Places Around Town: Salon Five

What is it about a good manicure that makes a woman feel like she can conquer the world? Is it the fresh coats of polish? Bold color? Or the fact that you can just relax? I'd say all of the above, plus a little TLC + a Girl's Night out is always good for the soul!

This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting Salon Five over in Little Five Points. The salon is adorable and the staff is extremely welcoming! My good friend Erica (of Eating with Erica) was hosting a Girl's Night Out! She knows how to throw a party, that's for sure. From beautiful flower arrangements to the food, the attention to detail was top notch!

After welcoming us to the event, Erica informed us that we would each be receiving services from gel manicures to foot massages. Talk about TLC. After a long week at work, a free coat of polish and massage is just what the doctor ordered!

After (several minutes of) deliberating, I opted for their Spa Manicure/Pedicure followed by my first threading experience. As I walked over to polishes, it was time for the the all important 'color choosing process.' This part is crucial. Do I want something "loud, yet fun" or do I want something a bit more "understated." I opted for my classic nude polish. Simple, clean (plus it goes with everything)!

After my manicure + pedicure, which was hands down (pun fully intended) the best, most relaxing manicure I've ever had, I shopped browsed around their gift section! Oh my goodness, if you're in need of a gift for your girlfriend, mother or co-worker, this is the place to find one. They have everything from Oka-B sandals to Votivo candles! One stop shop in my book.

Once I was done shopping browsing, I took a seat in one of Salon Five's plush chairs to have my eye brows threaded. I normally have my brows waxed every couple of weeks, but after hearing about the threading process I decided to give it a try! SO happy I did. My brows have never looked better. Threading your brows allows the shape to be more accurate and cuts back on the in-between time (aka I don't have to go every two weeks to have my brows done, now).

Seriously, I felt like Beyoncé. Is this how she feels on the reg? With a fresh mani + pedi and my brows on point, I left the salon feeling like a million bucks! 

Thank you Erica for putting on such a fun Girl's Night Out! So thankful for all these ladies. Y'all are all #GirlBosses!

So, next time you're in need of a relaxing afternoon or evening after work, head on over to Salon Five! Your hands and feet will thank you!

PS - What's your favorite way to relax?

Kale Me Kelly Meets "Crazy"

Do I love kale? Kale yes, I do! When I first started my blog, I came across Kale Me Crazy. And I knew I needed to test it out ASAP, I mean we're practically "family."

Located in Inman Park, Kale Me Crazy holds down the corner spot on North Highland Street. Prime real estate, if you ask me. If you're not familiar with N Highland Street, it's the hot spot for dining! With Barcelona Wine Bar, Sotto Sotto, and the latest addition of (another) Bartaco, there is tons to eat (and do) in this quaint area!

So, if you're in the mood for a smoothie post-Pure Barre or wanting a healthy, GF wrap for lunch, Kale Me Crazy has you covered! Kale Me Crazy is more than just a juice bar – their menu includes: juices, smoothies coffee, salads, wraps, and açaí bowls. All of the ingredients they use are fresh, organic, and raw!

I recently had the opportunity to stop in for lunch and chat with the Owner and Founder, Roi Shlomo. Side Note: He also founded Yogli Mogli #Froyo #Winning

For lunch, I went with water (shout out to everyone participating in Peaches to Pearls #EatPretty15 challenge) and their wrap + salad combo. Their Wild Caught Smoked Salmon pairs nicely with the Kale Salad (I went GF with the wrap, btw). Such a light, yet refreshing meal! 

They also Vega protein powder, (my favorite) Justin's peanut butter cups, local protein bars, hemp seeds and so much more! 

I love Roi's concept, and apparently so do a lot of Atlantans! Get ready Midtown, Sandy Springs and Broohaven...Kale Me Crazy is coming your way soon! 

In the mean time, I will be enjoying their new Deluxe Açaí Bowl this weekend. Let me know if you have tried Kale Me Crazy and what your go-to order is! 

Follow Kale Me Crazy on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Let the #GIRLTALKSERIES begin...

And so it's begins! To say last Tuesday night was a dream is an understatement. What started as an idea over dinner and vino, transformed into something the three of us never imagined. I am beyond thankful for the hard work these two ladies put into making the first event of our #GIRLTALKSERIES a smashing success! It's a matter of several elements all coming together, but it all starts with an idea.

Our idea started on neon, star-shaped paper and poster board covering my living room floor. While there may have been several words and phrases jotted down, our vision was clear. We wanted to create a series of events to motivate, support and inspire women in the Atlanta community. I'm a huge believer in women building one another up, versus tearing each other down with our words! We need to be cheerleaders for one another, and what better way to do that than with events filled with strong, beautiful ladies!

I am so lucky to have met Allie and Erica. It's truly takes #TEAMWORK to make the dream work! It also takes several other amazing people who believe in what you're doing. Thank you to David of LDV Hospitality, Todd & co. at Etro, and Liz Lapidus and Blair Cofield of Liz Lapidus PR for connecting all the dots to make our first event with #GIRLTALKSERIES possible! If we we're at the Golden Globes I'm sure the teleprompter would be telling me to wrap it up, but we are just so thankful to all those that helped make it happen! 

Last Tuesday evening, ladies from all over the metro-Atlanta area gathered at Corso Coffee (located at  Buckhead Atlanta) for an evening of lite bites, wine, fellowship and to hear the one and only Lynn Lilly talk about her tips and tricks to creating YOUR brand! Being that the event was at Corso (which is under the LDV Hospitality umbrella), we were all greeted at our seats with these adorable black and white fliers about the new Dolce restaurant (opening September 2015) at Buckhead Atlanta. The LDV team is gearing up for the opening with a HUGE social media contest, where the grand prize winner will WIN a 1-night stay at The Gale Hotel for 2 + Dinner for 2 at Dolce Miami! 

The Rules:

Contest runs now through September 13

All photos must be tagged @dolce_italian and @ldvhospitality (you must also follow both accounts)

Instagram what 'La Dolce Vita' aka The Good Life means to you!

All photos must be hashtagged #DolceAtlanta

PS - If you win, I vote you take me!

As the hosts, it was wonderful to see old and new faces come out to the event! Luisa (of Peaches to Pearls) is always a doll! She has been such a joy to get to know and has such a eye for fashion. 

Even though Luisa and I couldn't sip on any coffee or vino (see her blog for more info, we're in the midst of Luisa's #eatpretty15 challenge), we were able to indulge in some of the tasty bites Corso prepared for our group. The Eggplant Caponata was by far my favorite! The Corso Platter filled with artisinal cured meats and cheeses was scrumptious, as well. And if you follow me on Insta or Twitter, then you know how I feel about their coffee! Their Almond Milk Latte is divine. Oh, and their Nutella gelato is life changing!

Allie and I catching up with Luisa of Peaches to Pearls

Once our plates and glasses were refreshed, we took a seat to hear what Lynn Lilly had in store for us! If you're not familiar with who Lynn is, I'll catch you up to speed. 

"Lynn developed her passion for entertaining and event planning while at Auburn University. She turned that passion into a career after graduation working in events, advertising and marketing and eventually owning her own event planning firm. Lynn has ridden the ups and downs of business and learned her fair share of valuable lessons. A year ago Lynn was exploring the vibrant creative streets of Tokyo with her then fiancé (now husband) when she was overwhelmed with the inspiration to create a unique online experience for like-minded passionate women. A few weeks later, Lynn came back to the states and brought the idea to her two most creative friends and shortly after Craft Box Girls was born. Craft Box Girls is a vision turned reality. This is only the beginning of the Craft Box Girls journey. Lynn has a desire to create a household name that will be a trusted and vibrant source for every aspect for women and the maker community." -via her Craft Box Girls's Blog

Every time I hear Lynn speak, it reignites the drive in me to do more with my blog. And to think BIG! Lynn's focus for the evening was to help us create a mission statement which will ultimately lead us to building the brand we vision for ourselves. 

Lynn provided everyone with a piece of paper covered in questions. She explained that these questions would help mold our mission statement! It's important to develop a mission statement early on, because it allows you to focus on why you are starting and/or started your blog. Many opportunities will come your way, and you need to remain true to the vision of your blog! If you missed out on the event and would like a recap on what we learned, email me at kmboring@gmail.com. Would love to have you at the next #GIRLTALKSERIES event!

After a few girls read their mission statements, Lynn explained to the group how she got into TV. Lynn can be seen on several local affiliates doing fun, creative segments! Being the guru of the room, she lent us a few tips for breaking into the "biz!"

Lynn Tips for TV:

Make a reel of your BEST work (NO nerves or "um's)

Your reel should be 1:30-2:00 minutes MAX

Do your research aka Google or LinkedIn to find producers

Let them see that you are the expert

Be engaging and personal when you email the producers 

Follow-up!

Be easy to work with and grateful

It was amazing to hear from Lynn and see all the ladies put their ideas on paper! We wanted to create this series of events to motivate, support and inspire the women that attend. So, to see these women mingle and exchange numbers was awesome! 

During all the mingling, the three hosts (with the most) stepped out to the streets of Peachtree to document these insanely, gorgeous dresses Etro provided us with for the evening! Thank you to Todd & Co. at Etro for being so hospitable and treating us like queens at our fitting (BTS pictures to come)! Head on over to their Buckhead Atlanta location today to see their Fall 2015 line. The pictures do not serve them justice!

As with any event, once you have the outfit in place (I cannot thank Liz Lapidus and Etro enough) it's time for hair and make-up. My uber talented sister, Blair, who took all the pictures from the event, also did my hair! This "easy" look can be done in 10 minutes or less. I wanted something sleek, yet relaxed. This summer, I've gone with a braid (in some form) for most events. My poor hair can't handle the humidity #FrizzBall. I absolutely this braid up-do!

For the make-up, I paid a visit to my boo aka Jeremy. He's amazing! He knows how I love a good glow and strong lip. Mission accomplished, yet again! 

Hair: Blair Boring // Make-up: Jeremy at Phipps // Earrings: Tory Burch // Dress: Etro // Heels: BCBGeneration 

Each of the attendees also went home with a loaded swag bag filled with Lynn's Chocolate Chip Bourbon Ganache Cookie Sandwiches, Corso gift card & other fun goodies!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BLAIR BORING

We are already planning the next event in our #GIRLTALKSERIES, so stay tuned! If you'd like to get more information on this event or on the mailing list for future events, feel free to drop me a note at kmboring@gmail.com. Would love to hear from y'all!

*Huge thank you to David Abes of LDV Hospitality, Todd & Co. at Etro, Liz Lapidus and Blair Cofield of Liz Lapidus PR, my crazy talented sister Blair, and my amazing friends Allie and Erica for making this all happen! While this post may have had a sponsored element to it, we had a wonderful evening and thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the lovely, new faces! 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.

Where to Eat: Dragon Bowl

For those that know me (personally), you know I tend to stay within my "bubble," especially when it comes to restaurants. Don't get me wrong, I love trying new things, but it's like my Dad always says, "if it's not broke, don't fix it." My neighborhood has tons of great spots, which I tend to frequent more than others. But last week when I got the invite to try out taste test Dragon Bowl's menu, I couldn't say no...I mean who turns down food?!

So last Tuesday my best friend, Callie, and I ventured over to Emory Village for some Asian fusion. Dragon Bowl is located on a quaint street in Emory Village with several other restaurants and shops (one of which we ventured to after dinner...more on that later), which has a great vibe. With every new restaurant I check out, I always do my research drool over the menu prior to going. I had several friends tell me to try their Infused Sake and that I couldn't go wrong with one of their bowls! Excited to order eat, my bestie and I placed our order: an order of their Infused Sake, Sangria of the Day, Samosa Rolls (three crispy spring rolls filled with curried potatoes and caramelized onions. Served with tamarind yogurt sauce), Ancient Grains Superfood Bowl with Pork for me & BiBimBap with Chicken for Callie. Geez, looking back you'd think we were feeding a small army.

While catching up on life, the food quickly arrived at our table. The colors of the bowls are amazing! So much flavor and food packed into each one (the portions are massive). I highly recommend splitting a couple bottles of their Infused Sake. Some of the smoothest I've ever had! And their bowls are insanely flavorful! I could have eaten the whole thing, but decided to save half for lunch (the next day). #GrownUpProblems

Being that we're BFFS, Rule #753 in the BFF handbook states, "I must always share my food with you." After exchanging multiple bites, I knew this would not be my last time to dine at Dragon Bowl.

Not that I should be hungry or need anything else after our meal, but we decided to take a stroll up the street and look around. Since I typically don't get out to Decatur that often, it was nice to see all that it had to offer!

But it was Ali's Cookies that took the cake cookie. Holy cow! I love cookies and ice-cream more than a lot of things (but I'd hate to bore you), so when I saw the store front I knew what had to happen. Walking into the chocolate chip aroma, I knew this is what an earthly heaven must feel like. Row and rows of cookies lined the store!

The girls working there were awesome and told us how the process works: 1) Pick your cookie (or two) 2) Decide if you want an ice-cream sandwich 3) If you proceed with the sandwich route (smart choice, btw), you will need to pick an ice-cream flavor. I went with the M&M cookie with Butter Pecan ice-cream! Heaven in a bowl.

See, I'm a simple girl. Give me dinner and an ice-cream sandwich with my best friend, and I'm a happy girl!

Kelly

PS - Thanks to Cynthia of Darling Down South for the recommendation to stroll next door to Ali's Cookies. BEST. DECISION. THAT. WEEK.

#GIRLTALKSERIES

Gearing up for my first #GIRLTALKSERIES event with Erica (of Eating with Erica) and Allie (of Peachfully Chic) next Tuesday, August 11 at Corso Coffee. It all started as an idea, and will soon be a reality! 

If you haven't had a chance to read my story, I highly suggest you do. It has made me who I am today, and is a big reason behind this series. My friends are all unique, but they have a common thread. They are each motivated, creative and inspiring in their own right! And I want to create a community of empowering women who build each other up and support one another through this crazy thing called "life!" So if you're interested in meeting some truly awesome women, come to this event! Bring all your girlfriends, co-workers, sisters and mothers!

#GIRLTALKSERIES Presents... 

Join us for lite bites, wine and coffee at Corso Coffee on Tuesday, August 11 from 7 - 9 PM 

Co-Founder/CEO of Craft Box Girls, Lynn Lilly, will be talking about how to curate a successful blog + brand! The #GIRLTALKSERIES is designed to help current bloggers and ladies in the workplace hone in on their already awesome skill set! 

Guests will enjoy tasty bites and bubbly, along with the chance to hear from a #GirlBoss already kicking butt in the industry. It's a great way to connect with like minds and create a support team of fabulous women, just like you! 

To purchase tickets, click HERE! My hope is that through this series, we can create a community of strong, inspiring women who work together to do good! Look forward to meeting you all!

Ladies Day: BB&T Atlanta Open Edition

What a treat last Thursday was for myself and three lucky bloggers at the BB&T Atlanta Open! We started the day with brunch at Strip at Atlantic Station. Endless steak kabobs, spinach and crab dip, hummus with warm pita bread, fresh fruit and much more!  

After diving into our plates (we are part food bloggers, keep this in mind), the special guests of the hour Mike and Bob Bryan were greeted with cheers and applause as they entered the VIP brunch. Wayne Bryan, the Bryan's father (who's the character), hyped up the room for a Q&A! I knew I wanted to ask the dynamic duo about their diet and how they find a balance traveling from city to city. Mike was quick to chime in noting that he has been gluten and dairy-free the last decade! Bob laughed and said he was much more laid back, but that they both nix out sugar majority of the time. I found it super intriguing, because I have recently started to lessen my dairy intake, and have noticed a huge difference in my energy when I do. Because of my "really good" question, Wayne presented me with a poster which the brothers both autographed! 

Mike, Bob and Wayne Bryan fielding Q's from the ladies!

After the Q&A with the guys, we all took a group shot with them! A few of us (Erica of Eating with Erica) even got a selfie with the top double players in the world!

Erica (of Eating with Erica), Mike Bryan, Me, Bob Bryan, and our new girlfriends!

After brunch, it was off to watch an afternoon of tennis in the new North Suite! This section was added this year and provides fans with a great view. Being that it was Ladies Day, we were treated like royalty! Each ticket came with brunch, an afternoon of tennis and four drink vouchers! If you haven't noticed, rosé and I have a thing. After nestling into our seats, our bartender for the afternoon came by and asked what we would all like to drink. Rosé, s'il vous plaît!

Jack Sock vs. Denis Kudla

Essentials for Ladies Day: VIP access, rosé and a flower

John Isner vs. Radek Stepanek

Mike & Bob Bryan vs. Sam Groth & Chris Guccione

What a fun afternoon with my blogger girls and new friends! Update: The Bryan bros went on to win their BB&T Atlanta Open debut! Look forward to seeing them back here next year.

Follow my Instagram and Twitter for more exclusive pics!

Kelly

*Huge thank you to Gina Marano, Special Events and Player Services Manager of USTA, and Peter Lebedevs, Assistant Tournament Director of the BB&T Atlanta Open, for the tickets! As well as, Cypress & 5th for the perfect skirt! 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.