CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Weekend CRAVE-ing: February 25-29, 2011


The weekend is almost here, and we want you to fulfill all of your CRAVE-ings.  Whether you’re in the mood for art, oysters or supporting a great cause, get out to sip, taste and see what Atlanta has to offer this weekend!

College Night — Art a la carte
Saturday, February 26 7:00 pm- 12:00 am
What are you CRAVE-ing from College Night at The High Museum of Art? Featured exhibition artist, Henri Cartier-Bresson, liked to call the minute he chose what to photograph, the decisive moment. Break dancers?  They have them.  Experimental jazz music?  Check that off the list.  Automatic drawing?  Yup, you’ll find that too.  It’s your college night…you decide.

Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest
Saturday, February 26 10:00 am- 7:00 pm
Sunday, February 27 11:00 am- 6:00 pm

Atlanta is really CRAVE-ing oysters this month!  As the second Midtown Oyster festival of the season, the 24th annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest will be bigger and better than ever.  Join them this weekend for a two-day extravaganza of live music, cold beer and, of course, tons of fresh oysters!

Front Page News Mardi Gras
Saturday, February 26 12:30 pm-3:00 am
Mardi Gras is coming to Atlanta this weekend for the 4th Annual Front Page News Mardi Gras Fest in Little Five Points!  Enjoy live music, great food and drinks, costume contests and more at this all-day event.  Tickets at $10 for general admission and $50 for VIP.

Kicks for Causes
Saturday, February 26 9:00 am-7:00 pm
A charity kickball tournament called Kicks for Causes will take place this Saturday at Atlanta’s Silverback Stadium.  It will benefit Caring for Causes, a nonprofit organization supporting local charities, as well as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Kicks for Causes has raised over $30,000 to benefit Susan G. Komen over the past few years and hopes to raise more this year!

Weekend CRAVE-ing February 18-20, 2011


The weekend is almost here, and we want you to fulfill all of your CRAVE-ings.  Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, jazz or supporting a great cause, get out to sip, taste and see what Atlanta has to offer this weekend!

Winter Beer Carnival
Saturday, February 19, 2011 3:00-7:00 pm
The 2nd Annual Winter Beer Carnival will be pouring up plenty to taste and experience this Saturday!  Last year’s event SOLD OUT in advance and this year the event is expanding to offer even more beers, carnival games and activities.  The Midtown area will be transformed into a carnival themed celebration featuring games, rides, great food and entertainment.  More than 100 beers will be available to sample- try them all and discover your favorite!

Polar Plunge at Lake Lanier Islands
Saturday, February 19, 2011 11:00 am
The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics.  How does it work?  Participants collect pledges in exchange for the “opportunity” to jump into icy waters of Lake Lanier.  All proceeds collected will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Georgia.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costume, highest fundraiser and more!  For those who do not love the Polar Bear habitat, they will provide heated areas, warm concessions, and fun souvenirs.

Atlanta Winter Wine + Jazz Festival
Sunday, February 20, 2011 VIP Admission- 2:00 pm General Admission- 3:00 pm
Join Grape Crush Productions this weekend  to sip, savor and jam at this 2nd annual event!  Explore your passion for great wine, food and live jazz music while supporting Atlanta’s finest local businesses and nonprofit organizations.  Plus, learn ways to live a longer, heart-healthy life in celebration of American Heart Month!

Weekend CRAVE-ing February 11-13


The weekend is almost here, and we want you to fulfill all of your CRAVE-ings.  Whether you’re in the mood for Blues, looking for a romantic evening… or an anti-romantic evening, get out to sip, taste and see what Atlanta has to offer this weekend!

Atlanta Blues Festival
Friday, February 11, 2011 8:00 pm
The 7th annual Atlanta Blues Festival is coming back to The Civic Center for a night of great music featuring Mel Waiters, Sir Charles Jones, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Theodis Ealey, Floyd Taylor, Latimore, Clarence Carter.  Tickets can be purchased online and are available now.

Valentines in the Garden
Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:00-11:00 pm
Looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day a few days early?  Visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this Saturday to enjoy an evening of cocktails, dancing and scrumptious desserts with live entertainment at the most romantic spot in Atlanta.  Warm candlelight and fragrant orchids form the perfect setting for both couples and singles alike.

Q100 The Bert Show’s Bitter Ball
Saturday, February 12, 2011 9:00 pm- 2:00 am
Are you CRAVE-ing anything but heart-shaped candies, flowers and chocolates this weekend?  Join Q100 The Bert Show’s biggest party of the year and embrace your bitterness at Bitter Ball!  Go out and party with Atlanta’s singles this Saturday at a party dedicated to your fabulous single gal status.

Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney
Friday-Saturday, February 11-12, 2011 8:00 pm
Only a fool on the hill would miss an inspired Valentine’s date with the Beatle, Wing and soloist, unerringly portrayed by Tony Kishman, one of the stars of Beatlemania.  This spectacular toast to Sir Paul includes Silly Love Songs, Live and Let Die, Maybe I’m Amazed, and the best of the Fab Four.  Shows will be held Friday and Saturday night at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Weekend CRAVE-ing Feb. 4-6, 2011


The weekend is almost here, and we want you to fulfill all of your CRAVE-ings.  Whether you’re searching for the perfect date night or a place to cheer on your favorite team, get out to sip, taste and see what Atlanta has to offer this weekend!

Peter Pan Dinner and a Show
January 21-April 10, 2011
Take advantage of this fabulous deal from the Fox Theater and participating Atlanta Restaurants.  This jaw-dropping production of Peter Pan features twenty-two actors, stunning puppets, epic music and dazzling flying sequencing surrounded by breathtaking video projection that flies both cast and audience over Edwardian London.  Restaurants include Room at Twelve, Gordon Biersch, South City Kitchen and more!

I’m the Man You Meet Before You Meet the Man You Marry
February 3-27, 2011
Single, successful, middle-aged and hip but still not “The One.”  But is that such a bad thing?  This show is a hysterically funny and poignant look at being truly happy and knowing the difference between being lonely and being alone.  Wednesday and Saturday matinees will include a 30 minute Q & A session after the show with Manny Oliveira.

Date Night in the Glass Studio
Tuesday-Sunday 7:00 PM
This special date night is perfect for a romantic Valentines date or any day of the week.  Join Siyeh Glass, an intimate urban studio, for the perfect date night!  All tools, materials, beverages, and treats included in the price.  Don’t have a date? Bring a friend!  Each participant will leave with 2-3 unique glass-blown masterpieces.

Super Bowl Party at Stout Irish Pub
Sunday, February 6, 2011 3:00 PM
Whether you’re a football fanatic or just in it for the commercials, Super Bowl Sunday is one day to get in the football spirit.  Your favorite neighborhood Irish pub, Stout, is hosting a Super Bowl Party this Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.  Head over to Stout in Buckhead for CRAVE-able drink specials starting at 3:00 PM!

Weekend CRAVE-ing Jan. 28-30


The weekend is almost here, and we want you to fulfill all of your CRAVE-ings.  Whether you’re on the hunt for new kicks or quality cocktails, get out to sip, taste and see what Atlanta has to offer this weekend!

Yappy Hour at Glamour Paws
Friday, January 28, 2011 6:00 p.m.
Are you CRAVE-ing a different kind of happy hour?  Join Glamour Paws this Friday at 6:00 pm for Yappy Hour!  Your pooch deserves a fun night out too.  Enjoy complimentary wine for you and dog treats for furry your date.  Please email your RSVP to EVENTS@THESTARFIREGROUP.US, subject: YAPPY HOUR.

Get Fit Magazine Winter Issue Release Party
Friday, January 28, 2011 7:30-10:00 p.m.
Start ringing in your fitness resolutions by celebrating the launch of Get Fit Magazine’s Winter Issue!  Meet and Mingle with local celebrities, fitness experts and the Sinless Margarita Angels.  Arrive early and get your first Sinless Margarita free!  Raffle giveaways including BU Glow Mobile Spray Tanning Gift Certificate, Stacey Lynn Style Gift Certificate, Cellar 56 Gift Certificate, Raw Denim Gift Certificate and Sinless Margarita Mix.

Ann Roth Shoes Sample and Overstock Sale
Saturday and Sunday, January 29-30, 2011 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Calling all shoe fanatics!  Ann Roth Shoes is having their biggest sample sale to date this weekend!  Over 100 pairs of Ann Roth Shoes will be marked down 50-70% off at the Ann Roth Shoes Studio & Showroom and The Paisley Umbrella.  It’s a not-to-be-missed shopping event!  Can’t make it in person? Catch all the deals online from Mon. Jan 31st – Wed. Feb 2nd!

America’s Got Talent Atlanta Auditions
Saturday and Sunday, January 29-30, 2011
Do you have CRAVE the spotlight?  NBC’s America’s Got Talent is coming to Atlanta and wants to see YOUR Talent!  Auditions are being held this Saturday and Sunday at AmericasMart Atlanta.  Don’t miss your chance to show America your talent and compete for the opportunity of a lifetime!

Introducing Glamour Paws of Atlanta


Glamour Paws is the hottest pet boutique  in Atlanta and carries upscale dog clothes and luxury products for your pampered pet.  Their specialty as a luxury pet boutique is to cater to dog and cat owners who believe their pets deserve the best!  They also specialize in dog and cat grooming, designed to pamper and provide them with the loving care they deserve.

Are you CRAVE-ing a different kind of happy hour?  Join Glamour Paws January 28, 2011 at 6:00 pm for Yappy Hour!  Your pooch deserves a fun night out too.  Enjoy complimentary wine for you and dog treats for your furry date.  Please email your RSVP to EVENTS@THESTARFIREGROUP.US, subject: YAPPY HOUR

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Unique, Fresh, and Exciting

What are your most popular products or services?
We have so many favorites at Glamour Paws! I’d have to say our grooming is top because we have a variety of affordable services that cater to dogs and cats, apparel and our organic treats- such as chicken wrapped fruit and blueberry nibble treats.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I have always had a love for animals. My dogs are what inspired me to open a pet boutique because it was always hard to find clothes and toys that were unique.

How do you spend your free time?
I love to enjoy the outdoors, so I’m always at the park on a nice day!

What is your indulgence?
That’s a tough one… shopping of course!

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My girlfriends are all night-owls, we love to go to a nice lounge on the weekends

Weekend CRAVE-ing January 14-16, 2011


We’ve been snowed in all week!  Now that the city has finally thawed out, get out to sip, taste and see all Atlanta has to offer this weekend!

Wine Basic Training at pH Wine Merchant
Friday, January 14, 2011 6:30-8:30 p.m.
CRAVE-ing more vino knowledge without committing to multiple learning sessions?  pH Wine Merchant has just the class for you!  Join them this Friday for Wine Basic Taining, their signature 4-week series condensed into one exhilarating global evening.  Sample and learn about the world of wine while you sip in their beautiful tasting room.  Fee will include wine samples, printed take-aways and light hors d’oeuvres.

Inman Park Village- Atlanta Culinary Tours
Saturday, January 15, 2011 3:30-6:30 p.m.
On Saturday, experience Inman Park and Old 4th Ward through your taste buds via Atlanta Culinary Tour’s walking tour of Inman Park Village.  This is your opportunity to experience the community while sampling from some of Atlanta’s finest restaurants and markets.

Bridalpalooza Atlanta 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Is there wedding planning in your future?  Briadalpalooza, the first bridal tour to offer an exclusive and intimate planning experience is coming to Atlanta!  This Sunday, enjoy an entire day of tastings, private venue go-sees, couture gown consultations, beauty sampling, one on one’s with some of Atlanta’s Wedding tastemakers and of course, plenty of bridal goodies!

57th Fighter Group Restaurant’s 30th Anniversary Party
Sunday, January 16, 2011 5:00 p.m- 8:00 p.m.
This well-known World War II aviation-themed eatery is thrilled to be celebrating it’s 30th anniversary after first opened its doors in 1981.  To celebrate the big 3-0, the restaurant is hosting a fun-filled anniversary party this Sunday!  This special evening will include classic big band live entertainment, as well as classic cocktails for $5 and “blast from the past” offerings available until closing.

Top 5 Metabolism Boosting Foods


We all know exercise plays a large role in how efficiently our bodies burn calories.  But did you know that food impacts your metabolism as well?  In fact, there are a number of delicious foods that not only bump up your metabolism to influence weight loss but also help create sustained energy throughout the day.  Who could say no to that?  The only caveat is that these metabolism boosting foods are not found in a box, package or plastic wrap.  That’s right…they are real, whole foods that need a little tender love and care (i.e. cooking) before you put them in your mouth. Here are the most fantastic fat burning foods and a few inspirational tips to make them unbelievably tasty.

Dark Leafy Greens- Kale, Collard Greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli, and Swiss Chard are all amazing metabolism-boosting foods that many of us forget to eat.  Ideally we should eat these vitamin-loaded greens twice a day.  That’s right…twice!  Sauté kale with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish.  Quickly steam broccoli and toss with sesame oil, lemon and tamari for a taste of heaven or cookcollard greens with chopped sweet potatoes and coconut milk.  Yum!

Daikon- A long white radish, daikon is best pickled, grated into salads or throw into a rich beef stew to soak up all the amazing juices.  For a quick pickle, chop daikon and sprinkle it with salt.  Let it sit for 30 minutes then drain the excess water.  Toss with pepper and sesame oil and you are good to go!

Radish- Their innately spicy crunch makes radishes the ideal food to take your metabolism to the next level.  Eat them with hummus or eggplant spread for an easy snack or throw them in a salad with avocado, orange and mint.  A perfect combination!

Shiitake Mushrooms- Shittake mushrooms not only aid metabolism but also bolster the immune system and clear the body of excess mucus.  Simply chop the mushrooms and sauté with onions, carrots, broccoli and olive oil for a satisfying stir-fry.  Add them to soups for an added bit of texture, or slice and bake with red onions and garbanzo beans for a delicious protein-rich dish.

Onions, Garlic, Scallions and Leeks- If you don’t already cook with these, I don’t know what to say!  Honestly though, onions, garlic and their cousins scallions and leeks are some of the healthiest, inflammation-reducing, calorie-burning foods on the planet.  How to use them? Put them in everything!  Try a red onion frittata and throw freshly chopped scallions into your salads or on top of your sautéed kale.  Leeks add a hearty sweetness to soup or are perfect caramelized and thrown on top of baked potatoes.  And as for garlic, well…think of garlic as onion’s twin.  The two shall never part.  If you are worried about becoming “fragrant” after eating these lovely alliums, don’t worry.  Just make sure everyone else around you eats them too.  Enjoy!

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Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Coaching. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Coach with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

To get more great health info and recipes become a JAMIE LIVING Facebook Fan, read the JAMIE LIVING blog or follow her on Twitter.

Weekend CRAVE-ing:NYE Edition


If you’re still looking for the perfect NYE experience, look no further!  We’ve compiled a list of the most CRAVE-worthy events to ring in the new year–and to help you recover the day after.

Downtown Countdown
Your all inclusive party ticket will include a 5 and a half hour open bar, top notch cuisine, decorations, party favors, access to all areas on entertainment and Atlanta’s largest balloon drop at midnight.  With six party areas and themed rooms and three VIP lounges, this glam party will have something for everyone!

Peach Drop 2011
Located in Underground Atlanta, the 22nd Annual Peach Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration is the city’s signature event.  As 2011 nears, the main stage will light up with live performances and the 800 pound Peach will begin its decent just before the clock strikes midnight.

Yacht Rock New Years Eve at Park Tavern
If you’re looking for something a little more casual this NYE, but still want some pizazz, head on over to Park Tavern for Yacht Rock New Years Eve.  Enjoy live music while overlooking the Midtown skyline.   This is an all-inclusive event so your food and drinks will be covered until the wee hours of the morning.

Rehab Brunch at MARKET
We all know the morning after New Years Eve can sometimes be rough, and this year MARKET Buckhead wants to help!  To aid you through your post New Year’s Eve recovery, MARKET Buckhead is hosting a Rehab Brunch Saturday, January 1, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Recuperate or continue the party at MARKET with brunch and $11 bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas!

All Day Brunch at Diesel
If you get your day started a little late this Saturday, not to worry.  Diesel will be serving brunch all day and night.  Take advantage of this great deal and get brunch for two and a pitcher of Bloody Marys or mimosas for $25!

Introducing karmic kookies


karmic kookies celebrates all who make conscious choices by creating the most fabulously delicious cookie possible for your sweet indulgent pleasure.  Owner/baker Jane Coulter Misra sources the purest and highest quality ingredients possible while supporting local, organic, and/or sustainable businesses where feasible.  They mix their heart and souls into them and bake with love,  and hope you get out of each bite what they put into it.

karmic kookies is very excited to announce that beginning this week they will be available at Whole Foods!  Now it will be even easier to satisfy your karmic kookie CRAVE-ings.  Visit their website and Facebook page for more information and updates.  Congratulations, karmic kookies!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Handmade Compassionate Deliciousness

What are your most popular products or services?
karmic kookies most sought after flavor is our all natural chocolate chip.

People may be surprised to know…
karmic kookies provides The Birthday Bunch with kookies for their monthly birthday party program at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
karmic kookies is inspired by my love for baking, and the desire to further support the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Ah! Too many to list just one!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I did not adequately anticipate all of the potential pitfalls when securing my first commercial space.

How do you spend your free time?
Eating, drinking and generally being merry!

What is your indulgence?
I love to indulge in spa treatments.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My closest girlfriends and I have rotated hosting a girls night out group that has met monthly for the last 4 years!

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