Author Archives: Melanie Nolan

Book Review: Cocktails Southern Style

Smith-Sullivan, Belinda (2025). Cocktails: Southern Style. Utah: Gibb-Smith.

“Some drink to forget, I drink to remember. I drink in order to understand what I mean and to discover what I know.” Peter Ackroyd, The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde
“A cocktail should make you feel better, not worse.” – Unknown

“Cocktails: the elixir of good times and great memories.” – Unknown

Humans imbibe alcohol for countless reasons. But Cocktails: Southern Style isn’t just about alcohol. It’s a collection of poems and possibilities, framed as cocktail recipes. Smith-Sullivan reflects on her family’s tradition of “cocktail hour” — a ritual that signaled the end of the day and brought everyone together. Though I’d never considered myself a mixologist for merely stirring whiskey and ginger beer, reading this book made me realize I was only a few steps away from elevating my “mixed drink” skills to something closer to cocktail artistry.

I enjoyed imagining myself crafting my own syrups to add that perfect touch of sweetness to drinks. While I’ve never been a big fan of the fake-tasting syrup-heavy cocktails, I appreciated the author’s suggestions for using homemade versions and using them beyond mixed drinks. The emphasis on balance and flavor is mirrored in the photographs of the cocktails — presenting elements I don’t often see in everyday bar drinks, like delicate layers and thoughtful garnishes.

The book offers its recipes without judgment, only inspiration. It’s straightforward, unpretentious tone provides confidence even to the most novice mixers. Eager to dive in, I looked for a recipe that matched what I had on hand. I settled on the Berry Slush — a delightful blend of wine (I used red), frozen berries, honey, and mint leaves (I had to make a quick trip to the store for those). I was pleasantly surprised by how filling and refreshing the cocktail felt.
My children enjoy experimenting with cooking and mixing drinks, so I was glad to find the chapter dedicated to mocktails. We had everything we needed to try the Pineapple Ginger Beer. It was delicious on its own, but I couldn’t resist adding a splash of whiskey to mine.
I’m grateful for this book of creative recipes — perfect for entertaining or simply amusing myself with new concoctions. You can also find some recipes for popular southern bites and nibbles in the back of the book to pair with your tasty drink. Cheers!

Book Review: The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition

This review examines Michelle Pettinger’s The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition, a thorough resource designed for adolescent runners, with the subtitle How to fuel your body to train smarter, run faster, and recover quicker.

Although the nutritional information presented is not necessarily groundbreaking, Pettinger’s work excels in its presentation and accessibility, particularly for young readers. A key strength of the book lies in its holistic approach, seamlessly integrating discussions of macro and micronutrients with vital topics such as neuroplasticity, bone development, and the management of training stress alongside academic demands and adequate rest. The author effectively employs a spiral learning technique, revisiting essential facts throughout the text to reinforce understanding.

A notable feature is the book’s attention to physiological differences between male and female athletes. Pettinger provides tailored nutritional advice for girls, considering their menstrual cycles. The inclusion of daily meal plans with macro breakdowns and explanations of nutrient timing is particularly valuable. These plans are designed around the typical schedules of student runners, including variations for afternoon practice and race days.

Furthermore, the book addresses the crucial aspect of mental health, focusing on fueling the brain for academic performance and tackling issues such as body image and eating disorders. Rather than dwelling on the problems themselves, Pettinger emphasizes proactive solutions, such as fostering team support, recognizing signs of imbalance, and promoting a healthy team dynamic. A practical section on how to approach someone suspected of having an eating disorder is included.

The text also touches upon the female athlete triad: energy availability, hormonal function, and bone mineral density. Anecdotes from athletes who began training in childhood further illustrate the importance of balancing various factors for optimal athletic and overall well-being.

Pettinger has developed an accompanying curriculum, accessible via a QR code in the book. This curriculum appears to offer user-friendly resources at a reasonable cost. A dedicated chapter on meal prepping, including cooking safety tips and family-friendly recipes, adds further practical value.

Overall, The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition is an impressive resource that effectively conveys a wealth of information in a readable and multifaceted manner. Pettinger successfully broadens the scope of “nutrition” to encompass a range of interconnected factors crucial for young athletes.

While this book focuses on the specific needs of runners, it prompts consideration for similar guides tailored to other types of athletes or even non-athletes seeking to enhance their mental energy.

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Thomas Claxton – Randy Wood Guitars

Starts on Saturday, March 22 · 7pm EDT

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thomas-claxton-randy-wood-guitars-pooler-ga-tickets-1260386763739?aff=erellivmlt

Four time IMC and RMA award-winning Vocalist / Songwriter, Thomas Claxton, performs year-round, spanning the United States and abroad. The classically-trained vocalist performs solo or with his bands, “Thomas Claxton & The Seventh Realm All-Star Band” around the country and with “Thomas Claxton & The Myth” and “Sonic Temple” when back home in Savannah, GA.

In addition to performing, Claxton is also the Founder, Promoter, and Producer of the popular “Me, Myself, & Us” Concert Series based out of Savannah, GA where he brings in industry-recognized artists as Special Guests, often performers whom he’s worked with throughout his career.

Link

Starts on Saturday, May 17 · 10am EDT

Tanger Outlets Boulevard Pooler, GA 31322

The 2025 Motors For Moms Car Show to benefit single mothers. Join us for cars, food trucks, music and fun all for a great cause! Help move single moms towards economic mobility by supporting this event today. Car and Vendor Registration located at www.Motors4Moms.com