Why Did I Get Married Too?

Gathered together in the Bahamas for their annual one-week reunion, four close couples eagerly reconnect, sharing news about their lives and relationships. But their intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sheila’s ex-husband, Mike, who hopes to break up her new marriage with Troy and win her back. The others soon realize they too are not immune to the challenges of commitment and fidelity.  Rated PG-13.  Starring Janet Jackson, Tyler Perry.

The closest Redbox kiosks to Tamarron are at Kroger (4715 S Atlanta Rd SE) and Walgreens (2670 Cobb Pkwy SE).

Adjustable Pantry Door Rack ($29.99) at www.chefscatalog.com

Making extra space in your apartment can sometimes be tricky.  Even the with the roomiest apartments, it seems that you can always use more space, right?  Luckily, there are creative people out there who care enough to share there ideas with you on how to make the most out of the space that you have.  Here are a couple tips I found in an article published recently by Reader’s Digest…

“My pantry isn’t big enough.”  Add shelves to your door. If your walls and floor are jammed with cans and boxes, look behind you: Is the back of your pantry door being used effectively? Install narrow shelves or hanging racks on the door to hold frequently needed items such as spices, condiments, and snacks.

“I don’t have much room to store out-of-season clothes.”  Use vacuum seal bags. You can store seldom-used clothes in very little space if you use vacuum-seal bags, which are available at hardware stores. The clothes compress and are totally safe from insects and dust.

You can actually get Space Bags vacuum bags at Target (2201 Cobb Parkway Southeast, Smyrna).  They should go for around $12.99 for a set of 3.  Hope this info helps…and good luck organizing!

Need a few reasons to make plans to go see Takers this weekend when it hits Atlanta area theaters?  First, Atlanta’s own T.I. plays a starring role.  His character is one in a crew of bank robbers looking to take down a huge $30 million score.  Second, Zoe Saldana…enough said (oh yeah, Paul Walker, Matt Dillon, Idris Elba and singer Chris Brown also have roles.  It’s like a slightly cooler Ocean’s Eleven).  Finally, who doesn’t love a good heist movie?

If you’re not sold yet, check out the trailer below.  And then when you’re ready to go check it out, I’ve got you covered right here with showtimes for Atlanta area movie theaters that are not too far from Tamarron Apartments: AMC Parkway Pointe 15, Regal Stadium 22 @ Austell and AMC Fork & Screen Buckhead.

Do you currently carry renter’s insurance?  Tamarron Apartments strongly advises their residents to get a policy.  It’s really not as expensive as you may think.  In fact, you can save money on your policy in quite a few ways.  Here is an article I found about saving money on renter’s insurance.  Check out this video too.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Did you know that each American, on average, consumes about 22 quarts of ice cream per year?  Ice cream is an $11 billion a year industry worldwide and in America, over 1.5 billion gallons are produced every year.  That’s A LOT of Rocky Road!  It only makes sense that a city like Atlanta would have a festival to celebrate a favorite that is loved by so many.

So next Saturday, August 28 (1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), the first Atlanta Ice Cream Festival will get underway at Piedmont Park on “The Green Meadows” (10^th Street and Charles Allen Dr.).

Along with multiple ice cream vendors, there will be food and beverages and the opportunity to burn off those calories with health and fitness activities. Attendees can sit back and enjoy the sounds of the DJ and the Atlanta School Drummers, cheer along with local cheering squads, and step up with State Championship Step Teams. There will also be Community Agencies (both public and private non-profit) to provide health screenings and valuable resource information.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/atlantaicecreamfestival.

(Photo Credit: Sarah G)

There is nothing worse than having to put on slightly damp clothes that haven’t completely dried in the dryer.  Am I right?  Admit it – we’ve all done it a time or two.  You’re in a big hurry to get somewhere and the outfit you needed to wear is still dirty.  So you quickly run it through your washer and dryer before running out of the apartment, knowing that the clothes probably needed an extra 20 minutes in the dryer.  Now they’re damp and you have to suck it up.

The next time you’re in that situation, try the tip in this video.  And if the tip doesn’t help you, I’m sure you’ll at least find Betsy Sue amusing!

I love food.  I love food a lot.  Any chance I get to sample something different or new, I’m on it.  That’s why any type of food festival is like a perfect storm of opportunity for me.  I can go to one location and just walk around and sample a variety of different dishes from different restaurants.

I remember this one food festival I went to a few years back.  I think I literally tried every possible dish that was available, and there were A LOT of restaurants that were representing.  Eventually the vendors just started giving me and my friends food for free.  LOL.  We stayed to the end and were even allowed to take home some of the leftovers of the dishes that we really liked.  The refrigerator in our apartment (and this is a BIG refrigerator) was full for weeks.  Ahhh…I wish I could pull that off again.

My reason for thinking about food festivals in the first place today is because I just got word that the Taste of Smyrna will hit downtown Smyrna (200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, GA 30080) next month on September 18 from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  I can’t wait!  I guess they’re calling it the Festival of Delectable…sounds great, but I just hope that there will be a lot of “delectables” for me to choose from.  There is no charge to attend, but you do need to purchase the samples – anywhere from 50 cents to $4.

Participating restaurants (at least 30) include: Atkins Park, Dave & Buster’s, Taco Mac, Marlow’s Tavern, Chick-fil-a, Jets Pizza, L’Thai West, Crepe Revolution, Williamson Bros. BBQ and Bruster’s Ice Cream.  There will even be a live music and a Kids Zone with rides and inflatables so junior can keep busy while you stuff your face. LOL.  Hope to see you there!

What do you have cooking?  If you’re shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, try the Farmers Atlanta Road Market (FARM) in the St. Benedicts church parking lot (intersection of East-West Connector and Atlanta Road ) on Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. – dusk.

They have a great selection of locally grown produce, cheeses, breads and other food items.  And when you’re ready to eat, try this great Strawberry and Feta Salad.  It’s delicious!

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the almonds, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.
2. In a bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. Cover with the dressing mixture, and toss to serve.

(Credit: AllRecipes.com)

A Prophet

Condemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena, part Arab, part Corsican, cannot read or write. Arriving at the jail entirely alone, he appears younger and more fragile than the other convicts. He is 19 years old. Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang currently ruling the prison, he is given a number of “missions” to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader’s confidence in the process. Malik is a fast learner and rises up the prison ranks, all the while secretly devising his own plans.  Rated R.  FRENCH LANGUAGE FILM WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES!

This is one of those movies that you don’t forget about the next day.  Even through subtitles, the view clings to every word or statement made because that’s how you survive in a place like prison.  By paying attention to details and establishing your own agenda.  This movie was masterfully acted and the musical score has some surprising tracks.  In the end, A Prophet will be listed with the classics when it comes to gangster or prison-themed movies. 

It’s available this weekend on DVD.  The closest Redbox kiosks to Tamarron are at Kroger (4715 S Atlanta Rd SE) and Walgreens (2670 Cobb Pkwy SE).

Celebrate Smyna’s birthday on Saturday, August 7 at the Village Green with BBQ from Atkins Park Tavern, live music, a DJ after dark and carnival style rides!  This is a free event.  Hope to see you there!