I’m going to stop pressuring myself into writing clever copy for every single post. Sometimes, pictures are enough. Sometimes, words cannot accurately describe a lovely experience. The Atlanta History Center is a severely underrated local landmark that houses beautiful gardens, educational museum galleries, and 19th century farm house. If you’re running out of things to do in the A, consider moving this to the top of your to-do list.
I’m not one for cheesy puns, but I’ll certainly forgive any business who houses antique treasures like Desperate Housewares. This little secondhand shop sits conspicuously at the corner of Freedom Parkway and Boulevard, taunting me every time I visit Old Fourth Ward. I’m not really in the market for new home goods, but I can still survey the stock!
Yet another reason why I love this Southern metropolis; it’s just overflowing with unique pieces to be passed down to the next generation of homeowners. From mid-century to retro 80s and lots before and after, this small shop is sure to pique your interest no matter your fancy. I can happily spend a whole weekend looking at old found objects. So much so that sometimes I wonder if I shouldn’t open a shop of my own!
When you live inside of screens and lenses, you can start to forget the beauty that exists in your own backyard. Within just a short drive of the southern metropolis I call home, there are wondrous views and unforgettable experiences. All you have to do is be willing to explore; thankfully my family always wants to do just that.
If I had more money, it would be spent SO well. While I know it’s super tempting (and also a necessary evil) to be a part of the hordes rushing to the big box stores for the holidays, it can often feel so clinical and nerve-wracking to say the least. To get a gift that’s really special, I suggest you visit some smaller businesses to find that special something. One such shop here in the A would be Ponce Living by Tracery Interiors.
I stopped into this little holiday pop-up since it was so conveniently located next to one of my favorite coffee roasters and found a little treasure trove of delights.
One of the best things about being an artist is having other creative people in my life. We all forge our paths differently, but at our hearts we are the same; we have an irrepressible impulse to create beautiful objects and meaningful experiences. My hope is to eventually introduce you to every single one of my amazingly talented friends because their gifts deserve to be shared. They’ll be sprinkled throughout my Creative Masters and Makers series, which I fully intend to continue developing as soon as I get more time to interview!
Til then here’s a short introduction to my friend, Ashley Barnes. She’s beginning her journey into flourishing as a professional ceramist and her whimsical pieces are sure to put a smile on your face.
I have a thing for little local tea houses, despite the fact that I actually don’t love tea all that much. I guess I’m so infatuated with these places because they’re just so ridiculously and undeniably charming. Taking time to sit down and have a spot of tea with a friend is a lovely decision; taking a moment to (re)connect with someone, to truly enjoy their company. How many times can you say you do that on a weekly basis? Probably not that often.
And so I present to you a set of lovely vignettes from my last visit to Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party. The name alone made me fall in love and the moment I stepped in, I knew it would be a lasting affair. I had the splendid pleasure of being joined by Cath of AsianCajuns, one half of a blogging duo that I’ve admired for quite some time now and we indulged in the Caroline Tea, which includes a pot of tea (your choice) and an assortment of delectable goodies. I mean, come on. Need I really say more? Probably not, but there IS more.
No offense, but if you don’t know what bánh mì is by now then you’ve probably been living under a rock. Or maybe you just don’t like food in general. Whatever the case may be, I’m 100% sure that your taste buds need this in their life. Being half Vietnamese myself – although arguably one of the most American ones you could meet – there’s never been a time when I didn’t crave these. It might be partially due to the scarcity of Vietnamese food in South Florida as I was growing up (minus mom’s cooking), but I’m pretty sure it’s also because they’re so perfect. When made right, of course.
I’m a self-professed lover of all things delicious, but by no means am I a culinary expert. I just know what I like. And one of the things I like most is coffee. Thank god I have some awesome coffee baristas to teach me what it is to drink (and make) a good cup! If you’ve seen my instagram activities, you probably know I frequent Octane quite a bit. They do have a little piece of my heart, but my other local favorite is Dancing Goats, the brew bar home of Batdorf and Bronson roasters and lucky for me, they just opened a lovely new location at the currently-in-development Ponce City Market.
