The BIG 2-5!!!!

Good morning, friends!!!

Today I am 25!!!! 

I am a little shocked that I am half way to fifty, and I am wondering where the last twenty-five years went. I am excited to have a little birthday party tonight at karaoke and then another party tomorrow with friends and family.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! I am off to the DMV to renew my license! 

Tomorrow I will be hosting my first giveaway for my birthday, check back tomorrow for the giveaway!!! 

Tasha

Rhythm and Roots 2011

This past weekend is absolutely one of my favorite weekends throughout the year.  If you read my blog, then you already know that I was born, raised and still live in Bristol, TN. Most people know Bristol is home to the "World's Fastest Half Mile," Bristol Motor Speedway, but most people don't know that Bristol is also the "Birthplace of Country Music." In 1927, the "Bristol Sessions" were recorded by The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in downtown Bristol, making it the birthplace of country music. Today, you can hear live music almost any day during the week celebrating our country and bluegrass roots. On the third weekend of September every year, the downtown area shuts down to host The Rhythm and Roots Reunion. This three day music festival brings in thousands of people from all over to hear the local talent in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The festival also brings in a few famous singers to perform on the main stages. Twenty-one stages are set up in the streets, inside restaurants and bars with over 150 bands performing. 

I was excited all week and could not wait for Friday to come so I could head downtown for all the fun.

My favorite band, Folk Soul Revival performing Friday night.

John Oates Band performing Friday night.

What is a southern festival without a funnel cake?

The state line that runs through the middle of State Street dividing Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA.

 Famous Bristol sign over State Street.

I am already excited for next year's festival!

Tasha

Catch Up!

Last week was very busy and time slipped away from me.  I tried to catch up on my blogging but it never happened.

Wednesday, I came home to a very special package and I was overwhelmed with joy...

My Erin Condren Planner! I am in love and I hope it helps to keep me organized.

We normally eat at Chili's every week because they send us a coupon for a free dessert...who doesn't love a free dessert?

For fall they have a new Apple Cobbler dessert that is delicious!

Thursday, I kept little man.

It was, also, his 3 Month Birthday!!
This week I am keeping him for two days while his MiMi is in the Dominican Republic. A post of updated pictures will come later in the week.

I started not to feel very well on Thursday evening. I knew that I needed to do something to make me feel better because I had a long weekend ahead...

My pharmacist suggested I try this to help me feel better. Well, first of all, this stuff is nasty. I was gagging the entire time to get the 4 ounces down. Second, it didn't work.

This weekend is a huge weekend for my hometown. It was the 11th Annual Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Thousands of people come to our downtown to listen to the most amazing bluegrass and country bands.

I took this picture from the upstairs of our local bar, overlooking the busy street.
Details from my weekend and lots of pictures will be in tomorrow's post!

I hope you all had a great weekend and have a great week. I am battling a sinus infection and walking pneumonia from this weekend, so I will be resting most of the week.

Today is my sweet friend, Nicole's 21st Birthday! Go over to her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Tasha

It's almost fall, ya'll!

Normally, I am unhappy to see fall roll around. I love football, the leaves changing and anything pumpkin. But, I love, warm weather, sandy beaches, weekends on the lake and lazy days by my pool, much more. I love wearing flip flops, shorts and my favorite J.Crew tank top on a hot summer day. For some reason, the past few days, I am longing to wear jeans, cute sweaters and riding boots. I have a feeling that will be my go to outfit this fall. Thanks to Pinterest, I have a few ideas in mind. Here are a few of my fall fashion favorites...

All image  via Pinterest.

These outfits make me wish for colder temperatures (can't believe I just said that!). It's still in the 80's in Tennessee so I will have to wait a few weeks.

Have a great day!

I am linking this post to the Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge. 

Tasha

A Day Trip

On Saturday, my friend Jenna and I headed to North Carolina for a little shopping. She had never been to Boone or Blowing Rock so I knew this was a perfect place for a day trip. The weather was gorgeous, so we put the top down and took off through the mountains. There is a cute little outlet mall in Blowing Rock, NC, it's not much but it has J. Crew and Banana Republic (that's all I need!). 

We started our little adventure with lunch at Canyons in Blowing Rock. This is the view from the deck where we ate...

Next, we went to the actual site of Blowing Rock.

The views are absolutely gorgeous and I am still amazed every time I go there. We took a break from sightseeing and did a little shopping. 

Then we drove through downtown Blowing Rock and headed towards the Blue Ridge Park. 

We drove across the viaduct and over to Grandfather Mountain. We didn't go up to Grandfather Mountain...the views are gorgeous but my friend is crazy, scared of heights. I know that she would never be able to cross the swinging bridge and walk out on the cliffs. We just admired it from below and then headed to Boone for more shopping and dinner.

Downtown Boone is such a cute area. Appalachian State had a game that day so everyone downtown was dressed in yellow and black. They were loosing the game so everyone was leaving early and the streets were filled with students and fans. We window shopped a little then asked a local where was the best place to grab dinner. He directed us to this amazing little (literally, there were only 10 tables in this tiny place!) mexican-burrito place...it was yummy!   

After Jenna posed with Doc Watson we decided it was time to start home.  We have a already planned a trip back in a few weeks when the leaves start to change colors. 

If you live anywhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway and you have never visited it, you must go. There are so many things to do and tons of cute little towns to explore. If you are interested in visiting, leave me a comment and I give you some info on the top sites to see.

Tasha

Ten years ago today,

On September 11, 2001...

I was a sophomore in high school. We were in the middle of switching classes when the first tower was struck. I was walking into my English classroom when my teacher turned the t.v. on. 

We sat there, in shock, as the second plane flew into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. 

I remember thinking that it was all a dream. I could not believe what I was seeing.

When the towers started to collapse, I just sat there in shock.

As sad as this day was, I was never so proud to be an American. 

Today, I am still just as proud to be an American. I want to thank the men and women who lost their lives that day. I am thankful for the men and women that serve our country everyday to keep us safe... 

I'm just trying to be a father,

Raise a daughter and a son,
Be a lover to their mother,
Everything to everyone.
Up and at 'em bright and early,
I'm all business in my suit,
Yeah, I'm dressed for success from my head down to my boots,
I don't do it for money, there's still bills that I can't pay,
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong,
I just work straight through the holidays,
And sometimes all night long.
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door,
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with an honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.
I'm an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right,
I'm out here on the front lines, so sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I'm an American,
An American,
An American Soldier 

This song by Toby Keith gives me chills every time I hear it. This song represents what is like to be an American and know that you are protected by the best men and women in the world. Thank you to the people who live this song everyday.

Never Forgotten. Forever Grateful

A list.

I am typically a list maker. I am better at accomplishing my to do's when I see them written out on a list that I can check off. So, today I thought I would make a little list of the many reasons why you haven't seen me around this blogging world in a week.

1. Last Saturday night, we threw a surprise birthday party for a close friend. My parent's friends recently bought a short bus (Do not ask me why because I do not know. It's just something us rednecks from Tennessee do...HA!) Anyways, we decorated the short bus with banners and balloons and  picked up my friend. He was completely surprised and grateful and it turned out to be a great evening. Oh and I made some wonderful homemade Snickers cupcakes for the event.

2. Monday, I got to keep my precious little Kingston. It was a wonderful day! I love that little man more than words can express and I loved spending my day just starring at him and catering to his every little need. I snapped some wonderful pictures of his smiling face. I hate that he is growing (only 2 months!) up but I love that he is starting to show expression and his little personality is coming out. 

(I will write a post full of pictures of our day together.)

3. Tuesday, I started school. I am so sad that the summer is OVER! I am really not excited about school this semester at all. That's really all I have to say about school!

4. Tuesday and Wednesday, I spent cleaning and organizing the house. I love to clean and organize, when I am in the mood. If I am not in the mood it is not going to happen...at all! Luckily, I have been in the mood all week. I am very proud of my work and trying my best to keep it clean. 

5. Yesterday, I woke up very early and decided to clean my car. I normally have my car detailed for $100. I had an oil change and I was going to have it detailed Monday and I decided that it was a waste of money. I could spend that money on new clothes, fun, charity or just save it. Two and a half hours later I think I have changed my mind. It was hard work but I love having a clean car. Yesterday, was one of the best days I have had in a long time. If you read my blog, you know that every Thursday night my parents and some of my friends go to karaoke at our local bar and grill. I love seeing all the amazing talent that we have in my small little town. It is race weekend in BRISTOL!! That means that 160,000 people are packed into my town. On Thursday night they close off State Street for Family Race Night. Drivers, cars and vendors line the streets for some Nascar fun. Stateline Bar and Grill, our local hangout, does an all day karaoke event. It starts at 1pm until 2am. They have an auction to raise money for a local battered women's shelter. All the tips and the cover at the door goes to the cause, too. Last year they raised $7,000 for the charity. Last night they broke the record with $10,000 for the charity. My crew and I got there at 1pm and it was crazy packed (we couldn't move). I made it to 1:30am and I was so tired I couldn't hold my eyes open. It was a great night, for a great cause and I met some great people from out of town that LOVE my town!

6. Today, I haven't moved from the couch. I am still adjusting to life without a gallbladder. Don't let anyone ever tell you that life is better without a gallbladder. If I eat something that my body doesn't like, I am sick within 10 minutes. I ate lunch yesterday and it did not agree with me so I didn't eat dinner. I have been sick all day. I am staying on the couch resting up for tonight's festivities.

7. I am very excited about a fun weekend. I have two birthday parties this weekend and I can't wait to spend time with some great friends.

Shew, that's it. Sorry it was a little longer than planned!

I hope that ya'll have a great weekend!

Tasha

An evening walk.

Hello, Hello!

I've been trying to walk every evening the past few weeks. I lost 10 pounds with my gallbladder sickness, so I am trying to keep that off (I know, that is cheating!). I go walking with my parents friends at our dam. There is a cute little island and the city made a walking trail on it. It is always busy with people walking, riding bikes, fly fishing and having picnics. It is in the woods and completely surrounded by water, so it is wonderful for hot evening walks. I had the kiddos last night, so I forced them to walk 2 1/2 miles and take pictures!

After our walk, we rode to the top of the dam to snap a few pictures...

Our lake is beautiful. I love living in the mountains!

Also, I love my Mac. Without this wonderful computer I would not have Photo Booth to entertain the kiddos...

Have a great day!

Tasha

My weekend in pictures...

I had a fun and short weekend. Here are a few pictures from my weekend...

Thursday night karaoke at Stateline.

(My friend Amanda just moved to Texas and she came in for a quick trip this weekend. So, we went to our local hangout downtown, Stateline Bar and Grill, every night. I normally don't go out this much, just Thursday and Friday night!)

Friday night car show downtown.

(The city shut down our "small" downtown area for this event. Including our one main street and the side streets. My Dad brought his 66' Nova and parked it in front of Stateline. I knew when my Mom and I got there that it would not be as packed as expected. Well, I was wrong! 10,000 people showed up! Even Jay Leno had two cars in the show.)

Friday night fun after the car show at Stateline.

Saturday night at the Comedy Zone.

Saturday night at Stateline.

Blue sky and big white clouds after a storm on Sunday.

Sunset on Sunday.

Oh, guess who is 2 months old today???

Kingston! I think he gets cuter everyday!

That's it folks!

Have a great week!

Tasha