The Good Ole Days are not the answer....

For our few followers, you may not realize this but this blog actually has 3 authors (and we should probably do a little post one day telling you a little bit about our somewhat anonymous selves...)

But, one of our authors is about to become a full fledged doctor tomorrow. This is big news, exciting news....something to celebrate (and we will) But, this got me thinking that female physicians, lawyers, business owners, pharmicists, etc are certainly not uncommon these days, but sometimes we have to undergo a lot of criticism here in the South.

Society, and even the church, seemed threatened by smart women. There is an assumption that a diploma and a job means we will disrespect and dishonor our husbands.  I've never understood how this is so. Biblical roles in marriage only apply to marriage. So, the fact that I may be in a higher position at work than some random male employee does not mean I plan on ruling my future home.  Likewise, I don't think men in submissive work roles will fail to be leaders in their home.

That being said (side rant over...), I am extremely proud of my co-author...she is very smart, yet very feminine. Its a hard line to toe sometimes, especially in the deep south.  And, the fact that she pursued higher education while still being a southern belle makes me even happier. I love that people like her are examples that can change our society's views.

I also wanted to share this article - in response to a societal (and Christian) push to return to the glory days where women's only role is to serve men and wear aprons, the author states:

While radical feminism has certainly wrought damage to souls across the culture, the correct response is not a return to the good ol’ days of subservience and sexualization.

This article made me proud of churches who say yes, feminism is wrong, but a strong godly female is not.

Congrats to our author!! May this weekend be a great celebration and may you continue to be a strong godly female!

Surviving Hot Jackson Summers - Part 2

Today we continue with our look into Jackson summer activities.  As Jackson natives, we love our city, but we are very aware how hot the summers can be....and long.  So many people don't have the luxury of many weeklong/monthlong/summerlong vacays to the coast, so we wanted to examine ways to enjoy the summer and maybe beat the heat in Mississippi! 

Today's suggestion:

3. Trendy Fro Yo

I love frozen desserts, but sometimes ice cream seems too heavy. Frozen Yogart is light (and sometimes healthy, though don't be fooled - its still full of calories when you top it in candy!) and refreshing.  And, apparently, to my delight, it is very trendy right now!! So rarely is what I like the cool thing to do...

Jackson is full of several fun Fro Yo shops....the kind you can self serve and pick your toppings and then have your cup weighed to pay by the ounce.

Want to spice up a boring Tuesday night or need a low key Saturday treat after shopping? Try one of these fun places:

Millie D's

Sweet Tree

Sweet CeCe's

Surviving Hot Jackson Summers...

Despite this morning's temperature of 45 degrees, Mississippi summers are usually HOT and every southern belle must know the best ways to cool off and have fun.  This group of girls loves to have fun and enjoy the warm weather without overheating...  after all, its 2011, fainting is not seen as delicate any longer.

Not to mention, many of us don't get to summer in seaside...this batch of southern belles works hard. So over the next few days, we will be suggesting fun hot weather alternatives in Jackson or the surrounding areas.  Nothing like a mini-vacay for the day or an evening out with the girls. Just because we can't live at the beach doesn't mean we can't enjoy the summer.

So, today's stay cool, enjoy summer suggestions....

1. Sipping cocktails on outdoor patios

As long as its later in the evening or a porch or patio has umbrellas or fans, sitting outside can be a great way to enjoy the Hot Mississippi Summer.  Afterall, you can't avoid the heat, but you can enjoy it with a cool cocktail, umbrella and sundress. lounging on the porch at Babalu is so much better than sitting in the sun elsewhere.

Plus, for those of us with fulltime jobs, drinks and a chic restuarant patio feels like a dinner out on vacation...something about tan lines showing under a cocktail dress, pink noses, margaritas, and laughter on a deck makes me think of dinner at the beach.

Our  Top suggestions....

1. Babalu

We suggest you order a baba-rita, sangria, tableside guac and tacos (pork and fish are wonderful).  But you can't go wrong with anything on their menu of tapas and tacos.

2.  Burgers and Blues

Obviously we suggest beer and burgers...their menu is full of very unique burger styles. Plus, there is live music on the deck most nights.

3.  Que Sera Sera

Seafood, sandwiches, poboys and a drink...enjoy a casual night with friends in Fondren.

4. Walker's

If its your first time, stick to the classics- Redfish Ana and Crabcakes. Split a bottle of wine with your best friend or special someone and enjoy a slow paced evening at this charming restaurant in the historic Fondren neighborhood.

5. Kiefer's

We suggest beer, gyros, pita mozz's and cottage fries. This is the ultra casual summer saturday night...a good time for a cheap price.

6. Sal and Mookies

This is perfect for a large party. Sal and Mookies has some of the best pizza in town, not to mention a bar attached to the restaurant and an ice cream shop.  Order pizza and beer, then get a scoop of mint chocolate before heading to the bar for more cocktails with friends.

7. Pizza Shack

Very casual with lots of outdoor seating for pizza and beer.

2. Pool Days

Southern girls do pool days the right way.  Ice chests full of adult beverages, cold fruit, sandwhiches, and evern sometimes frozen cocktails and homemade ice cream.  After all, we are going for the beachy vacay theme.

What if you don't have a pool?  Find one.

Some sugegstions if you don't belong to a club:
1. Friend's family pools.  May people's parents have pools you can occasionally use or their parents have neighborhood pools.
2. gym memberships.  If you belong to a gym, often times you can pay for a pool membership or it may already be included. Check on the prices for bringing guests. 
3. Apartment complexes. Chances are, someone you know has pool at their apartment.

*If your friends are sweet enough to share their connections, offer to bring food or beverages. Here are some suggestions:

BY THE POOL COCKTAIL
- 1 oz melon liquor
-1 oz peach schnapps
-1 oz orange juice
-1 oz 7 up or sprite
-1 oz ice

Purchase an ice cream maker - this one is only 15 dollars!

You can't go wrong with watermelon!

If everyone pitches in-- finding a pool, making a summer playlist, bringing a cooler and a fun frozen drink or ice cream, you can have an in town resort pool day in no time.

Spring Cleaning

     So who out there likes to clean?

Really?  I am definitely not one of those people who loves to clean.  I am in my mid-twenties and have a maid if that gives you any clue as to how much I detest cleaning.  Anyway, I am ending one chapter in my life, and I am anxiously awaiting the next phase.  Guess what that means?  I have time to "re-organize my life".  What does reorganizing my life entail?

     For me, I am taking one task at a time.  Today, my task was to clean my desk.

Yes, you can actually see the desk without all the clutter now.  It has been a long time since I went through all my papers and documents.  It was empowering to throw away all the papers that were not needed anymore.  Yes, I am not a hoarder, because this would be a hoarder's nightmare throwing anything away.  It was like I was getting a clean slate.  The papers of the past were simply that, of the past.  It is amazing to see what you thought was extremely important four years ago has little if any significance now.  You can't change the past, but you have to move forward.  In moving forward, you have to make room for what is yet to come.  Also, I say invest in a paper shredder.

It allows you to destroy papers with sensitive information, like your account numbers, but it is also fun to use.  You can even pretend like you are your favorite character on The Office.  Who is yours?

Now, I actually have a desk to work from.  This is exciting, but we'll see how long it really lasts.  Anyway, I encourage you to look in your closets and desks.  Try some spring cleaning out for yourself.  It can do your body good.  Out with the inessentials and back to the necessities.  I'm sure I'll have more posts on my spring cleaning to come.  Happy cleaning!

Helpful tips from Women's Day on spring cleaning:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Topic/spring_cleaning_tips.html

The Guy Code for Calling

I was talking with a dear friend the other night about this crazy guy code.  She gave an example of two different guys who each had the same approach.

Guy Code: If you're interested in a girl, call her once and do not leave a message.  If she calls back, she's interested.  If she doesn't call back, well, good riddance to her.

I do not know about you, but this seems absurd.  I never answer phone numbers that I do not know.  I assume that if they really want to get in touch with me that they will leave a message.  Who knows if I have missed out on possible suitors or not.  I think that there needs to be some communication with the ladies and gentlemen.  Gentleman, call once and if no one answers, hang up.  Call back a few hours later and leave a message.  If the lady does not pick up on the first call, do NOT assume that she is not interested.  She is probably just being cautious about not talking to strangers.  For all you know, the call could have been dropped because she works in an area with they do not have cell service, like the basement of a hospital.  All I am saying, is guys please give a girl more than one call to decide if she's interested or not.  If you only put yourself out there for one call, you might be missing out on a great lady who WAS interested.  Circumstances did not all her to answer your first call, and everyone misses out.  Just some food for thought.

Staples of Every Southern Girl's Spring Wardrobe:

1. Searsucker

Every summer girl knows searsucker is an essential....What was originally the material of men's southern summer suits has become the sundress/summer pant essntial.  Searsucker must not be worn before Easter and after Labor Day, so gentleman and ladies who like to wear searsucker in your schools colors well into September and October, you are wrong.  Although the remainder of the country has picked up on the searsucker trend (thanks to J Crew), we southerners know we invented and perfected this spring wardrobe staple.

2. Freshly painted toenails

When I would come home from college, if I work flip flops WITHOUT freshly painted toes, my mother would make me correct that immediately.... "Do not go out in public in my hometown with your toenails chipped, young lady!  People will think I raised you that way."  And, although I would whine, most southerners, myself included, agree - why wear a perfectly matched outfit if you aren't polished (pun intended) everywhere? So ladies, for goodness sake, paint your toenails before rocking your latest summer fashions.


3. Lilly Pulitzer

Nothing says beach wedding, summer soiree, or SEC sorority Rush like a "Lilly"....  Every girl should own atleast one piece.  Although this brand can be quite pricy, the summer prints stay in style year after year, so its a dress you can wear for multiple years. 100% worth your money :)

4. Pearls

This is a year round basic - but essential with cute summer skirts and sweaters.  Pearl Earrings or a necklace, - whatever your jewelry piece of choice, you must have something pearl in your wardrobe.

5. Sandals

Most of the world is big on the flip flop, and I am not opposed -- for specific situations - casual Friday nights, trips to the pool, shopping, but few things irritate me more than seeing someone in an adorable outfit at church with flip flops on.  Evern southern girl knows the better alternative is the summer sandal.


6. Sundresses

Sundresses are my favorite piece of clothing - so versatile. Perfect for a night on the town AND church (with a cardigan - see below), great casual with flats or dressy with heals.  And southern girls know a secret -- when it gets uber hot in the Mississippi heat, nothing beats a breezy loose sundress!

7. White

Southern girls love WHITE clothing - worn at appropriate times of course (which is Easter to Labor day).  Few things look as nice as a white sundress or slacks on a sunkissed tan.  Who knows why white is so popular down south? Maybe its our early training to love all things involving weddings and deb balls. :)

8. The perfect pool hat

We lay out a lot in the hot south and the beach is our favorite place to go. We must protect our skin from wrinkles....but we must do so in style, nothing that you would see a cowboy or baseball player wear and certainly nothing with multiple flowers on it.

9. A nice tan.

My mother always said "Tan fat looks better than White fat."  Hopefully she wasn't calling me fat, but the point she was making is true -- every flaw we have (chunky thighs, pudgy arms, scrawny legs, etc.) looks better with a little healthy glow. Note that this is a slight tan or even in the modern world, a fake tan,  PLEASE, nothing that screams "Tanning Bed Membership" or "I want skin cancer" - a slight glow goes a long way.

10. The perfect cardigan

We love sundresses and it is a summer basic, but sometimes bare shoulders are not appropriate -- thats why its always important to have a cardigan on hand to make a cute sundress flexible for all occasions.

Let’s Use Our Charm Y’all

According to Ronda Rich in What Southern Women Know (That Every Women Should), the allure of the Southern woman is more than the drawl. “Southern women have the ability to survive in a man’s world while wrapped in a pouf of flower, femininity and gracious, thoughtful manners.” Charm, the art of making others feel good about themselves and about you, is the key to the Southern woman’s success.  


Well, you’re probably much more savvy at your charm than I am. It has taken me a long time to realize that people love to talk about themselves. Being a more introverted type myself, I try to start conversations and get people to talk about their lives. It allows them to feel good about themselves, i.e. using our charm. Remember to pay attention to details by repeating some of the comments later on in conversation. It is important, so that they know that you are sincerely listening and not tuning them out.  


Charm also comes across in conversations with men. Yes, I am going to call males men. When we call men guys, we allow them to act like teenagers. I don’t know about you, but I am not looking for a teenager for my spouse. I’m looking for a husband that will be able to care and provide for me. I am definitely needing much practice in this category. One of my friends and I were talking about attracting men. The evening before a party, we talked about making eye contact. Looking for a few seconds at them, then looking aware so as not to stare. It makes the man more intrigued by you. Well, this little trick worked for my friend. At the party, she used the little eye move, and it brought over a nice gentleman. After that, she used her charm to get him talking about things he liked. Needless to say, they are dating, so there must be some truth to this madness.  


I’m going to have to try it out this charm business. I have tried the eye move before unsuccessfully. I was trying to make eye contact with Mr. Dreamy, but I did not realize that Mr. Not So Dreamy was behind him. Ladies, the eyes work. With my luck though, I attracted Mr. Not So Dreamy who bought me a drink. Well, it wasn’t the right guy, but I decided that I needed some practice with my charm. I asked a few questions like what do you do? Every man loves to talk about what they do. Ladies, we have to stroke their egos. It makes them feel proud of our they’re doing. After all, they want to be able to provide for a family one day. Back to my story, using my “charm” helped me get more comfortable with the tricks of the trade. I will tell you later if my charm skills actually have some success. Just think about using your charm on those men, the next time that you’re out!