The Town... finally.

This weekend was absolutely fantastic! It will probably take me some time to get some pictures loaded and write a good blog post about it, so that's going to have to wait.

In the meantime, I saw The Town with the bf last night... you know, the Ben Affleck one? He wrote, directed and starred in it? Well, it was really good! I had been dying to see it, so we finally made it last night.

A few of my thoughts:

1. Ben is super hot in this movie. He also happens to be in impeccable shape... I'm just sayin'.
2. Serena Van Der Woodsen (aka Blake Lively, aka Jeremy Renner's sister in the movie) is far from the character she plays in Gossip Girl. No Chanel for this chick; only a cocaine and oxy addiction, a daughter she can't take care of, and some poorly done eye makeup.
3. I will most likely not be visiting Charlestown anytime soon, for fear that I will get robbed in just walking down the street. Although, if Ben was robbing me, that might be a different story.
4. Despite the fact that Doug (Ben Affleck) was a bank robber and criminal, I still wanted him to get the girl at the end... I just love happy endings. I'm pretty sure they'll end up together sooner or later though..
5. Don Draper (I don't watch Mad Men, but I know who he is) was an excellent FBI agent in the movie. It's nice to seem him take on a different role, since I haven't seen him in anything except for Mad Men.

So there's my quick review! Go see this movie, it's a good one.... bonus: bfs/husbands will like it too!

New fall outfit... back off, haters!

With fall right around the corner( I hope!?), I've been slowly gathering new fall pieces to wear. I've been trying to mentally create outfits in my head, so I can be certain that the new goods will be used and will not end up hanging in my closet for a year. So, the latest one I put together is a fun fall look, which I am very excited to try out. I also happened to find everything either on sale or with a coupon. That makes me very happy :) Now, if it will only drop in temperature so I can start to bring on the fun attire!

Where are you, fall?

Article #1: A long, comfy sweater from Lauren Conrad's new Kohl's collection. I know, some people may laugh at this, but I happen to be a huge LC fan. I firmly believe that The Hills was a bore to watch as soon as she left the series. I also am excited to check out her new style book that comes out in October.. I think she has great style! My friend Alison and I were actually discussing LC's new clothing line over pedis this weekend, so I decided to check them out. I picked up this little number in grey, on sale for $30!

Note: It looks MUCH better on, than in this pic

I think it will be perfect for chilly days when you are running a million errands, because it is super comfortable. I also love the little flower on the side, to add a touch of girly to it!

Article #2: Ok, here's where the controversy kicks in. I bought a pair of black jeggings. BEFORE you judge, hear me out! I know a lot of people have mixed feelings, and I did too, before I wandered into Gap to try on a pair for myself. First thing I liked was that they actually look like real jeans - they have a zipper and button, and they aren't all strechy and gross looking. Second, when I tried them on (and went up a size because they are tighter than regular jeans) they flattered me! I happen to have a bootay, so I was pleasantly surprised with how well these fit. I also had a mega coupon that day, so I tried them out. If you are on the fence about jeggings, give the Gap ones a shot, because they are a nice in-between and actually look like jeans. Plus, I was tired of cramming jeans into boots, and these fit just dandy :)

I dislike those shoes, mine will be paired with flats or boots only!

Article #3: I don't think these are very controversial, because grey boots are totally in this season. I picked these up (with another coupon, of course) at DSW for probably about $50. They are Madden Girl, which I've never bought before. I assume they are Steve Madden's not-so-pricey shoe line. Who knows. I think they are perfect to tuck jeans and jeggings into and head out the door. Plus, although I normally opt for a higher heel, I thought the lower heel was ideal for running errands and not needing a foot massage afterwards.

Article #4: This isn't really part of the outfit, but I thought I would mention them since I bought them whilst shopping at Kohl's. They are Simply Vera sunglasses, and were a cool $20. Geez, a steal I tell you! [Can't find them online, so no pictures for you!]

So, there you have it folks. I haven't gotten the chance to piece everything together and wear it as a whole, considering it has been 95 degrees the past few weeks. It is staying at a cool 70 degrees today, so there's hope for fall yet! Dont worry, I'll be sure to post a photo of the outfit all together. I think a comfy grey sweater, black skinnies, and grey boots is a pretty fall-ish outfit, wouldn't you say?

Atlanta BeltLine!

Quick post, for all you Atlantans out there. Have you heard about the new BeltLine that is hopefully coming to Atlanta? Here's the scoop:

"The Atlanta BeltLine is a $2.8 billion redevelopment project that will shape the way Atlanta grows throughout the next several decades. The project provides a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling downtown and connecting 45 neighborhoods directly to each other. The Atlanta BeltLine is the most comprehensive economic development effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta and among the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment projects currently underway in the United States.

At the heart of the Atlanta BeltLine is an integrated approach to land use, transportation, greenspace and sustainable development that will create a framework for future growth in the City of Atlanta. During the past 20 years, metro Atlanta’s growth has occurred in widely spread and disconnected pockets of development which have strained the region’s quality of life and economic growth. By attracting and organizing some of the region’s future growth around parks, transit, and trails, the BeltLine will help change the pattern of regional sprawl in the coming decades and lead to a vibrant and livable Atlanta with an enhanced quality of life."

BASICALLY, this new project will create new parks in Atlanta, walking/bike trails, connections to all of our areas around the city, and bring a ton of jobs for our peeps. There is a petition going around that they are asking people to sign because the companies involved are applying for a federal grant, which will potentially bring the BeltLine to Atlanta much faster than anticipated. So, do your research, and then sign the petition if you feel it is something that interests you! I think it will be something to help Atlanta kick other city's asses!

**ps I am not one to normally put my views about various things on my blog, because I feel that my blog should just be about goofy and fun stuff to share with everyone. I just feel like this is something that would be really cool and bring a lot of positive aspects to our city!

Facebook Official Page

Rock Climbing and Go Karting

On Friday, we had a company outing at Andretti's Indoor Karting & Games in Roswell. I had never been there before, but have heard good things about it being a really fun place. Of course, going for a work event, I wasn't really sure what to expect. It actually turned out to be a really fun time!

The tools we had to build our karts

We did some team building exercises, where we were divided into teams and had to build and race our own go karts. After my team dominated (no seriously, we won the whole competition!) we had lunch and then were free to play in the arcade before our time to do the real go karting.

That's me steering our kart with my feet! We dominated!

In the arcade, my eyes went directly to a rock climbing wall, and was able to find one brave soul to try it out with me. I dragged my friend Chris over to do the rock wall, something I actually don't think I've ever done before aside from maybe my Camp High Harbour days back in middle school. I didn't really think anything of it while I was suiting up in my terribly uncomfortable and wedgie-giving harness, but I realized about halfway up the "easy" wall that I was totally scared!

Trying to not look terrified

Should I even put this on here? I should be embarrassed of this one.

Somehow I mustered the courage to just keep going all the way to the top, because who the heck wants to fall and give up on the easy wall? After I made it to the top I let go and the guy guided me back down to ground. After my hands stopped trembling, I decided to be bold and go for medium!

Action shot!

I thought easy was scary, oh my gosh I honestly didn't know how I would get to the top on this one. Again, somehow I found some sort of strength and ended up making it to the very top after using just about all of my upper body strength. I have to admit, it felt SO great to accomplish this! I'm probably blowing it out of proportion for people who may do rock climbing more often, but I felt pretty darn proud of myself for making it up both of these. Chris, of course, rocked easy and medium no problems, and just about made it to the top of the hard one. I couldn't believe it!

At the TOP!!!

After rock climbing, we were able to do our go karting, which was super fun as well. Aside from the fact that the racing warehouse was about 105 degrees, it was a blast. Each race is only about 8 minutes long, but it seriously felt like I was in there for 30 seconds. Such a rush!

Eye of the Tiger.

Overall, a very successful work outing, and a nice break from the office! I think I'm going to have to find some time to check out that rock climbing place over on I-85 soon, because I think I'm about to become a serious climber. I'm just sayin'...

Dreaming...

Wishing that I were here...

Or here...

With one of these...

Instead of here...

Feeling like this...

At least it's hump day! Almost the weekend, ALMOST!!

Girls' night, mexican casserole, mandals

Last night my friend Jess decided to make a bunch of girls some delicious dinner. She basically fed a small army, and had lots of food! It was a mexi girls night, so we started out with some chips and queso, along with wine and/or margaritas while catching up and gossiping as girls do. Yum! Then she pulled out this fabulous mexican casserole from the oven, which looks like a whole mess of goodness:

Delish! Good job Jess!

I don't know the exact recipe (maybe she'll share with us!) but I know it had deliciously unhealthy ingredients which were pretty perfect for a gross Monday night. Cheese, beans, doritos, beef... all mixed together and baked for a bit. It was really tasty!

I put some spinach on my plate to feel a little less guilty ;)

After we chowed down and stuffed ourselves, we turned the season finale of The Bachelorette on. With seven girls chit-chatting and catching up, lets be honest, Ali and Roberto's love story took a bit of a backseat. I'm kinda over this season anyways, so I wasn't TOO into the finale. One thing that we did take notice on, which drove us all absolutely nuts, was Ali's dad. The man was wearing MANDALS. I don't know about anyone else, but I would not be ok with my dad wearing mandals, let alone on national television! Although, she does have the worst hair extensions and outfit choices (ok, well some are cute) on the planet, so maybe she feels that her dad's mandals are acceptable footwear to rock in Bora Bora. Also, while we're on the topic of The Bachelorette, did you see her brother? I'm 100% certain they are not related, because he looked NOTHING like her! Right? Maybe they hired him in Bora Bora to be an actor and play the part of her brother... who knows... I can't believe I still watch this show after all these years!

Ali's dad's mandals were way worse, FYI.

Regardless of the mandal disaster, we still had a great time. It's always good to get out of the house and meet up with some girlfriends to make Mondays just a little bit better!

Tacos and Burgers

Hey foodies out there! I've got two great restaurants to tell you guys about. One of the things I love most about Atlanta is all of the fantastic places we have to eat. I am constantly reading blogs and other articles about new restaurants opening around the area. This weekend I went to two delish places that you must try out!

1. Verde Taqueria - This little taco joint opened a few months back on Dresden Drive in Brookhaven. Everytime I drive by, no matter the time, it is completely packed. Don't let this stop you from trying it out! The wait actually moves quicker than you would think, and you can always just enjoy a beer or a margarita in the meantime.

Just a tidbit, a couple of doors down is a new Yoforia!! YUM!

The bf and I met his brother and wife here this past Friday, and it was delicious. Despite the huge crowds, we actually only ended up waiting about 15 min or so. We got a perfect table out on the patio, and luckily it wasn't terribly hot out.

Every table is always full!

We started out with some Texas margaritas and guacamole (my favorite!) and then each ordered our own tacos. The food is a la carte here, but extremely cheap! I ordered the buffalo chicken taco (I got it grilled) and the pulled pork taco. Both of these were FABULOUS. The buffalo chicken was pretty hot, but I'm also quite a sissy when it comes to hot foods. The celery in it gave it a nice little crunch, which I liked too. Next time you are craving some fresh mexican tacos, hit this place up! 

2. Farm Burger - Finally! I've been dying to try this place after reading about it on Urbanspoon and the girls at The Q+DD. Everyone says these are some of the best burgers in town, so the bf and I decided to try them out on Sunday afternoon whilst nursing our hangovers from the lake day on Saturday.

I think it was a little too hot for people to sit outside this day..

The place is quite small inside, so I was worried that by the time we ordered our food, there would be nowhere to sit. Surprisingly, the service is super quick, so the table turnover works out perfectly. I like the atmosphere of the restaurant, because it is completely unpretentious. They use paper place mats, the silverware sits in a mason jar (so cute!) and most of the tables are large enough to share with some other burger loving strangers.

So many delicious choices!

I ordered the feta cheese with pecan pesto burger (No. 4 on the menu), which was out of this world. Sounds a little odd, but it is magnificent. Bf built his own and ordered a burger with pimento cheese, which was equally delicious. Well...if I were forced to choose, I would say mine was slightly more delicious, but who's keeping track? So at FB, you can build your own burger, or you can choose from one of the few already built burgers. This place is a definite go-to the next time you find yourself over near Decatur. Plus, the new thing these days is farm to table eating, and these cows are 100% grass fed and never fed antibiotics or hormones, so you can eat guilt-free (sort of..). Yum!

Has anyone been to these restaurants? Will you be running back as soon as possible like me?

I swear it's my shoes, not me!

Happy Friday everyone! I don't know about anyone else, but this week has just been dragging along and I am THRILLED that it is finally the weekend. I've only been at work about an hour so far, and I've already had quite an embarrassing morning. Why you ask? Well... I bought these Banana wedges a few weeks ago, but have only worn them a couple of times out at night (most likely a loud bar or restaurant). They are pretty comfy wedges, so I decided to wear them to work today for jeans Friday. And, um... apparently when I walk, some sort of awkward suction is created, causing a.... farting noise!!! I tried to walk slower, and tried to walk differently to avoid it, but it is inevitable. I'm going to have my whole office thinking I ate beans for dinner last night, but I didn't!! It's my shoes!! This is going to be an awkward Friday. Yeesh.

Retiring these bad boys after today!

What is everyone up to this weekend? I'm spending all day tomorrow on the lake for a friend's birthday! Fun stories to follow next week! Have a great weekend!

Bootcamp is No Joke, People.

In order to get out of my insane workout rut, my roommate and I decided to do a four week bootcamp together. We found the deal on Groupon (aka the website that dictates my social life these days) which was about $40 for four weeks – a steal I tell you! The only crappy part is, it is Monday thru Friday, at 6 am. That’s right, before the sun even comes out, SHG and I are dragging our butts over to Chastain Park to get them kicked by two ex college football players. Are we crazy?

As scary as it sounds, it is actually fantastic! We just finished survived the second week, and are definitely feeling good. Well, aside from the sore muscles here and there, and the fact that we feel like old ladies going to bed at 9:30 every night… The workouts vary daily, so we do just about everything. Sprints uphill, total ab days, arm workouts with dumbbells, jogs around the baseball fields and many more grueling tasks. I must say, now I see how celebs can stay in such great shape. This is basically their ONLY job – get a personal trainer and have them literally kick your ass daily. If my company paid me to be in shape, I would do bootcamp year round. Hands down.

I could totally take him right now. I'm just sayin'...

Anyways, wish us luck as we finish the second half of getting in butt-kicking shape. I'll be sure to report back at the end!

~E