alicezhaox

[alicezhaox]

“We’re doing good for the town, for ourselves, and for others!” Alice said with a big smile on her face. She loved shopping for gifts for others, it was something that made her happy, just like cooking for others. She stuck close to Olivia, weaving through the crowd. She could describe her taste in wine as bold. She loved something flavorful to match with a meal. But she also appreciated something sweet and smooth. “Oh yes. There’s a certain flavor that you want, to make sure it’s tasty and not just fermented grapes,” she chuckled, because that’s exactly what wine was. She took the next seat, waiting for one of the bartenders and glancing over at the menu. “Where do you want to start first?”

"I'm helping the local economy," she agreed with a curt nod and a bright smile. Hard to argue that logic, and it felt like something her father would be proud of her for saying, which was a good added bonus. "I think we should," she nodded, gesturing towards the bar area, noticing that it had thinned out a little bit so that they could get closer, not feel that they were being elbowed out or rushed along. "That's a good idea, I feel like that's the exact kind of wine that you want at the holidays, since anything that you eat is going to have that sort of flavor profile, so the wine has to go with it, and not be to contrasting and make your mouth taste disgusting," she laughed at the thought, hopping onto one of the bar stools.

[alicezhaox]

Oh yes! Because it’s always nice to find things you like, and for sale. Do we need them? Probably not. But that’s part of the appeal. I do that a lot too, probably not so surprising. I just love listening to other people talk about their favorite dishes and recipes. Yes! I do love a good punch. There are some I’ve tried that are surprisingly good. I’ve been picking up a few more things here and there so I’d like to say I’m nearly done, but not quite there yet!

Absolutely, that's why Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday and all of those other shopping holidays exist, because shopping makes people feel good, and getting a good deal makes you feel better about the fact that shopping makes you feel good, you know? Oh, yes! It's so nice when you can go to a party and start eating and end up swapping recipes for the things that you ate. Or drink recipes, too, because someone always inevitably ends up making good punch that you want to try, you know? Holiday punches are such a weakness for me, especially. Absolutely not, I wish I could say that I was! But… I'm still working on checking off my list. But I plan on getting the rest done at the market!

[alicezhaox]

"Oh, I know what you mean," Alice bobbed her head in a nod. "I want a bit of everything, but I know that is both not logical or practical because I'm just going to get full and end up not eating everything. And that's not good either!" she hummed a little bit. "But I do love that there's always something new to try," she grinned. "Which means lots of snacks and maybe an extra kick of caffeine with a latte. How does that sound?"

"Tell me about it," he laughed, lifting his gaze to look over the menu. "I'm a sausage kinda guy, it feels traditional, you know? But then I see some of the other options, and I'm wondering if I should just get one of everything." The market had changed so much since he had been a kid -- in a good way, of course -- and it was sometimes overwhelming, hard to keep up with everything and feel like he wasn't going to miss out entirely on something delicious. "But I need fuel if I'm going to try to finish this shopping."

[alicezhaox]

Who: Alice Zhao & @cagenewman

When: December 14-21

What: Winter Market

With it being so close to Christmas, Alice was glad she had all of her major shopping completed. And shopping did make her quite hungry. It was the perfect weather for a quick snack and a sweet drink. She wandered up to the area with the food carts, skimming the menus carefully. She spotted Cage standing nearby and went up to his side. “I can’t decide if I want a sandwich or one of those rice bowls. Everything sounds delicious,”

[alicezhaox]

Alice loved watching the town transform into a winter wonderland. Even though she was from New York, where the holidays were a big deal, there was something warm and cozy about a small town that made it extra special. She had been checking out all the displays and booths around the market, jotting down a few things in her notebook. She turned her head with a small smile. "Seems like everyone has been good this year," she quipped back. "How are things up at the North Pole?"

where: Winter Holiday Market

when: December 14-21, 2024

who: Briggs & @alicezhaox

Even as a small child, Briggs had enjoyed the Holiday Market. There was something about the sights and smells of the holiday season that just put everyone in a good mood. One of this favorite things was to step up and volunteer to help bring joy to the season. It didn’t matter how ridiculous the costume, he was willing to put it on for the sake of brightening a child’s day. This year, he had been talked into being an elf complete with tights under shorts, makeup, ears and the hat. When Santa needed a few minutes break, that meant he could go hide away or walk around. He opted for the walking around part. “Making a list and checking it twice?” he asked noticing Alice writing notes.

[alicezhaox]

They go with everything! Even business casual. Just got to paid them with the right bag and you’re all set for the day. So choices, that’s what we love too. Mhmm! And it’s really nice to see. Are you set for the holidays?

Black pumps are the sort of thing you can't really go wrong with, right? They look good with just about everything, after all, and you can justify having a pair for at least every day of the week. Oh, that's very nice to hear. This town sure does know how to spread the love, right?

[alicezhaox]

Oh, very nice! I know what you mean, though. Sometimes those hands-on classes were much more enjoyable than the lectures. Then there was no pressure to really pay attention and take notes or have to ask questions if you forgot something. And then I like the interactive part of it. If you love what you do, then all the better. Very true, and most connections are made through good conversation!

Great, I look forward to seeing it. I really enjoy bringing things back to life. As for how I got into carpentry, I honestly just enjoyed woodwork when I was in high school, and it was one of the only things I was really good at grades wise, anyway — so I jumped at an opportunity for a carpentry apprenticeship. There’s nothing wrong with being good with words, or being chatty. Who doesn’t love a good chat?

[alicezhaox]

Just a bit! A little off the season, but I’m sure there are still people who do it, huh? Oh, definitely the classics. The Grinch, Home Alone. I really love The Holiday. That’s a fun one. How about you?

That's alright, once it officially hits December, I feel like you're actually quite a bit behind in the times if you're still watching Halloween movies, right? You want to be fully focused on Christmas by then! Do you have any favorite holiday movies that you have to watch every season, no matter what?

[alicezhaox]

And who doesn’t want to feel good? That’s probably why ‘retail therapy’ is so popular, right? Tea always is really nice on a cold day. I love how it goes well with nearly everything. Yes! And then sharing recipes. I did that a lot too. And growing up with my family running a restaurant, I’ve tried a lot of different dishes. Honestly, give me dessert and I probably will be your friend forever. I don’t need any fancy things. If I’m gifted some good dessert, I’ll be happy. I love how everyone went out this year and went shopping. It was nice to see the town supporting their small businesses. Now we’re nearly a week away from Christmas. Are you finally all set with your shopping?

Exactly that! We just want things that are going to make us feel good, and that includes food. I know that whenever I need to perk myself up or I'm not feeling well, I'll reach for certain kinds of teas, for example. They're warm and comforting, you know? And people do bond over good food! You start talking about how delicious it is and then end up having another conversation altogether, it's a nice feeling. Oh yeah, if someone gives me a dessert… that's basically my love language, I'm never going to be sad with a dessert in my hand! I did, actually! Mostly on small business Saturday, I went to a lot of the littler, local places and got lots of gifts for my folks and co-workers.

[alicezhaox]

“All the more reason to enjoy the shopping trip, right?” Alice mused with a smile. She did love going shopping. The best part was finding something for those close to her, and while searching, finding a fun piece or two for herself as well. And if it was for the office? She could enjoy it along with everyone else. “That is a good choice,” she nodded. “Think we should do some more tasting while we’re here? I’ve been searching for a really good bottle of red, something that is sweet but still pretty strong. And pairs well with dessert, of course,”

They could be going to Macy's or Bloomingdale's or something huge and expensive and dropping wild amounts of money on things that they didn't need… at least this way, they were spending money in their little sleepy town, all the same. "You're completely right, it's an office gift," she laughed, shrugging both shoulders. That had to count for something. Other people in the office were still going to see it and enjoy it to an extent, so it wasn't as though she had selfishly bought it for herself or anything. "I do want to go home with a couple of bottles of wine, too. Those are just for me."

[alicezhaox]

Perfect! I have some time next week and I’ll bring it over. How’d you get into carpentry anyway? For me, I’ve never been good at my hands. I’m more comfortable working with words, I’m a bit chatty at best.

You heard correctly. I’m somewhat of a specialist when it comes to bringing furniture back to life, if I do say so myself. I’d be more than happy to have a look at it, absolutely.

[alicezhaox]

Thanks! I kept it for a little longer but I've since switched over. I've been enjoying everything, though. There are a few spooky Christmas movies that I haven't heard of before so I think I'm going to have to check those out.

I'm so proud of you! Did you keep the spooky stuff going into the festive season, or have you switched over to watching Christmas movies? Although there are some that fall into both genres these days, too!

[alicezhaox]

My thoughts exactly. Can never be too prepared. I like to dress nice for work events and still stay comfy as well. Plus, black pumps are super versatile and go with almost everything. It was good! I was at the Community Center. It's really lovely seeing town coming together like that to help.

It's tough, deal hunting is important, but sometimes we have to just pretend the deals don't exist for our sanity. Of course you do, you never know when you might need black pumps that are different from all of your other black pumps. It went well, how about yours? Feels like it's just a rehearsal for Christmas.

[alicezhaox]

That's probably why we seek out our favorite foods when we're feeling less than great. But it's also a good thing! In my experience, people bond over good food, so that's a plus for me, and I do love to cook for other people too. I'm the same way, I like good food and food that other people make as their favorites as well. It makes everyone happy! Also desserts, I will never say no to a gift of good dessert. I love to shop, so this time of year is extra dangerous. Did you get any good deals this week?

Exactly right! Good food makes everything so much better, you really can't be miserable if you have your favorite foods in front of you, unless you're just the kind of person that's constantly miserable, anyway, and then that's on you. Me too. Anyone can win me over for pretty much anything if they just offer me good food, and I'll never say no. I'm so glad! I feel like it always goes over so well there, you have a good amount of people coming by that want a meal, and even more people coming by who want to help out, which is so good to see, and even better to be a part of me. Me too, I can't say no to a good deal!

[alicezhaox]

Who doesn't love a good cookie? One of the best parts about this season. It's coming up pretty quickly. I'm looking forward to seeing all the arts and crafts and trying out the snacks that are available.

I think the biggest thing I'm excited for is National Cookie day, because I could totally use a pick me up during the holidays. The Market too is something I'm looking forward to.

[alicezhaox]

@derekberrera

So I was gifted a really nice dresser set but it is in need of a bit of refurbishing. I hear you’re the one to go for some handiwork like that. Maybe I can bring it by sometime for you to take a look at to see what can be done?

[alicezhaox]

"It does! Oh, it absolutely does," Alice said with a cheeky grin. She did make a list but of course, sticking to the list does not typically happen and so Alice decided to pick more things out off the list than on the list. And usually it turned out even better. There were so many good picks out there when going shopping in town, even better that they were local businesses. "I'm going to say it does! Because it's not really for myself if it's for the office, right?"

"That's how I am, too. But I guess it's the thought that counts, right?" Because at least they went into it with good intentions, even if they ended up not following through, and buying things for themselves. Besides, they were supporting a small business, if they were buying from the people who were selling at Handpick'd for the day. That was right in line with the holiday spirit! "Well… if you're in the office, I think that counts? You're not technically lying!"