My 25th Birthday Week + Weekend

One week ago today, I turned 25 years old. That day (and the days prior) were some of the most fun I've had in a long while.

So, let's cut to the chase: here's what I did during my birthday week and weekend. :)

Tuesday, October 3: Nashville with Family

In the days before my birthday, Mom and Dad and I went to Nashville to the Hermitage Hotel for early birthday breakfast. I had been years before, but I had forgotten how phenomenal the breakfast actually was.

After breakfast, Mom and I ventured into 12 South (a district in East Nashville), where we found the "I Believe in Nashville" sign again, as well as some cute boutiques and the Franklin Juice Company (which was great, by the way).

Friday, October 7: Nashville with Friends

During this weekend, we were also celebrating my friend Amy's birthday, which was on the 5th. So, my friends from Franklin, Florence, and I went back to 12 South because one, we love the area, and two, we wanted to get some good food.

When Mom and I were in 12 South, we came across this restaurant called The Flip Side that looked like it could be a cool place. So, the girls and I went and visited, and...y'all. It's SO good.

The place is inspired by a 60's diner, but their specialty is simple: you can order a pounded and breaded (or grilled) chicken breast with any toppings you want. I ordered the "Pollo Ranchero" chicken, which came with black beans, a fried egg, cheddar cheese, and red and green salsa. It was phenomenal, and I highly recommend this dish (and the restaurant in general) if you're in the area.

Then, we went to Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. There's a few locations in Nashville, but this ice cream shop was right on 12th Avenue South within walking distance of The Flip Side. They have unconventional flavors, but they're delicious. For example, I got the Goat Cheese and Dried Cherries ice cream, which at a glance sounds questionable, but it was amazing, I promise! :)

That night, we ate dinner with my friends and their family, and all in all, a great time was had.

Saturday, October 8: My Birthday! + The Farmer's Market + Cheesecake

On Saturday, we decided to visit the Franklin Farmer's Market. I LOVE my hometown's farmer's market because of all the great food and wares, but my favorite part has to be the homemade lemonade stand. They make some great homemade lemonade, and depending on the day, they will add in different fruits, herbs, or other flavors. That day, it was ginger. I personally didn't try it, but my friends who did said it was great.

That night, I returned home and had cheesecake for dessert. :) Because, why not?

So, how do I feel about being 25 so far, after one week?

Well, it's been a lot of fun. :) Granted, it's just another age; I'm not suddenly wiser just because I'm a year older, or even because I've hit the milestone of my mid-twenties. I'm just excited to see where God leads me, and I know that no matter what happens - good or bad - I have God, my friends, and my family by my side.