        
Archive for the ‘Vendors’ Category
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
So, we survived day 1 of the Food & Wine Experience at the Minneapolis Convention Center. We didn’t win the Czar of Cakes Challenge, but it was an honorable loss – as predicted, Gateaux won, hands down, no contest!
I’ll post more about the cake end of things tonight or tomorrow, but I wanted to post some “head’s up” type messages on products that *really* stood out to us from yesterday’s show. If you’re going, make *sure* to stop by these booths. If you’re not, by all means, check out their websites, because they’re truly fabulous!
Driving Force Energy Co. is based in Woodbury, and makes really amazing energy bars. Almost like a granola bar, but soft and SO ridiculously good. Particularly loved the PB & J flavor. Nom! Also, they had some interesting caramel popcorn – including peanut butter caramel, and sweet jalapeno caramel popcorn. Wow! Both truly amazing. Hubby asked if they sell it by the garbage bag, and I honestly don’t think they realized that he was serious.
Kayak Kitchens in Stillwater was showcasing their “Haute Habanero Paste”. I’m looking at the sheet of recipes they provided for their paste, and already thinking of the ways I’d love to use and abuse it. It’s a gorgeous orange paste with a flavor and fruityness that is *not* overpowered by heat. Really good!
Annona Gourmet was a booth that Robin from Gateaux kinda strongarmed us into visiting. Not that we hadn’t planned to check everything out, but in her opinion, we were NOT to leave without checking them out. They were hawking olive oils and balsamic vinegars. While Robin was completely sold on the traditional 18 year aged balsamic (which really was terrific!), my husband and I both immediately fell in love with their “sweet peach” balsamic. Completely over the top fabulous.
Passport Beverage was on hand to sample their Dry Soda & Q Tonic waters. I am NOT a huge fan of carbonated waters, and really, truly hate tonic water – it always tastes like baking soda to me. It blew me away that not only did I tolerate their Q Tonic, but fell in love with it. None of that horrible baking soda taste, it was light and refreshing and had a really nice flavor to it. I could see drinking it straight. Additionally, their Dry Soda was really nice. We did not get a chance to try the lavender flavor (which sounded really interesting!), but the Rhubarb, Kumquat, and Cucumber flavors were all winners with us.
Uncle Pete’s Mustard was a big surprise to us. I’m a mustard nerd, and 90% of what’s out there is really bland, boring, and/or unbalanced tasting to me. They only offer 1 flavor, a sweet & hot mustard… god was it ever good. BIG thumbs up from me!
Thousand Hills Cattle Company featured some of the most delicious grass fed ground beef I’ve ever had (and I’m a big carnivore!). Also of note was their summer sausage, which was amazing.
I should probably get ready to head out, but definitely wanted to post these not only for all you guys, but for my own scatterbrainedness. Good to have the favs all in one place! More to come!
Posted in Interesting, News & Events, Vendors | No Comments »
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
This will be short and sweet, cause ya know… it’s 7:30 on a Sunday, AND Valentine’s Day.
Woke up this morning after a truly bizarre dream involving a couple local cake buddies, a local food writer I’ve never met, and a (non-cake) baker from some far off state (dunno which) that I’ve never even talked to.. to be told that my husband actually did make me something for Valentine’s Day.
We had decided weeks ago that we wouldn’t be bothering with gifts. LOL. After my blog entry the other day, I had to come back with “Is it a custom carved Hugh Jackman/Wolverine Pumpkin?”
He laughed and gave me a playful fake pout. Said it would make me smile, though. This is what he presented me with:
I just about fell out of bed laughing! What an awesome gift – I love that my husband is creative and weird, with the same sort of bizarre sense of humor that I have.
If you didn’t read my Last blog entry, it was a selection of my favorite gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, openly admitting that it was far too late in the game to actually act on any of the suggestions.
One of the products/companies mentioned was The Pumpkin Geek, one of my twitter pals. His site is Here. My little excerpt about it included the following:
“K, everything I said about no guilt Vday? 1 exception: Oh wonderful husband of mine, I know you’re reading this.. you know, if you *really* love me, you’ll totally order me a custom carved pumpkin, featuring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Claws out, preferably featuring him in a tank top. Thanks! *mwah* ”
Aw yeah. This morning I was reminded that I have a husband who not only has a great sense of humor, but actually kinda listens to me every once in awhile 
Awesome.
Posted in Random, Vendors | No Comments »
Friday, February 12th, 2010
I’ll admit it, I’ve long been a Valentine’s Day curmudgeon.
Don’t get me wrong.. I have nothing against love, affection, showing appreciation for those you care about, romance, or whatever. I’m just not big on feeling forced to do anything, or ads that seem to.. well, encourage romance by way of guilt. Jewelry ads that seem to tell guys that they don’t really love their girl if they aren’t willing to express it by buying a “REAL stone” are particularly great for getting some eye-rolling time in!
Nope, I’ve always preferred the “Do something nice for my hubby, cause he deserves it / he had a rough week / *I* had a rough week / I feel like it / Saw something or had an idea that made me think to / etc way of romancing my hubby.
That said, the market really does get hit with an awful lot more “romantic” gift items this time of year, and I’m REALLY impressed with some of the ideas I’ve read about on Twitter, come across online, etc. Of course, I procrastinated WAY too much to actually order any of these for this weekend, but they’re all too cool NOT to share! Consider this partially my “fantasy Valentine’s Day wish list”, and partially me spreading some love to people/companies that I like!
First off, ThinkGeek.com is an amazing one stop shop for Valentine’s Day, IMHO. They have cool products year round, of course.. but major kudos to them for their VDay lineup! My Favorites:
Valentine’s Day Box of Mini Plush Microbes!
This was actually my #1 gift wish (to give OR receive!) this year, and actually would have been able to order in time, but they were sold out till this morning. Bah. Cutest thing ever! Admittedly, probably best for someone with a certain sense of humor – I’m sure some people would take offense at getting a heart box full of plush venereal diseases*. I, however, think it’s awesome! Click here for all of the details.
Plush Beating Heart – It’s adorable! What else is there to say? Click here for all those details
They have a ton of cool items.. check out their Valentine’s Day Gift list Here.
Next up, gotta give some love to my Twitter buddy, Geeky Clean. Sure, there are a million and one soap companies out there, and I’m sure many, many are just fabulous.. but she’s got a unique, awesome product. You know how it is. Nerd solidarity!
“Sexterity” soap
I’m not even into RPG, and I think this is awesome. “peach, cherry blossom and white jasmine” sounds amazing, and come on – super cute idea. My hubby is a reformed gamer, this would be perfect for him. You know, if I didn’t steal it for the scent! Also FTW: “Swine Flew” bacon scented soap and pretty much everything else they make.
I think their soaps would make amazing guest favors for any nerdy or geeky wedding, party, shower, or whatever – and she will do custom packaging! Mental note: Blog more about this later!
Now here is a company I recently found on Twitter, and I am COMPLETELY blown away by the talent here. I mean really, disgustingly talented. He carves fake pumpkins like this:
K, everything I said about no guilt Vday? 1 exception: Oh wonderful husband of mine, I know you’re reading this.. you know, if you *really* love me, you’ll totally order me a custom carved pumpkin, featuring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Claws out, preferably featuring him in a tank top. Thanks! *mwah*
You can follow this ridiculous artist on Twitter HERE, btw.
Pumpkins a stretch for Valentine’s Day? Not in my mind.. and hey, it’s my blog! So… there.
Ah, the love continues! My favorite radio station just played Nek’s “La Vida Es”, which I think is the most romantic song ever. Maybe I’m mentally ready to celebrate this weekend afterall, feeling warm and gushy after the song.
How are the Mr and I spending Valentine’s Day, you may wonder? This year, we decided to have fun with it: White Castle, Boone’s Farm, and B movies. Cause that’s just how we roll every once in awhile
* I get a kick outta the way people talk about “VD” on Twitter, much in the same way I snicker when brides discuss their STDs. (”Save the Dates”, for my non-wedding readers!) Mature, I know Gotta take your entertainment where ya can, right?
Posted in Commentary, Gift Ideas, Interesting, Random, Vendors | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Exciting New Media Coverage!
So, I’m a little late in blogging about this.. so you may have read about it on our Facebook albums already. If you’re a fan, anyway. If you’re not, what are you waiting for?
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On Facebook:
Celebration Generation’s Page
Celebration Generation Owner, Marie, on Facebook
Celebration Generation Gifts app
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I digress…
Anyway, a few months ago I got together with one of my favorite people, Jean from Violet’s Flowers to work on a project. We were both involved in putting together an article for an industry magazine, Flowers &. Flowers & Magazine is put out by Teleflora.
I wrote the magazine article, which was all about how to incorporate fresh flowers with high end fondant cake design. Written, of course, from the point of view of a caker.
I had an absolute blast designing and creating 4 cakes with Jean, which were then photographed by my husband, Michael from Happenstance Photography. Each cake was loosely themed around a season:
Winter: White cake with snowflakes and LED lights all over it, separated by lush blooms in shades of pink and white
Spring: Hot pink cake with flame colored tulips, kumquats, and split leaf philodendron.
Summer: Waves of white fondant wrapped around round tiers, hand painted green leaf accents, with fresh purple Vanda orchids “glued” on with frosting.
Autumn: Pale cocoa fondant, handpainted with orange-tinted cocoa. It was surrounded by a “cage” mad eof curly willow, and accented with chocolate colored fresh cymbidium orchids.
Anyway, the article came out at the beginning of October, and I’m THRILLED with it. 8 full pages, large gorgeous photos, and everything!
Check out our Facebook page for the full article!
Posted in Media Coverage, Vendors | 1 Comment »
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
A big highlight of this past week was getting together with Jean Cowles of Violet’s Flowers for some design fun. Her motto starts with “Sassy Flowers”.. sassy is right! She’s one of the most ridiculously fun people in the local wedding industry, and I had very much been looking forward to this.
I’ll be blogging about the outcome of this design collaboration in a few months, but wanted to give you guys a sneak peak at something we came up with – the Amazing Glowing Wedding Cake!
In addition to the lush beauty of the Tulips, peonies, astilbe, sweet peas, freesia, and more that burst out from between each layer (and form a beautiful topper), the cake itself was designed in such a way as to accommodate many small LED lights, which gave the whole thing an ethereal glow. Teaser pic below!
Wouldn’t this look amazing at any reception hall.. after the lights are dimmed slightly for dinner and dancing, the cake would still be a gorgeous, attention grabbing centerpiece! Love it!
Thanks again to Jean for working with me on this project. I had a blast, and it was great to work with such talent! I love her eye for design and color, and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for unique and fun wedding flowers!
Posted in Cakes, News & Events, Vendors | No Comments »
Friday, November 14th, 2008
So, a few months ago, I posted about the Butterfly Social charity event.. and raved about Wolfgang Puck’s catering company. I’d met a couple of their representatives at an industry thing the day before, and they treated us very well at the event. MMm. I should have had breakfast before posting this, because just thinking about it.. wow. Amazing food. Even all these months later, I’m vividly impressed by what they catered.
Anyway, so I have a big raging corporate crush on the company. Aside from the ridiculously good food (Seriously, words don’t properly convey the gastronomic bliss we experienced that night!), every single one of their employees that I’ve met have been awesome. Oh, and the sky room at the Walker? Amazing. All around, these guys are a shining example of what is RIGHT in the industry right now.
So, imagine my giddy delight when, after recently doing a cake for one of their brides, I received an email stating that they would now be referring people to me, as their preferred cake vendor. *Completely* tickled pink here!
Now, I need to clarify – This isn’t one of those situations I’ve ranted about before. Rather than being tainted by kick backs or other ugliness, this is completely merit based, on both sides. LOVE it! I am so thrilled, and consider this an honor and compliment of the highest order!
So, that’s that, my big news I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll have other big news to announce on Monday (or a week or two later, given my penchant for procrastination!).. but this one really made my year!
Oh, and a shameless plug – If you are looking for the most amazing venue and food for your holiday party, wedding, or whatever.. give Andrea at Wolfgang Puck a call (612-253-3407). They will take care of you and feed your guests the most delicious food out there.. all while you’re enjoying an amazing view of the city. I just wish I’d known about them when I got married!!
Posted in News & Events, Vendors | No Comments »
Saturday, April 26th, 2008
Busy week for blog entries, huh?
Back on Monday, I was enjoying a day off (so I thought!), and happened to catch a segment on Showcase Minnesota that caught my attention. Jim Leighton was on the show, talking about the upcoming Social Butterfly event. It was a benefit for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
He talked a bit about what they do for families through the Care Partners – particularly assisting families that are in town for their child’s treatment programs. I couldn’t possibly do justice by paraphrasing what he said, but it really inspired me. So.. I looked him up and emailled to offer a donation of desserts for the event – which was only a few days away! (more…)
Posted in News & Events, Vendors, Venues | No Comments »
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Token pre-Valentine’s Day blog. Awwww :)
Friday, February 12th, 2010I’ll admit it, I’ve long been a Valentine’s Day curmudgeon.
Don’t get me wrong.. I have nothing against love, affection, showing appreciation for those you care about, romance, or whatever. I’m just not big on feeling forced to do anything, or ads that seem to.. well, encourage romance by way of guilt. Jewelry ads that seem to tell guys that they don’t really love their girl if they aren’t willing to express it by buying a “REAL stone” are particularly great for getting some eye-rolling time in!
Nope, I’ve always preferred the “Do something nice for my hubby, cause he deserves it / he had a rough week / *I* had a rough week / I feel like it / Saw something or had an idea that made me think to / etc way of romancing my hubby.
That said, the market really does get hit with an awful lot more “romantic” gift items this time of year, and I’m REALLY impressed with some of the ideas I’ve read about on Twitter, come across online, etc. Of course, I procrastinated WAY too much to actually order any of these for this weekend, but they’re all too cool NOT to share! Consider this partially my “fantasy Valentine’s Day wish list”, and partially me spreading some love to people/companies that I like!
First off, ThinkGeek.com is an amazing one stop shop for Valentine’s Day, IMHO. They have cool products year round, of course.. but major kudos to them for their VDay lineup! My Favorites:
Valentine’s Day Box of Mini Plush Microbes!
This was actually my #1 gift wish (to give OR receive!) this year, and actually would have been able to order in time, but they were sold out till this morning. Bah. Cutest thing ever! Admittedly, probably best for someone with a certain sense of humor – I’m sure some people would take offense at getting a heart box full of plush venereal diseases*. I, however, think it’s awesome! Click here for all of the details.
Plush Beating Heart – It’s adorable! What else is there to say? Click here for all those details
They have a ton of cool items.. check out their Valentine’s Day Gift list Here.
Next up, gotta give some love to my Twitter buddy, Geeky Clean. Sure, there are a million and one soap companies out there, and I’m sure many, many are just fabulous.. but she’s got a unique, awesome product. You know how it is. Nerd solidarity!
“Sexterity” soap
I’m not even into RPG, and I think this is awesome. “peach, cherry blossom and white jasmine” sounds amazing, and come on – super cute idea. My hubby is a reformed gamer, this would be perfect for him. You know, if I didn’t steal it for the scent! Also FTW: “Swine Flew” bacon scented soap and pretty much everything else they make.
I think their soaps would make amazing guest favors for any nerdy or geeky wedding, party, shower, or whatever – and she will do custom packaging! Mental note: Blog more about this later!
Now here is a company I recently found on Twitter, and I am COMPLETELY blown away by the talent here. I mean really, disgustingly talented. He carves fake pumpkins like this:
K, everything I said about no guilt Vday? 1 exception: Oh wonderful husband of mine, I know you’re reading this.. you know, if you *really* love me, you’ll totally order me a custom carved pumpkin, featuring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Claws out, preferably featuring him in a tank top. Thanks! *mwah*
You can follow this ridiculous artist on Twitter HERE, btw.
Pumpkins a stretch for Valentine’s Day? Not in my mind.. and hey, it’s my blog! So… there.
Ah, the love continues! My favorite radio station just played Nek’s “La Vida Es”, which I think is the most romantic song ever. Maybe I’m mentally ready to celebrate this weekend afterall, feeling warm and gushy after the song.
How are the Mr and I spending Valentine’s Day, you may wonder? This year, we decided to have fun with it: White Castle, Boone’s Farm, and B movies. Cause that’s just how we roll every once in awhile
* I get a kick outta the way people talk about “VD” on Twitter, much in the same way I snicker when brides discuss their STDs. (”Save the Dates”, for my non-wedding readers!) Mature, I know
Gotta take your entertainment where ya can, right?
Posted in Commentary, Gift Ideas, Interesting, Random, Vendors | 1 Comment »