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

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:

Spiral Entertainment Oysterfest
Saturday, February 11th
Doors open at 1pm
Park Tavern in Piedmont Park*

Tickets: $20** but increase to $25 on Friday!  

Use promo code LKFest for $5 off!

(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

I really do love this festival.  (Then, why don’t you marry it?)  Here’s me last year trying to convince Christine that she should buy me some ridiculous wire tiara.  She didn’t…

"but i want a golden goose NOW!"

Whatever, I got over it eventually…  Anyway, here’s the Q+DD on the Inman Park Festival:

During the last full weekend in April each year, Inman Park presents a neighborhood festival widely regarded as Atlanta’s most spirited and eclectic.  The 39th Annual Inman Park Spring Festival and Tour of Homes takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 24 – 25, 2010. 

Directions to Inman Park: http://www.inmanpark.org/direct.html

Top Five Reasons* Why You Have to Join Me @ the Festival:

5-  Unlike the Dogwood Festival, you can actually afford stuff at the massive Inman Park street market without having to empty your savings account.  Vendors sell everything from antique furniture to unique handcrafted wares.

4-  FESTIVAL FOOD!  Let’s hear it for turkey legs + cotton candy!  (You will be walking around all day - so leave your calorie-counting self @ home, because you’ll just burn off whatever you eat there.  Fact.)  Also, there’s live music and dance performances going on throughout the weekend.

3-   There’s a parade!  It’s led by the Inman Park Butterfly, and followed by floats, bands, art cars, politicians, drill teams, Kelly’s Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band, clowns, jugglers, etc. – you get the idea.  The parade ends with the appearance of the Inman Park Trash Monarch, perched atop the throne-a street sweeper.

2-  The Festival centerpiece, the Tour of Homes, features incredible turn-of-the-century Victorian Painted Ladies and Craftsman bungalows, as well as original contemporary designs and loft conversions.

Get Tour of Homes Tickets: http://bit.ly/bVTZEo

1-  I mean…I’ll be there.  HELLO!

*Not part of the Top Five, but still noteworthy:  Michelob Ultra is an Inman Park Festival sponsor.  This means that you can day-drink to your heart’s delight and then run a marathon – just like Lance Armstrong.

i believe everything advertisers feed me

See you @ Inman! 

xx, L

Yesterday was another absolutely gorgeous day in Atlanta.  In need of some sunshine, Christine and I decided to meet for lunch at a nearby restaurant w/ a patio.  If the sun in out – so are Christine and I. 

well hello, sunshine!

We decided to give HOBNOB a shot.  We had no problem parking, even though I’d anticipated otherwise, because they have valet service even during lunch.  Since it was a bit warm for us in our biz cas. work attire, we sat on the covered patio and enjoyed a nice breeze from the street. 

As I perused the menu, I noticed that it seemed a bit burger-heavy, but that they all sounded really good.  HOBNOB lists beer recommendations under most of the menu items, which I think is a nice touch.  I saw someone’s order of the Braised Short Rib Tacos come out of the kitchen, and they looked pretty darn delicious.  The folks at the table next to us were chowing down on the Soft Pretzels w/ warm cheese + beer dip.  I honestly had to control my urge to steal one from their table when they weren’t looking…  They smelled great!

I ordered the HOBNOB Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich (w/ toasted bun + slaw + homemade beer BBQ sauce):

Christine had the Lamb Burger (w/ tzatziki + feta cheese):

We both thought our food was sufficiently yummy + plentiful – and we thought the service was definitely above average.  Most of all, it was a perfect patio!  I’d even venture as far to say that it is one of my favorite patios in Atlanta. 

If you are looking to mix up your fancy bar food standbys, or just want a new patio to frequent for a little weekend day drinking – check out HOBNOB.  I’ll see you there.  I’m a hater no longer…

xx, L

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern
1551 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA  30324
404.968.2258
www.hobnobatlanta.com

Invitations designed by our very own Mark Wolfe of Wolfepack Creative!

What is Camp Dance, you may ask? Um, it’s only my favorite event of the WHOLE YEAR!

 

Camp Dance Preparty 2009

Camp Dance Preparty 2007

Camp Dance Preparty 2007

Camp Dance 2008

Camp Dance 2006

Camp Dance 2007 (nothing ever changes)

Camp Dance 2009

Besides being just an amazing event, Camp Dance benefits Camp Twin Lakes, a fabulous camp for children facing serious illnesses and other physical, emotional and life challenges will be held on May 8th, 2010. For more information on Camp Twin Lakes click here.

Christine, Stacey and I hard at work at the CTL Service Day a few weeks ago:
Here’s the Q+DD on Camp Dance:

Remember when Color War was your favorite activity?
When Bug Repellent was the preferred scent?
And when hand-written letters were the only form of outside communication?

Well pull out your favorite camp photos,
Re-read those cherished camp letters
and put on your favorite camp attire

‘Cause It’s Back!
Camp Dance 2010
presented by Camp Twin Lakes’ Junior Board
Saturday, May 8th
6:30pm-11:00pm at Zoo Atlanta

A Night Amongst the Animals

6:30pm-8:00pm
Sip, Watch, Gasp
Enjoy some complimentary spiked bug juice while you observe the pandas, orangutans, gorillas, and other animals during feeding time
(Animal viewing only during this time)

8:00pm-11:00pm
Eat, Drink, Party
Enjoy complimentary camp-style finger foods, beer, and wine
while you dance the night away to hot jams from Band X.

Cocktail Bar
Each admission ticket includes 2 free drink tickets to the cocktail bar.
Additional drink tickets may be purchased by cash at the event.
Beer and wine are complimentary all night.

Tickets:
$55 through April 4
$65 through April 30
$75 through May 8th

Attire is Camp Casual
Guests Must Be 21 or older to attend.

THE EVENT SOLD OUT LAST YEAR and I had NO strings to pull, PLUS ticket prices increase on Sunday, so get your tickets TODAY by clicking here and click here to see the event on Facebook.

I JUST CAN’T WAIT!

xx, L  (+L + C!)
*actually, you are invited by the three of us, plus the entire Junior Board of Camp Twin Lakes and all the fabulous people on the host committee, which I am lucky enough to chair. For a complete list of hosts, click here.

uncooked quinoa

The Q+DD on Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a grass.  As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds.  Quinoa has a light, fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous.

Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize.  In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%), making it a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans.  Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source.  It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron.  Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. (www.wikipedia.com)

cooked quinoa

I tried quinoa for the first time at Beleza Lounge* in Midtown when I went with Anj and Christine maybe a year ago to grab tapas. 

I enjoyed the texture and consistency, and ever since then I’ve been regularly cooking with it at home.  Quinoa takes seasoning very well and is a delicious + hearty compliment to a fish or chicken dish.  Since it’s grown in popularity over the past few years, I’ve spotted it in a number of grocery stores.  However, the quinoa that I like best is multicolored and found at Trader Joes.

Here are a Few Quinoa Recipes: http://www.quinoa.net/181.html
http://allrecipes.com/Search/Recipes.aspx?WithTerm=Quinoa
http://healthycooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/quinoa_recipes

*Note: Beleza is a totally underrated restaurant + lounge.  I’ve been there three times and loved the tapas I’ve ordered each time.  Check it out if you are in Midtown and in the mood for small plates, fun drinks + good music.  Just saying…

Happy + healthy eating!!

xx, L

Beleza Lounge
905 Juniper St. NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
678.904.4582
http://www.urestaurants.net/

view of the sun showers @ piedmont park from the luckyfest tent

…we threw on green accessories + ventured out to LuckyFest @ Piedmont Park! 

It was a little bit crowded.

erin making her way through the crowd

There was a LOT of mud.

erin in massive mud puddle w/ a leprechan?

But, we’re seasoned Spiral Entertainment party goers – so a little weather wasn’t going to cramp our style! 

Here’s our afternoon in pictures:

we got the golden tickets! how? well, we told them we were all lauren kraselsky!!

slick + co.

in prep for luckyfest, jackie + christine ran 10 miles. i prepped by sipping cocktails w/ erin...

KILT-spotting!

(they were excited because they spotted the delta flight attendant who does the pre-flight instructional video)

We were our own paparazzi…  Such a fun day!

The REAL St. Patty’s Day, however, is on Wednesday!  Celebrate @ Fado’s Irish Pub in Buckhead w/ Q 100 + The Bert Show. 

Tickets here:  http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/10421.aspx

I took a day off from work for St. Pat’s last year and went with the little brother to celebrate @ Fado’s.  We had a blast!  And, I can safely say that it’s the only place to be on Wednesday. 

st. pat's '09 @ fado's

Erin go bragh!  Here’s to St. Patty’s 2010!!

xx, L

Here is our night…in pictures!

First things first. We made a beeline for Holeman and Finch…duh. They were dishing up miniature versions of their FAMOUS burg! Of course, they weren’t quite as good as the full-sized version…but they were pretty darn close. After a cocktail at the Ciroc vodka stand we dashed over to the Infinity VIP lounge to fulfill our volunteer duties greeting VIP guests:

Brian: "we're here to welcome you to VIP. As less important people, we welcome you!"

We schmoozed and sipped wine and and were entertained by local magician, Joe Turner. (Who, incidentally, was not employed by Camp Twin Lakes, Room and Board, OR Infinity. Just a really nice magic dude!) After we were sprung, we proceeded to consume…121957249581 calories in both food and alcohol and made lots of new and interesting friends!

Witness:

"all night long! all night long!"

(we love bacon, too.)

Our favorites included tacos from Nuevo Laredo, cookies and crème cupcakes and peanut butter truffles from Highland Bakery, sushi from Nori Nori, bacon and maple popcorn from the Porter, experimental pizzas from Mellow Mushroom, and we all went back for seconds at Sublime Donuts. To. Die. For.
Buckhead Life, though? Fail. The emperor has no food!

Kyma Fail.

Fish Market Fail.

Buckhead Diner Fail.

The biggest laugh I had all night was we walked by the GA Aquarium booth and Lindsay said she hoped they weren’t serving fish…

Sushi?

We had a BLAST, everyone did! Can’t wait for next year!

xx, L