Oh! Nikka | Top Atlanta Fashion, Food, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

cravings

Become a Dining Daredevil in 2014!

Become a Dining Daredevil in 2014!

Restaurant.com releases their Hot Food Trends for the New Year

Break free from the same-old dining routine in 2014 and try something new with the help of Restaurant.com. To help you start your own dining adventures, Restaurant.com has compiled the 3 hottest trends to conquer at local restaurants near you. Resident trend-guru, Restaurant.com President and Chief Marketing Officer Christopher Krohn provided his predictions that will grace our plate in 2014. With these trends, you’re sure to have a spicy year, but only if you dare!

1. Egg-cellent Adventures

While it’s hard to determine when this trend ignited, it’s definitely picked up pace and could reach its peak of popularity in 2014. The “breakfast for dinner” craze and increasing popularity of regional specialties, like Korean Bibimbap and Mexican Huevos Rancheros, will only grow the trend of egg-y fusions. Plus, there’s an emerging sense from the scientific crowd that eggs are healthier than perhaps you previously thought, which will feed consumer interest in this farm-fresh favorite. All in all, 2014 will be the year of the egg, so you might as well get cracking!

We dare you: Next time you order a burger or stir fry, ask them to top it off with a fried egg or two. The added protein will help boost your metabolism and satisfy your hunger!

2. Farm to Fork

Diners’ growing eco-awareness and their desire for the wholesome simplicity of home-style cooking and minimally-processed foods is on the rise. Riding this wave, restaurants are returning to their predecessors’ roots, sourcing fresh produce and natural ingredients and cooking them up in a style that more closely resembles the authentic recipes that graced Grandma’s kitchen table rather than modern, industrial food products.

We dare you: When people hear “farm to fork,” they immediately think of steamed vegetables, but this trend encompasses more than just radishes and such. Tender meat alternatives and locally produced cheeses are two items to look for on the menu. Don’t be afraid to order something with a beet or two for an added super food bonus!

3. Tea Time, All the Time

Once confined primarily to Asian restaurants, tea is an increasingly popular beverage. In 2014, you’ll find tea used for novel and surprising purposes. For example, ground teas like matcha and chai can be used as dry rubs and marinades for beef, chicken or veggies. Tea-smoked salmon and pork will both make headway in the new year, and English-style tea-time gatherings at local cafes will also be big.

We dare you: To find these tea-fusion meals, take a trip to an Asian fusion restaurant near you and keep an eye out for tea-smoked pork, ribs, or stir fry. For an added bonus, try one of our other favorite food trends of 2014, a hot sauce like sriracha.

Feeling brave? Why not tackle the rest of our top food trend list on the Restaurant.com blog: http://thedish.restaurant.com/take-a-bite-out-of-2014-hot-food-trends-for-the-new-year/. Your tummy will thank you!

@ the movies

Insta-screening: The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete

We are only one day away from the official premiere of one of the season most critically-acclaimed films, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete. Yay!!! Can you feel the excitement in the air!? I’ve heard nothing but good things about this film. And although Mister & Pete features a fantastic cast which includes Jordin Sparks, Golden Globe®” and Emmy®” Award winner Jeffrey Wright, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Anthony Mackie, and Golden Globe®” and Academy Award®” winner Jennifer Hudson, I’m looking forward to seeing what the two central characters, Skylan Brooks (Mister) and Ethan Dizon (Pete) have to offer. Movie critics alike have given these two the lion’s share of the film’s praise so I can’t wait to see what happens when the director yells “ACTION!”

Here’s a little bit about the film:

During a sweltering summer in New York City, 13-year-old Mister’s (Brooks) hard-living mother (Hudson) is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-year-old Pete (Dizon) alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects. Faced with more than any child can be expected to bear, the resourceful Mister nevertheless feels he is an unstoppable force against seemingly unmovable obstacles. But what really keeps the pair in the survival game is much more Mister’s vulnerability than his larger-than-life attitude.

This sounds like a wonderfully powerful film and I can’t wait for opening night. So, why wait any longer…? Tonight I will be attending a pre-screening for Mister & Pete at AMC Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, AND, I will be bringing you candid-captures LIVE from the event! So, if you wanna see snaps from the pre-screening event be sure to check back HERE (below), on Twitter, and on Instagram throughout the night!

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happenings

W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel to unveil VISIONS design winner

Hey Atlanta!

As part of their cocktail culture and love for fashion, W Atlanta-Downtown is rolling out a new uniform for their Living Room lounge. VISIONS, a nationwide design contest,challenged local fashion designers to submit their original visions for a stylish, functional and W inspired cocktail uniform. Participants ranged from fashion students to experienced professionals. Well, the designs have been submitted and trimmed down, and now the final 2 designs are ready to take it to the social media runway! On Friday October 11th the 2 remaining designs will go thread-to-thread as loyal W Atlanta Facebook and Instagram followers decide with their vote (like) on which design will wear the crown as the most fab-favorite look. Here’s your chance to make a (fashion) statement and be a part of the action!

What: VISIONS Design Competition

When: Friday, October 11th from 8-10pm

Where: Living Room lounge inside the W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel

The event will feature Live spins by Xavier BLK + Pablo-Andres, a cocktail party with signature sips from the Living Room, design discussions, and of course fab fashion. Image Expert Dr. Courtney A. Hammond will host this fabulous fashion showdown which is also Open To The Public!!!

Voting for the 2 final designs will open from 8pm-9:55pm on Friday October 11th on W Atlanta-Downtown’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Cast your vote with a “like” on Facebook at WAtlantaDowntown or Instagram at WatlDowntown. Voting will remain open until the end of the cocktail party where the winning design will be unveiled.

I will see you there!

freebies

Contest Alert: Martinis & IMAX Fright Night at Fernbank Museum

Make plans to join me for a NSFW (Not Suitable for Wimps) Halloween party at Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX®. Enjoy bone-rattling live music by Bogey and the Viceroy, a devilishly-delicious drink menu featuring SVEDKA Vodka, a hideously-hilarious costume contest and enough fun to wake the dead. They’ll also be serving up two killer IMAX® films: Penguins and Hidden Universe.

What: Martinis & IMAX Fright Night

When: Friday, October 25 from 6:30pm – 11pm

Where: Fernbank Museum – 767 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA‎

Costumes encouraged, so come all ye ghouls and goblins and sexy kitties!!

Tickets for this fa-BOO-lously, frightening-ly fun adult party start at $7 for cover charge only. Tickets that include event admission and an IMAX® film are $13 for adults, $12 for students and seniors and $8 for members. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the event. Call 404.929.6400 for more information.

For this frightfully fun night I will be hosting a giveaway where 3 wicked winners will each get a pair of tickets to attend! To enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets simply leave a comment below stating what you’d wear if you were to win. Ghoul-Luck!!!

About the band:
Bogey & the Viceroy put the “BOO!” in your boogie shoes at Martinis & IMAX special Halloween dance party! Playing a variety of old school rock ‘n soul from the ’60s into the ’80s with a few contemporary favorites thrown in for good measure, Bogey and his mighty band of troubadours will put a spell on you and have you dancing around in your bones!

Here’s what the critics have to say:
“BrrrrrraaaaaaaihhhhhhhhGGggggggg………zzzzzzz.” – Zombie Zine

“A howling good time for all, and lots of tasty bones to nibble.” – Werewolf Weekly

“It didn’t suck.” – Vampire Veekly

“I got wrapped up in the wicked cocktails.” — Mummy Monthly

“Frankly, the band was so jumping, it sent a bolt of lightning to my feet.” – Frankenstein Quarterly

“Fright Night at Fernbank is to die for.” – Ghostly Gazette

happenings

Atlanta Eats Live: A Salute to the Chefs

Atlanta’s restaurant scene will take center stage as Atlanta Eats hosts its Live: Salute to the Chefs event at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Connoisseurs of cuisine, eatery enthusiast, and food aficionados from all over will bid bon appetite to a smorgasbord of local flavor from some of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants. The event will center on honoring Atlanta legends Kevin Rathbun and Linton Hopkins, and includes Dueling Chefs, cooking demos, chef karaoke, and a performance from by Atlanta’s Chef-only band, Five Bone Rack. The night will be hosted by Shapiro and Davis, and Atlanta Eats will be filming throughout. There will be LIVE music, LIVE cooking demos, and LIVE rock star chefs. Attendees will eat and drink from over 30 handpicked restaurants that have been featured in Atlanta Eats’ first two seasons, enjoy great live & local music, and take part in honoring two of Atlanta’s culinary legends. The event is sponsored by Celebrity Cruises, Van Gogh Vodka, Woodford Reserve, and Oxygen Financial, and a portion of proceeds from the event goes to Staplehouse and The Giving Kitchen.

This promises to be an unforgettable event and I will be brining you every bit (and bite) of the action LIVE via Instagram! So get your taste ‘buds and get ready for a fabulous night of entertainment, plenty of delicious food, and loads of fun!

About Atlanta Eats:
Atlanta Eats is the première multimedia company dedicated to capturing the food and dining out scene in Atlanta. Founded by Steak Shapiro in 2012, Atlanta Eats is comprised of a popular weekly 30-minute TV program and a highly interactive digital and social media presence. Fans count on Atlanta Eats to deliver engaging, entertaining and informative content, helping them discover new places, plan their next special meal, and dig deeper into the city’s flourishing food scene. For more information, visit www.atlantaeats.com.

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happenings

It’s “Game Time” at the Atlanta Football Classic!

Hey Lovelies,

If you are in or around Atlanta you are well aware of the buzz of excitement surrounding the city today! It’s time for some FOOTBALL!!! Fans, alumni, and tailgaters alike from all over are converging on the city for the 25^th Anniversary of the Atlanta Football Classic. Presented by 100 Black Men of Atlanta, this annual sold-out event is one of the nation’s largest Black college football games. But the Classic is far more than just a game between two fine Black colleges. It’s an HBCU and an Atlanta tradition! The event is also 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s largest fundraiser for its mentoring, academic support and scholarship program, Project Success. And speaking of which, Walmart will be presenting a donation to this wonderful program during the halftime show. Also surrounding the Big Game are a host of interactive events such as a Robotics Showcase, health and wellness screenings, a Fan Experience which attracts over 12,000 attendees, a fabulous parade, a host of exhibits and workshops, and much much more.

Now, what would a classic football game be without a little BIG rivalry, right? Well, this year’s matchup is no exception, as the North Carolina A&T University Aggies take on the South Carolina State University Bulldogs in a gridiron battle for bragging rights as “The Carolina’s BEST!” Oh, and if that aint enough action for ya, each schools marching band will meet at center field during halftime show for an epic battle of drum majors, marching, and music. I cannot wait!!!

This event promises to be one you don’t want to miss so I’m gonna bring you all of the action LIVE from the field! That’s right!!! I will be on the field capturing all of the excitement on Instagram and Twitter and posting all of the fun below so stay tuned!!!

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happenings

Tiffany & Co. to Showcase New Atlas Collection at Phipps Plaza

It’s a well known fact that diamonds are a girl’s best friend…Well, tonight, I’m gonna make a few new friends! Yes lovelies; this evening I’m off to a #dreamworthy diamond-studded affair at Tiffany & Co. in Phipps Plaza to preview their fabulous new Atlas Collection. With its bold, clean, and timeless design, the Atlas Collection captures the essence of Tiffany. Fabulous #JingleJewels will be center stage as guests #dazzle in amazement and discover this amazing new collection of #DroolWorthy gems. (Maybe I’m referring to myself here). This showcase of sparkle-and-sass will be hosted by Jade Lee, Halle Richardson, Paris Rouzati along with Marie Claire accessories editor, Elana Zajdman.

I’m so excited and can’t wait! So stay tuned as I bring you all of the dazzling details LIVE via Insta-Glam below! And if you happen to get overly excited from all the karat-captures below, don’t panic… Simply Keep Calm and Wear Diamonds. (Well, try your best to keep calm while you’re wearing them at least) 😉

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etc, etc

Walmart and Sam’s Club Support 25th Anniversary of the Atlanta Football Classic

100 Black Men of Atlanta today announce a collaboration with Walmart® and Sam’s Club® to support the 25th Anniversary of the Atlanta Football Classic (AFC) and ‘Project Success’, the organization’s flagship program dedicated to empowering African-American youth. In anticipation of the big game, Walmart and Sam’s Club will host key community events to rally excitement for the game scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3:30 p.m. between North Carolina A&T Aggies and the South Carolina State University Bulldogs at the Georgia Dome.

Recognized as one of Georgia’s biggest recurring sporting events, the AFC is the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s largest fundraiser for ‘Project Success,’ the group’s mentoring, academic support and scholarship program.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club are committed to empowering American youth one community at a time, and ‘Project Success’ is a principal example of great local leaders giving back to the next generation of leaders,,” said Betty Marshall, Sam’s Club regional vice president for the greater Atlanta community. “While this is the first time Walmart and Sam’s Club have supported ‘Project Success’ in an official capacity, we have long been inspired by 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s dedication to growth and development of African-American youth. We are excited to be a part of AFC’s silver anniversary.”

“To have Walmart and Sam’s Club as part of our 25th anniversary of the Atlanta Football Classic this year is monumental. Having two leaders in philanthropy and community improvement support our organization and fundraising efforts for ‘Project Success’ speaks volumes about our continued efforts,” states John Grant, CEO of 100 Black Men of Atlanta. Grant continues, “Without such support, ‘Project Success’ could not successfully achieve our long-term goals of educating, inspiring and mentoring the African-American youth of today.”

The 100 Black Men of Atlanta created ‘Project Success’ in 1987 to help prepare Atlanta Public Schools’ students to successfully graduate from high school and to prepare them for post-secondary education. The mentoring program, led by members of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and its auxiliary organizations, encourages urban youth to be self-motivated and confident while emphasizing the important of a strong work ethic. Since its inception, 100 percent of ‘Project Success’ students have been accepted into post-secondary institutions and over $6 million of total scholarships have been earned from 2009 to 2012.

Walmart and Sam’s Club will sponsor several events in various communities to rally excitement around the 25^th Anniversary of the Atlanta Football Classic. Both Walmart and Sam’s Club kicked-off their community initiatives with the launch of the ‘Project Success’ School on Saturday, September 21 and a live radio remote and celebrity autograph signing with Atlanta Falcon’s Asante Samuel on Saturday, September 28.

Additional community events will include:

Friday, Oct. 4, Atlanta, Ga., Walmart MLK Store, AFC Kickoff Rally, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., 835 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30314
Saturday, Oct. 5, Atlanta, Ga., HBCU Village presented by Sam’s Club, Georgia Dome – orange parking lot
- Half-time check presentation by Walmart and Sam’s Club to 100 Black Men of Atlanta and ‘Project Success’

Your’s truly will be on the sidelines on Saturday bringing all of the action to you LIVE via candid captures and interviews. And you know there will be plenty of Tweets and Instagram pics. So come on out and let’s have some fun!!!!

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

About the Atlanta Football Classic

First organized by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta in 1989, the Atlanta Football Classic has evolved into the second largest recurring college sporting event in Georgia. Culminating in a sold-out college football game between rival teams, complete with a full marching band showdown, the Classic’s week-long agenda of events includes a town hall meeting on African-American health issues; a collegiate symposium; health, financial, job & college fairs; the Parade of Excellence.

Bringing more than 100,000 visitors into the city, the Atlanta Football Classic generates nearly $30 million in Georgia’s economy each year and now has a permanent exhibit located in the Georgia Dome commemorating its success. A blue-chip roster of sponsors, including: AT&T, Abbott Laboratories, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Coke Zero, Coors Light, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, The Home Depot, Kia, MARTA, National Guard, McDonalds, Sam’s Club, Toshiba, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, UPS andWalmart to make these events possible.

The Atlanta Football Classic has raised more than $3 million during the past six years to fund the organization’s post-secondary preparation and tuition assistance program for at-risk youth, Project Success, and almost $6 million in contributions for the participating universities.

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@ the movies, freebies

Contest Alert: The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete

Hey Lovelies,

Have you heard… The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete will open in theaters next week! I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about this film and I can’t wait to see it! The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete stars Jennifer Hudson, Anthony Mackie and Jordin Sparks with Alicia Keys serving as executive producer. The film is a coming of age story about two inner city youths, who are left to fend for themselves over the summer after their mothers are taken away by the authorities.

I am so excited to see this amazing film, and I want you to be my special guest! That’s right!! On Thursday October 1oth at 7:30pm, AMC Phipps Plaza will host an advanced screening of The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, and you and a guest can be there, with me, to catch a sneak peek of the film before it hits theaters.

Here’s how you can win a pair of tickets to the advanced screening:

It’s no secret that I love love LOVE me some Jennifer Hudson (or J-Hud, or THAT Diva). And, I wanna know how much you know about the incomparable Miss H. Simply leave a comment below telling me what “gig” Jennifer said she had during her American Idol audition…that’s it! All correct answers will be eligible to win!

Oh, and if you are my lucky winner you should get ready for plenty of Insta-Glam action and Tweet-chic fun. And bring your best pose because OMG Booth will also be there to capture all of the fun!

Good luck!!!

Synopsis:

From Codeblack Films and Lionsgate. During a sweltering summer in New York City, 13-year-old Mister’s (Brooks) hard-living mother (Hudson) is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-year-old Pete (Dizon) alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects. Faced with more than any child can be expected to bear, the resourceful Mister nevertheless feels he is an unstoppable force against seemingly unmovable obstacles. But what really keeps the pair in the survival game is much more Mister’s vulnerability than his larger-than-life attitude.

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete is a beautifully observed and tremendously moving film about salvation through friendship and the way transformation sometimes can happen just by holding on long enough. Director George Tillman, Jr. draws indelible performances from a fantastic cast, which includes Jordin Sparks, Golden Globe®” and EMMY®” Award winner Jeffrey Wright, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Anthony Mackie, and Golden Globe®” and Academy Award®” winner Jennifer Hudson, all led by Ethan Dizon and Skylan Brooks in a stunning breakout performance as Mister. The film also features new music by Alicia Keys. Codeblack Films and Lionsgate present an iDeal Partners / State Street production in association with Floren Shieh Productions / Archer Gray Productions / Cherry Sky Films / AKW Productions.

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete opens in theaters on Friday, October 11, 2013.

View the trailer here.

arts & entertainment

Fernbank Museum unveils Marco Polo exhibit

Hey Lovelies,

Today I’m taking you on an epic adventure with one of history’s most beloved explorers. And, no, it’s not Dora (you know you were thinking it) 🙂 I’m talking about none other than Marco Polo. Fernbank Museum is unveiling a special exhibition called Marco Polo: Man & Myth which follows the journey of history’s ultimate travel adventurer through a collection of cultural artifacts illustrating his epic excursion along the Silk Road. Through this amazing exhibit we will embark on a storied adventure complete with sights, sounds, and tastes from regions that Marco Polo explored. We will journey around the world to places like The Middle East where we will meet a live, baby camel just like those Marco Polo encountered in his journey. There will be a vast collection of artifacts representing the many discoveries that Marco Polo made along his travels. We will learn about one of Marco Polo’s many experiences in the Mongol Empire and witness the tradition of falconry with Medieval Times and a live bird of prey. We will also enjoy performances of traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances, as well as a unique exhibition of the art of Kung Fu. And for the kids there will also be lots of hands-on fun complete with arts and crafts and plenty of surprise along the way! Young explorers will also get a chance to meet Fernbank’s mascot, Giggy A. Dinosaur!

I will be highlighting all of the fun as it unfolds with candid captures LIVE from the event! This promises to be an adventure unlike any other! So grab your backpack, your map, and your compass, and check back often to see if you can find me amongst all of the fun… “Marco”… 😛

Marco Polo: Man & Myth will display from September 28 through January 5, 2014 at the Fernbank Museum. For more information visit http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/explore-exhibits/special-exhibitions/marco-polo/.

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