LadyBug Shop - A unique collection of ladybug gifts & much more!

New Life and Happy Christmas !

2016-12-14T15:53:00.003-05:00

David and I are trying to breathe new life into the little shop. WE're hoping to find a new location to put the Ladybug Shop. But for now everything will continue to be online.

To that end, we have added a few new products that we hope you enjoy. We are pretty excited about them. To view the entire line, just type in V300 in the search window of our website - www.ladybug-shop.com. Once you do it will popular all of the new products.

Now to help this and the breathe that new life that I was talking about we are posting more on social media - putting out a new newsletter and searching for some new items. We are also hoping that our friends and family will help us get the message out by re-sharing and re-posting. Even you - our loyal customers could do your part and help spread the word and share our posts. You'll have our appreciation and gratitude - lol - and you might also get a discount to go along with it.

Thanks again for stopping by.

The holiday season is slowly coming upon us !

2016-08-31T12:37:00.000-04:00

Hey Ladybug Lovers - It's gone fast.

The summer has officially come to an end. It's time to start thinking about the Fall as well as that all powerful holiday season. Christmas my ladybug lovers is right around the corner. To that end we are started to place specific items on sale so that you can take advantage of some good deals.

First up -

Messengers - are a great way to tell someone exactly how you feel, make their day or inspire them. Take a moment and look on our website. Simply place V261 - in the search window and you'll find all the messengers that we have available.

Jewelry - is always a special gift and something that everyone loves to get. This line from Bamboo is an elegant and tasteful gift for ladybug lovers of all ages. Simply place V241 - in the search window on our website and you'll be taken to lovely group of ladybug and turtle jewelry.

Ties - what man doesn't need a tie. And now we have turtle ties that will suit just about anyone. Take a look at all that we have to offer by placing V239 - in the search window on our website.

Wine glasses - Ladybug of the house wine glasses are a unique gift for that hard to buy for ladybug lover.

Ladybug bowls - are perfect for holiday candies and even a place to keep your keys - which is what we do.

Mention this blog post in the note section of your order and we'll give you an extra 20% off your purchase - not including shipping. Only those that mention this blog will receive the discount.

Order more than $75, after all discounts and we'll pay your regular shipping costs. Anything above the normal shipping cost will be your responsibility. Most generally this safe guards us with oversea's purchases.

Thanks for stopping by

Christopher and David.

Catch the bug and be lucky !

2016-06-29T14:09:00.002-04:00

Catch the bug and be lucky !

The process has begun with marking down NON-ladybug and turtle items. We're hoping that you're looking at some of the options and considering them as gift items. We are using this blog today to point some items out for you.

Thank you in advance for catching the bug and we hope to hear from you soon.

Item of the week - just $10

Lilly the Ladybug was $20 and is now just $10 - use the link below to start your order now.

http://www.ladybug-shop.com/Lilly-Ladybug/

This cute plush ladybug is named "Lilly." She measures approximately thirteen inches long. "Lilly" is so soft that you will not want to put her down. In case she gets dirty you can surface wash her and let her dry, so that your little ladybug can carry her everywhere! Lilly is red and back, with blck antenna, embroidered mouth and shiny back eyes.

Dichroic Glass Ladybug Necklace

Now 20% Off - until July 15th.

This truly beautiful pink dichroic glass ladybug necklace is designed by 3 escargots. They use dichroic glass which was developed by NASA as a protective coating. It has an uncanny quality to capture and reflect a rainbow of colors. The necklace comes with a chain that measures 18" - 19 1/2". Matching earrings also available

Ladybug French Earrings For All Ages

Now 50% Off

Regular price $12 and now just $6.

These ladybug - french style - earrings are the perfect gift for ladybug lovers of all ages. Maybe even for yourself.

Lady's Frog Bracelet

Now 50% OFF

Regular price was $15 and now just $7.50

This Frog Magnetic Bracelet is a lovely addtion to your themed jewelry box. The line of decorative green frogs are trimmed in silver.

Frog Windchime

Now 50% OFF

Regular price was $13 and now just $6.50.

This Frog Bell Chime has a whimsical hook as well as a Frog design. The bell at the bottom just finishes off the entire look to make this Frog Bell Chime the perfect addition to any garden.

We're looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Catch the bug and be lucky !

Christopher and David

Time to rebuild - catch the bug and fly !

2016-06-09T13:14:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone -

Over the last couple of years we, David and Christopher, have tried to revamp the Ladybug Shop in a few ways. Adding new product ideas and expanding the product choices to more than just the ladybug, with more turtle, frog and butterfly items. Needless to say, it didn’t work. The additional product choices were of no interest to our loyal ladybug customers. So, like any person, home, or business. When something isn’t working, you change it, possibly getting back to basics and reverting to a process that did work or opting for another progressive idea.

We’re doing just that. Since we are the Ladybug Shop, we will now be selling only ladybug items, with a few turtle exceptions. Having said that, you’ll start to see many of our ladybug friend items with deeper prices cuts on the website. Our hope is to sell these items off and put the funds toward filling our stock room with new ladybug items as well as bulking up on popular items and items that have been out of stock for some time.

We will also be venturing out to create a stronger social media statement, create a better newsletter, makes some changes to our website and most importantly, develop a better relationship with our customers.

In the past most of our customers have been somewhat – one time shoppers – we’re hoping to change that by touching you more times. Sending you additional sales information – touching base with you via email – asking for your input on ways to expanding our product base and offering you additional sales codes in your purchase packages.

We currently do our best to provide you with good customer service – we will now be offering you AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE – we will be calling or emailing you, letting you know when to expect your purchases, offering you additional sales codes and asking you what you would like to see on our website. We want to hear from you. We want to get to know you and for you to get to know us.

So, Ladybug Lovers, let’s all get ready to catch the bug and fly !

Thanks again,

Christopher and David

As always, thank you for stopping by, and supporting us. As a way of thanks, mention this blog in the note section of your order and we’ll give you an additional 10% off on your already discounted sale. This discount does not include shipping charges.

All discounts will be taken in house and you will be called with your new purchase price.

Ladybugs, Turtles, Butterflies and Frogs, Oh My!

2015-09-16T11:24:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone -

Just to jump into it. Last year we started to offer Butterflies and Frogs, along with our typcial Ladybugs and Turtles. For some reason they didn't seem to go well. We, added the items to the website, placed them in our newsletter and on all of our social media locations. It didn't seem enough, there just wasn't that much interest. Which surprised us. We had had several customers and followers ask for just these items. So, after some soul searching, we decided to stop ordering the items, mark them down and cut our losses.

But then it came to us. Maybe the reason why we didn't get the bites that we thought we would is because, well frankly, you're all Ladybug lovers. To that end, we thought that we would give the Butterflies and Frogs just one more chance and start to change the focus. The idea is to give each their own landing page, blogs and newsletters. It's going to be some extra work, but we're hoping that it will be worth it. So - in the next few days, look for some added requests to follow the other pages and take a moment to look at the new lines.

Have a GREAT day everyone - and as always, mention this Blog and we'll give you an extra 20% off your entire purchase. All adjustments will be made in house so don't be alarmed when you don't see the discount. Just make sure you use the note section to mention this post.

Be well,

Christopher and David

Back to Basics and Fundamentals

2015-05-05T12:21:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone –

Well the Ladybug Shop is in transition. We gave the shop on Madeira Way a good try, but the customers just weren’t there. The walk-in traffic was fantastic – the buyers not so much. AND – our landlord played a little “I’m going to raise your rent $200’s” game with us – soooooooo – we’ve decided that the Ladybug Shop needs to just rely on its online customers for a while. It’s best all around – and you have to come to a point when you say to yourself, “this just isn’t working” and pull back for a bit. Not forever – just a bit. Besides - $200 extra a month is a big sticker to meet. So we’ll be concentrating on getting back to basics and fundamentals online – really focusing on Facebook – Twitter and Linkedin. Trying to upgrade the website – be more consistent with the blogs and newsletters. And develop the relationships we have there and hopefully build new.

Speaking of getting back to basics – we also have decided that, as much as we enjoy the frogs and butterflies – they just didn’t do as well as we’d hoped. Which means that we’re marking them all down and will now only be offering ladybug and turtle items on our website. Make sure you visit www.ladybug-shop.com to check out the items that we’re discontinuing.

Now – with these new changes we’ll be able to really focus on fulfilling some of the goals that we placed on ourselves at the first of the year. We wanted to create some specific art for the shop as well as write a book series and we wanted to upgrade the website – possibly creating an app. We’ve been so busy chasing our tails that we haven’t had time to even start those projects. The hope is that now that we’ve downsized – the time and inspiration will come. Wish us luck. =)

Well – that’s all for now. We hope that you’re all well !

Christopher and David

As always – if you mention this blog post in the note section of your order we’ll give you an additional 10% off your purchase – not including shipping yet on top of any other discount.

Mardi Gras - It's Fat Tuesday - Enjoy !

2015-02-17T10:26:00.003-05:00

We were just down by the water last night - enjoying a couple of glasses of wine, watching the sun go down and just enjoying talking about nothing really important. We did however mention how much we really love it down here in Madeira Beach. How moving from Milford, DE, no matter how much we enjoyed it there, love the people and miss them; this place is still better. The store has so many more customers then it did in Milford. We feel like it had just ran it's course there. So - moving was a good choice, both personally and professionally. Now all we need is for this crazy season that we keep hearing about to start. lol - wish us luck =)

Remember the Sale Offer

We're just going to get right to it - the secret code for this weeks additional discount is "Lucky". Type the word Lucky in the note section of your order and we'll give you an additional 10% Off your purchase. If you've been sent here via the newsletter you know that you'll get a total of 30% Off your entire purchase - AND now the even better news - Mention the word "Shipping" and we'll give you your normal shipping costs for free.

Take note that ALL discounts and shipping adjustments will be taken in the shop at the point of sale.

So - Your note section should read -

Newsletter - Lucky - Shipping

Feel free to cut and paste this message.

Also be aware - that the free shipping is for normal USPS shipping only. Any additional shipping costs will be on you.

Thanks and enjoy Mardi Gras !!!

Christopher and David

Ladybug Shop and overseas PayPal customers

2015-02-06T12:10:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone -

Tough call - we have been happy to use PayPal - and we will continue - just please be aware that we can no longer allow customers outside the US to utilize this service. Unfortunately we are unable to charge the Florida State Tax - or any additional shipping costs. Which means that many times, we're actually losing money by shipping you your items. Depending on the amount for orders here in the US we are typically able to justify the order, but there have been times that additional funds have needed to be charged.

Our website is safe and you're able to use your credit cards to make a purchase. As you know, our website doesn't charge your card - we do that in the shop at the point of sale. Making it a totally safe site.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued loyalty.

Be safe and well,

Christopher and David

Touch and Go Tuesday

2015-02-03T16:01:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone -

As you know - hopefully by our website at www.ladybug-shop.com - we are closed on Sunday and Monday. Which means that Tuesday's are more of a catch up situation here at the Ladybug Shop then just a normal day. The good news is that we're finally getting a grasp of the routine here in Florida and really enjoying it. As for the Ladybug Shop - well - she has received some nice comments - saying that the shop is cute - the items sweet and many customers have returned. SOOOOO SUCCESS. Now we just need to keep it going.

Recently we've had some local artists bring in their relatable pieces so that we can help to sell them. Check out our website for some new items by Lourdes Rosas-Rosdall - Beth Kauffman - Victoria Tuller - Susan Delany and of course our AWESOME friend Rene Hughes. David is also working on some things that will be able to be placed in the shop as well. We are hoping for a couple more - just waiting for the artists to come in. So keep a look out. ALL GOOD NEWS!!

We hope that you all have a GREAT day.

Christopher and David

And as always - catch the bug and go to our website and receive an extra 10% off your purchase - just mention this blog in the note section of your order and we'll make the adjustments in the Ladybug Shop. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at lbsandtt@gmail.com

2015-01-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

Fantastic Friday -

This is going to be easy - mention this blog post in the note section of your order and (today only) we'll give you 35% Off your entire order, not including shipping. All discounts will be giving in the shop at the point of sale.

Which brings me to a good point. We have just recently had a few issues with discounts on orders. On ALL of our posts - either here, on Facebook or in our Newsletter, we state that ALL discounts will be taken in the store at the point of sale. Our website, unfortunately doesn't allow us to set up savings to our customers. It also doesn't charge your credit card until the point of sale in the shop. This is where we try to get around the archaic systems of our website. Once we create your sale in the shop - THAT - is where we place the discounts offered. The reasoning behind asking you to post a certain message in the note section is so that we're able to track where you saw the discount and how best to reach the masses.

We hope that this helps. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO check out our website - www.ladybug-shop.com - remember to mention this post and receive your 35% OFF

Be lucky and Well.

Christopher and David

Trivia Thursday

2015-01-29T12:42:00.001-05:00

The LadyBug Shop (LBS) began as a “Click and Mortar” business, started by Dan and Rhonda Bond, For 9 years they have successfully built the LadyBug Shop into a respected and unique shop in Milford, DE.

The LBS has a great history in Milford and is genuinely bound to the city. It is tied into the town’s history—after all, it was a second grade class at a local school that had come up with the idea of having a state bug and had petitioned the State Legislature to act on this back in 1973.

In 2012 we, Christopher and David, began working with Rhonda in preparation to take the reigns of the LBS. We have since learned all about the shop – its customers and how we hope best to serve them. As we began to move forward in 2013, we were excited about bringing in new product lines, giving the inside of the LBS a face lift, and expanding our reach out into the community and online. Unfortunately, and after some hard soul searching, we had to close the retail aspect of the LadyBug Shop.

It is 2014 now and we have moved out of the Delaware area and starting a new journey in Madeira Beach, FL! Still focusing our efforts toward the ONLINE portion of our business, we have found a NEW retail space and we are open for business once again. It is still our hope to be more involved throughout this new community and with state and national organizations, inviting them and those throughout the world to visit our online store and come visit us in Madeira Beach, FL!

We are interested, and looking forward to hearing from you about what you’d like to see here online and in the new LadyBug Shop & Turtle Treasures - thereby creating the most positive shopping experience we can offer YOU.

A ladybug's bright colors warn predators to stay away.
Like many other insects, ladybugs use aposematic coloration to signal their toxicity to would-be predators. Insect-eating birds and other animals learn to avoid meals that come in red and black, and are more likely to steer clear of a ladybug lunch.

Thank you for your past loyalty and to show our appreciation we would like to offer you an additional 10% off your already discounted purchase. Just type the word Blog in the note section of your order and we’ll handle the rest. All discounts will be taken in the store at the point of sale.

Thank you again and be lucky.

Christopher and David

2014-08-19T20:03:00.001-04:00

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.

GRAND OPENING !!

2014-07-17T16:02:00.000-04:00

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.

Subscribe or Unsubscribe - plus and update !

2014-05-29T13:32:00.000-04:00

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.

GREAT NEWS - A New Store for the Ladybug Shop !

2014-05-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

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 16^th, 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

Hitting the road running !

2014-05-14T12:35:00.000-04:00

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

www.ladybug-shop.com

www.turtle-treasures.com

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

We made it !!!

2014-05-08T16:45:00.000-04:00

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

lbsandtt@gmail.com

727.290.9680

2013-12-12T18:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas ladybug Lovers -

We’d like to dedicate this blog to our special friend and hand crafters – Rene Hughes. Rene, a wife and mother, from originally from South Africa, is now living in Maryland. She has been designing and creating the majority of our ladybug, turtle and now frog, Christmas and all occasion cards for some time. When she first decided to start making cards she had no real confidence that they would sell. Little did she know that soon her cards will be the only ones available in our store – which means that they are very popular and sell very well. If you receive our newsletter you’ll see that we are focusing on her talents and all of her Christmas cards for the next week. Each has its only special flavor and brings just a little extra something to the gifts you give. The picture/card shown is just one of the many in our selection that Rene has made for us. If you’re interest in seeing more of Rene’s work – type the word “cards” in the search window on our website – www.ladybug-shop.com and you’ll find her entire collection.

As a holiday treat - now through Sunday, Rene’s cards on sale for 20% off – bring the price down from $5 to $4. We encourage you to take a look and see what we see – wonderful cards created by an amazing, talented and pretty funny young woman. One that we are proud to call friend and truly enjoy!

As always – mention this blog in the note section of your order and we’ll give you an additional 10% off your order.

Happy Christmas to all of you !!

Christopher and David

2013-11-13T18:08:00.001-05:00

More cool facts about Ladybugs

Ladybugs practice cannibalism

If food is scarce, ladybugs will do what they must to survive, even if it means eating each other. A hungry ladybug will make a meal of any soft-bodied sibling it encounters. Newly emerged adults or recently molted larvae are soft enough for the average ladybug to chew. Eggs or pupas also provide protein to a ladybug that has run out of aphids.

Ladybug adults hibernate, usually gathering in large groups.

As days get shorter and temperatures fall, ladybugs seek shelter behind bark, under leavers or in other protected locations, taking advantage of the collective warmth of a colony. Asian multicolored ladybugs, in invasive species in North America, have earned a reputation as a home invader. These beetles tend to move indoors for winter, where they can become a nuisance in people’s houses. Convergent ladybugs gather in the mountains in such numbers that collectors can scoop them up by the bucket full.

As for the Ladybug Shop – We are preparing for a holiday fair in Salisbury MD this Saturday, feel free to stop by and say hello. We will be having a raffle while we’re there. We have an EXTRA large stuff ladybug that attendee’s will be able to win.

For the rest of the month we will continue to offer FREE Shipping for all orders over $100. We will pay the normal shipping costs – for all orders in the lower 48 states. For overseas/out of the country orders – we will pay for the regular shipping cost IF you will pay the additional shipping costs.

We have had a few customers calling their orders because they are having trouble placing their orders online. PLEASE - If you are having trouble processing your order – please give us a call at 302.422.5470 and we’d be happy to take your order over the phone. Typically we’re able to get back to you within 24 hours or less.

Thank you for catching the bug – and as always - mention this blog in your order and we’ll give you an extra 10% off your entire order.

More Cool Ladybug Facts - and Ladybug Shop Info

2013-10-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

Cool Ladybug Facts

The “lady” in ladybug refers to the Virgin Mary.

Legend has it that crops in Europe during the Middle Ages ere plagued by pests, so the farmers began praying to the Blessed Lady, the Virgin Mary. Soon the farmers started seeing ladybugs in their fields, and the crops were miraculously saved from the pests. They associated their good fortune with the black and red beetles, and so began calling them ladybug beetles. In Germany, these insects go by the name Marienkafer, which means Mary beetles.

Ladybug bleed from their knees when threatened.

A ladybug’s hemolymph is both toxic and rank. Startle a ladybug, and the foul-smelling fluid will seep from its leg joints, leaving yellow stains on the surface below. Potential predators may be deterred by the vile mix of alkaloids, and equally repulsed by the sight of a seemingly sickly beetle. Ladybug larvae can ooze from their abdomens.

To business –

We’re continuing to mark down product and product lines throughout the online store. Many items have been discontinued or we just have too many. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO we’re passing a savings along to our customers. Most items are marked to 50 – 60 -70% off – some as low as COST. We have placed these items in the “Special Sale” section on our website (www.ladybug-shop.com) you can also find many items in the “Items $5 or less” category. Between now and Christmas we hope to clear these items from our website and bring in new and exciting Ladybug – Turtle and Frog merchandise. So keep and eye out for additional sales and percentages off.

We’ve had some customers call us with problems using our website – if you are trying to place an order and seem to be having difficulties – please call us at 302.422.5470 and we’ll take your order over the phone. Also – we can’t have our website company fix the problem if we don’t know what it is. So your comments would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.

As Thanksgiving and Black Friday are approaching we’re doing our best to get ready for the Christmas shopping season. The best thing we can tell you all is to BREATHE – be joyous and merry !!! =)

Have a GREAT day and be lucky – and thanks for catching the bug !

Christopher and David

As always if you mention this blog in the notes section of your order we’ll give you an additional 10% off your order. And at this time of year – every little bit helps.

How do they fly ?

2013-10-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

How Do Ladybug's Fly?

We all know, or most of us know, that their wings are hidden. The ladybug's hard protective colored shell, called the elytra, is actually a set of modified forewings. To fly, the ladybug opens up the elytra and unfurls a second set of delicate wings - the alae.

Wing motion - the alae move rapidly in a complex stroking motion, flapping perhaps 100 strokes or more per second. Each wing can move up and down, forward and backward. The wings are about four time as big as the ladybug itself. Ladybugs will not fly when it is below 55 degrees fahrenheit. they will, however, fly great distances to find safe places to spend the winter, preferring higher elevations.

Cool Fact Number One -

Ladybugs aren't really bugs at all; they're beetles.

Entomologically speaking, the term bugs applies to insects of the order Hemiptera. Ladybugs belong to the order Coleoptera, or beetles. Eurpeans have called these dome-backed beeles by the name ladybirds, or ladybird beetles, for more than 500 years. In America, the name ladybird was replaced with ladybug. Scientists usually prefer the common name lady beetle.

Store News -

As of late we have been going through all of the stock that has been hanging out for a while and marking it down, some as low as cost. We have discontinued many items and look to our vendors to offer new and exciting items to share with you our customers. To help us clear out some of our stock we are offer all of our blog followers 20% off any item in the "Special Sale" tab of our website - www.ladybug-shop.com - YOU MUST MENTION THIS BLOG to get the discount. As you know - discounts will be taken in the store at the time of sale. So take advantage of the deals and stock up on Christmas presents now while supplies last.

This offer will last until midnight Oct 12, 2013 pst.

Thanks for stopping by and catching the bug !

Christopher and David

Ladybug Fun Facts and Deals !

2013-10-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Ladybug Lovers -

In the next few weeks we plan to offer you some interesting information about Ladybug's as well as some general information about our online line Ladybug Shop store. We hope that you find it entertaining - or at least informative. =)

We found an article that starts 10 Cool Facts about Ladybugs - Here is fact number one.

The Common Ladybug -

Typically reddish-orange, with black and white accents, the most common of our native ladybugs in Delaware is the C-9, named because of the nine spots on its back. The seven-spotted bug, introduced in the 1950's, is a non-native. It is nicknamed the C-7 for its seven spots. Both of these species are well known in Delaware as natural pest controllers. The larvae and adults feed on aphids. Ladybugs are capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day but will also eat a variety of other insects including mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites and vaiours types of soft-bodied insects. They are harmless to plants and humans. According to the National Geographic, the Coccinellidae (ladybug family) has about 5,000 different species. They are found almost everywhere in the world.

From the Store -

In the store we are trying to cut down on few of our vendors and the number of products we carry. Therefore we have placed many items in the "Special Sale" section of our website. Basically we're doing this because a great many items have been discontinued from the vendor or have been in the store for an extended period of time. We're hoping to lower this stock so that we can bring in some new products and product lines.

Check out our latest online newsletter - it can be found on our facebook - linkedin and Twitter pages.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/LadyBug-Shop/120779317954580?ref=hl

Twitter - https://twitter.com/LadyBug_Lovers

Linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=68201821&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

Lastly - If you mention this blog on your next order we'll give you 20% off your entire order - this does not include items that are already on sale - or - shipping - but does include the "Special Sale" section. Discounts will be taken in the shop at the time of sale.

Thank you for catching the bug - We hope to hear from you soon !

Be lucky,

Christopher and David

2013-09-25T18:30:00.002-04:00

Hello Ladybug Lovers –

We’re looking for some feedback on a possible idea that we have. We were thinking of developing a catalog of ALL or MANY of our items and then creating a “Ladybug Party”, somewhat like a Pampered Chef party. We were thinking of starting here in Milford, since it’s local and the retail space is now closed, it would give the members of the community to shop without shipping cost. If it works out – we would then venture out to other locations.

The party would run like this. We would bring a small sampling of items so the attendees would have an idea about some of the products we carry. We would hand out the catalogs with order forms and let the guests order from the catalog or our website. Once orders were placed we could either arrange for pick-up or shipment. Hopefully the host would have party treats like every good hostess would. We would offer specials on some items and offer the host/hostess a percentage off of their order based on the amount the party drew in.

So the questions to you are – do you think that it would be something that YOU would attend? Would you have a party such as this? Do you have suggestions to add to the party idea? We’re very excited to hear from you and would love your input. We’re thinking that it would be great to get this started sometime in late October. We could make it a great opportunity for the Christmas Season.

Thanks in advance for you opinion and ideas.

Christopher and David

And Lastly – if you mention this blog in your order we’ll give you an extra 15% off your entire order.

www.ladybug-shop.com

LadyBug Shop - A unique collection of ladybug gifts & much more!#links#links

2013-09-19T19:38:00.001-04:00

LadyBug Shop - A unique collection of ladybug gifts & much more!#links#links

2013-09-19T15:47:00.000-04:00

Hello from the Ladybug Shop.

So it’s been a few months since the retail space of the Ladybug Shop closed. Since then, we have been really concentrating on making the online store and our service to our customers that much better. Granted it has been a bit of a challenge with the US Postal Service, FedEx and UPS but we’re getting there. Just a little FYI – they thought that we had moved or closed down completely, so many of our vendor orders were returned and our mail stopped. But finally we’re getting things back to normal.

One of the other things that we’ve attacked is the over flow of stock and the items that have been discontinued by many of our vendors. Which means that the “Special Sale” tab on the website has grown by leap and bounds, when you get a moment – check it out and the prices along with – we have really marked down a great deal.

As we continue to push this stock out the door we are doing our best to find new and interesting Ladybug – Turtle and Frog items to offer. Slowlu but surely we’re getting there. THANK YOU – for your understanding.

With these changes, David is continuing to be creative and add his artistic talents to some of the items in stock. An example would be the new red ladybug canvas bags. He has painted a yellow sunflower on the bag with a cute ladybug front and center. Christopher is continuing to enjoy searching for new Ladybug – Turtle and Frog photos to share on Facebook and Twitter. He has also decided to start a group on Linkedin “Ladybug Lovers”. If you’re interested feel free to look him up.

As always – continue to look for our posts on the above sites, and our online newsletters and E-Blasts.

Thank you for catching the bug !!!

Be lucky ~

Christopher and David