When in Gearhart, Oregon…

Stay here. Preferably in the off-season, to get the best rates. (We got off-season rates, half off again, through a LivingSocial deal. Love them!)(PS – if you use that link to sign up, you will receive $5 towards your first purchase. Just FYI.)

 

(Gearhart Cottage. We were in the left half. It has two bedrooms, one bath, and a kitchen. There is also a BBQ and a firepit in the backyard, plus kindling and firewood in the shed. We spent a blissful two nights here. This is the only brick building in town, right on Cottage Ave. It’s hard to miss in a one-stop-light town.)

Oh, and eat breakfast here. Just do it. She comes in at early-o’clock several days a week and bakes up to a dozen different varieties of scones, muffins and pastries. When they are gone, they are gone, so try to come first time! (Both mornings, I rolled out of bed, shoved on a hat, a pair of jeans and some flip flops, and shuffled down the block to get our breakfast. It was OH so worth it.)

(Berry Tart and Marionberry Scone from Pacific Way Bakery and Café)

As soon as you’ve unloaded your car when you arrive, head back up the street and ask to borrow one of the bikes at the affiliated inn up the street from your cottage. They have at least 6, in various sizes, locked in a small garage. They are there for guests to use.

 

Bike down cottage avenue and turn left, any left, until you hit the beach. You’ll drive up and down a few grassy knolls, and wonder WHEN you will hear the ocean, or get a peek. Suddenly, you crest the last knoll and the ocean is all you can hear…or see.

 

(Lo Gung went ahead while I snapped this picture.)

Breathe deep. You’ve made it.

 

Bike down the beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll start to hear clucking and calling…and you will come upon the largest flock of pelicans you have ever seen.

Pose your beach cruiser for a few artistic shots

Grin like a crazy person and pinch yourself. You aren’t dreaming.

“We come to the beach to breathe.” (taken from a sign in a gift shop)

Review and Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you! Do head over to LoLoCraft for a $10 discount code before 6/13/2011)


Are you a scrapbooker? Do you want to be? Do you want to get your software for FREE??!

Then head over to LoLo Craft and enter to win the My Memories digital scrapbooking software!

And you, too, can create masterpieces like this…

Click here to go to the Giveaway!

A bountiful, Beautiful Basket

A friend clued us in to a service in our area that some of you might be interested in. It’s called Bountiful Baskets, and it’s a produce co-op. On Monday, everyone who wants produce that week goes to a website and puts in their money. On Wednesday and Thursday, buyers go to growers and buy produce. And on Saturday, the produce is delivered to a pick up point and divided into baskets by volunteers.

Our pick up point gets fruit and veg every two weeks. We have no say in what we get, but it’s always a comparable, or BETTER, price than the local grocery store. It is a set price, and the produce is as local as possible. For us, in Seattle, that means that our veg usually come from Eastern Washington and our fruit comes from California or Mexico. (Yes, Mexico is far away, but getting fruit here by truck is more “green” than flying it in from Argentina, right?)

This was last week’s haul – sweet potatoes, bananas, pineapple, apples, oranges, kale, broccoli, carrots, strawberries, a cucumber and two mangos. For less than $20.

 

I like it because a) it is forcing me to eat in a more local/in-season way and 2) I know how much fruit and veg I have, and I plan on using it over a two week period. My meals are a lot more produce-centric now, and it’s made meal planning a lot easier.

 

Oh, and bonus? We all found out that we like kale. Who’da thunk?? (It can be cooked just like any Chinese Green, steamed and topped with oyster sauce. It can also be oven roasted until crisp, and the kids gobble it up. Kale chips!)

 

Go here if you would like more information. (If you live in Utah, Arizona or Washington state, chances are there is a pick up point near you. The more popular pick up points have “add-ons”, like cookies, bread or specialty vegetables.)

 

PS – This is just for your information, and I wasn’t compensated in any way. I’ve enjoyed using this service for my family, and like that it is saving us money. We use the money that we saved on produce and put it towards higher quality meats and dairy products to use through the week.

 

PPS – Lo Gung returned from a business trip to Chicago the night before our produce pick up, and brought the kids presents from the Field Museum store. SJ especially likes his new dino glasses. Heh.

A Party Dedicated to Cream Cheese!

Yes, really. We lovingly called The Cream Cheese Party. This past Saturday, I was the host for a House Party featuring Philadelphia Cooking Crème. The party? Was a blast. Just a few family and friends, and me going all Vanna-White on their dinner. Oh yeah, it was awesome.

Since I love to bake, and Ming Wai loves to help, cookies for the parties were an absolute must. I wanted to try out a new “wet on wet” technique, but I think I should have made sure that my colors were a little brighter. And more different from each other. Heh.

This is SJ’s “helping” pose. Notice how he’s sitting at the table eating while Ming Wai and I play. That’s how he helps!

Aunt Myrnie brought her famous Kale Chips, a favorite with adults, children…and even Kale Haters. (Toss chopped kale with olive oil and salt, and roast until crispy. Yum!)

We served a yummy breakfast casserole, a creamy teriyaki dish over rice, and pasta with broccoli and chicken.

 

 

PS – I was given coupons for free Philadelphia Cooking Crème, plus some other swag for my dinner guests, by House Party and Kraft. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

My Review of Women's Puddles Rain Boots in Grey / Fuchsia Argyle

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Puddles Boot by Nomad Footwear

Women's Puddles Rain Boots in Grey / Fuchsia Argyle

My New Nomad Boots!

By Aunt LoLo from Seattle, WA on 11/11/2010

4out of 5

Sizing: Feels half size too big
Width: Feels true to width
Pros: Comfortable, Easy To Clean, Cute
Cons: Not Great for walking
Best Uses: Cold Weather, Casual Wear, Shopping in the Rain
Describe Yourself: Comfort-oriented

*disclaimer - both boots mentioned in this review were provided, free of charge, in exchange for a review on my blog.

I purchased the Nomad Yippy rainboots at the end of summer, thinking that the slight heel would be perfect for night-time shopping runs in the rain - the heel would keep my hems out of the puddles!

I was right about the heel...but wrong about the boot. The Yippy was SO narrow on my elephantine foot, it took major effort to get it off at the end of the night!

So, a few weeks ago, when another review opportunity came my way, I went with a more traditional boot. As soon as it came, I was in love!

I love the bright colors, love that it's sized wide so I can wear thick wool socks in the winter and keep warm and dry, and love that they're so easy to get on and off. If I could change anything, I would make the boot just a smidge wider at the top. I have calves on the larger side of normal (*ahem*) and would like just a little more wiggle room up there. (That said, there is a buckle on the side of the boot that, if undone, would allow the boot to be just a smidge wider. But who wants an undone buckle flapping around on the side of their boot?!)

I would definitely recommend these boots to a friend.

(legalese)

(PS, Friends? I've got another CSN giveaway coming up. $55 this time, and just in time for the holidays! Stay tuned.)

It’s a Free Thing!

Edited:
The Linky Love is not with me today. If you would like to sign up for One Kings Lane, get a $15 credit, and give ME a $15 credit as well, copy this address into your browser window:


http://www.onekingslane.com/invite/AuntLoLo


Thanks!! You may now continue. Stinky silly technology....


Ok, have you ever heard of One King Lane? I read about it on The Nesting Place last week, and I’m in love. It’s a Secret Deal sight for home decor and house wares. And it? Is. Awesome. Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff, often for 50% off of retail price.

Check this out.

That is a Green Tokyo Teapot, with an infuser. Usually $30, it’s available for the next 72  hours for just $15 (or until it sells out. Which it will.) (One of these guys is on his way to me right now!)

Here’s the best part: If you go here and fix up your (free) account, you’ll get a $15 credit! (You following this? $15 credit + $15 teapot = Free teapot!) The shipping is $7.95. Not too shabby, right??
Of course, perhaps you prefer yellow?

(yellow Tokyo Teapot, with an infuser)
Or these cute little cups?

(Pure Jasmine teacups, set of four)
Or, maybe you prefer something like this?

Or this?

If any of these things look like something you could use (or perhaps someone on your holiday shopping list?), then go here to set up your account!

(Bonus? If you set up an account with that link, we BOTH get a $15 credit! All of the items pictured above are $15 or less. Sweet!)

They have lovely lovely things….fabulous designer upholstery fabric, sweet bake ware and lovely candles and stationary, perfect for hostess gifts.  When you sign up, you can choose your e-mail option. I prefer to receive a daily e-mail, telling me of the day’s new items for sale. A new set goes up every day, and stays up for 72 hours or until the items sell out.

A CSN Review, Comin’ Right Up!

But first…an introduction! I’m sure you remember, I’ve reviewed (and done giveaways!) for CSN Stores before. Why? Because I really like them. What’s not to love about 200+ stores with only one check out point? You can shop for anything there…boots, cookware, furniture, even a coffee table!
Stay tuned…I’ve got my eyes on some sweet muffin cups, but I could surprise you! (Last time, it was a rather nifty pair of printed, rubber cowgirl RAIN boots! Oh yeah, baby.) If it were you, what would you choose?

PS – Full disclosure. I receive no compensation for writing this review. I will receive a gift certificate to spend in their stores, and then will let you know what I choose, and what I thought of it. That is all.

My Review of Yippy in Turquoise Monet

Edited from original version sent from CSN stores. Because some of it just didn't make sense. Like half a sentence doesn't make sense. Carry on!


Well, do you remember WEEKS ago when I said that CSN stores had offered me a chance to review one of their products? It was right in the middle of our cross-country move, so it was weeks before I could purchase my item to review (I got rainboots!) and they came quickly and they're cute and I STILL haven't been able to wear them in the rain. (Seattle, what's up with that?! Where's the rain, man!) HOWEVER. They are ca-yute. (Or very ugly, according to my sister. Eh. To each their own!) I admit that rubber cowboy boots in loud garish prints aren't everyone's cup of tea...but they sure suit my purpose! (Which is...to have fun shoes that will keep my feet dry during our weekly family trips to the grocery store. Oh, and bonus? These are cowboy boots. Meaning, they have a 2" heel. Meaning? No more wet hems on my pants. I think that, right there, is pretty fabulous!)

So, to see my review that I left at CSN, read on! (Oh, and they've contacted me again. The next time I mention CSN it will be for a giveaway! Hooray! One of you lucky readers will receive a sweet gift certificate to CSN Stores. Maybe you'll get your own pair of rubber cowboy boots! Or a lamp! Or a pot! Or a purse! Or toys for the kids! Or....you get the idea.)

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Yippy Boot by Nomad Footwear

Rubber cow(girl) boots!

By Aunt LoLo from Seattle, WA on 7/23/2010

4out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size
Pros: Cute, Stable
Cons: Difficult Entry/Exit
Best Uses: Going Out
Describe Yourself: Comfort-oriented

I bought these because I thought the 2" heel would be the perfect way to keep my feet AND my pants hem dry!

They fit a little snugly, but are not uncomfortable. Maybe I have big feet, but the sole-liners come out when I take these boots off.

Full disclosure: I bought these boots using a gift certificate I received in exchange for a blog post including links to CSN stores.

(legalese)

LoLo Review: Baby Diner

ETA - The name of the product reviewed has been re-branded from LilDiner to Baby Diner. All names and links have been corrected accordingly. 


Full Disclosure: I saw this product talked about over on Serious Eats. I saw it…and I wanted it. But not enough to pay for it – I wasn’t even sure if it worked! So, on a whim, I went to the website, found an e-mail address, and shot off an e-mail that basically said, “Hey! I have a blog, you have a product. Want to get together?” They said yes, and sent me the product. I received no other compensation for this review. You may proceed.
My Baby Diner arrived in record time, and the kids were quick to help me rip it open. We found this.

Some suction cups, some plastic doo-dads…and some instructions.
The kids wanted to help.

I looked through the directions, and started sticking stuff together.

Ummm….that’s not right. Took that top suction cup off and stuck it in the cover, where it belonged.

The two pieces were then fitted together, thusly:

….and thusly:

Then…the test. The contraption is pressed to a clean, FLAT surface, and then press a clean FLAT plate on to the top. (Note: those sweet little plastic kiddie plates that we all have floating around in our drawers were NOT work here. They are rounded on the bottom. More on that later.)

How did it do? You tell me.
     
See that face? Priceless. That’s the face of a kid thwarted in his mess making.
We put the Baby Diner to its real test that night, on his highchair, with the same plate you see above. Verdict? It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely better than no Baby Diner contraption! By sticking that thing under his plate, it immediately ensured that the contraption was more interesting than whatever I put on top.
He tried to pull the plate up a few times, but gave up and ate his whole dinner before attacking it again. That meant that I was able to eat my entire dinner, and clear the table before I heard his sister start to shriek about him moving things around. A major improvement over the ten minutes I USUALLY get! He had managed to stick his finger into the gap in the base and pry off one of the base suction cups. Even then, the other one was still holding strong, and he was unable to throw his plate. (I estimate that, if left to his own, it would have taken him another five minutes to get that second cup off…which is plenty of time for me to swoop in and remove the plate before any damage was done.) Next time, I’ll make sure to position the little finger gap away from him…and that should solve the problem! (There’s a little gap in the plastic for you to wedge your finger into to pry the suction cups off the table. Alternately, you can stick a butter knife in there.)
The Baby Diner, of course, was originally invented to be used in restaurants…which I intend to test out today at a buffet lunch with a friend. I am certainly looking forward to enjoying a lunch out with a friend again! No more flung plates…..Woot!
Thanks, Baby Diner, for the chance to review this product!
Recap:
Pros: Plate flinging is delayed, or possibly entirely eliminated
Cons: You must use a “real” plate…which kind of made me nervous the first time.
Verdict: A great product for families that 1) have a Plate Flinger and 2) like to eat out or over at friend’s houses…or are just tired of mopping up a 10’ radius around their child’s highchair every night!

Philadelphia, Pt. 2

Onward, my friends. We are still in Philadelphia. I am still taking loads of self-portraits. (Because, seriously? Everyone knows the lady with the camera never makes it into the album.)

With BBJ...

With Siu Jeun...(this is the second day. He is the proud owner of the Old Stroller, while BBJ now owns the New Red Stroller.)

With Lo Gung.

Here's BBJ, heading up the steps that Rocky made famous. She seems to be lacking in speed, but she made it all the way to the top!!

Siu Jeun couldn't be left out of the fun...but his mode of transportation was a little different from his sister's! (We called him our Little Prince.)

(L-R) BBJ, Siu Jeun, MaMa, Lo Gung: the view from the top of the art museum steps. (ie - Rocky's steps)

BBJ frolicking at the art museum...

A self portrait, and a look at the ceilings on the art museum porch.

The LoLo Clan. (I know it LOOKS like Lo Gung is petting SukPoh4's head, but...I'm sure that's just a trick of the camera. Right, Lo Gung?)

Quick bit of trivia on SukPoh4 - because YehYeh is the oldest child in his family, it gets a little funny when we look at the ages of the aunts and uncles. Take, for example, SukPoh4. She celebrated her birthday on Sunday. I won't tell you how old she is...but I will tell you that she (YehYeh's sister in law) is just about 7 years older than Lo Gung (YehYeh's son). Heh. Apparently, there was some sort of conspiracy in the family when she was dating SukGung4. He had to go away for a while, and the family knew he liked this girl...so they dragged her EVERYWHERE with them. Usually, during Lo Gung's school holidays, you could find her out shopping or playing with Lo Gung and his sister. Apparently, it worked...SukPoh4 and SukGung4 have been happily married for nearly 20 years!

Now we come to one of my FAVORITE sights in all of Philadelphia. Don't get me wrong - I love the history, the sights, the oldness of all of our country's history. (Lo Gung, don't laugh - it's the oldest we've got! I know, in China, Philadelphia would be considered NEW and MODERN at this age.)

Someone suggested we take a look at Macy's. It's old, and supposed to be very pretty inside.

What we DIDN'T expect was this.

My friends, that is an organ. A full-sized pipe organ, playing lovely music twice a day. In my book, that beats Muzak any day!

I know you can't see it, but you can just barely see the organist up there, playing away. Turns out, we got really lucky - he only plays for a bit in the morning, and a bit in the evening. It was truly lovely, and a fantastic little treat.

And that, my friends, is it for Philly! (In the background, you can see the little trolley we rode around. It's a hop on/hop off trolley. For $2, you can ride it around. That's what we did the first day - rode it in a big circle to see all the sights. On the second day, we paid $8 a head for an all-day pass and hopped off at various sights where we wanted to take pictures, nurse, stretch, etc. If you're in Philly, that's a GREAT way to do it.

I didn't get any pictures of it, but there's also a GREAT market that we went to - Reading Terminal Market. There were stalls that sold everything imaginable - chocolate, pastries, ice cream, Philly Cheese Steaks, sausage, produce, flowers, Greek Food, Italian Food...and the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had.

Quick Philly recap:

Best DimSum in Philadelphia - Imperial Inn at 146 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia PA 19107

Amazing dim sum. Awesome cha siu bao (BBQ pork buns), lai wong bau (egg custard buns) and ha yuen (shrimp balls). Dinner was expensive, and the portions not very generous. Stick to dim sum.

Cheapest transportation: Hop On/Hop Off Trolley

You can catch the trolley outside of any of the major attractions, but Stop #1 on the loop is outside the building that houses the Liberty Bell. Small children are free, so are seniors (with proof of age, such as a driver's license). The whole round takes about half an hour. If you're going to get on and off, pick up the all-day pass. Hop off at the Please Touch Museum, Fine Art Museum and 24 other stops.

Best Philly Cheese Steak: Campo's at 214 Market Street

We didn't go there this time...which is unfortunate. We had cheese steaks in Reading Terminal Market, and were rather disappointed. If you want a great sandwich, head to Old Philly and find Campo's.

Best Pastrami/Corned Beef Sandwich: Reading Terminal Market

I couldn't leave without mentioning this place again. Their corned beef is seriously the best I've ever tasted, layered with lean beef and sweet (yes, sweet) saurkraut. So.... sweet n' saur kraut? Any German experts out there want to help me out with the name?

Come back tomorrow for our next adventure...in Washington, DC!