Yummm...

I realize I haven't put up any recipes in ages, so here is my latest obsession: Banana Bread.
Our family went on a much needed vacation to Mexico over winter break, and discovered some magical local banana bread at the little grocery store in town. It was universally adored, and inspired me to find a good recipe when I got home. Turns out this is easy... and seriously delicious. This recipe is also forgiving, which is unusual in baking. I found that reducing the sugar to about 3/4 of a cup suited me better, as does using four bananas, and adding chopped walnuts and a scattering of semisweet chocolate chips (Chunky Monkey Bread!!). Very very good stuff.

Speaking of good stuff, the store is really truly stuffed with good stuff right about now. Giant shipments from Prairie Underground, including the famous Cloak Hoodie back in black, have come in. Tender tissue silks and Japanese cotton eyelet dresses have floated in from Erica Tanov, lovely and amazing printed swimsuits are in from the Spanish designers at Siyu, iconic flats and lovely coppery dancing heels are in from Repetto, Cydwoq's cult-worthy sandals are in, and so many many more items that our shelves are overflowing and our racks are bursting. Come in and see!

color and community

color: new scarves from LemLem, fine cotton gauze made with love and fair trade in Ethiopia

Today I find myself with the unenviable task of hitting up my friends and neighbors to contribute items, gift certificates or services to my son's school's Spring Silent Auction.
I am on the receiving end of countless of these local solicitations as well, of course.
All of this leads to ruminations on community... what it means, and ours here in Park Slope in particular. For me, community is knowing my neighbors, friends and customers, the pleasure of sharing our local stories, our favorite places, our pet peeves and our colorful eccentrics. It's watching our kids grow up.
Lately, sadly, it has also meant seeing some fantastic stores throw in the towel and bow to the current economic climate, which is touching even our amazing little enclave of local support and fervor. I can see the stores here, mine included, tightening our collective belts, and looking for creative ways to keep our spirits up. It's a time of re-dedication, and as Spring always inspires, a time to refresh both our stock and our mindsets.
In that vein, I invite you to recognize anew what our local mom and pop shops offer to the fabric of your community... how they enhance your life, how these finely edited collections of everything from greeting cards to killer dresses to superhero capes make our community the amazing, diverse and desirable home to us that it is.
And, happily, every single establishment I have approached today has given its support to our excellent public school... further proof that through it all our community is as dedicated as ever to pulling together, and keeping us great.