Bay Buzz
Blog 2012
12/19/12Apocalypse NowWith Dec. 21 right around the corner, I started to think, if I were a Doomsday Prepper, what items from my beloved Port City would I stock up on as I hunkered down for the end? Here is what I came up with: 1. MoonPies – With Hostess going out of business, I think the iconic Mardi Gras pastry might be the closest thing to an indestructible pastry that I could easily get my hands on. 2. Dew Drop Hotdogs – These might be able sustain me for a while. I think I’ll load up on some bottle Cokes while I’m at it. 3. Mardi Gras Beads – Cheap and plentiful, they are sure to become the fashion accessory in by bunker in 2013. Plus, when I get bored, I’m sure I can make them into a craft project that I saw that time on that thing they used to call... |
|
12/11/12All I Want for ChristmasWe're two weeks away from the big day, and we figured it's about time to round up our holiday wish list. Here, the MBM staff reminisces on the gifts they loved the most as a kid and shares what they hope the big guy brings this year. Surprisingly, no one asked for a Red Ryder BB Gun... Lawren Largue, Executive Editor Now 1. A full night's sleep. Since that's not going to happen until my children turn 18... 2. New feather pillows 3. Lavender vanilla-scented bubble bath 4. A stamped charm necklace like the ones at Ashland Gallery. Can you pass this along to my husband? Then When I was 7-years-old, on Christmas Eve I decided that I wanted a Nintendo. I just knew that since Santa was magical, he could make it happen on such short notice. That... |
|
12/04/12MB’s End-of-Season SEC Rankings…In which I boldly go where no real sports analyst ever goes: to revisit my pre-season projections. Alabama Actual finish: 11-1 My prediction: 11-1 Thoughts: It wasn’t always pretty, but Nick Saban’s army of mini-Sabans yet again reigned supreme over the SEC. Georgia Actual finish: 11-1 My prediction: 9-3 Thoughts: Richt looked confident up until the bitter end of the SEC Championship, and despite a fantastic season, I’m curious about his ability to overcome such a heartbreaking loss. Florida Actual finish: 11-1 My prediction: 8-4 LSU Actual finish: 10-2 My prediction: 11-1 Texas A&M Actual finish: 10-2 My prediction: 7-5 Thoughts: Who could have predicted the emergence of Johnny Pigskin?... |
|
11/13/12Newlywed NavidadOur collection: Quintessential engraved ornament (circa 2006), engagement ornament and wedding invitation ornament. There are just two occasions during the year in which my family eats in the dining room: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both of which are relatively formal affairs. My mom pulls out the holiday linens and fine china while my dad spends hours in the kitchen perfecting what will be “the perfect bird.” With a Martha Stewart-worthy table prepared, my family gathers in celebration to eat, exchange new ornaments, etc. Yet, for as long as I can remember, my family has eaten Thanksgiving dinner in pajamas. I don’t... |
|
 |
11/06/12I Voted for President, and All I Got Was This Lousy StickerI realize you probably haven’t heard much about it, but when I woke up this morning and checked the calendar, it dawned on me that today was the Tuesday after the first Monday of November in an even-numbered year, and must therefore be the unifying celebration we call Election Day. I know – this one snuck up on me, too. Now, I trust that anyone intelligent enough to read the highbrow blog posts of mobilebaymag.com is also civic-minded enough to vote. “Vote or die,” to quote Mr. Diddy. (I’ve yet to understand how those things are mutually exclusive, but I digress.) Once you have voted, the next steps are of utmost importance and revolve around those all-important “I Voted” stickers. You should immediately take a picture of your sticker... |
10/30/12Trick or TreatAt last, tomorrow is the day we’ve all been waiting for. The one day of the year you can dress up in the ridiculous costume of your choice, eat all of the candy you like and no one will say anything about it (at least not to your face). If you’re anything like us folks at the Mobile Bay office, deciding what to wear and where to go are pretty tough decisions to make. If you’re mulling over last minute costume decisions and party plans, never fear. Here, we’ve compiled our favorite Pinterest finds to make tomorrow that much easier. Click here to see our entire Halloween board. Creative costumes on a dime Price is Right: Everyone has an old college sweatshirt, a piece of cardboard and a Sharpie. Just make sure you only bid $1.... |
|
10/24/12Paranormal ActivitiesEver since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved Halloween. I’m pretty much a sucker for any holiday; especially one that gives you candy and involves some sort of costume, so I was in pretty high spirits around All Hallows’ Eve. I would have my costumes planned out for months. My outfits ranged from Mini Mouse, to Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” to Brittney Spears, to a hippie. Always homemade, never store-bought, my mom was charged with the daunting task of trying to recreate my “vision.” Hands-down, my all-time favorite was when I was about 4 or 5 and I went as Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” (temporary red hair dye and all), and my little brother went as Flounder (because he was too young to protest). To make up for... |
|
10/19/12The Mobile Bay Office Scavenger HuntDo you ever come across some random object in your workspace and think, ‘Where the heck did that come from?’ I do daily – especially since the institution of the Mobile Bay office prank wars – but that’s another story. Scattered alongside spreadsheets, tape dispensers and reference books, things like beach balls, silver teapots and Christmas ornaments find unexpected homes, all in the name of encouraging creativity. In fact, here’s a list of 15 completely arbitrary items found in a five-minute search around my office and those of my co-workers. I’d call for an overhaul and yard sale, but then, frankly, our days (and our magazine) probably wouldn’t be quite as entertaining. 1. The gong (necessary for the... |
|
10/09/12Four Lessons I Learned at BayFestWhen Al Green tells you to sing, you sing. When he tells you to dance, you dance, and when he tells you to smile, it’s already too late. Bienville Square and its surrounding thoroughfares were rocking Sunday night as the Reverend played his biggest hits and “took us way back” a few times, including a Four Tops medley that might have been the highlight of the weekend. When the horns jumped into “Tired of Being Alone,” my involuntary white-boy dance nearly caused me to choke on my chicken-on-a-stick. Willie Nelson will always rule. From the moment he came out and gave one of those old-person, double-armed waves high above his head, picked up his guitar and opened with “Whiskey River,” this fact was obvious. The Red-Headed... |
|
10/02/12October, Finally!I'd be lying if I said that October wasn't my favorite time of the year. I countdown to this glorious month every year with even more vigor than the one before. Partly because it's my birthday month and partly because the Bay area really begins to come alive. On the Coast, October brings BayFest, the fair, heated football rivalries, cooler temps (ideally) and one delicious seafood cook-off after another. But most importantly, October kicks off the holiday season's spirit of giving with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Groups in both Mobile and Baldwin county have united together to host a variety of events to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Here are five simple ways you can get involved this month: “Digging... |
|
09/25/12Dressing for Mobile's "Fall" WeatherAround this time each year, I’m always faced with a big dilemma … what to wear. Yes, this pesky question plagues me when I wake up all 365 days, but it is particularly a tricky one in the September and October months. As residents of our great city, you know what I’m talking about. While most of the country has four seasons, Mobile really only has two, hot and not so hot. While our days might start out at cool, “jacket-weather” temperatures in the 50s and 60s, they inevitably skyrocket back up to the high 80s before nightfall. Our finicky weather can make getting ready for work in the morning all the more difficult. While most people’s must-have lists for fall are filled with bright-hued, brass-buttoned coats and chunky, wool sweaters,... |
|
09/11/12Real World 101In the fall of 2008, I set out on the journey toward adulthood and four years later, walked away with a college degree that convinced me I was ready for the real world. I knew how to utilize a washing machine's full potential, make $20 worth of groceries last for two weeks and had become extremely well-versed on the state of Alabama’s open container policy. So many valuable lessons in such a short time; my parents would be proud! Sadly, graduation signaled an abrupt end to my trial run as an adult. Though I’ll deny saying this, my parents may have been on to something when they told me being a grown-up wasn’t easy. In the past six months, I’ve navigated the confusing world of tax returns and student loans, gotten my first credit card, been summoned to... |
|
09/05/12Riding Out the StormI met Isaac at Oakleigh Town Hall, or as it is more commonly known, Callaghan’s Irish Social Club. We had actually been introduced a few days prior, as an unexpected east wind apparently drove the fish out of Mobile Bay and all I had to show for a morning’s toils were two flounder I caught in Fowl River. But when we properly met, Isaac and I, I sweated like the beer bottle in front of me and prepared for my first time with giddy trepidation. Thanks to a few good souls who were more experienced than myself, I mostly knew what to expect. Lots of wind, they said. Lots of water. No work, no power, no worries. With the heavy stuff still 12 hours away, we moved from the bar to a nearby house, where we danced to Dr. John, ate whatever assortment of grillable meats we could... |
|
 |
08/21/12Setting Up ShopI always get excited whenever a new store comes to Mobile. Not only do I get a thrill because it means there is one more place for me to go shopping, but because it means that retailers realize our city’s potential. This week, Versona Accessories is opening a store in Bel Air Mall this week and I’ve personally been counting down the days. The retailer has locations throughout the southeast and prides itself on appealing to women who like to have fun with their individual style. Their website is full of bright, colorful pieces at affordable prices and I can’t wait to get my hands on them. One item I am really excited about is the pendant necklace. The versatile piece comes in an array of styles and gemstones that could go with any outfit. Their bangles also... |
 |
08/16/12Pet of the Week: Reuben and the Sandwich PuppiesHello, my name is Reuben! My brother, PoBoy, and sister, Panini, and I were dumped at a business. Fortunately, some nice folks grabbed us up before we were killed in traffic. My sister and I are mostly basset hound, but PoBoy has some black lab in him. We are doing very well on our crate training, but will need regular puppy training. We are extra sweet and love our swimming pool, toys and chewies! We are just 16 weeks old. If you are interested in adopting any of us sandwich puppies, or another great pet, call 251- 633-3531 or complete the online adoption application at MobileSPCA.org. |
 |
08/14/12THE MB PRE-SEASON TOP 14: Because who else matters?In this a-twittering world, it’s difficult to sit down and read an entire blog post mapping out every team’s chances in the upcoming, all-important SEC football season. So I’ve summed up my thoughts on each team in 140 characters or less, and tacked on a prediction for their regular season record. Please direct all hate mail to snpotts@pmtpublishing.com. 1. Alabama Enough talent to win every game, but 12-0 is tough to do. Easiest pick: a few crazy Tiders will find new ways to embarrass the school/state. 11-1 2. LSU #1 last week, but Honey Badger's big plays and big mouth will be missed. The defense will be fun to watch, at least when playing your rival. 11-1 3. South Carolina If the Ol’ Ball Coach can find a QB who enjoys reading and... |
 |
08/09/12Two to TangoAs long as I’ve been walking, I’ve been dancing. Some people stand out in sports, others at piano or violin, but dance, well, dance has always been my thing. Or so I thought. As my fiancé and I shuffled clumsily across the hardwood floors of Starlite Ballroom Tuesday night, I began to question my talent. I should have known we were in trouble as soon as we walked in the door. We signed in and found our way to a small table off to the side to fill out the dance clinic registration form. Name and address? Check. Skill level? Beginner. Type of dance? Great question. All I could think of was a foxtrot I saw one time on an episode of “Dancing with the Stars.” Sure, foxtrot sounds good. We sat back and watched while one woman finished up... |
 |
08/02/12Pet of the Week: MyrtleMyrtle is a sweet, calm 2 year old female Chihuahua who is looking for a nice lap to call her own. She came from the City Animal Shelter and was transferred to the Mobile SPCA. She has very nice manners and is very affectionate. She also is very clean and is crate trained. She likes nothing better than being in your arms or hanging out with you on a nice sofa watching television. Myrtle is an indoor dog only. She gets along great with other small dogs and is vocal when she wants your attention. Because she is so small, a home without small children would be best. Myrtle only weighs 10 pounds. She has already been spayed, microchipped and she is current on all her vaccinations. She did test positive for heartworms and is on... |
 |
07/31/12Book ReportThere are two words no child wants to hear during the dog days of July: summer reading. Those dreaded words are worse than the thought of eating vegetables instead of Honey Buns and even more terrible than the tune of that old “School Days” song my mom would sing to wake me up on the first day of class each year. Growing up, I never appreciated the art of sitting down and getting lost in the pages of a new book. Between hopscotch, jump rope and late-night “Ghost in the Graveyard” games, who had time? This summer, the Mobile Bay staff reminisced about those “dear old Golden Rule days” as we put together the August Back-to-School issue (pick up your copy on stands tomorrow!). With inspiration from dozens of talented kids and teens in the Bay... |
 |
07/24/12Back to SchoolIt’s hard to believe summer is almost over. Those precious days of freedom that as a kid, straddled between one grade and the next, always seemed numbered have an even shorter expiration date as an adult. Quicker than a lifeguard can blow his whistle at you for running around the pool, it seems our summer has come to a close. When I was little, the one thing that made returning to the classroom bearable for me was back-to-school shopping. Armed with the standard-issue supply list and a buggy, my mom and I would troll the aisles for all the tools I needed to prepare me for the next year. But, of course, I couldn’t have just any old pencils, pens and notebooks, they had to be the cutest ones. And I couldn’t have just any old book bag, it had to be the monogrammed... |
 |
07/19/12Pet of the Week: HamptonHampton just had some time with a foster family, and they report that he is a sweet dog. He is friendly with kids and other dogs. He is crate trained, but still needs some work on house training. He is timid when it comes to strange noises. Hampton likes to play with a dog rope and ball. He would prefer to sleep in your bed or on the couch, but does fine in his crate! He likes to ride in the car, but will not jump in the car on his own yet. He is an 8-month-old hound dog, heartworm negative and 47 pounds. For more information on adopting me or any of my friends at Mobile SPCA, click here. |
07/17/12My Summer Saturday List (Part Three)#1 Big Wheels Make like Apolo Ohno and cool off in an indoor rink. Roll on over to Sunshine Skate Center in WeMo. Even grownups can enjoy a whirl around the rink to some cool tunes and funky disco lights. Skate before 7:30 p.m. and you’ll be digging the discount prices. Only five bucks admission, plus two greenbacks more for rentals. If you’re feeling adventurous, spring for the $3 speed-skate wheels. Sunshineskate.com #2 Pick a Pet Tucked away in a Cottage Hill shopping strip is a not-so-little pet store. The 14,000-square-foot B&B Pet Stop stocks everything from exotic reptiles to guinea pigs, as well as all their accouterments. Little ones will get a kick out of chatting with colorful, talkative feathered friends. Explore aquarium city. Aisles... |
|
 |
07/12/12Pet of the Week: AlfieMy name is Alfie, and I was transferred from the City Shelter. I am a very cute guy! I get along well with kids, kitties and other dogs, and I'm crate trained! A true terrier with a mind of my own, I have a great personality and cheerful attitude. I am very affectionate and love to nap in a lap. My underbite is charming, and it doesn't keep me from eating my cookies and biscuits! I am just one year old, weigh a petite 22 pounds and heartworm negative. For more information on adopting me or any of my friends at Mobile SPCA, click here. |
07/10/12D-I-Why Not?My New Year's Resolution was to learn how to cook. Seeing that we are quickly approaching mid-July and my last recipe attempt resulted in a broken blender, I've decided to shift my focus to a new goal. Pots and pans have been ditched in favor of my trusty hot pink glue gun, a bucket of acrylic paints and a plethora of inspiration boards overflowing with new project ideas. I must blame Pinterest for my new obsession with all things upcycled, recycled and any other form of exceptional creativity. DIY seems to be one of this year's biggest fads, and I've set my sights on becoming one of those crafters who make people stand in awe and ask, "How did she do that?" There's nothing quite as gratifying as seeing a project through from start to... |
|
 |
07/05/12Pet of the Week: SylviaMy name is Sylvia, and I was transferred from the Escambia County Humane Society. I have lived my entire life in a puppy mill. I am such a sweet lady. I do well with the other dog. I love my milk bones, and I sing for my supper. I have had a clean bill of health from the veterinarian including a normal senior bloodwork panel, thyroid check and urinalysis. I am a senior gal looking for a calm home. I am 8 years old, heartworm negative and just 10 pounds! If you would like to adopt me, complete the online adoption application or call 251-633-3531. |
 |
07/03/12Table for OneCooking a meal for one is a valiant endeavor, in some ways. It is an undertaking which, I enter knowing, could leave me force-feeding myself like a toddler in a tantrum, with my tears serving as the only respite from the food’s vapid dryness. It says to hell with the easy route, standing in the freezer aisle and whistling “Camptown Races” as you decide which flavor of the increasingly life-like Healthy Choice meals you’ll take home to microwave. There is also a certain selfishness in dining solo, seeing as I should be able to at least find one person in this town who would enjoy a dinner, if not for the fellowship then at least for the free food. But any social guilt is overshadowed by the fear of making another human suffer through a meal which... |
 |
06/28/12Pet of the Week: FredericMy name is Frederic and my owner could no longer keep me. When the Mobile SPCA told my owner they had no room for me at the MSPCA shelter, she just dumped me down the road with my brother. One of their nice volunteers rescued us and saved us from being run over! I am a good-hearted, happy dog. I am about 4 years old, heartworm negative and 47 pounds. I like kids and will make a great family dog. If you would like to adopt me, complete the online adoption application or call 251-633-3531. |
 |
06/26/12A Passion for FashionEver since I was a little girl, I’ve been in love with fashion. While most girls focused on the relationship Barbie had with her on-again-off-again boyfriend Ken, I was obsessed with her wardrobe. After all, she wouldn’t be able to hold Ken’s attention for very long without a fabulous outfit? I spent hours playing dress up every chance I got, sporting ruby red slippers and a gingham dress pretending to be Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” or layering on my mother’s and grandmother’s jewelry, scarves and purses. I was and still am a girlie girl to the core. When I was about 4, I was over the moon when I got the chance to model for Gayfer’s. My big 15 minutes of fame are sort of a blur, I don’t really remember much except for... |
06/19/12My Summer Saturday List (Part Two)Try these easy family entertainment ideas during the month of July: #1 Old Faithful Waterville has been around almost as long as we can remember, and there’s a reason why! It’s a summertime rite of passage in the land of many 100-degree days. Whether you prefer to partake lazy-river style or Screamin’ Demon speed, there’s a fun-filled adventure waiting for every member of the family. Personally, I’m mapping my day to include WaWa World, a pirate adventure oasis for tykes under 48 inches, as well as the dry-land Fun Depot, which boasts small-fry friendly carnival rides. The bigger kids in our party are sure to flock to Rainbow Falls, a moderately paced slide for the thrill-meeker set. watervilleusa.com #2 Spa-la-la-la-la... |
|
