels. No, really. Designers have gone long for both day and night, turning out demure yet dramatic skirts that skim the upper shins (Marc Jacobs at both his own label and Louis Vuitton), graze the ankles (Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren), or fall gracefully somewhere in between. The most comforting part of this story: The new lengths look smashing with easy-on-the-feet kitten heels and flat-soled boots."

Ralph Lauren

See more at style.com. 

103rd Arden Fair

The Arden Fair has always been a destination of mine, even before I became a vendor. It is a day full of talented artists, good friends, and great food. 

I live only about 2 miles away from Arden; however, I never knew the community had such an unique history. Gregory Coin from the Wilmington Tourism Examiner explains why Arden is so intriguing. 

Secret destinations in Delaware: Echoes of utopia still emanate from this unique artist community

By Gregory Coin (Article found at www.examiner.com.)

"Among its most notable former residents are Upton Sinclair (1878-1968), author of The Jungle; Harry Kemp (1883-1960), known as the Vagabond Poet; Ella Reeve Bloor (1862-1951), a founder of the communist party in America; and Scott Nearing (1883-1983) American radical economist, educator, writer, political activist, and advocate of simple living.

I am referring, of course, to Arden, Delaware, founded in 1900 by visionary sculptor Frank Stephens and architect William Lightfoot Price. Arden and its sister villages, Ardentown and Ardencroft, were conceived around revolutionary ideas like Henry George's single tax, William Morris’s Arts and Crafts principles, and Peter Kropotkin's theories of community.

With the financial help of Joseph Fels, a wealthy soap manufacturer and single-tax proponent, Stephens purchased a 162-acre farm six miles north of Wilmington on June 12, 1900. The community was named after the idyllic Forest of Arden from Shakespeare's As You Like It. Stephens and Price adopted "You are welcome hither" (a line from King Lear) as the community motto because they wanted the village to be a place open to people of all economic levels and political views.

The single-tax movement, popular in the U.S. and other countries from the 1890s until the 1930s, believed that the best way to raise government money was by a single tax on land only. The tax would be based on its assessment, whether the land was improved or not, thus recovering the value of natural resources and public-created value (like roads) for the public, and not impeding labor and capital from profiting from their efforts.

William Morris, an Englishman, rebelled against modern cities and industry, advocating “truth to materials” and traditional craftsmanship using simple forms. There was also an emphasis on medieval, romantic or folk styles of decoration, so Shakespeare was and remains an idol to many in the community. 

Kropotkin was primarily an anarchistic communist. And many of his ideas regarding social and community living were used by the founders of Arden to advance the vision of a return to village life.

By law, land in Arden cannot be sold; instead it has a renewable 99-year lease. People are free to improve it as they choose, but the land-lease fee will not increase because of improvements. The land is held in a trust, administered by three elected trustees. Most leaseholders are residential, and the rent is based upon the square footage rather than the improvements to the land.

At first, Arden was a summer community. People lived the simple life in tents or rustic dwellings. And by 1909 there were over 100 leaseholders and 50 houses, even though only 50 were year-round residents.

The founding of the Arden Club in 1908 provided an organizational core for community activity. Interest groups and task groups were called gilds rather than committees. From the beginning, fairs, pageants, and Arden holidays filled the calendar. Many of these events continue today through various community organizations including the Arden Recreation and Community Association (ACRA) and the Arden Club, as well as through some of the village committees for each of the three Ardens. In fact, the Georgist Gild continues to offer courses in Georgist economics even to this day.

The Buzz Ware Village Center (a.k.a. "The Buzz"), and the Arden Club’s Gild Hall across the street are at the heart of village life in The Ardens. It’s here that residents gather to paint, perform, play and peruse hand-crafted treasures created by their talented neighbors.

Not surprisingly, Arden and its sister villages, Ardentown and Ardencrofte, are on the National Historic Register – more because of the cultural landscape, rather than their land or buildings. But the many original structures, including old farm houses, converted barns and artist studios, make The Ardens a unique and eclectic design destination, as well.

Sound like fun? Well you’re in luck! Every year on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend residents throw a gigantic party called the Arden Fair and Antiques Market. The Fair features handmade crafts (many of which are local), antiques, used books, plants, live music in the Shady Grove, children's rides, a variety of foods, an Art Show, Gild booths and more. Admission is free and free shuttle buses are available.

So get those creative juices flowing and rush on over the Arden Fair on Saturday, September 4, 2010 to discover yet one more “Secret destination in Delaware” (rain date - Sunday, September 5).

For more information about Arden and its colorful history, check out the Research Library at the Delaware Historical Society on Market Street in Wilmington."

For maps and directions: http://www.ardenclub.org/map.htm#fair