God Bless This Hot Mess

I know it is a little early for New Years resolutions, but I'm trying to implement mine now instead of on a certain date to make sure that they become true habits. One of my resolutions is to have a better prayer life. I do pray, and I think it is a very important part of my relationship with God. That being said, I'm probably not the best at it. I hate admitting this to the public, but hey, we're all human. Hopefully this will help some of you as well. I'm going to tell you a few problems I come across trying to bring my prayer life into my actual daily life.

Sometimes I don't know what to say.

He already knows everything. At least that's what I think sometimes before I pray. Really it's an excuse to do something else and not feel guilty about skipping my prayer. Why would I need to discuss my issues with God if he already knows what is going on and how everything is going to end up. That's when I reread this quote: "Praying doesn't change God, it changes me" by C.S. Lewis. Of course God knows what has happened and what will happen, but you still need to be in constant communication with him in order to stay on the path he laid out for you. If you have offended a friend or family member wouldn't you call and discuss it even though you knew years down the road it wouldn't matter? The same goes with God.

When life is good, I forget to pray. When issues arise I feel guilty that only then do I remember.

That's exactly what happens. When everything is going wonderful I forget to be thankful, and when things go bad the first thing I do is pray. This is a habit I intend to break by getting a notebook and writing down 5 things I am thankful for each day. I hope to include those in my prayers, and let them serve as a daily reminder that things are good today because of God. I want to thank him for the good days instead of just asking for help on the bad days.

I fall asleep during nightly prayers.

Some mornings I wake up and realize all I said before falling asleep was "Dear Lord..." Instead of stopping right there in the morning and finishing my prayer I am usually rushed for time and jump out of bed and get ready for the day instead. I am very aware that laying in a nice warm bed is probably not the best place to pray at night because it is so easy to drift off in the middle of your thoughts. In reality, I should be giving God more than the last few minutes I have left in my day. He has given me so much more than that after all. I intend to start praying at the side of my bed before I get in it. I don't think I could fall asleep in that position, and if I did then God knows I was truly exhausted that night. I'm not saying I won't forget or still slip up, but I'm saying my focus and outlook on prayer needs to be brought to the top of my priority list.

I'm not going to beat myself up. I understand my prayer life may never be as strong as some other peoples, and that's okay. I don't need to be perfect. I don't need to be the strongest prayer warrior in the world. What I need is to be a rock for my friends and my family by lifting them up. I need to be more grateful to my God for all he has blessed me with. I need to regain that connection with my creator that I use to so deeply crave. I need to be me. I only need be the person God made, and try my best every day to remember to keep him first. This is one of my resolutions.



-Kayla

Myths About Single Parenting

Becoming a single mom when my daughter was barely turning one, and now almost three years later, there are things I wish I could tell my younger self. Sometimes becoming a single parent is a choice you decided to make and sometimes there is no choice, you're stuck with it. Either way, there are certain things that can help you thrive instead of survive. So, to many single parents, here's a helpful letter to my younger self and a few myths you should know:

You Should Never Accept Help.
The "I can do it all by myself" attitude is useless. It's truly a myth that you should do it all alone. Some people are bums and some people never got the independent attitude to begin with and this is not what I'm encouraging. There has to be a middle ground. From the time I became a single mom I've worked 40 (sometimes plus) hours a week to provide, and I thought that gave me the right to turn down any sort of help my friends and family offered. YOU need help whether you realize it or not. It's unrealistic to think that you can do this all by yourself (mentally, physically, and financially). Sometimes it's eating dinner at my parent's house after a long day of work because I'm too exhausted to cook something up for my daughter and myself at my own house. Sometimes it's a friend coming over to occupy my daughter so I can avoid a mental breakdown. More often than not, the best help comes in forms other than monetary. Accepting help is not the same as asking for it... and it's okay to accept it.

You Should Never Have "Me" Time.
Myth, myth, myth. Although it does rarely happen, it is A-OKAY to have some alone time and you SHOULD create "me" time. Whether it be a day when you're off work and your son/daughter is at school, or a night when the grandparents have them over, or even a night when the other parent has them, it's okay to ENJOY it. Heck, I create my own alone time on Sundays while my daughter takes a nap. Sometimes I use it wisely and catch up on cleaning and sometimes I don't and I catch up on Netlix or nap with her. Dear younger self, please don't completely exhaust yourself and think you are doing yourself any favors.  Take a bubble bath after she's asleep, enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning before she wakes up. On a night that she's staying somewhere else, go to Hobby Lobby and spend as much time in the decor isle as you want without having to say, "Put that down! Don't touch!". Turn on your favorite Pandora station (Shania Twain Radio all the way) as loud as you want and rearrange all the furniture. Go out with your girlfriends and actually fix your hair for once. Missing her when she isn't around will happen and is inevitable, but don't sit and dwell on it. Stay busy, enjoy yourself, renew yourself. A stressed momma = a stressed little one.

It Will Just All Come Natural
This may not be one you want to hear, but I'm not one to beat around the bushes. As a single parent, there will be situations, lots and lots of situations, where its just you and the little one. She will do things that you are SO not prepared for and your mom never warned you about and it's all up to you to respond. Like the first time she is taking a shower with you and gets curious about your body... ummmm, awkwarrdddddd. The sooner you realize that you won't always have the right answers and you won't always say the right things, the better. Knowing the difference between a hungry cry and a sad cry comes naturally. Knowing the answer to "why is always just you and me" does not. Do the best you can.

At the end of the day, you get to share your home with someone who thinks you hung the moon. No matter how many wrong things you did that day, you get to come home to the one thing you did right. It's the most challenging thing you will ever do in your life and you're going to work twice as hard as your married friends and single friends to provide a steady income, but it's as rewarding as anything you've ever done. Sometimes she will adore you, sometimes she will tell you "you aren't my best friend anymore". Some weeks you will have to eat Spaghetti O's and Ramen noodles and some weeks you'll be able to fix a four course meal. She won't know the difference but she will notice that regardless, you're the one feeding her. It's a myth that it will be easy. It's a myth that at the end of the day you will never have a breakdown. BUT the biggest myth is that you have to be perfect and have it all figured out. Although by definition you're doing it "alone", you have the One who created the stars by your side. 

-Caroline

October Favorites

Fall is officially upon us. The weather has gotten cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and the fashion is getting better. October is one of our favorite months, not only because of Halloween and free candy, but because it's the beginning of the holiday season. This is the time of year when you want to make your home cozy and fill it with family and friends. Today we want to share some of our favorite things, ideas, and hobbies for this time of year.

Kayla: Ah October, the time of year when you watch Hocus Pocus while drinking a pumpkin spice latte with your fall candles lit amidst your homemade décor OR you can turn on a football game, sit on a tailgate, and watch the leaves fall, as you carve a pumpkin. The possibilities are endless. There is so much to do this time of year that it's hard to know where to begin.

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is spending time with my family & friends that I haven't seen in a while. A good way to do this is to host a dinner or a movie night. I have invited some of my family over tonight actually and intend to cook them a wonderful meal (if all goes well... and I don't set the smoke alarms off) and catch up on life. People rarely turn down a home cooked meal. Also my girlfriends and I have been doing a holiday get together for the last several years. Why not make it a Halloween movie night and finally make those cute Pinterest recipes? Or check out some haunted houses for those brave souls. (I'm not going with you, don't even ask.)

Personal Favorites this month: I finished the Dark Witch series by Nora Roberts this month, and I absolutely loved it! Also, I'm currently obsessed with buying fall candles and comfortable clothes. Forever 21 has some great oversize sheep shirts and thick knee socks. I can't think of a better combination than that. Slouchy toboggans are a must for me right now too. Fall rain and wind does terrible things to my hair, and there is nothing easier than throwing on a toboggan over a few curls before heading out! This month I've had an obsession with sushi again. If you know the Cookeville area I highly recommend the Manhattan at Fuji or the Trump at Taiko. Whatever you are loving this month enjoy it to the fullest! It's a wonderful time of year.

Caroline: Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite season is Fall, especially in Tennessee. These are some things that you can do year around but are personally much more enjoyed in October! 

If you're needing time with the girls- visit a Vineyard. Something about bundling up in your cutest Fall outfit and going with the girls to taste some wine and get some fresh air makes for a good combo of belly laughs and cute pictures. If you are near Sparta or Cookeville, Tennessee, I highly recommend Northfield Vineyards.

If you're needing time with your sweetheart- Cades Cove in the Fall. Renting a cabin in Gatlinburg is a must for anyone wanting to visit Tennessee or locals just needing a fun weekend "away"! Cades Cove in an 11 mile, one way loop of pure beauty and is located about 30 miles from Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bears are extra active this time of year there, so you won't be disappointed on seeing what the Smokies have to offer! There's nothing quite like spending times in God's creation with your significant other.... in October.

If you're needing to express your competitive side- go to a football game in Neyland Stadium. Okay, y'all know I'm prejudice because I'm a Vol for life. But seriously, even if you're only coming to Neyland to watch your team play against Tennessee, it's one of the most incredible experiences. Fall means football down South.... at least for me. Although Friday night lights and Saturday tailgates are weekend events my family revolved around when I was growing up, you don't have to know a lick about football to have a great time watching football with friends and family. We plan weddings around football and hunting season 'round here.

If you're needing a family day- corn maze, pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving.... I feel like a 20 something year old stuck in a 4 year olds body! You can keep it low cost and buy some cheap pumpkins and carve or paint them with the kids, or even make leaf piles and jump in them. If you've never jumped in a big leaf pile, well you're missing out. 

There really is just something about sweatshirts, boots, apple and pumpkin spices, bonfires, and tailgating that seem sweeter in the Fall.

Let us know in the comments below what some of your favorites are!

-Caroline & Kayla

True Life: I Love Carbs/ Healthy Dip Recipe

My carbohydrate addiction is a serious thing. Pizza is my favorite food, any pizza... all pizza. I don't discriminate. Did I mention I cover them all in ranch dressing as well. Also on the top of my list is a good steak, potatoes in any form (chips, fries, baked, fried), and especially Mexican! Thank goodness for a good metabolism and an active life. Keeping in mind that metabolism slows for women during their 20's I try to incorporate something healthy now and then. Not near as much as I should, but I'm slowly making progress. 

It's hard for me to eat fruit and vegetables that I buy before they go bad, so I've come up with an alternative. One day I was craving vegetables, and I decided to go to the store and create something myself that would give me that veggie fix. This recipe has been family and neighbor approved with raving reviews, and it is so easy! 

What you'll need:

2 avocados

1 jar salsa (I prefer the chunky)

1 onion

Various peppers: I choose green, yellow, and red

1 can whole kernel corn

1 can low sodium black beans

Tortilla chips of your choice

1/2 bag shredded cheese

Chop all ingredients and place in a large bowl. 

Then add the salsa and shredded cheese. 

Stir well, cover, and place in fridge for an hour to set.

Serve with chips. This makes a huge serving, so you'll definitely want to share. Also, this is a great mix to add to omelets in the morning! I love that it's colorful because you eat with your eyes before you actually eat! You don't have to feel guilty for overeating this dip because it's all fresh. You'll be amazed at how amazing this taste! Comment below if you try it, and let us know what you think.

-Kayla

Champagne Taste On A Beer Budget

I was born and raised below the Mason Dixon which means there are a few things that are just naturally in my blood; you cant have too many shoes, I love to decorate my house for every holiday and occasion, I love to cook homemade, and then there's hunting season. These hobbies and wants of mine aren't free and I'm going to go ahead and assume yours aren't either. Just when you get a deposit into your account and head on over to Hobby Lobby or Sephora, you remember that there's another B word....bills....and BOOM day ruined. Throw in a dash of daycare expenses, school loans, emergencies, etc. and you've got a recipe for stress.
There are a few things that can really help when feeling overwhelmed by checking your bank account.

• Walk through your house and make a list of things that you can live without. Example: extra furniture, unused electronics, clothes, shoes (sigh), lamps, etc. Now heres the hard part- sell them. Cash in hand is better than that cute little desk you never sit at that collects dust.
• Exercise! This doesn't save you money, but it does help your attitude. Going for a short walk or even a two hour session at the gym will lift your spirits and give you time to think straight on how you can get control back of your bank account.
• Do not go to the grocery store hungry. TRUST me! Make a list before you go and STICK to it! Determine how much you need to spend on groceries this trip and try not to spend anything more. Yes, I'm talking to you girls that see that "must have" new, miracle working, $25 razor and throw it in the buggy. Join the Dollar Shave Club and get some of those magic tools for six dollars.

Work hard, play hard. Hikes are free, spending time with friends and family is free, volunteering is free, and then work your butt off to enjoy what isn't free! I'll leave you with this-
 "Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit." Proverbs 23:4
-Caroline

Always A Bridesmaid ♥

Let me start by saying some people are meant to get married earlier than others. Most of my dearest friends, being the 'earlier than others'. I am so overwhelmingly happy for each and every one of them. I have definitely been in a few weddings over the last few years and gotten to see examples of true love. Yes, I still believe in love. Now, as they are having babies and building families, I begin to notice the changes in both of our lives. The biggest change I notice is they are buying diapers while I am buying shoes. It's not a bad change for either of us. It's just the differences in the paths we chose. Most women in a small town nearing 27 years of age would crawl in a hole if they weren't married or didn't have a potential boyfriend. I'm not one of those women. Single life is FABULOUS, and I'm here to tell you why...


Let's start with the basics. When I get home from work at the end of the day, the only mouth I have to worry about feeding is my own (and my dog of course). Also, I feel the need to mention that the only laundry I do is my own. The same can be said for chores. When I get home it looks exactly the same as it did when I left. When you take on a husband and kids this no longer happens I'm sure. You know what's playing on the tv? Whatever the heck I want. You know what's in the fridge and pantry? All my favorites, just for me. (Nobody eats your food when your single, remember that!)
A close friend and I recently discussed traveling and how your late 20s and early 30s is the perfect time to explore! Hopefully, you have found a steady job by this point and can save up to travel or shop. (Spend the money you would have used on a wedding and go to the beach or buy yourself something special). I buy myself a small gift occasionally, even if it's just a bouquet of flowers. You know why? Because I think I need it, and I don't have to talk out my finances with my significant other. You have no ties and all the freedom in the world to come and go as you please!


WAIT!  It gets better!


Did you know you can buy a home and a car on your own? It's completely crazy I know, but I'm pretty sure some women don't think you can. When I purchased a home I actually had someone tell me I was doing it backwards, meaning that I should have found a husband and then a home. Well that person can kiss my front porch steps. I believe everyone's life takes different paths.
I am truly happy at this point in life. Possibly on a mild dating freeze. I'm just not in the mood right now. Why ruin this life I have going by finding Mr. Right too soon? If he's really the one, he'll be around when I get ready for him.... in a few years.


Now let me repeat that my friends are blissfully happy with the decisions they've made, and one day I hope to find love just the same. I'm just trying to point out that if it doesn't happen until I'm 35 I'll be fine because I have learned to truly love myself and my own life. So if you're single, remember all the good things you still have going and get out and enjoy life!


-Kayla

Mom Moments Are Kodak Moments

Imagine there is a woman out there who willingly wakes up every single day and takes on the task of being a nurse, chauffer, teacher, personal chef, guidance counselor, etc. Oh, there's one catch- she doesn't get paid for it and rarely gets recognition. She goes by, "Mom". One thing our children don't get enough recognition for, however, are being comedians.

There are tons of books out on the market right now that will give you an A-Z run down on what to do the night you bring your precious mini me home for the first time, but what about the YEARS after that?! As absolutely chaotic as it can get being a parent I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't say that I have had the hardest crack-ups through this journey. Below are some hilarious pictures of my daughter that are outcomes of "mom moments".

1. Accidentally dozing off while the little ones are still awake....
That moment when your three year old wakes you up at 3am to let you know she has to potty. After dozing off you open your eyes and have that thought we have all had, "OH CRAP. WHERE IS SHE/HE, WHAT HAPPENED, IS SHE STILL ALIVE, HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN ASLEEP? OH CRAP." Below is what happened to me the first night that happened. I looked over to see a little blonde headed zombie fast asleep on my toilet. Talk about a belly laugh.

2. My child only eats organic and does NOT watch tv.
Okay, that's not true at all, but don't we all start off parenthood saying that? That moment when it's 7:00pm after a long day of work and you're doing all you can to fix something semi-healthy and entertain your little one and you hear, "Mommy I don't like that, watch this, come here, what is that? why does it look like that? what are you cooking? I don't like that, I'm tired, I'm not tired, that food smells funny". Yep. The momster comes out and she sounds something like this, "HERE. EAT THIS CHOCOLATE BAR AND GO SIT ON THE COUCH AND WATCH WHATEVER YOU WANT FOR 15 MINUTES, PLEASE!!!!" Guilty.

3. Letting nature do its thing.
I am an outdoorsy girl and I'm raising my daughter to hopefully be the same. From the time my daughter, Adalee, was born we have always gone on long walks outside. Recently my mom and I decided we were going to go for a little walk with Adalee in the country at the farm where they live. Less than a mile out I hear the dreaded words, "I have to poop." Most mom's might turn around and run to the house. Some would tell their child to hold it, but I did what I had to do. Outdoorsy girls need to learn this skill eventually anyway, right?

 

 

 

Let them be little. Take a step back and a deep breath, moms, and capture the moment. Post comments or emails us with your moments, too!

Love, Caroline

 

 

3 Cookeville Secrets

1.    Salads & More

When they say don't judge a book by its cover, they're talking about Salads & More. Tucked away behind the Hobby Lobby shopping center this little gem is one of the best kept secrets of Cookeville. I only found out about this place a couple of years ago. Its ran by a group of super friendly women that always have fresh produce, homemade dressings, and homemade desserts. They are only open on weekdays and only during lunch hours. Inside there are two bars that will help you build the salad of your dreams, literally. They only accept cash or check so don't try to take a credit or debit card in or you'll leave hungry. After you build your salad and pick out a dessert and drink they weigh it and off you go. It's cheap, delicious, and one of my many go to places. You won't find a better or more reasonably priced salad in town.

2.    31twentyfive Boutique

Can we take a moment of silence for these super cute t-shirts and these beautiful sisters (Ali and Hillary) who are Cookeville natives. Did we mention Ali also does DIY décor?? Caroline and I definitely want to express that we love shopping local, and we also want to help support all the women out there chasing their dreams. Now lets get to the goods: you need to check them out on Instagram at @31twentyfiveboutique. Like right now... Do it. Good heavens, we could not love the style of this store more. It's all we need in life besides a raise at work to shop here more. Sassy, vintage, boho, country, and adorable. My list could go on. Every time they post a picture of their new arrivals my heart stops for a second, and I just feel like they get it. These girls get fashion! Enough said.

3.     The Coliseum

Alright, hold your judgment because if you have seen this building before you are well aware that it has been renovated several times for different businesses. I honestly hope this one is here to stay. They have skee ball, old school pac man, air hockey, playstations and different Nintendo systems set up, darts, roughly 20 gaming systems with the old school greats, and some seriously good fried pickles. During the early hours of the afternoon it is absolutely kid friendly! They open at 4pm. I wouldn't recommend staying past 8ish if you have small children though because they do play some board games that might involve some adult language later into the night. Be forewarned, there is an adult bar in this building, but there is also a coffee bar. It is usually pretty quiet, an overall good experience, and something the kid-o's love. Yes, I have been many times with a 5th grader. Thirty dollars should be all you need if you are an average gamer. You can get a snack, a drink, and play games all night because most are only $0.25 each!

-Kayla

 

Mondays in Knoxville

When Kayla and Caroline asked me to blog about my new ventures in Knoxville, I could not have been more excited!  I, like Kayla and Caroline, am a native of the lovely rural town of Sparta, Tennessee. I am proud to be a southern, God-fearing woman that was raised understanding the value of hard work and showing respect and hospitality to others. 

I have now lived in the great city of Knoxville for officially one month!  Knoxville is an interesting city, in that it is a moderately-sized city but with a hometown feel.  You can find a farmer’s market or festival around every corner, and what’s more is that the people are almost as sweet as the sweet tea here. 

So if you are coming to the town painted orange, there are a couple “musts” you will want to check out.  

Interestingly, Mondays are my favorite.  Why Monday you ask?  Why the presumably worst day of the week?  And my answer is….Market Square, running, beer, and wings.  What more could a southern gal want? 



Market Square back in the day.

Mondays are perfect for a quiet stroll through the Historic Market Square in the heart of the downtown area.  After the crazy antics of the weekend have hushed, Mondays offer the perfect time to explore the downtown area without all the hustle and bustle.  The Market Square was first established in 1854 and was originally a place for farmers of the region to sell their fresh produce.  Nowadays you can find yourself stumbling upon a free concert, local vendors selling their products, and even ice skating in the winter! Make a quick stop for coffee at Old City Java and take in the sights and stores along the way. 

Market Square now.

The next stop is Bearden Beer Market in West Knoxville which offers Monday evening Fun Runs that are typically 3 to 5 miles in length.  The runs transverse through quaint neighbors or portions of town speckled with background sceneries of mountains and lakes.  After you work up a good sweat, you can cool off with $1 off pints of your choice.  This is a great place to meet new faces and mingle with like-minded individuals.  It is pet-friendly so fur babies are welcomed.  

After a run, you may be craving some juicy wings.  Did I mention 20 cent wings?  Yes, my typical bill on Mondays at Blue Chips Sports Pub and Grill is always under 4 dollars!  (Side note: The Blue Chip Original wings are my favorite.) Now let me forewarn you, this place is not fancy.  Nor does it make you feel sophisticated. It is a smoky pub filled with billiards, darts, and a juke box.  But let me tell you….the wings are sure to not disappoint. 

Stay tuned for more Knoxville area finds and until next time...

Kaci

Praying For Your Future Husband

Over the past week or so I have been reading a book about praying for your future husband. So, what exactly does that mean? I could be totally wrong, but I don't think it means fervently praying that a brick falls on your current boyfriends head today when he does something wrong...
To me, it means that day in and day out, I'm not going to pray FOR a husband, but I am going to pray specifically for HIM. Let me start by saying that I am single and I do not have the slightest idea who my husband will be. But God knows. And He isn't going to cross our paths until both of our hearts are prepared for it (or at least thats what I pray). That is why it's so neat to pray for your future spouse. Here is an example of an exact prayer I have prayed recently for my future spouse:

Lord, today I stressed out about school work- please comfort my spouse's heart if he is stressed out today, too. Today I realized that I have a very independent personality and struggle with handing over control of my life to You. If my future spouse is struggling with handing over control to You, too, show up in his life like you have mine and assure him you have plans to prosper him and never to harm him, just like you have shown me. Please teach him patience. I burnt the bacon this morning and he will need patience for when I forget I have something in the oven. I need him to fall in love with you before he falls in love with me. I trust you will wait until he does to point him in my direction. When you send him my way, I would be okay with him having dark hair and a pretty smile and an outdoorsman. Amen.

I was just being completely, open-heartedly honest with God. Do you know what praying for my future spouse really does? It strengthens MY prayer life. It helps me notice the flaws in my own life that I need to continue to work on. When I'm praying for someone else's heart I notice the things in my own heart that I want to fix. It helps me have patience with God's timing. Besides, maybe God knows I'm not ready to share the tub of ice cream in my freezer for the rest of my life with anyone else yet.
Now is the best time to work on your own life while you are single.
Instead of going completely out of your way to meet new guys or even staying with a current boyfriend because you're "comfortable", take this time to do more praying for your future husband (wether that be your current boyfriend or someone you've never met) and less time praying that Mister Right will walk up to you tomorrow with a ring.

"Dance with God and He will let the perfect man cut in."

-Caroline

Mini Home Tour

One thing I absolutely love in my home is color and comfort. It has taken me over two years to realize what I love and what works. I love DIY decorations pieces, and I like my home to be original. I have a "bachelorette pad" that I can decorate however I like. My old roommate can confirm that I love changing things around, but I've finally got everything laid out nice. 

 This is my kitchen overview. I love that it's colorful and clean. Luckily, I have plenty of cabinet and counter space, and cooking in this room feels so nice. You can actually still see where the original owners painted and wrote I love you on the wall in paint if you look at it the right angle. 

I do change the decor throughout the year, and one of my favorite places to find unique pieces is World Market. This elephant cookie jar from there is my favorite! Most of the other decor came from the dollar general near my home. They have some cute stuff!!!

My favorite room in the house is my living room. I had to recruit a couple of man friends to help set up the book shelves. It's not as easy as it looks! The tv stand use to be black, then green, and now white. It just kind of fell into place. The cabinet on the left came from an estate sale and it matches my kitchen table. Of course I love to read and watch netflix so this room is my happy place.

This is a handmade coffee table that I bought from an antique store in Algood, Tennessee. It is an old window that opens on top. I keep quilts, old records, and magazines in it. It was handmade by the owners, and I absolutely LOVE it! Of course you can't forget the candles.

I also love to add a touch of fall, and fun pieces to my tv stand and book shelves! Also, one of my favorite pictures of my nephew when he was little.

Since my roommate moved out I had to redo the spare room, and I found this amazing tapestry at Society 6. They have hundreds to choose from, and the size is perfect. I added a few plants and called it a day.

I hope you guys loved my mini home tour, and I hope you share some decor of your own for inspiration. I always wanted a home, not just a house.

http://www.worldmarket.com/
Find Junk in the Trunk on Facebook
Society6.com


Love,
Kayla

Our first guest blogger

We are so excited to announce our first guest blogger, Kaci. She recently moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and is going to be sharing all of the city's secrets. Stay tuned for her tips on places to eat, stores to visit,  and activities to try if you find yourself in east Tennessee.