A Field Trip To The North Carolina State Farmer's Market

Warning-this is a very pic heavy post and may take some time to load. If you aren't into the glorious beauty that IS the North Carolina State Farmer's Market you might want to skip this blog post. :-))

  Right off you are greeted by glorious fresh bouquets of flowers.

 Fresh produce of every kind is abundant at this fabulous market.

 Oh my! How beautiful are these tomatoes? Just look at those amazing cucumbers in the background.

 Flowers, herbs, veggie plants of all kinds are prolifically displayed at this Farmer's Market

 Mmmmm, herbs of all kinds-some I've never heard of.

 There's a wide assortment of hanging pots to add beauty to any space.

 Even more hanging beauty...

 I want one of each...

 Love the wee hanging air plants...

 LOOK at the Hydrangeas-AMAZING!

And happy colorful Zinnias make me smile.

Thursday was the first full day in North Carolina, and since it was a half day of workshops at the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild 2013 Conference thatI did not attend we(the Mister and I) went to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market.

I wish I could bottle up the sights and wonderful aroma of this glorious farmer's market. The wide array of colors overwhelm you as you make your way through the various aisles, the pleasant aroma of fresh strawberries and juicy ripe apples are soon replaced with the herbal freshness of rosemary and other herbs.

This farmer's market boasts "30,000 square feet for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce, plants, and other specialty items produced on local farms.  Plants are available starting in March and local fruits and vegetables are sold throughout the growing season.  This is where you can find the freshest and widest variety of produce and plants in the area."

You can find anything from seafood,meats,cheeses,wines,handcrafted soap,crafts,baked goods, plants, and of course fresh produce.  The farmer's market grounds also hosts three restaurants-one of which is the mainstay North Carolina Seafood Market-the servings are generous, hot and very tasty (I recommend the popcorn shrimp.) Also, remember this is the South where you will be offered "Sweet Tea" at every stop. 

If you're ever in the area I highly recommend a visit to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market.

Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Conference 2013-Raleigh North Carolina

The beautiful Midtown Hilton we stayed in...the folks there were so nice and the food was delicious!

For those of you who wonder if the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference is worth it....I would say a resounding "Yes!" Not only were there so many interesting sessions to attend on topics from Marketing to Swirling,SEO to making silicone molds,but there are many, many vendors-some of who may be new to you, and probably the best part are all the new and interesting people you'll meet.

I'll have more information for you over the next few days.I'm waiting for my notes to get shipped home from North Carolina.- Stay tuned!

Nature Walk

 Sweet little Apple Blossoms

I'm a bit unsure exactly what this is...could it be a Magnolia?

Just so pretty

The first nature walk of the season-a scouting trip actually. Just checking to see what is blooming- not a whole lot yet, but it won't be long. I love the anticipation of what will be in bloom the next time I make a trip out to the flower gardens. In the height of the season I try to go almost daily and I'm surprised to find something new almost every time. I love the familiarity of the garden it's like seeing old friends-even the hummingbird that sits atop the leafless tree is there this season. Some of the plants are new yet to be discovered by my camera and I, some things have yet to poke their sleepy heads from the comfort of fertile earth. I love how magical it is to witness the transformation from sprout, to bud, and finally majestic bloom.

Shave Brush Eye Candy...

 Handcrafted Purpleheart Shave Brush with Super Silvertip Badger Shave Knot

So,this shave brush just went out the door and folks it is stunning in person, the photo does not do it justice. Purpleheart is a naturally purple wood, sturdy and dense this shave brush has a lovely heft to it-topped off with the top of the line in Badger shave knots this is a very special gift for Dad or Grad.

Have I Got A Deal For You-Father's Day Special Pricing

This beautifully handcrafted Black Walnut Shave brush with Sleeping Turquoise Inlay and Super Silvertip Badge shave knot is discounted 20% due to a very slight imperfection. This shave brush has a slight wobble when it sits on end. Theoretically shave brushes should hang upside down and won't sit on end,but because we feel it's just a tad imperfect our loss is your gain.  Pair this with some shave soap and this would still be a spectacularly fine Father's Day gift-drop me a line if you are interested. 

Beautifully handcrafted Black Walnut Shave Brush with Abalone Inlay and Super Silvertip Badger shave knot is also discounted 20% due to slight imperfection. This brush also has a very slight wobble when it sits on end, again, theoretically a shave brush almost never sits on end(they should dry upside down). This handsome lovingly made brush is priced at $78.40+shipping. This brush paired with shave soap will make a memorable Father's Day gift. Holler if you're interested.

2013 Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference or BUST!!!

I'm so very happy and honored to announce that I will be a "guest blogger" blogging from the 2013 Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference that will be taking place in beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina. The HSG Conference is an annual event that draws attendees from all over the country. I'm so looking forward to the great information, meeting new friends (most that I've only known from blogging for years),  and learning new techniques. 

Myself and Jean Horn of SoapArt will be going in the stead of Anne-Marie due to the impending Bramble Girl's arrival. We wish Anne-Marie the loveliest and speediest of "special deliveries" and "Thank You" so much for an amazing opportunity!

2013 Speakers

Marla Bosworth
Amanda Griffin
Allison Kontur
Dean Mayes

Bryan Baer
Ruth Esteves
Marie Gale
Kerri Mixon

Michelle Rhoades
Jerell & Elissa Klaver

 This year's topics

Natural Shampoo Market: Trends, Opportunities and Formulating
Make Your Own Single Cavity Silicone Molds
Private Label: Making the Leap From Home Formulating to Outside Manufacturing
Production Solutions For Your Handcrafted Business: Build It or Buy It?
The Chemistry and Properties of Fatty Acids and Oils
Soap Cupcakes and More: Decorative Piping with Cold Process Soap
Design, Formulate, Organize Using the Soapmaker Program
Trademark Strategies for Small Businesses
Search Engine Optimization: Tips and Tricks to Get Your Website Found
Retail Realities: What it Really Takes to Open a Store

Loving This Treasury...

'Someone's In The Kitchen....' by brandyseher

A beautiful collection of handmade and vintage kitchen items that anyone would be lucky to have in their own home.

Large Sweet River Birch Sala... oneofakind2woo... $155	Mexican Kitchen Art Print De... DexMex $18	Barnwood Herb Drying Rack - ... BessiesCreatio... $32
Ceramic Rooster Pitcher BeauliesLostan... $25.97	Indented Fire and Water Coff... MetamorphosisS... $10	Pallet Wood Kitchen Island UpcycledWoodwo... $600
Kitchen Broom in Rust Color BROOMCHICK $42	Kitchen Window Potpourri Swa... OneThirtyOneDe... $10	Chef 's Soap, Coffee Soa... TierraVerdeSoa... $5.5
Two For Tea Pot - Ready To S... hammerpots $44	Cutting Board Serving Tray O... grayworksdesig... $78	Homemade half apron with coo... chirpinturpin $19.5
The "Cherry Bomb" ... KitschyChic1 $3.5	Kitchen Witch Corn Husk Doll... LacyLeafStudio $50	Large Kitchen Canister in Tu... pagepottery $78
Hardwood Multipurpose Cookin... jordanmart $25

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Am I The Only One?

Sometimes, I think I must be the ONLY one who thinks things like Calendula infusing in the sun is beautiful; that new projects are exciting-full of possibilities, anticipating the outcome is such a driving force for me, and then finally the satisfaction of things turning out just as you imagined-priceless. Two of my new products are starting to take shape, and that is such a gratifying thing.

Projects

I am looking forward to some new projects that I am hoping to launch just shy of Father's Day, and of course they are new products for "Him." I can't wait to show them to you, and hope you like them. Infusing some Calendula and German Chamomile is part of the equation, and the Petunia is a back up for my beautiful Pink Petunia that so far has survived with lots of moving it in and out to protect it from the continued threat of freezing temps.