There is Still Good

After the senseless and despicable events of last Friday, I can guarantee everyone's heart is a little heavy.  It is utterly heartbreaking to hear the stories that came from Sandy Hook Elementary School, a place of learning and safety turned into a nightmare.  There are still good stories coming from this tragedy.  The first-grade teacher who barricaded her students into the class bathroom and told them she loved them, and was glad they were her students.  That story reminded me of so many of my teacher friends. Clever enough to hide, brave and endearing.  Also the little boy who saw that awful man and grabbed his friends and ran outside to safety.  How brave of a first grader!

Just this evening I heard a radio DJ asking callers to call in with their own stories of kindness to share- right here in Middle Tennessee.  One caller said she went to purchase a drink from a vending machine and found a dollar with a note taped to the machine asking its finder to pass on the good deed.

If you are looking for an opportunity to do good this holiday season or just in general, check out my best friend Lindsay's blog (here) about her upcoming trip to Africa.  She is currently raising money to embark on this adventure by selling these earrings. The beads are handmade by women in Uganda and the earrings were assembled right here in the great state of Tennessee by a group of our friends.

If you want to know more about Lindsay's trip to Uganda, follow her blog!  She truly has a heart to serve and I know she will be a wonderful influence on the people she meets.  At first I was very nervous about her going on this trip alone but I know that God will be directing her each and every step!  

Ugandan Paper Bead Earrings will make lovely Christmas gifts!

PS - another happy note...I ordered my wedding dress this past Saturday and it is the most beautiful dress in the world :)

Bethany's Tales: I'm Getting Married!

I hope everyone is ready for another installment of "Bethany's Tales," as this is the most recent of my adventures.  As of 4:15 pm on November 17....G & I ARE ENGAGED!  I figured this was the best place to give everyone the lowdown on how he did it.  So enjoy The Surprise Engagement of November 2012.

On Veteran's Day, G and I spent our day off shopping at Opry Mills and visiting with his parents who were in Nashville for a conference.  Later that week he said we were going to eat with them when they headed home to East Tennessee on Saturday.  I had planned on going to a craft show during the day and promised him I would be back to my apartment in time to eat.

Saturday rolled around and for some reason, I felt like I should curl my hair...good decision.  I had invited my friend Katy to join me at the craft fair but said I had to be back by 4 to go to Edward's. Once at the craft fair, my friends and I saw just about everyone we've ever known so we had to fly through the vendors.  We saw my parents and my brother, but I thought nothing of it since my brother's girlfriend had a booth selling children's clothes.

G had been acting like a time nazi all day, which is typically not his style.  For those who know me, you know I'm not tied to my watch...and when I get with Katy you can just expect us to be late.  I'd told her how G was being a crazy person about picking me up a 4 to eat so we both knew when we had to be at my apartment before he had a conniption.  So at the stroke of 3:50 we tore ourselves away.

When we arrive at my apartment, G steps out of his truck in a corduroy sport coat and my favorite shirt of his.  My first thought was "Oh darn I'm underdressed" and my next thought was "Am I getting proposed to?  Nah, that would be awkward if he proposed in the middle of the restaurant."  So we ride down the road to Edward's Steakhouse, all the while G's face is blood red and he looks like he might pass out.  I could not figure out why he was so worked up about getting there at 4.  It also never occurred to me that Edward's doesn't open until 4:30!

*Backstory:  The first time I met G was at Edward's.  I had been working a concert for work that had been rained out and I sought refuge in the piano bar area of Edward's where I knew a few people.  I was introduced to G there and it's one of our most frequented spots.*

G took me in the back door of Edward's and there was no one there.  I thought "See!  We beat them here, he's been all worked up for no reason!" UNTIL I saw a sheet of paper sitting on the table.  I immediately became enamored by this paper and I started trying to read it across the table.  He slid it over to me and said "It looks like they have a special menu tonight."  He had made a fake menu with all of these promises for me on it (listed as Free).  After reading it for what he said felt like forever, he got up and started to attempt his speech.  I say attempt because he was so nervous that he barely made any real words come out...it was adorable.  Poor thing was so nervous he grabbed my right hand!  I said "wrong hand, other one" through about a million tears.  He finally made it to one knee and said "Think you'd like to marry me?" I said yes, we kissed and then he hollered out "She said Yes by the way!" and the staff of Eds came busting out of their employee area with champagne.  He walked me over to the stairs leading down to the dining room area where all of our family and friends (as many who were not at the Tennessee-Vandy game, of course) were down there!  It was the most perfect proposal!  I had never told him how I had always thought that would be a great proposal- one-on-one and then having everyone at another surprise location.  He just did it all on his own!

The best part was my parents knew, his parents knew, Katy knew the whole time.  EVERYONE knew but me!  AND they kept it a secret.  I'm so proud of them all!  I didn't care what he did, just as long as I was surprised.  He sure did that!  I really had no real clue!

So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am so very thankful for my G, my family, my friends and my God.  Thank you to all of the wonderful people who made this the most surreal and special night of my life!  Love you all!

Check out the pics!

Sooo surprised!

My sneaky BFF knew the whole time!

Soooo excited!

The most beautiful ring in the world!

Playing Catch Up

Hello there, remember me?  I am SO sorry!  I have had a crazy, crazy month but I am back, and ready to blog!

Where should I start?  Let's just go with last week!  Last week, I was basically a world traveler...okay more like a Southeastern traveler.  I enjoyed a fabulous week off from work with my family and G!  We loaded up the car and headed down to the Redneck Riviera of Panama City Beach, Florida.  I'm tell you all a little secret....go on a beach vacation after Labor Day.  Rooms are cheaper, you don't have overcrowding on the beach, it isn't 12,000 degrees outside and my favorite part....little to no wait at restaurants!  Of course there's the pesky hurricane season but life is all about taking risks every now and then right?

I had a new experience on vacation...celebrating my birthday at the beach!  That's right folks, I turned the big 2-5 last Tuesday.  September 11 is a tough birthday to have but my cousin posted a sweet message on my Facebook saying that "at least one good thing happened on this day in history!"  So that's nice to give people something to smile about...I'm one year older :)  My family treated me to a nice seafood supper and a visit to the outdoor mall where I found many pretty things!

Enjoying some birthday oysters at Shuck'ems

After several relaxing days, G and I loaded up my car and headed from the Florida panhandle to East Tennessee to visit his parents.  They live about 3-4 hours away and he doesn't get to see them as often as he would like.  I know he was happy to give his mama a big hug!

After much preparation and anticipation, we jumped in the car and drove to Knoxville to enjoy a little football time in Tennessee.  I'm going to preface this by stating that I really, really, really dislike the Florida Gators.  I always have, always will.  Couple that with riding high on the past two Tennessee wins and I was ready to rock and roll all over some Swampies.  Rather than discuss the disgust and disappointment I am still feeling today...two days after the game has ended, I will discuss the following:

1.  My gameday blazer/G's gameday britches
We just happened upon this perfect UT blazer while in Florida.  We did have to undress a total of two manikans and track down many salesladies to get it but it's all mine!  G's pants were a different story, we made a pit stop to Alumni Hall in Knoxville because he was determined to find some checkerboard pants.

Check us out!

2.  How excited I was to spend time with my long lost sorority sisters!
With a sold out ball game on our hands so many people made the journey to Rocky Top, or already lived there!  I was thrilled to see my sisters who live in Knoxville as well as precious Megan who is living in Denver these days.  Thanks so much to Rebekah and Jacob for keeping us up for the night (and for the donuts!) and to Cara and the entire Holden family for the tailgate fun!

3.  That I am thankful for Will Moore and currently owe him a favor of some form or fashion.
Our original tickets fell through and we quickly had to rustle up some others.  This was in the midst of the announcement that College Gameday would be broadcasting, live from Knoxville....and of course it was the Florida game...so tickets on Craigslist or any other site jumped to $150 for top level seats.  No thanks.  Enter Will.  You might remember Will from my Tale of the Stoneware Jug.  If not, see here. Will is my college pal, former neighbor and devoted Volunteer fan who just happened to catch wind that those scallywags from Florida returned a good bit of their ticket allotment which resulted in our ticket purchase.  Thanks my friend.

4. Bid Day
Today I was lucky enough to help with Chi Omega's Bid Day celebration at Austin Peay.  It has been seven years since I ran to my sisters in the APSU quad wagging my big purse behind me, and it has been four years since I welcomed the pledge class of 2008 with big hugs and smiles.  I am thankful for the opportunity to give back as an alumnae officer and loved seeing the joy on the faces of Baby Hooties learning chants for their very first rally.  As a side note, Pledge Class 2012 may possibly be the most coordinated pledge class I've seen in a while.  It was especially sweet to see my Little Sister's biological little sister enjoying her very first Bid Day as a Chi Omega.  Here's a picture of the Fabulous Family tree...missing a few branches who were there in spirit!

Bombasha Brazilian Steakhouse

Happy Sunday!  This weekend has really flown by.  G and I got to head to Nashville for a meal at one of our favorite restaurants.  And thanks to Groupon we got a deal to do so!

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Man, I really wish I could just have an all-you-can-eat smorgasboard of meat brought right to my table."  I'm sure any man reading this answered with an emphatic yes.  Well friends, look no further than Bombasha Brazilian Steakhouse in Nashville!

Photo via Bombasha's Facebook page

Our friends introduced us to this delight on New Year's Eve this past year and we've been back a couple of times since.  It. Is. So. Good.  Basically, here is the rundown of the Bombasha experience:

Once seated by the hostess, you'll notice a card at each place.  The card is green on one side and red on the other.  This tells the gauchos (the meat guys) that you are ready and rearing for the meat course.  You'll also be offered the salad bar.  G chose to forego the salad bar experience and dove straight into the meat election by flipping his card to green.  I made myself a small plate of greens, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese then flipped my card to green as well.

This is where things get serious....seriously delicious.  Ladies and gentleman this is not for the vegetarian in your circle of friends.  Bombasha boasts 11 cuts of meat.  There is beef, pork, chicken and sometimes lamb.  I'm a big fan of the House Special and the Parmesan Pork.  This weekend's selection also offered a Parmesan Beef that was so tender it was like butter in your mouth.  Wonderful, meat butter.  

Not only is the food delicious at Bombasha, but so is the overall experience.  Once you've flipped your card to the green side the servers, called gauchos, begin coming past your table holding what I thought to be swords skewered with meat (see above photo).  They ask if you would like whichever cut of meat they have and you have the option to try it or pass.  They cut the meat right at your table, so it is fresh!

Bombasha is located in Hillsboro Village on Belcourt Avenue.  If you have ever eaten at Cabana you've probably tried to walk in the door to Bombasha (I sat beside the window and watched many a person stutter-step to get to the right one.  Oh, and I've done it before too.).  It's a little on the pricey side but totally worth it for the amount of food you get and the servers are really attentive.  

Oh and PS - if you go to Bombasha, try the little rolls.  They have a different texture so they aren't for everyone....but I ate the entire basket myself.  Sorry I'm not sorry.

Where's your favorite place to eat in the Nashville area?

It's (Not Quite) Fall, Y'all!

Hello friends!  I tried to fight it, I really did.  But I am kind of getting ready for fall.  This is always such a tough time for me, a lover of summer, but it comes each and every year.  I get tired of the blazing hot sun and start getting ready to pull on my boots and scarves.  However it is quite tough to part with going on the boat, sundresses and not having to bundle up to fight the elements (I HATE the wintery chill!).

This awkward Summer-Fall transition does bring a lot of my very favorite things.  G's birthday.  My birthday.  The start of Football season.  Plus, with all of these Fall-inspired pins on Pinterest, I can't help but get a little excited!  That being said, we're going to look past the allergies and go on to my second favorite season's greatest attributes...Fall!

Boots
My parents met while working at a boot company.  My grandparents and my aunt & uncle met while working at the same boot company.  I am genetically engineered to love this footwear.  Cowboy, riding, rain...I love all varieties of boots!  Just look at these beauties.  Wouldn't they be great with some leggings or skinny jeans tucked in?

Seasonal Beverages/Scents

Pumpkin Spice, gingerbread, hazelnut, cider- it just warms my soul.  I caught myself in the candle section of Walmart the other day sniffing a Pumpkin Spice Candle.  I had to get a grip and keep moving.  However, when the weather cools down I believe I am going to give this a try.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte via Pinterest

Hayrides and Pumpkins
You have to admit, in theory, the idea of a hayride is a little bizarre.  "There's nothing like gathering your closest friends/family and dragging them behind a truck/tractor seated upon livestock feed!"  But seriously, I do love getting snuggled under a blanket and taking a spin on a trailer of hay.  Our church has one every year and I have such wonderful memories of those.

I also love pumpkin picking, carving and pumpkin decor!

Soups
Now if the truth be told I can usually eat soup at any time of year.  In fact, I had soup last night for supper and I had been sweating earlier in the day.  But there's just something about soup and fall that just go together!  I can't wait to find some delicious goodies on Pinterest to try this season.

Football
Just 24 days until it's football time in Tennessee!!  I love the pageantry of college football.  The marching bands, the cheering, the tradition and of course...the tailgate food!  Saturdays down South are no joking matter.  Menus are planned well in advance, tailgating spots are decorated, some people go as far as hooking generators up to televisions to be as up-to-date on football coverage as possible.  

If you've never been to an NFL game, I'd highly recommend it!  You may be right on the field or hundreds of feet above but you're guaranteed a good time.  At least at Titans' games.  I think Titans fans are some of the most welcoming and friendly fans in the NFL....oh wait and the loudest :)

So what are you most excited about this fall? 

Swirlz Night!

I'm back y'all!  My apologies for the blog hiatus but I'm back from Gulf Shores and very relaxed!  PS - the backpack beach chair was amazing!  My friend Jessica had one just like mine and we called them our "Turtle Chairs" as we felt like we had a shell while wearing them.  SO convenient.  Also, if you're ever down on the Alabama Gulf Coast and have the opportunity to hear a band called The Foxy Iguanas...do it!!  They were my favorite!  We even got them to play a little "Rocky Top" for some Tennessee girls (btw if you're reading this Iguanas, I'm still REALLY sorry for mistaking your ashtray bucket for your tip jar.  That could have ended badly)!

The weekend before last, while on blogging hiatus, G and I went to Swirlz with two of our good friends.  Swirlz is a painting studio where you are given a set painting and then an instructor gives you step-by-step directions on how to recreate it.  It was such a good time!


We signed up for "Starry Night," very similar to the Van Gogh edition. As you can tell from this picture G and I got a little carried away with our moons.  G also took his own artistic liberties with his painting and eradicated his entire town of houses.  He also accidentally turned his church into the Weasley's home from Harry Potter.  What can I say?  The man is an artist... or something like that!

Our friends had been to a previous Swirlz class to celebrate a birthday.  Jen said she figured her husband would have to go if it was her birthday...and he loved it!  I'm pretty sure that was the only reason G was talked into the situation....and he loved it too.  So guys, don't think it's girly or silly...just go and have fun!  Plus they do "manly" paintings like 12-point bucks or Apache helicopters.


The calendar is posted online (here) so you are able to see which painting you'll be working on that night.  As previously mentioned, they do different styles of paintings and will hold private events for groups as well as paintings specifically for kids.  The website is also where you reserve your seat(s) for the class.  Depending on what painting you sign up for, prices typically run from $35-$45 per person.  That provides your paint, smock and canvas.  You're allowed to bring in the beverages of your choice as well.  Water, cokes, wine, beer, Gatorade....whatever!  However, beware that you may or may not accidentally try and drink your brush water and/or put your dirty brush into your bev.  


Also, if you are a little pokey (like me) they try and accommodate you, but try and keep up.  Until G went rogue I had to keep asking what the instructor said because I was super focused on the proper blending of my stars.  Now, don't go all speed demon either...that's how G ended up with a brown moon....


So, if you're feeling some artistic energy you'd like to get out or are in need of a fun/unique date night or girls' night, head on over to Swirlz!


PS - I left with more paint on myself than on the canvas (no seriously, it was in my hair and I even found some the next day I had missed!  Can't take me anywhere.) so maybe bear that in mind when selecting your outfit!

Inspirational Ladies

You know when people always ask "Which celebrity, living or dead, would you most like to have lunch with?"  I've always wondered, "Why do we have to have lunch? Couldn't we have a glass of tea or some pie or something?"  Everyone knows sitting around chatting over dessert always seems to last for hours!  


In typical Bethany fashion, I can't choose just one person so we are changing this question to "Which celebrities, living or dead, would you most like to invite to your home to have a glass of tea or enjoy a slice of pie?"

1.  Dolly Parton
I swear, I really think Dolly and I could be the best of friends.  I think she is truly one of the most gracious and candid people in the spotlight.  In an age where people are famous for just being born, this lady is a rare gem of talent.  Not only is she an amazing singer/songwriter, but an actress and a business woman.  She also plays the fiddle, drums, harmonica, piano and even the flute!  With all of her great success, you'd think she'd definitely be on a high horse...but no!  Dolly frequently laughs and jokes about herself, never taking herself too seriously.  I once saw an interview where she was asked if she would ever pose nude for Playboy.  She answered "No, not until I'm 100.  And then won't you be sorry!" She's very proud of her roots as a Tennessean and as a Christian.  I have attended church in the chapel at Dollywood and let me tell you, if you find yourself in the theme park on a Sunday morning you'll be sure to be blessed.

Fun Dolly Facts:
-She met her husband of 45 years at a Nashville laundromat.-She wrote the bare bones of the song "9-5" by "playing" her acrylic fingernails.

2. Reese Witherspoon
Is or isn't Reese Witherspoon the cutest person there ever was?  That's right!  She is.  She is just so spunky and adorable, it would be easy to view her on her pretty face and sweet demeanor but Reese Witherspoon made her way from Harpeth Hall to Hollywood using the good sense God gave her.  With doctors for parents it's probably hard not to be a smarty.  In her acceptance speech for the MTV Generation Award a few years back I remember she said how disappointing she thought it was that women were becoming famous from scandalous videos and pictures on the internet.  She is a dedicated mother and just seems like such a down-to-Earth girl.  Therefore, she's invited to our Pie Eating Date.

Fun Reese Facts:

-She is said to be a relative of John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

-She graduated from Harpeth Hall. The all-girl school in Nashville.

3. Dale Smith Thomas

I became familiar with Dale Smith Thomas while at a work conference this past fall.  They loaded us all on buses (I was one of the lucky riders of the County Workhouse bus) and took us to an auditorium for a "motivational speaker" session.  Now I will be the first to admit that I have heard some less-than-motivating motivational speakers in my day so I wasn't so sure how this adventure was going to go.  I could not have been more pleasantly surprised!  I boarded that Workhouse bus back to my room feeling so uplifted and really eager to attend her session the next morning.

Not only is Dale gorgeous, she's also got the right mindset to tackle whatever life may throw...bonus points, she is hilarious!  One of the points Dale made was that if you wake up each morning with a defeated attitude, you're already down for the day.  She challenged us to wake up, look ourselves in the mirror and say "Good morning Gorgeous!"  Then we had to say it to people as we passed them in the halls, at breakfast, etc.  You might have felt a little silly at first, but seeing other people's reactions was great.    Dale also spoke on the power of positive thinking.  How we can be winners by choice.  She spoke about the time she had competed in the Mrs. America pageant and was ready to win and catapult herself into a speaking sensation.  The only problem with that is that she didn't win....but did that stop her?  Not a chance!  She has definitely made an impression on me as well as many others nationwide...including Dr. Phil!  

Check out her website for more awesome tools on how to have a great, positive mindset here

Fun Dale Facts:

-Dale Smith Thomas was born and raised in Mississippi but lives in Nashville.

-She won the title of Mrs. Tennessee.

-Her program "Boot Camp for Beauty Queens" was featured on an episode of The Simple Life with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie

So these are my Tea and Pie dates.  Who would you eat lunch/pie/tea with?

A Weekend in Clarksville, Tennessee

Hey there friends!  This weekend was fun but exhausting...I'm getting too old for these shenanigans!  I'll just blame it on my sunburn.  This weekend involved seeing lots of old friends and trying new establishments in Clarksville, Tennessee.  For the Weekend Roundup I'll also be reviewing one of Clarksville's summer pastimes as well as a new watering hole/dance hall. 

Friday night I had Mexican with my former roommate/sorority sister/one of my favorite people in the world.  We then went to try out the newest place in town, Electric Cowboy.  If you haven't visited many Clarksville establishments the thing you must understand is that they have a "window" of fun.  Some places have a larger window than others (RIP The Deli) but it seems like places eventually are overcome by the "sketch factor."  By "sketch factor" I mean the prevelance of suspicious and/or creepy patrons, severely "over served" patrons and just general filth.  For example, the last time I went to a place called the Pea Patch was the time they metal detected everyone who walked in.  No thank you.

According to its website, the Electric Cowboy is a "Country and Dance Nightclub" meaning one minute you're doing the Cotton Eyed Joe and the next they are playing Nelly.  Between Friday and Saturday nights I am pretty positive I saw everyone I have ever known, including a friend from college who is really going to be doing/already doing big things in New York.  So proud of him.  But back to the Cowboy's review!  Things I liked about the Electric Cowboy:

• Line dancing.  I LOVE line dancing and was hard up to find a place to go.  There was Silverado's which had a very high sketch factor, and the Wildhorse Saloon which is super touristy, expensive and entirely too large for my liking.  I also appreciated that the EC didn't stop the line dancing and country songs after 11 p.m. like Silverado's used to do.
• Size.  The place is large and in charge.  There are three bar stations in the building so the whole place isn't in line together at one station.  However, that being said it seems to take a hot minute to get a drink...even just a water.  We'll chalk that up to them getting into their groove.
• Bathrooms.  Big thanks to the designer of this building's restrooms as there are more than 1-2 stalls.  On the flip side they may need an instructional class on "How to Properly Throw Away Your Paper Towels" for all who enter or an employee who checks the trash can regularly. 
• Cleanliness.  Despite the paper towel overflow situation, the place is pretty clean and hopefully it will stay that way.  I hate sticking to the floor or slipping in an unknown substance when I go somewhere.  Seriosuly....I once saw a picture on Facebook of someone's flip flop that had stuck to the nasty floor of another establishment.  First of all, ew.  Second of all, who just walks out of their shoe and doesn't retrieve it?  Thankfully no was left behind.  They wouldn't even let you hold any liquids on their nice dance floor.  Good looking out, EC.
• Age of patrons.  The people inside ranged anywhere from late thirties to the college crowd.  Thus preventing the thoughts of "I am way to old to be here" or "I should really start a designated driving service for these people."

The con list is as follows:

• Smoking allowed indoors.  I hate leaving a place feeling/sounding/smelling like I've just smoked ten cigarettes when I have never smoked a day in my life.  Come on folks, take it outside.
• Enforcement of dress code.  Let me start this by saying that I am in support of dress codes.  However I do think they should be enforced equally.  One of G's friends was wearing a white t-shirt and was not allowed in.  Once he changed he came inside to find that there were at least two others in white t-shirts, one of which said his brother wearing a very similar shirt was not allowed in.  Weird.

Saturday evening I headed out to Beachaven Vineyards & Winery for our 2nd Annual Chi-O Alumnae visit to Jazz on the Lawn.  I have touched on the subject of Jazz on the Lawn in a previous post (read here) but here is the real low-down on Jazz.

Jazz is held every other month at Beachaven Winery, right off of I-24.  Throughout the week the winery offers free tastings to those 21 and up and also free tours of the facility but every other weekend from May-October they have a band set up on stage and invite folks to come enjoy music (not always "real jazz" but different varieties) and some of their Tennessee made wines. 

I'm no wine-o (nor do I even know if that is truly how to spell "wine-o"), but I do know that they have some pretty tasty wines at Beachaven.  Some have even won awards!  The kicker is that most varieties of wine only cost $9-$15!  I personally like Harmony, Budbreak Blush, Heavenly Peach, Blackberry (mix the Blackberry with the Peach for a delicious "Bleach" mixture), and everyone's favorite...Golden Rose.

Harmony via Beachaven website

An important tip for Jazz, it is typically hotter than Hades at this time of year so ladies, your best bet is a cool, breezy sundress...which I had to forgo due to my sunburned shoulders.  The girls and their husbands/boyfriends all had a great time together! 

I will leave you with a few photos from our post-Jazz visit to Electric Cowboy.  Our cars were in different locations and instead of taking a cab back to our vehicles...we somehow ended up in a limo?  This would be the doing of G's friend.  Might I add that said limo was circa 1990 (but was clean as a whistle!) and was having air issues.  The driver rolled down the window so we could have some air.  I kindly asked if he could roll it back up as I was getting rained on.  Enjoy!

Pardon the red eyes & red skin





It's (Almost) Football Time in Tennessee!

There's 59 days until college football season begins friends!  Who is ready to sing Rocky Top?  Let's hope this season is considerably better than last and we will get to sing it a bit more often!  Derek Dooley, I'm looking at you.
 For some reason I am in the gameday spirit today and thought I would post some of my favorite gameday attire to get y'all in the spirit too!


I'll start this off by saying, if you're going to a game at Neyland--do not wear heels.  You'll most likely be walking a lot and Knoxville is located smack-dab on a mountain so flats and boots are go-to gameday footwear.  Trust me, nobody wants to be "That Girl" who is hobbling the streets/stadium like a newborn deer plus your feet will thank you later!

This breezy dress is great for the early part of the season.  August & September can still be extremely hot.

This outfit is versitale in that you can wear the white skinny jeans with the shirt untucked or tucked into the scalloped shorts!  Either option would be good for the game with flats and wedges for the night out after.

I personally love a good blazer.  I'm in the market for a nice orange one at the moment and this one is super cute!  If only it wasn't $$$....  This girl could trade the platforms for some flats and she'd be ready to roll.

For the cooler months, a nice jean/riding boot combo paired with an orange blazer and monogrammed earrings.

It's a well known fact by Tennessee fans, primarily ladies, that "UT Orange" is a hard color to duplicate.  Most shades of orange can be acceptable on gameday but don't forget to bear in mind your opponents!  You don't want to be caught in "Auburn Orange" or "Gator Orange"when playing Auburn or Florida.

Happy Fourth of July Eve!

Friday Favorites

It's finally Friday!  And boy has it been a good/hot one.  Temps are higher than they have been all summer so if you're in the Middle Tennessee area stay hydrated, get yourself in or around a swimming pool or stay indoors if you can help it.

Here are a few of my favorites this summer!

These J Crew shorts have been in stable rotation and have become my favorite shorts this summer.  They look more orange-y in the picture but they are coral in real life.  I got them at the J Crew outlet store in Charleston while visiting a friend but if you're lucky enough to get to Opry Mills, there is a J Crew outlet store where these babies can be found on the cheap(er).

 Next up we have the Essie polish in "Sand Tropez" or as I called it "sand trap" for a while.  It's my go-to when I'm not polished in some shade of pink.  It's not super light but also not super dark, so it's just right!  Sure it's not the flashiest color, but I like that about this nude color.  Plus G tells me that bright nails remind him of a stripper...what?  I guess I'm proud that he was more concerned with strippers' nail colors/hands than their nakedness?  He makes me laugh.

Recently I've decided to start writing my friends letters/notes/cards.  Primarily because it's fun to receive and to send mail but also because I really love fun stationery.  Here are a few that I've been wanting lately...though I could look for note cards all day!

And my last favorite for today's Friday Favorites would be one of my favorite holidays, the Fourth of July, which is just around the corner!  As a child I loved/hated the Fourth because I thought the fireworks were terrifying.  Of course now as long as they are shot safely, I LOVE fireworks!  I went to a wedding recently where fireworks were shot as the bride & groom exited the reception.  It was great!  But really, what's not to love about the Fourth of July?  Cookouts, time spent with family & friends, fun red/white/blue colored outfits, food, and fireworks!  Last Fourth of July we went out on the lake and though it was kind of crowded we had a blast!  Here are some patriotic goodies that may inspire you this holiday....happy weekend, y'all!

Healthy Choices & Fun Tunes

Today I had lunch with my mom and some ladies from our church.  We ate at Ruby Tuesday.  I was glad to see that Ruby was taking some proactive stances in the obesity epidemic with their "Fit & Trim" menu choices that listed the calories on the menu.  I decided that I'd go with the Chicken Fresco that came with broccolli and mashed potatoes--all for 397 calories.  It was delish! 

I was feeling pretty proud of myself until we figured out that the delicious little garlic biscuits that had been brought to our table were 110 calories a piece.  Not too big of a deal......unless you were me who ate five of them.  Whoops.

This leads me to my next question....why weren't the calories of those listed?  And why were the "Fit & Trim" options the only menu items with nutritional values listed?  It's a good step forward to have the healthier items listed, but when the healthier items have "less than 700 calories" that makes me wonder how many the other entrees have.  Chili's is the same way with their "Guiltless Grill" options but have you ever looked up the nutrition on the other food there?  If you ever want to eat chips & salsa or queso dip I would suggest you just jog to Chili's rather than drive.  I like to know ahead of time what my menu options will be so I can adjust the rest of my day's eating. 

For example, Jack in the Box lists all of their menu items' calorie values on their drive thru board.  I know what you're probably thinking...why is she eating at Jack in the Box and trying to be remotely health conscious?....because I'm an American, a big fat American who just wants some of those curly fries....but I do want to know if I should eat only green beans for supper.  But Jack posts it all, the good and the bad.  It scares you into eating a better choice.  I could've ordered the giant, tasty hamburger that had 500 calories (just an estimate) but instead I ordered their weird little tacos for 200 calories (plus those things are 2 for $1!).  I really think that some people realize that Big Mac's aren't good for you, but they don't necessarily realize HOW they aren't good for you and maybe why you shouldn't have one for lunch and supper in the same day. 

Rant ended....for now.

On to more fun things!

The tune of the week is inspired by last week's lake visit.  I had heard that Little Big Town had a song called "Pontoon" and I couldn't imagine it actually being something I'd listen to on purpose.  I stand corrected!  Now granted, this is not the most soul-touching country song but dang it if this isn't relaxing and summer-y!

When they performed the song on the CMT Awards they actually had a pontoon boat (complete with water slide on the back) onstage and they sang from the hardtop like they are in the video.  So grab yourself a koozie, let's go!

Weekend Activities

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had as wonderful of a weekend as I had!  It certainly was an eventful one, that's for sure.  Here are the highlights!

Saturday, my boyfriend G and I went to the 3rd birthday party of our sweet little friend Lucas.  To say Lucas likes dinosaurs is a bit of an understatement....there was even dinosaur shaped cheese slices!  He and his pals all got forks and dug into his cake.  It was really funny.  Also, my mother and I may or may not have jumped in the bouncy house...after all the children had gotten out.  

 

That night, my friend/sorority sister Rebekah came into town to celebrate the passing of her OT boards...way to go Dr. Reba!  We headed out to Beachaven Vineyard & Winery for their "Jazz on the Lawn" event.  Beachaven hosts Jazz every other weekend from May through October.  People come out of the woodwork for these events and they are a lot of fun!  Music, picnics, wine...all sorts of fun!

Please note the maiden voyage of my fold-up cooler.  It looks like a fold-up camping chair (or as folks around here call them, "Jazz chairs") but it is actually an insulated cooler bag that sits on a stand.  Thank you, Old Time Pottery!

Rebekah accompanied me to church where we heard our brand new preacher, then we headed back to meet some of our other sorority sisters for an afternoon at the lake.  Going out on the water is one of my very favorite things to do!  We really appreciated Chelsea's husband Evan driving us around and being such a trooper hanging with the ladies. 

Who's excited for tonight's Bachelorette???  I know I'm not the only one!