“The only place in the world that nothing has to be explained to me is the South.”–Woodrow Wilson

I've always been the type of person that can stress myself out quite easily.

A few months ago, I almost cried because I had to meet Rose for facials and massages at the Setai Spa (a really sweet Christmas present from my brother) and didn't have time to get my eyebrows threaded beforehand.

So, needless to say, I have breakdowns on a day-to-day basis. Not that I don't love New York, but I lead a very wanton lifestyle that consists of two internships, trying to find a real job, finishing school, homeless people yelling on the subway, moving out of my apartment, attempting to get to yoga, paying homeless people to call me pretty, trying to see as much art as possible, meeting new friends and keeping my old ones, learning how to walk in heels, not washing my hair, oh yes, and always finding time to paint the town red more often than I should.

Consequently, I am always surprised to go home and remember the laid back manner of living I was brought up with (and no longer am accustomed to). I also have the opportunity to see all the new and exciting things going on down there.

Because both the Banjo-B-Que festival and my sister's engagement party were happening this Memorial Day weekend, I decided there was no excuse for me not to fly to Georgia for a visit. Here are a few of of the new and innovative trends happening below the Mason Dixon line:

First, let's begin with Cuisine. A few noted Southern delicacies:

Crawdaddies. My daddy's favorite! (I'm not sure what they are exactly but they look like gigantic termites):

Next, BOILED PEANUTS!! Anyone who knows me, knows these are my favorite. However, times they are-a-changin' and they are now offered in spicy cajun flavor:

And, of course, one cannot forget Bar-B-Que (especially at a festival honoring it). Because I am a vegetarian, I was not able to enjoy any of it but I was honored to have my sister teach me about the new ways in which it is cooked. These are called Green Eggs. They are apparently a ceramic cooker (a kiln, maybe?) with a handsome and decorative design used to produce to juiciest, most succulent food you've ever tasted.

At the Banjo-B-Que there were gaggles of the gadgets as far as the eye could see:

Some even went as far as to decorate them. Here is one designed to look like, none other than, A PEACH:

Now that I've covered my culinary discoveries, let's take a look at transportation.

From antique Fords to the latest from John Deere, tractors are still in high demand:

 What better way to celebrate life than to decorate a hearse (note the Driver has Huge Testicles plate):

And in an effort to save our natural resources, a revert back to horses as a means for transportation
(but be sure to park them in an appropriate place or you may get put in the stocks):

Finally, for those of you interested in fashion, camouflage paired with a matching coozi, black shirt, and chain wallet seem to be all the rage:

You will be the best looking guy at the pig races:

And there you have it, Memorial Day Weekend in Augusta, GA.

And as much as I make fun, I had a wonderful time relaxing with my family, enjoying nice weather, and getting back in touch with humble upbringings:)

Here is Sarah and me spending a lovely afternoon (in our 48 hour dresses) by a Tiki Bar in Neptune Beach the day before I flew back:

Congrats to Sarah and Riley! And may I suggest a watermelon seed spitting contest at the wedding?