Pretty Southern

Author: Lauren

Southern Woman Veteran: From Boots to Brushes

Meet Andrea Harden – a celebrated esthetician and makeup artist at White Salon and Spa.

She is a reputable and critically acclaimed skin care genius who sacrificed 12 years of her life in service to her country in the United States Air Force.

During her tenure she won countless awards and medals fighting for freedom and protecting the very ground we walk on every day. At first sight, you notice her glowing complexion and impeccable skin. She credits her healthy skin to a consistent and concise daily Cosmedix skin care regimen, monthly facials, plenty of water, and clean eating. Andrea is passionate about healthy skin and explains it is a lifestyle. She co-writes the White Salon and Spa blog where she details the latest beauty trends, hot topics, and healthy skin tips. This Southern woman veteran has truly gone from boots to brushes. Here’s our Q&A with this skin care guru about her time in the Air Force and her career transition into the world of beauty, Natural Tone Organic Skincare only uses the finest natural and organic ingredients in their range.

Why did you join the Air Force?

“I was going to school at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for photography. Or should I say I was enrolled. I was young and immature. I was not ready for the structure and responsibility of pursuing a higher education at the time. I was content floating around South Florida, partying and hanging out with my friends. My mom gave me an ultimatum and I chose the Air Force. Thank God for parents!”

After 12 years of service, why did you decide to leave?

“I separated from the Air Force because it was time. I enjoyed my time and had a blast! I got a chance to see the world, met the love of my life, and started a family. I had other dreams I wanted to pursue. Plus, sounds funny, but I wanted to dye my hair whatever color I desired and paint my nails blue!”

Why did you choose the beauty industry or the world of skin to be exact?

“The beauty industry chose me a long time ago and I just did not know it. Initially, when I separated from the Air Force, I wanted to be a registered nurse. I finished several certifications and in the process completed a few rounds of clinicals. This is where I decided nursing was not going to be for me. I wanted to take everyone home at the end of my shift. A schoolmate suggested I check The Elaine Sterling Institute for Skin Therapy, when looking at their procedures I also found these reconstructive surgery pics at an expert doctor website. I did and the rest is history.” She said that she also uses the Best EMR for Dermatology to help with her practice.

“I fell in love because the career field entails everything I wanted to do. I am able to serve others in a capacity that makes them feel better and helps their overall health. In addition, I am able to indulge my creative spirit in and out of the treatment room. I use the science of ingredients to come up with various skin cocktails and treatments to restore and heal the skin, if you want to get some of the recipes and new tips just check this content. Not to mention outside of the treatment room I get to lose myself in the world of makeup! I love what I do! There is nothing better than educating a client and arming them with the power of knowledge. Then you get to watch their skin transform before your eyes. Their confidence is returned and at the same time my soul is happy! It is a beautiful transaction I
would not trade for the world.”

I tell people all the time, I traded my BOOTS for BRUSHES!

“The irony of the story is I remember my first science project I completed on my own with no parental assistance was in Mrs. Joplin’s sixth grade science class. I created my first cosmeceutical. It was a mud mask. I had models and a full-blown advertisement for the power of mud against skin aging. Looking back I am not sure where the inspiration stemmed from, but Mrs. Joplin’s only concern was having my models immediately wash their faces because the mud was right off the playground!”

How often should you receive a facial?

“Well, that depends on your skin type and condition. Also, you have to take into consideration what you want out of the treatments. However, as a rule of thumb, you need to see your esthetician at least every four to six weeks.”

What is your favorite treatment?

“I usually treat myself to a professional treatment once a month and I love all the Cosmedix treatments. However, if I had to pick just one for my skin type and condition it would be the Blueberry Jessner Peel. It is a great exfoliator and oil absorber. At the same time, it gives you the ‘J-Lo GLOW’!”

What is your favorite product in the line?

“These questions are too, hard! I am going to go with the Pure Enzymes! It is the perfect, gentle exfoliator to use at home. It uses the power of enzymes and lactic acid to dissolve the dull, lackluster skin and reveal bright, fresh, glowing skin! The benefit of this mask is you are able to take it home with you and perform it on yourself.” You can also visit sites like https://www.oxygenetix.com/products/oxygenating-hydro-matrix to know more about skincare products.

According to dermatology experts, you should get your skin checked regularly.

About White Salon and Spa:
Located in the heart of Buckhead, White Salon and Spa is a full-service salon and spa that is dedicated to providing men and women with unparalleled service for their hair and beauty needs. With services ranging from haircuts and color, bridal styling, blowouts, straightening treatments and more, patrons are made to feel at home and comfortable while visiting White Salon and Spa.

On top on its salon services, White Salon and Spa also offers facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing, eyelash extensions, and more. Led by creative visionary and celebrity stylist Max Sanchez and general manager Jessica Howard, White Salon and Spa’s experienced team is dedicated to providing only the best service, experience, and products to its extensive client base. For more information on White Salon and Spa, please visit their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter,

Editor’s note: Lauren Klopfenstein contributed to this post.

November 11, 2015
Sh%t Southern Women Say Episode 6 – Our Favorite Southern Sayings
The lovely ladies of Sh%t Southern Women Say are back and better than ever!

The power of presence these ladies have on social media is pretty incredible. Within 12 hours of posting Episode 6 to YouTube, the video got more than 25,000 hits! I first heard from the lovely Julia Fowler around 9 a.m. EST that the newest episode of Sh%t Southern Women Say was up, and it had 960 hits. When I checked again around 8:45 p.m. this video had 25,830 views. This pales in comparison to the original Sh%t Southern Women Say which now has 6.7 million views!

Episode 6 features the stellar original cast of Julia Fowler, Kat Bailess, Delaine Yates and Sheila Hawkins, plus a special guest appearance from Arkansas girl Chasity Duffie.

Here are our Top 6 Southern Sayings in Episode 6:
1. “Poor old Bernie Sanders hair stands forty ways to Sunday.”
2. “Now that Donald Trump would make a humdinger of a president.”
3. “Poor old Hilary Clinton is always smack dab in the middle of some kind of drama.”
4. “It won’t open because you’re not holding your mouth right.”
5. “I can’t like that on Facebook. My mama might see it.”
6. “He’s about as useless as a cup of decaf.”
Not to mention there are plenty of “bless her heart” moments. See for yourself! Here’s Episode 6 of Sh%t Southern Women Say.

If you love Sh%T Southern Women Say as much as we do, then be sure to check out Words Only Southerners Say. Also check out Our Converted Yankee’s Guide to Dixie Survival.

Be sure to keep up with the Southern Women Channel on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. What are your favorite Southern women comments in this video?
November 11, 2015
Four Roses Bourbon Baked Apples
Thanks to Four Roses Bourbon, my holiday season got off to a very merry start.

One of my favorite foods during the holidays, well any time of the year, is baked apples. Not only are baked apples delicious but they make your house smell divine while they’re baking in the oven. For this recipe, the combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, honey and vanilla can be super sweet so the Four Roses Bourbon helps to cut the edge off the sweet tooth. Here’s my recipe for Four Roses Bourbon baked apples
- 4 apples (I used Gala because they’re my favorite)
- 4 TBSPs butter
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup Four Roses Bourbon
- 1/4 cup oats (quick 1-minute whole grain)
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Soften butter in the microwave. Cube your apples (excluding the core). Combine butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey and bourbon. Place apples in a baking pan then top with your sweet bourbon glaze. Sprinkle oats on top of the apples and bake for 15-20 minutes.

There y’all have it. Four Roses Bourbon Baked Apples!

These baked apples are as sweet as candy. Like Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolias, you can pour these over vanilla ice cream to cut the sweetness. If you try this recipe for baked apples, please let us know what you think in the comments section below. If you have any other recipes you’d like for us to whip up here on Pretty Southern, then leave a comment below. Happy holidays!
November 3, 2015
Aqua Blue – Sushi Meets Southern Hospitality

Aqua Blue is much more than a restaurant and bar. On any given night, the place is filled with an eclectic crowd of young couples on dates, the 40-something hot mamas out for a girls’ night, and even the elderly couple celebrating their anniversary. How can a business draw such a diverse crowd? By serving up goodness.

What’s more is that Aqua Blue is open for lunch, conveniently located off exit 7 on 400 near the Roswell/Alpharetta area OTP. Pretty Southern stopped by Aqua Blue to check out their all-you-can-eat sushi lunch menu.

Aqua Blue offers an all you can eat sushi lunch Monday-Friday for only $10.

Unlike other all you can eat sushi places, the staff prepares select rolls and nigiri for each meal so substitutions are allowed. If you’re allergic to shellfish, tell your server and opt for extra tuna or salmon nigiri. Your server can also tell you which rolls are included for the day, so you can ask for an extra of a certain kind. Y’all see where I’m going with this. I love it for lunch.

Here’s a peek at our dinner we sampled at Aqua Blue. The menu is eclectic with so many options it’s hard to choose one theme for your meal. This a good problem to have when the food is really THAT awesome.

Although there are many dishes at Aqua Blue inspired by global cuisine on the menu, there are local Southern favorites such as Georgia Mountain Trout and Wild Shrimp and Scallop Grits as part of our menu.

Blackened scallops with a citrus butter sauce served with whipped potatoes (or you can get grits)

Delicious chocolate cake with fudge drizzle and vanilla ice cream

What’s unique about Aqua Blue is that it’s a unique environment that you don’t normally see in the suburbs. This is a great place to escape, relax and just enjoy the freshest seafood, delicious cocktails and hand-rolled sushi in a warm atmosphere, all close to home.

Check out Aqua Blue’s website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Let us know what your favorite menu items are in the comments section below.

November 1, 2015
Atlanta Braves Announce New Stadium Restaurant, Retail Space “The Battery”

The Atlanta Braves today announced The Battery Atlanta will be the name of their mixed-use development adjacent to SunTrust Park, the new home of the Braves. In addition to revealing the development’s moniker, the Braves announced the first wave of restaurants that will be featured: Antico Pizza, Cru Food and Wine Bar, Tomahawk Taproom featuring Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Superica and a steak house concept with chef Linton Hopkins.

“We believe that The Battery Atlanta will be the preeminent sports, lifestyle and entertainment destination in America,” said Terry McGuirk, chairman and CEO of the Braves. “This development will bring an energy to the area that will provide our guests with top-notch shopping, dining and living options.”

The Battery Atlanta’s name pays respect to the sport of baseball and the new park that will anchor the area while harkening to urban lifestyle destinations throughout the country. The term “battery” was first used by an early baseball writer, Henry Chadwick, who described it as the firepower of a team’s pitching staff, similar to that of artillery. Later, the term evolved to refer to the combined effectiveness of a pitcher and catcher. The name evokes the promise of a new lifestyle destination full of vigor and energy.

“The Battery Atlanta will become one of those places in Atlanta that has its own heartbeat and vibe,” said Derek Schiller, Braves executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Adding the talent of people like Ford Fry, Linton Hopkins and Giovanni DiPalma as well as Fox Bros. and Cru Food and Wine Bar to the list of partners we’ve already brought to this project will help us create a place that is distinct to this market.”

When it opens, The Battery Atlanta will be home to a host of unique dining options that will satisfy any palate. Two of those establishments will be helmed by a couple of award-winning Atlanta food icons – Ford Fry and Linton Hopkins.

Hopkins’ celebrated Holeman & Finch burger is already a staple amongst Braves fans, with two locations inside Turner Field. At The Battery Atlanta, Hopkins will open a steakhouse concept outside the ballpark. The Atlanta native opened Restaurant Eugene in Buckhead in 2004, and now owns Holeman & Finch, H&F Bread Co., as well as restaurants in Ponce City Market and at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of The Battery Atlanta and share an exceptional dining experience in what is sure to become one of the region’s most visited destinations,” said Hopkins, Chef/CEO of Resurgens Hospitality Group. “We’ve enjoyed sharing H&F Burger with Braves Country for the last few years and look forward to debuting our first steakhouse for both old friends and new in such a high-energy setting.”
Fry will bring a Superica “Mex-Tex” restaurant to The Battery Atlanta. One of nearly a dozen Fry restaurants from Inman Park to Alpharetta to Houston, Superica brings the Austin vibe to Atlanta with no-nonsense eats and Fry’s laid-back, south Texas style.

In addition, The Battery Atlanta will offer other local dining favorites. Antico – known for having Atlanta’s best pizza at its Westside location – will bring its Neapolitan pizzas to Braves fans and visitors. The Tomahawk Taproom will be on the exterior of SunTrust Park, facing the Plaza and will feature the world-famous Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Named the best barbecue in Atlanta by a host of publications, Fox Bros. will bring its special blend of Texas heat and southern spice to The Battery Atlanta. Plus Cru Food and Wine Bar will add a second Atlanta location demystifying the world of wine in an elegant, casually hip environment.

Visitors can get a sneak peek of the development adjacent to SunTrust Park by viewing a new fly-through video of The Battery Atlanta online. The virtual tour helps visitors map out their Battery Atlanta experience, from a stay at the Omni Hotel to a show at The Roxy Theatre, dinner at one of the chef-driven restaurants or views of the 550 residences, although some people struggle to get a home, and that’s why they need help for this with loans, although they can find resources for this and other real estate properties in sites such as https://reali.com/get-a-loan/. In addition to restaurants and retail, The Battery Atlanta will be home to One Ballpark Center, Comcast’s regional office headquarters housing the cutting-edge Innovation Lab. Those who wants a passive rental income should consider investing in Indianapolis turnkey investment property.

The Battery Atlanta is being developed by the Atlanta Braves along with retail partner Fuqua Development, office developer Pope & Land Enterprises and Pollack Shores Real Estate. Follow The Battery Atlanta on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, plus its website.

Editor’s note: thanks to Jackson Spalding PR and the Atlanta Braves for including Pretty Southern on the media list!

October 14, 2015
Prayers for the Georgia Bulldogs Football Team

Y’all know we’re big Dawgs fans over here at Pretty Southern. This 2015 football season is off to an amazing start for our 4-0 Georgia Bulldogs. There are many reasons we can tout our success thus far, but here in the Bulldog Nation we think prayer might have something to do with it, especially the prayers of one young woman.

Our Pretty Southern contributor, Jenn Ciccarelli, has published some very devout prayers. Her supplications to the wee baby Jesus may have worked miracles thus far for the Dawgs. You can read her prayers from the first four games below. But first, brace yourselves to weather “The Storm.” (We recommend expanding this to full screen for one of the best football montages of this year…perhaps all time).

The Storm from Georgia Football on Vimeo.

Prayer from Georgia vs. Southern University – Sept. 26, 2015, Win 48-6

Dear 8lb, 9oz, tiny mean machine in red and black,

First, Jesus, I don’t think you’re mean. Not at all. It’s just how the cheer goes and I’m sure you understand I needed to use it for dramatic effect. I mean, you have so kindly given our boys three wins so far this season! That last one awfully grand, if I do say so myself.

Well, little leader, I have to admit I’m a bit confused today. I thought we played the only other football team in Louisiana in Week One. Now there’s another? I hope it’s fair to assume that since none of us have ever heard of this place that our Dawgs deserve the W.

Don’t you think it’s a little presumptuous to call yourself Southern University, small savior? We all know the University of Georgia is really the only institution that matters south of the Mason-Dixon. Or, well, anywhere, really. They can’t just claim THE WHOLE SOUTH, Jesus. Nobody from Louisiana can really claim anything but the swamp. And, well, ok, we’ll also give them that win over Auburn, which I’m sure was your doing.

As for things that are not your doing, wee lord, who decides a city should be named Red Stick? I can’t well imagine that Baton Rouge is home to very many smart people if that’s what they landed on. So what I’m understanding is that we’re playing a bunch of cats (jaguars to be exact, and we all know how great Jaguars are at football) that no one has ever heard of from a town with a stupid name? Well, Jesus, I’m sure you know just what to do with that.

Bless the Dawgs, miniature mentor! Please help Greyson break some more records! Show lots of love to Nick and Sony! Keep a watchful eye over our other fearless leader, Coach Mark Richt, and continue to help us rock this season!

In your Larry-lovin’ name we pray…AMEN AND GO DAWGS!

Prayer from Georgia vs. South Carolina – Sept. 19, 2015, Win 52-20

Happy Game Day! Let us pray!

Dear 8lb, 9oz littlest hobnail-boot-wearin’ savior,

Baby Jesus, I rarely pray to you with a personal agenda, but this is a special one for me. Today, the boys take on those icky old Gamecocks from South Carolina. I obviously DO NOT have to remind you what we think of South Carolina, other than consoling you by saying that we ALL make mistakes. You may recall when I once spoke out about all of the evils in the wretched state of South Carolina and they drove me out with pitchforks (and mean comments on the internet). I know you said we should love our neighbors and stuff, baby Jesus, but REALLY! A win today would be especially special to me, if you’re inclined to include wish granting in your prayer answering service, smallest leader.

I have to say, Jesus, thanks for divinely inspiring ol’ Mr. Webster. Before starting today’s prayer, I went to check out the other Big Book to look up “cocky“ so I could understand what it means to be a South Carolina fan. I was obviously SHOCKED by what I saw! Pride, Jesus! That is one of your biggest sins!! They obviously do not deserve a victory over our Dawgs!

We should start by stating that it doesn’t make much sense to choose a farm animal as your mascot, but the rooster seems like the dumbest choice of all. Penguins are the only birds cool enough to not be able to fly, Jesus. Otherwise they just run around squawking and kicking at the dirt—so a lot like their coach, Steve Spurrier.

Jesus, do we really even need to talk about Steve Spurrier? First of all, YOU are the only Head Ball Coach. Can you imagine the nerve of him, thinking he’s head of anything when clearly you preside over all of the Universe?! Second of all, what kind of person proudly goes around leading people who intermittently scream COCKS at their football players? Why, that makes me blush, sinless wonder!

We are also all aware that the visor needs to take its place on the shelf right next to the fanny pack and Walkman. Who still wears a visor, pint-sized guru? Worse than wearing one, who throws one?! I think Coach Spurrier needs to spend a little more time talking to You and a little less time flinging his clothing around!

Bless over our boys in silver britches today, lordlet. May they have quick feet, sure hands and the strength of, well, Bulldogs! Please keep everyone safe from injury, and give them the means to heal their already injured players at professional clinics like QC Kinetix, if you could, remind us today why Georgia football is the best darn thing on Earth.

In your nothin’-finer-in-the-land name we pray,

Amen…And GO DAWGS!

Prayer from Georgia vs. Vanderbilt – Sept. 12, 2015, Win 31-14

Happy Game Day! Let us pray.

Dear 8lb, 9oz littlest Heisman-trophy-winner in the manger,

First, tiny infant leader, thanks for that win over those helmet birds! What a fun time that was, though perhaps we can skip the lightening this time? Totally up to You, of course. I hope you’ve been well since we caught up last weekend!

Jesus, I have to be honest. I’m having a hard time coming up with things to pray about today. I mean, with you being the smallest ruler of the Universe and all, I’d hate to waste your time asking for help against a team that lost to Western Kentucky. Not even regular Kentucky, Jesus, which would have been funny enough, but WESTERN. Jesus, when you say Bless Their Hearts, do you say “literally”?!

Poor Vandy, Jesus. There’s nothin’ worse than a bunch of nerds going on and on about their average football team. I mean, at least that’s what Tech has shown us, so I can only assume it’s the same. Maybe they’re slightly less terrible, miniature monarch, but only because they’re in the SEC.

Can we talk about a city that calls itself Nashvegas? Gross, Jesus. That’s even worse than those Hotlanta people. And how gaudy to build an Acropolis in the middle of a town devoted to country music. I’m sure Aristotle said a hail to Your mom when he heard about that one.

Also, can we discuss why they call themselves the Commodores, Jesus? I mean, in the great seaside town of Nashville, it really makes a lot of sense. But really, they named themselves after some boat and go around calling themselves captains and Tennessee hasn’t touched the ocean since Pangaea. How silly, baby leader!

Not that this game isn’t important as we work our way through the SEC, but slightly more important, Jesus, is that Georgia won last week and still dropped in the rankings. I thought Condoleeza Rice was going to be fixing these things. Guess that’s what we get for letting a Republican near college football, small saint. IF it’s your will, we, your beloved Georgia fans, would really like to gain a little more ground this week in the polls.

Bless over our boys Jesus. If you could just put a little oomph into ol’ Greyson, we’d really love ya for it. And if you could continue to let Chubb outrun everyone in the Universe (except you, of course) we would appreciate that as well. Bless CMR and our coaching staff and give Uga a little pat from Heaven if you have time.

In your touchdown-pass-throwin’ name we pray,

AMEN!

Prayer from Georgia vs. Louisiana-Monroe – Sept. 5, 2015, Win 51-14

Let. Us. Pray. smile emoticon

Dear 8lb, 9oz baby Jesus just chillin’ in the manger watchin’ Georgia football on the big(gest) screen.

Good, glorious morning from sweet, sweet Athens, GA, baby Jesus. They call it Your country, small ruler of Heaven, and they sure are right. It’s so good to be home! Today, our boys in red and black take on the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe.

So! Let’s start with the importants. How are you doin’? How’s your Dad? How’s your mom and them? Who is this Greyson Lambert person? I kid! I hear, tiny savior, that he comes from something called the A. C. C. Sorry, Jesus, but the idea that football is played outside of our glorious South (really even outside the Hedges, if we’re just being honest) makes about as much sense as that lady with all those divorces hatin’ on the gays.

Speaking of other things I’ve never heard of, precisely what is a warhawk, Jesus? I imagine it’s one of those birds with the tiny helmets? What kind of bird needs a helmet, little leader? No dumb bird in a costume could EVER compare to our beloved Uga! All that guy needs to be awesome is a bag of ice.

Baby Jesus, where is Louisiana-Monroe? Better yet, why is it? I can’t believe enough people leave the swamp in Louisiana to keep LSU in business, never mind TWO football teams in the state. Are they like a pee wee team or somethin’? Probably a nice charity act for underprivileged youth put on by our other great leader, Coach Mark Richt. (Thanks again for another season of not listening to those dummies who want him fired.)

Today, littlest sin-washer, we ask You to bless over the boys in their silver britches. Let Lambert show us that he deserves to wear number 11 after the great blessing you bestowed upon us in Aaron Murray (PRAISE!). Let Chubb run. Keep our defense strong. Keep us injury and felony free.

In your SEC-lovin’ name we pray,

Amen

Jenn is working on her prayer for the Georgia vs. Alabama game. Until then… #GoDawgs #BeatBama #SicEm!

October 2, 2015