The passing of Dixie Carter seemed to be a  passing of my youth. I remember watching Designing Women with my mother when I was growing up in the south. Dixie was an icon for the southern woman. She was strong, classy, spoke her mind but did it in such a way that the sugar oozed off of every word and you didn't realize that she just insulted you and your mama. To honor Ms. Sugarbaker herself, I'm gonna take a look at some wonderful southern women and movies.

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Now, before you judge me-you know that for so many of you this movie is a guilty pleasure-don't hide. Everytime this comes on The Lifetime Network, you know you sit and watch it. Steel Magnolias is a classic for any woman. It is a story of friendship, family and Dolly Parton. It is a wonderful gem that I strongly suggest you watch with a tub of ice cream and tissues.

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Another wonderful movie that started as a book, went to a movie and ended as a TV show is The Egg and I. Starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray as a couple who buy an abandoned chicken farm. Their trials and tribulations are heightened by the amusing antics of Ma and Pa Kettle-who went on to make several other hilarious movies. The TV spin off was Green Acres-which you can catch reruns on Nick at Nite or GAC.
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If you are from the south and don't know how to shag dance than shame on you! If want to learn this elusive dance, then pick up the movie Shag with Phoebe Cates. The movie centers around 4 friends going to Myrtle Beach for some summer fun. Dancing, beauty pagents and summer love all take place over a weekend. This is a sweet coming of age movie with great music and awesome dancing.

Here's a shout out to my southern belles! You know who you are. Your southern twang and sweet dispositions only enhance your strength, perseverance and grace. You are truly a force to be reckoned with.