Dr. Princess: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

DIY Magnolia Wreath with Burlap Bunting

One of my favorite places to shop for crafting supplies is Save on Crafts. I was instantly inspired when I found this faux magnolia leaves wreath:

I quickly added it to my cart, along with these wine bags:

{via Save on Crafts}

What does a wine bag have to do with a wreath? Well, at $2.99 each, it's the cheapest burlap sold on Save on Crafts. I then cut it up into little pennant shapes and painted on it with white acrylic paint.

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Did I mention I also ordered a giant faux magnolia bloom? These guys must have thought it was the most random order ever...I promise there's a plan!

Then, I took some twine that I had lying around, folded the pennant over the twine, and used a glue gun to attach.

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I attached the bloom to the wreath through the very high-tech method of paper-clipping, and I draped my bunting across the top.

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¡Bienvenidos, y'all! I think it's a good way to welcome people to a Southern/Cuban home.

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What's the most random DIY project you've come up with?

Monday, February 27, 2012

Ethiopia Coffee and Culture Celebration

If it seems like I've been talking a lot about Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery lately, it's because I think they're awesome. Not only is their coffee delicious, the beans are purchased and roasted in the most ethical way possible. They use recycled materials and green energy in the roasting process; they even serve their coffee in compostable paper cups. I like the way Batdorf treats the earth, but I love the way they treat the earth's people. You see, most coffee companies advertise that they use Fair Trade beans. At Batdorf, that isn't enough. They buy directly from the farmers as often as possible. Unfortunately, some world trade laws require several middlemen when it comes to some countries. Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, is one of these countries...and they could certainly use some direct support.

That's why last weekend, Batdorf and Bronson hosted a fundraiser to the tune of an Ethiopian celebration. The roastery partnered with Action 4 Words, an organization which aims to build schools near many of Ethiopia's coffee farms. Saturday's event raised $3,050 for the cause.

The night kicked off with some hand-brewed Ethiopian coffee...

...and some good conversation.

Next, Batdorf's Jason Dominy gave us a little background information about why this cause is so important to him. He explained that behind every bean he roasts, there are people on the other end. These people directly affect Batdorf's product, so the quality has to start with their quality of life. We then had a special screening of the documentary Black Gold.

Black Gold: Trailer from Speakit on Vimeo.

We discussed our responses to the very moving film, then ended the night with a celebration: first, with food...

...then with dancing...

...and finally, with a coffee ceremony.

It was an eye-opening night. Not only did we leave more aware of this issue, we also left with a greater appreciation of the culture these people share. I was proud to be able to support this cause.

When I was in graduate school, I traveled with my physical therapy program to South Georgia to treat orthopedic injuries among the migrant farm workers. We learned that these people were brought to this country with promises of a better life for themselves and their family. They're usually paid $1 for every four barrels of tomatoes that they harvest. Each of these barrels weighs about 30 pounds when they're full of tomatoes. Educating these individuals on the importance of body mechanics felt like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound, but I think losing our ignorance was even more important than the effectiveness of our treatment.

I had no idea that this was going on just a few hours from where I live. Tomatoes are something we can easily buy from ethical and sustainable farms, but coffee is something that we rely almost exclusively on importing. Unfortunately, this means that countries like Ethiopia get taken advantage of by countries like us and the EU. I don't always get my tomatoes from Whole Foods, where I can rest assured that they came from the farm down the road. Sometimes, money is tight and I can't afford the luxury of organic, local ethics. But every time I look at a tomato now, I wonder about its history. The same goes for coffee. I buy Batdorf coffee, but not exclusively. As much as it pains me to say this, my coffee maker doesn't have a drive-thru. We're only human and as members of one of the richest countries in the world, we have some hard habits to break. But I think if we're conscious of our choices and who our choices affect, we're influenced to make more meaningful choices more often. Even if I avoid a less ethical company one more time this month, I've done a little bit to make a difference.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. Are any of you passionate about agricultural issues?

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Blogiversary Giveaway Winner!

This past year has been so much fun. I've met so many wonderful people - through Weddingbee, through post-wedding blogging, and around the Atlanta scene. Then, I decided to thank y'all for reading my ramblings for twelve months, without even realizing that it could make me appreciate you even more.

I had 56 entries for my little giveaway. It kind of made me feel like this:

{via Couchtime with Jill}

I was having so much fun chatting with each of you about it (and even seeing some new faces around here!), I almost didn't want it to end! Almost, that is...because announcing a winner is just as fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations, Diane! I'm sure you'll enjoy your fantastic, caffeine-filled date night!

Don't forget, there's another opportunity to see everything Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery has to offer! You're invited to visit the Roastery tonight at 5:00PM for Ethopia Coffee and Culture Celebration. This event will raise money for Action4Words, an organization that brings classrooms and books to Ethiopia. There will be Ethiopian food, music, and of course, coffee! Tickets are $20.

Be sure to also check out Atlanta Culinary Tours & Events' calendar to see what kind of awesome foodie offerings they have coming up!

Thanks again to everyone who entered. I have a feeling we'll be seeing another giveaway around here pretty soon!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Last Chance: Blogiversary Giveaway!

My little blog is turning a year old, and I'm doing an awesome giveaway to celebrate! You have until midnight tonight to enter to win two tickets to the Atlanta Culinary Tour of Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery!

To enter, just comment on this blog post using the widget below. (If you're a Rafflecopter newbie, just visit this 45-second video to see how to enter!)

You can receive two extra entries for following me on Twitter or by liking my Facebook page. Just make sure you do so through the Rafflecopter widget for each entry to count.

And finally, you can receive three additional points daily for tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget! That's right, you're allowed to do this part multiple times! Stay tuned...I'll announce a winner on Saturday, February 25th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Even if you don't win, you're invited to visit the Roastery this Saturday, February 25th at 5:00PM for Ethopia Coffee and Culture Celebration. This event will raise money for Action4Words, an organization that brings classrooms and books to Ethiopia. There will be Ethiopian food, music, and of course, coffee! Tickets are $20. I hope to see you there!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Deck the Walls

In case you're new around here, the brief update is that I recently turned a very office-like room into a whimsical, colorful craft room. We found some quirky Craigslist gems and completely furnished the room for under $200. The next step was to add even more personality to the walls. I really wanted the room to inspire me - to write, to sew, to create a bunch of crap even if I was the only one in the world who thought it was beautiful. This room was going to be my artistic outlet.

I started by painting one entire wall with chalkboard paint. I've had a couple of people mention to me that there's such a thing as a magnetic base coat to make it even more chalkboard-esque. I've also heard that white chalkboard paint exists (that is, you can blend it with any color to create a colorful chalkboard). I don't have any experience with either of these concepts, but I'd love to hear from you if you've dabbled in this area in your home! Either way, I wanted to pass along those ideas. Having a giant chalkboard in a craft room makes my whole life feel more organized (and it helps with my attention span if I get distracted and need to doodle); I highly recommend it.

Anyway, I added a clip garland that I got at Target to the wall above my sewing machine. I might use this in the future to display fabric swatches that I'm working with, but for now, it has some of my favorite pieces of inspiration. It's like a tangible Pinterest!

First, we have a photo of my dog when she was a puppy. She looks exactly the same now, but her corgi ears looked a little bigger back then; I suppose she grew into them a little.

Next, we have a UF button. I think that's pretty self-explanatory.

Next, I attached one of my favorite DIY projects of all time: the save the date from our wedding.

Next, I found a card that my aunt had given me in 1992. The front of the card has a pastel illustration that she drew of a beach that our family visits often.

After that, I have a button that my sister gave me when I got engaged. The bridesmaids all had "bridesmaid" buttons, and our moms had "mother of the bride" and "mother of the groom." It was a fun way to feel important during showers and such.

Next, I have my name tag from my trip to New Orleans with some Weddingbee girls. It reminds me of where my passion for blogging really began, and that makes me smile.

Finally, I have a birthday card that my sister gave me a few years ago. It's letterpress and it has a mermaid on it. It's pretty much one of my favorite pieces of paper ever, and that's saying something for me.

On the opposite wall, I decided to hang up some artwork. I'd had my eye on this one particular print for quite some time:

{image by wattsalot / via Etsy}
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I saw Sarah Watts of wattsalot when I first visited ICE Atlanta. And again at the next one. And again at the one after that. So why didn't I buy one of her prints at one of those events? Frankly, I was having trouble deciding.

{via wattsalot}

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I adore Sarah's style because she perfectly melds Southern tradition with modern, indie charm...which is exactly who Atlanta is.

{via wattsalot}

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I mean, how can you not love someone who comes up with something like this?!

{via wattsalot}

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So yes, I finally decided on the "Gritz" print. Then, I added a couple of accents on either side:

The photo on the left is by Pretty Petal Studio. I made the one on the right...any guesses what those numbers mean?

I'm saving the fourth and final wall for a separate post. I'm just that excited about it.

What do you put on your walls to help you draw inspiration?

Reminder: Blogiversary Giveaway!

My little blog is turning a year old, and I'm doing an awesome giveaway to celebrate! You have until Friday, February 24th to enter to win two tickets to the Atlanta Culinary Tour of Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery!

To enter, just comment on this blog post using the widget below. (If you're a Rafflecopter newbie, just visit this 45-second video to see how to enter!)

You can receive two extra entries for following me on Twitter or by liking my Facebook page. Just make sure you do so through the Rafflecopter widget for each entry to count.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Seed: East Cobb's Finest

Those of you who have read this blog for some time probably know by now that I like trying new things. This is especially true with food. If presented with the opportunity of trying a restaurant I've never had before or eating somewhere familiar, I will almost always choose the new adventure. Well, I've been to Seed three times now, which is why it's embarrassing that I'm just now writing this post.

Seed is Executive Chef Doug Turbush's latest creation. If that name sounds familiar, you may know him from Nava or Bluepointe. Doug is a resident of Marietta, and wanted to bring a taste of home to a chic environment. Seed's menu flourishes with locally harvested ingredients, and each dish is prepared in an imaginative manner. For example, pork belly sliders are a common staple in Southern cuisine, right? But what if they were steamed with a dumpling-like dough and pickled cucumbers?

Doug brings an all-star lineup to his new restaurant with Sommelier Jason R. Raymond (who also acts as General Manager) and Mixologist Chris McNeill. The wine list is extensive, but to be honest, I've enjoyed cocktails every time I've been. They range from comfortable to exotic, from classic to reinvented. Each is artfully crafted, and among the best I've had in metro Atlanta.

The decor of the restaurant is an intriguing mix of whimsical and agrarian. Exhibit A: paper airplanes in the restaurant's hearth. Love.

Y'all know I'm a sucker for good design, and this menu just made me smile.

The menu is printed on thin paper, to allow for easy exchange when ingredients change with the seasons. I love the logo - posh, yet unpretentious, which is difficult to accomplish.

The dining room is open and inviting. I love when I'm able to see the kitchen from my seat!

I've tried a couple of different items on the menu, but my absolute favorite (so far) is the chicken schnitzel.

This dish is a creative take on fried chicken, with flaky schnitzel coating a moist chicken breast. The dish is topped with arugula and parmesan with hints of lemon juice. Best of all, it's served in a pool of miso mustard sauce. My husband says he has dreams about this sauce.

Seed opened pretty recently, and they're already one of my favorites. If they're this good already, I can't wait to see what they'll do in the future.

What's your favorite local gem?

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Giveaway! Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery Tour

This Wednesday, my little blog will be turning one year old.

{image by vessels and wares / via etsy}

Y'all have meant so much to me over the past year, I knew a different kind of celebration was in order. I wanted to celebrate this blogiversary in a big way. Naturally, I looked to my friends!

I first met Beth and Dave of Atlanta Culinary Tours when I joined them for their tour of Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward. I had a ball, and absolutely fell in love with the concept. (You mean I get to eat and learn things at the same time?!) Best of all, the Tours keep growing. Beth and Dave are constantly adding new tour dates and new concepts. One of their most recent additions is their tour of Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery.

If you live in Atlanta but haven't heard of these guys yet, you're probably already a fan and just don't know it. Their coffee is served at some of The A's favorite restaurants, including Highland Bakery, West Egg Café, Murphy's, and Miller Union. You may have sampled them at Aurora, or at their own coffeeshop, Dancing Goats...or perhaps you were lucky enough to attend their Scoutmob event.

Even if you are familiar with this local roastery, did you know that their beans come from some of the finest coffee plantations all over the world? Did you know that Batdorf is one of the most ethically responsible coffee companies in the country? Did you know that they use 100% renewable energy in their roasting process?

Well, you can learn all about this and more because one lucky Atlanta reader is going to win two tickets to the Atlanta Culinary Tour of Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roastery on Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00PM!

To enter, just comment on this blog post using the widget below. (If you're a Rafflecopter newbie, just visit this 45-second video to see how to enter!) Enter your email address into the widget (so I can contact you if you win; it won't be posted anywhere else), then comment on the post and click "enter" on the widget.

You can receive two extra entries for following me on Twitter or by liking my Facebook page. Just make sure you do so through the Rafflecopter widget for each entry to count.

And finally, you can receive three additional points daily for tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget! That's right, you're allowed to do this part multiple times! That gives you a total of 20 possible chances to win! Stay tuned...I'll announce a winner on Saturday, February 25th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Even if you don't win, you're invited to visit the Roastery this Saturday, February 25th at 5:00PM for Ethopia Coffee and Culture Celebration. This event will raise money for Action4Words, an organization that brings classrooms and books to Ethiopia. There will be Ethiopian food, music, and of course, coffee! Tickets are $20. I hope to see you there!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

My New Toy

You may recall that one of my New Years Resolutions was to learn how to take better pictures for my blog. Many of you have granted me many generous compliments regarding my photo "skills" (and I love you for it), but my abilities with a point-and-shoot are severely limited. I do think I've gotten pretty good at shooting certain objects (like food in perfect light), but other subjects (like food in any other light, or people pretty much ever) don't always come out so well.

I started saving for my first DSLR. As soon as I felt like I had almost enough money for one, I started researching what to buy. I pinned some ideas on Pinterest in order to bookmark them for later. Then, my cousin Shannon (who is artistic in so many ways and also kind of a rock star) mentioned something to me about how she just bought the Nikon D90 I had pinned. Now, one of Shannon's many talents is amateur photography. It started off as a hobby, but any hobby requires investment once the individual develops a certain level of skill. It made sense that she upgrade to this nicer camera, even though her old Nikon was still pretty ni---HEY! Wait a minute...what happened to Shannon's old camera? "Oh," she replied. "I'm getting my stuff together to try to sell it on Craigslist."

Of course, I asked if I could purchase it from her instead. She was thrilled to know not only that her first DSLR would be going to a good home, but also that she would be reversing the chain of hand-me-downs that we cousins had growing up with our favorite outfits.

And that, my friends, is how I became the proud owner of a gently used (but very loved) Nikon D40 with two lenses.

As soon as I got the camera, I did something I had admittedly never done before with a piece of technology: I read the manual. I was so clueless about how to use this thing. I googled tutorials, I pinned blog posts filled with helpful definitions, and I even watched the DVD that came with my manual. Then, I decided that the only way to get the hang of it was to get my hands dirty.

So I started playing with things that I knew nearly nothing about...

...like aperture...

...and focus...

...and then I just played some more!

I suppose next I need to get Photoshop and learn how to edit my photos, too! Do any of y'all have any advice for a DSLR beginner?

In other news, next week is Dr. Princess' first blogoversary! I have something really exciting for you to help me celebrate, so stay tuned...

Crafting for the Type A

Now that my craft room is painted and furnished, I needed to get organized. This is a challenging concept for me in a craft room because it can get so overwhelming. Normally, I enjoy organization, sorting, and yes, even cleaning. What can I say? It makes me feel like I have control!

{via i heart cosmetics}

With crafts, however, the clutter just seems to build. I always buy too many supplies for a project and end up with random leftovers that I refuse to throw away. How did I end up with 14 dowels, a dozen beads that don't match, and patches of fabric that aren't big enough to do anything with? Well, I've found use for things like that before, so I ~~hoard~~ hang onto them just in case. The problem is that there's no order. I need to find a way to sort through all of these random materials so that I can access them easily in the future...without going insane in the meantime.

Naturally, I looked to Pinterest for some organization inspiration. Here's what I came up with:

{via Francine Clouden}

{via Sew Many Ways}

{via Epheriell Designs}

{via Craftaholics Anonymous}

{via Project Pretty}

{via Scrapbook.com}

Which one is your favorite? Do you have any tips for organizing crafting tools?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm not gonna lie, I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. I'm all for celebrating love, but I think it should be celebrated every day! Nonetheless, it's a good excuse for a DIY project, so I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ideas!

DIY Inspiration - Construction Paper Card: