Think Sex and the City.  Think vintage classic style with a young, edgy twist.  Southern Dropout’s monthly trunk show at Mint Gallery delivers Carrie Bradshaw’s ideal shoes and more minus the Manolo Blahnik price tag.

Tucked away nearby the Sampson Street lofts, Mint Gallery is nestled in a mostly residential area along John Wesley Dobbs Avenue.  A non-profit gallery, Mint is renowned for promoting local artists, those fresh as well as seasoned.  The cheap drinks and good music at the parties they host doesn’t hurt either.

Southern Dropout’s trunk show, hosted by Loren Lankford, Entertainment Weekly journalist by pay, fashionista by birth, boasts a refined, trendy collection including heels, nightgowns, eveningwear, and partywear that has been accumulating since she was twelve.

Growing up with little money to spare, Loren was savvy, and she soon found those same Abercrombie and Fitch t-shirts, for which the other kids were paying exorbitantly, at the thrift stores for significantly less.

Yet her style was always more sophisticated than the fads.  But the concept of obtaining popular items for a cheap price planted a seed.

Far before vintage chic was all the rage, Loren had a taste for the style and began acquiring a wardrobe as a pre-teen that has now burgeoned into a sought-after exhibition.  When it was cool to sport Tommy Hilfiger, Aeropostale, and the Limited Too as largely and abundantly as physically possible, Loren was inclined toward a more elegant taste.

Into adulthood Loren continued to nourish her artistic flair, and she now designs and creates certain accessories in her show.  Most notable is her jewelry that displays a keenness for asymmetry, color, and texture.

When Loren witnessed her first trunk show after befriending Mint’s director, she realized her matured collection had found its platform.

Mint recognizes the financial struggle that often goes along with commitment to the arts, and only keeps a meager percentage of the profits for the gallery itself.  The obvious benefit is that the artists themselves get to buy groceries, but what Lankford appreciates most is that it allows her to maintain a relatively low markup.

Though Lankford could easily quadruple the prices of her wares, she isn’t interested in the exorbitance epidemic that has infected much of the boutique world.  Lankford champions affordability, most likely the reason that she still was able to clear a respectable return in the midst of an ice storm.  People still show up for a good deal.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next month’s show, February 6^th and 7^th, for unique finds at basement floor prices.  From $10 boots to $5 jackets, and everything in great condition, you won’t even have to worry that Mint doesn’t take plastic.  Just crack open your piggy bank in a few weeks for your next foxy frock and continue to enjoy 2010 in style.

The metro Atlanta area is dotted with hundreds of tucked away culinary gems. Field Good Gourmet Deli, featuring the refined creations of Chef Christophe Le Metayer, is a North Fulton jewel that should not be missed. Hailing from France, with over 25 years of gastronomic experience, Le Metayer remains humbly understated in a world of overboard cuisine. I stumbled upon his restaurant when my publisher summoned me there for a meeting. As we ordered a couple of espressos, I asked the chef if they had chai tea to make a dirty chai latte. Unfortunately for me, I had to settle for a simple latte, because they did not carry chai. By the time my meeting was finished, I returned to the counter to thank our host, and to my utter dismay, Christophe presented me with a pot from his stove filled with chai tea he had made from scratch. Starbucks, eat your heart out. It was the best dirty chai latte I have ever had. At that point, if I may sound so trite, Christophe Le Metayer had me at chai!

… Hailing from France, with over 25 years of gastronomic experience, Le Metayer remains humbly understated in a world of overboard cuisine …

On a cloudy Monday afternoon, with the quiet café closed to the public for its day off, I spent two inspiring hours indulging in conversation and cookery with the charismatic chef. I would leave that day with a fresh outlook on my, admittedly less than positive, preconceived notions about French food, as well as French chefs.

Field Good is too relaxed to label as a bistro, yet it exudes more character and experience than the images we often associate with a simple delicatessen. The awning above the door advertises the quaint, café-like surroundings as a gourmet deli. Although, I came to discover that Chef Christophe isn’t completely comfortable having his French background associated with the sometimes haughty term, “gourmet”. The chef attended the formal French culinary school, Lycee d’état De St. Quentin en Yve Lines, beginning when he was just sixteen. However, the experience of working as a chef in France did not develop into as desirable an experience for Christophe. After years of predictable, unfulfilling, albeit appreciated, positions throughout his career, Le Metayer hopes to have finally unearthed a long sought after sense of job satisfaction. That has been his goal in creating Field Good, which Christophe has successfully done with the aid of partner chef, Cody Taylor. The pair formerly worked together at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, prior to opening this store. Though, with its relaxed, inviting atmosphere, Field Good presents itself in a manner far more inviting than your average table at the Ritz.

Approximately, three years ago Le Metayer began to dabble in food photography. A collection of his work was published this year in his book, “Enhanced Cuisine”. Today, the walls of Field Good illustrate the chefs beautiful, abstract portraits of simplistic, raw foods. I, curiously, asked Christophe, “Where do you believe the relationship between food and art meet?” He explained to me that food has escaped from its natural connection with human beings. Keeping food simple and beautiful brings the act of eating back to nature and awakens all of the human senses, and as a result, consumption rediscovers its more animalistic roots. Le Metayer prefers using no more than four or five ingredients in preparing a dish. He feels it is better not to over-complicate the palate. Le Metayer’s sentiments concerning the art of food are best summed up in the following excerpt from his book.

… keeping food simple and beautiful brings the act of eating back to nature and awakens all of the human senses, and as a result, consumption rediscovers its more animalistic roots …

“Coming from a place where food has been treated with a cultural approach for centuries with a diversity of specialties, even in the smallest villages, made me understand that I have the opportunity to transform in a few hours, minutes, or even seconds, an ancestral edible product into a moment of pleasure. These magic transformations happen in my hands and reflect on the faces of the guests. It is not insignificant. It goes in the mouth. It is swallowed. It can’t be more carnal and sensual. Transform an ephemeral moment into an unforgettable memory. In a great kitchen and at a great table, so much can be shared with others. These are probably the last civilized places where pleasures with no limit can be experienced. Let your imagination wander. I try to transpose all these feelings in my photos…”

The fare being showcased at Field Good is not limited to recipes of French descent. While, you could be tempted by the gorgeous pastries for breakfast or a croque monsieur for lunch, Christophe informs me that he really takes pleasure in offering personalized variations on American classics, such as the traditional BLT, homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, and even a Georgia trail mix salad with peach dressing. Each Sunday is highlighted by the “Field Good Brunch” from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting at an affordable $10. Beyond breakfast and lunch, Le Metayer is serving pre-set five course dinners every Saturday evening. Do not be intimidated, I am assured the dinner is a casual affair. The restaurant is certainly worth a trip to dine-in, however the chef offers meals made fresh to go, with tailored menus for all occasions. An, “In Office Friday Delivered Lunch”, can be ordered, delivered, and is served in individually packaged portions of lunch menus that change for each Friday of the month. Catered menus for holiday events are also available to order for pick up. I witnessed the popularity of this option for myself, as I interviewed the chef just a few days prior to Thanksgiving, the chef was still busy taking calls from patrons on his day off. I really enjoyed seeing a restaurant that is breaking the mold, giving the public options that don’t follow the lead of what we typically find in each new shopping center that makes up the urban sprawl around Atlanta.

If you are interested in paying Chef Christophe a visit, you can find Field Good Gourmet Deli at11500 Webb Bridge Way in Alpharetta 30005. For ordering info call (770)-343-9697 or go to FieldGood.com.

(Enjoy some of Christophe Le Metayer’s photography masterpieces  – above in the article and here the images are click-able for a higher definition version:)

For Georgians, nothing will ever so measure Lake Arrowhead. It volunteers a paradise of strictly open-air diversion with a very definite putting All year through. Each and every season, Seven Hills, Georgia allows for you a distinct beauty. It may be about the atmospheric condition or the season, but to be correct, each and every day in Lake Arrowhead is otherwise unique day that Mother Nature bestows to the beauty of this lake and to All the residents, as well. No weigh which season it may be at Seven Hills, Georgia, there is nothing to fret because holding up out here in this section of Georgia will incessantly be memorable, reposeful, and commendable. Nothing bewilders alike Lake Arrowhead in Georgia and there is no other finer situation to live than here.

Winter at the Lake

Winter at Seven Hills, Georgia is a great time of year to be in arena. The site metamorphoses into a fair place. But with Total the activenesses the residents can attempt out here, the Lake Arrowhead community attracts residents and visitors to cluster to this site and know what winter is at the lake.

Spring

The Seven Hills, Georgia bestows about tulips, daffodils, and the wildlife birds Total cheeping for a novel sprightliness of wildlife frisking and bursting in the lake. Spring is the reincarnation of the outdoor season and it is by all odds a view to observe when you are inhabiting out here in the lake. You can listen the birds chirping. You can mark the children are out recreating near the lake. These are simply some of the things you will see while basking your stay here during spring season in Seven Hills, Georgia.

Summertime Playfulness at the Lake

This is perhaps the strongest season in Seven Hills, Georgia. When summer is here, school is out and it is decidedly a important time to pass the vacation with family and friends. You can sit ski boats on the lake. You can feature a dip on the lake. Your children can have Play at the shores of this picturesque lake. You will decidedly require to wake up with the warm sunrise at Seven Hills, Georgia. There is scarcely no nicer mode living in an open-air life than during summer at the lake.

A Special Autumn at the Lake

Fall. This is the time of the year when you assure the green mountain come warm along with the other fall colors, red, dark gold, and orange. The attention-getting colors render warm days and cool evenings and that holds living here in the lake a pretty one. The trees in Seven Hills, Georgia during fall extend divergent vegetation, which are being arranged on a demo.

A Contrasting Residence

Whatever the season, you are certain to feature Merriment at Seven Hills, Georgia. Seven Hills, Georgia is where you demand to be when you are counting to get a unusual feel of grand lifestyle and a favorable home. And you incur to experience them solely in this portion of Atlanta, Georgia.

About the Author

Seven hills georgia are very reasonable available at http://ogilviesignaturehomes.com

Atlanta, a city with rich culture and history, is touted as the “city that is not too busy to care.” It is also a perfect example of thriving urban growth and development. Evidence of this can be seen all over Atlanta from its skyscrapers to the many first class restaurants, shops and Atlanta hotels spread throughout the city.

Downtown Atlanta

Like other cities, the downtown Atlanta serves as the heart of the government and business. However, it is not the center of cultural or social scene because it closes it doors after the busy business hours.

Midtown Atlanta

The skyline of Midtown Atlanta is dominated by mighty Atlanta hotels standing side by side with the headquarters of giant businesses such as BellSouth and IBM. This part of the city is also the home to the cultural outlets such as the High Museum of Art, Fabulous Fox Theater, and the Woodruff Arts Center. Known for its cultural diversity, Midtown Atlanta is the home to the city’s gay community. You will also see lots of rainbow flags wind blown from the porches of the wonderfully restored Victorians between 10th Street and Ponce.

Atlanta Hotels

Presenting cozy suites and guestrooms in a vivacious atmosphere, Atlanta hotels are a great way to start a memorable and exciting holiday in Atlanta. Suites and guestrooms in these hotels are fully-equipped with the latest facilities to make sure that their guests enjoy a comfortable stay. The elegant atmosphere of the city as seen from these hotels offers the guests, from all walks of life with the panoramic view of the city skyscrapers. So whether you are in Atlanta for leisure or for business, Atlanta hotels have endless offerings to make the stay of their guests a perfect one.

The city of Atlanta boasts of its top sightseeing attractions, native and diverse culinary delights, shopping extravaganza, and luxury accommodations offered by Atlanta hotels. Tourists may also stroll along the midtown and downtown paradise dotted with souvenir shops and stopovers, evoking the essence of a really culturally diverse city. From arts, history, and religion to the amazingly beautiful hustle and bustle of city life, Atlanta indeed has everything to offer.

Major Atlanta hotels are ideally located close to entertainment and business districts and are very close to any mode of transportation. There are also a lot of popular tourist attractions as well as shopping malls close to the hotels, giving any guests all the convenience and luxury of life!

About the Author

Modern facilities, dazzling and great restaurants, and provision of world-class comfort, luxury, and hospitality – these are what you will get with the Atlanta hotels. Whatever your holiday plan is, www.5-STARHOTELS.ORG can help you! Visit the site now!

By Donna Beasley

Cuddle up at a cozy Atlanta Bed and Breakfast for your next romantic getaway. These urban retreats will not only get your morning started with an awesome breakfast, they’ll also inspire your passion-filled nights. The following are my fave five romantic bed and breakfasts recommendations.

Stonehurst Place received an extensive restoration and renovation to turn the rustic Bed & Breakfast into an enviable retreat rivaling the best boutique hotels. The immaculate rooms have high ceilings, are spacious and luxuriously decorated with elegant fabrics and comfortable beds all in an eco-friendly environment. The beautiful suites include fireplaces and a walk-in- shower for two with multiple shower heads. But my favorite feature is the heated bath floor.
The beautiful gardens, front and back porch provide an intimate setting for couples to unwind with each other. Enjoy a gourmet, made to order breakfasts served on china. The Stonehurst Place B and B is a short walk to a variety of shops and restaurants. Located at 932 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. For more information call 404-881-0722.

1890 King Keith House is a beautifully, restored 1890′s mansion. But for your romantic getaway, you want to book, The Cottage. Enter through the private gardens of the King-Keith House to escape to the peace and beauty offered by the cottage. It includes a king size bed and a Jacuzzi tub for two. Located at 889 Edgewood Ave, NE, Atlanta. For reservations call: 404-688-7330

The Beverly Hills Inn – is a charming, European style Bed and Breakfast located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. It has beautiful, spacious rooms, with large sitting areas. The inn is located near world class shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Located at 65 Sheridan Drive, NE Atlanta. For reservations call: 800-331-8520.

Teacakes Bed and Breakfast is a luxury inn located near downtown Atlanta. Beautiful rooms with 600 count Egyptian bed linen, plush bath robes and mattresses with silk down pillows. The DuBignon Suite is the best room for a romantic getaway. The room is elegant and has a large private balcony the two of you can enjoy.

Teacakes serves a complete gourmet breakfast. Their specialties include strawberry biscuits, sweet potato waffles, and spinach and feta omelets. Vegan and vegetarian meals are also available. Located at 1003 Lena St, Atlanta. To make a reservation call: 404-758-9879.

Laurel Hill Bed and Breakfast is a charming two house B &B on a quiet residential street, located just 5 miles east of downtown Atlanta. These Tudor-styled homes offers five unique suite which have been decorated with the flair of the 1920′s but maintain a stylish, modern feel. Beautiful guests rooms include the Confederate Suite, which has a queen size bed and a Jacuzzi tub for two. Take a romantic stroll, hand-in-hand along the walking paths and connect with each other and nature. Located at 1992 McClendon Ave, Atlanta. For reservations call: 404-377-3217.

5 Atlanta Romantic Bed and Breakfasts Inns

By Donna Beasley

Donna Beasley, The Romance Lady, is a romantic travel expert who coaches people to create memorable romantic moments, honeymoons, vow renewals and other special romance occasions in travel locations throughout the world. Donna is the author of the recently published ebook, The Romantic’s Manifesto: 10 Golden Keys of Romance to Excite, Seduce and Captivate Your Lover. Get a complimentary copy of her ebook by visiting her website: http://www.Romance-In-Georgia.com

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The first thing Susan determined to do was to obtain top-rate legal counsel. Susan had heard many stories from girlfriends and acquaintances. She knew women who were out-represented by their spouses and who were virtually left with nothing. Susan wanted a legal representative who would fearlessly voice her expectations. She knew that getting someone with her best interests at heart would be not only wise, but necessary Susan and Greg’s split was destined to be complex, what with Greg’s unfaithfulness, custody issues involving their three children, and the division of their substantial financial assets. Finances aside, she purposed to be organized, attentive and vigilant.

The second thing Susan pursued was weekly meetings with a licensed therapist. While she and Greg had tried marriage counseling only as a last resort, Susan realized she could benefit from individual therapy. Susan had been profoundly wounded by Greg’s infidelity and felt that she was struggling with trust issues. Additionally, Susan had battled depression in her teens and understood that apart from legitimate assistance, she was likely to face old demons yet again. Susan realized her goal of staying mentally healthy and balanced was not only important for her during the separation proceedings but important for parenting her children as well.

The third and final thing Susan focused on was her physical fitness and well-being. Susan had been wounded by infidelity. She was tempted to judge herself as unattractive and unfit. Although she desired to give in to impulses rooted in comfort food and the escape of television, Susan made a priority out of daily work-outs. She began spending time with an athletic guru who helped develop the proper exercise regimen for her. She understood that keeping physically healthy would be crucial to her adjustment to single parenting. Additionally, she found the routine of the daily exercise brought order to her sometimes chaotic world.

So while Susan’s union did not endure as she envisioned, she vowed to take control of the stresses brought about by the dissolution of her marriage. She pro-actively took charge of her circumstances and began choosing activities that would be advantageous. She opted to associate with people who could help her reach her goals. By understanding her desires and defining possible pitfalls, Susan was able to confidently approach her future.

If you live in the Atlanta area, why not consider hiring a personal chef? If you think hiring Georgia chefs is too hoity-toity, you may be surprised to discover that more people than ever before are opting to hire a chef for at least some of their meals. Here are five reasons why:

1. Atlanta personal chefs can save you money.

Yes, it seems counterintuitive, but you can actually save money when you hire a chef in Georgia. Think about how much money you spend each week picking up take-out, going out to dinner, and buying groceries at the store. Chances are, you and your spouse spend more than the cost of having a personal chef prepare five days worth of customized meals in your own home.

2. A personal chef can save you time.

Most people think that in-home chefs come to your home every day. In truth, they usually come one day each week and prepare five days’ worth of meals at once. They then package and store the other dinners so that all you have to do is reheat and serve. Imagine the time you can save – time that isn’t spent running to the store or piling the family in the car to go grab a bite.

3. A chef for hire can reunite the family.

Well, the chef herself doesn’t reunite the family, but gathering together for a family meal goes far in helping family members stay connected. With careers, errands, extracurricular activities, and time spent with friends, it’s all too easy to spend for family members to scatter to the four winds. With a personal chef, you can spend what little time you have together enjoying good food and catching up with one another.

4. A personal chef brings nutrition to the table.

All too often, nutrition takes a backseat to convenience. Personal chefs provide convenience without sacrificing nutrition. By using the best and freshest ingredients, you can work with a personal chef to come up with menu ideas that are both delicious and nutritious.

5. A party chef takes the stress out of entertaining.

Whether you’re having a dinner party for six or a brunch for sixteen, private event chefs in Atlanta can be a godsend. They can whip up exquisite meals that your guests will find memorable, and you can concentrate on ensuring that everyone has a good time. Private party chefs have the experience needed to create dishes that complement one another, as well as the ability to execute those dishes to perfection. If you need other help for the party, such as servers or bartenders, a personal chef should be able to provide you with reliable referrals.

Once you look into the costs and benefits of hiring a personal chef, you’ll quickly see that she will not only make your life easier, but will also make your life better.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about 5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Chef or Majon’s Food directory

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Any person who wants vocal lessons in Atlanta will have a varied choice of both teaching methods and locations of interest. There are many teachers situated here who are certified to teach singing. You can be assured of finding a teacher with years of experience. However, there are also less experienced teachers with highly individual and even experimental training methods.

If you are interested in finding the right teacher for vocal lessons in Atlanta you can approach The National Association of Teachers of Singing and also The Music Teachers National Association in order to verify a teacher’s credentials. Teachers who are members of these associations are both suitably qualified and experienced enough to give singing lessons.

It is not unusual for the best singing teachers in Atlanta to have performed in the city’s cathedrals. Another good indication of a singing teacher’s abilities is if he or she has sung with The Atlanta Opera.

There are many different genres of music and teachers in the city specialize in one or more specific styles. You will find studios dedicated to opera, classical, blues, rock, pop, hip hop and more. What is important is to find a studio that provides the techniques you need for your choice of genre.

You won’t be bored while taking lessons in Atlanta. There are many music venues frequented by music students as well as interesting sites. Some of the more interesting and popular sites are Stone Mountain, CNN Centre, Martin Luther King Jr Center, City Hall, and Jimmy Carter Museum. This city is filled with historical buildings, churches and theaters that can be viewed down Peachtree Drive. The home of the author Margaret Mitchell who wrote ‘Gone with the Wind’ is situated in the city.

A simple online search will indicate a high standard of vocal lessons in Atlanta does exist. Experienced teachers provide placement, interpretation, breathing, strength and teach musicianship. A learner is taken from novice to advanced level. An established teacher will groom you for auditions that take place in Atlanta and the interesting location will keep you entertained.

Abel G. Jones is an expert musician and the director of SingingCenter.com. He has reviewed many singing programs and recently published Singing Success review on his website. Abel G. Jones provides honest reviews on singing programs like Singing Success review and much more. Check out the website today!

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VoIP service providers have plans similar to regular telephone companies with features that usually include call waiting, long distance and local calling, voicemail and conferencing. Many providers also give you an analog phone adapter or VoIP hardphone with the plan. Normal plans usually cost between $15 – $25 a month. This is a very cost effective solution for small businesses.

What you will need to get started:

1) A broadband Internet connection – essential for making calls over VoIP as this is the line used to route your call to its destination.

2) A reliable power source.

3) A phone or headset to communicate with. Here are some of the different types of devices available:

• ATA (analog telephone adaptor) – this converts the signal from a regular phone to digital data for VoIP. This allows you to plug a regular phone into an Internet connection.

• Soft phone – this is a piece of software that you install on your computer. You will need a headset / microphone for this to work.

• IP phone – this is a phone that can be connected directly into your Internet connection for VoIP calls and doesn’t need to be connected to a computer. It looks like a normal phone, can be always on and won’t get in the way like a headset might.

• Wi-Fi phone – Similar to IP phones except that they are wireless and connect to the Internet through a wireless base station.

A VoIP solution requires very little hardware and is quite easy to set up. Even if you required PBX features such as an employee directory and extension numbers there are hosted VoIP solutions that will be able to deliver this to you for a fraction of the cost of a tradition in-house PBX system.
There is a lot more information at hosted VoIP Atlanta and managed PBX providers Atlanta.