DOVETAIL: CRAFTED SOUTHERN CUISINE
As I'm sure you've figured out by now, I love Macon. And I love good food. So when Dovetail opened downtown, Haley and I were knocking down the door to taste-test their seasonal menu sourced by 20+ purveyors, most of which can be found at The Mulberry Market. We teamed up with several vendors, including Southern Vintage and Lawrence Mayer, to photograph "Lovely & Local," a stylized shoot focused on farm-to-table. Check it out below!
Quick about: The Moonhanger Group’s Dovetail has quickly established itself as one of Macon’s most critically-acclaimed restaurants. Located in the center of a quickly re-emerging downtown district, Dovetail serves uniquely crafted, southern cuisine. With dishes inspired by seasonal availability and traditional southern fare, their chefs use their expertise to highlight character and flavor, creating an experience that is familiar to any southern dinner table, yet re-imagined in a rustic and sophisticated dining room that tips its cap to the strong agrarian history of the South. The restaurant has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, and has received Opentable.com “Diners Choice Awards” for Most Booked in Macon, and American Cuisine in Georgia.
All images (c) Haley Sheffield Photography
THE MULBERRY MARKET
It's officially farmers market season! Haley and I are so excited to bring you a two-part farm-to-table post this week. As you may have read in our ABOUT section, I began my public relations career at a small non-profit that helped cultivate an organic, producer-only farmers market in Macon, Georgia. The shoot below was a fabulous collaboration between several vendors with the intention of encouraging folks to shop locally and eat seasonally. The Mulberry Market, located in downtown Macon, has grown tremendously since its inception in 2011. The market even offers a 2 to 1 dollar matching program for EBT benefits through Wholesome Wave Georgia. We invite you to check out the market which runs every Wednesday from 3:30-6 PM at Tattnall Square Park! (Farm info available by clicking photos // all photos courtesy of Haley Sheffield Photography).
2015 TOUR OF KITCHENS
Last weekend we received a behind the scenes look at the Tour of Kitchens, presented by the Junior League of Atlanta. The tour, entering its 18th year, features a view into 14 of Atlanta’s finest residential kitchens with demos from local culinary artists, including PeachDish, The Spence and Farm Burger, to name a few. The two-day event has raised more than one million dollars since its beginning to aid the Junior League of Atlanta, with a membership of nearly 3,500, to carry out its mission towards community initiatives benefiting women and children at risk.
Rebecca Mayo, JLA member and self-proclaimed foodie, sat down with us to talk all things community!
Tell us your name: Rebecca Mayo
Hometown + current city: I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Fla. but have since moved to Atlanta. I like to refer to myself as a peachy resident from the sunshine state.
JLA experience: Being a Junior League member has been one of my favorite activities and has taught me so much about this community. Initially, I joined the League to meet new people and explore ways to volunteer in the area. My time as a provisional lead to my placement on the 2015 Tour of Kitchens committee, which serves as one of JLA’s largest fundraisers. The Tour of Kitchens was where I found my niche! Getting to work with women that have the same passions and interests was extremely rewarding, as well as getting to meet many of ATL’s top designers. The event has raised more that one million dollars since inception, and has helped so many women and children as a result of its success.
What is your favorite thing to do in ATL? I love to try new restaurants in different neighborhoods around the city. There are so many eclectic spots! 1Kept in Buckhead and Paper Plane in Decatur are two of my favorites. Ford Fry’s restaurants are also at the top of my list. Another thing I like to do is simply walk around my neighborhood and the West Paces area and look at the beautiful, Southern architecture that has been around for years. It’s beautiful!
Personal mantra: “Design A Life You Love”
Pick a Superfood: The ‘Spinach Slam’ from Arden’s Garden is dangerously good.
Favorite form of exercise: I am smitten with Barre and FlyWheel, but nothing beats a run through Chastain Park after a long day.
MIDWIFERY STUDY: STERLING KITCHENS
In keeping with the theme of this month's pregnancy posts, we wanted to spotlight our fine-feathered friend, Sterling, a student of midwifery and an all-around badass chick. With her extensive knowledge about women's health and wellness as well as good coffee, she knocked our Q&A out of the park. Check out her responses below + our stylized shoot to showcase her inner and outer beauty.
Tell us your name: Sterling Kitchens
Hometown + Current city: Everywhere and Macon, Georgia
Profession: Holistic full spectrum doula/student of midwifery
Inspiration: I am an advocate for sexual and reproductive health. I vehemently believe in a woman’s right to choose regardless of where that choice falls on the spectrum. I came to midwifery as a platform to support women with unbiased and evidence-based information as they encounter these decisions. I’ve witnessed pregnancy, labor, and birth to be such a powerful and sacred state it seems odd to automatically pair it with allopathic and paternalistic medicine. The full spectrum of reproductive rights belongs in the hands and bellies of women.
Current practice: I am currently attending Birthwise Midwifery School. My education and clinical apprenticeships will prepare me to attend homebirths of women with low-risk pregnancies. I will be graduating in a year or so and upon graduation; I will sit before a national board and apply for my license to become a certified professional midwife (CPM). I hope to create a small practice with a sister midwife.
Describe yourself in one word: "Lithe,” as suggested from a kind friend.
What makes you tick? Equality. Community. Sharing a French press. Vulnerability. Predictable jokes.
Personal mantra or quote: Assume positive intent.
Favorite form of release or hobby: Bath time all the time.
Pick a Superfood: Garlic!
Best indulgence: IPAs and coffee… but not together.
Trend you are loving: My new year’s resolution is to revisit what “sustainability” means in my life, specifically my relationship with food. For the past couple of years I have been trending toward whole foods, prepared simply, and shared with good people…I’d like to continue that: eating intimately.
Favorite form of exercise: I recently joined The Compound in Macon. It is such a supportive community. We do interval training; sometimes it makes me want to cuss, but my thighs thank me for it.
Holistic health to you: For me holistic health is self-care that I am forever growing toward. It’s recognizing and acknowledging the relationship of my mental, physical, and emotional health is directly influenced by what I engage and indulge in.
FINE FEATHERED FRIEND: SUSANNAH
At IFF, our mission is to showcase the movers, shakers and makers in health throughout Georgia. Our friend Susannah Maddux, founder of Goods Public Relations and an instructor at Hometown Yoga, is one of those said shakers. The thing we love most about Susannah is her authenticity -- from her work as Macon's biggest cheerleader to her passion for public health -- she is truly a bright light to everyone she encounters! Read below about her love for yoga, Macon (did we mention it's Cherry Blossom season) and soon-to-be motherhood.
Tell us your name: Susannah Maddux, Founder of Goods Public Relations + yoga instructor at Hometown Yoga.
Hometown + Current city: Monroe, NC / Macon, GA
Inspiration for managing your own biz? For myself: My first boss Allison Beale, my sister, and all the women in the world who wake up every day and change the world. For others: Be flexible and eager to learn from others; ask for help; collaborate often; find a mentor; create and know your team of support; learn from failure; reinvent when necessary; laugh at yourself; show gratitude to others; make time to let go and nourish your creativity; try things.
What is the goal of your company? Short: To get in on and share a good thing when I spot it. Long: To promote and tell the story of small business, brand, or cause via thoughtful, detail-oriented efforts.
What makes you tick: Serving others, collaboration to create good, diversity and inclusiveness, brilliant design, grand vision with obvious fruits, faith, yoga, thoughtful PR, beautiful music, preserving history, storytellers and their stories, artists and their art, selfless people, passionate people, the pursuit of a perfect playlist, NYC, travel, good coffee, shiny things.
Mantra: No day but today.
Best indulgence: Dark chocolate, red wine, a book + a bath… and the occasional new handbag or Alexis Bittar earring.
Health trend you are loving: The local + real food movement.
Describe yourself in one word: Lively!
Preferred pose: Currently: all hip openers. For life: Backbends and Savasana.
How has practicing yoga influenced you? I've been practicing for ten years. Yoga gives me better breath, more space, and releases worry. It makes me shake it out and feel less crazy. It is an absolute must.
What is your go-to source for pregnancy info? What to Expect When You’re Expecting and my mom + sister guidebook.
What moment are you most looking forward to as a mother? Giving more love.
LIFT. TONE. BURN.
Have you been to the barre lately? The past few years, the ballet body has made a resurgence and rightly so due to the rigorous but results-driven workout behind it. Pure Barre is a total body workout that utilizes the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements which proves to be one of the fastest, most effective ways to change your body. But beyond the trend, we wanted to learn more about all that PB can offer. Read below for the interview with our friend, Whitney Berry, owner at Pure Barre Macon.
Tell us your name:
Whitney Berry
Inspiration for starting your own biz?
My Dad is a small business owner and from an early age, it has always been my dream to own my own business. Having the opportunity to see him have a positive effect on the lives of others, both clients and employees, was something I always admired and wanted to bring to others one day.
What is the goal of the company?
My goal with Pure Barre Macon from the beginning has been to create a fitness center that was not just about the workout, but to create a sense of family where everyone could feel welcome and be challenged to reach personal goals for themselves while bringing a great sense of well-being.
Personal mantra:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty and find the best in others; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived-- this is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Pick a superfood:
Avocados!
Health trend you are loving:
Regular Massages
Favorite form of exercise:
Pure Barre is my absolute favorite form of exercise! I was born with a joint condition that has caused me to undergo two shoulder surgeries and limited my ability to do some workouts. When I found Pure Barre I was immediately in love, because it was the most challenging workout I had ever done. With only slight modifications I was able to complete the full workout. My love for Pure Barre began just over two years ago and I can honestly say I have never once been bored during a workout and they have not become any easier, if anything they become more challenging the longer I do them, because I have gained a better understanding of my own body and know how to push myself to achieve maximum results.
Preferred pose:
All thighs. I still find my shakes in every class!
Best piece of advice received during your pregnancy:
Stay active. It truly affects your physical and mental well-being during pregnancy. And fingers crossed will make delivery and recovery much easier as well!
VIRGINIA WILLIS: LIGHTEN UP, Y'ALL
This week at Cook's Warehouse in Atlanta, we were privileged to meet Ms. Virginia Willis, one of the most popular and respected voices on Southern cooking, for the launch of her new book. She is the author of Bon Appétit, Y'all; Basic to Brilliant, Y'all; Okra; and Grits. Her latest work, Lighten Up, Y'all, celebrates the healthy and wholesome side of Southern fare (read more in her bio here.)
After savoring several pages of her brilliant and beautiful recipes for inspiration, we are most excited to try the recipe below for Makeover Broccoli Mac and Cheese!
Serves 10
1 cup shredded 50 percent reduced-fat extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
¾ cup shredded 75 percent reduced-fat extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
2 tablespoons panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
1¾ cups 2 percent milk
3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
½ teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces (2 cups) whole wheat elbow macaroni
12 ounces (4 cups) broccoli florets and stems
Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Coat an 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the two cheeses. Mix ¼ cup of the cheese mixture, the bread crumbs, and paprika in a small bowl. Set aside.
To make the cheese sauce, heat 1½ cups of the milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until simmering. Whisk remaining ¼ cup milk and the flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1½ cups of the cheese mixture and the cottage cheese until melted. Stir in the dry mustard, and nutmeg, and add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain well and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread the pasta-broccoli mixture in the prepared baking dish; sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.
Calories 182 Fat 4 g Protein 14 g Carbs 24 g Fiber 3 g.
Photos via virginiawillis.com.
HUGH ACHESON: RECIPE FOR CHANGE
As you may or may not know, I work in school nutrition for the state of Georgia and Haley is a professional photographer. Both of us, through our work, are able to travel and explore unique opportunities to meet influential leaders within our industries. This month I was honored to sit down with restaurateur, author and Top Chef Judge, Hugh Acheson, during the Georgia Organics Conference in Athens, Georgia.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Hugh Acheson is the chef/partner of the Athens restaurants; Five & Ten, The National, the Atlanta restaurant Empire State South, and the Savannah restaurant The Florence.
His cookbook titled A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen, won the James Beard Foundation award for Best Cookbook in the field of "American Cooking" in 2012. Read below for our interview on what he has to say about better farms and flavors in Georgia.
On the Farm-to-Table Movement:
We’re in a farm-rich environment in Georgia – how do we celebrate that? I want to celebrate the farmers by having them harvest beautiful produce that we actually consume, in both our homes and restaurants. We’re at the point where farm-to-table is a co-optable term – it can be used for marketing and it can resound as not very true most of the time. We’ve never actually marketed the restaurants as farm-to-table. Instead we’ve just always walked the walk, rather than talk the talk. We support our local environment the best we can, every day. It’s what we do.
On Farm to School:
Georgia is doing a great job of implementing the farm-to-school program – we have definitely made great strides but unfortunately school lunch is not something that can change overnight. The important thing is to keep moving forward and to keep making progress. There is more of an interest in food policy than there was ten years ago, which is good, but there is still a ton of work to be done.
On re-thinking Home Economics:
The idea is this: for a long time, home economics was very gender-specific and focused on how to maintain a home. Simultaneously, over the past few decades, we have become accustomed to the concept of convenience, i.e. soup in a can, frozen dinners, etc., which infiltrated our culture and our lifestyle. There is an entire generation that has almost lost the art of cooking. So my goal, as a father of a 10 and a 12-year-old, is to help reshape the requirements for family and consumer sciences. Let's equip children who will turn in to college students who then turn in to working adults, to be able to prepare their own meals and have basic life skills. By teaching these skills, we’re going to make a big threat to the 'happy meal' – and that’s the end goal. (Read more here)
TEN UNDER TEN
Haley and I have been friends for over ten years (do we get an award?) which means we share a few commonalities + a few differing traits. Even though one of us (ahem, Haley) is a product junkie, I on the other hand like to find my beauty staples and stick to 'em (classic case of FOMO vs. Fear of Change.) Thankfully we both share the gift of thriftiness. Recently we began making the slow but sure switch to DIY or locally-sourced products (COCONUT OIL ON EVERYTHING!) But, let's be honest, sometimes you just need a grab and go store-bought back-up. So, below I have gathered our fav bargain beauty buys -- ten tried and true items under ten dollars that can all be purchased at your local drugstore or drugstore.com. What are some of your best-kept beauty secrets?
Neutrogena Naturals Cleanser // MARVIS Toothpaste // J.R. Watkins Body Scrub (under $10 at Publix) // Shea Moisture Body Bar // MOP Mint & Basil Shampoo // Burt's Bees Hand Crème // OGX Hair Mask // Nourish Deodorant // Smith's Rosebud Salve // Not pictured: Spectrum Coconut Oil
KALE ME CRAZY
As relatively new residents of Atlanta, specifically in Old Fourth Ward (or O4W for all the cool kids), one of the best indoctrinations as city-dwellers is exploring the Beltline. While we will save this subject for a lengthier post in the future, it's important to note that the Beltline is not just a walking trail but a hub for small business. At IFF our go-to shop is Kale Me Crazy (or KMC of course), a cold-pressed juice bar.
And just know we're not the only ones in love. USA Today named Kale Me Crazy the NUMBER ONE juice bar in the country in 2013!
In their own words, Kale Me Crazy is more than just an upscale juice bar – it’s a destination that’s here to support your healthy lifestyle. They believe in better health and well-being through the use of fresh, organic, and raw foods.
KMC runs the gamut of juicing-health by offering shots, smoothies, frappes, and of course, cleansing packages. In addition, they serve up healthy raw eats such as their ultimate superfood breakfast, the Acai bowl.
We cannot get enough of their menu but check out a few of our favorite items below:
RUN #LIKEAGIRL
ICYMI the #LIKEAGIRL Super Bowl XLIX ad, brought to us by Always, topped Twitter during Sunday's big game. The ad was smart, effective and empowering which is why it serves as the perfect inspiration for today's post on running.
Neither Haley or myself consider ourselves runners (light joggers, if you will) but there is some scientific magic behind the fact that I will always push a mile longer on my treadmill and/or Atlanta's beautiful Beltline when I'm sporting attractive activewear.
Along with cute clothes ('cause again, science) the right routine + music can make or break your stride. After scouring Pinterest, I stumbled upon this gem a year ago -- Self Magazine's Treadmill Mixup. It's my go-to cardio routine and can easily be modified to fit your running needs.
Lastly, we both rely on the 8tracks app for gym mode mood-setting, but we decided to create an IFF-approved workout playlist to get you (and your booty) groovin'. Just know in advance, there's a lot of Queen Bey. Play on.
Pants: Nike // Tank: Victoria Secret // Sports Bra: H&M // Shoes: J.Crew // Earbuds: Urban Outfitters // Bottle: Kleen Kanteen // iPhone Case: Melody Joy Designs
MERAKI BOTANICALS
At IFF, we love to promote healthy, safe, natural products. We also love to promote small business which is why we could not be more thrilled to feature our fine-feathered friend, Jennifer Odom of Meraki Botanicals. We originally met Jennifer in Macon, Georgia when she launched her online Etsy store. She has since moved to the beautiful city of Tacoma, Washington but continues to sell styling + grooming products at The Gentry in downtown Macon. Her line can also be found on UrbanOutfitters.com (fancy!) Whether you have already made the switch to all natural ingredients or are just beginning, Meraki Botanicals is the perfect line to add to your collection.
QUICK ABOUT: Meraki Botanicals is handcrafted, plant-based goods for skin, hair and body. The products are mindfully sourced with all natural, (mostly) local ingredients to bring you exquisite body care straight from the Earth. All products contain no artificial colors, no synthetic fragrances, no parabens, no unnatural preservatives and are tested on friends + family, never on animals! SPECIAL NOTE: IFF readers will receive a 10% discount with code: LOVEIFF from 1-27 through 1-31!
Name + City: Jennifer Odom, Founder of Meraki Botanicals. Recently moved from Georgia to Washington.
Inspiration for your business? My main goal is to create safe, all natural products that smell great and feel amazing on your body. I want people to know there are other options besides the weird chemical stuff. I've been making products for my own use in my kitchen for quite a while. I feel much safer and more in control so I want to offer that to others!
Form of release: Yoga, biking, snuggling my pups, walking around town with a coffee.
Pick a Superfood: Raw spinach + nuts, totally.
Favorite form of exercise: Yoga! I started practicing when I was 12 but have consistently practiced the past 5 years.
Favorite yoga pose? Pigeon!
Quote or Mantra: "Don't think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It's self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can't try to do things. You must simply do things."
- Ray Bradbury
{Meraki Botanicals can be found on Etsy and at Urban Outfitters. Images from Urban Outfitters.}
INFUSED WATER RECIPES
January: The season of resolution and an opportune time to set small goals (alongside your big ones) to celebrate victories along the way. When we came across The Everygirl's 30 Days of Hydration Challenge, we knew that would be the perfect, simple way to make a small stride towards a healthier us in the first month of this new year!
Here are a few of our favorite infused water recipes:
1. WATERMELON + BLUEBERRIES + LEMON THYME
We love the way this recipe floats at different levels in the bottle, doubling as an eye-pleasing display! We recommend adding the blueberries first, then the watermelon, then the lemon thyme. If you're going for a less subtle flavor, we recommend slicing or smashing the blueberries, and crushing the lemon thyme a bit to release more of its taste and smell.
2. LEMON + LAVENDER
Simple and soothing. If you prefer to have more of a lemon taste, squeeze then place your lemons into the bottle. We recommend you crush the lavender as well to make sure it doesn't get lost in the lemon!
3. GRAPEFRUIT + CUCUMBER + MINT
This was our favorite of the three! If you've ever tried it, you know it's a flavorful and refreshing way to stay hydrated. The benefits of adding grapefruit + mint are endless, but include getting a good fill of antioxidants -- boosting metabolism and aiding in disease prevention. Plus it just makes for a gorgeous bottle display and you are what you eat, right?
Original Post On: Carmen Johnston Gardens, Images by: Haley Sheffield
HOMETOWN YOGA
Macon's health and wellness scene has recently come alive with more farm-to-table restaurant options, a producers-only farmers' market, locally-owned health food stores and a handful of yoga studios to boot. The new kids on the block, Hometown Yoga, set themselves apart by offering unique sessions such as Shake Your Asana, Hot Method and even Toddler Yoga. Owners, Rachel Gerrity and Ashley Dunwody, are a true inspiration - on and off the mat. Their passion and talent make them a dynamic duo + the perfect #GirlsBoss team to take on an IFF Q&A!
QUICK ABOUT: Hometown Yoga’s mission is to foster a vibrant, lively and diverse yoga community in Macon. We strive to do so by bringing you the best teachers in the area who are committed to teaching classic yogic principles and alignment in a manner that is accessible and relevant to all people. We are named Hometown Yoga because we are committed to the value of community. We are a community that supports one another, strengthens one another and works to make one another shine.
Co-Owner, Ashley Dunwody, in Upward Facing Dog Pose.
Tell us your name:
Rachel Gerrity and Ashley Dunwody, Owners of Hometown Yoga. We were both born and raised in Macon, Georgia and after living in different parts of the country, we are excited to be back in our hometown!
Inspiration for starting your own biz?
We were teaching yoga at several different places in the area. We were inspired by the amazing teachers and yogis we were meeting, and we wanted to create a space where we could all come together to build one community.
What makes you tick?
Rachel: My passion is in creating, whether that’s making up a silly game to play with my 15 month old daughter or developing a workshop at the studio. I am excited by the ability to come up with an idea and then see it through to creation.
Ashley: I think my passion is creating more space and capacity for love, in all areas... establishing a soft heart with more compassion for ourselves and others.
Personal mantra:
Rachel: Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ashley: Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet. - Thích Nhất Hạnh
Pick a Superfood:
Rachel: It’s not a particularly exciting one, but I swear by the power of apples and eat at least one a day. Hopefully the fact that it is usually covered in peanut butter doesn’t negate its Superfood powers!
Ashley: Kale!
Ideal indulgence:
Rachel: Teen Mom, Miley Cyrus and frozen Girl Scout Samoas.
Ashley: Pumpkin beer and chocolate.
Co-Owner, Rachel Gerrity, in Bound Revolved Side Angle Pose.
Health trend you are loving:
Rachel: Juice cleanses – now I don’t love juice cleanses while on them, but I love the way they make my body feel. We recently did a 5 day juice cleanse at the studio in coordination with Fountain of Juice. It was a very tough five days but my body has never felt better.
Ashley: Recently, doterra essential oils have been an incredible addition to my family's health care.
Preferred yoga pose:
Rachel: Wheel - I always feel energized both physically and emotionally after a good long wheel!
Ashley: I gotta say wheel, too! Deeply invigorating.
IFF BEAUTY: DIY ESSENTIAL OIL BODY BUTTER
Since photographing this DIY session with Anna Leisemeyer of In Honor of Design, I have not found another moisturizer/body butter to love more! The scent is out of this world plus it goes on smoothly and absorbs beautifully into your skin. The body butter is a great homemade moisturizer and also serves as a sweet gift for friends, family, co-workers, fellow yogi's, etc. Plus the innumerable benefits of essential oils make this DIY project the gift that truly keeps on giving. Find the recipe and instructions below:
INGREDIENTS:
Wild Orange Essential Oil – 10-12 drops
Balance Essential Oil Blend – 10-12 drops
1 c. Shea Butter
1/2 c. Coconut Oil
1/2 c. Avocado, Almond, or Olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 • Use a double broiler and place shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado, olive, or almond oil in the top. Bring water to a boil.
2 • Stir until the substances are melted and blending. Remove from heat. Add in essential oils and stir again.
3 • Cover and place in the fridge to set.
4 • Using a mixer, beat the mix until it has a fluffier blended look and feel.
Recipe originally posted on Style Me Pretty Living by Anna Leisemeyer. Photographs by Haley Sheffield. Florals by Lindsay Coletta.
FOUNTAIN OF JUICE
Here at IFF, we can personally attest to the fact that Fountain of Juice (or FOJ, as the cool kids call it) is a breakfast, lunch and (now) dinner staple in Macon, Georgia. Most mornings we found ourselves starting the day off with a detox smoothie and returning at noon for a savory salad or their famous Grown-up Macaroni. Due to the overwhelming success at Mercer Village, they recently expanded their location to The Prado. The green juice + beautiful bounty of food was incentive enough, but a gorgeous new locale that features an after-5 menu was a deal-sealer for IFF to capture the handiwork of owner and entrepreneur, Natasha Phillips. I could go on, but I'll let her charming Q&A do all the talkin'.
QUICK ABOUT: The Del-Basso-Orsini family has become synonymous with Macon’s finest epicurean offerings for almost thirty years, and Fountain of Juice maintains the standard set forth by family inspiration. The skills of Natasha Phillips, who grew up in her mama’s kitchen, reflect the impeccable taste and unmistakable flair of her Italian family heritage. Teamed up with husband, Carl, she is carrying on the family tradition and introducing new and inventive ways to create good food.
Name: Natasha Phillips, Owner, Fountain of Juice and FOJ – an Eatery.
Inspiration for starting your own biz? I moved back to Macon from the big city of Atlanta and saw how Macon was lacking in good healthy eateries. Having grown up in the business, I jumped right on it and created such a place for initially selfish reasons.
What makes you tick? The smell of cilantro and fresh corn tortillas inspires my palate to create. Also, the smell of cloves in the fall and white chili, tomato jam, or anything pumpkin. Seasonal soothes the soul!
Personal mantra: Teamwork makes the dream work. No one is more important than the other when it comes to the final outcome! It takes a village with most things in life.
Pick a Superfood: Dragon Fruit… my newest obsession.
Favorite indulgence: French fries and cold beer 'cause ya can’t take the South out of the girl!
Health trend you are loving: B-12, I take it via inhaler. As a wife, mother of 2, and owner of 2 stores, I need all the extra energy I can get.
Favorite form of exercise: I love mixing cardio and weights - I’ve been on that ride a while. Plus, yoga!
Preferred yoga pose: Childs pose. After a butt-kicking Hot Yoga session, I crawl into that pose and exhale!
Photo: Owner Natasha Phillips and husband Carl // All images (c) of Haley Sheffield.
WELCOME!
Hello!
Firstly, we are so thrilled that you are here - visiting our first post, on our first blog. We figured a formal introduction would be helpful to let you know a little bit more about us and why we've started In Fine Feather (IFF).
In Fine Feather:
Excellent appearance, In good form. Healthy; full of vitality and spirit.
Alludes to a bird of a clean, bright feather.
The concept of IFF is to showcase the movers, shakers and makers throughout Georgia, highlighting trends in food, fitness and well-being. Founders Tess Harper and Haley Sheffield intend to - through their unique trades - foster inspiring ideas while spotlighting the South's holistic health community.
For more about Tess and Haley, see Birds Of A Feather.