Get Your Ice On

For parents with children or not, I recommend having a night out at the Little Ice Rink in Alameda. Recently, our family had an outing on a Friday afternoon with Kai, his cousins and grandparents. Oh how I wish I could have joined them on the ice! It is a happy place with children testing out their skills and bright orange plastic seals that act as skating aides for first timers. My little one was adamant about not sitting on the seal at first and he wanted to be a big boy and stand. Well there was fall within a few minutes and lots of tears. But he tried again and had a ball for the hour and half session. My in-laws and I sat on the bleachers sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies from the food stand. It’s amazing how children will skate with clumsy feet, fall and then get right back up with big smiles on their faces. Even if you don’t love going on the ice, it’s a pleasant way to people watch and spend a winter night. Friday nights offer a disco night for those parents who want a date night! Hours and location here.

Alameda Gem: Poppy Red

karim @ poppy red

I have a weak spot for delicate and pretty flowers.  Months ago as I walked down Park St., I discovered a flower stand that looked like something from a Parisian street.  Violet and ruby colored flowers were tucked in vintage bottles with handwritten price tags. That was the first time I met Karim who was reading a book and trying to keep warm while selling her items outside

Lauren’s Closet, a neighborhood clothing store. Back then, Karim had no more than a dozen arrangements that sold for less than ten dollars.  It's obvious that Karim is not a florist, but an artist.

Over the months, I couldn’t help but gift friends and family with Karim's creations. Each person is always delighted to receive a bundle of flowers that were arranged with lots of love and care. With the holidays coming up, I wouldn’t look anywhere else for your floral needs. Even sweeter, you can choose a poem and card with any purchase at Poppy Red.

 

daily arrangements