This Is Framingham

I’ve posted about this before but for anyone who gets hopeless about downtown (I’m guessing similar to how the officer in the above photo feels) there is a fine group of people who are part of the Framingham Downtown Renaissance group that have put together a new website you can check out at http://downtownframingham.com
You can see their vision plan and documents, studies what upcoming plans and collaborations like the Farm Pond Initiative with FSU and participating the the Main Streets program, which focuses on revitalizing dowtnown areas.
It’s worth checking out and meetings are open to the public for those interested and can attend.
So although progress is slow, people (smart people) are working on making downtown a desirable place to go to.   I’ll be attending next month’s meeting and hopefully have something interesting to report.

Our washing machine bit the dust and while we were in-between washers at home we decided to do a couple of loads at a local laundromat.  The closest one for us was “Friendly Cleaners” in Sad Plaza but as much as I truly love retro appliances from the 70’s, (I really do) that place is a little sketch at night considering it’s tucked in the corner of an empty plaza that leaves a note asking the last customer to close the door.  So we headed north to Royal Laundry in Nobscot (847 Edgell Rd.)
It wasn’t bad, were the only ones there but didn’t feel unsafe.

It’s very clean and they have TVs and wifi there.  The only  thing that was a disappointment was the totally vacant vending machine.

We were looking for a snack but just got some pizza at Gianni’s across the way.  But the machines we used worked properly and I’d rather have a pleasant washing experience than a wide (or I guess any) selection of snacks.  So it was nice but hopefully we won’t be needing to visit again anytime soon.

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