first weekend of summer in ATL

One of my all-time favorite holidays each year is the first day of summer. Nothing says happy to me like the longest day of the year. This past week I've been celebrating with as much time as possible in that sweet Georgia sun. With that sweet man-made sunscreen :) Here's what I've been up to:

Free King of Pops yoga on the BeltLine (every Tuesday - 7 p.m.!) with Melly.

{Melly got this sweet Atlanta on the Rise mug from Foster ATL}

Slow mornings with good convo&coffee on my brothers' deck before the sun gets too hot. 

King of Pops in honor of our Pops on Father's Day! No better way for a Biber to celebrate someone they love than with dessert. It's our love language.

A pool day (with more sunscreen) to celebrate our sweet friend Megan's birthday.

And two (yes, two!) trips to the new Victory in Inman Park. Mile High Club and Tea Bird gluten free sandwiches for this girl! So good. And so happy. Welcome back to the neighborhood, Victory! We're so glad you're here.

And now it is officially my favorite season of the year! Happy Monday!

3 Weeks of Free Dating in Atlanta

Chris and I are officially three weeks into our month of free dating. Here’s what I have learned about us during the last few weeks:
- We still miss coffee dates the most (and might have a coffee shop addiction?)
- I’m missing going out to eat, but not as much as I expected. Mostly just Whole Foods
- The challenge of trying to find a free date and the pleasure of executing it is so exhilarating. Way more than I expected. Sort of like getting an awesome item on sale. It almost feels like you’re making money because the savings are so great.

Here’s what we’ve been up to:

We hiked Sweet Water (#8) on Memorial Day (with BYOCoffee), which was way more fun than I expected. I had heard it wasn’t that hard of a hike, which is true. But it’s BEAUTIFUL. When we can start spending money again, I want to rent kayaks there. The water and trees are stunning!

We got free Dunkin Donuts (#20), again. Really sad that promo is over.

We cooked dinner with our friends, Mike & Kelsey. I made goat cheese guacamole (holy moly!).

We went to a free spinning class at Cyc studios. My friend Jen told me about the free class and I was SUPER pumped.

We cooked two dinners with friends: homemade pizza with my brothers and grilled with Chris' roommate and girlfriend.

{We made The Minimalist Baker's gluten free crust. So good!}

We traded in two empty coffee bags at Starbucks for two free coffees. Then drove Tuxedo Road (#9), sipping our java and picking out which houses we'd buy if we could.

I also learned that the Georgia Tech Observatory has free stargazing nights. We planned to go last Thursday, but it was cancelled due to rain. Rats! They don’t start again until the fall, but I definitely plan to go on a clear night.

Also: this is not within our month of free dates, but beginning in Mid-June, Piedmont Park is doing a free concert series with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Snacks and wine on the lawn, anyone?

Now, just one week to go! :)

PS: In case you missed it, here's what we did our first week.
PPS: I've gotten some questions about HOW to get to the Bellwood Quarry. Here is the guide we used. Good luck and wear pants! It's worth the work to find it! :) 

Week One of Dating for Free 99

Chris and I are one week into our month of free dating and here's what I know so far:
- Not going on coffee dates is way harder than expected.
- I think we are now going on more dates because we're so excited about trying these free ideas.

This past Friday we actually went to Rome, GA, to see his mom, so we didn't go on a date but we did, in fact, become roomies.

Saturday night, I was babysitting, so we were determined to squeeze in a free date somewhere this weekend. Here's what we accomplished:

Free iced coffees Saturday afternoon, because the Braves won Friday (#20)

We played frisbee in the park (#22) with Sam Sunday before the rain moved in.

And then we got absolutely drenched!

We went to Trader Joe's and cooked stir fry with Sam.

We've gone on lots of walks, relaxed and have started a seriously aggressive list of things we want to try when we're back to non-free dating. :)

So that's what our first week of free dating has looked like!

This weekend, we're heading home to Indiana. That wasn't free. But it was pre-planned! :) Happy Friday!

25 free summer dates in atlanta

Happy day, friends! We're in this lovely little in between spring and summer phase in Atlanta, where the days hit the 90s, but the mornings are cool enough to drive to work with your windows down without even thinking about breaking a sweat. You can feel the city on the brink of summer - itching to break open into the 100s and become clothed in the thick layer of humidity.

But not yet!

Spring, sweet spring.

Chris and I decided that this month, we're taking on a challenge: 30 days of only free dates. Why? Well, we've spent a good bit of money lately with quite a few trips and weddings. And also? Because Atlanta has so much free stuff to do and the perfect time to take advantage of it is before it gets too hot.

Naturally, we have a few ground rules:
1. We are allowed to buy groceries to cook together
2. We are allowed to buy the froyo twice during the month. Because it's spring. And that's what you do in the spring.

The challenge began yesterday and will last until June 13. To make sure we don't just get lazy and cook dinner every night in yoga pants, I made a quick list of some things I hope we tackle:

{note a few of these places do sell things, so if you aren't on a total fast, I'd recommend buying a cup of coffee or drink :))

1. Bike (or drive) the Living Walls  - try to see them all
2. Go to the free coffee shop at the Goat Farm (though I do recommend tipping :))
3. Hike into the Bellwood Quarry
4. Play ping pong at Henry & June or Victory
5. Visit the Lilburn Hindu Temple

image via my friend megan :)

6. Peruse and {window} shop at all of the new, awesome places that have recently opened: Chrome Yellow, Young Blood, the little shops at Krog Street, etc.
7. Explore/relax by the dam at Lullwater
8. Hike Sweetwater
9. Brew up some {iced} coffee on a Sunday morning and drive Tuxedo Road
10. Check out books at the Atlanta library (or use the free e-books from APL), take them to a park and read under a tree

11. Picnic on the beach in Morningside Nature Preserve
12. Feed the ducks in Piedmont Park
13. Go to a Grady High School track meet with lawn chairs
14. Walk, bike, run or stroll the BeltLine. Stop in Paris on Ponce for free popsicles
15. Explore a new neighborhood on foot - whether its Cabbagetown, Decatur or Grant Park, get outside your comfort zone
16. Do a Saturday AM power session and try to hit as many farmers' markets as possible: Freedom, Grant Park, Westside (and so many more!)

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17. String up some battery-operated lights in Candler Park and have a nighttime picnic
18. Go to Free Beer Friday at Diesel at 5:37
19. Grab a volleyball and play in Piedmont Park
20. Get free coffee at Dunkin Donuts the day after the Braves win (during the month of May)
21. Spend the afternoon gardening at Truly Living Well
22. Throw a frisbee in Chastain
23. Grab a blanket, drive out of the city (somewhere without big buildings - like Fairburn) and stargaze
24. Sit in the Adirondack chairs at the Chattahoochee Coffee Company and watch everyone float the river
25. Buy a bag of coffee at Dancing Goats (this is an essential grocery, right!?) and they give you a free drink. Make it a coffee date :)

So that's where you'll find us this month! Happy free dating!

And just like that, it's Christmastime!

This holiday season has absolutely flown by and I really don't know how next week is Christmas! I went from zero to 60 in the last week - I'd done pretty much nothing Christmassy to doing a whole lot in a short time. And it was lovely :) 

Last week, I went to Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (ATL Bucket List #25)  with coworkers. It was so much fun and absolutely got me in the holiday spirit. Something about a spiked hot chocolate and shiny lights will do that to you.

(I found some Indiana corn in the gardens)

Over the weekend, I wrapped all of my Christmas gifts and packed them up for my trip home next weekend. I love, love gift giving but really, strongly dislike wrapping them. I rush through it and don't like to measure and it just isn't my scene. Duke and Sam entertained me (or more accurately, I entertained them with my poor skills), while we listened to Christmas music. It made the whole experience much livelier. 

On Saturday night, Chris and I went with his mom to Murphy's for dinner and a gift exchange, then back to the gardens to see the lights again. Even the second time through, they did not disappoint. They were lovely. 

On Sunday, a few of my friends and I went to lunch at Mary Mac's Team Room and the Nutcracker at the Fox (Bucket list #70 and #109), which I hadn't seen since I was really young. I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The whole time I just kept thinking about how athletic they all are - those legs! Impressive. 

To wrap up the weekend, Melissa and I exchanged Christmas gifts. And, of course, drank hot chocolate. 

And now, here we are, just one week away from the merriest holiday of the year. 

I hope your holiday season has been full of cheer!

ATL Staycation

A few weeks ago, Chris and I realized we were going to be apart almost every weekend in August with the way our schedules aligned. Realizing this last weekend was one of our only ones together and unplanned, we decided to block off some time. 

We then realized that summer is almost over (it hurts me to say it!) and there were still so many summery things we wanted to do. So, why not have an Atlanta staycation? 

The rules were simple:

- We weren't going to schedule anything with anyone else for Saturday - morning to night. 

- Everything we did had to be new to one of us, if not both. 

Here's how it went down: 

Chris picked me up at 5:45 Saturday morning - bright and early! We headed out to meet the Kayak Guy on the Chattahoochee. We dropped in about five miles upstream and kayaked back to Island Ford, which was where our car was. 

It was absolutely gorgeous. We got to see the sunrise over the foggy water. There were times where I couldn't even see Chris, between the thick fog and the bright, bright sun rising.

It was easily one of the cooler things I've done in Atlanta and a great workout. I added to my bucket list immediately :) 

After that, we headed down Roswell Road to Buttermilk Kitchen. Neither of us had tried it, but we'd both heard great things. It did not disappoint. The coffee was especially good.

From there, we went to the Zoo, because Chris had never been. We lucked out because it was Fulton County Family day, so it was free admission. This was fortunate because the zoo was both literally and figuratively a zoo - people everywhere - so our stamina wasn't all that impressive. After about hour, we were ready to roll. 

From there, we got King of Pops, which was, absurdly, Chris' first time. My head hurt when he told me he'd never had one and it had to make the list. Don't worry, he liked it!

After that, we went to a pool near my house, to which we don't belong. After an hour or so we got kicked out. Nothing like a walk of shame leaving the pool as everyone watches... Yep! We'll call it character building.

From there, we got iced coffees at General Muir. It was my first time there and I loved the vibe and the iced Chai latte. I highly recommend it. 

Next we took showers and headed over to the Goat Farm for the Living Walls event. 

Chris had never been to the farm and I'd never been to a Living Walls event. We loved them both! It was awesome to see the way the city has rallied around the movement. I signed up for the Living Walls email list so I can go to more events this fall.

After that, we tried West Egg's dinner. We'd both been to West Egg before, but never for dinner. I would like to say we loved it, but, honestly, we'll be sticking with breakfast there. The food was good but the service wasn't - and I at least need one to be great. But, it won't keep me from going back for breakfast.

Finally, we went to Northside Tavern for music (Bucket List #20). It was awesome - such a good way to end our day. The music was really fun. If you're planning to go, make sure you get there by 10 so you can see the band's grand entrance. It's the coolest part. 

And then? We crashed! It was a full, full day that reminded us why we absolutely love this city. 

I hope your weekend was wonderful! 

my atlanta summer bucket list

After last summer being particularly rainy and this winter being so cold and long, I couldn't be more excited for summer weather. I'm hoping for a sweltering, humid season where I constantly yearn for pool time and can boil an egg on the sidewalk (not that I've actually done that. But I want the option.).

Once the heat index hits 90, I'm officially kick-starting my summer bucket list. Here are my 14 to dos for Summer 14...

1. Shoot the Hooch. Last year we planned to do it twice and both times it got rained out. I ca.nn.ot wait. √ Done!
2. Stay in this Intown Treehouse. Ah, life en plein air. Chris and I stayed here this past weekend (I know, I totally jumped the gun on the summer portion of the bucket list by already checking it off). You won't be disappointed. √ Done! 
3. Go boating on one of Georgia's many lakes. One day I will have a lake house of my own, but until then, you can find me posted up on someone's dock. See you soon, Lake Lanier.√ Done!
4. Make s'mores. Anyone have gluten free graham crackers? I'm going to need to purchase ASAP and get my bon[fire] on. 
5. See a movie at the Starlight Drive-in. I've never been to a drive-in and I think it's high time I put my popcorn maker to use and hop to it. 
6. Go to a concert at Aaron's Amphitheater or Chastain Park. Summer ain't summer without an outdoor concert. I'm gunning for country music. √ Done!
7. Grow my own vegetables. After joining a CSA last fall, I realized there were so many perks to having locally grown, pesticide-free veggies. Why not try my hand at farming? Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers free consulting from their Plant Hotline, too.
8. Go to a Braves game. I've got to bid the Ted farewell before they leave the city.  √ Done!
9. Go berry picking in McDonough. And make a pie!
10. Get a hammock for our backyard. And read in it all the time. 
11. Make homemade ice cream. And have sundaes on a Sunday. 
12. Go to Screen on the Green (or Flicks on Fifth or Chastain Summer Movie Series. Whichever one is happening this summer). 
13. Try Morelli's ice cream. And basically eat as much ice cream as possible.
14. Go to Shaky Knees. Hello Lone Bellow! Update: Not quite possible this year!

//

(A few other things that deserve honorable mention but I've already done plenty and/or have a conflict: 

- Run the Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July, of course. 

- Spend an afternoon at Sweet Water Brewery

- Go to the Virginia Highland Summerfest

- Spend a morning at the Goat Farm

- Eat King of Pops all the time

and

- Go to as many of the gajillions of amazing festivals and farmers' markets Atlanta has to offer as possible.)

Happy summering Atlantans!

that time we slept in a treehouse!

image

As much as I love traveling on the weekends, there's something so sweet about staying in Atlanta. Especially in the spring.

This past weekend Chris and I celebrated his birthday. I surprised him by booking a night in a treehouse in Buckhead. I was pretty nervous the day of - it was unusually chilly, rainy and I suddenly began to worry about if he'd actually think it was fun to stay in a treehouse, or if that was just something I thought was fun. 

 

image

But, it couldn't have turned out better. The treehouse was amazing - truly majestic and so serene. It was surreal to know I was only 15 minutes from my house but felt a world away. It sits in someone's backyard, but the foliage is so thick this time of year that it felt completely secluded - like we were in our own world. It's covered with a tin roof, which made the rain sound beautiful, and the bed has a heated blanket so being cold was not a concern. 

We had so much fun eating (lots of food!), talking, drinking wine (they give you a free bottle!), opening presents and sleeping in the woods. [If you're interested in staying in the treehouse, I'm happy to provide more details. I also have this $25-off referral code. It's really kind of like glamping.]

{Do we look refreshed? That's what an evening away from civilization will do.}

Other weekend highlights include going to a dog show with Chris to cheer on his dad. 

Eating dinner with his parents at Treehouse (yes - a double treehouse weekend!). 

Church and Easter brunch at H Harper Station with my brothers and dear friend, Megan. 

Planting vegetables in the backyard with my brothers (basil, Heirloom tomatoes, jalapenos and red peppers) and praying they don't die. 

Reading and exercising in the glorious Easter Sunday weather. 

And Sunday dinner at Urban Pl8. 

I hope your Easter weekend was lovely! :)