Deep South Details

Welcome to the South: where you get to send your kids back to school in temperatures slightly hotter than…fire. But we’re okay with that because it’s just time, you know? Summer is great, but there comes a point when the Pajama Mornings have morphed into the Constant Bickering Mornings and you are spending your entire life savings on groceries to feed the bickerers. Unto everything a season, right? Thanks, Ecclesiastes… Back to school time is basically the other New Year: it’s the start of so many things, and gives us a chance to try to get it together…again. Or at least pretend to try. One way we like to bring order to the chaos is with a nice new planner to keep our lives–and our families–on track. I like the one from Emily Ley called The Simplified Planner. It has plenty of room on each page for appointments, to-do lists, dinner planning and more! Also: signing up for the email list on the Emily Ley website can help you score a discount code to use on your planner. Worth checking out. And when you’re doing all that meal planning, make sure you pencil in some biscuits! We had a chance to sample three delicious varieties from Callie’s Charleston Biscuits recently, and we were completely wowed. You may know their restaurants in Charleston and Atlanta: Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. But now that Callie’s ships nationwide, everyone can partake of the biscuit goodness! Discover the hidden gem of Sapelo Island, Georgia. I personally went crazy for the Cheese & Chive biscuits. They’re petite (perfect for party food) and taste like heaven. And since they ship frozen and can be stored that way for an extended period of time, I’m going to stock my freezer for holiday entertaining (and nights that I want to eat cheese & chive biscuits in my pajamas in front of a roaring fire while binge watching old episodes of Parks and Rec). I’m also putting these on my short list of awesome Christmas gift ideas! But before we get to Christmas, you might just want to think about Labor Day, and how you can squeeze in some fun during the long weekend. (Remember when Labor Day happened BEFORE “Back to School?” Those must’ve been simpler times…) Lucky for you, we enlisted the help of Emily Labord Hines of EmsOntheRoad.com to outline some “off the beaten path” southern destinations. Emily has a taste for great architecture, history, good food and a cold beverage–there’s no way she could steer us wrong! Listen to the episode and pack your bags. The post 35: Back to School, Biscuits & More appeared first on Deep South Details.

We’ve always had our eye on Virginia. How could we not when the place is for lovers! Kinda risqué for a commonwealth, don’t you think? This week our Virginia Envy kicked up a notch when our friend Allie from the Alexandra Bee Blog stopped by to tell us about all the cool must-dos in Richmond. More on than in a minute… Summer Camp Season Our kids are coming and going from all manner of summer camps and experiences this month. Dana’s oldest (16) just completed an inner-city mission trip in Atlanta, and Kendell’s oldest (9) is at a traditional summer camp. She’s receiving heart-felt, eloquent reports like this: That’s it. Revolution Rappin’ It’s almost cliche to say at this point, but Dana is obsessed with Hamilton. Is it normal to have the soundtrack of a Broadway musical as your running/workout playlist? If it’s this good, we say yes. She knows all the words. No, really. All of them. Her family, who likes broadway AND the soundtrack BUT would sometimes like to listen to other things, requests your prayers. I’m ‘a get a scholarship to King’s College I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish I gotta holler just to be heard With every word, I drop knowledge! Werk. Richmond Renaissance Have you been to Richmond, Virginia, lately? We haven’t in quite some time, so we turned to Richmond-based  Allie of the Alexandra Bee Blog to give us the scoop on all the best the city has to offer.  You can catch all of Allie’s great tips in the podcast, and even more details on her blog. But here are a couple of highlights: Must Eat: Heritage Heritage is a favorite with locals for new American cuisine and killer craft cocktails. Must Do: Maymont Park The garden and grounds of Maymont Park offer jaw-dropping scenes like this. Once the guided age estate of a wealthy Richmond financier, this mansion and gardens are now a public treasure. The well-preserved home, gardens, and 100 acres of pristine grounds offer a beautiful backdrop for a family outing or a romantic stroll. There’s even a Children’s Farm to allow the little folks to get up close and personal with some of the four-legged residents of the estate. These are just two of several awesome tips from Allie! Listen in to hear them all. The post 34: Richmond is for Lovers appeared first on Deep South Details.

Do you have a room–or several–in your home that just need a bit of freshening up? Maybe your eyes just over it? After 10 years in her current home, that exactly where Dana is, so we turned to Paige Minear of The Pick Clutch for a dash of her signature WOW design aesthetic. Things you need to know about Paige: She is hilarious and sweet. She is not afraid of color. We repeat: not afraid of color. She knows how to get tremendous design bang out of a smallish number of bucks. To our delight she reeled off 5 quick design fixes that almost anyone can do right now to make a big difference in your space. Think you don’t have what it takes? Listen to Paige’s interview in this week’s episode and be inspired! Want even more eye candy and details on how to execute the ideas Paige shared with us? Head on over to her ahhhhmazing design blog, The Pink Clutch. Gift-Giving 101 Nothing takes a gift to the next level faster than making it very personal to the recipient. Something that captures a moment in their life, their story. That’s why we geeked out a little bit over a little Etsy shop called The Ink Lab. We fell in love with everything Savannah-based artist Heather Young offers, but these were our absolute must-haves: Working from a photo you provide, Heather will draw a custom pen and ink of your home! Want to use it on your Christmas card? She’ll add a few festive holiday touches to make it just right for the season. A great keepsake for yourself, and a wonderful gift! And what about these custom silhouettes on wood veneer? We loved the juxtaposition of the very traditional portrait form against the more rustic and contemporary wood. Super cool (and the silhouettes can also be mounted on wooden blocks for an even more dynamic look)! And there’s so, so much more: pet portraits, beautiful pet and inks of majestic live oak trees, Savannah scenes, custom paper and invitations galore. Do yourself a favor: check it out. The post 33: 5 Quick Design Fixes {The Pink Clutch} appeared first on Deep South Details.

Raise your hand if you’ve noticed that people are actually throwing cocktail parties again. (Our hands are up.) The desire to entertain at home is sparking a revival of cocktail culture and renewing interest in creating delicious libations for your guests. In this week’s episode we turned to Brian Hart Hoffman, author of the newly released book The Coupe: Celebrating Craft Cocktails and Vintage Collections for a crash course in mixology at home! Brian gave us his best tips for giving a laid-back gathering that allows the host or hostess to get out from behind the bar and join the fun, and told us more about why the vintage coupe glass is a great piece of stemware to have on hand for your next party. His new book contains recipes from some of the best mixologists in the country, and can help you overcome that intimidation so many of us feel when trying to prepare new drinks. Also in the podcast: Brian’s guest list for his dream party–it’s a fun and interesting group! A vintage coupe glass is perfect for a variety of cocktails. Photo: Steven DeVries It’s In The Bag: M.B. Greene We’re not even trying to hide Kendell’s bag addiction anymore–we’ve gone completely public with it. Like her scented candle and lip gloss problem, we hope for rehabilitation one day, but it will take a miracle. Why? Because of people like Mary Beth Greene, and her new line of bags that stopped Kendell in her tracks. Cool and contemporary in solid colors, MB Greene bags are the perfect intersection of style and durability. The waxed cotton finish is easy to wipe down and keep looking good as new–inside and out! You can choose to add a monogram, or keep it simple (the signature turquoise zipper on every style is panache enough to make the piece feel special as is). Our favorite piece? The Jewelry Clutch! Designed to hold several different types of jewelry from bulky cuff bracelets to dainty post earrings, everything can stay organized and tangle-free while you travel! The best part of all? Mary Beth has extended a special discount to Deep South Details listeners! The discount code FAIRHOPE20 will allow you to take 20% off your order at mbgreene.com! It’s the perfect excuse to pick up that tote or travel accessory you’ve been lacking, or grab a great gift for someone you love. Podcast bonus: hear the new use Mary Beth and friends have just discovered for her Airline Zip Top bag. It’s genius–don’t forget to listen! Subscribe to our mailing list * indicates required Email Address * The post 32: Cocktail Culture in a Coupe appeared first on Deep South Details.

Style source Ashley Stamoulis of Suthingirl.com Father’s Day 2016 is June 19th, so if you want to find something amazing for your daddy (or your baby daddy), it’s time to hustle. This week, we turned to style guru and Georgia girl Ashley Stamoulis of Suthingirl.com for the best gift finds for southern men of all stripes! Father’s Day Finds Some of our favorites from the Suthingirl hit list include: Andover Trask Totes. Daddies have gear. If it’s not hunting gear, it’s fishing gear or sports gear. They need something to tote all those man tools in. Enter Andover Trask totes: high-quality, sturdy and not at all girlish. BONUS: if your man loves his four-legged friend, check on their new collection called “Porch & Hound.”   Mashburn Oyster Shell Belt Buckle. Have a coastal-type dad to buy for? How about an accessory saluting those shuckable gifts from the sea we call oysters! Gorgeous and eye-catching, but not in a “hey, I didn’t know you were a professional wrestler” or “hey, I didn’t know you did rodeos,” kind of way. Available with various strap options from Atlanta retailer Sid Mashburn.   Gonzales Knives.  I’ve never understood my husband’s fascination with an heirloom-quality knife. Maybe that’s because I don’t hunt things I need to field dress, or fish up things I need to filet, or what not. But he does. That’s why I’m pretty sure I could score an absurd number of wife points for presenting him with one of these handcrafted beauties from Georgia artisan Bryan Gonzales. He offers a wide variety of knives for hunting/fishing, shellfish, kitchen cutlery and utility uses. Leather sheath included.   This is just the tip of the iceberg of Ashley’s awesome list of Father’s Day gift ideas–see the full list at Suthingirl.com!  Eat Local, Eat Better   If eating healthier is on your to-do list, listen up: THIS IS YOUR SEASON. There is no better time to turn over a new leaf (of kale, maybe) and take advantage of the embarrassment of riches coming from southern gardens and farms this time of year. The even better news? With our long growing season, the part lasts for months. Have a brown thumb like Kendell (she murders basil on a regular basis, y’all) or zero patience like Dana (if it won’t bloom by sundown, she doesn’t want it)? Not a problem. Just hop onto LocalHarvest.org to locate farmers’ markets other real-food options near you. Want to automate things a little bit? Consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) wherein you pay for a subscription to what a particular farmer produces, and get regular deliveries/pick-ups. In Kendell speak, “it’s basically Birchbox for vegetables.” I couldn’t have said it better, K. The post 31: Father’s Day Finds & Eating Local appeared first on Deep South Details.

It’s officially summer, friends–and that means the fun of Memorial Day, and probably a few visitors under your roof, as well! We’re getting ready for the long weekend, and for Kendell and Dana that means one thing: FOOD. Our Memorial Day Menu Chef Bobby Flay’s Mojito Champagne Cocktail. Photo: foodnetwork.com Kendell has plans to venture to Lake Martin, Alabama, with family for fun in the sun and on the water. In between slathering sunscreen on children and soaking up some rays, she plans to eat like a queen. In true Kendell fashion, there will be a cocktail: in this case, a Mojito Champagne Cocktail from Chef Bobby Flay. Nothing says “summer” like a minty mojito! And what you you say if I told you that bacon–yes, bacon–could be reduced into a jam-like form, to be spread upon all sorts of cracker and hors d’oeuvre-ish vehicles? Well, it can, and Kendell is going to indulge in a little Bourbon Bacon Jam in her holiday weekend snacking. Not even kidding. In an effort to reign things in toward the healthy, she’ll be throwing together Ina Garten’s Greek Panzanella Salad, as well. It’s a Mediterranean delight full of veggies and delicious vinaigrette, with a little crusty French bread thrown in for good measure. Bread is always a good idea. Always. Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Pie. Photo: www.keylimejuice.com And finally, the crown jewel of the Shows Family Feast shall be the Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Pie–a special request by Kendell’s husband, Brian. Cool and refreshing, it’s always a hit! (And Kendell says using the real-deal Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice is wise. If you can find it on your grocer’s shelf, go for it!) Southern Memorial Day Fun Looking for a good way to celebrate? There are lots of options around the region this Memorial Day. Check out the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Peidmont Park. Over 100 jazz musicians and it’s free! If you’re in the NOLA area, The National WWII Museum is offering a special event to honor those who gave all for our freedom, including a performance by the Marine Corps Brass Quintet. Finally, if music and BBQ is your idea of a perfect holiday, you can’t go wrong with Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival in Evans, Georgia: food galore and musical headliners Old Crow Medicine Show and Willie Nelson! A Haven for Houseguests Nothing says “welcome” like refreshments and fresh flowers. Photo: WaitingOnMartha.com With the kids out of school and all of your friends and family wearing out their travelin’ shoes, you might find yourself playing hostess to overnight guests soon. We loved the recent Waiting on Martha guide to making guests feel welcomed and cozy! Mandy Kellogg Rye offered some timeless tips, like keeping water and snacks in the guest suite, along with  fresh flowers and some essential toiletries. Kendell and I loved Mandy’s tips so much, we started thinking about the ways we love to be pampered when visiting in someone’s home. We shared our tried and true suggestions in this week’s podcast–don’t forget to listen! Get Deep South Details in your inbox! * indicates required Email Address * The post 30: Memorial Day + Houseguest Haven appeared first on Deep South Details.

May couldn’t be any busier, friends. Even with a beautiful weekend in Seagrove Beach, Florida, to revive us, Kendell and I feel as if we’re struggling to keep up. (Maybe with need a good self-care routine featuring some delightful organic skincare? We’ll get to that…) The end of the school year is really testing the limits of our mom powers. We would tell you more about how we feel, but blogger Jen Hatmaker has already penned the world’s greatest opus on the matter from a mother’s point of view, we’ll just send you over there to take it in. No, really. Read it. Wedding Gift Hits and Misses Photo: potterybarn.com Can you remember your favorite wedding gifts? With “the season” officially upon us, you’re probably buying a few for brides and grooms in your circle. Kendell and I wax nostalgic about the best and worst of wedding gifts we’ve given and received, and share our tips for can’t miss choices. We both agree that the name of the game is balancing practical and memorable. What better way to do that than with a piece of cookware that will last…well…forever. A great piece of cast iron can become a family heirloom, much like quality knives. Every pair of newlyweds loves to feather the nest and make it uniquely theirs. How about an engraved door knocker for the happy couple’s new abode? We found a lovely option at Pottery Barn. Engraved personal notes are timeless. Photo: Crane.com Or maybe fine stationery to revive the lost art of handwritten notes? After all, new brides never tire of seeing their new name and monogram in print! Listen to the episode for some of the “misses” we still have collecting dust in the closets from our own weddings… Take Care of Yourself: Organic Skincare Maybe it’s the phase of life we’re in, but we’re a little more attentive to our skin these days. Good skincare is even better when there’s a bit of soothing aromatherapy built into the experience. You can imagine how excited we were to discover One Love Organics from St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. They check all the boxes for us: great products that feel indulgent to use, Southern…they’re even green! Some stars from the One Love Organics lineup. The idea behind the One Love Organics line is simple: they use only natural, high-quality ingredients, and make their potions and serums in small batches to ensure quality. They’re certified organic and cruelty-free (Elle Woods and Bruiser would approve!). Did we mention they smell nice, too? The good news? We’re giving away a One Love Organics Skin Detox kit! Just join our weekly email list (We promise never to spam you or be annoying.), and boost your chances of winning even more by following us on Twitter or Instagram! a Rafflecopter giveaway The post 29: Organic Skincare + Wedding Gift Ideas appeared first on Deep South Details.

Have you ever wrestled your kids into their cutest outfits for some family photos, only to end up with everyone (including you) crying, and without a single great shot to show for all the blood, sweat and tears? You’re not alone. Awesome family photos are harder than they look. This week, we brought in sought-after pro Marla Carter of Marla and Shane, Photographers, in Rosemary Beach, Florida, for some expert photography tips! Marla and Shane capture amazing images of little people. Photography Tips for Better Family Shots Marla had lots of great suggestions, like: Skip the “all one color” family uniform. Wear clothing in complimentary colors, but not completely matched from head to toe. Relax and let the photographer joke around with your kids. You’ll get more natural expressions and better shots. Keep it short. Kids–and adults for that matter–wear out quickly. The best shoots are short and sweet. To hear the rest of her expert advice, listen to the episode! (Don’t miss: her naughty trick to get the little guys giggling…) BONUS: Marla is offering a discount for a lucky DSD listener! The first to mention you heard her on the podcast will receive $100 off a sitting fee! (Contact information is on her website.) Around the South: Festival Time When the mercury rises, you know it’s time for a bevy of festivals across our region. We highlight several 2016 events in Episode 28, including: Southern Grown Festival–Sea Island, Georgia. Dubbed “a celebration of all things Southern,” this food/music/culture heaven is set for June 9-12 on beautiful Sea Island, home of the iconic Cloister resort. This year’s musical headliner is Grammy winner Jason Isbell, and if you know anything about Kendell and Dana, you know that this is all you need to know. The 2016 Slossfest stage will be loaded with talent. Sloss Music and Arts Festival, Birmingham, Alabama. This July 16-17 throw down takes place in the National Historic Landmark Sloss Furnace site–the epicenter of Birmingham in it’s iron-producing hey day. Featuring acts like Ryan Adams and The Shining, Death Cab for Cutie and Ray Lamontagne, it’s a summer must-do. Also hear our takes on Bonnaroo, Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival, and the Forecastle Festival in Louisville, KY. Coming Soon We’re working on a weekly newsletter format that will bring the latest from Deep South Details right to your inbox! Look for an opportunity to subscribe soon.       The post 28: Pro Photography Tips & Southern Festivals appeared first on Deep South Details.

The Southern C What do you get when you combine one of America’s most beautiful cities, amazing people, eats and drinks to die for and inspiration by the truckload? You get the 2016 Southern C Summit in Charleston, South Carolina! Kendell and I were lucky enough to attend last week, and it knocked our socks off! As a new business, we still have more questions than answers, and it was so encouraging to be surrounded by so many talented and generous people who filled our heads with great ideas to help Deep South Details grow. We were–to our knowledge–the only podcast represented at this year’s Southern C, but so much of what we learned from successful bloggers and brands completely overlaps with what we do every day. We don’t want to reveal too much, but get ready for some fresh approaches to the way we deliver What’s Up Down South! It’s going to be fun! Not to be missed in this episode: our misadventures in trying to simply return home. It’s harder than it looks, people. Kentucky Derby Daze Is their anything more Southern and swanky than the Derby? From the haute couture to the A-list parties, it’s a sight to behold. (The horses have to hustle just to maintain their status as the main attraction!) Who doesn’t love a gorgeous look topped off with the perfect hat? Photo: kentuckyderby.com Or an icy cocktail built around the most Southern libation of all: bourbon. Photo: mnn.com Dot & Army: Linen Love Affair Have you ever had an encounter with a napkin that made you swoon? (If not, you’re not going to the right luncheons…) It happened to me in Charleston when I sat down to a gorgeous table that included seersucker luncheon napkins from Brunswick, Georgia’s Dot & Army. Dot & Army: Adorable yet practical cloth napkins for special days or everyday! Listen in on our chat with owner Jennifer Zamudio about the origins of her brand, and how she landed on it’s quirky-cute name. And don’t forget to check out her site to get inspiration for your next event–she does custom creations that will make your table sing! Final thought: We’re 122 days from the kickoff of SEC football. 122 days. 122 days… The post 27: The Southern C, Kentucky Derby & Lovely Linens appeared first on Deep South Details.

Wynn Everett: Southern Stunner What happens when you get nominated for Homecoming Queen at an SEC school and realize the competition is stiff? If you’re Wynn Everett, you break out your accordion and take care of business, that’s what. At least that’s what she did at Auburn in 1998. And BAM–next thing you know, the girl’s wearing an extra-large carnation and holding the coveted silver bowl. And that was just a warmup, kids. Everett went on to spend five years in NYC on the staff of Good Morning America, and then started acting full-time. You may have seen her in films like Charlie Wilson’s War (Tom Hanks, anyone?), as a regular in the HBO series The Newsroom, and most recently as the villainous Whitney Frost in the Marvel comic-based ABC series Agent Carter. Wynn back in the day. All fresh-faced and playing the accordion for kicks and giggles. We loved talking with her this week to hear her reflections on her Georgia roots, her time at AU, and the wild, fun ride her career has been in the years since–with actor/husband Michael Albanese and two beautiful daughters in tow. She makes us laugh. #wynn-ing This and That What else this week? Kendell’s daughter Olivia called in sick {wink} to kindergarten so she could clock in at Deep South Details. She dropped some audio gold on us you’ll be hearing in the coming weeks. Spoiler: the apple doesn’t fall far from the kooky tree… Also, Kendell and I attended an awesome wedding this week. We laughed, we danced, and we watched Intern Pedro break it down in the middle of a mosh pit filled with unsuspecting 20-somethings. Hear about how much fun we had, and all our thoughts on “Weddings These Days,” part of an old-lady series that seems to be developing on DSD called “{insert topic here} These Days.” Wedding fun… The post 26: Wynn Everett: Auburn Girl Goes Hollywood appeared first on Deep South Details.

We’ve just capped off a two-week run of spring break family travel and togetherness around here, and we’re ready to tell you all about it. But before we get to the travel report, we want you to meet our newest One Cool Thing: Southern Yoga Girl! Southern Yoga Girl Kendell and I have both been dabbling in a bit of yoga in recent months. It’s all part of our never-ending quest to find a way to stay healthy and look great without working for it. And I have to say, yoga is a pretty good fit for me. It is a hard workout (especially if I accidentally pop into an advanced class filled with serious yogis completely by accident and have to try to keep up for over an hour to save face while quietly cursing under my breath…not that I’ve ever done something like that…), but it’s a doable kind of hard. I struggle with back issues, and I find that yoga is a great solution because it forces me to address one of the keys to back and core health–flexibility. Sure, I could do lots of the same poses at home on my own mat…but I won’t. And even if I try, I won’t stay on the mat as long as a structured class requires. I’m easily distracted. (Look! Squirrel!) Turns out we’re not the only folks discovering the benefits of yoga for health and reduced stress! Studios are popping up all over the place, even here in the deep south. And all these new yogis need something to wear, right? That’s where Sally Wilkerson and her fun apparel line come in! All of the styles offered through Southern Yoga Girl are fun and give a little wink to our distinctly regional way of doing things…Grab a couple and look adorable for your next practice. Spring Break: A Tale of Two Trips Both of us got away for several days during our kids’ spring breaks, and we recap those trips for you in this week’s episode: The McCain family jaunt to Italia, and the Shows family sojourn to the North Georgia mountains. {Spoiler: Dana has a brush with fame in the ATL airport! She met “the Adele of preachers!”} McCain fam in the ruins of a Pompeiian bathhouse. Griswolds got nothin’ on us. New Segment: What’s Up Down South Don’t you hate it when you hear about the awesome event or concert after it happens? We do, too. So we’re going to bring you the can’t-miss highlights to mark on your calendar so you can take part in all the best the South has to offer. You’re welcome.   The post 25: Spring Break and Southern Yoga Girl appeared first on Deep South Details.

Up Your Grilling Game Have you ever met one of those women who’s hitting so well on all cylinders, you’re slightly amazed? That’s how we felt talking to grilling and food expert Gena Knox this week. The founder of Athens, GA-based Fire and Flavor, has it going on: a company that is growing by the second because of its awesome line of flavor-infusing rubs, brines and extras to make dinner awesome, an adorable family, and a total lack of freak-out in her voice. {We succumb to freak-out if our Starbucks order is wrong.}  So take notes. We did. Also, if the Spice Girls do a reunion tour, we think they should add a new member known as Southern Spice, and that Gena should be it. (If you’re not mumbling “so tell me what you want, what you really, really want” under your breath right now, you’re doing it wrong.) We learned so much! For instance, Dana had previously been completely ignorant about the world of cedar plank grilling–the concept that launched Fire and Flavor into being. But Gena explains in the episode just how to do it and why it makes certain meats–especially seafood–almost fool-proof on the grill. Plank grilling helps delicate seafood retain moisture on the grill. Genius. There was also a brining epiphany! Turns out you don’t always need 32 gallons of water and two days to brine some chicken. Fire and Flavor offers delicious dry brines you can simply sprinkle on your cuts of meat around lunch time and just let it do it’s thing in the fridge. Have even less time? They also have a 30-minute brine you can throw your meat into while you heat up the oven or grill and prepare your sides. Easy peasy. (If you’re asking “Why Brine?” Gena answers that question, too.) One Cool Thing: Bourbon and Boots Our moment of serendipity this week came with the discovery of Arkansas-based Bourbon and Boots. Super high-quality goods with a southern flair. Think genuine leather and awesome things made from reclaimed wine barrels. Cool pet swag. Gifts and home decor to celebrate your favorite southern town or state. Give your grad a game day watch for his new school. Help your pet become a style snob with this cool bed. We thought the timing was awesome because we’re coming up on a slew of gift-giving occasions: graduation, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Bourbon and Boots is an especially promising option when shopping for the men in your life. Beyond all this goodness, Kendell and Dana discuss Easter–one of their favorite holidays despite the attempt of over-the-top baskets that make it a little cuckoo. (Inspiring our new section of griping topics, tentatively entitled: THESE DAYS. As in, “When I was a kid, an Easter basket was a chocolate bunny, some stickers and a jar of play-doh, but THESE DAYS, people are buying junior a bike for his Easter basket. It doesn’t even fit in a basket, y’all…) So enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to share on social media! The post 24: Grilling Guru & Spice Girl Gena Knox appeared first on Deep South Details.

The Only Kind of Graffiti You’ll Ever See in Alys Beach If there’s a coastal community more elegant and refined than northwest Florida’s Alys Beach, we’d like to see it. One of the crown jewels of scenic Highway 30A, Alys Beach boasts homes and structures with beautiful white stucco and stone facades, a cool oasis in the coastal heat. The simplicity of design has a sumptuous feel to it. Nine years ago, visionaries within the community realized that those gleaming white walls could be the perfect canvas for something else: projection art. Thus, Digital Graffiti was born. Digital Graffiti is an art festival which employs the latest technology to project works of art onto the iconic white walls of the Alys Beach community. (Interesting tidbit: projection art began as a rogue art form sometimes called “Photon Bombing” or “Guerrilla Projection.” It’s now crossed over into a legit format for established and emerging artists of all stripes.) From May 13-15, 2016, guests can stroll the stone streets and enjoy the displays, with several ways to enhance the experience: you can download an app with more details about each exhibit, and many of the artist are on hand to discuss the work with interested patrons. There’s even an awesome party during the festival to allow visitors to enjoy the chic, festive atmosphere of Caliza Pool while enjoying premium food and beverages. As we’re fond of saying here at DSD: you had us at food and beverage. The awesome art is just icing on the cake. We’ll see you guys there! Ticket and travel info can be found here. Too Ridiculous to Be Made Up It seems like there’s always some type of total calamity associated with each episode of Deep South Details. There was the Shows Family Stomach Virus of 2016. There was the Dothan Tornado Outbreak. And now, Dana’s Dental Nightmare. That’s right–this week you get to relive, play by harrowing play, the 4 day saga of Dana’s rogue molar. The initial flashes of pain and moments of concern, the oh-Lord-this-is-a-real-problem epiphany, the begging for narcotics all over town, and finally…playing Taps for good ole Tooth #30. She’d been with us since I was 6, and for those of you keeping score at home, that’s a solid 36 years of chomping burgers and salads and ice (I know it’s bad, so shut it.) without a single day off. ::sigh:: It’s so hard to say good-bye. Lottie Shows: Cooler than your dog. And Kendell had to say good-bye to yet another theatre experience. But that’s OK, because at the end of the week, the Shows family is say HELLO to their newly adopted Schnauzer LOTTIE! It’s been a long journey to be vetted as an appropriate family for Lottie by the organization Schnauzer Love Rescue, but they made it! It’s all dog treats and funny sweaters and tennis balls from here, folks. Dog heaven. I wonder if Lottie is into projection art… The post 23: Alys Beach and Digital Graffiti appeared first on Deep South Details.

We were almost blown away by a tornado last week, and as we clutched our knees and waited for our homes to land on the Wicked Witch of the West, it occurred to us: southern travel is good, no matter how you go about it…right? Kristin Luna of Camels & Chocolate. Southern Travel 2016 Seriously, you’re going to love this episode on southern travel so much–mostly because it gave us a chance to chat with super-cool travel blogger and Tennessee native Kristin Luna of Camels & Chocolate! There’s almost nowhere she hasn’t been, and little that she hasn’t tried, so we hit her up to help you make your spring travel plans around the region. Kristin gives us three outside-the-box southern travel destinations you need to try, along with tips on what to do, what to eat, and where to shop when you get there. Paducah, Greenville and Knoxville–are your ears burning? As Kendell says, “We got ants in our pants! Can’t sit still!” I’m typing with one hand and packing with the other… BONUS: Hear Kristin’s war stories from the road, including crazy things she’s eaten abroad–and even at home in Nashville–and the honeymoon from hades. Sea + Stone Jewelry We’re suckers for great accessories, and always on the lookout for quality pieces that make a statement. We think we’ve struck gold in Charleston-based Sea + Stone. Designed by Florida native Megan Proctor, each piece from the line is anchored in a connection to nature–whether through precious metals, gemstones, or interesting elements from the sea or landscape. We’re over the moon for the necklaces that incorporate beautifully textured seashells. A gilded oyster shell (found in the Lowcountry or on the Gulf Coast) on a strand of pearls. Hand knotted on two strands of silk thread. The necklace is finished off in ultra soft deerskin leather and can be tied at any length–so that it can be worn both long or short! Visit her site to see the full collection, and find a little something to make your spring wardrobe basics sing! The post 22: Southern Travel Report appeared first on Deep South Details.

Head to Gulf Shores for Hangout Music Festival This May Dana following Widespread Panic: Athens, GA circa 1994. Remember the good old days when you’d load up with a bunch of college buddies and take on a multi-day music festival? It usually involved sleeping in less-than-ideal surroundings (Sleep in a tent to follow Widespread Panic anyone? Anyone?), foregoing a few much-needed showers and basically sacrificing all to see a bunch of great acts in one place. We still love great live music here at Deep South Details! The problem? We’re not as young and, um… adventurous as we used to be. Two to three days without an actual flushing toilet and decent food seems like unnecessary roughness to us. That’s why we’re pumped about our trip to the Hangout Music Festival 2016 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 20-22! In this week’s interview with festival director Sean O’Connell, we learned that Hangout Fest is a decidedly more civilized affair, with a great musical lineup (seriously, we’re talking The Weeknd, Alabama Shakes, Jason Isbell, Florence + The Machine and about a million more you can see here) PLUS great options for accommodations, transportation to the festival, food and beverages–the works.  Hear about all the perks and extras you might not be aware of, and how to make plans to attend from the king of Hangout Fest himself.  Then round up your ride-or-die concert posse, head down to the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast and join us! This and That What else will you hear about this week? Kendell is deep in the throws of yet another show with our local community theatre–Hairspray! It’s full of great music, big laughs and some important themes, so if you’re local, check it out! Also, she found herself on the wrong side of the law recently. It seemed that all of her Orange Is The New Black women’s prison knowledge was about to be put to good use. Listen in for the details, and don’t forget to share DSD with a friend!! The post 21: Hangout Music Festival appeared first on Deep South Details.

Better late than never, right? Tech difficulties have us running behind schedule this week (again), but we won’t be defeated. This episode is like a fine wine: worth the wait! Rachel Baribeau: Non-Stop Hustle A word to the wise: if you’re gonna try to keep up with sportscaster Rachel Baribeau, you’d better eat your dang Wheaties. This Nashville resident and football analyst is the co-host of College Sports Nation on SiriusXM, and covers the SEC for other outlets, as well. If that wasn’t enough, she has a hand in the music world (Hey there, Acme Radio!), and partners with her mom in a Pine Mountain, Georgia-based fashion endeavor for women of all ages. (Check out @thejoyfulfashionista on Instagram or on Facebook.) And because she thought it mattered and needed to happen, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for ALS. We’re not making this up. Because Rachel is southern, she’s also super-nice, and took time to visit with us at Deep South Details. We dished  about what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated biz, what really makes her tick, and how she tries to mentor other your women to reach their dreams! We’re kinda best friends now. Your jealousy is appropriate. And by the way…the “i” is silent. Pronounce it Bar-BEAU. But you probably knew that… Coast & Cotton: Make Your Kitchen Smile We also talk about one of our favorite new brands, Coast & Cotton this week. Their super-soft flour sack kitchen towels are long on function and style. Designer Sydney Hewitt brings her graphic art background to a textile canvas, and is producing products that are as functional as they are fun to look at! Cooking Light named them as one of the hottest kitchen gifts of 2015, and Nordstrom is expanding the line into more of their stores in 2016. Grab some for your own kitchen, and a few extras to give as gifts for teachers, neighbors, and your favorite hostesses…they’re that cute.   The post 20: Rachel Baribeau: Always Hustlin’ appeared first on Deep South Details.

Paul Janeway with Dana & Kendell at the Dothan Opera House It’s been a weird week around here, in the best and worst of ways. First, Kendell and Dana had a chance to talk with Paul Janeway of St. Paul & The Broken Bones on the first stop of their Alabama World Tour. If you don’t have tickets to one of these shows, we pity you. Seriously. They’re that good. Our visit with Paul was delightful and full of laughs, and gave us new insights into who he is aside from the sizzling performer in sequined loafers. We learned what he misses most when he’s on the road, and how things are different for he and other members of the group since major-league fame came calling. The Horror Then Kendell’s ENTIRE FAMILY fell victim to the nastiness now know as the “Shows Family Stomach Virus of 2016.” It was ugly, y’all. Not a man, woman or child escaped unscathed. But hey, she feels a couple of pounds lighter, so it can’t be all bad, right? Right? Hello? Kids Dish on Love Finally, during the three day stomach virus siege, Kendell took the opportunity to interview her kiddos, ages 8 and 5 and Valentine’s Day and mushy love stuff. Spoiler alert: kids are funny. So, enjoy! Don’t forget to share the episode with a friend and follow us on social media, pretty please. The post 19: St. Paul’s Alabama World Tour appeared first on Deep South Details.

Hey friends! Today is National Signing Day for college football! What does this mean, you ask? It means that legions of successful adults will ignore the work their supposed to be doing for large portions of the day to be emotionally abused by children! It’s SO FUN! Cue the National Signing Day Drama Allie Davison of Rivals.com We chatted with our favorite recruiting babe, Allie Davison from Rivals.com yesterday to find out who she thinks is poised to win big today by landing the top talent. Like it or not, it takes great players to win championships. Hence the year-round practice of grown men who make millions of dollars as coaches going door to door, hats humbly in hand, attempting to charm clueless kids who happen to possess crazy levels of athleticism. Today they find out if all that groveling paid off. Recruiting is a highly competitive, relationally complex business in a conference where everyone knows everyone like the SEC. It’s all the drama of The Real Housewives, if all the housewives looked like Nick Saban, Hugh Freeze, and Les Miles. (If you’re picturing Nick Saban sporting an awesome blow-out and killer heels throwing a drink in Les Miles’ face, you’re doing it right.) British in Bama: Not for Wimps The other big thing on the horizon? We’re just around the corner from Valentine’s Day, friends! To give you some direction on creating an evening to remember and kick off a new (hopefully recurring) segment on the podcast, we brought in British chef Paul Fripp for the debut of “‘Ello, Guvnah!” Paul tells us how to whip up an amazing pasta dish that looks really fancy and special but is basically idiot-proof, and chats about what it’s like to be a subject of the Queen in the Deep South. Spoiler: He care more about soccer than most of us do…but he identifies with our level of SEC football crazy. You gotta start somewhere,right?     The post 18: National Signing Day & ‘Ello Guvnah! appeared first on Deep South Details.

Just when you think there is nothing new under the sun…Birmingham goes and surprises you. Have you ever run into an old classmate or acquaintance and almost failed to recognize her because she looked so chic, so much…uhh…better? That’s sort of how we feel when we look at Birmingham these days. The old girl is reinventing herself, and we’re here to tell you: it’s working. Deliciousness from Birmingham’s Feast & Forest Birmingham’s Renaissance In this episode, we chat with Garden & Gun contributor Jennifer V. Cole, whose feature in the February/March 2016 edition of the magazine takes a good look at all the inspiring things happening in the ‘ham, from groundbreaking new culinary experiences to revitalized entertainment venues (we’re looking at you Lyric Theatre) to a sophisticated new “cocktail culture” springing up from Magic City watering holes. The downtown Birmingham that made a lost, teenaged Kendell burst into tears (death was imminent, y’all) is giving way to a new urban landscape that locals and visitors alike are loving. Want a more detailed listing of hot spots to check out? It’s here. Think Globally, Act Southernly So much to love about Y’allsome, like “Hawk,” aka Chief of Operations. Nashville-based brand Y’allsome is hitting all the right notes with us: fresh, appealing design rooted in Southern sensibilities and a desire to serve others. We had a chance to visit with Craig Evans and wife Megan, who launched the brand as displaced Carolinians living in Los Angeles. Their careers have since brought them to Nashville, where they’re better able to showcase their apparel and art to the market it speaks to best: discerner Southerners who understand the pulse of the new, deeper-thinking South. The icing on the cake? Fifteen percent of the net profits go to help southern foster kids waiting for a chance for a forever family. The bottom line for you and me? It’s a chance to do good, and look good doing it.   The post 17: Birmingham Rising and Y’allsome Things appeared first on Deep South Details.

What can pull us out of the sheer depression that comes with the end of college football season, the holidays, and cold weather? A big ole PARTY, that’s what! It’s Mardi Gras time all over the coastal south, and we’re ready to laissez les bon temps rouler! In this episode we chat with our official New Orleans correspondent and Cajun queen, KK Wallace about how they do it in the Big Easy, and talk about how we’re upping our game in the PEANUT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD in the Mardi Gras department. Don’t hate…appreciate. Of course, we also recap the biggest college football game of the year: a match-up for the ages between Bama and Clemson that didn’t disappoint. Congrats to Alabama for capturing their “Sweet 16.” And last but certainly not least, we introduce you to the cutest little t-shirt brand we’ve ever seen: Honey Bee Tees! Now when you can no longer dress your southern kids in john-johns and smocked bishops, you’ve got a cute play clothing alternative! (And if you sneak and order one in an adult size for yourself, we wouldn’t judge. Because I’m wearing a Honey Bee Tee as I type these words…) All this, brought to you by the cutest little entrepreneur we know–Darby Stickler.