Brother Coyote and Sister Fox at Center for Puppetry Arts

                                          Spanish, English and plenty of chickens!

Photo Courtesy of Diane Paveline

Tricksters will delight in this bilingual adaptation of a traditional Mexican folktale. Brother Coyote wants one thing and one thing only: to catch and eat one of Dona Conchita's plump chickens. But quick-witted Sister Fox is always one step ahead of him, waiting to trick him with clever schemes in order to keep all the chickens to herself!

The Center is proud to present Thistle Theatre of Seattle, WA, in their first appearance at the Center. For more information about Thistle Theatre, visit www.thistletheatre.org.

Showtimes: January 8th - January 27th, 2013

                   Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
                   Saturday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
                   Sunday: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Location:   Center for Puppetry Arts

                   1404 Spring Street NW
                    Atlanta, GA 30309

HOW: Tickets for patrons ages two and older are $9.25 for Members and $16.50 for Nonmembers and include admission to the performance, Create-A-Puppet Workshop (or Create-A-Puppet To-Go Kit), and all museum exhibits. Membership and group rates are available. ORDER TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.PUPPET.ORG OR BY CALLING THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT 404-873-3391.

For more information, call 404-873-3391 or visit http://puppet.org/perform/brothercoyote.shtml.

Wet Ones Sticky Situation Contest!

Just last week my 3 year old greeted me by saying, "Good afternoon"like he always does after nap time. I turned to embrace him and was confronted with the adorable face you see below. Your eyes are not playing tricks on you my precious son somehow snuck my eyeliner into his bedroom and turned his face into a one of a kind piece of art! This is one of the stickiest situations I have been put in as a mom. Lesson learned this mom will be incorporating a pat down into our nap time routine!

Wet Ones is giving us the opportunity to share all of the Sticky Situations we have found ourselves in and tips on how to deal with them through their Facebook Contest! Simply log on and share your story and tips, and you can be entered to win an iPad Mini (value at $300) or Six Flags Tickets (4 tickets)! I just entered, it doesn’t take long at all. 

Click HERE to enter. Hurry the contest ends on December 28, 2012 at 9:59 p.m. EST.

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones.I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

Motions Holiday Hair Chat!

I had the pleasure of attending a holiday hair chat sponsored by Motions and hosted by Danielle of The Style and Beauty Doctor & Lexi of Lexi With The Curls. During the event over a dozen Metro Atlanta bloggers including myself all shared our hair story and hair plans for the Holidays. I walked away not only with more ideas for how to style my hair but also with great new products to try from the Motions Naturally You product line. Look for future post on my experience with these products. In the mean time enjoy the view of the lovely bloggers I spent a delightful Sunday afternoon with!

Danielle of The Style and Beauty Doctor & Lexi of Lexi With The Curls 

                             

Motions 

MahoganyBella

MahoganyKnots 

The Fashionista Next Door

Talking With Tami

Baby Shopaholic

If I Were a Brit Girl

Curvie Birdie

Fashion 2 Rouge

What are your plans for your hair for the holidays? 

Disclaimer: I received complimentary Motion products at this event.

It's a Hawk... A Mohawk That Is!

I recently went home to Texas to visit my family for the Thanksgiving holidays. Aside for the obvious reasons (i.e family, friends, food and fellowship) I also love going home because my older sister  Rochelle gives me a much needed break from doing my own hair. Officially she is only the second person including my experience at Curltopia who has styled my hair since I've been natural. 

Because I had a very talented person at my disposal I decided try a look that I could never achieve alone. It is very challenging for me to make straight parts, so I typically opt for styles that does not require a part. I also have not mastered the ability to create cornrows. So with that said I present to you the evolution of a style I absolutely love created through a collaboration between my sister and I. Thank you Rochelle for taking on the massive challenge that is my hair!

It's a Hawk... A Mohawk That Is!

If you are natural, do you find that you go to the hair salon less now?

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival Debut's in Atlanta

If you are ready to treat your entire family to an awesome show run don't walk to get your tickets to the all new stage show Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival debuting right here in Atlanta! My family and I will be at Phillips Arena grooving to Disney's greatest hits from blockbuster movies,  Aladdin, The LittleMermaid and Disney/Pixar's Story remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams so there is something for everyone!

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival, featuring an all star line-up of more than 25 Disney characters,   begins with audiences watching a state-of-the-art video projection of the frenzy backstage which spills onto the stage as Mickey welcomes guests to his concert tour.  Soon thereafter, they will be transported to a new world of hip hop beats, dizzying acrobatics, flying carpets and magical transformations with Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie.  Underwater is where the crowd will meet up with Ariel, Sebastian and their nautical pals to groove to the reggae rhythm.  And, family and friends will stomp to the beat as Woody, Buzz and Jessie teach them how to boogie rodeo-style.  Anyone can be a member of the band as giant-sized balloons fall from the ceiling in one scene and then in the next, Disney characters are dancing in the aisles.    

ATLANTA

Where: Philips Arena 

(One Philips Dr., 

Atlanta, GA 30303) 

When: December 16th (ONE DAY ONLY!!!) – 1:00pm or 4:00pm

Ticket Prices:                                $15 -$70

To order tickets by phone:            800-745-3000

Online:                                           www.ticketmaster.com

Disclosure: I will receive complimentary tickets to this show in exchange for posting about it. As always my opinions are my own.

Holiday Giveaway: Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack

I am so excited to share this giveaway with you, because we love all things Leap Frog . If you are like myself and have little ones between the ages of 3-9 this is the giveaway for you!

Holiday Giveaway: Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack

Hosted by StuckAtHomeMom.com, Night Owl Mama, In the Kitchen with KP, Cheap Mama Chick, Suburban Coupon Mom, Busy Momma Loves To Save and many wonderful bloggers!

Get your children ready for a lifetime of learning with educational games from Leapfrog. The Ultimate LeapFrog prize pack for your child ages 3-9! Open up a world of learning with game cartridges and downloadable Apps for the LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer and Leapster Gs. The LeapPad2 was rated #1 Kids Learning Tablet and in the top #20.

  Ultimate LeapFrog Holiday Prize Pack Includes:

• LeapFrog LeapPad2
• Leapster Gs
• Leapfrog Brave Game
• Leapfrog Leapschool Math Game
• Tag with Human Body Discovery Pack.

LeapPad2 and Leapster Gs offers a world of learning at your finger tips:

• Ultra Ebooks
• Game Apps
• Learning Video Apps
• Creativity Apps
• Digital Ebooks
• Flash Card Apps
• Foreign Language Apps
• Just for Fun Apps
• Expansion Apps

Along with the LeapPad2 Explorer learning tablet and Leapster Gs you'll also get Tag with Human Body Discovery pack. Your Child will enjoy learning all about the human body and nutrition facts while playing with a 2-sided chart and game board with this LeapFrog TAG Interactive Human Body Discovery Pack! Use the #1 selling TAG Reading System to bring this human body chart to life. Prize will go to One (1) Winner. Open to U.S Only must be 18+ to enter. Only 1 Person per household may enter. **Please Note: Prize is not guaranteed to be delivered by Christmas but sponsor will do their best.**




a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: No compensation was given for my participation in this event. As always all thought are my own. Details supplied by host. Prize will be supplied by sponsor and mailed directly to winner. Please read all rules on rafflecopter before entering.    

Bloggers Wanted: The Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack Giveaway Event

Ultimate Leapfrog Holiday Prize Pack Event

Hosted by: StuckAtHomeMom.com and TheNightOwlMama.com

LeapFrog Prizes:

• Leapfrog LeapPad2
• Leapfrog Leapster Gs
• Leapfrog Brave Game
• Leapfrog Leapschool Math Game
• Tag with Human Body Discovery Pack

 

Event date: Nov 17th, 2012 to Dec 3st 2012

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Signature Style- Super Stretched Flat Twist Out

I believe my search is finally over I have found a signature style that I LOVE! This Super Stretched Flat Twist Out method gave me full and shiny loose curls and even better second day hair!!!

Step 1. Start with freshly washed hair and set using Curlformers (conditioner+oil). Wore in a curly ponytail for 2 days (not necessary).

Step 2. Flat Twist Hair in 10 sections (4 front +6 back) add conditioner and oil to re moisturize if you waited several days before twisting. Pin back each twist to stretch hair while it sets.

Step 3. Allow hair to set overnight/ 8hrs+. Untwist hair carefully to avoid freeze.

 4. Shake and Go.

I preserved this style by re twisting the front 2 flat twist only and putting the rest in a loose high ponytail. 

What is your signature style? Why do you love it?

Zoo Atlanta Programs and Camps Galore

Zoo Atlanta has made venturing out into the crisp air all worth it. In spite of what you might have thought the zoo is a great place to be when it is cool outside the animals are more active, it is less crowded and Zoo Atlanta has a ton of activities, programs and camps to make your trip a memorable one for the entire family! Scroll through the list below to see all the activities coming up in the month of December and reserve your spot today!

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

The season’s wildest holiday gifts

Give the gift of REAL LIVE FUN with a Zoo Atlanta Family Gift Membership, now available in a convenient gift card. Give a loved one a full year of stewardship of a favorite species with a Rare Care Sponsorship. Offer the youngsters on your list a chance to participate in award-winning programming with an Education Program Gift Certificate. Surprise your favorite animal lovers with a Wild Encounters reservation, or visit zooatlanta.org for more ideas for the year’s most appreciated gifts. Order gifts online or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Wild Encounters: Special holiday availability!

Looking for an adventure during winter break or the year’s most original gift? Wild Encounters are open on weekdays by popular demand this holiday season.

African elephant Wild Encounters

Daily, December 19 through January 3

1:30 p.m.

Go behind-the-scenes to meet and feed one of the giants of the African savanna during an exclusive up-close-and-personal encounter. No programs available on Christmas Day. Visit zooatlanta.org for reservations and details.

Giant panda Wild Encounters

Daily, December 19 through January 3

11 a.m.

Meet and feed one of the Zoo’s world-famous black-and-white bears during an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity. No programs available on Christmas Day. Visit zooatlanta.org for reservations and details.

Komodo dragon Wild Encounters

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

12:45 p.m.

It’s lunchtime for the world’s largest lizard species – and you get to help! Go behind-the-scenes to meet and feed a Komodo dragon. Visit zooatlanta.org for reservations and details.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & CAMPS

Winter Safari Day Camp

December 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; January 2, 3 and 4

Kindergartners through 5^th graders bundle up with the animals for a wildlife adventure during winter break. Highlights include Zoo tours, animal encounters, hands-on learning and much more. Registration and details are available now on zooatlanta.org. Reserve your spot or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Adventure Cubs SINGLE DAY: Panda Playtime        

December 5, 8 or 11

Toddlers ages 2 to 3 and their adult caregivers learn more about China’s national treasures and the giant pandas atZoo Atlanta in this single-day alternative to the popular Adventure Cubs series. Book a program today onzooatlanta.org.

Tusks at Dusk Deluxe NightCrawler

December 8

Discover the world of the largest living land mammal – the African elephant. Spend the evening learning about these majestic creatures with hands-on activities; crafts; observations through night-vision scopes; and much more. Wake to guided tours in the Zoo, a behind-the-scenes peek at the elephant barn, and the exclusive opportunity to feed one of our pachyderm pals! Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

Stroller Cubs: Panda Parade  

December 12 or 15

Bring your little one to learn more about giant pandas during a special program tailor-made for infants to 2-year-olds.Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

HomeSchool Academy

December 12

Join Zoo Atlanta for an afternoon of learning and discovery designed specifically for home school students. The HomeSchool Academy is a unique program allowing students to explore animal and science concepts in a fun, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include games, activities, Zoo tours and animal encounters. Book a program today on zooatlanta.org.

My Sistas Big Chopped- What Now?

Michelle                                                       Rochelle

You read right these to lovely ladies are my sisters. And you are not seeing double they are twins. I finally did something before my "big" sisters I went natural 2 plus years ago and my sisters were inspired by moi to do the same. So as you can see Michelle and Rochelle have both recently big chopped (cut off the remaining portion of their relaxed hair). Although they are individuals and big chopped a few weeks apart, their experiences were eerily similar. They both called/text me to let me know it was done and followed up with a picture as evidence. Their facial expressions gives you a clue as to what happened next, they both were un happy with their hair and asked in so many words "What Now?"

I went on and on about using XYZ conditioner  or ABC gel and applying it sopping wet hair, and I am pretty sure all they heard was wank wank wank. LOL 

Michelle                                                                                                     Rochelle

Within less than 24 hours of doing their big chops both Michelle and Rochelle opted to wear their hair similar to the pics seen above by adding extensions. So until their hair is at the length they want or they find the product they like or that perfect hairstyle my beautiful sister will do like so many others naturals do and wear  their hair in a protective style that they feel accentuates their 

beauty! Remember each persons big chop or natural hair journey is uniquely their own, unless your TWINS, so don't feel pressure to follow a certain path embrace what works for you.

Just in case you were wondering I was smiling when I big chopped. 

How was your big chop experience? Where you comfortable wearing your hair in it's natural state initially?

$100 Holiday Cash Giveaway!

Welcome to the $100 Holiday Cash Giveaway Event, Hosted by Atl Deal Finder!

Special thanks to our Co-Host, Krystle of Home Jobs For Mom!

What would you do with an extra $100 this holiday season?

One lucky reader will receive $100 PayPal Cash!

All you have to do is follow the instructions on the RaffleCopter below. Complete any or all of the fields to enter.iveaway runs from 11/8-11/20 at Midnight. Open to US Residents, ages 18 and older. The winner will be chosen on 11/21 and will have 48 hours to respond to the announcement email before another winner is chosen.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. All opinions shared here are mine alone. Your Unexpected Beauty is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Wordless Wednesday- I Got Their Backs...

I got their backs literally and figuratively!

All Tied Up!

Let me start by saying I love my natural hair, but there are definitely a few downsides to wearing your hair in it's natural state. If you go on any natural hair blog/vlog you will hear someone raving about the latest and greatest product that added so much moisture and shine to their hair and while moisture and shine is great what about the rarely spoken of evil that comes with natural curly/coily hair. SINGLE STRAND KNOTS!

Natural Curl Pattern

My natural hair creates very tight coils so tight in fact that it coils back onto itself and makes a single strand knot. When I first started down this journey and would run my fingers down the shaft of my hair I assumed the rough patch I would encounter meant I had split ends. So I would trim my hair and amp up my moisturizing and sealing routine. Than 2-3 months later I would find myself running my fingers down the shaft of my hair again and hitting the same rough patches and the process of trimming etc. would start again. It wasn't until I read an article on CurlyNikki that I took the time to look a little closer and realized what I was dealing with were not split ends but knots on my strands. Now what!

Curlformers

I began to do twist or bantu knot outs instead of wash and go's, but I became laxed in that department and reverted back to wash and go's on occasions. So not only am I doing twist or bantu knot outs faithfully I am stretching my hair prior to styling it as well. There are several ways you can stretch your hair, but my method of choice  is to use Curlformers. So stretching my naturally  SUPER coily hair can and does reduce the occurrence of single stand knots while the twist or bantu knot outs give my hair back a curl or a wave that although not my natural pattern are stylish none the less. *wink*

Bantu Knot Out

Do single strand knots haunt you? What is your method for keeping them at bay?

$100 Holiday Spending Cash Giveaway!

Who couldn’t use some extra spending cash this season? ATL Deal Finder is hosting a giveaway for $100 CASH just in time for Black Friday! Giveaway will run Nov. 8th – Nov. 20th . Stay tuned for giveaway entry opportunities!

************************

BLOGGERS WANTED!

Bloggers, here’s a great opportunity to increase your blog traffic, Facebook likes, Twitter followers and other social media traffic! Sign up HERE to join this giveaway for FREE! Page hosts and Co-host opportunities available. Plus, the blogger who refer the most people gets a FREE Co-host spot!

SIGN UP HERE!

Scandal "You're Ornamental, Not Functional"

Image courtesy of ABC

It's been a couple of weeks since one of my favorite shows SCANDAL had it's season premiere, but there was a phrase in that episode that has really stuck with me. The scene in which President Grant (Tony Goldwyn) and the first lady (Bellamy Young) were arguing after a press conference in which she over stepped her boundaries. “Your opinion doesn’t matter,” the president said. “You’re the first lady. Your job is to plant gardens and decorate rooms and let them blog about your clothes. You’re ornamental, not functional.” 

"You're ornamental, not functional" really resonated with me, it made me sit back and evaluate my role in the lives of my loved ones, friends and acquaintances and their roles in mines. I have come to realize that I give far too much weight to the length of time someone has been in my life vs. the value they are currently bringing to my life and I to theirs. And I therefore have allowed relationships to linger far longer than they need to. 

That is not to say that I feel that my relationships are all about what I can get out of them. It's important that I remember that sometimes I may meet someone in order to be a blessing or a positive influence on their life, and that I  may not benefit from their presence in any significant way. If neither party is benefiting from a relationship be it love, friendship, emotional or support what is the point of putting my energy and time into it. I say there is no point and my energy will be better geared towards other more "functional" relationships in my life. 

I realize Scandal is a television show and should be viewed as entertainment, but I believe that a lesson can be learned or a gentle reminder can come from anywhere. So with all that said I am working on playing a more functional role in the lives of those I value and being more aware of those who are merely ornamental in mines. 

Image courtesy of ABC

Are you playing an ornamental role in someones life? Is there someone in you life who is merely ornamental?

WEN Cleansing Conditioner Review

Why oh why did I do this to myself?!?! A few months back I received a generous sample of Wen's Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner and right away I have to tell you my hair enjoyed it and I enjoyed the simplicity of the process as well! 

I am going to let you in on a little secret I am extremelly frugal, particularly when it comes to hair products. My current staple product do not exceed $5 dollars in cost and I tend to write off any product that exceeds $10 in cost. With that said there is no way I would have tried Wen unless I received it as a gift/sample. So now that I have tried it will I be breaking this $10 limit I have set for myself? 

                                      

WEN Instructional Video - African American Hair

Now if you took the time to watch the above video you would know that for African American hair like my own they recommend that you use a minimum of 40 full pumps of conditioner to your hair for just one cleansing session. I must admit I did not use 40 full pumps because that would have turned my generous sample into a one time experience instead of the four sessions I was able to extend it to. I decided to focus more on applying it to my scalp for cleansing purposes and my ends to make sure they received the conditioning benefits. Otherwise I followed the directions step by step. 

While WEN Cleansing Conditioner was in my hair I did take the time to detangle my hair which is no easy task do to the sheer volume of hair I have, but it  was made easier due to the great slip that it provides.WEN left my hair feeling clean but not squeaky clean like shampoos with sulfates in them does, and  because of its conditioning qualities my hair was super soft upon rinsing it out. 

While my hair enjoyed the tingly feeling the mint left behind, there wasn't any drastic improvement in the overall health of my hair. Yes I applaud the product for doing what it typically takes three products to do for me (Conditioner Wash +Apple Cider Vinegar to Clarify + Deep Conditioner), but the facts remain that I am frugal and even with purchasing all three of those products is still 1/3 the cost of WEN. So I guess I will be stalking QVC for some awesome special in order to enjoy the connivence of this all in one product.

Disclosure: I received Wen Cleansing Conditioner as a sample and was not compensated for this post. As always my thoughts an opinions are my own. 

I Am a Runner

There are two thoughts/idea/visions that have been mainstays in my mind that most people looking at me (including myself) may think are far fetched. The first thought being that I will be a millionaire somehow someway someday, but this is not the idea that I focus on. Because life taught me a lesson several years ago that money truly cannot buy you happiness, therefore I made a conscious decision to make the quality of my life and my families life a priority over any monetary gain I may encounter. So for now I have decided to breathe life into my vision of becoming a runner and will focus on the millions a little later. *wink*

There is something inside me that keeps telling me that I should run, in my dreams I run and in my daydreams I picture myself as one of those people who just HAVE to run. I have become addicted to the idea of running. So just a few days ago I was having a conversation with myself and I said, "self if you are convinced you are a runner than surely you can convince your body of this." From that point I found a Four- Week Beginning Training Program to Run 1 Mile, that I am determined to complete. If I can get my body to agree with what my mind has already confirmed than I truly am on my way to being a runner. 

If I were to sit here and allow doubt to creep into my thoughts It would say you are obese you can't run, you need to lose weight first, you don't have time to run and on and on and on. But I got a few words of wisdom for Mr. Doubt, being obese is just giving me more motivation to run and I have proven already on my first training day that I can run maybe not fast or long yet but I can run. And not having time every one has that excuse, those who knows and love me know that I LOVE my sleep, but I am rising early in the morning even before the sun rises to make my mind's reality of me being a runner my bodies as well. 

The funniest thing is that my belief and or desire to be a runner has nothing to do with my desire to lose weight. What I want most is the experience that avid runners describe of it being freeing, a way to clear their had, therapeutic and the sense of accomplishment for every new goal achieved. 

I realize this is just the beginning of my journey as a runner, but I am excited and look forward to sharing more with you. So what thought our idea have you have allowed Mr. Doubt to suppress in your mind for fear of you being unable to realize it? What's inside you just itching to get out? 

Disney on Ice- Rockin' Ever After Review

Disney On Ice was all that I remember as a child and so much more. The magic of Disney started as soon as you got out the car. My boys were fascinated by all the little girls running around in their princess attire. And of course when you enter the venue there isn't a shortage of Disney paraphernalia everywhere. Let me remind you my sons are only 2 &3 and didn't quite grasp the concept of "Disney on Ice" all they knew at this point is that everyone around them was excited and bright colors were everywhere, so they in turn were excited. 

However, once the show began they were in a trance, it must have been the  Magic of Disney. Our oldest son is able to express himself pretty well and shared that his favorite part of the she was "the songs and dancing"! Which was evident as he and his little brother swayed in their seat and bobbed their heads to the beat.


I personally loved the structure of the show, it re enacted several of its most known stories spending about 20 minutes on each story. Their was a good blend of new and old stories including; Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled and Brave. Of course we were also treated to appearances by those timeless characters that Disney was built upon Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald Duck! The production was excellent the transition from one stories set and background was effortless, the costumes where impeccable and the lighting perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and can see myself attending it in the future with or without the children it certainly had something to offer everyone.

Disney on Ice- Rockin' Ever After will be at Phillips Arena, in Atlanta until September 14th. If you haven't got your tickets what are you waiting for you will not be disappointed!

Disclosure: I received media tickets to this show in exchange for posting about it.  As always my opinions are my own.

Dark Chocolate My Not So Guilty Pleasure

I was around 11 years old when my aunt told me that "One day my pallet would expand." Now when she made this statement she was referring to okra and I still haven't acquired a taste for that, but certain foods have made their way into my repertoire. I can contribute the addition of caviar, sushi, most seafood and numerous other foods to the hubbies persistence and his mature pallet.

Here recently I have made an effort to maintain a healthier diet. Just like anyone else I have cravings, chocolate in particular, and do often succumb to my sweet tooth. Many times after sending the hubby on a late night sweets run he has returned with my favorite milk chocolate bar and a candy bar of the dark chocolate variety for himself. I always turned my nose up to his choice, but since I have been making an effort to make better food choices I decided to give dark chocolate  a try. And I am hooked! After finishing my first dark chocolate bar, since I was an adolescent, and actually enjoying it (can you say mature palette) I decided to look up its benefits.

FIT DAY shares 6 Health Benefits to Eating Dark Chocolate. Three of which really resonated with me. The first is it being good for your heart by lowering your blood pressure and helping with circulation. Secondly dark chocolate helps control blood sugar levels protecting the consumer against type 2 diabetes. Also it's full of antioxidants and can help reduce your chances of getting cancer and slow the process of aging. I was sold. Like with anything enjoy it in moderation. The recommendation according to WebMD is to eat it 1.6oz of dark chocolate daily. I can live with that!!!

So the next time you have a desire for chocolate try dark chocolate it may taste better than you remember!

Wordless Wednesday... Tear-Free Dentist Visit

X-Rays, Cleaning & Exam!!!

Taste of Atlanta Festival Part 2

Taste of Atlanta is a three-day festival that attracts food lovers from throughout Atlanta, the Southeast and beyond to enjoy tastes from more than 80 restaurants from all over the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Guests can sample delicious dishes; sip robust wines, craft beers, and innovative cocktails; be entertained by demos from celebrity chefs; and enjoy interactive sponsor experiences and family-friendly entertainment, all while uncovering the incredible dining treasures the city has to offer. 

I was fortunate enough to enjoy the 11th annual Taste of Atlanta this past weekend and was delighted by the diversity of options available. The types of dishes and beverages available included ribs, sushi, desserts, fried chicken, coffees, shaved milk, etc. So there is no doubt that you would find something that delighted your pallet. The Georgia Grown Specialty Food Market was definitely a highlight during my time at the festival, products available for sale included honey by Atlanta Bee Company and goat cheese by The Capra Gia Cheese Company. There was also several vendors there providing free samples CHOBANI and King Hawaiian just to name a couple. 

Take a glimpse into my time at the Taste of Atlanta!!!

You undoubtedly will find a drink or dish that you would want to sample a few times, here is a list of my top five new to me adult beverages I discovered (several times) at the festival!

1. American Harvest Organic Spirits   2. Savida Sangria  3. el Jimador Tequila  4. Chocolat Rogue   5. Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan Beer for the hubby!

Make sure to like Taste of Atlanta on facebook to ensure that you don't miss out on all the fun next year! 

Disclosure: I received media passes to this event in exchange for posting about it.  As always my opinions are my own.