Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fall Cocktail: The Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni

Fall Cocktail: The Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni

While it's always sad to see summer go, welcome to Fall and all the wonderful flavors, scents and colors that come with it! This Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni is really something special. I knew it 5 years ago when I created it and I'm so excited to share it with a larger audience today! A Great Fall Flavor: Chai Tea Chai Tea is a long time favorite of mine, and Starbucks too, as their Chai Tea Latte is always a fan favorite. A Word of Martini Caution For the most part, if you can't see through a martini, you should not drink it (unless it's a SkinnyTini of course). Meet the Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni Let me introduce you to the Skinny Vanilla Chai Tea-ni, a wonderful Fall Cocktail! It is one of the original...Read More
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Friday, October 11, 2013

Fall Brunch: Bloody Mary Time!

@pmelonga @tracyassad - #brunchideas

Fall Brunch: Bloody Mary Time!

Brunch, the ultimate weekend meal, is no summer affair; it’s a year long custom where anything goes for friends to come together over breakfast, lunch and, of course, a couple midday cocktails. Now that fall in here and the temperatures are dropping, summer brunch is transitioning to the fall menu – seasonable squash, apple-infused dishes and everyone’s favorite fall drink, the Bloody Mary. This season, take a shot and host your own brunch with close friends and family; we recommend a unique crowd pleasing cocktail for every brunch occasion: The SMRINOFF Shrimp Bloody Mary. SMIRNOFF Shrimp Bloody Mary Serves 2 ·1.5 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Lemon ·12 oz. tomato juice ·1 tbsp horseradish ·3-4 dashes...Read More
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Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

Let's revisit an old post...

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

I remember the day I bought them. The Worst Pair of Shoes in The World. For reals. They’re super cute, don’t get me wrong. I even tried them on in the store and they were fine to walk in. They’re STILL fine to walk in: on even, level, paved flooring. Even just the slightest change in elevation and forget about it. So, why is it if I can walk on level ground in them I can’t walk elsewhere? It seems like a silly question but heed this as a word of caution to anyone buying those super hot shoes and trying them on in the store. It’s not just the super high heel (approximately 5 inches, I was too lazy to go and get an actual ruler so I could be wrong). It’s mainly the nearly two inch platform on the sole of the shoe. I’ve always...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Tailgating Season/Football Parties

Tailgating Season/Football Parties

We all know the best part of heading to the game is the tailgating. To stay warm, spice up your hot chocolate with a shot of Smirnoff Cinna-Sugar Twist Flavored Vodka #smirnoffcinnasugar While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with SMIRNOFF and Style Coalition.
SMIRNOFF Hub

Spice up Fall Festivities

Spice up Fall Festivities

Pumpkin & apple are 2 of my fave fall flavors. Look forward to mixing w/ @Smirnoff’s Cinna-Sugar Twist Flavored Vodka!#smirnoffcinnasugar While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with Smirnoff and Style Coalition.
SMIRNOFF Hub

Low Calorie Vodka | Low Calorie Cocktails |...

Low Calorie Vodka | Low Calorie Cocktails |...

Try the new low calorie vodka, SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light - refreshingly light for low calorie cocktails that can be enjoyed in every occasion. Drink responsibly. Disclosure: I am working in partnership with the Smirnoff brand and I am receiving rewards for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Drink is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!"
SMIRNOFF Hub

Stella & Dot: Behind The Design

Stella & Dot: Behind The Design

Isn’t everything better when there is a personal touch? Stella & Dot’s Chief Creative Office, Blythe Harris highlights the importance of their hand-crafted approach in this behind-the-scenes video. With an array of versatile accessories made with women on-the-go in mind, Harris provides a glimpse into Stella & Dots’ creative process, divulging that, “her passion is always about jewelry as a way to tell stories.” The attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed, as their team of designers creates every component of the jewelry. There seems to be an accessory for every life occasion! What else do you enjoy that’s handcrafted? To us, nothing can beat a hand-crafted cocktail. From sourcing fresh ingredients, to adding exotic...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Tailgating Season/Football Parties

Tailgating Season/Football Parties

We all know the best part of heading to the game is the tailgating. To stay warm, spice up your hot chocolate with a shot of Smirnoff Cinna-Sugar Twist Flavored Vodka #smirnoffcinnasugar While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with SMIRNOFF and Style Coalition.
SMIRNOFF Hub

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Fashion is Fun!

this is actually from a larger photo shoot i did- still waiting on the rest of the photos :p

Fashion is Fun!


SMIRNOFF Hub

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

YES omg I do Amber- lol I figured if nothing else they make my calves look really good :p

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

I remember the day I bought them. The Worst Pair of Shoes in The World. For reals. They’re super cute, don’t get me wrong. I even tried them on in the store and they were fine to walk in. They’re STILL fine to walk in: on even, level, paved flooring. Even just the slightest change in elevation and forget about it. So, why is it if I can walk on level ground in them I can’t walk elsewhere? It seems like a silly question but heed this as a word of caution to anyone buying those super hot shoes and trying them on in the store. It’s not just the super high heel (approximately 5 inches, I was too lazy to go and get an actual ruler so I could be wrong). It’s mainly the nearly two inch platform on the sole of the shoe. I’ve always...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

I remember the day I bought them. The Worst Pair of Shoes in The World. For reals. They’re super cute, don’t get me wrong. I even tried them on in the store and they were fine to walk in. They’re STILL fine to walk in: on even, level, paved flooring. Even just the slightest change in elevation and forget about it. So, why is it if I can walk on level ground in them I can’t walk elsewhere? It seems like a silly question but heed this as a word of caution to anyone buying those super hot shoes and trying them on in the store. It’s not just the super high heel (approximately 5 inches, I was too lazy to go and get an actual ruler so I could be wrong). It’s mainly the nearly two inch platform on the sole of the shoe. I’ve always...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

How The Love of a Boy(s) Led to My Love of Food

How The Love of a Boy(s) Led to My Love of Food

I’ll admit it. I was once The Girl Who Would Only Eat Chicken Fingers. Sad, but true. It was a boyfriend I had my freshman year of college who pointed out to me just how unattractive that was, and also how boring! However, it wasn’t until my junior year of college and yet another boy I started to date that I really began to explore the culinary world. This particular boyfriend took me to Tic Toc Room, at a time in which hanging out downtown was still relatively new and Allen Bass had not just Bert’s but also another place up the road- at least, that’s the best of my memory. Someone feel free to correct me. And we also had Trio where The Hummingbird now stands. That particular summer, I also worked in my first fine dining...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

SMIRNOFF Sorbet Lemon Sizzzzle Punch

SMIRNOFF Sorbet Lemon Sizzzzle Punch

Need some inspiration for a fabulous summer punch? Take a trip to your local farmers market. Mix-and-match your favorite seasonal fruits and fresh mixers for a serve that’s truly speaks to you. The SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light line will complement even the most creative concoctions. Pick up a clear punch bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of your fresh-fruit punch and for a really fun touch, freeze fresh fruit in your ice cubes the night before! Check out this recipe which is not only light and delicious, but also brings the “wow” without the worry. Next time you’re at the farmer's market, share what you find with the rest of us!   SMIRNOFF Sorbet Lemon Sizzzzle Punch Serves 8 1.5 cups SMIRNOFF...Read More
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Pomegranate Power

Pomegranate Power

From trendy coconut water, to seasonal fruits, to black tea, there are tons of delicious mixer options perfect for summer cocktails that pair wonderfully with SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light flavors. Pomegranate is a must-have seasonal fruit that is hot on the market right now. In fact pomegranate seeds were listed as one of the 30 super foods in SELF Magazine’s Drop 10 diet this year. Try the SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Pomegranate Delight to add some delicious pomegranate to your cocktail line up. This refreshingly light, reduced calorie cocktail hits the spot and is a great guilt free option! SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Pomegranate Delight Cocktail Recipe: 1.5 oz. SMIRNOFF® Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate 0.75 oz. Fresh...Read More
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Friendship Day

Friendship Day

While girlfriends are worth celebrating every day, August 8 marks Friendship Day and what better way to celebrate than to host a gathering with your closest gals? Here are some additions to make this party stand out from any other get together: Theme-It-Up – Whether it’s a color-scheme or fashion requirement, pick a fun theme that everyone can get involved in. Crowd-Sourced Cocktails – Ask each of your guests to share a unique cocktail recipe pre-party that will be featured on the menu. With the theme in place and everyone’s unique personality, we’re sure the cocktail names will provide some entertainment all on their own! DIY Bar - Set up a fun DIY bar where your friends can mix up the...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

National Candy Corn Day

National Candy Corn Day

Did you know that the day before Halloween is National Candy Corn Day? This seasonal treat is a fall favorite and also brings on some fun inspiration for seasonal cocktails! Create your own candy corn-inspired cocktail by layering ingredients. Share your recipes with the Hub! Here’s our mix: 1.5 oz. of your favorite SMIRNOFF flavor 3 oz. sour mix 2 oz. pineapple juice .5 oz. grenadine Mix all ingredients, except for grenadine, in a cocktail shaker with ice and serve in a martini glass. Top with grenadine. Garnish with whipped cream. Servings: 1
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SMIRNOFF Named the Best Tasting Vodka in...

SMIRNOFF Named the Best Tasting Vodka in...

That’s right! SMIRNOFF has once again earned its rightful spot as the top crowd pleaser. The brand recently won a blind taste test performed by The Huffington Post ! Huffington Post staffers were on the hunt to break all the myths and truly discover, “what is the best tasting vodka in America?”— and SMIRNOFF came out on top and was described by participants as “smooth and clean.” SMIRNOFF is no stranger to the top rankings category, having been named the "hands-down favorite” by the New York Times in a 2005 blind study of 21 world-class vodkas. Watch the tasting in action here ! It’s time to celebrate the success of SMIRNOFF by treating yourself to a signature SMIRNOFF cocktail. Try the recipe below. Cheers! ...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Celebrate National Apple Month with A SMIRNOFF...

Celebrate National Apple Month with A SMIRNOFF...

October is a big month—and not just because Halloween is right around the corner! October is National Apple Month; we now have a full month to savor our favorite sweet & natural treat, whether it be a Red Delicious, McIntosh or Granny Smith. It’s time to try out that new fall coat and cute new scarf, head out to the farm with your significant other and find some awesome apples to create all sorts of pies, salads and of course, cocktails!Below is a recipe sure to delight at any party or when nestling close to a loved one after a long day at the orchard. SMIRNOFF Cinna-Sugar Twist Lucky Lemonade ·1.5 oz. SMIRNOFF Cinna-Sugar Twist Flavored Vodka ·2 oz. lemonade ·3 oz. apple juice Glassware : Stemless wine...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Spice up Fall Festivities

Spice up Fall Festivities

Pumpkin & apple are 2 of my fave fall flavors. Look forward to mixing w/ @Smirnoff’s Cinna-Sugar Twist Flavored Vodka!#smirnoffcinnasugar While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with Smirnoff and Style Coalition.
SMIRNOFF Hub

SMIRNOFF Named the Best Tasting Vodka in...

SMIRNOFF Named the Best Tasting Vodka in...

That’s right! SMIRNOFF has once again earned its rightful spot as the top crowd pleaser. The brand recently won a blind taste test performed by The Huffington Post ! Huffington Post staffers were on the hunt to break all the myths and truly discover, “what is the best tasting vodka in America?”— and SMIRNOFF came out on top and was described by participants as “smooth and clean.” SMIRNOFF is no stranger to the top rankings category, having been named the "hands-down favorite” by the New York Times in a 2005 blind study of 21 world-class vodkas. Watch the tasting in action here ! It’s time to celebrate the success of SMIRNOFF by treating yourself to a signature SMIRNOFF cocktail. Try the recipe below. Cheers! ...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Monday, October 7, 2013

Boos! And Booze At The Netherworld VIP Party

Boos! And Booze At The Netherworld VIP Party

Earlier in the month, I received an invite to attend the Netherworld Media & VIP Party, and you know I wasn’t going to pass on the opportunity to enjoy a Lushworthy libation or two before being scared to death, so I was all in. As Netherworld is one of the most celebrated haunted attractions in the Southeast it was nice to be able to bypass the crowds during their media event, which took place weeks prior to their opening on September 27th. Before that whole “being scared to death” thing took place, myself and Talaia from WholeYum.com enjoyed a few sips of wine and entirely too many delicious cupcakes while chillaxin’ in the media/VIP area. And then…it was on. We entered into Netherworld’s ginormous haunted house after receiving...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

The Worst Pair of Shoes In The World

I remember the day I bought them. The Worst Pair of Shoes in The World. For reals. They’re super cute, don’t get me wrong. I even tried them on in the store and they were fine to walk in. They’re STILL fine to walk in: on even, level, paved flooring. Even just the slightest change in elevation and forget about it. So, why is it if I can walk on level ground in them I can’t walk elsewhere? It seems like a silly question but heed this as a word of caution to anyone buying those super hot shoes and trying them on in the store. It’s not just the super high heel (approximately 5 inches, I was too lazy to go and get an actual ruler so I could be wrong). It’s mainly the nearly two inch platform on the sole of the shoe. I’ve always...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Celebrate National Apple Month with A SMIRNOFF...

Celebrate National Apple Month with A SMIRNOFF...

October is a big month—and not just because Halloween is right around the corner! October is National Apple Month; we now have a full month to savor our favorite sweet & natural treat, whether it be a Red Delicious, McIntosh or Granny Smith. It’s time to try out that new fall coat and cute new scarf, head out to the farm with your significant other and find some awesome apples to create all sorts of pies, salads and of course, cocktails!Below is a recipe sure to delight at any party or when nestling close to a loved one after a long day at the orchard. SMIRNOFF Cinna-Sugar Twist Lucky Lemonade ·1.5 oz. SMIRNOFF Cinna-Sugar Twist Flavored Vodka ·2 oz. lemonade ·3 oz. apple juice Glassware : Stemless wine...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Perfect Pairings: Sparkling Pomegranate Berry &...

Ok this looks pretty good...

Perfect Pairings: Sparkling Pomegranate Berry &...

Get wrapped up in Stella & Dot's Palm Springs Scarf , a great accessory anytime you’re looking to add some more style to your already fabulous outfit. And what better way to compliment your new go-to accessory than with SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Sparkling Pomegranate Berry? With this pairing, you’ll be on the receiving end of admiring glances and cocktail envy. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Serves 1 ·1.25 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate ·.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice ·.5 oz. Simple syrup ·Prosecco, to top off Glassware : Champagne flute Garnish : Raspberry Preparation: Combine all ingredients except the Prosecco in a mixing glass, add ice, shake, strain...Read More
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Fall Style To-Do: A Vision Boarding Session!

Fall Style To-Do: A Vision Boarding Session!

As the weather begins to cool down in New York, my thoughts inevitably shift to outerwear and boots galore – I’m talking fall shopping, of course! And while I’m making a concerted effort to invest in fewer, better things, I’m also feeling the itch for a style transition of sorts – a shift that feels relevant to the season but appropriate to my life and lately-extra-demanding career. The perfect solution and HOT on my to-do list: a vision boarding session with a few of my most stylish friends. In case you have yet to be indoctrinated, a vision board is, essentially, a physical representation of your inspiration – in this, fashion-specific case, style inspiration and a shopping list of sorts. Comprised of street style snaps and...Read More
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Friday, October 4, 2013

Perfect Pairings: Sparkling Pomegranate Berry &...

Perfect Pairings: Sparkling Pomegranate Berry &...

Get wrapped up in Stella & Dot's Palm Springs Scarf , a great accessory anytime you’re looking to add some more style to your already fabulous outfit. And what better way to compliment your new go-to accessory than with SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Sparkling Pomegranate Berry? With this pairing, you’ll be on the receiving end of admiring glances and cocktail envy. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Serves 1 ·1.25 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate ·.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice ·.5 oz. Simple syrup ·Prosecco, to top off Glassware : Champagne flute Garnish : Raspberry Preparation: Combine all ingredients except the Prosecco in a mixing glass, add ice, shake, strain...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Perfect Pairings: Sparkling Pomegranate Berry &...

Perfect Pairings: Sparkling Pomegranate Berry &...

Get wrapped up in Stella & Dot's Palm Springs Scarf , a great accessory anytime you’re looking to add some more style to your already fabulous outfit. And what better way to compliment your new go-to accessory than with SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Sparkling Pomegranate Berry? With this pairing, you’ll be on the receiving end of admiring glances and cocktail envy. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Serves 1 ·1.25 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate ·.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice ·.5 oz. Simple syrup ·Prosecco, to top off Glassware : Champagne flute Garnish : Raspberry Preparation: Combine all ingredients except the Prosecco in a mixing glass, add ice, shake, strain...Read More
SMIRNOFF Hub

Monday, September 30, 2013

Fall Picnics and Rooftop Party Entertaining

Fall Picnics and Rooftop Party Entertaining

Our picnic features end-of-summer favorites like corn salad, chicken and pesto baguette sandwiches, and #smirnoffsorbet cocktails! While all opinions expressed are my own, this post was produced in collaboration with SMIRNOFF and Style Coalition.
Shared from SMIRNOFF Hub

Friday, September 27, 2013

A Fetching Fall Day In NYC

A Fetching Fall Day In NYC

Well it’s officially Fall! Well it is according to Twitter, The Weather Channel and our very accurate daily calendar. Though our body temperatures seem to disagree. Not to worry though the key to surviving a Fall day in NYC is simply to layer and find the perfect coffee shop that isn’t blasting its heat yet or has a door that gets stuck when opened. Pull&Bear tall t shirt, $16 / Karl Donoghue vest / Topshop red satchel What you’ll need: 1. A Comfy Vest 2. Cotton Dress Shirt 3. Jeans 4. A Bag that doesn’t get in the way of other customers 5. A guide to find the perfect coffee shop (Writer's Retreat New York- A Travel Guide for Writers, Bloggers & Students) Happy Falling! Pull&Bear tall t...Read More
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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Fashion is Fun!

Fashion is Fun!


Shared from SMIRNOFF Hub

National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

Today, September 25, 2013, marks the 12 th annual Women’s Health & Fitness Day – a national program that raises awareness for women’s overall health and wellness across the country. On this day, organizations across the U.S. host women’s health and fitness events to inspire women to participate in physical activity or health education programs. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle throughout the year is important so use this opportunity to gather your girlfriends and do something active. Cap off your activity with a relaxing and light happy hour! Here’s a drink to toast to National Women’s Health & Fitness Day. Cheers! Lemon Mojito ·.5 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Lemon ·.75 oz. simple syrup ·.75...Read More
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Saturday, February 16, 2013

Out and About during the Macon Film Festival

So, I decided to impromptu-ly set up my laptop down here at The Douglass and blog from the Macon Film Festival.

If you have not come down here- get your sorry butts down here. I mean it! There are some amazing films being shown. I got to meet the director of one of the student entries and I swear to you this girl will be shown on "the big screen" some day. And yesterday I got to meet Crystal Chappell, some of you may remember her as Olivia from The Guiding Light. Today I got to meet some more directors- even one really cute one from Italy.

Just a moment ago I spoke to Jon Lindstrom, director of "How We Got Away With It"- to be screened later tonight. He's so nice! And speaks so highly of our festival, saying we are "very filmmaker friendly". He also just gave me permission to say "Jon Lindstrom highly recommends the Macon Film Festival".

So look- get your behinds down here asap... you still have time!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Just an Ordinary Weekend and the Macon Civic Club Show

So, I haven't been on here in a while cause I really haven't had a whole lot going on- aside from school, a new job, being on the Macon Arts Alliance committee for Fired Works... yeah, I guess I do still have a lot going on.

But I haven't really been out and about like I usually would, not since New Year's and First Friday. This past weekend was just simply amazing, and I definitely did not go anywhere. But let me tell you how a day of nothing can turn in to something: you have to keep your mind open. For instance, my mom needed to go to Wal Mart, so I dropped her off at the door and my sweet babies were in the back seat. At the entrance to Wal Mart were about a dozen young men and women in uniform, asking for donations. So, I gave my babies a dollar each to give to them and asked who they were with: Crawford County High School ROTC. They just loved being able to help out! Then as I took the long way through the parking lot to Chic Fil A for their lunch, we pulled up next to a firetruck. They LOVE firetrucks! So I rolled down the windows and my kids waved and waved and waved! The firefighters were so nice- they beeped the horns and turned on the sirens and waved back. Then, on to Chic Fil A and back to Wal Mart. After we ate, we went over to the soccer fields at Stratford. My mom is a teacher there so it was no problem- my kids ran and ran and RAN. Then I showed them how to roll on their sides down the hill. Got all kinds of dried grass all over us but I didn't care. It was a good reminder it's the simple things that can make us happiest.

While this past weekend was about the simple things, I do love a good black tie affair and this upcoming weekend is the perfect one: the Macon Civic Club's Rollin' On the River. Be sure to check out my other blog, Make It Work Molly, for details about what I will be wearing ;) If you have never been to this show I promise you do NOT want to miss it. I will be at the Friday night black tie event, which is only $40/person and includes the pre show cocktail party, but other nights are as inexpensive at $18/person. Each evening's performance will benefit a different Middle Georgia charity, and of course yall know I can't say "no" to charities. And I really can't say "no" to seeing people I have grown up with making fun of themselves on stage- after all, the best kind of humor is self deprecating- correct?




Afterwards- be sure to enjoy the night out in downtown Macon! Perhaps cocktails at Kashmir, downtown grill or even Dovetail? Where will I see you?

Thursday, January 10, 2013

So Much To Do, See, and Live in Downtown Macon

I love Macon. I really, really love Downtown though. This past weekend was First Friday- my evening started off meeting a certain someone at downtown grill before heading up to Thomas Sanders first solo show at Macon Arts Alliance. I have to say it was SO refreshing to see a bunch of people who I don't usually see out downtown out and about. But- first the show.

Thomas is an incredibly talented artist and if you have not made it down there yet you really should make the effort to go.


I saw a ton of people there as usual: Betsy and Keith Fitzgerald, Carey Pickard and Chris Howard, Lauren Benedict, Chloe Meadors, Ansley Morris, Collin Holder, Canaan Marshall, Steven Fulbright and David Quakenbush and more. The night would continue at Tic Toc Room where we ran into Canaan again, and then over to Dovetail where we had what HAD to be the best flippin salmon of my life. No joke yall it was unreal. And Wayne made up a cocktail for me. It had in it Grey Goose, Chambord, Grand Marnier, Creme de Mure garnished with a flamed orange peel- I gotta be honest anytime my drink is lit on fire you've gotten my attention. And I need to ask Roger Riddle about the sides with that salmon: some kind of rice and peas. Off the charts just damn good. 




I was happy to get the chance to catch up with Chloe and Ansley at Dovetail also- I hadn't really seen Chloe since we both joined Junior League and Ansley is an old friend from Stratford, middle school days. (And she had on THE cutest top from The Blue Door Boutique in Columbus.)

Now, as much as I love downtown I have been keeping my eyes open for a place to live down here. It's really difficult to keep track of the different places and possibilities especially with homes owned by a single person or smaller groups along with the "bigger" places. Luckily, there is now livedowntownmacon.com - which makes it SO much easier to find a place to live. I spoke with Kris Hattaway about it as well:

Molly:  Can you tell me, what initiated this website?

Kris: NewTown Macon has had the livedowntownmacon.com website for several years.  In its earliest form, it was a listing of all the rental properties that you could rent in downtown Macon.  So, if you were wanting to live downtown and looking for an apartment, this site would give you all the contact information to call around and see if anything was available.  This past summer we gave the website an overhaul and reworked it to better meet the needs of the potential residents for downtown.  The site still lists all the rental properties in downtown [under Places to Live] which shows that we have a lot of rental properties downtown, but now the main purpose of the site is to list the properties that are available right now! These are under Featured Listings and are highlighted in a rotating box on the home page.

In 2011 we updated a 2008 residential market study that told us we could fill 235 new housing units [houses, lofts, apartments] each year for five years.  Now, that includes rental and owner-occupied units, but the demand is great! NewTown gets call every week of people looking to move downtown.  This website is a great tool to assist people in their downtown living search. 

NewTown is currently managing a $5 million bond fund from the Development Authority of Bibb County - thanks to Bibb County - to provide gap financing for residential projects downtown.  We have used those funds in the Cotton Avenue Lofts that added 6 units to downtown and were rented before completion.  We're also using those funds to assist with the Dannenberg Lofts which will start renting in the first quarter of 2013 adding 69 lofts and three new retail spaces.  The third project the funds are being used for are the Lofts at 401 Cherry Street that will add 20 furnished lofts to downtown.  Our hope is that the Central Georgia community will become accustomed to going to the website to check on availabilities that it will help with filling the new units that are coming online in 2013.


This is a very cool site, it looks like it's open for both private listings as well as larger commercial ones. Do people with properties need to pay to have their properties listed?

On the site you can find listings for apartments in divided houses, lofts above street retail, as well as units in large complexes such as Katherine Court.  The site is currently complimentary to property owners with units in downtown Macon.


About how many people do you reach through this site? How long has it been up?

The newly revamped site has been live since NewTown's Annual Meeting on October 17th.   A complete marketing plan will kick off in January with a focus on March - May, so be on the look out for more to come!


Where do you see the growth of residential space downtown going? Who is your target audience?

Much (if not most) of our street level retail spaces have upstairs floors that are either not being used or are not built our for lofts, but that is the perfect use of that space. NewTown has just entered into our third phase of revitalization for downtown.  With this new phase, we have identified three target blocks where we will focus our work. The first target block is bordered by Cherry, Third, Poplar, and Second.  The second target block is bordered by Poplar, Third, Plum, and Second.  The third target block is bordered by Third, Cherry, MLK, and Poplar. Our strategic plan can be found on our website http://www.newtownmacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NTM_StrategicActionPlan_FINAL.pdf

The lofts that are being built at this time are just the beginning of the influx in residential units downtown.  We expect to see more and more upper floors of our downtown buildings being renovated and used for lofts.

The Volk Study done in 2008 and updated in 2011 tells us that are primary target market is young professionals. The secondary market is empty nesters.


So, as you can tell, there is going to be LOTS of room for all of us who love downtown so much rather soon. And if you can't wait for the new lofts be sure to check out livedowntownmacon.com for all kinds of places available right now.

After all, wouldn't it be nice to be able to walk home after Mulberry Market (I went yesterday!!! LOVE it) or even after an event like Clifford Live! at The Grand Opera House?



Yep- I have one last thing to tell yall about. For anyone who thinks downtown isn't a "family friendly" place you  need to check out the Clifford Live! show- http://www.thegrandmacon.com/clifford-live/. I know I will be taking my kids. They love watching Clifford on PBS and to let them see it up close and personal on stage will be a very special treat for them. I'm super excited to get them introduced to theater early and to go ahead and instill a love for the arts at an early age. They love watching Disney musicals on tv so can you imagine how magical it will be for them to see this in person? 

Oh! And before I forget- be sure to come and see me at the Georgia Bridal Bash this Sunday!! I will be hosting the fashion show and would love to see all of you there. This will be a fantastic event for any lady who is a part of a wedding- and there will be a cigar bar and lounge for the guys. Don't miss it!!! (Remember my friend Tori's wedding I have told yall about? She will be there as well- her wedding was amazing.)

It's going to be amazing! All of this is right here in downtown Macon- if you haven't discovered it I promise it's not too late. There are so many cool things happening right now and in the future.