socializing at pinewood social

this past week has been a busy one. it really started last thursday and ended today. from event planning, prepping, wedding attending, photoshoot-ing and staging, i feel like a worn-out energizer bunny. its been a good week though: the annual conference and company party i planned were a success, the wedding was a blast, the pictures are being developed and the shows are staged.

for entertainment one night for our out-of-town visitors, i booked us bowling and dinner at the oh-so-popular downtown nashville spot, pinewood social. pinewood is the trendy hangout for nashvillians for whatever his or her heart may desire: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, pool (not table,  swimming), bocce ball, bowling and karaoke. go to dine, drink and enjoy.

dine, drink and enjoy we did. a small group of us went and i must say pinewood social is quite a big step up from the ole strike and spare. gone is your typical bowling alley food and glow lights and instead you have new american cuisine and an industrial-chic interior. between spares (or gutter balls in my case), we first munched on fried broccoli (obsessed, but best right out of the kitchen), crispy pork rinds, kale caesar salad and hummus with lavash crackers. the main course brought delicious meatloaf (served bacon-wrapped with sweet potato puree, roasted brussel sprouts and onion rings), fried chicken, and two delicious southern sides. needless to say, i left with a losing bowling score, but a full stomach.

pinewood social lived up to the hype in my book. make it your next friday night (or any night for that matter) plans and see for yourself. get social.

now, for a weekend spent in my murfreesboro, with my stella and sapphire, a manicure and pedicure, a trip to target, some football, chili and cornbread.

xoxo,
clp

acme feed & seed

last friday night, i crossed off a restaurant on my nashville bucket list: acme feed & seed. i met my friend (also my personal stylist at j. crew - i am so glad that we have become friends through our love of fashion and how similar we are!) at acme after we had both realized that we had never been and if tom cruise was there on the fourth of july, why hadn't we been yet?! it was different than i expected, but a definite must-go place nonetheless. located on broadway in the heart of nashville, acme is a multi-storied venue, with an inventive modern-southern cuisine, cocktails and live music.

walk in, order your food, get a number, a fight for a table (my only complaint about the place). the first level was crowded with a live band playing, so after getting our food, we made our way upstairs to the second level: quieter but still lively. i ordered the hatchery, which was curried chickpeas, coconut rice, cashews, cilantro and fried egg with fry bread. oh my goodness, was it good or what!? i was really quite impressed by it and the looks of every other dish that passed me by (especially the charcuterie platter that was ordered by the party next to us). katie ordered the classic burger that looked delicious as well.

the atmosphere is uniquely "nashville" and one that honors the traditions of old nashville but also brings in the new nashville. the food is good and its a top bar to go to at night. go for lunch, dinner or drinks and take in the sweeping views of lower broadway. you won't be sorry.

xoxo,
clp

happy new year

i am starting 2015 right: a traditional new years lunch (pork, greens, baked tomatoes, black eyed peas and cornbread), a low-impact workout, family time, gilmore girls and friends on netflix and pajamas. i feel like i have been going nonstop since i got home for christmas break, all due to my constant need to not sit still. when will i ever learn to relax? maybe that is what i should resolve to do in 2015...

anyway, this past week i have been spending my days at LEONA and i love it there! if you haven't stopped by to shop the bi-annual end of season sale, you should. the spring collection coming out is amazing and will be hitting stores soon. come see me tomorrow and saturday on 12 south! on tuesday, we all went to nashville for the day! we ate lunch at the local taco, a place i had read about and recommended to us by my uncle! with three locations in nashville, it is a lovely little taco shop, with some of the best guacamole i have ever had in a restaurant! everything is fresh and local and i loved my "monster veggie bowl". it is definitely a great place for lunch!

i am a stay at home girl for new years eve. i would love to do the downtown nashville scene, but i am such a wimp when it comes to the cold! maybe one year i'll layer up and see the music note drop in person! last night we did our annual cheese fondue, cheese and charcuterie board and then chocolate fondue for dessert! it has been a tradition that mom, dad and i have done for a few years now and i love it! i was also asleep on the floor by the fire by about 10 PM so needless to say i celebrated the new year in my dreams.

i hope everyone has had a safe and happy holiday season. i am sad to see the holiday season come to an end, but am ready to get back into a routine.

cheers to a happy and healthy 2015 full of family, friends, adventure, travel, sparkle, laughter and love. dream big and work hard.

(picture credit: levo league)

xoxo,
clp

birthday weekend recap

birthday #22 has come and gone, and i couldn't have asked for a better weekend at home to celebrate. friday consisted of christmas village with my mom and then meeting phillip and daddy at adele's in nashville for a nice birthday supper! it was fantastic - from the appetizers to the desserts, there wasn't a bad looking thing on the menu. we all ordered something different and not one of us was disappointed. the ingredients are fresh and local, with a daily changing menu. i ordered the roasted fall vegetables with polenta as a side and ate every last bit! it might have been the best polenta i have ever had. for dessert, we each ordered something different and sampled each other's! mom's banana pudding with banana bread (an award winning dessert) was delicious, as was my chocolate mousse with housemade whipped cream! the restaurant is located in the gulch and is a converted tire store, which creates a very cool atmosphere perfect for a downtown restaurant.

saturday was the annual family fiesta! we made ground beef tacos, homemade refried beans, blender salsa, a white chicken enchilada bake (recipe coming soon!) and guacamole. the birthday cake was iveycake "i do" cupcakes of course. it was a wonderful night filled with my closest family and friends. i am so thankful for those who were able to celebrate with me and missed those who could not!

yesterday, which was my actual birthday, was rainy and cold, but on the bright side i had a heart-warming birthday dinner with my best friends at cru in knoxville. their cheese plate and wedge salads are my favorite! i am so happy that they were able to take the time out of their sunday to come have dinner with me!

so what did i wear this weekend? since it was cold, i had to switch up my outfits a bit, or cover them outside with a coat, but i still tried to look my best for birthday weekend.

stella & dot sanibel pendant

j. crew regent blazer, j. crew silk top, j. crew lookout jean, ivanka trump booties

LEONA sweater, june rabbit fur vest, j. crew boyfriend jeans, ivanka trump booties

this week is a busy one, but there is a light at the end of the semester tunnel and its getting brighter! have a happy monday and stay warm!

xoxo,
clp

double restaurant review & book review

this past weekend, i ate well. home game weekends are always hard on the waistline (but not on the tastebuds) because the family comes in and we spare nothing when it comes to food! keep reading to see what i thought of two local knoxville restaurants as well as a book i recently finished!

• bistro by the tracks: since saturday was a special occasion (phillip's birthday), i made us reservations at a nicer restaurant following the game. like other aubrey's family restaurants, it did not disappoint. while pricier than most, the food was worth every cent. from their summer menu, i ordered the yellow peach tomato gazpacho and the wedge salad. both were delicious and a perfect light meal after a day in the heat with the bread served as well. the best thing, however, was what both my mom and grandmother ordered: the grilled pork chop, which came on a bed of greens and grits and with a gouda crust and whiskey peach sauce. i would highly recommend bistro by the tracks to anyone looking for fine dining in knoxville. the menu changes seasonally and the food is made with local ingredients! 
• gourmet's market & cosmos cafe: gourmet's is the perfect local breakfast and lunch spot. on sunday, we awoke early and headed to gourmet's for breakfast after hearing how good it was! the reviews are on point: even my simple oatmeal was out of this world! the coffee is hot, the eggs are fried and the grits are good. stop by there for lunch too, as their lunch menu looks deliciously good too! 
• the husband's secret by liane moriarty: a novel about three different women put in three different, but all difficult situations, moriarty keeps the pages turning. the characters and back stories of each are thoughtfully developed and the writing is exceptional. a page turner that is hard to review without giving too much away, i would recommend this book to anyone looking for a little bit of mystery, heartbreak and an ending that weaves everything together. the only thing i didn't like about the book was that it ended! 

so that's two restaurants off my "knoxville eats" list and one book off my reading list! happy monday y'all - the longest day of the week is over!

xoxo,

clp

boca loca + the vacationers + fro-yo

better late than never is the saying right? last week i ate supper at boca loca in hillsboro village with a friend and just realized i never posted my rants and/or raves about it! i also finished a book this past weekend that i wanted to tell y'all about!

• boca loca cantina and taco factory: located in hillsboro village next to cabana, boca loca is where i met one of my friends for supper last week. completely open air and with high-top tables, the restaurant has a cantina-like feel. on the menu were various kinds of authentic tacos as well as salads, house favorites and so many tequila choices that they span the entire length of the menu. we both ordered the zucchini salad and i added shredded pork to mine. the salad was delicious and a great change from the usual mexican salad. my favorite thing at boca loca was definitely their salsa! it has a slightly smoky taste to it and i used it as a dressing on my salad! my friend also ordered a margarita from the happy hour menu which she said was excellent! 
• the vacationers by emma straub: i finally picked up this book after seeing it on multiple summer reading list and bestseller lists. taking place in mallorca, spain, the novel is about the secrets, joys and jealousies that come to surface over a family's two-week vacation. it shows how we build ourselves up and tear others down, as well as the unbreakable bond that is family. the book has both its funny and sad moments, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. i recommend you pick it up to round off your summer reading list. 

unfortunately, it seems i have caught a case of the summer cold. this is rare for me, as i don't get sick often, but i am really feeling subpar! with a congested head and a scratchy throat, the only thing that sounds good to me is some frozen yogurt! and, since we have a small frozen yogurt maker and enough blueberries for an army, i decided to make some blueberry fro-yo! with a waffle cone bowl and topped with more berries, i can't think of a better way to cure my summer cold!

blueberry frozen yogurt

3 cups plain fat-free greek yogurt

1/4 cup Splenda

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup milk

2 cups frozen blueberries, thawed slightly

1. in a mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients except blueberries.
2. pour mixture into ice cream maker. add in blueberries.
3. turn on ice cream maker and allow to churn until mixture is frozen.
4. scoop into freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to serve. 

cool off with this healthy, summer treat! and don't forget to top with your favorite toppings! 

xoxo,

clp

the flipside + OOTD

on my last eve of living in nashville this summer, i met my parents and brother for supper before finishing the move at The Flipside, a new restaurant on 12 south! specializing in chicken and more chicken any way you might dream of wanting it, it certainly lived up to the hype. decorated as a modern-diner complete with a vintage record player, the flipside offers nashvillians a new dining experience.

we had to order the tator tot nachos since we had heard rumors about them and as bad as they were for you, they were so good. order them and don't think twice. i ordered the "betsy", which is a pounded thin chicken breast, topped with breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, celery and blue cheese. it was so good! i had a taste of the "phuket" and i might have to order it next time. all of our plates were clean by the end of dinner! also known for their shakes, phillip ordered himself a coke float which he finished quite quickly so i am assuming it was good! put the flipside on your must-try list next time you are on 12 south - you won't be sorry! check out some of the pictures i took below. unfortunately we dove into our food before i could get any pictures!

today's OOTD is a new favorite of mine! i love all of LEONA's shirt dresses but this one is in a fabulous abstract dot print that takes it to another level! i also love that like with so many other LEONA pieces, it is transitional and seasonless. today, i wore it with sandals, but i plan on belting it with tights and boots or throwing on my fur vest over it with tights and booties in cooler weather! and since it was my last night living where i have been most happy, i had to take the ultimate tourist picture with the "i believe in nashville" mural (hey, reese witherspoon instagrammed it too!). i really do believe in nashville, believe in all the opportunities i can see that it has for me. 

LEONA shirtdress (similar here), nordstrom necklace, j. crew sandals

last but certainly not least, the wait is finally over! the much anticipated LEONA SAYS tees have arrived on 12 south! i got my "parlez vous du sud?" shirt today and can't wait to wear it! the tees are in classic LEONA font and lauren leonard's gorgeous handwriting, with five different southern sayings! get yours fast, i have a feeling they won't last long! 

xoxo,

clp

charleston recap + LEONA Says

there is just something magical about charleston. i can't quite describe it. this past weekend i journeyed to the lowcountry to celebrate my best friend's 21st birthday. except for my 3 hour flight delay and a few other speed bumps, the weekend could not have been more perfect. her mom literally rolled out the red carpet for us, even decorating the condo for our arrival! it was the best quick vacation and i was so glad i could be there to celebrate! known for its restaurants, we dined in true charleston style. for the birthday dinner, we went to magnolia's downtown and i'm not sure i've ever had a better meal. i ordered the grilled chicken creole with grits and it was heaven. we also ate with the sun dipping into the marsh at RB's on shem creek which was yummy as well. for breakfast before we went our separate ways, kaitlin took us to one of her favorites, charleston cafe. my cold yogurt oatmeal with peanut butter was delish! i also got many new restaurant recommendations from true locals that i am dying to try! i can't thank kaitlin and her mom enough for including me and doing so much for us! 

now that i am home, i am afraid to step on the scale after eating such amazing food! i did allow myself to let go some and took three days off from working out and tried to relax about my diet some.  still, this morning i was on the spin bike ready to work! my muscles did feel nice and loose after taking some time off. my goal this week is to work hard at the gym to work off my vacation-indulgences! i am happy with where my weight is now. i know i look better than i did a year ago and honestly, i feel much better too. 

on a totally other note, have you seen the new LEONA says tees? graphic tees are a major trend in the fashion world right now and LEONA has some fabulous new ones! i like to pair my designer graphic tee's with a skirt and heels to make it a bit more casual or sometimes i throw one on with a pair of jeans and a great statement necklace. they are also great under a stylish jacket come cooler temperatures! i had a hard time choosing which shirt i wanted to order from LEONA, but i finally decided on "parlez vous du sud?" meaning "do you speak southern?" in french. i particularly loved this one because sometimes i feel like i am speaking my own language when i leave the south! i think the other one i may get is going to be "hello darlin'", written in lauren's handwriting. i love that she is still staying true to her southern roots despite the brand's exponential growth across the country! check out all the tee's online and preorder yours today - i have a feeling they will be gone in the blink of an eye! 

LEONA SAYS tee

that's all for monday y'all! this week is going to be a bit hectic so i am gearing up for the rest of it! have a happy last week of july (where did summer go?!)! 

xoxo,

clp

review: product, book, restaurant

busy day, whirlwind week! i am going to rattle off a quick post reviewing some of my new finds including a book, two products and a restaurant!

• frank coffee scrub: who doesn't love the smell of coffee?! if i could have a forever-brewing pot of coffee going just for the smell, life might just be perfect. anyway, with frank coffee scrub, you can smell like coffee, all while deep-cleaning your skin. my roommates turned me on to this stuff and i am so glad they did. frank targets dry skin, stretch marks, cellulite and other skin conditions like scars and psoriasis. i noticed just after one use that my skin was already softer and smoother (not to mention smelling great). i really do recommend ordering this product - i ordered the original to start off with but may have to try the other varieties soon! as frank says, "get naked, get dirty, get rough, get clean." 
• bumble and bumble surf spray: i have stick straight natural hair. little volume, very fine. in high school, my friend and i tried just about every wave-producing product in the store on my hair to give it a little something, but nothing ever worked. this past weekend i picked up a trial size bottle of bumble and bumble's surf spray since i had read so many great reviews on it. so far, i have been pleased with the results! my hair actually had some volume and body to it, as well as added texture! i still need to work with it some to really see if its worth the price but so far, so good! (*another product i may try in the future is Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray - another roommate recommendation!)
• the blonde theory by kristen harmel: i read this after being recommended it by one of my best friends. a great summer, light read that follows the classic girl can't find guys, tries all the wrong ones and then finally learns something about herself and finds the right one formula. predictable but funny, harmel brings new light to the common "blondes have more fun' stereotype. read this one if you aren't looking to stretch your thinking and don't mind listening to a whiny, yet successful main character.
• martin's bbq: BBQ in the south: a staple. while i have had my fair share of barbecue in this state, from east tennessee all the way to west, i find that nashville has the best. while edley's is still my absolute favorite, martin's is a close runner up. located on belmont boulevard, martin's is famous for their redneck taco, which of course i had to order. it did not let me down: the cornbread pancake, topped with bbq pulled pork and coleslaw (more vinegar-based than mayo, so a thumbs-up in my book) and then finished off with martin's signature dixie sauce (try all the sauces if you have a chance to go) was delicious and i ate every bite! those i dined with ordered the brisket which quickly disappeared off their plate as well! i definitely would go back to martin's anytime and encourage you go soon! 

thats all for now! happy tuesday to everyone, and a happy 21st birthday to my best friend today as well! 

xoxo,

clp

double OOTD thursday

i missed posting my OOTD yesterday so today's post is double! double the OOTD, double the fun! but before that, a quick review of the pharmacy restaurant, which i finally got to cross off my bucket list last night! 

• restaurant review: the pharmacy - there is a reason why people are lined up outside waiting to eat. certainly one of the best burgers i have ever had, and the tater tots were just as good! i went with the pharmacy original burger since it was my first time there and it did not disappoint! i highly recommend you go to the pharmacy if you are looking for a burger, fries, some beer and a milkshake to round off the meal! 

southward apparel southern belle v-neck, j. crew linen pants, tory burch miller sandals

j. crew chambray shirtdress, j. crew red leather wedge sandals, kate spade necklace, LEONA ID bracelet

LEONA ID bracelet, micheal kors watch

on another note, the supper i made this tonight may have been one of my favorites yet! as i mentioned on sunday, tonight's supper was spinach-herb pesto ricotta-spinach tortellini with chicken and salad. however, instead of chicken breasts, i sautéed some sliced italian chicken sausage and then sprinkled some parmesan cheese on top! it was beyond yummy and ready in under 30 minutes, salad included! 

coming up soon on the blog are my nordstrom anniversary sale picks (eek! going tomorrow!) and my favorites from kate spade's latest collections! don't forget to follow me on instagram (link is on the right) and also follow LEONA : nashville as well! i was on there the other day in one of my favorite outfits: ava top + sylvia short. keep reading and i'll keep posting y'all!

xoxo,
clp

sunday's lust list & reviews

just another sunday in the south... the title of a song from miranda lambert's newest cd (if you don't have it, go get it - you won't be sorry). i love my sundays in the south: leisurely breakfasts, morning runs and relaxing afternoons spent in the sun usually make up my sunday. its the best way to detox and get ready for the week ahead.

yesterday was just peachy too! as i already mentioned, i got a great workout at the new barre3 studio in the gulch, then my mama and daddy came to visit me for the afternoon! we did a little shopping as usual and hit up the nashville farmer's market for some local veggies! afterwards, we got drinks (club soda with lemon for me) at the pub nashville (great place to watch the world cup!) and then had an amazing dinner at saint anejo! i ended the night by watching some college world series baseball and finishing up a fabulous movie: scatter my ashes at bergdorf's!

• saint anejo: i love mexican food and this has been on my bucket list since it opened. it is a mexican cantina that specializes in non-traditional mexican dishes with latin influences. such a treat! i had the mushroom tacos with chipotle BBQ and they were so good! since i can make regular tacos at home, i prefer to order something i wouldn't normally make and these were a great choice! we also ordered the house made guacamole which did not disappoint (and i have high guacamole standards) and the house salsas were great as well! another bonus is that you can order raw veggie chips as a healthy alternative to regular chips! we all really enjoyed our meal and the open-air atmosphere! definitely a place to dine again downtown! 
• scatter my ashes at bergdorf's: if you love fashion and new york, this is a must-see for you! a documentary about the iconic manhattan store, it features interviews with those who work at bergdorf's to designers whose dreams have come true by having their collections sold at bergdorf's. not a boring documentary at all, it gives audiences a chance to peek into the inner workings of the most luxurious store on fifth avenue. i loved every minute of the movie and am now dying to go back to new york! if all goes as planned, maybe one day i will be able to be a bergdorf client! 

i have been shopping quite a bit lately, both online and in store. a few things have certainly caught my eye like always. designers are beginning to release their pre-fall collections and i am lusting over a few things! read on for my sunday lust list featuring both current and pre-fall collection pieces (mostly accessories this time, more clothing next)! 

LEONA short gold tube necklace

kate spade gramercy grand watch

louis vuitton love letters stackable rings

tory burch tammy tunic

tory burch adeline stackable rings

rebecca minkoff mini affair convertible cross body bag

quite the expensive lust list i know, but thats why its a lust list! i am really into accessories lately and stackable, statement rings are my favorite right now! one of the sets posted above may just have to be my next investment piece! today i am going to enjoy my sunday by signing off of here, going for a run and then an afternoon coffee with a friend from school at bongo java! have a wonderful sunday everyone! 

xoxo,

clp

p.s. check me out in yesterday's sale item of the day at LEONA: alexa dress

life lately: june update

with it being the official first day of summer (and national wear your lilly pulitzer day), it seems to be a good day to post an update on my life lately! it has been just over a month since my last "life lately" post so it is due time for another! the one word that still describes my life right now: happy. i really think i am happier than i have ever been! it is going to be so hard to leave nashville in 2 months and go back to school in knoxville. i am loving every minute of my internship at LEONA and loving every minute spent crossing things off my summer bucket list. i have made new friends and am trying to step outside of my comfort zones. i am maintaining a healthy weight and still enjoying cooking healthy, nutritious foods. all in all, i may be dog-tired by the end of some days, but life lately is pretty sweet. here's a quick review of what i've been up to in the past few days (a new restaurant, some shopping, and a pedicure treat!)

• epice nashville: i tried epice on wednesday with a family friend and it did not disappoint! i love trying new cuisines and lebanese was one that i had not had to the chance to dive into. i drive by the neighborhood lebanese bistro twice a day and it is always crowded at supper time and now i know why! the clean, stark interior lends itself to a delicious menu, one of which i can't pronounce many of the items but they all sound delicious. i ordered the hummos beyrouti (ground sirloin with pine nuts over housemade creamy hummus with pita chips and a peasant salad) and ate almost every bite (had to save some room for dessert). i would certainly recommend epice, as well as go back time and time again! 
• LEONA: work lately has been great! we are starting to get fall in and getting ready to ship out the first part of it to stores and it is unbelievable! LEONA girls are in for a treat with this collection! i have also been featured on the LEONA : nashville Facebook page in some lovely outfits! i think at this point in my internship i have tried on the entire store for some sort of photo! no complaints though! click the links below to see my "shorts story" and two possible outfits for the fourth! 

a short story

july fourth outfit idea 1

july fourth outfit idea 2

• yesterday i had a total "me" day! spin class, a trip to whole foods, coffee from eighth and roast, a pedicure and some friday shopping were all part of my friday! i'm not sure how, but my days off from my unpaid internship always involve spending my nonexistent paycheck. i think a shopaholics anonymous intervention is needed... nonetheless, i have gotten some great finds and new additions to my closet this past week, pieces that are classic, on trend, seasonless and timeless! 

j. crew "masterpiece" linen tee: to dress down a high-heel shoe printed silk skirt

ivanka trump loire flat: a seasonless shoe perfect for skirts, pants and dresses

tory burch kerrington crossbody shopper: a great printed summer purse 

tennessee home t-shirt: for off days

andre assous anouka espadrille: a midheel wedge that will carry me through summer and into fall

as you can see i have been a bit shopping-happy lately! all the things i have gotten lately are perfect for building my wardrobe! today, mom and dad are coming up to nashville to visit me (luckily they come or i might get a little bit lonely)! i always love seeing them and today we are going to the nashville farmer's market, visiting a few places we have wanted to go but have never actually gone, and dining at saint anejo for supper! i went to barre 3 this morning in the gulch for a good workout so now i am ready to do some fun summer stuff with them! have a happy first official day of summer y'all!

xoxo,

clp

first food truck, book review, OOTD

a day of reviews! i recently finished a book and am already halfway through another and i tried out my first food truck ever tonight for supper! if all the nashville food trucks are anything like the one i went to tonight, i will be trying them all! today's OOTD was one i had thought up in my head and then when i put it on, was amazed at how well the pieces went together! i completed it with a lovely necklace from LEONA!

• book review: under the tuscan sun by frances mayes: pack me a suitcase and get me to italy! written much like a journal, mayes takes the reader on a journey as she discovers a new life in italy. i loved reading along as she bought and restored an italian villa. her descriptions of italy make me long to travel there! a must read for anyone with a wandering mind! next up: watch the move, then to tuscany! 
• food truck review: crankee's pizza: de-lish. crankee's has been parked on the corner near my house for the past couple wednesdays and i finally gave in to my craving and stopped for supper tonight! i ordered the margherita and it was ready within minutes! i'm not totally sure how they do it but there is a full pizza oven in the truck! the wood-fired crust was just right and the serving size was perfect! i would definitely recommend pulling over for some crankee's if you ever see the truck! one thing crossed off my bucket list for the summer! 

j. crew top, skirt and sandals, LEONA necklace (below) 

LEONA tube necklace, available at LEONA nashville

the sample sale at LEONA is getting closer and closer! come shop on 12 south this weekend for some luxurious clothes at amazing prices!

xoxo,
clp

friday fun, saturday smiles OOTD

happy sunday y'all! how has your weekend been? my weekend has been absolutely wonderful. i can't even put it in words! 

friday was friday-funday. it started with a great hour long spin ride at the Y then a trip to the grocery. a stroll up and down 12 south was nice and then a lap around target (an expensive lap) were both enjoyable as well. i did some shopping in downtown franklin (expensive as well) until i met my mama and daddy for dinner at gray's on main! we had the cornbread skillet with bacon butter as an appetizer and it was yummy in all of our tummies! i ordered one of the best cobb salads i have ever had. while it wasn't necessarily a healthy salad, it was still to-die-for with its toppings of avocado, a deviled egg and watermelon relish! mom ordered the nashville hot chicken which i will say was quite hot but tasty and daddy got the shrimp and grits which looked fab as well! the presentation of everything was great but i will say the service was a little lacking! however, it is certainly a place i would recommend (make reservations though) and one that i want to go back and try out the lunch and sunday brunch menus! after gray's, we splurged and treated ourselves to iveycake with coffee! a cheat day was long over due!  

yesterday i worked the LEONA + Brittany Fuson Pop-Up party! i love brittany's illustrations and she and lauren leonard of LEONA have both inspired me to start drawing again! i bought two of brittany's prints, "berry bouquet" and "cover girls" (both below) to adorn the walls in my apartment! there were so many prints that it was hard to choose which ones i wanted but these two had red-heads in them so they were a must! one day i hope to have her do a custom illustration! she is not only extremely talented but so sweet as well and i loved getting to meet her and talk with her during the party! check out her products online at www.brittanyfuson.com! 

"berry bouquet"

"covergirls"

(images property of brittany fuson, courtesy of [ brittany fuson ] on Pinterest)

i think the pop-up party was a hit for both LEONA and Brittany Fuson! i really enjoy working the store and everything about my internship. i couldn't be happier where i am right now and with what i am doing. the people who surround me are amazing, talented and passionate about what they do. this summer is truly a learning experience - i am less than one month in but have learned so much and know i have so much more to learn. i feel like i have found my niche and know that i am headed in the right direction. 

yesterday's outfit was of course LEONA. my LEONA collection is growing more and more each week which i love but my wallet does not (even my phone case is now LEONA)! it is well worth the price though - everything about each piece is top-notch and luxurious. nothing leaves the store unless it is perfect! my dress yesterday was from a few seasons ago but still current, which is another great thing about LEONA. the designs are timeless and can be worn season after season! i paired the tippy dress with some black stripy j. crew midi heels and was ready to work! 

LEONA dress, j. crew sandals, kate spade bangles, tory burch logo earrings 

i'm not sure what is in store for this lovely sunday! i am going to go on a quick run soon before it heats up then i'm not sure what i will do with my day off! i may treat myself to a single-girl movie or i may soak up some sun! i hope you all spend your sunday doing what you love with the ones you love! 

xoxo,

clp

restaurant, book and movie review

well it was a fun night in the 865 last night... the weather service alert going off on my phone at 1:15 AM for a tornado warning was terrifying enough, not to mention the thunder, howling winds and lightning! usually storms don't bother me much but without my daddy to keep me safe, i did end up sitting in my bathroom for about 30 minutes and monitoring the storm on my computer - thank goodness for live streaming! thankfully, it ended up passing through without any damage! yesterday, i went on the ultimate girl date with kaitlin: target, movie, dinner and ice cream! it was really a good break from campus and the apartment though and got my mind off the exams that i am starting to study for today. i thought for my post today i would share with you my opinions on my recent reads, eats, and views!

• divergent by veronica roth: i started the book after i saw the movie which i hate doing but it was so worth it! i didn't think i would like the movie, much less the book but i was unable to put it down! it may be more of a young adult book, but the fast-paced plot, action and budding romance had me hooked! 
• insurgent by veronica roth: this is the second of the three books in the divergent series and just like the first one, i was hooked! the characters grow and mature in this sequel and the plot thickens in unexpected ways. the last part of the book was especially interesting and i have already downloaded the third book, allegiant, to my kindle! 
• the other woman: hilarious. this was on my must-see list for the summer and i am so glad i saw it yesterday. my friend and i laughed the entire movie and though it was funny, it was not stupid-funny. it was a great girl-empowerment movie with a comedic side! not to mention the clothes were fantastic! i would definitely recommend this to anyone, boy or girl! 
• cru bistro and wine bar: after the movie we were famished so we decided to try out cru! i had been to the one downtown for brunch but their dinner menu is completely different. they have a little bit of everything but not in the applebee's/TGI friday's way. cru's menu ranges from soups and salads to sushi and pizza, with an extensive wine list. the menu has a gourmet southern flair to it and something that everyone can eat. i ordered the tomato arugula salad which comes with sliced tomato, feta, cornbread croutons (OMG - must try to make!) and a peach-basil vinaigrette. i topped mine with some grilled chicken since it was my entree and it was delicious! i would certainly eat there again without hesitation! 

today is moving day part one! my mom and dad are the world's best because they are taking the time to drive up here and get a load of my stuff to move back home! i will move everything else when i come home after exams! they were also going to come see me as a diamond girl at the baseball game tonight but unfortunately the weather canceled the game. still, they are making the trip and taking me out to dinner so i can't thank them enough! my first exam is on thursday so the hard core studying begins as soon as i finish writing this! i hope everyone stayed safe last night with the weather and continues to be safe today as there is still a possibility for more storms! 

xoxo,

clp 

friday fun

well mom and i just had the most perfect friday! i came home for a much-needed break from knoxville yesterday and i am so glad i did. there is nothing a weekend at home can't fix! it was also nice to come home to what seemed like a brand-new kitchen! while i have been at school, mom and dad got marble backsplash installed in our kitchen, which we have wanted to do since we moved in! i absolutely love how the herringbone pattern turned out and think it makes our kitchen look fabulous!

today mama and i adventured to nashville! i truly had a major cheat day. i even took a day off from working out, which i know my body needs. though it still freaks me out to not workout at all, i know that my body has to rest every once and a while. i know some of my readers will be happy to hear that i am at a much healthier weight than i was a year ago and i am happy about it! my clothes fit better and i just look better overall!

this morning we started nice and early and made our way to the loveless cafe! nothing beats loveless biscuits and peach preserves, so of course my meal contained both. it is definitely a nashville institution that everyone needs to visit and worth the calorie splurge!

no trip to nashville would be complete without a trip to iveycake to bring home some cupcakes for dessert tonight. she has added some new flavors that look to-die-for, but i couldn't resist my usual "i do" flavor. mom got the lemon blueberry and we picked out the salted caramel for daddy! i have had many good cupcakes in my day, but none as good as iveycake!

we couldn't not go to green hills while in nashville, and a stop in j. crew was inevitable. the green hills j. crew just feels like home to me! katie, my personal stylist (which as i have said before, everyone should take advantage of) picked out some fabulous outfits for me and we had the best visit! she always knows what i will like and has the best taste! (notice how similar our outfits are... not planned at all!) 

i am also all ready for my sorority's carnation ball at the end of april! i have my dress, clutch, got my shoes today and have a hair appointment booked! now for the hard part: finding a date who will put up with me and my ways for a night!

tomorrow, i am breakfasting with both grandmothers, my dad and uncle at one of our favorites, goodness gracious. we are so sad to see it leave downtown murfreesboro but will definitely have to go when it reopens at the readyville mill. dad and i are going to have a daddy-daughter day until mom gets off work (someone has to see those sick kids on the weekend!) and then i am planning on relaxing at home! i am missing my brother since he is redneck-ing it this weekend at the daytona race. luckily i know i will get to see him soon! it is just three weeks until i am back home for spring break!

my friday was fabulous and fun and i hope yours was too! not every day can be cheat day like today was so i am glad mine consisted of the loveless and iveycake! hope your friday was as good as mine and don't forget to give yourself a cheat day every once in a while too!

xoxo,
clp

in review: thai, pie, books and movies

well it seems like i have a few things share with y'all! in the past week, i have seen a couple of movies, finished a book and am halfway through another and tried out two (new-to-me) places in knoxville!

• movie: American Hustle: honestly, i walked out of the theater completely unaffected by the movie. for one thing, it was terribly long and i have a hard time sitting still. but regardless of the time, i felt like it left something to be desired. don't get me wrong, the all-star cast was great. because of the buzz surrounding it, i felt like i was supposed to rave about it afterwards. however, it was a movie that i was glad when the credits rolled on the screen. 
• movie: Last Vegas: better than American Hustle that's for sure. while it was funny at times, it was a bit predictable but a good renter nonetheless. i think that the older crowd might find it funnier than my generation but it still had some good laughs here and there. 
• book: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter: not sure why it was on so many bestseller lists. the plot jumped around from different characters and time periods which could occasionally be confusing. while everything connected at the end, there was still something missing from the book as a whole. 
• restaurant: Taste of Thai: hands down the best thai food i have had in knoxville. i ordered the pad thai with veggies and it was beyond good. the portions are huge and i brought more than half of it home. erin and ellie both got drunken noodles with chicken and it looked quite tasty as well. i will definitely be returning there to get my thai food fix in knoxville! 
• bakery: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop: i have been dying to try this little pie shop and couldn't resist the temptation after supper tonight. i got granny's apple pie, erin got classic pecan and ellie got chocolate meringue. my mini-pie was one of the best things i have tasted in a long time and was sad to see it gone. the mini-pies are the perfect individual portions, but they also have whole pies available to buy, as well as thumbprint cookies, homemade buttermilk biscuits and ice cream! it is going to be a dangerous place for me, and worth every calorie!  

its Super Bowl sunday (and groundhog day but that's getting a little overshadowed this year)! what team am i cheering for? peyton. the team of peyton manning. we tennesseans loved him in '98 and we love him just as much, if not more, today. i will be watching the Super Bowl (aka the commercials) at my apartment tonight while partially studying (4 tests in 7 days). i made a big pot of taco soup and a batch of jalepeno cornbread that my cousin erin and best friend ellie are going to munch on during the game! 

the groundhog saw his shadow this morning, which means six more weeks of winter. my fingers are crossed in hopes that he is wrong and that spring is right around the corner. the spring collections that are appearing in stores have me dreaming of warmer weather! i have a busy week ahead and i am sure you do too so i will keep this short and sweet. happy groundhog day and Super Bowl sunday! go broncos!

xoxo,
clp

saturday OOTD

today was such a perfect day! all four of us went to nashville to do some shopping around and have a nice dinner out! it worked out great that tennessee basketball played midday, so phillip and dad dropped mom and i off at the mall and they found a place to watch the game so we could shop to our hearts' content! for supper, we had an early dinner at whiskey kitchen and it was one of the best meals i have had in nashville! i would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal! today's OOTD was perfect for shopping and warm! the necklace i borrowed from mom today and i could not tell you how many compliments i got on it! it was just elephantastic!

tory burch cashmere tunic, anthropologie corduroy leggings, tory burch reva flats, j. crew necklace (close-up below) 

xoxo,

clp

bistro at the bijou OOTD

this morning i had a wonderful brunch with my parents at The Bistro at the Bijou. they serve a little bit of everything but we all decided on items from the brunch menu. it was delicious and we would all highly recommend to anyone (and they take reservations which is a plus)! i decided to dress comfortable but still cute for brunch. the outfit was also perfect for this crisp fall day!

tory burch leopard scarf, j. jill knit tunic, camilyn beth vest, j. crew leggings,

tory burch boots, louis vuitton speedy 30

i have no tests or major assignments this week but i'm sure homecoming will keep me busy! this weekend with my parents in town has been nothing short of perfect and i am already looking forward to the entire family coming up for the auburn game next weekend! here's to wishing everyone a good upcoming week! 

xoxo,

clp 

p.s. birthday countdown: 13 days! 

fall break adventures: day 2 & 2 recipes

what a wonderful thursday! day 2 of fall break was nothing short of perfect!

for breakfast, we had crockpot steel cut apple oatmeal! it is so easy, ready for you when you wakeup, delicious and filling! it also makes the house smell wonderful! i topped mine with half a banana and some walnuts but really anything goes!

overnight crockpot apple oats

2 c steel cut oats

4 cups water

2 large apples, sliced and diced

cinnamon, to taste

non-stick cooking spray

1. spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
2. combine all ingredients in crockpot.
3. set on low for 8 hours. 

*half of the recipe serves about 3 people. the recipe above makes a lot!

after breakfast, i had a much-needed beautify-ing appointment then mom, phillip and i were off the green hills! i said the mothership was calling me home! we had lunch at The Southern and it was beyond good! i had the grilled portobello mushroom with butternut squash, phillip had a burger topped with pimento cheese and mom had a shrimp BLT. we all cleaned our plates! 

tory burch sweater, AG jeggings, j. crew mcalister boots, 

long champ le pliage expandable tote

after lunch, we headed to the mall and did some shopping! i met with my favorite person ever, my personal stylist at j. crew, katie! katie is always so helpful and she helped me pick out some great fall outfits! we hit up hill center and whole foods before heading back to murfreesboro.

for supper, we had put white and chicken chili in the crockpot before we left and daddy made some cornbread while we were on our way home. it really hit the spot since today felt so fall-ish. 

white bean and chicken chili

2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained

4 c low-sodium chicken broth

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 whole chicken breasts (about 3 lbs)

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 4 oz can green chiles

1 4 oz can diced jalepenos

1 c water

1 tbsp cumin

1. place beans and broth in slow cooker. 
2. warm oil in skillet. sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and cook until brown. transfer chicken to plate and drain fat from skillet. add onions and garlic; cook until softened. add onion mixture, chilies, jalepenos, water and cumin and chicken to slow cooker. stir. 
3. cook on low for 6 hours. remove chicken and shred, then return to slow cooker. 
4. serve. 

tomorrow, mom and i have another fun-filled day planned that i am looking forward to! needless to say i am exhausted tonight after our long day in nashville! 

xoxo,

clp