1. Be Mine.

Crazy to think it’s almost February! If you’re looking for some creative fun to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a new Tennessee friend of mine has created the perfect project for you. Charlotte came up with this great idea that is a fun twist on the usual Valentine giving - and it uses good ol’ snail mail! Love it. So go ahead, sign up and make someone’s Valentine’s Day special! 

2. Madi Diaz Plastic Moon.

This week brought one of those great Tuesdays when a whole lot of ridiculously talented artists released new music. My favorite from this week’s list is hands down Plastic Moon. Madi Diaz knows what’s she’s doing and does it so darn well. She is an amazing songwriter whose songs are genuine and honest - and definitely relatable. Don’t miss Gimme a Kiss, Love You Now, I Know, and of course Heavy Heart.

3. Kinfolk.

Have you seen this yet? All things simple and beautiful in one perfect magazine featuring some talented folks from all over. You’ll be hooked as soon as you open to the first page. If you’re lucky you might be able to find a copy at a independent bookstore or you can order it online. Don’t forget to mention it to your local bookstore owner if they don’t carry it. People are going to want to know about this one. If you can, check out the iPad app, and the blog is pretty great, too. 

{Kinfolk Manifesto from Kinfolk.}

4. Trader Joe’s Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds. 

Trader Joe’s did it again. I’m officially addicted to these delicious almonds. Can’t think of a better salty-sweet combo out there. If you are anywhere near a TJ’s, go. Now. Seriously. And be prepared to eat more of them than planned, but you’ll enjoy every minute. 

5. Focus.

Just remember…

So, after another unexpected week off, I’m back. Last Friday got away from me before I could post thanks to some exciting news. I was offered a position at Vanderbilt working for the university’s News and Communications office. This is such an answered prayer after a lot of change and reorganization has caused my current position to look a lot different than when I started back in June. 

More than anything this news helped me realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by the community I have here in Nashville. I don’t really like a lot of attention for things like this, but my friends were so supportive and excited for me when they heard about the job. We went to dinner and they told me over and over how cool it was that I got the job. They helped me realize that it’s not every day that an opportunity comes along like this - just like it’s not every day that you find a group of friends who so quickly become family. 

So today I’m thankful - for Nashville, new jobs, friends, and for a new Friday Five of great things. Happy Friday, y’all! 

1. Roost Blog. 

Want to see some pretty fantastic things? Go here. Enjoy.

{Thanks, Renee!}

2. Mad Libs.

Yup. You read right. Those funny word games from your pre-teen years are making a comeback - at least in the crowd I’m hanging out with. Who knew these things could be so funny? Lately a lot of us have spent evenings with glasses of wine and laughed until our stomachs hurt thanks to the rediscovery of Mad Libs. Sometimes they get a little inappropriate or gross, but they’ll be bound to keep you entertained. Who knew, right?

So, the next time you have a group of friends coming over, don’t forget the Mad Libs. 

3. Sure Ink.

Pretty excited to share this one. One of my Nashville favorites and closest friends, Jess Cohen, has officially opened her Etsy store - Sure Ink. Jess is a woman of many talents - painting, drawing, graphic design, prints, etc. There’s not much the girl can’t do. Needless to say this Etsy store will be the first of many things to come. Keep an eye on the store for new projects and if you’re in Nashville definitely be ready for a gallery show or two from Jess. 

4. Cha Chah.

This one is long overdue. Gosh. I’m getting hungry just thinking about Cha Chah’s brunch. Phew. If you are in Nashville and are looking for a unique meal packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, this is your place. 

Arnold Myint, head chef at Cha Chah, PM and Susy Wong’s and Top Chef contestant creates some of the best dishes I’ve tasted in Nashville. If you make it to Cha Chah for brunch, make sure to take a few friends and share a few different dishes. My suggestions? 

• Smoked Turkey Hot Brown - House Smoked Turkey, Bacon Gravy, Roasted Tomato, Fried Egg
• Pumpkin French Toast  - Honey Cream Cheese, Candied Pumpkin Seeds, Maple Syrup
• Cha Chah Skillet - Farm Eggs, Pepper Potato Hash, House Bacon, Chickpeas
• Drink Special - $10 Sangria Pitcher (w/ red wine)

If you are free Sunday from 10:30 to 2:30, you now have plans. 

Cha Chah

2013 Belmont Boulevard

Nashville, TN 37212

5. A reminder.

This past week has reminded me of one thing - that things will always work out and unfold the way they are meant to, most likely when you least expect it. I find myself trying to plan and figure things out so often that I forget to just sit back and let things happen. When I finally do, I always end up less stressed about the little things and am usually surprised by something great. Things always work out the way they’re meant to, I truly believe that. The more we try to control or plan a situation the less the situation can play out exactly how it’s meant to. So this week I’m embracing this reminder…

And it’s back! Here’s the first Friday Five of 2012…

1. Front Porch Ministry.

A Nashville friend recently posted something about this amazing family and their organization in East Nashville. Their story is pretty inspiring. I’ll let their video speak for itself.

If you’re in Nashville and want to get involved, let me know. I’m planning on contacting the Hazelips about volunteering soon.

2. Why Men and Women Can’t Be Friends.

My friend Kristen shared this video on Facebook a few weeks ago and it has come up in multiple discussions with different people since I first watched it. Such a funny demonstration of the idea of “friendships” between men and women. What do you think?

3. Have I mentioned I have talented friends? Meet Micah Lanier, y’all.

Micah is a graphic designer and illustrator who has a pretty awesome style. He works as a graphic designer at Lifeway Christian Resources but also has his hands in on other projects (Little Robot Creative and AH HA Creative) as well as some freelance work.

Micah recently designed a print inspired by the television show Breaking Bad and decided to create a series. Definitely check out his work and keep an eye out for more prints on society6 and Etsy.

{Print: Walter White from Breaking Bad.}

4. And another… Steku.

This isn’t Stephanie Kunze’s first Friday Five - you may remember her from her first appearance here with Loveshout. But this time she’s back as SteKu and has earned her spot for something much different - her music. This girl has beatz, y’all. She is working hard to get started as a DJ in Nashville - so be on the look out. 

Work. Dance. is SteKu’s first song - be ready for this track to be on repeat in your head!

{Work. Dance. by SteKu}

5. Pay it forward.

I found this article on one of my favorite sites this week - a twist on paying it forward. I might have to try it out this weekend. Gotta love simple ideas like this to spread some love to strangers and brighten someone’s day.

1. Lists of Note.

This is another great procrastination site that you might actually learn something from, or at least have fun browsing. We all make lists for different reasons and purposes, and this site features all sorts of fun examples. Gotta love a good list!

2. The Belcourt.

This is one of my favorite spots in Nashville. The theatre is a non-profit venue for movies, music, and performing arts events. They even have a bar so you can have a drink while you watch a movie. 

I was excited to write about the theatre this week because today starts their week-long run of the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life. Nothing better than seeing a classic at the theatre!

Definitely check out the theatre if you’re in Nashville and haven’t gone to a movie or performance there before.

3. Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Cake Mix.

Looking for a good holiday treat to take to that Christmas party or family get-together? This is it. Such a great and super easy mix for some of the best gingerbread I’ve had. All you need is a box of the mix, an egg, some vegetable oil, and water. Brought this stuff to my office holiday party and everybody couldn’t get enough.

I’ve been brainstorming some new twists on the recipe including bourbon and eggnog - maybe even some eggnog icing? Thanks as always Trader Joe’s! 

{yet another homerun from Trader Joe’s}

4. Society 6.

Still looking for a cool Christmas present for your best friend, mom, great aunt Sally, boss, barista… anybody? You need to check out this site. All sorts of fun, original ideas that come in all sorts of forms. Personally I am in love with all of their iPhone cases. The artists featured on the site can sell their work in a variety of art prints and other products. Check it out!

{so many fun cases featuring the artists’ work - something for everybody}

5. Mas Tacos.

This last one is dangerous to write because my mouth is already watering as I start to think about the fish tacos at this Nashville original. Mas Tacos is, as Theresa the owner/taco lady herself calls it, a unique taqueria stand. This food spot is located in East Nashville and everything about the experience is one-of-a-kind. The location is somewhat hidden in a discrete store front and is always packed, but no one ever seems to care. Waiting in line is part of the experience and leaves you that much more satisfied when your order is up.

Things you don’t want to miss out on: 

• Fish tacos - one of my favorite meals in Nashville - offered every Friday.
• Elote - mexican grilled corn that you will crave after your first try.
• Horchata with iced coffee - a twist on the usual horchata. So stinkin’ good!

{The famous fish tacos - best in Nashville.}

This week’s Friday Five is a random collection, but it was a pretty natural selection and I’m excited to share this week’s picks. Maybe the cold weather that hit last night and the frosty morning I woke up to today was the motivation I needed. It’s finally feeling like December in Nashville, y’all! So go ahead, curl up with a blanket and your favorite cold weather drink and enjoy…

1. More Love Letters.

This is pretty cool. Such a simple idea that has a huge impact. Check it out. Maybe write a letter. Or just encourage someone you see everyday. 

2. Afterlife Parade.

Looking for some new music? Yeah, I figured you might be. Afterlife Parade is a Nashville indie rock band made up of seriously talented musicians who not only produce an amazing sound, but some pretty thought-provoking lyrics, too. I’ve been listening to a mixture of the band’s album and their frontman Quinn Erwin’s Christmas album. Definitely check them out. You can get some free downloads from Brite Revolution here, and if you like that you can find the rest of their songs on iTunes.

**Update: Today the band announced that in honor of the holidays they’re giving their albums away free through December 20th here. Perfect timing!

{One of my favorites from ‘Rebirth’ - Black Woods, White Beach by Afterlife Parade}

{‘Winter Exhales’ - My favorite song from Quinn’s Christmas album}

3. Foalio.

Foalio is a new website that is co-founded by yet another talented Nashville friend, Scott Anderson. If you are an artist of any sort, you need check this site out. 

The idea. If you’re an artist you need a place to put your work and resume so it’s seen, right? And if you’re looking for an artist you need a place to find them, right? How about jobs for artists? Foalio has it all. Honestly, even if you’re not an artist, the site is a fun place to just browse the work that people have posted. 

Scott and his co-founder Nick have created an awesome space for artists to come together, share their work, and be recognized for it. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

4. Thoughts from Will Smith.

Good ol’ Jamie Clayton posted this one on Twitter this week. If you have some time, sit down and listen to Will. He’s got some interesting things to say and is one smart guy. 

One of my favorite thoughts:

“If you are not making someone else life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other people’s lives better.”

5. Warby Parker.

If you wear glasses, or even sunglasses for that matter, and are looking for a new pair you’ll want to see this. Warby Parker has been around for a while, so you may have heard of them, but this week I finally decided to take everyone’s word for it and order my 5 free home try-ons. That’s right - free. You select the frames you want to try on, and they send them straight to your front door. It gets better. They supply the return postage for free, too. You get 5 days with the frames - show them to friends, family, strangers, whoever. When you’ve made up your mind send them back and order them if you decide on a pair. Sure beats standing awkwardly in a store trying pair after pair on debating if they’re the right ones or not.

But wait. There’s more. For every pair of glasses Warby Parker sells, they give a pair away to someone in need. Check this out: 

Can’t get much better, huh? Well yeah, it can. Warby Parker does all of this at a set cost - $95. If you’ve ever ordered prescription glasses you know that is one heck of a deal, especially to supply someone else with a pair, too. 

So, here’s to making “four-eyes” cool. All in the comfort of your home. With feedback from whoever you want. And helping someone in need. All at a reasonable price. Thanks, Warby Parker.

It’s that time again - the most wonderful time of the year.

I. Love. December. A lot. Christmas music, colder weather, music, blankets, snow (or at least a chance of it if you live in Nashville), red and green, Christmas lights/trees, family, walks in the cold, peppermint… So, here it is. A sort-of-December edition of the Friday Five…

1. A few homemade gift ideas.

Some simple but great ideas for little gifts to surprise someone with. Maybe a co-worker, your favorite baristas at the local coffee shop, a neighbor - just to let them know they’re appreciated. Find all the ideas here.

2. The Art of Dancing Advent Calendar.

I found these guys and their sweet dance moves last year and have been excited for their return. Forget the traditional Advent calendar and just dance - or watch these two bust a move - every day from now until Christmas! You can watch the daily videos and last years series here.

{2nd December - ‘Jailhouse Rock’ by Elvis Presley from lewisnluke on Vimeo.}

3. Yet another talented Nashville friend - Jamie Clayton.

If you had told me I would be posting about Jamie Clayton a few months ago, I would have laughed and said, “The guy who hates Ohio? Yeah right.” Today, though, I’m happy to share Jamie’s photography skills with you. This red-headed Charleston-native has a pretty amazing eye and definite passion for photography. He’s a pretty good friend, too (even though he’s from SC…).

So, go ahead. Check out his site here. And if you meet him in Nashville, be sure to tell him how great Ohio is (even if you’re indifferent).

4. Dave Barnes’ Santa Dance.

Not sure what it is about Christmas and dancing, but it makes for some great videos. This one get’s me every time. Even in July when you just need a good dose of Christmas cheer. If this is the first you’ve heard of Dave, go check out his albums - especially his Christmas album. Super talented singer who is pretty hilarious, too.

Maybe Dave and the Art of Dancing guys should partner up for a special Christmas Day video…

5. In the spirit of giving.

The season of giving is upon us and that can look like all kinds of things for different people. Some people might give their time, a meal, maybe a sweater, but an old article from NPR tells the story of a very different take on giving. A friend shared this one with me this week and we both agreed it had to make it in the Friday Five.

A Victim Treats His Mugger Right

“I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It’s as simple as it gets in this complicated world.”

Makes you think, huh?

This week’s Friday Five is a little shorter than usual because I’m spending the long holiday weekend with my parents who are visiting from Ohio. They helped me celebrate my first Thanksgiving in Nashville yesterday. We cooked and ate plenty of delicious food, listened to Christmas music, and spent time laughing and playing games with some of my friends and their families. Feeling so blessed and thankful for the past few months and where I am today. My heart (and stomach) are full after a perfect Nashville Thanksgiving. I hope you all had a great one, too!

{thankful for my Nashville community and goofy photo shoots.}

Here’s the Friday Five!

1. Got leftovers?

Thought this might come in handy - Top 10 Recipes for Turkey Leftovers. Keep the tryptophan naps comin’.

2. Address Is Approximate - a video for you and your food coma. 

My friend Micah posted this yesterday and after watching it a couple of times, I’m still amazed. Absolutely love everything about this - the stop motion, the song from Cinematic Orchestra, and most of all the reminder to be thankful for the fact that we have the freedom to explore the beauty of everything around us with very few limitations.

{Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo.}

3. Sharing Spree. 

This one may look deceiving at first for anyone outside of Nashville, but don’t go anywhere yet. The deals posted on Sharing Spree are often for general, nation-wide companies like discounted movie tickets or franchise restaurants. Definitely check it out and get yourself a deal or two! 

4. Cranberry. Chess. Pie. (recipe here.)

{recipe from Nashville food blogger Erin at Erin’s Food Files}

This is a must-bake - especially for any upcoming holiday get togethers. Chess pie (a sugary, custardy kind of pie) is a southern staple, so I decided to make this variation for my first Nashville Thanksgiving. It was great! If you want to go the more traditional route, here are some recipes for regular and chocolate chess pies, too. 

Classic Chess Pie & Chocolate Chess Pie

5. A bluesy Joy to the World.

Just to get you in the spirit, here is a new twist on one of the Christmas classics by a local Nashvillian. Plenty more holiday posts to come!

1. Nashville Predators.

After 4 years of watching a lot of college hockey at Miami - last night I experienced my first pro hockey game. I may have watched a lot of hockey, but it’s safe to say I still don’t fully understand much of the game. The Preds are good though, I know that much. My first game ended up being a W for them against the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

When it comes to any sport other than baseball (the one sport I actually love to watch and understand completely), I guess I’m your typical girl. I like sporting events for people watching, cheering/clapping along with the ridiculous chants, laughing at the more intense fans, and some delicious-but-awful-for-you food that you can only truly get at a sporting event.

So, if you are in Nashville and haven’t been to a Preds game - you probably should. Even the nose-bleed seats are fun! (See evidence below…)

2. a well traveled woman.

Just another blog that will keep you entertained for hours with things the blogger has been inspired by throughout her travels. Pretty cool. 

3. My big brother.

Click the link. Do it. Especially if you are looking for a web/graphic designer. Or just to look at a great site created by the best big brother out there. 

{that’s him.}

I’m incredibly proud of Seth and constantly impressed by his design skills and self-taught talent. He’s a highly motivated and extremely passionate person who loves designing and I hope that he continues to have the opportunity to share his design with the world. So click the link and feel free to share it with friends and strangers alike. 

4. Starbucks.

I know, I know - Starbucks? If you know me you know I’m all about the local, privately-owned coffee shop. That hasn’t changed, but thanks to one specific Starbucks I have a new appreciation for what the Bux can offer if it’s managed the right way and has the right people behind the counter.

So when it comes down to it, this is more about the staff and management of the Brentwood Starbucks on Westpark Dr. and how they’ve been able to regain my view of the coffeehouse chain I was previously so adamantly against. Now I’m thankful for the baristas who actually do take the time to get to know their customers, even beyond their drink order or name (even if some of them thought it was Holly instead of Molly for the first few months… they were trying!). It makes my breaks at work enjoyable and gives me the chance to invest in some more people during the day.

So I guess my point is something as simple as the big franchise taking the time to be more like the local coffee shop can surprise you if you take the time to appreciate it. 

5. A little Charlie Brown and Vince… 

… just to get ya in the mood for turkey, mashed potatoes, a good food coma and giving thanks - and because it’s the closest thing to Christmas music I can post without hearing about how it’s still “too early.” Doesn’t mean I’m not hearing as I write this… So enjoy, and consider this a warning that all things Christmas and festive are coming your way next week.

I’m pretty excited about this week’s Friday Five. There are some really great things in this roundup. Hope y’all have a great weekend and get to enjoy the cooler (or just plain cold) weather wherever you are! I’m pretty excited about a surprise I’ve got planned for the weekend, and you can count on a new post about it on Monday. But for now, the Friday Five…

1. SerialBox Presents. 

I came across SerialBox Presents a few weeks ago when I discovered David Ramirez (don’t miss this one). I’m a sucker for an original “music video” and SerialBox has one of the greatest selections of artists in unique spaces. They produce more than just a video, too. They include great write-ups and interviews, photos, and exclusive recordings from the featured artists. Yes please!

This week they released Andrew Belle’s feature. The video features a new song, Sky Is Still Blue, but my favorite part of this session is his alternative recording of The Ladder. I have yet to hear a version of this song that I don’t love - original, live, or this alternative one.

Now I’m just anxiously awaiting the sessions from Matthew Mayfield and Ben Rector. Keep ‘em comin’, SerialBox!

{SerialBox Presents: ANDREW BELLE from SerialBox Presents on Vimeo.}

2. CREMA.

This week marked my well-overdue first trip to CREMA. Friends and strangers alike have been telling me I have to go to this one-of-a-kind coffee shop since I moved here. To all of you who suggested it: thank you. 

It’s hard for me to find a coffee shop I don’t like - but each one wins me over for a different reason. CREMA is the place to go if you truly want to experience good coffee. These people know what they’re doing and are doing it big. 

{i ordered the cuban, a mix of sweetened condensed milk, espresso, and steamed milk - delicious, and you can’t beat some good latte art!}

Luckily my first visit also happened to fall during the opening week of their newest addition - a whole new half of the shop, complete with additional seating AND a roasting room. Seriously? As if it couldn’t get better. They gave me a sample of one of their original roasts and if the cuban hadn’t already done it, that sealed the deal. 

So, moral of the story - listen to people when they repeatedly suggest you go to CREMA - or anywhere else for that matter. A place that gets people talking that much is worth a visit, and in some cases, many more to come. 

3. Yet another talented friend.

It’s time to introduce you to yet another one of my amazingly talented Nashville friends. Jeff Venable is an extremely gifted producer/director that recently decided to leave a full-time position to take on the freelance world and pursue the work his heart was calling him to. That kind of leap of faith is something that very few people have the courage to do, and we’re all really excited to see him taking it on in such a big way. You can check out his site here.

This week Jeff wrote a guest blog post that I wanted to share because I think it speaks to the majority of us. He offers a great reminder that there’s never going to be a “perfect” time to chase that dream or opportunity. Check out his post here and be motivated to take that next step.

4. Miami University Faculty Flashmob.

This one speaks for itself. Love and Honor.

5. Surprises. 

This one is a little open-ended until my next post, but I guess I’ll leave it as a challenge. You know that thing you sometimes catch yourself thinking about doing for someone or never feel like there’s enough time, money, or whatever else might be your way? Find a way. Go surprise someone. Surprise a stranger with a random act of kindness, call a friend you haven’t talked to in days/months/years, visit someone, maybe buy/pick them flowers, or buy/make them lunch. You’ll be surprised how much loving someone else makes you feel filled with that same love, too.

Back on Monday…

After a Friday Five fail last week, it’s back. My excuse for last week: a long work day and the Avett Brothers. I finally got the chance to see them live and they are now officially on my list of top 5 live performances. They should probably make up all five parts of the missing Friday Five. So here ya go: 1) all of their albums, 2) their lyrics and ability to beautifully tell a story with each song, 3) their live performances, 4) the fact that they’re family, and 5) their NPR Tiny Desk Series performance. There ya have it. 

Now, for this week’s list:

1. 3 weeks until my first {community} Thanksgiving!

Found this post on one of my go-to blogs the other day and got pretty excited. This year, as usual Halloween was over and I found myself wanting to dive straight into all things Christmas, but this blog was just the reminder I needed that I am hosting my FIRST Thanksgiving this year. A new stage of life, a new home, a new community, and Mom and Dad are coming to Nashville - all great reasons for my first Thanksgiving dinner. 

I have some planning to do. It hit me today that I finally get to host my first houseful of people for a holiday. That’s pretty exciting. So, here’s to planning, cooking, decorating, and giving thanks for all the good things - new and old. 

{I’ve been referring to this year’s Thanksgiving as my Felicity Thanksgiving. If you haven’t seen Felicity, I’m officially making Felicity on Netflix #1.5 in this week’s Friday Five.}

2. Sweet Potato Latte at The Frothy Monkey.

Basically I could just make this post about The Frothy Monkey in general because I love everything about that place, but I recently saw a tweet they posted about their new sweet potato latte and I had to have one because of my love for all things sweet potato. Holy sweet potato! There was no doubt what it tasted like and it was absolutely delicious. I tend not to stray from my usual americano, but this was definitely worth a little adventure. 

So, if you don’t live in Nashville or haven’t ventured over to 12 South to try out this great neighborhood coffee shop (also the first place I stopped on my first trip to Nashville), you should probably make some time to come to my neighborhood and try it out. And if you make it in time they just might still have the sweet potato latte for you to fall in love with.

They also recently started serving dinners at the shop that I have been dying to try thanks to all of the tweets and photos that have been posted lately. Good thing it’s right around the corner…

3. “Learn to love the fool in me”.

We’re not created to be perfect - but I’ve been trying to be more aware of things I need to work on to be a better friend, daughter, sister, employee, and even stranger lately. Whether it’s paying closer attention to those things that make other people happy, figuring out why I get frustrated by little things sometimes, or just making sure I’m letting things happen rather than controlling my day-to-day I’m trying to be more aware of how I’m affecting myself and others. This quote is the reminder we can, and will, make mistakes because it’s our nature. It reminds me that I’m not always going to have the right answer or know how to fix a situation, and that’s ok.

“I must learn to love the fool in me—the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool.”

— Theodore I. Rubin, MD

4. Riffs Food Truck.

So I have yet to find a Nashville food truck that I don’t love, but this one steals the show in my book. 

Riffs is a venture composed of two guys who have found a love for the creative outlet that food has become in their lives and the joy that comes from seeing others enjoy their efforts.

B.J. Lofback and Carlos Davis have created something beautiful and absolutely delicious. Their food speaks for itself and I will warn you - you WILL be addicted. Not only is their food unbelievable, but their service can’t be beat. Friendly is an understatement. Everyone in the truck has a smile on their face and they all make an effort to get to know their customers. Watching Carlos prepare each order it’s obvious he loves what he’s doing and has a passion for the food he creates. That’s something that is so unique to the food truck culture and what makes these meals that much more enjoyable. 

I’m going to stop here and let your mouthwatering and curiosity force you to hunt down Riffs on the streets of Nashville.

{I may have a slight addiction to Riffs’ Turkey Meatballs and Israeli Couscous.}

5. Random acts of kindness birthday.

This one is another find from one my favorite blogs this week. Just check it out and let it motivate you to surprise someone with a random act of kindness today.