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EVENTS, LOCAL

2/14/21: Outdoor Pop-up at 3 Stars Brewing Company

Tomorrow, February 14th, I’ll be popping up again at 3 Stars Brewing Company! I’ve re-stocked RBG candles, and will be debuting Leslie Knope candles, cards, and more just in time for Valentine’s Day, as well as bringing along a few fine art originals. Deets and reservation info below:

Sunday February 14th

Do You  need a gift or pick me up?

SUPPORT LOCAL

In our latest Local Vendor Popup, sure to fuel all your personal and giftable needs, we've got foods, pet treats,  vintage goods, crafts, art, baked goods, and an interactive stationary bike ride. 

Food by Saya Saltenas

Make your reservation before they're gone!

03:00 PM - 06:00 PM

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LOCAL

LOCAL II Olde City Farm & Garden Spotlight

Desert 2 District Design II Olde City Farm and Garden

Desert 2 District Design II Olde City Farm and Garden

The first day of spring was earlier this week and, even though it snowed that day, it got me excited to visit one of my favorite places in D.C.--Olde City Farm & Garden.

The farm and garden, located on Rhode Island Ave. NW in Shaw, is the perfect outdoor oasis in the middle of the city. I love to go there get away from city life and wander the rows and rows of plants. It's a large space that's full of all kinds of plants--from vegetables to flowers to trees for your landscaping project--and extremely knowledgeable and kind staff. They love what they do and it shows. Their selection also changes with the seasons so you can get pumpkins in the fall and a fresh Christmas tree in the winter. 

They also are a wonderful community space as well and they host all kinds of fun events, including yoga classes and arts festivals. You can find me there a few times a year during their festivals, along with other awesome D.C. creatives and local businesses. I'll be updating my fairs & events page with upcoming events soon if you'd like to follow along. 

The farm and garden is still closed for the winter, but you won't have to wait long to visit. They reopen at 9am on March 31st. Can't wait to stock up for my spring garden!

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LOCAL II Buttercream Bakeshop Spotlight

Desert 2 District Design II Buttercream Bakeshop Interior

Desert 2 District Design II Buttercream Bakeshop Interior

If you've seen this interior in person, then you're probably lucky enough to have sampled some of Buttercream Bakeshop's delicious baked goods. Located on 9th Street NW between M and N in Shaw/Mt. Vernon, this is one of the sweetest (in every way) shops I've been to in D.C. They not only have creative, delicious baked goods, but also adorable decor, fresh flowers for sale, and Compass Coffee (featured here)--what else do you need in life?

If you're looking for baked goods for an event, they can help you there too. Their instagram is full of beautiful confections--including most recently CACTUS CAKESICLES! I am constantly inspired by their creativity, artistry, and flavors. And, if you're newly vegan like me, they always have at least one vegan treat for you. I've been loving their Mexican chocolate cookie lately--delicious, rich chocolate with a little kick of spice. 

They are also located just around the corner from Shaw Yoga (featured here), so if you need a treat before or after class, this is the perfect place to stop! 

Heading out to explore some more of the city! Where should I go next?

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LOCAL, LIFE, DIY

LOCAL II Compass Coffee Spotlight

Happy Saturday! I'm continuing my new D.C. local biz series with one of my favorite coffee shops in the city--Compass Coffee!

My Compass Coffee soy latte from a coffee break earlier this week.

My Compass Coffee soy latte from a coffee break earlier this week.

I'm actually sipping some of their coffee right now that I brewed this morning. I  love the vibe and design of their brand, but what keeps me coming back is their delicious coffee. I make a lot of coffee at home, usually a big batch of cold brew that I use throughout the week, and their coffee is great no matter where you make it/how you brew it.

I painted their 7th Street location, which is the original and the place they roast their coffee. It's a lovely location, but if it's not near you, there are now so many options for you to get your caffeine fix from Compass. They have a bunch of other locations AND their coffee is served in a lot of other local businesses, like Union Kitchen Grocery and Buttercream Bakery.

If you do have a chance to go to one of their locations, I highly recommend their nitro cold brew coffee. I honestly haven't had anything like it elsewhere. It's the perfect light coffee for a warm day and since it's cold brew, it lacks the acidity or bitterness of traditionally brewed coffee, which keeps my stomach happy.

If you're like me and like to brew your own coffee at home, they have fantastic coffee and a helpful labeling system so you can choose the coffee that most suits your taste. I am also a little obsessed with their canisters and have a small collection of them that I re-use for all kinds of things, including pen holders (you can actually see one hanging in my art area post--I've just covered it in old paint palettes) and planters. This picture is from a few months back, but you can see my little plants growing happily in their Compass Coffee canisters.

Desert 2 District Design II Compass Coffee canister window garden

Desert 2 District Design II Compass Coffee canister window garden

Let me know if you check them out! If you have any other ideas for how I can re-use my canister collection, let me know in the comments as well. 

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