Emily G's

Fresh baked bread and homemade jam is a nice way to start the morning. For Emily Myers, that's just another typical day in her household. She's the mastermind behind Emily G's, a scrumptious line of jams and sauces that are packed with flavor, texture, depth and pure deliciousness. 

The first thing you notice when you meet Emily inside her home kitchen in Dunwoody, Georgia, is that she's serious about food. Everything is organized and tidy, yet there is a lot going on. Perhaps most of which is in her head. When she's creating new recipes, she's in her zone; mixing and tasting, refining and fixing. As she shared with me, "Food drives me. I love food. I dream in food." I believe her. 

Less than a month ago, Emily introduced new packaging and some brand new flavors to her popular jam lineup of 14 flavors, like Peach Marmalade, Fig Pomegranate and Blackberry Vanilla. She also sells three delicious sauces and an incredible crunchy and chunky Three Pepper Relish.  

I went to an Emily G. tasting last week and I have to say my two favorites were these bottom two, Jalapeno Raspberry and Peach Marmalade. I loved the spicy kick of the jalapenos, which are grown locally in Georgia, and the Peach Marmalade tasted so fruity and dense, I just couldn't stop eating it. In her Cheese Pairings section on her website, Emily suggests pairing the Peach Marmalade with Brie cheese and the Jalapeno Raspberry with Parmigiano-Reggiano, cream cheese or Brie. Yummy...

The new product Emily is most excited about is her Berbere Sauce. Berbere is a spice mixture that you often see in Ethiopian and Eritrean cooking that, as she states on her site, "has notes of clove, coriander, nutmeg and cadramom." It's described as the African Mole sauce and as she said to me, "You can put it on everything, from scrambled eggs to pork or fish." 

Jam is Emily's specialty and so is quality control. As she shared, "As my company grows, the quality of the product cannot change from when I first made it in my kitchen." She adds, "It's a reflection of me and if it's not the highest quality possible, then I just can't have it." Her recipes, which all start in her kitchen, are now made and bottled close by in Statesboro, Georgia. 

Emily is a Southern chef. Her mom was raised in Mobile, Alabama and everyone in her family is from Alabama. She has fond memories of picking figs at her grandfather's house and eating lots of grits and drinking too much sweet tea as a kid. Emily loves the authenticity of the South. As she shared, "Southern cooking is based on the heart. It's about making people feel loved and special at the table. It's about heritage, sharing and tradition." I think all of these reasons are why the South is the new hot spot to watch in the culinary world. 

 

On the day I visited with Emily, she was creating new spice blends like Tuscan, Mojito, Smoked Salt and Chocolate Espresso. These are still in the development stage but she hopes to have them on the shelves very soon. The best part is I know Emily is going to keep on creating delicous new foods and toppings day after day. It's in her blood. As she said, "Cooking is what heals me. It's my therapy. It grounds and inspires me. I need it." That's good news for all of us. See all of her tasty creations here, including the local retailers of her products, now in 23 states and Washington DC. Thank you Emily, we feel the love in every bite...

Photos: Sweet Peach   Product shots against white: Cortni   Content: Sweet Peach

Martha Gone Wrong...

I visited my mom for a few days last week in South Carolina and as is custom, we were thinking of a recipe that we could shoot for the blog. I perused Martha Stewart's v-day ideas and found a recipe for cute conversation heart cookies. I liked the idea of custom making a Sweet Peach cookie, plus my mom already had heart shaped cookie cutters so I thought it was fate. I just didn't know that fate meant a lesson in failure...oh Martha. 

This is what the heart conversation cookies look like on Martha's site... "Oh wow," you may say, "They look so pretty and amazing!" 

They don't really...not when you're an average person with average baking skills. My mom and I lacked the Martha-know-how to make the icing completely flat on top of the cookie, which therefore made stamping quite difficult. And we couldn't make the icing shape a perfect heart like you see in the picture. Maybe it's just another way of Martha saying she's better than us. She taunts us with come hither messages like luv u and call me...but does she really mean it? 

I do like Martha's idea of making heart shaped cookies with different colored icing. You just need to remember, a Martha recipe often means buying specialty ingredients like Meringue Powder, gel paste icing and if you try the stamps- a custom stamp kit, which runs $30 at your local Staples store. Ammend the recipe to your liking, preferably to what you already have in your kitchen cabinets.

Making the dough was easy enough but it is one of those recipes that you should allow two days for. The first to make the dough and cookies, the second to add the icing and allow it to harden. 

Looking back, I was enjoying cutting out the heart shaped cookies with the heart shaped cookie cutters. I felt good about myself, "This is fun" I thought, "What a great day this is." I had yet to feel the feelings of failing Miss Martha. 

Out of the 100 heart shaped cookies we made, about 18 looked halfway decent...but, using the icing to make the stamp didn't work for us. I had to use the ink from the stamp itself to make the message readable atop the cookie. So they're only partly edible. You can eat the edges.

My best advice is to use the recipe to make the cookies and add your favorite icing on top. Forget the stamping...or maybe just forget it all together. Go buy a box of your favorite chocolates in a cute tin with a bow on it. Something made by professionals that won't test your patience or make you feel less than. B Mine? No thanks Martha. But Happy Valentine's Day anyway!

Photos: Sweet Peach, Martha Stewart    Content: Sweet Peach

Jason Cohen

Jason Cohen and I have something in common...we both like bourbon. For me, that entails sitting atop a bar stool. For Jason, this translates into making the bar stool. Utilizing white oak bourbon barrels, Jason handcrafts gorgeous furniture that serves its function in a very stylish, intriguing way.  

I first saw Jason's work in Garden & Gun last year and tore out the magazine page to ensure I blogged about it someday. Jason sources his barrels from Bourbon Barrel Foods, just down the block from his workshop in Louisville, Kentucky. 

White Oak is a hardy wood, yet one may question how sturdy furniture made from the rounded barrels can be. Not to worry...As Jason shared with Garden & Gun, "The wood has been trained for years to that form and it makes it strong. It's green when they cut it, and then they pour liquor in it. It's almost petrified." 

This small stool was inspired by an antique milking stool. As each item is handcrafted individually, no two of Jason's pieces are exactly alike and all have a unique patina and look of their own. Click here, then on the Bourbon Barrel Furniture link to see all of Jason's creations inspired by Kentucky's most famous spirit. 

Like I said, I'm a fan of bourbon, specifically the delightful concoctions I've found at Abattoir or HD1 in Atlanta...just mix with herbs and fresh berries or a bit of citrus and I'm a happy girl. I like a few of Bulleit's recipes too, found here. A couple tasty cocktails would look so good atop a Jason Cohen table, don't you think? 

Photos: Bourbon Barrel Foods, Bulleit   Content: Sweet Peach

Pine and Main

I thought it would be nice to start the weekend with some vintage inspiration... I stumbled upon the Etsy shop, Pine and Main the other day and wanted to share some of the many wonderful wares for the home that you'll find there. 

Katie, the master curator behind Pine and Main, lives in a small town in North Carolina with her husband and three rescued kittens. As she states on her site, "We live in a place where there's still an old hardware store, the ice cream is made locally and trains run through the middle of town several times a day." Nostalgia runs deep in her community, as well as her shop. Click to find the metal storage box, Buffalo China Platter, antique wash tub, and pliers and tin snips. 

I have too much dishware in my crowded cabinets and I blame it on perfectly pretty plates like this one. Katie's ironstone plates (set of 4) have a sweet floral design and aged patina you can't ignore. I want, I want... 

In Katie's spare time, she also makes pillows out of vintage grain sacks. When I asked Katie what she loved about vintage goods, she replied, "They are all one of a kind, even those things that were originally mass produced. The way an object is used, worn and loved over time is transformative." 

This is a great find. It's a vintage brass porthole mirror that can up the cool factor of a room pretty quick. As Katie shares, "It's weighty with a fabulous patina." I've always loved the inherent character of these old nautical mirrors and need to figure out the right spot for one in my own home...

Currently, this is Katie's favorite item in her Etsy shop. It's a rustic dish with lid and handles from Shelton's Pottery in Seagrove, North Carolina. As Katie shared, "I find its glaze and form to be quite pleasing." Me too... Happy Weekend, see y'all on Monday.

Photos: Pine and Main    Content: Sweet Peach

Sugarboo Designs

My friend Shanna in Los Angeles recently sent me a link to Sugarboo Designs based in Roswell, Georgia. I immediately loved the shop and thought it would work well for Sweet Peach. Artist Rebecca Puig utilizes reclaimed wood, metal, burlap and a bevy of paints to create her pieces that inspire and generate lots of positive energy. 

I really like these two pieces of art...full of vibrancy and sweetness. When I asked Rebecca what she hopes her work conveys, she responded, "Love, happiness, gratitude for your family and home." Flower Bird and For My Darling Elephant can be found here. 

I must admit, I love her slatted signs the most. When I asked Rebecca about these, she said "For some reason I love old crates. The slatted signs were inspired by these crates that are very functional but seldomly appreciated." It seems any time an artist uses reclaimed wood and adds their creative touch, I'm a devout fan...

Come to think of it, a lot of Rebecca's work would work well for a Valentine's Day gift...many of her pieces speak of love and companionship. You'll find the written word in many of her pieces. She explains, "I am a sucker for words and have been collecting them since I was little. I am not sure where that comes from but it makes me happy to add them to my work."  

I like the rustic simplicity of her pillow collection. Rebecca has over three dozen smile inducing designs and she promises to have even more in the near future. They're made from either stone wash linen, canvas or burlap. 

Just when you think you've seen all her work, you find out she makes napkins too. I just love these graphically pleasing prints of different animals saying different things... Peruse her site to see even more creative endeavors by Rebecca, including notecards, metal signs, picture frames and driftwood pieces. 

Photos: Sugarboo Designs   Content: Sweet Peach

The Atlanta Schoolhouse: Part 3B

In continuation of the Atlanta Schoolhouse series, (with Part 3A posting yesterday) we head upstairs to Scot and Stephanie's master suite. It's an open, bright, peaceful santuary with modern and Asian influence. Scot, "My feeling is I try to leave my work outside my walls, I like to keep the chaos out." 

I love these pendants that hang on either side of the bed. They're new but have that mid century feel. You can find them at domus in Atlanta. 

As expected after seeing their main floor in yesterday's post, smart design reigns supreme at this home. If you look to the right of the bathroom, you see what initially looks like a bookcase...then you get a closer look and realize it's also a staircase. Scot modeled this after a ship ladder staircase that serves the dual purpose of a bookshelf. This small and tidy staircase leads to a reading nook up top that's full of blankets and cozy pillows.

When I asked Scot about the design of the home, he quickly responded, "There is no master plan, I just do what looks and feels right." There is a plan, however, for utilizing the square footage. He shares, "I don't like any wasted space. I can't understand when I look at something and say, 'What is that hallway doing there?' I try to use every inch of space effectively." 

This spacious, free standing acrylic tub evokes jealousy and comes via MTI Baths in Sugar Hill, Georgia.  

This bathroom is stunning and for Scot and Stephanie, a true labor of love. Italian statuary marble is the backdrop to the modern floating cabinetry originally made just outside of Istanbul, Turkey. Two sinks and sets of cabinets assure each of them their own personal space...lots of glorious, personal space. 

Scot is quite proud of what they have accomplished here, sharing "This space is as much a piece of artwork as anything else in the house." I concur...

These incredible milk bottle lights, which are actually hung in one of their downstairs rooms, come via droog in Amsterdam. The PH Artichoke Pendant is a classic masterpiece you may have seen before and works wonderfully as a dining or bedroom light. As Scot shares, "You won't ever see the light bulb and it spreads a really nice, diffuse light." 72 leaves in 12 circular rows shield the light source. The original artichokes were created for the restaurant Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen, where they still hang today. 

Moving to the bottom floor of the home you'll find the guest bedroom. Impressive pieces of tribal art, primarily from Africa, fill the walls. Notice the wine cellar in the back left corner...

I love vintage glassware and am always on the hunt for more at yard sales. So this collection of old bottles, which I found atop their stone headboard, had my heart at first glance. Scot and Stephanie bought them at second hand stores during their many travels- from Connecticut, Oregon and Hawaii to Africa, Asia and Central America. 

Stephanie is a true lover of wine and wanted Scot to build her a wine cellar. The deal was...'You build me a wine cellar and I'll always keep it stocked.' (Stephanie now realizes she may have gotten the raw end of the deal)  But...she is quite content with the beautiful new home for all her favorite vino. She added the chandelier just after completion. The perfect enchanting touch...

Scot built the cellar racks with mahogany. The wall behind the racks is the granite foundation original to the Schoolhouse, giving it that rustic, Tuscan feel. 

Built in 1894 atop 1.5 acres of land, the Atlanta Schoolhouse is its very own compound and one of the largest and oldest Victorian structures in the city. The front steps are a marvel, made of granite from Stone Mountain. Scot knows he has it good, saying "This is probably the most unique property in the city as far as condos go." 

Just before I left, Scot shared a great story about the Schoolhouse. If you visit the property, you'll notice the structure looks exactly the same in the front as it does in the back. Years ago, when the Schoolhouse was built, thought was put into who would be attending the school and from which direction. The Inman Park kids, whose families were primarily rich, would be entering from what is now the front of the building and the kids from Cabbagetown or the mill area, who tended to be less financially stable, would be arriving from the back end of the building. The builders, primarily from Cabbagetown, wanted the entrance to look and feel the same no matter which direction the kids came from. Love that...

I can't thank Scot and Stephanie enough (and Dalai, their pup) for opening their front door and sharing their gorgeous home with all of us. And, you know, Scot and Stephanie, Anne and John, if one of your neighbors just happens to move out...remember, I'd be more than happy to take the spot :) 

Photos and Content: Sweet Peach

The Atlanta Schoolhouse: Part 3A

If you've been following Sweet Peach, you know about the oldest schoolhouse in Atlanta that has been converted into some amazing condos. (click to see Part 1 and Part 2) Today, I bring you Part 3A...because there must be a part 3B to showcase the entirety of this next condo. Residents Scot Dunn and Stephanie Monroe abide in three floors of stunning and smart design. So let's begin with the main floor...

Scot has lived in the schoolhouse for fourteen years, the longest of all the residents. When he first moved in he described the place as "Low grade dog food. All the past renovations were as cheap as they could be." He got to work and immediately updated the kitchen and bathrooms. He swapped out all the doors, door knobs and light fixtures. And he also exposed some of the original brick to add texture, which was under four inches of thick, dense plaster. The gorgeous floors are original, 120 year old Maple that are extremely hard to dent or scratch. It's an incredible piece of property to renovate...

Scot is an entrepreneur, real estate developer and an artist. The first piece I drooled over was this assembly of vintage carpenter rulers. It has a whole different feel when you look at it from afar as opposed to closeup. When I asked where he got this, he just responded, "I made it." Sigh...in awe.

Scot and Stephanie collect a multitude of tribal and cultural items. I was quickly drawn to their slingshots from Africa, South America and Asia. As Scot explains, "These were used by the poor, impoverished children to protect themselves from the evil that was around them. Imagine placing a ball bearing in this slingshot...it empowers the least powerful." They are all mother figures, symbols of the protective one, made from wood or antler bone. 

Scot and Stephanie are attracted, as am I, to the Italian style kitchen. Yet instead of buying the often outrageously expensive Italian cabinetry, Scot shared a picture of the cabinets with a local craftsman who replicated the look for about a 1/3 of the cost. 

On the wall leading downstairs, you'll notice a grouping of prints in black frames. These are political posters whose originals were once posted on the Berlin Wall. They are all commentary on communism and the social issues that naturally evolve in a communist society- from having your own opinion to pollution, the quality of roads, lack of privacy and good education. 

 

Another collection you'll find in the home are these wonderful Chinese children's hats. They range from 30-80 years old and once acted as protection from evil spirits and bad energy. The detail on these is just incredible and you can spend some time just staring and smiling at their intricate and unique personalities. In this collection you'll find three tigers, a mythical creature and a rat. 

There is a ton of incredibly smart design in this space but my favorite has to be this kitchen window. From afar, its colors and texture intrigues...and then you get up close and realize it is a collection of metal color slides from the 1930's. 

As Scot explains, "I collect things that I like the aesthetic of and then create something with them." Using foil tape and a custom made frame, he created this mini masterpiece. I just love it. 

One's living space reflects their inner being. For Scot, he shares "I like to have a lot of things to look at but clutter bothers me so I'm always striving for balance. I'm also ADD so since all my objects tell a story, it keeps my brain occupied and calm." One such piece that offers a sense of peace can be found on the stairway leading to the master bedroom. It is here you'll notice a series of bamboo panels with Buddhist text...this is an ancient Burmese bible. 

Stephanie makes jewelry from time to time and so utilized her skills to string these panels together and display their text in a beautiful, thoughtful manner. 

Scot inherited these Italian chairs from his parents and they certainly draw your attention and admiration. 

As amazing as this condo is, there is another two floors to show you. The first floor is private and cozy and influenced by tribal design while the top floor is the most modern of the three. It's light and airy, with an incredible master bathroom most women would kill for. Stay tuned... 

Photos and Content: Sweet Peach

Makr

My friend Stephen recently sent me a suggestion for Manly Monday that I knew was a perfect fit the moment I opened the link. The company is Makr and they craft exceptional leather and canvas goods for men. I especially like their iPad Attache available in three yummy, rich colors.  

Makr was founded by designer and artisan, Jason Gregory in Winter Park, Florida. His love of design drove him to craft a smart selection of accessories and bags that fit well with any man's lifestyle- from the corporate executive to the surfers or chefs who just want nice, useful items that are built to last. Jason shared in a recent interview, "I appreciate products created with thoughtfulness and care." It shows...

It's safe to say that all of Makr's products easily enhance a man's style quotient. Like this eyewear sleeve, hand sewn with an antique brass button. 

Jason took his time creating man bags that play well dressed up or down. He achieves a modern look with a classic feel with these two beauties. Find the cross body Farm Messenger at this link and the Utility bag here. 

Cards and cash are easily accessible with Makr's hand stitched angled wallet. 

Jason cares about a quality product so therefore cares deeply about sourcing quality materials. Horween, out of Chicago, which is often referred to as one of the finest tanneries in the world, provides the leather for Jason and his team. Makr continues to raise eyebrows for their thoughtfully made goods that feel as good as they look. Goods, that as Jason says, "are as beautiful as they are functional." 

Photos: Makr   Content: Sweet Peach

Indie-pendent

When I shot Melody's house in Cabbagetown a little while back, she told me about a new shop in Atlanta that I need to visit. A shop that caters to artists and cares about handcrafted, quality products. It's called Indie-pendent and they're having a Grand Opening all weekend long. 

The first thing you notice when you walk inside Indie-pendent is what an incredible space it is. There are two floors with a total of 2500 square feet. The downstairs is for retail, the upstairs is reserved for workshops- from canning, knitting and painting tutorials to tips and strategies for small business owners. It's an incredible way to involve local artisans and create a sense of community, every time someone walks through the front door. 

When I asked the owner Beth Lord why she started her business she replied, "I wanted a nice, fun and creative place to be." She describes Indie-pendent as a "handcrafted lifestyle boutique offering home decor, accessories and gifts."  Indie-pendent stands for many things- Beth's freedom from corporate life, living and creating independently as well as supporting and celebrating artists. 

When deciding which lines to carry in her shop, Beth explains, "I like to find unique items that aren't flooding the market." Beth apparently has a knack for this as Indie-pendent is full of wonderful surprises and items that make me say, "oh, i want this..."  

Although the retail floor is one large space, Beth has created mini rooms with their own feel and personality. Beth's friend and colleague, Jordan Sandlin has lent a helping hand with the gorgeous, creative displays that pop up everywhere you look . I love the chestful of adorable stuffed animals and pillows that any kid would love to snuggle with or talk to... 

When I asked Beth what inspired her, she replied, "Pretty things...fabric, food and beautiful landscapes." You get a sense of her incredible aesthetic and point of view when you walk inside Indie-pendent - but I believe you also get a sense of calm and warmth too. She's found her passion and it shows...

Beth likes originality and seeks it out in her selected artisans. Leah Duncan from Austin, Texas is one of my favorite Southern artists. Beth carries a variety of her lovely tea towels, all thoughtfully displayed. 

In Beth's store of pretty things, you'll find lots of inspiration through her selection of goods, artistic displays and love of color. As she explains, "I like to surround myself with colors that make me feel good." 

Beth exudes Southern hospitality. She loves nothing more then helping her customers find the perfect gift. Originally from LaGrange, Georgia, she knows no other policy than an open door, friendly one. A Southern girl through and through, she just shrugs and says, "Its just what we do."

Photos and Content: Sweet Peach 

Florida Girl Seeks Treasure...

If you've been following my blog you know I'm a sucker for mid century design. And anything that's Danish just makes me grin with giddy. Like this set of vintage Danish Fleetwood dinner knives. Curator Kim Roberts of the fabulous Etsy shop, Kibster has scoured and collected for years, curating her favorite items. She lives on a small barrier island in Florida seeking enchanting treasures...sounds fun, yeah? 

You'll find all manner of eye pleasing and unique items for the home in Kim's shop. As she shared with me, "I like to sell items that are well made with a clean, modern design. I also try to focus on carrying classic items that stand the test of time so they can be enjoyed for years." Kim is drawn to designers like Paul McCobb, George Nelson, Hans Wegner and Charles and Ray Eames. 

No matter what happens in my life, I know I'll always love the color turquoise. My appreciation will never fade. This mid century swivel bar stool is constructed with tubular steel and refinished with flat, black paint. The seat is original and in excellent condition... such a great find.

I'm in lust with this mid century sewing table. It has a laminated wood top with a built in lamp and wheels and as Kim shares on her site, "This table could be used for so many things." I want, I want...

Kim displays her goods to showcase their lovely design and the colorful personality they often exude. She explains, "It's nice to add vibrant color to my shop to mix things up and create a fun mood or atmosphere." 

I'm a sucker for cute dishware, particularly the atomic style dessert plates from Taylor Smith & Taylor. See all of Kim's beautifully curated items, all found in the sunny state of Florida, here. And happy vintage shopping...

Photos: Kibster   Content: Sweet Peach