TOMATO ART FEST CELEBRATES 15 YEARS AUGUST 10TH AND 11TH

July 31, 2018 by Amber Ford in Nashville lifestyle blog

"A Uniter, Not a Divider ...Bringing Together Fruits & Vegetables!"

The 15th annual Tomato Art Fest takes place on Friday August 10th and Saturday August 11th in historic East Nashville. What once started as simply a Tomato themed art show at Art and Invention Gallery celebrates its 15th year as one of Nashville’s best festivals.

The Tomato Art Festival kicks off on Friday August 10th with an all New West Records line up to celebrate respective milestone years for both. The 37206 Main Stage presented by Pickers Vodka includes Buxton, T. Hardy Morris & the Hard Knocks, and The Whigs — highlighting just a few of the amazing acts New West Records has worked with in its 20 years in Nashville.

On Saturday August 11th the 37206 Main Stage features Guthrie Brown, Katie Pruitt, Stoop Kids, Marquee Mayfield, Teddy & the Rough Riders plus many more (full line up). Other stages include the Muddy Roots Stage, Cold Lunch Recordings Stage, Contest Stage, plus a Cooking Stage. For more information on additional artists performing at the festival you can visit tomatoartfest.com.

The festival and official kick-off concert are free to attend and welcoming to the public, uniting the community for a weekend of inspired art, wacky activities, great local music, creative vendors, unique kids activities, and favorite food trucks. For a full schedule of events, please visit tomatoartfest.com/scheduleofevents

True to the event's namesake, the art gets a big part of the tomato spotlight each year, where Art & Invention Gallery showcases over 300 tomato-inspired pieces throughout the weekend, beginning at the Tomato Art Preview Party at Art & Invention Friday August 11th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased at: https://www.tomatoartfest.com/art-preview-party/.

New this year the festival will feature a Bloody Mary Garden on Saturday August 11th from 11:00 am-1:30 pm in the heart of the festival. This ticketed experience will include up to 15 bloody mary samples from local and national mixes all served with Nashville’s own Pickers Vodka. Tickets may be purchased at: https://www.tomatoartfest.com/bloodymarygardenparty/.

About the Tomato Art Fest
Tomato Art Fest was founded by Meg and Bret MacFadyen, owners of East Nashville’s Art and Invention Gallery. In 2004, the gallery hosted an art show celebrating the tomato in late summer, and planned a few neighborhood events to promote the show. The Fest proved so popular that it immediately turned into an annual, signature event for the growing, hip, urban neighborhood of East Nashville.

A community builder, Tomato Art Fest has steadily drawn larger crowds with each year that passes. Last year, an estimated 60,000 came to celebrate this beloved fruit/vegetable and enjoy the day’s festivities. Touted in the Oxford American, and Southern Living, Tomato Art Fest was been voted “Best Festival” in the 2007-2017 in the Nashville Scene Reader’s Polls.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...in July! A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Hotel

July 21, 2017 by Amber Ford in Nashville, Christmas in Nashville, Holidays Nashville, Things to do Nashville, Nashville lifestyle blog, Holidays in Nashville, Nashville Christmas

In case you're wondering why I'm hanging Christmas lights at Opryland Hotel in July, when it's 98 degrees out & I'm 9.5 months pregnant , my soon to be born son Denver & I did something pretty cool yesterday on my lunch break. You guys can check out a couple videos on my Instagram @nativeinnashville . We went all the way up above the Magnolia trees, nearly 80 feet in the air.

When the sweet people who work for Gaylord Opryland reached out and invited me to attend the announcement and kick off of their Country Christmas festivities IN JULY...I may have thought they were a little crazy. It wasn't until yesterday, that I fully understand why they start up their Christmas decorating this far in advance of the holidays and I know that the actual planning starts LONG before this.

Opryland has been a part of my life for as far back as I can remember, in some way, shape or form, I think it's probably been a part of almost any Nashville native familys' lives. I can't remember a single year going by that I didn't go to Opryland Hotel around Christmas time. When they invited me to come hang some of the lights, there was no way I was turning down the opportunity to be a part of something so big! It was a pretty cool experience & it showed me a glimpse of just how much hard work and time these people put in every year to create such a spectacular atmosphere for people near and far to come enjoy. This year they are adding an additional 500K lights for a total of 3 MILLION! I can't think of anything that makes me in a better mood than Christmas lights so I'm pretty excited about the extra !! Go big or go home right ?? If it were up to me & not frowned upon I would leave my tree up all year round too. Crews will work several hours each day to make sure the holiday lights are up in time for "A Country Christmas", presented by FIJIFILM INSTAX®, taking place November 10-Jan 1.

Gaylord Opryland/FUJIFILM North America Corporation

“The holiday magic this resort creates every year is astounding, and we cannot wait for visitors to enjoy the newest holiday decorations and entertainment at our 2,888-room resort and its nine acres of indoor gardens,” said Gaylord Opryland General Manager John Adams. “The many months of preparation are well worth it when we see families making holiday memories with us.”

This year, the Country Christmas attractions include:

The resort’s signature holiday attraction—ICE!, presented by Pepsi—returns with A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. The beloved holiday story will come to life in 2 million pounds of colorful, larger-than-life ice sculptures. Kept at nine degrees Fahrenheit, the exhibit is hand-carved by 40 master artisans from Harbin, China, who use their artistry to create favorite scenes with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and friends, plus multi-story ice slides. If you can’t get enough of the Peanuts gang, enjoy an interactive breakfast you and your family won’t soon forget at Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up Nashville for the first time, November 18 through December 27, 2017, at the Grand Ole Opry House featuring never-before-seen performances, over 300 costumes, 20 of the world’s best acts, original music and seasonal favorites in a multi-million-dollar stage wonderland. Hailed by The New York Daily News as “A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload,” don’t miss this must-see Broadway musical, new cirque adventure and family show wrapped in one BroadwayWorld declares “the perfect holiday gift.”

Also new, Diamond Rio’s Holidays & Hits Dinner Show will bring lighter-than-air harmonies to Gaylord Opryland, November 17 through December 25. The Grammy Award-winning six-man group has sold more than 10 million albums, earning three platinum and five gold records. With their hit, “Meet in the Middle,” they became the first group in the history of country music to have a debut single reach No. 1. The band was awarded Opry membership in 1998 and has received Top Vocal Group honors six times from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop experience lets guests make their very own furry winter friend—a cuddly, cute polar bear plush, designed exclusively for Gaylord Hotels that can be personalized with cozy winter clothing and accessories. For even more fun, families can work together to solve the Build-A-Bear Workshop Scavenger Hunt to gain a “beary” special prize.

Santa’s favorite lady will make an appearance again this year in Cookies with Mrs. Claus. Cozy up by the fire and delight in some milk and cookies while Mrs. Claus reads an enchanting Christmas tale.

No need to endure the cold for a lovely yuletide glide! Gaylord Opryland takes it up a notch this year with a 6,000-square-foot indoor ice rink in the spectacular Holiday Hall. While there, guests can also hop aboard the Opryland Express kids’ train, stop by the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, presented by Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas, or take a whirl on the Santa’s Spinners tea cup ride!

For heart-pounding thrills, guests can head outdoors and brave the hills of the resort’s extreme snow tubing hill covered in 1.5 million pounds of real snow—or enjoy a carnival-style game to test guests’ aim at Santa’s Snow Throw.

Of course, A Country Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a visit from Santa, who will be stopping by to give guests a chance to have a treasured Christmas photograph taken—whether they have been naughty or nice.

Holiday festivities also include carriage rides and holiday cruise experiences on the General Jackson Showboat along with free activities the Brightest Star Fountain Show and the Outdoor Nativity with an audio rendition of the biblical story.

A Country Christmas has been hailed as one of the “Ten Great Places to Catch up with Santa” by USA Today; “The Most Christmassy Hotel in the Nation” by the Travel Channel’s “Extreme Christmas;” one of the top 10 places to spend Christmas in the world by Travel + Leisure; and a “Nashville treasure” by Southern Living.

Tickets and vacation packages are now available at ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com or by calling
1-888-677-9872.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, located at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tenn., is the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands. The 2,888-room hotel offers “everything in one place”— diverse dining options, a full-service spa, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping, an award-winning golf course and more. For more information, visit www.gaylordopryland.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 3 million holiday lights

• 1 million visitors to the resort during the holidays each year

• 15,000 poinsettias

• 15 miles of green garland

• 10 miles of hand-tied, red ribbon

• 48-foot-tall Christmas tree

• 1.5 million pounds of real snow on snow tubing hill

• 2+ million pounds of ice for signature ICE! attraction

• Nearly 7,000 giant blocks of colored ice

• 40 ice artisans from Harbin, China

I can't wait to make some of these memories with my sweet boy, year after year! I encourage you all to visit Opryland Hotel during the holidays & make some memories of your own with your family & friends! I promise you won't be sorry ! You can also find a baby update in the "Life" category of my blog. :)

Thank you, as always, for reading!

XO,

Amber

17 Nashvillians You Need to Follow on Instagram Right Now

July 13, 2016 by Amber Ford in Nashville lifestyle blog, People and Places, Lifestyle blog, Nashville style, Native in Nashville, Nashville, Nashville Fashion Scene, Nashville Food Scene, Nashville Designers, The Nashville Guide, Nashville Blog, Nashville, Tennessee, Made in Nashville

When I first started my blog, my intention was to feature people and places that deserved the spotlight. I feel like I have done a pretty good job of that so far, but we have so many amazing people and places in this town, the opportunities are really endless. I have decided to put together a list for you guys of 17 Nashvillians you need to follow on Instagram right now. These are a group of people who are some, not all, of my very favorite accounts to follow of people right here in our city. I have reached out to them and gotten to learn a little more about each one, than I would have just known from glancing through their social media feeds. Have any of you ever been curious to see who the people are behind the @NashvilleTn and @TheNashvilleGuide pages? I know I have. I encourage you to follow each of them (not literally, of course) I feel as if I have to say that these days. (insert winky emoji here)

JAKE MATTHEWS

@jakesvisuals

Jake is a Nashvillian who recently graduated college in May and is currently living in Nairobi, Kenya working as a photojournalist for a non-profit that works with street kids. After Kenya, he will have another month of adventures to a few countries and back in Nashville by December. He has been doing photography for about 4 years now and it wasn't until this past year that he really felt he found his niche. He had really gotten into capturing the urban side of Nashville, which he feels isn't common for photographers in the area. That eventually that led Jake into shooting portraits with his own "urban-ish" type of style. Once he started doing that, everything just kind of clicked and he ran with it. His goal is to keep doing photography for a living in Nashville once he gets back and to continue traveling every once in a while whenever he get the chance. He absolutely loves being a photographer in Nashville with it being a city full of creatives.

Jake's page is one of my absolute favorite Instagrams to follow. He captures the incredible beauty our city has to offer, along with amazing photos of people. I absolutely love his style and his eye for photography. I originally saw his work on the new "Nashville Billboard" which led me straight to the follow button!

BROOKE WEBB

@kbstyled

Brooke is a wife, a mom of two children, and the Editor and Creator of a very successful style blog, KBStyled. She has lived in Nashville for 4 years and resides in Franklin, TN with her family. She loves finding a great piece at a bargain price and styling it in a way that looks like a million bucks. Brooke also enjoys experimenting with new beauty products and eating cupcakes :) Be sure to follow her Instagram page to keep up with all the latest trends and follow her blog to find out where to get each adorable outfit she puts together.

KBstyled.com

KB Styled on Facebook

CASSIE KELLEY

@womanista @cassiemkelly

Cassie, started WOMANISTA when she was on the road touring with her husband (his name is Charles Kelley and he’s in this little country band you may have heard of, Lady Antebellum). OK little was an exaggeration. She was logging a lot of hours hanging in a backstage dressing room and wanted a way to connect with other women and share the things in life that we all love (like fashion, makeup tips, romantic date night spots, and great friendships!) As the site grew, she realized that Womanista could offer so much more than simply her singular perspective – women from all over the world could connect there and share their own thoughts, ideas, fashion finds, beauty tricks, and messages of empowerment. Womanista is now a place where people can all come together and explore what it is that makes us all unique, beautiful, strong, and special. Womanista is also home to an incredible group of bloggers and contributors who share Cassie's passion and vision for the site.

I encourage you to follow both of Cassie's Instagram pages and checkout her Womanista site. It is amazing!

Visit WOMANISTA

Womanista on Facebook

MARY SENG

@happilygrey

Mary started "Happily Grey" simply as a hobby. She says she knew nothing regarding blogging, but the idea intrigued her as she found herself investing countless hours mulling through other fashion blogs. The idea of having a creative outlet fueled by a passion seemed exciting, appealing, and challenging. Happily Grey has given her….joy, visibility, wonder, vulnerability, creativity, and eagerness.

Mary's style is unplanned, and is generally a reflection of her mood. She is unsure she actually has a concrete approach to her blog other than just following her intuition day to day. She thinks style encompasses more than just the clothes you see. The way one walks, talks, stands, and most importantly, the confidence all create style. She says she is no fashion expert and she's learning and evolving more everyday as Happily Grey grows in its own way. Creating unique,original content in an untainted light has never felt more essential.

I am going to have to disagree with Mary that she is no fashion expert! If you have never seen her Instagram page, I think you will agree. She is the epitome of style and grace. @JohnHillin and @KelseyCherry capture a lot of Mary's photos who you also should be following. Seriously beautiful photography!

Visit Happily Grey

Happily Grey on Facebook

ASHLEY HOUSTON

@nashvillewifestyles

Ashley is originally from East Tennessee where she studied journalism and advertising at ETSU. She's always been in love with writing, and she's been writing stories since she was a child. One of her bucket list goals is to publish a book. Ashley decided to turn her love for writing, fashion, and beauty into a lifestyle blog, "Nashville Wifestyles". She also recently started a YouTube channel where she give weekly reviews and makeup tutorials.

Outside of blogging, Ashley is a mother to a 4 year old little girl with another girl on the way. Her husband, Matt, just started a start up company called "Beachy" within the year so he's traveling often leaving her to run the household. As you can tell, she keeps herself very busy.

Visit Nashville Wifestyles

Nashville Wifestyles on Facebook

DEVIN WILLIAMS

@photographybyDW

Devin Williams is a pro when it comes to capturing photos of our beautiful city. I don't think I have ever seen one of his Nashville photos that I didn't absolutely love. I see the Nashville skyline nearly every day of my life, but for some reason, every time I see the peak of the AT&T building, better known to most as the "Batman building", I still get excited. It symbolizes something to me. It symbolizes home. I think when you see the photos on his Instagram page, you will agree Devin's photography symbolizes home, as well.

For more info on Devin, I also featured him on my "Local Artist Spotlight" section.

Visit Devin Online

Devin on Facebook

ABBY DEMMER

@thenashvilleguide

Abby Demmer grew up in Waupaca, Wisconsin – a true Midwestern at heart. Shortly after college she made the big move to Nashville, Tennessee for a job in corporate America working as a graphic designer. With not knowing a single person in Nashville you would think the transition would be hard in a new city but it was surprisingly easy because of how nice and welcoming everyone was in Nashville. She quickly was proud to call Nashville home.

With Nashville becoming one of the top cities to visit, Abby constantly had out-of-town friends asking for her top Nashville recommendations when they were visiting. She found that they didn’t want the typical over-advertised places flooded with tourists – they wanted to hang where the locals did. After repeating her list over-and-over to visiting friends she decided to create a simple and easy resource via Instagram and that’s where the The Nashville Guide (@TheNashvilleGuide) was born. Early on as she searched for photos of local restaurants and businesses to feature, she was blown away by all the amazingly talented small local businesses Nashville had to offer. From local artisans and makers to little ‘Ma and Pa’ restaurants to small businesses owners. She wanted to help shine some light on all their hard work and amazing talents…and most importantly bring them business.

Abby and I are a lot alike in the reasoning behind creating our pages, but hers is extraordinary. The Nashville Guide has some exciting news being announced in the next couple weeks so be sure to follow her on Instagram so you don't miss it!! I am SO excited for her!!

CORTNEY EDMONDSON

@edmon_co @Thursday_Thrive

Raised in Mt. Juliet, TN, this Nashville Native, Cortney, has a huge heart for helping others. In April 2015, Cortney launched #365DaysofCortney on Instagram, a #positivevibesonly campaign. For 365 days, she posted only positive and inspirational posts in order to be a steady light of positivity for everyone who follows her. In the fall of 2015, she left her career as a CPA at a major accounting firm to pursue her dream of public speaking. Cortney is passionate about story telling because sharing her story has liberated her from her past of shame and inspired thousands of others to do the same.

On April 30, 2016, she launched edmonco.co, her blog and public speaking business. On the same day, her birthday, she launched Thursday Thrive, a platform for other people to share their stories of overcoming adversity. ThursdayThrive.com is a web video series that features a new person's story bi-weekly on Thursdays. Each individual's story and topic is different but identifies the blessings, lessons and transformations that only adversity can provide. Her mission is to share stories of hope and to connect communities of people who are facing similar life challenges.

Visit Thursday Thrive

Visit Edmon.co

Cortney on Facebook

If you have a story you would like to share with Courtney please email her at : Cortney@edmonco.co

ALEXIS TEICHMILLER

@alexisteichmiller

Alexis Teichmiller is passionate about creativity, inspiring others, and digital marketing. She has a lifestyle blog (alexisteichmiller.com) and is also the co-founder of Creative Souls (www.creativesoulstribe.com), a community for female creatives with a mission of encouraging and equipping women to go after their dreams. Alexis is launching a podcast called The Laptop Lifestyle on August 9th, which is a podcast for the virtual entrepreneur to find inspiration and community. She spends her days helping bloggers grow their email lists at ConvertKit (convertkit.com). Traveling, bargain shopping, and eating delicious Nashville food keeps Alexis energized and ready to face each goal that lies before her!

Visit Alexis's Blog

Alexis on Facebook

HELENE SULA

@heleneinbetween

Helene is a 28 year old BLOG BOSS, married to her high school sweetheart. Together, they have two dog children — Hugo, a Doberman, and Millie, an English Springer Spaniel. Music and travel are two of her biggest passions. She says she simply can't sit still. If you’ve read her blog, you know she loves a nice glass of wine, musicals, a little celebrity gossip and reality TV. She believes dancing is quite possibly the greatest thing you can do for yourself . She is originally from Dallas but currently living in Nashville, but not for long! She just recently announced she is about to move overseas! So technically she will only be a Nashvillian until the end of July, but I still think you should follow her page. It's beautiful.

If any of you are thinking of starting a blog, I recommend you reaching out to her. She has turned blogging into her full time job and now offers courses. They teach you how you too can do the same, easily, without the stress or hassle she went through. I clearly should have found her page sooner, because I will be the first to tell you, blogging is HARD WORK!

Visit Helene in Between

Helen on Facebook

LAURA LEA GOLDBERG

@lauraleabalanced

Laura is a Certified Holistic Chef, recipe developer and writer and currently in contract with Spring House Press, writing a cookbook which should come out next Spring. She teaches cooking classes out of her home as her primary business, and has a bimonthly cooking segment on Nashville's Channel 4. Her goal is to offer healthier versions of Southern classics and introduce new ideas about food, so that we can have our caramel cake and eat it too. On her website, you will find affordable, comforting, often make-ahead meals that are packed with nutrients and flavor. Her hope is that my recipes will impact every aspect of your health, from weight goals to managing allergies to improving your relationships. Better yet if they inspire you to get out there and start creating some delicious, satisfying real-food dishes of your own!

Laura's family goes back in Nashville for generations, and her ancestors founded several institutions that still exist today. "This city is in my blood, and I knew I needed to start with this community in sharing my food." says Laura.

Her Instagram page is filled with the most beautiful food and is guaranteed to make you hungry and want to put a little more time into the presentation of your own food.

Visit LLBalanced.com

LL Balanced on Facebook

CHAD VANCE

@nashvilletn @franklintn

Chad Vance was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and is the face behind what I find to be one of the best "Nashville" Instagram pages . He started the NashvilleTN Instagram account about 4 years ago because he is so proud to be a Nashville native :) The Instagram account is used to promote our beautiful city as well as our local community. Chad believes Nashville is unlike any other city in America. Due to our cities uniqueness, he was inspired to create the website (www.Shop615.com) in order to help support local artisans and makers. Shop615.com is Nashville's own 'Etsy' like website that now supports more than 110 local shops. Nashville's close niche community is one of the many reasons he is PROUD to call Nashville his home!

Visit Shop615

PHILLIP FRYMAN

@southernfatty

Professionally, Phillip is a Research Biologist working in cancer research at a local University. Personally, he enjoys piano/music, photography, traveling, ice hockey (GO PREDS!), coffee.. coffee.. coffee. He can vividly remember growing up wanting to be a Chef when he was ‘older'. Having then thought that would certainly be an eternity away, he would have tons of time to plan it out perfectly. Phillip would create a restaurant. He spent countless hours creating blueprints, menus, franchisee agreements (seriously). His featured item began as the World’s Most Amazing Hotdog. A hotdog with shattered Lay’s potato chips on top. As his palate changed, and his business sense slightly improved, that idea warped into some interesting crêpe-based confections that he was certain would change people’s lives instantly. He was learning French in school so naturally, he felt it was the perfect plan. He would open a lovely restaurant that served the most amazing crêpes and hot dogs with potato chips ON them instead of beside like some sort of boring page-turner for the featured pianist. That’ll do it!…

The reality of this plan slowly started to emerge. Phillip made a plan B of Medicine/Science and ended up sticking with that. In the end, though, he has always held onto the love of food and how it brings people together. The sincereness that a chef puts into preparing a meal or confection, those whom join together to share it, the moments of failure and success. It all ends up being worth it in the end. Seeing those around you as happy as a Peep on Easter, laughing and enjoying the company that the food and the Chef (that’s you!) have facilitated. There just isn’t anything better!, says Phillip.

Philip is a chef and food photographer. He recently started a food photography business and his work and or recipes has been featured everywhere your heart can imagine. Seriously, you should check out the long list here . I am very envious of his cooking skills, but secondly the lovely ways in which he captures the beauty of the food. Can you guys tell I REALLY love food? Wait until you guys see his Instagram page and his website features many amazing recipes.

Visit Southern Fatty

Southern Fatty on Facebook

BETSY APPLETON

@goldwilldigger

Betsy is a 20 some year old navigating the waters of adulthood with champagne taste on a beer budget. She began Shopping at thrift stores before she could walk. As a child, she headed straight to book section grabbed a “chapter” book (Babysitter’s Club or Goosebumps), hid between the racks of clothes, and read for hours. As Betsy got older and tall enough to reach the racks, she started digging…for hours. Living in a small town without a mall, she didn’t have access to the “cool” brands like Gap, American Eagle, and Abercrombie & Fitch. When she found a shirt from one of these mall stores (at a fraction of the retail cost), she was THRILLED. Fast forward a few years (or fifteen), recently rediscovered her love for thrift stores, specifically Goodwill, in large part thanks to her Mom. She kept finding designer brands at her local Goodwill store, and it inspired Betsy to start digging for herself. Fashion blogs have always been her vice, but often found her bank account didn’t agree with her fashion blog taste . She decided to start Goldwill Digger to show others all of the treasures found at your local Goodwill and how to incorporate these pieces into your everyday wardrobe. One of Betsy's favorite quotes is “style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Orson Wells

Visit Goodwill Digger

Goldwill Digger on Facebook

1767 DESIGNS

@1767designs

Ok, so this is one person, but it is one AMAZING group. There is no way I could leave them off my list. When you see their page and what they can do, you will see why. 1767 is a group of creatives based in Nashville, TN, made up of Patrick Hayes, Trenton Wheeler, Robby Day, Jenny Hayes, and John Watson. They are passionate about designing and creating quality handmade goods rich with history for modern homes. While their roots lie in reclaiming wood from Nashville’s urban decay, their sights are firmly set on a hopeful future.

With Southwestern-inspired patterns and art deco influence throughout, 1767 aims to bring their favorite parts of American design to classic tables, sturdy wall art and custom accents that fit seamlessly into the home. All of the wood that they use for these pieces is sourced from homes that were recently torn down in the Nashville area. Their pieces not only help to save centuries-old wood from an undeserved and wasted fate, they each come with their own stories to tell.

Visit 1767 Designs

1767 Designs

KATIE WHELLEY

@rarebirdrevival

Katie is a Baltimore transplant living in Nashville, TN; pretending to be a rock star on and off stage. When she's not managing a dozen or so hectic construction sites in the city, or singing in her band at Tootsies, you’ll find her on a quest to help people find their inner renegade! She is a young professional and health and fitness advocate. Katie also says she's a DIYer with a 75 percent success rate, she's an adventurous cook and an even more adventurous drinker. She takes care of her one-eyed rescue dog (aptly named Leroy Jethro Gibbs), sees her friends regularly, and drinks wine perhaps more regularly than she sees her friends.

From her "about me" you can tell this girl has quite the personality, but what you will be able to tell when you look at her Instagram page, she has a lot of heart. She will motivate and encourage you for sure.

Visit Rarebird Revival

KALAHN HARMON

@facesbykalahn

Kalahn has over 10 years of experience in Makeup Artistry. When she obtained her Aesthetics license and began her career as an Aesthetician, she quickly became an Eyebrow Arching Expert. Her passion for skin care and makeup makes her job an enjoyable experience each day. She believes that investing in our skin is an investment that lasts a lifetime. From all types of Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, Laser Treatments to Waxing services, she takes pride in each treatment she performs. If you are looking for any of these services, I also encourage you to go see her.

On her Instagram page you will find many skincare tips, product recommendations and encouraging, empowering quotes. She truly makes me want to have better skin! For more info on Kalahn I also featured her on my "Local Artist Spotlight" section.

Visit Faces by Kalahn on Facebook

AMBER FORD

@nativeinnashville

Oh hey, that's me! Technically I am not one of the seventeen people I mentioned in the title, but I think you should give me a chance. I am Amber Ford, and like Abby from the Nashville Guide, started blogging for the same reasons. I wanted to shine light on all things amazing about Nashville. I was born and raised here, and I don't think I could ever call anywhere else home. NO matter what, this is the place that my soul loves. As you all know, I don't blog about just one thing, I blog about whatever my mood is feeling like, which is the beauty of it. I tried out fashion blogging for about two weeks, and I honestly don't know how people do it, so major props to them! You all have no idea how much work each of these people I spoke of above put in, just to share things with you all. I spend countless hours, outside of my full-time job, and packaging up my shirts, trying to maintain a relationship, and spending time with my family on this. I actually set my alarm for two hours earlier than I had to wake up this morning just to finish this one. I reached 50K views on my page as of yesterday, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you for reading my blog! If just one person takes something from it, my work here is done. Thank you all for your support of Native in Nashville so far! I love you guys!

Native in Nashville on Facebook

#BallSoHard: 13 Best Sports Bars in Nashville

March 22, 2016 by Amber Ford in Downtown, Food blog, Made in Nashville, Food, Bushwackers, Favorites, Where to eat, Midtown, Happy hour, Nashville lifestyle blog, Drink specials, Bars, Football, Where to go, Nashville, Nashville Blog, Sports, Nachos, Wings, West end, Native in Nashville, Sports bars, March madness, NCAA, Local

Welcome back FOOTBALL SEASON!! I put together a list of the best sports bars in Nashville for y'all !! I have included their happy hour information, as well as what menu items they are known for (helpful if you are indecisive like me). Nashville has an incredible selection of places to get your friends together and grab a cold one, a wide variety of mouth-watering food, and an abundance of tv's to watch your favorite team play!

Neighbors

Neighbors, located in Sylvan Park, was the 2015 winner of "Best Neighborhood Bar" in Nashville by the Nashville Scene.

Specialty: Smoked Wings

Happy Hour: Daily 11-7pm

$1 off all draft beers and well drinks

Tuesdays: all day 2-for-1 drafts

Sam's Sports Bar/Sam's Place

Sam's Sports Grill has four great locations in Temnessee to choose from, including Belle Meade, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and Blue Turtle Bay Marina.

Specialty: Pizza and wings. They offer a very diverse menu and you will be happy to know it's all made from scratch!

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-7pm

$3 off wine by the glass & $1 off all beer

Happy Hours vary by location.

M.L. Rose

M.L. Rose has two locations, one on Franklin Pike & one on Charlotte Pike. Both offer spacious patios. Even the patios have tv's so you won't miss the game!

Specialty: Their wide selection of craft beers & the "Nashvegas" Burger. Their sweet potato waffle fries are a big hit too.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6pm

$1 off appetizers, liquor, wine and beer(high gravity excluded)

Thursdays: 3-close 2-4-1 beer and from 3-10 double tall well drinks

Saturday-Sunday: $3 Gerst by Yazoo

Corner Pub

Corner Pub offers 5 locations: Midtown, Brentwood, Bellvue, Mount Juliet, and Franklin. There is also a seperate location in Green Hills !! :)

Specialty: Burgers & Hot Chicken Chunks

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-7pm

$1 off drafts, half price well drinks and wine, and $5 Bushwackers

Saturday-Sunday: $5 Bloody Mary's

Sunday: Happy Hour all day until 10pm.

** happy hour specials are for the Midtown location

South

South is located on Demonbreun and their extra big screen TV makes for a fun game watching experience.

Specialty: "The Nashville" chicken wrap, wings & the South Burger.

Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday 4-9pm

$3 domestic bottles & $4 wine

Sundays: Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary's for $15

Harp & Fiddle

Harp & Fiddle is also located on Demonbreun. They have a large tv on display outside the building, which can make for a very fun patio experience during a big game.

Specialty: Fish & Chips and Shepard's Pie

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4-7pm

$4 drafts & well drinks + $1 off all bottled beer and $5 select house wine

Crows Nest

Crows Nest is located in Green Hills. With 38 tv's, 2 floors, 2 bars, and 3 patios I would say they are up on their sports bar game.

Specialty: Cali Club Sandwich and Parmasan Spinach Risotto

Happy Hour: Monday open-close & Tuesday-Friday 2-6pm

1/2 off domestic draft & bottles, 1/2 off house liquor, $2 off all glasses of wine, $2 off all premium liquor, and $2 off all appetizers

Double Dogs

Double Dogs is located in Hillsboro Village and their 35 tv's will ensure you have a great view to see your favorite team play.

Specialty: Buffalo Mac n Cheese, Bo's Dog Bowl Nachos, Wings with homemade sauce, and the Bo Burger with their specialty sauce

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-7pm

Well liquor $3.25 and domestic bottles $2.50 with additional weekly specials below

Wednesday: $3 house wine from 3-7m

Saturday-Sunday: $3 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas from 11-3pm

Jonathan's

Jonathan's Grill has five locations: Green Hills, Cool Springs, Mt. Juliet, Spring Hill, and Bellvue. It was named by CNN as one of the "Top 101 Sports Bars in America".

Specialty: Pizza and wings

Happy Hour: Monday-Saturday 3-7 2-for-1 on all bottled and draft beer, double pour on house wine, and single liquor drinks. Some appetizers are 1/2 price. 2-for-1 beer again after 10pm as well as pizza specials

Saturday-Sunday: $4 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's

Sunday: 1/2 off select bottles of wine and 2-for-1 beer all day

Dawg House Saloon

Dawg House Saloon is located on Demonbreun and you can always expect a good crowd.

Specialty: Wings, hot dogs, and sliders

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 11-6pm

2-for-1 drafts and Jack Fire

Thursday- an additional happy hour from 7-midnight

Saturday-Sunday- bucket specials 6 domestic bottles for $15

Smokin' Thighs

Smokin' Thighs is a food truck turned restaurant, located on Wedgewood Avenue, and is known for having Nashville's largest moonshine selection.

Specialty: Thighs in a Pile and the Bacon Mac & Cheese

Happy Hour: Monday-Sunday 10-10pm

2-for-1 tall boy cans and 2-4-1 drafts from 2-8pm

Jed's

Jed's is Nashville's biggest sports bar, located on West End within walking distance to Centennial Park, and they show every major sporting event.

Specialty: The Sonoma Burger, Homerun Nachos, & the wings. Everything is made in house fresh from scratch, even the tortilla chips.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 2-6pm

$1 off bottles and drafts and $4 well drinks with additional weekly specials below.

Monday: $5 well drinks

Tuesday: 2-for-1 drafts and bottles all day

Wednesday: $5 Bushwackers

Thursday: $5 Car Bombs

Friday: $5 Fireball Shots

Broadway Brewhouse

Broadway Brewhouse offers five locations: Midtown, Charlotte Pike, Cool Springs, Highway 100, and Downtown.

Specialty: They created the Bushwacker so that is definitely a must and their wings are a local favorite.

Happy Hour: Happy hour times and specials vary by location. (Happy hour specials exclude high gravity)

Grab your friends, and an Uber or Lyft, and take advantage of some of these great happy hour specials. Enjoy some delicious food and enjoy the amazing sports bar atmospheres that any of these places have to offer! Thank y'all for reading as always and please share with your friends. XOXO- Amber

** If you have never used Uber before you can use my code for a free ride up to $15. amberf340

GET GLOWING: Kalahn Harmon at Glow Medspa

March 14, 2016 by Amber Ford in Personal blog, Kalahn Harmon, Spa day, Beauty, Spa services, Face, Eyes, Native in Nashville, Makeup, Lips, Skincare, Glow Medspa, Women, Beauty products, Nashville lifestyle blog, Beauty blog, Brows, Cosmetics

I'm always looking for ways to make myself look and feel a little better! As a woman in the South, there are literally gorgeous girls everywhere you look. I don't think I can even think of one who is not beautiful. I guess you could say it's almost a little bad for my self-esteem at times how pretty you all are! I think the most important thing a woman can have is her own self confidence and self-esteem. If something makes you feel more beautiful, I say go for it! At the end of the day, you are the only person whose opinion really and truly matters. If other people don't like you because of something that has to do with your appearance, you definitely don't need them in your life anyways and I can promise you your life will be much better without them in it! I've been feeling a little blah lately which is why I'm so glad I found Glow Medspa for a little... ok maybe a big pick me up!!

Glow Medspa, owned by Dr. Jeffery Marvel, Tonia Gibson and Gail Hayes, is located in historic downtown Franklin in the most charming and sweet old house. I actually used to work about 50 steps from there and I honestly never took a second look at it. From afar it simply looks like a home. I just so happened to be at one of my favorite coffee shops right next door and luckily one of the lovely ladies who works there, Leigh, invited me to come over and see it. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and realized that this is actually a spa, not just a house, and definitely my kind of place. The decor is welcoming, comforting & simply beautiful! It helps that the staff is so friendly too.

I was so excited to realize that this was the place that a lifelong friend and aesthetician, Kalahn Harmon, is always raving about because she loves working there so much! I can tell you from experience if you work somewhere and still love it, it HAS to be a great place! Kalahn set me up for an appointment and I left feeling more than fabulous. I was honestly really impressed by everything, so I want to share with you all about my experience at Glow Medspa and talk about all the services I got done because trust me, you all need to know about this place. It was like finding a hidden treasure!

I want to start by saying it can sometimes be a little awkward getting services done by a friend, but Kalahn actually made me feel like a client, she took everything seriously and I really appreciate that. For example, I know sometimes when I have gotten my hair done by someone I know in the past I don't always feel as if I'm getting the full treatment that I'm paying for and deserve, which can lead to stress. When you're going somewhere to be pampered that should NOT be the case!! I left feeling a million times better than when I walked in and was highly impressed with her level of professionalism.

HydraFacial MD & Dermaplaning

When I first walked in Ginger offered me wine, water or coffee, which let's be honest... it's always nice to be offered wine any time or place! I decided to be healthy and go with water though which also impressed me because it was VOSS water and it made me feel fancy ;). Kalahn had me change into a spa towel and dipped my hands in paraffin wax. That stuff is the best! My appointment was on Friday, it's now Monday and my hands still feel so soft. She had me lay down on what is like a massage table which was very comfortable and the temperature in the room was perfect. She cleansed my face herself and before she began the HydraFacial asked me if I had ever had dermaplaning done. Dermaplaning is a method of exfoliation that consists of gently scraping off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells in order to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. It also removes that annoying peach fuzz that you sometimes see when the sunlight is beaming down on you. I was all in! I was a little scared at first but definitely glad I added this service on! You hear the word scraping and it sounds scary but I promise it's completely safe! Next, she did the HydraFacial which was absolutely amazing and I wish I could get one every single day of my life!

Great for all skin types, the HydraFacial MD® Treatment is not only highly effective at improving overall skin health, but also excellent for correcting fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity and firmness, the evenness of your skin tone and vibrancy, skin texture, enlarged pores, oily skin and the advanced signs of aging. This multi-step treatment cleanses, evenly exfoliates and extracts to remove impurities and dead skin cells while at the same time replenishing vital nutrients including Antioxidants, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid. My favorite part was the third step which was the extraction part! Kalahn was able to remove something from my face that has been there for years and not even a dermotologist could remove. Y'all have no idea how excited I was over this !! I don't get many breakouts, I have more of an issue with blackheads than anything and she was successfully able to remove them all!! My second favorite part of this treatment was that I got immediate results and my face is still glowing 4 days later! It was a pain free and super relaxing experience and I already want to go back!! This service is $199 and you can add on Dermaplaning to a facial for just $50. Dermaplaning alone is $85.

Eyebrow Tint & Wax

After we were done with the HydraFacial me and my face were feeling amazing. It was then time for her to work her magic on my eyebrows. I never realized the importance of eyebrows until Kalahn first did my eyebrows a few years back and she actually gave me some shape and filled them in some. When done properly they can really help frame your face and make your eyes pop. She tinted them, sort of like a dye for your eyebrows, but it basically just picked up the little baby hairs that were there making my eyebrows look a little more full without drawing them on like crazy. I swear some girls these days look like they draw them on with sharpies and that's just not my style. I was shocked the difference that just the tinting made. She also waxed them and really took her time doing it. I love them !! The eyebrow tint is $20 and the eyebrow wax is $20.

Makeup

Then we got to the really fun part, makeup!! I have always admired Kalahn's makeup. Every time she posts a picture I secretly wish I had her skills! Her makeup always looks flawless without overdoing it, almost like a natural look. She was nice enough to list all of the products she used on me too for y'all!

Neocutis Bio-Cream moisturizer

Cover FX Mattifying Primer

MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NW 25

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW 20 blended with a moist Beauty Blender

Cover FX Illuminating setting powder

Anastasia Beverly Hills powder contour palette

Sephora Collection Banana Powder

Anastasia Beverly Hills brow powder in soft brown

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15 under brows

MAC Painterly Pro Longwear Paint Pot all over lid

MAC shadow in Amber Lights & Creative Copper

Morphe shadow and liner from 35N palette

MAC Fix + Spray

Sigma brushes F80, E15, F10, P84, F35, E65, F75, E30, P86, E55, E25, F05

MAC brushes 239, 184

BECCA champagne pop highlighter

Shadow on inner eye is from the Tarte Energy Noir palette

Ardelle Demi Whispies Lashes

They're Real Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics

NYX Dewy Finishing Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray

MAC Soar Lip liner

MAC Honey Love Lipstick

Makeup application with lashes is $95.

This is the look she created on me but please excuse my hair! I left there feeling beautiful, confident, refreshed and days later my skin is literally still glowing!! Everyone there was so warm and friendly. They made sure to explain everything in detail, building my trust, and made me feel extremely comfortable. I'm not the best at taking good care of my skin so I'm sure my skin probably loves me for finding Glow Medspa! I will definitely be back!!

They offer many more services such as Botox, Juveder, Restylane, Kybella, Micro Dermabrasion, chemical peels, many different kinds of facials, Microneedling, full body waxing and Coolsculpting !! They also sell various products such as Latisse, Glo Therapeutics and NeoCutis. Visit their website at www.GlowFranklin.com and Kalahn's website is www.FacesByKalahn.com Check out their Spring specials below and tell them Native in Nashville sent you :)

I hope you guys go see them & love them as much as I do !! Thanks as always for reading! XOXO- Amber

#PatioWeather: 18 of the Best Patios in Nashville

March 11, 2016 by Amber Ford in Native in Nashville, Broadway, Nashville lifestyle blog, Where to eat, Best patios Nashville, Best Patios and Rooftops, Downtown, Local, Nashville, Favorites, The Gulch, East Nashville, 12 South, Where to hang, Things to do, Lifestyle blog

With daylight savings time & warmer, sunnier days ahead, I figured putting together a list of some of the best patios & rooftops in Nashville might be a good idea !! Grab some friends & go enjoy some live music, great food & ice cold drinks in the best city there is to do it in!!

ACME Feed & Seed Rooftop Patio

ACME has some of the best views there are in Nashville!! Located downtown, you are overlooking the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and the Pedestrian & Korean Veteran's Blvd bridges and also can see all the way down Broadway. It's the perfect place to pre-game before Titans games or just plain awesome for any sunny day! They also have a live DJ which makes for a fun time!

BarTaco

Bar Taco, located in 12 South, is the newest stylish Mexican spot serving serving classic & creative tacos. Casual atmosphere and great place to go with a group !! Their food is amazing !!

Taco Mamacita

Taco Mamacita's is located in Edgehill Village. Another great Mexican restaurant with inventive tacos and enchiladas! This is also a great place to go with a group! I spent my last birthday there with 25 of my closest friends! Great atmosphere !!

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge Rooftop

Tootsie's is one of the oldest and most famous Honky Tonks downtown Nashville has to offer. Located on Broadway, the newest addition to Tootsie's is their rooftop bar with up close views of the "Batman building", Bridgestone Arena and birds eye view of Broadway. It's the perfect place to people watch and listen to some great live music!

Virago Rooftop Patio

Virago has one of my most favorite ambiance's Nashville has to offer. Located in the Gulch you can enjoy some sake,delicious sushi and Nashville's beautiful skyline. The music, atmosphere and view is amazing. What more can you ask for.

Rippy's Rooftop Patio

Another one of Nashville's most popular Honky Tonks on Broadway is Rippy's. You are sure to find a big crowd, live music and amazing BBQ! It's directly across the street from Bridgestone Arena and is a great place to go to pre-game before a Pred's game!

Saint Añejo

Located in the Gulch, Saint Anejo is an upscale Mexican restaurant with a "cantina chic" atmosphere. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy one of their signature margaritas or some of their delicious queso or freshly made guacamole.

Tavern

Tavern is located in Midtown. It's a sleek gastropub serving retro cocktails, small plates and tacos. I also HIGHLY recommend their s'mores !! Seriously to die for. I actually want some right now!

Rebar

Located in Midtown, Rebar has always been one of my favorite places to go out to in Nashville. It's a very chill atmosphere and always a good time. Make sure to grab a bushwacker, theirs are the best I've had in town.

Blue Moon Waterfront Grille

Blue Moon Waterfront Grille is one of my most favorite places to go in Nashville. It's located on the Cumberland River at Rock Harbor Marina. It's the perfect little escape and they have delicious seafood. Makes you want to listen to some Otis Redding. They will be re-opening in mid-March and I hear may be bringing out some live music right being played right on the water. If you have never been, do yourself a favor & check it out.

San Antonio Taco Co.

San Antonio Taco Co. is located near Vanderbilt. This Tex-Mex style restaurant is known for their homemade tortillas, award winning Chili Con Queso and awesome patio!!

Bar Louie

You can find Bar Louie in the Gulch! They also have a great patio at their Murfreesboro location but the Nashville location is my favorite! It's a great place to "eat, drink and be happy." I love their relaxed atmosphere and location! Parking is easy so that's always a plus!

5th & Taylor

5th and Taylor in historic Germantown has a rustic-industrial modern feel. Their patio is beautiful, especially at night & has more of a neighborhood feel. It's very spacious which is good for anyone who doesn't like to be crowded. I love the Germantown area and this restaurant is amazing !!

M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers

M.L. Rose has two locations one on Franklin Road and the other is off of Charlotte Pike ! They are known for their wide selection of craft beers and have the best burgers! Both offer awesome patios but I think my favorite is going to be the one on Franklin rd. They just expanded it and upgraded it like crazy !! It is going to be such a pretty, fun and chill place to hang out !!

Jackson's

Located in Hillsboro Village, Jackson's patio is another one of my favorite patios to hang out on. It's also great for people watching and don't be surprised if you see Taylor Swift or the entire cast of "Nashville" walking by.

The Treehouse

The Treehouse is a very unique & creative restaurant located in East Nashville. It's a very charming place and somewhat romantic! If you are in the area be sure to check it out.

Pinewood Social

Pinewood Social is located downtown and down by the river. They offer bowling , food, cocktails and their outdoor patio even has a pool and bocce ball! It's a social gathering place that can accommodate just about anyone's needs!

Tennessee Brew Works Taproom

TN Brew Works is a brewery but they also have the Tennessee Taproom which has live music, food and pints, samplers and even growlers of their brews !! Awesome patio and great set up!

I hope you all enjoy and as always thank you for reading !! XOXO- Amber

Murals You Don't Want to Miss: NASHVILLE

February 28, 2016 by Amber Ford in Wall art, Nashville lifestyle blog, Nashville Blog, Murals, Nashville, east Nashville, Mural locations, Art

I never have a free day, where I don't have any plans or something I absolutely have to do. I finally had one so my best friend Jennifer Cody (who also happens to be a fabulous photographer) and I decided to go exploring around Nashville to find the best murals we could find. Some of these you have probably seen before (if not in person, definitely on social media.) I'm almost embarrassed to say that I waited in line to take a picture in front of one in particular but it's seriously a "thing" here. You can't live in Nashville & not have your picture made with the "I believe in Nashville" mural at least once. You can't come here as a visitor and not take a picture with it either. I am not ashamed to say I have at least 10 pictures with said mural. You can never have enough! I want to share with y'all some of the great places I found today! They definitely make for some great pictures. I will probably end up with another post some day in the near future because we were mural hunting, literally until the sun went down. There definitely are never enough hours in the day but this is a great list of must see and must experience beautiful artwork around town. Luckily my best friend is a photographer so we decided to turn the hunt into a photo shoot ! I decided to actually do my makeup on a Sunday, which is not a normal thing & just so happened to have the perfect shirt for it from The Nashville Shirt Co. It says "Native" how convenient, right ?

I will start with one of my most favorite new walls. This is on the side of Draper James which is Reese Witherspoon's new boutique located in 12 South. It is a lovely Southern boutique. To the left of these stripes it reads "Pretty as a picture." Looking at it just makes you feel good. Thanks Reese :)

The wall directly across from Draper James is one of the many "I Believe in Nashville" murals around town. If you go, be prepared for a complete stranger to hand you their phone so you can take their picture for them too. This is a Nashville favorite by Adrien Saporiti of DCVX Industries.

The next place I want to take you guys is right down the street, still in 12 South, the wall on the right side of Green Pea Salon. This wall is covered in beautiful flowers and makes for some beautiful colorful photographs!!

Directly across from this beautiful flower painting is not necessarily a mural but to me its a really cool wall, especially for photos. As you can see below we really had fun taking them here. We must have taken a hundred.

Yall my be sick of my face by the time this is over, whoops. The next place I want to tell you guys about was my absolute most FAVORITE place we went to. It was like finding a hidden treasure and I have NO idea how the heck I have never seen this amazing place before today. I am about to share probably 20 pictures from there. Sorry in advance. There wasn't just one piece of wall art, there were several. Even the fences were painted. I'm SO excited to share. This is in Berry Hill at the House of Blues Studios. I had no idea we even had that here, but I guess you learn something new every day. Some of these are iPhone photos, so don't judge me.

Y'all know I had to take a picture with Snoop !

If you pull out of the street this is on and head towards Wedgewood you will see this ! I loved this one because it's painted as a cassette tape, gotta love anything old school. Kids these days will never know the struggle.

I couldn't resist heading downtown off of Korean Veterans Bridge on Almond Street to see the Willie Nelson wall!

The last 2 murals I want to show you all are both in East Nashville and about 45 seconds apart (driving) We got a little lost so it took us more like 15 minutes but that's ok, they were both awesome! The first one actually says "East Nashville" and is by : @ColorTheoryStudios.

This last one is also by Adrien of DCXV Industries and names "Stay Tuned". This is at the Center 615 Building.

I have lived here my entire life and it's crazy the things you can see if you actually just open your eyes. Pay attention to something other than your phone for a change ( don't worry I'm guilty too) and really take the time to go enjoy the beauty that is all around you. If you know of any other great wall art in Nashville please share with me so I can share with others !! I never knew how much I would enjoy blogging or how much work it would be but I really do love it! I sincerely appreciate everyone who has reached out to me about my new blog and it means a lot to me to know people actually enjoy reading it. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @NativeInNashville and Jennifer Cody at @JenniferCodyWeddings. I hope you enjoy this one, we had lots of fun with it & thank you for reading ! XOXO - Amber

If you would like to book Jennifer Cody for photographs you can contact her by visiting her website at http://www.jennifercody.space/ she specializes in weddings, engagements & boudoir and adventure photography :) (shameless plug) you'll love her !

Brunch So Hard: Nashville Style

February 26, 2016 by Amber Ford in Food Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Where to eat, Brunch, Food Critic, nashville, Lifestyle blog

Now that the weekend is here, it's time to think about the most important & "Nashvillian" meal there is, BRUNCH! As we all know, eating really good food is my all time favorite hobby, and I go out to eat just about every meal so naturally people are always asking me for suggestions of where to eat. This one required a little work and opinions of some of my friends, but I think you all will thoroughly enjoy this list I have put together for y'all of the best places to brunch in Nashville !! I have also spoken to someone at each of these restaurants to ask what their most popular brunch item people order is or what they are known for. These are not in any particular order but here we go!!

Saint Añejo

1120 McGavock St

Nashville, TN 37203

brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday 10-3

Saint Añejo has killer bloody Mary's, margaritas and chicken and waffles !!

The Southern

150 3rd Ave S

Unit 110

Nashville, TN 37201

http://thesouthernnashville.com/menu/

brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday 9:30-3

The Southern is one of my personal favorites because I love the atmosphere. I especially love the way it's laid out. Their three most popular brunch items are "The Highway" , "Steak & Biscuit Benedict" and "Hot chicken salad"

Photo credit: @kath_fessler on Instagram

Tavern

1904 Broadway

Nashville, TN 37203

brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday 9:45-3

Tavern is located in Midtown and the three most requested brunch items are the "Singapore Stirfry", "Benedict Uno", "Huevos Rancheros" and of course their Bloody Mary.

Mad Donna's

1313 Woodland St

Nashville, TN 37206

http://media.wix.com/ugd/007501_57957ef0892142029d29c01ad3ef579e.pdf

brunch hours: Monday - Friday 11-3 Saturday & Sunday 9-3

Mad Donna's is known for their build your own Bloody Mary bar, mimosas "Captain's French Toast" and the burgers !!

Photo credit: @the_southern_wave Instagram

5th and Taylor

1411 5th Ave N

Nashville, TN 37208

http://www.5thandtaylor.com/menu-marquee/

5th and Taylor is located in Germantown and it's most popular brunch items are the "Monkey Bread" as a starter and the "chicken sausage scramble"

Biscuit Love Brunch

316 11th Ave S

Nashville, TN 37203

http://www.biscuitlove.com/

brunch hours: Monday through Sunday from 7-3

Biscuit Love Brunch is located in the Gulch and their 3 most popular items are the "Bo-nuts" (biscuit donuts) "The East Nasty" and the "Southern Benny"

Bo-nuts (photo credit: @biscuitlovebrunch on Instagram)

Kitchen Notes

250 5th Ave S

Nashville, TN 37203

brunch hours: Sunday 9-2:30

Kitchen Notes is located in the Omni Hotel right downtown. It's known for its large buffet as well as the carving station that features different items such as meat, poultry or seafood each week.

South

1524 Demonbreun St

Nashville, TN 37203

http://south-nashville.com/provisions

brunch hours: Saturday 11-2 Sunday 11-3

South is always a good time for brunch! Located on Demonbreun and they offer bottomless mimosas & bloody Mary's for just $15. Most people order the French toast or "South Eggs Beauregard".

Jackson's

1800 21st Ave S

Nashville, TN 37212

http://jacksonsbarandbistro.com/nashville/menus/

brunch hours: all day every day

Jackson's is located in Hillsboro village and the favorite items are the chicken biscuits, the French toast and the Bloody Mary's.

Flipside

2403 12th Ave S

Nashville, TN 37204

http://www.theflipside12south.com/menu/

brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday 11-3

Flipside is located in 12 South and known for it's drink "The Big Fix" , chicken and waffles and the "AM Tots"

Urban Grub

2506 12th Ave S

Nashville, TN 37204

http://urbangrub.net/the-menu/

brunch hours: Saturday & Sunday 11-3

Urban Grub is located in 12 South & the most desired items are the chicken & waffles and the "Oscar Benny"

Sinema

2600 Franklin Pike

Unit 102

Nashville, TN 37204

brunch hours: Sunday 10:30-2

http://places.singleplatform.com/sinema/menu?ref=integration#all-menus

Sinema seems to be a favorite of almost everyone I asked. The most desired items are "Mazel Toast!" and the "Croque Madame".

Marchè Artisan Foods

1000 Main St

East Nashville, TN 37206-3626

http://www.marcheartisanfoods.com/menus/sunday-brunch

brunch hours: Friday 8-4 Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Located in East Nashville, two of their most popular brunch items "Crossiant French Toast with powdered sugar & Vermont maple syrup" and the house made granola.

I know I missed some really great places and will be doing more lists of places to eat in Nashville for dinner , and will do one of any brunch places I come across that I fall in love with! Please share & I hope you all enjoy !! Happy Brunchin' XOXO- Amber

Made in Nashville: #TwoRoast

February 25, 2016 by Amber Ford in Nashville, Taste tester, Shop local, Made in Nashville, Two Roast, Nashville lifestyle blog, Coffee

I don't know about y'all, but the only thing that gets me out of the bed in the morning is the thought of freshly brewed coffee or the smell of bacon!! The smell of both together is even better. But I absolutely love it! It's weird because I remember being little and swearing to my mom I would never in my entire life drink coffee because back then I thought it was the nastiest thing I had ever tasted, I actually used to feel the same way about wine (can you believe that?). What was I thinking? Growing up is mind blowing to me. Anyways I want to tell y'all a little about this fabulous coffee + cacao mix by Two Roast!! Incase you're like me and wondering what the heck is cacao exactly, the cacao bean is the most elemental ingredient in chocolate-making and who doesn't love chocolate? If you don't, I almost question your character, ha. The absolute BEST part of this product, other than the taste, is the fact that it was made right here in Nashville! I am a firm believer in supporting local businesses and especially obsessed with anything made in Nashville! Two Roast is made by a couple, Dan and Jenny Oliver. There are only 2 ingredients, coffee and Cacao and it's completely organic, all natural, contains no sugar, dairy, gluten or chemicals.

I love the aroma of coffee and the smell is delightful! I almost think the smell alone wakes me up. I am normally a Keurig coffee user, because to be quite honest, I'm a little lazy and usually in a rush, but I love the fact that this is actually ground up to where I can see what I am putting in my coffee machine. Now let's talk taste. When you hear the description you would think it may taste like chocolate but it does not, it's a perfect blend of coffee and cacao. Doesnt lean more either way. The other thing I love about this product is the resealable bag. Most coffee brands you just fold them over and clasp them, Two Roast actually seals up completely. I'm also big on catchy logos and theirs is great!! If you would like to try some for yourself, you can order online at http://www.tworoast.com/ I don't know about you, but I love to shop & support local. Hope you all enjoy. XOXO- Amber