My Son, the Thief

This morning, I spent some quality time at the store that quite frankly is what makes America great: The Wal-Mart Supercenter. Where else can you get some green beans and a flat-screen plasma tv, all at the low Wal-Mart price? It was a happy day when the supercenter opened it's doors, not even a year ago. Before Frederick got one (a supercenter), I drove to Hagerstown, or even Charlestown, WV, to get the goods. The supercenter really can save you money, but only if you stick to the list. Otherwise, you can wander for hours and come home with a bunch of stuff you don't really need. Today, I stuck to my list and got my two-weeks worth of groceries for our family for under $100. Not too shabby. Unfortunately, Patch didn't know Wal-Mart is a steal. He thought you went there to steal. I came home, took him out of his infant seat (which he rode in while I shopped, since he fell asleep on arrival, but then woke up in the produce aisle), and found a shoplifted package of baby sweet potatoes. Oh dear. Please don't call the cops. I promise I will go back and pay the cashier 98 cents. He felt a little sheepish and went to sleep from shame. I hope this doesn't go on his permanent record.

Frederick Finds

I have been to several new places in the past week, along with my new house-frau sidekick, Rebeccah. Saturday when we were downtown for a stroll and some lunch, we went into Two Paws Up, the pet supply store. It has everything you need for a dog or cat. They had chew toys that promised to be "virtually indestructable." Gracie eats all of her toys, so I decided to give these a try. Not only has she been unable to eat them, they also release a pleasant, minty smell when chewed. That feature benefits the entire family. They also had a wide selection of treats. I picked up a few and have used them to teach Gracie to sit. Frederick is definitely a dog town. People have their dogs everywhere. In fact, when we have Patch and Gracie somewhere together, people don't even notice Patch. It's a great store, and a very entertaining website, featuring a pin-up of the month. Hubba hubba. So come on up to Frederick, bring your dog, and eat on the patio of Brewer's Alley. It's totally allowed.

One Week to Go

Jean will be coming up next week to do some Frederick shopping. There have been recent articles in The Washington Post about our fabulous boutiques and restaurants, and the M.Lee's are intrigued. We are going to start the morning in Hagerstown at the outlets and then hit Frederick in the afternoon. I am trying to put together a "must see" list so that we optimize fun, so here is what I have come up with so far:

1. Offray Ribbon Outlet. There are miles of ribbon enclosed in cardboard boxes. You don't have to dig hard to have a great find. I am looking for white wire edged ribbon. Jean is looking for something for primary.

2. Prime Outlets. We are mainly interested in Gymboree and Coach.

3. Proof bakery. I don't know if we'll hit this one up for lunch, or just dessert. Everything they do there is just delicious.

4. Great Stuff by Paul. He really does have some great stuff -- two locations worth. Who knows? Maybe French grape trugs will be just what Jean is in the market for.

5. Everedy Square and Shab Row. This shopping area not only has some of the oldest buildings in the city, but it has some great little shops as well.

6. Social Study and Velvet Lounge. I am not urban and hip enough to shop in these two stores by myself, but I think Jean (and Mike if he comes, too) can up my coolness factor so I can at least get in the door.

7. Isabella's. Can you say "asparagus fries"?

Frederick Finds

Two of my favorite places to go in Frederick are Needles-n-Pins and Sistos. They might both be quilting shops, but they have different vibes. Needles-n-Pins is very traditional. There are bolts of fabric every in their tiny space. They also have dozens of quilts hung, draped, folded, etc all over the store. It's easy to get inspired. They are right in downtown Frederick, and I love to walk there when the weather's nice. I learned to quilt there. Sistos, on the other hand, is in this historic farmhouse right off the highway. They have a huge selection. It's easy to get inspired. My favorite find there is an Olivia print. There's something about that pig.

Todays spring cleaning went three times as fast. Becky and Colleen helped big time. When I say "helped," I mean "did it." The gross find of today was evidence of mice in the mud room. If I find more than evidence, would anyone be interested in a 1913 Victorian located in historic Frederick? Priced to move!

What I Love about Frederick

Frederick is a city with a lot of charm. Many people know the city for its antiques, but there are also several quirky boutiques around town. I thought I would do a weekly spot on Frederick and the great things there are to do and see.

A recent find is Le Savon. It's a small little place on Church Street. You wouldn't even know it was there, except for the black a-frame sign out front. They make the most incredible soaps and other bath products. Since it's only a block away from Curly's office, he's been known to stop in there and bring home a bath salt or two. The latest ones I have are Hollywood and Vanilla Voyage. They make their products right there, which is why their storefront is so tiny. I haven't been back to see them in action, since I usually have the kids with me. So next time you're up here, we can go to Le Savon. Cleanliness is next to godliness, you know.