tay tay and jay jay.

(PEOPLE) Baristas, be on the lookout: Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift may soon be ordering maple lattes at your shop.

Tuesday they stopped into the Frothy Monkey in 12th South, their second trip to the shop -- they were there on Sunday, also.

"Apparently Jake likes a cappuccino with maple syrup," says a source who saw him order the drink. "Frothy has the real deal in the maple syrup department."

On Monday, the pair sampled cups of Joe at another Nashville shop called Crema.
On Saturday, the pair ducked into Fido, a coffeehouse and café near Vanderbilt University and Music Row.

See full article at PEOPLE.com {photo credit: www.people.com}

I would recommned Tay Tay and Jake try The Good Cup at 2181 Hillsboro Rd next, and there is always Dose off of West End.

Enjoy your java!

simply having a wonderful christmas time.

Tomorrow Justin and I are getting our first Christmas tree to decorate together! I am so excited! Today I started gathering ideas for how I want to decorate our condo with nature. I love using fruit and real greenery to make our home feel warm and christmas-y.



A five-second centerpiece : Mix clementines or oranges and peppermint balls in a single glass compote or vase. You can even through in cinnamon sticks or cloves for a nice winter scent.
















A staircase always looks lovely with a garland of greenery : Easier than looping it around and around: Lay evergreen on top of the banister, fasten in place with floral wire, and wrap with extra-wide ribbon. I find the best ribbon at Michael's.

{photo credit:  www.realsimple.com}

Happy Decorating!

give thanks.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
-1 Chronicles 16:34

Thank you, Lord, for all you have done, are doing and will do. Please cover us in your love this holiday season and may our times of celebration be peaceful and fruitful for our hearts and your kingdom. Amen.

Today I am so thankful for mine and Justin's first Thanksgiving as a family. This morning he ran the Boulevard Bolt on beautiful Belle Meade Blvd. I made pumpkin bars. Depending how they taste tonight for dinner, I will post the recipe. ;)
I am looking forward to heading to the Moses house for all kinds of yummy southern food.

Tomorrow we are waking up early for a road trip to Anniston. We will make it time to watch the Auburn/Alabama game with the fam. Then it will be time for more eating, napping, and movie watching. Oh I just love this time a year and am so blessed to be able to share it with our amazing families.



I get these "daily verses" emailed to me - you can sign up too at www.dailyverse.com, or a great Christmas gift is giving this book to someone special.

{photo credit:  www.dailyverse.com}

Give thanks!

oh just joss.

Sunday night Lauren and I went to see Morning Glory. Sweet romantic comedy that we both could relate to - the adventures of creating yourself and trying to make a name for yourself in your career. Rachel McAdams and Patrick Wilson were adorable!! Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford were classics as always.

What I most enjoyed was the music in the movie.

Joss Stone had two songs I am loving : Free Me and Incredible

Born in England in 1987, she made her TV debut at the age of 14, singing a Donna Summer song on a BBC talent show, although it was a few years before she made her mark.

Introducing Joss Stone, Soul Sessions, and Mind Body and Soul are all great albums for a holiday road trip home.


{photo credit: www.jossstone.com}

Happy Listening!

puffy.

Today I am having lunch with my college roommate that I haven't seen since we graduated from Auburn in 2003.

She is visiting Brentwood for the Thanksgiving holidays. Of course I recommended my favorite lunch spot - Puffy Muffin.

Located at 229 Franklin Road and 91 Seaboard Lane - Brentwood, TN

I can't wait to have the Poppyseed Chicken over warm rice. They always have fabulous desserts, so I just might have to get a turkey cut out sugar cookie!

{photo credit: www.puffymuffin.com}

holland house : east nashville : good eats

Tonight a few friends and I are headed to Holland House.

We are looking forward to the homemade icecubes - seriously, i love these cubes, they are huge, meaning they take longer to melt, making your specialty drink less watered down.

I most enjoy the laid back, but yet sophisicated atmosphere, creative cocktails, and delicious apps and desserts. It is the little touches that make Holland House special.

Located at 935 W. Eastland Ave.

CHEERS to a wonderful weekend and good girlfriends!

yummy soup

Well it is finally getting cold in the South... Therefore, I was in the mood for some "yummy soup". I call it "Yummy Soup", but it is really 7 can soup. So easy and so good. All you need are 7 cans of:

Kidney Beans
Rotel
Whole Kernal Corn
Diced Tomatoes
Chili with beans
Chili without beans
Veg-All

Pour into pot, no need to drain, just mix all together and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for a bit. Enjoy!

Of course it is always better the next day, once all the ingrediants have had a chance to sit together : Delicious with some corn bread.