About Acecily Alexander

http://www.acecilyalexander.com

Sketchy like a work of art. Likes long walks to the corner store. Resident Palmetto Peach expert on Beyonce, pizza and drink mixers.

Posts by Acecily Alexander:

Issa Music Video: Featuring The Bridgeview Babies

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We’ve all lip-synced for our lives pretending to be in a music video, but the Bridgeview Babies did the real deal! If you didn’t know — I hosted an arts summer camp for about 15 kids in Bridgeview Village, and apartment complex I lived in over 10 years ago. Our final project was to shoot a music video featuring a song we wrote, and dance we learned.

Issa Music Video -- The Palmetto Peaches

The title “I Am” came from a list of affirmations we said together as a class every morning. My mission for the Arts Center of Engagement (A.C.E) summer camp, was to encourage self-love and acceptance through the arts. In addition to signs with quotes from Kid President, the motivational words prepped the squad for a great day! Right before dancing it out, the campers would say the following affirmations:

I am…

STRONG

SPECIAL

brave

Thankful

Kind

Wise

Sometimes they even added extra affirmations like, “I am beautiful”, and “I am unique”, but you’ll hear which ones meant the most to the campers in the song! Check it out below, and share it with all the kiddos you know!

“I Am” Music Video featuring the Bridgeview Babies

What do you think about our music video? Will you sing these mantras every morning to start the day?

Ace Siggy--The Palmetto Peaches

Halfway Through 29: Year of the Savage

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29 / Twenty-Fine / 21 + 8… whatever you want to call it, will go down as one of my favorite years. July 19th marked the halfway mark of the last year of my 20s. If you’ve been around since January, you know my birthday hashtag was #TwentyWineSavage, and this year has indeed been the year of the savage.

Halfway Through 29: Year of the Savage

Halfway Through 29: Year of the Savage

I’ve Learned that…

The smallest gesture can have the biggest impact. About a week ago at work, I waited on 2 men. They were my last table of the night, which means if they would close out and go home, so could I. Instead of rushing or being short, I gave the same ol’ Ace service. After about 2 hours, the older gentlemen complimented me on my smile and service. It turns out he came out to his son 5 years ago, and it put a strain on their relationship.

Rumple Minze is not my friend. If I have more than 2 of them, it’s going to a night fam. That’s all that needs to be said about that.

Not to apologize for the brightness of my light. The only thing worse than constantly bragging about your accomplishments, is not acknowledging them at all. Everyone deserves to get their flowers while they’re here. Don’t be afraid to be proud of yourself or stand-up for your beliefs, because how you think it will make others feel.

What I’ve Done

Executed my arts summer camp. My first adventure with the Arts Center of Engagement (A.C.E) was a success! We went to an art gallery, painted self-portraits, recorded a song and even made a music video! The support from my friends, family and community means the world to me; and I’m excited to share what A.C.E has in store with them.Halfway Through 29: Year of the Savage -- The Palmetto Peaches Halfway Through 29: Year of the Savage -- The Palmetto Peaches

Supported local businesses and organizations. As much as I shouldn’t be spending any money, when I do spend it’s usually at local businesses. My camp also allowed me to connect with local artists and community leaders.

Made the best memories with people I didn’t even know last year. Watching the sunrise, litty lunches, short day trips to Savannah – the list goes on and on. Even though our #BestLifeSummer17 will end soon, the adventures will continue throughout year 29 and beyond.

How is this year treating you so far? What have you learned and/or done?

Ace Siggy--The Palmetto Peaches

Hey Miss Ace: Summer Camp Update

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As most of you know, I launched my first ever arts summer camp in Charleston, SC! With the love and support of family, friends, community and even strangers–my dreams became a reality.

Hey Miss Ace: Summer Camp Update -- The Palmetto Peaches

What have we done so far?

Summer camp is only 6 days long, but it’s been nothing short of amazing. During week 1, we painted portraits, recited mantras, wrote in our journals and recorded a song. Super casual.

Hey Miss Ace: Arts Summer Camp Update -- The Palmetto Peaches

What’s next for A.C.E Summer Camp?

The kids are heading back to school in less than a month. I’d like to help them start the year off with something, even if it’s a few words of motivation. After that, I’d like to host an arts related event in the fall, and get the ball rolling for an arts after school program. This week we’re learning a dance to our song, visiting an art gallery and shooting a music video. Again, super casual.

Hey Miss Ace: Summer Camp Update -- The Palmetto Peaches

What I’ve learned so far?

Regardless of how ready you think you are, be prepared for the unexpected.

Get ready. Stay ready.

Don’t underestimate the power of strangers.

I received donations from people who have no idea who I was. Although I’m grateful for any donation, it’s humbling to come across people who truly believe in me.

A little bit of support goes a long way.

Regardless if it was a ReTweet or Facebook status like, the support of my community meant the world to me. A.C.E Summer Camp would’ve happened regardless, but the feeling of having a squad behind me gives me so much life!

I can’t pretend like there weren’t a few bumps in the road, but what’s a good success story with one one or two? Needless to say, I’m ready to finish week 2 with a bang. Hopefully the kids will walk away with as many lessons as the adults will.

Hey Miss Ace: Summer Camp Update -- The Palmetto Peaches

Did you ever attend an arts summer camp? What was it like for you?

Ace Siggy--The Palmetto Peaches

Saturday Snacks at Charles Towne Fermentory

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My Saturdays usually consist of a 3-hour long Litty Lunch with my work family. Our go-to meal includes Mexican food or sandwiches, and a few cocktails. This time I took a different route by visiting a local brewery, Charles Towne Fermentory and The Castejons. What’s a Best Life Summer without trying new things?

Saturday Snacks at Charles Towne Fermentory -- The Palmetto Peaches

Saturday Snacks at Charles Towne Fermentory

I’m not a beer expert, so I typically order a PBR or Miller High Life when necessary (don’t judge). The Dutchman’s Breeches Belgian Strong Dark Ale was a pleasant surprise to my taste buds. Oak aged on fruit and 9.5% ABV–um yes please!

Saturday Snacks at Charles Towne Fermentory -- The Palmetto Peaches

Now let’s talk about this delicious champinones I had: garlic sautéed mushrooms, with goat cheese and crostini. I’m a sucker for cheese in general, but goat cheese gives me so much life. Mushrooms and bread are also on the “things I love” list. I can’t get too addicted to having this snack at Charles Towne Fermentory, because it’s a pop-up kitchen. The menu changes on a daily basis.

Saturday Snacks at Charles Towne Fermentory -- The Palmetto Peaches

If you’re ever in Charleston, drop on by Charles Town Fermentory! Tell them Ace sent ya! What snacks and drinks do you like to enjoy on a Saturday?

Ace Siggy--The Palmetto Peaches

9 Quotes To Instantly Inspire You

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Although motivational Instagram quotes have supplied a fair share of my eye rolls, I love a good word meant to inspire. Whether or not it’s lyrics from a Broadway musical, speeches from my idols or an everyday saying–we all need a little motivation.

9 Quotes To Instantly Inspire You -- The Palmetto Peaches

9 Quotes To Instantly Inspire You

  1. “Feel every moment with love, because every moment you are building your legacy.” – Oprah Winfrey
  2. “You have no idea what your legacy will be. Your legacy is what you do every day. Your legacy is every life you’ve touched, every person whose life was either moved or not. It’s every person you’ve harmed or helped. That’s your legacy.” – Maya Angelou
  3. “After a while you learn that even sunshine burns, if you get too much. So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure; you really are strong; you really do have worth.” – Veronica A. Shoffstall
  4. “There’s nothing wrong with being driven. And there’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first to reach your goals. The other stuff still happens.” – Shonda Rhimes
    “There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first to reach your goals.”

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  5. “I may not live to see our glory, but I will gladly join the fight. And when our children tell our story, they’ll tell the story of tonight.” – Hamilton The Musical, The Story of Tonight
  6. “Knowing is better than wondering, waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beats the hell out of never trying.” – Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy
  7. “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you have for sure.” – Oprah Winfrey
  8. “You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.” – Jay-Z. 4:44 (Also known as the album I haven’t heard yet, but I’ve seen every quote and think-piece on social media.)
  9. “Everything is fine.” – Me, everyday.

What quotes inspire you? Comment below or tweet me @PalmsInATL!

Ace Siggy--The Palmetto Peaches

Ace’s Arts Camp Is Coming To Town

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If you read How to Live Your Best Life All Summer 17, you know that launching an arts camp was on my to-do list. Arts Center for Engagement (A.C.E) Summer Camp is a place for children ages 7-13 to celebrate self-love and self-acceptance through the arts.

Ace's Arts Camp Is Coming To Town -- The Palmetto Peaches

With the help of Enough Pie, local artists and businesses — I will bring the kids of Bridgeview Village together through storytelling, song and dance. Bridgeview, my old stomping grounds, is an affordable housing community in the Upper Peninsula of Charleston, SC. I know first-hand that there’s a need for more activities for the youth who live there, especially ones that don’t involve running outside in 100 degree weather. My mission is to change the game by encouraging them through creativity.

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