By Nicole Ciarapica

With two shops at the beach, Lili Kohr uses her “eye for finding stuff that’s special” to keep her customers looking good

Lili Kohr would give the shirt off of her back for anyone. Literally—she does it quite often. Kohr wears her outfits with the tags still on because at any moment someone is asking to buy her blouse or bracelet.

Kohr is the owner of Tiger Lili, a handbag boutique with two locations in Rehoboth– Tanger Outlets and the boardwalk.

She handpicks high-end products from showrooms in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Vegas.

“I have an eye for finding stuff that’s special,” she said, “I buy for the customer but I gotta love it.”

When she loves what she’s wearing, it shows. And it’s highly contagious.

It caused one woman to jump lanes in the grocery store checkout to ask about her handbag. And made one young girl plead for Kohr’s worn watch rather than the ones for sale in the store.

She’s a tall, Panamanian beauty with long dark hair, kind eyes, and a ridiculous amount of energy. She’s married with 4 kids and spends a typical day at one of her Rehoboth stores. Tiger Lili on the boardwalk is a smaller boutique filled with rare treasures and funky finds. Tiger Lili in the outlets is the size of four boutiques with more classic pieces.

“Things are impulsive here at the beach,” she said, “At the outlets, people are thinking of clothes for work.”

There’s no telling what Kohr will wear to work.

“I put on what I love,” she said, “It’s the mood I’m in and what I want to reflect.”

She has a lot to choose from, so she just lets the outfit come together naturally.

“Yeah I just grab stuff in my closet….if I can get to it,” Kohr said.

Since she reinvents herself daily, pinpointing her style isn’t easy. Kohr describes it as rock ‘n roll. She loves a good pair of jeans like most women do. She has an obsession with fringe on clothing.

“I’m like a chameleon—constantly changing.”

In the summer, you’ll see her wearing a tank top under tons upon tons of pearl necklaces.

Chanel and Ralph Lauren are her favorite designers. She’s tired of the craze over the color pink. And currently, she’s giving special attention to the color orange, turquoise, and her beloved cowboy boots.

“Fashion changes in the blink of an eye if you’re on the front lines of it,” she said, “You have to reinvent yourself.”

So, if the mood strikes, she’ll be in the boutique around midnight revamping the floor plan….again.

——–

Kohr always had an eye for fashion, but having her own store was only a dream.

Her Jewish father taught her how to sell at garage sales when she was young. She started adding her own flair to a product when she bought, embellished, and resold her daughter’s ice-skating costumes.

The first handbag ever sold was a clutch with stones on the front that resembled a Fifth Avenue bag made of chinchilla fur. Kohr wore it to a pageant and transformed every girl into a green-eyed monster.

“Oh, the looks! I knew I had the IT bag,” she said.

The bag sold on eBay for $500 and with that, Kohr continued the buying and reselling.

“Soon I had my whole living room, bedroom, everywhere covered with handbags and jewelry. Everywhere I went I’d carry a suitcase filled with handbags.”

She held house parties in Pennsylvania, where she lived at the time, and grew very popular. When she moved to Bethany she still sold to that fan base twice a week, racking up 20,000 miles on her car in two months.

“My husband said ‘Lily this is not a hobby anymore. You need a store,’” Kohr said.

They found a location on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth in 2006.

“I bought an enormous thing of forsythias and Marc Jacob jackets for my wall display.”

The trick was attracting business to the less than desirable location that couldn’t be seen from the road.

She got a little marketing help from her children– Annalysa, Gabriella, Jonathon, and Maximus, now 20, 13, 11, and 9 years of age.

“The kids were standing out on the corner of the road in hot weather with ice cream melting in their hands, saying “Go to my mommy’s store. She has a really cool purse store!”

Cute kids plus homemade store coupons equaled success.

“That’s how we got business off of Rehoboth Avenue,” Kohr said.

———

Although Kohr has a deep passion for items she wears and sells, she is surprisingly unattached to them. She did sell her own watch to the girl who asked for it. She sets aside huge piles of clothes for family and friends.

“I can get more,” she said, “Tomorrow it will be a new thing.”

Kohr’s generous nature may have developed while living in Panama. She moved to the United States with her family around her 17^th birthday.

“With my upbringing—we gave to people who worked for us,” she said, “It’s so easy for me to give because I know I’ll give it back.”

Kohr also gives back by visiting Africa twice a year with Dynamis World Ministries. On a specific day, all of the store’s sales go towards the cause.

Part of the goal involves creating a way for Zimbabwean kids to go to high school, which costs $40 for each child plus school supplies.

Kohr brings bags and bags of clothes over for the children to try on and keep.

“I love seeing the looks on their faces,” she said, “The clothes make them so happy.”

Kohr involved her children in the donation.

“I made my children give their favorite toy to teach them that you always give your best,” she said.

The kids struggled with the challenge but felt better about their decision when they saw pictures of their toys in smiling children’s arms.

Right now she’s itching to get back to Africa to start working on her next project with the ministry—building an orphanage.

———–

Kohr explored the pageant world in her 30’s. She was Mrs. Pennsylvania America 1998 and Mrs. Delaware America 2008.

But Kohr wasn’t completely satisfied with herself growing up. She was trying to be “different,” even though that’s a word she’s always disliked.

She would dip her brown hair in bleach.

“I wanted to be Madonna growing up. I wanted to be an American girl,” she said, “I wanted my name to be Lisa. So, my nickname was Ladonna.”

Kohr was experimenting with fashion and her private school hallway was her runway.

“I wasn’t afraid to put anything on,” she said, “I was in the Dean’s office twice a week for my outfits.”

Now, she encourages that same creativeness in young girls.

Annalysa knows better than to ask her mother if something “matches”. It’s another word Kohr’s not too fond of.

“Let’s find something that goes with it, compliments it, but not matches it, please!” Kohr said.

She wants customers to be confident in a Tiger Lili outfit.

“I don’t put mirrors in dressing rooms purposely so the customer has to walk out in it.”

And if a customer picks out a piece that isn’t the right color or fit for her, she’ll let her know.

“I don’t care about the sale. They are representing me.”

—————

Kohr’s picks for June fashion include army print, short dresses, trendy tops, different shades of pink, and floral patterns. One of her best sellers is the Bubble Coat which sells for $189 and looks amazing on every body shape. A popular purse she refers to as the Plain Jane bag sells for $52.

Although Kohr is willing to sell almost anything, there are a few signature pieces she could absolutely never part with.

Many would think the handbag queen would have a purse for every day of the year. But, Kohr never changes her purse.

“I always carry Louis Vuitton and Gucci vintage,” she said, “I love stuff that has life—that has been lived in.”

Kohr would also never sell one of her coats. She can’t stand being cold so she has acquired quite a collection from Paris and Spain.

The one item she craves but cannot find is a Louis Vuitton vintage trunk.

“I would love to own an old trunk,” she said, “I would think of the person who wore it, where they were going.”

Where is Tiger Lili going in the future?

Kohr hopes to open a store in Pennsylvania, Wilmington, and a third one in Rehoboth.

This Shore woman has quite a balancing act between her boutiques, her family, and everything else that pops up. She currently has 10 employees who work for her in the boutiques.

“There are some tears, some panic attacks,” she said, “I call my sister every hour.”

Her car rides are her quiet time.

“When I’m driving I turn off my phone,” she said, “From here to Bethany twice a day is my set time to pray. God is my balance.”

Kohr’s daughter came up with the name Tiger Lili. Tiger Lili was the Indian princess in Disney’s Peter Pan and it’s a popular flower.

“I love plants. Give me a plant that’s half dead,” she said, “That’s the best challenge.”

The thing that stands out most about Lili Kohr is her zest for life and her passion for fashion.

“To me, I’m on stage all of the time,” she said.

A beach day is so relaxing. That is, if you’re prepared for one. What will you wear? What will you bring?

This year, you’ll see beachgoers walking by in swimsuits with bold colors and preppy patterns.

In Tommy Hilfiger’s golden striped “Sail On” bikini, you’ll blend into the sandy surroundings.

“Tommy Hilfiger is always very preppy and fun,” Melissa Stern said, manager of SeaQuest Fashions in Ocean City, “And the cut works well for juniors and misses.”

The top is priced at $53 and the bottom is $47.

SeaQuest also carries a straw Magid handbag for $42 that goes perfectly with the Tommy bikini. The look is very All-American.

Nautica, a top seller, is also available at SeaQuest. Nautica’s tankini shaped separates are such a flattering fit they keep the same style every year and just change the color or pattern. The top is $66 and the bottom is $52.

For a flashier style print, opt for a bold Trina Turk bikini found at South Moon Under in Ocean City. The top is $89 and the bottom is $73.

Betsey Johnson bathing suits are perfect for those who live to stand out in a crowd.

“Betsey Johnson is expensive but it’s one of our best sellers because it’s unique and different,” Stern said.

SeaQuest carries a green, feminine Betsey Johnson two-piece that has a lacy skirt with a big bow. The top is $108 and the bottom is $118.

If you prefer a whole piece to cover certain curves, a MiracleSuit is your best friend. This swimsuit does all the work for you with a new fabric called Miratex, which has three times the spandex as average swimwear fabric.

“It’s amazing because it’s very slimming,” Stern said, “It also has molded cups which lift you on top.”

The claim is that you’ll “look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds.”

Other popular brands include Roxy, Billabong, and Ralph Lauren.

Add a smart accessory like a hat to protect your head and upper body.

Cowgirl hats from South Moon Under are just $24.50.

At South Moon Under, you can find San Diego Hat Company’s round floppy hat in black or white for $36.50. Blooming Boutique in Bethany carries a similar style by Triangle headwear in colors like orange and turquoise for $23.

Enjoying the sites on the beach is near impossible without sunglasses. Love them or hate them—but they’re a necessity. You won’t be sorry you splurged on a pair of Roxy or Von Zipper sunglasses retailing at $70 and $100 at Quiet Storm.

Getting ready for a summer evening out might seem like a lot of work after the beach draining all energy. Being able to wear a few items two ways will speed up the process.

“For swim cover-ups, people are looking for something that can transition to dresses in the summer evenings,” said Paula Jacobs, saleswoman at South Moon Under.

The sandals at Quiet Storm may not have a heel but they’re too pretty to wear only half the day.

Roxy snapdragon sandals at $39, O’Neill gemstone sandals at $39.50, and O’Neill crazy in love sandals at $32 look like candy for your feet.

Handbags at Blooming Boutique can also be used for both day and night. Check out the plum yellow gerber bag or the plum purple and white bag both for $75 each.

Wear whatever makes you feel confident this summer. On the beach, add a unique necklace for an unexpected touch, play with your hair’s natural waves instead of putting it up, and don’t forget your sunscreen.

It’s time to say goodbye to dry, winter skin and chapped lips. Say hello to springtime fashion rejuvenation.

Changing your hair is an easy way to feel refreshed.

“For long hair, add long layers for a shaggy, softer, more feminine look,” said Janet Charlsen, artistic director of Studio 26 salon in Ocean View and hairstylist of 31 years, “Women with short hair will want it cropped with lots of texture and lots of movement.”

Celebrities such as Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway have started a trend with their shoulder length cuts.

For some, choosing a hairstyle is easier when the head shape is considered. Oval, long, square, heart, or round.

“Work your hairstyle to your head shape because it takes into account your ‘cowlicks’, direction your hair grows, and what it will look like when it grows out,” Charlesen said.

If you have thin hair that’s hard to work with, you’ll want to meet Debi Cavan, who’s been the owner of A New Face in Town in Selbyville for 22 years.

“We do a lot with thin, fine hair and recommend a layered, shorter style,” Cavan said.

All-over color or subtle highlights are great ways to perk up any hairstyle.

Charlesen predicts a retro 70’s theme.

“Peroxide blonde is hot and edgy. If you want to make a statement, you’ll want this color,” she said.

The short, blond, cropped hairdo has become Pink, the singer’s, signature style.

“For redheads, brass red is in style. I always think of the color of an Irish Setter. It’s warm and it makes eyes pop,” Charlesen said.

Think Julianne Moore.

If you’re battling grays, Cavan has you covered.

“We have a Matrix line for people who are more than 50% gray,” Cavan said, “It’s called a Color Sync and it deposits more color onto the gray.”

If you want to complement your natural color, add a few highlights.

“Multi-level highlighting is in—a natural look rather than chunky color,” said Crystal Miles, hairstylist/manager of About Faces in Salisbury for 8 years, “Try a lot of highlighting underneath so you have hues of color popping out.”

If you’re blond, mixing in gold highlights can brighten up skintone. For brunettes, adding a honey color will create a softer look.

Minimal makeup is the look this season. If you do your eyes, keep your lips plain and vice versa.

Charlesen suggests trying bright, playful eyeshadow during the day like pinks and greens. For evening try darker brown or gray eyeshadow in the corners. Past trends like curling bottom lashes and applying colored mascara are back in again.

The secret is to not look like you tried too hard.

“If you see celebrities on TV with hair and makeup overly done up, they’re usually criticized,” Miles said.

Try a playful hairdo like Milkmaid braids, a side pony tail, or a bun high on top of your head. They’re perfect for a shopping day, a beach outing, or a casual date.

Keeping it fun, easy, and natural is the key this season.

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.

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 24^th 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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