2013 Atlanta Christmas Events

I am seriously in Christmas overdrive. My oldest brother is flying in from Californina tonight and I'm so excited! I haven't seen him since I went to Cali for Spring Break in March. Our house is decorated, we're playing Christmas music (and a little Beyonce), and I'm wrapping gifts this weekend! 

Since Dec. 1, my friends and family have been asking me for suggestions on fun Christmas events in ATL. As the Real College Student of Atlanta, it's kind of my job to know…so I don't mind people asking and I love making suggestions. And I wanted to share them with you too. Here's my edited list of fun Christmas events in ATL via Access Atlanta.

I put an (*) beside the events I've been to or that I'm going to this month, eek!

via Access Atlanta

Stone Mountain Christmas. Through Jan. 1. Christmas Adventure pass $28; $22 ages 3-11; free ages 2 and younger. $10 parking per vehicle. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690,www.stonemountainpark.com.

*Snow Mountain. Through Feb. 17. Snow Mountain pass $28. Snow Mountain and Christmas combo pass $45. $10 parking per vehicle. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690,www.stonemountainpark.com.

“Marco Polo: Man & Myth.” Through Jan. 5. $15.50-$17.50. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

*Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights. 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. Through Dec. 31. $60 per carload (1-9 people). 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 770- 945-8787, www.lakelanierislands.com.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Through Jan. 4. $11-$20. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Christmas at Bulloch. Through Dec. 30. $6-$8. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731, www.bullochhall.org.

*Global Winter Wonderland. Through Jan. 5. $16.99-$24.99. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.E., Atlanta. 404-226-0507, www.globalwonderland.com.

Festival of the SEAson. The Georgia Aquarium celebrates the holidays with a light show and special events (including the Weeki Wachee Mermaids the first three weekends in December). Through Jan. 4. $23.95-$34.95. 225 Baker St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-581-4000,www.georgiaaquarium.org.

“Winter Wonderland.” Learn about international holiday celebrations. Through Jan. 5. $15.50-$17.50. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6400,www.fernbankmuseum.org.

PERFORMING ARTS

“The Nut Croaker Ballet: Murder on Your Toes.” Through Jan. 7. $65-$68.50. Agatha’s: A Taste of Mystery Dinner Theatre, 161 Peachtree Center Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404- 584-2255,www.agathas.com.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Through Dec. 29. $16.50. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-873-3089, www.puppet.org.

“The Santaland Diaries.” Through Dec. 31. $25-$55. Horizon Theatre Company, 1083 Austin Ave. N.E., Atlanta. www.horizontheatre.com.

“A Christmas Carol.” Through Dec. 29. $21-$60. Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org.

“Sanders Family Christmas.” Through Dec. 22. $12-$23. OnStage Atlanta, 2969 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur. 404-897-1802, www.onstageatlanta.com.

“A Broadway Christmas Carol.” Through Dec. 22. $18-$25. ART Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105, www.artstation.org.

“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.” Through Dec. 23. $15-$36. The New American Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-874-5299,www.shakespearetavern.com.

Atlanta Ballet: “The Nutcracker.” Through Dec. 29. $20-$120. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 855-285-8499, www.atlantaballet.com.

“Peter Pan and Wendy.” Through Dec. 29. $10-20. Synchronicity Theatre at 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-484-8636, synchrotheatre.com.

“Seussical Jr. The Musical.” Through Dec. 21. $7-10. OnStage Atlanta, 2969 East Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur. 404/897-1802, www.onstageatlanta.com

“Madeline’s Christmas.” Through Dec. 31. $12-$15. Horizon Theatre Company, 1083 Austin Ave. N.E., Atlanta. www.horizontheatre.com

“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Presented by Gypsy Theatre Company. Through Dec. 29. $35-$45. Ferst Center for the Arts, 349 Ferst Drive N.W., Atlanta. www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu.

Celtic Christmas: Music, Dance and the Soul of the Season. Dec. 21-22. $17.50-$60. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta.  www.thecelticcompany.com. 

VISUAL ARTS

“Rendering Atlanta.” Through Feb. 28. Free. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. www.atlantahistorycenter.com. 

“Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.” Ongoing.Currently booking through Feb. 28. $16-$24; $16 ages 4-12; $22 senior citizens; $30 combo ticket with “Bodies … The Exhibition. Premier Exhibition Center, Atlantic Station, 265 18th St., Atlanta. 866-866-8265, www.atlanticstation.com.

“Bodies … The Exhibition.” Ongoing. $16-$24. Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station, 265 18th St. Atlanta. 866-866-8265, www.atlanticstation.com.

Sneak peek {VKV Communications LLC}

Technically, I'm on Christmas break but I'm super (guilty) of working since I finished up my fellowship. I'm already SO excited for 2014 because of all of the projects I have planned that will launch.

The one I'm really, really excited about? 

Launching my own communications consulting firm.

 It's been tons of work, hundreds of small details, failures, do-overs and everything else. Good things take time. And I'm on track to launch my website and *officially* be in business starting January 14, 2014.

I've been doing small communications consulting projects for months now to build my portfolio. But now that I'm making a profit, it all feels so real and so exciting. Don't worry, I'll share more details after the launch :)

I love working for myself and this is definitely the long-term career goal for me. This is just the beginning.

Do you have any exciting dreams/goals planned for 2014? Share!

Eating clean for rookies {part 12}

It's been a while since my last clean eating post. I have still been eating clean, I just haven't done a great job of documenting it all. With my fellowship ending, starting up my business, and the holiday madness…I've been on the go all month. But here's a summary of my December clean eating.

Look up. Those were the best asparagus I've ever had. And, it only took me three minutes to make them. Fresh asparagus on a pan coated with olive oil, sprinkled with black pepper and paprika, a little squeeze of lemon juice, and I also baked them with chunks of fresh tomatoes. Bake for ten minutes on 350 degrees.

Brussel Sprouts. These have replaced popcorn and potato chips in my life.

Apple Sauce Brocoli Slaw. I love this dish by itself or with just about anything.

Cabbage, broccoli slaw, and peas.

Breakfast and lunch on one of my days working from home. Spinach, carrots and blueberries blended. One of my favorite combinations and great energy boost and antioxidant juice.

Blueberry salmon with spinach salad + tomatoes and a banana.

Sautéed spinach with onions, tomatoes.

And of course, I can't forget about this Blueberry Balsamic Herb Crusted Salmon.

Clean eating is really difficult around holidays. 

Any tips for staying healthy and on track?

See more clean eating posts here

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New Beyoncé album

So Beyoncé released her new album (14 songs, 17 videos) last Friday…and it's already sold over a million copies on iTunes -  a new record for iTunes! Seriously impressive.

 I was gifted the album before I had a chance to buy it :) 

But I really like it! I'm not a mega-Beyoncé  fan/stan, but I have always liked her music and admired her drive. My favorite video is "Blue" and I really like the song "Flawless." I just got to my parents' house for Christmas break and this album will definitely be on repeat!

Have you heard any of the new songs yet or seen the videos? 
What do you think?!

You can buy the album here.

Obsessed with these {Ocean Mist TB flats}

I'm not even really a Tory Burch kind of girl. I think they're super cute, but it's pretty pricey to collect these babies. But these Ocean Mist Reva Ballet Flats are beautiful.

I love this Cinderella blue + gold combination and I think they could go with just about anything. My birthday is coming up so… :)

What do you think of these?

I know this FREE BaubleBar necklace would go great with them!

Meals by my roommate {apple sauce broccoli slaw}

My roommate strikes again! She made this Apple Sauce Broccoli Slaw the other day and it looked too good not to try. I'm not a fan of coleslaw or anything with mayo. But, I love this dish! It's one of the simplest recipes, full of great ingredients. Check out photos of the slaw below and see what I ate it with.

I ate mine with peas and cabbage for a light and tasty clean meal.

Ingredients

Bag of broccoli slaw

Lime 

Red onion, chopped

Apple sauce, 2 cups

​Pinch of salt

Pinch of sugar

Fresh cilantro, one bushel 

Directions
Put all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl or container. Cover, then shake until mixed well.

So quick, easy, and amazing! I would seriously add this slaw to anything, but especially to other veggies or meats!


Be sure to enter my BaubleBar giveaway! 

Done with work!

With Governor Deal and FIrst Lady Sandra Deal

And...that's a wrap! I officially finished up work on Friday and had a great time at the reception with my parents at the Governor's Mansion. So excited for this next chapter and to focus on the projects I have going on!

Group photo of interns and fellows from this year's program

Read about my experience with the Governor's Fellowship Program.

How to survive the holiday madness

It's no secret, this time of the year is ridiculously, insanely busy. This past week I went to holiday parties, graduation parties, several other counties, to my parents house, a reception, and MORE. Pure madness. It can be overwhelming if you're not prepared and don't remember key tips for surviving the holiday madness.

I'm sharing how I survive and enjoy the most (hectic) wonderful time of the year!

The invitations for holiday parties, graduations, and more festive events start flying in toward the end of November. That's when I start sorting the invites into "yes," "no," and "maybe" based on who is hosting the party, how convenient it is, what else I have planned for the day, etc. It's OK to say no! People understand how busy December is and that not everyone can make every event. If it's too stressful to attend a function, RSVP with a no and make it up to the host later. Saying no to  some invites, duties, requests, etc. is a big way to lower the holiday madness.

Organization is the answer to just about any issue involving being overwhelmed, and holidays are no different. I use my agenda to stay organized on a regular basis. But during the holiday season, I also create a separate list for holiday parties I've been invited to, any events I am hosting, and work related events or meetings.

Organization also helps when doing your Christmas shopping. I make a list of the people I need to buy gifts for, what stores I can get those items from, the estimated cost of the items - and I update the list as I purchase gifts. I started and finished my Christmas shopping on Saturday using this method and it worked so well! Best Christmas shopping experience yet, and since many items were on sale, I ended up spending less than I predicted.

With the rush of everything that comes along with the holidays, it seems impossible and unreasonable to take a break or relax with an endless to-do list. But, productive breaks are great! What's a productive break?

Getting a mani/pedi before a holiday party

Wearing tennis shoes while Christmas shopping, so it becomes your workout

Cook food for a potluck as a form of therapy

Donate old clothes before buying family members new ones

Do something you enjoy doing, that will also help prepare you for a holiday event.

 

Yes, this month is crazy times 100, but it's a limited time that we can't get back. This is the only December 2013 we'll get and we should enjoy it. As you run around town, pretend to be Santa at your local Target, party-hop, and more…remember to live in the moment. Take in what you're doing and appreciate the time with your family and/or friends. Take a break from Instagramming every gift you receive and talk to your family members because every year with them is a blessing. Living in the moment and not letting the rush of the holidays overcome you is my biggest piece of advice.

The holidays are beautifully busy, and when spent the right way…they're the most wonderful time of the year.

What's your advice for surfing the craziness of the holiday season? 

Leave a comment!

Be sure to enter my BaubleBar giveaway!

#NoHeatDecember {Week 2}

We're halfway there! Two weeks down of my No Heat December challenge, and I'm getting really comfortable with rocking my natural curls every day. I did try some new styles this week! A bun with my curls at the top (wore this for a couple of days when it was rainy and cold). I wore my hair in a loose side pony style on Thursday. And for the reception Friday (photo above), I pushed my curls back with a headband.

My friend Jasmine, who is also
participating in the challenge!

I wore my hair in kind of a side loose pony for the C. Wonder event in Atlanta.

With my mom!

I added a headband to my curls for my reception with my family at 

the Governor's Mansion. This was a fun style :)

I'm so proud of our list of participants below:

Jade

Georgina

Jasmine

Faith

Joyce

Natasha

Kia

Eesh

The Indie

Marche' Hair

eHa

Cathy

Britt

Ashley

Tennille

Sabrina

President Kennedy/Curlss for the Girlss

How is the challenge going for you?

 It's still not too late to join us for a few days or week of no heat on your hair!

Have you entered my BaubleBar necklace giveaway?

Meeting Talking with Tami at C. Wonder in ATL

Photos by Talking with Tami photographer

We all have blogger crushes, right? The bloggers we admire because of their posts, ambition, and personalities. And we hope that they're really like that in person. Well, I met one of my blogger role models, Tami, from the blog Talking with Tami at her event at the C. Wonder store in Atlanta. And she really is super sweet, fun, and friendly!

My roommate, Alexandria, came with me and we had so much fun browsing around in C. Wonder and chatting with Tami! Yay for ATL bloggers!

See more photos and details about the event on Tami's post here.

Have you ever met one of your favorite bloggers?

BaubleBar necklace {giveaway}

First, it's my last day of work - eek!

Second, earlier this week, I passed more than 2,000 subscribers via email for my blog! I think email is the best way to keep up with a blog because it's no work for you and a fun surprise every day. You never miss a post. And, you can quickly share a blog post by just forwarding the email along. 

To celebrate, I'm giving away a fun accessory you can rock this holiday season and on into the new year! I love BaubleBar, especially their necklaces! I thought this Glinda Gem Bib Necklace in White was super cute! So I've ordered it and I'm giving it away to one of my viewers! I think it will go great with a festive sweater or holiday dress!

If you haven't yet, be sure to subscribe via email and tell a friend. Once I get to 3,000 subscribers, I'm doing an even better giveaway! 2014 is going to be a great year for RCSOATL and you don't want to miss it!

xoxo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced and contacted on 12/22/2013

Blueberry balsamic herb crusted salmon {recipe}

This goes down as one of the top 5 dishes I've ever cooked or eaten. Ready? 

Blueberry balsamic herb crusted salmon. Yes, really. I guess I've been on a salmon-kick recently because I just ate some of my roommates orange flavored salmon, yum. Salmon is my favorite seafood and I love how it can be cooked in so many ways.

I spotted a similar dish on Pinterest, read the recipe and it sounded really yummy! But I wanted to make it using less processed sugar and more blueberries. Check out the cooking process and full recipe below. If you love salmon and/or blueberries, you must try this meal. So. Good.

Cooking the blueberries in the balsamic vinegar.

Cooking the fish in the mixture from my pot.

Still cooking, while I wait anxiously and so hungry.

ALL DONE. And topped with more of the blueberry sauce and blueberries.

AMAZING.

I ate my salmon with green beans and Greek yogurt red potatoes, yum!!

Ingredients

1 lb. fresh salmon, skin on*

1 pinch of brown sugar*

1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

1 cup of frozen or dried blueberries

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Oregano

Red Pepper

Italian Seasoning

Black Pepper

Parsley

Instructions

Rinse the salmon then put it in a baking dish that has been coated with olive oil.

Sprinkle the salmon with red pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano until salmon has thin coat of herbs.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and put seasoned salmon in the oven while it preheats.

In a pot/saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar, blueberries, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook for 2-5 min. or until most blueberries are melted.

Once oven reaches 375 degrees, take the salmon out and add (almost all) of the mixture from the pot/saucepan.

Cook the salmon for 25-30 min. Test for doneness by pressing the fish with a fork - it should barely give way and be cooked nearly all the way through.

Once salmon is cooked, add the remaining mixture in saucepan over the fish as a topping. Sprinkle with parsley. More blueberries can be added as desired.

Would you be willing to try this?