Chocolate Pecan Turtles

We just had our first snow of the season here in Delaware. Looks like we got about four inches overnight! This is very unusual for us as we usually have only a few light sprinkles of snow each winter, mostly in January and February.

So it is a good time to stay inside and prepare for Christmas. And one of the favorite holiday candies that is easy to make at home is Chocolate Pecan Turtles. According to Wikipedia , these candies, which are made of pecans, caramel and chocolate, were developed by candy chef "Gordy" Hooper of San Francisco, California in the early 1930s. Later they were trademarked by the Swiss multinational food company Nestlé and became one of their most successful line of candies.

There are many ways you can make Chocolate Pecan Turtles at home. You can find some easy recipes on the Web at

http://dessert-recipes.suite101.com/article.cfm/turtle_candy_recipe and http://cynthiaschmidt.com/2009/11/my-first-turtle.html

Christmas Lights

Each year my family and I make hot cocoa, load into the car, pop in some Christmas music and go "Christmas Light Looking". As with many other families we say we do it for our children, but secretly love it just as much.

While "Christmas Light Looking" come to Downtown Milford and enjoy the park and streets, all of the historic homes and businesses that are lit up for the holidays. Drive by LadyBug Shop and see that we have totally decked out the shop with lights, garland and bows! And if you have time stop by the Santa House for a visit with Santa.

Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas

The Twilight Ladybug Nightlight makes bedtime fun and helps ease children’s fear of the dark by projecting a starry night sky onto their bedroom ceiling and walls. The stars and Ladybug shell illuminate in three magical colors, emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue, all with the touch of a button, to help children sleep easier. It even has a 45 minute automatic switch off. The Twilight Ladybug features a book to locate the constellations. It requires 3AAA batteries which are included. The Twilight Ladybug is the perfect sleep companion for children of all ages!

Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with LadyBug Shop. Twilight Ladybug Nightlight is on sale today only. Take advantage of this special price. View all Special Sales.

Ladybug Love's Story - Cirque du Soleil

The ever creative Cirque du Soleil's has just come out with a new production called "Ovo" (Portuguese for egg). It's a love story in the world of insects and features a lonely ladybug. The ladybug falls in love with a fly who brings a mysterious egg into the insect world. The production is made its U.S. debut November 27th at San Francisco's AT&T Park. But the show will later travel to other U.S. cities and around the world. To find out more, visit Cirque du Soleil's website http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/default.aspx). Be sure to watch the trailer there--it is awesome! This year marks the 25th anniversary of this Montreal based performance company.

Cute Ladybug Product Design

Designer's love the shape of the ladybug and they have put it to many uses. One such design that has won its creators many awards recently is the Ladybug i-Pod/i-Phone dock and speaker system from Vestalife. This adorable creation has is both practical and beautiful. When closed for carrying it is a compact 5.4-by-5.6-inch ball that resembles an overgrown ladybug with closed wings. When you open it up, the speakers fan out, exposing the docking area, and the device looks ready to fly off. It has a unique rubberized coat of paint that helps make this two pound speaker easy for kids to carry without dropping. The Ladybug has a built-in subwoofer and digital amp, full video-out, an audio-in jack to connect other devices and a USB port for syncing your iPod with your PC. It can be operated by batteries or an AC connection. In addition to the standard colors of silver and red, the Ladybug is also available with Element Skateboard artist–designed prints. Even the website (www.vesta-life.com) is fun.

Perfect Gift for any Ladybug Lover

When searching for a gift for a friend or loved one we all try and take our time to find the perfect gift that will wow and amaze her, something unique. The perfect gift for any ladybug lover can be found at LadyBug Shop. LadyBug Shop carries over 500 unique ladybug gifts for birthdays, holidays, and just because.

Some of our favorite gifts for ladybug lovers include the

Ladybug Measuring Cups

Ladybug Salt & Pepper Shakers

Fuzzy Ladybug Slippers

Ladybug Bunting and Cap Set

Lucky Ladybug Ornament

Ladybug Mug Buddies

Ladybug Helmet Sculpture

My Friend Eebee

A few days ago I walked into the LadyBug Shop and saw that Zoe had placed one of our newest products -- the Eebee doll -- on the counter to greet customers. Beside it was a sign saying 'Hi, I'm Eebee. I'm Dan's friend.' I was delighted, because I think Eebee is the greatest toy for toddlers that I have seen recently.

I first met Eebee at the International Gift Show in New York. I was walking past the Every Baby, Inc. booth and could not help but smiling when I saw the delightful Eebee dolls that filled it. I immediately decided that Eebee would be one of our new 'Ladybug Friends' and that we needed spread the word about this great new child development toy.

Customers visiting the LadyBug Shop recently have shared my enthusiasm about Eebee. Everyone agrees that the style, color, texture and quality of the dolls are tops. But what makes Eebee really special are the accompanying line of DVDs and toys that are being developed using Eebee to help parents and infants communicate and play together.

If you want to learn more about Eebee and the early childhood development tools being created with it, you should watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4efUIpNJXKw"

Ladybug Make Up for Halloween

Halloween is a great time for fun play! Everyone is trying to find something different to make them stand out during Halloween festivities. How about adorning your face with ladybug make up! Watch this video on YouTube by Makeup by MissChevious to learn how to do this super easy ladybug make up. I love that when she closes her eyes or looks down you can really see the ladybug!

Can You Figure Out this Ladybug Puzzle?

The LadyBug Shop has a new sign! It finally arrived last week and was installed at the corner of NW Front and North Street. We think it looks great and it should attract a lot of attention. We want you to see what it looks like. But instead of just posting a picture, we have created a puzzle out of it. We thought that you would enjoy the suspense of seeing it emerge as you put the puzzle together yourself. If you would like to see what the new LadyBug Shop sign looks like, go to Jigsaw Planet, and test your skills.

If you can put the sign together in less than five minutes you are truly a Puzzle Master. Have Fun!

Ladybug Release at Museum of Discovery and Science

If you live in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area be sure to stop by the Museum of Discovery and Science Museum this weekend for their 6th Annual Ladybug Release! Here is the information from their website or visit MODS website directly.

October 23 – 25, 2009

• Ladybug Releases
  1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
  Help us release tens of thousands of ladybugs into the Museum’s backyard garden. Stop by and find out what these spotted beetles are all about! Learn about ladybug myths and folklore and how they grow and survive in the wild. Then grab a handful (or more) of ladybugs and set them free! *Note: There are plenty of ladybugs for everyone. Don’t worry, they do not bite humans.
  
• You’re Buggin’ Me
  12:30 p.m.
  During this presentation, you and your family will get up-close-and-personal with some of the creepy crawlers that call the museum home. Which bugs are dangerous? What do they eat? How many bugs are there? These questions and more will be answered as we discuss the amazing world of arthropods.
  
• Edible Bugs?!?!
  2:30 p.m.
  In many cultures throughout the world, bugs are a common source of food and energy. Learn what others around the world already know…bugs are delicious! *Note: If you have allergies to shellfish, it is recommended you not eat any bugs during this presentation. The bugs on the menu and shellfish are relatives and in the arthropod family.
  
• Fingerprint Bugs
  2:30 p.m.
  Bugs are very unique animals, just like you. But there is something humans have that bugs don’t…fingerprints. During this craft activity, we will be making fingerprint bugs. Each one of your fingerprint bugs will be just as unique as you are.

Have fun!

Every Baby Eebee's Adventures

Every Baby Eebee's Adventures is a fun, interactive way for you and your baby to learn by playing. Dan and Rhonda found Eebee at the New York Gift Show and fell in love with this cheerful toy. Eebee's DVD's are a great way to teach your baby the basics. Here is an example of Eebee's Adventures on YouTube called, It's All in Your Hands.
Visit LadyBug Shop to purchase these adorable toys and start your collection of Eebees.

Ladybug®3 Spherical Digital Video Camera System

The Ladybug®3 spherical digital video camera system is just another example of a great product inspired by ladybugs! The digital video camera system can be mounted just about any where, including the top of your car! Plus it is available in our favorite colors red and black. Visit Point Grey to view more specifics on the Ladybug3 spherical digital video camera system.

Visit www.ladybug-shop.com for other fun ladybugs!

The Ladybugs are on the move!

LadyBug Shop is moving to our new location at 23 NW Front Street. Excuse the mess when you come in for a visit. LadyBug Shop will still be open our regular hours Wednesday through Friday from 10AM-6PM and Saturday from 10AM-2PM.

Join us for our Grand Re-Opening on November 6th!

Slow Motion Ladybug Video

Have you ever seen a ladybug take off into flight? I am sure that you have. Visit this Youtube Video to watch a ladybug take off into flight in super slow motion. This video is amazing! I encourage everyone to watch it with their children!

Fun Online Turtle Game

Do you and have fun playing games online? Try this fun Turtle Gobble game with your children. Move this playful sea turtle around to try and "gobble" all of the smaller fish. Just be careful not to run into the big fish!

Turtle Trek in South Carolina

Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtles recently hatched along Hunting Island. Senior Naturalist Andy Brown of the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and other onlookers watched as more than a hundred baby Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtles hatched and made their way to the Atlantic Ocean in a moonlight sky. To go on a Turtle Trek or other fun adventure contact the Battle Creek Nature Education Society. View the entire article and fun sea turtle pictures at Southern Maryland Newspapers Online.

Very few sea turtles as babies survive. But as adults these beautiful creatures are critical to our ocean. Look at the National Geographic Sea Turtle Flag which is a wonderful picture of a beautiful sea turtle swimming.

Ladybug Loving Avon Represenative

Ladybug Lovers everywhere will be envious of this adorable Jeep Ladybug! The Ladybug Jeep is a bright red with huge black spots. The Ladybug Car is complete with Ladybug Eyelashes and Ladybug Antennae! This is by far one of the cutest ladybug cars I have seen!

If you are in the Columbus, Ohio region and "spot" Karlene in her adorable little ladybug be sure to ask her about her full collection of Avon. And if you are looking to add a little bug to your life add one of LadyBug Shop's Art for Your Car.

Ladybugs Cover Mountain

Ladybugs Cover Mountain

How many ladybugs have you ever seen in one place? The link above will lead you to a video courtesy of CNN News that shows more ladybugs than I have ever seen. So much so that the red ladybugs almost cover an entire tree!

Downtown Milford's Riverwalk Arts & Jazz Festival

Make a Ladybug Note at WishAFriend.com

Ladybug Organic Coffee Company

Have you ever heard of a ladybug latte? More ladybug lovers will rejoice after having a ladybug latte.

The Ladybug Organic Coffee Company in Portland Oregon is the place to get their signature "ladybug latte." Go behind the scenes to see how she makes the signature "Ladybug Latte" at HealthyCoffeeShop.net.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to all ladybug and turtle lovers! I thought I had seen every single ladybug thing known until last night. A friend went to a firework store in Tennessee and purchased ladybug fireworks! Using all precautions we lit the fuse and it was amazing. The little ladybug firework starting shooting red sparks and within a few seconds starting spinning and then took off just like a real ladybug! If you are in a state that sells and allows fireworks you have got to purchase the ladybug fireworks which are very inexpensive. Here is a link to ladybug fireworks if you would like to give them a try after the 4th. Have a great weekend!

If you are in the area be sure to stop by today for our LadyBug Shop Sidewalk Sale.

Winner of LadyBug Shop Giveaway

Congratulations Mary Birling!

Congratulations to Mary Birling from Wisconsin. Mary has won a free Ladybug Necklace by Kelly Colleen. Thank you to all who participated. Read LadyBug Shop Newsletters often to stay up to date on special sales, events and more!

Special Sale at LadyBug Shop on Butterfly & Ladybug Beach Towel Set

LadyBug Shop is having a special sale on the Butterfly & Ladybug Beach Towel Set. The Butterfly and Ladybug Towel Set is now only $13.99! The towel set is made from a super soft 100% cotton terry material. The bag measures approximately 12.5" by 12.5", excluding the handles! The towel measures 30" by 60" and fits nicely inside of the purse, still allowing room for a drink, sun tan lotion, sunglasses and more!!

Have fun at the beach this summer in ladybug style! Don't forget to check out other special deals at LadyBug Shop & Turtle Treasures!

From “Click” to “Click & Mortar"

Over the past few months I have held four workshops on the “click & mortar” business model for people involved in Main Street programs across the state of Delaware. (I will be doing several more of these workshops in the fall.) I also gave a presentation on eCommerce at the recent Governor’s Entreprenurs Conference. In all of these I have stressed how one might use eCommerce to develop and test an idea for a business before launching a much more expensive “brick & mortar” business. Therefore I was delighted when MSNBC broadcast a short program describing a successful example of this.

John & Lara Tusher of Seattle, Washington launched a website in 1999 to market work of designers who specialized in “Organic Modernism”. When they started their website John was still teaching and they worked from their home. They were not sure they could succeed with this type of business, and they wanted to test their abilities before giving up their job security or investing in a traditional retail business.

After successfully developing a supplier base, finding customers and building up an income stream through their website, John quit his job and the Tushers soon opened a “brick and mortar” business in downtown Seattle. John describes the running an eCommerce business and an actual retail store as a “winning combination” and “a wonderful synergy”. Watch the video to learn more about this couple’s experience in the world of “click & mortar”. And be sure to visit their website at http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Thank you for visiting www.ladybug-shop.com and www.turtle-treasures.com!

New Ladybug Bedding Sets

The new Little Ladybug Bedding Sets at LadyBug Shop are sure to add pizazz to any bedroom or nursery. The brightly colored red ladybugs on the bedding set, coordinate with the polka dots and gingham print, making your child's room the perfect fun and functional ladybug room.

The Little Ladybug 12 Piece Crib Set includes a Ladybug Crib Comforter, Ladybug Bumper, Polka Dot Fitted Sheet, Dust Ruffle, Ladybug Diaper Stacker, Toy Bag, Decorative Ladybug Pillow, 2 Ladybug Valances, Ladybug Lamp Shade, Ladybug Musical Mobile and a Ladybug Changing Pad. Complete the set with the Little Ladybug Floor Rug and Little Ladybug Wall Hangings. Also available is the Little Ladybug 6 Piece Toddler Bedding Set, Little Ladybug 4 Piece Twin Bedding Set, and the Little Ladybug 4 Piece Full Bedding Set.

Coming Soon are the Ladybug Landing Bedding Sets.

New Sea Turtle Kitchen Decor

Just added to the Turtle Treasures collection are classy and fun Sea Turtle Kitchen Decor. The Sea Turtle Dip bowl features a natural sea shell spreader. If one bowl isn't enough check out the Sea Turtle Triple Dip Bowl which features three sea turtle bowls attached. The coordinating Sea Turtle Salt and Pepper Shakers and Sea Turtle Cutting Board complete the set. Put all of these lovely sea turtle pieces in the center of a table with a light aquamarine table cloth and sea shells and you are ready to have a party!

Wedding Shower Cupcakes with Ladybugs

We have lots of lucky ladybug loving women that come into the store that are getting ready to have a baby or are getting ready to get married. So I am always on the lookout for exciting new shower ideas. These flower and ladybug cupcakes add a more sophisticated and fun touch to the party. The picture below is courtesy of Melody from Sweet and Saucy Shop. View her step by step instructions here, or if you live in the California area give her a call to make them for your next big ladybug event!

Downtown Milford Attractions

While visiting LadyBug Shop in Downtown Milford be sure to look at the local attractions including a Museum, Library, Riverwalk, shopping and more! View a few of the photos below:

Photos Of Downtown Milford

View more presentations from DanBond.

Fun Online Ladybug Game

I found a really fun & free Online Ladybug Game courtesy of thepixelcastle.com. There is a short advertisement but then you can click, "Skip this Advertisement" and start collecting flowers! Just be sure to avoid the bad bugs or your health will decrease. The more flowers you collect the higher level you can advance to.

Have fun!

Winner of Mom's Best Award

The Ladybug Children's Closet Dividers by SugarBooger are the recipients of Mom's Best Award. These functional closet dividers can be used to separate clothing by type, size or days of the week. Other new items from Sugar Booger include the Ladybug Daytripper Tote Bag, Ladybug Changing Set, and Ladybug Shower Cap.

The Ladybug Day Tripper Tote Bag is sized right for daily use as a diaper bag, errand tote, small travel bag or even a daily carry purse.

Ladybug Release

Now is the time to start thinking of ways to attract ladybugs to your garden. Remember the most important way to keep ladybugs in your garden is to make sure they have plenty of food! By planning which types of flowers and herbs to grow in your garden you can be sure your ladybugs have enough to eat.

Some of the flowers and herbs that attract ladybugs include, fennel, dill, cilantro, caraway, angelica, tansy, wild carrot, yarrow, cosmos, scented geraniums, tulips, lilies and dandelions.

If you still have difficulty attracting ladybugs you can always purchase a few to start your garden. A great source is Ladies in Red. Make sure to properly release the ladybugs to keep them around for a long time.


Join Nancy Chirdon President of the Delaware Herb Growers Association for a Ladybug Release at 11:15 during the Bug and Bud Festival. Learn fun facts about ladybugs, how to release them and then have fun introducing the ladybugs to their new home!
Be sure to check out all of LadyBug Shop's New Ladybug Garden decor, including a Ladybug Water Sprinkler, Ladybug Goofy Garden Pot Feet, and more!

Ladybug Coloring Contest Winners

Thank you for all of the wonderful ladybug drawings. There were so many Ladybug Coloring Contest entries we couldn't choose just one! So here are our Top 10 favorite Ladybug Pictures:

Samantha Age 3 from North Carolina

Amanda Age 6 from Delaware

Lili Age 10 from Georgia

Rebekah Age 10 from Iowa

Amelia Age 8 from Indiana

Courtlynne Age 9 from Nevada

Lara Age 8 from Indiana

Allison Age 7 from Delaware

Amanda Age 11 from Iowa

Lillian Age 8 from Delaware


Each of these children will receive a free Ladybug Doodle Bug Drawing Pad. Start looking for it in the mail if you are one of the lucky ladybug participants featured above. Delaware residents must come into the shop to pick up their Doodle Bug Drawing Pad. Thank you very much for each persons wonderful effort! We had so much fun and hope you had just as much fun creating these wonderful pieces of ladybug artwork.