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Easy Like Sunday Morning

August 19, 2014 by patty lauren Leave a Comment

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock

Weekends are for exploration and excitement, but sometimes they are for rest and rejuvenation. I’m fortunate enough to live not far some of Tennessee’s most tranquil sites, which I decided to take advantage of this weekend.

Of course even if you are going off the grid you have to have the right outfit…

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{an oversized, white button down is always appropriate :: my turquoise Ralph Lauren cropped cabana pants have been in my wardrobe for awhile – they always come in handy on those low key relaxing days when you still need some style :: i’m currently obsessed with all things fedora (who isn’t, I know, but I’ve been on the hat trend for a good 15 years so I feel no shame) :: a perfect beach tote with sunscreen, towels and reading essentials (remember, when it comes to your beach tote less is more. No one wants five tubes of lip balm, a hairbrush, gum, etc. falling out all over the place. It’s not cute.) :: and while I am known for my shoes, I like the barefoot look whenever possible}

There is something about driving away from everything and everyone and enjoying a few hours without cell service. I like to call it ‘off the grid living’ – and sometimes it’s not just necessary, it’s mandatory.

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I drove with a couple of friends to a place two of my closest girlfriends and I dubbed “Walrus Beach” a couple summers ago. A lot of has changed in our lives since then, but it’s one of my favorite places… not necessarily because of the sand or the scenery, but because of the lasting memories I have made there. It’s not always about the location, but the love you have found in the strangest of places.

There is something raw about lying under the sky and seeing open space… of having the ability to let your mind wander, or remain quiet… of being in the company of unfettered friendship… of simply being.

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{the end}

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel, Writing Tagged With: getaway, lifestyle, mountains, nature, peace, relaxation, rest, river, style, sunday, tennessee, water, weekend, writing

Corners of Happy

August 13, 2014 by patty lauren Leave a Comment

The first hints of fall are in the air here in Southeast Tennessee and I could not be more excited! Like many of you, fall (or as I like to call it – autumn) is my favorite time of year. I seem to feel more alive when I walk out the door in the morning and a crisp bite of air meets my face, yet there is still a lingering warmth to soothe the soul. It’s the most beautiful time of the year.

The end of summer gets me thinking about little pieces of happiness – tangible reminders of being alive and being in that carefree spirit of summer all year long. In my home, I like to call those “corners of happy.” While I am working towards my dream of a reading nook in my place, I do have one significant corner of happy that has been long standing – my vinyl record player corner.

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I snagged the great table at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago and used it as a bedroom piece until I got the record player – it just fit perfectly and had plenty of room for my growing vinyl collection. Chattanooga has a great store, McKays, that is treasure trove of used books, movies, and vinyl records. I’ve bought some of my favorite tunes for as little as $.25 but I have a really old school taste in music. What’s great about McKays is that they also have some new releases, too, so they cater to all types. Locations are also in Knoxville and Nashville!

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Of course, I had to include a snap of one of favorites – Carly Simon.

It’s a small corner, but it’s probably my favorite in my home. It’s been inexpensive to create, but has created many peaceful and stabilizing moments in my life. It doesn’t matter what has gone on in my day – to be able to come home and listen to the crackle and rounding patters of the record is a luxury.

What’s your corner of happy? Is it a place in your kitchen where you house your favorite cookbooks and magazines? Or, maybe it’s your crafting corner in your garage that makes your hands busy on a Saturday afternoon. Or, maybe it’s just a simple chair somewhere in your home that gives you a few minutes of quiet to yourself as you sip a cup of tea or read a book.

Corners of happy don’t have to be grand, but they make our lives grand with their existence.

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Filed Under: Home, Lifestyle Tagged With: chattanooga, happy, home, home life, lifestyle blog, music, nooks, peace, quiet, reading, records, rejuvenation, relaxation, vinyl

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I'm so glad you decided to stop by! I do hope you'll stay a little while at Moonshine & Wanderlust - a southern lifestyle blog centered around home life, travel, life musings and an occasional appearance by a little pup named Grace Kelly.

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