Southern Music

All music is beautiful

Billy Strayhorn

So we've gone over G.R.I.T.S. weddings, food, and boys. The next thing to go over would have to be our music!! While I enjoy artists from all parts of the world, I time and time again find myself turning to my fellow Southerners.

In my humble opinion, there is one man who colorfully represents all the South has to offer: cuisine, great people, and good times. That man's name is Jimmy Buffett.

Yes, I'm a Parrothead and any G.R.I.T. worth her salt has a good supply of JB on her iPod. In my book, nothing beats listening to Buffett on a beach tucked away on the Gulf Coast.  When I need a little "me time" I always drive to Alligator Point or Apalachicola to find my own personal Margaritaville.

If your music collection could use some fine tuning, here are some tracks that you could add for a near instant retreat!! Known to true fans as the "Big 8," they were originally the songs that Jimmy played at every show.

1)Margaritaville (my alarm clock)

2) Come Monday

3) Fins (my current ringtone)

4) Volcano

5) A Pirate Looks at Forty

6) Cheeseburger in Paradise

7) Why Don't We Get Drunk...

8) Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

Happy Listening!!!

Until next time,

kCa

Now it's time to enjoy my Rays VICTORY!!!

Southern Weddings

Before you read this post, you must pinkie promise not to laugh!!

You've been warned!!

It could be the fact that I'm rapidly approaching the average age for getting married, or perhaps it's the fact that I've NEVER had a boyfriend. Whatever the reason, weddings are always on my mind. Before you go thinking I'm crazy, remember, nearly all girls dream of their fairy tale wedding.

As G.R.I.T.S. know, weddings in the South aren't just a holy matrimony, they're a social gathering!! And why shouldn't they be? So much time and money is spent to make every detail of the day perfect. I don't know about you, but I would want to share that occasion with each and everyone of my friends (and maybe some not close people if I want to show off my "catch.")

Even though my special day is light years away from now (I have to go catch me a groom), I thought I would give you a little sneak peak of what's too come.

 

Potential Dates? June 4th or Kentucky Derby Day

Colors? Definitely Yellow and maybe Green  

And believe me when I say Pineapples will somehow be a part of my wedding.

Now that you've taken a moment to let the chuckling die down...

I would love to know what y'all have planned for your big day, no matter how far into the future it is!!

P.S. Future husband, wherever you may be, I would love a sapphire David Yurman bracelet for my something blue... Just giving you a heads up!!

Until next time,

kCa

Busy Bee

A charming women is a busy women.

Loretta Young.

For the past month, I have been a very bad blogger. However, I thought that if you saw my daily schedule you wouldn't judge too harshly.

The Early Childhood Education program has left me with little to absolutely no downtime. The time I do have is almost always spent napping. 

I have to admit, though, I do miss blogging!! That's why I decided to sacrifice my twenty minute power nap and get back to my daily post schedule. Besides, I think I finally have a good handle on juggling all it is that I have to juggle.

How is y'all's class schedule going this fall?

Until next time,

kCa

Francesca Joy PB

Sorry for the brief hiatus. I've been just so busy getting all settled into my new apartment (with new pictures to come)!!

Now, I want to take the time to talk about my current obsession, Francesca Joy PB. With their tote bags, clutches, and even silk dresses, you can add that little pizzazz needed to finish off any outfit. 


Here are so of my favorite products.

Until next time,
kCa

Lilly Pulitzer Sale

I just spent a good chunk of my summer pay-check (a.k.a. working with my mom) at the Lilly Pulitzer Summer Sale!! I'm bragging a little bit, but here is what I snagged.

Grand total for my spoils? 195 dollars. Less than buying one regular priced dress. Plus, free shipping.

Is it bad that I got the shakes from all of this power shopping? It was very stressful!! 

But seriously, every Lilly fan needs to get going on this sale. They are having amazing deals!!

Until next time,

kCa

Outfit of the Day

Today I had to go the Dermatologist and get six moles removed!! YIKES!! I guess that's what I get for swimming outside everyday. Now that I'm done with appointments though, I have a pretty low key day. I'll just be doing some last minute packing to get ready for the new school year!! If you can't tell I'm very excited!!

Until next time,

kCa

Shave and a Hair Cut...

...two bits!!

Yesterday, I had my bi-annual haircut. The last time I got my hair cut was in November (see my profile picture), so I was in desperate need.

 For the past few years, I've always brought in this picture of Nicole Richie to show the look that I wanted. However, I felt like I was in a rut and in need of a major change.

That's why I brought in this picture of Kate Middleton. Although my hair isn't nearly as long as hers, I love the styling. My hair is naturally extremely wavy/curly and this style is a great way to stop fighting with nature, but still look sleek and put together. 

Although Kate's style is the ideal, I'm usually way to busy to do anything with my hair, but put it in a bun. Although this bun is usually seen with ballerinas, swimmers everywhere know it and love it.

 Because I'm starting to student teach this fall, I'm making it my own personal goal to actually put a little more effort into my hair regime. After all, I need to start looking professional!!

What is your "Back to School" hair style?

Until next time,

kCa

Rooms (Both Yours and Mine)

School is about to start up again. So, future college students are probably dreaming of what their dorm rooms will look like. I know, I was one of them two years ago!! I had so many things running through my head that I got a little frustrated and definitely overwhelmed. For those of you who are feeling the same way, here are some things that you might want to get ready for. 

1) Great Bedding

Yes, this one is way too obvious, but once you have your color scheme picked out, the rest of the decorating seems to just fall into place. Most college dorms provide Twin XL mattresses that will work fine with a Twin comforter. I suggest getting a good quality comforter then picking out inexpensive Twin XL bed sheets from Target or Wal-Mart. Be sure to get multiple sets (maybe in different colors) for when you have laundry day.

I actually was going to order a set from Lilly Pulitzer- Garnet Hill for my apartment, but after the "pearl ring" incident, I just couldn't ask my parents for it. Besides, I still have a Tommy Hilfiger bedding set from last year.

2) Laundry Basket

Speaking of laundry day, you will definitely want to splurge on a high quality laundry basket. Not surprisingly, a big pile of clothes can get extremely heavy, so you might want to look for a basket with wheels attached. You'll thank me later.  I remember literally dragging my laundry basket from my fifth floor dorm room to the ground level laundry room. It seemed more like a marathon than a household chore. 

3) Of course... Decorations

I found the beige stone walls of my dorm room cold and impersonal the moment I stepped into my room. That's why I ordered posters and picture frames to fill up the empty spaces. Have a favorite actress or city? You can order posters from art.com or head to Target, they have a great selection that seems to be magically catered to the college-aged. I might suggest getting black and white posters when possible. That way you don't have to worry about them matching your color scheme and you can use them if/when you get new bedding. 

For your desk area, make sure you have a great collection of photos of your friends and families. Then go crazy with picture frames. You can make them as colorful or subdued as you want to. If you're extra creative, you can buy blank wooden frames from a crafting store and paint your own frames. 

Now to my own room. Currently it's a blank canvas with only a few pieces of furniture and absolutely no color. When I get back to school, I'll have to dedicate a few days to painting, decorating, and making this space my own. I'll post pictures when all is said and done!!

Until next time,

kCa

Outfit of the Day

Sorry I've been missing for the past few days. I drove up to Tallahassee with my mom to set up my college apartment. It was a long day of building furniture and running all over town looking for a Full headboard (I'll be sure to post). Over all, it was a great weekend, all except for me losing my pearl ring. I am absolutely heart broken, it was Christmas gift from my dad, and my finger feels very lonely. 

I hope you all had a good weekend!!!

Until next time,

kCa

Dinner Bell Ringing

The next stop in our GRITS series...

If you need something  else to distinguish Girls Raised In The South, then you should just stop by our kitchen. The sweet aromas coming from our welcoming kitchens will instantly remind you why 'Comfort Food' is our specialty. Today I'll be sharing the history and staples of some of our favorite foods. 

1) Corn

A gift from Native Americans, corn was needed to replace expensive flour. At first the original GRITS were furious was the change. Thank God, they adapted beautifully and invented a new food, cornbread. Just add a slab of butter and a dash of pepper to have the perfect compliment to any meal. 

2) Berries

Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, boysenberries, oh my! This is all I eat during the summer months, when they are in season. The possibilities are endless and are always refreshing. 

3) Barbeque

Pork was originally brought over to the Southeast by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Although he spent his whole life searching for treasure, he died penniless near the bank of the Mississippi. From that the point, the pigs were tamed and eventually became a Southern staple. 

The biggest thing to remember is the difference between a barbeque and a cookout. To a true Southerner, a barbeque means only two things: pulled pork and ribs (slowly cooked over a real fire and with great flavor). Some, mostly Northerners, are slightly confused by the definition. A barbeque is not the same thing as a cookout. That's when you cook on a backyard grill. Barbeque and cookout ARE NOT synonyms. 

To finish a meal all you have to do add some vegetables: squash, collard greens, okra, green tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese. 

What's your favorite Southern meal?

Until next time,

kCa

Bless His Heart

Continuing with our GRITS series... 

Men are important to Southern girls,

but they don't define us.

Men, one of my favorite things to talk about, especially men of the southern variety. Finding yourself a man is a big part of a GRITS life, but it's not something that should be taken lightly. Men are like food. They come in all sorts of flavors, some good and some bad, but ultimately they keep you alive. That's why today I'm going to share with you some awesome types from Deborah Ford.

First off who exactly are the "right men" and where do you find them?

• The Right Men: Daddy, Jimmy Carter, Andy Griffith, Daddy, Robert E. Lee, Peyton Manning, and Daddy...
• Where You Meet Men: Church, the grocery store, the video store, the gym, the bookstore, class reunion, sporting event...

Okay, so you think you've spotted the right guy. Now what? The next step is to flirt your little heart out, southern style!!

• Smile while holding eye contact. It makes you appear more approachable. 
• Flutter your eyelashes.
• Notice something special. Flattery is always a winner.
• Men love the color pinkish peach and vanilla or cinnamon smells.
• Of course, have fun!!!

In closing, I have an outfit that would be great on any date (and maybe how Mr. Right will dress also). And remember, a good trick for looking at a man is to take note of how he treats his mama. It's like a crystal ball into seeing how he will treat you in the future.

Until next time,

kCa

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Outfit of the Day

After taking my little brother school supply shopping, I had to head over the "End of the Season Swim Team Party." It was nice to get away from work and spend time with some energetic kids!! Tomorrow, I head off to Tallahassee with my mom to get my apartment all ready for the school year!!

Until next time,

kCa

Future Friday: Furry Friends

Trying saying that five times fast.

I don't know about you, but I'm a dog lover. I'm that girl who does that high pitched whine whenever she sees a cute puppy. Yep, that girl. There's just something about a wagging tail that makes my knees week. 

Currently, the love of my life is a little West Highland White Terrier named Bogie (after the actor Humphrey Bogart). He's just around five years old, but he still looks and acts like a puppy. 

I know that I'll never be able to get him away from parents once I'm ready for a dog of my own. So, I think about what breeds would look best in my future, even though I would choose a Westie again in a heart beat.

1) First and foremost, I think that an English Springer Spaniel is the epitome of prepdom. I can't count how many ads for Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, etc. this dog has shown up in. They seem so poised (if that's possible for a dog), but I know they would love to spend an entire day out in the sun, which I love. 

2) The second breed on my list is the Bloodhound. I don't know what is. Maybe it's the big floppy ears or the constantly wagging tail. Whatever the reason, thinking about them makes my heart melt. My dad had two growing up, Cybil and Josh, so maybe the love is genetic.

4) Finally, you can never go wrong with a Labrador Retriever. I consider this the "All-American Dog." To me they symbolize the American Dream, white picket fence included. The toughest part is what color to choose? 

Possible names? Of course I've thought of them:

• Cooper
• Beau
• Bella
• Daisy
• Duke
• Twain

I hope I didn't offend any cat lovers out there!! No harm intended!!

What are your dog loves?

Until next time,

kCa

Outfit of the Day

Today my local Lilly store, The Pink Palm, was having their annual summer sale. Of course, I had to stop in!! There, I purchased a skirt in "Peel and Eat" and a pair of shorts in "Big Squeeze." Those were my favorite patterns from last season, I was so happy to grab them!! Afterwards I worked at my mom's store, kind of to pay off for what I just spent.

Until next time,

kCa

Meal Manners

Continuing with our G.R.I.T.S. series:

A crucial sub-division of a Southern girl's manners are table manners. This makes perfect sense. What's the point of making a lovely dinner for your loved ones if you only eat it like you're in a barn? Table manners seem like a daunting thing to master, but I guarantee you it's worth it. Imagine how much more you'll be at ease during a lunch meeting with your bosses or when meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time. You'll be sure to impress. 

One of the first subjects to cover is the often abused table napkin. It is a little known fact that a table linen should never be soiled, this includes the napkin. However, there are two exceptions: when eating barbeque and watermelon, it never for dabbing your lipstick (or any makeup for that matter). You should treat your table linens with respect and delicately. If napkins could talk, they would thank you (and send you a note if they were from the South).

Here are some things to remember when the dinner bell rings.

G.R.I.T.S. Table Manner Do's:

• Fold your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down.
• Wait for your host to start eating before digging in.
• Pick up your napkin if you drop it.
• Pass serving plates to the right. 
• Try a little bit of everything.
• Take your time- no gobbling.
• Keep the area around your plate as clean as possible.
• Say 'Excuse me' if you need to leave the table.
• Say 'Please' and 'Thank You.' (of course)
• Tip graciously- at least 17 percent.

Remember, good table manners are the ultimate symbol

of who you are and how you were raised.

Until next time,

kCa

Outfit of the Day

Today I felt like getting a little gussied up. I didn't really have anywhere special to go, just working at my mom's swim store. Afterwards I stopped by Home Goods where I spotted this amazing book called A Year in High Heels by Camilla Morton. It's an amazing handbook about everything that a classy girl should know. A future series perhaps? I think so. In the mean time, I hope y'all are enjoying my G.R.I.T.S. series.

Until next time,
kCa

Yes Ma'am. No Ma'am.

Continuing with our G.R.I.T.S. series: 

Good manners are free, but

forgetting them often costs you dearly.

-Traditional Southern Wisdom

One of the most important things to remember in the South is your manners and proper etiquette. They can be your most powerful tool in your arsenal. Not only do they create a great first impression, but they also represent your charm, femininity and style. They also represent our heritage by directly linking us with the lessons passed down to us by our ancestors. Along with our ancestors, the South has gone through its own share of trouble and strife, but our Steel Magnolias were able to live through it with their manners as their only resource. 

Southern Girls Know the Three Deadly Sins:

• Bad manners
• Bad hair
• Bad blind dates

One of the most important things you need to do in the South is write "Thank you Notes." They are the backbone of etiquette. Here are some tips:

How to Write a Thank-You Note:

1. Use the finest grade stationary you can afford.
2. Remember that "thank you" is two words.
3. Always hand write your note in ink, never pencil.
4. Be specific when expressing why you are grateful.
5. Always put the note in the next day's post.
6. Add a gracious and well-chosen closure. Options include:

• Warmly,
• Sweetly,
• Lovingly,
• Sincerely

Lastly always remember that you never do anything you wouldn't want published in your local paper.

Until next time,

kCa

Outfit of the Day

Today was an absolutely miserable rainy day here in the "Sun Coast." So, my good friend, cHs and I headed to International Mall for some window shopping. I say "window shopping" because International is an extremely up-scale mall. We stopped in Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade (among others). While in Neiman's I got to try on a $24,000 diamond-encrusted Jacob and Co watch. YIKES!!! That's about as much as my future teacher's salary!!

Until next time,

kCa

Talk the Talk

Continuing with our G.R.I.T.S. series:

The first thing that outsiders notice about us southerner girls is our sweet accent. It's one of the biggest thing that distinguishes us from New Yorkers or our friends in the Midwest. There once was a time when our lovely accent was hidden from the world, as it was thought to make our people less marketable, but now all sorts of high executives and the like are flaunting their accents. I think it's because they are so much friendlier with that slow, hospitable drawl. In fact, three of our last five presidents were from below the Mason Dixon Line. 

What's not to love about the way we talk? In fact, it is linguistically closer to Queen Elizabeth's English than any other dialect used today. Of course, there is still plenty of diversity found in the South. There are over twenty-one different sub-dialects found here: From "Virginia Tidewater" all the way to "Gumbo." Also, in the River Delta area of Mississippi and Louisiana, Southern formed with French and West Indian to produce Creole and Cajun.

No matter where you're from, you can always appreciate a good ole Southern accent. So, if you're not from our slice of paradise, here are some little tips to get you in the right direction. Remember the saying, "Fake It Until You Make It." 

WARNING: Don't try TOO hard to copy our accent. You might come off like you're making fun of us. 

Southern Grammar:

1) "Y'all" is singular.

2) "All y'all" is plural.

3) "All y'all's" is possessive plural.

Four Secrets to Speak Like a Southern Girl:

1) Take your own sweet time.

2) Bat your eyelashes slowly and speak at the same tempo.

3) Add syllables whenever possible.

4) Adding "Sugah" "Precious" or "Darlin'' doesn't hurt either.

(This last one is known as Country Club Chatter and is usually found in neighborhoods such as Buckhead (Atlanta), Mountain Brook (Birmingham), and Belle Meade (Nashville).

Until next time,

kCa

Outfit of the Day

The vacation is definitely over. Today I had to drive to Cocoa Beach to pick up my grandma from her friend's house. Comfort was key when I was stuck in the car for four hours. It was a fun drive though. Grandma B and I always have such fun conversations.

Until next time,

kCa

Vacation

A vacation is having nothing to do and all to do it in.

-Robert Orben

After a long and grueling year of swimming, I finally had the opportunity to take a break and be able to relax. My parents planned the vacation perfectly. Everyone (parents, brother, and I) all had off from work and swimming. 

We talked about visiting lots of different location, but ultimately decided that a "staycation" would be the best thing for the family. I mean, we have hundreds of lovely beaches within driving distance from our house. Why should we have to fly or drive for hours on end?

We choose to stay at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach, about an hour away from home. It had everything that a resort should have, but there was only one thing I cared about... THE BEACH!!!

To me, a perfect day is just reading a good book on a white sand beach with a view. That's exactly what I was able to have, plus a hammock!! I now feel relaxed, recharged, and ready to take on the world (or at least start the fall semester)!

How y'all's summer holiday?

Until next time,

kCa

"So Put On Your Best Boys...

...and I'll Wear My Pearls."

The Band Perry

The third (and final) symbol that represent Southern Belles everywhere is a string of pearls. It represents the beauty, both natural and cultured, that all GRITS have inside of them. This beauty is comprised of the style, grace, and elegance that make up our best assets.

Historically, pearls were naturally found all along the Southern coastlines. Now they are available to women everywhere (in many different forms) to make them feel and look like royalty. They can be worn for any sort of occasion: from the tennis court to a cocktail party. Don't have a function to go to? No worries!! A strand of pearls look just as nice while doing chores around the house or running errands. When you don't have them elegantly draped around your neck (and you should give them a break every once in awhile), a perfect place to keep them is tucked inside the family Bible. It will remind you of what to hold dear.

Remember, GRITS aren't always born. They are sometimes made. So, if you're not naturally from below the Mason Dixon Line, here are the key ingredients you should have to act the part.

• String of Pearls
• Dash of Dixie
• Pinch of Attitude
• Cupful of Inner Beauty

Mix all of these ingredients together and you will have the flamboyant beauty and style that GRITS so unique, just like our strand of pearls.

In closing, I have provided an outfit that highlights that beautiful creamy iridescent color that looks good on any belle. But remember, GRITS come in many different colors and styles, just like the pearls we wear around our neck. They are all beautiful and all personify class.

Until next time,
kCa