This Is Framingham

Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone has a great holiday season (next 11 days).  Although I’ve asked before, I’m putting another shout out to anyone who might have any pictures of the old Shoppers World. I’m excited about co-authoring a book about the original Shoppers World that is just in the beginning stages.  Specifically, we’re looking for photos from the 1970’s and 80’s.  For some reason most of the archives at the Framingham History Center that we’re working with are from the 1950’s and 60’s and then skips to just about three weeks before it was torn down.  Why the era of the 70’s and 80’s are missing, I don’t know but we’d like to document that era of awesomeness as well.  So in this season of giving, we’d appreciate it if you dig deep into your basements and pull out those old photo albums to see if there are any photos of our dear SW.  If you have anything you’d like to submit, we will of course give you full credit for your contribution. You can email me here at michelle@thisisframingham.com
Thanks and a Happy-Merry to all!

Another non-’ham post but I couldn’t resist sharing these images of the old Natick Mall.  I always considered Shoppers World and Natick Mall to be retail and community sisters. Many times kids (like me) had trekked through the woods (before Flutie Pass) to get from one to another.  As much time as I spent at Shopper’s World growing up, I have just as many fond memories of the old Natick Mall.
Even though it was smaller than the monstrosity that is it now, I feel like it was more “grand”. It probably had something to do with the ample sunlight, large potted plants, hanging lights and the ever-changing choreography of the main water fountain by Sears (don’t forget the delightful little rock waterfall by Filene’s)  I hope some of these photos bring back some nice memories for some of you as well.

We got the latest edition of the town planner calendar and are wondering where in Framingham this was taken
I must drive by it every day and never notice!

Sometimes I post about things outside, but close to, Framingham when it’s a rare local option for the area. Bella Cakes at 190 W. Main St. Marlborough is the only nut-free shop in the metrowest and also accommodates dairy, egg and gluten-free needs.  And it’s where I work :)  I started here in October and it’s been so fun making cakes for all kinds of occasions but it’s really exciting getting into the holiday season.
The owner, Kristen Livoti, is offering gingerbread house classes (click image for PDF flyer):

This month we’re also making seasonal treats like yule logs, cookies, tarts, truffles and more click here for more information.

I should also note that Bella Cakes primarily focuses on custom orders so there are limited walk-in retail hours (which are Thurs & Fri 12-5pm and Sat 9am-12pm). For any questions about gingerbread house classes, holiday and non-holiday ordering, contact Kristen at  617.417.4453  or email kristen@bellacakes.net
For even more information check our the website: http://www.bellacakes.net

Happy Holidays!

This morning Ethan and I went to check out Eggcetera, Etc.. (665 Cochituate Road)
It’s a new place that offers a create-your-own meal that you can eat there or take-out.
They offer omelets, pancakes, french toast, pasta and stirfry options.
Basically, you choose your ingredients for what you want in the options mentioned above.

Then you bring it over to the cooking station where your ingredients are prepared to create your meal.

I got an omelet with vegetables, bacon and two kinds of cheese and chose sweet potato homefries and multi-grain roll:

Ethan got pancakes with strawberries (which the cook asked if he’d like the berries on top or inside) and regular homefries:

We enjoyed our breakfasts, everything tasted great and the owner and staff are very friendly and happy to explain the procedure and answer any questions.
It’s a refreshing addition to the area and I hope it does well.
For more information you can check out their website:
http://eggceteraetc.com

A very nice reader of the blog offered to add me to a list of 100 people to meet Duran Duran at the British Beer Company in Framingham tonight so…I went!   A few years ago I found this carnival mirror at the downtown Framingham Salvation Army thrift shop.

I thought it’d be funny to bring it and although they “weren’t allowed” to sign things tonight, John Taylor did get a kick out of it.  He said it was “wicked” and and asked me how old it was and showed it to Nick Rhodes who also looked at with amusement. Nothing all that interesting but now I can put the mirror back in my pile of useless things knowing it served it’s one minute purpose- you never know when random thrift store purchases will come in handy
Thanks again Mo for the opportunity to meet the guys!

I was in a 5 and dime in Taunton yesterday and came across some old Dennison products.
I got this for my friend Jim who is a kind of Dennison “connoisseur”.


Something like yard sale tags don’t seem like anything much, but to Jim and I (and I’m sure many other people) it’s a reminder of how happening Framingham used to be.  The Dennison Manufacturing Company produced really great paper products and especially excelled with Halloween party supplies.
I have a few in my own collection:

If you want to see some really impressive examples you can check out Jim’s talk at the Framingham History Center on Oct. 30th at 2:00pm.  There’s an admission fee of $5 (free for FHC members) and you can click here for more info.
If you’re not around or don’t want to pay $5, I think it’s worth googling “Dennison Halloween” and checking out some of awesomeness they made.
I’m sure it’s not for everyone, but some of the designs are fantastic and it’s amazing how recognizable some of these images are that I’ve seen hanging in house windows and tacked to schoolroom bullentin boards for so many years and never realized these decorative images were created right here in Framingham.
I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!