This is one of my favorite summer events, y’all! 

Not to be confused with the youth soapbox derby, Red Bull Soapbox Race is a national race for amateur drivers, which is fueled by creativity and competitive fun – not to mention the need for speed.  This unique non-motorized racing event challenges both experienced racers and amateurs alike to design and build outrageous, human-powered soapbox dream machines and compete against the clock in a downhill race. 

Did I catch your attention??  If so, click HERE to find out super-fun info about the event like what the cars typically look like, how many Red Bull Soapbox Races have been produced, entrance fees (spoiler alert: FREE!), how teams are chosen to participate, the rules, what the winners get, etc. 

Soooooo, mark your calendars for Saturday, June 9th at Piedmont Park.  Pits open at 10:00 a.m.  First race is 12:00 p.m.  You do not want to miss this awesomeness!

Here are some pictures from previous races…

CK + I were there in full force two years ago!  See you again this year!

Can’t. Even. Wait.  Visit Red Bull Soapbox USA for more info!

xx, L

I’ve done Pilates mat classes in the past and thought they were okay, but for the past year or so I’ve really wanted to work out on a Pilates reformer.  People rave about the reformer, but the two gyms I belong to do not offer classes.  So, a friend of mine recommended Meredith to me.  I recently spent an hour in her home studio in the Highlands under her instruction on the reformer, and it was one of the best workouts I’ve EVER had!  I’m not at all exaggerating. 

Pictures of Meredith demonstrating some positions we worked on during our session are below.  Watch her gooooooooo! 

After my session, I was sore in places where I didn’t even realize I had muscles – which means that I haven’t been engaging these areas in my regular workouts.  Meredith was SO awesome, and now I’m addicted to the Pilates reformer! 

Meredith charges $55 per one hour session or you can purchase a pack of 10 classes with her for $500.  This is excellent pricing for one-on-one Pilates reformer workouts, y’all!  I highly recommend.  Swimsuit season is right around the corner, after all…

Contact Meredith Bass at meredithpbass@comcast.net. 

xx, L

The annual Inman Park Festival takes place in one of Atlanta’s oldest + most scenic neighborhoods.  First developed in the late 1800s, Inman Park is home to many historic homes and parks.  The Festival began in the early 1970s as a means to attract attention to gentrification efforts that sought to revitalize the community.  Now celebrating its 41st anniversary, the festival offers something for everybody.  Music, kids activities, a Tour of Homes, a marvelous street parade, an artists’ market + some of the city’s best people-watching!

Check out Inman Park Festival pics below…

Get all your Inman Park Festival information riiiiiiiight HERE!

And, don’t miss our buddy J. Rishel Woodworks’ vendor booth!  He’s going to have some really great stuff.

Just 2 weeks and counting! 

(Funnel cake, funnel cake, funnel cake…)

xx, L

barkley

Barkley’s owners are our great friends, the Sands.  We wanted to see them, too, of course.  They recommended that we have brunch at nearby Atmosphere Bistro and then head down to the Chattahoochee River Trails for Barkley’s first swimming lesson.  To me, that sounded like the best. day. ever. 

So, we met at Atmosphere pre-church crowd rush.  It was my first time at the restaurant, but even before setting foot inside I knew four things about it.

1 – I pass by it driving on Piedmont (Morningside intersection) almost every single day.
2 – It’s a French bistro that has won a lot of local dining awards.
3 – The patio looks like a great place to have dinner or brunch cocktails.
4 – Everyone I know who has tried it has recommended it to me.

Here’s a picture of Atmosphere at night.  So impossibly cute.

Anyway, we successfully snagged a table on the patio and ordered up some champagne cocktails + coffee.

We literally wanted to order everything on the menu.  It all sounded so splendid!  We ultimately decided on two appetizers to share – both of which I strongly recommend.

Crab with avocado, tomato + pineapple chutney served in a martini glass.

Breaded + fried brie with an arugula salad.  OOOOMMMMGGGG.  Awesomesauce, y’all!

After we’d effectively wet our whistles with a few cups of coffee, brunch-y cocktails, and delicious appetizers, we quickly eased on to our entrees.  The Sands both settled on Benedictine: poached eggs benedict over toasted bread, ham, and hollandaise sauce, served with homemade French fries and mixed greens.  A perfect brunch-on-a-patio dish.

Kevin selected the L’Omelette du Jour which happened to be filled that day with thick cut bacon.  There were no complaints from his side of the table.  His omelet arrived with French fries Oeufs and mixed greens, as well.  Kev thought that Atmosphere’s French fries were spectacular!  (Obviously cooked in duck fat and with love.)  He was thoroughly impressed.

I ordered the Carpaccio de boeuf: thin slices of raw Kobe beef with shaved Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.  Simple and delightful.  I was very pleased with my selection.

By the end of the meal, we were completely stuffed.  I was so glad that the Sands suggested we try Atmosphere, and now the delicious restaurant is no longer just a quaint house with a sign that I pass by on Piedmont each day, but rather a destination for really enjoyable French cuisine.  I am looking forward to going back to try their dinner menu, and taste their famous French Onion soup!

Shortly after brunch, we headed out to the Chattahoochee with Barkley – who had been patiently awaiting our return. 

I’m sure you will all be pleased to know that he is a total water pup and had a very successful first swimming lesson!  The Sands are sure to become river regulars!

Hoping that everyone had as lovely of an Easter as we did! 

xx, L

Atmosphere Bistro
1620 Piedmont Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30324
678.702.1620
www.atmospherebistro.com

I posted this guy last year, but I couldn’t think of anything more creative to post for Passover 2012.  Please enjoy…AGAIN.  Happy Passover, y’all! 

Tonight marks the first night of Passover.  Jewish folks all over the world will sit down this evening to have a traditional Passover seder with friends + family. 

For those who are unfamiliar with this holiday but curious about it, the Q+DD is here to help!  I’ve put together a Passover “quickie” guide below (many thanks to Slate.com) for your reference covering all major seder points.  (Fact: LK + I actually used this as our seder program two years ago.)  Check us out below with our homemade charoset.  Oh yeah, our seder was 80′s-themed.  Don’t judge…

Two key items critical to the Passover seder are matzah (unleavened bread) + kosher wine…lots of it.

So here we go…

The Passover seder, the oldest continuously observed religious ceremony in the world, tells the story of the Jews’ Exodus from Egypt.  Jewish tradition says that people of each generation must imagine that they personally departed from Egypt + the sages say that each generation must retell the story in its own terms.

(The sages probably did not intend this.)

Opening prayers:

Lighting of the candles

Blessing over the wine

Prayer over the matzah

Pour a glass of wine for Elijah.  This is NOT like “spilling some out for your homeys.”

Thanks, G-d, for creating wine.  (Drink wine.)

Thanks for creating produce.  (Eat parsley.)

Overview:

Once we were slaves in Egypt.  Now we’re free.  That’s why we’re doing this.

(Drink wine.)

Four questions:

1. What’s up with the matzah?

2. What’s the deal with horseradish?

3. What’s with the dipping of the herbs?

4. What’s this whole slouching at the table business?

(Drink wine.)

Answers:

1. When we left Egypt, we were in a hurry.  There was no time for making decent bread.

2. Life was bitter, like horseradish.

3. It’s called symbolism.

4. Free people get to slouch.

(Drink wine.)

A funny story:

Once, these five rabbis talked all night, then it was morning.

(Heat soup now.)

The four kinds of children + how to deal with them:

Wise child – explain Passover.

Simple child – explain Passover slowly.

Silent child – explain Passover loudly.

Wicked child – browbeat in front of the relatives.

(Drink wine.)

Speaking of children:

We hid some matzah.  Whomever finds it gets a surprise.  Yippee!

(Drink wine.)

The story of Passover:

It’s a long time ago.  We’re slaves in Egypt .

Pharaoh is a nightmare.  We cry out for help.  G-d brings plagues upon the Egyptians.  We escape, bake some matzoh.  G-d parts the Red Sea. 

We make it through; the Egyptians aren’t so lucky.  We wander 40 years in the desert, eat manna, get the Torah, wind up in Israel, get a new temple + enjoy several years without being persecuted again.

The 10 Plagues:

Blood, Frogs, Lice, Flies, Pestilence, Boils, Hail, Locusts, Darkness + Eliminating the Oversensitive 1st Child…OY!

(Drink wine.)

The singing of (one chorus of ) Dayenu:

Ilu ho-tsi, ho-tsi-a-nu,

Ho-tsi-a-nu mi-Mitz-ra-yim,

Ho-tsi-a-nu mi-Mitz-ra-yim,

Da-ye-nu!

CHORUS:

Dai, da-ye-nu,

Dai, da-ye-nu,

Dai, da-ye-nu,

Da-ye-nu, da-ye-nu, da-ye-nu!

Dai, da-ye-nu,

Dai, da-ye-nu,

Dai, da-ye-nu,

Da-ye-nu, da-ye-nu!

(Drink wine.)

If G-d had gotten us out of Egypt and not punished our enemies, it would’ve been enough.  If he’d punished our enemies and not parted the Red Sea, it would’ve been enough.  If he’d parted the Red Sea…

(Remove gefilte fish from refrigerator now.)

(Eat matzah.  Drink more wine.  Slouch.)

Thanks again, G-d, for everything!  We promise we’ll remember!

SERVE MEAL. 

(Drink wine.)

The seder is complete.  Next year in Israel!

Well, there you have it.  You’re welcome + happy Passover to all! 

xx, L

I mean, I’ve been obsessed with Harry Potter and the Twilight series, and so many of my favorite shoes have to do with the supernatural (The Walking Dead, True Blood, Vampire Diaries, the list goes on…)  So, I guess I am a Fantasy geek.  Whatevs.  I’m totally entertained, at least!  

Anyway, I felt a little left out of all the commotion (and y’all know how much of a pop culture freak I am) about The Hunger Games movie coming out last weekend + I kept hearing my friends talk about how much they loved/ quickly read the book.  So naturally, I HAD to buy it. 

Ummmmm, I had no idea what I was in for!  This books is SO unbelievably addictive – I may need a support group.

(1) I’ve never read a book so fast in my life.  I haven’t been sleeping to finish it.
(2) I’m completely OBSESSED with it now!  Move over Harry Potter…
(3) I can’t wait to see the movie this weekend!!  It’s pretty much all I can think about.

Are y’all reading?  Are y’all reading??

I’m taking a two-day breather + then diving into the 2nd book in the series, Catching Fire!

May the odds be ever in your favor,

xx, L

adios, cullens!

…and I’m fully on the ZOMBIE TRAIN.  Kev + I have been Netfix-ing The Walking Dead, and I am totally, 100%, completely, helplessly addicted to it!

Are y’all watching?  Are y’all watching?

I think it’s the most addictive show on TV since 24 (only 24 seasons 1 – 3 to be exact), and I. can’t. peel. myself. away.  All zombies all the time.  They are nasty, they eat your brains, and they are AWESOME!  The Walking Dead is filmed in/ takes place in Atlanta (represent y’all), which is just icing on the cake.  The cast is pretty bomb, too.

the walking dead line up

What the heck is The Walking Dead??  Here’s a little wiki info for ya:

The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic television series based on a comic book of the same name.

The series stars Andrew Lincoln as Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Grimes who wakes up after being in a coma to find the world dominated by zombies or “walkers.”  He sets out to find his family and other survivors along the way.  The Walking Dead premiered in 2010 on AMC to wide acclaim, and was nominated for several awards, including the “Best Television Series Drama” at the 68th Golden Globe Awards.  Based on its reception, AMC renewed the series for a second and third season.

This Sunday night is the season 2 finale, sooooooo if I’ve convinced you to start watching it, please start with season 1 on Netfix.  Do not watch Sunday.  It won’t make sense.  But, when you’re all caught up + as addicted as I am, you’ll probably want to check out the weekly viewing party at The Albert in Inman Park.  Info below:

So cool.  Wishing you all happy zombie-watching!  The Walking Dead is where IT’S AT.

xx, L

I have literally been LIVING in my  Legginskirt™ and my jackets and shirts.   They are SO cute and so comfortable and SO flattering.   I swear, I lose 10lbs as soon as I slip them on.  Everything is slimming:  the shirts fit a little longer, the fabric is a little sturdier and more forgiving, there’s strategic ruching and ruffles and best of all –everything is very fresh and young, but very sophisticated. 

in my Legginskirt Uniform in Italy

Come see for yourself this SUNDAY at Shanghai Alterations in Sandy Springs and check out all the new SPRING styles!  Marty tells me she has SIX new styles of  Legginskirts™ and I am be.side.my.self.  I can’t wait to see! 

See ya at Shanghai at 12:00PM on SUNDAY!

xx, L

Shanghai Alterations

222 Johnson Ferry Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30328

WHAT'LL YA HAVE?!?!

The Varsity sits on more than two acres and can accommodate 600 cars and over eight hundred people inside.  On Georgia Tech football game days, up to 30,000 people visit the restaurant.  The Varsity sells more than two miles of hot dogs daily, a ton of onion rings, 2500 pounds of fresh cut potatoes, 5000 homemade fried pies, and 300 gallons of chili, all of which are made from scratch each day.  The downtown Varsity is also the world’s largest single outlet for Coca-Cola.  Fun fact for ya…

Most menu items at The Varsity are under $2.75, so we could keep it supa-casual for everyone (which Kev loved), while I still got to plan a party (which obv. I loved)!

Here’s another peek inside:

I strongly encouraged everyone to sport the traditional Varsity hat.

And, we all sat down to celebrate with the birthday boy!  (I went a little crazy in the toy section at Party City…)

Kev got balloons.

A Superman cake.  (My favorite is still that some kid walked by the cake table and goes, “Woooah!  That guy is turning 29!!!”)

Buddies.

Girl buddies.

Chili cheese fries + onion rings.

And, a few chili cheese dogs.  Mmmmmmm…  Man, were they good!

Some of us ordered up The Varsity’s famous frosted oranges.

behold!

But, none of us enjoyed them quite as much as little Avery! 

Kev ended up having a really fun + memorable birthday!

Don’t forget about The Varsity.  It’s been y.e.a.r.s. since I’ve eaten there, but it’s totally worth the visit + every, single, chili-covered calorie!  This Atlanta staple is an excellent place for a pre-sporting event bite, a lunch destination for tourists, and birthday parties for kids of all ages!

“What’ll ya have?  What’ll ya have?  What’ll ya have???”  Um, EVERYTHING.

xx, L

The Varsity
61 North Avenue
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.881.1706
www.thevarsity.com