bloom does holiday...


a little late, but here's quick recap of our pretty little holiday pop-up shop at hello bluebird! we had such a lovely time chatting with all of you and helping you find the perfect something for that special someone. it makes our hearts all a flutter that you love what we're doing and you came out to support us! xo. a special thanks to alex of hello bluebird for being such a lovely host, and to our other pop-up peeps - it was a pleasure spending the day with you!

peace and love,
the bloom girls
bloom pop-up shop tomorrow!

Join us this weekend for our annual Holiday Open House!


We can't wait to see you this weekend!


Join us Saturday & Sunday for sweet treats, great local artists and handmade gifts, prizes, gift wrapping and more!

Three "Pop-Up Shops" will be hosted on the 2nd floor, featuring local favorites such as A Little Sparkle jewelry by Kerry Rorbach, Dentdelion upcycled and eco-friendly childrens' toys by Dasha Gardecki, and Bloom Where You Are's favorite local finds (with Christin Kelley, Melanie Linder, Phoebe Canakis).

Enter in-store to win one of 3 gift bags full of awesome handmade goodies!

PRINT OR MENTION THIS EMAIL FOR 10% OFF OF YOUR PURCHASE (downstairs only).  Good through Sunday, December 9, 2012.
HOLIDAY HOURS:
(week prior to Christmas TBA)
NOW OPEN MONDAYS, 12-4pm
Tuesday 11am-6pm
Wednesday 11am-6pm
Thursday 11am-7pm
Friday 11am-8pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-4pm

Copyright © 2012 Hello Bluebird, All rights reserved. 
bloom does babies...


and not just any baby, a new bloom baby! we've added a sweet little girl to our bloom tribe this year and we're tickled pink! we're also crazy about spoiling her pretty mama, bloom style of course, 
and so was born the "new baby nosh box".

it's got all the fixin's for a few good meals so our mama can focus on her baby and not breakin' her back in the kitchen. the best part? we take the box back after we unload the goodies, so we can fill it up again and deliver another night of meals (and steal some kisses from our little bloom baby)!

so, what's in there? we choose items that can do double duty and can be eaten right away or frozen for later. here's the scoop:
- homemade tomato sauce and freshly grated mozzarella cheese for pizza or pasta
- neapolitan style crust from salino's
- pretty orcchiette pasta
- organic lettuce and salad fixin's from phoebe's pure food
- phoebe's favorite morning loaf from fields and french hens
- marinated artichokes for topping pizza, salad or pasta

the best part? our box came to the rescue since thanksgiving leftovers just ran out at bloom mama's house!

we're already working on our next nosh box necessities...stay tuned to see what we deliver!


bloom does holiday...

happy friday dear readers! we're so excited for the holidays over here we just want to share EVERYTHING to make your celebrations a little sweeter. so, in that spirit, we're bring you holiday themed friday finds so you can get your local santa spirit on while giving and receiving. 

these pretty wrapping papers from local resource penmerry design by  katharine smaglinski, have got us smitten with the season. she carries a  line of high quality line of gift wrap from waste not paper (sister company of the paper-source). 
ohhh, paper-source products available in berks county! why yes! it's true! 

normally they retail for $7.50 per roll, which is two large sheets of 26.5 x 39" but she is running a special this year, order 2 or more rolls and it will be $6.00 per roll! 
contact katie at design@penmerry.com
 hurry up though, we know she's selling out quickly!

better yet? host a girls night gift wrapping party! we are giddy about this idea and will keep you posted on a play-date :) 




bloom does adventure...



we promised you a full berks county social calendar over here at bloom, so let's get started! the holidays are the perfect time to get out and play enjoying the season here at home. here are two events we never miss and hope you won't either!


bloom goes greek for a day . . .


Sticky sweet baklava, pastitsio, moussaka, finikia for finger eating, piping hot Greek coffee, savory olives & cheese . . .  a cultural meal shared in a church hall, with your neighbors, at a wallet friendly price. . . I'm not sure what's a better way to nosh.

Hope you didn’t miss the 54th annual Greek Bazaar at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster, the scoop was on our facebook page.   The savory platter options were tantalizing.  The line for dining in was long so arrive early.   If you prefer avoiding the crowd take advantage of the drive up options.  


Not only did we pick up sweets to enjoy during the week but we visited the pop-up shops that included the pantry (olive oil, cheese, olives, baked goods, bread, candy), the attic (second hand items for super cheap), gift shop, jewelry and books.  

Saint Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, in Berks County, hosts their annual Greek Festival in mid October.  Make a note, in your fancy smart phone, for the 2013 Greek Bazaar in Berks or Lancaster County and you too can be Greek for a day.






berks to nyc marathon 2012 for IM ABLE


handicap: a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult . . .
. . . but not impossible



There is something afoot in Berks and it's inspiring.

A team of 5 locals (Janet Oberholtzer & Beverly Shantz sporting IM ABLE gear, right photo) will be running the 2012 NYC Marathon, representing and fundraising for IM ABLE.   It began with the dream of Chris Kaag, founder if IM ABLE & Corps Fitness (top left, center).  

The IM ABLE Foundation was created to build active lifestyles for individuals with disabilities.  The mission of the IM ABLE Foundation is to remove obstacles that prevent people affected by disabilities from being physically active by providing resources, grants, fitness opportunities and motivation. They change attitudes about the potential of disabled individuals by exposing what is possible.

There are amazing roots building beautiful things in Berks.  

Last night's send off party is where enthusiasm and motivation bloomed.



want to see what bloom girl christin can't live without this week? head on over to Monday's Child to check it out  and get the scoop on where to pick up these beauties in berks county!






bloom does beauty...

Glitz, Gloss and Glam was everything it promised to be and more as we got our beauty on at the Bell Tower this week. It was a night full of beauty tips and tricks from Bell Tower and the amazing NARS girls and lots of sparkle, pop and shopping with sweet Sorrelli. Add that to the B Scene at Berks County Living and you've got a room full of beautifully happy Berks County fashionistas!



Sorrelli sandwich with PR goddess Amanda Zeigler; Marketing and Creative Director, Lily Oswald; Founder and Designer, Lisa Oswald; and Bloom girl Christin. The sweets and sparkles during the evening were divine. And Amanda got a lip lesson from the one and only Jen Atwood at NARS.
 

Bell Tower make-up goddess Pav giving Christin a crash course in Eyeliner 101.  The result: eyes that POP! The secret: lining the bottom lid too! Pav taught us that it gives more contrast against the white of your eye. Brilliant!

Naturally perfect skinned Phoebe went for some elegant eye make up with Pav and WOW, that brown-eyed girl has really got it going on with a little added glam.
Christin's leather peplum (yes, the one from Zara) was the talk of the town that evening.  Her WIW action:  F21 boyfriend ripped jeans, Dolce Vita heels from Bell Tower, and Sorrelli sparkle.

Being beautiful isn't just about loving yourself inside and out as the Bloom girls learned, you've also got to know how to POSE! As we learned...head down, chin out! Or just laugh so hard at each other doing it you're sure to snap a good shot.


A special thanks to the lovely Amanda Zeigler for getting us on the guest list and keeping the Bloom girls glam.
hey there, fabulous readers! happy friday!
since we know many of you are gardeners, cooks and/or potential lovers of all things in the kitchen we wanted to share with you this local gem from around your parts...


developed in the hills of Virginville these beautiful hand towels and aprons by Berks County native, Sara Smedley are a must have for any lap or counter top.



recently Sara's towels have been associated with The National Museum of American History's upcoming exhibit "Transforming the American Tablewhich includes Julia Child's Cambridge Kitchen and can be found in the pages of the Fall 2012 Smithsonian Catalogue as well as Museum store.


so, if you're hunting for that perfect local gift for your favorite chef this holiday season– look no further! {note that the Fleur de Lis tea towel and apron can only be found exclusively via the Smithsonian store!}
– happy gifting! –

hooray! we had a wonderful time at the fall fest!
                          

our gold standard for fresh flowers these days came to play - 
pretty posies from the rustic bunch

to infinity and beyond with the double dutch single 




christin rocking her double infinity with a custom caftan 
from susan golembski designs (yes, you need one!). 



shout out to fields and french hens and their ahhmazing lavender shortbread cookies - these guys were selling like hotcakes (vegan, hotcakes that is!). and lemony square sweetness from phoebe's pure food, a must for a three o'clock tea break. can't get enough of these goodies!


 phoebe showing off her stuff with her delicious tea blends. 
{oh hey, pretty new logo by melanie linder.}


congrats to our luck winner xxx? 
a bag of bloom goodies just for you! thanks for stopping by :)


the bloom babes hanging out at our beautiful tent at hello, bluebird!
stay tuned and get to meet us on the blog.



winter prep you kitchen:

that cool breeze is here to stay but while the sun is still warm it's high time to get your kitchen and garden ready for all and winter.

plan for your 2013 garden



  • it's not too late to pick up herbs for your 2013 summer savory kitchen gardens.  I always have thyme (in 3-4 varieties), rosemary, dill, sage (2 varieties), and mint in my flower beds, close to the house for easy "grab in a pinch" recipes  pick-up fresh herbs HERE
  • plant your garlic bulbs by Thanksgiving for early summer harvest  buy local garlic HERE
  • clean up your beds, removing any debris and weeds, tilling if necessary rodale's 9 TIPS
  • create checklist of items you missed from this year's garden and buy seeds for 2013. remove unsuccessful/cheaper-to-buy than grow plants from your garden... garden smarter not harder
  • rotate your veggie garden to prevent disease and repell persistent bugs. TIPS


bring the outside in
  • if you have a sunny window that needs a splash of green, when your view will soon be all brown, bring in some of those herbs.   I love bringing in potted rosemary and scented geraniums.   They are perfect to use in sweet or savory winter dishes or baked goods.
  • take herb cuttings and dry for use all fall & winter. TIPS
  • get every last bit of basil for pesto.  freeze, in snack-sized sandwich bags, for dips and soups during the cold months
  • take rosemary and lavender cuttings to make herb infused salts and sugar.   the perfect gift for foodies this holiday season.   you can also dry the lavender buds and pulse in your spice mill (fancy talk for coffee grinder dedicated for pulsing herbs) and mix with sugar to use in baking or with tea all winter long!  

we came, we saw, we BLOOMED




just a little shout out of love over here on the blog from the bloom girls to everyone who made saturday a blooming success! we met so many amazing people, reconnected with fabulous friends and got lots and lots of inspiration for what bloom can be to all of you!

a huge heart-felt thank you, again, to alex at hello, bluebird for being our hostess with the most-tess! and to all the lovely local brands that participated with us :)

stay tuned to the bloom blog and facebook over the next few weeks to meet us, if you missed out over the weekend, or to just get to know us better. we've got some fun QA for you from the bloom girls you won't want to miss.

until then, check back for lots of eye candy from over the weekend and have a beautiful monday!

xx,
the bloom girls

Hello Bluebird,  have you been?   We bloom girls love cozying up to Hello Bluebird.  It is the go-to place for the kind of gifts you'd love to receive and would be proud to give (not all puffed up kinda proud...but proud you are gifting handcrafted, eco-friendly and socially-conscious goods).



There is a special reason we chose Hello Bluebird to introduce bloom.  Alex McCarty, owner, epitomizes the movement & support of local indie-made goods as she works to celebrate lovely things and people in her cozy nest of a shop, located in the heart of West Reading on the Brownstone Row.
  
A recent upstart, this cozy, colorful palette of all things hand-crafted is celebrating their 3 years.   The self-described Alex, is a "plucky gal who prefers maryjanes and pigtails to heels and a suit, is the mastermind of this indie art emporium" and has given voice to the small business folks with big dreams of creating.



Alex has been supportive in her community not such by representing about 250 independent artists, but buy hosting non-profit events, hosting DIY craft gatherings, featuring local artists on her porch for fun & family events, and organizing Handmade in the Shade, at Shupp's Grove.

  

As if you need us to talk her up...she was voted, by local shoppers, “Best In Berks 2010” for local gift shop (Berks County Living Magazine). Jump on her fan bandwagon via Facebook to follow her events, view her spotlighted artists and for shopping specials.

Be sure to stop by Hello Bluebird to celebrate her 3 years in happy, indie business this Saturday for the Fall Festival and to meet we three Bloom Girls and shop our area favorites!

xoxo,
bloom girls


Bloom Girls + Hello Bluebird hostess + Fall Festival = popup magic


Hello Bluebird,  have you been?   We bloom girls love cozying up to Hello Bluebird.  It is the go-to place for the kind of gifts you'd love to receive and would be proud to give (not all puffed up kinda proud...but proud you are gifting handcrafted, eco-friendly and socially-conscious goods).


There is a special reason we chose Hello Bluebird to introduce bloom.  Alex McCarty, owner, epitomizes the movement & support of local indie-made goods as she works to celebrate lovely things and people in her cozy nest of a shop, located in the heart of West Reading on the Brownstone Row.
  
A recent upstart, this cozy, colorful palette of all things hand-crafted is celebrating their 3 year birthday.   The self-described Alex, is a "plucky gal who prefers maryjanes and pigtails to heels and a suit, is the mastermind of this indie art emporium" and has given voice to the small business folks with big dreams of creating.


Alex has been supportive in her community not such by representing about 250 independent artists, but buy hosting non-profit events, hosting DIY craft gatherings, featuring local artists on her porch for fun & family events, and organizing Handmade in the Shade, at Shupp's Grove.


As if you need us to talk her up...she was voted, by local shoppers, “Best In Berks 2010” for local gift shop (Berks County Living Magazine). Jump on her fan bandwagon via Facebook to follow her events, view her spotlighted artists and for shopping specials.

  

Be sure to stop by Hello Bluebird to celebrate her 3 years in happy, indie business this Saturday for the Fall Festival and to meet we three Bloom Girls and shop our area favorites!

xoxo,
bloom girls






Bloom is created and managed via
these three awesome Berks County ladies:

Phoebe Canakis | Pure food goddess
For Bloom: Specializes in Writing, Curating & Procuring
owner of Phoebe's Pure Food - www.phoebespurefood.com

Christin Kelley | Writer
For Bloom: Specializes in Writing, Marketing, Styling & Curating
Writer and Events - www.christinkelley.com

Melanie Linder | Illustrator
For Bloom: Specializes in Branding, Styling & Photography
Illustrator and owner of Spread the Love - www.melanielinderillustration.com