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Farm Girl-ing It Up!

October 19, 2011

Recently, on a beautiful, Indian summer-like day, 3 Mommies, 1 Baby, 3 Kiddies and 1 Nana*Starr travelled the one hour distance south of Atlanta to visit the 200-acre working Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia for a fun-filled afternoon of farm fresh frivolity!

“The Carter family and Southern Belle Farm have been blessed beyond measure and it is our desire to open up our farm to allow others to have a taste of the good life on the farm and receive education about agriculture and it’s importance to the health and well-being of our county, state, nation, and world in a wholesome and safe environment. It is our desire to be good stewards of the resources the Lord has blessed us with and at the same time be able to remain on this land and share it with others. We hope you will be able to visit us soon.”

3 Mommies, 1 Baby, 3 Kiddies

and

1 Nana*Starr

There was so much to see and do!

The Corn Maze!

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Gigi & Hollie rockin’ those overalls!

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Time for Hayride!

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Pig Races!

Better than bein’ Bacon, I suppose! : )

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The “Korn Kernel” Pit!

Harvey’s Favorite!

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Square Dancing!

Do-Si-Do (or as we pronounce it down on the farm, Doe-Sigh-Doe!)

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Cow Time!

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The Cow Train!

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Snacktime (one of many!)

Look Mom, no hands!

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Prancing in the Pastures!

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Zillions of Zinnia!

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Hay Bale Scaling!

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And, of course, The Pumpkin Patch!

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“Orange U glad we came to Southern Bell Farm?”

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Gigi Picks A Pumpkin!

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What does Mommy have?!

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It’s a beauty!!

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Nana’s Girl!

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Packing up all the “little pumpkins” for a nappy time ride home!

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Farewell, Southern Belle Farm!

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A “Happy Little Pumpkin Family” for the “Happy Little Family.”

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Love my Nana Hat,

Starr

Tags:Farm Activities, Pumpkin Farm, Southern Bell Farm
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Family Style, Starr Styled | 1 Comment »

The Artsy Season

September 21, 2011

Happy 1st Day of Fall!

It’s upon us! My favorite season! And with it comes lots of color and creativity.

So, to kick off the arrival of Autumn, Starr Style recently made her traditional visit to the Atlanta Arts Festival in Piedmont Park.

Sunshine and blue skies all day at the Arts Festival.

Time for Lunch!

Veggie Gyro!

Zydeco Music…

and dancing…

Two bandaids = Awesome Arts Festival!

“Winter is an etching, Spring a watercolor, Summer an oil painting
and Autumn a mosaic of them all.”

~ Stanley Horowitz ~

Orange U Glad It’s Fall?

Starr

Tags:1st Day of Fall, Atlanta, Atlanta Arts Festival, Autumn, Fall Season, Piedmont Park
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Artsy Style, Starr Styled | Leave a Comment »

Then and Now

September 14, 2011

What a difference one year makes…

Denis’ Banana Plant

Gigi!

Then: One year ago, I was preparing mentally and emotionally for my hip surgery. I had not been able to execute a grande plie (a mainstay in a dancer’s life) for many months.

Now: I am happily tapping away and Zumba-ing with the best of them!

“There is no past that we can bring back by longing for it. There is only an eternally new now that builds and creates itself out of the Best as the past withdraws.”

~Joahann Wolfgang Von Goethe~

Ti-i-i-ime is on my side,

Starr

Tags:Banana Plant, Shopping at Costco, Time
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Family Style, Starr Styled, This Little Light Style | 2 Comments »

STEP

August 24, 2011

Every August in Atlanta, tap dancers from all over the Southeast are privileged to participate in master classes taught by the very best tap dance teachers from all over the world.

Southeastern Tap ExPlosion, Inc. is dedicated to bringing rhythm tap to dancers of all levels. It’s “Tappin’ With The Masters” Workshop held in Atlanta each August offers classes taught by some of the most exciting and recognized names in the tap dance world. Established in 1996 to bring master tap dancers to the Southeast on a regular basis, it’s goal is to promote tap and increase the understanding and appreciation of tap as an art form.

This year, I chose classes with two of my favorite teachers. Germaine Salsberg of The Broadway Dance Centre in NYC and Acia Gray of Tapestry in Austin, TX.

Germaine Salsberg

Acia Gray

In addition to learning two new and wonderful combinations, both of these extraordinary tap teachers spent ample time stressing the importance of a keen knowledge of tap’s rudiments. My new tap mantra is “the feet follow the body.” Even after 50+ years of tap lessons and 35+ years of teaching, I am always learning something new. That’s why I love tap so much!

Many of my favorite Atlanta tap community contemporaries were there. It’s always fun to catch up with them. We reminisce a little about our lives in tap, remember fondly those who have gone before us and brag on the youngsters that are growing up in the tap world today. These kids are amazing!!!

With an abundance of new steps, rhythms and teaching tools up my sleeve, I’m ready to “hit it” in my studio!

The sound of metal on wood is music to my ears,

Starr

Tags:Acia Gray, Germaine Salsberg, Southeastern Tap Explosion, Tap Dancing
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Starr Styled, Tap Dancing Style | 2 Comments »

Family, Friends, Fun & Food

August 3, 2011

That’s what summertime means to me! And Starr-Style is here to capture all of it!

A Muscle for a Mussel! Sweet Sonia home from Georgetown for a 20th Birthday Celebration at Basil’s!

Another fun weekend sojourn to Dahlonega, Georgia…

Brunch at the Bourbon Street Grill

Muffaletta Omelets with Sweet Potato Home Fries…Yum!

Exploring the Art Scene in Dahlonega.

Farm Fresh Veggies from the Dahlonega Farmer’s Market!

Fun family visit from Dawn & Jack!

Hanging out at the Hob Nob with Philippe & Amanda!

Gigi! Our chief taste tester!

It doesn’t get better than a Hot Fudge Sundae with Papa!

That Nana*Starr!

I found a few additions to my Vintage Theater Collection during our day trip to Cartersville, Georgia and Rome, Georgia…

An Atlanta summertime tradition, a concert at Chastain Park…

Roopa – The Hostess with the Mostest!

Tasty Picnic Fare!

The Four Tops!

The Temptations!

Sultry Summer Evening

Run For Life 10K…

Congratulations on breaking your record, Denis!

Ready for the Dog Days,

Starr

Tags:Atlanta, Basil's Atlanta, Bourbon Street Grill, Chastain Park, Dahlonega, Georgia, Hob Nob, Run For Life 10K, Vintage Theaters
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Celebration Style, Family Style, Starr Styled, Travel Style, Vintage Style | Leave a Comment »

Aubergine

July 27, 2011

Summer in Atlanta means dining alfresco at our favorite spot, Basil’s. With a lovely glass of Sauvignon Blanc and their tasty Mezze for an appetizer, we await our favorite entree (not listed on the menu), Grilled Eggplant Curry.

Recently, Starr Style created her own version of this favorite dish…

You will need:

1 Beautful, Medium Eggplant

2 cups of Fresh Spinach

4 Mini Yellow Peppers

1 Cup Mini Tomatoes

3 Mini Onions

3 Cloves of Garlic

1/2 cup Good Olive Oil

1/4 Tsp Curry Powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

Slice the Eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds.

Brush with Olive Oil/Curry Mixture on both sides. Save some of the mixture to saute the other veggies.

Grill the Eggplant in batches until golden brown. Keep the eggplant warm in a 300 degree oven while you prepare the other veggies.

Chop the Onions & Garlic

Half the Tomatoes

Julienne the Peppers

Chop Fresh Basil (added that at the last minute!)

Drizzle a nonstick pan with Olive Oil Mixture and Saute the Spinach and 1/2 of the Garlic. Keep warm in oven with Eggplant.

Melt 1 Pat of Butter in nonstick pan with the remaining Olive Oil/Curry.

Saute Garlic, Onions, Tomatoes, Peppers & Basil.

Pile Eggplant Slices in center of plate.

Surround with Sauteed Spinach.

Spoon Sauteed Veggies on Top.

Drizzle with Butter/Olive Oil/Curry from pan.

Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of Crumbled Feta Cheese

Enjoy!!!

Eggplant Stylin’

All Hail to the Purple Orb,

Starr

Tags:Aubergine, Basil's Atlanta, Eggplant, Eggplant Curry Recipe
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Starr Styled, Veggie Style | 1 Comment »

In Helen, Ellen, Fell In

July 20, 2011

A Tubing We Will Go…

Recently, Starr Style, together with Darling Ellen, Radiant Roopa and Daeyl the Divine, traveled to Helen, Georgia for a fun-filled Girl’s Day Out!

Adhering to traditional tubing trip protocol, this bevy of beauties departed Atlanta right around 10 a.m. With lattes, bottled water and chewing gum on board, we chattered noisily all the way up the GA 400 and then on over to our destination – Cool River Tubing.

Who doesn’t love a picnic?! Ours was a tasty treat which featured Croissantwiches stuffed with heirloom tomatoes, cucumber and feta, veggie crisps, fresh fruit and a nice cold bottle of Blackstock Vineyards, Voignier.

The ladies who lunch…

Sun Block – Check; Sun Hat – Check; Sun Glasses – Check; Tubing Stick – Check; Big Smiles – Check!

In the river we go girls!

And then, for the next 3 delightful hours, floating down the Chattahoochee River without a care in world. (unless you count getting stuck on rocks – all of us all the time, a run-away tube – Roopa, being saved by a family that tubed together and ferried back to the run-away tube – Roopa, a total tube capsize resulting in a deflated tube, a full body submersion and hysterical, non-stoppable laughter – Ellen!

Also of note, this tubing trip ranked an all time high for the number of lost items, never to be seen again and living in the depths of the Chattahoochee River. They were: one pair of sunglasses, one tube of sun block, one head band, one sun hat and one tubing stick!

Daeyl the Divine & Darling Ellen…

Radiant Roopa & yours truly, Starr Style!

We reached the de-tubing station as a happy foursome and ready for another adventure. But not before the river water rinse off with ice cold water which was preceded with our rousing renditions of “Ballin’ The Jack” & “Dark Town Strutter’s Ball” as we awaited our turn in the echoey, cavern-like shower house.

Next up, a vigorous stroll through the Alpine Village for sights and shopping…

The Darling-est…

Daeyl found a car to match her new straw bag…

Gathered in the Bavarian Inn waiting for Apple Strudel – To – Go!

FUDGE!!!

Lots of Fun at Betty’s Country Store!

It started raining on and off and we dodged in and out of the raindrops…

It was a very good year…

Starving! We chose the International Cafe for dinner that evening…

Squareheads Rock!

It doesn’t get better than sipping a creamy and delicious hot chocolate while watching the river roll by on the patio of the International Cafe!

Reubens & Veggie Burgers! Yummy!

What a fabulous day with my fantastic girlfriends! With our tummies full of good food and our hearts full of joy, we began our journey back home to Atlanta. We took the scenic route all the way. And some of the scenes we actually saw more than once!!!

Dinah, Deliverance and Doris Day,

Starr

Tags:Alpine Village, Betty's Country Store, Cool River Tubing Co., Georgia, Girl's Day Out, Girlfriends, Helen, International Cafe, Tubing in Helen, Tubing on the Chattahoochee River
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Starr Styled, Travel Style | 5 Comments »

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

July 13, 2011

Since 1973, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens have been an oasis of beauty located right in the center of Midtown Atlanta. Their mission is to develop and maintain plant collections for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment.

Recently, we enjoyed a very hot afternoon exploring all that the gardens have to offer with Denis’ sister, Diane, and our brother-in-law, Ron. Starr Style was on hand to capture the fun and the natural beauty.

Diane & Ron

Big Sister!

“Say Cheese!”

Family, Flowers & Fun,

Starr

More fun at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens from past years…

Gigi 2010

Gigi with Nana*Starr & Friend 2010

Adrien 2010

Tante Helene & Friend and Adrien 1999

Grandmaman & Adrien 1999

Adrien – Christmas in the Gardens 1995

Starr 1995

Adrien with Nana & Papa 1993

Adrien – Christmas in the Garden 1993

Adrien 1993

Adrien 1992

Adrien – Christmas in the Garden 1991

Monique, Philippe & Adrien 1991

Denis & Adrien 1991

Denis & Starr 1990

Denis 1990

Janice & Ed 1990

Stylin’ in the Gardens 1990

Tags:Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Family Style, Starr Styled | 1 Comment »

Fantastic Fourth!

July 6, 2011

Time spent with family and friends creates memories that are special forever…

Diane, Ron and Roopa

This year, our July 4th celebrations began bright and early! Denis was running for the first time in the famous 10K Peachtree Road Race.

John, Lance, Denis & Holgar before the race.

Our dear friend and PRR veteran of 20 years, Lance, teamed up with Denis and Holgar (a German student who just arrived in the USA and who luckily was able to obtain a number at the last minute) to run the race.

The starting line…

Meanwhile, Denis’ sister, Diane, and her hubby, Ron, visiting from Florida, and Radiant Roopa and I set off on a trek of our own to meet the boys at the finish line in Piedmont Park.

Fourth of July Gals!

Piedmont Park on race day…

Just as he had trained for and calculated, Denis arrived at the finish line having completed his inaugural Peachtree Road Race in 63 minutes!!

Stylin’ at the Peachtree Road Race!

The tee shirt!!

Congratulations Guys!!!

A new tradition?

Starr

Scenes from the After Party hosted by John and Lance!

Ron’s new friend, Baron.

Donna and Diane

Cutting a Rug on the Fourth of July!

Tags:Peachtree Road Race
Posted in Around Atlanta Style, Celebration Style, Family Style, Holiday Style, Starr Styled | 1 Comment »

Traditions in Tubing

June 29, 2011

Gigi’s Inaugural Float Down The Chattahoochee – 2011!

Since 1991, and every summer for twenty years, we have gathered with assorted family and friends in Helen, Georgia for a fun day of tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

Here’s how it goes…

The night before, the big cooler comes up from the basement and the tubing sticks and river shoes come down from the attic.

Early in the morning, we prepare a yummy picnic lunch and then we pack up the car and depart Atlanta at 10 a.m. With soy lattes on board (these were standard even before the days of Starbucks!), we enjoy a leisurely drive north to the charming and kitschy Alpine Village called Helen.

By noon, we are all gathering in the picnic area of the Cool River Tubing Co. (formerly Alpine Tubing).

The tablecloth goes down and the food begins piling up on the table. Everyone brings a sandwich of their choice and lots of sides for sharing.

After clean-up time, we change into our bathing suits and make our way over to the river’s edge where we put our tubes in to the cold, flowing Chattahoochee – heavenly on a hot Georgia day!

Gigi in her cute tubing attire!

And then, for two hours, bliss. There is something so right about floating down the river with your honey and, literally, going with the flow. A little white water now and then for excitement, a few moments stuck on a rock, but for the most part floating along without a care in the world.

Sometimes it’s nice to park for a few minutes on one of the islands for a few Kodak moments…

And then back in the river for more floating fun…

After de-tubing, a quick rinse in the showers and then some family portraits…

The Happy Little Family

Next, comes the fun bus ride through Downtown Helen and back to Cool River Tubing Co. After a quick change into dry clothing, we always head into town for some Alpine sightseeing…

Bubbles for Gigi!

After all that tubing and sightseeing, we always wrap up the day with a convivial meal at one of the restaurants perched over the river. This year, The International Cafe at the Helendorf Inn.

While we wait for our food, Philippe and Gigi shop for real estate.

Right after our meal, a huge storm blew through Helen and we had the best seats in the house to enjoy the blustery winds without getting soaked by the driving rain.