It’s been a minute since my last blog post, and I can hardly believe how much has changed! The past year has been a whirlwind of life transitions—new adventures, new challenges, and new beginnings. One of the biggest changes? I’ve officially been a Nashville resident for a whole year now! To celebrate, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in this vibrant city that has quickly become home.

Food:

• Frothy Monkey: The perfect blend of food and coffee. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast or need a cozy spot to work, Frothy Monkey has you covered with its delicious menu and laid-back atmosphere.
• Butchertown Hall: Ideal for dinner, this restaurant offers a modern twist on classic Southern BBQ. The vibe is rustic yet refined, making it a great place for a date night or catching up with friends.
• Germantown Cafe: Brunch lovers, this one’s for you. With a view overlooking the Nashville skyline, Germantown Cafe pairs its scenic backdrop with a mouthwatering brunch menu that never disappoints.
• Proper Bagels: Craving a New York-style bagel? Proper Bagels brings a taste of the Big Apple to Nashville with its perfectly chewy bagels and diverse spread options.

Drink:

• LA Jackson Rooftop Bar: This bar offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline, a chic ambiance, and craft cocktails that are sure to impress.
• Rare Bird Rooftop Bar: Another rooftop favorite, Rare Bird is a bit more intimate, making it a great choice for a more relaxed evening out.
• Yeehaw: For a true taste of Nashville’s brewing scene, head to Yeehaw. The beer is great, and the lively atmosphere makes it a fun spot to unwind.
• Printers Alley: This historic alleyway is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown. With its eclectic mix of bars and live music, it’s perfect for a night out that feels a little off the beaten path.
• Going Out but Not Broadway: If you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Broadway but still want a good time, check out Losers, Red Door, and Hopsmith. These spots have a more laid-back vibe, perfect for a night out with friends without the touristy crowd.

Broadway Recs:

• Whiskey Row Floor 2: For a clubby vibe with plenty of energy, head to the second floor of Whiskey Row. The music is loud, the dance floor is packed, and it’s always a good time.
• Jason Aldean’s Rooftop: If you’re in the mood for fun in the sun with a view, Jason Aldean’s rooftop is the place to be. The atmosphere is lively, and the drinks are on point.
• Miranda Lambert’s: This spot not only serves up great music but also has some of the best food on Broadway. Come for the tunes, stay for the bites!

After a year in Nashville, these are just a few of the places that have captured my heart. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, I hope these recommendations help you make the most of what this incredible city has to offer. Cheers to many more years of exploring Music City!

📍 Colorado Springs, CO

A beautiful area filled with so many outdoor activities and amazing views.

Here are a few of my favorite places to visit in COS:

1. Garden of the Gods – This is a must for tourists and locals alike. This natural landmark is a stunning orange sandstone that lights up against the blue hues of Pikes Peak. You can either drive around the landmark or hike the various trails! 
2. Hike in Cheyanne Mountain – Cheyanne Mountain has tons of trails to explore. My favorites are Mt. Cutler and Seven Bridges, both moderate in intensity.
3. Old Colorado City – This is a historic area of the city filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and stores to buy all the Colorado nicknacks you need. You can walk Colorado Ave. to explore the shops and, if it’s the summertime, stop at the farmers market in Bancroft Park.
4. Coffee Shops – When I first moved to Colorado Springs, I made it my mission to find the best coffee shop in town. I went to 20+ coffee shops and these are my favorites…
   1. The Exchange = The best vibe, food, and coffee. Located right downtown and near a lot of good restaurants.
   2. Pine to Peak Espresso = Best coffee in the city! This drive-through shack is the best to hit up before a long car ride or on your way to go shopping downtown.
   3. Kinship = Really great for meeting friends for breakfast or working in the afternoon. This place is right downtown and connected to a hotel.
   4. Bird Tree Cafe = Great place for coffee and cocktails in the afternoon! Right downtown and near a cute shop called Electic Co.
5. The Broadmoor – This five-star hotel has several complexes and areas to explore. You can make reservations for dinner and drink at the bar without staying there. I’ve only gone twice, but definitely recommend visiting during Christmas time if you can! 
6. The Incline – This is technically in Manitou, the neighboring town to Colorado Springs, but if you are in the area, I recommend trying the incline. This trail is 2,000+ steps straight up a mountain! Don’t forget to pack lots of water.
7. Pikes Peak Cog Rail – While you’re near the include, check out the cog rail right next door. The cog rail does require reservations in advance, but it is worth the extra planning. The railway takes you up to Pikes Peak where you can get an exceptional view of the city.
8. Bars – Colorado Springs doesn’t have a huge “going out” scene if you ask me, but these are a few of my favorite bars!
   1. COATI – This bar is set up as a cafeteria-style eating and has two bars. They always have performances and host lots of events!
   2. Cowboys – Get your dancing shoes on because this is a three-story line dancing bar!
   3. Tony’s – A Wisconsin-themed bar.
9. Restaurants
   1. Colorado Mountain Brewery – By far my favorite restaurant in the Springs. There are two locations on the north and south side, with the north being my favorite.
   2. Cerberus – Great for a chill night out with burgers and freshly brewed beer. (or a Madusa Margarita, if you’re me)
10. Top Golf – There is a Top Golf on the north side of the Springs and such a fun activity to do as a date night or with a group of friends!

Message me if you have questions!

Wow. It still sounds weird saying that. I’ve waited so long for this 🙂

I was inspired to post a life update today when I found a note I wrote to myself the day I was moving:

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Is this actually happening?

I feel so many emotions; happy, nervous, relieved, and blessed to name a few. A focus of mine these past few weeks has been becoming content with the unknown of my future (I’m a HUGE planner so this has been a challenge.)

One journey at a time as my nana says 🙂 

So off I go – today – to start my next chapter. Just me, dad, and two cars full of literally everything I own. Big drive ahead. Lots of time to reflect, plan, and listen to my favorite podcasts. Wish me luck 🙂 

you got this.

xx Carlie 

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to me,

Things are better now. You aren’t so anxious and you made it safe and sound. You’re learning a lot about living in a big city! As well as making the best of the environment. It’s not quite like back home, yet when it snows you still get a little piece of WI weather. (Except they have no idea how to snowplow efficiently here!)

Your job is good. Ryan is good. Your apt. is exactly what you wished it would be. And you’ve even made a friend! 

More updates to come as I settle in. Thank you for reading. Make someone smile today 🙂 

xx Carlie

My word for 2022 is alignment. Everything I do, say, add, or let go this year will focus on aligning my values with my present life. 

…

To start the year off strong my best friends and I got together to make ✨vision boards✨ With magazines, old books, and craft supplies we were able to create collages of our goals for the year. A photo of mine below – a sneak peek into my successful year.

A few days ago I turned 23, and wow, I am so loved ♡

Every birthday is so exciting to me. You get to celebrate YOU and all the beautiful things that make you so unique – your accomplishments, your favorite food, the people you love.

For those of you who don’t know, I am the birthday month and birthday week girl. And I LOVE to plan my birthday to be full of all the people and things I love most. This year, my birthday was on Thanksgiving, so many businesses weren’t open (and a lot of people had dinner plans🙄) Despite this, my birthday was so so special 🙂

My twenties have been a roller coaster of my highest highs and lowest lows. I’ve learned SO much in these last three years and have found some of the most amazing people. As I continue to navigate through my 20’s (and life for that matter) I hope to never stop learning, follow my gut, and continue to spread kindness to others.

23 is going to be a big year for me. I can feel it in my bones. As I sit here 2 days in, I already have plans to move, my internship is coming to an end, and my art biz is starting to pick up.

What an incredible time to be 23. 

xx,

Carlie 

Let’s hop right in…

1. Networking is huge
2. Don’t stress about your grades too much
3. It’s okay to stay in
4. Take advantage of the services on campus
5. Ask questions

1. Networking is HUGE

You hear it all the time – “you just have to know the right people.” Well, I am here to tell you that it’s true. Having connections, building strong relationships, and having references get you a lot further than good grades and certificates. I wish this was stressed to me more as I first entered college because I didn’t realize how important this was until my junior year. That year, I learned that almost 80% of new employees are hired through word of mouth… 80%!!

My advice: make going-out friends, make friends within your major, job shadow a TON, and ask your professors questions. Go to the club meetings (even if you’re by yourself!), attend the free seminar, go to the campus movie night. Whatever it is – step out of your comfort zone and make connections.

2. Don’t stress about your grades too much

This is coming from your stereotypical straight-A student who would freak out if she got anything less. (I cried when I got my first B in a class :,)))) It’s fine. I laugh about it now. After graduating, however, I learned that unless you plan to go to grad school, the odds of someone asking for your gpa is slim! So in the end it’s not worth so much stress and anxiety.

I will add one thing – being so anal about my grades and involvement did help me land $10,000+ in scholarships throughout college. I think good grades have perks, but the amount of stress you put on yourself shouldn’t be so strong.

3. It’s okay to stay in

THIS. ha. The first two years of college I had the worst FOMO and didn’t realize that I had power in choosing how I wanted to spend my weekends. If your college is anything like mine, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays were the same…every…. single… weekend. Then on days where I wasn’t in the mood, I’d force myself to continue this weekly cycle. 

My advice: If you need a night in, it’s okay to stay back – you are not a party pooper. You are not lame. You are not a bump on a log. You are self-aware and just not in the mood.

4. Take advantage of the services on campus

My sophomore year I dug deep into my student bill (out of pure curiosity) and jeez, you would not believe the types of things you get charged for!! $5 here $10 there $1.60 for this little thing. I am not here to complain about those charges, but to tell you to UTILIZE them! Take advantage and use them to further your knowledge, your health, your network, and so many other areas. 

My favorite example is counseling. I was worried about paying for counseling before I started going, but learned it was 100% free for students who pay tuition. Sure enough, I dug through my bill and there it was a small amount of my tuition paid for that service. Other things my school had were a food pantry, counseling groups, craft nights, free movies, free snacks, and free networking resources. Take advantage because nothing is free in the real world :,)

5. Ask questions

Traditionally, this is something I am awful at,I  but wish so badly I asked more questions in college. Your professors are so knowledgeable and have so many connections, quirky interests, and tips. Pick their brains, ask about the material, and ask for help when you need it.

If you made it to the end, thanks for reading. If not, this was still fun for me to write and reflect on the last four years of my life. Have a great day 🙂 

xx, Carlie

And how can you use this information to start optimizing your content strategy?

A lot goes into a content strategy and an efficient one can take months, if not years, to build. However, don’t let that stop you from starting! Below we will discuss the basics of why people use social media and how you can use this information to build a base for your content strategy. 

People use social media for three reasons: 

1. Information: Individuals want to learn, stay up-to-date on events, and read the news.

2. Entertainment: Many users logon to relax, have a good laugh, or watch video

3. Connection: Communication is a key component of social media and is the reason so many people use it in their daily lives. 

By knowing this, your business goals, and your target audience you can start to create and schedule engaging content.

Informative content can be seen in several forms. As a business, your role is to teach your followers something about your industry, news, or show them a tutorial. These posts are great for engaging users who are interested in learning more about your industry or how to perform a specific task. Some example posts include:

• How-to tutorial
• Definition about a product or industry related concept
• Education post about the industry
• Fun Facts
• Historic Throwback

Many individuals turn to social media for a good laugh, chuckle, or other amusements. Businesses in particular should be conscious with how they approach entertainment. Jokes, memes, or stories should stay on brand with the company. Some examples of these posts include:

• Relatable memes
• Joke about a current event
• Throwback Thursday photos
• Video

Creating connections is the root of why many social media platforms were created. From a business perspective, it is important to use your platform to create lasting relationships with customers. Content that fits this category includes:

• Relatable posts
• Behind the Scenes Shots
• Day-to-day tasks
• Asking your users questions
• Polls

In the midst of all of the above content, a business will also want to sell their product or service. However, despite what many may think, selling content should only consist of a small percent of your content. Rather than continuously selling and talking to your users, get involved and build relationships. While still being authentic to your brand, engage with users, use hashtags, participate in the appropriate groups, and ask your followers questions. 

By understanding exactly why users come to social media platforms, a business can easily structure and plan its content. For more about specific social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, check out our article “Which Social Media Should My Business Be On?”

xx, Carlie