Porch Tomatoes

One of the more rewarding things I have found in my adult life, is planting something and watching it grow. We are big fans of growing tomatoes, but weren't quite sure how it would work on a porch. 

These little tomatoes were purchased as seeds at Target. Once they started to get big, we replanted and transferred from an indoor plastic container to a larger outdoor potter. We made the mistake of using too many seeds though. As the plant grew, we eventually had to pluck out the less successful stalks. We also made a trip to Pike Nursery to get a stake. 

My one caution would be, that tomato plants needs to be watered frequently. That, and if you live on the top level, winds have a tendency to knock over the plant. It gets a little top heavy as it matures. It will take about 8 weeks for your plant to start producing tomatoes. 

Enjoy!

Adventures in (Healthy) Eating

Eating healthy starts with the food in your backyard. You know what pesticides, chemicals or lack thereof that you put on your homegrown tomatoes, peppers and basil. I recommend you start with a few basics and increase from there. Seasonings such as basil are easy to grow from your kitchen windowsill.

We always opt to research fun recipes that involve cooking. A little bit of work in the kitchen just seems to make the food taste that much better.

Greens are some of our favorites. Pictured here are collards. We like vinegar based collards. 

One of our breakfast recipes is from the Zumba cookbook. It's all vegetarian. Corn tortillas, filled with black beans, eggs whites and avocado. 

Our favorite dinners include chicken black bean southwest burgers, topped with avocado rather than condiments. Serve with a side salad to make sure you are full enough. 

Since we're prone to burgers and sandwiches, these portabello mushrooms on english muffins are perfect. Top with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. We added balsamic to top it off and add a kick. 

Eating healthy starts with the food you buy. Read the ingredients. Don't purchase foods comprised of items you can't pronounce. Whenever possible, try to support local. Farm to table is a great way to try new foods and make sure you're getting the freshest ingredients possible. 

Sneak Peek! : Beltline Atlanta

Sweet Auburn Curb Market of Atlanta, Georgia

Always one to support local, as an artist, J and I love shopping at Farmer's Markets. We used this article  on the top ten markets from Metro Atlanta to narrow down our options and start exploring the new city. Our first stop was an indoor market called Sweet Auburn Curb Marketing. The market was huge and much more commercialized than most of the farmer markets I've been too. It also has the most convenient store hours, as well as ample parking. The market will even validate your parking inside so you can forgo the $5 parking charge on the way out. 

They had a plethora of lunch options. We chose a taco restaurant, but the variety even include a place called Afro Dish, which appeared to serve Ox Tail! 

The main reason we went to the farmer's market was to pick up fish at well below grocery store pricing. Fortunately, we found J and I's favorite fish, Red Snapper.  My youngest sister, E, also picked up some shucked oysters while we were there. The oysters were huge and well worth it! 

The market had a variety of meats, as you would assume. They even had pig ears and turkey legs for sale. There were not quite as many vegetable vendors as you would have thought, but still plenty to chose from. A few even had their own branding of spices and pickled onions, etc. We found one called Wild Bill, which E and I immediately purchased for my father, Bill. 

All in all, a great trip. I am certain we will return, but am looking forward to exploring some of the more mom and pop-ish farmer markets in the future. I would encourage you to try Sweet Auburn Curb Market -- even if you are an Alabama fan have a little trouble getting over the name. :) 

DIY Terrarium

I've had an obsession with terrariums for quite a while now. However, if you buy them pre-made they are terribly expensive. I am lusting after Anthropologie's terrarium. I've also seen quite a few succulent terrariums at Pike Nurseries, but again, very expensive. They even have smaller ones at Whole Foods and at my masseuse parlor, Sweetgrass.

Anyway, I set off to make my own. I went to Target to gather my materials and bought my plants from Pike Nurseries. I bought 4 plants. None were succulents. Actually, they were just called minis. They ranged between $2 and $3 dollars each -- even the large yellow flower.

Next I hit Target. I bought a large vase. It was about $15. They had a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. You could be as creative or as bland as your chose. I also got suckered into buying sand and sea glass. I just couldn't resist the fun color combo. We already had potting soil, so I used that and some rocks and shells that we'd collected from our stint in Virginia Beach. Now it was time to start layering.

When you layer, you need to make sure all the "pretty stuff" is pushed up against the sides. You can fill the middle with dirt, because no one will see it.   It's important that you have enough of each layer because some of the layers will naturally blend together. I would err on the side of too much than too little.

Finally, put in the potting soil and plant your terrarium. Make sure you follow the directions from the nursery and give your new terrarium the required amount of sunlight. Since it's supported to be an indoor fixture, I'd go with plants that need little and indirect sunlight.

My total cost for the project was about $35. That's half of the cost of the terrarium shell from Anthropologie! If you have the time to run to a thrift store, you could probably get a vase for even cheaper. Look around your house or yard for items to use to layer.

This was such a fun project, and really helps liven up  our condo. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Lamar

Biking in Atlanta

I have not always been the biggest health nut. Okay, maybe the anesthetist of the biggest health nut. I enjoy dining out. I enjoy wine. However, in Atlanta, working out is unavoidable. Everywhere you do people are running, dog walking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, climbing. You name it, they do it.   I initially kicked off my exercise regimen with Zumba!. It was great, but the 5:30 am mornings got old quickly. The package (we bought the DVD kit available at Bed, Bath and Beyond) included Zumba! sticks and a meal plan. The meals were great. Filling and a different pace for us. However, we still weren't getting to enjoy Atlanta. Thus spurred the purchase of a hybrid bike.

Our first stop was Atlanta Cycling. They carry a bike brand called Trek. I was familiar with this brand because as a child, my "big girl" bike was a Jazz Cherry Bomb by Trek. Always a deal seeker I was bummed when the entry level bike cost $600 and the saleswoman was unable to budge. My plan was to buy a bike, a Saris Bones 2 bike car rack, biking glasses, water bottle holder and a kickstand. The total put us at $825. I wasn't ready to commit. The store was unable to even give us the slightest discount or throw in the kickstand or bottle holder for free. The saleswoman was wonderfully knowledgeable, but not empowered enough to bargain with us. She offered to bring a water bottle holder from home if we made the purchase. We liked her and the bike, but ultimately walked to shop around a bit more.

The next day, we visited another bike store in Little 5 Points called Outback Bikes. The store was staffed with granola employees. They were hippies who knew their stuff.  Outback features Specialized bikes. For the longest time, I didn't realize that was the brand name and kept wondering what it was that was specialized about the bikes. The bike started at $50 less than the Trek. Plus it was pink and black. Very chic. The salesman knocked another 10% off the bike immediately, plus 15% off the bike rack and threw in a kickstand for free. I later ended up removing the water bottle holder from one of my old bikes for my new bike. The total for everything was roughly $600. Sold. The Specialized Vita was mine.

I did a little reach about the Trek and Specialized brands. This is what I came up with: It's the difference between a Toyota Camery and a Honda Accord. It really just boils down to personal preference.

J was pleased with this store as well. He rides a Specialized Rockhopper. It's nice to be able to service both our bikes in the same place. His bike is a mountain bike and mine is a hybrid, but we haven't had any issues keeping up with each other yet. I just don't do the same off roading he does. He also does better with the traction going up hill than I do with my skinny hybrid tires. My bike though, it perfect for my needs. I am able to carry if up and down the 3 flights of stairs to our apartment without issue. I an also lift it onto the bike rack on the back of the car. 

Our newest adventure has been exploring the Path Foundation bike paths. It's a great way to see Atlanta. You'd never imagine how much greenery there is in the middle of our vast city.

We have fun exploring and talking about the new trails we find. We have definitely developed some good and bad recommendations. I am still working up the muscles to go up large hills, but the point is that you try and it gets easier as you practice and build muscle. Our further ride has been just over 5 miles. This is such a challenge for me. Being from Savannah, I am used to flat paths rather than the rolling hills of Atlanta. Needless to say, my beach cruiser (that was perfectly suited for Virginia Beach) is now for sale. 

Stay tuned for more posts about our biking adventures. Which paths to take, and which to skip. 

Travel: Men and Women

This is a quick post to illustrate the different between a female packing and a male. On the left is my idea of luggage. Stylish, yet practical. Easily identifiable on the airport carisole. On the right is my beau's idea of packing for a weekend get away. No muss, no fuss. Everything goes neatly into a plastic bag . . . and then ends up in my suitcase for the trip home. So much for saving room for any shopping I might do!

A Reception at The Cavalier Country Club

We joined Jenna and Patrick at The Cavalier Hotel to celebrate their wedding day. The hotel was breathtaking, as was the bride. I appreciated the historic romance the Cavalier setting brought to the day.

Tables were set up throughout the pool and dining hall. Arrangements floating in the olympic size pool.

We took as many photo opportunities as possible. It is rumored that the historic building is to be bought and destroyed for its valuable property. To renovate the property was not worth the profit to be made if the land were used for something else -- hotels, high rises, restaurants or night clubs.  However, a recent article states otherwise and expresses a proposal to leave the Cavalier Country Club untouched. You can read more about the 200 million dollar project here. 

Below is a picture of the cake, pre-cutting and before the bride and groom loving smeared the cake in each other's faces. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The maid of honor was filled with emotion as she expressed her happiness towards the couple before the cake cutting.  The wedding had an aquatic theme, complete with starfish and sailboats. 

The wedding had an aquatic theme, complete with starfish and sailboats. The tables were lit with candles and decorated in blue. A beautiful wedding and venue. 

Virginia Beach Visit Summer 2013

As many of you know, I spent a little over 3 years in Virginia Beach before returning to Georgia. Luckily, I snagged my beau up there. He and I both have family in Virginia Beach, so we have a fabulous excuse to visit anytime we want.

If you've ever been to the Hampton Roads area, Virginia Beach in particular, you know it's necessary to indulge in a celebratory orange crush upon arrival. We choose a favorite at the oceanfront, Mahi Mah's. Mahi Mah's is a fabulous restaurant connected with the Gold Key Group. A bit of a tourist trap, and definitely not cheap, the food expresses the local flavor of the beach. We started off with tuna sashimi and then progressed into a white fish citrus taco. Amazing.

I wish Virginia Beach would take after Savannah a little bit more with their liquor laws. How much fun would it be to walk the board walk with a cool orange crush in hand? I'm just sayin'. . . .

That evening we went to Wharfside Bar and Grill with J's immediate family. The restaurant was formerly Todd Jurich's Burger Bar. I was a bit surprised the Burger Bar didn't make it, but in a recession, who is really going to pay $15 for a burger with an up charge for specialty fries? The burger joint may have made it with those prices if it had not been known for an expensive burger place. Let's be honest, a $15 burger isn't completely off the wall for the oceanfront as some of it's more touristy locations.

Wharfside seemed to pride itself on liquor specials. I found this interesting. It promotes itself as a family restaurant and then blends into the night crowd with it's liquor specials for the over 21 crowd. The main appeal to this restaurant is it's beautiful, calming view of the water and enormous portion sizes. I ordered a salad that 4 people could have split happily.

Our next adventure was a post- rehearsal dinner drink at (yet another Gold Key property) Catch 31. Did I forget to mention the main reason we were in town was two former co-worker's weddings (they are marrying each other -- not just a happy coincidence)? As out of town guests we were invited to their rehearsal dinner at Isle of Capris and joint bachelor/bachlorette party at Catch 31 late night.

We happily went to Catch 31. J used to valet there as a high schooler. A decade and a half later, he still knows some of the same people he used to work with in high school!

We were able to squeeze in friend time as well. Some much needed time with my friends in Virginia Beach. We tried out a new restaurant called Salt. They consider themselves a restaurant with, " a contemporary selection of fine foods from around the world with a European and Asian twist. The inspiration for our menu came from different techniques used around the globe and appeal to a vast array of the public." Food was good, service was slow. We didn't mind though because we were all catching up.

 No trip to Virginia Beach is complete without a mandatory walk on the beach. We choose to walk Croatan Beach sheerly for the fact that's where we were staying. We walked down to the jetty and back. We saw several fisherman casting nets. They catch all sorts of croaker, crab and even a few flounders. It's always fun to see how people are able to live off the land. 

After our walk in the beach, we ran into Tad's Deli to get lunch. The place make the best sandwiches in all of Virginia Beach. You can literally taste the freshness. It sounds bit like we had a food tour of Virginia Beach. In actuality, we just are simply the type that accept food brings people together. We use food as an excuse for social gatherings to bring people together. More details on the wedding to come!

Ladybug Release

One Sunday afternoon J and I ran into a Pike Nurseries to buy a support for our porch tomato plant (stay tuned for the porch tomato blog). We picked up a metal support for about $2.99. Pleased with our cheap find we made our way to the register. The woman ran up our purchase and asked J and I if we wanted some ladybugs. We were both perplexed and uncertain of why we would want live (live!!!) ladybugs. She explained it was a promotional item and they were giving them away for free. They eat all the bad bugs in your garden and hopefully lay eggs so the next generation can do the same.

Not one to pass up anything for free, we accepted the ladybugs. I read the directions as we drove home. We were to release the bugs in the evening when they were less active. The thought of 150 ladybugs released and attacking my hair briefly flickered through my mind. J would release the ladybugs and I would watch. He carefully cut the top of the mesh to release the sleepy ladybugs. He may have accidentally squished one or two on their way out. The ladybugs were a vibrant red-orange color. As members of the beetle family, my largest concern was their ability to fly places we did not want them. Fortunately, the night time release was a good tip and the ladybugs did not take flight. The package seems to have what looked like onion flakes, but was surely food.

Now, bear in mind, J and I live in a 1250 square foot apartment on the third floor. While we have a nice sized porch, it is just that. A porch. We had at the time about 6 plants on the porch. 150 ladybugs was a lot of luck for these little plants. None the less we released the ladies about 6:30 in the evening. They flocked every which way to the plants, crawling on them in abundance. We briefly watched the ladybugs and wondered if there would be a mass exodus as they left our porch in search for greener pastures. They stayed. 

When we woke in the morning, we found most of the ladybugs had fled. We didn't see any larva, nor did a new generation of ladybugs spring to life to save the fate of our plants from future harmful bugs. It was a cool experience, but left my uncertain of the results. I think this would be great for a house with a garden, but perhaps did not work as successfully with the potted plants on our third floor balcony. 

Athens, Georgia II

Part Two of my trip to Athens, included a restaurant called The Last Resort Grill. The restaurant got rave reviews, so perhaps my expectations were set too high. The food was just ok. It wasn't some forbidden experience. Everything was fairly run of the mill and in short, exactly what I would expect from a college town restaurant. Perfect to student who need a "nice" place for the their parents to drop a little cash taking them out while in town visiting. The best perk is the location and the lovely open air patio. I tried the pecan encrusted trout followed by a blueberry cheesecake.



My next adventure was a place called NONA, or New Orleans N' Athens. I was hesitant to go somewhere that was clearly advertising itself as a different (non-local) food culture. However, lunch was delightful. I didn't really to get explore much as I sat in the bar, but my Croche Madame was wonderful! It actually reminded me of a dish I'd sampled in France.

My last adventure in Athens started at a bar called the Mad Hatter. A junky college bar that reminds you of how much fun college was and how glad you are past that point in your life. This particular bar came with a quirky overalls wearing bartender, and a (I'm assuming) owner stuck in the throws of college life. We witnessed the owner smack the butt of the bartender, who at the very least was decades under than him. We turned a blind eye, as the bartender didn't seem to mind and carried on about her way. J turned to me and asked if that was acceptable in these big college towns. I shook my head, but understood the concern. We reveled too much at the $2 beers to cause a scene over 2 consenting individuals in a college bar.

Our last stop was Farm 255. To my dismay, it was owned by Farm Burger, but was not a chain. I was disappointed to hear it was owned by Farm Burger, but quickly lifted my spirits when we were told the large table next to us were a group of farmers and their friends. The restaurant allowed the farmers to bring in their crops and then prepared a gourmet meal for them as a thank you for supplying the restaurant with all the fresh produce, meat and cheeses.

The restaurant was large and open, with a bar. If I was a fraternity boy and wanted to impress a date, I'd take them there! We ordered a cheese board and a bottle of wine. I picked three cheeses I'd never heard of. They were all interesting and unique with strange pairings to bring out their flavors like nuts, honey or figs.  As you can see from our picture, I didn't snap one in time. This is the aftermath of our sampling.

The service was slow, but friendly. Since moving to Georgia I feel always remain J that the South has a slower pace of life than most places. We need to sip and enjoy our wine and be patient. I'm sure slow service is never deliberate.

I would return to Farm 255 without a doubt. This was the best, and also most expensive of my nights in Athens. There were no college pricing reprieves here.


For dinner I ordered the steak on the menu and J ordered the pork chop. I thought my steak was good, until I tried J's pork chop. It was without a doubt a best pork chop I'd ever had. It was melt in your mouth delicious. I know that my next order will be. We also shared a small dessert. J isn't really big on desserts, but is a sucker for creme brulee.

After leaving Farm 255 we had night cap at The Georgia Bar and then Whiskey Bent. The Georgia Bar was a sleepy dive bar. We hung out there and made friends with the bartenders for a bit. We went in search of something more lively and hit up Whiskey Bent. A fraternity bar with 2 underage bouncers playing on their cell phones in the entrance. A mosh pit of collared shirts, with out any females in sight. Ladies, I'd hit up this place. Again, as I've said repeatedly, it was so interesting to be an outsider observing these young men. I couldn't help but think, that used to be me. In college we stuck to the Greek bars and even some of the dive bars turned into Greek bars for when my preppy little friends and I wanted an adventure. J and I smiled at each and started our walk home. It was, after all, getting pretty close to midnight.