Speaking of Small Businesses...

The following are several links to new independent businesses I've discovered here in the Pearl. There's really no limit to how creative people can be when it comes to their 9-5...

• While I was waiting in line at the bank, a foursome of fresh-faced sweet little kids were sitting on the couches while their dad spoke with the teller. One girl held a stuffed kitten and stared at the flat screen TV showing the news on Wall Street, a toddler hung upside down in his chair, and another boy and girl (they looked the oldest) shared a chair with her arm around his shoulders. Eventually the toddler grew restless and ran over to his daddy, asking him to hang him upside down. The daddy promptly swung the little guy over his shoulder, and the boy shrieked in glee. When he walked over to collect the other kids before leaving, he jokingly asked if they had learned anything about the stock market. He was relaxed, handsome, and young, so that must be where the kids got it. After I left the bank and headed outside, I passed Jamison Park where toddlers in swimsuits were playing in the fountain and saw the dad from the bank careen by on a bike, pulling a carriage behind him with little heads bobbing and hands sticking out. I was impressed. How many people bike their four kids around the city? As they passed by me, I read a sign on the back of the carriage: PDX PEDICAB.


• Last week, a few hours before I had to close up shop, a cheerful young woman came in carrying a plate full of miniature cupcakes. Cupcake Jones, formerly known as BabyCakes, was finally opening its doors the following day. I relished three tiny vanilla cakes with light creme & strawberry slices before I realized I better step. away. from. the. cupcakes. (The next several customers that came in gladly helped me clear the plate.)


• Of course one of my dreams is to have my own boutique, and if I wasn't so obsessed with fashion for kids, I'd love to have a store full of toys. Everyday it would remind me how important play is! The Pearl's new toy store, Green Frog Toys, is full of a fantastic selection for kids NB-10+ The last time I stopped in, I left with a few stuffed animals for the stockpile, which Dan promptly named for futurebaby: