the gig

Where can you go to get away from it all…right in the midst of it all? No, this isn’t a riddle. It’s simply an apropos description of The Mansion on Peachtree, Atlanta’s most sumptuous boutique hotel. This gorgeous (truly) 42-story hotel in the heart of Buckhead feels unpredictably tucked away and serene, although it’s a mere skip from Phipps, Lenox and some of Atlanta’s finest dining venues. Think: marble floors, deco chandeliers, velvet club chairs, an unmatched onsite spa, a swank jazz-imbibed lounge, and a thoughtful, attentive staff. Heaven in Atlanta.

So…who wants to win a weekend stay for two AND a spa treatment at The Mansion on Peachtree? 

the giveaway

To enter:

1. Like The Mansion on Peachtree on Facebook.

2. Post a fan comment on their page, telling them Little Black Dress/Little Red Wagon sent you.

3. Come back HERE and tell us you did it in the comments below. (Don’t forget this step, so we know you entered!)

Winner will be drawn March 10, 2012.

Stay and spa treatment must be booked and redeemed by December 23, 2012, in accordance with the hotel’s schedule and availability. 

the guide

The Mansion on Peachtree

www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/mansiononpeachtree

3376 peachtree rd., atlanta, georgia 30326

404.995.7500

peachtree@rosewoodhotels.com

reservations: 888.ROSEWOOD

Your heart is the center of all you are and do! Love and energy flow from your heart with every beat. How are you contributing to the health of your heart?

Let’s review a few simple steps that busy moms can easily apply:

1. Drink water – well-hydrated blood flows through the heart more easily

2. Walk – it strengthens the heart muscle and the improved circulation cleans your body internally

3. Reduce stress – breathe deeply, then exhale completely; follow that with a slow stretch through the shoulders and neck

Do something good for your heart today, because when momma’s happy, everybody’s happy!!

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.

Valentine’s Day gets you in the mood for love, but doesn’t it also get you in the mood to run? No? Well, it should and

PTS Sports Grand Opening in Downtown Acworth

this year it will! PTS Sports would like for you to LOVE to RUN, so they are sponsoring the PT Solutions Cupid Chase 5K Road Race.

During the race you will literally chase Cupid…and try to beat him to the finish. If you do, you will go home with more loot than the other race finishers. What will make this chase even more interesting? You (and every other racer) could be dressed like cupid, as well. Anyone who dons the love-striking icon’s look will also be entered into a contest to win some lovely prizes.

To further ensure that you are anything but bored along the race, the course winds past charming views of Lake Acworth

View of Lake Acworth

and the neighborhoods surrounding Historic Acworth and finishes in the vintage downtown area.

Basically, PT Solutions has thrown everything into this race to make sure there is no way any able bodied person in the area wouldn’t enjoy being involved, even if running isn’t really your thing! So, you’re out of excuses. Sign up now and start digging out your toga and bow and arrow!

the guide:

date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Historic Downtown Acworth

time: Number pick-up is 6:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.; Race starts at 8:00 a.m.

cost: Through 2/9 – $25; 2/9 through race day – $30

number pick-up location: PTS Sports, 4857 North Main Street, Acworth, 30101

to register: active.com/running/acworth-ga/pts-sports-cupid-chase-5k-2012

for more info: ptssports.com/

Written by Nikki Brown, LBD|LRW Account Manager

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” ~ Author Unknown

I am by nature very optimistic. I am also prone to being overly enthusiastic–a cheerleader of sorts. But I haven’t always known how to truly dance in the rain. I, like so many others, did not know my own strength and vitality until it was tested.

I started married life with my eyes wide open, ready to conquer the world. I was promptly brought back to earth when my first pregnancy ended with a miscarriage and at the same time I attended my grandmother’s funeral. I learned life is hard and sad and waits for no one.

I was tested again when my mom had an accident while we were vacationing in Costa Rica. She passed away. I then found a lump in my breast. It was cancer. I don’t tell my sad stories for sympathy, but rather as a road map to finding true happiness, no matter the situation.

In life’s moments that are most difficult, we also learn our biggest lessons. When we experience sorrow, it also allows us to understand what joy really is. When we have been to the darkest valley, it is easy to appreciate even the smallest glimmer of light. We must all learn to open our hearts after something difficult or painful. Let the joy in and open your eyes to the magnificent gifts all around you.

I wake up sometimes and before my eyes open, I hear the birds. They are singing and I love to hear their song. When I put my feet on the floor, I am thankful those feet carry me where I need to go each day. And after a year of being bald, I can appreciate my wildly curly Chia Pet hair because I am happy to have some. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Nikki Brown and her family

I refuse to shy away from the turbulence in life but rejoice in the fact I am living it. I have no secrets to living a happy life. I simply choose to be happy. I choose to celebrate life: the good, the bad, the happy days and the sad ones too. How can you appreciate the happy days without having sad days to compare them to? I am not suggesting there are not days of great sadness during life. I am merely suggesting you let them gently roll by. Let the bad happen, then take a deep breath and know that this moment will pass. For one thing is certain… nothing stays the same. So celebrate your ups and downs with a little grace, humility, definitely a sense of humor…and most importantly, know that even though it may rain, you can still learn to dance in it.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and poignancy with us, Nikki! You are a gift. 

A big thanks to all who put on this fabulous event: The JLCM; Community Affairs Division of Cobb County Arts and Cultural Affairs; Ben Lyman, owner of Willie Rae’s Restaurant; Fran Woodward at Yogli Mogli -West Cobb; balloon art by Ms. Sam Johnson of the JLCM; and Tommy Johns, who entertained the group with a (really, really great) magic show.

As the children left for the day, they were given backpacks from Cobb EMC filled with goodies (books, clay, pencils, water bottles, and silly bands…to name a few) donated by Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb EMC, The School Box, Aqua-Tots, and Community In Schools and Walton Communities.

Happy kids left wearing their tinfoil crowns, their backpacks…and ear-to-ear smiles.

Photo Gallery

photos courtesy of Holly Lauer

Cobb Chamber Dinner Highlights

• Leadership: Bank of North Georgia President and COO Rob Garcia passed his leadership role of Cobb Chamber Chairman to Tony Britton, Community & Southern Bank Senior Vice President. Also welcomed to the 2012 Chamber leadership team was Chairman-elect Greg Morgan of Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC.
• Awards:

1. The Chairman’s Award was given to Kim Menefee of WellStar Health System.
2. Four individuals were recognized with the Mack Henderson Public Service Award: Shan Cooper of Lockheed Martin, Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee, Kim Menefee of WellStar and Dan Styf of Kaiser Permanente.
3. Mark Justice of Cobb EMC and Jason Sleeman of Fifth Third Bank each received the Len Gilbert Award for their exceptional service and leadership.
4. Twenty-three individuals were honored with Campaign Lifetime Achievement Awards: Lisa Crossman, Tracey Atwater, Sam Kelly, David Bell, Eric Latimer, Allan Bishop, Cristal McNair, Tony Britton, Sandy Miller, Terri Bunten, Mitzi Smith Moore, Nurdan Cornelius, Bronwyn O’Dell, Bill Davis, Lisa Olens, Vickie Haney, Kim Paris, Beverly Huff, Ron Sumpter, Tim Jarrell, Tony Willingham, Mary Karras, Sandy Woltering, and P.J. Zonsius.
5. Dr. Emily Lembeck, Marietta City Schools Superintendent, received The Marietta Daily Journal’s 2011 Cobb County Citizen of the Year award.

• Sponsor Credits: The master of ceremonies was media coach and speech consultant Chris Davala, president of Cobb-based SmarTalk, Inc. Davala celebrated his 26th year as the emcee of the Annual Dinner. The invocation was offered by Dr. Bryan E. Crute of Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church. PRIME provided the musical entertainment, while Carithers Flowers supplied the floral decorations and Entertainment Design Group provided audiovisual services. Kaiser Permanente was the presenting sponsor; Bank of North Georgia and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics company were the diamond sponsors; BB&T was the reception sponsor; Cobb EMC was the dinner sponsor, Delta Community Credit Union was the entertainment sponsor, Community & Southern Bank was the award sponsor and Promo-Photo was the photography sponsor.

Photo Gallery

Dining Out & Restaurant Specials

Latitude Food and Drink

Latitude

Looking for a romantic cocktail recipe for Valentine’s Day? Latitude Food and Drink has the love potion solution with their Romeo and Juliet cocktail paring, perfect for sharing with that special someone in your life.

Romeo

2 ounces Millers gin

1 ounce g inger shrub

Splash c oriander soda

Pour all ingredients in a glass and stir.

Garnish with a coriander-dusted ginger slice.

Juliet

2 ounces Alma tequila

Drop Rose tincture

Pink peppercorn honey syrup

Shake all ingredients in a martini shaker and strain over ice.

Garnish with a candied rose petal.

3500 Peachtree Rd. at Phipps Plaza, Atlanta 30326

www.latitudeatlanta.com

4th & Swift

Treat your favorite foodie to a romantic feast at the Old Fourth Ward’s 4th & Swift. Dine on a seasonal five-course Valentine’s menu from chef Jay Swift complete with amuse and dessert.

621 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, 30308

www.4thandswift.com

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime Restaurant

Nothing says “I love you” quite as tastefully as Ocean Prime’s perfectly paired twin lobster tails. Savor the finest steaks and the freshest seafood featuring the highest quality ingredients available while sipping on selections from the Wine Spectator – honored wine list and handcrafted cocktail menu.

3102 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, 30305

www.ocean-prime.com

Miller Union

Hearts are aflutter for Miller Union’s simple, Southern-inspired cuisine. Reserve a table for two on Tuesday, February 14, and enjoy a seasonal meal of savory and sweet local fare prepared by executive chef Steven Satterfield and pastry chef Pamela Moxley.

999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta, 30318

www.millerunion.com

Serpas True Food

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with one of Atlanta ’s favorite restaurants tucked away in the historic Old Fourth Ward community, Serpas True Food. Executive chef Scott Serpas will serve approachable dinner favorites such as flash fried oysters with pickled chiles and mirliton and Thai-seared tuna with edamame puree.

659 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, 30312

www.serpasrestaurant.com

Sotto Sotto

Enjoy a romantic neighborhood dining experience at Atlanta’s most celebrated authentic Italian restaurant, Sotto Sotto. Chef-owner Riccardo Ullio’s Inman Park mainstay creates classic Italian dishes with flavors developed from centuries of culinary traditions, from risotto ai frutti di mare and tagliatelle ai funghi to lombata di agnello and pesce arrosto.

313 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta, 30307

www.urestaurants.net

Southern Art

Southern Art Restaurant

Indulge in an elegant three-course, prix-fixe meal at Southern Art this Valentine’s Day. Charm your loved one with a classic, Southern-inspired meal alongside handcrafted cocktails and perfectly paired wines in Southern Art’s relaxed and romantic

atmosphere.

3315 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, 30326

www.southerart.com

Gift Guide

Star Provisions

Star Provisions is Atlanta’s go-to spot for creating a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day, offering everything from sweet treats to festive gifts.

Star Provisions treats

The assortment of unique Valentines, from vintage to modern styles, is the perfect way to pass along sweet nothings.

1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, 30318

www.starprovisions.com

GARDEN Atlanta

Give the gift of green this Valentine’s Day from GARDEN, maverick landscape designer Matthew Klyn ’s ethereal floral design and home goods boutique located at the Shops Around Lenox. GARDEN offers a beautiful selection of eclectic accents, living home décor and vintage accessories to swoon your lovebird.

3400 Around Lenox Rd. NE, Atlanta, 30326404.941.9154

www.gardenatl.com

SoRen Tea

SoRen Tea, a new line of luxurious, fashion-inspired, gourmet loose-leaf teas developed by sisters and avid tea enthusiasts Sonnia Shields and Rena Williams is the perfect gift of relaxation this Valentine’s Day. The packaging of the teas, in black lacquered tins, are so beautiful that they become a gift in themselves, perfect for the tea-loving enthusiast and fashionistas alike.

www.sorentea.com

Uncorked Glass Company

Founder and curator Daniel Hart creates each piece in this handcrafted wine bottle glassware line from 100-percent post-consumer materials, honoring his sustainably minded commitment to avoid contribution to landfills. Perfect for the home entertainer, environmentally conscious or artisan-made collector, Uncorked glassware is available in different colors and sizes.

Uncorked Glassware

www.uncorkedglass.com

Spa Sydell

From the intimate Massage for Two and Spa Sydell Signature Facial and to luxurious manicures and pedicures and airbrush tanning, the Spa Sydell signature gift certificate is the perfect present to celebrate the romantic holiday.

404.255.7727

www.spasydell.com

Pinnacle Fitness

From Saturday, February 11, through Saturday, February 18, Buckhead’s premier personal training fitness center, Pinnacle Fitness, invites you to bring in your partner for a complimentary workout when you book a personal training session.

3215 Cains Hill Pl NW, Atlanta, 30305

www.pinnaclefitnessgym.com

The Melting Pot

Enjoy The Melting Pot’s signature chocolate covered strawberries available February 8 through February 18. Proceeds from the strawberries’ sales will also be donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Four Atlanta locations

www.meltingpot.com

Do Valentine’s up right this year! Skip the 2 for $20 dinner at Chili’s and romantic comedy with the same plot, different actors and opt for a truly romantic, out-of-Kennesawthe-ordinary experience. And we have a few options for you, all at The Mansion on Peachtree, an Atlanta boutique hotel that feels like it’s in an idyllic out-of-the-way setting and not smack-dab in the middle of a big city. That’s the true magic of this magnificent hotel – convenience of proximity but without the metropolitan scene.

Here are the specials that The Mansion on Peachtree is running for the month of February – from dinner, to entertainment, to all-inclusive overnight stays and special spa treatments.

Pillow Talk Valentine’s Package for Two

With this package, you will enjoy luxurious accommodations for one night, breakfast for two in The Café or through In-Room Dining, valet parking, single rose at evening turndown, bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, gift from 29 Spa and three embroidered pillowcases — one with an initial, another with a different initial and a third with the message – “Marry Me?” “Kiss Me” “Love You” or “Be Mine.”

cost: starts at $399

An Evening of Romance Package for Two

Your evening will include the same luxurious accommodations for one night, a bottle of champagne & Essence of Chocolate amenity, tea light & rose petal turndown, full American breakfast for two and valet parking.

cost: starts at $329

The Mansion Café & Mansion Lounge

Celebrate the month of love with an intimate dinner in The Mansion Café. The enchanting menu will include grilled vegetable torchon, a choice of gulf shrimp and scallop bisque or strawberry and arugula salad and a choice of espresso-crusted rack of lamb with white asparagus, pan-roasted Hudson Valley duck breast with pappardelle, or halibut en pappillote with glazed seasonal vegetables. For dessert, Valrhona chocolate fondue.

dates: Friday, Feb. 10; Saturday, Feb. 11; Tuesday, Feb. 14; Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18

cost: $75 per person exclusive of tax/gratuity; $99 per person with the addition of wine pairings

Valentine’s Entertainment

The Mansion Lounge will offer live entertainment from the Che Marshall Trio on Saturday, Feb. 11, and the Mace Hibbard Trio on Saturday, Feb. 18. There is no cover charge and complimentary valet parking is available with lounge purchase.

29 Spa

Enjoy Valentine’s Day in the luxurious 29 Spa with chocolate-, rose- and berry-infused spa treatments. The star of the seasonal menus is Love Potion #29, which begins with a full-body exfoliation using a dark chocolate and roses sugar scrub to soften and smooth skin, followed by a chocolate mask to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin and completed with a gentle massage of either luscious chocolate or rose massage crème. Sounds deliciously blissful if you ask us!

Additional spa treatments include:

• Warm chocolate melt massage

• “You’re My Sugah” full body exfoliation

• “You’re My Beau” triple chocolate sugar scrub

• Silky chocolate soak for two

• Chocolate-dipped strawberry manicure and pedicure

• Chocolate bliss couple or individual massage

• Feeling rosy relaxation couple or individual massage

the guide:

address: 3376 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30326

for more info: 404.995.7500 or peachtree@rosewoodhotels.com

website: rosewoodhotels.com/mansiononpeachtree

for reservations: 888.ROSEWOOD

Win a custom decorated cake from Flour Child Cakery, to use at any special event during 2012!!

What percentage of people in the world would you say are REALLY talented at making ornate, scrumptious, truly awe-inspiring cakes? Not like “I went to Michaels and got a cake pan in the shape of a ladybug and baked a cake in it and then decorated it with copious amounts of store bought icing to make it look somewhat like a ladybug…if you squint” type of cakes.

We’re talking true works of art made from melt-in-your-mouth secret recipes with decadent icing that seems to come straight from heaven. One-percent, maybe two? Yeah, that would be our guess. For the other 98.5% of us, there are places like Flour Child Cakery, which are owned by and staffed with the aforementioned tiny percentage of cake geniuses. You should see – and taste – these perfectly sculpted, impeccably decorated, morsels of goodness. Actually, one of you will be able to do both…for free!

Flour Child Cakery is giving one lucky LBD|LRW reader the opportunity to win one of these custom decorated masterpieces!

the giveaway:

1. Go to Flour Child Cakery’s Facebook page – facebook.com/FlourChildCakery

2. Like their page.

3. Leave a comment telling them that Little Black Dress|Little Red Wagon sent you!

4. IMPORTANT: We’ll draw a winner from comments below, so come back here and let us know you did it!

We’ll draw a winner around February 20, and that winner will receive a $75 credit toward any custom cake of their choosing at Flour Child Cakery. Piece of cake!

the guide:

address: 6129 Ridge Road, Hiram, 30141

phone: 404-936-9789

hours: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

find them: facebook.com/FlourChildCakery

And so, without further ado, we give you the January tip from Kaizen Fitness:

When considering goal setting for the New Year, make goals that are SMART.

S – specific

M – measurable

A – action oriented

R – realistic

T – time sensitive

For instance, a woman weighing 158 pounds may set a SMART goal that looks like this: On February 14th, at 5pm, I will weigh 145 and will accomplish this by daily exercise and clean eating.

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.