HEALTHY DINING:: CAFE di SOL:: PONCEY HIGHLANDS

www.cafedisol.com

                                                640 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of having dinner and drinks at Cafe di Sol. Nestled in the Poncey Highlands area, this restaurant brings a great southern twist to healthy cafe dining. Entering the restaurant you are engulfed with the aroma of sweet spices and greeted by cheerful staff. The funky waiters and waitresses add a third dimension to the dining experience that make this place a unique and enjoyable. I started my food excursion with a mango margarita and an appetizer of butternut squash ravioli. I was hesitant to try the ravioli because I am not the biggest fan of squash but let's just say... it blew my socks off :) My next course was the Turkey Burger on Ciabatta with lots of caramelized onions. People fail to realize how hard it is to properly season turkey meat, but Cafe di Sol had the perfect recipe to a succulent, juicy turkey burger. I ended the night with another mango margarita (from fresh mango nectar juice) and a side of bread pudding. I had an amazing night, laughing with friends, fraternizing with other patrons, and enjoying an awesome meal. If you are looking for a quaint cafe with superior drinks, food, and service then this is the place to go :) :: Be sure to visit on Mondays with the Specials on buy one Burger get one free and on Wednesdays when you can sample 5 Wines for $15.

www.cafedisol.com

PINK FRIDAY

I had serious reservations about Pink Friday. I could not relate to the crazy faces, distasteful costumes, and colorful wigs; but I must admit Nicki Minaj won me over with her album. She revealed a different more sincere side; and although I am not a fan of auto tune I can say she honestly used it the way it was intended. This is one of my favorite songs on her album. If you do not know her or lost interest because of her initial collaborations.... Do yourself a favor and give her album a chance.... I respect her hard work, dedication, and hustle. She is a female MC doing her thing and I support that....... WERRRRK IT NICKI!!!!

Now Playing.... Kylie Minogue

LOVE HER! GREAT PARTY AND DANCE MUSIC....

GROWING PAINS.....

There are things that happen in your life that force you to mature and really try to get a grip on the decisions you have made in your life. Death is one of those things. My grandmother died in August and I am finally at a point where I can discuss it without becoming so emotional. There are very few people who will have the impact on your life like the family members who had a hand in raising you. While I come from a two parent home where my parents were actively involved in all aspects of my life, I also had young energetic grandparents who were always rooting for me. In those moments it is hard to ever imagine them not being there. My grandmother battled with kidney diseases and was on dialysis for the past few years. No matter how sick she got she always pulled through and I began to believe she was invincible :) She was a strong woman who worked hard to hold her family together when everyone was stressing over the daily troubles in life. Her "prayer game" was impeccable and I fervently believe that I was guarded from so many things because I had a praying Grandmother. Her soft voice, encouraging words, and love always encouraged me. She never failed to call at the moments when I needed her most. She saw my creativity and  challenged me to do bigger things. She loved to brag on her grandkids and was always ready to hear all my crazy stories. In Drake's words... She was the best (grandma) I ever had! I miss her but I know it is my obligation to continue to live out her legacy. She never accepted complacency and wanted all her grandkids to accomplish their dreams.

It wasn't until a got older that I realized how much of a daunting task it is to "accomplish your dreams". I realized that I had been off track for a while and now it is time for me to get my act together. I always saw myself as the young, fun, girl trying to find my path in life but then I realized I am not so young anymore and it is time to be serious about some things. It is unfortunate that it took a death to bring me to reality, but I think sometimes loosing a big support system can have that "bring you back to reality" effect. So with all that said... I now understand people when they say I am accomplishing this for my mother, father, or grandparent. I owe it to myself and the others who have helped me. I am standing on broad shoulders and have a great foundation to keep building. Words of Advice: I know it sounds so cliche but cherish those moments, do not take for granted the sacrifices others have made to make things better for you. And it is never to early to start accomplishing life goals.

I love my grandmother for all she sowed into my life. I see her in my facial expressions, I hear her admonitions in my spirit, and I feel her comforting arms when I have troubled nights. 

    Sandra Mariah Aycock..... 

You will always have my Heart

                           

DJ Turn It Up.... Ke$ha

Some people don't like the grungy and feisty artist Kesha but I think she is refreshing. I tend to like artist that really stand out (Pink is another all time favorite). I chose this video because I love, love, love her turquoise lipstick.

A LIFE FILLED WITH "GLEE"

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GLEE. THIS PAST WEEK HAD THE BEST MIX OF NEW MUSIC AND CLASSICS. IF YOU DON'T WATCH IT YOU SHOULD :)

Kanye West vs. George Bush

The media has been going crazy this past few days with the interviews of George Bush and Kanye West. For all those who are oblivious; let me catch you up. George Bush did an interview in which he revealed that the worst time of his presidency was when Kanye West made the statement "George Bush hates black people" on the MTV awards...... I will give you a minute to take that in...... WHAT!?!?!?!?! George Bush are you crazy. The worst time!?!?!?! Seriously!!!! How about 9/11, or Katrina, or the depressed economy, or going into Iraq and finding NO weapons of mass destruction, or the media exposing the horrible drinking habits or you or your daughters ????? While I understand that having a black man calling you racist on national television is probably infuriating it certainly could not have been the worse of the presidency. I was and always will be one to respect the office of the President (no matter who holds the position), but since Bush is no longer President he should really reconsider making ignorant comments because the only thing that was covering him from the wrath of people with half common sense was the fact that he was President. The fact that he uttered these words out loud lets us know what kind of man we really allowed to run this country. I'm embarrassed and disgusted, but I am also grateful because now that I am aware of his complete ignorance I see that he could have left our country in a much worse state than it is in now. (Side Note: All Obama haters please give him a break... he is cleaning up the mess of a man who has summed up his entire presidency on the backwards comment of a pop-culture celebrity...LOL)

Let me digress from Bush and address Kanye. He was wrong. Although genuine in motivation, Kanye expressed his frustration and anger at the wrong place and the wrong time. There are other media outlets to express political views and he should have waited until he was able to convey exactly the point he wanted without letting anger overshadow it. In that moment, he could have used his celebrity status to hold the Bush administration accountable, but in a way that would have focused on the issue not the person. I believe that the life changes Kanye has endured since this situation has revealed to him some character issues and areas where he could grow and mature. His response to the Bush interview was sincere but also well thought out.  He expressed remorse for how the words he use. I was not always a Kanye fan (nothing to do with Taylor Swift) but I was always hesitant to support him because of his media antics, but the man he has grown into is something I truly admire. 

I won't continue to rant about Bush but I will close by saying that the words Kanye uttered that night was not just an opinion of his own. There were many many many who agreed. The point Bush is that enough was not done. Kanye's point had it been Beverly Hills maybe the reaction would have been different. But the past is the past and hindsight is 20/20. Let's move on and allow our new President :) the time to adequately fix the mess we are in now.

Missing Missoni : Milan Runway Spring 2011

International Fashion: Milan Runway Spring 2011 Missoni

I had the opportunity to live in Italy for 6 months in 2007. I traveled from Rome to Florence to Siena, but nothing compared to the fashions in Milan. It was there I met one of my great loves -Missoni. Her Spring 2011 Women's line consists of black mortarboard hats; vast, multipatterned, geometric shapes; tabards; and cropped sweaters with pop slogans. She drew her inspiration from her own playful witty personalities. Her inspired style can be seen on Fashion icons like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, and Joy Bryant.

All Is Fair in Love....

I finally started a blog. Yeaaaaaaa for me :) I needed a place to pen my thoughts and since I lost my diary this is the next best thing. I hope to make this a weekly thing, but who knows with all the craziness in my life this blog, along with a glass of white wine , might become my new best friend. So lets start with some fun facts:

1. Certified Southern Belle:  Atlanta Born & Charlotte Educated

2. Family Focused and Experienced Best Friend

3. Lover of Myself: Yes, sometimes I can be a little conceited

4. Fashion, Jewelry, Lifestyle, and Entertainment Maven

5. Reality T.V. Junkie

6. Nueva-Public Relations Enthusiast

After a few nomadic years, I returned to the city of my birth to regroup, refocus, and plan my next move. Transitioning from a career in Nonprofits to Public Relations has been hard, but I think the rewards will be worth it. This blog will chronicle my journey and its gonna be a hell of a ride.......