Atl

I almost forgot to post my photos from my trip to Atlanta!  I'm really terrible at taking photos on vacation.  I get caught up in my activities and completely forget to document the occassion!

1 - My view from the 34th floor at the Marriott Marquis downtown Atlanta.
2 - The view from the lobby to the top floor. The elevators were all glass.
3 - Bath & Body Works Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Lotion.  Yes, I took them home.

1 - My first time at Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles.  YUMMY!!
2 - Me waiting outside in 100 degreem temps for chicken and waffles.  Worth the wait!
3 - My drink (on the house) at Sear inside my hotel.
4 - My dinner one night also at Sear...seared bass and couscous!  Delish!

Did I mention that this was a work trip?  It was the annual Society of Human Resources national conference.
1 - Some of my swag from the conference.  I do it all!
2 - Tuesday night show... Jerry Seinfeld!  Yes, he still does stand-up and yes it was hilarious!
3 - Condeleeza Rice, the opening speaker for the conference.  Very inspiring!  I had never heard her speak before but she was truly AMAZING!!

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On Vacation - ATL

Ok so it's not really a vacation, it's a business trip but I'm going to make the most of it!!  The business aspect of my trip is scheduled to end each day by 4:00 pm which leaves plenty of time for sightseeing and fun.  I have several friends who live in the area and it will be great catching up with everyone.  Pictures to come, of course.  Until then, have a fabulous weekend!!

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My Fav Place - Desserts

Red velvet cupcake

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is a local shop called Favor Desserts located in Durham, NC.  The owner's story is inspirational, the desserts are impeccible.

The owner, Keijuane Hester served almost four years in prison for drug dealing.  Once released (and after a string of dead end jobs) he decided to take up a skill he was already familiar with in the kitchen.  With $30, a hand mixer, one regular oven, and no pans he started a baking business in his home.  Starting small, he sold his cakes by the slice at beauty salons and barbershops and used that income to grow his business.  He would sell a cake, buy a pan, sell a cake, buy a pan.  Hester now has a store front to sell his delectable desserts.

When you walk into Favor Desserts, the first thing you notice is the smell--that heavenly aroma of something absolutely delicious baking in the back. The second thing you notice is the contemporary decor which makes it the perfect spot to relax with a date for a devine cupcake and a cup of coffee.  If you're in the Raleigh-Durham area (or planning to visit), this place should go on the top of your list if you're looking for a sugar fix.

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Nueva York - Day 3

This was by far the best day of my vacation. Technically, I was outside of New York but it was still part of my vacation so I will include it under the same umbrella.  I traveled to Bloomfield, New Jersey to celebrate the 40th birthday of a fabulous woman.

The Birthday Girl and her loving husband.

I've decided that if I'm a fraction as fabulous as this woman 10 years from now, I will consider myself blessed.   There were so many people who traveled for miles and several states away to join her in this wonderful occasion.  No matter how big or expensive the gifts, it's the people who make life worth living.

Oakeside Mansion, Bloomfield, NJ

The party was held at Oakeside Mansion with about 150 guests.

The tablesetting

Me and my "date".  We had a blast!

I realized after the night was over that I never took a picture of my outfit!!  It slipped my mind in the midst of all of the excitement.  Once photos come back from the photographer, I'll have to snatch one and post it.

The food was AMAZING!!

There was an abundant amount of food.  Overall, this was not a good weekend for dieting.  Not including the heavy hor d'oeuvres served during cocktail hour, the dinner included eggplant parmesan, turkey, stuffing, and roasted potatoes.  After dinner, cute dessert trays were placed on each table (which was nearly devoured before I could take a photo).  This was followed by birthday cake.

No, that's not cake.  You are mistaken.

Gift from her husband -- a Mercedes Benz complete with big red bow!

This was the best part of the night.  Her husband surprised her with car keys inside of a Tiffany's box.  After her initial shock, she couldn't stop crying.  Ladies, if you're wondering (because I asked), they met on a blind date and he has no available brothers, cousins, or friends.  Bummer.

Open bar with ONLY top shelf beverages! The bartenders were super nice and generous pourers.

I almost forgot to mention, there was an open bar the entire night!! I had a DD so I took full advantage.  I was on vacation, after all.

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Nueva York - Day 1

Needless to say, I had a blast in New York. There is so much to see and do it makes it hard to leave. I had a long to-do list that quickly became irrelevant once I got into the swing of things.  Instead of creating a single blog entry about my entire trip, I've decided to break it up and elaborate on the highlights. I hope you enjoy!!

Harlem, NY

The Demolition Depot was one of the first buildings I spotted when I got off the bus in Harlem.  I really liked how old parts were used to create the wording across the building and you can see all types of rummage through the windows.  The Demolition Depot is a unique source of vintage plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, shutters, railings, gates, etc, etc. which are geared towards the re-creation and renovation of period places.  I was inspired.  If I hadn't been bogged down with luggage (and, more importantly, if they had been open), I would have stopped and taken a look around.

On a more random note, the 2nd building I noticed was the DMV and the line was down the block!! Keep in mind it was about 8:30am on Friday morning. Sheesh!

Brooklyn, NY

I didn't have a lot of time for photos initially as I was on a strict timeline to get to my dear friend's apartment before he left for an appointment.  Unfortunately, even after rushing, I arrived too late. I used my free morning to get some breakfast at the bottega and get a much needed pedicure.  The bottega and the nail shop were across the street from each other and a block from my friend's apartment.  How awesome is that?  Reason number #459 why I love NYC!!

After feeding my belly and getting my feet to a more presentable state, I took a moment to chill out on the stoop.  I noticed the texture and colors in the aged door behind me and decided it would make a great back drop for a photo.  Viola!! This was the result.  I concluded that if I ever made a CD, this would be my album cover. 

That evening I went out to Iguana New York Restaurant & Dance Lounge.  The drinks were strong and the music was great.  What more can a girl ask for?  The night also included a stop at Ray's Pizza (I'm not sure which one but it was delish!).  Here I am at the end of the night (roughly around 5:15 am) waiting for the subway after a great evening in the city!!

Union Square

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On Vacation - NYC

I'm spoiling myself this year as promised and doing more traveling.  This weekend I'll be taking my Southern Hospitality to the wonderful and amazing city of New York.  I'm looking forward to all the exciting events taking place for Memorial Day.  Stay tuned for photos from my trip (seriously this time).  Until then, Happy Friday!!

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Stripes & Color

Thanks to a 3-day weekend (President's Day), I had the opportunity to visit a dear friend of mine in Miami.  The city was beautiful, the weather was fabulous, and there was so much to see and do.  It was so exciting to pull out my sandals and t-shirts in February.  Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties with my camera after the first night so I didn't capture nearly as many photos as I had planned.  Here is my outfit from Friday night for dinner and club hopping.  The view is downtown Miami.

Earrings - Forever 21

Dress - Express

Belt - Express

Bangle - Pier 1 (seriously)

Clutch - Nine West

Shoes - Steve Madden

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On Vacation - MIA

That's right! I'm taking a much needed vacation to Miami, FL.  The recent chilly temperatures and high winds are too much for this Southern girl.  Stay tuned for photos from my trip.  Until then, Happy Friday!!

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Minimergency Kit

Do you remember the sewing kit your grandmother used to keep in her purse? Very practical but it fell short in many aspects.  This Minimergency Kit by Ms. & Mrs. ($16.00) takes being prepared to the next level with the Good Luck Series.  Each patent pouch (measures 3.5" x 2" x 2") is adorned with one of five good luck charms: a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a wishbone, an evil eye (to ward off wardrobe malfunctions), a horseshoe, and a four-leaf clover. 

Available in multiple colors, these kits contains 16 must-haves: Hairspray, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Emery Board, Lip Balm, Earring Backs (how clever is that!!), Clear Elastics, Sewing Kit, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Deodorant Towelette, Pain Reliever, Tampon, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, and Adhesive Bandages.  Most importantly, it's cute and fashionable.  There is also a Minimergency Kit for Moms!!  What more could you ask for?  This is perfect to keep in your purse or give as a gift.  Which color and charm is your favorite?

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Ice Cold!!

The Balea Lac Hotel of Ice is located in the Fagaras mountains in Romania.  Entirely made of ice, the hotel offers accommodation where the temperature is between -2º and +2º C (approximately 28º and 35º F).  Ten double rooms with king size beds book for £35 ($45.73) per person.

The hotel offers amenities like most other hotels such as a restaurant and bar.  My only question is who would pay to eat, drink, and sleep in the cold?

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