AMAZON'S BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

by Bryant Chan

Amazon released its planned Black Friday deals, and the folks at SpecOut, compiled some of the highlights. The sales on hundreds of items start as soon as Nov. 20, so you might be able to avoid the crowds this year and find the perfect gift from the comfort of your own home.

Pro tip: If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll get access to some deals 30 minutes before they're available to the public.

If you're looking for something more kid-friendly, the Amazon Fire Kids Edition is a great way to distract the little ones on long road trips without spending considerably more for an iPad.

The e-reader to end all e-readers, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has a crisp display, stores over 1,000 books and allows you to look up word definitions without leaving your page. This is a great deal and gift for the people on your holiday list who still don't have an e-reader.

Up to 45% Off Select LG TVs

High-end LG TVs receive some of the best ratings for televisions on SpecOut, but often times their price can be prohibitive. With these major price cuts, it might be time to upgrade.

Building out an entertainment system in your home is a daunting task, but this deal is a great place to start. Sonos is a leader in the multi-room speaker scene with all of its products receiving ratings over 95/100 points on SpecOut. The 2 Room Starter set comes with two Sonos Play 1s that can be controlled via smartphone, tablet or computer.

This isn't a top-of-the-line TV, but it's a quality product with great user reviews (4.5 out of 5 across over 100 reviews), at a low price.

This 32" option is ideal for a small bed room, or a college dorm room.

The Sennheiser brand claims the top-rated spots for headphones on SpecOut. With positive reviews from both experts and users (4.5 from PC Mag and 4.4 from Head-Fi), it's hard to pass up high-quality sound at this deal's cost. This is the must-buy for music lovers in the market for new headphones.

We like this deal because it's made for the price-conscience consumer (ie., not just a marked-down luxury item). 

Acer Chromebooks are already cost-effective and highly rated, making this deal an ideal bang-for-buck winner. Additionally, it might be a good time to get a second monitor for your desktop or an external monitor for your laptop.

If you're not ready to take the multi-speaker plunge, the Polk Audio is a good solo-speaker deal. This gift is nicely discounted from $180, so consider giving it to a friend who loves movies or gaming, or treating yourself.

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Celebrate the Holidays with Freixenet Cordon Negro

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is upon us! With that comes endless holiday parties and family gatherings. The hustle and bustle can be a bit overwhelming, but with a case of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut on hand, you can tackle the busy season with ease!

Freixenet Brut is a quality Cava made in the same method as French Champagne, and at just $12 a bottle, your wallet can afford “the more the merrier” mentality when it comes to entertaining. No matter what the occasion this holiday season, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut has you covered:

1.       Thanksgiving – The Turkey is (finally) ready, Cards Against Humanity is on the game table and the bar is stocked. Now you need a sparkling wine that pairs with everything on your menu. Crisp and clean, with a palate of apple, pear and bright citrus flavors, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut is an unique twist that will surely delight your guests! 

-      Not sure where to sit everyone for the feast? Grab the adorable and affordable Freixenet Cordon Negro Minis (187ml, SRP $3). The black matte bottle is the perfect slate to create personalized place settings for all your friends using gold pens. Plus, when it’s time for the toast, everyone can have their Cava – and drink it too!  

2.       Pairings made easy with Cava– Is it your turn to host the holiday fiesta this year? Between sending out the invitations, frantically searching for recipes and attempting to making your apartment look spotless and festive, there is little time left to find a wine that pairs nicely with everything on your set menu. Let Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut make this step a piece of pie. Cava brings both elegance and phenomenal food-pairing versatility to virtually any meal, making it a smart choice to serve at your next holiday dinner or cocktail party. From grandma’s famous deep-fried turkey recipe as an entree to creamy and rich butternut squash soup shooters as an appetizer, Freixenet Brut will enhance your menu and leave your guests sending compliments to the chef!

3.       Sparkle During Holiday Parties – No matter the occasion, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut will be the life of your holiday party as you create sparkling cocktails that are just as festive as the attire.

*Step up your hosting game with the Pomegranate Cava Martini or the Cinnamosa. Your friends and family will be impressed as you channel your inner mixologist this season. RECIPES: 

 The Pomegranate Cava Martini / Pomegranate Cava Martini – Serves 4 

Juice of 1 lemon, 1 cup Old Orchard Pomegranate Juice, 1/2 cup of orange liqueur, Freixenet Cava, Rosemary for garnish

Combine the lemon juice, Old Orchard pomegranate juice, and orange liqueur in a pitcher with ice. Stir gently. Add pomegranate seeds to four cocktail glasses, fill halfway with the cocktail and top with Freixenet Cava. Add a sprig of rosemary for garnish. 

The Cinnamosa: Pour 1.5 ounces of Cinnamon Whisky into a glass with 3 ounces of Cordon Negro Brut Cava. Fill remainder of glass with 1 ounce of blood orange juice. Garnish with orange peel.

4.       New Years Eve Bash – Nothing beats a New Years Eve bash with all your friends, and you’ve planned the ultimate party to ring in the new year.

Invite too many people to join in the Midnight toast? No worries. With an unbelievable quality for value, a case of Freixenet Brut allows you to invite everyone up for your NYE bash, even your doorman and new neighbors down the hall!

Why buy one bottle of expensive bubbly for just a few people when you can purchase a whole case of Freixenet Brut to share with everyone!? 

5.       Personalize Your Present – Need a last minute gift? Forgot a card? Don’t panic – a bottle of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut is all you need.

The matte black bottle is the perfect canvas for a personalized message. Grab a gold pen and turn the bottle into a unique gift that everyone can enjoy. Even better, buy a magnum of Freixenet Brut (1.5L, SRP $18) and have party goers sign it. It’s the ultimate gift for the host or hostess!

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Roberta Roller Rabbit Hosts Grand Opening Celebration for Its Atlanta Flagship Store

Roberta Roller Rabbit

grand opening photos by RobinLori.

My mom, on the right, and I had a lovely conversation (in Spanish) with Roberta Freymann. 

This is double-trouble here... in the most fabulous of ways of course! Kitsy Rose & Caren West... love them.

Selfie kisses with my beautiful friend Cynthia.

I must-have this shirt!

WBSTV's Jovita Moore & I shared a moment in between shopping.

Hands down, the most adorable photo of the night!

On Thursday, November 19, 2015, more than 100 guests celebrated the grand opening of Roberta Roller Rabbit's Atlanta flagship store in the Westside Provisions District during a private cocktail and shopping soiree that benefited The Atlanta Opera. Partygoers sipped on bubbly and signature cocktails from Cathead Vodka and enjoyed delicious bites from neighboring restaurant JCT. Kitchen & Bar as they explored the beautiful store featuring travel-inspired leisurewear, accessories and home goods with a magical touch. The coveted brand’s founder Roberta Freymann flew in for the occasion and mix and mingled with guests as she walked shoppers through the collection. 

Inspired by a children’s fable of a magical rabbit that Roberta found on a piece of fabric during her time in India, Roberta Roller Rabbit’s first Georgia location is a 1,400-square foot store that features windows on all sides and hand-drawn stencil art by renowned artists Lisa Wassong and Dominique Lange. Their work, which is ethnically inspired and whimsical, is present in all Roberta Roller Rabbit stores.  Upon entering the store, partygoers were immersed in a delightful world of colors, prints and textures. Like at all its locations, the Atlanta store offers a range of hand block printed pieces created and produced by Roberta with artisans in India. Graphic and floral prints are named after characters in Roberta’s life. Other wildly popular prints include monkeys, elephants and fish, which capture Roberta’s love for children and complete the signature whimsical spirit that has become synonymous to the brand.

“This is the sunniest and most open of all our locations. The size gives us space to display each of our departments - women's, kids and home - in the best possible way. We are excited that the store reflects not only our brand, but our surroundings as well,” says Christina Panos, marketing chief for Roberta Roller Rabbit.

“We love the architecture of Westside Provisions District and are big fans of our neighbors. We think this location is a wonderful meeting spot and will become a destination for all different demographics as it continues its expansion,” adds Panos.

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Goorin Bros. Hat Shop Atlanta

Goorin Bros.

Ponce City Market, Atlanta

Customize your Goorin Bros. hat!

Goring Bros. have been around since 1895 and while they have locations across the USA, they still boast a mom & pop feel.

Ben Goorin, myself and a couple of dapper hats.

Hats off to Goorin Bros. for coming to Atlanta and opening the most stylish hat shop in town. Located at the newly opened Ponce City Market, Goorin Bros. has the best, badassery selection of well-made, well-crafted hat wear for men and women.

Hats have always been a fashion staple serving both form and function, but its height in popularity lately is almost unparalleled. From the runway to the streets, everyone is sporting some form of headgear. At Goorin Bros. you'll find a hat for every occasion, every taste and desire  - fedoras, bowlers, flatcaps, floppys and more, all in a variety of colors. The overall decor of the store is extremely inviting as is their "Feather Bar." So what's this? There is a section within Goorin Bros. where you can design your own detailing by choosing the feathers, ribbon and decorative elements for your new Goorin Bros. hat. [see slideshow above] It's amazing!

I'll definitely be picking up a couple of handsome Goorin Bros. hats this season!

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Morrison Hotel Gallery Partners with Motocinema For Exclusive Art Basel Exhibit at EPIC Hotel

David Bowie ©Sukita   

Kimpton's EPIC Hotel, Miami will play host to Motocinema's Picture Start, a photo exhibit of iconic rock 'n' roll images from the 60's and 70's curated by Loretta Harms and Motocinema in partnership with Morrison Hotel Gallery. Kick off VIP event will be held the evening of December 2nd during Art Basel at Miami Art Week featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixology from DRINKmaple. 

Motocinema's Picture Start will transform the Livingroom of the EPIC Hotel with large-scale photographic work by renowned photographer Norman Seeff of artists including the Rolling Stones, Patti Smith & Robert Mapplethorpe, Warhol and the Ramones, among others, provided exclusively through Morrison Hotel Gallery. An installation of Gibson Guitars are on display with additional photographs from the 60's and 70's rock 'n' roll era. The exhibition continues into EPIC's Lilt Lounge nightclub, showcasing a rare selection of David Bowie photography by famed Japanese photographer Masayoshi Sukita, who photographed Bowie's Heroes album cover. This marks only the second time these photos are on view in North America, following first-time exhibition in New York City through Morrison Hotel Gallery Loft in SoHo.          
 

Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe ©Norman Seef

Motocinema's Picture Start premieres December 2nd at the VIP EPIC event and runs through December 6th. The exhibit includes work by Seeff and Sukita, and such notables as Michael Joseph, Terry O'Neill, Ethan Russell and Henry Diltz featured in both the exhibit and on-site sales suite.  "I'm thrilled to partner with the EPIC Miami and Morrison Hotel Gallery for a close-up view of some of the greatest rock 'faces' of our time, as seen through the lens of these gifted photographers," says Loretta Harms, Presenter of Motocinema's Picture Start and Co-Founder of Motocinema.   

"We are delighted to feature the works of our talented music photographers in this very special exhibition and sale," says Peter Blachley, Morrison Hotel Gallery Co-Owner.

"To host an event of this magnitude on one of the worlds grandest art stages further defines EPIC Miami's commitment to the diverse art world, global music scene and community," says Eric Jellson, Area Director of Marketing & Strategy/Kimpton Hotels Florida & Cayman Islands.

This partnership was put together by creative agency DMA United for Kimpton EPIC Hotel and Motocinema to premiere December 2nd for Art Basel Miami.

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Secret Supper: Hampton + Hudson's Private Dinner at Frye Atlanta

Hampton + Hudson's

"Secret Supper" dinner at Frye Atlanta. Photos by Ben Brinker.

Secret Supper at The Frye Company Atlanta

Kwanza's Fryes...

Mike LaSage

Jeff Wadlow

Chad Shearer

I was chatting with Lauren Cohan, NOT about The Walking Dead... that's Ashley Twist Cole beside me.

Restaurateurs Billy and Jenn Streck are set to open their first solo concept, Hampton + Hudson - a community driven bar and restaurant located in Inman Park at 280 Elizabeth Street this winter. Billy, best-known as co-owner of the bustling, Midtown hotspots Cypress Street Pint and Plate and GRAIN drink shop and eatery, is set to create another approachable and affordable haunt with his wife in one of Atlanta’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Jenn, an Atlanta native, has years of experience in both the music and bar industries and brings a wealth of talent and vision to their first concept. Together the two are striving to create a “true community bar and restaurant” that focuses on the overall experience, redefines how diners look at pub food, and features a well-rounded bar program. The 3,500-square foot space, that also boasts a mezzanine, intimate outdoor patio and fire pit, will include distinctive touches inspired by many of their favorite go-to spots from their travels and when they lived in the East Village in New York, but will play to both the spirit of the neighborhood and Atlanta’s ever-growing dining scene. 

During a private secret supper at the newly opened The Frye Company Atlanta flagship store, Billy and Jenn Streck revealed that Cooper Miller, formerly of JCT Kitchen & Bar, is going to be the Executive Chef of Hampton + Hudson. The H+H team also created a special five-course menu just for the evening and showcased two cocktails that will be on the menu, the Hampton and the Hudson, along with a beet and carrot salad, shredded snow crab and avocado toast, signature Hot Chicken dish and more.  

"This is a place where we wanted to mix a little of all of our loves of the bar and restaurant industry into a community establishment,” said Jenn Streck during the dinner. "We love going to a place and feeling like you are at home, so that is what we hope to do for our guests.”   

The exclusive experience featured signature cocktails by Georgia’s own Lovell Bros. Whiskey and brews by Wild Heaven Craft Beers, live acoustic music by Mike LaSage, Bone Lick BBQ’s award-winning chef and pitmaster, and shopping of Frye’s Fall and Winter Collections. 

The evening also boasted a who's who of Atlanta media and other notables, including Councilman Kwanza Hall who enlisted my styling services over a pair of Frye boots and wingtips. Sitting to my left was the AJC's Ashley Twist Cole and Jenn Streck to my right. Directly across from me (and in my conversation circle) my friend Tova Gelfond of Eide Magazine, Director Jeff Wadlow who's in town from LA to shoot the True Memoirs of an International Assassin for Netflix and Kate Atwood with ChooseATL. I forced myself to remain cool, calm and collected over one special guest seated directly across from me, because I'm such a huge fan of The Walking Dead, and that guest was Lauren Cohan - totally delightful, fun and down to earth. So I purposely did not bring up TWD and spoke with Lauren about other things like how much we love The Frye Company. At the end of the evening as Lauren gave me a goodbye hug I couldn't resist any longer and simply told her "btw, I'm devastated every Sunday," and she relied with a "yeah... it's good huh?" 

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Max Mara & Allure Celebrate ABC's #TGIT Lineup with Shonda Rhimes

Max Mara & Allure host Shonda Rhimes and the casts of Greys Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder to celebrate the hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylists behind the hit ABC shows.

Max Mara and Allure host ABC stars and executives at the Max Mara boutique in Beverly Hills to celebrate the hair, makeup, and wardrobe teams of the #TGIT ShondaLand family.

Scandal cast members included Kerry Washington, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Portia De Rossi, executive producer Shonda Rhimes and more. How to Get Away with Murder stars Liza Weil and Charlie Webber were also in attendance as well as Exectuive Producer Betsy Beers and creator and EP of HTGAWM, Pete Nowalk. Greys Anatomy stars Camilla Luddington, Jessica Capshaw, Justin Chambers and Kelly McCreary were also there. 

Max Mara is regularly featured within all #TGIT ShondaLand shows, specifically through the portrayal of key characters played by Kerry Washington, Darby Stanchfield and Bellamy Young from Scandal as well as Viola Davis, Aja Naomi King, and Carla Souza from How to Get Away with Murder. From classic yet modern ready-to-wear pieces to accessories, quintessential Max Mara pieces reinforce each character’s signature style. 

Executive producer Shonda Rhimes and Kerry Washington attend 'MaxMara & Allure Celebrate ABC's #TGIT' at MaxMara in Beverly Hills, California. (All photos by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Max Mara)

Darby Stanchfield and Katie Lowes, wearing MaxMara.

Cornelius Smith Jr., Kerry Washington, executive producer Shonda Rhimes, actresses Katie Lowes, wearing MaxMara, Bellamy Young, wearing MaxMara and Darby Stanchfield.

Shonda Rhimes

Kerry Washington

Tony Goldwyn

Executive producers Betsy Beers, wearing MaxMara and Peter Nowalk.

Guests attend 'MaxMara & Allure Celebrate ABC's #TGIT' at MaxMara on November 14, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.

Portia de Rossi and Darby Stanchfield

Justin Chambers and Isabella Chambers

Bellamy Young, wearing MaxMara

Jessica Capshaw and Christopher Gavigan

Cornelius Smith Jr.

Liza Weil, wearing MaxMara

Portia de Rossi

Camilla Luddington

Portia de Rossi, Katie Lowes, wearing MaxMara, and Kerry Washington

Charlie Weber

Kelly McCreary

Camilla Luddington, Jessica Capshaw, Justin Chambers and Kelly McCreary

DJ Gabriel Diggs spins at 'MaxMara & Allure Celebrate ABC's #TGIT' at MaxMara.

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