Born and raised in the great state of Delaware, here you can find some local merchants in and around our Small Wonder.  Enjoy tax free shopping with some of our finest retailers!  For more information on any of the listings or to have your business highlighted, please email me at DomesticConsultants@gmail.com.

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Salon 828

Salon 828, conveniently located in downtown Wilmington, has to be one of Delaware’s best kept secrets…maybe. You see, the salon is always buzzing with happy staff and content customers, but there isn’t an air about it that would have you thinking you’re in one of the State’s top salons. You know the type I’m talking about, right? The trendiest, most talked about salons that seem to make it deliberately difficult to get an appointment (even though it’s not even crowded when you arrive) and the staff and most of the customers both seem a little stuck up. The kind of place you feel like you need to fix your hair, make up and put on a club outfit to fit in? Well, Salon 828 proves you can be popular, up with the latest trends, but still be a place that provides a relaxing, down to earth atmosphere.

Don’t just take my word for it either, Salon 828 was named by Elle Magazine as one of the Top 100 Salons in the country! They offer a variety of services from Hair Care (each cut and style start off with a customized Kerastase Shampoo & Conditioning, scalp massage and consultation before your cut), Coloring, Treatments, Nails, Skin Care and Massages. Their prices are competitive with other area salons, but I can honestly say since switching to Salon 828, my hair hasn’t been healthier. I attribute that to the Kerastase products which I’ve only encountered here.

Back to the Salon itself. As mentioned, Salon 828 provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The salon’s design is clean, crisp and chic. They’re classy without being pretentious. They’re trendy without being snotty. They’re basically just fabulous.

I was introduced to Salon 828 through my longtime friend and stylist, Blake McNemar, who joined the salon this past Spring. Truth be told, I was glad she was hired by Salon 828 because Blake is both classy and trendy yet unpretentious, yet her last salon unfortunately was not. Blake is a master at her trade, and I’d follow her anywhere though… but what a relief she ended up at Salon 828! She does a fabulous job with color (I’ve had partial and full foils as well as single process colors), and is the only stylist I have ever had who can cut my curly hair into a manageable hairstyle. The difference, aside from atmosphere, that I’ve noticed since coming to the Salon 828, is that my hair is so much softer after the Kerastasen treatment. Having curly hair, dryness has always been an issue, especially after a coloring, but not anymore! Not only has the color turned out fabulous, but the shine and smoothness stays even after I wash and style at home. Owner, Holly Grist, was also kind enough to send some Kerastasen shampoo samples home and they have made such a difference especially this summer with exposure to the sun, pools and beach.

Aside from the great samples Holly sent home with me, I also have liked the Salon 828 Facebook page and began following her blog. She recently posted about six items that should be in your beach bag (and inspired the purchase of a fabulous sun hat). It’s the free expert advice of Holly and also gives some staff picks for favorite products that have also contributed to my better than ever hair. Pretty soon, I’m not going to be able to poke fun at myself about my hair at all…although, that would make the salon more like magical. There’s only so much nurture a salon can provide against all that nature and genetics put into it.

You can have a well designed salon, the best products, but without good people you’d have nothing. Holly, who is actually also an alumni at my Alma Mater, is not only warm, welcoming and funny, but she’s done a fabulous job of putting together a great staff. She has always been on site when I’ve visited, and you can see her passion for creating such a wonderful salon in every detail from the decor, to her staff, to the little extras, and the way she speaks to customers. I promise you’ll feel at home even on your first visit.

Aside from my healthier hair, I’ve also experienced several other services. Andrea Deppen was kind enough to do my makeup for the Real Charitable Housewives of Delaware’s Red Cross event in May. Despite a late night and early start that day, and feeling like the only thing that would help me would be a brown paper bag, Andrea did a great job with the makeup and made me feel Diva-esque. It felt really natural, lasted for the entire event, and several people commented on how my eye makeup looked fabulous. Did I mention Blake did my hair for the event too? It was awesome! Here’s a picture of Blake, Holly and I at the event courtesy of Amber Shader Photography:

Feeling totally relaxed from the laid back atmosphere and at ease with all of the staff I even waxed my Tom Selleck style mustache for the first time ever. Rebecca, who was kind enough to do my waxing, didn’t even laugh at my man-stache and I am actually looking forward to having it done again my next visit!

I’m looking forward to my next visit to the salon, and the next time I’m in a wedding party I’m totally suggesting we do a girl’s day in at the spa! All I need is a reason for some massages, a plush robe, and some champagne perhaps? I can’t think of a better place in Wilmington to relax, unwind and enjoy some pampering. Here’s a look at part of the Spa area:

So whether you need a hair cut, your nails done, some skin care or are looking to go all out with a day at the spa, I hope you’ll check out Salon 828…don’t forget to tell them that I sent you!

For more information visit the Salon 828 website and find them on Facebook for exclusive deals!  Book your appointment (ask for Blake!) at 302-622-8288.  You can also contact Holly at Holly@Salon828.com

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Amber Shader Photography

I am fortunate enough to have a former classmate and friend who was willing to share her talent and art with me (and all of you). Amber Shader, of Amber Shader Photography, came to my home a month or so ago and helped me take my vision of the “domestic diva” from a picture in my mind and make it something that I can now share with all of you. If Amber had any hesitation about my anything but “normal” request for a retro “domestic diva” photo shoot, she certainly didn’t share it with me. Not only did she capture some great “domestic diva” pictures, but also captured some great moments getting ready, even before the shoot. Her obvious ease behind the camera helped not just me, but also my three kids (not easily captured on film) relax and really enjoy the day. The result was more than I can put into words, so I’ll share some of the photos below.

First, though, let me just tell you that Amber does way more than crazy retro shoots for former classmates, but also everything from weddings, couples and engagements, pets, photo art, seniors, maternity, infant, children and more! You can view some sample of her work online, or if you live in the Wilmington, Delaware area you can check out her work during the Wilmington Art Loop where she is a featured artist. Her website address is http://www.ambershaderphotography.com/, and I also suggest following her on Facebook to stay informed about specials and promotions as well as being the first to see some of her fabulous photos http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Shader-Photography/124135457625866?v=wall&ref=ts .

A Special thanks also to Blake Mcnemar of Salon 828 in Wilmington, DE. Her unbelievable hair and make up talent transformed me into the fabulous domestic diva I knew was in here somewhere. You can book with Blake yourself by calling 302-622-8288. She’s been doing my “normal” hair cuts and colors now for several years, and I’d recommend her to anyone. She’s fabulous! I’d also like to thank several of our Sponsors for providing the Domestic Diva attire for the day! Daddy-O’s was kind enough to provide the Stop Staring Chelsea Polka Dot Dress, the Dorothy Apron was provided by Carolyn’s Kitchen, the Ester William’s bathing suit from Unique Vintage, and the Nora Retro Apron and matching Red Dot Hair Snug provided by BellaPamella. Your wonderful apparel was pivotal in making the Domestic Diva dream a reality!

Now, here are some of the fabulous photos provided by Amber Shader Photography:

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