Way back when, these colorful glass deck prisms distributed light to a ship's lower decks. The prism tip pointed downward from the lower deck ceiling, and the flat bottom faced flush to the upper deck. Light would refract through illuminating the lower quarters. Knowing this authentic reproduction was a small piece in the workings of ships of yesteryear reminded me of my Grandfather's sailing adventures. He left home in England at 16 and spent 30 years sailing Tall Ships across the Atlantic, eventually attaining Square Rig Master Mariner title. Later, if he wasn't surly from his grandkids' noisy Church antics (stop being a silly goat) his Sundays, our Sundays were spent with him enthusiastically sharing shipping tales and gripping our thighs with "the claw" — his steely hand grip forged from years of hard sailing. As I remember it, the claw could make a small human faint if he was so inclined to engage its power ...

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We ran across these red-hot (popularity wise) shoes in Colors, a great Cape May store on the Washington Street Mall. CapemayX.com did an impromptu interview (I had just bought my favorite new Life is Good hat) with Steve, Colors' friendly owner. We learned first hand why these are some of the the hottest beach and casual selling shoes in the country. And available in Cape May only at Colors. (click below to view next page with video interview)

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Moonlight Metalworks is a funky shop on Cape May's walking mall that's worth a head poke. This metalworks and silversmith studio features unique handmade jewlery that, according to store owner Josh Gehringer, are not $10 trinkets made in China. A big Cape May Amen to that. They also offer jewelry repair. Check out this hand made wind chime made from drift wood and colorful, smooth glass that delivers a surprisingly strong musical ting when the glass collides. There was also a small woody car pendant that says beach dude (or dudette) with beach simple style. The pendant felt like maybe it could have a bit more heft to it, but was nonetheless a uniquely designed wearable art piece. Check out the many original works from local Cape May artists. Moonlight Metalworks is located right next to the Ugly Mug.

Here's another story from Xgirl Explores, our on the street, around and about, personal style and profile guide to unique Cape May finds and designs.

Feeling a little guilty about leaving the kids home? Looking for that special "Cape May" souvenir that doesn't scream Cape May? Head over to Congress Hall and check out these adorable Blue Pig stuffed animals in their hotel store Tommy's Folly. These are no ordinary stuffed animals — they're Blue Pigs, for one. But they are also so soft and plush your little one will have a new pal for life and will be the first on the block to have a bonafied blue pig. Why do they sell Blue Pigs? Well, that's something you'll have to figure out on your own.

CapemayX.com has a new explorer on the streets tracking down Cape May's best. Xgirl has a great eye and unique talent for discovering the best kept secrets and tips tucked quietly away throughout the landscape of Cape May stores, restaurants and shops. Keep an eye out for her creative finds, tips and stories. Xgirl is here and this is her first story!

Ever have one of those days when even after taking a shower you still don't feel quite clean? Or maybe that Cape May sun tan that you worked so hard on is starting to peel and you need to exfoliate? Well, this soap will definitely do the trick. I found it at Bath Time (on the corner near Swain's). It has a wonderful Honey Almond scent and tiny granules that will help even the dullest of skin look more radiant. Not only does it work great but it smells good too! A word of caution though, watch it on those sensitive areas.