Don't Want To Be a California Girl
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.28.08, 8:55 AM)
I've been in San Diego the past 2 days on business, and I have to say, I miss Southern hospitality! I have really been surprised by the lack of service people in the service industry are willing to give. When ordering food, the waitress looks at me like I'm taking up time she could be using to stare into space. Hotel receptionists don't look at you until you say something to them. All in all, sometimes the humidity of Nashville can be unbearable, but the attitudes are a lot warmer down south, also!
Nordstrom!
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.24.08, 3:09 PM)
Finally, for the first time ever Nashville will be getting a real department store. Nordstrom is set to open Fall 2010 in Greenhills. Sadly that feels like an eternity away, but I'm not going to complain! Imagine...instead of having to travel to Atlanta or wait until you vacation to buy anything nice, you can actually run out and grab something on your lunch break! Can you tell I'm excited? Because I am. Nordstrom will be located at the South end of the Mall at Green Hills, currently a parking lot. I don't think that anything is getting bull-dozed to make this happen, thankfully. Originally I had heard a dirty little rumor about a high-end department store opening in the old Wild Oats building on Hillsboro. Grocery chain Trader Joe's won that battle though, which is a win-win for all of us!
Spring Bags
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.22.08, 4:07 PM)
Is it after Memorial Day that you are "officially" able to wear white? Or is that Easter...I can't remember those old rules! I do know that I need a new purse to match the bright, warm weather, though. I'm looking for a neutral - cream would probably go with everything and override the white rule at the same time. This season I'm determined to shop locally. The last time I was in there, Monkee's had some adorable bags. It may primarily be a footwear store, but the handbags were really cute! I think I'll also try some local designers and keep everything within the community. Some of the little stores in Hillsboro Village and the 12th South neighborhood feature these in their stores, so I'll have to check them out! I'm turning over a new leaf so to speak.
Cutbacks
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.21.08, 4:41 PM)
I'm starting to feel the strain of this "recession" in regards to corporate life. Of course gas prices are higher, everyone is freaking out about the housing market, and the government is trying to give people money to keep spending in the economy. But at this moment, I've really started to see a change in my job. Now, keep in mind I'm an events planner. What's the first thing to go when you start making cuts to save money? The fun stuff. We're still having parties - of course we are, the invitations have been sent! But the seams are starting to tighten on the actual employees. Don't you just love doubling up with someone you hardly know in a hotel room? There's nothing like working all day when out of town and being able to get to your room, order room service, and wait for it while soaking in a huge tub filled with bubbles. That doesn't happen when you have a roommate! Luckily I am the only girl whenever I travel so I still have the luxury of my own hotel room. Agh...it's good to be female at times.
Be a Highballer
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.18.08, 5:01 PM)
What's better than stopping and smelling the roses (or hydrangeas in this case) every once in awhile? Having a smooth drink in hand while doing it, of course. Not only that, but you get to do so listening to live entertainment and being in the company of friends...or those that will become your friends after a few more cocktails! This event, unlike many at Cheekwood Museum and Botannical Gardens, draws a younger crowd. Everyone wants to go to be in the "in crowd" and mingle with likewise-minded individuals. Now personally, I'm excited about the works on display. Where else can you put together a few trash bags and plastic bottles and see it as art and not...well, trash. Oh yeah, and then there's the food. All local eateries, which you just can't beat!
Idol Heading to Nashville
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.17.08, 2:30 PM)
Kristy Lee Cook went home from Hollywood last night on American Idol, but she's probably packing up and moving to the Music City as I type! Every song she sang on the show had a country vibe to it, almost old-school twang in some cases. There is no doubt in my mind we'll be neighbors shortly. It's probably ingenious on her part if you think about it. Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington...probably more than that all live in the area now and are doing well for themselves! Apart from Carrie, none of them won the title but became a household name on their own talent and southern accent. I'll be on the lookout!
Finally...A Woman Wins at Losing
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.16.08, 8:26 AM)
I don't know if anyone's been watching this season's Biggest Loser, but last night for the first time ever, a woman won the title. The 3 finalists weighed in, 2 girls and a guy, and it was a close call! But amazingly enough, one of the ladies had lost more percentage-wise. This just proves that it can be done! How encouraging to know that even though our bodies are wired very differently, with enough motivation and hard work it doesn't just have to be wishful thinking while flipping through the pages of a magazine. I don't know how many times I've heard ladies that I'm close to saying it isn't possible. But it is - you just have to be willing to do something about it. The Biggest Loser didn't even use pills, fad diets, or surgery. She lost an entire person by using the old-standby method; exercising and eating right. Now, if I could just find a gym downtown that isn't packed 24 hours a day...
A Few Good Shirts
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.10.08, 3:43 PM)
I've noticed that when I'm lounging around, or running errands, or even just going to get coffee on the weekends, that I don't have a lot of great casual attire. Sure, I have tons of work clothes (although when getting ready in the mornings I don't feel that way), but on the weekends when I just want to put on a T-shirt and jeans I don't have a thing to wear! I have plenty of college sorority shirts, many workout tops, and tanks in every color imaginable. But when it comes to something both cute and relaxed I'm lacking! I'm on the prowl for both tops and bottoms to get me through the times when you really aren't supposed to care. Casual yet cute...I know it's possible! Unfortunately nothing in the immediate Nashville area is coming to mind for shopping of this nature. If I wanted to go out on the town I would know exactly where to begin my hunt, but this is uncharted territory for me!
Giving Back
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.09.08, 3:18 PM)
Tonight instead of the elimination show on American Idol (Yes, my cable is now back on), they are showing a special segment called "Idol Gives Back." A few hours ago I had a conversation with a group of people about this. They mentioned that they didn't care to watch it because we can't solve the problem, so what's the point; it's just depressing. I'm sorry, but I have to strongly disagree. While no, the problem will not be solved by you as an individual helping out, it CAN improve the quality of life for a few people, or perhaps even just one person. From that point on, the topic moved to local issues, namely homelessness. One person mentioned that even if they gave a homeless person their lunch it wouldn't matter, because they would just be hungry 2 hours later and the problem would still be there. My only comment was that if others didn't share that attitude, and gave their lunches as well, that man wouldn't be hungry any longer. Negative attitudes on helping others less fortunate than yourself are much more depressing than watching the Idols help in what little way they can. We live in a country that is so prosperous we don't even realize what most of the world views as prosperity.
Life Without Cable
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.09.08, 8:39 AM)
It really is amazing what you can accomplish when Comcast screws up and shuts your cable down a week early. Yesterday I had called to have the service transfered next Monday to my new address, but apparently there was a mix-up and they shut it down that same day. After frantically calling their support line (American Idol was on and Jason Castro happened to be singing my favorite song), they informed me that I would have to have a technician come and hook everything back up. Obviously I wasn't going to go through that hassle for less than a week of TV, so I set about doing everything around the house that I never do because I'm glued to the television. Don't get me wrong, I am not one to plop on the couch after work and stay there until I feel the need to sleep. But the few hours a night I do stare mindlessly at the screen turned very productive as I packed, cleaned, and even read a few books that I've been waiting to find the time for. Maybe today I'll make a list of everything I can accomplish this evening!
Open for Business
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.07.08, 4:49 PM)
This weekend I planned to do some major furniture shopping for the new condo. I desperately needed storage, and found baskets of every shape, color, and size imaginable at World Market. I needed a new coffee table that would offer storage as well, and found decent options in different shops. As most of you know though, you get what you pay for. The cheap options seemed to be made of particle board, and the good quality wood came with astronomical prices (For me at least. I had just shelled out money for plantation blinds and they aren't free!). I was excited when someone told me about a few consignment furniture stores in the area that had great items for reasonable prices. Finally, I would be able to have my cake and eat it, too! The issue came when I found the stores at last. One particular store was deserted. Even though the sign in the window proclaimed that they were open, the locked door seemed to say otherwise. The remaining two stores I had targeted were not open at all that day, and seemed to only be open various weeks, and even seasons, out of the year. Obviously business isn't bad if these types of stores can pick and choose when to open to the public.
BoTOXIN
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.04.08, 3:50 PM)
This Wednesday, Fox News reported a new study proving that just one dose of Botox given to a laboratory rat produced signs of the chemical in the brain within 3 weeks. Within 6 months it had spread, causing memory loss in the animal. That was just one injection. Most people get multiple procedures, since the treatments aren't permanent. For the sake of "saving face" many people may have caused unnecessary trips to the doctor. After sending the same article to a friend, she replied back thanking me profusely. Apparently her mother received Botox treatments for medicinal purposes, and now 6 months later, she is having a hard time remembering many things. I think it's no longer about looking your best; it's about living long enough to grow old gracefully. Natural creams work wonders, and facials are still the best way to get rid of surface fine lines.
Busty babes, beware
Posted by Heather Burchfield
(04.03.08, 3:14 PM)
I'm just giving those ladies who are well endowed a heads up. Spring is upon us (even if it is rainy and chilly today), and so with warmer weather comes less clothes. Halters and spaghetti straps don't bother me; just use your good judgment, but strapless is another story. Busty girls have to be careful with strapless shirts and dresses. You need to make sure the darts hit you in the right place, and if above anything else, make sure there is enough material so that you're covered. I'm speaking from experience as well as seeing others make this mistake. I guess you could say it's a pet peeve because no one—even if you're a size zero waist—should wear a small tube top if you wear a C or D cup. Many evening gowns are strapless, but the difference with most of these dresses are that they are tailored to fit your body. Store-bought garments are where you should proceed with caution. I'm just trying to save you the embarrassment of someone saying something like, "That girl's about to pop out of her dress." If you are small-chested, you really do have it great because you can wear almost anything without looking provocative.
Everyone's Running to "The Shack"
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.03.08, 09:10 AM)
Call me crazy, but after moving to Nashville and seeing the size of some homes (most having four or fewer residents within its 10,000 sq. feet), I can't help but find it ironic that a novel entitled "The Shack" is being whisked from bookstore shelves with abandon. It is also a self-published book; something that typically doesn't even make a glitch on the best-seller list. William Young's has though, after each and every publishing house he tried slammeded the door in his face. Talk about perseverance - I want to believe in my work the way he did his! The book, about a man's encounter with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirt, has caused an uproar not only in the local area, but around the world. Young is scheduled to speak in numerous countries this year, having completed many already.
Eco-Chic
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(04.01.08, 7:32 PM)
Notice anything different lately when it comes to the conversations you may have related to fashion? The word GREEN seems to come up much more frequently than ever before, from what I've seen anyway. Organic fabrics, canvas bags for groceries, and even fashionable eco-friendly furnishings for your home are all the rage and in every issue of related magazines. Personally, I'm really excited about the changes, and once everyone catches on perhaps we really can make a difference, at least in terms of recycling and wastefulness. And for you girls that just have to have the latest and greatest, every designer is making a sustainable effort. Buy the bag or jeans knowing that even though they may not be in style a few seasons from now, you can rid of it guilt-free!
Vintage Honey
Posted by Heather Burchfield
(04.01.08, 2:49 PM)
For all you girls who shop as a sport, this is a great store for you to check out. Vintage Honey is on Linden street right off of 12th in the 12th South Neighborhood. This store represents what Vintage should be. It's cheap! It's not yard sale cheap, but you're not paying $150 for an old cardigan either. Price ranges are more from $3 to $70. They have some really cool slouchy boots, and I found some really cool jewelry. I love jewelry that you can layer, so I bought 3 long chains. The most expensive chain was $16. I definitely recommend checking this store out. You never know, you might find a hidden treasure.
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