What a weekend. Needing that second cup of coffee on this Monday morning. But waking up very grateful. Adopted a new habit of walking from 6:30-6:45 am just to get that first morning light and it’s been a really nice way to begin the day. The past few days found us with house guests and a road trip and we loved every minute of it. Here is a recap of life lately plus a recommendation for the best walking shoes.
NASHVILLE NIGHTS
Nothing better than when dear friends make it to Nashville. Stephanie and I met when we signed up to be room moms in our children’s first grade class. We have been friends ever since and she has been wonderful about coming out to Nashville each year. This time she came with friends to do a college tour and explore the area.
*My plaid fall dress (48% off) can be found here. I LOVE it. Definitely go down a size. So many compliments and it looks great with these boots (in taupe).
TWELVE THIRTY CLUB
Hands down one of our favorite spots in Nashville. If you are visiting, definitely make a reservation for the Supper Club. Live music and a great view of the city. Plus a fun outdoor bar, too.
COLLEGE TOURS
My friends brought their daughters to the area so they could tour The University of Tennessee, Knoxville so we joined them. We were beyond fortunate to get a nice pocket of weather despite the horrendous hurricane that was happening. Still in total disbelief with the devastation and have been trying to communicate with friends we have in the affected areas.
We loved the UTK tour and highly recommend doing the formal tours when you can. I feel like it gives you an entirely different view of the campus and all that it has to offer.
DOLLYWOOD
We then drove to Pigeon Forge and stayed the night so we could hit up Dollywood the next day. What a fantastic amusement park. It took us three years to finally get there. I would 10/10 recommend. Although I am still recovering from some of the roller coasters I went on. Thinking I need to do more of the watching than the riding. But all in all, a wonderful day and would love to go back when all of the trees are changing color. I really was so impressed with how well organized it is, ease of parking and all around beauty of the park.
MOTHER SON TIME
Friday night I was able to sneak in some 1:1 time with my boy. My husband recommended Iron Forge for dinner and it was the perfect spot. Family friendly with fire pits and corn hole. If you are visiting Pigeon Forge, this is one to remember. And a darling cider mill across the street.
I savored every minute with this boy. He is wise beyond his years and I love our conversations. It really was a memorable weekend away together.
*In other news, these are my son’s favorite pants. They are worth the money in my book because they wash beautifully and have held up so well.
SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE
We had house guests so I wanted to have some fresh towels. I grabbed these from Target not knowing anything about them. They are incredible. Highly recommend. They come out of the dryer so soft and fluffy. I prefer them over our more expensive Serena & Lily towels. I would love to slowly replace our towels with these. This is the almond color but there are many other colors. Really plush and soft.
*I have given up on white towels. I just can’t seem to keep them bright and am not a fan of bleach. This color is far better for us.
BEST SHOES FOR TRAVEL OR GAME DAYS
Wanted to share again about these sneakers because they came through for me on our trip. I wore them all day on Friday for a campus tour and then again to Dollywood. We walked non-stop and these were a dream. I have them in the cream version, too. If you are planning to travel, these would be wonderful.
And they come in so many great colors so they could work for your favorite team color for game days, too. They can all be found here. And they are true to size.
Thank you for being here on this Monday morning. I didn’t send out a Thursday newsletter this past week because of house guests but plan to do that this week.
If you are in an area affected by the flooding and there is a way we can help, please reach out to me. I have been in contact with friends keeping me in the loop and I am shocked by the loss of life and devastation. Not sure anyone could have prepared for what occurred. God be near.
@farmhouse_schoolhouse is a good person to follow on IG if you are needing information on how to connect with aid or if you are wanting to help. She is sharing so many valuable resources.
Fun fact, I worked at UTK!! I live between the Smokies area and Knoxville. We have some fav places in Gatlinburg and little away areas like Walland and Townsend, but usually avoid PF due to traffic, tourist attractions, etc. We seek out the little known spots LOL. Newport, TN is not that far from us and the devastation seen there and in Erwin, TN is unreal. The pictures from Asheville, NC area are also so hard to see. We are usually in Asheville at least once a year and have been doing so all my life. Driving across the mountain, such memories. It will take time to rebuild these areas.
Cute dresses! Until Helene came through town we had still been very warm (near 90). We are to get back to the 80’s (and sunshine yay!!) starting tomorrow, but a bit cooler next week. It has to be cold for me to get the boots out. LOL I am such a sandals girl!