Canine Couture Feb 2010
By Nicole Ciarapica
Maybe it was when Paris Hilton first dressed Tinkerbell, her Teacup Chihuahua. Or perhaps buying that one Halloween costume for your Beagle jumpstarted a closetful of outfits. No one really knows how Canine Couture started, but dogs everywhere no longer have to be naked.
“Some stand up on their hind legs as if to say ‘What did they do to me?’” said Kim Ciavolella, owner of House Pets in Ocean View, “But if owners start them out as puppies, it’s second nature to get up and get dressed.”
With all of the possibilities, it’ll probably take your furry friend just as long to get ready as it takes you. Anything you have in your own closet has been created to fit your dog. The choices include shirts, pants, dresses, sports jerseys, hats, scarves, booties, jewelry, matching collars and leashes, and much more. Some dogs seem to enjoy making a fashion statement.
“You can tell they feel special,” said Tracy Rossetto, owner of Critter Beach in Rehoboth, “They take on a whole new personality.”
Football fan, princess, bikini babe, or biker? Seeing your dog in his or her new outfit is undeniably amusing.
“I dress my dogs because they look cute in clothes and it’s funny to see peoples’ faces when they see how ridiculous they look,” said Jamie Alexander of Pocomoke, owner of three Chihuahuas.
The must-haves for dogs often mirror our fashion trends with pink being the most popular color for girls and thermal being popular for boys. Anything rhinestone-studded is in demand and there is even a line of Swarovski crystal collars.
Dressing your pooch can also be extremely practical. Jackets and rain boots are big sellers to keep your dog dry and comfortable. And in this season, dogs will appreciate the warmth of a fleece jacket or sweater.
“Even my 100 lb. lab, Riley, won’t go for a walk without his coat on,” said Joan Rooney, owner of Paws and Claws, etc in West Ocean City.
Riley also likes to wear a lifejacket and goggles when he’s by the waterside. Fido floats and Doggles are two accessories at Paws and Claws that are very popular on the Shore.
Taking the extra step to dress “man’s best friend” will really show your sidekick you care.
“To a lot of people, their dogs are their children,” said Ciavolella, “There’s boots to protect the pads of their feet from rocks. And after a surgery, clothes can keep them from biting a surgical site.”
Cats may not appreciate the gesture as much. Dress your kitty at your own risk.
“People try to dress cats but they do not tolerate it,” said Rossetto.
Women’s society aims to help Red Cross, make a difference Feb 2010
By Nicole Ciarapica
They support each other. They rally for the Red Cross. They give new meaning to the word “fundraise”. Oh, and they’re trained to save your life. They’re the Lower Shore Society of Women Leaders.
Patti Miller, Alison Sappington, Sheila Zimmer, and Madalaine How, Stephanie DeRito, and Cynthia Walston are all co-founders of the new group launching in February.
“Women are such doers and they do things all the time with no thanks,” said Miller, “Society of Women Leaders is a unique, fun, interesting way to bring women together and everything they bring with them—charity, interests, endeavors.”
The event, “Fashion Emergency,” on February 24th from 12-2 at the Roland Powell Convention Center is the official launch of the group. Tickets are $40 for the luncheon, which includes a fashion show featuring the spring line of Fashions by Carol Anderson with added accessories from Saltwater Stylin’, a line geared towards women who fish. The tables will be decorated by the Art League of Ocean City, with each centerpiece being an artist’s interpretation of a fashion emergency. There will be first, second, and third prizes, followed by an auction for the original works of art.
The group hopes the event will spread awareness about what the American Red Cross does—which among other things, provides relief and care in the event of a natural disaster and supports military members and their families. The Society of Women Leaders can play an important role in the efforts.
“The Red Cross is realizing that women can provide an enormous amount of assets to them,” said Zimmer, “There’s a lot of power amongst the women.”
For $20, a woman can become a member of the non-profit group. That $20 goes to disaster services, which provides arrangements for fallen servicemen. The goal of “Fashion Emergency” is to raise $15,000 for Jr. Red Cross Clubs and local disaster relief. The Jr. Red Cross Clubs provide CPR/AED and first aid training to high school students.
“When we were at the schools being a representative for the Lower Shore Chapter, the kids had never heard about the Red Cross,” said Sappington, “They jumped on like it was their job.”
About 250 have already become the next generation of responders.
Miller, Sappington, Zimmer, and How are also responders. The four are members of Tiffany Circle, a national society of women leaders who each invest $10,000 annually in their local American Red Cross chapters.
They each bring something different to the table. Miller, a former wedding planner, creates the concept of the fundraiser. Sappington, owner of an IT consulting firm, uses her enthusiasm to jazz up the event and recruit more people. Zimmer, owner of Wicomico Day School, and How, CEO of Mad Engineering, use their knowledge and networking to make the idea become a reality.
They’re all extremely passionate about the cause.
Miller of Ocean City was electrocuted in high school and her life was saved by CPR.
“I joined the board of the Red Cross not long after Hurricane Isabel,” said Miller, “That’s where I heard about people from the Red Cross—feeding 500 people at a time.”
How of Ocean Pines has been involved with the Red Cross ever since she was a child.
“I have a friend who was in Hurricane Katrina who had a good experience with the Red Cross there,” How said, “We are in a coastal region too.”
It’s no secret that the Shore is vulnerable to flooding.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s when,” said Miller, “Training takes you out of being a victim. It could be anyone, anytime.”
The Society of Women Leaders provides free CPR/AED and first aid training to their members so you can possess the tools to save a life anytime, anyplace.
The evolution of the fireplace Feb 2010
By Nicole Ciarapica
It’s February and the groundhog will probably see his shadow once again. If you can’t stand to shiver another 6 weeks of winter, consider making a fireplace the next addition to your home.
You may be picturing the big masonry fireplace at your grandparents’ house—the tall chimney, the smell of wood burning, the sound of crackling.
Fireplaces have evolved a lot since then and the new options may surprise you.
Wood, gas, and pellet inserts are three different ways to make a masonry fireplace more efficient and convenient.
Turning a wood burning fireplace into gas is the most popular upgrade—it’s as simple as putting in a gas line and ceramic logs.
“They’re a lot less work,” said John Mowbray, owner of Blue Flame in Ocean City, “It’s cleaner and you don’t have to haul wood in. Just hit the remote.”
If you like the idea of propane or natural gas, your next decision is vented versus unvented.
The experts weigh in with their preference and why.
“A gallon of propane puts a gallon of moisture into the air which causes black mold issues, etc.,” said Carla Rantz, owner of Fireplace Supply Co. in Pocomoke, “Non-vented pulls in hair and dust, then expels it. Vented is 80% efficient with zero of the issues.”
However, Mowbray prefers non-vented.
“Vent free is better than vented because it keeps the salt air out,” said Mowbray, “With unvented, you keep 99.9% of heat versus 75% of heat with a chimney.”
But with either option, you’re going to stay pretty toasty.
“I have a direct vented one in the family room and non-direct in the living room. We sit in the family room a lot and it won’t overpower you,” said Mike Rainwater, owner of Cci. Fireplace Limited in Frankford, “But with the non-direct, we kick it on, 36000 bqs, and it heats our two story, 2500 sq ft house in an hour.”
If you’re starting from scratch with a fireplace, you can pick the style of your mantle and either marble, granite, slate, etc. for the surround. The surround is a protective, decorative border between the mantle and the hearth.
Rantz sees a simple, rustic theme being a big seller.
“A lot of people, being in a beachy area, prefer a marble surround,” Rantz said, “The trend for mantles is plain and white.”
A favorite at Cci Fireplace Limited is vented gas with a granite surround and a cabinet mantle.
At Blue Flame, vent-free ranges anywhere from $400 to $1000 with vented a bit higher at $1200 to $4000.
At Cci. Fireplace Limited, wood or gas inserts with a marble or granite surround are $2000 to $2700.
Mantles can be of a traditional or transitional style, and surrounds can be many different textures and colors.
Whichever combination you choose, your fireplace will take the chill out of the air until warmer weather sets in again. Oh, and the ambiance it creates doesn’t hurt either.
Classy fashion for the holidays Dec. 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
When you’re kissed under the mistletoe, what will you be wearing?
With these picks, you’ll be best-dressed at the holiday party—the belle of the ball.
Wear purple to be trendy or black to feel classy. Ice blues, teals, and reds are other shades that you’ll see this month.
A red Jessica McClintock at The Perfect Dress in Salisbury flatters every shape at every age.
“No matter the age, it’s a miracle dress,” said Sarah Dryden, owner of the boutique, “My mom who’s 58 bought it and I bought one for myself too.”
Both short and long dresses will be popular. It’s up to you whether you want the flirty feeling of a short, gold Jessica McClintock or the elegance of a purple floor-length Dessy Collection gown.
Taffeta is a forgiving fabric to consider when the dress isn’t accentuating what you’d like it to.
“Taffeta is very lightweight and concealing,” said Dryden, “It’s for everyone. No matter what size you are, you want to cover something up.”
And if the taffeta won’t do it, SPANX will. These high-waisted power panties shape your body from bust to thighs while fitting more like tights than a corset. You’ll look like you skipped Thanksgiving dinner completely. SPANX can be found at The Perfect Dress.
At Sharee’s in Rehoboth and Scher’s in Pocomoke, a LBD is always the answer.
A Cassandra Stone short black dress in Scher’s has a large flower on one shoulder which becomes the focus of the ensemble. At Sharee’s, the Clara Sun Woo black dresses are blank canvases.
“It’s our wedding, class-reunion, first-date, formal dinner, cruise, and unfortunately funeral dress,” said Sharee Sypinski, owner of Sharee’s.
But she has what you need to accessorize the dress for the holidays. Pashmina wool wraps in gold, green, or red add holiday flair while keeping your shoulders warm. Sharee’s crystal jewelry in a variety of colors sparkles in contrast to the black.
SOHO Fashions in Ocean City has Trend n Style Trading bags to complete your outfit. They’re surprisingly roomy for their convenient size.
“I thought they were very cute and different,” said Jennifer Woods, owner of the boutique, “They told me they were selling out every week in New York wholesale.”
You’ll be using this shiny, feminine bag long after Christmas. Es Mor bracelets are another unique find at SOHO. These chunky, fun bangles add color and pizzazz to any outfit.
If you have a love for celebrity styles on much less of a budget, Amber Nicole’s Bridal and Formal in Salisbury can help. When you bring in a picture of the Emmy dress of your dreams, the Amber Nicole couture company can create a close imitation that will cost you a fraction of what the original is worth.
Women aren’t letting the economy come between them and the dress of their choice. Sometimes it just takes a little innovation—like choosing a black and gold Clara Sun Woo tunic from Sharee’s that can be worn to the holiday party and on a date. Or maybe it’s choosing a color like purple that can be worn year round.
“Women are choosing trendy verses themed colors,” said Dryden, “They’ll buy a long dress to shorten it later.”
Embrace the holiday spirit with cookies Dec. 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
Everyone loves Christmas cookies. Baking carries on the tradition of family recipes, creates a fun event with the kids, and satisfies that sweet tooth. Here are three unique recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. Make it unforgettable by inviting children, grandchildren, family, or friends into the baking process with these tips.
Rolled Sugar Cookies
By Jill Myslinski, owner of Acorn Market, next to The Country House in Salisbury
You’ll need: 1 ½ cups soft butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup powdered sugar, 4 eggs, 2 tsps. vanilla, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsps. baking powder, 5 cups all-purpose flour
Cream butter and sugars at least 5 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla. Blend 3 minutes. Add salt, baking powder and flour. Mix gently-just to incorporate. Over mixing will create a ‘tough cookie’. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment. Spray with non-stick spray. Roll dough out partially on the sheet. Cover dough with another piece of sprayed parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough completely between the paper to the edges of the pan keeping the thickness uniform. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
Ready to cut! Dip your cookie cutter in flour before each cut. Carefully unmold each cookie to another un-greased, parchment lined pan. Bake cookies at 350 for 8 minutes – or just until golden. Remove from the oven and immediately flip each cookie over. The bottom is flatter than the top and will be easier to frost. Cool completely.
To make “cookie pops,” simply push a wooden wand into the side of each cookie before it goes into the oven. Wands can be found at craft or grocery stores. The cookie pops can be dipped in chocolate for an easier topping. Kids will especially enjoy cookie pops and they also make great stocking stuffers for family and friends.
Royal Icing
You’ll need: ¾ cup warm water, 5 tblsps. meringue powder, 1 tsp. cream of tartar, 1 – 2 lb. box or bag of powdered sugar
In your mixing bowl, whisk the water and meringue powder until frothy – about 30 sec. Add Cream of Tartar and whisk again, 30 sec. more. Add sugar all at once and on lowest speed mix for 10 minutes. Separate into bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Keep icing covered as it will dry out.
To decorate the cookie, use a small round decorating tip and a bag filled with icing, outline each cookie. Immediately flood the inside with the same color, using a toothpick to move the icing into any bare spots. Dry overnight. Using additional colors, add icing decorations to the top of the cookies.
Older kids may enjoy the creativity involved in decorating the cookies. Working with icing is a little tricky–it’s best to use a very small decorating tip, to keep the design simple, and to work with a maximum of two colors. To create the snowflake design in the picture, Jill Myslinski offers a bit of advice.
“Be patient because you have to let the blue icing cool before you add the white. If you don’t, it’ll look like an ice-skating rink—smooth on top, but then it will crack,” said Myslinski.
Jam Thumbprint Cookies
By Roberta Ward at The Pink Box in Berlin
You’ll need: 1 1/2 cups butter, softened, 1 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1 cup sifted flour or more,
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, strawberry or raspberry jam
Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg yolks, flour and vanilla; mix well. If dough is too soft to handle, work in little more flour. Roll dough into little balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make a thumb print in the center of each. Fill thumbprint with your favorite jam. Bake a small first batch, and if the cookies in the first batch spreads too much, work a little more flour into the dough. Bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes, until light brown around edges.
Roberta Ward offers some advice “The recipe is pretty simple, but care should be taken to add enough flour so they don’t spread when baking. It’s always a good idea to test the batter by making one or two first and then add flour if need be.”
Small children may enjoy personalizing each cookie with their thumbprint. Being allowed to play with food is always a rare occasion.
Give a tin of jam thumbprint cookies to that person who’s hard to shop for.
“I have given these as gifts for 2 years now, and now I have specific requests for them. Everyone loves them!” said Ward.
Black & White Cookies/Half Moon Cookies/New York Deli Cookies
By Mark and Kelly Leishear of Bella’s Cookies in Milton
You’ll need: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¾ stick butter, softened ½ cup sugar, 1 large egg
For the icing you’ll need: 3 ¼ cups confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 4 to 6 tablespoons water, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 large baking sheets.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl – in separate cup, stir together buttermilk and vanilla.
Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer (medium-high) until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes), then add egg, beating until combined well. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture, and mixing just until smooth.
Spoon ¼ cups of batter about 2 inches apart onto baking sheets.
Bake, flipping sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed, edges are pale golden, and cookies spring back when touched, 15 – 17 minutes total.
Transfer to a rack to cool.
Dancing is ‘who I am’ Dec. 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
Shaun Dize Updike has been dancing since she was 2 ½ years old. At a convention in elementary school, she heard the words “feet of fire.” She knew that if she ever opened her own academy—that’s what she would call it.
In 2006, Shaun’s dream became a reality when she opened Feet of Fire Dance Academy in Salisbury. The whole thing came about as fast as a jazz step. In three weeks, Shaun went from not having a studio to 95 kids enrolled in a small, one-room dance academy.
“It was kind of a whirlwind,” she said, “It took awhile to sink in that it was all mine.”
Now four years later, Feet of Fire is a 6000 sq. foot corner in the Twilley Center—the biggest dance facility on Delmarva. She now has 400 students, age 2 ½ and up, who travel from as far as Bridgeville and Hooper’s Island to attend class.
Shaun, 27, is a Shore native and lives in Queen Anne’s county with husband, Frank, and 6 ½ month old baby boy, Krue. She has a degree in Exercise Science/Nutrition from SU and she taught dance, drama, and health at Salisbury school.
She’s been in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop dancing for over 20 years. In middle and high school, she was a three-time national dance champion. She also danced with Krue for nine months.
“I danced until the morning before I gave birth and only waited two weeks after to dance again,” said Shaun, “I had two months to get in shape for a show.”
She’s a dedicated wife and mother who can’t forget she’s also a dancer.
“You have to find that balance. Family comes first but dance has been with me my whole life,” she said, “If you feel that strongly about something, you have to make time to fit it in somewhere.”
The academy has classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop for ages 2 ½ and up.
“It’s a great confidence builder for young kids who haven’t been in social situations with other kids,” Shaun said, “For most, it’s the one thing they do outside of home and school and they look forward to it every single week.”
The best awards that Shaun’s dancers have won are “Most Entertaining” and highest overall score in the mini and junior divisions. Feet of Fire dancers perform at the Salisbury fest, Chamber fest, March of Dimes, and Walk America.
Feet of Fire isn’t just for young girls. There are 12 boys in Shaun’s boys only hip-hop class and 40 adults in their own hip-hop class.
“Our philosophy is that we are for every kind of dancer,” she said, “Dancing is freeing—you can express yourself without worrying about what everyone else is saying or thinking. It’s being who you are.”
Shaun’s favorite part is creating choreography to the music.
“I hear music on the radio or TV. I pick anything that inspires me or sticks in my head,” she said.
She says she’ll let Krue decide if dancing is for him. But for Shaun, there’s never been any doubt.
“I will be dancing as long as my legs will carry me,” she said, “It’s a part of who I am. My mom says it’s in my blood.”
‘The Great Pumpkin’ becomes reality 10/6/09
By Nicole Ciarapica
MILLVILLE — Linus may have dreamt of “The Great Pumpkin,” but Millville is finally making it a reality.
The town’s first Great Pumpkin Festival — an autumn-themed event for all ages that puts the growing town on display — is scheduled to take place this weekend.
The festival was envisioned by Mayor Don Minyon, sponsored by the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, and organized by Councilman Jon Subity.
“It will be a good interaction between the community’s businesses and residents,” Subity said. “I’m looking forward to everyone having a good time. There are fun activities for everyone from toddlers to retirees.”
Activities include a pumpkin pie eating contest, a moon bounce, face painting, rock climbing and pumpkin decorating. The mayor will even take a turn in the dunking booth, Subity said.
In addition to arts and crafts and a variety of prizes and giveaways, the Millville VFC Ladies Auxiliary will be selling meatball subs, beverages and baked goods with a pumpkin theme. There will be subs and pizza, along with burgers and chicken from the Fat Tuna Grill.
Rose Albert, a member of the ladies auxiliary, is excited for the festival.
“It’s a good thing for the town,” she said. “The town is growing by leaps and bounds. It’s a nice place to live.”
Live entertainment will be provided by Mark Marvel, music director at Indian River High School, and his classic rock band “Over Time.” Ben Ables, the band’s horn player and IRHS choir director, will also be performing.
“Everyone knows that we have the beach in the summer, but we have a lot to offer in the off-season as well,” Subity said. “Millville is a great town that’s really come into its own the last couple of years.”
Subity is hoping for a good turnout.
“Take advantage of a beautiful fall day and come interact with other residents, he said. “We are trying to define our identity as a friendly, community-oriented town.”
WHAT. Great Pumpkin Festival
WHERE. Millville Volunteer Fire Company, Route 26
WHEN. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 10; rain date is Oct. 11
COST. Free
CALL. 443-497-6244
Greyhounds, owners trot into Dewey 10/7/09
By Nicole Ciarapica
DEWEY BEACH — It’s the 14th year for Greyhounds Reach the Beach, an annual event that attracts greyhounds and the owners who love them.
Traditionally, the event was held from Friday to Sunday on Columbus Day weekend, but greyhound enthusiasts have slowly been arriving earlier in the week and leaving later.
“It’s a wonderful gathering because we share our appreciation of these dogs — what their pasts held and what their futures will be,” said Michael McCann, president of The Greyhound Project, the organization that previously coordinated the event.
Because there is no available venue this year, the event is much less structured than in years past. The simplicity is taking it back to its roots. What started as a casual get-together between three friends and their dogs in 1995 has morphed into an event that now attracts more than 3,000 dogs.
“The event was bound to change,” said McCann of Boston. “We are a little disappointed that it won’t be as it was, but no matter how the event changes, we will still come.”
This year, there is no registration, formal schedule, or brunch. However, other groups will be organizing events including The Greyhounds in Art Show and silent auction at Grotto Pizza and The American Greyhound Council’s seminars at the Bottle and Cork.
There will also be 100 vendors in various hotels and 20 vendors in Rehoboth’s fire hall selling everything related to greyhounds.
After reading the event’s message boards, McCann said he doesn’t foresee a drop in attendance. This year, he is bringing his four greyhounds — Cavan, Whisper, Mr. Britt, and Santos.
He’s just one proud dog owner who plans to attend the event. Owners travel to Dewey with man’s best friend from all over the U.S., Spain, England, Ireland, and Canada.
And that’s good news for area business owners who say they look forward to the annual gathering.
“We really are dog lovers, so it’s always nice to see the greyhounds,” said Susan McAnelly, manager of Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue.
She said the business starts planning for the event early, ordering books and calendars for the special breed.
And if the weather isn’t perfect, it won’t put a damper on the event, she said.
“It’s extra fun when it rains,” she said. “People dress up their dogs in little raincoats and boots.”
According to McCann, greyhounds are friendly, good-natured and just as social as their owners. That’s what makes them the perfect companion, he said.
“Greyhounds are like potato chips,” he said. “You can’t have just one.”
WHAT. Greyhounds Reach the Beach 2009
WHEN. Oct. 9-11
WHERE. Dewey and Rehoboth beaches
COST. Free
WEB. www.adopt-a-greyhound.
org/Dewey/
Lynne Lockhart’s work shows ‘footprints of where I’ve been’ Oct 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
Lynne Lockhart saw a golden retriever sniff a pug nosed puppy’s face. She didn’t wait for inspiration to strike. She took a picture to capture the moment and she followed where it lead her. It became a work of art.
And that oil painting led to a second one, but then something in that second one jumpstarted a third. That’s usually how it happens for Lockhart. She averages 6 to 7 paintings a month and she works on them all at the same time.
“Sometimes they go into ‘time out’ when I’m not sure of the next step—for a week, or a year,” she said.
Either way, she goes with the flow.
Lockhart, 48, has always lived in various locations throughout Dorcester and Worcester counties. Now she resides in Berlin and has been partnered with fellow painter, Kirk McBride, for 12 years. She’s been drawing and painting since she was a little girl.
“All kids are artists. Some people just keep doing it,” she said, “Others find something they like better.”
Lockhart never did find anything she liked better, although she considered being a vet for awhile. She was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Salisbury University when she found out she had enough credits to double major. Of course her second major became art. It seemed meant to be.
She then studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Corcoran School of Art. Lockhart began painting part-time in 1984 and now she has been a full-time artist for about 19 years. She loves horses, and in the beginning of her career, they were all she painted.
“Now it may not be so much subject matter, it could be ‘look at the way the light strikes this and that,’” she said.
She and McBride enjoy a lot of traveling—they frequently go to both Colorado and Maine and have been to Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, and California.
Lockhart likes the change of scenery, although her paintings are very influenced by the Shore’s waters, landscapes, people, animals, and still-life.
“Everything that’s here except for the chicken houses. They don’t do much for me,” she said.
She has also been influenced by many of her favorite artists including Edward Potthast, William Robinson Leigh, and Jane Peters.
“No matter how hard I model after them, my paintings still end up looking like Lynne Lockharts,” she said jokingly.
Her paintings, “Draft Team” and “Late Winter Light,” were accepted into the American Academy of Equine Artists show at the Kentucky Derby Museum. She has one person exhibits at the Troika Gallery in Easton, Main Street Gallery in Annapolis, and Salisbury University. Her paintings can also be found at Bishops Stock in Berlin. She and McBride had a two person show at the Parker Gallery in Georgia last month. This month, Lockhart and Terri Amig are having a two person exhibit at the SOMA Gallery in Cape May, New Jersey.
No matter how hectic life gets, she has a calm and peaceful way about her.
“I practice yoga, and painting itself becomes a mediation,” she said, “It’s a challenge to keep a quiet mind so that awareness and attention to the paint is all there is.”
Lockhart tries not to let the business side of art affect what or how she paints.
“My job is to be a painter,” she said, “I try not to focus on the market. The art world is kind of crazy but it’s wonderful.”
Her sense of humor is crazy too. She’s hilarious. It’s expressed in a few of her paintings. One dog, in particular, appears to be cringing while among a background of vacuum cleaners, threatening to turn on at any moment. In another, a dog grimaces among a background of hoses, dreading his upcoming bath.
Throughout her life, her paintings have changed right along with her. And she plans to paint as long as she can.
“The paintings are a diary of sorts,” she said. “I imagine them to be footprints of where I’ve been.”
At consignment boutiques, someone else’s designer castoff can be your treasure Oct 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
The best kept shopping secrets on the Shore are about to be revealed– the locations where you can find better brands and lower prices without the mall crowds. They’re upscale consignment boutiques, and they’ve become even more popular with today’s economy.
“A lot of women are saying ‘Hey, why am I going to Lauren Taylor and paying full price when I can come here for a gently worn article for half price?” said Karey Sperbeck, owner of Déjà Vu consignment boutique in Ocean View.
It’s the thrill of the hunt at consignment shops—you never know what treasure you’ll find. Déjà Vu’s extensive shoe collection includes Boots by Paolo and Via Spiga of Italy and heels by BCBG and Rampage. They have rare styles of Vera Bradley and Juicy Couture purses along with hundreds of beads to pick and choose from.
Consignments are also the perfect option for babies who seem to be growing like weeds.
“Anything that you buy for a child like clothing or shoes is a temporary purchase,” said Whitney Carmean, owner of Peapods in Salisbury. “You’ll be lucky to get one season.”
At Peapods, great finds include an Expedition LX jogging stroller, a Maclaren stroller, an Eddie Bauer car seat, a Fisher Price “Jumparoo,” and a JC Penney dresser. There are also racks of brand name clothes to browse through.
A question to ask yourself is why you insist on holding onto that sweater you don’t wear or the highchair your baby has outgrown. Being on the selling end of consignments is exciting too. Déjà Vu and Peapods in Salisbury give 50% and Benjamin’s gives 40% of the selling price back to you. Their selling price is based on the name brand, what it originally sold for, and what condition it’s in. You’re recycling the clothes and accessories you don’t use and buying things that you will.
“Women always want to shop and coming to our store takes the guilt out of shopping” said Nancy Benjamin, owner of Benjamin’s Wear it Again in Salisbury.
At Benjamin’s, designer finds include Tiffany rings and handbags by Dooney and Bourke, BCBG, Vera Bradley, Claudia Firenze, and Bally. They also have freshwater pearls and other unique costume jewelry.
It’s also worry-free shopping because all three shops only take brand name clothes and accessories that are in tip-top shape.
“You don’t have to wonder ‘where’s the tear? Where’s the spot?’” said Sperbeck.
Used carseats at Peapods are safe for baby because Carmean doesn’t sell them if they’re over three years old. She also makes sure that every product offered to her hasn’t been recalled by its company before she puts it on consignment.
“If I wouldn’t put it on my own children, I wouldn’t sell it in my store” said Carmean, mother of 5-year old twins.
Each woman had different reasons for opening her shop. For Carmean, she had just had her twin girls and found herself with two of everything. Then she went on the Oprah show, which was a baby accessory giveaway day, and found herself having three of everything. Carmean began giving some of her children’s things to her aunt, who owns Sherri Lynn’s Just for Kids, a consignment shop in Delmar.
“My friend Whitney came up to me one day and said ‘I had a dream that you opened a children’s consignment shop called Peapods,’” Carmean said, “That’s what I call my girls. I started laughing and said ‘Well, it’s not impossible.’”
She opened in April 2005.
For Sperbeck, consignments were always a part of her life.
“I was a consignment shopper forever. Going through college I couldn’t afford new clothes,” she said, “I ended up working at a consignment shop and then I knew it was what I wanted to do.”
Déjà Vu has been in business for 40 years.
For Benjamin, she saw a need for a place where women could buy dresses at a fraction of retail, back when there were more fancy parties.
“A dress that only danced once could be worn again,” she said, “Over the years, it’s evolved into many different things. Now we have more luxury brands and unique fashions of clothing and accessories.”
The store is in its 18th year.
Consignment chic is smart– economically and environmentally. The deals are refreshing and never knowing what you might find is exciting.
“Those who have never shopped consignments should give it a try,” Carmean said, “My customers don’t necessarily need to buy second-hand but they’re savvy shoppers and they can spend that extra money on vacations or things that are more important in the long-term.”
