Crafts and Cupcakes
Lately it seems that the movement to "support local" is stronger than ever.From shops and restaurants, to local musicians and artists, to local farmers, the mantra is increasingly a part of our community's ethos. Along with this comes an elevation and celebration of craft and originality. We want things that have a story, whether it's a drink, a meal or a piece of art.
Everyone New Again
I'm a big fan of old things. Architectural salvage, vintage accessories, old books—I like the idea of things that have a history. Apparently, though, I'm getting to the age where I have a past myself.
Sequins and Livestock
It's really no secret that I love shiny things and a good show. My childhood included playing dress up, thanks to an extensive wardrobe of old dance-recital costumes and treasures from the Junior Auxiliary's thrift store. Then the general rule was the more sequins, the better.
Sailing Our Own Race
"There's a feeling in the air ..." So starts a favorite Better than Ezra song that reminds me of fall. Lately, that feeling has made me want to get outside and enjoy the great weather that this time of year brings. But beyond football fields, I found myself drawn to water this fall.
Booked Solid
It's been a few years since autumn meant back to school for me, but this year I've embarked on a semester as an adult learner. This adventure is courtesy of the Business Advantage Program at the Else School of Management at Millsaps College, in which 20 or so other professionals and I get 15 weeks of business classes two nights a week for three hours a night. It means that on the nights we don't have class, I have ... homework.
Pampering the Self
Sometimes it's nice to get away and indulge yourself. I tend to joke that living and working downtown, where I walk everywhere, makes driving to the suburbs feel like a trip to a whole other country. I decided to make an excursion of sorts out of the experience and do some pampering to get ready for fall.
Take a Bite
"Eat that apple." It's a new catchphrase, coined during what started out as an evening catching up with friends over wine at Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601-360-0090), but turned into adoption of a new life philosophy. The friends in question wish to remain nameless, so I'll refer to them as B, who is my Only Child Soul Sister, and Mom o' Mia (Mia is a fluffy white dog, not a child).
Liquid Themes
Maybe it's all those lit classes in college, but theme is important to me—whether it's in writing, in one's wardrobe for the season or for a party. The past few weeks offered plenty of opportunity for Jacksonians to submerse themselves in a theme-based activity for a night (or day), and I happily joined in.
Here's to the Season
'Tis the season—no, it's not Christmas in July. It's wedding season. I've strapped on my stilettos and made the rounds, toasting happy couples and collecting commemorative koozies.
Turning It Off
Independence. We celebrated ours as a country this month with fireworks, food and a welcome break from work. Did I have a great time watching the fireworks at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce's Red, White and Jackson from a downtown rooftop with friends? Absolutely. Was Horse Trailer at the Old House Depot's (639 Monroe St.) annual Fourth of July party a blast? Definitely. But as they played "It's Independence Day," I thought about it on a more personal level, too.
Dancin' Fools
"Just dance." Say what you will about her, but Lady Gaga knows what she's talking about. Sometimes dancing is exactly what you need to do after a long week, and this past weekend it was what some fellow downtowners and I had on our minds. We also knew just where to go in the neighborhood Friday night to get the job done.
On the Front Porch
When I asked my friend Arthur Jones how exactly he went about procuring the featured meat for a cookout at his house, he responded, "Sometimes, you just say, ‘Thank you for the goat.'"
Learning Early
Becoming a girl-about-town takes years of practice. Case in point: I vividly remember the pair of high heels that get credit for training me so that today, I can navigate anything in stilletos. They were purple snakeskin and lived in my neighbor's dress-up box filled with treasures from the Junior Auxillary's thrift shop. And they were fabulous. I teetered around in them at least three times a week from the ages of about 6 to 9.
Spring Renewal
Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers blooming, Easter, the birds and the bees doing their things—it all makes a girl want to shop for a new look and go dancing. At least that's what it makes this girl want to do. And so, this week I did.
The Bedazzler
Like many little girls, I acquired a deep love of sequins, costumes, and song and dance around the age of 3. This love never diminished as I grew older. Thus, while I'm an otherwise normally functioning adult, I don't think twice about wearing sequined shorts just because it's Friday night and coming up with theme-party ideas and costumes for any occasion (or none at all). In my head, my life is a musical that includes theme songs and choreography at pivotal moments—which brings me to my brush with Broadway and a bedazzled boot.