Nashville day-trip visitors looking to choose a hot chicken restaurant might find themselves in a bit of a pickle–selecting just one spot. So what’s the solution? Make more stops and share with a friend!

There are solid standbys like the trendy Hattie B’s and the original Nashville institution, Prince’s. And there are at least 10 other restaurants that specialize in hot chicken, with the firey entrée popping up on even more menus more every day.

This weekend, my husband and I decided to have hot chicken from Helen’s and Big Shake’s delivered to our Music City hotel room.

My husband, a fan of spicy foods, jumped at the chance to order Helen’s Hella Hot. While eating the first couple of bites, he seemed to be enjoying the flavor. However, a few moments later, I couldn’t help but notice him gulping down his Splenda-sweetened tea and reaching into our mini fridge for some Halo Top ice cream. After I teased him a little, he admitted the chicken had earned its name. Knowing he has a high tolerance level, I was afraid, but, when in Nashville, eat the hot chicken. Indeed, the Hella Hot bit back. I joined him in extinguishing the flames with ice cream.

After our tongues stopped smoldering, we dove into a piece of Big Shake’s next-to-hottest flavor, Rambo, and the medium spice-level Stop-Drop-and-Roll. Rambo did not leave either of us breathing smoke but did have a very good flavor, and Stop-Drop-and-Roll’s heat was even tamer. We shared the opinion that Big Shake’s breading and amount of crispiness were perfect. Also, we were impressed by the extra cheesy macaroni and cheese and the Belgian waffle we used for sopping up the extra sauce. Big Shake’s also boasted what my husband referred to as probably the best beans he’s enjoyed in his life — no small praise!

While not an inferno ala Helen’s, Big Shake’s was delicious. We look forward to visiting both restaurants in-person and continuing our mission to try as many Nashville Hot Chicken restaurants as possible. 

If you find yourself in the greater Nashville area, there are several Helen’s Hot Chicken and Big Shake’s Hot Chicken locations dotting the map. Check their sites for business hours, current pricing and a list of affiliated delivery services.

I am excited to share the trailer for my first novel, The Cottage on Palm Court. I hope you enjoy watching the video!

I love interacting with coworkers from around the globe and sharing their stories. Some employees in Ireland helped uncover and restore a World War II Eire sign that demonstrated the country’s neutrality. I was able to collaborate with my social media partners to make sure these employees’ work didn’t go unnoticed.

I am refining the second draft of my first novel, The Cottage on Palm Court, a Southern paranormal romance. I would like to thank all of my beta readers, especially my husband, mother-in-law, sister and my dear friend and talented author, Kelly Stone Cramer. You have helped me take my first draft and turn it into a captivating manuscript. I am grateful for your support!

Stay tuned for more details about my novel. I am excited to see where this journey takes me!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to interact with volunteers, public officials and the local media at an event, promoting volunteerism and education in my community. I am grateful to work for a company where these principles are treasured.

I enjoy writing about travel, food and other lifestyle topics any time the opportunity arises. Writing and taking photos for my friend Lia’s food-centric blog was a great opportunity to dust off this ambition. I hope to find more opportunities to immerse myself in these subjects in the near future.

From speech writing to crafting press releases, writing is what drives me as an individual. I am grateful for being able to do what I love professionally. I wish more people could experience this feeling every day!

The past few weeks have been an exciting time as Social Marketer at K-Town.

A parent from our program discussed art therapy as a coping strategy on WATE Channel 6. In addition, this story promoted the Behavioral Health Coalition of East Tennessee Art Show, in which K-Town’s youth and family members participated.

Also, the K-Town Go Green for Mental Health Awareness campaign was featured in The Knoxville News Sentinel and Knox Talk Radio. An interview by Kim Hansard of Star 102.1 will air on Sunday, Oct. 26.

I love going to work and knowing that every day means more than just a paycheck. When our youth at K-TOWN share their stories with me, I consider that my greatest success.

So far, this week has consisted of writing stories for and laying out the K-TOWN June 2014 Newsletter, planning a training event for the end of the month, social media posting and interacting with youth and some of their families. Sure, I don’t technically have a hands on role. However, I enjoy having built a relationship with many of the young people who walk through our doors.