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.

Sin City has never sounded better!

 

As a younger person-- weekends in Vegas were all about the party. Money thrown around and one too many cocktails. Now that I appreciate my time off more than ever, I look forward to spending a few days in the city without too much craziness. In fact, as I look to the website of the Palazzo resort where we are set to stay-- clicking on the nightclubs never comes to mind. Instead, I am far more interested in the best new restaurants (a new outrageous burger joint on site and the best Mexican in town, too) and how to get the best spot at one of the pools for the afternoon.

I love this location because there is shopping, dining and people watching onsite and for the super-expansive suites. But also because it offers close proximity to everything else that I love on the strip. I can pop over to the Forum shops for a bit of designer drooling and lunch at Spago ....or the BOA 405 Martini at my fave Vegas steakhouse, BOA Steak. Or, I can venture over to Bellagio for cocktails and a bit of romance watching the light and water show after dark. It's also close to the newer CITY CENTER-- where Aria's Julian Serrano beckons with Spanish Tapas and delicious wines to match. A walk to the shopping adjacent includes browsing in Assouline's signature book store-- I could get lost here for days and be completely content.

Do I plan to be a little bad. Of course-- but these days that means easing up on the diet and sleeping late. And, yes, I do plan on doing some sleeping-- even if everyone else vacationing there doesn't!

Savoring the weekend

Getting the last bit of writing done before a big weekend of food and wine begins. Tomorrow, the 5 James Beard Award winning chefs from all over the country arrive in Music City to help us in our first ever city food event of this level. It has been a bit of a challenge-- but I think we have it all together. Amazing menu, produce from our local sustainable growers and a fun crowd of attendees for Saturday night at the Hilton Downtown Nashville

Sunday may be the most fun, as we are having the first EVER shrimp and grits cookoff in Nashville. 13 talented chefs will be mixing up and sharing their secret recipes for a crowd of around 300 people this Sunday. While the crowd is already large, we have enough food so that more can come. All of that combined with Mimosas in the gorgeous Hutton Hotel on at Sunday afternoon-- who can beat it? Tickets-- nashvillelifestyles.com.

Summer Fruit!

Ok, it is finally here-- hot weather. With it comes more than just A/C and swimsuits. It's time to head to the farmers markets and pick up the first fruits of the season. While I don't have time to prepare lavish desserts-- there is one that I find easy, fun and delicious.

This  is always a favorite. From famous faces to restaurateurs- I get compliments and requests for the recipe.. I served it to one of the country’s most famous artists in Santa Fe and he’s still talking about it! Here it is—so simple and easy. This is enough to serve 10-12 (or leaves room for error when serving 6).

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Six medium peaches—firm but ripe

Mayfield or Blue Bell Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Good quality sea salt and balsamic vinegar (small amount)

Store bought gourmet caramel sauce, warmed in small saucepan for 2 min or in microwave for 30 seconds

Cut peaches in half and remove pits. Rub your palms with olive oil and run over surface fruit. Place flesh side down over grill on med/low heat for 4/6 minutes until warm and slightly charred. Set out small bowls with splash(1/4 tsp) of balsamic in bottom. Remove from grill, turn over (skin down), place in bowl. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Place scoop of  ice cream in the center. Drizzle caramel sauce on top. Serve!

Easiest Diet on the Planet

Anyone who knows me can attest that I am all about eating and food. But, my love for all things culinary isn't so good for my waistline. After putting on a few too many extra pounds, I finally got to the point where I couldn't stand my favorite jeans being too tight! So, I tried to find something that actually works and that would keep me on track.

The Book 'Four Hour Body' really is a bit complex-- and way too long. There are chapters I've never read and don't plan to. But the two on the "slow carb diet' really have helped me to lose body fat quickly and painlessly. Lots of protein, legumes and veggies-- but nothing processed or starchy. For me, it basically cuts out the junk. Surprisingly, it is easy to follow-- even with a hectic work and travel schedule. Loving the results and plan to keep it up. If you're looking for a great diet -- this is one I highly recommend!

Finding a new vacation spot!

While some of us get very comfortable going to the same familiar place year after year-- there is definitely something eye opening and refreshing in going to an entirely new place -- and I'm not just talking about a new resort in a familiar city or island destination. A great example is this past week when I visited Mexico. Have been there dozens of times-- but always retreat to the coastal towns and beach resorts. This time, I found incredible art -- @hotelmatilda.com  and then found an amazing maze of artifacts and spectacular views of San Miguel's rich heritage and architecture at Rosewood San Miguel. Both were unique/boutique properties with very distinctive personalities. I was able to meet the chef at Matilda who took us on a tour of local organic gardens and even around the city in search of the best (and safest) street food. Making purchases from local vendors with affordable hand crafted items and touring numerous art galleries was just as relaxing as a day on the beach-- except on this trip I learned something aside from what I would be reading in a book or magazine. First hand experiences with new things and people-- that is going to be my vacation goal going forward!

Coming home

With so much travel on my schedule-- sometimes landing safely in the small city of Nashville is a reason to celebrate. I am never home sick, but it is in my own house that I can find solace and comfort in what is familiar. However, once I arrive, there is an impending schedule of social and media events. I can only hope that what I have seen, who I have met and what I have learned during my travels allow me to be a more interesting participant. Likely the most consistent realization and benefit is accepting just how small my place is in this big world. On my trip to San Miguel this past week, I met people from many countries -- speaking a number of languages and all with different career paths. Some were wildly wealthy and well traveled while others were more simplistic and focused on their own works and daily tasks. It never ceases to amaze me how many people really do exist on this planet, and going away to a new place always puts things into perspective. No matter how 'big' things may seem in our environments -- they really are small in the scheme of things. Living small really is living large? That's my thought for the day!

Disconnecting for thought

With a gorgeous weekend in Nashville that has passed too quickly, I actually took a much-needed break from traveling and packing to try to catch up on some reading-- no big novels-- but at least my favorite magazines. On some, I am two months behind. Some had articles tagged/marked and others not even opened. What I found most interesting was the first two that I picked up had pieces on the benefits of trying to stay unplugged for a bit -- basically not looking at or responding to email and trying to find other ways to connect. One of the most interesting was in the May issue of Town and Country magazine, where the article goes on to talk about how this can be beneficial at work -- not just during downtime. The message that all of us might be more productive and good at our jobs/relationships/home management and even caring for our bodies and spirits. Definitely not possible for me for long- -but for 24 hours this weekend, it was definitely a treat!

Waiting for Wishes

For the last nine years, I have been serving as co-chair to a major celebrity event in Nashville. Kevin Carter's Waiting for Wishes. Our original ambassador child Connor, passed away several years ago, but he is still there in spirit. I cannot say enough about this organization and how much they do for children with terminal illnesses. The Make a Wish Foundation is possibly the most worthwhile cause I can think of, which is why I support it.

What I do not understand is the endless list of requests from people that I know trying to 'get into' the event for free or at a reduced cost. Getting these emails is upsetting -- as the dollars we raise are so important.  It isn't about meeting celebrities or trying to score a free ticket, people!! The dollars we raise go directly to granting the one wish that these kids have.  If you want to come, there are possibly 10 seats left out of 300. Reserve on (pdixon@thepalm.com) or make a donation. It will be totally worth it, I promise!

Eating my way through Las Vegas-- on a diet!

Incredible weekend in Las Vegas!  While there were droves of people there for shows or buffets-- I went to mingle and support my famous friends up for ACM Awards-- (for those that don't know, that's as good as it gets in country music). But, along the way, I was able to sample some fantastic food (while still staying at least partially true to my diet). Highlights included sashimi at Blue Ribbon at the Cosmopolitan,  the bone in steak with completely pure sauteed spinach at Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's place at Caesar's Palace) and an incredible toss up of veggies at Nob Tavern at MGM.  The only time I truly cheated from the ' 4 hour body' diet was at lunch at Spago. Tim's pizza was just too tempting to resist. Wolfgang's staff never fails to please and seduce -- totally worth feeling guilty over~!

Tonight I am actually packing for a trip to Las Vegas to cover the Academy of Country Music Awards. While frequent travels have me replacing luggage early-- this particular jaunt is always a challenge. 80 degrees outside and absolutely freezing in the event venues. So, I have a few tricks that are literally 'in the bag' to make it a little easier:
1) Found some great short sleeve shrug sweaters at Stacey Rhodes Boutique-- bought them in both black and white-- to wear with strapless dresses. They roll up and go in the bottom of my purse without getting wrinkled and completely cover my shoulders without ruining the look of the dress.
2) I always carry a few Nature's Way Cayenne Extra Hot supplements. I pick them up at Whole Body/Whole Foods. They literally keep me warm from the inside out for hours. Just don't take on an empty stomach or you really will feel like you are on fire inside.
3) One easy piece that works with most anything in Vegas is a short black leather jacket. You can wear it over a swimsuit and not look out of place. Great with a white t-shirt and jeans for day for shopping and then just as easy to throw over a fun cocktail dress or the same jeans and decorative top for night.

Can't wait to check out the new Cosmopolitan Hotel and Aria-- having dinner at both, so will fill everyone in on the details. Any suggestions appreciated!

Sunday Night Television

While I am up on the computer trying to get accounts in order, and the one show I followed (BIG LOVE) is over-- I channel surfed until finding CUPCAKE WARS on Food Network. While that business doesn't seem that serious -- the competitors certainly seem to be. They seem to have as much dedication to their craft as olympic athletes??
Between clips on the show, I've managed to book a flight and find a great hotel for a trip at the end of the month-- so this is the best kind of TV. Concentration not required but definitely entertaining.

Busy but Happy

This is my first attempt to blog. Usually, I am busy writing things for my magazines or the associated websites. It is here that I can get a bit more personal and detailed on topics that most interest me. I'm an avid traveler, with 4 trips planned in the next 4 weeks, so I hope to share some great discoveries along the way. I am also looking to expand my reach on topics concerning all things that showcase living a simple but sophisticated life. This weekend it was making a video with my young nieces on a song they wrote with their soon to be uncle. Next weekend, it is the Red Carpet to cover the ACM's in Las Vegas!