Atlanta – Unlikely Martha

Living

Ponce City Market

Seeing before and after transformations will never get old to me. Looking at something old and dilapidated transformed into something new is just a reminder that everything and everybody can change. Ponce City Market in Atlanta is proof that you can turn an old, ugly thing into something pretty and practical.

In high school, I remember passing the old Sears and Roebuck factory on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown Atlanta. It was just there, huge, old, and scary looking. Then it was transformed into City Hall East before I went off to college. Years later I heard rumblings that the building had rats and such. You know Urban Legends are real things.

Then a few years ago news came out that the city of Atlanta sold the building to a developer and great things were in store for restoring the space into a mixed use development. This news came right at a time when the area was seeing a resurgence in vitality and the addition of some of your more popular stores and walk to coffee shops and……

Gentrification is a mixed bag. It really is.

Last week I finally made it down there to see what all the hoopla was about. Trina and I had lunch and talked about our plans for the new year.

On our way out I couldn’t help but snap a few photos of the inside Ponce City Market. I’d seen enough Snaps and Instagram photos to get an idea of what the space looked like. However, seeing it with my own eyes made me understand just how genius it was to turn that unused space into something useful for the area. I can’t wait to take my kids back so we can really explore some of the wall murals and its connection to the Atlanta Beltline.

Again. Gentrification IF done right has so much to offer.

It was extremely crowded and it was raining cats and dogs so we couldn’t explore many of its features and attractions, specifically the rooftop. I plan to head back soon on an off day to really get some good photos and see all that it has to offer.

If you are in Atlanta or plan to visit, add Ponce City Market to your list of places to visit if you haven’t already. There is so much growth in the city that I am looking forward to really getting out and exploring. I think every major city is seeing a touch of growth and revitalization, take the opportunity to go out and be a tourist in your own town. I’ll be sharing more of my local adventures this year.

Hello, date nights and family excursions!

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Featured• Hair

Helpful Tips for Maintaining Vibrant Hair Color at Home

Busy moms often don’t have the time to go to the hairstylist a few times a month to have their hair washed and styled. Forget time, let’s talk about the coins involved in those bi weekly visits to the salon that some of us can’t reasonably part with when there are piano, swimming, dance and a host of other lessons and clubs to pay for.

I recommend going once every few months to get the major services done such as coloring, relaxers etc. and properly maintain through a healthy home hair regimen to hold you over between visits. Speaking of major services I desperately need to get my wayward, and roguish grays covered up, I’ll be heading back to the Louis Quarterman salon here in Atlanta to get my color refreshed, and I’m promising myself to take better care of my hair between visits using these awesome hair tips provided by Louis Quarterman on maintaining vibrant hair color between salon visits.

Pick the proper products

Many shampoos and conditioners contain color-protecting ingredients tailored to your color and shade. Avoid any styling products that contain sulfate or alcohol listed in the top five ingredients. These ingredients tend to leave hair dry, brittle and dull causing the hair to prematurely fade and doesn’t retain color as long as healthy hair. Use Bumble and Bumble Color Minded Shampoo and Conditioner (these products are sulfate free, ultra-mild cleansers that protect color’s integrity and prolongs vibrancy and brilliance with our very own Color Preserving Complex, designed to prevent fading and eliminate color washout).

Using good quality hair color

Use hair color that is gel based and does not contain harsh chemicals. When choosing hair color look for products that have a reputation for achieving maximum results. For example we use recommend Wella color because you are able to achieve the look in one to two applications.

Hydration Treatment

Chemicals in hair dyes tend to dry out your hair. Treating yourself to a hydration treatment once a week will keep your hair silky and smooth. In a hydration treatment, the steam and heat cause the hair shaft to expand, thereby allowing the conditioner to truly seep in and do what it is designed to do. The steam will drive the conditioner deep into the hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. A hydration treatment is also a great treatment for dandruff and itchy scalp. The steam will infuse moisture into the scalp and the heat kills any fungus or bacteria causing the itching. The steam, in conjunction with the conditioner, is able to seal the moisture in and protect the hair from damage. This produces hair that is moisturized and in return the hair is able to hold styles longer.

Turn down the heat

Limit your use of curling irons, styling irons and blowing dryers as it is extremely important to protect your hair. Before you start using any of these styling tools always coat the hair in heat protectant product. By using this approach the hair is able to guard itself from heat damage. Though we suggest limiting the use of heat, if you must use heat for your desired style simply turn the heat half way down (your hair will thank you). We recommend using Bumble and Bumble Styling balm to protect the hair from heat/heat damage. This nourishing balm gives natural movement, control and luster. Heat and humidity protection and UV filters protect from the elements while our very own color preserving complex keeps tones true.

UV Protection

Protect your color/hair from the sun by using products that contain UV protection. One of the products we recommend is Bumble and Bumble Color Minded UV protective polish. Rub a pea sized amount across your finished tresses. This protective polish provides definition and illuminates hair color. UV filters, heat protection and our very own Color Preserving Complex protect and keep tones true.

While these tips are geared towards maintaining vibrant hair color they will also assist in keeping your hair healthy and protected.

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Giveaway• Living

Who Wants a Clean House? Free Home Cleaning + Giveawy

Cleaning my kitchen is indeed a complete waste of time for me. Complete. I’m sure the longest time that it manages to stay clean is when we are sleep. Once our feet hit the ground it’s a wrap. I used to think the saying the kitchen is the heart of the home was a cliche until we moved into this house where it seems that the kitchen is the gateway to all activities and the drop off point for needless clutter.

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Hair

Curly Q’s and Straight Talk with Essence Magazine

Hair can be a women’s greatest accessory, but it can also be frustrating when your hair isn’t at it healthiest point. I’ve talked about my hair journey here in the past, and I was recently invited to talk on a panel about healthy hair. Essence magazine and Pantene brought together a panel of bloggers, youtubers, and a professional hairstylist in order for us to speak our hair journeys and all that we’ve learned through the process of trial and error.

The event was hosted at Whiskey Blue in the W hotel located in Midtown Atlanta. The entire event was a great opportunity to get some fresh inspiration for new hair products and styling methods. Prior to the panel discussion, there was a plethora of cocktails, eats and massage stations on hand to get everyone relaxed from a long day…and the Atlanta traffic that day just happened to be of epic proportions.

During the event each of us had the opportunity to share what treatments, major cuts, and successes we had all been through. I was able to give the perspective of having to manage my hair and my daughter’s hair along with the struggles I face because we have different hair types.

One method that we talked about for achieving healthy beautiful hair is the importance of getting the right balance of moisture and nutrients (water/oil). So that means ensuring that you keep your hair hydrated with steam and water. As well as incorporating oils and cream moisturizers that put oils back into your hair and allow it to hold its shine and movement.

Aside from the tips and tricks, a huge portion of the dialogue was just talking about the fact that as a women’s greatest accessory it is up to every one of us to decide what we want to do with our own hair. At the end of the day you have to make sure that you are happy with the style or state of your hair. We all have the right to make the decision on what we want to do with our own hair. Straight natural, curly natural or relaxed the main goal is healthy hair!

How are you wearing your hair these days?!!

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