Lessons from an Angel

Jeffrey Pickett and then Rebecca "Becky" Crews, 1960s

To my beloved grandmother,

You were the family rock, anchor, and base. You live within us all - you taught us everything we know. You were the epitome of a southern lady. Thanks to you I know how to set a proper dinner table our and Carrie's tea parties, which fork to use, and correct table manners including (but not limited to) "it's snowing" aka put your napkin in your lap, "Thank you for dinner. It was very good. May I please be excused?" and then going to the kitchen to get a head start on cleaning up.

You were the first person who refused to call me anything but Kate. You told me Kate was a woman's name, and as soon as I graduated high school those childish days were behind me. You always expected the best out of me. And because of this I expect the most out of others as well (which I can't ever decide if that's a blessing or a curse).

One could bet that we would get a thank you note from you for everything, and I mean everything whether that was thank you for a gift, stopping by, or simply a thank you note for writing a thank you note. And if you didn't receive a thank you from one of us you had the best way of making us feel guilty.

I always wondered how you kept the cleanest house and stayed sane about it. Everything always had to be just-so. Now that you are with the Lord I'm sure you're getting onto him for his mess as well, and I'm sure he's probably getting just as irritated as we always were. Because of this I'm a little more well-kept.

You taught me how to appreciate a good glass Pino Grigio or Chardonnay. And even if that wine was out of a box you should never be ashamed (just as long is it's not for a special occasion). I could always count on shooting you a text when I was trying to be fancy and pair wine with food and finding a text saying, "You can never go wrong with a good white." Because of you people think I'm such a wino, which is probably the reason I received four wine bottle openers last Christmas (one of them thanks to you).

You were the family grammar nazi and constantly made fun of (or got onto) me for saying "like" about, like, 25 times in a single conversation even if I was already upset about something. Because of this I have left most of my thick country accent behind because you would spend much time trying to teach me to slow down my words and enunciate.

The list could go on and on with the lessons you taught us and the laughs we shared. You were one special lady in my heart, and you will always be our "Gecky".

You will forever be with us.

Honor her for all her hands have done, and let her works bring praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:31)

Dine In 52, Number 2: Rosebud

image via

what: Rosebud

where: 1397 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

the scene: industry dinner, wine galore

It seems all I do is eat. Advertising folks should be called Professional Diners because I haven't stopped eating at new places since I started. This definitely isn't my second new Atlanta dive since the 1st, but I'm convincing myself I'll be back for more at just about every place we visit.

I have had so many friends tell me about Rosebud in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, and I finally had the chance to attend. Yesterday some coworkers and I attended a James Brown themed 5 course dinner for a networking event, and it was the most amazing dinner - with a different wine paired for each course and a really cool twist on some southern favorites.

On the menu included:
"Hot Pants Red Bean Soup"
"Crispy Mother Popcorn Shrimp"
"Try Me-Twice Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs" (with grits!)
"Make It Funky Oyster Dressing Stuffed Pork Loin"
"Out of Sight Sweet Potato Ice Cream Sundae"

Rosebud is the kind of place that draws people in, and makes you feel as if you've known everyone for years. They seem to really focus on having a great time with music, drink, and your neighbor. The chef came out to greet us, and the vibe he gave off showed just how passionate he is about his work. I heard they have the best brunch in Atlanta, so I just might have to go back.

You can follow Rosebud on Facebook, and their hilarious chef/owner Ron Eyester on Twitter and Instagram!

Your thoughts on Rosebud? Have you ever been?

Dine In 52, Number 1: Jeni's

what: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

where: 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318

the scene: A rainy Saturday night; after dinner at Taqueria del Sol

I've been (probably annoyingly) begging Bryant to take me to Jeni's for the past few weeks. I had tried a bite of their chocolate ice cream that a friend had brought home before, but that didn't prepare me for what I would experience in person: The flavors! The waffle cones! The industrial design!

I settled on salted caramel and dark chocolate while Bryant got adventurous with goat cheese & cherry and sweet corn & raspberry (eek!). And after trying a bite of my friend Dawn's coffee flavored pick I think I've decided my next few combinations.

Jeni's is in the Westside Provisions district adjacent to JCT Kitchen and Bar and Ann Mashburn and Sid Mashburn. A super cute area that would take all my money in a heartbeat if I wasn't careful.

Ladydale Letters' Allison Cape

I am really excited to be writing this post. I had the privilege to briefly chat with Allison Cape about her small Athens-based hand-lettering business, Ladydale Letters. And within the first few minutes I could already tell what an joy she would be to be around. 

When I first thought of asking Allison for an interview Ladydale Letters was then Notes for Nica. Originally starting out in August 2013 as a fundraiser for a mission trip to Nicaragua Allison mainly drew sweet notes of inspiration for friends and family memebers. Unfortunately the trip was cancelled, but Allison, a middle school Young Life Leader, still wanted to attempt to raise money to put young girls through camp.When I asked if she still thinks about using the funds from Ladydale to put towards other missions or sending kids through camp she said, "Maybe sometime in the future...we'll have to see what the future holds when we get there."

Now how did we go from Notes for Nica to Ladydale Letters? Back in the sweet neighborhoods off Milledge Ave and behind the dorms there is a house known as Springdale. Right off Springdale Street lives a group crazy male Young Life leaders. However, right across the street is a sweet little blue house that the girls of the group call Ladydale. Although she hasn't lived there long Allison states that it has been a special place all of college that has really captured her heart. She wrote on her Etsy page, "It’s where people spend slow mornings on the screened-in porch and stay up late into the night belly-laughing with friends. It’s where meals are made and feet are warmed by bulky gas heaters. Most importantly, it’s where Jesus is. He’s in the lime green walls, the old screen door, the tiny stove. He’s in the dust and cobwebs in the corners. Simply put, He is present there."

When I asked Allison what her brainstorming process was like and how she gained inspiration she had the coolest little story. In middle school she had an art teacher that wouldn't let her and her classmates throw anything away - no matter how big the mess up was or how ugly they thought their picture was. "I guess I kind of work off that basis," she laughed. Bright colors and words simply bring her inspiration, and it really is shown in her amazing work!

I was really curious to see what Allison's key to happiness was, and she credited it all to Jesus and the support of friends. She says, "I absolutely couldn't do [day to day] without Jesus and constantly being around those who are uplifting and really care." Allison says her favorite part about Ladydale Letters was sharing joy with people and the creative aspect. In a world so busy we both agreed we needed some creative outlet, and she definitely has nailed that outlet with Ladydale.

Above is Allison. PR gal and lover of lettering. Her ideal career? "I would absolutely love to work in a hospital or drawing for the rest of my life."

You should follow Ladydale Letters on Instagram and Facebook. Her Etsy shop is also open, and I highly encourage you check it out! Also, if you shop RIGHT NOW use the code "BACKTOATH" to save 15% off orders of $10 or more through 8/14 (Thursday!)!

Thanks for the chat, Allison! It was a pleasure.

HAPPY FRiDAY!

Happy Friday!!

During the work week Spotify is my best friend. I couldn't get throughout the day without it. Make sure to check out this mixtape from the week, and if you have any suggestions what I should throw on next week's please let me know! 

One last thing I'm going to leave for you today: Georgia's hype video. Gives me chills every time.

Personally, this weekend I have a lot of resting, catching up with friends, gym-going, exploring, and of course brunching to do! I really have underestimated how little time I have now. 
What are you getting into this weekend?!