Tis' the Season for Craft Fairs...

Well, it's the season of craft fairs which is one of my favourite things to do. I love seeing all the new ideas and creative energy that is out there. On the weekend, I went to the biggest one in Vancouver every year...Circle Craft. It was a lot of fun, as I went with 2 friends who also have creative spirits.

As much as I like attending them, I also like participating in them. My favourite one to do in the summer is called Mind over Matter. It is 2 weekends in the woods in South Surrey/White Rock, and it is so completely inspiring. You basically get to hang out with nature all day, being creative and selling your art to people who truly appreciate it.

This Saturday, I am participating in my favourite Winter craft fair. It is usually at Herbert Spencer in New West, but because of the voting, it will be at Glenbrook Middle School. I am excited about this show, as I have expanded my bottle cap jewelry and magnet series to include Xmas themes. I sold out at Mikelson's in the summer, so I hope they sell well again. Also, I have some friends doing this show as well, so it should be a lot of fun. If you are looking to start your Christmas shopping early, come on out and support your local artists. We'd love to see you!


An Alchemy Design original...

Throw Your Diamonds in the Sky....

Today Dusten and I went to meet with the Diamond Importer to order my ring for our 5th anniversary. She was an amazing lady who lives in West Van, and she taught us so much about diamonds! It was like going to a personal seminar. I can't believe how much stores rip you off and how much they lie to you about the quality and what you are really getting for your money. I was able to see some of the flaws in my own diamonds, and how what we were sold was not exactly what we got. Anna imports them directly, and they are of the highest quality. They have virtually no inclusions and are flawless. She had all these neat tools and magnifiers so we could see the differences in colours, inclusions and sizes for ourselves. If you put them on white paper and hold them upside down under a bright light, you can see the colour variances. With rings in stores, the diamonds are already set, so you can't see if they have a brownish tint to them or not. And, in the stores, they don't have the proper magnifying devices to see all the inclusions. I fell in love with one I saw in a store, and by buying from her directly, I am getting much better quality diamonds and twice the size for the same money (remember ladies, it's the size that counts....LOL).

My new found Veganism

Today is my 3rd day as a Vegan. I have to say it feels like a natural fit. I tried Soy yogurt yesterday for the first time and loved it! The brand is So Nice, and it tastes amazing!
I also had my first Soy Latte. I could not tell the difference between that and a regular one made with milk.

My friends and co-workers have been incredibly supportive of my transition. At Starbucks today, my friend Julia offered to split a Vegan brownie with me. The teachers are hosting a special lunch for us on Friday to thank us for our support during the strike, and a teacher (and friend) asked me what I can and cannot eat to make sure I had a good lunch too. A lot of my friends and co-workers have been asking a lot of questions too. They have been intelligent, educational and supportive questions. I appreciate having these people in my life. A lot of veggies are made to feel like freaks for their choices (Oh my god, you are a VEGETARIAN?????? What do you eat?????)

My parents have always been very supportive as well. From the time I was a teenager and meat grossed me out, my mom has always gone out of her way to alter recipes and cook extra veggies for me. She even makes me vegetarian stuffing and gravy during the holidays. My dad tries my vegan baking (even though it is a huge stretch for him....I truly appreciate the effort. He is not one for "eating outside the box" and trying new things. What a guy.

And of course my hubby, who I seriously drive around the bend when we have to choose a place to eat. I don't know how many places we have walked out of because there is nothing I can eat. And, I am so proud of him for no longer eating at McDonald's. When I met him, he ate there at least 5 times a week. And vegetables are no longer a garnish for him, he actually eats them!

I guess I just want to say thanks to everyone for always including me, and not excluding me because of my choices. I know they are my own personal choices, but the support is wonderful!

Anniversary Update

This past weekend was our 5th year anniversary. We had an incredible time. We stayed at the Pan Pacific, and our room overlooked Stanley Park and the water. It was an absolutely beautiful room...there was fresh flowers and chocolates waiting for us....yummy:)

For dinner, we went to the Italian Opera Buffet. I would highly recommend this. The atmosphere is so romantic! We were seated by the windows, and the scenery outside was amazing at night. Add to that some live opera singers, Italian food, wine, a dessert buffet, and you have an amazing dining experience! (The company wasn't too bad either...LOL)



We ordered room service (twice!), and watched a movie, and had some fun (wink, wink). All in all, it was such a fun time!

Dusten loved his watch and his Keane West tickets:) Tomorrow we are going to a local jeweller to get my ring designed. Very exciting! I want to get something in white gold, with 3 diamonds to represent past, present and future.

A huge thanks to my parents who, as a nice surprise, paid for our room! That was a nice treat at check out time:)