The Pensacola Give-Back is Tourism Cares’ fourth Give-Back project in helping to restore the Gulf both before and after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in 2005. Registration is $99 per person/$49 for students and includes admission to the Thursday night welcome reception, full day of work projects, breakfast, lunch, barbeque, and after-work party. Register by Friday, March 23 by visiting http://tourismcares.org/volunteer/tourism-cares-for-pensacola-2012.

The Pensacola lighthouse, which has towered 160 feet over Pensacola Bay since 1859, is in need of constant repair.

Volunteers will help restore native vegetation along the shoreline in Bayview Park, a recreational area located on Bayou Texar.

Here Come the Girl Scouts! author Shana Corey to appear at the Little Shop of Stories on Sunday, March 11 in Decatur, Ga. at 3:00 p.m. for book signing.

Celebrate Girl Scouts 100th anniversary as children’s book author Shana Corey shares the true story of Savannah native and Girl Scouts founder, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, and the first Girl Scouts troop in Here Come the Girl Scouts! Unlike most girls of the Victorian era, Daisy was not prim, proper, dainty or delicate. Instead, she was an adventurous spirit who loved being outdoors. Born from a family of pioneers, Daisy also wanted to make a difference in the world. With determination, a passion for service, and a firm belief that girls could do anything, she founded Girl Scouts. The fact that over 50 million American women were Girl Scouts during their youth and that there are more than three million Girl Scouts throughout the world, proves that Daisy’s dream for young girls success continues to thrive through adventures, good deeds in the community, and a cherished sisterhood. Book signing at the Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Ga. on Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m.

It’s also Girl Scout cookie time so support your favorite Girl Scouts by buying several of your favorites including Thin Mint, Samoas (Caramel deLites), Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties), Do-Si-Dos (Peanut Butter Sandwich), Trefoils (Shortbread), Shout Outs!, Thanks-A-Lot, Savannah Smiles, Thank U Berry Munch, Dulce de Leche and Lemonades. Need a Girl Scout cookie finder? Of course, there’s an app for that. Click here to download the Girl Scout Cooking Finder app.

In the sleek, clean, creative 1,500 square- foot space in the newly redesigned West Paces Ferry shopping and dining center next to the St. Regis, gals can choose from cocktail-namesake blowout styles that include Straight Up, Manhattan, Southern Comfort, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tail, and even Shirley Temple for girls ten and under. A trained professional stylist will shampoo and blowout your hair while you enjoy a complimentary fruit-infused water or glass of champagne or wine. While there choose to listen to your iPod from an individual iPod docking station or watch a chick flick on one of their flat-screen TVs.

In addition to a single blowout, you can opt for a monthly membership that offers two to four blowouts plus a few extras or a “Bartab” of 3-, 6- or 12-pack of blowouts. Gift certificates are available and are generated on a Drybar coaster. Great gift idea for any woman, at any time. Did you hear that guys?! Reminder: Valentine’s is on the horizon.  For more information, go to www.thedrybar.com.

Drybar Atlanta open to serve Atlanta women with no cut, no color, just blowdrys.

Women can choose from an array of blowouts all creatively named after cocktails.

A blowout at the Drybar includes a shampoo in the sleek-designed shampoo room.

Factoid: February 29 is the leap year date and is one extra day in the year, hence a leap year, that usually occurs every four years. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, because the earth does not orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days. It keeps the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year.

On a personal note: With a Southern Twist is going to mix it up this year and not write every day; it will be more like two to three times a week. I’m not going to commit to exact days so when it’s posted to the website, e-mailed to subscribers, Facebook wall or Twitter, it will be more of a surprise; a twist on when it comes. Continue to enjoy and thank you for following!

The Great Courses: The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Taste and Traditions

Connoisseurs or novices, spirits lovers can now amaze and delight friends and family with an enhanced knowledge of and appreciation for great spirits and cocktails. The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Taste and Traditions, a dynamic series of video lectures available just in time for the holidays, is a fun and engaging educational experience that reveals everything people need to know to choose, mix, and serve spirits and cocktails just like a master mixologist.

Hosted by acclaimed expert and Certified Specialist of Spirits Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan and filmed entirely on location at Washington, D.C.’s iconic Gibson Bar, this exciting course features six half-hour lectures that cover the history, production, varieties, and uses of popular spirits including vodka, rum, and whiskey. As Jennifer demonstrates how to taste and compare the quality and complex notes of each spirit with the skill and confidence of a wine connoisseur, you’ll learn to maximize your experiences with spirits and discover your own personal taste preferences. They’ll also get a host of recipes for delicious cocktails that illustrate each spirits’ unique characteristics.

Check it out for yourself by clicking here to preview several great videos including How to Shake Cocktails, See How to Make a Hot Toddy and Learn to Mix Hot Butter Rum. From this site you can purchase The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Tastes and Traditions DVD for $29.95 or opt to download it for $27.95 or go to www.thegreatcourses.com/spirits.

It hasn’t been moved in 86 years, but today the secret is out (well, not exactly). The Coca-Cola Company has moved the 125-year-old secret formula for Coca-Cola to a new home at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. As the capstone to the 125th anniversary year of Coca-Cola, for the first time in history, the vault containing the secret formula will be visible to the public in a permanent exhibit titled The Vault of the Secret Formula, opening today at the World of Coca-Cola.

At the World of Coca-Cola, experience the fascinating story of the world’s most famous soft drink in a dynamic, multimedia attraction featuring a fully-functioning bottling line that produces a complimentary 8 oz. glass bottle of Coca-Cola for each and every guest to take home. View over 1,200 never-before-displayed artifacts ranging from vintage bottles to a 1939 Coca-Cola delivery truck from Argentina. The thrilling, multi-sensory 4-D movie experience, In Search of the Secret Formula, puts you right in the action. And, tempt your taste buds with over 60 different beverages made by The Coca-Cola Company from around the world in Taste It!

The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia now contains the Coca-Cola secret formula.

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings guests will be greeted with a forest of evergreens on the Front Lawn.

Christmas displays throughout Biltmore House, the gardens and grounds will center on the countries George and Edith Vanderbilt visited at the turn of the century. Rooms in Biltmore House will feature the traditions and folklore of France, Germany, India, Egypt and Italy mixed with elements of the Vanderbilt family’s own Christmas traditions.

The warm glow of Christmas lights create a cozy setting in the Banquet Hall.

On Christmas Eve 1895, Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to his friends and family. In subsequent years, the couple welcomed family, friends and the estate’s employees into the Banquet Hall for the annual Christmas party.  

The Breakfast Room at George Vanderbilt's Biltmore House first welcomed guests on Christmas Eve in 1895. His guests were treated to lavish and festive holiday decor. Today that tradition is kept alive each year as Biltmore House is filled with hundreds of trees and garlands from the area.

Biltmore’s modern-day Christmas celebration is modeled on that first Christmas, with an elaborately decorated, 34-foot tall Fraser Fir dominating the Banquet Hall. Guests will see 57 trees throughout Biltmore House, each intricately designed and decorated by members of Biltmore’s floral team. Miles of fresh garlands and wreaths create a yuletide scent throughout the House, with around 1,000 red and white poinsettias in the Winter Garden and other areas.

A 34-foot live Fraser fir is placed in the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House every holiday season. The tradition of having a tree in this room goes back to 1895 when George Vanderbilt first opened the home to his family and friends.

Biltmore House takes on a warm glow during Candlelight Christmas Evenings creating a unique holiday experience. Local choirs and small musical ensembles stationed in the Winter Garden will perform music of the season. String quartets and other musicians will perform throughout the house as guests wander among the decorated rooms. The front lawn will glow with a 55-foot Norway spruce, lit by 45,000 tiny white lights.

For more information go to www.biltmore.com.

The glow of hundreds of lights and a roaring fire illuminate George Vanderbilt's Library during Christmas at Biltmore.

Pick a Date – Pick a date that works well for the majority of your guests. A Thursday night seems to work for most.

Send Out Invitations – Whether an e-invitation or mailed invitation, send out invitations at least four weeks in advance. The upshot of the e-invitation is that guests can see who’s RSVP and online comments can generate excitement about the party. Folks are busy today so send plenty of reminders.

Go Easy on Appetizers – Make it easy on yourself and pick up a variety of easy appetizers from the grocery or specialty food store. Select gourmet cheeses or prepared refrigerated pimento cheese and crackers, grapes, sliced apples or pears. Specialty stores also sell gourmet frozen appetizers that can be heated up in short order.    

One Great Dessert– Get a dessert that’s easy for guests to pick up and eat. I like petit fours because besides being easy to eat, they are also very feminine and fun. I preordered from Rhodes Bakery and had them spell out on a baker’s dozen: G-I-R-L-S’  N-I-G-H-T  O-U-T (see below).

Fresh Flowers – A beautiful boutique of flowers makes your home feel alive and fresh. Ask your specialty grocery store that has a  floral department for flowers straight from the cooler because besides getting the freshest selection, they’ll also last longer.      

Prep – Set out wine glasses and a wine opener, napkins and appetizers before guests arrive so you can enjoy your girlfriends. Heated appetizers can be prepped on a cookie sheets so you can easily pop into the oven over the course of the evening.  

Music – Have great music playing. I like to pick a great digital music channel like Adult Alternative or Smooth Jazz.

Have each girl bring a bottle of wine but I’ll also have a selection of white and red wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water on hand.  

Then just enjoy your girlfrends. 

Athens, Ga. – The Athens Heritage Walks: Haunted History Tour offers history, haunts, legends, ghostly apparitions, restless Confederate soldiers and unearthed coffins from October 27 – 31. Follow your mystery tour guide on a journey of the Classic City’s dark history. On the University of Georgia’s North Campus, you will hear tales of spirits, hauntings, superstitions, mysteries, murders, suicide and other legends.  

Bremen, Ga. – The city of Bremen channels supernatural spirits at the Rocky Branch Railroad and Old West Ghost Town event. This western heritage theme park brings the old West back to life through freakishly scary portrayals of real-life western characters, legendary events and a frontier town recreation every day in October.

Cartersville, Ga. – SCREAMERS Haunted House in Cartersville begins October 20 – 22 and encores 27 – 31. Join a group of family and friends at the Cartersville Fairgrounds as they scare locals with cannibals, monsters, ghosts and much more for a good cause.

Clayton, Ga. – The Beechwood Inn in Clayton offers a Halloween dinner and ghost stories told by thespian Davie Fore. From October 29 – November 1, Fore will sing, play the guitar and spin a few tales about ghosts at the inn under dimmed lights. The cottages built in 1916 at the inn offer romantic accommodations and impeccable service that complement the individually decorated rooms and suites.

Cleveland, Ga. – Nothing screams Halloween like our haunted houses. The Mansion of Terror Haunted House in Cleveland transforms the Historic Telford-Kenimer House into a house of nightmares and terror. This PG-13 experience features ghosts, goblins and other unimaginable creatures from October 27 – 29.

Dahlonega, Ga. – On October 31 in Dahlonega, the Dahlonega Gold Museum creates a one-of-a-kind of experience with Halloween themed contests, amazing prizes and lots of candy for trick-or-treaters.

Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Dawsonville, Ga.

Dawsonville, Ga. - In October at Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Dawsonville, the 20-acre complex allows kids of all ages to get lost on three maze trails, take a hayride, roast marshmallows and feed the climbing goats.

Decatur, Ga. – Ghost tours are popular this time of year. Take the Decatur Ghost Tour in Historic Downtown Decatur to hear tales of murder, passion, war and tragedy. Travel down small streets untouched by time to the old train depot where late at night the cries of the wounded soldiers can be heard and the ghost of the station master will stare back from across the tracks.

Greensboro, Ga. – If you’re interested in a Halloween getaway, go to Greensboro to enjoy Great Pumpkin Weekends at Ritz-Carlton Lodge on Reynolds Plantation through October 29. The fall inspired menu and cooking classes will entice your hunger for authentic Georgia cuisine. Guests can expect overnight festivities that include trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and ghost stories in the forest around a camp fire. Nearby is the 20-mile long Lake Oconee that surrounds the Reynolds Plantation and offers guests a spectacular view at any time of day.

Norcross, Ga. – Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross features two separate houses, The Nightmares and Raw Meat. Take a journey through subways and sewers filled with giant alligators and cannibals on realistic sets with intense actors for heart-pounding fun. In 2010, USA Today ranked Netherworld the number one haunted house in America.

Palmetto, Ga. – The Cochran Mill Nature Center’s annual Halloween Hayride & Family Festival in Palmetto welcomes you for crafts, candy, night canoeing, hayrides, and a costume contest on October 22.

Savannah, Ga. – Make your way to down to Savannah every Monday through Friday in October for the Savannah Scary Ghost Tour. You will travel to haunted locations, such as Colonial Park Cemetery, Mercer House and Hampton-Lilibridge House. 

The Rock, Ga. – Georgia is full of family-friendly Halloween events and activities. Head to The Rock Ranch on October 29 for their Not So Spooky Halloween Festival. This Halloween festival offers a pumpkin decorating contest and a costume contest. This festival hosts special entertainment and family oriented trick-or-treating in a safe environment.

Woodstock, Ga. – Woodstock on October 31, bring the younger ghouls and goblins to KidsFest for moonwalks, live DJ, Tim the Magician, Adam the Juggler, stringed apple and pumpkin bowling games, face painting, costume contest and candy giveaways in The Park at City Center.

Although this wasn't Garden & Gun's premiere issue but their second issue (author Pat Conroy was on the cover of the first issue), this is the first issue that I was introduced to by my husband, Tim. He was drawn to the article titled "Southern Swell, Women Making Waves at Folly Beach and Beyond" that caught his attention. It was purely for the article. Yeah, right.

One of my favorite magazines, as I mentioned in yesterday’s story, is Garden & Gun. It’s an upscale lifestyle magazine published in Charleston, S.C. What’s funny is when I tell someone the name, I’ll get one of two responses, either: ‘OMG, I love that magazine’ or ‘What? Garden & Gun? What’s it about: gardens and guns?’ So I asked my new friends at Garden & Gun to shed some light on their name. Now I was mistakenly under the impression that it was named after a Charleston men’s social club back in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, it’s not. There was a night club in Charleston back in the ‘70s and ‘80s called the Garden & Gun Club, but it’s not named after the club either; but the club’s name may have inspired them.

It’s not about these two words specifically but about a holistic way of life. Garden represents the land, a tribute to the place we call the South; while Gun represents the sporting life of living in the South. They are words that conjure up the South. The magazine’s coverage is the best of the South including the sporting culture, the food, the music, the art, the literature, the people and their ideas. The folks at Garden & Gun shared that it’s a no-nonsense but certainly a gutsy name, especially when the magazine premiered in the Spring of 2007. This was a time when magazines were folding fast and start ups were risky. However the name has worked for them, but it’s much more than a name. It’s the writers, the editorial quality and commitment, the photography, and the positive representation of the South. That’s made it all work and work well, because they now have 250,000 subscribers and over 600,000 passionate and engaged readers. www.gardenandgun.com

For tickets and more information, go to www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofits.

Southern Living Taste of Charleston 2011

The Old Tennessee Trail is one of 16 regional trails that are part of the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways initiative and features more than 80 points of interest including Civil War battlefields, historic landmarks, museums, restaurants and other attractions. The trail runs through more than a dozen communities including Franklin, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station. Click here for The Old Tennessee Trail map.

One of many beautiful sights on the Old Tennessee Trail

Another beautiful sight that might be captured as you travel the Old Tennessee Trail. How cute is that kitten?!

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World, all rights reserved.

We runners are always looking to be entertained while we run. That’s why so many organized races are set on wonderful courses with local sights and sounds, cheerleaders, bands, and other forms of entertainment. It keeps us amused while we endure the task at hand: running. So imagine a weekend run where the entertainment is left to someone who’s second to none in the entertainment business: Disney. Every mile of a runDisney is filled with Disney fun as you run through their parks and the cheerleaders are Disney characters. The signature runDisney event is the Walt Disney World Marathon in January where the race route is never boring as runners pass through all four Walt Disney World theme parks including the Magic Kingdom and are cheered on by numerous Disney characters en route to the finish line at Epcot where they are greeted by more characters and entertainment. Also, what’s great about any runDisney event is that you don’t have to run a marathon. Every race includes a kids’ race, a themed-family 5K (for example, the Wine and Dine’s 5K is a Halloween-themed 5K) and even stroller divisions, so there’s something for everyone. And even if you’re a non-racers you can opt to participate in the health and fitness expos and post parties with your running friends and family.

Disney plans a year full of races with one of their more popular races coming up this weekend called the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. It sold out quickly and so do most of their races so let’s take a look at upcoming runDisney races including a couple targeted specifically to women—great for a girls’ get-away weekend. Last year’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland, Calif. had 15,000 women and 600 men running. Here’s the lineup:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend present by CIGNA, Walt Disney World, Fla. – January 5 – 8, 2012
• Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland, Calif. – January 27 – 29, 2012
• Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World, Fla. – February 24 – 26, 2012
• Expedition Everest Challenge, Walt Disney World, Fla. – May 5, 2012
• Disney Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World, Fla. – Labor Day Weekend: August 31 – September 2, 2012
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World, Fla. – Fall 2012 (date to be determined).

So as Mickey might say, “you’d be goofy to miss it.” For more information, go to runDisney.com.

Runners celebrate after running through Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom during a past Walt Disney World Marathon in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. More than 18,000 athletes, an event record, registered to run the 26.2-mile race through all four Walt Disney World theme parks. (Todd Anderson, photographer)

Every mile of a runDisney is filled with Disney fun as you run through their parks and the cheerleaders are Disney characters.

CinéBistro lounge

CinéBistro Brookhaven premieres first-run and independent films in its seven digitally enhanced screening rooms (four with a 3-D screen) with state-of-the-art surround sound audio, stadium-style seating featuring ultra-luxurious, high-back leather rocking chairs and love seats with attached swivel tables, full-service and in-theatre dining available to those arriving 30 minutes prior to scheduled show time.

CinéBistro's majestic brick-lined lounge is reminiscent of old-Hollywood glamour and grandeur.

CineBistro's sesame seared tuna

The cuisine by Chef Isaac Stewart, who’s from Atlanta, but recently back from a two-year stint in Italy, rocks the movie cuisine scene as much as Brad Pitt rocks in his new film, “Moneyball.” The American bistro-inspired menu emphasizes high-quality, freshly prepared dishes made in-house daily. The menu ranges from a “Preview” appetizer like the “Popcorn” chicken, rock shrimp or calamari mixed with fresh popcorn to sandwich and salad selections including one of chef’s favorites: the bistro burger made with a fresh mix of short rib, brisket and chuck beef with an option to go for a double stack. A main entrée choice range from Florida rock shrimp risotto, habanero-glazed pork tenderloin, blackened ribeye to sesame seared tuna. But rest assured that you can also get popcorn and your favorite movie candy.

CinéBistro deconstructed peanut butter pie

You might save room for dessert after the movie paired with a glass of wine. Desserts include a blueberry-and-coconut tart with vanilla bean ice cream, warm chocolate and cherry bread pudding, deconstructed peanut butter pie or Cinéful chocolate cake with chocolate and raspberry sauces.

Open seven days a week, the doors opens daily at 11:30 a.m. and the first movie showtime begins at 12 p.m. Tickets prices are $10 before 4 p.m. and $12 after 4 p.m. CinéBistro Town Brookhaven, 1004 Town Blvd, Suite 1070, Atlanta. For information, call 404.333.0740 or www.cobbcinebistro.com. Other CinéBistro locations include Miami, Fla., Tampa, Fla. (two locations), Vail, Co., Hampton, Va. and Richmond, Va. 

CinéBistro – Thanks for raising the movie experience for all of us movie goers. Can you take on the airline experience next?!

Taqueria del Sol is throwing their second annual Hatch Chile Festival on Sunday, September 11, 2011 to celebrate the arrival of the annual shipment of chiles from New Mexico. Held at the Howell Mill location, Taqueria del Sol will host a block-party sort of celebration spilling into the parking lot under tents. Chef Eddie Hernandez and the Taqueria del Sol team will craft an assortment of specialty dishes incorporating the spicy green peppers. Taqueria del Sol, Howell Mill location, 1200-B Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. Reservations for 5:00 p.m. is sold out but 7:00 p.m. is still available. Food and music from 5:00 – 9:00ish. For more information go to Taqueria del Sol or click here to purchase tickets.

Tim and I had chile rellenos last night at Taqueria del Sol…of course, with a frozen margarita. Yum. Enjoy them while they last.

Just to name of few of the many artists scheduled to perform during the 14 days in the best of bluegrass are:

• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Aug. 19 & Aug. 20
• Sierra Hull, Aug. 21 & 22
• J.D. Crowe & The New South, Aug. 24 & 31
• The Grascals, Aug. 24
• Riders In The Sky, Aug. 26 & 27
• Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Aug. 28 & 29
• Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Aug. 31
• The Gibson Brothers, Sept. 2 & 3
• Marty Raybon, Sept. 4 & 5

Each artist performs multiple concerts daily. A complete concert lineup is available at www.dollywood.com. All concerts are included with Dollywood admission.

Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival Returns to Pigeon, Tennessee on Aug. 19-Sept. 5

Sierra Hull performs Aug. 21 and 22 during this year's Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival

Wendy: How did your painting called “Two and One” come to be the cover of The Help?

Ellen: The art director for Amy Einhorn Press…called me out of the blue. She had found the painting on the Internet, and thought that the birds were the perfect metaphor for the subject of the book (of the three [main] characters, there always is one character feeling like they are on the outside of the group). They had been through over 90 other concepts and were happy to find an image they all agreed on. I was delighted to be asked, and as it was a first-time author, the first book for the imprint, and my first trade book cover, I never imagined that it would go on to be so amazingly successful. After I read the book however, I was not surprised at all. The original painting is more blue and green, so they pumped up the color, and I think it gives a warm, southern heat to the idea.

Wendy: Why do you have such a personal connection with nature and how is that reflected in your art?

Ellen: Wow, seems like an easy question, but it turns out to be existentially difficult to answer. I think every painter reflect[s] the personal connections to the section of the world they choose to paint about. If I am painting a landscape or a bird, I try to be blank-mindedly open to what I’m seeing. I want to paint it all, but my inclination as a painter is to paint out all the distracting details and focus on the parts that are interesting and vibrant. I love to go birding, especially during warbler migration here in New England. But my favorite birds to paint still seem to be the everyday backyard birds that visit my city balcony. They’re not exotic or flashy, just everyday gorgeous.

Ellen’s beautiful landscape and nature oil works of art are featured in several galleries across the U.S. including two galleries in the South: Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, Ga., and the Warm Springs Gallery in Warms Springs and Charlottesville, Virginia. “The Help” is in theatres today, Wednesday, August 10th. See the official movie web site at thehelpmovie.com. If you see the movie before I do then comment on what you thought.    

Little Red Soloist by Ellen Granter 12 x 12 at Anne Irwin Fine Art on Miami Circle in Atlanta, Ga.

Georgia On My Mind by Ellen Granter 12 x 12 at Anne Irwin Fine Art on Miami Circle in Atlanta, Ga.

Blue Bird by Ellen Granter 24 x 24 at Anne Irwin Fine Art on Miami Circle in Atlanta, Ga.

More than 500 rubber toy ducks descended on midtown Atlanta recently to kick off a new exhibit on bathroom design at the Museum of Design Atlanta. (PRNewsFoto/The Titan Agency)

MODA is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design. MODA examines how design affects our daily lives through feature exhibitions—like this one—on architecture, industrial and product design, interiors and furniture, graphics, fashion and more. 

WaterDream is currently open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays until September 26. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and students with a valid ID. Museum of Design Atlanta is located in Midtown at 1315 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. The museum does not have dedicated parking but it recommends parking at the LAZ Parking at 1337 Peachtree Street. For more information, visit museumofdesign.org or call 404.979.6455. 

WaterDream: The Art of Bathroom Design exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) through September 26, 2011. Photo courtesy of Raftermen Photography.

One of the great things about summer party invitations from Tiny Prints is that they offer RSVP Manager—a free website where you can collect RSVPs online, manage your guest list and send party updates to your attendees—with every order. They’ll even give you a unique URL that will print right onto your invitation making it easy for guests to RSVP. And, your exclusive RSVP site will feature your personalized summer party invitation too.  

Here’s just a small sample of their summer invitations, but go to Tiny Prints to review 100s of invites. 

Tiny Prints' Scoop Schematic invitation with pattern on back of invitation as well.

Tiny Prints' Cookout Collage is a whimsical BBQ invitation

Make a splash with Tiny Prints' Beachwear Bash invitation

Invitation images courtesy of Tiny Prints.

Many businesses—even in today’s economy—take summer hours, which usually means closing early during summer Fridays. I never ready understood summer hours for American businesses, I’d be more likely to do what most Europeans do: take holiday, which usually means taking six weeks off. But in those countries everyone is on “holiday” at the same time, so you’d feel like you’d have to holiday so far away from home just to avoid the crowds and the fact that everyone’s on holiday at the same time. It’s a culture that most of us have never been exposed.

I don’t know if the American businesses that offer summer hours use it as a staff reward for a job well done—thought a paycheck, bonus, paid vacation and the coveted health insurance would be incentive enough—or if it’s a way to feel like you can capture that part of youth when you had the entire summer off to just play. But with unemployment today in the double digits, most folks are happy to be employed.

Well with all that said, I’m not advocating or opposing summer hours. I think if you get ‘em then do something protective with the time: volunteer, learn a foreign language, read a book, play with your kids, take up a hobby…the list goes on and on.

So beginning next Friday, July 15 and through Friday, September 2, I’m taking Fridays off from posting a story on With a Southern Twist. I’m going to spend my time on my full-time job as well as working on marketing efforts for both my marketing communications and design firm and the blog, in an effort to serve my clients and my readers better. If there’s time left I’m going to travel, work on my book, cook, entertain, and whatever else might inspire me.

Get inspired this summer, whether you have summer Fridays or not. TGIF.

The exhibition, known as “Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art,” comes to Biltmore from The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York City. It is an in-depth look at the Tiffany Studios’ efforts to produce lamps that balance artistry with utility and profitability.

Tiffany at Biltmore, an exhibition of Louis Comfort Tiffany's iconic stained-glass lamps, will run July 1-Oct. 23, 2011, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. (PRNewsFoto/Biltmore)

One of America’s most celebrated artists and designers in the late 19^th century, Tiffany catered to the wealthiest patrons, including both friends and family of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Though also noted for his skills in painting, decorative arts, and interior design, it was Tiffany’s experimentation with stained glass that brought him lasting fame.

Tiffany’s use of botanicals and love of nature have inspired Biltmore’s horticulture team to create interpretations of his iconic dragonfly lamp series. Four dragonflies — one in each of the diamond-shaped patterned beds in the Walled Garden—will be created from flowers and foliage planted and designed to resemble stained glass. Each dragonfly design will span 40 feet and will take more than 12,000 plants to create. The team will also build a six-foot-tall, 24-foot-long “living wall” of flowering plants and greenery that resembles a stained-glass window.

Tiffany at Biltmore runs July 1 through Oct. 23, and will be included in admission to Biltmore. www.biltmore.com

Lenox Square
It’s the annual Fourth of July fireworks and it’s the largest in the Southeast. From 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4, patriotic food-lovers are invited to celebrate the holiday with bites and beverages. Local restaurants, including Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Morelli’s Ice Cream, California Pizza Kitchen, The Palm, Red Brick Brewery and more are serving up freshly prepared tastes for attendees. The $10 ticket, benefiting Atlanta Union Mission, grants guests exclusive access and samples from many of Atlanta’s top restaurants.

Shops are open from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., musical entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. including performances from Party on the Moon and Atlanta’s favorite Jimmy Buffett tribute band, A1A, and then the fireworks get underway at 9:40 p.m. Lenox Square management asks that attendees refrain from bringing pets to the event. www.lenoxsquare.com 

Lenox Mall's Fourth of July patrons can enjoy bands, food and the Southeast's largest fireworks show.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
Enjoy the BBQ buffet at The Café on Monday, July 4 from 6:00 p.m. featuring Baby Back Ribs with Mesquite Barbeque Sauce, 48-Hour-Smoked Beef Brisket with Peach Barbecue Sauce, Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise, Free-Range Chicken with Peach Barbecue Sauce, and Ginger Barbecued Quail with sensational sides and delectable desserts. Then relax outside on The Café Terrace and watch the fireworks at Lenox Square. $89 per person. For reservations or more information, visit The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead’s The Café.

The W Atlanta Buckhead’s MARKET
The party starts at 6:00 a.m. with a premier view of the Peachtree Road Race when DJ Hakim begins spinning to kick off the day for runners and race spectators. Guests can stick around for MARKET’s Party Brunch beginning at 7:00 a.m., featuring $14 bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, and an a la carte brunch menu. Then the celebrates don’t stop until after midnight because guests are encouraged to purchase a VIP pass ($25 in advance or $30 at the door) that includes all-day parking, access to five live music performances, preferred seating, exclusive entry to the Sundeck for the Lenox Square firework show and drink specials. For more information, visit marketbuckhead.com.

The party starts at 6:00 a.m. at the W Buckhead's MARKET with a premier view of the Peachtree Road Race then enjoy the brunch party starting at 7:00 a.m.

Fire up a party with a s'more table with treats to make a traditional s'mores of your own creation.

Use an array of crackers from regular, cinnamon and chocolate-covered graham crackers or other crackers you like.

S’mores Ingredient List 

• Regular, cinnamon and chocolate-covered graham crackers
• Marshmallows – cinnamon, caramel, coconut, vanilla and S’more flavor which were ordered from www.plushpuffs.com. They were a huge hit!
• Chocolate Bars (milk, dark, white)
• Honey
• Candied nuts
• Bananas
• Strawberry jam
• Cookies
• Caramel
• Peanut butter

Photos courtesy of Verna Pitts Photography, www.vernapittsphotography.com.