Cup of Encouragement – Woodhouse and Company

Guinevere – Owner of Woodhouse and Co

This is our FIRST business profile here at Coffee Mama Bear! I stumbled upon Gwen’s Facebook page after a friend of mine posted cute pictures of her NEW custom made patio furniture that was delivered to her house! I immediately knew that I wanted to meet the maker of that cool furniture. After discovering her Facebook page, Woodhouse and Co, I messaged Gwen about taking some pictures of her work. I crossed my fingers that she would say “YES”! Low and behold, she wasn’t weirded out by me and she was fully on board with a photo shoot. Gwen is amazing, get ready to learn more about the heart and soul of her business…this is your cue to grab coffee. 😉

Woodhouse and Company was founded in 2017 and is owned and managed by Guinevere Sturch at her home in Mckinney, TX! Gwen is very personable, kind, hard working, and dedicated to her craft. She is also a stay at home mom and takes care of her two boys during the day. A prior military family, not too long ago they decided that Texas is where they wanted to plant their roots. Her husband is now a police officer and he assists Gwen with many of the furniture deliveries.

During the photo shoot Gwen told me of her passion for making sustainable and long-lasting furniture. “Wood is quicker to biodegrade than plastic”, she said and I agree! She also has experience in re-purposing furniture pieces so they can be saved from the landfill. Gwen seeks out local businesses for any paint supplies needed for her projects because she wants to do her part to support other small businesses as well.

Why the name Woodhouse? It turns out that their family dog inspired the name and Woodhouse just happens to be a good guard dog too. *RUFF* – see, he agrees. The wood working skills run in Gwen’s family as her father and grandfather are hobbyist wood workers. Her dad sometimes offers to assist with any orders and it is sweet to see all family bonding that is happening through this woodworking business. Gwen loves her family and her two growing boys, I know they are at the heart of her reasons for starting the business. It is easy to see her love for this type of work too and all the care that she puts in to each piece for her clients.

I’m so glad that I got a chance to visit with Gwen. Now, you have a chance to support a budding small business near you! I know that with every order a small business receives there is a happy dance on the other end of the phone call, email, or facebook message! If you are looking for custom patio furniture, a new table for your kitchen or dining room, or restoration of an existing piece…I know that Gwen would love to hear from you.

Check out the Woodhouse and Co page on Facebook!

For inquiries, including custom orders, restoration, or pricing, please contact Guinevere Sturch by phone at (817) 980-6163 or by email at grsturch@gmail.com

Cup of Encouragement – 5 Must Try Coffee Roasts!

Coffee for Two
Coffee for Two, Please

I’m not a morning person. My first born is not a morning person either. We get each other. My youngest…she pops her head off the pillow with a smile on her face. Have you ever seen someone do that?! Literally wake up with a smile. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! She’ll run in to my room, tap me on the shoulder and say, “Mom, MOM, MOMMMEEEE! I’m awake!” Lately, she has been adding, “I’m a morning person, right, Mommy?” to this routine. Oh goodness, she melts my heart, so I can’t be mad, but I still need coffee.

Since I have tried a plethora of coffees and because I feel we could all benefit from a good cup…here are some coffee brands and blends to try. Make sure to check out my “Top 10” section to make sure you have some great coffee accessories like a coffee bean grinder, air lock storage container, a kettle, or even a french press! Now, let’s get some pep in your step, a gleam in your eye, and give your tired mind a wake-up call with one of these delicious coffees! Or as my husband would say…some yum yum in your tum tum.

Queen Anne Roasters – Seattle, WA

Queen Anne Roasters – Ghost Alley Blend
Smooth, smooth, smooth. Maple syrup, molasses, and gentle almond notes are present in this roast. Queen Anne Roasters (based in Seattle, WA) even told me that I nailed their flavors! I did a coffee cupping tutorial on Facebook with this blend. I totally geeked out when they commented on my Instagram post and I want to try more roasts from them. This blend has Ethiopian, Uganda, Brazilian, and Indian Robusta beans. Unique and well crafted, they are so smart with this roast.

Pearl Cup Coffee – Costa Rica Blend
I stumbled upon this blend after a visit to Pearl Cup’s Richardson location. This Costa Rica blend was on drip and I’m so glad that I had a chance to experience this roast. Chocolate and nutty flavors shined through, making this a very delightful cup! You’ll have to make a trip one of their shops to pick up this roast – Richardson, Plano, or Dallas (Preston Hollow). They have many options for your coffee pleasure, including french press, chemex, kalita pour-over, and much more.

Pearl Cup – Richardson, TX

Apropos Roasters – Coffee Subscription
Does someone in your family or one of your friends love coffee? Do you love them too? I got two words for you…COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION. Jennie-Mae, owner of Apropos Roasters, was featured on Etsy and her story is worth a read! This will be a coffee that your gift receiver will RAVE to you about and hopefully, you’ll get an invite to partake too! Jennie gives excellent customer service and can create a custom order. She creates some of the cutest wedding favors featuring her coffee! If you’re ever in Richmond, VA check out Sefton Coffee Company to get a taste of Apropos Roasters!

Addison Coffee Roasters – Kenya Peaberry
I never ever EVER purposefully tried a coffee described as having “fruit notes”. Fruit…in coffee…WHY? I’m just imaging someone dropping half a peach in my coffee. (Let’s just side step the fact that coffee beans are considered a fruit.) Y’all, I found a good one with this peaberry blend. Apricot notes make this a joyful tasting cup and it had no bite to it at all. They described it as “bright” and a “clean cup” and I wholeheartedly agree. It would pair beautifully with a relaxing afternoon and a good book in a garden.

White Rock Coffee Roasters – Brazil Monte Cristo
This Texas coffee roaster hails from Dallas, TX. You can purchase coffee directly from their site. They do source a large part of their coffee through direct trade; from the coffee grower/farm to their roastery. This particular coffee tastes like CHOCOLATE and PEANUTS. A tasty match that I really enjoyed because who doesn’t like chocolate covered peanuts? It’s a timeless flavor pairing that most likely has it’s own trophy in dessert heaven!

Let me know if you purchase from one of these roasters! Come find me on Instagram or Facebook for more coffee related posts and fun. This journey has truly been a blast for me and I can’t wait to share more about my coffee hunting travels, life, and all I discover along the way.

Warmest Wishes and Coffee Dreams,
Erin aka Coffee Mama Bear

Do you have a coffee brand or blend that you LOVE?
Please, share it with me!

Are you a coffee roaster and want to send me coffee?
I’d love to be your friend too.

Do you make cute coffee related cups, mugs, or shirts?
I’d love to feature your handmade items.

Contact me: erin@coffeemamabear.com

Coffee Mama Bear – Self Portrait