Memphis: Fried Chicken

Readers and locals alike have said that this is a must-taste restaurant in Memphis. World famous fried chicken is just a plane ride away!

Gus's in Memphis is supposed to be THE place for true southern food. We're there.

Memphis: The Beatles

Who didn't make music about Memphis? The Beatles had a hit with Chuck Berry's Memphis, Tennessee. A classic!

To Do: Whaleboat Row

Living near the water is my absolute favorite thing about our current apartment. It is so sweet to walk a couple city blocks and make eye contact with a seal.

So, when a friend from the old neighborhood invited me to a whaleboat row with The Embarcadero Rowing Club - I knew I had to give it a try. Kellie and I loaded into the 26 foot Renegade with six other rowers, eight giant heavy oars and two coxes. Did I mention how heavy the oars are? Basically, you're trying to keep in line with four other rowers with a small tree trunk under your control.

I had a few hiccups at the start, but it was a beautiful evening on the bay and we managed to follow all the instructions pretty well. My arms are going to be SO sore tomorrow.

Memphis: Elvis

Of course! He's the reason we're going. Admittedly, I know a lot less about Elvis than Jackie. But I'm sure I'll get an excellent primer in Memphis. This is my favorite Elvis song.

Memphis: Roller Derby

The minute our plane tickets were booked, I emailed Kery from I Love Memphis for tips. She hooked us up with an amazing list of recommendations and - so exciting! - tickets to the see the Memphis Roller Derby. We'll be cheering on Women of Mass Destruction in the championship bout Saturday night out at Funquest!

I loved Whip It and Blood on the Flat Track was a lot of fun. Now we'll get to see the action first hand.

Memphis: Bar-B-Q Shop

Many, many different opinions about which is the best BBQ restaurant in Memphis. No matter how highly praised, they all seem to look something like the Bar-B-Q Shop, though.

Luckily, I love rough exterior restaurants that hide some seriously genius pulled pork on grilled Texas toast inside. If you have a BBQ recommendation (or any Memphis tip) share it in the comments!

Ladies Activity Club: Columbus, OH

I love adding new clubs to the Ladies Activity Club website!

The Columbus Ladies Activity Club in Ohio has been going strong for two years, with activities including game night, wreath making and cocktail hour at the local conservatory (pictured).

They're looking for new members. So, if you're interested in joining the Columbus LAC, just get in touch with Claire.

Memphis Week!

Only a few days until we're headed to Memphis with a group of fantastic friends. So I'm dedicating the rest of the week to researching and celebrating all things Tennessee. Starting with Arrested Development. Loving this song makes me feel a bit old...and gives me an urge to wear overalls backwards.

Weekend Round-Up: On the Go

Quite a few bike adventures this weekend! Starting with Critical Mass on Friday with Rob. While I support the cause, I don't usually love this ride - but this was more fun that usual. This time, the route took the thousands of riders out to Bayview, Portola and a few other impoverished-dangerous neighborhoods on the south end of the city rarely seen by most of us. The neighborhood residents celebrated the crowd of riders like a spontaneous parade. Apparently abuelitas love boys in flannel on fixies. (bike photos lent from wrongbike.com)

Rob left early the next morning for a quick ride. I caught up on some chores and worked on the garden until he returned for turkey bacon and salsa eggs. Super windy day in the city, but I braved the city streets on my own bike for a ride to the hardware store and then downtown for shopping with Rob. He did a big back-to-school stock up at Club Monaco and Old Navy.

From there, to the barbershop at Embarcadero center. During Rob's haircut, I helped call the police for a man (a bit of a shady character himself) who had been beat up in the park - luckily, not too badly hurt. Our city fire and police are so fast - the crew from the fireboat station arrived in less than a minute to help out the guy.

Next, to the Ferry Building for Acme Bread and then home to eat the bread right away. Rob and I polished off a whole pain epi with local herbed goat cheese and butter. This bread is dangerously good. Rob went to volunteer with the Bike Coalition at the Giants game, I had a quiet night at home preparing for the Memphis trip!

Up early Sunday morning to quickly read the paper, drink coffee and eat crossed currant buns from Acme before heading out for a big ride. We passed all

the Alcatraz triathaletes on our way to meet with the Mission Cycling riders. These kitted-up riders didn't quite know what to make of our tandem, but we did a good showing all the way to Paradise Loop.

In Corte Madera, I got a really nice shout-out from an EmilyStyle reader driving by - hi to you! Through the rolling hills on the back of Tiburon and then to Caffe Acri for a snack on their open patio. Rob and I raced the other riders home through Sausalito, keeping up a very fast pace. Into the thick fog over the bridge and back into the sun along San Francisco's waterfront.

A nice hot bath at home. Rob and I read the rest of the Sunday paper with chips and salsa. At 4:00, we thought we might catch a movie downtown. The one we wanted to see was playing an hour later than expected, so we sat at the Yerba Buena fountain and watched the birds splash. A new favorite spot in the city!

Long way home. Chores and planning for the short -and busy- week ahead!

Listen: Brett Dennen

Breezy and light, I Will be the One Who Loves You the Most is the perfect song to listen to while preparing a casual summer night dinner. Since the brief heatwave we had in San Francisco is now long gone and the fog is back in force - the lyrics about the wind raging are pretty appropo.

To Do: Fig Season

These beautiful black mission figs have been in my breakfast cereal all week. They're one of my favorite late summer treats. I wish I knew of a hidden fig tree where I could pick them instead of paying outrageous prices at the market.

Have you tried them stuffed with goat cheese and baked? Or wrapped in prosciutto with camembert inside? Yum.

What to Wear: Paris in the Fall

Another exciting September trip to dress for, this time Paris with Ann:

I am going to Paris for the first time in late September. Shortly after that we are going to Lisbon (work trips for my husband -- la la, what a life!). I am badly in need of wardrobe revamping, as I work from home and do not need a professional set of clothes. I also am currently overweight and need to lose about 40 pounds. I am working hard on this and have already lost a few, but I expect realistically to still be 30 pounds over my ideal weight in September. Aside from the weight situation, I am quite petite at just 5'0".

At this point I was planning on buying a good pair of boots, and good-quality leggings or black jeans and topping with inexpensive tunics and dresses, since my waist is still the body part I'd like to emphasize. I do love black clothes, as well as classics with a small twist of something unique or quirky.

Paris...always an amazing time. Ann is going to love, love, love it! Here's what I'd pack:

Tunic - The weather could be hot or cold, this light white top works either way and with all kinds of looks.
Sweater - Almost a coat. Thick and cozy. Matches everything.
Jeans - Black skinny pair from Levi's.
Necklace - From Forever 21.
Handbag - Basic black with a shoulder strap for long days about town.
Hat - A bad idea? Maybe, but hats are fun and vacation is the perfect time to test them out.
Flats - With metallic details.
Boots - Flatties are perfect with jeans, leggings, tights and skirts.
Dress - A little black dress with a snakeskin belt. Pair with a sweater for the day or glam it up at night.
Pumps - Classic kitten heels with a little bow.
Aviators - My favorites.

What to Wear: London Wedding

Here's a fun request from Mandy:

What to wear to a late September wedding in London? My brother-in-law is getting married in the afternoon at a church with a reception to follow at a classy hotel in Mayfair. I want to look chic and put-together, but not fussy or formal. I live in the country in New England, so my shopping options are limited and it's always so hard to figure out what to wear so I don't look like a country bumpkin in stylish, urban London

I love the way people dress up for weddings in England. Fancy details plus elaborate hats - all with a casual glamour and focus on structure. Here's my idea for Mandy:

Dress - I don't usually post dresses this expensive, but in gray brocade with subtle purple peonies and a dropped back with a bow...this is exactly what you want to wear to the wedding at $460. There are probably other brocade sheath options a bit more reasonable, but maybe not as lovely.
Fascinator - A must, but doesn't need to be very flashy with this dress (flashy is an option). I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for online - basically just a few of these goose biots on a comb. If you're crafty, make it yourself with a bit of glue and ribbon. Otherwise, Etsy and Forever 21 have lots of options.
Clutch - In crocodile from Forever 21.
Shoes - Basic patent leather black pumps, with a heel that won't kill you on lawns or dancing late a night.
Pashmina - You might need a wrap for the church or running about town.

There you have it: one glam London outfit that won't entirely break the bank and with many elements that can be worn again. Have fun across the pond!