Shop Locally: Celebrate Mothers Day Along the Avenue

Though it’s impossible to do justice to all of the wonderful possibilities, here’s a start list of ten more local Mother’s Day ideas in the 19144, 19118, and 19119 zip codes: 

1. Browse Antique Row in Germantown for a rare find.  The 5200-5300 blocks of Germantown Avenue have several antique shops with goodies you won’t see in Pottery Barn.

2. Fresh Flowers!  London Flower Shop at 14 E. Armat St., also in Germantown, should have blooms to brighten anyone’s day.

3. Crafty Mama?  Gaffney’s Fabrics in the 5400 block of Germantown has a wide range of fabrics with fabulously low prices.  

4. Have a bookworm for a Mom?  Why not treat her to a novel from the Big Blue Marble Bookstore?  Knowledgeable staff can help you find just the right book, or gift certificates to allow her to do the browsing.  Just off the Avenue at 551 Carpenter Lane in Mt. Airy.

5. If she missed making the cut for Oprah’s Mom makeover show, no worries!  Gift certificates from Culture or Divinity Hair Salons in Mt. Airy will give her a fresh look.  The two wonderful salons are right around the corner from each other at 7201 Germantown Ave.

6. With the gorgeous weather, how about winding down with a nice cold brew at Earth, Bread, and Brewery at 7136 Germantown Ave. in Mt Airy?  The restaurant has hand-crafted beer, earth-baked flatbreads and a wonderful local feel.  

7. Bike Enthusiast?  Wissahickon Cyclery at 7838 Germantown in Chestnut Hill has bikes and gear for novices through experts hoping to navigate the hills and valleys of the area.

8. This requires some planning, but what about a gorgeous and delicious custom cake from Bredenbeck’s or The Night Kitchen bakeries in Chestnut Hill?  Both bakeries have very creative artists who can whip up a delicious cake to match any Mom’s personality. 

9. Looking for artsy jewelry, bags, or clothing?  Mango, now located at 8442 Germantown in Chestnut Hill, is sure to have something to catch her eye.

10. Does Mom need a day at the spa?  Diamond Spa in Chestnut Hill at 8430 Germantown offers massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and more for the mom who wants to be truly pampered.

This is just a drop in the bucket of possibilities for shopping locally this Mother’s Day... for more ideas, just take a drive along the Avenue.  But whatever you decide, enjoy the day!  

Time to sign up for your CSA!

If you’ve ever wanted to join a CSA (community supported agriculture), now is the time to get your applications in. The movement to get your food locally, to know the farmers who produced it and that no pesticides were used, and to be involved with a like-minded community is growing in popularity every year since Michael Pollan’s book,The Omnivore’s Dilemma came out in 2006 .
Local Harvest provides a service where you can type in a zip code and find out all the local farmers’ markets, food coops, CSAs, restaurants that serve seasonal cuisine and even farms you never knew were just around the corner where you can buy backyard-raised duck eggs. Farm to City is another website that provides links to the Philadelphia area CSAs and buying clubs.
In a CSA, a farmer offers shares to the public, paid for in advance, in return for a weekly selection of vegetables or fruits (northstarorchard.com is one) for the growing season, 20-25 weeks from May through November. There are also some CSAs that offer winter memberships.
A member of a buying club has the opportunity to place orders online and pays for that portion without purchasing a season’s worth of food. In either case, the food is picked up at designated drop-off locations throughout the city. You can split a share with another family depending on the size of the share and how many vegetables you think you can eat in a week.
We belong to Pennypack Farm’s CSA. It was the closest one we found where we could go to the farm itself to see the food being grown. We split the large share of 10 generous bunches of vegetables with another family and go to the farm the same day every week within a 5-hour time frame to pick it up. The large share costs $675 total and the small share of 6 units costs $450, with prices to be determined for next year.
They also grow their own broiler chickens, turkeys for Thanksgiving, and have laying hens whose eggs, along with other local products from buffalo burgers (yes local!) to hummus, are sold at their store. With every kind of vegetable imaginable and an A to Z farm stand cookbook for sale, we’ve tried kohlrabi and okra, tomatillos and garlic scapes. Pennypack also has weekly children’s programs and adult environmental education, including a meet-the-farmer series.
A newsletter is sent out weekly and there are invitations to potlucks, campfires, sleepovers and an annual harvest festival. One requirement is that each family contribute 4 hours of “share duty” per season, which can be anything from watering the herbs to weeding or planting seedlings. Present members are given first choice to sign on for next season and then it is opened to a waiting list. Just like with preschools, apply early!


--written by Marie

If you like to rummage...

Don't miss St. Paul's annual rummage sale this Saturday, Sept. 12th, starting at 9:00 am. St. Paul's is a beautiful old stone church at the top of Chestnut Hill. When my family moved from Florida to Philly two years ago, we were coatless and clueless about cold weather. We happened to see a little blue and white sign advertising the church's rummage sale, so we thought we might as well stop by and see if they had some cold weather equipment.

And did we find all the coats, boots, scarves, hats, and gloves we could ask for? Yes. And way too much other stuff. We were there all day. I'm telling you, this is the king of rummage sales. Get there early. Prepare to wait in line to pay your $2 entry fee and allot hours to spend perusing through the rooms upon rooms of goodies.

The church volunteers actually spend all summer preparing for this sale. It is HUGE. It encompasses a couple of floors, many rooms, all full to the brim with stuff. And it is alarmingly well organized.

You will find books labeled by topics, a room of women's clothing, a room with men's clothing, a toy room, children's clothing, a room of antiques, electronics, and even a special "French" room with upscale clothing and accessory items for women. There will also be DVDs, Cd's, computer games, a holiday room, sporting goods, plants, jewelry, linens, furniture, and art.

You could find enough stuff to start a new household at this sale. Or get your Christmas shopping done early. And the prices are very low -- I'm talking yard sale prices. And a really nice bonus is knowing that your money is going to local charities whose missions it is to serve the homeless and hungry. Last year, the church raised $35,000 that was given to such organizations. And any leftovers from the sale are also given to worthy causes.

And in case you run out of arms to hold your bags of sales items, there is even a "bag room," where you can drop off your bags and get a ticket to bring back when you're ready to lug it all out to the car. There will also be plenty of food. Last year, we sat out on the beautiful lawn and ate hot dogs after the sale. It's a nice family afternoon. Although, if you can leave your kids at home or with a sitter, you will walk out with less unneeded toys (maybe).

And, I actually hesitate to share this information (I know, I'm a selfish, crazy rummage sale hog) there is a somewhat unadvertised "pre-party" on Friday night (the 11th) at 6:00 pm. I found out about this last year, so I stuck my husband with the kids and went with a friend. So, this early preview does cost more at the door ($10), but it is so worth it.

It was so packed with people shopping madly that I was surprised there was so much leftover for the sale on Saturday. Some rooms are supposed to also mark up the items 20% for the Friday sale, but they didn't end up doing this when I was there. And it really was kind of like a party. There was someone playing a piano, free wine, and tons of wonderful Hors D'Oeuvres and desserts. Just the food was worth the extra entry fee to me. (The only thing I love more than a good rummage sale is free food).

Parking at St. Paul's can sometimes be difficult, but this year rummage sale shoppers can park in the large lot across the street at Our Mother of Consolation (on Norwood Avenue). If you have any questions about the sale, you can reach the church office at 215.242.2055.

Hope to see you rummaging with me this weekend!

Stimulating your child’s senses: A Visit to the Reading Terminal Market

Winter can present parents with the following challenging question: What are we going to do today? Outdoor playgrounds are icy and movies are expensive. Last week, I was faced with the choice of practicing paper-cutting skills with my daughter or having all of our senses stirred by taking her to the Reading Terminal Market at 12^th and Market Streets in downtown Philadelphia. Guess what I chose?

This was our third visit together to the old market. In my BK (before kids) days, I might have shopped here for lobster-stuffed ravioli and Thai food, but children open up novel perspectives on this Philadelphia treasure. To begin with, we took the #9 bus from Roxborough. Children under 42 inches ride free and mine enjoys the great view, people-watching, and getting to ride without a booster seat! I enjoy the same two things, plus not having to drive!

Once we arrived inside the market, the first spectacle we visited was the seated brass pig, which accepts all forms of currency by mouth and then excretes them out the other end into the collection bin – fun to watch for scatologically-minded kids! Other treats for the eyes can be found at Chocolate by Mueller, who sells chocolate noses, liberty bells, and handcuffs in addition to more mundane truffles. You can also watch the experts making their chocolate novelties. For my child, it was thrilling to look at the whole red snappers on ice at the fish stand and the roasted whole ducks hanging at the Chinese stand. She was fascinated that the animals were not alive – although the fish looked that way!

We capped off our visit with my child’s new favorite activity: sitting on the spinning stools at Bassett’s while practicing her ice-cream-cone-licking skills. Request a cup for the point at which your child has finished licking and is ready to use a spoon. My new favorite activity is sitting next to her while I enjoy my falafel sandwich or Pakistani meal from Nanee’s Kitchen (Bassett’s doesn’t seem to mind.).

Details: The brass pig is located just outside of the Spice Terminal store. As an alternative to a Septa bus or train, driving is also an option, with $3 parking available in exchange for a stamped ticket, which you get with a purchase at the market. I recommend going on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, in order to visit the Amish stands, where you can watch pretzels being hand-twisted and pick up a whoopee pie!

AveNEWS: Maternal Wellness Center Cuts Back

We have all seen the signs of our poor economy on the avenue, literal "closing" signs, that is.  Among many other closings of beloved local storefronts, we have seen Reese's Pharmacy, Caruso's Market, and What a Girl Wants close their doors.  And now the Maternal Wellness Center in Mt. Airy is feeling the effects of this economy also.

The center is not closing, but over the month of January, they will be phasing out their entire retail stock.  And they will be cutting back on hours as well, now only opening their doors when classes, groups, or services are scheduled.  If you haven't been to the MWC, stop by some time this month to take advantage of sales of 20-30% off all merchandise.  They have some wonderful items for mothers and children, many hand made by local artists and parents.  This is a great chance to buy up a stock of presents for baby showers and new baby arrivals.  And treat yourself!  

Choose from beautiful baby carriers, soft blankets, plush dolls, cloth diapers and covers, organic pregnancy body care, and much more.  And our very own Julia sells many of her unique children's clothing line pieces there as well, Eieio.  Her dresses out other outfits (okay, I might be a bit biased, but really) are amazing.  I'm going to go by and get some myself.  And they also carry some of her tutus for little ballerinas to wear to class or just to strut around in.

And make sure to check out the center's many wonderful support groups, classes, and services.  You can find just about anything you are looking for, from yoga classes for you to Spanish classes for your toddler.  If you are a new mother, you will benefit greatly from their support group for new moms.  And attend workshops about how to get your toddler to eat healthy foods or become certified in infant CPR.  If you're expecting, sign up for a childbirth education course or attend their new pre-natal support group.  Or simply go for a nice massage.

Best of all, you will always know your money is going to a great cause.  The money goes right back to the center and to their Healthy Moms Initiative, which provides these services to parents who could not otherwise afford it.  So, the next time you're there, consider giving a donation to this amazing resource for parents!  

Let's Play (and Shop): O'Doodles Toy Store

If you're looking for a birthday gift for a neighbor's child or a Christmas present for your little one, or just a fun place to pass some time with your kids, stop by Chestnut Hill and visit O'Doodles to find a refreshing selection of toys to choose from, for babies to teens.  

 

You can tell as soon as you approach O'Doodles' colorful door:  This is not your ordinary toy store.  Unlike many large chain stores, O'Doodles is not overrun by electronic toys that will leave you searching for a hammer.  O'Doodles has a large selection of wooden toys, arts and crafts supplies, and all kinds of items that lend to a child's imagination.  They carry such brands as Alex, Creativity for Kids, and Melissa and Doug.  These are the kinds of toys that will make you say, "Man!  I would have loved that when I was a kid!"

And even if you're not looking to buy something, stop by O'Doodles simply to enjoy the space. Your kids will love watching the train racing around on the track hung from the ceiling and putting together puzzles at the table in the back of the store while you shop or find a spot on the floor to relax for a minute.  And who can resist a full train table filled with bridges, hills, and trains?  You know they always love toys more at someone else's house!  And this "house" has awesome toys!

If your visit leaves you wanting more, stop by O'Doodles website to purchase what you saw in the store and more and also to get a sneak peak at their new gift guide for 2008.  And, while you're there, make sure to sign up for O'Doodles' Email Club so you can find out about upcoming promotions and events.

O'Doodles is located at 8335 Germantown Avenue (19118) and is 

open Mon.-Thurs. 10-7, Fri. 10-8, Sat. 9-6, and Sun. 11-6.

215.247.7405

*The entrance to the store is large, so even double strollers can make it in, but try to leave large strollers near the front of the store and let the kids out to roam.  It gets a bit tight between toy displays.

Let's Play: The Plymouth Meeting Mall

Some of the following post is a re-posting of one of our earliest entries, entitled "Rainy Day Solutions," but there is a lot of new information and news about amazing features coming soon to the mall, so don't skip it!

Are you running out of ideas for places to take the kids?  Especially on those dreary, rainy days?And we all know it will be to cold soon to frequent area play grounds and parks, so we need to start preparing to visit some indoor attractions too.

So, here is an idea for you:  Plymouth Meeting Mall.  Yes, it's a mall. But, more importantly, it is a mall with a beautiful carousel, an enchanting fountain, a free futuristic kids' game and much more to come! Just the kind of distractions you need for your little ones. Start out at the food court entrance to eat or enjoy a ride (or 10) on the carousel and then head down to your left to the other end of the mall where you will find a huge, lit fountain.

The carousel is an amazing, two-story structure complete with rocking benches for moms with babies and spinning teacups for your older, adventurous kids.  (Take my word for it; don't eat your cheese steak and immediately afterwards agree to join your child in the tea cup.  Not a good idea.) At $2.00 a ride, it's a great deal for the smiles it will put on your kids' faces.  We just wish you good luck getting them off of it.

And the light and water show of the fountain will entertain your little ones and give you a break for a while. They love to watch the water slowly rising up,up, almost to the ceiling! And they'll want to make a wish, of course, so bring your pennies!

If you're looking for another free way to entertain young and older kids, head over to the Starbucks kiosk and you will see an amazing treat on the floor behind it.  There is a large rectangle projected onto the floor that rotates through different video-like games.  And it is interactive!  And totally free!  Stand on it and use your feet to play the games.  The games range from kicking balls around to racing cars on a track.  You might even enjoy it; it is pretty cool!

And, if that isn't enough fun for you, there is the new Dave and Buster's across from the fountain, a huge arcade, bar, and restaurant with ride-on games that make you feel like you are really racing a car, skiing down a mountain, or kayaking through river rapids.  (Their food is yummy too.)  Minors must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 25.  This is a great place to plan events also.  Visit Dave and Buster's on Halloween to play for 1/2 price!

And you won't believe what is about to park itself near the food court (some time in "fall/holiday 2008"):  Krazy City.  I have never personally been to one, but I have to say after viewing the website, it looks pretty crazy.  It will be a two-level indoor theme park for children age 3-14.  

Krazy City will contain an arcade, lit bowling alley, a black light miniature golf course with an underwater theme, a prehistoric dig area, an interactive soft ball maze where kids can shoot these balls out of guns and cannons, and mining for gemstones in a stream.  Can you believe this place?  There will even be some of the smaller amusement park-type rides!  And, of course, a restaurant, in case your kids have time to remember that they are hungry.

Make sure to stop by the Customer Service Center in the mall during October for "Think Pink," which includes free give-aways of shopping bags and shower cards to educate women on breast health.  Also, stop by  Boscov's in the mall tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 7th) for "Friends Helping Friends."  This is an event that will be held from 9am-9pm and the proceeds will go to non-profit organizations.  These local organizations will be selling 25% tickets for just $5!  Boscov's will provide food demos, special sale prices on clothing and appliances, and prizes.  "School of Rock" will be providing the entertainment!

Don't have a great place to trick or treat on Halloween?  Visit the mall for their annual Mall O Ween Trick or Treat event, from 5:30-7:30pm on Halloween.

Some other additions to Plymouth Meeting Mall to look for: 

 

A new Borders Express on the lower level to open mid-October. 

The largest Whole Foods in the area, with roof-top cafe, to open spring 2009.

Underground parking with more than 350 spaces to be finished in spring 2009. 

The mall's site even has an interactive map so that you can get a visual of where these places are before you leave the house.

The mall is located at:  500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.  

It is open Monday through Saturday 10am – 9:30pm Sunday 11am – 6pm
610.825.9351
map

Your Turn:  Click the "comment" link below and let us know what you think of these new mall additions.  A good idea?  Too much?  Are you annoyed by all the construction?  What do you think about the idea of Krazy City?  Exciting or crazy?  We want to hear from you!  And come back by here to respond to other readers' opinions!

GAP News: Check Out These New Features!

We are constantly updating and adding to GAP in order to keep you informed!  Here are some new perks of the site:

Your Turn

We love writing on GAP to keep you up-to-date on everything parent and kid-related in our area, but we don't want to get stuck doing all the writing!  We want you, our readers, to get involved.

We will now have a "Your Turn" prompt on the right of our site for you to respond to. You can email all your thoughts/ideas on the topic to us and we will choose one entry to publish on our site each month.  We know there is a lot of information in those parent brains of yours, so share!  And let's get some friendly discussion going on!

Weekend Sales Section

Are you a yard sale addict, but loathe having to search papers and various websites for the listings in our area?  Well, fear not.  We are going to be doing the work for you from now on.

So, stroll on over to the right sidebar and you will find this new little gem under our categories. Click on each link to learn more details, such as times and addresses.

Happy shopping!

New Poll

We have closed our "going back to school" poll.  Most of you were "ready to party" after sending your kids off, by the way!  As was I.  :)

October is right around the corner, believe it or not!  So, our new poll asks the age-old October question:  What will your child(ren) be for Halloween this year?  Actually, more specifically, where are you planning on getting that costume?  Are you going to pull a Martha Stewart and make one?   (I wouldn't be that cruel to my kid, because I am not anywhere near Martha Stewart).  Is your little one going to get stuck with a hand-me-down?  (Sometimes the wisest choice).

We want to know, so scroll on down to the bottom of our right sidebar and take our new poll!