French Press at Utensil on Main Street

The new kitchen store, Utensil, on the east end on Main Street, has a might nice coffee press for the coffee lover on your list (ahem...! I still need one despite my aero press!).

As we know, I love my new fangled espresso style coffee maker, but the ease and richness of a French press still cannot be beat. The French press is less work and coordination than the aero press, but I like them both.

Utensil has all kinds of must-haves, like a wooden pizza board thing for placing the pizza you made onto your pizza stone, which they also have.

And crepe pans, should you need one.

Head on down there!

Bicycle Xmas Tree and the Moon

Cherry Bombs: The Bomb of a Pop Up Shop in Zora Dora's

You've walked and driven by it: the amazing cuteness that is oozing out of Zora Dora's on the west end of Main Street, and if you haven't been in yet, you may have thought: "What is that really cute sign? Is Zoras open for winter frozen treats?"

As is becoming the custom with Zora Dora's, a seasonal Popsicle shop, a pop up shop springs up to warm our eyes drying the winter. And let me tell you, this picture doesn't do it justice. I'm only showing you the storefront, but how I wish I couldn't have started with a closeup of their ornamented chalkboard, or the painted fabric sign, or the yards and yards of knotted yarn that makes the pile of snow in the window. These ladies have fun!!

Ladies because it's a pop up shop that started as a vendor table at Beacon's Riverfest. It was three lady crafters selling their creations. They had so much fun, they wanted to bring it to a storefront. But a storefront is a big commitment. But a pop up shop...!

Each time I've gone into the store (because my daughter is fascinated by their Christmas lights), there are more goodies. More designers and more goodies. The first time, I found fabric flowers, which I'm a sucker for, and the artist fashioned them into clips for me to give to a friend. As I was leaving, my eye caught new ornaments at the door. So you know what I'm going back in for next. And the jewelry...really neat. I saw lots of silvery feathers and some rustic pieces, but I got out of there before I could go off budget.

You'll be seeing more pictures of what's available inside, because I can tell my shopping isn't quite done!

Really Good Cup of Coffee Espresso-Style at Home w no Machine

After Super Storm Sandy, my business partner at 'PRENEUR and I wanted to send a care package to a small business friend who had lost her house and her soap making business. Without electricity for ever it seems, she's been making lukewarm, weekly filtered coffee on her grill. A girl needs good coffee if she's going to rebuild her biz, so I walked down to Mountain Tops on Main Street in Beacon to see what sort of camping style coffee maker they had. My requirements:

- not electrical
- easy, won't break
- don't have to clean it much
- no filter.

I thought I'd be getting a French press. It's what I use, has no filter, and I can do it one handed with one kid on my hip. However, the camping pros at Mountain Tops steered me to the AeroPress, a funky little coffee maker plunger thing that makes espresso shots or style of coffee! It has a filter, but is a tiny circle of paper that didn't seem like a big deal. As for cleaning, there really isn't any cleaning because of the way the coffee gets pressed into an espresso shot, and then into trash or compost. I doubted it, but ended up buying one for our friend, and one for my dad, because he likes strange, inventive ways of making things good.

And then we traveled for Thanksgiving, and I forgot my French press at my parents. Darn! I broke open the AeroPress and made myself a latte. Yes, a latte. Why? Because it makes espresso style coffee! I couldn't believe it! I've been drinking 2-3 a day now! (Sorry Bank Square for not banking coffee money with you).

You put the grounds in, then a certain amount of hot water, then comes the press part, where you press a plunger down for about 20-30 seconds. Voila. You have an espresso shot. Pour in hot milk (or half hot water and half hot milk). And I even have mocha powder, should I want to spruce it up a bit. But normally, I only put in a 1/8th of brown or white sugar, which is far less than I was putting in my regular cup of french press coffee, which used to cause major sugar crashes for me, and I'd hunt for the nearest brownie. Literally, pounding the pavement. Which is how I know where the best baked goods are in Beacon.

I know. That's a lot of passion from a cup of coffee. But it's true. And I'm happily hooked. And got another one for my dad (since I'm using that one), and one for my brother and his wife, since they appreciate coffee as well.

Thanks Mountain Tops!

The Final Product: a blondie from my oven

So that's really good. And I have vanilla ice cream in the fridge.

Because I can't keep ordering blondies to go from Max's

Ordering dessert to go from a bar is just embarrassing. But the blondie is so good at Max's! But it's also hard to pick up with two kids in the car. I'll save my togo order for when I'm also getting their potatoe skins, which also are delish with just enough grease and cheddar cheese.

It's Going to be a Good Week

It's going to be a good week because I just got this weekly planner (with a wood cover) from Dreams in Plastic. I'd sworn off buying or using weekly planners anymore because there are so many digital ways of doing it. This was a sad decision, but I've stuck to it.

Except that...I seem to be tricking myself. I'm buying and using blank notebooks, that I buy with the intention to journal, but I'm not journalling. I'm making todo lists! Cheater!!

In my digital todo lists (yes, lists plural) in my Google Docs, I've deviated from filling in my Deadline column with numbers, and now do the days of the week. I'm on a limited childcare schedule, so I work by days of the week and hour of the day.

This weekly planner is just that - weekly, with no numbers! Just a page spread of the 7 days of the week, and morning, noon and night.

Love!!

Oh Look, Max's is Family Friendly on Football Saturday!

Being a mom these days doesn't find me hanging out at Max's, aside for an occasional take out order of potato skins that are lukewarm at best in the styrofoam when I get home. Maybe it was the three cups of coffee and intense but fun jaunt at consignment hunting at Trendy Tots that drove us to drink, but upon walking home, we took a sharp right into Max's, where they whisked us away into a corner booth, where we could corral our girls and drink Blue Moon and color with red crayons in peace.

We're sure that the 6-top of trendy, hipster cool young adults next to us weren't psyched about their new meal partners, in fact, we're nearly sure we petrified them (enjoy it while you can!) when our girls broke free of our guard and started break dancing and showing off one legged downward facing dogs on the floor.

But all in all, thanks Max's for letting us in and feeding us!

Nissan Quest to the Rescue Again

Because you never know when you're going to accidentally pass one of the biggest consignment sales in the Hudson Valley - the Be Green sale in the rec center in Fishkill.

Lugged home:
- entertainment bouncy center for baby Cole
- CVS meds for Ruby for asthma in the biggest CVS bag I've ever left the pharmacy with
- Sweaters for dry cleaning
- 12 pack of paper towels to clean dog's unfortunate smelly accident in Ruby's room.

Summertime Apple and Cherry Pie from BJ's

In case you need a quick and delicious dessert to bring to a picnic or dinner party, BJ's on Main Street across from M&T Bank always has freshly baked pies behind the counter. They are mini, good for four mini slices, and come in apple, cherry, peach, sweet potato, and what ever other flavor she feels like baking that day. Delish!

Potty Training Essential: Nomie Baby Car Seat Cover is Pee Proof

This is for you parents out there in Beacon and the Hudson Valley - for those of you who are potty training, this the nomie baby car seat cover accessory is a must for one simple reason: the wick-away fabric of the Nomie baby car seat cover.

My first love for the nomie baby was so that my toddler could eat in the car without ruining her car seat (let alone make a mess). She's a hungry critter. Yogurt, bananas, bunny crackers, milk, all of it. The newest reason I love it is because we are now potty training. "It's potty time!" is a dance we do at night. We wear underwear in the afternoons to practice, and it's very messy with lots of whoopsy accidents on the floor. We took a quick car ride down Rt. 52 to the Enterprise lot, and returned with a wet car seat - cover. The car seat itself was dry. Thanks to the nomie baby car seat cover and its patented fabric that wicks away moisture and spills, making it waterproof on the back, and soft on the front.

You wonder: did your daughter ride around on a naked car seat? Heck no. We have a no-naked-car-seat rule in our car. I had a pink backup cover right behind the seat (pictured here is the brown with pink stitching). With a flick of the wrist, I removed the soiled car seat cover and slipped on the clean one. Voila! Potty training continues in comfort.

View from Lawrence Farms Today

Wow. Apple trees are flush with apples. Low humidity today. Beautiful!

Bathtime Seat for Moms - THIS is What I'm Talking About

Here is my dream come true. The "Comfort Seat" in action in my bathroom while I give my girl a bath. Rather, while she gives herself a bath actually. And to add to my comfort, she likes to wash my "dirty legs"!

For parents who are tired of sitting on the floor or hard stools while giving their kids a bath, the Comfort Seat is what you need. It reclines into 14 different positions, and you can roll on it like a rocking chair. Click here to shop their website >

John Fluevog San Miguel Olive Green Tall Boot for Sale - Discount for you

John Fluevog San Miguel boots for sale

My hubby gave me these John Fluevog San Miguel boots in olive green, but they just aren't my size. They are an 8.5, and you will love them. I'm selling on Craigs List, and if you'd like them, mention A Little Beacon Blog and get $25 off the selling price.

Click here for all of the photos and more details!

Because you need these oreo cupcakes at Bank Square.

Oh. My. Brigado. As we say in my house for a reformed "omg." I was blown away by these whipped cream frosting cupcakes in an otherwise gluten free coffee house, Bank Square. I'm a lover if the butter and cream, so...yay.

Meltdown! Chocolate Dinosaur at Alps

I've been getting chocolate cravings something fierce, and my cupboards are bare for sweets! Usually I get a chocolate chip cookie, but Crumb was sold out. How silly of me to forget that we have a chocolatier here in Beacon, Alps, on Main Street! And Bank Square also sells Mast Brothers bars of chocolate.

But I wanted a little piece, so my daughter and I strollered to Alps with 3 minutes to spare until they closed. Not only did we find bags of chunked chocolate pieces, but we found this chocolate dinosaur lollipop! A lot less mess than holding a chunk of chocolate (but that's what I got because I like chunks).

Yum!

A Mama Needs a Comfort Seat

When George Vargas first joined our small business community at 'PRENEUR, I checked out the Holland based company he represented, and longed for their invention: the Comfort Seat, a flat cushion of comfort fitted with 14 adjustable sitting positions. Their website is covered in pictures of glamor girls reclining in the sun or on boats, and while this seat is perfect for that, I find myself sitting most of the time inside, on a cold kitchen or bathroom floor, helping my babies eat and bathe.

Then I was Skyping one morning with my friend in Dubai while she happened to be giving her son a bath. My friend is glamorous, lives in a nice place, but there she was, in a long cotton dress, wine in hand, sitting on the floor of her bathroom while her little one took a bath.

And then I was overcome. This floor sitting to get closer to little people is uncivilized! We must sit in something! My fantasies of using the beach bound Comfort Seat over came me, and I got one. Love it! It's so easy to cart around the house to go wherever I need it (this morning found me in the kitchen for an early bout of mango eating and dishes that my toddler wanted to do - I relaxed in the seat while she worked).

I shared my thoughts with George, how the mom market could be great, and he let me know that in Holland, several schools used the Comfort Seat in the classroom because for whatever reason, they sit on the floor there to learn.

Do you garden? Do you sit outside? Get one. You'll be so glad you did.

Pink Radio Flyer Toddler Bike at Trendy Tots

Will it be yours? The price is less than what you'd find it for at Target, and it's in a local shop! Unusual, I'm told, for this bike that is now sold in mass. This handle bar is super easy to steer the bike while your toddler is riding it, and it's a great trainer for knowing what to even do with pedals before you get to real training wheels.

Why I Love My Nissan Quest's Tailgate

So many reasons why I love my Nissan Quest. I'll start with this one area: the tailgate. This picture sums up the flexibility I have with this minivan, and why boxiness is good. The picture isn't sexy, but sums up a typical day on our road trip to visit family. I can haul around our big jogging stroller (the Baby Trend is my favorite), with plenty of extra diapers, a baby-baby toy stroller, an umbrella stroller (the Lamaze is my favorite) , and a computer bag stored underneath the jogger. Meanwhile, I can comfortably change my baby in the space on the left, and hang his clean but summer-pool dampened onsie to dry on a little hook on the back of the seat. I can then sit in that same spot, on top of the lovely storage, and read a shapes book to my baby while my toddler sleeps on her car seat in the next row.

Diamond Brass Knuckle Rings and a Pink Purse

There's a new boutique in town on the west end of Main Street, and it's called Mi Nena's Boutique. It's in the storefront that has a sign that says: "Credit is a disease, but you won't catch it here." I've always liked that message.

Anyhosey, with my non credit budget (aka cash), I'm adding to my wish list this pink bowling bag style purse, and maybe some diamond brass knuckle rings to bling it off with!

Gypsie Summer Road Trip in Our Nissan Quest

Road trips were the other reason I wanted to get the Nissan Quest. With 2 car seats, my dog could no longer fit into our car with luggage, and we are a driving family. Airport news and delays? Eh, it's news we don't need to follow. But what we do follow are car commercials about roomy cars with storage! Or I do at least, one night while watching Up All Night. And that's when I saw a commercial for a Nissan Quest.

So what are you looking at here? You're looking at a family pit stop at Wendy's, where we are having a picnic in the back. Yeah, that's right. Two big luggages, a set of gulf clubs in a big bag, 2.5 suits for David to possibly wear to a wedding, a beach bag, a bouncy seat, a diaper bag, 2 rolls of diapers, a Lamaze umbrella stroller, a pink baby stroller that is Ruby's size, and...a small bag of my French press coffee situation.

How is it, you ask, that we are eating in the car in total comfort, and little Baby Cole is getting changed (see that white blob?). Underneath the baby blob is a storage well, and it's my favorite part of the Quest. Cole is laying on the trap door of the well. Right next to him a small black strap that if you lift up, many of our smaller items will be revealed, like the two strollers, diaper packs, beach bag, and the bouncy seat. The third row of seats are down, so the back of the car is like a flat bed. And because the storage well has the flat cover, we can use it like a changing table or picnic spot!

The other minivans, like the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna do have storage in the back, but neither have this nifty, flat cover, and neither have as perfect of a well. I'll do another post on it to show you, but it's smooth in there so that you can pack objects into it easily.

Hurrah!

ps: If you're in Beacon, Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie or anywhere in the Hudson Valley, and you want a Nissan Quest or any car, go to Poughkeepsie Nissan on Rt 9, ask for Nick, and tell him Katie from A Little Beacon Blog sent ya. I'll get a little referral to spend back on Main Street (or on my car payment, lol)!

Trash Picking on a Jog - Nissan Quest to the Rescue

Two things I love: trash picking in Beacon, and my mom mobile, the Nissan Quest.

I was out on a jog, just me and my baby son, who was just dozing into sleep in his infant car seat on my Baby Trend jogging stroller. Taking my usual route, noticing the new flower bed in someone's front yard, I saw it: a standing mirror on a swivel. It was black with cute little knobs for the mirror to turn. If I painted it white, it could go in my daughter's future redesigned room.

I hesitated, as I was fresh on a jog and free time like this is precious. But I also know creative folk in Beacon, and the popularity of yard sales and trash picks. The mirror wouldn't last long. I've hauled things home before - with baby strapped to me and I was pushing the stroller with my older daughter in it. The comment I got that time from a man letting me cross Main Street was: "Try multitasking sometime!"

Oops, got to go...I' e stopped jogging in order to walk and blog, and my son is waking up. Ta ta for now! Look for Part 2

Paws and Mittens Does Delivery!

If you get your dog or cat groomed at Paws and Mittens on Main Street, you'll be happy to know about their new drop off and delivery service for $5 each way. As a person who sometimes is on a work phone call or if my kids are sleeping when my dog is ready to be picked up after her bath, this new service is quite a convenience. Just call ahead to schedule!

Beacon Zero Waste Garden Tour June 9 2012

Are you going to the Beacon Zero Waste Garden Tour on June 9th? It looks like some blog readers are going to be on the tour as featured gardens! Philomena? Jill Rubin? Exciting!

According to the tour's official flyer found in the city calendar page, the City of Beacon Conservation Advisory Committee presents a garden tour of 6 local residents with an emphasis on organic vegetable, ornamental and native gardening, compost and organic pest management. The tour will encourage neighborly knowledge sharing to assist in organic gardening efforts. The tour is on Saturday, June 9, 2012 and tours begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and will meet in the DMV parking lot (223 Main Street) 15 minutes beforehand.

Their Facebook page has recent news and snippets of gardeners planning. We may even see some beehives, and I'm sure we'll see some chicken coups as well. I'm going to try to walk the tour, are you?

Had a Baby!

Hello Blog World!
It's been radio silence on this blog, but for good reason! On March 27th, our second child was born. After a month of "It's going to happen really fast! Watch out!"

I kept my NYC doctor because I just love and trust her, so there a lot of train rides into and out of the city, on which I was wrapping up and starting new client projects for Studio Pixelated, and ever nurturing our entrepreneurial membership and small business readers at 'PRENEUR. So...I wasn't out and about as much (and it's still tricky with the little one and an independent toddler who likes to walk instead of ride in her stroller). One handed blogging (from my iPhone) became a little harder to come by.

But nevertheless, just like Beacon, the blogging and photo contest with prizes will prevail!

Watch your RSS and Facebook feeds for new little love affairs with all things Beacon as I stop to smell the roses.

Chocolate Making Classes in NYC - Truffles!

How I WISH I were in NYC to take this class! But you might be, or have friends who are. If you are, pass this along. It's from a friend of mine and fellow member at 'PRENEUR, Jill Frechtman. She is the founder and chief chocolate covered pretzel designer at Fretzels.


FOR THE LOVE OF TRUFFLES! (Chocolate Truffles 101)
Indulge your taste buds with the ultimate chocolate lover’s treat – Truffles. In this confectionery class, you’ll learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about truffles, including their history, basic recipes, and various techniques for creating, flavoring, and designing your very own sweet truffle treats.

LEARN FROM THE MASTER:
World-renowned second generation master chocolatier (and Chocolate Works co-owner), Joe Whaley, makes a guest teaching appearance.

CLASS SCHEDULE:
Thursday March 8th, 7-9pm

PRICE:
$65 per person

Classes are run by Fretzels by Jill Founder & Chief Pretzel Designer, Jill Frechtman, known for her edibly artistic twists on traditional treats and held at the brand new Chocolate Works NYC on the upper west side.
641 Amsterdam Avenue (@91st Street)
New York, NY 10025

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Chocolate Works at 212.799.3630.

And here is the Facebook page for Chocolate Works.

Advertising & Sponsor Opportunities

This whole page has moved! Please see the new advertising page here:

Advertising Packages

ADVANCE NOTICE OF ARTICLE IDEAS & OPPORTUNITIES
Sign up for our Editorial & Sponsor Email that gives you advance notice of what types of stories we are working on. Is your business a fit for a story we are working on? Pitch us what you've got going on. Consider advertising for even more focus on your offerings. For editorial advertising opportunities, we pair a business with an article for targeted advertising.
Sign up for advance notice on upcoming articles & advertising opportunities >

We Made A Kazoo! Toilet Paper Roll and Tissue

In my dream life, I was searching on the Internet for kids craft ideas, printing them out, and putting them in a pretty binder I have from Target. But I never made the time...until Pinterest digitized it for me! It occurred to me I could have a virtual pinboard/binder of kids crafts I actually want to try. The Kazoo Project, courtesy Martha Stewart, is our first attempt.

Make it with a short toilet paper cardboard roll (or long paper towel roll). You can make this a Kazoo by placing a piece of wax paper over the end and secure with a rubber band. You may even want to glue the wax paper down on the sides, and then rubber band it to prevent slipping. We decorated the Kazoo with scrapbook paper from Amy Butler, and tissue paper from the uber cute store, Olive and Bette's. One doesn't get tissue paper from that store very often (at least I don't), so I had to find a second use for it. We glued the scrapbook paper around the cardboard roll, and rouched the tissue paper around the end of the roll where the wax paper was rubberbanded. The tissue paper covered the rubber band.

Then, voila! You have a Kazoo!

It's Official! Spring 2012 is Here

But we'll probably have one more snowstorm in late March, because that is when I'm due with The Little Baby. It snowed horribly for Halloween, and it will again on these little flowers and my fast and furious drive. But that's ok!

I'm having visions of what I'd like to do to the front yard, to personalize the landscaping and make it more our own. Is it bad to fully remove large bushes just because I don't like them? If it's not a huge project to dig them out (yeah right), then I'll see if there are any takers. The problem is, I just can't plant any flowers around them because they are too huge!

Donuts and Huge Cinnamon Rolls at Bank!

Dreamy!! I've been wishing for a donut within walking distance! And here it is at Bank Square. I'm trying the cinnamon roll. Apparently it's amazing heated...

Crown Maple Syrup Makes for Good Valentine's Gift

We had pancakes on Saturday, so hubby got his gift to me out early - a nifty bottle of Crown Maple Syrup that he found in the East Village. And guess what? It's made right here in Dutchess County, NY! The marketing tag on the bottle boasts of using "breakthrough processing technologies" to make "quite possibly the purest maple syrup on earth". Funny, I don't picture technologies when my dad would boil down sap into syrup in our woods growing up, but sure! ;)

It's very yummy, and tastes like maple sugar candy. A lighter flavor. I am a maple syrup snob, and bring my own into restaurant who serve imposter corn syrup. Both Homespun and Vintage Cafe serve real maple syrup for their beeakfasts. And Homespun @ Home also sells it. Not this brand, but another.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Soap Gift Basket from Beacon Bath and Bubble

Here's a little Valentine's Day gift basket I put together for you to get your honey (or yourself). Starts off with the honey bear bubble bath, which is also a great gift for kids and comes in different colors. Then, there is pink decorative soap (these have owls, but you can get unicorns, hearts, and lots of other scenes). The tall pink bottle is more bubble bath, but in a traditional bottle. To the left of that is moisturizer, especially good for these winter months.
The gift basket isn't actually available all packaged up ;) It's just my idea basket for you. Print this out and take it into Beacon Bath & Bubble located at 456 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508-7310 (845) 440-6782 and tell her what you'd like!

The Cutest Popup Book Maybe Ever

Or the most elaborate? Look at those flower cutouts of the bouquet. Available at Echo Boutique.

Yummy, Soup from the Homespun at Home

Here I am - at home, enjoying a taste of Main Street from Homespun @home at my desk while I 'preneur (a term we entrepreneurs use instead of "working"...it's more fun). Today's soup selection is New England Clam Chowder. We bought it frozen and just thawed it out in a pot (we don't microwave...unless in an office or someone else's house). Smells delicious. Am dipping buttered/salted white bread from Beacon Natural Market, a little broccoli, and I'm good to go with this delicious and easy lunch!

Boots! For kids and toddlers at Trendy Tots

Juuuust in case you wanted winter boots for your walking toddler or older kid, they are (have been) at Trendy Tots Take Two, and the prices are friendly. We just picked up a pair of sporty boots, the kind that is all rubber on the foot, lined with something fiercely warm. It's like I'm preparing for the winter of 31" when we first moved to Beacon, but I keep ignoring the fact that it's averaging 40*. hence the rubber portion, for the rain. And I buy everything big so that it lasts, so these should last until we get dumped on in April at Easter. Because we will, people, we will. The Easter Bunny is the new Groundhog.

15% off home goods at Global

This purple daisy picture frame caught my eye in Global's window on Beacon's west end on Main Street. Almost like spring! A nice hostess gift, of to freshen up your bedroom or living room. Plus, look at that other stuff that us 15% off! Global has such neat lite treasures inside.

The Ranunculus Flower that Keeps Blooming

Days ago, I posted about clipping your flowers from your arrangement and sticking them in tiny vases around the house. The ranunculus flower was the inspiration behind the post. Now, days later, it still blooms, and might actually be a full circle!

Thanks Seed to Fruit for growing such marvelous flowers.

Flowers for your Winter

Seed to Fruit, the florist on the East end of Main Street, has the sweetest flowers. These little beauties in the vace are Ranunculus flowers. They pretty much come with every bouquet, or at least the ones my hubby brings home randomly. The great part about the ranunculus, is that after the roses have finished, and you salvage them to dry the petals, these flowers are still blooming, opening more each day. And the petals are so many, yet so fine, it's a delicate, yet hearty flower that can live on in your kitchen window or dresser, bringing spring to your winter days.

30%-50% off at Paper Presence - cupcake ornaments!

Paper Presence, on the West end of Main Street in Beacon, is having a big sale. 50% off on many things holiday, and 30% off on lots of other items you've had your eye on. Sadly, she is closing, so this is your last chance to snag the goodies she's stocked her store with! Art supplies, greeting cards, beautiful wrapping paper for next year (it's the only time I buy holiday - is after the season to stock up for next year). She also carries those decorative manilla folders you can be in public with, and the file box with handles with gorgeous prints on them. It's an organizer's dream if you like to organize your bills and make that experience fun. I got a stunning maroon file box with turquoise and green birds on it to live in my daughter's room and store warranties and directions to the obscure little items she 'needs'. Oh, and the journals. If you're a journaler or just like writing on paper, she's got a great selection. I bought my currently unborn little baby journal there, and it's delightful to have at my bedside to reach over and write in (when I chose to skip Jon Stewart).

So go visit Paper Presence...for one of the last times! I'm snagging at least one of these delicious cupcake ornaments. What will you find?