The Bachelor, Andrew Firestone proposes to Ashley

Commercial Appeal, Yolanda Jones, March 18, 2004

Eating catfish at a roadside cafe, Jan Simmons and Michie Wenzler decided it was time to bring women together.

Freedom through bonding sessions.

So the two sisters-in-law, who now live in Nashville but are from Germantown, decided to write a how-to book, "Girls Weekend: The Call of the Wild" (Girls Weekend Press, $12.95). "The book is about inspiring women to get together," said Simmons, who also helped illustrate the book. "To be free and have fun with the girls."

With boas in tow, Simmons and Wenzler will promote their book during the 14th annual Southern Women's Show March 25-28 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

Simmons said their book includes tips from whom to invite on the girls weekends to what to bring.

"Whiners should be left at home. You don't want someone there who can't take a joke," Simmons said. "How long and where the outings occur are up to the women involved. It can be at a home or at a hotel. The Peabody should do a Call of the Wild weekend for the girls."

Simmons said the women's show, an eclectic mix of food, fashion, makeovers, fitness and shopping, is the perfect venue to debut their book, because the show is all about bringing women together for fellowship but, more important, fun.

Lori Riley, spokeswoman for the women's show, said Memphis women wanted fun and excitement at the event.

"We've got workshops on everything from belly dancing to health-related weight management," said Riley.

She said 11 other cities throughout the Southeast, including Charlotte, N.C., and Orlando and Nashville, host the show. In Memphis, the show usually draws from 25,000 to 30,000 people.

Other highlights at this year's show include:

Andrew Firestone, the heir of the Firestone tire and wine legacy, will be a celebrity guest. Last year, Firestone appeared as one of America's most eligible bachelors on the ABC reality show "The Bachelor." Firestone, 28, will meet and greet fans.

2004 Fashion Preview will include designer Anner Echols, Carolyn Bendall, president of the Fashion Academy, Muse Women's Shop in Memphis and Total Image Consultant, offering image consultations for men and women.

The Fido Fashion Show will feature homeless dogs dressed up and available for adoption.

Michael H. McCann, author of "Husbandry 101: How to Train Your Husband to be the Spouse You've Always Wanted Him to Be" (Infinity Publishing, $14.95), will talk about the art of communicating with men and keeping the spark alive in relationships.

Girls Night Out, March 26 night for $5, women will be treated to a fashion show starring Memphis's own FedEx couriers.

A Mothers and Daughters Day on March 28 will include games and prizes for mothers and daughters.

Cooking demonstrations, decorating tips and pampering sessions include massages, manicures from beauty and skin care experts.