Shopping Heals All Wounds, Apart From The Ones It Causes

There’s a good reason they call shopping retail therapy. Nothing beats stocking up on a new wardrobe to sweep the cobwebs. Whether you’re recovering from a broken heart or trying to forget a stressful week, a good day of shopping can heal most wounds. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel giddy from all those bright shop lights and promises of a better life.

That said, shopping can cause wounds as well as healing them. It may seem strange, but a day of shopping can also lead to a whole host of issues. Some of these are physical, some emotional. But, whatever their root; shopping injuries can be dangerous if you don’t know to look out for them. One minute, you’re flying high on those skinny jeans you just bought, and the next you’re in a muddle.

To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, we’re going to look at ways you can avoid these three common shopping injuries.

The damage to your feet

Anyone’s feet ache after a day in town. If you aren’t careful, you’ll even end up with blisters galore. That should come as no surprise when you consider many shoppers are on their feet from first thing to closing time. It’s not the distance you travel, but more the sheer time scale which can hurt here. But, what can you do to avoid the sting? For one, remember this risk when you’re dressing. You might want to put on heels, but think again. Instead, opt for well worn and comfortable shoes. And, whatever you do, don’t put that new pair on until you’re at home and able to break them in!

The in-shop injuries

A shocking amount of us also suffer in-shop injuries each year. Sometimes, sharp displays result in nasty cuts. Uneven shop flooring also results in trips and falls. If you do receive an injury this way, you’d be within your rights to contact a personal injury and gain compensation from the shop in question. But, wouldn’t it be best to avoid this in the first place? The best way to do that is to pay attention. Often, injuries here are a result of us looking at the products and not much else. Instead, keep your eyes peeled. Look where you’re putting your feet and make sure you don’t lean on anything nasty. If you do spot something, it’s crucial you report it so no one else suffers.

The broken bank balance

Of course, we couldn’t not mention the injury to your bank balance. It’s all too easy to get carried away when you see beautiful things. Before you know, your balance is in the red, and you have no way of paying the debt anytime soon. The best way around this? Stick to a budget, of course. Instead of using your card, leave it at home. Simply take out your maximum budget in cash ahead of time and take that instead. Then, there’s no chance of putting your bank balance in intensive care.

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YACHT ROCK REVUE RETURNS TO PARK TAVERN IN PIEDMONT PARK FOR SUMMER SUNSETS

Partygoers are invited to sail into Park Tavern in Piedmont Park on Friday, June 29, 2018 and rock out to the return of Yacht Rock Revue at Summer Sunsets. Yacht Rock Revue will be performing classic hits from favorites such as Hall & Oates, Toto, Michael Jackson, Kenny Loggins, Prince, Lionel Richie and more.

Diners and imbibers can enjoy classic Park Tavern favorites such as burgers, tacos, fresh sushi rolls, handcrafted cocktails, frosty beers, full bodied wines and much more. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music will begin at 8 p.m. through 11 p.m. An age 21 and up event, ages 20 and under are allowed to attend the event when accompanied by a parent.

Tickets are $20 in advance available at www.xorbia.com/events/yachtrock/June2018 and will increase to $25 at the door. For more information, please visit www.parktavern.com or call 404-249-0001. 

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THINK THE BEACH IS OUTTA REACH?

Paddleboarding on Lake Blue Ridge, about two hours north of metro Atlanta, give or take. Photo: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

No ocean, no problem.

Whatever you desire, from A (activities) to Z (Zen),

there’s a Georgia lake to suit your style.

LET US TAKE A MOMENT to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Because of this intrepid group, and Georgia Power, reservoirs (aka, lakes built by humans) dot the Peach State. You can blame geology for our lack of natural lakes.

Georgia’s 30-plus human-made lakes offer boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, sandy shores for summertime reading, golf, wildlife and picnicking all within driving distance of metro Atlanta.

We have snapshots of 10 to get you started. You can visit them to raise your activity level or lower your stress. Just remember to plop an umbrella in that drink and slather on the SPF.

Lake Allatoona — 12,000 acres of fun near Cartersville — is about an hour’s drive away.

 Lake Allatoona | About an hour away

You might run out of leisure time before you run out of things to do at this 12,000-acre lake near Cartersville, northwest of Atlanta. Lake Allatoona has eight marinas, nine campgrounds and 15 day-use parks near and on the lake.

Fish for largemouth bass, rainbow trout and perch. Bring your boat or rent one — with a fishing guide — for $250 and up. Dwell in the great outdoors for a few days of camping at Red Top Mountain State Park ($23-$25), where a sandy beach invites swimmers. Or choose a park cottage (some are pet-friendly), complete with central heat and air conditioning ($150-$175 per night). If neither suits your idea of a night in nature, try the park’s only yurt ($90 per night). 

Lake Blackshear | 2.5 hours by car

Accommodations at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Photo: Lake Blackshear Resort

Take I-75 south to Cordele to find ths 8,600-acre Lake Blackshear, which boasts a four-star golf course (and disc golf for those who’d rather), a model-plane-flying field, a sandy swimming beach, water sports and a hummingbird garden.

Or, perhaps, you’d like a day trip on SAM, the shortline excursion train ($28-$58), which glides from Cordele to Plains, stopping at cultural and historical sites along the way. Stay in style at the all-inclusive Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, which has 68 villa rooms ($95 per person and up, some pet-friendly) and 10 lake-view cabins.

Become one with the woods at Georgia Veterans State Park. Use a tent or grab an RV site ($24) and gaze at the wavy waters from the cozy comfort of your sleeping bag.

Lake Blue Ridge | About 2 hours away

 Peaceful, crystal-clear waters burble here, where 80 percent of the lake’s 3,300 acres is in the Chattahoochee National Forest and, thus, protected from development. Lake Blue Ridge, due north from Atlanta, has one of the largest earth dams in the nation. It’s fed by the Toccoa River and considered a “top-of-the-food-chain” lake, without commercial runoff.

Rent kayaks, pontoons and paddleboards at Lake Blue Ridge Marina or Morganton Point Recreation Area. There’s a pebble beach (wear shoes when you swim) at Morganton, with concessions and public showers.

The mountain town of Blue Ridge is laid-back and artsy. Visit shops, galleries and craft-beer taverns. If you hanker for an even more elevated view, take a scenic drive that shows you parts of North Carolina or Tennessee.

Lake Hartwell | 2 hours away

You’ll find Lake Hartwell about two hours from metro Atlanta on the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Lake Hartwell, straddling the Georgia/South Carolina border, is one of the largest recreational bodies of water in the Southeast with 962 miles of shoreline, camping, hiking, birds galore and plenty of wildlife to spot. It’s not your best bet if you’re bent on swimming, however.

Mix indoor comfort and outdoor fun by staying at the Skelton House B&B ($120 and up), a Victorian house on 2 acres with English-style gardens. You can walk downtown but still are near the water.

Here  you can have your lake and eat from it, too. Striped bass are plentiful and 20-pound catches are not unusual. The South Carolina portion of Lake Hartwell State Park even has a tackle loaner program.

High Falls Lake  | About an hour away

This lake is almost hidden in a pine forest some 50 miles south of Atlanta. High Falls Lake, named for the tumbling cascades on the Towaliga River, has some of the best largemouth bass fishing in Georgia.

Get your glamping (glamour camping) fix in a yurt with a lake view ($80) at the 1,050-acre High Falls State Park. The park also has 107 tent, trailer and RV sites; a paddle-in primitive campsite for up to 25 people; two boat ramps; and a swimming pool.

Note that swimming is not allowed in the lake or falls.

Visit Whimsical Botanical Gardens, seven miles away, and take a free, self-guided tour to see one-of-a-kind statues and portrait-worthy backdrops for vacation photo ops.

Lake Lanier | 50 minutes away

Lake Sidney Lanier is Atlanta’s outdoor party place, having attracted all ages since the 1950s. Georgia’s largest lake, slightly northeast of Atlanta, has 700 miles of shoreline along 38,000 acres.

Lodging choices are plentiful, and many are pet-friendly. They range from nearby chain hotels to Lake Lanier Islands’ hotel rooms and villas. Vacation packages at the grand Legacy Lodge ($149-$320) can include farm-to-table dining, golfing, water-park passes, horseback riding and romantic getaways.

New this summer: Waste away (in the best way) in Margaritaville, a 1,500-acre attraction that includes a sandy beach, a wave pool, two booze-cruising party yachts and an RV resort.

Lake Lanier — fun by day, fiery sunsets by night.

Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair | About 90 minutes away

 The Oconee River connects these sister lakes, sitting pretty between Atlanta and Augusta. Note that that they are 22 miles apart by road. Plenty of local businesses cater to both destinations.

The 20-mile-long Oconee (“great waters” in the Creek language) offers waterside golfing (seven courses), water skiing (rentals at Young Harris Watersports and rejuvenation (at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Spa, which has an indoor pool and fitness center).

You won’t really rough it at the 55-acre Lake Oconee/Greensboro KOA, which has 23 railroad boxcars, club cars and lakeside cabooses converted into camping cabins ($118 and up). There’s also a boat launch, a private beach and two swimming pools.

Lake Sinclair’s 15,000 acres are beloved by anglers and hospitable to swimmers. National fishing tournaments happen here, with your best bets being bass, catfish and bream. Recreational opportunities abound at Sinclair. Check out VRBO for condo rentals overlooking either lake ($95-$380).

Lake Rabun | 2 hours away

Woods, wineries, winding roads and waterways are signatures of North Georgia’s scenic Rabun County. Lake Rabun is a twisty 835-acre reservoir with 25 miles of shoreline.

The Lake Rabun Hotel (beginning at $127 in season) combines quaint with quality in its farm-to-table restaurant, chef-inspired desserts, cocktails and every-room-is-customized ethos. Rabun Beach offers camping (80 tent/trailer sites), swimming, boating and fishing.

This is the land of 12 waterfalls and high-view hiking. Plus, there are hundreds of acres of vineyards here, all of which welcome visitors for tastings and events. Other Rabun County lakes — Lake Burton, Lake Seed and Tallulah Falls Lake — offer additional R&R opportunities.

Early morning calm on Lake Rabun, about two hours northwest of metro Atlanta. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Lake Seminole | Almost 4 hours away

In this southeast corner of Georgia, you’re nearly in Florida. Notice the Spanish moss draping the trees and the sandhill cranes loitering to catch any fish you drop.

Fish are plentiful in the 37,500-acre lake, 79 kinds, in fact. The Chattahoochee, Flint and Apalachicola rivers feed Lake Seminole, helping make it a Deep South paradise of birding, boating and rustic relaxation. Swimming is not recommended (beware the gators)!

Lake Seminole Cabins offers new, nicely appointed lodging on a cove (one to four bedrooms, $450-$700 weekly). Whether you’re fishing for foot-long black bass or catching time away from the city, Lake Seminole is waiting. So are the cranes.

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Can You Be Fashionable Without Breaking The Bank?

If you are looking to try and be as fashionable as possible, then you might automatically assume that that means you have to spend all of your money in the process. However, it is likely that this is not actually going to be the case. The truth is that if you know what you are doing, you can generally get to be fashionable and look your best without actually overspending, and in most cases anyone on a normal, regular salary can do this too. It's all about knowing what you are doing, taking a few honest steps towards being thrifty, and making a few sacrifices. In this article, we are going to discuss just a few of the clever things you can do to make this so. Let’s take a look now at how you might be able to appear fashionable without breaking the bank.

Knowing How To Shop Around

Clearly, one of the most important parts of this is always going to be that you know where to actually look in order to try and find the cheapest items as easily as possible. In some cases, this will be as simple as looking at sites like Expensive Cheapest to see if you can glean some information that way. However, more often than not it will come from trial and error, and that means actually spending time going out and trying to find places which sell clothes cheaper than other places for the same kind of quality. This can often mean going further afield than you would usually go, but it is ultimately worth it if it means that you can get hold of the clothes you wear for a much cheaper price.

Being Clever With Your Wardrobe

Generally, being fashionable has less to do with always having the best new clothes, and a lot more to do with knowing what to do with the clothes you have. If you can manage to find some interesting and unique things to do with your clothes you currently have in your wardrobe, by pairing them in in original ways for instance, then you will hardly need to spend any money at all. As you can imagine, this is easily one of the most important skills to have here, so it is worth thinking about if you are trying to be more fashionable for less money. By changing how you wear what you wear, you can easily make a huge difference to your look without having to worry at all.

Accessorizing

Finally, we come on to a favorite topic for anyone interested in fashion even in the slightest: accessorize. By using any accessories you might have, you can be sure to double and triple the use that you are getting out of your wardrobe, and that in turn means that you save money, so this is actually really worth considering if you are not already. Learn to accessorize, and you might find that you are able to be much more fashionable without spending an extra penny.

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Free Yoga Class and Expert Practice Tips with Westside Yoga at Park Tavern

Warrior Pose, Vinyasa, Namaste, Repeat. Yogis are invited to get centered during a special complimentary class with Westside Yoga’s founder Amber Barry held in the meadow at Park Tavern on Monday, June 11, 2018. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., all levels of yoga experience are welcome to bring a friend, their favorite yoga mat, a towel, a water bottle, and enjoy the tranquil sunset over Midtown’s picturesque skyline. Attendees ages 21 and up can also take advantage of a complimentary house beer on Park Tavern’s expansive patio after the class. Held rain or shine, if showers appear, the yoga session will be held upstairs at Park Tavern in the Piedmont Room.

Not only offering a free yoga class, but expert yogi and founder of Westside Yoga, Amber Barry, also shares a few easy-to-follow tips for making the most on the yoga mat, in case it’s of interest to your readers!

Tips To Making The Most of Your Spring Yoga Session from Founder of Westside Yoga, Amber Barry:

 1. Get Grounded. Begin your practice with a moment of silence. Stand in Mountain Pose, close your eyes, and draw all of your attention to the points where your feet connect to the ground below you. Remind yourself that you are stable and strong.

2. Set an Intention. Keeping your eyes closed, consider the qualities you want to bring to your practice, and repeat that intention silently in your mind three times. If you find yourself feeling distracted or discouraged during practice, come back to that intention, and repeat it again until you feel more centered.

3. Stabilize the Breath. Yogis call the breath the “life force” (prana). Make the breath the priority in your practice, and you will become increasingly powerful on (and off) the mat. Keep the breath steady, and the sound of the breath will remind you to stay focused. If you lose track of the breath, simply come back to it when you remember.

Park Tavern, a favorite neighborhood bar, restaurant, brewery and events facility, is located on the Atlanta BeltLine in the heart of Midtown on the corner of 10th Street and Monroe overlooking Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline. For more information, visit www.parktavern.com or call 404.249.0001.  

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STK Atlanta Offers New Social Hour Menu for Summer

Just in time for summer fun, STK Atlanta is taking happy hour to the next level.  

Known for it’s high-energy atmosphere and exceptional, signature and seasonal offerings, Midtown’s sexiest steak and seafood house is hosting a new Social Hour in its high-energy bar and lounge featuring an array of wallet-friendly food and drink specials available from $2 to $8.

Available every Monday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., diners can nosh and imbibe on $2 fresh oysters; select beer, smoked bacon skewers, signature Lil’ BRGs served with truffle fries, tater tots, and chopped Caesar salad for $5 each; $6 select wines; elect speciality cocktails, hummus, and the daily ceviche tostada for $7 each; and $8 jalapeño cheddar grit croquettes, shrimp cocktail, and tuna tartare tacos.  

Artfully blending the modern steakhouse and chic lounge  into one, Social Hour goers are also invited to enjoy music provided by a favorite local DJ. 

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.stkhouse.com or call 404-793-0144. STK Atlanta is located at 1075 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta on the corner of Peachtree and 12th Streets in the 12th & Midtown development. 

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Mistress Suffragette: Exclusive Interview with Author Diana Forbes

The Movement that

Defined FASHION in

America: Exclusive

Interview with Author Diana Forbes

Out Now:

A young woman without prospects at a ball in Gilded Age Newport, Rhode Island is a target for a certain kind of "suitor." 

At the Memorial Day Ball during the Panic of 1893, impoverished but feisty Penelope Stanton draws the unwanted advances of a villainous millionaire banker who preys on distressed women, the incorrigible Edgar Daggers.

Over a series of encounters, he promises Penelope the financial security she craves, but at what cost?

Skilled in the art of flirtation, Edgar is not without his charms, and Penelope is attracted to him against her better judgment.

Initially, as Penelope grows into her own in the burgeoning early Women's Suffrage Movement, Edgar exerts pressure, promising to use his power and access to help her advance.

But can he be trusted, or are his words part of an elaborate mind game played between him and his wife?

During a glittering age where a woman's reputation is her most valuable possession, Penelope must decide whether to compromise her principles for love, lust, and the allure of an easier life.

Diana Forbes has single handedly captivated the historic movement in America in a way that has shaped how we live and see fashion today. In this riveting novel we get a first hand look of a time in America where trends in fashion defined how we look towards who we are a individuals. I was able to catch up with Diana in New York City where we discussed not only fashion but also her novel Mistress Suffragette. 

Because this is a work of historical fiction how did the whole suffrage movement, particularly in women's fashion come about?

There was a movement on the hemlines of the women’s suffrage movement, called The Rational Dress Movement – a push for clothes that were breathable. Corsets were often so tight that they hurt women’s ability to breathe. The problem for most women at the time was that, while they agreed that traditional clothing was hard to wear (and weighty!), the alternatives were ugly. Amelia Bloomer was laughed at for trying to bring trousers into fashion. In my debut novel, Mistress Suffragette, I explore The Rational Dress Movement. One of the characters is for it, and the other, my protagonist, is not.

What were some of the fashion trends at the time that inspired such a huge movement In fashion and in culture? 

My novel takes place in the 1890’s. At the time, there was a grudging recognition of the fact that women needed to wear easier, more breathable clothing to ride bicycles. There was a push toward more athleticism. Gradually, the trousers a woman wore to pursue athletic activities became less outrageous looking. Another huge trend was the push towards industrialization, and in particular, ready-to-wear clothing. Women started going to department stores to buy their clothes instead of having them hand crafted my dressmakers.

What was the inspiration behind Mistress Suffragette and how did you become an author? 

I have always been a history buff, and many of my ancestors lived in America during the time period in which the novel takes place. I am lucky because my ancestors left letters and photographs, so I have a record of their stories. Two of my ancestors were tailors living in New York City. In terms of becoming an author, I wrote poems at the age of 6, a diary from the age of ten on, articles for the school newspaper from age 12 on. It’s been an evolution!

Because Mistress Suffragette is such a well-written, thought out novel, I am curious as to how long did it take you to write it and more so to research out the facts that tie into the story line.

Thank you for the nice sentiment. From the idea through publication, the novel took me five years. I am going to tack on two additional years for the research. I read a lot of fiction that was written at the time as well as non-fiction about the time period. I visited each building that still exists in my novel. I also searched for items, such as menus, letters, and periodicals to give the story a more authentic feel.

If there is one message that you would like to share with fans of your writing and those interested in learning more about Mistress Suffragette what would it be and why?

 The novel examines whether it’s possible to be independent and in love, of if you have to sacrifice one for the other.

Do you envision Mistress Suffragette on film and if so who would your top three picks be to play the main character role. 

Yes, I feel the book should either be a film or possibly a made-for-TV series. I would love for a young ingénue to come along and make a name for herself with this fantastic role! 

What’s next for your writing? Do you see a sequel in the future or will you be writing another incredible work to add to an already compelling story? 

Thank you for asking. I am writing the sequel now. I love my characters, and there are some new ones in Book Two! 

*Bonus Question: You live in one of the busiest cities in the world, when you aren't writing what are some of the things you enjoy doing for fun? 

I live and write in Manhattan. I love to explore the buildings where my ancestors lived, loved, survived, and thrived. Beyond that, I enjoy throwing parties, and dancing. One day I hope to master the quadrille.

Follow Diana Forbes and Read Mistress Suffragette Today:

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