Phavorite Things: Green Toys

I had to wait to post this one until our friend Rowan got his birthday present in the mail...it was a Tugboat!! Exactly like the one Singer is loving on in the photo above. I recently found an incredible (San Francisco-based) toy company called Green Toys. Whole Foods in Philly sells these 100% recycled treasures, and I'm smitten. Plus, all toys are made in the USA!

Now that I've found a good toy company with products I love, I think I might be in trouble.

Nothing like a good tugboat, huh Singer?
Glub glub,
Jess

Phavorite Things: Adventure Aquarium

All photos by Laura Chisholm

Across the Ben Franklin Bridge is a new Phavorite: Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. With my handy EZ Pass, it takes about ten minutes to get to this underwater jewel. Singer and I visited the aquarium with our friends Mommy Laura and Alma and Mommy Sam and Elias. And let me tell you, NOTHING engages babies more than fish!


Singer was way more interested in the sea creatures than in posing for a pic.


Here's Sam and Elias with us. We're all smiles, but our boys are wanting more tank time. Go figure.

It turns out that kids of all ages, even the wee ones get a kick out of Aquariums. And when we got home, Singer went to bed early. That right there earns Adventure Aquarium a top spot on the list of Phaves.

Hurray for indoor activities!!
--Jess

Phavorite Things: Urban Jungle on Passyunk Ave.

I'm starting a new "Phavorite Things" series of posts for the holidays. Philly is full of beautiful, wonderful places, ideas, and people...and I want to showcase as many as possible this month.

Let's start with Urban Jungle on East Passyunk Ave. in South Philly. I discovered this gardening oasis while Singer and I were strolling, and after ducking into the garage door to find an old brick warehouse full of funky greenery gems, I've been obsessed.


Urban Jungle specializes in "vertical gardening" which is perfect for Philadelphia; limited "yard space" but plenty of wall space. The landscape designers create beautiful gardens that you actually hang on the wall. Also, the center sells home decor and seasonal items that are truly unique and urban-chic.

Check out these huge, lovely planters:
And here's wreath designer Rachel in action:


Yesterday we were there to pick up some gifts for John's mom, and I ended up coming home with this treasure:

We call it Space Wreath.

Urban Jungle's home-grown beauty earns the title "Phavorite Thing" this holiday season. And as I'm writing this, I'm fantasizing about going back and buying more ornaments. Maybe I should stop.

Kicking off the season with a green start!
Jess

For Aunt Katie...and Gig Em!!!!!

It's 7:49 AM, and Little Mister and I have been up for a while now because SOMEONE is teething and waking early these days. But, Aunt Katie Kelly is going to e-beat me up if I don't post something.

It's been hard lately to return emails, blog, and really do much of anything because the same SOMEONE who is teething is also crawling. Yep, it's true. Singer Nash is mobile! Granted, his "crawling" is backwards only at this point. But it gets him where he wants to go, which is everywhere. I've been trying to get a good video, but nothing that showcases his new talent yet. As soon as I do, though, I'll post it!!

In the meantime, enjoy the abominable snowman :) Baby, it's cold up here!

And I have to give a special shout-out for my husband who's dearly beloved college football team (Texas A&M Aggies) is going to the Cotton Bowl!!!

Bundled,
Jess