Kendra "The Grammarian" S.'s Profile

Fine dining in a casual atmosphere. I thought this would be a perfect date destination and Loverpants and I were not disappointed. The drive alone up Signal Mountain is tres romantic. (The name of the restaurant comes from its elevation = 1,790 ft above sea level).  The restaurant itself, while settled in a plaza, has a nice understated decor that pairs well with an unpretentious but delicious menu.  It changes every day, but you could probably expect a lovely variety from vegetarian entrees (the stack of eggplant that my husband got made me think I had never eaten eggplant before--it was just that delicious).  I got the seared tuna over a bed of rice and greens and it was very evenly cooked and subtle with flavor but still good.  Do save room for dessert because the dessert platters are big. The coconut cake was more than enough for two people and it was the best I've ever had (think tapioca-based batter, glazed top, shredded coconut, whipped cream, strawberries).  I know the owners also operate the Southern Star establishment next door and are looking to expand the enterprise.  I hope they'll throw up a website soon.  Until then, be a part of the clientele that finds out about this little secret on the mountain before every other groupie does!

An interesting shop stuffed to the gills with interesting items.  This place is very big, despite outside appearances.  I found their pricepoints quite high, but they definitely have some unique pieces to boast.  If you are in the market for some art deco-type furniture and accessories, this would be a great destination.  Their vintage clothing racks were not of interest to me.  It was a lot of matronly-type skirts and dresses.  The shopkeepers were helpful but a bit pushy.  I didn't feel very free to roam around and look. If they eased off, I'd definitely be back just to see what they had in stock.

Nice little operation here.  The shopkeepers were friendly and helpful and although the space is rather tight, they keep the racks neat and organized.  I found the inventory to be as advertised: mostly casual, contemporary pieces for teens and twentysomethings.  They sell guys and gals clothes, but predominantly gals.

I purchased a number of cute tops for around the $8 range and a couple of dresses in the $15 range. I also sold one piece and traded it for a sale.  It's clear they have to be discriminating about the kinds of clothes they buy.  When they say brands that teens want, they really mean it. I had a box full of well-kept Ann Taylor clothes, but this was obviously outside of their scope. I will be sure to return to purchase more casual pieces in the future.

Edit:  I have added a star since I have had several phone dealings with the innkeeper over some pillows we left behind.  The innkeepers have since been wonderfully friendly and helpful and shipped us our pillows within a week's time.

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When you enter at 1am during a rainstorm to a lobby that is bedecked in shag carpet-era furnishings and smells like flood, you are probably not surprised to find a shabtastic room. Clean, but shabtastic. What you are probably surprised to find, though, is the rudest hotelier ever operating the joint. Mr. Front Desk told me his computer system was down and so he couldn't be sure that my reservation through http://hotels.com or the like was accurate.  Fair enough.  So he drew up an ad hoc contract WITH A PEN AND PAPER and told me that I had to sign it or there would be no room key.  Really elegant stuff.  

I will never stay here again.

I know that not every stroller-pushing mother has the opportunity to attend Baby Boot Camp, but I wish that every one that wanted to, could. Because it has truly changed my life. After emerging from the fog of having my second baby, I went to Baby Boot Camp on a hot morning in summer when class was scheduled at the Arboretum.  I was immediately greeted by instructor Jen and even though I was only 8 weeks post-partum, I found that the instruction was adaptable to both low-impact and more advanced physical abilities. My impression was consistent with what I found for the rest of summer and for the past six months that I have faithfully been attending class.

I had been to a Baby Boot Camp class before after I had had my first baby, but I just wasn't committed.  I didn't think the group atmosphere was for me, and getting out of the house and schlepping with a strollerbabe seemed like an awful lot of effort before noon for a new mom.

But recently I tried going back to the gym and it just didn't hold the same appeal.  No one besides the lady who earned commission off my membership knew my name.  There was no social element to the gym. And importantly, I wasn't seeing the same results from my solo gym work-outs. At Baby Boot Camp, just about every other mother knows my and my children's name.  I work out with my children in my care and somehow they have become conditioned to sit, strapped into a stroller for 60 minutes, just like all the other children in the class are (I, too, was shocked!). There are playdates and nights out for mothers organized by instructors and staff, and the community itself is a great resource for everything from participating in local races to finding a gently used Halloween costume for your child.

Diane Pokorny Wilson, who owns the franchise in Boston, must feel extremely proud of the community that has grown out of her business.  I cannot imagine how many dozens if not hundreds of women who have been saved from post-partum depression or just the general isolation to which parenthood can sometimes lend itself.  I am so grateful to be a part of it and I encourage anyone to give the classes a try for a season and see if you don't drop a couple of sizes and gain (at least) a couple of new friends.

I consider myself a regular of Cakes (oh yes, it's what you dream about as a child...'When I grow up, I'm going to eat Rice Krispie Treats for dinner and I'm going to visit a place called Cakes at least once a week) and here are my thoughts on this darling little business in Milton Village.  

Huge praise for its kid-friendliness.  My ape-like toddler is usually with me, and the staff are so accommodating and always point her to the chalk table w/ coloring books, markers, etc.  I was recently nursing my son in one of their cozy arm chairs and the staff brought over my coffee for me--so sweet.  Also, and this shizz is important - gotta thank them for the commodious bathroom with the changing table.  I will totally have my kids' birthday parties here on account of these accommodations.

I've been delighted with the cakes and confections I have purchased here.  Not to be missed:  key lime cheesecake.  It really is that good and I thought for $20, it was a deal considering I know those slices can go for upwards of $4 at Sixbucks, etc.

I will agree that the counter staff could be a little more speedy and a little more informed on the products.  I also find that when I visit after 4pm, the cupcake selection is pretty slim.  

On the whole, though, I think this establishment can only get better and I will continue to support this local cupcakeria.

Free parking, clean and inviting space, great and original toys, and friendly and helpful staff--what more could you want?  I've been for a tour as well as to hang with my toddler and infant at the playspace hour and I would very much like to move in to Mama and Me.  I think the owner, Shannon, is just terrific and I appreciate how thoughtfully the space has been tailored to kids' natural play (e.g. a playhouse, blocks table, grocery store, etc.).  I think the $10 drop-in fee is a little steep for 1.5 hours, but I know their pass is a better deal.  I hope to sign up my child for a class here--they look like a blast.  (When will they offer classes where parents can roll around in some paint?).

This review is intended to be more of a helpful how-to for strategic parents than it is a review of the actual venue.

Because the venue is sweeeet, it's the agora of playlands in Bostonia.

But if you go before noon on the rainiest day of summer?  It is the SCARIEST PLACE ON EARTH.

Absolute.
Mayhem!!!

But stay past noon when all the nappers go home, and you're bound to have a dandy time.  

I found most of the toddler toys to be very new and well cared for, and the space was plenty big so that kids weren't tripping over one another. Except for in the ball jump, and that's to be expected.  

What I did not find, however, was much staffing, and today this place could have used it.  First off, the snack area is pretty tight and it could have used a sweep or two at noon-thirty as the floor was laden with fruit snack detritus.  There was really only one noticeable staffer, who gladly took my cash monayyyys and stamped my hand and was not paying any mind as to whether children were going in or out of the gate with a parent or not.  This is slightly concerning that there really is no supervision...like...anywhere?  Like not even in front of the moonbounce?  Because kids get hurt.  And there are creepsters out there, n'ah mean?   I guess I'm just a classic helicopter parent for saying this, but I imagine this was an exceptionally busy week day when I visited, whereas I'm sure they beef up staff on the weekends.  I hope?

I meant to call this "The Mud House" -- same place listed here as Minot Mud House....sorry for the confusion!!

Lunchtime. Ledge. Long wait.

Four words I wish I didn't have to alliterate all together, but they do associate when it comes to my experience at le ledge.

Came to lunch with the ladies.  Dining room half full-ish on a Thursday.  No acknowledgement from any server for a good 10 minutes.  By then, we had seated ourselves.  Service continued to be scarce and slow.  Not unpleasant, just not very visible.  

Luncheon menu was lovely and well-priced, I thought.  Food was good.  A solid good, which is why I'll go back when I start hearing that others had lovely experiences.  Just not yet.  I think Ledgey is still getting its rhythm of service and volume and that whole juggling act going, so I'll plan a return when I start seeing a few more stars rise next to its Yelpified name.