Beardition

During my time overseas working on a tv gig, many of the crew guys grew beards or mustaches- just because it's fun and mixes things up a bit. It's just too bad they didn't have any product, as some of them could of used it.  

Beardition, a small company based in Nashville, would of been the perfect crew gift. The company founder, Mark Williams took a month to hike the Appalachian Trail last year and soon realized the need for a quality facial hair product as his growing scruff took on a life of its own. Back home in Tennessee, he teamed up with his designer friend, Kristin Schleihs to co-found the company and help make Beardition a reality. 

They've done a great job designing and marketing Beardition. It's for manly men who still care about good grooming. 

Beardition products are made from 100% natural products including organic aloe leaf extract, vitamin E, coconut oil, green tea ...with essences of cucumber and mint or bamboo. You can also use the Beard Shampoo and Conditioner atop your head too- so it's practical. I know most men like the sound of that...

Find the complete set of Beardition products here. And happy grooming...

Photos: Beardition      Content: Sweet Peach

New York to Nashville

Danielle Romero of Nashville has a passion for collecting vintage fabric, as well as crafting by hand. In her shop, New York to Nashville, (she's a Northern girl who now lives in the South) you'll find all number of pocket squares she makes from reclaimed fabric. This one may be my favorite- a vintage herringbone chambray.

Since all of her fabrics are of reclaimed vintage stock, Danielle usually has enough material to craft just 4 sets, ensuring a unique product for your pocket. 

Check out Danielle's entire shop here, which includes cufflinks, suspenders and hats. 

Photos: New York to Nashville      Content: Sweet Peach

Nashville Field Guide

I don't want to buy a travel guide. With Google searches that provide instant info on the latest restaurants, shops and hotels, I'd rather hold on to my money and pass on by the travel section in my local bookstore. Unless of course, something new were to came along- something with style and substance that peaks my curiosity and will stay relevant for years to come. That would change everything. 

Georgia native, Taylor Bruce has created a niche in the travel book market with his first independently published field guide, Nashville. As stated on his site, these field guides are "small books with a lot of soul, packed with local lore, interviews, a cultural almanac, vignetted memoirs, a best-of list, hand-drawn maps, and much more." Put another way, it's not your average travel guide.

A lover of essays, I'm quite fond of Taylor's incusion of short stories that showcase the real poetry of a city. It's like having a local take your hand and tell you a story- a story that is significant because it is rooted in place and time. It opens our eyes to a new perspective, which to me, is the most valuable aspect to our travel experiences. 

Points of interest in Taylor's guide have earned their spot on the page. They're the places that have endured and have left a mark in the soil. You need to visit there. 

I particularly like Taylor's Almanac section which features content reflecting the true soul of the city. For Nashville, this includes fried pies, heirloom tomatoes, Johny Cash's creed and, as featured here, songbirds. 

Taylor's next independently published field guide will be Austin, Texas, to be released next month- and you can pre order here. I hope he keeps going, preferably sticking to cities here in the South where we have the best characters, the best soul and the deepest roots. Perhaps I'm biased... or perhaps I just want to visit my local bookstore again, this time stopping at the travel section. 

Photos: Wildsam.com; emilerwin.com    Content: Sweet Peach

The Otis James iPhone Case

I don't think there's a tie that Otis James has made that I don't adore. So it follows suit that his new iPhone cases made in colloboration with Griffin Technology are my new favorite find for the fall. 

Otis, "The two main things I wanted to accomplish was to have something that was beautiful to look at and in itself was kind of a work of art. And then something that was very functional." Otis is equally attracted to the simple, utilitarian fabrics as well as the very fine fabrics so with these cases, you get the best of both. 

Otis has four designs available for a limited time through the Griffin Tech site, here. Such a great xmas gift, don't you think? 

Otis relaxes in his Nashville workshop where he handcrafts ties and hats that I think every man in America should own. I'm a big fan and I do hope to peruse the shop in person very soon. In the meantime, check out all of Otis' handiwork here...

Photos: Otis James/ Griffin Technology   Content: Sweet Peach

Sweet Grass Dairy + Emily G's

I recently had the honor of a special taste testing of Sweet Grass Dairy cheese and Emily G's jams a few weeks back at The Family Dog in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta. For those not yet in the know, Sweet Grass Dairy is situated in southern Georgia and makes incredibly delicious cow's milk cheese. They utilize New Zealand style rotational grazing, as the cows are moved every 12-24 hours to feast on various Georgia grasses.

Their most versatile cheese, the Thomasville Tomme is made in the style of a French mountain Pyreneese Tomme. As stated on their site, "The higher butterfat milk provides this cheese with smooth, rich and buttery characteristics. It's finish is tangy and slightly salty."  

I love to add a little something to cheese and Emily Myers' line of bold and tasty jams bring instant gastronomic happiness. Emily is one of my favorite people in the world, made better by her culinary savviness, witty banter and love of a good cocktail. Her Bold Blue is made with blueberries plus an added kick of chilli pepper, cumin and a touch of cayenne. Bold, sweet, surprising- I'd say that's much like Em herself.

The Georgia Gouda (right) is buttery and creamery and works well served with an Imperial Stout or a big American Porter. The Tomme cheese (left) goes beautifully with a Pale Ale or a glass of Pinot Noir...

I love the Sweet Grass Asher Blue cheese. It has an incredible flavor- part earthy, part sweet. It's distinction lies in its mild finish and is a cheese that must be tried. 

I could feast on cheese and jam all day! A big thank you to Emily, Mat of Sweet Grass and the owners of Family Dog- such a fun outing for an afternoon. Click here to learn more about Sweet Grass and here for Emily's jams, sauces and seasonings.

In honor of cheese, may I suggest you take a trip to Nashville this weekend for their annual Southern Artisan Cheese Festival. Both Emily G's and Sweet Grass will be there, as well as Manyfold Farm, Pine Street Market and a host of others. You'll find over 20 artisanal cheesemakers from the southeast as well as the creators of the South's tastiest chocolate, cured meats, jams, pickles and breads. Sounds like heaven...

Buy tickets here, before they sell out! 

Photos and Content: Sweet Peach  (First pic via Sweet Grass Dairy) 

Anderson Design Group

Joel Anderson loves Nashville. All you have to do is check out his art deco series, Spirit of Nashville to know that. A Southerner through and through, Joel and his team of artists at Anderson Design Group celebrate this great American city by showcasing the best of what Nashville has to offer. This includes Swett's, an iconic Southern food joint that, after over 50 years in existence, is now a cultural landmark. 

Joel and his team have designed over 100 images of Nashville. I realized while perusing them, that together these images serve as an essential guidebook of what to see if you happen upon this Tennessee gem in your travels. Reading his description of Arnold's makes me want to go visit now... "Arnold's is one of the best meat and three restaurants in the South. Everything is fresh and made from scratch daily- served with friendly hospitality." 

I like their Knoxville and Franklin images as well. Franklin is near and dear to my heart. I had two hours to spend there about 5 years ago and I fell in love with the town. I've been wanting to go back ever since. This print reminds me to make that happen...

After the great success Joel had with his Nashville series, he and his team in Tennessee have slowly but surely accumulated a large number of iconic images of various states, cities and national parks throughout America. 

Called Art & Soul in America, the series has so many scrumptious prints it's hard to choose a favorite. If you have an empty wall to fill, you've got lots of options.

The best part about Joel's work is you can just feel the strong connection he has to the South. It's in his bones - a love and appreciation that runs deep and translates into stunning works of art. Which is why his images would be such a perfect addition to any home right here in the US of A. See all of Anderson Design Group's work here. 

Photos: Anderson Design Group    Content: Sweet Peach

Sideshow Sign Co.

I got an email the other day from Jasmin Kaset and her husband Luke Stockdale. They're the creators of Sideshow Sign Co. in Nashville, Tennessee. Jasmin thought their salvaged creations may make a good fit for Sweet Peach and I'd say she's absolutely right on that...

They specialize in throwback prints and light up marquee letters. On first glance you may think their wares are vintage finds but in fact, that's just the inspiration. Luke makes everything himelf. As he states, "Everything I make is carefully aged and expertly wired, made from fine art canvas or salvage wood and bent steel, speed rusted and banged up proper." 

I really love this idea and his prices are great for the meticulous effort he puts into making these. The Eye Exam print it $90 and the Hand Shadow Puppet print is $140. Either would look amazing in a kid's room. 

The great thing is Luke can customize any type of letters you're looking for- with choices on wood and color. I like the idea of a simple word like MILK above the fridge. It' a quick way to add one of a kind style and flair. 

The Twin Brothers print is a 1950's reproduction that I love as a gift idea for a guy's office (who happens to be a twin)...  and it's hard not to love the museum regulation sign. As Luke says, "For hosting those raised in a barn, it may oddly come in handy." 

Custom words and lettering are Luke's specialty. Reliably stylish and fun, the large letters can work well for either your home or business decor. It's Sideshow's 'homage to diner culture and ghost town salvage.' 

We've all seen growth charts in people's homes but I've never seen one quite like this. It's 100% accurate to the measure, made of sturdy canvas and "hung with banged up wooden rods on the top and bottom, giving them the old school room finish." I love, I love... See all of Sideshow's fabulous creations here.

Photos:Sideshow Sign Co.   Content: Sweet Peach

Arboreal Paper

Dana Nappi of the fabulous shop, Peter Nappi in Nashville recently told me to check out the work of her friend, Erin Pfister. Erin designs and produces environmentally friendly paper through her shop, Arboreal Paper. Dana shared, "Erin helps run our studio in Nashville and is an expert in all things beautiful." I'd have to agree...

Erin designs and creates stationery, wrapping paper, gift tags and custom invites. She is committed to sustainability. Printing is done with soy based inks, while the papers and packaging are all 100% recycled material. 

Erin is endlessly inspired by travel as is evident in her variety of gorgeous designs based on recent visits to Italy. As she explains, "The design inspiration for Arboreal comes from traveling and experiencing another culture. The architectural elements found roaming the streets of another country...the textures, patterns and colors found in local markets...the inspiring landscapes to be found abroad."

Her next collection to be released at the National Stationery Show in NYC next month is entitled Recoleta and was inspired by travels to Argentina. (sneak peak above) Buenos Aires is one of my favorite cities, I can't wait to see all her new creations...

A true artist at heart, Erin is always finding and refining design ideas wherever she goes. As she shared, "I adore design. I find inspiration from everyday things like color, textures, fonts and clean, crisp details." 

I especially like her beautifully designed custom work as seen in the above photos. Add the fact that her work is environmentally friendly, it's hard not to be anything but a huge fan. 

Thank you for sharing your stunning work with Sweet Peach Erin. We look forward to seeing where you travel to next...

See all of Erin's lovely designs at arborealpaper.com or visit her Etsy shop, here.  

 Photos: Arboreal Paper, Harwell Photography, Kate Murphy Photography, Mandy Johnson Photography   Content: Sweet Peach

Peter Nappi

Peter Nappi is an Italian handmade shoe company based in Nashville, Tennessee, which so happens to also make stunning leather bags and dry goods. The shop continues the family legacy of Peter Nappi, who was born in Italy in 1887 and learned the craft of boot making before immigrating to the United States at the turn of the Twentieth Century. 

As Dana Nappi recently shared with me, "Our small, limited edition batches feature individual attritubes not available with mass production. The leather is of the highest quality and allows each item to have their own unique character." The lovely pieces above are the Weekender and the Messenger.

This drool worthy laptop sleeve fits up to 15" laptops and it's the kind of bag that makes me love the person who carries it. Isn't it just crazy perfect?  

In accordance with tradition, the Peter Nappi brand is known for their beautifully made shoes. As Dana shared, "Our design inspiration comes from turn of the century work boots- designs reminiscent of generations past, rich with tradition and timelessness." This model is the Stefano, constructed with just one piece of leather. 

Grandson to the late Peter, Phillip Nappi is behind all of the boot designs. The Julius, to the left, is the first boot they offered as well as their current best seller. Phillip was inspired by a pair of work boots he wore for years that were comfortable, functional and well designed. When they were worn to the ground, he looked for a replacement and came up empty. As Dana shared, "He set off to recreate a pair of 'go to' boots right out of the box." To the right is the sturdy and casual Bartolomeo, which features double line stitching with 12 stitches per inch. 

They refer to this one as "the wonder of craftsmanship." Called the Romeo, it is made with just one piece of leather and touted as being "uniquely comfortable." 

My nephew Cameron would love these distressed leather cuffs. To the left is the curved version, to the right, the snap cuff.

And as much as I love a good shoe on a man, the same goes for his wrist watch. These vintage inspired pieces that are battery operated are just so unique and just, I don't know, cool. I want all men to have a watch like this... To the left is the Deco, to the right you'll find the Ancient. 

And come to think of it, a great belt on a man is so good too. At Peter Nappi, they offer a wide and narrow version in black or brown. The one above is their wide belt, made with a double tongue, antique brass buckle. And just because I couldn't help it, I included another bag, the Claudia Tote. This can easily work for men or women and comes in either a zipper or snap version.  

I hope to be in Nashville in the next month or two and will most certainly stop by their gorgeous studio for a visit and a drool. For now, have some fun perusing their site on this lovely, Manly Monday...

Photos: Peter Nappi/ Kristin Barlowe    Content: Sweet Peach

Southern Lights

Adam Gatchel of Nashville, Tennessee is well aware of the power of a great pendant light. His Etsy shop, Southern Lights, is stocked with great finds that can enhance your decor... as well as become mini conversation pieces. 

These are quality made, vintage inspired pendants with the added appeal of an edison bulb. I especially love the above pendant. As Adam explains on his site, "This is a beautiful vintage Hemingray glass insulator used sometime between 1920 and 1950 to protect telegraph and electrical wires." This is the clear version, but he also offers a similar style in blue. 

These pendants have a salvaged cool swagger. I like how they demand attention without having to be the center of attention. Find the Werthan, featured left, here and the Marathon here. 

This is the Hillsboro. As Adam shares, "This simple yet elegant pendant light is a dramatic way to showcase a carbon flamer bulb." Peruse his online shop to see all his illuminating pieces. And know that he is happy to customize orders as well, just drop him a line. Thanks Adam. 

 Photos: Southern Lights   Content: Sweet Peach