Amelias Flowers

From retail shops to the best coffee in town, we all have ‘our places’ that make a city feel like home. Since Nashville is my home, I wanted to share some of my personal favorites!

ALL TIME FAVS

DINO’S

“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” -Dino’s.

Ok, just kidding, that’s from Cheers, but that’s definitely how I’d sum up Dino’s. It’s the All American, ever so disreputable (unabashedly), local bar. After a long day of overly priced food and fancy drinks downtown, you can always head to Dino’s – leave all things booshie at the door and step back into time with the old school diner vibe, open griddle and sizzling greasy patties. Welcoming all friends and walks of life, Dino’s is the perfect place to grab an iced cold beer and real plate of food.

GEIST

Going in a completely different direction, sometimes we all need to slip into our favorite cocktail attire and have an ‘out-of-this-world’ specialty drink, paired with a small plate; the cuisine coupled with the ambiance is an integral part of what makes Geist a memorable experience each time. The brick walls and twinkling chandeliers will draw you in. Geist is lively and upbeat – the perfect place to celebrate or to feel celebrated. Back to the specialty drinks, though, I’d recommend the Opal Martini and the Old Cuban.

DOSE

Many of you know that the Dose in East Nashville is one of our local spots for the Trucks. It’s an all-time favorite, for sure. Dose is the perfect café, eatery and bar all in one. Severing culture coffee and single-origin chocolate bars, Dose is a must-try if you’re in town. Have you ever heard of Nitro cold brew coffee? Um, to die for – smooth, velvety texture with a slight nutty flavor. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, please feel free to giggle at my attempt to explain that. But really, it’s so good.

NISOLO

An amazing product with an amazing mission. Shopping consciously and ethically is something I strongly believe in and Nisolo provides that and more. Nisolo birthed a company that shares a story long before and well after the purchase takes place. What most people might not know is that Nisolo is a social enterprise, not a philanthropy. Connecting local artisans and entrepreneurs to a competitive, global market, Nisolo provides highly crafted goods while also creating a sustainable impact that meets economic needs in Peru. By listening and learning, Nisolo found the demand and created a solution. Promoting lasting changing with products that last – taking #inmynisolos to a whole new level. Make sure to visit the shop if you’re in town!

WHITE’S MERCANTILE

Eclecticism meets Southern Charm, White’s Mercantile has something for every type of shopper and traveler. The owner, Holly Williams, has poured so much of her heart and soul into stocking the shelves to be a reflection of her favorite items and tastes. This is another local spot for the Trucks and holds a special place in my heart. Looking for the perfect gift or souvenir to bring home, but have no idea where to begin? Look no further, White’s has you covered. I dare say this is the anchor, the hub, the heartbeat of the best shopping in Nashville! Trinkets GALORE!

GIVE ‘EM A TRY!

Some other great places to visit if you’re in town or even if you’re a local looking to branch out:

Retail:

Apple & Oak

Imogene + Willie

Parnassus Book Store

Pinewood Social

Restaurants:

Two Ten Jack

Butcher & Bee

Marche  

Henrietta Red

Bars & Cocktails:

LA Jackson

Rudy's Jazz Room

Village Pub

Smoker's Abbey

Coffee:

Portland Brew

Frothy Monkey

Café Roze

With its dark green, shapely stem coupled with the bold, bright green foliage, the Ruscus Greenery is both classical and traditional. Also known as Butcher’s Broom, the deep green elliptical leaves contrast a multitude of blooms, making the Ruscus Greenery the perfect ‘filler flower’ in any arrangement. Aside from being bold and bright, the Ruscus Greenery is very durable and can have a vase life up to a month or longer! With a year-round availability, I figured we should definitely get to know the Ruscus a little better.

ORIGIN

The Ruscus is native to Northwest Africa and is part of the Asparagaceae family. When researching, I had no idea what that ‘family’ was, so I continued to dig. When I saw the word “Asparagaceae” I immediately read “asparagus”, but thought that had to be too easy. Could this greenery really be in the same family? Well, surprise, surprise, it is! How fun!

Are you looking to add a new centerpiece to your table this month? Or maybe you need a little green pick-me-up for your desk at work. Either way, here are some tips to keeping this luscious, linear plant around for as long as possible:

In-Vase Ruscus Greenery

1. Vase
   Choose a vase that will hold at least 4 inches of fresh, cool water.
2. Remove Foliage
   Gently remove any foliage that will sit below the water. The leaves left under water will rot, causing bacteria to grow – this will shorten the vase life significantly.
3. Cut Stems
   With a sharp knife, cut the stems about an inch from the bottom. As soon as you cut the stems, place the Ruscus in the prepared water.
4. Avoid Overexposure
   Keep away from excessive heat and direct sunlight for the longest life possible.
5. Change Water
   If the water appears cloudy, change it every few days.  

Well known for its leathery-green leaves, the eucalyptus provides a remarkable visual appeal in any kind of arrangement. Each leaf is intricately lined with glands containing a fragrant oil; some eucalyptus species provide a more pleasant aroma than others. What I find most compelling, though, is that the leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem, in four directions – like a square!

I must admit that I went to a whole new ‘nerd’ level when researching the eucalyptus this week. I found so many fascinating facts – like hundreds! I felt like I was learning about a mythical creature with a cache of powers that we have only just begun to tap into. Ok, that’s maybe a tad extreme, BUT the reality is that the eucalyptus is a total boss and I am no longer surprised by its longstanding popularity. Here are some of my favorite facts;

1. There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus.

1. Eucalyptus Trees Can Prevent Malaria  

It’s no secret that eucalyptus trees are lovers of water, thriving in marshy areas. You know what else isn’t a secret? Pesky little mosquitos love water – they freaking love it. So, since Malaria relies on a specific kind of mosquito for survival, in some areas eucalyptus trees are planted as a double weapon of defense. They reduce the amount of stagnant water, while also producing cineole, which helps reduce the mosquitos.

1. Cineole: Secret Weapon

Eucalyptus essential oil has been around forever. Long before we had our plug-in diffusers or easy application “roll-on” oils. The ingredient, cineole, has been used in Indigenous Australian medicine as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent for centuries, primarily as a treatment of respiratory issues.

1. Koala Bear

You know the eucalyptus is important when koala bears practically live on eucalyptus leaves and bark. Definitely why they are so cute.

1. Rainbow Eucalyptus

Lastly, since I recently added this to my bucket-list of things I need to see, I wanted to share it with you. The Eucalyptus deglupta, commonly known as the rainbow eucalyptus, is both tall and stunning.  The unique, multi-hued bark is distinctive and breathtaking. Since patches of the bark shed at different times, the inner bark displays different colors depending on what stage of maturity it’s in. Please look this tree up! You will see lively blues and purples, coupled with hues or orange and maroon – it’s the most tangible rainbow ever.

BAM - thank me later when you impress your friends with all these new facts! If you’re in the area, come by the truck and pick up some magical eucalyptus.

xx Mattie 

1. Vase
   Choose a vase that covers at least half the height of the stems. This will allow the tulips to stretch and grow to their full potential during their life in the vase. In turn, this allows you to enjoy them that much longer!

2. Cutting Stems
   Again, tulips will continue to grow in the vase, even after you have cut the stems. For the best results, try to cut the stems at a 45 degree angle. This will allow them to soak up the correct amount of water needed for growth.

3. Feed Me Water (and tell me I’m pretty)
   When you find the perfect vase, fill it about three-quarters of the way, as tulips LOVE drinking water (if you haven’t gathered that yet). Try to change the water every other day and add flower food to keep your tulips happy.

4. Avoid Overexposure
   Tulips grow and open based on sunlight, so avoid placing the vase in direct sunlight or heat, as they’ll wilt faster once the blooms open up.

5. LOVE
   Be amazed by their beauty and love them well.