I WAS NASHVILLE WHEN NASHVILLE WASN'T COOL

 

Music City native. That's me. Unicorn. That's what people call me when they ask me where I am from.  Back in the day you just assumed everyone in Nashville was from here, now it seems to be one of the first things you ask someone upon meeting.  I always get a surprised reaction when I tell them I am from Nashville and that I also do not sing or aspire to be a singer.  I do not spend my nights on Broadway and I only own one pair of cowboy boots that I refuse to wear anywhere near downtown on the weekends.  It's sad that I am almost embarrassed to wear them anymore.  I don't want to be looked at as I look at all of the tourists, implants and bachelorette parties as they stumble down Broadway on a Friday night or stand in long lines at Biscuit Love and Pancake Pantry on Sunday mornings.  It makes me cringe as I drive past these peoples with cowboy hats and brand new shiny cowboy boots. I know I sound hateful but it's just the truth and only people from Nashville will understand.  The "Nashville bloggers" make me want to throw my computer.  They blog all day about the new coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques and claim they know the ins and outs of my city...and they aren't even from here.  Please. Now, don't get me wrong, I embrace change and love the new restaurants and bars but when you have to avoid downtown at all cost because they charge $50 to park or you can hardly see the beautiful skyline from all the damn condos you start to become resentful.  Anyways, I just need to rant....and for god's sake can they bring Bar23 back? I'm trying to sit in a VIP booth and drink champagne.

 

xoxo

Obsessions

  1) Anastasia Countour Kit. I am in love with this right now. It's a sleek palette with 6 different shades, 3 for highlighting and 3 for contouring. You can use the colors alone or blend for your own liking. This palette gives you the perfect shades to sculpt and define your features. You not only can use it on your face but also on your chest/collarbone/shoulders. You can choose between the light-medium palette (shown) or the medium-tan. Fun fact: The palette colors are removable and refillable! $40 at sephora.com

2. It's a 10. Why haven't I broken down and bought this product a long time go? $20 for something to spray in my hair just seemed a little much....but it's more than just a spray, it's a straight up miracle worker! I actually got a value deal at Target recently and it's came with 2 for the price of 1...sold! So basically this products does 10 things, hence the name. It repairs dry, damaged hair, adds shine, smoothes & controls frizz, seals & protects hair color, detangles, prevents split ends, stops hair breakage, creates silkiness, enhances natural body, and it's a flat iron and thermal protector. So condense your daily hair products into one and it's totally worth the money. You can also get it at ulta.com for $18.

3. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins.  This is my favorite PM moisturizer. It has relaxing essential oils (Neroli,Valerian,Orange and Vanilla) that give me a more tranquil, restful sleep. This moisturizer also resurfaces and renews skins overnight to reveal a brighter, younger-looking and deeply hydrated complexion!

 Fun fact: 87% of panelists reported a reduction in the feelings of tension after one week of use. 

4. MAC Turquatic. I can smell and recognize this fragrance from a mile away and I love it! I'm not sure if it just floods me with memories from my early 20s or it's just an amazing fragrance, but I will forever purchase this! This is a sea-inspired fragrance with notes of anemone ,lotus, orris and Corsican blue cedar. It's super inexpensive ($30 for the smaller bottle and $49.50 for the larger). You can get this at any MAC location or order online at maccosmetics.com

Beauty

Hellooooo.

I've been gone for a hot minute, but I'm back and today I'm telling you about this new product called Patchology. I took a training class on it last week and got to hear what this is all about. 

If you, like me, get puffy eyes and dark circles, then you will love these patches. I don't really have wrinkles, but it is great if you have that concern. I definitely felt that the area under my eyes got really tight and smooth after just one use!

These energizing eye patches are like a ‘re-charging' stations for your eyes and after only 20 minutes you will look like you just took a much needed nap! The cooling effect that it gives really made me feel refreshed! 

The technology is that these patches give off a gentle micro-current that infuses the anti-aging ingredients into your skin. The patch will automatically activate once it's applied to your skin (after applying the Activating Gel---->it's provided in the kit) and it automatically shuts off when you take it off (Which is very easy and you can use the cleansing cloths that is provided for a clean finish). So, you don't have to worry about an "On" or "Off" button! 

The really cool part about this patch is that it is re-usable up to 4 times! So with the $45 starter kit you get a "months worth" of patches since you only use it once a week. 

If you have any questions feel free to ask! This is an exclusive product to Dillard's, Neimans and Bergdorfs. 

http://www.patchology.com

 

Beauty

Sugar Hair Exfoliate

I started to really feel product buildup in my hair/scalp & it was stressing me out! I can't stand that feeling so I decided to do an exfoliate!
I didn't measure this out perfectly,  I just put a scoop of brown sugar and I added in a smaller amount of granulated white sugar for extra exfoliation.  Just do as much or little as you would like! I then added in enough conditioner to make it like a paste. I just gooped it into my hands and massaged it using small circular motions all over my scalp for about 5 minutes.
I then hopped in the shower and rinsed it out completely.
You can shampoo & condition as normal, but I decided to just shampoo with baby shampoo and I wrapped it up in a bun and let my hair rest for a day! The next day, I warmed up a good amount of coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds and poured it all over my scalp/hair (be sure not to overheat and burn yourself). I wrapped my hair up in a towel and let it sit for a few hours and I rinsed thoroughly.  I dabbed a quarter sized amount of baby shampoo again to wash out any greasiness from the coconut oil and rinsed again using really cold water.

I know it seems like a lot, but you can just do the sugar exfoliate and shampoo & condition as normal.

Anyways, my hair felt great today! Super soft and clean!
Comment below if you have any questions or comments!

Fashion

I love this look! Found these short overalls at H&M for $25 and this adorable striped button-up tank for $17.

Fashion

Beauty

I love this stuff and I love it even more because it was free! The last time I went to Sephora, I had some points built up and had an option and I choose this cute little pot of eye cream. 'It's Potent' by benefit is an under eye cream that fades dark circles and helps smooth fine lines to give you a brighter and more youthful look. It's not an immediate fix, but you can definitely tell a difference over time. After I run out of the sample, I will definitely spend the $34. It is a good investment and helps with my occasional insomnia. I'm currently running on day 5 of the worst sleep pattern I have ever encountered. 

Fashion/Decor

       Don't act too good for Goodwill.

I have no shame going to Goodwill on any given day to look for worn in tees, decor, and anything I can get my hands on for a rainy day crafting/Pinterest project. I first browse the men's t-shirt isle for any cool concert tees or old/vintage looking sport tees. Today, I found a cool Beatles t-shirt. For a couple of bucks, you can't really pass that up. I don't usually browse the women's section, because it usually consists of old Liz Taylor tops and baby tees, but I casually ran across a Calypso St. Barts button up flannel that I immediately got excited about. I follow that boutique on my instagram and they always have cute stuff. Sold!
Next stop, decor or shall we say potential decor. I found a Tennessee tray with the state flower and every city hand-written in gold. If I see something Tennessee in the state of Kentucky, SOLD. 

Might hang it on the wall or use it to put some candles on, not too sure yet. Then, I run across this military looking mirror. I really love fish eye mirrors.  Lastly, I see this little pastry pan and I thought it would be super cute to put some little eye creams, soaps, etc. in and place it on my bathroom counter. Looks way better than a plastic tub!
Anyways, hope this inspires you to hit up your local Goodwill or thrift store to find inexpensive things to wear or to add a little unique decor for your home! I also suggest finding some good estate sales in your area, they always have some awesome/unique stuff.
My style is old with new, expensive with inexpensive. When someone has their look too matchy-matchy, with fashion or with their home, it just doesn't seem comfortable or "real". Don't get me wrong, I love nice things, but I like to add in an old vintage suitcase next to my $3000 flatscreen TV, or throw on an old $2 concert tee with a $1000 pair of Golden Goose riding boots and a rag+bone flannel.  It just works for me.

Oh, and my total for the items shown was under $12. You can't beat that.

Drink

              Red Wine Berry Spritzer
-3 parts LaCroix cran - raspberry sparkling water.
-1 part red wine ( I used a red blend)
-handful of frozen berries
-ice cubes

Perfect summer drink!

Fashion

                Coachella Fashion.

      I look forward to seeing all the fashion and I love all the different looks.

        Here are some of my favorites. 

Fashion

                   Hair Fashion.

Throw on a simple basic tank, some cut-off denim shorts, gladiator sandals and a pretty hair accessory. 

                

Food

                         

  These mini pizzas are not only adorable, but they are delicious, super easy and quick! It's a perfect after-school snack/lunch or even a quick dinner!

We made a veggie pizza last night, so I had some leftover pizza sauce and other ingredients so I decided to whip something together.

What you need:

•Sandwich slims (I used multi-grain, Kroger brand) They are only about 90 calories! 

• Pizza sauce! 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 small can of tomato paste, dash of Italian seasoning, dash of sugar, dash of salt and pepper) or you can just use a pre-made can of pizza sauce. It's that easy!

• Shredded mozzarella cheese (just use your judgement when sprinkling onto "crust". I used a little more than usual so these were extra cheesy! 

• Mini pepperonis. However many you want! 

This is a fun lunch/snack/dinner to make with the kids! Just lay out the ingredients and let them make them how they want! You can even add mushrooms, onions, sausage...whatever your heart desires!

Just pop in the oven (directly on rack) at 350 degree for about 10-12 minutes! 

Fashion

        Pretty obsessed with tie-dye. 

  Always have been, probably always will.

You can usually find tie-dye print every where. (Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, H&M, nastygal) Here are some cute looks that I have found and would totally wear for a casual look or dress it up for a night look! 

Food

    Trader Joes

         Oh, how I love this place. 

Now, I haven't fully devoted my entire grocery shopping list to them, but it's pretty close. The only thing I go to Kroger for nowadays is for meds, sandwich meat, bread and detergent/cleaning products. I have a few items in the picture above that are must-haves!

• The baked jalapeño cheese crunchies (kind of like a taco Cheetos!

• Coconut cashews! They are always sold out, because they are THAT GOOD!

• Cookie butter. Like, that even sounds delicious. You can spread it on cookies, bread, bagels, fruit, anything.

• Coconut Oil. All the rage and it's cheaper here than most places!

• Dark chocolate pomegranate seeds. So good, kind of has a coffee taste. Perfect little snack to have at your desk at work!

• What's better than Coconut Oil? Coconut oil spray. Perfect for cooking and without the mess! 

• Maple Leaf cookies. Delicious and perfect with a cup of coffee or hot tea. 

• Gone Bananas, chocolate covered frozen bananas. Yum! And only $1.99! Sure beats the new Dole dippers that are close to $5! 

• Ultimate Vanilla Wafers. These vanilla wafers are like vanilla bean wafers. Light and crunchy and the best cookie to spread the cookie butter on! 

I also always buy:

• Steamable bag of brussel spouts (cheaper than Kroger!)

• Bananas! (19cents a piece)

• The containers of tortellini or ravioli!  They have a variety of stuffed pasta and they are cheap and take about 3 minutes to make! Perfect for those nights you want a quick meal! 

•  Trader Joes has the perfect variety of fruit chips, trail mix, nuts, freeze dried fruits, and  crunchy veggies. 

• The cutest flowers and decent wine for someone who likes the finer things in life but has a tight budget!

 All in all, Trader Joes is the best place to try things! Most items are under a few bucks and it wouldn't be a total loss if you had to toss it. They always have samples going on and that can also help you pick some things! Yesterday they had lemonade and they whipped up a BBQ chicken pizza with the frozen pizza dough they sell, pre-cooked, sliced chicken, yummy BBQ sauce and cheese.  It's a complete meal and they have all the ingredients in the meal sitting right there to just grab! 

I could go on and on about the good  things they have going on there, but you'll just have to check it out yourself and find what's best for you! 

Beauty

   Just some things I am loving right now.

The Mint Julep mask I got from Ulta (and I believe they have it at most drug stores) is under $5 and it is one of my favorite facial masks I have used! It has a similar 

effect as the overly-expensive Glam Glow mask from Sephora. You can really feel it working and my face feels amazing afterwards! 

The Garnier Clean Charcoal scrub is amaze. My boyfriend's sister told me about it and I'm glad she did. It smells so good and you can really feel it working. I don't have oily skin, but I really like it! (I got mine at Walgreens and the girl at the cosmetic counter gave me a coupon! Always ask them if they have any, she had a stash behind her counter).

The Cleanlogic exfoliating pads are THE BEST. I found these at Marshall's for $3 and they work great! There are 2 sides, one is a regular textured scrubber and the other side is an exfoliater. I will never go back to a loofah. 

Lastly, the Garnier Sleek & Shine leave-in conditioning cream has become a part of my daily hair routine. I color my hair and also do the ombre at the bottoms of my hair, which makes it look super dry! I hate that. I was at Target one day and ran across this stuff for only $2.50 and I couldn't have found a better product, surprisingly. I just squeeze a quarter-sized amount all over my hair and then dry and style as usual. No rinsing! 

Enjoy! xox

Fashion

I love most things with skulls. Alexander McQueen for example. There's a difference between a classy skull (is that possible?) and a trashy skull. Ya know, the skull and crossbones, yeah not so much. The "Affliction" skull....put it down.  I have a pair of skull print leggings from H&M and I like to pair it with a denim button up and ankle boots or I have an Alexander McQueen red and navy scarf I like to throw on with boyfriend jeans, simple t-shirt or tank and some combats. Don't overload it with other tacky prints. It should be at a minimum. xox 

Drink

I love coffee. Especially, iced coffee. Thank goodness I have a Keurig, because I have never been able to make a good pot of coffee. (My favorite k-cups are the Caribou coffee medium roast cups).

Simple 'vanilla' syrup:

Boil 1 cup water and 1 cup of sugar.

Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

This will make quite a bit, but you can store it in your fridge for up to 2 weeks! 

Let cool.

Pour coffee over ice cubes and add milk or cream. (I used almond milk) 

Then add your simple syrup.

And of course, serve it in a mason jar. You can even add a little whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. 

Fashion

 Let's talk about how cute these are??? They are the perfect shoe for transitioning from winter to spring.  So if it's a little warm out you can slip these on and head out instead of putting on a pair of UGGs or putting clunky boots on.  Last weekend in Nashville, it was warm out, but let's not get crazy and throw on a pair of flip-flops, baby steps guys! Nothing is tackier to me than someone jumping the gun on the seasons.  Just because it warmed up a little above 20 degrees doesn't mean you pull out your summer clothes and get your summer pedicure. You can find these gems in a variety of colors at Target for only $20!

Side note: After I left Target, I saw some exact moccasin's at TJ Maxx that were Minnetonka's for a lot more!

Beauty

If you wear make-up at all, I'm sure you know how amazing Sephora is and I am sure you have a Beauty Insider card, right?

Well, if you don't, get on it. It's free and it has its perks!

You rack up points and get free stuff! It's usually mini versions of the good stuff, but it will help you decide if you can live without it or not.  You also get a free gift on your Birthday! I got a mini version of Makeup Forever's smoky lash mascara and a dark matte red mini lipstick by Makeup Forever. Score!! Perfect size to throw in my purse!

Food

 

This is probably the best lasagna I have ever had. (sorry, mom!)

I have always, always, always used my mom's recipe and never thought of using anything else....well, until I recently fell in love with The Pioneer Woman.  Her recipes are fairly easy and the food is to die for. I record her shows, read her blog, and run across her stuff on Pinterest all the time. 

Recipe Here!

Also, I used fresh mozzarella and sliced it instead of buying the pre-sliced mozzarella. Normally, it would cost a bit more, but I found some on sale in the deli/cheese department at Kroger and it ended up being a few bucks cheaper than buying 2-3 packages of pre-sliced mozzarella (and it was delicious).

Prepare for a feast. It serves 12 people and it's perfect for family dinner.