Thursday, July 03, 2008
Fair Trade, Good Shopping
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Ten Thousand Villages
You have to admit, it's pretty sweet living in the U.S. of A--good life, purported liberty, and the happy pursuit of every Starbucks lining every street corner. Living amid such extravagance certainly has its perks, but once in a while it's a bigger perk to give to the less indulgent. Know what I'm saying? Enter the heart of the mission, Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit boutique where artists from around the globe feature their beautifully crafted work. As individual as they are unique, the heirlooms, jewelry, trinkets, and various sundries found here are handmade and expansive in origin. And fair trade means the opportunity for fair wages and higher quality of life--the latter of which never comes down to the price tag. Just the thought brings a whole new meaning to the notion of living in a material world. |
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Furnish, Don't Be Churlish
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South of Market
Time to freshen up your digs, but don't want to do it the IKEA way? Then you need to head on over to South of Market, my friend. For grown-up tastes (and budgets) with a young vibe and very of-the-moment color and style spin, this is your in-town place. Right in the heart of Virginia Highlands, the appealing storefront windows beckon you with natty displays and glimpses of sofas that you just know you'd love nestling into. They always have that perfect end table and just the right coffee table (which is actually a tin chest, but it's so unusual and the perfect height for your odd-sized sofa) and they have a slew of knick-knacks to fill out your bookcases and credenzas. If you aren't in the market to buy, it's also a great place to meander through after a nice lunch in the neighborhood! |
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Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Create A Touching Memory
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Jalisco
Jalisco has been a Buckhead staple since 1978. Several generations of local kids like me grew up eating their fabulous cheese dip; our parents enjoyed the cold beer (or wine, but no margaritas here, as Jalisco doesn't stock a full bar). Nestled in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, this is the spot for an easy and tasty Mexican meal any night of the week, particularly if you have kids. Be prepared to lounge outside if it’s crowded, which it is frequently, but know it's worth the wait: service is quick and friendly, and everything from the enchiladas to the combo plates are great, with even better prices. You can get your margaritas another night! |
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Monday, June 30, 2008
El Dorado of Outer Atlanta
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Nuevo Laredo Cantina
Why would I recommend a place that isn't even on an NFT map? Because it's off-the-map good and you'll feel Indiana Jones intrepid once you find Nuevo Laredo Cantina. A perennial winner for spot-on Mexican dishes, this is a singular restaurant in more ways than one, meaning it has opted to stay in the same, backwoods location and make the same, excellent food year after year. Personal favorites include the chicken mole and the chicken diablo, both house specialties, and you aren't going to go wrong with anything from that section of the menu. The fish tacos, serving up rich salmon as opposed to the ubiquitous tilapia, are good enough to make you fall out of your chair. Consider coming midday if possible, as lunch specials help reduce the impact on your bank account (Nuevo knows how good they are, and they usually attract a well-heeled crowd). And don't even think about getting in without at long wait once rush hour kicks in. People are heading straight here for the margaritas and freshest salsa in town. |
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Friday, June 27, 2008
Up, Up, and Away
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McCollum Airport
Most tourists and non-tourists have seen the wonders of Atlanta from a ground-level perspective. Few realize they have the unique opportunity to see the sights from a bird's-eye view without the lines and delays native to the territory at Hartsfield. Flying in a four person Beechcraft or Cessna is a completely individual experience, and a far cry from the sensations felt at 39,000 feet in a Delta MD-80. So put on your headset and buckle up--the skies promise smooth sailing and unbeatable views of Stone Mountain and Downtown. Odds are that your aircraft won't be equipped with air conditioning. So keep your door cracked while you taxi. Three additional important tips of the trade include: Wear comfy, lightweight clothes (see 'no air conditioning'); relieve yourself before you fly (unless, of course, you're proficient at peeing in a bottle); and always take to the runway with a qualified pilot who knows how to operate the given 1000-pound piece of machinery that will soon have your life in its flight deck. |
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