Tuesday, August 19, 2014


Hello Everyone –

 

Last weekend we took a road trip to Sarasota – it was about an hour away. Our intent was to see the city – visit some shops and get some ideas. And boy did we !!! We found a few shops that we decided to emulate. By doing this it would mean that we would have to bring in some local artists, increase the quality of our product lines and fine some new inventory that would help take us to the next level. Unfortunately or Fortunately – however you want to look at it, we’re going to have to decrease the inventory we have now so that – 1. we’re able to utilize our valuable retail space 2. turn our shop into something more then a “kids shop” 3. attract a high clientele.

 

Yes, it is wonderful when people walk into the shop and say “What a cute shop” or “you have such cute things” but it hit home when we had a customer come in and say “Oh – you’re a kids shop”. Out goal was, and is still, to be a gift store that carries items for the Garden, the Home, Jewelry, and items for Adults and for Children.  It made us take a look at the product lines that we have and the length of time that they’ve been hanging around. So – we took out our BIG RED MARKER and started to pick and chose which vendors could stay and which ones had to go. If you look on our website you’ll find that we’ve slashed prices on 10 different product lines and plan to discontinue the lines all together. YES, we’ll still have items for Children, just not so much. AND, hopefully some better items, ones that will give the shop a NEW and FRESH LOOK.

 

So Ladybug, Turtle and Frog lovers – stay tuned !!! New things are coming.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

GRAND OPENING !!

GRAND OPENING
AUG 1 - 2 AND 3RD


Hello Everyone,


YES !! We're finally able to tell you that our GRAND OPENING is Aug 1, 2, and 3rd. We're taking the weekend by storm, with Hot Dogs, Beverages, Prizes and Fantastic Sales. If you're in the area, stop by - if you're looking online - keep your eye out for some great sales.


And speaking of sales - we've decided to try something new - we're going to offer different sales for different areas of advertisement - this way we'll be able to find out where all of our sales are coming from and really concentrate of bringing the other areas up and increasing the sales for those that are seriously interested. Having said that - please pay special attention to the wording and the need to place your code words in the "note section" of your order. AND - if you're having trouble you're always able to give us a call and we'll help you over the phone (727.914.3990).


Also - it is important that you read the entry ad and the details/requirements that go with. For example - we recently offered free shipping on all orders over $65 - we had only one requirement - your order had to reach $65 before the shipping costs and after all discounts had been placed. So a little math may be necessary on your part people. =) But for FREE SHIPPING - it was worth it.


Just one more note - because Florida has sales tax and Delaware does not - you'll soon see that sales tax will be added to your orders online and over the phone. Sorry - but you know that line about dying and paying taxes. =) It didn't start here so don't shoot the messenger !!


Thanks again for all of your support - and encouragement with this move. The transition wasn't as flawless as we'd hoped but we're back on track and now better than ever.


Be lucky and well,


Christopher and David


As always - mention this blog and we'll give you an extra 10% off your entire order - not including shipping but on top of any other discount.



Thursday, May 29, 2014

Subscribe or Unsubscribe - plus and update !

Hello Everyone - just a few house keeping items. We're again trying to clean up our mailing list. If you're no longer interested in receiving emails from us - PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE - if you know of anyone who is as interested in ladybugs, turtles and frogs as you - Please mention our website, newsletter and blog to them.


As you know - we just started working on the new shop space, checkout our facebook and twitter pages for photos. Things are looking like we'll be able to open soon. And it will no doubt be a work in progress, but finished enough to open.


Below are some educational facts about ladybugs that we found online. Read and enjoy.


As always, mention this blog and its contents and we'll give you 10% off your next  purchase, this is addition to any items already on sale. This does not however include shipping costs.


Hope to hear from you soon!


Be lucky,


Christopher and David


Identifying Features
Appearance (Morphology)
  • Adult oval, convex and brightly colored.
  • Head is small and turned downward.
  • Nearly hemispherical in shape, like 1/2 of a pea.
  • Short legs .
  • The convergent Ladybug has 6 black spots on each wing.
Immatures (different stages)
Eggs are yellow and laid in small clusters often stuck to leaves. The eggs hatch after one week. The larvae have six legs and are very mobile, but do not have wings. They are black with small orange or white markings. The larvae molt three times before pupating. Attached to leaves, stems or rocks, the pupa is orange and black. Before the wings harden, the newly emerged adult is yellow.
Natural History Food
Both beetle larvae and adults are active predators eating only aphids and other plant eating insects, such as scales and mites. Habitat
Both adults and larvae live on plants frequented by aphids, including roses, oleander, milkweed and broccoli. In the winter, the adults hibernate in large groups, often in mountains at high elevations. The female beetle lays eggs only where she knows aphids are present. Predators
Larvae are eaten by lacewing larvae. Birds attempt to eat adults but because of their "bad taste" the beetles are not ingested. Interesting Behaviors
As a defense, ladybug adults will fall to the ground and "play dead." They also can secrete an amber bad tasting fluid from the joints in their legs. Impact on the Ecosystem Positive
Larval stage consumes large numbers of aphids. Adults also eat aphids. Negative
Two injurious agricultural species are the squash beetle and the Mexican bean beetle which eat plants instead of other insects. Collecting Live Insects Where to find
In the spring, ladybird beetles and larvae are common on any plant with aphids or scale insects. Home vegetable and flower gardens that are organic or where no insecticides have been used may be a good place to look. Adults and larvae can be purchased from: Carolina Biological Supply Company, ARBICO, Science Kit and Boreal Laboratories, Ward's Biology. How to collect
Use old pill bottles or small containers to gather the beetles or larvae. Hold the container below the insect and tap it into the container. If necessary, use an insect net to guard against the adults flying away. You can try to catch them as they fly away or swing the net by the plant to capture the insect. This method will rip leaves off the plant. Place a piece of paper towel or a leaf in the container for transport to give them something to hold on to. Also, leaves with aphids can be collected so that predation can be observed later.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

GREAT NEWS - A New Store for the Ladybug Shop !


HOW THE LADYBUG GOT ITS NAME:

Legends vary about how the Ladybug came to be named, but the most common (and enduring) is this:   In Europe, during the Middle Ages, swarms of insects were destroying the crops.  The farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help.  Soon thereafter the Ladybugs came, devouring the plant-destroying pests and saving the crops!  The farmers called these beautiful insects "The Beetles of Our Lady", and - over time - they eventually became popularly known as "Lady Beetles".  The red wings were said to represent the Virgin's cloak and the black spots were symbolic of both her joys and her sorrows.

GREAT NEWS !! This morning we signed a lease on a new store location here in Madeira Beach, FL. Luckily it’s about 6 blocks away on Gulf Blvd – so within walking distance. There is some work to be done to the place and we have to Ladybug and Turtle it up, not to mention David and Christopher it up, but we hope to open as early as June 16th, but will obviously keep you posted.

In our new space we found an informational flyer about the Virgin Mary. Which is why we opened with the story that connects the Ladybug and the Virgin Mary together. Big smiles, we’re hoping that this is a sign and will bring us good luck and much success.  

Before and after pictures will be coming soon and most likely posted on Facebook and Twitter so check us out.

As always, mention this blog and it’s contents in the note section of your order and we’ll give you an additional 10% off your entire order (not including shipping).

Be lucky,

Christopher and David

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Hitting the road running !


Hello Everyone –

As you know we’re here in Madeira Beach, FL – we’re continuing to look for a new location for the store. Hopefully somewhere down by the beach. But until then we’ve decided to try our luck at one of the local Flea Markets. So if you’re in the area and would like to stop in and say hello, please do. We’ll be at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market on Park Blvd in Seminole. Our booth number is I-46 – seriously – we would enjoy meeting you.

Be Lucky,

Christopher and David

727.290.9680



As always – mention this blog and it’s contents and we’ll give you an additional 10% OFF your order.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

We made it !!!


Hello Ladybugs and Turtles from Sunny Florida!

A brief update to bring everyone up to speed….

We have successfully made the move to Florida. We’ve hit the ground running and are in the process of securing a retail space to begin our new adventure.  Our hope is to stay close to the water in the Madeira Beach area, to expand our product lines and change our overall look which includes a new logo. We are planning on partnering with local sea life organizations to enhance our Turtle Treasures line.  We are excited and looking forward to this opportunity.  Further details forthcoming.

We would like to thank all you loyal customers and followers for your understanding and patience during this transitional growth.  In addition to all of you, we are really looking forward to making new friends down here as well as finding more ladybug and turtle lovers alike. 

Please continue to receive our newsletter to find great offers.  As usual, mention this blog in the notes of your orders and receive an additional 10% off your entire order.

Be lucky!

Christopher & David

Please take note of our new email address and telephone number

727.290.9680

Fun Ladybug Game