Once a year the state of Tennessee has a weekend where certain items are free of sales tax. Usually this weekend corresponds with parents most wonderful time of the year, back to school shopping.
How I found myself
July 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Sometimes I feel that I am lost in a crowd, lost in life, and lost in the shuffle of madness that is having a 5 year old daughter. You see it’s like this, I have worked incredibly hard on myself both mentally, and physically. I work hard to accept and love the person that I am and understand my limitations. I work hard to make sure that my family is taken care of and happy and I try to do this without making myself crazy in the process. But now at this point , at 30 years old I have found what works for me. Bootcamp 3-5 days a week, eating gluten free, sewing custom children’s costumes and jui jitsu two days a week are what works. It makes me feel better and helps me to be the person that I need to be for myself and others. I love treating myself well and venting in the right ways. Or at least that is the ideal, but unfortunately sometimes you fall off the horse. This horse is a really big horse and it’s hard to get back onto it. It’s difficult to do the things that I need when i get out of the habit of doing them and it makes me feel like a failure when I don’t come back from it and other people tell me that they admire me and think i am doing a great job. The secret is sometimes I am not with it. Sometimes I find myself slipping and the guilt pours into me and that next thing I know I am sitting in the parking lot of Mcdonald’s binging on cheeseburgers, fries, pies and soda. All while understanding how horrible, damaging and dangerous this “food” is. You see unlike other people I don’t have the excuse of not understanding what I am doing to myself. I understand the dangers of these foods for most people and especially for me with my gluten allergy. But I do it I eat this and then it becomes a spiral and I keep eating like this and gaining weight and getting depressed in a horrible cycle. If it were relegated simply to food it would be one thing unfortunately though it is not. This spills into every part of my life and instead of staying on our schedule and getting the things that I need to get done, done I make mistakes, forgot appointments and feel harried.
So when you get to this point how do you get out of it? It takes listening to a story about someone else that has struggled with harder addictions than food and came out of it for longer that I have. So yes food is an addiction for me, this is the truth. When i get upset or have any problems I turn to food and I eat until I am sick. This is not some silly cop-out, this is the truth I have a serious problem with food. They say the first step is admitting it and so i guess that this blog post for me is the first step. The next step is to get back to the things that work for me. Starting with bootcamp bright and early at 5 am on Monday morning. I need to and want to because I need to be the woman that my family needs and I need the peace that my brain desires.
With Love,
The DFL
Where to see fireworks on the 4th
July 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Chattanooga is a sprawling city with great venues and vistas. You can view rivers, mountains, valleys, streams, and forests all while standing in the same spot. With such an array of views it can be overwhelming trying to find the best one to watch the fireworks on the 4th of july. The noogalife gives you our top 5 firework spots for the 4th. So gather around with family, grill some hotdogs and throw the frisbee, set yourself up for the best firework display that Chattanooga has to offer:
1. Pops on the river:
I am a lover of classical music. I regularly tune into 90.5 and listen. This venue ranks as number one for me for two reasons one, the amazing view of awesome fireworks and two a free classical concert that accompanies it. You seriously can not beat Pops on the river! 
Pops on the river is located at Coolidge park and is a free event. There is even a free shuttle if you can not get parking nearby. What better place to enjoy the fourth with your family?
2. The Southern Belle Fireworks Cruise:
If dealing with parks, children and crowds while watching fireworks seems like a hassle you can always check out the Southern Belle’s Fireworks cruise. 
This unique experience allows you to watch the fireworks while still enjoying the music , minus the noisy families. This exclusive opportunity comes at the small fee of 14.95 per ticket. Call the southern belle for more information.
3. Lake Winnie’s fireworks :
Number 3 on our list is Lake Winnie’s amazing fireworks. With the normal price of admission you can enjoy the park, rides, food and fun with an added bonus of an awesome firework display at 10 pm. Families are allowed to pack a picnic lunch and bring a blanket, spread out and enjoy a spectacular show. 
4. The Tennessee Aquarium:
Looking for a completely different and unique experience for the fourth? Look no further then the Tennessee Aquarium, who will be offering a sleep in the deep experience. After you watch Pops on the river why not snuggle down in the ocean in underwater cave and enjoy some pizza with your friends? This experience is like no other and has a price tag to prove it at 45 dollars a member and 55 for non-members it’s a pricey but one of kind experience not to be missed.
5. Cleveland TN:
Cleveland TN hosts an array of things to do on the fourth, from parades, to gospel concerts, to bluegrass bands and finally a huge fireworks display this is the place to hang out and mingle. You can bring food, set up some camp chairs and spend the day getting to know our neighbors while enjoying our day of independence.
No matter if you go out and enjoy major fireworks or stay home with your little ones and play with sparklers and bubbles, make this Fourth of July the best one. This is a day to remember our independence and enjoy another year with our families.
The DFL
Crafty Father’s day gifts
June 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Happy Father’s day!!! We at the nooga life understand how hard the work and life of a dad is. To be honest though when it’s time sometimes we get stumped. What do you get for a guy who can buy himself what he needs? What do you get to say how much you love and appreciate him without being cheesy or generic? The answer? Crafts! But the catch is finding the right craft for the right guy. So we have compiled an easy list to point you in the right direction:
The Lawn/Gardening Dad:
My husband recently started redoing our landscaping. He is spending more time in our yard and is proud of the work he’s done so for him I wanted to make something with my daughter that he could have outside to enjoy. We searched the web and found this awesome idea at From Oops to Ahh! 
The Beer Dad:
I know that most gifts related to this would be out for smaller kiddos but this super cute and simple craft makes is sure to add a smile to the face of any beer enthusiast. This super cute and easy craft idea was found at 99 crafting! 
The Coffee Dad:
Some dad’s love coffee, and let’s face it, they work hard and play hard so they deserve it. Instead of getting dad a starbuck’s giftcard why not make him a super cool coffee cozy like this one that we found at the artist woman 
The Lego Dad:
Legos are so popular and really they never go out of style but with all of the new kits you can’t go wrong. I personally have some great Doctor Who lego kits that I adore. For the dad that is into legos check out this great lego keyholder at Minieco. 
The Hipster Dad:
We found this super awesome printout card idea by the fine craft guild. 
No matter what dad is into make sure to show him that you love and appreciate him tomorrow and everyday of the year.
The DFL
Balloon artist offers a new twist on birthday parties!
May 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This year my daughter turned 5 and for her birthday she requested a pirate, bounce birthday. So we had a pirate themed birthday party at pump it up and as a special surprise for our party guests, we had a local balloon artist make balloon pirate hats, balloon swords and a giant balloon pirate! The balloons were the hit of the party and everyone loved them. The balloon artist is Patricia Balloona and her balloon sculptures will knock your socks off, these are not your typical dog balloons or simple giraffe balloons (though she can do those as well) these are amazingly intricate balloon sculptures!! As a special treat for our readers Patricia Balloona has teamed up with us to do our very first give away!!! We are giving away this amazing balloon flower sculpture 
to one lucky reader!!
Patricia Balloona how did you get started in ballooning?
Well, my little girl was watching this program called Color Inspirations and there was a
segment where a man was making a big balloon lion and it was just glorious. I had never before seen anything so intricate made out of balloons. I decided I needed to try it out. I needed to go to there.
But how do you go from seeing something like that to creating it? What’s the process?
Well, there is an app for everything these days and I downloaded a balloon twisting app on my iPod and made the dog. The app I used had just the most basic things.
I got some balloon twisting balloons from hobby lobby and gave it a shot.
So what did you start out with? Did you make the Lion straight off or start with something simpler?
I made the basic dog.That was my very first balloon sculpture. It felt very natural to me and I was in love and hooked.The clouds parted, a beam of light shone down and an angel chorus sang.
So how long have you been a balloon sculptor?
May 27th I celebrate my 8th month balloon twisting anniversary!
As a balloon sculptor did you start out thinking this could be a business opportunity?
No, I never had any intention of selling them or starting a business. I am what is known as an accidental entrepreneur. Friends lovingly pushed me into it.
So now that you have been doing it for a few months do you still love it?
Oh my goodness yes. That is how I know this is really my passion. I am the type that moves onto
something else once I start mastering or excelling at something, but with this, I truly found my calling.
So Patricia, do you twist at birthday parties?
Oh yes. Birthday parties, church events, libraries, any event is better with balloons!
You currently do a gig at Earthfare, can you tell us about that?
Yes, once a quarter they have me come in and make balloons for kids on a Thursday, kids eat free night. I am also known for popping in and bringing something cool for display every now and then there.
Great! Is there anywhere else that we can view your work?
Yes I have both a Facebook page and a blog. I pretty much make something new almost every day and post pictures. There is more proof I am in love with this art, I even made a blog and Facebook page for it. It is a lot of work to keep up with, that’s how you know I am all in.
You are a stay at home mom as well? How do you juggle your ballooning with taking care of your family?
Yes, I am a domestic engineer aka homemaker. It works out nicely in that I can work weekends and take care of my daughter full time during the week. My husband takes over on weekends.
What balloon artist do you learn from? Do you have some that you have worked with?
I haven’t personally worked with anyone but I have watched many balloon artists. I have several balloon heroes. Nifty Balloons, Andre Nolle, Addi Somekh and Felix Yoldi are my favorites.
Well it has been really nice speaking with you, is there anything else that you would like to say before I let you go?
Well, I would just like to say that I love making joy out of thin air and that Henri Matisse was right when he said that, ” Much of the beauty that arises in art comes from the struggle an artist wages with his limited medium.”
Thankyou so much to Patricia Balloona for taking the time to speak with us and for offering this amazing balloon creation to one of our readers! Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win!
Visit her Blog or Facebook page to book an event or learn more about the art of balloon sculpting.
Chiropractor offers a different approach
May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Dr. Truong at NorthgateFamily Chiropractic uses a form of chiropractics that you might not have heard of, it’s called Gonstead chiropractics and it offers a different view on the normal chiropractic practice. I can attest to the effectiveness of this approach. When I first went to see Dr.Truong (Three years ago), I could barely walk because I had such severe pain in my back. I thought I would have to go to see a Physician and possibly have surgery but I wanted to get some information on what was going on with me and try a holistic approach before that endeavor. I am so happy that I chose to go with Dr.Truong after taking some x-rays and using some specialized equipment, he was able to help my back so that I could walk without pain. After two more visits I was able to stand , sit and lie down without any back pain. Over the years I have seen Dr. Truong for everything from back pain, to knee dislocation, to TMJ and he has helped me through all of it. I can honestly say that I have no pain now and that I know if something does occur I can get in quickly to see Dr.Truong and his Friendly staff. The other thing that is wonderful about Dr.Truong is that he offers pediatric chiropractic care as well. I highly recommend going to see him. 
Meet a Reynold’s Real Mom
May 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Tiffany Merritt. Tiffany runs a blog called Stuff Parents Need, which hosts amazing giveaways and stories from her fun filled life. In addition she is a busy mom of two girls. Recently Tiffany was selected as one of Reynold’s Real Moms. I had the opportunity to delve into the life of this local celeb and share her personal story with you:
When did you start blogging?:
I started 7 weeks after my daughter Darah was born,in September of 2009. I was on maternity leave and I had still had energy at that time. I was ready to share my parenting expertise with the blogging world. It was like I had two babies two weeks apart, Darah and the blog.
What is the most difficult thing about blogging for you?:
I think the most difficult thing is getting readers to engage, typically about 3% of readers will respond. Bloggers crave comments, they are like the gifts of the blogging world. It’s nice when people reach out to you and connect. It’s also my own business and so sometimes it’s hard to be your own boss and stay motivated.
What is the biggest recent event in your blogging life?:
I was recently selected to be a spokeperson for the Reynold’s company. I will be a Reynold’s real mom. I have filmed 9 demonstration videos. I will do post and videos throughout the year and I will be in three national magazines. It’s a wonderful opportunity and it’s wonderful that Reynold’s is hiring real moms. They are taking an exciting approach with great ideas on how to help women and men use their products to improve their dishes.
How do you balance blogging with home life?:
I need to make peace with the fact that I will never perfectly balance anything on any given day. I wake up between 3:30-4 am everyday so that I can have peaceful quiet writing time while the kids sleep. I have to carve out the hours of quiet time, some days the blog suffers more and sometimes the house cleaning suffers. However, I never take my time with my daughters for granted because I understand that they are growing up and that I can’t get that time back. I really have to prioritize my time and make sure that I get my blogging requirements finished.
Did you take a break from blogging when your second daughter, Layah, was born?:
Not really, I had some guest post which helped. I may have a had a week off but that’s it because it’s incredibly difficult to stop blogging and for the blog to stay alive. Social media is a fast and vast river and if you don’t have something in the current then people won’t have anything to cling onto.
You went on trip for Reynold’s recently, how did manage your blog while doing that?
I planned ahead and I had every post while I was gone, scheduled.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?:
I’m so flattered and honored to have folks get to know me, thankyou! I just want bloggers to know it’s not easy but please don’t give up on this. Especially when people tell you that your time isn’t important, because it is. There are so many opportunities and relationships available in the blogging world. You can’t buy the kind of publicity that these communities offer. It’s a copacetic relationship with companies because they
are really listening and responding to their costumers and it’s a very exciting time for bloggers.
Thankyou so much to Tiffany Merritt! Please visit her blog and keep your eye out for her appearances on television as a Reynold’s Real Mom.
The Domestic FruitLoop
Scenic City Bootcamp goes through it’s own body transformation
April 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This is me before bootcamp and after I had been going to bootcamp for four months.
Can you believe the difference in just four months? I lost 30 lbs and 14% of my bodyfat. I gained muscle and stamina. I ran a 5k and I am still going. I love going to bootcamp. I wake up at 4:30 am and get dressed I leave the house at about 5:10 and get to bootcamp at 5:30 am for the first class of the day. I have my regular bootcamp friends and I enjoy getting an hour of intense training in before the day has even really started. I love how feel now, I was very unhealthy when I started which is why I decided to go. I also went from a size 20 to a size 14. I know without a doubt that I will continue to transform with scenic city. I am one of those people that can not get motivated about working out and I tried for years to be able to go to the gym on my own, but i wasn’t cutting it. I need to have people around to keep me accountable and help motivate me. This is what Kevin Harvey, Kristen Harvey and Clarrissa Seales are great at. Without them I could not have made the amazing transition that I did and will continue to do.
While I already loved bootcamp I am even more excited about it now as they have just moved into a new and larger space. In addition to the enormous new space there are now showering facilities as well, which is fantastic! Kevin and Kristen have built so many people up and changed so many lives, it’s great to see that the space they use is transforming with them. I highly recommend visiting scenic city bootcamp! Your first class is always free and if you tell them that Jessi sent you, you can get two full weeks for free. What an awesome deal?!
Milk and Honey hits the spot
April 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Milk and Honey is a brand new addition to the northshore area. Today I decided to take my daughter (Lil) out for a mother/daughter lunchdate and we chose the milk and honey gelato bar. It was a hit! We both loved the funky atmosphere and Lil really loved that she could sit outside and still see inside, at the indoor/outdoor counter seating. Aside from the fact that I wanted to spend time with my sweet daughter I also wanted to check out two of the new flavors of gelato. The Ecto-Cooler and Butterbeer flavors. First let me say that if you grew up in the 80’s/90’s you are most likely familiar with the ghost buster’s cartoon but in case you are not, watch this clip: who ya gonna call Pure awesomeness, right?! Well with the spawn of that awesome show came the drink ecto-cooler by Hi-C. This and ninja turtle pies by hostess were a huge thing for our generation. When I heard that milk and honey had the ecto-cooler flavor, it I had to try it, and it did not FAIL! I loved the flavor, it was dead on, the only thing that would have made it a bit better was if it had been a brighter shade of green. Nothing says you are drinking delicious slime like that eye punching shade of chemical green. Even without the correct hue, the flavor was spot on and I was taken back to my childhood.
The second flavor that I was there to try was Butterbeer! I am a harry potter fan, and when I say that I am not talking about one of those people who saw some of the movies and says they are a fan. I am a hardcore harry potter nerd complete with: full ravenclaw house costume and authentic robes, a remembral, a monster book of monsters that actually bites, an alivan’s wand and a wand from Ollivander’s at harry potter world in Universal Studios Florida. I even have a beautiful trophy that proudly states that I won the costume contest at the triwizard ball this past year, I also have a deathly hallows tattoo and of course have read the books and watched the movies all too many times to count. With all of that being said, I am an extremely harsh judge of Harry Potter themed foods. I loved the butterbeer at HP world but not from the cart, the butterbeer inside the Hogshead brewery was perfection and I was transported into the books. So needless to say I was more than skeptical when I sat down to try my butterbeer gelato. I apprehensively took a bite, then another and another and soon the cup was empty. I am still not sure how that happened, but I blame the nargles. No seriously though it was fantastic! I worry about writing this and sending it into the world for fear that when I go in tomorrow they will be out of the amazing butterbeer gelato. Aside from the wonderful gelato and the awesome atmosphere the service was impeccable. Lil and I both enjoyed our gelato and had a fun time. Don’t walk, run to this place! Seriously before the nargles eat the gelato….
The domestic fruit loop.
The interior of Milk and Honey
Foodworks offers new gluten free lunch menu
April 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I recently visited Foodworks restaurant in the north shore. I enjoy eating at Foodworks but I normally get to do it in the evening. It’s great for me because they have a gluten free menu for the dinner items and it’s a fabulous menu. I have a gluten intolerance and I am a foodie sometimes these two things are mutually exclusive. I am happy to say that at Foodworks this is not the case. My favorite menu item on the GF dinner menu are the candied crusted scallops they are served with a butternut squash and pear risotto that is is also phenomenal. On this particular visit however, it was 11 am and time for lunch. I was a bit apprehensive. I wondered if I would need to order off of the dinner menu and if I did I wondered what I would do with the extra food that I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat. As luck would have it when I asked for the GF menu I was presented with a brand new GF lunch menu! It was fantastic, I knew the portions would be correct and the very knowledgeable staff would keep me from getting sick. For lunch I decided to get the hot ham and cheese. This GF option comes without bread but it’s very filling and delicious. The normal hot ham and cheese would be a bit disappointing but Foodworks hot ham and cheese is amazing. This ham and cheese has ,ham, pepper bacon, aioli, provolone, smoked Gouda and tomato and for a side I got the wonderfully comforting yukon gold mashed potatoes. This meal was perfect and the service was excellent. 
The Chattanooga Market Opens
April 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
With summer almost upon us it’s time for The Chattanooga Market to open. Opening day at the Chattanooga market is this Sunday April 21st at 11:00 am. The Chattanooga market is a nooga staple and a great place to find one of a kind items. From handmade clothes, to soaps, to hot off the griddle donuts the market has it all. With spring in full swing this sunday’s market is sure to boast a beautiful array of flora and fauna. Come enjoy the the tastes and smells that the market has to offer. In addition to the wonderful array of food and vendors this sunday’s market will host the Chattanooga symphony orchestra conducted by Kayoko Dan. What better way to spend a day with the family then to walk around the market and take in the lovely music or maybe stop and dance. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend, dogs are always welcome at the market! So gather the family, bring your furry friends and come down to the first day of the 2013 Chattanooga Market, it will be a spring fling not to be missed.
Vacation on a dime in Chattanooga
April 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Planning a vacation is difficult, planning a vacation for a family is even more difficult and planning a family vacation on a budget is down right frustrating. Luckily planning a trip to Chattanooga for a family on a budget is easy with these simple techniques. When booking a hotel you first want to decide if you will have your own transportation. If you do then staying near the Hamilton place mall will be more cost effective, with several hotel choices starting at 100/night. However if you do not have your own transportation than you will want to stay near downtown to be close to the action. The recently built Springhill suites by Marriot offers luxury accommodations at an affordable price. A bonus with this hotel is the amazing view of the river just outside. With your home away from home now in place it’s time to take a look at the best and most affordable experiences that Chattanooga has to offer.
The first stop on our budget friendly tour is the Chattanooga zoo, which offers chimpanzees, jaguars, and some friendly and pet-able goats for the bargain price of 8.95 per adult and 5.95 per child, plus kids 2 and under are free! At a small additional fee of 5 dollars you can ride a camel or for 1 dollar you can ride on the zoos famed carousel which boasts an array of colorful creatures hand carved in the traditional carousel fashion. The next place that if easy on the wallet and fun for the family is the Creative Discovery museum, this fun filled museum is a kid’s paradise.
The first stop on our budget friendly tour is the Chattanooga zoo, which offers chimpanzees, jaguars, and some friendly and pet-able goats for the bargain price of 8.95 per adult and 5.95 per child, plus kids 2 and under are free! At a small additional fee of 5 dollars you can ride a camel or for 1 dollar you can ride on the zoos famed carousel which boasts an array of colorful creatures hand carved in the traditional carousel fashion. The next place that if easy on the wallet and fun for the family is the Creative Discovery museum, this fun filled museum is a kid’s paradise.
Everything here is hands on, interactive, and lively. Children will love creating a sculpture in the art studio, creating their own puppet show and becoming a paleontologist as they dig for dinosaur bones. At a price tag of 11.95 per person this is a great to spend a day. Our last stop under attractions is the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, with daily 2 1/2 hour train rides this is a Chattanooga must! Chattanooga is known for it’s trains and no other attraction thrills children while giving them a history lesson like tvrm. Price tag for this one of a kind experience is 16.00 per adult and 10.00 per child.
With all of this exploring you are bound to get hungry, these restaurants are budget friendly, and unique to Chattanooga. The first restaurant on this tasteful tour is Good Dog, this locally owned and operated joint boasts the best dogs in the south and while good dog has some amazing hot dogs and vegetarian chilli, their breakfast is not to be missed. Open at 7 am until 10pm they are a family friendly local dining stop that is available whenever you are. The prices range from 4.00-9.00 and this amazing establishment has vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available. Aretha Frankenstein’s is our next haunt. This one of a kind restaurant is known for it’s monstrous pancakes. These pancakes are huge but if pancakes aren’t your thing they have other breakfast samplings as well. They also have some pretty impressive lunch sandwiches and with almost all the prices around the 7 dollar range this makes our second spot for our budget friendly restaurant list. *Disclaimer- (The locals know how great this place is so get there early to beat the crowds on the weekend otherwise you could be waiting an hour or more.) Last but not least on this delightfully delectable tour is the Fork and Pie bar, a newcomer to the area this quirky establishment has quickly made it’s mark as a place not to be missed. With a relaxed family friendly atmosphere and pie so good that it will make you think of Grandma, you would expect the prices to be sky high but much like grandma these folks understand penny pinchers. The prices on this menu stay right around the 7 dollar mark. The portions are large as well. When you visit do not leave without trying the pie of the day.
With all of these budget friendly sites there is no reason not to make Chattanooga your next vacation destination! We hope to see you soon.
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