We’re so excited to introduce six new writers joining our team! Our mission is always to give you all a sense of community here in Nashville. We strive to provide support — both in the every day of momming and in useful information like our guides (camp guide, list of free and inexpensive indoor fun, monthly calendars roundup of events, and so much more)! In that spirit, we’re bringing you some fresh voices from Nashville. They’ve got a lot to say and are excited to tell YOU all about it! So please join us in welcoming…
Allison
What brought you to Nashville, and how long have you been here?
My husband is a part of the music industry, so we decided that Music City was the perfect fit for us. We’ve called Nashville home since the fall of 2014, and it truly is one of the best things we have ever done!
What’s your favorite “Nashville” thing to do with the kids?
It’s hard to choose! It all depends on the time of year. I love taking my girls to Radnor Lake or Long Hunter State Park during the warmer months, but the Martin ArtQuest Gallery at The Frist is a blast when it’s not as easy to be outside.
Tell us about your kids!
I am mama to two little girls. Ellis is my independent, extroverted 3-year-old. Her favorite word at the moment is “Why?” Adeleine is my sweet, happy, always-by-mommy’s-side 7-month old.
What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep in your bag and can’t live without?
Crayons for the kids and lipstick for mama. I like to think lipstick fools everyone I meet into thinking, “Wow, she’s put together.”
Favorite Nashville place to eat?
My first answer would be, “Anywhere I don’t have to do the dishes.” Then I’d choose Fido. It works for me no matter what mood I’m in. If my kids have been insane, bring on the wine and dessert (gluten free for me)! If I’m out with other mama friends, I’ll get coffee and a meal. The place adjusts to accommodate my needs depending on what hat I’m wearing that day.
Something about you that not everyone knows?
Soon after high school, I worked for an auctioneer company and learned how to do the auctioneer bid call. This skill comes in handy when I need to give instructions to a toddler who is running away from me at an extremely fast pace.
Tiffany
What brought you to Nashville, and how long have you been here?
Will and I met and married in Chapel Hill, NC. On our first anniversary we vacationed in Charleston, SC. We had so much fun that we moved there six months later. A few years later, we knew that we wanted a city where we could settle down and raise a family. Before we were married, Will had spent a summer recording an album in Nashville. We liked the idea of another southern city with character. We easily decided on East Nashville and moved here in March of 2007. I can’t believe we’ve already been in Nashville 10 years! Like most relationships, we’ve watched Nashville grow and change over the last decade. But we remain faithful fans. We adore the East Side.
What’s your favorite “Nashville” thing to do with the kids?
We love the Nashville Zoo! The jungle gym is amazing and my son loves the new Soaring Eagle ride! Some days we don’t even make it to visiting the animals. But when we do, he loves that reptile exhibit and can’t wait to someday pet a kangaroo. There is just so much to do and see.
But to answer your question in a different way: My appointment at Kustom Thrills Tattoo. I’ve gotten a tattoo for each of my kids. According to my friends in other states, “That’s so Nashville.” (…but probably better described as so East Nashville!)
Tells us about your kids!
My son Raylan turns five this month, and my daughter Penelope turns one at the end of April — a day before my own birthday. My dog Cooper is 11—and she’s family too.
What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep in your bag and can’t live without?
I am currently carrying a diaper bag as my bag, and the only things of “mine” that it carries are my iPhone and wallet. Occasionally, however, I will loot the snack pocket during mid-afternoon.
If I am with my kids, I will have my cell phone, if nothing else—solely because of the camera feature. I am obsessive about documenting my kids’ lives, but not just for myself. I am constantly working on photo-books to share with my children’s birth families.
Favorite Nashville place to eat?
As a family: Calypso Cafe East. My kids love their Boija Muffins and the staff is cool about the fact that they enjoy them all over the tables and floor! Calypso is super fast and inexpensive and have great vegetarian options as well. Fun Fact: I still remember when it used to be a Payless Shoe Store. I now order my favorite salads where I used to get a Buy One Get One shoe deal.
Date Night: 3 Crow Bar. Their veggie burger and a beer and I am a happy girl. It’s been our go-to date night spot since 2007 and my favorite place to go for some much-needed alone time. (I do some of my best writing there!)
Something about you that not everyone knows? Secret talent, funny story, something surprising?
I spent five years working within the TN Department of Corrections as an Offender Workforce Development Specialist certified by the National Institute of Corrections. I now teach job skills to former offenders through a non-profit that I co-founded with my husband.
Kate
What brought you to Nashville, and how long have you been here?
I moved to Nashville in the summer of 2008 for work. I was hired as a hoofstock keeper at the Nashville Zoo and quickly moved to work primarily with giraffe. It was my plan to only stay for two years and then move back north, but I ended up meeting my husband a year later. And now, here I am almost ten years later, married with two kids.
What’s your favorite “Nashville” thing to do with the kids?
My son loves going to Cheekwood and chasing the trains, visiting Percy Priest beaches when weather allows, and going on different trail walks around the city. We are planning our first family trip to Dollywood this spring, and I can’t wait!
Tells us about your kids!
My son James just turned three, and my daughter Anna will be one at the end of this month.
What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep in your bag and can’t live without?
I can’t live without my Aveda Lip Saver chapstick.
Favorite Nashville place to eat?
I can’t pick just one favorite food place, so how about three? Thai Esane, Baja Burrito, Cafe Bosna.
Something about you that not everyone knows? Secret talent, funny story, something surprising?
I LOVE The Dixie Chicks. Their first album came out when I was 14, and I’ve seen them live eight times since my first concert back in 1999. I would use permanent marker to draw the matching tattoos that they all have on their feet on my feet. When Natalie dyed the tips of her hair pink, I did the same thing using Kool Aid. My room growing up had pictures plastered all over my walls and door. This last tour, I saw them three times, and I even snuck up to the front row during one of the songs.
Kristen
What brought you to Nashville, and how long have you been here?
I dragged my husband down here in 2006 to pursue a career in music. I’m a singer at heart.
What’s your favorite “Nashville” thing to do with the kids?
We love taking the girls to Farmers Markets, the Wilderness Station in Murfreesboro, and for grownup fun that’s still kid-friendly, the Listening Room’s 6:00 shows and Arrington Vineyard.
Tells us about your kids!
Three girls: Sabrina, age 7, and 3 year-old twins, Brooklyn and Camryn.
What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep in your bag and can’t live without?
I absolutely cannot live without lip balm.
Favorite Nashville place to eat?
Frothy Monkey in 12 South for breakfast or lunch.
Something about you that not everyone knows? Secret talent, funny story, something surprising?
I’m not built to work for the man, so about every other day, I come up with a new business idea. The most lasting one: a “Sip & Strum” coffee shop with built-in practice space for solo musicians and a small stage so they can come out and test out their songs on the sippers. I’m very good at pipe dreams.
Lindsay
What brought you to Nashville, and how long have you been here?
I moved to Nashville in 2005 to attend Belmont University.
What’s your favorite “Nashville” thing to do with the kids?
I love hiking at Edwin Warner Park with my husband, son, and rescue dog.
Tells us about your kids!
I have a seven month old son named Denver and a six year old rescue dog named Presley.
What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep in your bag and can’t live without?
Favorite Nashville place to eat?
Taco Mamacita, on the patio, after church, in the spring.
Something about you that not everyone knows? Secret talent, funny story, something surprising?
My love for Garth Brooks is shameless.
Abbie
What brought you to Nashville, and how long have you been here?
I came to Nashville for a job in sales 9 years ago, straight out of college. I only knew two people in the whole city.
What’s your favorite “Nashville” thing to do with the kids?
We love going to festivals and live music events.
Tells us about your kids!
I have one girl—Lucy. She is two, turning three in April.
What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep in your bag and can’t live without?
To be honest, I rarely carry a purse and when I do it only has my wallet and phone. BUT I do almost always pack a snack of some sort in my purse or the diaper bag. Usually mixed nuts and fruit.
Favorite Nashville place to eat?
Kid friendly: Rose Pepper. Date Night: We always end up in 5Points—likely 3Crow, but we love the food at Tenn16.
Something about you that not everyone knows? Secret talent, funny story, something surprising?
When I was 15 years old, I had the opportunity to go to Paris, France. The one rule we were given was not to get a tattoo. We landed in Paris, and two friends and I found the nearest tattoo shop. I have a tiny little purple star . . . on my rear. I made sure it was tiny enough I would never get caught. I was almost 30 before my parents knew, but as soon as they saw it? They knew exactly where it came from.
If you’d like to know even more about these lovely mamas, keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming posts! And don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram (because our team takeovers are awesome!), Twitter, and Pinterest!
Welcome ladies!
Thank you so much!
Congrats~look forward to reading your blogs!
Thank you!