Book Review: How to Change A Life By Stacey Ballis

HOW TO CHANGE A LIFE 

By: Stacey Ballis

Published: August 15, 2017

Publisher: Berkley

Fiction




Three Chicago freshmen meet on the first day of school in English class and become the best of friends thanks to their beloved teacher, Mrs. O'Conner. But, now that they are adults, life has pulled them apart a bit. Lynne lives the glamorous, high-powered life in LA. Teresa still lives in Chicago and is married with kids. Eloise is living her dream as a personal chef in Chicago after living in Paris for several years. When all of them run into each other at the funeral for Mrs. O'Conner, they resolve to stay in touch and even complete a bucket list before they all turn forty.

The book mostly focuses on Eloise and her life with her clients that she cooks for, her mom and aunt, and her chef BFF, Marcy. I found all the characters current and relatable and could see this story playing out in real life. In the beginning, Eloise feels like she has a pretty good life. She is happy to live in her house with her state-of-the-art kitchen and sweet Corgi. She doesn't need a man in her life after what happened in Paris and is content to be a personal chef. Once she reconnects with her high-school friends and the bucket list bet is created, the reader sees Eloise step out of her comfort zone and start to make some changes in her life. I loved the bet and how each woman was challenged to try something different in their life. From spicing up a marriage to networking to being creative, it even inspired me a bit to find ways to add to my own life.

One of Eloise's challenges is to go on dates and she ends up meeting someone that she really connects with. When their relationship comes up on a hurdle that seems insurmountable, Eloise must decide what is really important in her life and how to manage the relationships that could be impacted. I found this development to the story interesting and how each of the people she trusts offered a piece of advice that was helpful to Eloise.

Since Eloise is a chef, the book includes many descriptions of amazing dishes and meals. At times my mouth was watering and at other times I felt the litany of food that was served to be excessive. The author is also a foodie and you can tell she has a passion for it in her writing. Recipes are included at the end of the book for food that was a major part of the story. I definitely want to try the Cornflake Cookies.

This is a very discussable book because the characters are so relatable and there are many situations to reflect upon. I could see book clubs reading this book and making the recipes to enjoy while discussing. This book is light-hearted, even though the topics are realistically heavy at times. But, you will find yourself laughing, maybe crying, and possibly wanting to adopt a Corgi.

Stacey Ballis - source

Stacey Ballis is the author of ten foodie novels. She has also authored a cookbook and is a contributing author to the several anthologies. Her non-fiction cooking pieces can be read at ExtraCrispy.com and Bake From Scratch Magazine. For more check out her website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of HOW TO CHANGE A LIFE, click the photo below:



Thanks to the publisher for sending this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.  

Children's Book Review: Duck and Hippo Lost and Found by Jonathan London

DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND

By: Jonathan London

Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner

Published: August 15, 2017

Publisher: Two Lions

I am thrilled to introduce you to another adventure with Duck and Hippo. The first book, DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM was a delightful story of an unlikely friendship and I've been anxiously waiting for the new adventure to arrive.

Hippo and Duck are the best of friends even though they may not be the most likely pair. They want to celebrate the end of summer and decide to have a picnic with all of their friends. Everyone arrives at the pond with their favorite goodies and just when they are about to eat, Hippo realizes he forgot to bring food to share. Not willing to partake without contributing, he sets off to find some berries in the woods. Unfortunately, as the title suggests, Hippo gets lost...or does he? It's another silly adventure with Duck, Hippo, and their friends that your child will get a kick out of reading.

I adore the colors, the expressions, and the large letters to help children identify the words to read on the pages. Elephant's surprised face or Hippo's joyful "Hello" is sure to engage the kids and get them excited to read the story along with their parents. I also appreciated how all of Hippo's friends wanted to wait to eat until he got back and then still put off their eating to go and find Hippo. The party wasn't going to happen without Hippo and teaches children about enduring friendships as well as manners.

I think these characters could get into lots of silly adventures and keep your children interested for years to come! There are also some fun activity pages to go along with the book. You can download those, HERE.

This Giveaway is now closed. Annette was the lucky winner! Thanks to all who entered! 

Two Lions is generously giving away a set of the Duck and Hippo books--DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM and DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND--to one lucky US resident. Check out the rules below and enter to win by completing the form below.

Jonathan London - source

Jonathan London has written more than one hundred children's books, including the bestselling Froggy series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. He is the author of the popular Duck and Hippo series, illustrated by Andrew Joyner. Many of his books explore nature, among them Flamingo Sunset, illustrated by Kristina Rodanas, and Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica, illustrated by Julie Olson. He is also the author of the Aaron's Wilderness middle-grade series, illustrated by his son Sean London. Jonathan lives in Graton, California. Learn more online at www.jonathan-london.net.

Andrew Joyner - source

Andrew Joyner is an illustrator, author, and cartoonist based in South Australia. He has illustrated a number of picture books, and he wrote and illustrated a chapter book series about a warthog named Boris. He is the illustrator of the popular Duck and Hippo series, written by Jonathan London. He has also illustrated for newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, and Rolling Stone magazine, among others. Learn more online at www.andrewjoyner.com.au.

To purchase a copy of DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.

Children's Book Review: Duck and Hippo in a Rainstorm

DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM

By: Johnathan London

Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner

Published: March 1, 2017

Publisher: Two Lions

Fiction

We loved the Froggy series when our kids were little. The author, Johnathan London, is back with a new series including adorable characters that are the best of friends. Duck and Hippo are friends even though their size differences sometimes get in the way. When Duck shows up at Hippo's house to ask him to go for a walk in the rain, Hippo realizes it isn't easy for both of them to fit under Duck's umbrella. But, he finds ways to make it work because they are friends.

Children will love the silly antics of both Duck and Hippo. They will love the illustrations and expressions of their faces. They will learn about problem-solving and finding adjustments to make something work. I just love the color scheme of the illustrations and how adorable Joyner has created the characters. This is a new series with the next book in the series, DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND coming out in August 2017.

Duck and Hippo are true friends despite their differences. This new series about friendship will create a whole new group of fans of the author, Jonathan London. For more fun, check out the activity sheets for DUCK AND HIPPO, HERE.

Johnathan London - source

Jonathan London is the author of more than one hundred children's books, including the bestselling Froggy series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Many of his books explore nature, among them Flamingo Sunset, illustrated by Kristina Rodanas, and Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica, illustrated by Julie Olson. He is currently writing a middle-grade series, which started with Desolation Canyon, illustrated by his son Sean London. Jonathan lives in Graton, California. Learn more online at www.jonathan-london.net.

Andrew Joyner - source

Andrew Joyner is an illustrator, author, and cartoonist based in South Australia. He has illustrated a number of picture books, and he wrote and illustrated a chapter book series about a warthog named Boris. He has also illustrated for newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, and Rolling Stone magazine, among others. Learn more online at www.andrewjoyner.com.au.


To purchase a copy of DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM, click the photo below:




To preorder a copy of DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Book Review: The Ones Who Matter Most By Rachael Herron

THE ONES WHO MATTER MOST

By: Rachael Herron

Published: April 5, 2016

Publisher: NAL

Fiction



This is my second Rachael Herron book and I'm becoming quite the fan. The first book of Herron’s I read, SPLINTERS OF LIGHT, was one I really enjoyed, covering the delicate topic of Early Onset Alzheimers. See my review, HERE.

THE ONES WHO MATTER MOST will likely be a favorite of 2016 for me. Herron takes a story with an interesting plot and engages the reader from nearly the first page. This tale of friendship didn’t happen easily but the end result will have you grabbing a Kleenex and wishing you could have friends like Abby and Fern.

After her doctor lets it slip that her husband got a vasectomy behind her back, Abby decides it is time to get a divorce.  Abby feels betrayed after months of trying to have a baby with no results. When Scott returns home from work, Abby tells him their marriage is over. He seems to be unaffected and goes upstairs to get ready for bed. What Abby finds instead, is her husband lying dead on the floor. In the ensuing days and weeks, Abby tries to understand her grief and despair over a husband she no longer wanted. She tries to grasp the idea of a lonely life ahead for her. With both her parents gone and a sister who died before she was even born, she truly has no family. Even though she has plenty of friends and her mom’s best friend, Kathleen, as an amazing mother figure, she feels alone. While going through her deceased husband’s desk, she finds a box full of photos of a woman and child she does not know. Her search reveals something so shocking about her husband that she must find the woman and child to know the whole truth.

Fern has been doing everything she can to get by while raising her son, Matty, and taking care of Elva and her father-in-law, Wyatt. Her salary as a city bus driver barely covers their expenses and she is one disaster away from losing everything she has worked so hard to establish. Then Abby shows up on her doorstep and Fern's life is turned upside down. Fern is a stubborn, independent, Hispanic single mother who isn't about to let a rich, skinny, white girl into her family's life. Herron creates conversations and characters so vividly that you can picture them in your mind while reading. There is a vast difference in the community that Fern lives in and Abby’s much more posh lifestyle. Their complete separation of class and culture makes it nearly impossible for them to see each other as anything but the enemy. But, as fate intervenes and walls crumble, Fern sees that keeping Abby out of their life isn’t in any of their best interests. Forces beyond her control show her that the definition of family isn't as narrow as she originally thought.

I haven’t read a story where I felt this engaged and invested in some time. I found myself truly frustrated over the character’s choices and emotional over others. I was a little put off by Herron’s racy details and felt they were unnecessary, but it seems that the explicit descriptions are the trend for today’s readers.

As you can imagine, Herron creates multi-dimensional characters that struggle, have fears, make bad decisions, have regrets, and forgive. They love hard and are hard to love. Both Abby and Fern are successful, strong, and independent in many ways, while weak and needy in others. Their friendship builds and crashes and rebuilds over the chapters and what develops is truly something I didn't predict. Even the secondary characters of Matty, Wyatt, and Fern’s brother, Diego, give depth to the story with compelling and honest reactions to Abby and Fern's choices. Herron's novel cultivates a friendship between two very unlikely sources. It’s messy and awkward and scary, but it will change your view of what it truly means to be part of a family.

Favorite Quote:

"It ached so much, opening like this. 

Her chest creaked with it, and it was hard to remember the combination 

to open the locks she'd put around her heart."

Rachael Herron - source

Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of the novel PACK UP THE MOON, the five book Cypress Hollow romance series, and the memoir, A LIFE IN STITCHES. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, and when she's not busy writing, she's a 911 fire/medical dispatcher for a Bay Area fire department.  She lives with her wife, Lala, in Oakland, California, where they have more animals and instruments than are probably advisable. Rachael is struggling to learn the accordion and can probably play along with you on the ukulele. She's a New Zealander as well as an American. She's been known to knit.  For more on Rachael Herron, check out her website, HERE. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE and Twitter,HERE. 

To purchase a copy of THE ONES WHO MATTER MOST, click the photo below:

A post from today, 6 years ago - Kids Take Charge

A post from today, 3 years ago - Reagan's Fairy Garden 

Thanks to the publisher for sending an eBook copy of the book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Book Review: The Gift of Friendship Edited by Dawn Camp

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
Stories that Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments

Edited by: Dawn Camp

Foreward by: Jennifer Dukes Lee

Published: February 16, 2016

Publisher: Revell

Non-Fiction/Christian

I couldn't possibly get through life without my girlfriends. I have friends that I've known since childhood, friends from college that I've reconnected with because our kids are in the same school, best friends and casual friends, and friends for all seasons of my life. Each one fills a need in my heart and knows just what to say or do at just the right time. When we moved to this small community over twelve years ago, I was nervous about leaving my friends behind, knowing that with some of them, I would lose that daily connection, but hoping that new friends would fill that gap. There is always that trepidation about introducing yourself and trying to find that connection with a new person. Thankfully, I have been blessed to be surrounded by an amazing group of women in my community that I consider to be some of my closest friends.

Friendship is born at that moment when one says to another: "What! You too?"

C.S. Lewis

This collection of stories from well-known Christian authors, celebrates everything that friendship is about. It celebrates those moments when a friend knows just what to say when you're hurting, it acknowledges those moments when you are feeling vulnerable, and reminds you not to compare yourself to other moms in this "pinterest perfect" society. There are plenty of stories that you can identify with.  I expect many of them will encourage you to reconnect with a friend when a story reminds you of a certain friendship or memory.

I had one particular story that resonated quite strongly with me and that was the one by Melissa Michaels. Her story of "Lessons in Hospitality from my Hairstylist" brought me to tears. Many of us wouldn't think of our hairstylist as our friend, but I sure did. Mary was my hairstylist for many years and I looked forward to seeing her every six weeks, catching up on our lives, sharing both the good and the bad. She was a friend to me while I was an exhausted stay-at-home mom. I wasn't always able to have my appointments without the kids tagging along and she never minded. The kids adored her and she always had a drawer full of cookies ready for them. This story hit me emotionally because Mary died of an aneurysm just five years ago. In fact, the day I read this story was on that five year anniversary. Michaels's story reminded me of how much I miss that friendship but yet so thankful I had it at that time in my life. Mary was the epitome of hospitality and kindness as a hairstylist and a friend and I miss her dearly.

As you can imagine, there are numerous other stories that will remind you of the joy in having meaningful friendships. This book would make a wonderful gift for a friend that you want to thank for being a part of your life. You can read a few stories a night and go to sleep with a smile on your face and a prayer to God for placing these special women in your life. 

My friends have made the story of my life. 

In a thousand ways they have turned my limitations into beautiful privileges.

Helen Keller

Dawn Camp - source

Dawn Camp is the camera-toting, homeschooling mother of eight children. A featured blogger at (in)courage, her beautiful photography previously graced their monthly calendar and currently decorates the desktops of women around the world. Camp blogs at MyHomeSweetHomeOnline.net and is a featured photographer on Adobe's website for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom software. She lives with her family in metro Atlanta.

To purchase a copy of THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP, click the photo below:

A post from today, 8 years ago - Always A Mom

A post from today, 6 years ago - Be Prepared

A post from today, 5 years ago - New Toy Sneak Peak from Cepia

A post from today, 4 years ago - Dandelions are Useful?

A post from today, 2 years ago - Books that Came My Way in April 2014

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Book Review: A Week at the Lake By Wendy Wax

A WEEK AT THE LAKE

By: Wendy Wax

Published: June 23, 2015

Publisher: Berkley

Fiction



Emma, Serena, and Mackenzie have been best friends since college. Every summer they have gathered at Emma's family's lake house to catch up on life and relax. But, the last five years, these friends haven't been in touch with each other at all and there haven't been any gatherings at the lake house. Then out of the blue, Serena and Mackenzie receive an invitation asking them to come to the house this summer. Emma has a secret she can no longer keep and has chosen to get her friends together to celebrate her daughter, Zoe's, 16th birthday and unbeknownst to Serena and Mackenzie, finally share her secret. When Serena and Mackenzie are on the way to the lake house, they get a text that Emma was in an accident and she is now in a coma. Both of Emma's friends try to understand why she invited them now, while hoping they get a chance to find out.

The beginning of the book moved along quickly. I enjoyed getting to know Emma, Zoe, Serena, and Mackenzie and their history together. Since Emma and Serena are famous actresses, it added a bit more to the story including Emma's estranged family and the paparazzi that surrounded the hospital. There was some climatic moments after the accident while waiting to see if Emma would ever wake up. Frankly, once the story moves to the lake house, the pace of the novel slowed down and I, just wanted to get to the big reveal of the secret, which wasn't revealed until the last fifty pages. I was pretty sure I knew what the secret was and I was correct. Most of the novel is quite predictable including the romance piece. But, I still found reasons to continue reading and enjoyed the banter with the characters.

Each of the characters are flawed and you will be able to relate in some way to their situations. Of course there is a happy ending even after the betrayal is revealed. The reader is reminded that telling the truth is more important than trying to protect friendships.  A WEEK AT THE LAKE is a great light read for tucking in your beach/pool bag and reading under the sun.

Side note: I love the cover. It says summer and relaxing and is a perfect image for the story.

Favorite Quote: "There was no room on her life raft for the oversize emotions that swamped her." 

Wendy Wax - source

Wendy Wax is the author of numerous popular contemporary fiction novels including TEN BEACH ROAD and OCEAN BEACH.  For more on Wendy, check out her website, HERE.  You can also like her on Facebook, HERE and follow her on Twitter, HERE.


To purchase a copy of A WEEK AT THE LAKE, click the photo below:

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review . If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews. 

Book Review: The Vintage Teacup Club By Vanessa Greene

THE VINTAGE TEACUP CLUB
A Novel

By: Vanessa Greene

Published: November 5, 2013

Fiction




In this debut novel by Vanessa Greene, we are swept away to England for a touching story of friendship and how a vintage teacup can bring three women together for a lifetime.  The story begins with Jenny, a bride-to-be in search of teacups for her wedding reception.  Upon finding the perfect set, she is surrounded by Alison and Maggie, who also have eyes on the exact same set.  An argument begins, but ends with all three women deciding to share it.  They agree to let Jenny use it first for her wedding reception, then Maggie will use if for her demanding bridal client's Alice in Wonderland wedding reception, and finally, Alison will use it to fill with her popular candle wax and sell like her other popular vintage tea set candles.

Jenny is about to be married and is having fun finding tea sets to complete her vision for a vintage tea party wedding reception.  Out of the blue, someone from Jenny's past appears and brings back lots of painful memories.  Jenny isn't sure she can move forward in her life and forgive all the damage that has been done.

Alison is married with two teenagers who are constantly challenging her parenting.  Her husband, Pete, has been laid off work and Alison realizes their bank account isn't a full as she thought.  The dream that she has been waiting for may not be able to happen and she wonders how her family will move forward.

Maggie has built up her flower business and this next wedding could be just the ticket she needs to make it "big time" and open her second shop in London.  Someone from Maggie's past also appears and makes her question her future and the Alice in Wonderland themed wedding she is planning with a rude landscaper may put her business dreams out of the picture.

Of course, these women are of different ages and backgrounds but have been joined together by this tea set. All three women find that they are dependent on each other and each one of them guides the others through a crisis in their life.  These women become a lifeline of support to each other through their ups and downs.

The book is set in a small village in England and the writing uses British words that those of us in America certainly are not used to using.  It really makes you feel like you are immersed in the English culture with words like "flat" in place of house and "Mum" in place of Mom. Everyone, no matter the age or gender, is ready to share a cup of tea with you at any time of day.

Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the women, with most of them from Jenny's perspective. This type of format always seems to make the story move along quickly and gives you the full picture of their thoughts and emotions.

I found THE VINTAGE TEACUP CLUB to be engaging, believable, and heartwarming.  Even though each of the women were at different stages in their life, they were all able to support, encourage and offer just the right amount of guidance to each other.  It reminds you of your own circle of friends and how you couldn't have gotten through life without them no matter what stage of life you met them in.  I am sure Maggie, Jenny, and Alison will be friends for a lifetime.  For all those teenage girls who read SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by Ann Brashares in 2003, ten years later they can read a more grown-up version of unexpected friendships.

Vanessa Greene hosted her first tea party at age eight, to a select gathering of stuffed bears.  Since then she has searched antiques markets all over the world to build up her teacup collection.  Vanessa lives in London. THE VINTAGE TEACUP CLUB is her first novel.  For more on Vanessa Greene, "Like" her Facebook page, HERE. You can also follow her on Twitter, HERE.

Thanks to Penguin Group for providing a copy of this book for review.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  This review is my honest opinion. 

A Little Monday Inspiration

source

Associate with people who are likely to improve you.
Seneca, a Roman Philosopher

Learning this has been such a "light bulb moment" for me.  I learned that when I hung around negative complainers, I became a negative complainer.  Then when I hung around with people who rather than focused on what was going wrong in their life and instead focused on the good, my attitude began to changed.  When I hang around people who eat right and are active, I tend to be more active and eat better foods.  When I hang around people who are HAPPY, I am happier too.

Take a look at the people who you spend the majority of your time with.  What are their attitudes? How do they feel about themselves and express themselves to others?

Maybe you can't cut those "Negative Nellies" out of your life, but you can change how you communicate with them.  Don't feed into their negativism.  When they are starting their negative speech, twist it into a positive.  When they are putting others down, find something good to say about that person.  Eventually, the "Negative Nelly" will learn you aren't going to play their game and will find that they can't have those kind of conversations with you.  I have done this with a few people in my life and even though they are still frequently negative, their negativeness doesn't spread into my attitude as well.

My Trip to Nashville

I traveled to Nashville to visit my BFF, Tammy, who had moved there a year ago.  I have been wanting to visit and made it part of my 40 Before 40 goal to get it done.  I finally found a long weekend that worked for both of us and I booked my tickets.  I had a super easy flight and after arriving and hanging out at Tammy's office for a bit, we headed to Broadway or the Nashville Strip!  After shopping through a couple stores, we had to check out this fun candy shop.  Every single kind of candy I know of was in there along with concert posters and celebrity cardboard cutouts.  Fun store!

All along the strip are fun photo opps like this huge boot!

While walking along we saw this Pedal Tavern.  Very interesting idea.  I'm not sure I would like it.  No back support to hold you on....you have to pedal, stay on the seat and drink all at the same time?  Not for me!

After trying to get into Nashville's famous hot spot, Tootsies's and finding it way too crowded for us, we found a spot at the bar in Robert's Western World with a band playing great classic country music.  

A few more of those great photo opps along the strip!

I thought this was such a creative name for a Karaoke Bar....Wanna B's!

We ate supper at Demo's Steak and Spaghetti House.  Our family had actually eaten there a few years ago as we were passing through on our way to the Smokey Mountains.  It was delicious...I highly recommend their pasta!

Saturday morning we headed out by starting our morning with DUNKIN DONUTS!  Of course, I was super excited since we don't have one here....yet!  Tammy's husband even went out Sunday morning and got me another DD coffee.  The shocking part of that gesture is that he doesn't like coffee and had NEVER ordered coffee before in his life!  What a guy! Thanks Matt!

After our DD breakfast, we headed to a beautiful place called CHEEKWOOD.  The Cheek family was one of Nashville's first entrepreneurial families and were part of the Maxwell House Coffee company.  The property is full of beautiful gardens and the mansion is now available for gatherings (there was a wedding there that day) and also houses an art museum.  There was a new exhibit going on titled Treehouses, where different artists created Treehouses based on children's books.  If you are visiting or live in the area, definitely put this on your list.

"The Rainbow Fish" Treehouse from THE RAINBOW FISH. It is made out of used CD's.  Very cool.

"Ocean's of Notions" Treehouse from HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES made from colored rope.

More views of "The Rainbow Fish" Treehouse.

"Ocean's of Notion" Treehouse

"Walden Treehouse" from the book WALDEN

What an amazing view from the mansion!

"The Giver" Treehouse based on the book THE GIVER

After walking around Cheekwood, we went to Centennial Park for the Food Truck Festival.  Dozens of Food Truck's lined up to serve food for a charity fundraiser.  It was quite hot on Saturday, but the park was still quite busy, even local musicians stepped out to share their talents.

Tammy and I decided on Just Like Nannie Fixed It food truck and we were NOT disappointed.  

Check out their menu....what to get...what to get?

Tammy chose the Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken and I chose the Chicken and Dumplins.  We then shared our sides. It really was all super delicious and so glad we tried it. 

Each food container had a Bible verse stuck to the outside.  What a neat touch!

On Sunday, we traveled a half hour south for some wine at ARRINGTON VINEYARDS.  Kix Brooks of the duo, Brooks and Dunn, is one of the owners.  The location is just beautiful and offers a wonderful view of Tennessee scenery.

ARRINGTON VINEYARDS offer many delicious varieties of artisan wines.  Their Gewurztraminer 2010 was a favorite of both Tammy and I.  I also loved their Blackberry 2011 dessert wine.  Both along with their Syrah 2009 came home with me!   

Arrington Vineyards is a gorgeous winery with class and offers a personal touch with their free wine tasting.  Check them out on your next visit to Nashville!

The night before Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw held a concert in Nashville.  Sunday, we passed this bus....Do you suppose Kenny was on there????  

That is as close as I got to a celebrity...no Keith Urban for me.  

The best part was reconnecting with my BFF, Tammy and her family.  We have been friends for 19 years this fall and I can count on her for love, laughter and friendship for a lifetime!  

Thanks for a great weekend, Tammy!  When can we do it again??????