Cathy Anderson is the author of blog Poor Little It Girl, whose motto is “ Under $100”. She doesn’t believe in spending excess money to look fashionable and her post consist of trendy clothes and accessories that are affordable for the everyday woman.  It was my first time meeting the adorable Cathy Anderson and she was a delight!   She was very friendly, stylish, and cute as a button!

 The party was at the W. Hotel Buckhead on Peachtree Street.  It was intended to be poolside, but the weather was unkind and it had to be relocated to the lobby. This was in fact a happy accident as the lobby provoked a great ambiance with modern décor and beautiful chandeliers. When first arriving the guest were greeted and checked off the guest list by models in bright pink bikinis.

 The turnout was great with people filling the entire room.  DJ Kidd Koby Roc was performing and the music was bumping, including a variety of top 40, hip-hop and indie rock mixes.  The bar was stocked with Little Black Dress Vodka  special drinks and  servers carried plates with summer lite bites of  mozarella cheese,mango and basil skewers as well as chicken satay. 

Courtesy of Bliss Spa, there was a table with professional manicurists to get your nails done with bright summer colors.   All in all it was a fun night and the guest were even sent home with party favors of cute pink and black sunglasses!

Also, follow Poor Little It Girl on  Facebook and Twitter!

Written by: Kelsey Greifeld

This month, my hubby and I were fortunate enought to make two live shows of one of our very favorite bands, Snow Patrol. 

We took a little road trip to Nashville after seeing them in Atlanta and attending a local radio show taping at  the W Buckhead.  We have seen them around 15 times now in various cities  and their shows get bigger and better with each passing performance.   And on each of the last couple of tours, they have added a new member to the ensemble.  This time, they had a new keyboard player/vocalist who also joined their acoustic set at the radio station.   Their set for the radio show included:  Called Out In The Dark, Chasing Cars, Fallen Empires, Weight Of Love.   They were as usual, very comical and stayed after to sign everyon’s posters take pictures.  Check out those pictures at Star94…

The concert in Atlanta was at The Tabernacle, an old church, perfect for their sound and vibe.   There was a huge screen behind them with a fantastic video display and the light show was amazing!  They intro’d with a new song, Berlin, remixed and a series of different images on the screen.   One of their newest members, Richard from Belle & Sebastian, was on a variety of instruments throughout the night.   And they had big drums going on during Fallen Empires, which sounded so awesome!  The entire band was spot on and the sound filled the room! 

The venue was sold out and everyone was having a great time, dancing and singing along to most songs.  To our delight, they played An Olive Grove Facing The Sea, one of our favorite songs by them!  The three song encore was one big sing along, what a night!!   It’s amazing to see how much their fan base has expanded!  

At the end of the night, we noticed there were two 18 wheelers for the equipment for their production.   I later heard that they have about 5 times as many in the UK and Europe since they play much larger venues there!    Then a couple of girls who were trying to leave, were locked out of their parking deck.  It was one girls’ 21st birthday, so since we weren’t much help, we gave them one of our signed posters from the radio show and hopefully it made their night better!

Here is the setlist:

• Berlin (Remix)

• Hands Open

• Take Back The City

• Crack the Shutters

• This Isn’t Everything You Are

• Run

• In the End

• New York

• Set the Fire to the Third Bar

• An Olive Grove Facing the Sea

• Make This Go On Forever

• Shut Your Eyes

• Chasing Cars

• Chocolate

• Called Out In The Dark

• Fallen Empires

• You’re All I Have

• =Encore=

• Lifening

• Open Your Eyes

• Just Say Yes

 The next day, got up and drove to Nashville, grabbed some dinner and headed over to the  Ryman Theater which is the original home of The Grand Ol’ Opry!  It’s very church like and is similar to The Tabernacle without all the artwork.   One more difference is that they have pews throughout, not that we let that keep us from dancing, singing, hooting and hollering! 

   Gary is quite a frontman and was very jovial with the crowd all night, including the gentleman in the front row who didn’t stand the whole show.  He gave him the business a few times, but all it was very much all in fun!  He really engages the audience, coaxes them to have fun and sing along!   It’s all about the interactive concert experience to them, they really want you to fell their music and just let go a little while there. 

The set was very similar except no Olive Grove….luckily we were in the Atlanta crowd(which remained by far the better and more fun crowd the entire show)!

If you are a fan and only have the last couple or so cd’s make sure to check out the rest of their discograpy at www.snowpatrol.com.  Also follow them on twitter:  

@snowpatrolband 

@garysnowpatrol   

@pablosp

@johnnymcdaid

Please comment, especially if you were there!! xo, Bella

Last Wednesday, EnterAct and exhale Spa Atlanta launched Wellness Wednesdays at Atlantic Station.  This is a 6 week series that will allow the general public to experience a yoga class outdoors on the grassy knoll at Central Park in Atlantic Station.   The teachers of exhale Spa lead the group through a Core Fusion yoga  and one week a Vinyasa Yoga in a lovely environment with DJ Rachael spinning fresh tunes.  Shannon, an exhale yoga teacher and owner of dTox and dShop, will also be there to hand out samples of their amazing juices!   Also, spa therapists will be on hand to give mini therapies to guests as well as a nutritionist on hand.

The series started April 4th and goes through May 9th.  It starts starts at 6pm, arrive early to ensure a good spot on the lawn!  It’s BYOM(Bring Your Own Mat).

Come explore your body/mind connection with us!!

Now, back to the cooking…..here is what we made today.

The following are the items for the week….

Item 1:

Watermelon, tomato and pineapple Gazpacho(chilled soup):

Ingredients:

4 -6 Servings

1/2 Watermelon, grape tomatoes(4-5), pineapple(4-5 small pieces) ginger and mint(we used a half of cup of ginger mint tea and you can use things that have hints of those two items…even a strong ginger ale and then mint leaves), 1/2 serrano hot pepper, 1 tbsp coconut cream or honey.

Put all items in a blender and blend unti thoroughly pureed then chill for at least an hour.   Save about 4 small squares per serving of watermelon. Garnish with small pieces of watermelon and diced cilantro stems.  Then enjoy!!

Item 2: 

Cucumber mint soup (chilled or heated)

Ingredients:

1 Cucumber, 1/2 cup cream cheese, 2-3 cloves roasted garlic,  1 tbsp onion, 1 tbsp red or green bell pepper, 2-3 grape tomatoes, 1 cup of mint and 1 cup cilantro, 1/2 skim milk, 1/4 serrano pepper to taste(we like it spicy) and salt.

Place all items in a blender and blend well pureed.  Chill or heat thoroughly and enojoy!

Item 3:

Cauliflower mash  **LOW CARB*

Ingredients:  1 bag cauliflower, 1/3 cup cream cheese(or creamy cheese of choice), 1/3 cup either country gravy mix,  flour or powdered(not grated or shredded) parmesan cheese, a few dashes paprika, then salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the cauliflower about a minute longer than directions.  Add cream cheese, gravy mix(or…), and spices.  Mash until reach desired consistency(we like creamy with some lumps) .  Reheat in microwave or stovetop and enjoy!

Item 4:

Lemon  basil oven slow roasted chicken

1 split chicken breast.  (Today we used with bone, but you can do boneless),  one or several cloves garlic, 1 onion, one bell pepper,  lemon basil(or lemon and basil), salt and pepper.

Place all chicken on top of the garlic in a large, but shallow roasting pan.  Then cover with onions,bell  peppers, and then all the herbs on very top.

Cover tightly and bake low at 250 degrees  for 2 hours.  Remove from oven and remove and discard all the herbs from the top of chicken.  Place rest of the items in a container ( if not serving right away) or enjoy!!  You may garnish with sliced tomato or red bell pepper,maybe onion and/or garlic as well!

Item 5:

Easy Green Bean Casserole

1 can green beans, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 packet sopas caseras (it’s located near the gravy/soup mixes in the grocery), 1/4 cup finely minced onion, 1 tbsp country gravy mix( we use this a lot), 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, salt and pepper.

Pour liquid from green beans then all the dry items and mix well with a whisk.  Add green beans and stir.  Lightly press all the beans under the liquid.     Bake at 350  for 1/2 hour. Top with thin layer of bread crumbs, grated parmesan and the minced onions.  Place back in over for 5 minutes.  Allow to cool and enjoy!!

Tonight’s dinner consists of the following:

Baked salmon

1 large piece filet of salmon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika and dill.   Read this full recipe for the all the ingredients for this meal.

Cover fish in the above spices. Cook on a high broil for 10 minutes.

Remove skin. Place a large serving  plate and then cut into 4 pieces.

Dice the following fruit and vegetables evenly and marinate in a few dashes of balsamic vinaigrette and mix well.  Make this early and then chill for later:

4-5 diced strawberries, 4-5 diced grape tomatoes,  5 diced red pearl onions (or 1/2 regular red onion), 1/2 diced red pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic olive oil(we keep roasted garlic in olive oil around, you can use plain olive oil and really finely minced/mashed garlic)  and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Once the salmon is in the oven, mix the watercress and arugula with drizzles of olive oil.  Then place down center of  the salmon on the serving platter,  so you can see the fish on the sides.  Then squeeze 1 lemon into a bowl to remove seeds, pour this over the fish and greens and add the diced mixture, spreading it across the greens.   Add feta cheese crumbles,  cashews and enjoy!!

Dessert:

Strawberry cream cookie sandwiches

2 servings; Ingredients:

2 strawberries, cream cheese, mint, cayenne pepper

Mix 1/4 cup softened cream cheese with cayenne pepper.  Then stir in chopped mint.  Place 4 shortbread or  cookies (or any round plain cookie) on plate.  Add mixture to two cookies then add one slice from the largest end of strawberry to top of the mixture.  On the other two cookies, add a dollop of the mixture.  Close both tops without the strawberries on top of the other side and eat as a sandwich. Drizzle a little strawberry sauce over it. You may need a spoon!  Delicious and low fat!!

Authentic Beauty: Champagne & Shadows by Sarah Forslund of www.bloomsbows.blogspot.com

Last week I attended Champagne & Shadows at the Authentic Beauty salon on Roswell Road, near Sandy Springs and Buckhead. The AB Studio hosts events a few times in the spring and throughout the year, giving their clientele a great opportunity to have a night filled with complimentary beauty and networking. This salon is small and from the moment you walk through the door everybody is so welcoming. The AB Studio offers a wide range of services such as brows, makeup, bridal, hair, skin, and tanning.

The Champagne & Shadows event featured hors d’oeuvres and champagne with free makeup services and lessons, hand massages, and manicures. There was also an independent stylist, Buffie Jubard, for Stella & Dot with a table set up, and the jewelry was really great! (Shop: www.stelladot.com/ buffiesblings)

I had my makeup done by Crystal Rock (authenticbeautycrystal@gmail.com) and she did a “Pretty in Paris” look, from their Spring 2012 Looks, with black winged eyeliner and a blush lip. Also, I have always had trouble with my thin and very blonde eyebrows. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the eyebrows she gave me! The AB Studio uses environmentally friendly products that are free of toxins, preservatives, and mineral oils. As a person with extremely sensitive skin, I loved it!

Be sure to check out their website (www. myimagejourney.com) and make an appointment for any of their great services!

Check out more great posts from Sarah at www.bloomsbows.blogspot.com!!

Here are a couple kale recipes that hubby and I love to make for an easy and super healthy lunch or dinner!

Kale salad:

About 6 handfuls of kale torn from bunch and torn in small pieces.
Two small cups of mixed tropical fruit with the juice.
Feta or gorgonzola cheese chopped.
Chopped dried dates and/or dried cranberries or cherries.
Mixed nuts.
Light raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Mix all these ingredients and enjoy!

Kale bean soup:

Chop about two cups of kale finely.
Sautée with butter spray and chopped onions in pan.
Purée in a blender two cans cannellini beans, a clove of garlic, a cup of broth, two scoops cream cheese and salt/pepper.
Add this mix and chopped tomatoes to the lightly sautéed kale.

Heat and enjoy! A good garnish is a dollop of sour cream and a little hot sauce!

This trendy new leg/shoe accessory, LuxLegs™ that was originated in the 1800′s by menswear designers who made Spats™ which gentlemen would wear with their suits and covered the tops of their dress shoes.  

Now on the runways of Paris, this trend was everywere!  Santa Barbara Design Studio’s in house designers’ wheels started turning after seeing this at Paris Fashion Week and gave it a modern edge with appeal to all customer’s personal style.  

Look….men can wear LuxLegs™ too!!

LuxLegs™ models at America’s Mart….

LuxLegs™ can be worn in any season and with heels, flats, booties, sneakers, flip flops and sandals.  Some are short and some tall, some have snaps and some lace, fabrics are velvet, canvas, denim, leatherette, micro suede and more.  This is something I have had a lot of fun wearing to dress up different outfits and is a great way to add to your current wardrobe for a budget friendly update!

Facebook

@SBDesignStudio

The beauty of twitter is that you never know when, after following someone for a good while and even exchanging tweets, you may end up meeting these people you had only tweeted with before !  You can sometimes make some amazing connections, friends and possibly future business partners…it’s really my favorite tool for social media!  They should really pay me for that plug, but anyway….

I had the pleasure of meeting reps for the line, Matt & Nat, whom I had been following for a while on twitter during the apparel mart a few weeks ago. The line was beautiful in person and they were so friendly and allowed me to take a few pictures for this blog!   This line is out of Montreal, Canada and is a cruelty free and environmentally friendly line of bags for men and women….yes, MEN, I said you too!!

The linings are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles and the exteriors are made from high quality synthetic fabrics AND recycled cork  for the labels!  They had a great fall line they were showing and I saw several things both myself and my better half would love as well.  He for business and music and myself for everyday, evenings and even the gym!

The pictures on this blog are mainly from their fall collection, there are some bright colors for spring at www.mattandnat.com

@matt_and_nat

Facebook

Priscilla Campbell (aka silla moda) is one of Atlanta’s hottest new designers to break into the industry.  4 years ago, she had her first show at a local live show venue in Atlanta, at her second show she did refurbished shoes worn in a Betsey Johnson show and since then she has designed and styled for a variety of clients.

She has her own unique flair for design.   She is a true multi talent….whether it’s refurbishing clothes, shoes and handbags or designing sexy, trendy, high fashion women’s apparel from scratch…this local star on the rise has her eye on the prize!  

Recently, I caught up with Priscilla during a photo shoot for her unique T-shirt line…..here are the results:

1. As a designer; who are your main influences?
Barbie, of course. My first styling gig at 5 years old. It wasn’t until high school I got my first taste of high fashion from my best friends Elle and Vogue. That’s when I discovered the greats. Versace, Coco, Senor De La Renta, Valentino, the list can go on. I could not get enough of those awkwardly posed models trying to figure out how those garments were constructed.

2. When did you start? And what made you start designing clothes?
There never really was an exact date. When it comes to something you love doing its more of a progression. At least with me it was. First, it was dressing up your dolls as a kid, then spending hours upon hours drooling over the most gorgeous gowns in editorials you’ve ever seen by designers whose names you can’t pronounce to attempting fashion designs of your own. Now I can design pieces that show my own interpretations and inspirations through fabric and structure of a garment. That’s what made me start designing my own pieces.

3. Did you make clothes for yourself and friends in high school?
No. I didn’t get the courage until after high school. I always took pieces I already had and would tweek them a bit but a garment from scratch? That didn’t happen until after high school.

4. What inspires you?
Anything. Friends, cultures, current events, past events, street signs, etc. That’s what I love most about fashion. You make the rules and can change them whenever you like.

5. What is your process like when designing a new piece?
Most of the time it starts with the fabric. The pattern, color, texture and then my mind starts to wonder. Some fabrics work better as a dress, some as a jacket but more often than not I tend to use the most challenging fabrics I can find together. It’s not because I enjoy making my designing process difficult but because I LOVE combining textures. Today, Wolfgang Joop from Wunderkind does it best!

6. Your personal style is so trendy, funky and your own…what are your thoughts when buying clothes for yourself?
Haha! Thanks! I just buy what I like. I don’t necessarily gravitate towards the latest and greatest. I just love clothes so whatever sparks a certain emotion whether it reminds me of a Jimi Hendrix jacket or a blouse my mom used to wear in the 80′s more than likely I’m going to get it.

7. I feel art music and fashion are in sync, all part of each other…what do you think about all that?
Absolutely. They are all apart of the creatives. Designers may seek inspiration from art, artists may seek inspirations from music and the wheel keeps going. It’s amazing how recently we have seen more of a connection in all this with Fashion’s Night Out having a special on network television with celebrities, music, and runway. I don’t know when the movement started exactly but I’m pretty sure Victoria’s Secret had something to do with it. Do you remember that?! I do. It was a huge deal and it was amazing!

Bella: Yes I do, It was a huge spectacular show!  With all genres of live music!  Also MTV did it way back a long time ago when they had music!

8. How often do you wear your own designs?
I try to wear them as often as possible. There are a few designs I’ve created just for me but there are several others that I won’t wear. Not because I’m not proud of them but because they’re not for me. When I start designing I have a certain person in mind, where does she work, where does she party, does she travel? I design for you not for me. Making pieces for other people is way more fun.

9. What are your aspirations?
One to have a successful fashion company. I don’t have to have my own manufactured line one day but I most definitely want to make enough profit so I am able to help other aspiring designers through school. It did’t take me an extremely long time to get where I am today but it was a bit of a slower process than I wanted it to be. Having the funds to attend school and school alone, no side job working late nights serving tables, would have made a difference. Hopefully I will be able to fund some dreams for many others in the future.

10. And your upcoming projects in womenswear?
I’m working on a blog site for Silla Moda and also will be setting up on online store through Etsy. I will definitely keep you posted on that…

11. What is signature silla style (as far as in your designs, not what you wear?)?
If Sophia Loren, Jimi Hendrix, and Betsey Johnson could have a fashion love child, then that’s what Silla style would be.

Since this interview, silla has launched her blogsite with etsy storefront coming soon…

http://www.sillamoda.wordpress.com/

Looking forward to tonight! My first FNO without my major fashion diva extraordinaire, silla moda, in tow. But if I must I must. Many posts to come this weekend!! Stay tuned!

September 8th is Fashion’s Night Out. I just went to fashionsnightout.com to plan MY NIGHT OUT. Here it is:

Betsey Johnson

Perimeter Mall Atlanta, GA 30346

http://www.betseyjohnson.com

770-393-9209

Giorgio Armani

Phipps Plaza Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.armani.com/

404-814-0086 http://www.facebook.com/ARMANI http://twitter.com/#!/ARMANI

Intimacy

3500 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.myintimacy.com

678-244-0525 http://www.facebook.com/IntimacyBraFitStylists http://twitter.com/#!/IntimacyBraFit

Jedal Italian Fashion

3500 Peachtree Road, NorthEast Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.jedalitalianfashion.com

404-816-3024 http://www.facebook.com/JedalItalianFashion http://twitter.com/Jedalitalian

Love & Labels

1380 Atlantic Drive Atlanta , GA 30017

http://www.rockbgc.com

404-482-9728 http://www.twitter.com/rockbgc

Neiman Marcus Atlanta

3393 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.neimanmarcus.com

404-279-5804

Nordstrom Phipps Plaza

3500 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.nordstrom.com/fno

404-442-3000 http://www.facebook.com/nordstrom http://www.twitter.com/nordstrom

Phipps Plaza

3500 Peachtree Road, North East Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.phippsplaza.com

404-261-7910 http://facebook.com/phippsplazabuckhead http://twitter.com/shopphippsplaza

Saks Fifth Avenue

3440 Peachtree Road North East Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com

404-261-7234

Tootsies

3400 Around Lenox Drive Atlanta, GA 30326

http://Www.Tootsies.com

404-842-9990

Saks Fifth Ave Phipps Plaza
Sage Boutique Buckhead
Fabrik Midtown