Skirt.com

I've recently been accepted as a blogger on skirt.com. What you might finding me doing from time to time now is linking you over to my work on their website. Topics at Skirt include everything from work and family to travel and pet peeves.

My very first post is a tongue-in-cheek look at hologram cell phones, which are expected to be released this year. Looks like we're one step closer to George Lucas technology. Think he'll get any royalties? If you want to take a look at what I had to say, just follow the link below cleverly named Skirt.

Skirt

(Photo Free Images)

She's Having A Baby!

This morning, I got a text from one of my oldest and best friends in the world to let me know that the Grimwade family will soon be three. I've decided to take a pause in my work day (shhh, don't tell) and on my blog to celebrate this tiny miracle that will soon be a part of the world. Of course, Kelly Grimwade is not my first BEST friend to have a baby, so let me just say that I wish I had a blog when Jessica's Kailyn and Ali's Cade were born. So ladies, please take this message for yourselves as well.

For the people that don't know me, kids aren't my thing. I have no harsh feelings towards them, I just personally haven't caught the mother bug (it runs in my family). That being said, I had to excuse myself from my desk and to the bathroom when I heard the news because tears were inexplicably welling up in my eyes. I guess it's all relative when the good things are happening to the ones you love. And I have so much love for my friends, and to see them get what they want in life strangely makes me feel like I'm getting what I want--to see those I care most about happy.

A thought crossed my mind since I heard the good news; when does a baby get its soul? Is it immediatly, or not until after they're literally here and separated from their mother? Well, I certainly don't have the answer to that seeing that I'm not a superior being, but I do have an opinion (no shock there). It seems to me that baby probably gets its soul a little bit at a time. Each time its mother or father caresses the mamma's belly. Each time someone mentions their name. Each time a loved one says a prayer for the little one. So by the time they join the world and get placed in their parents loving arms, the equation is complete--one baby, one soul.

So, Kelly, many blessings to you and all your loved ones during this time of joy! I'll be praying for you till I get that next text. Your still down for this weekend though, right?

(Photo bestpreciousmomentsfigurines.com)

Kristen Stewart

Oh Kristen, Why Is Your Highest Selling Movie Your Worst Acting Job?


The Twilight saga continues to rake in the dough, but good grief, it's the worst acting Kristen Stewart's ever done. While I'll certainly get raked over the coals for saying this, I mean it as a compliment to her. It's my true belief that of all the young stars, Stewart might be the most talented. Aside from her sexual magnetism with Robert Pattinson, she is all wrong for the part of Bella. To make up for letting this sacrilege cross my lips, I'm exposing two lesser known movies she's done right and one I anticipate to be a winner (not at the box office):

The Runaways

Despite what some critics said, I felt the movie was a raw coming-of-age story not glamorizing the rock-and-roll lifestyle, but exposing it for the addictions that tend to break up bands and kill success stories before they're even told. Learning about the hard road travelled by the first all-girl band, The Runaways, should be a rather enlightening experience for younger female generations. Kristen Stewart nailed the part of Joan Jett, and she certainly has that whole teen angst thing covered. Her obvious, but not so obvious, love for Cherie Currie was really moving, and I sensed her pain grow as she witnessed Currie, played by Dakota Fanning, throwing her career away.

The Cake Eaters

This is quite possibly my favorite role played by Stewart. In the film, Stewart plays Georgia who is a young girl with an extreme neurological disorder shortening her lifespan. Wanting to break free and experience life, she seduces a geeky, good-hearted 20-something man named Beagle (played by Aaron Stanford). Unfortunately, the young man discovers that it was Stewart's grandmother who was having an affair with his father while his mother was dying of Cancer. The plot twists and turns through the lives of this small town's inhabitants who all turn out to have more common bonds than they ever knew possible. Stewart's performance was refreshing and no doubt it was challenging to portray the neurological ticks and problems her character faced on a daily basis.

Welcome to the Rileys

Coming to theatres in November, I've already got this one pegged as the kind of movie that makes you feel like someone yanked out your heart with a rusty spoon. James Gandolfini, of Sopranos fame, plays Doug who along with his wife Lois, played by Melissa Leo, lost their only child eight years prior. Each parent has dealt with their daughter's death unsuccessfully and differently. Lois has become agoraphobic and Doug has been having an affair. When his affairee suddenly dies, Doug escapes to Louisiana where he meets Kristen Stewart's character Mallory who reminds him of his daughter. Unlike his daughter, Mallory is an under aged stripper/prostitute. Somehow she manages to reunite the grieving parents, but not without complications.

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(Photo courtesy Bill Davila/ Startraks)

Fall Fashion

Every summer is the "hottest year on record", but today I proclaim that it must come to an end. I'm tired of endless shaving and sweating and sweating and shaving. Go away over 100 percent humidity, you're ruining my hair. Disappear endless UV sun rays damaging my skin. I long for the more temperate times of fall and the new fashion it brings. So goodbye bright summer colors; you look ridiculous on my paleness anyways.

Summer Summer, Go Away: An ode to fall fashion

Oh glorious fall, how I love thee.

Your golden and crimson leaves-

Will match perfectly with this season's palette

of stylish red dresses and neutral colors.

Splashes of grey and clumps of camel

will adorn the masses-

A perfect ornament

to the silhouette of autumn's warm glow.

The sounds of crunching leaves beneath my nude kitten heels-

and the wind sweeping around my below-the-knee hemline

is just what the doctor ordered

to kick my summer time blues.

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Atlanta Botanical Garden

It's difficult to keep up your own gardening; there's the trimming, cutting, planting, watering and so much more. Your own garden's always in some sort of transition.

"We're fixing the pond.'' OR "We're repotting our planters."

Whatever the case, home gardens remain in a state of flux and are never quite the way the gardener envisions them. This is why people enjoy going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Here there's teams of landscapers, horticulturists, and others who make these gardens their full time job. The best part: You get to take in the multiple lush gardens with no work. Take notes in the outdoor gardens and stare in awe at the inside life-sized terrariums showcasing everything from desert to tropical plants and atmospheres.

New Addition:

The Canopy Walk offers a chance to view the garden from a Birdseye perspective--literally. Stroll at your own pace while suspended mid-air amongst the trees. Lounge and relax on the sporatic benches and gaze at the Atlanta skyline. It's never looked more beautiful, and you'll swear the air quality is better.

Summer Treats

1. "Cocktails in the Garden": Nothing eliminates that heavy summer heat better than a cool refreshment. Take in the sweet floral smells and sights while basking in the knowledge that the only decision you made today was shaken or stirred.
2. "Garden Chef Demos" : On Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., garden chefs use veggies, herbs and more from their edible garden to make delectable treats for viewers. Eat up that day and then use these recipes in your own kitchens.

Other Worthy Stops

1. Fuqua Orchid Center: Ooh-la-la. Orchids aren't just for Mother's Day anymore! You'll find yourself oohing and awwing over the dozens and dozens of breathtaking orchid types. If you thought purple orchids were exotic, you'll flip for this display, and you'll never look at a purple orchid the same.
2. Cascade Garden: Much of the garden touring involves walking, but here visitors get a real chance to relax. Recline yourself onto one of the many available benches and soak up the sun while listening to the calming sounds of falling waters. Feast your eyes on the surrounding flowers like hibiscus bursting with color.
3. Aquatic Plant Pool: Be sure to stop by this massive pool housing lily pads and the biggest frogs you've ever seen

$12-$15. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7.pm. through October.

Charleston

South Carolina Makes Waves for Vacationers

The best part about Charleston is that you can make this town your own. No matter what you seek in a vacation, Charleston can provide it. If you crave an Epicurean-style trip of endless wine, food and nightlife, you can find it. If you're feeling the explorer within bubbling to the surface, there's no better place to experience art, architecture and historic sites. And for the shoppers out there, the historic downtown area offers a plethora of high-end retail cloaked in 18th century structural integrity.

Points of Interest:

• South Carolina Aquarium: Makes a good pit stop because although it's small, it packs some big punches with a bald eagle, an albino alligator and a two story tank mimicking the mysteries of the deep.


• Cinebarre: This theatre isn't your cookie-cutter AMC. No need to sneak your beer in here because the front is a huge bar surrounded by pool tables and other goodies. After buying tickets (and drinks) from the bartender, head straight back to the stadium theatre seating equipped with counters right in front of each row. Cinebarre boasts a full menu including Princess Leias, which are scrumptious handmade cinnamon rolls served with vanilla cream frosting dip. Guests enjoy full service for the entirety of the movie.


• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: This 500 acre, 17th century plantation offers a full day of activities, so be sure to dedicate a good five hours (at least!) to take in all the sights. There are several tours including the house, gardens, boat tour, nature train, swamp garden, petting zoo and their newest tour, slavery to freedom. Walking the grounds is truly an astonishing experience, especially the swamp garden where you stand less than 40 feet from 12 foot alligators and countless species of birds.


• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Regardless of how you feel about war, you can't help but become swept up in the history and grandeur of the USS Yorktown. This self-guided tour includes multiple sites including a Cold War submarine, a Vietnam support base, Medal of Honor Museum and a planes and flightdeck aboard the USS Yorktown.

Whether you consider yourself an adventurer, romantic, or historian, Charleston can provide what many places can't--all three.

(Picture Magnolia Plantation)

Summer Fun

Get Outta Town

Summer's just a few perfect days away. Before southern heat and humidity becomes unbearable, I suggest you get on the road. My favorite stops include a touch of history, a taste of southern cuisine and a return to nature. It was all a part of Creative Loafing's Summer Guide. We did the research and now all you have to do is take the trip.

Unfortunately, due to print space, I was unable to say all the things I wanted to about my experience at Stately Oaks Plantation. The house tour was absolutely delightful with tour guides knowledgeable not only about the house itself but about the ins and outs of work and family life during the antebellum period. The guides dressed for the period, pantaloons and all. Turns out they work on a voluntary basis making their work all the more impressive.

If you ever feel a call to nature (other than the restroom), you should also check out Tallulah Gorge. The views from the trails surrounding the gorge are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you prefer take the two mile scenic route, or test your strength with the more athletically challenging courses; you're sure to enjoy the peaceful waters and fresh north Georgia air.

Upcoming on the blog: Fun things to do while in Charleston.

(Photo Stately Oaks Plantation)