More “Cereal-sly”

Featured Shop – [me] and goji • Barrington.It’s a slam dunk hit — [me] and goji, based in Barrington, has people all over the country waking up to a new concept in cereal. It’s a make-your-own online artisanal cereal from flakes to fruits to nuts. The company is the brainchild of three Seacoast guys who were ‘cereal-lsy’ looking to start their own business. If you want to make mom breakfast this Mother’s Day you can’t find a better way than [me] & goji. Alexander Renzi is one of the geniuses behind the business.What does [me] and goji mean? We wanted to generate a name that had a brand and putting “me” in brackets invokes the customization of the company. The “me” part is where the customer inserts his or her own identity (like a sport) or name. The brackets symbolize that it’s “my” cereal and “I” created it.What is goji? It is a berry that has all nine important amino acids and a high antioxidant level, which makes it just super good for you.So how does this work? We have a cereal store [on our Web site] where you can buy one of our mixes, but clearly it is more fun to begin the step-by-step process to make it your own. We offer a selection of cereal bases from flakes to oats and more. Once you decide on a cereal base, you then choose from a wide variety of dried fruits. Add one or more types of nuts or seeds. When you are all done, you can download your own photo and name your cereal. We mix it up and send it to you in a cereal capsule.Happy Birthday!Littleton Food Coop, on the corner of Cottage Street and Route 302, Littleton, celebrates its first year in business on May 15 and all are invited. You’ll find tempting selections of N.H.-made goodies including Squamscot Soda (the birch beer tickles the nose), Zelda’s Homemade Jams and Jellies and Momma Nookies Homemade Cookies. Most of the meats, produce and dairy comes from local farms, so expect fresh eggs and ice cold milk. Enjoy weekly free cooking demonstrations on Monday nights and cheese classes on Thursdays. Fresh sushi from Bailiwicks restaurant in Littleton sells out on Fridays. Full deli includes hot and cold items. www.littletoncoop.org, (603) 444-2800Around the BlockMonadnockWooden Toys, 11 Paradise Lane, Jaffrey, is just the place to find sturdy and beautifully handcrafted doll cradles, beds and even doll armoires designed to satisfy little girls who adore their American Girl dolls and all that comes with them. Selected hardwoods include rock-maple, oak, ash and cherry. Toys for boys include wooden pull oil tanker trucks, chunky bulldozers with cargo and meticulously made logging trucks with stacks of logs, all ready to ignite the imagination. The classic old-fashioned wooden building blocks in a block carrier on wheels are a treasure. All toys can be personalized with the child’s name. Prices range from $35 to $120. Visit online at www.monadnockwoodentoys.com or call (603) 933-0859 for a list of select retailers.
“Zip Into”That Little Spot of Red, 53 South Main St., Hanover, named after a line from the Zippy cartoon, is where people in Hanover take time out to shop and browse. Pick up a taxi wallet (slim and compact), grab a pair of cuff links (oh, yes, they are back) or discover designer art pens (very collectible) that range in price from $20 to $1,400. Fine stationery from the William Arthur collection as well as a line of yummy patterned paper place settings are perfect for Mother’s Day. ”From the sublime to the ridiculous, it’s all here,” says owner Laura Lichiello. You’ll chuckle out loud at “The Cat in the Can” — it’s a blow-up companion that doesn’t scratch furniture or produce hair balls. Spectacular free gift wrap. www.littlespotofred.com, (603) 643-2111Brew an ExperienceIncredibrew, 112 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, is a “make your own” wine, soda and beer shop and more — it’s a party where you leave with a great goody bag. More than 80 different beers, including new spring flavors like “honey heist,” “catfish head” and “crossed fingers dark rye.” Customers brew first, then return to bottle and label (customized) when batches are ready. Father’s Day gift certificates fly out of this shop, but don’t be fooled, this is a fabulous GNO! This place “hops” and brewers are busy, so call ahead for reservations. Brew now to guarantee great wine and beer for summer weddings, graduations and parties. www.incredibrew.com, (603) 891-2477