Nashville: Day 2

The second day in Nashville was really our first full day there. We started off the morning by heading down to The Pfunky Griddle in Berry Hill. I had heard great things (and I love flipping my own pancakes) so we had to check it out. 

It was a delicious breakfast. My favorite were the mashed potatoes with skins that you can cook yourself. They turned into excellent potato cakes and I already want to go back for more. The pancake batter is served in two different pitchers, one white and one 5 grain. The eggs are brought to you to cook as you please also. How fun! I definitely recommend this place for any breakfast-goers in Nashville.

After we stuffed our faces, we headed out to 12 South to grab some iced coffee at Frothy Monkey. Steve ordered a delicious fruit tea, which was made with black tea, orange juice, and mint flavor. Fab!

After sipping on coffee, we walked down the block to take some cliche' photos in front of the "I believe in Nashville" mural.

After strolling around 12 South a bit more and letting the boys drool over instruments in all of the local music stores, we headed back downtown to get ready for a night at The Grand Ole Opry. Steve surprised me with tickets for my birthday, and Tieka and Eric bought some too! What amazing friends I have. There were several different performers on the lineup, but my favorites were Chaley Rose from the show Nashville and NEEDTOBREATHE. They were breathtaking and I had goosebumps the whole time.

Forgive me for not taking any photos of NEEDTOBREATHE, I was too busy being captivated by their powerful performance.  Needless to say, they received TWO standing ovations during their debut at the Opry and I was honored to have witnessed it. 

After the Opry, we headed out to Midtown to check out Winner's Bar and Loser's Bar. Steve and I met at Loser's on Labor Day weekend of 2012, so it holds a special place in our hearts. I know, ironic, right? We're just two losers that found love in Nashville, TN. 

That's it for Day 2 in Nashville! It was the most incredible day, and I keep trying to relive it in my memory. 

xoxo,

Laura

Nashville: Day 1

I had the most incredible weekend in Nashville ever.  Since Steve had already been down there for the week prior to set up some co-writes, I flew down on Friday to meet him at the airport.  Our good friends Tieka and Eric also drove down to spend the whole weekend with us.  I'm still beaming with joy at how perfect our time was.  My best childhood memories are in Nashville, along with my best recent ones.

Our first night in the city was spent eating delicious Mexican food and sipping on jumbo margaritas.  Unfortunately for me, they told the server we were there for my birthday so the entire staff came by with an ice cream sundae and smashed it in my face.  After dinner, we headed downtown to do the typical touristy Nashville stuff (which is kind of a must-do when traveling with people who haven't been there before).  We grabbed some drinks at Tootsie's and Paradise Park and danced the night away. (Don't mind the crappy quality iPhone photos I took from our first night)

Margaritas at Las Palmas

Stay tuned for more photos (higher quality, too) of the trip!

xoxo,
Laura

Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Ever since my Stepdad made this recipe for the first time, my family can't get enough. Just the smell alone of fresh bread baking in the oven could melt your heart...pair it with a good cup of coffee and it's euphoric. This is the first recipe I tried in my own Bread Machine and it's now a favorite in my house and with everyone who tries a slice! I'm sure you could make this without a Bread Machine, but I prefer the simplicity of using one. Try it out for yourself!

 *This recipe is for a 2 lb Bread Machine (then cut in half). The original recipe can be found in The Bread Lover's Bread Machine Cookbook by Beth Hensperger.

It's even better if you use it for french toast with some crushed strawberries on top. The possibilities are endless! My favorite coffee mug pictured above is from Sweaty Wisdom so hop on over there and support your local GR businesses!

xoxo, Katelyn

Travel Tuesday: Family Vacation

If you're from Michigan or nearby I'm sure you woke up this morning thinking: "Snow?! I'm moving south." I tried my very best to bring the sunshine and warmth back from Florida guys, I just have really bad luck. I'm trading my swim suit for a sweater today. On a positive note, I had a great time in Florida with my family! Here's a re-cap in photos with a few helpful hints to survive a family vacay and a 20 hour drive.

Highlight of my trip-Alex and I competed on Fear Factor Live at Universal! It came down to both of us for the finals-Alex took 1st and I was 2nd.

And of course Al & I geeked out over Harry Potter World, even if he forgot his wand.

Well deserved Butterbeer after being drenched by the Jurassic Park Ride (below).

It was a great trip overall. Here are some helpful tips from my experiences:

-Learn to be flexible. If there's anything I've learned while traveling it's that something WILL go wrong, and to just go with it.
-Pack only what you can carry. I usually bring a carry-on suitcase and purse.
-Alex and I took out all the cash we were going to spend and that really helped us visualize how much we were spending and budget.

If you have a long car ride:

-Snacks and Drinks! But don't chug your beverage or it'll take you twice as long to get to your destination.
-If you're the co-captain make sure your driver is okay. If they're tired stay up with them and chat to avoid car accidents!
-Music & Dancing is always key.
-Stretch and move your legs every chance you get.

Thanks for a great vacation, fam!
xoxo, Katelyn

Diamond Shape Style Challenge

Let's talk diamonds. 

Since Katelyn and I both vary in style and taste, we love comparing and contrasting our visions when it comes to anything fashion related. For example- our engagement rings. Both of our men (Alex and Steve) know our style pretty well, and were spot on when it came to picking out our perfect rings. The only real requirement I had for my someday engagement ring was that it had to be conflict free! Here's a little more about our favorite diamond shape styles:

 Laura's favorite:

Cushion Cut
First, let me say that I do not limit myself to this one style/cut of diamonds. My taste is mostly modern, with a touch of vintage character. Therefore, I love cushion cut and any rings with a halo. Check out my board to get a better glimpse at my style choices.

Featured engagement ring:

Platinum Felicity Diamond Ring


Katelyn's favorite:
Round Cut To be honest, I didn't even really know what kind of diamond cut I preferred (gasp) until my husband picked it out for me! I love diamonds that are timeless and classic--think Breakfast at Tiffany's. Here's my style board to showcase a perfect ensemble to accentuate this beautiful ring.

Featured engagement ring: 

 Platinum Comfort Fit Ring


How would you like to style your ideal diamond ring?
To take a look at other beautiful conflict-free engagement rings, check out http://www.brilliantearth.com/engagementrings.


xoxo,
Laura & Katelyn