How are we down to the last two months of this decade. Kind of crazy to think of it that way, you know?! I’ve been really careful to not fill up my November too much. Last year I just remember feeling beyond drained. I am kicking off the month in Nashville at Pencil and Paper Co’s Creative Camp with Ashley– so happy we were able to line up our calendars for a fun little girls’ weekend. (Any restaurants or cafes or stores we shouldn’t miss?)
PERSONAL GOAL: I’m picking the same goal as September, so I hope that isn’t cheating. I really need to get into a good workout rhythm. Ever since this summer, I just haven’t been totally in a good groove. Some weeks have been better than others, but I don’t feel great about it. I’m hoping that switching things up and taking a break from BBG might help. I’ve been loving these Barre Sculpt classes and it forces me to go a certain time of day and (!!!) interact with people 😂 Especially since it can be so easy to find a myriad of excuses during the holidays, I really want to commit.
THIS MONTH: Have you heard of NaNoWriMo? It’s National Novel Writing Month. It’s no secret that I’ve been struggling to write a book for, like, ever. I love the idea of NaNoWriMo though and I’m going to give it a try. The goal is to write 50,000 words over the course of the month. (Seems kind of insane for me to even attempt this while I’m in my busiest season, so we’ll see how this goes.)
QUOTE TO LIVE BY: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.” – Oprah
Good luck on NaNoWriMo! This is my second year participating. I try to write 2,000 words each day, a little more than the actual 1,666. It helped me reach the goal last year when I couldn’t write every day.
I hope you have fun visiting Nashville! I love living here.
12 South is a great street to visit with a lot of stores (including Draper James!) and restaurants. I love Five Daughters Bakery (they make incredible donuts) and Firepot Nomadic Teas best. Bongo Java is a classic coffee shop to try nearby – they are famous for the “Nun Bun” (a cinnamon roll shaped like Mother Theresa).
In the Green Hills area, Ann Patchett started a cute bookshop called Parnassus in Nashville that I highly recommend.
Closer to downtown, Crema (coffee shop) and Pinewood Social (restaurant) are great. Pinewood even has a bowling alley!
East Nashville has a different vibe than West Nashville but I love it how many quirky options it has. Rosepepper Cantina is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. High Garden Tea, Ugly Mugs, and another Five Daughters Bakery are always great options as well.
I just sent an email to your contact email on Nashville to do’s.
I did NaNoWriMo a few years ago and ended up getting my ebook written. I never would have gotten all that writing done otherwise – there’s something about knowing that everyone else is writing too that gave me the motivation to get it done.
You’ll love Nashville (not sure if you’ve ever been before)! I loved living there. Some places I went to the most:
– Frothy Monkey
– Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
– Husk
– Hatti B’s Hot Chicken
I don’t remember the shops too much, but the Restoration Hardware at the malls is MASSIVE. I also really love McKay’s used bookstore, but it’s a bit of a drive south of the city. If you have time though, it’s a used book buyer’s dream.
Hope you have a great time!
I hope you enjoy Nashville! I am a college student here and I love the city!
Some of my favorite places include:
-12 South (lots of shops & restaurants–including Draper James)
-Parnassus Books (Ann Patchett’s shop!)
-Restoration Hardware Café
-Proper Bagel
-Biscuit Love
I also love Centennial Park! There is a huge replica of the Parthenon in the center of the park. I would check it out if you get the chance. Have fun in Nashville!
Yes, love to hear you’re doing NaNoWriMo! That’s been my dream to do for so many years! Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you.
Husk is amazing for a meal! Best shrimp and grits ever!
Biscuit Love and Amelia’s Flower Truck are amazing!
I am SOOO interested in NaNoWriMo, I have wanted to write a book forever and have also struggled. Anyway thanks for sharing, love things like this.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM
Stephanie Vainer