I am away from Mixed Plate (thus explaining the recent lack of posts) until February 6 due to a family emergency.  I will be checking in on my mail when possible and will try to respond to everyone as soon as I can.  Thank you so much for your patience.

Aloha.

Well, okay maybe not in that way. I’m actually referring to a few great ‘boy gifts’ for the big V-Day coming up. I actually like some of these for myself. Is that so wrong?

Wellies British Flashcard Hoody by Charlie and Sarah: $48.00:

She Loves Me (Not) Tie by Cyberoptix TieLab: $30.00 - $40.00 (depending on material):

Lumberjack on Dijon Shirt by Timber!: $17.00:

I Sold My Soul and All I Got Was This Lousy Button Set by Krystan S.: $2.50:

Flying Bike Messenger by I Scream Seams: $29.50:

If you have never been to The Candy Store in San Francisco, well you just don’t know what you’re missing. Located in Russian Hill (just off of Polk Street on Vallejo) is a quaint shop that would make Willy Wonka proud. There are gummies, sours, licorice, chocolates, caramels…all sorts of sweets! Something that is truly darling, along with being a unique offering, is the collection of nostalgic hard to find candies. Goodies that are beautifully displayed - primarily in those old fashioned candy jars (or if you’re from Hawaii - the crack seed jars)…how could you not love it there!

The owner, Diane Campbell, is an amazing woman. She is so sweet and fun and you’ll enjoy just stopping by and meeting her. She knows everything about the delicious treats at her shop and can make great suggestions on what to try. The first time I visited The Candy Store I picked up a few items. I told her that I had been in a caramel mood so she offered me a sample of what became my favorite choosing of the day. They were these small chocolate balls that were filled with caramel - oh, yummmmm!

Next time you’re in the neighborhood definitely put The Candy Store on your list of places to visit.

By the way - Got an event or special party coming up? Diane can also provide you with the perfect sugar-filled treats for any occasion.

The Candy Store
1507 Vallejo Street (at Polk)
San Francisco, California 94109
p) 415.921.8000
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 7pm

I can honestly say that I am a small business and indie craftsperson supporter (hey, that’s why Mixed Plate exists!). 100%. If it means I have to pay more for something that is handmade compared to a cheaper version from a big box shop I will ALWAYS go handmade. Not only does that mean you are going for a unique and great quality product, but you are also supporting your fellow creative types. That being said and while this blog is usually indie…I walked into Anthropologie the other day. I’m not sure if I should feel bad about this or not. I didn’t buy anything there, just looked. I have to say that there’s a lot of cute and pretty there. May I share with you?…

Acorn-Sweet-Acorn Birdhouse: $38.00:

Alphabet Glasses: $6.00/each:

Owling Sake Pot: $24.00 - $28.00:

Through-The-Woods Dishtowel, Bird: $18.00:

Wind-In-Her Sails-Cardigan: $118.00; Flower Seller Squareneck: $68.00:

Wye Valley Dress: $148.00; Seafarer’s Map Skirt: $118.00:

Coxswain Cardigan: $118.00; Funnelneck Sweater Jacket: $128.00:

That’s it for now before I get carried away.

What can I say other than I adore these cards…

Letterpress Set of 5 Bittersweet Cards by Paper Stories: $20.00:

Come on. You know you think these things but just can’t say them. They really are quite beautiful, aren’t they. Good gift, I think. The best part - the close-ups…

Confession time. I have been true to my indie supportin’ and lovin’ ways. Yes, I’ve purchased a couple of handmade goods recently for myself and I will share them with you. I really do fight the urge and don’t shop much but I have been spoiling myself recently. I am truly in love with everything I’ve acquired. Here’s the first thing:

My New Bag!!!

After moving from Hawaii I really didn’t have anything to put all my stuff in. I have wanted this bag for so long now and I finally did it. Okay, gals…you know how hard it is to find the right bag. It has to be a certain shape. A certain size. A certain color or pattern. The handles have to be a certain length. There has to be pockets. And so on. Anyway, I ordered my bag from DrikaB and it’s great! I got it within a couple of days and began using it the next morning. It’s roomy, feels comfortable on my shoulder and has pockets. Oh, and it’s super cute! Check out her shop for my bag and a couple other pouches. She’s great and answers any questions you may have right away. Love it!

ps - don’t mind my pale hand. My hands are always, I mean always, freezing so I apologize for the icky hand in the photo.

While visiting Vanessa’s blog recently I came across her post regarding Valentine’s Day. I’m not much of a ‘V-Day’ fan. It’s not that I’m not a romantic or anything. I guess I just celebrate loving people on a daily basis as opposed to just one day when I’m told to do so. Gee, did that sound bad? Anyway, I did end up getting something for the hubby even though we aren’t that into it (I’ll show you later).

So, just because I don’t really celebrate the day doesn’t mean I can’t admire things that can be given in honor of your sweetie. Here are some nice ideas to share with your loved ones…

In Love Pocket by Gerbera Designs: $10.00 (these are great! I have two that Vanessa made for me):

As Long As I Have You Print by The Black Apple: $13.00:

I Love You More Than…(Single Card) by In-Vita Paper Studio: $2.50:

Anatomica Red Heart Necklace by Paraphernalia: $25.00:

Zombies Need Love Too Pillow by Cipolla: $45.00:

Love Letter Necklace at Locher’s: $65.00:

more later…

The prints at Simply Photo are simply perfect! Jennifer Causey’s work is representative of her continuous journey to slow down and discover the beauty in everyday life. Visit her website for her portfolios containing photos inspired by the breakfast table, nature and other everyday lovelies.

Winter Boots 5×7 Print: $15.00:

Kitchen 5×7 Print: $15.00:

5×7 Bit of Honey Print: $15.00:

Here’s a chance to find out more about one of our sponsors.

Meet Michelle Harvey of Michabella Creations:

Name: Michelle Harvey

Business Name: Michabella Creations

Where are you located?
Lebanon, Pennsylvania

What is it you design and create?
Jewelry that is both fun and elegant. I use genuine Swarovski crystals, semi-precious gemstones, silver, brass, and glass in my designs. I try to keep the quality high and the prices affordable.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
Finding a new pendant or beads and then seeing a creation come about. Having someone let you know they just love the piece is truly the best part!

How did you come up with your business name?
I combined my name with Bella, which means beautiful. I wanted something unique!

Where/how did this all begin?
I have always been a creative person, but after having my daughter and being a stay-at-home mom, I kind of lost myself. After about a year of focusing solely on her, I started considering making jewelry. I started small and inexpensively until I learned how to make it and and to see if anyone would actually be interested in my pieces. After selling most of my inventory and making custom pieces, I had some pocket money for myself! I then became acquainted with my future business partner, who had been making cancer bracelets for charity. She introduced me to new techniques and after a few craft shows, we decided we wanted to make this a business and introduce ourselves to the web. We launched our first site last March and just recently re-designed it in November.

Who or what inspires you?
My mom, grandmother, and daughter. Also the season and nature.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Prepare yourself to work hard! I didn’t realize that most of my time would be spent marketing my site, and not as much making jewelry! Know what your vision is and don’t give up on it!

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Besides children’s music, I have a varied taste. My favorites are Gwen Stefani, Maroon 5, Daughtry, Frank Sinatra, and 80’s music.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Sometimes I love to just veg out in front of the t.v.! I do like a lot of reality shows. My absolute favorites are Project Runway, Survivor, House, and pretty much anything on the Food Network!

What was the last movie you watched?
Garfield, my daughter insists on it everyday!

What’s your favorite food?
I happen to love food, but I’ll have to say Asian food.

What’s your favorite candy?
Fruity Twizzlers

Coffee or tea?
I wouldn’t start a day without Coffee!

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Well, I don’t walk around any store for hours any more, but if I had a chance it would be Barnes & Noble and Sephora! I just love make-up!

Any pets?
A cat and dog.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I love to go to the beach at least once a year. There are so many placed I’d love to visit, Ireland and Belgium.

Favorite Holiday?
Christmas

Favorite piece of clothing?
Sadly, I now pretty much live in sweat pants and T-shirts. I like to be comfy while running around with my 2 1/2 year old!

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
To enjoy my daughter as much as I can. To see my business grow. To get back into shape.

Thanks so much, Michelle!

Lemon Drop Necklace: $55.00; Celtic Dream Ring: $34.00:

Picture of Love Bracelet: $45.00; Eternal Dragonfly Earrings: $15.00:

Keep An Eye on Awareness Watch: $40.00; Turquoise at Midnight Earrings: $6.00:

Use code “Mixedplate” to enjoy a 15% off discount on all purchases. Always free shipping!

Buttons. Colorful buttons. Buttons that are in fun shapes and sizes. Did you know that there are all sorts of uses for buttons other than just to keep your pants and shirts on? Use them in crafting (cards, scrapbooking, etc.), sew them on a bag or use them to spruce up an old sweater. I found tons of buttons just on Etsy alone. Imagine the possibilities…

4 Vintage Green Funky Flower Buttons at Atomic Veggie: $2.75:

Whimsy-Button Flower Bouquet - 12 stems at Little Bit Funky: $10.00:

DIY Button Ring Kit at Sew Bettie: $10.00:

Sweet Little Pink and Brown Valentine Goodie Kit at Sugar*Sugar: $9.95:

Everlasting Button Flowers at The Ripe Radish: $14.00/10 stems:

Sweet and Sassy Vintage Buttons at Sink Daisy: $4.00/2:

Colorful Lot of 6 Large Coordinating Vintage 1940s Buttons at Vintage Necessities: $5.00:

Guess where I was earlier?

Mmmm, hmmm….The first movie we went to see since moving here to San Francisco (other than the ones we rent). So, this is an update to my earlier post of movies that I was interested in seeing…

JUNO! I really loved that movie. The quirky (this word is starting to be thrown around way too easily, by the way) story filled with amazingly fitting music is sweet. It makes you think back to what you were like at 16 (if only we were all as smart and witty as Ellen Page’s character, Juno). This film is really well cast and Diablo Cody’s (go read about her - she’s really interesting) dialogue is quick and honest, which is refreshing. Jason Reitman was able to mesh laughter, love, sadness and sass into this dramedy. I’d say it was 96 minutes well spent on this Sunday evening.

ps - listen to the soundtrack because I haven’t stopped playing it since I downloaded it.

Yeah, the title of the post is a bit silly. Too bad. I am in love with pretty much everything at Nesta Home. Rustic designs, stars, silhouettes….ah….

Red Silhouette - 8×10 Oval Framed Illustration: $20.00 (sale price!):

Birdie - 3 Iron Star Set: $25.00:

Painted Rusted Iron Stars - 4 Star Set: $23.00:

Beers on the Wall - 16×20 Fine Art Photograph: $35.00:

Natures Shape - 16×20 Fine Art Photograph: $45.00:

Alright, now that I’ve shown you almost all that’s in the shop (trying to show restraint), go on and check it out for yourself. By the way…can I please have a chair like the one in the last photo?