Haitians experienced a strong aftershock this morning. By “strong aftershock,” they mean a quake of 6.1-magnitude. The original quake on January 12th was 7-magnitude. This article from the Associated Press outlines some of the horrifying statistics. “Last week’s magnitude-7 quake killed an estimated 200,000 people in Haiti, left 250,000 injured and made 1.5 million homeless, according to the European Union Commission.” Those numbers will rise again after today’s quake. Please donate what you can to help. Millions are still in need of aid. If you are looking for a way to help, please consider Partners in Health, an organization that has been working in Haiti for more than twenty years.

Please take a moment or three to be thankful for all that you have: food, clean water, a home, your health and the knowledge that your loved ones are safe.

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Speaking of loved ones, the Shop Tart has heard one never makes friendships as close as those in high school and college. She respectfully disagrees and suggests you open your heart. She herself has made many friends since college, even since she turned thirty, who she could call in any crisis. She plans to continue cultivating such friendships after 40, 50, 60 and beyond. This week, she has been particularly thankful for dear friends who let her laugh and cry all at once. Last night, she had the pleasure of hanging with two such friends. Technically, she has known Tracie since high school, but it’s fair to say she didn’t become close to her until later, so that counts. She met and befriended K. after college. And they both rock.

The evening began with drinks and a snack at Terra. The Shop Tart was honored and just plain tickled pink to see a shout-out on a recent cocktail menu in the bar. Check out the Pink Squirrel, yo.

Of course, she indulged; she does love a Pink Squirrel. She also loved Mr. Shop Tart’s skate fish from the appetizer menu last Thursday and couldn’t wait to have it for her very own. She can’t remember the price exactly - and tried and failed to find her receipt moments ago - but it was less than $10. With the dollop of mashed potatoes and small serving of green beans, the substantial piece of fish makes a fine meal. Still hungry? Fill up on bread or wait for a delicious dessert. This is actually Mr. Shop Tart’s skate from the other night. It’s a testament to Chef Mike Davis’ attention to consistency in the kitchen that the two dishes more or less looked the same.

Tracie had the Louisiana crawfish étouffée, also just as good as it was the other night. Of course, the ladies hadn’t planned on dessert but…here it comes…key lime cannoli. The crispy shells were a delicious contrast to the key lime cream inside. The ladies think they contained almonds, but they were too busy eating to ask. Yum!

After dinner, the ladies retired to Tracie’s for a little sewing, internet video sharing, chocolate and chit-chat. An accomplished seamstress, their friend K arrived soon to go through a pile of Tracie’s vintage finds to see what could be repaired. (For the curious: Pretty much anything can be repaired, as long as you are willing to think outside the style box. And have a friend who’s a great seamstress.) The ladies had a blast taking turns showing favorite clips on the internet. For the record, the Shop Tart could watch drumline clips for hours on end. Hours. One of her favorites:

One more! One more! this one is from Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina. Could y’all do this in high school? Can you now? These kids are awe-some. And this is just a little something they threw together at the last minute.

While discussing sewing projects and taking turns showing videos, the ladies ate chocolate Tracie had brought from Asheville. Ding dang, y’all. Have you heard of French Broad Chocolates? Divine. Some have them had been eaten before the taking of this photo, but here you are.

If anyone is headed to Asheville, do let the Shop Tart know. she might like to place an order. They tried several - Lavender Honey, Earl Gray, Thai, Dark-chocolate salted caramel, Jasmine Tea - all delish. She is very curious about the lemon pepper chocolate from the website. Apparently, Asheville has a big chocolate scene. Hooray for that.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

P.S. There’s a lot going on today, so do check the calendar. Check it for future events too, in case reservations are required.

P.P.S. Just spotted this on Revente manager Heather’s Facebook page: ” New bags & sunglasses in at Revente! Chanel, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Versace! OMG!” Sounds like something we need to go see…

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