12 Best Food Trucks: NASHVILLE

April 02, 2016 by Amber Ford in Native in Nashville, Nashville, Where to eat, Nashville Food Scene, Favorites, Food trucks, Local, Lifestyle Blog, Foodie, Tips from a native, Nashville Blog

It all started with the ice cream man when I was a kid, and I've been hooked on food on wheels ever since! Luckily, I live in Nashville, where food trucks are taking over, and man oh man, are they delicious! I have teamed up with Virago's Executive Chef , Andrew Whitney, to bring you all a list of the 12 best food trucks in Nashville and his recommendations of what to get when you go!

Yayo's OMG !

Yayo's OMG! is mobile food truck run by Chef Yayo Jiménez, serving original Mexican gourmet food ! Their mission is to provide customers with the highest quality local ingredients & authentic Mexican flavor in every dish for a truly delicious experience!

What to order: Shrimp meximelt or Legend Tacos

Website: http://www.yayosomg.com/

Four and Twenty Blackbirds

Four & Twenty Blackbirds offers globally inspired comfort foods. From grilled cheese to Poutine, hand cut fries, delicious seasonal salads and classic sandwiches with a gourmet twist.

What to order: Poutine

Website not available. Follow them on Instagram @blackbirdfoodtruck

Hoss' Loaded Burgers

Hoss' Loaded Burgers is a gourmet burger food truck serving 100% grass-fed, local beef burgers stuffed with cheeses and topped with vegetables and homemade sauces. They also offer a vegan variation of every single burger on the menu.

What to order: The Jaw Dropper

Website: http://www.hossburgers.com/Welcome.html

Smoke Et Al

Smoke Et Al was voted one of the "15 Best Food Trucks in America". Chefs Shane Autrey and Steve Ford specialize in all things smoked, even the vegetables. They also have homemade dressings to serve with their salads.

What to order: Hot ribs. Wings.
Fried pickled okra with Alabama white sauce.

Website: http://www.smokeetal.com/

The Grilled Cheeserie

The Grilled Cheeserie Food Trucks, and soon to be Gourmet Melt Shop provides all different variations of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with seasonally-inspired and local ingredients.

What to order: The B&B of Tennessee. Pimento mac and chee melt. The melt of the moment is always spot on and any of the desserts.

Website: http://www.thegrilledcheeserietruck.com/about/

Crepe A Diem

Crepe A Diem is a unique food truck serving French street food. Everything is made to order, from scratch, using quality local ingredients. Featuring both sweet and savory traditional crépes, sandwiches, and more! Be on the lookout for their bright red truck!

What to order: Hash browns. Lemon sugar crepe. The roast beef Baguette.

Website: http://www.crepeadiem.com/

Bao Down

Bao Down offers handcrafted local Chinese street food. They serve grass-fed, all natural meat and free range poultry, provided by Walnut Hills Farm in Bethpage, TN. Bao is a steamed bun that can have many fillings, savory or sweet.

What to order: Char siu Bao or Shu Mai

Website: http://www.baodownnashville.com/

Retro Sno

Nashville’s original shaved ice food truck. Retro Sno has brought back the snow cone with creativity. They mix all of their syrups by hand, using premium pure cane sugar. Their handcrafted syrups are poured over the fluffiest shaved ice and finished with fresh toppings or stuffed with all-natural ice cream!

What to order: Orange dreamsicle, raspberry wedding cake, and Rainbow.

Website: http://www.retrosnotruck.com/

Bare Naked Bagel

Bare Naked Bagel offers fresh New York Style bagels and bagel sandwiches made from local unprocessed ingredients.

What to order: The everything bagel turkey sandwich

Website: http://www.barenakedbagel.com/

Deg Thai

Deg Thai strives to provide the highest quality Thai-fusion meals in Nashville. It's Thai food with a twist!

What to order: Massaman curry, Thai tea, and
Spring rolls.

Website: http://m.degthai.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.degthai.com%2F&dm_redirected=true#2888

Bradley's Curbside Creamery

Look for Bradley's Curbside Creamery's pretty blue truck for some simple and delicious, slow-churned ice cream, a shake, or a float!

What to order: The White Trash Float

Website: http://bradleyscreamery.com/

Rolling Feast

Rolling Feast offers Southwestern-American food by Chef Tom Mead. They use all fresh, local ingredients and even bake their own sandwich buns from scratch, right on the truck. Be on the lookout for their bright red truck!

What to order: Sonoran Dog

Website: http://therollingfeast.com/

Executive Chef, Andrew Whitney PC:@ViragoNashville Instagram

If anyone around here knows about flavor and taste, it's Andrew Whitney. He has been named one of Nashville's top chefs. Andrew has accomplished his career goals by receiving his Chef’s training at the Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta, Georgia. He, previously, was the Executive Chef for another local Nashville food truck turned Brick and Mortar, Riff’s Fine Street Food. He is now the Executive Chef of the award winning Asian fusion restaurant, Virago. His newest menu contributions are heavily influenced by the season, created with respect for regional traditions, as well as the Asian culture.

You can't go wrong ordering any of these items Andrew suggested from any of the food trucks on the list. I can assure you, all of these are worth hunting down. Most of them cater, as well. To find out where each of these food trucks may be each day, I recommend that you follow them on Instagram or check out their websites. You can also checkout Roaming Hunger's website for an interactive map or Nashville Food Truck Association.

http://roaminghunger.com/bna/

http://foodtrucksnash.org/

I really appreciate Andrew teaming up with me on this one, and your taste buds will too! I hope you all enjoy, and thanks, as always, for reading about my most favorite topic- FOOD!

XOXO- Amber

Instagram: @NativeInNashville

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NativeInNashville/

Twitter: @NativeInNash

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

The Southern Gentleman: A Complete Guide

March 08, 2016 by Amber Ford in Southern gentlemen, Men, The South, Southern gentleman, Guidelines, Rules, Women

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

"A Change Would Do You Good"

March 01, 2016 by Amber Ford in Inspiration, Change, Personal Experience, Life changes, Motivation, Personal blog

Today's post is more like a dear diary post than anything else, and I think that's ok. I made some MAJOR life changes today. I literally quit my job, got another one, and applied to college. I also worked out which was also a major life change, because simply walking up the steps to my apartment is the extent of my athleticism. Seriously embarrassing but it feels as if I just ran a marathon every time I get to the top.

Life is so strange sometimes. It only took me almost 30 years but I think I finally figured it out. I've never felt like a "normal" person. I was the kid watching "I Love Lucy" or "Bewitched" instead of cartoons, and what felt like the only high school kid in my senior class who couldn't pick a major. I've done it all, went to MTSU straight out of high school but that didn't last long. Cosmetology school right after that. Unfortunately I'm a perfectionist and it once took me two hours to do a haircut, I never would have made it. Real Estate school. Literally done it all. I've been at a job for quite some time that quite frankly did not make me truly happy. I would go to work everyday and the more time that would pass by I realized there is something more out there for me, and that was not what I wanted to do my entire life. The more time that went by the more things started happening that made me realize what I actually want to do. I also got the best advice from a friend "If you don't like where you are- MOVE, you aren't a tree" and I can be the first to tell you, it's some of the best advice I've ever gotten ( thanks Brianna).

It all started out when I had a nose bleed so bad that I lost 1/4 of my body's blood(sorry graphics), it lasted about four hours and nothing could make it stop other than three doctors, two trips to the emergency room in 24 hours and two nights staying at the hospital. The first thing that I realized here was how the blood did not gross me out at all whatsoever. I can handle that. The second thing was the fact that out of the ten nurses I encountered, only about 3 of them were actually nice to me or seemed like they cared. I thought to myself, this is crazy, if this was the other way around I would be way more passionate about taking care of this person. I've always been a very caring person in general. Most times, almost too caring, which can either be a blessing or a curse. I feel like most times it's a curse but it is what it is. I think I get that from my mom (thanks Sue). Another thing that sort of changed my life is when I sat next to a blind woman named Terry on an airplane while traveling last month to Denver. I will never forget her, she was such a sweet woman. She made me appreciate things a whole lot more. She openly talked to me about being blind since birth. The statement that touched my heart the most was when she said "it doesn't really bother me, I don't know any other way, but I wonder if an apple looks like an apple feels". We then talked about how she doesn't even know what red looks like, she's never seen it. I can't even imagine that. She was still such a happy person. I found myself talking to her and helping her out with everything she needed the entire flight. It made me feel genuinely happy and good inside to know I was taking good care of her. I've always loved any possible way to make a difference in someone's life & I can't think of a better way for me personally than to become a nurse. At the end of my flight Terry told me that I would make the best nurse. That felt really good.

I've been wanting to go back to school for awhile, like I said the more days that would go by being unhappy and settling made me want it that much more. There would have been no possible way for me to go back to school working where I was. I took a leap of faith and realized life is too short, if you want to do something no one is stopping you! You are in charge of your own happiness. I wasn't going to be miserable any longer. I'm actually switching to another job where I will likely be making a lot less money but I've realized lately that money truly really does not buy you happiness. I understand money can buy you all kinds of things, but true happiness comes from within. I figured my family would be upset with me so I avoided telling them right away. Most found of from my facebook status but I was shocked when the first comment was from my dad. The first thing he said was "YOLO" , not kidding. He then followed it up with this: "Sometimes a bold move is what it takes to find happiness. I am proud you are courageous and ambitious!!! Most miserable people SETTLE!! They spend life miserable and at an old age, look back with regret!! I love you and we are proud of you!! I got your back Doll!!" You guys have no idea how much this comment meant to me coming from him.

I don't want to look back with regrets! I want to make myself happy and make myself and my family proud. These next few years are likely going to be a struggle. Financially, mentally and probably physically but I have no doubt in my mind I finally "know what I want to be when I grow up." It sounds crazy and almost weird to me to be so behind in life compared to others but I guess it's never too late. Change can be very scary but so can walking out your front door these days. If you have been thinking about making a change to better any aspect in your life ask yourself like I did "What are you waiting for?. Hold your vision and trust the process!! Life is too short to not be ridiculously obsessed with yours.

It was the best day ever, and I couldn't be happier because I am taking a chance and making a change. Thank you for reading, friends and for all my friends and family being so supportive of my decision, I really appreciate you!

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 !