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Whether you loved it or hated it – you have to admit that The Material Girl looked pretty freaking amazeballs last night in Indianapolis during the Super Bowl halftime show! She’s 53 years old, too, people! (I’ll take what she’s having, por favor…)
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
Tags: "i like sports and i don't care who knows", Beauty is as beauty does., celebrities!, I'm just saying..., LMR, Moxie? We got it., music to my ears!, set your TiVo, very important people
So guys… I am here to tell you that if you’ve never been to Spiral Entertainment’s OysterFest, you are SERIOUSLY missing out.
To support this claim, I offer the following information:
1. Holy shellfish: there will be TONS of Blue Point and Malpeque oysters flown in and promptly steamed or fried for your eating pleasure
2. You can enjoy live music from local bands (full lineup below) as well as DJs whilst you munch on your marine mollusks
3. Ice cold beer will be provided so you can wash ‘em down
4. Most importantly, please witness my final piece of evidence:
Clearly this party is awesome.
Here’s the Q+DD:
(Please note that the price WILL increase and Oysterfest sold out last year. I am cool…but not cool enough to get you into a party that’s already full. Fact.)
Live Performances by:
The Issues (local Atlanta rock band)
Six Shot Revival (southern rock)
Red Zepplin (Led Zepplin tribute)
Talk Journey to Me (80s cover band)
Plus DJ Mike Walsh and DJ Mason Gill
Hope to see you guys there!
xx, L
http://www.spiralentertainment.com/events/oysterfest
**price does not include food or drink
Tags: blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, Christine!, clean plate club, LKfest, More culture than frozen yogurt!, Moxie? We got it., very important people, 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
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
Hmmmmmmmm, wonder what it could be?
oooh, i'm this close...
No wait. Still haven’t gotten it.
eh.
(Duh! It’s one of the most exciting days of the year!)
IT’S LAUREN’S BIRTHDAYYYYY!!!!! Hooray!
get out of town!!
Happy, happy birthday, lovely lady!
Hoping that you have the most wonderful day, and a year full of happiness, laughter, success, a picture perfect wedding day to your amazing fiance GREG!!, lots of QT with Princess Olive, family, so many great friends, shopping sprees, cocktails, and LOTS and LOTS of love! You deserve it ALL!
Happy birthday from everyone! Enjoy your special day, LK!
So much love! Can’t wait to c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e!!
xx, L
Tags: birthday lovin, I'm just saying..., Moxie? We got it., Things we love!, very important people, You Can Find Me in the A
(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
This year she…
upped her awesomeness quotient by 15%. (just when you thought she was at awesomeness capacity.)
and
rocked a moustache harder than anyone you know
and
ate some really great food...with some really great company
and
hosted New Year's
and
kissed some cute babies
and
went to some fun parties
and
traveled the PCH
and
said what's up to the ocean
and
won some awards (!!!!!)
and
took some really adorable pictures (duh!)
and
conquered the 3-Day!
and
became engaged to a WONDERFUL man
and most recently…
developed a meaningful friendship with a barnyard animal. (hi, Sherman!)
Yep. She did ALL of that in her 29th year… and even though you might think it doesn’t get any better than that – I have a feeling 30 will be the BEST. ONE. YET.
And it starts TODAY!
Happy BIRTHDAY, Linds!
xx, L
Tags: birthday lovin, Lindsay is my HERO, LMR, Moxie? We got it., newsworthy, Things that are awesome..., very important people, You Can Find Me in the A
Yep, canned sparkling wine. And, is it cute or WHAT?
I went to an industry event at the Biltmore Ballrooms on Tuesday and one of the vendors had these at their table. I was probably slightly too excited about the cute pink cans + I definitely took more than one…
Here’s the Q+DD (from the interwebs) on Sofia Blanc de Blancs Canned Sparkling Wine:
Niebaum-Coppola Winery, owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola, wanted to sell its Sofia blanc de blancs sparkling wine — named for daughter and fellow director Sofia — in a 187 ml serving, just big enough for one drinker’s thirst and a neat way to enjoy sparkling wine without opening a full-size bottle. For years, champagne and other sparkling wines have been served up in 187 ml bottles (about six ounces, or a quarter of a full bottle) known among wine types as splits. Coppola wanted to sell a split of Sofia, but couldn’t find anyone to package it in small bottles with corks of the same quality as their full-sized offering, which has been bottled since at least 1999.
Other ideas weren’t terribly appealing — a bottle with a screwcap looked too much like those airline single-servings; not bad, but not the hip image the winery wanted for Sofia Then they contemplated the can. “The more we kind of played with the idea, the more we warmed up to it,” said Erle Martin, president of Niebaum-Coppola. “We realized we could make a can very cool and very elegant.”
Part of the plan has been to market Sofia not merely as premium wine without a bottle but as a clubgoers’ drink: ordered by name, easy to hold at a bar and ideal for resort poolsides where glass is a no-no. Niebaum-Coppola’s intention is to target drinkers of beer or alcopops, those fruity mixes like Smirnoff Ice that have supplanted wine coolers as the choice for sweet-palated drinkers. The cans are meant to appeal to what Martin has described as a “Sex in the City” crowd: sophisticated female city-dwellers, from just over drinking age up to their mid-30s. It’s a different audience than most wine drinkers. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/)
After doing some light online research, I realized that Sofia blanc de blancs has been around for a while in the mini cans, SO I might be a little slow to the game. Whatever the case, I’m still excited about it! These little cans of sparking happiness are seriously super cute + have fully caught my attention. (Move over PBR…)
JUST love!
xx, L
Tags: blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, celebrities!, day drinking, don't judge, Festive, I'm just saying..., LMR, More culture than frozen yogurt!, Moxie? We got it., newsworthy, oh so hipster, PLU, The Happiest Hour, Things that are awesome..., things that are hysterical, Things we love!, very important people, wine-O, WineTime, Yowza.
As I’ve previously blogged numerous times, I’m a BIG, BIG fan of The Girl… series.
I breezed through the first two books and the first two Swedish movies. The characters are so interesting and well-developed. The plot is addictively, intricately detailed and twisty. I couldn’t wait to see the American-made movie version of the first book over X-mas…
And, it was more than I could have EVER hoped for! The movie was totally chilling, pretty true to the book, and the acting was spot on perfect. I’ll say it – I’m kinda obsessed with Rooney Mara. What a badass! (I’ve decided it’s okay to use profanity to describe her. See the movie and you’ll agree.)
Inspired by the American GWTDT movie, I’ve recently started the third book in the series: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. (I was saving it because I didn’t want the series to end…) = ADDICTED. I love that it picks up right where the 2nd book left off. I. Can’t. Put. It. Down. I’m not sleeping at night. I’m not kidding.
Read it. See the movie. (Pass on the Swedish ones if you’re not a hardcore fan.)
Stieg Larsson: You were brilliant. Thank you so much for the hours and hours of addictive entertainment. R.I.P.
xx, L
Tags: don't judge, I'm just saying..., literature, LMR, Sorry not sorry., Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, very important people, wash your mouth with soap!, Yowza.
I’m obsessed with this. With both of them. With her tiara. With the song. With it all.
Totally made my morning.
Enjoy + happy, happy New Year!
xx, L
Tags: celebrities!, Festive, funny people, I'm just saying..., LMR, new year's, oh so hipster, Things we love!, very important people
Each year, Kev and I spend New Years Eve with these fine-lookin’ folks:
Two years ago, we celebrated in Orlando at Disney for my very first visit.
Last year, we trekked out to Kansas City to watch the ball drop. An excellent time was had.
THIS year, Kev + I are the hosts and we’re ringing in the New Year in Atlanta! (Expectations are high.) Sooooo, we’ve decided to celebrate with Yacht Rock at Park Tavern!
If you’ve ever seen Yacht Rock perform, you KNOW that we’re in for a great time!
And, Park Tavern is an awesome place to celebrate any holiday. PT always throws a solid party…
NYE with Yacht Rock is an all-inclusive event. Drinks and food are covered all night and into the wee hours of the morning. There will be live music with Yacht Rock Revue & Atlanta’s best DJ spinning in the Piedmont Room overlooking the Midtown skyline.
Highlights include:
- Open bar: premium liquor, beer, wine and champagne
- Live music + NYE countdown with Yacht Rock Revue
- Gourmet food including hors d’ouvres, carving station, NYE specialties along with plenty of sides + salads to keep your energy up and dancing into the New Year.
- Sushi display
- Toast & get toasty with smores for dessert
- Midnight breakfast buffet including all your favorites + fresh Krispy Kreme donuts
- Photo booth
- NYE favors
- Champagne toast at midnight
- Coat check
This party is where it’s at on Saturday, so get your tickets NOW: NYE w/ Yacht Rock Revue!
***BONUS*** LOOK FOR ME AT PARK TAVERN totally rockin’ out to Yacht Rock…
…and I will give a fist pump + one of these super rad Q+DD koozies to the first three people who wish me a “HAPPY QUICK + DIRTY DIRTY NEW YEAR!”
Your drinks have never looked so fashionable… I can’t think of a better way to toast 2012!
Q+DD koozies: so hot right now.
See y’all at Park Tavern! Wishing a fun NYE to all!
xx, L
Tags: any excuse to party, blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, careful cowboy!, Costumes + Parties, DANCE PARTY!, don't judge, fashion, Festive, fun freebies!, holiday gift ideas, I'm just saying..., Kevin!, LMR, Moxie? We got it., new year's, people watching, piedmont park, PLU, Q+DD friends, Q+DD koozies!, Ridiculous., see and be seen, spreading holiday cheer!, The Park, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, vandy law, vay-cay, very important people, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
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