Toast of the Town

Lover Boys & Paper Dolls!

2012-01-23T20:43:00.011-05:00

So "that holiday," the one that I refuse to acknowledge, much less celebrate, you know the one ... is right around the corner. Everything is pink and red, either fuzzy or dipped in chocolate, and contorted into the shape of a heart or covered in exes and ohs. I'll pass.

However, I do so live and breathe for a really great Love note! So I'll share one of my favorites:
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"Dear Mommie, Poo Pants, 1st Lady, Nancy,
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(How did I get so many wives?) Never Mind. I love them each and every one. I know it's Feb. 4th - not Feb. 14th and not March 4th - but I can't stand it any longer. Happy Valentine's day!! Happy Anniversary!!
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I love you,
Poppa, Poo Pants, 1st Guy, Ronnie"

. . . . . . . . .

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Just in case you are the sort of girl who gets this variety of Love note, and you'll want to do some extra special paper shopping of your own . . . well . . . You'll need a Revolutionary Costume for this stylish expedition.
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Here's to a fashionably romantic storyboard for that sort of delicious occasion!
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Stationery Shopping In The City! by toastofthetown featuring a flower cardigan

Belle Voyage: The Stars Fell On Alabama

2012-01-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

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Mobile was an afterthought. A one night stand on the way to New Orleans for New Year’s Eve. A convenient distraction. A quickie.

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However, as it is with most love stories, a handsome stranger with kind eyes changed all of that with four little words ... “wanna prank my Dad?”
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And so it is, that with the skip of a heartbeat, I was ready to write my own love letter to “Mo-town.”

Toast of the Town’s Mobile, Alabama Bucket List
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(And links to some of my favorite new places, and my favorite pieces from my
favorite new magazine. Plus, for good measure, a vintage Toast or two
for our new readers: 1,000+ just last week!)
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1. Add another jewel to my cookbook collection.

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2. Karaoke! “Baby let’s cruise. Away from here!” Sing a duet with The OK Bicycle Shop’s Clay ... on a boat Bitch.
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3. Food Crawl! Participate in a Mobile, Alabama food crawl & April Fool’s Day strategy summit with Mister Kind Eyes. Activities must include eating this (Bacon Cheesecake), and topping this! (Best April Fool's EVER)
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4. Treasure Hunt! Argh!!! Sing the Blue(beard)s & Plunder Mobile Bay with "A Model Pirate."
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5. Smell the roses at a Page & Pallet Curated dinner party with a host of local writers.
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6. Cheese! Engage in a cheeky photo shoot with local statues!
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7. Steel Azaleas Night Out! Paint the town and have a doggone good time!
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8. Skinny Dip at Trader's. Did I stutter?
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9. Get into a pickle. May or may not include the phrase “the horse you rode in on” ... just because I've always wanted to say it.
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10. Trivial Pursuit! Just because. Goodness I love that game.
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11. Four lil’ words: footsie under the table. Preferably with the eligible victor of number 10. Power to this redhead!
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12. Plan my text trip to Mobile :)

So here's a TOAST to Callaghan's Irish Social Club,

the Belle of our Ball!

There are good ships, and there are wood ships,

the ships that sail the sea.

But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.

Something Borrowed & Something NEW!

2012-01-09T22:03:00.009-05:00

"I am always in search of the perfect cheeseburger."

#13, 25 Things You Don't Know About Me, Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin first captured my attention with this adorable Facebook Post! How precious is Parker? And what a refreshing way for an Author to connect with her fans. Emily's cheeky rapport was so heartfelt and genuine that when "Something Borrowed" came out, I just had to see it.

More of a Biography and Reference girl, I don't gravitate to Fiction and I rarely ever go to the movies if there isn't any Woody Allen or SJP involved. But, as I said, there is just something so TRUE about the way that she communicates with the Women & (yes) Men who read her books. What I found was that the "SOBO" characters resonated with such poignant authenticity that I began to wonder what else I was missing out on underneath the pastel colored book jackets.

What I know for sure is that Emily is my kind of girl! She's an "Out of Africa" watching, Ryan Adams listening, "Miss Daisy" driven, font obsessed, secret keeping, wanna-be fly fisherman who is ever in search of the perfect cheeseburger. And having all of these things in common lands her at the top of my hypothetical dinner party guest list.

The list below is one that I borrowed from responses to one of Emily's posts. It's also a list that inspired me to stop procrastinating & start a new blog.

Cheers to the boys that are precious and sweet.
And to the girls who simply must meet!

To heartfelt, and genuine, authentic and true.

A Toast to "Something Borrowed" & to Something NEW!

New Year, New Blog! Click, click, click ...

Emily's favorite? The Burger Joint at Parker Meridien, NYC

Fan Favorites?

Alabama

Butch Cassidy's, Mobile

Mugshots, Tuscaloosa

Alaska

Spenard Roadhouse, Anchorage: Bacon Jam Burger & Super Tots

Booyah Grill, Juneau: Mushroom Swiss

Arizona

The Horny Toad, Cave Creek: Blue Cheeseburger

The Haunted Hamburger, Jerome

Caffe Boa, Mesa: Angus Steak Burger & Fries w Garlic Remoulade

Delux Burger, Phoenix

The Grind, Phoenix: Sweet and Spicy Burger

The Local Bistro, Scottsdale

The Lodge, Old Town Scottsdale

Lindys, Fourth Avenue Tucson

Zinburger, Tucson

Arkansas

Davids Burgers, Conway

Cotham's, Scott: Hubcap Burger

California

Slaters 50/50, Anehiem Hills

Boulder Creek Brewery, Boulder Creek

Burger Lounge, Coronado

The Back Abbey, Claremont: Back Abbey Burger

Father’s Office, Culver City

Burger and Brew, Davis

Monsoon Burger, Fairfield

Ikeda's, Forest Hill

The Squeeze Inn, Galt

The Ice Bergie, Gridley: The Bulldog Burger

Val's Burgers, Hayward

Andre’s Burger, Lodi

Taylor's , Napa Valley

R & D Kitchen, Newport Beach

Pie and Burger, Pasadena

Custom Burgers by Pat La Frieda, LGA airport --Delta Terminal (D)

Grill 'Em All Foodtruck, Los Angeles

Umami Burger, Los Angeles, La Brea: The Hatch or Socal Burger

Toms Burgers (Home Of The Educated Burger), Lompoc

Sylvester's Burgers, Los Osos

Mutt Lynch’s, Newport Beach

Garlands, Pismo Beach

Mike's at the Crossroads, Rohnert Park

Dad's Kitchen, Sacramento

Ford's, Sacramento

The Wooden Nickel, Sacramento

Brians, San Diego: The Frankie Burger

Hodad's, San Diego

Tioli's Crazy Burger, San Diego

Burger Bar, Union Square, San Francisco: Nutella Burger

Spruce, San Francisco: Must have with their duck fries!

Firestone Grill, San Luis Obispo: ABC Burger

Betty Burgers, Santa Cruz

King Falafel, Santa Maria

Hinano's, Venice Beach

Tom's Burger, Vista

Colorado

Cherry Cricket, Denver: Turkey Burger w Smoked Cheddar & Sauteed Mushrooms

Perfect Landing, Denver

Connecticut

Plan B, Glastonbury

Corey's Catsup & Mustard, Manchester

Ted's Steamed Cheeseburger, Meriden

Delaware

Obie's by the Sea, Rehoboth Beach

Florida

Cruiser's, Jacksonville Beach

The Paradise Pub, Key Largo: "Cheeseburger in Paradise"

Le Tub, Miami: Oprah goes there when she is in Miami.

El Cap, Pasadena

Monk's, Tallahassee

‎Goody Goody (Old drive-up or go-in) Tampa

Burger 21, Tampa

Green Iguana, Tampa

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Georgia

Clocked, Athens

Bocado, Westside Midtown Atlanta

Flip, Atlanta: Krispy Kreme Milkshake

The Highlander, Atlanta

Holeman & Finch, Atlanta

Joey D's, Atlanta

The Varsity, Atlanta

The Vortex, Atlanta: Blue Shroom Burger w/ tots!

Yeah Burger, Atlanta

Farm Burger, Decatur

Cannibal's, Helen: The "Cannibalizer"

Marietta Billiard Club, Marietta

Starlight Cafe, Marietta

Rhea's, Roswell: The Rhea's Special

Idaho

Sharp's, Lewiston: The "Big Ranch"

Illinois

Portillos

Fast Eddie's Bon Air, Alton

Green Gables, Bloomington (Lake Bloomington)

Bristol Tap, Bristol

Moonglow, Danville

Burger Barge, East Peoria

Billy Goat's Tavern, Chicago

Hackneys, Chicago

Hop Haus, Chicago

Kuma's Corner, California and Belmont in Chicago

LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR: A burger with Caramelized Onions, Pancetta, Brie, Bourbon Soaked Pears served on a pretzel bun with house cut fries.

Miller's, Downtown Chicago

Ralph Lauren, Michigan Ave - Chicago

Rockit Bar & Grill, Chicago: Rockit Burger (Kobe Beef)

Urban Burger Bar, Chicago: The Les Urbain. Brie, Onion Jam & Dijonnaise

Moon Burger, Moonshine

Wonder Burger, Mount Greenwood

The Spot, Marengo

Medici, Normal

Gallaghers, Waterloo

Kansas

Dempsey's, Lawrence

High Noon Saloon, Leavenworth: Guac Rocks Burger

Homer's, Leavenworth

Winstead's, Lenexa

Kentucky

Belews Dairy Bar, Aurora, Only open during the summer.

Calvert Drive-In, Calvert City

Island Dairy Freeze, Island

Happy Days Diner, Lewisport

Indiana

Mug n Bun, The west side of Indianapolis: Chuckwagon or Texas Burger

Scotty's Brewhouse, Bloomington: The Shewman Special

Triple XXX Family Restaurant (the first drive-in in Indiana), West Lafayette

The Peanut Butter Burger aka " The Duane Purvis All-American"

Iowa

B-Bops, Des Moines

Tweeter's, Okoboji: The Tweeter Burger

Louisiana

Daryls, Lake Charles: The Daryl Sandwich

Port O' Call, New Orleans

Yo Mama's, French Quarter, New Orleans

Rabb's, Ruston

Maryland

The Abbey, Baltimore

Massachusetts

The Eagle’s Deli, Boston

The Mission Bar, Boston: The Mission Burger w Sweet Fries

Craigie on Main, Cambridge

RF O'Sullivans, Somerville

Michigan

Crazy Jim's Blimpy Burgers, Ann Arbor

Miller's Bar, Dearborn

Halo Burger, Flint: Halo Burger with cheese and olives.

Mikey's Burger's n' Fries, Howell

Redamak's, New Buffalo

Red Knapps Dairy Bar, Rochester

Red Coat Tavern, Royal Oak

The Shamrock, Utica

Sidetrack Bar and Grill, Ypsilanti: "Our famous burger"

- GQ named it one of the burgers you must eat before you die.

Minnesota

The Tavern, Blaine

Lion's Tap, Eden Prairie

"50's Grill", Brooklyn Center

112 Eatery, Minneapolis

5-8 Club, Minneapolis

Matt's Bar, Minneapolis: Juicy Lucy

The Nook, St. Paul: Juicy Nookie

Mississippi

Velvet Cream (also called the Dip by locals), Hernando

Cheryl's Steak House, Ocean Springs

Beacon, Oxford

Burgers & Blues, Ridgeland

Missouri

Paddy Malone's Irish Pub, Jefferson City: Boo Boo Burger

Blanc Burgers and Bottles, Kansas City: Inside Out Burger

LC's, Parkville

Burger Bar, St. Louis

Montana

The Windbag Saloon, Helena: The Bleu Cheese Burger

Nebraska

Stella's, Bellevue: Home of the Stellanator

Nevada

Henry's Bar & Grill, Henderson: The Bourbon Burger

Create, Las Vegas

Heart Attack Grill, Las Vegas

Paris Hotel, Mandalay Bay & The Flamingo, Vegas

The Nugget, Reno: The Awful Awful

New Jersey

Burger Express, Carteret: The Locomotive Burger

Tops Diner, Harrison

New Mexico

The Bobcat Bite, Santa Fe: Green Chile Cheese Burger

New York

Grovers, Amherst

Juicy Burgers & More, Ballston Spa

Piper's Kilt, Eastchester, Bronx, or Inwood in New York

The Loft Burgers & More, Lake George

Corner Bistro, Jane and W 4th Street NYC

Fat Radish, NYC

Rare Bar & Grill, NYC

Shake Shack, NYC

Spitzers Corner, NYC

The Spotted Pig, NYC

Stumble Inn, NYC

Lisa G's, Lake Placid

All American, Seaford

North Carolina

Claremont Cafe, Claremont: Cheeseburger (all the way)

Rucker John's, Emerald Isle: Carolina Beach Burger

Cubbie’s, Greenville: Cubbie's Cheeseburger

Mojoes Burger Joint, Raleigh

Chris', Siler City

Johnson's, Siler City

Hells Kitchen, Wilmington: Dawson's Creek Landmark

TJ's Deli, Winston-Salem: Chili Cheese Slaw Burger

North Dakota

JL Beers, Fargo

Ohio

Menches Brothers (Inventors of the Hamburger), Uniontown/Green, Akron

On Tap, Akron: Jumpin' Jack Burger

Swenson's, Akron: The "Galley Boy" & Malt Chaser

Sumburger, Chillicothe

Arthurs in Hyde Park, Cincinnati: The Turkey Burger

Sammy's, Cincinnati

The Cheeseburger Cafe, Cincinnati

Madonna’s, Cincinnati

Terry's Turf Club, Cincinnati Ohio ... An amazing hole in the wall!

Thurman's, Columbus: The Thurmanator

Oklahoma

Meers, Meers

Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler, Oklahoma City

Oregon

Bill's Tavern, Cannon Beach

Dicky Joe's, Eugene

Burger or Bust, Portland

Killer Burger, Portland

Calamity Jane's, Sandy

Pennsylvania

Allentown Brew Works, Allentown

Burgatory, Fox Chapel/Pittsburgh

Grey Lodge Pub, Philly

Monks, Philly

PYT, Philly

FatHeads, Pittsburgh

Tessaro's, Pittsburgh

Rhode Island

Crazy Burger, Narragansett

Luxe Burger, Providence

Mew's Tavern, Wakefield

South Carolina

Mac's, Clemson

Pawley's Front Porch, Columbia

Rockaway, Columbia ... Two words: President Bush! Pimento Cheese!

Dixie Drive Inn, Greenwood: Dixie Cheese Half and Half

River City Cafe, Myrtle Beach

‎Ebenezer Cafe, Rock Hill

Poe's, Sullivans Island

Tennessee

Litton's, Knoxville

Ernestine & Hazel's Soulburgers, South Main Street, Memphis

Former Brothel turned hole-in-the-wall pub!

Huey's, Memphis

Brown's Diner, Nashville

BurgerUp, Nashville

Fat Moe’s, Nashville

Gabby's, Nashville

Rotier's, Nashville

Texas

Mighty Fine Burger, Austin

Moonies, Austin

P Terrys, Austin

Shady Grove, Austin

Burk Diner, Burkburnett

Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill, College Station

Keller's/Drive-in, Dallas

Kenny's Wood Fire Grill, Dallas/Addison

Snuffers, Dallas/Addison, Texas

Harvey Washbangers, Texas Avenue, College Station

Mel's Burger Joint, Copperas Cove

Charcoal Grill, Eagle Pass

Kincaids, Fort Worth

Love Shack, Fort Worth

Tommy's Hamburgers, Green Oaks in Fort Worth

Twisted Root, Fort Worth

Burger House, Highland Park

Burger Guys, Houston

Roznosky's, Houston

Brad's Burgers, Lampasas

Juicy's, Longview & Tyler

Wall Bangers, McAllen

Flying Pig, Old Downtown Lewisville

Belly's Cafe (Diner), Lubbock: Chorizo Burger

Lua's, Mcallen

Van's, Neches

Chesters, San Antonio

Chris Madrids, San Antonio: The Flaming Mucho

Gourmet Burger Grill, San Antonio: Pepperoni Burger

Tookies Burgers, Seabrook

Mel's Country Cafe, Tomball

Ranch House Burgers, Weslaco

Utah

The No Name Saloon, Park City: Buffalo Burger

Vermont

Blue Donkey, Stowe

Virginia

Ray's Hell Burger, Arlington

Heroes, Manassas

New River Valley Grill, Pembroke

Carytown Burgers, Richmond

Debbie's Drive-in, South Hill: Debbie Cheeseburger Deluxe

Washington

BurgerMaster, Everett : Tomato Burger & fries dipped in tartar sauce

BOKA Kitchen & Bar, Seattle

Dick's, Seattle

Red Mill, Seattle

Redhook Brewery, Seattle

Tappi Restaurant, Twisp

Teddy's Bigger Burgers, Woodinville

West Virginia

Bluegrass Kitchen, Charleston: The Veggie Burger

Fat Patty's, Huntington

Wisconsin

Wholly Cow Frozen Custard, Delafield: The Mushroom Swiss or Veggie Burger

Grapevine Cafe, Green Bay

Krolls, Green Bay: Butter Burger

The Plaza Tavern, Madison: The Plazaburger

Kopps Custard, Milwaukee

Stacked, Milwaukee: Turkey Bella Burger

Anchor Bar, Superior

Oscar's, Waukesha

Monks Bar & Grill, Wisconsin Dells

Wyoming

Cadillac Grille, Jackson Hole

Bluebird Days & Oh-So-Saucy Nights

2011-03-07T20:53:00.038-05:00

My most recent business trip to Charleston became, in a Low Country minute, a Toast to “The Merchant Prince” Mickey Drexler! (That link, by the way, is directed at the most darling article and will, I suspect, make a fan out of all of you as well).

Anyhoo ... in need of supplies for the conference and before I knew what hit me, I indulged my appetite for all things that hint at a woman wearing nothing but a man’s dress shirt with this (Click Please!) and my new crush on all things Apple with this . . .

Yep! I went ahead and fell ALL the way in.

But a girl like me can’t ever allow herself to submit to a "no play" agenda. So, never-ever one to allow the serendipity of a situation to slide by, I put my bells on for the Southeastern Wildlife Expo as well.

On Friday evening I popped on over to a dapper little Soiree at Billy Reid where I nibbled on some food for the soul.

Wild Abundance: Ritual, Revelry & Recipes of the South's Finest Hunting Clubs

is an absolute treasure. Let’s just say that Martha Foose had me at:

“Piled next to the front stairs were six walking sticks carved with intricate talismans. A sign, I supposed, that I had come to the right place. In moments the door swung open, and I entered the warren of the Swamp Witches”

For a more in-depth review and photo gallery, check out Garden & Gun’s Chefs Gone Wild.

On Sunday I attended the Dock Dogs finals in Brittlebank Park. Boy was it ever a sun-on-your face day for the angels - the sort that you just wanna share with everybody you know. Compliments of all that shiny new Apple *Big Smile* I can!

And just in case you had any doubt, I’m delighted to report that even a Bluebird Day has it’s trophies! Mine included:

Marshmallow Ashdale Uggs

UGG - Ashdale (Marshmallow Patent Leather) - Footwear

& Smoked Duck Breast with Brie Grits, Brown Butter Turnips & Spinach with a Port-Fig Apple Compote at Med Bistro.

So here's to ...

Here’s to gentlemen with an eye for numbers and to the Apple of my eye. To campfire cotillions and the tail waggin’ that ensues when you really GO for something that you want. To bluebird days and oh-so-saucy nights.

Cheers! XOXO, me

Southern Escapes . . . Save The Date!

3/10, Washington, DC: Critters (and Couture!) For the Cure

3/2011, Select Cities: Bill Cunningham New York

3/24, Bullard, Georgia: Charlane Plantation Retreats

3/29, Nashville Fashion Week & Casey Stribling's "Perfect" Party

3/31, Chattanooga Tennessee: Transformation Boot Camp at Blackberry Farm

Toast of the Town Gives Good Hermès!

2011-02-16T19:26:00.007-05:00

The Grammys were, without question, THE Toast of the Town this week! From Garden & Gun's Cover Boys The Avett Brothers to the shiver-me-timbers goose pimples that I got listening to them announce the name of Jazz Kitten & NPR darling Esperanza Spalding.

The ever "au courant" Gwynnie & au-dorable Cee-Lo definitely got the New York Fashion Week "feathers" memo. And despite considerable criticism for "Born This Way"... Gaga still EGGcelled at giving us something we'd never seen before. *Gasp* Or did she?!?

Spotted! The 2011 Spring Collection. Paris. Circa Late 2010. I do believe that's a wittle, bitty, baby Birkin "incubating" in there beneath that (YES! Translucent) Croc - Sorry Gaga ... but it's been done. Woopsie!

Anyhoo, here's what I'm obsessed with right this minute ...

Have you even seen anything more exquisite? Well never have I ever. In fact I've been riding this trusty steed ALL around the town every night in my dreams. I mean, Just look at the delicate curve of that perfect "H."

I guess the only thing that could be more exciting would be Free Hermès. But we all know good-and-well that there's no such thing as that. *Gasp* Or is there?!?

Spotted. Screen Leather! Drown your bicycle-less sorrows over on the Hermès Facebook Page with Amethyst Crocodile, and Vermillion Calfskin, and Ostrich!

And as long as you're there ... stop by and see us for a minute. Because we're about to sweeten the deal a lil' bit.

You see … in honor of Toast of the Town’s Third (On Friday) Anniversary, Doctor Turvy and I want to Triple our audience on Facebook. And Turvy always says that the heartstrings of the most stylish guys and dolls are made of brown ribbon and should only be tugged on with bright orange boxes.

So we’re givin’ it up! When we do reach our goal and 3800 people LIKE! Toast of the Town, Turvy's going to send one lucky Reader a very special box! And when we’re half way there (1900) I’ll announce exactly what'll be in that box.

I can still remember when my Mother returned from a trip to France with The Board of Industry & Trade ... and I caught a glimpse of the most beautiful scarf I'd ever seen. Perhaps, tonight in my dreams, I'll tie one on before my ride!

Happy Happy! XOXO, me

One VERY Stylish Celebration!

2011-02-07T22:41:00.011-05:00

Well January was just perfect! A TOAST to Rose Lane Leavell for inviting me to share such a beautiful night at the Hay House in celebration of the artwork that she created for the Cherry Blossom Festival's pin, plate, and mug. I've made a place for mine in my Grandmother's China Cabinet. And if, like me, you simply can't get enough of her artistic genius . . . you'll be just as excited as I was to discover Rosie's World!

So from the looks of things, 2011 is going to be one of the most stylish, EVENTful, and all around darling years that we've seen in quite some time. After all, who can argue when the little girls that I once shared baby dolls & ballet with have already given us two such gorgeous reasons to smile?!? A Toast to Miss Liza Culp and Mr Kiran Greene. And they do say that good things come in threes!!! My baby sister is giving us a new little Mullinax in July.

Speaking of good things coming in threes . . .

It's Toast of the Town's Third Anniversary This Month! *SQUEEE* I guess you've noticed our new look *batting eyelashes* and I just can't believe that it's time to break out the leather. Yep, I'm a traditional girl. So in honor of our third anniversary, I've put together a few of my favorite Kicks & Carry-alls below. Enjoy!

Charles by Charles David - Flit (Taupe/Taupe) - Footwear

Alexander McQueen - 240606 AM60O 2516 (Vintage Tan) - Bags and Luggage

Old Gringo - Taka (Chocolate/Oryx) - Footwear

Furla Handbags - Anthea S Tracolla (Avacado) - Bags and Luggage

French Sole - Classic (Nude Patent) - Footwear

Hobo International - Davina (Zinnia Vintage Leather) - Bags and Luggage

Cole Haan - Air Renfrow Wedge (Pacific Nubuck) - Footwear

Frye - Vintage Stud Tote (Tan Tumbled Leather) - Bags and Luggage

Giuseppe Zanotti - I06132 (Multi) - Footwear

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Framed Percy (Desert Olive) - Bags and Luggage

Frye - Natasha Clog (Sand) - Footwear

MICHAEL Michael Kors - Item Tote Patent Python (Black) - Bags and Luggage

Remember the Bad?

2011-01-04T21:00:00.027-05:00

"Ain't rememberin' wonderful?"

Bad Blake

A year ago I proposed a Toast to Life's Simple Pleasures. The year-in-review post that followed was then, and still is, one of my favorites. The remembrances that it provided me are treasured and priceless, they filled me with a sense of gratitude that brings me happiness still. And so I quietly resolved . . . to propose such a Toast every year. So what you'll find below are not my big, fancy plans for 2011 but rather a list of the moments that made 2010 one to remember. 2011's got some big shoes to fill.

To The Laughter & Tears

The year began with the birth of a beautiful baby girl! My dear friends Sweet & Ben Dupuy welcomed Kathryn "Simmons" into their loving arms. And it ended with a proposal!!! Yes, James Taylor Weatherford slipped her Mother's ring onto Jessica Walden's finger in front of God, Seurat, and Owen Wilson. And in between, Gail Davis, Tony Walsh, and JD Salinger reminded us how important it is to enjoy every single minute of: Cardinale's 100 Point Cabernet at the Aquarium, and Brother Stewart's exquisite birthday party at Walnut Creek, and Champagne on the porch at Charlane Plantation, and my Silver Screen debut in Stuck!.

To Somethin' To Talk About

The night owls chose teams: Leno v. Coco . . . and I missed the whole thing! I'm a Chelsea Girl, one hundred per-Fitty Cent. The headlines tugged on the heartstrings of this former New Orleans Lady when they read "The Nation's Capitol Gets Huge Snowstorm & New Orleans Wins NFL Championship: Guess 'They' Were Right - The Saints Won The Superbowl When Hell Froze Over." And then we all raised a glass or two when Steven Slater grabbed a couple Heinekens and slid.

To A Bite To Eat

Two Words . . . Cheesburger Paradiso! That should keep you busy for a minute. I discovered Gnat's Landing and Bubba Garcia's in Saint Simons. And I stumbled upon a talent for designing menus, afterwards reveling in my newfound penchant from the rooftops of DC to the bank vaults of Georgia. I created my own brand of Guiltless Gourmet via an alter ego named Teensie Weensy. And I took a Nobu-cation that my tummy's still having sweet epicurean dreams about.

* * * * * * * * *

Rememberin' really is wonderful! And, again, it filled me with gratitude to put this post together. But then I read an article that reminded me of the year's gratitude that is dearest to my heart. And this particular remembrance came wrapped in an unlikely sentiment. "Remember the bad" insisted Psychologist Robert Emmons in "Why Gratitude Isn't For Wimps" at Futurity.org. So I did. And it came right to me . . . Straight out of the movies.

You see, once upon a time I loved a wonderful boy who just also happened to drink a handle of whiskey every couple of days. And to say that watching that was painful would be trite. There ya have it - remembering the bad. And then I remembered that when I watched "That Evening Sun" I felt the push-and-pull of anger and hope that I'd been trying to escape grasping desperately to pull me back in. So that's how I almost never even met "Bad Blake."

But it turns out that Emmons is right. When we don't remind ourselves of the bad, we're less likely to appreciate the good.

And when one of your most loyal cheerleaders, partners in crime, and true Yayas tells you that she thinks the 2010 Oscar darling will mean something to you . . . well . . . you suck it up, order the film, and hunker down with a super-sized box of Kleenex. OH believe me, halfway through a movie that played more as a memory, I was ready for a break. I just didn't know if I could take any more.

"I keep feelin' obliged to apologize for bein' less than you probably imagined me to be"

Bad Blake

And then the sun came out from behind the clouds. I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't seen Crazy Heart. But it was exquisitely perfect. A Toast to Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal! To Scott Cooper & Thomas Cobb! To T-Bone Burnett!!! To the sort of story that can heal deep wounds. To forgiving yourself for being unable to do anything to help. To putting the movie back in the mail and walking away light enough that you'd fancy a kite could carry you all the way to California. To the girls who know you better than you know yourself. And . . . Yes!

To Remembering The "Bad"

To Tucker! . . . And "Teensie"

2010-12-13T23:57:00.013-05:00

Last week I wrote about the gifts of the Holiday season.
And then I got the one that that left big, salty,
happy tears running down my face.

My nephew got a homework assignment to draw a picture
of the Best gift he could think of.

And then he was to write a sentence
about why this gift meant so much to him.

Family. My gift is my Family.
Because they are special to me.

A TOAST to Tucker. My heart.

Xo, aS

Photography Compliments of Tucker's Talented Mommy

www.BMullinaxPhotography.com

(Oooh Girl It Is Sooo) Hot This Week:

As Promised! Teensie Weensy's Sea Island Cornbread Dressing

I did the math and this recipe should have 120 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per 1/2 cup serving.

1 Box Krusteaz Fat Free Honey Cornbread
1 Box Martha White Yellow Cornbread
Low fat Buttermilk
1 Can Creamed Corn
4 Tbsp Diced Jalapenos
32 oz Turkey Stock
2 Vidalia Onions
6 Slices of White Bread (Old)
4 Hard Boiled Eggs
6 oz Cajun Turkey Sausage or Turkey Bacon

Mix the Krusteaz in a bowl according to the directions & set aside. Mix the Martha White as directed, but substitute low fat buttermilk for the milk that the recipe on the box calls for. Fold the two mixes together and then fold in the corn, cooked sausage or bacon, and Jalapenos.

*Side Note: If you go with turkey bacon, I like to marinate the turkey bacon in maple syrup and lots of fresh cracked peppercorn before cooking.

Cook the cornbread (18-20 minutes) according to the Martha White directions, allowing the pan to pre-heat in the oven before pouring the mix in. Let the cornbread cool completely. Once the cornbread has cooled completely, crumble it into a bowl and set that aside.

Roughly chop the onions and cook them in the pan that you cooked your sausage or bacon. Once soft and transparent, add salt, pepper, and 1/2 of the turkey broth. Turn this mixture down and let it simmer while you prepare the eggs.

Cut the eggs in 1/2 and throw away two of the yolks. Dice the remaining 4 egg whites and 2 egg yolks. Now you're ready to assemble the dressing.

My Grandmother says that you need a dish that's white on the inside so I use a Le Creuset Dutch oven. In this I put a layer of crumbled cornbread and then a layer of onions and turkey stock and then a layer of diced eggs & torn up white bread pieces. I repeat this 5/6 or so times until everything has been used, delicately folding it all together every two layers. When it's all in there, I give it one good stir and then smooth out the top. Then I put it in the oven and bake at 350 for an hour.

After an hour, I take the mixture out and let it cool and sit in the fridge overnight. The next day I heat it up for 30 to 45 minutes at 350 and serve.

The Gift of Christmas In Dixie

2010-12-08T21:32:00.004-05:00

When I was a little girl, my grandfather "Boppa" would push back his chair from the Thanksgiving table and make his way to the record player. And every year, when I heard those first few notes, my heart always began to pitter patter.

"By now in New York City, there's snow on the ground"

And the year that he died, I got up and put the record on after we ate. But I haven't done so since. Perhaps I felt that it was a little too much for the rest of the family. Or maybe I realized that it just wasn't the same without him to dance with. But I still hear it - playing every year in a memory that comes back to me just as clearly as if he were still here.

And so that's what Thanksgiving has become for me - a time when, after slowing down to give thanks for our blessings, we open our arms wide to recieve the gifts that come with the Holiday season. And this past Turkey Day was not a drop different.

I spent the holiday at my Mother's on the Edisto River. With my baby sister, my brother-in-law, and the two most precious gifts God's ever given me: Tucker & Katie Grace Mullinax. There was ham guzzling & turkey scarfing (or was that the other way around '-), there was boat & four wheeler riding, there was duck hunting, there was great big gorgeous fire building and there was GAME playing. In fact the very first after Thanksgiving gift that I recieved was from my sister. That's right . . . wait for it . . . I have been crowned "The Game Whisperer."

Christmas Gifts In Dixie:

On Monday I recieved the gift of Acomplishment! A Toast to the One Hundred & Fifty of you who came out (on such a gloomy day at that) to enjoy Spa Medical's Open House. A Toast to Barbara Loyd for flowers that made me want to sing Christmas Carols on the spot. A Toast to Fountain of Juice for the best . . . THE BEST . . . everything! There wasn't a miss on the entire menu. Not a single solitary slip.

Wednesday I recieved the gift of History and Pride. As I listened to the One Hundred Year History of L.E. Schwartz & Son, I was overcome by a sense of Pride in our community being one that is the birthplace of such a respected business. The words of Louis Ervin Schwartz so many years ago, "Our company must stand for unquestioned integrity, prompt service and quality workmanship to our clients," convey a sentiment that is timeless & reminds all of us of the way business should be done. A Toast to the Kruger Family! Happy, Happy Centennial!

The gift-bearing Thursday brought far too many to list in their entirety! Tracy Benton and I headed up to the Billy Reid & Bearings Evening of Bourbon & Bluegrass. A Toast to GQ's 2010 Best and Cover Gentleman! And a special Toast to the Nutria Collar that tugged firmly at my purse strings as I reminsced about the BEST birthday party I've ever been to: Party Trolley to the Audubon Zoo Swamp Exhibit, Nutria Cake followed by feeding said cake to live Nutria, an old-fashioned photo booth, and lil' silver-tonguing Zoo Security out of having my dear friend Linds arrested for "borrowing" a Golf Cart. Oh the days . . . to be young, fearless, and below sea level again!

Anyhoo! I'm positively Over the Moon for this roguishly tousled Alabama boy's brand of Shanty Chic. Our post Bourbon & Bluegrass activities led us to Holeman & Finch where the Belle Starr (H&F infused grain spirit / disaronno amaretto / luxardo bitter / brut sparkling wine / lemon) stole the show. And to Five Paces Inn where the State Capitals reciting young man gave us something to smile about. Especially as I explained to him that he could definitely NOT come visit us at the condo. I guess you can't blame a fellow for trying? A Toast to my chaperones Tracy and AT.

Enchantment was my gift on Friday. I took Tucker to the Junior League Pajama Party and Annie at Macon Little Theatre. He was beyond adorable in his Nick & Nora PJ's and (after a quick change) I cried three times at the sentimentality of sharing live theatre with him for the first time. Annie was spectacular! Don't miss it. Period. Ever his Aunt Ashley's little boy, he was dying to grab a post show bite to eat. A Toast to Steak & Shake! Every time we go somewhere he wants to know "do they have crayons?" And boy did they ever . . . and a hat, and a car to put together, and mini milkshakes, and stickers. Definitely a win.

How do you end a week filled with so many gifts? Celebrating the gift of Friendship with Little Miss Walden and Shuga D over margaritas, that's how. They're going to have some news to share when they get back from New York! But that's not my story to tell. So you'll just have to get the scoop from Little Miss "Candy Lou Who" herself. For now, check out Miss Jane Savvypenny's New York Minutes. And treasure your own gifts. Because (just south of) . . .

"Atlanta, Georgia - there's peace on earth tonight"

xO, aS

(Oooh Girl It Is Sooo) Hot This Week:

The Perfect Blog

My Low-Fat Sea Island Cornbread Dressing Recipe - I promise to share next time.

Doctor Turvy Suggests:

Lucky Duck, a $4 bottle of wine that's a Toast to frugality AND taste.

Save the Date:

12/9 Head Over Heels Holiday Trunk Show

Friday Fest

Shop Local This Holiday Season!

Save The Halls: A Christmas Celebration

A Recipe For Festivity

2010-11-24T11:25:00.002-05:00

This Thanksgiving Eve, I am thankful for all of you! And I am especially Thankful for the opportunity to share one of my favorite recipes . . . the recipe for a Very Savvy Soiree.

1. Friends

Now (unlike a certain Chubby Old Man I know) I don't discriminate on the basis of naughty and nice. I know that "nice" can sometimes be deceptive and that "naughty" can often be fun. So I prefer to cultivate a "More the Merrier" atmosphere. To do so I recommend keeping an heirloom printed invitation list and a blood, sweat & tears email list. And if you need a little help creating one of your own . . . I just happen '-) to know someone who can help you do so with Style.

2. Festivity

One of the MOST important decisions you'll make, the setting of any party allows you to set the stage for an unforgettable ambiance. Spa Medical, for example, is a relaxing sanctuary that's tucked into one of Macon's treasured historic downtown buildings. The interior finishes are incomparable and - at first glance - invite you to slow down and take a few deep breaths. When you combine that with flickering candles, festive flowers, and the delicate notes of Christmas - well, it's quite breathtaking. On that particular note . . . let me warn you against the most common event faux pas I encounter. Hmm, how should I say this? Okay. Oriental Trading Company is to events as baby's breath is to flower arrangements. In other words (the words of Sex & The City's Charlotte York to be exact) no filler flower!

3. Compliments

I was able to create two menus for this party. The menu is, to me, like a thousand little compliments that you give to your guests. And they're floating delicately through the room on silver trays. Whether you're serving dinner or tea, I think that it's really important to put a great deal of thought into what you'll serve. Fountain of Juice was a no-brainer! I worked with Natasha on these menus, because she's the best. So . . . our compliments to all of you:

Daytime Menu

Parmesan, Gruyere & Cheddar Artichoke Popovers
Pork Tenderloin on Tea Biscuits with a spiced Persimmon Chutney
Snow Capped Strawberries
Tomato, Basil, and Parmesan Tartlets
Salmon on Cucumber Rounds with Crème Christmas & Fresh Dill
“Naughty” Chocolate Pecan Squares
& “Nice” Sweet Little Ginger Blondies

Evening Menu

Proscuitto Wrapped, Cinnamon Spiced Figs with Gorganzola
Christmas Caprese of fresh Basil, Buffalo Mozzarella, & Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
Holiday Turkey Sausage Stuffed Button Mushrooms
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce served on Parmesan Crisps
Cranberry Spiced Italian Polpette
Mint Chocolate, Red Velvet, & Eggnog Cream Cupcakes with Coconut Icing

4. Goodies!

To say that the early bird gets the worm would be ridiculously understated! The first 50 guests will receive a gift bag filled with: Jane Iredale Mascara, Lash Conditioner, Lip Drink & Just Kissed Lip Plumper, an Archipelago Christmas Candle and Pomegranate Hand Lotion, Epionce Sunscreen, and precious Spa Medical Grooming Minis.

Door prizes will be drawn every hour. There's a special drawing for local Social Media Mavens. And there is enough "20% off", "BOGO", and "Gift Card Incentive" to make your head spin!

The loose ends have all been tied up with a beautiful bow and I hope to see you on Monday! Until then . . . Wishing all of you a Thanksgiving that is filled with more Love and Laughter than any other.

XO, me

Spa Medical Holiday Open House Door Prizes

2010-11-24T10:55:00.003-05:00

(Once you've registered, you'll be entered to win each subsequent drawing)

11:00 Archipelago Diffuser Value: $42

12:00 Jane Iredale Makeup Value: $100

1:00 OBAGI Elastiderm Value: $100

2:00 Latisse Value: $120

3:00 Latisse Value: $120

4:00 Clarisonic Value: $199

5:00 Epionce Skincare Value: $235

6:00 Botox Value: $300

7:00 OBAGI Newderm Value: $300

8:00 Grand Prize of Botox, Juvederm & Latisse Value: $1,000

Happy Birthday Tucker!

2010-11-19T13:12:00.001-05:00

I used to write for a column called "Macon Out" - fictitious names, true stories. The post below is one that I wrote after my nephew was born. That was six years ago today. What a lucky girl I am that God sent him to us.

"Macon Out" November, 2004

Yes, Ladies and Gents, I – Isabella - am in love!

But please . . . if you’re charming and dashing and, most importantly, available don’t put away your palm pilot because there is still room for my number in there. Yes, I’m in love but I’m not dead. The sky is still blue and the street is still Cherry and I am still “Macon Out” much less than I would like too. I’m not saying that there aren’t quite a few very delicious options and those who say that there aren’t any good men out there or that they are too hard to find are just plain wrong. There are so many wonderful men to choose from and I may even have my eye on one in particular. But – to date – I haven’t been spoken for and I’m not quite ready to quit batting my eyelashes. So before you start thinking that I’m a two-timing hussy, let me explain:

Jackson Beau was born almost a week early and four days prior to my birthday. The Friday night that we lit my 29 candles (I like to celebrate for a full week) - and a bonfire that can only be compared to the burning of Atlanta – Jackson Beau came into this world and stole my heart. I woke up at five o’clock in the morning and drove seven hours through a blinding thunderstorm to arrive at the hospital and stand drenched and breathless in the lobby trying to divine which hallway would lead me to my newborn nephew. I was trembling but I wasn’t cold or nervous. I was more completely happy than I can ever say that I’ve been before that moment.

And then my feet, or the angels, led me down one of the halls, around several turns and through a doorway . . . and there he was. My heart ached with happiness. It was as if, in one instant, I had more love to give than my heart would ever have room for. I tasted salty tears in my mouth that I hadn’t even felt run down my cheeks and the other twenty people in the room faded away as I held him in my arms and breathed in the sweet smell of my petite prince. He was perfect . . . and I was perfectly in love. I held onto him – covering him in kisses for more than a week. I’ve spent my whole life trying to love more and better and stronger and truer. My ability to love baby Beau surpassed my greatest ambitions.

After a week or so, I reluctantly packed my things in the car and headed back to Macon to face “28” and “the real world.”

I was to find my only consolation in a bowl of ice cream and a best friend. First Friday gave me a chance to shake the blues. One pair of red suede Donald Pliner boots and matching cashmere wrap later, I was sans blue and off to the ball. Over a bowl of what appeared to be several thousand mood enhancing calories at Adriana’s, my dear friend Lilly was gushing about her new beaux and I was mooning over my petite Beau. We laughed and talked and got sticky and messy and just plain had fun. Lilly is five and one of the most precious souls that I know. But what she said next took my breath away and will forever be one of my most treasured memories.

As we walked hand in hand down the street she looked up at me and said “I’ve been thinking about you a lot – and I miss you” her big brown eyes welled up “but I’ve kept all of the cards that you have ever sent me . . . and when I miss you, I can look at them and it makes me feel better.” I was stunned. I didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound ridiculously simple. So I gave her a big hug and held back big tears as I looked into those beautiful brown eyes and said “you are more precious to me than you will ever know.” And she is. Then a horse-drawn carriage pulled up and our evening ended in a magical ride through Downtown Macon as Lilly exclaimed “faster, faster” and I looked up at the stars and thanked the heavens for sending us little miracles like Lilly and Beau.

Monday morning, my yoga instructor read a meditation to us that really meant something to me. I was lying there with my eyes closed as she read aloud “may my heart grow wider and wider until nothing in this world is left outside, and I have nowhere to hide from love.” But how – you ask? I know I did. And then as I thought about Beau and Lilly, and the growing pains that my heart feels when I am around them I heard these words "whispered" in my ear . . .

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”

Twenty Questions . . . And More!

2010-11-15T20:00:00.008-05:00

Last year I decided to end the summer on Cumberland Island. So I packed a few days worth of camping gear, a cute little bottle of “Rare Breed” and enough insect repellant to blanket the island in a generous fog. And before I had stepped foot off the ferry to get the “Paradise with a Bite” presentation from the Park Ranger, I had decided to make this solo excursion a yearly tradition. The sunsets and solitude offer a sense of perspective that I’m not sure you can get anywhere else in the world.

This year (along with a 6am speeding ticket, a few extra bug bites & a teensy bit too much sun) I came home with a renewed sense of purpose. And I decided that, among other things, I wanted to do more with Toast of the Town. So I began tinkering with Formspring.

WHAT(!) ridiculous fun I never even knew I was getting myself into!!! A TOAST to the readers who have sent me such gorgeous questions. Please don’t ever stop! It’s completely anonymous. I can’t tell who’s asking the questions, so you can ask me absolutely anything at all. You don’t have to have an account to submit questions. As a writer, I can’t get enough. And it’s terrific fun.

Click here to peruse the topics we've already covered!

Next on my to-do list was to categorize my posts by City. I’m always getting requests for travel recommendations, so I was eager to give “Toast of the Townies” easy access to all the fun.

Click here for Toasts to New York, Charleston, Nashville & DC

And, saving the best for last, I wanted to find a way for Toast of the Town to create fun and exciting events. I’ve done events before. And we all know that I hate to miss an event - even if I do have a penchant for arriving fashionably late to them. But I’ve somewhat shied away from calling myself an “Event Planner” because it’s not every day that I find a client who shares my passion for creativity and attention to detail.

But that all changed recently when Spa Medical agreed to let me have my way with their Holiday Soiree!

You’re all invited! I can’t WAIT to share the menu! Stay tuned for next week’s Toast – I’ll be doing a little pre-Thanksgiving reporting from Fountain of Juice. And I have never been more humbled than I was on Sunday when Natasha told me that she was so impressed with my talents that she wanted to tell her Mother about me. Seriously, I had a lump in my throat the size of a prosciutto wrapped fig. There are no two business women in Macon that I look up to more than the aforementioned Mother & Daughter.

So what’s up next for Toast of the Town?

I’m dying to answer more questions. And perhaps I’ll share some of the healthy recipes that enable my cheeseburger habit? There may ‘-) or may not be an event in the works at my favorite spot in Bullard, Georgia. I’d love to add a road trip and a NEW city to the list. And I’ll definitely see you on November 29th at Spa Medical!

XO, aS

Doctor Turvy Suggests . . .

Eggnog. It's ALL he can talk about. Nog, nog, nog.

Ooh Girl It Is Sooo (Hot This Week)

Anna Greer. I never knew she had such talent. I spent more time looking at her work than I did drooling over the baby Penley. A TOAST to the Festival of Trees!

Save The Date . . .

11/20      Southern Rock & Soul in the Corridor

11/20      Historic Macon: Reynolds Mansion Retreat

11/29      Christmas Looks Good On You at Spa Medical!

Miss Smith Goes To Washington

2010-10-18T22:15:00.043-04:00

Let's see. Now . . . where were we?

Oh yes! Mc“Sweety.” Yes, after a delightful 5 dates in Charleston and a thumbs-up from both my Sister and my Mother, I agreed to meet this very sweet Georgetown Doctor on his own turf.

And it just so happened that my eye had also been on a trip to New York for the Stuck! Premier. So why not make it a double feature?!? I would fly into Reagan, spend a couple of days in DC, and then we would take the Bolt Bus into the City. It was a brilliant plan! And it allowed just enough time, upon our return to DC, for me to have cocktails & cupcakes with my Tweethearts “Thelma” and “Louise” and breakfast with The Dupuys. I was so excited that I couldn’t STAND it!

But what was I so excited about? I couldn’t decide. Was I excited about the trip, or the movie, or the *play dates* . . . or the boy? Well I just wasn’t going to worry about that. After all, I was too excited!!!

“Perhaps he knew, as I did not, that the world was made round

so that we couldn’t see too far down the road”

Isak Dinesen

I arrived at Reagan on a Thursday. He picked me up at the airport and we had an early dinner, followed by cocktails and a rather unsettling (Hmmm, how should I phrase this?) . . . a rather unsettling “discussion of politics” that made me want to “grab a couple Heinekens and slide.”

However, by the next morning, my optimistic nature had gotten the best of me and I made the decision that I was going to have a lovely and exciting weekend! That settled, turning things around was as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Huevos * Pedicures * Peonies

He took me to a wonderful little spot for brunch, La Plaza, and then I took him to have his first mani/pedi. And then there were Peonies! After all – I was hosting a dinner party that evening. He had suggested inviting his friends over when I first agreed to visit, and I had eagerly been making plans for a rooftop dinner party ever since. The entire menu was a Toast! to our own darling little city:

Sparkling Georgia Peach Bellini Punch

Canapés of Fincher’s Barbeque Stuffed Cherry Peppers with Blue Cheese Garnish

Canapés of Georgia Bob’s Chicken Salad stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes with Diced Grape Garnish

Lemon & Sweet Tea Hand-Infused-Vodka Spritzers

Beef Tenderloin Pot Roast with Charlane Plantation Port Wine Plum Sauce

(find the Plum Sauce recipe in Stratford’s Menus & Venues)

“Old Fashioned, Family Style” Tortellini & Cheese

Our dinner guests had requested “classic Southern” and that is just what I had given them. A Toast to Macon, Georgia was made over one of the most beautiful views of the Capitol Building I could ever have imagined. There was laughter, and candlelight. There was girl talk and guy time. And then there were sweet dreams of new friends. And the next morning . . . we were headed to New York!

A Toast! to Steve Balderson!!! As everything that Steve Balderson ever has touched has been and as everything that he ever will touch will be . . . Stuck! is a masterpiece. “Better than most of the movies that inspired it” is an understatement. I was so proud to be a part of this film. Seeing myself on the “Silver Screen” was the biggest thrill! And the audience at Visionfest was absolutely heartwarming. I can’t wait to see what Steve’s cooking up next.

And now a double feature sized Toast! to Nobu. “Don’t look at me – I wanted Crif Dogs & draft beer” were my sentiments as he stood catching flies & studying the bill. But the truth is that I have NEVER been more thankful for someone talking me out of my heart’s desire for a “Spicy Redneck and a PBR.”

Nobu must haves: the Tiradito Nobu Style (the black sea salt & chili sauce was AHHH-MAZING!), the Fresh Yellowtail Sashimi with (paper thin, of-my-dreams) Jalapeno, the Spicy Bigeye Tuna & Salmon Skin, the Black Cod with Miso, the Japanese Eel & the Sea Eel, a Champagne 95, a Spiced Pear Martini, a Croatian Mule, a Fig Martini (or two), and the Bento Box (warm Valrhona chocolate soufflé cake, shiso syrup, white chocolate sauce, and green tea ice cream)

As I said, I’ve never been more deliriously happy to have been shot down over the suggestion of a hot dog and a cold beer.

Back at the ranch, on Sunday, I met “Thelma” and “Louise” at Baked and Wired DC for a cupcake date where we shared the best of both laughter AND tears. And the next morning I had breakfast with Sweet & Florence & (the new baby) Kathryn Simmons Dupuy. Florence entertained me, Sweet regaled me with a few adorable new Grandmother Betty Sweet stories, and Simmons let me feed her a bottle. It was all so very wonderful and my dear friend so thoroughly impresses me as a mother that I still get a little tear when I think about it.

And how does one end a weekend such as this? At Beth & Kent Tucker’s house that’s where. I’ve gotta tell ya, if this post were a television commercial . . . the Skinny Girl Margaritas, Fajitas, and Laughter on Old Creek Road would make their debut just prior to the word “priceless.” That’s all there is to it.

And the boy? Hmmm . . . Let’s just say that – in the end – it was a matter of partisan politics. You see, he was looking for a marriage. He wanted something very “Bill & Hillary.” You know: the legal union of two people with similar goals and interests. And if you’ve read much of my writing, you know that I’ll never accept less than . . .

. . . nothing even half a drop less than “Nancy & Ronnie”: a love affair between two people who cannot even imagine ever spending a night apart.

aS

Doctor Turvy Suggests:

The BEST Bloody Mary in town at Luigi's. I had one with the adorable Lauren Summers on Sunday!

(Oooh Girl It Is Sooo) Hot This Week!

JMC Auto Glass: Get your windshield repaired for free at Presidential Parkway
www.JMCAutoGlass.com

Save The Date . . .

Small Business Breakfast Club Meeting
Thursday Oct. 21, 2010 at 8:30 a.m., Francar's Wings in Mercer Village
Speaker: Kerrin Laz, Wine Director at Dean & DeLuca

Junior League Market Place

Arts on Riverdale

Spirits in October

Big Screen Movie Nights

The Macon Zombie Parade

Seasons of the Vineyard

Mostly Flirty With A Chance of Summer Luvin'

2010-07-05T19:12:00.011-04:00

I had an inkling that letting those J Crew minis out of their boxes would lead to the possibility of a forecast that was “mostly flirty with a chance of Summer Luvin” but I had no idea that a few short skirts would have me pondering such a famous question . . .

Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?

And yet there I was. Before I had even managed to settle on tops for my new skirts – “he” had already popped the question:

“You had mentioned that you like to fish. Is that something that you would like to do with me?”

Well kiss my grits Mariah Carey. And shut down the butterfly habitat at Callaway Gardens. The winged beauties have left the building. Flown the coop. Sold the farm. The butterflies . . . well they were doing ALL of their flapping in the stomach of a girl who had just been asked to go fishing in Charleston. Me!

But first things first. We had to “French!”

And lemme tellya, it was some of the best “frenchin” I’ve ever done. We met for drinks at 39 Rue De Jean, the most adorable little French Bistro. And he was adorably nervous. But that didn’t last for long. After drinks we picked up some French Macarons for my sister and headed to dinner at La Fourchette where the Côtes D’agneau Grillées Dauphinois (Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary au Jus, Potatoes, Garlic, Gruyere & Cream Au Gratin and Haricot Verts) were Magnifique! And we ended the evening on the rooftop at Vendue Inn singing Happy Birthday to Mon Petit Bébé sister.

The Toast of our Second Date goes to Emmy Loyd Brooks, who helped me plan the perfect Southern Gentleman’s Day Out. We had lunch at Joseph’s where the European Filet (4oz Filet Mignons on a toasted English muffin with melted Brie & tangy German mustard) is a must! Followed by a razor shave for “him” and a massage for “her” at Old South Barber Spa where you can also have a Skinny Dip (http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/skinny-dip) or a Scotch. And after that we both fell head over heels . . . for Billy Reid!

The rest of the weekend was amazing! From the Casconcelli Bergamo (Beef, pork & raisin stuffed ravioli in a brown butter sauce) and the best Tiramisu I’ve ever had at Il Cortile Del Re to walking along The Battery and Dancing in the fountain at Waterfront Park. From breakfast at Hominy Grill where the waitress reprimanded him for making me laugh so hard that I almost lost my chocolate milk to Margaritas at La Hacienda. And to a private fishing charter for two that led to Coca-Cola marinated, Coconut/Panko breaded, pan-fried King & Spanish Mackerel under the Live Oaks at Momma’s . . .

A Toast to the most incredible weekend I’ve ever enjoyed, to a brilliant fellow who I like to call Doctor McSweety, and . . . as they say . . . to many, many more!

Doctor Turvy Suggests . . .

The Van Winkle they served at Billy Reid & Skinny Dipping

(Ooh Girl It Is Sooo) Hot This Week . . .

My sweet Mother, Aunt & "Honey" for everything they do!!!

Second Sunday at Sunset Featuring The Grapevine

(and my insanely easy & refreshing Bellini Recipe: 1 can Bacardi Fuzzy Navel + 1 bottle of Pearly Bay over ice = HEAVEN)

1776 at Theatre Macon

Charlane Plantation & The Wonderful Plum Sauce Rose Lane contributed to Menus & Venues

You Just Never Know . . . Do Ya?

2010-06-22T22:00:00.004-04:00

I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve said “you just never know when the last time you see somebody’ll be.”

And, for me, it’s always been true. I didn’t realize that Parker wouldn’t be there on the first day of third grade. I thought that “Big Mama” would still be arguing with my Daddy when I got home from Summer Camp at Rockbrook. I just knew for sure that Ric was “ten feet tall and bullet-proof.” And when I left for College, I unknowingly hugged my “Boppa” for the last time.

And so these things have shaped me. I love without hesitation. I tend to put up with a little bit more BS than the average person before I declare a “write off.” And when the sun does set on my anger, it’s always with the heaviest of hearts . . . Because you just never know.

So I said a special prayer on Good Friday - a great big special prayer thanking God for sending me all those little reminders. Because every time I got the wind knocked out of me, it reinforced that lesson and reminded me that you just never know.

Because . . .

Because “she” knew that I thought she made the best oatmeal cookies in the whole wide world. Because - Because she was my hero when she and my Momma picked up all those records that an 18 wheeler dropped on I-75 and loaded them into the back of the Woody. Because I’ll never forget the way she looked at me when I walked in the back door with a red clay four-wheeler tire print that ran up and down the length of my body. Because she knew how happy it made me to hear her laugh into the wee hours as my very first friend and I swapped slightly exaggerated tales in the study. And because, even though I didn’t realize that the last time Gail Davis asked me to go fishing with her that it would be the last time I would ever get a chance to . . . because even though we never got to go, she knew how much I loved her. I thanked God because I couldn’t think of one single thing that I didn’t get to say.

And then I cleared my schedule.

I didn’t cut the grass, paint my toes, I didn’t even wash the pollen off my car. I haven’t written a Toast in months. The loss made me hyper-aware of every minute, as if each was a tiny grain of sand, just looking for a way to slip between my fingers. So I grabbed on for dear life, I held on tight to each and every one of them, and I tried to make “Granny Oakley” proud!

I made a Toast to my very first 100 point wine with Kate Lewis, had several special cocktails at the Saint Regis, and - stunned by the beauty of the Beluga at The Aquarium - spilled my fancy onion parfait absolutely everywhere.

I had after school special time in the land of Mothers Tucker, running carpool with Amanda and drying Maggie’s tears with Beth.

The Toast of my time in Saint Simons was waking up early with my nephew Tucker, jumping waves with Katie Grace, and drooling over the coleslaw at Gnat’s Landing . . . and the chorizo quesadillas at Bubba Garcia’s . . . and the popsicles at “Aunt” Jan’s!

I Toasted Nan Solomon in “Hello Dolly!” at Theatre Macon. And as long as I live I will pray every night that I wake up just a little bit more like her – a woman whose Moxie inspires me every time I see her on stage.

The second weekend in May led me out to Walnut Creek . . . and the only men in Macon that I cook for – the Rotary Cooking Committee: Eddie, Brother, Henry, Chip, Charlie, Trip, Buck & the rest of the gang. A group that I am humbled and honored to be a member of, I’d have to say that Eddie is my favorite. I just melt over the way that he punctuates his more cheeky comments with the swift end of a cane in the ribcage.

Then . . . Brother’s Birthday Party! Brother’s party, Brother’s party, Brother’s party. To say that this was the most elegant, magical, and exquisite evening I have ever spent amongst so many of my friends would be . . . well it just wouldn’t even begin to describe what I experienced. Deidra and Darling Mr. Foshee outdid themselves in spades. In my dreams, I’ll blow out my own candles on an evening like that one day. Hey! Never hurts to shoot for the stars.

And little bit closer to home I attended another Birthday party. Tinsley Martha Loyd turned one. I call her my T-Heart. So the other day – when I spent a good 20 minutes with a boogie on my finger because I didn’t want to risk moving and waking her and her Mother looked at me and said “That’s love. That. Is. LOVE” – that precious time that I had been so keenly aware of lately just stood completely still for a minute or two.

I spent more nights at Honey’s house, cooking . . . Spiced Pear Pork Chops, Andouille & Quinoa with Fig Sauce, Redfish Tacos, Butternut Squash, Aubergines (sub: fresh herbs, Italian panko, & fresh mozz) New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp, Cheese Biscuits, and LOTS of fresh veggies.

And I met Momma out at Charlane for the best Turkey Burgers I’ve ever had, reminiscing about Dream Girls & Cornucopia, a dip in the pond, a wonderful little ring on the tellie as the rain fell on the barn roof, Champagne on the porch at Bullard House, a dinner party where Rose Lane Leavell, Wild Turkey & Georgia Quail stole the show, and an after dinner drink as Chuck stole it right back. They’ve been given awards for growing trees out there on that gorgeous plantation. But I think that it’s Authentic Southern Hospitality they’ve got a prize-winning green thumb for.

After that, I went fishing. A very special fishing trip with a fellow that all of Momma’s (above mentioned) girlfriends . . . Jan, and Rose Lane, and (yes) Gail . . . would approve of.

So stay tuned! This particular tale only gets better . . .

(To Be Continued)

aS

Doctor Turvy Suggests . . .

July 23 - 26: Veuve . . . on the porch at Bullard House!

(Ooh Girl It Is SOOO!) Hot this week . . .

Billy Reid - I'm OBSESSED!

Potential '-) Summer Trips to Blackberry Farm & Cumberland

Impending :-) trips to Eastern Market & The VisionFest STUCK! Premiere

Baby Jorts!

Cheeseburger Paradiso

2010-03-25T15:12:00.211-04:00

Sooo-wah . . . mum's been the word lately. And I just know that you've all been (super wink) totally crushed! But I do have a legitimate excuse. You see, mum's been the word because my mouth has been otherwise engaged. That's a fancy way of saying full. I've been too busy eating (well, and shopping) to write - or even talk for that matter. So get ready to salivate and "fashionate" cuz this little piggy's got the lowdown on the lowcountry.

The first stop on my lowcountry epicurean adventure was at the Crystal Beer Parlor. Savannah's second oldest rezz, it's claim to my tummy was a stack of beef and bun that's earned a reputation as Savannah's best - Cheeseburger that is.

I have an affection for The Cheeseburger that knows no bounds. From dirty single wides to slightly South of the Upper East Side, I've indulged. The older the joint, the more classic the preparation, the darker the "dive," the deeper I fall. And what I put in my mouth on St. Patrick's Day and washed down with a Harpoon Celtic Ale was like a once in a lifetime "onesie" . . . that I will definitely revisit at some point - "We'll always have Savannah." Tink-tink, Toast!

Destination number one in Charleston was Bojangles. And if lovin' their cajun chicken biscuits is worthy of a title well then you can just throw a tiara right up there on my noggin' and call me Little Miss Bojangles.

A Mother/Daughter girls night out led us, first, to McCrady's for pre-prohibition cocktails. Which means that I paired the best "Fried Bologna with house-made Beer Mustard", "Salt & Vinegar Puffed Shrimp with spicy Yuzu Mayo", and "Fried Green Tomatoes with Green Goddess dressing" that I've ever had with a Sazerac . . . and a Seelbach.

So I was glossy-eyed when we headed to Amen Street Raw Bar where the Ceviche and Oyster Shooters are a MUST. And I was over the moon when they brought me half a dozen Prince Edward Island "J'Adore" pearl smugglers. But THE TOAST of the evening was made over this "Patron on Ice" that our ADORABLE bartender brought me when I asked for "lots" of lime. In hindsight I regret deciding against scribbling my tellie on the bevnap. I need to live a little.

Richard's Bar was oh so Mos Eisley Cantina, I had a "Momma's Little Yellow Pils" at Kickin' Chicken (baby sister's fave) and Cupcake rivals its New York Counterpart (my long-time fave) Buttercup. But the highlight of the entire expedition was something that Emeril Lagasse referred to in Playboy Magazine as (You Got It) "The Best Cheeseburger in America." It was my first Carolina Style Cheeseburger. And they're right when they say that you'll always remember your first. So I made a special TOAST with a hand-flavored Cherry Coke - SWOON! OHHH Mmmelvin('s) . . . you'll always be special to me - not to mention your Greens & Cornbread that easily qualifies as dessert.

So. You can see why it's only by the Grace of God that I'll fit into the booty I brought home from a little shopping spree Mother sent us on.

"Call the boys downtown at Neiman Marcus,
tell 'em lock up them high-heeled shoes"

Martina McBride

The mini's at J. Crew are out of their boxes, hinting at a Spring forecast that's mostly flirty with chance of Summer Lovin' - as April Blume Flops & Flower Tees bring May sequins & bows. And, speaking of sequins & bows, you better hush - Miss Cynthia Rowley. She's bringing the grosgrain bows (that Jackie Waters claims Sweet Dupuy & I spent sixth grade one-upping each other on) back and pairing them with Sequin Evening Shorts that make me weep. But it was the Antique Dot Tights that I couldn't leave without. Thank you for so many sweets to have dreams about Momma!

And when all of you lay down "your pretty head" to have some sweet dreams of your own tonight . . . I recommend that you do so after lubing up with Lollia "Imagine" hand cream and slipping into (or out of if you're feeling frisky) a pair of Pine Cone Hill jammies.

As for "where in the world" I'll pop up next . . . well I'll only say that it will (a.) Top last Summer's Makeout Challenge and (b.)e nothing less than THE Toast of the Town (Go Big Or Go Home) - Wine Enthusiast/Wall Street Journal Style. Join me! Discount Code PATL10. And stay tuned for a special Toast Post.

aS

Doctor Turvy Suggests . . .

Champipple ;-)

(Ooh Girl It Is Sooo) HOT This Week!

Get your fannies on down to "The Pinkest Party On Earth"

A Prayer For Summer's Smile

2010-03-03T09:00:00.007-05:00

I received a note that Summer Smisson Neel needs all of our extra special prayers again. So I'm not going to ramble on about a Toast to this or that. This week, I'm just going to ask that instead of reading my usual musings, you take a moment to say a prayer for her.

Below, I have posted a few of my favorites . . .

Prayer for Healing:

Father,

I'm praying for Summer, who is in need of Your healing touch.
I ask You to look upon her with Your mercy and compassion.
I know that all of our days are numbered and sometimes You have a different plan,
but You have taught us that sometimes we don't have what's needed
because we haven't asked, and so I ask for healing.
May Your Spirit help me when I don't know what to ask,
and above all, may Your will be done.

Prayer for Strength:

Father,

I pray for Summer's family, who are carrying such heavy loads.
Your Word says an anxious heart weighs a person down, and this is how
I think they must feel—as if they're carrying heavy loads, more than they can bear.
When they feel upset and beside themselves, calm them down and comfort them
with the assurance of Your love. Help them not be overwhelmed by anxious thoughts.

Prayer Card, Sunshine of Love:

Dear God,

let me be a sunshine of love in the darkness of others' lives,
let me be a source of help in disaster and pain of this world,
let me be a source of healing
with the power of your love in my heart and soul.

Prayer For The Angels On Earth:

Dear God,

Please hold Summer in your arms very tightly.

I have been so inspired by how many people care about her.
I have been inspired by her faith, her smile, and her strength.
I know that she has so much more to do in this lifetime, she truly does.
So please just keep her safe, heal her body, and protect her mind
with your hands and your heart.

"That Evening Sun" In My Eyes

2010-02-23T22:49:00.015-05:00

“My darling, anger only hurts the angry.”

My Grandmother, Honey

I remember the first time that I met Ray McKinnon. He was sitting on a table at the Cox Capitol Theatre laughing the somewhat goofy laugh that you might expect to roll out of such a lanky physique. I was (of course) as I am with most people that I’m not super familiar with, timid to speak to, or even look at him. This particular sheepishness on my part has been mistaken as snobbery more often than not. But mostly it’s just plain old shy served up with a helping of guard dog. But for some reason Ray just walked right past that orange and black “beware” sign and stopped me in my “let’s not bother the Movie Star” tracks. And I don’t even remember what he said or how he said it. I can only say that I’m glad he did.

People don’t often surprise me but Ray was definitely a lovely surprise. I’ve never met someone so inquisitive. It’s a character trait that I have always been drawn to. But there is something so patient and sincere about his inquisitive nature that it’s almost as if he doesn’t have a care in the world other than listening intently to the answer of the question that he just asked you. Talking to him was not so different than a a glass of wine after a long bubble bath. I could have sworn that the whole world was slowin’ down just to take a breather right there with us.

What I failed to adequately appreciate at the time was Ray’s talent. Don't get me wrong - I loved him in Randy & The Mob! I was SUPER excited to see him in The Blind Side. But it wasn’t until I met Ray McKinnon’s Lonzo Choat that I realized just how exquisite the depth of his talent really is.

On Sunday, I made my way over to the Cox Capitol Theatre, snuggled into my seat next to Little Miss Walden and waited patiently (if by patiently you understand that I mean people watching, fashion critiquing, and Shirley Temple sipping) for the Film Fest-inale to begin. And afterwards, the buzz and hum of differing opinions on the “questions that the film leaves unanswered” was as vibrant as the chorus of cicadas that lend such a hauntingly authentic texture to the movie’s East Tennessee backdrop. But for me, the movie didn’t leave any unanswered questions.

Lonzo Choat’s a drunk. And a mean-as-a-snake Son of a Bitch when he gets “GOOD and drunk.” Even the movie’s soundtrack knew just when to shut up. And people say that “a drunk’s a drunk” but Lonzo Choat showed us that even a drunk can have big dreams, can wanna be a “good man,” can believe in a better life . . . And can drown all that dreamin’ and wantin’ and believin’each and every day on repeat. And then there’s Ludie & Abner. Stuck right there livin’ with him. Clinging to a past life and a pipe dream, respectively, but pretty much on neither account by preference as far as I could tell. What about them?

Carrie Preston’s Ludie Choat and Hal Holbrook’s Abner Meecham “sing” a two-part harmony that portrays the inner struggle a person goes through when livin’ with a man like Lonzo. A song of the days and moments when, like Ludie, ya think you can climb into his lap, tenderly place your hand onto his face, whisper in his ear, and love him into doing the right thing. When you believe in each and every “new start.” And then of the days and moments when, like Abner, disgust and anger consumes you, destroys you even. And you can only imagine that scaring-the-livin-daylights-out-of-him into doing the right thing is the way to go.

Yes, "That Evening Sun" is a cautionary tale. A beautiful one and one that I related to. One that I loved. That reminded me of something else my grandmother once wrote to me . . .

"Be true to yourself. I read when I was a young woman that to be a peaceful

old woman at 80 you must be a peaceful young woman at 20”

Life doesn’t give you an unlimited amount of time to become a peaceful young woman. Which means . . . sometimes the only answer to all those questions (will he ever? does he even? what if I . . .?) is to find yourself a set of keys.

See it. See this movie! See. This. Movie.

A TOAST to the most beautiful glass-and-leaves-and-loneliness opening shot I’ve ever seen. A Toast to William Gay and Scott Teems. A Toast to Patterson Hood, Drive-By Truckers and Michael Penn. To Walton Goggins and Mia Wasikowska and Dixie Carter and Barry Corbin. To Dually who played Nipper the dog. A Toast to Ray McKinnon who brought Lonzo Choat to life, to Hal Holbrook who made me hate him and to Carrie Preston who made me wish that he would wake up and grow up all at the same time - just for her. Thank you. More please.

aS

(Ooh Girl It Is So) Hot This Week . . .

Catch me at both Out of Order at Theatre Macon AND Crossroads Writers Conference

Hello! . . . Caroletta's Cakes

All my peeps . . . Thank you! Sweet David Hightower, for bringing all the girls in the cast flowers. Awww!!! You're Amazing: Stephanie Shadden, for remembering (and appreciating) me. Leigh & Josh, Baby T-Heart Tinsley, Blake, Tracy Benton & Her Darling Mister, Little Miss Walden, BJ & Gene, my friends Nicole (Designer Tan), Sara Blakely (Spanx) and the whole cast and crew of Out of Order.