Atlantic City... On a Budget

This past Saturday, I put my pliers down and turned off my computer to celebrate a longtime friend's bachelorette party. I piled in the car with some great friends and headed to Atlantic City. This was my first trip to AC and I was beyond excited!

When I walked into the Tropicana, it was as if I was no longer at the Jersey Shore. The stone walkways were lined with boutiques, cool fresh air was blowing down the halls, and the sky was bright blue.

I planned to have a blast, but I had to stay on a budget. Here are some tips and tricks of how I enjoyed Atlantic City and stayed on a budget.

1. Get a rewards card. Each casino offers a rewards card that tracks points as you gamble. You will be entered to receive special discounts and be given coupons for restaurants and shops that can be used right away. 

2. Bring a case of water. Buying bottled water can cost up to $3 throughout the hotel. You won't regret bring your own. Staying hydrated is also key when soaking up the sun throughout the day. It will keep you full of energy while enjoying those cocktails in the evening. 

3. Splurge where you want to. Spend the extra money doing what you like. Have a great meal or buy that $10 drink at the pool bar. Stressing too much on your budget will take away from the whole experience. 

4. Go with a group. Not only is splitting the hotel bill a great idea, but a great group of friends will surely make the trip memorable!

Artist Demonstrations

On Sunday, August 29, Penn’s Place will be humming!

The artists in residence will be showing their wares and demonstrating how they make their crafts. We are also having special demonstrations. Bill Veasey, and Steve Oliver will be demonstrating their wild life arts. Bill is a renowned duck fowl carver, teacher, and author, whose work has been shown at many art galleries.

Present with Bill is Steve Oliver a local artist of considerable renown. Steve won the 2010 Wild Fowl Award and his painting will be made into a U.S. postal stamp.

Come see these two acclaimed local artists, and also meet the artists who make the jewelry, take the photos, and make Penn’s Place an exciting place to visit and shop.

After we close, come meet the artists and share some light refreshment in the walled in garden at the back.

Mark your calendars and bring the kids! You'll love watching these artists work!

Sunday, August 29 at 206 Delaware Street in Historic New Castle:

Bill Veasey will be showing his painting skills through the finer points of decoy painting:

1st session 12:30 - 1:45

2nd session 2:30 - 3:45

Steve Oliver will be demonstrating his art:

1st session 12:30 - 1:45

2nd session 2:30 - 3:45

For more information visit: http://pennsplace.net/

Jewelry Giveaway

Win a Kerry Elizabeth!

With the summer ending and the busy schedules of the fall beginning, 
we thought we would create some excitement! 


Get a chance to win a complete jewelry set. 
We are giving away a necklace, bracelet, and earrings at a value of $150.

Follow the steps below to enter the giveaway.

1. Go to www.kerryelizabethjewelry.blogspot.com

2. Click Subscribe to Kerry Elizabeth by Email

3. Follow the instructions given

4. Don’t forget to follow the link in your confirmation email

5. Stay tuned! The winner will be picked at the end of September.

Summer 2010

Labor Day marks the end of summer and it is quickly approaching. As always, the summer flew by. 

I spent the summer days soaking up the sun at the beach and traveling the East Coast on the weekends. (I know, it sounds like a tough gig!) Along the way, Kerry Elizabeth continued to grow. Here are some of my favorite highlights:

     1. New Wheels: I traded in my Altima Coupe for a GMC Terrian. I have to admit, this was a little traumatic for me. I do miss my small, sporty car, but a larger SUV was long overdue. I can fit just about anything into it and it kills all the bugs that get in my way with that large grill!

     2. "Working" Business Plan: While most vacationers were bring a trashy romance novel to the beach, I was lugging a thick binder full of research. I haven't quite finished my business plan, but it has put my goals into action. Next summer you may just be visiting me in Old City Philadelphia!

     3. Found a Home: Moving into Penn's Place has made a big influence on my business and my personal life. I get to pick the brains of talented artists everyday. Who knows what doors this will open.

The summer was full of excitement and great memories; however, I'm not sad to see the season go. Fall is just around the corner with its fabulous clothes and beautiful colors! I can't wait to see where the next season takes me. 

Failing Forward

In the past week or so I began to get a bit restless. Questions about my career kept creeping into my head. 

I realized that I love what I am doing with my business and I am proud of what I have accomplished. When I think about my plans for the future, I am both excited and scared.

The fear tends to hold me back every now and then. I was browsing the bookshelves of Borders and came across Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell. 

I am only halfway through the book, but it is changing my thoughts on the fear of failing. 

Maxwell explains that everyone has failed in their life, "Every successful person is someone who failed, yet never regarded himself as a failure." 

He gives the following examples:

• "Mozart... was told by Emperor Ferdinand that his opera The Marriage of Figaro was 'far to noisy' and contained 'far too many notes'"
• "Vincent van Gogh... sold only one painting in his lifetime"
• "Thomas Edison... was considered unteachable as a youngster"
• Albert Einstein... was told by a Munich schoolmaster that he would 'never amount to much'" 

Maxwell continues, "All great achievers are given multiple reasons to believe they are failures. But in spite of that, they preserve."

If the worlds greatest musicians, painters, and inventors overcame their failures, why am I afraid of failing?

Slow Dance

I spent the last few days relaxing at the beach and enjoying the nights with great friends (life couldn't be better!). I wanted to feel like I was accomplishing something, so I read a book my uncle had suggested -- The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. 

It is a great book about working more productively and earning more money in order to support the lifestyle you desire. I learned many important principles and tricks to enhance my business and life; however I came across a great poem I wanted to share. 

 Ferris inserted the poem in the last chapter of his book. It makes you think about what you really want out of life. But I think it would have been just as relevant in the beginning. The poem was written by a child psychologist David L. Weatherford. 

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow,
and in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
'cause you never had time to call and say hi?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Photography by Dirk Reers found at Booooooom!

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
it's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn't a race, so take it slower,
hear the music before your song is over.

Read Slow Dance and other writings of David L. Weatherford.

Variscite Meaning & Properties

Although summer is coming to an end, I have found a gemstone that will remind you of the season all year long! Variscite is the perfect shade of blue-green. It reminds me of crystal clear water that you can see right to the bottom. 

Variscite is relatively rare due to the process in endures. It is a mineral deposit that resulted from phosphatic waters reacting near the surface of aluminum rocks. This process creates a gemstone that is sometimes mistaken for Turquoise; however, Variscite is greener.

The beauty of Variscite doesn't stop at its ocean blue color. The gemstone has specific properties and healing abilities:

Variscite Metaphysical Properties

• Stimulates the heart chakra.
• Peaceful and calming
• Helps one let go of criticisms and judgements of others.
• Useful for harmonizing and rejuvenating
• Used to stimulate the mental powers of reason and logic.

Variscite Healing Uses

• Used to treat disorders of the nervous system.
• Assists with the treatment of depression.
• Used to treat circulatory system dysfunction.
• Useful in treating male reproductive system disorders.

This gemstone is beautiful simply by itself. My love for color has combined Variscite with Fossil Coral to create a light to dark contrast. 

Green Snakeskin is another favorite gemstone of mine. I thought the green stripes throughout the stone would intensify the green of the Variscite. This combination will create some great transitional pieces for the fall.

With the color combinations in mind, the brainstorming begins....

See what we created from these beautiful stones!

Tour Kerry Elizabeth's New Neighborhood

Kerry Elizabeth has settled nicely into Historic New Castle. Needless to say, I have fallen in love with the town. I thought I would share my new love and venture in our August newsletter.   Popular tourist locations are highlighted along with several fantastic restaurants. 

Come brush-up on your history and explore Historic New Castle, DE. 

August Newsletter: Tour Kerry Elizabeth's New Neighborhood

Artist Search

There is no doubt to my friends and family that I love being a part of Penn's Place. Being surrounded by other artists has been overwhelmingly inspiring. If you are looking for a space to showcase your work and become part of a supportive community, Penn's Place is perfect! 

I have included a letter from the owner and testimonials from our artists. 

Good Afternoon,

          As you may know, Penn’s Place, ‘A Menagerie of Artisans’ is alive and open for business!  The Historic former William Penn Guesthouse located in the heart of Historic New Castle, Delaware is now a shopping destination for unique and handmade gifts and accessories.  Currently we have 6 artists in residence and an additional retailer giving us a diverse and attractive environment.

          I am writing you today to let you know that there is still time to get in…on the ground floor and in the penthouse!  Currently we have 2-3 spaces available in our main corridor on the second floor where 6 of our retailers are currently located; 2 spaces available on our first floor with our current retailer; and the entire third floor, with amazing views of the park/river in the back and the downtown historic area in the front is available for sharing.

          Many of you are asking yourself what’s in it for me and is it worth the risk.  Before, I let the current artist’s answer in their own words; let me tell you a few things that come with the opportunity.

·        We cover the basics: A/C, heat, water, electric, and trash removal.  Each room has its own A/C unit that you control while you are there.

·        Free Wi-Fi:  You and your customers can access the web 24/7 no charge

·        A website is being designed for Penn’s Place to advertise for all the artists and for Trader’s Cove in which you can also attach a link to your current website

·        Trader’s Cove: A coffee shop located in the building to attract additional traffic to Penn’s Place – Construction underway soon.  Expect to be open by Halloween

·        We cover for each other.  We understand that you have a life outside of Penn’s Place.  That is a main feature to our unique set-up.  Other artists and retailers can cover your space- we communicate on scheduling…

·        …and everything else.  This is a collaborative effort and everyone has a say in how we promote special events, marketing efforts, hours of operation, etc.  We are always open to your input.

·        Historic New Castle…is already a destination for history buffs and tour busses.  We provide them a unique shopping experience to remember their visit

·        The National Park: Delaware is the only state without a National Park.  That is going to change and the visitor’s center will be directly across the street from Penn’s Place behind the Courthouse Museum.

·        Artists break room: Private room with table and 4 chairs, full bathroom, closets and mini refrigerator.

·        And now a few testimonials.  I encourage you to speak with the authors themselves.

“…the vision for the Penn’s Place is fantastic.  A place where “creatives” can thrive, have fun and be inspired by each other and the folks that visit. The energy from the owners… is so contagious…so far this first month has been a blast!” -Ara Atkinson-Skinner of Ara Illustrated

“The energy level is high and infectious to both artists and customers.  There is a feeling of working together to achieve a common goal.  Marketing materials, ideas and photos are shared among artists and owners.  This place is going places-go with us!” – Susanne Faulkner of Faulkner Sterling Design

“The people are the best in the world…the other artists are just the friendliest, most talented, most generous bunch…the energy in Penn's Place is just completely uplifting and enjoyable all the time.  I truly enjoy being there, no matter which artists are present at that particular time.  And, it's paying for itself for me already and I certainly didn't expect that…The exposure itself is worth its weight in gold.  Visits to my web site have increased dramatically.  The sky is the limit for Penn's Place.”  - Donna Harding of Perfect Moments by Donna

“I signed onto Penn’s Place thinking that it would be a great way for me to grow my business. Throughout the last month, it has become much more than that. The owners …have created an inviting environment full of energy and ideas…uses each of our talents to continue the growth of Penn’s Place. The genuine support and guidance of the fellow artists has been inspiring. Each day I feel as if the town, the leaders, and my peers are all cheering for my success and the success of Penn’s Place. “– Kerry Larotonda of Kerry Elizabeth

          Well, that’s it for now.  We are looking for like minded people to join us at Penn’s Place.  If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step, we are here to help.  Give me a call or reply back to this e-mail and we’ll set a time to get together.

Have a great day!

         

Matthew A. Lovlie

 302-593-5908