ATL Insider

Daily Deal: Star 94 Recap 1/10/12

JessicaShops — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:30:56 GMT

This morning on the Cindy & Ray show, I shared these great deals. Tune in every Friday at 7:30 for the full scoop! Looking to eat better AND save money? Who isn’t? That’s why I love Emeals.com! This is a great website that will plan meals and shopping lists for you around diet specifications and even [...]...(read more)

Things to do in Atlanta with Kids: Field Trips w/Sue on CBS Better Mornings

Field Trips with Sue — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:26:05 GMT

Things to do in Atlanta with Kids: Field Trips w/Sue on CBS Better Mornings For early birds, twice a month you can catch Field Trips with Sue on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. We highlight posts from... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

Daily Deal: AJC Deal Spotter 2/9/12

JessicaShops — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:00:11 GMT

Missed my column in the AJC Deal Spotter section today? Shame on you! Just kidding, here’s a little scoop. Don’t get tied up looking for a creative Valentine’s Day idea for your man, check out HangingArtDesigns.com and get a work of art tie for $65 (reg. around $100) with a JessicaShops.com mention. Email HangingArt@Hotmail.com to [...]...(read more)

Atlanta ♥s the Arts

Alyson Kate — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:40:00 GMT

This month the city spotlights passion, talent and creativity with three debut shows! Be sure to reserve your tickets for these can’t-miss productions:

The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls
Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre
Through Feb. 26

Winning national acclaim in the Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition, this coming-of-age thriller blurs the boundaries of fact and fiction through traditional fairytale elements. Join Annie, an American in Moscow, as she explores her history and loses herself in The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls.

Purchase tickets online, or call the box office at 404.733.5000.

Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin
Atlanta Ballet, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Feb. 10-19

Based on a long-loved children’s story, this family-friendly ballet is a perfect introduction to performance art. A monumental collaboration between legendary choreographer and the award-winning Atlanta Ballet company, Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin is a coming-of-age tale of courage and companionship. Join the Princess as she discovers hidden realms in dark caverns and hatches a plan to thwart the villainous Goblin Queen and her dream to rule the human race.

Purchase tickets online, or call the Ticketmaster Arts Hotline at 1.800.982.2787.

The Art of Golf
High Museum of Art
Through June 24

The first-ever exhibition to explore the game's origin through paintings, photography and Pop art, The Art of Golf features more than 90 pieces, spanning more than 400 years. The exhibition is split into three categories: Dutch landscape painters and the predecessors of the game of golf; Scottish portraiture and iconic objects - including a 1780s Silver Club with inscribed balls; and American works, including a Warhol silk screen and full collection of Harold Edgerton’s long-exposure photographs documenting the swing of Atlanta’s own Bobby Jones.

Bill Traylor: the Traveling Exhibit
High Museum of Art
Through May 13

The High Museum has partnered with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art to create a traveling exhibition of works by Depression-era, African-American artist Bill Traylor. Comprised of 65 works, Bill Traylor: the Traveling Exhibit includes three distinct phases of Traylor’s career: portraits drawn from “people-watching” on the streets of Montgomery; animals drawn mostly from memories of his days as a farming slave; and his interpretation of special events in Montgomery. Traylor’s almost-elementary approach features works created from found media, including crayons and poster paint on cardboard. This exhibition marks the first time much of Traylor’s work will be viewed outside the Southeast.

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
Theaters city-wide
Feb. 8-29

The 12th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival premieres more than 65 films in theaters city-wide. Celebrate cinematic storytelling with film screenings, guest appearances and Q&A sessions. A treat for movie buffs and animation lovers alike, AJFF features films from numerous genres including docudramas, romantic comedies, animated shorts, biographies and more. Check the daily schedule for a complete listing of can't-miss films.

Atlanta’s Recreational Romance - Creative Valentine’s Dates

Alyson Kate — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:24:00 GMT

Whether you’re long-time lovers or new to the sweetheart scene, Valentine’s Day isn’t just another weekday date. For anyone (coupled or not) looking for a fun, interactive alternative to the traditional dinner-and-flowers schtick, check out these quirky, hands-on activities:

Love Stories of Oakland Tour
Oakland Cemetery
Feb. 11-12, 3 p.m.

This Saturday and Sunday, explore the softer side of Oakland. While romance and eternal love may not be the first thing one thinks of when in a cemetery, the 162-year-old greenspace is brimming with tales of love, loss and betrayal. For just $10 per person, enjoy Love Stories at Oakland - an hour-long, guided tour which explores the epitaphs and Victorian symbols of love scattered across the grounds, all while sharing some of the city’s sweetest (and most scandalous) stories.

Glassblowing Date
Janke Studio
Feb. 11-14

Art makes the heart grow fonder and hand-made trinkets are always treasured, so why not heat things up with a glassblowing date? Janke Studio in Downtown Atlanta is offering one-hour glassblowing sessions for $95 per couple, including all equipment and instruction necessary to create ever-lasting flowers and desk ornaments. Reservations required.

Chocolate Making Date
Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Co.
Feb. 11-12

What’s sweeter than your favorite treat? Making and gifting it to a lover. Cacao - Atlanta’s sustainable “bean to bar” chocolate factory - is offering 30-minute classes, just $25 per person, which include a tour of the unique laboratory, plus all the organic ingredients and instructions needed to make and mold your favorite flavor of the holiday’s signature sweet.

Salsa Night with Martinis & IMAX®
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Feb. 17

So maybe you opted for a decadent dinner, followed by dessert and possibly a drink or two; fear not! The season’s sinful sweets don’t have to destroy your resolutions. Friday, Feb. 17, put on a fiery outfit and go dancing with the dinosaurs! Salsa Night features energetic live music, tasty drinks and fun films on the big screen. Enjoy the music for $7 per person, or catch an IMAX® movie for just an additional $5.

Daily Deal: Huge Children’s Sale

JessicaShops — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:26 GMT

Moms and moms-t0-be: listen up! Today through February 12th in the former Borders bookstore on Ashford Dunwoody is the highly-anticipated Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Sale. This event only happens twice a year and has the biggest selection and highest quality of clothing, toys, gear, furniture and more all in one place – all up to [...]...(read more)

Atlanta Celebrates Black History Month

Alyson Kate — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:03:00 GMT

Atlanta – named the spiritual center of the Civil Rights movement – celebrates the African American culture year-round. This month, check out these featured events and explore Atlanta’s Civil Rights Legacy with festivals, performances and more!

Ruth and the Green Book
Center for Puppetry Arts
Through Feb. 26
This innovative production features characters and a storyline from the award-winning children’s book. Combining rod puppetry with illustrated projects, Ruth and the Green Book chronicles an often-overlooked aspect of Civil Rights history. Coupling the “Green Book” – a travel guide for African Americans in the South during the Jim Crow era – with evocative characters, this play is a celebration of friendship and the rewards of perseverance. As part of the Teen Series, this play is geared toward audiences ages 9+.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Fox Theatre
Feb. 16-19
Now touring cross-country, the nationally-acclaimed Ailey Company returns to Atlanta with an engaging production. Performing five pieces, including two city premieres, this can’t-miss troupe continues the legacy of Alvin Ailey’s modern dance. Each show includes Home – the hip-hop phenomenon that uses gospel-style house music to explore the tribulations and triumphs of those affected by HIV; Takademe – a “savvy deconstruction” of traditional Indian Kathak rhythms, this piece is one of the first creations by new Artistic Director, Robert Battle; and Revelations – named an American phenomenon and one of Alvin Ailey’s most-lauded ballets, it uses African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues to rejoice and spread hope. Each show also features one of two innovative pieces: Arden Court - a romantic, baroque piece which is also the first collaboration between the Ailey dancers and Paul Taylor; or The Hunt – another of Battle’s productions, it explores the predatory side of humanity and the raw thrill of the hunt. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at 404.881.2100.

UniverSoul Circus
Feb. 9-26
Turner Field – Green Lot
Celebrating 18 years of vaudevillian spectacle, this quirky show is a dynamic collaboration of traditional feats and modern entertainment. Combining circus arts (including tiger-taming and acrobatics) with theatre performers and global music, UniverSoul Circus is a multicultural homage of acrobatics, pyrotechnics and raucous laughter!

ATL Cruzers
Daily Tours
Underground Atlanta
These innovative electric car tours offer an intimate, interactive exploration of the city’s history and hotspots. The first leg of each 75-minute tour travels through the Sweet Auburn district, into Inman Park and back through Downtown to highlight events and landmarks from the Civil Rights movement as well as modern day monuments and can’t-miss celebrations. Tour highlights include a curb-side view of The King Center, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. For reservations, call 1.800.979.3370.

Bronner Brothers International Mid-Winter Hair Show
Feb. 18-20
Georgia World Congress Center
This three-day exhibition of beauty and creativity features runways and competitions dedicated to showcasing the beauty of African American culture. The 65th anniversary show includes fierce competitions, free classes in makeup, skincare, nail art and hairstyling. Special events include a live concert by Musiq Soulchild and ATL Nite Life parties. Register online and receive up to a $25 discount.

For even more info about Atlanta’s featured February events, check out these annual Civil Rights celebrations.

Daily Deal: CBS Recap

JessicaShops — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:15 GMT

Today on CBS Better Mornings, I shared great Valentine’s Day gift ideas for both guys and girls – each for under $30! For her, guys can’t go wrong with the Lace Hip Hugger panties from Victoria’s Secret - 3 for $30 and is intimate, but safe enough of a lingerie choice for any lady. Sephora [...]...(read more)

Daily Deal: Free Best Buy Bucks

JessicaShops — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:33:32 GMT

It pays to watch the Super Bowl commercials…literally. If you tuned in last night, you may have seen the Best Buy commercial featuring some technology all-stars. To coincide with this ad, Best Buy just announced that any customer who registers and then purchases a mobile phone at Best Buy by Dec. 31, 2012 will receive [...]...(read more)

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for Tweens and Teens

Field Trips with Sue — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:17:05 GMT

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for Tweens and Teens What: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Where: Movies showing at the Fox Theatre, Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station, Lefont Theatre in Sandy Springs,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

Black History Month in Atlanta: Ruth and the Green Book (giveaway)

Field Trips with Sue — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:04 GMT

Black History Month in Atlanta: Ruth and the Green Book (giveaway) What: Ruth and the Green Book Where: Center for Puppetry Arts When: Feb. 7 – Feb. 26, 2012 Cost: Tickets are $25 and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin World Premiere Feb. 10 – 19 (giveaway)

Field Trips with Sue — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:00:02 GMT

Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin World Premiere Feb. 10 – 19 (giveaway) What: The Atlanta Ballet’s The Princess and the Goblin Where: Cobb Energy Center When: Feb. 10-... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

Star 94: 2/2/12

JessicaShops — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:33 GMT

Today on The Cindy & Ray show on Star 94, I told you how to find the best spa deals in your area – Spafinder.com. Use coupon code, “Love25″ and save 20% through 2/14/12. Moms, don’t miss the annual Rhealana‘s spring sale — packed out with clothing, furniture, toys and all the gear you can [...]...(read more)

Best Self: February

JessicaShops — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:46:32 GMT

I am proud to contribute to Best Self Magazine each month! For February, it’s all about the eyes – ways to play up your peepers and more. Click here to read the article or, better yet, go pick up a copy of Best Self and be in-the-know about all the best Atlanta has to offer....(read more)

AJC Deal Spotter: 2/2/12

JessicaShops — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:59:18 GMT

If you want to get your waistline back or are trying to eat more healthfully, E-Mealz offers options to fit your lifestyle at a discount for Jessica Shops readers – save 15% with code, “JessicaShops”. Pediped Footwear, which specializes in high-quality children’s footwear, rarely offers a discount. But through Feb. 5, find select styles online [...]...(read more)

Daily Deal: Simply Gorgeous Giveaway

JessicaShops — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:26 GMT

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like Victoria’s Secret. From now through 2/14/12, you can get $15 off $100, $30 off $150 or $75 off $250 with the code, “SPRING12″. Use it to save on something sultry or something sweet, like the new “Simply Gorgeous” scent. Just for JessicaShops subscribers, they are giving away a gift set [...]...(read more)

Daily Deal: Get Glam for V-Day

JessicaShops — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:03 GMT

One of my favorite hair trends that is still going strong is hair tinsel! This is the perfect way to add some sparkle to your locks just in time for Valentine’s Day. Or, get wild and add some feathers. Either way, Featherlucious is offering JessicaShops subscribers one service for just $25 (normally $35). I will [...]...(read more)

Agatha’s A Taste of Mystery - 25 Years of Wining, Dining and Murder!

Alyson Kate — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:51:00 GMT

Opening their 25th year with a hilarious new murder mystery, Agatha’s A Taste of Mystery serves up yet another must-see show. While most chose a coiffed and glamorous celebration for a silver anniversary, Agatha’s proudly presents Jekyllicious: Murder and Good Times at the Georgia Shore!

Jekyllicious: Murder and Good Times at the Georgia Shore
Through April 18th
Agatha’s A Taste of Mystery

Packed with beehive hairdo(n’ts) and bee-stung lips, this pop-culture spoof is a good-time show for all ages. Jump into the action as the casts from “Jerseylucious” and “Georgia Shore” battle it out in the Superstylist Competition - but beware, as the scissors and trash talk fly, something sinister is lurking around the Mystery Competition. Can Gayley and her devout accomplice take first place in the Trailer Park Chic showdown, or will the struggling salon owner succumb to an overdose of “intravenous tanning products?” Who poisoned the hairspray? Where can I order that “Possum Pink Blush?” Stop by for dinner and find answers to these questions and more.

As for that five-course meal, guests are greeted with hor d'oeuvres, served the soup of the day and a house salad. Next is your choice of one of five entrées - my favorites from the Jekyllicious run include succulent pork medallions stuffed with green apples and raisins as well as a blackened and Cajun-spiced Mahi-mahi. Each guest (21+ only) are served a glass of wine from their choice of three varietals and there’s a cash bar available during performance breaks. Finally, enjoy your decadent dessert with coffee or hot tea. (A note on the delicious dinner - all of Agatha’s food is prepared in-house. All the meats are hand-cut the day of the show and the veggies are delivered fresh throughout the week.)

Agatha’s A Taste of Mystery is Atlanta’s premiere dinner theatre. Featuring seasonal shows accompanied by a five-course meal, this original dining concept is a must-try for visitors and locals alike. Each original storyline is carried by two actors and the guests fill in the rest! Don’t worry about learning your lines - you’ll find your new identity and script tucked between the water glass and dessert spoon. While audience participation isn’t required, it’s great fun and offers that strange camaraderie that only comes from embarrassing yourself in front of strangers.

Daily Deal: 50% off Burrritos!

JessicaShops — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:15 GMT

50% off of lunch on a cold day? Count me IN! Willy’s Mexicana Grill has a hot deal in store for those cold days this winter. When wintry weather hits and Willy’s declares it Burrrrrito Day, guests can get 50% off their favorite burrito! Just click here for the announcement, then order a burrito at [...]...(read more)

Daily Deal: Laughing Pizza Premier

JessicaShops — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:26:04 GMT

Who’s a Laughing Pizza fan? Ok, whose KID is a Laughing Pizza fan? I have the scoop just for you! Join Laughing Pizza on February 4th at the Georgia Aquarium Oceans Ballroom for a once-in-a-lifetime event to share with the whole family! Starting with a VIP red carpet at 11am followed by many more entertaining [...]...(read more)

Atlanta with Kids: Twelve Indoor Activities for the Whole Family

Field Trips with Sue — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:38:02 GMT

Atlanta with Kids: Twelve Indoor Activities for the Whole Family Fernbank's NatureQuest is a nature lovers indoor playground During the cold winter months, everyone heads indoors. For families... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

Beech Mountain Resort: Skiing Near Atlanta

Field Trips with Sue — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:36:05 GMT

Beech Mountain Resort: Skiing Near Atlanta What: Skiing Near Atlanta at Beech Mountain, NC Where: Beech Mountain North Carolina When: Ski Season is officially Cost: Ski and Stay Packages begin at... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

Daily Deal: Star 94 Recap

JessicaShops — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:14 GMT

This morning on Star 94′s The Cindy and Ray show, I told listeners about the annual Tadpole’s of Atlanta Kennesaw Spring Sale – one day only on January 28th. They consistently win awards for their high quality selection at both locations – a top kids’ pick (they even have a kids’ play area!). If you’re looking [...]...(read more)

Indoor Activities for Kids in Atlanta and Giveaways Highlight Better Mornings

Field Trips with Sue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:25:03 GMT

Indoor Activities for Kids in Atlanta and Giveaways Highlight Better Mornings Indoor activities for kids is a hot topic as the weather gets cooler and the rain continues to fall. Of course,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...(read more)

AJC Deal Spotter: 1/26

JessicaShops — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:08 GMT

Today in AJC’s Deal Spotter section, I told you about one of the biggest and best kids’ consignment sales of the year. Tadpoles of Atlanta will be having a Spring & Summer sale on 1/28 only. The quality is fantastic and selection is huge at both locations – they’ve won multiple “best of” awards and [...]...(read more)