Chicken on a Stick, Etc.

This weekend, I had chicken on a stick, and it was delicious.

Please excuse the terrible photography...

I had this because it was my birthday, we were in Boston, we had just witnessed the Bruins sweep (and I learned what that meant), and somebody literally brought it out of the restaurant and into the street for me.  Someone I had never even met!

Chicken on a stick with Joe.

The Bruins are sweeping!

I love birthdays.

While still in Boston, we got yummy donuts and breakfast sandwiches at this little place.

I can't say the service was great, but the donuts were.  AND we were entertained while we waited..

AJ is enjoying his breakfast sandwich.

I also got some thoughtful gifts from friends and family that know me so well...

Awesome shampoo, conditioner, and soap by Aveda.  Besides just being lovely, Aveda uses "green" ingredients and packaging.  Does Adrienne know me or what?

A Nook!! Book recommendations pleeeeaaaaassse!!

Additionally, this weekend was Mother's Day, and I picked up some pampering products for my mom, who is also a nature-dork like me.

The lovely-smelling soap came from the Schenectady GreenMarket, which is now outside!  There's nothing like walking around the market on a sunny Spring morning.  The body oil and loofah are from The Body Shop, another green company, and the maple candies are from a local maple producer (I bought them from a fundraiser at school).



So the morals of this story are:

Always eat your way through cities as you visit them (and take pictures).

Take the time to pick out personal gifts for the people you love, and it will be appreciated.  When you can, support local businesses and companies that make the effort to be healthier. Your gifts will be that much more considerate, and often more original.



I'll be back soon with some food... there's finally a few veggies coming up in Upstate New York.  I made a yummy Spring Pizza tonight (recipe to come!) aaaand maybe some asparagus by Thursday?

Gade Farm Store, Guilderland, NY

Last-Minute Gifts

'Tis the season.  But, you're probably tired of the mall (or just avoiding it, like me).  Even so, it's possible you still need a few more gifts.  And maybe you want to be more creative than usual.

Giving gifts with a local touch is a unique way to recognize the holiday spirit, whether you're giving to an out-of-towner or a fellow townie.  It means you thought about it a little bit, and veered off the beaten path (i.e. Crossgates Mall Road).

Need some help?

If you have access to a local co-op, making a gift basket of specialty items is a fun present for anyone.  Throw in some New York wine and cheese, and it's extra special!  (Honest Weight in Albany has fantastic cheeses, and the Little Falls Community Co-Op sells beautiful Amish baskets, meaning a one-stop shop!)

Finger Lakes Wine (Seneca Lake, NY)

 Amazing Real Live Food Company cheese 

(available at Honest Weight)

 The people around you, like friends and co-workers, often practice hobbies that may serve your purpose.  Look for baked goods, crafts, maple syrup, or natural toiletry products  (Homemade soaps are especially nice for the lady on your list.)


Hay Maple Syrup, Cobleskill, NY

Hand-made natural soaps (lotions, lip balms) by P. Maniscalco, 

Cobleskill, NY

(highly recommended by me)

Or at the very least, shop at a small business.  There are plenty of local chocolatiers, florists, jewelry makers, tea and coffee companies, etc. that could use your business as much as you could use their one-of-a-kind goods.

Loose tea at Nova Mae Cafe in Bennington, VT

Or, make something yourself!  Bake up a batch of cookies, a pie, or some bread.  A little love makes everything taste extra good.

I say you can still make the pumpkin bread.  OR... homemade gingerbread anyone??

I'm sure you'll come up with something perfect :) Good luck and Merry Christmas!