love her. LOVE HER!

Personally, I was BEYOND impressed!  Y’all just face it – it’s Madonna’s world + we’re just living in it.  M.D.N.A.  what, what whatttt! 

xx, L

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

I’m getting SO excited for Commercials and Buffalo Wing Dip Day the Superbowl!

xx, L

As a recap, the Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  Luxury merges with quintessential Southern hospitality at the stunning 251-room resort.  Nestled in the woods, the Ritz Lodge is surrounded by water on three sides, offering commanding lake views.  Draped in beds of ivy and edged by towering pines, blooming crepe myrtles and colorful caladiums, the five-story main building fronts the glistening lake, while six separate lakeside cottages and a presidential house with four master suites overlooks the Oconee Golf Course.  Lodge guests have full access to a complete gamut of activities and amenities, including a state-of-the-art Spa, tennis, two swimming pools, two full-service marinas, hiking trails and 99 holes of championship-caliber golf.

model view of the lake oconee area

We arrived late on Friday evening, but just in time to have the most delicious dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse.  We checked in, grabbed another drink at the Lobby Lounge bar, and then headed upstairs to check out our room. 

When we woke up in the morning, we realized that we were on Club Level (holla!).  And, we had a private terrace with an outstanding lakeside view! 

Check out THIS gorgeousness:

ritz carlton lodge

room w/ a view

We spent a significant amount of the morning sitting on our balcony staring at our breathtaking view of Lake Oconee and the Ritz Lodge grounds.  It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a long time.

When our hunger finally got the better of us, we walked over to Club to get some grub (I totally recommend staying on Club Level*) + then we went out exploring. 

*Club Level: The Ritz Carlton Club Level features both deluxe guest rooms and suites, with a spacious lounge and personal concierge and staff, as well as four complimentary food and beverage offerings daily: continental breakfast, a light snack, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails + evening cordials.  The Club Level is accessible only with a special key.

Just look at how magnificent the property is:

the set up for chiminea dining

heated infinity pool overlooking lake oconee (my favorite part of the whole property)

hot tub

We were overtaken by our beautiful surroundings + so many amazing amenities.  We walked a bit further, and then Kev dropped me off at the Ritz Lodge Spa for my Long Winter’s Nap treatment. 

The Spa is an adventure in and of itself.  An expansive 26,000 square feet, the Ritz Lodge Spa is adjacent to the hotel and features 19 private treatment rooms, one couples spa suite, four wet treatment rooms – including one hydrotherapy room – male and female relaxation areas with lockers and changing facilities, an indoor lap pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, a relaxation terrace, a full-service salon + a spa boutique.  Named one of America’s top resort spas by Conde Nast Traveler, this state-of-the-art sanctuary offers more than 90 health and wellness treatments, many of them utilizing ingredients indigenous to the area, such as rosemary, pine, fir and geranium, and extracts gleaned from gemstones such as smithsonite and malachite.

Here’s a peek inside:

spa lobby

spa pool

spa relaxation lounge

It was heavenly, to say the least.

My treatment, the Long Winter’s Nap, was perfect for the chilly October afternoon.  Here’s the description: A blend of essential oils add to this traditional hot stone massage to create a relaxed dream-like state, melting away stress and muscle tension.  Continue the sweet dreams with a nap that enhances the repair process.  Um, yes, I’ll take two!  (Kidding.)  It was SO enjoyable – I definitely recommend.

By the time I left the Spa it was pushing up to the Florida vs. Georgia game, so Kev + I scooted over to Gaby’s by the Lake to stake out seats. 

Gaby’s is a newly-renovated outdoor venue offering sweeping views of Lake Oconee, as well as a full menu of casual favorites and cocktails throughout the day.  Guests are seated at the water’s edge and can catch a spectacular sunset most evenings.  “Come-as-you-are” attire for lunch and dinner.

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love with Gaby’s.  It was so open and casual, and had large TV screens over the bar for us to watch the game.  I’m OBSESSED with Gaby’s chairs - incredibly comfortable and such a cool design!

We ordered beers + the housemade potato chips with bourbon BBQ, blue cheese and Vidalia onion dips.  The bartender also threw in a bowl of boiled peanuts.  We were set.

We met some friendly folks at the bar who were also rooting for the Gators + we became fast friends.  However, Kev couldn’t bear to see his Gators lose, so we eventually closed out our bill and decided to head back to Club to see what was going on in there. 

We stopped to take this picture along the way:

We ate dinner in Club, poured some wine + headed downstairs to the campfire for 8:00 p.m. S’mores!  All the kids staying at the resort (and Kevin and I, naturally) got in line to prepare our special evening snack over the campfire.  We had such a fun time doing this + pretending that we also had a kid around somewhere making s’mores…  Kids at heart?!  Yeaaaaaaa! 

We went back up to Club, poured some more wine (don’t judge), changed into our swimsuits + ran down to the hot tub to spend the next few hours hanging out outside and enjoying our last night on the property.

In the morning, we were both feeling pretty gluttonous.  So, we decided to go for a walk on the Oconee Trail after breakfast in Club. 

Our walk was eventful. 

We got about 5 miles of exercise on the winding trail…

We saw the leaves turning on the towering Georgia pine trees…

Kev whittled a walking stick (that now calls our condo balcony home)…

And, we plotted how we could stay at the Ritz Lodge F.O.R.E.V.E.R.!! 

(We couldn’t come up with a way…  We are already dying to go back.)

It was so hard to leave, but it only took us about an hour and a half to get back to Atlanta + now we have such great memories from our relaxing weekend in the Georgia woods. 

If you haven’t been to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation – you absolutely MUST go!  There is so much to do there; perfect for adults and kids alike.  The Ritz Lodge is a relaxing Southern paradise that makes you feel so far away from your worries and stressors, but it’s merely a 75-mile drive from Atlanta!  Visit soon! 

Oh, also, (as if there isn’t enough to do there already) the Ritz Lodge is building an ice skating rink on property for winter!  More info here: WINTER AT THE RITZ LODGE.

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ReynoldsPlantation/Default.htm

But first, I need to give everyone else a little Auburn 411…

The intersection of Magnolia Avenue + College Street in Auburn, which marks the transition from downtown Auburn to the university campus, is known as Toomer’s Corner.  Hanging over the corner are two massive old-growth oak trees, and whenever there is cause for celebration in the Auburn community, the trees are festooned with toilet paper.  (Oooh, I like the word “festooned.”)  The TP rolling of oak trees started in the early 1990s after the power lines were moved under ground.  Traditionally only used as a way to celebrate football victories, in recent years it has become a way to celebrate anything good that happens concerning Auburn.  (www.wikipedia.com)

toomer's corner

Here’s the Q+DD on Toomers Rolls:

LK + I are Texas fans, but since Texas is in a different conference we feel like we can jump on the Toomers Rolls bandwagon! 

who's got school spirit??

We just love scarves (esp. scarves worn in summer), we totally support small businesses, we think toilet paper is v. necessary, and we’re on-board with anything M. Reynolds is about!  (P.S. She’s the adorbs model on the far left of the photo above.)

Get your Toomers Rolls here, War Eagles: GO AUBURN!  Follow Toomers Rolls on Facebook!

And, good luck this season! 

xx, L

On Sunday, October 2nd, you can relive the glory days of Elementary School Field Day – with an adult twist!

Get a team of 4 people together and come out to the Buckhead Saloon Parking Lot to enjoy the games, music, football, giveaways, free hot dogs + hamburgers, and $1 beer specials/ Sinless Margarita specials!

Events include: Dizzy Bat Beer Relay, 5-Legged Race, Beer Limbo, Obstacle Course, Flip Cup, Beer Pong and more!  The team with the best uniform gets bonus points!

Here’s the Q+DD on Adult Field Day 2011:

Why: Cause it’s AWESOME.  And, proceeds from the event will be donated to Bert’s Big Adventure!  BBA is a non-profit organization that provides a spectacular 5-day journey to Disney for kids with chronic and/or terminal illnesses and their families.

When: Sunday, October 2nd, Check In + Pre-game @ 1:00 p.m., Field Day Events Begin @ 1:30 p.m., Falcons Game Starts @ 4:00 p.m. – TVs will be showing the football games ALL DAY.

Where: Buckhead Saloon Parking Lot, 3227 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA, 30305

Fees: $80 donation for a 4 person team ($20 per person) to Bert’s Big Adventure.

Registration + Info: http://sinlessadultfieldday2011.eventbrite.com

Questions??: E-mail sinlessevents@gmail.com

This is going to be such a total blast!  Can’t wait for October! 

xx, L

…but we lost ‘em.

Enjoy Winnipeg…  Sounds THRILLING there.

(Sikeeeeeeee!)

Really glad I was able to make it out to a game before they were sold, but very sad to see them go.  I had plans to be a super fan. 

my first + last game...

i was even considering buying THAT.

Poop! 

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, please catch up on your sports news here: Atlanta Thrashers to Head to Winnipeg.

Adios, Thrashers, adios.

xx, L

First, it was my extreme excitement about it opening (I’m a big Five & Ten – Athens fan).  Then, I focused on the ESS bocce ball court – later discussing how I could eat there for almost every meal out of convenience (I work in the building) maybe even a bit more than desire.  My tune changed shortly thereafter.  I went for lunches + drinks with friends every so often and started frequenting ESS for brunch.  And, yes, I still think that the Jalapeno & Bacon Biscuit w/ confit pork, poached eggs, arugula, balsamic onion jam + hollandaise mousseline (did you get all that?) is one of the best brunch items I’ve ever eaten anywhere!  We’ve had some ups + downs, but now I’m proud to announce that I’m officially ON the ESS bandwagon. 

Mr. Casey + I went to ESS for dinner on Monday with a large group of colleagues.  Our meal was delightful.  We started with the house charcuterie, crisp pork belly + “kind of local” cheeses.  We also ordered up the In Jars: pork rillette, smoked trout mousse, pickles, pimento cheese, bacon marmalade + boiled peanut hummus served…wanna guess?  I selected the trout special for the evening (the last one in fact - I suppose they call it “special” for a reason) and it was one of the most enjoyable dinner entrees I’ve had in at least the past three months.  If trout is on special at ESS – get it.  I also tried someone’s kimchi rice grits and thought they were very tasty.

Can we focus a bit on dessert now?  I mean, enough about the savory already…

Dinner was a bit of a celebration so we figured that dessert all around was in order.  I asked the server what his favorite dessert was + in retrospect, I’m not really sure why I did that because I already knew that I was planning to order the fried strawberry pie.  How could I not?  Fried. Strawberry. Pie.  Right?!  Anyway, he listed two other items and I told him, “Oh, that’s great – I’ll take the FSP.”  And I was so happy I did.  Our table was mostly split between these two incredibly delicious desserts:

Fried Strawberry Pie: picked strawberry and buttermilk ice cream.

Peanuts + Coke: Coke soft serve and peanut funnel cake.

Now, I’m certainly not about to receive an award for my achievements in iPhone photography or anything (I realize those pictures are v. dark), but ESS should win some sort of award for those desserts!  Both were super delicious + a spectacular way to cap off the meal.  Even two days later it’s hard for me not to think about them without my mouth watering…  (That sounds gross, but it’s true.) 

The only thing keeping me from not running down to ESS after work and ordering up the FSP or Peanuts + Coke to go is that I’d like to try to fit this…

…into bikini bottoms at Lake Lanier this weekend.  I am hoping that that will not be a problem. 

ESS is great.  The desserts are out of this world.  If you haven’t tried, try.

Do it.  Do it.  Do it! 

xx, L

Empire State South
999 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.541.1105
www.empirestatesouth.com

flip cup champion (what, what!)

Well then, you may be v. interested to hear about THIS:

On Sunday, May 15, Atkins Park Tavern in the Virginia Highlands will host a cornhole tournament from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the back parking lot of the restaurant to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training.

The event will also feature live music from Homefront, cold beer from Sweetwater Brewery, lunch + dinner specials cooked in the Big Green Egg + a raffle.  (Oh, how I love a raffle!) 

Registration fees cost $25 per person for a single entry or $50 for a team of two + 100% of the participants’ registration fees will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Participants will receive one complimentary Sweetwater beer with registration.  Raffle items + team prizes include a hot air balloon ride, restaurant + bar gift certificates, a Sweetwater cornhole set, Sweetwater brewery tour passes and more.

yeaaaaaaaaah!

Participants must compete in teams of two + those who are interested can call 404.876.7249 or stop by the restaurant to pre-register with the manager on duty.  All singles will be placed with another single to make a team.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged; however, teams who wish to register the day of the event need to arrive by 1:30 p.m. to be placed in the brackets.  Play begins at 2:00 p.m. for all teams + a prize will be awarded to the winning team!

I do enjoy a good cornhole touney – especially when the proceeds go to such a worthy cause!

Come join the competition at Atkins Park on Sunday! 

xx, L

Atkins Park Tavern – Virginia Highlands
794 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30306
404.876.7249
www.atkinspark.com

www.becomingthecaseys.com

…you can bet that I’d be planning to go to Derby Day 2011!

The 29th Annual Derby Day will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.

Derby Day has been an Atlanta tradition since 1983.  Each year, the event is held on the first Saturday in May to coincide with the Kentucky Derby.  Considered a highlight of Atlanta’s spring social calendar, Derby Day attracts more than 1,000 people every year, as well as hundreds of sponsors.

All proceeds generated from the event go to support the Shepherd Center’s Therapeutic Recreation Program.  Derby Day is organized by the Shepherd Center’s Junior Committee.

The Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers was the site for the 1996 Olympic Games equestrian events.  The Derby Day location within the horse park is a beautiful natural setting along the Yellow River in an open, grassy infield where driving events + polo matches are often held.

If you ask me, the best part of Derby Day – aside from the day drinking + horse watching, of course – is definitely the HATS.  Oh, the hats!

I. love. them.

Just think!  You could be Derby chic like Audrey, above, or Derby legend-wait for it-dary like the lady in red below.  The world is yours!

life is so happy in my big, big hat!

(Dressing up for a horse race is almost more exciting than putting together a Halloween costume!)  Just look at my friends next door:

Perfection.

And, the mint juleps.  Don’t mind if I do…

mint julep heaven.

Is there anything better than this?   I think not.

Here’s the Q+DD on Derby Day 2011:

Location: Georgia International Horse Park
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011
Time: Gates open at 2:00 p.m. – close at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $60 in advance/ $70 at the gate.  Price includes entry, food, alcoholic + non-alcoholic beverages, music + optional bus transportation to and from the event.
(That’s a pretty amazing deal for $60!)

There will also be live + silent auctions, two live bands (daytime: Crash Davis/ nighttime: Sweetwater Junction), games + drawings and a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby on two big screen TVs.

Buy your Derby Day 2011 tickets here: Mint Juleps + Enormous Hats…Life IS Grand!

I can’t wait to hear all about it! 

xx, L