Chew on This!

When we first encountered Oh Plah! Chewable Bracelets, our buyer's reaction was one of disbelief: "Who would want to have a child chew on your jewelry?" Fair question. On the other hand, if you've ever been out with a cranky, antsy teething toddler and had nothing but car keys, a billfold and the dog for junior to chew on, you'll understand the genius of this bracelet. French for "Here You Go!," Oh Plah! is a bracelet for mom that baby or child can safely play with as a toy or teether - no more pulling out car keys or a purse strap to chew on when you're on the go and your little one is getting antsy. This bracelet is extremely durable yet flexible, standing up to frequent chewing without looking worn or damaged. It's a single piece of durable, flexible material that can stand up to all kinds of bending, biting, twisting, rolling, and chomping. It has a carefully designed grab hole that enables babies to maintain their grasp as they explore its surfaces. The Oh Plah bracelet is easily cleaned with soap and water, and dries quickly so that it can be worn again right away. Great as a nursing reminder (switch wrists to remember which side comes next). Constructed of medical grade thermoplastic- non-toxic, bacteria resistant, and free of lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates. It's recyclable, and it won't stretch out or lose its shape over time.

Now I'm Really Hungry!!

Intro to Stonewall Kitchen Part 3: The Pancakes!

If you're sitting there wondering why pancake mix gets its own blog entry, you have obviously never tried Stonewall Kitchen's line of pancake mix. This isn't the yellow box your mom used to use for pancakes and biscuits. Stonewall Kitchen's pancakes come out light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Traditionalists can go with the Farmhouse mix for "plain" pancakes and waffles, but if you're up for a little adventure, why not try chocolate chip, cinnamon apple, strawberry, or the new-for-Fall Pumpkin? And if you're like me, and you love coconut, try the Toasted Coconut Pancake and Waffle mix, and prepare to have a new favorite breakfast food!

More Food for Thought

Intro to Stonewall Kitchen Part 2: The Savory

I know what you're thinking...the sweet jams and toppings are all well and good, but what's for DINNER? Well, Stonewall Kitchen and The Afternoon have you covered. Why not try one of the marinades or sauces on your steak or grilled fish (the Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce is a surprising new favorite) or use one of the dressings, like the Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette, to make a huge summer salad? For entertaining, serve the Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta Spread (just spread and go!) or warm the Hot Pepper Jelly and pour over cream cheese for a dip that will have everyone talking. For your leftovers, take my advice and try the Blue Cheese Herb Mustard...it is phenomenal on roast beef or turkey sandwiches.

Coming next...PANCAKES.

Food for Thought

You may think of The Afternoon as a resource for one of a kind gifts, crazy kitchen gadgets, and those items you just can't find anywhere else--but do you ever think of us when you're hungry? Probably not, but maybe you should start--did you know we have food?

The Afternoon has a long tradition of carrying the wonderful products of Stonewall Kitchen, winners of "Outstanding Product Line" at the International Fancy Food Show. We have so many delicious things from Stonewall Kitchen, we couldn't contain it to one blog! So we've decided to break it down into three categories, just so your browser--and your hunger--don't get overwhelmed.

Part 1: The Sweet Is there anything more lovely than a jar of bright, clear jam? These little jewels are almost too pretty to eat, and Stonewall Kitchen provides a great variety of jams and jellies ranging from the traditional Wild Maine Blueberry to the unexpected Mimosa, the jam version of every one's favorite Sunday morning cocktail. A jar or two make wonderful hostess presents, if you can stand to give them away! And with autumn just around the corner, consider a re-imagined favorite with our Maple Pumpkin Butter. The creamy topping is a wonderful addition to your favorite apple pie recipe, or just warm and drizzle over cinnamon ice cream--YUM. This is only a small selection of what Stonewall Kitchen has to offer, so come in (and come hungry!)

I, Piperoid

Japanese designer Takashi Tsunoda designs toys that are consistent with his motto: "Teaching Values Through Handcrafts." Tsunoda likes to design toys that "use your hands and stimulate your brain," toys that eschew the pre-fab and the unimaginative. The result is the Piperoid, a paper craft robot figure that's sort of a cross between origami and Tinker Toys. Each little paper robot is created by cutting colored "pipes" of paper with pre-drilled holes, then fitting the pieces together (no tape or glue is needed). Each Piperoid has a distinct "personality" and "background story;" The Afternoon is now home to Muscle Joe, Mantis Harry and Guyzer and Bean. When we first saw the whole line in San Francisco we were delighted by the color and creativity of this Japanese handcraft, as well as the ease of construction; it takes less than 30 minutes to put them together, and all you need is the kit and a pair of scissors. Use the Piperoids to decorate your home or your cubicle, perhaps even as a memo holder. You may become a robo-collector!