By: Sarah Carpenter

“Nothing had been touched since 1980. We walked in and it was peach and blue walls, very Golden Girls. It was easy aesthetically; somehow for this house, we knew exactly what we wanted. People walk in and immediately relax; it’s an atmosphere that says ‘this feels like home’. Creating a space where people can set a little time for self-care, it’s important. We don’t want it to ever be rushed- it’s all very quality and experience focused. 

We traveled extensively for our jobs and didn’t find natural options anywhere. We had the luxury of being able to get natural services anywhere we traveled to, and thought, ‘why not at home, too?’ Selfishly, Karen and I wanted access to it and felt the great need for it. The people in this community needed to have the opportunity to benefit from these products that were really green and it just wasn’t available. Now that we’re established, we try to carry as much local and charitable product as possible to benefit our beloved Nashville.”

If you’ve ever strolled down the charming streets of Germantown, you may have seen a pop of magenta pink giving life to an old brick abode. Monroe St. is the home of Nashville’s choice all-natural spa, whose fast success can be fully attributed to their modern focus towards upgrading a simple spa service. Karen and Sherri consider you more than a client when you stroll into their hundred-year-old endeavor. True southern hospitality radiates the moment you hear your first “hello” and continues even after your pampering is complete. Fresh colors come in abundance for a truly clean mani or pedi, a greener and less painful sugaring procedure takes over for waxing, and, of course, every skincare service comes offered free of toxins to bring out your natural glow! 

Classy, gleaming, chic- Poppy and Monroe’s mission to marry toxic-free spa with an environment that exudes elegance has surely been mastered. But why stop there? Poppy didn’t. A fully stocked beauty boutique filled with fresh, locally focused products greets you behind the magenta door; after all, why wouldn’t you want to take your experience home with you? Before taking its temporary spot on brass and gold shelves adorning the shop’s walls, each and every product is tested and tried to ensure top quality and efficacy. As if that weren’t enough to prove Poppy and Monroe’s dedication to giving THE best service, you’re also offered complimentary beverages during your pamper. 


Photos: @poppyandmonroe

Every experience provides the elation and relaxation felt after a week long beach getaway in a fraction of the time and without the long drive. It's in no way a stretch to claim that this spa has it all: eco-friendly waterless pedicures, all of the latest in natural beauty, and even a luxe-life membership to save on services! You know our next trip back is already scheduled.

----------------------------



I'm a health blogger who found her passion after being cured of a life-threatening illness using the power of clean food and natural living. Coming from a small Virginia town, I've always felt the call of a southern city and fell easily in to Nashville. You can find me engaging in everything the city has to offer- getting my savasana on at hot yoga, whipping up some plant-based goodness with help from my local farmers markets, inspiring a bride with her dream gown at Posh Bridal Couture, and doting on my darling little girls, almost always with a glass of my favorite red in my hand.

-----------------------------

Interested in writing a blog post for us? Please email info@thenashvillguide.com.

By: Lindsey Joe

It’s Burger Week in Nashville and I could not be more excited!  Even health nuts love the finer food things in life and just like everyone else, we struggle with ordering the perfect patty that will satisfy our tastebuds and not leave us feeling guilty about enjoy it.  So, in my quest to strike the best balance between health and happiness, I have 5 tips to help you order a healthier burger when eating out. 

Keep it simple. Gourmet burgers might be all the buzz, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping it old school when it comes to your burger toppings.  The truth is, piling on all those extras can add quite a few fat grams to your meal -- 1 ounce of cheddar cheese (9g of fat), 1 thick slice of bacon (5g of fat), 1 ounce of aioli sauce (22g of fat). Instead, opt for condiments like mustard and salsa which add a lot of flavor without all the fat. Or even, ask for sauces on the side so you can control how much makes it onto your patty. 

Be picky about your patty. You can’t always count on restaurant burgers to be lean.  Consider trying a grass-fed, bison, turkey, or veggie patty for a lower-calorie option.
 

Photo by: @SliderHouse featuring "Skinny Jean" 

Savor something smaller. Whether it’s a slider, “minis” or even halfsies with a friend, you can avoid feeling stuffed after by ordering something smaller when going out for burgers. 

Pack on the produce. A lot of times these add-ons don’t cost anything extra so order up your favorite veggies (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms) and/or fruit for major flavor and an additional serving of produce in your day. 


Photo by: @FarmBurger 

Get a better bun.  When available, order your burger on a whole wheat bun.  It’ll actually add some nutrition to your meal.  

And no pressure to make all of these requests when ordering out.  The most important thing is to not be afraid to ask for what you want.  As they say, ask and you shall receive. 

Happy burger week-ing! 

----------------------------------- 

LINDSEY JOE, RDN, LDN
Lindsey is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Nashville, TN.  She graduated from the Dietetic Internship program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and prior to this, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  She is a weight management expert, meal planning master, and TN Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nashville Media spokesperson.  Lindsey is passionate about helping people ignite the healthy that makes them happy and you can follow all her food-filled adventures at @themealplanningmethod!

Interested in writing a blog post for us? Please email info@thenashvillguide.com.