Travel Thursday: Atlanta, GA
February 14, 2019 • travel
When I heard that one of my favorite Broadway performers, Sierra Boggess, was going to be leading a musical based on the movie Ever After, I knew I had to see it. Between the amazingly affordable seats and my Southwest points (40K free points with their credit card? Sold!), I knew I'd be making this happen.
Although I've visited most states on the East Coast, Georgia is one of the few I haven't been to, so I also knew I wanted to take advantage and enjoy Atlanta while I was in the area. Weather cut my plans short, but I still got a lot in and had a blast in the day and a half I did have:
Where I Ate
Mary Mac's Tea Room: A famed Atlanta spot for soul food. I went around 11:30 and was able to be seated and served quickly at the bar by myself. It was a good thing I went when I did, because when I finished, the line to get in was out the door!
Alma Cocina: One of the few places downtown open late at night. Delicious sangria and out of this world fried avocado tacos!
South City Kitchen Midtown: Delicious brunch! It was hard not to laugh as a Marylander as the server tried to recommend crab dishes to us. I tried the King Biscuit—a twist on biscuits and gravy—and yum!
Tip: try to get reservations when possible. All of these places were packed and I had success either as a solo traveler sitting at the bar, or at brunch with friends who had made a reservation ahead of time.
Tip: try to get reservations when possible. All of these places were packed and I had success either as a solo traveler sitting at the bar, or at brunch with friends who had made a reservation ahead of time.
What I Did
Fox Theatre: Atlanta's spot for touring Broadway shows. They were set up for Waitress when I visited. Tour includes cool history and other trivia about the 4,000+ seat theatre and a look at some of it's other spaces. Gorgeous venue! They also offer ghost tours around Halloween.
Alliance Theatre: Local arts center with a newly refurbished Coca-Cola stage where I saw Ever After! Keep an eye out for other original shows here.
Georgia Aquarium: Whale Sharks. Manta Rays. Dolphins. Seals. Otters. All the aquatic cuteness one could want! Backstage tours and a "swim with the whale shark" (sold out, sadly) option are also available among other encounters.
World of Coca Cola: This famed soda has Atlanta roots and for a fairly low entrance fee, you can see all sorts of memorabilia, meet the polar bear, visit the vault where the secret formula is stored, and taste an international variety of Coca-Cola beverages before being released into their gift shop with every item imaginable.
Admittedly, some of these are pretty touristy things. I had other fun activities on my radar including the Beltline and Ponce City Market, but weather disrupted my travel plans, causing me to have to leave early. Still, this was a lot of ground covered in less than 48 hours and I had a blast!
If you've been to Atlanta, what's your favorite thing to do? If not, what would you most like to do?
I'd love to hear more in the comments!
I'd love to hear more in the comments!
Ever After
February 12, 2019 • theatre, travel
Who: Me, myself, and I
What: Ever After, a musical based on the 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore
When: February 2019
Where: Alliance Theatre, Coca Cola Stage, Atlanta, Georgia
Why: A movie I love turned into a musical starring one of my favorite leading ladies, Sierra Boggess? How could I not go!?
Thoughts: This isn't the first musical production of Ever After to be performed (it premiered at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2015). It hasn't yet made it's way to Broadway, but I hope it does! I'll be the first to admit that I'd like to see more original content on the Great White Way vs. more movie adaptations, but Ever After is a valuable story that was presented well in musical form. This production was strong in all aspects with my only complaint being that the climax felt much weaker than in the film. Still, the nostalgia factor made up for that and I enjoyed the entire experience. If you're in or near Atlanta, you've got one more week to catch this amazing show before it ends!
Atlanta, GA, USA
Stitch Fix Plus: Round 14
February 7, 2019 • brands. review
It's never felt so good to do a Stitch Fix reveal as it does right now!
I decided not to buy any clothes during my first Arbonne 30 day challenge, but pretty quickly my favorite skinny jeans became saggy jeans and nobody needs that. I'd love to celebrate the end of my 30 days with an entire cake, but since I still have lots of progress to make, I decided to celebrate with a new round of goodies from Stitch Fix instead — in smaller sizes!
$25 off your first Fix!
need things I feel good wearing in the in between. She did not disappoint! in fact, this is one of my favorite fixes ever!
Here's what she sent:
PAPERMOON | Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse | $38
This is the perfect work blouse in the most gorgeous color! I love all things green. It also has a cute keyhole detail in the back. Kept.
URBAN EXPRESSIONS | Robi Classic Work Tote | $48
Admittedly, big purses aren't my thing. I would have returned this but I opted to keep and resell it to get the 25% discount.
RD STYLE | Rowca Cotton Blend Crew Neck Pullover | $68
I was thrilled to see this as I've been looking for a sweater in this shade for awhile. It's a great length and just a tad snug so it should fit throughout the rest of winter. Kept.
VIOLETS & ROSES | Deana Bootcut Trouser | $58
I was most nervous about these. Pants are impossible. These were super stretchy and comfortable; they're the perfect work pant! Kept.
WISP | Marissa Jersey Dress | $68
This is the perfect LBD! I love the little keyhole detail and easy to wear slinky fabric. I can wear this so many ways! Kept!
This is probably the best fix I ever received! I kept the whole thing, but even without going for the discount, I loved 4/5 items.
Baltimore, MD, USA
GIVEAWAY: Finding Neverland
February 1, 2019 • giveaway
I had an awesome girl's night in Baltimore last year seeing the Broadway Musical Finding Neverland, and the show is back in town, this time in Washington, DC at the National Theatre!
Here's the rundown:
Directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes a monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, including one intermission. Recommended for age 7 and up.
I've enjoyed the show already, so now it's your turn! I have four opening night tickets to give one winner courtesy of Allied media. Just enter below!
Washington, DC, USA
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
January 31, 2019
Who: My brother, high school bestie, and I
What: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the new Broadway musical based on the classic
book and film.
When: January 2019
Where: Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Why: My brother and high school bestie wanted to see it.
Thoughts:
Full disclosure: I actually planned to skip this show. It was included in my Hippodrome Season subscription, but I'd never particularly warmed up to the idea of Charlie as a Broadway musical even though I'm fond of the classic Gene Wilder film. However, when I offered a few close friends and family the opportunity to take advantage of my early access to tickets, my friend and brother both immediately jumped at this one. I couldn't just leave them alone now, could I?
That being said, there were some decisions made that made the experience a fun one, starting with a photo booth available to all patrons in the lobby. Good bonus to set the tone!
As far as the actual show is concerned, what was done best was the interpretation of the children's characters; they were so modern, vibrant, and fun! Each got an over-the-top introduction number, and I'd say those were the highlight of the show. The parents were equally fun and lended some sly moments of adult humor throughout the show. We all agreed that while we felt the show as a whole was underwhelming for us, those moments were most enjoyable. Another friend of mine was in attendance with young nieces who found the show more entertaining, so it may just be an option better suited to children than adults.
Take a look at the trailer or listen to the cast recording and decide for yourself if Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the right show for you:
If you've seen the show, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Check out other shows I've enjoyed here.
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