For those living under a massive pile of rocks, here’s the Q+DD on the Puppy Bowl:
The Puppy Bowl is an annual television program on Animal Planet that mimics the Super Bowl, using puppies.  Shown the same afternoon of the Super Bowl, the show consists of footage of a batch of puppies at play inside a model stadium, with commentary on their actions.  The first Puppy Bowl was shown on February 6, 2005.  The puppies featured in the Puppy Bowl are from shelters, and the show contains information on how viewers can adopt rescued puppies and help their local shelter.

It’s the very best thing on TV all year, folks.  FACT.

Check out the Puppy Bowl VIII starting line-up HERE!

There are some very serious contenders this year, I must say.  But, these three are my top picks…

FUMBLE
Breed: Chihuahua/ Terrier mix
Sex: Male
Age: 9 weeks
Fun Fact: Has every Bow Wow song on his iPad.

fumble

CALVIN
Breed: Dachshund
Sex: Male
Age: 10 weeks
Fun Fact: Restores classic cars.

abilene

AND, don’t forget the Kitty Halftime Show!  (That one is for you, Mrs. Wolkove…)

Don’t forget to set your DVR for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl VIII on Sunday, February 5th at 3:00 p.m. E/P!

Can’t even WAIT! 

xx, L

To support this claim, I offer the following information:

1. Holy shellfish: there will be TONS of Blue Point and Malpeque oysters flown in and promptly steamed or fried for your eating pleasure

2. You can enjoy live music from local bands (full lineup below) as well as DJs whilst you munch on your marine mollusks

3. Ice cold beer will be provided so you can wash ‘em down

4. Most importantly, please witness my final piece of evidence:

Clearly this party is awesome.

Here’s the Q+DD:

Spiral Entertainment Oysterfest
Saturday, February 11th
Doors open at 1pm
Park Tavern in Piedmont Park*

Tickets: $20** but increase to $25 on Friday!  

Use promo code LKFest for $5 off!

(Please note that the price WILL increase and Oysterfest sold out last year. I am cool…but not cool enough to get you into a party that’s already full. Fact.)

Live Performances by:
The Issues (local Atlanta rock band)
Six Shot Revival (southern rock)
Red Zepplin (Led Zepplin tribute)
Talk Journey to Me (80s cover band)
Plus DJ Mike Walsh and DJ Mason Gill

Hope to see you guys there!

xx, L

http://www.spiralentertainment.com/events/oysterfest
**price does not include food or drink

The AJFF is a 22-day cinematic exploration of Jewish life, culture, and history.  Seeking to use the power of film to both entertain and educate, AJFF challenges conventional perspectives on complex and challenging issues facing both the Jewish and global communities.

Founded in 2000, AJFF ranks as the largest film festival in Atlanta, and second largest Jewish film festival in the United States, having attracted an audience of more than 26,000 moviegoers in 2011.  This year, the festival will feature an international collection of 70 narrative and documentary films that explore the Jewish experience.  Screenings are supplemented by guest appearances with filmmakers, actors, authors, academics, and other expert speakers.

The festival runs from Wednesday, February 8 – Wednesday, February 29.

This year will be my first to attend the AJFF, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the movies I selected!  I plan to see…

RABIES  (Rabies is playing during the Young Professionals Night at Strip and Regal Atlantic Station.)

Hot off the international film festival circuit, Rabies is the ultimate popcorn flick—a sexy survivalist thriller, a campy, clever whodunit, a devilishly fun heart stopper, and the first horror movie from Israel.  Subverting expectations at every turn, the action opens in a remote forest as a guilt-ridden brother and sister flee home only to become ensnared in the trap of a psychopathic serial killer.  Rescue efforts soon involve a group of unsuspecting tennis players, a grizzled park ranger and his dog, and a pair of rogue cops.  An impressive cast of Israel’s top talent is gradually drawn into a whirlwind of dark secrets, mix-ups and bloody mayhem.  Describing Rabies as a twisted parable on fear and rage in Israeli society, first-time directors Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado shot this slick homage to American B-movies in just 19 days on a shoestring budget.

rabies

THE APPLE PUSHERS

The Apple Pushers is the uplifting story of immigrant street cart vendors and an urban initiative to bring nutritional food to those who need it most.  Attempting to address a lack of access to fresh and affordable produce, New York City launched an experiment in which “Green Carts” bearing fruits and vegetables would be deployed to “food deserts,” low-income neighborhoods where obesity rates are skyrocketing.  In the face of entrenched political opposition, immigrant small business owners (including a Russian Jew who fled anti-Semitism) align with health advocates to take on this tough task with dignity and sacrifice, overcoming extraordinary challenges to carve out an economic niche.  Narrated by Oscar nominee Edward Norton, The Apple Pushers chronicles public-private efforts to mitigate a national health crisis through the intersection of entrepreneurship and the American Dream.

Also, don’t forget about the special 25th anniversary screening of Dirty Dancing on Sunday, February 12! 

Click here for a complete list of movies: 2012 AJFF Roll Call!

Reserve tickets here: So many AJFF movies…so little time!

So, grab some popcorn + get ready for the 2012 AJFF!  It’s going to be the greatest one yet! 

xx, L

You see, I walked out to my parking garage to find my back left tire…

Flatter than a pancake.

I managed to get to the Costco in my neighborhood at Town Brookhaven, and after waiting for an hour and a half for Costco Tire Center to open, I was informed that though the puncture from the NAIL I drove over could be repaired, my tire was essentially mulch on the inside and would have to be replaced.  HOWEVER – they didn’t have the tire I needed in stock at that location so they fitted my car with a lovely donut and instructed me to high tail it to the Perimeter Costco to get this blessed tire. 

In the 5.6 miles between the two Costcos…apparently I rolled through a stop sign and was promptly pulled over by a motorcycle cop. 

Yep.  

However, alls well that ends well because it just so happens that my evening was so spectacular that it quite literally saved the day. 

Check out my two-step remedy:

Step 1.  Core Fusion® Cardio at Exhale Mind Body Spa in Midtown. 

I decided I had mooched off Lindsay’s Exhale membership for long enough so I called up our buddy Anne Marie to get myself my very own membership!  Yay!

Linds has been preachin’ the gospel about Exhale for a while, but as a reminder, the Q+DD on Core Fusion® Cardio is this: It’s a “calorie burning, sweat inducing, body sculpting, power-packed fitness experience, masterminded by the co-creators of Core Fusion®, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. Merging cardio with intense strength and flexibility moves, this 60-minute class generates maximum calorie burn, resulting in defined abs, sculpted legs, and high, rounded glutes.”

I am here to tell you it was ridiculously tough and I felt like a bazillion bucks when I finished. 

After our class, Linds, our girlfriend Stef, and I met a handful of our fabulous friends for the BEST thing that ever happened to Wednesdays (and also step 2 in my remedy.)

Step 2.  LADIES NIGHT at Piola!

 Reminder: if you are a lady, EVERY Wednesday, you can enjoy BOTTOMLESS wine or sangria with the purchase of an entrée or a pizza.  I suggest both. 

I’d also suggest ordering absolutely ANYTHING with the Catupiry cheese.  ET turned me on to this amazing soft cheese from Brazil and it pretty much just makes everything better. 

There you have it, ladies.  Straight from LK.  There is nothing a little detox/retox and a GNO* can’t fix.

Happy Thursday, friends.  It’s ALMOST the weekend.

xx, L

*Girls’ Night Out.  Duh.

On Monday, January 23, Double Zero Napoletana is hosting a pizza making class!  The Sandy Springs restaurant is offering two separate seatings – one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m.

During the classes, Double Zero Napoletana staff will offer guests an exclusive opportunity to learn the art of making Neapolitan pizza in the restaurant’s beautiful, hand-crafted Stefano Ferrara ovens.  Each class is limited to 15 attendees, and the cost is $39 per person. 

Participants will learn about the unique and nuanced process of making dough at the highest level of quality.  This interactive event also includes a glass of wine and a personal pizza creation.

So much fun! 

And, don’t fret that Double Zero is all the way in Sandy Springs.  It’s totally worth the schlep, as it’s one of the few restaurants that the Q+DD will travel OTP for!  Read about our recent visit to Double Zero HERE!

Can’t make the 1/23 class?  No worries!  Double Zero is hosting another on February 27. 

Make sure you register ASAP! 

xx, L

Double Zero Napoletana
5825 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA  30328
404.991.3666
http://www.doublezeroatl.com/home/

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh, Monster Jam!

Last year, Kev and I went to the Jam with our friends Seth + Loren and we had a B.L.A.S.T.!  (In full disclosure, it was my second Monster Jam experience since I’ve lived in Atlanta.  I’m super into this event.)  This year, Monster Jam will be even more exciting (how can that be possible??) as they’ll celebrate Gravedigger’s 30th anniversary!  More on Gravedigger HERE.

go, gravedigger, gooooo!

Fact: Monster Jam is the single best people watching opportunity in Atlanta.  (NASCAR is a distance second to this.)  Here’s a sneak peak at what’s in store for you shot from yours truly last year…

overalls EVERYWHERE

And, here are a few more for your viewing pleasure:

monster jam 2011

Tickets are cheap.  Beer is…also cheap.  And, this is an out-of-the-ordinary event that is sure to spice up your MLK weekend!  Ticket information here: Let’s go to MONSTER JAM!!

Coming from a girlie-girl raised going to the ballet and to see musicals, I’m tellin’ you that you DO NOT want to miss this!  (Consider that a warning…)

xx, L

Two years ago, we celebrated in Orlando at Disney for my very first visit.

Last year, we trekked out to Kansas City to watch the ball drop.  An excellent time was had.

THIS year, Kev + I are the hosts and we’re ringing in the New Year in Atlanta!  (Expectations are high.)  Sooooo, we’ve decided to celebrate with Yacht Rock at Park Tavern!

If you’ve ever seen Yacht Rock perform, you KNOW that we’re in for a great time!

And, Park Tavern is an awesome place to celebrate any holiday.  PT always throws a solid party…

NYE with Yacht Rock is an all-inclusive event.  Drinks and food are covered all night and into the wee hours of the morning.  There will be live music with Yacht Rock Revue & Atlanta’s best DJ spinning in the Piedmont Room overlooking the Midtown skyline.

Highlights include:
- Open bar: premium liquor, beer, wine and champagne
- Live music + NYE countdown with Yacht Rock Revue
- Gourmet food including hors d’ouvres, carving station, NYE specialties along with plenty of sides + salads to keep your energy up and dancing into the New Year.
- Sushi display
- Toast & get toasty with smores for dessert
- Midnight breakfast buffet including all your favorites + fresh Krispy Kreme donuts
- Photo booth
- NYE favors
- Champagne toast at midnight
- Coat check

This party is where it’s at on Saturday, so get your tickets NOW: NYE w/ Yacht Rock Revue!

***BONUS***  LOOK FOR ME AT PARK TAVERN totally rockin’ out to Yacht Rock…

…and I will give a fist pump + one of these super rad Q+DD koozies to the first three people who wish me a “HAPPY QUICK + DIRTY DIRTY NEW YEAR!”

Your drinks have never looked so fashionable…  I can’t think of a better way to toast 2012!

Q+DD koozies: so hot right now.

See y’all at Park Tavern!  Wishing a fun NYE to all! 

xx, L

We stepped + repeated, drank a few of STK’s signature martinis, watched very bendy dancers put on quite an interesting STK-inspired performance, and we hobnobbed with some big shot Atlantans, including Mr. Peter Thomas (satisfying my RHOA spotting for the month).  Thank you very much. 

Q+DD @ STK

It was an excellent way to toast the opening of this NYC-based restaurant (with locations in L.A., Miami + Vegas) that has positioned itself as a “steakhouse for women.” 

STK’s space on 12th and Peachtree is GORGEOUS.  Very modern + plush.  I was particularly impressed with the signature white horns grazing the bar wall.  So cool. 

And, we were really pleased with the small bites we sampled over the course of the evening.  STK’s sliders were seriously delish.

We’re super excited about STK!  This place is going to kill it.

xx, L

STK Atlanta
1075 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.793.0144
http://www.stkhouse.com/

The holidays are here!  For the entire month of December, you can find the perfect gifts and enjoy all the holiday experiences that Midtown has to offer! 

The kick-off reception was last night (and it looked like fun!), but there’s more! 

12/2 + 12/3: Local Gifts + Treats Pop Up Shop at MidCity Lofts (West Peachtree at 6th St. between Tech Square + Renaissance Hotel).  Vendors include: Olive, Pieces of Me, Lisa Jill Jewelry, Kristi Hyde, and JuneBug.  To compliment your shopping experience, enjoy treats from Sinless Cocktails + Rockin’ Cupcakes!

All Month Long: Midtown’s holiday festivities continue! 
- Ice skate in Piedmont Park at Park Tavern
- Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Garden Lights - Holiday Nights” installation
- Visit the ”Picasso to Warhol” exhibition at the High Museum of Art
- See “A Christmas Carol” at the Alliance Theatre
- Get tickets for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Fox Theatre
- Revisit the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Hear “Handel’s Messiah” at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

More info below…

December may be 31 days long, but you’ve got A LOT to do.  It’s going to fly by! 

Happy Holidays from the Q+DD!

xx, L

…as I celebrate (and happily perform Maid of Honor duties!) at EZ’s WEDDING WEEKEND!

In honor of this joyous occasion, I’d like to share a special video. Please do enjoy (+ thanks Erin Llana):

EZ’s found her Prince Charming and I couldn’t be happier!  I just love you BOTH so much!

Hip hip hooray for my girl!  Even though she’s found a new partner in crime… I can’t help but feel nostalgic about all the years we were each others! 

EZ and Jake, best wishes for a long and happy life together and that all your pain is champagne!

Can’t wait to CELEBRATE!

xx,

L