PINEWOOD SOCIAL

This past Sunday was definitely a fun-day. Me and seven other lovely bloggers of Blog Nashville had a little brunch at Pinewood Social, Nashville's newest hangout spot. It's safe to say I'm obsessed and already making plans to go back.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Pinewood Social, let me elaborate. A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to hear brothers Max and Ben Goldberg speak about the beginnings of their Nashville enterprises. They own a series of well known restaurants and bars in Nashville: Merchants, Paradise Park, The Catbird Seat, and The Patterson House. All establishments are fabulously wonderful and unique in their own way, whether it's Paradise Park with it's cheap drinks, green astroturf and tater tots and grilled cheese, or the famous Catbird Seat, with a meal that's more of an experience than just food on a plate.

Pinewood Social. The idea came because the Goldbergs were spending so much time in coffee houses and restaurants while working. Except the thing was they never felt like they could just sit for four hours and work, or hang out and meet up with people - they had to get up and give someone else a seat. And there was nowhere in Nashville where you could really do that. So the idea of Pinewood Social was born. 

It's a place where you can literally spend all day if you want. Brunch (waffles or chicken & biscuits!!!) or coffee in the morning, do a little work here and there, have lunch, bowl a little, do more work, meet friends for happy hour (the cocktails are awesome), get dinner and dessert - bam, you just spent your whole day in one place. I mean, to me it's brilliant. Plus, the aesthetic and just everything about it feels cool. It's a huge open warehouse with couches and booths and seating everywhere. It's inviting, it's warm, it's fun. It's the place you want to hang with your girlfriends over a long brunch, go on a date and bowl and have a few drinks, or just slump in a chair and read a good book. You can rent private rooms and karaoke with friends or have a viewing party for the Super Bowl. There's supposed to be a pool and bocce ball opening this spring. I mean, seriously. How much better can it get? Pinewood Social can literally be anything you want it to be. It's a place to meet.

Can you tell I'm obsessed? I warned you :) If you live in Nashville, add it to your must-do list. And if you're planning on visiting, also add it on your must-do list. I'm telling you - it won't disappoint.

J.CREW STYLE SESSIONS

Last week I went to J.Crew. Not unusual, considering I stalk the store and website regularly. Except this was a special trip to J.Crew because it was one of their StyleSessions. New Holiday arrivals filled the store - giving me and Jessica no option but to style a few outfits! The lace skirt pictured above caught my attention immediately. I love how easy it is to dress up or down. You could easily wear it with a chambray or buffalo check shirt for a more casual look like I did, or add a pretty silk blouse, heels, and statement jewelry for a more dressy occasion. It's definitely one of those pieces that will always be in style. Sadly, it didn't come home with me - trying to be good with Christmas coming up - but it's on my wishlist! 

In more J.Crew news: If you are a Cardmember, receive 30% off any online purchase through midnight tonight! Perfect for early Christmas shopping!

all images c/o Jessica Sweatt

LE TOUR DE NASHVILLE

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go on a tour of Nashville and The Ryman Auditorium with other Nashville bloggers. It was such a fun way to spend a Sunday morning and afternoon (although it seemed a little early to be dowtown!) and it was great to meet other bloggers in the area.

Gray Line Tours TN gave us a great tour - both of the Ryman and throughout the city. It's a great and very informative way to see the city and I highly recommend it to anyone who comes to Nashville and wants to do a little sight seeing. Our walking tour guide was fantastic and gave such an in depth history lesson (not in a bad way!) of the Ryman Auditorium. There's so much history behind the once-home of the Grand Ole Opry that I was completely oblivious to! After that we went on a trolley tour, making several stops that you can hop on and off at - The Farmer's Market, Marathon Village, The Parthenon, Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and The Ryman. We naturally had to stop a time or two for a photo opportunity!

Huge thank you to Gray Line Tours for hosting us, and Zipporah, the amazingly talented photographer who captured all the moments I just shared with you!

LIFE LATELY

Today is November 11... how did that even happen? I swear it was the beginning of October just yesterday. The fall is absolutely flying by and it's seriously going to be Christmas before we know it. In the meantime, I'm just enjoying these beautiful fall days we've been regularly having in Nashville. Those super blue sky, bright red, orange, and yellow leaves, 56 degree kind of days. It's so lovely. 

I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus because work hit busy season and I honestly didn't have the brain power or energy to devote what I needed to this lovely little blog of mine. This past week - and weekend - was a great one though, so I have no choice but to share!

Here's what's happened: It was CMA Awards week in Nashville, so I went to a singer/songwriter event on Tuesday which was really, really cool. These guys - and girl - have written hits for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood... the list goes on. I also got to meet Brett Eldredge at a private little concert with People Magazine. Also really, really cool. Wednesday I went to the CMA Awards and it was ah-mazing. Taylor Swift's stripped down version of Red was one of my favorite performances of the night. Keith & Miranda and Carrie also were fabulous.

This weekend I went out Friday night, which was fun, and then laid low and watched football Saturday. Yesterday I had a very Sunday Funday. Bloggers in Blog Nashville were able to go on a tour of Nashville and a get a backstage tour of the Ryman Auditorium through Gray Line tours.  More on that to come - but it was so fun meeting other Nashville bloggers! Then Sunday night I finally made it out to Cheekwood for the Bruce Munro light exhibit. The lights were so beautiful and it's amazing how much time and detail must have gone into creating each display. I'm so glad I got to see it - just in time before it closes!

Hope you all had great weekends as well - Happy Monday!