Day 494: Lanie!

Lanie came to Knoxville for the National Showdown of Champions - Clogging Competition. And...I got to go to see with her!! Here is to perfect friends, good meals, and genuine conversation.

I didn't have a photo from the competition, so I went with some wedding favorites.





Love you Lanie.

Jesus loves you more.

Day 484: Era by Kristi

Thank you! This boutique might be the best concept that has ever come to the District in Bearden.
Well, first let me explain...
Kristi is back, and they are in their original location. Circa 1999 (I think) and my days of working retail in the district before is was the district.



And they have start something new.



Era by Kristi.

It's "The Fahsion Forward Approach to Designer COnsignment." Not only do you get a good deal on great items, but when you show up in something new to you, no one is going to say - "oh yea, I just saw that in the window at _______."
I picked out a cute little dress for $37. I admit, I never thought I would see a recipt from Kristi for $37. But, it I look forward to many more wonderful finds at Era. And, I am glad to have Kristi back too and look forward to seeing what's new and what's new to me.

Here are a few items from their Facebook page.





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Day 483: Norris

It was a day off. No work pressing. No job searching to do. no snow to keep us inside. Today was MLK Day. In honor of our freedom and our love to America, we ended up on a little road trip through Norris Tennessee. I have been to the Norris Dam as a child and have known a bit of the history. But I learn a little more and loved the drive through this adorable community.

Here's a little overview:

During the 1930s and 1940s the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) built, owned, and administered the community of Norris for fifteen years. After World War II, the government decided to sell the town at auction. On June 15, 1948, real estate broker Henry David Epstein, acting as head of a Philadelphia-based syndicate bought the town for $2,107,500. The Norris Citizens Development Corporation, which had been organized by local residents, raised $1,900,000 but was unable to meet the top bid. In the ensuing years Epstein’s group eventually sold all 341 homes to the citizens. In 1949, the Tennessee General Assembly granted the town a charter of incorporation, and Norris became an independent self-governing community. Continue reading about this "American Ideal"->

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Day 481: Celbrating at Preservation Pub

Saturday night we had a lot to celebrate! Brad got a fabulous job offer on Friday. So, Saturday night, we headed out to Preservation Pub. We told a couple friends we would eb there, in case anyone want to drop by. Well, clearly my husband is pretty popular, cause about 30 people came by to congratulate him. It was so fun and we got to see the new upstairs. You can still enjoy live band from downstairs. But updatirs has got more seating and is a little quiter. It is also better for those of us who want a smoke free location.
Here's to a great night!
And here's to my husband, Brad, and his fabulous new job!

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Day 482: Starbucks (Confessions of a Chain Connoisseur Part II)

Well, the confessions continue as I must admit, I love this place...



Yep, i am all but addicted to Starbucks. And come in often enough to have conversations about engagements and taking out the trash and the weather with the lovely staff at the Knox Plaza location near our house.
My favorite time there is Sunday mornings. I go before church, have my quiet time, pray for the day, oh, and load up with a "venti pikes peak with room for cream." Sunday mornings are fun for me, but they are a bit of a marathon, so this is a perfect way to start the day.

Honestly, coffee, my BIble, and my journal...that is the perfect way to start any day!

Day 480: The Flower Guy

For years, women on first dates with hopelessly romantic men in downtown Knoxville have come face to face with a dark haired stranger. He is not an urban legend. He is always there, subtlety making his presence known, even if you never know his name. (And even if he cannot be found via any internet search when you are trying to find a photo or additional content for your blog entry.)
He is the flower man. He strolls downtown Knoxville and sells roses each night. For first or second dates. For anniversaries no doubt. Or, in my case, on a random Thursday night while grabbing dinner with my husband after downtown meetings.
2 red roses=a sweet Thursday memory.

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Day 479: Panera (Confessions of a Chain Connoisseur)

I didn't know what to call this post...
...Confessions of a Chain Connoisseur?
...Kumbaya food?
...places where I secretly spend vast amount of time?

I honestly didn't really want to admit this. I want to be that person who only patronizes local businesses. I want to be cool and different. But I am not. I go here...



A lot.

I love to meet the girls from West High School at Panera in Merecedes Place. In fact, yesterday morning, I think we really made our presence known as we enjoyed breakfast there before school. i also love to meet other friends and church members there or at another Panera somewhere in town. They are everywhere and they are reliably a good choice. And the soups. I love the soups. I also love the new little card where they are tacking what I buy and trying to market to me in some complex fashion. I love it, cause I get lots free goodies.

So, yes, I confess.

My name is Katie and I frequent Panera Bread.

Next, well, tune in to see my other favorite. Hint: look across the street.