What inspires us? What makes us want to create? What makes us want to grow and learn and the best question of all- is every thought and original thought or just another adaptation of another idea? I can offer these tips on the process: Inspiration from other sources is what creativity is all about. It seems that many people believe creativity involves pulling a completely brand new idea out of thin air or somewhere else... In truth, I feel creativity is an adaptive process that consists of looking at the same existing thing everyone else is and ...<< MORE >>

It seems as if the weather won't be cooperating this weekend and since it has been raining quite a bit here on the barrier islands I thought it would be good to share some ideas of what to do when it rains. Here are some good rainy day activities that you might find fun.   1. Surf - You’re going to get wet anyway so why not go surfing. The waves might be a little “mushy” but you can still have fun. The temps are a little better, but wear your wet suit. 2. Shop - ...<< MORE >>

  You won't need a green thumb to make this sunflower-style porch decoration burst with vivid color -- just a plateful of favorite buttons.       CRAFT MATERIALS: Large yellow paper plate Small white paper plate Scissors Buttons Glue String or thin ribbon Green ribbons Time needed: Under 1 Hour ...<< MORE >>

Atlantic City Electric Mails Electric Safety Information Mays Landing, N.J. – Atlantic City Electric’s Emergency Service Partnership Program recently completed mailing letters with a safety brochure, entitled “Electrical Safety for First Responders,” to more than 325 fire departments throughout its power delivery service territory. “From an operational perspective, our emergency services responders play a key role in partnering with us to keep the public safe,” said Charlie Wimberg, Vice President, Atlantic City Electric.  “On any given day, underground lines may be struck and/or wires could be down for a variety of reasons. That is why sharing ...<< MORE >>

Yesterday was a gift, the weather was perfect for any outdoor activity. The Food Network was in Wildwood and apparently had some fun on the boardwalk - more to come on that. If you're looking for things to do this week, well, you stopped by the right place. Tuesday night, there is the Feasting on History Gala at the Naval Air Station. Proceeds benefit Cold Springs Village - a living history museum that has so much to see and do for the whole family. It's a worthwhile fundraiser. About 45 restaurants will feature their best of the best epicurean ...<< MORE >>

 Look no further. You have till Friday to pick up your ticket for the gala event and fundraiser "Feasting on History"  held at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May Airport, Rio Grande on Tuesday, May 6th at 6 p.m.. It's a very cool spot to go to - the back drop for the evening is filled with more local aviation history that will surely set you back to a different time. Not only will you get a chance to meet some really interesting folks, you'll have the opportunity to catch up on Cape May County's history under ...<< MORE >>

Easyliving spring/summer issue will be coming out this week. I just wanted to take a moment to thank all who participated in pulling it together, as well as everyone's hard work. The magazine looks beautiful - everyone should be very pleased. A special thank you to all of our advertisers for believing in this product. I hope that they receive much success.             Please check out these fine establishments and say you saw them in easyliving magazine.   Cook of Somers Point ...<< MORE >>

TRENTON – March 28th marked the 15th anniversary of the annual New Jersey History Issues Convention, held at the Trenton War Memorial. The convention is the creation of Dr. Joseph Salvatore from when he served as Chairman of the Board for the NJ Historical Commission, 1993-97. Dr. Salvatore envisioned a forum where history organizations, small and large, from throughout the state could come together and address current issues facing the history community. Fifteen years later, Dr. Salvatore and his wife Anne were presented the prestigious ...<< MORE >>

Cape May Convention Hall was recently condemned due to structural deterioration..  Our orchestra and world traditions concerts for the 19th annual Cape May Music Festival were set to be held in Cape May Convention Hall, but since Convention Hall has closed we have been working to find new concert venues.  We have secured the following venues for the following dates and concerts: May 18 "Road to the Isles": Congress Hall May 25 "The Atlantic Brass Band": Lower Cape May Regional High School June 8 "The Dixie Hummingbirds": Lower Cape May Regional High School June 15 "George ...<< MORE >>

Gardeners love their plants, flowers, grasses and bushes. A beautiful garden is what they strive for during their favorite spring and summer seasons, but along with beautiful blooms comes a trove of pesky pest and insects that could ruin any garden in no time at all. The sad thing about this issue is that many people believe that there is only one way to get rid of these creatures, but there is another way. When using chemicals to kill insects, keep in mind that they can also kill your favorite domestic pet. Toxic pesticides are considered an active ...<< MORE >>

Cape May Winery is currently showing “of wood and water”, an art exhibit of photographs by Tina Giaimo and block prints by Janet Payne through April 30th. About the Artists Tina Giaimo is an award-winning photographer who has exhibited throughout Cape May County and North Jersey.  She is the owner of Spirit Catcher Photography and her photos are in this year’s “Cape May Visitors Guide” which is distributed by the Cape May Chamber of Commerce.  Giaimo works include images of trees and their surroundings from Hawaii, Costa Rica, Montana and New ...<< MORE >>

As part the Historic Cold Spring Village’s Free Annual Lecture Series, Margaret Buchholz will be giving a lecturing on her two books, New Jersey Shipwrecks: 350 Years in the Graveyard of the Atlantic and the co-authored Great Storms of the Jersey Shore.  Not only will Ms. Buchholz be presenting a lecture and visual presentation on these topics of popular interest, but she will be signing books after the presentation.  Copies of both books will be on sale and light refreshments will be served. The lecture and book signing is free and open to the public on Wednesday April 16th at ...<< MORE >>

What exactly does "Green" Mean? Ever wonder how green green really is? Walking through the store and seeing shelves stocked with beautiful products claiming to be "natural" or "organic" and my new over used action word and Madison Avenue's latest favorite "green" made me wonder if this is all a marketing gimmick. Everything these days seems to be "green". But what is a true eco friendly product? An increasing number of environmentalists and activists are evaluating not only what a product contains but how it is produced and packaged. Here is how you can read a ...<< MORE >>

The competition is heating up and the word is out on the street about the 1st inaugural Iron Chef  Cook-Off to be held on April 2 starting at 6:30 p.m. Where? The Copper Fish Restaurant in Cape May. I know I am a bit partial to this restaurant, but I just think they are one of the best in the Cape May City - always serving consistently good food. The challenge is 4 well known area chefs, 4 courses, 1 mystery ingredient. The price is $35. Guess who one of the judges will be? All ...<< MORE >>

  GABLES annual auction to benefit South Jersey AIDS Alliance and Volunteers in Medicine will take place at Congress Hall this Friday, March 28. "The items are mounting and the quality is exceptional;" said Doreen Talley, Gables member.  "This is Gables 14th auction for charity and the prizes are unbelievable this year, Talley noted; but we need participants to be there to add to the bidding excitement". Doors open at 6 for Previews and there is a cash bar.  There will be coffee and desserts as the evening progresses.  The auction starts at ...<< MORE >>

Your help is needed! An irresponsible breeder has been busted and the bunnies have been saved. Now they need your help. Can you foster a bunny or two? Animal Outreach will help with all expenses. If you have room in your heart and your home for a couple of these guys, they will be forever grateful. Please contact Animal Outreach at 609-898-1pet to offer your help. These guys were bred to be Easter presents. ...<< MORE >>

Found this today at the dollar store - thought it was kind of cute to welcome guest into my home.   Flowers always add a nice punch to any table. For spring or this Easter Sunday, pick up your flowers on Friday - they'll still look great on Sunday and you won't get stuck with the left overs.  I like to buy flowers that are bright and colorful and then place them in unusual containers like veggie cans or berry cans because of their highly graphic labels. Add a teaspoon of bleach to the container water. ...<< MORE >>

Egg Pricker I came across this egg pricker recently and the main reason I am sharing this egg pricker is because I like to say egg pricker a lot. Egg pricker. An egg pricker pricks an egg with a sharp point that pops out when the egg is pressed on the device and apparently you should never boil an egg without one. I'm not sure how I've survived so long without this incredible egg-pricking contraption, but I'm glad I found this egg pricker just in time for Easter egg pricking. Sorry, it's been a long week.   ...<< MORE >>

The city of Detroit began its own history making music in the '60s with the enduring legacy of Barry Gordy who was an ex-boxer and founder of Motown. With $800, a family loan, Gordy rented an eight-room, two-story house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard. For several years, this location was the first headquarters and studio that would become world-renowned as "Hitsville USA". Any baby boomer will agree that the sounds of Motown are enduring. "I never get tired of listening to The Temptations, The Supreme's or the many other wonderful groups coming out of that era;" said long ...<< MORE >>

Early in January, on a gloomy Sunday morning,  I found myself watching the Food Network, (like coming off a holiday cooking orgy wasn't enough), but interestingly, what I realized was the Food Network has been onto something for years that not to many chefs tap into - cooking demos. As I watched the popular cooking show titled “Lidia’s Italy,” I experienced an unexpected hunger and also a strong desire to re-create the delizioso Italian dishes that she skillfully conjured up. And she did all of this in my living room, where I sat like a left over from ...<< MORE >>

                  Beginning Wednesday, March 26, Historic Cold Spring Village’s 5th Annual Spring Lecture Series will take place on four consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7 pm in the Village Welcome Center.  There is no charge for admission to the Lecture Series, which is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission.  “The series has matured into an event that many people look forward to,” says HCSV Executive Director Anne Salvatore. “We are pleased to be given the opportunity to feature this year’s lineup of speakers.”  Topics to be discussed focus on aspects of local ...<< MORE >>

This past week marked the forty-six year anniversary  that still has people on the Jersey coast talking about the storm of the century, which occurred March 6 - 8 and was called The Great Storm of 1962. Along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States this storm packed such a wallop locals still consider it to be unlike anything they can recall. Early yesterday morning, I overheard a few old timers discussing the "Storm of 62" and asked if I could sit in on their conversation and take some notes. Sam Molino said; "We were an area accustomed to ...<< MORE >>

A few weekends back my brother's family came down for the weekend. One guy (poor thing) and 5 woman, which included my sister in law, myself, my three nieces (28, 24, 14). After observing their packing habits over the last 7 years that I have lived at the beach, I am going to say this-they need to learn how to pack light. The second floor in this little cottage turns into one very large closet. There are bags within bags filled with makeup and hair stuff, body stuff, all sorts of stuff-so much stuff it gets confusing to my simple ...<< MORE >>

This is going to sound like and advertisement and basically, well, it is. Catamaran Media, publishers of over 13 newspapers from Cape May Point to Long Beach Island and creator of 3 summer magazines, in addition to special section tabs for special events, and most recently the very successful Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Vacation Planner for 2008, was recently awarded the fine task of creating the "Sensational 60s Weekend Guide" for the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. We're excited to make this announcement! Other papers may be publishing something similar, but this is the ONLY one that will benefit ...<< MORE >>

For over half a century I have been shopping at thrift stores to find as many outfits and vintage linens as possible to fit my sad little home and fashion style budget. Along the way I've made discoveries and mistakes. These stores like the Salvation Army, Goodwill and the dingy (should I say "shabby chic) little neighborhood vintage shops have always treated me well. What have I gained from all of this? I've lived and learned about fashion mistakes, but have definitely sharpened a unique style and have broaden my home and fashion ideas. There are just a few items ...<< MORE >>

  (Cape May, NJ) This Sunday, the Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival goes to the Dogs—with very entertaining and moving dog films! One of the films is called “A Dog’s Life: A Dogamentary,” which has been featured on The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, The New York Times, and several other local and national news programs. According to the film production company, what began as a light-hearted film about one day in Chelsea's life turned into a story about a single woman's search for love and the unmatchable bond between humans and animals. While filming ...<< MORE >>

Cape May’s first ever Diversity Weekend Cabaret will be held by GABLES of Cape May County on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, at Carney’s, Beach Avenue at Jackson Street, Cape May. A different line-up of performers takes the stage each night guaranteeing two hours   of laughs and music. Comic Mimi Gonzalez kicks off the weekend Friday night with Atlantic City jazz vocalist Gina Roche. Joining Gonzalez from the original Broadway cast of Barnum will  be singer Terri White. Headlining Friday’s show is cabaret veteran Lennie McKenzie who has performed at many of New York City’s top cabaret ...<< MORE >>

"A good storyteller is a person who has a good memory and hopes other people haven't." -Irvin S. Cobb ...<< MORE >>

Anyone who went through to many years of Catholic schooling can appreciate this photograph/card that I received recently. The nuns back when I went to school in the 60s and 70s, were tough cookies that you really didn't want to mess with-trust me, but they did an excellent job of keeping us in line, giving us occasional reality checks and teaching us. Anyway, hope you enjoy this humor today on the first day of March - hopefully this isn't offensive to anyone, if so-tough!!!!  ...<< MORE >>

  *THIS ARTICLE APPEARED ON THE BREAKING NEWS SECTION OF www.shorenewstoday.com on February 29,2008   Cat lovers and critics of a beach management plan that will change the way Cape May handles stray cats plan to rally at noon Tuesday, March 4, in front of City Hall, 643 Washington St., in advance of City Council’s workshop. Representatives of one of the groups organizing the event, the Alley Cat Allies, say a proposed beach management plan will spell the end of Cape May’s trap, neuter and release program—under which ...<< MORE >>

  "Career is too pompous a word. It was a job, and I have always felt privileged to be paid for what I love doing." Barbara Stanwyck, actress. Technorati Tags: Barbara Stanwyck,Quotes,Good Quotes,Workplace Quotes ...<< MORE >>

The Third Annual Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Sensational ‘60s Weekend, April 25th – 27th, 2008; is a celebration of Wildwood’s unique role in music history. The Sensational ‘60s ~ Motown Show on Saturday Evening, April 26th @ 7PM inside the Wildwoods Convention Center will feature: The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis Edwards, The Miracles and The Family Stone. Event Schedule Friday, April 25th Sensational ‘60s Record Hop - $10.00/Person plus tax Time: 7pm to 11pm, Wildwood Convention Center, 4500 Boardwalk, Wildwood Hosted by Popular ‘50s and ‘60s disc jockey Jerry “The Geator” Blavat. ...<< MORE >>

( Cape May, NJ) You could say the Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival is going to the dogs—and you’d be right (to some extent). The film festival is presenting movies about dogs, some of which have appeared in its November Film Festival program over recent years. “The dogs featured in these films are adorable,” says Tom Sims, Executive Director for the Film Festival, “and what’s better still is that we’re bringing the filmmakers to talk about their work.” The films will be shown at the Beach Theatre on Sunday, March 9, at ...<< MORE >>

Ok, so I look on the calendar today and realize that this blog has been up and running for a year. We have compiled over 150 articles about how south Jersey designs, decorates, builds, gardens, grows, growls, plans parties, and basically lives. Our Spring/Summer issue will be hitting the streets and will be hand delivered to your home on April 18. This season our editorial content will encompass LiFe * Home * Entertain/ment * Fashion* Garden Our Feature Articles will be something for any interest. · The Ying and Yang of Feng Shui -HOME · Uproot ...<< MORE >>

Connie’s Elite Pet Care Constance McNelis, a Cherry Hill native, had always dreamed of living year round at the shore and working with animals. She previously owned two businesses in Palm Beach County, FL, where she lived for 13 years, before deciding it was “now or never” to make the Jersey shore her permanent home and start her pet business The only licensed, insured pet sitter on the island, Connie’s Elite Pet Care, Inc. is a member of Pet Sitters International and National Association of Pet Sitters, both of whom require their members abide by ...<< MORE >>

How much of a shot does a typical workaholic like myself have at a snow day? If your answer was slim to none you were dead on. Since way back when, geeze I can't ever remember the last time I didn't make it into work because of inclement weather. Just seemed to always be a way to get there, via public transportation and if that didn't work I had a truck with 4WD. A big truck. Last year was a turning point in my life of cars, trains, planes and buses. I said enough of the big truck that I ...<< MORE >>

This weather is a killer for me. All I want to do is go home, eat, sit on the couch and be a slug. Walking to the refrigerator is a chore, so even the slightest thought of joining a gym is not on the agenda. Today, as fate would have it, I was taking our newest sales rep Bob Kerr through his new sales area, the Lower and Cape May  territory. While he walked into North Beach Gym, I decided to stay in the car, just so he would get use to doing the job on his own. (my ...<< MORE >>

(Cape May, NJ) This week, City Council considered its position on TNR (trap/neuter/return) policy for stray animals, but to a majority of concerned citizens, there is no question that the policy is right. Our aim is to reduce the numbers of stray and feral cats, and TNR has been well proven as the most effective method to achieve that goal. It is a well-proven fact that managed colonies dwindle over time, often to just one or two elderly felines. Well-fed, neutered, monitored colonies are better for everyone, including the tourists that list them among their ...<< MORE >>

My friend Doreen is a remarkable person for so many reasons. Not just because she is a good friend, or that she is hysterical and always gets my dim witted jokes (and is highly amused) but she is the kind of friend that listens - and in this world that is a rare quality. She is always there to listen when I am just not feeling the love. Unfortunately for her she has become my therapist, although she probably doesn't see it that way - I am almost sure of it. Today, feeling a little anxious on the ride in ...<< MORE >>

This little guy lost his dad recently. Dad was 83 and had to move into an assisted living facility that didn't accept animals. He is temporarily staying in a foster home. My friend took the dog to the veterinarian yesterday to get a check up.  The dog is in good health.  He has been an inside dog all his life.. so he is very gentle and calm. Plays nicely with other animals (dogs and cats) and is too nice of a dog not to have a home. He is only 4 years old and as gentle as can be and ...<< MORE >>

Music is subjective, no doubt about it. Recently for a birthday and Valentine's Day gift combo deal from my man friend (let's face it boyfriend at 49 yo sounds stupid doesn't it?)  I received a MP3 player. It's great - I love it and haven't stopped downloading tunes, and listening to songs I haven't heard for years since I opened the box on Sunday afternoon. I can even download movies and videos. So small, yet so powerful. Who thinks of this stuff? Currently there are only 210 songs that I downloaded, but I have plans, big plans I can ...<< MORE >>

The Donald uses it. So does the Bank of England, Virgin Airlines and the United Nations. Give up? It is the ancient art of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese philosophy of practical design to enhance the positive energy in your home, office or surroundings. You may want to note that the root of your problems could be the floor plan design of your home (or your spouse). Feng Shui teaches us how to create harmony and balance and now many designers and architects are incorporating this philosophy into their designs. The ancient art of Feng Shui prescribes ...<< MORE >>

(Cape May, NJ) The writer’s strike appears to be in its final stages with tentative agreements in place between the Writer’s Guild of America and the major media companies. “That means Oscar is on, and so is our party” says Tom Sims, Executive Director of the Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival. Sims is referring to the Film Festival’s annual Oscar Party, which will be held February 24 at the Beach Theatre. “We can’t think of a better place to take what has been traditionally a house party than the newly refreshed Beach Theatre!” Sims says, explaining that the ...<< MORE >>

On the surface, the morning seemed calm. As I walked towards the window of my foyer, coffee mug in hand, getting ready to sit and watch the world from my perfect post I could here the Sparrows that nest in the bushes next to the house chirping frantically. Happily I greeted them from my window and unaware to me from a nearby crab apple tree in my neighbors yard there was a drama unfolding. My first clue should have been the way the Sparrows were hiding in the bushes and alerting each other to danger, or the ...<< MORE >>

There are many things that one can do in the winter besides eat, sit on the couch and watch a movie, eat some more, take a nap, have another snack, watch another movie, and so on. You get the idea. We sometimes forget that winter isn't always about sitting, napping, eating and watching television. It's about taking a walk on the clear crisp day, or doing a little retail therapy, and what better place to do it than Teaberry Antiques, Collectibles and Gifts located on Rte 9 in Clermont across from the Garden Greenhouse and next to Cape May Wicker. ...<< MORE >>

Suzanne Webb of Sticks & Dirt, Inc, A Real Estate Company in North Cape May has earned the EcoBroker Certified Designation, having successfully completed a unique and informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Webb joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. The “performance home” movement is getting a boost thanks to this type of high quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker designation. EcoBrokers, like Suzanne Webb, throughout the country are forging this market and creating competitive ...<< MORE >>

Arbonne International is a skin care product company that was founded in Switzerland by Peter Mørck in 1975. The company manufactures a range of skin and body care products, aromatherapy products, and dietary supplements. The products are formulated in Switzerland and employs consultants in United States, Canada, The United Kingdom, Europe and Puerto Rico. In 2007 Arbonne expanded globally to Australia. Arbonne sells its products through independent consultants and one is based right here in Cape May County. Brenda Prisco is Changing lives: One product - and one person - at a time Q: Brenda why did ...<< MORE >>

Winter at the Jersey shore or anywhere for that matter can be somewhat boring, but Chef Geoff Johnson, executive chef at the Copper Fish in Cape May has created a fun night out-and everyone's invited. To generate more traffic into his restaurant during January he came up with the idea to have a "chef demo night," which takes place every Wednesday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. The demos became so popular that he decided to keep them going throughout February. The night not only includes Chef Geoff's talents, but a ...<< MORE >>

THIS ST. PATRICK'S WEEKEND, ENJOY IRISH DANCING, HORNPIPES AND GAELIC MELODIES Cape May, NJ - February 7, 2008: This March 15, the dean of Irish-American music, Mick     Moloney, will perform at Congress Hall with his Green Fields of America band for a live St. Patrick's show. Having trained and toured with top Irish instrumentalists, singers and dancers from coast to coast for over 20 years, Moloney and his band are renowned for giving an exciting and memorable performance appealing to Irish music devotees and general audiences alike. Taking place in Congress Hall's ballroom, the show will consist ...<< MORE >>

Cliches are the enemy of taste” says Author William Zinsser “On Writing Well.” He says: If a writer lives in blissful ignorance that cliches are the kiss of death, if in the final analysis he leaves no stone unturned to use them, we can infer that he lacks an instinct for what gives language its freshness. Hmm, here are a few cliches that need to be put to rest: "Think out of the box"... "Pushing the envelope" "Beat a dead horse"...why would someone say that - it sounds cruel, I think a serial killer started ...<< MORE >>