Now, don’t get us wrong: we don’t need an excuse to head to the Avenue East Cobb. The unparalleled array of shops tucked into this of-the-moment corner of Cobb is clearly enough to do the trick. But if you add in getting to try tantalizing tidbits from dozens of the area’s top restaurants, well now a Saturday spent there is a complete and total no-brainer. And that’s exactly what’s in store on Saturday, May 5, at the 2012 Taste of East Cobb.
Here’s what else you can expect from “the most delicious Saturday of the year”:
We’ll give you three guesses as to which celebrity our summer 2012 cover model Tara Shaia often gets mistaken for. Ready, set, guess.
Did you guess Kelly Ripa? Tara gets that comparison often. Maybe it’s the petite frame (both clock in at under 5’3″ and about, oh, 95 pounds)…or the sparkly blue eyes (holy lashes, Batman)…or the Tabitha-on-Bewitched-esque smile…or the particularly adorable sense of humor…or the precious kids…or the cute hubby (sorry, Jeremy, we had to point out that coincidence, as well).
We already know how Kelly Ripa spends her mornings, so let’s meet Tara, shall we? This busy mom of two (Chloe, 4, and Madeline, 18 months) answered some questions for us: some deep and insightful, others just plain fun.
LBD|LRW:So, do you see the resemblance to Kelly Ripa?
Ha! No, I think people are crazy, but it’s very flattering!
LBD|LRW: How did you and Jeremy meet?
Tara: We met at UGA near the end of my freshman year in college, when I was just 18! We’ve been together for 13 years and married for seven. I can’t believe how far our lives have come.
LBD|LRW:What’s your advice for keeping a marriage close, even in the midst of hectic lives?
Remember to continue to “date” each other and keep things fun!
LBD|LRW:Have you always been a Georgia girl?
Yes, I have! I was born in Atlanta and have lived here ever since. I “grew up” in Snellville.
LBD|LRW: What’s your favorite thing about your life right now, in this stage?
I love having young children and watching them discover new things and ideas for the first time. There’s nothing like that sweet, innocent, child-like wonder.
LBD|LRW: What’s your least favorite thing about this stage of your life, right now?
Probably discipling. We have a lot of that going on right now with the toddler “tests of wills.” Discipline is definitely a necessary evil, but no one enjoys doing it!
LBD|LRW:What was your life like prior to being a mommy?
I went to UGA to study advertising. Right after college, I began working with the Georgia Force Arena Football team while I waited to get my foot in the door of an advertising agency. After a couple of seasons, I finally got an internship at Cole Henderson Drake. Thankfully, the internship eventually led to a full-time media buying position within the company. I was a media buyer for almost four years for Wendy’s…until I became a mommy.
LBD|LRW:How do you most enjoy spending your time?
Being with friends and family, running, photography, painting, traveling, and shopping!! I have also started a new venture of writing a children’s book!
LBD|LRW: How, as a woman and mom, do you try to truly shine?
I think shining as a woman means staying true to the person you are, and always striving to be the best version of you that you can be.
To me, shining as a mother means celebrating the little moments in life. Celebrating and cherishing the time we have together because it goes by SO fast!! I want my girls to know how proud of them I am, how much I love them, and that I am always behind them. Ultimately, I am here to love, support, and help them grow into the people God has made them to be.
Some fun facts:
a. What’s your favorite book: The Help
b. Favorite movie: Gone With The Wind and Father of The Bride
c. Favorite quote: I have several favorite Bible verses, one of which is Jeremiah 29:11-13. “For I know the plans I have for you, “ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”
d. Favorite food: Anything Mexican! My favorite restaurant is Nava in Buckhead.
e. Favorite way to unwind: Vacation!!
f. Favorite things to do with your family: As simple as it sounds, we LOVE getting ice cream together…frozen yogurt is our favorite!
g. Best advice you’ve ever received: To keep God in the center of your marriage always.
h: When you look at your life, what are you most proud of? My family! It has been a tremendous blessing to see what God has done in our lives since Jeremy and I met.
It’s not every day you can enjoy food from over 75 restaurants, back-to-back live concerts, and activities that please the entire family. But, this Sunday is not every other day – it’s the day Taste of Marietta comes to the Marietta Square!
With around 100,000 people expected to attend, this is the family event of the season in Marietta– and one of the most successful and well-attended Taste events in the entire country (that’s right, we know how to eat in these parts).
Bring the family out for the afternoon and enjoy everything from sushi to chicken wings and {literally} everything in between, including plenty of options for dessert to polish off your eating exploration. Activities include Kid’s Alley, the Sports’ Corner, cooking demonstrations, outdoor concerts, food awards, and much more. Plus, this year’s Taste of Marietta landed a national sponsor: TUMS Freshers, so they’ll be there with plenty of samples on hand! (Phew.)
The weather is forecasted to be perfect, so mark your calendar and bring the fam for a day of fun and full tummies!
This girl loves to eat. Top on my list: really good (like really good) Mexican food. On my perpetual quest for the perfect tortilla, I’ve discovered two share-worthy purveyors who rank above the rest. One is OTP and one ITP, so whether you’re roamin’ the ‘burbs or exploring the urban jungle, your tortilla needs are covered.
The Tortilla Masters
OTP: Taqueria Tsunami
Taqueria Tsunami Latin-Asian Kitchen opened in the fall of 2011 on the Marietta Square (they also have a location in Buckhead). The tortillas are the addictively chewy, handmade variety– the kind that, really, you could throw anything on top and they’d still taste dang good. But, when you throw on some thai chicken with fresh slaw, oh man. Watch out. The baja fish taco is also superfine.
And, you really must try the ah-maazing avocado cilantro egg rolls while you’re there. This signature appetizer demonstrates Chef Scott Kinsey’s tantalizing creativity. The housemade sangria ain’t bad, either.
ITP: Chuy’s
The tortilla-making station located in the center of Chuy’s should be a clue. There, a group of apron-clad ladies hand shape made-from-scratch tortillas right before your eyes. And, yes, they taste just that fresh. Again, toppings are really optional, but the fajitas are a great way to enjoy these fluffy floured darlings.
Chuy’s is also famous for its fresh sauces, so get a bowl of chips and enjoy some pico de gallo, green chili, and Ranchero sauces. Yum-o.
In case you didn’t know (a.k.a. you’ve been locked in seclusion the last few months) one of our very own Marietta boys – Pip (or Phillip, as his mom still calls him, saying from time to time, “I guess I should be saying Pip!”) – is in the running for the coveted title of The Voice. We talked with his sweet southern mama, Chris, and asked her all about the experience, the fame, the bowties and what we can all do to keep Pip safe from elimination!
Little Black Dress: What has the whole experience with The Voice been like for Pip and your family?
Chris: I’d say overwhelming and unexpected. When he went to audition, we were really excited, but we never dreamed he would go this far. We knew he was a great singer, but we knew there were a lot of great singers out there! Apparently he’s got something that they’re looking for.
LBD: What do you think that “something” is?
Chris: I think it’s the dimples! {laughing} No, I think it’s his charismatic personality. It just draws people in. He had a small fan base locally before he went to be on The Voice, and you could see it developing then, but they’ve really fine-tuned it.
He’s really just a sweetheart in real life. I think that has caused [the people who work on] The Voice to adopt him in and really like him a lot. They like the whole southern gentleman thing.
LBD: Tell us the story of the bowties and his snazzy look.
Chris: Those are all given to him by Southern Proper. They were on the phone five minutes after he performed his audition. The girls who started the company, Emilie and Reagan, are Pip’s sister’s sorority sisters so they already knew him. All the bowties you see him wearing are theirs.
His sister Eileen and I helped him put that whole outfit together. She graduated from Brenau University with a degree in Musical Theater. When he first went to audition, they thought he was so good. They said, “You’ve got exactly what we want, but you gotta step up the dress!”
Pip had just started his sophomore year of college and joined a fraternity and he was noticing this whole, as he calls it, “frat look.” My daughter understood that. So, we’d go to the store and get clothes and bring them home and he’d try it on and choose what he liked. That’s how the whole look and the bowties came about.
Pip with his sisters Bridget and Eileen and brother-in-law (who he calls his brother!) Josh
LBD: What is it like to see Pip achieve some level of success in the public eye and already have some semblance of fame so quickly?
Chris: The situation seems separate from Phillip and the boy we know, but he still just seems like my son. Whenever he’s back home, he’s just “Phillip” – laying on the couch, asking me to make him food or rub his back.
But seeing him on TV, it’s like seeing Phillip playing a part – Pip. Which is really kind of what it is. The bowties, the suspenders, that’s all playing the part of Pip.
LBD: So, what are your predictions for the show and Pip?
Chris: I’m so amazed he’s gotten this far, nothing would surprise me at this point. But, I’m happy with any results, because he’s already gotten so much exposure. Even if he gets eliminated, he’s already got agents and producers contacting him, so he has possibilities. And, if he isn’t eliminated Monday, he’s in with The Voice and their tour and all of the things they will have lined up for the top eight.
LBD: Is this something you would have predicted for Pip when he was younger?
Chris: Not this, really, but I always knew he was talented. When he was younger than two, I noticed he could carry a tune really well. I got him involved in musical things early on, like local productions. They’d ask on the form if he could be in the background if he didn’t make the lead, and I’d always check “no.” I knew he’d get the lead. And he usually did!
Video of two-year-old Pip singing
He also played at places around the Marietta area a lot with his friend Melissa Drummond. And he was in the band at St. Joseph’s, where he went to school and church, singing lead and playing keyboard.
Video of Melissa and Pip at West Cobb Diner
He doesn’t like to be up front because of the fame or recognition, but he likes the connection. To this day, that’s what he loves all of this for – the connection with the audience and the fans. He likes to please his fans and give them something they can enjoy.
LBD: What will be the best part of Pip’s fame for him and for your family?
Chris: Pip is the kind of guy that moms want their preteen and teenage daughters to be looking up to. He’s got a good heart and is good to people. He will set such a great example for kids and be a great hero for them to look up to. People will gain something from him. It won’t just be about him and his fame, he’ll give to the world.
LBD: How can we help Pip go all the way?
Chris: Pip has designed a Save Pip Poster. (Click to download) Everyone can contact Adam and ask him to save Pip. Your readers can all go and do that and send it to their friends and keep passing it along. Also, everyone can vote multiple times between 10 p.m. Monday and 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. (See below for details)
Rock the vote: You can vote the following ways – up to 10 times each way!
1. Call the number “The Voice” assigns Pip on Monday night’s show
Weight loss: two words that make us all collectively sigh that the muumuu never caught on as an acceptable fashion statement.
I (Elizabeth) was lamenting weight loss woes with my good friend Holiday the other day, and we hatched a plan: what if she tried a few things she’s never tried before and chronicled her weekly successes and setbacks for all of you readers to see? (Do you like how I volunteered her for this, not me? A true friend, I am.)
the challenge
She agreed! So, here she is: Holiday. We connected her with another willing accomplice: Bill Burke, who is a personal trainer and vendor for Body By Vi weight loss challenge. Now, just to be clear, we are not being paid by Bill to blog about Holiday’s weight loss challenge. In full disclosure, Bill is an advertiser with Little Black Dress | Little Red Wagon Magazine, but he is not paying to be featured here. Promise. It wasn’t even his idea- it was ours! This is rather just a good synergy between a trainer who has a reputable weight management product and a girl who wants to lose a few pounds (and doesn’t mind doing it in front of all of you).
Here’s how it’s going so far…in Holiday’s own words
meet holiday, by holiday
It’s time to get physical! Yep, that’s right…bathing suit season is right around the corner and this mama’s muffin top has got to GO. While chatting with my friend Elizabeth I mentioned the need for a serious mommy makeover (minus the plastic surgeon)…and she suggested I take the 90 Day Body by Vi Challenge. I had no clue what she was talking about but hey, give me a challenge and I’m in it to win it.
The next step was to map out the process- translation: how exactly will we be attacking this muffin top and the surrounding areas?
The answer was simple and arrived in the form of Personal Trainer Bill Burke. As a Visalus Independent Distributor his solution was a plan that would involve a total diet and exercise makeover. I’m not gonna lie- I wasn’t exactly jumping from the rooftops when I heard about swapping two meals a day for nutritional shakes…after all, this girl loves to EAT. But remember, a challenge is a challenge, and this was an opportunity I just couldn’t refuse. After all, how bad could it possibly be? Chewing is totally overrated.
So here we are, at the beginning of a 90 day journey. I offered to blog my experience and share my Body by Vi Challenge with the Little Black Dress/Little Red Wagon Magazine community simply because I don’t want to do this alone. As a girl who has always been complimented on a “beautiful face,” I’m ready to step it up a notch.
the gallery
Of course with any body makeover the “before” and “after” pictures are a given. I nixed the idea of a bikini pic or super tight spandex and decided to channel my inner Jane Fonda instead.
We had waaayyy too much fun snapping these pics today!
Watch out Muffin Top...
So bring on the blender. Bring on the burpies (if you don’t know what a burpie is you may want to get into the gym…) It’s go time. This girl is ready to rock and roll.
{Stay tuned for an update from Holiday, coming later this week.}
How could guests not have had a good time at Love Street at Cedarcrest during their recent Spring Fashion Show? Let’s see, there were yummy nibbles (including cupcakes from Miss Mamie’s), sweet sales, raffle prizes, bubbly beverages, and a hot-to-trot fashion show showcasing some of the season’s cutest looks on some of our area’s cutest ladies. And speaking of cute, there was a smattering of frat boy cuties from KSU serving up cocktails. The best part was that the evening’s proceeds were donated to help restock MUST Ministries’ pantry. That’s fashion…with compassion.
the gallery:
Here’s a recap of the evening in pictures. Click to enlarge a pic.
Get your TOMS painted at Heart & Sole’s Style Your Sole event this Saturday, April 14. This is creativity with a purpose, ladies. Here’s how it works: Just come by the shop in Smyrna between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, purchase a pair of TOMS during the event, and get them customized for FREE by incredible local artists. Artsy and fun: one for one!
We have all been touched by cancer as women, either personally through our own fight or standing beside a loved one as they battle the terrible beast of a disease. And we say, let’s take it down once and for all! After all, as women, what do we do better than fight for those that we love?!
There are two fantastic opportunities coming up for you to help show cancer who’s boss: “Trucken for a Cure” First Annual Tennis for Tatas and the Walk of Women 7K Walk/Run.
Tennis for Tatas:
Local 3-Day walking team “Trucken for a Cure” is hosting the First Annual Tennis for Tatas women-only round robin tennis event on Monday, April 30. There will be meals provided, commemorative t-shirts, raffles, and prizes for the winners. It will all be for a great cause, though, because 100% of the net proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. If you feel like you aren’t a great tennis player, don’t sweat it, there will be different groups based on level of ability.
Kim Truckenmiller, Team Captain of Trucken for a Cure, is walking because breast cancer hit too close to home. “Both my mother and mother-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer. I have two daughters who may be diagnosed during their lifetimes. For me, this walk is to raise awareness and help raise funds for breast cancer research. I hope that our team can make a difference so that eventually no husband, no father, no mother, no brother and no child has to watch their loved one fight for their life because of breast cancer.”
So, whether you have a personal vendetta against cancer or you just want to see it gone forever, sign up to play today and make your mark!
the guide:
location: Brookstone Country Club, 5705 Brookstone Drive, Acworth, 30101
date: Monday, April 30, 2012
time: check-in 8:30-9:15 a.m.; play begins 9:30 a.m.
cost: $45/person (space is limited to the first 60 registrations)
Because breast cancer isn’t the only one plaguing women these days, the Walk of Women Foundation (WOW) is a not-for-profit organization developed to raise awareness of all types of gynecological cancers. They lend support to the women affected by these cancers by offering financial assistance for medications, nutritionists, exercise and transportation to treatment. Meaning, they’re pretty awesome, if you ask us!
They need your help to keep this support up, though! So if tennis isn’t your thing, but you’re into walking, come on out and give a little time and a little mulah. And they make it soooo easy for you. If you want to help out, but would rather stay in bed and snooze that morning, be a sleep walker – pay your money, get your t-shirt, and rest well knowing you helped a good cause. If you do get out of bed, but can’t quite hoof it for the entire 4.34 miles, the sweep van will come and sweep you off your feet, driving you to the finish line! Ingenious!
So, whether you run, walk, sleep or ride through the race, you’ll know you’re helping women tell cancer to stick it where the sun don’t shine!
the guide:
location: Kenmore Medical Center, 833 Campbell Hill Street, Marietta
date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
time: 8:30 a.m.
cost: advance registration until 4/25 – $30 (t-shirt included); day of registration – $30 (t-shirt not guaranteed); sleep walker – $35 (t-shirt shipped after race)
for more info and to register:walkofwomen.com or Tina Adams at 404-644-3722
Lest you think we’re all about shopping, dining, wine tasting, and booby-saving events, think again. We can do political, too. So, here is a great event for all of our political-minded readers. Fox Business Network host and commentator John Stossel (you know, signature mustache and searing gaze, just begging for the hard truth) will be the keynote speaker at “An Evening with FEE,” a
Our politically savvy readers already know this, but for those who don’t (and might be interested)…The Foundation for Economic Education inspires, educates and connects students with the ‘first principles’ of freedom by exploring the economics of free enterprise and a limited government.
At the dinner, Stossel will deliver a rousing message about school choice and privatization. In other words, the issue FEE is all about. His new book – No, They Can’t: Why Government Fails, But Individuals Succeed – will be available for purchase at the evening’s event. Stossel was an obvious choice for the event, because he’s a long-time friend of FEE and a frequent contributor to The Freeman magazine, the organization’s signature publication since 1956.
the guide:
location: Atlanta Renaissance Waverly Hotel (Galleria), 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339
date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
time: cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m., event starts at 7:00 p.m.
cost: $125/person, $200/couple, $1,000/table of eight.
the gig:
We’ll give you three guesses as to which celebrity our summer 2012 cover model Tara Shaia often gets mistaken for. Ready, set, guess.
LBD|LRW: 
the addictively chewy, handmade variety– the kind that, really, you could throw anything on top and they’d still taste dang good. But, when you throw on some thai chicken with fresh slaw, oh man. Watch out. The baja fish taco is also superfine.
scratch tortillas right before your eyes. And, yes, they taste just that fresh. Again, toppings are really optional, but the fajitas are a great way to enjoy these fluffy floured darlings.
