2015 rewind

where did 2015 go? it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating its beginning. now, after 12 months that went by as if someone pressed the fast forward button, we are getting ready to press play on 2016.

i know that the second half of 2015 came with much fewer blog posts. unfortunately, theclairewithredhair was put on pause a few times because of the transition from being a full-time student to being a nine-to-fiver. 2015 was a busy year and sometimes i wonder what i was doing the kept me running around so much. but looking back at 2015, i see that i had quite the year, one that i wouldn't change a thing about. so, without further ado, let's rewind 2015.

mountains and coastal trips

many lasts at UT

graduation and a real job

island hopping in hawaii

a new zip code and a new car 

 

old and new friends

dress-up and 23 candles 

honestly, those pictures don't really do 2015 justice. from january to december, its been a big year. one word to describe it: change. i graduated from UT, started a job in franklin that i absolutely love, and had many lasts as and undergrad and many firsts as a young woman in the real world. 2015, you were fun, you were surprising, you were difficult, you were happy, you were sad. you were lessons learned and you were obstacles overcome. you've been the best year yet, but 2015, its time to say goodbye.

2016, i can't wait to see what you have in store for me. 2016, hello.

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

spaghetti squash pizza crust + book review

pizza: the ultimate cheat meal. i'm not the biggest pizza person, but when i want it, i want it. i have had a hankering for pizza the past few weeks, but i still wanted to try to maintain some sliver of health to my meal. i love making pizza on flat-out wraps, but i have had a spaghetti squash on my hands that has been waiting to be cooked so i opted to try a new, low-carb alternative: spaghetti squash pizza crust! i have tried cauliflower pizza crust, but it was a pinterest fail. this recipe was a success though! now if you like deep dish or crispy crust and crust is half the reason you love a slice of pizza, this isn't for you. however, the sauce and veggie toppings are my favorite part of pizza so this was perfect! tonight i just stuck with marinara sauce and turkey pepperoni with a sprinkling of parmesan and it silenced my craving!

spaghetti squash pizza crust  

1 cup cooked spaghetti squash

1/4 cup part-skim or fat free ricotta cheese

3 tbsp whole wheat flour 

pepper, garlic powder, to taste

1. preheat oven to 400.
2. combine all ingredients in bowl and stir until nicely mixed. 
3. pour mixed "dough" onto a parchment paper (this is important!) lined cookie sheet (or pizza pan) and shape into a circle. make it as thin or thick as desired.
4. cooke for 20-30 minutes, until edges are crisp.
5. remove pizza from oven, top with your favorite toppings and put back in oven to bake. 
6. pizza is finished when cheese has melted to your liking!

serves one

(slightly adapted from skinny girl standard) 

i also wanted to recommend a book i just finished, the good girl by mary kubica. what a suspenseful, page-turning novel. if you liked gone girl, then put this one on your reading list. you won't be able to put down the story of a one night stand turned into kidnapping with a love story and unbelievable twist at the end. the novel is a roller coaster of emotions and a puzzle from the very beginning. if you are in the mood for a thrilling, gets your heart beating mystery, read this ASAP! 

xoxo,

clp 

january to december 2014

is anyone else in a post-christmas daze? from the cooking to the eating to church to the laughing to the running around, christmas was a bit of a blur, but i couldn't have asked for it any other way. santa came by and was very good to me, he really outdoes himself year after year. i have eaten more than i needed to, but i guess that is part of the holidays. reigning myself back in is proving to be a challenge, but i know with a little discipline and routine, i will be back on track (especially with the help of my new Misfit fitness tracker - obsessed)!

with the christmas season coming to an end, another year comes to an end. 2014 has many things: a happy, sad, challenging and rewarding. i feel that i kept up with my resolutions from last january fairly well: i am now at a much healthier weight and still eat healthy, i have made myself more social (which i am still working on), i read more, i traveled as much as i could, i relaxed a little (still working on that too) and i have worked towards my future. i know many have noticed a change in me, and i have as well. i am still on cloud nine since my summer in nashville, and am the happiest i think i have ever been. i look better than i did a year and a half ago as well, though i will always struggle with my diet and body image, but that is something i am able to admit to. i have found friends that i know i will keep forever, through all the post-graduation unknown that will soon ensue. i have a strong relationship with my family that i am thankful for.

instead of posting a "claire's year" on Facebook as many others have done, i chose to share some of my favorite moments from 2014 below. they are some of my favorite memories from this year, with my favorite people (and in some fabulous clothes!).

SPRING BREAK CRUISE WITH MY MOM 

MEETING THE NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR HOUSEHOLD, STELLA

ATTENDING THE WEDDING OF MY SORORITY SISTER THIS SUMMER 

THE LOVELY LEONA CLOTHES

MY HAPPY PLACE ON 12 SOUTH

TWO OF THE BEST ROOMMATES FROM SUMMER

SUMMER ADVENTURES AND TRADITIONS

QUICK TRIP TO CHARLESTON

NASHVILLE BECOMING HOME 

FOOTBALL WEEKENDS WITH FRIENDS

MY BEST GIRLS

CHRISTMAS EVE

so what is ahead for 2015? my last semester at UT (given all things go as planned), a weekend in asheville, a part-time job to finance my shopping problem, barre3 and workouts, a girls trip with my mom and grandmother to florida for spring break, graduation, hawaii, maybe a trip to new york, and fingers crossed, a job. i'm looking forward to what 2015 has in store, i think it may just the year of the claire with red hair. 

xoxo,

clp

good reads

i am lucky that i was given the "enjoy reading" trait in my family. i, like my brother, mom, grandmother and many other family members can't put down a good book. because i now have a kindle, and have for about a year, i find that i read more than i did before. i love the portability and slim design of the kindle, it fits easily in my purse and on the treadmill reading ledge. i also get some daily reads delivered to my inbox. right now, i just get two which is more than enough along with the other emails i receive (i'm on about every store's mailing list). keep reading for my most recent book review, my favorite online publication, and my two daily reads that come straight to my inbox!

• three wishes by liane moriarty: i picked this novel out after i read moriarty's other novels (the husband's secret and big little lies). like her other books, this one did not disappoint. the book follows three triplets who when together, share laughter, thrills and chaos and apart each have their own trials and tribulations. from fork throwing to affairs, the reader follows the three sisters as they grow older and up and the life of a forever-together trio. the novel opens with a prologue that is explained in later chapters and keeps the pages turning. i quite enjoyed the books with its clever plot turns and believe that you will too!  
• the skimm: the skimm is a daily email newsletter that gives you everything you need to start your day and be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about current events. i skim through it while sipping my morning coffee or walking to class and i feel relatively well informed 
• she reads truth: she reads truth is one of the newest things coming to my inbox, and one that i look forward to. it is a daily devotional for women to read together and to grow in christ. right now, the 'plan" is the advent, which i especially enjoy. it is an easy way for me to read the scripture and bring christ more into my life wherever i am since i can just pull it up on my phone each day! 
• matchbook magazine: matchbook is an online magazine i have been reading for a couple of years now and it is one of my faves! with the slogan "a field guide to a charmed life", it celebrates the "classics - shaken and stirred". from interviews to gift guides to fashion to decor and everything in-between, the magazine never ceases to inspire me to live the life i adore!  

i have been at home for the majority of this week since my first exam isn't until monday. tomorrow i am heading back to knoxville to study and finish up my second to last semester! i can't believe how fast it went by, but am looking forward to being home for the holidays! 

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

healthier no-bake cookies + big little lies

can i get a "go vols"?! last nights game was just too much! i wish i could have been there, but with the weather, i was happy to watch the vols beat the gamecocks from the warmth of my apartment, complete with some chili and cornbread!

today i tried out a new dessert recipe (lord help me and my sweet tooth...)! no-bake cookies (or doodoo balls as i have been known to call them) are my absolute favorite cookies, but unfortunately what they do to my waistline is not my favorite. i have come across many recipes for "healthified no-bakes" and today i decided to test one out! they are still cooling on my counter, so i can't say how they taste, but they sure do look delicious!

healthier no-bake cookies

1 ripe banana, mashed

1 cup Splenda

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk

1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)

1 tsp vanilla 

3 cups old fashioned oats

1. place all ingredients except vanilla and oats in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring & being sure to not let the milk burn. 
2. allow the mixture to melt together and to boil for 1 minute. remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute. 
3. stir in vanilla and oats until well-combined with mixture. 
4. drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool to room temperature. 

(slightly adapted from eating bird food) 

a week or two ago i finished liane moriarty's newest novel, big little lies. engaging from page one, the novel follows the politics of a coastal beach town preschool's parents. the book has both light and dark moments, leaving the reader shocked with each page turn. following three women at crossroads in their lives, big little lies is a clever take on ex-husbands, second wives, children and scandal, all centered around a schoolyard. add this to your library as soon as you can! 

xoxo,

clp 

"me before you" review

last week i finished the book "me before you". and this week has been so exhausting, i am just now getting around to telling you all about it. me before you by jojo moyes is the story of two individuals who couldn't be more different brought together. lou and will learn things about themselves and each other, in a heartbreaking, hilarious, never predictable novel. you will laugh, you will cry, and you won't be able to put the book down. moyes writes a complex love story with characters that capture your heart and stay there. it is a book you may want to read with tissues and in the end will leave you wondering what really is the "right" thing to do.

i'm sorry for the short and to the point post, but other academic (i guess those come first) things have me busy. this past week was filled with homecoming hours, homework and group meetings. luckily, come wednesday the minute my test is over, i will be headed home. a quick break will be nice. hopefully i will have some time this week to post some but if not, everyone have a fabulous weekend and cross your fingers for a "W" today! go vols!

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

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

weekend recap + on the menu

i'm not sure what could have made this holiday weekend any better. the fourth of july went off with a bang (both literally and figuratively)! it was a perfect day spent with friends and family, celebrating my aunt and america! i of course overindulged in snacks and desserts, but you just can't resist homemade ice cream!

yesterday we went to the farmer's market on the square and stocked up on some homegrown veggies and fruits! the rest of the day was spent just relaxing after our busy friday (the calm after the storm) and then i cooked a delicious (if i do say so myself) all-american supper! i made some minute steak, mashed cauliflower, baked squash casserole and biscuits! we sliced some local tomatoes and cucumber to round out the meal! i also finished my book this weekend, reviewed below!

• book review: the one and only by emily giffin: i have loved emily giffin's other novels and they are all great, light reads so when this one came out in june i added it to my reading list! the novel follows a texas journalist in love with her hometown university's football program. through the wins and losses in both the main character's personal and sports world, emily giffin writes a page turner that is sure to hook you. definitely a great by the pool and ocean read for the summer! 

this coming week is going to be much more routine, which i am happy to say! nothing too major is going on, just the normal nashville life! the menu this week is looking delicious, especially since there is a trip to the pharmacy and loveless (for breakfast on saturday) in my future! 

• sunday - grilled eggplant caprese with white bean puree and salad: instead of using mozzarella cheese, i'm going to use all-skim ricotta cheese to change things up! 
• monday - leftover slawsa baked beans from the fourth with cornbread and fruit: nothing beats beans and cornbread! some sliced summer fruits will be served on the side! 
• tuesday - crockpot salsa chicken tacos with guacamole: this time i am making these using ousley ouch's peach habanero salsa! i bought it at the farmer's market and have been dying to try it! they make it with the peach truck's fresh peaches which are my favorite! i will also be slicing some fresh peaches to add to the crockpot as well! 
• wednesday - the pharmacy: i am so excited to eat here! a nashville institution apparently, i will be meeting some friends from school there for burgers! 
• thursday - spinach-herb pesto ricotta-spinach tortellini with chicken and salad: i always love pasta night! it is just an easy go-to for me that doesn't take much time or energy. i especially love barilla's ricotta and spinach tortellini because it is shelf-stable and a smaller size! 
• friday - better for you hamburger helper with a fruit salad: not sure why, but the hamburger helper craving has hit me again! i reduce the amounts of the recipe to make it single serving and it always hits the spot! 

looks like a yummy week to me! click the links above to see the recipes! on a side note, be sure to follow leona : nashville on instagram! yesterday my sale picks were featured! 

peppy peplum + frank shorts

i hope your fourth of july weekend went off with a bang as well! come see me in nashville this week and have a lovely sunday! 

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