Free Stuff

Part of me getting into blogging has to be about me being a part of the blogging community, rather than me just talking about myself all the time. I want my blog to be fun, interesting and hopefully useful. FREE Stuff is always useful, so I thought I'd share this $100 Swim Spot Gift Certificate give-away from The Ultimate Gift Guide Blog today :) All you have to do to be entered is visit her blog, check out swimspot.com, & leave a comment about which swimsuit you would buy with your gift certificate. Easy enough.

SwimSpot.com features about 11 designer brands, and has a neat suit builder feature that lets you match tops and bottoms until you've found the swimsuit.

If I were to win this prize (and I really hope I do....with my recent move, my budget doesn't really have room for the perfect $97 swimsuit) this is what I would buy:

I love the neckline. Its classic with an elegant style that I love, but rarely get to take to the pool. I'm not a mom, so I don't feel the need to always be covered up, but this is perfect for early summer, or fall when its not quite warm or sunny enough to be working on my tan.

Short List

This is my "to visit" list for Chattanooga, I've gotten as far as following @TNAquarium @ChattZoo @StJohns_MP @bonnaroonews @theblueplate @rbfestival @SeeRockCity @HunterMuseum @CBCEast on Twitter.

1. Hunter Museum, - haven't been to the modern art
2. Chattanooga Zoo - baby snow leopards
   
3. Rembrandt's - I used to love this place
4. TN Aquarium - penguins!!!
5. Rock City Garden of Lights
6. Ruby Falls - never been
7. imax
8. Rhythm & Brews
9. 3 Bridges Art Festival
10. The new mudpie
11. Chattanooga Billiards Club East
12. Market Street Tavern
13. Loopies in East Brainerd
14. Typhoon
15. Blue Plate
16. St Johns Meeting Place
17. Rib & Loin - BBQ STUFFED BAKED POTATO
    
18. Yacoubian Tailors
19. Riverbend
20. bonnaroo?
    

Hopefully I'm not forgetting any must sees or personal favorites.

First Stop, La Altena

My first stop out in Chattanooga was completely new to me. A friend suggested La Altena, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Chattanooga for dinner. I never ate at La Altena growing up, or on my trips home for the holidays.

It was exactly as it should be. La Altena is a hole in the wall restaurant, with authentic flair and staff. The menu is standard authentic Mexican. I was impressed by the super fast service, and super fresh homemade salsa. Everything was hot and tasty, and exactly as it should be for cheap Mexican. My steak enchilada combo & margarita were around $12.00 after tax - 9.25% sales tax in TN is CRAZY, but its what you get with no income tax I guess - completely reasonable. 6:00 on a friday night, and we were seated right away, another plus.

It's not in the best part of town, so I wouldn't take my boss, but its a great place to go with friends for a quick Mexican Fix.

La Altena 314 West Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408-1138 (423) 266-7595

New Year, New City

January brought a big move for me, and a big girl job. (read: health insurance!) I have taken a job in Chattanooga, TN. While I am certainly going to miss Clemson, SC and all of its small town charm, (Backstreets Pub & family) I am very excited to be back in Chattanooga.

Since this blog, has lacked direction for...I don't know...it's whole existence. I'm going to try and give it a purpose. Enter a "(Re)Discover Chattanooga" series. Since it's been 10 years since I've called Chattanooga my home, there's a lot of re-acquainting to do, and a lot of new things to learn about. If you're interested, you're more than welcome to come along for the ride. :)

Busy Weekend

Hurry up & wait. When it rains, it pours. You get the idea. I feel like that is the story of my life. This weekend is Clemson Homecoming & my 10 year High School Reunion. No matter what I do, or divide my time, I'm probably going to offend someone, or miss all the fun, by not being able to be in two places at once. Just know that I'm trying.