It is ‘Mom's Night Out’ at The Gables at Chadds Ford-the perfect night for a group of local moms to wine and dine in style!

Moms in and around Delaware County…you deserve a girl’s night out! How about a fantastic treat at The Gables at Chadds Ford courtesy of AML starting Tuesday, February 7th?

Cool History

Wondering about this gorgeous property you have probably passed by dozens of times on Baltimore Pike? The Gables at Chadds Ford is situated on land that was originally part of a 138 acre land grant from William Penn to Brinton King. Around 1745, a pre-Revolutionary style house was built on the property. One of the first homes to be built in Pennsbury Township, the property operated as a working farm and quietly became part of the Brandywine Valley’s history. The route along Route One is well known to have housed numerous stops for the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. It has been suspected that the King house may have been one of these stops.

The house was renovated in the late 1800s by George C. King, son of Brinton King. He adopted the popular Victorian style by adding wrap around porches and twenty three gables. And, two of the four original chimneys from the pre-Revolutionary style home are still visible. In March of 2002, the house was placed on the National Historic Register.

Dates and Deets for Mom’s Night Out

So…AML and The Gables put our heads together and thought this is just about the perfect setting for a very fun series, Mom’s Night Out. Starting every other Tuesday, February 7th and running through Tuesday, April 17th, every group of four moms or more who dine at The Gables for dinner will receive a complimentary cheese platter and half off one glass of house wine each. It’s a guilt-free and very fun excuse for local moms to get together and hang out with friends at one of the western suburbs best restaurants! The dates for Mom’s Night Out are as follows:

Tuesday, February 7th
Tuesday, February 21st
Tuesday, March 6th
Tuesday, March 20th
Tuesday, April 3rd
Tuesday, April 17th

How to RSVP for The Gables Mom’s Night Out

Call into the Gables (610-388-7700) and be sure to tell the host/hostess that you are coming in for Mom’s Night Out with your group of four or more moms. Remember Mom’s Night Out is only available on the dates listed above. You can also check back on The Gables’ OpenTable page for a Mom’s Night Out code to make an online reservation.

Be Social with The Gables at Chadds Ford

Join The Gables on Facebook
Follow The Gables on Twitter

About The Gables at Chadds Ford

The Gables at Chadds Ford is located at 423 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford, PA. Visit their website: thegablesatchaddsford.com. To make reservations for a group of four or more for Mom’s Night Out call 610-388-7700.

ME Photo & Design LLC is a boutique photography and design studio specializing in creative portraiture, documentary wedding photography and eclectic art.

One of the great privileges AML presents is the opportunity to connect with the region’s top local photographers. And over the past few months I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a very talented photographer—Meagan Ebersole. Meagan is the owner of ME Photo & Design and this Friday is opening a brand new studio space in downtown Media. And, you are all invited!

Please join us for a very special evening on Friday, January 6th from 6pm to 9pm as ME Photo & Design Studio celebrates their brand new location with a Grand Opening Night Party! ME Photo & Design Studio is located at 16 South Orange Street in Media.

Sponsored by AroundMainLine.com, guests will have fun checking out the cool new retail location while mingling and meeting with local business owners and friends. Enjoy wine and light tapas to munch on while browsing ME’s photography display and the collection of handmade art.

One of the highlights of the evening is centered on a very special dessert table. Delaware’s famous Desserts by Dana will be catering the party with their award winning desserts and pastries-yum alert! Chef Dana Herbert is the winner of TLC’s hit show Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker, which premiered in December 2010. Known to his fans in Delaware and throughout the country as “The Sugar Daddy,” Herbert also was invited to work in Hoboken with the Cake Boss’s Buddy Valastro and can be seen on some episodes of TLC’s Cake Boss.

In addition at ME, there will be lots of door prizes to win from local businesses—including a complimentary social media consultation session with AroundMainLine.com! ME Photo & Design will also be offering a $50 print credit towards any sessions booked that night.

The new studio will also showcase a variety of fine art and handmade gifts for all seasons and occasions!

Join the growing AML family this Friday for this wonderful evening and celebration of our friends from ME Photo.

Be Social with ME Photo and Design

Facebook: Join ME Photo and Design on Facebook.
Twitter: Follow ME Photo and Design on Twitter.

Positively preppy and casually cool, Ella's bar is the absolute perfect setting for the sophisticated Wednesday Night Whinos' Winter Soiree January 11th.

Wednesday Night Whinos, AroundMainLine.com’s popular ladies social club, will host a fun winter social on Wednesday, January 11th at the Main Line’s hottest new restaurant—Wayne’s Ella’s American Bistro! All local ladies are invited to join us in the positively preppy and casually cool bar for complimentary cuisine, terrific conversation and lots of fantastic networking from 6pm to 8pm. A cash bar will be available as well.

About Ella’s

Ella’s American Bistro opened with much Main Line aplomb on Monday, December 19th and has a palpable buzz already thanks to the culinary talents of Executive Chef Matt Schuler. Ella’s is an upscale casual restaurant with the focus on a local farm-to-table dining concept. Schuler, a Lancaster County native, has noticeable influences of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine in his classic, comfort food-inspired menu.

Party Attire

As with all Whinos, business casual attire is highly recommended as we gather to meet and network with the region’s top businesswomen and great gals. RSVP is not required—we always welcome walk-ins to Whinos—but it does greatly help us to plan accordingly with our good friends at Ella’s.

Event Sponsor and Swag Bags

Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon is the official sponsor of Wednesday Night Whinos’ Winter Soiree at Ella’s American Bistro. One VERY lucky Whino will win a $250 gift certificate to pamper herself (and perhaps a friend) at the popular Joseph Anthony Spa! Simply bring your business card with your email address to drop in our raffle bowl or sign in at the table in the bar with Whinos founder Sarah Lockard.

In addition, the first 30 Whinos who attend will receive incredible swag bags also sponsored by Joseph Anthony with fantastic prizes from AML clients. There will also be FIVE VIP SUPER bags for our top Whinos who have continually shown their fantastic support over the past year!

Wednesday Night Whinos is open to all local women 21 and over, there are no membership fees or obligation. It is free to attend always! Our philosophy is always ‘The more Whinos, the merrier!’

Click here to RSVP to Wednesday Night Whinos at Ella’s American Bistro on Facebook! Or kindly send us an email to let us know you will be attending: rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Be Social with Ella’s American Bistro

Become a Fan of their Facebook page

Be Social with Wednesday Night Whinos

Become a Fan of our Facebook page

Follow us on Twitter: @WedNightWhinos

About Ella’s American Bistro

Ella’s American Bistro is located at 214 Sugartown Road in Wayne (across from Club La Maison gym). To make reservations call 610-964-3552.

Click here to view a photo gallery of The Little Apple on Facebook.

Shop owner Molly Cygan in her beautifully restored Manayunk boutique, The Little Apple.

Wednesday Night Whinos is headed to our favorite and chicest shop in Manayunk, The Little Apple, for a fabulous fall gal’s night out of shopping and networking on Wednesday evening, November 3rd.

Entrepreneur and Southern California native Molly Cygan opened The Little Apple boutique in February with an ‘Etsy-meets-Anthropologie’ feel to the charming, and now popular, shop. Cygan, a 2006 Berkeley grad who boasts an art history degree, was inspired years ago by her boarding school days at Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. “The seeds were definitely planted when I was at boarding school at Exeter. Here we were-lots of young kids in a small town with disposable cash—but nowhere to spend it. I was determined when I went back for my five year reunion (at Exeter) to start looking into opening a little boutique. And, of course, when I returned the downtown was packed with great shops-so clearly a few other people had the same idea! So, I kind of gave it up at that time but still wanted to pursue opening my own shop when the time was just right,” explained Cygan.

In a case of six degrees of seperation, Cygan was a classmate of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during her Exeter days.

Cygan finds preppy, vintage accents at weekend flea market jaunts around the Main Line and in NYC.

AroundMainLine.com’s booming Main Line and local ladies social club, Whinos has no membership fee or obligations and is open to all women 21 and over. One lucky Whino will win a $50 gift card to The Little Apple as we will have a surprise raffle between 6pm and 8pm during the November 3rd party. The winner must be present to claim the prize so be sure to stay for a chance to win.

In addition, the night promises to be a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of special store discounts and shop for holiday hostess gifts, Thanksgiving accents, stocking stuffers and more. Food and wine and guaranteed fun as Wednesday Night Whinos gears up for the holiday season. And, as always, ladies only—No BOYS ALLOWED!

Wednesday Night Whinos at Manayunk’s The Little Apple

When: Wednesday, November 3rd, 6pm-8pm

Where: The Little Apple Boutique, 4353 Main Street, Manayunk

What: AML’s popular ladies social club hosts a holiday shopping event.

Fare: Complimentary cocktails and catered cuisine await our wonderful Whinos.

Discounts: Fabulous discounts for the entire Whinos cocktail party will make for the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on all your holiday shopping.

RSVP: Click here to RSVP on Facebook and share with girlfriends!

Profile: Read our profile on The Little Apple on AroundMainLine.com.

Wednesday Night Whinos brings dozens of local women to your local business in a dynamic and fun fashion. Want to host a Whinos at your restaurant or boutique? Contact us for details today. Whinos events are growing in popularity and availability for 2011 is already very limited. Please note Whinos are booked/reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

A fresh face on Manayunk’s Main Street, Molly Cygan’s The Little Apple

A little piece of the O.C. has landed on Manayunk’s Main Street! Entrepreneur and Southern California native Molly Cygan opened The Little Apple boutique in February with an Etsy meets Anthropologie feel to the charming, and now popular, shop. Cygan, a 2006 Berkeley grad who boasts an art history degree, was inspired years ago by her boarding school days at Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. “The seeds were definitely planted when I was at boarding school at Exeter. Here we were-lots of young kids in a small town with disposable cash—but nowhere to spend it. I was determined when I went back for my five year reunion (at Exeter) to start looking into opening a little boutique. And, of course, when I returned the downtown was packed with great shops-so clearly a few other people had the same idea! So, I kind of gave it up at that time but still wanted to pursue opening my own shop when the time was just right,” explained Cygan.

That time came last fall. After Berkeley, Cygan lived in New York City briefly before moving to Philadelphia this past October with her fiancé, who is in medical school at Drexel. (They will be tying the knot at her parent’s house in Cal July 3rd.) It was then that she started to rethink the idea of her own storefront. “I started to check out some spaces around the city and nothing seemed to be a fit. Then, some of my fiancé’s friends suggested that I look into Manayunk and that’s when I found this space on Craig’s List. It needed some serious TLC but I could see the potential,” said Cygan.

The long, bright 900 square foot boutique is directly across from La Colombe coffee and down the corner from the new Saxby’s. It has old world charm accented by Cygan’s terrific sense of style that includes kitschy pick me ups—a fish stapler—to serious home décor accents—a preppy footstool by Main Line designer Chairloom (chairloom.net). The Little Apple boasts a vintage tin ceiling that Cygan had painted white, stain glass accents and gorgeous, original hard wood floors.

The Little Apple is a marvelous retail start-up in Manayunk where you'll find new, vintage and repurposed home goods, unique gifts and cards.

Cygan’s research found the building was built around the civil war and was once a cigar shop with the owner’s home above. Among the shops eclectic and fun mix of items are Lucia Candles, Louella Press stationery, jewelry from local Etsy artist Tree and Kimble, and vintage seltzer bottles. “I feel like the store has something for everyone and I try to find something new to bring in weekly—accessories, kitchen and entertaining accents, hostess gifts. And, my products are affordable, which I think is really important to shoppers these days,” said Cygan.

Once Cygan secured the Manayunk store front, she purchased, and admittedly devoured, Retail for Dummies and sought out advice from key business advisors—who encouraged her to jump start her brand on Twitter and Facebook immediately. “That same night I opened my Twitter account it was instantaneous feedback and interest. And the Facebook page has been active and growing—I am meeting a lot of people through it and they are walking through the door here. Social media is my main source of marketing—and it’s been amazing,” said Cygan.

Shop online with The Little Apple’s online store.

With her pending nuptials about a month away, Molly was inspired to begin a collection of bridal gifts and accents at Little Apple, including the line of flower pins and hairpieces (very SJP!) part of the Etsy store, Cultivar. A recent AML Etsy Phavorite, Cultivar’s line is made from reclaimed fabric and recycled beads. A customer came across the selection of artist Katie’s Reims pins and commissioned her one-of-a-kind bridal hairpiece from Reim. Cygan is considering expanding to a bridal registry for her customers.

For those who can’t make it to Manayunk but want to browse and shop online, Cygan recently launched an online store with her product line (thelittleapple.bigcartel.com) and is developing her website. “There seems to be so much going on in Manayunk right now. Saxby’s just moved in a few stores down and there’s a lot of new retail surrounding me, so I think this is a great space. And, I’m staying open late to accommodate the people who come to Manayunk to dine out after work and need to grab a gift, or who are looking to shop while they are here. It’s a great feeling and I am having a lot of fun with my store,” enthused Cygan.

More Info on The Little Apple

Online Store: thelittleapple.bigcartel.com

Publisher’s Product Pick: Adorable Rose Petal Cake Servers!

Address: 4353 Main Street, Manayunk

Phone: 267-335-4968

Store Hours: Wed through Sat 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

Facebook: The Little Apple

Twitter: TheLilAppleStor

Website: www.thelittleapplestore.com

The perfect pony party!

Like any busy mom, Linda H. was late getting started on the logistics of her daughter Lily’s third birthday party. So, in a time crunch, she went to the best source of inspiration: her child. “I asked Lily one afternoon what type of birthday party she would like and she did not hesitate for a second. She turned to me and said, ‘A pony party Mommy!’ Then of course that set the stage and that is really all I needed for my creative juices to start flowing,” recalled Linda. “I think she picked ponies because we are zoo addicts, and she loves to ride the ponies there. Lily picked the color too…I showed her three horses to choose from and she picked the brown pony. Alas, pink and brown became her colors for the day!”

Linda, a Penn Valley native and Notre Dame Academy grad, moved back to the area after over two years in Montana with husband Kevin-whom she met there. Lily was born in Big Sky, a gorgeous albeit less populated place Linda and Kevin, a Mississippi native, were accustomed too. “Montana was amazingly beautiful, but we had to drive baby Lily an hour each way just to go to the pediatrician…we knew it was time to come back to the east coast,” she explained.

Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys…

Returning to her roots with her young family and reconnecting with friends and local family made Lily’s third birthday party into one kick butt country chic corral. A former creative director for a major publishing house, Linda sourced the internet for all of her party contacts, including finding AML photographer Heather Berkenstock of Belle Vie Photography. Berkenstock’s impressive online portfolio and blog sold Linda that this was the perfect photographer for the occasion. And, Berkenstock embraced the opportunity to showcase her creativity. “For Lily’s party I wanted to capture the events as they unfolded and put them together so the images could tell the story and feelings of the day. The detail shots help with the story. Lily’s mom also put so much time and effort into the ‘details’ that I wanted to capture her hard work! Afterwards, I created a fun custom coffee table album to put the whole story together for the family to treasure,” explained Berkenstock.

Mom’s Pony Party Details

Photography
Heather Berkenstock, Belle Vie Photography
www.belleviephotography.com
It all starts with Google. I Googled ‘photography + Philadelphia’ and then I just cruise, bookmarking pages that catch my eye. These days, everyone has a blog along with their portfolio, so you can also get a feel for someone’s personality, which is so important, especially with kids. Heather had a shot of her own daughter in a stable holding the reins of a horse, and I knew she was the one. I was so overwhelmed with the final photos that I actually cried watching the online slideshow and Heather got a teary voice message overflowing with gratitude!

Pony
Sandy Hill Farms; Cindy Cooper
610-275-7551
$335 for an hour (plus I tipped the young ‘guides’ who helped out with Cindy), and she usually brings a pony, bunnies and chickens. I opted out of the chickens to make things a bit less chaotic. Cindy makes things easy and even handles kids hogging the horse rides with ease. I also had a horse stamp and ink pad so that each child got a hand stamp with each ride, so we could see that things were fair. Kids love stamps!

A yummy yellow cake with chocolate butter cream icing, courtesy of Philly’s Whipped Bakeshop, was the perfect accent to the pony-themed party.

Invitations
Gladwyne Pharmacy’s Invitation Shoppe
Lynn & Naomi; 610-642-2950

Cake
Whipped Bakeshop
Fishtown
www.whippedbakeshop.com
Click here to read our full article on Whipped Bakeshop on AML!

Food & Drink
Simple. Lily loves hummus and brie and crackers and cornichon with fruit and salami and cheese, so we had a little spread, and then hot dogs and hamburgers. Mostly local, organic foods. Drinks: Pink lemonade for the kids, and beer/wine for adults.

Activities
I purchased plain organic bandanas (www.bandanaman.com), and then had a lot of fun choosing a wide range of patches (www.laughinglizards.com). I already had a huge selection of fabric pens from the past shower I threw. Kids were able to create, decorate and then take home their own beautiful, personalized bandana. This all stems from the fact that Lily’s ‘lovey’ is a simple paisley bandana (she was born in Montana, what can I say?).

“For Lily's party I wanted to capture the events as they unfolded and put them together so the images could tell the story and feelings of the day. The detail shots help with the story,” explained photographer Heather Berkenstock of Belle Vie Photography.

Details

Nametags: I found little wooden ponies at AC Moore, as well as pin backings. We wrote the children’s names on them.

Cups: Losing my drink is my party pet peeve. Wasting cups and beverages is frustrating, so I found little camping tin mugs, and we tied little nametags on them. We printed out little meal tickets as well to put in each cup so food was ‘cooked to order.’

Hats: Everyone got them upon arriving (adults, too!). These were the most expensive element to the party. But after seeing these, how could you NOT have them?

Flowers: Lily and I love Trillium in Gladwyne (www.trillium-flowers.com). We never have to spend a lot and we always walk away with something beautiful. Plus, everyone in there makes us smile. Pink peonies were perfect.

Favors
This is my favorite part of any and every event/party. I remember my mother giving away party bags at my childhood birthday events, and to me it’s really what it’s all about: “I’m happy I’m alive and celebrating another year, and I’m happy you’re here to share in celebrating.” We asked people not to bring gifts for Lily, and instead, we found pretty white pails, lined them with pink or brown bandanas, and filled them with:

• Horse ‘toob’ (tube filled with a bunch of miniature horses
• Horse stickers
• Harmonica
• Horse finger puppet
• Horse bouncing ball
• A coordinating little cupcake in its own cupcake saver (www.cupacake.com). I always want more cake after a party, don’t you?
• The kids also took home their hats and bandanas, too.

Bryn Mawr’s Verdad was the sophisticated setting for Wednesday Night Whinos’ successful launch party.

AroundMainLine.com kicked off an exciting new ladies social club, Wednesday Night Whinos, at Bryn Mawr’s Verdad on the evening of March 3rd! Over 40 ladies from our AML Facebook fan page and Twitter group came out to Verdad to connect and celebrate the launch of Whinos, enjoy wonderful tapas food and Spanish wine and win fantastic prizes.

Verdad head chef Nick Farina, formerly of Bryn Mawr’s Blush, is a good friend of the AML family. In October of 2008, AML hosted our emagazine’s launch party at Blush and have been working with Farina ever since. Verdad proved the perfect central location for the Whinos kickoff party with delicious tapas food served all night long in the bar area.

WNW is a fun, new group of ladies from across the Main Line and Delaware Valley who enjoy socializing, networking, and making new connections with other business women, moms and fun gals. Wednesday Night Whinos is free to all local women 21 and over, and is the suburban region’s first women’s club that is inclusive and welcoming to all. There are no membership fees or obligations with WNW-local ladies can attend at their convenience and leisure and keep connecting with other Whinos daily on AML’s Facebook fan page. WNW is also forming an enthusiastic local group of followers on Twitter @WedNightWhinos.

Lovely ladies and new friends converged for the exciting start of AML’s Main Line ladies social club.

AroundMainLine.com is now 18 months old and going strong! So I thought it was due time to connect with all the fantastic women that have been brought together through AML—and create an opportunity to form friendships and business connections with new friends across the Delaware Valley!

In addition to WNW, AML also is hosting regular Monday Night Meetups (open to both men and women) at various businesses across the city and suburban region. Save the date for our next Monday Night Meetup at Hob Nob Home in Wayne May 3rd. Full, fun details will be coming to AML and AML’s Facebook fan page soon.

Wednesday Night Whinos’ March Launch Party Sponsors

Belle Vie Photography
20 lucky WNW attendees received fun swag bags, valued at over $100, sponsored by Heather Berkenstock of Belle Vie Photography. A premier Main Line infant and children’s photographer, Heather’s beautiful photography is featured frequently on AML. Looking for a fantastic family, newborn, or baby photographer this spring? Contact Heather: heather@belleviephotography.com

Black Walnut Winery
Chester County’s Black Walnut Winery provided complimentary wine to the attendees. Black Walnut is located in a renovated bank barn and is a member of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Check out their website for upcoming events at the winery!

The staff of Wayne’s Salon d’ Artiste, the Main Line’s premier day spa and salon and WNW party sponsor, joined the enthusiastic group of over 40 local women who helped launch Wednesday Night Whinos.

Salon d’Artiste
AML client Salon d’Artiste offered generous raffle items for the party, including a $50 gift certificate to the salon and beauty and styling products for lucky winners. Become a fan of the salon on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @SalondArtiste—and look for their friendly staff at upcoming Wednesday Night Whinos events coming this spring!

Two Paperdolls
Two Paperdolls, located in Wayne, is a full service graphic design agency provided beautiful letterpress note cards for Wednesday Night Whinos. Two Paperdolls also designed the fun logo for WNW!

Penelope & Anastasia
Royersford resident and popular Etsy jewelry designer Pamela Wanner Kucera provided beautiful earrings from her collection, Penelope & Anastasia, for our fun WNW raffle. Click here to check out Pam’s fun Etsy shop and booming biz!

Deme
Main Line aesthetician Danielle DiJulio Casey offered $50 gift cards to the lucky winners of the gift bags. Deme, with locations in Wayne and Center City, offers aesthetic medical and dental services including dental medicine, plastic surgery, skin care, psychiatry, nutritional counseling and more.

The Little Apple
Manayunk boutique The Little Apple provided chic matchboxes and fun notepads for the bags. Stay tuned on AML for a full feature on the ‘Yunk’s hottest new retail space. And, click here to see a slideshow of the shop on AML’s Facebook fan page.

Beethoven Wraps
Wayne’s premier gift shop, thirteen years running, provided fun candies, hostess napkins and entertaining accessories to complete our chic WNW swag bags.

Wednesday Night Whinos is AML’s official ladies social club. Logo design courtesy of Two Paperdolls.

Mark your calendars Main Line ladies! AML will be hosting our next fun Whinos event at Beethoven Wraps on Wednesday, April 14th. Our next two Wednesday Night Whinos are coming up in April and May to downtown Wayne!

What: Wednesday Night Whinos in Wayne

When: April 14th, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Beethoven Wraps, Lancaster Avenue downtown Wayne

Details: Check in at Beethoven Wraps with a business card and your email address to win amazing prizes and enjoy an awesome Whinos Night Out in Wayne! Because of the overwhelming response, other Wayne shops will be staying open late to help expand the fun shopping experience. Stop in next door to Blue Horse Boutique and Finer Things, and head down to the corner to shop at Fresh Ayer.

Facebook Event: So we can plan accordingly please RSVP here on our AML Facebook WNW event page or kindly send an email to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Want to host a Wednesday Night Whinos around the Main Line or Philadelphia region? Shoot us an email at: info@aroundmainline.com

Cultivar hairpieces and bouquets are ideal for brides, bridal parties or the Main Line fashionista who wants to embrace her inner Coco Chanel. Photo courtesy of Mary Kate Timbers (kateslens.com)

Katie Reim came about the idea of using recyclable materials for hair pins and Victoriana headpieces in February 2009 while recovering from brain surgery. One year later, Reim has a clean bill of health and a successful Etsy shop. Reim is also a local artist with a line of perfectly charming illustrations of some of the Delaware Valley’s most beloved landmarks and events. I chose Cultivar, Reim’s booming accessory business on Etsy, as party of AML’s ongoing series, Etsy Phavorites. Her gorgeous clips, headbands and pins are irrestible and so SJP, I knew my AML gals will appreciate the selection!

Each piece of the Cultivar collection is constructed by hand using cleaned, recycled fabrics (mostly acquired at a Philadelphia Salvation Army) and buttons, in addition to new and reclaimed beads. Want to check out the designs in person? Look for Cultivar pieces at Manayunk’s new chic boutique, The Little Apple.

Reim designs custom bridal bouquets for approximately $125 that will never wither and can be cherished as a family heirloom.

Etsy Site: cultivar.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: In February ’09 with Cultivar-Reim was bedridden while recovering from brain surgery and started making fabric flowers on the couch to pass the time. Before she knew it, her living room was full of one-of-a-kind fabric flowers. Reim describes her thirst for creativity as “creative A.D.D.”

Company Slogan: Blooms Cultivated from Recycled Fabrics

Publisher’s Pick: So perfect for Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and beyond is ‘Picnic in the Park,’ a hairclip and brooch priced at $26.

Price Range: $8-$85 and up

Etsy Sales: 898 to date

Current Items for Sale: 91

Hometown: Originally from Maryland, Reim currently resides in Roxborough

Blooms for Brides: Katie regularly creates custom headpieces for brides and bridal parties for summer garden weddings, or for those brides looking for a funky twist on a reception hair piece. “I really enjoy working with brides; it can be a lot of fun. We also offer coordinating fabric boutonnieres, headbands for flower girls as well, you name it.” Since she is shipping around the country, Reim asks the brides to email her pictures of the dresses, floral arrangements and consults on the wedding locale and colors to construct the appropriate pieces.

Picnic in the Park, perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, is handmade with reclaimed fabrics and an antique scarf. It can be worn as a brooch or hair clip. $26

Reim’s Etsy Experience: “Etsy is a wonderful community, all the artists want to help and support each other out-as opposed to viewing each other as competition. I regularly get feedback from other sellers and advice, which has been great,” said Reim.

Giving Back: Reim gets satisfaction out of supporting the Salvation Army, stopping by weekly to find shirts, cool buttons, beads and fabrics to ‘tear up’ and ‘cultivating’ them into her one-of-kind pieces.

Kudos: Reim’s portfolio and talents can be seen on her website, katiereim.com. She boasts a 2006 Golden Addy award in illustration from the ad club of New Orleans.

Other Interests: Reim is a professional freelance illustrator (katiejeannereim.etsy.com) when she is not focusing on her other love, painting. Her whimsical interpretations of the Manayunk Bike Race and Philadelphia landmarks (Boathouse Row) are reminiscent of famed children’s illustrator Richard Scary.

Obamalot: The nation’s first lady, Michelle Obama, has been lauded for her feminine fashion sense that includes designs with floral appliqués and accents. So, Cultivar’s feminine accessories are right in step with the nation’s most prominent style figure. Last year, Mrs. Obama sported a vintage green paper maiche flower pin (on a Jason Wu canary yellow sleeveless sheath) while in Rome www.mrs-o.org. Cultivar’s one-of-a-kind cloth flower pins offer the same chic look for the Philadelphia fashionista.

A full collection of Cultivar’s designs can be found on Etsy.com at cultivar.etsy.com. Her other Etsy sites include katiejeannereim.etsy.com and a line of t-shirts, cirrusskooter.etsy.com. Katie’s professional portfolio can be viewed at katiereim.com.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

Whinos in Wayne is almost here! What to expect? An amazing night of networking at Beethoven Wraps with prizes, fab food and new friends, great shopping and tons of fun!

Wednesday Night Whinos, AML’s official Main Line ladies social club, is hosting its second event in downtown Wayne! Whinos’ April 14th evening of fun and networking will be at the popular Wayne boutique, Beethoven Wraps. For more than a decade, Wraps owner Donna Martella has offered Main Liners unique gifts and distinctive, customized gift baskets for some of the region’s most prestigious corporations. Martella’s shop is named after a beloved stuffed animal her son, Artie, now sixteen, carried around as a toddler—during the time of the popular children’s movie Beethoven.

The shop carries select table top gifts and dinnerware ideal for hostess, welcome and wedding gifts. Several popular lines include Lilly Pulitzer stationery, candles and accessories; elegant stainless serveware and flatware by Mariposa; Thymes bath, body and home products; Spartina handbags; Robeez children’s shoes and more. In addition, Beethoven Wraps has an extensive selection of gourmet foods and Souderton’s Asher’s chocolates. “I think we have something for everyone in here. We can really help our customers find a great gift for a hostess or birthday party and then customize it in a fun way with our wrapping. Every gift should have a personal touch—so we always work with that customer to find creative ways to put a present together. For my corporate clients and their gift baskets, we are really an extension of that company’s marketing and image. Presentation is really important. So, we will work with them to make the basket a collaboration of their ideas and logo and something remembered,” explained Martella.

Wayne’s Cupcakes Gourmet is a sponsor of Whinos in Wayne—with delicious cupcakes for all Whinos to enjoy!

To qualify for amazing prizes at Wednesday Night Whinos in Wayne, including an awesome grand prize, please be sure to check in at Beethoven Wraps at the beginning of your evening to sign in with your name and email address. A business card with your email address is highly preferred, but not required. The event starts at 6pm and we will welcome Whinos all night long.

Because of the overwhelming response, AML approached three other Wayne boutiques neighboring Beethoven Wraps—Blue Horse Boutique, Finer Things and Fresh Ayer. All the stores agreed to stay open late and welcome the Whinos to Wayne for a full night of shopping, networking and fun!

Prizes will be awarded all night long at Beethoven Wraps including cool, themed gift baskets and neat surprises. So we can plan accordingly, please RSVP on our AML Facebook WNW event page or kindly send an email to as soon as possible: rsvp@aroundmainline.com.

The grand prize for Whinos April event is an amazing night’s stay at Rittenhouse 1715—a posh, boutique hotel in Rittenhouse Square (valued at over $400). To qualify, you must register at the door with your name and email address (Biz cards with email addresses HIGHLY preferred to save us sign in time) at Beethoven Wraps. See you in Wayne on the 14th!

Liz Ayerle’s award-winning boutique, Fresh Ayer, with plus-sized fashion and accessories for all is one of three supporting Wayne retail shops that will welcome Whinos April 14th.

WHINOS IN WAYNE APRIL 14TH

What: Wednesday Night Whinos in Wayne’s ladies spring shopping and networking event

When: Wednesday, April 14th, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Beethoven Wraps, Lancaster Avenue downtown Wayne (www.beethovenwraps.com)

Cost: Attendees will have to sign in with an email address or provide a business card with an email address at the sign-in table at Beethoven Wraps as their ‘entry fee.’ Email address is required to enter the party headquarters at Beethoven Wraps.

The More…the Merrier!: Please feel free to bring your coworkers, friends, neighbors, sisters, mom…

RSVP on Facebook: Click here to RSVP on our Facebook fan page and for additional photos and details for Whinos in Wayne!

RSVP via email: Kindly RSVP below or via email with party size and names to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Facebook Slideshow: Click here to see gorgeous photos of Beethoven Wraps and their beautiful Main Line boutique.

Wine Sponsor: Chester County’s Black Walnut Winery (www.blackwalnutwinery.com)

Food: Catered by AML’s official catering company, John Serock Catering of Malvern (www.serockcatering.com)

Dessert: Wayne’s Cupcakes Gourmet (cupcakesgourmet.com)

Saxbys: The first 10 attendees to sign in starting at 6pm at Beethoven Wraps with their email address will win a $5 gift card good at Saxbys’ Wayne location, just a few stores down from Beethoven Wraps.

Grand Prize: One very lucky Whino will win a midsummer night’s luxurious stay at Rittenhouse 1715, an elegant boutique hotel in Philly’s tony Rittenhouse Square (valued at over $400). The grand prize will be drawn after Whinos and announced on AML’s Facebook fan page. Check out their website at rittenhouse1715.com and follow them on Facebook: Rittenhouse 1715

Details: Check in at Beethoven Wraps with a business card and/or your email address to win amazing prizes and enjoy an awesome Whinos Night Out in Wayne! Because of the overwhelming response, other Wayne shops will be staying open late to help expand the fun shopping experience. Stop in next door to Blue Horse Boutique and Finer Things, and head down to the corner to shop at Fresh Ayer!

Please note this event is strictly 21 and over, no children are permitted and this social club is for women only.

Want to host a Wednesday Night Whinos around the Main Line or Philadelphia region? Shoot us an email at: info@aroundmainline.com, we’d love to hear from you!

Fly Like an Eagle
From Robson’s personal collection, an extra large 48" vintage cast metal wall eagle, $125

Interior designer Kelly Galvin Robson has a love of everything vintage. Her prolific Etsy site is brimming with irresistibly preppy, distinguished home accents-from an old set of German framed bird prints to cocktail glasses, Vera linens, milk glass, a vintage large brass horse head door knocker, McCoy pottery and more. If you are a fan of the AMC series Mad Men (the Golden-Globe winning series which depicts the lives of a group of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the ‘60s) then you will fall in love with High Street Market’s uber-chic retro collection. “I love the Philadelphia area, and I just love the creativity here among the design community. When I worked for a very high profile interior design firm in L.A., our clients always challenged us to find these amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces. They were not interested in hiring us for a living room that ended up filled with mass produced items. Every day there was the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of discovering special items for their home,” explained Robson.

But, Robson, an Orange County native, found the scarce amount of L.A. flea markets impossible to source regularly for those perfect vintage treasures. So when she and her husband moved to Bucks County a little over a year ago, she was thrilled. “I love how easily I can go to a bunch of flea markets and antique stores in one afternoon here. It was not that convenient in L.A., they were not that prolific and just working through the traffic was nuts! The Philadelphia suburbs are a treasure trove for me as a designer.”

Robson scours suburban Philadelphia flea markets regularly for great treasures for her booming Etsy shop.

Robson’s prices are also very competitive, substantially less than a local antique store. “Keeping my price (points) at a certain level has been the key. I could raise my prices but then I would be losing my customers and not offering the great value that High Street is known for,” explained Robson. And Robson’s taste has a charming country feel-in a mod Ralph Lauren way. She emphasizes that, in the current economy, clients don’t want to take risks with home design and prefer to keep it classic. “I know what I like and I have been in this business long enough to know what will stand the test of time for a home. I do like a little bit of an edge with my home accents—classic pieces with detail, interesting color palettes, something that makes a statement,” explained Robson.

One of the best parts of High Street Market’s line is her comprehensive collection of vintage Vera table linens (not to be confused with known designer Vera Bradley) which she will be circling back into her Etsy store come spring. Vera Neumann started designing linens during World War II—and is best known for her bold table linens and striking silk scarves. Neumann was an artist turned textile designer who created a booming business with her husband and who once employed designer Perry Ellis. “I adore Vera’s line-it is so timeless. She has these bright bold colors, geometric patterns and graphic images that are so appealing.”

Large sized pink depression glass square serving bowl on a pedestal, $56

Etsy Site: highstreetmarket.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: April 28, 2008

Price Range: $18 and up

Sales on Etsy: 1,942

Current Items for Sale: 134

Blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Email: highstreetmarket@gmail.com

Hometown: Orange County, Los Angeles

Current Residence: Bucks County

Age: 27

Occupation: Interior Designer

Undergrad: American History, University of San Diego

Graduate: Interior Design, UCLA

Freelance Interior Design Consulting Business: Kelly Robson Design

The Name: Robson and her husband lived on High Street in the Lehigh Valley for a few months when they first landed on the East Coast, thus the name inspired her Etsy shop, High Street Market.

Blog Love: If you want to find some amazing design inspiration, just take some time to visit Robson’s blog, highstreetmarket.blogspot.com. From a shout out to fellow Etsians who just landed commercial deals with a Robson retail favorite Urban Outfitters, to her personal win at landing a stunning Windsor Chair at a yard sale, Kelly has created a warm and welcoming space filled with constant inspiration, whimsy and breathtaking taste.

Vintage Frog Box, $34
Robson suggests this is perfect for keeping taller items together (like q-tips in the bathroom, or business cards in the office).

Thanks for the Memories: “When I was growing up, my grandparents entertained in such style. When we would go over to their house in Orange County at Christmas, and everything was meticulously set up-the ice bucket on the wet bar, the different dishes to hold the condiments. Everything was sterling or silver plated and everyone was allowed to use them, the children included. We have these amazing wine glasses in my family that were inherited from my great grandmother; they are stunning and a family heirloom, of course. But, we use them all the time. There is never a second thought about saving them for a ‘special occasion.’ It’s something I just believe in, making use of these wonderful objects.”

L.A. Confidential: Robson hails from Los Angeles, and brings a wealth of design experience as she worked for one of the premiere interior designers, who shall remain nameless, in the city of lights. She is still retained on a consulting basis with them.

Movie Buff: “When I watch a movie, I am obsessed with the set décor. I find myself not paying attention to the storyline sometimes because I’m too enamored with the vintage wall paper or the wicker furniture on the porch! I am always looking for inspiration and paying attention to details and design.”

Robson’s Etsy Favorites:

13 Bees (“This gal used to work for Gucci, now she sells vintage clothing on Etsy.”)

Virginia Geiger Jewels (“Perfect wedding accessories!”)

Alicia Bock (“I am a huge fan of her photography.”)

The Leather Store (“Handmade leather handbags…gorgeous!”)

Dog Art Studio (“Custom dog portraits…so darn cute!”)

Publisher’s Pick: Vintage black Halls ironstone ball jug pitcher, $48

Mad Taste: Robson’s taste, although classic, is also very en vogue at the moment as the popular AMC series Mad Men has inspired a resurgence of interest in all things ‘60s. Think Sinatra in his heyday and what Ol’ Blue Eyes would be reaching for at his living room bar…come happy hour.

Future Plans: “I love having my Etsy shop, but maybe a few years down the road I would love to develop my blog into my ‘virtual’ brick and mortar store. That is what everyone is doing in L.A.; they are always on the cutting edge of what is working in business. I have customers who come to me for freelance design consultation and then buy on my Etsy shop—and they are from all over the United States. That is the new wave of commerce and the way business is headed, especially in interior design. You can’t limit yourself to a geographic region and it’s just better business not to-my customers from Etsy have been from Austin, Texas, Australia, New York City, and San Francisco. Make the world your client base! That is the beauty of Etsy…and beyond.”

A full selection of Kelly Galvin Robson’s collection can be found on her Etsy store, highstreetmarket.etsy.com. Kelly’s decorating tips and trends are available on her blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com