What a Week!

I guess I should say TWO weeks- they have been crazy! But I'm sure most everyone can say the same thing. Even though I'm not a huge holiday person, I have to adapt because the rest of the world is (family included), and I'm on the rest of the world's schedule. :) Throw in a birthday exactly one week before Christmas, and a couple of what seemed like never-ending baking sessions (cupcakes AND cookies), and you have the makings for, well, a crazy two weeks! I do, however, hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas, and that all will have a safe but bangin' New Year!

The Sugar Is Art Gallery is moving along, though, and I'm getting more excited with every day that passes! We've done soooo much research and made soooo many contacts that I feel like I know everything there is to know about sugar art and cupcakes and chocolates (I know I don't, it just feels like I do! lol). I'm so happy to share all of that with anyone and everyone interested in receiving it, and soon- SOON- I will. As we're moving toward the 2009 show, only a couple of short months away, we're also working on the 2010 event. This one, as it stands now, will be a two-day Gallery, and if we keep receiving demonstrators and professionals to conduct classes, we'll have to go to three days. Since our goal is to showcase the industry, we'll make room for everyone who wishes to participate, as we want the biggest, most informative event we can create. Now, to find the perfect place for a multi-day sweetstravaganza... sorry, I couldn't resist. :)

I've found lots more cool sites and blogs to share- I'll give you a few (minus descriptions but with links and my total adoration) here: Bakerella, Bake or Break, Masala Chocolates, and Food Infinity.

I'll get more to you soon... but for now, I have an enormous mailing list to tame. Gallery tickets are discounted through the end of the year, so take advantage of the savings and get yours now!

Finally for now, Gabe's Gurl is working on some fun food events that anyone even remotely interested in culinary finds and gourmet treats will really enjoy- the foodie inside will rejoice! They will make wonderful date nights, girls nights out, and fabulous gifts for the person in your life who has everything. Those details will be coming your way shortly...

Enjoy dessert tonite!

Updates, Progress, and Reminders!

The past week has been so hectic, so crazy, and so productive! We have been meeting people, developing sites, creating ads, and networking, all in an effort to produce an amazing event and introduce our brand. I am bursting at the seams to share the latest exciting news, but I've been sworn- SWORN- to secrecy for the time being, just so details can be perfected and finalized. I WILL say, though, that I have come in contact with some pretty amazing people in developing this event, and sugar artists LOVE their craft and are willing to shout it from the rooftops when given the chance! Equally as fabulous, the foodie community rocks! :)

As always, I run across TONS of unique information on the web during my many quests for the latest, greatest, and funnest (lol) food, chef, mag, and site. Believe me when I tell you that I spend a lot of time online. A bunch. When you think about it, the Internet is the most vast (visit the entire world on your laptop), convenient (open ALL the time), all-purpose (find anything about anything), resource there is. I love, love, LOVE email, and my interest in food runs deep- I want to see it, experience it, hear about it, create it, and share it with the world. I want to bring the best of the best that I can find to one place and share it with anyone and everyone who is interested. I want to educate and excite others about food, desserts, and chocolates, just to let them know there is so much more out there, and, well, since you have to eat anyway, might as well make it the best it can be!

Here are a few interesting sites and articles I've run across, mixed in with a few of my favs... Foodbuzz, 44 Surprising Things You Can Eat, Chocolate Showpiece, Local Wine Events, and Pastry Profiles.

I'll also take a quick moment to remind you that (1) for the rest of December, Gallery tickets are HALF PRICE when you purchase two. We all know the economy is a mess right now, but we still have to live, eat, have fun, and maintain in order to weather the financial crisis. Life is what you make it, and instead of freaking out and being depressed about what I don't have, I choose to have fun with what I DO have- and can create! AND, (2) to be included in our first round of promo, you'll need to secure your Exhibit space (booth) and reserve your demo space NOW. I know, finances again- we'll work that out once you contact us. (3) If you are a business owner, now is NOT the time to stop promoting your company, products, and/or services. You need to find creative avenues to get in front of your consumer- and what better way to do that than a super affordable space that you can use as you desire at a custom event created just for you and the people near and far who love what you do (customers-to-be)!

Merchandise and more is the perfect way to show your support! Enjoy dessert tonite!

Fighting Hunger & Celebrating Sugar Art...

I hope everyone had a really wonderful Turkey Day. There was a time in my life when holidays didn't mean anything to me. Not only did I not recognize holidays, I flat out didn't like them. They still are not of any earth-shattering importance in my life, but I do try to be more selfless and considerate of family needs and excitement and actually acknowledge them. Somewhat. A little. In my own way. More than I did the past 10ish years. It's a start, right? :) But no matter how much I didn't get into holidays, I always had a desire to feed people, regardless of whether or not it was a holiday or an any day. I strongly believe delicious, freshly prepared food is a human RIGHT and not a privilege, and I am now determined to do whatever I can to ensure that everyone has food to eat whenever they are hungry.

Because of my belief, the decision to support our local food charities was a no-brainer. Nashville has a wealth of amazing food options, and doesn't get the credit it deserves or earned- Gabe's Gurl Event Productions is working that end of this equation! My hope- and goal- is that we can come together as an industry to help replenish the depleted food supplies that are in high demand right now.

I know that times are tough right now, and we all have had to make some changes, cutbacks, and sacrifices to weather our troubled economy. While I feel certain that our economy will soon rebound, the emotional, physical, and mental effects of hunger, and in its more serious form, starvation, are lasting. We cannot ignore the plight of those whose times may be a little harder than ours, and I just ask that we do what we can to fight it.

Because of such tough times, donations to Second Harvest are down dramatically. We are getting some things set up that will make donating easier. In addition, we will be doing an onsite food drive where Gallery guests can bring items to donate at the door. It doesn't have to be much- just do what you can.

Have dessert tonight!