Violet's Neighborhood

Best horse on the carousel

2011-05-01T20:51:00.002-04:00

Hallelujah

2011-04-19T20:09:00.000-04:00

Lost in translation

2011-02-05T18:06:00.003-05:00

"Today, feng shui is practiced not only by the Chinese, but also by Westerners. However, with the passage of time and feng shui's popularization in the West, much of the knowledge behind it has been lost in translation..." -Wikipedia

Seasonal Charm

2010-10-10T07:41:00.002-04:00

Autumn: hardy mums, miniature pumpkins, and an enormous rhinoceros.

At the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Fancy chickens

2010-10-02T14:59:00.002-04:00

Fancy chickens work twice as hard: those two yolks came from a single egg. Go get some at Jane and Paul's Farm in Norfolk, MA.

Good to know

2010-08-27T15:47:00.001-04:00

At Truly's in Wellesley.

Odyssey Lofts

2010-08-12T15:50:00.001-04:00

In Chicago.

Spot on

2010-08-04T16:14:00.002-04:00

Your typical IKEA warehouse:

First, locate the enormously huge ceiling fans.

Then take a good look. The company that makes them couldn't have chosen a better name:

Know your chickens

2010-07-16T10:42:00.003-04:00

This is the first time I've seen a carton of eggs refer to the religious denomination from which the chickens came.

Good luck, indeed

2010-06-07T22:01:00.002-04:00

I guess the time has come to replace "Congratulations" with "Good Luck".

Pizza wheels

2010-04-04T15:02:00.000-04:00

The new Upper Crust Pizza shop's delivery system. I like it.

footUndeez

2010-04-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

Oh dear. I saw these at a dance studio boutique. If forced, I'd probably choose the camo ones.

Squeeze Left

2010-03-31T07:59:00.000-04:00

This sign has been making me uncomfortable for weeks. Squeeze left?!? See it on Washington St. right next to all that construction at route 9.

Garbologist

2010-03-28T12:41:00.000-04:00

I want to be a garbologist when I grow up. Working at Orifice, of course.

Tribella

2010-03-24T14:51:00.006-04:00

Tribella will be playing at Punch's Alley on April 15. That's the only bar in Wellesley - and, yes, they do serve alcohol. Enjoy this debut of their new album, Thirteen.

Spring is here

2010-03-17T13:58:00.001-04:00

Whether or not it will stay is another matter. Live in the moment.

Boston goats: whole or half?

2010-02-20T14:38:00.003-05:00

At Boston's Haymarket.

Atlantic Spice Company

2010-02-13T15:16:00.005-05:00

Driving out to Truro on Cape Cod is worth it even if you never make it to the beach. Atlantic Spice Company is quite a destination in itself. Spices are abundant and so cheap.

And then there's all the cute tea stuff and kitchen gear to keep you there for an hour after you finish buying out their spices.

The Clean Escape

2010-01-18T12:54:00.004-05:00

Make a Clean Escape from a public restroom, hands-free.

It's relatively easy to slide your toes under it and pull open the door, just hope no one is coming in at the same time. It wouldn't take much to get knocked over, standing on one foot inches away from a swinging door. And then you'd have to use both hands to get yourself off the bathroom floor and how sanitary is that?

Seen just outside Washington DC.

First real snow of the season

2009-12-06T13:13:00.002-05:00

And the storefront decor that goes along with it:

Swine Insanity

2009-11-07T13:33:00.006-05:00

First appearance of the H1N1 in Wellesley and it was accompanied by gridlocked traffic, police, and more than a thousand people for 500 doses, many of whom arrived before 6 am (clinic started at 9 am). Unfortunately, no circling helicopters were present this time. I got there at 8:45 and, of course, didn't make the cut. Next round of vaccines? TBA.

Decorative gord, indeed

2009-11-02T14:15:00.002-05:00

Glorious Maples

2009-10-17T16:44:00.000-04:00

Still searching

2009-10-05T15:03:00.002-04:00

This sign is in front of that church on route 9 (to Boston) right before the Weston exit. When we moved here a year ago the "Searching for a Priest" sign was already there. Then about 6 months later the STILL sign appeared. And a few months ago they bumped the STILL over to make room for HERE. Is there anything anyone can do???

3 wedgies to go, please

2009-09-09T13:35:00.001-04:00

A nice companion for the ferry ride to Orcas Island, WA.

Because needlepoint is boring

2009-09-02T09:11:00.005-04:00

Crafter lady: Why are you taking a photo.

Me: Oh, I just want to show someone back home.

Crafter lady: Ok, because in case you are going to try to make them, they aren't easy. You need a lot of time and patience and special tweezers and tape and a certain kind of glue you can only buy online.

Me: Yeah, and lots of gun shells.

Flea Market in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

Rump Roast Run

2009-09-01T13:10:00.001-04:00

In Minocqua, Wisconsin.

Wine for the rest of us

2009-08-31T15:11:00.001-04:00

At La Porte's grocery store in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

Don't wash your glasses alone!

2009-08-29T22:00:00.003-04:00

But is that 9-12 in the morning, or 9-12 at night? What I'm getting at is, what are they drinking while washing their glasses?

In Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

Exchanging vows at Shooters tonight

2009-08-25T11:50:00.006-04:00

For all those brides who refuse to be wed at Hooters. Wisconsin, it's great to be back!

Better than fried twinkies

2009-08-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

After taking in those swings for a good 10 minutes, we ventured over to an amazing ice cream shop. I had their energizer smoothie and my husband had the grasshopper pie ice cream. Both were to die for. But that was before I saw these little lovelies:

Hey! This is fun!

2009-08-16T13:36:00.003-04:00

Extremely bizarre kiddie swings at that park in Chestnut Hill with the water jets. Looks like they are good at pinching.

Seaweed snarfer

2009-08-06T07:25:00.000-04:00

Also known as the Weed Harvester or Hydro-Rake, this large and unwieldy contraption is on display at Morse's Pond, which is dealing with invasive aquatic plants.

I went there for the first time a couple days ago and, to be honest, was completely grossed out by the water. As seen in the photo, it is like swimming in low-vis coffee. Other than that tiny detail, there are nice facilities including a large dock with a slide dumping kids into the water, sandy beach, shaded grassy area, and a decent playground. But I woke up the following morning with what I thought was pink eye and was ready to blame the pond when I realized I had accidentally slept with my contacts in. Still worth blaming the pond.

Other ponds in the area include Memorial Beach in Natick and Farm Pond in Sherborn. Both are exceptionally nice with gently sloping sand, nice shaded beach areas, and crystal clear water. I think next summer we'll get a season pass to one of those. It's worth the slightly longer car ride.

REAL. BIG. REALLY BIG.

2009-08-05T07:14:00.000-04:00

From their website:

Fathead changes everything.

Fathead is passion. Your passion expressed as a life-size, hi-def, action image.

Fathead transforms. Enhance any décor in mere minutes.

Fathead is smart. Moveable and safe for walls, they never lose adhesion.

Fathead lasts. Constructed of durable vinyl that never tears or fades.

Fathead is easy. Just peel, stick and enjoy.

Right.

For rent

2009-08-03T04:21:00.000-04:00

Pretty sweet pad in Andersonville.

Metropolis Coffee

2009-08-01T09:18:00.000-04:00

Have a defibrillator nearby when tasting. Headquarters in Andersonville.

Good for the movies

2009-07-30T12:19:00.002-04:00

The next several posts will feature things from the section of Chicago called Andersonville. Fasten your seatbelts low and tight across your lap.

Chicago's answer to surf culture

2009-07-29T14:15:00.002-04:00

Oops

2009-07-28T14:21:00.004-04:00

At the Evanston Art Center.

One less, many more

2009-07-26T22:51:00.006-04:00

I saw this sticker on a sedan parked in the Wellesley public library. It is true, one less. But do you have any idea how many luxury SUVs are in this town? Take a walk down Central Street and notice the parked cars. Very few bumpers hit below the waist. Here's the official mother's car in Wellesley.

And do you know how many moms live in Wellesley? A lot. I call this particular Lexus "Mother's Little Helper".

Leaded, please

2009-07-22T20:54:00.000-04:00

Badminton headquarters

2009-07-21T21:00:00.002-04:00

Some people go to Nantucket for the beaches, others go for the hydrangeas, we went for the badminton birdies factory. Thanks Cable!

Baggywrinkle

2009-07-20T14:54:00.000-04:00

Quaint houses in Nantucket.

Plan B

2009-07-14T14:42:00.001-04:00

Always prepared on Nantucket.

Saguaro!!

2009-07-10T13:18:00.004-04:00

Sculpture waiting to be unwrapped? Finished sculpture? Unlikely transplant? Check it out at the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens. I bet it has been loving all this rain.

First driveway on the left

2009-07-07T07:46:00.000-04:00

Seriously

2009-07-05T19:47:00.000-04:00

One of the new shops on Linden street.

Look closely

2009-07-01T19:43:00.003-04:00

Ann Taylor on Central St. I had to take a second look before I could pinpoint what was wrong with these mannequins. I think this is the wave of the future in plastic surgery.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend

2009-05-19T13:08:00.003-04:00

Wellesley College Seniors GO NUTS

2009-05-13T18:11:00.014-04:00

Each class has a different color. Class of 2009 is GREEN, and today the campus woke up to some meticulously planned and executed decor. Here are some photos from just two of the many buildings on campus. First, the Science Center:

And Pendelton Hall:

Later in the day members of the class gathered outdoors:

The Dyson Airblade

2009-05-08T13:44:00.004-04:00

I experienced this hand dryer in the Wellesley College student center a few days ago. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it - 400 mph air reveals the bone structure in your hands for about 10 seconds, and then you're completely dry. Highly recommended. I washed my hands twice just to do it again.

Recycling incentive returns

2009-05-07T08:36:00.001-04:00

No more hording cans and bottles and everything else in the basement - the reusables area at the dump is OPEN! With a fancy new tent too.

This is creepy

2009-05-05T13:16:00.002-04:00

I can think of about a million ideas that would make this poster more tasteful. Like, oh I don't know, maybe of a woman DOING SCIENCE?

Just a guess

2009-05-04T08:35:00.002-04:00

I think graduation is just around the corner.

Tree Removals

2009-05-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

These are happening all around Linden/Weston intersection, and likely elsewhere. It is so sad to see them just beginning to leaf out and then down they come a few days later.

Batty

2009-04-30T15:16:00.000-04:00

I've heard of car bras but never eyelashes. In Paris. Of course.

Wellesley or Paris?

2009-04-29T20:05:00.004-04:00

We were in Paris a couple weeks ago and I nearly jumped out of my seat when I saw these street lights. Wellesley College much?

Nail on the water

2009-04-27T14:09:00.001-04:00

At the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens.

Don't just do something, sit there

2009-04-26T13:00:00.006-04:00

Go to the Wellesley College campus and find Paramecium Pond in the Botanic Gardens. Sit on the bench and open the wooden box. Inside is a moleskin notebook and a pen. Observe the world around you and jot down something - anything! Read through other people's entries. It is a great way to enjoy Spring. WE MADE IT!

No Margarine, Will Tow

2009-04-23T21:42:00.000-04:00

POP in South Station

2009-04-01T15:22:00.005-04:00

I absolutely LOVE these new Pepsi ads. Lots of talk going around that they were inspired by Obama. Read more about that here.

"Rekindle Summer" for a small fee

2009-03-20T15:27:00.001-04:00

Throwing ourselves at Spring

2009-03-18T15:34:00.002-04:00

That awesome sugar shack

2009-03-17T13:34:00.004-04:00

Maple syrup in the making at the Natick Community Organic Farm...

Protesting Winter

2009-03-02T13:19:00.011-05:00

...in front of Newton City Hall.

Protesting Winter from Katie Griffith on Vimeo.

YAY

2009-02-26T13:46:00.001-05:00

But, seriously, Boston, why is it still 28 degrees outside?

HOPE

2009-01-25T13:43:00.002-05:00

Sometimes Violet and I will walk into the Gap on Central Street just to gaze at their Spring collection.

We're not in Santa Cruz anymore

2009-01-19T19:33:00.002-05:00

Also, one of the greatest sledding hills ever - right on Wellesley College's campus. Even dogs are hitting the slopes - either in inner tubes or while still on the leash (ouch!).

Jump right in

2009-01-08T20:52:00.001-05:00

What a goat-getter. At the Natick Community Organic Farm.

High noon

2009-01-05T13:35:00.003-05:00

Taken at 12:30 pm and look how long the shadows are:

Could use some advice

2009-01-03T14:56:00.002-05:00

With the weather being as it is, we haven't been exploring the neighborhood as much as usual and I'm at a loss for things to post here. Any advice from the locals would be greatly appreciated!

Use as a coaster

2008-12-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

Tis the Season

2008-12-21T13:57:00.003-05:00

This was taken in Chicago, not Wellesley. But you already knew that because these friendly huggers aren't standing in 5 feet of snow. To learn more, go here.

Genuine concern

2008-12-18T19:05:00.000-05:00

Mailman

2008-12-17T12:26:00.002-05:00

Cold?

The Wellesley post office

2008-12-12T16:18:00.002-05:00

Every time I go here to mail something the lady with long brown hair wants to know whether or not I'd like to mail the baby. And then after the transaction she wishes us a merry postal afternoon. I like them.

Garbage on Central

2008-12-11T13:59:00.003-05:00

We went out for a walk after 7pm the other day and were shocked to see all the garbage outside the store fronts! I guess it's got to go somewhere.

For fancy dogs ONLY

2008-12-09T13:03:00.000-05:00

Take your pick

2008-12-08T20:21:00.004-05:00

This dressing is made over in Framingham, and I saw it at the Dowse Orchard stand in Sherborn while we were picking out our Christmas tree.

It's either the regular, down home goodness with medium sized hoop earrings...

Or the light version, with no sunscreen included.

A connection between blogging and drug abuse?

2008-12-06T07:31:00.000-05:00

Old Cemeteries

2008-12-04T02:14:00.000-05:00

Crazy jacked stroller

2008-12-03T02:12:00.000-05:00

I always thought it was the Santa Cruz moms with the craziest strollers, but now I see that Wellesley mom's have them beat.

PeePee TeePee

2008-12-02T02:11:00.000-05:00

Snack Ball

2008-11-30T14:10:00.000-05:00

Chopsticks Training Set

2008-11-29T14:09:00.000-05:00

The Squirt

2008-11-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

High tech maternity pants

2008-11-27T13:59:00.000-05:00

Childish

2008-11-27T01:41:00.000-05:00

not sure what this is...

Maternity Thongs

2008-11-25T01:58:00.000-05:00

Wow, are pregnant women not uncomfortable enough that they have the option of wearing these? Also, how sexy can they be?

Ginger Ale Elixir

2008-11-24T01:38:00.000-05:00

For those barfy moments...

Belly Bars

2008-11-23T01:35:00.000-05:00

In mouth-watering flavors like Mellow Oat and Baby Needs Chocolate.

Preggie Pops

2008-11-22T04:34:00.000-05:00

Pardon this fuzzy pictures - all taken with the previously sick and currently-being-operated-on camera.

Nipple Nurture Butter

2008-11-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

This kicks off a new series I've been sitting on for a while now. It was inspired by a recent baby shower weekend that led us to Destination Maternity on Route 9 in Natick. I was completely blown away by all the gear marketed towards pregnant ladies and their babies, most of which is completely useless. First up is the nipple nurture butter - I'm guessing this is a fancy knock-off of Lansinoh cream, which I never found any use for in the first place.

Boston Children's Museum

2008-11-20T08:24:00.000-05:00

Probably the coolest place ever - not just for children.

Frugal beer

2008-11-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

In the words of Chuck Griffith, there is no such thing as a bad beer. This one is 4.99 a 6-pack at Trader Joe's and I think it's pretty good. We do all our grocery shopping at the Trader Joe's in Framingham because of the prices, the selection of organic things, and the beer! It beats out the local Roche Brothers by a long shot.

TV Interview

2008-11-18T18:59:00.000-05:00

If you missed my interview with the Wellesley Channel, you can see it here. Thanks Nancy for posting it there!

Wellesley Library

2008-11-18T07:46:00.000-05:00

Books, shmooks - check out their fish tank. I thought the big sticker across the front that says, "Use Your Library Quiet Voice" was a nice touch.

"Thicky Settled"

2008-11-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

Whoever decided this area of town is thickly settled has clearly never been to the lower west side of Santa Cruz, CA.

Use of the word Wicked

2008-11-16T13:33:00.000-05:00