Category Archives: Shop

Vera Bradley on the Promenade

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The Adorableness Factor just got even higher at the Promenade at Sagemore, favored shopping destination of Jersey girls.

Vera Bradley is open, offering a parade of colorful bags, luggage and accessories. It’s a happy line that appeals to multiple generations. In fact, both my mom (she will be 82 on Aug. 18) and my former intern (a 22-year-old hottie) carry Vera Bradley bags.
Lots of visitors to the store’s website hail from Cherry Hill, Medford and other South Jersey ‘burbs so a location on Route 73 in Marlton was a natural match for the trendy retailer, says Melissa Schenkel, Vera Bradley public relations manager.

It’s a super cute boutique, 1,600 square feet of feminine indulgence.

Personally, I am fond of Vera Bradley’s hard cases for smartphones. My iPhone is wearing the Va Va Bloom case, which features a vibrant swirl of pink flowers. It is so unabashedly girly that I will never have to worry about my husband picking up my phone by mistake. That pop of pink helps me to immediately spot the phone in my purse.

Thanks, Vera!

Southern Comfort, with a cherry

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My mother mixes Manhattans with Southern Comfort, a blend of whiskey, spices and fruit juices. With a maraschino cherry, of course.

This summer’s trendy cocktail already has the cherry in it. Southern Comfort’s Bold Black Cherry blends the juicy tones of black cherry with the sweetness of cherry vanilla. It’s a crisp treat mixed with Coca-Cola Zero, the no-calorie soft drink.

Brown goods and cola, you ask? Actually, there is a tradition of that combo dating back to the late 1970s at my alma mater, West Virginia University. In those days, my neighbors, Robert E. Lee True and his roommate Call Me Phil, unwound from a hard day of cutting class with their favorite relaxer, Rebel Yell Bourbon and Royal Crown Cola.

“It’s mighty fine,” Bob said. “Just don’t spill it on your truck. Takes the paint clean off.”

Actually, the truck was never in danger. I suspect Bob was trying to scare off anyone who might ask him for a pour.

Southern Comfort has been a staple in any well-stocked bar since 1874. (Not to spoil the surprise, but I’ll buy a bottle for Mom’s birthday next month. It’s one gift I won’t ever have to return to the store.)

Mom mixes Southern Comfort with a bit of sweet vermouth. Its complex layers of flavor also stand up to being served straight up, on the rocks. But give it a try with Coke, especially on a hot summer night.

The recipe is simple: Fill a tall tumbler with ice. Add 1 ½ ounces Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry. Top with 4 ounces of Coke Zero. Add a wedge of lemon or lime. Kick back on the deck and enjoy.

Oster’s indispensable blender

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There’s good reason why no bridal shower is complete without the gift of a blender.

A great blender is an indispensable element of Small Appliance Land, delivering smoothies for breakfast, pureed soups for lunch and sauces for dinner and dessert.

The Oster® Designed For Life™ Blender is workhorse, with 600 watts of power and reversing motor technology that delivers consistent results. That means there’s no clogging when blending, crushing, chopping and pureeing ingredients.

A 6-point star blade is super for chopping and crushing ice. This baby offers two pre-programmed settings with one-touch operation, plus five manual controls, including low, medium, max, low pulse and high pulse. The big 6-cup glass jar is thermal shock tested and can go straight from the daiquiri bar to the dishwasher. And the brushed stainless steel finish looks cool on the counter.

You can find Oster blenders at Target, Amazon and other stores. MSRP: $59.99.

Love SieMatic’s SelectSurfaces, liebchen

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Liebchen,

There’s even more to love about SieMatic, the uber hip manufacturer of premium kitchen cabinetry.

The maker of cool, streamlined kitchens  has rolled out ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces, its new seamless cabinet panels.

Say what? Here’s the deal. SieMatic ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces are high-quality laminate finishes, which look and feel like genuine wood veneer or lacquer. A special manufacturing process makes them virtually joint-free, giving them a seamless appearance. The process involves the latest in laser technology, in which edging and surface materials are fused together to create a single smooth and uniform piece.

ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces are a sophisticated, easy-care alternative to traditional lacquer and veneer finishes. ZeroMatic technology is a unique, perfectly consistent surface that is visually flawless. We are all waiting for the makeup line!

Seriously, SelectSurfaces are environmentally friendly– and that also applies to the view in your kitchen. While conventional laminate panel surfaces show joints after gluing, there’s no yellowing from adhesive layers in SelectSurfaces.

“ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces are a revolutionary concept in laminates that introduce another element of perfection to SieMatic cabinet finishes,” says an effusive Hans Henkes, general manager of SieMatic Möbelwerke USA.

SieMatic ZeroMatic panels are constructed of durable, environmentally friendly materials and come standard with SieMatic SelectSurfaces on various collections.

Cooking up ideas for a new kitchen? Here’s a concept to add to your wish list.

 

ShopRite kicks off its Summer Can Can Sale

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At ShopRite, customers can get canned in a way that does not include a pink slip — unless you are thinking of a frilly undergarment and not a notice that your services are no longer needed.

The grocer’s iconic Can Can Sale runs for the next two weeks. In the beginning, 41 years ago, ShopRite rolled out the sale to hype its private label products. It’s been such a big hit, today many national brands are included, as well.

Shoppers also can get Can Canned by clicking on an image of a dancer and superimposing their own picture on her head. What a kick!

During the sale, ShopRite customers can save on summer faves, picnic fare and staples for the barbecue. Think canned corn! ShopRite also is bringing back popular picks from the winter sale, including coffee, canned tomatoes and olive oil.

The company estimates it has sold more than 3 billion cans over the sale’s  history. That includes nearly 100 million bottled and canned beverages, 5 million cans of tomatoes, 5 million cans of vegetables and millions of cans of tuna.

Old school look for a new age from Land’s End

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High tech meets tradition in the needlepoint iPad case from Land’s End.

The sturdy sleeve is embellished with anchors, which gives it a nautical vibe and makes it a good choice for guys or gals. There’s an option for monogramming, should you desire the personal touch, dear chap.

While the case will protect your tablet from getting dinged while transporting  it from home to the Wifi cafe, this isn’t one of those cases you can use as a stand. Consider it a low-tech solution, an old school art form that will keep your iPad comfy, cozy and safe.

The case is currently sale priced at $39.99.

Like the look? You also can get a plaid needlepoint case for your Kindle or Nook e-reader.

Hello world!

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Welcome to EatShopGo, the place to read about food and drink, shopping and travel.

Your guide is Eileen Smith Dallabrida, the founder of SmithReports, who reminds you that the world is your oyster–preferably served with champagne.

Expect updates on some of your favorite destinations, as well as places you haven’t discovered yet. Thanks for visiting. Come back often!