Silent Sunday
Posts Tagged ‘Middletown DE’
Delaware Today’s Women in Business Luncheon
Hello friends and Happy Tuesday
Last week I attended Delaware Today’s signature event, Women in Business Luncheon (Upstate) which was held at The Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. This annual event is held to showcase and highlight Delaware’s women in business and provides a great opportunity to network, share and connect with others. It was a warm and beautiful December day made even more so by the smiling faces on the many men and women who came out in support.
The lobby of the Chase Center was filled with hundreds of people engaged in lively conversations, and various Sponsors of the luncheon had tables of information, giveaways and games. Music by Phillip Berger entertained the crowd with mellow sounds until noon, then we made our way into the main Ballroom for lunch and the afternoon program.
Inside the Riverfront Ballroom each table was decorated with a fresh and fragrant floral arrangement provided by Belak Flowers. The owner Barbara Williams was seated next to me and we had a pleasant conversation throughout lunch. On each seat was a take-away-tote bag provided by Del-One and it contained a few goodies from Bayada, YMCAde, Goldey Beacom College, Christiana Care, Ursuline Academy, Morris James LLP and Continental Jewelers.
The meal was delicious and consisted of a mixed greens salad, 1/2 Cornish Hen, Couscous, Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower. It was definitely far more than what I normally eat, so unfortunately the slice of cake remained uneaten!
Dr. Maria Hess, Editor-in-Chief of Delaware Today Magazine opened the program acknowledging the recipients of this year’s Women in Business Awards. As each name was read the women stepped to the podium and it was wonderfully encouraging to see the diversity among them all. You can find the full list of recipients along with their photos on the Delaware Today website.
Emcee and NBC10 anchor, Tracy Davidson introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Janice Nevin, Chief Medical Officer, Christiana Care Health Systems.
Dr. Nevin gave an enlightening and sometimes humorous presentation. She acknowledged the men and women who challenged her, giving her the resiliency to break through sexual barriers that once held her back. Graduating from the once all-male St. Andrews High School in Middletown, was just the beginning of her becoming “the first female” in many areas of her life including during Medical School.
Sheer determination and learning to “lean in” makes her the wonderful wife, mother, and Chief Medical Officer who is compassionate and resilient despite the odds.
The day ended just as it started with lots of lively conversations, networking, sharing and smiles.
Thank You Delaware Today for honoring these wonderful women!
Festive Family Fun
Hello Friends and Happy Monday!
I trust you all had a great weekend with an opportunity to do something special with your family or friends. Saturday evening after spending all day sitting on hard gym bleachers at our son’s 1st wrestling tournament, hubby and I attended a festive family event. The family members were some that we had never met before nor did we know they live only 12 miles from us.
It was at my mother-in-law’s funeral this past summer that a cousin told us about this annual family affair and invited us to attend. It was a festive evening spent with our new found family members and their wonderful friends.
Here are a few highlights from the evening.
Their home was beautifully decorated and decked out for the holidays
Plenty of food and drinks…
Chatter and Cheesecakes…
Joyful jokes and jolly …
Many conversations and memories from past…
Festive photo in front of twinkling windows…
Giggles, games and gambling…
A night of Festive Family Fun led to a our first Snowy Sunday…
Did you do anything festive this weekend?
Small Business Saturday
Hello Friends and Happy Shop Small Saturday
Black Friday has come and gone so today we celebrate and support small businesses and all that they do for their communities. Please join the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting them by shopping at a small business in your city or town.
On Main and Broad Streets in Middletown there are some great small businesses that feature unique and affordable gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Decor by Moore’s located on 500 North Broad Street recently celebrated their First Year Anniversary, and if you mention DeDivahDeals you’ll receive an additional 10% off your entire purchase until December 31st. “Stop in and Be Amazed” at their wonderful and unique gift items including “Diva” ornaments, personalized wine glasses, animal print boxes, lighted pictures and handcrafted cabinetry.
Decor by Moore’s is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9-6, Wednesday and Friday, 9-8, Saturday 9-7 and Sunday 11-3.
Purple Sage Herbs & Gifts located on 41 West Main Street has more than 100 apothecary style teas and you’re sure to find something to soothe your soul or remedy anything that ails you. Now and until the end of the year they are featuring new holiday teas as well as the new Holiday Troll Beads.
If during this busy holiday season you are seeking stress relief or a little relaxation, make sure to stop in for personalized service and a cup of hot tea.
Purple Sage Herbs & Teas is open Monday through Friday, 11-7, Saturday 10-4 or Sunday 11-4.
A high end fashion boutique with warm friendly customer service can be found at Femme Fatale Boutique on 25 West Main Street.
Femme Fatale Boutique is currently featuring the “Black Friday Limited Edition Pandora Bead”, Alex & Ani and the Brighton collection.
Free gift wrapping and personal shopping assistance is available for the men who love the women in their lives but don’t know what to buy them!
New in stock are the Brazilian Butt Lifting Jeans, guaranteed to fit sizes 2-20. These jeans stretch but don’t sag and are available in assorted colors.
Holiday hours are Monday through Friday, 10-7, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-3.
The Gibby or Gilbert W. Perry, Jr., Center for the Arts is a cultural staple in downtown Middletown featuring works by local artists.
Their Small Works Perfect Gift Shoppe is currently showcasing unique handmade jewelry, clothing, photography, ornaments and home decor.
Free parking across the street at the Municipal lot makes it convenient to shop Thursday and Friday 12-7 and Saturday 10-5.
A unique gift boutique specializing in jewelry and craft design can be found at Jewelapalooza. A recent transplant from Galena, Maryland, Jewelapalooza is located on 104 West Main Street and is featuring a Santa’s Workshop where kids can create homemade gifts that will be cherished for years to come.
Jewelapolooza specializes in Jewelry Making Parties as well as after school camps and workshops for the little ones in town.
Melissa & Doug Toys and Chamilia & Kameleon jewelry is prominently displayed throughout the boutique. Other unique boutique items include women’s shoes, dresses, sweaters, purses and totes.
I don’t know about you, but shopping makes me hungry so take a break and stop in at the mother and daughter owned bakery, Half Baked Patisserie located at 13 W. Main Street.
Make sure you get their signature Half Baked Cupcake which is made with chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookie dough center, topped with brown sugar frosting and sprinkled with chocolate chips….yes, it is AWESOME!!!
Vegan cakes, muffins, custom cakes and catering is also available during their daily Holidays hours of 10-4.
As you head out of town after a long day of shopping make sure to drive down to 725 North Broad to the Middletown Square Shopping Center and check out the newly opened Middletown African Market.
This Market features authentic African and Caribbean food items, Kente Cloth, clothing, videos, health and beauty products as well as kitchen items.
This long-needed ethnic market sells wholesale and retail fresh, canned, packaged and frozen foods. African spices, sauces and seasonings that is guaranteed to jazz up your holiday meals. The Middletown African Market is open Monday through Saturday 9-7.
Swinging after shopping was the best part of their day!
Why not catch a show at The Everett Theatre?
Where ever you decide to shop today, I hope it will be an enjoyable Shop Small Saturday.
Rest up tomorrow because next is Cyber Monday!
Farmer’s Market Friday
Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
Today is “Black Friday”, and in the United States it’s the day after Thanksgiving, noted as the first day of Christmas shopping. Crowds of consumers are drawn to special offers by retailers and some people even lose their minds!
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view this year some retailers began their Black Friday sales Thursday night!
Die hard Black Friday shoppers are those who after Thanksgiving dinner will leave the warmth of their homes and drive to stores to camp out overnight for the latest, lowest priced gadget.
Are you a Black Friday Shopper? If so, more power to ya just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, carry snacks and a bottle of water in a small purse and check out this 2013 Black Friday Shopping Guide.
Have Fun and Be Safe!
I don’t like shopping in the holiday madness and prefer to stay local which is why I like places like the Dutch Country Farmers Market in Middletown. My sons are older so there’s no need to wait until Christmas to buy them gifts, those days of hunting for Tickle Me Elmo, Furby or Star Wars memorabilia is long behind me. I can now enjoy leisurely shopping and watch others stress – lol!
Here’s a look inside our local Farmers’s Market
Tomorrow is Shop Small Business Saturday so come back to see which Middletown Shops I’ve featured.
Happy Black Friday – Smooches
Middletown African Market
Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
In today’s Friday Foodie I am featuring the Grand Opening of the Middletown African Market located on 725 North Broad Street. Owners Abena Mansah and Kwaku Duah are recent transplants from the Bronx, by way of Ghana. In partnership with other family members they also owned an African Market in Yonkers, NY.
During their many visits to family and friends in Delaware they were often asked to load up the car with food items to bring with them. These visits also highlighted the need for a place to purchase authentic African and Caribbean foodstuff. However, in not finding anyone who was interested in doing so they decided to take a leap of faith and left New York to open the Middletown African Market in the Middletown Square Shopping Center.
Abena and Kwaku along with their son came to visit Delaware, fell in love with Middletown and never left, “we love it here”, says Abena, “the people are friendly and the school district is wonderful”.
The Middletown African Market hopes to meet the needs of the large African population in Delaware so they no longer need to travel to Philadelphia or as far north as New York. The Market’s shelves are fully stocked with African and Caribbean food items, clothing, music, movies, jewelry, beauty and novelty items.
Freezers are stocked with smoked fish, turkey, chicken, beef, cassava and other root vegetables. Long shelves contain canned meats, fruits, vegetables, bags of rice, wheat, potatoes, dry beans and snack foods. Authentic oils, spices, canned goods as well as fresh Sweet Yams and Plantains are available.
Kente Cloth, Waist Beads, Kufis, and beauty products including lotions with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, Black Soap, shampoos and conditioners are neatly displayed across the back shelves.
Saturday’s Grand Opening was both exciting and lively with many customers, both African and non-African shopping, sharing and filling their baskets with food items to be used for Sunday’s dinner.
Middletown African Market accepts all major credit cards, EBT and is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 8:00 p.m., closed on Sunday.
Abena offered to teach me to cook a few authentic African meals, so expect to see them showcased in a future Friday Foodie Features.
Have a wonderful day – Smooches!
Delaware Today’s 1st Annual Fashion Awards
Think There’s No Fashion In Delaware….Think Again
Fresh off the heels of New York’s Fashion Week, Delaware Today presented it’s 1st Annual Fashion Awards on Wednesday evening at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark, DE. Walking models and fashion displays by Aribella Events featured clothing and couture from Claire’s Fashions, Lady’s Image, and South Moon Under. The Christiana Mall was the Platinum Sponsor and they provided gift bags which were perfect for carrying the various giveaways from the Gold and Bronze Sponsors.
Other participants included recipients of this year’s 2013 Best of Delaware Awards and they had beautifully decorated tables displaying their latest products and services. Prior to entering the elegantly decorated room, attendees walked a Red Carpet stopping first to pose for a Delaware Today photograph. The room was filled with an array of beautiful people who mixed and mingled as they noshed on scrumptious Hors D’Oeuvres from buffet tables and from the platters carried by the warm and friendly waitstaff.
The signature drink of the evening was The Fashionista, a mix of Raspberry Vodka, Lemonade and Cranberry Juice. Live music was provided by the Joe Baione Jazz Band, and as a thoughtful tribute they ended the evening performing the song, Stand By Me, in honor of the event’s beneficiary $tand by Me, a Financial Empowerment organization.
The Awards ceremony began with opening remarks from Dr. Maria Hess, Editor-In-Chief of Delaware Today. The Hostess and MC for the evening was Mellany Armstrong, a WDEL News Anchor and Reporter who presented the awards in each of the following categories.
- Accessories of the Year
- Best Dressed Delaware Man
- Best Dressed Delaware Woman
- Boutique of the Year
- Cocktail/Evening Wear Retailer of the Year
- Fashion Consignment Store of the Year
- Hair Stylist of the Year/ Formal Style
- Hair Stylist of the Year/Everyday Style
- Jeweler of the Year
- Make-Up Artist of the Year
- Photographer of the Year
The full list of nominees and photos of the winners can be found at Delaware Today.com, however the award for Best Dressed Delaware Woman was presented to fellow Middletown resident Kim Krzanowski.
The final closing remarks were given by Rob Martinelli, Publisher and President of Delaware Today. This exciting event not only raised money and awareness for a worthy organization, it also provided exposure to the fast and growing fashion industry in the state of Delaware.
I am sure that everyone in attendance is now looking forward to next year’s Fashion Awards which promises to be bigger and even more exciting.
Gallery of pictures taken at the event by Delaware Today Photogs (Click Here)
eShakti Dress Review
Hello Friends and Happy Monday!
This is a sponsored post for eShakti, for more information please read my Disclosure Statement located in the top tab.
When I was contacted by eShakti asking if I would be interested in doing another review my answer was a resounding, “yes”. The first dress that I had received was of good quality, had a budget-friendly price and shipped quickly, so it would be my pleasure to review another garment. In case you missed that review you can read it here.
My favorite style of dress is a sleeveless shift because of it’s versatility and I also find that it compliments my figure the best. I’ll wear this style any season, all year long, to work, church and out to dinner with hubby. A shift dress transitions easily from summer to winter, and when the weather changes I’ll throw on a blazer or sweater and thanks to KelasKloset have also worn one with a turtleneck underneath.
For this review I chose item number CL0027971.
When submitting an order to eShakti the sizes are based on actual bust, waist and hip measurements proportioned for women Petite to Tall and ranging in sizes from 0-36W. However, if your measurements do not fit into any of these categories it can be customized for an additional $7.50.
I chose this method when ordering and didn’t order one size up as I normally would, so when I received the dress and opened the box I was loving the cut. I loved it even more when I put it on and found that this style was perfect and that it fit my bust, waist and hips nicely.
This dress was chosen because I didn’t want to wear an uber fancy dress to my hubby’s High School Reunion, but after the death of his mother we weren’t able to attend. With not having that event to wear the dress I needed to find a suitable location for a photo-op that would accentuate the look.
I chose Elana’s Florist and Gift Shop on 500 North Broad Street in Middletown. This once small Floral Shop had been transformed into a more expansive and unique Florist and Gift Shop perfect for a photo op. I promised Elana that I would return next month to do a post for my holiday shopping special.
I know my friend and neighbor Corrine, who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will appreciate the Red Dress and Elephant background.
For me, the very best feature of this dress were the built-in bra strap holders. Every woman knows how irritating it is to have a bra strap sliding down her arm and then having to pull it up a million times.
The dress is made in India of Cotton and Spandex, is machine washable on a delicate cycle and should be hung to dry. The exposed easy slide brass zipper is also a nice accent.
eShakti dresses are affordable custom-made dresses that fit well and are made for the everyday woman such as myself. eShakti has been featured in numerous woman’s magazines and on daytime talk shows so check them out and sign up to receive sales notifications as well as specials with free shipping.
eShakti believes that all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best and I definitely agree.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
My Birthday Day in Review
Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
Last Friday I was blessed to have celebrated my 52nd birthday. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your birthday wishes, greetings and blog shout-outs, it touched my heart and I truly appreciated it.
It wasn’t too long ago that I would start my birthday day with a scheduled appointment for a mani/pedi, a spa treatment, out for a nice lunch then ending it with a shopping spree at the Mall. This year I started my birthday day with a scheduled doctor appointments/medical tests, a bagel and latte at a local cafe, a sidewalk sale then a meeting with my son’s case manager. It’s amazing how my priorities changed as I got older.
One thing that never changes is the excitement of getting Birthday cards sent via USPS – I still love getting cards in the mail.
I received a few from family and friends…
…but this was my favorite one from #1 son…definitely a keeper!
I went to Whereabouts Cafe for breakfast and ordered an Oregon Chai Latte with an Egg Bagel and a Lox Spread.
Rugged Wearhouse was having their annual Sidewalk Sale and everything on the outside tables was $1.00. I couldn’t resist picking up a few pieces of costume jewelry, spending a whooping $7.00, how my priorities have changed!
When son #2 arrived home from school he and I went in town to Verizon Wireless where he helped me choose a new Smartphone. No, it wasn’t the Apple iPhone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 a b c or d, instead I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S4 which I love – older eyes need bigger phones!
Before heading home, I stopped in at Cochran Liquors where they were hosting a taste testing for Bacardi’s new Light Strawberry Daiquiris. With the first sip my mind was immediately transported back to an island in the Caribbean, it was a wonderful mini mental vacation. (BTW my son was driving). I decided to purchase a bottle of Bacardi Light Pina Colada to toast my 52nd birthday.
Later that evening hubby came home with a beautiful white floral arrangement containing Roses, Carnations, Lilys, Daisys and Baby Breaths. This made for a perfect ending to perfectly blessed birthday day.
Hello Autumn
Hello Friends and Happy 1st Day of Autumn 2013!
I didn’t get all of my outside chores done yesterday but anticipate a few more warm Indian Summer Saturdays to get them completed. Out and about running a few errands I stopped at Loguello’s Country Market and picked up a few mums but I need to go back next week for more.
In Middletown, Logullos Country Market is a great place to shop for Autumn, Harvest and outdoor Halloween decorations.
They carry a wide selection of seasonal trees and plants, Bales of Hay, Pumpkins and Cemetery Markers.
If you are like me, you enjoy shopping locally verses going to the big box stores for your outdoor plants and decorations. I love the vibrant colors of the Harvest and am looking forward to my favorite and the first official holiday of the season – Thanksgiving!!!
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the transition from Summer to Fall.
