bloom does...the best of berks

{outtake of bloom girl christin at last year's BOB event}

it's that time of year again dear berks countians! the best of berks survey is up and ready for the taking; bloom girl christin is excited! can you tell? spend a little time showing the local places you love some support and vote for them here. we can't wait to check back in six months and see who the winners are!

xoxo

the bloom girls

stir one for me, please

stumbled on at monte lauro european gourmet's stand at fairgrounds farmer's market

raspberry • fig • tomato

cocktails, ice cream, custards, stews, marinade, salsa, dressing

just sayin'

bloom does indie shopping

it's doesn't need to be a hallmark holiday (yes, i called it out as a hallmark holiday, mother's day) to shop for mom ...  you ... your children ... gifties ...  for the sweet tooth or four legged buddies in your life.

be sure to stop n' shop the 

Indie Girls Art & Craft Fest 

today from 9-3 

at the Wyomissing Public Library on 9 Reading Blvd

You will find paper art used as party accessories or cake toppers, handmade and up-cycled children's toys & play food, customizable jewelry and key chain tags, baked goods, printed cards and fun jewelry to fill sweater free arms.

Show some hometown love to local chicks who craft and create!

bloom does...high school.

the bloom girls made a special stop last friday at christin's alma mater to visit jan jack's professional foods class! (we swear we weren't just in it for mrs. jack's homemade tomato basil jam! but stay tuned for more on that.) why would we do that you ask? simple: there are SO many avenues to take in life if food is your passion - being a chef is not the only one! perfect example: phoebe. she talked to the class about her passion for good, pure food and where it got her to today. and christin noted of her love of entertaining and eating and sharing all of those experiences on her blog and through bloom. so we challenge you, bloom foodie lovers, how does your passion for food affect you/your actions/you agenda for the rest of your life? we'd love to hear.

bloom does...our first birthday!

can you believe we're one today!? we can't either! a heartfelt thanks for all the support and love you've shown us this past year - it's been such a fun ride! we have so much in store for you and can't wait to share more things, people and places that are lovely and local and all things bloom.

we're so excited in fact, we're doing a giant bloom giveaway this week over on our facebook page! check it out and best of luck - we hope you win!

in the mean time, we'll be celebrating with some cake and champagne, reporting back here with pictures of course so you can share in the celebration!

all of our love times one million!
xoxoxo
the bloom girls

5 easter market must-haves

Easter ham from S. Clyde Weaver (bone in or not) or try the herb rolled pork from Rooster St. Provisions

Greek easter bread from Yasou! 

(serve with dinner or use for day-after, house guest french toast)

table love from Rohrer Family Farm Flowers & the cutest bunny sandtarts from Stoltzfus Homestyle Bakery

hostess gift from Pineapple House Creations... might I suggest a lovely market bag that can be doubled as a weekend getaway bag

where does bloom girl phoebe go when she wants to treat herself to a rather amazing grilled cheese and tomato soup, usually saved for celebrating very special occasions?  read on, dear bloom followers, to find out why she'll be heading back.

phoebe savors grilled cheese and tomato bisque at cafe BOLD

bloom does...the oscar's

the bloom girls mustache you a question!

christin was the winner of the "best hair and makeup" for the evening...maybe best mustache face too? her pick for best dressed at the actual oscar's? jennifer aniston (and her handsome arm candy too).

fancy cocktails in vintage champange glasses

oscar bingo with sorrelli sparkle and junior mints!

or rather, the fabulous phoebe threw and oscar party and we got to get glitzed up and attend! head over to her blog to get all the pretty party details, including the yummy menu!

xoxo,

the bloom girls

bloom does...jazz on the avenue

come out and join us for super fun time on the avenue - spring has sprung and jazz fest is on it's way, so this event should definitely be on your social calendar!

xoxo,
the bloom girls

bloom does...a good thyme for life

We did dinner with our friends for a good cause. Tuesday, March 5th was the annual Good Thyme for Life event which is a fundraiser to support Berks County's only organization providing support to those affected by HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It's so simple and so fun to participate in - simply get a great group of friends together, pick a participating restaurant, make a reservation and have a amazing evening while supporting a good cause. Just the kind of evening the Bloom Girls love!

First up, Christin's visit to the Black Dog Cafe. Head over to Monday's Child and get the scoop on her foodie night out in the country!

And Phoebe tasted and toasted at the new and improved Hong Thanh: 

for more on her foodie night out, check out her blog.

bloom does...valentine's day

is your red lip not red enough for this day long love-fest? never fear! do like dallas says and put a creamy concealer on your lips first! voila! really red lips.

happy valentine's day lovers! sending you hugs and kisses from berks county!

xoxo

the bloom girls

bloom does...valentine's with sparkle

add a little dazzle to your everyday with rings and things 
from Charles Hutcheson Fine Jewelry, in West Reading, and the Goggleworks gift shop.

mesh cuff from the goggleworks gift shop and starburst rings, in a variety of colors, from Charles Hutcheson Fine Jewelery 

 

bloom does...valentine's day

lip service, part duex

okay, people pucker up for second installment of our love day lip guide in which, phoebe gets her first red lip ever at the bell tower. dallas once again did her thang and phoebe ended up with a very enviable red lip. so, here's what you need for making this sultry lip your own.

for this really red lip, dallas used three NARS products:
- red lizard lip pencil
- junlge red lipstick
- norma lip gloss

we think this makes the most perfect red pout ever.

as always, start with an application of  plain old lip balm to get things going. don't forget to blot!  (not pictured.)

1. first dallas lines phoebe's lip with red lizard, then she colors her entire lip in with the pencil.

2. once her lip has been penciled in, dallas applies jungle red lipstick on top of the red lizard layer. this gives depth to the color and a long lasting red effect! if you like the matte look on your lips, stop here, no need for step three!

3. dallas finishes the look with a liberal coating of norma lip gloss - or the more technical description of the last step: norma on top!

see? so simple, just like we promised! no need to be scared of more products, or red lips! we had SUCH a blast hanging out with dallas and the bell tower, being girly and getting fun make-up tips; the bloom girls heart you big time. remember to schedule some time for yourself and make any day a special occasion. 

check back on valentine's day for our one final red lip tip from dallas - you won't believe it!

xoxo

the bloom girls

bloom does...valentine's day

phoebe's five favorite local loves for the pure food goodess and wife

1.   just curious ? gifts, antiques, and garden designs

vintage costume jewelry, sea colored goblet love, jade salt & pepper shakers for breakfast in bed.  gifts for the gardener, glamour girl and the hostesses with the mostess.

2. flower from petals on penn

roses are red, violets are blue and more goodies from just curious too. 

3. locally made jewelry by metalledwith

this kitchen & garden dweller loves metalledwith's pressed leaf & herb pieces.  this piece is based in the serenity prayer

4. massage & facial from the beautiful gals of eye on you media spa

 begin the pampering with a 60-80 minute massage from glenna and get your luxurious glow on with a facial from julie.   610.898.1475

5.  a sleepover with the sharks at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

my toes above the shark tank.. you can go behind the scenes!
as an adult you might be in the minority but this was just plain fun.

bloom does...valentine's day 

lip service, part one

the bloom girls headed over to the bell tower to get the scoop on how to create the perfect red lip for this sultry season of love. and now we can show you how (and prove that red lip truly is for everyone, everyday) with two totally different kissable options made right here at home! dallas dished the tricks of the trade to get the perfect pout every time as we feverishly took notes and ooohhhed and ahhhed over all the NARS products.

first up: christin, a regular red lip warrior. dallas introduced her to a pinker hue, NARS mexican rose, which is  liner, lipgloss and lipstick self contained in one product! the rest is history.. 

[steps 1 - 3, clockwise]

1. condition those lips! dallas applies a no-color lip balm to fill in the grooves and smooth out the lip. any kind of balm - burt's bees to chapstick - will work. 

after balm is applied, blot with tissue to remove any excess or shine.

2. dallas lines the outside of the lip first, then colors in the rest of the lip with the pencil. 

see, we told you, easy peasy!

3. then she cleans up the edges with a sponge so you don't have to worry if you go outside the lines.

[disclaimer: christin is NOT a lip model, obviously..]

finished product! fun awesome fact: mexican rose gets darker on your lip as you wear it - as you can see above. fabulous!

so there you have it! a red lip in one step to add a little glam to your valentine's day and everyday. all of the delicious NARS products dallas used are available at the bell tower and we can't thank them enough for spending time with the bloom girls to create this love day lip guide! 

plus, if you really want to get spoiled and sassy, you can schedule your very own special occasion makeup appointment with one of their fabulous stylists. 

extra hugs and kisses to dallas for letting us get lippy with her!

next up...the red lip in three NARS products (don't worry, it's still easy, promise!)

xoxo

the bloom girls

bloom does...valentine's day

christin's five favorite local loves for the all the single ladies

1. double dutch silver arrow necklace

if you've been shot through the heart and it's too late 

available at double dutch

2. NARS mexican rose lip pencil

if the "r" in your name stands for "red lips" then this pretty lip pencil is for you senorita

available at the bell tower

3. phoebe's pure food petit fours

if you know that sharing is caring, share some sugar with your neighbor

available at phoebe's pure food

4. la fee verte chemise

if you bring your own sexy back

available at lilibea's

5. spread the love 'share our name' print

if you can't marry an avett brother but are glad your parents fell in love

available at spread the love

bloom does...adventure (and beer!)

so, it's no secret we l o v e where we live. and the proof is in the pudding, or the beer and music, in this case. raise a glass and enjoy this epic collaboration between a few of our favorites: the manatawny creek ramblers, frecon farms, the other farm brewing company, in berks county's very own boyertown.

it makes our hearts all a flutter to sit back and watch as our creative friends collaborate and build community, culture and kick-ass experiences. kudos to you good people and thanks for doing what you do. you make us proud to bloom here and we're counting down the days until bluegrass n' brew fest!

game day eats

a snowy night + local apple cider = apple cider chili

side of my hottie cornbread scones

for more game day eats recipes...

check out one of this chick's favorite blogs 

hungry girl pro vida

roasted pepper cheese dip

beer battered pickles

corndog pops

easy + light potato soup

rocky road brownies

this bloom chick blogs for fig lancaster

and was sippin' sunshine 

on a chilly winter day 

last week

at Lancaster Central Market

and suggests you do the same

lovin' on pureblend tea

check it out

it feels like winter, finally, and i need to know...

is it acceptable to wear these crazy cozy fleece booties to yoga in?

purchased these handmade booties from the cutest couple, Adele & Neil, of Golden Fleece Fashions.  they live in chilly connecticut.

diane von furstenberg yoga mat

where we get our bloom yoga on

shri yoga and wellness center

sunshine fitness studio

yoga inlet

 

now go and get your cozy yoga style on, bloom style

p.s.   phoebe's pure food soirée will be talking & answering yoga ?'s on 2.1

suffering a case of the same old, same old restaurant funk?

have you savored the bites at the new Say Cheese! Restaurant, in West Reading?

we have and it's safe to say...

we like.

just one of the starters...cornmeal and lavender encrusted artichoke hearts.

not sure i have more pics.  we really went to town on the appies.

if this is your first visit, might i suggest you do it old school... basic grilled cheese and oh so savory tomato soup.   you will love this comfort food basic.   i wanted mine to come home with me for the weekend but i ate it instead.  

the 'witch had the perfect crunch and was not greasy.   the creamy, piping hot tomato soup wasn't overly complicated in flavor and made me sing (in my head).  homemade chips, the only way chips should be served.   the only thing that would have sent me around the moon, for a 2nd time, was a pickle.

the cheese platter was a dinner option enjoyed by our gluten free friend.

then the dessert sampler was served...

and we were thankfully thrilled

visit say cheese! and say the bloom girls sent you

bloom does shakes

how do you pa farm show?

this chick was given strict instruction that these were the things to savor.   how could she resist?  

uh oh

bye, bye white sheep ... 

we'll be back next year! 

bloom does 2013...

...with a sublime calendar from spread the love of course! 

we have so many fun and fabulous events planned for you and are bursting with excitement to bring you the best of berks all year long!

cheers to 2013!

xoxo,

the bloom girls