Local Love At The Rabbit Room & Talulah’s Fancy

This past Sunday myself and a friend attended the 3rd annual Mad Hatter Tea and Brunch at the the beautiful Rabbit Room restaurant located in the Lower Mill in the historic village of Honeoye Falls. Tamara Stopinski of Talulah’s Fancy is the creative brainchild behind this unique event.

This being my first time attending I wasn’t sure what to expect when the invitation encouraged coming in costume. I’m not a costume, dress-up kinda girl (seriously, Halloween has always been one of my least favorite holidays for that very reason…weird, I know!) But, let me tell you how cool it was seeing women dressed in hand-crafted hats and outfits straight out of Alice in Wonderland garb. The imagination that went into some of these costumes was spectacular.

Once I took a break from people watching I turned my attention to the menu. The Rabbit Room is known for their amazing food using local ingredients and vendors. Their impeccable attention to detail is refreshing. After feasting on our champagne, lunch and delectable desserts we headed upstairs to an open house of local artisans including Talulah’s Fancy shop and studio where she creates her beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. What a treat to see all of this local talent!

I tried to capture the day with some pictures taken with my phone. I was so bummed that I left my camera home, so these pictures don’t do the event justice, but you get the idea.

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 The Rabbit Room at the historic Lower Mill in Honeoye Falls.

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 The menu was great…everything sounded so good!

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I had the Monte Crisco with fresh fruit and roasted potatoes while my friend had the Parisian gnocchi.

Both were to die for!

 

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I had to hold myself back on wanting one of everything…truffles, chocolate cake, mini eclairs..and there was more that you don’t see!

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There were so many people who were dressed up in such cool costumes, but honestly I felt a little funny taking pictures of them. When the table next to me asked to take a picture of this girl I piggy backed on the opportunity. Again, this picture does not do her justice. Her costume was really clever with lights and all!

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Amy E. Colburn was one of the local artists who really captured my attention. I fell in love with her vintage inspired letter plaques. How cute would it be to spell out your childs name or special word? She’s incredibly talented and offers a variety of artwork. Be sure to check her blog, and Etsy shop for one-of-a-kind work.

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Tamara Stopinski of Tululah’s Fancy next to her gorgeous hand-crafted jewelry. She also up-cycles vintage fabrics to creates one-of-a-kind dresses, and jackets. She has definitely found her passion! Be sure to check her blog for upcoming events as well as visit her at the Lower Mill .

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It was such a fun afternoon filled with great food, people-watching, live music and very talented local artists.

Next year I’ll be back…this time in costume!

 

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Local Etsy Love

Today I’m sharing a few items from some LOCAL Etsy shops.

I assume if you follow the blog that you are aware of Etsy. But if not, please take some time to browse around. I love browsing by color:

Etsy Screen Shot - Browse by Color

But you can also browse by LOCATION? Who knew so many talented artists live right around the corner from us all?

I love this sweet little elephant necklace. I’d totally wear this, layering it with a couple of other necklaces. So cute.
Available from MaryMaryHandmade.

My nine-year-old is on the fifth book in the series, so you can imagine how much we both love these cute little Harry Potter dolls. Available from CreativeButterflyXOX they can be used for play or as…BIRTHDAY CAKE TOPPERS!?!? How great. No more fluorescent frosting from the grocery store. Take a simple homemade cake (or perhaps from the local bakery), add a few of these little guys, and you have a unique and fun birthday cake. The shop has dozens of options from Red Sox players to ninjas to super heros. So fun.

I love Keuka Lake and a lot of people I know love it as well. This is such a great way to show off that love without sporting one of those sweatshirts that were Made in China. Just sayin’. It’s available from LaketoLake.

OK. So who doesn’t want to let their kids color all over walls? Anyone? Just me? SurfaceSolutions sells paint to turn any surface into a dry erase board. It’s clear so you can use it over any color. I would love this on the inside of my pantry door. The family can write up the grocery list as they eat me out of house and home, I take a photo on my iPhone before heading to the store, erase the list and we start all over again. It would also be fun in a playroom or basement for the kids to play hangman or WHATEVER. So. Brilliant.

Happy shopping, friends!

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Holiday Shopping-Local Love

We’re in the thick of Christmas shopping, cookie baking and all around Decking the Halls.

Thirteen days and counting…yikes!

Each year I try as much as I can to shop at local stores.

They offer one-of-a kind or hand crafted items that can’t be found anywhere else–love that!

Not to say that I don’t shop at big box stores because I definitely do. 

But small local shops offer terrific products and service that is hometown quality.

Check out a few places that I love to shop at.

Oh,…and a few places to grab a bite to eat along the way.

Shopping makes a girl hungry-right?! 

 

 

Number one on the list is Craft Company No.6–showcases local artisans jewelry, gifts and decorative accessories. 

 

Source: craftcompany.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

My most favorite shop in all of Rochester…Parkleigh.

The best place to go for that special gift for someone…OR yourself (done that before!).

And if you love McKenzie Childs, this is the place to go.

  

Source: parkleigh.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

If it’s time to sneek in a sweet treat or pick up a holiday dessert, you’ve got to head to Savoia Pastry Shoppe.

Somehow, I can vouch that their Ding Dong cake is SOOO YUMMY!!!

 

 

 The Unique Toy store in beautiful Canandaigua is my “go to” for children’s gifts.

They offer the best stocking stuffer’s as well.

  

Source: uniquetoyshop.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

 

Wisteria Flowers and Gifts offers more than just gorgeous flowers and plants. They have handcrafted furnishings and decor items that make excellent gifts for anyone on your list.

  

Source: wisteriaflowersandgifts.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

Talulah’s Fancy right here in Honeoye Falls, features many area artisans as well as owner/artist, Tamara Stopinskis’ beautiful jewelry.

 

 

After you shop at Talulah’s, you must head down the stairs of the Lower Mill and have a bite to eat at The Rabbit Room.

Nothing better than a farm to table experience!

  

 

We’re rounding out our list with The Village Bakery & Cafe’  in Pittsford, for a bite to eat or for fresh breads/pastries. Any of their confections would be a great addition to a holiday party or as a gift.

Hmm…it appears I eat more than I shop :) .

 

 

Source: yelp.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

So these are the stores I’ve been to recently.

I’m working my way through my Christmas gift giving list.

How about you?

Do you have a favorite store for holiday shopping? Do tell!

Happy Shopping!

 

 

PS…now I’m hungry…pastry anyone??