Week Three: Homemade Soap

I'm lucky to have a friend in the soap business. This weekend she invited me to her charming house for a "Mischief, Mayhem, Soap" party.

Each soap was simple, beautiful and decadently scented. She offered several varieties including Lavender w/ Salt, Green Tea, Rosewater, Calendula, and several types of shaving pucks. It was hard to choose a favorite, and I ended up walking away with six bars!

I'm thankful for the Handmade Crafting/Do-It-Yourself Movement. I love the idea of art created for and by the masses as a part-time hobby. An everyday object such as a bar of soap becomes extraordinary simply because it's homemade. Many do-it-yourself artisans live the dual life of an 8 - 5 office worker by weekday/crafter by weekend. For me, crafting is a great way to balance the benefits of life in the rat race (the pay, health insurance, etc) with my artistic, creative sensibilities.

This weekend, I also attended a housewarming party of a co-worker. She mentioned that there would be a fire pit, so I made vegan S'mores mini-cupcakes for the occasion.

These cupcakes involved several steps, including cutting and dipping individual graham cracker squares into melted chocolate and letting them cool. It was quite a production, but I loved how they turned out decoratively. The extra effort was worth it, as they were both adorable and delicious.

Andrew kept me company in the kitchen during this process. He helped by taste-testing after each step. He also decorated his own cupcakes for the first time!

Week Two: Krohn Conservatory

I must admit I've resided about two blocks away from the Krohn Conservatory for the past seven years and have probably visited it twice.

This is because I'm normally tethered to two dogs that tug me along as they trounce and sniff through Eden Park. Since dogs aren't allowed to enter the Krohn, we usually just cut through the parking lot and weave our way past its visitors as quickly as possible. Since the trees and daffodils are in bloom I decided this would be a good time to visit.

It was amazing. I'd forgotten that you can wind through a tropical rain forest and see luscious foliage juxtaposed against the 1930s Art Deco glass and aluminum.

I felt like I was on The Island from Lost (which was delightful!) It was hot, tropically and awe inspiring. I spent about an hour and then walked home. Did I mention it's free and has WiFi?

Walking through the park sans pooch was a surprisingly pleasant experience. I didn't have to pick up any poop, which was great...but I was also able to see and hear things that I haven't before. I was able to hear the rustling of a snake beneath some dead leaves. He was camera shy and moved too fast for me to take his picture.

This Sunday was Easter. And though this has nothing to do with the Krohn Conservatory, I have to share my Easter craft. I like to mark all holidays with some kind of cutesy craftiness.

I made vegan chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting. I dyed the frosting in different pastel colors and placed a chocolate bunny graham on each one. They were delicious, I was able to take some to a friend's house and Andrew and I ate the rest.