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Archive for the ‘Shop Small’ Category

Shop Small with Very Venetia

In October I attended a 2-day eCommerce Marketing and Sales Workshop in Dover where I met a wonderful small business owner, Venetia Thompson who also lives in Middletown, Delaware. In recognition of Shop Small Saturday, I wanted to feature her on my blog this year.

Venetia in her shop

Very Venetia, is the creation of Venetia Thompson who has delighted her family for over 40-years with unique gifts! Whenever there were gifts to be given, Venetia’s gifts were usually quite striking as being so “Very Venetia” which is how she got her name.

wedding gift basket  Diagnosed with lupus over 18 years ago, Venetia refuses to let lupus dictate her lifestyle. So in 2008, Very Venetia, Inc. was conceived to provide a platform for expressing her love of upcycling with the use of vibrant colors, multiple textures, and ingenuity to design fabulous gifts. Inspiration usually comes from self-necessity or seeing an old piece of furniture and envisioning a new life for it.  

When Venetia is not working in her Home Studio, you can find her selling her merchandise at Penn’s Place which is located in Historical New Castle just across from the Courthouse. Her fabulous creations are on view, Thursday through Sundays. 

Very Venetia is located in Old New Castle Penn’s Place is a house of Artisans where you can chat with artist while sipping coffee from the Coffee Shop, Trader’s Cove, just on the back end of the shop. So, if you are in the neighborhood, stop at Penn’s Place, 206 Delaware Street, New Castle, Delaware and see what fabulous concepts are waiting for you!   

Shop Small on Saturday

  holiday gift ideas Make sure to support your Small Businesses and Shop Small tomorrow!

Shop Small Saturday feature jewelry can be purchase at Very Venetia shop small for unique gifts

Support your local small businesses as they are the backbone of today’s economy.  Also, one of the best things about Shopping Small is that you can find unique and cute gifts that are not mass manufactured.

unique gifts for your loved ones

Let’s Chat: What do you like best about shopping small, especially during the holidays?


Shop Small Business Saturday #shopsmall

Shop Small Business Saturday 011 Hello friends, were you one of the millions out and about yesterday shopping on Black Friday?  If so, I hope you found some good bargains.  I had an early morning appointment then did a few chores around the house, but today I’ll be heading out to support some of our local businesses.

Today is officially Shop Small Business Saturday and there are several stores in Middletown that I’m featuring and I hope that you will be out supporting some of your own.

Elana’s Florist is located on 500 North Broad St. in Middletown, and it is more than just a florist shop.  Elana’s is filled with a wonderful array of holiday items and decorations where you are guaranteed to find something for everyone on your gift list.

Small Business Saturday

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Sweet Melissa Bakery is newly opened also on Broad Street adjacent to Elana’s which is convenient for your wedding and bridal shower planning.  They also create awesome personalized birthday, holiday and special occasion cakes.

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Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadira is a small boutique located on the 2nd floor at 11 W. Main Street and this is by far my favorite small shop in town.  Big Buddha Bags, evening gowns, faux fur, and tons of gorgeous accessories line the glass shelves of this hidden treasure.  Fragrant soaps and lotions are perfect stocking stuffers.  

Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadira was previously Lai Renise, however, they still offer private shopping, trunk shows and Ladies Night Out events which is a perfect way to kick off the new year.

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Half Baked Patisserie is another bakery located on the 1st floor at 11 W. Main Street and their cupcakes are delicious.  With more than a dozen varieties to choose from including these seasonal flavors; Peppermint Patty, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Pie

your taste buds will definitely thank you.  I can’t say which is our ultimate favorite, but my husband’s goal is to try one of each before the end of the year – wish him luck!

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Middletown has such great history and it’s nice to see that there are shops in town that have been around for years, including Middletown Hardware.  Each year a Lamp Post Design contest is held with each of the shop owners participating and customers can fill out a form voting for their favorite.

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Femme Fatale Boutique is a high end shop that offers personalized shopping, free gift wrapping and has a nice selection of many accessories including the Pandora Bead collections.

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Purple Sage Teas is also one of my favorite places to shop and this year marks their 10th Anniversary – so mention this when shopping to receive an additional discount off your total purchase.  More than teas, you can also find a large assortment of coffees, Troll Beads and Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soaps.

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Another landmark in Middletown is The Gibby.  For the holiday season you need to check out their great handcrafted jewelry, fine art, stain glass, wooden pens, and clothing. These items are all handmade by local artists, so please support your local art center and shop The Gibby.

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My sons are in college, but if you have little ones to shop for there are two locations that I recommend.

First and Little, sells the most adorable clothing and nursery items.  Previously a DEDO PopUp, they are now celebrating their 2nd year in Middletown.  You will definitely find a unique gift for the little one in your life.

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Jewelapalozza is more than a shop for the little ladies, they also carry accessories and clothing for women as evidenced by my purchase of a burlap tote bag.  In addition to unique gift items, they also carry Alex and Ani bracelets and conduct a Santa’s Workshop where children can make 3 handmade gifts, jewelry, ornaments and handprint canvas art for only $25 per child.  The workshop is available on November 22nd, 29th & December 6th, no appointment needed.

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“Jesus is the Reason for the Season” so stop in at Saving Grace Christian Bookstore the best place in town for not only Christian books and Bibles, but also for religious maps, jewelry, clothing, home décor and accessories.

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Satisfy your sweet tooth at Candy Connections.  This newly open candy store on West Main Street will remind you of your childhood with it’s large assortment of sweets in glass jars more than enough to fill the biggest Christmas stocking.

 

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If after a long day of walking and shopping you need to take a break and get some rest and relaxation please step into La Dolce Vita Spa for Wellness on 2nd West Main Street.  Now is the perfect time to schedule an hour facial or massage.  This oasis of serenity also offers hair and skin care as well as body treatments and waxings.  An Open House is scheduled for December 10th so make sure to stop in and then perhaps purchase a gift certificate for that special someone in your life.

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However, if you plan to end your shopping day a home with a glass of wine, make sure to stop in at Fromage, to pick up a few pieces of gourmet cheese.  This cheese boutique is located on Main and Broad Streets and the knowledgeable and friendly owner will provide you with plenty of samples to help you choose just the right cheese to satisfy your palate or compliment your holiday meals.

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Shop Small Business Saturday is definitely the most exciting day of the holidays season for me and I hope you enjoyed yours as well. Christmas in Middletown Fromage 1 Fromage 2 Fromage 3 Middletown Transcript

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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