southern artisans - Two-Sided Southern

November 30, 2023

4 Holiday Gifts Crafted by Southern Makers You Need Right Now

Caroline's Cakes bites caramel

These four southern-made pressents stood out as the perfect high-end—but still down home—gift ideas for the holidays.

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March 3, 2022

7 Things to Do This Spring Around the South

The Temptations Broadway Atlanta

There are so many things to do this spring around the South. With this list, you can indulge both sides of your personality—go a little high brow one weekend and down home the next.

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April 17, 2021

Georgia’s Own Garland Bags Has Cute Clutch Purses for Every Fashionista

Garland Bags cute clutch purses

Southern handbag designer LIndsay Rakestraw of Garland Bags comes to Atlanta for a cute clutch purse pop-up. The Savannah entrepreneur is wowing women with her structured rectangles handbags.

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March 11, 2021

6 of My Favorite Things Made by Southerners

Sarah Bray Bermuda sunhat

The South is filled with skilled artisans, crafty entrepreneurs and makers of all kinds. I love going into a boutique or hitting up an outdoor craft festival and discovering new creatives (usually with a thick drawl and impeccable manners) at work making incredible things. From candles to booze to prayer sticks (wha?), here are six things made by southerners I’m loving right now.

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twosidedsouthern

“Shag” turned 35 years old this week! How is t

“Shag” turned 35 years old this week! How is that possible?! This is one of my fave movies from childhood and strong memories with friends, a sorority skit at UGA and my sister.

What is your favorite line from the movie? Put one in the caption below.

I love “Luanne, why don’t we just go up there and say “This was our last weekend together, and we didn’t feel like going to Fort Sumter and touring goddamn colonial homes. We wanted to go to the beach and meet boys and go to wild parties and dance.” I mean why can’t we tell them the truth?”
“I’ll tell my parents the truth, when you tell Harley the truth.”
“Harley, I can’t marry you. I’m in love with Buzz.”

Iykyk

#shag #tss #twosidedsouthern #shagthemovie #moviequotes #80smovies #southerncharm #phoebecates #southernliving

@thebriannedavis @btmcneil @clairerobi78 @courtmcness @brittanyrmarler @tiffanijerniganhoover

A bunch of writers, influencers, podcasters and AT

A bunch of writers, influencers, podcasters and ATLens were invited to @kittydareatl for a special summer feast by @carenwestpr. It felt like a vacay in the Med.

So lucky to have this little jewel box restaurant in #inmanpark where you can experience flavors from Ithe 25 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Think Italy, Greece and Spain yes… but also touches of Albania, Israel, Turkey and others.

The wine list is an unusual, beautiful array curated by the owner Jaamy who admitted he loves wine so much he has 800 bottles in his 1,300 square-foot apartment in Midtown! He tries to find affordable stand outs no one else in town is carrying. I love the crisp white wines from Israel and Lebanon the most. But my fave thing….

The restaurant was named after a ballsy broad he met in college named Kitty Dare Ethridge who he was friends with for 30+ years. ❤️🥰

📸 1. The citrus salmon with pearl couscous and lemon dill sauce being brought to us in their private dining room.
📸2. Arriving with my husband to the cute lil restaurant in Inman Park.
📸3. The sweetest hidden patio in town. Perfect for brunch or a summer evening.
📸 4. Burrata with broccoli rabe served with house-made ciabatta
📸 5. My husband diving into the bucatini and shrimp with bread crumbs… easily their best seller. Your dad will love this so bring him here for Father’s Day!
📸 6. Tumeric gnocchi with black garlic and yogurt sauce (this was devoured!)
📸7. Knafeh for dessert which is phyllo dough with orange blossom@and ricotta
📸 8. The story of their amazing white chocolate pistachio cheesecake. They drive to Athens and back every week to pick them up from a female baker. Everyone raves about it.
📸 9. We were so full that we brought it home but then had to open it and try it! Drool. And love this sticker. Was fun to “get litty at kitty” with @realalesharpton @mikejordanatl @skye.estroff @thebubblytalk @carenwest

I come across things that are Two-Sided Southern a

I come across things that are Two-Sided Southern all the time. Here are a few that I want to share.

So what is Two-Sided Southern?

It’s when you’re both high brow and down home. When you’re five-star and dive bar.

What other Two-Sided Southern things am I missing? Drop them in the comments.

#twosidedsouthern #southernculture #tss #highandlow #southernlife #southernliving #southerncharm

Happy (almost) Mother’s Day! What makes Atlanta

Happy (almost) Mother’s Day! What makes Atlanta so Two-Sided Southern is we are fiercely attached to our traditions. But we are also open to the new and innovative.

Take the CBD biz and how it’s blossoming in Georgia.

How does that go along with Mother’s Day? Stick with me.

As we celebrate moms this weekend, we delve into the inspiring story of #JoeSalome. He’s a prominent figure in Georgia’s burgeoning hemp industry (@thegahempco), and his mother played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.

Salome, a resident of Buckhead, who grew up in the Northern suburbs of Atlanta and attended Kennesaw State University, is a successful entrepreneur. But he’s also a passionate advocate for hemp-based wellness products.

His venture into this industry was deeply rooted in personal experience and family history. This was particularly influenced by his mother’s courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Read their remarkable story at link in bio and how it changed the laws in #Georgia.

#atl #atlentrepreneurs #atlentrepreneur #gahempco #gahemp #atlanta #atlantahemp #mothersdaystory #mothersdaystories #localatlanta #localatlantabusiness @carenwestpr @chadavid

Decided to take the kiddos to the @balloon_museum

Decided to take the kiddos to the @balloon_museum at @prattpullmandistrict for the afternoon before it leaves in June.

Get tix now! The kids were engaged, wowed by the creativity, running around, off their screens and didn’t want to leave. It also would be a cute adventurous date.
Saw tons of couples there.

It takes about an hour and a half to go through the interactive exhibit. If they try to linger in the ball pit or around the giant balloon that draws chalk on the wall (like mine!), then 2 hours.

We’re lucky. There are only a couple of these exhibits around the world. And we have one in #theAtL.

Thanks @bravepratl !

#thingstodoinatlanta #thingstodoinatl #thingstodowithkids #thingstodowithkidsinatlanta #twosidedsouthern #twosidedsoutherner #tss #atlblogger #atlbloggers #atlanta #atlantadatenight #atlantadate #pullmanyards #inthea

A fabulous few hours spent at @southeasternshowhou

A fabulous few hours spent at @southeasternshowhouse this weekend. Get tix at my link in bio now through May 12, 2024.

The 10,250-square-foot residence situated on Putnam Drive in Atlanta’s tony Tuxedo Park neighborhood. The home was brought to life by builder and developer @beneckihomes, architect @amandaorrarchitects, landscape architect @landplusassociates, and interior specification design team @sourceatl. Presented by @atlantahomesmag.

Here are a few fun rooms I captured but go and see all the rest for yourself:

1. Front of house (details above)
2. Nishi Design + Studio - Foyer, Stair Halls, & Terrace Landing - @nishidesignstudio
3. Dwell by Cheryl - Upstairs Lounge - @dwellbycheryl
4. Virginia Cheek Designs - Bedroom 4 - @virginia_cheek
5. Womack Jowers Interiors - Bedroom 5 - @alijowers
6. Mister + Mrs Sharp - Dining Room - @misterandmrssharp
7. Melanie Turner Interiors - Covered Porch – @melanieturnerinteriors
8. Accents of the South - Mudroom - @accentsofthesouth
9. Williams Papadopoulos Design - Family Room - @williamspapadopoulosdesign
10. Means Carney Interiors in collaboration with Universal Furniture - Lower Porch, Pool Deck, & Rear Landing - @meansandcarneyinteriors

Thx to @dominomediagroup
#thingstodoinatl #thingstodoinatlanta #atldesign #atldesigner #hometours #atlhometours

Felt honored to be there for the debut of @elizabe

Felt honored to be there for the debut of @elizabethlynchdupree’s inaugural fine jewelry collection at @cherokeetcc tonight. She is beyond talented. And of course the venue is always a standout.

Just look at these exquisite pieces! They were snatched up like hotcakes.

That is her chic self at the end of the first video. Lizzie is about to make an indelible mark on the fine jewelry industry. Mark my words!

But she’s also Two-Sided Southern because even though I saw a ring for $27,000 bought and some earrings for $5,600 go in mere minutes… she had the country club serve pimento cheese, deviled eggs, pickled okra, chicken fingers and even buttered crackers. Brilliant!

It was the most #TSS event I’ve been to in a while. When you’re high brow but down home… my favorite. Hallelujah!

Loved seeing other incredible talents like @jadaloveless and @kznoel there to support her looking as fierce as ever. And so many beauties in the room. It was lovely to see @strollhistoricbrookhaven @mkholla13 @lisakrayner @gfbrewer @prestowill @laurenfinneyharden @carolinebentleyedwards @accessorygrl and more!!

#atl #atlstyle #jewelrydesigner #jewelrydesign #twosidedsouthern #finejewelrydesign #finejewelry #atlanta #atljewelry

420 FEST IS NOW FREE, but only VIP tix left. Link

420 FEST IS NOW FREE, but only VIP tix left.

Link in bio.

@420fest from @sweetwatergeorgia is this weekend at @prattpullmandistrict in Atlanta and kicks off the spring/summer outdoor music festival lineup.

Headlining acts include Gov’t Mule, Big Gigantic, Grace Potter, Trombone Shorty, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, as well as one of my favorites: Andy Frasco & The U.N. (If you haven’t seen them yet, they are beyond original and incredibly contagious fun. I’m a massive fan after they played Candler Park Music Fest last year.)

I’m excited to see a concert at Pullman Yards. It will be my first time there for a festival. I’ve been plenty of times for experiential events, etc.

For my Two-Sided Southerners, there’s nothing more #tss than going to a spring music festival in the South. But then bougie it up with VIP tickets in the Kush section ($97). Totally worth it for the air conditioned bathrooms, private bar areas and complimentary mobile charging stations.

Hope to see you there.

@carenwestpr #thingstodoinatlanta #thingstodoinatl #concertseason #musicfest #420fest #waterkeeperalliance #thisweekendinatlanta #thisweekemdinatl #twosidedsouthern #tss

Chalk eaters, grave shelters and railroad calling: $Chalk eaters, grave shelters and railroad calling: Emily Blejwas has seen many of Alabama’s folk traditions up close. She has so many Southern stories and experiences that so few of us will get to experience even a fraction of them. She’s the Executive Director of the Alabama Folklife Association, @alabamafolklife. “Folklife. The word is unsatisfying,” she shares. “It’s unsatisfying because it’s not a commonly used term, so people are unfamiliar with it. We always think of quilting and basketmaking when we think of the word. But it’s everything that gets passed down through us.” You can hear all these fascinating tales of Alabama history through her writing in “Tributaries,” and podcasting endeavors (The Alabama Folk podcast is a must listen!). There you can hear about more of her endeavors. She’s been to okra festivals, turkey hunting and eaten famed chicken stew, among many other things around her home state. Click on link in bio to read more. #twosidedsouthern #tss #alabamalife #alabama #alabamahistory #alabamatraditions #southern #southernculture #southernliving #thesouth$

For my birthday I tried out the new @thenowmassage

For my birthday I tried out the new @thenowmassage in West Midtown. It feels like a luxury safari camp in here.

I had an amazing masseuse who incorporated stretching and I felt like pure bliss at the end.

Happy birthday to me. Treat yourself to good things.
Thx @amandaleesburg

#nowmassage #atl #atlantamassage #atlanta #atlwellness #atlantawellness #atlmassage

Had a chance to go check out the stunning new @sig

Had a chance to go check out the stunning new @signiabyhiltonatlanta which is the first new hotel built in #downtownatlanta in 40 years. It’s a stunner y’all. It has 976 rooms and rises 40 stories into the skyline right next to @gwcca_atl and @mercedesbenzstadium. The pool is going to be a hotspot when it opens. It looks out over the stadium and has a bar.

I was able to try their #hydrotherapy facial in their beautiful new spa that opened a couple weeks ago. What a great addition to our city. I would definitely do a staycation here as the restaurants were on point too.

I capped my facial with a dirty martini and some chips at the bar! Perfection! 😘

#atl #atlnights #mercedesbenzstadium #signiabyhiltonatlanta #hiltonhotels #hiltonhotels @hilton #atlanta #inthea #atlhotels #newhotels #newhotels2024 @discoveratlanta @signiabyhilton

Had a magical time at @cannuacolombia with @trueco

Had a magical time at @cannuacolombia with @truecolombiatravel and @so.viajero. I was able to unplug and see what makes this part of #colombia so incredible.

Highly recommend for #ecotravelers looking for an authentic experience off the beaten path.

#travel #colombia🇨🇴 #colombia #ecotourism #ecotourist #biodiversity #magicaltravel #authentictravel #authentictravels

Day 1- I awoke at @cannuacolombia, an incredible l

Day 1- I awoke at @cannuacolombia, an incredible luxury eco-lodge about 45 min from #Medillin. Its a permaculture passion project of the owners who wanted to regenerate the land and soil in this area. Because of their gardening and soil techniques they have brought back the land and new animal and bird species came back here and the land is thriving.

There are no TVs or pools… but there is yoga, massage, rum tastings, chocolate tastings, coffee tastings, hikes and incredible authentic local experiences you can’t find anywhere else. It was heaven on earth. The chef has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants and uses all the gardens to rotate seasonal produce and let’s the gardens recover by rotating them. So you eat outstanding all day long. They don’t serve pork and beef at the hotel… only sustainable chicken and seafood.

Thank you @truecolombiatravel

#cannua #colombia #traveltocolombia #wheretogoinsouthamerica #adventuretravel #besthiking #besthikingtrails #besthikingincolombia #ecotraveler #ecotravel #ecotraveller #ecohotel #sustainablehotel #sustainabletravel #sustainabletravelling

Get tix before Sunday (1/14) to see @aladdin at @t

Get tix before Sunday (1/14) to see @aladdin at @thefoxtheatre. If you want to see the best genie I’ve seen since #RobinWilliams… go check out @marcusm_330 before he’s gone and onto a new city.
Trust.
The crowd loved him so much.

I took my lil one and she dressed up like Shimmer & Shine. Tons of people were dressed up. So come and have fun.

This is also an eye-candy show. The sets are so elaborate and colorful. The cave of wonders set was my fave. You already know the music, so go and sing along! Tip: There are a couple of new ones too.

#thingstodoinatl #thingstodoinatlanta #atlnights #atlantanights #inthea #atltheatre #atl #atlanta #atlantatheatre #atlanna #atlannah #atlblog #atlblogger #twosidedsouthern #tss

Don’t miss the boating event of the year! Y’al

Don’t miss the boating event of the year! Y’all this is my second time partnering with the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance and I love this event so much. This week, January 11th-14th at @gwcca_atl you can find hundreds of new boats, entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family including the NEW surf simulator, kid’s zone and don’t forget it’s always 5 o’clock in the Lake Life Lounge. They’ll have boat cocktails for everyone to try. I can’t wait to check out the seminars, see the latest offerings from the best boat makers and just enjoy a fun event to escape the cold!

***Use code ATL20 and link in bio to get 20% off on tickets.**

@atlantaboatshow @discoverboating @progressive #ATLBoatShow24 #DiscoverBoating #SeeYouOutHere

••Thursday (1/11) is $5 after 5 happy hour with discount tickets/drinks and the opening night party!
••Lake Life Lounge with chef & cocktail demos
Boat Appetit Chef Demo & Mix Off on Saturday 1/13
••Live music form DJ Thrice Groove @thricegroove
••Family Day is Sunday January 14th: Bring the whole family for a day of fun at the Boat Show. Family Day pass is good for 2 adults and 2 children and is only available for purchase online.
••Kids’ Zone
••Surfing Simulator
••Atlanta Artist Adrian Franks (@afranks3 ) will be showcasing his art on 1/12 “LIVE FREE” Ode to ATL

#ad

Was asked again about the #lymphaticmassage I had

Was asked again about the #lymphaticmassage I had at @formahbuckhead right before the holidays and realized I never put out a static post about it. Y’ALL I GOOFED!!! I got the ULTRA DETOX ($249) which INCLUDES a lymphatic massage!!!

It’s not like a regular massage… they use this amazing machine to move all the toxins in your body to your lymph nodes so you will pass it later. I lost 2 inches everywhere by the end of the massage (they measure you before and after) and the next day I was 4 lbs lighter. I kid you not! My clothes just felt so much better and I had better energy.

I think it helped me get all the holiday toxins out of my system. Can’t wait to go back now that I’m doing Dry January. They also gave me this great tea that pushed even more toxins out of my system. Highly recommend. They have a 3 locations around #atlanta I believe.

#atlhealth #atlanta #januaryhealth #atlblog #atlspa #atlantaspa thx @megreggie

The fancy tea at @stregisatl is a fantastic annual

The fancy tea at @stregisatl is a fantastic annual holiday tradition. You must stop by @lucys_market after for a few holiday goodies.

It’s gifting time, and I couldn’t help but sha

It’s gifting time, and I couldn’t help but share these 4 unique gifts ideas from small business owners around the South. Go to link in bio.

From fancy pickleball sets to bread warmers to tasty caramel cakes and big ‘ol statement earrings—each gift comes from the South and has become one of my faves.

The holidays are here, and I hope you will want to pass on one of these 4 Southern gifts made by talented artisans as much as I do. Keep up the fantastic work @shoplapoint @marykkendig @rahabsrope and @carolinescakes!

Thanks to @thesouthernc and @kbogletree of #pitchcraft for the intro to these incredible Southern small business owners.

Took the fam to see #AChristmasCarol at @alliancet

Took the fam to see #AChristmasCarol at @alliancetheatre. It was the first time we took our 5 yo. I love how little legs don’t even touch the floor yet at the theater. Anywhoo… she knocked out and I couldn’t even wake her at intermission. I think it was just slightly above her pay grade. But the three of us really enjoyed it and it put us in the holiday spirit.

It’s at @woodruffartscenter and @alliancetheatre through Christmas Eve. Get your tickets to a true #atlanta tradition.

#twosidedsouthern #tss #atlantatheatre #thingstodoinatlanta #thingstodowithkids #southernculture #atl #atlblog #atlblogger #atlblogger

The chance to talk about fashion in the South and

The chance to talk about fashion in the South and beyond with @lauren_amos the owner of @antidotestyle and @wishatl was inspirational. I told @carenwestpr that I walked away with my cup full. And I meant it. I’m still on a high…

It was awesome to come together with writers and influencers like @emilylfoley @eatingwitherica #capitoldebeaute @kohanimal and others to talk about style and life.

Huge yummy props to @bullyboyatl for these ridiculous sushi rolls and those grilled maitake mushrooms with wasabi truffle aioli. Went back for thirds… (eek!) They were addictive.

What a glorious couple of hours all thanks to the incomparable @carenwest!

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