For Reals Meals Hosted By Caitlin Kerr of The Foxglove Studio

If you’re new around here, you might be asking, “What’s a For Reals Meals?” Well, here’s the deal. I choose a host that doesn’t eat a plant-based diet. Then they choose a handful of guests that they want to get to know better – whether that’s someone they stalk on Instagram or some random person they met at a party. They then cook an entirely plant-based meal for their guests. Fun ensues. New relationships are formed. And then I get to show it off right here. 

You know how sometimes you follow someone online, then you meet him/her in person and it’s a big ol’ waaaah waaaah? They’re either not very nice, not very cool, or just don’t know how to talk to real human beings sans emojis. Well, I was obsessed with Caitlin Kerr of The Foxglove Studio via Instagram. And when I finally met her, it was whatever the opposite of a waaaaah waaaaah is. Maybe yaaaaaah yaaaaaah? She’s very nice, very cool, and has a such an incredible perspective that you want to talk to her all day (in person, not via social media). 

In the land of everything-feels-like-it’s-sorta-been-done-before, Caitlin’s work feels so different and unique. It’s styled in a way that feels impossible to replicate. I know this because I’ve tried. I’m not exactly sure how she does it, but it’s HER style. It’s HER thing. And I love every single thing about it. I couldn’t wait for her to host this month’s For Reals Meals in her studio. 

Caitlin told me she wasn’t so sure about making up new recipes for her lunch. Um, hi, that’s what the internet is for. When you start cooking in new ways, you don’t have to do know exactly what you’re doing…because there are a lot of people out there that already do. I sent Caitlin a list of some of my favorite websites for recipes (I’ve included this list for you below) and told her to go wild. And you know what happened? She ended up adapting them a little to fit the season and her style. 

Here are the recipes that inspired her menu: 
Eat Your Garden Salad
Lentil Tacos via The First Mess
Tortilla Chips via YumUniverse
Golden-Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa via YumUniverse 

Also, in crazy-small For Reals Meals world, she enlisted Nandini Khaund (a guest from the Tiki FRM) to make a gorgeous floral punch. 

And those baller rose cupcakes for dessert? She straight up bought them from Bot Bakery. Ain’t no shame in that – do what works for you. I can’t wait to buy dessert from Bot for the next party I have. 

Her guest list ruled. We got real on everything from home births to crazy brides and approaching sponsors for your brand. Check out these ladies: photographer Maura Stoffer, Claire Snarski and Lauren Wendt from Foxtail + Moss, Kristin of Gather Home + Lifestyle, and designer Jennifer Serafini of Serafini.

After we ate every single last chip (I highly suggest making those) and talked our brains out, Caitlin let us all make our own bouquets as a parting gift. Imagine walking into a floral studio and getting to make/grab whatever you please….not caring how much it costs or if it “goes together.” It was cool to see how each person’s bouquet reflected their style and personality. Eva had each woman take a flower from her bouquet and pose with it – see below. Pretty special stuff.  

Thanks to Caitlin for such a special day and for being the full-on opposite of “waaaaah waaaaah.” Can’t wait to try to Single White Female your floral style.

All photos: Eva Deitch

If you’re just starting out eating more plants OR just need more inspiration for the kitchen,
these are some of my favorite sites: 

The First Mess
Oh, Ladycakes
Earthsprout
YumUniverse
Minimalist Baker
The Chalkboard Mag
Vidya 
Ashley Neese
My New Roots