briefs
Published On: May 06, 2010
Crunch time
Once upon a time, granola was the stereotypical sustenance for patchouli-wearing, nature-loving, Birkenstock-sporting kind of people. Well, times they are a-changin’ and it seems like everyone these days munches on the healthy, hearty snack.
With beaucoup health benefits and a delectable crunchy sweetness, what’s not to like about this stuff? The Blue Chair Bakery and Coffee Shop in Sewanee, Tennessee is giving us one more reason to eat granola. Each bag of all-natural granola is homemade by women participating in the Blue Monarch program, which helps oppressed women (and their children) fully recover from drug addiction, poverty and abusive home situations. The Blue Monarch provides a full year of housing, educational programs and work for each woman in the program. Needless to say, the Blue Monarch is a true beacon of hope for many women in the surrounding area.
Hand-baked with love, the granola includes a picture of one of the Blue Monarch participants and her story of recovery. With the granola now being sold in several area stores, it’s no longer necessary to schlep to Sewanee to pick up a bag. Local vendors include Bongo Java (both East Nashville and Belmont locations), Fido, Whole Foods, The Produce Place and Henpeck Market in Franklin.
Not only does the granola taste good, it also helps spread the Blue Monarch message to those who might otherwise never have known about the good this place does. Recently, an anonymous Nashvillian bought a bag and was so moved by the story, they sent a $1000 check to the organization. Pretty darn cool. So go buy a bag for your mom, your yoga teacher, your boss and even one for yourself. But most of all, go buy a bag for the women at Blue Monarch. Happy munching! MM
Okay, let’s be honest. Nashville loves to party. Whether it is a raucous shindig with tons of guests and an open bar or an elegant seated dinner with fine wine, anything goes here in Music City. Need an excuse to throw your own fête, Nashville style? On June 1, The Mansion at Fontanel, Barbara Mandrell’s legendary home, is opening to the public.
That’s right. This 27,000-square-foot log home is one of the newest venue space in town for weddings, private receptions, and lavish affairs. The log home is now equipped with on-site catering and a full event management team to take care of all your needs. Transportation, entertainment and even event décor can be arranged through the Mansion. The best part about hosting an event at Fontanel is that it is not a museum, but rather a place to get comfortable, relax and have a ridiculously good time. Guests are encouraged to touch, see and feel the entire home (all 20 rooms!). With its roots firmly seated in the culture and history of Nashville, this is one fine place to make your own memories. Check it out at fontanelmansion.com. MM
And coming up, Heartbreak Hill!
It’s that time of year again! Yep—the Iroquois Steeplechase is galloping our way, and you know what that means. It’s time to purchase your hat for the annual Nfocus Hat Contest, sponsored by The Mall at Green Hills.
Here’s how it works. You buy (or make) a hat. You wear it at Steeplechase. During the early races, our arbiters of style (aka Nfocus hat judges) will be furiously scanning the boxes as well as the Iroquois, Paddock and Hunt Clubs, looking for the three winners. This year, we will present gifts certificates from The Mall at Green Hills to the lady with the best hat, the gentleman with the most stylish look and someone with the most creative chapeau.
So what are you waiting for? Start shopping now and pony up for a new hat. You never know—you just might win some free cash to help fund your 2011 Steeplechase giddyup. EN
A signature look
Who in the world would want to attend Iroquois Steeplechase without personalizing their outfit, picnic, cocktail, etc? It’s a tradition, and we’ve got some great spots to shop if you’re looking for that perfect something for race day.
Swing by Fabu on Charlotte Pike for everything from designer cocktail napkins to stylish sheaths that are affordable and, more importantly, cool. Fabu owner Sarah Boyce just got a a wonderful new line of apparel that’s perfect for the races. And, as always, she has a wide array of hats. But, she also stocked up on funny coozies, rapid and iceless wine coolers, fans and steeple chaser styro cups (remember, no glass in the infield folks!). And since you can never trust a weather forecast, we highly recommend investing in some rain boots to prep for the mud (we all recall last year’s deluge that turned the parking area into chocolate pudding). Stop by The French Shoppe, Katy’s Hallmark or The Mall at Green Hills for some unique looks. There’s no reason rainboots need be unattractive. And, consider swinging by the Red Door Shoe Outlet in Green Hills to score a pair of Wedge Wellies, that the popular English boot that’s been redesigned with a savvy wedge heel. Not too bad looking as you shuffle through the mud, eh? EN
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