It’s that time of year…when the mornings are a little cooler, the air more crisp and we want to cozy up in comfy sweater and enjoy all things pumpkin! As a mom of teens, I’m always looking for snacks that are a bit healthier! I made these pumpkin protein balls and they’ve been a hit! They also make a great breakfast on the go!
Our summer is not complete without a visit to Gaylord Opryland! Our family treasures the times we have been able to spend at Nashville’s premiere resort! This year was even more special with a DC Summer!
When we arrived at Opryland, we were greeted with a Super Hero Supply Pack stocked with a cape, the most fun pen and autograph book! LC fully got into Wonder Woman mode quickly! She also was given a DC Super Hero’s Mission Checklist with activities to complete around the resort.
This atrium view just never gets old! I am amazed at all the beautiful and unique plants that are grown into the hotel! Hearing the waterfalls and seeing all the flora and fauna, I feel as if I’ve been transported to Costa Rica…but luckily just right down the road in Music City!
We started our day at the DC Super Hero Craft Zone-crafting is definitely a way to our heart! LC had a blast decorated her Wonder Woman badge.
After crafting, we headed over to the Hall of Justice Character Lunch! The lunch was super delicious with chips/queso, a fresh salad and grilled cheese for LC! There are also “secret codes” around the resort for special drinks and desserts!
Our favorite characters-Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman all stopped by to chat and to take pictures!
The resort is also hosting a Revenge of the Riddler Scavenger Hunt, a DC Super Hero’s Mission Academy Live show throughout the summer! These engaging activities are fun for the whole family!
After a busy day exploring, we grabbed Auntie Anne’s cinnamon pretzel bites settled in for one of our favorite Opryland activities-the nightly water show! The water show is always so nostalgic and brings back fond memories of my childhood. I love the All-American themed music and lights this year!
On Day 2, we headed to our little slice of paradise-Soundwaves! We rode the waves in the Wave Pool, jammed out to the music videos, floated down the lazy river and squealed down the tube slides! It was an absolutely awesome day just my girl and I! Unfortunately, the DC movie at the pool was cancelled due to a rain storm but make sure to add to your plans if you head to Opryland this summer.
We ended our stay with breakfast in bed before heading home. We are so incredibly appreciative of the opportunity and will add it to our core memories!
Over the past year, I’ve been reenergized in the kitchen! It’s been fun to try out new recipes and my family members have been happy recipients! However, I can’t take all of the credit because I’ve been so inspired by these cookbooks! Here are a few that have been go-to’s for meal ideas!
What To Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking
Quick and easy meal ideas sorted by the amount of time! We’ve tried many of these and they have been hits!
Healthy and hearty meals, some Whole 30 approved, Paleo
This one makes me want to plan a trip to the Cape immediately!
Franklin Mom and my friend, Cara Clark just launched The Feel Good Way, packed with nutritious recipes, health information and prayers to help make the most of the every day!
Babs is just the best! This book will have you feel like your grandmother is in the kitchen alongside you sharing special tips and tricks!
Emily Ley is always giving us suggestions on how to simplify our lives and now she is sharing ways to make mealtimes more meaningful!
Do you have any cookbooks that you use a lot?
Are you looking for a place to getaway and truly relax and take a deep breath? We found the perfect spot! We ventured to Chattooga Lakefront Cabin and fell in love with this peaceful cabin that made us feel right at home!
The cabin has its own private dock, a cozy fire pit and a lakeside hammock that is just asking for you to take a nap! The lake is a great spot for fishing and they even have kayaks, canoes and paddleboards that guests can use on the lake! And after a day on the lake, what better way to unwind than in the private hot tub?
The screen porches were fabulous for morning cups of coffee or for catching the sunset over the Chattooga!
We enjoyed these treats from local markets! We ventured over to Walhalla’s cute downtown area for dinner! The cabin is also not too far away for Clemson games! A few recommended restaurants are Carolina Pizza Company, Wicked Licks Ice Cream, Stump House Taproom and Walhalla Steakhouse Cafeteria! Walhalla also has cute shops to browse!
We instantly felt at home and like we were at a relative’s home! The cabin has three bedrooms (one is the cutest bunk room), two bathrooms and the best living and dining spaces perfect for family gatherings!
We loved this selection of games!
And the best part-the cabin is pet-friendly so we could take our little best friends! We love traveling especially when they can join us!
We absolutely loved this place and anre already looking at dates to go back next year! This would make the perfect long weekend or summer vacation! It’s quaint, relaxing and somewhere you are sure to make long-lasting memories! Book your stay here.
I will never get over watching my children grow up visiting Gaylord Opryland during the holidays! Each year, I reminisce by looking back at photos from past years. It’s so hard to believe how little my two were when we first visited Opryland during Christmas. These are memories that I cherish seeing their eyes light up seeing the resort dazzling in 9 acres of twinkling lights, decorating gingerbread houses and riding through the atrium in the Delta Boat Christmas Cruise!
There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at Opryland! From the free Delta Atrium Light and Fountain Shows to Pinetop Village which offers ice skating, bumper cars, ice sledding, snowball build and blast and cozy fire pits!
Owen has now added one of these warm parkas from ICE to his Christmas list! ICE featuring Frosty the Snowman was so fun to see! These hand-carved sculptures continue to amaze me! We even got to see one of the sculptors at work! The nostalgia of the beloved story of Frosty warmed this mom’s heart even in these chilly temperatures!
In addition to ICE, you can also find horse drawn carriage rides, an outdoor nativity, breakfast show, holiday dining and so much more!!
Nashville residents are in for a treat! Opryland is offering specials for locals including the following:
Exclusive for Local Residents, Tuesdays, December 3, 10, & 17, 2024, 6pm-8pm CT, “Nashville Nights” includes special entertainment, perks, and discounts exclusively for residents of Davidson County and adjacent counties.
With proof of residency, you’ll receive:
· FREE hot chocolate at the Magnolia Lobby
· One FREE Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt booklet per family at the Magnolia Portico
· 50% off ICE! tickets for Nov. 12 & 19 and Dec. 3, 10 & 17 only; book online in advance with code NASHNIGHT24 at ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com
· December 3 & December 17: Caroling with Chris & Friends – Join Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC, Jacob Underwood from Otown, and our caroling quartet from 6:30-7:00pm CT for a stroll from the resort’s Magnolia Portico to the Nativity scene singing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs.
Opryland is truly a magical place year round but there’s nothing like it during Christmas!
My friend, Lydia Menzies and The Supper Club are celebrating BIG!! Lydia and Supper Club members all over the country have been working hard this year compiling a beautiful book filled with creative party ideas and tablescapes!
This gorgeous coffee table style book includes people, places and parties to inspire you to gather those you love and hold dear together!
I had the best time putting together a dessert themed photoshoot for the book with Laura Camacho, Julieanne Taylor and Julie McAllister in Charleston. I cannot wait to see how the party comes to life in the book!
Lydia and The Supper Club have inspired me with their creativity for several years! I have already ordered a few copies and cannot wait to have in my hands!! I am thrilled to be included in such a wonderful book full of amazing people and ideas!
Lydia is also very generous and will be donating a portion from preorders to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Samaritan’s Purse and Greenville Humane Society are two of the recipients.
When you preorder, you’ll be included in the Pre-Order Party hosted by The Supper Club next March. You’ll also receive an email each month with a surprise gift! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Order your copy here!