I think it's really funny how tastes change over the years. It's kind of nice to be at an age where you can clearly spot, identify, and even laugh about phases of the past. Everything is clearer in retrospect.
I wouldn't say I don't like any of my passe hobbies or interests anymore, but I definitely don't have the passion for them that I once did. So, take a moment and think about your own phases. Food, fashion, friends?? It's one of the quirks of life to change your tastes. Some people are better about sticking with one or two passions for the long haul. I really admire those people, but at the same time, I think it's okay to change. Think about the people who have the same hairstyle for 20 years! That's a little too long to rock the Dorothy Hammill haircut!
Here are some phases I've had, so feel free to laugh, or start your own phase!
1) I Live in NC, but Constantly Eat Cajun Food Phase- I still like it spicy, and I'll still eat Cajun food when I get the chance at Charlotte's own Cajun Queen in Elizabeth. Delish! However, there was once a time when I was eating Cajun food without pause, and starting to sound like Rene off of True Blood (Just kidding...laisser le bon temps rouler). I think this was brought on by a 2002 visit to New Orleans; I tend to latch on to the places I visit, especially when they are super cool.
2) Independent Film Phase-Long, awkward silences, lots of chewing in dark, desolate diners, and often times gratuitous violence. Um, sign me up?? I'm all for "artsy" and "moody"; I own the movie Broken English with Parker Posey, which is definitely all of the aforementioned. However, I think the film Drive has driven me away from this phase. Despite Ryan Gosling's hotness.
3) Foreign Film Phase-I used to love watching movies in Spanish or French; I liked the sound of these languages, and trying to decipher what they were saying when I had to go to the fridge. This phase was short-lived; as my eyesight has worsened, so has my desire to read and watch a movie at the same time. But maybe if I get Lasik...
4) Honey On Everything Phase-Bread, chicken, in coffee, on fries...too bad I'm not a beekeeper. This gets expensive quickly!
5) I'm Going To Be A Surfer Phase- Ummm, I don't live near the ocean. Just because I watched Blue Crush, I thought I was the next Laird Hamilton. This was one of the most unrealistic phases, but I did buy a lot of cute, early 20s person clothes at PacSun.
6) Boxing Phase-After watching Million Dollar Baby, I was getting all Laila Ali on every punching bag in the county. I don't know if this phase was aggression-driven, or if I just liked the idea of warming my hands in those giant gloves.
7) I like _______ music phase-This phase is more generic because it comes and goes, and it's part of being open to new tuneage. With the invention of iTunes, who has not had a particular music phase in the last ten years? I will say that I most recently found the Avett Brothers, and they are definitely making the move to the top of my iPod playlist!
8) I like flannel and vampires phase-This was, of course, a Twilight-induced stupor that came on shortly after I read book # 1 and lasted until I finished book # 4. This phase was really awesome (just kidding). I found myself wearing long underwear-esque shirts and listening to a lot of emo music from the soundtrack. I also thought I might fall for someone pale...or over 100.
9) I'm an artist phase-I'm not an artist. I just play one on occasion. I have tried many different mediums: canvas, glass, wood, etc. All of these were epic fails. All of you are safe; most of them will never be seen by human eye. Hmmm, that picture of Dorian Gray is somewhere in my attic...
10) The Pepsi Phase-I really thought I was going to become a Pepsi fan to be different, but alas, I like Coke Zero, and I cannot lie. NO, Coke didn't pay me for that, but they should.
Moral of the story: We all have our little fads, phases, and moments of sheer insanity; however, we eventually realize what we once thought was cool or cutting edge has become old, tired, or sad. Hopefully, we won't say the same for ourselves one day. Following fads and trends, or falling in love with a new product, idea, or genre keeps us fresh and young. We all have our old faithfuls that we return to, because we're creatures of habit. So, after a while, we go back to sweet and sour sauce instead of honey, or we realize that moving to Hawaii is really out of the question. Unless the cards fall into place, the stars align, and that phase that everyone thought was crazy turns out to be the best thing you ever did.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
To Tech or Not To Tech...
Recently, I had to wait about twenty minutes for a table at a restaurant (not an uncommon practice in Charlotte). We instituted the age old "there's a wait" practice by going to the bar for a round of drinks before the last remaining pager on Earth (the restaurant pager) buzzed. As I looked around the bar, which was pretty packed, I noticed a group of single girls, a group of single guys (I'm no Patti Stanger, but Hello!), a family or two, etc. all huddled around the bar. These people were different heights, races, and ages, but they had one thing in common: the iPhone. I used to think that only rich people had the iPhone. Then, I thought only young professionals had it. Then, my friend Melissa joined the ranks. This blog isn't about the popularity of the iPhone, though. It's about people who don't have one: namely, my friends Tara, Mike, and I. Are we the last early thirtysomethings without this nugget of technology?
As Tara, her husband Mike, and I chatted about movies, and even placed a bet after arguing about a scene in a TV show, my future flashed before me at a glance. That sounds whimsical and cliche, but it's true. I glanced up to wipe the frost off my glass, and realized that the hordes around us were not talking, laughing, or even watching the multiple TV screens surrounding the bar. They were texting, checking Facebook, tweeting, and I imagine looking up some kind of senseless fact on Wikipedia. No one seemed to say, "Found it!" and return to the conversation. Everyone's eyes remained glued to the iPhone screen, ignoring their present company as they waited.
This raised the question in my head: Should I get an iPhone and join the masses, or be left behind? Or should I look at the question entirely differently? Maybe not having an iPhone was keeping the conversation going, and keeping good, old-fashioned human interaction a priority. Everyone says that I am addicted to Facebook and Twitter, since I tend to log on at friends' houses to check my feed or retweet a funny comment. I often look at this stuff as conversation starters. My boyfriend is on a really tedious work schedule, and I rely on Facebook and Twitter to lend me newsworthy topics to entertain him at night on his 40 minute drive back home. So, I'm not anti-technology by any means. But do I need it in the palm of my hand?
When we returned back to my friend Tara's house, we settled the bet by pulling up the TV episode in question, and of course, Mike won, so now we have to go see a 'man' movie :( But was it such a big deal to wait? Is it ever that much of an inconvenience to wait for information? Do we really need to know that Bob is engaged during dinner, or that Whitney broke a crown on her tooth eating a Baby Ruth (Dr. Suess for Facebook)?
I think inevitably, I will get the iPhone 5 when it is released this spring/summer. My argument about old-time communication is valid, though. I know people have "cell phones on the counter" and "turn it off at dinner" rules. But I'm talking about the bar wait right now. That was "time to kill", and people were taking advantage. Aren't those moments some of the few and fleeting empty ones that still exist today?
Enough with the hypothetical questions, and the pros and cons of travel-size technology. My point is this: In future scenarios of waiting for a table, I hope to still hear laughter from a bad joke shared to fill a silence or see a couple share a kiss and exchange "I Love You" when they're backed into a corner of the bar. I don't think that kind of time is wasted. As Carrie Bradshaw says in one of my favorite SATC episodes, "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda", "Life is what happens when you're waiting for a table."
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Holding on to the past?
When should someone let go of the past? More importantly, when should you let go of past stuff? It may mean the difference between a calm, clean home setting and an appearance on the show Hoarders. I've been lucky enough to move twice (uhh, did I say lucky?) in the past two years, and I have purged a great deal of stuff. However, I am currently left with a quandary: Should it stay or should it go? I have several items in the attic at my former rental house, and luckily my former roommate has been kind enough to let said stuff stay. I need to decide to dump it or keep it.
Back in the stone age, or even the pioneer days, too much stuff was never an issue that plagued the average person. I don't think cavemen were complaining about animal skins piling up by the dozens like, say, the greeting cards I've kept and collected over time. And I seriously doubt that when Papa Ingalls was loading the wagon, Laura's massive collection of folded notes from high school had to tag along. My point is that as time has skipped along, we as humans have accumulated more and more stuff. And not just stuff. I'm not really referring to the glasses or the afghan or even the edible underwear (hey, I don't judge) that you bought yesterday. I'm talking about mementos. When should they hit the pavement, on your allotted trash or recycle day? Or better yet, or better for the environment, donate it.
This draws up a larger question as well...when should a gal get rid of the stuff from her ex? I have to admit that I kept certain things I'd become attached to after my split. Purses, namely. Although, I did manage to part with a few at a yard sale. I had three phases: dump it, keep it, dump it. In phase one, I was packing up the house we shared and I was ready for everything to go. I gave a porch, that's right a porch, full of stuff to a donation center, which they graciously picked up for me! After my initial move, I was in minimalist heaven, or so it felt, until more and more items with ties to the ex surfaced. A Christmas ornament here, a t-shirt there. Before I knew it, I was treasuring a past that wasn't so shiny as if it were wrapping paper on Christmas morning (still on the boxes). When I "came to", I realized that that stuff had to go too. And so it did. I actually sold a pair of earrings and my wedding bands (I paid for the rings themselves) at a second-hand antique shop while I was in Palm Springs on a trip. It felt like a lot of closure, and a lot of relief. Thus, the third cyclical 'dump it' phase.
I have more questions than I have answers, and from time to time, I still stumble across items that "we" purchased, but I usually find a justification for keeping them...seeing as how they made it this long, and outlasted all three phases. So, I usually don't feel bad about them. Men are just as prone to hang on to mementos as women are, in my personal belief system, that is. I think there are probably pieces here and there creeping around his closet, his bureau drawer, or even his bathroom.
How I Met Your Mother did an episode about this early on, when Ted discovered that Robin's dogs were all gifts from exes. He argued that his ex stuff was just stuff, materials, but could he really ask Robin to get rid of her living, breathing reminders of past relationships? This was a really thought-provoking episode.
I guess the long and short of it is this...hang on to what you need, but don't live your everyday life like you're looking at a photo album of the past. Toss it. That's my personal standpoint.
Back in the stone age, or even the pioneer days, too much stuff was never an issue that plagued the average person. I don't think cavemen were complaining about animal skins piling up by the dozens like, say, the greeting cards I've kept and collected over time. And I seriously doubt that when Papa Ingalls was loading the wagon, Laura's massive collection of folded notes from high school had to tag along. My point is that as time has skipped along, we as humans have accumulated more and more stuff. And not just stuff. I'm not really referring to the glasses or the afghan or even the edible underwear (hey, I don't judge) that you bought yesterday. I'm talking about mementos. When should they hit the pavement, on your allotted trash or recycle day? Or better yet, or better for the environment, donate it.
This draws up a larger question as well...when should a gal get rid of the stuff from her ex? I have to admit that I kept certain things I'd become attached to after my split. Purses, namely. Although, I did manage to part with a few at a yard sale. I had three phases: dump it, keep it, dump it. In phase one, I was packing up the house we shared and I was ready for everything to go. I gave a porch, that's right a porch, full of stuff to a donation center, which they graciously picked up for me! After my initial move, I was in minimalist heaven, or so it felt, until more and more items with ties to the ex surfaced. A Christmas ornament here, a t-shirt there. Before I knew it, I was treasuring a past that wasn't so shiny as if it were wrapping paper on Christmas morning (still on the boxes). When I "came to", I realized that that stuff had to go too. And so it did. I actually sold a pair of earrings and my wedding bands (I paid for the rings themselves) at a second-hand antique shop while I was in Palm Springs on a trip. It felt like a lot of closure, and a lot of relief. Thus, the third cyclical 'dump it' phase.
I have more questions than I have answers, and from time to time, I still stumble across items that "we" purchased, but I usually find a justification for keeping them...seeing as how they made it this long, and outlasted all three phases. So, I usually don't feel bad about them. Men are just as prone to hang on to mementos as women are, in my personal belief system, that is. I think there are probably pieces here and there creeping around his closet, his bureau drawer, or even his bathroom.
How I Met Your Mother did an episode about this early on, when Ted discovered that Robin's dogs were all gifts from exes. He argued that his ex stuff was just stuff, materials, but could he really ask Robin to get rid of her living, breathing reminders of past relationships? This was a really thought-provoking episode.
I guess the long and short of it is this...hang on to what you need, but don't live your everyday life like you're looking at a photo album of the past. Toss it. That's my personal standpoint.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Just in case... (Resolutions for 2012)
A lot of sources (albeit ancient sources) say that 2012 may be Earth's last year. Of course, there are three groups of people as a result: skeptics (2012 is just another year), believers (2012 is our last year!), and the oblivious (What's a Mayan calendar?). I am not sure which group I fall into, but I'm leaning towards the believers...for one small reason. I don't actually think the world will end in 2012, but maybe I'll live by these words anyway..."just in case". What if it is the last year? What would you do? What would you say? How would you live your life?
Here's my "just in case" list for 2012, ya know, just in case.
Just in case this is my last NYE, I don't want overpriced cocktails, shouting over a crowd of strangers, or the ultimate let down of planning a super-fun night. You see, the best adventures in life are never, ever planned. I have only come to this revelation in the last few years. Before that, I was a victim of disillusionment from movies, TV, and the media. While I love When Harry Met Sally more than I love some of my own friends (you know who you are:) ), I realize that the last scene of that movie is really The Devil. New Year's Eve generally does not end with hoards of singing people covered in confetti and a love proclamation. So, this year, just in case it's the last one, I want to spend NYE with people I love, talking, dancing, rapping...ya know. Sometimes the best plan is to ditch the plan.
Other resolutions?
Well, guess you'll just have to wait and see...but just in case, I'll be working on that list!
Here's my "just in case" list for 2012, ya know, just in case.
Just in case this is my last NYE, I don't want overpriced cocktails, shouting over a crowd of strangers, or the ultimate let down of planning a super-fun night. You see, the best adventures in life are never, ever planned. I have only come to this revelation in the last few years. Before that, I was a victim of disillusionment from movies, TV, and the media. While I love When Harry Met Sally more than I love some of my own friends (you know who you are:) ), I realize that the last scene of that movie is really The Devil. New Year's Eve generally does not end with hoards of singing people covered in confetti and a love proclamation. So, this year, just in case it's the last one, I want to spend NYE with people I love, talking, dancing, rapping...ya know. Sometimes the best plan is to ditch the plan.
Other resolutions?
Well, guess you'll just have to wait and see...but just in case, I'll be working on that list!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Smart Art: Idea for a GNO (Girl's Night Out)
Someone once told me, "Less is More." I think that was my kindergarten teacher, and I think it involved my liberal use of the finger paints. Despite the fact that my work won't be hanging in the Louvre any time soon, making art is still a fantastic form of expression, a means of relaxation, and it's a lot of fun. My BFSJBWATIHME (Best Friend Since Justin Bieber Was A Twinkle In His Mama's Eye-Think that acronym will catch on??) and I decided to try something different for our latest adventure in Charlotte: painting wine glasses. You've seen them on the shelves of your favorite kitschy boutique or arty bargain store; personalized wine glasses for that special occasion, the colors of a favorite team, or a specific holiday theme are the perfect gift for the vino drinker on your list.
Wine and Design is located on East Boulevard across from Moe's and just down from Cantina 1511 (http://paintpartiesstudios.com/charlotte/). The upstairs studio boasts all kinds of opportunities to release your inner Monet: pet painting (canvas not K9), guided painting, open studio time, and much more. Their website features a calendar with the various guided painting experiences offered weekly. The friendly, trendy staff helps to set you up with your paint colors of choice and materials, while you pour your favorite wine, which is BYOB. Tara and I had oodles of fun, enjoyed conversation with other amateur artists, and painted to our hearts' content to the seasonal tunes of "Baby, it's Cold Outside" and "Christmas Canon". Here are five reasons you should try a "Girl's Art Out":
1) Painting is proven to be soothing after a stressful day/week, and on a Friday night, it's better for you than that third martini
2) Every girl loves a personalized wine glass (whether a gift or one you make yourself)
3) Meeting new people, being nosy and asking questions, and overall adult social interaction is a must
4) BYOB means you're out on the town without spending a fortune
5) " Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." ~Pablo Picasso
I think my kindergarten teacher would be proud that I still got it! (She's rolling her eyes in Heaven-That girl was the worst artist:) )
Wine and Design is located on East Boulevard across from Moe's and just down from Cantina 1511 (http://paintpartiesstudios.com/charlotte/). The upstairs studio boasts all kinds of opportunities to release your inner Monet: pet painting (canvas not K9), guided painting, open studio time, and much more. Their website features a calendar with the various guided painting experiences offered weekly. The friendly, trendy staff helps to set you up with your paint colors of choice and materials, while you pour your favorite wine, which is BYOB. Tara and I had oodles of fun, enjoyed conversation with other amateur artists, and painted to our hearts' content to the seasonal tunes of "Baby, it's Cold Outside" and "Christmas Canon". Here are five reasons you should try a "Girl's Art Out":
1) Painting is proven to be soothing after a stressful day/week, and on a Friday night, it's better for you than that third martini
2) Every girl loves a personalized wine glass (whether a gift or one you make yourself)
3) Meeting new people, being nosy and asking questions, and overall adult social interaction is a must
4) BYOB means you're out on the town without spending a fortune
5) " Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." ~Pablo Picasso
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tales of a tailgate...10 reasons to park it
There are few reasons to want to hang out in or around your car...
1) There's the overly creepy gentleman lurking outside the mall...not a good reason.
2) Or the guy who seems to be washing, waxing, or drying his car off (i.e. oogling you and your groceries) in the neighborhood.
3) And let's not forget the classic scenario in which you live in a large city and a giant meteor is about to strike Earth, but you're stuck in traffic due to zombie mutilation at every exit.
All of those scenarios ARE NOT the purpose of this blog. I'm talking about the all-American tailgate happening at a concert, football game, or festival near you! Here are 10 reasons you shouldn't fight it when you're friends suggest they'll get the beer, and you bring all the gear~
10) Everyone's happy-Kids, parents, grandparents, friends...anyone and everyone enjoys good, old-fashioned camaraderie around a gas grill placed too closely to the exhaust pipe...In all seriousness, food = good, a portable bar = good, cornhole or other tote-able game = good. No one's wearing a frown face when they have a personalized koozie and a baby in college colors.
9) Other people are crazy-People go all out at tailgates...yellow and black astro-turf grass, full body paint, a band hooked up to a van's generator...the sightings are endless. Chances to meet interesting and new people are a dime a dozen, or should I say a deviled egg a dozen (yeah, some times they're good cooks!~) The tailgater can also chat it up with" # 1 fan" guy (insert high fives here), free food guy (insert chili dogs here), or "good story later" guy (insert good office lunch talk here)...they'll all be there. I once saw a topless lady painted in a Caribbean scene at a Jimmy Buffett concert, like she jumped off the wall at the Louvre, had a high school friend punch someone in the face (okay, that was before tailgate), and watched two sorority sisters participate in a hula contest.
8) Creativity-You can theme it out to no end at a tailgate. Name your team, band, or historical era here. There's nothing like a pint of Mead and turkey leg to get a good Renaissance fair going, and there's quite a bit of glory in being dressed head to toe in "insert school colors" to get ready for the big game. You can name your own cocktails, appetizers, and games, be the envy of all the other spaces, and forever live in infamy...in some family from Georgia's Christmas or campfire stories.
10) Everyone's happy-Kids, parents, grandparents, friends...anyone and everyone enjoys good, old-fashioned camaraderie around a gas grill placed too closely to the exhaust pipe...In all seriousness, food = good, a portable bar = good, cornhole or other tote-able game = good. No one's wearing a frown face when they have a personalized koozie and a baby in college colors.
9) Other people are crazy-People go all out at tailgates...yellow and black astro-turf grass, full body paint, a band hooked up to a van's generator...the sightings are endless. Chances to meet interesting and new people are a dime a dozen, or should I say a deviled egg a dozen (yeah, some times they're good cooks!~) The tailgater can also chat it up with" # 1 fan" guy (insert high fives here), free food guy (insert chili dogs here), or "good story later" guy (insert good office lunch talk here)...they'll all be there. I once saw a topless lady painted in a Caribbean scene at a Jimmy Buffett concert, like she jumped off the wall at the Louvre, had a high school friend punch someone in the face (okay, that was before tailgate), and watched two sorority sisters participate in a hula contest.
8) Creativity-You can theme it out to no end at a tailgate. Name your team, band, or historical era here. There's nothing like a pint of Mead and turkey leg to get a good Renaissance fair going, and there's quite a bit of glory in being dressed head to toe in "insert school colors" to get ready for the big game. You can name your own cocktails, appetizers, and games, be the envy of all the other spaces, and forever live in infamy...in some family from Georgia's Christmas or campfire stories.
7)The secret's out... It's more fun that the actual event- You may have paid high dollar for that ticket, but let's face it: the tailgate will probably exceed your expectations, and leave you wanting more quality time leaned up against the hood (especially in a scenario where you're with long-lost girlfriends). You'll still be shaking a maraca long after "Margaritaville" has played, or singing the fight song when half-time has come and gone. You may choose to sell those tickets (expect less than face value :( ) to that cheap attendee (who was counting on your second wind fizzling out) in exchange for one more Jello shot with your best friend.
6) Calories in a car (or different zip code) don't count-Everyone's heard that old wives' tale, right? That's why pizza rolls, spinach dip, and queso are a must for a tailgate. No one's chomping on salad and rice cakes when they're ready to party (use the Bridesmaids Kristen Wiig voice for that one). So, mix in that extra bag of shredded cheese and forget that you used a rubber-band to secure your jeans instead of buttoning them (we've all done it...don't lie).
5) Make your own soundtrack-There's no better reason to bring back the mixed tape, err CD, than a tailgate. Downloading and burning your favorite tracks, or for you high techies, plugging in your iPod or Pad, is the quintessential way to spend your pre-game or show. Everybody knows the band isn't gonna play that obscure "classic" and that the arena only gets 30 seconds of "We Will Rock You" before copyright issues. Don't be afraid to sing at the top of your lungs (#1 fan guy is sure to stop by and join in) and pretend you've got a spot on stage or a solo at half-time.
4) Did someone say half day?-That's right. Tailgate starts early, and if it doesn't fall on a Saturday or Sunday (which it usually does, and therefore negates # 4) that means you need to leave work early so you can get your pig in a blanket on! Tell your boss "Buh-Bye" and head for that spot closer to the port-a-potties.
3) Camping without the camping-Tailgating is so popular because it reminds us all of camping...without the actual camping. The best part is always "getting there" or the "before"...i.e. you want to roast marshmallows, but sleeping in a tent is for the boy scouts. Tailgating combines all the camp fun without the mosquitos and deflating air mattress. Everything's outdoors, portable, and you're definitely roughing it when you have to go into a bush to use the bathroom because the arena is too far of a walk.
2) You can finally use that...-You know how you get all of those presents or free items you'll never use?? Well, tailgate is the perfect time! Plastic cups from Bob and Susie's wedding suddenly become expendable beverage holders to trade for a temporary tattoo at the t-shirt stand. Those fold-able chairs that you always carry in the car are suddenly your couch away from home. That mini blender that Aunt Maureen was sure you'd use a lot is finally dusted off to provide a frozen concoction that helps you hang on (Thanks to JB for that lyric). There's no telling what treasures lie in your attic or garage that could suddenly be key props in an amazing tailgate experience.
1) The number one reason tailgating is "the heat"? It doesn't have to be done in the heat...because tailgating is year round fun. Break out those gloves, that parka, and your cordless cappuccino maker for a teeth-chattering good time. This afternoon retreat is really about getting together with friends and family to celebrate, whether the game is win or lose, the concert is rockin', or the festival has pickles on a stick or not. Tailgating is fun in the Fall (or any month at all)!
6) Calories in a car (or different zip code) don't count-Everyone's heard that old wives' tale, right? That's why pizza rolls, spinach dip, and queso are a must for a tailgate. No one's chomping on salad and rice cakes when they're ready to party (use the Bridesmaids Kristen Wiig voice for that one). So, mix in that extra bag of shredded cheese and forget that you used a rubber-band to secure your jeans instead of buttoning them (we've all done it...don't lie).
5) Make your own soundtrack-There's no better reason to bring back the mixed tape, err CD, than a tailgate. Downloading and burning your favorite tracks, or for you high techies, plugging in your iPod or Pad, is the quintessential way to spend your pre-game or show. Everybody knows the band isn't gonna play that obscure "classic" and that the arena only gets 30 seconds of "We Will Rock You" before copyright issues. Don't be afraid to sing at the top of your lungs (#1 fan guy is sure to stop by and join in) and pretend you've got a spot on stage or a solo at half-time.
4) Did someone say half day?-That's right. Tailgate starts early, and if it doesn't fall on a Saturday or Sunday (which it usually does, and therefore negates # 4) that means you need to leave work early so you can get your pig in a blanket on! Tell your boss "Buh-Bye" and head for that spot closer to the port-a-potties.
3) Camping without the camping-Tailgating is so popular because it reminds us all of camping...without the actual camping. The best part is always "getting there" or the "before"...i.e. you want to roast marshmallows, but sleeping in a tent is for the boy scouts. Tailgating combines all the camp fun without the mosquitos and deflating air mattress. Everything's outdoors, portable, and you're definitely roughing it when you have to go into a bush to use the bathroom because the arena is too far of a walk.
2) You can finally use that...-You know how you get all of those presents or free items you'll never use?? Well, tailgate is the perfect time! Plastic cups from Bob and Susie's wedding suddenly become expendable beverage holders to trade for a temporary tattoo at the t-shirt stand. Those fold-able chairs that you always carry in the car are suddenly your couch away from home. That mini blender that Aunt Maureen was sure you'd use a lot is finally dusted off to provide a frozen concoction that helps you hang on (Thanks to JB for that lyric). There's no telling what treasures lie in your attic or garage that could suddenly be key props in an amazing tailgate experience.
1) The number one reason tailgating is "the heat"? It doesn't have to be done in the heat...because tailgating is year round fun. Break out those gloves, that parka, and your cordless cappuccino maker for a teeth-chattering good time. This afternoon retreat is really about getting together with friends and family to celebrate, whether the game is win or lose, the concert is rockin', or the festival has pickles on a stick or not. Tailgating is fun in the Fall (or any month at all)!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Cravin' more in Charlotte
So it's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you, without a dope beat to step to...okay, not my words, but those of Aliyah in "Try Again" (or whoever raps on that track with her anyway). But it has been a busy couple of months, so the blog suffered a backseat to my other agenda items such as "work at thankless job" or " move for the second time in a year". But I'm back to bloggin' with a killer recommendation for all you foodies in the Charlotte area. It's only the hottest place to hit Graham street...Crave Dessert Bar. I had heard about this decadent eatery from a valet attendant back in January. He asked my friend and I, "Are y'all going to smoke hookah now?" as we were leaving restaurant week at Morton's Steakhouse. We replied with the average, run-of-the-mill response, I suppose, "Uh, no". Hookah? Were we the caterpillars from Alice in Wonderland. But it piqued our interest, and turns out, the spot he referred to was Crave. A few, or uh 10 months, later we finally landed at Crave after a dinner out to celebrate my divorce (it's final ladies and gentlemen...woot) and we were stunned to find that this place was hopping on a Saturday night. There were, of course, your club goers in dresses that would make Snooki blush, your hipsters contemplating Plato over the hookah, your baller, shot callers, you get the idea. And there were a few average citizens, i.e. us, who were seated outside. We ended up preferring the outside to the inside, as the inside seemed trendier, noiser, and was also mostly reserved for people who pull up in stretch hummers (shout out, Melissa). But seriously, the ambiance is pretty killer, if you're looking for a low-key, yet happening, spot to spend a Friday or Saturday night.
On to the desserts and drinks, and all I can say is "Wow". You've got the signature cocktail, the One Night Stand that is literally smokin' (as dry ice is involved), and your classic city drink, the Manhattan (no matter what city), as well as Bellinis, spiked coffees, champagne concoctions, and of course your designer drinks with the ironic names, like the "Clean Slut". I went with water on my last visit, but I have tried the ONS and the Sweet Surrender (a strawberry martini of sorts). But if you're not the libation sort, or you're driving, might I suggest the desserts, hence the name. The red velvet cake is THE BEST, yes ladies and gents, you heard it here, the BEST red velvet cake this side of a Steel Magnolia groom's cake. It's moist, delicious, and the icing is to. die. for. Nuff said. I also tried the scrum-didly-umptious Strawcup Berrycake and it was "Berry" awesome. You can't get the atmosphere (cool, funky, zen) or the taste (oh so divine) without experiencing it yourself, so if you're craving a cool city vibe, slide on over to Crave for a devlish good time:)
And if you want to know about the hookah (completely LEGAL and innocuous folks), I may have a story to tell:)
http://www.cravedessertbar.com/#menus
On to the desserts and drinks, and all I can say is "Wow". You've got the signature cocktail, the One Night Stand that is literally smokin' (as dry ice is involved), and your classic city drink, the Manhattan (no matter what city), as well as Bellinis, spiked coffees, champagne concoctions, and of course your designer drinks with the ironic names, like the "Clean Slut". I went with water on my last visit, but I have tried the ONS and the Sweet Surrender (a strawberry martini of sorts). But if you're not the libation sort, or you're driving, might I suggest the desserts, hence the name. The red velvet cake is THE BEST, yes ladies and gents, you heard it here, the BEST red velvet cake this side of a Steel Magnolia groom's cake. It's moist, delicious, and the icing is to. die. for. Nuff said. I also tried the scrum-didly-umptious Strawcup Berrycake and it was "Berry" awesome. You can't get the atmosphere (cool, funky, zen) or the taste (oh so divine) without experiencing it yourself, so if you're craving a cool city vibe, slide on over to Crave for a devlish good time:)
And if you want to know about the hookah (completely LEGAL and innocuous folks), I may have a story to tell:)
http://www.cravedessertbar.com/#menus
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