A Wonderful Day for a Market

Oh what a lovely surprise it was to discover such a fantastic find in my own backyard.  I've lived in North County San Diego for nearly a year now and just now had the opportunity to visit the much acclaimed Leucadia Farmer's Market.  This was surely a treat - the market was awesome, so many wonderful (new) vendors, amazing food and just all around good people. :-)  Had a chance to see some of the 'best' of San Diego today.

This market happens every Sunday from 10 - 2pm -

Some of my favorite vendors:

 Shanti's Kitchen -  Shanti is incredible, not only are her soups delicious, fresh and the menu changes every week but she did something UNHEARD of in my book..  By the time I got to her booth, I was completely spent and she didn't take credit cards - so what's a girl to do?  Well she tells me - pick a soup and mail me a check!  AH! Can you believe it?  That's old school farmers market(ing) at it's best!

Between the happy vendors,  European Style butter and fresh cheeses,

 Sambazon Acai Bowls and of course my favorite Fresh, Authentic Indian (to-go) what else do you really need at a farmer's market?

The Leucadia FM really has something for everyone, not only is it great for the whole family but an ideal market to shop for grocery for the week.  In my opinion most Farmer's markets these days are heavy on the ready-to-eat foods and limited on fresh breads, fruits and veggies; or they're heavy on fruits and veggies but you can't get other staples like bread, milk, eggs, cheese, specialty items.

I keep joking that one of these days I'm going to start a Farmer's Market and it's going to have the BEST of everything and of course lot's of new and exciting things you wouldn't normally find in a market.  Who knows, 'one day' might just happen; until then you can find me (on Sunday's) at Leucadia Farmer's Market - I'll be the one hanging out with a bottle of Green Drink in one hand, a jar of Salted Whiskey Caramel in the other and a bag full of Shanti's Soup and grocery. :-)

Happy Shopping!

Want to share your favorite farmer's market experience email us. We'd love to hear from you!

B + S

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A(nother) New Beginning

OK so where to begin - it's been one heck of a year. A lot of UPS and a whole lot of DOWNS.  Have we emerged stronger, better, wiser??? I hope so.  Mum and I went through an emotional breakdown - we were so overwhelmed with Embrace Sweets (our baking company), with our lives and the lack there of, of a vacation that everything fell apart.  New York was a bust, a major learning experience in trusting our instincts, listening to the concerns of others and taking a leap of faith.  We came back to California to find that in three months all that we 'knew' had changed and where did that leave us.

After a minor depression (on both our parts) and a separation of business ties for a chance to try something new - we're back together and hoping that with the pieces we have we can create or rather re-create something beautiful, fulfilling and even more important to our biggest supporters than what we had before.

Now we're living in San Diego, beautiful San Diego and although we're just 90 minutes away from LA it feels like a world away.  Our lives are healthier - taking part in daily yoga classes, eating better (a little less brownies), and spending more time outside and meditating.  It's amazing what a shift in your daily routine can do - maybe in the end it took us traveling 6000+ miles to find where we were supposed to be in the first place.

If I've learned anything in these past eight years of Embrace Sweets and life it's that I want to be the example to all of you reading this that are searching for something to do, something to get into, something to create.  For those of you that are considering starting your own business and going off on your own - I can't tell you how important it is to know that NO it's not going to be easy. You will want to quit and there maybe times you will; and that's OK.  It doesn't make you a failure, it doesn't make you weak - sometimes the best thing you can do is just to STOP and stand still.  Let the dust around you settle so you can then see clearly.

Embrace Sweets is coming back - better, stronger and more focused.  We realized more than anything that we missed you, we missed what you gave to us every day and that we didn't have to travel around the country to find what we had here the whole time.

We look forward to hearing from you, seeing you at the markets and helping you create the sweetest gifts for the holidays and future celebrations.

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Bon Appetite!
B + S

What's On Your Holiday List!

The holiday season is upon us and we'd thought we'd just give you a few sweet things to mull over.  We know your holiday gift list long and well we hope we can help you check some gifts off!  Whether it's for friends, family or employees and clients - Embrace Sweets has the perfect 'sweet' gift to fit your needs.. Call today to inquire about our bulk pricing or more information.  Also feel free to visit us online at http://www.embracesweets.com.

  

Back to the Blog, Back to Myself

Dedicato a mia sorella, Amanda.

OMG, it's been FOREVER I know.. Let me re-introduce myself, I'm Brandi the self-proclaimed Foodie, Oenophile, Tango dancer, World traveler and of course Co-owner of Embrace Sweets.  It's my pleasure to meet you (again). Piacera!  So what's going on? Well how about I just start at the beginning - the brownie biz has definitely been kicking our butts, but going well. We've taken our act on the road and started participating in events across the state. A lot of fun, a lot of new exposure and as always very time consuming.

In this wonderful way however I've discovered quite a bit about myself, our business, our customers and what it really means to live.  No matter the city we're in, brownies are brownies and everyone who tries one of ours 9 out 10x will have the same expression.  Utter pleasure.  This is a truly wonderful thing. Over the past few months Mum and I haven't had much time for us - we've deprived you from the glorious foods in LA and reading about our indulgent experiences.  We've seen maybe two movies in 4-5 months and well I just haven't had a really good glass of wine in one to many nights. It's really a shame; but I tell you this, it has not been in vain! :-)

I'm determined more than ever to follow my heart; to eat, drink, laugh, love, play and indulge whenever possible in life.  I recently came across another blog called, The Bleeding Espresso, I am hooked - it's about this woman who packs up her life and moves to Italy.  I have often thought of this, and although at the 'current' moment that is not an option it is quite spectacular living vicariously through her and her words. She speaks about how Italy taught her to slow down, to breathe to take a moment (be in the moment) and I do believe that is something we all are guilty of not doing.  It's so important and we know this but some how work and responsibilities gets in the way.  What I really like about her blog is that she's honest and she doesn't call her life, La Dolce Vita - no, she calls it La (Agro)Dolce Vita (The Bittersweet Life).  I love that, because no one is saying it needs to be all sweet, all the time- taking the sweet and the (not so) sweet is what gives us character and strength.

I read a quote the other day that said something to the tone of, "You can try and change the world (everyone else) or you can change yourself... do what's easiest!"  I elect to do what's easiest and Be The Change.

It's really amazing when you truly and honestly make a decision to do something- you can feel it in your entire body.  It's almost like the world shifted a bit and you're not quite in the same place but everything is still there and looks familiar. So what's the first step? I'm making a list, and top of my list is to 1. Learn Italian! I know I know many of you are probably thinking "but you live in LA, learn Spanish!" NO! My heart wants Italian, my soul is screaming for Italian and ultimately I will be in Italy and Italian will come in quite handy.

2. Get back to Yoga - Mum and I finished a great festival last weekend down near San Diego and on our way back we stopped in this great little town called Cardriff-by-the-Sea (literally) and I discovered the most beautiful, wonderful Yoga store/studio.  Jois Yoga - It's an Ashtanga studio (which if you live here in LA and practice you know how difficult it is to find one) and it's co-owned by the Sri K.Pattabhi Jois foundation.  Jois passed away May 18th, 2009 and his grandson (R. Sharath Jois) is continuing the tradition and teachings. The studio had such an amazing energy to it, it instantly felt warm and welcoming and was obviously ready to do some yoga.  I couldn't stay but I did buy a DVD of one of his classes.  I never got a chance to practice w/ Pattabhi Jois but watching him and his grandson on the DVD was definitely the next best thing.

3. Reconnect w/friends - it's so easy to Poke on Facebook, Tweet a shout out even send an email but I don't know about you but actually making a plan to meet up with a friend feels almost like pulling teeth.  My family is very limited and my friends are my sisters and brothers and their kids my nieces and nephews - so being a part of their lives and staying connected is 'molto importante' very important.

Alright (Tutto bene) that's what I'm going to leave you with today.  I hope this sparks something in some of you who also feel over worked, stressed and just need a change.  You have to be it for yourself. You have to make the decision but make it with intention. 

Go do something! Till next time. Ciao Tesoro, fino alla prossima volta (till next time)

Coconut Macaroon Reinvented

Coconut Macaroon Brownie

Before Embrace Sweets became a Artisan Brownie Boutique - we specialized in just about well........everything!  Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Scones, Pastries, Buckeyes and my fav Coconut Macaroons!

Mum used to make these huge, decadent chocolate dipped coconut macaroons that were to die for. Crunchy, sweet, soft in the center and of course drizzled and dipped in chocolate. You can't get more decadent than that, or so i thought; Embrace Sweets Master baker and brownie architect, Sandra brings to you the, Coconut Macaroon reinvented.

This delectable treat is part Coconut macaroon part fudgey brownie -  trust me it's worth the cheat!

Try one or a dozen today! This weekend only enjoy 10% off a half dozen or full dozen brownies on our website. Coupon code: Coconut (offer expires Sunday at Midnight)

Stay tuned for more decadence coming your way soon; and as always Eat More Chocolate!

B + S