LolaLeigh

Yesterday I had the pleasure of stopping into LolaLeigh, a new clothing and accessory shop downtown. I've been waiting for this moment since we started LancasterMommy.com and I was not disappointed! It is the cutest, most creative little shop I've visited in a long time. A refreshing change from the clothing stores I usually find myself in.

Leigh Dixon and her mother have opened it and they make the most adorable children's clothing. Anyone who knows Leigh, knows that her daughter Lola could be on the cover of any magazine and is the cutest model for Leigh's clothes. As a mother of four boys, this was certainly one of those times that I miss not having a girl! She has exquisite, timeless little girls dresses that make daughters look 'girlie' again, something I really like. Other items include jeans and bib overalls with patches made of any number of different designs, onesies with animals or words on them, and skirts of many different types, all homemade in charming fabrics and patterns.

Leigh will create custom-made outfits for you and is planning to offer women's clothes in the spring - I can't wait! There is even a rumor that she will start offering sewing classes after Christmas. Something I definitely don't want to miss!

Check it out. Lolaleigh 105 N Columbus St, Lancaster. The Eagle-Gazette wrote about the shop recently too. Oh, and if you have any question about her talent, yes she made that costume in the picture! It's the Wise Old Owl. Unbelievable.

Cake Class Reflection

A while back I wrote a post about Hobby Lobby cake decorating. Well, the class is over and I have my official Wilton Course 1 certificate! The course is made up of 4 classes. The first class is pretty much observation, but a definite eye-opener. I learned how to put my icing on without a crumb layer and how to get that super smooth look on a cake without using fondant. For me these two things alone were worth $17.50! In the first class we also were given a list of things we would be needing for the course. This is the part I didn't plan for. Supplies! We needed to buy, unless you already have the stuff, a Wilton course 1 kit (retails for about $24.00), icing colors (about $1.50), meringue powder (around $5.00), cake ingredients, and whatever extras you might choose (ie. more icing bags, a cake carrier, piping gel, special icing tips). So as you can see, it does come to a little more than $17.50. Honestly after hearing about these additional costs I had mixed feelings. I was disappointed that I would have to spend more than I had prepared for, but excited about what I had learned. I decided to continue the course and couldn't be happier with the result. I learned how to make a rose, drop flowers, wedding quality icing, leaves, and much more. It was well worth the money spent. If you are planning on continuing to decorate cakes just look at the cost as an investment, and when your kids come and ask you to make that special cake for their birthday you'll be glad you did it and so will they! Above is a picture of my final cake. I know it isn't much to look at, but trust me it's a huge improvement. The more I practice the better the cakes will be.

Pumpkin Hike Fun

Last Saturday Heather and her family were gracious enough to take me and my boys to the Annual Pumpkin Hike at Alley Park. This was our first Pumpkin Hike and the boys were VERY excited. They were not disappointed. We arrived early, as Heather suggested in her recent blog post. It did make a difference and parking was not too bad. It was still light out when we began the walk, which did mean that we didn't get to experience the pumpkins in their full lit glory but also meant it was easier to keep an eye on the 5 boys running ahead of us. We were greeted graciously by the owners of Neeley's Farm, who donated all of the pumpkins. Then we proceeded to walk around the lake, enjoying all of the creatively carved pumpkins, as it gradually become dark and the pumpkins lit up. It is a beautiful walk and one I won't miss again!

At the end of the walk, the boys really enjoyed roasting hotdogs over the open fires and drinking hot chocolate and apple cider. There was a large, lit-up, pumpkin totem pole that was very cool. The pumpkin each of the boys got before we left the park was their very favorite part and we had to carve them the next day.

It really was a great time and I would encourage all families to attend next year. Some thoughts - go early if you have rambunctious children (like I do) as it is a little easier to watch them when there is a little light, purchase the glow sticks that they sell at the beginning of the walk (this is the only way I was able to see my children at the end!), bring marshmallows if your kids like them as they would be fun to roast, and carry the little ones (I don't think a stroller would make it). Thanks Heather and family! We had a great time!

Trunk or Treat!

Halloween is almost here and there are many activities going on around town. Among the fun next week is Trunk or Treat at Redeemer Lutheran. As I've written before, many of the local churches offer fun, family events and this is one not to be missed. Redeemer has a fairly large parking lot and they line up to 25 cars in a roughly L shape, with their trunks towards the middle. Kids are invited to 'trick or treat' at all of the cars. In the past my boys have received candy, necklaces, and even toothbrushes. At the end of the cars, there are usually tables with pumpkins to decorate and snacks to eat. There is also a hay ride that you don't want to miss.
This is always one of my family's favorite events and I would recommend it to anyone! It is easy to push a stroller around and is a great way to meet new people, or just get together with your friends! It doesn't take to long and your kids will love the chance to wear their Halloween costumes early!
The details are: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1400 Concordia Drive, Lancaster. Tuesday, October 27, 5:00 - 6:30pm.

ANNUAL PUMPKIN HIKE!

Lancaster Parks and Recreation’s Annual Pumpkin Hike is just around the corner! This fantastic family event will be held at Alley Park (2805 Old Logan Rd) in Lancaster on Saturday, October 31st (Halloween) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. If you have never attended the Pumpkin Hike this is a “must do” Halloween event that will surely turn into a family tradition! If you have attended the Pumpkin Hike in the past, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a one of a kind event that is great fun for the whole family!
You can turn this event into a whole day of fun by bringing the family over to Alley Park anytime between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM to help carve the pumpkins that will line the trail later that evening. The pumpkin carving takes place in the barn just past the Alley Park entrance. All of the pumpkins are donated by Neeley’s Farm and participants need only bring carving tools and a great imagination! You may carve as many pumpkins as you like! For many Lancaster families, carving the pumpkins the morning of the hike has become as much as of a tradition as the Pumpkin Hike itself!
When you arrive for the Pumpkin Hike between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM you will park in the field across from the park (parking attendants will be on hand to direct you). I, personally, would go early as this event can get extremely busy. In fact, over 6000 people were estimated to have attended the hike last year!
The hike takes place on the “Lake Trail” which is a dirt trail with moderate terrain that circles Lake Loretta. The trail is lit only by the Jack-O-Lantern’s that were carved earlier that morning. Umbrella strollers or strollers with plastic wheels are not recommended due to the terrain, however, a jogging stroller or one with air-filled tires would do just fine. The hike takes about 20 minutes. After the hike roast a hot-dog over a bonfire (there will be 2 or 3) and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. Monetary donations are accepted for the food.
So come on out to Alley Park for the Annual Pumpkin Hike and become a part of a Lancaster Family Tradition! For more information call the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department at 740-687-6651 or go to www.lancasterparks.com.

Thursdays Play Group

Play group is still going to be on Thursdays at 10am, but today it's feeling kind of yucky out there! So Rising Park won't be our destination this morning. I think we might want to skip the muddy pants today! We're going to meet at the play area at the River Valley Mall instead of the park. This may become a trend the closer we get to winter so be on the lookout!

It's time to buy pumpkins! ..... already?

My family like most families has made an event out of going to buy pumpkins. Our destination of choice was always Pigeon Roost Farm in Hebron, Ohio. It's a lot of fun and helps to make pumpkin choosing an exciting event! They have a fun center for kids that costs $4.00 (2 & under are free), a corn maze and a wagon ride for $3.00 (3 & under are free). They have camels, donkeys, goats, and lots of other animals! It's fun for everyone, that is if you don't get lost in the corn maze! They provide wagons for pulling pumpkins while you're there. We always used the wagon for our kids too! That way we can skip the stroller and save room in the back of our car for all those pumpkins! Pigeon's Roost charges 35¢ per pound for pumpkins. Specialty pumpkins are priced separately though. They take credit cards so no need to stop at the ATM before you head out.
Okay, so here's the thing . . . we love those huge pumpkin farms, but sometimes with little ones (not to mention little cash) it's best to keep it simple. I know for our family it can get a little overwhelming. So while I recommend a big 'ole pumpkin patch to fill up a weekend with tons of fun, I'm not sure I would recommend it for all of your pumpkin shopping. My family discovered Neeley's last year, and it meets our needs perfectly. Neeley's is a roadside farm market right in a Lancaster residents front yard. It's big enough to be exciting for young ones yet small enough to keep them focused on the task at hand. Picking that perfect pumpkin to carve! Neeley's is located on the East side of town at 2574 Mud House Road. Neely's may be small, but they have lots of choices. Huge pumpkins for around $10.oo-$12.00, little pumpkins for $1.50. "Perfectly Sized" pumpkins for $3-$4. These are the ones you'd choose for that spooky Jack-o-lantern.
While you're there you can also pick up mums, tomatoes, zucchini, corn shocks or hay bales. The great thing about Neeley's is that you can keep the trip short and sweet! Be sure to bring the amount of cash you think you'll need, because they rely on the honor system. So no one is there to break your $50! No need for a stroller because you don't have to park miles away, just pull in the drive way and shop on the front lawn!

Pumpkin farms come in so many different shapes and sizes so I'm sure you'll find the perfect one to suit your family's personality! To help you find the perfect pumpkin place we've compiled a list on our seasonal page. Don't forget to check out trick-or-treat times while you're there. Good luck pumpkin hunting!