New Blog!

I'm now blogging at SouthernSophisticate.com — be sure to follow me for behind the scenes at Nashville Lifestyles magazine to details of my latest trip — I am sharing it all there.

Enjoy!

 

Resolving for 2012

We're all familiar with the tradition of setting resolutions. As I gathered with my husband and a couple of our dear friends just before the start of the New Year, we all set out to say our resolutions aloud. One common thread was not to set those that we could not keep-- and for at least two of us (yes, the bitchy women), the goal was to be a sweeter, more patient soul in 2012.

For me, that is something to always be working on-- but this year-- there are so many things I want to do, experience, accomplish and enjoy!

To start, I need to be more active on this blog. Yes, the last few months have been hectic with work, family, a move and a wedding (with follow up honeymoons)- -but not a single post since July?? It is no shocker that I only have a handful of followers. With my lack of putting anything out there -- I wouldn't follow me, either. So, I am not only going to update more often (once a week at minimum), but am going to dress it up-- sharing some of the gorgeous photos that my talented spouse takes-- and inclusions from the best I see on the road and on the net. I'm already exploring other blogs and have found a few I love to give me direction.

Another goal is to make more time for the music that I love so much. It has been months since I've visited the iTunes store-- and there is SO MUCH fantastic new stuff that I want and NEED to add to my library. Music makes me happy, gives me inspiration and most of all-- supports so much of the commerce in my home town. SO... a resolution to be more current and to purchase more only makes sense.

The final goal that I will share here has to do with organization in both my home and personal life. Thank goodness the Container Store opened nearby-- which has helped me get on track quickly. But, it isn't just being organized-- I need more. I want to get the home I am now in to a state that reflects the tastes and lifestyle of not only me, but the artist I am living with. After going through boxes and sending loads to charity this week-- the clearing part is over. Now, I want to focus on tweaking each room, shelf and even light fixtures to create the haven I've been craving. There's no one to blame but me for not tackling this sooner. In my new place, I need to nest -- and that takes some effort. I'm off to a great start with the Sex and the City (and then some) closet that Pierce and Co. finished up for me last month. You'll get to see it on their new HGTV show, Interiors INC -- with the first episode slated for Jan 28. For all of my friends -- I hope you too will treasure and relish your time at home and create an environment that is difficult to leave and a joy to return to each day.

I've never really liked mornings. In fact, when the sun comes up-- I've generally avoided it with drapes or blinds-- waiting until a decent hour to wake. That was until I started to force myself to rise before the sun a few months ago to work out with Jeff at Takes 2 Fitness. On my days off, I still hide under the blankets until after 8-- but on my days to train, I am anxious to rise with the sun to take in a little torture before the work day begins. The best part is that my commute includes a highway with zero traffic -- and I get to hear a little news on the way. Once I'm there, I feel energized...and that's a good thing... as the program gets a bit more challenging with each passing month.

With Takes 2, I've become stronger-- lost inches, gained energy and feel better overall. I love the people, like that I can lift heavy weights and most of all, enjoy feeling a bit of pride before my day really even begins.

TMI?

When is sharing a little too much? With all of us blogging on everything from breakfast recipes to diaper creams-- where is the line drawn?

I thought of this a bit tonight as I answered letters from column and magazine readers, feeling that maybe I've put too much of my life out there. But, really don't we all these days? From FB posts about health issues and family matters to tweets commenting on our favorite late night talk show happenings-- the opinions are endless. And yes, everyone's got one!

For the record and in response to those with comments and requests-- I am going to stick to what I know. Well, that and the things I want to know more about. Friends, entertaining, personalities and the very best about anything happening in Nashville. Right now, that includes promoting our next HOT LIST issue (nashvillelifestyles.com) as well as the column that I have in our Sunday edition of The Tennessean. No need to answer questions about my personal life, my upcoming marriage plans or comments on who's going to be on the cover of the next NL mag. Not yet, anyway!

Hosts that 'get it'

On a day off prior to another (for July 4) the last thing I wanted with a dinner invitation was a dress code. Luckily, two of the coolest people I know shared this sentiment and suggested I come over early evening in shorts and no makeup. This turned out to be a fantastic night. Good friends, great conversation and of course (at their house) unforgettable food. Smoked ribs and brisket. Fresh coleslaw with spice and blueberries-- homemade white bbq sauce and an appetizer of fried coconut shrimp were all part of the mix. Dishes were casual but elegant-- garnished with bunches of fresh herbs just picked from the earth-- and I even got a take home bunch of basil and mint for my own cooking needs tomorrow.

Thanks Susan and JT-- your sublime cooking and hosting skills always make me smile...and make every day feel like a holiday!

The Skinny on Steakhouses...

I'm first and foremost a carnivore. Love a great steak and never skip the opportunity to sample one. But, even the main stay 'big portion' upscale chains that I adore most are finally hearing our cry for something lighter. That includes their bar offerings. Tonight, I took several members of my staff to sample the brand new 'SPATINI' cocktail and appetizer menu at Morton's, The Steakhouse on Church Street. From the first sip, we were sold. Having our cake and eating it too? Oh yeah...this is our new happy hour spot. Their incredible offerings of low-cal drinks including the Lean and Green (cucumber, lime and mint with a kick) served up in a champagne glass are going to be released today! For those of us who are always watching calories or feeling deprived when others are sipping high calorie cocktails while we subside on simple soda mixers- -this menu is a revolution. My girls loved the 'Antioxidant Me' -- and I agree that this will be a staple. But, as an avid fan of the Sex and the City saga-- I am sticking with their Skynny (yes-- that's how they are spelling it to reflect the vodka brand) Blood Orange Cosmo. Heaven in a martini glass and under 200 calories. Another round? Most definitely! See you at Morton's.......

Farm to Table

I've been through at least 4 upscale food and wine magazines tonight...and all of them are paying salutation to those chefs and others raising their own vegetables. In some cases, it is just herbs. While in a world of convenience stores, I love the movement, I really don't see what all of the fuss is about. That is likely because I spent most of my summer days growing up with my grandmother, Mary Jane (yes, really)-- the original farm to table chef. While most housewives (including my mother) were opening canned veggies and making fake cheese concoctions-- she and my Papa grew, harvested and made their own gourmet fare before it was even recognized.

On a simple 10 acres in Signal Mountain, TN, they had several apple trees along with peach, cherry and plum-- as well as their own grape vines for homemade vino and jelly. Papa kept bees for fresh honey and the fences were lined with blueberries and blackberries. In the side garden there were cucumbers, corn, squash, beans, beets and peppers along with my favorite red fruits-- tomatoes and strawberries. Almost everything we put into our mouths came from the land. While I love having my own (small) garden now and relish the tomatoes I pick up at Whole Foods-- nothing has ever been as delicious or as sweet as it was then. I was lucky to be a part of a very original slow food movement.