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Michelle Gilliss

Friday, March 29, 2013

Swag Consigment Boutique Launches New Apparel Line

A brand new line of semi-formal dresses and petite and plus sized ladies apparel will allow Swag, the teen consignment boutique, to appeal to a broader customer base, according to the owner.

Swag Consignment Boutique has announced the launch of its own exclusive boutique dress and ladies apparel line. The brand new semi-formal dresses and apparel are sized for petite through plus sizes, and are in stock in time for the spring and prom season. Store owner Kaytee Guerriero explained it was a painstaking process to find and identify high quality fabrics suitable to her boutique, located at 67 High St. in the Danvers Village, near New Danvers House of Pizza. "I was used to meeting with designers, and attending shows in person where I could see, feel and touch the clothing," she said. "Things are run a little differently now, a lot of it is handled online, so that was a challenge." She went on to say that when several items came in…

Monday, January 28, 2013

Business Spotlight

Breakfast and Sandwich Menu Planned For Maple Street's Danvers Bakery

The Danvers Bakery, in the former Saralena's Pastry space in the Square, is open and with it a breakfast and sandwich menu.

Folks in Danvers Square have another option when it comes to breakfast and lunch at the new Danvers Bakery, located at 16 Maple St. - right downtown. The bakery is in the same location as the former Saralena's Pastry, which opened nearly two years ago and was set to close due to an illness in the family. Sam Bentalha had been researching business opportunities when he heard the shop was for sale. With a background in owning and operating bakeries and restaurants, the businessman said he knew it was the right move for him, at the right time. The transfer of ownership dates to before the Thanksgiving holiday, but Bentalha admits he is still smoothing things out with the business, the menu and getting acquainted with his new town. "I know …

William Shea

1:30 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013

I echo the other writers' sentiments. Danvers needs a bakery similar to the former Blackberry--a place where you can get bakery style cookies, hermits, turnovers, cakes, brownies, etc. Cakes for Occasions is wonderful, but more of a specialty shop. There are a lot of breakfast/sandwich shops in the Square. I think you would be most successful with an emphasis on bakery goods. Wishing you much …   more ›

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Hey Danvers, What’s for Dinner?

Susan's Steak and Spinach Roll-Ups

This low calorie, low sodium dinner is high in flavor and satisfaction.

One morning in late November, I sat down with my cup of joe to peruse through my regular emails and scope out the latest Facebook status updates when I was stopped in my tracks by an astounding new photograph. You can say whatever you want, but a picture really is worth a thousand words. This particular photograph spoke volumes about health, change and transformation. It turns out my old friend, Susan Mercer, had a bet going with her son that if she committed and fulfilled an entire month of juicing to lose weight and get healthy, he would quit smoking. She threw herself into the challenge and started a  blog to share her story, diet and fitness tips and recipe suggestions, tried and true. "This is easier than you might think," she said. "…

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Business Spotlight

Title Boxing Club 'Sweat Factory' Open For New Year's Resolution Help

Owner Ken Greer offering first class free so Danvers locals can get a feel for the gym, meet trainers, and start living a more active lifestyle.

When Ken Greer accidentally clicked a button in his search of franchise opportunities, and an associate put him in touch with Title Boxing Club, he knew he had found something unique. The North Reading native currently residing Peabody is a former student of entrepreneurial studies, and had been investigating franchise options. A self described fitness nut, Greer had always lived an active lifestyle, competing in soccer and baseball as a youth, and later, as a runner. Initially, he was simply looking for a brand that had proven success, but was intrigued by the idea he could combine his business acumen with his passion for fitness; Title Boxing was a perfect fit. Ken Greer’s Title Boxing Club is located at 29 Andover St. (Route 114), in …

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Michelle Gilliss

3:22 pm on Friday, January 4, 2013

Hi, Lori- Thanks for your inquiry! The best way for you to get info about membership pricing is to contact the management directly, here is a link to their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TBCDanvers?fref=ts Title Boxing has a standing invitation to try them out free on your first visit. Thanks, again, and best wishes in the New Year!   more ›

Monday, December 10, 2012

Business Spotlight

Great Local Gift Ideas for a Yankee Swap

Check out these picks for your next Holiday Gift Exchange.

The annual gift exchange, commonly referred to as a Yankee Swap, is a popular activity during holiday parties. The rules for such an event are fairly simple, and are as follows: Each attendee brings a wrapped gift, which are grouped together in a pile. Numbers are written on scraps of paper equaling the number of guests participating, and each guest picks their number out of the hat to determine the order they will be choosing their gift. The person who chooses number one gets to go first, and so on. Once the gift is opened, the guest decides at that point whether to keep the gift, or swap it with a gift previously opened. The person with number one, obviously, is stuck with their gift being that no other gifts have been opened at this …

Maew Maewlaay

8:34 am on Friday, December 14, 2012

Awesome idea ! I also found many great idea for christmas from here http://mygiftschristmas.com   more ›

Monday, December 3, 2012

Business Spotlight

Hostess Gift Ideas For Your Holiday Gathering

Whether you plan and order ahead or need something on the fly, these local vendors have got your hostess gift covered.

We all know, the holidays do not take place during one week or one day, rather ‘tis the whole season for friends, family and festive gatherings. Holiday house parties are the perfect setting to bring people together to enjoy the spirit of the season, “to eat, drink and be merry,” and toast one another on another year well-done. When venturing out to a holiday house party, most invited guests ascribe to the theory to never attend a party empty handed. Some opt to bring a dish for the table, others a nice bottle of wine; however you choose to thank your host for your invitation to their party, your hostess gift is your way of contributing to the spirit of the event. Knowing your host or hostess is key to picking out just the right theme for …

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Hey Danvers, What’s for Dinner?

Perfect for Crunch Time: Pilgrim Pie-Oh My!

What's for Dessert? A family tradition from our table to yours, try this decadent pie at your Thanksgiving gathering.

The Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving is known in our family as crunch time. Most Thanksgiving Eve’s see my loving husband running out for those last-minute, overlooked-but-imperative ingredients. In a good year, the menu has been pre-determined, and the necessary supplies acquired. We’re hoping for a good year. Of course we have saved all of our baking for this special night: “The fresher, the better.” And with so much to do in such little time, the oven is working overtime.  Part of the fun of the holidays is keeping up treasured family traditions. Back in the day, my dad’s contribution to the Thanksgiving Day-Fest was his favorite dessert, an old family recipe: Pilgrim Pie. This delicious two-crust pie is packed with fruits and nuts…

Monday, November 12, 2012

Business Spotlight

23-Year-Old 'Art Guy' Supports Local Artists with New Business

Joe Schulte is making it easier to support local, as he combines his love for the arts with his talent for printmaking in his new Danvers business.

Calling all artists, and art enthusiasts, alike: Joe Schulte has declared, "When you call Ben Franklin, you're talking to me." ​ The 23-year-old entrepreneur and owner of the new Danvers business The Shop, at Ben Franklin Tees, is a self-described "art guy," who is committed to supporting local artists and local businesses, and encourages others to do the same. "In the same way you want your honey to come from a local farm stand, I support local," he stated. "Get local people in here buying local...it's so important to small businesses." ​ Over the past four years, Schulte has built his business steadily with help from loyal bowling and dart leagues to landscaping businesses from his hometown of Peabody, who have relied on Schulte's keen …

brad schulte

5:33 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012

Joe and his team do a great job - did all my business shirts - polos - golf bags, signs and t-shirts for a funraiser - they are so accommodating and the prices are great too - from design to finish - they even met a tough deadline for us - nice job - highly recommend these guys.. Thanks Joe   more ›

Monday, October 15, 2012

Business Spotlight

When Opportunity Knocks, Danvers Woman Buys a Gym

The Gym Downtown in Hamilton is a dream come true for a Danvers couple who followed their instincts and passion into business ownership.

Deborah McDermott is a self described fitness nut. Folks around Danvers may know the McDermott family from town sports like baseball and flag football, where dad and Danvers native Jeff helps coach his boys; or they may recognize wife Debbie, originally from Topsfield, as the Fitness Instructor at the Danvers YMCA has taught for many years, and can be seen warming up small groups during walks as part of her personal trainer vocation.  The new co-owner of The Gym Downtown in Hamilton, reflected on the path that brought her to the fitness industry. The former dancer, Masconomet Regional High School cheerleader and accomplished sprinter noted that, while sitting still is not one of her strong points, it was precisely where she found herself …

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Hey Danvers, What’s for Dinner?

Guilt-Free Chicken-Chili-In-A-Minute

Don't let dinner get sidelined just because you are. By using precooked chicken and already diced veggies, a healthy and satisfying homecooked dinner can be had in minutes.

Autumn colors are just beginning to pop in the trees, while the crisp breeze sweeps up fallen leaves, and swirls them haphazardly through the air.  These are the scenes of fall, and as much as I desire to marvel in all of Mother Nature’s bounty, I am blessed with the season’s other gifts. Yes, fall has arrived in all her glory, and with it: Flu season. “Everything's going around,” or so I hear, and even though everyone seems to have had It - it doesn’t make me feel any better. I can’t even fake it. Moms (and dads!) can’t get sick. This mantra replays over and again in my mind as I make my best effort to muddle through another day. Of course once mom is down for the count, the proverbial wheel is off the wagon. The house is a free-for-all: …

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