crafting for the Holidays

ROYGBV soaps @ kitsch and fancy, $7.00

so i love my job at the photo studio... unfortunately it does slow down during this time of year, which totally works in my favor because i want to be at home during the holidays anyways and i get to spend more time working on my crafting, bulking up my Etsy shop, and participating at local craft fairs.  i was part of a new one today hosted by Charlotte Crown Town Handmade in Plaza-midwood and it was so much fun.  i made a ton of soaps (see above) and even some soy candles and did pretty well!

 

Peppermint Candy Cane Soaps @ kitsch and fancy, $6.00

worked on a bunch of new holiday scents (like the one above) and also Christmas Fir Tree, Pumpkin Pie, Maple Pecan Streusal, and more.  my Gift Bags were by far the most popular pick up item of the day.

 

since i didn't work much this week, i spent the last 4 days working on making product for this craft fair in the neighborhood.  it was the first one they've done, and there wasn't a ton of traffic, but still a lot of fun.

 my table...i was the only loser without a tent!

this time i made some cute little soy candles.  the votives were popular, but they cost so much to make.....i may start doing them for gifts but not for sale?

 

tons of great new holiday scents: Christmas Berries, Balsam Fir Tree, Peppermint Candy Cane, Maple Pecan Streusal, Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon Spice.....

 

 

 thanks to all my awesome friends who came out to visit me at my lonely table today!  xoxo

 

lunch at vapiano.

Granchi De Fiume

vapiano is a new style of restaurant.  part-cafeteria, part italian bistro?  i suppose it is set up to be a modern cafeteria:  you get a "credit card" when you walk in and swipe your card at each station when you order and it totals it all up on a tab at the end.  the prices are really good for the high-quality food but it is a little bit confusing to eat here....well at least the first time.  i think we will be back; maybe for takeout.  

the grandchi de fiume is tossed with fresh veggies and crayfish in a lobster sauce.  delicious!  you get to choose your own pasta and it comes with a side of bread.

 

all the pasta is made in house and there is a giant pasta machine that you can see in the open kitchen.  such cool layout.   the Filetto Di Manzo E Rucola was also delicious!  i had it will my favorite:  pappardalle noodles.  

tossed with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, filet of beef and arugula.  i liked that all the pasta tasted so fresh and the sauces were light and flavorful.

 

appetizer of roast veal, capers in a tuna cream sauce

 a really fun cocktail of fresh cucumber, mint, gin and tonic.  refreshing!

a delicous berry-topped panne cotta

Crema Di Fragola:  mascarpone creme with fresh strawberries

a wide space with lots of open seating

ooooh desserts!

 fun decor

fresh herbs as decor

lunch at Lulu

Lulu's dragon milk mussels: lemongrass, coconut milk, curry

today matt and i had lunch at LULU, a great little bistro tucked away in an old house in Plaza-Midwood.  it has a cool little lounge and bar area, a well-lit dining room and good food.


it drives matt crazy, but i ALWAYS want mussels when i see them on the menu!  i should probably just make them at home more often, but whatever i always want them. 

arrived with tiny forks and bread

mimosa salad: mesclun greens, fried brie, apples, spiced walnuts, berries, champagne citrus vinaigrette

hello frites!

pulled duck leg confit, pomegranate glaze, coleslaw, frizzled leeks, challah roll

lulu's butterscotch bread pudding