INSPIRATION - Mothers & Grandmothers

Every Friday, I share inspiration and wisdom from amazing women who have greatly influenced the world. However, there is not a single ‘prominent’ woman who has more positively and wholly impacted my life than my own mother and grandmothers (affectionately called Mema Mc & Mema Mojo).

Whether your relationship with your mother and grandmothers has been loving or lousy, I still wage that no other women have more profoundly and deeply affected the woman you have become. In celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday and both my grandmothers’ birthdays this past week, I want to encourage you to reflect on the valuable lessons bestowed by your own mother and grandmothers.  You could even jot down a few examples on a card and send it to them for Mother’s Day, or at least tell them your appreciation over the phone.

Mema Mojo in 1958 (the year after my father was born)

Mema Mc with my mother as a toddler

My great-grandmother with Mema Mc as a toddler

 My mother and me, shortly after I was born

Here are a few insightful morsels from the three women I hold most dear:

Wylma (Paternal Grandmother, aka Mema Mojo)…

Lesson from her example: Focus on the strengths of the people in your life. Be the encouraging supporter who delights in others’ successes instead of pointing out their flaws.

From Wylma, I received my love for staying up late to watch classic movies/musicals and my dedication to schoolwork and learning. She was either her high school’s salutatorian or valedictorian, and she still continues to challenge her astute mind every day. I hope that I will do the same someday.

Janell (Maternal Grandmother, aka Mema Mc)… 

Lesson from her example: Draw from your own hardships to become the guardian for those who cannot defend themselves. Be the light for the powerless and the helpless.

From Janell, I gained my deeply ingrained moral compass and my ‘great things come in small packages’ confidence. At most, she is 4 feet 11 inches, but she has the strongest sense of self and most authentic ability to voice her beliefs of anyone I know.

Shauna (Mother)…

Lesson from her example: Be present for people – for your family, friends, and even acquaintances. Be the woman people can depend on to show up and share in their triumphs and tragedies.

From my mother, I inherited too many traits to list in a few sentences. Best articulated by my Mema Mc this week on the phone, my mother is largely responsible for the individual successes of each member of my family. Holding everything together with her organizational expertise and encouraging the best in each of us, my mother is the selfless superwoman that I hope to be when I have children.

 I love you all. Happy Mother’s Day!

ENTERTAINMENT - Freedom Riders Documentary

Freedom Riders premiers on PBS, May 16th 9/8C. Don't miss it! Check out the trailer below. 

Watch the full episode. See more American Experience.

I've been very sick today, so I'm going to keep this one short and sweet. I pretty much slept the entire day except for a few moments this afternoon when I watched Oprah. She celebrated the Freedom Riders, interviewing some of the surviving members of this group of young people who risked their lives to challenge racial segregation in 1961.

Just 50 years ago, these courageous young people suffered immensely for their decision to stand up for equality, enduring beatings, imprisonment, and even fire attacks. They chose to demonstrate peacefully, never defending themselves with their fists or fighting back with violence. Blessed by their sacrifices, we all need to understand who we are and where we came from, so that we can continue to stand up for what is right and work to fix the world's current injustices. 

WEDDINGS - Southern Soiree

Last weekend, my parents traveled to the Deep South, in particular Indianola, Mississippi for the wedding celebration of our close family friends’ son, Michael, and his beautiful bride, Katy. Planning your own Southern Soiree? Learn a thing or two about true southern hospitality and style from Michael & Katy’s enchanting occasion.

Below: The Johnson Residence in Greenwood, MS (Hilly’s house in the upcoming film The Help)
The Franklin Residence in Greenwood, MS (Skeeter’s house in the upcoming film The Help)
The luncheon in the backyard of the bride’s close family friends

While I was stuck in Lala land and could not attend, my mother painted a vivid picture of the festivities. She was most impressed by the refreshing sense of hospitality and warmth that defined the entire weekend. From the moment of their arrival, my parents felt genuinely and enthusiastically welcomed into the celebration.
A few of the many considerate touches:

• Thoughtful hotel goody bags with an adorable depiction of the couple heading from Mississippi to Texas (Michael & Katy are moving right next door to my sister’s new in-laws! Small world.)
• A delicious catfish fry at the historic BB King Museum hosted by the bride’s family friends
• A lovely lunch hosted in the lush backyard of the bride’s close friends
• Visitor guides with information on local sites such as the houses used in the upcoming film, The Help
• A wedding reception characterized by impeccable service

Described by my mother as “magical” and filled with “Southern charm”, the reception took place in the grandmother’s backyard, a block or so from the picturesque Episcopal Church where the ceremony took place. I love their combination of romantic, full floral arrangements, verdant topiaries, and fresh apples to create an exquisite, garden-esque atmosphere. The hanging lanterns, divine white tents, and dragonfly detailing further transform the space into a secret garden wonderland.

The elegant six-tiered cake was breathtaking, and the groom’s Texas-shaped carrot cake (his favorite) was surrounded by scrumptious chocolate treats for the chocoholics in attendance. My favorite, meaningful touch is that they covered the cake table with the tulle overlay from the wedding veil of Katy’s grandmother. What a beautifully subtle and sweet way to honor the bride’s family! A truly great wedding bears in mind the needs and preferences of the guests while honoring your tastes and traditions as a couple and as an extension of your two families. No question about it; this wedding was truly great!

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Window Seats

Daydream retreat, reading nook, cozy corner – the window seat is a sanctuary for inspiration. With inviting cushions and natural lighting, window seats practically beg you to gaze out the window in wonder and contemplate the glories of what could be…or possibly even, what should be.

Photos taken from: Pinterest.com, from left to right: E.Mas from hgtv.com. Jessica LeBlanc from thedeskofiola.com, Jennifer Paravantes from frenchbydesign.blogspot.com, Allison onto Dream Home Elements, Jennifer Cantrell from flickr.com, Anne Holland from coastlliving.com, Deepa Subbaraman from sunset.com, Erin Daly from booklover.tumblr.com, Meghyn Coz from houzz.com, Ashley from tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com, Jodie onto tumblr.com, Hanna J from the hanmadehome.net 

When I was four years old, my parents built the house that I grew up in, immediately fell in love with, and still love to this day. My favorite detail of the house is that my parents chose to incorporate window seats in several main rooms including the kitchen, the den, and thankfully, my bedroom.

I have always been a dreamer – imagining the splendors of possibility and wholeheartedly believing in my own ability to turn these dreams into reality. As ridiculous as it may sound, I think I owe part of my hopeful attitude to the window seat that adorned my room since I was a small child. As I stared out the window from the seat, I felt more capable, more myself. Even now, nothing feels too large or out of reach when I peer out that window at the world and consider my purposes in this life.

Window seats serve as stylish, home design solutions to our human need for reflection and retreat. We all gain perspective from a little peaceful solitude. Reading goes hand in hand with window seats, and as a lover of books, I appreciate the pleasure of curling up with a stirring novel on a lazy afternoon.  Of course, window seats can also bring people closer together as they squeeze around the dinner table for lively conversation or cuddle up under a favorite blanket.

As you can tell, the benefits are endless, and the design varieties are countless! You can create a window seat to fit any style, room, or color scheme. If you want to put forth the effort to build one, then I applaud you. But if you don’t have the time or money to carve out a window seat, do not fret! All you need is an inexpensive bench, a cushion, a few throw pillows, and an existing window. Never thought creating a sanctuary could be so economical and easy? Everything is possible! Just look out that window…you’ll see. 

FASHION - Milly

Need a standout sundress, flirty top, dazzling necklace, or flattering swimsuit? You’ve come to the right place. Marvel at these luxurious Milly spring/summer fashions!

Revered for its “youthful, feminine, and sophisticated” aesthetic, Milly boasts many loyal fans including celebrity clients, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, and Beyoncé to name a few.

Personally, I love Milly for its bright, summery looks, but the best part of the line is that you can mix and match so many of the pieces. Always been afraid to wear orange? This is your chance! Milly is a master at gorgeous, juicy oranges that provide a pop of color while still flattering your complexion.

Named for the nickname of the line’s visionary designer, Michelle Smith, Milly “embodies modern sensibility with a vintage vibe” (millyny.com). After fixing your eyes on these vibrant patterns and sumptuous fabrics, you won’t be able to resist Milly’s charm.

WEEKEND OUTINGS - Time With Your Guy

I spent my Saturday afternoon with my wonderful husband, riding along in the cart as he played his favorite game in the world—golf. While I will doubtfully ever play the 18-holes (athlete, I am not), I know that it makes Evan’s day when I take part in his pastime. Plus, a golf course is the ideal setting to read a Nicholas Sparks’ novel, bask in the sun, and admire my husband in his element. 

If sitting through an entire 18-holes still sounds torturous, then start with something smaller. Join your guy at the range, or even better, make a trip to Top Golf for a one-of-a-kind experience that everyone will enjoy. Top Golf really is the coolest thing to happen to golf. You can sit back, order delicious food and drinks, and play a variety of fun golf games in a laid-back atmosphere.

I don’t know about your husbands or boyfriends, but Evan spends countless hours watching chick-flicks, eating at my favorite restaurants, and joining me for Anthropologie excursions.  It’s the least I can do to join him on the course every once in awhile and spend some weekends watching televised PGA tournaments. They are surprisingly addictive once you learn the scoop on all of the players, and if I’m bored, I allow the announcers to lull me into a blissful nap.

Make the effort to learn more about the interests that you and your guy don’t already have in common.  Valuing your differences can draw you together just as much as sharing your similarities. Be conscious of going overboard; everyone needs a healthy dose of alone time and friend time.  And if you’re dating someone who doesn’t reciprocate the effort, then you need to speak up or move on.  You deserve someone who is on par with your same level of give-and-take. Have fun & hit ‘em straight!