Homemade Coasters {Lucky Finds}

If you’re like me, you are shopping on a budget this Christmas. I found a easy and fun craft that is a thoughtful gift that will last forever!
 
It is simple, inexpensive and only takes a few supplies.

(There are two ways of doing it: tissue paper or actually pictures. I prefer the tissue option(it is more organic) but if you want to skip a few steps the real pictures turn out great too!)

All you need:
Mod Pog
Foam Brush
4x4 Tiles  you can get a pack of 9 for $4 in tile section at Home Depot. (look for the guys in orange or you'll wonder for hours). I used 4 tiles per set, so you could get 2 sets out of 1 pack!
Clear Acrylic Spray (make sure it is waterproof)
Felt
Tissue paper and scotch tape *optional
Pictures
 
If you are doing the tissue paper method the first step is to print your pictures onto tissue paper (tape the tissue paper to sturdy paper to help it through the printer).

• First cut out your pictures smaller than the coaster(you don’t want them hanging off the edge).
• Then apply a THIN coat of mod pog directly to the coaster –lay your picture or tissue paper on top-allow to dry for a few minutes.
• Apply a THIN coat of mod pog over the picture (I used a hair dryer to speed up drying process). Apply 3 coats, allowing to dry completely between each coat.
• Apply 3 coats of acrylic spray (follow drying directions).
• Last, cut out felt and use the mod pog to stick to back.

Ta-Da! I did this set with some of my pictures-the tissue paper ones are a gift so I can't show you :)

Christmas shopping tip: Make it thoughtful & personalized. 

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Stuffing that Stocking {Lucky Finds}

A Christmas list full of great gift ideas, things you never knew existed, things you wish you could afford, and things just downright bizarre.

{If you want more info on a gift, just click the name}

Chia Pet Obama

20.99

There are no words. 

Awkard Family Photos: The Board Game 

$18.49

Based on theAwkwardFamilyPhotos.com website, this board game features  photos of other families sure to bring you closer to your own! 

Shower Light

$39.99

Blinks red when the water is hot, blue when it's cold.

A Christmas Story Inflatable Leg Lamp Yard Decor

$59.99

It's a major award. 

The Original Bacon Man Candle 

$11.99

Who doesn't love bacon?

Custom "Of The Month Club"

$94.85

The gift that keeps on giving

Gift Wine, Beer, Chocolate, Hot Sauce, Cheese, Cigars, Candles, Beer, and more for 3, 6, or 12 months 

Pet's Eye View Camera

$39.99

See what your pet does when you leave them home alone 

Crazy Fort Kit

$41.85

Fort making made easy

Pen Scanner for Note Takers

$139.00

Records everything you hear, say, and write. Then links audio recording to your notes

Ultimate Stock Car Ride Along Experience 

$119.00

Ride shotgun in a NASCAR stock car driven by a professional instructor

The iPhone Photo Printer

$159.99

Prints photos in a instant directly from your docked iPhone 

Design Your Own Pet T-Shirt

$18.95

Add an image or text for the perfect look for your pet

Torpedo Entertainment Movie Projector

$329.99

Projects movies and video games on the wall or ceiling. 

Fortune Cookie Baby Booties 

$28.00

Precious.

Happy Shopping & Merry Christmas!

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Life Lessons {Snapshots}

I recently had an amazing opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and serve the people there. My eyes were open to a culture that is completely different from the one I've known. To see how little these people have but how freely they give gave me some of the most valuable life lessons I could ever receive.

Americans are 'blessed' with so much. But most of that much is a distraction from our Creator.

Live more simply. Make room for love. Value the relationships in your life. Search for the good in strangers. 

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#worstdayever {Heart to Hearts}

We live in days plagued by a struggling economy, with soaring unemployment rates, surrounded by people who have no idea where their next meal will come from. These  people are legitimately struggling to make ends meet.   We come into contact with  them everyday, while they quietly fight their serious battles.

And even when we know we have it good,  it's still easy for us to get caught up in petty problems and lose sight of the blessings that we are surrounded by. This can be seen, more than ever, because people now take to the social networks to vent about insignificant problems.  We all have bad days, but I can't see what good comes from clouding each others' news feeds with negativity. (It reads like this on twitter: "Terrible traffic. Spilled coffee on my shirt. Work Sucks. #worstdayever) It kind of seems like we are just passing that negativity along to the next person and starting an unnecessary cycle. Even when a bad day comes, and situations don't go as planned,  it usually could always be much worse.

I'm excited  that we are entering a season that makes it easy for us to focus on the blessings that we take for granted in our lives everyday. And, for every one thing that makes us grumble, aren't there 20 more that we can be thankful for?


"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful."  ~Unknown

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Summer To Do List in Music City

We get one million and one press releases on Nashville events every day at work. I usually just scan them and make a mental note of all of the things I would like to do if I was to ever have the time. Today,  I sat down and made a list of all of those things and actually did the research to  make them happen. It looks like there's no excuse to ever be bored in this town and that's the case even if you're broke!

  

  

To- Do List Before Summer Ends:

• Have a Puckett's Grocery Dinner and Live Music Night- Lieper's Fork- Friday Nights; 8PM
• Tour Warhol Live- Hundreds of Works by Pop Artist Andy Warhol; At the Frist until Sept. 11
• Pick a few buckets of  Strawberries at a local farm.  
• Hear a little Music in the Vines- Bring a blanket and a picnic for the free concerts at Arrington Vineyards on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• See what the Nashville Shores fuss is all about- Middle Tennessee's Water Park
• Have a night on the patio at Rumours Wine Bar
• Catch the karaoke cab after a night out- 615-424-6700
• Go to the Nashville Farmers Night Market - Friday July 15; farmers, artisans, restauranteurs, & merchants
• Listen to a Music City Roots Show at The Loveless Cafe- Weekly concert and live radio show- Wed 7PM; $10
• Tour the Winery at Belle Meade Plantation - Historic Site 6 miles West of Nashville
• Grab some random treasures from the Flea Market- In town on July 22, 23, 24
• Sit on a blanket and hear some live music at Muscians Corner- Saturdays 3-6PM Centennial Park
• Take advantage of  free dance lessons at the Big Band Dances in Centennial Park-  (Saturday nights in the summer from 7:30-10 p.m.; Free dance lessons start at 7 p.m.
• Attend a cooking class at the Viking Cooking School
• Spend a day going down the list of thrift/vintage stores around town: 
1. Music City Thrift on Nolensville Rd
2. Goodwill- Franklin and West Nashville
3. Local Honey- Re-made Vintage!
4. Pre to Post Modern - Mid-century furniture, Retro Household Goods and Vintage Clothing
5. Tennessee Antique and Downtown Antique Mall

I'm a girl that loves nothing more than to cross things off of a list.
And by the looks of this one... I  better get busy.

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(Almost) From Scratch Strawberry Cake {Soul Food}

I used to have big dreams of having my own cooking show. I guess you could say they've fallen a little by the way side. It's probably because I've accepted the fact that none of my edible creations ever really turn out pretty and the kitchen is always a huge mess in the end. With TV cooking, all that matters is that the food and kitchen look perfect. The good news is my creations usually taste a lot better than they look.

Anyways, my favorite dessert recipe is one for this delicious, gooey strawberry cake. It's been passed down to me from my mom. But she originally got it from my Italian great grandmother- who apparently was an incredible cook.

 This recipe is really easy and puts any simple, box mix to shame!

My momma taught me a secret that every woman should know. It only involves 2 ingredients. A stick of butter mixed with a pound of powdered sugar makes a beautiful thing. Just blend in a tablespoon of strawberry juice and you've got homemade strawberry icing. 

Cake Ingredients:

4 eggs 

8 oz. frozen strawberries (thawed, sliced, and sweetened)

1 small box of strawberry jello

1c. of veg. oil

1 duncan hines white cake mix

Icing:

1 box of powdered sugar

1 stick of butter

1Tbsp. Strawberry Juice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat eggs until fluffy.

3. Add cake mix, oil, jello

6. Add frozen strawberries (Save 1Tbsp. for icing)

7. Pour into a greased/ floured pan. (9x13 pan or 2 cake pans)

8. Bake 30-35 min.

Allow cake to cool before icing.

Then soften 1 stick of butter in a bowl

Gradually beat in 1 box of confectioners sugar.

Add strawberry juice.

If needed, add teaspoons of milk to thin icing.

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Choices {Heart to Hearts}

“You don’t drift toward good, you choose it”-Trisha Davis

This quote is written on a sticky note strategically placed in a spot that I glance at every morning and night, hoping it reminds me to choose wisely.

I heard this concept from Trisha Davis' testimony. She explained that humans don’t drift toward doing the good things in life but rather have to choose them, (choosing forgiveness over bitterness, waking up early to study the Word instead of sleeping in, etc.). 

Every single day we are faced with choices. These choices begin to shape our days, weeks, months, years and eventually lives.

Our power to choose is a precious gift that when used wisely can:

Produce character

Heal wounds

Grow bonds

Achieve growth

Build confidence

Use your gift to do good

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Tuesday's Tunes {Music Notes}

a little shuffle on our repeats:

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors- Fire and Dynamite

Lori McKenna- The Most

Kenny Chesney ft. Grace Potter- You And Tequila 

Adele- Someone Like You

Mumford & Sons- Awake My Soul

Addison Road- Hope Now

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An ode to my momma {Heart to Hearts}

Who is the strongest woman I know.
She's held me in my darkest moments.
Dried my tears when I've wept.
Comforted me when I was unconsolable.
Stayed by my side even when it's been hard.
And been my inspiration when the battle became too much.
I love you mom.

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Single in the City {Heart to Hearts}

Doesn't every girl have a life outline? You know, the one where you have your life perfectly planned out in bullet points.

What happens when life throws you off and you are forced to alter the plan? My big 2-5 is coming up and this birthday is a deadline for some of those bullet points. According to 13-year old me, I was supposed to be married with a baby on the way. (HA!)

Recent events have prompted me to look at my life and rediscover my plan. I never had dreams of living independently in a big city in my mid-twenties (omg, mid-twenties?!). But it's my reality, and I am grateful for it. Since my move to Nashville, I have grown more than I have in all my 24 years combined. I feel a sense of empowerment. I am independent, faithful, confident and I see the beginnings of the woman that God created me to be.

Not only have I been learning about myself but I'm getting to soak up everything Nashville has to offer. My heart and mind are open to change and I suddenly have the opportunity to explore my own desires and goals. I get to do things for me: take a pure barre class, start a blog, meet a friend for coffee at 10 pm on a Wednesday, volunteer with children, have my mom be the first person I call with big news, spend extra time with God everyday.

Being single in the city is a beautiful thing and I believe 'The Man Upstairs' knows just what He's doing.

My season of singleness is preparing me for a lifetime of happiness..

Throw out that outline and enjoy the rough draft! 

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Tuesday's Tunes {Music Notes}

If you're like us, then your're always looking for fresh music to add to your playlist. We've each chosen a few of our current favorites and compiled a list to share with you!

Lady Antebellum- "Just A Kiss"

Erick Baker- "Two Left Feet"

Court Yard Hounds feat. Jakob Dylan- "See You in the Spring"

Florence+The Machine- "Dog Days Are Over"

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- "Home"

Matt Kearney- "Fire and Rain"

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Hot and Cold {Soul Food}

Let me tell you about our favorite dessert spot in Hillsboro Village.  It's the little space they call "Hot and Cold," connected to Fido. If you couldn't guess by the name, their menu is made up everything from coffee and espresso to  ice cream and popsicles. And we love that the walls are covered in local art. 

They've also got something we've never experienced before... it seems  almost magical--- they call it "drinking chocolate." Heck yea. That's our kind of spot. One that serves shots of chocolate! 

Hot&Cold

1804 21st Ave S

Nashville, TN 37212

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This Ain't Rock and Roll {Music Notes}

 Last night, I had the chance to support some friends and soak up some great, live music at The Listening Room.

I think it's pretty amazing that some of the most talented people I know are also some of the most humble.

Like this guy... Ladies and Gentlemen: here's Steve Moakler (and his roommates).  You've got to hear his new, very uncountry song. And very likely his next big hit.

                           

                                                                

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Yours Truly {Snapshots}

Sometimes we tend to take the Minnie Pearl stance on marriage: 

"Getting married is a lot like getting into a tub of hot water. After you get used to it, it ain't so hot.” 

But this wedding was so perfect and genuine...it has us thinking twice.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Harris!

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Heart Trouble {Mama Says}

Post by Jana Redmond:

At my age, my heart trouble is not finding Mr. Right...luckily, I met my soul mate long ago. And thankfully my heart trouble is not of the medical variety either. My heart trouble is not for my own, because we have been blessed beyond compare with happy, healthy children, grandchildren, siblings and parents.

My heart trouble is often seeing all the need there is out there and how little we do to reach out, relieve suffering, lighten loads and bring joy.

Look around your classroom, your neighborhood, your church, your little town and see where you can be of service. Whether it's volunteering at a nursing home, taking lunch to a sick friend, or cleaning up the neighbors yard, put forth the effort, the "trouble", if you will, to share your heart with others.

A cause close to my heart is animal rescue. I have been active with French Bulldog Rescue Network for several years and have opened up my home to take abandoned dogs in, rehabilitate their health and hearts and find them new homes worthy of these precious creatures.

Find your cause, find humility in helping others and cure your own heart trouble. 

French Bulldog Rescue Network 

Peppermint Patty needs a forever home!

"If you haven't got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." - Bob Hope

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Musicians Corner {Music Notes}

If you enjoy the warm sun, a cool breeze and new music...you're going to love this!

Musicians Corner  is a FREE concert in Centennial Park held every Saturday that features upcoming artists from all over the country. This year the shows start on May 7th and are held every Saturday until July 2.

Last year the surprise special guest, Vince Gill(!!!!), played some of his new songs for the small crowd.  <--Reason Number 49,753 why I love Nashville.

Here are some artists I heard last year that have stuck with me:
Shelly Fraley-I Don't Know
Jon Troast- You're That Way


May 7th is marked in my calendar! 

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Tavern {Soul Food}

I spent last night enjoying the gorgeous weather on the patio at the trendy new  restaurant called "Tavern". It's the spot in midtown, where Lime used to be... with the same owner as the one that runs Virago and Whiskey Kitchen.

The layout is fresh and airy. And if you're wondering, Wednesday night is 2 for 1 drink night. It is kind of hard to get a table, but if you're able to make that happen than it's totally worth the effort.

The guacomole alone is worth the trip... with an unexpected taste of goat cheese in every bite.

My ahi tuna was absolutely delicious and so were the spicy lettuce wraps at my table.

But what I took away from my experience there was all in the dessert. A small flame with all of the usual campfire staples (plus Resees cups!) are brought to you. And that means you're able to roast s'mores at your table... Such a throwback to my days as a girl scout!

Tavern 

1904 Broadway, Nashville

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