Anyone who is in San Francisco tonight should stop on by The Candy Store. They are having another party and local confectioner Nina Wanat of Bon Bon Bar will be there sampling out her delicious handmade goodies…
Nina makes some of The Candy Store’s most sought-after items. Each week she creates {and often hand delivers} small batches of passion fruit and vanilla bean marshmallows, caramel nut bars, and cult favorite {and The Candy Store exclusive} caramallows for the shop. And each week they sell out. Trust me when I say that everything she makes is ridiculously tasty. Take it from a girl who never thought she even cared about marshmallows…you will be a fan. At the event tonight, not only will she have all of the above mentioned treats, but also some other fabulous candy bars available for you to try and even purchase {yes, it’ll be that good}. I’ll be in attendance so I hope to see you there. Stop in and say hello!
What: The Candy Store’s Bon Bon Bar Event
When: Thursday, August 26 from 5 – 7 pm
Where: The Candy Store, 1507 Vallejo Street {at Polk}
Why: Did you see the photos above?, Champagne, Once more…Did you see the photos above?!
Yes. It has happened again. Each year I am embarrassed that I let this little blog’s birthday come and go. I took a look back and realized why it had slipped my mind. My mom was visiting me around that time. And I was gearing up for Renegade. And on the night that Mixed Plate turned 4, I went to see The Dead Weather {again}. So, all excuses aside…Happy Birthday, Mixed Plate!
Thank you to all of you, my friends, for coming to visit each day. I appreciate your support and encouragement more than you know. I love that you come to hang out with me, share your thoughts, and that we can enjoy these handmade finds together. You are the reason I continue to blog late at night and sometimes during the wee hours of the morning.
I am headed over now to purchase my copy of Creative, Inc. It’s the new book that is “The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business” by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho {two of my favorites!}. I’m so excited that they are also embarking on a little book tour with stops in San Francisco {hooray!}, Los Angeles, and New York. Check out this adorable stop-motion film that Meg and Joy created with Thayer Allyson Gowdy…
This book is a definite must. Purchase your copy via Chronicle Books.
ps – the music for the film was provided by the ultra-talented susie ghahremani.
Raise your hand if you attended Renegade over the weekend. I came across some friends while wandering around the fair on Saturday. The next day I learned that others I knew had gone as well. Everyone had a story of what they scored there, as do I. I often tell people {as I mention here} how I’m not your “typical girl” who loves shopping. I guess it really depends on the type of shopping, though. Clothes shopping is something I don’t do unless I need to. It tends to stress me out. Then you see me at Renegade and my tune completely changes. Partially because I am in love with handmade artists {obviously} and because I want to show my support while I’m there. If you were at Renegade this weekend, what did you score?
Like the year before, I searched for and then made a beeline straight for Emily’s booth…
Her current works included items from her new show, “Lost on the Midway”. She was as sweet as I remembered her being the last time I met her. It was great because this is the second time I’ve seen her here at Renegade and she is a total craft celeb. People in front of and behind me were telling her how they are such fans of her work and how they read her blog. A couple of them really knew a lot about her life. She really is wonderful! I, of course, wanted to buy everything. I ended up purchasing a set of notebooks and one of her wearable art necklaces {similar to the heart one – which I almost got – with her bear drawing on it}.
I stopped over and met the awesome Margaret. She’s the gal behind Paper Pastries. My friend and I chatted with her and her boyfriend a little bit and they were great…
Another booth where I just kind of wanted every single item. My friend, by the way, cleared them out of one of their card designs {see the empty space on the pink stand?}. Hooray!
Those Chef’s pencils are going to be a gift to my friend’s husband because he loves to cook! Perhaps for his birthday in a month or so. I meant to go back and pick up an amazingrubberstamp that Margaret makes {I love that they are on wood with a handle!}. I’ll have to order it online since I flaked out. Oh, and you know why else I love Paper Pastries? They had a card with the Hawaiian Islands on it!
Look at these fabulous bags she creates in Seattle out of recycled wool. You can tell they are extremely well-made…
During my time there I went to Lisa Congdon’s booth {I forgot to return to chat with her and take photos}. I also met the very sweet Jamie of Jamie Lau Designs. Her tote bags and fabric-covered notebooks were adorable, as was her logo {check her banner}…
Of course, I wanted to visit my pal, Leslie of Feisty Elle. I always rave about her earrings and how it racks up compliments because of how unique they are. Well, I wore a pair of her earrings that I already own {represent!} to the fair and got stopped by people. I happily pointed them in her direction.
I had missed Leslie who arrived a little later in the afternoon to the show. I did get to meet her friendly assistant, Rebecca.
Last year at Renegade was the first time I met Shana of Cookoorikoo. I love her! She greeted me with a smile and a hug. She and her hubby {pixelparty} shared a booth full of their handmade goodies…
I ran in to a friend while roaming the aisles of Renegade oohing and aahing over things. He told me he was friends with this guy…
I couldn’t believe it! I have been a fan of Gregg’s {GIGART} for a while now and was happy to visit his booth. As you can tell, he was pretty popular and as nice as can be. Yup, one of those Tough Chick stickers made its way home with me.
Next up, Fuzzy Ink. Yes, the all-things-mustache-clad guys. I had been spying their shirts for some time now and featuring some of my faves from their shop. I took the plunge and chatted with John who helped me with my purchase.
pssst – that’s the shirt I got {the v-neck hanging}.
I visited with Mimie and her husband for a little bit and picked up a yummy Coconut Lemongrass Soy Candle. In fact, I’m burning it right now!
Michelle Brusegaard was also at the fair. I had trouble deciding what I was going to get and it’s mainly because I wanted almost everything.
Between her beautiful illustrated sticky notes {you know how I feel about paper/sticky notes!}, shirts and tote bags that said “Crafty” and “Make Things” on them to scarves and much, much more, I decided on a set of Peacock Feather screenprinted dishtowels.
Then there were the Red Velvet Art gals. I was so very excited to finally meet Elsie and her lovely sister Emma. They were as sweet as I imagined…
I scored a hair bow! What’s cute is that Elsie told me she taught her little brother how to sew and these were his creations!
ps – that’s Twinkie Chan in the background sharing a booth with them. I forgot to take photos of her and her goods.
Someone I didn’t get to chat with last year is Robert of Mahar Drygoods. I adore Robert! He was kind and told me about the wonderful products he brought with him.
While I wanted to buy everything at his booth, I controlled myself and left with a turquoise blue small party bird. It holds a candle and can sit on a cupcake/birthday cake/pie/your desk or wherever else you can think of. Robert mentioned that he was very proud of this…
It’s a sash fashioned after boy/girl scout ones and is reversible. The buttons represent your years. You know, it’s for celebrating your birthday! I told him that I kind of wish I could get one. He replied that he has gotten a number of requests for an adult version, perhaps with bigger numbers? Too cute!
One of the last folks I was set on finally meeting in person was David of SEIBEI…
I also met his girlfriend, Kate, and his friend Yvonne. They were all so fun. Yes, he is as cool and awesome as you would expect. Yes, he is wearing an In-N-Out Burger hat. Yes, I did walk away with a shirt, a tank top, and a tote bag.
There were so many others I wanted to visit with and take photos of, but I just ran out of time. Next time. Oh, next time…
Whew! That was a crazy-long post. Hope you enjoyed it. If you attended, I want to hear about your experience and scores.
ps – one more thing. here’s my stuff. i’m not ashamed…
This weekend is the 3rd annual Renegade Craft Fair here in SF! Hooray! I can’t wait to check out all of the artists. I’m making it a point to visit some old friends and to finally meet some new ones in person.
Remember when I did that post about bow tie Brad? Well, I came across more lovely ties that I have to share. I am going to do it in two separate features because I feel they each deserve their own space.
Jenny Rinzler’s shop, Ciuccio, is full of all sorts of handmade goodies including ties that are sewn almost entirely by hand. She is based here in San Francisco and I’m excited to pay her a visit at Renegade this weekend. Check out these lovely fabrics…
In San Francisco? Then lucky you because The Candy Store is celebrating its third anniversary by throwing a party tomorrow night. Tons of people always show up for their events and they are so much fun. I mean, it’s a party. At The Candy Store. Yes, that means there will be candy. Need I say more?
What: The Candy Store’s 3rd Anniversary Party When: Thursday, June 17 from 5 – 8 pm Where: The Candy Store, 1507 Vallejo Street {at Polk} Why: Food, Champagne, Door Prizes, Candy! Plus, a special tasting courtesy of Happy Goat
Let me know if you’re going because I’ll be there. Stop in and party with the candy crew!
Here is my little update from Tuesday. I watched Stage 3 of the Tour of California that started here at Ocean Beach and ended in Santa Cruz. I got there late and witnessed the start but didn’t get to do the up-close stuff like checking out the teams and riders prior. I did see Jens Voigt heading to the start…
Rather than going to watch the hills and climb area of Bonny Doon {thank goodness because it was packed!}, it was straight down to Santa Cruz to check out the vendors, watch the race via large screens and get in position to watch the finish…
Purdy bikes…
This is where the winners go to make sure they’re not, you know, “enhanced”…
Waiting with the guys in uniform…
The first cars before the lead group…
The top riders headed toward the finish…
The peleton…
Team Cars…
After the race…
Bjarne Riis and Bobby Julich…
Some of the Team Garmin-Transitions guys and their bikes…
Tom Danielson and Jonathan Vaughters…
Steven Cozza {you know you love the ’stache}…
Some of these guys were so kind and took photos with fans and signed autographs. I just snapped photos whenever possible.
Chris Horner of Team RadioShack…
Andy Schleck of Team Saxo Bank…
And guess who won the stage? One of my favorites, Dave Zabriskie. After the race, at the “Anti-Doping” Bus…
I had a half naked photo, but refrained from posting it here. What? It was an accident!
His winning bike…
Trying to head to the team bus through a crazy crowd…
Oh, and check out these pups. They were ready for the sunny day with their doggles…
Did anyone else watch part of the tour yet? Last year was really great because I went to the time trial in Sacramento. Time trials are so great to watch since you get to see more action and the teams are around more. I really got to check out all of my favorites at the 2009 tour. Oh, and one more thing that I {and others that noticed} thought was funny. Check out the Garmin bus…
Something weird is under the sticker on the right side…
I guess the bus originally belonged to Team Discovery.
Remember when I posted about attending The ART Weekend last year? Nicole Hill Gerulat, one of my favorite photographers, is the brains behind such gatherings of different art and techie geniuses. Together, they hold classes that range from Photoshop to Letterpress to Photography and Illustrator (just to name a few, of course!) in various cities. Earlier this year Nicole and the gang also launched their online courses so that you can learn even if they don’t tour to your hood. Obviously, I am slightly envious of those who will be traveling with her to France this July for a photo retreat {who wants to take me along?}. Here in San Francisco this weekend? Sign up for really exciting lessons at The Seller’s Retreat.
If you are available on Friday and Saturday {May 21 – 22}, take advantage of this opportunity to attend a 2-day event that will take you through the entire process of selling and marketing your product online. Whether you are ready to dive in to the world of selling your wares or want to learn how to boost your present business with better marketing, this is perfect for you! Nicole, along with Alma and Mike Loveland, will show you how to take professional product shots, teach you how to professionally retouch your photos, take you through creating your own brand graphics and packaging, and will even guide you in setting up your shop and marketing yourself with social media. Space is limited to ensure face time with your instructors and no experience is necessary. Trust me, it will be so worth it. Seriously, check out what classes they’ll be offering. I am trying to see if I can head on over there.
Today I am off from the day job and am headed out to watch Stage 3 of the Tour of California. The riders will go from San Francisco to San Cruz for a total of about 120 miles. I’ll let you know how it goes. Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Holy mother. Last night I went to see The Dead Weather perform at The Fillmore. It. Was. Awesome.
Excuse the non-flash photos. It’s tough trying to capture great shots with concert lighting, an average digital point-and-shoot and, oh yeah, while you’re trying to rock out. If you had seen my tweet about getting tickets to a show, this was what I was referring to. I was worried because both nights of the show were sold out and I had been desperately searching and resorted to hunting on Craigslist {I may or may not have a serious Jack White addiction}. My concern was that I had never bought tickets off there before. I got a response from a woman who said they were still available. Great! She gave me her number and I called and we arranged a meeting yesterday morning. On the phone I had asked if she was attending the show and she said she was not. Rather than being hard tickets they were printed off her computer. Hmmm. Should I be suspicious? I mean, I’m a pretty trusting person but I was about to hand over cash and I wouldn’t really know the tickets were legit until I got to The Fillmore. Anyway, I did some research and went for it. I met her yesterday morning and she told me it would be fine and that the tickets belonged to her son who was now grounded. Thank you for being a disciplinarian! Score for me! I handed her my cash. I went to the show. Got patted down. Handed over my ticket. It scanned! Success! Again, it was an amazing show. I’d definitely go again if I had tickets for tonight’s show. If you’re hitting Coachella, do not miss their performance.
Over this past holiday season {previous ones as well} I did my shopping from only small businesses. Everyone got things from me from shops that were local or independently owned. One of my favorite shops for getting unique gift items is Limonaia.
Located in Russian Hill here in San Francisco, owner Jessica Goldfarb has curated a selection of goods from both local and international companies fit for any occasion and recipient. Most recently I picked up a vase and candle for my mom, a fabric pouch for my sister, and a memory card game, drawing books and bath treats for my nieces and nephews. Oh, and there may have been a little something for myself thrown in there as well. The shop is great because it fits any budget.
Stop on by and see Jessica and her friendly staff. They are all very helpful and knowledgeable about the lines they carry in the shop. Some of my current favorites are the fabric headbands and ponytail holders made locally {which I own}, paper products, candles, soaps, and well, just about everything I guess. My friend actually just gave me the cutest wristlet/clutch from Limonaia recently as well. I’m also kind of obsessed with the blabla dolls {hey, I’m a big kid, right?!}…
Aloha! I'm Liana. This is my site. I'm a Hawaii girl living in San Francisco. I am all about supporting handmade, independent and small business artists and designers. I really hope you like it here. Come, stay awhile... (...more)
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