Columbus Socialite of the Week: CASEY PUTSCH

Happy HOT Friday!

I hope you all have had a great week! I know I did and I can’t wait to post my “On stage with Britney” write-up with photos included! It was definitely quite the experience and very surreal.

But, before I post that story, I have a great feature for Fabulous Friday’s Columbus Socialite of the Week.

I am very excited to write this post as I love meeting new people hearing about their lives with what they have going on. My feature today was born in Rocky River, Ohio and raised in Tiffin, but after attending THE Ohio State University he has lived in Columbus since. He now resides in Dublin where he owns Putsch Racing.

As an active polo player (horses that is, not water), member of the Exotic Car Club, Columbus Cars and Coffee, a business owner, founder of the Columbus Theatre Club , ballroom dancer, fencer and creator of the world’s ONLY turbine powered Batmobile, this socialite has made quite the name for himself.

Charles Clayton Cameron Putsch, although he goes by Casey Putsch would love to be a professional race car driver and with his love and hobby of road racing and already being a test and competition rider on the Ohio State Electric Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Team, he’s already on his way to achieving his dream.

So what does Casey love so much about Columbus?

GETTING TO KNOW...CASEY PUTSCH

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:

CP: The Columbus Polo Club because of the absolutely friendly and genuine people, lovely animals, truly sporting competition and beautiful settings. This club is my new solace and I appreciate every moment there.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:

CP: Schmidt's in German village. My parents took me there while growing up from time to time. I love German Village as well as Schmidt's great atmosphere. Give me a big German beir and a creme puff with the Squeezin and Weezin guys playing Polka and I am one happy Putsch.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:

CP: Maybe not so hidden, but my favorite gem of Columbus is the Ohio Theatre in downtown. This place is a masterpiece and an American treasure. Having opened just before the great depression and being in the very opulent Spanish Baroque style, who wouldn't fall in love with this place just walking in? I must thank my mother for taking me and my brother there when we were children. I think the first two performances I saw there were "Hello Dolly" starring Carol Channing and The Boston Pops conducted by John Williams. I'll never forget those experiences or any others that I enjoy at that theatre to this day.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:

CP: I would have to say Granville Hobbies and Jegs! Well, some people never grow up and still play with toy cars. That explains the slot cars at the hobby shop and shopping for racing parts at Jegs. Jegs is a Columbus based racing parts mail order company with local stores and as a racer/builder, I still get a little excited going in. As far as clothes and such, you would probably see me out at Easton in Nordstrom’s or Burberry and maybe out at the Diamond Cellar looking at their fantastic mechanical watches.

Miss C.S. - Best Party or Scene in the City:

CP: Columbus Cars and Coffee! Seriously, we know how to party. All the greatest exotic cars owned by some of the smartest, coolest, and most dynamic people around Columbus can be seen gathered for a party from time to time. It's great to take over a club in Columbus with so many of your friends in the style and panache you'd expect to see in Monte Carlo.

Miss C.S. – Charity of Choice:

CP: For me, I typically enjoy promoting and fundraising for groups or places that are involved with preserving history. Before I moved back to Columbus, I directed a few Concours d'Elegances (fancy car shows) and every dime went to the local historical trust and our town's own historic theatre. Now that I am back in Columbus, my future charity work will be to similar things such as theatres, museums and our fantastic zoo. Never underestimate the importance of volunteering your time too. In the past I enjoyed volunteering at the Seneca County Museum (American History) where I restored items such as a late 1800's high-wheel bicycle and even taught 3rd graders about American History.

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:

CP: Fortitude of character. One must hold true to their ideals even in the face of adversity. Show me a man or woman who can remain just, loyal, sporting, noble, compassionate and respectful in spite of any strife that may befall their life and I will show you someone whom I respect.

Miss C.S. – When did you start your own racing business:

CP: I formed the LLC a few years back when it looked certain that I would be moving to Europe to race Formula 3 professionally, but we lost our sponsor when the U.S. real estate market collapsed and the LLC stayed dormant until it was time for me to open my Putsch Racing facility in Dublin, in May 2011.

Miss C.S. – What got you interested in cars and racing:

CP: My father. He was into vintage sports cars when my brother and I were children and would take us to the Mid-Ohio road racing track. When I finally conned him into letting us get a go-kart, it was all downhill from there.

Miss C.S. – I know that almost everyone has seen the infamous “Batmobile” parked downtown by all the hotspots. I never knew whose it was and now I find out you made it!! How cool is that! Tell us more about the world’s ONLY turbine powered Batmobile and what sparked you to create it:



CP: Well, it is fashioned after the first and most classic modern Batman movie from 1989. The one directed by Tim Burton with Michael Keaton as Batman. What makes mine so special is that it is the only Batmobile in the world that is actually powered by what it was supposed to be in fiction...A military jet turbine engine! Seriously, the movie cars were just props with sound dubbed over. This one is the real deal! Everybody needs a challenge. Literally making fiction reality is a pretty cool thing. Plus I really wanted to do something with a turbine engine and it was fun to do all the research for this project. Besides, how cool is it to drive a jet powered Batmobile down the highway?! Here is a link to the video of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZSBpFMWk-M

Miss C.S. – I hear you play polo and being from Granville, I’m familiar with the” polo playing tourneys” at Bryn Du Mansion. Have you played there before and where else are the matches held around here:

CP: This is my first year playing with the Columbus Polo Club and I think the Bryn Du Mansion is a lovely Polo venue. I'm so happy to be part of the club and I think the sport is just fantastic. We are there on Sundays with the match starting at about 2:00 p.m. and practice on Tuesday evenings there too. There is a private field were the club has practice matches on Thursdays in Gahanna. Spectators are very welcome to come watch at Bryn Du Mansion free of charge. It is a lovely family friendly time.

Miss C.S. – Could you take on Prince William:

CP: LOL well... I have a very unique friend that was from a large aristocratic family in Switzerland and was a child during World War II. (Kind of like one of the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music.) Anyway, later she actually worked directly for Sir Winston Churchill at his estate much after the war as well as for Interpol. I met her as we share an appreciation for antiques and we have become very good friends since then. She has been my window into the very noble European world of old that she had come from. She has given me a most unique appreciation for that world of nobility and I have a great respect for the ideals that I am sure Prince William has been raised with. With his background, I imagine he is a very fine equestrian and a sportsman of the highest order. Polo is a very elegant and pure sport. Either competing on an opposing team against Prince William or on a team with him would be an opportunity that would make me feel nothing but sheer honor. I know that would bring out the best in me as a sportsman and I would gladly take that challenge on.

Miss C.S. – You’re also an active member in “Columbus Cars and Coffee”, an exotic car club. How long have you been a member and tell us a little more about this group:

CP:I have been active with the group for a few years now. It is a club that gives owners of exotic cars like Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, Vipers, Aston Martins, etc. an opportunity to enjoy driving their cars and the culture that surrounds them together. We have casual events like breakfast meetings and also very up-scale club nights out. I especially love the big drives in the spring and fall. Thirty to fifty of the most exotic cars in the world driven by great people on the best roads in Ohio makes for a very exciting day indeed! I usually drive my blue Viper to the events.

Miss C.S. – Tell us a little more about your Columbus Theatre Club you recently started:

CP: Quite frankly I got tired of going to the theatre by myself. I think it can be difficult for people to find others to appreciate the performing arts with and thought it would be a fantastic idea to start this group. Naturally, we will enjoy everything from classic movies to musicals, and orchestras to ballet, but it is nice to go out with everyone after the show for drinks and food as well. In the future, I look forward to organizing special nights that will combine a show at a theatre and maybe ballroom dancing or perhaps a special evening at a fine restaurant were people from the club may be driven to the theatre in big 1920's-30's cars. Just go on Facebook and search "Columbus Theatre Club" to become a member.

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, “If I could do anything in the World, I would...”

CP: Race Indy Cars. That is what I am honestly striving to do. However that answer is too easy. Polo with Price William would be fantastic, but if I really get to dream I only have two words for you...Apollo Eleven!!

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:

CP: Diverse

Thanks Casey for being on ColumbusSocialite.com and readers, definitely check out a polo match or attend one of Casey's theatre club nights, or perhaps you'll see his batmobile around town!

For more information on Casey, Putsch Racing and his batmobile, check out these sites below:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/07/a-batmobile-replica-as-real-as-physics-allows

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/batmobile-replica-turbine-engine-2011-07-14

http://cnettv.cnet.com/ep-51-why-robots-shouldn-sing/9742-1_53-50108160.html

http://www.bild.de/auto/auto-news/filmautos/ganz-grosses-kino-batmans-batmobil-gibt-es-jetzt-wirklich-18920224.bild.html

http://geekbeat.tv/geekbeat-tv-214-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmobile

Have a great weekend! I know I’m looking forward to some MUD VOLLEYBALL tomorrow benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio! Hopefully The Other Paper will take home another 1st prize!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

A "Sweet" Cheeseburger in Paradise

As much as I love fashion and events, I equally love food. I'm a foodie at heart, so I always enjoy trying new restaurants and cuisine, as well as making and baking creative dishes.

I wanted to share a sweet dish I made this past weekend for a Jimmy Buffett Party. Next time you're in need for a cute recipe for a kid's birthday party, summer picnic or Father's Day outing, check out this receipe I found for "Cheeseburger" Cupcakes.

Ingredients:
• Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Classic Cake Mix
• Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Devil's Food Cake Mix
• 2 cans Duncan Hines Creamy Home-Style Classic Vanilla Frosting (Note: I only used about 1.5 cans and could have probably got away with just one can.)
• Liquid food coloring (Red, Yellow and Green)
• Sesame seeds
• Shredded Coconut
• Cocktail toothpicks
• 6 Large eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil

Baking Instructions:

1. Bake vanilla cupcakes according to directions on box. DO NOT use cupcake
liners, but grease the pan so they easily pop out.


2. Bake chocolate cupcakes according to directions on box (either use 2 cupcake trays or thoroughly clean between vanilla & chocolate batches). Again, DO NOT use cupcake liners.


3. When vanilla cupcakes are cool, cut them in half horizontal-wise with a
serrated knife to create the "bun."

4. When chocolate cupcakes are cool, cut them in half horizontal-wise and save
the cupcake top as the "meat." You can discard the bottoms.

5. Use ample amounts of food coloring to mix a batch of red icing ("ketchup")
and another batch of yellow icing ("mustard"). The yellow ended up
looking more like cheese than mustard, which is why I started calling them
Cheeseburger Cupcakes instead of Hamburger Cupcakes.

6. Pour some of the coconut in a bowl and pour a few drops of green food
coloring in it. Stir with a fork until the coconut is light green in color
like "lettuce"


7. Lightly dampen burger "lids" with water (I used Pam Butter) and
sprinkle with sesame seeds so they stick a little.

8. To create the burger layers...Spread red icing on the bottom bun, then add
the "meat," then add the yellow icing, then sprinkle the lettuce on top,
finishing by adding the top lid (bun).

9. Finish by using a cocktail toothpick to keep it all together!

And voila, you have yourself a sweet cheeseburger treat! Note: Images appear to be so real like, you may have guests thinking they're sliders! Enjoy!

Columbus Socialite of the Week: LEX MCALLISTER

Happy Friday All!

Today I am in an extremely good mood due to some upcoming events and happenings!

Tonight starts off with Auntie Ash spending quality time with 3 out of my 4 nieces and nephew (almost 5!!) with a slumber party at my house! My oldest sister and her family are in town and I’m looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks with them!

Our annual Jimmy Buffett party is also this weekend which is sure to always be a great and sometimes out of control time (in a good way). Thanks to Jeff “JJ” Jones who plays at the North Market, he’ll be playing the steel drums at our house and we’ll also be having the Margarita Man serving margaritas and pina coladas! Yum! I also can’t wait to showcase my dessert that I will be making. Shh!! Not saying a word on what I'm making, but I will post the pictures after the party!

I also get to have brunch with my friend Katie who’s in town for the weekend, which I’m honored to be in her wedding next September! She’ll be one beautiful bride!

Then next week starts off with a bang...MEETING BRITNEY SPEARS AND DANCING ON STAGE WITH HER at her Cleveland concert! My other sister and I will be driving up to meet Brit's publicist/manager to get our wristbands and then I will be tweeting away all night, so make sure you check out @ashleycurl and follow my up-close-and-personal Britney tweets and pictures! Check out my "Britney Winnings" post last month here.

But more to come next week as I’ll also be celebrating my niece Presley’s 5th Birthday on Wednesday and my Mom’s post-Bday celebration/gift that my Dad got for her to enjoy with her daughters – a cooking class at Sur La Tab! By the way, my Mom is an EXTREMELY great cook, so not that she needs this class, but it will be fun doing this with all of us together!

Whew! Busy week coming up which I thrive on. Someone else I know also enjoys being a busy bee and has made quite the name for herself here in Columbus.

She’s been on ABC’s The Bachelor, has her own PR firm, her own radio station, loves to ride motorcycles, is heavily involved in the community and I could continue to go on and on. She’s the sweetest gal you could meet and is one social butterfly! She’s friendly, beautiful and has a great heart.

We actually were social media friends before meeting one another in person about six-nine months later at one of her parties she hosted at Watershed Distillery!

Let’s find out more about my Fabulous Friday Feature and Columbus Socialite of the Week...So whom is it you ask?

GETTING TO KNOW...ALEXA (LEX) McALLISTER

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:

AM: Not one thing, but rather growing a business and brand here. C-Bus is one of the best cities to incubate and tighten a business brand before launching nationally.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:

AM: Grandview Cafe for weekend brunch, workday lunch or impromptu happy hours anytime! The owners Bill and Brett make everyone feel like we have our own version of Cheers in Columbus. You can hear great live music upstairs, meet local singles downstairs and they have two outdoor patios. They also make the best Greek salad dressing in the city.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:

AM: Buckeye Lake. My extended family has had a home out there for years and cruising around on my dad's pontoon boat is my relaxing and rejuvenating activity on any summer weekend.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:

AM: Diamond Cellar - My new favorite thing is to take in old pieces or broken pieces and work with the Diamond Cellar Master Designer & Goldsmith, Igor, to create totally custom pieces. I created an awesome video showcasing this process. Check it out here.

Miss C.S. - Best Party or Scene in the City:

AM: I'm not much of a partier. I'm definitely true to my Irish heritage and love a libation or two, but my favorite scenes are the more low key ones. Any bar/restaurant with a patio and a happy staff is the best in my book.

Miss C.S. - Best Band in Town:

AM: I recently met OAR and they are really good dudes, but I'm not going to lie, I don't listen to their music. I just like them as people. My buddy Matt plays in a band called The Wendy Cooper Project...best name ever. I also recently met The Salty Carmels, a band composed of three hot blond chicks and they are awesome both in personality and talent.

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:

AM: A combination of fearlessness and gigantic hearts. I find the two go hand in hand. Unfortunately, most people I come across during work and play are big, ol' scardie cats. Everyone is afraid to state and stake their claims in life.

Miss C.S. - Craziest thing you’ve bought:

AM: I don't think its crazy, but everyone seems to think my Harley-Davidson motorcycle is pretty crazy. I personally think my 7-lb. blonde Pomeranian dog named Teddy is the craziest thing I've every purchased. I was never a dog person, but his little cute face just melts my heart. Yes, I do put him in outfits and yes I bring him with me during sales calls to close deals! No Shame.

Miss C.S. - Have you always lived in Ohio? If so, how long have you been in Columbus:

AM: No, I grew up on the west side of Columbus...that's right, I am a proud westsider! After high school, I moved to New York City to go to school and ended up staying there for several years until returning to C-Bus in '07.

Miss C.S. – Tell us a little about your experience on ABC's The Bachelor:

AM: I made it very clear to production that I was not there to float "On the Wings of Love" as my season with pilot Jake Pavelka was dubbed. I was very open with my opportunistic intentions to expand my contacts for my PR company, Lexicon Works, which is why I was a "one and done" on the show. I am so happy I chose to participate in the show as I did make the contacts I wanted to make, along with tons of great friends. After doing the show, you become very close with fellow castmates, or bachelor/bachelorette alums. Aside from the group of certifiably crazy people they cast for the show, most castmates are amazing people with awesome personalities and ambitions in life.

Miss C.S. - How can anyone keep a straight face with Chris Harrison's infamous comment "This is the final rose"....and how nerve-racking was the situation:

AM: Oh my goodness, Chris is one of my favorite people. He is so hilarious off camera. Everyone on the Bachelor staff is truly awesome because we are all under this odd, reality-roof and you make the best of it. During my one-and-only rose ceremony, I was reprimanded because I kept taking my shoes off because my feet were killing me. The shot me during the ceremony and I'm rolling my eyes because my feet were throbbing, but it totally looks like I'm just so devastated Jake didn't choose me! Too funny!

Miss C.S. – When did you start your radio station "No Excuses" and tell us a little bit about your topics:

AM: We went live Sunday, January 2, 2011 after a year of planning and negotiations. My sidekick, "Boy-Man" Dan Stover, creator of the blog www.quarterlifeoverhaul.com and I present a show that is equally playful and professional.

The whole point of the show is to provide listeners with as much content, resources and guts to figure out what a NO Excuses life looks and feels like to them. www.livenoexcuses.com I love to have guest co-hosts join the nonsense that is NO Excuses and for anyone who wants to submit themselves, go to the website linked above.

Miss C.S. – You are involved in so much around the community, between marketing, your radio station, riding on your motorcycle, what do you enjoy on your "time off":

AM: Drinking wine with friends and family. Although, I've recently learned that wine is the "devil's brew" because it turns me into a crazy person! So from here on out, during down time I will be enjoying some gin and vodka libations courtesy of Watershed Distillery. Also, riding the motorcycle is a huge part of my downtown. It's where I feel most calm and collected, actually most when riding back country roads.

Miss C.S. - Speaking of motorcycles, tell us about your love for the two-wheeled vehicle and what sparked your interest in them:

AM: My daddy and I are very close and he is a gear head. He is the exact opposite of me in so many ways, but we seem to communicate with one another better than I communicate with anyone in all areas of my life. I grew up around car shows and drag racing and NASCAR and watching him work on his '68 Z28, which he bought as a boy from Jack Maxton Chevy. So, I always felt comfortable in the world of motors.


Motorcycles came into my life because I have always been, well, enchanted by them. As goofy as this sounds, I am most calm and at peace when around motorcycles and classic cars. I decided to get a bike the week when I moved home from NYC. I pulled it up to my parents, revved the engine and the second my dad came out and saw it, he was so jealous! So he bought a bike the next week!

Miss C.S. – Are you involved with any specific charities:

AM: Absolutely! I am on the Board of Choices Columbus, Eliminating Domestic Violence. www.ChoicesColumbus.org - 1 in 4 women are directly impacted by domestic violence. I was so honored when the current board members recruited me to join because all of my life I've known I must use my overly feisty and ornery disposition to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Oddly, my name, Alexa, derives from Alexander meaning "defender of mankind." My last name, McAllister, also derives from Alexander, so I've got double doses of protective, alpha tendencies. As a board member with Choices, it's my job to introduce individuals and corporations to the group, as it is an expensive venture to support a shelter, crisis line and staff. So get out your check books people!

I am also a proud supporter and Board member of Dollars Allocated to Assist, a group operating nationally that pays for the everyday bills of cancer patients while they are in treatment. To see a video on both of these groups, click the following link: http://youtu.be/YYm6h3mEftI

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, “If I could do anything in the World, I would...”

AM: Book a ticket on a time machine, and travel back to December 31, 1999 to see Pink Flyod play in Egypt on an outdoor stage with the pyramids in view. Wow! That's absolutely what I would do.

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:

AM: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - Definition: The roots of the word have been defined as follows: super- "above", cali- "beauty", fragilistic- "delicate", expiali- "to atone", and docious- "educable", with the sum of these parts signifying roughly "Atoning for educability through delicate beauty."

Lex, thanks so much for taking the time to be on Columbus Socialite.com and for all you do in this community. For all you readers out there, make sure you tune in to “Live No Excuses Radio” every Sunday on 103.5/104.3 FM from 8-9 a.m. Also find Lex on all her social media sites here: Web | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook |

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Charity Finds!

Over the past few years, I haven given a lot of my time to charity.

I've volunteered at events, been on event committees, attended numerous events and all for a good cause. A cause of many whether it was for children heart patients, women and equality, children's body image issues or the arts.

I've been touched by many which is part of why I created this blog in the first place...To raise awareness for the different charities that are doing their part by fundraising in the community by coordinating an event.

As I flipped through People Magazine's Style Watch, I came across this article and thought I'd share a few ways you can give back by purchasing summer essentials! Whether for flips flops, beach bags or body lotions, these items below all donate a portion and up to 100& of proceeds to a cause of their choice.

So the next time you're in need of flip flops or a sundress, consider shopping at one of these locations to help someone out in need.



PROJECTFREEWATERS.ORG
Supplies clean drinking water to people in need around the world. Sandals are $36 a pair sold here.

CHILDREN'S CHARITIES
Glowology Skincare Line offers a Spa Gift (including wash, balm, body lotion, exfoliant, body bar and body butter) for $75, and will donate 20% of the proceeds to children suffering from poverty, hunger and illness. www.glowologyskincare.com

KIDS AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY
Need a cute tote this summer and want to help educate children about the humane treatment of animals and preventing animal cruelty? Then head to www.lyricculture.com to purchase your "Cruel Summer Tote" where 25% of your purchase will go towards this cause.

OCEANA
Buy your moisturizing cream at La Mer and a portion of the proceeds will help conserve oceans around the globe.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
Another way to help protect the world's ocean and beaches? Purchase a maxi dress at candccalifornia.com and 20% of the proceeds will be donated back.

KHON KAEN HOSPITAL
Head to Easton this weekend and walk into Henri Bendel where by purchasing the Tai "Charity" druzy stone, Swarovski crystal and cotton bracelet, you'll be helping to build a new care unit for cancer patients in northeastern Thailand. And the best part...100% of the proceeds will be donated to this cause!

So go ahead and shop till you drop...at least you know your money will be making a difference in someone else's life.

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

A Monday Pick-Me-Up

It's Monday. We all know that feeling. That feeling actually starts toward the end of our amazing weekend on Sunday afternoon when you start to feel a little bit of the weekend high turning into a low. Not always, but sometimes.

I don't know why I have that gloomy feeling today, but I'm trying to snap out of it and look at the positive things I have in my life and to not sweat the small stuff.

My good friend Saba sent me this email this weekend and I'm sure some of you may have read it before, but I thought I would share it with you all today. As you read the last line, thank you for being a part of my life, whether it's for a reason, a season or a lifetime, but I'd like to think you're all for a lifetime! :)

Have a great week and enjoy reading below.



People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person...

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
Guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.


Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.


LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons.

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Columbus loses a trendy boutique to the East Coast

In just 3 short weeks, the Short North will be saying goodbye to a local gem.

Suzi West, owner of Collier West is packing up and taking what started here in Columbus six years ago, her retail store to Brooklyn, New York.

Lucky for Tigertree, it will be able to double its space and move into West's former space at 787 N. High Street.

But before we say sayonara to Collier West, you can have one last shopping spree as most items will be discounted until the 31st.

Collier West is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 pm. www.collierwest.com

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

50 Things You Should Have Never Stopped Doing

TGIF and Happy early Fourth of July!

For all you Columbus folks, have a great Red, White & Boom! Enjoy your holiday weekend and stay safe!

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I wanted to share with you all an article that made me laugh, but is also so very true.

Featured in the July issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine and written by Jessica Knoll, let's take a look at the 50 Things You Should Have Never Stopped Doing and feel free to comment below on your favorites!!

Enjoy these flashbacks!

1. Listening to the Spice Girls

2. Doing the "beep the horn" gesture to truck drivers

3. Celebrating Hum Day

4. And Sunday Funday

5. Adopting a fake accent for a night out at a bar...excuse us, pub (Angie, you were always good at this one)



6. Watching a TV show over the phone with your bestie so you can ZOMG over it together in real time... (What is Z in the OMG...am I too old now to figure this one out, ha?)







7. Driving around aimlessly, listening to John Mayer, and pretending that he's still the sweet, soulful high school outcast who worships your wonderland body from afar (I was never a big John Mayer fan...now Dave Matthews on the other hand.)

8. Taking naps - get up early this weekend, run errands, be productive. Then come home and crash on the couch. It's never going to be as it was after class, but at least you're not snoozing on a futon. (Ha, true statement)

9. Going to an all-night diner and ordering the so-bad-for-you-it's-good pancake bonanza...and proclaiming your worship of whoever was behind the brilliance of combining butter, syrup, chocolate chips, whipped cream, strawberries and bacon. (Hey Cap folks, TeeJays anyone, lol)

10. Making Saturday-night plans on Saturday night

11. Running around naked just because (Angie, Shelly and Cat - no mac/cheese & scissors comment here)

12. Babysitting so you can sneak your guy over and make out with him after the kids go to bed.

13. Enjoying low-budget '80s horror movies for the pornworthy sex scenes. If the parentals had only known that's why you so into Sleepaway Camp III.

14. Holding your breath when you pass a graveyard.

15. Making cookies for the sole purpose of eating the raw batter (I'm proud to say I still do this!) :)

16. Playing spin the bottle...everyone's braces-free!

17. Designing the cover of a mix CD with a Sharpie (hahaha, Zach's got two of these now...ha)

18. Flip cup - if you had room for it in your dorm, you have room for it now.

19. Always having a crush...even if he's the Jersey Shore look-alike at your gym who you would NEVER date in real life (eww)

20. Dressing festively for the Fourth of July (and Valentine's Day, St. Patty's Day, etc.)

21. Wearing your hair in braided pigtails...guys dig the sort of naughty-schoolgirl thing, in case you didn't know.

22. Rocking a scrunchie...but not in public (that's social suey). They're great for tying your hair back before bed.

23. Drinking chocolate milk - research found it's one of the best things you can drink after a workout!

24. Prom. Throw a theme party and work that old Delia's dress.


25. Playing kickball - it's a bazillion times better than the dreadmill.

26. Choreographing dances (or just relearning the Britney "...Baby One More Time" routine from your talent show when you did the damn thing) ... (ha, maybe I should do that for the Cleveland,July 26th concert!)





27. Sleepovers! Cover the living room with blankets, pillows, snacks and since you're legal now, lots of wine!


28. Shopping with Mom...she's like a living 50-percent-off coupon.

29. Picking out your outfit - accessories and all - the night before work as if it were the first day of school.






30. Playing makeup artist on a friend - a turquoise, neon yellow, and hot pink palette is encouraged.


31. Treating September like it's the beginning of the year: Buy new office supplies (including cute erasers) and pledge to get an A in memo writing... (I loved, loved loved buying new school supplies!!! Pink sharpies, I heart you.)

32. Conference-calling your three best friends on a weeknight.

33. Spending all day in bed watching bad Lifetime movies starring Tiffani Amber Thiessen and Tori Spelling (OMG...LOVE THESE MOVIES!)






34. Taking up an activity that you probably tried at camp (and were too cool to really enjoy) like archery



35. Keeping a list of every boy you've ever fooled around with..the more juicy deets you include, the better your hiding place should be.

36. Giving (and receiving) those glorious inner-arm tickles.

37. Instituting Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Thursdays, etc.

38. Getting "picked up" from school...only now, instead of climbing into your mom's minivan post-seventh period, hop into your boyfriend' Jeep after you clock out of work.

39. Wearing ridiculous party hats all night long when it's someone's birthday...or even when it's just to score some free drinks.

40. Writing mushy, where are you now? letters to your future self and stowing them away for another 10 or so years...just think how much fun the ones from sixth grade are to read (did you ever "do it"?).

41. Going by that trendy name you wish your parents had been hip enough to give you, like Chloe or Bella (Aw, I always wanted to be Chloe, then name my daughter that, not so much anymore, but I do love the "trendy names".)

42. Marco Polo (Shell/La/Mom - Star anyone?)

43. Having a planned, well-thought-out afternoon snack, like celery with peanut butter and raisins, that you look forward to all day long.

44. Making the mall your night-out destination. Bonus: There are fewer rage-inducing lines and slow walkers at 7 p.m. than there are in the afternoon.

45. Watching TV while lying on the floor, snuggling with your fluffy husband pillow

46. Storing makeup in your offensively large, bright purple Caboodle - ugly as hell, but man was it convenient! (Ha, I totally had a purple one too!)

47. Going to a fancy dress store and trying on black-tie gowns just to see how you would look should you ever get the Oscars invite



48. Taking a yearbook picture - drop a few for a portrait of yourself every year and you'll have a plenty of hot pics to display of yourself when you're old. (Court - "Senior Pix" - I'm sure we'll get new yearbook pictures at the Curls Annual Jimmy Buffett party this summer! HA)

49. Stealing style inspiration from Stacey and Claudia of "The Baby-Sitters Club"...Mary Anne's short'n'sassy makeover do is an option too.

50. Being totally infatuated with the fact that you have boobs...remember how excited you were to take them bra shopping and show them off in a baby tee,..remember baby tees? (Um, no comment, I hated them and hid behind the couch crying when Leigh Ann would talk/joke to me about them, ha!)

I hope you got a few chuckles out of these and now go off and have a great holiday weekend. If you're watching the fireworks at Boom tonight, my favorite are the ones that twinkle down like stars and then mix it with a little "Proud to be an American" and you've got a crier! :)

Happy Fourth of July!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.