Pretty Southern

Tag: Southern

Dear Atlanta Falcons on Super Bowl Sunday

To the Atlanta Falcons on Super Bowl Sunday…

Dear players, coaches, fans, fellow Atlantans, and all y’all Dirty Bird fans around the world — who would have thought we would be going to the Super Bowl in 2017? Like seriously y’all, the Falcons chances of going to the Super Bowl at the start of the 2016 season were 40:1!

If there’s one phrase that truly represents Atlanta it’s #RiseUp!

We’re a city that’s pretty riled up right now. It was less than three weeks ago that our new President called ATL “horrible” and “falling apart”. The old Trumpster could not have spouted more of an “alternative truth” than if he claimed to see a pack of unicorns chugging PBR in front of a clean Claremont Lounge.

Atlantans rallied in a battle cry of #Defendthe5th for our hero Representative John Lewis. We banded together in the spirit of pride for our city, and this before the Falcons defeated the Packers to land our Super Bowl spot. Unlike the New England Patriots, we never saw this one coming.

Now granted, Atlanta is a young city compared to Boston.

The first English settlers didn’t arrive here until the 1800s, and “Terminus” was born in 1837. Atlanta only became “Atlanta” in 1847 so technically we’re about 170 years old.

And in our less than 200 years, our city has been completely burned to the ground thanks to that Damn Yankee Sherman. Boston never had to overcome that type of decimation. Look at what our beautiful Atlanta has become.

Atlanta is thriving, just like our Falcons

This team and its owner Arthur Blank have done so much good for our city, the state of Georgia, and the entire South. Atlanta has booming businesses, the busiest airport in the world, and like our original name “Terminus” we’re becoming an intersection for America, and really the world.

Now here we are, getting ready to take on the Delfategaters themselves.

It’s safe to say the Patriots are the Damn Yankees in this Super Bowl. Remember y’all, Tom Brady is a cheater. He had to sit out four games this year because of the whole Deflategate scandal. Brady is no gentlemen in real life, as he left a pregnant Bridget Moynihan for Giselle, and let’s not even get started about his politics.

As Margaret Mitchell wrote about in Gone With The Wind: “Gumption…it’s what makes the strong survive while others go under.”

These Atlanta Falcons are a team of gumption. The fact they made it to the Super Bowl this year shows how this team has come together in the spirit of glory and greatness. Let no Patriot put us under, because these Atlanta Falcons are the real America.

Now here’s something pretty cool. The startup I work for is also named Terminus. I’m proud to be a “Terminator” at the #1 Best Place to Work in Atlanta (thanks Atlanta Business Chronicle for that accolade). We were lucky to be featured on CMSWire in a “Super Bowl Challenge” with a Boston tech company.

That’s yours truly rocking a Varsity hat down in front

As we prepared for the Super Bowl and our team spirit running high, my fellow “Terminator” Brent Edmonson wrote something that really stuck with me…

What makes Atlanta such an amazing tech city is the fact that we mix the fast moving world of technology with our deep-rooted heritage of Southern charm.

So yeah, we may not win this one, but dammit we’re going to try because that’s something Southerners have always done. This Super Bowl shot could not have been fired at a better time because Atlanta is ready to rumble.

Here’s to the Dirty Birds, and all the birds of a feather that flock together.

#RiseUp y’all! Go Falcons!

February 5, 2017
Pretty Southern Wedding Shower
If there’s one thing every Southern woman knows, it’s that when tasked with hosting a bridal shower, a hostess has got to be on her a-game. From the invitations to the marquee hire, every detail has to be thought out. Nothing is too precious, cute is a fair game, and the food and drink have to be delicious. We know the gaggle of guests will gossip about the choice in napkins, munchies, party games…well everything, because it’s just what Southern ladies do.

But don’t worry. We at Pretty Southern have watched our mamas, aunts — and your mama’s friends who are also “aunts” — do this for years.

Here are 10 tips for hosting the perfect pretty Southern shower.

1. You don’t have to do it alone. For this recent event, all the groom’s aunts banned together (there were five total) to host the shower. It was truly a team effort including help with the preparations, event planners like Washington DC event planners for planning and of course the costs. This shower split five ways was fairly economical thanks to a few penny-pinching ideas.

Paper doilies, fake (recyclable) rose petals, and framed pictures of the couple make easy decorations.

2. Find decorations from your local dollar store. Paper doilies are so under-rated. They can add a little loveliness to an otherwise plain table. Fake flower petals and bouquets (when positioned correctly) can be precious, as are the paper bridal dresses. Check out your local gift/stationary store for Bride & Groom Christmas ornaments which can serve as a decoration, as well as a gift for the happy couple.

3. Place pictures of the couple throughout the event space. For this shower, we were lucky that the groom’s mother had framed a few of the engagement photos.

4. A dessert section is a sweet treat. We opted for cake pops from Gabriel’s bakery in Marietta, Ga., frosted to look like wedding attire. The bridal pops were red velvet (our bride’s favorite flavor) and the groom’s with black bow-ties were chocolate, and with white bow-ties were a yellow cake. Along with the cake pops, we also picked up mini cupcakes.

5. A framed chalkboard add’s a touch of kitschy cuteness, plus you can reuse this piece again for other parties just by writing a different message. We thought “Love is sweet” worked well for our dessert table.

Note the doily.

6. Call your local grocery store at least two weeks in advance to reserve your flowers. The Fresh Market came through for us with these lovely hydrangeas (Momma is particularly proud of this centerpiece she made).

7. Old tin cans make excellent (and cheap!) centerpieces. All you need is burlap, ribbon, scissors and a hot glue gun to create these crafts.

8. Keep the food simple. Bridal showers, as well as baby showers, are held in the afternoons so most guests might have eaten lunch. We saved on time by ordering some platters from The Fresh Market. Our menu for this event included.

A perfect menu for a Southern bridal shower.
- Chicken Caesar Salad Cups
  (click here for the recipe)
- Chicken and Seafood Salad Sandwiches
- Deviled Eggs
- Assorted Fruits, Cheeses and Crackers
- Spinach Dip with Veggies and Pita
- Cake Pops
- Mini cupcakes
9. For the drinks, provide sweet tea, water and wine. Of course you can go all out for a bellini bar (or a “Fruity Screwy Vodka Bar like Katy Ruth Camp created) but for this event we kept it easy with a selection of three whites — Champagne, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay — plus two reds: a Cabarnet and a Merlot.

10. For your party supplies, you don’t have to go to a department store for your linens. We scored the tablecloths at Michael’s, as well as the party napkins. Momma also has this glass pitcher stand as a party staple (pictured with Arnold Palmer) and she was pretty proud of her table scapes. We also rented a 360 booth with digital props and fun filters and it kept things fun and exciting.

For more Southern loveliness, follow Pretty Southern on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. We’re here to help plan your next pretty Southern shower!
October 12, 2013
Peachy Keen

Inspired by the South’s most famous fruit I have gathered some of the prettiest peachy finds for your home and wardrobe. Peach is popular in fashion and interior design right now but it is always a perfect summer hue for anyone living in the South. Peach is a universally easy color to wear, setting off a sun kissed tan and pale freckles alike- you are sure to look your best in this cheery shade. Or you can easily brighten up your home with peach accessories by adding a throw pillow or blanket, an inexpensive way to add a punch of color that is not a permanent design overhaul.

For your summer wardrobe find a breezy peach tank, a lightweight skirt, or a large accessory to set off your entire outfit. I love this striped linen tank by J.Crew in poppy for a modern, preppy take on the color that is perfect for any summer activity. Pair it with shorts for a bike ride. To view the full Wisper e-bike range click here. Pair it with skinny jeans and heels for a girls night out. Or keep your outfit simple and layer this chunky peach necklace by Urban Legend over a simple black tank or under a crisp white oxford. These lovely baubles are constructed from vintage lucite beads and will be everything you need to dress up a summer outfit.

In your home throw in some punches of peach to freshen up an otherwise bland room. Peach will go with any wall color from white to blue and is an easy way to modernize your space. Before you paint all of your walls in this bright shade, try simply layering in some accessories to see how you like living with the color. You can easily switch out your accessories seasonally to create a completely different look for your room. I love this gorgeous handmade vessel by Up In the Air Somewhere with a subtle peach fade. Place it on a table or shelf for a soft punch of color. In your bedroom toss this peachy ruffle quilt by Urban Outfitters on your bed and layer with some pillows in various shades of peach, pink, coral, and white for a monochromatic look that will add polish to your place. Lastly, send out these chevron note cards with a personalized note to add a splash of cheer to someone’s day. By etsy shop, Mr Handsome Face, they are a simple, elegant way to share this summer shade with someone you love.

However you choose to use it, you really can’t go wrong with this delightful summer hue that captures all of the South’s sweetest moments.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://prettysouthern.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/KatHeadShot.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Kat Kraszeski-Jackson is an art teacher, artist, and diy crafter living in Greensboro, NC. She loves sharing her favorite artists, projects, and creative inspiration here on Pretty Southern.[/author_info] [/author]

June 10, 2012
First Looks of a Southern Wedding

I know that “first looks” are more of a trend than a tradition and today I want to know what your thoughts are. The idea of the first look is that some time right before the ceremony the bride and groom get to share a quite moment together (usually only the photographer is present) before they take the big walk down the aisle. I know some people are completely opposed to having any contact or seeing each other at all before the actual events begin, but for us it seemed like the right choice to have that little moment together.

My husband and I, and our families for that matter, never even thought about trying to avoid each other before the ceremony. It wouldn’t have made any sense, after all of the months of hard work we had put in together planning and creating for our wedding, all those hours sifting through those wedding veils and dresses, only to leave one person stuck doing all of the work and set up that day while the other stayed hidden somewhere. So that morning we got up early, packed our car and headed to the venue. We worked all morning until it was time for me to run across the street for my hair and makeup appointments. I guess that is when the “hiding” began. He left to get ready with his groomsmen and I returned to the venue to get ready with my girls. Between the weather and the hectic morning schedule I was all nerves that hour before the ceremony began and the only possible thing that could have calmed me down at that moment was him.

So about 10 minutes before the ceremony began our best wedding photographers in melbourne brought him upstairs to where I was getting ready, hid him around the corner, and had me head around for a first look. It gave us a chance to see each other before the BIG moment and it was incredibly reassuring to see that we were both calm, excited, and ready to take that walk. You are surrounded by so many people while getting ready that day, people that are excited, stressed, anxious, helpful, and hyper, but the one person you are thinking about is hidden away from you all day. Taking that moment together RIGHT before you have to stand in front of a huge crowd brings you back to the moment and reminds you of what this day is all about- you and them.

This moment for us was brief but I remember feeling giddy and surprisingly calm. Even peaceful. I knew no matter how crazy that morning was, he would be the one thing that would bring me back down to earth. This trend may become a tradition, maybe not. Either way, I’d love to know what you’re thoughts on a first look moment between the bride and groom. I hope more weddings try out new trends like this! And if you are looking for the perfect wedding ballrooms, you might want to click on the link to learn more!

Thank you so much for letting me share some of our special day with you!

All photos by Joey and Jessica Seawell of Veil and Bow. Need photographers for your special events? Look online for experts who provide photography Cary, NC.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://prettysouthern.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/KatHeadShot.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Kat Kraszeski-Jackson is an art teacher, artist, and diy crafter living in Greensboro, NC. She loves sharing her favorite artists, projects, and creative inspiration here on Pretty Southern.[/author_info] [/author]

July 8, 2011
Southern Song for the Redneck in Us All

Watching Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” is like reading a Highlights magazine. Remember when we were kids, and would look for the hidden objects in the puzzle? Nine weasels, a feather, piece of rope, etc.? We’re going to play a similar game with “Chattahoochee”.

This song is the quintessential song for rednecks everywhere. No matter where you’re from, but especially if you’re from Georgia, the lyrics relish in honky-tonk pride. It’s artistic direction is taken to the next level by including a bunch of rednecks doing their usual things: partying down by the river, sporting mullets, jean shorts and rocking some awesome mustaches. So here we go, Pretty Southern’s first Redneck Hidden Pictures Fun Puzzle!

Please view the video then answer the questions below in our comments section. The first person to get them all right wins a free coozie from Southern Nice!

What age is the golden retriever: puppy, young or old?
Which flag is flying behind the tiki torches?
What’s the number on Alan’s Cowboys jersey?
How many men are rocking both a mullet AND a mustache? (Editor’s note: Alan doesn’t count )
Alan is sitting in something while singing his tune, what is it?
What critter is crossing the road that the gentleman break for? If you’re a Delta Zeta, you’ll know!
How many Classic Cars are featured?
What color and shape is printed on the cowboy boots Alan’s wearing on water skiis?
An old man is fishing on the river at the end of the song: what does he catch?

Key in your answers in the comments section below. If you’ve won, you’ll receive an email from us and a post to Facebook and Twitter!

July 7, 2011
Southern Nice Spreads the Love

The best part about living in the South is our diverse culture. We’re a young region, like the rest of America, but we’ve had to rebuild after Civil War, Great Depression, multiple recessions and that darn Boll Wevil.

Why not promote the nice things about living in the South? That’s what PrettySouthern aims to do, and now we have a partner in pleasantry: Southern Nice.

Southern Nice is the brainchild of Jeff Burns: a native Southerner, graduate from Georgia Tech, and all-around gentleman. His company launched in March 2011 and has already received hundreds of orders for his products bearing the Southern Nice logo. They started out with two tee shirt designs and in their first week sold almost 100 shirts plus a bunch of koozies and croakies. To date, Southern Nice has sold several hundred shirts in just a few months.

“This was something I always wanted to do,” Jeff explained. “I grew up with Southern hospitality, that sort of kindness, for me the South is about the people. I wanted to have one brand for everyone who calls themselves a Southerner.”

Southern Nice proprietor Jeff Burns with Clark Howard

What’s better is Southern Nice donates 50 percent of their profits from sales of their “city” shirts. The company has tee shirts dedicated to two great Southern cities, Atlanta and Nashville, with the proceeds going to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta plus Hands on Nashville. Southern Nice plans to roll out designs for Charlotte, Charleston and New Orleans by then end of 2011 with proceeds from the sale of those shirts also going to charity.

“When we first started it was going to be for profit, a side business just for fun,” Jeff said. “It wasn’t until I started to realize how big the brand could be that we should collaborate with local charities.”

The products are fantastic. Comfy, soft shirts (produced in part by local Atlanta company IceBox), plus nothing says “I’m a Southerner” like a pair of croakies or a coozy with the Southern Nice logo.

“It doesn’t matter if your black, white, Asian, or Hispanic…it’s the way you smile we can tell you’re from the South. Our Southern history, our culture is enriched by diversity, and other regions can’t say that. Living in Atlanta especially, we want everyone to feel like they’re Southern.

For more info on Southern Nice, check out their website or their Facebook page.

Do you call yourself a Southerner? Are you nice? Then these shirts are for you! We’d like to present our first PrettySouthern Prize! The FIRST TWO people to comment on this post will get a FREE SOUTHERN NICE TEE! The NEXT 10 folks will get a FREE SOUTHERN NICE COOZIE! Good luck y’all!

June 30, 2011