What's goin' on.....

When I wrote the title of this blog entry, my mind automatically went to Marvin Gaye's song. Such poignant lyrics are embodied in this timeless classic.

So, what's going on with us? Same kind of stuff as you'll usually find us doing... Hanging out at the Marietta Square, checkin' out the local eats and our favorite music.

There's so much going on at the Square, it's hard to keep up - but we give it our best shot! First, let me reiterate how passionate Robert & I are about supporting our local businesses. Whether you're going out for a great cup of coffee in the morning, dinner,or to enjoy one of the many events - I promise you it will be a memorable time.

This past Friday, Robert & I rushed over to the Square as soon as I got home from work to check out the Church Street Block Party. Now, let me tell you something... these merchants really know how to put on a party! Hor'duerves and beverages combined with great conversation and fabulous goods are my idea of a good time. Being that it was late, we were only able to visit our two favorite shops.... Alchemy and King's Row Antiques. Robert hung out with Barry for awhile before indulging me in a fabulous necklace and earring set from Alchemy. (Thank you Darlin') He & Laura (proprietor) have a conspiracy going to make sure that I get the jewelry I like - which I am all for! Then, we mosied (is that really a word?) on over to King's Row and chatted for a long bit with Greg and Susie, before getting a couple of special little gifts (not saying who, but it could be you!) for some friends and relatives. Robert is still talking about how we can fit this bar into our dining room. (who needs a table and chairs?!)

We ate at La Parilla (right on the loop) after our fabulous shopping experience, where the food is good and the staff is downright friendly. I asked our lovely waitress Teresa to ask the manager how much he wants for the six foot blow-up Corona bottle. She assured me that if we come back on Cinco de Mayo that they will GIVE it to us! So, I asked her again, "es verdad?" and she said, "yes, it's the truth!" You now know where Robert & I will be dining on Cinco de Mayo!

We are constantly working on our 'Margaritaville' and I am happy to announce the addition of some new pieces! (whew, our life is really exciting, huh????) Anyhow, I was 'junkin' the other day at our local Goodwill and found four, yes four old wooden barstools. As you can tell by the pix below, they are red and oh so so.... You'll also notice a natural colored footstool that I 'rescued' from the roadside in honor of Earth Day! (sounds like a responsible reason, right?)

A couple of cans of spray paint (from The Home Depot, of course!) later and look what we've got! These stools will be fitting for our back porch or where ever they may land. I'm still thinking about and searching for kewl quotes to paint on them. (Feel free to send us any brilliant ideas you may have!)

So, I'll bet those of you who have never been to our place are wondering what the heck is going on in this 'room'! It's the garage with decorations still up from the Holiday Stress Relief Jam! So, now you know....... Whew!

Yesterday, I hung out with one of my dear friends Donna for the afternoon. We had a delicious lunch at the Marietta Diner , then headed over to the Open House at the Artisan's Resource Center. Now, I have lived in Marietta for about six years now and never knew about this place! I saw a mention on the Fox 5 Good Morning Atlanta show and decided it was a must see. Here's my favorites:

#1
Sculpture with an Edge


#2 Dana Ruth Designs



#3Nick Cook Wood Turner


(great Father's Day gift! )

#4AFX Studios

They offer classes, so I am seriously considering the metal sculpture class by Sculpture with an Edge or metal jewelry making with Dana of Dana Ruth Designs..... Decisions.....

OK - now on to something I need y'all to pay close attention to! An upcoming benefit on April 26th from 10am until 6pm - featuring six bands, including our very own Premonition!

The West Cobb Business Association is looking to make this their signature fundraising event, with the proceeds going to benefit the children of West Cobb by providing college scholarships. This is a family friendly event with no alcohol sold - bring the kids on out!

All of this is happening on Saturday, April 26, from 10am-6pm at Sun Valley Beach. There will be 6 bands on 2 stages featuring musical genres of classic rock, blues, jazz and oldies rock music. Besides Premonition, there are two other bands that have listings on Atlanta Blues Society. Totally Savage, and Roger Shepard who is playing with Shuffle Junkies. Of course, Barry Richman, who is Master of Ceremonies.

Here are the artists in order of appearance, starting at 10:30am

• Keren Leppo
• Two Stone Junction
• The Shufflejunkies
• No Time
• Totally Savage
• Premonition (going on ~ 4pm -4:30pm!)
  

Besides the music, there will be festivities for the whole family. These include outdoor sports such as horseshoes, volleyball and laser tag as well as jumpies and other inflatable for the younger kids. Speaking of kids, there will be a kids area that will allow children to color and paint at their own kids pavilion. We will have a separate food pavilion with other types of live music separate from the main stage.

What about the food?! There will be food vendors of all sorts - from fair fare (little play on words, huh?) such as popcorn, pretzels, funnel cakes, sno-cones, cotton candy to real rib stickin' food like burgers, hotdogs, BBQ and Jamaican food. Yumo as Rachel would say!

The festival will host numerous vendors displaying Arts and Crafts while others will display their services or products. It is rumored that there will be many price giveaways and numerous raffles throughout the day.

Oh and by the way.... the weather forecast is 70's, partly cloudy with only a 10% chance of rain! Bring your sunscreen and get ready for a good time!


OK - and if you're still up to it.... Sunday is Taste of Marietta. This year promises to be the biggest and best ever! The festival area has been expanded to include all sides of the Historic Marietta Square. With over 65 restaurants selling their tastiest tastes and all day entertainment, everyone is sure to have a great time!

• Four stages with live music!
• Fun and games at Kid's Alley!
• Sports Corner featuring the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Gwinnett Gladiators, Atlanta Silverbacks, Georgia Tech, and an appearance by Dominique Wilkins!
• A sunset concert featuring Banks and Shane!
• FREE parking shuttle provided by the Historic Marietta Trolley Company.
• Canned food drive for MUST Ministries.
• Autographed cookbook give-a-way from Food Network star and Marietta resident Alton Brown!

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Quick! go take a nap now - you need to rest up for next weekend!

Psstttt.... I've got a favor to ask of you. Knock, knock - can anyone hear me? Throw us a bone, ahem... leave a comment to let us know you dropped by. (you can even do it anonymously if you're shy)

LIVE- from Barnacles!

It's Monday night, and more importantly NOT a school night for Robert (aka he doesn't have to work tomorrow), sooooo..... here we are at Barnacles Sports Bar in Marietta, right near the Walmart! (isn't everything near a Walmart or Waffle House here in Georgia?)

So... I just had to check in to let you know that we are watching the NCAA Championships with a bunch of really loud people with over 100 TVs surrounding us! Yikes! For those of you who know Robert, he is in heaven right now, with the only thing being any better than this would be Nascar. (please scroll down to previous posts...)

I am rooting for Kansas (ahem who BTW is winning right now!), but Robert thinks that Memphis will win. Time and three more quarters will tell. So let's talk about the cuisine here. The prime rib is much better than expected, the cheese sticks are as greasy as expected and the Patron shots are just right! What's the special of the day you ask? This great Sam Adams glass with the purchase of a draft of ... you guess it! Sam Adams! I think we'll order another just for the kewl glass.

Hmmm..... what else can I tell you about this place???? Our waitress may have never been inside of a bar until today, but is really sweet. The hostess has an attitude, along with the big sigh when she finally concedes to show you to your seat. (Really, it wasn't just us - she's an equal opportunity when it comes to giving an attitude.)

All in all, this is a good place as sports bars go. We'll be back again - but absolutely NOT on Tuesday evening as it is the ever dreaded K-A-R-A-O-K-E! Oh wait! Tuesday's special is $5 shots of Patron.... Hmmmm - so if we were playing rock-paper-scissors, Patron would beat Karaoke.... You never know, we may be back on Tuesdays afterall.

Edited to add final score. Kansas 75 - Memphis 68!

Thank You

During the course of each of our lives, we will make friends that are true blue and will stick with us through thick and thin. As Robert recounted his experiences of the last few days, I realize that Ernie, his wife Esperanza and new precious baby girl, and Steph and her two wonderful daughters, Brianna & Alyssia (only one pictured here) were truly a part of Kapena's extended family.

We are ever so grateful that they were there for him, and how wonderful for Robert to hear their warm and funny memories of our dear Kapena.

Remembering Kapena

Hawaii welcomes me home like a long-lost friend
The warm trade winds whisper "relax" in my ears
I see a rainbow in the clear blue sky after
A sudden shower and feel the Spirit of Aloha
The beaches around the islands call to me
With joy and freedom, I plunge in the crystal sea
Fishes of all colors gather around to greet me
Sunset paints the sky in pink and red to please
My eyes as I walk around Waikiki with a smile
Hawaii lulls me to slow down and enjoy the pace
Of Island life where time has little meaning
I dream of whales and dolphins on my flight
Home and feel the Spirit of Aloha in my heart

Dear son, brother, uncle and friend - Kapena touched many lives during his short time here with us. We will all remember him with love, and vow to take him home to his native Hawaii.

Check this out!

Recognize Frank? If you don't, let me introduce you to the best CEO in retail today! Leaders like him make me proud to work at Depot.

Ain't it the Pits?!

to see Tony Stewart and the Pit Crew at The Home Depot in Atlanta?

One of the perks that HD associates have is being able to participate in a Gibbs Race Team event at our very own Store Support Center here in Atlanta. The only thing missing was Robert as he had to work. I did manage to get one of his die cast cars autographed by Tony Stewart and Greg Zipadelli, as well as a photo autographed by every one of the Pit Crew.

Fish Tales & Our Hot List!

The original intent was to tell you about a few of the places on our Hot List, but something unexpected came up, or should I say out? Can you believe that this fish was in the backyard lake? And that's no fish tale! Here's the best part....Robert threw it back in for YOU to catch!

So as I was saying, our Hot List - tried and true, or kewl and new - here are some of them. Before we start, you may notice that many of these are in our very own Marietta Square - and that is not a mistake. Both of us firmly believe in supporting local business by frequenting them, in addition to spreading the word to our friends and family.

• Alchemy - all time favorite shop on the Marietta Square. Laura has a keen eye for fashion which is reflected in her wide selection of jewelry. This isn't your mass produced gold and diamond stuff that you'll find on every corner at your local mall. It is eclectic, one of a kind in many instances, direct from the designer jewelry. Laura is one of the friendliest people that we have ever met, and we are lucky to call her our friend. Robert especially likes the fact that she offers a 'Wish List' service that allows him to never go wrong at any given holiday. She's also got a complete line of greeting cards, and other giftables so this is truly a one-stop-shop for you gentlemen! If you decide to stop by, let her know that Sheri & Robert sent you!
  
• Hair by the Square - Deborah, owner and stylist, at Hair by the Square is an expert in her field. She has a fabulous ability to listen to her customers and give them exactly what they are looking for. I get many compliments on my hair and always send them straight to Deborah! And if you are looking for Aquage products, she is one of the few in the Atlanta area that carries a full line.
  
• Willie Rae's - Our original favorite on the square, this funky, artsy atmosphere boasts fabulous cuisine, of which our very favorite is fish tacos. The staff is great, especially Michael - our favorite waiter, that always has a hug for me whenever we visit. This is truly a must visit establishment next time you are in town!
  
• L.Michelle - This botique brings you the latest fashions found in some of the hippest magazines around, in addition to Oprah's favorites! My favorite thing at this shop is the shoes! OMG! You cannot find cuter shoes for better price anywhere! I promise! I just got two pairs of great shoes on sale (60% off) for $36 total! The next time you see my houndtooth pumps, you'll know just where I got them.
• Doodlebugs - This shop could be described as groovy, hip and chic! They carry one of my favorite product lines, Quotable - which makes perfect gifts for just about anyone on your list. You'll find everything from baby gifts, to Webkinz, to college paraphelia, to gifts for your honey, Momma or best girlfriend! Oh, and they also have my favorite newpaper publication skirt!
• La Famiglia Ristorante - authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere! The menu has funny 'stuff' written by the proprieters themselves, the house Chianti is marvelous and the food, yummy!
  
• Church St. Station - this re-purposed 'filling station' catches everyone's eye as they drive down Church St with the whimsical lawn art adorning the front of the building. They carry a couple of great lines of jelly and BBQ sauces that are simply delicious! Our very favorite is the jalepeno pepper jelly. Pair this with Wheat Thins and cream cheese - divine! This one flies off the shelf quickly - so it's always worth a check in to see if they've got it in stock. There are great wood working pieces, paintings and country arts, but the most interesting to me is the potography by Alan Casey. My friend Donna & I had a chance to meet him the other day, and learned that he is a purist, using only film cameras, unless of course anyone would like to buy a new digital camera outfit for him;-). The thing that makes this special is that his photographs are un-retouched. Wow!
• Harry's - also known as Whole Foods, is a virtual paradise for Robert as he peruses the aisles for inspiration. It is great to watch the excitement in his eyes as he finds the perfect ingredients to whip up a fantastic meal for two, or fifty.
  

Some of our newest favorites - just discovered (by us that is...) are

• Kiosco - One of our friends John recommended this restaurant and we sure are glad that he did. The Columbian cuisine is authentic, and muy sabroso! Naturally with Robert being a chef we sample appetizers, entree, sangria and desert, all of which were delicious! It was so good that my friend Denice and I went there a couple of weekends ago for lunch. This definitely goes on our list of restaurants to frequent on a regular basis. (less cooking for me!)
  
• Three Bears Cafe - Laura was right! She told both of us to check this one out, as there is a suprise in the back and boy was she spot on! From the front it looks like just another cafe on the square, but wait until you venture inside. There is a full 'club' complete with a second HUGE bar, stage, dance floor and balcony with additional booths and seating. We had dinner there the night before Valentine's Day as Robert would be working long hours the next day. The menu has healthy choices, with no beef, pork or fried foods served. How do they do it?! I don't know, but the food is wonderful and very flavorful. Ahem, and don't you know we had appetizers, entree, drinks and desert. Roll me on out with a smile on my face knowing that everything, well except maybe the tequilla, was good for me. On second thought - it was Patron - that's good for me, right?! My friend Donna & I went there for lunch yesterday, and it was truly yummy. Then last night we dropped by to check out the 'night life' and it is very kewl! We will be back and this may indeed be one of our new favorite watering holes since Crystal's isn't open anymore.
  
• King's Row Antiques & Gifts - How many times have I walked past this shop? I'm embarassed to think how many, but grateful that I finally 'saw the light'! With the shop owners Susie and Greg making everyone who comes through the door feel right at home, how could you help but to love this place? With everything from elegant antiques & tole painting to great gift items, I am hooked. A full line of nightlights, magnets and dry erase boards is available with paintings by famous artists- one of my favorite being Michael Goddard. Another must have for all of your wonderful sisters out there, are the magnets, cards and notepads by Curly Girl Design. They will hit a chord on the harp you call life, and make you chuckle too! The one other line that I want you to check out is the fusion art glass by Peggy Karr. I think you're gonna love this place!
• Go Fish on the Square - Not in the fountain silly! While there aren't any big bass like Robert's above, there are lots of great catches, ahem... finds. The owner of this small chain of shops was visiting Peru several years ago and was taken by the beautiful and unique goods that were being hand-made by indigenous people of that area. The rest is history - a fabulous retailer selling unique clothing jewelry and accessories that benefits not only our very own Marietta Square, but those talented third world artisans - who just need a helping hand.
  

Whew! That's alot of favorites, huh? We have more such as Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Bass Pro, Best Buy, Home Depot, Anne Taylor Loft, Wolfe Camera, Borders, Costco, Scalini's, Orient Express, Marietta Diner - but alas don't have time to tell you all about them now.

So, if you're in Atlanta or Marietta - check out these local business and I promise you will be glad that you did!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,,,

not really - but it is a far sight from what we are used to! This brings back memories as a child - I believe it was the snow of '67 in the Chicago area.

It's snowing, it's snowing!!!

Can you believe it?!

Happy New Year!!!!

While 2007 has been quite the year, 2008 holds more suprises in store! Robert and I would like to wish each and everyone of our friends and family a prosperous, happy, healthy and safe new year.

Merry Christmas

The other day, I woke to the sounds of Silent Night quietly playing on the radio in the living room and thought to myself how blessed Robert and I are. We have a wonderful family, whom we are very proud of, great friends and each other.

We spent Saturday finishing up our Christmas shopping, then Sunday at Bobby & Cheryl's Second Annual Christmas Open House where the food was fabulous - and our friends company & music were magical!

Christmas Eve found us sleeping in, then having lunch at a cafe on the Marietta Square and onto the movie theatre to see National Treasure. (good movie!) Later, we ordered pizza and opened a couple of presents. I have to tell you that I think Robert's favorite is the indoor remote control helicoptor from Chris & Tommy! It is pretty darn kewl!

Christmas day brings many phone calls to and from family, all of which we wish we could be with on this magical day. After Robert fixed a fabulous breakfast accompanied by none other than Kona coffee, we proceeded to open the remainder of our gifts. My favorite is a three way tie between the martini set in a case from Chris & Tommy, a fabulous jewelry set from Robert (Alchemy) and the Annie Leibowitz book from Denice.

We took to the movie theatre again to see I am Legend (Robert liked alot, but a little too intense for me) and Walk Hard (simply hilarious spoof on various artists career and bio-movies).

It's been a great mini-vacation, and tomorrow it's back to work for both of us - rested and ready for whatever the New Year brings!

A Rabbi and a Pope....

..... enter the Kosher kitchen at the Grand Hyatt



and the results are simply delicious!

Read more here about how Robert spends many of his days at work!

What a better way to

spend a Saturday afternoon than with Angela and the boys at a church festival. Perfectly sunny, blue skies, sprinkled with american flags billowing in the light breeze at the local country church. Gospel melodies drifting through the air to the accompianment of none other than Brother Jeff playing the guitar, whilst others play the fiddle and bass. Face painting and color hair sprays adorn both the young and young at heart, some of who also join in the cake walk. Snow cones, dunking booths, carnival games and door prizes all can be had for the price of a couple tickets. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun! When it was all over - we stopped by the local store and I had trouble figuring out why some folks were staring at us. Could it be that we glowed in the aftermath of so much fun - or was it Nathan's painted on Batman mask and my orange hair that gave it away? We'll probably never know, and better yet - not even care!