Things we love!

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The Mane Event!

03/05/2010 in Hair, Maintenence, Product by Lauren | No comments

SO here’s the thing: I have a very specific idea of how I want my hair to look. The hair I WANT is like Cameron’s:
Or Jessica’s:
Or Reese’s:

The hair that grows out of my head, however? Something more like…

Sideshow Bob.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to beat my mane into submission, but between the straightening irons, curling irons, hot rollers, velcro rollers, blowdryers, highlights, lowlights, bi-yearly Keratin treatments and products, products, products… My poor hair takes a LOT of abuse.

Eventually, it starts looking and feeling well, a little like…

…you know what I mean.

Friends, I have FOUND A MIRACLE PRODUCT:

Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat

Here’s the Q+DD: You can use this product either as a leave-in conditioner OR a masque-type treatment. The instructions say that if you are using it as a leave-in, to apply a dime sized amount to towel dried hair before styling. If you’re using it as a treatment, apply liberally to your hair and leave in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

But being from the school of “More is Better”, I have been sleeping in gobs of this stuff for the last 3 nights and my hair did a 180!

No lie, I picked Linds up last night and she asked me if I had in extensions. My hair isn’t any longer, it’s just healthier and shinier and fuller.

If you are having haystack head problems, I am begging you to run out to your nearest CVS and pick some up. Just so you don’t have sticker shock, it’ll run you about $20, which seems like a lot for something you don’t get at a fancy-pants salon, but just do it, ok?

In short: Celebrity Hair, HERE I COME!

…and just in time for the Oscars!

xx, L

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Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

03/03/2010 in Events!, PSAs, Random Musings, What we're Doing, What we're Reading by Lauren | 3 comments

Did you know that yesterday was dear ol’ Dr. Seuss’s birthday? Well, it was.

Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on 03/02/04!

Throughout my whole life, I have ALWAYS been a big Dr. Seuss fan, I’m sure we all were at one point or another, right?  I mean, whose childhood didn’t include The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, or Green Eggs and Ham?

Usual Suspect.

Sidebar: remember when Season 5 Top Chef contender Carla made Green Eggs and Ham during a quickfire challenge?



Don’t you think she kinda looks a little like a resident of Whoville?:

Coincidence? I think not...

Hootie-hoo, Carla! (I love you.)

I digress.

As I was saying, somehow Dr. Seuss always finds his way into my life at every stage. Some of my earliest memories are of my superawesome dad making up tunes to the silly songs in The Cat in the Hat Songbook…

Plinker Plunker!

…and as a suddenly environmentally-conscious 5th grader, I wrote what I considered to be a very moving paper on The Lorax.  Sometimes, riiiiight around wine-time, DK will dig it up to embarrass the heck out of me.

"I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues!"

The Good Doctor Seuss even followed me to college when DK gave me a copy of Oh, The Places You’ll Go as I settled into my dorm room at the University of Texas.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."

Oh, and let’s not forget about Seussical the Musical (!!!) which opened on Broadway in 2000!  (…just to be sure that eeeeeeeevery last one of my tender little heartstrings were played upon…)

"Just tell yourself, duckie, you're really quite lucky!"

Then, when I moved to NYC myself, I met a wonderful guy named Andrew who educated me on the lost art of Dr. Seuss:

From www.drseussart.com: “Dr. Seuss single-handedly forged a new genre of art that falls somewhere between the Surrealist Movement of the early 20th Century and the inspired nonsense of a precocious child’s classroom doodles.”

Andrew had a truly mesmerizing (not to mention enormous) landscape painting in his apartment and I came to learn that Seuss not only worked in illustrations and paint, but also bronze sculpture and “unorthodox taxidermy”

Even now, as a full-fledged adult (scary.), I often find myself considering the wise words of Dr. Seuss.  Check it:

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.”

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

And finally, my favorite (my sister’s favorite too):

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Bringing it all full-circle for me, next Saturday my very, very dear friends Jess and Adam will be celebrating the first birthday of THE MOST ADORABLE CHILDREN EVER, otherwise known as their kids, my pseudo niece and nephew, Eli and Alexa, with a Seuss-themed birthday party…where the twin guests of honor will appear as Thing 1 and Thing 2!

Precious!

But if you’d like to have your OWN Seuss celebration, you’re in luck.  On SUNDAY, MARCH 21st the Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum, will be hosting a “Seussian” Birthday Party in conjunction with their fascinating exhibition, “Dr. Seuss Goes to War…and More!”, a collection of Ted Grisel’s WWII political cartoons.

showing now through 08/31/10

Click here for details.

So, HAPPY 106th BIRTHDAY, Dr. Seuss… from the Q+DD!

oh, and happy 1st birthday, A + E! Aunt LK loves you!

Oh, the places you'll go!

xx, L

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Sayonara Winter Olympics…

03/01/2010 in PSAs, Random Musings, Sports, What we're Watching by Lindsay | 3 comments

My prayers have been answered: The 2010 Winter Olympics are finally OVER!!

I have never been so uninvested in pop culture before…

Not to sound uncultured or un-American or anything – but the Winter Olympics ruined my life for the past two weeks.  I do not care about curling. 

Since they started on February 12th, I’d been counting down the minutes until they blew out the torch and I could finally be reengaged in evening programming I am actually interested in.  (For the record: I’m normally glued to the Summer Olympics…) 

What I really want to know is:

How’s the weather in Scranton?

What is Liz’s junk food of choice today?  Shells + cheese?  Doritos? 

Ooooh, I just can’t take the suspense any longer!!

(Also, where has this show been?  I really need a weekly dose of Barney…)

what's the deal, CBS? you don't run the Olympics...

My point is that I’ve just really missed you, Primetime NBC. 

And, I’d like to be the first to officially welcome you home!  Hooray!!  :)

xx, L

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Katie’s Pick!

02/27/2010 in Katie's Picks, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | 2 comments

"Shimmy" by Blowfish $39

Katie says,

“Shimmy into these adorable little Blowfish summer flats in either scarlet red, bronze, or pewter (pictured)
Or better yet, since these babies will only set you back $39, why not get all three?

Shimmy into Gus Mayer soon before they shimmy out the door!”

To get yours, call my seestah, Katie, at 205 877 8554 at or pop by Gus Mayer in Birmingham!

xx, L

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“Smashing, Dah-ling!”

02/26/2010 in Beauty, Maintenence, Product, Tricks of the Trade by Lindsay | 6 comments

***Sorry, men…  Y’all will probably want to skedaddle over this post.***

Sooooooo, I’ve been using mineral make-up for several weeks now – and I’m totally sold on it.  I love how it sits on my face and doesn’t feel heavy.  I love that it is so easy to apply.  I love not feeling like I need to wear concealer in addition.  My only complaint, though, was that I felt like the amazing coverage that mineral make-up was initially giving me upon application was seriously fading over the course of the day.

All I want to know is:

1 – Who, exactly, do my minerals think they are?

2 - And, WHERE do they think they are going??

I went back to Ulta @ Buckhead Station and explained my situation to one of their make-up specialists:  I’m constantly on the go and sometimes don’t have time or the opportunity to reapply make-up after work and before one of my bajillion obligations or social commitments.  But, I still want to look like I have make-up on!  She recommended that I start using this bad boy under my make-up every day:

my secret weapon

She told me that SMASHBOX’s Photo Finish Primer is silky + lightweight and will increase the longevity of my make-up.  In fact, it’s frequently used in photo shoots – make-up artists and photographers love it, apparently.  She said Photo Finish will also reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and it’s oil-free.

I told her that products with a name like “SMASHBOX” were most likely going to be wayyyyy too sexy for my really sensitive skin.  She told me that she, too, has very sensitive skin and she’d never broken out from it.  I was skeptical. Most of my make-up comes in organic-looking packaging and is plastered with “dermatologist approved” or “hypoallergenic.”

(So what, I have allergies…) :(

Alas, I tried it and I am pretty sure this product was made by angels – totally heaven sent!! It’s holding onto my minerals and giving me great all day coverage even into the evening, without irritation.  Now, I put it on each morning after my moisturizer.  It seeps into my skin almost immediately - and then I start working with the minerals…

Ooh ooh ooh – as far as eyeliner is concerned, I really need for it to stay on all day, too.  No time to reapply! I swear by Revlon’s Colorstay Eyeliner.  Swear by it! It’s pretty cheap and will stay on all day long.  Fact.

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

Finally, I used L’Oreal’s Telescopic Mascara for the first time today and I really like it.  It has a teeny tiny application wand that I think is supposed to help you avoid getting clumps.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

I’ve been known to jump around from mascara to mascara with no loyalty whatsoever.  For the last few months, I’ve been using Maybelline’s XXL Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara and have been very pleased with it, but it definitely gets clumpy quickly.  I absolutely looooathe that!

Maybelline's XXL Mascara

I’m seriously considering a semi-permanent (at least) switch to L’Oreal Telescopic after using it this morning.  It just looks so natural and came out very evenly on my lashes.  I am impressed with the length of my lashes, too.  I’m definitely not married to it, but I think I’ll at least switch to it for a few months.  Will let you know how it goes…

That’s all!  :)

xx, L

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Goodbye, Godiva!

02/25/2010 in Gifts, Guilty Pleasures, Vendors!, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Although I don’t particularly love chocolate and rarely seek it out (I am definitely more of a Twizzlers or Haribo gummy bears gal), I don’t mind it either.  On the rare occasion that I am going to buy it, it’s going to be Godiva.  I always send Godiva to my mother for Valentine’s Day, and I’m always game for at least window shopping at the Godiva store @ Lenox Mall. 

"life is like a box of chocolates..."

Godiva has been my standard for chocolate for many years.  That is, until I received a box of chocolates + truffles from Norman Love Confections last week!

I seriously became Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka + The Chocolate Factory.

me

Sexy, I know.  “Oompa loompa doompadee doo!”

Well, as it turns out, I love chocolate!  Although, I’m pretty sure it’s only Norman’s…  (I may need to conduct a bit more research to be sure.)

25pc Signature Chocolate Gift Box

I even love the box.  So artful!  :)

When I took off the cover, I was shocked at how colorful each chocolate piece was!  They look like mini pieces of Venetian glass!  I carefully studied the accompanying guide to correctly identify the wide array of flavors…and I went to town. 

i'd appreciate y'all ignoring the missing pieces...

It is very difficult for me to choose, but if pressed, I’d say that my five favorite flavors are:

Vanilla Cupcake- Sweet cream and vanilla frosting ganache mixed with tiny cake pieces in a perfect little bite.

Key Lime Shell – Classic and simple, made with fresh key lime juice and the feeling of a little Florida sunshine with each bite.

Caramel Apple - Peanut butter caramel ganache is the perfect enhancement to fresh tart apples covered in a white chocolate shell.

Cinnamon Roll- Buttery cinnamon swirled with pure sugar icing in white chocolate ganache – casted in milk chocolate.

Cookies ‘n’ Cream – The fine dark chocolate crunch and smooth white filling you’d expect from this all-time favorite treat.

If you are a serious chocoholic, need to send a corporate gift or just want to make someone’s day w/ a gorgeous + delicious box of chocolates, I strongly encourage you to send it from Norman Love Confections.  Keep in mind that these chocolates do not contain preservatives, so they are best enjoyed w/in three weeks.  (Or you could follow my lead and eat them all almost immediately…) 

Check out Norman Love Confections @ www.normanloveconfections.com.

C’est Magnifique!

xx, L

Norman Love Confections
11380 Lindbergh Boulevard
Fort Myers, Florida  33913
239.561.7215
www.normanloveconfections.com

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Buckhead Restaurant Week: 03/06 – 03/14

02/24/2010 in Buckhead, Deals + Steals, Events!, Restaurant Weeks, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 1 comment

I am ALL ABOUT various neighborhood restaurant weeks. It’s a combination of my favorite things: restaurants, good deals, and hype.

That said, you should know that the inaugural Buckhead Restaurant week is right around the corner! 3 courses for $25? Yes, please!

Here are a few of my favorite participants:

Anis
Anis is such a perfect little date spot! It’s this amazing little French resto in a charming little house off Grandview. They have an outside patio (and allow pups!) as well as cozy inside seating. Love!

Aria
(Or Aria’s as my mom calls it.) If you have never been, you are seriously missing out. Aria is one of my favorite restaurants in the city – it’s romantic, the food is amazing, and it’s very glam in an understated sort of way.

Bistro Niko
You know a restaurant is cool when EZ elects to celebrate her birthday there!In the bottom of the Soverign building, this chic little French bistro is the newest addition to the Buckhead Life restaurant group. The bar area is especially cool.

Capital Grille
Two words: Stoli Doli. When l lived in the Eclipse (located just behind the restaurant) this was my go-to happy hour spot. It’s a higher-end steak joint, and everything on the menu is delish, but the lobster mac + cheese will change your life and the calamari is out of this world. Their signature cocktail is the “Stoli Doli” – a martini made with pineapple infused vodka. DELISH. Plus, it has the whole country club chic thing going on and I love that.

Kyma
Another Buckhead Life participant, and Lindsay’s favorite big fat Greek restaurant. Go get your taramasalata on, yo.

Nava
I celebrated a landmark birthday here and will always have a special place in my heart for blue cornbread, prickly pear margaritas, and lobster tacos…

Other participating restaurants are Aja (it’s pronounced like Asia, FYI, not Ah-zjh-ah- I asked!), Aqua Bistro, Atlanta Fish Market, Blue Pointe, Cantina (where Lola used to be), Craftbar, Gordon Biersch, Home, Market, Paces 88, The Palm, Pricci, Prime, Ruth’s Chris, Shula’s 347, and The Grape.

You can make reservations by calling the restaurants (duh) or on Opentable.com, a sponsor of the event.

Please note that alcohol and gratuity are not included in the $25.

Happy fine dining on a dime!

xx, L

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Trend Alert! Hipster Puppies

02/23/2010 in Pampered Pooches, Random Musings by Lindsay | No comments

How hip is your pupster?

(this one takes the cake!)

I mean…this is the most amazing blog I’ve come across since, well, we started the Q+DD!  AMAZING!!  :)

Check out more hipster heartbreakers like these guys + submit your pup @
http://hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com/  These pooches are just too cool for school!

This weekend, Slick and I were finally ready to move on from our beloved Reggie, and we adopted Big Red.  We hope he leads a much longer life than poor, old Reg!

Big Red

(Someone please get me a puppy…)

xx, L

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A Couplea Things

02/19/2010 in Events!, Midtown, PSAs, Random Musings, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 3 comments

Listen. It’s Friday. And while my body may be here at the office, my brain is already out for the weekend. The forecast is spectacular and I just want to leave you with a few notable things before I peace out of here in favor of finding a nice patio on which to drink cocktails:

1. Last night Doc Hollywood and I FINALLY saw the Da Vinci exhibit at the High. It’s closing weekend, and I am officially suggesting you rush over there to view it before it’s gone.

In the interest of full disclosure, the collection is small and the Good Doctor was expecting a bit more sculpture, but I was absolutely fascinated by the early drawings and sketches. Even the teeny tiny ones were drawn with such meticulous detail, it really was, well, genius. DH’s favorite was a spectacular silver piece but I suspect his real favorite part was his entertaining creative narration:

"I am telling you! The red M&Ms taste much better than the brown ones!"

We were only slightly more mature than my last visit to the High. If you haven’t seen this post, I am begging you to do so.

We finished our night at One Midtown Kitchen: mussels, duck, ravioli and a fantastic SUPER TUSCAN (which is so much cooler than meritage just by name alone, yeah?). Now that? Is a perfect LK kind of night.

2. I know I am always looking for creative excuses for my punctuality problem, but last night, I didn’t need to fabricate anything because 85 was a nightmare due to Zebra Traffic. That’s right: a ZEBRA on the loose in downtown Atlanta. A ZEBRA, y’all.
3. Slick informed Linds and me that that today is the anniversary of the first day Mr. Rogers was nationally televised.
As you know, it is also Slick’s birthday. That is a truly remarkable coincidence. Happy birthday, Slick!

4. LuckyFest is right around the corner. 03/13/10.

More details to come, but use promo code “kraselsky” (no caps) for 20% off your ticket. They are $10 right now, but you know the drill. They increase leading up to the event and will eventually be $30.

ShamROCK it out, yo.

5. Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta Party (Benefiting Camp Twin Lakes!) is MONDAY. Um, It’s only my 2nd favorite CTL event of the year! Lindsay, Christine, and I will be hostessing the VIP lounge from 7-8p, but before and after we will be swilling delicious wine and cocktails, checking out the silent auction, and sampling the tasty vittles offered by Holeman and Finch, Sublime Donuts, Craft + Craftbar, BLT Steak, and other fabulous restaurants (for a complete list of participating bars and restaurants click here.)

Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta Party
Monday, February 22
6:00 p.m. VIP/Early Admission
$125 per person online
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. General Admission
$60 per person online, $70 per person at the door

Click here for tickets.

OK! That’s about it. Happy Friday, everyone! I hope we all get out early!
xx, L

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Incredibly Bold Statements

02/18/2010 in Midtown, PSAs, Random Musings, Suburbs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 9 comments

When it comes to pizza, I’m really not kidding around. 

this is my serious face

I’ve said it many times before, but I’ll say it again:  For the past five years, Shorty’s has been my favorite pizza place in Atlanta.  Nothing could hold a candle to it.  I’d happily eat there two – maybe three – (don’t judge me) times a week.  Happily.

Well, on the Fourth of July this year, I was sipping some Firefly and catching some rays beside the Post Chastain (Acapulco) pool with friends when dinner was mentioned.  I suggested Shorty’s, because “it is the best pizza in town.”  A friend’s fiance quickly chimed in that he considers himself to be a distinguished pizza connoisseur and that Vintage Pizzeria is, in fact, the best pizza in town.  Riiiiiiight. 

I wasn’t up for an argument in my tipsy + sunburned + America-loving state, but I doubted that he was anywhere remotely close to correct.  His bold statement did, however, spark my interest…

It’s taken us a while, but on Sunday, Slick + some friends and I finally tried Vintage Pizzeria.  (Afterwards, I made everyone see The Wolfman.  I’m still really sorry, guys…) 

Vintage Pizzeria

Here’s what I liked about Vintage:  I thought the pizzeria’s random location nearby the Chamblee MARTA station right off from Peachtree Industrial’s sprawling car dealerships was kind of cool.  I honestly didn’t know there was anything interesting in that area that would appeal to a demographic aside from sleazy car salesmen.  Vintage Pizzeria sits directly across the street from railroad tracks and an adorable little dessert trailer called the Frosty Caboose that serves ice cream and a few other sweet treats.

At Vintage, we ordered Carmen’s Own + the Hawaiian pizza* (my favorite) + some wine/ beer.  They pour well at Vintage – just FYI.  :)

Vintage Pizzeria

Vintage Pizzeria

*Note: Why is it that photos of pizza always look like the “what to watch out for” mole pictures at a dermatologists office?  Always – ick.

I have to say that I wasn’t incredibly impressed with Vintage’s decor or atmosphere, but the pizza was above average.  Definitely not the best in town, but possibly a nice alternative to Shorty’s.  I’ll give it that – although, I never thought I needed one.  That is…until I went to Antico Pizza Napoletana with close friends in from New York yesterday.  (I’m so sorry, Shorty’s…)

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Antico is, hands down, the best pizza I’ve ever had in my entire life.  (How’s that for a stand alone statement?!)

I’ve eaten pizza in Italy, New York, Chicago – everywhere that I would think is important, and frankly, Antico is it for me.  I am well-aware that I talk up a lot of restaurants on the blog, but Antico is different.  You have to try it immediately.  (No exclamation point is needed.  This is simply a statement of fact.)  For those who don’t live in Atlanta, come into town and visit me and I’ll take you.  Deal?  Done.

Antico is located in a nondescript space off of Hemphill and 14th, sandwiched between Georgia Tech’s campus and Atlantic Station.  When I walked in, I was greeted by an Italian employee and directed to the hanging menu above the register.  My friends and I decided to share a Margarita pizza with pepperoni*.  We ordered, grabbed some sodas and then seated ourselves at a communal table in the kitchen.  At first, I thought it might be strange to have overflow seating in the restaurant’s kitchen, but I LOVED it!  We got to watch the Antico employees (mostly Italians) kneading the dough, making the pizzas and throwing them into the brick ovens  – all while loud music was bumping throughout the kitchen’s speakers. 

Ovens @ Antico

Brick Ovens @ Antico

Our pizza was delivered to us on a cookie sheet and IT. WAS. AMAZING!  Truly amazing! 

Margarita Pizza @ Antico

The sauce and dough were particularly tasty, while at the same time not overpowering or too filling.  The cheese tasted incredibly fresh and the pepperoni was thinly sliced and crispy.  You just don’t get more authentic than this!  The only problem, though, was that we completely devoured it within minutes.  We immediately regretted not ordering more.  

*Note: A number of people were eating the Bianca pizza (w/ ricotta + buffalo mozzarella) and it looked awesome.

Antico is open Monday – Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – Until Out of Dough.  How cute is that??

I love Antico’s pizza!  I really do.  Shorty’s, sadly, is a thing of the past for me.  (Farewell, old friend.)  As far as I’m concerned, there is only one place worthy of eating pizza at in Atlanta now – and that is Antico Pizza Napoletana.  I’ll see you there very soon.

xx, L

Vintage Pizzeria
5434 Peachtree Road
Chamblee, GA  30341
678.646.0400
www.vintagepizzeria.com

Vintage Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

Antico Pizza Napoletana
1093 Hemphill Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.724.2333
www.anticopizza.it

Antico Pizza Napoletana on Urbanspoon

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The Secret to Life.

02/17/2010 in Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 6 comments

Slick and Stuart were very sneaky over the past few weeks…

Slick + Stuart

Slick + Stuart

Somehow these amazing (but never plan-oriented) boys pulled together a very thoughtful + incredibly romantic, surprise V-Day getaway for Stacey + me @ Chateau Elan! 

Chateau Elan

Here’s the Q+DD on Chateau Elan:
Chateau Elan is the largest winery in Georgia and is located in Braselton, 40 miles north of Atlanta.  It was founded in 1982 by Dr. Don Panoz who came from the pharmaceutical industry.  Their wines have won many regional awards including 19 from the Atlanta International Wine Festival, two from The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition and numerous Florida State Fair awards.  The facility is 3,500 acres, but only 50 are dedicated to the vineyard.  Georgia wines are marked “Founder’s Reserve,” but other bottles with the Chateau Elan label can include grapes from a sister property in California.  (www.wikipedia.com)

itineraries in hand...

Once we found out where we were going, we expected to drink a lot of mostly locally grown wine and RELAX RELAX RELAX.  We did not, however, expect to learn “the secret to life” from an enthusiastic Chateau Elan employee.

Wine Tour

Wine Tour

The Chateau Elan wine tour was just one of the many fun events the boys had planned for us during our “V-Day Extravaganza,” but it was the most memorable.  We learned all about CE’s grape harvesting, wine making and bottling process, and then got to taste a few of their signature wines. 

Wine Tasting

After the tasting – in hopes of scoring another heavy pour – the four of us stuck around to chew the fat with some of the CE wine experts + employees.  We spent the majority of our time talking to a particularly friendly, white-haired wine pourer.  Much to our surprise, he told us that he was 77 years old.  Shocked, we asked him how he looked so young and had so much energy.  (This gentleman was in remarkable shape.)  In a beautiful accent, he informed us that “the secret to life” is eating like a diabetic, or watching what you eat at each and every meal, and marrying your very best friend.  Just a little something to think about…

Chateau Elan

We enjoyed a really nice four-course dinner at Cafe Elan that evening, took advantage of the hot tub at the Spa and treated ourselves to a delicious brunch at Le Clos on Sunday morning (wearing our robes and all), but still, my favorite part of the trip was our brief + incredibly enlightening conversation with the Australian wine expert at the tasting.

Spa @ Chateau Elan

Brunch @ Le Clos

What a memorable little trip!  Stacey and I were very impressed with the boys, and we can’t wait to see what may be up their sleeves in the future!  :)

Way to go, Slick + Stuart!

xx, L

Chateau Elan
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, GA  30517
678.425.0900
www.chateauelan.com

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Cupcakes To Write Home About

02/16/2010 in Buckhead, Guilty Pleasures, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

I’ve died and gone to cupcake heaven!  I never thought I’d enjoy eating a cupcake as much as I love eating petit fours, but Cami Cakes has completely won me over!

Let’s take a step back, shall we? 

I’ve never turned my nose up at a cupcake, but they aren’t my favorite dessert in the world.  I can take ‘em or leave ‘em pretty much any day.  Magnolia (NYC), Sprinkles (Dallas) and Belly General Store (Atlanta) all have excellent cupcakes, but I’m not writing home about them.  Hey Cupcake (Austin) is definitely the closest I’ve come to cupcake-on-the-brain.

Hey Cupcake (Austin, TX)

Until now…  A girl in my book club brought a box of Cami Cakes to a meeting last week, and well, that’s all it took.  I’m officially hooked!  After talking about/ thinking about Cami Cakes for what seemed like days and days and days, Slick and I popped in yesterday after a visit to the Atlanta Humane Society to get a few treats for a little dinner celebration we had last night @ Fat Matt’s (more on that later). 

I’d frequently passed Cami Cakes on drives down Peachtree St. from Midtown to Buckhead, but I’d never noticed it.  It’s situated in a short, kinda boring strip (dry cleaners, tax advice, etc…)  nearby Varasano’s - so it’s easily overlooked.  I will most certainly NOT miss it from now on!

When you walk inside Cami Cakes, you are overwhelmed with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked cupcakes.  Slick’s first question to the gentleman behind the counter was, “How IN THE WORLD do you work here and you’re not 900 pounds?!”  Slick has excellent people skills.  :)

The cupcakes are artistic and creative, while at the same time flavorful and very moist.  Nothing is compromised in the making of these beauties!  You can choose from delicious flavors in their long glass case including – THE ELVIS: Creamy banana and peanut butter frosting topping their classic chocolate cake garnished with a hint of salt, and SWEET POTATO: Cinnamon and real sweet potato mixed into their buttery yellow cake and topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.  Yum!

We eventually left the store with a small box of the following:

Top Left – RED VELVET: Their classic Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting studded with lightly toasted pecans.  (Their best seller!)

Top Right – CHOCOLATE COCONUT PECAN: Rich and creamy caramel frosting with loads of coconut and pecans topping their classic chocolate cake.  (My least favorite…)

Bottom Right – CARROT: Moist spice cake loaded with carrots and pecans beneath cream cheese frosting studded with lightly toasted pecans.  (Absolutely delicious.)

Bottom Left – CLASSIC CAMI: Their signature yellow cake with classic pink buttercream frosting.  (Can’t beat the classics!)

After dinner, our cupcakes were gone in a flash!  SUGAR RUSH!!

Stop by Cami Cakes ASAP and you’ll see what I mean.  This just may be the second happiest place on Earth (next to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, of course!) 

Welcome to Cupcake HEAVEN!

xx, L

Cami Cakes
2221-B Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.748.4288
www.camicakes.com

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