Twice the Dine

I just heard three words that can change every woman’s life…

“You’re gaining weight.”

Have I become a glutton?!?

Actually, I’m just a southern lady who appreciates good food, good conversation and great company. Let’s just say this past weekend I enjoyed all of the above.

Fun times indeed!

RA Sushi

When I was invited for happy hour earlier in the week, I could have sworn I would be stepping out on a Friday evening. Instead, I was invited to meet on Saturday at Ra Sushi.

Quite intrigued, I agreed to meet for drink and “dinner” rolls. On a typical Friday night, Ra Sushi is a pretty happening spot. Located on the corner of Peachtree and 10th, the restaurant is walking distance to several of Atlanta’s most popular night clubs and Loews hotel.

I’ve passed by many times, noticing the patrons dining on the patio watching people like me head to their nightly destinations. I love Sushi, but my Fridays are not usually reserved for dining, yet.

The happy hour special offers drinks and your favorite rolls at a great price but this place wasn’t my favorite. All sushi isn’t created equal and Ra Sushi is better for sightseeing.

Two Urban Licks

There are just some restaurants you have to try. Two Urban Licks falls into that category.

Perfect for a first date, a birthday celebration or a larger gathering, Two Urban Licks impresses.

My friend Alisa decided to celebrate her birthday this year (something she rarely does) and this restaurant proved to be the perfect spot.

The large sized venue with it’s swanky guest, lively chatter, impressive décor and great menu selection was a girl’s night out dream.

The salmon chips were a sensational starter and the steak bistro was divine.

No dining this weekend. I’m on a diet.

Tipps’ Peep Show

I was just telling a friend how I wanted to dress up and I wasn’t thinking of Halloween.

I was thinking of ball gowns, daimond rings and stillettos. I had my chance, but I didn’t wear the dress – not yet.

When I received an invitation to attend T.I.’s birthday party during the BET Hip Hop awards weekend, I immediately replied yes. The event was held one of Atlanta’s premiere event venues. I knew instantly this would be a classy affair.

I wasn’t disappointed.

We arrived at 200 Peachtree at 11:30. Outside were invited guests, photographers, hopeful fans and passerbyers wondering what all the buzz was about. Luckily there wasn’t a line. Since guests were confirmed before the actual event, the process of getting in was pretty seamless.

Once inside I was taken back by the decor and set up inside. The 200 Peachtree building is usually known as an upscale wedding destination, and upon seeing the spacious room with crystal chandelliers, high ceilings, panelled floors and open bar areas I could honestly agree as to why a bride would want to marry here.

The place was fit for King.

This is where rapper “King of the South” comes in.

T.I.’s “Tipps Peep Show” had something else in mind, turning what is usually used for elegance into something more exotic.

I didn’t understand at first, until I realized that there was a curtain rising above my head and the people taking pictures weren’t getting shots of me.

All around the room were different booths, comouflaged in black. Upon specific times satin curtains would slowly rise and to our surprise (or interest) a little “show” would take place right before our eyes. Since I’m not sure I’m authorized to spill all the details, I’ll let you use your imagination for some of it and for the rest, I’ll share.

There were at least 5 booths. Think estasy. Think erotic. Think class. All of it was intriquing and tasteful. I spent time at each booth being caught up in scenes that reminded me of a popular novel I was just reading not long ago. Have you ever heard of 50 Shades of Grey…

Well, I imagine that Christian Grey and Clifford Harris could have a few things in common other than suits and ties.

Speaking of ties…

After walking around and getting a peep at each display, I found myself beginning to really have a great time. The music was pretty mellow until T.I. showed up and then things went up a few degrees. The man of the hour came in looking as polished as ever and with him of course was wife Tiny.

A few of his friends stopped by. I head P.Diddy was in the building and rapper Nelly could be seen casually standing near the DJ booth. He was kind enough to take a photo with me. Notice my smile.

The night wrapped up nicely and my friends and I all had a blast.

As for my ballgown…I am looking forward to wearing it soon.

Phenomenally Fearless

Zip Lining

What’s up with my Fridays? This isn’t a complaint. This is self-intrigued observation that my normal weekend routine is being replaced with out of the norm activities. That’s fine by me, but my friends are wondering what’s going on?

I tell them it’s God. I’m serious! Two Fridays ago I was at a James Fortune concert at Word of Faith cathedral. This Friday I was at church (again) and guess what I was doing?
I was shooting through the air!

Normal people call this zip lining.

Have you ever been zip lining before? Well, if you haven’t I encourage you to try it. I did and fortunately for me, it was perfect for my first time.

The event was “Chickchat” and it was held at Victory World Church in Norcross, GA. It was an event welcoming women for a night of inspiration, encouragement and activities.

Guest speaker for the evening was Marilyn Hickey an 82-year-old woman with a message that touched my heart. I could have left after hearing her, but with a little encouragement from a friend, I was going to touch the sky.

I was a little nervous because I was wearing a dress (I came for the speaker!) but the staff promised that the straps would secure everything (my dress included). So with that, I climbed to the top of makeshift wire reaching at least 40 or 50 feet in the air.

When I reached the last stair, I closed my eyes and went soaring…

Water Rafting

Gone are the days of celebrating birthdays around the dinner table!

People want memories. Moments! People want adventures!

Well, at least that’s what my one of my girlfriends wanted when she suggested we go water rafting for her birthday. Couldn’t we have just put on a pretty dresses and called it a night?

Thank goodness we didn’t do that.

On a Sunday afternoon a group of 11 adventurers hit the highway towards Tennessee to experience the Ocoee Rivers. We arrived at the Rolling Thunder River company around 2:30 and before long we were strapped in protective hats and vest (and paddles) boarding a school bus that would lead us to our adventure destination.

The journey on the river was amazing. There were moments of serenity of just being on water and taking in the beautiful sight of nature. I long for a place like this in Atlanta. But we didn’t pay for serenity. We paid to be exhilarated. We got what we paid for.

When the water touched my skin I was shocked! The coolness sent chills up my body. When the raft floated over and between rocks, my heart would stop momentarily. But when the unexpected waves came towering over and around us, my spirit came alive. It was an intoxicating thrill.

The screams, the cheers, the laughs (we had one person fall out if the raft) and applause for a wonderful guide, made this a day to remember. I promise you birthdays will never be the same.