Manayunk Loves Mom!

Manayunk Loves Mom!

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and for me it is special one, as I am seven months pregnant with my first baby. Needless to say, so much has changed in my life since finding out I am pregnant. I now understand some women’s love of wearing leggings as pants, or yoga pants when you’re not doing yoga, and my relationship with pajamas has really gone to the next level. My Friday nights consist of much more movie viewing and soup eating than ever before, and let me just say that “nesting” is a real thing. I have gone so far as taking a sewing class! Ice cream and I have found something special in each other that we never knew was there, and oranges are my newest BFF. My body changes everyday, my thoughts are comprised of things I never thought I would entertain, even my conversations with folks have a different spin on them than ever before. I see moms everyday and think to myself, “How does she pull it off, and make it look so good and effortless!?” So after thinking this to myself for so many months, I figured I might as well ask them!



The first Manayunk mom I spoke with is the always lovely, and fellow book-lover, Ann Tetreault of Spiral Bookcase. Along with owning and operating The Spiral Bookcase, and being the recipient of Best of Manayunk’s Best Customer Service award, Ann is busy mother of one. She and her husband, Adam, have a precious three year old daughter named Zelda who is the light of their lives. Here’s what Ann had to say about motherhood in Manayunk:

What are your favorite children’s activities in Manayunk?

We love walking along the towpath to look at the geese, eating al fresco at The Goat's Beard, going to Pretzel Park & the Northlight Playground, and of course, reading books at The Spiral Bookcase.

What's your favorite child-friendly place to eat Manayunk?

Zelda loves the burgers and macaroni & cheese at Lucky's Last Chance, the cupcakes at Sweet Elizabeth Cake's, and has even tried the chapuline tacos at Taqueria Feliz.

What's your favorite part about raising your child here in Manayunk?

We love the walkability of Manayunk and the charm. We also love how close knit the community is- neighbors are kind and always ready with a smile, and they are always seeking out ways on how to improve the quality of life here. From the neighborhood groups, to the park volunteers, to the business owners, Zelda is always welcomed with a big hug or a special greeting.

How has your business affected your child rearing and what influence have your children had on your business?

Zelda is already a voracious reader. I love it! She reads every day and night. She needs books constantly around her. Books are an instant connection between us and I love bringing new books home from the shop to surprise her with. She definitely inspires me, and I have even set up a shelf of her personal recommendations at The Spiral Bookcase.

What is your best piece of advice to new and/or expecting moms and dads?

Get together with friends, get outside as much as possible- my favorite walks are along the Wissahickon Creek

Walking up and down Main Street, I often see Chew Philly’s Authentic Philly Food Tour in Manayunk and have a hard time not just jumping in and having a bite of whatever treat they are enjoying. Lately when I’ve seen them, my thoughts have gone past just wanting to join in on the food, but wanting to know more about the owner and mother Elyse. She and her husband have two picture perfect young sons, Holden who is five, and Abram who is three, and they are expecting their third in October! Here’s what she had to say:

What are your favorite children’s activities in Manayunk?

My boys love playing at the local playgrounds, particularly at Pretzel Park for music or to attend their farmer's market. They love the spray park at Venice Island. They've also enjoy gymnastics at Miss Jackie's Tot Gym, art classes at North Light Community Center, and finding new books to devour at The Spiral Bookcase.

What's your favorite child-friendly places to eat Manayunk?

For lunch, we love Han Dynasty. Their food is prepared quickly, the environment is relaxed, and their team is quick to accommodate any special requests. My kids obsess over the garlic pea leaves and rice - they're so busy eating that adults actually get the opportunity to chat between themselves! For sweet treats, we alternate between Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes and Whirled Peace. I love that both offer allergen-free treats, with vegan and gluten-free offerings.

What's your favorite part about raising your children here in Manayunk?

I my favorite part has been finding my "village". We moved from Baltimore to Manayunk when my firstborn was 5 days old, and I knew no one in the Philly area. While

strolling in Pretzel Park one day, I met a group of local moms with babies my son's age, and they welcomed me with open arms. It was life changing to meet a group of mothers right in my own community, going through the same experiences that

I was. Flash-forward 5 years to today, and they're still some of my closest friends! Our children have gotten to grow up together as neighborhood buddies which has been so invaluable to me and my family.

How has your business affected your child rearing and what influence have your

children had on your business?

They have forced me to become much better at separating my work and home lives. It's important for me to focus on my children when I'm with them, and focus on work during the work times. I've made huge strides in staying away from the work emails and shutting off

the work part of my brain when I'm cooking, reading, or playing with my kids. As far as how my business has affected my children, I'd like to think they're proud of what I do and that I'm instilling a love of community within them. They've been affected the most by the yummy treats I bring home after food tours!

What is your best piece of advice to new and/or expecting moms and dads?

Sleepless nights, a tiny new family member with non-stop needs, and all the lifestyle changes that come along with a newborn, make anyone feel a little crazy sometimes. Having supportive friends in your life will make all the difference.


With my new found love for sweet treats, has come a internal battle to not visit Best of Manayunk winner for Best Bakery, Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes every day. On top of owning and operating Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes, she has the nonstop role of wife and mother to their handsome, nearly four year old son, Wilder. To top it off, she is expecting their second child who is literally due any day now! Here’s what Liz had to say about motherhood and Manayunk:


What are your favorite children’s activities in Manayunk?

We love riding bikes on the Manayunk bridge, feeding the ducks and looking for turtles on the canal. We often can be found playing at Terrace Street Park and visiting the Farmer’s Market at Pretzel Park, and in the summer we love to hit up Venice Island water park.

What's your favorite child-friendly places to eat Manayunk?

Wilder is huge fan of Taqueria Feliz,Han Dynasty, and Smiley's Cafe. For desserts he loves Whirled Peace and Sweet Elizabeth's, of course!

What's your favorite part about raising your children here in Manayunk?

I love the sense of community and my friends! There are so many families in my neighborhood and familiar faces around town- it is so nice. My incredible network of friends are always willing to lend me a hand and vise-versa. Additionally, we love the easy access to Fairmount Park, the woods, and the city and all of the local Manayunk events!

How has your business affected your child rearing and what influence have your

children had on your business?

Needless to state, finding out I was pregnant 3 months after opening Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes was not in the 'business plan'! However, it allowed me to see just how tough I am and that was empowering! It was stressful, but extremely empowering! During the winter, I hosted a playgroup on Monday mornings when the bakery was closed. Many new moms were stuck inside the house and the space at the bakery allowed us to socialize, create friendships, and to

let our babies crawl! With this pregnancy, I've had a lot more flexibility and will have the chance to have some time off thanks to my awesome staff! Additionally, I also do a lot more work from home. Often times, my emails and invoices go out to clients after midnight!

What is your best piece of advice to new and/or expecting moms and dads?

Get out and meet the people in your community! Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to your neighbors, people at the park or the small business owners. Most of us live in the neighborhood and could even be your neighbor. Take advantage of the events that are put on locally (like restaurant week, stroll the street, Venice Island, Farmer's Markets...). Join local facebook family groups to find out about what's happening around town, to swap or sell baby stuff,

ask questions etc. Also, sleep whenever you can!


Pineapple on Main is always stylish, well thought out and their window always looks like the cover of a magazine. It came as no surprise when it won Best New Store from the Best of Manayunk this past March. However, what might surprise you is that half of the dynamic-duo of women who own and operate the business, is a single mom of four! Kathy Piccari is mother to Jessica, 14, Juliana, 10, Jeremy, 9 and Jason, 8. How could i not ask this industrious, entrepreneurial mother how she manages her days both at work and with her stunning family!? Here’s what she had to say about motherhood and Manayunk:

What are your favorite children’s activities in Manayunk?

The family-favorite is StrEAT Festival!!

What's your favorite child-friendly place to eat Manayunk?

Never a hesitation when letting them decide…Winnie’s is our go-to!!!

What's your favorite part about raising your children here in Manayunk?

Although we don’t live in Manayunk, we spend so much time here! It’s a safe place for my children to walk around and visit everyone. They love the different shops, all the cute dogs they get to visit, and my neighboring business owners are so sweet to them. It is an amazing community and I look forward to them making childhood memories here!

How has your business affected your child rearing and what influence have your children had on your business?

As a single mom, I bring my children to work with me quite often, luckily they are always excited to tag along! It has been such a wonderful, instructive experience for them! They see me work hard and thrive on challenges.Then we celebrate each and every success that comes our way. I make it a point to talk to them about great days and not-so-great days, so they understand the reality of owning an independent business. And they ask a ton of questions,."Did you sell anything today, Mom?" "How do you know what customers want?" "What happens if you don’t make any money?” They are also brutally honest, “No one will buy these…This costs way too much…” My children challenge me without them even realizing it! Our dinner conversations are certainly interesting these days!

What is your best piece of advice to new and/or expecting moms and dads?

The best piece of advice I can give a new and/or expecting mom and dad is don’t be afraid to ask for help! You can do it all, but you don’t have to. Also, tell everyone your baby sleeps through the night; you won’t have time to listen to all the advice on sleep routines.

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