Lent

Hello blogging word!

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of a 40 day period called Lent that leads up to Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday.  Tradition states that believers in Christ should give up something as a sacrifice to God for the duration of the 40 days.  This is symbolic for the ultimate sacrifice that was made for all of us on Good Friday thousands of years ago.

I have never observed the tradition of giving up something for Lent and neither has Rob, but this year we adopted the tradition into our family.  I am giving up Starbucks and Rob is giving up sweets.  These may sound silly, but to us they are things that we enjoy everyday so it really is a sacrifice to us.  You have no idea how much of a pick me up my grande-nonfat-no whip-mocha-latte gives me!  I truly do love and adore these warm cups of happiness.

Rob has a HUGE sweet tooth.  He is blessed because I LOVE to bake!  It's usually late at night when he says, "Honey, I need something sweet!" and off he goes to the kitchen to find something to satisfy the craving.  There have been many nights when we've gone out late to get Brusters or I've baked him a fresh pan of brownies around the time that most people are going to bed!  I guess I'm a bad influence :)

Our hope is that by giving up these things during Lent, it will not only be a sacrifice on our behalf, but it will also show our discipline and faithfulness to God.  I am a believer that showing a physical example of your belief in Christ can move mountains.  I've heard from numerous people that when they have had something very important to pray about and then added some form of fasting to the equation it has made all of the difference in the world.

I hope everyone has enjoyed all of these March showers we are getting!  I always thought it was April showers bring May flowers, but maybe we're getting the flowers early this year :)

xoxo,
Amber

Top 10 Chattanooga Restaurants

Sometimes I am at a complete blank when it comes to thinking of something interesting to blog about.  At times our life is crazy and we have fun events and happenings almost everyday, but at other times our life is very normal and boring, which is good too!  I got a great suggestion from a co-worker of mine, thanks Teresa, to blog about my favorite restaurants because I am always talking about the newest eateries in the scenic city.  Here goes, in no particular order!  Let me know what your favorites are...

Public House

Must try the pimento cheese!

Southern Star

Yummy veggies, blue plate specials and homemade desserts!

Taco Mamacita

Everything is delicious!  Mexican is my favorite so I can't choose!

The Boathouse

Outstanding seafood and my favorite guacamole!

J. Alexander's

Fabulous steaks, salads, chicken fingers, pork tenderloin and emerald coast shrimp!

Nikki's

The BEST onion rings on the planet!  The burgers and shrimp are great too.

Crust Pizza

Extra thin crust pizza with tons of yummy toppings!

Big River Grille

Tons of menu options!  Something for everyone.  I love the BBQ chicken pizza.

Terra Nostra

Fabulous tapas (small plates) and sangria!  The surf and turf is always a good choice.

Rembrandt's Coffee House

Mouth-watering desserts and coffee!  Perfect place for after dinner.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my favorite places to eat here in my beautiful hometown of Chattanooga.  Let me know what you think I have left off of the list!  I am always up for trying new restaurants.  Happy Spring!  It's finally almost here!! :)

xoxo,

Amber Lea