GLUTEN FREE

We love food. But some foods don't love us—I'm looking at you, chocolate milk. But also, foods containing gluten, which happen to be some of the more delicious foods this world has come up with. We're both gluten intolerant, and as a matter of fact, Porter and Jeanie have been eating grain-free since they were young pups. Not because it's trendy or cute, but because traditional dog food made them sick. Just another reason this little family of ours was meant to be.

 

Bombay to Burgh moved into our neck of the woods a few years ago, and we're so thrilled. The fresh, authentic with a twist Indian flavors are so yum. The owner and staff are super friendly, and something like 80% of the menu is naturally gluten-free.

 

We've been fans of Baked True North since the beginning! Long before the beautiful storefront and cafe they now operate out of, we tried a scone at a local coffee shop, visited their website, and placed an order for over $100 in gluten-free baked goods that we picked up from their home kitchen. Part of that order was a dozen real gf fried donuts (please note that cake baked in a circle is not a donut and I (Sam) will die on this hill!) We seek out gluten-free donuts whenever we travel, and BTN's still rank in our top 5 anywhere.

 

Jeanie's Candies is a relatively new homemade candy company. When she launched her online store, she offered a very enticing coupon code so we placed an order for one of almost everything (we're dark chocolate folks and not so much into pumpkin spice.) And whoa-ma-geddon, they are so good. The texture and flavor are just unparalleled. I immediately made plans to order more for gifts.

COFFEE

We are the type of small business owners who run on coffee. And yes, we're coffee snobs who don't go in for national chains unless we're on the road and have no other choice. 

 

We're fiends for a single-origin light roast from Commonplace Coffee. We've been strong loyalists for many years and used to actually plan some meetings around when we knew we'd need to restock our bean supply.

 

More recently, Spigolo moved into the neighborhood, and between the delightful humans, dog friendliness, adorable patio, and phenomenal cortado (Sam's latest obsession), it's become another regular spot for us.

BUSINESS BUDDIES

We're big fans of community—you probably know that by now. These are all folks who we have supported, have supported us, or both in some fashion. Because we never would've made it to 13 years all on our own.

 

Casey Droege Cultural Productions/The Art Supply Co. are phenomenal creators of arts opportunities and economy in our region. It has been a pleasure and an honor to collaborate with these incredible people for many years on various projects.

 

Bridgeway Capital hired us to shoot an event for the first time 10 years ago. Since then, we've worked for them, they've supported our work, and we've worked on projects together. Staff members there have come and gone, but we've always felt respected and appreciated through this working relationship. They do so much for creatives in our region.

 

Sam attended a virtual workshop on creative businesses and their websites with Workhorse Collaborative back in 2020, when all interactions were via screen. She immediately dug Jackie and Emily's vibe. When they did some impromptu website critiques with a few workshop attendees, she thought, “Oh, so they are my kind of people AND they really know their stuff.” I don't have enough space to say all the things. Bottom line, they rock.

 

We've only “worked with” Alternate Histories through one of its proprietors' other projects, In Bed By Ten. But it's a business, and we love it, so it counts. Matt is an incredibly creative and talented artist who creates opportunities to uplift other artists, gives back to great causes, and doesn't shy away from calling out nonsense that exploits local artists, communities, and more. We could say more, but when planning this email, Nathan said, “I like that Alternate Histories is whimsical too. We need whimsy.” That's a pretty great summation. Bonus: Incredibly adorable studio assistant doggo.

SELF/COLLECTIVE/COMMUNITY CARE

We're infinitely better at taking care of other people than we are of ourselves. But we're working on it— we're works in progress, if you will. And these folks help.

 

Dr. Danielle at Release & Restore resets and realigns our bodies every 3-4 weeks because prolonged computer time, carrying around camera equipment, and carrying around senior doggos takes its toll. 

 

Sam's long-time therapist retired at the end of 2023. We're very pro-retirement, but this was a tough transition. She saw someone new throughout 2024 that, uh, didn't work out. She's seeing someone now through Transitional Characters, a practice deeply rooted in liberation psychology. It has been so supportive—truly wonderful.

 

Sam has loved getting her nails done for years, and for the last 18 months or so has fallen in love with structure gel manicures with nail art at Illustrated Nails in Lawrenceville. On top of beautiful nails, the people are friendly, and the space is calm. Use this link to get $25 off your first appointment.

 

Over the years, we've probably seen all the doctors at Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic at least once. So, in some ways, everyone there feels like extended family, as they've helped us navigate dog parenthood from puppyhood to end-of-life stuff. They've been trusted partners in the care of our beloved family for over 15 years, and we can't say enough about our love and appreciation for them. Special shoutouts to Dr. Livolsi, who has provided regular chiropractor care to both potatoes for several years (bouncy Bostons are adorable, but the repeated impact has impact!), and Dr. Schroth, who has always been a thoughtful advisor and cried along with us as we said goodbye to Porter.