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Kaizen Corner – nutrition notes

March 29, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature, Feature - Bottom with 1 Comment

March is National Nutrition Month, but since our bodies need healthful nutrition every day of every month, we can talk about nourishment any day! Thomas Edison knew the benefits of good nutrition and thought we would use that knowledge in the future to avoid illness.

This is the great inventor’s quote on the subject, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.“

Here’s a snapshot of some great insight on the healing power of food taken from, The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies.

Apples: lower the risk of heart disease; prevent constipation; improve lung function

Berries: prevent cataracts; ward off cancer; reduce the risk of infection

Cherries: prevent a variety of cancers; relieve gout and other forms of arthritis

Honey: speed wound healing; ease ulcer pain; relieve constipation and diarrhea

Squash: prevent lung problems and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer

Sweet potatoes: preserve memory; control diabetes; reduce the risk of heart disease

There are so many more amazing facts to learn about our food! Read the complete work by Selene Yeager and the Editors of Prevention. More great information can be found in SuperFoods by Steven Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews. Eat well . . . live well!!

 

Scarlet Knight is a personal trainer, certified through two of the premier certifying agencies for top fitness professionals. She owns Kaizen Fitness, a personal training studio with 245 square feet of workspace where she offers one-on-one personal training sessions for women. She also speaks to women’s groups about attaining a fuller, more well-rounded lifestyle. When she isn’t helping women achieve better health and wellness, she spends time with her three grown children, their significant others, and two adorable grandchildren.

 

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WellStar = Girl Power!

March 27, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature, Feature - Bottom with Comments Off

We would like to give a major shout-out to one of Cobb’s landmark companies, WellStar Health System, for being named to the NAFE Top 50 Companies and 10 Nonprofits for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). Basically, this means they are awesome at hiring and promoting women–a concept near and dear to our hearts.

“WellStar supports women’s advancement in leadership and we are proud to be recognized for doing so,” says David Anderson, executive vice president, human resources/organizational learning & chief compliance officer for WellStar Health System.

And, they don’t just do it a little bit. They completely excel at promoting women. Case in point: Women hold 38 percent of the executive positions and 27 percent of all board of director seats at the NAFE Top Nonprofit Companies. But, at WellStar by comparison, women comprise a whopping 82 percent of the 12,000-plus workforce, make up 75 percent of the top 20-percent earners, and hold 47 percent of profit and loss positions. That is some serious girl power!!

Way to go, WellStar! We already knew you were good for Cobb. Know we also know you’re good for gals. 

 

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east cobb friends wine tasting gala and silent auction

March 21, 2012 in Black Dress, Happenings, your guide with 0 Comments

the gig:

It’s probably not unusual for children to be your catalyst for drinking wine and buying stuff. Nothing relieves parental stress like a nice glass of Merlot and a little online shopping, after all. But, this is different.

In this case, the imbibing and purchasing will actually benefit children…and not just your sanity. East Cobb Friends is holding a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction event at Paper Mill Grill in Marietta to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. There will be a wide variety of wines to taste, courtesy of The Wine Shop at Parkaire, as well as a selection of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Ritter Jones. A silent auction, which will include sports memorabilia and weekend getaways, among other fabulous loot, will round out the evening. Snag your tickets now or at the door and toast to being charitable!

East Cobb Friends is a stellar group of women who work together to support Children’s Healthcare through volunteer opportunities and fundraising. Sound like your cup of tea? Click on over to their Facebook page to get more info.

the guide:

date: Monday, March 26

time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

cost: $30/ticket (proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta)

address: Paper Mill Grill, 305 Village Parkway in Marietta

for more info or tickets: Pat Laffaldano at 770-645-0245

 

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new abbadabba’s location opening with soles4souls shoe drive

March 16, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature with 0 Comments

the gig:

Shoe enthusiasts, listen up! Abbadabba’s is opening a new location in East Cobb, in Market Plaza on Johnson Ferry Road this spring. This is going to be their largest space yet–meaning even more fabulous shoes for the whole family! It also means a welcomed source in East Cobb for cult-worthy kicks like Keen, Chaco, Dansko, Vibram Five Fingers, Merrell and Sperry. 

Soles4Souls supports micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty

And, in true form for this generous Atlanta born-and-bred biz, they are celebrating their grand opening with a shoe drive for Soles4Souls – a non-profit that collects shoes from footwear companies and individual donors and gives them to people in need around the world. Since 2005, this organization has delivered over 16 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes to over 127 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States. Abbadabba’s, with support from their customers, has stepped up to donate thousands of shoes. You can join the effort by donating new or gently used shoes at the new Abbadabba’s location April 27 – May 6.

Once you make your donation and pick up a few new pairs for yourself, fill out an entry form at the store for a random drawing on May 7. You could win free shoes, accessories, gift cards and other Abba’s merchandise. 

Give, get…win! Now that’s a grand opening, ya’ll. 

the guide:

opening date: April 1, 2012

One of the largest selections of Vibram Five Fingers in Atlanta

address: 1255 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta (Market Plaza, just south of Merchants Walk)

soles4souls shoe drive: April 27 – May 6

for more info: coolshoes.com/locations/east-cobb

to learn about soles4souls: soles4souls.org

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another st. patrick’s day celebration at moops boutique

March 13, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature, Happenings, your guide with 1 Comment

the gig:

If you want to get your party on for St. Patty’s Day in style – literally – this is the shindig for you! Moops is combining their annual St. Patrick’s Day event with a grand opening celebration for their new location at The Avenue at East Cobb. The bohemian chic {which is the suggested attire for the party, btw} boutique has thrown this party for four years now, and is excited to host it in their spankin’ new space! Food, clothes, and plenty of green goodness to go around…you’ll feel luckier as soon as you walk in the door!

the guide:

date: March 17, 2012

time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

address: 4475 Roswell Road, Bldg F, Ste 1560, Marietta, 30062 (inside Avenues at East Cobb)

more info and rsvp: facebook.com/MoopsBoutique or 770.977.8881

 

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local st. patrick’s day celebrations

March 9, 2012 in Black Dress, Happenings, your guide with 0 Comments

Start the morning with green eggs and end the day with green fireworks…that’s our kind of St. Patty’s Day! We searched high and low (okay, all over the Internet, while we Facebooked!) to find a few of the best places to drink green beer and wear a sparkly hat with a shamrock popping out of the back. Here’s your pot o’ gold party spots:

Whiskey Blue Atlanta:

Hang out on the ultra-hip rooftop of W Atlanta-Buckhead and celebrate with Irish Car Bombs, $5 green draft beer, prizes and St. Patrick’s Day bites. Luck would have it that they are also offering a St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Package, with a Wonderful Room, valet parking, and two tickets to the weekend’s bash.

date: Saturday, March 17

time: 9:00 p.m.

address: 3377 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, 30326

cost: $10 to party; $189/night for special package overnight stay

for more info: watlantabuckhead.com/stpatricksday

Keegan’s Irish Pub:

Wear your green, get your Irish jig on to the folksongs, eat award-winning food, and, of course, imbibe in the traditional green beer at Keegan’s. They say this year’s party will be even crazier than last year’s!

date: Saturday, March 17

time: Open 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

address: 1625 Ridenhour Blvd., Suite 301 Kennesaw, 30152

for more info: keegansirishpub.net

Meehan’s + Atlantic Station = ShamRock the Station

A family affair (or not – however you roll!) that is sure to become an Atlanta tradition is starting this year with the teaming up of Meehan’s and Atlantic Station to throw an all-day St. Patrick’s Day bash! The family fun kicks off at noon with Irish dancing, games, face painting, balloon art and bagpipers, as well as a little adult fun, including beer stations and drinking games. At 5:00, the live music starts up and the night will end with a bang – literally – as green fireworks go off over Atlantic Station.

date: Saturday, March 17

time: 12:00 p.m.

address: 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, 30363, in and around Central Park

cost: $10 for adults, no charge for children under 12 before 2:00 p.m.

for more info: 101concepts.com/meehansvinings or text “BEER” to 34763 to get updates

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an easy, tasty, affordable way to get fit? hmmm…

March 9, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature, Feature - Bottom with 4 Comments

So, here’s the thing. I’m walking the halls of my son’s school, and the people there keep shrinking.

Moms I’ve seen for months are suddenly (seriously) four sizes smaller. Teachers are getting skinnier, too. Everyone is looking so dang slim and trim. What gives? Healthier cafeteria offerings? Hardly. It turns out a fitness guru also walks these halls. His name is Bill Burke, and he’s a parent at my son’s school and also a personal trainer– and also a mastermind behind Body By Vi: a healthy eating and accountability program that hinges on drinking nutrient-packed protein shakes. I tracked Bill down to ask him some questions on your behalf, dear reader. Here’s what I learned:

Me: Tell me about these shakes. Are they just another Slim Fast-esque chalky mess repackaged?

Bill: No, this isn’t just another grocery-store diet shake. Body by Vi is actually a 90-day challenge where you drink a nutritionally balanced meal-replacement shake every day. The shakes are awesome, come with different flavor mix-ins, are economical (people actually save grocery money during their challenge), and they actually taste great. I promise!

Me: Great tasting…really???

Bill: Okay, here’s a link to get a free sample. They’re called “the shake mix that tastes like cake mix.” Here’s a video that shows how great they are, too, so you don’t have to take it just from me:

Me: How much do the shakes cost?

Bill: Less than $2, which is a good rate for shakes and an even better rate for a healthy meal. Where can you get a balanced, healthy meal for $2?

Me: That does sound pretty affordable. And the Body by Vi 90-day challenge includes online accountability and support, as well, correct?

Bill: That’s right. Lots of people just use the shakes and see great results, but Body by Vi also provides personal website portals to assist them to success. Online transformation tools include BMI/ Body Fat and Metabolism Calculators, shake recipes, weekly support calls with people sharing their stories of success, access to industry experts, encouragement from other challenge-takers, a meal planner, and an exercise planner. Plus, clients have access to our Facebook client page where they can share stories of success and encouragement.

Me: The real question I want to know: What type of results are typical?

Bill: Here’s what one real-life Acworth mom had to say about Body by Vi: “I began drinking Body by Vi Shakes with a bit of hesitancy, but it took no time for me to become believer. The shakes were tasty and satisfying. I lost 10 pounds in the first month of drinking these shakes. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the results. The shakes are easy to make and very convenient.”

Me: Does Body by Vi offer personal training, too, if someone wanted to add exercise accountability to their shake plan?

Bill: The BBV program doesn’t specifically include personal training, but I got involved in Body by Vi because I’m a personal trainer and believe in the product because I’ve seen it work with clients time and again. I’ve been a trainer for 15 years; I currently train at the Anytime Fitness on Cedarcrest Road. When I train someone, it’s all about accountability, safety, knowledge and motivation. That combined with Body by Vi brings some serious results.

Me: Thanks, Bill! The mystery of the incredible shrinking people has been solved. Now I’m off to order my free sample.

the guide:

Pick a Body by Vi Challenge Kit

Bill Burke Personal Training: 404.625.6562

Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge 

 

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crazy vera bradley SALE at Love Street!

March 7, 2012 in Black Dress, Happenings, your guide with 0 Comments

the gig:

Nothing says spring quite like the rioutously chipper prints on Vera Bradley’s bags and totes. And nothing says sale quite like the crazy-awesome Vera inventory reduction about to go down at Love Street’s two locations: Love Street Gifts and Gardens in Smyrna and Love Street at Cedarcrest in Dallas/Acworth. Check this out, ladies. This is a rare opportunity in Vera land!

the goods:

Starts Thursday, March 8

30 TO 50% OFF!!!

This is our biggest Vera Bradley sale ever! We are reducing our inventory by blowing out select styles at huge saving. Many of these will only be on sale at Love Street because they are NOT retired styles. Shop this special sale early for the best selection!

50% OFF styles include:

- XL Duffel – Go Round Tote

Attache – Scarves

- Luggage – Trays

- Double Lipstick – Manicure Kits

- Holiday Tote – 100 Hand Bag

- Older Retired Patterns & Styles

40% OFF styles include:

- Hatbox Cosmetic – Miller Bags 

- Blankets – Laundry Bags

- Shower Caddies – Chain Bags

- Mini Desk Sets – Frames

- Quick Draw – Watches

30% OFF styles include:

- Saddle Up – Mini Laptop Case

- Metropolitan – Passport Covers

- Binder Clips

- All Wrapped Up Jewelry Rolls

- All Newly Retired Styles & Patterns

the guide:

Love Street Gifts 770-434-8578, 1295 Concord Road, Smyrna, Georgia 30080

Love Street at Cedarcrest 678-483-0283, 80 Seven Hills Blvd., Suite 501, Dallas, Georgia 30132

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Marietta Square’s Artists Market and Art Walk starting in April

March 7, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature, Happenings, your guide with 0 Comments

the gig:

The Marietta Square is like the art district of the South. With 10 art studios in Historic Downtown Marietta, there’s always ample opportunity to broaden your horizons and peruse the local talent. But good ol’ Marietta makes it even easier for all to celebrate the local artists every year. As soon as the weather starts looking up and the days grow longer, the Artists Market and the Art Walk bring the handiwork spilling out onto the sidewalks and streets and provide even more access to the abounding talent.

The Artists Market is held the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, April through November. Right in the heart of Historic Downtown Marietta, artist booths line Mill Street bringing the arts to the streets.

Beginning April 6 and running through October, the {aptly named} First Friday Art Walk happens on the first Friday of the month. This is a free, self-guided tour featuring local artists and their art at the many different historic theaters, galleries, museums, restaurants and boutiques. Dupre’s Art Forum celebrates First Friday Art Walk by hosting Artists’ Alley, an intimate exhibit of juried artists showing a wide variety of styles.

Artists interested in participating in the Artists Market for 2012 can apply here.

the guide:

artists market dates: 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, April through November

time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

art walk dates: First Friday of each month, Friday, April 6 – Friday, October 5th

time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

for more info: www.historicdowntownmarietta.com

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we have a winner! {2012 cover search}

March 3, 2012 in Black Dress, Feature, Feature - Mid with 261 Comments

Over 26,600 votes online, hundreds of Facebook likes and Bandwagon votes, and a slew of supportive comments later, we finally have one grand prize winner plus three runners-up for our 2012 Cover Search! THANK YOU to all who were a part of this fabulous event. We think these 50+ families all rock. And we’d be honored and blessed to feature each of you on our covers…so thanks, so much, for playing along with us the past couple weeks. Now, here are our 2012 winners, as determined by Polldaddy, Facebook, Bandwagon, and judges’ votes:

GRAND PRIZE:

Tara S. is our 2012 cover search winner! With an avalanche of votes online, on Bandwagon and on Facebook, Tara clearly led the pack overall with votes. Tara, we are thrilled to be able to picture your gorgeous self on our next covers! And, you’re about to be showered with quite a bit of loot from our generous sponsors, as well!

RUNNERS UP:

Gosh, we wish we had prizes for all of you, but these three ladies had fans voting on Facebook, online and on Bandwagon like crazy. The judges really liked your stories, too. These lucky runners-up will also be gifted profusely by our sponsors:

Amy B.

Chrissy C. 

Amanda S. 

Seriously, thank YOU, all of you. We honestly wish we could award everyone. Believe us! We appreciate you all and know you’re all already winners just judging by your beautiful families. You don’t need us to tell you that. 

***

Original Post:

Check out all these lovely, deserving mamas and their gorgeous kiddos! Wow!!! We need your help to decide which family will be featured on our upcoming summer cover. Cast your vote THREE WAYS (all three areas will be factored in determining the winner):

Three ways to VOTE 

1. On BlackDressRedWagon.com:

  • Simply scroll down this post until you see the entrants’ photos.
  • Select the photo(s) of your choice (you can select more than one).
  • Click the “Vote” button at the bottom of the poll to submit your vote. (Click any photo to enlarge it.)
  • You can vote as often as you’d like, for as many entrants as you’d like. No limits!
  • Comment on this post to encourage your peeps, too! (But only official votes via the poll will count toward the winner.)

2. On Facebook:

  • Visit the poll on our Facebook page: click here. 
  • Like our FB page. (Facebook won’t let you vote if you don’t do this–it’s not just us being weirdos :) .
  • Then, LIKE each particular photo to “vote” for it. Comment if you’d like, too, but only “likes” will be counted as votes.

3. On LBD’s mobile app Bandwagon:

  • Download Bandwagon for free from the App Store or Android Market.
  • Click the “Cover Search” icon to view all the pics.
  • Click the pic you’d like to vote for (you can scroll through them all).
  • “Like” the photo to vote for it. (You may be prompted to sign in.)
  • Again, comment if you wish, but only “likes” will count as votes.

A panel of independent judges will also be weighing in. We need all the help we can get in picking a winner from this stellar crowd of deserving mommies!

 One grand prize winner and three runners up will be announced on March 12, and oh the joy of that day.

Holy loot, Batman!

Check out this stash for the winner (and prizes for THREE runners up, too!)

Three Runners Up will also each receive:

  • Divas & Dames: $25 gift card
  • Love Street at Cedarcrest: $20 gift card
  • PerryWinkle’s: Vera Bradley Medium Cosmetic in their choice (retail value $25 or $26)
  • PearTree of Powder Springs: $20 gift card
  • Go To Girl cookbook All About the Food
  • Giraffe’s Tree House Children’s Boutique $20 gift card
  • LearningRx brain games
  • Body By Vi: bag of weight management shake mix (30 servings; $50 value)
  • SOHO Office: 24-count custom invitation cards (2-sided, full color, with blank envelopes. Design included.)
  • Dyer & Posta Salon: $25 gift card
  • Acorn Home & Garden $20 gift card
  • PTS Sports $25 gift card
  • Hilton Marietta Hotel & Conference Center breakfast buffet for two
  • Kaizen Fitness 2 personal training sessions

For official contest rules and guidelines, click here.

Photo above right features 2010 Cover Contest Winner Karyn Evans; photo above left features 2011 winner Lisa Shoch with her children. Photos right feature, from top: Vera Bradley tote from PerryWinkle’s, Hilton Marietta Hotel and Conference Center, Waxing Poetic nest necklace from Divas & Dames, and The Mansion on Peachtree. Cover photography by Summer Adams.

2012 Sponsors:

Vote Here:

 

 


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