WHIMSY

Some of country’s brightest stars were out in force last night as Dierks Bentley, Jimmy Wayne and Grammy Award-winning artist Brad Paisley hit the stage in Harrington, Delaware to deliver a spectacular show! Paisley, best know for his chart topping singles like “Two People Fell in Love,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Wrapped Around” and “I Wish You’d Stay” has a unique style that crosses between traditional country and pop-rock, and his appealing lyrics are often laced with humor.

After the show, Brad, Jimmy and Dierks all received gift baskets filled with fabulous local products and services. I am personally hoping that Brad gives the Whimsy ring I included to his lovely wife Kimberly Williams. If you are reading Kimberly, I picked the colors out especially with you in mind!

–Susan

Jeff Dunham is one of my favorite comedians. So when we had the opportunity to put together a locally-themed gift basket for his show at the Delaware State Fair, we jumped at the chance!

I’ve never seen Jeff live, only on television or You Tube, and I have to say, you really must see his show in person if you can. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder in my life. Actually, I know I’ve never laughed harder!

After the show, I was escorted backstage for a short “meet and greet.” Both Jeff and Brian Haner (aka The Guitar Guy) were there. They were so gracious and welcoming… and yes, they are as funny off stage and on! They were also thrilled with the local products which included:

WHIMSY™

Jewelry line created by nationally acclaimed, Delaware-based designer R. Craig Whitten. A WHIMSY™ ring is an interchangeable bead ring crafted of reclaimed sterling silver. Also included were several Murano glass bead to transform the ring’s look. www.WhimsyWorldwide.com 

Winterthur Museum and Gardens

Authorized story of the founding of America’s premiere museum and the country’s largest collection of American antiques by the DuPont family dynasty. Minimum of six passes (or more) to the annual Point-to-Point Steeplechase as well as six passes (or more) to the exclusive Jockey Club luncheon.

 http://www.winterthur.org/

Currie Salon and Day Spa

Four salons and spas of distinctive design, each staffed by professionals with an unwavering commitment to service and detail. For over 30 years in business, the name Randy Currie has been synonymous with professionalism, creativity and leadership in the salon industry worldwide. Currie was named the “Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year Global Salon Business

Awards” in both 2004-05 and 2006-07. Products included exclusive hair care products, and customized spa day for men or women. http://www.curriedayspa.com/

You’ve Been Sentenced!

Featured on The Tonight Show, Today, and in numerous national publications, Delaware’s newest game is seriously hilarious. In addition to the original game, there were several “add-on” decks or specialty-themed decks (Sports, Sci-Fi, Cuisine, etc.) including a Pop Culture deck. www.McNeillDesigns.com

Pike Creek Coffee

Without question, Delaware’s best coffee! Award-winning coffees include Pike Creek Coffee’s exclusive blends: Greenville Blend, Organic Bolivian, Jamaican Me Crazy, Bananas Foster, Morning Foglifter, Organic Mexican Decaf. www.pikecreekcoffee.com

Autographed copy Saratoga Days: A Look Inside Racing’s Greatest Meet, by Sean Clancy

Local author Sean Clancy is a racing legend. During his career as a jockey he won a total of 152 races over the course of 13 years and a national championship in 1998. He was also the 10th highest winner of all time upon his retirement in 2000. In addition to his books, Sean is a contributor for the Daily Racing Form, The Blood-Horse, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred and Newsweek among others. http://www.seanclancybloodstock.com/cms/

Delaware Today Magazine

2009-2010 Ultimate Guide to Delaware. Produced by Delaware Today, the definitive authority on the best the state has to offer – from people to places to products and services. www.delawaretoday.com

–Susan

We received a fabulous visit yesterday during the Trollbead Trunk Show from the newly crowned Miss Delaware, Heather Lehman. She is every bit as lovely as she looks on TV and super nice too!

Heather Lehman, our new Miss Delaware

shows off her brand new Whimsy ring.

The 2009 Miss Delaware Pageant was held this past weekend and it couldn’t have been more fun! As a longtime sponsor of the event, Craig and Cindy Whitten once again gifted the very deserving Community Service Award winners and of course, the new Miss Delaware herself — Heather Lehman!

Craig and Cindy Whitten present Susan Powell,

Miss America 1981 with her new Whimsy ring.

Every year the Miss Delaware family is entertained and enchanted by pageant emcee Susan Powell, Miss America 1981. Exactly 5 minutes after meeting Susan it is immediately apparent how she won the coveted Miss America title. Beautiful, talented, personable – did I mention beautiful?—she is the embodiment of everything a titleholder should be. To show their appreciation, this year Craig and Cindy presented Susan with her very own Whimsy ring – a perfect gift because after all, what pageant girl doesn’t love something sparkly?

Craig and Cindy Whitten met the reigning Miss America

Katie Stam at the event.

This year’s event was extra special because the reigning Miss America, the lovely Katie Stam was in attendance. Meeting Katie was a thrill for everyone!

The always lovely Galen Giaccone, Miss Delaware 2008, made an appearance at the Whitten’s flagship retail location not too long ago for a promotional event — and she made quite an impression! Gracious and effervescent, she charmed our staff and customers alike.

Of course, beauty queens and sparkling jewelry are a natural combination. Our relationship with the Miss Delaware state pageant, however, did not begin with the reigning queen. Nationally acclaimed jewelry designer and president of Whitten’s retail operations, Craig Whitten has been associated with the organization since 1996 in a number of capacities, including as a corporate sponsor.

As we look forward to the Miss Delaware Pageant, slated for June 11, 12 and 13 in Dover, Delaware, I wonder who will be lucky enough to take Galen’s place as our state representative to the Miss America Pageant? Whoever she is, she will have some big shoes to fill. We wish Galen the best of luck in all of her future endeavors!

–Susan

The rain couldn’t dampen our spirits as we attended the Winterthur Museum and Garden’s 31^st annual Point-to-Point Steeplechase on Sunday.

The event is the premier “see-and-be-seen” event in the state and is marked by a world-class steeplechase, an antique carriage parade, exhibition by the Rolls Royce Club, and over-the-top tailgate picnics (think ice sculptures, caviar and champagne). Of course, the highlight of my day is always the ongoing “fashion show.” Point-to-Point tradition dictates that the ladies wear Ascot worthy hats, flowery dresses, and jaw dropping baubles. Gloves are not out of place.

In the afternoon, we caught up with model, actress, and self-proclaimed jewelry fanatic Vincenza Carrieri-Russo, who absolutely loves her new ring by Whimsy!

–Susan

http://www.winterthur.org/calendar/point_to_point.asp