D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years! (Pt. 1)

Time flies when you’re having fun and you look up one day to realize that your blog is ten years old and counting.  Ten years (*throws confetti*)!  It’s an amazing milestone for me, personally, as I think back to where it all began.

 

For a bit of catch up, before there was D.M.R. Fine Foods, the blog, there was D.M.R. Fine Foods in its solely food-centric incarnation that was born out of an idea that came to life during the holiday season of 2007.  So we’re celebrating 13 years of existence (woot, woot), with the companion blog having arrived on the scene 10 years ago.  This post reveals more details on my start and food story.

 

So back to the blog, as I’ve shared before, when I began, it was purely out of a passion to share my love for all things culinary, with no idea who would read, engage and find joy in my corner of the world wide web.  It was a disposition that has served me well and allowed me to remain true to the passions that brought the brand, and subsequently, the blog, to life.  To share, inspire, aspire, create and grow, authentically and organically.  And I could not have asked for a more blessed and thrilling journey to date.

 

As I take time to celebrate many of the special moments that have constituted this ride throughout the past ten years, I will be highlighting them here on the blog and on my social media channels and email list, so be sure you’re connected with me!  I believe my story is one of what’s possible when you dare to believe, share your gifts, put your best foot forward, trust God and nurture a growth mindset.  Despite the odds (or number of followers, subscribers, etc., and some of the other vanity metrics that often label “success".)  For me, quality has always outweighed quantity.  I’m proud of the work I produce, whether it’s on my blog platform, as a micro-influencer on my social media channels, an event host, a food writer, brand ambassador, media liaison, and so on.  Please know, if you put our your best (not someone else’s, but your personal best), that someone will feel it.  And quality work will live long beyond the latest trends, fads, etc. 

 

But rather than tell you, I also want to show what’s possible with that ethos in tow.  I’m happy to share that I’ve seen many of my dreams literally come true with D.M.R. Fine Foods, in what felt like serendipitous fortune.  So without further ado, let’s get this party started!!

 

The Early Years, 2010-2012:

 

My first blog post was published on August 15, 2010 and the blog was dedicated mostly to the culinary spectrum at the outset, but would soon expand in scope to embrace more of passions.  Besides my enthused foodie and recipe sharing on the blog, I experienced highlights such as:

 

Meeting and cooking with one of my favorite chefs (2010)

 

Being given my very own monthly food column, For the Love of Food, for a renowned regional publication, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, that would run in print publication and eventually also digitally for eight years! (2011-2019)

 

Winning a CookingChannel Recipe Contest and all the amazing accouterments, including having my recipe published on CookingChanneltv.com (2011)

 

Being a Guest Chef at Williams-Sonoma (2011)

 

Expanding my blog scope to include my travel and lifestyle passions (2011-present)

 

Being a featured contributor for Recipe Lion (2011)

 

Meeting, growing and collaborating with my community of fellow food and lifestyle bloggers and foodies (2010- present)

 

Collaborating with and having my work featured on Yahoo! (2012)

 

Being featured in HuffPost Taste (2012)

 

And more!

 

So you see, so much goodness can happen in a very short time span (and this was before Instagram was a boom! ;))

 

I look forward to continuing my celebration over the remaining weeks of 2020 and hope these shares will inspire you to pursue your dreams and passions and embrace wherever they may lead.

 

xo,

Dawn

 

 

Link Love: Summer Travel

If ever there was a time to pack a suitcase and head out into the world, Summer has to be it.  And for good reason.  The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and if you've been in hibernation, you're likely eager to emerge and explore.  

Whether your penchant is for solo travel, top foodie destinations, luxury getaways, or you're seeking tips for making the most of your journey, I've rounded up my favorite inspirations from around the web to get you on your way.  Now all that's left to do is...just go!

Have Food, Will Travel

I've been known to arrange my travel around a destination's food offerings, so I understand this foodie inclination.  If you can relate, then you'll appreciate--no, welcome--this list of the best American cities for foodies. {Conde Nast Traveler}

Party of One

I've definitely expanded my horizons as a solo traveler over the last several years.  Not that I mind the splendored benefits of companionship (I adore them, actually), but I find equal fulfillment in striking out for solo adventures and the excitement they bring.  Whether you're seasoned at going it alone or looking to take the leap, you'll be well-suited with this list of the world's best destinations for solo travel.  {Huffington Post}

Plane, Train, Automobile

Who said luxury travel was reserved for the jet-set, cruise-set or road-trippin'-set?  Taking to the rails can--and most definitely does--include travel of indulgent proportions.  These luxury vacations by train will help you redefine the art of travel. {Pure Wow}

Before You Go

No matter how often the travel bug strikes, you can never be too prepared.  And that's where savvy travel tips from how to pack to navigating airfare purchases to savings tips to getting the most out of your journey with the proper travel etiquette, will leave you in good stead and ready to focus on what matters most: enjoying the journey. {Travel + Leisure, Creative Native, The New York Times, D.M.R. Fine Foods}

So here's to a Summer filled with adventure, relaxation, new memories and...

Happy Travels! 
P.S. Need more inspiration? Visit our Travel page!

Photo Credit

Natural Goodness: Farmers Markets

Photo Credit: Gadling

Now that Spring has sprung, local farmers markets are once again opening their "doors" and spreading their tents far and wide to offer the best in fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonal eats.  

The glory of the local farmers market can't be emphasized enough when you consider just a few of the myriad benefits they bring to a community such as: boom for the local economy, the ability to buy direct from the farmer/producer, access to certified organic foods, and enjoyment of quality, in-season eats.  It presents the world of food in its most basic, yet satisfying, form.  

And these days, there's more and more of them to love.  From Manhattan to Los Angeles to Atlanta to Portland, and indeed country and worldwide, the local farmers market is increasingly becoming a community staple and a great way to take in the best of a local area. 

I'm always excited to dive into local markets and take advantage of all the goodness they offer up.  I encourage you to do the same, if you're not already, knowing that your support has far-reaching impact for the producers, as well as the communities, at-large.   

To help you get started, the Department of Agriculture has provided a farmers markets search tool to assist you in finding a market in your area, throughout the United States.  A great resource, alike, for home base and when your travels take you away from home.  If you're outside of the U.S., check the web and ask locals, to help in finding markets near you.

Now, all that's left to do is to get going!

Happy Eating!