A place to sit. and ship. and sip. Sip and Ship.

I think that I need to devote a little time to those places where you can go and just have a coffee while the kiddos play. I know that I have mentioned a couple of these places in the past, but I dont want to forget about this place in Ballard and in Green wood. Sip and Ship. This place was perfect for today. I have been meaning to ship some holiday gifts to friends and a few holiday cards too. yes, holiday, as in Christmas. you heard me correctly. I am that overdue. Having a newborn is a good excuse right? And, so what better place than this to knock off an errand, have a treat and a latte AND visit with a dear friend while our kiddos play? I dont come here often, but I am always really impressed with the service when I do. They were extremely accomodating to me as I tried to mail my things, order a coffee, and chase my toddler around. I never used to be one to accept help, but these days its hard to juggle it all. I find that anything even as small as the barista bringing me my latte while I settled in with my stroller and its faulty front wheel, my behemoth diaper bag and my squirrelly toddler is worthy of a little praise. Did I mention that they have a little kids area? not big, but its separate, and it has a few toys. good enough for me! And, the coffee is good. and, come to think of it, so was that big fat scone.

And, she is back....Twirl Cafe, Le Reve Bakery.

My God, has it really been this long? Time flies when you are pregnant with a toddler and then all of a sudden you have two kiddos..
But, I miss the blogs, and now, I am out to find the great cafes/parks and places in which I can keep an eye on my toddler while tending to my newborn if the need be. this has proven to be a bit of a challenge for me. well, I admit, I have yet to really venture out without reinforcement, or for a lenghty outing solo with the 2 kids. Its all about timing and lately, granting most every wish of my toddler as he makes this transition to big brotherhood.

A place that I went while pregnant, but that I will venture back to with both kids is Twirl Cafe. And, since you are in the neighborhood, you must check out my fave new bakery, Le Reve. First, the bakery. This place actually brought tears to my eyes. I worked at a bakery on QA not too far from this place a while back and I have such fond memories of living on the hill and walking to work everyday, not to mention the comraderie among my co workers and the blast I had baking bread on a daily basis. When I walked into this bakery, just down the street from my old place of work, which is no longer, I felt it. I could tell the folks there were happy. it was cozy. the pastries looked wonderful and it smelled so good. it is perfect. a place I picture myself. and, the pastries were to die for. I recommend hitting up this place...not on Tuesdays though, as they are closed...and taking your treats to Twirl. Twirl has food, which I have yet to try, and I suppose a real luch is better for an amped up toddler than a sugary delight. but, you need to treat yourself too, right?

Twirl is a cute little spot. I have gone twice and the one time that I went right at opening, I was glad I did, because it gets crowded come 11. They have a cute play area, offer some classes for kids and adults alike and it has a nice new ambiance. Like I said, it does get crowded and sort of bottlenecked in the play area corridor, but it is worth a visit....