Sunday, September 27, 2015

Puppy Mill Awareness Day

September 27th, 2015 is puppy mill awareness day. This is a topic that is very tender to me, and I'm not sure where to start. My baby came from a puppy mill. He was starved almost to death and judging by his actions had been significantly mistreated. I won't go into detail, but it is a real blessing that he lived. He means the world to me.

This day should not be taken lightly either. Everyday animals are severely mistreated in order to sell puppies at a profit. My puppy was one of the dogs that didn't sell. He didn't deserve what happened to him nor does any animal. Please do your research before going to a pet store. Adoption saves lives!
http://awarenessday.org/


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Not all those who wander are lost.

It's hard to get a true break to clear your mind with YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Pinterest, Email, Text, and not to mention all the programs we use on a daily basis at work.

We are going to give you our top outdoor places to visit in middle Tennessee to go and unwind. So put your phone on airplane mode and take a breather. All of these places are open to the public and are just a short drive if you live in middle Tennessee.

1. Bridgestone Firestone/ Scott's Gulf/ Virgin Falls
2. Johnson's Chapel/Center Hill Lake
3. Dogwood Park
4. Burgess Falls
5. Bee Rock
6. Cummings Falls
7. Window Cliffs

Some helpful things to remember when going anywhere outdoors:

•Be spontaneous, not ignorant, before you head out.
How long is your hike? What time of day are you going? What time of day does it get dark? Did you eat before (hopefully not Mexican)? What's the weather forecast for the day?
Also a tip for pet owners, if you are taking your dog with you, give him a tick medication before the trip. Noah takes one pill a month that prevents fleas and ticks (even seed ticks) from latching on him. Trust me, you will want this!

Check out this Instagram if you need a good smile today. https://instagram.com/campingwithdogs/   +Camping With Dogs 


•Bring the basics. 
Water, snack bars, backpack, light jacket, flashlight of some kind, more water, map or some sort of navigation, bug spray (Kayla and I had a funny bug attack experience)! Don't pack too heavy, however.

•Download the app "AllTrails"
This app is AWESOME. Kayla and I went on a hike recently, and it gave advice, tips, pictures, and a map of different trails before we headed out. Also let us record where and how far we went once we started! And it's FREE.


You don't have to own an Eno or hiking boots to enjoy these spots. You just need an adventurous soul and a need for fresh air!


                                 




AND our favorite part of hiking is the attire. Check out some awesome t-shirts perfect for a hiking trip by clicking the link below.


Love,
Caroline & Kayla 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Shop Local... Hometown Lovin'

See those absolutely adorable things in the picture? I almost didn't have to leave the comfort of my driveway to buy them.... And by driveway I mean my cute small hometown. Not to mention- that means affordable prices for us small town folks. The antlers and mason jar light in the basket on my table, my earrings, mug, and rustic tobacco stick star on my wall... And more things in my house not listed. From Sparta, Tennessee!
Listen ladies, shop local. It'll make you feel you're doing your part in the community (okay and also silencing the shopping addiction). Below is a list of websites or Instagram usernames and some Facebook sites where you can find my awesome hometown shops and check them out. 
@sweetilamaes  or www.sweetilamaes.com (Sweet Ila Maes barn sale) 
@thelocallofts (The Local Lofts)
@jongees (Jongees fine gifts and furnishings)
@tinaanstaes (Tina and Taes)
The Fragrant Mushroom 
@the_bluetick or The Bluetick General Store
Enjoy!
Caroline

3 September Favorites

1. Nora Roberts Dark Witch book series
Those who know me know that I started getting into reading about a year and a half ago. Since then, I've read tons of books. My favorite ones are the ones that take you out of your own life and make you feel like you're living in a dreamland. I took a suggestion from a friend and started reading this series a couple of weeks ago. I just finished book two, and I can not wait to start book three. This is the perfect book for fall. It's got just the right amount of suspense and spookiness.
2. Longmire, a Netflix Original
My mom actually heard about this show before me and convinced me to give it a try. I watched the Pilot and two days later found myself half way through Season Two. Let's just say I might be a tiny bit obsessed with this show. It's like an old western cop show with the perfect storyline and action. You will not regret a Longmire binge!
3. Bath & Body Works Fall Candles
Pumpkin Pecan Waffles and Pumpkin Cupcake to be exact. I've been burning these two at the same time, and my stars it is a heavenly smell. Nothing makes me cozier while reading or watching Netflix than a good candle burning! I highly recommend both of these. Also, the B&BW wallflower in Marshmallow Fireside. Lets be realistic for a minute though, I'm not paying $25 for a candle. Check out Retailmenot (linked below) and get great coupons! I use these and wait for sales and stock up. Can't beat that.








LOVE,
KAYLA

Life's a Garden, Dig It




Just a little bit of Joe Dirt for you this morning. Speaking of dirt, this weekend my mom and I decided to tackle my run down, weeded, satanic,"lose-my-salvation over it" yard. One of my favorite quotes from my mom this weekend was, "Well it took two white girls two days to fix this yard but we did it!" Dang right we did, Mom.
As frustrating as it was trying to plant on the side of a hill, it brought some insight and quiet time that I used to compare my yard to my relationship with my 3 year old daughter and most importantly God.... yes, women's minds work in odd ways.
1. Toddlers need attention every single day, and undivided at that. My new plants need watering every day, no off days. However, the daily results will make you sit back in awe.
2. God looked at me and saw a run down, weeded heart and took on the job of restoring it. My heart and my yard have so much in common its weird. But cool.
3.  The end result was absolutely beautiful. I'm in love with my yard. I had my coffee on my deck and stared at my pretty Fallish yard this morning and admired the same yard that  a week ago I despised looking at. The same goes for our relationship with our children and our relationship with God. Between the chaos and driving to dance recitals and pulling gum out of their hair, sit back and admire the beauty in your children. Amazing what a little TLC can do for a child instead of always yelling. Lastly, take time to look at the beauty in YOURSELF. My heart still has "weeds" and I still have days where my attitude is similar to Scrooge, but God works on my heart daily and it's good to acknowledge what He's done.
So, here's to working on our hearts and our yards this Fall.



Love,
Caroline

Sunday, September 20, 2015

About Us

Why did you want to start a blog?

Caroline: A jack of all trades and a master of none- that's the best description of me I could possibly come up with, therefor this blog is going to be exactly that. Lots of experience, ideas, and advice on real life topics and very little mastery at any of them. Ever have a night at home on the couch, or a busy day in the office where you go hide in the break room and think, "I just need a good laugh. I need five minutes of peace, humor, relativity, and a darn good read"? I can't be the only one, and that's what interested me in blogging. Kayla and I are just two women looking to brighten up your day and remind you that this life can be made into a pretty sweet ride. You don't have to be Southern, blonde, or hilarious to relate.

Kayla: I spend so much time online whether it is shopping, watching videos, or looking up recipes. I fell in love with blogs about two years ago, but I never could find a blog that I was a religious follower of. Most were geared toward one main focus, which is understandable, but I wanted a one stop shop so to speak. I want to be able to go to one website and get tips on cooking, running a household, hobbies, and read funny stories that make me laugh without having to switch back and forth. Then I realized Caroline and I both know a lot about each subject. If I can't find a blog like this, why don't we just create one. I have messed around with blogging in the past, but when Caroline suggested we go in it together I couldn't have been more excited to get the ball rolling.


How do you think your personalities compare with each other?

Caroline: Kayla and I should have been comedians but somehow God decided differently, so here we are. All jokes aside, Kayla is my go-to for all things fashion. She's "that girl" that rolls out of bed, puts on skinny jeans, Uggs (where my basic white girls at?), glasses, and a hair in a bun and ROCKS IT.... ends up looking better than I do after 45 minutes of primping. If you can imagine an independent woman who stands her own and isn't afraid of taking life by the horns- thats Kayla. She's my balance. Our personalities are similar and our styles different, but that's what makes her the gravy to my biscuits. Two totally different things that bring balance to each other and make each other the perfect combo!

Kayla: Caroline is a single mom. She has grown and learned about things that I won't know until later on in life. I have built a life on dating here and there, but fully taking care of my responsibilities myself. We both have carefree, big hearts. I would describe Caroline as a southern bell. Everything beautiful, cozy, and country you can imagine wrapped up into one package with a southern draw. I think my home style is a little more hipster than Caroline, but our main loves are the same. We enjoy nature and family just as much as a girls night out on the town.



What is your goal for this blog?

Caroline: I have big dreams for this blog. I want anyone who reads it to feel like we've known each other for years, and reach out to us with their "two cents"! I hope you see God and the way He makes life extraordinary in this blog and I hope you also see the realistic chaos in it. I hope this is a go-to for anyone wanting a good, sassy read.

Kayla: I hope that women find this blog as a place to come and escape for a few minutes weekly. I hope they laugh, cry, and enjoy life with us. I hope they comment, email, and interact with us. It doesn't matter what type of background you come from, we are all just trying to survive life. Why not do it in a way that brings us all together and blesses each one?



Monday, September 14, 2015

COMING SOON

We are two Tennessee girls that love the land we live on and Jesus. One of us with a baby and the other with a puppy. Both single women that own our own homes, pay our own bills, and keep up in our hectic lives. This is our guide to life, love, friendships, home décor, travel, the  best coffee, and fitness.