Finally!

Kid Robot isn't exactly my scene, but my curiosity is increasing. We went to Miami on Friday in a second attempt to check out the store and we missed closing time, AGAIN. Kid Robot is a trendy store selling designer toys, clothing, and accessories. Their two main toys or figurines are Dunny and Munny, both of which come in an array of shapes and sizes. Artists and designers are commissioned to create Dunnys, while Munnys are sold as a "blank canvas" to anyone eager to take on a project. Visit their website for more info.

The Blank Canvas





This G really loves his MegaMunny.





Completed Munnys. My favorite is the one with the apple, based on the iconic magritte painting.

The Icing on The Cake

Family study was off to a great start this week after we treated ourselves to delicious cake brought home from Miami's Ice Box Cafe. So light and fluffy and lovely! Everything we tried was amazing, but if I was absolutely forced to choose, the strawberry cake was my favorite. Even Oprah, supreme goddess of the mass media, recognized these delectable delights as the best in America. Watch the clip and get the address on their website.

"Every Friday just about midnight, all my problems seem to disappear"

I spent a recent Friday with two of my most favorite people in Miami. We parked the car and walked Lincoln Road, Espanola Way and Ocean Drive. I know many people have mixed feelings about South Beach, but I have to say it is pretty spectacular in its own glitzy, unapologetic way. It's such a break from the normal for me. A 45 minute drive thrusts me from the gut of suburbia into pulsing city night life.

I won't recommend the restaurant where we ate. It was good, but expensive, and nothing extraordinary. We walked by this Indian restaurant after finishing dinner and it seemed the only anomaly on all of Ocean Drive. Next time.

Espanola Way is worth a stroll, simply because the aesthetic is so completely unique to its surroundings. There are no cars allowed on the street, and it is lined with Spanish bars and restaurants, serving tapas and the like. It resembles the streets of old San Juan.

We finished the night at Segafredo, a local chain coffee bar on Espanola Way. It was comfortable and they had an interesting shabby-chic atmosphere, with plush vintage furniture and candelabras dripping in the dried wax of yesterday's candles. We sat and philosophized.

Bianca provided the soundtrack for the evening…

"I need love
Cause only love is true
I need every wakin' hour with you
And my friends cause they're so beautiful
Yeah my friends they are so beautiful
They're my friends"

Why not take a Mini Road Trip?

What I'm really lusting for is an epic cross-country road trip(a la Kerouac). Until that can happen, I'm finding tasty appetizers for my insatiable wanderlust.

Yesterday we got in the car and just drove. No particular direction in mind. The sun was out, clouds were few, and it was crisp, but not cold.

The first stop was the Aero Toy Store, a showroom of revamped vintage and luxury vehicles. It's not somewhere I would think to stop, but I really enjoyed myself. The cars were pretty impressive, even for someone who is not that into cars. The store was playing oldie stations, perhaps to make the cars feel more at home, and I couldn't help but feel very sunny and cheerful. My favorite car was a classy little jag convertible, white, but not too white, with a tan interior.

Our next stop was the beach in Boca. I'm not sure what beach, but it was just off a1a. The sand was very fine and sugary and felt good beneath my feet. I admired the people swimming. I was in two sweaters and barely warm enough. Must be Canadian. Or crazy.



We kept driving, and found the Sundy House, Del Ray Beach's first mayor's abode, now a B&B and historical sight. From the outside, it's hard to tell what one is seeing. Step inside, and you step into another world. It is old Florida at it's finest- lush, colorful, and corky- a visual delicacy. They are famous for their Sunday brunch, which I have been to in the past. It is pricey, but so worth it for special occasions. Mimosas are included!

Juice and Java

I went to the restaurant Juice and Java on Thursday. It's right next to Aventura Mall (Side Note: Ruehl is going out of business on January 23rd so everything in the store is 50% off). They specialize in healthy food. A great restaurant for vegans, vegeterians, or those who eat gluten-free. The menu is HUGE so everyone can find something they like. The service is efficient and the atmosphere is casual and upbeat. Website and locations.