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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#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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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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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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I Want a Love like Johnny and June {Heart to Hearts}

If anyone was to ever ask me who I'd like to meet - dead or alive- I'd know my answer right away. I've been intrigued by Johnny and June Carter Cash since high school. I did my term paper on them, and I remember I couldn't put down the books. I wanted to read every biography that had ever been published  because their life is an incredible, real life love story. "Walk the Line" only illustrated a small layer of the trials and tribulations that were thrown at them. They experienced an immense amount of pain and heart break throughout their lives, but they were able to conquer it all together. What stuck out most to me was reading the way Johnny spoke about June in his autobiography.

"What June did for me was post signs along the way, lift me up when I was weak, encourage me when I was discouraged, and love me when I felt alone and unlovable. She's the greatest woman I have ever known. Nobody else, except my mother, comes close." -Cash: The Autobiography 

 -Cash on unconditional love: "You hear that phrase a lot, but it's real with me and her. She loves me in spite of everything, in spite of myself. She has saved my life more than once," he said. "She's always been there with her love, and it has certainly made me forget the pain for a long time, many times. When it gets dark, and everybody's gone home and the lights are turned off, it's just me and her." 

This is so incredibly inspiring to me. June loved him so deeply and stood by him so firmly that she was able to get him through his darkest moments. She died of complications from heart surgery with Johnny holding her hand... and he died four months later.

If anyone ever doubts the power of true love... just open up a Johnny Cash biography. 

                                

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Spring Awaits Us {Heart to Hearts}

We're halfway through March already? I really can't believe it. You definitely wouldn't be able to tell if you came to my house. My roommate and I still have our Christmas tree up. Don't you judge, though.

This Sunday marks the first day of Spring. The season always begins on March 20, which is a really special day for me. When I was younger, I went through 2 1/2 long years of chemotherapy. I had a calendar which served as my "roadmap" for treatment. I constantly dreamed of the day I could mark through March 20. At the time, it represented the finish line to my journey and the day I would be considered healed. Thinking back now, I guess it was less of a finish line and more of a beginning.

Spring always comes with perfect timing, and we all welcome a season of rebirth, renewal, and regrowth. You can't help but be excited that it signals that the bitter cold of winter is over. The days are longer, the air is warmer, and the sunlight is brighter. And it leaves us with a good lesson.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." -Ann Bradstreet

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Bless Your Heart {Heart to Hearts}

These 3 little words can mean a lot of things right? It's a phrase understood by all Southerners. But if you leave the region, don't be surprised if you throw them out to someone new and they give you a puzzled look.

Instead of taking our mama's advice.... you remember what she always said: ("If you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all.") We sometimes decide we can't fight the urge to hold our tongue. But it all works out though, as long as we follow it up with a quick, "Bless her heart."

We got with the Urban Dictionary and compiled this definition list:

Bless Your Heart

1: it's a phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else.

a: "She's as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart."

2: and an expression of sympathy or pity.

b: "Well, bless ya'lls hearts, your blog posts are terrible!"

3: or it can be a polite way to respond to an ignoramus, particularly male, who showers upon you flattering but unwanted compliments.

c: drunk fella: "Even if you were ugly, I'd STILL think you were beautiful!"

recipient: "...bless your heart."

4: or it could serve as a really good way to describe someone who is a complete and utter mess. (We wouldn't know anything about this one.)

d: "That girl is an absolute basket case.... bless her heart."

So to sum it all up:

• No matter how wrong somebody is, or how messed up, or how hopeless... These 3 simple words are redeeming and they somehow make everything alright.
• We want this site to serve as an anything goes, safe haven for our thoughts and yours.
• You might not agree with our ramblings or even be interested in reading them, and that's ok. But for goodness sakes, see definition number 2 (above)... and you'll know what to think.

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The Civil Wars {Music Notes}

The Civil Wars. We just can't stop listening.

Surely, you've you heard about this amazing duo by now. Their musical journey began in East Nashville just two years ago. With no radio presence and no major record label backing, they still debuted at #12 on the Billboard 200... and spent the first week of February at No. 1 on iTunes. They're obviously playing all the right notes. If you can't afford their debut album, then you should probably rush over to this site and get a free download of some of their live stuff.


http://www.sensibilitymusic.com/thecivilwars/ 

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We've All Got Scars {Heart to Hearts}

We've all got scars. Battle wounds, if you will. What we're left with after a crisis strikes and knocks the breath out of us. 

Maybe the  pain starts with a broken marriage. Maybe it comes with the loss of a loved one. Or it could be the hurt we feel after a relationship has been severed. Or the strife we're dealing with from a health crisis or the responsibility of caring for a sick loved one. Or maybe we can't stop replaying memories of being betrayed by someone close to us. The list goes on.

All of these things leave us wounded, a little achy, and somewhat empty. 

And if we're not careful, the emptiness we feel could be the very thing that allows us to pass this hurt onto others.

But if we work through the pain, can't these battles also be the same ones that make us strong?

We all need healing in some shape or form, so that we can pull the good out of the tragic circumstance. That healing is found in different ways for each of us. Maybe through acceptance, forgiveness, faith, and prayer.

After the healing, we're left with a scar.  But it means the hurt is over, and the wound has closed.

So if we find a way to handle the hurt appropriately, can't these ugly scars be the same ones that make us beautiful?

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LUSH Cosmetics {Lucky Finds}

 Check out this cosmetic site we've stumbled upon!

 They've got some precious and affordable gift sets. 

Plus, all of the products are made from fresh organic fruits and vegetables

                                        www.lushusa.com                                                          

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Country Boy Restaurant {Soul Food}

I've got to give mad props to an old friend who took the time to show me this hidden treasure. It's takes about 15 minutes to get to Lieper's Fork from Nashville, but it's a very beautiful journey and it makes for a great ride. When you make it to town you won't be able to miss the Country Boy Restaurant. Don't be surprised when you walk in and the server behind the counter with the red apron tied around his waist yells, "Howdy Ya'll."

It's been a hometown favorite for more than 40 years. Offering up breakfast all day long, and a blue plate special with meat and dozens of delicious sides for lunch and dinner. It's more than your simple diner and is a perfect spot for breakfast and lunch but also serves as a charming place to grab dinner.


I appreciate the simplicity and honesty about it. The menus are stamped with their motto, "Where Life Gets the Love it Deserves." The windows are adorned with checkered red and white curtains and the tables have fresh flowers on them. They're all surrounded by red diner chairs and the friendly wait staff makes you feel like you're right at home.

The food is delicious. I had the good ole' grilled cheese on sour dough and some delectable gumbo. Other folks at my table gobbled down country fried steak, the grilled chicken sandwich, and of course a lot of sweet tea. They've also got a wine list made up of many items including some from the local Arrington Vineyard.

I asked the poor waitress so many questions she gave me my very own Country Boy Restaurant calendar. She told me they've got around forty regulars who sometimes come in twice a day. You can probably find them at the round community table (they call it the table of grumpy old men) telling stories and nibblin' on biscuits. But you know you've found a good spot when the locals flock there every day.

She also said that it's a favorite of Keith and Nicole's, The Judds, and Kellie Pickler... but my ears perked up when she mentioned that even Prince William has stopped by.

And we hear they host an annual fried food festival in the Spring, with all things fried including girl scout cookies, twinkies, and snickers bars... I've already put it on my calendar.

                                           

                                                                                            

Country Boy Restaurant, 4141 Old Hillsboro Rd, Liepers Fork

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