Have you been to Milk & Honey in Chattanooga? If not, I’d say you should hop in the car and head to Chattanooga, TN. immediately. But guess what? They are coming to Nashville!
Milk & Honey is a sweet shop created by the restaurateurs, Mike and Taylor Monen (owners of Taco Mamacita). Known for “where pure gelato, craft coffee and fresh fruit popsicles are made from scratch daily”. Aka, where one goes to find heavenly dessert bliss. If sugar and caffeine are not your thing (crazy talk, I know), they also have a divine breakfast and lunch menu that will make your taste-buds swoon. Locals, and myself included, rave about the Farmhouse Biscuit – M&H breakfast sausage, Benton’s bacon, tomato jam, egg, arugula, white cheddar, caramelized onions and shallots on a homemade buttermilk biscuit.
And don’t get me started on the handmade, locally grown gelato. The Counter Culture coffee is so good, it’s sinful. Everything at M&H is made in-house, using as many local ingredients as possible, and the menu rotates seasonally.
One of my favorite things about this little shop, besides their incredible desserts, is the décor. A warm mixture of classic and modern styles, with a dash of humor. Upon entry, you are met with “Order here, honey!” in vintage typography. The cheery space is lined with retro bar stools, high-back booths and penny tile, reminiscent of an old-fashioned soda shop but with a twist.
I won’t forget the first time I stepped into M&H. I was immediately welcomed by the southern charm and delightful energy. I grinned from ear to ear as I glanced around – sleek furnishings, an indoor/outdoor bar, vivid high-contrast colors and not a single piece of barn-wood in sight. Yes, I said it. You know it’s true, the rustic-industrial epidemic needs to end. It’s for this very reason, I crushed on M&H so quickly. They were quite clever in how they introduced farm-to-table in their design while retaining a space that is both contemporary and chic. It’s a refreshing aesthetic, and I can’t wait to have one in Nashville.
So when and where is the big question, right? Milk & Honey Nashville will open in Summer of 2016 in the Gulch. Originally slated for spring of this year on Church street, the Monen’s decided to move to the Gulch for a larger space and open at a later time. The Nashville location will be three times larger than the one in Chattanooga, as it will serve as a restaurant and gelato shop. The Monen’s finalized a deal to open their Milk & Honey concept in a roughly 5,000-square-foot space at 214 11th Ave. S. in MarketStreet Enterprises’ new Gulch Crossing building.
For those of you who cannot wait a year, make that trip to Chattanooga. The drive is so worth it!
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It’s summer and all I can think about is throwing lots of parties with my dear friends. And when there is a party, there should always be dessert. The wonderful homemade, melt in your mouth, making memories kind of desserts.
All week I have been dreaming about fluffy cakes with fresh cream and fruit, ice cream swirling with berries, sorbets that make your mouth pucker and popsicles that bring reprieve from the hot sun. What is it about summer that has us craving for decadent sugary goodness? Maybe it’s the giggles that pair with each delicious bite. Or maybe, it’s the ease that drifts in after sharing sweet confections with a friend. Whatever the reason, it’s the season for sweets and sunshine. And I am pretty damn happy about it.
My favorite dessert books are Lomelino’s Cakes and Lomelino’s Ice Cream by Swedish dessert blogger Linda Lomelino. Her desserts are so good it’s almost absurd! The books are full of breathtakingly beautiful photos, easy to read recipes and delicious sweets that will have you singing from the rooftops. If you are looking for inspiration, look no further. Lomelino and her decadent desserts will take your ordinary day to something quite special.
Lomelino’s Cakes: 27 Pretty Cakes to Make Any Day Special by Linda Lomelino
” Learn step-by-step how to decorate with frosting, stack multiple layers, create perfect ganache, and make the most of seasonal ingredients. Be inspired to layer your cakes with fresh fruit, top with fresh flowers, slather with buttercreams, and even play with color, ombré style.”
Lomelino’s Ice Cream: 79 Ice Creams, Sorbets, and Frozen Treats to Make Any Day Sweet by Linda Lomelino
“Lomelino’s Ice Cream is your guide to all things sweet, creamy, icy, indulgent, and homemade. Learn to make sinfully smooth ice creams, cool sorbets, and chunky-nutty-chocolaty frozen treats; not to mention ice-cream cakes, floats, sauces, meringues, and crumbles to top it all off.”
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Photo Credit: Ted Baker London
Need an inspiration pick-me-up? Here’s a collection of Summer Pinterest finds I created for 12th and Broad earlier this month. From exotic hotels in Panama to tulip fields in Holland, this collection will awaken your senses and have you planning multiple summer vacations. Enjoy!
Tatler UK Balloons by Luis Monteiro
Recently I stumbled upon a photoshoot by Tatler Magazine and photographer, Luis Monteiro. The composition and colors in these photos are quite stunning – they are the essence of summer bliss, European excursions and care-free fashion. I’m thinking oversize balloons is a must for my next party.
Alfred Coffee
Who is Alfred? Alfred is a delightful coffee shop in Melrose, California. The ultra-chic café is in a renovated 1925 ballroom-dance facility. The design of the space is warm, yet striking with its high-contrast colors of black, white and turquoise. This is where the cool kids go to be seen, and to find some serious inspiration.
American Trade Hotel – Panama
A collaboration of Ace Hotel and Commune Design, the American Trade Hotel is an elegant mixture of mid-century designs and classic styles of Panama. The hotel sits in the town’s main square Plaza Herrera, and looks as though it has been there for centuries. An incredible example of innovative design and historical preservation.
Park Residence – Palm Springs
Park Residence is a contemporary mid-century style home with a sexy exterior – black and white with bold notes of saffron yellow, and lush tropical plants. This home has curb appeal that likely has the whole neighborhood in envy.
Jalapeno Watermelon
“Fresh, sweet watermelon puree, lime juice, Triple Sec, and jalapeno-infused tequila make these Jalapeno Watermelon Margaritas super summery and delightful.” Yes please! This is going to be my go-to drink this summer. Spicy, sweet, refreshing and enough alcohol to forget your daily woes.
Lombardi House
One of my favorite event spaces that I follow on Instagram. A beautiful Victorian farmhouse in the heart of Hollywood, California. Oh the events that take place here! Each one more splendid than the last. An all-white space with simple industrial black fixtures, lots of windows and lovely architecture.
Iris Apfel
Who doesn’t love Iris? This woman has been charming the world for decades with her iconic style and care-free attitude. I adore all her crazy colors and patterns, but her tropical blue attire in the One Kings Lane feature, has me smitten. Her documentary, Iris, is currently playing at the Belcourt. Don’t miss it!
Mid-century Renovation – Portland
A brilliant 1950’s Portland home renovated to its original glory. Multiple windows and doors, allowing nature and the interior to be one unifying space. One of my favorite features of this home is the use of dark paint on the exterior. The dark color is a striking contrast to the natural elements surrounding the home, and showcases the architecture beautifully.
Tulip Fields – Holland
Bri Emery has been on a six week inspiration vacation in Europe. She’s scouring various cities for new ideas, products, designs and an overall refresh of the mind. One of my favorite photos thus far is the tulip fields in Holland. Follow her travels here.
Top 10 Green Plants for the Body and Soul
Norwegian blogger Marianne de Bourg, gives great tips on how indoor plants can help you have a healthier home. She provides 10 excellent plants that are both beautiful and beneficial to your health.
Taroudant Morocco – The Colors of A French Designers House
Layers of dusty pinks, blush, peachy-cream and vibrant shades of verdant green, all under one roof. This home pairs these colors in way that almost seems magical. An exotic mixture of Moroccan and French designs that is quite captivating.
Threefold Restaurant – Melbourne
A distinctively charming restaurant that emphasizes servery and fresh food in their design concept. The restaurant has a wonderful mixture of eat-in kitchen and high-style café, creating a warm and inviting environment. Simple, yet decadent – the perfect place to spend an entire afternoon.
How to Compost
I know what you are thinking. How can composting be inspiring? Pretty Handy Girl has a darling blog post on how and why you should compost. The post is so cute, you’ll likely forget that she is talking about garbage and worms.
DIY Vanilla Orange Mint Sugar Scrub
A delicious concoction of summer scents that remind creator, Ashley Rose, of a blissful day in Hawaii. Not only is the recipe divine, her photos are equally luscious. Excellent prop-styling that evokes summer in the tropics. I especially love the combination of the vivid orange, pinks and greens with the soft off-white sugar scrub.
Alys Beach Home by Dungan Nequette
Have you been to Alys Beach? If you haven’t, you are most definitely missing out. Located on the magnificent 30A of the gulf coast, Alys Beach is a gorgeous all-white planned community with stunning architecture and landscapes. One of my favorite homes in this area is the home designed by the talented Dungan Nequette. It’s breathtakingly beautiful with its grand Bermudan exterior and luxurious interior details. Click through the photos and be prepared to be wowed.
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Photo Credit: Peter J. Cohen and Piper Weiss
Mothers are our heroes – the ultimate champions who forge ahead without hesitation, fight battles that are not their own, sacrifice their personal needs so that we may flourish, and their love runs so deep it impossible to describe. These incredibly strong women give greatly every day. So, on May 10th, give the mom in your life a day of extra love and pampering. Make her breakfast in bed (don’t forget the dishes!), send her to the spa, or simply give her the day off. And most importantly, give her a gift that says “Thank You”. She’s definitely earned it.
MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE:
1. Snapshots of Dangerous Women by Peter J. Cohen
For all the cheeky mama’s out there that live adventurously and break social rules, this book is for you. “For the awesomely daring women in our lives comes the perfect gift: a jewel of a book that collects vintage candid snapshots of women enjoying unconventional activities. There are women swigging booze out of a bottle, boxing, playing pick-up football, smoking, or shooting arrows or guns—incongruous and playful behavior, all the while often performed in lovely dresses.“
2. My Mom, Style Icon by Piper Weiss
Beautiful book! “This book features 200 color photographs from decades past of moms showing us how it’s done. A perfect gift for mothers, daughters, and style mavens, My Mom, Style Icon is an entertaining celebration of the very first—and most important—style icon in a young woman’s life.”
3. Julianna Bag by Ceri Hoover
A Ceri Hoover bag is likely what every mom would love to have toting around. The Juliana is the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. Defined as the market tote concept, chic delivery. Lined with interior zip pocket. Smooth black/camel or natural.
4. Mother’s Day Macaron Box by Utterly at Hey Rooster General Store
As a macaron snob, I can tell you that Utterly’s macarons are the real deal. Local pastry chef, Mayme Gretsch, has mastered this delightful Parisian dessert to pure perfection. The Earl Grey + Vanilla is my favorite, and I believe that’s what heaven must taste like. Hey Rooster General Store has partnered with Gretsch for Mother’s Day – order the delicious Mother’s Day Box online and pick-up at the shop.
5. Gold Organic-Shape Earrings by Anita Schmadtke Designs
Anita Schmadtke has introduced gold into her jewelry line. And the results are exquisite! The gold organic shape earrings are a definite show stopper that will have any woman swooning. You can also find Anita’s jewelry in East Nashville at Art & Invention or in Edgehill Village at Kore.
6. 1969 Perfume by Histoires de Parfume
“The carnal sensuality of a voluptuous bunch of spices. In the trail of this oriental gourmand, mystery is tinted with eroticism that the mythical year of 1969 evokes without a blush.” I carried this perfume at Nest years ago, and I am still obsessed. The most decadent, sensual scent I have ever come across. It’s intoxicating. And if that doesn’t say enough, it also happens to be Angelina Jolie’s favorite scent as of late.
7. Mother’s Day Gift Box by Simone LeBlanc
“The ultimate relaxing and renewing experience and it’s all for her.” Each box includes: Los Poblanos Fresh Lavender Lotion, Los Poblanos Lavender Honey Soap Bar, Los Poblanos La Rosa Soap Bar, Los Poblanos Lavender Salve, Los Poblanos Organic Bath Salts, Norden Hand Thrown Ceramic Soy Candle, Creative Women Hand Woven Bath Sheet and a Baudelaire Natural Sea Sponge.
8. Hardcover Photo Book by Artifact Uprising
Photos of loved ones are always a good Mother’s Day gift. And a book chock-full of memories is even better. A premium quality photo book, custom bound in fabric, and designed by you.
9. Halo Necklace by Consider the Wldflwrs
It’s the little things that say I love you. “Hammered and heavenly.This necklace is a perfect reminder of the love you have for that special someone.A halo of gold dangling on a 22″ chain is the charm of this necklace.”
10. Marble & Wood Cheese Board by Terrain
Beautiful marble and natural mango wood designed to be a timeless addition to your party décor. The clean lines are classic with a dash of playfulness – fitting for any home.
11. Learn to Knit Kit by Purl Soho
There is something so fulfilling about using your hands and creating something that you can wear. This is a great gift for someone wanting to learn how to knit. Inside each kit you will find 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, a pair of birch knitting needles, a yarn needle for finishing and an Instruction Booklet.
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Much apologies for the lack of posts this week. I have family visiting, and I have not mastered the concept of working from home with house guests (especially when I’m having too much fun). Anyways, if you missed my 12th & Broad piece last week, here’s a chance to catch up. Enjoy lots of fun decor ideas for spring parties.
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Spring has finally sprung! And, all I want to do is throw an outdoor party. For the last few weeks Nashville has experienced warmer days, lots of sunshine and gorgeous crisp air. After the crazy winter weather we had last month, this change in season is greatly welcomed.
This weekend is Good Friday and Easter (aka Passover), and whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it’s a great time to celebrate the new season with friends and family. After being cooped up all winter, I think entertaining al fresco is a must. Dining outside is pretty much my favorite way to entertain. The atmosphere is casual, everyone is at ease and there is no rush to leave – exactly how sharing a meal with your loved ones should be.
Photo via Kinfolk and Pinterest
Below are a few décor tips on how to throw a great spring party. Instead of going with the same style, year after year, try something new. I guarantee your friends and family will appreciate the new look.
COLOR PALETTE
DON’T: Please, for the love of all that is holy, back away from the elementary hallmark pink, yellow and blue that is used every year for spring décor. Back away! Leave those childish colors to the Easter baskets.
DO: Apricot, Tangerine, Blush, Coral, Lucite Green and Sage.
These colors are fresh and flirty. Still whimsical, but modern and grown-up.
Photos via Pinterest
TABLE DÉCOR
DON’T: Since we are on the topic of childish décor, let’s leave the bunnies, baby chicks, and little lambs to the kiddos as well. There is no need for a giant plastic rabbit to ever be incorporated in your decor, nor a faux grass runner on your dining table, or cheap throw away signs that tell everyone spring has arrived. Just don’t.
DO: Keep the décor simple, fresh and let nature be your inspiration. There is no need for imitation, use the real deal and the results are timeless and beautiful. Flowers and greenery, seasonal fruit, handmade place cards, pretty linens and nice dinnerware is all you need. Simple is always better.
Photo via Burnetts Boards and Ruffled Blog
FLOWERS
DON’T: Tulips and daffodils are beautiful but they are not the only flowers growing in the spring flower bed. There are numerous varieties, in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes. Do not limit your décor to two types of flowers because they are the poster-child of spring.
DO: Choose a sunny citrus floral arrangement with lots texture. Instead of the traditional single-variety tulip, create a mixed variety of florals in shades of dusty oranges, coral pinks and sage-greens. The colors are stunning together and will be perfect for a spring table. 
Photos via SF Girl by the Bay and Brit + Co
COCKTAILS + DESSERT
Whether you are hosting an intimate brunch or a traditional Easter lunch, always have cocktails and dessert. These two items on the menu are what make a party, well, a party. They make a lot of smiles, and they bring a festive element to the décor.
DON’T: Mimosa bars have had their fun but it’s time to try something new.
DO: Try a delicious Guava Sangria with a Touch of Sage, Honey Paloma, French 75 (similar to a mimosa, but so much better)
Photos via SB Chic, Design Love Fest and PDX Food Love
DON’T: Overly sugary sweet desserts in bright (chemically dyed) colors.
DO: Try a lightly sweetened but decadent dessert, like an orange sherbet cake, a naked strawberry shortcake or mandarin orange tea cookies.
Photos via Design Love Fest Pinterest Boards
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