stephanie "yo momma" i.'s Profile

Everywhere I looked... I wanted to touch. I wanted to buy.

I had to stop. I was on a mission to pick up cupcakes from Saint tucked away at the far end of the space.

Everywhere I looked... I wanted to touch. I wanted to buy.

I tried to escape with only cupcakes in hand. I...Could...Not.

I failed miserably - and a couple of impulsive purchases later, I walked out with four small photos from local artist Elizabeth Soule.

I yearn to go back. To look. To touch. To spend like a wild woman.

Damn you Noun.

I'm far from a connoisseur, but I like my sweets.

Let's see.. I had a big top, a coconut and I would have had more if I had the room. Both were moist, and tasty.

Perhaps what I loved best about Saint, was the fact that they serve up the minis. For an indecisive gal like me the small bite sized treats allow me to satisfy schizophrenic tastebuds.

Cute packaging that hold the little buddies in place, makes Saint cupcakes the perfect little gift.

There are times when you think a breakfast place - is just another breakfast place.

Until you find out that there are subtle foodie tendencies that underlie the foundation of their fare.

For instance:
- they make homemade ketchup (why I've never... it was delish. and yes the have the processed variety if you prefer that)
- true maple syrup - no Ms. Butterworth's here.
- the lox were tender and tasty - and the servings were plentiful

I had the pleasure of chatting with the owners and learning that they've been in the same place for 26 years. They must be doing something right.

Have you heard the joke about the city girl who:
- packs up her kids in the car (for a day on the "farm")
- instructs grandma to navigate their way to Brentwood using Google Maps on an iPhone
- had a cute lil picnic under the cherry trees
- took adorable pics of her offspring picking cherries (trees pruned low to the ground)
- picked what felt like a million cherries but was really only 6 pounds worth
- and ate too many cherries?

Yeah. Good times. No really, it was...minus the over indulgence in cherries.

Great activity for families or anyone looking to try their hand at cherry picking.

Call before you jump in your car.

The weekend after Memorial Day weekend I felt like I had missed out on some sort of magical cherry picking adventure. Especially after hearing from Kristina how awesome DC's is. Even for the little ones.

Made it all the way to Brentwood. Got a little turned around trying to find the DC's.  Called the number listed on the Yelp page and got an answering service with a message that they were closed for the season, (say what?) but the message was also quick to refer people to Seko Farms.

And now you know. Call before you go.

I found out about California Table through a foodie friend of mine who runs La Cocina. I was looking to find an amazing personal chef for a dinner party for 20, on Valentine's Day. Someone who would drop in, whip up something magical and tasty, whilst my "can't cook to save my life" self could entertain and actually enjoy the party (and the food).

Liz was awesome. I had a pretty modest budget. But she made it work. It was amazing to watch as they set up, and then navigated a kitchen they'd never been in before like pros. (To be fair, the kitchen in the house we rented was pretty large, complete high end stove top and oven - not your typical smallish apartment single family home layout.)

Both Liz (who used to be a chef at Nopa) and Andrew (I believe he was a chef there too, but I could be mistaken) cooked up a storm.

On the menu:
- a special tune tartar app (which she surprised me with as a complementary appetizer)
- an amazing butter lettuce salad with "Green Goddess Herb" dressing,
- a simple - but blow your mind amazing braised short rib dish with a nicely paired parsnips side
- and mashed potatoes that made me want to cry. (which was a special request since I wasn't sure if my guests would fully appreciate her polenta hash)

My guests were stuffed and raved about the food. And as the party fell into full party mode, they quickly cleaned up shop - and headed out. After the long evening I headed back to the kitchen to find that it was almost like they were never there. Clean and ready for use. Amazing experience working with Liz and Andrew. Definitely worth every penny!

I'm sold on their customer service.

I can't remember the name of the sales guy who has helped me out when I drop in. But everyone working there seemed to be equally knowledgeable and helpful.

Not exactly high fashion, but comfortable, well built shoes for anyone who does a lot of walking or is on their feet all day.

It was here where I was introduced to La Canadienne boots. A little pricey but amazing waterproof boot that have traveled over more miles of city streets than my sneakers.  I also picked up a pair of those "make my legs look leaner" MBTs which I love, but they don't look as cool as the boots.

This past winter I went in to buy a new pair of boots. The salesman who helped me, polished up my worn black boots, while I tried on some new ones. They looked almost new. Now that's just great customer service for you.

I love the notion of a new spin on the potion.

Enter Madam Geneva.

Between her cozy little seating areas, the amazingly friendly bartenders and their Jams, I have to say they are on to something special.

I'd make this my regular spot if I could. Now if only I lived a little closer.

Damn. I want that Pumpkin Spice Jam. (With whiskey please!)

Thought I'd get a jump start on holiday shopping so I ended up in Ambassador before Thanksgiving. Yes. Before. Madness I know.

In my effort to do the majority of my shopping at local businesses I went in there with my list in hand and I wasn't coming out until I had a gift for each little kid.

Their selection of infant/toddler toys is very nice. They seem to have a host of cool educational toys for little ones. There's also a nice balance of  the mainstream toys (BatMan stuff etc.) Though if I had to guess, I'd say that their selection was a little limited on the StarWars and Transformers gear. Perhaps my timing was off or I just didn't see the right displays. Pricing seemed, average - not a great deal, but not expensive. And hell if  it means I don't have to battle the insanity of Target or ToysRUs... I'll pay the extra bit.

But to be honest, none of that mattered the minute I heard the three words that any busy woman loves to hear... "complimentary gift wrap"! And not cheesy gift wrap.  We're talking gift wrap that you'd actually be happy to present to the recipient. That did it for me. I'll be back again.

Desperate for a very specific (albeit last minute) holiday gift and I was on the hunt for one of those smallish Bose systems that you can dock your iphone into and play songs from it.

Never a good idea to do this at the last minute. Ran into Circuit City. Gah! The guy there knew nothing about the 9 or so types of units they had on display. And lord have mercy the Bose system was $400! Holy crap.

I get on my trusty mobile and see reviews for Magnolia not even a mile away. Call them. Some guy by the name of Siena picks up, listens to my request and tells me what he has in stock that would meet my criteria.  (Good sound quality, decent price less than $225 and compatible with the iphone).

Done and done. I was in and out in a matter of 14 minutes. Oh and the sound on the little Boston player is great! I'm thrilled with it. Ok so it was a present for my hubbs and me too...

Thanks Siena.