Fashionable Friday: Stars and Stripes

It's Finally Friday!

This week lasted forever, but next week is a holiday 2-day-work-week for this girl :)

  Pull out your Star Spangled bikini (Taylor and Sarah!) and grab your stars and stripes, it's Independence Day!  Here is a little Red, White and Blue to get you in the holiday spirit...

Invite me over if you make those last treats :)  Have a fabulous weekend loves!

100th Post!

Today marks a Sweet Home Nashville milestone....my 100th post!  

I am so glad I started blogging this year, what a great creative outlet to share, learn and grow.  Here are a few stats on the blog so far....

Created 100 posts

Over 3800 page views

29 "official" followers

____________________________________________________________5 Most Read/Visited Pages:

 About Me

What I'm Loving Wednesday (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Law School Graduation Celebration

Rules of Festival Etiquette

Nashville Tour Guide Page

____________________________________________________

The blogging community has welcomed me with open arms and I much appreciate the support and encouragement.  Thanks for joining me and reading along with my crazy life!  I look forward to sharing so much more with you :) 

The best is yet to come....

Tour Guide Tuesday: 4th of July

featuring......

 Nashville loves Independence Day!  Here is a rundown of the top events in town....

Riverfront Park

Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Festivities begin with a free concert at the Lawn at Riverfront Park at 6pm.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Celebration begins at 12pm with live music on the pre-show stage and the free McDonald's Family Fun Zone on 2nd Avenue and Broadway. The official concert will kick off at 6:45pm with The Mavericks, Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, the Music City Hit-Makers, Nashville Symphony and the largest fireworks show in the South!

Hot Chicken Festival

The Hot Chicken Festival is an East Nashville tradition.  Warning: The temps will be hot and the chicken hotter!  So, get there early and hydrate :)

Wednesday, July 4 ● 11am – 3pm ● East Park ● 700 Woodland Street

“Hot Chicken is a great local culinary tradition, and as Nashville’s locally owned restaurants we were glad for the opportunity to collectively celebrate this great dish,” said Laura Hill, Nashville Originals executive director.

Nashville Sounds

The Sounds offer fireworks displays all season long -Firework shows follow every Saturday home game and for Independence Day too

Music City July 4th 5 and 10K

Race time is 8:00 AM on the hot July 4th holiday and every participant will receive a complimentary t-shirt, collector's cup, food, and a Michelob Ultra (registrants over 21).  The proceeds from the run go to the Park Center of Nashville.

Adventure Science Center: The Science of Kaboom!

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Wednesday, July 4

Have a real BLAST this Fourth of July weekend as we delve into the Science of Kaboom! We'll explore all the things that go BAM and POW  with a wide variety of hands-on fun. We'll create mini rockets, make a big noise, crush cans with only the power of air and perform other amazing feats.

Nashville Shores

Nashville's water park will be shooting off fireworks July 3rd and 5th.  They also host a hot dog eating competition July 4th!

Introducing Mrs. Bland!

This past Saturday, I had the honor to celebrate one of my dear friends, Taylor!  Taylor and Jim tied the knot at Heartwood Hall just outside of Memphis.  Heartwood Hall was a beautiful venue, perfect for a wedding.  The ceremony took place in a courtyard, followed by cocktails by the pool and a rustic reception in the party barn. 

Taylor is gorgeous everyday of the week, and was simply stunning on her big day.  It was such a blast to see all of my favorite college girls :)  Here are a few pics from my IPhone and facebook from The Bland's wedding.

 the guests signed corks for a guest "book"



Sorry for the IPhone poor quality!



Congrats Mr. And Mrs. Bland!

Tour Guide Tuesday: Jason James Band

featuring.....

Jason James Band

One thing the music city has to offer is great live music, every hour, at almost every bar downtown.  You can hear struggling artists sharing originals or house bands covering Country's Top 40.  Rarely am I disappointed with the live music downtown is offering, but my go-to band is the Jason James band for a honky-tonkin-dance-your-booty-off, good time! 

Jason James knows how to pump up the crowd, has a great play list, and the band is rockin :)  They play at Crossroads (near Rippy's) on Thursdays and at Paradise Park on Friday and Saturday nights.  I guarantee the bar will be packed and you will sing and dance with a few hundred of your new best friends. 

Workout-spiration

Happy Monday Friends!  I am planning a wedding recap post later this week, but today here is a quick fitness inspiration post :)

There are so many work out plans (crossfit, zumba, running, spin, swimming, boot-camp, P-90X, yoga...) but the kicker is to find what works for you.  For me, mixing it up is the best bet.  I get bored doing the same workout everyday, so I try a little of everything.  But, healthy eating is as important as working out for your healthy figure.  I typically reach for fruit when I'm looking for a healthy/low calorie snack, check out these tips from Pinterest.

One superficial motivator that I sometimes fall on to give me a boost to want to work out is cute workout clothes :) yeah, I just said that.....Target and Old Navy have some great options!