Out and About!

HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL!!

Spring is officially here! I have been obsessed with being outside now that it is warmer! I love seeing flowers and trees practically blossoming overnight. The forsythias are one of my favorites to see bloom each Spring. They are the bright yellow flowering shrubs.

I've been pretty busy this past week, and I am so glad it is Friday! I hope to get a lot of Spring cleaning done this weekend! I have more DIY projects on my list, so I hope to find some time to work on them as well! In the meantime, I wanted to update y'all on this past week!

My daffodil bloomed!

The Japanese Magnolia in the backyard will be blooming soon enough!

I grabbed out my sandals!! This weekend will be dedicated a lot to bringing out the rest of my warm weather clothing & shoes!!

I have been constantly out and about this past week. After running some errands earlier this week, I stopped for a drink at Starbucks and sat outside on the patio to relax and read.

Being outside so much, makes me want to garden and spruce up the backyard. Anytime I am at a store, I check out their Spring outdoor decor.

Of course, Hobby Lobby is a favorite store of mine. A lot of their Spring decor was on sale, so I picked up a duck statue to put in our backyard. He's so cute! He now resides next to the Japanese Magnolia tree.   :)

While out and about, I stopped at the Juice Bar. It was my first time trying it out, and was recommended the Blue Chocolatta. The smoothie consisted of: cocoa powder, almond butter, blueberries, banana, and coconut milk. I hadn't had any breakfast yet, so the smoothie was perfect for a meal replacement. I went with the 24 oz, however, I wish I had gone with the 16 oz because it was so filling! I can't wait to go back and try more of their smoothies and juices!

This past Tuesday was our DAR Chapter's event at the Red Cross building to honor our Vietnam Veterans - Chapter 1078, as well as their families. We held a pinning and certificate ceremony and reception for 159 Vietnam Veterans. I cannot express enough, my gratitude for all of our Veterans and current servicemen and women.

Picture taken by Holly Matthews

Picture taken by Holly Matthews

I'm extremely happy to announce that I am now a volunteer at Young Williams Animal Center! This past Wednesday was my volunteer orientation. If you know me well, you know that I adore animals. It will be so rewarding to be able to help out as often as I can for a cause I support.

If you would like to learn more about how you can help Young Williams Animal Center, check out their website: YWAC

I hope you guys have a wonderful and safe weekend! 

Question Time:

* What are your favorite flowers/plants to see each Spring?

* Have you been to the Juice Bar or somewhere similar? If so, what is your favorite smoothie or juice?

* Do you volunteer or support a specific cause?

DAR!

Wow! So many wonderful opportunities have arrived at my front door recently!  :)

I am proud to announce that I am officially a member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution (DAR)! The DAR is a wonderful organization that was founded 125 years ago. The DAR works hard to promote historical preservation, education, and American Patriotism. My Great Grandmother and my Grandmother were both members of the DAR, and I am truly honored to continue the tradition! :) I find it fascinating that I can trace my ancestors back to the American Revolution!

My membership was announced today at our Chapter's meeting! We met this morning at the Blount Mansion Visitor's Center here in Knoxville. Our group was taken on a tour of the Mansion. The Blount Mansion is the City of Knoxville's only National Historic Landmark. The construction on the Mansion began in 1792. The Blount Mansion was built for William Blount who was appointed by George Washington to be Governor of the territory South of the River Ohio.

The Visitor Center:

The Blount Mansion:

Officially a member!:

The two amazing women below are the reasons why I joined the DAR. This is one of my favorite pictures of my Grandmother Ardis and my Great Grandmother Ora (holding the lion cub):

:)

Check out the links below for the DAR & The Blount Mansion:

http://www.dar.org/

http://www.blountmansion.org/about/about.html