My Music City Song

Nashville has been good to me. Nearly five years ago, I moved here for the journey that was grad school and ended up filling the pages of my life story with more adventures than any girl could dream. While things haven't always been easy or as I wanted them to be, life was kind and handed me more laughs, smiles and a perfect love that I still don't think I deserve.

Looking back, I should have known the third day I lived here Music City would define the person I've become and the person I'll always strive to be. I would have never felt at home without the love and friendship of someone I think of now as the big sister I never had. Her warmth towards others and ability to make me (and any of her friends) feel like we are the most important person in the world has forever made me strive to be half the friend she is. After counting while packing my boxes, I must have received well over 100 cards from her in five years and each was, and is, just as meaningful to me as the one before.

 I'm thankful for the two short, and usually running late, years of working with her and my boss at the law office. The runs to The Peanut Shop in the Arcade, holiday/birthday lunches, The Waffle Shop trips and the few occasions we dressed in theme (Dork Day/Swine Fly Awareness) will always be treasured- right next to the long conversations that helped me figure out who I am and convinced me to go on the first date with my charming beau of nearly four years (even though I didn't have a thing to wear). A boss, coworker and job will honestly never compare. 

Swine Flu Alert!

While I'm not technically using my masters degree now and hate to think of the large number associated with that piece of paper, I'm thankful for my first day of class sitting next to a girl that knew just as well as me that we should be best friends. If it weren't for wine dates before class I don't think either of us would have graduated. Of course we got in trouble for talking too much and not paying attention, but we had bigger fish to fry and late night happy hour to move on to. I appreciate my friend's kindness in letting me use her washer and dryer, having me over to the pool and mostly for taking me to the hockey game with her that one night we walked across the street and she threatened to leave me at the bar if I didn't introduce myself to the cute boy I'm still dating today. My sweet friend's laugh is contagious and she is as lovely (and as fashionable) as they come. Though she's moved on to bigger and better things, I still thank Nashville for her and for many years of friendship in the future. 

"Cat & Cam"

Woodmont Terrace Apartments and my first townhouse in Green Hills were 1.75 miles apart and for that I will forever be grateful. I can't count the hours I shared with my two sorority sisters turned best friends running back and forth my first two years here. From spray tans, to boys on buses, honkey-tonks to road trips these two gals have been my shoulder to cry on when times have been tough. I love that nothing changes from one day to the next. Though life has kept us busy as of late, it's as though a day never passes when we find each other again. I'm thankful for their love and support during my journey and delight in the thought of continuing in new journeys wherever life brings us. True friends are hard to come by, but I am certain you two are as true as they get. 

"AOT"

Nashville has granted me more opportunity than I could ever dream a city had. I dipped my hands in the athletic world at Vanderbilt, The Nashville Superspeedway and even the Tennessee Titans. I explored the lands from Green Hills to Murfreesboro and finally to Brentwood. I learned that music is more than a tune sung on the radio, but more so a story of someones life that can resonate down to your very core. Music City reminded me that I'll always prefer Kentucky bourbon over Tennessee whisky, food beyond my small town is absolutely incredible and family is the most important thing I'll ever have. Nashville has taught me to be a lady, enjoy everything life has to offer, being punctual is never overrated, and sometimes you have to tear your walls down and let the energy around you in. 

As I pack the last of my possessions and lay my head on my pillow to rest, I want to dream of all the love Tennessee has shown me- for tomorrow when I wake, I'll be closing the book on this sweet place I've fallen in love with and starting anew in a city that always seemed a distant dream. 

Charleston, I am ready for you and the possibilities you will bring, but for tonight, and a few last tears, I'll hold on to what is and will always be sweet Nashville-- Nashville, Tennessee. 

Until Next time, may your days be full of magnolias, bourbon and a lot of love for wherever life takes you. 

Super Bowl & Pole Fitness Weekend!

Hello, friends! Hope you all enjoyed your Super Bowl weekend. I was glad to see the halftime show as it use to be; ENTERTAINING. I loved Madonna's set, appearances by Cee Lo Green, Niki Minaj, m.i.a and the fact that it had me dancing, wiggling, in my seat! I would normally have been up dancing in the living room, but this weekend I celebrated my girlfriend Lauren's bachelorette weekend by attending a "pole fitness" class.

Yes, by "pole-fitness," I mean stripper poles everywhere and spinning moves taught by a true (ex) stripper. Let me tell you, I have a new amazement and respect for women who participate in this activity. I woke up Sunday and felt like I was hit by a train and have the bruises on my arm and legs to go with. I honestly didn't think I would be able to lift my arms above my head to wash my hair. (No worries, I made it happen.)

I don't have any pictures from our experience, but I do have a video of our teacher, Denise, showing off some of her "pole moves." If you haven't tried a "pole-fitness" class I would definitely recommend it as a fun afternoon with your girlfriends. Be prepared to sweat and be sore. This will be one of the best core/strength workouts of your life.

Denise at Work!

How was your weekend? Have you ever tried a "pole fitness class?"

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and exciting new experiences!

Friends, Birthdays & Good Food!

Happy Monday, friends! Today I was home sick. I think the fall weather has finally caught up with me. I still feel kind of crummy, but can't stop thinking about how wonderful my birthday weekend was. Friday evening, I helped my newly engaged friends stock the bar at their new casa. It was soo GREAT catching up with girls I haven't seen in months and starting my birthday celebration early.

Saturday, sweet E delivered my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte to my bedside table along with one of my favorite birthday cards ever, a singing gnome! We spent the rest of the day shopping and grazing at my favorite village restaurant, Jackson's.

Saturday evening we had dinner reservations at Midtown Cafe. I have to admit, I was hesitant of going there. BOY was I surprised. This has to be one of Nashville's best kept secrets. I've lived in Music City for three years and never hear of it. The name does not do this place justice. My starter of lemon artichoke soup was TO DIE FOR, not to mention the Mahi Mahi and lobster risotto! E ordered the veal and it was just as tasty! We ended with Creme Brule and lingered over a delicious Cotes Du Rhone wine. To top off a perfect birthday, we enjoyed special birthday cocktails at The Patterson House.

If you haven't had the chance to dine at a pre-prohibition inspired cocktail lounge, I HIGHLY recommend it. After several visits, I am still blown away by the creativity and time that goes into creating the delicious concoctions. This weekend I left my drinks up to the bartender and came away very pleased. First I had a cucumber based drink as refreshing as mountain water. I ended the evening with a Bulleit Bourbon based classic cocktail. My favorite though, was sweet E's Pumpkin spice Bourbon drink called Rocky Top. AMAZING.

To end my weekend, I was treated to a mani/ pedi. 27, while hard to think about, is treating me well so far! I'm looking forward to the many memories to surely come throughout the year! Especially my birthday dinner with the girls on Wednesday!

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and great joy!

Friday Fancies: What a BOOTiful look!!!

Friday is finally here! Thank goodness! Besides my weekend countdown, I always find myself  counting down until my Friday Fancies post goes live. Creating a FF look is always better in the fall. I love that layering can give any outfit a new look instantly and accessories can take anything from day to night.

This weekend I will be visiting the Bell Buckle Craft Fair in search of creative home accents and then sending my friend, Ali T, off to Dallas with a bang. Ali recently got a wonderful new job and will be leaving in seven days. While endings are bittersweet, new beginnings are even sweeter!

This weekend my ideal outfit consists of a dress comfortable enough to shop and classy enough to carry me through cocktails. Who better than McQueen and Burch?!

Until next time, may your Friday be fancy and full of magnolias and bourbon!

What a Bootful look! by ssophisticate featuring a yellow gold bangle bracelet

Spring Flings!

Sure the April showers are well underway, but all I can think about is the fact that SPRING IS HERE and so are all the wonderful events that accompany it. Some of my favorite events take place in spring and countless memories have been made over the years. I LOVE the fact that when the weather warms up everyone is out and about and it is NEVER difficult to get your pals to play. Today I'm guest blogging over at Texas Prep . Be sure to stop by to check out some of my favorite warm-weather outfits! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite spring happenings:

Keeneland

Being a Kentucky girl, I think this is a given. For three weeks during the spring and fall, southerners make the trek to Lexington to take part in viewing one of the most demanding sports around-horse racing. Much like the Kentucky Derby, attendees put on their Sunday best and socialize like there’s no tomorrow. If you like to take advantage of the warm spring weather, Keeneland is for you. Most will show up early to tailgate (and sip bourbon) prior to races. If socializing isn’t your thing, the pure beauty and history of the park is reason enough to show up early. I am looking forward to celebrating spring, (and hopefully a national championship) next weekend with all of my girlfriends and their beaus.

{via}

Family Circle Cup

I’ve never been, but it’s definitely on my list of things to do. Charleston, tennis, YES, PLEASE!

Cinco de Mayo

Okay, so it might not be an AMERICAN tradition, but American’s have certainly embraced this holiday. Go ahead and admit that on May 5^th you have-or plan to be- parked in a booth or on the patio of your favorite local Mexican restaurant sippin’ margs and dining on a tasty burrito.

{via}

Spring Football Scrimmages

From Tuscaloosa to Austin and all the way in between, football fans travel to their respective college campus’ to cheer on the newest additions to their team and see what old players have in store for the upcoming season. Spring football is a great way to get outside, catch a few rays and test out any new tailgate gear you may have picked up over the holidays.

Music, Art & Food Festivals

Spring is a great time to embrace the culture of cities and towns throughout the south. Check out magazines such as Julep, Garden and Gun and Southern Living to see what your area has to offer. Some of my favorite festival ideas include the International BBQ Festival in my hometown of Kentucky, Mule Day in Columbia Tennessee, and Spoleto in Charleston, South Carolina.

Weddings

That’s right! Spring brings with it, WEDDING SEASON! If you’re anything like me, the last few years, or maybe even for the first time, weddings have your calendar packed JAM-FULL of festivities. The great thing about weddings is that each joyous occasion warrants a new dress (or at least the thought)-Your friends only get married once! If you’re not a fan of weddings, use the event as an opportunity to catch up with old friends or visit that town you’ve been dying to travel to.

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Crusin’

Crusin’ via bike, boat or maybe even a convertible. All of these options make for a PERFECT spring day with your beau!

What are your favorite spring flings? Do you have any fun activities planned? I’d love to add some new things to my list!

New Kate Spade Cruiser {via}  {via}

Until next time, may your spring be full of magnolias, bourbon and warm, spring weather!

My (Almost) Famous Friend

It seems as though we all have a friend, or a friend of a friend who use to date your cousin, who has been fortunate enough to make it big. While my friend, and dear Kappa Delta sorority sister, hasn't "officially" made it big, she is well on her way to showcasing her talent on the runways of every major fashion week.  Laura (Laura Kathleen) and I attended Western Kentucky University together where we shared the ups and downs of college life. During my time in Kappa Delta, I was fortunate enough to foster a great relationship with her and have her become my adopted big sister. As everyone in our circle knew, Laura was bound for big things. Her vision and creativity in the outfits she put together to the major greek week events she helped coordinate were more than enough to make me realize that one day I would be reading about of all her great accomplishments. 

LK began working on her career in fashion when she was 8 years old. After many years of designing and constructing garments for herself she attended Western Kentucky University where she earned a degree in Design, Merchandising, and Textiles. Laura also studied fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Florence Italy. While working under the late Jean Claude Mastroianni at his storefront on west 29th in Manhattan, she had an opportunity to work with a 10,000 piece collection of vintage couture that was once owned by fashion icons like Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe.

After working for a large retail company in Nashville as their clothing manager, LK decided that at age 23, she was ready to open her own business. She returned home to Saint Louis to find a market that was craving something new and original. Laura’s designs are inspired by vintage style, tailoring techniques, and the manipulation of fabric. She believes fabric can make or break a garment. Laura Kathleen remains true to herself. She designs clothes for a confident woman who is not afraid to stand out. Laura Kathleen is feminine and flirty with a tailored edge.

Laura Kathleen also teaches fashion design at a high school in Saint Louis. This past summer she worked under the direction of Stages theater, creating costumes for their summer productions.

I want to share some of her AMAZING garments with you.  Some are from years past, but you will CLEARLY be able to see that her work is amazing (Especially her vintage-inspired swim-suits).

For all of you looking for Carolina Cup dresses, Kentucky Derby, Wedding or any other kind of dress or garment, keep her in mind. LK does custom design that is sure to make you shine. I anxiously await the day when I can watch my talented friend get a  standing O from the talented crowd of Milan or Paris. It will happen-take my word for it. 

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