Category: Nashville

The Choice of Happy

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August is about to go bye bye. The summer seemed to make only a brief appearance this year and now we are skipping right into fall things. I love fall things including football, scarves, sweaters, boots, leaves changing color, and new seasons of my fave tv shows, BUT I shall miss the summer and the way I felt during particular moments. This summer was different and there were great highs and spectacular lows. I felt more free than I have in a long time and at the same time incredibly restrained. I was surrounded by lovely people and super lonely all at the same time. Life continues to show me her complexities as I get older. Well, it has happened and there is nothing I can do about the past. Forward on, Miss Clark into September.

Since life’s been a bit interesting and my mood is still not optimal, I’m going to cope as I typically do and fill my life with moments that I hope will bring me life. Oh, don’t worry, I’m also going to see a therapist.

Bright Spots
-SEC Football begins on Thursday!!! Vanderbilt v. Ole Miss at Vandy :)-It’s a blackout game and I’m still in search of the perfect ensemble. I’m happy to wander around to a couple tailgates and cheer on the ‘Dores. Also, seeing Ole Miss play brings back great memories of my adventure to The Grove last fall. My Hotty Toddy cup is still my favorite to use at work.

– The BEACH!! I’m off to North Carolina to celebrate my friend Erin’s 30th Birthday. I get to spend a day at Duke and then I get to stick my fit in the sand and spend some time breathing fresh air and internalizing God’s beautiful creation. I also get to take a break from Nashville. I love this city but we need a break.

– The Junior League of Nashville’s Provisional Year begins! I am loving my role on Council as Provisional Co-Chair and I can’t wait to hold it down on Wednesday nights.

– I get to see Blake Shelton with my lovely friend Jana in September. The boots shall make an appearance and I shall have fun and sing until my voice disappears.

– A mixed bag of events including Live on the Green, a DDD Breakfast Club meet up, Zumba, church, and hopefully a fun benefit concert.

– I also hope to sprinkle in some 1:1 encounters with people that I love in this city. Seriously, I’ve found some of the best people here and I need to work on cherishing the time I have with them a lot better.

That’s all that I have scheduled for now but we’ll see what pops up on the calendar.

I’ve felt like a huge sloth lately. My get up and go attitude has gone. Perhaps, I just need some rest or I just need to deal with some shit that’s weighing me down. Regardless, I’m committed to pulling it back together. I’m working on choosing happy. Your support is appreciated.

Later Y’all.

Krystal

Happy Spirit

Psst…

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Do you know about these things?

House of Cards on Netflix

If you have Netflix, then you’ve got to watch House of Cards. A friend of mine mentioned it in conversation and I spent the next two days watching Season 1. Kevin Spacey, politics, Robin Wright, scandal, Kate Mara, murder, intrigue, intelligent dialogue, southern asides, sex, suspense, and whatever else you need to make one helluva show. Get into it! Season 2 is in production. You have time to catch up on this gem.

Ruby Amanfu

Ever heard, Jack White’s “Love Interruption“? The female voice belongs to Grammy Nominee Ruby Amanfu. You might have seen her perform with Mr. White on the Grammys. Perhaps you saw her perform as a part of “The Collective” on The Singing Bee or are a fan of Sam & Ruby. She performed at this weekend’s Musicians’ Corner and she didn’t disappoint. Her voice is soulful, soft, and powerful all at the same time. This was her first solo performance in 10 years! I really hope I don’t have to wait that long to see her again in concert. I was also quite giddy that she favorited and replied to my tweets (squeal). Follow her @RubyAmanfu.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones

Another musical act that performed at the last Musician’s Corner of the summer. I’m a fan of “blue eyed soul”. These dudes from Birmingham light up the stage with their James Brownesque lead singer. He wails.

The Home T-Shirt

A cute shirt, with my favorite place on the front, and supports a great cause. That would be the Home T-Shirt. Wore it, posted a pic on Instagram and Facebook, and contributed to many new purchases. I’m a bit homesick and plans to return this month fell through :(. Oh, well I will be there again before I know it. Until then, I’ll just wear my home on my sleeve or rather my chest ;).

VA Home T

Riffraff

I’ve never been to Fayetteville, AR but my debit card has made the trip a few times. Check out RiffRaff! This boutique drew me in with the ability to order items directly from their Facebook Page. Over the course of two years the shop now has a gorgeous website. If you’re a Razorback Lover, these ladies always have the goodies for you. However, if you’re just a girl who loves fashion, check this place out. The owner is super precious and I’ve always received the best service. My two fave purchases include my red asymmetrical dress that I wore to an Ole Miss game and my flower bracelet in a golden color that is perfect for Vandy games.

Currently coveting:

TN Love

Love TN Comfort Colors Tank

Bow Sheer

Striped Bow Back Blouse

Rejoice School of Ballet in Nashville, TN

The Junior League of Nashville does amazing things in the community. I’m honored to be a member of this organization. One of our partner agencies is the Rejoice School of Ballet. This school offers reduced price dance lessons (mostly ballet) to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. A girl might pay $100.00 for what would typically by $1800.00 of dance lessons. The final recital was on Friday and I had to go and support these beautiful girls who have worked hard this summer to learn complicated ballet techniques. They were beautiful and I was moved to tears more than once by their radiance. God is so good! Programs like this are exposing girls to lives outside of their everyday world. It is giving them hope and letting them know that they can be ballerinas or whatever it is they choose to be. It isn’t where you’re from that determines your destiny. As someone who doesn’t come from money, I am always supportive of programs like Rejoice because things like this opened up entirely new worlds for me. If you’re looking for a new cause to support, I would strongly encourage you to donate to Rejoice.

That’s all for now. Hope you found something new :).

Later y’all.

Nashville 4 Free

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Here’s my 2nd installment of Nashville 4 Free:

Day 2 & 3 & 4

– My sweet friend Annie, who is about to move to Rhode Island, surprised me with a free ticket to the Ryman to see Secret Sisters and She & Him. Obsessed with Secret Sisters! Not only do they have heavenly voices but they are precious. She & Him was okay, but really it was just cool to see Zooey Deschanel. She funny, cute, and quirky. My favorite moment was when She & Him did “You Really Got a Hold on Me” totally acoustic without any amplified sound (no mics). That is always a baller move in The Ryman. To be honest, I don’t really get the allure of She & Him, but it is always great to go to The Ryman.

– My free movie was a bit of a letdown last time at Belcourt but I didn’t hesitate when a colleague sent me a link to get a free pass to see “The Heat” starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I’ve been in love with Sandy since Speed and McCarthy got me hooked, like most people, with her performance in Bridesmaids. The movie is HILARIOUS! Now, the process to get into the theatre which included being searched by a security guard and relinquishing your cell phone was not that great, but I’m really happy I saw this movie. The women bring it in their performances. I would suggest venturing to the theatre for this one. Cost: $6.50 for popcorn and a soda

– Sometimes, things are accidentally free like when the woman working the ticket counter at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts asked me if I was a college student because college students get free admission on certain days at the museum. Now, this was probably really unethical BUT I work with college students all day long and all of my gray hair is the result of college students. I also still have the good fortune of being able to pass for a college student. I showed her my ID, she gave me a sticker, and I don’t really think anyone was harmed in the process. Eek! Now that I’ve made that confession, let’s talk about the actual exhibit. My friend Leslee Mitchell, who is an incredibly talented photographer happens to be obsessed with cars. Sensuous Steel: Art Deco Automobiles is certainly worth a visit. In a strange turn of events, you are actually allowed to photograph the cars. Cost: Free, but I did purchase one cider at Flying Saucer post exhibit so $5.00.

– I had so much fun at Musician’s Corner in Centennial Park last week that I ventured back out this Saturday. The Bird and the Bear, Stacy Lantz, Matt Giraud, and Humming House were the acts I was able to see before I headed out to a friend’s engagement party. My favorite would have to be Matt Giraud and anything the female lead singer of Humming House sang during their set. She’s phenomenal! “Pick It Up” and “Seven Days a Week” were great from Giraud. His soulful voice “took us to church”. I don’t watch American Idol but apparently he was on the show. He also did a cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Gone Come” mashed up with Jackson 5’s “Whose Loving You?” Humming House did a fun cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”.

While at the show, the Music City Roots bus was present and giving away free koozies and if you could answer one trivia question you could get a hat or tickets to an upcoming show at Loveless Café. I happened to know the name of the host of MCR and I picked up 2 tickets for an upcoming show. I’ll certainly tell you about it in a future post.

The World Vision Experience was parked in Centennial Park. If you arrived early enough, you could help assemble promise packs for kids in Africa. I took a tour of the interactive World Vision Bus and went on a journey through Tanzania with a sweet little boy who told us about the difficulties his village has had with obtaining clean water, having time to attend school, and the devastation of Malaria. By serving as a sponsor, participants could donate money to purchase mosquito nets, finance a Micro Loan, donate chickens to a family, a clean water source, or just donate to the education fund. It was quite the adventure to Kisongo. We learned a couple phrases in Swahili and I also learned that we say “Tanzania” incorrectly in the States. Cost: $5.00 for some Dark Chocolate “Jeni’s Ice Cream”

Can’t wait to report more fun and free Nashville adventures.

Later Y’all

On Friday, I’m in Love

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This week I’ m in love with…

Writing and receiving thank you notes. Make this a habit if you haven’t already added this practice to your life. Gratitude is the new black. They can totally match your style and personality since there are a huge variety available at all price points. I tend to collect them from Target, Paper Source, and Hallmark. Please know that you can make any blank card a thank you card simply by altering your personal handwritten message.

Top center- Paper Source, Middle row- Target, Bottom row- Paper Source & Target

Top center- Paper Source, Middle row- Target, Bottom row- Paper Source & Target

My new Kate Spade coin purse. I purchased it on a whim and it was on sale. I love the stripes and sometimes all you need are the essentials as opposed to the pieces of luggage I carry around called “purses”. Also, great color scheme so it is perfect for games in the fall :). Go ‘Dores!

Coin Purse

The new Civil Wars song, “The One That Got Away“. Just listen. Also, if you ever have the opportunity please see them in concert.

Hoda Kotb and this picture of her displaying her love of Delta Delta Delta.

Check out #4! DLAM

Check out #4! DLAM

A good breakfast. Thanks Sky Blue Café. If you’re ever in town, check this place out for delicious food and a charming atmosphere. I chose to create my own omelet with spinach, cheese, and chicken. It was delivered with breakfast potatoes, a small cup of fruit, and one of the best biscuits I’ve ever eaten in my life. Yum! East Nashville does food well.

Photo c/o Sky Blue Cafe's Website

Photo c/o Sky Blue Cafe’s Website

The new buddy comedy, The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I was able to see a sneak preview and did nothing but belly laugh the entire movie. Love these two sharing the same screen.

What are you love with this week?

Later Y’all.

Nashville 4 Free

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Confession: I’ve been feeling a little blah lately. I’m good at not falling prey to everyone’s highlight reel but I can’t help but wonder if certain things will happen for me in my life or if I’ll ever understand how to make those things happen. I know that I live a blessed life but we all wonder sometimes, don’t we?

Post dinner Friday night, I came home and blogged. I fell asleep with intentions of doing absolutely nothing the entire weekend. When I feel this way, I hibernate. However, I guess God had a different plan because I popped up at 7am on Saturday morning. After as much defiant laying as I could muster I ventured to the gym and then because it was such a beautiful day I made my may to the pool while reading my new book club selection, Wife 22.

I decided to go through my email and I found the world famous “Work Life Balance” sent out by one of my colleagues. It pretty much chronicles all Nashville happenings. Basically, if you want to know what to do in the city then you should get on this distribution list. I wasn’t in the mood to spend money so I scanned through and thought, “What could I do for free?” This got me thinking about possibly adding a feature to the blog called “Nashville 4 Free”. I don’t have buckets of disposable income so being able to do things for free or at a very minimum cost is super important. Luckily, I live in Nashville and there are actually free things going on all the time especially during the summer. I made a plan and then got myself ready for my “free” day. If I’m going to get out of this funk then I’ve got to be active and not be a sloth.

Day 1

Musicians’ Corner in Centennial Park featuring Westbound Rangers, Striking Matches, Skyline Hotel, Jess Bostic, and a couple other artists on the acoustic stage. On Saturdays from 2-5pm for the rest of June you can hear FREE music in the park. All I needed was a lawn chair (sit under one of the big shady trees) and I took my Baggu filled with other desirable items like a bottle of water, blanket, and sunscreen. Food trucks, a beer garden, and music are all a part of this event. I’d never heard of any of the musical acts before but left a huge fan of Westbound Rangers and Striking Matches. I also enjoyed the blueberry and lemonade shaved ice from Blue Monkey Shaved Ice that I indulged in for a hot weather treat. So many people and so many cute dogs. Centennial Park is beautiful and you can take a look at the lovely Parthenon and feed the ducks while you’re there. Planning on going back next Saturday to see Ben Sollee, Mat Giraud, and Humming House. Cost:$4.00

Check out the schedule for upcoming performers.
Westbound Rangers on stage
Yummy!
Beautiful day for an outdoor concert
Belcourt–the big white box is the screen

Belcourt Theatre Saturday Outdoor Cinema: Batman at Sunset
Now, this was a bit of a disappointment simply because the ’89 version was advertised but they ended up showing the original Batman, like black and white with super racist attitudes towards Asians and Asian Americans. Some of the dialogue actually led to people making audible comments of discomfort. However, I’m sure when you show up and see the movie you expect to see then it has the potential of being a grand time. Food trucks (a staple of any event), beautiful weather, a free movie, and once again all you need is a chair or blanket (you’re sitting on gravel so I would bring a chair). I would also bring a cardigan in case of chill. Cost: $0.00

I’m excited to continue this adventure. It just made me think about all of the money I spend on fun when I have the great fortune to live in a city that creates affordable options for folks like me.

Oh, and I took this really good selfie. Cost: PRICELESS

IMG_2238

What can you do in your city for free?

Later Y’all

BlogNashville

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Jessica from DahliaLynn and Jessica from Here & Now have jumpstarted a new blogger adventure called BlogNashville. BlogNashville is a community for Nashville’s fashion and lifestyle bloggers.

Our first event, H&Margaritas was a grand time. We began the night at Chuy’s for delicious margaritas and then walked a few paces over to the grand opening of H&M in Opry Mills.

These ladies are not only quality bloggers but they are quality people. Laughter and chatter were a key component of the night. I’m not a hardcore blogger. I do this for cathartic purposes and to chronicle my life’s adventures. I have never set out to make money on this blog or to become famous. However, for those ladies that are able to do so, I give you much respect and I’m a fan. I have a lot to learn from these ladies as they are creative, strategic, and dedicated to the art of blogging. I’m happy to have spent time with them and I look forward to more events.

I think you’ll love their blogs.

Jessica from DahliaLynn
Jessica from Here & Now
Morgan from Wake Up Your Wardrobe
Krista from Junkin,Digging, and Gettin Lost

Aren’t they lovely?

If you’re a fashion/lifestyle blogger in the Nashville area and want to be a part of the community then leave a comment here and I’ll be sure to get you connected. You can also follow on Twitter @BlogNashville and you can “Like” the BlogNashville Facebook Page.

Later Y’all!

Week in Review

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Man, this week has been something else!

Despite some unpleasant moments, I have been able to take a deep breath and think about all of the good.

– Lunch with Jessica Reasons at Taco Mamacita. Check out her blog, DahliaLynn.
– First BlogNashville event: H&Margaritas with a lovely group of ladies who are intense bloggers. I have so much to learn.
– Lunch at Bosco’s with my lovely sorority sister and Tri Delta Nashville Alumnae President, Elizabeth.
– One of my favorite people, Royce, was in town recruiting fresh new talent and I was able to release him from the Opryland Hotel and take him for a real drink at The Patterson House and then a driving tour of Nashville. Love this kid!
– Surprise cupcakes from The Cupcake Collection. My mouth is still watering. YUM! Love great colleagues.
– My faves are still on The Voice. Sasha Allen and Michelle Chamuel–who are you rooting for?
– Great lunch with a colleague at West End Cafe. Get the Strawberry Fields Salad.
– Return to the elliptical machine and squats. Sore much?
– The voice of a great friend as he slayed it on a phone interview. I mean, he’s amazing and I’m so proud to know him. I love people who bring their A Game ALL THE DANG TIME!
– Fresh office supplies. There is nothing like a new pack of Pentel R.S.V.P pens, a rubber band ball, and a can of compressed air to clean my keyboard. Call me a nerd. No really, it is totally fine.
– Kairos at Brentwood Baptist Church. The message, the worship, the nice people–I dig it.
– Messages from sweet people and Happy Hours as a result of those messages.
– I can cross Etch off my restaurant list. Been there and felt decent about it. Had the Pork Tenderloin–try it.

All in all, ’twas a blessed week.

talk about your joys

Hope you had a great one and if it didn’t appear to be great on the surface then take a deep breath and really think about those small moments that made you smile. We let the bad overshadow our world and we’ve got to learn to focus on the light.

Later Y’all.

I Love Nashville Nouns

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I haven’t posted anything in this series for a while.

Don’t worry! I still love Nashville 🙂 I mean, who doesn’t these days? Check out this article.

I decided to post about a place that is near and dear to my heart since I spend 5 days out of my week from around 9-5 camped out in this exclusive locale.

It’s my office! When I found out that I was getting a new office, I decided to style it up and make it mirror my sparkling personality ;). I’m blessed to have an office and not live in cubicle land. To be honest, I have decorated my office better than I’ve decorated my apartment. Eek! I know, I know, I’m working on it :/.

Check out the images of some of my favorite office bits.

Madison on Main purchase from Bryson City, NC.
Mousepad/Notepad from Target
Love me some office supplies. Zebra says, “Get it done.”
Fun pencils, monograms, and a special letter opener from my alma mater.
Who doesn’t love candy in mason jars?
Books on Books and my monogrammed mason jar
Gotta represent the last name. I actually wish people called “Clark” more often.
No one has time to sit around and listen to your complaints.
Do this.
We the best!
I’m a fan of quotes. A reminder that this pretty smile can only get me so far.

For these items visit the following sites:

Design Darling for the lovely monogrammed business card holder and pencil cup not to mention all of the other goodies you can purchase from this beautifully stocked boutique
Anthropologie for the fun pencils
Etsy for the Monogrammed Mason Jar
Always scope out TJ Maxx for office goodies.

Hope you liked a little visit to my work home. I figure if I’m going to be there for such a large percentage of my life then I better like the place. I work with college students so it also needs to feel welcoming, comfortable, and fun. Oh, the paint color is called “Spicy Hue”.

Tell me about your office.

STEEPLECHASE 2013!

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I attended my 2nd Steeplechase this past weekend and it was quite the adventure.

Here is what is needed to have a great time at Steeplechase:

1. Great weather.
2. Yummy food.
3. Festive beverages, especially a good mint julep.
4. A fun dress.
5. A ridiculous hat.
6. Really fun people. The more people you know, the more fun the event will be because you’ll have multiple tents to visit. Also, you might just want to be okay with having fun with strangers.
7. An agnostic opinion about Port-a-Potties–they are the only game in town.
8. A phone or camera to capture the fun moments.
9. The ability to walk from the car to the field and back.
10. An interest in horses really isn’t necessary but it is fun to see them run by your plot.

*These two things are also quite important: a sense of humor and a designated driver.

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It seems like most of Nashville is at this event. The colors of clothing and the fascinating hats are pure eye candy. I came home with 3 new koozies, a bag from Vineyard Vines, and some new lip gloss. People capitalize on their Southern and as they boast about which SEC school is the best and challenge each other to games of cornhole. “We went to college together.”, “She’s my sorority sister.” “I know her from The League.” “Where are you from? Well, that isn’t really the South.” Seersucker and bow ties are king while the ladies wear their finest sundresses and go to great lengths to style their hat just so. There is nothing but privilege oozing from the pores of this event.

Drinking at 9am leads to even the strongest fading by 4pm and all you want to do is go home, get in your bed, and sleep until your body won’t allow you to any longer. Fortunately, this is all for a good cause as proceeds go to Monroe Carrell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

You’re in a field and you’re taking it all in while laughing, drinking, and eating. You look great and life is pretty awesome. You forget about reality and get soaked into this horse race that is an excuse for decadence and in some cases debauchery. I love it. If you’ve never been to Foxfields, Carolina Cup, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, or Steeplechase then what are you waiting for? I’ll see you on the 2nd Saturday in May at Steeplechase 2014.