Reading Terminal Market

One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning (when there is nothing else planned) is a trip to the Reading Terminal Market in Philly. The intoxicating aromas and atmosphere and the diverse people (more about that later) make it a wonderful place to stroll. More importantly, it is something fun and at the same time relaxing that both Sophia and I can enjoy together.

We browsed the merchant stands for a couple hours, picked up a few items at “Amy's Place” including Sophia's “mouse” apron (see "Sticky Bun" pics below) and lugged a tub of raw honey out for Aunt Becky (I think she bathes in it). We ended with brunch which was a disaster because Sophia SPILLED OJ all over the table… luckily the OJ matched her outfit.

THEN this older man, who was eating at the Down Home Diner counter, started to to talk to me and Sophia... then proceeded to stalk Sophia. He followed us from the diner-juke box, to the bakery. I politely put up with him for approx 10+ minutes UNTIL he made a derogatory comment about SARAH PALIN (who I really really like and believe she will be a great VP). His comment came out of left field which was really weird. It had nothing to do with anything we were doing... I was speechless (go figure!). I wasn't sure if I heard him correctly, but didn't want to ask because it would only prolong the stalking. The guy "was not all there" either.... so I grabbed Sophia and politely went on our way to the licorice counter. ...

(I know what you're going to say Aunt Becky... because this is the second time that an old man in RTM took a fancy to Sophia... I'm not being naive.... ok it's a little strange, but I'm hoping he was just a nice man).

the nice piano man gave Sophia a lollipop...

GO PHILLIES!!

(yes,we bought some cupcakes... how could I not... she just stood there and stared until I bought some)

we picked up a 1/4 lb each of two types of BLACK LICORICE for MY MOM... HER FAVORITE!! they had around 20+ types of licorice to choose from (entire top row of canisters in the pic below!!).

I'm learning how to use my video editing software (I have a long way to go)....

press the arrow to play the video

("stalker guy" on video asking Sophia which cupcake she wants... notice I'm not saying a word!)

Hot Buns!

Sydney was away for the weekend visiting Aunt Linda in Havre de Grace Maryland. Sophia had my full attention all weekend long (unfortunately that does not happen often). On Saturday morning, we went to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. On our way home, we stopped off at the King of Prussia mall to purchase a few new winter outfits (will blog the "Saturday" RTM excursion sometime soon).

Today, after DRAGGING myself out of bed from a late night (2am!!) watching the PHILLIES, Sophia and I made sticky buns for breakfast. I saw the recipe on "Seasons of my heart". This is the EASY abbreviated version... mine are not as perfect looking (this is why I mentioned below to be sure to repair the "crescent seams" which I DID NOT DO... the slits started to open when I was rolling it up). However, I will say that they did taste amazing... extremely gooey!!!

I had a great little helper. She never waned, not one second.

A short video below that Bob took, the morning after a Philly World Series Game 3 Win, when Sophia and I were making HOT BUNS....

Apple-Pecan Sticky Buns (makes 9)
2 large (or 3 small/medium) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 thick
1¼ C plus 1 TBSP packed light brown sugar
6 TBSP of butter, softened
1 pack of Pillsbury Crescent rolls
1 C chopped pecans
2 TBSP honey
¼ tsp salt
½ C heavy cream
½ tsp ground cinnamon

1. Prepare oven @ 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Place the peeled apple slices, 1 TBSP brown sugar and 1 TBSP butter on a bowl and cook on the stove until the apples are soft. Let the apples cool.
3. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, the pecans and cinnamon.
4. Unroll the crescent roll and “repair” the seams so its one big rectangle with no visible dotted seams.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar pecan mixture on top and then cover evenly with the roasted apple mixture.
6. Roll up the dough (“jelly roll-style”) and cut crosswise into 9 slices; place the round slices in a prepared baking pan.
7. Cut up 2 TBSP butter and place a dot on the center of each round bun
8. Bake until golden, 35-40 minutes..
9. While the buns are baking in the oven, in a saucepan, bring the remaining 4 TBSP butter, ¾ cups of brown sugar, ½ cup of cream, ½ tsp salt and the 2 TBSP of honey to a boil, stirring. Whisk until reduced, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly. Drizzle the warm sauce over the warm buns.

Sophia chopping pecans
Sprinkle, Sprinkle....
turning on oven light to check on the sticky buns...
YUMMY sauce



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STICKY SWEET PERFECTION...

Daddy LOVED the sticky buns.
If you are a Pecan Pie AND Apple Pie lover.... you will Love these Apple-Pecan Sticky Buns too!

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Besides who doesn't like butter, brown sugar and heavy cream???

Pumpkins!

 
The pumpkin patch was closed on Friday. The "Aunt" of the farmer told us to enjoy the animals and take a walk out to the pumpkin patch. It was actually nice to be there all by ourselves. The girls enjoyed watching the animals - chickens, roosters, cows, goats, sheep, ducks and PIGS! Sydney really really wanted to see the chicken lay an egg... she is turning into an animal lover (the little girl who use to be scared to death of anything with four legs!)

"Speaking" of the pumpkin season... I always hear and read how everyone loves the FALL SEASON. I'm not a big fan of Fall or Halloween. I prefer HOT HOT summer days! I do love Christmas with a fresh blanket of snow, white Christmas lights and a roaring fire (as long as I can stay inside). Then when Christmas is over, I'm ready for summer again! We will be in Florida the week before Christmas. First on the Disney Cruise and then over to Nana & Pop Pop's in Punta Gorda. I cannot wait. We will be back home in Philly Christmas week with Gma, Popie, Aunt Becky & Uncle Sal which will be fun, good food and tons of excitement for the girls. Last year we were on the Disney Cruise during Christmas week so it will be nice to be home this year on Christmas morning.
Until then... back to FALL..

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Please Touch (right here!)

The last few weeks have been so hectic that I haven't had time to blog..... I have a lot to share because so much has been going on lately with the girls and family in general...

The weekend of Oct 3rd was another weekend with no rest. Friday night Bob and I went to the Please Touch Museum "Purple Tie" Gala .... a celebration of the new location in Memorial Hall and upcoming grand opening.
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Bentley was one of the sponsors with four tickets so we were lucky enough to go with Jerry and Kelly King. It was a fun "adult" night out. The food was wonderful (rack of lamb, risotto, shrimp/crab claw cocktail, beef tenderloin, lobster sandwiches and tons more... and even kids food like mac-n-cheese, hamburgers, pizza and gooey PB&J).

It was hilarious to see all the well dressed adults play the evening away and drinking fru-fru drinks garnished with Swedish Fish (of course, I was the mature one.... my handsome date, he is a kid at heart and had to drive the miniature backhoe the second we walked in the door). I left my camera at home, but was able to capture Bob and Jerry King on the carousel with my phone (cute!). We ended the night with Root Beer Floats!
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The next day, it was open for 4-hours for members so I decided to take the girls. (YES, I bought a membership the evening before at a very worthwhile and discounted price. If I take the girls a couple times during the 15 months membership it's cheaper than paying $15/person per visit). Aunt Esther, Corban & Rose met us there (guest are admitted at no charge with the membership too!).

All I can say is WOW... this is the best children's museum ever. If you were ever at the old Please Touch Museum in downtown Philly, this one is a hundred times better. I love the Fairmont Park location. You really have to see if for yourself because the pictures do not do it justice. Sydney & Sophia enjoyed it immensely. We plan to go back sometime after the museum opens on Oct. 18th!! http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/planning_your_visit/directions/

A few pics from the fun day...


The Dentzel Carousel




Children's Hospital - yes that is a male doll!!



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Well if you didn't "touch" the "Please Touch" blog title at the top, you can view & listen to the very cool interactive Story Book done by the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Come interact with our special report on the Philadelphia Please Touch Museum. Use your mouse to explore the book. In other words, Please Touch It! "

Very nicely done!
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You can read a brief history of the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel here http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/memorial_hall_update/dentzel_carousel/

Nana

On Tuesday, September 23rd, Pop Pop and Nana came up from Florida for an unexpected visit. Nana's Mom passed away.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nana and her three sisters. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the girls were happy to see their Grandparents. They brought more beautiful shells from Sunny Florida... I think the shells came from one of the barrier islands that they frequent off the Charlotte Harbor (pic on left of Nana shelling).

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It rained most of the week here in Philly. Sydney and Sophia kept busy inside playing with Pop Pop. Nana was busy with making final arrangements for her Mom's Saturday burial in Drexel Hill. Jan said the burial went well. She was in good spirits despite the circumstances... I think being around the grandchildren helped.

Pop Pop and Nana took us all out for Sunday Dinner at Maggiano's in King of Prussia. We saw Matt and Lee (Jan's sons pictured on left with Jan) which was nice because we rarely see them. We have been so LUCKY to see Nana & Pop Pop a few times in the past year even though they live in Florida. We will see them again the week before Christmas after the Disney Cruise and then we'll be back down there again in January for my 40th b-day (yeah that's right, I said it and I accept it... 40 is the new 30 :-)

Nana & Pop Pop @ Maggiano's

I love this pic of Bob and Sophia

Pop Pop reading to Sydney... we made him read a tongue twister Dr. Seuss too

Nana and Sydney

Nana trying to get Sophia to eat... which not always easy

Pacifairy

I read in Parenting magazine a while ago that the best way to get a child to give up the pacifier was to suggest that they pass it on to a little baby. We mentioned this to Sydney a couple times to no avail. The other day, I was reading a similar "paci junkie" article in Parenting magazine.... soooo I tried it again when I kissed Sydney goodnight... and she said "NO" (with a smile). The next morning she woke up and told me she wanted to give her pacifiers to a little baby.

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FINALLY!!! after 2yrs, 9mo & 3 weeks on Sept 24th, Sydney said goodbye to her pacifier.

Daddy helped her decorate an envelope and then I walked her to the mailbox so she could mail it to the PaciFairy. She was all smiles! She never mentioned her pacifier again. I couldn't believe it! I think it was harder for me to see it go. I'm so proud of my big girl!