We are so excited to announce a SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT EVENT ~  for three days ONLY !!

Special Holiday Gift Event

December 15, 16, 17th

Receive a NEW Metallic Linen 4 inch Pumpkin
with any Plush Pumpkin purchase of $98 or more

This is just a sneak peek EXCLUSIVELY here at LoveFeast Shop to see what’s coming NEW in 2014 from Plush Pumpkin.

 Metallic Linen Plush Pumpkins found in shimmery metallic linens are available as a gift with purchase exclusively at LoveFeast Shop for three days only!

(purchase of $98 of Plush Pumpkin products required)

With this event you will receive ONE of these 4 shimmery Metallic Linen Plush Pumpkins with each $98 and above plush product purchase.

Each linen pumpkin has a unique and natural whimsical curly stem, a trademark of the the Plush Pumpkin brand.

Metallic Linen Pumpkins found now EXCLUSIVELY through this event in LoveFeast Shop!

We can’t wait to show you more in 2014!

 VISIT www.LOVEFEASTSHOP.com to shop now!

When Kristin and I started our business journey here at our blog and at our online boutique, LoveFeast Shop we couldn’t imagine that eventually our journey would lead us to hosting boutique events in our cities, Baltimore and Minneapolis.  To begin with they were a way to mingle with the blogger friends we were making in each of our cities.  Eventually they grew as our business grew to include businesses and brands.

“Whatever you do, do it with gust-0.”

BlogLove events are places for both businesses, brands and bloggers to connect in real life.  We know a great place for meeting and greeting is a great party.  And, we love to throw those.  Seeing relationships spark and grow and meeting businesses that are unique and have a great story is exciting.  Creating a unique boutique event to create that kind of synergy is just another one of our passions.

Our BlogLove “Refresh & Renew” event sparked a relationship between two of our guests Samara ~ Simplicity In The Suburbs ~  & Jennifer ~Stella & Dot ~ , and one of our event sponsors, gust-o.  They are hosting a spring beauty event Thursday, May 30th at gust-o in Minneapolis.  The event is at 6pm and you’re invited to come!

We love that we are a part of the story in creating relationships that keep on growing.  We can’t wait to see our friends and to get some tips on spring beauty, blow outs and baubles!!  Sounds like a great night indeed ~ hope to see you there!

RSVP to gusto at info @ gust – o dot com & let us know in the comments if we are going to see you there!

 To find out more about our BlogLove networking events for bloggers, brands and businesses CLICK HERE.

We are really excited for BlogLove Refresh & Renew!  As always we will have a lovely table of bites and refreshments and a fun gathering of creative and inspiring people.  And, a great swag bag filled with some goodies as you leave!  ~ Oh and don’t forget that after-party.

DON’T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

At our March 9th event at Moss Envy we are excited to have Liv Lane join us for an inspiring message on how to stay inspired and to continue feel creative at blogging.  Liv is launching a new blogging ecourse starting April 8th and has tons of insight on how to continue to blog successfully in a way that you truly love.  Prepare to be “refreshed” and “renewed” in your vision for you and your blog.

 “I can’t wait to connect with so many rising stars at the BlogLove Event and share heart-thumping insights and no-cost ideas for making sure their blogs remain rewarding and fulfilling for years to come. I  know it’ll be a high-energy, feel-good gathering – and am honored to be part of it!”  ~ Liv Lane

We are grateful for our host, Ryan and Tina of Moss Envy.  Moss Envy is a sustainable living lifestyle store here in Minneapolis.  Both Ryan and Tina are knowledgeable and passionate about their business.  Our lovely hosts are excited to meet and connect with the local blogging community.  They will be rolling out the green carpet to welcome us there!

We don’t want to give away all our secrets.  But, many local business were happy and excited to reach out to our Twin Cities blogging community.  One of the fun bits in our swag bag is something really nice from Gust-o, a blow dry bar, right next door to Moss Envy.  With out giving too much away, let’s just say next time you want your hair to look absolutely fabulous – they’ve got you covered!!

We, like  many of you look forward to our periodic BlogLove events.  There aren’t many ways to connect in-real-life when what you do is tethered to a computer at home.  A gathering like “Refresh & Renew” BlogLove event can give you time to make those relationships, have a great night out, and walk away connected and inspired.  We hope you join us!  We’d love to meet you or if we have already, see you again! ~Chris Ann & Kristin

Check out some of our past events HERE.  BUY A TICKET for the March 9th event HERE.

Our next BlogLove event will be held in the sustainable living lifestyle store, Moss Envy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event’s theme is “Refresh & Renew” and is meant to inspire conversation around you and your blog’s growth. Come ready to network with bloggers, engage with businesses, make new relationships and get re-energized around your story and your passion.

Please join us for another inspiring LoveFeast™ BlogLove™ Event.

BlogLove Refresh & Renew

March 9, 2013, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Moss Envy ~ Minneapolis, Minnesota

BlogLove Events are for any blogger who is interested in connecting with others bloggers, brands, and businesses.  You can see some of our past events HERE.  There will a festive atmosphere with plenty of time to make connections, enjoy some light fare and drinks, make-up touch ups available from our location host, Moss Envy, a beautiful swag bag and plenty of friendly faces.  You will also receive a free drink ticket for the Refresh & Renew After Party which will be across the street at Burger Jones on West Lake Street, Minneapolis.

We think getting together in real life inspires us all to continue to create, engage and share!

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

For a few years, we have hosted BlogLove Networking Events in Minneapolis and Baltimore. If you’ve never heard of or attended a BlogLove Event, we wanted to show you what they’re all about.

Each event is unique! When we set out to create events, we knew we wanted our guests to walk away with a few things. One, to be inspired! Two, to experience something new and unique. Three, to connect with brands and last, to make great new friends!

Here’s a quick glimpse at some of our past events. Click the pictures to read more on each event.

Our First Event was BlogLove Zeke’s in Baltimore, (see our Pinterest board for additional inspiration: HERE) where our guests did an espresso tasting and toured a coffee roastery.

BlogLove Zeke’s

Then we headed up North to Minnesota and hosted BlogLove European Marketplace. (Pinterest board: HERE) This event was at a local antique store and spilled out into a lumber yard alley way. Our guests shopped, enjoyed hand massages from Aveda and noshed on homemade Spanish Caesar Salad straight from the LoveFeast Table Kitchen.

BlogLove European Marketplace

Later that year, we hosted a small group of bloggers at an Aveda store in the Twin Cities area. This was an intimate event where each of our guests was pampered and treated to an evening of spa pampering. (Pinterest board: HERE)

BlogLove Aveda

The following year, we invited bloggers from the Baltimore/DC area to join us at a trapeze studio for BlogLove Takes Flight (Pinterest board: HERE) where they heard the story of a woman who has spent her life exploring what it means to live life off of the ground.

BlogLove Takes Flight

Our last BlogLove Event was Spark & Style (Pinterest board:HERE) and was hosted at a clothing boutique in Minnesota. Our guests participated and watched a fashion show and were pampered with gifts from our sponsor Therapon while enjoying beats from a local DJ.

BlogLove Spark & Style

We want to let you in on a secret…we are busy planning a number of fabulous NEW BlogLove Events for 2013! We have it on pretty good authority that there may even be one at the end of next month, in Minneapolis.

If you’re interested in attending an event, please leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to add you to the list!

Over the weekend we participate in our very first Pop Up Shop ~ hosted by Cate from the Wild Ruffle fashion blog.  During the Wild Ruffle Pop Up Shop we had YET ANOTHER Plush Pumpkin Giveaway ~ What can we say?  We feel generous about sharing the Pumpkin love!  We have a winner for that latest giveaway and it’s – Penelope! Yay! We think think she will enjoy finding a place for them on her table!

Cate did a great job getting the word out for the Wild Ruffle Pop Up Shop.  It was a great opportunity to meet readers of LoveFeast Table face to face and visit with other bloggers and small business owners we have met along our journey!

Here’s what our LoveFeast Table looked like~

It was overflowing with Plush Pumpkins and jewelry.  There was even a sneak peak and a tasting of a product we have not yet launched ~ our Coffee Cakes! (More to come on that!  But just know–they are on our table because the quality is supreme and the packaging is beautiful!)

One of the highlights was sharing our new Late Fall LoveFeast Capsule Collection by jewelry artist, Liz Oie.  She has created a collection exclusively for us filled with beautiful blue Roman glass, fresh water pearls and antique coins as charms found in our LoveFeast Shop.  Find something now and put it on your wish list!  It was also fun to help people try on our different leather cuffs to find just the right accent for themselves or as a gift!  Our leather cuffs are a great gift for a girlfriend or sister!

Quite a few of our blogger friends were present!  Check out their blogs and businesses ~
Choosing Beauty ~ Gussy Sews ~ Urban Halo ~ Wild Ruffle ~ Noemi Photography ~ e.kate designs ~ Stella & Dot ~ Spoils Of Wear

Then guess who showed up at our LoveFeast Table?  Elle our Mother’s Tree Of Life winner!  It just happened that I had her necklace on me and was able to give it to her right on the spot!  (We also got to meet the sister of yet another Mother’s Tree of Life winner – Anna ~ That Girl Blogs who won a Mother’s Tree of Life necklace at our Spark & Style event. – how’s that for coincidence?)

Elle chose the Mother’s Tree Of Life necklace in silver with 2 real gem birthstones, including a gem for her new little one!  And speaking of gems ~ isn’t she sweet?  She’s already got a handle on good taste when it comes to jewelry too!

It was a FEAST of friends, shopping and gift giving inspiration!  And, another different kind of chance to gather around a table!

We invite you to visit our online boutique ~ we have chosen what we think is special, high quality beautiful gifts!

What’s in our shop now? Jewelry ~ Our Leather cuffs, Mother’s Tree Of Life Necklaces in gold or silver, the Liz Oie LoveFeast Capsule Collection and velvety beautiful Plush Pumpkins!

What’s coming?  Tabletop, Coffee Cakes, Coffee, more jewelry and special Holiday Plush Pumpkins!!

*****

Where do you go for gift giving inspiration?

We are so excited to be a part of Buzz Your Biz*.  Kristin will be speaking on “Pursuing your passion and why it pays off.”  We want to hear from you.  What is your passion and what are you doing to work towards turning that into your career? Where are you on the journey?  Are you in the just dreaming stage…the discovery stage…the leaping  stage or the in flight stage?  We would love to hear from you!

You know it’s going to be the beginning of a great summer evening when it starts off with an icy cold “adult beverage” snow cone from the Pegu Club.

We were at the 26th Annual Chefs’ Tribute to honor James Beard & benefit Citymeals-0n-Wheels at Rockefeller Center with our “NYC-friends” Ken & Elyse.

Did you ever wonder what it would feel like to get a tasting from every great restaurant you could think of?  That’s just what this event was all about.  Great chefs gathered together for a great cause to benefit the Citymeals-on-Wheels in the fabulous gifted venue of Rockefeller Center.  The event themed “Taste of Home” featured the chef’s chosen flavors of home.

Here’s a bit of fancy food and fun we had that evening ~

One of the fun highlights was finding that Proof on Main from Louisville, Kentucky was present.  Kristin and I had recently enjoyed the restaurant while we on the GE Momsperience trip at 21c Hotel.  (Take note:  I did not see any red penguins by their table.)

One of my favorite stops was this delicious dessert from Daniel ~

The evening eventually sighed to a full finish, our senses were overcome with the sights, sounds and food stories of the passions of the artists that surrounded us.

We snuck in the last sip and dance of a wonderful event.

We tasted more favorite restaurants in one night than we ever thought we could.  It’s so fun to try new tastes and check out new talent.  What are some of your favorite restaurants?  Leave your comments below!

The red penguins are on the move everywhere at the 21c Museum Hotel.  They greeted us at the door, welcomed us to the GE Momsperience and loitered in the lobby, restaurant and everywhere in between.

They get around those penguins.  One night plumb tuckered out after some fancy hat making they wandered around (or were they carried?) until they found themselves a place to rest.

Meanwhile, while the penguins were getting comfortable, the LoveFeast girls were downstairs at the 21c Museum Hotel with Aaron, the evening security guard, enjoying the contemporary art museum and getting an escorted tour of art that might not be as handy to view if your are not of the right sex.  Such as, visiting the mens’ restroom to see art that can only be seen from the user-friendly side of the urinal.  Just sayin’, we needed an escort to feel OK about crashing the mens’ restroom and Aaron was our man.

We were getting to know Aaron as we walked the rooms and galleries at 21c and were exchanging the friendly facts that one exchanges in those situations, like yes, we have 9 kids between us, where you are from (Minnesota and Maryland) and yes we co-blog.  And, then from Aaron that he had been in the army, had lived in many places, and that Lady Gaga was a really a down-to-earth cool chick and that a red penguin almost made it onto Justin Bieber’s bus.  Then suddenly as we were standing there we saw something shift in Aaron’s eyes and his comfortableness with us dissipate.  Suddenly he began walking backwards away from us and we heard him utter, “oh, you’re thooossee bloggers” and disappeared leaving us to fall into the elevator laughing as the doors closed.  We head back to our room, amused and kind of weird-ed out.

Arriving at our room, this is what we found.  Birds in our beds.  Birds in our derby hats!!

OK, in a normal less sleep deprived frame of mind we might have thought other bloggers might have done this prank.  Maybe the sign about twitter attached to one penguin might have been a clear giveaway.  But, there were other facts to consider.  We had been tweeting quite a bit with 21c Museum Hotel and we had just been with Aaron the security guard who had backed away from us with some kind of secret.

At 2:30 a.m. our conclusion was drawn.  We had been punked by the 21c Museum Hotel!!  To our sleep deprived minds there was only one choice and one choice only…we must punk them back!

And, like anyone else would do, we spent some time (we could sleep later!) dressing them in something that would be appropriate if they were to visit the spa.  Again, this made perfect sense at 2:45 a.m.

First a quick drop of joe and an orange envelope tucked in a pocket with a message for the front desk.

The penguins leave our room…

and wait for the elevator to take them downstairs to the lobby.

They seem to be getting along, although they are quiet in the elevator.  We speculate they might be a couple.

Turns out that we found out via twitter our real pranksters were the bloggers of Mommy’s Camera and Creative Kristi with a little help from Aaron, the security guard.  But, again, like I said at 3:00 a.m. there was no turning back.  We were headed for the front desk.

Here’s where we show the 21c Museum Hotel how to punk and what real-art-meets-pop-art-meets-real- tired-mama-fake-performance-art is all about.  Take that!

Word is they are training other birds in so the penguins can go on vacation.

Can you spy who with your little eye?

And so we didn’t.  Kristin made hers…

And, I made mine…

On our first evening at the GE Momsperience we were treated to hat making led by the lovely ladies from Dee’s Crafts.  What a treat.

It was fun to get to know everyone’s personal style and flair right off the bat!

Word on the street or at least in the 21c Museum Hotel is that later on that evening two crazy hat ladies were caught in the art gallery mixing with the artwork!

Then, on the following evening all the lovely blogging ladies were able to enjoy a dinner and a bit of horse racing history at Churchill Downs.

This was our first time at Churchill Downs and we made a promise to come back and watch a race some day.

Then we landed in our beds ~ tired out from painting the town red!

Here’s to Fancy Hats!