Music Festival Beauty Essentials

First off, thanks everyone for the well-wishes on my Blogiversary post--and don't forget to enter my giveaway! Speaking of celebrations, Coachella started last weekend and continues this weekend. That means music festival season is HERE! And there are 16 of them I want to attend (I wish)! Today I'm sharing some fun products I was sent that you're going to love, even if your music festival means dancing in your kitchen (I do this--do you?). Let's channel that inner-flower child and check out these music festival beauty essentials that are under $5:

Cleansing Conditioner, Sheer Shine Mist, Flexible Hold Spritzer, Volumizing Souffle, Dry Shampoo

First up, let's talk about hair. Herbal Essences has a new NAKED Collection of hair care products--think paraben-free and free from dyes.

• Cleansing Conditioner--Clean your hair in just one step! Add a few pumps, work into hair, and rinse. That's it! This is also sulfate-free and has a nice mint scent. Very gentle, too.
• Hold those hairstyles in place with the Flexible Hold Spritzer--I like how light-weight this is, and it's non-aerosol, making it great for on-the-go.
• One of my favorite festival styles are Milkmaid braids, and here's how to get them:
• Get the perfect texture to create this style by spraying the Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo (I've shared this on the blog a few times--love), rub at the roots to give a boost of volume (and an amazing fresh mint scent)
• Part your hair down the middle and braid the two sides going down, securing each with a clear elastic. Then, wrap each braid around the top of your head, securing behind each ear with a bobby pin (make sure the wavy side is against your scalp)
• Easy, tousled waves (my fave!!) are the way to go when rocking out to your favorite music at Coachella:
• To get amazing volume right from the start, work Herbal Essences Naked Volumizing Soufflé into very wet hair, rubbing gently at the scalp area to provide lift and control at the root
• Use a diffuser on a high heat setting and low wind speed to force out the excess moisture and keep the hair’s natural body and movement
• Then, wrap the mid shaft of sections of the hair around a 1-inch curling iron, leaving out the ends to keep the wave more edgy and chic
• Mist a bit of the Herbal Essences Naked Sheer Shine Mist onto waves to give them a soft, beautiful finish (thanks to Herbal Essences Celebrity Stylist, Charles Baker Strahan for tips #getnaked)

Brazil, Paris, Hawaii--where should we go?

• So now that you've got the perfect outfit and your hair looks great, it's all over if you don't smell nice, am I right? Luckily, the new Secret Destinations Collection has you, um, covered! Imagine yourself in far-off places within reach—and three new scents offer patented 48-hour odor protection to keep you feeling fresh during even the most #Epic48 festival adventures:
• In the mood for a festival romance? Try Paris Romantic Rose.
• Want to channel a flower-child vibe? Hawaii Citrus Breeze is for you.
• Need to cool off before the party heats up? Refresh with Brazil Rainforest Mist (my fave at the moment).
• All scents are available in Clear Gel (no white marks!) and Invisible Solid forms (goes on dry, stays dry!), designed to capture odor (not mask it!) and release the perfect balance of fragrance throughout the day. 

I'm wearing loose waves, all Herbal Essences NAKED products and Secret deodorant! Now, which festival should I go to?

GIVEAWAYS for you!

• $75 Sephora Gift Card + 2 more prizes
• Gift basket full of RIMMEL makeup!

Outfit of the Week: Neon Chevron

I've got a teeny cold but I didn't let it keep me down this weekend. In fact, by using my zinc tip, my cold is just about gone. To make myself feel better, I put on the brightest shirt I own (do you do this?), grabbed a cute wristlet, and headed to a casual brunch date with friends.
Here's what I wore:

W H E N : Sunday
W H E R E & W H Y : Gilbert's Cafe (great for people watching & Mediterranean);             Brunch with friends...these pics were taken once I got home!

W O R E :

• Bright pink tee from Target 
• Glasses c/o Firmoo
• Black skinnies from Old Navy
• Neon yellow skinny belt DIY
• Sandals fr Target
• Chevron wristlet c/o Olivia + Joy (similar)
• White summer watch from Target (similar)

B E A U T Y :

• Maybelline BB Cream
• Sephora Collection Natural Palette Eye (see my Makeup for Glasses here)
• Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart
• Prestige My Blackest Lashes
• Pistachio polish from Five Below
• Blush via the hot temps outside
• Hair...ugh...let's not discuss...I'm blaming it on my cold!

This cute wristlet from Olivia + Joy features a straw Chevron design. 

They sell the hottest handbags & accessories. Check 'em out.

Charlie Brown, aka the World's Cutest Dog, as decided by me

Isn't he cute? COME ON.

Outfit of the Week: Sunday Morning

I've had so much going on lately (my sweet mama & I appreciate your thoughts/prayers...love u mama!) and truly welcomed the long weekend. However, as was the case when I have a long weekend, I was still busy and couldn't relax (plus the GA Bulldogs lost their first game. Boo.). When Sunday morning came around, I was anticipating tubing the river with friends but the weather forecast changed that. Instead of pouting, I grabbed brunch (I totally had pizza) with friends, rented foreign and indie movies, and finally relaxed. Here's my outfit of the week:
Sound:  Sunday Morning--Velvet Underground
Time: Sunday, September 4
Place: Osteria 832 Their pizza reminds me of a refined version of Spizzico, in Italy (my Italian fast-food-pizza-guilty pleasure).

Clothes & Accessories:

• I was pleasantly surprised to feel cooler temps and took advantage of it by wearing a white tank under this military shirt from Delias.
• I was going to wear jeans but changed my mind at the last minute for these ripped denim capris.
• Jewelry was simple with these layered necklaces.
• Because my days of wearing sandals are limited (hurry up, autumn), I opted for some of my fave F21 coin sandals.

Hair & Beauty:

• I rarely wear polish on my fingernails...it's just not practical for work (plus I'm clumsy), but this taupe polish is a slight color (and is still on at the moment).
• If you've read this blog for even a short period of time, you'll know my love of a pop of color. I didn't disappoint with this coral lip gloss from E.L.F.
• For my eyes, I went with subtle, neutral colors. I used this Cafe au Lait palette from Cover Girl--a must for beginners and beyond.
• Not pictured: Falsies Flared mascara...I'm kinda digging it and need to really compare it to the original Falsies. 
• It's about this time of year that having long hair drives me crazy and I can't be bothered with it. I had washed it the night before and let it air dry. Instead of styling it, I used my old stand by: the messy up do. Mine was probably a little messier than the pic above or the tutorial I just linked, but it worked! And don't forget to remove the bobby pins! I found one later that night. Oops.

What did you do this weekend? How was your Labor Day (if you had one)?

PS--Did you see my Lust List?

Ooh, have you entered my GIVEAWAY? Hurry, hurry.

Scenes From the Weekend: New Orleans Edition

I had an amazing birthday weekend! I've been all over the States and the world, but have never been to New Orleans. Seven hours later, my wish was granted. I didn't have high hopes, since I had heard plenty of negative things (e.g. it's dirty, full of drunken frat boys) and was pleasantly surprised. I loved my trip and New Orleans may now be my favorite US city! Come with me to New Orleans!

The first stop was the free ferry to see NOLA from a distance. That's the Mississippi River--the third largest in the world. The weather was perfect!

The food was great everywhere we went. Here's some fried alligator. Tastes like chicken!

Next were Cajun Donuts--one of the best things I've ever eaten!

One of the most famous streets! The cafe behind it is featured in the movie Benjamin Buttons. Yes, I sat there about 2am and had an amazing burger. The Location Finder was a phone app I used. 165 movies have been filmed here. It was great to track down locations from movies.

A little taste of Europe still left in the US.

I took a ghost tour and a bus tour. Both recommended! Here's St. Louis Cathedral....creepy at night.

This just makes me think of what I've seen on tv. Loved the Spanish architecture everywhere.

More beautiful scroll work

The live music I heard in the bars and on the streets was some of the most amazing music ever. 

You gotta ride one of these, right?

Pat O'Brien's, home of the Hurricane drink & where the older crowd can be found.

The famous Cornstalk fence.

Where we stayed--Hotel Le Cirque. The street cars weren't running so that sucked and having your window be a part of this light display sucked. But the trip was one of my fave ever. I'm going back.

One of the famous above-ground cemeteries. I'm using "famous" a lot in the post, sorry!

Cafe du Monde and a cafe au lait--you gotta try these big funnel cakes once. I liked the Cajun Donuts better.

 Remnants of Mardi Gras were everywhere. I didn't get any beads, thankyouverymuch! 

Car broke down 2 hr & 45 min from Atl in Montgomery, AL. NO rental cars were to be found, so luckily we have amazing friends that drove 1.5 hrs from another town to get us! It took two shifts to get back I had to pee on the side of the road (gross. i was desperate, ppl) & survived seeing a fight that turned to gunplay in front of a Piggly Wiggly. I was so glad to be home, even if it took 12 hours instead of 7. The car is great, btw.

I did my research by looking at every single New Orleans book I could find & taking notes. I also downloaded a New Orleans travel app on my phone. In a weekend I saw The French Market, rode the free ferry, took a ghost tour, took a bus tour, was convinced that every single NOLA resident is a Saints fan, walked up and down Bourbon street (and all over), saw where the Real Worlds were filmed, saw celeb houses, and ate amazing food (including seafood safely). I can give specific names of restaurants if desired.

Yes, I saw some Hurricane Katrina damage outside of the city but chose not to photograph it. I talked to survivors who wanted to honor that memory, thanked me for my patronage in their city, and wanted to move on. New Orleans is a place of hope and rebirth. These are some strong people and I loved being among them.

And that was my birthday trip to New Orleans! Have you ever been? Where would you recommend going there?
PS ENTER MY GIVEAWAY: http://ellesees.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway.html

Outfit of the Week: Elle in New Orleans by Pocket of Presh

Sorry this is so late! This week has been crazy, getting back on schedule after a wild weekend. But let's get back to the fashion!
Last week I put out the call for an outfit for my birthday. I was headed to New Orleans and needed inspiration. Luckily, I have some amazing readers who took the time to create an outfit. And the winner is....

Elle's Birthday by nmcmyler featuring heart jewelry

NATALIE from Pocket of Presh! Congrats! Isn't this outfit adorable and perfect for a night out in New Orleans? Luckily, I had the shirt and just went from there. Thanks for creating a special outfit! And go ahead and enter my GIVEAWAY! You get an extra entry!

Elle's Atl

I was asked to do a guest post on Atlanta and thought I'd share a rough draft of what I wrote. Enjoy! Love, Elle


In the year that I've lived here, I've created a list of things to do and places to eat; some that tourists love as well as some local spots. So if you're in the awesome city of Atlanta for a day or two, here's what I suggest:


SITE SEEING

• World of Coca Cola Museum  A favorite of mine that demonstrates the process of making the beloved Atlanta-based drink, as well as memorabilia.
• Georgia Aquarium Billed as the world's largest aquarium and is a recent addition to the must-see list.
• Zoo Atlanta/Cyclorama Next door to the Zoo is the Cyclorama, a huge painting that depicts the Civil War; an important part of Atlanta's history.
• Piedmont Park This is one of my favorite places in Atlanta; you get city views while plenty of greenspace. There's always an event happening.
• MLK Center Take a tour of the amazing life and legacy of MLK Jr.

Nearby Trips

• Stone Mountain If you have time & the ability to travel a little outside of Atlanta, this is a must-see. Plan on staying late to see the nightly laser show.
• 6 Flags Over Georgia For the roller coaster enthusiast and the kid at heart.
• Roswell Ghost Tour One of the BEST ghost tours I've ever been on. (Read my account here.)

Off the Beaten Path

• Atlanta Botanical Gardens If nature is more your thing, check out the beautiful grounds dedicated to nature education and conservation.
• Center for Puppetry Arts This is something I never thought I would go to, but the creativity here is amazing! 
• CNN Tours A great behind-the-scenes look at how news is made.

SHOPPING

• Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square My pick for the poshest stores and best celeb siting. Both malls are located across the street from each other.
• Atlantic Station One of the newest shopping areas in Atlanta with plenty to see, do, and eat.
• Underground If you're a first-timer in Atl, this is on my list of places to go. 
• Little Five Points This area of Atlanta is considered the melting pot of hippies, indie, and different. Eat at The Vortex.
• Buckhead Plenty of shopping can be done around this pricey area.

FOOD
The Big Meal
No trip to Atlanta is complete without sampling the food of the South. Put a napkin in your lap and mind your manners, because there's fried food to be had!
Gotta Go: Pitty's Pat Porch A Southern tradition
Mary Mac's Tearoom Another eatery for traditional Southern cuisine.
Off the Beaten Path: The Colonnade Cash only here but the fried chicken is incredible.

Fast Food
Maybe burgers and fries are more your thing. Here are some great choices:
Gotta Go: The Varsity--bonus points if you know the ordering lingo!
Off the Beaten Path: Holeman & Finch At 10pm only 24 burgers are made. Get there early.
Ann's Snack Bar Be prepared for a long wait & order the infamous "ghetto burger."
Fat Matt's Rib Shack Listen to live blues as you eat the best BBQ in Atlanta.

Elle's Tips: Parking is rarely free in Atlanta, so have cash handy. If you plan on seeing several of the places listed above, I recommend a City Pass to save money. Also, use the Marta subway system to get around. Additionally, Atlanta has plenty of sports teams, so check the local news to see what team is playing.

I hope you all enjoyed my recommendations for this city I love. If you want even more suggestions, feel free to contact me: elleseesyou@gmail.com

Date Night on the Cheap!

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It's time for DATE NIGHT! But what to do? Another dinner and a movie? Boring. Fly to Paris? I wish--too expensive! No need to fret--Elle Sees has plenty of ideas to make your next date night a fun and cheap experience!

Home Alone

• Dine al fresco (or picnic inside)! Two of my good friends actually picnicked on a median (!) in the middle of a non-busy street. People honked and waved as they did so. Unusual, right?
• Camp outside! Put up the tent outside and make the s'mores.Or even camp indoors!
• Cook dinner together. Feed each other some of it.
• Dress up, cook dinner, and have "restaurant night" at home (or take out!). 
• Read poetry to each other over a delicious dessert.
• Have a party for 2 at home--you decide the theme!
• Shut off all electric devices (including lights). Candles only. Have fun.
• Make it a music night & an instant dance party! Include some slow songs.
• Slumber party...party of 2 that is! Rent movies (preferably a scary movie with the lights off!) & pop the popcorn. Or rent a movie you've never seen or heard of!
• Boardgames & card games & video games--include cheap prizes
• Show a movie outside under the stars (rent a projector & put up a sheet as your screen.)
• Rediscover your hometown. Be a tourist! Do all of the touristy things you never thought you'd do. There are some hidden gems in even the smallest of towns!
• Go to different spots in your city and have strangers take your picture. Make a photo album or scrapbook of the day.
• Make breakfast together.
• Go to the closest big city and do the touristy things there. Take silly pics while you're at it!
• If the weather's nice, get a cheap wading pool, fashion a chaise out of pallets, and mix a drink for instant oasis.
• Set up a little spa area--complete with a DIY pedi! Light the candles and relax. Give each other massages.
• Or create your own beach retreat!
• Star gaze.

Get Out

• Relive your first date (or recreate as closely as possible).
• Mystery date! One person plans everything. Be sure to switch off next time.
• Do a restaurant crawl. Have a drink at one restaurant, appetizers at another, main course somewhere else, and finish with dessert at the last place. Or do it in reverse!
• Go to a dive bar and play darts or pool.
• Grab brunch.
• Listen to a poetry reading or improv comedy!
• Meet at a bar independently & flirt like you've never met.
• Go to a free outdoor concert (or any concert).
• Karaoke...if you dare!
• Visit the zoo, fair, carnival, or aquarium.
• Go to a flea market, garage sale, or antique shopping
• Get a hotel for the night in your town! Can't afford that? Do a house-swap with friends for a night! Or stay in your guest room in your own house!
• Roadtrip! Even if it's a ride to nowhere in particular.
• Most museums are cheap or free once a month. Dress up & go visit!
• Do a cocktails & canvas (or any type of class) together. Many are super cheap!
• Volunteer together.
• Take dance lessons--youtube, restaurants, clubs, or dance studios.
• Universities always have student art shows. Go visit and maybe you might find something awesome--for cheap!
• Listen to the orchestra (local or university) or watch a play.
• There are plenty of Fall Festivals this time of year!
• Test drive a car.
• Grab a sweet dessert to share or a coffee.
• Go to a store and challenge each other to find a really sweet/creative/romantic gift for $10 or $20.

Childhood Games

• Play a boardgame, card game, video game.
• Fly a kite.
• Blow bubbles.
• Go bowling.
• Pick local produce (fruits or veggies) together. (Did y'all ever do that as a school field trip?)
• Go hiking.
• Fingerpaint!
• Put together a puzzle.
• Draw with chalk.
• Go rollerskating/blading either outside or at the local skating rink.
• Visit an arcade and challenge each other.
• Have a watergun fight.
• Play on the playground--have a picnic there, swing on the swings or chase each other around.
• Play a sport together or take a lesson on it.
• Into sports? Watch the kids play locally. Or support a local sports team--no matter how bad they are.

Do you have any cheap date ideas NOT listed above? Please share in the comments!

This post is tracker-protected, meaning I can see who plagiarizes this post.

Please do not copy this post.

Weeds and The Big C

I've been an avid reader of Entertainment Weekly for years AND I'm a member of the Landmark Cinemas Society. Both, unbeknown to the other, contacted me to attend an advance screening of Showtime's new program, The Big C, as well as the season premiere of Weeds. I was excited and decided to bring y'all along on the adventure with me! On with the show!

Midtown Art Cinema has been my favorite movie theater in Atlanta for years. Before I moved here, I would drive nearly two hours to see foreign and indie films not shown in my town. This was where the premiere was held. I was told to get there an hour before showtime, and was worried I'd be out in the sun, but there was no one outside. Everyone was inside making a huge loop around the theatre. I went to the table, gave my name, and was given tickets and vouchers for these:

Everyone received a free medium drink and popcorn. Both were so huge, that I finished neither! The line was rather chaotic and unorganized. I guess they weren't prepared for so many people! I was also given these:

These were some promotional items given that described the show. What did I think of the shows? The Big C is about a woman (Laura Linney) who many describe as boring or tightly-wound. Once she discovers she has cancer, she changes everything, and decides to do what she wants, when she wants. It was nice to see Laura Linney in a comedic role. There are some truly laugh-out-loud moments, which seems unlikely, given the serious topic. I really liked the show. Precious star Gabourey was in it as well as a guest star.

Weeds has been on Showtime since '05 and follows a suburban housewife who sells drugs to make a living after her husband suddenly dies. I was sort of familiar with the show before, and even though I'd not seen it, I found myself laughing along.

What did I think? Sometimes I give pilots a chance and will watch at least another episode before giving up. In this case, I loved the show instantly. Haven't you ever wanted to step out of the norm and do something crazy? I think that's a little of what makes The Big C so relatable.

Both shows were 30 minutes each and air this Monday. If you have Showtime, I'd recommend both programs. Thanks for coming along with me!

DIY: Dining Alfresco

The phrase al fresco simply means "in the fresh air" or to dine outside. I like to think of it as a fancier version of a picnic. With summer in full swing, I wanted to share my favorite tips and recipes for your own al fresco adventure.

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• Plan: You can make this as budget-friendly as you'd like: a cheap bottle of wine with an accompaniment (cheese, bread, crackers, chocolate or grapes). I did this in Paris (c'mon, I HAD to) and it's one of my favorite memories (riding a hot air balloon over Paris was another). Or you can go all out and grill (barbeque). Choose what's best for you. How many people will be joining you? Is it a romantic date? Or a party at home? You could also have a themed dinner!

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• Location: A park is the natural choice, but a patio is just as nice! Al fresco doesn't mean it has to be some exotic location--home is fine! Depending on your meal, bring blankets, cooler, pillows (if at home), chairs, grill, and tables if needed. A very simple way is to dine is to use an old shower curtain as blanket for easy cleanup. I'm lucky that I live right by Piedmont Park. It's one of my favorite places in Atlanta, and is my favorite al fresco spot. Another choice is the beach--so romantic. Can't you just picture it? 
• Equipment: Again, it depends on the budget and meal here. Use your good silver for that extra touch of chic but good 'ole plastic cutlery works just fine! Use your wine glasses (even if you're serving soda) or a red infamous Solo cup. If bringing fine china makes you cringe (like me), there are plenty of disposable or recyclable options. Since you're probably bringing everything somewhere, keep it simple--just one fork for all meal courses. Cloth napkins are a more stable choice than paper ones that could fly away. As for me, I use a picnic blanket and a bag or cooler to carry my needs. 

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• Set the mood: this depends on the time of day, but a meal under the stars with plenty of candles is simply stellar. Dining on your patio? String up some Christmas lights,or light up the tiki torch, or plug in patio lights. Flowers are a fabulous decoration or centerpiece. Make sure there's plenty of room to sit, so floor cushions are a nice choice. The atmosphere should be cozy and comfy.

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• Meal: My menu is always super simple, especially if I'm toting my supplies to another location. Tapas are a fabulous al fresco meal. I like pre-assembled food, such as sandwiches. Think outside of the bread bag and create wraps or pitas. 
• Dips are another way to make an easy meal. Think hummus, black bean dip, bruschetta spread, queso or fondue, or olive spread.  
• A salad is an easy and healthy summer option--beware of foods that spoil in the sun, such as mayo. A cold pasta salad is hearty and easy to pack.
• Eat the veggies and fruits that are in season. I'm hungry just thinking of the possibilities.
• Beverages: a cheap bottle of wine works, the Yucca drink featured yesterday works too, water, soda or lemonade are all great choices. Here are some options for drinks that can be made ahead of time or on-site.  
• Grilling: Here are some great recipes that go beyond hamburgers--think flanked steak.
• Potluck: Make the experience even more stress-free and have each guest bring a dish. Here are some great recipes.
• Dessert: Brownies are a no-fuss option. Sea salt brownies are my fave as are chocolate chip cookies. Fruit with yogurt or cream dip is a healthy choice. This cheesecake in a mug is too cute!

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• Activity: If you'd like, have an activity such as a kite, frisbee, or playing cards.
• Don't forget: to leave the location as you found it. Bring a trash bag just in case. Sunscreen is a must if you're in the sun and lacking shade. Have bug spray or citronella candles on hand in case (mosquitoes are an uninvited guest here in Atlanta). Bring a corkscrew if you're drinking wine (or pour the wine in a sealed carafe). Have a backup plan--in case of rain! Consider the dietary concerns of your guests. Don't forget to find shade or provide some relief from the heat (handmade fans maybe?) 
• REMEMBER: Don't stress over the dining experience. Again, keep it as simple as you feel comfortable with and as cheap as you'd like. There's no need to get fancy if that's not your style! 
• Don't want to bother at all with preparation but would still like the experience? Here's a list of the Best Al Fresco Restaurants in Atlanta. 

Do you dine al fresco often? What are your tips (other than those mentioned here) or your fave places in your city to dine al fresco?




UPDATE: Some of you asked for picnic basket suggestions: http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&rlz=1C1DVCL_enUS375US377&q=picnic%20baskets&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wf

King of Pops

Normally, I do my Monday post about my weekend. However, it was so miserably hot that I was mostly indoors. In addition to my weekend posts, I also cover Atlanta places/eateries on my blog from time to time, so I decided to combine these two features into one post!

It was nearly 100F outside, and was so hot and muggy, that it was hard to breathe. I needed refreshment and fast. The place I wanted to try was the King of Pops. Owned by Steven Carse, a former AIG employee who was laid off (hello, I can relate!), the King of Pops is a popsicle cart that features uniquely-flavored pops made with fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets. The flavors change daily are always written on his sign beside the cart.

While his usual location is at a gas station, it's best to follow the KOP via Twitter (@thekingofpops) so you can find out his flavors for the day, his location and hours (the pic above is from his Twitter). It brings a bit of novelty to it. Look at the flavors! They remind me of paletas I had in Mexico.

He's usually around the same gas station from 3-7:30pm and 12-7:30pm on weekends depending on weather. I suggest not to wait, because he does sell out. He's a nice, laid-back guy (I'd be grumpy in the heat) and serves with a smile. The press and events for this guy are everywhere--he's been on CNN, he recently made pops for the Vampire Diaries cast, and he's been featured on Bakerella and Daily Candy, among many others.

Popsicle #1 was the Chocolate Sea Salt. Man, it was good but started melting immediately. I loved the creaminess of the chocolate with just the slightest hint of salt.

The bestie had the strawberry balsamic. See the strawberry seeds? It was great and refreshing. We'll definitely be going back.


Price: $2.50 per pop (but sometimes he'll do a 3 for $5 deal later in the day or at events)


Location: Buddy's Gas Station 1079 North Ave Northeast Atlanta, GA 30307-1426. Look for the mural painted on the wall. He goes to events all over the city as well. Check his site/twitter.


Hours: 3-7:30 M-F; noon-7:30 weekends (weather can change hours). Again, follow him on Twitter (Twitter.com/thekingofpops) for menu, location, and hours.


Elle's Tips: While he will open the pops for you from their cellophane wrappers, napkins were not found, so bring your own. I found only the chocolate sea salt melted super fast, while the other flavors held together better (plus it was a heat index of 103F). This is one popsicle that you don't need (or want to) wait to eat! Also, he sells shirts bearing the King of Pops logo on site. The popsicles are from local markets, are fresh, vegan and organic (when possible) as well. I love how word-of-mouth has made this a popular spot and how someone was able to turn a bad situation of losing a job into a good one. Don't wait too late or you might miss the pops--this happened to me once before.

How was YOUR weekend? Have you ever had paletas before?

Ria's Bluebird

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Edit: This review was all written up and pics were taken via my phone, which is now DUNZO, so the pics featured are all via Google.

I've told y'all before I'm not a big breakfast person, but when I saw the new TLC show "Best Food Ever" and this place was mentioned as one of the best breakfasts in the US, I had to check it out. 

Ria's Bluebird is a busy, hopping place located in Cabbagetown (across from the famous Oakland Cemetery). I went on a Saturday morning, which is the busiest time. I waited around 20 minutes before being taken to the back, which apparently isn't bad. Here's where we sat as we listened to the fish fountain (below). The whole place has a vibe of hippie, diner, and kitsch, which all are blended together beautifully.

The New York times said that Ria's had the world's best pancakes, so OF COURSE that's what I ordered. The pancakes are hand-sifted buttermilk pancakes and are delicious.

Ria's Bluebird has a variety of menu items, such as huevos, grilled brisket, breakfast burritos, fish and grits, and plenty of vegetarian options.

When I went, I saw TOP CHEF contestant Kevin Gillepsie dining with his wife. This has nothing to do with the pics above. Ha! I just wanted to post more food pics. See below:

The prices aren't bad either, with most offerings averaging around $5-7. Not in the mood for breakfast? There's lunch too! Check out the menu here. Hungry yet? I know I'll be back. Breakfast is the highlight here, but I wanna try lunch next time.

ELLE'S TIPS: Go early on the weekend or be prepared to wait. There's very little waiting area, so if it's hot or raining, you might want to reconsider, but that doesn't discourage Ria's many fanatics. Parking was a little cramped, but a nice man offered to help me as I was backing out of the lot. The grits (a Southern delicacy) were THE best I've ever tasted. Visit the website for weekly specials and there's no separate checks.

RIA'S BLUEBIRD
OPEN DAILY 8-3
421 MEMORIAL DRIVE, ATLANTA
404.521.3737

Another Atlanta Weekend

This Weekend's Best Bets

1 'The Allure of the Automobile' Final weekend to catch this exhibition of 18 rare cars from the 1930s to the mid-'60s.

2 Rascal Flatts One of country music's most popular bands performs with 'American Idol' finalist Kellie Pickler.

3 ATL Summer Jam Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant lead a trip back to the days of New Edition and new jack swing.

4 America Get a little '70s soft rock south of Atlanta as this band brings a long list of hits (and Christopher Cross) to the Fred.

5 Zoetic Dance Exchange  One of Atlanta's most innovative and talented dance ensembles offers a choreographers' showcase.

--from ajc.com