Celebrating Mom: Happy Mother’s Day!

Home & Living May 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

words-about-mom

Mom: noun \ˈmäm, ˈməm\

A female parent; a woman in authority or the superior of a religious community of women.

That’s the dictionary’s definition of mother.

Ditch the published meaning and let’s look at this another way. If you’re a person who was nurtured and molded by an awesome woman, you know that “mom” is really defined by an infinite number of positive adjectives. In the real world, mom is often our first best friend, trusted confidant, doctor, shoulder to lean on and so much more.

The art of mothering (yes, the art of) cannot be taught nor can the residuals of great mothering be taken away. Have you taken the time to express thanks for your best gal lately?

Some of us just don’t know how lucky we are to have the option of calling the ol’ momster to rant about the worst day ever! We’ve all got friends who have a hard time on Mother’s day because they’ve lost that option, and they instill in us the importance of staying mindful.

Where would you be if she never read books to you at bedtime when you were scared of the Boogeyman? Would you really know how to cook a thing if she didn’t let you have the job as her sous chef when you were five? If you think about the grand scheme of things, would you even have that fantastic personality if she didn’t tell you how awesome you were even after you sucked on the soccer field, sang off-key in the back seat or made her a necklace out of macaroni noodles and forced her to wear it?

I knew that would get you thinking!

Don’t panic if you forgot to mail a gift or send a card. There are still so many ways to show appreciation. You can round up the kiddos (if you’ve got a brood of your own) and make a really cute 30 second video. You could set up a Skype date and recite an original poem (make sure to brush your teeth first, she’s still mom and notices EVERYTHING). Or, you could be super awesome and go to a really great deal site, with a Jack Russell Terrier as the mascot and purchase a nice spa or massage package for her.

Also, take a few moments this Mother’s day to make a quick call to that aunt, grandmother, close family friend or a sister who also sacrificed a bit of herself to pour into you.

You can thank me later, but thank mom now!

Clorissa is one of SweetJack’s exuberant editors. Editing copy and enjoying the occasional in-office wall-sit by day, she is a regular on the ATL social scene after hours. When her night’s not booked with events, she can be found lounging at home with a few of Redbox’s latest additions.

Lost Sock Memorial Day

Other May 8, 2013 Leave a Comment

Sock-Memorial

This one goes out to all those lost socks out there. You know which ones you are. The aloe vera-infused socks I paid $6 for that winter when I thought I was going to die from a head cold, or those striped knee socks I used for slip slidin’ Risky Business-style around my kitchen, or even that one pair of white socks I used to workout all of two times last year.

Lost socks are part of life, whether you want to blame your messy roommate whose aroma from their room always faintly reminds you of that guy who came to all your freshman classes in pajama pants (you know that guy) or if you just want to admit defeat and buy another pair. As a talented lost-sock-finder and general sock enthusiast, I’ve decided to unleash my three go-to tricks when it comes to finding those pesky lost socks and turning that one lonely sock into a useful device you can’t live without–all in lieu of Lost Sock Memorial Day (yes, it’s a thing!).

Momentary freedom
Chances are your house is a mess, right? And who is going to cook beef stew for you and rub your aching feet and, here’s the kicker, ask for nothing in return? Why, house elves, dear muggle! With their helpful slav..err I mean, service we get twice as much cooking and cleaning done without any of the work. But alas, while you were working this whole time, your house elf has decided to grubbily steal all your socks in hopes of you presenting them with a piece of clothing and thus accidentally setting it free. What an ungrateful little creature.

Where to look: Check in between books, underneath your pillow and even in the fridge. Don’t fall for their trickery and when you do find one of their hidden gems, make sure to look your elf in the eye as you ball up their hopes and dreams.

All hail dryer god
It’s not a surprise that the old tale of your dryer eating your socks is true. To the unsuspecting observer it seems as if your dryer is another reliable appliance. However, you couldn’t be more wrong. Your dryer feasts on socks. In fact, socks are your dryers only source of nourishment. Take those solo socks away and your dryer will cease to dry. But now that you know your dryer is, indeed, eating all your socks, a simple act of asking for your socks back will set your lone rangers free.

Where to look: The dryer god is fickle, so I wouldn’t suggest just demanding your socks back. Start small and ask politely. Also, clean the lint trap.

Quarter for your thoughts
Lost sock victims: we’ve found a use for the lonely sock. When I can’t find its match (sigh..), I carry around a sock full of quarters–just in case. My trusty sidekick serves a couple of purposes. Say my debit card is rejected at the bar for the third time, my socky pal provides me with an alternate form of payment. Even better, if I do end up getting bombarded by an unfriendly civilian on my walk home, a simple sling of my sock full of quarters will enable me to make a quick getaway and do some damage to my assailant in the process.

Where to look: Check your usual route home from the nearest bar. Most likely you’ll find your precious sock…maybe with a few quarters missing but hey, at least you found it!

No socks were harmed in the making of this post.

Aubrie is SweetJack’s easygoing editorial assistant. A GCSU alum and Harry Potter aficionado, she enjoys graphic design, photography and stalking the pages of Gawker on a daily basis.

History of Coca-Cola

Arts & Entertainment May 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

CocaColaCollage

Sipped and savored for over a century, Coca-Cola is the real king of pop. While its roots run deep here in Atlanta, this soft drink is the epitome of a global brand and a worldwide symbol.

Celebrating the anniversary of its first sale 127 years ago today, here’s a look back at the highs and, well, more highs, of the refreshing brand we all know and love.

1886: Coca-Cola is born in Atlanta, Ga. The secret syrup was made by local pharmacist, Dr. John Stith Pemberton. He brought a jug of it to Jacobs’ Pharmacy and after sampling it, everyone loved it. It was put on shelves for 5 cents a glass and the first one was sold on this day.

(Fun fact: Pemberton liked the two C’s in “Coca-Cola” and wrote the name in his own script. . . inspiration for what we see now)

1888: Before his death, Pemberton sells Coca-Cola® to Asa G. Candler, an Atlanta businessman.

1892: Candler liquidates his pharmaceutical business to focus on Coke®. He forms a Georgia corporation called “The Coca-Cola Company.”

1893: The “Coca-Cola” trademark is registered in the US Patent Office.

1894: Joseph Biedenharn bottles Coca-Cola for the first time in Vicksburg, MS.

1895: Coke® is being enjoyed in every state and territory in the US.

1898: The Coca-Cola Company’s first headquarters is built. At three stories tall, the company outgrows its new home within the next 10 years.

1899: Large-scale bottling becomes a reality. The first bottling plant opens in Chattanooga, TN the same year. Today, the Coca-Cola bottling system is one of the largest in the world.

1916: Distinctive packaging is created and the unique contour bottle is approved (it was not trademarked until 1977).

1919: Ernest Woodruff and a group of investors buy The Coca-Cola Company for $25 million.

1926: Woodruff creates the Foreign Department (later became a subsidiary called The Coca-Cola Export Corporation) to handle foreign sales and distribution.

1928: Coca-Cola begins their partnership with the Olympic Games (held in Amsterdam that year).

1941: When US enters WWII, Woodruff is ordered to “see that every man in uniform gets a bottle of Coca-Cola for 5 cents, wherever he is and whatever it costs the Company.” Coca Cola becomes symbol of friendship as well as refreshment in the post-war world.

1945: “Coke®” is registered as a trademark.

1950: First live television show sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company airs on Thanksgiving Day.

1955: 10, 12 and 26-ounce and family-size bottles are created.

1960: Metal cans (first created for the military) are made available in stores.

1961: Sprite® is introduced.

1963: TAB, the company’s first low-calorie drink, is introduced.

1977: Plastic PET (polyethylene Terephthalate) packaging in a two liter bottle is introduced.

1982: Diet Coke® is introduced and proves to be the most successful soft drink since the launch of the original Coca-Cola.

1985: Coca-Cola announces a “new taste” in the classic beverage, the first change in the formula since its creation in 1886. Taste tests prove consumers prefer the new taste, but are still attached to the “originality” of the classic formula. Coca-Cola soon puts the original formula back on the market as “Coca-Cola Classic®.”

1988: Three worldwide surveys conducted by Landor & Associates show that Coca-Cola is the best-known and most admired trademark in the world.

2004: In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Time Square and the Coca-Cola bottler in New York, The Coca-Cola Company erects a new billboard sign, which is currently one of the largest digital canvases in the world. It’s a 3D, high-tech display that is over six stories high with custom digital imagery for Coca-Cola classic®, Diet Coke® and Coca-Cola C2®. The sign also includes GPS technology, 2.6 million LED lights and a state-of-the-art computer screen. Before this, the last time the sign was changed was in 1991.

Today: Celebrating 127 years, Coca-Cola is now available in over 200 countries and produces over 3,500 products worldwide. It remains an international symbol of not only refreshment but friendship as well.

Popular Slogans Over The Years
“It’s The Refreshing Thing To Do” (1936)
“The Global High Sign” (1944)
“Sign of Good Taste” (1957)
“Be Really Refreshed” (1963)
“Things Go Better With Coke” (1966)
“It’s the Real Thing” (1969)
“Coke Adds Life” (1976)
“Have a Coke and a Smile” (1979)
“Coke Is It!” (1982)
“Can’t Beat the Feeling” (1989)
“Can’t Beat the Real Thing” (1991)
“Always Coca-Cola” (1993)
“Life Tastes Good” (2001)
“The Coke Side of Life” (2006)

Wedded Bliss: Planning The Perfect Spring/Summer Wedding

Home & Living May 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

Wedding-Planning (1)He’s down on one knee, you’re saying “YES!” and before you know it, you have an entire wedding to plan. What are your flowers? Colors? Overall look and feel for the ceremony and reception?

A lot of brides tend to go into post-proposal freak out, but these tips for the perfect spring or summer wedding with gorgeous florals, on-trend color schemes and budget-friendly ideas will make your walk (ahem–strut) down the aisle easy peasy.

Pick a theme

Do this first–it’s the most fun! You’ve been dreaming about this day since you swung a pillowcase off the back of your head like a veil. What are your dreams? Do you see yourself nautical-style barefoot on the beach or saying your vows in a fairytale-esque church? Whatever your dream was as a starry-eyed 12-year-old can influence the real thing.

Plan a budget

Make your dreams a reality on a budget–and stick to it. Budgets aren’t my thing, but they DO save me from the “OMG!” moments later. Try to focus on the most important aspects for you and your fiance. Are you and your future hubby foodies? Splurge on a sit-down dinner with all the fixings. More of a groovster? Take the dance floor by storm with a killer DJ.

Set a date

If you’ve imagined a destination wedding, plan on a weekend that people usually have off for a more leisurely time relaxing with the wedding party and sightseeing. Tip: Friday and Sunday weddings are becoming a big trend in the industry at almost half the cost of the traditional Saturday night time. Save that money and have a little more for, say, the dress of your dreams, perhaps?

Choose your colors

For the warmer months, picking a brighter hue may be your go-to. The biggest spring trend for 2013 is…dum, dum, dah dum…mint! Incorporate this cool and fresh hue into your wedding in the bridesmaid dresses, invitations or maybe in a signature cocktail like a Mint Julep.

Do it yourself

Check Pinterest for DIY wedding ideas. From elegant mason jar centerpieces to inexpensive flower arrangements, there’s no reason you can’t shave a few dollars off your decorating budget. Start your own board and start to generate ideas to customize your original, unique special day.

And lastly, remember to relax and enjoy your big day–and have a piece (or two) of that amazing cake!

Ansley is SweetJack’s bubbly staff writer. Youngest of 6 sisters, don’t let her calm demeanor fool you–you’ll find her writing up a storm and calling out the dawgs. ‘SIC EM!

DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

Home & Living May 3, 2013 Leave a Comment

image

Show Mom how much she means to you this Mother’s Day with an awesome handcrafted gift. From the novice crafter to the expert seamstress, we’ve conjured up four DIY (and super easy!) gift ideas from the heart that are sure to impress.

Photobook

A framed pic is oh-so-nice, but today’s technology lets you turn snapshots into professional-quality albums and collages with just a few mouse clicks. Our favorite sites for creating and ordering? Try pinholepress.com for modern, clean, not-your-granny’s-style scrapbooks. Or, enjoy the fuss-free navigation of kodak.com, Shutterfly.com or snapfish.com, three of the best go-to sites for photo gifts (i.e. mugs, tshirts and calendars).

 Monogrammed Tote

Maverick mamas need to have multiple solutions to every conceivable catastrophe at the ready. From band-aids to diapers to field trip forms to lipstick and pens, keep her organized and fashionable with a monogrammed tote. Martha Stewart details the how-to here and you can find inexpensive tote bags at your local craft store or Amazon.com.

 Tub Teas

Busy moms will relish in a little R & R. With a sewing needle, some thread, a coffee filter and your imagination, you can easily create an aromatic Tub Tea. Simply fill the filter with whatever you like (soap carvings, flower petals, herb cuttings) and add in some old-fashioned oatmeal and Epsom salt. For every one cup of oatmeal, use one cup Epsom salt and one cup fun stuff.  Then, simply fold the filter and sew it closed.

Felt Smartphone Case

Pretty and practical, just like your leading lady. We are crushing on the felt and floral hand-stitched smartphone case at Huffington Post’s Home section. This craft can easily be enlarged to fit mom’s tablet or iPad. To make it even more meaningful, use a cutting from a treasured baby blanket or old shirt for the interior fabric and a button from an old, beloved coat to secure the flap.

 Michelle is SweetJack’s savvy Momma in residence but don’t let the bumpers and bibs fool you. This Staff Writer loves a witty Rap reference and a heavy pour of pinot.

Family Dinner Night Out: No Kitchen Duty

Food & Drink, Home & Living May 2, 2013 Leave a Comment

Family-Night-OutMost adages ring true. What goes up must come down. Better safe than sorry. And, my favorite, variety is the spice of life.

Isn’t it amazing how getting out of the house for a meal can strike a new harmony with your family? A simple break in routine and new conversations spark, personalities shine, laughter rings.

The FamilyDinnerProject.org states, “Over the past 15 years researchers have confirmed what parents have known for a long time: sharing a family meal is good for the spirit, the brain and the health of all family members. Recent studies link family dinners with many behaviors that parents pray for: lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and depression, as well as higher grade-point averages and self-esteem. Studies also indicate that dinner conversation is a more potent vocabulary-booster than reading, and the stories told around the kitchen table help our children build resilience.” Holy moley! Let’s eat!

Unfortunately, once you pop kids into the equation, finding the perfect venue can pose a challenge. Will patrons look the other way if Jimmy throws a tantrum? Can Suzie get her Italian fix and Dad land a perfectly grilled steak? Can everyone be happy so Mom can have a little quiet time?

We’ve surveyed the country for restos that fit the bill. Our favorite? Ryan’s Steakhouse. Not only does their buffet please every palette, the happy-to-know-ya vibe is ever-present. You can pop in for b-fast, lunch, dinner or anywhere in between for a hearty, healthy meal that’ll fill you up without filling you out.

Bring the family back to the table again (minus dish duty)!

Michelle is SweetJack’s savvy Momma in residence but don’t let the bumpers and bibs fool you. This Staff Writer loves a witty Rap reference and a heavy pour of pinot.

Kentucky Derby 101

Arts & Entertainment, Getaways & Detours May 1, 2013 Leave a Comment

139th-Kentucky-Derby

Is your Derby IQ up to snuff for Saturday’s big race? Will the odds be ever in your favor? Not sure? It’s okay, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s your cheat sheet for the Kentucky Derby 139. From how it works to the featured horses to this year’s favorites, it’s everything you need to know win big.

The Basics
What: Kentucky Derby 139
When: Saturday, May 4
Where: Churchill Downs, Kentucky

How It Works 
Twenty lucky horses and their jockeys get to race in the most-watched two minutes in sports. But how do they earn this elite opportunity?

This year marks the first year using the new ranking system, “The Road to the Kentucky Derby.” Unlike the former system which was based on graded stakes earnings, the new system is point-based. The Kentucky Derby is the finale, if you will, of months of races including the Prep Season from September to February and the Championship Series from February to April.

Each preceding race awards the top 4 finishers points, with the numbers increasing as the season progresses. These points are tallied and determine the top 20 horses that get to race in the Kentucky Derby.

The Horses

The Favorites
Each year, Derby experts take their picks for who will win the coveted blue ribbon. Here are this year’s Power Rankings, a tally of each expert’s top 5.

1. Normandy Invasion & Verrazano (tied)
3. Orb
4. Revolutionary
5. Goldencents

See each expert’s individual favorites here!

Derby Did Ya Know?

  • This year’s race marks the 139th running of the Derby.
  • The Kentucky Derby is also referred to as “The Greatest Two Minutes In Sports.”
  • Almost 100 of the horses that have won the Kentucky Derby were born in the state of Kentucky.
  • The Derby is limited to 3-year-old thoroughbreds.

 

Party Like It’s Cinco De Mayo

Food & Drink April 30, 2013 Leave a Comment

It may be five o’clock somewhere, but the real fiesta doesn’t start til the calendar strikes the fifth of May. Get your Cinco de Mayo fiesta best on and celebrate the right way, with great food and even better cocktails!

Keep it traditional with Jack’s Chunky Guacamole or try something new and mix up a Cinco de Swizzle (our take on the Gringo Swizzle).

Whatever you do, make this Cinco de Mayo one to remember!

CincoDeMayo

Cinco de Swizzle

Ingredients

  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • .5 oz creme de cassis
  • .5 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz fresh orange juice
  • Ginger ale

Directions

  • Pour all ingredients except ginger ale into a cocktail shaker
  • Add ice
  • Shake well
  • Pour into glass and top off with cold ginger ale
  • Drink responsibly and enjoy!

Jack’s Chunky Guacamole

Ingredients

  • 2 avocados
  • 1 tomato
  • 1/4 onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 lime
  • Cilantro, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cayenne pepper, optional

Directions

  • Dice avocados, tomato, onion and garlic
  • Mix together
  • Add cilantro, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste
  • Serve with tortilla chips

Dress For The Derby

Fashion & Beauty April 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Ladies, grab your hats. Gents, get ready to go preppy. It’s Kentucky Derby time!

Everyone knows that aside from the prized stallions, fashion is what the Derby is all about. From larger-than-life hats and colorful sundresses to bow ties and suspenders, everyone, both young and old, dons their Derby best come race day.

Still taking bets on what you’ll be wearing? Steal these looks and come out a winner all day long!

Kentucky-Derby

{1} H&M Dress with Beaded Embroidery, $129 {2} Brooks Brothers Flower Straw Hat, $79.20 {3} Kit Heath Gold Champagne Ball Stud Earrings, $70 {4} Pebbled Box Clutch, $48 {5} Zara High Heel Shoes with Ankle Strap, $49.90 {6} H&M Linen Pants, $29.95 {7} H&M Linen Blazer, $69.95 {8} Brooks Brothers Mini BB#1 Stripe Bow Tie, $55 {9} Brooks Brothers Cotton Slim Fit Checked Seersucker Sports Shirt, $79.50 {10} Aston Grey Mercer Wingtip Oxford, $89.95

 

DerbySpreadNumbers

{1} Medium Down Brim Derby Hat, $58 {2} Michael Kors Silk Bow Tie, $39.50 {3} AG Jeans Straight Leg Chinos, $138 {4} Brook Brothers Bold Tattersall Sport Shirt, $79.50 {5} American Apparel Unisex Suspender, $18 {6} Merona Envelope Ostrich Clutch, $17.99 {7} GUESS Hondo Peep-Toe Pumps, $89

Sexy R&B Shrimp Scampi

Food & Drink April 26, 2013 2 Comments


Get in the mood with some sexy soul food.

Celebrate National Shrimp Scampi Day with a sexy twist on this classic pasta dish, with a special side of rhythm and blues.

ScampiCollage

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 1/2 tomato (chopped)
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. white pepper
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 lemon (sliced into long quarters)
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt
  • Blackened seasoning (optional, but also mandatory)
  • 1 lb. peeled/deveined raw white shrimp
  • 1/2 lb. pasta (your choice; long, thin noodles such as angel hair is recommended)
  • At least one hour of classic ’90s R&B hits

Instructions

Fill a large pot halfway with water, and place on high until it reaches a rolling boil. Go to your home stereo, and queue up the playlist of your favorite R&B songs of the late/great ’90s. Start with Johnny Gill’s “My My My”. Call your special lover and tell them to be there in 30 minutes or less. If a female, tell her to slip on her red dress.

Pour 1/4 cup Kosher salt into boiling water, stir until dissolved. Stir smoothly, but with a strong, steady hand. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into water, and drop the pasta into water. Promise you’ll come back when it’s nice and hot…

Reduce heat to medium-high, stirring occasionally to avoid pasta sticking together. While pasta is boiling, place the strainer over the mixing bowl in your kitchen sink. Allow the pasta to boil for 9-to-11 minutes, or whatever you consider “al dente” (as long as this is not the name of your date’s ex-boyfriend), then remove the pot from the heat. Pour the pasta and saltwater over the strainer so it catches the pasta above but retains the saltwater in the bowl. Place the bowl of saltwater on the counter, and rinse the pasta with cold water so it stops cooking. Tell those noodles to chill — your date will arrive soon. Turn up the Tony Terry or Color Me Badd.

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil at medium-high heat until you can see very slight white smoke. Place shrimp in the pan and sauté for 90 seconds on each side, turning only once. Don’t let it cook too fast. When shrimp is pink on both sides, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and place into a temporary container, leaving behind the oil in the pan. You’ll come back to it; you promise. Say this out loud in your Devante voice. Actually, sing it. Sing it like K-Ci & JoJo.

Put the chopped garlic into the pan, along with the wine, salt, pepper, and parsley, cooking for 1-to-2 minutes — don’t let it boil. Add butter, and stir until it is melted into the mixture. Add shrimp and tomatoes, reduce heat to medium, and cover, letting it cook for 2 minutes. Remove cover, and add pasta, along with 1/4 cup of saltwater from the mixing bowl. Stir and continue to cook for one additional minute, then squeeze two lemon slices over the contents of the pan. Boyz II Men should be playing at this point. Not “MotownPhilly”; more like “I’ll Make Love To You”.

Scoop the finished shrimp scampi onto two large plates, sprinkle with blackened seasoning, and garnish with lemon wedges. Skip ahead to Prince, and stay there. Devour.

Serves two for dinner, allows your date to take one serving to work the next day for lunch, and provides dinner for yourself the next night.

Got a killer scampi recipe of your own or want to review this one? Comment here!

Michael Jordan is a journalist, home chef, copywriter, future trillionaire and SweetJack’s Senior Editor. At 5’6”, he accepts that his ability to dunk is limited to donuts, but in nothing less than the finest French-pressed coffees.