Game. Set. Match.

There's nothing I love more than food, but throw in a sporting event and I'm one happy girl.

This week (as you know know via my Twitter & Insta) the BB&T Atlanta Open is in town. All the action is going down at Atlantic Station! Atlantic Station is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, and provides visitors with endless options for dining, shopping and entertainment. Last night, Allie (of Peachfully Chic) and I decided to grab a bite to eat before the Roddick vs. Tiafoe exhibition match! It had been a while since I'd been to Rosa Mexicano, and we all know how I feel about good guac and a margarita. Rosa's table-side guac is one of my favorite features at the restaurant. Tac on an order of their Chicken Tacos, and you have the makings for a pretty, delicious meal!

Once we were fueled up for the evening, it was time for the "most exciting match in BB&T history! (cue Chris Harrison of The Bachelor/Bachelorette)" Truth be told, I was pumped to see Roddick come out of retirement for this match. He will also being playing doubles with Mardy Fish on Wednesday! The last time I saw Roddick in action, he was playing in his second to last US Open. 

The energy in the air was evident! With Roddick coming out of retirement to face Frances Tiafoe, who is known around the tennis community as the country's next tennis star, the crowd was all eyes as the two took the court.

It was great to see Roddick have fun with the match. Best part hands down was when Wayne Bryan (the Bryan's brothers father) started naming off the tennis greats and Roddick doing impersonations of each. Click HERE for the epic video! Pure gold.

Roddick won the match, but it was great to see how gracious and thankful Tiafoe was to play against his idol. 

Game. Set. Match.

Gearing up for Ladies Day on Thursday! A VIP blogger brunch at STRIP, Q&A with the Bryan brothers and more tennis. Until then, be sure to continue following me Twitter and Instagram for all the #BTS action!

PS - Huge thank you to Cypress & 5th for styling me for the BB&T Atlanta Open! Majorly obsessed with this easy, breezy look! 

As always, you'll be getting the 411 later this week. Stay tuned for how you can get this dress & neckalce for under $75!

Dress: Cypress & 5th // Earrings: Stella & Dot // Necklace: Cypress & 5th // Clutch: Stella & Dot // Booties: Toms


 *Huge thank you to Gina Marano, Special Events and Player Services Manager of USTA, and Peter Lebedevs for the tickets! As well as, Cypress & 5th for the easy, breezy ensemble! While this post may have had a sponsored element to it, I truly had a wonderful evening! Thanks for supporting the sponsorships that Kale Me Kelly collaborates with so that I can continue to bring you all one step closer to the happenings around Atlanta.

Night on the Town - Part II

Thanks friends for coming back for round two! You know when your #OOTD or #OOTN (in my case) is making you feel like a million bucks?! You want to document it all over social media. Hence this post. My FIRST ever fashion post! Eek. 

Trust me when I tell you I am by no means a) a model (I don't even pose to be one on Insta) b) feel I have any idea (most days) on how to put an outfit together. I'm currently in an old Braves' tee and shorts as I write this. You're welcome for the visual. 

When it comes to pre-event prep, I always book an appointment with GlowDry! It's a must. Their staff is top notch and you will leave feeling like Queen Bey! Be sure to ask for Sacha (hair) and Rajaa (make up), they are the best #GlamSquad a girl can ask for. Hands. Down. Once hair and make-up is complete, I head home to change and off I go!

After the 'Night on the Town' event this past Saturday, my friend and blogger Allie (of Peachfully Chic) decided to take full advantage of the beautiful scenery Atlantic Stations has to offer! 

Hair // Make up // Polish // Earrings (OLD) similar // Bangles (OLD) similar // Dress // Heels 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram + Twitter this week! I'll be at the Roddick exhibition match tonight and have some fun things going on all week long! As also, use the #KaleMeKelly. 

*Huge thank you to Paige, Owner of GlowDry, and her amazing team for making me look amazing! While this post may have had a sponsored element to it, I truly had a wonderful evening & felt gorgeous! Thanks for supporting the sponsorships that Kale Me Kelly collaborates with so that I can continue to bring you all one step closer to the hot spots around Atlanta.

Night on the Town - Part I

Last night, the BB&T Atlanta Open kicked off its annual tennis tournament with a "Night on the Town!" A night that gives back to the youth in the Atlanta community.

From the moment we walked into the Twelve Hotel Atlantic Station, you could feel the instant energy provided by the welcoming committee and inviting yellow decor. As servers passed around yummy hors d’ouvres and signature cocktails, guests also had the opportunity to bid on fabulous sports memorabilia for the silent auction.

As guests mingled and danced, we were reminded why we had all come together to kick off the sixth year of this unique tournament, the kids. The event's partners include: BB&T, Gas South and Greenberg Traurig, who work together to raise money to benefit the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Youth Sports Programs. The Y's mission is simple, "Helping all kids get off the bench and back in the game."

Through the fundraising efforts, Danta Wilson confirmed that the event had raised more money than ever before...$250,000! 2,500 deserving youth will now have the opportunity to participate in sports. What a rewarding evening for all those involved!

With the party in full swing, it was time to take a look at the match ups for this week's big tournament. With two-time champion John Isner making his sixth appearance and Andy Roddick coming out of retirement to play in an exhibition match (Roddick will also play doubles with Mardy Fish); this tournament is lined up to be an exciting week of play!

Tickets are still available to purchase HERE. Be sure to use the #BBTAtlantaOpen15 & #KaleMeKelly. Would love to meet some fellow readers!

I'm off to the Roddick match tomorrow night at Center Court! Follow me on Instagram + Twitter for all the BTS action.

*Huge thank you to Gina Marano, Special Events and Player Services Manager of USTA, for the tickets! While this post may have had a sponsored element to it, I truly had a wonderful evening! Thanks for supporting the sponsorships that Kale Me Kelly collaborates with so that I can continue to bring you all closer to the happenings around Atlanta.

Kelly

Snack Guide for The Working Girl

I am a firm believer in all things food, especially the art of snacking. But when it comes to snacking, I try to keep a stash of healthy options at my desk (or cubicle). Because no one, I repeat no one, has time to be #hangry. It's not a good look for anyone.

For me personally, I like to eat 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 2 snacks (mid-morning + afternoon) a day. I know the times have changes, but my meals are generally larger (in portion and calories) and snacks are kept between 150-200 calories. Below are some of my favorites!

• Water 
• Keurig K-Cups (Starbucks' House Blend, for me)
• ¼ cup Nuts (I prefer Raw Unsalted Cashews or Blue Diamond's Sriracha Almonds)  
• Quest Bar (Perfect afternoon or pre-workout snack)
• Fage Total 0% Plain Greek Yogurt 
• Ginger Chews (Love these little "candies!" Pick some up from Trader Joe's)

And any girl working that 9 to 5 (cue Dolly Parton), knows the importance of coffee #CoffeeBeforeTalkie. I love my coffee shops (i.e. Corso, The Cookie Studio, Starbucks, Octane, and the list goes on), but I'm trying to be more economical #GrownUpProblems these days. So, here's my go-to recipe when I play barista at home!

Sugar Free Vanilla Latte

• 2 Tbsp. of Torani's Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup
• 1 C. Almond Milk (Steamed)  
• 1/4 C. Coffee 

Let me know what some of your favorite snacks are on Twitter by using the #KaleMeKelly! Kelly

Kelly

Ladies Who Brunch: Sweet Auburn Seafood + Cîroc

I love brunch.

So much so that I have created a series strictly devoted to the meal. #ItIsThatSerious

A few weekends ago my girlfriend and blogger maven, Erica Key, invited me to a fabulous brunch hosted by the one and only Ashley "the brand" Cleveland! It was great to see Ashley again after meeting her at the Empire State South brunch. Still recovering from that one. Ashley could not have put on a better brunch, but I should have known.

With her long tenure in the marketing world, Ashley's current role as the Brand Marketing Manager for The Blue Flame Agency, a Sean Combs Enterprise, managing all brands under the portfolio including CÎROC Ultra Premium Vodka, DELEÓN Tequila, AQUAHYDRATE, REVOLT TV, and Sean Jean has allowed her the opportunity to put on innovative events with Cîroc!

Upon our arrival, we were lead back to a private dining room. The luxurious space was decorated with beautiful arrangements created by Erin McClendis, Owner of E. Vincent Floral Design! See her stunning creations below.

Once we were all seated, Erica thanked us all again for coming out to support Sweet Auburn Seafood, and then turned the "mic" over to Ashley. Ashley let us in on the history of Cîroc, and informed us each course would be paired with a Cîroc cocktail! Fun Fact: Cîroc is distinguished from other vodkas by the fact that they derive it from grapes. Other vodka’s use corn, sorghum, rye, wheat, or potatoes. #GF 

First Course: Crab Stuffed Lemon Heads With Chardonnay Cream Sauce

Cîroc Breeze: Cîroc Peach + Cîroc Pineapple fresh lemon topped with grapefruit juice

We were even lucky enough to meet the chef himself. Chef Sammy Davis came out after the first course to see how we were enjoying everything. And explained that each dish was prepared using Cîroc in some way! #Bonus #CîrocInfusion

Second Course: Petite Filet Mignon with Wild Herb Demi Glaze

Waterloo: Cîroc Pineapple watermelon schnapps 3 basil leaves sour mix

Third Course: Mini Sweet Auburn Seafood Burger with Tiger Sauce Peach

*Peach Old Fashioned: Cîroc Peach raspberry muddled orange and raspberry puree top with ginger beer

Fourth Course: Sea Salt Caramel Cheese Cake Shooter

Peach Dream Creme: Cîroc Peach caramel vodka half and half

What a lovely (and yummy) brunch! And no event that Ashley or Erica put on wouldn't be complete without a swag bag. It's like a goody bag, but better! Make-up from NARS and a sugar scrub from SAFI Spirit. Already planning my next GNO, so that I can test out my new products!

*Hands down my favorite cocktail of the brunch! Light, refrshing and who doesn't love ginger beer? I will definitely be recreating this gem at home. And so can you! Full recipe below:

Peach Old Fashioned 

1.5oz Cîroc Peach

.5oz Cîroc Raspberry

Muddled orange and raspberry puree

Top with ginger beer

Serve in a rocks glass 

 As always, follow @kalemekelly on Instagram and let me know what new restaurants you're loving! Use the hashtag #KaleMeKelly + #CirocsSummer if  when you make that Old Fashioned. Cheers!

Book Club - The Paleo Vegetarian Diet

Do not be alarmed, I repeat, do not be alarmed.

Even though the title of this post contains the word 'diet,' I do not diet. Everything I do is a part of a lifestyle! A few weeks ago, I got this awesome book, 'The Paleo Vegetarian Diet,' in the mail. I am a hoarder huge lover of cookbooks, from lifestyle to meals I can whip up in 30 minutes (thanks Rachael Ray). But when I received this book, I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to delve in. But coming across this line in the intro, I felt as if Dena was speaking to the choir me.

"This will thrill some of you and make others cringe, but there are no hard-and-fast rules that apply 100 percent of the time - in life and especially in a diet."

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the Paleo (cave man/woman) diet. Meats, fish, veggies and fruit. It's all about the basics, and getting rid of sugar, processed foods and alcohol. Vegetarians are all about that meat-free life. Bring on the veggies! A big difference between these two (besides the obvious meat vs. no meat) is Paleo says no grains and vegetarians rely on grains for a source of their protein. But Dena Harris' book is all about combining the two. 

The book is broken down into three parts: the introduction of the Paleo Vegetarian (PV) diet, recipes and how to make it work in your own life. She stresses throughout the book, that it's ok to take this diet in baby steps. And realizes that a lot of us are probably wondering, "What the heck can I eat on this diet?!" 

Since I don't want to spoil the whole book for you, I thought I'd highlight a few of my favorite sections! Let's be real, the word 'diet,' is a bit daunting, especially when it comes to dining out. When it comes down to it, Mexican is my jam. The peanut butter to my jelly. So, I truly enjoyed the breakdown of what to get at various restaurants. I'm all about a list, so here's the approved list of Mexican spots:

• A fajita salad (sans tortilla bowl and tortilla strips)
• Side order of black beans
• Veggies (prepared in EVOO or butter)
• Avocado
• Salsa
• Fresh tomatoes

Being that meals, in general, require a little prep, Dena suggests doubling recipes for the week!

This Breakfast Quiche (serves 4) and is the perfect dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

• 8 pasture-raised eggs
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 medium head of broccoli, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray an 8x8-inch square pan, 9-inch pie dish OR muffin pan with coconut oil or olive oil cooking spray.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the chopped vegetables and stir to combine,
5. Pout the contents of the bowl into the baking dish and bake for 25-20 minutes, or until eggs are set. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas:

• Have your way with vegetables. Try a spinach-asparagus combo, a mushroom-red pepper quiche, or a Mexican-inspired tomato and black olive creation.
• Quiche pairs beautifully with a salad or a grilled portobello mushroom for a light yet filling meal.
• Quiche and half a baked sweet potato are an excellent recovery meal after a hard cardio session. 

The final couple of chapters put the "diet," into perspective. If you're anything like me, my #1 question with anything new is, "How is this going to work?" Am I right? As Dena lays out, getting enough zzz's is extremely important (lack of sleep causes cravings), making sure you're getting enough protein (and carbs) and strength training a couple times a week are all critical in making the PV work for you.

Now that I have a better understanding of the PV lifestyle (remember people, it's a marathon not a sprint), I may test it out for a week. Dena suggests to start small, but also set realistic goals for yourself. The PV diet is not for everyone aka people who like meat, sugar, bread...shall I continue? But with the 80/20 principal allowed on this diet, I can definitely manage 7 days (with one cheat meal)! I'll leave you with this final word from the book,

"This is your body and your life. Make the choices that are right for you."

Ready to see what The Paleo Vegetarian Life is all about, eh? You're in luck! 

To win a copy of this book, e-mail me at kmboring@gmail.com.

 Good luck!