I love getting recommendations for the piece of the week. Anytime a friend is excited about something, it’s always a great idea to share. This week, my friend had a great suggestion (one that we see all the time, but I’d never think to feature.) This week’s piece is your community Smart Card.

Chances are if you know any kids, you know someone selling Smart Cards. Especially around this time of year, when school has just started back, kids are always selling something… candy bars, candles, cookies and Tupperware. Unlike household clutter and junk food that sits on your hips, The Smart Card is a useful little card that saves you money.

Here’s how it works: You purchase a card from a child at a participating school for only $12. They give you a card that provides savings from over 100 restaurants and retailers.  A few examples include Old Chicago, Shoe Carnival, Samurais and a free oil change at Firestone. Most of the offers on the card are good for a whole year, and the money you spend on the card goes towards helping local schools and the community.

Ask any parent with school aged children if they are selling cards. If you don’t know any, feel free to email me and I’ll contact someone who can sell you one. You can also order them online, but then money doesn’t benefit you community.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Come on fall!! Is it just me, or is this the LONGEST and HOTTEST summer ever? Every year is the same, towards the end of August I get season antsy and start updating my fall wardrobe. My closet slowly starts looking a little darker and, yes, a little more boring. This year will be different. This year fall is all about unique prints and beautiful fabrics. You can find many great pieces now and have a ton of new looks by the time the leaves change.

One great way to get good ideas without breaking the bank is to shop online. My favorite site is anthropologie.com. Unfortunately, I can rarely afford to shop there, but I get great ideas to go for. I had been keeping my eye open for a printed top that would work for now and throughout the rest of the year, something I could dress up or down. I found this silky tank at Forever 21.

I will be the first to admit Forever 21 can be one of the biggest headaches. Not to mention all of the glitter and neon, I usually feel that I am too old to be in there (and I’m only 24!) I crossed paths with this silky tank in a random corner and there was only one, a size too big. But for only $15.90, I felt it worth pursuing. I went home and found the tank online.

I love the flowy fit and the print works for any season. It looks great with skinny jeans and sandals now or tuck it in to a pencil skirt with a cardigan for the office. With its loose fit, it is also the perfect top for days you might not feel like you have the perfect figure.

Forever 21 is a great store for a gal on a budget. They have modern tops, and you can stumble across quality pieces. It is also a good place to find cheap basics that need to be replaced every now and then such as black leggings, white v-necks and simple cardigans. Don’t count on the pieces lasting forever, but you can find the random gem.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I've used many Aveda products and have always found them to be of high quality. This shampoo is no exception. The minty smell energizes and wakes me up during my morning shower. The shampoo also makes my scalp tingle (in a good way). It lathers up nicely and is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. 

This shampoo provides a balanced wash that leaves my hair looking and feeling clean, but not dried out. When I use this shampoo, my hair is full of body and shine and smells wonderful! 

It's easy to get hooked on Aveda products due to their high quality, emphasis on natural ingredients, and pleasing aromas. I have very thick hair and always use conditioner. If your hair is dry or damaged, you will probably need to use a conditioner as well. The Rosemary Mint conditioner is the perfect companion to the shampoo. It coats the ends nicely and never leaves you with that weighted down feeling afterwards. 

Although Aveda's products typically cost a little more than drug store products, they are still very affordable (and well worth the extra few bucks!) This shampoo and conditioner only run for $9. You can find Aveda’s Rosemary Mint collection at Tangerine Salon & Spa located at 845 N. Thompson Lane. They can be reached at 615.896.3302.

If you have an idea or store recommendation for next week's piece, feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

With a one year old constantly in to everything, it is hard to keep my home tidy and safe for him. I never like to walk into my living room and be bombarded by baby central. I try to keep sturdy practical furniture that is able to reflect my modern and ADULT style. This leather bench is exactly that and a great addition to my living room.

I found this week’s piece at Old Time Pottery. Typically, I think of this store for gardening, kitchen accessories and picture frames. Who knew that they also have quality home furniture that is affordable too? This leather bench was $70. I have found similar benches at comparative stores for as much as $200. It is made of dark, heavy wood and soft, brown leather. My kid can climb on this for years to come!

Accessory furniture like this is great for a corner or even as a coffee table ottoman. It is nice to have the additional seating in case you ever need it, and by throwing some colorful pillows on top you have added a great pop of color to you room.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

While having some trouble thinking of what piece to choose this week, my thoughts slowly turned to my visit this past Saturday to Murfreesboro's Main Street Saturday Market. The hardest part now is choosing what to feature.

This is the first year for Murfreesboro to have a Saturday Farmers' Market on the Square, and I think it has been a huge success. From fresh flowers to veggies to breads and jams, everything you need to liven up your kitchen can be found at the market. This week, I particularly loved the fresh sunflowers, jalapeños and banana bread. Everything is so affordable, and best of all, locally grown. The market will be open on the square every Saturday until noon throughout September (As I understand it).

I love making an entire afternoon of the Main Street Market. While I'm already at the Square, I have to stop in at a few of my favorite stores, including Sugaree's, the Write Impression and Fun Tiques. Next thing you know it's time for lunch, so you might as well grab a bite at Maple Street Grill or Marina's. I really feel that the Downtown Square is the heart of Murfreesboro.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

So, you may wonder why retailers are starting to break out their early fall line when it is 105 degrees outside. That is simply the way the fashion world works. Bathing suits are placed on the floor in February and sweaters in June. They entice us with new styles and colors, even though it makes no sense to make the ridiculous (and typically over priced) purchase. If nothing else, one great thing comes from new product lines…end of season sales.

If you haven’t noticed, there are huge sales everywhere! Everything from 10% off swimwear to an additional 40% off already reduced prices can be found on your favorite racks. It’s not just in retail stores either. Home décor, department and wholesale stores are all offering their goods at low prices.

I found this navy, linen blazer in Gap, located in Stones River Mall for only $18.99. Originally listed at $89.50, I feel that this will be a great transitional piece into fall, and I can wear it now with a plain white tee and khaki shorts. It is also a great piece for the office in case the typical cardigan gets a little old.

Don’t forget about electronics when it comes to the changing of seasons. This is typically the time where companies begin releasing new products for the holidays, and you can find amazing deals on last year’s models. Over the weekend, my husband randomly found a Blue Ray Player at Wal-Mart for $75, and it was originally listed at $350.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What is your go to product? Is it hairspray, lip gloss, perfume? My mom has to have her toenails and fingernails a matching color. My best friend wears eyeliner to the gym. Every lady has that go to item in their purse and mine is mascara.

Maybe it is my blonde stumpy eyelashes’ fault or maybe I am over exaggerating, but if I don’t have on mascara I feel like I look completely different. The thing is, I don’t even have a particular mascara brand that I love. My most recent venture is Maybelline’s “The Colossal Volum’ Express.” It plumps those lashes and lengthens them too.

Summer is a great time to minimize the makeup, making that go to product all the more important. Don’t forget to moisturize even more with all that sun exposure!

What is your favorite go to item? Whether it be a dress or a dresser, we at HobNob want to know so email us!

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When asked to guest write for Piece of the Week (it’s ok, Jeney will be back next week) I hit the drawing board. I asked myself, “Self, what’s something I can feature that otherwise won’t be done?” I mean, sure the summer dresses and discount jewelry are nice, but what about the manly men? What sorts of things do us guys like to know about? Cars. Definitely cars. Since everyone with a car changes the oil, I took mine to Express Oil Change on Old Fort Parkway.

Across the street from St Andrews Drive in Murfreesboro, Express Oil Change specializes in vehicle service. Any kind of car work can be done on any street vehicle either in the oil change station or the full service station a little further back. Prices are competitive and service is key.

I pulled into the Murfreesboro store at 4:30pm to be quickly greeted by Matt, Joe and Josh. They steered me in and got me to turn off the car. Then it was like watching an assembly line. I felt comfortable being asked to stay in the car. You see, having been raised by a mechanic, I know their tricks. So I don’t trust them. However, from the driver’s seat I could watch everything.

Express Oil Change redefines full service. They washed the windows, greased the door hinges and checked under the hood. I was given a print out of all twenty things they checked under the hood as well as suggestions if anything needed to be done. By the way, I need to flush the coolant and rotate the tires.

The invoice I was given was detailed and thorough. There were no questions. They took my card and quickly ran me for $38.40. Here’s the kicker. Four minutes after I pulled the car into the garage, I was leaving. It was astounding. I’m typically a guy who is adamant about treating my own vehicle, but I have been convinced Express Oil Change is a great company. The staff is above and beyond kind and is genuinely concerned about the condition of your vehicle. The icing on the cake is the speed at which they work. I cannot compare to that kind of work. I will be returning and recommend you do the same. Enjoy!!

Whether they may admit it or not, everyone has something they are addicted to. It may be Facebook, it may be celebrity gossip or if you’re lucky it’s the gym, but everyone has something. For me it is a delicious caramel macchiato, especially when they are brewed at JoZoara Coffee Shop.

I am not a coffee drinker. I won’t touch the standard stuff, although it smells delicious. No, I need the flavors of sugar, vanilla, caramel and cream. Hot or iced, I drink at least 3 a week. I avoid some of the calories by going with skim milk, and I actually like those better as they are not as heavy and filling.

JoZoara is located on N. Thompson Lane, across the parking lot from Stein Mart. They have a mouth-watering assortment of treats ranging from coffee and bagels to smoothies and grilled sandwiches, all made with the highest quality of ingredients.  They also feature great gifts from local artists such as art, jewelry and homemade puppy treats. You can check out some of JoZoara’s great events, such as Chicks with Sticks knitting club or Live Music Nights, on our HobNobMurfreesboro Event Calendar.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I think March and April are the worst weather months of the year. In the morning it can be around 50 degrees, 70 by noon and below freezing once the sun goes down. That’s not to mention the rain and random spouts of snow we still see from time to time. It’s too warm for a heavy coat and I am sick of cardigans every day…don’t get me wrong, I love my cardigans. If you haven’t already, it’s time you give the blazer a go.

The best thing about blazers is their versatility. I have a winter blazer that is a brown herringbone pattern, but with a lighter color and fabric a blazer’s cut is perfect for spring. I found this khaki, one-button blazer with striped lining at….Target! This cut is a little longer than some, which allows it to work great for the office or the weekend. I’m always kind of weird about khaki, but I am so excited to wear this with dark jeans and a white tank, printed shorts and spring dresses. Best of all, this week’s piece only cost $29.99, which is on the higher end of Target’s price scale.

Who doesn’t love Target? Cute clothes, modern home furnishings and basic necessities all in one stop. I would rather pay an additional 10 cents and get my toilet paper at Target simply to avoid the hassle of discount department stores. There are times where I will need to make multiple trips to Target in one day, and I still find something new. Target is located off of Old Fort Parkway and is open until 11 p.m. throughout the week, which is a big deal to me since all of my shopping spots close at 9 p.m.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .