Monday, December 12, 2011
Santa Claus is Coming to Honeys & Heroes
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Our Gift to You: December Daily Deals!
At Honeys & Heroes we love the holidays and all the joy it brings kids both young and old.
This year to help celebrate the season we are offering a 'Daily Deal' for each day of the month.
Every day we will be featuring one very special item that has been hand selected by our expert team.
This item will be 25% off for that specific day only. The best way to secure that item is to call our store at
650-326-1899 and speak with one of our experts.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Freak Out or Freaky Parent?

I have to admit that during my pregnancy I've had some pretty ridiculous thoughts:
Why isn't my baby drowning? I mean she is living in water, will she be a fish?
Why does she kick me all the time, am I already a bad mother?
When is she going to come out? Why does she prefer to be inside the dark and creepy womb for all this time?
However, last night won the prize, took the cake, was a 10 out of 10 freak attack.
I woke up to find myself sleeping on my back (a big no, no in the world of 9 mos pregnant women) and had a moment of panic which lead to a total freak out.
OMG, I thought, there is a live human being living inside of me and for some reason I've accepted this as OK, the norm, even a miracle!
How could this be true or possible? How could a living, breathing human being be hanging out inside my body?
Impossible, I thought. I must get it out of me as immediately! How could my husband (who is supposed to love me) allow this freak of an incident happen? Was he not paying attention (like usual) or did he just want a front row seat to the live horror show that would unfold when this baby pops out of my belly?
I was a millisecond from waking him up and insisting that he take me directly to the ER to remove this alien object (otherwise known as a baby) when I must have found my brain, at least the reasonable half.
I thought to myself, yes this is really weird, I am carrying a little person inside of me (aka Alien baby). A human being who will most likely look like me and talk like me. She will definitely be as big of a pain as me, but will most likely be far more loving and kinder than I am (like my husband).
This is a miracle and I need to embrace it instead of calling the local loony bin to pick me up and take me away.
I am not sure why or how this happened but there was definitely a moment there when I thought I was loosing my mind. A moment when my reasoning and logic went out the window and emotions and fear took over.
Ahhh, I thought to myself as I gathered myself and calmly fell back asleep, this is only the beginning.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pregnancy Secrets or Lies?

I always knew that there were secrets about pregnancy that even your worst enemy would not tell you.
I once had a girlfriend summarize birth as 'just turn around and walk into the hospital backwards, that's all you need to know about having a baby'.
However, now that I am on the precipice of having my first baby, I have figured out the first secret that my dearest friends have only begun to admit to.... the last month is awful! I realize that mother nature probably made it this way so that we want our babies out as much as they want to get out (wait, I hear they don't want to come out and are pretty pissed off when they do.)
No one warned me when I was an innocent, naive and joyous newly expecting mommy that things would look or feel like this! Where were all those truth telling friends of mine? I assume that they were just trying to shelter my happiness from the realities of pregnancy.
I have found it refreshing that there are still some decent people out there in the world that are more than happy to help out a pregnant woman. My experience reveals that the greatest concentration of them exist at Whole Foods in Mill Valley and the lowest concentration reside on any airplane (yes, that includes flight attendants who stand there and stare at you while you try to get your bags up into the storage bin.)
However, there was one ridiculous granola crunching schmuck at a Whole Foods SF who saw me struggling to pick up some candy that had fallen to the floor and instead of offering to help me with the recovery, asked if he could cut in line ahead of me instead. Now that doesn't feel like peace loving, kale eating, Birkenstock wearing behavior.
Oh yeah, and all you gals out there who tell your pregnant sisters that you 'only gained 15 lbs' during your entire pregnancy, guess what, that doesn't help or feel good to anyone (except you of course.)
Focusing, focusing.... back to my initial point, I am on to all you life giving ladies out there. You are so excited when someone new gets pregnant because then you will get one more member of the feet swelling, back aching, stretch marking touting and varicose vain sporting club. I get it, I wouldn't have told me either. But once you are pregnant, what are you going to do about it anyways?
When I complain about the side effects of being pregnant to my mother she asks me 'what did you think was going to happen?' I guess that is the crux of the problem. When I found out I was pregnant I didn't think about me. I thought about the joy of bringing a little person into this world who is full of hope, optimism and joy. Ah, but that seems so long ago (after all, haven't I been pregnant forever by now?)
So ladies, let's have our 'honest moment' now. What else do I need to know about pregnancy or giving birth? What surprises are you all keeping from people like me, birthing virgins? I'm ready to hear it all. Keep nothing back. After all, it is far too late to do anything about it now.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Our Favorite Things: After School Snacks
As a kid, one of the best parts of getting out of school each day was the 'After School Snack' awaiting at home. I have to admit that I didn't always pick the healthiest of snacks, Spaghetti O's was always one of my favorites. Of course, apples and peanut butter was always a close second (just in case my mother comes across this blog.)
However, today there are just so many more options for healthy snacking. We all know it is important for kids to have a mid afternoon nutritional snack to keep their energy and focus going until dinner time. Yet, how do you pick a 'snack' that is more than a 'treat' (think high in sugar and fat) that makes both parent and child happy?
Here are 10 great healthy snack recipes, courtesy of Everyday Health that are fun to eat and help boost kids’ nutrition:
- Frozen bananas. Cut a banana in half and put each half on a Popsicle stick. Roll the halves in yogurt and then coat with a crispy rice cereal or granola and freeze. Your child can enjoy them frozen or slightly thawed.
- Quick pizza. Drizzle tomato sauce and sprinkle low-fat mozzarella cheese on a whole-grain English muffin half. Sprinkle with seasonings, such as oregano and garlic. Heat in the toaster oven until the cheese melts.
- Yogurt treats. Make yogurt parfaits by layering fruit, like strawberries and blueberries, and low-fat yogurt in a parfait glass. Top with granola.
- Snack mix. Make a mix of ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit, and nuts or seeds. Place in a sandwich bag and you have an on-the-go snack.
- Snack kabob. Cut up cubes of low-fat cheese and place them with grapes on mini pretzel sticks.
- All-time favorite. Kids may enjoy “ants on a log,” which are celery sticks spread with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese and topped with raisins.
- Mexican treat. Take a corn tortilla and sprinkle with low-fat, grated Monterey Jack cheese. Fold it in half and then microwave for 20 seconds. Top with mild salsa.
- Potpourri. Arrange pita chips, baby carrots, and apple slices on a plate. Serve with hummus, low-fat ranch dressing, or low-fat yogurt as a dip.
- Smoothies. Blend low-fat milk or yogurt with a banana or strawberries and some ice for a low-fat milkshake.
- Popcorn. Air-pop some of your own kernels or choose a low-fat brand of popcorn to pop in the microwave. Serve with a glass of milk.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Help Honeys & Heroes Help Other Kids - Shelter Network
As the new school year creeps closer, we at Honeys &Heroes always realize how fortunate we are to have such nice things to wear and wonderful schools to attend.
Unfortunately, not all kids are as lucky. They don't get new clothes or new shoes to wear every year. In fact, many kids in our community don't even have homes to return to everyday.
That's why this year we are thrilled to be helping out the community with our 'Back-To-School Cool' clothing drive. All clothes donated at the Palo Alto store location will be donated to Palo Alto's Shelter Network.
"The Shelter Network is committed to providing housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own. The Shelter Network operates thirteen programs, has more than 50 full-time staff, and thousands of volunteers. The Shelter Network is the Peninsula's principal provider of housing and support for homeless families and individuals."
This season we are offering you a chance to help Honeys & Heroes help those kids at The Shelter Network. From August 15th to September 15th, when you drop off your 'gently used' clothes at Honeys & Heroes we will happily give you 15% OFF on your Back-To-School shopping purchase.
Come on, we know there are things in your closet that you never wear or have outgrown. Why not take this opportunity to clean out your wardrobe and help other less fortunate kids in your community while you do it!
Make it a competition and challenge your friends and neighbors to a 'Back-To-School Cool' competition. Which one of you can donate the most?
For those customers who do not live locally, please post a picture of you donating to a local organization on our Facebook page and we will send you a special coupon to use online to receive your 15% discount.
Help all kids go 'Back-To-School Cool' this year!
Thanks in advance for your contributions,
The Team At Honeys & Heroes
Friday, August 5, 2011
My Opinion on Fashion Camps

As much as I loved summer camp as a kid, I never would have thought there would be something as glorious as being able to go to fashion camp.
Luckily for the girls and guys out there today who love fashion and design, these camps now exist.
A recent article in the NY Times talks about what is probably the greatest hands on fashion camp around, Fashion Camp NYC. This 5 day program in the heart of New York's fashion district offers their campers the most hands on experience for those youths who know they want a career in fashion.
There are many other programs throughout the country that are less expensive and more convenient as well. Just a few minutes of research will find you programs in Texas, Colorado, California, Washington and more...
Why send your daughter or son to fashion camp? There are multiple reasons. Personally I believe that fashion is one of the first places that a child learns to define their own unique personality. As we see in the store everyday, kids love to try new styles and looks to figure out what suits them best.
Boys love trying new accessories like our forever popular Gunnar Fedora by Quiksilver. I can't tell you how man guys have fallen in love with this hat and begged their mother's to buy it for them.
Girls, especially in the size 7 to 14 range often need to spend extra time trying on multiple outfits to figure out what is best on their ever changing bodies. This trial and discovery period helps them to not only feel comfortable with themselves but also explore sides of their personalities that have yet to be discovered.
So, for all those 'nay sayers' out there who think that fashion and fashion camps are a waste of time, I would say wrong! Let your little loved one enjoy design and fashion and be sure to get out of their way while they do it. The confidence and pride that kids develop when they are excited and comfortable in what they are wearing pays off in spades. They become more confident, happier and even a bit more independent.
If you don't believe me, come and hang out with us at Honeys & Heroes one afternoon and witness it for yourself.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
My Favorite Things: S'mores Please

As a kid who loved summer camp more than anything, my whole school year was spent dreaming of the day I got to climb back on the bus and head off to Skylake Yosemite Camp for the summer.
As I help kids in our store to stock up for summer every year, I always become nostalgic for the many days I spent at Bass Lake and all the special friends I made over my many years at camp.
Of course it also helped that camp meant the only time I would be served Pop Tarts for breakfast and tatter tots for dinner (much better than granola and broccoli when you are 8 years old.)
However, one of my favorite things about camp were the nights by the campfire when we made S'mores. Nothing beat hunting for that perfect stick to roast your gooey marshmallow on.
I was never patient enough to get that perfect golden brown crust on my marshmallow. Instead, mine always ended up burnt to a crisp, but who really cared, it was all about sticking the gooey inside into a sandwich made of graham crackers and chocolate.
So, for all of you summer camp loving 'kids at heart' out there, here are some of my favorite S'more recipes for you to try this summer. All taste fantastic whether your marshmallow is roasted to a golden glow or charred to perfection!
Mexican S'mores
Using the three classic s'more ingredients, this sweet treat is prepared under the broiler or on the campfire and uses cinnamon graham crackers instead of plain. For an adult-friendly option, use spiced chocolate.Grilled Banana S'mores
Ingredients
- 3 small bananas, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 (0.3-ounce) individually wrapped squares dark chocolate
- 12 graham cracker sheets, halved
- Thread banana pieces onto 3 (8-inch) metal skewers. Place skewers on a grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 5 minutes or until soft.
- Place 1 square dark chocolate onto 1 graham cracker half. Top with hot banana pieces and another graham cracker half. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Raspberry S'mores
Ingredients- 8 graham crackers
- 32 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 2 1.5-ounce chocolate bars (such as Hershey's)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Adjust rack to middle position and heat broiler or toaster oven. Break the crackers in half to form squares and place on a baking sheet. Arrange 4 marshmallow halves on top of each square. Broil for 30 to 60 seconds or until the marshmallows are golden brown. Break each chocolate bar into 12 pieces. Arrange the chocolate and raspberries on top of half the crackers. Invert the remaining marshmallow-topped crackers onto the raspberry-and-chocolate-topped crackers, pressing gently to make sandwiches. Stack them, if desired.
Tip: For more deluxe s'mores, use high-quality chocolate, like Scharffen Berger or Valrhona.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Our Favorite Things: Summer Time

As we sit here in our lovely air conditioned store and watch all the kids run around in their summer gear, we are reminded of our childhood and the things we loved most about being a kid in the summer time. Perhaps some of the things on our list will bring a smile to your face as it did ours.
Gail
Visiting grandparents
Driving the tractor on the farm
Riding bikes
Otter Pops
Catching fireflies
Water guns
Swim team
Lizzie
Summer Camp
Sparklers
Water balloons
Popsicles
Water skiing
Squeezing lemon in your hair
Friendship bracelets
Swimming
Cherries
Handstands in the pool
Alanna
Cold watermelon
Lemonade and lemonade stands
Playing Marco Polo in the pool
Sleep away camp (bye bye mom and dad)
Running in the sprinklers
Staying up late
Going back-to-school shopping with mom
'School night' sleepovers
Campfires
Of course the absolute worse thing about summer is going back to school. But who wants to think about that when the sun is shining and the days are full of freedom.
Please share with us your 'favorite things about summer' we'd love to hear what made your childhood summers so memorable.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
What is the future of shopping?

As a small retailer trying to survive in today's crazy internet shopping obsessed world, the question we (meaning us at H&H) often ask ourselves is what is the future of retailing? In the next 5 years will our loyal customer even come into our store anymore or will they be solely contacting us via the internet? Will there be a place in the big over connected world wide web for smaller retailers who don't have the resources to compete with the big retail kahunas out there?
No doubt we struggle to compete with all the emerging discounts sites that are happily stealing away some of our clients. (Never mind the fact that the a majority of the goods that they are selling are last years or last seasons leftovers.) But as the big get bigger and more powerful, how is your local 'main street' boutique ever going to survive?
A recent article in Fast Company addresses this concern by focusing on a company that Ebay recently acquired called Milo. Milo.com is attempting to bring "every product on every shelf in every store in the physical world onto the Internet."
Ebay believes that "in the next three to five years, we're about to see more change in how consumers shop and pay than in the last decade."
If you are interested in this topic, be sure to check out the interesting Fast Company article
How Jack Abraham I Reinventing Ebay. Not only will you see a brilliant and insightful quote by me, Alanna Klein (ha ha) but you will also learn a lot about how the major retailers out there are working to shape our shopping experiences of tomorrow.
While all these changes are exciting and amazing, they can also be daunting. As a small business owner keeping up with the ever evolving business environment created by this new technology is paramount.
We at Honeys & Heroes want to continue to be a part of your life and community for many years to come. We plan on doing our best to keep up with these exciting changes as well as offer more to you and your kids in terms of content and a new type of web shopping experience in the future.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
You Know You Are Preggers When.....

1. There are almost as many noises come out of your bottom as your top.
2. Your brain thinks it is working but seems to be misfiring without you even realizing... like using your remote control as your cell phone.
3. You walk by store windows and wonder if you will ever be able to wear something with a waist again.
4. You wonder why your husband can't understand why frozen yogurt and Pop Chips don't make a balanced meal... hey there is some dairy and a tiny bit of vegetable somewhere in this diet plan.
5. Your overly sensitive sense of smell kicks in. Everyone at the gym has that sweaty 'haven't washed my clothes in 2 workouts smell'...disgusting!
6. Getting dressed is the hardest part of the day... what will fit today?? Bye-bye favorite jeans.
7. Realizing every morning is it's own adventure. Will I be sick? Will I be nauseous? Will I need prune juice? How big will I be when I wake-up?
8. You can't stop wondering about that little miracle growing inside of you. What will he/she look like? Will he/she look like you or your husband/partner? Why does he/she kick all night? Why can't he/she sleep when you are sleeping? Why did you just kick me in the ribs?
9. Your mother keeps asking you to register somewhere... anywhere! What's the big deal? My child will be here for a long time, you can always buy him/her something later on, like a college education!
10. The weeks turn into months and the months turn into years. Why do these 40 weeks feel like the longest weeks of my life? Oh yeah, so I can suffer through, I mean cherish, every moment of being pregnant.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Nursery For Us All!

The time has come for me to make my big announcement. I will be having a baby girl this Fall. Yippee!
While having a baby is exciting, there is only so much you can do that bonds you to your baby before they arrive.
As a result, I've chosen to focus all my maternal (or burgeoning maternal) excitement into making the coolest room possible for my little Yum Yum.
My vision for her room is to make it stylish and unexpected, but not too mature or bizarre. Make it fun and youthful but not too sweet and cliche.
I want it to be a room that we can all enjoy hanging out in but not have that ornate and over the top '1st baby' feeling.
Unfortunately, I'm sure she won't care a bit about how I hard I struggled over the perfect paint color or how I scoured the Alameda swap meet to find that perfect dresser. However, I believe that since this is the first real introduction to my baby, I want her room to convey her parents (by 'parents' I mean me) personality and style.
So far I've spent countless hours scouring the internet for ideas but I have found the best inspiration in Susanna Salk's book, "For Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play, (Rizzoli, April 2010). This book is full of inspirational ideas for nurseries through teen bedrooms. I love the modern farmhouse look nursery not necessarily for the 'farmhouse' but because it shows how a room can be young and charming while feeling cool and not too babyish. This room can easily be transformed into a kids or young adults room as a child grows.
Another fun idea that I am in love with came from this image from the Pottery Barn Kids website, http://www.potterybarnkids.
My final recommendation is to always have some furniture that fit the little people. (By 'little people' I mean your kids.) If there is one thing I have learned after having my stores for 9 years is that kids love chairs and tables in their size. Some of my favorite pieces are made by Jennifer Delonge. Check out her website http://www.jenniferdelonge.
So let's be honest here, yes it is all about me (my husband couldn't care less and at this point all my baby does is kick me and give me gas) and the opportunity to create a wonderful and unique environment for my delicious little girl.
And yes, I will be the one spending the bulk of my time in the room (sorry hubby, I know you will be the one sleeping through the night.) So, I'm going to make this nursery a fun place for both of us to spend lots of quality time together. Why shouldn't all that bonding occur in a room we both love!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Things To Do This Memorial Day
Are you looking for something fun to do with your family this Memorial Day?
As much as we look forward to the extra time together, sometimes it helps to plan fun activities to keep everyone busy and happy.
Here are some suggestions for things to do in the SF Bay Area this Memorial Day:
Around The Bay Area
Monday, May 30th
- 10:30 a.m. The 142nd San Francisco Memorial Day Ceremony. The event begins with a parade of veterans. Guests include San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, members of the board of supervisors, Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo/San Francisco, Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, and others. Parade of veterans to begin at the Main Post Parade Ground in San Francisco's Presidio. The parade will continue to the National Cemetery, 1 Lincoln Blvd. Main Post Parade Ground, Montgomery Street and Sheridan Avenue, San Francisco
For more information check out: http://www.presidio.gov/
- 12:30 p.m. Pre-game ceremony before the Giants-Rockies game on Memorial Day to celebrate the fifth anniversary of "Strikeout For Troops," founded by Barry Zito. Zito and Giants teammates will join active duty military personnel and veterans on the field. AT&T
- 9:00am - 1:00pm: Teatro Zinzanni Monday Funday- Tightrope and balance beam, Pier 29, The Embarcadero, San Francisco.
- 12:00 – 3:30 pm: Memorial Day Farm Fun Open House, Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley- FREE
- 10am – 4pm- FREE Day Open House on Memorial Day on the farm, Ardenwood Historical Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
- 12:00pm – 4:30pm: Mine Open House, Black Diamond Mines, Somersville Road Antioch
- 10am – 4pm: Family Fun Memorial Day at the Crab Cove Center, 1252 McKay, Alameda
- 10:30: Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, Old Mill School on Throckmorton Ave to Tamalpais High, FREE
- Great America has a variety of activities going on throughout the long weekend. Check them out at http://www.cagreatamerica.com/
events/events.cfm - SFCAT Presents the 33rd Annual Carnaval Festival & Parade. For details see http://www.sfcatcarnaval.com/
Hope these suggestions help you plan a family fun filled weekend!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Style Advisory Board- Meeting #1
Last week Honeys & Heroes had the first meeting of our ‘Style Advisory Board’. This board is made up of young girls (otherwise known as ‘Tweens’) ages 8-13 who are creative and love fashion.
We gathered in the store after closing for some food, chit chat and fun. While none of us knew exactly what to expect from the experience, we can assure you that a good time was had by all.
There was so much to learn from our ‘Tween’ board. The girls talked to us about their love of surfing online, shopping dreams and fashion preferences. Boy, did these girls have a lot to say!
After we were done with the pizza and ‘girl talk,’ we had a blast creating personalized tote bags. It was so much fun to watch how creative the gals got. Some drew on their bags graffiti style while others preferred our ‘bling’ machine and went crazy with the decals.
The girls were also able to spend time trying on clothes and putting together their favorite outfits. It was fun to see what they looks created for themselves. Guaranteed, each girl has her own special style.
We ended the evening with some yummy cupcakes and a smile.
If you or someone you know, ages 8-13, might be interested in joining us for our next ‘Style Advisory Board’ meeting. Please email us at customerservice@
We’d love to meet your fashionista !
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
How To Have Happy Little Feet
Who doesn't love to see their kids looking stylish and sharp? We all appreciate a fun dress, a hip graphic tee and of course a fedora or beret to complete their unique look.
However, as much as I love clothes, there is one part of an outfit that can easily get overlooked, the shoes.
After being around kids shoes for the last 8 years, I have come to realize that getting the fit right is essential. I have learned there are several important elements to fit that can be easily overlooked. Unfortunately, there are many children shoe stores out there that don't provide the sufficient training to their employees to insure that they are fitting your child properly.
Here are some of my favorite tips that I have gathered over the years. Hopefully these will help you be sure that your child is walking out of the shoe store with most appropriate shoe for their age and the best possible fit.
· Wait until your child starts walking to buy them shoes. There is no need to jump start the process. In an ideal world we'd all go barefoot for the first 3 years. Unfortunately, since we all don't live on deserted beaches where there is no rubbage, I suggest wearing Nowalis at this stage of development. They are soft soled, comfortable and they won't kick off their feet.
· Once your child starts walking, make sure you put them in a shoe that is light weight and has a flexible sole. This combination will insure happy and healthy foot growth. Remember, baby and toddler feet sweat more than adult so it is especially important to put them in either natural or very breathable shoes during the early years.
· Every time you go to buy a pair of shoes, have your child fitted. Not all salespersons know how to measure correctly! (Amazing but true.) Having them fitted at different shoe stores will give you confirmation of the correct shoe size. In the first 3 years of their life, a child's foot averages a .5 inches of growth every 3 months. Your child will grow out of their shoes quickly so be proactive about monitoring their growth. At this young age, they are not always verbal enough to let you know that their shoes are too small or too tight.
· When trying on shoes, make sure your child always stands up right and puts both feet side by side. Sitting down or leaning to one side can dramatically change the fit of a shoe. Numerous children think their shoes don't fit properly until they are standing up straight... it's a miracle!
· Shoes should never be handed-down: just because they fit one child well, doesn't mean that they'll work for another, not to mention that it is not a hygienic practice.
· Always have your child try on both shoes. Feet come in different shapes and sizes, even when they belong to the same person. Different brands are sized very differently. Don’t’ assume just because a size 8 fits in one brand doesn’t necessarily mean it will translate to another brand.
· Be sure to have one great (not just good) pair of sneakers. These are the shoes that your child will wear everyday. Poor quality shoes will not be supportive or last long once your little playground romper starts bouncing around.
· Don't wait too long to get them to learn to tie their laces. The invasion of velcro in the kids shoe market has resulted in way too many youths avoiding the inevitable task of learning how to tie their shoe laces. Do not let this be your child! You had to learn at an early age and so should they. After a certain size, all the cool shoes have laces.
· A good pair of sandals is invaluable. I love Keens because they are all weather and all terrain.
· For older kids, if a shoe doesn't fit exactly, you can always go to your local drugstore and pick up some shoe inserts. (Flats for girls are notoriously hard to fit but can be easily adjusted with a little help from Dr. Scholls.) They are the easiest and cheapest way to make the minor adjustments that are sometimes necessary.
· Lastly, a quick jog, hop or skip around the shoe store will speak volumes. Right away you will be able to tell if your child is comfortable, the shoe is staying on and if they like, love or hate the shoe. No use in buying something they won't wear. Remember, no returning worn shoes.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
My Favorite Things: Baking With My Mom

When I think back on my childhood one of my favorite activities was cooking in the kitchen with my mom.
Actually, I could have skipped the cooking and gone straight to baking.
My skills started off small (Rice Krispy Treats) but by my tweens I was pulling off some amazing cakes and innovative cookie recipes.
I believe spending time in the kitchen teaching your child to bake is invaluable. Not only is it a great opportunity to spend some 'quality time' together, it is also a place to learn things like math (what is a teaspoon vs a tablespoon ?), reading (can't screw up those baking directions or you will have a messy disaster on you hands) and self-control (don't eat the entire batter or there will be nothing left to bake...such a sad lesson to learn.)
One of my favorite things to make were muffins. Muffins are both a breakfast staple and a great afternoon snack. They take practically not time to make and homemade muffins are always more healthy than those big heavy ones you buy at the store.
Please enjoy one of my favorite muffin recipes. It is easy and fun to make with your kids. It's up to you whether you want to add nuts... but I prefer straight bananas and chocolate chips. Yum Yum!
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Cook Time: 25 min
Eat Time: ASAP!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
My Favorite Things: Cupcakes & Great Customer Service

OK- I know I'm late to the game but I just discovered Sibby's cupcakes in San Mateo. (Don't laugh, I'm not a cupcake person and I live in San Francisco.)
As a birthday request for Lizzie, I made a special trip to Sibby's to pick up her dream cupcakes.
It took me a couple attempts with my GPS to actually find the location but once I was there and walked into their 'store front', my eyes almost popped out of my head. Not only was the bakery wafting with delectable smells but the cupcakes looked delicious.
The nice gals working there politely asked me my name for my order..... WHAT ORDER???? Somehow in all the birthday excitement no one told me that Sibby's is a pre-order only bakery. My heart suddenly broke in two because not only did I now desperately want to try one of these gems, but I also wanted to surprise the birthday girl.
As my smile turned to a disappointed frown (were those tears in my eyes?), the employees quickly came to my aid and asked how many I wanted. When I told them that four was all I needed, they quickly stepped up and offered to help me by selling me some of their over flow.
Ahhhhh (can you hear the music?), the heavens opened and the sun shined through once again. I gladly accepted the four of any flavor and thanked them profusely.
Having been in the customer service industry for the majority of my adult life, I still always find it amazing when someone elevates them self and goes out of their way to help a customer in need. I have been witness to so many awful customer experiences (of course there are some customers who bring it on themselves) and in comparison so few wonderful ones.
I was more than ready to walk out of Sibby's empty handed. I own my actions and it was definitely my naive fault that I did not pre-order. However, the wonderful feeling I felt when the employees at Sibby's saved my tushie and sold me the four cupcakes instantly made me a loyal client to their business.
The point is, all it takes is a little bit of extra effort to change a negative customer experience into a positive one. Why don't more people realize this fact?
In the end, the cupcakes were wonderful, Lizzie was thrilled and I have already told 3 friends who live in San Francisco about these cupcakes.
Thanks Sibbys!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Calling All Fashionitas

Do you know a girl ages 7 to 13 (a Tween') who loves fashion? If so, please send her our way so she can join Honeys & Heroe's new 'Style Advisory Board'. This group of savvy and stylish young gals will meet quarterly at Honeys & Heroes for an evening of chit chat, fun and fashion.
At these meetings we hope to get honest feedback about what Tweens are looking for in fashion, what is missing in the market place and how we at Honeys & Heroes can be the best 'Tween' store around.
Our first meeting is this May, 2011.
Please contact us at 650-326-1899 or Alanna@HoneysandHeroes.com so that we may include your stylish gal on our team.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Read For The Easter Bunny!

Friday, April 1, 2011
Check Us Out On Milo.com

Have you ever shopped on Milo.com? Neither had we until a couple weeks ago. We were introduced to Milo by a good friend of H&H. He suggested we get ourselves on their site because it is the shopping vehicle of the future. Milo is local shopping made easy. They search your local store shelves in real-time to find the best prices and availability for the products you want to have—right now. That way, you can find everything in your area and not have to wait for shipping. We love it!
Milo shows you what's in-stock where, and tells you how much it costs at that very moment. They also offer detailed product information and user reviews, so you can be confident you're getting a product that fits your needs. In short, they make it easy to access the best of both online and offline shopping worlds—all in one place.
Milo was recently purchased by eBay so you know these guys are serious.
Check it out yourselves at Milo.com. If nothing else, their dog is sure a cutie!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Triangle Of Life... What To do During An Earthquake
I don't mean to be obsessing about earthquakes but after receiving this email from my mother this past weekend, I decided it was worthy of sharing with all our friends.
Having grown up in the Bay Area I have had my share of earthquake drills. Now it seems all our 'duck and cover' training might not be the only safe course of action.
As our trusty Gail pointed out, there are some points in this article that the Red Cross disputes. However, both parties agree that the Triangle Of Life is the important and should be taken into consideration given your environment when the earth starts shaking..
Please read both article and draw your own conclusions. Either way, you will end up being more informed and prepared when an Earthquake arrives.
http://www.bpaonline.org/Emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/triangle.asp
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Our Wake-Up Call... A Guide For Earthquake Preparedness

I look at the disaster in Japan as nothing less than a major wake-up call for all of us in California. We need to take what happened in Japan seriously and get ourselves prepared for our disaster. As much as we like to ignore or deny the facts, we are destined for some sort of trembler.
While some of us are lucky enough to live in modern up to code buildings, there are plenty of others who reside in beautiful and historically older structures. Realizing that my 1927 building may not be totally up to surviving the 'Big One', I decided this past weekend that I needed to get my family prepared. I have heard the wake-up call and I am finally listening. Luckily for me, it is not too late. However, I believe that if at this moment we don't take the steps to get prepared, we may all pay the price when the big shaker comes.
Therefore, I am taking time in this week's blog to provide some recommendations and leads that will help all of us prepare for an emergency.
I have scoured the internet for the best lists (in my opinion) of what makes up an optimal Earthquake Preparedness Kit. While there are plenty of websites out there willing to sell you a survival kit, I believe that the best kit is the one made by YOU your family. This way it can be tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
The Essentials: Water, Food, First Aid Supplies, Extra Clothes, Blankets, Shoes, Flashlights, Important Documents and Sanitation Supplies are a must. Make sure you pack a supply of any medications that may be specific to your family.
This article from the SF Gate gives a comprehensive breakdown of each of these categories:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/earthquakes/archive/ready.dtl&ao=all
For an interactive site that helps you prepare for everything, from your dogs to your gas range check out 72Hours: http://72hours.org/index.html
This interactive site took a little of the stress out of the preparedness process and allowed me to be more specific as to the needs of my family.
Lastly, the most comprehensive and dare I say retentive list I found was 'Equipped to Survive':
http://www.equipped.com/earthqk.htm
This list includes things like mosquito nets and pocket chainsaws. It may be a little overboard but better safe than sorry.
I highly recommend that you review all 3 sites and create a kit of your own based on all the recommendations.
Store your Survival Kit in a plastic container in your basement or somewhere accessible in case of an emergency. The plastic container will keep the rodents from getting inside as well as water or moisture from getting in.
Most importantly, remember to update your kit once a year with fresh supplies. Remember, medicine and food go bad. It would be a calamity if you went to retrieve your kit only to find that the food went bad and your asthma medicine has expired.
I hope this not so exciting or fun email helps someone out there get a little more prepared for a disaster. Of course you know how these things work, the more prepared you are, the less chance of anything happening.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Winning Wednesday Deal
Its time again for your Winning Wednesday deal (sorry Charlie Sheen, we were here first.)
This week we are offering 25% OFF of the coolest lid in town, the Anchor Fedora Hat by Quiksilver.
Now through the end of Wednesday, March 9th is the time to scoop us this fashionable accessory at a once in a season
discounted price.
Buy it online or drop in the Palo Alto store to be a
Winner this Wednesday!
Your Lil' Hero will thank you.
Tweens Are Special at Honeys & Heroes

Do you have a Tween (child the who wears sizes 7-14)? If so, you are most likely familiar with the day to day challenges of finding age appropriate, stylish and reasonably priced clothing.
That is why we at Honeys & Heroes have taken it upon ourselves to help be a part of the solution to this problem. Honeys & Heroes is making a conscious effort to provide fashionable, appropriate and well priced merchandise for your budding Tweener both boys and girls.
This is not an easy task. Just like you the parent, we at H&H have to search high and low in the retail wonderland to find items that we deem acceptable for Tweens. There are a lot of designers out there in the greater market whose main goal is to make your Tween look and feel older than they are... however, our focus at H&H is one of finding fun fashions that while may not look like a little girl or boy, still appeals to the tastes of both child and parent.
We are currently featuring your favorite brands like, Splendid, Quiksilver, Ella Moss, !iT Jeans, Joe's Jeans and T2Love with lots more to come.
Please take the time to come by our store or go online to our newly updated Tween departments to check out our selection.
Also be sure to become a friend on Facebook so you don't miss out on any of our special promotions!
We will be constantly updating our store and site with the newest fashions for this size range. As you know, these sizes sell fast so don't wait to long between visits.
At Honeys & Heroes, we look forward to continuing to fill your growing child's needs!
Also, be sure to check out the new budding assortment of Tween shoes at Gumshoe, our sister shoe store.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Announcing: Winning Wednedays.... Where YOU Always Win!

We are all kids at heart and that means that we all love playing games and winning! Well, at Honeys & Heroes we are going to make winners out of everyone. Starting today Honeys & Heroes is going to have special events, promotions, contests and deals announced every Wednesday. Some weeks we will ask participation from parents while other weeks we will hold kids only events. Stay tuned....
The special Facebook only promotions and events will usually last 24 hours unless otherwise stated.
Get set, gooooooo... see you next week!
This week's Winning Wednesday promotion is '20% OFF OF A Purchase OF $100 OR MORE.' Use coupon code SAVE20% to take advantage of this 24 hour opportunity.
Discount is only available Wednesday March 2nd.
Offer is good instore or online.
Get set and goooo.... see you next week.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Searching For Our Hero...
We are so lucky to have a wonderful store to work at everyday and homes to go to every night but lately, the gals at Honeys & Heroes have been feeling like we are missing something. We see so many happy dogs come through our store each day that we have begun to wonder if H&H needs its own loving pet. Shall we say, our own 'Honey' or 'Hero'.



Thursday, February 17, 2011
Alanna's Favorite Things

Of course after such a carb and olive oil rich experience, I had plenty of energy to do one of my other favorite things, go to The Dailey Method and work off all those beautiful calories. I recommend going first thing in the morning while those carbs are still kicking in and providing you with that extra carb-POWER. Umphf!
The Dailey Method is growing like your child... every month it seems there is a new one opening in a new neighborhood. The newest addition is in Calabasas CA. I love Jill McIntosh, the owner, and highly recommend taking her class when you can. However, she has done an amazing job training the instructors to be just as demanding and ass-kicking as her class. The music is fun and the exercises change on a regular basis. However, chances are you may not notice any of it because you will be to busy wondering how your legs will be able to walk you out of the class when it is over. I highly recommend going 2 to 3 times a week for best results... and you will see those results pretty darn fast. (http://www.thedaileymethod.com)
If you are unable to find The Dailey Method in your town, chances are there is a Bar Method (http://www.barmethod.com) in your town. Either way, you will love to hate this exercise method.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Just for Tweens!

















