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Like clockwork, the postman delivers a glossy, perfect-bound happy to my door, and just like that, everything (the cold weather, exhaustion when it's only Tuesday etc) is okay again. 

I have a deep appreciation for the written word and an ever fonder affection of magazines. I cannot help myself. Specifically, this obsession has found its muse in InStyle. It's by far my favorite magazine, and I think it will always be (sorry, Vogue, I know this is a mortal sin). Last night, I found the March issue, featuring cover girl Nicole Kidman, and couldn't help but smile. At a whopping 616 pages without front of back covers, I'd say print is definitely not dead (if you care to learn more about my feelings on this, look at the last page of the December 2013 Memphis magazine). Lucky for me.

I haven't nearly had time yet to read through the whole thing but just from skimming I've found a few favorites ranging from the visually beautiful to the practical and helpful.  

The perfect medicine for a blah day.

The Eyes Have It

This time of year, these last few weeks particularly, I've been running in a million different directions. Don't get me wrong, I love fall, but the transition from relaxing summer to busy autumn has always been a tough one to master. 

With no rest for the weary in sight, and my first event for MBQ as project coordinator (and still assistant editor of the publication), I've been tasked with creating a phenomenal breakfast event for Memphis big-wigs in my spare time (which hasn't been much).

My hectic schedule wouldn't bother me so much if the signs of it weren't starting to show up... on my face in the form of dark circles and less-than-sparkling eyes. Not cute; especially when you'll be greeting the equivalent of Memphis dignitaries while making sure table linens are pressed, table arrangements are on mark, and the script and program run smoothly.

Thankfully, I have a few secret weapons to help stave off unwanted puffiness, dark shadows, and lackluster ojos. I give you my magic potions.

 

Save: Roc Retinol Correction Eye Cream $20

*I use this as part of my nightly regimen, but usually only every few nights since it's strong and I have uber sensitive skin. Can be found at you neighborhood Walgreens, Utla and the like. P.S. this stuff will last you for.ev.er. A little goes a long way and I still have a nearly full bottle after a year.

Splurge (on the real deal): La Mer Eye Balm Intense $185

*Thankfully my dearest Merebear got me samples from Nordstrom because the real deal would have beyond broken my piggy bank. Although, I'm running out and considering asking for it for Christmas/my bday. This stuff is that good. It's gentle enough to use day and night even on my sensitive skin, and seriously helps with the puffiness.

These weapons + some gold shimmer shadow (try "half baked" or "snakebite" in this lil lifesaver) + Maybelline Great Lash Mascara + a matte red lip (my new favorite is MAC Retro Matte in Dangerous) = my go to look these days. 

Easy way to look polished, on trend, and best of all...awake.

{case and point: last night's Flyer party with Sara}

  

Cheers to the Amurica Photo Booth and looking rested when there's no rest in sight.

You Only Live Once...

...so, eat the damn red velvet cupcake. 

-Emma Stone

In my case, it was a strawberry cupcake from Muddy's in honor of Chris Herrington's last day at the Flyer before he crosses enemy lines to the CA. But, I thought Emma Stone's quote was fitting. 

The official quote is, "You're a human being, you only live once and life is wonderful, so eat the damn red velvet cupcake."

Sure, I run and try to eat right, but sometimes.... ya gotta eat the damn cupcake.

Copy Cat (er, tiger)

Looks like tigers are officially trending. Lucky for Memphis fans.

 {click here to see Queen B rocking the trend, but you saw it here first.. not sayin' just sayin'}

Pause for Reaction

Excuse me while my 11-year-old self shrieks with joy over last night's NSYNC reunion at the VMAs. Yes. It happened. It was brief, but epic. And fulfilled every 90's girl's dream by seeing them on stage again.

Then: I was 11 when my mom gave my sister the best 13th birthday party ever -- taking friends to the Pyramid to see the "No Strings Attached" tour when it hit Justin's hometown of Memphis, Tenn. Truly, I think the screams could be heard well throughout the tri-state area. I got to tag along with the older girls, and I was in heaven. 

We got there early and took our seats, only to be mildly horrified (and have my eyes closed by my mother) when Sisqo' belted "The Thong Song"accompanied by scantily-clad dancers as he opened for the royal family of boy bands.

After the shock wore off, came the real show. You guessed it. The boys dropped from the sky like puppets on strings, shot green confetti into the air for "Just Got Paid," and lassoed the hearts of girls everywhere with "Space Cowboy." 

When it was all said and done, our throats were soar from screaming, our pockets were busting from hoarding the confetti, and we spent the next 2 hours repeating choreography (insert hand motions for "Bringin' da noise, bring down tha house...") from the concert in the parking lot while traffic died down.

Now: Sitting at the kitchen table with my mom watching the VMA's when Justin Timberlake starts performing snip-its of his fan favorites in no particular order. Then. He pauses. The music changed. And I jumped up and started screaming (bum foot and all). My mom yells, "WHAT?! WHAT?!" and I scream (arms waving in the air doing the "Bye, Bye Bye" choreography), "They did it! It's an NSYNC reunion mom!!!" She smiles and casually returns to her activities while I dance around the kitchen.

 

 

All is right with the world again.

Thank Ya, Thank Ya Very Much

Happy (end of) Elvis Week, y'all!

For out-of-towners, it's a time to flock to Memphis (specifically Graceland), wear cheesy t-shirts and/or dress up like Elvis through the years (50's Elvis, Biker Elvis, Vegas Elvis etc), slip into their blue suede shoes, and eat a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, among other events.

For locals, it's a time to stay away from anywhere remotely Elvis-related, roll their eyes in annoyance for the extra traffic and people walking aimlessly around with fanny-packs, and politely ignore those weeping over the death of the King of Rock-and-Roll. 

So whether you downloaded the Elvis Week app (yes, this exists) or are pretending you've never heard of the adventures aboard the Lisa Marie (the plane, not the person)......

Happy Elvis Week to all, and to all a good night.

DASH - Memphis?

okay, there is no post so perfect for this Friday as this:  
Kanye West reported interested in purchasing Memphis' Graceland for Kim Kardashian.

Literally, I couldn't make this up if I tried. It's reported here, here, here, here, here, and here... among others.

My first thoughts were:
1) It's a museum now, not a house
2) best of luck with the carpeted ceilings and shag carpet
3) He's buried on the property... mildly creepy
4) HA.. if Kim wouldn't move to Minnesota she sure as heck isn't moving to Memphis

Then I reconsidered:
1) the house has huge gates and bars on the windows already from the ultra paranoid Presleys
2) I, for one, would love the idea of seeing them at Krispy Kreme and D'bos Wings on the reg
3) Nori can attend public school
4) it's close to the airport
5) they can spend Thanksgiving with Justin and Jessica Timberlake

So really, it's a no brainer. Someone get bebe Nori a growl towel.

Charming Bluff

While I was late to work this morning, I decided to stop by Harbor Town. Random, but since I saw a Facebook post saying that the "Claw Crew" would be giving out free car flags and other memorabilia to get in the spirit for hosting our first game of the 2013 playoffs against the Clippers tomorrow, I decided I needed Grizz gear (hey, I was already late anyway, right?). 

Alas, I read the post incorrectly, and the Claw Crew was no where to be found. What I did find, however, was the beyond precious cottages/multi-million dollar homes that line the Muddy Mississippi with style. New life goal =live in Harbor Town. 

Seriously, it's like 30A/Seaside meets Charleston paired with small town homeyness just a hop, skip, and a jump (okay so it's a short bridge) from Downtown Memphis (think modern day Leave it to Beaver/Andy Griffith Show). It has gyms, nail salons, cafes, and even a foreign language immersion day care ( I mean c'mon, how cool?.... who even think of these things?! ).

So anyone who thinks Memphis isn't equal parts charming and urban, think again.

Memphis Beer Week

Festival season is officially underway, and with two crawfish festivals already crossed off my calendar I thought it might be time for a post dedicated to the festivities this week: Memphis' First ever Beer Week! For a full list of places/activities click here.

As if Memphis in May wasn't enough to make any and everyone want to come to M-town, we now have a beer week (for MBW twitter click here), April 21-27th, ending with every beer-lovers dream, Brewfest, on the 27th.

So00O0oOooO0o0o, if you've ever wanted to visit me, 

now's the time.

And remember, the local cab number is: (901) 323-3333

Enjoy! 

 

It's All Greek to Me

I can hardly contain my excitement as I write this post because today is the day. Finally, a beloved Birmingham restaurant has migrated northwest and set up shop right here in the Bluff city. 

(Now, if only Chuy's, Mugshots, CPK, O'Carr's and Maki would follow suit I'd be the fattest, happiest camper in the city.)

In honor of this occasion, I'm getting Friday special this weekend...because I can.

G'town "Taste of the Town" Judge

One of the cool perks of working for CMi/ Memphis Magazine/ Memphis Flyer/ MBQ is that I get to attend various events around the Memphis area. In this particular instance, I get to be one of four judges of the 12th Annual Germantown Taste of the Town in a few weeks! 

 I'm so excited and admittedly a little nervous to sample from over 40 booths and vendors in Memphis cuisine. If you're one of the vendors or are just attending this fundraiser, let me know! I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it goes after the fact, but it's not too late if you're interested in attending (for more info click here or here).

901

Say what you will about JT's music (personally, I can still do bits and pieces of the concert choreography I picked up from the No Strings Attached NSYNC tour), but even though he's a multimillion dollar entertainer, clothing designer, restaurateur, philanthropist, and hubby-to-be, he definitely hasn't forgotten where he came from.

You guessed it; he's from the 901 (specifically Millington, Tennessee), and has been known to spend the occasional holiday or long weekend in the area to take in a round of golf at his eco-friendly course, Mirimichi (which I'll get to momentarily).

Here are a few things you might not know about the Memphis-native:

He has his own brand of tequila called 901. The campaign claims 9:01 p.m. is when the night officially starts, but it's no coincidence that it's the area code for the singer's hometown. Two birds, one stone; you get the idea.

He is reported to be one of the new owners of the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team, alongside local icons Peyton Manning (who's wife, Ashley, is from Memphis) and Penny Hardaway (also a Memphis native who played at then Memphis State).

Last but not least, he funded and created a crazy-nice golf course in Millington that is now run by the family member that introduced him to the game.

 

 {Bridge across lake heading toward Holes 9 and 18-- Photography by Aidan Bradley}

  

 {The green on Hole 12--Photography by Aidan Bradley}

 

{Woods behind hole 15--Photograph by Aiden Bradley}

 

 

There you have it; a little trivia about the 901 and my teenage crush, Justin Timberlake, that you might not have known otherwise.