Chocolate and Jewelry

Shopping Never Tasted So Good

What do women love most? Chocolate and jewelry! For the first time, Diane Powers invites beloved chocolatiers and talented jewelry artists to the Bazaar del Mundo Shops for “Chocolate + Jewelry: A Purely Decadent Event,” May 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

During the two-day affair, the Shops will offer complimentary chocolate tastings and showcase cookbooks, recipes and other chocolate-inspired items. Local chocolatiers – including Eclipse Chocolate, The Elegant Truffle and Chuao Chocolatier – will sell chocolate treats while discussing their unique techniques. 

On Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., author Mara Price will do a book signing of her “Grandma’s Chocolate/El Chocolate De Abuelita.” The book has won awards including: “Best Children’s Picture Book” from the 2011 San Diego Book Awards and “Best Children’s Picture Book Bilingual” from the 2011 International Latino Book Awards. 

For those with an appetite for style, several guest artists will be on hand to showcase wildly creative handcrafted jewelry in a variety of styles and bright colors. Shoppers can peruse collections of necklaces, bracelets and earrings made from metals, dichroic glass, and sparkling jewels. With so many artists to choose from, there’s no doubt each woman will find the perfect piece to add to her personal collection.

Local artist Maryann Luera will also be creating chocolate-themed paintings for the event.

To add a little “fiesta” to the event, musical entertainment will be provided by TINKU, a Latin American Folk band performing over 19 musical rhythms from throughout Latin America on authentic native instruments.

To celebrate Mexico’s Mother’s Day, Diane Powers’ family of restaurants – Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad and Casa de Pico in La Mesa – will hold a week-long celebration with savory chocolate dishes and beverage specials, May 10 to 19.

Stylish Accessories Make for Great Mother’s Day Shopping at Bazaar del Mundo

Finding the perfect gift for Mother’s Day can be a daunting task. While flowers are always nice, they don’t exactly scream unique. At Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town, hundreds of feminine and creative Mother’s Day gifts – from handbags to hand soaps – at varying price points are waiting to be wrapped up and given to a special mom on her day.

Some of this year’s most exciting gifts for mom include:

Blinged-out Bags

Every mom needs a bit of bling for spring! Mary Frances makes fabulous beaded and embellished collectable purses in bright spring colors and fun shapes – like guitars and owls! – that are absolutely splurge-worthy Mother’s Day gifts. $200- $300 

Watch Me Colors

Once featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “O list,” of favorite things, Time Will Tell’s collection of fashionable watches hit our list of Mother’s Day musts! $79-$89 

Whimsy-on-the-Go

Papaya has a new line of whimsical totes and wallets in faux leather, along with decorative greeting cards to match. These pieces are bursting with personality, just like mom! Cards $4; Totes and wallets $34-$69 

Petal Pushers

And no, we don’t mean the capris! These handmade, painted clay earrings come in all sorts of adorable floral designs that are sure to brighten any Mother’s day. $40-$45 

Silky Scarves

Dan Dee Silk scarves are perfect for brisk afternoons. Since they come in deep purples, cheery yellows and bright blues, Mom needs one in every color! $26-$36

Shopping on a budget?

Spruce up the powder room! A new lovely collection of Hydrangea-scented soaps and bubble baths have recently stocked our shelves, along with matching soap dishes and linen tea towels.

To find more chic Mother’s Day gifts and hidden gems from all around the globe, visit Bazaar del Mundo Shops at the north entrance to Old Town on the corner of Juan and Taylor.