Valentimes...

I stopped by the Cocoa Nymph the other day to shoot Rachel's Valentine's Day chocolates: Brandied Cherries!

She's also made cinnamon, champagne, rose and cherry chocolates.

Go eat some chocolate, I'm full of it right now!

Social Bites!

I don't remember how I came across Social Bites. I know it was through Twitter, but whomever pointed me in its direction, THANKS!

The second I learned what it was about, I was in. I signed up to be a "Hobby Chef" and have 2 groups of 4 strangers each come to my house and eat what I cooked for them!

It went down this past Saturday and was a ton of fun.

I took a few shots after I made my food, and then some at the "Hot Spot" afterward, which was Call The Kettle Black (a cookware store). There, we did a Dao Tea tasting, ate some of my wonderful friend Rachel's chocolate from the Cocoa Nymph and the winner of top hobby chef was awarded.
I didn't win, but I got to take home some tea, a gift certificate to CTKBlack and a free pass to a future Social Bites event. (The next one is in March and I'm hoping to go!)

Here are some shots from the evening:

I've Got A Date With A Wrecking Ball (Day 1)

Whenever I see there is another show at The Cocoa Nymph I am excited...so when I saw that the talented James Lamb would be playing there, my plans were set.

There were about 20 people squeezed into the little chocolate store, seated so close to James (and David Newberry) that they remarked the only way they could be closer is if they were sitting in our laps.

You Don't Know That I Was Up 'Til 3am Last Night... Working on These Photos!

First surprise of the evening: passing Matt on the street and meeting one of the nicest people I've ever encountered.
Second surprise: walking into the Cocoa Nymph and realizing...I've been there before.

As it happens, I shot some of their chocolate for Vancouver Magazine's 101 Things to Eat Before You Die last year!:

and apparently they do shows in the cafe area!

I was introduced to Matt Epp (@mattepplife) by Jon and got addicted to his song This Old House (listen on his Myspace). It hit me yesterday that Matt was on tour and would probably be in Vancouver soon.
Turns out, it was that very evening!

So after Dan's show I hustled home, made dinner and took off again for 10th and Alma.

Matt is touring with Edmonton based singer-songwriter Ann Vriend who was up first on the piano. She reminded me so much of Nat Jay and I'm going to put a playlist of Vancouver music together for her!

The night was pretty amazing. I took a few photos, but it was super dark and moody in Cocoa Nymph so the photos in turn are dark and moody. But that's okay because they're playing again tonight (Aug 23rd) at the Railway Club in Vancouver...and I'll take more then.
In the meantime..enjoy: