lessthanthree ATL

Super Pan to the Rescue

2011-06-18T12:03:00.003-04:00

Want to try the best sandwiches in town? Then Super Pan is the place for you. This small spot is my go-to for delicious, mouth-watering, meat-filled eats. But fear not vegetarians, there are veggie options as well! While their hours are a bit tricky (Tues-Friday from 11:30am - 2:30pm) the food more than makes up for the short business hours.

If it weren't for the meager hours, I'd probably eat at Super Pan at least once a week. As a compromise to myself, I make sure that whenever I have any scheduled day off from my usual 9-5, that Super Pan will undoubtedly be my lunch haunt. Lucky for me, yesterday was one of those days, so I dragged my fella and a good friend to the Pan for a lesson in food bliss.

Yesterday, I ordered one of my favorites: the Pork Belly Buns (pictured.) These little guys are filled with tender pork belly, shredded cabbage, cilantro, tamarind sauce and are served on steamed coconut buns. (Are you salivating yet? Good.) It's difficult to believe that something so small could taste so flavorful, but they do not disappoint. The Pork Buns come with 2 to an order and are more than filling. The other sandwiches are larger and certainly not without substance, and I was fortunate enough to trade a bite of my pork buns for a bite of the Cubanito. I'll say it here and now, that it was hands-down, the best Cuban sandwich I have ever tasted. (Would I lie to you?)

As if the sandwiches aren't enough, Super Pan has really amazing burnt caramel flan and offers up treats like these adorable cookies:

You shouldn't need further convincing, but if you're still a skeptic head over for lunch hours Tues-Friday. For more info or to view the drool-worthy menu, visit Super Pan's website here.

Photo-Op: Seen Downtown

2011-05-25T22:18:00.001-04:00

motorcyle outside of STATS downtown

Victory Sandwich Bar: Small Bites That Pack a Punch

2011-05-22T23:53:00.004-04:00

Tucked away on a small street in Inman Park, Victory Sandwich Bar has become the new watering hole in my neighborhood for small bites and strong drinks. Known loosely for their decor that has been likened to a place "where Steve McQueen would hang out," the interior is very industrial, sporting lots of hard wood, steel and cinder blocks. The menu is small and simple with equally small and simple sandwiches to match. But don't let that phrasing fool you...these small wonders are filled with flavor. One sandwich would be perfect for a snack, but I usually order two as a meal.

My favorite on the menu is the Hambo (pictured). This little sandwich comes with proscuitto, fresh mozzerella, arugula, sliced apples and a reduced balsamic vinegar. It is one part Italian and one part heavenly.

The drinks at Victory are also no joke. I was very pleased to see that they make Dark and Stormies, a favorite of mine. (And of note, they make theirs with Gosling's Ginger Beer, which stands true to the original beverage.)

Another drink that should not go without mention is the Jack and Coke Slushie. And yes, this is just as delicious as it sounds. Served in a small Mason jar, this beverage is perfect for hanging out on the patio on a hot Atlanta day. The only problem is, once you have one, you'll immediately want another. Fortunately, the Jack and Coke Slushie is priced for multiple beverage purchases and at a mere $4, you can order more than one without breaking the bank.

If any of this sounds delicious (and it should), pop over to Victory any day between 11am and 2am and try a couple of the small, but mighty sandwiches for yourself. (And don't forget the slushie!)

For more info, click here to visit Victory Sandwich Bar's website.

Precious Pottery for Your Sweets

2011-05-20T23:51:00.002-04:00

green lace cake stand: image via here

If you know me well, you know that I'm a fan of food: cooking it, eating it, sweet, savory...I pretty much love it all. But one of my very favorite desserts? Cupcakes. I couldn't help but be drawn to the adorable green lace cake stand (pictured) that is perfectly-sized for cupcakes or smaller cakes and pies.

Atlanta-based Etsy seller, Jeanette Zeis, operates Vessels and Wares- a shop that specializes in handmade pottery and stoneware with a particular focus on special occasions. In addition to cake stands, she also sells nesting bowls, candy jars, and hanging stoneware fruit baskets among others.

nesting mixing bowls in aqua: image via here

All of the pottery at Vessels and Wares are beautifully-made and perfect for featuring your sweets for birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, weddings and so on. Perhaps one of these days I'll break down and buy her oh-so-perfect nesting mixing bowls (pictured above), or the gorgeous, black 2-tiered dessert stand (below)...but first, I should probably work on my baking skills.

dessert stand- 2 tier- black: image via here

For more info or to purchase pottery of your own, check out the Vessels and Wares Etsy shop here.

Photo-Op: bacon shots

2011-05-19T23:22:00.001-04:00

Bakon vodka, chilled and served with warm bacon garnishes (at Manuel's Tavern)

Atlanta Staple: Manuel's Tavern

2011-05-17T23:49:00.002-04:00

Usually, I consider myself a fairly observant person. With my friends, I can tell when something is wrong. I see the looks that strangers give other people in social situations. I take note of various nuances in my day-to-day life. With that said, it wasn't until tonight that I noticed the urn behind the bar at Manuel's Tavern. Once I saw that urn, I knew the remains had to be none other than Manuel himself. Manuel Maloof was a well-known Atlanta politician who opened up the tavern back in 1956, and to this day city-folk flock to the bar whenever anything political is abuzz.

Need a place to watch a debate? Manuel's is your place. Need a place to grab a cold one and have some truly stellar Brunswick stew? Manuel's is the place for that as well. Given the decor, the tavern is pretty straightforward with its political affiliation. JFK memorabilia and paintings are peppered throughout the bar (and to warn any die-hard Republicans, you might want to steer clear during nights when they are broadcasting political events.)

The infamous urn, underneath the painting

Once you go once your twice, you realize the regulars sit at the bar instead of the booths or tables. The tavern isn't hard-pressed for seating either- it's huge! They even have a room off to the right side (past the pinball machine) that is used to host large parties and special events.

As for the clientele, the crowd is pretty eclectic. Many people will go to watch sporting events, others will go for the food, but more than anything, Manuel's is that neighborhood bar that's been there forever...you know what you're getting when you go there and that's a comforting feeling. My personal favorites off the menu are the Tuna Melt with a side of steak fries, and I usually order a Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark (on draft) since Manuel's is the only place in town that seems to serve this beer (if I remember correctly.)

Sure, you may drive past it all the time without thinking twice, but there's something homey and satisfying about this neighborhood bar that's been around for decades. Manuel's always seems to draw me in. If you're like me and always find yourself in one of the dimly-lit booths, make sure you take note of the urn behind the bar. Sure, it took me 7 years, but I finally found Manuel.

For more info, visit the Manuel's Tavern website here.

Photo-Op: Battle of Atlanta

2011-05-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

A Walk Through Oakland Cemetary

2011-05-15T20:51:00.004-04:00

For some reason it didn't rain in the area this weekend and the past few days' 91 degree weather subsided to what felt like a crisp, overcast Autumn day. Since my fella's never actually visited the Oakland Cemetary, he agreed to accompany me on a romantic graveyard walk this afternoon. I don't have a lot of historic tidbits for you, but instead wanted to share my walk and post some of the treasures I found buried behind Oakland Cemetary's tall brick walls.

magnolia trees were all abloom

city buildings in the background


Margaret Mitchell's grave site

The other side of Margaret Mitchell's grave site. The top of the Capitol lines up perfectly in the background.

During our walk we encountered a large goth picnic, a drugged-up homeless man, out-of-towners, a tour group, bike riders, dog walkers, and several other photographers. It's easy to understand why so many people come to visit the Oakland Cemetary. With its history, the winding pathways and the beautiful grounds, it's a place that every Atlantan needs to experience at least once.

If you've never been to the Oakland Cemetary, or want to go again, the perfect opportunity would be next weekend. The Historic Oakland Foundation is putting on a benefit show called "Tunes for the Tombs" and over 100 acts will perform on May 21st and 22nd. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit the website here.

Photo-Op: MLK Mural

2011-05-14T23:36:00.001-04:00

Mural on Edgewood Ave.

Mi Barrio: Me Gusta

2011-05-13T21:36:00.001-04:00

You'll have to forgive me for two reasons... Reason 1: I have not talked about Mi Barrio until today. Reason 2: I've just consumed a massive margarita (plus remnants of another) and thought this would be the perfect time to write about my favorite Mexican restaurant in Atlanta.

Totally unassuming, Mi Barrio is tucked away between newly-built condos and a Western Union station near the Memorial Drive and Boulevard intersection. (Yes, for real.) In fact, if you happened to be in the area, you might drive by without blinking an eye. But my fellow Atlanta brethren, I'm here to tell you that if you want Mexican food, (and I mean REAL Mexican food), look no further because Mi Barrio is the hands-down, the best in town.

Shortly after my arrival tonight, just after my obligatory chips and salsa were presented, I ordered a large margarita. The house margaritas at Mi Barrio are killer...and I mean that (almost) literally. They will (almost) knock your ass out. I've never been courageous enough to order the largest size, and since I usually opt for a small or medium-sized margarita, I was a bit (shall we say), taken aback when this arrived at the table:

totally gratuitous margarita photo (you are jealous, I know)

While the picture above might lead you to believe that my hands are child-sized, they are actually not. Yes, I have smallish hands, but the width of my palm was no match for the gargantuan stem of this behemoth goblet of deliciousness. And for the record, yes...I did finish the beverage...(And I'm quite proud of that)...but before I get too ahead of myself, let me mention the food.

Adobada enchilada

Tonight's selected dishes were ordered a la carte. I chose one of the adobada (spiced pork) enchiladas and one chili relleno. The enchiladas are made with a corn tortillas, stuffed with meat and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and a little bit of Manchego cheese. And let me tell you, they are incredible!

Onto the chili relleno, it was mild on the spice level (a true poblano pepper) stuffed with cheese and fried with a perfect crisp, golden shell...

chili relleno

My favorite thing about Mi Barrio aside from the food is the friendliness of the staff and the laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant is family-owned and once you go once or twice, they will never forget your face.

So the next time you have a hankering for an authentic Mexican meal, Mi Barrio is where it's at...accept no substitutions.

Photo-Op: Radical Packaging

2011-05-11T22:34:00.000-04:00

pretty packaging at sugar-coated radical

While I've mentioned sugar-coated radical before (for their amazing chocolates and goodies on Bakery Sunday), I've failed to mention their eye-catching packaging. Whenever you purchase a box of hand-selected candies from sugar-coated radical, they carefully pack them in a little box with their logo stamped on the outside. The chocolates are then wrapped with a homemade fabric logo (I keep mine on the fridge as a souvenir) and they finish the look by tying a string around the box like a present. You can't help but feel special when you walk out of the shop with the finished product in your hand.

A pretty box of chocolates all tied up with string? This is one of my favorite things.

Sketch Artist "Atlanta" Jones

2011-05-10T21:52:00.005-04:00

"Bela Lugosi as Dracula" image via here

I stumbled across this sketch card from Atlanta-based artist, Andrew "Atlanta" Jones on Etsy. (Technically, he lives in Duluth, but that's close enough.) I had a (brief) flirtation with comic books a while back so I couldn't help but notice the comic book-like style in his drawings.

Atlanta Jones features drawings of Sci-fi and Horror movie favorites (like Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and Hitchcock's Psycho, for example.) Each drawing is done on a 3.5" x 2.5" piece of bristol board. These would definitely make a fun gift for the sci-fi/horror/comic lover in your life.

As for the drawing that caught my eye, the more I look at "Bela Lugosi as Dracula" the more I want to buy it, frame it in a shadowbox, and stare at it while listening to Bauhaus. Maybe I will.

For more info and to look at other drawings, visit Andrew "Atlanta" Jones' Etsy page here.

The Healthy Fro-Yo Trend

2011-05-09T23:10:00.004-04:00

As you're probably well aware, the healthy fro-yo trend has become widespread in ATL. With all of the options available, what's a guy or gal to do when they want a healthy frozen treat? I don't know about you, but from the gamut my taste buds prefer Yoforia. I'm not sure what the food scientists do over there, but the flavors are spot on. For example, the peanut butter yogurt tastes, well...just like peanut butter! The Ferrero Rocher tastes just like the candy, (and the snozzberries taste like snozzberries.)

I took a visit last night to the Virginia Highlands location, which has recently undergone a makeover. The shop now features a complete self-serve bar, where you dispense your own yogurt and choose your own toppings. Since the original (tart flavored) yogurt was out of order, I chose the pomegranate and pineapple flavors instead. Due to their tart nature, the toppings I selected were fresh strawberries and Fruity Pebbles (hey, don't knock it 'til you try it!)

Of the two flavors, I definitely preferred the pomegranate. I was in the mood for tart, so that definitely satisfied. My usual though? The taro root flavor. It goes really well with graham cracker, dark chocolate chips and almonds, as toppings.

My favorite thing about Yoforia's yogurt is that while I'm a bit lactose-intolerant, the frozen yogurt never gives me tummy woes. You heard me right...all of the live and active cultures (L. Acidophilus, et al) tend to have a reverse effect on sensitive stomachs. It is believed that yogurt can actually improve digestion. So the next time you're looking for an after dinner digestif, why not skip the Fernet Branca and go for some of Yoforia's fro-yo instead? Oh, and try the Fruity Pebbles, while you're at it.

lessthanthree Mothers

2011-05-08T22:51:00.009-04:00

When a city-dweller travels outside the city, they usually do so for good reason. You probably know this is referred to as "going OTP" (which translates to outside the perimeter.) Today, I went OTP for a Mother's Day tour to visit my mama and my fella's mama who both live in suburbs of the city. To begin our tour, we drove up to Gainesville for a brunch with my family, followed by a late lunch in Cumming.

The garden at my parents' house was in full bloom, and the weather was sunny and gorgeous-- a perfect day fit for celebrating the strong, special women in our lives...

The foxgloves (above) were even more beautiful in person

I thought the mix of the light green hostas in the bright blue planter were very striking.

(Good job, Dad)

A photo of my mom: senior year in high school

Mom today, wearing her Mother's Day crown,

Whether they live ITP, OTP, or somewhere else entirely, I would just like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and all of the mothers out there. <3

Photo-Op: Roxy Hotel

2011-05-07T22:56:00.004-04:00

Roxy Hotel building

A Delicious Start to Your Weekend: Octane's Friday Cocktails

2011-05-06T18:25:00.004-04:00

Octane mixologist, Joshua Flail

What better way to start your weekend off right than with a refreshing adult beverage? After a long work week, I know that I enjoy something that helps me unwind and puts me in the right mindset for relaxation. If you share my appreciation for the weekend kickoff beverage, look no further...Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge has you covered.

Every Friday, Octane offers up a special drink. Resident mixologist, Joshua Flail, comes up with these creations and every time I've had one, I can't help but to go back for another. Several weeks ago, it was the "Mexi-cola Martini" (or something to that effect.) Said drink was made with Mexican Coke (which I love, proof here) and espresso-infused vodka. Yum. I had two and welcomed the weekend with a smile.

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the ingredients for today's Friday cocktail and Joshua informed me that it would be a "spicy tequila" beverage with bitters among other ingredients (see photo.) If that sounds right up your alley, (and if you're clamoring for a continuation of Cinco de Mayo), head on over to Westside's Octane and order the special Friday cocktail. Bottom's up!

Every Thursday is Burger Thursday!

2011-05-05T18:34:00.010-04:00

Grindhouse burger, photo courtesy of Bobby Stoskopf

Unless you live under a rock, you're painfully aware that today is Cinco de Mayo, one of America's favorite days to drink tequila and eat Mexican food. But did you also know that today is Burger Thursday? Actually, every Thursday is Burger Thursday...which is pretty amazing if you ask me.

I asked Atlanta's Bobby Stoskopf, one of the founding fathers of Burger Thursday, some questions about the infamous food-themed day...

<3ATL: So, how did you come up with the idea for Burger Thursday?

Bobby: I think #burgerthursday traces back to a Thursday when I had gone out to lunch with some co-workers and when I returned a friend of mine in San Fransisco had tweeted something about also having a burger that day. We then decided that EVERY Thursday should be #burgerthursday. We have a few mutual friends that we know from NYC and most of us have moved away. So we were getting a rep in SF, Atlanta, NYC, Austin and St. Louis. We just sort of went for it after that. For kicks, I had saved a search for "#burgerthursday" on Twitter and noticed some European restaurant having "#burgerthursday" specials. Shortly after that, it was time to get ownership of the @burgerthursday name.

It sort of became a quicker version of "reviewing" burgers than my participation with Hambloggerwithcheese which was attempted to be revived this year, but I haven't had the time to write our full reviews for lately.

<3ATL: Where is "Burger Thursday" held?

Bobby: That's the fun part! It changes! Each week, try to go somewhere new. If you wind up at the same place, no big deal, but try and order a different burger than the last time you were there.

<3ATL: Is "Burger Thursday" beef specific?

Bobby: It's not "HAMburger Thursday", now is it? Any burger is acceptable. I've posted Beef, Bison, Turkey and Black Bean. So vegetarians/vegans are welcome to participate!

<3ATL: How exactly does one participate in "Burger Thursday"?

Bobby: All you need is a Twitter and/or Instagram account. On Thursday, go find a place that serves burgers, order one and when it's brought out to you, take a picture. Post that picture to Twitter and/or Instagram. It's preferred to let everyone know where the burger is from and to use the #burgerthursday hashtag. Twitter users can use the @burgerthursday instead of the hashtag if so desired.

<3ATL: Great! So here's a question everyone is probably wondering...what are your top three places for a burger in Atlanta?

Bobby: In Atlanta... The Porter, Farm Burger and I have to give H&F/Bocado a tie with them being so similar.

<3ATL: What else should we know?

Bobby: Currently, we just have the Twitter page. Aside from Burger Thursday, I'm also teamed up with a good friend for starting the first Cupcake Camp Atlanta. This will be a free event held in the Fall. We're still looking for a venue, so if anyone has suggestions... please let us know! Our site is located here and our FB page is here.

<3ATL: Good to know...I'll keep the Cupcake Camp in mind! Any final words?

Bobby: Beyond the food stuff, I enjoy nerding out on computer stuff, zombies, baseball and PEZ.

So there you have it. Every Thursday is #burgerthursday. My question to you...why not go get a burger now before drinking all those Cinco de Mayo margaritas? Speaking of which, here's my contribution:

Yeah! Burger: grass-fed beef, with blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, garlic aoili and bacon jam (yes, all of that)

Happy eating, everyone! And Happy Burger Thursday!

lessthanthree the Helfen family

2011-05-04T20:20:00.001-04:00

I had today's post all planned out, but there's something a lot more important that I wanted to share today instead in hopes that some of you, my wonderful readers, might want to know about and help out with...

On April 30th, my friend Ben Helfen and his wife Brooke had their baby Wolfgang "Wolfie" Helfen. During the pregnancy, everything reported normal and the baby was healthy as far as the doctors knew; however, once he was born, Wolfie was diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE.) HIE means that for a certain amount of time, there was to a lack of oxygen in the blood flow to the brain. This resulted in a great deal of brain damage to little Wolfie.

The Helfens have shown tremendous strength during this unthinkable time. They have been with Wolfie through numerous procedures and changes in hospitals for days now and their hospital bills continue to accumulate. To help with their medical bills, a donation site as been set up to help them deal with the financial burden.

I can honestly say, the Helfens are wonderful people and if you're interested in donating to the Wolfie Helfen fund, I've included the link below to the donation page. Thanks for reading, everyone. And much love to the Helfens...my thoughts are with you.

Want to help?

Donate to the Wolfie Helfen Fund

T is for Tuesday, Tequila & Tacos

2011-05-03T22:34:00.002-04:00

A year or so ago, I used to meet up with friends for something I called "Margarita Monday." Each week, we'd share a pitcher of margaritas, eat Mexican food and generally be merry. While those days are few and far between, I find no reason why this kind of behavior should only be deemed for one day and one day only. I love tequila. I do! It's actually a stimulant instead of a depressant which is why it makes you want to put on a pair of platforms and dance like Pee Wee Herman.

With all of that said, I decided there was no reason that today shouldn't be "Tequila & Taco Tuesday." Since the weather was less than cheery, a margarita was just what the doctor ordered. And while most people stay away from Taqueria del Sol when it rains, I find that's the perfect time to visit any of their locations. Known for their long lines, that seems demonstrably different whenever there is bad weather.

Brisket taco

After walking in to no line and right up to the bar (my favorite place to eat at Taqueria) the first thing that I ordered was one of their delicious house margaritas on the rocks with salt (pictured above.) Creature of habit that I am, I also got an order of cheese dip and two of my favorites: the brisket taco and a side of the shrimp corn chowder.

The shrimp corn chowder

The brisket taco, (like most of their tacos) is pretty simple: it's brisket with pico de gallo served on a flour tortilla. The juices from the pico make the brisket really juicy and the combination of flavors always leaves me satisfied. As for the shrimp corn chowder, I'm a sucker for the stuff. If you weren't clued in by my (very) French last name, I'm part Cajun...and this shrimp corn chowder tastes oh-so-much like the Cajun dish, "maque choux." The only difference is that it's slightly creamier and with shrimp. Sooo delicious.

Now, I know what you're thinking...Thursday is Cinqo di Mayo, so why did I decide to do the tacos & tequila today? To that, I answer: why not? Seriously, there's no good reason why you can't eat tacos every day or drink a margarita whenever you feel like it. But if it makes you feel better, start your own "Margarita Monday," "Tequila & Taco Tuesday," or while we're at it, "Thirsty Thursday." I promise...I won't judge one bit.

Photo-Op: Highland Row Antiques

2011-05-02T21:57:00.003-04:00

downstairs display at Highland Row Antiques

Inman Park Fest: Part 2

2011-05-01T22:30:00.002-04:00

The Inman Park Festival drew to an end today and the weather was once again hot and sunny (perfect for more frozen treats.)

Since walking around in high temperatures for extended periods of time can often cause exhaustion, you'll have to forgive the brevity of the wording in this post...

Instead, sit back, relax and enjoy the photos.

Above: funnel cake...my favorite festival food

Above: the Mona Lisa as a sea turtle. Unfortunately, I didn't get the name of the artist,

but I found this rather amusing.

Above: artwork by J. Spencer Shull

Above: a man was walking around with a teacup pig in a bag.

Dogs weren't allowed but I guess pigs were alright.

Above: view of festival-goers. Hats and sunglasses galore.

The weekend was eventful and the festival was nice but I have to admit, it sure feels good to have my parking space back. I'll see all of you again for next year's fest! Thanks for visiting the 'hood.

Inman Park Fest: Part 1

2011-04-30T23:56:00.009-04:00

photo via Gary Estime

Every year the Inman Park Festival takes over the neighborhood for a weekend in April, and people come en masse to check out the parade, music, art and vendor booths. Each year, I surrender to the crowd (and lack of parking in my 'hood), and travel everywhere on foot.

The festival kicked off today and the weather was very sunny and hot, providing the ideal conditions for frozen lemonade, sno-cone and popsicle consumption.

At 2pm, the parade began and slathered in SPF 50, I watched painted faces, marching bands and local businesses entertain the crowd.

photo via Gary Estime

The kids in the Peanuts psychiatric-help booth (above) were quite adorable. Also, I found it rather amusing that this kid was dressed as Snoopy seeing that dogs aren't allowed in the festival. Perhaps you remember that segment in the Peanuts movie, Snoopy Come Home: "No Dogs Allowed":

I've been a fan of the Seed & Feed Marching Abominables for a while now. When you go to any parade in town, you'll be sure to see this group, decked out and performing passionately and colorfully:

photo via Gary Estime

My favorite addition to the parade this year were the BoxHeroes. These costumes were all handmade out of cardboard boxes and reminded me of my uncle's Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots game. These won a best in show in my opinion:

photo via Gary Estime

Day two of the Inman Park Festival will be held tomorrow. If you're looking to buy local crafts, listen to music (on one of the many stages that are set up) or to do what I did and find a funnel cake to eat (because that's required at festivals, no?) get there early, carpool and/or take MARTA, our lovely transit system. (tip: The Inman Park MARTA station lets off right by the festival, so that's probably your best bet.)

Final note to festival-goers: bring cash (ATM lines are long), wear sunscreen, and BYOBW (bring your own bottled water.)

One Man's Junkyard is Another (Wo)man's Photo-Op

2011-04-29T23:59:00.007-04:00

On the way back from my recent (temporary) escape from ATL (see here), I saw one of the most colossal junkyards I've ever laid eyes upon. Once it was spotted my mission was clear...somehow I would figure out how to get into the heap and take photos.

Somewhere on 365, between Gainesville and Demorest lies this treasure trove for photography. It's about an hour and a half out of Atlanta and once you see it you really can't miss it. These photos are a few images of the sea of buses and cars that I easily could have gotten lost in for hours...

Vans, buses and cars zigzagged as far as the eye could see. I liked the reflection of the school bus in the window (in the photo above.)

School buses seemed to make up the majority of the heap. This would be one heck of a scary place to play a massive game of hide and seek.

Above: vehicles spanning the horizon

I hope to go back some day and take more photos. Maybe next time I'll remember to wear jeans and not get my pant legs caught in the thorny hillside. Overall, pulling over and braving the vehicle sea was worth it...I can't turn down a good photo-op. But in regards to the aforementioned thorny hillside, (I've said this once and I'll say it once more): puffy scratches are photography battle scars.

Photo-Op: Shop Window at Stefan's Vintage

2011-04-28T21:31:00.007-04:00

Shop Window at Stefan's Vintage Clothing, in Little Five Points

I think we can all agree that this shop window just oozes French glamour. I love the combination of black & white with the yellow (black & yellow, anyone?)

My inner Jean Seberg is toasting with a glass of Champagne and lighting a cigarette. Well done, Stefan's.

Affordable Luxuries: My Cellar Door

2011-04-27T21:19:00.004-04:00

"Huckabees" necklace: $26, image via here

Yes, it's true...I'm kind of obsessed with Etsy. I try to limit the time I spend on the site, but sometimes that can be difficult. I love the layout, the ease of finding something, and the fact that I can buy anything then and there (and not have to go on a bloodbath of a bidding war to purchase something I have my heart set on.) I'm sure this rings true for many of the ladies out there (and gents too, I don't discriminate!) When it comes to an online venue for handmade items, Etsy never lets me down.

For a while now, I've had my eye on a few items from My Cellar Door, an Atlanta-based shop that specializes in "modern gemstone and vintage-inspired jewelry" that will flat-out make your jaw drop. Even better...the pieces are affordable! Take the "Huckabees" necklace for instance (pictured above). I'm a sucker for anything geometric (save from an actual geometry course) so this necklace struck my fancy. Or how about the "Cubist" necklace (below). Who wouldn't want this simple beauty as part of their accessory arsenal?

"Cubist" necklace: $19, image via here

While we're at it, here are some other pieces of note:

"Julianne" necklace: $29, image via here

"Miner" necklace: $30, image via here

"Crystal Clear Jewel Earrings": $17, image via here

For those purchasing as gifts, My Cellar Door offers discounts for bridal gifts and also has gift certificates available in various dollar amounts if you're looking to buy for someone special (fabulous last-minute Mother's Day gifts, perhaps?)

For more info on My Cellar Door or to purchase jewelry and the like, visit the Etsy shop here.

Oh, and in case any of my loved ones were curious, that "Miner" necklace has my name written all over it. ;)