After I went on another tour of Oakland Cemetery + had dinner @ Tin Lizzy’s Grant Park last night…

should be on your atlanta bucket list, folks

…I came home and flipped on MTV to watch the premiere of Teen Mom (don’t judge), and ended up crying-like-a-BABY watching MTV’s newest show which also premiered yesterday evening, If You Really Knew Me.  Seriously, tears streaming into my wine glass.  Everyone really, REALLY needs to watch this show.

Here’s the Q+DD on If You Really Knew Me:  MTV’s If You Really New Me is a show centered around Challenge Day, a revealing high school program in which trained Challenge Day staff visits schools and tries to demolish social boundaries, emotional walls, and inevitable cliques so that high school students ultimately feel less alone and more understood.  The show, which has replaced The Hills in the 11:00 p.m. EST time slot, tackles serious issues like race, sex, and identity in front of not only peers, but also a national television audience.  

Challenge Day was founded by high school teacher, wrestling coach, family therapist and drug intervention specialist, Rich Dutra, and his wife, Yvonne, who has special training in working with at-risk youth.  According to their official site, “The Challenge Day mission is to provide youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression.”

Challenge Day’s MTV website:  http://www.challengeday.org/mtv/

If You Really Knew Me trailer:  http://tiny.cc/sdq02

What’s being said about the show:  http://tiny.cc/8yg8w

To me, it was kind of like a one hour reality version of The Breakfast Club. 

"screws fall out all the time; the world is an imperfect place" - bender

I just read online that MTV has committed to 12 episodes of the show, and I strongly encourage everyone to check it out.  Knowing MTV, it will be looped 45+ times throughout the next week – so it shouldn’t be difficult at all to catch again.  Set your TiVos + grab a box of tissues, b/c I am pretty sure that this show is going to change your life.

xx, L

Big, Huge P.S.:  Happy 500th post to us… 

what, what, what!

…and THANKS SO MUCH to all of our readers! 

red velvet cupcakes

peanut butter french toast

turkey sausage + egg + cheese on a croissant

peanut butter + chocolate cupcakes

mini cinnamon rolls

Highland Bakery’s Old Fourth Ward location on Highland Ave. is consistently delicious – and always packed.  So predictably packed that I’ve started completely avoiding it on Saturday and Sunday mornings for brunch…  However, my carb-craving prayers have been answered with Highland Bakery’s new Midtown location, which officially opened last week.  Food blogs were listing the opening date as “the last quarter of the year,” but I called the OFW location this morning to confirm that I did, in fact, see people eating in there on Friday.  And, I did.

Visit Highland Bakery – Midtown in the 1180 Peachtree Building around the corner from TAP, where TROIS used to reside.  And, please, do yourself a favor and go ahead and order that cupcake.  It’s worth it. 

P.S. All you Midtown suits:  H. Bakery is great for a quick workday lunch, too!

xx, L

Highland Bakery – Midtown
1180 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.586.0772
http://www.highlandbakery.com/

Syracuse + Skaneatles:

d's wedding

hellloooooo from heaven

N. Georgia Mountains:

gorgeousness @ lake burton, but watch out for...

...this guy. eek!

Columbia (SC):

levin wedding @ columbia museum of art

dancing machines

Random Arkansas:

Even random-er New Jersey, where I really hope to see:

my fav. gym-tan-laundry homies, the cast of Jersey Shore!

(Love things + people + awesomeness from New Jersey as much as I do?  If so, you may want to know about Jersey Shore’s Mike “the Situation’s” first stab at literary excellence: http://tiny.cc/gj75j!  I digress…)

I’ve learned a few things here and there throughout my travels, and I am confident that I can reduce some travel-related stress with just five points to remember below:

5-  If you are flying out of or connecting in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport and need food or want to waste away a few hours at a bar while waiting for your departure, head directly for Terminal E.  They have my favorite food selections, including some healthy options, and a really great wine bar located right next to the duty free store = dangerous.  Also, Term. E has the only fine dining restaurant in the airport, One Flew South, for you fancy-pants travelers, you.

One Flew South (Terminal E)

4- Go through security in the first class + medallion gate.  I am a Delta medallion flyer and always go through the security gates all the way to the back of Delta’s check in area, and I have NEVER had anyone ask me to show them proof of my status.  Don’t be a schmo, if you are in a rush to make your flight, take advantage of a faster line for security.  I promise I won’t tell on you…

don't do it.

3-  Need a last minute mani/pedi before the big trip, but don’t have much time?  No problemo.  Head on over to the XpresSpas in Terminals A + C for some quickie pre-flight spa services.

XpresSpa (Terminals A + C)

2-  Why waste $30 to check your bags when you can just be a thoughtful packer and save yourself some dough?  Carry on your baggage whenever possible – particularly if you are flying Delta, which has the highest incidence in the airline industry for losing traveler’s baggage.  Slick lost his luggage on Delta five times out of the last eight flights he’s taken.  Fact. 

Ladies:  Do not EVER pack your make-up or a bridesmaid dress.  Trust me – it’s never worth the risk.

delta hates you, slick

1-  Talk to your neighbor(s) on the plane – at least for a little while.  You never know who you’ll meet.  I’ve had friends who have met people who have set them up on dates, helped them to network for jobs and made some pretty cool random connections – even if it’s just a new book recommendation.  Who knows, you may even find a friend to chow down w/ at One Flew South in Terminal E… 

pleased to meet you - i am your new friend, lindsay.

Just, please, watch out for snakes.  (Don’t say I didn’t warn you, oh weary travelers…)

Snakes on a Plane

Safe travels this summer.  See y’all around Hartsfield-Jackson! 

xx, L

One Flew South
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
600 N. Terminal Parkway (Terminal E)
Atlanta, GA  30320
404.816.3464
www.oneflewsouthatl.com

I am here to tell you that before G even woke up, I had made my way to the Peachtree Road Farmers Market and back.  It’s even weirder still because when I awoke at 9am with this burning desire to check out fresh produce under tents, I was completely without transportation. Yep, Olive and I CABBED IT to the Cathedral of St Philip (across from Fellini’s on Peachtree) to meet Seth…

Seth Says!

…check out the local wares, and witness a cooking demonstration from Mr. Kevin Gillespie himself.

You guys! That early morning cab ride was $10 well spent.  The Peachtree Road Farmers Market was SO FUN! I ran into a zillion friends (life before noon on a Saturday…who knew?) and learned a LOT about our local farmers and artisans.   After killing a delicious fresh-squeezed Mint Lemonade from the Native Juice Bar

Made with fresh whole apples, oranges and lemons with fresh ginger and mint

Seth, who Farmers Market-s it every weekend, took me on a tour!  I expected to see a lot of fresh produce, which I did, but I also found local cheesemakers, flowers, charcuteries, bakeries, and all kinds of other cool stuff!

Homemade Jerky? Yes please!

Fresh yogurt and cheeses

Even homemade treats for Olive!

Also at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market: super creative homemade jams, fresh crepes, artisan soaps, and all kinds of other fun things including FRESCO POPS!

Ohhh yeah

I’ve been dying to hop on the paleta train for eons and Saturday? TOOT TOOT! Strawberry Lavender Lemonade, my friends.

Strawberry Lavendar Lemonade, my friends.

So, after Seth drove me to my car, I made my way home with two delicious Holeman + Finch Bread Co. bagels

AND THE MOST DELICIOUS BACON I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED:

Chipolte Applewood smoked Bacon from Pine Street Market. AMAZING.

Needless to say… I was a TOTAL brunch hero on Saturday.  And I had a DELIGHTFUL morning doing it. Whoddathunkit? In fact, I’m taking DK back this Saturday… come join us!  (10am Chef Demo with Keira Moritz of Pacci and live music by David Stephens & John Mickelson!)

Lauren: What do you like better?  Wedding Season or the Q+DD?
Lindsay: (raises hand)
Lauren: Miss Roberts?
Lindsay: Yes, um, the answer would be, um, The Q+DD?
Lauren: Bingo.

Being the Best of Atlanta is pretty much our life goal and we can’t do it without you!

Please vote for us by clicking here:

http://bit.ly/bu3bo8

Best Local Bloggers: Lauren Kraselsky and Lindsay Roberts
Best Local Blog: “The Quick + Dirty Dirty” or “Q+DD”

You have to vote for 5 things in order for your ballot to count. If you need help figuring out what to vote for…please feel free to ask us.  We have LOTS of opinions on every category!  (What the hey?   You could even vote for us for local personalities to follow on Twitter!  @LaurenKAtlanta and @LindsayWhat44 that takes care of 3 right there!)

But listen, don’t do it just because we told you to. We want you to make an educated decision before casting your vote.  Please review our political platform below to know our stance on ALL the important issues.

L+L  are:

FOR: Happy hour, excessive use of exclamation points for emphasis, feminism and chivalry, anything from the 1980’s, Mexican food, enormous sunglasses, mussels and muscles, beer-related competitive gaming, Peace on Earth, bubble baths, 3-day weekends, puppies, costume parties, costumes and parties independently, hair products, brunch cocktails, Texas, anything neon, renewable energy, being awesome, human rights, strategic accessorizing, reducing the escalating price of movie tickets, fedoras, mandatory workday nap time, silly moustaches, hot vampires, and your mom.

AGAINST: Alarm clocks, being put on hold, giraffe purses, camping, humidity, most things OTP, cats, children carrying guns, Canada, denim on denim, serious moustaches, Atlantans referring to queso as “cheese dip,” man-sandals, and of course, any sandals worn with socks.

UNDECIDED: Texting, parking vehicles on Cheshire Bridge, eating club sandwiches when you have NOT been invited to the club (note: we are generally FOR club sandwiches and frilly toothpicks), “free” yoga classes, pirates v. ninjas, belly dancing, and where to go for dinner most nights…

(So basically, if you hate man-sandals and love your mom and being awesome…the choice is clear. VOTE FOR US!)

Oh, and while we’re shamelessly self-promoting, please “Like” us on Facebook by clicking here.   Thanks! (if each of you had a “like” button, you better believe we’d click it!)

Thanks…and…we love you.  We do.

xx, L + L

The tone was set early by the totally rad 80’s mix compiled by one Elizabeth Ceaser (of Phliz fame) which included every memorable song from the years 1979 to 1991. We enjoyed Blow Pops and Pop Rocks (ok no Pop Rocks, but that would have been awesome.  Where do you find them, anyway?) as we jammed out to Liz’s mix

(Photobomb: Lumpy)

Ted: 80's Cowboy.

Strike a pose there's nothing to it: Vogue.

Ellen: So Strong! (PS I'd like to buy a vowel...)

If only we had any idea what was waiting for us at Sweetwater…

There were fanny packs, taffeta...

dance offs...

...complete with break dancing...

Amazing makeup

and lots of 80's love

Sidebar: I just don't know who I love more: Liz for putting this outfit together or Phil for wearing it...

Demon eyes courtesy of my iPhone

Miami Vice Joe

He mowed 200 yards to save my white suede outfit!

It was a GREAT night and my friends Jason and Lila, two of the organizers of this amazing party, told me they raised a HUGE chunk of change for the Elliott Galloway Scholarship Fund…nice work!

Bonus: Our Electric Ladyland SAVE FERRIS coozies came in quite handy the next day as we recovered poolside, trust.

Electric Ladyland, THANKS for a great night! We can’t wait for next year!

xx, L

P.S. Do you like us?  We like you!  Please make it official by “Liking” us on Facebook!  Click here to make our day!

THIS is going to be spectacular.

Last year when Michael visited, we did it UP:  St. Patty’s parties @ Park Tavern + Fado, burgers @ The Vortex, the Stone Mountain snake trail, driving down Tuxedo + Peachtree Battle to look at old homes, Gladys Knight’s Chicken + Waffles, drinks in the Highlands, DeKalb Farmer’s Market, etc…we pretty much both had mono after the trip from sheer exhaustion + alcohol overload.  And, Michael’s trip is what inspired LK + I to create The Bucket List.  (Just a little Q+DD trivia for ya…)

This trip is going to be even better!  We already have wheels turning on late night burgers + drinks @ Holeman tonight, Antico Pizzeria + Pancho’s + disco bowling tomorrow, trip to Lake Burton on Saturday, and Ormsby’s for the World Cup on Sunday.  It’s his last hurrah before he starts law school in a few weeks, so I have to make it memorable.  Needless to say, I’ll be M.I.A. until Monday. 

Happy weekend!

xx, L

It is halfway through 2010 and even though it’s been a great year…if I am completely honest with you, I’ve just been feeling a little incomplete. Yes, I’ve had a nagging emptiness in my soul, a teeny tiny hole in my heart… and until recently, I just didn’t know why.  All I knew was that something was missing and I couldn’t put my finger on it…

UNTIL NOW.

Can you believe we have gone 7 months without an 80’s themed event?

I mean, I LIVE for the 80’s.

Q: Who has an 80’s themed Passover Seder? A: Lindsay and I do!

I just don’t know how I went an entire 7 months without breaking out the leg warmers and crinoline, but all is right with the world because this FRIDAY I will be attending:
I just couldn’t be more excited.

The Q+DD is this: This Friday, July 9th Electric Ladyland presents the 2nd Annual 80’s Prom (How did I miss the first one?) at the Sweetwater Brewery.  All proceeds will go to Elliott Galloway Scholarship Fund for under-privileged teenagers (which is awesome because frankly, I didn’t need a reason.)

Admission Prices:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – $30 (first 100 purchases get their single ticket at $30 value)
Couples tickets – $30 (Two tickets at $30 each, for you and your dream date)
Stag ticket – $35 (single ticket price)
At the door – $40
At the door WITHOUT an 80’s costume – $8,675,309
Cash ONLY at the door. Credit/Debit cards accepted for presale tickets through Paypal.

Your ticket price includes Sweetwater Beer tastings and the following totally rad schedule of events:

9PM- Doors Open
9:01PM- Prom Pictures begin
9:30PM- You should be half-way to the moon
10:00PM- Timed Rubiks Cube Contest
10:30PM- Arrival on the MOON
10:45PM- Moonwalk Contest
11:00PM- Prom King and Queen will be announced
11:30PM- Break Dance Contest
Midnight- Walk of Shame
Get your tickets RIGHT NOW by clicking here and visit the Facebook invitation by clicking here.

In anticipation of my first 80’s event this year, I’ll be participating an a fun-filled night of 80’s movie bliss at Phliz’s crib on Thursday.

Phil + Liz = Phliz. Duh.

Gotta love a couple who displays 100% Theme Commitment.  I pity the fool who doesn’t.

I can only hope for a photo as cool as this one:

Total Eclipse of My Heart,
and
xx,

L

Scoops: “Scoops are simply white shoes. Usually ultra white tennis shoes with minimal color if any at all. Scoops are not limited to only tennis shoes but the best ones can be found with dark colored jeans. If you are lucky enough you will spot them with jean shorts*.”Ups: “Ups are nothing more than socks that are pulled up high.

This isn’t a great example, but when combined with the power of Scoops and shorts they are almost unstoppable. See the line on the floor there? That man has just crossed it and he doesn’t give a dang.”

Jorts*: Jean Shorts = Jorts.  Just in case you grew up under a rock.
I encourage you to read the entire Scoops and Ups post by Josh by clicking here. (and while you’re at it, read everything else he wrote.  The man is a comic genius.  Then send him hate mail until he starts writing again. Thanks.)

For a while, whenever I saw Scoops and/or Ups, I would snap a photo and send it on to ol’ Josh.  I thought my fascination had died… until today when I witnessed THIS at the Syracuse airport:

Thank you, New York.  Just…thank you.

xx, L

(the ones that look like ants running around are my personal fav)

Well, look no further!  Check out the Atlanta Citysearch July 4th Guide here:  FIREWORKS!!

LK + Slick + I will be traveling up to Syracuse, NY this weekend to watch these two loooove birds tie the ol’ k-n-o-t.

dana + scott

Congrats D+S!  We can’t wait! 

Even though we won’t be in Atlanta to celebrate with all of y’all, we wish you many sticky R+W+B popsicles…

don't forget your shout wipes!

…and we hope you have as much fun on your 4th as Dana had at her bachelorette party!

yeahooooooo!

(Just please don’t end up like this dude…)

eek! orange jumpsuits are NOT flattering, ladies.

Happy 4th, everyone!  Be safe + have lots of fun! 

xx, L