GET GLOWING: Kalahn Harmon at Glow Medspa

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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. 

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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! 

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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. 

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 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.  

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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 :)

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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

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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

PC: @acmenashville

PC: @acmenashville

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 

PC: @ehall0202

PC: @ehall0202

PC: @chelsea_lung

PC: @chelsea_lung

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 

PC: Google

PC: Google

PC: @tacomamanash

PC: @tacomamanash

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 

PC: @olddog64

PC: @olddog64

PC: @m_a_fernando

PC: @m_a_fernando

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 

PC: @Viragonashville

PC: @Viragonashville

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 

PC: @Nestorandresstx

PC: @Nestorandresstx

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  

PC: @saintanejo

PC: @saintanejo

PC: Google

PC: Google

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  

PC: @nashvilleguru

PC: @nashvilleguru

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 

PC: Yelp

PC: Yelp

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 

PC: @ambi_bambi

PC: @ambi_bambi

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. 

PC: @sprsprty

PC: @sprsprty

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 

PC: @live_nashville

PC: @live_nashville

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 

PC: @danieljaes_ent

PC: @danieljaes_ent

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 

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PC: @tnbrewworks

PC: @tnbrewworks

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 

PC: @jacksonsnash

PC: @jacksonsnash

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 

pc: @thetreehousenashville

pc: @thetreehousenashville

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 

PC: @travelinsider

PC: @travelinsider

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 

PC: Google

PC: Google

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

The Southern Gentleman: A Complete Guide

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Typically when people think of the South they think of sweet tea, country music, Southern Belles, the word "y'all"( I don't care what anyone says, it's a word around here) SEC football, big hair (the bigger the hair the closer to God) good manners and with good manners comes my most favorite part of the South---SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN!!

This post is good for any man out there looking to really step their game up and for the women out there who need to realize that they need to raise the bar a little higher or that that have struck gold and how lucky  they are to have found a Southern Gentleman!  

Now I'll be the first to tell you that this post won't work for everyone because I can assure you that 18-28 year old me wanted nothing to do with a "Southern Gentleman".  They say your taste buds change as you get older so I guess that must apply to your taste in men as well.   I think we also get much wiser with age too.  Until I met one of these men in question I never realized how I was supposed to be treated and I can assure you I will never settle for anything less than someone who makes me feel anything but respected.  

Here are some guidelines, because some people could definitely use a little help. 

1. Call her!  

Anyone can pick up the phone and send a text.  Let's face it, a text requires no real effort.   I'm pretty sure they even make apps these days that you can set up to send out automatic messages for you.  Call me old fashioned but I love a good phone call full of REAL conversation.  The only texting I like is "good morning" and "how is your day".  The kissy face emoji is always nice too but I think women deserve a little more than just to be communicated with by text.   

2. Speaking of cell phones, pay more attention to her than your phone! 

There is nothing that drives me more crazy than to go to dinner with someone who invited YOU, and they sit there on their phones the entire time.  This doesn't just apply to men, this applies to friends and everyone really.  First of all you got ready, drive there, had to find a somewhat cute outfit, used $20 in makeup products on your face and then they just ignore you?  If they wanted to do that why didn't they just go eat by themselves?  It's just plain rude.  Unless I'm taking pictures of my food (which I do every time) I try to stay off of it, especially when on a date out of respect and plus if you aren't paying attention to the other person, how the heck are you suppose to get to know them?  Exactly. 

3. Pay attention to her!  

There is nothing that makes me personally feel more special than when I mention something that I like and a mental note is taken.  Could be as simple as you remembering her favorite wine, how she likes her steak cooked, what kind of dressing she likes on her salad, her favorite movie even.  Anything to let her know you truly pay attention and listen to her will go a long way.  It's the little things, really!! 

4. Open her car door! 

 I feel like this one should go without being said but a lot of people could probably benefit from reading that simple sentence.  Let's be honest, most of us are independent women and yes we can open our own door but guys, why not walk the extra 10 steps and make us feel special?  It is such a small gesture but will leave a lasting impression!

5. Always walk closest to the cars on a sidewalk! 

 Make sure you always have your lady on the side away from traffic.  I never had any idea this was a thing but I've got to admit it makes me feel extremely safe and protected.  That brings me to my next topic...

6. Always sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door.   

Being a woman myself I can speak from experience when I say we all want to feel protected.  Some of us may try to act all tough like we can handle anything but in realty it's nice to have a little extra safety in this crazy world in this day and age.  

7. Help her out! 

If you see her struggling with something... anything at all, help her out.  Whether she is putting on or taking off her jacket, struggling with cutting her own steak (like me) , trying to carry something, taking out the trash or pulling her chair out for her.   If she's cold, offer her your jacket.  

I'm sure there are some things I missed here but this is definitely a good way to get started in the right path !! Ladies if you find someone who does any or most of these things, chances are you have a keeper.  Thank you for reading and please share with anyone you think could benefit from it :) 

XOXO- Amber