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Archive for September, 2010

The Weekly Craving: September 29

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Fall is finally in the air and we have the perfect ways to celebrate that new chill you are feeling in the air. So if you are CRAVE-ing a day full of warm fall colors, pumpkins patches, and festivals galore look no further than these fabulous events!

Trick or Treat for the Troops
Come out to Shula’s 347 Grill on September 29th for a great cause and a fabulous meal! From 7pm-10pm $5 from every burger sale and $10 from every steak sale will go directly to raising funds for the Gebhardt Groups fifth annual “Trick or Treat for the Troops” to pay for postage and to supplement the donations collected at the official “Trick or Treat for the Troops” event on October 17. Since 2006, the group has been collecting toiletries, snack foods, stationery items, cards and games, first aid items as well as letters and cards from the community and local school children, to send overseas. So help support this great cause by dining out, enjoying great music and giving back to those in uniform.

May the Best Burger Win
Who has the most CRAVE-worthy burger in Atlanta?  Head out to John Howell Park in the Virginia Highlands on October 2nd for the first ever Battle of the Burgers for the ultimate burger smackdown!  From 12-4pm 18 of Atlanta’s best restaurants are coming together, armed with Kamado grills, in a day log battle that will end with the crowning of “People’s Choice” & “Judge’s Choice” for best burger in town. But don’t worry, if a juicy burger isn’t what you CRAVE each restaurant can also enter a meatless option, along with Sweetwater brews, milkshakes, live music, and fun for all!

Jump on Over to HOToberfest
This Saturday, October 2nd, HOToberfest will be returning to Glenwood Park. As the southeast’s only consumer-judged beer competition and sustainability festival, this event  HOToberFest has been organized to promote sustainability and conscious choices that help balance the use of our natural resources, ensuring a better future for everyone. The festival is set up in two parts, a neighborhood festival of live music, sustainability information, kids area, food, art and more, AND a ticketed Oktoberfest style Beer Tasting and consumer judged craft beer competition. All proceeds from the festival will go directly to the efforts of Trees Atlanta. So come on out, support a better environment, and have all the fall fun you are CRAVE-ing!

Good Ole’ Fashioned BBQ
Whether you like it smoked, pulled, roasted, or from Texas, Carolina, Memphis, St Louis or Kentucky the Atlanta BBQ Festival has a little of everything. On October 2nd from 12-8pm, Atlantic Station will host 50 teams to compete for over $12,000 in prizes. There will also be 10 Atlanta restaurants serving up sample sizes of their specialty BBQ or you can splurge for a full plate as you enjoy some bluegrass and blues music, a kid-friendly zone, and the competition.

Field of Greens Festival
The street food movement is here on October 3rd at Whippoorwill Hallow Farm! Come out to enjoy locally grown, chef-prepared food, live music, and green living education, all in a family-friendly, fun environment. The 5th year of the Field of Greens Festival marks the first time any members of the Atlanta Street Food Coalition have been invited to participate and show what they’ve got. The festival is perfect for anyone who CRAVEs the freshest farm-to-table restaurants and foods Atlanta has to offer. With participating restaurants like Woodfire Grill and JCT Kitchen plue fabulous vendors like Indigo Bath & Body, the festival is sure to have the freshest fare and the tastiest meals all in one place.

It’s Pumpkin Time!!
What better way to get into the swing of the fall season than some pumpkin carving! But before you can carve, a trip down to the pumpkin patch is in order. Beginning October 1st and running all the way till Halloween, Stone Mountain will host its 8th Annual Pumpkin Festival every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are fun activities running all day long, including scavenger hunts, a great pumpkin parade, scarecrow decorating, costume contests, storytelling, pie eating contests, and many more. There is something for everyone to enjoy all the great fall weather and the holidays as well, so head on over to Stone Mountain and get the season started right!

We’re CRAVE-ing Stylish Consignments

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Stylish Consignments is a hot new boutique full of new and gently loved trendy, classic, and professional wear. It is a dream come true for fashionistas of all sizes who love to look fabulous, feel fabulous, and get paid for their great fashion sense!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Stylish, Trendy, Savvy

What are your most popular products or services?
Stylish Women’s Clothing of all sizes, hot jewelry, handbags, shoes, greeting cards & gift section, lounge area with free wifi, referral services

People may be surprised to know…
If our customers have a special event coming up we will refer them to experts who can handle everything for them including:
•Makeup Artists
•Massage Therapist
•Seamstress
•Image Consultant
•Personal Shoppers
•Event Planners
•Personal Organizers

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for the fashion industry. After years of retail experience, I was recently laid off and decided it was time to give myself a chance. It was purely by faith, preparation, and a great support network that I had the courage to open Stylish Consignments.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have several. I try to learn from those around me and I have a key mentor for different areas of my life and my business. My mother is my rock and taught me how to survive and invest in myself and I have been blessed to meet several successful people along my journey who inspire me and offer their support whenever I may need it.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
My very first business during my college years was a small gift basket company and I tried to do everything! I learned very quickly that in order to be successful, I would need help from the right people in order not to get burnt out and remain happy.

How do you spend your free time?
With my husband and children, reading, dancing, and trying to encourage my friends to belive in their vision

What is your indulgence?
Pedicures! Pedicures! Pedicures!

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere! Me and my girlfriends take a trip together every year. Right before opening Stylish Consignments we took our «Diva Trip» to Miami.Anytime I can meet with one of my friends we have a great time because we can open up, inspire, and be there as a safe place to fall. I love all my girls!

The Weekly CRAVE-ing, September 15, 2010

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Its a new week, and that can only mean one thing: even more fabulous Atlanta events!   We back in our second installment to bring you the best of Atlanta in food, fashion, and fun!

Introducing Pamela Starr
Start by checking out our CRAVE “featured” member of the week, StarrParalegals, LLC, a company of virtual paralegals with 25+ years of incomparable, professional paralegal experience, specializing in Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights and Commercial Transactions.

Say Cheese!!!
Or cheese, please?  This week Star Provisions cheesemonger Tim Gaddis will host an array of events everyone’s favorite treat.  Cehck out the full schedule for a list of free demonstrations and tastings.

A Walk for Wine with WSPD
Westside Provisions District and Atlanta Cotillion are joining together this Thursday to put on a “Wine Walk” benefiting AID Atlanta.  The evening will feature tastings at over 20 stations complete with nibbles, discounts, and promotions at each stop.   Wine for a great cause–can’t be beat. Visit their Facebook Page or follow them @WSPD for all the details!

Get Artsy in the Park
This weekend marks the 4th annual Atlanta Arts Festival, taking part in Piedmont Park.  Started by fabulous entrepreness Julie Tepp, the Atlanta Arts Festival brings together more than 200 artists for a weekend showcasing all the cultural life our posh community has to offer. With everything from food to entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So come on out this Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the beautiful weather before it disappears!

Follow @AtlantaArtsFest to get all the up to date information or visit their site to read a full list of attendees and vendors.

Take a Ride “Souper” Secret Ride
On Thursday September 23, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm the ultra CRAVE-worthy Jenny Levinson (also known as Souper Jenny) will host a festival in Buckhead’s Andrews Square Shopping Center to support the efforts to bring safe, affordable, and legal street food to Atlanta. Souper Jenny and her flying soup mobile will hit the streets of Atlanta along with Y
umbii, Sol Catering, The Pickle, King of Pops, Black Tie BBQ, Yum Yum Cupcake and Westside Creamery to offer all guests an array of delicious and affordable food. Don’t miss Souper Jenny’s Super-Secret Underground Food Truck Extravaganza as it rolls in with delicious treats to nosh on while supporting our local street vendors. Follow @SouperJenny and @ATLStreetFood for up to the minute details!

Vote for Urban Cannibals!!
East Village’s own Urban Cannibals Bodega & Bites needs your help! Vote for them from now until September 29th in The Daily Candy’s “Start Small, Go Big” contest and help them as they vie for the chance to win $10,000 for the store. BUT not only is Urban Cannibals CRAVE-ing your help, they are also offering up some fabulous prizes for anyone willing to lend a hand. Check out their facebook page or follow them @urbancannibals to get all the deets on whats hot everyday!

Field of Greens Festival
Join in the street food movement by coming out to the Whippoorwill Hallow Farm on October 3rd to enjoy locally grown, chef-prepared food, live music, and green living education, all in a family-friendly, fun environment. This year marks the 5th year of the Field of Greens Festival and the first time any members of the Atlanta Street Food Coalition have been invited to participate. The festival is perfect for anyone who CRAVEs the freshest farm-to-table restaurants and foods Atlanta has to offer. With participating restaurants like Woodfire Grill and JCT Kitchen, the festival is sure to have the freshest fare and the tastiest meals all in one place.

Introducing StarrParalegals, LLC

Monday, September 13th, 2010

StarrParalegals, LLC – virtual paralegals with 25+ years of incomparable, professional paralegal experience, specializing in Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights and Commercial Transactions. By delivering our services virtually, we offer attorneys and law firms more value from each billable dollar. StarrParalegals provides a green, state-of-the-art alternative to full-time staff, along with the ability to complete complex tasks on a flexible schedule.

StarrParalegals is currently in the running for the 2010 StartupNation Home Based 100 Competition! Show your support and vote today by clicking HERE!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Imaginative, Innovative, Cutting-edge

What are your most popular products or services?
Comprehensive knowledge/utilization of CM/ECF – electronic filing of pleadings and orders in every bankruptcy and district court throughout the US.

People may be surprised to know…
that paralegals are not bound by the same jurisdictional restraints as attorneys – we can work ‘virtually’ anywhere!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Star Trek … a universe of infinite potential – to boldly go where no paralegal has gone before!

Who is your role model or mentor?
My mom!! She is a remarkable and courageous woman. I have learned, by watching her, that anything is possible.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I ignored my instincts – I stayed with ‘big law’ for security.

How do you spend your free time?
The classics: relaxing with family and friends, reading, traveling, oh, and leading services as a Cantorial Soloist …

What is your indulgence?
Other than shoes and chocolate, it would have to be belly dancing!

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
There are so many places I could name; anywhere that we can be together to savor life, love and friendship.

The Weekly CRAVE-ing

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Ready for the low-down on all that is CRAVE-able in Atlanta this week??  Look no further than the brand-spanking new “Weekly CRAVE-ing,” our guide to upcoming special events, deals and happenings all over our fabulous city!  From fashion to food to events and people, we’re your source for everything you CRAVE in Atlanta!

Midtown Restaurant Week
September 4 – 12, 2010
Are you CRAVE-ing a delicious meal paired with a glamorous night out on the town?  Midtown Restaurant Week is wrapping up this weekend.  With 30 participating restaurants with cuisines ranging from Contemporary American and Asian to Mediterranean and Italian, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy.  Each location boasts a special Gourmet Prix-fixe Menu for only $25, and some even include a $15 lunch menu as well. All reservations can be booked online through Open Table. Go ahead, grab your girlfriends for some great noshing and drinking!

Pizza & A Block Party
Looking for a great way to unwind and end a busy week?  Then you are in for a treat because Antico Pizza is hosting a block party Friday September 10 from 1-4pm!  There is no better way to say goodbye to summer than spending time noshin’ on pizza with your best friend and a glass of wine.  Treats from The King of Pops and Westside Creamery only sweeten the deal!

fab’rik FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
Four fabulous fashion events makes for one fantastic night! Come out to one of four  fab’rik locations this Friday, September 10, for a shopathon full of outrageous deals.  Regardless of your style CRAVE-ing, you are sure to find something ultra-chic.

fab’rik BUCKHEAD: 7-9pm, find the perfect date night outfit with Chili
fab’rik CITYWALK: all day, find the perfect jeans with fab’rik’s fit specialists
fab’rik MIDTOWN: all day, find the perfect fitting trends for fall
fab’rik FORUM: 6-9pm, find the perfect haute mom outfit with Lisa

Food Blog Forum Seminar
Are you a foodie looking to take your blog to the next level?  Fegister now for the Atlanta Food Blog Forum taking place this Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 9:00am to 4:30pm at The Shed at Glenwood. Register today to gain insight from a wide array of insight from panelists like John Kessler, Virginia Willis, Jaden Hair, Todd Porter, and Diane Cu. Don’t miss out on this CRAVE-worthy opportunity!

Happy Birthday to The Porter!!
There is no better way to wind down your summer of fun, than with an ice cold mid-day beer. Head on out to The Porter’s Birthday Party this Saturday at 12pm to celebrate with some wild and crazy brews!  Over the past year, The Porter has been saving some of its wild and craziest kegs and are taking this occasion to tap them all. Whether is an Allagash Blonde or a Founder’s Canadian Breakfast Stout that you CRAVE, this one day bash is not one you want to miss. And if that doesn’t sound fabulous enough, the first 300 guests get to go home with a free Porter beer mug!

CRAVE Ice Cream Social
Join us at the Irwin Street Market on Sunday, September 19 at 3pm for a special CRAVE “Ice Cream Social,” generously hosted by Jake Rothschild of Jake’s Ice Cream.  And as a special treat, Jake is creating a new CRAVE ice cream flavor, chosen by YOU!! We need YOUR help creating the most CRAVE-able flavor ever. Check out the challenge here and post your most tastebud-popping flavors!

Labor Day Events We’re CRAVE-ing

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Chillin’, grillin’ and sippin’. These are a few of our favorite things to do during the summer, and since Labor Day marks the end of this great season, we’ve put together a list of our fave events going on in and around Atlanta so that you can give it a proper send off.

Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets
755 Hank Aaron Drive SE
(404) 522-7630
@Braves

Grab your tomahawk and watch the first place Atlanta Braves take on the New York Mets. With Chipper out for the rest of the season and Prado off the DL list, it’s anyone guess how this highly anticipated match-up will turn out. The long standing  rivalry comes to a head on Thursday, Sept 2 at 7:10pm.

Callaway Gardens Hot Air Balloon Festival
1130 Anthony Court Suwanee, GA 30024
1-800-CALLAWAY
@callawaygarden

Want to get away from the city but don’t want to spend hours of traveling to get there? Callaway Gardens offers anything and everything for the family, and it’s only a short car ride from Atlanta. Enjoy a long weekend away from the city noise and enjoy water slides, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or even a triathlon. But if you’re more into relaxing before heading back to the reality of the working world, there are beaches (and a beach bar!), musical performances, plenty of shopping and, of course, the beautiful gardens. Don’t miss the balloon glow on Robin Lake Beach Friday and the balloon launches Saturday and Sunday.

Labor Day sales at Lenox Square Mall and the Shops Around Lenox
3393 Peachtree Road NE
(404) 233-7575

If the fashionista in you can’t miss out on a great deal, than you’ve been eagerly anticipating Labor Day weekend for a while.  Whether it’s stocking up early for Christmas at Papyrus and Bloomingdale’s or getting great bargains on summer staples for next year at Tootsies and Swank, don’t miss out on all the great Labor Day sales.

Noon Midtown
1050 Crescent Avenue
(404) 496-4891
@noonmidtown

After all that shopping a girl needs a cocktail! Slip into one of your new fashion finds and gather your girlfriends for a drink and nosh at Noon Midtown. Hang out at the bar with handsome mixologist Reggie Weekes from 5pm-10pm on Friday or Saturday and watch him whip up luscious concoctions such as a Painless Brazilian or a cocktail named after our very own Broke Socialite. They also have fantastic snacks like goat cheese stuffed piquillo peppers and to-die-for truffle fries with gorgonzola mousse.

Decatur Book Festival
Decatur Square at Church St and E. Ponce De Leon Ave
@DBookFestival

Looking for something to stimulate your intellect? While away the morning browsing through hundreds of book stands, local artisans, merchants, and food vendors. The festival also features author and publisher talks all weekend. Whatever you do, don’t miss Atlanta local Hollis Gillespie‘s appearances on Friday and Saturday. Parking is limited and most are metered til 6pm. Take MARTA east to the Decatur stop to put yourself right in the middle of all the action.

Piedmont Park
Piedmont Ave NE at 14th St
@piedmontpark

No pool has made a bigger splash over the last few summers than the new aquatic center at Piedmont Park. Uber-cheap rates ($2 for kids, $4 for adults) make this urban swimming hole the choice for a Labor Day dip. Since the pool’s last open day is Labor Day, take advantage of all the parks amenities by grilling out with the family and reliving those childhood memories on one of the two playgrounds. Remember to pick up some Hot Squeeze sauce from Whole Foods before heading out to the grill and bring the family dog along to the nearby dog park.

Beer and Whiskey Fest @ Park Tavern
10th St and Monroe Ave
(404) 249-0001
@ParkTavern

A charity event for the Nature Conservancy Gulf Coast Relief Fund, Park Tavern is hosting their 6th annual Beer and Whiskey Fest on Sunday Sept, 5th. For a measly$10 ($15 at the gate) you get to sample some unique whiskey and beer and eat barbecue from Wild West BBQ ; all while listening to music from tribute bands such as Hysteria (Def Leppard) and Mr. Brownstone (Guns N’ Roses).

Fabulous Interior Designers We CRAVE

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Whether you’re CRAVE-ing a complete redesign, a small change, or even just a little guidance with your home’s interior, help is on the way.  We have put together a list of our favorite Atlanta abode styling specialists to help you transform your home from drab to fab.

Claire Watkins Interior Design
404-308-5685
Blog: High Gloss Blue
@ClaireatCWID
Claire Watkins was headed for law school.  But after writing her law school entrance essay on the characteristics of design as an argument, she applied for her business license, declined her space and Claire Watkins Interior Design was born.

A little over a year later, Claire is in demand for both residential and commercial work as well as her popular blog,  High Gloss Blue.  It’s a must-read–part inspiration board, part do-it-yourself tutorial, part insiders’ guide to all that’s hip in interior design.  Claire prides herself on her decisive instincts,  her ability to work at any price point and her ability to find beauty in the ordinary.

Charm Home
404-550-6045
Blog: Charm Home Blog
@charmhome

Cristi Holcombe, owner of Charm Home, is every bit as charming as her moniker suggests.  Founded just last year, Charm Home provides fresh, innovative, and affordable design services to clients in Atlanta.  Cristi’s passion for interior design is documented daily on her Charm Home blog, and she was voted Atlanta’s favorite local blogger in the “Best of the Big A” by ajc.com readers.

Charm Home offers a wide variety of interior design services catered to each and every client.  Whether you are in need of a little guidance or a complete design plan, Charm can help you out every step of the way.  Charm also offers a specialized “do-it-yourself” design service called Touch of Charm.

Erika Ward Interiors
404-507-6110
@ErikaatBluLabel
Blog: Blu Label Bungalow
As the founder of Erika Ward Interiors and BluLabel Bungalow, Erika is one of Atlanta’s most celebrated design resources.  She creates budget friendly interiors by cleverly merging goods from big box stores with heirlooms and other designer splurges.  When styling someone’s home, she looks to their wardrobe for inspiration.  She encourages all of the clients to celebrate their individuality, not someone else’s.

Lifestyle Design
@comfort_living
Blog: Comfort Living by Christine Eisner
This firm’s innovative approach reaches far beyond fabric and furniture to improve the way people experience their living and working spaces.  With an emphasis on comfort, Lifestyle Design offers practical tools and uncomplicated ideas that are easy to implement.  Owner of Lifestyle Design, Christine Eisner, is also the author of a back-to-basics guide book called, “Comfort Living”.  Every detail of the book is geared to making the path to a balances lifestyle simple, straightforward and accessible.