Doghouse Dawgs-So Doggone Good!

Hi everyone!  How was your 4^th?  Mine was fun! Went to Alabama to spend time with the family and caught a bit of a fireworks show.  I missed you guys like crazy!  So happy to be back and sharing my experiences with you all.

I don’t know about yall, but I ate like a wild hog this past weekend.  Ribs, burgers, mac-and-cheese, potato salad, slaw, everything you can think of.  So imagine my surprise when I had an urge for a hotdog. (I’d only had 3,729 this weekend.J)

It was then that I remembered that I’d bought a groupon for a place called Doghouse Dawgs in Hapeville.  Seriously, $7 for $15 worth of food is an awesome deal.  So I headed over yesterday to see what I could find.

Lunch for me was around noon.  Got there and there were only 2 people ahead of me.  The young lady behind the counter ( I think her name was Jody) was perky, sweet, and personable and greeted me with a smile.  I informed her before I ordered that I had a groupon (as you always should) and she threw her hands up in the air and screamed, “Yay, 3^rd one of the day”.  I told her I’d never been there before, and she replied, “Okay, tell me what you want, and we’ll work it out”.  She was very patient with me and helped me to decide on my chili, onion, and relish dog which came with potato salad.  My friend had a slaw dog and we both had orange float frosties, cashier’s suggestion, which were delish!  Our food came in just under $10, which is great for lunch for 2 people.

The food was served hot and fast.  My dog was tasty, the ingredients were fresh.  My potato salad was sweet and good.  And with all the different flavor combinations, (ex. sauerkraut, jalapenos, brunswick stew, guacamole, etc.) there are hundreds of possibilities for your taste buds. 

So if you’re ever over in Hapeville, stop by Doghouse Dawgs.  They definitely deserve thumbs up in my book.

Dog House Dawgs

3451 Dogwood Dr.

Hapeville, GA 30354

404.968.9433

http://www.doghousedawg.com/

*Like them on facebook*

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doghouse-Dawgs/150013955054091

We have a winner! Bad-Teacher Contest!

The winner of my 1st contest is.........

Toocute39!!!!!

Toocute has won a pair of tickets to see any movie she'd like.  Please email me your contact info ,email and mailing address.

Keep reading MonaLisaPinthecity.blogspot.com for more chances to win!

Flicks on 5th-Free Summer Movie Series...THE BOMB!

Wednesdays are boring.  It’s the middle of the week; far enough from Monday to rejoice that the week hasn’t just started, but not close enough to Friday to start celebrating.  You’re in a slump.  Whadaya gonna do?

Well last night I tried Flicks on 5^th. 

It’s a free summer movie series hosted by Ga. Tech, and held on 5th street in the Ga Tech Square.  We’re all aware this economy is hitting families hard, and taking a family of 4 to the movies can be damn near impossible these days.  But no money is needed to attend the series, and best yet, they give away free popcorn and Fuze beverages.

We got there around 8 pm.  S eating starts at 7, and its 1^st come 1st served.  There were a few people there, but not nearly as many as I expected.  With it being the summer time in Georgia, you know it was too hot to be sitting around waiting outside.  Since we hadn’t eaten, we opted to try 1 of the many restaurants and store they have surrounding the screen; (Tin Drum, Ribs n’ Blues, Marble Slab Creamery, Moe’s, Waffle House, Super Cuts, Barnes and Noble, and T-Mobile to name a few).  We chose Ribs n Blues (review coming soon) and ate.  Afterwards, it was close to 9 (movie starts at 9) so we went to find seats.  We got really good seats considering that the streets had filled considerably.  Dave FM 92.9, provided music for the crowd, and there was also a live guitarist there covering pop songs.

The movie featured was “Just Go with It” starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston. (That review coming soon alsoJ). Everyone had blankets, pillows, and lawn chairs.  (Pets, coolers, and umbrellas are prohibited).  You are allowed however, to eat, mix, mingle and talk until the movie starts.

The vibe was laid back and low key.  There were all different nationalities, lots of couples, and I saw a few kids throughout the crowd.  Atlanta and Ga. Tech police were also very present and there were no altercations that I was aware of.

The movies started about 15 after 9, they were waiting for it to get dark, and the quality of the screen was great.  The only thing I didn’t like about it was that the sound could’ve been louder.  I’m guessing being outside, plus the noises from the passing cars and helicopters flying overhead, made it a little hard to hear.

After the movie, everyone gathered all their trash and belongings and dispersed.  Parking was not an issue.  We parked on the street; $4 from 8-10 pm; anything after 10 is free.

Overall it was a good experience.  Very economical, good for families, and I felt safe.  Best thing is that the movies shown are recent and still in theaters.  Flicks on 5^th is absolutely worth a try.

http://www.studentcenter.gatech.edu/flickson5th/Pages/default.aspx

Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz Movie Review

Saturday night  ushered in the movie that I've been waiting to see since the previews first came out.

Cameron Diaz starring as Elizabeth Halsey, a gold-digging 7th grade teacher that has finally struck gold with her rich fiance.  She plans to retire early and never teach again, but when things go awry and her wedding is called off, she finds herself back in the same school she'd previously quit-minus her new Mercedes and posh, comfy lifestyle.

In enters Justin Timberlake, an awkward substitute teacher that Diaz is not interested in in the least; until she finds out he's from an uber-rich famous family.  She sees a picture of his ex-fiance, who has ginormous breasts, and sets out to find a way to finance the implants that she thinks will land her newest prospect.

I don't want to give away to much of the movie, but it can be summed up in one word: HILARIOUS! This movie is NOT, I repeat, NOT appropriate for children.  I thought it would be since tweens are featured in it, but after the 1st 5 minutes, you will see why taking them is not a good idea.

I absolutely loved it, 10 out of 10 stars!  Grab your girls and run to the theaters to see it!

P>S>  The 1st 10 people to leave a comment on the link will be entered in a raffle to the pair of tickets to the movie! Happy commenting!

'MARTINIS AND IMAX" @ FERNBANK MUSEUM



Group Swing Lessons



Friday night was rainy and cold.  The kind of evening most would rent a movie, order a pizza, and chill inside.  But what do I do? I choose to go…swing dancing.  Now where would you find swing dancing, in Atlanta, on a rainy Friday night? Why a museum of course!!!

Introducing “Martini’s and Imax” at Fernbank Museum.  The event is held every Friday from 6:30-11 pm. 

My Sangria

Admission is $12 for the movie and mingling, $7 to skip the movie and just mingle.

Swing dancing, salsa, and a host of other dance styles are offered.  The details of the evening were as follows:

I arrived at 7pm.  The crowd was surprisingly large, (especially since there was a torrential downpour outside).

It was held in the main hall, with a mini dance floor set up under the trademark dinosaur.  1^st order of business: food.  I headed straight for the make-shift restaurant they’d set up.  I ordered sangria ($8), spinach dip ($10) and a cheeseburger and chips ($15).  The food was fresh, hot, made to order, and rather tasty too.

Our IMAX movie began at 8.  It was about surfing in Tahiti.  I found it to be more educational than entertaining.  The movie was 45 minutes long.  Let’s just say I wish I could have those 45 minutes back.  #Fail.  Back to the party.

When we left the movie and returned to the “mingling”, the party was in full effect.  A very diverse mix of people attended; professionals, all different races, gay/lesbian couples, interracial couples, everyone.  Drinking, dancing, and having an all around good time.



Host for the evening



There was a live jazz band that covered everything from Ray Charles’s “I Got a Woman”, to Peggy Lee’s “Fever”.  Group swing lessons were given, and people’s reservations were low.  Everyone danced the night away.

So the next time you want to diss the club atmosphere and find a more laid back different place to meet people, head on over to Fernbank for Martinis and IMAX.  It was a nice surprise.

MARTINIS AND IMAX

EVERY FRI EVENING

6:30-11:00 PM

767 CLIFTON RD. NE

ATLANTA, GA 30307

404.929.6400

Loving the love! Thanks guys...*tear*

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande-Inspired by...Tamar Braxton?

I am a reality show fanatic.  The fact that these people’s lives can be beyond entertaining captivates me.  And no other show has captured my attention more this season than The Braxton Family Values on WeTv. 

Now, everyone who knows me SWEARS I am the “financially challenged” version of Tamar Braxton.  My friends, co-workers, hell even my own MAMA called me and said, “Do you watch the Braxtons?  You are sooo Tamar?”  At that point I had not tuned in yet, but I made it my business to check it out, mad they were right.

Her quick wit, sense of style, tell-it-like-it-is attitude, and overall fabulosity does remind me a lot of myself.  I am her-minus the rich husband, Phantom Rolls Royce, Birkin bags, private jets…etc, etc L

Anyway, back to reality (no pun intended), my favorite episode by far this season was episode 10, the finale.  They kept talking about going to this restaurant called Casa Grande, and the actual long-awaited meeting with their father was actually filmed there.

It was in this episode that Mama Braxton delivered the breakout line of the season,

“Does she know that you lay it low, and spread it wide?”

 You betta say it Mama Braxton. *Wink*

A few strokes of my keyboard informed me that Casa Grande is actually Uncle Julio’s.  I’d passed it a few times but had never dined there, so the other night before hitting Jeju, (check yesterday’s post...SHAMELESS PLUG), we stopped by to check the scene.

At best I can say that Uncle Julio’s is upscale Mexican Food.  We were seated as soon as we walked in, which is always good.  The waiter greeted us fairly quickly and soon brought over salsa and chips.  The salsa was not like any I’d had before.  Different yes, tasty…ughhh not to my liking.  I ordered the Juanita’s Platter, which includes 1 taco, 2 enchiladas, rice, and a small salad.  My friend ordered the enchiladas and quesadillas.  The food was served hot and fast.  As far as taste goes, let’s say I ate the taco and half an enchilada and boxed the rest to go (which never made it past the outside dumpster).  For around $18 (including soda) I’ll have it give it 4 out of 10 stars, mostly for the décor and location.

So while my twin Tamar and I may not have the same taste in food, we definitely can agree that we’ll both be front row this fall to watch Season 2 of the Braxtons!  Hope you guys tune in.

*10:50 mark to watch Mama B tell it like it is*

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande

1860 Peachtree Road Northwest, Atlanta 

(404) 350-6767

JEJU Sauna Everybody's Buc-ked Naked...& I LOVED IT!

My goodness, what a busy little bee I’ve been. You guys have been sending me so many good places to visit; they can’t all possibly wait until the weekend.  So when my good friend called yesterday asking if I wanted to go to the spa, I immediately thought of a suggestion a reader told me about called Jeju Sauna in Atlanta.

I’d done a bit of research on it, and was really a bit both excited and nervous because I didn’t know what to expect.  We’d heard that everyone just walked around butt-booty-balls naked; men, women, and children.  Afraid but intrigued, we set out on our journey.

We arrived at Jeju at 10:30 pm.  Yes, 10:30 on a Tuesday night.  Did I forget to mention, they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?  When we waked in the 1^st thing we noticed was how clean everything looked.  Very pleased, we approached the front counter, where we were given an armband with a micro-chipped code that all services would be charged to.  It was also the key to our shoe locker, and our personal belongings locker. So James Bond right?

We paid our $25 admission which entitled us to spend 24 hours in the spa.  This includes access to the pool, fitness centers, igloos, hot tubs, steam rooms, infra-red room, arcade, sleep hall, and restaurant.  We were also given a shirt and shorts (pink for girls, brown for guys) and instructed to always wear them in the common areas where the men & children were.  Then they took us to the back where we were to change clothes.  Since we were there to have services rendered, we were told to strip and jump right in, and when I say strip, I mean TOTALLY NUDE.  The only thing we were allowed to wear was our shower caps ‘cuz u know we weren’t trying to get our weaves wet.  You can’t even wear shower shoes (believe me I tried).

Feeling a bit timid but intrigued, our tour guide went through all the services they offer with us.  We chose a hip bath ($30), a body scrub, a green tea facial, and a massage, (all three for $100.00).

1^st we took a shower, the 1^st of 3 for the evening.  Then came the hip bath.  Imagine a wooden box with a hole in it.  Underneath is a bowl of 19 different herbs.  You sit on it covered in a smock, imagine the cape you wear at the salon, but it’s made of plastic, and it covers your feet.

They heat the herb, and the steam literally stews you for 45 minutes.  It goes into your “private parts” and EVERYTHING comes out. Discharge, #1, and #2.  It’s supposed to be good for cramps, cleansings, infections, and it works.  PS…we were rubbing elbows with a  Black Hollywood star; Sorry I can’t tell you who it is, I’m sure she wouldn’t want yall to know she was somewhere $h!tt!n’ on a box! LOL!

Afterwards shower, (PLEASE) #2, then onto the body scrub.  They scrubbed my skin for 45 minutes straight! All kinds of dead skin came off.  It was like heaven.  Next shower #3, then the massage.  Oils, tension, stress….pure bliss.  Last was the green tea facial... My face was glowing and dewy when I left.  After 3 hours, we got dresses and prepared to head home.  You pay for your services afterwards.  (They hold a license or car key as insurance.)  $175 total each for the evening (including $20 tip for the masseur.) 

Ladies, all I can say is you HAVE to try this place.  I can’t wait to go back with all my girls.  You will lose all inhibitions of being naked in front of others as soon as they start your body scrub.

10 out of 10 stars!  Shouts out to Keisha for the suggestion! Keep them coming.

Btw…Sorry there’s no pics.  Kinda self-explanatory J

Jeju Sauna in Atlanta

3555 Gwinett Place Drive

Duluth, GA 30096

678.336.7414

Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week 

http://www.jejusauna.net/ 

Carver's Country Kitchen...Chicken-Finger-Lickin-Good!

The summer is upon us, and when the summer arrives, it brings a few mandatory things with it; bikinis, sundresses, and…diets. Like many of you, I’m dieting myself, trying to fit into (if at all possible) a few cute pieces this season.

That being said, I’m lying in bed last night, body wretched from hunger pains, when I flip across the Food Network's show "Meat & Potatoes".  Of course I had to stop and salivate at the juicy, moist, plump, fat, chicken breast staring back at me from the TV screen.  Next up, the collards, then the Mac & cheese, and finally the jalapeno corn bread. Just as I thought, “oh my god, this place is amazing; too bad it’s probably half way across the country and I’ll never get to visit it”: I heard them say it was in Atlanta. HALO-Big time!

Visions of macaroni danced in my head all nite, and the only thing I could think about this morning on my way to work was “hurry up lunchtime, I gotta find that chicken”.  It took me 25 minutes to get there, 6 minutes in and out, which of course included me talking to Robert and Sharon Carver-the owners, 3 minutes to snap a few pics, and I was on my way.

(If you blink you’ll miss it; it sits in an old corner grocery store right smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood).

Once back at work, I couldn’t wait to bite into my food.  The “Dolly Parton Fried Chicken Breast” (not kidding, that’s its name) was everything I’d hoped for; crispy, moist, and juicy.  It could’ve stood a little more seasoning for my liking, but overall it was delectable.  The Mac & cheese-creamy and moist, the collards/turnips mix-sweet, tender, and good. And the cornbread was wonderful too.

I’m telling yall, the meal cost me $12, but it was more than enough; a friend and I shared it and I was beyond stuffed. So if you get a chance to get down there, and you want some good eating, visit Carter’s Country Kitchen.  You won’t be disappointed.

Carver's Country Kitchen
Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
1118 W. Marietta Street N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-494-4410

http://www.carverscountrykitchen.com/

Urban Pet Supply...Super chic for your pet!

Soooo…if you know anything about me, then you know I love my pooch Carmella, my beloved baby girl; a Chihuahua/Terrier mix.  She is a diva, such is her mother, and like all divas, she requires a bit of maintenance to keep her self looking good.  Therefore, I set out to find a place where she could get her annual shots, and a few cute accessories. 

We happened upon this cute little pet shop in downtown College Park, not too far from Woodward Academy.  It’s called Urban Pet Supply; just the type of place I like, low profile but super chic.

Carmella and I were lucky enough to be the 1^st ones in line for the shot clinic, held every 3^rd Saturday of the month between 2-4 pm.  As a matter of fact, we were a bit early, and owner-operator Marcia May, informed us that although they don’t have a groomer on site, she does offer a station where you can groom your pet yourself, all supplies provided free

—HOW SUPER FAB!

We weren’t even there 3 minutes before Carmella took a huge dump on the floor! Imagine my embarrassment; but Marcia was great; she gave me everything I needed to clean it up.  I took Carmella outside to prevent any further “mishaps”.  About 5 minutes later, the doctor himself came outside looking for us.  I found his staff to be very personable. (Sorry, I didn’t catch his name).  He was good with Carmella, and the service was super fast.  $65 and thirty minutes later, as we were leaving we saw plenty of pooches and their parents lining up. They were out of the door!

So if you love your pooch like I do, visit Marcia @ Urban Pet Supply. 

Super chic, boutique feel, fast service, and organic foods four your pets.  What’s not to love?

PS….Carmella says hi!

Urban Pet Supply

3699 Main St.

College Park, GA 30337

404-766-1138

http://www.urbanpetsupply.com/

The Weekend!

Hi all,

Missed you guys, not too much excitement this weekend.  Don't worry, it's coming. But we did take Carmella to get shots and a new dress. Found this cute, little pet shop.  Check the review in a few.  Anyway, the weekend brings about our very 1st contest. Yayyyyy!!!!!

See you guys in a bit.

Celebrity Schm-Ber-Dy! We're just as fab!

In today’s society, we’re consumed with everything celebrity.  We wanna know what they’re wearing, where they’re eating, and who they’re banging!  POW!

While I too enjoy hearing the juiciest celeb news, at the end of the day, I’m still an average, everyday working girl, hustling my 9-5, but absolutely trying to enjoy some of the finer things in life along the way.

I may not be able to ride around in the latest Bugatti, or carry the hottest Birkin bag, but I fully intend on showing the world that us working girls can be just as FAB!

            -“My job feeds my body, my blog feeds my soul!”

                                                -MonaLisaP

Introductions are in order!

Writing has always been my refuge.  From as early as I can remember, it has played a major part in my life. 

Whether it was songs, stories, letters, or novels, yes I’ve written one of those toJ, I’ve always found a way to express myself through prose and verse.

As the seasons of my life continue to ripen, I’ve discovered that one should embrace the small tokens them make them a better and happier person.

Hence, this blog was born.  This blog is intended to document and share with you the gems I unplace along the way, the people I meet to help me through, and the fantabulous places I land upon during my journey.

I’m hoping that all of you out there in the “real world” will spare a couple of moments of your time, and experience new things along with me.

                                        -Only good things,

                                                MonaLisaP