Sugar Magnolia--Shepherdstown's Newest Boutique

Located at 106 W. German Street, Sugar Magnolia is the latest addition to Shepherdstown, WV's, shopping district. With a sister store in Hapers Ferry, WV, Sugar Magnolia is your go-to spot for finding the perfect ensemble for everything from cookouts to cocktail parties.

Carrying super cute yet affordable boutique lines like Ya and Angie and an eclectic selection of fun, wallet-friendly jewelry, Sugar Magnolia is ideal for a fashionista who is on a budget and/or shopping probation. Dresses are in the $30-$50 range, look much pricier, and will score you loads of compliments (I speak from experience). I found that most of the pieces could easily be dressed up or down, so finding a dress that worked for both cocktail and casual, would be a cinch. However, at at those prices, perhaps you need a new outfit for the cocktail party and the cookout and maybe a new pair of shoes too ;)

Sugar Magnolia

106 W. German Street

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Summer 2010 Fresh Feast on the Farm

Despite the sizzling temperatures on Saturday, July 17, 2010, attendees of the 2010 Summer Fresh Feast on the Farm were as cool as cucumbers, or should I say cucumber soup, which was just one of the items on the menu for this summer's feast.

Upon arrival at Meadow Green Farm, feasters were offered a selection of West Virginia wines from the Inwood Farmer's Market to enjoy prior to the farm tour and the feast. Following the tour, guests enjoyed local delicacies including Smoked Trout Ball (courtesy of Aqua Green and Meadow Green Farm), the aforementioned Cool Cucumber Coup (Sunnyside Farm & Orchard), Pepper Steak (Lyle Tabb & Sons, Inc.), and Squash Tomato Gratin (Tudor Hall Farm Market). Of course, no summer meal is complete without local favorites like New Potatoes (Tudor Hall Farm Market) and Corn on the Cob (Dunn's Sweet Corn). The feast finished with Peach Cloud (Sunnyside Farm & Orchard), Ginger Drops, and Black Dog Coffee.

A portion of the proceeds from this sold-out event will be shared between the Potomac Valley Audubon Society and Aqua/Meadow Green Farm.

More pictures from the Summer 2010 Fresh Feast on the Farm after the break!

Vote for Horses with Hearts in the Pepsi Refresh Project!

"In a world full of things my child cannot do, this is something she CAN do & looks forward to."

Horses with Hearts (HwH), based out of Pleasant Ridge Farm in Martinsburg, WV, is currently in 76th place--out of thousands of organizations nationwide--to win one of the $250,000 grants from the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Founded in 2005, Horses with Hearts provides individuals with specials needs (physical, mental, and emotional) the opportunity to participate in a variety of equestian activities. Currently HwH only has an outdoor facility, so the program is limited to an April-October schedule. In 2009 alone, 30% of the lessons had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. With the Pepsi Refresh Grant, HwH would be able to construct an indoor facility to allow for year-round lessons that could take place rain or shine.

So how can you help? Follow the link below and vote for Horses with Hearts EVERY DAY from now 'til July 31! It's free to vote and even cheaper to spread the word :)

 Click Here to Vote for Horses with Hearts!

Pedi-Profile: Color Me Sassy Salon

Salon/Spa: Color Me Sassy

Location:

132 East German Street, 

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Contact: 304.876.8446

Website: http://www.cmsassy.com/

 Nail Tech: Erica George
(she's also the owner)

Treatment: Basic Pedicure

Cost: $30

Length: 80 min (ok, so we chatted quite a bit too)

Polishes: China Glaze

 Atmosphere: When I learned that Color Me Sassy (CMS) was opening in Shepherdstown, I instantly loved the name and couldn't wait 'til the salon opened. Color Me Sassy lives up to its slogan of "Modern Style, Old Town Charm." Inside the salon, you'll find a very modern, yet tranquil setting that instantly makes you feel welcome and relaxed. The salon has only been opened for a few months, but with a heavily booked schedule, tasteful interior, and excellent service, you would never know that CMS is the new kid in town.

Special Treatment: Salon owner Erica George gives you her undivided attention to ensure that your toes and feet are in tip-top shape by the time you leave. When I went to Color Me Sassy, I brought a pair of shoes along to coordinate with my polish selection, but realized I'd left them in my car mid-foot soak! Erica was amazing and ran out to retrieve my shoes and then helped me pick the absolute perfect shade of polish.

Bottom Line: Thoroughly Tip-Top Treatment for Your Tootises

Elvis at 21: a Gala Celebration in Black and White

Saturday, July 10, 2010 there was a whole lotta shakin' goin' on at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley's (MSV) annual summer gala. This year's event was a black and white homage to Elvis, which complimented the "Elvis at 21" exhibit of black and white photographs by Alfred Wertheimer currently on display at the MSV. This event was certainly high classed and that aint no lie: no hound dogs here. From an entrance flanked by 1950's cadillacs and valets with faux sideburns to food fit for the King (including shrimp & grits and Memphis barbeque) to a band that could make even a jail house rock--this event was flawlessly planned and fun for both people who like to rock and people who like to roll. Now, how about  a little less conversation: check out the pictures and see for yourself!

Lovely Ladies of the Event Planning Committee:

Ellen Cameron Nichol, AnneHunter Hurt, Katy Wiley, and Kristi Epstein

Mark Thompson and Michele Trufant

Rosemary Bogley and Rick Willis

Elizabeth Locke, Ilana Benham, and Ann Glaise

Michael & Alyson Humphreys, Nikki & Chris Gerhard, and Liza Carr

More pictures from the Elvis Gala after the jump, and I highly recommend checking out the Elvis at 21 exhibit which will be at the MSV through October 10!

Beating the Heat: The Coolest Places in Town

Whether you've been living in the pool, eating ice cream for dinner, or threatening to move to Alaska, there is no question that it is HOT. This heat wave seems to be sticking around (literally) and since moving to Alaska probably isn't a viable option, below are my picks for the coolest places in and around the Panhandle.

Take a Dip

Cacapon Resort State Park

818 Cacapon Lodge Drive

Berkeley Springs, WV  25411

304.258.1022

JayDee's Family Fun Center

2332 Henshaw Road

Inwood, WV  25428

304.229.4343

Rocky Gap State Park

12500 Pleasant Valley Road

Flintstone MD  21530

301.722.1480

Splash Down Water Park

7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive

Manassas, VA  20109

703.361.4451

Cowans Gap State Park

6235 Aughwick Road

Fort Loudon, PA  17224

717.485.3948

Have a Dip

Patterson's Old Fashioned Drug Store

(ask for a JoJo)

134 South Queen Street

Martinsburg, WV  25401

304.267.8903

Nutter's Ice Cream

100 East Main Street

Sharpsburg, MD  21782

301.432.5809

Da-Da's Ice Cream

29 Weems Lane

Winchester, VA  22601

540.678.4289

Trickling Springs Creamery

2330 Molly Pitcher Highway

Chambersburg, PA  17202

717.709.0711

Save the Date: Summer 2010 Fresh Feast on the Farm

Saturday July 17, 2010, Meadow Green Farm in Middleway, WV, will be hosting this summer's Fresh Feast on the Farm. Along with showcasing the bountiful produce our region has to offer, this feast allows participants to peek into the world of high-tech farming as hosts William and Kerry Grantham will take "feasters" on a pre-dinner tour of their virtually space-aged farm.

Tickets for the event are $75 and include appetizers, WV wines, the farm tour, and the feast. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot now!

Click here for more information and to purchase your ticket!