Wow. Last week was a whirlwind of a week! When I was putting together this blog post, I honestly had to think twice that these events did in fact happen the past seven days. I sure hope the next 65 days fly by just as fast as this past week because that means Christmas festivities will be in full swing and I’ll be reunited with Alex!!! 🙂

I hope you all enjoyed the past week. Mine was full of surprises as you will see below! 🙂 This week, though, you can find me in my office working at my computer from dawn until late night. Tis the season!!! I’m grateful for office time so I can stay on track. Be sure to watch out for recent work on the blog this week because I’m very excited to share what I’ve been up to. <3

It’s time to grab a cup of jo and join me for our coffee talk! 🙂

coffee talk

MOCHA MOMENTS
THE SWEETER MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST WEEK

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NASHVILLE WITH MY LOVE

I’m still flying HIGH because I cannot believe I was able to see the love of my life last week!!! After two months of not seeing each other (in person), the stars aligned! We didn’t expect to see each other until Christmas due to our crazy schedules, especially with his residency rotations and my wedding schedule. However, Hurricane Michael decided to make an appearance in Alex’s town and shut down the hospital, which meant he was out of work for a few days. He talked about a few different adventure plans, and I was excited that he had the opportunity to relax for once! My session ended up being postponed and I realized I had a couple of days where I coulddddd make something happen. Alex casually mentioned that we coulddddd get together. I laughed at the idea and thought, “in my dreams, McDreamy.” 😉 But that thought quickly turned into, “LET’S GO!!!” We had no idea where to go, but we immediately got off the phone and threw a quick bag together and hopped in our cars to head in the direction of Nashville to escape any possible Hurricane Michael mess.

On our drive, we decided to visit Nashville because it was a place we have never been and a place we would love to explore. I could hardly contain my excitement as I drove through the night … I jammed out to music like “500 miles” and Ben Rector’s, “Drive” (so appropriate). The spontaneity made it even more exciting! My sister hooked us up through her Marriott family/friends discount to get us in at the Gaylord Hotel! HELLO. Because we left so late in the day on Tuesday, I didn’t get there until superrrr late, but it was SO worth the drive! Although, when I arrived, I got LOST in the hotel!!!! No joke. It took me 30 minutes to find the room. Besides that little crazy adventure, the hotel was incredible!

Shout out to my mom who watched Ollie for me while I was away (you’re amazing and I’m so grateful!!) and to my sister who hooked us up at the Gaylord (please stay with Marriott forever! HAHA!)!

The happiest!!!! <3

We took the day to not only explore around the Gaylord Hotel, but around Nashville. We even saw a little piece of Greece! 🙂

Alex mentioned that “hot chicken” is a Nashvillian thing. So, naturally, we had to find the best of the best … And gosh, we found it! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!

This was a must — Bourbon tasting! It was my first time trying to “enjoy” fine bourbon. It felt very manly, but it was a cool experience!! I can’t say that sipping bourbon is my thing, but I’m glad we did it. 🙂

The Gaylord is incredible. GEEZ.

For the only real night we had in Nashville, we decided to hit the town! We met up with one of Alex’s great friends from med school and she told us to check out Tootsie’s Birthday Bash! Talk about crazy timing because this free concert happened downtown with big name country artists like Jake Owen, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Randy Houser, Montgomery Gentry and many more! IT WAS SO AWESOME!!! One of my favorite memories from our trip. <3 I cannot wait for many more future adventures with this handsome guy!

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NEW WEBSITE
After all of the hard work that Sam from Refresh Design did to make my website come to life, I cannot believe we made the official announcement last Monday! 🙂 It was a success!!! If you didn’t get to check it out, grab a coffee and look around HERE!!!

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FALL IS HERE!!! And cute props!
I loveeee fall time! Especially up in the mountains with the cutest props around!! 😉 I cannot wait to go back to Skyline Drive and soak in the beautiful fall environment next week!

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THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE
This past weekend, I had to remind myself that I have a BAZILLION things on my plate, but it’s SO important to take time for myself. I spent yesterday attending church, catching up with the sweetest ole friends, and cleaning up my house. Doesn’t cleaning make a HUGE difference in mental health?! I noticed I was feeling overwhelmed and it didn’t help that I had dishes piled in my sink … laundry not put away … filters and fire alarm batteries that needed replacement … plants that needed to be watered … Seriously, I had a longggg list! But I’m so glad that I realized it was a time to be patient and know that everything will work out. 🙂 And everything did because I cleaned my house and I am going into my work week feeling SO refreshed and ready to conquer!!!

Also, I had to include this seasoning in this blog post somewhere … It’s just THAT good. Thanks, Trader Joes for finding a way to brighten my dinner!

ESPRESSO MOMENTS
THE BITTER MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST WEEK

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ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES + COLD WEATHER
Well, as I admitted above, I struggled to keep things in line around my house the past couple weeks. As you can see below … I definitely fell behind with chores. But at least I did laundry, right? 😉 HAHA! Also, as much as I LOVE fall, I just want to bundle up in all of the clothes because my house is freezing! But that’s also because I’m trying to be energy efficient and not turn on the heat. 😉 So hello 62 degrees!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!