Love & Make

Warning, this is a non-food related post.

To prove that I do other stuff besides eat.... decided to do something different.

I won a candle making workshop at my kid's school fundraiser, so figured why not.

They list their fragrance for some inspiration.

Then pick out the container you want.

Of course, fragrance galore, don't underestimate the process, to make something that smell nice is harder than it looks.

Then, it's time to measure out the wax, we're using soy wax here.

Boil and stir.... first we stir to melt the soy wax, then stir in the fragrance, then it's ready to be poured in.

We get this nifty label to go with the candle.

Meanwhile, switching gear, they also offer bath bomb classes, which are great for tweens.

Lots of awesome colors to brighten up the bath.

Tools to hold our bath bombs.

Attempted to make a mixed color one, but it's easier said than done.  At then end, I got 2 medium size bath bombs and 2 small baby size ones.

End result: I got 1 big candle and 4 little bath bombs.

Even though they have a store front at the Rice Village, they aren't always open.  That said, they list their class time on their site, just to make sure you sign up for the one and show up on time to maximize your class time.  

In terms of parking, I just had to suck it up and pay to park in front.  Class is about 2-ish hours.  The owners were very accommodating, letting us go grab dinner and so the candle can be harden and then come back to pick up.  I definitely want to come and do more as they add more classes.  Please support a small business.

Love & Make

6136 Village Pkwy

Houston, TX 77005

832-743-5210

https://www.loveandmake.com

Bite Lip Lab - NYC

This is a non-food related post.  Call it a Beauty post.

I've always wanted to do this but since they are so popular, and now been on Housewives of NY, they are busier than ever.

Bright and beautiful colors everywhere.

Each guest have their own station.

What are they, exactly?  They are pigments for you to make your own lip color!!!

First, the artist ask you if you'd like Matte or Glossy (those are the white/clear pods), then what kinds of colors you're looking for.  I actually pinned a few things as a guide, and we tweek as we go.

You get to do 2 colors, the artist even mix one just for fun, in case you may like it.  Which I ended up loving mine (that's the bottom right).

After figuring out the 'formula' that works, they put it in these pods to get ready for mixing.  We even get to add our own scent, from alot to choose from as well.  That's a good idea, because you are the one who would be using this lipstick day in and day out, might as well love what you have.

Then, the artist will melt it - ding!  Then put it in the centrifuge and it go for a spin.

Afterwards, it's all melted and all mixed up, then it is ready for pour.  They have a special patented bullet mold, this is all the pic we get.

While we wait, we get to name our lipsticks and up to 6 letters.  Meanwhile we get to check out other colorful stuff around the shop.

It goes on a 'mini freezer' to cool off.

Not too long, then it's ready to go with the handle and the cover with our customized names.  

What they'll do is that they'll input your very own formula for your lipsticks into their system in association to your email address.  So, when you need a refill, call in, give them your email, tell them which one to refill or both.  Each refill is $60, which for a high end - good quality lipsticks, that's pretty comparable, especially when this is your very own customized color.

This experience is called Bespoke, and it cost $155, and you need to make an appointment ahead of time.  Not that walk-ins aren't welcome, but you are taking a chance that they have enough artist on hand to assist you.  You also go home with a lip kit, which has a lip scrub, lip mask (which is great for overnight use), and primer for the next morning use.  

They tell you to spare 1.5hrs, but truthfully, 1 hour does the trick.  Of course, sine there's a few of us, it worked out where they got some of us started while the others play around and vice versa.  This is definitely a very different experience, and this Canadian based company is known for using food-inspired ingredients with no compromise on color.  This service, aka Lip Lab, is available in LA, SF, Toronto, and NYC.  If you're in any of those places, you should try to book an appointment.

Bite Lip Lab

174 Prince St

New York, NY 10012

646-484-6111

https://www.bitebeauty.com/lip-labs/lip-lab-nyc

Very last of the street shots:

Found these lovely hearts chalk drawing all around SOHO streets on our way to the Lip Lap.  Just wanted to end the NY posts with this.