W h & i s k a e e y T FOR TWO,
Please
A Quintessential Southern Pairing
EDI TOR’S BO OK REVI EW BY J O R DA N S TAG G S
with an introduction by Lisa Bur well here is something different about women from the South, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what sets them apart from most women in other parts of the country. Is it their ability to apply their makeup flawlessly and coif their locks perfectly? Is it that they have great manners, know how to set a beautiful table, and make you feel good when they say, “Bless your heart”—even when you might think they really don’t mean it? Is it their big smiles or is it just genuine gentility complete with Southern drawl that melts your heart? I’m a Yankee who moved south twenty-five years ago, so I noticed the difference the moment I arrived in town. I recall a story my mother told me many years ago about when she was in nursing school in Boston; she and her classmates did an internship in South Carolina and they all commented on how beautiful the Southern girls were and how much time they spent getting ready. It’s the effort—part of the Southern culture—that women take very good care of their
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appearance and homemaking. After immersing myself in my new town a quarter of a century ago, I love being a convert to the regional mores and culture and would not trade my hybrid status of Yankee meets (and loves) all things Southern for anything. Southern sophistication is so much more than just outward appearances, though. These women are smart, tenacious, and strong, and they seem to possess an unmatched gentility. This is why I am obsessed with Reese Witherspoon’s new book, Whiskey in a Teacup. The title says it all—you can have vintage china perfectly set for tea with a dose of whiskey for a kick. Reese is a true Southern belle who shares her lifestyle, culture, and recipes galore, and I can’t wait to make all of them. This movie star, entrepreneur, and trend-setting force of nature needs no introduction, but if you haven’t bought her book yet, I highly recommend it! It’s sheer joy! The book is an inspiration for following your dreams while remaining true to your roots—and that might just be the absolute best part of her message, y’all.
