Reflecting on my first public Tucson workshop at Arizona Poppy Shop

My first in person Tucson workshop was last Thursday at the wonderful Arizona Poppy Shop in Downtown Tucson. Photo by Rosie of Sonoran Rosie.

Teaching watercolors in person was one of my favorite pre-pandemic parts of my business in Washington, D.C. I had continued teaching virtually, which I still love (and offer for groups of all kinds), but there is something special about creating in person. And it’s extra special when the space is as lovely as Arizona Poppy.

A view of each student’s setup for the evening.

I customized my traditional watercolor flowers to complement the desert plant life used in Sonoran Rosie’s products and I had to include the eponymous Arizona poppy, of course!

Thank you so much for having me!

We decided to add a second date after receiving some inquiries after the class had sold out and we have 5 spots left for Friday’s class. You can sign up by clicking the “add to cart” button below.

VIRTUAL Watercolor Floral DC Map Workshop 4/27 at Shop Made in DC

I’m excited to be offering a virtual watercolor floral class through Shop Made in DC on Tuesday, April 27th from 7-9pm.

In this virtual class, you'll learn how to paint loose florals and then use the techniques you learned to fill a D.C. map (pre-printed on watercolor paper for you) with your own unique bouquet. Your Kit will include: (1) a watercolor set, (2) 2 pre-printed maps on watercolor paper; (3) paintbrush; (4) frameable 5x7 sample design created by Heidi.

DATE: This class will be held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

PRICE: $50/person

TIME: 7-9PM

LOCAL DELIVERY: DMV participants only.

LOCAL II Farmers & Distillers Spotlight

This week's spotlight is a new favorite of mine. This company has multiple D.C. location, but each one is unique, and the one I like best and that happens to be in my neighborhood is Farmers & Distillers. 

The company itself is very unique, with an emphasis on family farms and sustainability. The company is majority-owned by family farmers. At this new location, there is also a craft distillery and they serve signature cocktails with their own liquors that are made on-site in the middle of the city. Farmers & Distillers is located on Massachusetts Avenue NW near Chinatown in Washington, D.C. 

My Impossible Burger, complete with vegan bun!

One major reason I've become obsessed with this restaurant is that they are one of the few locations in the city that serve the Impossible Burger. As a fairly new vegan, I still have meat cravings every now and then, and this "burger," which is made completely from plants, TOTALLY satisfies it. Even my omnivore husband prefers it to their regular burgers. It is so. good. And it makes me happy that this restaurant serves it and is has created a menu that can also cater to people with different dietary restrictions. I highly recommend trying it, but even if you're not interested, Farmers & Distillers has a huge, delicious menu, which makes it the perfect place to go with bigger groups or to take people from out of town. Let me know if you go and, in particular, if you try the Impossible Burger while you're there!

LOCAL II Olde City Farm & Garden Spotlight

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!

LOCAL II Morris American Bar Spotlight

DC Spots

Morris American Bar

Last week, we went to Morris American Bar on a date and we are hooked. We love the whimsical yet classical design, the ambiance and music and, of course, the cocktails. 

Located in the Shaw/Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Northwest D.C., Morris is tucked away on 7th Street between New York and L in the Convention Center. It's a small, intimate space that you could miss if not for the fantastic sign that I painted above that greets you and points you in the right direction. 

Desert 2 District Design II Morris American Bar

We were seated at a little table in the corner with the BEST hooded rattan chair and a great view of the bar. I love how everything in the bar is this lovely baby The service was fast and attentive. We ordered from the menu (which changes monthly), but they also offer to make a custom drink for you based on your tastes and preferred spirit. 

My husband got a play on a Manhattan that was fantastic and I got a champagne mojito. I had never thought that mint and champagne would go together, but it was delicious and would be perfect for a sunny day. 

We love this new spot in our neighborhood and will definitely be back to try next month's cocktail menu. I'd definitely recommend stopping in for a cocktail for or two!

LOCAL II Buttercream Bakeshop Spotlight

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?

LOCAL II Shaw Yoga Spotlight

Desert 2 District Design II Shaw Yoga Spotlight

I'm starting a new series that I'm really excited about--each Saturday I'll illustrate one of my favorite D.C. small businesses and share about it here. My business is still a baby, but I've been so overwhelmed by how supportive and amazing the small business and art communities in D.C. are so I want to keep spreading the love.

First up... Shaw Yoga!

This place has become my yoga home. We're lucky in D.C. that there are so many great studios and teachers to choose from. Before I found this studio, I bounced around from studio to studio, trying out their new member specials (most studios have a 1-2 week special price for new students) or hopping around via Classpass. I started at SY in a similar way, purchasing their new member special ($20 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga!) and I was hooked. There's something so special about the teachers here and the community that the owners, Parker and Liz, have built. I've been going to classes, volunteering (even updating the chalkboards!), and making friends, there for over a year now and it has truly become a home away from home for me. 

If you're a fellow yogi or aspiring yogi, I highly recommend checking out this studio. They are tucked away in the cutest alley, Naylor Court, off of 9th Street NW, between N and O, across from Sundevich. If you're on 9th, turn left into the alley before you get to A&D.

I painted their illustration before they got their beautiful mural (painted by the talented Billy Colbert), but you won't be able to miss Ganesh welcoming you to the studio!

STYLE II Playa del Carmen Anniversary Weekend

Desert 2 District Design II Playa del Carmen packing list

Last weekend, my husband and I celebrated 11 years together in beautiful Playa del Carmen.

This was my first time visiting this region of Mexico and I was just blown away. The weather was gorgeous, the ocean was so warm and bright, and the city was so vibrant. I can't wait to go back!

Today, I'm sharing a couple of the outfits I put together from this packing list. Thanks for following along! 

I was totally obsessed with this beautiful piece that hung in our room. It's making me want to add more bright colors to my painting palette and to try to paint whimsical patterns like this.

Desert 2 District Design II art selfie

outfit

no. 1

I found this lovely high-waisted skirt at Unique Thrift, a gigantic thrift store in Falls Church, VA, and paired it with an old Old Navy cami and Charles David sandals (found on consignment at Clementine in Richmond, VA). If you're ever in Richmond and have some time, I highly recommend Clementine and their sister stores. If you can't make the trip, they actually also have an online shop as well! Some great finds there for sure. I threw this on before heading out to explore Playa del Carmen.

outfit

no. 2

In the afternoon, we headed to the beach and then came back and hung out at our hotel's rooftop pool. I broke out my new Poppy Apparel swimsuit and threw on a thrifted cover-up and my favorite hat from ThredUp. This isn't a great photo of my swimsuit, but it is seriously so flattering and comfortable. I highly recommend it if you like the high-waisted style. Use code "desert2district" for 10% off your order at Poppy Apparel.

outfit

no. 3

After washing up and grabbing dinner, we ended the night with a couple cervezas on the roof. I paired my comfiest thrifted cut-off shorts with this off cold-shoulder top (originally from Nordstrom Rack, similar here). 

Thanks for following along! I'll be rounding up a map of the places we visited on our trip soon. I'm thinking this is a good time to try my hand at a watercolor map...

LIFE II Date Night Ideas (2/18 in 2018)

Desert 2 District Design II Heidi Nielson

I've been working on checking things off of my 18 in 2018 list (inspired by the wonderful Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast) and one of the most fun things on my list is to go on weekly dates with my husband. We've been married for almost two years, but have been together for over 10. As you can imagine, it's easy to get into a routine when you've been together for so long. Our weekly date nights have been so fun to plan and have been a wonderful way to spend quality time together, usually doing something new. 

I've collected a few of my current favorite date night ideas. We've cooked new recipes twice now (including these vegan carrot "hot dogs" and this vegan spinach artichoke pizza). We've gone on walks around our neighborhood, went couch shopping and stopped in at a new-to-us tea bar & cafe, and we're planning an indoor camping night for this weekend! It's been a blast and thinking ahead to the number of dates we get to plan this year prompted me to round up some low-cost date ideas so I'll always have a resource to look back to when it's July and we're on date number 28 (and to hopefully give some of you some ideas as well!). Here are a few I'm looking forward to:

1. Visiting museums! We're lucky to live in a city full of some of the best free museums, Washington, D.C. I can't wait to visit the Hirshhorn's upcoming exhibit, PULSE or see some old favorites at the National Gallery. Even if your city doesn't have many free museums, most museums offer one free day each month, often on the first Saturday or Sunday of the month.
2. Getting outside. I'm especially excited to hike some new trails this spring/summer and to check off another item on my 18 in 2018 list---camping! I'm excited to go to Shenandoah National Park, but am also looking forward to visiting some smaller state parks in Virginia and Maryland as well. When we don't have a full weekend to spare, I am definitely looking forward to renting bikes and riding around the monuments. 
3. Trying new activities together! I just heard about Bad Axe Throwing opening in D.C. and am excited to check it out. Other ideas: splashcycle at the Watergate hotel, renting a kayak or stand-up paddle board, or playing the indoor mini golf course at H Street Country Club. 

What are your go-to affordable date ideas? I'd love to add more to our list!

STYLE II Phoenix Long Weekend Trip

Phoenix Trip Packing list - illustration by Heidi Nielson of Desert 2 District Design

I've been illustrating my packing lists for a while now and it is one of my favorite traditions. I used to hate packing, but now I kind of look forward to it because it helps me visualize my outfits and gives me an excuse to draw tiny clothes and traveling essentials. 

The last time I posted one, one of my lovely Insta friends suggested that I post some outfit pictures from my travels to see how I styled the clothes I packed. I didn't have time to do all of my outfits from my trip to Phoenix, but my long-suffering husband took photos a couple photos for me. So here goes... facing my fear of having my picture taken head on!

OUTFIT

NO 1

Here's a second picture to see the full outfit.

I like to travel with separates that all pair together so I can reuse pieces. I ended up wearing these boots twice and the vest twice. The boots are thrifted from Goodwill, the vest is thrifted from ThredUp (similar here, this is seriously one of my favorite sites EVER), and the dress is from asos (purchased a while ago, it doesn't look like it's available anymore). 

The weather in Arizona was just beautiful. Definitely makes me miss the desert. I certainly can't wear this type of outfit (at least without a coat and tights) in D.C. this time of year!

OUTFIT

NO 2

We spent a wonderful, beautifully warm and clear day with my family out in the desert. My family is very into the outdoors and adventure so we spent the day riding ATVs, hiking around, doing archery (my family has some interesting hobbies to say the least) and making food surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. It was FANTASTIC.

I wanted something comfortable, but still stylish and unique. Poppy Apparel totally delivered with this super versatile jumpsuit. I seriously wear it all the time--it's so comfortable. It looks like it's also not available anymore, but if you want to check out their other clothes, I actually have a discount code for you all! Use code "desert2district" to get 10% off your order. In addition to this jumpsuit, I got an adorable high-waisted swimsuit that I can't wait to take on our next trip. 

Thanks for tuning in for my first style post! What are your thoughts--packing list or no packing list?

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

I'm Heidi, the creator and owner of Desert 2 District Design. I moved to D.C. in 2015 after spending most of my life in Arizona. I absolutely love D.C., but found myself a little homesick and missing some of my favorite desert plants (cacti, of course), the endless sunshine, and the laid-back vibes of the Southwest, so I started painting as a way to unwind and to bring some of the desert to my new home. It's been almost a year since I started my Instagram account, and I've been so surprised and grateful to find this beautiful and supportive community of artists and art lovers. 

If you know me from Instagram, you probably know that I love to paint (mostly watercolor), letter, bullet journal, and collage. I'm hoping to share more of my art here, but to also share more of myself--my love of travel, reading, cooking delicious vegan food, and yoga. 

I hope you'll follow along and say hi!