#coffeefail

There are a number of seats in my local Starbucks that are not ideal to sit in.

Too close to the service station & you get bumped. Too close to the door & you get bumped. Too close to the pick-up counter & you get to have a sponge bath on the spot. 

I learned the last one this morning.

While having a lovely chat with Taryn (thank god not a new client), I was the lucky recipient of a frappuccino®!

Oh wait - it wasn't in a cup.

Having it fly directly from the machine over the counter and land smack on me was far more entertaining for this sunny Thursday morning crowd! Maybe this was the 10,000th frappuccino® made today & the machine wanted to throw a party? Maybe Ashton was there all along, but too busy enjoying the cake pops to know the punk went down... 

Either way, nothing beats standing at the counter giving myself a sponge bath in public while still dressed. FUN!! Oh wait, then when I asked Taryn if I had sopped up most of it, she got to point out the big ol' splat on my boob. Of course! Silly me thinking it only attacked my right arm & torso, how in the world could it miss my chest! (insert your own joke here)

So, now sopping & smelling of coffee with a hint of cream, I sat... I finished my own tall mild and hoped that my light grey sweater (I know, not black! what was I thinking today?!) would dry enough to be able to put on my still clean coat. Taryn & I weighed the options of going shirtless, but I don't think my fellow coffee drinkers were quite ready for that so early in the am. What with the sun shining and my rockstar winter tan, I probably would have blinded everyone. 

I did recieve an apology from the barista and the actual intended recipient of the drink. I think he kinda felt left out of the party... and an offer to pay my dry cleaning... and some awesome glares from new comers to the party that thought I must've had a knock down brawl with my coffee cup (and it won)... but, no Ashton ;(

45mpg New Jetta Hybrid!

VW unveiled the all new Jetta Hybrid today at the Detroit Auto Show. 

158hp gas engine + 22hp electric motor = 45mpg!! Nice work VW!

The E-Bugster concept was also on display - 114hp electric motor, which can do more than 100 miles in ZERO emmission driving! Not only is it pure electric - its pure fun too, style was not compromised in this concept car.

Top: VW E-Bugster Concept, Bottom: 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid

#OoakVan was so much fun!

The day started off pretty early for me, considering I'd had only a couple hours of sleep... But what's a holiday season without sleep deprivation? So many parties to attend, so many rum & egg nogs to drink! 

Michelle, Owen & I were off to One of a Kind on a gorgeous sunny morning... We beat the crowds ('cause really, in YVR on a sunny Sunday in December, who is inside??) and started on our missions.

Michelle's: to drop the kid off at the fantastic free daycare service. Happily this was completely kiddy corner to the entrance of the show! Check, kid happy as a clam in a pile of toys and not one glance back to us running away ;) 

Mine: coat check. It was 20 million degrees in there and I have a great habit of tuning out the world in order to find a way to cool down. I'm sorry you fell and broke your leg? Lemme just grab some ice water first... Since the daycare didn't want to watch my coat take a nap, we hoofed it back to the entrance (actually pre-entrance) for coat check... Racking up the miles was well worth it!

Note: I'd say they could've put up better signage, but it was more like I probably wasn't paying attention in all of the excitement... hehe

Ours: explore all the goodies! This was our candy store... well, I think Michelle would still be in heaven in a real candy store... but I don't have that sweet tooth... haha

First booth that catch's my eye is Mindan's Designs. I had purchased the most gorgeous aqua & silver ring from Mindan a few years ago at Portobello West. I've recieved so many compliments on this ring and it is so easy to dress up or down! So of course I had to peruse the new selection and even made sure 'Santa' bought one for a certain someone ;)

I was so happy to meet Amie from Timber Green Woods. I came across their fantastic line of creative wood products when I recently joined etsy, then I noticed they're from WI! Since Kenosha will always be my home, we immediately shared that bond in our chat. Thank you for the encouraging words & I love my snowflakes!

Snowflakes by Timber Green Woods

Upper Left: Imps and Monsters, Lower Left: Nugs.ca, Right: Michelle

There were so many talented artists there and I wish I could have bought so much more! I loved the artwork from Imps and Monsters as well the figurines from nugs! BUT one of the BEST things we came across wasn't even from any of the artisians... THIS GIANT BALLOON was sooo cool! Especially since Michelle has been obsessed with having these at Owen's birthday parties, but then realizes, 'How on earth would the kids bring them home?' Car service Michelle, you must provide car service ;)

We came across the food area thankfully at the end. I fell head over heels for the authentic Stöllen from Swiss Bakery.. (I'd say the next best one to my Omi's) mmmm I will finish my 500lbs one day!! And Michelle was all googly eyed over the Sponge Toffee from bah! (yes, I will admit, it was really good as well, even though I'd OD'd on my sugar intake).

Super fantastic day overall. Kid happy, check. Adults happy, check check.

Bring on more holiday fun!!

Movember Cruz

I had the pleasure of doing some work for a great event. If you're feeling like hanging out with some great people this Sunday Nov 27/11 & donating for a great cause, come check it out! There will be prizes and great photo ops for what should be called illegal 'staches!

Circle Craft Christmas Market

'Tis the Season!

The countdown is on now, Halloween has been cleared off of the store shelves and Christmas music is blasting through the streets. Our friends south of the border still have Thanksgiving to go, then all of North America will be decking the halls.

If you are looking for some great ideas and would like to support your local artisans, be sure to stop by the Circle Craft Christmas Market at the New Convention Center starting next Wednesday!

When
Nov 9 - 13 2011

Hours
Wed-Fri 10a-9p
Sat 10a-7p
Sun 10a-5p

Tickets
Adults $12 at the door (Wed/Thur after 5PM ONLY, adults tickets 2 for 1 available online)
Seniors $10
Students $10

Save $2 on all tickets when purchasing online

Free Re-entry!
As always, we are pleased to offer free unlimited re-admission for any day of the show.  Your initial ticket purchase entitles you to and unlimited re-entry (offer is non-transferable and applies to ticket purchasers ONLY).  That's right! Pay for one day, and you could shop for all five!  To obtain your re-entry pass, please be sure to visit the 're-entry' table located beside the Information Booth before you leave.