Mamalu officially closed, rumors swirl over possible buyer

Mamalu, the doomed indoor playspace and cafe, finally had to shut its doors. The last day of business was April 5, 2009. I'm not surprised that Mamalu closed. The food was tasty but the playspace needed help.

Because of the lack of toys, it was really only suitable for older children who could have fun playing make believe with the large foam structures that were scattered about the floor. Children under about 2 really didn't have much to do there except get run over by older kids.

If someone does try to resurrect the business please:

- keep it clean
- have a protected play area in a corner for crawlers
- have a variety of toys and structures that appeal to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers
- rotate the toys every month to keep children's interest and imaginations growing
- have a special "big kids" only time so that older children can run free
- consider making the eating area smaller so that there is more room for playing.

Great inspiration can be found at http://www.amysindoorplayground.com/photoalbum1.html

Thanks to the owners who put in countless long hours trying to keep the place afloat. It was a great resource for me when Junior was a newborn. To have a place where you can breastfeed and no one cares if your kid is wailing... that was great!

It's too bad that this neighborhood doesn't have any child-friendly indoor playgrounds. If I had the money I would love to open something.

WWJE: What Would Junior Eat?

Junior has days when he won't eat anything except for crackers, so I'm constantly on the look out for new lunch and dinner items. Here's a list of this week's favorites. Please share your ideas.

Baked eggs with shredded zucchini and cheese: whip up all the ingredients in a bowl, place in a small ramekin or other heat safe bowl and bake in oven or steam in beaba or steamer basket til cooked through.

Veggie bread: Use standard muffin recipe, then add 1 cup shredded green veggies (broccoli, squash, etc) and 1 cup shredded carrots. Bake in mini muffin or bread pan.

Baked sweet potato with chopped up whole wheat pasta and peas.

Tofu squares with tomato sauce.

Veggie burgers.

Sounds like Mamalu is staying open... for now.

Everyone thought Mamalu was going to sell and if they couldn't find a buyer, they were going to close. Well now it looks like they are going to stay open, although, when I asked one of the owners if they are still looking for a buyer, her answer was a firm "yes".

I'm glad it'll be open, at least through the rest of winter. I do sincerely hope they do some things to make it more appealing so more people will come. I would gladly pay a higher entry fee if the playspace had more activities and a roster of toys that change every month.

I also think they should have a little foam structure play area for babies, so moms with the youngest guests can have some protection from the running and jumping older kids.

Mamalu Closing?

Rumors are swirling over the impending closure of Mamalu. Apparently, the owners don't like each other and want out. But that's not the whole story. I talked to one of the owners recently and she was very upfront and honest about the financial state of the business. In the 2.5 years they've been open, they have never made a profit nor have the owners made a salary.

The rent is $4,500 a month, and they have 6 years left on their lease. I believe they are asking $25,000 for the business. That doesn't sound like a lot until you start factoring in the other costs associated with maintaining it (insurance, utilities, accountants, lawyers, staff, etc)

I think there are some things that could be done to make Mamalu profitable, but it would be an undertaking and would require capital. I hope that someone comes through and buys it because it's one of the only things to do in the neighborhood with your kid.

Gadget Alert: Beaba Babycook

My husband bought this for me for Christmas and at first I thought that we were a little past the appliance's must useful time period (when Junior was eating nothing but purees). But now that I've used it for a week, I love it.

We don't have space for a microwave so this thing really comes in handy. You can cook foods in it as well as reheat stuff. You don't have to puree but that still comes in handy, especially for leafy greens like kale and chard.

Very neat.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/e203/index.cfm

Soy Vey! Soy Formula Frought with Dangers

One more thing before we head out. Soy milk (including soy formula) consumed in large amounts sounds like it can have some pretty scary and unknown affects on babies and children.

http://www.greenlivingonline.com/HealthNutrition/dangers-of-soy/

Is there nothing left that is just plain safe to eat? For years we've been led to believe that soy is the ultimate health food, and now this...

I know a lot of people wean their babies off the breast and move towards soy milk. Based on what I've read, it seems like goat's milk or organic cow's milk would be a better bet.

Cross Country Tour

Tomorrow we are headed to the airport to embark on our grand cross country tour. We're going to see all 4 grandparents and travel through 4 time zones. I'm trying not to freak out about all the delayed and missed naps and night wakings. Focus on the positive: grandparents want to care or your kid all day while you go get pedicures or see your first movie in over a year with your husband!!

So, loyal reader, I'll be taking a little break from blogging over the next week. Will report back with traveling tips!

Happy holidays!