Flower Gleam & Glow: A Trip to the Sunflower Fields of Chattanooga

While I'm really a sunshine state soul trapped in the confines of East Tennessee, I will admit that this state does have some truly natural beauty. You can't argue with the rolling hills, the sprawling mountain ranges, and the endless wildflower fields that stretch on & on. Being out in nature that awe inspiring can really, well, bring you down to earth! It's far too often I get distracted by everyday life, technology/social media, and the need to "keep up with the Joneses" if you will. Sometimes it's nice to just spend a day out in the real world (even so, still have to document it! I know, I know - kind of defeats the purpose it seems, doesn't it?)

Over the weekend the fam & I trekked out to the sunflower fields. One year ago, we were here for the first time, back when I was just a couple months into my pregnancy. This year, I decided to - of course - do a subtle Disneybound & get some cute family photos at the same time. Since we were going to a field of beautiful sunflowers, I felt Punzie was the obvious choice. Unfortunately, the heat had gotten to the sunflowers before we did, so a lot of them were, um, a bit parched to say the least - but beautiful nonetheless to see those sunflowers stretching on for miles in all directions!

Chattalocal: Cabana, ooh-na-na ft. the Westin Hotel

Sometimes you want to get away but can't really "get away" - you might be out of vacation time, have too many responsibilities close to home, or just can't swing that Bora Bora trip right now (or you know, like, ever.) That's where staycations come in. You get that feeling of vacation with a whole lot less commitment - and you'll probably save some green in the process (dolla dolla bills, y'all)!

Since I'm not fortunate enough to live somewhere that a staycation is the same thing as a vacation (I see you, white sand Florida beaches!), I rely on places in & around Chattanooga to give me a little bit of that R&R fix. If you're like me - where the nearest beach is just a hop, skip, & oh, a 6 hour car ride away (7-8 if you factor in rush hour downtown ATL traffic - my own personal hell), you know you can't just pack up & go on a whim. Staying local at a great hotel or bed&breakfast is the next best option!

Sugar Rush: Five Daughters Bakery in Nashville

It's no secret that homegirl loves sweets. I have zero qualms with being that person that legit eats cake for breakfast (donut sundae on the hubgrass at rope drop? Yes please!) and chases said breakfast with a grande peppermint mocha frappuccino, guilt free. Ok...tiny bit of guilt, but I ignore those voices because no one needs that kind of negativity in their life. So what better way to hail the almighty donut than with a sweet outfit post against an equally saccharine & delicious backdrop?

This particular donut mecca is 5 Daughters Bakery in Nashville, but they also have locations in Atlanta, Frnaklin, and in FL, along 30A. Not only was this place too cute to boot, but they had quite possibly the best donuts I have ever eaten (& I consider myself a bit of a sweets connoisseur). Besides being on top of their donut game, 5 Daughters also takes the cake (er...donut?) for cutest mural  - & we all know how much I love a good donut mural!

Red, White & Mickey: A July Fourth Pixie-dusted Look

July 4th is fast approaching, & if you're headed to WDW for the festivities, you're in for some pretty spectacular fireworks! No one does fireworks like Disney, & Independence Day is when the big guns come out in a patriotic salute to all nations, but mostly America (really though, just America).

Take your pick of 2 spectacular July 4th shows. Over at Magic Kingdom, you can catch the "Celebrate America" fireworks, which melds patriotic songs with classic Disney tunes, culminating in a surround sound 360° effect fireworks display. The other show happens at Epcot, which is "Heartbeat of Freedom." It starts out as regular Illuminations but I'm betting there are some extra patriotic surprises thrown in. You can catch the MK show on both July 3rd & 4th, but "Heartbeat of Freedom" is only on the 4th, so check out MK on the 3rd if you want to see both!

Other ways to get in that patriotic spirit include a visit to the Hall of Presidents, The Muppets Present: Great Moments in American History, Voices of Liberty, the American Adventure, & the Dapper Dans (decked out in their July 4th best). Indulge in some of the festive treats offered (dollars to donuts that Starbucks will have some kind of red, white & blue drink), & go for a long stroll down Main Street - because what's more pure Americana than that?! 

I'll be celebrating from TN & catching our local fireworks show, but that isn't going to stop me from reppin' that red, white & Mickey style!