the group over new years

I have to tell you, I really couldn’t be more excited!  Aside from the predictable awesomeness that I can expect from hanging out with these folks, the wedding is in the JERZZZ!

oh gosh, i really hope they're invited!

SO unbelievably stoked!  And, I’ve been practicing…

Okay, so, when I asked Slick this morning about the attire for the wedding, he alleges that he talked with the bride and she said “any dress will do…” which means he actually didn’t talk to the bride because no girl in her right mind would ever leave wedding-related attire so vague.  After I gave him a hard time about it, he consulted reinforcements and we now know that the attire is black tie (Bumpit) optional.

My dress is set, but one very important question remains:  To Bumpit or not to Bumpit?  

totally bumped

Although the Texas girl in me always defaults to my vintage cowboy boots as my signature way to jazz up an otherwise blah outfit, I am REALLY considering trading in my country kicks in for my very own Bumpit for the occasion!

bye, bye my beloveds

I’ve just been so inspired by my favorite Jersey Shore party girl, Snooki:

And, my favorite Jerseylicious villianess, Tracey:

Plus, hair height is kinda in my Roberts’ blue jeans…

mother.

I think I’m going to BUMPIT!  Heading to CVS in 10…wish me luck.  Ahhhhh! 

xx, L

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

congrats guys!!

However, when we weren’t busy with our numerous wedding festivities…

posing for pictures

spending time w/ the bride

being awesome

getting ICED (thx, slick...)

…we passed the time chowing down at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que!  There wasn’t a whole lot to do in Syracuse, but Dinosaur kept us busy + stuffing our faces for hours – and we anticipated each return over the weekend!

Salt Lick + Fat Matt’s, who??  Seriously.

Here’s the Q+DD on Dinosaur Bar-B-Que:

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a restaurant, blues venue, and biker bar in Syracuse, New York.  Opened in 1983 on Willow Street in downtown Syracuse, it specializes in authentic barbecue using a wood-fueled barbecue pit.  The restaurant markets its sauce, pulled pork, chili, and baked beans at local supermarkets, and at Wegmans, Fairway, D’Agostino’s, Price Chopper, and Shaw’s Supermarkets across the Northeast.  Two additional locations have also opened in Rochester, New York (in the old Lehigh Valley Railroad Station) in 1998, and Harlem, New York in 2004.   In May 2009, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que was voted America’s best barbecue in ABC’s Good Morning America poll, beating out entrants from across the United States.  Approximately 4,000 out of the 7,500 participants in the poll selected Dinosaur Bar-B-Que as the best in the nation.  (www.wikipedia.com)

Words do not do it justice.  You must witness…

I know I can be a bit of an exaggerator from time to time, but I MEAN it when I say that this was some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had.  It was even better than it looked!  I can’t believe how much I ate there - I really can’t.  The ribs.  Oh, the ribs! 

P.S. You can buy the Dinosaur cookbook + BBQ sauce online here:  DINOS!

Point of this prehistoric post:  Next time you are in NY, you absolutely must, must, MUST make a point to visit The Dinosaur!  Honestly, booking a special trip for it might be necessary…  DO NOT pass up an opportunity to get down and dirty w/ some BBQ there!  Trust me. 

RARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

xx, L

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
246 W. Willow Street
Syracuse, NY  13202
315.476.4937
www.dinosaurbarbque.com

(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

So I started perusing my favorite gifty sites and I thought I’d share them with you!

1. Someone Spoil Me

This?  Is my go-to.  It’s great.  At someonespoilme.com, you can shop by price, by recipient, by personality, by occasion, by theme, whatever!  This is always my first stop.

Disclaimer: Lately, some of the gifts have been a little too cutesy for my taste, but it’s always worth a scroll through first.

2. Incidentally, SSM.com is how I stumbled upon Harvard Sweet Boutique…my FAVORITE cookies by online order.  They are DELICIOUS and the customizable packaging is absolutely precious.  Witness:

However, if you’re giving a sweet-toothed loved one a gift here in town, you really MUST call up Cari at Sugar Sugar.  I swear the chick is part magician.  Her desserts are absolutely amazing and unbelievably creative.  Please see Lindsay’s previous post here, one from dear ol’ FoodieBuddha here and “Like” her on Facebook here.  The girl is a genius.

Sugar Sugar's signature Cupcake Bouquet

3. MoMA Store Online

The Museum of Modern Art Store was my favorite gift spot when I lived in NYC and nothing has changed.  From sleek and original to quirky and fun, MoMA is a good place to peruse when seeking a memorable gift.  I found this beautiful Alessi olive oil pourer for the aforementioned couple: I would LOVE to have this not just for olive oil, but also for dressings, etc, so I figured they would too.  (My barometer for good gift-giving: Am I having a hard time not ordering one for myself?)

4. For Baby: Hip LittlesOr RuffleButt personalized ruffle bloomers and such:

5. Newsflash: They are actually still selling things in stores these days.  So if online shopping isn’t your thing, here in town my favorite gifty places are Fragile in Sandy Springs, Belle Chambre in Buckhead, and Star Provisions on the Westside for wedding/showers and Precious Cargo in Vinings, Izzy Maternity in Buckhead (and Alpharetta), and Dabberdoo in the Highlands for baby/maternity gifts. (Don’t forget there is a Scoutmob available for Dabberdoo through almost the end of July!)

Precious Cargo storefront in Vinings. Say hi to Dana!

Happy gifting!

xx, L

rendering of the facade

All of the caterers I regularly work with, Bold American Catering, Dennis Dean Catering (my fav!) + Affairs to Remember, were there to mingle + fatten us up w/ treats in hopes of sparking our interest in using the space.  Success.  It was absolutely gorgeous!  It was like something right out of a 1920’s movie with its breathtaking grand chandeliers!

rendering + construction photo

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to take any pictures of the space because I was too busy balancing stuffing my face with tasty hors d’oeuvres in one hand, and sipping cocktails + hugging vendor-friends with the other – but you HAVE to see it, particularly if you are planning a large event anytime soon.  (Frankly, I’m not even sure that a picture would do it justice.)

Here’s a link to its website: http://200peachtree.com/grandatrium_interior.html

Now, I just need to see the newly-renovated Buckhead Theatre, and I should be good to go for my next event season!

xx, L

Ann Arbor

…to watch these two crazy kids tie the old k-n-o-t. 

BENATORS!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!  Catch ya on Tuesday.

xx, L

beautiful naples, florida

And here…

view from our suite

Gazing at a palm tree paradise and fishing around for shells in the ocean.

slick

We didn’t have a care in the world.  We left our shoes here…

And relaxed by the beautiful beach to catch some rays (in November!!).

We attended a gorgeous wedding and partied the night away…

We ate.  We mingled.  We ice luge-d.  We brought the party.

"Life's too short. Eat dessert first!"

Slick challenged innocent wedding-goers to dance offs…

"there's nothing left for me to do but DANCE"

Fun times were had by all.  UNTIL, we returned to Atlanta to find THIS! 

So, we quickly got our stuff together and ran to the nearest movie theater to see…

!!!!!

Slick didn’t exactly love all the “oooing” and “awwing” from teenage girls – and me – in the theater when Jacob took off his shirt nineteen million times throughout the movie, but he sat through the whole thing and didn’t complain once.  (God bless him!)  I thought it was incredible! 

Tonight, we are going to see this guy speak:

al gore

And, we are eagerly awaiting eating this bad boy on Thursday when we head back to Florida:

sorry...

Until then, we are bundling up and keeping our fingers crossed for pretty weather in Atlanta! 

Miss you and your beaches already, Florida!  See you again in T-2 days!

xx, L

Ventanas Rooftop

Here is the Q+DD on Ventanas:

In late September 2009, Ventanas opened its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows to reveal a sweeping view of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead ranging from Stone Mountain to Kennesaw Mountain.  Perched high atop the 14th and 15th stories of the Park Pavilion building in the city’s Luckie Marietta District, Ventanas offers 9,547 square feet of indoor and outdoor rooftop space across the street from Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.  The space is only one block from the CNN Center, Philips Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome, American Cancer Society and AmericasMart.

In addition to ample parking and numerous food and beverage options, Ventanas offers exclusive amenities like a dedicated “space shot” elevator to reach the venue from street level – and the city’s only events space helipad!  Whether your group numbers 50 or 450, this dramatic space will accommodate your event and transform it into an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.  (www.ventanasatlanta.com)

The most exciting part of the venue is definitely the helipad on the third level of the space.  Imagine being whisk away from your special event on a helicopter!  AMAZING!

Outside Ventanas

At Ventanas, you can work with some of the best caterers around town to customize the culinary aspects of your event: Bold American Catering, Affairs to Remember, A Legendary Event, etc.  The room rental is very competitive at $4K for Friday (w/ $4K beverage min.) or Saturday (w/ $5K beverage min.) evenings. 

Contact Donald Mill, Director of Event Sales, for more information on Ventanas: sales@ventanasatlanta.com. 

Inside Ventanas

Trust me – you have to check out this space!  For me, at least, it was love at first sight. 

xx, L

Ventanas
275 Baker Street
Atlanta, Georgia  30313
404-ROOFTOP
www.ventanasatlanta.com

Moulin Rouge

Kurt + Anjali

Don’t they look so regal?!  Gorgeous.

On Thursday, we attended Anjali’s henna party.  My henna has only faded a little bit over the past week.  It doesn’t quite match my Halloween costume, but whatev.  This is probably as close as I will ever come to a tattoo - so I am enjoying rocking it while I can!

Anj getting her henna

Shibani's hands

Friday held two Hindu ceremonies: Grah Shanti and Mosalu. 

Grah Shanti: Religious ceremony when Anjali’s parents pray for cosmic harmony – all the stars and planets to be aligned properly –  so that Kurt + Anj’s marriage will proceed without cosmic disruption.

Grah Shanti

 Mosalu:  Family presents Anjali with her wedding jewels.  (This was my favorite part!)

Dancing in the streets!

Mosalu

Although it was a little difficult to closely follow what was happening at all times, Friday was an incredibly interesting and beautiful day to witness.

On Friday evening, we had a rehearsal for the Jewish wedding and a rehearsal dinner at a delicious Mediterranean restaurant on U Street called Tabaq Bistro: http://www.tabaqdc.com/.  (I could hardly believe that I was still standing by this point.)  But, it wasn’t over yet!!  Early Saturday morning, we arrived at Anjali’s house and started getting ready for the Hindu Ceremony at Mellon Auditorium: http://www.mellonauditorium.com/.  Mellon is one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever seen.  I wish we had someting like it in Atlanta.

Saris! Saris! Saris!

The Hindu ceremony was AMAZING.  Kurt arrived via horse!  (Yes, HORSE!)

Kurt + Horse

Hindu Ceremony

The Hindu ceremony was approximately an hour long, followed by a very fast wardrobe change to prepare for the Jewish ceremony.  The guests cocktail hour-ed and then everyone reconvened in the Main Hall.  The Jewish ceremony was just as beautiful at the Hindu one!  Look: 

Me + The Lovely Bride

Jewish ceremony

MARRIED!

Finally, it was time to party!  We had such a blast…and I totally ate my weight in Indian food! 

Mellon Auditorium

MAZEL TOV!

Mazel tov, Kurt + Anjali!  It was a truly unforgettable weekend.  I am so happy for y’all!! 

xx, L