Fall is Here and So Am I!

Hey everyone! I just want to thank you for the great introduction and let you know how excited I am to be contributing to this Tallahassee blog. I am sorry I haven't come on sooner, but moving back to school for the new year and getting my classes figured out took some time, but now I am here and raring to go!

It is said great writers write about what they know. So as a girl with a passion for fashion, I hope to bring you the styles and trends seen in Tallahassee. Also if there are anything else that comes my way from around Tallahassee, I will be sure to let you you know. So lets' jump right in :) !

Fall is here now with Labor Day weekend, even though it doesn't feel like it here in the sunshine state. Now is the time to do some updating to your closet, this doesn't mean an overhaul but it never hurts to get a few signature pieces. So here are some of the trends you are going to see around town and in the stores.

Think Purple! Yes those royal deep purple hues will be taking over the runways and the street corners. They are a beautiful deep tones for anyone to wear, yes even for you men. You are going to see lots of deep purples in shirts, argyle vests and sweaters, and even socks for you guys. Trust me women love a man who has confidence enough to sport some purple. I am going to bring more of men fashion in an upcoming post, so be looking for that soon.

Other great trends you are going to see are a bright bold floral and some geometric prints. This is not the season to blend into the back ground, it is all about standing out. Another print you are going to see a lot is plaid. A lot of this is going to be skirts and coats, even leggings.

Remember trends and styles aren't meant for you to overhaul your closet to get the latest items. There are easy ways to incorporate new trends and colors into your own sense of style. If you have any questions about fashion, or fashion related topics, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you :).

Always,
Kristin

Free Chick-n-Strips at Chick-fil-A this Labor Day

I've previously blogged about how much I love Chick-fil-A and here I go again. This Monday - Labor Day - receive a free three-count new Chick-n-Strips when you wear your favorite football team's logo or attire. This includes professional, collegiate, high school, middle school or recreational. I think all I have is a pair of Gator earrings from the University of Florida (sorry folks, I no longer live in Tallahassee).

So if Chick-fil-A is near you, be sure to visit on Labor Day between 10:30 a.m. to close for the Chick-n-Strips Giveaway. (And be sure to wear your Noles' logo.)

New Florida Travel Guidebook Highlights Monuments, Memorials and Statues

Hey Tallahassee! Wonder what those obelisks are in the lawn of the Old Capital? Or the story behind the Edward Ball Monument at Wakulla Springs State Park? Wonder no more, a new book called A Brief Guide to Florida's Monuments and Memorials by Roberta Sandler will be hitting bookshelves soon. Want a sneak peek? Read my review of the new Florida guidebook.

Tallahassee, How Do I Miss Thee?

It's been about four months since I left Tallahassee and I admit to missing Florida's Capital City. What exactly do I miss? Check out my latest article, "My 10 Favorite Things to Do in Tallahassee" to find out my 10 favorite things to do in Tallahassee and what I miss.

Space Aliens to Take Over Tallahassee: Aug. 30 - Jan. 8, 2009

Okay, not real space aliens, but I ask, do you believe in UFOs? Green men? Extra terrestrials? Life beyond Earth? Then the upcoming exhibit at The Brogan Museum is for you. (If you're a skeptic, this is for you, too.) Launching August 30 is The Roswell Exhibit, dedicated to UFOs and the like, highlighting the alleged 1947 UFO crash and subsequent government cover up in Roswell, New Mexico.

This exhibit is exactly the quirky stuff I'm into and really wish I was living in Tallahassee to see this. If someone attends, can you tell me if it's out of this world?

Oh! Be sure to check out the blog and share your thoughts/experiences about UFOs.

Here are the details:

What: The Roswell Exhibit
Where: The Brogan Museum, Tallahassee
When: Aug. 30 - Jan. 8, 2009
Check the Museum Web site for times and admission.

Knock 'Em Sock 'Em Action with the Tallahassee Rollergirls: 2008 Last Home Bout This Saturday

As I'm settling into my new digs in Florida's oldest county (age-wise), I'm realize I'm missing Tallahassee's youthfulness, especially that of the Tallahassee RollerGirls.

But you, my dear Tallahassee residents, can experience the rush and thrill of knock 'em sock 'em rollergirl action this Saturday, Aug. 16 when Capital Punishment (the Tally girls) takes on The Texas Hustlers at the North Florida Fairgrounds in what's called, "Scar Wars Episode I."

Forget southern pleasantries, methinks the Tally gals will be knockin' these Texas roses off their @$$e$.

Here's the scoop:
What: Rollergirl Action: Scar Wars Episode I - Capital Punishment vs. The Texas Hustlers
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008; Doors Open @ 6 p.m., Bout Begins @ 7 p.m. (arrive early)
How: Get Your Tickets NOW, I'm told they're moving quickly.
Find them at: www.tallyrg.com for $12
Play it Again Sports (3183 Capital Circle NE) for $11
Comics and Games of Tallahassee (1857 West Tennessee Street) for $11

Bring a chair and some cash to pick up a sweet t-shirt, etc. For more info, check out the Tallahassee RollerGirls site and after the bout, tell me how it was.

Oh! And did you see how the ladies were in USA Today? Pretty sweet.

Tallahassee Date Night at Carrabba's Italian Grill

Hey Tallahassee! Have you checked out Carrabba's lately? I've come to realize it'd make a great date night restaurant or place for girls' night out. You have to save room for dessert, they are the cutest, tastiest delights I've ever seen! I recently visited the Carrabba's in my new neighborhood (in Port Charlotte, Fla.) and you can read the review here.
Go check out the Tallahassee Carrabba's, I'm sure you'll have a great experience like I did.

Carrabba's Italian Grill
2752 Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Tel: (850) 297-1100

Open Sundays: 3 to 10 p.m.
Mondays through Thursdays: 4 to 10 p.m.
Fridays: 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 3 to 11 p.m.

Say "Hello" to Kristin! New Contributor to QKG's Tallahassee Blog

Moving away from Tallahassee was bittersweet. It meant I would no longer be in the hub of Capital City action and activity. Sure, there's email and that's how I've been making some posts but something VERY good has happen.

Meet Kristin. Hailing from Orlando, she's entering her third year at Florida State studying Fashion Merchandising (I should take her shopping so she can show me what I should wear, I am fashionably challenged...), a fab blogger and vlogger (that's video and blogging). I'm sure we'll be reading Kristin's work in one of the major fashion publications someday.

Kristin's very familiar with Tallahassee and she's going to be bringing a youthful, vibrant perspective to what's happening in and around the Capital City. With an interest in fashion, I'm sure she's going to be introducing you to steals, deals and life beyond the college strip.

So stay tuned and read what Kristin has to say!

Don't Miss Railroad Square's 7th Annual Bizarre Bazaar

Unfortunately I'll be missing what promises to be a funky and quirky community-wide garage sale at Railroad Square this Saturday (July 25, 2008). Mother Nature rained out the originally scheduled sale in April but I'm sure lots of folks will be doing anti-rain dances Friday night to keep the rain away.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can browse the bizarre bargains for must-have nic nacs, treasures, furniture, art and who knows what else. But I'm sure there's SOMETHING you can't live without waiting for you. While at Railroad Square, be sure to browse the galleries and shops.

Need more info? Check out the Railroad Square Web site or call (850) 224-6666.

Now at the Brogan: Where There are No Words, Healing Through Art Therapy

Have to admit, the email I received from the Brogan about the following event freaked me out a bit. It wasn't the first paragraph telling me about the 17-piece exhibit featuring art from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Behavioral Health Center's Art Therapy program. I actually think that's very cool and think it's brave of the artists, even though the art exhibited anonymously. The exhibit runs now through August 17, 2008.

The second paragraph freaked me out. Right there was MY NAME inviting me to the "Art of Healing from Depression" community meeting about depression and the benefits of art therapy. Dr. Larry Kubiak is leading the discussion.

While I realize personalizing the email is a marketing ploy (I hope I'm the only one who received the email with MY NAME in it), it makes me a bit paranoid. Do they think I'm still depressed?

I'll ponder that thought, in the meantime, here are the specifics about the "Art of Healing from Depression" meeting:

When: July 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Bottom level of The Brogan Museum in Room 111
How: RSVP to Jessica Zeigler at (850) 431-5675 by July 22

Did I mention the event is FREE?

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: July 11 - 13, 2008

Sounds as though the Mockingbird Cafe will be having a "Special Musical Friday" event (July 11) this week. Enjoy a dinner and a show, seatings at 6 and 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 12, is open seating.

Highlights for the weekend menu include: Start with Miniature Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles and Premium Greens, $10; Main Course: Grilled Mahi-mahi with Orange-Ginger Beurre Blanc, Steamed Couscous and Balsamic Reduction, $22

Friday entertainment: Lis & Lon Williamson with Dick Kraft & Bill McGuire
(Acoustic Folk)

Saturday entertainment: Doug & Lisa Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)

Sunday, July 13: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SUnday Entertainment: All musicians welcome to join in the Second Sunday Acoustic Jam Session - rock on!

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla., closed Monday and Tuesday.

Say It's Not So, Word Traffic Books is Closing

Although I don't live in Tallahassee anymore, I still want the community to grow, especially the little guys. I was sad to receive an email from Word Traffic Books stating the independent book store will be closing at the end of July.

Very sad.

It has a great vibe for customers and big supporter of local authors by promoting their works and hosting readings, book signings and workshops.

There is a glimmer of hope Word Traffic Books will relocate to a new location in a couple of months. Keep the fingers crossed that happens.

But for you book hounds, head over to Word Traffic for discounted books. According to the email, as the month progresses, the deeper the discounts.

Good luck to Chelsea, Van, Sebastian and Reese.

Carrabba's Announces Wine Wednesdays in Florida

Yum! Wait 'til you hear about this. Carrabba's Italian Grill kicked off Wine Wednesdays yesterday. What's this mean? On Wednesday nights, take $10 off a bottle of ANY wine from the Carrabba's menu to pair with anything on the menu. Mmm, I can just taste it now, a nice bottle of a bold red with lasagna or grilled salmon. Where's the nearest Carrabba's? For you Tallahassee folks, it's at 2752 Capital Circle NE, tel: (850) 297-1100.

There's one catch, this special is only valid in the Sunshine State!

OK, non-Floridians can still be part of Carrabba's wine action this summer by participating in a wine naming contest. (Floridians, everyone knows great brainstorming happens when adult beverages are involved, so head over to the restaurant on a Wednesday to let the creative juices flow.)

Here's the deal:

• Carrabba's is debuting an exclusive, limited-edition baby Super Tuscan wine later this fall.
• Winemaker Ruffino is blending the wine.
• Foodies and Carrabba's fans are encouraged to name the wine based on four aspects, uniqueness of the name, appropriateness for the wine blend, match with the Carrabba's personality and description of the wine inspiration.
• Entries must be submitted by July 31, 2008, visit www.Carrabbas.com for more info and to submit a wine name.

So what does the winner receive? A fabu $1,500 epicurean prize package with:

• A case of the exclusive Ruffino wine.
• A catered 2008 holiday celebration for 12.
• A year’s worth of Carrabba’s dinners in 2009.
• Can't forget bragging rights!
  

What are you waiting for? With rising prices EVERYWHERE, it's nice to know some places remain affordable and Carrabba's is it. Meals are already affordable, 10 bucks off a bottle of wine is a nice bonus. Why not turn Wine Wednesdays into date night?

Imagine Life Workshop Series: June 24 a Healthier You

Event planner extraordinaire Kenya Washington, of Imagine Wedding & Event Planning, has another fab workshop planned, "Say I DO to a Healthier You" on June 24 at 6:30 p.m.

The workshop will focus on effective communication and maintaining good mental health. Interpersonal communication in all types of relationships along with conflict resolution will be discussed.

What: Imagine Life Workshop Series: Say I DO to a Healthier You

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Where: Soup Swift, 2510 Miccosukee Road

How: Event is FREE, email Kenya Washington at kwashington@imaginebrides.com

Why: Because mental health does a body good!

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: June 19 - 22, 2008

So have you taken my advice yet and headed out to the Mockingbird Cafe in Havana? I'm not going to scold anyone if you haven't because it's your loss. This is what's happening this weekend:

Thursday, June 19: Seating 6 - 8 p.m., Grilled Summer Vegetable Lasagna with tomato basil sauce, $10

Entertainment: Thursday Night Jam Session - Check out the local talent and rock on!

Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21: Candlelight dinners, 6 'til 9 p.m. Highlights include: Crab Meat Stuffed Baby Eggplant, $8 (doesn't that sound delish?), Sauteed Gulf Grouper with baby bok choy, coconut rice and ponzu sauce, $23 and Pan Seared Tenderloin of Angus Beef with grilled veggies, jicama slaw and roasted pepper aioli, $23. Reservations strongly recommended (850- 539-2212).

Friday entertainment: Wrecken' So (Acoustic Folk)

Saturday entertainment: Doug Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)

Sunday, June 22: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Afternoon entertainment: Bill McGuire (Acoustic Folk)

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla., closed Monday and Tuesday.

Save the Date: Women in Business Expo 2008

The 2nd Annual Women in Business Expo will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tallahassee Community College. The expo allows participants to mix, mingle and do business with women-owned businesses. I met some great business leaders last year and I'm sure this year's event will be equally as good. Educational sessions are inspiring, too.

So save the date for the 2nd Annual Women in Business Expo, Aug. 16.

The Knott House Museum is Looking for Teen Poets

Are you a teen poet looking to work on your craft? The Knott House Museum is hosting a summer poetry workshop this July to help you enhance your writing skills. Being a writer myself, I know it's intimidating sharing your work with others, but the feedback received is invaluable. These workshops are in a friendly, relaxed setting.

On July 19, participants will be able to read their poetry along with their peers and published poets. Contact the Knott House at (850) 922-2459 to register or learn more about the program.

Here are the details:

Summer Poetry to Last a Lifetime
Session 1 for Grades 6 to 8
July 7-11, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The deadline to apply is June 14.
The cost is $50 per student.

Summer Poetry to Last a Lifetime
Session 2 for Grades 9 to 12
July 14-18, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The deadline to apply is June 28.
The cost is $50 per student.

Times Tough for Everyone? Even for Realtor Ken Foster?

When I was meeting a friend for dinner at Paulina's Pizzeria (yummy pizza, BTW) a couple weeks back, I saw whom I thought was another panhandler on the Tallahassee roadside.

As I looked closer and saw the man was holding his sign, "Will Work for Food," and pointing to the billboard above, I realized what was happening, a bit.

Realtor Ken Foster is working for food, but not for him (but I don't know, aren't realtors having a tough time right now?) for the Second Harvest Food Bank. According to Foster's Web site, 5% from every commission is donated.

That's pretty cool.

On Hiatus 'til Who Knows When

I'm in the middle of unpacking in my new Port Charlotte digs. It's been a whirlwind past few weeks and am looking forward to life getting back to normal. Until I'm "settled" will I start posting about happenings in Tallahassee again, I think. I mean, these won't be first-hand accounts, as mentioned in this post, but I'll post what I can when I know what's happening.

I am bummed I'll be missing the Tallahassee Film Festival this weekend. If anyone goes (I imagine Downtown Guy over at Tally Hassle will be going, maybe?) tell me all about it.

Going to unpack some (more) boxes now...

Sorry Tallahassee, I'm Breaking Up With You

It's bittersweet that I write this. All joking and sarcasm aside, the Tallahassee community has grown on me. But, it's time for me to move on professionally and personally. To that extent, I'm leaving the community in May to head back to southwest Florida.

As for this blog, I plan to maintain it and keep it updated when possible.

If you're looking for first-hand accounts of life in Tallahassee, be sure to bookmark some of my Tallahassee blogger friends:

The TallyCast
Tally Hassle
PK mentions
Miss Trashahassee

Once I'm settled into my new community (Charlotte County), I hope to begin another blog. My primary blog (www.QuirkyKitschGirl.com) will continue to be maintained regularly.

Thanks for the memories. It's been one wild ride!

[Photos: Office Halloween contest, 2005, I was the "Pez Princess;" Aladdin's Sheesha Cafe, summer 2007; Self portrait, kayaking the Wakulla River, fall 2007]