2024: The Grind, Martin TN
While exploring new job opportunities, I had the chance to interview on-site at the University of Tennessee at Martin. After a full day of meetings, I connected with a local real estate agent who graciously offered to show me some housing options in the area. To wrap up the day, she and her husband invited me to dinner at The Grind—a quirky, must-visit café that brings big flavor and bold personality to this charming college town. Known for its over-the-top milkshakes stacked high with everything from donuts to cotton candy, The Grind has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors craving something fun and indulgent. But it’s not just about the sweets—the menu is packed with gourmet burgers, loaded fries, and creative coffee drinks, all served in a vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is inviting. It was the perfect way to end a busy day and get a taste (literally!) of what Martin has to offer.
This is the only layout from that trip, and it’s the cherry on top—proof of just how sweet and memorable the experience was. I went all-in with ice cream and candy-themed background cardstock to capture the sugar-rush spirit of The Grind, where the desserts were truly larger than life. On the left-hand page, I featured a jumbo ice cream sundae and a towering burger, representing the sundae-best meal we had. There are also two photos of the restaurant’s exterior—one of the colorful sign and the other of an outrageous milkshake sculpture that’s every bit as shake-tacular as the real thing. I designed all the elements in Cricut Design Space and cut them out using my Cricut Maker, layering the sweetness like a triple-scoop cone.
The right-hand page keeps the sugar high going, with a close-up of my milkshake masterpiece and another photo of me posing with it—because let’s be real, that shake deserved a photo shoot. I also included the restaurant’s logo, which I recreated using a mix of Cricut pen work and cutouts, depending on how cone-plex the details were. A playful deer embellishment finishes the page—a nod to the wild story from just two months earlier, when a deer crashed through the front window and caused quite the stir. Funny enough, I was sitting just a few feet from that very spot, and if you look closely at the photo of me, you’ll see the infamous window just to my right. If you’re curious about the deer drama or want a behind-the-scenes look at how this layout came together, click below for both the original video and my scrapbook process. It’s a mooo-ving story you won’t want to miss!
Categories: 2024
MASCrapping 