As much as I don’t like to admit it, I really am a sucker for sweets. Attending last year’s Salon du Chocolat in Paris, I thought it’d be fun to hit up the same show but in New York City with a friend of mine. Don’t get me wrong, but the show here is far less exciting and doesn’t really command the worth of the $28 ticket price (of course, if you purchase at Ticket Master, you might as well just call it an even $40 with their ridiculous charges).

Held at The Metropolitan Pavilion, the venue is much smaller than that of its French counterpart; however, that shouldn’t be a huge detriment to the show since exhibitions have been held at smaller places and been fantastic (referencing Salon du Vintage). What brings the disappointment is the booths whose delights aren’t anything special or the booths that are irrelevant. While having sponsorship is great, the “Win a Bahamas” booth could have been put to better use, especially since all it was was a ploy to get people’s numbers to call them to give out their credit numbers for a low fee to gain access to a “great getaway.”

There were some highlights to be had, though. Some of the chocolate booths had amazing treats or at the very least, interesting ones (hello chocolate covered bacon!). Others were diverse with what they offered: liqueurs that were mixed with chocolate from another booth or wines that had suggestive pairings for different types of chocolate and other foods. And if you are the type to enjoy cooking and baking, there were several demonstrations going on throughout the day with free samples of the recipe to be had.

It’s definitely a hit or miss with this one, but it really shouldn’t be considering that this is its 12th year in New York City.

Dresses featuring chocolate pieces

Sculpting out of chocolate

The cooking demonstration where you learn how much butter goes into desserts

Logo image courtesy of The Chocolate Show website

Barb :: Nov.30.2009 :: Culture, Trendy Finds :: 1 Comment »

While most of my friends are probably having a turkey feast of some sort, I decided to get ahead on the shopping frenzy. Checking out my Twitter feeds, I noticed that there was a sale not to be missed that was going on. Over at Chasse Gardée, Project Runway Canada Evan Biddell held a sale (dubbed “End of the Decade”) featuring a collection comprised of his favorite fabrics over the last ten years.

I didn’t have the intention of being early, but it turned out that I walk a lot faster than I thought. The pieces were well made and were fantastic designs (including some of this past season’s pieces in case you were dying to get them but didn’t have a chance), and both Daniella and Evan were great. Turns out that Evan remembers my eagerness of meeting him way back in June when he was having brunch at School Bakery, which is always cute of someone.

My steal for the day? I managed up a one-sleeved hooded dress made from bamboo for only $80 (I know many of you are gawking at me and telling me that I’m crazy to think that’s a steal), but the workmanship is superb. The neckline and detailing works well so that I don’t have to be wearing jewelry to make up for the empty chest area. And it’s made out of bamboo – wicks and insulates well, lightweight, and sits great on the body.

Great job on the sale today guys!

Image courtesy of Evan Biddell

Barb :: Nov.26.2009 :: Fashion, Trendy Finds :: 4 Comments »

While I’m very big on being up-to-date with the fashion scene, I’m not very much into reading about celebrities, actors/actresses or anything in that realm – except, of course, for those that I personally know. JUZD’s product model Veronika London is an edgy Canadian actress who has been dubbed the “Megan Fox of Hollywood North” and already has several films under her belt. New York Barstool Sports caught up with the 22 year old actress to ask her some quick and fun questions.

Check out the spotlight here: http://nyc.barstoolsports.com/hot-gallery/wake-up-with-veronika-london/

Image courtesy of New York Barstool Sports

Barb :: Nov.21.2009 :: Trendy Finds :: No Comments »