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I love fail-proof recipes that are both simple and healthy. When I get home from work, the last thing I want to do is fuss around the kitchen making something that won’t be ready to eat until after 8pm. That’s why when I saw a recipe for pasta with kale, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, I knew I wanted to make a variation of it for myself.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 to 8 cups packed fresh kale leaves
⅛ teaspoon salt
4-1/2 cups water
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 package angel hair pasta
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
½-cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, if desired)

Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot
Add kale and salt to pot; cook over low-to-medium heat while stirring frequently for 3 minutes Remove from heat; add water, tomatoes, garlic, pasta, salt and pepper.
Cook over high heat and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook for 13 to 15 minutes, or until pasta is thoroughly cooked and water reduced. Stir occasionally.
Remove from heat and let stand 2 minutes.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Stir in crumbled feta cheese.
Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.

Enjoy!

 

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8

Since we spent the majority of our weekend in (aside from Steve working all Friday night), we decided to get out and grab some breakfast at Sky Blue Cafe yesterday morning. We’ve compiled a list of all the places we’d like to eat in Nashville over the next few months so that we are always trying something new. We sifted through our list of breakfast/brunch spots around town and decided to head out to East Nashville. The first great thing we noticed about Sky Blue, was they had a pot of coffee for those who signed in and waited outside. This made waiting for a table significantly more bearable, especially since it was such a nice morning.

Once we were seated, we glanced at the menu and were already satisfied that we chose this particular place for breakfast. Classic eggs, toast, bacon, pancakes, and french toast options were listed throughout the menu, as well as delectable Benedict dishes, breakfast burritos, and create-your-own omelets.

Photo c/o Sky Blue Cafe.

The second great thing we loved about Sky Blue, was that there were Trivial Pursuit cards on the tables to keep you occupied while waiting for your food. They’re doing it right.

I selected the Eggs Benedict and Steven went for the Build-Your-Own Omelet with Feta, Spinach, Mushrooms, and Peppers. Both dishes were equally satisfying.

The food was delicious and very well-priced. Even if you don’t go for the food, hang out and sip on their coffee, because it too, was amazing.
Next weekend we will choose from over 12 different brunch spots we have yet on our list. It’s so fun being able to visit a new place every time we go out for a bite to eat. It’s one of our favorite ways to explore the city.

Until next time.
xo

 

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This weekend was a weekend of rest. I love being able to cozy up at home, turn on Netflix, and let my mind relax for a couple days. We’ve been on a Parenthood binge for the past few weeks, and I cannot seem to ever find the right time to stop watching. I swear, every episode gets better and better. Anyone else watch? Sunday is my favorite day of the week. They typically consist of church, brunch, errands, naps, and home cooked dinner. Today was no exception. It’s nice having one day a week where we can almost always count on having a laid-back, traditional day together. It puts me in a good place before the work-week starts back up.

Continue reading Sunday Best

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Although it feels like we still have a bit of work to do, we are happily feeling more settled into our new home with every day that passes. We’ve traded our old, charming, hardwood-floor house for a newer-built 1-bedroom apartment with carpet. It was definitely an adjustment and I miss the character of our old home in Eastown Grand Rapids, but we are certainly feeling settled here in Nashville.
I thought I’d share a few snapshots of our apartment with you all. I guess this is kind of my way of having my friends and family back home feel like they’re visiting. ;]

This wine rack was made for me by my cousin, Katelyn, of The Suitcase Blonde. It was gifted to me at my bridal shower and it’s one of my favorite things in the apartment.

We have small reminders and sentiments from our friends and family around our home. These stackable blocks were gifted to us for our wedding, and the candle was made by my aunt who used our wedding invitation with mod podge. We love them!

A few of my books. The Southerner’s Handbook was gifted as a going-away present from my good friend, Elizabeth. It’s full of fun little facts about the south.

My instruments now decorate the walls of our living room. The acoustic guitar doesn’t get a whole lot of play time anymore, but the mandolin is my pride and joy.

I’ll probably share a bit more in the near future, so stay tuned!

 

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4

I had the incredible privilege of visiting the Homestead Manor in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee this past Sunday with a group of local bloggers. I had heard a few things about the history and elegance of the manor, but had no idea what was in store. I traveled down with my friend Ashley of The Nashvillian, and we were immediately in awe of the site when we pulled into the drive. Complete historical beauty.

We arrived a few minutes early to snap a few photos in front of the house.

Romper- Old Navy // Bag- Charee Crossbody f/ Hush Puppies // Wedges- Kohl’s // Earrings- The Limited

It was fun being able to capture some photos of Ashley, because it feels like forever since my co-blogging days with Katelyn. I missed being able to play with my camera and take photos of other people.
When we walked up to the front porch of the house, we were immediately greeted and introduced to other local bloggers. We were served gin cocktails with cucumber and they were delicious and refreshing for such a hot summer day.
It was so great meeting new people and discovering who mutual friends were. There is such a tight community of talented people in the Greater Nashville Area, and I’m so happy I have the opportunity to get out there and meet them.
I met the folks behind Nashville The Beautiful, Like the Locals, Pass the Pretty, Raised by the Fork, Southern Fatty, and more! Check out their blogs, they are all lovely!
After getting acquainted with one another, we began our tour of the property. We got to meet the amazing farmers at the Homestead, Casey and Joni, who wake up before the crack of dawn every day to bring their harvest to the restaurant for the chefs to create delectable meals. They were so sweet and humble, and probably some of the hardest working people I’ve met.
See those woven sticks surrounding the herbs? Those were all handmade by Casey from sticks on the property! Incredible, right?! The farm was huge and the two of them handle everything. There is no
irrigation system, so every plant is manually watered by tanks on their
small tractor. The dual-person manpower behind this garden is so
impressive, I could hardly believe it.
The house itself is home to the restaurant Harvest, where everything served is 100% farm-to-fork. It was built by Mr. & Mrs. Francis Giddens, who
obtained the property through a Revolutionary War Grant. The Giddens used only bricks and woods on
site to build the home. It was completed in 1819.
The Homestead Manor is home to the Battle of Thompson’s Station, which was held on March 5th, 1863 during the Civil War. Earl Van Dorn and Nathan Bedford Forrest were confederate leaders, battling John Coburn’s attempt to bring union influence to the south. With an unlikely participant, 17-year-old Alice Thompson rushed out of the house and into the field to wave the Confederate battle flag to warn the men to protect their land. Coburn and his field officers eventually surrendered and the confederates won the battle. An embroidered cloth with the quote “Boys, a woman has your flag” now decorates the walls inside the Homestead Manor house.
[The Civil War content in this post does not reflect my personal political viewpoints. They are simply facts.]
The other rooms in the house were all decorated with different themes in mind. All rooms in the house were a part of the restaurant, and there were tables and chairs throughout the first and second floors.
After touring the home we made our way through the barn, which was beautifully restored into the most stunning event space I’ve ever seen. The large doors on either side of the building remain open for the natural sunlight to shine through and the ceilings have four gorgeous crystal chandeliers that boast extraordinary charm.
We eventually made our way over to the bar, which was located in a separate, smaller building on the backside of the house. I fell in love with the space as soon as we entered. The menu at Harvest is all Tuscan-inspired. There was a beautiful spread of numerous appetizers. I tried every single one, and they were all equally delightful. And the SANGRIA, oh.. the sangria.

Before leaving, we made sure to mosey on over to the upstairs front porch. What a view!
 The event was beyond amazing and it will not soon be forgotten. I am so fortunate to have found such a sweet community of people in Nashville that enjoy the some hobbies I do. Special thanks to Ashley for helping me get better acquainted with the city and introducing me to new folks.
If you haven’t already had the enchanting privilege to visit Homestead Manor, I recommend doing so. Harvest serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can find the menus here, and you won’t be disappointed with their options. I already can’t wait to go back.
I hope you all have a lovely week.

 

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