You are currently browsing articles tagged Things that are awesome….
Love the shoe, love the company’s One for One movement, love it all. They are one of my favorite pairs of shoes that I own, in fact!
my gold sequin TOMSies
The style isn’t for everyone, though. Good news is that TOMS is now making super cute ballet flats! Although they aren’t available quite yet, you can pre-order them. Just adore these: so cute + feminine.
Pre-order at Nordstrom here: TOMS ballet flats!
Super, super cute. 
xx, L
Tags: careful cowboy!, do-gooding, fashion, I'm just saying..., LMR, oh so hipster, super important causes!, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, Trend Alert
There’s a few things on my list today and they all have one thing in common: I have absolutely NO business purchasing any of them right now.
Sssssigh.
Without further ado:
1. Van Cleef and Arpels “Sweet” Alhambra clover pendant necklace
Yellow gold. Mother of Pearl clover.
2. Balenciaga City handbag in Gris Poivre
I love you.
3. And… as always, a black diamond eternity band.
You will be mine.
Oh, and adding to this dream wish list, Lindsay would also like to put an order in for a Neverfull in the light Damier canvas.
While you’re at it, send me one too.
Pleaseandthankyou.
xx, L
Tags: don't judge, fashion, I want a lot of stuff., I Want Wednesdays, I WISH, I'm just saying..., Things that are awesome..., Things that are GORG, Things we love!, Yowza.
Super Bowl XLVI?? I care not. PUPPY BOWL VIII?? Heck. Yesssss!!
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
Breed: Australian Shepherd mix
Sex: Female
Age: 10 weeks
Fun Fact: Expert scuba diver.
abilene
AND, don’t forget the Kitty Halftime Show! (That one is for you, Mrs. Wolkove…)
Can’t even WAIT!
xx, L
Tags: "i like sports and i don't care who knows", careful cowboy!, dog daze, don't judge, i need a dog..., I'm just saying..., incredibly bold statements, LMR, Mrs. Wolkove, newsworthy, Ridiculous., set your TiVo, super important causes!, Things that are awesome..., things that are hysterical, Things we love!, Yowza.
Goldendoodle puppy we dogsat for over the weekend…
hi, i'm barkley!
Call the hospital! I’m DYING of cuteness.
(That’s all.)
xx, L
Tags: dog daze, dying of cuteness, i need a dog..., I'm just saying..., LMR, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, You Can Find Me in the A
Get your tickets, folks, it’s almost time for the 12th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF)!
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
Tags: Artsy-Fartsy, Festive, I'm just saying..., impress your friends!, LMR, More culture than frozen yogurt!, Movies, newsworthy, see and be seen, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, very important people, You Can Find Me in the A
Guess what I’ve already filed??
Yep, you guessed it… My 2011 taxes. Look who’s on the ball! (It’s me, it’s me!)
For the past few years, I’ve taken my tax info down the street to HR Block, simply out of convenience, to have one of their employees quickly chew me up and spit me out. “See ya’ next year!” they’d say with a smile as I wrote a large check for their data entry, and moseyed out confused as to why my fairly simple tax return was so expensive. Not this year, readers.
THIS year, I changed it up. I’m using a firm to prep my taxes who was highly recommended to me by blog regular + close friend, Loren S. They don’t advertise – they rely on word of mouth. (And, we like that!) They’ve done such an excellent job with my taxes this year, and really handled me with care. So, I want to help ‘em out a little.
siegel & siegel, p.c.
Siegel & Siegel, P.C. is a small, family-owned firm that was started in the 1950′s by Abe Siegel. All three of Abe’s sons became CPAs and all worked there (and still do). Josh Halpern, my new CPA (um, do I sound fancy pants or WHAT?!), is the newest addition to the group. He started working there in 2007, and has been a CPA since 2009. Josh is a Georgia Bulldog (which I didn’t hold against him), and an all-around really awesome guy.
Siegel & Siegel provides accounting and tax services for individuals and small businesses. This includes compilations (another way of saying financial statements), as well as tax services. Many of their business clients are service-oriented (doctor, lawyer, dentist, real estate), but they can also work on any small “closely-held” businesses. Josh had no problem at all helping a little guy (girl) like me with my super-simple tax return, either.
Clients like Siegel & Siegel because of the personal attention they receive from the firm. They don’t have young staff for partners to hand over their clients to ”to be worked-up” and then passed back for a quick check-over and a signature. They do the work themselves, and they each know their clients issues/ business versus having to find the staff person who worked on that client (larger firms are like this) to inquire about what is going on. They do not bill solely based on time, so they are happy to take calls and respond to e-mails. (Even I know that this is very old school – and I appreciate it.) Siegel & Siegel considers itself to be a “vintage firm.” The kind where you receive the personal attention you deserve.
Siegel & Siegel’s office is located in Sandy Springs near Roswell Road and Hammond, close to Breadwinner Cafe. Give Josh a call. He’s a great guy (I absolutely vouch for him), and he will very thoughtfully walk you through your taxes. I sincerely appreciated the care with which he explained everything to me, and the speed at which he prepared my return. If you’re looking for some tax help this year, I highly recommend Siegel & Siegel.
P.S. Tell Josh that the Q+DD sent you! We don’t get a kickback or anything (I can’t even imagine what it would be if we did…), but it would be nice to know that we were able to help out a really great, small business that we believe in!
xx, L
Siegel & Siegel, P.C. – Josh Halpern
140 Hammond Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
404.252.6667 ext. 106
joshua@siegelcpa.com
www.siegelcpa.com
Tags: fancy pants, incredibly bold statements, Lets hear it for the boys, LMR, loren not lauren, support local businesses!, Things that are awesome..., very important people, You Can Find Me in the A
EXCITING, EXCITING musical news! Memphis is comin’ to Atlanta, y’all!
Never heard of it?? Allow me to enlighten you…
Memphis: A New Musical is loosely based on Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music in the 1950s. She’s a black singer whose career is on the rise, but who can’t break out of the segregated clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee. He’s a white radio DJ whose love of music transcends race lines and airwaves. When the two collaborate, her soulful music reaches radio audiences everywhere, and the Golden Era of early rock ‘n’ roll takes flight. But as things start to heat up, whether the world is really ready for their music – or their love – is put to the test. Memphis won the Tony Award for “Best Musical,” along with three other awards, at the 2010 Tonys.
Read more about Memphis here: I can’t WAIT to see THIS!
Soooooo, I’ll be there on opening night - what about YOU?
Ticket information here for Memphis’ quick stint at the Fabulous Fox Theatre: Show running from 1/31 – 2/5!
theatres just don't get more magnificent than the fox...
This show is going to be so great! (Now, we just need to work on The Book of Mormon (oh please, oh please!) to travel down south, and I’m pretty. much. set.)
xx, L
Tags: Gorms, I'm just saying..., LMR, More culture than frozen yogurt!, music to my ears!, newsworthy, see and be seen, theater, Theatre Folk, Things that are awesome..., You Can Find Me in the A
If you just can’t get enough (“I just can’t get enough/ I just can’t get enough!”) of 80′s music + the decade’s outrageous attire (and honestly, who can??), round up the girls and head to Fadó Irish Pub + Restaurant for Ladies 80′s Night on Saturday, January 28 at 10:00 p.m.!
A really radical DJ will be spinning your favorite 80′s tunes, and the bar will be pouring classic 80′s cocktails. For $6 each, try a Long Island iced tea, Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian or one of the new concoctions from Fadó’s winter drink menu.
don't forget these bad boys!
Start the evening with the Atlanta Dance Marathon from 7:00-10:00 p.m.! Join this fun-lovin’ group donning their best 80′s outfits for non-stop dancing to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Cost is ONLY $15 per person + includes a pint of beer and all-you-can-eat complimentary appetizers.
yessssssss
There are few things that LK + I love more than a good 80′s party…
rock? ON!!
Sounds so super fun!
xx, L
Fado Irish Pub + Restaurant
273 Buckhead Ave.
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
404.841.0066
http://www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta/
Tags: 80s, blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, careful cowboy!, Costumes + Parties, I'm just saying..., Moxie? We got it., oh so hipster, PLU, Ridiculous., see and be seen, super important causes!, sweet charity, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
I ate too much over my birthday weekend. FACT.
Also FACT: My most delicious meal was eaten at Aria.
This Buckhead institution is known for its delicious food, excellent service, extensive wine list, and super-exclusive wine room table. It’s a restaurant that I think of for celebrations. Turning 30 was an appropriate one. I was treated to this fantastic dinner by my fantastic friend, Gorms. You are going to be so disgusted impressed by how much we ate!
We began our feast by polishing off Pastry Chef Kathryn King’s Warm Focaccia Bread and a glass of pinot gris. If there was a such thing as a winter coat made out of bread – I’d want it to be this bread.
Next up was Aria’s Creamless Celery Root Soup with black truffles and parmesan.
Potato and Goat Cheese Ravioli with lamb and mushroom bolognese and reggiano parmigiano followed.
Warm Lobster Cocktail with butter braised Maine lobster, broccoli, and black truffle potatoes were next. This was incredibly delish! Gorm’s favorite, in fact.
For entrees, we shared the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout with sweet potatoes, black trumpet mushrooms, Maine lobster, and white corn…
…and the Painted Hills Ranch Natural Beef Short Rib with celery root whipped potatoes, tender carrots, sugar snap peas, and celery hearts.
They were cooked to perfection. So many lovely flavors!
Dessert began with a sensational Warm Apple Tart with caramel ice cream to share…
…and ended with a delightful birthday plate of chocolate surprises!
The meal was OUT OF THIS WORLD (as predicted)! If you have something to celebrate – celebrate here. I would also tell you to order exactly like we did. We had such a nice variety of savory and pastry, and I really feel like it was an excellent sampling of Aria’s menu. I’ve never heard anything negative about this restaurant, and I only have very positive praise to add! So well done!
Enjoy, restaurant-goers! And, thank you Gormsie, for such a delicious night!
xx, L
Aria
490 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
404.233.7673
www.aria-atl.com
Tags: Beef., birthday lovin, buckhead betties, clean plate club, don't judge, fancy pants, Gorms, i need a gym STAT, I'm just saying..., incredibly bold statements, LMR, sugar rush!, sweet tooth, Table for Two, That'll do Pig, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, very important people, wine-O, WineTime, You Can Find Me in the A
Over my birthday weekend, Kevin took it upon himself to make plans. Shocked, I was, shocked! And, v. pleased.
He arranged for a number of excellent meals over the weekend, but my favorite thing we did was have a little stay-cation at The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast in Grant Park.
Here’s the Q+DD on The Social Goat:
The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast is located in downtown Atlanta, and is in the community surrounding the oldest city park, Grant Park. The park was established in 1882 when Lemuel P. Grant gave the city of Atlanta 100 acres and the city acquired an additional 44 acres to create a park for its citizens, eventually developing Atlanta’s largest historic neighborhood. A failed circus traveling through town in 1889 was purchased and animals were placed in what is now Zoo Atlanta for spectators. In 1892, the circular painting of the Battle of Atlanta was exhibited in the park and is now housed in the Atlanta Cyclorama. Just one block from the park, guest can enjoy all the attractions and much more while the stay at The Social Goat.
the social goat exterior
The Social Goat was originally built in 1900 as a Queen Anne Victorian to accommodate 13 children. Once a working farm and homestead, the house was located on a large piece of property that eventually was sold to make way for suburban building. This property is now 3/4 of an acre and once again has a miniature barnyard. Residents include two nigerian dwarf goats named “Sherman” and “Tallulah”, three cats named “Monkey, Leon, Tanuki”, three black spanish turkeys, 12 chickens, and plenty of goldfish and koi that inhabit the pond. The Social Goat welcomes you with southern hospitality, and invites you to stay and relax on their little city farm.
Prior to our stay at The Social Goat, I hadn’t heard about this bed + breakfast before, so I was super impressed that Kevin had booked our stay at such a unique place! When we arrived, we took a brief tour of the house – which was beautiful.
Here’s a peek:
barcelona wine bar
The next morning, Kristy (The Social Goat owner + innkeeper) made us breakfast in the dining room. She borrowed eggs from the chickens on her farm behind the house. The breakfast was DE-licious. A true feast.
Finally, it was time to meet the animals! This was the biggest highlight for me! We hung out with the most friendly, dog-like, dwarf goats named Sherman + Tallulah.
I. fell. in. LOVE!!
They, however, were slightly less interested in us, and way more interested in my bright purple jacket. Oh well. Still soooooooo unbelievably cute!
Then, we met the roosters who had woken us up in the morning. This one is named Fabio.
Kevin and I did not make friends with the turkeys. They were jerks.
We really could have played with the animals all day…
The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast truly deserves the positive reviews and praise it’s received on Yelp! I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a little getaway within the city. It was such a unique experience – one that I know I will never forget. I just loved!
More info on The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast here: Gobble til ya Wobble!
Miss you, Sherman + Tallulah…
xx, L
The Social Goat Bed + Breakfast
548 Robinson Ave.
Atlanta, Georgia 30315
404.626.4830
http://www.thesocialgoatbandb.com/
Tags: birthday lovin, careful cowboy!, don't judge, from the farm, I'm just saying..., Kevin!, Lets hear it for the boys, More culture than frozen yogurt!, oh so hipster, Ridiculous., stay-cation, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, vay-cay, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
(Just a little more today re. Exhale.) You would think that we were getting paid from them or something… Note: We are NOT, but maybe we should be??
Y’all know how much I heart my second home in Atlanta, Exhale Spa. Y’all know. (And, welcome LK! So happy you’ve joined!!)
Well, I had my first facial at Exhale last week and JUST when I thought I couldn’t love it any more there, I fell even more head over heels!
It was the absolute greatest facial. The greatest! The one I got was the 60-Minute True Facial w/ a Cool Beam Treatment.
Here are the deets:
True Facial: Enliven your skin with our customized facial appropriate for all skin types. We use a layer of our most coveted mushroom enzyme mask to lift away all dull, tired skin and reveal a fresher, brighter version of you! Trust that all of your need will be thoroughly addressed in this one hour facial – a true transformation!
Cool Beam Treatment: Monochromatic coherent light penetrates into the dermis sparking a physiological collagenic growth spurt. This healing therapy inflates fine lines while simultaneously reducing post-surgical inflammation and decreasing hyperpigmentation and cystic acne.
My therapist, Kathryn, was absolutely amazing, too. I highly, highly recommend getting a facial at Exhale. My skin has been glowing since and feels like silk!
Also newsworthy at Exhale is…one of my favorite Atlantans + fitness gurus, Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience for the spa. Do you know her? Do you know her? You should! Y’all have seen me reference her in every single one of my Exhale-related posts, but you guys REALLY need to know how awesome Anne-Marie is!
anne-marie berte
In addition to all her responsibilities at Exhale, she is also the ambassador for the 100 Women Project, the Lease Luxury Properties lifestyle & wellness concierge, and all around excellent person. Anne-Marie is really into brand marketing and promotions, and is constantly working to connect people and create relationships and cross promotions for brands. She has a contagiously positive and uplifting personality – this girl is going places, people!!
super-fit, A-M!
Stay tuned for more Anne-Marie awesomeness – you are sure to see her around the ATL as the “fit girl blogger” bringing you up to date on the latest and greatest workouts to try, studios, and healthy lifestyle tips!
Love, love, love Exhale + Anne-Marie! Just the best in 2012.
xx, L
Exhale Atlanta
Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience: amberte@exhalespa.com
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404.720.5000
http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/GAtlanta/Default.aspx
Tags: 2012!!, Anne Marie!, Beauty is as beauty does., exhale atlanta, healthy as heck, i need a gym STAT, I'm just saying..., LMR, Moxie? We got it., newsworthy, see and be seen, spa-la-la-la-la, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, very important people, working on my fitness, You Can Find Me in the A
Yesterday did not start off great.
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.
Tags: Beauty is as beauty does., blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, careful cowboy!, clean plate club, comfort food, detox/retox, ET, GNO, I'm just saying..., Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
Readers’ Choice:
Best Local Blog + Best Local Bloggers
