The Gourmand Grows up...

The Next Chapter
Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Keeping It Local For Labor Day Weekend...


That means...

Spending a lazy Saturday morning eating plenty of toast slathered with butter and jam, along with fresh cantaloupe from the Grove Street Farmer's Market. Petting purring kittens. Hanging the wash out on the line. Writing out birthday cards and gathering gifts to be mailed. Writing in Izzy's Cat Journal.

Walking to post letters only to discover it is too late. Stopping for a Cucumber-Lemonade from Ahymn Espresso Bar on Jersey Ave, so cool and refreshing. Sipping it outside and people-watching. Buying bagels for lunch from Wonder Bagels, across the street. Making another visit to the NEW TOY STORE in town, Jacks. We can't keep away from their fabulous assortment of perfect toys for all ages.

Meandering back home to eat bagels, cream cheese and avocado for lunch. Sitting on the stoop awaiting A.'s return from Europe. Gardening. Taming our backyard jungle. Weeding and mowing the grass.

Dining by candle-light overlooking the garden, on pasta, with a sauce made from plump ripe yellow and red tomatoes (csa), basil from our garden, garlic, fennel seeds and olive oil.

Feeling the air cooling down as the breeze blows through the screen door. Sweet dreams. Looking forward to another easy day tomorrow.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Play Food, Not War


Who needs violent toys when you can set up your very own miniature farmer's market? At least that was the mindset when I bought Izzy this incredibly charming Mighty World Farmer's Market. It probably didn't compare with the Power Rangers set that some unenlightened classmate purchased for him last year (which promptly disappeared) but it still entertains, even a year later.

What a concept, introduce kids to the idea of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmer's market instead of a supermarket. For Izzy it was real life in miniature but for others it can just be a way to expose kids to different fruits and vegetables. The fun is watching as they shop and decide whether to purchase carrots or eggplants, potatoes or squash. Not only is filling up the crates great for their fine motor skills but it also can take a few minutes. Besides that, it definitely spurred Izzy's imagination as he decided to remove the doll's hair and adorn their heads with corn cobs. What a way to shop!

And I don't know about you but I just can't help but think that the world would be a far better place if more boys shopped and played with vegetables.