Out & About with Linda

My granddaughter’s birthday party took me to Sandy Hill Farm in Plymouth Meeting. Who knew such a place existed so close to home?!

Family owned, this haven for all kinds of farm animals is a farm-size petri dish for farm fun and knowledge. There’s a welcoming barn where indoor activities can be planned, snacks enjoyed and big heaters are set up to warm cold bodies. Surrounding the barn are many fenced in areas housing bunnies, miniature ponies, ducks, chickens, sheep…. everyone has a home. There’s a big coral where pony rides are led… The bunny area allows for party goers to sit and caress the furry friends while also feeding them a carrot. It’s fun, really fun. You can even arrange for a hayride at the conclusion of your farm-play.

Sandy Hill Farm is open for reserved birthday parties, summer camp and riding lessons. I think that’s something my grandson would enjoy. Campers thrive in the gentle environment of animal husbandry. Don’t be surprised if your young one comes home wanting to build a “barn” for a chicken or lamb!!

Sandy Hill Farm is open to the public at various times. (Party not required.) Your best bet is to call or check their facebook site for details. Parties run as long as the weather allows… again a phone call will get you whatever questions or arrangements you need. Check it out. It’s well worth a visit, or two!!!

Like so many area malls, Neshaminy Mall has re-opened. And while some stores have left, there are many new stores throughout the center. I checked out two, Steals and Deals and Marlo Tha Jeweler. Both can be found not too far from Boscov’s. (That’s my point of reference!)

Steals and Deals definitely has some steals AND deals. Women’s wear, men’s clothing, handbags, active wear and children’s wear, the folks there have taken a large space and filled it with bargains you would hope to find in many of the area’s finer stores. (Of course, you never do!) I went through the racks and found some terrific high fashion skirts and jackets. And they had some fun pieces for gifting, all within an affordable range of fifteen to thirty dollars. I left with quite a few in tow!

I was mostly interested in the “stuff” they had for women, but I gave a quick gander at the other racks and saw some interesting fashion for children and men. I promised myself, next visit I would look closer at these racks AND come prepared to try on some of the skirts I saw. I’m thinking I shouldn’t wait too long for my re-visit. Once people realize what’s happening in this exciting addition to Neshaminy Mall, I won’t be the only one coming prepared to try on clothes! Oh, yes, did I tell you new merchandise arrives almost daily? Check it out and be prepared to add some new “stuff” to your closet!!!

Headbands…. I like headbands. And if you know me, it’s not unusual for you to see me wearing something in my hair. Well, another find in Neshaminy Mall is Marlo Tha Jeweler. That’s not a typo, Tha Jeweler is her name. She has the greatest headbands for adults…. My headband wardrobe is pretty extensive, but I can honestly say it’s a bit juvenile in style when compared to the headbands in this store. They really are something special. (I walked out with two of them!!)

Marlo carries everything “blingy.” Jewelry, scarves, handbags, headbands, jackets, caps…. If you’re looking for bling, Marlo Tha Jeweler is where you need to go. And she’s fun. Her store is fun. It makes you smile because you can afford to get “blingy” with her bling. Stop by for some of her gift ideas and “gift” some of that bling into the life of someone special. And remember to tell her the lady with that short haircut sent you. I think she’ll remember me. We hit it off right away… me and her headbands!!

Looking for some easy entertainment? Artefact Architectural Antiques in Furlong is a great find for all things architectural. Fireplace mantels, stained glass, garden pieces, home furnishings, they’ve removed some of the best pieces from demolished homes and brought them to their showroom/barn to find a new life in the best homes in our greater reading area. Walking around their floor you can touch up-front awe-inspiring designs from many years past… and imagine how they might find a home in your home.

But the best thing is Artefact hosts evenings of light jazz a la bistro entertainment. Calm, entertaining and fun, they’re hosting Charlie Brown Jazz with the Eric Mintel Quartet on December 19 and December 20. It’s an indoor BYOB, reservations required. Just 25 seats are available for each date…. You can call 215-794-8790 for details.

So, that’s it for now. Look for more Out and About with Linda in the months ahead… and look for me to have some company as I explore our area and send back reports! If you’ve got any recommendations send them along. I can never have too many places to visit!!!

Sandy Hill Farm
1918 Sandy Hill Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 275-7551

Artefact Architectural Antiques
790 Edison Furlong Rd, Furlong, PA 18925
(215) 794-8790