Wilson County Fair

The Mandies continued the celebration of Tyler's birthday with him and some new friends at Wilson County Fair. Set outside of Nashville in a town called Lebanon, it was a bit of a drive to get there. I'm already spoiled by living downtown and within walking/biking distance to all of my favorite bars and restaurants and shops!

As we arrived, we noticed how clean the place was. It was similar to the only other Fair I have been to in the past 10 years. The OC Fair midway is just as much fun. Crazy carnie rides and food. We were there at night so we missed the Monkey Races and petting zoos etc.. We did however find the bumper cars, ferris wheel, swings, and the mouse ride that had us laughing uncontrollably for the rest of the evening. The fair was so much fun!

On our way out we discovered what looked like a tractor museum. So cool! Just beyond it we saw a field of scarecrows and posed for some pics and warmed our hands around the fire. Another fun night with fun friends!

Sloco Lunch

I'm obsessed. I haven't had a good sandwich outside of my kitchen in the longest time. Living in the sticks for a year can do that to you. Yesterday Mandi and I noticed a sandwich shop next door to Las Paletas Popsicles. Today I decided to try it.

The gentleman behind the counter noticed that I was a little lost looking at the menu and he suggested the Vegan Special. As a former vegan and vegetarian I still love vegan food. It's not conducive to my profession to maintain the lifestyle but I do appreciate it. I also really appreciate a great sandwich. He sold me on it and a can of Unsweetened Lemon Tea. The shop prides itself on using organic and local ingredients. They also compost all the waste and recycle the cans. While not just a vegan place, the shop has a cause and a sandwich for everyone.

The vegan option had grilled eggplant and squash with a creamy jalapeño garlic vinaigrette, tofu, and black eyed peas and greens.

The sandwich was phenomenal and had so much flavor. The vinaigrette was spicy and the tofu surprisingly lovely. The size was manageable and not overwhelming. That was important because next door, Popsicle Heaven awaited me!

I went to Las Paletas again and today I tried the Rice Flavor. I was torn between that and Avocado and got to chatting with the girl there. She said each of the creamy bars are about 120 calories and the Avocado is great dipped in chocolate. That will be tomorrows frozen treat! The Rice Paleta was like Horchata on a stick. So light and refreshing on another hot day in Nashville. I can't wait to do it all again tomorrow!

A Surprise For Tyler

Tyler and I have been friends for almost 15 years. No matter what city each of us has lived in, we have managed to see each other and stay in contact. Today is his 35th birthday. He wasn't planning on doing anything to celebrate it. The Mandies and Stacy conspired to throw him a surprise party. We thought it would be easy. Ha!

Tyler had no idea the amount of lies, and conspiracy it took not only to plan the party but to get him to agree to go somewhere at a specific time.

We had a dinner party without him the evening before and the girls got a crash course in fondant decorations for cupcakes. We decided on a Dia De Los Muertos theme, and I think all three of us wanted to kill him at some point during the planning. ;)

On our way, he finally agreed to let us blindfold him and take him to dinner. He thought Stacy was out of town for work, and that it was dinner with The Mandies and us just being weird when we wanted him to play along.

When we finally arrived at the bowling alley, he knew where we were by the sound. We let him take of the blindfold and he was silent. Thirty or so of his friends and family were waiting for him. He was pretty shocked and overwhelmed. It was awesome! We ate, drank, bowled, and had cupcakes! Such a fun surprise for a really fun guy!

Happy Birthday Tyler! I couldn't ask for a better friend! Xo

I'm Addicted To Popsicles

Nashville among it's many perks is a foodie town. It brings me joy to see food trucks everywhere and be able to talk food with all of the wonderful people I am meeting here. Britt, also hails from California and lucky for me, one of her friends suggested she go to Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles. As soon as she mentioned popsicle, I was sold!

The Mandies set out on an adventure yesterday. We had a lunch date at Tavern in Midtown and the food was amazing. Sweet Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Fondue, Tuscan Fries, Short Rib Tacos that I'm now craving again. It was all so delicious.

Our mission for the day along with setting up some last minute details for Tyler's surprise birthday party, was Popsicles! As soon as I saw the menu online, I knew it would become my favorite place! We were not disappointed.

Las Paletas is located in a cool part of town near lots of shops and restaurants. It's small and unassuming. If you were not aware of it's amazingness you would likely just pass on by. The menu includes creamy and fruit paletas. I opted for the Hot Chocolate w/ Chili and Mandi went for Chocolate w/ Mint Chips. Mine reminded me of a fudgesicle with a kick of spice. I'm a huge fan of spice in my sweets so this was a great choice. It will definitely have me going back there on a regular if not daily basis. Mandi was also a big fan. We were like two little girls sitting in the sun, talking business and eating popsicles.

The menu changes on a daily basis, much like the cupcake shops in California. We are so excited to get to try all the flavors! If you're ever in Nashville, be sure to try Las Paletas. You might even see The Mandies sitting outside with big smiles!

Thoughts for today

Good plan:

St. Louis & Waterloo In A Nutshell

I love my friends. I really love my friends who have become my family. Camellia, Mama Bea, Lil Lexi & Bradley live in a small town outside St. Louis, across the state line into Illinois. Waterloo is where Mama Bea has lived for several years. I was excited to see Camellia and her kids.

We had planned to take the children to Six Flags over St. Louis for some roller coaster fun. I am terrified of heights but I got charmed into riding the scary rides with Lexi who is 11 and unafraid.

We also made dinner. Mama Bea's husband Norm had gone to a butcher shop and came home with a pork loin wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños. Camellia and I decided to make our own version. It was amazing.

I took a pork loin and cleaned it. I butterflied it open and filled it with seeded and deveined jalapeños and cream cheese. I rolled it up and with the seam down, I wrapped it in thick slices of bacon. I baked it at 350F covered in foil for 30 minutes, uncovered for another 30 minutes and then turned up the heat to 425F for another 10-15 minutes to better brown the bacon.
I can't tell you enough how good this dinner was. You need to make it!

Pleasant Surprises

The little things that happen to me have such a huge impact on how I get thru and am able to enjoy my days. In never ceases to amaze me how surprises keep happening. Previously I was so excited when a bunch of tulips came up in my front yard.

While I was in Paris I visited the infinitely famous Shakespeare and Co. bookshop. They have an area upstairs for writers. It's a really cool area of the shop. You can feel the history as notes from visitors around the world adorn the bulletin board. There is a little nook that houses a manual typewriter. Inside the enclosed desk area where it sits, there are notes pinned to the walls and Christmas style lights hanging. It's a great little place to escape.

The typewriter was so neat. I took several photos and thought how great it would be to write a story on it. I was inspired by so many things on that trip but that typewriter stood out to me for some reason. When I returned home, I was told that an area of boxes remained untouched by the Estate Sales people. They assumed it was personal because there were slide carousel boxes in the area. I had placed those boxes there at least ten months ago and hadn't really gone thru them.

I pulled the boxes out as I'm getting organized for my move. Inside there was a black case which I had assumed was the slide projector. Uncle Bob figured out how to open the case. He was as surprised as me when he removed the lid. Inside sat a Royal Manual Typewriter. Pristine in its condition and a beautiful blue color. I have never seen it previously. I have no idea what it's history might be. The color is what baffles me most. I am hoping my Aunt Toots will know something about it.

Regardless, I am so excited about it. The strange series of events that led to finding it and the fact that it's discovery happened after the sale is just truly a blessing. Had it been discovered prior, I don't know that I would have appreciated it or have been around to decide wether to keep it.

I'm so inspired by it, and can't wait to use it to write stories and letters. Such a special surprise for a writer. I'm so lucky!